Stream Team

Every week we’ll take a look at less-heralded starting pitchers that have favorable weekend match-ups.

A common strategy in H2H daily transaction leagues is to break up the pitching week into two parts: Monday – Thursday and Friday – Sunday. Over the first part of the week you throw your SP’s out there (match-up permitting) and you see how they fare. On Thursday you assess your ratios, Wins and K’s. If it looks like you are trailing in the counting stats and have leeway with the ratios (either because you are hopelessly behind or you have a sizeable lead) then you go ahead and look for the best scrub SP on the wire and start him on the weekend. You drop that scrub the next day and pick up another scrub.

Our aim with this column is to show you which SP are worth streaming for their weekend starts. Let’s get right to it.

Friday, April 18
Todd Wellemeyer: He is home against the Giants, facing off against Matt Cain. This is a rematch from last Saturday. Wellemeyer actually gave up 5 ER in that game, but he struck out 7 in 6.0 innings. The problem was the long ball, as he gave up two HRs, one of which was to Cain. I’m sure he’ll pitch Matt a little more carefully this time around. And if Wellemeyer can strike out a batter per inning then he will surely help you accumulate those Ks.

Saturday, April 19
Wandy Rodriguez: The legend of Way-Rod has grown stronger over his first few home starts of the year (1 ER allowed in 14.1 innings with 13 strike outs). He is home against the Rockies and starter Aaron Cook. There is not much analysis to do here: You simply must start Wandy at home. In fact, I recommend you hold on to him for the season (league depth permitting) and start him in every game he pitches at Houston.

Sunday, April 20
Nate Robertson: Robertson faces off against Shawn Marcum and the Blue Jays in Toronto. In 2007 Robertson went 1-1 with a 2.43 ERA and 9 strikeouts in 12.2 innings against the Jays. The Tigers offense is coming around so Nate’s chances of picking up a W are better now than they were at the start of the year. Robertson did experience some tightness in his left lat muscle during his Tuesday start but it is not supposed to be a problem going forward.