Gio Gonzalez(SP-WAS): Gonzalez lost after allowing one run on two hits (one homer) and five walks with eight strikeouts over six innings vs. the Cubs. While the surface stats looks great, the peripherals indicate that Gonzalez makes for a great sell high candidate. Specifically, the .261 BABIP, 86 percent strand rate, and the BB/9 of 4 give me pause with the left-hander. The fact that batters aren't chasing his secondary offerings as much as they did in years past explains why Gonzalez continues to rack up the walks, but eventually, this approach is going to catch up with him. He's still a must-own in most formats as a number four starter, but if someone wants to pay you for a number three, I say go for it.
Randal Grichuk(OF-STL): Grichuk went 2-for-5 with a homer and three RBIs Monday vs. the Reds. He's hot and is a must-own in standard ROTO formats with 5 OF. However, I'm skeptical that he's a long-term solution for fantasy teams. Mike Matheny indicated that Grichuk was sent down to work on his plate discipline, but the slugger only walked four times in 70 plate appearances at Triple-A and has yet to walk since his return. His batted ball profile supports the power pace, but in today's environment, I don't see the value in an empty 25 homers as anything more than a fifth OF in most leagues.
Eddie Butler(SP-CHC): Butler won after allowing four hits with one strikeout over five scoreless innings against the Nationals. While he makes for a great stopgap option in deeper formats, Butler is a risky pitcher to roster for those facing tough decisions with their bench. He has been living on the edge with a .259 BABIP and a 6.5 percent HR/FB rate, and his 26:21 K:BB ratio over 43 2/3 innings continues to hurt owners in ROTO formats. As long as he is in the rotation, Butler is a fine option in points formats, but even there he may be a sell high candidate with his status uncertain due to emergence of Mike Montgomery and looming rotation crunch that'll hit when everyone returns to full health.
Kenta Maeda(SP-LAD): Maeda has allowed hard contact less than 26 percent of the time while garnering swinging strikes over 14 percent of the time. He has also allowed a .279 wOBA at home, which is where he draws the Angels today. LAA is 25th in total offense against right-handed pitching, and without Mr. Trout or the DH to assist Pujols, the lineup should be there for Maeda to work. I'm a big believer in Maeda and think today could be the day we see him solidify himself back into the rotation. The price is high at $8400 on FanDuel, which could lead to low ownership and a great tournament play.
Jeff Hoffman(SP-COL): The Giants are dead last in offense against right-handed pitching while AT&T Park is dead last in Park Factors for overall offense and power. That sounds like a perfect recipe for Jeff Hoffman to work with as he looks to bounce back from a rough start at home. Hoffman has posted a 24:1 K:BB ratio with a .167 wOBA allowed in 20 1/3 innings on the road, allowing a 27 percent hard hit rate. While it is Max Scherzer day, I think Hoffman could end up within 10 points of Scherzer's production at a price that makes sense ($7400). Buy.
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