Another uneven night at the roost last night. Erik Bedard ended up being an absolute gem on my roster last night. Problem was non of the expensive bats pulled through for me. Had the wrong Dodgers. Picked Puig and Gonzalez, Gordon and Ramirez ended up being the players doing the damage. Red Sox didn't do the damage vs. Smyly like I expected. Let's see what Saturday night holds as I look in the night schedule.
Pitchers:
- Gold: Ervin Santana ATL - I know, Santana has been dreadful lately. But this is a prime spot for Santana vs. the D'Backs who hate right handed pitching. On top of that the Braves bats face lefty, Wade Miley who love left handed pitching. Lots of safety to work with on this one. The only thing that is worrisome is where is Santana's head at but because of that, his price point is excellent.
- Silver: Tim Hudson SF - I like damn near any pitcher vs. the Mets. Tim Hudson has really turned back the cloth to become an effective pitcher once again. The key will be whether or not the Giants bast can get him some run support to buy him a win. Hudson's ERA is a very paltry 1.70.
- Bronze: Max Scherzer DET - Not in love with this play, because of Scherzer going a little bit cold on his last start and facing Jon Lester, but the Red Sox bats are so cold right now, that Scherzer could navigate his way through this game and find a win. Good enough for the bronze spot on a touchy night for pitching.
- Economy: Danny Duffy KC - A lot of things going for Duffy in this game. He's coming off pitching a gem vs. the Cardinals, the Yankees hate left handed pitching, and he pitches in that cavern in KC. Duffy throws in the low to mid 90s, so the strikeout prospect are there.
Catchers:
- Gold: Evan Gattis ATL - If there was ever a time to play Evan Gattis, this is it. Facing lefty Wade Miley, hitting in a hitter friendly park. I'm not a fan of Gattis because he strikeout a ton, but this could be a night he puts the hurt on the ball.
- Silver: Buster Posey SF - Gattis by far has the best matchup tonight and it isn't even close. After that you'll have to settle for good hitters going up against decent pitching. Posey draws Bartolo Colon tonight, Colon has had his rough patches but has the ability to turn back the clock. Posey is a very good hitter enjoying a fine season, though the batting average is a smidge low.
- Bronze: Salvador Perez KC - Perez faces "pitch to contact" David Phelps. Royals don't strike out a ton, so you figure the ball will at least be in play for many of the Roylas hitters. On a light catching night, that's the best we can hope for.
- Economy: John Jaso OAK - Outside of Gattis, Jaso might be the best option for the night at catcher. Faces tweener Kevin Gausman in a spot start. Gausman throws hard but has a penchant for getting rough. Besides Jaso loves them fastballs.
1st Base:
- Gold: Brandon Moss OAK - Been awhile since I have had Moss in here. with A's facing an endless line of lefties. Tonight, the A's face Kevin Gausman, and its a ripe time to get Moss back in the lineup. Moss is enjoying a mighty fine season thus far,
- Silver: Jose Abreu CWS - A player I feel I don't use enough of, largely because his price point is sky high due to his early season success. Tonight is a good night to test drive him vs. Matt Shoemaker. On a light night at 1B he is worth the look.
- Bronze: Miguel Cabrera DET - Faces Jon Lester tonight. A lot of things I don't like about this matchup. Lester's is a tough customer and Miggy's price point is still sky high. But he does have the lefty/righty matchup going for him, and the Tigers love left handed pitching, so Lester could have a tough time navigating through this lineup.
- Economy: Eric Hosmer KC - Royals couldn't do much with Chase Whitley last night, but I'm going right back with them vs. David Phelps, who is much the same pitcher. Hosmer had an 0 for 4 last night, but is too good of a hitter to have that replicated.
2nd Base:
- Gold: Gordon Beckham CWS - Light night at C & 1B, disgustingly light at 2B. Beckham draws the gold spot through default. Faces Matt Shoemaker. Beckham has been making solid contact lately and has become known as a line drive hitter. Hitting in the 2nd spot of the White Sox order helps.
- Silver: Omar Infante KC - Infante is a lot like Beckham but with less power. Infante has been making good contact for the Royals this season and I expect him to do more of the same vs. David Phelps.
- Bronze: Anthony Rendon WSH - Rendon has been having a fine season this year. But don't totally love this play. Rendon's price point is high and faces fresh off the DL Andrew Cashner, so who knows what to expect. But on a grossly light night at 2B, what can you do?
- Economy: Dan Uggla ATL - My sneaky play of the year. Uggla has been in the dog house for most of the year, as in not even playing. Braves face lefty Wade Miley tomorrow, might be a good spot for the Braves to sneak him in the lineup. If he has an ounce of hunger in him tomorrow, he could pay off in droves.
3rd Base:
- Gold: Pablo Sandoval SF - It's gonna be really difficult to spend salary tomorrow. Sandoval draws Bartolo Colon in a meh matchup. I really don't like many of the high price matchups tomorrow. Sandoval is just like a rattlesnake. You never know when he's gonna strike but when he does, its usually pretty epic.
- Silver: Conor Gillaspie CWS - Ganging up a bit on Matt Shoemaker tonight. And mostly because I think the Angels bullpen is garbage. I love and am also perplexed at the same time on why Gillaspie is hitting 3rd for the White Sox. He's kind a light hitting slappy, but hits for average this season. If he hits 3rd, he'll get his chances for RBIs.
- Bronze: Chase Headley SD - Speaking of slappies, I give you Chase Headley. Headley faces relative newcomer Blake Treinen tonight. Could qualify for the economy spot. Headley surprises you every once in awhile with power, tonight could be that night.
- Economy: Chris Johnson ATL - Another economy Braves player. A Braves stack might be the way to go tonight. Johnson has had a dreadful season thus far. His power from last season, seems to have disappeared. Tonight is the night to start fresh vs. Wade Miley.
Shortstop:
- Gold: Everth Cabrera SD - Cabrera faces Blake Treinen tonight. Cabrera is a good bet to swipe a bag tonight vs. righty Treinen is he can find his way to 1st base. Cabrera's average is a bit down this year, I expect that to correct itself soon.
- Silver: Jed Lowrie OAK - Lowrie and the A's face Kevin Gausman in a mismatch the A's could abuse tonight. The A's have been tearing the cover off the ball during their road trip, so you know their bats are hot.
- Bronze: Alexei Ramirez CWS - And I continue to gang up on Matt Shoemaker. Ramirez has had a might fine season, getting things done with his bat and his legs. Hits 5th for the White Sox, I wish they'd put him leadoff instead and have him table set. But that's just the armchair manager talking in me.
- Economy: Andrelton Simmonds ATL - May as well get all those Braves right handed bats in here. They are all just so cheap and so much upside vs. lefty Wade Miley. Simmonds hits down the order, but I feel he'll still get his knocks as well.
Outfield:
- Gold: Justin Upton ATL - If I'm gonna stack Braves righties, I have to have the ace of spades in that deck in Justin Upton. Upton has the best bat going on the Braves, so I highly recommend him vs. Wade Miley.
- Gold: Coco Crisp OAK - Not sure what happened to Coco Crisp, but his price point is dirt cheap. I see his average and steals are down, his bread and butter, so that could explain. But the dude's a good player and a good hitter, so I expect those numbers to even out soon. Faces rigthy Kevin Gausman tonight.
- Silver: Alex Gordon KC - Gordon's bat is starting to heat up. Did well vs. Chase Whitley yesterday, I figure he can do more of the same today vs. David Phelps.
- Silver: Seth Smith SD - Seth Smith is one of the very few hitters in the Padres lineup with consistent pop. Faces Blake Treinen tonight.
- Bronze: Angel Pagan SF - Pagan has enjoyed a really nice season so far. Hitting for extra bases, swiping some bags, has done a real nice job of table setting for the Giants. Faces Bartolo Colon tonight.
- Bronze: Adam Eaton CWS - Eaton is hitting leadoff for the White Sox as they face Matt Shoemaker and the Angels. Eaton has been in a bit of a slump lately but a good chance to break out vs. Shoemaker.
- Economy: B.J. Upton ATL - Not my favorite player in the world but may as well put him in with the right handed Braves stack. More likely to go 0 for 4 with 4Ks, but every once in awhile has an epic game making you wonder why he doesn't do that more. Tonight could be that night.
Friday, June 6, 2014
Thursday, June 5, 2014
MLB: Friday June 6 2014
What a gong show last night was. Tons of hitting, absolutely no pitching. Made for a very tense night. Especially with that gong show of a game going on in Denver. Those that had cheap pitching were likely the winners. I splurged for Wacha. He was OK until he hit the 6th inning and then hit a pothole the size of Texas, essentially ruining his night. Just one of those nights where fantasy baseball becomes extremely frustrating. Found some loose coin but didn't have the right blend to cash in GPPs. Here we go again, looking into Friday's schedule.
Pitchers:
- Gold: Jared Weaver LAA - I feel tonight is a trap night for some of the higher priced pitchers, namely Darvish and Cueto. I'm gonna draw from the tier below and go with Weaver. Weaver is savvy enough to navigate the free swinging bats of the White Sox. White Sox have a predominantly right handed lineup which will help Weaver's cause.
- Silver: Matt Cain SFG - Cain comes off the DL to make a start vs. the Mets. Cain may or may not be on a pitch count so take warning. But the Mets are a light hitting bunch that can be fooled. That's Cain's expertise, fooling hitters.
- Bronze: Hyun-Jin Ryu LAD - Ryu is a safetly play. I think the Dodgers will crush Double A'er Eddie Butler, therefore all Ryu is stick around long enough to get the win, all while hopefully not getting abused. Rockies have the ability to abuse, but their bats have gone a smidge cold lately.
- Economy: Erik Bedard TB - Not taking Bedard because he is any great shakes, but more because the Mariners loathe left handed pitching. The key for tonight will be Bedard not beating himself. I feel like the Rays are due for a win.
Catchers:
- Gold: Buster Posey SF - Faces Jonathan Niese tonight. Posey has been a bit banged up lately but loves him some left handed pitching. Mets are in middle of a long road trip, therefore I feel they'll be a bit sluggish in this one.
- Silver: Jonathan Lucroy MIL - I feel loading up on Brewers vs. Brandon Cumpton is a solid play tonight. Cumpton is the only pitcher the Dodgers have been able to rough up as of late, which is no small feat. If the Dodgers can do it, no reason the Brewers can't do it.
- Bronze: Jason Castro HOU - Castro faces Phil Hughes, just the type of pitcher Castro loves to face, lotsa fastballs. Castro has the day off yesterday, so should be fresh and ready to go.
- Economy: Derek Norris OAK - Can't believe this guy qualifies for economy, but there he is. Norris is damn near a must play when the A's face left handed pitching. Tonight, the A's face Wei-Yin Chen.
1st Base:
- Gold: Adrian Gonzalez LAD - Gonzalez has been pissing me off to no end lately. His bat seems lazy and he generally seems disinterested. Enter Eddie Butler in Coors Field. Seems like a good time for AGone to break his slump. He loves inexperienced pitching.
- Silver: Freddie Freeman ATL - Freeman's a guy who generally has been forgotten by many dfs'ers lately. Largely because the Braves bats have been in a season long slumber, and to the amount Ks the Braves bats generate, that if your site takes away points for hitter's Ks. Freeman draws Brandon McCarthy in a hitters park in Arizona. Braves could do some damage tonight.
- Bronze: Albert Pujols LAA - Pujols face Andre Rienzo, in what is a very ripe matchup for the Halos. You know me and righty vs. righty crime, but this matchup is practically too good to refuse.
- Economy: Eric Hosmer KC - I know Hosmer's power numbers are down, but now his price point is becoming a steal. Hosmer faces Chase Whitley, so if you are looking to punt 1B, Hosmer is a great option.
2nd Base:
- Gold: Dustin Pedroia BOS - Pedroia faces lefty Drew Smyly. Seems like everything about this matchup favors Pedroia. Pedroia's power numbers are way down this season, but I look for him to put a dent into that tonight.
- Gold: Ben Zobrist TB - Zobrist faces Chris Young tonight. I don't know how Young is getting outs with his subpar stuff, but he's doing it. I feel the Rays are on the verge of breaking out and I see Zobrist in the middle of that.
- Bronze: Dee Gordon LAA - I hate Gordon's price point, but love the matchup vs. Eddie Butler. If the game gets outta hand, Gordon's running game could be severely compromised, but he could still do some damage with his bat.
- Economy: Omar Infante KC - I like the acquisition of Infante for the Royals lineup this season. It gives them a scrappy #2 hitter that sets table for the run producers of the Royals. Infante and the Royals face Chase Whitley, so I see them scoring some runs tonight.
3rd Base:
- Gold: Josh Donaldson OAK - Donaldson vs. most subpar lefties, seems like a no brainer. Donaldson and the A's face lefty Wei-Yin Chen, in what seems like a mismatch for the A's to exploit. Donaldson is right in the middle of that. A's rip on left handed pitching and should feast on Chen.
- Silver: Evan Longoria TB - Longoria is showing signs of breaking out of his season long slump. Faces Chris Young tonight, whom I'm still waiting to implode. Tonight could be that night. I will be waiting if he does.
- Bronze: Manny Machado BAL - Machado and the O's face Tommy Milone. With two teams that mash lefties, mediocre ones at that, I expect this game to be a run fest. Machado's bat is starting to look like last year's form.
- Economy: David Freese LAA - Don't particularly like David Freese, but like Andre Rienzo even less. Freese hits in the middle of the Angels lineup, so I figure the opportunity to produce points will be there. Freese has a tendancy to feast on bad pitching.
Shortstop:
- Gold: Hanley Ramirez LAD - I have lost a lot of bankroll over the past week, thanks to this guy and AGone's shenanigans. They keep rolling out mediocre pitching vs. these guys and the Dodgers just keep failing. Tonight is the ultimate heat check, to see if there is a pulse on this team. Facing Double A'er Eddie Butler in Coors Field? It's tough to look away.
