So I pulled up MLB.com on Wednesday morning and clicked the calendar over to Thursday’s games to get an idea of what I would be working with for tonight’s slate. I saw three night games. Yes, three.
I made the two-hour drive to New York City, and hailed a cab to 245 Park Avenue to the office of the commissioner of baseball. After a brief — 10 hour — meeting, I made my pitch, but he ruled against me and kept the slate so small. If I couldn’t convince Rob Manfred to change things up, I’m not sure how Tom Brady will do.
Alas, I emailed one of our fearless editors, and he informed me that the show must go on.
So, let’s take a look at this mess… err… mesmerizing slate. Yeah, that works.
Straight to the cash, homie.
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A.J. Burnett, SP: $9,700 – Well let’s get this one out of the way. With only six starters to choose from, don’t go cheap. Pay up for the surest thing because I hate to tell you but hitters aren’t exactly the most predictable species on a day-to-day basis. Pitchers are more of a “sure” thing in a game that doesn’t have any sure things.
Dallas Keuchel, SP: $9,000 – Dallas Keuchel or Lance Lynn. That’s what it comes down to. Me, personally, I have a mancrush on Lynn that is comparable to a recent grandmothers’ crush on John Stamos. However, in his first start back, I’ll take the safer pick in Keuchel going against a Yankees team that ranks in the lower third of baseball against left-handed pitching. He’s regressed from his unreal start of the season, which should come as no surprise, but he’s still one hell of a pitcher.
Francisco Cervelli, C: $3,400 – Catcher is the easiest position to punt on, and at $3,400, Cervelli is a steal. He’s been an on-base machine for the Pirates this year.
Joey Votto, 1B: $4,300 – I wish that he would have better numbers since his three-homer game, but he has passable numbers against Burnett in his career. As the fifth priced first baseman, I’ll take the mix of safety and upside.
Kolten Wong, 2B: $3,800 – Wong has a good mix up pop and speed, but it’s unlikely that the pop will come into play in Miami against Dan Haren. Still, he’s a good, safe bet at his price point.
Adeiny Hechavarria, SS: $3,400 – Another “punt” play today, but it’s really the best player not named Carlos Correa or Jhonny Peralta.
Chase Headley, 3B: $3,900 – I thought about Pedro Alvarez here, but predicting what he’s going to do is next to impossible. It just made me mad so I went with Headley instead. He is what he is, plus he’s priced perfectly so that you can still get a big bat in your lineup.
Jason Heyward, OF: $3,900 – I never thought that Jason Heyward would see the light of day in a fantasy lineup that I actually managed. Well, bring your ice skates because hell has frozen over, folks. So far in June, Heyward has three home runs, 10 RBI, with a .348/.362/.545 slash line. Hall of Fame numbers when talking about Heyward. I’m not buying it to continue, but I’ll ride it for under $4,000.
Domingo Santana, OF: $3,100 – It depends if he plays, obviously, but if he does, he provides a good value in a good matchup in a good ballpark. Three checks off the list.
Giancarlo Stanton, OF: $5,500 – I love Lynn, but I don’t ignore greatness. Stanton is the best player not named Albert Pujols right now. Wait, Pujuls is good, Jurassic Park is dominating the box office and New Kids on the Block are selling out arenas. This IS 2015, right? My god. Anyways, the slate allows you to grab two top pitchers and provides some value elsewhere, so exploit it and grab the big G.
I’m Only Happy When It Rains
Miami and Houston are safe with their roofs. Well, if Miami learns how to properly run their stadium. There’s a 62 percent chance of rain in Pittsburgh at first pitch, so watch carefully and pray. If it’s postponed, smash your computer and scream. It will feel good.
Doing Lines In Vegas
Pittsburgh is coming up as the highest scoring game at 7.5. I tend to agree, so if you’re so inclined, stack some Pirates in a tournament play.
