Best Bets (Hitters)
Both of us concur that Miguel Cabrera ($10,196) is just about due to start mashing. “With the showcase of Sunday Night Baseball and a lefty on the mound, that price is a bargain.”
Allen Craig ($9,405) and all the other Cardinals RH bats are up against mediocre Pirates lefty Jeff Locke ($8,872) with a chance to do some damage. “Craig will bat middle of the order, likely sandwiched by Matt Holliday ($10,453) and Yadier Molina ($8,345) — a great spot to be in.”
After missing some time due to injury, David Ortiz ($9,128) is hitting a ridiculous .519 with 9 RBI in his first 27 AB. The law of averages says Big Papi will cool off, and the only position a DH “plays” in DraftStreet is Util, but we’re willing to ride the hot streak one more day.
Live Longshots (Hitters)
Truly as good value as anyone could hope for, Brett Lawrie ($4,681) “…has found his grove after a slow start and faces the inconsistent Phil Hughes ($10,702). Not a polished hitter yet, Lawrie leans towards the ‘see ball hit ball’ mode of operation. I like his chances with the Jays desperate to salvage a win from this 4-game series.”
Another possible bargain at 3B is Will Middlebrooks ($5,952) as the Red Sox go for a sweep against Bud Norris ($10,361) and the Astros. Teammate Stephen Drew ($4,121) had a hit and two walks last night and may be coming around.
Again, I don’t like the KC bats against Justin Masterson ($11,692) in the afternoon game. If you join a later league, Billy Butler ($6,969) and Eric Hosmer ($6,671) are likely to fare better against Corey Kluber ($10,024).
Likewise, the second game starter for the Royals is lefty callup Will Smith (not the Fresh Prince) and every RH batter for Cleveland becomes playable, particularly Mark Reynolds ($8,329) and Drew Stubbs ($5,539) who should be ignored in 1:05 leagues.
Players to Avoid
Clayton Kershaw ($18,472) was fantastic in his first two starts but has walked 11 over his last three and didn’t last into the sixth inning in the last two. He’s certainly capable of a dominant game, but at this high salary, there is very little upside, only downside risk.
Mike Minor ($13,128) is off to a very good start — 3-1, 1.80 ERA, 21 K, 3 BB — but Rob points out there is considerable risk of his first bad game in the national TV broadcast. “The Tigers have a tendency to blast opponents once they get rolling, which we warned you might happen yesterday vs. Kris Medlen.”
Former Mariner Jason Vargas ($10,391) has not been sharp for the Angels and we don’t like him to turn that around in his return to Seattle. RH batters like Michael Morse ($6,338) or Jesus Montero ($6,850) and switch-hitting Kendrys Morales ($7,494) are better plays.
J.P. Arencibia ($6,074) is all-or-nothing and it’s been the latter this series; he will not catch the knuckleballer today and might not even DH. Carlos Gonzalez ($8,796) has gone cold — hence the low price — but faces a good young lefty tonight, so we’ll wait before predicting a breakout game.
Kent Williams is on Twitter @SheridanFantasy and be sure to follow Rob Dudek for updates when our morning picks change during the day.