Happy Birthday Old Glory! On this date 239 years ago, our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence. The 4th of July is now synonymous with baseball in our country. It’s truly one of the best days in Major League Baseball. Thanks to technology, we can now celebrate today with DraftKings. In 1776 that wasn’t a luxury, but could you imagine Thomas Jefferson going up to George Washington, John Adams, James Madison, Benjamin Franklin, and John Hancock after signing the Declaration of Independence and challenging them to a little DFS Baseball? Major League Baseball and fireworks are a great way to celebrate the holiday, so I hope everyone enjoys the day. Stay safe, and remember, if you are at Chavez Revine, you have to eat a Dodger Dog, or they don’t let you leave until you do. Take a look at some of my DraftKings picks today.
New to DraftKings? Scared of feeling like a small fish in a big pond? Well try out this 10 teamer of Razzball writers and friends to wet your DK whistle. Just remember to sign up through us before you do. It’s how we know you care! If you still feel helpless and lonely, be sure to subscribe to the DFSBot for your daily baseball plays.
Stephen Strasburg, SP: $10,000 – Come and board the Strasburg train! He’s back from an arm injury that had fantasy baseball owners worried. But last week he looked like the Strasburg we’re used to. As much as I like him, and believe that his awful start was just a fluke, I am a bit surprised that he’s priced this high. Don’t be a stowaway, start him with confidence. He pitches at home against the world champs.
Carlos Martinez, SP: $9,000 – Martinez is the eighth most expensive fantasy pitcher today. This price seems like a bargain amongst the plethora of pitchers that are priced higher than him. He’s had 8 straight Quality Starts and I am very confident today will be 9 in a row. He’ll definitely be one of my SP’s today. He pitches at home against the Padres.
Collin McHugh, SP: $7,600 – He’s earned 3 straight wins in his last 3 outings. In those three games, he’s pitched 22 innings, and had 22 strikeouts while only giving up 6 earned runs. The Astros are on the road in Boston today, and although they’ve been hitting well of late, I really like him at this price.
Hector Santiago, SP: $6,900 – Santiago’s overall numbers are very good overall this season. But I feel like I’m walking on eggshells each time I start him. He averages over 3 walks per 9 innings but he has a 1.13 WHIP. He has less than a 3:1 K/BB ratio too, so I think luck has been on his side. I actually like the matchup on the road in Arlington today, so if I’m going cheapskate on my second SP, he could be my guy.
Kendall Graveman, SP: $6,000 – If Santiago isn’t my cheapie second SP, Graveman might be. The eggshells feel a little more sturdy for me here. After being roughed up in the beginning of the season, Graveman has had 6 straight Quality Starts. The Athletics are at home today against the Mariners.
Wandy Rodriguez, SP: $5,400 – He’s a very similar type of pitcher to Hector Santiago, so this lefty/lefty matchup could be interesting. Rodriguez has been good at times throughout his career. I am pretty certain I’ll pass here unless truly desperate.
Buster Posey, C/1B: $4,400 – As much as I like Strasburg today, there just aren’t many good options here. Posey is very much worth the price.
Francisco Cervelli, C: $3,500 – Cervelli will end up being my catcher today. Probably by default, because I usually pick my Catcher last, and won’t have enough money for Posey. However, compared to other catchers in the league, Cervelli has been hitting pretty well over the past couple weeks.
Paul Goldschmidt, 1B: $5,900 – You already knew he’s was going to be here. Nothing to think about. Spend the money.
Todd Frazier, 1B/3B: $4,900 – But if you do think about someone other than Goldy, consider Frazier. He’s cooled off the past few weeks but he’s facing a struggling Jimmy Nelson.
Jose Altuve, 2B: $4,800 – One of the best players in the league comes at a bargain today. He’s the third priciest second baseman. Try to find a way to put him in your lineup. The Astros are on the road at Fenway Park.
Kolten Wong, 2B: $4,100 – I have been promoted from the GM of the Wong Fan Club to CEO, and soon I will be taking over ownership. A great price among your second baseman options, he’s a threat in every offensive category while batting leadoff for the Cardinals.
Rougned Odor, 2B: $3,600 – Odor has hit very well since being recalled from the minors. He was a top prospect in the Rangers’ organization for the past few years. This is a great price on a young player with big potential.
Aramis Ramirez, 3B: $3,800 – This is all about a bargain pick. Third baseman haven’t been great of late. If I’m not playing Frazier here, a somewhat hot veteran in Ramirez is a good option. The Brewers are on the road in Cincinnati today.
Brett Lawrie, 3B: $3,300 – With not many options at the position, Lawrie comes at a good price. He’s been hitting, but not putting up numbers that count in DFS. I’m pretty certain I’ll pass on pricey Nolan Arendo, Miguel Cabrera, Kris Bryant and Manny Machado who have all cooled off last week.
Carlos Correa, SS: $4,600 – The rookie phenom is already the second highest priced SS in DraftKings. There’s a very good chance I’ll have the Astros’ two middle infielders in my lineup.
Jhonny Peralta, SS: $3,900 – His overall numbers this season still look great, but he’s fallen flat the past few weeks. His price reflects his recent production but I still like his potential, hitting in the middle of the Cardinals’ lineup.
Eduardo Escobar, SS/OF: $3,100 – He’s not an everyday player, but if he’s starting today, he could be a good option as a cheap SS or third OF. When he plays he seems to do at least a little something, and at this price that’s all you can ask for if you’re loading up on pricey hitters.
J.D. Martinez, OF: $5,000 – The Tigers face knuckleballer R.A. Dickey. Think there’s a good chance that Martinez catches one of those floaters? I do.
Bryce Harper, OF: $5,000 – He hasn’t homered since June 21st, so maybe that explains the price drop. Good for me, bad for DFS opponents who’ll probably pass at this price. However, check to see if he’s starting today against lefty Madison Bumgarner.
Charlie Blackmon, OF: $4,600 – Blackmon has 21 stolen bases on the year and continues to bat leadoff for the Rockies. He can put up numbers in every offensive category. The Rockies face Diamondbacks’ pitcher Patrick Corbin who is making his first start since Tommy John surgery. Check to see if lefty Blackmon is in the lineup against lefty Corbin.
Mookie Betts, OF: $4,500 – I probably won’t play Mookie because I like McHugh a lot today. But, if there’s one Red Sox player I start today, it’ll be Mookie. His performance over the past week has fantasy baseball owners glad they drafted him early.
Randall Grichuk, OF: $3,500 – Grichuk has filled in nicely as an everyday player in the Cardinals’ outfield. He doesn’t put up big stats but he’s good enough at this price if he’s your third outfielder.
I’m Only Happy When It Rains
Less than a 50% chance of rain and thunder between the Giants and Nationals. Other than that, it’ll shine bright on the diamonds.
Doing Lines In Vegas
Switching it up today and picking a few of the favorites. I’ll go with the Cardinals at -180, the Braves at -179, and the Tigers at -149. I like the under 7 runs between the Mariners/Athletics, the under 7.5 between the Indians/Pirates, and under 9.5 between the Rockies/Diamondbacks.
