Todd Zola
RotoWire
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Past articles by Todd:
Pitching & Hitting Rankings Primer: How the Sausage is Made
Todd Zola gives a peak behind the curtain at how his weekly pitcher and hitter rankings are devised. There's much, much more than meets the eye. → Read More
Weekly Pitcher Rankings: Subject to Change
Todd Zola's pitcher rankings have a lot of volatility this week thanks to rain, injuries and suspensions, while top-rated Carlos Carrasco looks to build off a strong outing. → Read More
Weekly Pitcher Rankings: Double the Fun
Todd Zola's weekly pitcher rankings feature a number of solid two-start options, including Washington's Stephen Strasburg, who faces two the league's weakest lineups. → Read More
Weekly Hitter Rankings: No Sale for Tribe
Todd Zola ranks the week's hitting as the Indians take on the Red Sox in a four-game at Fenway in the marquee series. But the Tribe will miss Chris Sale. → Read More
Weekly Hitter Rankings: Welcome to the Ocho
Three twin bills populate this week's slate, giving six teams eight games as we head into the break. The Orioles, Mets and Pirates are at home the whole time while the Phillies, Brewers and Yankees are on the road for the octet. It looks to be a big week for the Brewers left-handed contingent as they'll face eight right-handers, none of which rank with the elite, or even the next tier. The… → Read More
Weekly Hitter Rankings: Big Week for Brew Crew
The Brewers are in great shape with a full week at Miller Park. Joining the Crew with seven games are the Giants, who make an early week stop in Coors Field. The Twins are also lined up for a productive week as their lefty-heavy lineup faces six righties in their seven contests. The Athletics, Cubs, Mets and Phillies all have a pair of off days. These rankings are preliminary. Be sure to check… → Read More
Weekly Hitter Rankings: M's Ready to Feast
The Mariners won't enjoy home-cooking this week, but look for Seattle batters to feast nonetheless as they play seven on the road in good-hitting venues, facing a lot of lower-tier pitching. The left-handed contingent for the Brewers are in great shape as Milwaukee draws seven right-handed starters this week. The Diamondbacks have the full complement of seven games with the righty swingers in… → Read More
Weekly Pitcher Rankings: Big Week for Cole
There's a little of everything this week, which will be the norm during the summer months now that rotations are shuffled. There's a typical number of two-start weeks with the total a little lighter than this time last season with the added off days. While this week's probable pitchers aren't as up in the air as last week, there will always be changes so make sure you consult with the final… → Read More
Weekly Hitter Rankings: Friendly Fenway
There's a bunch of off days this week, so you'll want to make sure your fringe hitters are in the best matchups. The Tigers have eight games, but be careful, they draw several of the American League's top starters. The Red Sox only have six games, but they're all at friendly Fenway, against some lesser arms. The Twins are primed for a productive week as they're targeted for seven home games. if… → Read More
Weekly Pitcher Rankings: Carrasco's in Cruise Control
Three of the American League's best top the rankings this week as the crop of double-dippers is a mixed bag. A couple of Saturday doubleheaders enhance the choices, but it's still a week where choosing wisely at the back end of your fantasy staff will be crucial. For the week, April 23-29 You've reached the end of our free article preview. See below to find out how you can read the full version… → Read More
Weekly Pitcher Rankings: Zack on the Attack
Three make-up games embellish an already busier than normal week, meaning more two-start options to consider. Minimizing homers are always integral to a pitchers success. However, with more runs than ever being scored directly as a result of a long ball, it's even more important. To wit, it seems like almost every comment cited home run proclivity. Please be sure to check back Sunday evening.… → Read More
Weekly Pitcher Rankings: Kluber Climbing Back
It's an interesting week for double-dips as there are several middle-of-the-road starters in tough spots, dropping their rank. The baseline for some homer-prone hurlers was adjusted, as discussed in this week's Z Files. As usual, there are several spots in flux, with some quality arms potentially returning. To that end, I'm happy to announce from here on out, we'll be updating the rankings… → Read More
Weekly Hitter Rankings: Cubs Hope to Eat Home Cooking
June has a tough act to follow as the second most ever homers for a month were slugged in May. Considering all the weather issues, that's even more impressive. Speaking of weather issues, not there are a pair of doubleheaders scheduled for Saturday, along with a makeup game with the Orioles spending a scheduled off-day on Thursday in the nation's capital. You've reached the end of our free… → Read More
Weekly Pitcher Rankings: Sale of the Week
A full Memorial Day slate adds a few more two-start pitchers to the schedule. The problem is it's quantity over quality as there are just a handful of true aces with a pair lined up. The rankings are designed for scenarios just like this, helping you decide between a middle-of-the-road option with a double dip and a better hurler with just one start. Please check the comments Sunday night for… → Read More
Weekly Hitter Rankings: Hot Sox Hit the Road
Next to Opening Day, Memorial Day is my favorite day on the schedule. Wall-to-wall baseball highlights the day representing the gateway to summer, especially for those of us living in places where the summer only lasts three of four months. A full Monday also means more seven-day work weeks. Here's the info you need to maximize the potential in your lineup. You've reached the end of our free… → Read More
Weekly Hitter Rankings: Tigers Road Warriors
Sorry friends, I planned on adding a column showing the quality of the opposing pitching but ran out of time. I promise it will be added next time. This week features a rare eight games on the docket for the Tigers, albeit all on the road. If you have a specific start/sit question, please post it in the comments and I'll do my best to address it in a timely manner. You've reached the end of our… → Read More
Weekly Pitcher Rankings: Carrasco Fights Off Injury Bug
It's a rather tepid week for stud two-start pitchers, making the choice of the lesser options that much more important. However, there's still a chance Clayton Kershaw picks up a second start as the Dodgers haven't formally announced their plans when Brandon McCarthy is ready to return. David Price was tentatively slated to return, but since he only tossed 65 pitches in his rehab start, the Red… → Read More
Weekly Pitcher Rankings: Strasburg's Still Healthy
It's a down week for two-week starters with fewer options, both in quantity and quality. The schedule features the return of Corey Kluber and (hopefully) Rich Hill from the disabled list along with Brian Johnson getting two starts as he looks hold the fifth spot in the Red Sox rotation, as least until David Price returns. Hopefully, weather will cooperate but it already looks like Mother Nature… → Read More
Weekly Hitter Rankings: Five at Home for the Braves
I received a couple of requests for the teams to be ranked. Personally, I don't see the need, but this is for you, not me. Convince me why it would be better to attach a rank with the teams. What factors should go into the rank? Specifically how would that aid your prep? For those preferring keeping the order to remain alphabetical, please weigh in as well. For the record, I plan on adding a… → Read More
The Z Files: Strikeout Rate Outliers Part Two
Last week, I looked at six hitters whiffing more than I expected along with six fanning less. This week, the focus will be on pitchers with a higher or lower strikeout percentage than I projected coming into the season. The theory behind this exercise was discussed a couple weeks ago. In brief, we’re at the point of the season where I’m comfortable reevaluating my original expectations with… → Read More