One thing I have learned in my journey in fantasy baseball is that volume is key -- especially in hitting.
In standard rotisserie leagues, only one category is ratio based (batting average), which allows us to maximize at-bats and plate appearances to rack up those counting statistics in runs, home runs, runs batted in, and stolen bases. And as simplistic as the approach seems, the best fantasy players find ways to garner as many shots as possible -- via volume.
Each week, this report will analyze the matchups for the upcoming week to see if any teams in particular stand out from a volume perspective as we gear up for those Free Agent Budget (FAB) bids.
The seven-game teams? Those are obvious. But what about the other matchups? Let's dig in and find out.
Seven-Game Teams (18)
There's a lot of high-powered volume this week. In fact, it may be simpler to say who isn't playing seven games, but here we are. The following teams play (at least) seven games:
Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox (8), Houston Astros, Kansas City Royals, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, and Washington Nationals.
With so much volume, who sticks out? In alphabetical order:
Cincinnati Reds: The Reds open the week with a three game home set against the Philadelphia Phillies, and then they face the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cards' rotation has been dinged up recently. The Reds will see Johan Oviedo and then veterans Kwang-Hyun Kim and Adam Wainwright. This could be a big week for the Reds.
Chicago White Sox: This is the only team on the slate with eight games -- not seven -- thanks to a Memorial Day doubleheader against the Cleveland Indians. After Zach Plesac broke his thumb "aggressively removing his shirt," the Indians' rotation will be tested.
Minnesota Twins: They get to start their week with a trip to hitter-friendly Camden Yards. They finish the week heading to spacious Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City against the Royals' rotation. Buy pieces like Trevor Larnach if you can.
Washington Nationals: Don't look now, but this offense is starting to heat up. Both Kyle Schwarber and Josh Bell are hitting with authority (will Bell just stop hitting from the right side already?), and they get to attack two meh pitching staffs in the Braves and Phillies.
Six-Game Teams (13)
All of the remaining teams but one hit the field for six games. Of these squads, here are some interesting notes:
Los Angeles Dodgers: This is already a good offense, and these matchups make it even better. They begin against the Cardinals, and they face the Braves in Atlanta, where they'll see the back end of the rotation.
Oakland Athletics: Another solid set of matchups, especially when they get to end the week in Coors Field. The A's are in a great spot this week.
Five-Game Teams (1)
Coors Field
Texas Rangers (3), Oakland Athletics (3)