Today is the first Saturday in June, and the first day that it really feels like summertime. At least in Southern California it does. Warm weather and baseball just go hand-in-hand. So if you’re not at a game today, fulfill your Saturday baseball with some Razzball picks on DraftKings. Starting Pitchers are your most important position. Are you going to spend your money on a young unproven rookie pitcher, or a pricey proven pitcher that “should” run up your score? It’s a hard decision sometimes, but when you have choices like today, you should feel good about your chances. My strategies usually consist a little of both. Play it safer in 50/50’s. For example, if you’re in a 100 person entry, you can pretty much count on pitchers like Kershaw and King Felix to be owned around two-thirds to three-quarters of the league. You aren’t going to want to gamble and pick Lorenzen and another low to mid-tier pitcher and stack heavy on hitting. You’ll usually get the most points out of you pitchers, so my strategy is to play it safe and stick with the heavy priced pitchers. However, if I’m playing a big ‘Guaranteed’ entry where there are thousands of entries and thousands of dollars to be won in a top five finish, I’m gambling a lot more, and not spending my money on Kershaw and King Felix. It’s all or nothing for me in those type of entries. I’m not saying I’d start Lorenzen and a low-tier pitcher, but I’m certainly not picking the two pitchers which I think will be owned the most. What has worked for you? Have you had a really big win on DraftKings? Share you success in the comments below and tweet at me using #RazzballReader. Enjoy the games!
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.
Joe Ross, P: $4,600 – He’s making his major league debut today at home against the Cubs. At 6’4 and 22 years old he looks the part. He’s pitched very well at Double-A this season, with a 2.81 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 54 strikeouts, 12 walks, in 51.1 innings pitched. He’s not worth the gamble in a 50/50, but in a ‘Guarantee’ entry, why not throw him out there? He could pick up a decent amount of strikeouts against the Cubbies, and with a good offense behind him, a possible win.
Yordano Ventura, P: $7,900 – Last week I liked the matchup against the Cubs, but couldn’t start him because of the uncertainty of the weather in Chicago. I like Ventura today at this price as he pitches at home against the Rangers. He has’t pitched very well this season but he can rack up the strikeouts, and has a very good starting lineup to supply run support.
Madison Bumgarner, P: $10,500 – Well if this doesn’t have 12+ strikeouts written all over it, I don’t know what does. If you’re in a 50/50 you pretty have to play Bumgarner against the Phillies. He’s pricey but knowing that at least half of your opponents will play him, if you decide otherwise, your pitcher better be lights out. I always like the gamble in ‘Guaranteed’ entries so there is a better chance I won’t start Bumgarner.
Jesse Chavez, P: $6,600 – Chavez has pitched very well for Oakland this season. Over his last 6 starts, he’s had 6 Quality Starts. He has a very good K/BB ratio and a K/9 IP ratio. Today he faces the Red Sox at Fenway Park. If you’re conserving money on your pitchers so you can spend it on your hitters, Chavez is going to be one to pick.
Michael Lorenzen, P: $4,300 – The Reds’ rookie has had 3 Quality Starts in his first 5 career starts. His WHIP isn’t good and he isn’t a big strikeout pitcher, but he’s found a way to keep the earned runs down. He pitches at home against the Padres. Don’t play him in a 50/50, you know the rest….
Julio Teheran, P: $7,400 The ups and downs of Teheran this season have been surprising. I expected a big season from him after a very good 2014. Today’s he’s at home against the Pirates. At this price, you might want to look elsewhere.
Bartolo Colon, P: $6,900 – You don’t see yourself starting him either huh? The statistic that caught my eye, is that he has only issued 5 walks in 68 innings pitched this season. Don’t underestimate the potential of a vet like Colon. He started off 2015 well, and has just been so-so lately. Today he faces the Diamondbacks at home in New York. Other than Paul Goldschmidt, you don’t have much else to worry about.
Clayton Kershaw, P: $12,400 – He takes the mound in Los Angeles against the Cardinals. I’m no longer all in on Kershaw, but not because I don’t think he’s good, but because he’s no longer an automatic start in DFS like last season. He’s only had 3 Quality Starts over his last 5. That is good for Lorenzen but not Kershaw, DFS or not.
Felix Hernandez, P: $11,500 – Like Bumgarner, King Felix is a near must start in 50/50 entries. He’s at home against the Rays. He’s worth the price even though his last start against the Yankees went downhill. If you’re focusing on pitching, you’ll have a tough choice between Bumgarner, Kershaw, and Hernandez.
