Featuring picks and comments by Rob Dudek
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Once again on Friday, the cancellation bug bit a lot of people who didn’t update their MLB lineups. We warned you about the weather in Baltimore, but didn’t expect the White Sox postponement. In the most unusual circumstances of all, the Red Sox called off their game because of a city-wide manhunt — thankfully successful — for the suspect in the Boston Marathon bombing.
I was wrong twice about the Phillies game. First, they managed to play seven innings before the rain made it impossible to finish. Second, it was the best start yet for Roy Halladay, who isn’t quite in vintage ‘Doc’ form but tossed a 2-hitter and struck out six in an abbreviated complete-game victory. Great to see for one of my favorite players, not so lucrative in my leagues.
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Today, we are turning things over to Rob Dudek, who will share his full lineup with comments. It’s quite surprising how often we agree on players, given that he’s an excellent statistical analyst and I’m from the Yogi Berra old school — you can observe a lot by watching. Of course, neither of us is perched on the extreme edges of the scouts-vs.-statheads “debate”; I always check my impressions against the numbers and Rob sees as many games as anyone not living in the Fan Cave.
Best Bets (Pitchers)
SP1: Clay Buchholz ($14,472) was our #1 SP last night. He is becoming the elite pitcher many of us thought he’d be since his rookie year. In what is sure to an emotional game for the Red Sox and their fans, Buchholz should be on top of his game. The Royals don’t have many RH power bats to threaten the wall.
SP2: Bronson Arroyo ($11,979). Aside from one outburst, the Marlins bats have been very quiet and the recently-returned Giancarlo Stanton ($7,718) is still in a funk. If the wind is blowing out you’ll have to switch Arroyo out; Hideki Kuroda is similarly priced ($12,117) and expected to continue his good run following a 5-hit shutout.
P3: Jeremy Hefner ($4,769) A bargain bin starter, at home in a pitcher’s park against a cooling Washington offense. May not work out but is a good gamble. For the more conservative, super relief ace Craig Kimbrel ($3,750) is a good alternative.
AVOID: Gio Gonzalez due to his high-ish price ($15,047) and struggles last time out. Jarrod Parker ($9,049) isn’t as expensive, but my rule is don’t go with struggling starters until we have seen them throw the ball well for at least six innings.
Total cost of pitching $31,220