Best Bets (Hitters)
Josh Hamilton ($8,655) has homered in consecutive games and also ripped a triple yesterday; he should stay hot (unless the game is postponed) and the price won’t be this attractive tomorrow.
In the thin air of Coors Field, David Wright has a career slash line of .385/.461/.670 with eight homers in 109 AB. His salary of $9,686 is well worth it — more than $3,000 less than a couple of Rockies sluggers in the same game.
Carlos Gonzalez ($12,793) might actually justify that huge price. He was swinging a hot stick on the road trip in pitcher’s parks, loves home cooking and has the platoon advantage. “Best bets” can be interpreted as “most likely to produce” and he tops that list tonight; especially if you use a reliever to keep down pitching costs, CarGo might be worth the investment.
If you emphasize the second word, not the first, “best bets” is all about value. The $6,883 price on Ryan Zimmerman is great even in a pitcher’s park. The guy hit 25 homers last year and has a favorable matchup. A power explosion is coming soon; why not tonight?
Live Longshots (Hitters)
I will have Melky Cabrera ($6,896) in every lineup. He’s had success against Floyd, is beginning to hit line drives and is due to knock one over the wall.
Heating up? Check. Facing a righty he’s hit hard before? Check. Ryan Howard ($6,866) is a solid bargain in the Great American Ballpark, where baseballs defy gravity.
A.J. Ellis ($4,682) has the platoon advantage and has previously homered off Stults. He fills your C spot adequately and the low price lets you load up on bigger bats at other positions.
Pittsburgh 2B Neil Walker looks like a bargain at $5,371. That doesn’t mean he’ll have a huge night, but after a horrific start, he’s 6-for-15 over his last three games and though technically a switch-hitter, is much better against righthanders.
Players to Avoid
John Buck ($12,058) is priced like Johnny Bench in his prime. If you didn’t go to the “wedding” (his streak of fantastic games at low prices) don’t go to the “funeral” (where he inevitably cools off while you overpay.)
Switch-hitting 2B Danny Espinosa ($5,989) would normally be a nice play against Miami but he was hit in the hand by a pitch yesterday and will probably get the night off.
Coco Crisp ($9,557) has missed two games with a strained groin and even if he does return, is 1-for-15 against Bedard and unlikely to attempt a steal. Look elsewhere.
Kent Williams is on Twitter @SheridanFantasy and be sure to follow Rob Dudek for updates when our morning picks change during the day.