Tag: Josh Donaldson
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MLB August 4 Preview
Thursday Late Matchups
FanPicks has your MLB august 4 preview to get ready for today’s fantasy baseball contest. Get the information you need and enter right here!
Blue Jays vs Astros
J.A. Happ looks to win his ninth consecutive decision when the Toronto Blue Jays conclude their four-game set against the host Houston Astros on Thursday. Happ has allowed a total of two runs in his last four victories and has set a career high with an American League-leading 14 victories. Toronto won two of the first three games of the series, including a 3-1 victory on Wednesday in which Josh Donaldson homered twice and Jose Bautista went deep once. Troy Tulowitzki has yet to appear in the series due to a chip fracture in his right thumb and is questionable to play in the finale.
Dodgers vs Rockies
The Dodgers will turn to right-hander Kenta Maeda on an extra day’s rest in hopes of reinvigorating their ailing rotation as they face off against Tyler Chatwood and the Rockies on Thursday. The Rockies (54-53) have won 11 of their past 13 games and are a major-league-best 14-5 since the All-Star break. Starting pitching is at the root of the Rockies’ surge. Colorado starters are 10-0 with a 2.00 ERA in the past 13 games. Tyler Chatwood, who is 10-6 with a 3.50 ERA in 19 starts, seeks to win his third consecutive start while reducing his walks in the process.
Red Sox vs Mariners
Seattle will get its first look at Wade Miley’s return investment when left-handed rookie Ariel Miranda makes his Mariners debut in the series finale against the Boston Red Sox. Coincidentally, Miranda’s only other big-league action also came at Safeco Field, where he threw two innings of relief for the Baltimore Orioles in a July 3 game against the Mariners. Boston is likely to play Thursday’s game without first baseman Hanley Ramirez, who hurt his wrist in a dugout fall late Tuesday night and was wearing a brace Tuesday.
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MLB Fantasy Baseball Cash Draft Top Picks
June 21st 2016
What a treat! All 30 MLB team will play today in evening/primetime action. First games starts at 7PM EST time, leaving you time to round up your 1 day fantasy baseball lineup after work. Here are the top 20 picks from Tuesday’s fantasy baseball cash draft contests (click to play).
Top Draft Picks
Player | Pos | Team | Opp | Last 2 Game Avg | Last 4 Game Avg | Last 10 Game Avg |
Johnny Cueto | P | SF | @PIT | 37.3 | 41.1 | 40.4 |
Noah Syndergaard | P | NYM | KC | 42.8 | 40.4 | 38.2 |
Colby Lewis | P | TEX | CIN | 30.7 | 24.9 | 26.7 |
Josh Donaldson | 3B | TOR | ARI | 37.5 | 34.4 | 26.2 |
Wil Myers | 1B | SD | @BAL | 30.5 | 19.8 | 21.5 |
Michael Saunders | OF | TOR | ARI | 32.8 | 21.4 | 19.2 |
Justin Upton | OF | DET | SEA | 30 | 24.2 | 17.4 |
Kevin Pillar | OF | TOR | ARI | 25.5 | 21.6 | 16.2 |
Tyler Wilson | P | BAL | SD | 16.7 | 17.2 | 15.7 |
Justin Turner | 3B | LAD | WAS | 19.8 | 19.6 | 14.2 |
Michael Taylor | OF | WAS | @LAD | 29.8 | 20.3 | 13.7 |
Kendrys Morales | 1B | KC | @NYM | 28.8 | 18.4 | 12.5 |
Max Kepler | OF | MIN | PHI | 20.3 | 15.8 | 11.9 |
Victor Martinez | 1B | DET | SEA | 21.8 | 14.7 | 11.8 |
Tyler Naquin | OF | CLE | TB | 21.8 | 13.6 | 11.8 |
Devon Travis | 2B | TOR | ARI | 26 | 20.3 | 11.8 |
Matt Wieters | C | BAL | SD | 17.3 | 12.7 | 11.4 |
Brian McCann | C | NYY | COL | 16.5 | 11.7 | 10.1 |
Franklin Gutierrez | OF | SEA | @DET | 24.5 | 15.3 | 9.5 |
Peter OBrien | OF | ARI | @TOR | 15.7 | 14.4 | 9.3 |
Fantasy Baseball Cash Draft Notables
- Rockie third baseman Nolan Arenado is probably looking forward to taking aim at the Yankee Stadium outfield walls, especially after taking Ivan Nova deep in their last meeting. The power-hitting third baseman entered play on Sunday tied for the Major League lead with 20 home runs. Arenado has hit 12 at Coors Field and eight on the road.
- The Padres’ Wil Myers is one of the hottest hitters this month, and led the league in June homers and RBIs entering play Sunday. Through his first 17 June games, Myers hit .373/.421/.896 with nine home runs and nine multihit games.