- Silver: Xander Bogaerts BOS - Likely the safer play at SS, with the way he has been mashing lefties lately. Faces Drew Smyly tonight. If he continues the trend, he'll have another nice game tonight.
- Bronze: Jean Segura MIL - I feel I wouldn't worth a damn if I didn't have Brewers all over the joint tonight. Brandon Cumpton is a "not quite ready prime time player" as of now. I feel that the Brewers can mash and mash and mash some more. Segura has come around and is in full table set mode.
- Economy: J.J. Hardy BAL - J.J. Hardy is an excellent punt option tonight facing Tommy Milone. Orioles bats have been lively lately and their lineup is built to wreck left handed pitching. Look for some runs in this one.
Outfield:
- Gold: Yasel Puig LAD - You figure this guy would just LOVE hitting at Coors Field, especially with Double A'er tossing BP. If the Dodgers are serious about breaking a slump, look for the Dodgers to go RUBAR on Eddie Butler.
- Gold: Yoenis Cespedes OAK - Cespedes has just been wrecking left handed pitching lately. He's been on a serious power surge. The price point hasn't quite caught up, so its almost feeling like buying low with him. Faces lefty Wei-Yin Chen tonight.
- Silver: Chris Gomez MIL - Poor Brandon Cumpton. It's gonna be ugly for him. The power bats of the Brewers should have a field day here. Gomez homered last night, so you know his bat is raring to go.
- Silver: Ryan Braun MIL - Y'know me, can't have one without the other. I wouldn't recommend both, because the price points are ridiculously high, but if you can find cheap enough pitching, it wouldn't be a bad play at all. Tough to say which one will homer tonight, but I have the feeling one of them will.
- Bronze: Hunter Pence SF - I feel like I don't give him his due enough on this blog. Pence is a very good hitter that loves left handed pitching. Pence faces Jon Niese and a road weary Mets squad. I really like the Giants to squash the Mets tonight.
- Bronze: Adam Jones BAL - Jones homered last night and now gets some home cooking vs. lefty Tommy Milone. Jones has been swinging the bat very well lately, the price point is solid but starting to creep up. Might be the last chance to buy low on him.
- Economy: Kole Calhoun LAA - My favorite new economy outfielder Kole Calhoun faces Andre Rienzo in what seems like a mismatch on paper. Calhoun loves right handed pitching and loves hitting at home. Likely won't be an economy play much longer. I feel like his price point should be higher.
Pitchers:
- Gold: Jared Weaver LAA - I feel tonight is a trap night for some of the higher priced pitchers, namely Darvish and Cueto. I'm gonna draw from the tier below and go with Weaver. Weaver is savvy enough to navigate the free swinging bats of the White Sox. White Sox have a predominantly right handed lineup which will help Weaver's cause.
- Silver: Matt Cain SFG - Cain comes off the DL to make a start vs. the Mets. Cain may or may not be on a pitch count so take warning. But the Mets are a light hitting bunch that can be fooled. That's Cain's expertise, fooling hitters.
- Bronze: Hyun-Jin Ryu LAD - Ryu is a safetly play. I think the Dodgers will crush Double A'er Eddie Butler, therefore all Ryu is stick around long enough to get the win, all while hopefully not getting abused. Rockies have the ability to abuse, but their bats have gone a smidge cold lately.
- Economy: Erik Bedard TB - Not taking Bedard because he is any great shakes, but more because the Mariners loathe left handed pitching. The key for tonight will be Bedard not beating himself. I feel like the Rays are due for a win.
Catchers:
- Gold: Buster Posey SF - Faces Jonathan Niese tonight. Posey has been a bit banged up lately but loves him some left handed pitching. Mets are in middle of a long road trip, therefore I feel they'll be a bit sluggish in this one.
- Silver: Jonathan Lucroy MIL - I feel loading up on Brewers vs. Brandon Cumpton is a solid play tonight. Cumpton is the only pitcher the Dodgers have been able to rough up as of late, which is no small feat. If the Dodgers can do it, no reason the Brewers can't do it.
- Bronze: Jason Castro HOU - Castro faces Phil Hughes, just the type of pitcher Castro loves to face, lotsa fastballs. Castro has the day off yesterday, so should be fresh and ready to go.
- Economy: Derek Norris OAK - Can't believe this guy qualifies for economy, but there he is. Norris is damn near a must play when the A's face left handed pitching. Tonight, the A's face Wei-Yin Chen.
1st Base:
- Gold: Adrian Gonzalez LAD - Gonzalez has been pissing me off to no end lately. His bat seems lazy and he generally seems disinterested. Enter Eddie Butler in Coors Field. Seems like a good time for AGone to break his slump. He loves inexperienced pitching.
- Silver: Freddie Freeman ATL - Freeman's a guy who generally has been forgotten by many dfs'ers lately. Largely because the Braves bats have been in a season long slumber, and to the amount Ks the Braves bats generate, that if your site takes away points for hitter's Ks. Freeman draws Brandon McCarthy in a hitters park in Arizona. Braves could do some damage tonight.
- Bronze: Albert Pujols LAA - Pujols face Andre Rienzo, in what is a very ripe matchup for the Halos. You know me and righty vs. righty crime, but this matchup is practically too good to refuse.
- Economy: Eric Hosmer KC - I know Hosmer's power numbers are down, but now his price point is becoming a steal. Hosmer faces Chase Whitley, so if you are looking to punt 1B, Hosmer is a great option.
2nd Base:
- Gold: Dustin Pedroia BOS - Pedroia faces lefty Drew Smyly. Seems like everything about this matchup favors Pedroia. Pedroia's power numbers are way down this season, but I look for him to put a dent into that tonight.
- Gold: Ben Zobrist TB - Zobrist faces Chris Young tonight. I don't know how Young is getting outs with his subpar stuff, but he's doing it. I feel the Rays are on the verge of breaking out and I see Zobrist in the middle of that.
- Bronze: Dee Gordon LAA - I hate Gordon's price point, but love the matchup vs. Eddie Butler. If the game gets outta hand, Gordon's running game could be severely compromised, but he could still do some damage with his bat.
- Economy: Omar Infante KC - I like the acquisition of Infante for the Royals lineup this season. It gives them a scrappy #2 hitter that sets table for the run producers of the Royals. Infante and the Royals face Chase Whitley, so I see them scoring some runs tonight.
3rd Base:
- Gold: Josh Donaldson OAK - Donaldson vs. most subpar lefties, seems like a no brainer. Donaldson and the A's face lefty Wei-Yin Chen, in what seems like a mismatch for the A's to exploit. Donaldson is right in the middle of that. A's rip on left handed pitching and should feast on Chen.
- Silver: Evan Longoria TB - Longoria is showing signs of breaking out of his season long slump. Faces Chris Young tonight, whom I'm still waiting to implode. Tonight could be that night. I will be waiting if he does.
- Bronze: Manny Machado BAL - Machado and the O's face Tommy Milone. With two teams that mash lefties, mediocre ones at that, I expect this game to be a run fest. Machado's bat is starting to look like last year's form.
- Economy: David Freese LAA - Don't particularly like David Freese, but like Andre Rienzo even less. Freese hits in the middle of the Angels lineup, so I figure the opportunity to produce points will be there. Freese has a tendancy to feast on bad pitching.
Shortstop:
- Gold: Hanley Ramirez LAD - I have lost a lot of bankroll over the past week, thanks to this guy and AGone's shenanigans. They keep rolling out mediocre pitching vs. these guys and the Dodgers just keep failing. Tonight is the ultimate heat check, to see if there is a pulse on this team. Facing Double A'er Eddie Butler in Coors Field? It's tough to look away.
- Silver: Xander Bogaerts BOS - Likely the safer play at SS, with the way he has been mashing lefties lately. Faces Drew Smyly tonight. If he continues the trend, he'll have another nice game tonight.
- Bronze: Jean Segura MIL - I feel I wouldn't worth a damn if I didn't have Brewers all over the joint tonight. Brandon Cumpton is a "not quite ready prime time player" as of now. I feel that the Brewers can mash and mash and mash some more. Segura has come around and is in full table set mode.
- Economy: J.J. Hardy BAL - J.J. Hardy is an excellent punt option tonight facing Tommy Milone. Orioles bats have been lively lately and their lineup is built to wreck left handed pitching. Look for some runs in this one.
Outfield:
- Gold: Yasel Puig LAD - You figure this guy would just LOVE hitting at Coors Field, especially with Double A'er tossing BP. If the Dodgers are serious about breaking a slump, look for the Dodgers to go RUBAR on Eddie Butler.
- Gold: Yoenis Cespedes OAK - Cespedes has just been wrecking left handed pitching lately. He's been on a serious power surge. The price point hasn't quite caught up, so its almost feeling like buying low with him. Faces lefty Wei-Yin Chen tonight.
- Silver: Chris Gomez MIL - Poor Brandon Cumpton. It's gonna be ugly for him. The power bats of the Brewers should have a field day here. Gomez homered last night, so you know his bat is raring to go.
- Silver: Ryan Braun MIL - Y'know me, can't have one without the other. I wouldn't recommend both, because the price points are ridiculously high, but if you can find cheap enough pitching, it wouldn't be a bad play at all. Tough to say which one will homer tonight, but I have the feeling one of them will.
- Bronze: Hunter Pence SF - I feel like I don't give him his due enough on this blog. Pence is a very good hitter that loves left handed pitching. Pence faces Jon Niese and a road weary Mets squad. I really like the Giants to squash the Mets tonight.
- Bronze: Adam Jones BAL - Jones homered last night and now gets some home cooking vs. lefty Tommy Milone. Jones has been swinging the bat very well lately, the price point is solid but starting to creep up. Might be the last chance to buy low on him.
- Economy: Kole Calhoun LAA - My favorite new economy outfielder Kole Calhoun faces Andre Rienzo in what seems like a mismatch on paper. Calhoun loves right handed pitching and loves hitting at home. Likely won't be an economy play much longer. I feel like his price point should be higher.
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
MLB: Thursday June 5 2014
Here we go again. Another night in the rat race. Last night wasn't too bad. The A's stack was pure money, however pairing them with the Dodgers, kept things from going sky high. And then there is Dice-K. Dude couldn't find the plate and it was painful/ugly to watch. Rays still can't buy a win, but Price was electric. Figured Joe Madden would leave him out there until his arm fell off. Let's have a look at the games tonight. Remember, I just play night games only.
Pitchers:
- Gold: Michael Wacha STL - Wacha is lone shining star in an otherwise dismal night for pitching. Faces the Royals in that cavern in Kansas City. The Royals have been playing teams tough lately, but I feel pretty confident in Wacha, as that's as confident as I can get with the pitching options tonight.
- Silver: Travis Wood CHI - Wood got shelled by the Brewers in his last start. But thing about Wood is he's resilient and has a short memory. Besides the Brewers mash left handed pitching. Tonight, he's faces the Mets who loathe left handed pitching. Outside of David Wright, no one over there touches the stuff. Wood is definitely a cheap, upside play.
- Bronze: Juan Nicasio COL - Nicasio is much in the same boat as Travis Wood is. Got abused by the Indians in his last start, but Indians love right handed pitchers. Tonight Nicasio faces Arizona, who loathe right handed pitching. Needless to say, the Coors Field effect makes the downside to this play a bottomless pit, but the upside is there as well, as Nicasio does have strikeout stuff.
- Economy: Kevin Correia MIN - The theme for today is, outside of Wacha, I'd go cheap on pitching tonight. Correia faces the Brewers who seem to have cooled off after a red hot scorching weekend. Brewers dislike right handed pitching because their lineup is predominantly right handed. Correia makes for a sneaky play as the Twins have taken the first two games of the series.
Catchers:
- Gold: Willin Rosario COL - The catching options are a vast wasteland tonight. Rosario represents the best option tonight. Largely because of the Coors Field effect, the other part being Bronson Arroyo loves giving up the long ball. Needless to say, a Rockies stack might be in the cards tonight.
- Silver: Hank Conger ANA - See what I mean? Catching not so good tonight. Conger has actually been pretty stone cold with the bat lately, but his matchup Brad Peacock is better than many of the other options out there. Check with lineups to see if Conger is in the lineup. The Angels may turn to Chris Iannetta.
- Bronze: Yadier Molina STL - Love Molina as hitter, but I am very lukewarm on his matchup vs. Ventura. Molina has been a swinging a cold bat himself lately. Did I mention catching is a vast wasteland tonight?
- Economy: Carlos Corporan HOU - The Astros may be looking to give Jason Castro a night off vs. lefty Tyler Skaggs. If they do Corporan will draw the start. Corporan can mash a bit, but also hits for a low average. Corporan is dirt cheap if you are looking to punt the catcher spot.
1st Base:
- Gold: Chris Davis BAL - Back on the Crush bandwagon tonight. Rewarded me with a home run yesterday. Davis Colby Lewis in a ripe matchup. But Davis could as easily homer as he could be wearing the golden sombrero, so proceed with a bit of caution.
- Silver: Anthony Rizzo CHC- May as well call Rizzo, Joey Votto Jr. Rizzo is very patient and can mash when he makes contact. Faces Jacob deGrom who has burst onto the scene. Rookies don't usually burst onto the scene, so I figure is deGrom's night to turn into a pumpkin.
- Bronze: Justin Morneau COL - I guess Morneau has enjoyed his new digs in Coors Field. Faces long ball specialist Bronson Arroyo. On paper, this is a ripe matchup, but I can't help think of Morneau of the past couple of seasons where he had the long, holy, swing, and looked like he was about done. His price point is a bit high for my liking, but what can ya do? He's been mashing this season.
- Economy: Mitch Moreland TEX - I just feel obliged to keep putting Moreland here, even though he isn't hitting a lick lately. If Ron Washington keeps batting him third in the vaunted Rangers lineup, I have to keep putting him here. The opportunity is there, the price is right, now all he needs to do is hit. Now the question is can he?
