Playing Hardball: Full Slate of MLB Games for Daily League Play

Featuring picks and comments by Rob Dudek

Because of a weather-related postponement yesterday, the Mets play the Rockies twice today. That complicates hitter selections, because the first half of the doubleheader is at 3:10 EDT and is not included in DraftStreet leagues, which close at 7:05.

No, you don’t get the afternoon stats for Carlos Gonzalez or Troy Tulowitzki if you select them today. In fact, with lefthanders starting the nightcap for both teams, the lineups may be quite unusual. Don’t completely ignore that potentially high-scoring matchup; just be aware of the circumstances before committing to any hitters.

Handicapping games first, before deciding on players, is always advised. Consider each team’s opposition, park factors and weather. Unlike other sports, baseball plays (almost) every day and momentum — whether a hot streak or slump — is relevant to both individual and collective success. For example, the Oakland A’s swept the Astros in Texas last week by an average score of 8-3 and beat them 11-2 last night. No matter how attractive the prices on Houston bats, I don’t like to buck such a trend.

It’s free to join DraftStreet and you can start by joining free leagues. Once you’re ready to win cash, make a deposit — use the code SHHOOP to get a 30% bonus — and choose your level of play, from $2 entry fees up to $420. Good luck!

Best Bets (Pitchers)

He’s not a strikeout machine, but A.J. Griffin ($12, 451) has won both his starts, knows how to use his spacious park and only one opponent has ever seen him, for a grand total of 3 AB. Safe, affordable and recommended.

Doug Fister has faced the Mariners only once since they traded him to Detroit, and that was a beauty — seven shutout innings in Safeco last May. He will get copious run support and the W seems quite likely. On a night with quite a few third and fourth starters on the bump, Fister at $13,318 is another low-risk selection.

Jake Westbrook ($11,014) represents solid value and should earn another victory. Continuing the theme, he is a sinkerball specialist who doesn’t rack up big K numbers, and the Pirates’ bats have been showing more life recently.

High risk, high reward possibility Josh Johnson looked awful in cold weather against the mighty Tigers. Tonight, in the indoor comfort of Rogers Centre against an average offence that is righty-heavy, he could improve. $11,268 is a fair price if you’re inclined to gamble.

Live Longshots (Pitchers)

Rookie Wily Peralta ($10,033) should get plenty of run support and the wide-bodied righty is a complete mystery to Giants’ hitters.

You never know about any pitcher in Coors Field, but Jeff Francis ($6,815) knows the park as well as anyone and starts the second game of the doubleheader. Although the possibility of a blowup can’t be ignored, the price is great value.

All relievers are longshots by definition and price. Rob calls it an “art form” to pick the SV candidates; I tend to pair one of my SP with “his” closer. However, Grant Balfour ($1,504) worked a 20-pitch inning last night with a 9-run lead, Detroit might win by a lot and the Cardinals used Mitchell Boggs in a non-save situation last night. Edward Mujica might get a SV for STL this evening, and he isn’t in the DS player pool. Casey Janssen ($2,074) could earn his second SV in as many nights, but I like the great Mariano Rivera. At home, fully rested for $2,170, #42 is as live as they come.