This article is part of our The Z Files series.
It's crunch time with barely over a week left in the MLB season. You've come this far, let's 'ship this thing. Here are some reminders to help bring the title home:
You can still gain and lose points in the ratio categories
Yes, this is my personal crusade, but there are still those insisting it's too late to move in batting average, ERA and WHIP. It's all about the distribution, which is true for the counting categories as well. The difference is your competitors can also worsen their ratios. You can gain points by having the team ahead of you have a bad week and fall below you.
If you're still not convinced, think of a league where every team amasses the exact same number or at-bats and innings. Now, the batting average category is hits, ERA is earned runs and WHIP is hits plus walks. That is, they're all counting categories. Who's to say you can't pass an opponent in hits? Or give up fewer runs next week?
A great way to approach pitching ratios is picking up dominant middle relievers, especially since no one can pick up players you release in weekly leagues. For example, there's no reason to hold onto the likes of David Price or Chris Paddack as both are done for the season.
Beware of teams clinching, as they bench their regulars the next game while forcing reserves to play with a hangover
This is most relevant when using the schedule to decide between fringe
It's crunch time with barely over a week left in the MLB season. You've come this far, let's 'ship this thing. Here are some reminders to help bring the title home:
You can still gain and lose points in the ratio categories
Yes, this is my personal crusade, but there are still those insisting it's too late to move in batting average, ERA and WHIP. It's all about the distribution, which is true for the counting categories as well. The difference is your competitors can also worsen their ratios. You can gain points by having the team ahead of you have a bad week and fall below you.
If you're still not convinced, think of a league where every team amasses the exact same number or at-bats and innings. Now, the batting average category is hits, ERA is earned runs and WHIP is hits plus walks. That is, they're all counting categories. Who's to say you can't pass an opponent in hits? Or give up fewer runs next week?
A great way to approach pitching ratios is picking up dominant middle relievers, especially since no one can pick up players you release in weekly leagues. For example, there's no reason to hold onto the likes of David Price or Chris Paddack as both are done for the season.
Beware of teams clinching, as they bench their regulars the next game while forcing reserves to play with a hangover
This is most relevant when using the schedule to decide between fringe batters where number of games played is crucial. There are only two divisions up in the air. The Yankees and Dodgers have already clinched with the Astros and Braves on the cusp -- though, if you play in a daily league or one with a Friday start, keep in mind Houston and Atlanta's better players will probably have a day off this weekend.
The Twins and Cardinals are currently in the driver's seat in their divisions with the Indians, Brewers and Cubs all chasing the leaders. Assuming the Twins and Cardinals hold on, their regulars shouldn't be expected to play the full week. On the other hand, the Indians, Brewers and Cubs will all still be battling for the wild card, so having as many of those players active could benefit counting stats.
The Nationals and Athletics could clinch a wild card berth early enough to celebrate.
Load up on teams with a chance at the play-in game
Of course, this is only apropos in league counting the play-in games in fantasy standings. MLB treats them as regular-season games; so should you. Depending on the depth of your league, only bench players or relievers could be available, but still, if you're behind, every little bit helps.
There's a chance the NL Central division ends in a tie, but there's a better chance the wild cards end in a dead heat. As such, target Rays, Indians, Cubs and Brewers as well as Athletics and Nationals. Players from the first four take precedence since they're more likely to tie than the wild-card leaders. Brewers and Cubs are the most desirable target since they're in play for the division and wild card.
Look for players in reach of a career milestone or in play for a league award
For many, it's now all about personal accomplishments. Going into arbitration or free agency with 20 or 30 steals seems better than 19 or 29. It's perception, but the difference between 19 and 20 compared to 18 and 19 is significant. For some players, it's setting a new career high in a category. When deciding between close players for your active lineup, check their player page to see if they have something personal to play for.
Here are some examples:
- With two wins next week, Eduardo Rodriguez will finish with 20
- It's a long shot, but Trea Turner needs seven steals to reach 40 for the third straight season
- Ronald Acuna needs three SB for a 40/40 campaign after homering Thursday night
Obviously, you're playing these guys anyway. I'm just trying to point out the kinds of things to look for in fringier players.
Stay on top of everything
Here is where RotoWire is most useful, especially for daily leagues. Be it an immediate update to the Projected Starters Grid or a lineup note, our crack staff has you covered. Don't trust the teams plans announced the previous evening, as managers change their mind right up until game time.
Let's crowd-source some more. What final week tips do you have?
