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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 Monday, June 12th.
Let's get to it.
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Agenda
- Draft Day
- Today's Weather and Updates
- Tomorrow's Picks
1. Draft Day
In case you're living under a rock, the MLB draft begins with two rounds on Monday evening at 7pm ET. You can watch the draft on the MLB network. This particular draft lacks potentially fast moving talents like Nick Senzel. Redraft owners need not concern themselves with the fantasy implications. Dynasty owners should pay close attention to at least the first few rounds.
2. Today's Weather and Updates
The weather couldn't be better.
3. Tomorrow's Picks - Monday, June 12th
Meager Monday is composed of nine games this week. Enjoy!
Pitchers to Use
Only two waiver arms have a high enough ceiling and floor to be considered rosterable. And quite frankly, I'm not thrilled with these options. I may prefer to use my streaming slot on a high strikeout reliever like Blake Parker. Or just stick with a hitter.
Mike Foltynewicz is the better of the two available arms. His matchup versus the Nationals is worrisome. While Washington is down two starting outfielders, the rest of the lineup is still potent. He also has a difficult path to victory opposite Stephen Strasburg. Folty has pitched well in nine of 11 starts. The other two outings were four inning meltdowns. His 7.65 K/9 is considerably lower than expected.
On the surface, Wade Miley seemingly has a desirable matchup against the White Sox. Even pitching at a homer friendly venue, Chicago has one of the least intimidating offenses in the game. But wait! To date, they actually have the best offense in the league versus left-handed pitching. Intimidation isn't everything. Although there's no way they'll maintain a 123 wRC+ against southpaws, it is a red flag. Miley is platoon prone. He's allowed a 1.63 WHIP to right-handed hitters. If you find yourself needing to use him, you're hoping for 7.50 K/9 with around three runs allowed in six or seven innings.
Other Targets: Nah
Pitchers to Exploit
We have quite a few interesting pitchers in the exploit bin. In four starts since mid-May, Alex Meyer has a 2.01 ERA (3.13 FIP) with 10.88 K/9 and 4.84 BB/9. He throws a 96 mph fastball, but his success rests upon his curve ball. The iffy command and below average performing heater combine to make him too risky in most matchups. The Yankees have quite a few hitters who can handle the heat and hammer mistakes. On the plus side, the game is at pitcher friendly Angels Stadium.
Bronson Arroyo is down to 2.84 HR/9. He has only one outing in which he hasn't allowed a home run. In that one, he gave up five hits, four walks, and four runs in four innings. You can rely on him to supply some offense. Even the Padres can go wild.
Joe Musgrove was looked upon as a growth asset heading into 2017. Instead, he's maintained slightly worth peripherals than last season. He's a mid-4s ERA guy who is usable in the right matchup. Hosting the Rangers is the wrong matchup.
Other Targets: Kyle Freeland, Jerad Eickhoff, Mike Pelfrey, Yovani Gallardo, Adalberto Mejia, Luis Perdomo
Homers on the Wire
I've been looking for an excuse to mention Franchy Cordero. Because, that name. Cordero doesn't make enough contact to be more than a single day target. The lefty does have considerably line drive power which has manifested in high BABIPs. He has an interesting mix of power and speed, especially against an opponent like Arroyo. Of course, Hunter Renfroe, Yangervis Solarte, and even Allen Cordoba are probably more reliable alternatives. Actually, forget I said that, Padres hitters are never reliable.
When healthy, Lucas Duda is hitting for career best power. The lefty slugger is opposed by John Lackey, a pitcher with a home run problem this season. Look for Duda to jump on an early count fastball.
Matt Davidson is a big reason for the White Sox team splits. He's slashing .304/.361/.589 versus southpaws. His success is pinned upon repeatable-looking peripherals. The poor man's Joey Gallo is a top pick for power tomorrow.
Other Targets: Josh Bell, Josh Harrison, Tommy Joseph, Mitch Moreland, Neil Walker, Seth Smith, Max Kepler, Kennys Vargas, Joe Mauer, Shin-Soo Choo, Didi Gregorius
Steals on the Wire
Jose Pirela is batting leadoff for the Padres these days. The former Yankees prospect has decent speed - enough to swipe 10 to 15 in a full season.
Delino DeShields has a solid matchup versus Musgrove. He's on a mini-hot streak and may bat leadoff. DeShields has swiped 12 bats in 157 plate appearances. It's unfortunate that he has a 27.4 percent strikeout rate. That's unacceptable for a no-power speedster.
Other Targets: Michael Taylor, Jose Reyes, Leury Garcia, Tim Anderson, Taylor Motter
Skill Positions
Jordy Mercer usually hits leadoff versus southpaws. For catchers, try Mike Zunino or Austin Hedges. They have a pretty clean path to power.
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