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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 Wednesday, July 19th.
Let's get to it.
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Agenda
- Winning the Margins
- Today's Weather and Updates
- Tomorrow's Picks
1. Winning the Margins
Yesterday, I was badgered into executing a trade in my 20 team dynasty league. Given the size and nature of the league, the specific trade is not relevant to a streaming column. For those curious, I dealt Brandon Maurer and Hyun-Jin Ryu for Dexter Fowler and Tyler Chatwood. All four players will likely be kept - we hang onto 28 players apiece for our 45-man rosters. Maurer is probably most valuable now and most likely to not be a keeper.
The instructive part of this swap is what we did on the margins. The other owner indicated a need for Maurer's saves. I let him know I wasn't interested in a "fair" swap. He said paying a premium was fine, at which point I highlighted Fowler as a match. He wanted me to throw in Ryu, who I happen to like as a mid-tier starter in a league of this depth. Even so, the two-for-one was probably an acceptable swap. I countered for the inclusion of Chatwood.
My rationale for wanting Chatwood is pretty simple. The righty is a free agent at the end of the season, and his home/road splits are absurd. One of the 29 sea level teams is going to look at him as the next Charlie Morton and give him a well-paid job. And there's a chance he will indeed deliver Morton-quality results - albeit with fewer strikeouts, more walks, and (hopefully) more soft contact.
2. Today's Weather and Updates
Atlanta and Minnesota have some small risk of rain today. Tomorrow should be dry across most of the country.
3. Tomorrow's Picks - Wednesday, July 19th
Pitchers to Use
It's a weirdly deep day on the waiver wire. The top available arm is Charlie Morton at 42 percent owned. He has a challenging matchup against James Paxton and the Mariners. He'll have to out-battle the southpaw for the victory. Morton has appeared twice since returning from the disabled list. The first was an efficient outing with few strikeouts. That was followed by a 10 strikeout, five walk performance. His velocity is down one mph.
Mike Montgomery blends a high ground ball rate with a plus whiff rate. It's an ideal blend of traits, especially since he only allows 0.61 HR/9. He was better last season when he clamped down on the free passes. This season, he's allowed 4.50 BB/9. Montgomery is opposed by R.A. Dickey. The knuckleballer is on a hot streak. He's still a very risky play.
Other Targets: Nick Pivetta, Jordan Montgomery
Pitchers to Exploit
I'd usually consider recommending Clayton Richard, even against the Rockies lineup. However, I'm always careful to avoid sinker ball pitchers at Coors Field. They tend to adapt poorly to elevation. Their sinker sinks less and therefore flies deep into the night.
Other Targets: Jon Gray, Matt Cain, Martin Perez, Keven Gausman, Tim Adleman, Jason Hammel, Ricky Nolasco
Homers on the Wire
Enrique Hernandez is slashing .244/.343/.593 versus southpaws. Fifteen of his 21 hits have been for extra bases. He'll either deal some serious damage or do nothing. Carlos Rodon isn't a typical southpaw. Honestly, I have no idea if that's a good or a bad thing for Hernandez.
If you want a high floor option, Robbie Grossman has extreme plate discipline versus left-handed pitchers. He's slashing .271/.446/.329 with twice as many walks as strikeouts. Insane, no? Obviously it would be nice to see some power too. Luckily, he's shown in past season. He's opposed by Jordan Montgomery.
Other Targets: Ian Happ, Odubel Herrera, Jose Pirela, Jed Lowrie, Matt Joyce, Carlos Gomez, Shin-Soo Choo, John Jaso, Josh Bell, Mitch Moreland
Steals on the Wire
Houston catchers are among the worst at holding base runners in the league. Morton has also proven somewhat prone to stolen bases. For these reasons, grab shares of Jarrod Dyson and Taylor Motter.
Gerrit Cole has improved at holding runners this season, but he should still be considered exploitable. Keon Broxton is the most available of the speedy Brewers.
Other Targets: Cesar Hernandez, Manuel Margot, Mallex Smith, Bradley Zimmer, Delino DeShields, Whit Merrifield
Skill Positions
It's an Austin Barnes day tomorrow with Rodon on the bump for the White Sox.
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