And we’re back! After a short hiatus thanks to the All-Star Break and some technical issues (read: stupid computer), I’m finally ready to dig in and start the second half in style. I’ve got a couple prospects up today that I really like for Friday, so let’s see what they have in store for us. Here are the streaming pitchers for Friday, July 24!
Streaming Pitchers: 7/24/15
Nicholas Tropeano RHP LAA (vs. TEX)
Probable pitchers for the Angels have not been announced yet for this weekend’s games against the Rangers, but if everything holds true to form, it looks like Nicholas Tropeano should get the nod. Tropeano is a guy that I liked for the start of the fantasy baseball season as a potential sleeper. His fastball and slider are both fringe average, but the changeup has the potential to be a plus pitch, at least according to Kiley McDaniel of FanGraphs. My plans were foiled, though, as the Angels decided that he was not ready for the show quite yet, and sent him to the minors for a couple months. He’s shown solid control throughout his career in the minors, having posted a walk rate below 3.0 BB/9 at every stop in since 2013. His strikeout potential seems solid as well, with rates above 8.5 K/9 every year since 2013, including 9.59 K/9 in 11 starts in AAA this year. He’s had a bit of a home run problem along the way, but pitching in Angel Stadium should help with that. He gets that help on Friday, as he faces the Rangers. The Rangers have a 90 wRC+ on the road and a 99 wRC+ against righties. His first start in the majors went well, shutting the A’s out for six innings while allowing only five hits and a walk and striking out five. Look for similar results against the Rangers.
Tim Cooney LHP STL (vs. ATL)
Tim Cooney is a guy I’m pursuing in my super deep fantasy league, mostly because he’s the kind of guy that can slip through the cracks. He has mostly average stuff and will never be considered an ace, but for a minimum salary guy for four years, average is all you need. Here’s a good description of Cooney from the aforementioned Kiley McDaniel:
- Tim Cooney, LHP: Cards execs call Cooney a poor man’s Marco Gonzalez, as the stuff is pretty similar, but there isn’t quite as much impact. Cooney was drafted in the 3rd round in 2012 out of Wake Forest and has moved quickly through the system to where he’s big league ready now and will get a look for the 5th starter job, but will likely break camp in Triple-A waiting for a spot to open in the rotation. Cooney works 89-92 mph with good life, a fringy to average curveball, a below average slider and an above average changeup. His control and command are both above average and the life on his heater along with plane from being 6’3/195 help his ground ball rate, with hopes to reach his 4th starter upside in 2016.
So he has average stuff, but great control and a potential for a solid ground ball rate. He is what I like to call a streamer’s delight. Never a top option, he can be a useful fill in if you need a spot starter as long as you don’t need the strikeouts. The Braves should be a suitable matchup for him, as they have a 90 wRC+ on the road and a 74 wRC+ against lefties. Go get him while you can!
Good luck and happy streaming!
Main Photo: Allison Rhoades/Memphis Redbirds