2nd Base:
- Gold: Jose Altuve HOU - Altuve should likely be on this list more than he has been. Guy is hitting for power and swiping bags. What more can you ask for? Price point is high, but the Astros lineup, in general, has been very good. Faces lefty Tyler Skaggs tonight.
- Silver: Emilio Bonifacio CHC - Mr. NoPowerRunFast makes the lineup today. If Bonifacio can make it on base tonight, seems like a very good candidate to swipe a bag. I'm kinda ganging up on Jacob deGrom tonight. We'll see if he makes a liar out of me.
- Bronze: Kolten Wong STL - Dealing with an injury and was out of the lineup yesteday, but the Cards were facing a lefty, so he could have been out for that as well. so check with lineup on Wong. Faces Ventura, who has electric stuff but has been no great shakes lately, if he gets the opportunity.
- Economy: Charlie Culberson COL - Has been the beneficiary of Nolan Arenado being put on the shelf due to injury. On a night that Branson Arroyo is pitching, its not a bad tactic to losd up on Rockies. You never know who's going to go deep.
3rd Base:
- Gold: Matt Carpenter STL - Not thrilled with Carpenter's matchup with Ventura but 3rd base is a bit of a wasteland in its own right tonight. Carpenter's bat has been slowly coming around. The average is respectable now, but the power numbers are still way down.
- Silver: Manny Machado BAL - If you are looking at an Orioles stack, Machado is a good play to have in the middle of that. His price point is still decent as his bat is starting to heat up. Faces Colby Lewis tonight.
- Bronze: Trevor Plouffe MIN - If you believe the Twins are going to rough up Wily Peralta like I do, then Plouffe would be a good guy to have in the middle of that. Decent price point for a guy who hits in the middle of the order.
- Economy: Luis Valbuena CHC - Valbuena got the day off yesterday with Mike Olt manning 3B. Valbuena is getting some loks at 2B as well. I would say he's 50/50 to start tonight, so check with lineups. Valbuena is a left handed bat facing righty Jacob deGrom.
Shortstop:
- Gold: Troy Tulowitzki COL - Likely the gold play of the day anywhere. Masher vs. long ball pitcher? Seems like a match made in heaven, well for Tulo anyway. Tulowitzki got banged up late in last night's game, so check on availability. It would be a shame if he couldn't go because the matchup is so ripe. Faces Bronson Arroyo.
- Silver: Starlin Castro CHC - A quiet guy who is on many radars. But you have to respect a shortstop that hits cleanup on his team. That's where Castro sits now. I continue to gang up on Jacob deGrom.
- Bronze: Elvis Andrus TEX - Many dfs'ers love Andrus. I'm pretty meh towards him because his price and production never seem to fit. You pay a lot for his SBs. He has next to no pop in his bat. But yet he reamins high on the SS list. Go figure. At any rate , he makes the list on a light night as he faces Chris Tillman.
- Economy: J.J. Hardy BAL - I go with Hardy on consecutive nights at the economy spot. It's difficult not to with the way the Orioles are mashing as of late. You just hope he can pick up some tag along points, or do a little mashing himself. Faces Colby Lewis tonight.
Outfield:
- Gold: Nelson Cruz BAL - Cruz has been a fixture here the last few days. When you get a guy that is mashing, its difficult to get away from him. At any rate, one just has to ride out the hot streak on Cruz, because right now he is running the hottest of hot. I expect the Orioles to mash vs. Colby Lewis.
- Gold: Adam Jones BAL - I have the Orioles manning both gold spots in the outfield. That's how much I trust the Orioles bats, and how much I trust Colby Lewis. The top of the Orioles lineup has been a murderer's row lately. Tough to get outs up there.
- Silver: Charlie Blackmon COL - Speaking of ganging up on pitchers. One pitcher surely to gang up on is Bronson Arroyo. Lead off man Charlie Blackmon loves hitting at Coors Field. Seems like a mismatch to me.
- Silver: George Springer HOU - Springer faces Tyler Skaggs. Springer still kinda scares me at this early stage in his career. No question he can mash, no question he can K too. His price point now is at the point where he's priced like a bonafide masher. But he still young and with youth comes inconsistency. So its difficult to project whats coming in the short term future with Springer.
- Bronze: Shin Soo Choo TEX - Choo is like a veteranized version of Springer. Sometimes he'll reward your loyalty and other times, he'll leave you holding the bag. Choo faces Chris Tillman in a matchup Choo should benefit in.
- Bronze: Oswaldo Arcia MIN - On a light night I have resorted to relying on the Twins and Cubs. With the way things have been so upside down lately, its likely not a bad tactic. Since being called up, Arcia has been hitting in the middle of the Twins order. Arcia faces Wily Peralta.
- Economy: Nate Schierholtz CHI - To continue the theme of ganging up on Jacob deGrom, I give you Nate Schierholtz. Schierholtz had a putrid start to the season, but now has righted himself to respectability. Cubs and Twins stack for the ballsy.
Pitchers:
- Gold: Michael Wacha STL - Wacha is lone shining star in an otherwise dismal night for pitching. Faces the Royals in that cavern in Kansas City. The Royals have been playing teams tough lately, but I feel pretty confident in Wacha, as that's as confident as I can get with the pitching options tonight.
- Silver: Travis Wood CHI - Wood got shelled by the Brewers in his last start. But thing about Wood is he's resilient and has a short memory. Besides the Brewers mash left handed pitching. Tonight, he's faces the Mets who loathe left handed pitching. Outside of David Wright, no one over there touches the stuff. Wood is definitely a cheap, upside play.
- Bronze: Juan Nicasio COL - Nicasio is much in the same boat as Travis Wood is. Got abused by the Indians in his last start, but Indians love right handed pitchers. Tonight Nicasio faces Arizona, who loathe right handed pitching. Needless to say, the Coors Field effect makes the downside to this play a bottomless pit, but the upside is there as well, as Nicasio does have strikeout stuff.
- Economy: Kevin Correia MIN - The theme for today is, outside of Wacha, I'd go cheap on pitching tonight. Correia faces the Brewers who seem to have cooled off after a red hot scorching weekend. Brewers dislike right handed pitching because their lineup is predominantly right handed. Correia makes for a sneaky play as the Twins have taken the first two games of the series.
Catchers:
- Gold: Willin Rosario COL - The catching options are a vast wasteland tonight. Rosario represents the best option tonight. Largely because of the Coors Field effect, the other part being Bronson Arroyo loves giving up the long ball. Needless to say, a Rockies stack might be in the cards tonight.
- Silver: Hank Conger ANA - See what I mean? Catching not so good tonight. Conger has actually been pretty stone cold with the bat lately, but his matchup Brad Peacock is better than many of the other options out there. Check with lineups to see if Conger is in the lineup. The Angels may turn to Chris Iannetta.
- Bronze: Yadier Molina STL - Love Molina as hitter, but I am very lukewarm on his matchup vs. Ventura. Molina has been a swinging a cold bat himself lately. Did I mention catching is a vast wasteland tonight?
- Economy: Carlos Corporan HOU - The Astros may be looking to give Jason Castro a night off vs. lefty Tyler Skaggs. If they do Corporan will draw the start. Corporan can mash a bit, but also hits for a low average. Corporan is dirt cheap if you are looking to punt the catcher spot.
1st Base:
- Gold: Chris Davis BAL - Back on the Crush bandwagon tonight. Rewarded me with a home run yesterday. Davis Colby Lewis in a ripe matchup. But Davis could as easily homer as he could be wearing the golden sombrero, so proceed with a bit of caution.
- Silver: Anthony Rizzo CHC- May as well call Rizzo, Joey Votto Jr. Rizzo is very patient and can mash when he makes contact. Faces Jacob deGrom who has burst onto the scene. Rookies don't usually burst onto the scene, so I figure is deGrom's night to turn into a pumpkin.
- Bronze: Justin Morneau COL - I guess Morneau has enjoyed his new digs in Coors Field. Faces long ball specialist Bronson Arroyo. On paper, this is a ripe matchup, but I can't help think of Morneau of the past couple of seasons where he had the long, holy, swing, and looked like he was about done. His price point is a bit high for my liking, but what can ya do? He's been mashing this season.
- Economy: Mitch Moreland TEX - I just feel obliged to keep putting Moreland here, even though he isn't hitting a lick lately. If Ron Washington keeps batting him third in the vaunted Rangers lineup, I have to keep putting him here. The opportunity is there, the price is right, now all he needs to do is hit. Now the question is can he?
2nd Base:
- Gold: Jose Altuve HOU - Altuve should likely be on this list more than he has been. Guy is hitting for power and swiping bags. What more can you ask for? Price point is high, but the Astros lineup, in general, has been very good. Faces lefty Tyler Skaggs tonight.
- Silver: Emilio Bonifacio CHC - Mr. NoPowerRunFast makes the lineup today. If Bonifacio can make it on base tonight, seems like a very good candidate to swipe a bag. I'm kinda ganging up on Jacob deGrom tonight. We'll see if he makes a liar out of me.
- Bronze: Kolten Wong STL - Dealing with an injury and was out of the lineup yesteday, but the Cards were facing a lefty, so he could have been out for that as well. so check with lineup on Wong. Faces Ventura, who has electric stuff but has been no great shakes lately, if he gets the opportunity.
- Economy: Charlie Culberson COL - Has been the beneficiary of Nolan Arenado being put on the shelf due to injury. On a night that Branson Arroyo is pitching, its not a bad tactic to losd up on Rockies. You never know who's going to go deep.
3rd Base:
- Gold: Matt Carpenter STL - Not thrilled with Carpenter's matchup with Ventura but 3rd base is a bit of a wasteland in its own right tonight. Carpenter's bat has been slowly coming around. The average is respectable now, but the power numbers are still way down.
- Silver: Manny Machado BAL - If you are looking at an Orioles stack, Machado is a good play to have in the middle of that. His price point is still decent as his bat is starting to heat up. Faces Colby Lewis tonight.
- Bronze: Trevor Plouffe MIN - If you believe the Twins are going to rough up Wily Peralta like I do, then Plouffe would be a good guy to have in the middle of that. Decent price point for a guy who hits in the middle of the order.
- Economy: Luis Valbuena CHC - Valbuena got the day off yesterday with Mike Olt manning 3B. Valbuena is getting some loks at 2B as well. I would say he's 50/50 to start tonight, so check with lineups. Valbuena is a left handed bat facing righty Jacob deGrom.
Shortstop:
- Gold: Troy Tulowitzki COL - Likely the gold play of the day anywhere. Masher vs. long ball pitcher? Seems like a match made in heaven, well for Tulo anyway. Tulowitzki got banged up late in last night's game, so check on availability. It would be a shame if he couldn't go because the matchup is so ripe. Faces Bronson Arroyo.
- Silver: Starlin Castro CHC - A quiet guy who is on many radars. But you have to respect a shortstop that hits cleanup on his team. That's where Castro sits now. I continue to gang up on Jacob deGrom.
- Bronze: Elvis Andrus TEX - Many dfs'ers love Andrus. I'm pretty meh towards him because his price and production never seem to fit. You pay a lot for his SBs. He has next to no pop in his bat. But yet he reamins high on the SS list. Go figure. At any rate , he makes the list on a light night as he faces Chris Tillman.
- Economy: J.J. Hardy BAL - I go with Hardy on consecutive nights at the economy spot. It's difficult not to with the way the Orioles are mashing as of late. You just hope he can pick up some tag along points, or do a little mashing himself. Faces Colby Lewis tonight.
Outfield:
- Gold: Nelson Cruz BAL - Cruz has been a fixture here the last few days. When you get a guy that is mashing, its difficult to get away from him. At any rate, one just has to ride out the hot streak on Cruz, because right now he is running the hottest of hot. I expect the Orioles to mash vs. Colby Lewis.
- Gold: Adam Jones BAL - I have the Orioles manning both gold spots in the outfield. That's how much I trust the Orioles bats, and how much I trust Colby Lewis. The top of the Orioles lineup has been a murderer's row lately. Tough to get outs up there.
- Silver: Charlie Blackmon COL - Speaking of ganging up on pitchers. One pitcher surely to gang up on is Bronson Arroyo. Lead off man Charlie Blackmon loves hitting at Coors Field. Seems like a mismatch to me.
- Silver: George Springer HOU - Springer faces Tyler Skaggs. Springer still kinda scares me at this early stage in his career. No question he can mash, no question he can K too. His price point now is at the point where he's priced like a bonafide masher. But he still young and with youth comes inconsistency. So its difficult to project whats coming in the short term future with Springer.
- Bronze: Shin Soo Choo TEX - Choo is like a veteranized version of Springer. Sometimes he'll reward your loyalty and other times, he'll leave you holding the bag. Choo faces Chris Tillman in a matchup Choo should benefit in.
- Bronze: Oswaldo Arcia MIN - On a light night I have resorted to relying on the Twins and Cubs. With the way things have been so upside down lately, its likely not a bad tactic. Since being called up, Arcia has been hitting in the middle of the Twins order. Arcia faces Wily Peralta.
- Economy: Nate Schierholtz CHI - To continue the theme of ganging up on Jacob deGrom, I give you Nate Schierholtz. Schierholtz had a putrid start to the season, but now has righted himself to respectability. Cubs and Twins stack for the ballsy.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
MLB: Wednesday June 4 2014
Yesterday was an uneven night. Had hidden gems such Zack Wheeler and Adam Jones, but got counteracted by the suckitude of Gallardo and pretty much the entire D'Backs/Rockies game. Excellent pitching performances everywhere and I step on one of the few landmines sitting there. Just kind of the way it goes sometimes. So better than Monday night, but still not near good enough. Here I am again to give it another swing for the fences.
Pitchers:
- Gold: David Price TB - Very hesitant on the pitching today with everything being so upside down. Price has been pretty uneven this year but the Ks have been there consistently. Add to that the free swinging bunch of the Marlins. This play has potential. If the Rays can ever find their bats, this play would be a no brainer.
