Roto Lunch – Cinco De Mayo
Posted by Rob McQuown on Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 12:24 am
Somebody should do a study to see if Mexican players do worse, on average, on May 6. I won’t be adjusting for it, just musing, though I’m surprised this guy didn’t ask “The Mexicutioner” Joakim Soria when he “interviewed” him for Yahoo…
Starting pitchers:
There are a wealth of reasonably good options for Tuesday. In order, I like the following:
Dallas Braden vs LAA – LA doesn’t score much, and Loux is pitching for them.Aaron Cook @ San Diego – Cook hasn’t been sharp, and SD does hit, even though their park suppresses runs a lot. Stell, up against Geer, we like Cook’s chances. As usual, don’t expect K’s from him, though.
Both Gavin Floyd and Kyle Davies seem likely to post good lines in KC, as the two low-scoring teams with good bullpen support match up.
Ian Snell vs Milwaukee – Milwaukee hasn’t been scoring much, doesn’t hit righties well, and Braun’s hurt. If Snell is smart enough to walk Fielder, he could coast. [ed - I moved Snell down after further review. Thought he was doing better.]
Kenshin Kawakami vs Mets
Koji Uehara @ Tampa Bay – Should be okay rate stats, but beating Garza isn’t easy, and the BAL pen is awful.
Scott Olsen vs Houston – Has anyone noticed how inept Houston’s aw-fense has been? Well, if you look at their rate stats (batting average, OBP, SLG), they shouldn’t be 2nd-to-last in the league in runs/game. And the decisions to use Bourn and Blum in key offensive roles has paid off, as Bourn has been great, while Blum hasn’t been bad. Though they often don’t score for Oswalt any more (time was, he was a win machine), he’s great, so don’t expect a “W” for Olsen.Batters:
2b/ss Asdrubal Cabrera, C Kelly Shoppach, 1b Ryan Garko, OF Matt LaPorta against lefty Cecil.
of Dexter Fowler against SD catching (and Geer).
of Jason Kubel against Porcello
Livan is bad enough that you should consider any of these Braves, if you need the position: 2b Kelly Johnson, ss Yunel Escobar, 1b Casey Kotchman, of Jordan Schafer.
For Oakland, any of of’s Jack Cust and Ryan Sweeney, and c Kurt Suzuki should be good plays against Loux.
of Nyjer Morgan should be able to get on base against Suppan.
