It’s hard to believe it’s almost over, but here we are, the final Friday of the regular season. Some DFS will continue through the MLB playoffs, but that shizz is only for the hardcore degens. You can play a couple bucks in that mess if you want, but I’m all set with 300 similar lineups because there’s four teams to chose from. Friday is typically the biggest night of the week for MLB DFS, it’s when the biggest contests typically run, and this is the last of it, especially with NFL stealing all the Sunday love. So, if you’re going to make a big play, this is your last shot. Hopefully you’ve done well for yourself this season and have a little disposable bankroll to toss out there. If you’re not down for taking a shot at a $100 buy-in tournament, then by all means, join our newly created Razzball League. Taking advantage of DraftKing’s new “Leagues” feature I created this as a place for all us Razzball DFSers to hangout, create contests and play against one another. Anyone can create a contest and there it will appear for all to join. You can create a H2H or a 10 man league, whatever you like, for whatever buy-in you’re comfortable with (even free!). I created a contest for tonight, so hop on in, the more the merrier! This league will continue posting contests through the NFL season as well, so if you’re into that sort of thing, I’ve got you covered. Hope you’ve had a great year and it’s been a pleasure writing for you all season long. Take care, but first, let’s get into some picks for tonight’s slate:
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 October 3rd 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.
Taijuan Walker, SP: $8,900 – At this point in the year it’s as important to look at the match-up as it is to look for teams that are actually playing for something. As of right now the Mariners are technically (if just barely) still alive and Taijuan will be looking to finish the year strong and keep them alive. Some new mechanics have Walker pitching better of late and I’ll take my chances against a team in Oakland that has the third lowest team OPS this year.
Robert Gsellman, SP: $6,600 – I’m streaming Gsellman in any and every league where I have starts and/or innings left to burn. The reasons? Glad you asked. The Mets magic number remains at two, so every win is precious. The Phillies are awful. Gsellman has looked surprisingly great so far. For this price and given the uncertainty of other options, Gsellman will anchor almost all my rosters tonight.
Carlos Martinez, SP: $9,200 – You’ll notice a trend here that all the starters have something to pitch for. That’s true for the Cardinals in a big way. I’m worried Yu Darvish will only throw a few innings, ditto for Hill and Porcello. Rodon is a decent option, but that price tag has really elevated. For $1,500 cheaper you can nab C-Mart. Martinez is at home (something we always like) and facing off against Glasnow who’s really had a rough go of it this year. Expect plenty of run support and C-Mart to cruise.
Daniel Norris, SP: $7,800 – The rainout last night is our friend tonight as Daniel Norris goes from facing the Indians to the Braves. You don’t need me to explain this is a sweet match-up in a game the Tigers have to have, so instead I’m going to rant for a second. It’s time to do something about the MLB schedule and about the DH. With interleague play now a constant thing, it’s insane to play under two sets of rules. It’s also insane to have an unbalanced schedule. The Tigers, in the middle of a battle for a Wild Card spot now travel to a National League park where they can’t use an integral piece of their team (the DH) but do get the benefit of playing the weak Braves. Meanwhile, the Jays and Orioles (who both got to face the Braves at home) are playing division foes. It’s dumb with a side of stupid if you ask me (which you did not).
Manny Pina, C: $3,000 – Someone has to catch this game for the Brewers, my guess is it will be Pina, but keep an eye out. Either way, they are all cheap and playing in Coors. It’s everything I love in a catcher!
Jose Abreu, 1B: $3,900 – Finish strong Grande Dolor, finish strong.
Stephen Cardullo, 1B: $3,000 – I’ve never heard of Brent Suter…not once. That doesn’t bode well for a start at Coors field. He’s been pitching out of the bullpen, so he might not be long for this game anyway. Cardullo is about the cheapest Coors exposure you’ll find. He pairs nicely with some Arenado.
Scooter Gennett, 2B: $4,500 – I won’t just list players from the Coors game, I swear. Scooter’s been hot though and murders right hand pitching. It just so happens, Chad Bettis is a righty. Enjoy riding your Scooter tonight.
Ryan Schimpf, 2B/3B: $4,100 – Schimpf is a little less spendy than Scooter, but also a little less upsidey. Granted, Shipley is no great shakes and the game is in Coors south. Schimpf makes for a nice contrarian play on a night where the Coors stacks will be aplenty.
Jake Lamb, 3B: $4,600 – Give me all the Diamondbacks against Edwin Jackson. It’s going to be very difficult to roster Lamb with Hernan right there at $4,400, but if you’re in full Coors fade mode, that’s where I would look.
Manny Machado, 3B/SS: $3,900 – It’s Manny again as he remains way too cheap. He’s been cold for sure, but he’s too talented to stay that way for long. Pineda can blow up at any moment and Manny is 6 for 15 (.400) against him in his career.
Orlando Arcia, SS: $3,400 – Alright, DK is just baiting me here. These Brewers are all way too affordable for Coors. It’s gotta be a trap.
Hunter Renfroe, OF: $3,500 – The heck with it, give me all the Padres against Brandon Shipley too. Renfroe has given us all a taste of his power potential and now gets a few shots in hitter friendly Chase Field. Hopefully the Padres don’t do anything silly and bench him. Manuel Margot makes a nice play at $3,000 as well if they do.
Jackie Bradley Jr., OF: $4,400 – This is mostly a gut call. I think JBJ gets to 27 HRs this weekend and tonight might be his best opportunity. Estrada continues to defy the odds with his 4.64 xFIP. The Sawx should be all recovered from their champagne hangover and back to getting hot for the playoff run.
Jose Peraza, OF/SS: $4,300 – It remains to be seen who will take the mound for the Cubbies tonight, but odds are Peraza can handle them. The Cubs are going through the motions to finish out the regular season so expect some hits, some steals and some runs from Jose.
I’m Only Happy When It Rains
There’s some serious rain threats tonight on the east coast. Games that could be affected include, NYM@PHI, TOR@BOS and BAL@NYY. A little to the west could get wet as well, games with some rain potential there include CHC@CIN and MIN@CHW. Watch those radars.
Doing Lines In Vegas
Darvish and the Rangers are the biggest favorites tonight (-210). While I’m sure they’ll win, I’m not sure Yu throws enough innings to qualify for it. Taijuan Walker and the Mariners are right behind, pegged as -200 favorites. Deploy with confidence. The largest run total tonight, of course, comes from Coors field, 12 runs. The game at Coors south isn’t far off, checking in at 10.5 runs. The lowest run total, by far, comes from San Francisco where Rich Hill and his blister take on Madison Bumgarner. That total is down to 6 runs.
