Catcher/First Base, High-End Spend
Early Slate
Joey Votto, $4,000
.313/.450/.688 with 2 HRs in 16 at-bats
Many will see that he’s facing Stephen Strasburg but as the batter vs. pitcher data shows, he actually hits Strasburg well. Votto also has more walks than strikeouts, which is impressive against a strikeout pitcher like Strasburg. The park leans towards Votto and he can do damage against any pitcher in the big leagues. His matchup also might keep his ownership fairly low.
All Day Special
Matt Olson,$3,700
0 at-bats vs. Matt Shoemaker
The young power hitter for Oakland is worth a look anytime there’s a righty on the mound. His left/right splits are pretty extreme and even though Matt Shoemaker is capable of throwing a good start at any time, Olson had an OPS over 1.000 vs. righties in 2017. He stands out as one of the better ways to chase a homer at this position.
Main Slate
Anthony Rizzo, $4,800
.000/.000/.000 in 3 at-bats
I’m not sure I’m paying up in this spot but if the build leads you that way, Rizzo did have an OPS over .900 in 2017 vs. righties. He’d be more appealing in a friendlier park but let’s be realistic. Rizzo can leave any park at any time. Chicago has been beating up on Miami pitching and could do it once again with Odrisamer Despaigne on the mound tonight.
Mid-Range
Early Slate
Josh Bell, $2,800
0 at-bats vs. Michael Fulmer
Bell carries a higher average and OPS vs. righties during his young career. The Tigers are throwing Michael Fulmer on Saturday, and he does have some skill but his numbers have declined some since his rookie season. Bell also shows up well against the main three pitches Fulmer leans on. Be sure to check the weather on this one. There is wind and rain in the forecast. If the wind is blowing out for the batters, Bell becomes an even better play.
All Day Special
Joey Gallo, $2,700
.000/.000/.000 with 0 HRs in 5 at-bats
Seeing as how Lance McCullers has struck Gallo out three of the five times they’ve faced off, this may seem like an odd pick on the surface. However, Gallo showed signs of improvement throughout spring training. If he’s taken a legitimate step forward, he can hit any pitcher out of the park.
Main Slate
Carlos Santana, $3,200
.231/.333/.462 with 1 HR in 13 at-bats
This isn’t just chasing a home run from the previous day. Santana is a much better hitter when he’s facing a righty on the mound. Barndon McCarthy hasn’t been the most effective pitcher in recent years and Santana is virtually locked into a high spot in the order. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him go deep again in this spot.
Value
Early Slate
James McCann, $2,000
.500/.500/.500 with 0 HRs in 2 at-bats
I’ll take the plunge here for the minimum price point. It doesn’t appear that the Buccos have a very strong bullpen(small sample size, of course) and Trevor Williams is league-average at best. You don’t need McCann to do much here to justify the minimum price.
All Day Special
Brandon Belt, $2,400
.333/.400/.556 with 0 HRs in 9 at-bats
When he’s healthy, Belt is a solid first baseman. If you find yourself scraping at this position, you could choose to look this way. He’s in a better park than his home park and carried an OPS close to .900 vs. righties last season. Kenta Meada is a decent pitcher but nothing scary.
Main Slate
Ryan McMahon, $2,200
The 23-year-old prospect appears to be a large part of the Rockies lineup moving forward vs. righty pitchers. He’s sat out the first two games because the Rockies drew two straight lefty starters. Zach Greinke isn’t the best pitcher to find your way in the majors. Still, he’s so cheap he’s likely worth a stab if you punt this spot. So far, the humidor effect in Chase Field has been vastly overblown.