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 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!
Daily Fantasy Leagues – FanDuel Lineup Picks (5/20)
SP: Josh Beckett @ NYM (vs. Rafael Montero) ($6700)
Today is a tough day to single out the best play at SP-- FanDuel did a pretty good job of pricing all of the pitchers. Outside of Beckett, I think you could make a reasonable case for starting Tanka, Cueto, Wainwright, Iwakuma, Teheran, Ventura, Burnett or Skaggs. I didn’t want to spend a ton of money on pitching today because there aren’t a ton of really cheap position players that I’m in love with. Beckett has outperformed his peripherals by a decent margin, but he’s been striking out guys (8.64 K/9) while keeping his walks in check (3.24 BB/9). He will be getting run support from one of the best offenses in baseball, and he’s facing the light-hitting Mets. Beckett should generate a top-ten SP performance at a very reasonable price.
C: Buster Posey @ COL (vs. Franklin Morales) ($3900)
This is a healthy chunk of change for a catcher, but Posey is well worth it. The premises are pretty simple: 1) Posey is a top-five hitter against left-handed pitching; 2) Franklin Morales struggles mightily against right-handed hitting; and 3) the Giants are visiting the hitter's paradise that has helped turn Justin Morneau into a top-30 fantasy player this year.
Posey has a great shot to rake tonight. Premises #2 and #3 above apply to all RHH on the Giants. Consider guys like Hunter Pence ($3500) or Michael Morse ($3200), too. Posey is still the best play, though-- it’s much easier to find good offensive production from other outfielders than it is to find a good bet at catcher.
1B: Matt Adams vs. ARI (Bronson Arroyo, RHP) ($2600)
Bronson Arroyo has had a few really strong starts after a disastrous beginning to the year. Realistically, though, he’s been pretty much the same pitcher the whole time. Many players’ production fluctuates game to game-- baseball’s just a weird game, man. That said, Arroyo has consistently been one of the worst pitchers in the league against left-handed hitting over the last few years. He also gives up loads of homers to lefties. Adams—and everyone else on the Cardinals—is still looking for a power surge, but tonight’s game should give him a wonderful opportunity to showcase his 30+ HR power. I still believe Adams is a very good hitter and that he will finish the season with respectable power numbers. For $2600, you probably won’t find a better play on FanDuel tonight.
3B: Kyle Seager @ TEX ($3000)
Seager has regained his 2013 form over the last few weeks. Moreover, he absolutely mashes right-handed pitching. Colby Lewis right now is a below-average pitcher, giving up a ton of line drives and fly balls, which can be extremely problematic in Arlington. The venue should be good for Seager, who’s used to playing at spacious Safeco Field. He'll be a top-three play at 3B tomorrow, and you can roster him for a mere $3000.