MLB Grind Down: Saturday, May 9 - Page Three
San Diego at Arizona – 8:10 PM EST
| San Diego | Arizona | ||||||||
 | Tyson Ross |  | Chase Anderson | ||||||
| RIGHT | RIGHT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| SDP (-106) | 8 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.227 | 0.636 | 0.289 | 0.237 | SP vs. Left | 0.221 | 0.714 | 0.314 | 0.179 |
| SP vs. Right | 0.226 | 0.632 | 0.286 | 0.244 | SP vs. Right | 0.297 | 0.832 | 0.363 | 0.246 |
| Batter Splits | SD BvP | SD vs R | Batter Splits | ARI BvP | ARI vs R | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Tyson Ross
Salaries: $8300 FD, $8200 DK
Pitching Stats
2015: xFIP: 3.40 — Strikeout Rate: 26.6% — Walk Rate: 13.3% — Ground Ball Rate: 58.5%
2014: xFIP: 3.11 — Strikeout Rate: 24.0% — Walk Rate: 8.9% — Ground Ball Rate: 57.0%
Arizona Diamondbacks vs. RH Pitching: (2015)
wOBA: 0.322 (Rank: 10)
Strikeout Rate: 18.9% (Rank: 23)
Analysis: Ross is coming off a great year pitching in San Diego and has followed it up with a decent start to 2015. He has yet to have a commanding performance, as he has allowed at least two earned runs in all six of his starts so far. Yet, Ross is still striking batters out at a high rate of 26.6%, which bodes well for fantasy rosters. The negatives so far have been command and base runners, which Ross has allowed a lot of. He has a 13.3% walk rate and has let up nine or more batters get on base in five of his six starts. Add this with the park factors of Chase Field and you have a tournament play only as we saw what happened to Shields last night. Rating = 6
Chase Anderson
Salaries: $6600 FD, $5800 DK
Pitching Stats
2015: xFIP: 3.37 — Strikeout Rate: 23.5% — Walk Rate: 6.0% — Ground Ball Rate: 39.9%
2014: xFIP: 3.67 — Strikeout Rate: 25.4% — Walk Rate: 6.6% — Ground Ball Rate: 48.1%
San Diego Padres vs. LH Pitching: (2015)
wOBA: 0.302 (Rank: 19)
Strikeout Rate: 20.1% (Rank: 16)
Analysis: Anderson has pitched much better away from Chase Field this year. His 4.67 home ERA, compared to his 1.50 away ERA is understandable as Chase Field grades out as one of the top hitter’s parks in the league. He is going to have to fight through another home start tonight against a much-improved San Diego offense. He is an easy avoid tonight against the Padres in a game with a high total. Rating = 4
Batter Grind Down
San Diego
Yangervis Solarte
2015 vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.411 — ISO: 0.183 — OBP: 0.409
Analysis: Solarte gets top billing here as I love his price, his spot in the order and the fact that Anderson has struggled against lefty batters so far this year (.345 wOBA).
Secondary Plays:
Justin Upton
2015 vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.406 — ISO: 0.318 — OBP: 0.361
Matt Kemp
2015 vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.306 — ISO: 0.118 — OBP: 0.310
Corey Spangenberg
2015 vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.295— ISO: 0.081 — OBP: 0.297
Arizona
None
Secondary Plays:
Paul Goldschmidt
2015 vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.451 — ISO: 0.269 — OBP: 0.440
David Peralta
2015 vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.410 — ISO: 0.275 — OBP: 0.383
LA Dodgers at Colorado – 8:10 PM EST
Editor’s Note: This game has been postponed due to weather.
