Daily Fantasy Baseball 2015: MLB DraftKings Strategy, Primer for April 7
The second full day of the MLB season doesn't exactly have the same luster as Opening Day. Half of the franchises are 0-1, while the other half are undefeated. It does mean that daily fantasy owners already have a better perspective on which stars to choose.
DraftKings players won't be able to identify trends with pitchers, but some hitters are already torching hot. Not every batter will continue those trends, but some will face far less impressive starters. Leading up to Tuesday's slate, here's a look at some strategy for Game 2 of 162 for most MLB teams.
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Pitcher: Zack Greinke, Los Angeles Dodgers ($8,800)
Sure, the San Diego Padres are completely retooled with Matt Kemp, Justin Upton and others added to the lineup. Going against Zack Greinke, however, could potentially expose some weaknesses in the offense.
Greinke has been phenomenal during his career at Dodger Stadium, as author Joel Luckhaupt notes:
The right-hander faces a reloaded Padres lineup that relies on right-handed batters for strength. If Greinke can keep up his masterful performances at home against San Diego, he'll be the clear No. 1 starter for daily owners.
First Baseman: Matt Adams, St. Louis Cardinals ($4,200)
This is one of those predictions we're not entirely basing on the season opener. Matt Adams went hitless in the first game against the Chicago Cubs, but he is still typically a Cub-crusher.
Facing right-handed hurler Jake Arrieta, Adams was set to get going on Tuesday for daily fantasy owners. In 11 at-bats against Arrieta, Adams has five hits with a double and three RBI. Though he doesn't have a home run against the Cubs' No. 2 starter, Adams' 15 home runs from last year prove he has pop in his bat.
However, the game has been postponed, the Cubs announced on Tuesday.
Second Baseman: Robinson Cano, Seattle Mariners ($4,200)
He seems like the obvious choice on Tuesday night, so why steer clear of Robinson Cano? Even against a left-hander like C.J. Wilson, Cano has still enjoyed some success against the Angels' No. 2 starter.
Though he's never hit one over the wall against Wilson, Cano has been productive against him. After getting a hit and an RBI in the season opener, expect Cano to go off on Tuesday and warrant the high price owners will be paying for him.
Outfielder: Carl Crawford, Los Angeles Dodgers ($3,900)
Starting off the season with a double and an RBI against the San Diego Padres, Crawford already gave daily owners great value. Now he faces pitcher Tyson Ross, whom he has destroyed in a short sample size during his career.
Crawford won't always be a great choice with his inconsistencies at the plate, but he's a great option at a reasonable price for owners on Tuesday. Slot the Dodgers outfielder in a No. 2 or No. 3 spot and look for solid production.
Outfielder: Nelson Cruz, Seattle Mariners ($4,100)
The season got off to a silent start for Nelson Cruz, but he's ready to break out with his new team. Cruz got off to a torrid pace last April, belting six home runs and 24 RBI with the Baltimore Orioles. He's bound to reach those levels again soon on the West Coast.
Hitting behind Cano, both batters should see strikes from Wilson. Already having a homer against him with just 10 at-bats and a .314/.407/.569 against left-handed pitchers, there will be plenty of pop from Cruz's bat.
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