Carlos Rodon (SP-CHW): The lefty posted a typical Carlos-Rodon start, allowing 2 earned runs in 6 innings in earning his 9th win while also walking 5 Yankees. His BB-rate, which is hovering around the 12% mark, continues to hold him back from realizing his ace potential. While elite starters typically post first-pitch-strikes at least 60% of the time, Rodon has done so at a 53% clip. His 10% swinging-strike rate is already well-above league average, and his 48% GB-rate empowers him to escape jams. He has the athleticism to tighten his control, and once he does, he will likely vault into top-10 SP territory. Until he does, however, be careful with over-drafting, as the development process isn't always linear.
Kevin Pillar (OF-TOR): Pillar, who hit his 12th homer and stole his 24th base, continued to demonstrate the length of the Blue Jays lineup in their win over the Rays. He has posted top-35 ROTO numbers according to the majority of ranking systems out there. Should he be drafted as such in 2016? I don't see it. He has posted an average speed-off-bat of 102.8 MPH on his homers with an average distance of 388.5 feet, marks that don't offer too much hope that his 6.4% HR/FB rate will improve. While he has posted solid 83% contact rate, his 40% chase rate concerns me, as I see the league exploiting his pull-happy, free-swinging tendencies. Add in Dalton Pompey's looming presence, and Pillar makes for a risky keeper and re-draft pick heading into 2016.
Sin-soo Choo (OF-TEX): Sin-soo hit his 19th homer to lead the Rangers to a big W over the Astros. It has been a solid bounce back campaign for Choo, who has seemingly regained his powerstroke after an outage in 2014. Beneath the surface stats, however, sits the 102 MPH average speed off bat on his homers with a paltry 386 feet as his average distance. These marks don't sustain anywhere close to a 16% HR/FB rate. Add to this the fact that he doesn't attempt SB's near the rate he used to, and Choo could make for a trap play in 2016.
Eddie Rosario (OF-MIN): Although in a losing effort that may have dashed the Twins playoff hopes, Eddie Rosario drove in 3 more runs to continue his promising rookie campaign. He has smacked 12 homers and swiped 11 bags in 115 games, providing great value to those in ROTO leagues. And while he makes for a solid pick to fill in the back end of your OF in such leagues in 2016, be careful. He has posted an abysmal .13 EYE to continue the plate discipline issues he began experiencing upon his promotion to AA. His 45% chase rate and 14% swinging strike rate are alarming to say the lease. While there is plenty of development left, exercise caution in 2016, perhaps avoiding him in points leagues altogether.
Josh Tomlin (SP-CLE): Tomlin's price might seem a bit high at $10800, but I sense this could make him a contrarian play in tournaments. KC is 3rd vs. righties, but they will likely be resting some regulars. And while Tomlin is due for some regression, his 2.9% BB-rate and 25% K-rate look legit and provide a nice recipe to tame the patient Royals. Tomlin is no fluke.
Thank you for following along all season and for being "one of us." 2015 has been my most fulfilling season as an analyst with Fantistics, and you've played a huge role in that. May your teams finish with a bang. See you in January!