Evan Gattis, C: $4,700 – The power numbers are coming along lately, and without many great Cather options, consider Gattis at Toronto today.
Stephen Vogt, C: $4,300 – Have you figured out how to pronounce his name yet? Me neither, but who cares because he’s continues to spread numbers all over fantasy baseball categories.
Blake Swihart, C: $3,200 – A cheap option at Catcher, Swihart hit his first home run of the season on Thursday. He has the offensive potential to breakout at anytime, so if you don’t want to pay the price for a catcher, consider Swihart.
Paul Goldschmidt, 1B: $5,600 – I don’t care what I have to do, Goldschmidt is going to be in my lineup. His numbers are just incredible. He has an absurd .470 OBP, and a 1.147 OPS. He continues to be the most underrated and least exposed player in baseball.
Freddie Freeman, 1B: $4,900 – Freeman has been shining bright in Atlanta. His numbers are very good overall, and considering the price tag, give him a look. He’s at home against the Pirates’ Jeff Locke.
Joey Votto, 1B: $4,800 – The power numbers are coming along pretty well. I like the matchup against Odrisamer Despaigne today.
DJ LeMahieu, 2B: $4,400 – LeMahieu is also spraying numbers all across the board. Not sure were this offense has come from but at this price I can’t complain. At home in Coors against Marlins’ pitcher David Phelps is an appealing option.
Joe Panik, 2B: $4,200 – Don’t panic if Panik is in our lineup. He’s been hitting very well all season. He’s no longer the singles-hitter I once thought he was. Today he’s on the road in Philly against Severino Gonzalez.
Kolten Wong, 2B: $3200 – I’m still the leader of the Wong Fan Club, but today the Cardinals face Kershaw. Check to see if this lefty is in the starting lineup, and if he is, that price is inciting. Even if he is in the lineup, I’m probably looking elsewhere.
Will Middlebrooks, 3B: $3,600 – This might be the first time I play Middlebrooks in DraftKings. He’s hit pretty well lately and faces Reds’ rookie Lorenzen. If 3B is your last position to fill, here’s your guy.
Carlos Santana, 1B/3B: $4,400 – Santana has hit very well since coming back from paternity leave. That makes sense because this is the happiest time of someone’s life. Congrats Carlos!
Joey Gallo, 3B: $3,500 – I couldn’t go writing this article without mentioning Joey Gallo. If you haven’t heard of him by now then the electricity must have gone out in the cave you live in. As much as I like Ventura today, remember to have fun with your lineup and plug a guy like Gallo in there.
Troy Tulowitzki, SS: $5,300 – Finally the power has come. Tulo has been hot lately. He’s at home against David Phelps and the Marlins.
Brandon Crawford, SS: $4,400 – Like the other Giants’ middle infielder Joe Panik, Crawford has been putting a very nice season together. One thing I’ve always liked about Crawford is that he looks very determined and takes the game serious.
Wilmer Flores, SS: $4,000 – The Mets’ youngster continues to hit. Not great, but decent enough to consider him today. He has more power than most shortstops and with one swing, he could make a big difference in your score.
A.J. Pollock, OF: $4,600 – He’s been one of the best hitters in baseball over the past few weeks. I know I said Goldy was the only one for Colon to worry about, but Pollock has the potential to put up the points too. He’ll need a few hits, runs, and a stolen base to get you there.
Andrew McCutchen, OF: $4,600 – This is the McCutchen we are used too. After waiting patiently over the first month, Cutch has put up the numbers we are accustom to. I don’t need to say much else other than he can get you the points from any category. He’s a career 4-9 with 1 homer against Teheran.
Charlie Blackmon, OF: $4,900 – He’s really stepped up offensively since Corey Dickerson has been out. He’s the Rockies’ leadoff hitter, and in DraftKings, that is just what you should be looking for.
Adam Eaton, OF: $3,400 – I really like Eaton at this prices. He’s hit very well lately. If you have to be conservative with one of your outfielders, Eaton is your guy.
I’m Only Happy When It Rains
Possible rain delay in DC today for the Cubs/Nationals, but they’re an early start, so worst case scenario, they should complete all 9 innings in the late afternoon/early evening. Possible showers in the Brewers/Twins game, but they’re also an early day game and hopefully finish before that possibility. Check the weather often.
Doing Lines In Vegas
Another Saturday, another three team parlay with underdogs. I like the White Sox at +146, the Athletics at +107, and the Pirates at +114. Spend wisely!
