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Last-minute lineup decisions
While making our own lineup decisions in weekly leagues, we made some observations worth sharing going into the final stretch.
Injuries: There’s a big list of players to be very concerned with getting into enough games this week to put in your lineup. Some players who we are avoiding this week are Mike Stanton, Edwin Encarnacion, Kevin Youkilis, Carlos Quentin, Todd Helton, Nick Swisher, Adam Jones, Logan Morrison, Jose Lopez, Michael Cuddyer, Coco Crisp, Chase Utley, Will Venable. Rickie Weeks is expected to see mostly just pinch-hitting duty as he eases his way back from a severely sprained ankle, so leave him on your bench for one more week. Yunel Escobar is dealing with a swollen elbow from being hit by a pitch, but should play enough to consider going with if you don’t have a better alternative at shortstop. Colby Rasmus should return from the DL early in the week and makes a decent low-end option in the outfield. Josh Beckett could be pushed back again, but he’s worth starting for the probability of one solid start this week. Kyle Farnsworth has blown two straight save opportunities and is dealing with a sore elbow, so you may want to consider trying Joel Peralta if you’re desperate for saves. Alex Rodriguez falls in the most mysterious category of all, as he could continue to rest his ailing thumb or be back in the lineup all week – play him at your own risk. You’ll have to play Troy Tulowitzki even though his sore hip could cost him a chunk of the week. Jimmy Rollins appears ready to rejoin the Phillies lineup today, so he should be in yours. Nelson Cruz will be activated on Wednesday, so he’s worth getting back in your lineups.
Borderline pitchers: There are a few names to consider if you’re desperately searching for a two-start pitcher or a sleeper to slide into a final lineup spot. Joe Saunders has pitched decent enough this season to consider taking a shot for his favorable matchups (@LAD, @SD). Brad Lincoln has four straight quality starts since entering the Pirates’ rotation and could be used for his two starts (STL, @LAD). Ross Detwiler had been pretty good until his last start, so he’s somebody to consider because of his favorable opponents (@NYM, FLA). If you’re real desperate or in an NL-only league, Chris Volstad has pitched reasonably well since returning from the minors and has a mixed set of opponents (@ATL, @WAS). Guillermo Moscoso is coming off a near no-hitter and has two starts at home (LAA, DET), where he has a 2.26 ERA on the season, so he makes for a great sleeper choice. A couple elite prospects will take to the mound and are worth streaming – Brad Peacock (@NYM) and Drew Pomeranz (SF).
One last bit of advice is to take extra special care to look at where you stand in all the categories in roto leagues in when making your lineup decisions. If you stand to gain more points in steals but stand nothing to gain or lose in homers, get your speed lineup in there. If you have more to gain in strikeouts and wins than in saves, it’s time to let your closers take up residence on your bench. This is where money will be won or lost in a majority of leagues, so do yourself a favor and take the time to weigh your decisions carefully.
