What’s good amigos!? We’re blessed with another Sunday. Only this isn’t any ordinary, run of the mill type Sunday. This is Week 1 of the NFL season and we should all rejoice. Not only because we’re all red meat consuming, patriotic, concussion cheering Americans, but this also marks the start of a unique daily fantasy opportunity. You see, most everyone else will be focusing on crafting their NFL lineups, while those of us “Baseball sharps” can take advantage of the money just begging to jump into our pockets. Yes it’s true…there’s still plenty of cash floating around in baseball contests and it’s your job to seek it out. Look for the contests that are guaranteed but might not fill up in time and apply the knowledge you have about September baseball ( Or what we provide here) and use it to your advantage. For example, you might really like a certain high-priced pitcher, but since his team is either out of the playoff picture or too far ahead of the pack to worry – he very well could be pulled after just a few short innings. So with that in mind, today we’re all climbing aboard the “Dream Weaver” train. Luke Weaver has a delicious matchup with the Milwaukee Brewers and it happens to be at home where he owns a 1.50 ERA and 1.00 WHIP. The Brewers have the worst strikeout rate in baseball, checking in at 25.2% and their .318 wOBA is merely average as it ranks 15th in the league. The Beer Makers check in with a 92 wRC+ which ranks in the bottom third of the league and their .161 ISO and .736 OPS register below league average as well. Though the sample is a bit small, Weaver owns a 4.43 K/BB & 11.16 K/9 ratio through 25 innings this year and he’s done this with a rather unlucky .358 BABIP. Wanna know the best part? Weaver checks in with a price tag of $4,800!!! Do I have your attention yet? Good. I’ll leave my pants on then. There’s really no need for me put on my Sunday chaps and give you the off-off Broadway version of “Dallas Buyers Club.” I’ll save that for another day.
Anyway, here’s the best of the rest of my Sunday suggestions:
New to DraftKings? Scared of feeling like a small fish in a big pond? Well reserve your spot in the 25 Team Razzball Exclusive League set to run Monday September 12th to wet your DK whistle. Just remember to sign up through us before you do. Wanna know what the best part is about signing up with us? The free subscription for the rest of the season to our DFSBot, that’s what! For details on the how to, please visit our Razzball Subscriptions page.
Chris Sale, SP: $13,100 – I’m okay with using Sale today even though the Royals have a reputation for not striking out much. He’s thrown four consecutive quality starts with an incredible 36:7 K:BB, 1.91 ERA and 0.88 WHIP over 33 innings. Kansas City’s 88 wRC+ and .138 ISO make this a safe play.
Gio Gonzalez, SP: $8,600 – Normally Gio wouldn’t show up anywhere near my list of usable pitchers. A home tilt with the Phillies changes that line of thinking. Philadelphia is just the worst. Except for cheese steaks – those are always top shelf. When it comes to baseball – specifically hitting the baseball, they’re no bueno. Between their .279 wOBA, 79 wRC+ and 23% strikeout rate Gonzalez should bring plenty of value to your lineup.
Wilson Ramos, C: $3,800 – Ramos has been in a bit of a slump lately, but he’s facing a lefty at home so we’re penciling him in today. Ramos has 8 home runs and a .978 OPS vs LHP this season.
Russell Martin, C: $3,600 – BvP Special! Martin’s had decent success against Clay Buchholz over his career: 4HR & 1.080 OPS over 25 at-bats.
Freddie Freeman, 1B: $5,300 – He’s hit safely in 16 straight games and produced a .308/.416/.538 slash line over that same period. He’ll face Mets’ righty Seth Lugo and that’s a good thing considering 23 of his 29 HR’s have come against RHP.
Dee Gordon, 2B: $3,300 – There might be more exciting names on the board, but the price tag here is hard to ignore. Since the beginning of 2015, Gordon has slashed .307/.338/.381 against right-handers.
Kyle Seager, 3B: $5,200 – Not only does the elder Seager brother mash righties (16 HR, .971 OPS in 2016), he’s also gone 7-for-26 with 3 HR and a 1.292 OPS over his last 7 games.
Dansby Swanson, SS: $2,900 – We’re going to continue our run of recency bias and roll with the young middle infielder. Swanson has been white hot over his last 7 games slashing .435/.500/.739 with two home runs.
Mike Trout, OF: $5,600 – I have to do it. Yes, I know he’s expensive and I’ll have to bargain hunt for my two other OF’s, but Trout owns Colby Lewis. Over 35 career at-bats he’s blasted 4 HR’s and produced a line of .371/.429/.857. I’ll spend the money here and I won’t regret it. Unless you cyberbully me on Twitter.
Andrew McCutchen, OF: $3,400 – Why is he so cheap? We want answers DraftKings! Anyway, I realize he’s struggled this year but at this price I’m going with the name brand.
Trea Turner, OF: $5,400 – Another Washington right-hander against Adam Morgan. I’ll take it. Over his last 14 games Turner has launched 4 HR and knocked in 10 RBI with a .916 OPS. He’s hitting .326 vs LHP this season.
Yasmany Tomas, OF: $3,800 – He’ll face off against Matt Moore this afternoon and Tomas has beasted on lefties – turning in a 182 wRC+ vs LHP in 2016.
I’m Only Happy When It Rains
There are absolutely no weather issues for today’s slate. You have two people you can thank for this: Donald Trump or Roger Goodell. You choose America!
Doing Lines In Vegas
Gio Gonzalez and the Nationals are the big favorites today at -248, while Corey Kluber and the Tribe check in at -210 against the Twins. Kenta Maeda (-174), Chris Sale (-152), Justin Verlander (-150) and Luke Weaver (-148) make up the next tier of favorites. If you’re looking for the highest run total today, well there’s not much to choose from. TEX/LAA have a 9.5 O/U, while SEA/OAK, SF/ARI, TB/NYY, NYM/ATL, BOS/TOR & CLE/MIN all carry a projected total of 9 runs today.
