JLB Fantasy Notebook: Opening Night (4.5.15)





Opening Night went really well for some of us; not so much for others.

Of course, I was one of the “others.”

A big 0-for-9 with five strikeouts and a walk at the plate, and a closer pitching in a non-save situation — that was my night. Fortunately, that closer, Hector Rondon, put up a clean inning.

My opponent, Otto Parts, had a much better night with his one player, Jason Heyward, who had a hell of a debut with the Cardinals, going 3-for-5 with two doubles, a stolen base and a run scored.

Obviously, nowhere close to panic time, but still, it kind of dulled the excitement for Opening Night.

Nevertheless, it was a good game to watch. Adam Wainwright was looking good. He got into trouble several times — which is why he only went six innings — but he worked out of jams numerous times with great pitch sequences, and yes, a little help from the umpire.

Vandelay wasn’t complaining as he got six strikeouts in the quality start win for Wainwright. He also got two more strikeouts from Jordan Walden and earned a hold on day one. Add in three hits, two RBIs, two walks and two stolen bases from a trio of bats, and he’s off to a strong start against Steroid.ERA, who got a 2-for-4 night from Matt Carpenter and a three-strikeout save from Trevor Rosenthal.

The Cheese Steaks got a hold from the Cards’ bullpen, too, as Carlos Martinez pitched a clean inning, but that only lowered the ERA to 5.06 after Jon Lester’s short 4 1/3-inning outing resulted in three runs on eight hits and two walks. Lester, who had six strikeouts, was tagged with the loss.

As mentioned, it’s early, but that’s how Opening Night went. Now, onto Opening Day.

I’m hitting the batting cages early in the morning and then firing up the grill. I’ll have another fantasy post tomorrow night.

Comments

Unknown said…
Really insightful commentary. Do you consult https://www.fantasysportsdaily.com/ sometimes?