- Royals catcher Salvador Perez enters Monday on an 11-game hitting streak. For his career, he is 1-for-4 with a walk against Mets Noah Syndergaard, counting the postseason.
- Seattle’s Robinson Cano (19 HRs) is one homer shy of becoming the sixth second baseman in Major League history to have seven or more seasons with 20 or more. Jeff Kent has the most (12).
- Rays third baseman Evan Longoria has homered in nine of his last 15 games.
- A’s outfielder Khris Davis, who was removed from Saturday’s game with a minor left calf injury, is expected to return to the starting lineup Tuesday for the series opener against his former club, the Milwaukee Brewers.
- Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig is expected to be activated from the disabled list Tuesday after missing 18 days with a left hamstring strain.
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MLB Daily Cash Draft Top Picks
June 16th 2016
With limited MLB games on Thursday, it’s time to dig deep to find the best avalable players. And i’ve got it for you, the list of tonights best available players. The duo of Edwin Encarnacion and 2015 MVP Josh Donaldson put up 21 RBI’s over the past week for the Jays. Royals Danny Duffy and Tigers Justin Verlander lead the list, but will be dueling eachother. Who do you got? Make your daily cash draft baseball picks at FanPicks (click to play).
Top Draft Picks
Player | Pos | Team | Opp | Last 2 Games FP Avg | Last 4 Games FP Avg | Last 10 Games FP Avg |
Danny Duffy | P | KC | DET | 40 | 30.6 | 19.6 |
Justin Verlander | P | DET | @KC | 36.3 | 42.8 | 37.4 |
Edwin Encarnacion | 1B | TOR | @PHI | 33.7 | 36.9 | 20.4 |
Josh Donaldson | 3B | TOR | @PHI | 32.3 | 24.6 | 20.1 |
CC Sabathia | P | NYY | @MIN | 27.8 | 33.5 | 26.5 |
Salvador Perez | C | KC | DET | 27.8 | 22 | 11.7 |
Tanner Roark | P | WAS | @SD | 25.3 | 29.3 | 29.2 |
Joc Pederson | OF | LAD | MIL | 24.8 | 16.7 | 10.5 |
Juan Nicasio | P | PIT | @NYM | 21.5 | 21.9 | 24.4 |
Adam Jones | OF | BAL | @BOS | 19 | 14.4 | 17 |
Whit Merrifield | 2B | KC | DET | 17.7 | 13.5 | 9.2 |
Justin Upton | OF | DET | @KC | 17.5 | 13.7 | 13.8 |
Russell Martin | C | TOR | @PHI | 14 | 17.4 | 12.4 |
Ian Kinsler | 2B | DET | @KC | 10.8 | 20.4 | 16.9 |
Xander Bogaerts | SS | BOS | BAL | 9 | 18.4 | 18.7 |
FP:Fantasy Points
Thursday Night Matchups
MATCHUP | TIME (ET) | PITCHING MATCHUP | |
Toronto | Philadelphia | 7:05 PM | J.A. Happ vs Aaron Nola |
Baltimore | Boston | 7:10 PM | Tyler Wilson vs Eduardo Rodriguez |
Pittsburgh | New York | 7:10 PM | Juan Nicasio vs Bartolo Colon |
New York | Minnesota | 8:10 PM | CC Sabathia vs Kyle Gibson |
Detroit | Kansas City | 8:15 PM | Justin Verlander vs Danny Duffy |
Milwaukee | Los Angeles | 10:10 PM | Junior Guerra vs Scott Kazmir |
Washington | San Diego | 10:10 PM | Tanner Roark vs Erik Johnson |
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MLB Fantasy Draft Top Picks
June 15th 2016
The Yanks’ and the Rox’ will start Wednesday MLB scheduled lineup starting at 3PM EST time. All 30 team’s will follow in on the action. Make your MLB fantasy draft picks early to enjoy the league wide contest, as four games will be played in the early evening. Rest easy though, eleven more games will start at 7PM EST time and FanPicks has those late evening contest prepared for you, as well (click to join). Check out Wednesday schedule and the top draft picks available for them contest!
