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 (5/8/16): 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).

 

 

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

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

P.J. Washington

Mavs Likely to Offer P.J. Washington a Contract Extension
Kenny Pickett

Raiders Acquire Kenny Pickett From Browns
Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Give Trey Hendrickson a Raise
Amari Cooper

Signs One-Year Deal With Raiders
NHL

Jan Rutta Lands in Switzerland
Kirby Dach

Skates on Monday
COL

Tyson Barrie Retires From NHL
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Back in Toronto's Lineup
Joe Mixon

to Start Season on Non-Football Injury List
Jaylen Wright

Not Expected to Play in Week 1
Jakobi Meyers

Requests Trade
Jauan Jennings

Not Practicing on Monday, has Avoided IR for Now
Matthew Stafford

Taking 11-On-11 Reps on Monday
Zhang Mingyang

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Johnny Walker

Gets Back In The Win Column
Brian Ortega

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Aljamain Sterling

Proves Too Much For Brian Ortega
Chris Sale

Penciled in to Start on Saturday
Waldo Cortes-Acosta

Suffers Unanimous-Decision Loss
Sergei Pavlovich

Wins Decision At UFC Shanghai
Terry McLaurin

Signs Three-Year Extension with Commanders
Kevin Borjas

Drops Decision At UFC Shanghai
Sumudaerji

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Kiefer Crosbie

Still Winless In The UFC
Taiyilake Nueraji

Gets His First UFC Win
Ryan Blaney

Earns his Second Daytona Cup Series Win
Tyler Reddick

Locks Into the 2025 Playoffs Despite Underwhelming Daytona Performance
Erik Jones

Misses the 2025 Playoffs Despite Top-Five Run at Daytona
Justin Haley

Best Performance of 2025 Falls Short of Victory at Daytona
Chase Burns

To Throw Bullpen on Tuesday
Kyle Larson

Enters Playoffs As Co-Points Leader
Alex Bowman

Advances to Playoffs Despite Crashing at Daytona
Cole Custer

Finally Shows Signs of Life at Daytona
Daniel Suarez

Lame-Duck Daniel Suarez Delivers Clutch Second-Place Finish
Logan Gilbert

Punches Out 13 in Victory
Randy Rodríguez

Randy Rodriguez Battling Arm Soreness
Marcus Semien

Out 4-6 Weeks, Could Miss Rest of Season
Ranger Suárez

Ranger Suarez Strikes Out 11 in Win
Cal Raleigh

Sets Catcher Home Run Record
Yordan Alvarez

Likely to Return on Tuesday
Jacob deGrom

to Start on Monday
Kyle Tucker

Homers Twice in Win
Chris Sale

Likely to Return Next Weekend
Brian Robinson Jr.

to be RB2
Najee Harris

to be Ready Week 1?
De'Von Achane

Making Good Progress
Jaylen Wright

Considered "Week-to-Week"
Marcus Semien

Placed on Injured List
Jackson Merrill

Heads to 10-Day Injured List
Jordan Love

Says He'll Play in Week 1
Brice Turang

Absent on Saturday, "Touch-and-Go" With Wrist Injury
Chase Elliott

Despite Being Winless at Daytona, Chase Elliott is Probably the Best DFS Option
Ryan Blaney

Will Likely Lead a Lot at Daytona
Kyle Larson

a Poor DFS Option at Daytona
Christopher Bell

Consistent Enough to Consider for DFS
Chris Buescher

Now Must Win His Way Into Playoffs
Ryan Preece

Being One of the Slowest-Starting Fords Makes Ryan Preece a Strong DFS Option
Ross Chastain

Leads a Lot on Drafting Tracks
Daniel Suarez

Now in Desperation Mode With his Career on the Line
Chase Briscoe

Tendency to Finish Better Than He Runs May Reap Dividends at Daytona
Lamar Jackson

Should Practice on Monday
Carson Hocevar

Hard to Forecast Since He's Rarely Given 100 Percent at Daytona
Michael McDowell

has a Solid Drafting Record
AJ Allmendinger

A.J. Allmendinger Arguably Starting Too Well for Place-Differential Points
Austin Dillon

