Stream Pies (7/17/11)- Part I

Just call him Swag-zak.
Photo Credit: UCinternational

At “Stream Pies,” we are serving up gooey loads of knowledge. Here, we’ll provide invaluable streaming advice on SPs who are owned in less than 30-percent of Yahoo! leagues. We list the options in order of best option to “least-best” option (with the strongest recommendations starting at the top).

There will be a multi-day edition of “Stream Pies” up later today, but since I know you are all dying to pick up your players for tomorrow, here’s a taste:

For games played Monday, July 18th
Clay Hensley @NYM
Though it’s his first start since 2008, Hensley is not only a great spot start against the Mets, he’s actually a person of interest long-term in standard mixed leagues. Hensley posted a 9.54 K/9 and 2.16 ERA last year in relief, and I think his success could very well carry over as a starter. Beginning last year, Hensely completely changed his approach, making his curve ball and change-up a major part of his repertoire as those two offerings made up 42.7 percent of his pitches. If he sticks with this approach (and he would be an idiot not to considering his mediocre production prior to 2010), he could be a nice source of Ks. For now, consider this an audition for a mixed league roster spot, albeit a very good one considering he’s pitching in spacious Citi Field.

Anthony Swarzak vs. CLE
Cleveland’s offense doesn’t scare anyone and Swarzak is displaying decent velocity (91.2 mph average on his fastball---up a tick from last year) while also possessing good command (2.48 BB/9). Plus, the Twins have been playing better baseball, so I think Swarzak is a solid bet for a dub.

“Stream Pies” Recommendation Results for 2011
31 Wins (74 starts), 459.2 IP, 3.92 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 5.91 K/9