The First Pitch

It was feast or famine night on Wednesday. Five of the thirteen games saw teams score eight or more runs, but there were also four shutouts before the late games even were completed. The Miami Marlins were the only team most people would think would be shutout. They moved to 1-8 on the season. They and the Houston Astros will be battling all season for the right to take Mark Appel with the first overall selection.

In individual action, Barry Zito threw seven more scoreless innings to reach fourteen scoreless innings for the season. While there was no way for him to live up to the 121 million dollar contract, he has actually been very serviceable the last couple of seasons.

Meanwhile, Chris Davis hit his fifth home run on the season. What is more outrageous is the fact that he already has 18 RBIs on the season. If he continues at that pace he will have around 330 RBIs on the season. I think we can safely assume that won’t happen, but those players that have used him on the daily challenges are ecstatic.

Another surprise performer hit his fifth home run of the season as well. John Buck leads the National League with 15 RBIs. His five home runs trail only Justin Upton for the National League lead. He went undrafted in most leagues this year, so he just might be available in your league.

MLBtv Game of the Day

In honor of one of the best things baseball has ever done, I will pick out one game to watch out of all of the games on the docket. No, I can’t see my home team or any team within 250 miles. Yes, it is one of baseball’s questionable practices. If the commissioner could do anything it would be to let that slide some. Let’s consider where these boys are playing and that I’m not likely to go along with the squad.

While the Angels are off to a poor start, most observers see the Angels and Athletics as the two primary contenders in the division. It will be the final game in the series and the Angels do not want to drop another game in the division.

DraftKings Team of the Day:

Today, I’ll be playing in the MLB $1K Moon Shot. It’s a two dollar investment capped at 575 contestants. The winner will get $200 and the top 100 finishers get three dollars or more. I have my eye on some premium cigars. Here is the winning lineup.

Catcher: Jesus Montero ($3,300)

Jesus Montero disappointed a lot of people last season, but he had a .303 total average against righties. You can find a few guys with slightly better numbers, but none for the affordable rate.

First Base: Brandon Moss ($4,300)

Like Montero, Moss is not a good overall player, but he is good against right-handed pitchers. He has a .320 TAV against righties in his career. He isn’t off the same kind of start as last season, but for most picks we want to go with a longer track record than one week.

Second Base: Robinson Cano ($5,000)

The most expensive second baseman on the board and he has been hotter than a pistol lately. Middle infielders tend to be a pretty weak overall, but he is good from both sides of the plate. (.338 TAV against righties)

Third Base: Will Middlebrooks ($4,100)

Everyone has heard about his three homer day, but he isn’t just a one trick pony. He may not be quite as good as the other stud third baseman, but for the price he will allow you to have some other star performers.

Shortstop: Jed Lowrie ($3,700)

Lowrie is another one of those guys that is balanced on both sides and an underrated performer. He will be eligible at multiple positions, so he will come up on your list a few times.

Outfield: Michael Brantley ($3,400)

Brantley’s .274 total average against righties is not great, but you have to scrimp and save somewhere. Our very own Brett Talley thinks you should save on the mound, but pitchers can and should earn a hefty percentage of your points.

Outfield: Andre Ethier ($4,000)

Occasionally, the odds makers make a huge mistake. It’s then when you pounce. Ethier has a career .338 total average against right-handers and he is going up against one of the more average hurlers in the league (Jason Marquis). It is a recipe for disaster for the Padres.

Outfield: Brett Gardner ($3,700)

Brett Gardner is hardly a fantasy stud, but he does two things well that get you points in this league. First, he is willing to draw the free pass. Secondly, he has good speed once he’s on base. Those two things don’t make up for a lack of power, but they come close and he comes cheaply.