MLB First Look: Friday, August 22nd
MLB First Look provides you a quick overview of the most noteworthy DFS tidbits for tomorrow’s MLB matchups and player pools, and is brought to you by none other than Derek “Notorious” Farnsworth (#7 Ranked Overall, DraftDay MLB Champion, DSBC Finalist x3, DSBBC Finalist, DFBBC Finalist). Each night before weekday games (and occasionally weekends), Notorious will analyze the daily matchups and player pools to provide you with his initial thoughts on strategies for that day. The preview will begin with a starting pitcher overview, then move onto matchup notes, teams to target, player pricing, general strategy and more.
Fantasy Dud of the Night
Michael Brantley (vs. Phil Hughes): Brantley and the Indians had a terrific matchup against Phil Hughes, yet they could only manage to muster up a single run in a 4-1 loss to the Twins. Brantley was shutout as he went 0/4 in the game with 2 strikeouts.
Friday’s MLB Schedule
| TIME | AWAY | HOME | AWAY STARTER | HOME STARTER |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2:20 PM | Baltimore | Chi. Cubs | Gausman (7-4) – 3.70 ERA | Arrieta (6-4) – 2.61 ERA |
| 7:05 PM | Chi. White Sox | N.Y. Yankees | Danks (9-8) – 4.94 ERA | Greene (3-1) – 2.91 ERA |
| 7:05 PM | Houston | Cleveland | Peacock (3-8) – 5.47 ERA | Carrasco (5-4) – 3.27 ERA |
| 7:05 PM | San Francisco | Washington | Hudson (8-9) – 3.03 ERA | Fister (12-3) – 2.20 ERA |
| 7:05 PM | St. Louis | Philadelphia | Wainwright (15-7) – 2.40 ERA | Kendrick (5-11) – 4.90 ERA |
| 7:07 PM | Tampa Bay | Toronto | Smyly (7-10) – 3.66 ERA | Stroman (7-4) – 3.83 ERA |
| 7:10 PM | Seattle | Boston | Hernandez (13-4) – 1.99 ERA | Kelly (2-3) – 4.67 ERA |
| 7:10 PM | Atlanta | Cincinnati | Minor (5-8) – 5.16 ERA | Latos (4-3) – 3.10 ERA |
| 8:05 PM | Kansas City | Texas | Ventura (9-9) – 3.48 ERA | Lewis (8-10) – 5.52 ERA |
| 8:10 PM | Pittsburgh | Milwaukee | Locke (4-3) – 3.73 ERA | Gallardo (8-6) – 3.32 ERA |
| 8:10 PM | Detroit | Minnesota | Ray (1-3) – 5.33 ERA | Milone (6-4) – 3.99 ERA |
| 8:40 PM | Miami | Colorado | Alvarez (9-5) – 2.43 ERA | Morales (5-6) – 5.04 ERA |
| 9:40 PM | San Diego | Arizona | Despaigne (3-4) – 3.28 ERA | Collmenter (8-7) – 4.31 ERA |
| 10:05 PM | L.A. Angels | Oakland | Santiago (3-7) – 3.46 ERA | Gray (12-7) – 2.99 ERA |
| 10:10 PM | N.Y. Mets | L.A. Dodgers | Niese (7-8) – 3.50 ERA | Haren (10-10) – 4.59 ERA |
1) Starting Pitcher Overview
Felix Hernandez (vs. Boston Red Sox): King Felix’s streak of 7+ inning and 2 or less earned runs came to an end in his last start, but I have a feeling that he’s going to start a new streak tonight. Felix owns a 1.99 ERA on the season with a K/9 of 9.6. He walks very few batters and is facing a depleted Red Sox offense.
Adam Wainwright (vs. Philadelphia Phillies): Wainwright’s production has dropped off in his last 5 starts. His strikeouts are down as well as his velocity. While that’s typically a red flag for daily fantasy baseball purposes, the Phillies have been a cure for the pitching blues all season long. They are one of the worst teams in baseball vs. RH pitching.
Doug Fister (vs. San Francisco Giants): In his last 3 starts, Fister has pitched 21 straight scoreless innings while striking out 15 batters. He has been dominant at Nationals Park this season with a 1.76 ERA while holding opponents to a .204 batting average. He has a favorable matchup against the Giants who are ranked 25th in wOBA vs. RH pitchign this season.
2) Two Offenses to Target
Colorado Rockies (vs. Henderson Alvarez): The Rockies are playing in Coors Field tonight. In case you haven’t heard, Coors Field treats hitters pretty well. The Rockies are still ranked 1st in wOBA at home this season and should have a big night against Henderson Alvarez who does not strike out many batters. Target all of the LH hitters in this lineup as well as Nolan Arenado.
Cleveland Indians (vs. Brad Peacock): The Indians were a disappointment yesterday against Phil Hughes, but should bounce back nicely as they get to face Brad Peacock at home. The Indians are ranked 3rd in wOBA vs. RH pitching and 6th in wOBA at home this season. Peacock has given up a .361 wOBA to LH hitters this season which really bodes well for the Indians.
3) wOBA vs. BvP
Round 16 (Thursday, August 21st): Thursday’s matchup was a snooze-fest. Jayson Werth (wOBA) and Joe Mauer (BvP) combined for one hit. Werth managed to draw 3 walks though which gave another point to Team wOBA. We are now all square at 8 points a piece.
Scoreboard: BvP 8 – wOBA 8
Friday’s Matchup:
Jayson Werth (vs. Tim Hudson): Yesterday, Werth was batting for Team wOBA and today he’ll head to the plate as a member of Team BvP. Werth has terrific numbers against Hudson in his career going 15/41 with 7 XBH’s, 11 RBI’s, and 5 walks.
Alex Gordon (vs. Colby Lewis): Gordon has a terrific matchup in terms of handedness. Lewis has given up a .412 wOBA to LH hitters this season and Gordon has mashed RH pitching to a tune of a .358 wOBA.
4) He’s on Fire!
Christian Yelich (vs. Franklin Morales): Yelich may be the hottest hitter in baseball. He’s riding a 9-game hitting streak in which he has accumulated 19 hits, 6 runs, and 3 stolen bases. While this is technically a lefty/lefty matchup, Yelich hits lefties well. He is batting .303 with a .355 wOBA against southpaws this season and he sees a huge ballpark boost with Coors Field.
5) Daily Dong Prediction
Carlos Santana (vs. Brad Peacock): Yesterday’s Daily Dong prediction came through as Buster Posey homered off of Travis Wood. We’ve finally started to find out groove with 2 HR’s over the last 3 nights with out picks. Tonight the honor goes to Carlos Santana who is facing Brad Peacock. Peacock has already given up 16 HR’s this season, 8 each to LH and RH hitters. Santana meanwhile, has 21 homers on the season and will look to make it 22 on Friday night.