Fantasy Baseball 2018: 10 snippets from Opening Day
By Gavin Tramps
After a seemingly endless offseason and hours upon hours of fantasy baseball prep, we finally had meaningful games. Here are a few thoughts from Opening Day.
Noah Syndergaard garnered the most attention for his 10 strikeout game but also gave up four earned runs on six hits over six innings. That’s a 6.00 ERA.
Although he ended up on the losing side, Indians’ ace Corey Kluber threw an eight-strikeout complete game. In this era of starters throwing fewer innings, it’s noticeable that Kluber went the distance when fellow aces Chris Sale & Clayton Kershaw were pulled after six innings.
Kershaw gave up the most hits (eight), Cardinals’ Carlos Martinez issued the most free passes (six), while Danny Duffy and Kendall Graveman both allowed five earned runs, including three home runs. Don’t read too much into any of the starts.
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With Matt Carpenter shifting over to third base for the Cardinals, Jose Martinez manned first base, going 3-for-4 with a home run off Syndergaard. Martinez is only 37% owned; pick him up.
Unsurprisingly, the player with the largest jump in ownership was Matt Davidson on the back of his headline-grabbing three home run game.
The Royals used nine pitchers but gave up 14 earned runs. Their offense offers more fantasy value and Lucas Duda, who is only 18% owned, went yard. He could be a source of cheap power this season as the Royals’ regular first baseman.
Top of the stolen base list of MLB.com is Mets’ outfielder Jay Bruce (although he is only top thanks to the alphabet). His single stolen base matches his 2017 total. Don’t expect many more.
A more intriguing stolen base came from Manny Machado in the Orioles/Twins matchup. He swiped 20 bags in 2015; the only time in his career he has reached double-digit steals. If he runs more this season, he will sure look valuable with his dual SS/3B-eligibility and 35 home runs.
Brad Brach, Cam Bedrosian and Corey Knebel all blew saves, but Giants’ Hunter Strickland is the player you need to pick up. Bruce Bochy confirmed the right-hander was his closer just hours before Strickland converted his first save opportunity.
Next: Three SPARP to pick up for points leagues
I have Robinson Chirinos and Austin Hedges in a two-catcher league. They both went hitless with four strikeouts each. Chris Iannetta is only 7% owned, went 3-for-4 and will play half of his games in Coors Field. I am monitoring the situation.
If you have any suggestions for future articles or just want to chat about fantasy baseball, find Gavin on Twitter @_tramps