I remember two years ago on the 4th of July not every team was playing and being upset about that. So we have that going for us today as at least every time has a game, but given that it’s Sunday lets not rewards MLB for being smart or anything. I also recall the last time that I think the 4th of July fell on a Sunday and it was a huge DFS day for me, but that was back when we had full 15 game slates on Sundays but either way lets have history repeat itself.
Mets at Yankees is a double header game so only 7 innings today.
The only thing I don’t like about some of these guys is three of them are road pitchers on a holiday. But I am not touching Gerrit Cole, sorry, I know that one could say he no doubt bounces back against the Mets, but I am not having it.
Lucas Giolito
It’s a bit interesting that Gio is coming off his lowest K game of the year with just 1 vs the Twins earlier this week but I don’t suspect there is a continued decline there. Giolito is under 9k which is a bit low for someone who is always giving us 6 innings and limited damage. Start with him and look for upside or ownership pivots elsewhere.
Zack Thompson
If we are going to go cheaper on pitching it has to be Thompson today. His $6,400 price is too good to pass up as the Marlins young RHP is pitching extremely well and gets a lot of swings outside of the zone with a very strong cutter. It’ll be tough to get past Acuna but my feeling is both he and Charlie Morton should have solid 6 inning games here so take the cheaper option who honestly has just 2 dangerous bats to worry about today.
Freddy Peralta
The obvious chalk is Peralta and I would project him to top 20 DK points for a good return against the Pirates. Two things you don’t do on the 4th of July, dont blow yourself up and don’t stack Pirates.
Also considered: Charlie Morton, Robbie Ray and yes … Blake f’n Snell
Cubs
Cubs drop 10 runs today on Cincinnati. Career HR on the 4th of July by Kris Bryant = 4, by Wilson Contreras = 3. Those are going up today along with Baez and one of the lefties I have been riding all weekend — most likely Heyward or Rizzo off the bullpen.
Padres
San Diego has one of the better chances for a multi-HR stack game today against Vincent Velasquez and his .221 ISO vs RHP. Pham-Machado-Tatis heart of the order is where I will focus with Wil Myers and Jake Cronenworth being good extra full stack guys.
Indians
Not many people will look to attack Greinke and the Astros bullpen, but I really like Cleveland in this game today. Greinke has been hit harder by RH batters and with Reyes back for the Indians it looks like Rosario might go on his little heater soon. Ramirez-Rosario-Franmil drive the Tribe but Bobby Bradley and Amed Rosario are fantastic value plays here for Cleveland as well. This is the best cheap stack on the board.
Favorite one offs
Cincy – Winker
Toronto – Teoscar
Minnesota – Arraez
KC – Dozier
Milwaukee – Avisail
Astros – Castro
CATCHER
- Willson Contreras
- Jason Castro
- Salvy
FIRST BASE
- Anthony Rizzo
- Jesus Aguiar
- Freddie Freeman
SECOND BASE
- Luis Arraez – Luis Arraez 5 AB today against Keller+Royals pen he is going to find a way to get 2-3 hits and probably score twice.
- Jonathan India
- Whit Merrifield
THIRD BASE
- Manny Machado
- Jose Ramirez
- Alec Bohm
SHORTSTOP
- Javy Baez
- Fernando Tatis Jr
- Amed Rosario
OUTFIELD – Mt Rushmore
- Kris Bryant
- Teoscar Hernandez – Loves him some Ryan YarBro
- Franmil Reyes
- Thomas Pham
OUTFIELD – Tier 2
- Ian Happ / Jason Heyward
- Avisail Garcia
- Harper, Bryce
- Nick Castellanos
- Jesse Winker
OUTFIELD – Value
- Tyrone Taylor
- Hunter Dozier
- Eddie Rosario
The Dongers Club
- Manny Machado – 3B – Padres – Chairman of the Dongers Club
- Teoscar Hernandez – OF – Blue Jays
- Avisail Garcia – OF – Brewers
- Kris Bryant – OF – Cubs
- Jason Castro – C – Astros
- Luis Arraez – 2B – Twins
- Fernando Tatis – SS – Padres
- Jesus Aguilar – 1B – Marlins
- BONUS …………….. Franmil Reyes – OF – Indians
HR PARLAY
Machado – Aguilar – Bryant – Hernandez – Franmil
BETS
Chicago Cubs ML
Cubs/Reds OVER
SD Padres ML
LINEUP CONSTRUCTION THOUGHTS
THE HIGHEST CHALK STACK(S)
Astros, Jays, White Sox
LOW(er) OWNED GOOD TEAMS
Padres
LEVERAGE STACKS/PLAYS
Indians
DK PITCHERS
Giolito and Thompson
FD PITCHERS
Freddy Peralta
CORE HITTERS
Manny Machado
Kris Bryant
Franmil Reyes