Schedule
MATCHUP | TIME (ET) | PITCHING MATCHUP | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() New York |
![]() Colorado |
3:10 PM | Ivan Nova vs Chad Bettis | ||
![]() Miami |
![]() San Diego |
3:40 PM | Justin Nicolino vs Luis Perdomo | ||
![]() Los Angeles |
![]() Arizona |
3:40 PM | Clayton Kershaw vs Patrick Corbin | ||
![]() Milwaukee |
![]() San Francisco |
3:45 PM | Jimmy Nelson vs Johnny Cueto | ||
![]() Chicago |
![]() Washington |
4:05 PM | Jason Hammel vs Stephen Strasburg | ||
![]() Baltimore |
![]() Boston |
7:00 PM | Kevin Gausman vs Steven Wright | ||
![]() Toronto |
![]() Philadelphia |
7:05 PM | Marco Estrada vs Jeremy Hellickson | ||
![]() Cincinnati |
![]() Atlanta |
7:10 PM | Anthony DeSclafani vs Bud Norris | ||
![]() Pittsburgh |
![]() New York |
7:10 PM | Jeff Locke vs Noah Syndergaard | ||
![]() Seattle |
![]() Tampa Bay |
7:10 PM | Nathan Karns vs Drew Smyly | ||
![]() Houston |
![]() St. Louis |
7:15 PM | Collin McHugh vs Adam Wainwright | ||
![]() Detroit |
![]() Chicago |
8:10 PM | Mike Pelfrey vs Chris Sale | ||
![]() Cleveland |
![]() Kansas City |
8:15 PM | Corey Kluber vs Ian Kennedy | ||
![]() Minnesota |
![]() Los Angeles |
10:05 PM | Tyler Duffey vs Hector Santiago | ||
![]() Texas |
![]() Oakland |
10:05 PM | Derek Holland vs Sonny Gray |
Top MLB Fantasy Draft Picks
Player | Pos | Team | Opp | Last Game FP | Last 2 Games FP Avg | Last 4 Games FP Avg | Last 10 Games FP Avg |
Clayton Kershaw | P | LAD | @ARI | 62 | 47.3 | 52.9 | 49 |
Corey Kluber | P | CLE | @KC | 56.5 | 38.3 | 40.3 | 35.5 |
Adam Jones | OF | BAL | @BOS | 55 | 19 | 14.4 | 17 |
Josh Donaldson | 3B | TOR | @PHI | 54 | 25.7 | 19.6 | 17.5 |
Corey Dickerson | OF | TB | SEA | 44.5 | 14.3 | 18.1 | 11.8 |
Khris Davis | OF | OAK | TEX | 44.5 | 18.5 | 11.6 | 8.6 |
Stephen Strasburg | P | WAS | CHC | 43.5 | 36 | 41.7 | 41.5 |
Steven Wright | P | BOS | BAL | 43 | 40.5 | 39.3 | 35.8 |
Carlos Gonzalez | OF | COL | NYY | 42 | 24.5 | 16.6 | 16.1 |
Joc Pederson | OF | LAD | @ARI | 42 | 24.8 | 16.7 | 10.5 |
Bud Norris | P | ATL | CIN | 41.5 | 12.5 | 13.5 | 12.2 |
Johnny Cueto | P | SF | MIL | 39.5 | 32.3 | 43.1 | 40 |
Jose Abreu | 1B | CWS | DET | 39 | 22 | 17.2 | 13.5 |
Justin Upton | OF | DET | @CWS | 39 | 17.5 | 13.7 | 13.8 |
Freddie Freeman | 1B | ATL | CIN | 38.5 | 16 | 13.7 | 9.7 |
Matt Carpenter | 3B | STL | HOU | 38.5 | 23.8 | 20.9 | 18.3 |
Adam Wainwright | P | STL | HOU | 37 | 31.7 | 29.9 | 21.2 |
Kyle Seager | 3B | SEA | @TB | 36.5 | 14.2 | 16.3 | 9.3 |
Adeiny Hechavarria | SS | MIA | @SD | 36 | 12 | 11.3 | 8.9 |
Martin Prado | 3B | MIA | @SD | 36 | 19.7 | 17.2 | 13.2 |
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Fantasy Draft Baseball Top Picks
June 10th 2016
Full night of fantasy draft baseball (click to play) with all 30 MLB teams in action this Friday. It all starts at 7PM ET. Here are the top selections!
