RADIO
No worries, folks, the five-game slate yesterday is no match for tonight’s 14-game slate. The contests on Friday, September 4th give us many more pitching options, far more hitters to choose from, and bigger contests to win. I’ll get back to my regular format today, so be sure to use this advice to aid what works for you. Research will come more into play today than it did on Thursday, simply because there will be more variation from lineup to lineup. Let’s get to it, RotoBallers!
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Offenses to Target for FanDuel DFS (Pitchers to Pick On)
I have to start by pointing out the obvious, any pitcher in Colorado is one to target. The Giants face another lefty in Jorge De La Rosa, so the same bats that you looked to yesterday for San Fran will apply today (Brandon Belt, Matt Duffy, etc.). As for Colorado…
Another matchup that makes me drool as far as picking hitters go comes to us from Boston. The Red Sox rejuvenated lineup gets to pick on lefty Adam Morgan of the Phillies. Despite having a surprisingly decent outing against the Blue Jays last week, Morgan was blasted by the Mets recently, and his 17 strikeouts in the last 39.2 innings pitched tell us that he doesn’t miss many bats. Red Sox bats like Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, and David Ortiz are definitely in play here.
Although the park is a slight downgrade from Miller Park, the Reds and Brewers game in GABP in Cincy is certainly one that benefits hitters. Take into account that the two pitchers going have a combined ERA of right around six, and you have a hitter’s dream situation. Matt Garza and Keyvius Sampson have let up their fair share of homers as righties this year, so look to big bats from either team for some solid production. Aside from Ryan Braun and Joey Votto as obvious bets, Khris Davis, Adam Lind, Todd Frazer, and Eugenio Suarez seem like fine picks for Friday’s slate.
DFS Starting Pitchers to Target for FanDuel
Jacob deGrom (SP, NYM) - $11,800
I don’t think I have to spend much time on this one, but then again deGrom did just get shelled by the Phillies two starts ago. He came roaring back with vengeance in a 7.2 IP start against the Orioles last time out, and the Marlins should be no match for deGrom when he brings his best stuff. With no Giancarlo Stanton still, Miami remains a hit or miss lineup that is lucky to provide a solo homer or two against solid pitching. Considering homers are tough to come by in Marlins’ Park, there is no reason to stray from deGrom in a cash game. Of course, we all know what happened last time I typed that…
The only other possible consideration that I would respect on Friday is Corey Kluber against the Tigers. Yes, Detroit has lost its identity as an offensive juggernaut. Yes, Kluber has shown us how good he can be time and time again. But when you’re looking for the safest bet on Friday, deGrom is the easy call no matter the price.
Martin Perez (SP, TEX) - $5,700
There isn’t a whole lot that intrigues me as far as paying down for a tournament pitcher, but Perez is probably the one that I will use myself. Carlos Martinez and James Shields deserve a mention, simply due to their strikeout potential, but Perez’ opportunity exceeds them both, and his price is about as low as it gets.
For starters, let’s take a look at Perez’ numbers in 2015. His 3.18 FIP claims that his above-five ERA is not the most accurate stat in the world. Meanwhile, Perez is getting groundballs at an incredible 60%. That’s a step away from Keuchel territory. Yes, his HR/FB rate is bound to increase, but if he can keep up this stellar groundball rate, Perez should be able to limit damage for a good start now and then.
The team that will be coming to home plate against Perez doesn’t exactly intimidate anyone as of late. Although they seem to be waking back up, big bats like Albert Pujols, Mike Trout, and Kole Calhoun have quieted increasingly since the All-Star break. If Perez can keep those guys from hitting long fly balls, he should come up with a win and six or seven quality innings.
DFS Infielders to Target for FanDuel
Yan Gomes (C, CLE) - $2,600
Gomes is showing his worth lately in the middle of the Indians lineup. The average we have been looking for is still missing, but the power is reappearing. Gomes has three homers in his past four games, and Kyle Lobstein is a lefty who gives up a lot of contact. This is still a very reasonable price point for one of the better-hitting catchers in the league.
Prince Fielder (1B, TEX) - $3,000
Three grand is a steal for one of the surest-hitting first basemen in the league. Fielder is in the midst of an eight-game hitting streak right now, and while most of them have been singles, we know he has the ability to produce power at any time (just as he did three days ago). Garrett Richards is not the easiest pitcher to pick on, but he hasn’t been sharp enough to avoid either.
Cory Spangenberg (2B, SDP) - $2,500
Spangenberg made a spark earlier in the year, and he’s back doing the same thing after an injury and a demotion. Hitting anywhere the Padres can fit him in, the second baseman has a hit in six of his last eight games with four doubles in that span. The kid can hit, and his price is right where we want it for a night with deGrom on the mound.
Manny Machado (3B, BAL) - $3,600
At no time should this guy be below $4,000. The leadoff man for the O’s has been doing everything he can to carry his team this year, and he’s better against righties than lefties with a 141 wRC+ vs. R. Drew Hutchinson will give up bombs, and the ball flies in Toronto. I like Todd Frazier’s price a lot, but Machado is a little more intriguing if you have the money to upgrade.
Xander Bogaerts (SS, BOS) - $3,200
Bogaerts is continuing to mash baseballs, but his price is still too low for his recent production. He has been a multi-hit machine since the beginning of August, and he just recorded three hits and a moon shot on Tuesday against the Yanks. With a poor lefty in Adam Morgan on the mound, Bogaerts is a sure thing on Friday.
DFS Outfielders to Target for FanDuel
Lorenzo Cain (OF, KC) - $3,800
Odds are that Cain is going to be in my analysis when he’s playing a lefty. John Danks is the victim this time around, and Cain will be looking to do just what he did on Tuesday (a double and a homer). Cain is and always will be a lefty masher.
Khris Davis (OF, MIL) - $3,300
Davis loves righties just as much as he loves lefties. He also loves playing at home, and some people might jump off the bandwagon Friday with an away game on the slate. Well, GABP is very similar to Miller Park as far as home run production goes, so Davis against Sampson seems like a fine bet to me.
Carlos Gomez (OF, HOU) - $2,900
The former Brewer is quietly having a nice little stretch of hitting recently. He has a hit in nine of the last 10 games, and he’s starting to look like a top-tier outfielder again. Gomez is still due for that Carlos Gomez-like game (ya know, the one where he goes 4-5 with three homers and a steal?), so this price is a great reason to go for it all.
Good luck with your FanDuel and DFS lineups RotoBallers!
DFS Q&A with Max Petrie @ 6PM on 9/4
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