Too much #want

The challenges of streaming

There are many advantages for streaming pitchers in fantasy baseball. It allows you to draft better position players, you avoid the risk of your top draft picks getting hurt (pitchers are more prone to injuries) and lost for the season. You can get daily production instead of only once every five days. Most importantly, you get more consistent production from hitters.  

But how do you make sure you pick the right players? How you avoid the pitfalls on the way?

First of all you have to check your innings (or starts) limit. Many leagues have some kind of limit on using pitchers may it be by innings pitched or by number of starts. You want to manage your starts wisely and don’t over use it.

The worst thing is to reach your limit too early. You’ll find yourself with useless pitchers which you can’t even trade because the other players in your league realize you can’t use anymore and they won’t be willing to pay anything.

If you reach your limit too soon you’re also setting a clear target to other players in the league who are chasing you in the different pitching categories, knowing you won’t be able to change anything.

Another mistake is trying to compensate for a bad outing. Let’s say one of your pitchers had a bad outing, it happens. You shouldn’t try to pick someone the next day just to compensate for that bad outing. Keep your emotions away and look for the right opportunity. Don’t try to force it.

How do you find the right pitcher to stream?

Take a look at the probable starters. Not today’s because if you are playing in a competitive league most chances they’re already gone. Check their last couple of starts; look at their k’s to ip and k’s to bb ratios. Remember, it’s hard to predict wins as they depend on many factors not in the pitcher’s control. You want a pitcher that will give you something regardless of the win.

Two other factors to consider are the opponent and the location of the game. Check the offensive stats for the rival team. If the team is ranked low in scoring you can feel better. Same is true if the opponent is going to play without key players due to injury or a day off.

Most times you want to avoid pitchers in Coors. Wrigley can be hitters friendly on a hot day or if the wind is blowing out, but it can be more pitchers friendly on a night game. Texas is another place to avoid in the summer. On the other hand, any start at Petco, Safeco, Oakland Coliseum or Citi Field is favorable to the pitchers. In most cases you’d like a pitcher pitching at home, especially if  home is a pitcher’s friendly park.

The  Previous week

Not the best week. Lost some points on my pitching due to bad streaming. Will have to do better next week.