The computers at DraftKings have paid Clayton Kershaw $15500 a well-deserved compliment by assigning that salary. However, where’s the incentive for him to pitch a complete game or strike out 15? He should score 30-35 PTS in 7 IP, when Don Mattingly will consider the score and a possible hook.
For considerably less money, you can get two solid pitchers. Rookie Aaron Nola $8300 might surprise the Nationals, rookie Tyler Duffey $6800 looked very strong in Houston last time, and rookie Logan Verrett $4100 allowed one run on just four hits over 8 IP in his last spot start a month ago — at Coors Field.
The venerable Tim Hudson $5100 shocked the Diamondbacks (and ruined my night) in his first start after being relegated to the bullpen for six weeks. If you do expect Kershaw to go the distance with double-digit K, couple him with one of those bargains.
Cole Hamels $10500 has yet to be at his best for the Rangers, and Scott Kazmir $8700 has been somewhat disappointing as an Astro. While both lefties could rise to the pressure of this huge AL West series and make the opener a low-scoring duel, these teams can really hit.
Eduardo Rodriguez $7400 was brilliant at home against the Phils last time and was also sharp in Baltimore on June 9. His former teammates turned the tables in Fenway a couple of weeks later. Both teams may score a lot of runs in this series; I’m leaning to Orioles RHB and lefty sluggers from Boston in the sample lineup and Short List.
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The Mets’ RHB also match up well vs. Justin Nicolino $4200, so Travis d’Arnaud $4800 is not overpriced. 1B/C Buster Posey $4300 is an option nearly every night and Welington Castillo $3200 may be heating up.
David Ortiz $4800 got to celebrate his 2-HR Saturday that put him in the 500 club, then rested yesterday. He can resume his Hall of Fame march tonight. 1B/3B Todd Frazier $4200 has scored 18+ points in three of his last five games. C.J. Cron $3000 is on fire (3 HR in 6 AB) as the Angels hit the road.
2B/3B Jonathan Schoop $4000, an inspired FA pickup when he was on the DL, helped me finish first in a 20-team H2H league and hit two homers on Sunday. 2B/SS Wilmer Flores $3400 has upside if you spend more than me on pitching.
While Manny Machado $5200 isn’t cheap, a Batimore mini-stack would be anemic without him. 3B/SS Xander Bogaerts $4200 could be part of a slugfest, and the great Adrian Beltre $3700 woke up this weekend (2 HR yesterday.)
Future superstar Carlos Correa $4600 gets the nod at SS tonight, even against Hamels. Corey Seager $3500 is the risk/reward play; after hitting his first career homer on a 4-for-4 Saturday, the highly-regarded rookie went hitless on Sunday.
Yoenis Cespedes $5600 will be the starring role if the Mets win the World Series and someone makes a movie. Mookie Betts $4800 and Adam Jones $4300 both figure to be prominent in my target game. 2B/OF Ben Zobrist $4300 has been a fantastic addition for the Royals, who might be catching Carlos Carrasco $10800 at less than 100%. Possible bargain OF include Andre Ethier $2900, the surprising Abraham Almonte $2600 and rookie Peter O’Brien $2000, a pure hitter if the D-backs ever give him a start.
| Pos | Premium | Bargain |
| SP1 | Clayton Kershaw $15500 | Aaron Nola $8300 |
| SP2 | Cole Hamels $10500 | Logan Verrett $4100 |
| C | Travis d’Arnaud $4800 | Welington Castillo $3200 |
| 1B | David Ortiz $4800 | C.J. Cron $3000 |
| 2B | Jonathan Schoop $4000 | Wilmer Flores $3400 |
| 3B | Manny Machado $5200 | Adrian Beltre $3700 |
| SS | Carlos Correa $4600 | Corey Seager $3500 |
| OF1 | Yoenis Cespedes $5600 | Andre Ethier $2900 |
| OF2 | Adam Jones $4300 | Abraham Almonte $2600 |
| OF3 | Mookie Betts $4800 | Ben Zobrist $4300 |
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.