- Silver: Josh Beckett LAD - Not a fan of Beckett per se, but you have to respect the numbers he has put up so far this year. His pitch selection and efficiency is enough to drive any fantasy owner wild, but his matchup vs. the free swinging White Sox can not be overlooked.
- Bronze: Adam Wainwright STL - The only thing keeping him from being a gold play today is his last start vs. the Giants, which was flat out ugly. And at his price point, he can't afford to be flat out ugly, or anything less than top notch for that matter. The Royals aren't a patient bunch and this game is being played in that cavern in Kansas City, so the upside for a strong bounce back game is there.
- Economy: Daisuke Matsuzaka NYM - The Dice-Man cometh! OK, it might the only time ever that Matsuzaka finds this list but he has pitched well this season. His ability to generate swings and misses vs. the holy swings of the Cubs represents great upside. The key to Matsuzaka tonight is control. If he's wild, its gonna be ugly, if he has control, he could be on the mound a long time and generate a big fantasy point total.
Catchers:
- Gold: Yadier Molina STL - Still haven't totally forgiven Molina and his crew for the Danny Duffy fiasco on Monday. But they roughed James Shields some kind of bad on Tuesday, so who knows what Wednesday holds. Faces change up specialist Jason Vargas. If the Cards are patient, they will get their knocks.
- Silver: Buster Posey SF - Played him last night and got me one solitary single. Swinging at a lot of bad pitches and seems very impatient at the plate. Faces the slumping lefty Tony Cingrani, so something has to give in this matchup.
- Bronze: Miguel Montero ARI - Montero faces Jordan "I don't know how he gets outs" Lyles. Montero is one of the few catchers hitting cleanup. He's doing that in Coors Field at a modest price. Everything in this matchup checks out fine.
- Economy: Derek Norris OAK - Norris' price point might be a smidge high for a punt, as everything priced below him is a wasteland of emptiness. Norris' MO is to mash left handed pitching. Welp, he draws lefty Vidal Nuno at Yankee Stadium. What's not to like?
1st Base:
- Gold: Chris Davis BAL - My ol' nemesis Crush Davis, we meet again. Since I have him in the gold spot, it'll likely mean he'll go 0-4 with 5Ks (he'll manage it somehow). But in all honesty, he faces spot starter Nick Martinez, and if the Rangers turn it over to their bullpen, Jebus help them.
- Silver: Allen Craig STL - Like Molina above, Craig did me dirty on Monday. Get another chance vs. lefty Jason Vargas. Cards are in funk, but I just can't stay away from them because we all know it won't last long.
- Bronze: Joe Mauer MIN - Not a fan of Mauer on where he is only eligible at 1B. Not enough power in bat that to justify the use of the 1B spot. If he also applies at catcher, that's a different story. All that being said, its an ugly matchup night for many of the big 1B bats. Marco Estrada has been teetering on the verge of getting roughed up beyond all recognition (RUBAR). I think tonight's his night and Mauer will be in the middle of that.
- Economy: Mitch Moreland TEX - This spot will likely be occupied by either Moreland or Loney on most nights. Tough to go with economy 1B on most nights, but with matchup tonight, I may consider it. Moreland faces Bud Norris in a matchup that should benefit Moreland.
2nd Base:
- Gold: Yangervis Solarte NYY - 2B is a bit of a wasteland tonight. Solarte faces Jesse Chavez. Chavez, I feel has been a bit of smoke and mirrors this year. Yankee Stadium usually isn't very nice to young pitchers. Solarte just keeps going about his business at nice, reasonable price.
- Silver: Daniel Murphy NYM - Not a fan of Murphy, but it isn't his fault. I just feel he's overpriced on many sites. Murphy faces Edwin Jackson, who will either K 10 or HR 10, whichever. But like I said with a light night at 2B, he actually has one of the favorable matchups tonight.
- Bronze: Jason Kipnis CLE - To be honest, Kipnis feels like a trap play tonight. I love Brandon Workman's stuff but with the gauntlet of left handed bats the Tribe have, could prove to be too much. Kipnis is right in the middle of that, but this is a 50/50 play at best. Kipnis price is reasonable right now, and we all know an explosion from his bat is coming soon.
- Economy: Danny Santana MIN - Santana is criminally undervalued on some sites right now. Guy can flat out hit and run. I can't see him being at these low, low prices for long. Faces Marco Estrada, who as I mentioned above, I feel Mr. Estrada is going to have a stat correction tonight.
3rd Base:
- Gold: Josh Donaldson OAK - If yer gonna load up on the A's tonight, your gonna need Donaldson's big bat in the middle of the lineup. Nuno gives up a ton of HRs at Yankee Stadium, so it could be feeding time for the A's. Donaldson's a little pricey, but with the tear he's been on, it's likely justified.
- Silver: Evan Longoria TB - Mr. Longoria, I'm more patient than you. I'll keep putting you on here at your reasonable price, even if you aren't hitting a lick. Once again, the Rays put a big bagel on the scoreboard. One of these days I'll get you right, and on that day I'm gonna scream how right I was. Longoria faces Tom Koehler tonight.
- Bronze: Pablo Sandoval SF - Sandoval and the Giants face Tony Cingrani tonight. I like Panda much better from the left side, but will hit right vs. Cingrani. Cingrani has not been very good lately but he has the stuff to come around. So wade in with caution.
- Economy: Brett Lawrie TOR - Lawrie is starting to mash like everyone expected to. His price point is low and stagnant but his bat is starting to heat up. Faces Rich Porcello but hits well vs. either hand.
Shortstop:
- Gold: Hanley Ramirez LAD - I don't what I trust less right now. The Dodgers bats or John Danks, Danks has actually pitched well lately, but we all know that isn't gonna last. The Dodgers bats are MIA lately. Couldn't do ANYTHING vs. Triple Aer Hector Noesi last night. Hanley is too good of a hitter to be held to a sub .250 average. Eventually a stat correction will occur.
- Silver: Jed Lowrie OAK - I continue to gang up on Vidal Nuno. Like Sandoval, I actually like Lowrie better from the left side from a safety standpoint but has better power from the right side. Could be a power explosion at Yankee Stadium tonight.
- Bronze: Billy Hamilton CIN - On some sites qualifies at SS, other sites he's an OF only. I'll put Hamilton here since the OF will be crowded. Hamilton is a threat to steal anytime, and I love playing Hamilton vs. righties. So, vs. Vogelsong, if Hamilton gets on first, expect him to take second. Had a really good fantasy night last night.
- Economy: J.J Hardy BAL - Hardy's price point seems a little low. But that's OK for us looking for value. Hardy is one of the few SS that can hit for power, the downside is his low batting average and a penchant for striking out. Faces Nick Martinez, so it might be a good idea to find some Orioles tonight.
Outfield:
- Gold: Yasel Puig LAD - Puig, I believe, is the only Dodger who isn't going through a funk. Dude seems to be slump proof. Price is sky high but with so many ways to hurt ya, it very well should be. Dodgers faces John Danks in what is a righty/lefty matchup that should benefit Puig greatly.
- Gold: Yoenis Cespedes OAK - If you are going to have an A's stack, you have to have Cespedes in it. Cespedes usually hits cleanup vs. lefties. Last time he faced a lefty, he almost hit for the cycle, so needless to say, the dude mashes lefties. A's face Vidal Nuno tonight.
- Silver: Matt Kemp LAD - Kemp has been likely the biggest offender in the Dodgers slumping bats. Kemp has been a shadow of his formal self. The upside his price point has come down drastically, to the point where he may be a bargain going up vs. John Danks. Kemp still has the power to put the hurt on.
- Silver: Shin Soo Choo TEX - Choo has a ripe matchup vs. Bud Norris. That's the upside, the downside is the steals just aren't there this year to justify the price point. Hence, the reason why you don't see his name here often. Just a bit pricey considering he's an all or nothing guy, but tonight could be a night where he goes off.
- Bronze: Jacoby Ellsbury NYY - Like I said, I don't have much faith in Jesse Chavez tonight. Seems like a matchup where Ellsbury could abuse Chavez with either his bat or his legs. That being said, it's a bit disappointing that Ellsbury hasn't taken advantage of the short right field fence a bit more in Yankee Stadium, because he price point says he should be.
- Bronze: Matt Holliday STL - Holliday has the ripe matchup vs. Jason Vargas. But like Ellsbury I have a few bones to pick with Holliday. Not hitting home runs is one thing, but not driving in runs is something else. Might be because the one and two hitters for the Cards aren't hitting a lick either. Either way, the value might not be there, but the matchup sure is.
- Economy: Kole Calhoun ANA - On the site I play on, DraftKings, Calhoun was at 4900 just after he came off the DL, now he's sitting at a paltry 3400. Now thats a classic case of buying low, because when Calhoun is on, he is hitting lasers all over the place, and judging by the past couple of games, it looks like he's getting ready to heat up. Faces righty Jarret Cosart tonight.
Pitchers:
- Gold: David Price TB - Very hesitant on the pitching today with everything being so upside down. Price has been pretty uneven this year but the Ks have been there consistently. Add to that the free swinging bunch of the Marlins. This play has potential. If the Rays can ever find their bats, this play would be a no brainer.
- Silver: Josh Beckett LAD - Not a fan of Beckett per se, but you have to respect the numbers he has put up so far this year. His pitch selection and efficiency is enough to drive any fantasy owner wild, but his matchup vs. the free swinging White Sox can not be overlooked.
- Bronze: Adam Wainwright STL - The only thing keeping him from being a gold play today is his last start vs. the Giants, which was flat out ugly. And at his price point, he can't afford to be flat out ugly, or anything less than top notch for that matter. The Royals aren't a patient bunch and this game is being played in that cavern in Kansas City, so the upside for a strong bounce back game is there.
- Economy: Daisuke Matsuzaka NYM - The Dice-Man cometh! OK, it might the only time ever that Matsuzaka finds this list but he has pitched well this season. His ability to generate swings and misses vs. the holy swings of the Cubs represents great upside. The key to Matsuzaka tonight is control. If he's wild, its gonna be ugly, if he has control, he could be on the mound a long time and generate a big fantasy point total.
Catchers:
- Gold: Yadier Molina STL - Still haven't totally forgiven Molina and his crew for the Danny Duffy fiasco on Monday. But they roughed James Shields some kind of bad on Tuesday, so who knows what Wednesday holds. Faces change up specialist Jason Vargas. If the Cards are patient, they will get their knocks.
- Silver: Buster Posey SF - Played him last night and got me one solitary single. Swinging at a lot of bad pitches and seems very impatient at the plate. Faces the slumping lefty Tony Cingrani, so something has to give in this matchup.
- Bronze: Miguel Montero ARI - Montero faces Jordan "I don't know how he gets outs" Lyles. Montero is one of the few catchers hitting cleanup. He's doing that in Coors Field at a modest price. Everything in this matchup checks out fine.
- Economy: Derek Norris OAK - Norris' price point might be a smidge high for a punt, as everything priced below him is a wasteland of emptiness. Norris' MO is to mash left handed pitching. Welp, he draws lefty Vidal Nuno at Yankee Stadium. What's not to like?
1st Base:
- Gold: Chris Davis BAL - My ol' nemesis Crush Davis, we meet again. Since I have him in the gold spot, it'll likely mean he'll go 0-4 with 5Ks (he'll manage it somehow). But in all honesty, he faces spot starter Nick Martinez, and if the Rangers turn it over to their bullpen, Jebus help them.
- Silver: Allen Craig STL - Like Molina above, Craig did me dirty on Monday. Get another chance vs. lefty Jason Vargas. Cards are in funk, but I just can't stay away from them because we all know it won't last long.
- Bronze: Joe Mauer MIN - Not a fan of Mauer on where he is only eligible at 1B. Not enough power in bat that to justify the use of the 1B spot. If he also applies at catcher, that's a different story. All that being said, its an ugly matchup night for many of the big 1B bats. Marco Estrada has been teetering on the verge of getting roughed up beyond all recognition (RUBAR). I think tonight's his night and Mauer will be in the middle of that.
- Economy: Mitch Moreland TEX - This spot will likely be occupied by either Moreland or Loney on most nights. Tough to go with economy 1B on most nights, but with matchup tonight, I may consider it. Moreland faces Bud Norris in a matchup that should benefit Moreland.
2nd Base:
- Gold: Yangervis Solarte NYY - 2B is a bit of a wasteland tonight. Solarte faces Jesse Chavez. Chavez, I feel has been a bit of smoke and mirrors this year. Yankee Stadium usually isn't very nice to young pitchers. Solarte just keeps going about his business at nice, reasonable price.
- Silver: Daniel Murphy NYM - Not a fan of Murphy, but it isn't his fault. I just feel he's overpriced on many sites. Murphy faces Edwin Jackson, who will either K 10 or HR 10, whichever. But like I said with a light night at 2B, he actually has one of the favorable matchups tonight.
- Bronze: Jason Kipnis CLE - To be honest, Kipnis feels like a trap play tonight. I love Brandon Workman's stuff but with the gauntlet of left handed bats the Tribe have, could prove to be too much. Kipnis is right in the middle of that, but this is a 50/50 play at best. Kipnis price is reasonable right now, and we all know an explosion from his bat is coming soon.
- Economy: Danny Santana MIN - Santana is criminally undervalued on some sites right now. Guy can flat out hit and run. I can't see him being at these low, low prices for long. Faces Marco Estrada, who as I mentioned above, I feel Mr. Estrada is going to have a stat correction tonight.
3rd Base:
- Gold: Josh Donaldson OAK - If yer gonna load up on the A's tonight, your gonna need Donaldson's big bat in the middle of the lineup. Nuno gives up a ton of HRs at Yankee Stadium, so it could be feeding time for the A's. Donaldson's a little pricey, but with the tear he's been on, it's likely justified.
- Silver: Evan Longoria TB - Mr. Longoria, I'm more patient than you. I'll keep putting you on here at your reasonable price, even if you aren't hitting a lick. Once again, the Rays put a big bagel on the scoreboard. One of these days I'll get you right, and on that day I'm gonna scream how right I was. Longoria faces Tom Koehler tonight.