| LA Dodgers | Colorado | ||||||||
 | Clayton Kershaw |  | Jorge De La Rosa | ||||||
| LEFT | LEFT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| LAD (-168) | 8.5 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.190 | 0.477 | 0.215 | 0.315 | SP vs. Left | 0.194 | 0.532 | 0.241 | 0.241 |
| SP vs. Right | 0.195 | 0.531 | 0.237 | 0.32 | SP vs. Right | 0.244 | 0.76 | 0.336 | 0.163 |
| Batter Splits | LA BvP | LA vs L | Batter Splits | COL BvP | COL vs L | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Clayton Kershaw
Salaries: $11200 FD, $10700 DK
Pitching Stats
2015: xFIP: 1.90 — Strikeout Rate: 32.7% — Walk Rate: 4.5% — Ground Ball Rate: 52.6%
2014: xFIP: 2.08 — Strikeout Rate: 31.9% — Walk Rate: 4.1% — Ground Ball Rate: 51.8%
Colorado vs. LH Pitching: (2015)
wOBA: 0.300 (Rank: 23)
Strikeout Rate: 26.9% (Rank: 2)
Analysis: It is really funny to think that Kershaw has not pitched up to expectations so far this year. He has allowed three or more earned runs in three of his six starts, but his advanced starts are still ridiculous. He has a 32.7% strikeout rate to go along with an xFIP of 1.90. With that said, he sadly gets a start in Coors where even the great Kershaw could go down in flames. His salary is too high to pay for in this park (even though he has not pitched terribly with a 3.05 ERA over 41.1 innings in the last three seasons). With all the solid pitching matchups tonight, it is tough to pay up for Kershaw, but he does make a solid tournament play. Rating = 7
Jorge De La Rosa
Salaries: $5400 FD, $5700 DK
Pitching Stats
2015: xFIP: 2.49 — Strikeout Rate: 31.2% — Walk Rate: 9.8% — Ground Ball Rate: 38.9%
2014: xFIP: 3.95 — Strikeout Rate: 18.4% — Walk Rate: 7.9% — Ground Ball Rate: 51.6%
Los Angeles vs. LH Pitching: (2015)
wOBA: 0.302 (Rank: 22)
Strikeout Rate: 21.7% (Rank: 9)
Analysis: De La Rosa has struggled since coming off the DL a few weeks ago. He has yet to make it past five innings and has allowed 12 earned runs over 12 innings pitched. He is in Coors today against a solid Dodgers offense. He needs to be avoided in all formats. Rating = 2.5
Batter Grind Down
LA Dodgers
Scott Van Slyke
2015 vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.341 — ISO: 0.000— OBP: 0.467
Analysis: If you played DFS last year, you know a simple strategy of if the Dodgers are facing a below average lefty, Van Slyke becomes one of the top value plays on the board. It can’t get much better tonight as we have the Coors factor added in.
Secondary Plays:
Jimmy Rollins
2015 vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.229 — ISO: 0.200 — OBP: 0.188
Adrian Gonzalez
2015 vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.384 — ISO: 0.263 — OBP: 0.316
Yasmani Grandal
2015 vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.305 — ISO: 0.000 — OBP: 0.364
All 1-6 batters are in play
Colorado
Troy Tulowitzki
2015 vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.622 — ISO: 0.313 — OBP: 0.563
Analysis: It is really difficult to ever attack Kershaw, but Coors is really the only place to do it. I will likely be avoiding the matchup all together, but Tulo is in tournament consideration against any lefty in Coors.
Secondary Plays:
Nolan Arenado
2015 vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.246 — ISO: 0.063 — OBP: 0.333
Miami at San Francisco – 9:05 PM EST
| Miami | San Francisco | ||||||||
 | David Phelps |  | Madison Bumgarner | ||||||
| RIGHT | LEFT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| SFG (-167) | 6.5 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.223 | 0.702 | 0.314 | 0.204 | SP vs. Left | 0.215 | 0.539 | 0.239 | 0.31 |
| SP vs. Right | 0.295 | 0.805 | 0.356 | 0.165 | SP vs. Right | 0.241 | 0.684 | 0.301 | 0.235 |
| Batter Splits | MIA BvP | MIA vs L | Batter Splits | SF BvP | SF vs R | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
David Phelps
Salaries: $6800 FD, $5300 DK
Pitching Stats
2015: xFIP: 4.69 — Strikeout Rate: 15.2% — Walk Rate: 5.4% — Ground Ball Rate: 33.3%
2014: xFIP: 4.22 — Strikeout Rate: 18.5% — Walk Rate: 9.4% — Ground Ball Rate: 41.2%
