Atlanta Braves (Santana) at New York Mets (Colon)
Ervin Santana has been absolutely lights out so far this year, and I’m riding that wave right into Citi Field. Not that I think he’s turned into an ace or anything, but I will be along for the ride with his K-Rate of over 10 per 9 innings until he gives me a reason not to. I’m always wary of starting hitters against Colon. Sure he got lit up in his last outing, but Sideshow Bartolo for some reason seems to be able to turn things around. There’s only one Braves hitter with a track record of success against him, and it’s a name that will surprise.
Ervin Santana (SP) – $18,719
B.J. Upton (OF) – $4858
I am not starting Colon. I know I said he can turn things around but for some reason it seems I have a mental block against him. I’m fairly high on Santana today, too, so I will probably just avoid the Mets altogether (and that’s not bad advice for the rest of the season, either).
Seattle Mariners (Elias) at Miami Marlins (Alvarez)
Roenis Elias has pitched reasonably well this year for the Mariners, though things like his strikeout rate (5.4 per nine), his walk rate (3.24) and his BABIP all indicate a hard regression coming. The thing is, he’s a decent price against a poor hitting team (even though they themselves are off to a hot start) in a good park. I won’t use him in 50/50s, but I would be tempted to ride Elias in GPPs until he gives a reason not to. Robinson Cano also raked against Alvarez when they played in the American League, so I will have him in most lineups.
Robinson Cano (2B) – $8387
Henderson Alvarez is an interesting choice for today because pitching against the Mariners when they have to use the DH and at Marlins Park seem to all favour Alvarez. He also has the “stuff” to be elite on any given night. I won’t rely on him explicitly, but I will have a few shares of him sprinkled around different leagues. I would shy away from Marlins hitters, though, as Elias is a big unknown to them.
Henderson Alvarez (SP) – $10,174
