Some hidden value with Dylan Covey highlights this week’s Week That Was.

Dylan Covey :  Dylan Covey tossed six innings of one run ball Friday while walking just one and mowing down five.  In the start before that, he gave up just five baserunners to the red-hot Twins while striking out six over six innings.  Not too shabby.  So, why does Covey sport an unsightly 4.73 ERA and 1.42 WHIP?  Well the 5BB/9IP does not help.  However, he has walked just three in his last 12 IP.  Also, the sorry 6% swinging strike rate does not help.  Again, however, the swinging strike percentage has been way up over the last couple of outings.  The key may well be that he is throwing far more four seam fastballs and change ups and far fewer cutters.   This is a highly speculative add but there is at least some support for the leap.

Dansby Swanson :  Dansby Swanson went 2-3 with two runs, three RBI and his 12th dinger of the year.  To say that the former #1 overall is hot would be a dramatic understatement.  This weekend alone Swanson went 4-8 with four runs, five RBI and two dingers.  On the year, Swanson is hitting a respectable .258 but has raked to well over a .300 average over the last two weeks.  His subpar .270 BABIP says he has been unlucky.  That .270 BABIP with a 45+% hard hit rate says he has been very unlucky.  Things are changing!  Hitting in the two-hole between Acuna and Freeman should pretty much guarantee that Swanson will be in a position to produce all summer.  Buy.

Adrian Sampson :  Adrian Sampson was on fire Sunday hurling seven innings of one run ball while striking out 11 and walking none.  That is 17K and only 1BB in his two-step for the week.  I am kinda insufferably proud of myself for rostering him on team Colton & the Wolfman’s Tout Wars AL team (it was a team decision but only I gloat – Rick would never).  Seriously, the real issue is what comes next.  Well, I do like a start against Oakland next week.  Digging deeper, his 4.14 ERA is decent but it should be better as the .330+ BABIP attests.  Moreover, the increased velo (over 1.5 MPH up) is also a good sign.  In the end, this is probably only a mono-league play but 17K/1BB in the week is hard to ignore.  Buy cheap and be vigilant.

Myles Straw :  Myles Straw ran wild Sunday going 3-4 with 3 runs and three swipes.  With Carlos Correa out with his massage injury, Straw should get enough playing time to post difference-making speed.  After all, Straw stole 72 bases in the minor leagues last year.  Yep, 72 and none of those in the low minors.  If you have a need for speed, Straw is your man. 

Joey Votto :  Last week we wrote: “Joey Votto went 2-4 with a run and RBI Sunday. For the three-game series, Votto went 7-13 with four runs and an RBI.  Not too shabby.  We discussed Votto a ton during last Tuesday’s Colton & the Wolfman on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio.  I was mystified how Votto was cut in the SXM host league and how no one but us bid over $12 out of $1,000 for him on the waiver wire.  I began to think maybe I was wrong and Votto is washed up.  Well, one weekend does not make a year but it is an awfully good start.  Also, I think people are making too much of the advanced metrics decline.  Yes, they are not as good as years’ past but he is still making contact 80% of the time and of that contact 36+% is hard contact.  Bottom line – Votto may not turn in 2nd round value but his price in trades or on some waiver wires is still way too low.  Pounce.”  Well, Joey made us look good.  Despite missing three games, Votto went 7-17 with four runs and two RBI.  A full week next week should look even better. 

Finally, the moment you have been waiting for (sort of) -- Schultz says: “The overlord gave me a vacation this week.  I hope you do not miss me too much!”

Response:  Even Schultz deserves a break every now and then.