When I first started writing this column, I thought that the thing that would hurt me the most is pitchers not performing as I put them. As it turns out, yes, it’s disgusting when guys I expected to be nice come out and lay an egg. And yes, I cringe at all the pitchers who have seen me as a dud come out and deliver the goods. But, as it turns out, the thing that drives me the worst is when the actual names on the list end up being wrong.
I knew to include a weeklong disclaimer that the rotation is not set in stone, but I just looked down How Liquids last a week. More often than I like, teams don’t announce their Monday or Tuesday starters until Sunday afternoon. That can be a problem if the title is posted on a Saturday night. Or, even more annoying, I put together a list according to what has been announced as a possibility, only for teams to change their minds after I can do anything about it. Or, as happened last week, the boys were put on IL without warning. I can deal with inaccuracies about how a guy is going to do in a given week. What is me hatred it gives you the wrong information to work with. Unfortunately, however, it will happen from time to time.
Along those lines, this week could be pretty bad for everyone. We’ve already seen a few trades made, and we’re sure to see more happen before Tuesday’s deadline. Who will go where and how it will affect the circulation is beyond anyone’s ability to predict. But, as always, we will be open, doing the best we can with the information we receive. Let’s get to it!
The following are our guesses at the time of writing as to who will start two games this week, but the weather, injuries, and secret team management mean they are just that: guesses. To stay as up-to-date as possible, consult Rudy Gamble’s invaluable Streamonator.
Chocolate Chip Cookies (A Must-Start)
They are the kings of the cookie world for a reason. A warm, freshly baked chocolate chip cookie makes you feel good. Kind of like setting your plans you know you’re getting a double this week from these guys.
| It’s a jar | The beginning of the beginning | The Second Beginning |
|---|---|---|
| Paul Skenes, Pit | @HOU | ARI |
| Chris Sale, Atl | @MIL | MIA |
| Zach Wheeler, Phil | NYY | @SEA |
| Corbin Burnes, Bal | TOR | @CLE |
| Logan Gilbert, Sea | @BOS | PHI |
| Tanner Bibee, Cle | @DET | BAL |
- Marketing is an example of what I am talking about above. As of Saturday evening, the Braves have not announced their likely starters for last Sunday. Besides, they are one of the main teams in terms of adjusting the schedules and adding the 6 starters, which keeps the sales (and Reynaldo Lopez) from appearing twice in a given week. So, you are meant to come here, but it may not happen. Again.
- Baltimore’s matchup isn’t fair, and it’s never as reliable as you’d like for a pitcher at this stage, but Bibee makes the cut anyway.
Sugar Cookies (Must Start)
They went well. You could certainly do a lot worse than having these guys on your list, but don’t expect it to be spectacular.
| It’s a jar | The beginning of the beginning | The Second Beginning |
|---|---|---|
| Nathan Eovaldi, Tex | @STL | The BOS |
| Nick Pivetta, Bos | THE SEA | @TEX |
| Zach Eflin, Bal | TOR | @CLE |
| Justin Steele, ChC | @CIN | STL |
| Michael Wacha, KC | @CHW | @DET |
| Luis Gil, NYY | @PHI | TOR |
- The consensus seems to be that the Rangers won’t be sellers before Tuesday, but it’s at least within the realm of possibility that Eovaldi could find a new home. I wouldn’t worry too much about it, but it felt like it deserved attention.
- Wacha is this week’s big winner when it comes to matchups. Good for him!
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies (Can Start)
This is not for everyone. These are the jars that can be a happy surprise, or they can ruin your church. Step slowly.
| It’s a jar | The beginning of the beginning | The Second Beginning |
|---|---|---|
| Simeon Woods Richardson, Min | @NYM | CHW |
| Jameson Taillon, ChC | @CIN | STL |
| Edward Cabrera, Mia | @TB | @ATL |
| Colin Rea, Mil | ATL | @WSH |
| Jose Quintana, NYM | MIN | @LAA |
| Yariel Rodriguez, Tor | @BAL | @NYY |
| Andre Pallante, StL | TEX | @CHC |
| Lance Lynn, StL | TEX | @CHC |
- Taillon’s name is one that gets thrown around a lot in trade talk. Be prepared to be removed as an option here.
- Rodriguez has been off to a great start lately, but those matchups aren’t what you want to see.
- Streamonator indeed, indeed he doesn’t like Pallante this week. But what should I do? Don’t go and add him just to use him this week, but if he’s already on your list? I wouldn’t hate you.
- Lynn is not a gambler I would feel comfortable taking, but I can see the argument for wanting.
Fortune Cookies (Don’t Start)
Yes, they are technically cookies. Hold on, what does that little piece of paper say? “Bad times pass.” Oh. Oh well.
| It’s a jar | The beginning of the beginning | The Second Beginning |
|---|---|---|
| Cal Quantrill, Col | @LAA | @SD |
| Griffin Canning, LAA | COL | NYM |
| Carson Spiers, Cin | CHC | SF |
| Alec Marsh, KC | @CHW | @DET |
| Jordan Montgomery, Ari | WSH | @PIT |
| Allan Winans, Atl | @MIL | MIA |
| Jake Bloss, Hou | The PIT | TB |
| Mitchell Parker, Wsh | @ARI | The MIL |
| Chris Flexen, ChW | KC | @MIN |
- Quantrill is a wild card for several reasons. First, as of this writing, the Rockies have not announced who will start the week after Ty Blach was designated for assignment. Streamonator predicts it will be Noah Davis, but Quantrill will be rested regularly. However, Quantrill could be traded at the deadline. If he stays and starts on Tuesday, he could sneak into the Oatmeal Raisin category.
- Winans is a Brave, so who knows what will happen? You don’t want to use him anyway.
- Parker had a great run earlier this season. He has also crashed into the world recently, however.
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