Best Bets (Hitters)
Against a struggling young pitcher in Fenway, it’s tempting to load up on Red Sox bats. “The problem is, the good ones are expensive. You can play a couple of cheap ones who might heat up, like Will Middlebrooks ($6,094) or Stephen Drew ($4,588) and add two expensive ones like Jacoby Ellsbury ($10,574) and Dustin Pedroia ($9,086) if you want to use the maximum four from one team.”
Bryce Harper ($10,723) is worth the money against Mike Leake ($10,168) as my colleague senses the potential for a blowout. The Reds managed only one hit yesterday and have scored a total of four runs in their last four games.
With another lefty on the mound, Vernon Wells ($7,745) is a logical choice.
“This is more of a speculative play,” cautions Rob, “but Cardinals lefty bats like Matt Carpenter ($6,283) and Carlos Beltran ($7,431) could do great damage if A.J. Burnett ($12,985) is not sharp.” Given that Burnett has been prone to intermittent meltdowns his whole career and Beltran homered from both sides of the plate last night, sign me up.
Live Longshots (Hitters)
All the Nationals except Harper are reasonably priced. Denard Span ($6,568) and switch-hitting Danny Espinosa ($5,041) are possibilities, and while Jayson Werth ($6,576) is typically more dangerous against lefties, he has hit Leake well.
Catcher is a tough choice today. Russell Martin ($5,624) is a decent option against Jake Westbrook ($10,307) and if he plays again, David Ross ($5,938) is coming off a fantastic 4-for-4 night with two long homers. He could fill the C spot and be one of your Boston bats.
Anthony Rizzo ($7,805) exploded for two HR last night — off a southpaw — and faces a mediocre RHP in Alex Sanabia ($7,003) this evening. Even in that spacious pitcher’s park, he’s capable of staying hot.
Players to Avoid
Shaun Marcum ($12,058) belatedly makes his first start of the season after nerve inflammation in his neck. He’s gone five innings in extended spring training but is a poor bet to last much longer, even if fully healthy.
At a fairly high salary of $13,446 we are steering clear of Kris Medlen as he faces the potent Tigers lineup. The Braves’ righty has yet to look as dominant as he did in 2012; his only win came in Miami.
Didi Gregorius ($6,810) took a fastball off the helmet last night and while there’s no initial report of a concussion, he will be treated carefully.
Neil Walker ($6,240) suffered a six-stitch cut on his hand and will miss a few games, while Francisco Cervelli ($5,982) will be out for several weeks with a broken right hand, courtesy of a foul tip.
Kent Williams is on Twitter @SheridanFantasy and be sure to follow Rob Dudek for updates when our morning picks change during the day.