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 (17)
There is 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, Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies, Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Angels, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Mets (8), San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners, San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays and Washington Nationals.
With so much volume, who sticks out? In alphabetical order:
Colorado Rockies: This is a pretty easy one -- seven home games makes it a smash spot, right? You betcha. Don't sleep on Yonathan Daza as he's started 10 of the last 11 games for Colorado.
Los Angeles Angels: This team is still missing star Mike Trout, but have no fear -- it's Shohei Ohtani time. Could this dude really post a 40-20 season and strike out 30% of batters? Maybe. Fold in great matchups against the Tigers for four games at the end of the week? Yuppppp.
Milwaukee Brewers: They get to end their week with four in Denver, which makes them tempting. But starting the week with three at home against a poor Reds rotation? Yes, please. Don't ignore that Dan Vogelbach has hit second in the lineup the last five contests against righties.
Toronto Blue Jays: In a bit of a quirky week, the Jays play three different opponents. They start the week at Fenway, go to Buffalo for three "home" games, and finish the week with three games in Camden Yards. This offense has been one of the league's best, and this week should be no exception.
Six-Game Teams (12)
All of the remaining teams but one hit the field for six games. Of these squads, here are some interesting notes:
Boston Red Sox: The Red Sox are a great offense, and this week will show how truly outstanding they really are. While they only have six games on, they start by seeing rookie arms in Atlanta and should beat up Jackson Kowar and Brad Keller, who have been struggling, later in the week in Kansas City.
Five-Game Teams (1)
Coors Field
San Diego Padres (3), Milwaukee Brewers (4)