FanDuel fantasy baseball picks and lineup: Sunday April 8

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PITTSBURGH, PA – APRIL 02: Brian Dozier #2 of the Minnesota Twins in action against the Pittsburgh Pirates during inter-league play at PNC Park on April 2, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brian Dozier /

Second Base

High End Spend: Brian Dozier ($4,500) — No at-bats against Marco Gonzales

I’m back on the Dozier bandwagon today as he draws a matchup that is incredibly tempting. We’re going to use Dozier to introduce another new stat (it helps we don’t have a slate split into 274 pieces as well). It’s called ISO, which is a measure of a batter’s power. It’s calculated by taking a player’s slugging percentage and subtracting his batting average. The higher it is, the better. A batter who only hits singles would have an ISO of zero. So, now that we know what it means, let’s take a look at the career numbers for Dozier when he’s at home facing a lefty: .285 batting average, .933 OPS, .274 ISO and a .395 wOBA. Those numbers are ridiculous and worth his hefty price tag.

In consideration: Robinson Cano, $3,600

Mid-Range: Cesar Hernandez ($3,000) — 0 at-bats vs. Trevor Richards

We’re going to stick in Philly for another middle ground play with Hernandez. He’s one of the few players who seem to have a very specific role as the leadoff hitter and while his power numbers aren’t great, you don’t need them to be at this tag. Hernandez gets on base at a .354 clip in his career against right handed pitching. He’s got a ton of run and stolen base potential today as the Phillies offense is starting to click. The only hesitation is if they saved any hits from last night after scoring 20 runs.

In consideration: Jason Kipnis, $2,800

Value: Ben Zobrist ($2,100) — .500/.500/1.000 with 2 HR in 14 at-bats

The utility man for the Cubbies should get another start today and he’s owned starter Chase Anderson in their careers. Chicago needs to get a spark and Zobrist is one of the few players hitting well right now. Manager Joe Maddon is likely to ride him as long as he’s hitting and Miller Park does tend to help power. At near minimum salary, Zobrist is a great way to save money for other bats.