PPP 764 – Fantasy Baseball Starting Pitchers To Add And Drop – 4-2-26
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Nick Pollock delivers a high-velocity, data-driven breakdown of fantasy baseball starting pitchers for April 2nd, 2026, cutting through the noise with sharp, contrarian takes. The episode centers on a pivotal shift in pitcher evaluation: the idea that 'good outings' don't guarantee future success, and that small mechanical adjustments—like Gavin Williams’ return to 7.2-foot extension or Matthew Boyd’s elite 72 mph curveball—can signal a true breakout. Pollock’s most provocative claim? That George Kirby’s 2-2 four-seamer to Paul Goldschmidt in the sixth inning wasn’t just a mistake—it was a symptom of a deeper strategic flaw in elite pitchers who rely too heavily on predictable, high-risk pitches. He also warns against overvaluing pitchers like Cade Cavalli and Mike Burroughs based on short-term trends, emphasizing that consistency, not flash, wins leagues. The episode culminates in a bold call: stream Joe Boyle against the Twins not because he’s good, but because he’s finally consistent—proving that in fantasy, 'small sample consistency' beats 'big name potential'.
A pitcher’s best outing doesn’t predict future success—consistency in mechanics and pitch usage matters more than wins or strikeouts.
George Kirby’s 2-2 four-seamer to Paul Goldschmidt was a high-leverage mistake that reveals a deeper strategic flaw in elite pitchers relying on predictable fastballs.
Gavin Williams’ return to 7.2-foot extension and 74% strike rate on four-seamers signals a sustainable elite form, not a fluke.
Mike Burroughs’ shift from slider to curveball is a red flag—don’t trust a pitcher who abandons a proven pitch without a clear reason.
Joe Boyle’s recent consistency against the Twins makes him a must-stream pick, even if he’s not a top-tier name.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Opening: April 2nd Pitcher Picks & PL Pro Offer
Nick Pollock kicks off the episode with a high-energy intro, promoting PL Pro with a 10% discount code and previewing the day’s key pitcher decisions, including streamers, pickups, and drop candidates.
Breakout Performances: Gavin Williams & Cam Schliller
“He didn't have to also throw tons of four-seamers. There's some sinkers in there, has some cutters, just 30% or so four-seamers. That is the best version of him.”
Red Flags: Cade Cavalli & Mike Burroughs
“Why? No. No. And then you have this change up Mike Burrows. If you talked about Mike Burrows last year with the Pirates change up. It's like he throws his lefty righty is so far and away his best pitch.”
Mechanical Breakthroughs: Nick Pavetta & Matthew Boyd
Pavetta’s 21 inches of vertical movement on his four-seamer in April is linked to San Diego’s unique April movement patterns. Boyd’s 72 mph curveball with 67% CSW is praised as a blueprint for success against righties.
The Fallacy of 'Good Outings': Why Consistency Matters
“Every single pitcher is a major leaguer for a reason. I'm saying this because Kate Cavalli didn't really do much that impressed me here and I feel like people are going to say I'm hating on it or I'm like...”
“I know that sounds crazy. He pitched as good as I've ever seen him in his last start, and it's the Twins. So this is another case of, hey, maybe there is actually something that he changed to increase his strike rate, and he's now consistent.”
“George Kirby's sinker is much harder to hit. 2-2, fine. Maybe get it upstairs more. I watched it. There was not really much intent to go up here. And it felt like he was trying to throw a strike in the zone with it.”
“He didn't have to also throw tons of four-seamers. There's some sinkers in there, has some cutters, just 30% or so four-seamers. That is the best version of him.”
Host
Nick Pollock
person
Cade Cavalli
person
Mike Burroughs
person
Matthew Boyd
person
Gavin Williams
person
Coors Field
place
George Kirby
person
Cam Schliller
person
Nick Pavetta
person
PL Pro
product
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