RADIO
I grew up and lived in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area for quite some time. Although I no longer live there, this season has been quite fun to see all the Orioles and Nationals fans duke it out via social media or at the game considering that Baltimore is only a mere 35 miles away from D.C. Normally early September is reserved for talking about the Skins and Ravens but it's pretty awesome to see the area engulfed in baseball right now. Shockingly (wink wink), most of the talk revolves around when the Nationals and Orioles will face each other in the World Series. Although a Beltway Series Fall Classic is a long shot, it's a near certainty (barring any crazy 2008-like-Mets-collapse) that both Washington and Baltimore will make the playoffs considering each team's large divisional leads. I wonder if The Oriole Bird would ever fight Teddy in a no-holds-bar mascot fight?
Below are my FanDuel picks for today. As always, remember to check your players to make sure they are in their MLB starting lineups before lineups lock, and make sure you are doing your own research too with our very own BvP Tool for optimal performance! The most successful daily leaguers are grinders who are constantly tweaking their lineups as the day goes on and fantasy news gets released. Good luck today, RotoBallers!
Weather the Storm
The chances of heavier and heavier rain increase in Atlanta as the game will continue so there may be a delay in the later innings. It looks like it will rain in Tampa as well, of course the Rays play in a dome so that doesn’t matter. As far as getting help, right handed power hitters may see an increase in their homerun chances in Chicago, Kansas City and Houston.
DFS Pitchers to Avoid for 9/5
- Shelby Miller has given up eight dingers over his last seven starts and 20 this season. The Pirates can hit RHPs and they’ve had some success against Miller.
- Not including Monday’s conclusion to a suspended game, the Giants and Rockies have combined for 38 runs scored, 55 hits, 5 home runs and a whopping 23 total pitchers used. If you think Ryan Vogelsong (.363 road wOBA) and Christian Bergman (.439 home wOBA) will curb the trend, then forgive me for saying but you’re insane.
- Reds’ starter Dylan Axelrod has put up quality numbers in his two starts. Look deeper at his line drive and HR/FB rates and you’ll see there’s a strong possibility the Orioles
scorea million runs offrun him out early. - Picking between John Danks and Trevor May today is like picking between sitting through the movie Draft Day or watching a live Cleveland Browns game- there’s just nothing good to come out of either option.
- I really wanted to leave off a Ranger starter for the first time since starting this weekly article, but Nick Tepesch gets the nod for no other reason than spite. Well, spite and his terrible road splits.
The Main Course – DFS Lineup Picks for 8/27
Starting Pitcher DFS Lineup Picks
Felix Hernandez, SEA ($10,800): King Felix surely won’t replicate his previous start against the Nationals and he’ll surely take advantage of an Oakland squad that is struggling offensively.
Andrew Cashner, SDP ($7,800): I like Cashner in the bargain pitcher pick of the day. A month ago Cashner (had he been healthy) would’ve been a question mark to get a win due to his morbid run support but the Padres have been offensively effective post ASB.
Miguel Gonzalez, BAL ($6,400): Gonzalez is the “church bell” pitcher pick of the day. The Cincy bats have yet to get the memo to wake up for quite some time and Baltimore’s hitters are primed for a big day thus improving Gonzalez’s chances at getting another four points for the win.
Catcher DFS Lineup Picks
Evan Gattis, ATL ($2,700): Most of his production has come at home and he’s been solid in day games when he’s started. Interestingly enough Gattis has never faced David Buchanan.
Michael McKenry, COL ($2,700): McKenry has had considerable success against Vogelsong and has also been solid against RHPs all season. Even if he does struggle against San Francisco’s starter, there’s little chance the Giants’ bullpen is up to the challenge of shutting down Colorado hitters.
First Base DFS Lineup Picks
Chris Davis, BAL ($3,400): Don’t look now, but (probably) heeeeeeee’s baaaaaaaaack.
Justin Morneau, COL ($3,100): With a .390 wOBA against RHP, Morneau always makes for a good choice and Vogelsong makes for a good target. Gotta love his HR/FB rate at home too.
Second Base DFS Lineup Picks
Brian Dozier, MIN ($3,600): I’m not quite sure if this is his nickname, but Bull Dozier has been a daily fantasy stud this season and recently I can’t remember the last time he’s posted a negative point game. As for another bonus he has produced well after posting 0.25 point games, which he did last night.
Neil Walker, PIT ($3,400): Are you ready for cheesy? Neil will be moon-Walking around the bases at least once today against Miller.
Third Base DFS Lineup Picks
Nolan Arenado, COL ($3,400): With recent success against Vogelsong and friendly hitter conditions, Arenado is primed for a nice day.
Pablo Sandoval, SFG ($3,200): I expect much of the same numbers that Arenado will produce. And yes, this is the second straight cop out for third basemen I’ve picked.
Kelly Johnson, BAL ($2,200): Make no mistake Johnson won’t hit any homeruns for you. Instead, he’s the bargain pick to get on base a few times and score.
Shortstop DFS Lineup Picks
Erick Aybar, LAA ($2,900): Aybar has a tough matchup against McHugh but is pretty affordable considering his recent production. At the very least, expect a 1.75 day from him- which may or may not put you over the edge.
Jhonny Peralta, STL ($2,900): No negative point games in over two weeks and a stellar history against Volquez (.400 BA, 2 HR in 10 at bats).
Brandon Crawford, SFG ($2,500): Really surprised Crawford isn’t more expensive. I expect a big game out of him as he’s my bargain pick of the day for any position. Considering McKenry’s defensive abilities, Crawford could steal a base too.
Outfielder DFS Lineup Picks
Hunter Pence, SFG ($4,200): Pence is about as close to a lock as possible right now to either crush one, score some runs and/or steal a base or two. He’s hotter than Hansel right now.
Andrew McCutchen, PIT ($3,900): The reigning NL MVP has a good chance of beginning a hot streak today against Miller. He has considerable success against the Cards’ rightie and there should be ample opportunities to drive in runs.
Corey Dickerson, COL ($3,900): That .471 home wOBA against RHPs is the second most irresistible stat of the day. First most irresistible stat today and every day is Kate Upton’s measurements.
Oswaldo Arcia, MIN ($3,300): Somehow he’s hit lefties harder than he’s hit righties. Look for Arcia to go yard.
Gregor Blanco, SFG ($3,000): Even though I’ll take Street Fighter’s Blanco over San Francisco’s Blanco, I anticipate Gregor to utilize those theft skills today.
