X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

MLB Hitter Cheat Sheet (5/7/16): Daily Fantasy Baseball Value Picks

A dictionary will define value as: the worth of something in terms of the amount of other things for-which it can be exchanged or in terms of some medium of exchange. On the streets we call that getting the most bang out of your buck. I am not here to insult your intelligence and recommend you put Buster Posey in your DFS lineup on a day when he is facing Jon Gray and his 7.98 ERA. These eight players are names you will not find at the very top of the price-filtered list, but have the best shot at outperforming their respective costs on both FanDuel and DraftKings. Utilizing this mentality in DFS will allow you to afford to reach for the true anchors of your lineup, whether that is Clayton Kershaw or Jake Arrieta, or maybe even those Giants hitters at home against Jon Gray. 

That is the purpose of this article -- to provide you with the best value hitters available each day.

Today I'll be bringing seven value hitters for MLB Daily Fantasy Baseball on FanDuel and DraftKings for May 7, 2016. Let's get rowdy!

 

DFS Hitters - Lineup Picks for FanDuel and DraftKings

Brian McCann, NYY (C)

FanDuel: $3,000 , DraftKings: $3,100 

When the Red Sox first announced their signing of David Price this off-season, I immediately had to freshen up on his splits versus the New York Yankees, because I knew that they were not sexy. In just under 200 career IP, Price owns a 4.17 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and only a 2.79 K/BB ratio against the pinstripes. I know its not terrible, but this is a five time All-Star we're talking about. Less than a week ago, the Yankees tagged Price for six runs in seven innings, only striking out three times.

B-Mac is no exception to Price's woes against the Yanks, despite the lefty on lefty draw. In 30 career PA against Price, McCann is hitting .345 with 3 HR. He did not get the start on May 1 against Price, but did draw a walk in a pinch hit appearance. Thanks to many DFS players' infatuation with avoiding same handed batter/pitcher match-ups, and the Yankees' offensive struggles, his ownership should be fairly low on a day where Posey draws a weak SP, Stephen Vogt faces a RHP, and Jonathan Lucroy faces a LHP. Recommendation: GPP and Cash

UPDATE: Brian McCann is NOT in today's starting lineup. Thanks a lot, Girardi. 

 

Miguel Cabrera, DET (1B)

FanDuel: $3,700, DraftKings: $4,000 

Now I know Miguel Cabrera is an elite player, and I said I wasn't going to insult your intelligence, but look at those prices! How can one pass on Miguel Cabrera on a day where DraftKings has Chris Carter and Eric Hosmer $300 and $1,100 more expensive, respectively.

Miggy is hitting .324 with 3 HR at home this season, compared to .239 with 1 HR on the road. Also, he has faced A.J. Griffin nine times in his career, bragging a .500/.444/1.375 line with two long balls. That HR:PA ratio gives me confidence in the probability of him putting a ball in the stands again today. So to recap: 1. His price is too low, 2. The Tigers play at home, and 3. He is facing A.J. Griffin. Unfortunately, this should be a popular pick today, making him a Cash game recommendation. For GPP games, consider the first baseman on the opposing team, Prince Fielder.

 

Brian Dozier, MIN (2B)

FanDuel: $3,300, DraftKings: $3,400 

Dozier was finally heating up at the plate, batting .316 over his last five games. Unfortunately, he tweaked his right hamstring and sat out of Friday's bout with the White Sox. Now he gets the pleasure of facing Chris Sale today, IF he is able to play. More on that in a minute. No left handed pitcher would cause me to fade Dozier. He is hitting .429 against them this season, and .271 for his career. In 41 career PA against Sale, Dozier has gone yard three times, with a respectable .289 BA.

Now back to that hammy. Paul Molitor and Dozier both have stated that the second basemen "should" be back in the lineup today. The main problem here is the Twin's 7:15 ET first pitch. This absolutely excludes him from FanDuel All Day slates thanks to the "no late-swaps allowed" rule. In these specific cases, I will happily spend $200 more and start Dustin Pedroia against Nathan Eovaldi at 1:05 ET. However, for FanDuel Late slates and all DraftKings slates, Dozier makes for a great GPP option as most will be scared away by Chris Sale.

UPDATE: Brian Dozier is NOT in todays starting lineup. 

 

Adrian Beltre, TEX (3B)

FanDuel: $3,000, DraftKings: $3,600

Mike Pelfrey owns a 5.68 ERA, and a....wait for it.... 2.05 WHIP. That alone is enough to garner consideration for veteran Adrian Beltre. There will be plenty of run scoring opportunities in this game, as it currently sits as the highest projected total for the day. I honestly cannot think of a situation where Beltre does not play a hand in at least one of those. The floor is high, and Beltre makes for a safe cash game option at a very affordable price. However, I have not seen enough from him this season for me to expect a terribly high ceiling. For GPP games consider another right handed Twin, Miguel Sano, who surprisingly has four hits in five appearances against Sale.

