I am not writing an article on showdown for all-star game (he says as he writes the article). Yes there is some edge/angles you can find with it, but its an off day for me.
That said, I’ll share my favorite MVP/Captain play and that is …. well, hope you are sitting down …. Nolan Arenado (shocker, right?).
Nolan Arenado – 3B – National League
Why Arenado? It’s the perfect spot for him to have his back in Coors Celebration. A couple weeks ago the Cardinals returned and it was a very emotional weekend for Nolan back in Coors and tonight he can go up there with no pressure, receive the same standing ovation three times (because they’re not gonna pull him after going 2-2 in Coors) and be able to not only drive the ball off Ohtani in the first AB but beat up on the American League pitching in Coors later on. I love Nolan tonight as the MVP and as the Captain. He is the All-Star Chairman.
Historically the All-Star game has been lower scoring of late, but we have some pitchers who do not belong here and another scenario where MLB will want to showcase offense for ratings, so I expect lots of favorable strike zones for the hitters and the balls are obviously the juiced ones probably not using the humidor.
Game Props
American League over 5.5 Runs
National League over 5.5 Runs
Game over 11 runs
Total Runs – Inning 1: Over 1.5 (+175)
First to 2 Runs: National League (-103)
DFS Players
Rostering hitters feels like the fun thing to do, but those who manage to roster 2+ pitchers in their lineups are going to be the winners tonight. I would not roster Max or Ohtani, the offense is going to come early in this game. I also prefer true RP over SP who are forced to pitch out of the pen and not go through their regular warm-ups. And it’s usually the innocuous player that nobody is really thinking of as a pitcher play.
American League Pitchers:
- Carlos Rodon
- Matt Barnes
- Liam Hendriks
- Andrew Kittredge
National League Pitchers:
- German Marquez
- Walker Buehler
- Mark Melancon
- Alex Reyes
American League Sleepers
- Jared Walsh
- Joey Wendle
National League Sleepers
- Max Muncy
- Jake Cronenworth
- Trea Turner
Starters to be high on
- Nick Castellanos
- Nolan Arenado
- Xander Bogaerts
- Rafael Devers
- Vlad Jr