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Welcome to Streaming Wars, your one-stop shop for streaming the waiver wire. Use this column to improve upon your neediest categories.
Below are your pitcher and hitter streaming targets for Thursday, June 8th.
Let's get to it.
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Agenda
- Of Course, This
- Today's Weather and Updates
- Tomorrow's Picks
1. Of Course, This
I'm contractually obligated by Major League Baseball and its subsidiaries to discuss four home run games. Improbably, Scooter Gennett is the most recent "slugger" to join the four homer club after his performance last night. Two of those shots would have been doubles in most venues. This is why I tell people to target hitters at Great American Ballpark.
The hot performance has brought his season line up to .302/.336/.578. You might think he's earned consistent playing time, but who are the Reds supposed to sit? Jose Peraza is a part of the long term plan, and he's taking better at bats lately. Scott Schebler will return from his shoulder injury in the next couple days. Others are certainly better than Gennett. He'll have to settle for a utility role.
2. Today's Weather and Updates
There is a small risk of pop up storms in Denver this afternoon. The rest of the league is free and clear. Its looking dry tomorrow too.
3. Tomorrow's Picks - Thursday, June 8th
It's an Ain't-So-Thin Thursday with 12 games on the docket.
Pitchers to Use
Hey look! It's a freely available thrower of no hitters. Edinson Volquez is only 16 percent owned on Yahoo despite blanking the Diamondbacks last week. In this year of garbage pitching, volume hurlers like Volquez are completely viable in all but the most shallow of formats. It's true that you don't want to permanently roster Volquez, but most of his starts are perfectly acceptable. He'll post around 7.00 K/9 with a 4.00 ERA and 1.30 WHIP. As long as you cherry pick the days he's most likely to earn a win, that's at least an average 12-team mixed starter.
I could say the exact same things about Derek Holland. However, my interest in the southpaw is specific to his matchup against the Rays. They have over a 27 percent strikeout rate versus southpaws. Only part of that can be blamed upon Chris Sale.
Frankly, I'd steer clear of J.C. Ramirez opposite the Tigers. There are a few too many home run hitters for me to feel comfortable with the matchup. Ramirez has become mixed league relevant by buffing his breaking ball rates. He's remained homer prone - 1.51 HR/9.
Other Targets: No
Pitchers to Exploit
I often recommend avoiding ground ball pitchers at Chase Field. The rock hard infield helps grounders squeak through the defense. This definitely applies to Clayton Richard on Thursday. The Padres infield defense is arguably the worst in the league.
I've never been a big fan of Joe Ross. He's built his reputation on a frequently thrown, above average slider. His fastball is mediocre at best. In past seasons, fewer pitchers threw nearly 50 percent breaking balls. Now it's become a common adaptation to the home run surge. As hitters see more benders, they'll be less prone to Ross' style of pitching. Or maybe he's just slumping. After all, his velocity is down two mph this season.
Other Targets: Scott Feldman, Pat Corbin, Alec Asher, Ben Lively, R.A. Dickey, German Marquez, Jason Hammel, Christian Bergman
Homers on the Wire
Hunter Renfroe has three home runs in his last two games. Since mid-May, he's slashing .284/.361/.703 with eight homers in 83 plate appearances. You better believe he's a top streaming option versus a bad southpaw like Corbin.
Michael Pineda is having a superb season, although I have my doubts long term. His biggest issue is a penchant for allowing home runs - 1.81 HR/9. Tiny Yankee Stadium certainly isn't helping matters. Mitch Moreland's matchup isn't great, but he is one of the most likely to pop a homer. Or zero out entirely.
Jump back on the Stephen Piscotty bandwagon. He homered yesterday.
Other Targets: Tommy Pham, Paul DeJong, Stephen Piscotty, Yangervis Solarte, Seth Smith, John Jaso, Josh Harrison, Josh Bell, Steven Souza, Melky Cabrera, Tommy Joseph, Howie Kendrick, Matt Adams, Josh Reddick, Max Kepler, Kennys Vargas, Joe Mauer, Robbie Grossman
Steals on the Wire
I can't wait for somebody like Roman Quinn to enter the league. Speaking of speedy Phillies, Cesar Hernandez and Freddy Galvis are opposed by Dickey. Knuckleballs make for easy stolen bases, although it should be noted that Dickey is quick to the plate. Runners have only stolen one base against him this season.
Adam Frazier has a decent matchup opposite Volquez. He's just 2-for-6 in steal attempts. I keep listing Hernan Perez here because he swiped a bunch of bags last year. This season, he's taken only two bags in three attempts. What gives Perez?
Other Targets: Michael Taylor, Brandon Phillips
Skill Positions
Nick Ahmed is a solid shortstop whenever he faces a southpaw. He'll see Richard.
If you want a catcher, Austin Hedges will face Corbin.
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