- Bronze: Pablo Sandoval SF - Sandoval and the Giants face Tony Cingrani tonight. I like Panda much better from the left side, but will hit right vs. Cingrani. Cingrani has not been very good lately but he has the stuff to come around. So wade in with caution.
- Economy: Brett Lawrie TOR - Lawrie is starting to mash like everyone expected to. His price point is low and stagnant but his bat is starting to heat up. Faces Rich Porcello but hits well vs. either hand.
Shortstop:
- Gold: Hanley Ramirez LAD - I don't what I trust less right now. The Dodgers bats or John Danks, Danks has actually pitched well lately, but we all know that isn't gonna last. The Dodgers bats are MIA lately. Couldn't do ANYTHING vs. Triple Aer Hector Noesi last night. Hanley is too good of a hitter to be held to a sub .250 average. Eventually a stat correction will occur.
- Silver: Jed Lowrie OAK - I continue to gang up on Vidal Nuno. Like Sandoval, I actually like Lowrie better from the left side from a safety standpoint but has better power from the right side. Could be a power explosion at Yankee Stadium tonight.
- Bronze: Billy Hamilton CIN - On some sites qualifies at SS, other sites he's an OF only. I'll put Hamilton here since the OF will be crowded. Hamilton is a threat to steal anytime, and I love playing Hamilton vs. righties. So, vs. Vogelsong, if Hamilton gets on first, expect him to take second. Had a really good fantasy night last night.
- Economy: J.J Hardy BAL - Hardy's price point seems a little low. But that's OK for us looking for value. Hardy is one of the few SS that can hit for power, the downside is his low batting average and a penchant for striking out. Faces Nick Martinez, so it might be a good idea to find some Orioles tonight.
Outfield:
- Gold: Yasel Puig LAD - Puig, I believe, is the only Dodger who isn't going through a funk. Dude seems to be slump proof. Price is sky high but with so many ways to hurt ya, it very well should be. Dodgers faces John Danks in what is a righty/lefty matchup that should benefit Puig greatly.
- Gold: Yoenis Cespedes OAK - If you are going to have an A's stack, you have to have Cespedes in it. Cespedes usually hits cleanup vs. lefties. Last time he faced a lefty, he almost hit for the cycle, so needless to say, the dude mashes lefties. A's face Vidal Nuno tonight.
- Silver: Matt Kemp LAD - Kemp has been likely the biggest offender in the Dodgers slumping bats. Kemp has been a shadow of his formal self. The upside his price point has come down drastically, to the point where he may be a bargain going up vs. John Danks. Kemp still has the power to put the hurt on.
- Silver: Shin Soo Choo TEX - Choo has a ripe matchup vs. Bud Norris. That's the upside, the downside is the steals just aren't there this year to justify the price point. Hence, the reason why you don't see his name here often. Just a bit pricey considering he's an all or nothing guy, but tonight could be a night where he goes off.
- Bronze: Jacoby Ellsbury NYY - Like I said, I don't have much faith in Jesse Chavez tonight. Seems like a matchup where Ellsbury could abuse Chavez with either his bat or his legs. That being said, it's a bit disappointing that Ellsbury hasn't taken advantage of the short right field fence a bit more in Yankee Stadium, because he price point says he should be.
- Bronze: Matt Holliday STL - Holliday has the ripe matchup vs. Jason Vargas. But like Ellsbury I have a few bones to pick with Holliday. Not hitting home runs is one thing, but not driving in runs is something else. Might be because the one and two hitters for the Cards aren't hitting a lick either. Either way, the value might not be there, but the matchup sure is.
- Economy: Kole Calhoun ANA - On the site I play on, DraftKings, Calhoun was at 4900 just after he came off the DL, now he's sitting at a paltry 3400. Now thats a classic case of buying low, because when Calhoun is on, he is hitting lasers all over the place, and judging by the past couple of games, it looks like he's getting ready to heat up. Faces righty Jarret Cosart tonight.
Monday, June 2, 2014
MLB: Tuesday June 3 2014
My apologies to reader's of this blog. Last night was an epic fail, that I can't even fathom. Nothing went right. Cardinals & Rays are still slumping. Brew Crew did well however Braun & Gomez did not. Big price bats sure laid the eggs on my lineups. My best hitter was Reid Brignac last night which tells you how bad it really was. The beauty thing about sports is, there is always tomorrow and a chance to set things right. Here's my chance to make amends.
Pitchers:
- Gold: Zack Wheeler NYM - Not a good night to go with expensive arms, so, Wheeler grabs the top spot of the night. Wheeler gets to face the Cubs who just finished getting waxed by the Brewers. Wheeler has been pitching much better himself, so, it just seems like nothing but upward arrows in this matchup.
- Silver: Yovani Gallardo MIL - Gallardo is kind of a uneven pitcher. Not sure what to get from game to game. Same can be said about the Twins lineup he's going to face tonight. With the way the Brewers are mashing, the prospects for a win are high. He's at a good price point to boot.
- Bronze: Dan Haren LAD - Outside of the power fest they had on Saturday night, Dodgers seem to be in a funk, hence the bronze play for Haren and not higher on the list. That being said the White Sox generate a lot of swings and misses in their own right. The kicker is Hector Noesi is Haren's counterpart, whom I can't see having two good starts in a row. It's a mismatch on paper.
- Economy: Erasmo Ramirez SEA - Not a good night for the economy class, though Gallardo would technically qualify. The upside to the Erasmo play is he has strikeout potential facing a Braves team loathes right handed pitching. Eventually the Braves will start mashing just to even things out, that night could be tonight, so I would approach this play with caution.
Catchers:
- Gold: Buster Posey SF - Not a great night matchup wise for catchers tonight. A lot of righty v righty crime. Posey faces Homer Bailey of whom I have absolutely no faith in. The Giants just finished doing the Cardinals dirty, so you know the bats are hot.
- Silver: Jonathan Lucroy MIL - Lucroy faces Samuel Deduno, who has pretty decent stuff but is a mistake waiting to happen. Love that Lucroy is currently hitting 3rd in the Brewers lineup. Just enhances the catching position so much, giving it more options.
- Bronze: Willin Rosario COL - Rosario is not having that great of a season thus far in the friendly confines of Coors Field, though he done alright 3 of the last 4 games. Faces Chase Anderson tonight. Rookie pitchers usually don't fair well in Coors Field. Might be a plan to load up on Rockies tonight.
- Economy: Alex Avila DET - On a light night for catching and a lot of questionable matchup, Avila is the best I can pull up for the economy class. Avila draws Drew Hutchison, who is around the plate but has a penchant for getting hit around. Avila is a modest power, low average hitter.
1st Base:
- Gold: Paul Goldschmidt ARI - Could very well be the gold play of the day. Anytime the D'Backs face subpar left handed pitching, I'm lining up for 'em. Jorge De La Rosa has pitched effectively as of late, but pitching at Coors Field can make anyone erratic. I see a total gong show at Coors tonight.
- Silver: Adrian Gonzalez LAD - His matchup vs. Noesi would make him a gold play on most days, but will have to settle for silver today. Gonzalez has been in a malaise as of late, but Noesi could be the cure that ails him, or any of the Dodgers bats for that matter.
- Bronze: James Loney TB - I'm a sucker for punishment when it comes to the Rays. Too much talent and baseball acumen for them to be this bad. Loney is one of the very few that is hitting alright. Price point is low enough to qualify for an economy spot. Faces Henderson Alverez tonight.
- Economy: Mitch Moreland TEX - Moreland has been hitting in the third spot ever since Prince Fielder has been on the DL. Hasn't exactly taken advantage of the opportunity, but nonetheless the opportunity is still there. Faces Ubaldo Jiminez who prone to the long ball. Might be a chance to buy low on Moreland tonight.
2nd Base:
- Gold: Dustin Pedroia BOS - Faces lefty T.J. House who was brilliant in his last start. But its still the same T.J. House that is the owner of two MLB starts. Pedroia preys on inexperienced pitching. Fighting a bit of an ailment so the upside is not as high as it should be.
- Silver: Aaron Hill ARI - Aaron Hill + left handed pitching + hitters ballpark = damn near a must play. Faces Jorge De La Rosa. Pedroia has a ever so slightly better matchup but on most nights, this could qualify as a gold spot play.
- Bronze: Robinson Cano SEA - Cano just came back from injury last night to play a game in the Bronx. Went 1-3 with a couple of BB. Pretty meh for his price point. Has been underwhelming for much of the season but yet his price point remains high. Faces Gavin Floyd, who pitches to contact. Could be a night Cano goes off, or remains in his slumber. Whichever.
- Economy: Derek Dietrich MIA - Recently in the doghouse for his defensive acumen as he dropped a start to Ed Lucas yesterday. But the dude can still mash, and has nice protection on both sides of the lineup. Has an excellent price point as well. Check with lineups on him though as he may still be in the doghouse tomorrow.
3rd Base:
- Gold: Pablo Sandoval SF - As mentioned above, I have no faith in Homer Bailey. Sure he can spin a gem every once in awhile, but more often than not, he leaks hits. I`m sure Panda hated leaving St. Louis, he just mashed the Cardinals over the weekend.
- Silver: Kyle Seager SEA - Speaking of mashing, Seager just put on a hitting display yesterday in the Bronx. A double, two triples and an home run. Yeah, he sunk me last night in a lot of league games. Had him as a bronze play last night, but decided to with gold play Longoria. Needless to say, it did not work out well. Seager faces Gavin Floyd in a ripe matchup.
- Bronze: Manny Machado BAL - Machado's bat finally awoke from his slumber vs. Houston on Sunday. It`s been a long time coming. Let`s see if he can keep it rolling vs. soft tosser Joe Saunders.
- Economy: Matt Dominguez HOU - Not the greatest of matchups vs. C.J. Wilson but he does get the righty vs. lefty matchup. Wilson`s stuff is good and the dude is a horse, but is prone to long ball and Minute Maid Park is a home run waiting to happen. Many pros and cons to this matchup but the price is right for Dominguez who usually hits cleanup vs. lefties.
Shortstop:
- Gold: Troy Tulowitzki COL - It`s been awhile since I have looked Tulo's way. Mostly because the Rockies have been on the road a lot and Tulo's price point has started trending down from the ridiculous. Welp, Tulo is back at Coors Field facing Chase Anderson. Sign me up.
- Silver: Hanley Ramirez LAD - Outside of his monster game on Saturday night, there has not been a lot of pop in his bat. Not sure if there are any lingering effects there. One thing is for certain, its tough to look away from his matchup with Noesi tonight.
- Bronze: Jean Segura MIL - It doesn't feel right unless I have a good portion of the Brewers bats represented here. I actually like Segura in a righty vs. righty matchup more than I would otherwise. It gives him a better chance to swipe a bag and create havoc on the bases. Faces the mistake prone Deduno tonight.
- Economy: J.J. Hardy BAL - Love Hardy vs. lefties. Hardy has a lot of protection around him in the lineup that he seems to do most of his damage when he doesn't stick out of a lineup. Joe Saunders has many other bats to be concerned with which makes Hardy a sneaky play at a low price.
Outfield:
- Gold: Nelson Cruz BAL - Cruz is battling a bit of a hand injury when he got HBP on Sunday. So he might be a bit iffy for Tuesday. But Joe Saunders doesn't throw hard enough to hurt anybody, so if Cruz is in the lineup, he`s pretty much a must play.
- Gold: Adam Jones BAL - I may as well put in Cruz`s bash brother buddy Adam Jones in here, as I gang up on poor ol' Joe Saunders. Saunders did well vs. the Twins his last time out, but the difference between the Twins and the Orioles is like the difference between ground beef and filet mignon.
- Silver: Carlos Gonzalez COL - Gonzalez, much like Cruz, also is dealing with a lingering hand injury, which has been hampering his hitting as of late. I say, the Rockies being on the road may have hampered it more. Nothing like some home cooking vs. rookie Chase Anderson will help alleviate some of the pain. All things being said, check lineups to make sure he`s in.
- Silver: Charlie Blackmon COL - Another guy that would like some home cooking as well. Another guy that hits better at Coors than away from Coors. Blackmon's price point hasn`t really moved even though he`s been fighting it a bit. Nonetheless, he's a really sold play in what I expect to be a slug fest in Denver.
- Bronze: Ryan Braun MIL - It pains me to put him here after he did me dirty last night. But with the way the Brewers have swinging the bats at home, he's hard to ignore. On top of that facing Deduno, it's damn near preposterous for me to leave him off the list.
- Bronze: Carlos Gomez MIL - ...And if I have Braun on the list, I have to have Gomez on the list, because its damn near impossible to make out who will have the big game and who will flop. It probably wise to gamble on one and not both, because its rare that these two have big games together and their price point are high.
- Economy: Andre Either LAD - It`s a little easier to insert Ethier into a lineup with Crawford on the shelf, turning a four man outfield into a three man. Ethier faces Noesi at a price that is too low refuse. Seems like a good time to buy on Ethier.
Pitchers:
- Gold: Zack Wheeler NYM - Not a good night to go with expensive arms, so, Wheeler grabs the top spot of the night. Wheeler gets to face the Cubs who just finished getting waxed by the Brewers. Wheeler has been pitching much better himself, so, it just seems like nothing but upward arrows in this matchup.
- Silver: Yovani Gallardo MIL - Gallardo is kind of a uneven pitcher. Not sure what to get from game to game. Same can be said about the Twins lineup he's going to face tonight. With the way the Brewers are mashing, the prospects for a win are high. He's at a good price point to boot.
- Bronze: Dan Haren LAD - Outside of the power fest they had on Saturday night, Dodgers seem to be in a funk, hence the bronze play for Haren and not higher on the list. That being said the White Sox generate a lot of swings and misses in their own right. The kicker is Hector Noesi is Haren's counterpart, whom I can't see having two good starts in a row. It's a mismatch on paper.
