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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 Tuesday, August 15.
Let's get to it.
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Agenda
- How to Elude a Tag
- Today's Weather and Updates
- Tomorrow's Picks
1. How to Elude a Tag
When players are caught in a run down, they generally run in just two directions - forward and back. Adrian Beltre says to hell with those fools. He'll run wherever he damn well pleases.
I'll say this, it's a pleasure to watch these guys out there having fun. Professional players tend to take this game way too seriously. I think I'll break this move out in my men's league the next time I'm caught in a run down.
2. Today's Weather and Updates
Good news! The weather report at Coors Field has improved. They're unlikely to receive rain. It's still possible though. As for tomorrow, there's a picture of storm clouds above Washington D.C. That may be political commentary. A few other parks have a lesser risk of rain.
3. Tomorrow's Picks - Tuesday, August 15
Pitchers to Use
Despite a decent outing against the Twins, Brandon Woodruff was saddled with his first loss. The strikeout stuff he showed in his debut didn't quite translate to his second start. The righty is hosting a middling Pirates offense tomorrow. Miller Park isn't a forgiving home. Don't be surprised by a meltdown. Obviously, I'm still leaning towards rolling the dice - hence his inclusion here.
Luis Castillo is going to be one of the most overrated pitchers heading into the 2018 season. Why? Throw 98 mph with a good changeup and see how the fanboys react. There's certainly ace-like upside in the stuff, but it will probably take years for the "a-ha!" moment. He'll face the Cubs.
Yusmeiro Petit is making a spot start against the Nationals. Petit was pretty bad when he played in D.C. He much prefers these left-coast clubs. On the season, he has a 2.36 ERA with 9.83 K/9 and 1.70 BB/9. He only has one start so expect a short outing.
Other Targets: Anthony Banda, Blake Snell, Dinelson Lamet
Pitchers to Exploit
Sean Newcomb and Kyle Freeland are decent young pitchers. However, they're both ill-suited to survive an outing at Coors Field. Freeland at least has some experience at the launching pad. Newcomb is likely to experience a rude awakening.
Older readers may recall Mark Leiter. He was a solid pitcher. His son is scheduled to appear for the Phillies tomorrow. Leiter the Younger is a classic swingman. He has just enough stuff to keep him around on the 40-man roster. There's a small chance he'll turn into a Jason Hammel type. For fantasy purposes, load up on Padre hitters.
Other Targets: A.J. Griffin, Bartolo Colon, Chris Smith, Andrew Moore, Wade Miley, Miguel Gonzalez
Homers on the Wire
Lamet appears to have trouble against opposite-handed hitters. I say "appears" because we're looking at a very tiny sample. For now, I'd still aggressively target left-handed hitters like Nick Williams and Freddy Galvis. They have elevated home run potential.
Lefty masher Matt Davidson is supposed to return in time to face Alex Wood. His velocity has declined throughout the season, downgrading him from ace to his previous mid-rotation quality. That's the kind of pitcher against whom Davidson can do some damage.
Other Targets: Rhys Hoskins, Tommy Joseph, Jose Pirela, Hunter Renfroe, Yoan Moncada, Danny Valencia, Seth Smith, Brandon Moss, Jed Lowrie, Matt Chapman, Brandon Phillips, Ryan McMahon, Mike Mahtook, Keon Broxton, Steve Pearce,
Steals on the Wire
Mallex Smith remains the top projected base thief for the duration of his visit to Toronto. Tomorrow, he'll face Marco Estrada. Any time Miguel Montero is catching, there's a chance we'll see the other team swipe five or more bases. Smith is the biggest threat among the Rays.
Other Targets: Cesar Hernandez, Manuel Margot, Michael Taylor, Bradley Zimmer
Skill Positions
Alex Avila is the guy to try if you need a catcher streamer for tomorrow. The left-handed slugger is set to face the live arm of Castillo.
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