Player | Pos | Team | Opp | Last Game FP | Last Two Game FP Avg | Last Four Game FP Avg | Last Ten Game FP Avg |
Jon Gray | P | COL | SD | 55.5 | 39 | 29.2 | 22.6 |
Chris Iannetta | C | SEA | TEX | 54 | 19.8 | 17.2 | 9.2 |
Chris Parmelee | 1B | NYY | DET | 53 | 17.7 | 10.6 | 6.8 |
Chris Carter | 1B | MIL | NYM | 50.5 | 19.3 | 17.4 | 9 |
Brandon Moss | 1B | STL | @PT | 48 | 29 | 21.5 | 13.2 |
Josh Donaldson | 3B | TOR | BAL | 48 | 19.8 | 14.7 | 15.3 |
Robinson Cano | 2B | SEA | TEX | 47.5 | 22.5 | 14.3 | 13.5 |
Nelson Cruz | 1B | SEA | TEX | 47.5 | 25.5 | 20 | 15.7 |
Corey Dickerson | OF | TB | HOU | 45 | 15.7 | 11.2 | 9.1 |
DJ LeMahieu | 2B | COL | SD | 45 | 23.2 | 15.1 | 14.6 |
Lance McCullers | P | HOU | @TB | 44 | 39.8 | 30.9 | 20.8 |
Billy Hamilton | OF | CIN | OAK | 42 | 13.3 | 11.7 | 14 |
Jayson Werth | OF | WAS | PHI | 42 | 18.5 | 16.3 | 12.9 |
Carlos Beltran | OF | NYY | DET | 42 | 31.5 | 20 | 15 |
Wil Myers | 1B | SD | @COL | 42 | 25.5 | 27.1 | 18.7 |
Corey Kluber | P | CLE | @LAA | 41.5 | 36 | 33.7 | 33 |
Jose Altuve | 2B | HOU | @TB | 40.5 | 18.3 | 14.8 | 13.8 |
Mark Trumbo | OF | BAL | @TOR | 39 | 22.5 | 21.1 | 18.4 |
Jason Hammel | P | CHC | @ATL | 39 | 29.3 | 31 | 30 |
Desmond Jennings | OF | TB | HOU | 39 | 13 | 8.8 | 4.3 |
Fantasy Draft Baseball Notables
- You can expect Phillies first baseman Tommy Joseph to be back in the lineup. Ryan Howard started Tuesday and Wednesday, but Howard went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts Wednesday against the Cubs. Joseph has supplanted Howard as the team’s primary first baseman, hitting .311 (19-for-61) with two doubles, five home runs and eight RBIs in 19 games.
- Rangers catcher Robinson Chirinos was activated from the 60-day disabled list Thursday. He had missed the past 53 games with a right forearm fracture.
- Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre was not in the lineup for Thursday’s game against the Astros, and he was set to be re-evaluated after leaving Wednesday’s game with a tight left hamstring.
- San Francisco catcher Buster Posey, who hasn’t played since Saturday in St. Louis due to nerve irritation in his right thumb, could be back behind the plate just in time for game 1 of the Dodgers/Giants 3 game series .
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Cash Draft MLB Top Picks
June 9 2016
The Astros/Rangers series at Arlington comes to a close this Thursday. It’s the first game of the day and it starts at 2PM ET. The Pirates and Rockies meet in a makeup game for a rainout that happened back in April. A total of eight games are slated to be played. Here are the cash draft MLB top picks of the day (click to play)!
Player | Pos | Team | Opp | Last Game FP | Last Two Game FP Avg | Last Four Game FP Avg | Last Ten Game FP Avg |
Chris Iannetta | C | SEA | CLE | 54 | 19.8 | 17.2 | 9.2 |
Chris Parmelee | 1B | NYY | LAA | 53 | 17.7 | 10.6 | 6.8 |
Chris Carter | 1B | MIL | NYM | 50.5 | 19.3 | 17.4 | 9 |
Brandon Moss | 1B | STL | @CIN | 48 | 29 | 21.5 | 13.2 |
Josh Donaldson | 3B | TOR | BAL | 48 | 19.8 | 14.7 | 15.3 |
Nelson Cruz | OF | SEA | CLE | 47.5 | 25.5 | 20 | 15.7 |
Carlos Beltran | OF | NYY | LAA | 42 | 31.5 | 20 | 15 |
Billy Hamilton | OF | CIN | STL | 42 | 13.3 | 11.7 | 14 |
Jayson Werth | OF | WAS | @CWS | 42 | 18.5 | 16.3 | 12.9 |
Eduardo Nunez | 3B | MIN | MIA | 41.5 | 35.3 | 26.6 | 18.3 |
Jose Altuve | 2B | HOU | @TEX | 40.5 | 18.3 | 14.8 | 13.8 |
Daniel Murphy | 2B | WAS | @CWS | 39 | 12.8 | 16 | 14.5 |
Anthony Rendon | 3B | WAS | @CWS | 39 | 21 | 17.3 | 12.3 |
Mark Trumbo | OF | BAL | @TOR | 39 | 22.5 | 21.1 | 18.4 |
Danny Espinosa | SS | WAS | @CWS | 36 | 16.7 | 14 | 14.1 |
Jacoby Ellsbury | OF | NYY | LAA | 36 | 15.8 | 13.8 | 11 |
Jhonny Peralta | 3B | STL | @CIN | 36 | 20.7 | 13.9 | 8 |
Trevor Plouffe | 3B | MIN | MIA | 36 | 12.7 | 10.4 | 7 |
Mike Trout | OF | LAA | @NYY | 36 | 16.2 | 10.2 | 15.3 |
Cash Draft MLB Notables
- Houston Astros pitcher Colin McHugh will take the mound against the Texas Rangers. Since Aug. 1, 2014, only Jake Arrieta (35), Clayton Kershaw (32) and Zack Greinke (32) have won more games than McHugh (31).
- The Pirates are scheduled to play five games in four days over approximately 78 hours against three teams. That stretch began with a doubleheader against the Mets on Tuesday and will end as the team returns to Pittsburgh for a three-game series with the Cardinals on Friday.
