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FanDuel Economics: MLB Wednesday, April 27th Picks

Apr 25, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Major league baseballs rest in a basket for batting practice before the game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Kansas City Royals at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 25, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Major league baseballs rest in a basket for batting practice before the game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Kansas City Royals at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 25, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (39) and first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) celebrate after the game against the Oakland Athletics at Comerica Park. Detroit won 7-3. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 25, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (39) and first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) celebrate after the game against the Oakland Athletics at Comerica Park. Detroit won 7-3. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

FanDuel Economics: MLB Wednesday, April 27thĀ Picks

Welcome to FanDuel Economics! This is theĀ MLB Wednesday,Ā April 27th Picks edition. Ā FanDuel Economics is a daily fantasy sports column focused on FanDuel player salaries and FanDuel points-per-game (PPG) trends. The purpose of this column is to evaluate player salary and PPG averages over a seven day period to provide daily fantasy sports players with a vital tool in their lineup tool belt. Finding the best value options often leads to a big pay day!

Before we go into the schedule and value options, a BIG update to the FanDuel scoring kicks in today, Wednesday, April 27th. Ā The following three changes will be made:

  • RBIs will now be worth 3.5 points
  • Runs will now be worth 3.2 points
  • Elimination of negative points

On the surface, these changes do not appear to be significant, but they are. Ā The only negative points in the previous scoring was -3 points for each earned run given up by the starting pitcher. Ā Every pitcher’s scoring will increase significantly, especially those with a high ERA. Ā Also, RBI’s and Runs used to be worth 3 points each. Ā With the added decimal to each, they’re now worth more than a walk or a single (3 points). Ā RBI’s are valued slightly higher than Runs. Ā So, that means Home Runs are now worth at least 0.5 more for a solo home run, and add on an additional half point for each RBI, within each HR. Ā So a slugger like Chris Carter just became more valuable than a single base hitter and run scorer like Dee Gordon.

Now to the games. Ā The MLB schedule continues on Wednesday with a full slate of 15 games. Ā Only one game, the Padres playing the Giants in San Francisco, starts in the afternoon (3:45pm ET). Ā So the vast majority of the games start in the evening. Ā IĀ would expect there will be additional options as the day moves on, but here’s what the FanDuel schedule options look like to start:

  • 3:45pm ET (All Day)
  • 7:05pm ET (Main)

BeforeĀ we dive into the MLB value picks for today. Ā The point analysis provided does not include some evening and late night game results from the night before. Ā Also, the point analysis does not account for the changes to FanDuel scoring starting on April 27th. Ā However, the salary analysis is as of today.

If you have any questions while filling out your MLB FanDuel lineups feel free to contact me,Ā Matt Rogers. Ā Now, let’s take a look at today’s MLB value options:

Next: Value Pitchers - Low Risk

Apr 10, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Steven Wright (35) throws a pitch during the first inning in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Steven Wright (35) throws a pitch during the first inning in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Value Pitchers (SP) – Low Risk

Steven Wright (7:10pm ET) had an abrupt end to his season last year after getting a serious concussion. Ā Wright was expected to be out of the rotation, but with Eduardo RodriguezĀ starting the season on the DL, there was a rotation spot open during spring training. Ā Wright had a very good spring and earned the 5th spot on the rotation. Ā Since starting the season, the Red Sox are likely happy with that decision. Ā While Steven has a 1-2 record, his ERA is only 1.40 ERA over 19.1 innings and has 17 strikeouts. Ā Over his three starts, Wright had either 5 or 6 strikeouts each game. Ā Year-to-date, Steven is averaging 37.3 PPG, top 30 among starting pitchers. Ā Wright’s salary tonight is only $6,900, your cheapest option of the top 30 and a 5.4X value. Ā With more run support, Wright should get more wins pitching the way he has consistently pitched so far. Ā Fortunately for Wright, the Red Sox’s bats seem to be coming alive and they’re playing the Braves tonight at home. Ā Wright should be a fantastic value option tonight.

Josh Tomlin (8:10pm ET) is another late rotation starter who’s starting the season hot. Ā Over 2 starts and 11.2 innings, Tomlin has a 1.54 ERA and 10 strikeouts. Ā In those two starts, Josh faced a tough Tigers and Mets lineup. Ā Year-to-Date Tomlin is averaging 41.5 PPG, 13th among all starting pitchers. Ā Josh is an expensive $8,700 salary tonight, but that’s still a top 25 4.7X value. Ā Also, Tomlin is facing a rocky Twins lineup tonight. Ā Tomlin is a good value if you’re willing to spend more but do not want to pay for the top pitchers.

