Another day, another time to lock in your Draftsreet team. As you do, make note of whether you want to go with the third starter and play it safe, or take the chance that a cheaper closer is able to pick up a save. So if you are considering the third starter strategy, or even if you’re not, use this to guide you on your way.
Best Bet
Alfredo Simon – $13,666
The artist formerly known as Carlos Carbera has been pitching as well as just about anyone in the Majors so far this season. His 0.86 ERA ties him for third in all of baseball. And he’s been doing it with remarkable consistency. He has thrown 21 innings over three starts and has allowed four or five hits and one run in each. He has a 2-1 record and the only reason he lost the one game he did is because he got no run support, losing a 1-0 decision. The only thing that has really been lacking is his strikeouts. He has just 13 in those 21 innings. But he will have a decent chance to pick up a few today when he faces the Pirates. Their 170 strikeouts put them in the top 10 in baseball.
Double Down
Charlie Morton – $13,002
Even in just four starts, Morton’s year is a tale of two seasons. Overall, he has a 0-2 record with a 4.32 ERA and 1.32 WHIP. But looking closer at the numbers shows a bit more. Though he’s pitched in four games this year, he’s only faced two teams: the Cubs and Brewers. When he faced each opponent the first time, he was very good. In 13 combined innings, he allowed only two earned runs on 10 hits. Those figures ballooned when those teams got another crack at him. In 12 innings in those games, He gave up 16 hits and 10 earned runs. After seeing him once, these teams got to him. But now, he’s facing Simon’s Reds, who have yet to face him this year. He could be worth trotting out there as he’s good against those new teams.
Roll the Dice
Jon Niese – $12,679
It’s not often when it is wise to draft a player who will be facing the defending National League champions who are also among the early season favorites. But Niese has pitched well and the Cardinals have struggled. Niese is averaging more than six innings a start, but hasn’t given up more than three runs in any contest. He was one out shy of having a quality start in all three games. Now, he’ll try to pick up another one against St. Louis. The Cardinals rank 24th with just 74 runs scored. They have lost two of three and they were all low-scoring games. Starting Niese would be a good example of playing a smart matchup.
