Daily Fantasy Strategy – 6/18/13 – For Draftstreet

Today is a really fun day for baseball-watchers, as we’re treated to two really interesting doubleheaders in addition to our regular spate of baseballing action. Not only are there seventeen games of MLB action today (barring weather issues), but each of those doubleheaders will feature a debuting top prospect. Wil Myers is prepped to make his major-league debut in the first game of the Rays-Red Sox double-bill in Boston, while Zack Wheeler will start for the Mets in the second game of a New York-Atlanta twofer.

Frankly, debuts like this are more fun for people who aren’t playing fantasy, as the hype trains tend to run a little too heavy on debuting top prospects in fantasy. Nevertheless, both impact guys deserve looks in your lineups today. But playing in doubleheaders makes this situation even trickier than usual.

Remember, in most daily fantasy leagues (like Draftstreet), if you draft a hitter, his stats will only count in the first game of the doubleheader. Starting pitchers are safer, as they count for any game that they start, but you have to be very wary when drafting hitters who’re playing in a doubleheader. If you’re not entirely sure if the hitter you’d like to draft will play in either the opening game or the second one, you could wind up with zero points from that slot when the player sits the first game and plays the second. Keep your eyes open.

And, unfortunately, there’s thunderstorm potential all over the northeast. It’s very possible that Game 2 of each of these doubleheaders (in addition to a few other tilts) might get washed out. While I’m okay choosing starters in Game 2 — I’m giving both Jake Odorizzi and Zach Wheeler long looks today — I’m staying away from nearly every hitter who’s playing in these doubleheaders. Well, all of them except for …

The Daily Five

Wil Myers – $5,503

… the man of the hour. So here we go. Myers is a power-hitting outfield prospect, as you probably know. I feel he’s a decent play today because (1) I’m fairly confident that Joe Maddon will play him in the first game of the doubleheader against lefty Felix Doubront, (2) Doubront isn’t exactly an ace, despite his K% being sharp all season, and (3) that valuation is VERY low. Today’s a day when I feel the need to invest heavily in some expensive players, and Myers is the ultimate boom-or-bust pick today. (And for more Wil Myers info, check this article from Eno.)

Nick Franklin – $6,498

Ever since Franklin’s been promoted to spell the struggling Dustin Ackley, he’s hit the cover off the ball. While I’m not sure anyone thinks that this offensive onslaught will continue all season long, I like buying guys during a hot streak … especially when they’re facing a pitcher as dicey and homer-prone as Joe Blanton. Sure, hitting in Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Los Angeles, Anaheim, California, Anaheim, Los Angeles isn’t the easiest thing in the world — but it didn’t bother Nick yesterday. He’s another nice value, especially at 2B.

Yasiel Puig – $9,455

The rules of science and nature apply not to Yasiel Puig. But they do seem to apply to Phil Hughes. Homer-prone Phil pitching against homer-prone Yasiel in homer-prone Yankee Stadium? Okay. I’ll risk the potential washout in the Bronx to play this matchup — but I will have one eye on the weather in case I need to swap this pick out for someone who won’t get rained out.

Adam Wainwright – $21,083

Holy crap, is that an expensive starter. But, here’s the deal — Wainwright’s pitching at home (a good thing for almost any starter), the Cubs are an anemic offense, and Wainwright has been, to this point, the most effective pitcher in baseball. If I save money elsewhere, I’ll spend it here.

Andrew Cashner $11, 138

Usually Cashner is Blake Murphy’s guy to pimp, but I’ll take a turn today. While the Giants’ offense has been solid this year, it doesn’t hit a lot of home runs. Pair that with an outing in AT&T Park under favorable (read: cool) conditions, and I’ll take Cashner. But I’ll be worried every time Brandon Belt comes to bat.

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