Next: Value Pitchers - High Risk

Apr 22, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jon Gray (55) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jon Gray (55) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Value Pitchers (SP) – High Risk

Jon Gray (8:40pm ET), the third overall pick in the 2013 amateur draft out of the University of Oklahoma,Ā is a young bright spot in aĀ strugglingĀ Rockies rotation. Ā Unfortunately for Gray, he has to pitch in Colorado, where pitcher ERA’s skyrocket. Ā Jon only has one start so far this year, so in terms of developing a trend, he’s just getting started. Ā Also, in Gray’s first start, he gave up 5 earned runs over 5 innings in a no decision. Ā However, in those 5 innings he struck out 10 Angels, leading to 30 points. Ā That’s not bad for a basement bargain of a $5,000 salary. Ā Jon is taking his 6X value to the mound again tonight in Colorado against the Pirates. Ā Clearly he’s a risky play, but also has a high ceiling for only $5,000.

Nick Tropeano (10:05pm ET) continues to have a solid season, hopefully he gets more run support from the Angels hitters soon. Ā Over 3 starts and 16 innings, Nick is 3-0, has an ERA of 1.69, and struck out 14. Ā Tropeano is averaging 31 PPG. Ā Nick’s salary remains cheap at $5,800 tonight, 5.3X value, keeping him within the top 15 in value among all starting pitchers. Ā Up against a tough Royals lineup at home, playing Tropeano does have risk, but for under $6,000 you have a pitcher with a ceiling of at least 45 points.

Next: Value Hitters - OF

Apr 25, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Michael Saunders (21) celebrates his home run with shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (2) during the third inning in a game against the Chicago White Sox at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 25, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Michael Saunders (21) celebrates his home run with shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (2) during the third inning in a game against the Chicago White Sox at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Value Hitters – OF

When we look for value hitters, we typically focus on how many points each hitter is getting per $1,000 of salary you need to spend. Ā This ratio provides an understanding of how many points you’re getting for what you paid. Ā It’s important to consider other factors when evaluating this information, though, like how many games they played in the average PPG or how they do vs. RHP/LHP. Ā At the start of this season the values were all over the place. Ā There were several hitters in the 5x-9x range, which is incredible value, and several in the 1x-3x range which is pretty bad value. Ā Recently, the value range has started to level off as FanDuel adjusts salaries to players who are having hot/cold starts to the season. Ā Lately, anyone over a 4.4X value is now top 25.

Leading off for the Blue Jays, Michael Saunders, OF, (7:07pm ET) has had a fantastic start to the season. Ā Saunders has hit aĀ .345 average, 2 home runs, 11 runs, and 6 RBI’s. Ā Michael hasn’t picked up any steals yet, but that’s still a great start for a lead-off hitter. Ā Over the last week, Saunders has been especially hot, averaging 18.8 PPG and 7th among all hitters. Ā Michael’s salary tonight is $3,400 leading to an incredible 5.5X value, also 7th among all hitters. Ā I love Saunders’ value tonight against Quintana and the White Sox tonight in Toronto.

I’ve talked about Ian Desmond, OF, (8:05pm ET) twice since Saturday. Ā I try not to talk about the same player too often, but Desmond is making that difficult, as is FanDuel. Ā Over the last week, Desmond now averages 16.7 PPG, not including his 17+ point effort from last night so it may now be higher. Ā For some reason, FanDuel lowered his salary to $3,100 today. Ā Take advantage of that! Ā That brings Ian’s value up to a very high 5.4X, which makes him the highest valued outfielder aside from Saunders. Ā Desmond is on fire and it’s worth sticking it out with him against the Yankees in Texas again tonight.

Next: Value Hitters - INF

Apr 10, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Chris Owings against the Chicago Cubs at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Chris Owings against the Chicago Cubs at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Value Hitters – INF

Chris Owings, 2B (9:40pm ET) is a young (24) prospect for the Diamondbacks and is better known for his great defense than hitting. Ā However, the D-backs lineup has been getting hot lately and ChrisĀ is catching some of that fire as well. Ā Over the last week, Owings is averaging 13.7 PPG. Ā That’s pretty decent, but when you also consider his very cheap $2,400 you’re getting a very high 5.7X value. Ā Chris may not keep this up, but he’s definitely worth a play at the 2B lineup position tonight at home against the Cardinals.

Chris Carter, 1B, (8:05pm) has been hot this season and he’s not just leaning on home runs for once. Ā Carter is hitting a .295 average, has 5 HR’s, 11 Runs, 15 RBI’s, and 8 walks. Ā Chris is tied with Kris Bryant as 20th among all hitters averaging 16.5 PPG over the last week. Ā So with Carter, you’re getting a 4.9X value, also 20th among all hitters, which is a fantastic value for a slugger. Ā Even with Jake Arrieta pitching tonight, I like Carter in Chicago against the Cubs as a fantastic slugger value option.

To re-visitĀ other recentĀ value options for FanDuel MLB,Ā view some of myĀ other columns.

For additional FanDuel MLB analysis, take a look at my good friend and follow staff writer Brian Tulloch’s MLB Picks & PivotsĀ column. Ā Also, Mike Marteny provides Draft Kings MLB PicksĀ analysis. Ā DraftĀ KingĀ uses a different point system and Mike does a great job of breaking down your options. Ā Both also provide great ā€˜stacking’ options which I like to discuss and use as well.

I wish you all well tonight FanDuelers! Ā Spend smartly and enjoy the return on your savings!