Can we all just take a moment on this fine Monday morning to appreciate what Juan Soto is doing? It truly is incredible. At 19 and having come straight from Double A, he’s taken the league by storm and should be well on his way to ROY honors. He’s hitting for power (14) and average (.303), plus he’s walking at an impressive clip (17%). That last stat puts him near the top of the league. Perhaps his most impressive stat is his wRC+, which corrects for park factors to show how well Soto creates runs. He currently sits behind only 5 other hitters in that regard; he could be among the top for teens, all time. Oh yeah, his OPS is .975, too. That’s a lot of fancy stats to tell you this teenager might be pretty good. But here’s the most important factor of all: Hittertron likes him tomorrow for your lineup on Draft.com. What more do you need to know?
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Luis Severino, SP: I’m sure there are many of you who want nothing to do with him in DFS, but I’m here to tell you that Sev is one of the best options on the day. First, he gets the Mets. Second, he’s far better than what we’ve seen from him recently, and his last start was very encouraging. Third, Stream-o-Nator loves this start. Fourth, he gets the Mets! C’mon now. The Mets are no powerhouse. I’m back on board for this start.
Jacob deGrom, SP: Now let’s hop on the subway for our next pitcher. Or actually, don’t, since he’ll be in the same stadium as Severino. DeGrom has been making a strong case for the Cy Young and has a prime chance to dominate a Yankees line-up that’s missing Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez. That makes things much easier. Not that it would really matter, with the roll DeGrom has been on.
Mike Foltynewicz, SP: Folty actually projects to be one of the day’s stronger options, according to SON. The K’s look great, and there’s no reason to expect them to disappear against the Fish, who recently decided to do a full reload and trade Justin Bour to the Phillies. He could be available in a later round in your draft, but I think he’ll provide early-round numbers. (He’s penciled in for the second game of the Marlins-Braves double-header, so just make sure he’s available on Draft.)
Andrew Heaney, SP: Heaney has been solid if unspectacular this season. If you decide to go for him, make sure it’s late and you’ve stocked your bats well. He won’t kill you with his ERA or K numbers, and squaring off against the Friars could even push him into higher territory.
Freddie Freeman, IF: Freeman gives you the trifecta: average, power, and speed. It’s always a good idea to have guys who can contribute in multiple ways, as it gives them more avenues to points. He also gets to face off against a middling pitcher, and in the heart of a solid Braves line-up. That’s a recipe for good things.
Matt Carpenter, IF: Apparently it’s Carp season, as he’s been crushing lately. He’s mashed 32 dongs and has even boosted his average to a respectable .280. It’s even more impressive when you factor in how terribly his season started off. Stream-o-Nator doesn’t love Tommy Milone’s start, so there’s no reason to stay away from that match-up. Grab your fishing rod and hook a Carp.
Jean Segura, IF: His injury scare after being hit in the hand appears to be behind us, and you should feel confident firing him up today. Why? I’ll tell you why. Because he hits for average and steals bases. Plus he may just surprise you with a dong. You may see that Sean Manaea is on the mound and look elsewhere. Don’t. SON isn’t a big fan of this start for Manaea, and Hittertron likes Segura. The game being in Oakland actually plays to Segura’s strengths, as there is a ton of outfield for the ball to get lost in, letting him show off those wheels.
Yoan Moncada, IF: Are you feeling frisky? If you are, I invite you to take a look at Moncada. He is an enigma of a player. He has the potential to go 30/30 but is also on pace to strike out a million times. I may have embellished that last one, but he has struck out more than anyone else in baseball. Close your eyes when you make this pick and picture that sweet, sweet potential. Think of the speed and power.
A.J. Pollock, OF: Don’t forget about this five-tool stud, who is also near the top of Hittertron’s projections. And while Big Sexy is always entertaining (especially when he hits), he’s not dominant on the mound and shouldn’t pose much of a threat to the D-Backs bats, giving Pollock an even greater shot at some RBIs.
Nick Markakis, OF: Allow me to direct your attention to a veteran outfielder who is in the midst of a fine season, batting over .320 with double-digit bombs. Ok, double-digit power is easy to find these days, but that average is becoming more and more rare, and the counting stats are pretty nice, too. That’s what we like to see. Not every pick is going to be a super star, but Markakis will be better than you think.
Kole Calhoun, OF: Don’t let the season line fool you: Calhoun has been absolutely on fire, batting near .300 with 15 bombs since his return from the DL. Don’t be the drafter who looks just at the season numbers and passes on him. The Koles are burning and you should jump in the flames.
I’m Only Happy When It Rains
There’s a chance of thunder in New York and Kansas City (Jays). Other than that, the worst we have are some clouds, but those shouldn’t affect any games.
Doing Lines In Vegas
With Bumgarner vs. Kershaw, it might be a good idea to stay away from SF or LA hitters. We could also have a pitcher’s duel in New York between the Mets and Yankees. For what it’s worth, Vegas agrees with me and has the line set at 7 for both games. I’d take the under and get my bats elsewhere.
