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MLB Hitter Cheat Sheet (5/8/16): 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 beexchanged 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 Paul Goldschmidt in your DFS lineup on a day when he is facing Mike Foltynewicz and his 9.82 ERA. These seven 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 Diamondbacks hitters today against Foltynewicz. 

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

Today I'll be bringing you value hitters from each position for MLB Daily Fantasy Baseball on FanDuel and DraftKings for May 8th, 2016. Let's get rowdy.

 

DFS Hitters - Lineup Picks for FanDuel and DraftKings

Salvador Perez, KC (C)

FanDuel: $2,700, DraftKings: $3,600

This pick is all about the opposing pitcher, Josh Tomlin. In 81 career IP against the Royals, he owns a 5.11 ERA with a 1.28 WHIP. Salvador Perez is no exception, as he is bloating a .643/.643/1.071 line with a dinger in 14 career PA against the RHP. One day removed from scoring seven runs, the Royals might be finding their groove again, which could be a sign of plenty of runs to come.

The price on FanDuel is impossible to pass up for GPP or cash games, while the stiffer price on DraftKings makes more sense for cash only.

 

Marwin Gonzalez, HOU (1B)

FanDuel: $2,100, DraftKings: $2,700

This is the first of two bold contrarian plays I am recommending today. Houston is among the top 10 in runs scored over the last seven days, and also top 10 in runs scored at Home this year. Hisashi Iwakuma is rocking a lowly 6.6 K/9 with a 1.32 WHIP so far in 2016. If you stroll into Houston pitching to contact, runs will be scored. Gonzalez is 8-16 career against Iwakuma, and should draw the start at first base.

Paying only $2,100 or $2,700, respectively, for a first baseman can really open up your payroll and allow you to reach for the big guns elsewhere. Marwin makes for a great GPP option today. For cash games, consider Adrian Gonzalez ($2,800 FD, $3,600 DK).

 

DJ LeMahieu, COL (2B)

FanDuel: $3,100, DraftKings: $2,700

The hottest offense over the last seven days belongs to the Colorado Rockies. Today they battle against Jeff Samardzija. LeMahieu is 4-9 against The Shark in his career and is hitting .296 with 17 R, 2 HR, 10 RBI, and 5 SB on the year. He is also enjoying a ton of success against RHP this season, as his .343 BA vs. righties is 150 points higher than against southpaws.

The Giants are favored to win this game, but the projected run total is one of the highest for the day. LeMahieu's potential for scoring runs today makes his floor rather high, making him a great cash game option. For GPP games, consider Chase Utley ($3,000 FD, $3,600 DK).

 

Matt Carpenter, STL (3B)

FanDuel: $3,600, DraftKings: $3,700

Carpenter is suffering from some bad luck so far in 2016. He is striking out less than he did last season, his .364 OBP is right on par, and his 42.9 Hard% would be a career high. But his BA is down to an uncharacteristic .239 thanks to a .288 BABIP that is almost 50 points lower than his career average. I think a matchup with Gerrit Cole could be a nice opportunity to turn that luck around. The two have shared 30 PA with each other, in which Carpenter is hitting .296 with 3 HR.

The prices are reasonable, especially for the hot corner. Carpenter makes for a good option in both GPP and cash games.

 

Danny Espinosa, WAS (SS)

FanDuel: $2,300, DraftKings: $2,100

What?? Starting Espinosa on Jake Arrieta Day? This would be my bold contrarian play number two, and it doesn't quite get any bolder. The Shortstop position looks rather bleak today, and Danny-boy is 4-8 with a HR against Arrieta in his career. With those (limited) BvP stats, the minimal prices, and without a doubt non-existent ownership percentages, why not take a flier here. However, I feel much more comfortable with this play on FanDuel since they do not penalize for outs.

Obviously, Espinosa is a GPP option only. For cash games, consider Alcides Escobar ($2,700 FD, $3,600 DK).

 

David Peralta, ARI (OF)

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

I love starting Peralta against RHP. I really love starting him against a RHP who is sporting a 9.82 ERA. He is 3-5 with a HR in his two games facing Mike Foltynewicz, and is enjoying a .302 BA with 10 XBH against righties in 2016. The Diamondbacks will score plenty of runs today, and David Peralta will be at the heart of the damage.

The Diamondbacks will make for a great stack today, but if you cannot wing it, at least make sure Peralta is in your lineup for both GPP and cash games.

UPDATE: David Peralta is NOT in today's starting lineup. Brandon Drury and Rickie Weeks both draw starts in the OF today.

 

Gregor Blanco, SF (OF)

FanDuel: $2,400, DraftKings: $3,200

With Angel Pagan currently banged up, Blanco has been manning LF for the Giants when facing RHP. Insert Eddie Butler and his 6.75 ERA onto the mound, and one would assume Blanco draws another start today. Blanco has reached base three of the six plate appearances against Butler.

Another great stacking opportunity, Blanco represents the cheapest piece of the San Francisco pie today. If you want in on the rowdiness that will be occuring at AT&T Park today, he is the path of least resistance. He does not possess the skills for a high ceiling, however, so is recommended for cash games only. For GPP games, consider Carlos Beltran ($2,400 FD, $3,300 DK).

 

 

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