And now the games count!
Chris Tillman- P- BAL- Idea- The righthanded Tillman will be facing a Twins' lineup that is weighted towards righthanded hitting and at least one of the lefties had reverse splits in 2015. Tillman didn't perform exceptionally well against RH hitting last year, with a slash line of .265/.328/.500 against them, but that is out of line with his career performance. If you are looking for a pitcher who could outperform today at a lower price than a lot of the aces taking the mound, Tillman could bring more than his price. Value pick- Draft Kings Salary $6100.
Hank Conger- C- TB- Hot- Kevin Cash seemed to make the right move by starting Conger instead of Curt Casali, as Conger went 1-for-3 with a walk. If it becomes mainly a platoon situation then the switch-hitting Conger has an advantage over the RH hitting Casali. Conger has excellent game calling and pitch framing skills (which count for absolutely nothing in fantasy value.) His extremely weak arm could open more opportunity for Casali unless Conger's bat is outstanding. The catching situation remains fluid in Tampa Bay.
Neal Cotts- RP- LAA- FYI- Cotts signed a minor league contract with the Angels and was assigned to AAA Salt Lake. He appeared in 68 major league games last season and posted a 3.41 ERA. Cotts had an 8.24 K/9 and 3.13 BB/9, fairly close to his numbers from 2014. He did have a FIP of 5.00, but that was primarily due to an un characteristic 1.71 HR/9. Cotts is not a LOOGY kind of guy and as a lefthander may end up in the majors before too long. He posted 19 holds in 2014 with the Rangers and in leagues that count that could have some value if and when he is called up.
Joey Rickard- OF- BAL- Rookie- Rickard came out of nowhere to win the LF job for the Orioles with a fantastic spring in which he hit .397. Although he doesn't have corner outfielder power, Rickard did steal a total of 23 bases in 3 minor league stops in the Tampa Bay organization last year and swiped 5 bases in the Grapefruit League this spring. That is his biggest potential fantasy contribution at this point.
Chris Archer- P- TB- Hot- Archer had a nervous start yesterday, giving up two hits, a walk and throwing a wild pitch that led to 2 runs scoring in the 1st inning before he had struck out a batter. Then he settled down in a big way, striking out the last 2 batters of the 1st and 10 more before leaving after throwing 107 pitches in 5 IP. Archer threw 27 pitches in the first before getting a mound visit that settled him down. It took him another 7 pitches to strike out the last two batters so more than a third of his pitches came in the first inning. Archer posted a 10.70 K/9 in 2015 and he is not showing any signs of losing that part of his game.
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