- New York Yankees outfielder Carlos Beltran notched his third home run in as many days on Wednesday.
- Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista is two home runs shy of No. 300 for his career.
- Mets plan to use the four-game series in Milwaukee as an opportunity to give four of his regulars a day of rest each. First up is slumping left fielder Michael Conforto, who will sit out Thursday against Jimmy Nelson.
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Fantasy Baseball Picks
We are back to a full slate of Major League Baseball Games this Wednesday. It all starts with an early afternoon match-up between the Marlins and Mets. Then four out of the five American League West teams will play within 3 and 4 PM. The Angels will be in Oakland, while the Rangers will be going head-to-head against the Mariners. Things will get heavier at night with 12 more match-ups starting at 7PM. With that many games on hand, it’s time to pick your fantasy baseball lineup for the day, and we at FanPicks.com have your fantasy baseball picks.
Pitcher : Stephen Strasburg (STL)
Due to a postponement and resting days, Stephen Strasburg has not pitched since defeating the Braves in his season debut on April 6 in Atlanta. The 27-year-old held Atlanta to one run on six hits in a 3-1 win, improving to 7-7 in 20 career starts versus the Braves in his career. Strasburg has been outstanding at Nationals Park since making his major-league debut back in 2010, posting a 27-17 record in 70 home starts with a 2.65 ERA and a 6.46 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Update: Strasburg has been scratched from his start Wednesday due to illness.
Catcher : Trevor Brown (SF)
Trevor Brown has hit three home runs in eight at-bats this season, in replacement of the injured Buster Posey. He did not get a single one of them in 39 at-bats during his first campaign in the majors, last year.
First Baseman : Anthony Rizzo (CHC)
The Cubs first-baseman, Anthony Rizzo, is 5-for-15 with two dingers versus today’s opposing pitcher, Alfredo Simon.
Second Baseman : Ian Kinsler (DET)
The Tigers second-baseman, Ian Kinsler, has collected four multi-hit contests in six games this year.
Third Baseman : Josh Donaldson (TOR)
The 2015 Baseball’s MVP, Josh Donaldson, has hit safely in all eight games this season. Need I say more!
Shortstop : Aledmys Diaz (STL)
St. Louis rookie shortstop, Aledmys Diaz, gathered three hits on Monday and is batting .533 this year.
Outfielders : Odubel Herrera (PHI), Jacoby Ellsbury (NYY) and Mark Trumbo (BAL)
Philadelphia outfielder, Odubel Herrera, recorded an RBI triple Tuesday to stretch out his hitting streak to five games.
Yankees leadoff hitter, Jacoby Ellsbury, has collected a hit in every one of his past five-game and also drove in the go-ahead run in the series opener.
Mark Trumbo is currently on a tear. He has four hits, two homers, five RBIs and four runs scored in the initial two games of the current series.
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MLB Fantasy Predictions
Boston Red Sox vs Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays will host the Boston Red Sox this Sunday in the last game of this 3 game series. FanPicks is proud to bring you this MLB Fantasy predictions article. Come play in our MLB Grand Slam Contest where you can win up to a $1 million this week at FanPicks and dominate your competition with your winning lineup.
The Boston Red Sox aren’t having any difficulties scoring runs this opening week of the regular season. In fact, the Blue Jays’ shaky bullpen has really helped them and it was quite obvious in their spectacular come from behind win this series opener. They will head into this game hoping to remain productive while handing Toronto a 4th straight defeat. Boston took both games of the series so far, including an 8-7 win last night as well as a 8-4 earlier this afternoon. Their 2nd baseman Dustin Pedroia had a solid game, adding 3 hits and 2 RBI for his team. Wellington Castillo also played well with a 2 for 4 contribution on the mound with a run. Hanley Ramirez is another player of note for the Red Sox. He put up 2 hits and an RBI in Friday’s game while adding 2 more RBI and a triple this afternoon.Steven Wright, the right hander will start tomorrow for Boston and it will be his season debut. Wright had a 5-4 record last year in 9 starts with an 4.09 ERA and 52 Strikeouts.
On the other side, Toronto is using Marco Estrada as their starting pitcher tomorrow. Estrada as well is making his season debut but it will be interesting to see if Estrada is fully healthy for this one as he’s coming back from injury.
The Blue Jays shouldn’t have too much issues scoring especially with big hitters such as Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion, Troy Tulowitzki and Josh Donaldson on their team. So far, only Bautista was able to manage an RBI during Saturday’s game. Donaldson also added Along with Donaldson, Bautista had a pair of hits in that matchup.
Even though the Red Sox are 4-1 in their last 5 Sunday games, and 8-1 in their last 9 against the American League East, the Jays are actually 6-0 in their last 6 games after losing their first 2 games of a series. Toronto also has a 9-3 record on their last 12 Sunday games and are favorite in this one to prevent a sweep.