- Economy: Erasmo Ramirez SEA - Not a good night for the economy class, though Gallardo would technically qualify. The upside to the Erasmo play is he has strikeout potential facing a Braves team loathes right handed pitching. Eventually the Braves will start mashing just to even things out, that night could be tonight, so I would approach this play with caution.
Catchers:
- Gold: Buster Posey SF - Not a great night matchup wise for catchers tonight. A lot of righty v righty crime. Posey faces Homer Bailey of whom I have absolutely no faith in. The Giants just finished doing the Cardinals dirty, so you know the bats are hot.
- Silver: Jonathan Lucroy MIL - Lucroy faces Samuel Deduno, who has pretty decent stuff but is a mistake waiting to happen. Love that Lucroy is currently hitting 3rd in the Brewers lineup. Just enhances the catching position so much, giving it more options.
- Bronze: Willin Rosario COL - Rosario is not having that great of a season thus far in the friendly confines of Coors Field, though he done alright 3 of the last 4 games. Faces Chase Anderson tonight. Rookie pitchers usually don't fair well in Coors Field. Might be a plan to load up on Rockies tonight.
- Economy: Alex Avila DET - On a light night for catching and a lot of questionable matchup, Avila is the best I can pull up for the economy class. Avila draws Drew Hutchison, who is around the plate but has a penchant for getting hit around. Avila is a modest power, low average hitter.
1st Base:
- Gold: Paul Goldschmidt ARI - Could very well be the gold play of the day. Anytime the D'Backs face subpar left handed pitching, I'm lining up for 'em. Jorge De La Rosa has pitched effectively as of late, but pitching at Coors Field can make anyone erratic. I see a total gong show at Coors tonight.
- Silver: Adrian Gonzalez LAD - His matchup vs. Noesi would make him a gold play on most days, but will have to settle for silver today. Gonzalez has been in a malaise as of late, but Noesi could be the cure that ails him, or any of the Dodgers bats for that matter.
- Bronze: James Loney TB - I'm a sucker for punishment when it comes to the Rays. Too much talent and baseball acumen for them to be this bad. Loney is one of the very few that is hitting alright. Price point is low enough to qualify for an economy spot. Faces Henderson Alverez tonight.
- Economy: Mitch Moreland TEX - Moreland has been hitting in the third spot ever since Prince Fielder has been on the DL. Hasn't exactly taken advantage of the opportunity, but nonetheless the opportunity is still there. Faces Ubaldo Jiminez who prone to the long ball. Might be a chance to buy low on Moreland tonight.
2nd Base:
- Gold: Dustin Pedroia BOS - Faces lefty T.J. House who was brilliant in his last start. But its still the same T.J. House that is the owner of two MLB starts. Pedroia preys on inexperienced pitching. Fighting a bit of an ailment so the upside is not as high as it should be.
- Silver: Aaron Hill ARI - Aaron Hill + left handed pitching + hitters ballpark = damn near a must play. Faces Jorge De La Rosa. Pedroia has a ever so slightly better matchup but on most nights, this could qualify as a gold spot play.
- Bronze: Robinson Cano SEA - Cano just came back from injury last night to play a game in the Bronx. Went 1-3 with a couple of BB. Pretty meh for his price point. Has been underwhelming for much of the season but yet his price point remains high. Faces Gavin Floyd, who pitches to contact. Could be a night Cano goes off, or remains in his slumber. Whichever.
- Economy: Derek Dietrich MIA - Recently in the doghouse for his defensive acumen as he dropped a start to Ed Lucas yesterday. But the dude can still mash, and has nice protection on both sides of the lineup. Has an excellent price point as well. Check with lineups on him though as he may still be in the doghouse tomorrow.
3rd Base:
- Gold: Pablo Sandoval SF - As mentioned above, I have no faith in Homer Bailey. Sure he can spin a gem every once in awhile, but more often than not, he leaks hits. I`m sure Panda hated leaving St. Louis, he just mashed the Cardinals over the weekend.
- Silver: Kyle Seager SEA - Speaking of mashing, Seager just put on a hitting display yesterday in the Bronx. A double, two triples and an home run. Yeah, he sunk me last night in a lot of league games. Had him as a bronze play last night, but decided to with gold play Longoria. Needless to say, it did not work out well. Seager faces Gavin Floyd in a ripe matchup.
- Bronze: Manny Machado BAL - Machado's bat finally awoke from his slumber vs. Houston on Sunday. It`s been a long time coming. Let`s see if he can keep it rolling vs. soft tosser Joe Saunders.
- Economy: Matt Dominguez HOU - Not the greatest of matchups vs. C.J. Wilson but he does get the righty vs. lefty matchup. Wilson`s stuff is good and the dude is a horse, but is prone to long ball and Minute Maid Park is a home run waiting to happen. Many pros and cons to this matchup but the price is right for Dominguez who usually hits cleanup vs. lefties.
Shortstop:
- Gold: Troy Tulowitzki COL - It`s been awhile since I have looked Tulo's way. Mostly because the Rockies have been on the road a lot and Tulo's price point has started trending down from the ridiculous. Welp, Tulo is back at Coors Field facing Chase Anderson. Sign me up.
- Silver: Hanley Ramirez LAD - Outside of his monster game on Saturday night, there has not been a lot of pop in his bat. Not sure if there are any lingering effects there. One thing is for certain, its tough to look away from his matchup with Noesi tonight.
- Bronze: Jean Segura MIL - It doesn't feel right unless I have a good portion of the Brewers bats represented here. I actually like Segura in a righty vs. righty matchup more than I would otherwise. It gives him a better chance to swipe a bag and create havoc on the bases. Faces the mistake prone Deduno tonight.
- Economy: J.J. Hardy BAL - Love Hardy vs. lefties. Hardy has a lot of protection around him in the lineup that he seems to do most of his damage when he doesn't stick out of a lineup. Joe Saunders has many other bats to be concerned with which makes Hardy a sneaky play at a low price.
Outfield:
- Gold: Nelson Cruz BAL - Cruz is battling a bit of a hand injury when he got HBP on Sunday. So he might be a bit iffy for Tuesday. But Joe Saunders doesn't throw hard enough to hurt anybody, so if Cruz is in the lineup, he`s pretty much a must play.
- Gold: Adam Jones BAL - I may as well put in Cruz`s bash brother buddy Adam Jones in here, as I gang up on poor ol' Joe Saunders. Saunders did well vs. the Twins his last time out, but the difference between the Twins and the Orioles is like the difference between ground beef and filet mignon.
- Silver: Carlos Gonzalez COL - Gonzalez, much like Cruz, also is dealing with a lingering hand injury, which has been hampering his hitting as of late. I say, the Rockies being on the road may have hampered it more. Nothing like some home cooking vs. rookie Chase Anderson will help alleviate some of the pain. All things being said, check lineups to make sure he`s in.
- Silver: Charlie Blackmon COL - Another guy that would like some home cooking as well. Another guy that hits better at Coors than away from Coors. Blackmon's price point hasn`t really moved even though he`s been fighting it a bit. Nonetheless, he's a really sold play in what I expect to be a slug fest in Denver.
- Bronze: Ryan Braun MIL - It pains me to put him here after he did me dirty last night. But with the way the Brewers have swinging the bats at home, he's hard to ignore. On top of that facing Deduno, it's damn near preposterous for me to leave him off the list.
- Bronze: Carlos Gomez MIL - ...And if I have Braun on the list, I have to have Gomez on the list, because its damn near impossible to make out who will have the big game and who will flop. It probably wise to gamble on one and not both, because its rare that these two have big games together and their price point are high.
- Economy: Andre Either LAD - It`s a little easier to insert Ethier into a lineup with Crawford on the shelf, turning a four man outfield into a three man. Ethier faces Noesi at a price that is too low refuse. Seems like a good time to buy on Ethier.
Sunday, June 1, 2014
MLB: Monday June 2 2014
Yesterday was not much to write home about. Had some good economical picks, but high many priced duds across the board. The bats across the board were pretty quiet, a few teams made some noise, many did not. Gotta take the good with the bad sometimes. The Dodgers night cap was a real downer. Today's a new day and a chance to set things right.
Pitchers:
- Gold: Clayton Kershaw LAD - I expect a heavy right handed hitting lineup from the White Sox tonight. No matter, Kershaw is dominant vs. most hitters. Other than the blip vs. the D'Backs a few starts back, Kershaw has been as tough as ever. Price point is sky high, but the return is worth it more times than not.
- Silver: Matt Garza MIL - Garza gets the chance to face the Twins tonight. The Twins have the ability to bite someone every once in a while, but more often than not, are a limp hitting bunch. Seems like a matchup that Garza can have his way in.
- Bronze: Alex Cobb TB - Cobb is a quality start machine and when he's on, the Ks are there too. Cobb draws the Marlins who are somewhat under appreciated this season. Marlins have some power bats that can hurt you, but the bottom of their lineup is no great shakes. Cobb can make hay here.
- Economy: Roberto Hernandez - By me having Hernandez here, it says the economy plays just are not there today. But Hernandez has two things going for him, one, he faces the swing happy Mets, and two, the Phils are facing 80 year old Bartolo Colon. This matchup could go either way, but the Ks should be there for Hernandez.
Catchers:
- Gold: Yadier Molina STL - Plenty of motivation for the Cards in this one. They face Danny Duffy, the Cards crush lefties and they got taken to the woodshed by Giants over the weekend. A good chance to right some wrongs in this game. Molina is by far the best option at catcher today.
- Silver: Jonathan Lucroy MIL - The Brewers get to face perennial punching bag Kyle Gibson. While the Brewers don't do as well vs. righties as they do lefties, Gibson is no great shakes, and the Brewers have been mashing lately. Just ask the Cubs.
- Bronze: A.J. Pierzynski BOS - Pierzynski faces Justin Masterson, who has been coming around but still sub par. Like that Pierzynski hits in the middle of Sox order, otherwise I would have a tough time finding a 3rd catcher to occupy this spot.
- Economy: Mike Zunino SEA - Zunino is slowly turning into a John Buck wannabe. A low average masher. Which is OK for fantasy purposes, but is just as likely to give you a zero than he is a crooked number. At any rate, the price is right and is a decent punt option.
1st Base:
- Gold: Allen Craig STL - May only qualify for the outfield on your site but either way has a ripe matchup vs. Danny Duffy and is likely hitting clean up. You might be detecting a theme here but I REALLY like the Cards to mash tonight.
- Silver: Ryan Howard PHI - Ryan Howard faces Bartolo Colon. This matchup really could go either way. Howard could be baffled by Colon's off speed stuff, or Howard could just crush Colon's mistakes. Either way, he's at flyer prices and a good mid range option if you are looking to spend elsewhere.
- Bronze: Justin Smoak SEA - Smoak faces David Phelps, who is about a no name pitcher as it gets. Smoak is still hitting cleanup for the Mariners, so he has that going for him. Be wary of the Mariners having to fly cross country for this one, may show up with a case of heavy hands. Qualifies as a punt option. so the price is nice. Love left handed hitters at Yankee Stadium.
- Economy: Ike Davis PIT - Davis has been seeing a lot of time as the Pirates cleanup hitter lately, and at dirt cheap prices is worth the look. Faces Tim Stauffer, who is more of a pitch to contact type. Davis Ks way too much for my liking, but is at dirt cheap prices.
2nd Base:
- Gold: Chase Utley PHI - Utley is most expensive and likely best option at 2B today (outside of Cano). Faces Colon, who has been pitching well lately, but I don't know Colon navigates through all of these left handed power the Phillies possess. Just seems like a mismatch on paper.
- Silver: Neil Walker PIT - The Pirates bats are slowly starting to come around. They got there knocks vs. Dodgers pitching which is no small feat. Outside of McCutcheon, Walker is the hitter that I'd have a lot of apprehension over. Very professional hitter. Faces Tim Stauffer.
- Bronze: Ben Zobrist TB - Zobrist faces lefty Randy Wolf, who was decent about ten years ago. Now he's just mediocre. Rays need to bust out of their slump in a big way after getting swept by the BoSox. I expect them to vs. the Marlins.
- Economy: Scooter Gennett MIL - Gennett is like safety blanket for myself. I need a punt at 2B? He's usually available at a price that rarely fluctuates. I also like the fact that he rarely puts up a zero. That's all you can ask for at this price point. Has a nice matchup vs. Kyle Gibson.
3rd Base:
- Gold: Evan Longoria TB - It almost seems wrong to put any of the Rays in a gold spot with the way they've been swinging the bats but that's where 3B is at tonight. Longoria got a couple of knocks vs. Lester yesterday, hopefully a sign he's coming around. Has a ripe, juicy matchup vs. Randy Wolf. (Supposed) power hitting righty vs. soft tossing lefty? What more can you ask for?
- Silver: Pedro Alvarez PIT - For me, it feels like an eternal fall to go from Longoria to Alvarez, but like I said, its where 3B is at. Alvarez, like Ike Davis above, is a boom/bust play. Faces Tim Stauffer, so the matchup is there. Alvarez just isn't as appealing now that he is no longer hitting clean up but still has plenty of pop in that bat, when he makes contact.
- Bronze: Kyle Seager SEA - Seager just seems like a hitter that was built to hit in Yankee Stadium. Unfortunately for him, he spends half his games hitting in that cavern in Seattle. Like Justin Smoak above, I'm worried about the Mariners having heavy hands tonight, which is the only reason he's not in the silver spot. Faces righty David Phelps.
- Economy: Logan Forsythe TB - Forsythe could damn near qualify a any position depending on what site you play. For now, I'll put him here. Forsythe has been underwhelming so far this season, hitting sub .200. Draws lefty Randy Wolf, so, if he doesn't hit here, a DFA could be in his future. A good time to buy painfully low.
Shortstop:
- Gold: Hanley Ramirez LAD - Shortstop is a lot like 3B tonight, woefully thin. Hanley is comfortably the best play at SS, but also the most costly by a good margin. Ramirez faces Jose Quintana, who is no walk in the park, but draws a righty/lefty matchup that he could take advantage of.
