FRIDAY'S STARTS & SITS
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BATTERS
Studs to Start
Adam Jones, Orioles vs. Yankees ($90,480)
Any time Jones faces CC Sabathia, he gets our nod. He is a .300 hitter in 50 at-bats with 2 doubles, 1 triple, 3 home runs and 11 RBI against him during his career. Use him as an OF1.
Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies vs. Reds ($74,464)
If you can afford to use Tulo as your shortstop, make sure you can do so. He is 5 for 12 with 2 home runs and 5 RBI against Bronson Arroyo during his career and given Arroyo’s lack of success against the Rockies in Coors Field, more on that later, take advantage of the matchup.
Paul Goldschmidt, Diamondbacks vs. Giants ($92,560)
No matter what the cost, Goldy needs to be in your lineup today given the insane numbers he has against Tim Lincecum. He is 9 for 17 with 1 double, 5 home runs and 11 RBI against him during his career and given that power barrage, there is no question he needs to be your first basemen tonight.
Billy Butler, Royals vs. Blue Jays ($76,128)
Speaking of big numbers in large sample sizes, Butler is .351 in 57 at-bats with 3 doubles, 3 home runs and 15 RBI against Mark Buehrle. If you are using Goldy as your first basemen, maybe give Butler a whirl as a utility player.
Value Plays
Neil Walker, Pirates vs. Cardinals ($53,248)
A few nights ago we recommended Walker and he delivered with a home run. So why not try again? He is 4 for 6 with 2 doubles and an RBI against Shelby Miller and given how the Pirates now need their bats to wake up, maybe Walker can get it going against someone he has done well against in his past.
Bench
Allen Craig, Cardinals vs. Pirates ($76,128)
There is no question Craig is an MVP candidate as he has been a consistent run producer for the Cards. But given his lack of success against the lefty he is facing tonight makes me hesitant to use him. He is 0 for 6 with 4 strikeouts against Francisco Liriano during his career, and considering how well the Pirates stud is throwing, I would avoid Craig.
Jayson Werth, Nationals vs. Mets ($82,992)
Werth is on fire and finally living up to his massive contract. For one night however, it may be best to bench him as he is 8 for 28 with 11 strikeouts against Dillon Gee. Gee is pitching as well as anyone outside of Clayton Kershaw in the NL over the last two months, so take those numbers seriously.
PITCHERS
Studs to Start
Jordan Zimmerman, Nationals vs. Mets ($103,200)
Ignore the fact that in 14 career starts Zimmerman is only 3-4 against the Mets. Realize that he has an ERA close to 3.00 and now he faces a depleted Mets lineup with no David Wright, Marlon Byrd, and many of the other bats he has faced in the past. This is a no brainer as the Nationals are playing great baseball and he should have plenty of offensive support in this one.
David Price, Rays vs. Athletics ($106,400)
Since May 15, Price has lowered his ERA a full two points. He has won 7 of last 8 decisions and outside of Clayton Kershaw, is pitching the best baseball in the sport. He has had some success against the A’s during his career with a 2-1 record, so ride out the lofty price and enjoy the success he will have tonight.
Hyun-Jin Ryu, Dodgers vs. Padres ($113,440)
Somehow during his rookie season, Ryu has yet to face divisional foe San Diego before tonight’s start. He has won 6 of his last 8 decisions, and tossing out a rough outing against the Red Sox last time out, he has been solid. Against a weak hitting Padres offense that has yet to see him pitch live, Ryu is an excellent choice for your rotation.
Value Plays
Jered Weaver, Angels vs. Brewers ($96,960)
In what has been an up and down season for the talented righty, Weaver is coming off a dominant performance in a win last week against the Mariners. Now he faces a Brewers team that outside of Aramis Ramirez lacks much punch, so given the price tag, Weaver is a solid play as a low-end SP2 or high end SP3.
Bench
Shelby Miller, Cardinals vs. Pirates ($105,280)
Miller has shown as a rookie he is ready for the big time and a pennant race. What he is not ready for is to face the Pirates again. In 3 career starts against Pittsburgh he is 0-3 with an ERA over 4. Avoid the young righty in all formats.
Bronson Arroyo, Reds vs. Rockies ($120,320)
Arroyo has been a tremendous piece of the Reds puzzle in 2013 and has surely made himself some extra money as a free agent this offseason, but there is no way I would pitch him in Coors Field. Why? Cause in 5 career starts he is 1-2 with a 6,48 ERA. That is why.