San Francisco Giants vs. RH Pitching: (2015)
wOBA: 0.305 (Rank: 18)
Strikeout Rate: 17.2% (Rank: 26)
Analysis: Phelps is really just an overall average major league pitcher. He has not been terrible so far this year and recently has not allowed more than two earned runs in his last four starts. Yet, during these starts, he is not going to put up huge strikeout numbers and does allow a good amount of base runners. While you could look to grab him at a cheap salary on multi-pitcher sites, he is a below average play tonight especially when the win will be difficult with Bumgarner opposing him tonight. Rating = 5
Madison Bumgarner
Salaries: $10100 FD, $11000 DK
Pitching Stats
2015: xFIP: 3.77. — Strikeout Rate: 20.1% — Walk Rate: 3.8% — Ground Ball Rate: 41.4%
2014: xFIP: 2.99 — Strikeout Rate: 25.1% — Walk Rate: 4.9% — Ground Ball Rate: 44.4%
Miami Marlins vs. LH Pitching: (2015)
wOBA: 0.339 (Rank: 4)
Strikeout Rate: 21.1% (Rank: 14)
Analysis: Bumgarner had a bit of a slow start to his season, but has rebounded extremely well over his last two starts. Pitching against the Padres and the Dodgers, Bumgarner has gone 15.1 innings, allowed one earned run and struck out 15 batters. I have Bumgarner has the top pitcher tonight against a Marlins squad that does have some decent statistics against lefties so far this year. Yet, I think Bumgarner is finding his grove and in the game with the lowest total of the night and one of the bigger favorites of the night, Bumgarner should pitch very well. Rating = 9
Batter Grind Down
Miami
None
Secondary Plays:
Giancarlo Stanton
2015 vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.354 — ISO: 0.200 — OBP: 0.368
Martin Prado
2015 vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.438 — ISO: 0.211 — OBP: 0.429
San Francisco
Brandon Belt
2015 vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.383— ISO: 0.155— OBP: 0.412
Analysis: Belt is playing some good ball right now and has 12 hits over his last seven games. This includes six doubles and a home run over that span and now has a solid matchup against Phelps who I expect to get blown up sooner rather than later.
Secondary Plays:
Buster Posey
2015 vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.348 — ISO: 0.117— OBP: 0.375
Angel Pagan
2015 vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.335 — ISO: 0.117— OBP: 0.341
Houston at LA Angels – 9:05 PM EST
| Houston | LA Angels | ||||||||
 | Dallas Keuchel |  | Matt Shoemaker | ||||||
| LEFT | RIGHT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| LAA (-105) | 7 | ||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.236 | 0.595 | 0.268 | 0.244 | SP vs. Left | 0.254 | 0.701 | 0.308 | 0.206 |
| SP vs. Right | 0.252 | 0.673 | 0.299 | 0.161 | SP vs. Right | 0.218 | 0.61 | 0.271 | 0.253 |
| Batter Splits | HOU BvP | HOU vs R | Batter Splits | ANA BvP | ANA vs L | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Dallas Keuchel
Salaries: $9100 FD, $8600 DK
Pitching Stats
2015: xFIP: 3.34 — Strikeout Rate: 18.2% — Walk Rate: 7.9% — Ground Ball Rate: 64.5%
2014: xFIP: 3.20 — Strikeout Rate: 18.1% — Walk Rate: 5.9% — Ground Ball Rate: 63.5%
Los Angeles Angels vs. LH Pitching: (2015)
wOBA: 0.275 (Rank: 29)
Strikeout Rate: 20.6% (Rank: 10)
Analysis: Keuchel has done some ace type pitching in his first six starts. He has five starts of one earned run or less and is doing a fantastic job at getting batters out (0.76 WHIP). He is currently first in the AL in innings pitched, ERA, and WHIP and has a decent 18.2% strikeout rate to go along with it. He draws what looks to be a tough matchup, but the Angels have struggled against lefties at are ranked 29th in the league in team wOBA. Many might stray away from Keuchel due to the matchup, but he is one of the better pitching options of the night. Rating = 8
Matt Shoemaker
Salaries: $8500 FD, $7400 DK
Pitching Stats
2015: xFIP: 4.05 — Strikeout Rate: 22.7% — Walk Rate: 5.0% — Ground Ball Rate: 26.5%
2014: xFIP: 3.28 — Strikeout Rate: 22.8% — Walk Rate: 4.4% — Ground Ball Rate: 41.2%
