With there only being nine games tonight we are very limited in what we can do, particularly in positions that are already shallow. This is why I chose to go with extreme value picks at pitcher and catcher so that I would have plenty of cap room left over on order to have some of the top players in the league in my lineup. When you do not have all 30 teams playing it tends to work out better if you have a value pitcher who you believe can get the win, then go out and get more of the "sure thing" for your batters.
We bring you fantasy daily picks for FanDuel.com and if you haven’t signed up yet, be sure to follow this link http://eDraft.com/FanDuel/MLB to receive a 100% deposit bonus on your initial deposit. This is an amazing deal that you can’t miss so be sure to check it out and make yourself some extra cash. The cap for FanDuel is $35,000 with only one player at each position like a real MLB lineup (with the exception of outfielders where you can start any three players that are outfield eligible.)
The scoring system for FanDuel is as follows:
Hitters: Single = 1pt, Double = 2pts, Triple = 3pts, Homerun = 4pts, RBI = 1pt, Run = 1pt, Walk = 1pt,
Stolen Base = 2pts, Hit By Pitch = 1, Out (calculated as at bats - hits) = -.25pt
Pitchers: Win = 4pts, Earned Run = -1pt, Strike Out = 1pt, Innings Pitched = 1pt
Value Picks
Pitcher
Jordan Lyles, Rockies, $4,800: Lyles has pitched surprisingly well thus far in 2014 and is 2-0 on the season. Lyles pitched very well last time out against the White Sox at Coors Field giving up one run in six and two thirds innings of work. This time out Lyles faces an anemic Padres offense which gives him a good shot at starting 2014 3-0, and providing you with the much needed four points for a pitcher win.
Catcher
Devin Mesoraco, Reds, $2,500: Since coming off injury Mesoraco is off to a scorching start for the Reds. In four games Mesoraco is batting .500 with two homeruns, three runs scored, and six RBI. The Reds will see Wandy Rodriguez on the mound tonight of the Pirates who has been touched up in his two starts, giving up seven runs and three homeruns in two starts. Don’t be surprised to see Mesoraco drive in a couple of runs tonight for a Reds offense that has struggled for the most part this season to find offense.
First Base
Justin Smoak, Mariners, $3,300: Smoak is ice cold at the moment but a trip to Arlingotn to face the Rangers is just what the doctor ordered to fix this ailment. Anytime Yu Darvish is not on the mound you can feel generally safe starting opposing batters as both the bullpen and starting rotation has struggled for the Rangers. Smoak should be able to snap his four game hitless streak and get back on track.
Second Base
Danny Espinosa, Nationals, $2,600: With the injury to Ryan Zimmerman, Espinosa is now the starting second baseman for the Washington Nationals, with Anthony Rendon moving over to third. Espinosa has the power and speed combination to reward those who select him on any given night, and appears to have a better concept of hitting this year with a much improved strikeout to walk ratio this season (2/3). The Nationals have a good matchup tonight with Brad Hand starting for the Marlins, who only lasted three and a third innings last time out.
Third Base
Chase Headley, Padres, $2,800: Headley has struggled mightily in 2014 in what many thought would a rebound season after an injury plagued 2013. In recent games Headley has shown life at the plate collecting hits in three of his last four games to accumulate his only counting stats on the year(three runs, one homerun, and four RBI).
Short Stop
Adeiny Hechavarria, Marlins, $2,500: Hechavarria has quietly put together a solid 2014. He is batting .353 with seven runs scored. While the matchup may seem bad on paper, Zimmerman struggled mightily in his last start vs these same Marlins, and didn’t even make it through the second inning. While Zimmerman likely won’t be that bad this time out, it doesn’t mean Hachavarria won’t get on base and score some runs or steal a bag.
Outfield
Dustin Ackley, Mariners, $3,000: Apparently all Ackley needed was a change to the outfield to show the potential that so many scouts saw in him in previous years. Colby Lewis is making his first start in over a year after injuries prevented him pitching in 2013. Lewis is a big question mark coming into this game and runs into a hot Mariners team that is coming to Texas. Ackley has thrived on right handed pitching this season and that trend should continue for tonight.
My Lineup
Pitcher-Jordan Lyles, Rockies, $4,800
Catcher-Devin Mesoraco, Reds, $2,500
First Base-Freddie Freeman, Braves, $4,100
Second Base-Robinson Cano, Mariners$4,300: Anytime you can select the best second baseman in the game, and he is batting in a hitter friendly ballpark, you should take full advantage of that.
Third Base-Josh Donaldson, Athletics, $3,700: After a terrible start to the year Donaldson is hitting the ball very well and is currently riding a seven game hitting streak where he has three home runs, scored seven runs and collected eight RBI. The price tag is steep but with there being only nine games, the amount of talent at third base tonight is not great.
Short Stop-Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies. $4,900
Outfield-Charlie Blackmon, Rockies, $3,500: Blackmon has remained red hot since being named the player of the week the last week of the 2013 season. Blackmon has produced in some facet of every game this year. Even in his lone hitless game Blackmon had an RBI to make up for not reaching base. I have no problems starting Blackmon even at the $3,500 cap hit.
Outfield-Justin Upton,Braves, $4,000: Nobody is hotter in baseball right now than Justin Upton and he needs to be in your lineup every night until he cools off. Facing Roberto Hernandez aka the formerly known Fausto Camrona means tonight should not be the night where Upton cools off.
Outfield-Dustin Ackley, Mariners, $3,000
Don't forget to check your lineup before each game to make sure that everyone in your lineup is starting. The last thing you want is a zero spot in your lineup costing yourself money.