 

Gerardo Parra, COL (OF)

FanDuel: $3,400, DraftKings: $3,100

Parra has been one of my favorite DFS plays in 2016. The 29 year old lefty does it all. For the year, he is hitting .292 with 3 HR, 18 R, 17 RBI, and 5 SB. He is obviously a much more attractive option at Coors Field, but his .301 career BA at AT&T Park will do just fine.

Parra faces off against Johnny Cueto, who he has fared well against in his career (2 HR, .310/.375/.621; 32 PA). Thanks to the the lineup around him and his ability to fill up the stat-sheet, continue to confidently throw my boy in the lineup for both Cash and GPP games.

 

Jay Bruce, CIN (OF)

FanDuel: $3,600, DraftKings: $3,800

Since returning from the paternity list (Congrats, by the way), Bruce has reached base in six out of seven games. During this span he also has 5 XBH and 6 RBI. Today the Reds face-off against the Division rival Brewers and Jimmy Nelson.

It is universally known that Bruce is much more effective against RHP, and is very evident from the 100 point difference in BA compared to against LHP. His stats also show that he is very comfortable against Mr. Nelson. In 15 career PA, Bruce is slashing a .429/.467/1.000 line with 2 HR against the young right hander. I would consider those kind of numbers a high floor. Add in Bruce's power, and you have a high ceiling. Consider for both cash and GPP games.

 

Nelson Cruz, SEA (OF)

FanDuel: $3,600, DraftKings: $4,500

Even when Dallas Keuchel was throwing gems left and right and winning the Cy Young Award, Nelson Cruz haunted his dreams. Cruz flaunts a .471/.524/.882 line against the southpaw, along with 2 HR in 21 PA. With Keuchel currently looking more like his 2012 self, I can only assume these numbers will rise.  The two faced off on April 26, when the Mariners hung up five runs in six innings on the reigning AL Cy Young winner. Cruz himself collected two hits and knocked in a run.

Cruz should be sought after in all FanDuel lineups today with a lowly $3,600 price tag, and is still reasonably priced on DraftKings considering the thunder he will be bringing today. Just like the other two mentioned OF, Cruz should be considered in both GPP and Cash games. Shoot, just start these three OF in all of your lineups.

 

Full Season MLB & DFS Premium Pass

Get a Premium Pass for the entire MLB season - including the playoffs - for only $29.99. That's Premium access to over 10 tools, and over 20 valuable resources, for one incredible price. Here's a taste of what you get:

  • DFS lineup picks and cheat sheets for FanDuel and DraftKings - seven days a week
  • Three expert lineups: FanDuel, DraftKings, and Stack of the Day - seven days a week
  • Top DFS value plays, avoids and injury updates - seven days a week
  • Lineup tools: daily premium hitter and pitcher matchup ratings

 

All of this for just $29.99... it's simply the best deal around. No other site offers this type of deal. What are you waiting for?

 

Live Expert Q&A Chats - Every Weekday @ 1 PM and 6 PM EST (DFS)

Fantasy Baseball Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-55" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]

 




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Max Muncy

Exits With Apparent Knee Injury
Christian Moore

Exits Early with Thumb Irritation
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Josh Naylor

Returning to Diamondbacks Lineup
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Oronde Gadsden

an Active Pass-Catcher This Offseason
Brashard Smith

Speed Could be Put to Use
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Pat Bryant

Off to a Good Start
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs With Islanders for Two Years
Cody Barton

Quickly Becoming a Leader With his New Team
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal With Mammoth
Montaric Brown

has Worked With Starters
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Ryan McLeod

Inks Four-Year Extension with Sabres
NAS

Predators Bring in Nick Perbix on Two-Year Deal
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
LA

Cody Ceci Moves to Los Angeles
DET

James van Riemsdyk Joins Red Wings on One-Year Contract
Viktor Arvidsson

Traded to Boston
Charlotte Hornets

Spencer Dinwiddie Lands With Charlotte
Josh Jung

Sent to Triple-A
Jurickson Profar

Officially Reinstated and Hitting in Five-Hole on Wednesday
Spencer Schwellenbach

Going on Injured List With Fractured Elbow
Maxwell Hairston

Facing Sexual-Assault Lawsuit
Tai Felton

Rookie Season Likely to be Spent on Special Teams
LeQuint Allen Jr.

to Have Receiving Role for Jaguars?
Justin Walley

Turning Heads Going into Rookie Season
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
Jamari Thrash

