As the summer draws to a close, the attention in the fantasy sports world turns to football. We are right in the middle of draft season as opening day is just around the corner. But the fantasy baseball season is still going strong, too, and daily leagues are no exception. So while you gear up for your fantasy football season, make sure to build a daily baseball team at Star Fantasy Leagues, just like I did. And, while you’re there, use the promo code “SJN” for a 40% deposit bonus.
(C) Jason Castro $6,437 – The Astros catcher has enjoyed a nice stretch over the last six games. On Sunday he walked in his only plate appearance, and in the five games before that he had nine hits in 17 at bats with six extra base hits, including three home runs.
(1B) Paul Goldschmidt $9,228 -Goldschmidt’s 0-for-3 outing on Sunday ended his eight-game hitting streak. During that stretch, he was 14-for-36. He is now hitting .298 on the season with 31 homers and 101 RBI.
(2B) Kolten Wong $1,750 – This pick is, admittedly, a shot in the dark. The highly-regarded Cardinals prospect has played in just 10 games in the majors and has managed five hits in 25 at bats, but he does also have three stolen bases. He was hitting .303 in AAA this season before being called up. He’s got such great talent, he could have that big game at any time. And he comes at a great price. Just be sure he starts tonight.
(3B) Martin Prado $7,340 – Prado did not play in Sunday’s game due to back stiffness, but if he’s in the lineup tonight, I want him on my team. He’s only had three games in all of August in which he went hitless. He is hitting .365 this month, which is his best of the season, with 12 extra base hits and 24 RBI in 21 games.
(SS) Zack Cozart $5,272 – Cozart has hits in four of his last six games and two hits in three of them. He has a home run, five RBI, and four runs in that stretch. He and his Reds will face Tyler Lyons tonight, who has a 5.09 ERA in eight games this year, so there is a good chance for offense.
(OF) Austin Jackson $6,916 – Jackson is one of the best hitters in baseball at the moment. He is 14-for-32 during his seven-game hitting streak. He scored at least one run in all but one of those games, had at least one RBI in five of them, and hit two home runs.
(OF) Leonys Martin $5,104 – Martin was out of the Rangers’ lineup yesterday due to an ankle injury he suffered in an outfield collision, but he should be back in there today. He’s only had one hit in his last four games, but I always like his potential from atop the Ranger order.
(OF) Adam Eaton $5,819 – Eaton has played in just 35 games this year, but has been at his best over the last week or so. On August 17th, he was hitting just .216. Over his last eight games, he has increased his batting average to .258, thanks in large part to two four-hit games. As the third Diamondback in my lineup tonight, I’m counting on Arizona doing some damage against San Diego.
(U) Will Venable $5,989 – I’m also hoping the Padres can do a little damage of its their own, specifically Venable. He has at least one hit in 20 of his 21 games this month and has a .368 average in August. His 16 runs, 32 hits, three triples, seven home runs, 12 RBI, and six stolen bases are all one-month highs for him this year.
(SP) Cliff Lee $16,011 – Lee is still looking for his first win since early July. But in his last four starts, he’s allowed three or fewer earned runs in each and is averaging a strikeout an inning. He should be able to put up good numbers tonight against the Mets.
(SP) Zack Wheeler $13,147 – I’ll take both starting pitchers in this matchup tonight. Wheeler has been impressive during his rookie season. He owns a 6-2 record and 3.49 ERA in his 12 starts. He also has 62 strikeouts in 69.2 innings. I suspect he’ll keep the Philadelphia bats from doing too much damage.
(RP) Jonathan Papelbon $1,873 – In the end, I think the Phillies will pull this game out, having won six of eight. And, with two good pitchers opposing each other, this one shouldn’t get out of hand, giving Papelbon the save chance.
(P) Zack Greinke $14,423 – Greinke has won his last four starts while dominating opponents. He has allowed just three earned runs in his last 28 innings. He is now 12-3 on the season with a 2.91 ERA. He shouldn’t be in too much danger tonight against the Cubs, who have lost five of their last six.