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Fantasy MLB Baseball Preview
Toronto Blue Jays vs Tampa Bay Rays
It’s that time of the year where the highly anticipated MLB season will freshly begin. With not major changes made during the off season, the Toronto Blue Jays will be traveling to Tampa Bay to face the Rays. FanPicks is proud to bring you this Fantasy MLB Baseball preview. Come play in our MLB Grand Slam Contest where you can win up to a $1 million this week at FanPicks.
The 2016 campaign starts for the Toronto Blue Jays this Sunday, when they put their healthier Marcus Stroman to the mound for the first game of a3 game series with Tampa Bay.
Stroman only had 4 appearances last season because of an ACL injury but was undefeated with a 1.67 ERA. He returned this postseason with 3 starts on a 4.19 ERA. With David Price gone to the Red Sox, Stroman will have his starring role in the Blue Jays’ rotation.
The Blue Jays are still going to rely on their offense regardless of their pitching staff. They were terrorizing the plate last year and led the league in HR (232), runs scored (891), slugging % (.457) and on-base percentage (.797)
Josh Donaldson will be teaming up once more with his mates Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion to pace their offense as they combined last season for 120 HR and 937 RBIs.
Justin Smoak however isn’t much of a hitter compared to the others but is a .316 career batting avg against the Ray’s starter Chris Archer.
The Jays are 7-3 in their last 10 games against the Rays.
On the Rays side, there hasn’t been lots of changes over the offseason but they always remained competitive despite lacking established stars in their lineup.
Archer will be on the mound Sunday against a solid Blue Jays line. He’s proven before that he can handle Toronto’s offense in his young career as he held the Blue Jays in his career to .174 against him. Also, the heavy hitters trio of Donaldson, Bautista, and Encarnacion are only 12 for 86 (.139) against Archer. If Archer can neutralize them again this Sunday, it will be a huge plus for the Rays, who don’t have a firepower that can match Toronto’s offense. They actually had a .245 Batting Avg at home last season, the 3rd worst in the majors.
Tampa Bay was just 25th last season in the MLB in runs (644), but were 14th in slugging % (.406).
Logan Forsythe and Evan Longoria will have to carry without a doubt the bulk of the Rays’ with some help of their newcomer Corey Dickerson, who hit .304 with 10 HR last year for the Rockies.
Tampa Bay is 6-4 in its last 10 home games against Toronto.
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FANTASY BASEBALL OAKLAND ATHLETICS PREVIEW
FANTASY BASEBALL OAKLAND ATHLETICS PREVIEW 2016 MLB SEASON
FanPicks is proud to bring you this Fantasy Baseball Oakland Athletics preview. Come enjoy daily fantasy baseball news and predictions at Fanpicks.com ahead of the MLB 2016 season.
Things didn’t work for the Oakland Athletics in 2015. GM Billy Beane must scratch his head and wonder how he didn’t saw this coming, last summer. The idea of trading away Josh Donaldson during that time sounds unimaginable today. Donaldson went on to win the MVP award in his first year with the Toronto Blue Jays. The main return and player to replace him at third base, Brett Lawrie, was a big disappointment, so much so that they let him sign elsewhere this past summer. The only remaining prospects part of that deal, still within the A’s organization, are Kendall Graveman and Franklin Barreto. Graveman will enter his sophomore season after posting a 6-9 record with 4.05 ERA, while Barreto has just been named the eight best minor league shortstop by the MLB.
Oakland has made the MLB playoffs for three straight years, before finishing last in the American League this past season. In his 18 years as the Athletics general manager, the 2015 season was the worst for Billy Beane.
Three players to watch for:
- Marcus Semien
- Jesse Hahn
- Matt Olson
The A’s remain faithful to shortstop Marcus Semien despite his league-leading 35 errors in 2015, breaking Bert Campaneris’ franchise record. To his credit, his defense improved in the second half. He made three errors in his final 30 games, and the A’s see a defensive progression with Ron Washington on board as the infield coach. Semien showed pop (15 homers, 45 RBIs) but needs to improve his average (.257) and OBP (.310).
26-year-old, Jesse Hahn should be in much better health, this season. He missed half of last year due to different arm problems. The 6-foot-5 righty has an ERA of 3.23 with 13 wins and 10 losses in two MLB seasons.
Given the lack of talent at first and in the corner outfield spots, it wouldn’t be a surprise if 21-year-old Matt Olson finds his way to the majors. He’s one to monitor closely, as he hit 37 home runs in the minors in 2014 while also leading the minors in walks in 2015.
With reports of bad chemistry inside the A’s clubhouse in 2015, the main goal for the team in 2016 will be to find the good vibes and the winning spirit.
