Author: TJ Streett

Streaming Defenses- Week 1

It’s about that time to start thinking about your week one lineup… so let’s get it started.

Analysis: If you didn’t grab an elite defense it’s not the end of the world. While other guys drafted the Niners and Hawks way too early hopefully you stashed away some running backs.

Our week one “best team to stream” has to go to the Tampa Bay Bucs. Streaming isn’t about great defenses it’s about decent ones playing awful quarterbacks. Tampa has the New York Jets in week one and this match up is a tasty one. Rookie Geno Smith should get the start for the Jets and he is expected to struggle mightily. The Jets have one proven offensive threat in the oft-injured Santonio Holmes. Even if the Jets do manage to score thirty points do we really expect Geno not to throw multiple picks/get sacked/fumble? This is where drafting fantasy defenses too high will cost you. For example- the Packers are the 9th defense being taken in drafts this year and they have an unfavorable week one match up with the Niners on the road who lit them up with 45 points in the playoffs last year.

So… the Bucs D is looking like a better choice and you didn’t have to burn a more valuable pick to get them. The Bucs D/ST are available in 70% of fantasy leagues.

Stock Rising- A-Rod

Who knows if and when Alex Rodriguez will be suspended for PED use, but we do know he is on fire right now.

Analysis: Rodriguez has homered in back to back games and now has 4 home runs in 20 games played. He’s also put together a four game hitting streak and has his batting average up to .284 with a sustainable BABIP. Among third baseman with at least 50 at bats Alex has a top ten OBP, wOBA and OPS. Alex also has 2 stolen bases to his credit. Over the last two weeks Alex has been a top ten fantasy third baseman and as long as he isn’t suspended he will produce enough to merit a pick up.

I can understand why many fantasy owners are hesitant to acquire A-Rod. But… he’s getting on base, getting tons of at bats and his power seems to be resurfacing. Shockingly, Rodriguez is available in 30-40% of fantasy leagues. Third base isn’t necessarily thin this year but David Wright is banged up and Ryan Zimmerman and Kung Fu Panda are underperforming.

It doesn’t hurt to consider the thirty-eight year old and unlike A-Rod there isn’t anything to lose.

Halladay Solid In Return

Roy Halladay made his first start in over three months Sunday as he returned from a shoulder injury.

Analysis: Halladay pitched 6.0 innings and allowed two earned runs against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He only K’d two batters which is cause for concern considering he was striking out nine batters per nine innings prior to his stint on the disabled list. Overall it was a solid performance but can he be trusted in roto leagues not to blow up your ratios?

Who knows what the rest of the season will hold for Doc Halladay but we do know he is playing for a new contract since the Phillies will not pick up his $20 million 2014 option. It is unclear if Halladay can be trusted considering his velocity is still down and it’s unlikely that he will go deep into games going forward. Perhaps the best move is to use the “wait and see” approach. If you can pick him up and stash him… that isn’t a bad option either.

Halladay is available in 35-80% of fantasy leagues.

Under The Radar- Quintana

Jose Quintana is quietly having a solid fantasy season in his second year in the majors after a sub 4.00 ERA rookie season.

Analysis: Quintana is only twenty-four years old but he’s the 58th best fantasy starter thus far this year. The future is bright for the lefty as he continues to be a model of consistency on the mound. Quintana has allowed more than three earned runs just once over his last ten starts. He’s struck out at least five batters in nine of his last ten starts and has four wins in that span. His 3.67 ERA is 45th in baseball, his 1.22 WHIP is 36th. He produces and is consistent, so why is he available in 40-85% of fantasy leagues?

We will know the answer to that question when someone can explain why Bruce Chen is owned in more fantasy leagues than Jose Quintana. People seem to love Chen’s 2.20 ERA through seven starts and some relief work but his xFIP this year is 4.84. Chen has had an xFIP north of 4.40 in each of his last ten seasons. Quintana’s first two years in terms of xFIP is better than Bruce Chen’s best year.

 

Here Comes Ivan Nova

Ivan Nova notched his seventh win of the season Tuesday against the Blue Jays and now has three wins in his last four starts.

Analysis: The New York Yankees may have a lot of drama but Ivan Nova is quietly getting the job done and keeping the Yanks alive for a playoff berth. Nova is sporting a 3.17 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP this year. He now has an 8.55 K/9 rate which is 28th in baseball among pitchers with eighty plus innings pitched. Nova has allowed more than three earned runs just once over his past ten starts and he’s lasted more than 6.0 innings in each of his last eight starts. To put it simply… he is producing in every facet of the game.

Despite his consistency and playing in the New York market, Ivan Nova is still available in 20-40% of fantasy leagues. Keep in mind that over the last month of the season Ivan Nova is the 40th best fantasy starter. In that month long span he has outperformed Justin Verlander, Jered Weaver and Madison Bumgarner. It’s only a matter of time before he is universally owned.