The Playoffs have arrived, and if you are like me, the anxiety of making the wrong move is paralytic. With that knowledge, trust in the fact that I have only steered you wrong on occasion. Taking that a step further, at least I took us in a different direction that led to a fun destination. This destination is the land of; Drop your bums and take advantage of the matchups.
Yes, the idea of playing matchups has been my season-long approach, but it has even more impact during these do-or-die scenarios. When it comes to Week 1 of the playoffs, there are a couple of interesting scenarios to focus on.
- 8-Game Schedule: Baltimore & Toronto play a doubleheader on Saturday.
- 5-Game Schedule: Arizona & San Diego-Fringe players can be eliminated from these two team
- Interleague DH gains-Milwaukee & Arizona
- Interleague DH losers-New York Yankees, Texas, Detroit, and Los Angeles Angels
So who are we adding for Week 1 of the Playoffs?
Runs/SB
Bradley Zimmer, OF, CLE– 3% rostered in Yahoo- On tap to face 6 righties this week, which is fortunate since he sits against lefties. Zimmer possesses some plus speed (12 SB) and has fared well against RHP on the season. If you are looking for Runs, Zimmer may not be the best option, but the speed could be there this week as he sports a .379 OBP vs RHP.
Amed Rosario, SS, CLE– 58% rostered in Yahoo- The Indians better put up some runs this week or I am going to get a lot of angry messages. Few have been as hot as Rosario over the past 14 days, and he doesn’t appear to be cooling off anytime soon. It is reported that Rosario begged out of New York since watching Alfred Hitchcocks’ “The Birds”. I guess he sensed the Boo Birds coming to roost at Citi Field. Either way, he has settled in with Cleveland over the past 14 days. Among SS, he ranks 5th in both Runs and RBI and is 3rd in ave (.404).
HR/RBI
Brandon Belt, 1B, SFG– 27% rostered in Yahoo- Rarely do we get such a sweet blend of matchup and situation rolled into a playoff matchup. Brandon Belt destroys righties and he is set to face 5 RHP this week. Let’s add another layer to this delicious playoff dessert, he gets to play the first 3 games in Coors before going to Philly. 16/20 HRs on the season v RHP
Anthony Santander, OF, BAL– 42% rostered in Yahoo- As the opening monologue told us, the Orioles get to play 8 games this week. Santander is the lucky recipient of 5 lefties this week. On the season, Santander has crushed lefties at home (.289). 11 of his 13 HRs have come at home, where he will reside for all 8 this week. Why he is still available in only 42% is crazy, considering he is hitting .287/8HR/19R/16RI in the 2nd half of the season.
WINS/RATIOS
Tarik Skubal, SP, DET-47% rostered in Yahoo- The propensity for the longball is always present, but so is the chance at a dominating performance with elite level k’s. I am going to error on the side of optimistic and give Skubal the upper hand against an un-opposing Pirates team. Yes, as I mentioned, Skubal does give up too many HR’s, but fortunately for us, the Pirates have been near the bottom of the league in HRs at home against lefties. Add in the fact that he starts on Monday and it sets the tone for the whole week.
Mike Minor, SP, KCR– 25% rostered in Yahoo- For a change, the Minor is taking advantage of someone. This someone happens to be an entire team; the Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles won a total of 4 games in the month of August, and don’t look to change their luck anytime soon. While the Royals aren’t exactly world beaters, they are the favorites in this matchup. Minor has gone 5+ innings in his past 7 starts but has faced some of the best teams in baseball, evidence by the winless streak currently at 5 games. Look for Minor to get back on track this week for the W.
Speculation and Saves
Carlos Estevez, RP, COL– 5% rostered in Yahoo- Bard appears to be out of the 9th. Estevez has the stuff to keep it all to himself. Velo is up. Wins might be hard to come by, but the Rockies play 7 this week.
Sergio Romo, RP, OAK– 3% rostered in Yahoo- I was asked last week about Trivino, and we immediately got a Romo save. He is shaky and the situation is fluid, but if your bench is deep enough, go for it.
Giovanni Gallegos, RP, STL– 54% rostered in Yahoo- I am shocked it’s only at 54%. IF he is available, go grab him now. Reyes has finally let the BB/9 lead to an implosion and Schildt has made the move.
Finally, here are some closers with SP/RP eligibility, which makes for easier rotational pieces in daily move leagues:
Tyler Clippard-ARI
Gregory Soto-DET
