Fansided

FanDuel picks and lineup for Saturday, March 31

By Adam Strangis

SURPRISE, AZ - MARCH 05: Joey Gallo
SURPRISE, AZ - MARCH 05: Joey Gallo /
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SARASOTA, FL – MARCH 14: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles makes some contact at the plate during the Spring Training game against the New York Yankees at Spectrum Field on March 14, 2018 in Sarasota, Florida. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images)
SARASOTA, FL – MARCH 14: Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles makes some contact at the plate during the Spring Training game against the New York Yankees at Spectrum Field on March 14, 2018 in Sarasota, Florida. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) /

Shortstop, High-End Spend

Early Slate

Ahmed Rosario, $3,100

0 at bats vs. Michael Wacha 

There’s no chance I’m spending up on Trea Turner as long as he’s batting sixth in the order. Rosario is a game-changer on the base paths and if he gets on, he’s a threat to steal in any given scenario. He also happens to be the most expensive option other than Turner.

All Day Special

Carlos Correa, $4,200

.500/.667/1.000 with 0 HRs in 2 at-bats

Whenever Correa gets to face a lefty pitcher and he’s in a great ball park, he’s in a smash spot.  In 92 at-bats last year, he hit .391 and had an OPS of 1.066. That’s the kind of goodness you look for when checking out lefty/righty splits and Matt Moore shouldn’t scare anyone. He’s far from cheap but he has slate-breaking potential and it’s probably going to be worth it to pay up in a thin spot.

Main Slate

Manny Machado, 

.313/.389/.375 with 0 HRs in 16 at-bats

Another player who’s making a second appearance, Machado has tortured Minnesota pitching in his career and there’s no reason he should stop today. A home matchup vs. Kyle Gibson in Camden is very appealing. Gibson sported a home run to fly ball ratio of over 18 percent in 2017. Machado should be able to take advantage of all the factors leaning towards him today.

Mid-Range

Early Slate

Jose Iglesias $2,200

0 at-bats vs. Michael Fulmer

This is strictly a punt option an not highly recommended. Remember, on a three game slate you’re going to have to take some risks. I’m not sure this is the right spot to roll the dice.

All Day Special

Didi Gregorious, 

.229/.250/.543 with 3 HRs in 35 at-bats

Anytime we can get a piece of the New York offense at a reasonable price, it’s something that’s worth exploring. Gregorious has an average track record against Marco Estrada but batted very well against righties in 2017, tallying a .848 OPS. 22 of his 25 home runs came against right handed pitchers in 2017 and Rogers Centre is just below average as far as park factors go. I may prioritize Correa just a little more and find savings at other positions.

Main Slate

Ketel Marte, 

.375/.375/.750 with 1 HR in 8 at-bats

This young shortstop is fresh off a contract extension right before the start of the season. he actually has better splits against righties and he’s capable of stealing a bag. What was very interesting is he’s batting towards the middle of the order in the first couple games. That’s always going to be great for fantasy value, even if his profile isn’t exactly a middle of the order bat. He did get lifted for a pinch hitter yesterday, so pay attention to any news with him today.

Value

Early Slate – None

All Day Special

Jean Segura, $2,600

.286/.286/.429 with 0 HRs in 7 at-bats

There’s nothing special that puts us onto Segura today, it’s more the threat of stolen bases. Carlos Carrasco is a very good pitcher and Segura could easily go 0-4 with a strikeout or two. That’s exactly why Segura is low on our list.

Main Slate

Orlando Arcia, $2,500

Not only is Arcia a threat for a stolen base any time he reaches, virtually all of his home runs came against right handed pitchers last season(14 of 15). Milwaukee is up there with the Phillies as potential stacking options and Arcia should be a great way to get cheap exposure to the Brew Crew.