- Silver: Everth Cabrera SD - I like ECabrera vs. soft tossing righties, which Charlie Morton is because it means a better chance to swipe a bag if he can find his way on base. Cabrera's average is down, which is a concern, but its also means so is his price point.
- Bronze: Jhonny Peralta STL - With the oncoming theme of ganging up on Danny Duffy, I give you Jhonny Peralta. I like it better when Mr. HGH hits in the 2 hole, as opposed to sixth or seventh, just better and more opportunities in that spot.
- Economy: Reid Brignac PHI - Mr. Slappy of the day today is none other than Reid Brignac. Not a fan of his Mendoza line batting average nor him hitting at the very bottom of the Phillies order, but does get the nice matchup of facing Bartolo Colon at a minimum wage punt price. With all these ripe high price matchups, likely going to need a dirt cheap punt.
Outfield:
- Gold: Matt Holliday STL - Holliday had a devil of a time vs. Giants pitching over the weekend, only drawing one hit and two walks for the three game set. Holliday faces lefty Danny Duffy. You just have to feel that the Cards are going to be chomping at the bit to set things right vs. the Royals.
Holliday's power numbers are way down. It's kind of a heat check spot to see if Holliday has anything left in that bat.
- Gold: Yasel Puig LAD - Will probably be a fixture here until he cools off. Reaching base for 33 straight games will do that for a guy. Puig is putting solid swings on everything right now, and faces lefty Jose Quintana tonight.
- Silver: Chris Gomez MIL - Mr. Swag grabs himself a silver spot. Brewers are just mashing these days, just ask the Cubs, who they torched endlessly over the weekend. Seems like a hornets nest for Kyle Gibson to be heading into.
- Silver: Ryan Braun MIL - I'm tempted to go with the Brew Crew bash bros, over the top two in the gold spot. Brewers are red hot, and Kyle Gibson is no great shakes. Braun seemed to have found his power stroke over the weekend. The only thing that bugs me about Gomez/Braun is deciding which hitter to pick, because they are damn near impossible to play together, due to price point.
- Bronze: Andrew McCutcheon PIT - Tough to give McCutcheon just simply a bronze spot in his matchup vs. Tim Stauffer, but its just how highly I think of the top four spots and their matchups. McCutcheon just finished raking vs. Grienke last night, so you know he is on his game.
- Bronze: Desmond Jennings TB - A Rays stack seems absurd with the way they have been swinging the bats, but yet still seems justified with them facing Randy Wolf. Something has to give in this matchup. One thing is for certain, the Rays are more than happy to be leaving Boston.
- Economy: James Jones SEA - Jones is only worth the value if he gets on base and swipes a bag, but still, he's at a punt price. Jones hit 1st or 2nd so he gets lots of looks. Faces David Phelps.
Pitchers:
- Gold: Clayton Kershaw LAD - I expect a heavy right handed hitting lineup from the White Sox tonight. No matter, Kershaw is dominant vs. most hitters. Other than the blip vs. the D'Backs a few starts back, Kershaw has been as tough as ever. Price point is sky high, but the return is worth it more times than not.
- Silver: Matt Garza MIL - Garza gets the chance to face the Twins tonight. The Twins have the ability to bite someone every once in a while, but more often than not, are a limp hitting bunch. Seems like a matchup that Garza can have his way in.
- Bronze: Alex Cobb TB - Cobb is a quality start machine and when he's on, the Ks are there too. Cobb draws the Marlins who are somewhat under appreciated this season. Marlins have some power bats that can hurt you, but the bottom of their lineup is no great shakes. Cobb can make hay here.
- Economy: Roberto Hernandez - By me having Hernandez here, it says the economy plays just are not there today. But Hernandez has two things going for him, one, he faces the swing happy Mets, and two, the Phils are facing 80 year old Bartolo Colon. This matchup could go either way, but the Ks should be there for Hernandez.
Catchers:
- Gold: Yadier Molina STL - Plenty of motivation for the Cards in this one. They face Danny Duffy, the Cards crush lefties and they got taken to the woodshed by Giants over the weekend. A good chance to right some wrongs in this game. Molina is by far the best option at catcher today.
- Silver: Jonathan Lucroy MIL - The Brewers get to face perennial punching bag Kyle Gibson. While the Brewers don't do as well vs. righties as they do lefties, Gibson is no great shakes, and the Brewers have been mashing lately. Just ask the Cubs.
- Bronze: A.J. Pierzynski BOS - Pierzynski faces Justin Masterson, who has been coming around but still sub par. Like that Pierzynski hits in the middle of Sox order, otherwise I would have a tough time finding a 3rd catcher to occupy this spot.
- Economy: Mike Zunino SEA - Zunino is slowly turning into a John Buck wannabe. A low average masher. Which is OK for fantasy purposes, but is just as likely to give you a zero than he is a crooked number. At any rate, the price is right and is a decent punt option.
1st Base:
- Gold: Allen Craig STL - May only qualify for the outfield on your site but either way has a ripe matchup vs. Danny Duffy and is likely hitting clean up. You might be detecting a theme here but I REALLY like the Cards to mash tonight.
- Silver: Ryan Howard PHI - Ryan Howard faces Bartolo Colon. This matchup really could go either way. Howard could be baffled by Colon's off speed stuff, or Howard could just crush Colon's mistakes. Either way, he's at flyer prices and a good mid range option if you are looking to spend elsewhere.
- Bronze: Justin Smoak SEA - Smoak faces David Phelps, who is about a no name pitcher as it gets. Smoak is still hitting cleanup for the Mariners, so he has that going for him. Be wary of the Mariners having to fly cross country for this one, may show up with a case of heavy hands. Qualifies as a punt option. so the price is nice. Love left handed hitters at Yankee Stadium.
- Economy: Ike Davis PIT - Davis has been seeing a lot of time as the Pirates cleanup hitter lately, and at dirt cheap prices is worth the look. Faces Tim Stauffer, who is more of a pitch to contact type. Davis Ks way too much for my liking, but is at dirt cheap prices.
2nd Base:
- Gold: Chase Utley PHI - Utley is most expensive and likely best option at 2B today (outside of Cano). Faces Colon, who has been pitching well lately, but I don't know Colon navigates through all of these left handed power the Phillies possess. Just seems like a mismatch on paper.
- Silver: Neil Walker PIT - The Pirates bats are slowly starting to come around. They got there knocks vs. Dodgers pitching which is no small feat. Outside of McCutcheon, Walker is the hitter that I'd have a lot of apprehension over. Very professional hitter. Faces Tim Stauffer.
- Bronze: Ben Zobrist TB - Zobrist faces lefty Randy Wolf, who was decent about ten years ago. Now he's just mediocre. Rays need to bust out of their slump in a big way after getting swept by the BoSox. I expect them to vs. the Marlins.
- Economy: Scooter Gennett MIL - Gennett is like safety blanket for myself. I need a punt at 2B? He's usually available at a price that rarely fluctuates. I also like the fact that he rarely puts up a zero. That's all you can ask for at this price point. Has a nice matchup vs. Kyle Gibson.
3rd Base:
- Gold: Evan Longoria TB - It almost seems wrong to put any of the Rays in a gold spot with the way they've been swinging the bats but that's where 3B is at tonight. Longoria got a couple of knocks vs. Lester yesterday, hopefully a sign he's coming around. Has a ripe, juicy matchup vs. Randy Wolf. (Supposed) power hitting righty vs. soft tossing lefty? What more can you ask for?
- Silver: Pedro Alvarez PIT - For me, it feels like an eternal fall to go from Longoria to Alvarez, but like I said, its where 3B is at. Alvarez, like Ike Davis above, is a boom/bust play. Faces Tim Stauffer, so the matchup is there. Alvarez just isn't as appealing now that he is no longer hitting clean up but still has plenty of pop in that bat, when he makes contact.
- Bronze: Kyle Seager SEA - Seager just seems like a hitter that was built to hit in Yankee Stadium. Unfortunately for him, he spends half his games hitting in that cavern in Seattle. Like Justin Smoak above, I'm worried about the Mariners having heavy hands tonight, which is the only reason he's not in the silver spot. Faces righty David Phelps.
- Economy: Logan Forsythe TB - Forsythe could damn near qualify a any position depending on what site you play. For now, I'll put him here. Forsythe has been underwhelming so far this season, hitting sub .200. Draws lefty Randy Wolf, so, if he doesn't hit here, a DFA could be in his future. A good time to buy painfully low.
Shortstop:
- Gold: Hanley Ramirez LAD - Shortstop is a lot like 3B tonight, woefully thin. Hanley is comfortably the best play at SS, but also the most costly by a good margin. Ramirez faces Jose Quintana, who is no walk in the park, but draws a righty/lefty matchup that he could take advantage of.
- Silver: Everth Cabrera SD - I like ECabrera vs. soft tossing righties, which Charlie Morton is because it means a better chance to swipe a bag if he can find his way on base. Cabrera's average is down, which is a concern, but its also means so is his price point.
- Bronze: Jhonny Peralta STL - With the oncoming theme of ganging up on Danny Duffy, I give you Jhonny Peralta. I like it better when Mr. HGH hits in the 2 hole, as opposed to sixth or seventh, just better and more opportunities in that spot.
- Economy: Reid Brignac PHI - Mr. Slappy of the day today is none other than Reid Brignac. Not a fan of his Mendoza line batting average nor him hitting at the very bottom of the Phillies order, but does get the nice matchup of facing Bartolo Colon at a minimum wage punt price. With all these ripe high price matchups, likely going to need a dirt cheap punt.
Outfield:
- Gold: Matt Holliday STL - Holliday had a devil of a time vs. Giants pitching over the weekend, only drawing one hit and two walks for the three game set. Holliday faces lefty Danny Duffy. You just have to feel that the Cards are going to be chomping at the bit to set things right vs. the Royals.
Holliday's power numbers are way down. It's kind of a heat check spot to see if Holliday has anything left in that bat.
- Gold: Yasel Puig LAD - Will probably be a fixture here until he cools off. Reaching base for 33 straight games will do that for a guy. Puig is putting solid swings on everything right now, and faces lefty Jose Quintana tonight.
- Silver: Chris Gomez MIL - Mr. Swag grabs himself a silver spot. Brewers are just mashing these days, just ask the Cubs, who they torched endlessly over the weekend. Seems like a hornets nest for Kyle Gibson to be heading into.
- Silver: Ryan Braun MIL - I'm tempted to go with the Brew Crew bash bros, over the top two in the gold spot. Brewers are red hot, and Kyle Gibson is no great shakes. Braun seemed to have found his power stroke over the weekend. The only thing that bugs me about Gomez/Braun is deciding which hitter to pick, because they are damn near impossible to play together, due to price point.
- Bronze: Andrew McCutcheon PIT - Tough to give McCutcheon just simply a bronze spot in his matchup vs. Tim Stauffer, but its just how highly I think of the top four spots and their matchups. McCutcheon just finished raking vs. Grienke last night, so you know he is on his game.
- Bronze: Desmond Jennings TB - A Rays stack seems absurd with the way they have been swinging the bats, but yet still seems justified with them facing Randy Wolf. Something has to give in this matchup. One thing is for certain, the Rays are more than happy to be leaving Boston.
- Economy: James Jones SEA - Jones is only worth the value if he gets on base and swipes a bag, but still, he's at a punt price. Jones hit 1st or 2nd so he gets lots of looks. Faces David Phelps.
Saturday, May 31, 2014
MLB Sunday June 1 2014
Things were very comme ci, comme ca last night. Drew Smyly pissed me off to no end with his timidness of the weak and feeble Mariners lineup. Ryu was OK, but I was expecting dominant. Rays bats are in the middle of nowhere. Literally got saved by a late evening home run by Cespedes that managed to save me a few coins. The Trout late scratch threw my entire night off. Didn't have time to switch him out for Puig, and then got stuck with a bunch of salary as the next best option was Torii Hunter who was far cheaper, and ended up blessing me with a zero. But that's the way it goes sometimes. Gotta think on your feet in this business. Here's my picks to click for Sunday.
Pitchers:
- Gold: Chris Sale CWS - Sale draws the Padres today, which should be a mismatch on paper. The Padres have been a light hitting club that strikeouts a lot, which plays right into the hands of Sale. The question is will the White Sox get him enough runs to get the win.
- Silver: Zack Greinke LAD - Greinke has been cooking along so well lately, you almost feel like a dud could be in line somewhere. Pirates might be a team that could hand him that dud. But with Greinke dueling Edison Volquez and the Dodger bats coming off a 12 run game. There is a lot of safety in this play.
- Bronze: Max Scherzer DET - Scherzer is a stud, plain and simple. With Cano on the shelf, Scherzer faces a Mariners lineup that is less than stellar. Could very well be the potential for a high K game for Scherzer.
- Economy: Mark Buehrle TOR - Buehrle's price point is a smidge high for economy, but his value and matchup is too tough to ignore. The Royals are the type of Buehrle likes to feast on. Impatient bunch that generates a lot swings and misses. With the way the Jays are producing runs, the run support should be there.
Catchers:
- Gold: Devin Mesoraco CIN - Mesoraco is bursting onto the scene this season. With Votto on the shelf, Mesoraco has inherited a middle of the order spot and has done wonders with it. Is really starting to drive the ball. Mesoraco has the day off yesterday, and should be good to good today vs. lefty Wade Miley.
- Silver: Brian McCann NYY - McCann is starting to earn his stripes with the pinstripes. Slowly coming around with the bat though he has yet to fully take advantage of the short right center fence. He still has a prime hitting spot and the price point is just dandy in my eyes. Faces former Yankee Phil Hughes today.
- Bronze: Miguel Montero ARI - Montero faces Alfredo Simon, who got roughed up by the Dodgers in his last outing. Montero still hits cleanup for the D'Backs which give him plenty of RBI opportunities.
