Are you playing in daily leagues?

Daily fantasy leagues are becoming very popular. There are different type’s 50/50, Head to Head, and top 3 are the most popular. Analyzing the matchups is critical because most games are only one day. I like to look at player’s numbers versus the pitcher they are facing, and analyzing statistics from the previous seven days to determine who is hot and who’s not. The final determining factor is the pitcher who is on the mound. If it is an ace I might stay away from that match up and focus on hitters facing a weak pitcher.

Pedro Alvarez (Pirates) is one of the hottest hitters in baseball.

Here’s my lineup today with a 35K salary cap.

P -Kyle Lohse STL@HOU $6,500

C -Yadier Molina STL@HOU $3,700

1B- Mark Teixeira NYY@KAN $3,800

2B- Howie Kendrick TOR@ANA $3,400

3B -Pedro Alvarez CIN@PIT $3,000

SS -Derek Jeter NYY@KAN $3,900

OF

Cameron Maybin MIA@SDP $3,100

Bryce Harper PHI@WAS $3,300

Justin Upton ARI@NYM $4,000

 

I like Lohse because he carries a lower salary, has been consistently good, and faces a weaker lineup. I am going with a couple of Yankees in Jeter and Teixeira because of their history versus starting pitcher Bruce Chen. Howie Kendrick has been hot at the plate recently and has a solid history versus starting pitcher Henderson Alvarez. Pedro Alvarez is one of the hottest hitters in baseball and has a very cheap salary at 3rd. Cameron Maybin is starting to produce by getting on base, scoring runs, and stealing bases. Harper has been solid and faces a favorable matchup versus starter Kyle Kendrick who is struggling; Upton’s bout is very favorable and he is currently undervalued salary wise.

 

Fantasy baseball report April 29, 2012

This was an interesting week; it featured the promotion of two future stars Mike Trout and Bryce Harper. They both possess immediate fantasy value. Trout is a solid all-around player with speed, while Harper is known for his tape measure power. In keeper leagues their value is even greater as they are considered can’t miss prospects.

 

Yu Darvish impressed me with his 10 strikeout zero run effort versus the Yankees. He was able to work out of tight situations; in the 3rd he loaded the bases and escaped by striking out Curtis Granderson looking then getting Alex Rodriguez to ground into a double play. He featured a 93MPH fastball with late movement, a slow curve which he spotted for strikes, and a changeup that was effective against left-handed hitters. He moves the ball up and down, in and out, and lives on the edges of the strike zone.

 

Adrian Beltre returned to the Rangers this week with no restrictions and picked up where he left off. He’s started at third base the past 4 games after suffering a minor hamstring injury and went 6-16 with 2HR/6RBI’s. Beltre is a MVP candidate for Texas.

 

It appears Carl Crawford will be out for an extended period of time. He visited with Dr. Andrews and will reportedly be out at least 3 months. He had been taking batting practice for the Red Sox, but was unable to throw the ball. It is never a good sign when a player visits Dr. Andrews and you have to seriously consider Crawford’s season is in jeopardy.

 

Marlon Byrd’s career seems to be rejuvenated after being traded to the Red Sox. He struggled mightily for Cubs but has produced as a member of the Sox. With Carl Crawford and Jacoby Ellsbury missing significant time Byrd has found a regular lineup spot and has produced at least a hit in every contest.

 

The Red Sox have two interesting starting pitching candidates in their minor-league system in Daisuke Matsuzaka and Aaron Cook. Dice K is almost back after suffering Tommy John surgery, and veteran Aaron Cook has been pitching effectively for AAA Pawtucket. Cook has a contract clause which specifies he can opt out if he is not promoted to the big leagues by May 1st. This situation needs monitoring; will the Red Sox bring up Cook and place Daniel Bard in the bullpen?

 

Jon Jay returned from injury to the Cardinals outfield and produced immediately. He has been batting 2nd in a productive lineup and merits a roster spot in deeper leagues.

 

 

Who’s Hot

Aramis Ramirez (3B) Milwaukee Brewers

Desmond Jennings (OF) Tampa Bay Rays

Carlos Gonzalez (OF) Colorado Rockies

Jarrod Saltalamacchia (C) Boston Red Sox

Luke Hochevar (SP) Kansas City Royals

Billy Butler (1B) Kansas City Royals

David Ortiz (DH) Boston Red Sox

Jay Bruce (OF) Cincinnati Reds

José Altuve (2B) Houston Astros

Brandon Morrow (SP) Toronto Blue Jays

Wandy Rodriguez (SP) Houston Astros

Alfredo Aceves (RP) Boston Red Sox

 

Who’s Not

Albert Pujols (1B) L.A. Angels

José Reyes (SS) Miami Marlins

Mark Teixeira (1B) N.Y. Yankees

Giancarlo Stanton (OF) Miami Marlins

Nelson Cruz (OF) Texas Rangers

Yovani Gallardo (SP) Milwaukee Brewers

Heath Bell (RP) Miami Marlins

Jordan Walden (RP) L.A. Angels

Shaun Marcum (SP) Milwaukee Brewers