Going into the season, there was a lot of hype surrounding Luis Castillo. And why not? After all, he was pretty damn good last year, with a 3.12 ERA and 1.07 WHIP. The WHIP is especially noteworthy because it would have tied him for 7th best in the league, had he thrown enough innings to qualify. And he tacked on 98 Ks in only 89.1 innings. Fast forward to this season and… well, he hasn’t been good. In roughly the same number of innings, the ERA is above 5 and his WHIP has risen to 1.41. So why am I telling you all of this and then leading with him? Well, I’m glad you asked, citizens of the Internet. And if you didn’t, I’m going to tell you anyways. First, because Stream-o-Nator says you should start him. Second, because I have him in a season league and I’d really like him to do well. Third, he gets the White Sox and their anemic offense and that elite upside is still there. Go big, take a chance and reap the rewards. (Don’t @ me if this one doesn’t pan out.)
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Corey Kluber, SP: If you aren’t feeling confident in rolling out Castillo, and no one would blame you except perhaps the Castillo family, you can always turn to an established ace. Forget about his last start. It was terrible, but these things happen from time to time, and it’s possible that the rain delay messed with his head. Focus on the good times and the fact that he faces the Royals. Fire him up with full confidence.
Robbie Ray, SP: Remember this guy? He was on the DL for a while, but his first start back was very encouraging, particularly the 6 Ks in 6 innings. A date with the Cardinals offers the chance for even more Ks.
Brandon Belt, IF: What a season he’s having. He’s always displayed a great eye for the zone, and this year the power is finally materializing, even if it can be a bit streaky. And did I mention he’s at Coors? Here’s to 5 home runs this week, or better yet today.
Joey Votto, IF: Old reliable. The past several seasons, Votto has been the model of consistency. However, that quiet reliability often means he is overlooked. Don’t be the one who forgets about one of Hittertron’s favorites today.
Didi Gregorius, IF: Oh Didi, you were the new hotness to start the season. Then regression set in and many moved on to a newer hotness. So where does that leave us? Who is the real Didi? The reality is probably somewhere in the middle, as Didi has the talent to be a good major league hitter. The loaded Yankees lineup provides him with ample opportunity for runs and RBIs, depending on where he slots in. That sounds like someone I want on my squad.
Alen Hanson, IF: This one carries some risk, as Hanson has been playing the role of super-utility man for the Giants. This means there is no guarantee he will be in the lineup on any given day, and that includes today. However, he didn’t start on Sunday, though he did enter as a defensive sub. When he is in the lineup, he offers speed upside with some power. Playing in Coors should help that power potential become reality. Hittertron likes him too, so you don’t have to take my word for it.
Aaron Judge, OF: All rise, the honorable Judge Moonshot presiding. These are the facts: this guy can hit hit the ball a mile. He’s even rocking a decent average to go along with it. Yes please, I’ll take the max sentence.
Juan Soto, OF: He may be a young ‘un, but he’s not playing like it. He’s so good he hit his first major league home run before he had even been called up. Get him in your lineup stat.
Joc Pederson, OF: Joc has revitalized himself lately and now finds himself locked into a lineup spot. It may be a bit lower in the lineup than we would like, but hopefully that will boost his RBI chances. Plus he’s always capable of driving himself in. The average isn’t always pretty, but late in the draft, you can’t have it all.
Scott Schebler, OF: Talk about a guy the fantasy community often overlooks. He’s not a sexy name and he’s not a superstar. But he is on a hot streak and can be counted on to provide solid production. He’s another guy who should give you better value than where you draft him.
I’m Only Happy When It Rains
There are chances of thunder in Cincy for the White Sox and Reds; other than that, we should have lovely weather to take in a ball game.
Doing Lines In Vegas
Surprise, surprise: Vegas thinks Coors will host a high-scoring affair. I’ll take that over of 10 and would look to get in on the action.
