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Welcome back to Streaming Wars, your one-stop shop for streaming the waiver wire. This article, which began last season, runs seven days a week. We are always ready to stream.
For those who are newcomers to this feature - use this column on a daily basis to improve upon your neediest categories, and target players who may be available on your waiver wire.
Below are your pitcher and hitter streaming targets for Monday, June 18. Let's get to it.
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Agenda
- Tunnel Vision
- Today's Weather and Updates
- Tomorrow's Picks
1. Tunnel Vision
If you're an active fantasy owner managing more than one competitive roster, the players on your rosters and waiver wires are likely the only ones you ever think of. For example, I had no idea Bryce Harper had a .219 BABIP until I read as much in an article. I have zero shares of Harper and figured that his owners wouldn't be selling him for a reasonable price regardless of his current statistics, so he's just not somebody that I personally have needed to care about.
This is fine in a general sense, but you should try to familiarize yourself with anybody you're targeting in a trade. It might be a lot of work with no payoff if you can't ultimately swing a deal, but it's common courtesy to come to the bargaining table prepared.
2. Today's Weather and Updates - Sunday, June 17
Atlanta has a chance for scattered thunderstorms, but everywhere else should be okay. A couple of other places have precipitation chances of 20% or lower though, so feel free to double-check forecast closer to game time.
There's a heat wave in the eastern half of the country, with Chicago (97°F), Kansas City (96°F), and Arlington (95°F) standing out as especially warm. That's expected in Texas, but the ball could fly further than usual at the other two venues.
3. Streamer Picks - Monday, June 18
Pitchers to Use
Either side of the Miami vs. San Francisco game is usable. Caleb Smith has a reasonable ERA (3.75) and sexy strikeout rate (27.8% K%), making him an attractive option against a lackluster opponent like the Giants. On the other side, Andrew Suarez's peripherals (3.35 xFIP) suggest that he's much better than his ERA (4.92 ERA). He also gets the Marlins in an extreme pitcher's park. Between them, Smith's K% gives him the higher ceiling while Suarez is probably safer.
You could also roll the dice on Nick Pivetta against the Cardinals. He's been awful in June (8.36 ERA, 20.6% K%, 10.3% BB%), but his totals for the year are still respectable (4.25 ERA, 3.44 xFIP, 26.9% K%, 7% BB%). It's risky, but you could be rewarded with a big night.
Other Targets: Dylan Covey @ CLE, Jhoulys Chacin @ PIT
Pitchers to Exploit
Tyler Chatwood had some sleeper appeal heading into the season as a decent arm escaping Coors Field, but holy crap has he been terrible as a Cub! His 19.9% BB% reads like it should be a typo, but it isn't. His ERA (4.12) isn't that bad, but he's a clear exploit as long as he's walking every fifth guy to face him. The resurgent Dodgers should feast.
Bartolo Colon continues to pitch in the major leagues for reasons beyond understanding. A game in Kansas City should be favorable, but his 15.6% K% and single pitch repertoire eliminate any chance for viability.
Other Targets: Jose Barria vs. ARI, Tyler Anderson vs. NYM
Homers on the Wire
The Mets can't get out of their own way, but you have to figure the bats come around at Coors Field, right? Brandon Nimmo somehow qualifies for this column with an ownership rate of exactly 50%, so go ahead and grab him if available. Other widely available Mets include Wilmer Flores (likely to play against the lefty), Todd Frazier, and Michael Conforto.
Other Targets: Yolmer Sanchez, Matt Adams, Nick Williams, Alex Gordon, Albert Pujols, Joc Pederson, Kike Hernandez, Greg Bird, Aaron Hicks, Derek Dietrich, Brian Anderson, Justin Bour, Lewis Brinson, Colin Moran, Daniel Palka
Steals on the Wire
Most steals are better charged to the pitcher than the catcher, but a completely incompetent backstop can certainly make it easier. Robinson Chirinos is proving that he qualifies, going an atrocious 3-for-36 at nabbing would-be base thieves for a CS% of 8.3%. Other laggards include Yasmani Grandal (18.8%), Wilson Ramos (12.5%), Chris Iannetta (18.2%), and Devin Mesorasco (16.7%). The latter two are squaring off at Coors tomorrow.
Other Targets: Aaron Hicks, Scott Kingery, Michael A. Taylor, Delino DeShields
