Opening Day picks and lineup for FanDuel, March 29th

Third Base – High End Spend

Early Slate 

Kris Bryant, $4,300

.000/.444/.000 with 0 HR in 5 at-bats

Players could opt to build around an ace pitcher and the two big bats from Chicago even though they’re in Miami. It’s a short track record but Bryant has yet to record a hit against Jose Urena. He’s still been on base four out of nine times and is always a threat to score runs in the Cubs offense.

Main Slate

Josh Donaldson, $3,600

.200/.429/.500 with 1 HR in 10 at-bats

Donaldson suffered through injuries at the start of the season but came on strong after the All-Star break. The average may not be high but Donaldson has been able to find his way on base against Luis Severino in their limited encounters. Donaldson has typically been far better in Toronto and the price isn’t too bad for the ceiling he brings.

Mid-Range

Early Slate

Jeimer Candelario, $2,400

No official at-bats vs. Ivan Nova

We have a very limited track record to take into account for Candalerio as he has just 138 at bats in the big leagues. Still, he hit a solid .286 last season and hit .386 at Comerica Park. The power upside hasn’t shown itself yet but it could come out against Ivan Nova on Opening Day. Getting him this cheap make sit easier to fit in Syndergaard as well.

Main Slate

Alex Bregman, $3,300

.200/.200/.400 in 5 at-bats

I loved the idea of playing Washington third baseman Anthony Rendon before the weather decided to not cooperate. So, we’ll move to Alex Bregman. The young gun for the Astros scorched lefties in 2017 and he’s in a great hitters park. It also helps that Bregamn did well against the repertoire that Hamels brings to the mound. It’s Opening Day, who doesn’t want at least one piece of the defending champion’s offense?

Value

Early Slate 

Colin Moran, $2,200

No official at-bats against Detroit pitchers

Players can continue to build against Tigers pitching on the cheap with Moran. he was part of the trade that brought pitcher Gerrit Cole to Houston and there are high hopes for Moran. He has under 50 at-bats in the Majors but was coming on in AAA before an unlucky injury derailed him in 2017.

Main Slate

Maikel Franco, $2,800

.357/.379/.429 with 0 HR in 28 at-bats

The Philadelphia third baseman was dreadful in 2017 but that he has a clean start in 2018 and has a good track record against Julio Teheran. Sun Trust Park was right in the middle as far as park factors go and Franco has consecutive seasons of 20+ home runs.