- Economy: Dioner Navarro TOR - I'm gonna keep plugging Navarro in here until they raise his price point. Faces Jeremy Guthrie, who throws one of the straightest fastballs in the history of baseball. I think the Jays mash today, but what else is new.
1st Base:
- Gold: Adrian Gonzalez LAD - The Dodger bats woke up in a big way vs. the Pirates last night. Now get the chance to rough up for Dodger, Edison Volquez. Bad timing for Volquez, great spot for the Dodgers to continue to mash.
- Silver: Edwin Encarnacion TOR - I wanna see him go cold for a stretch before I stop putting him here. He faces fastball tossing Jeremy Guthrie and as I have said before, Edwin loves his fastballs. His price point is just now, starting to hit the ridiculous stage, but its been aiming to get there for quite some time.
- Bronze: Miguel Cabrera DET - Miggy finally makes my list, not because he isn't a good hitter but more because he price point is so ridiculous, its tough building a lineup around with so many great, cheaper 1B options. Cabrera faces young lefty Elias, which seems like a matchup Miggy and his friends can take advantage of.
- Economy: Paul Konerko CWS - Konerko's best days are clearly behind him but still has the ability to mash soft tossing lefties, which he gets today in Eric Stults. Check with lineups to see if he's in, sometimes still sits even with lefties on the hill.
2nd Base:
- Gold: Jason Kipnis CLE - Kipnis got the day off yesterday with the Tribe facing a lefty. Today they face right hander Jhoulys Chacin. Kipnis has a few games under his belt now from his DL stint and is very close to rolling off a hitting streak. Have to figure he'll be in the middle of the Indians today.
- Silver: Ian Kinsler DET - I figure to have Kinsler and a few of his Tigers buddies in lineups with them facing lefty Roenis Elias. Detroit loves their left handed pitching. Elias has been in the league long enough now, that he hasn't been surprising many with stuff like he did early on. Kinsler is a guy that just makes solid contact.
- Bronze: Brandon Phillips CIN - Had himself a nice game last night and today, gets the chance to face lefty Wade Miley. Hit 3rd last night but with Mesoraco out, so it will be interesting to see where he hits today.
- Economy: Derek Dietrich MIA - Not much in the way of economy at 2B, but Dietrich has always been a favorite filler of mine. Decent price point, usually hits 2nd for the Marlins. Faces Aaron Harang today, whom I'm always baffled at how he gets hitters out.
3rd Base:
- Gold: Lonnie Chisenhall CLE - Chisenhall is quickly becoming a favorite of mine at the hot corner. He even played yesterday in a lefty v lefty. I imagine they may move Santana to first once he comes of the DL. Guy is hitting .360+, so monitor closely, a cold streak could be just around the corner with him. Faces Chacin today.
- Silver: Yangervis Solarte NYY - Another one of my favorites at the hot corner. Qualifies at 2B on some sites, which makes him even more attractive. Solarte had a nice game yesterday to break out of a slump, so I'd deploy him with confidence vs. Phil Hughes.
- Bronze: Evan Longoria TB - Longoria planted me with a zero last night, so I'm not exactly enamoured with him, but baseball is a finicky game that way. Rays bats in general are stuck in the mud. Faces lefty Jon Lester today, of which he has 3 taters against lifetime.
- Economy: Matt Dominguez HOU - Dominguez is quickly gaining notoriety as one of those low average mashers. Faces lefty Wei-Yin Chen. Is getting some looks in the cleanup spot vs. left handed pitching. Check with lineup on this one, but the price is definitely good.
Shortstop:
- Gold: Hanley Ramirez LAD - Had to move him up from the bronze spot to the gold spot after yesterday's shenanigans. 4 for 4, couple of jacks, yeah, I'm paying attention. Draws Edison Volquez to boot today, yeah, I'm expecting the Dodgers to continue to mash.
- Silver: Alexei Ramirez CWS - ARamirez still feels like a secret even though his price point says he shouldn't be. Might be because of where he hits in the lineup. No bother, he faces lefty Eric Stults today and is a dual threat to steal or hit for power.
- Bronze: Asdrubal Cabrera CLE - ACabrera is the guy I compare to a hockey pest. Doesn't do anything for the longest time and then, BAM!, he right in your face. Cabrera has a good matchup vs. Chacin but seems to be matchup deficient, so tough call on this, but its a light day at SS. Besides I really like the Tribe to mash Chacin today.
- Economy: Eduardo Escobar MIN - Another down the order, light hitting slappy occupies the economy SS spot again. Tough to ignore his .322 but has little power and isn't likely to swipe a bag, so he is what he is. Unlikely to give you a big number, but also unlikely to grace you with a zero.
Oufielders:
- Gold: Jose Bautista TOR - Bautista & Encarnacion are fixtures on this list regardless of handedness of the pitcher. Guthrie is a fastball pitcher, Bautista is a fastball hitter, 'nuff said. Love these guys when they play at home.
- Gold: Yasel Puig LAD - Stacking Dodgers today is not a bad idea, and if you do, Puig needs to be in the middle of that. Guy is a table setter and a run producer all in the same bat.
- Silver: Michael Brantley CLE - If you believe the Indians will rough up Chacin, like I do, then Brantley needs to be in the middle of that. I really like the way the Tribe have been swinging the bats over the last couple of games.
- Silver: Michael Bourn CLE - Geez, getting pretty close to Tribe stack here. Bourn's effectiveness is in the base stealing, so he's only going to be effective if the game is close. Kind of a hedge play.
Bourn is sitting at a nice price point.
- Bronze: George Springer HOU - I'm pretty sure I'm late to the party when it comes to Springer, but here he is. 5 tool prodigy that can pile up points in many different ways. He's young, so he goes thru prolonged stretches of coldness, but right now, he is as hot as a firecracker.
- Bronze: Dayan Viciedo CWS - You'll likely only see Viciedo here if the White Sox are facing a soft tossing, mediocre lefty. Enter Eric Stults. Viciedo usually hits cleanup when the White Sox are facing lefties.
- Economy: Jonny Gomes Bos - Gomes mashes lefties and the Sox face Erik Bedard. Should be a very ripe matchup for Gomes to chew on. Like that Gomes price point is still reasonable even though he's playing everyday.
Pitchers:
- Gold: Chris Sale CWS - Sale draws the Padres today, which should be a mismatch on paper. The Padres have been a light hitting club that strikeouts a lot, which plays right into the hands of Sale. The question is will the White Sox get him enough runs to get the win.
- Silver: Zack Greinke LAD - Greinke has been cooking along so well lately, you almost feel like a dud could be in line somewhere. Pirates might be a team that could hand him that dud. But with Greinke dueling Edison Volquez and the Dodger bats coming off a 12 run game. There is a lot of safety in this play.
- Bronze: Max Scherzer DET - Scherzer is a stud, plain and simple. With Cano on the shelf, Scherzer faces a Mariners lineup that is less than stellar. Could very well be the potential for a high K game for Scherzer.
- Economy: Mark Buehrle TOR - Buehrle's price point is a smidge high for economy, but his value and matchup is too tough to ignore. The Royals are the type of Buehrle likes to feast on. Impatient bunch that generates a lot swings and misses. With the way the Jays are producing runs, the run support should be there.
Catchers:
- Gold: Devin Mesoraco CIN - Mesoraco is bursting onto the scene this season. With Votto on the shelf, Mesoraco has inherited a middle of the order spot and has done wonders with it. Is really starting to drive the ball. Mesoraco has the day off yesterday, and should be good to good today vs. lefty Wade Miley.
- Silver: Brian McCann NYY - McCann is starting to earn his stripes with the pinstripes. Slowly coming around with the bat though he has yet to fully take advantage of the short right center fence. He still has a prime hitting spot and the price point is just dandy in my eyes. Faces former Yankee Phil Hughes today.
- Bronze: Miguel Montero ARI - Montero faces Alfredo Simon, who got roughed up by the Dodgers in his last outing. Montero still hits cleanup for the D'Backs which give him plenty of RBI opportunities.
- Economy: Dioner Navarro TOR - I'm gonna keep plugging Navarro in here until they raise his price point. Faces Jeremy Guthrie, who throws one of the straightest fastballs in the history of baseball. I think the Jays mash today, but what else is new.
1st Base:
- Gold: Adrian Gonzalez LAD - The Dodger bats woke up in a big way vs. the Pirates last night. Now get the chance to rough up for Dodger, Edison Volquez. Bad timing for Volquez, great spot for the Dodgers to continue to mash.
- Silver: Edwin Encarnacion TOR - I wanna see him go cold for a stretch before I stop putting him here. He faces fastball tossing Jeremy Guthrie and as I have said before, Edwin loves his fastballs. His price point is just now, starting to hit the ridiculous stage, but its been aiming to get there for quite some time.
- Bronze: Miguel Cabrera DET - Miggy finally makes my list, not because he isn't a good hitter but more because he price point is so ridiculous, its tough building a lineup around with so many great, cheaper 1B options. Cabrera faces young lefty Elias, which seems like a matchup Miggy and his friends can take advantage of.
- Economy: Paul Konerko CWS - Konerko's best days are clearly behind him but still has the ability to mash soft tossing lefties, which he gets today in Eric Stults. Check with lineups to see if he's in, sometimes still sits even with lefties on the hill.
2nd Base:
- Gold: Jason Kipnis CLE - Kipnis got the day off yesterday with the Tribe facing a lefty. Today they face right hander Jhoulys Chacin. Kipnis has a few games under his belt now from his DL stint and is very close to rolling off a hitting streak. Have to figure he'll be in the middle of the Indians today.
- Silver: Ian Kinsler DET - I figure to have Kinsler and a few of his Tigers buddies in lineups with them facing lefty Roenis Elias. Detroit loves their left handed pitching. Elias has been in the league long enough now, that he hasn't been surprising many with stuff like he did early on. Kinsler is a guy that just makes solid contact.
- Bronze: Brandon Phillips CIN - Had himself a nice game last night and today, gets the chance to face lefty Wade Miley. Hit 3rd last night but with Mesoraco out, so it will be interesting to see where he hits today.
- Economy: Derek Dietrich MIA - Not much in the way of economy at 2B, but Dietrich has always been a favorite filler of mine. Decent price point, usually hits 2nd for the Marlins. Faces Aaron Harang today, whom I'm always baffled at how he gets hitters out.
3rd Base:
- Gold: Lonnie Chisenhall CLE - Chisenhall is quickly becoming a favorite of mine at the hot corner. He even played yesterday in a lefty v lefty. I imagine they may move Santana to first once he comes of the DL. Guy is hitting .360+, so monitor closely, a cold streak could be just around the corner with him. Faces Chacin today.
- Silver: Yangervis Solarte NYY - Another one of my favorites at the hot corner. Qualifies at 2B on some sites, which makes him even more attractive. Solarte had a nice game yesterday to break out of a slump, so I'd deploy him with confidence vs. Phil Hughes.
- Bronze: Evan Longoria TB - Longoria planted me with a zero last night, so I'm not exactly enamoured with him, but baseball is a finicky game that way. Rays bats in general are stuck in the mud. Faces lefty Jon Lester today, of which he has 3 taters against lifetime.
- Economy: Matt Dominguez HOU - Dominguez is quickly gaining notoriety as one of those low average mashers. Faces lefty Wei-Yin Chen. Is getting some looks in the cleanup spot vs. left handed pitching. Check with lineup on this one, but the price is definitely good.
Shortstop:
- Gold: Hanley Ramirez LAD - Had to move him up from the bronze spot to the gold spot after yesterday's shenanigans. 4 for 4, couple of jacks, yeah, I'm paying attention. Draws Edison Volquez to boot today, yeah, I'm expecting the Dodgers to continue to mash.
- Silver: Alexei Ramirez CWS - ARamirez still feels like a secret even though his price point says he shouldn't be. Might be because of where he hits in the lineup. No bother, he faces lefty Eric Stults today and is a dual threat to steal or hit for power.
- Bronze: Asdrubal Cabrera CLE - ACabrera is the guy I compare to a hockey pest. Doesn't do anything for the longest time and then, BAM!, he right in your face. Cabrera has a good matchup vs. Chacin but seems to be matchup deficient, so tough call on this, but its a light day at SS. Besides I really like the Tribe to mash Chacin today.
- Economy: Eduardo Escobar MIN - Another down the order, light hitting slappy occupies the economy SS spot again. Tough to ignore his .322 but has little power and isn't likely to swipe a bag, so he is what he is. Unlikely to give you a big number, but also unlikely to grace you with a zero.
Oufielders:
- Gold: Jose Bautista TOR - Bautista & Encarnacion are fixtures on this list regardless of handedness of the pitcher. Guthrie is a fastball pitcher, Bautista is a fastball hitter, 'nuff said. Love these guys when they play at home.
- Gold: Yasel Puig LAD - Stacking Dodgers today is not a bad idea, and if you do, Puig needs to be in the middle of that. Guy is a table setter and a run producer all in the same bat.
- Silver: Michael Brantley CLE - If you believe the Indians will rough up Chacin, like I do, then Brantley needs to be in the middle of that. I really like the way the Tribe have been swinging the bats over the last couple of games.
- Silver: Michael Bourn CLE - Geez, getting pretty close to Tribe stack here. Bourn's effectiveness is in the base stealing, so he's only going to be effective if the game is close. Kind of a hedge play.
Bourn is sitting at a nice price point.
- Bronze: George Springer HOU - I'm pretty sure I'm late to the party when it comes to Springer, but here he is. 5 tool prodigy that can pile up points in many different ways. He's young, so he goes thru prolonged stretches of coldness, but right now, he is as hot as a firecracker.
- Bronze: Dayan Viciedo CWS - You'll likely only see Viciedo here if the White Sox are facing a soft tossing, mediocre lefty. Enter Eric Stults. Viciedo usually hits cleanup when the White Sox are facing lefties.
- Economy: Jonny Gomes Bos - Gomes mashes lefties and the Sox face Erik Bedard. Should be a very ripe matchup for Gomes to chew on. Like that Gomes price point is still reasonable even though he's playing everyday.
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