Best Bets (Pitchers)
The early leader in the NL Cy Young race, Clayton Kershaw ($19,831) has two easy wins and 16 K already. At that salary, he has to be nearly perfect to be good value but there is nobody more likely to spin a 10-K shutout.
At a much more attractive price, Justin Masterson ($11,804) is also 2-0, has struck out 13 and knows the White Sox well. Assuming they play, it will be chilly enough to help keep the ball in the park.
The safest starter, weather permitting, is C.C. Sabathia ($15,760), who Rob says, “looked great shutting down the potent Tigers and rarely has a bad day at the office.”
After an impressive spring, Alex Cobb ($10,411) blanked Cleveland in his 2013 debut and the price is right. He won twice in Fenway last season; be sure to check the forecast near the deadline if you plan to use him.
Shelby Miller ($12,260) is a promising speculative play for Dudek. “The hard-throwing rookie could dominate the hobbled Brewers lineup. Cards’ bats are in form, which should provide enough support for Shelby to earn the W, even if he’s on a pitch limit.”
Best Bets (Hitters)
Bryce Harper ($10,004) didn’t hit a homer last night, but we’ll take 2 R, 2 RB, 2 H and 2 BB for 9.5 points any day. He has the platoon advantage over spring sensation Julio Teheran, whose first start was disappointing.
The $8,030 price tag on Adam Jones is mystifying. Hitting a ridiculous .462/.475/.667 so far in his age-27 season, he may not be a HR threat in Yankee Stadium but he has always hit C.C. Sabathia very well.
Matt Kemp faces a lefty in a hitters’ park. $9,562 is steep but a pittance if he has the kind of game he is capable of. Kemp and all the Dodgers are furious at Quentin and the Padres; that anger might give them an edge in this new series.
Mark Reynolds could be in our bargain bin at just $7,628 but he’s worth the risk tonight as he faces a lefty without a great strikeout pitch. If you are looking for a 2-homer game this could be it.