Welcome to the April 4th edition of Daily Slivers of the Fantasy Soapbox.
Discussing baseball is as fun as the game itself. It has a way of bringing people together to share different opinions about the sport we all love. A similar action can be done with fantasy baseball where we not only discuss topics but also look to improve our teams as well as the teams of our fellow fantasy baseball enthusiasts. Everyone has their own perspectives which are not to be cast off as frivolous. They should be used as a method of expanding our own knowledge.
In this article, I review the previous day's boxscores and provide my opinion on a variety of topics. Some will be random, some will be fun, and some will be stat-driven. It's a soapbox so I may rant from time to time as well. So without any further delay, below are my thoughts on the April 3rd games. Enjoy them. You can even respond with your own thoughts on Twitter @EllisCan2.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and weekly lineup resources:- Fantasy baseball injury reports
- Fantasy baseball trade analyzer
- Daily MLB starting lineups for fantasy baseball
- Fantasy baseball BvP matchups data (Batter vs. Pitcher)
- Fantasy baseball PvB matchups data (Pitcher vs. Batter)
- Who should I start? Fantasy baseball player comparisons
- Fantasy baseball closer depth charts, bullpens, saves
- Fantasy Baseball live scoreboard, daily leaderboards
Daily Musings
- Marcus Semien with the combo meal (one HR, two SB). For the extra stolen base, we'll super-size you and waive the .45 charge for extra sauce.
- What's happenin', Kraken? "Nuthin', just sending more hateful souls into the abyss." ~Gary Sanchez (second HR).
- "I get so weak in the knees, I can hardly think, I lose all control..." ...when Yordan Alvarez sends a long-distance love letter (one).
- Mythbusters. Joey Gallo did NOT hit a home run. Gallo swung, causing a Texas Tornado (must be sung when you say it). The Tornado is the one that flung the ball 450 feet.
- You may then ask how Michael A. Taylor's ball travel 458 feet. This is still a mystery. More evidence is necessary.
- Scorch Alert! Aaron Judge with a 115.1 mph....single. What?! Not impressed? Matt Olson 115.3 mph...single. How about that?
- Holy Cow! Julio Teheran out-pitched Zach Plesac?! All those poor saps.Hahaha. --Psst. You know it doesn't work that way, right?
- I remember this one time I accidentally slid off-road and got a brand new Acura stuck in a yard filled with those California ice plants. It was a pain but I finally got the car out. Anyway, the Red Sox are 0-2, losing to the O's. They need to get unstuck before it gets worse.
- Kohei Arihara was cruising until the fifth. The bullpen was not ready for him to get first W. Must submit request five days in advance. SD next. Ouch!
- Strike early or not at all, played by Mike Minor.
- Whit Merrifield launched his second ingredient for his new BBQ recipe 381 feet.
- Hmm, I'll play it safe and start Nick Wittgren and a couple of other relievers for this couple of games. "HahahahHAHAHahaha." ~ Murphy
- Stop! Take a moment to rejoice Kyle Isbel. We see you, young man. Keep up the great work.
- "Cause this is Thriller...Thriller night." Kris Bryant is the beast that struck (first howl at the moon).
- Location, location, location. Eddie Rosario tries to teach this class simply. One 383-footer was a homer. The other 383-footer was a sac fly. Class dismissed.
- I know, I know. You were expecting a no-hitter from Zach Plesac vs. DET (6 IP, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K). Grab a bag of frozen peas to cool off. It will be ok.
- You think you're the cock of the walk because you started Jake Arrieta vs. PIT?! Then I guess you'll start him vs PIT, MIL, MIL next? Yep, probably.
- Javier Baez (two SB) was routinely drafted in the fifth round. Fifth round?! You scream chase/strikeout rates. I'll take the power/speed potential.
- It's Zack..Mr. Wheeler if you're NASTY! (7 IP, 1 H, 10 K).
- Lance McCullers Jr. looking dreamy 5.1 IP, 1 ER, 3 BB, 7 K. Now go ice!
- If you're looking for saviors, Paul DeJong (two HR) is that guy. Rostered on nearly all my teams.
- Garrett Cooper needs all the playing time.
- Gleyber Torres, it's a team effort. Don't leave your men behind (six). Yes, we know Lewis Brinson left six & Chad Pinder left seven.
- Jazz Chisholm Jr. steals two bases. Blue hair?! Trademark infringement.
- Be careful. You're gonna hear tons of people say they were right about Byron Buxton. Second HR. He's got skills. We all know it.
- Jose Berrios & Corbin Burnes w/ 23 K. I'll admit when I was wrong. Burnes...you look legit.
- Manny Machado (first HR) carves one up. A delicious slice of excellence.
- Get your motor runnin'. Dylan Moore demonstrates his five-finger discount.
- Hold up! Yermin Mercedes gets another highlight. Three-for-four w/first serenade around the bases.
- Shohei Ohtani steals a base and could hit on the days he pitches...he could be EVERYTHING.
- What?! Mad Cobra's 'Flex' is not Chris Flexen's theme music? Hmm.
- No, you cannot ask "How's it Haniger'n?" He's back, hits a HR, and you cheer.
- Swing & Misses
- Tyler Anderson 22
- Alex Cobb 19
- Jose Berrios 18
- Lance Lynn 17
- Corbin Burnes 17
- Joe Musgrove 14
- Tanner Houck 14
- Mike Minor 13
- Logan Webb 12
- Corey Kluber 10
- Zach Plesac 6
- Endgame
- Savvy managers with a sneaky save thanks to Chad Green (one) (Aroldis Chapman suspension)
- Alex Colome (one)
- Cesar Valdez (two).
- Brooks Raley (one)
- Kenley Jansen (one)
- Ryan Weathers (one). Three-inning variety.
- Rafael Montero (one)
- Bryan Garcia (one) 11% BB rate didn't reveal itself.
- Humanity! Xander Bogaerts not forgetting the challenges Trey Mancini overcame to get back on the field and gave him a nice hug at first base. My message: Find someone you know that has dealt with cancer and give them a hug. A COVID-safe hug. Have a wonderful Easter Sunday.
- (No Fear, Just Fantasy)