Daily Fantasy Strategy — May 2 — For Draftstreet

Usually in April and early May we spend a lot of time wondering if certain fast starter’s are for real. Or we wonder aloud if player A is really in decline, or if his struggles are the by product of a small sample. Hell, maybe it’s both? Either way we have a lot of fun speculating. And speaking of speculating, many people thought Ben Zobrist was in for a rough year – rough by his standards – thanks to declines in his peripherals and age. All he’s done in 2014 is hit. Oh, and play good defense, like usual. As of this writing, he’s sixth on our leaderboard – as of this writing – in position player WAR with 1.4. That number is buoyed by his .302/.390/.434 slash line, which includes three homers and two steals already.

Zobrist was still plenty valuable in real life last year, but his fantasy value slipped thanks to declining power and speed numbers. His hot start now has him projected to finish with 16 homers and 13 steals, according to ZiPS; much closer to his 2012 totals. For the time being, it appears Zobrist has swatted away father time for a little while longer.

Probables Chart

Vidal Nuno is starting again tonight, so the Rays’ offense could have a fantastic night. So could the Angels – who can rake – versus Colby Lewis. The Twins’ patient approach could drive Ubaldo Jimenez out of the game early if his command is off, which seems to be of high probability.

All eyes are on Danny Salazar again tonight. He showed some signs of rebounding from a poor start last time out, so hopefully he’s able to replicate his success again tonight.

The Daily Five

Red Sox stack

David Ortiz – $8,017
Mike Napoli – $6,681
Will Middlebrooks – $5,973

Dan Straily gives up his fair share of long balls. In Fenway, I like his chances to give up at least one tonight, maybe more than that.

Mike Trout – $8,943

Any time Trout is under $9,000 he’s going to be on my roster.

Rick Porcello – $13,489

Kansas City is a pretty light hitting squad – 11 home runs – and even though they have more than a few lefties I’m comfortable enough starting Porcello today.

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