Never in a million years would I have fathomed that my final DraftKings article of the year would start off touching on the death of one of the best pitchers that this generation has ever seen. I can easily say that–even though Fernandez was 24 years old–because his talent was off the charts and he had the numbers to back it up. This season alone, he posted a 2.89 ERA with a whopping 253 strikeouts in 182.1 innings pitched. That gave him a league leading 12.5 K/9. It was a somber scene in Miami on Monday night, but in true baseball fashion, an unbelievable moment was created when Dee Gordon–who came into the game with eight career home runs in over 2,200 plate appearances–hit a lead off home run and was balling his eyes out as he crossed home plate. As fans, we didn’t know Jose Fernandez personally. The Jose Fernandez was knew was the elite pitcher that was on the mound every fifth day. His smile lit up the stadium and clearly his teammates thought the world of him. Baseball is unlike any other sport in the sense that these guys are with each other every single days for over seven months out of the year. Unlike other professional sports, there are games practically everyday. The tribute was touching and well deserved, but this is a tough one for every baseball fan on the planet. Time will pass and the wound of losing Fernandez will start to heal, but he will forever be etched in our memories. Rest in peace. Thanks, Jose.
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Max Scherzer, SP: $14,200 – In honor of Jose Fernandez, another strikeout monster has to be at the top of the pitcher list on Tuesday night. Scherzer could be on his way to the NL Cy Young and is a total strikeout machine. You’ll need salary relief!
Justin Verlander, SP: $11,600 – The Indians clinched the AL Central crown on Tuesday night, so there is a very good chance that they’ll be resting many of their regulars. There’s a great chance that Verlander makes mince meat out of the B squad.
Ian Kennedy, SP: $8,900 – If you’re looking for strikeout upside in GPPs that won’t break the bank, Kennedy is your guy. He gets the lowly Twins at home in what is a very favorable matchup.
Salvador Perez, C: $3,700 – Twins starters Jose Berrios has been getting blasted all season and that isn’t likely to change on Tuesday night. Perez is a solid option if you’re not looking to overspend at the position.
Jesus Sucre, C: $2,600 – This is a total shot in the dark, but if you use Scherzer on Tuesday night, you’ll need salary relief anywhere you can get it. In his last four games, Sucre has scored double digit DK points, but make sure he’s in the lineup.
Edwin Encarnacion, 1B: $4,100 – Where does this pricing come from? E5 has 42 homers and 105 RBIs this year! Insanity.
Trey Mancini, 1B: $2,300 – Talk about salary relief. This is a shot in the dark, but Mancini has three home runs in his first four games with the Orioles. This is nothing more than a hot start, but ride it until the wheels fall off.
Ian Kinsler, 2B: $4,700 – If you’re paying up at second base, Kinsler is my target. He’s been hot recently (.625 over the last seven days) and has had success against the Indians. Plus, I expect the Indians to be sluggish on Tuesday.
Carlos Sanchez, 2B: $2,700 – Are you seeing a trend here? You will absolutely need salary relief to afford one–or two–of these monster arms. Sanchez is hot right now. You could do worse.
Adrian Beltre, 3B: $4,400 – Look at these numbers: .300-32-100. Beltre is still one of the best players in the game and it’s not even debatable. Twenty-three of Beltre’s 32 homers have come against RHP.
Todd Frazier, 3B: $4,400 – Frazier is locked in at the plate and finally doing more than just hitting a home run every couple of days.
Jonathan Villar, SS/3B: $4,300 – Villar is just two homers and one steal away from going 20/60 on the year. He’s gunning for it.
Brad Miller, SS/1B: $3,500 – Don’t look now but Miller is batting .364 with two homers over the last week. He has 30 on the year!
Mookie Betts, OF: $5,600 – Betts has been getting on base at a .625 clip over the last week with one home run, so he is clearly locked in at the plate.
Justin Upton, OF: $4,400 – Better late than never, right? Upton has been hot in September and has three home runs over the last week. His price is quite appealing too given his recent hot streak.
Khris Davis, OF: $4,200 – Davis has been a bit cold in recent days, but what better way to break a slump than to throw him right back into the fire? He’s done well for me this year and Ricky Nolasco is a chump.
I’m Only Happy When It Rains
There’s a 50 percent chance of rain in Chicago, but otherwise things look fairly good.
Doing Lines In Vegas
The Nationals, Red Sox, and Cubs are my favorite stacking options on Tuesday. I know I recommended the Verlander, but if you really want to go against the grain, try Cleveland on a super hangover.
