Marcus Stroman(SP-TOR): Stroman won after allowing two runs on five hits (one homer) and no walks with four strikeouts over seven innings vs. the Tigers, inducing 10 groundouts in an efficient 90-pitch outing. This makes back-to-back solid outings for Stroman after returning from shoulder fatigue that he had battled for much of spring and during the early part of the season. While he isn't an elite strikeout guy, as long as he induces groundouts (check) and minimizes free passes (one over his last 12 innings since returning, check), he is a viable back-end option in standard leagues. If he's out there on the wire, he's a recommended pick up.
Jake Bauers(1B-TB): Bauers went 0-for-2 with two walks vs. the Astros as he is maintaining an OPS of .904. His plate discipline and contact skills aren't in question. With a 17:19 BB:K ratio and a 24 percent chase rate, Bauers continues to demonstrate an advanced understanding of the strike zone and solid bat-to-ball skills at 22-years-old. The question remaining centers on if he'll develop enough power to deliver solid CI value in standard ROTO leagues. He hits the ball hard consistently (47 percent rate), so if he can find a way to elevate that flyball rate into the 30 percent range, I see no reason why he can't be a 20-homer guy with solid average and OBP numbers. It may take some development time, but he has the skills to do it. Think Brandon Belt with upside.
Stephen Piscotty(OF-OAK): Piscotty had collected at least one hit in seven of his previous 10 games heading into last night's late tilt with Cleveland. Slowly but surely his ISO is getting closer to the .184 mark he posted in his breakout 2016. His hard hit rate now stands at 42 percent, and over the past two weeks, he has shown the plate discipline we've come to expect from the former Cardinal. Piscotty has dealt with personal issues, so I'm giving his first three months a pass. Buy for a solid second half that should make him a viable #5 OF in standard leagues.
Kole Calhoun(OF-LAA): Calhoun ($3400 on DraftKings) is set for a matchup at Baltimore against Andrew Cashner. While Calhoun has struggled for much of the season, he has shown signs of life recently, collecting at least one hit in six of his last 11 games. Word from LAA is that Calhoun has made a few mechanical tweaks and feels more comfortable at the plate. Cashner has allowed a .368 wOBA (and six homers) to LHH's at home, and with Calhoun likely getting another look in the leadoff spot, he could find himself with plenty of chances today. It's a risky tournament play, but one where I see the risk-reward as being worth it.
Tyler Skaggs(SP-LAA): Skaggs ($11,100 on DraftKings) looks set for a big day at Baltimore today. The only question is: is it worth the hefty price tag. I'm going with yes. Skaggs has been stellar on the road with a 57:13 K:BB rate over 54.2 inning with hitters mustering a .286 wOBA. Baltimore is 28th in offensive production vs. LHP's, and while Cisco and Davis are their main LHH's, I think Skaggs can still outperform his 16% K-rate vs. RHH's. He'll likely go under-owned too, which makes this more appealing in tournaments.
This is just a small sample of our daily analysis. Join our member area for over 80 player updates daily: http://www.fantistics.com/salesbaseball.php3 Click here for details: https://www.insiderbaseball.com/baseballsample.htm"
