First and foremost, I’d like to thank all of the loyal readers out there in the Kingdom of Razz. I’d also like to apologize, kinda. You see, what I’m about to do makes me feel dirty. There’s no way I would’ve considered this earlier in the season. Ultimately, the time has come. I’m suggesting Ivan Nova for your DFS pleasure this afternoon. I need a shower. Hopefully he’ll pitch well enough that I won’t end up crying in the shower. That’s another story for another blog. Anyway, here’s the thing…..He’s facing the Brewers and they’re extremely generous when it comes to swings and misses. Milwaukee leads the majors with a 25.2% strikeout rate and over the last 7 days that number jumps to 27.2%. That’s certainly not optimal if you find yourself rooting for the home team. For today, that’s music to our prospective daily fantasy ears. Their .316 wOBA lands them right in the middle of the pack and the .156 ISO they’ve produced thus far shouldn’t scare you away either.
As far as Nova is concerned, he’s never had issues with his control as his 1.91 BB/9 suggests – so he shouldn’t stuff the bases with potential landmines. In fact, ever since the trade from the Yankees, he’s held opponents to nine runs over 25 1/3 innings and produced a 3-0 record in his four starts. To his credit, Nova is doing a fantastic job keeping the ball on the ground, producing a 2.25 GB/FB ratio which to be honest has played a big part in his remarkable turn around since being dealt to the Pirates. So there you have it amigos, take advantage of his $8,000 price tag, put on your Sunday chaps and jump on the back of my Hog – We’re left lane cruising to Nova Nova land.
Here’s a look at my favorite suggestions for today’s action:
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 August 29th 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 Archer, SP: $9,900 – I understand if you’re struggling with playing Archer today. The trepidation is real yo! But seriously, he’s pitched much better since the All-Star break: 2.94 ERA & 61 K’s over 53 innings. He’s also turned in five quality starts in his last seven games. Meanwhile, Houston owns the 4th highest strikeout rate (23.6%) in all of baseball.
Jaime Garcia, SP: $7,300 – This might be a slightly under the radar play purely due to the perceived notion that Oakland doesn’t strike out. Well, come over here, hop on Honcho’s lap and listen to a story. Closer, c’mon…why yes, that happens to be a banana in my pocket, but that’s not important. Here’s what is…over the last two weeks, the A’s have produced a 23.7% K-rate. That’s 5th worst in the majors.
Carlos Rodon, SP: $8,900 – Sure, there might be sexier lefties on the docket (Bum & Lester), but they’re much more expensive and we’re frugal shoppers around these parts. Rodon has tossed four straight quality starts, walking just six batters in 24 2/3 innings over that stretch. Know what else is cool? He hasn’t allowed a home run over his last four games as well. This strapping lad is bringing the heat!
Gary Sanchez, C: $4,400 – He’s pretty much an auto-play for me until he gets tired of annihilating baseballs or retires. Sanchez is basically Babe Ruth at this point, sans the STD’s and mustard stains on his jersey. Anyway, he’s sporting a 1.723 OPS over his last 7 games and that’s absurd. Just picture Gary Sanchez as Gallagher and Kevin Gausman’s fastball as the watermelon. Got it? God, I really hate Gallagher.
Wilson Ramos, C: $3,800 – If you can’t get on the Sanchez bus, then get in line for what Ramos’ is selling today. He owns a .372 wOBA vs RHP at home this year and he’ll face Chad Bettis. Not familiar with Bettis? Well, the Rockies right-hander has given up 13 HRs to right-handed batters this season along with a .353 wOBA.
Joey Votto, 1B: $5,000 – This shapes up to be a great match up for Votto as Archie Bradley has surrendered a .411 wOBA and 2.33 HR/9 to left-handers at Chase Field this season. Sign me up.
Mike Napoli, 1B: $4,000 – How does .333/.412/.733 with 2 HR vs Derek Holland sound? Delicious? I agree.
Brian Dozier, 2B: $4,700 – Let’s start with his two career home runs and 1.218 OPS vs R.A. Dickey. Next I’ll tell you about how Dozier is hitting .290 and averaging 11 DK points per contest over his last 7 games. Enjoy.
Jonathan Schoop, 2B: $3,900 – I like the right-handed bats vs CC Sabathia today, but something tells me Schoop is gonna beast. Sabathia has allowed a .358 wOBA and 13 HR’s to right-handers at Yankee Stadium this year.
J.J. Hardy, SS: $2,800 – Sticking with the righty theme vs CC today, I’ll take Hardy and his .333/.351/.556 triple slash vs Sabathia.
Xander Bogaerts, SS: $4,300 – He’s hitting .305 with a .344 OBP vs RHP since the beginning of 2015. He’s also produced a .383 wOBA at Fenway Park this season.
Josh Donaldson, 3B: $5,300 – He’s slugging .591 with a .483 OBP over his last 7 games and he’s launched two home runs over that same stretch.
Manny Machado, 3B: $4,800 – Lather. Rinse. Repeat. Sabathia vs a right-hander at Yankee Stadium. He’s also batting .311 with five home runs over his last 14 games.
Trea Turner, OF: $4,900 – He’s posted five straight multi-hit games, while slashing .385/.391/.523 Over the last two weeks. Also, he’s facing Chad Bettis, who we already covered above.
Michael Saunders, OF: $3,900 – Kyle Gibson brings his act north of the border and he’s allowing lefties a .425 wOBA and .625 slugging percentage away from Target Field. Saunders just crushed righties at home, producing a .244 ISO and .392 wOBA at Rogers Centre.
Nelson Cruz, OF: $4,600 – I realize I suggested Carlos Rodon earlier, but if you’re not playing him today consider Nelly. He’s launched 14 homers and put up a .403 wOBA & .327 ISO vs southpaws this season.
J.D. Martinez, OF: $5,000 – Has six two-hit efforts in his last seven games and is slashing .414/.452/.713 over 87 at-bats in August.
I’m Only Happy When It Rains
Just a few games to keep an eye on with just a slight risk of a delay: LAA@DET, OAK@STL & CLE@TEX. Other that that we’re off and running for our Sunday slate of games.
Doing Lines In Vegas
Madison Bumgarner is the overwhelming favorite today as he and the Giants are -296 favorites. R.A.Dickey (-179), Anibal Sanchez (-168), Jaime Garcia (-159) and John Lester (-150) make up the next tier. If you’re looking for the highest run totals to help you build your lineup then consider: BAL@NYY, MIN@TOR, SEA@CHW, LAA@DET, CLE@TEX and CIN@ARI as they all carry a 9.5 O/U for today’s action.
