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Welcome to Streaming Wars, your one-stop shop for streaming the waiver wire. Use this column to improve upon your neediest categories.
Below are your pitcher and hitter streaming targets for Monday, June 20th.
Let's get to it.
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Agenda
- An Observation
- Today's Weather and Updates
- Tomorrow's Picks
1. An Observation
Here's something I noted while conducting a trade negotiation in my dynasty league.
It's increasingly clear to me that equilibrium trade values in a league are usually set by 1 or 2 highly active, strong-willed owners.
— Brad Johnson (@BaseballATeam) June 19, 2017
In a keeper or dynasty format, equilibrium trade values usually favor the contending owners. Teams that make a lot of trades tend to also be the best teams. It's correlation, not causality. In other words, don't go making a bunch of swaps just for the sake of trading.
I'm in the process of rebuilding. Or, as one owner put it, retooling. Rather than overpaying for volatile, high ceiling, no floor prospects, I've invested my energy in converting over-30 stars into under-30 stars. When selling win-now talent, a simple rule of thumb should be followed. If I trade a team 15 points in the standings, then I should receive much more than that in future seasons. Otherwise, I made a bad swap. Since even the most stable baseball players are volatile, the gap in current and future value needs to be quite large.
2. Today's Weather and Updates
Baltimore is looking rather dicey tonight. They might be able to start around 9:00 or 10:00pm. Atlanta is a storm risk too while Chicago may be slightly delayed. Chicago and Atlanta have rain in the forecast for Wednesday too.
3. Tomorrow's Picks - Tuesday, June 20th
Pitchers to Use
Edinson Volquez was bumped a day. Here's what I said yesterday. Now he's opposed by Gio Gonzalez - roughly the same matchup quality as Tanner Roark.
Volquez has a rough matchup versus the Nationals. Oakland touched him up last week, ending his streak of strong outings. If you need volume, Volquez is a fine gamble. If you're playing for rates, grab a reliever.
The other available veteran is Brandon McCarthy. The Dodger usually posts strong numbers, although he's not immune to the occasional meltdown. He's on five start streak of competence in which he's posted a 1.91 ERA, 6.67 K/9, and 2.22 BB/9. The Mets have a difficult offense. Just about everybody is above average.
Among the unproven arms, you'll find Mike Montgomery versus a very exploitable Padres offense. They have the second worst strikeout rate and the second worst team wRC+. Montgomery has an interesting mix of strikeouts, low walks, and elevated ground ball rate.
Other Targets: Matt Strahm in a terrible matchup vs. Chris Sale
Pitchers to Exploit
The Angels acquired Parker Bridwell from the Orioles early in the season. The righty has a five pitch mix and induced big whiff rates in the minors. Don't expect much value in the majors. None of his offerings are true weapons. Instead, he relies on a kitchen sink approach. He'll have difficulty taming the Baby Bombers at Yankees Stadium.
Amir Garrett had a rebound outing against the Padres last week. It should also be noted that the Rays have the highest strikeout rate against left-handed pitchers. I'm not willing to wash away all of Garrett's recent struggles just because he beat San Diego. Even with the quality outing, he's allowed 26 runs and 28 hits in his last 18.2 innings.
Other Targets: Josh Tomlin, Chris Tillman, Jeremy Hellickson, Matt Moore, Julio Teheran, Chad Kuhl, Nick Martinez, Jhoulys Chacin, German Marquez, Francis Martes, Jordan Zimmermann
Homers on the Wire
It's only been 17 plate appearances, but Derek Fisher is already showing the skills necessary to stick in the majors. Young players like him often struggle with whiffs upon reaching the show, but he's making more than enough contact while working counts. He's already showed some power and speed too. Don't expect him to be a reliable base thief long term. He'll see an inconsistent Sonny Gray.
My attention remains drawn to the Pirates in their visit to Miller Park. It's just the venue for Josh Harrison and John Jaso to do damage. Josh Bell is worth a look too despite his high ground ball rate.
David Peralta, Brandon Drury, and any other available Diamondbacks are visiting Coors Field. Huzzah!
Other Targets: Seth Smith, Lonnie Chisenhall, Tommy Joseph, Aaron Altherr, Tommy Pham, Paul DeJong, Tyler Moore, Brandon Crawford, Carlos Gomez, Hunter Renfroe, Robbie Grossman, Chris Young, Chase Utley, Jed Lowrie, Matt Joyce
Steals on the Wire
Unlike Fisher, Lewis Brinson is swinging through everything. His whifftastic approach will see him shipped back to the minors before long. Until then, he offers a high ceiling if you want to try to catch a home run and a stolen base on the wire. Keon Broxton offers the same profile versus Kuhl while Sogard is the very opposite. He doesn't swing at balls and makes contact with everything.
Jarrod Dyson and the Mariners are opposed by Jordan Zimmermann and the Tigers. If James McCann is behind the plate, you simply must grab a share of Dyson. I know, predicting tomorrow's Tigers lineup is easier said than done. Taylor Motter and Ben Gamel offer alternatives to Dyson.
Other Targets: Michael Taylor, Adam Frazier, Delino DeShields, Kevin Pillar, Jose Pirela
Skill Positions
Tyler Flowers is once again the catcher to own. Assuming Kurt Suzuki doesn't steal his start. Their production as hitters this year may be related to frequent rest, although that doesn't help fantasy owners trying to hit position maximums.
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