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Well Mr. Burns had done it/The power plant had won it/With Roger Clemens clucking all the while/Mike Scioscia’s tragic illness made us smile/While Wade Boggs laid unconscious on the barroom tile/We’re talking softball
A friend of mine posted those beautiful lyrics on social media last week, and I knew it could only mean one thing: The Simpson’s marathon had reached “Homer at the Bat." Quite possibly one of the greatest episodes of any series of all time, the iconic 1992 show followed the Springfield nuclear power plant's Cinderella softball team to the championship game where they faced rival Shelbyville’s squad. It featured voice cameos from several MLB players including Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens, Mike Scioscia and Darryl Strawberry, to name a few. If you have never seen this episode of The Simpsons, I award you no points and may God have mercy on your soul. Or, please go and watch it. Enough fictional softball, let’s get to real baseball.
Below are some of my Week 22 picks for starting pitchers to consider streaming off the waiver wire. Some of these pitchers may be two-start pitchers, and all of these SP options can be considered sleepers for your team depending on the league format and depth including NL-Only, AL-Only and head-to-head formats. As always, I categorize each of the streaming options as either Desperate, Risky, Solid or Must-Stream.
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Roenis Elias (SEA vs. TEX)
Ownership: 11% Yahoo!, 14% Fleaflicker
It appears Roenis Elias Sports Bureau has figured it out. He’s been on a roll since the ASB, going 25.2 IP and only allowing six ER while striking out 30 batters. Don’t expect the hapless Rangers to be up to the task.
MATCHUP RATING: Must Stream
Tyler Matzek (COL at SFG)
Ownership: 1% Yahoo!, 1% Fleaflicker
This is how thin the ranks are on Monday, August 25, 2014: the “great” Tyler Matzek gets a streaming nod against a Giants team that can hit lefties. Colorado’s young lefty is coming off a strong start and his supporting cast has a history of roughing up Giants probable Jake Peavy. At the very least, Matzek should increase your chances to improve in the W column.
MATCHUP RATING: Desperate Stream
Tuesday SP Streamers
Dillon Gee (NYM vs. ATL)
Ownership: 21% Yahoo!, 38% Fleaflicker
The Braves struggles against RHPs are well documented in these bi-weekly pieces, so there’s no need to continue further. What’s not well documented is Dillon Gee’s rather inconsistent splits at home. Here’s hoping Gee is good inconsistent and not bad inconsistent.
MATCHUP RATING: Risky Stream
Roberto Hernandez (LAD at ARI)
Ownership: 9% Yahoo!, 9% Fleaflicker
LA’s secret post-deadline-deal weapon will be a huge piece of the Dodgers’ late season push. Not only should Hernandez see tremendous offensive support against a pitcher that is awful at home, but he should also overpower a weak Arizona lineup for five to six innings. It won’t be long before the baseball world realizes the Dodgers made perhaps the best trade of the season.
MATCHUP RATING: Solid Stream
Wednesday SP Streamers
Kevin Gausman (BAL vs. TB)
Ownership: 16% Yahoo!, 12% Fleaflicker
What a shocker to see the Orioles get swept in Wrigley this weekend! You kind of figured the Cubs were due for a series win, but not a sweep. Yikes. Gausman’s matchup against the Rays isn’t necessarily a good one, but he should see some solid strikeout numbers while keeping the Rays from scoring too often. Something along the lines of 5 IP, 2 ER and 6 K sounds about right.
MATCHUP RATING: Risky Stream
Shane Greene (NYY at DET)
Ownership: 12% Yahoo!, 6% Fleaflicker
Can the Yankee pitching magic continue? The Bronx Bombers have been able to hit LHPs pretty well, so maybe they have a chance to touch up David Price. Even if Greene doesn’t get the offensive support, he’s been a surprising rock for the New York rotation. Just hope he doesn’t get pulled before the game and charged with every unsolved murder in New York a la Steve Sax in 1992 before the Springfield-Shelbyville championship game.
MATCHUP RATING: Solid Stream
