The regular season comes to a close this week, and so do I. Reflecting on a season of awesome, I am reminded of the most memorable moments for me in 2022.
Albert Pujols hitting 700 and retiring with his best friend, Yadier Molina. Molina breaking the all-time battery record with his pal, Adam Wainwright. Aaron Judge in pursuit of Roger Maris’ single-season, American League home run record, which has stood for sixty plus years.
The Padres being the big winners at the MLB Trade deadline. They won the Juan Soto sweepstakes, only to lose Fernando Tatis Jr. shortly thereafter, with many viewing it as a wash. Reliever, Josh Hader was also a dud. He has improved since his initial slump, but there are still many unanswered questions. The Padres are playoff bound and a World Series would mean the above was right on time, however it has not gone exactly as planned.
The Philadelphia Phillies appear to be the last NL Wild Card. The Milwaukee Brewers have done everything they can to throw it away. The division leaders at the All-Star Break, they have collapsed at an impressive rate. They cannot score. It has never been their bread and butter, pitching has; however, they are exceptionally bad at scoring as of late. Their season is all but over.
In the AL, the playoffs are already decided. The Houston Astros are sure to be the favorites. Division winners, New York and Cleveland, the hottest team in the AL, will have something to say about that. There is an outside chance that Seattle and Tampa Bay could flip-flop in the standings, changing the home field. The Toronto Blue Jays may offer the most talented lineup in the American League. The playoffs cannot get here fast enough.
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Getting to DFS…
Tommy Henry, SP: DK: $5,400 – Sure his numbers are not great, but he is cheap. Also, the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team cannot hit baseballs. I am not sure what else you need, but if more fuel is needed, the team is extremely dejected and it is clear they are a shell of the NL Central favorites they were, entering the season. Yesterday’s loss was crushing.
Carlos Carrasco, SP: DK: $9,600 – With a division title on the line, the New York Mets turn to Carrasco. His last start was not great but was not horrible. It was the first time Carlos has allowed more than three earned runs since 6/28/2022. He is very consistent. He starts at home against the Washington Nationals in a big game. Easy Pickens.
J.T. Realmuto, C: DK: $6,000 – The priciest option at this position for good reason. The Philadelphia Phillies’ magic number is one. It is no easy task to win in Houston, but they only need one. The biggest bats will have to come through. Realmuto is hitting .293 with 7 RBI over his last fifteen games.
Pete Alonso, 1B: DK: $5,400 – Pete Alonso has made quite the run toward National League MVP. Paul Goldschmidt is still considered the favorite, but Pete is right there. With three games left in the season, and the Mets desperately trying to claw back to the top of the National League East, Pete will be facing Nationals’ starter, Cory Abbott, who comes into the game with an ERA of 5.11. Pete is hitting .333 over his last seven games with 3 home runs.
Jeff McNeil, 2B: DK: $4,200 – Also known as “place holder Jeff.” A mainstay for me in DFS. This Jeff reminds me of another Jeff, of sorts, Gregg Jefferies. “A great little hitter.” McNeil just hits, ALWAYS. Slash line over his last seven: .467/.500/.567. Incredible. Jeff hits .20 points higher against right-hand pitching. Eleventh in salary at second base. Too much value here to not.
Yandy Diaz, 3B: DK: $4,300 – Way down the board at $4,300 you will find one of the hottest hitters in baseball, and best kept secrets. Diaz is hitting .380 over his last thirty games. He is thirteenth in salary amongst third baseman.
Bryson Stott, SS: DK: $2,800 – A cheap add to bolster your lineup. The Phillies are close to a playoff berth. Their everyday guys will play. This includes Stott. He is hitting .292 over his last seven and has hit safely in five of his last six games. The strikeouts are down. Contact rate is up, and the cost is very low. A lineup optimizer
Kyle Schwarber, OF: DK: $5,800 – As a lead off power hitter, this is as good as they go in DFS. Sure, the batting average could be better, but Kyle is always capable of delivering a bomb. He has 5 home runs and 11 RBI over his last fifteen games. He leads the NL with 44 home runs.
Harrison Bader, OF: DK: $2,900 – More known for his defensive contributions, few realize, Bader has a decent bat on his shoulders. Now that he is getting everyday minutes, I expect more consistency from the offensive side. He has hit safely in three of his last four starts. A cheap add that will contribute.
Whit Merrifield, OF: DK: $3,200 – Did you have a guy hitting .400 over his last fifteen games at $3,200 in DFS on your bingo card? Me neither, but here we are. One of the least talked about deals at the trade deadline was a buzzer-beater, with the Kansas City Royals sending Merrifield to the Blue Jays for a couple of prospects. This has turned out to be one of the best, under-the-radar moves, helping to stabilize the Jays lineup and a key part of their winning ways the last 2 months. His last fifteen games: .400/.429/.778. Whit is 61st in salary amongst outfielders. Low-hanger banger.
I’m only happy when it rains
A chance of showers in the Nationals/Mets game.
Doing Lines in Vegas
If I were a betting man, which I am, I like:
Phillies -1.5
Royals/Guardians over 7
Braves/Marlins over 7
Diamondbacks: + 1.5
