Some days, the best ballplayers take the Golden Sombrero. Last night, my pitchers were disappointing, none of my hitters was particularly great and my scores at DraftKings were embarrassing. It wasn’t a great start to the H2H week either, with playoff seeding and byes up for grabs.
At least in DFS, we can turn the calendar page and play a whole new season today. Remind me again how Clayton Kershaw $15700 isn’t an All-Star. However, at that salary anything less than another 15-K complete game is an overpay. Matt Harvey $11900, surrounded by controversy over his innings limit and playoff availability, can focus tonight on burying the Nationals’ playoff hopes.
There are reasons to be cautious about Carlos Carrasco $10800 (shoulder) and Michael Wacha $9900 (11 days off) so as usual, we are looking for value on the mound.
Raisel Iglesias $8700 has struck out 33 batters in his last 21 IP and might catch the Pirates by surprise. Rookie Aaron Nola $8100 was “rocked” by the Mets last time — one of his 2 HR allowed was a misplayed single that became an inside-the-park job — and can atone at home. For less than half the price of Kershaw, Andrew Heaney $7400 might make it a duel.
Plays of the Day
The $160K Moonshot is a $3 buy-in (FREE to new depositors) that pays the top 12,800 finishers from up to 61,331 teams, with multiple entries permitted. First place wins $12,000. Deadline is 7:05, with lineup changes allowed until each player’s game begins.
None of the less-expensive SP jump out as reliable selections, which presents a problem — we expect plenty of runs to be scored, but can’t afford many elite bats.
1B/C Buster Posey $4600 went 3-for-4 last night for us and bargain pick J.P. Arencibia $3000 homered; the free-swinging slugger faces another mediocre Tigers lefty today and a third tomorrow.
David Ortiz $4300 is limping (calf) but hit two doubles yesterday as the Red Sox scored 11 times and has 3 career HR off R.A. Dickey $6600. 1B/OF Mark Canha $3500 has become an everyday player, with homers in two of his last three games.
2B Dee Gordon $4500 disappointed on Monday but deserves another chance at home vs. a RHP. 2B/3B Jonathan Schoop $3400 has a theoretically tough matchup but hits better vs. RHP, including two HR in 9 AB off Masahiro Tanaka $9500.
What a great price on 3B Josh Donaldson $5400 vs. a young southpaw, one day after a 3-for-4 with his 37th bomb. Better late than never? Evan Longoria $4000 now has 5 HR and a 1.010 OPS in his last ten.
3B/SS Xander Bogaerts $4100 hits the knuckleball well and is reasonably priced. A tip of the cap to OF/SS Eduardo Escobar $3200 for a recent power surge; after going deep on Sunday he reached base four times with 3 more RBI yesterday.
We keep mentioning Ryan Braun $5300 and he keeps hitting, with another good matchup this evening. Jose Bautista $5100 and the Jays will be determined to even their series. With Tim Hudson $6400 making his first start in weeks, A.J. Pollock $4800 can stay hot. Mookie Betts $4500 might be the catalyst if Boston gets to Dickey early. Dexter Fowler $3800 had a huge impact as the Cubs won 9-0 last night. Escobar is playable if you don’t use him at short, and ultra-cheap Justin Ruggiano $2100 might have earned himself a start vs. a lefthander.
| Pos | Premium | Bargain |
| SP1 | Clayton Kershaw $15700 | Raisel Iglesias $8700 |
| SP2 | Matt Harvey $11900 | Aaron Nola $8100 |
| C | Buster Posey $4600 | J.P. Arencibia $3000 |
| 1B | David Ortiz $4300 | Mark Canha $3500 |
| 2B | Dee Gordon $4500 | Jonathan Schoop $3400 |
| 3B | Josh Donaldson $5400 | Evan Longoria $4000 |
| SS | Xander Bogaerts $4100 | Eduardo Escobar $3200 |
| OF1 | Jose Bautista $5100 | Dexter Fowler $3800 |
| OF2 | Ryan Braun $5300 | Mookie Betts $4500 |
| OF3 | A.J. Pollock $4800 | Justin Ruggiano $2100 |
The Fantasy Spin features DFS advice every day of the NBA season. Until basketball returns, we’re offering baseball tips on weekdays. Follow Kent Williams @SheridanFantasy for updates.