(Ed. note: – That’s embarrassing… this was supposed to go up at 11:30 AM yet it was scheduled for 11:30 PM by accident… sorry for those of you who needed guys today. However I’ve used Holland and E-Jax so often that you probably could’ve guessed they would be the picks. )
Just about a week left (season ends Wednesday, September 28th) and while there might not be a lot of undecided races in Major League Baseball, there are still plenty of undecided winners in fantasy leagues everywhere. Just within my own leagues there is one where five teams are split by just 6.0 points and another where three teams split by 6.5 points. And of course any head-to-head league comes right down to the wire.
Last week’s spot starter picks did quite well if I may shed any modesty for a moment as they posted a 2.01 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in 67 innings. Just one of the 10 pitchers gave up more than three runs (Wade Davis, 4) and six gave up one or none so in a week when getting the best out your last remaining starts is especially crucial, these guys came through.
The Hail Mary picks
In theory every game counts the same, but in April or even August you have time overcome nightmarish starts, but with nine days left in the season it’s do or die. One implosion can end your chances depending on the league standings.
With precious little time left, I’m focusing only on prime picks. If you’re in Hail Mary mode just about anyone with a pulse will qualify so I don’t think I need to highlight those guys. I’m going for the best and best (or best of the rest as it were since these are guys on many waiver wires).
TUESDAY:
Derek Holland (TEX @ OAK) – Holland has been mostly good to us and a start in Oakland is pretty close to a no-brainer with someone of his talent.
Edwin Jackson (STL v. NYM) – He’s been a stalwart for those who stream pitchers because no matter how well he pitched, he couldn’t seem to get any real respect this year.
WEDNESDAY:
No one of note – Javier Vazquez finally had his ownership rate move up significantly and it is now 73% so he is no longer available to us spot start players. Some marginal guys I considered that would be upper tier Hail Marys include Brad Peacock, Brandon McCarthy and Wade Miley.
THURSDAY:
Still no one – Philip Humber and Jeff Niemann are among the few longshot options, but Humber has been very inconsistent since the All-Star break and Niemann has the Yankees.
FRIDAY:
Josh Collmenter (ARI v. SF) – A favorable matchup against a weak lineup (in a huge game for both teams, of course) and he has walked just three in his last five starts (all in one start against San Diego).
Matt Harrison (TEX v. SEA) – An even better matchup than Collmenter and while his control isn’t as sharp, his propensity for strikeouts is a bit higher.
SATURDAY:
Aaron Harang (SD v. LAD) – I have covered Harang at home on more than one occasion, he’s money at home.
Joe Saunders (ARI v. SF) – I know what you’re thinking, you thought I wasn’t going with risky plays here down the stretch, but Saunders has been money for a nice stretch and I like him against a weak lineup even if the game means a ton for both teams.
SUNDAY:
Mike Minor (ATL @ WAS), Edwin Jackson (STL v. CHC), Bud Norris (HOU v. COL), Derek Holland (TEX v. SEA) – All four have been staples on the Trolling so I don’t feel I really need to sell you on them with commentary. If you have been streaming for any period of time, chances are you have used one or more of these guys on multiples occasions.
Monday-Wednesday later this week when the spots become official.
Baseball By Paul 