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Major League Baseball Fantasy Draft News October 23rd 2015
Toronto Blue Jays versus Kansas City Royals MLB ALCS Game 6 Fantasy Preview 10-23-2015
It will be a Game 6 of the Major League Baseball playoffs ALCS as the Kansas City Royals will host the Toronto Blue Jays. DFS MLB draft managers can tune to Fox Sports 1 TV on Friday night October 23rd at 8PM Eastern Time to follow the results of their fantasy baseball one day league draft picks.
The KC Royals will be looking for the series clincher in this series as they hold a 3-2 lead. Toronto was facing elimination in Game 5 but forced the series back to Kansas City with the 7-1 victory at home on Wednesday. The Royals won Game 1 and Game 2 at home by the scores of 5-0 and 6-3.
In the Toronto victory in Game 5 the team collected eight hits and got a good pitching performance by Marco Estrada who worked 7 2/3rd innings and allowed one earned run and three hits. The Royals threw Edinson Volquez in Game 5 and the right hander lasted just five innings as he allowed five earned runs and three hits. Volquez walked four batters in the loss. Ironically in his three post season starts he has walked four batters in each game. Volquez spent several years with the San Diego Padres as he broke into Major League Baseball and had good stuff but struggled constantly with his control.
Toronto Blue Jays CF:
Kevin Pillar
The Blue Jays center fielder is batting .300 in the playoffs with a homer and six RBIs. He had two hits in the home win against KC in Game 5 with an RBI. Pillar has four multiple hits in his past eight games.
Toronto Blue Jays 1B:
Chris Colabello
Colabello had a home run in the victory on Wednesday. He is batting .286 with two homers and three RBIs.
Toronto Blue Jays 3B:
Josh Donaldson
The Blue Jays slugger had a hit with two runs in the win in Game 5. Donaldson has hits in five straight and eight of nine games. He has three homers and eight RBIs in the playoffs.
Toronto Blue Jays P:
David Price
Price has not had post season success. In three playoff appearances he is 1-2 with an ERA of 7.02 and WHIP of 1.14. He worked at Kansas City on October 17th and allowed five earned runs and six hits over 6 2/3rd innings in a 6-3 road loss.
Kansas City Royals SS:
Alcides Escobar
The Royals shortstop is leading the club with a postseason batting average of .400 with five RBIs. He hits in nine straight.
Kansas City Royals P:
Yordano Ventura
The KC right hander is 0-1 in the playoffs in three starts with an ERA of 6.57 and WHIP of 1.78. He faced Toronto on October 17th and allowed three earned runs and eight hits over 5 1/3rd innings in a 6-3 home victory.
Mets Will Have Pitching Rotation on Full Rest When World Series Starts on Tuesday October 27th
The New York Mets took care of their business in a four game sweep against the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday. The World Series will begin in the American League Park on Tuesday which means that manager Terry Collins will have a full five days rest to get ready for his AL opponent and offers rest for his young pitching staff. The Game 1 starter figures to be Jacob DeGrom and would be expected to throw in Game 5. The big question is would Collins go with Matt Harvey in Game 2 or Noah Syndergaard. With Steven Matz figured to go in Game four that means the Game 3 starter would be on the mound in a deciding Game 7 if it is necessary in a winner take all scenario.
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Major League Baseball Fantasy Draft News October 22nd 2015
Mets Earn 8-3 Win over Cubs in Game 4 to Complete Sweep and are Headed to the World Series
The New York Mets starting and relief pitching just seemed too much to overcome for the Chicago Cubs as the Mets earned the Game 4 victory and will play the winner of the Royals and Blue Jays in the World Series. It was an 8-3 victory for the Mets as New York powered out 11 hits and along with three home runs in the game. Starter Steven Matz lasted 4 2/3rd innings then Bartolo Colon was brought in to get four outs to register the win. The Mets pitchers allowed a total of eight runs in the four games played in this series. The World Series will begin with Game 1 on Tuesday October 27th.
New York Mets 2B:
Daniel Murphy
Murphy was the MVP of the NLCS. He leads the club with a .421 batting average with seven homers and 11 RBIs. The Mets second baseman has hit a home run in six straight playoff games. He had a monster Game 4 as Murphy had four hits including a home run with two RBIs.
New York Mets 1B:
Lucas Duda
The Mets first baseman was in a 3 for 22 slump as he entered Game 4. It was a huge performance in the series clincher for Duda as he had three hits with two doubles, a homer and five RBIs in the win.
New York Mets SS:
Wilmer Flores
Flores has had a good post season hitting .292. He had two hits with a triple on Wednesday night.
New York Mets P:
Steven Matz
Matz came within one out of a victory in Game 4. The New York right hander allowed one earned run and four hits in 4 2/3rd innings pitched against the Cubs hitters.
Toronto Stays Alive and Sends Series Back to Kansas City after a 7-1 Home Win in Game 5
The Toronto Blue Jays are now down 3-2 as they earned a victory in Game 5 against the Royals at home on Wednesday night. The Blue Jays had eight hits and the team had a home run in the win. The Royals bats were quiet in the loss with just four hits for the game.
