Featuring picks and comments by Rob Dudek
Click on this banner to sign up for DraftStreet daily baseball leagues
There were two more weather-related cancellations on Tuesday as this cold, wet April has affected almost every MLB team. The Royals were supposed to play in Boston last Friday — that one was called off because of a manhunt for a terror suspect — then had a scheduled day off on Monday before getting rained out in Detroit. They are almost too well-rested. Miserable weather in Chicago forced the White Sox to postpone their meeting with Cleveland; the Pale Hose and Cubs now have two games each to make up later in the season.
Today it’s more about the clock than the forecast, with eight afternoon games beginning at 12:35 Eastern. They may not start on time in rainy Cincinnati but should be able to play. If you wait for the “usual” 7:05 leagues, there will be only 12 teams to choose from. Think of it as a doubleheader — twice as many opportunities to win cash.
It’s always free to join DraftStreet and you can start with free leagues. Or make a deposit — use the code SHHOOP to get a 30% bonus — and choose your level of play, from $2 entry fees up to $420. Good luck!
Best Bets (Pitchers)
Be very careful today with Tigers pitchers. Avoid Justin Verlander ($18,645) who was listed “everywhere” as the Wednesday starter; he’s bumped a day and Max Scherzer ($17,136) will face the Royals. Unlucky to get no-decisions in his last two despite striking out 23 in 14 IP, Scherzer is another relatively safe play despite the salary.
Amid comparisons to the legendary Tom Seaver, Matt Harvey ($16,895) has been sensational in four starts, striking out 32 while allowing a total of three earned runs. The high price is not only warranted, it’s fair value against a Dodgers lineup that has scored the second-fewest runs in baseball.
High-priced aces are everywhere; Madison Bumgarner ($16,274) is consistent and even the most expensive option Yu Darvish ($18,072) is capable of great things.
Live Longshots (Pitchers)
Jose Quintana ($10,002) was a strong play yesterday and has not been skipped in the rotation after the rainout. The lefty held the Tribe to one hit on April 12 and even if they are more familiar with him now, that’s an attractive salary.
Rob isn’t deterred by the hitters’ paradise of Coors Field in recommending Tim Hudson. “The sinkerballer is built to handle a park like this. If he gets in a groove he will score high, and at $10,241 he is affordable.”
For a real bargain, consider Lucas Harrell ($8,972) who gets by without great stuff. “I love this kid’s polish,” says Dudek, “and the Seattle bats have been far from lights-out.”