Two Start Cookie Shop: September 8-14

Just a few weeks of the season to go! If you’re still alive in your head-to-head leagues, congratulations! And, also, with a few exceptions, don’t plan on quantity being your friend this week.

If you’re still in contention in your roto leagues, congratulations! And, also, with a few exceptions, don’t plan on find ratio help below this week. I’m not sure I’d even try to chase Wins or Ks, because the damage that could be done to those ratios could easily lead to it being a net-loss.

I understand that everyone’s situation is different, and you may be desperate and willing to risk it all on a wish and a prayer. If so, have we got options for you!

Basically, this week is full of a lot of bad options. Again. I’m sorry. Believe me, I don’t like it any more than you do. But it is what it is. So let’s get to it. The usual qualifiers and warnings about in-flux rotations are as relevant as ever.

What follows are our projections at time of writing as to who will be making two-starts this week, but weather, injuries, and secretive team management mean they are just that: projections. To stay as up-to-date as possible, consult Rudy Gamble’s invaluable Streamonator.

Chocolate Chip Cookies (Must Start)

They are kings of the cookie world for a reason. A warm, freshly baked chocolate chip cookie just makes you feel happy. Sort of like getting to set your rosters knowing you get two starts this week from these guys.

• Even here with the best of the bunch we’ve got a couple matchups you’d rather not see for your aces at crunch time. You’re not even considering benching these guys, but it’s not quite as warm and inviting as you’d like.

Sugar Cookies (Should Start)

They’re fine. You could certainly do worse than having these guys in your lineup, but don’t expect it to be remarkable.

• Last time we saw Lodolo we actually didn’t see him at all, as he was getting scratched from a scheduled start due to illness. The last time before that was getting roughed up for 4 ER against the Dodgers. Before that, it was leaving with a blister in the second inning. He comes with plenty of risk, is the point.
• Streamonator is much less enthusiastic about Morales. For me, he’s been stellar since entering the rotation. I say let it ride.
• Ok, here is where I admit this slate might have broken me. Cavalli is far from safe, and safety is a big factor for me in this tier. But those matchups are tasty, and three of his last four starts have satisfied. I still don’t feel great about it.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies (Could Start)

These aren’t for everyone. These are the pitchers that may be a pleasant surprise, or they could ruin your week. Tread lightly.

• King is a sizable question mark. For one, it is not confirmed that he will be starting early enough in the week to get two starts. And even if he does, he’s pitched two innings in the majors since the middle of May. I’m not saying you shouldn’t start him, I just want you to be aware of the risk.
• The computer loathes Crismatt this week. I kind of wanted to have him a few spots higher still. I don’t know where it came from or how he’s doing it, but he’s been solid in his three starts. The matchups could be worse. He’s maybe the week’s ultimate personification of the tier.
• Gomez is a true desperation play for those who have nothing to lose. He probably won’t last more than 5 innings, if that. The control isn’t great. Yet I remain intrigued, even though I know I shouldn’t be.

Fortune Cookies (Do Not Start)

Yeah, they’re technically cookies. Hold on, what does that little slip of paper say? “Bad times are heading your way.” Oh. Okay, then.

• If Brandon Sproat sticks in the rotation, Manaea will only start once. But since you’re not using him anyway, you don’t care.
• Wentz is here in case the Braves do decide to return to a five man rotation following the release of Cal Quantrill. My guess is they find someone to make a spot start sometime during the week, though.