Will Likely Be Too Conservative for DFS Consideration
Matt Chapman

Activated and Starting on Saturday
Moses Moody

Warriors Not Interested in Trading Moses Moody
Kevin Durant

Rockets Expected to Agree on New Contract
Trey Murphy III

Warriors, Spurs Interested in Trey Murphy III
Zack Wheeler

to Undergo Season-Ending Surgery
Yoán Moncada

Yoan Moncada Hits a Pair of Home Runs on Friday
Willy Adames

Belts Two Solo Home Runs on Friday
CAR

Luke Kunin Joins Panthers on One-Year Deal
Auston Matthews

Says His Health is "Good" Before Start of Season
Roope Hintz

"Feeling Good" Ahead of New Season
Matthew Tkachuk

Recovering From Surgery
Marco Rossi

Wild Re-Sign Marco Rossi to Three-Year Deal
Bubba Chandler

Records Four-Inning Save in Debut
Walker Buehler

Officially Moving to Bullpen
NBA

Malik Beasley Now Drawing Interest from Teams
Brian Robinson Jr.

Traded to 49ers
Zhang Mingyang

Set For UFC Shanghai Main Event
Johnny Walker

In Dire Need Of Victory
Brian Ortega

An Underdog At UFC Shanghai
Aljamain Sterling

Set For UFC Shanghai Co-Main Event
Waldo Cortes-Acosta

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Sergei Pavlovich

A Favorite At UFC Shanghai
Kevin Borjas

Set for UFC Shanghai Main-Card Bout
Sumudaerji

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Kiefer Crosbie

Set To Open Up UFC Shanghai Main Card
Taiyilake Nueraji

Set For His UFC Debut
Connor Ingram

Clears Player Assistance Program
Frank Nazar

Inks Seven-Year Extension With Blackhawks
COL

Victor Olofsson Signs One-Year Deal With Avalanche
Tee Higgins

has Injury Scare on Thursday
Dallas Cowboys

Micah Parsons Expected to Play in Week 1
Chris Godwin

Expected to be Activated from the PUP List
Dru Smith

Aims to Be Healthy for Training Camp
Jayson Tatum

Provides Injury Update
RJ Barrett

Considered a Trade Candidate
Golden State Warriors

Warriors "Remain Very Confident" About Signing Al Horford
Jahmir Young

Agrees to Deal With Heat
Devaughn Vele

Traded to Saints
Demarcus Robinson

Issued Three-Game Suspension
Hideki Matsuyama

Looks to Bounce Back at Tour Championship
Corey Conners

Looking to Reverse Struggles at East Lake
Cameron Young

Stays Hot Ahead of Tour Championship
Harris English

Aims for Complete Game at East Lake
Sepp Straka

Back in Action at East Lake
Ben Griffin

a Strong Value Play at East Lake
Rory McIlroy

Chasing Another Win at East Lake
Patrick Cantlay

Finishes Tied for 30th at BMW Championship
Ludvig Aberg

Finishes Tied For Seventh at BMW Championship
Collin Morikawa

Finishes Tied for 33rd at BMW Championship
Keegan Bradley

Finishes Tied for 17th at BMW Championship
Robert MacIntyre

Finishes Second at BMW Championship
J.J. Spaun

Finishes Tied for 23rd at BMW Championship
Scottie Scheffler

Wins BMW Championship
Harry Hall

Hot at the Right Time for Tour Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im Wants to Rebound at Tour Championship
Jacob Bridgeman

has One Weakness Heading to Atlanta
Nikola Vučević

Nikola Vucevic Not Expecting to Be Moved Before the Season
Nick Taylor

a Long Shot to Win Tour Championship
Josh Giddey

Bulls Not Interested in Sign-and-Trade Deal Involving Josh Giddey
Brian Harman

Trying to Crack Top 20 at Tour Championship
Andrew Novak

Attempts to Bounce Back in Atlanta
Oscar Tshiebwe

Signs New Two-Way Deal With Jazz
Justin Rose

Seeks Even More Success at Tour Championship
Washington Wizards

Alondes Williams Joins Wizards for Training Camp
Washington Wizards

Wizards Add Skal Labissiere for Training Camp