I know this sounds weird, and I’m still debating it myself, but I kinda like Kyle Hendricks for deeper leagues next season. Yes, his ERA is hanging out above 4.00 right now, but after last night’s 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 Hits, 2 BBs, 9 Ks he now holds a shockingly high 8.22 K/9 with a small 2.22 BB/9 while sporting a solid 3.33 xFIP. He’s a power sinker guy with the ability to stay above 50% grounders, the Cubs are a winning team, and he allows just 25.7% hard contact. He is definitely not the most attractive guy out there, but when you’re looking for any sort of consistency deeper in drafts, Hendricks maaaay be a welcome addition to your party. I mean, he can’t be as bad as Kyle One, I’m so happy we got rid of him…OH COME ON.
Let’s see what every other SP did yesterday:
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Max Scherzer – 8.0 IP, 1 ER, 2 Hits, 3 BBs, 10 Ks. Aces gonna ace.
Yordano Ventura – 7.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 Hits, 1 BBs, 6 Ks. It just looks so tantalizing, doesn’t it? Could this really be the start of something wonderful? Nah, for every fantastic start there is another blegh monster just waiting to scare you as you were just about to take your first sip of coffee. That monster is the worst.
J.A. Happ – 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 Hits, 0 BBs, 4 Ks. So That Happened, which used to be a bad thing but now it’s expected to be great. Happ and Hill are two lefty marvels that are somehow getting it done consistently these days. It’s weird, enjoy the magic for now, and we’ll talk in January.
Jake Peavy – 7.0 IP, 1 ER, 3 Hits, 1 BBs, 4 Ks. I can’t ignore that Peavy has allowed only 4 ER across his last four starts now, but the teams haven’t been all that great and his 4.41 xFIP for the season makes me icky thinking about 2016.
Zack Greinke – 7.0 IP, 2 ER, 4 Hits, 3 BBs, 7 Ks. I’ve been in the Arrieta for Cy Young boat for a while – even though Kershaw is probably having the best season of the lot – and I can’t help but smile a little to see Greinke’s ERA rise a touch.
Chris Tillman – 7.1 IP, 2 ER, 5 Hits, 1 BBs, 3 Ks. You can’t spell Win with Tillman.
Roenis Elias – 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 3 Hits, 2 BBs, 5 Ks. Still can’t say I love Elias long term. It’s not out of the question it all comes together – he’s shown moments of greatness – but he needs a lot more polish first.
Lance McCullers – 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 4 Hits, 2 BBs, 7 Ks. Our Call Boy got the job done without destroying our WHIP. McCullers is a decent upside pick to draft next year, but I’m cautious that he’ll be consistent enough to be a blind start through the year.
Lance Lynn – 5.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 Hits, 4 BBs, 6 Ks. The biggest fears with Lynn have been walks, and they are still nagging at him through the end of September. It’s possible he has a fantastic start again in 2016 – and that upside may well be worth his most likely late pick – but I will not be reaching for him in drafts.
Justin Verlander – 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 6 Hits, 2 BBs, 5 Ks. Pretty middle of the road from Verlander, but we’ll take it.
Marco Estrada – 7.1 IP, 3 ER, 4 Hits, 1 BBs, 2 Ks. I guess you’re happy if you started him, and you’ll probably run with him one last time against the Rays this weekend, but I can’t place him very high next year. I just can’t do it Cap’n!
Eduardo Rodriguez – 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 7 Hits, 1 BBs, 5 Ks. He pulled off a solid stream despite facing the mighty Yankees. I think he’ll be in the 30s pre-season in 2016. I love the guy too much.
Tommy Milone – 5.2 IP, 2 ER, 4 Hits, 0 BBs, 4 Ks. He’s very mediocre and I don’t see that changing…ever.
Ivan Nova – 7.0 IP, 4 ER, 7 Hits, 2 BBs, 7 Ks. So the upside is starting to come out, but there’s still work to be done. I see him as a streamer next year that could develop into a decent add for deeper 12 teamers.
Hector Santiago – 5.2 IP, 3 ER, 3 Hits, 2 BBs, 4 Ks. Don’t get sucked in next year. Santiago had a crazy lucky two months and everything else has been super lame, just like that ex-girlfriend of yours. You just have to not reach out to her, I don’t care if it’s 1:00am on a Friday.
Felix Doubront – 6.0 IP, 4 ER, 5 Hits, 4 BBs, 4 Ks. The Wrong Felix.
Corey Kluber – 6.0 IP, 4 ER, 7 Hits, 3 BBs, 6 Ks. The Klubster has been a bit of a roller-coaster this year, but his under the hood numbers say luck is more of an issue than his own ability.
Brandon Finnegan – 5.0 IP, 3 ER, 8 Hits, 2 BBs, 3 Ks. It’s possible Finnegan shows more of his upside next season, but he’s not the young pitcher I want to invest in.
Colby Lewis – 4.2 IP, 6 ER, 10 Hits, 1 BBs, 4 Ks. He’s just a few games removed from hinting at perfection, which should give you a great idea as to why I avoid him everywhere. Too bad for Clark though, he was stuck with Lewis for ages.
Today’s Streamer
Shoemaker isn’t getting the start after all, and Ray has shown his K upside lately. We know the Rockies aren’t great outside of Coors, so let’s take advantage.
Tomorrow’s Streamer
Drew Smyly vs. Miami Marlins – Hard not to love this start from Smyly as he faces the Fish after putting up 37 Ks in his last five starts combined.
Game of the Day
Clayton Kershaw vs. Madison Bumgarner – It’s Kersh vs. Bummy. Yes please.