Houston Astros vs. RH Pitching: (2015)
wOBA: 0.330 (Rank: 7)
Strikeout Rate: 23.9% (Rank: 2)
Analysis: Shoemaker has been a bit disappointing so far this year. He has allowed three or more earned runs in all five of his starts, has yet to hit 100 pitches in any of his starts, and has allowed seven home runs. These numbers are a bit concerning, but I do believe he should improve sooner than later and his xFIP of 4.05 does suggest it. I don’t know if today is the day, but he has a decent matchup against the Astros who strikeout at a high clip of 23.9%. This has the looks of a pitching due tonight as the total is set low at 7 and is basically a pickem. Rating = 7
Batter Grind Down
Houston
None
Secondary Plays:
Luis Valbuena
2015 vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.355 — ISO: 0.292 — OBP: 0.300
Preston Tucker
2015 vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.444 — ISO: 0.000 — OBP: 0.500
LA Angels
None
Secondary Plays:
Mike Trout
2015 vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.316 — ISO: 0.190 — OBP: 0.346
David Freese
2015 vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.477 — ISO: 0.476 — OBP: 0.375
Oakland at Seattle – 9:10 PM EST
| Oakland | Seattle | ||||||||
 | Jesse Hahn |  | J.A. Happ | ||||||
| RIGHT | LEFT | ||||||||
| Vegas Moneyline | Vegas Over/Under | ||||||||
| 7.5 | |||||||||
| Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% | Stats | Avg | OPS | wOBA | K% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SP vs. Left | 0.227 | 0.657 | 0.291 | 0.203 | SP vs. Left | 0.264 | 0.873 | 0.379 | 0.214 |
| SP vs. Right | 0.194 | 0.583 | 0.278 | 0.255 | SP vs. Right | 0.257 | 0.744 | 0.327 | 0.193 |
| Batter Splits | OAK BvP | OAK vs L | Batter Splits | SEA BvP | SEA vs R | ||||
| Batter Split Links Above Open In Pop-Up Window | |||||||||
Pitcher Grind Down
Jesse Hahn
Salaries: $7000 FD, $5900 DK
Pitching Stats
2015: xFIP: 3.79 — Strikeout Rate: 14.3% — Walk Rate: 3.6% — Ground Ball Rate: 49.4%
2014: xFIP: 3.59 — Strikeout Rate: 22.9% — Walk Rate: 10.5% — Ground Ball Rate: 50.3%
Seattle Mariners vs. RH Pitching: (2015)
wOBA: 0.298 (Rank: 23)
Strikeout Rate: 20.4% (Rank: 12)
Analysis: Hahn is coming off allowing six earned runs against the Twins and has only lasted five innings in his last two starts. He has a 4.33 ERA on the year, but his xFIP of 3.79 suggests he is not pitching terribly. The bigger concern may be the lack of strikeouts so far (16 in five starts). With the lack of strikeouts and the recent struggles, Hahn should not be at the top of your lists tonight. Rating = 5.5
J.A. Happ
Salaries: $7300 FD, $7200 DK
Pitching Stats
2015: xFIP: 3.42 — Strikeout Rate: 17.8% — Walk Rate: 4.4% — Ground Ball Rate: 42.7
2014: xFIP: 3.95 — Strikeout Rate: 19.8% — Walk Rate: 7.6% — Ground Ball Rate: 40.6%
Oakland A’s vs. RH Pitching: (2015)
wOBA: 0.251 (Rank: 28)
Strikeout Rate: 16.9% (Rank: 25)
Analysis: Happ had been pitching very well up until his last start against the Astros where he allowed six earned runs. Prior, he had not allowed more than two earned runs and had been pitching quite well. He has a 3.42 xFIP on the year and his strikeout rate is not awful at 17.8. He has a decent matchup today against the A’s who are ranked 28th in the league in team wOBA against lefties. Happ does make a solid second starter tonight. Rating = 6.5
Batter Grind Down
Oakland
None
Secondary Plays:
Billy Butler
2015 vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.396 — ISO: 0.200 — OBP: 0.421
Billy Burns
2015 vs. LH Pitching: wOBA: 0.296 — ISO: 0.000 — OBP: 0.333
Seattle
Robinson Cano
2015 vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.351 — ISO: 0.125 — OBP: 0.368
Analysis: Anytime Cano takes on an average right-handed hitter he is in play. Hahn has allowed lefties a wOBA of .342 on the season and Cano is playing well right now (five hits in last three games).
Secondary Plays:
Nelson Cruz
2015 vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.386 — ISO: 0.322 — OBP: 0.301
Seth Smith
2015 vs. RH Pitching: wOBA: 0.325 — ISO: 0.215 — OBP: 0.301