First Second Cookie Shop: August 12-18

Hello, dear readers. You may have noticed that there was no Cookie Shop last week. Sorry about that, but I was finishing a long drive home at the end of a family vacation, so it wasn’t in the cards. But we are back now and ready to run to finish the season.

Looking at the first two options for this week, they are not very exciting. There are a few top-tier options, but most of them are much lower. Some of the options were guys who should have started years ago or earlier this season, but for various reasons aren’t as attractive now. Others have shown glimmers of promise but could not really deliver. Some are good, some are bad. But we’ll make the best of it and see what we can cook. 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. It’s kind of like setting your rosters you know you’re getting two this week from these guys.

• As of Saturday night, Gil has not been officially confirmed to work double duty this week, but if they keep him rested regularly and don’t call anyone to start there, he should go.

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.

• I believe this is the smallest they have been all season. It’s an interesting mix of guys. Peralta struggled enough to be dropped from his usual spot, while Pfaadt and Blackburn were outside to force their way up.

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.

• I told you this is a tough week. If you want to say that the Singer belongs to the above category, I will not argue. However, I don’t like matchups and his last two outings were not easy.
• Kershaw has been fine since his return, but has yet to complete 5 innings. Are you doing it this week? It is possible. But I doubt enough that he is here this week. The innings he gives will probably be fine, but how much are they worth if a win isn’t included?
• Age seems to have caught up with Morton this season. The comparison isn’t bad, but the Braves have been adding an extra starter to give guys more days off all season. So you are listed here, but you should consider that you are only making the first start. If so, I probably won’t use him.

Fortune Cookies (Don’t Start)

Yes, technically cookies. Hold on, what does that little piece of paper say? “Bad times pass.” Oh. Oh well.

• I really wish Musgrove didn’t come back in the first two weeks, because not only was he out in late May, but he wasn’t very good before that. Maybe he’s working out, but I’m not counting on it.
• Crawford is a decent representative of this standard, at least as it extends to Jake Irvin. These guys have almost all spent time in the top flight this season, or are scoffing at the prospect of getting there. Unfortunately, since it is too late, they have fallen to the ground. To make matters worse, the Boston duo and Jake Irvin have such bad matchups it’s hard to make a case for taking the gamble. My heart looking for using some of these guys. If it’s an upside league, I could see doing that in some situations. But the risk of your ratings in the roto league this time of year means I can’t recommend you in good conscience.