Toronto Blue Jays P:
Marco Estrada
The Blue Jays right hander had a huge game in the win as he threw 7 2/3rd innings and gave up just one earned run and three hits striking out five.
Toronto Blue Jays RF:
Jose Bautista
The power hitting right fielder contributed with two hits with a run scored and RBI on Wednesday. In the playoffs Bautista is batting .270 with two homers.
Toronto Blue Jays SS:
Troy Tulowitzki
Tulowitzki had a two hit game with three RBIs in the Game 5 victory. He has had multiple hits in three of his past four games.
Toronto Blue Jays 3B:
Josh Donaldson
The Blue Jays third baseman is batting .278 in the playoffs with three homers and eight RBIs. He had a hit with two runs scored in the win on Wednesday.
Kansas City Royals P:
Edinson Volquez
Volquez has had issues with his control for most of his career. In three starts he has walked four batters in each game. In the Game 5 loss the Royals right hander allowed five earned runs and three hits working five innings in a 7-1 road defeat. He is 1-2 in the playoffs this year.
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Major League Baseball Fantasy Draft News October 20th 2015
Kansas City Royals versus Toronto Blue Jays Game 4 ALCS MLB Real Money Fantasy Preview 10-20-2015
The Toronto Blue Jays will meet the Kansas City Royals in Game 4 of their ALCS series on Tuesday afternoon. MLB fantasy draft GM’s can tune to FOX Sports 1 on October 20th at 4PM Eastern Time to follow the results of their roster picks. The pitching matchup features Blue Jays right hander R.A.Dickey as he opposes Royals righty Chris Young.
Toronto Blue Jays 3B:
Josh Donaldson
Donaldson came through for the Blue Jays when the team needed it most down 0-2 in the series. The third baseman had two hits with a homer and three RBI’s in Game 3.
Toronto Blue Jays P:
R.A. Dickey
The knuckle baller will make his second start in the postseason. Dickey started on October 12th at Texas as he allowed one earned run and five hits over 4 2/3rd innings as he received a no decision in an 8-4 road win.
Kansas City Royals DH:
Kendrys Morales
The veteran DH is coming off a three hit performance in a losing cause in Game 3. Morales produced a home run with two RBI’s. He is having a good postseason with a .310 batting average with four playoff homers.
Kansas City Royals P:
Chris Young
The KC right hander started at home to the Houston Astros in the playoffs on October 8th and allowed one earned run and three hits over four innings in a 5-2 home defeat.
Royals/Blue Jays Game 3 Recap:
The Kansas City Royals saw their lead in this best of seven series fall to 2-1 after an 11-8 road defeat in Game 3 on Monday night to the Toronto Blue Jays. It was a short night for Royals right hander Johnny Cueto who lasted only two innings as he gave up eight earned runs and six hits plus walking four guys in a dreadful outing. Marcus Stroman for the Blue Jays exited after 6 1/3rd innings as he gave up four earned runs and 11 hits. The Blue Jays flexed their power with three home runs.
New York Mets versus Chicago Cubs Game 3 NLCS MLB Fantasy Preview 10-20-2015
The NLCS series continues on Tuesday night with Game 3 as the Chicago Cubs will play host to the New York Mets. Fantasy baseball draft GM’s can tune to TBS TV at 8PM Eastern Time to follow the scoring results of their roster picks.
New York Mets 2B:
Daniel Murphy
Murphy has been hot in the playoffs with a batting average of .357 with five playoff homers and eight RBIs. He had two hits with a homer and RBI in Game 2.
New York Mets P:
Jacob DeGrom
The Mets right hander makes his third start of the playoffs. DeGrom is 2-0 in the postseason with an ERA of 1.38 and WHIP of 1.15.
Chicago Cubs 3B:
Kris Bryant
The rookie third baseman broke a slump on Sunday in Game 2 as he had two hits and an RBI. Bryant is batting .185 in the playoffs.
Chicago Cubs P:
Kyle Hendricks
Hendricks has one start in the playoffs and it was on October 10th as he allowed three runs all solo home runs in 4 2/3rd innings at the St Louis Cardinals. He received a no decision in a Cubs 6-3 road win.
Cubs/Mets Game 2 Recap:
The New York Mets are up 2-0 in this best of seven series after a 4-1 victory in Game 2 on Sunday to the Chicago Cubs. The Mets got great pitching once again in this series. They have held Chicago to just three runs in the first two games of the NLCS. The Cubs right hander Jake Arrieta struggled for consecutive games in these playoffs as he gave up four earned runs over five innings to take the loss. Noah Syndergaard threw 5 1/3rd innings and gave up just a single run. The Mets bullpen shut the door as the unit allowed no runs and two hits in 3 1/3rd innings of relief.