Fantasy baseball has been a game that I distanced myself from for nearly my entire fantasy career. I thought, who can keep up with all the games and the lineup changes, and the difficulty to put together a winning lineup was even more outlandish with my minimal knowledge of the MLB. Since the NBA playoffs began, I have indulged myself into the world of fantasy baseball. This is still fairly new to me but it has come clear that while my ability to cash in on a daily basis is not a guarantee, the players I have written about or chosen in my articles have not failed me. This leads me to the conclusion that I am much better at selecting specific players rather than putting together a team. It makes sense I would rather be a head coach than a General Manager. Basically what this comes down to is, do not ask me to make a lineup for you, but rather give me your lineup and let me help you tweak it to absolute perfection.
When creating my lineup I tend to focus on consistency. For batting, hits and RBI’s. For pitching, strikeouts. Both of those are guaranteed points and any player that is able to provide points frequently is going to help the lineup.
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Offenses to Target for DraftKings
Washington Nationals v. Matt Garza (RHP,MIL)
Matt Garza is a hard throwing righty who has shown to be a bit streaky at times. He had an overall solid outing his last game against the Twins letting up six hits and one run. Usually Garza a fearful opponent and many would stray away from facing him. The Nationals are the perfect team to counter Garza’s pitching with their massive bats. Bryce Harper, Yunel Escobar, Denard Span all batting above .300 to RHP this year, Garza could be humbled by this threatening lineup. Look for the Nationals to lock up a win and hit all over Garza.
Cincinnati Reds v. Tsuyoshi Wada (LHP, CHC)
Throughout the day I had been preaching that Tsuyoshi Wada was the go to guy for tonight. After some research I withdraw that statement and instead wish to oppose Wada. Yes the Reds have seemed to cool off a bit but instead of Wada precisely throwing his way to a victory, I see the Reds getting back on track and finding their swings. I do not like calling games but Wada is not the hardest throwing lefty against a team that enjoys a hard throwing lefty. The Reds should pull out a victory and Wada should look to have a long, long game.
DFS Starting Pitchers to Target for DraftKings
Tim Lincecum (SF, RHP - $8,100)
I do not think I need to give any real explanation to this one. Lincecum is a filthy pitcher and can beat any team on his own. When he is in the zone, there are not many players that can get contact. He is consistently striking out multiple batters a game which makes him an easy pickup today. Regardless of what he lets up, the strikeouts he obtains throughout should counter any poor productivity.
Tanner Roark (WAS, RHP - $5,400)
This is without a doubt the riskiest play I advise but it has a ton of upside. Where the Brewers have struggles is where the DFS community should indulge. The Brewers are just not batting well and Roark is a skilled pitcher who is looking to notch another victory here. Even after letting up a few home runs to the Cubs he manages to finish the game with six strikeouts through five innings. It is only fair to show his failures and mishaps to prove how worthy he is of his price. He is a very cheap option that has major upside that can turn your team into the top team for tonight.
DFS Infielders to Target for DraftKings
Ivan DeJesus (CIN, 2B,SS - $2,400)
Ivan dominated the Phillies and clocked his second homer of the season. Coming of that game he should look to get more at bats and even knock a few more out of the park. He is a strong batter and is facing Tsuyoshi Wada is what should be a hit parade for the Reds.
Yunel Escobar (WAS, 3B,SS - $3,500)
Yunel Escobar has been one of the Nationals’ top hitters and his streak should show no signs of stopping. He has dropped in hits every game the last three games but nonetheless making contact and getting on base. Escobar should be able to get something going against Matt Garza and Escobar should be somewhere in your lineup for tonight.
Troy Tulowitzki (COL, SS - $5,900)
As the most expensive hitter for today’s contest, how can you pass him up. Multiple hit games are not a rarity for Tulowitzki and it is highly possible for today. I do not know what else to say other than he has been phenomenal in the batter's box and regardless of the opposing pitcher, the upper hand goes to Troy.
DFS Outfielders to Target for DraftKings
Denard Span (WAS, OF - $4,200)
After a three-hit game against the Yankees, Denard gained a lot of notoriety as being a quiet killer with the bat. His inconsistency makes him a very high risk play but has a lot of upside against a pitcher with a 5.09 ERA in Matt Garza. I have been picking on Garza for a majority of this article which should be clarified that he is a very good pitcher, I just happen to think that Span along with Bryce Harper will get the better of him.
Dexter Fowler (CHC, OF - $4,700)
Another consistent hitter that looks to extend a hitting streak that consists of multiple hit games. Dexter can do it all, he has speed and is able to convert a hit into an opportunity to get in scoring position. When it comes to players crossing home plate, Fowler is one of those players you cannot pass up.
Mike Trout (LAA, OF - $5,400)
He has not been on as much as a tear of some of the other hitters that you normally can compare with Trout, but he is getting on base and scoring runs. There are only a few games where Trout has failed to get a hit. These rarities are not common and Trout should be a solid option if the price fits your budget. Of the Harper, Stanton, Trout power hitting trio, Trout and Stanton are in my lineup tonight.
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