Establishing Himself as Reliable Option
Grayson Murphy

Could Provide Rotational Pass-Rush Depth
Joe Andreessen

in a Good Position to Compete for Backup Job
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Bhayshul Tuten

Needs to Improve Pass Protection
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Brandon Woodruff

Likely to Pitch on Sunday in Miami
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
PHI

Dan Vladar Links Up With Flyers on Two-Year Deal
EDM

Andrew Mangiapane Signs Two-Year Pact With Oilers
SEA

Ryan Lindgren Joins Kraken on Four-Year Contract
PHI

Christian Dvorak Heads to Philadelphia
Logan Stankoven

Signs Long-Term Extension with Hurricanes
NYI

Jonathan Drouin Joins Islanders on Two-Year Contract
NJ

Devils Hand Connor Brown a Four-Year Contract
SJ

John Klingberg Lands in San Jose
William Eklund

Signs Three-Year Extension with Sharks
Will Cuylle

Agrees to Two-Year Contract with Rangers
Zac Gallen

Fans 10 in Tuesday's Win
Hunter Goodman

Hits Two More Homers Tuesday
Josh Hader

Stays Perfect In Save Conversion On Tuesday
Milwaukee Bucks

Taurean Prince Staying in Milwaukee
Shane Baz

Fans 11 Against Athletics
Grant Holmes

Strikes Out 10 in Scoreless Outing
Jeff Green

Signs One-Year Deal to Remain in Houston
T.J. Watt

Trying to Become Highest-Paid Non-QB?
Willson Contreras

Doubtful for Wednesday
George Springer

Clubs Two Homers in Seven-RBI Day
Joshua Palmer

Could be a Sleeper
Los Angeles Lakers

Jake LaRavia Lands with Lakers
Laviska Shenault Jr.

on the Bubble
Orlando Magic

Tyus Jones Signs One-Year Deal With Magic
Raheem Blackshear

to Work Mostly As Special-Teamer
Golden State Warriors

Kevon Looney Heads to New Orleans
Rico Dowdle

Trevor Etienne to Split Carries?
Chuba Hubbard

Should See Majority of Touches in 2025
Milwaukee Bucks

Jericho Sims Staying in Milwaukee
Denver Nuggets

Tim Hardaway Jr. Joins Nuggets
Willson Contreras

Avoids Structural Damage on Hand After HBP
Detroit Pistons

Duncan Robinson Lands With Detroit
Charlotte Hornets

Tre Mann Remaining in Charlotte
Josh Naylor

Scratched From Tuesday's Lineup Against Giants
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
San Francisco Giants

Giants Exercise Bob Melvin's 2026 Option
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Josh Naylor

Back in Action on Tuesday
Yordan Alvarez

Suffers Setback
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Nolan Arenado

Dealing with Finger Sprain
Jacob Wilson

Scratched With Hamstring Soreness
Milwaukee Bucks

Gary Harris Inks Deal With Bucks
Charlotte Hornets

Mason Plumlee Heading Back to Charlotte
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Jakob Poeltl

Agrees to a Contract Extension With Raptors
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Vasilije Micić

Vasilije Micic Dealt to Bucks on Tuesday
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Pat Connaughton

Traded to Hornets
Atlanta Hawks

Luke Kennard Lands in Atlanta
Breece Hall

Aiming to Prove He is "Still One of the Best in the League"
T.J. Watt

Steelers Not Planning to Trade T.J. Watt
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
Carson Hocevar

Recovers From Big One to Finish 10th at Atlanta
William Byron

Caught up in Atlanta Big One but Retains Points Lead
Denny Hamlin

Top In-Season Challenge Seed Denny Hamlin Eliminated in Lap 70 Crash
Ty Dillon

Bottom Seed Ty Dillon Upsets Denny Hamlin to Advance in In-Season Challenge
Kyle Larson

Don't Expect Kyle Larson to Win First Drafting Track Race on Saturday
Christopher Bell

Unlikely to Complete Atlanta Sweep
Brad Keselowski

Seeks Another Clutch Win for Hail-Mary Playoff Bid
Chris Buescher

Unlikely to Lead Enough to Have Much DFS Value
Alex Bowman

Qualifies Best Among Non-Fords but Unlikely to Contend at Atlanta
Ryan Preece

Will Probably Run Better Than Usual at Atlanta
Austin Dillon

Consistently Mediocre at Atlanta
Ty Gibbs

Slightly Faster Lately but Unlikely to be a Factor at Atlanta
Erik Jones

a Low-Key Strong DFS Option
Noah Gragson

Could Have DFS Value as One of the Lowest-Qualifying Fords
Riley Herbst

Unlikely to Replicate February Atlanta Finish