For the most part, I fancy myself a Bo Jackson (pre-MNF injury disaster) of the fantasy game, but at times, I can have my Drew Henson moments. I know I’m not alone here, and this past weekend was tough for those of the same ilk to keep their baseball blinders in place. The NFL Draft certainly was a distraction, and the deep dives into BVP, splits, and all other mind-numbing stats turned into shallow dives at the crappy motel pool that usually result in paralysis. As a result, my bankroll hasn’t moved much in the last three days (especially in the preferred, upwards direction), but what can I say? I love watching grown men cry into their phones and am always in awe (for lack of better terms) of the real-life Count Chocula, Mel Kiper, and his obsession with hand and arm size. But alas, all picks are in, and it’s time to turn my full attention back to the pixie dust version of America’s pastime – and you should join me – especially on DraftKings.
I am just a small cog in the machine that is Razzball, so keep it here for plenty of great DFS content all season, and check out the recently unveiled DFSBot to gain an extra edge on the competition; it still has that new car bot smell. Mmmmm … bot.
Tyler Lyons, SP: ($7,300) – King Felix will probably be the most popular SP play of the night, but to me, pinching pennies on pitching is the way to go. The Cubs are averaging just over one run per game against LHP, and Lyons has looked legit thus far. He holds a stellar 9.00 K/9 and has been limiting solid contact (15.8 LD%).
Cesar Ramos, SP: ($5,800) – I had to double-check that this was a real person, but Ramos does in fact exist, and he’s facing Seattle, who as a team, is ranked 28th in OPS vs LHP (.627) with the most K (105).
Jason Castro, C: ($4,000) – Castro loves himself some RHP, as all his HR and 86% of his RBI have come off right-handed hurlers. He’s also heating up a bit, recording hits in five of his last six games, including a three-run dong in Baltimore yesterday.
Allen Craig, 1B/OF ($4,400) – Craig has doubled his DK points production at home, and he’s hitting .320 against Travis Wood (in 25 AB), whose three-year splits against the Cards are as pretty as shaved baboon ass (5.83 ERA and .315 BAA). Stack addicts may want to get their fix in St. Louis (weather permitting) with guys like Yadier Molina ($4,500) and Matt Holiday ($5,200).
Howie Kendrick, 2B ($4,700) – Kendrick has been a road warrior (.391/.455/.580), and he’s 7-for-20 lifetime against Mark Buehrle (with a HR) – beauty, eh?
Chris Owings, SS ($3,200) – In this, his rookie year, Owings has enjoyed the comforts of home (.444 AVG) and has scored double-digit DK points in two of his last three games. He’s no lock against Jordan Zimmermann, but he makes for a nice punt option in GPPs.
Josh Donaldson, 3B ($4,100) – This is the cheapest Donaldson’s been all year, and it’s probably due in large part to his HR drought that started on April 26. Donaldson mashed against south paws last season (1.043 OPS), and I like his chances of taking John Danks deep (at least once) tonight. It also doesn’t hurt that his price is oh so right.
Mike Trout, OF ($5,700) – If you’re thrifty with pitching, Trout is easily affordable. He’s only slugging .706 vs LHP this season. Yahtzee!
Yoenis Cespedes, OF ($4,400) – Dude’s got power like he hails from Grey Skull, but he’s actually from Cuba. That doesn’t matter, though. What matters is he’s hitting .304 against LHP at home (career), and let’s face it, John Danks … he stanks.
Jason Heyward, OF ($3,700) – Heyward holds an astronomical career 1.406 OPS at AT&T Park, and he could tee-off on Tim Lincecum, who is allowing left-handed batters to hit .343 against him this season. He’s started slow, but yesterday’s HR could suggest better times are on the horizon. Plus, he’s dirt cheap – Macklemore is psyched!
I’m Only Happy When It Rains
Oh, the weather outside is weather: rain could threaten DET/BAL, NYM/NYY, and CHC/STL, so monitor those games closely. Other than that, it’s clear skies and solid roofs.
Doing Lines In Vegas (Overall 2-2)
The house bent me over its knee last week, but no thank you, sir, may I not have another? Let’s go with:
The over in CHW/OAK (7.5) – there’s just too much power in this one.
LAA (+100) at TOR – C.J. Wilson is 2-0 in his last four starts vs the Blue Jays, and I like the Angels’ chances of lighting-up Buehrle.
