DraftKings 9/11 Lineup Help
By Bill Pivetz
Sep 6, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (2) hits a ball during the eighth inning in a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Rogers Centre. The Toronto Blue Jays won 10-4. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
With the start of the football season, fantasy baseball seems to get pushed aside. However, there are plenty of us that have a championship to play for or money to win. If you are in the latter category, this article is for you. Here is my optimal lineup on DraftKings for the Sept. 11 slate of games.
All 30 teams are playing, so you have all of the players to choose from in order to make the best possible lineup. As always, I’ll break it down by pitchers, infielders and then outfielders.
When I look at the list of pitchers, there is one name that stands out to me, and he has a very nice matchup. Dallas Keuchel goes on the road to face the Los Angeles Angels. While his $13,400 price tag is a little too high for my roster construction, there may be no other option. After the top three pitchers, the level of talent takes a big hit. So, you might need to spend more than 10 percent of your roster for Keuchel.
Moving to the infielders, I went with my No. 1 overall pick for 2016. If you don’t know who I’m talking about, look at my previous article. I was able to find some cheap options elsewhere, which allowed me to spend $5,000 on this first baseman. Second and third base were a bit of a struggle, but I like the players I chose as they are cheap players with high upside.
The same could be said about my outfield picks. They have proven their worth throughout the season, and recent trends make them great picks for your DraftKings lineup.
So, with no further hesitation, here is what I think is the best lineup to construct on DraftKings for the Sept. 11 games.
Next: Starting Pitchers
Sep 6, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) delivers a pitch during the third inning against the Minnesota Twins at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
P: Dallas Keuchel, @LAA, $13,400
As I just mentioned, Keuchel is the most-expensive pitcher in these games (if you look at probable pitchers). With the rainouts that took place, he may not be. Regardless, Keuchel has been the Houston Astros best pitcher this season. The Angels just aren’t hitting. Mike Trout is hitting just .225 since August 1. Without his bat, the Angels lineup is nothing to be afraid of. Keuchel is an AL Cy Young contender and is worth every penny for this matchup.
P: Jarred Cosart, vs. WAS, $4,300
What happened to the Washington Nationals? They were scoring runs like it was going out of style in the first four months of the season. The offense hit just .213 in July and .254 in August. The offense needs to wake up if they plan on catching the New York Mets for the NL East title. Cosart has been hit or miss this season. However, his most recent outing against the Mets gives me promise for this start. With $13,400 spent on Keuchel, $4,300 on Cosart is a good deal.
Next: Infielders
Aug 31, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (44) during the seventh inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. The Rockies won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
C: Francisco Cervelli, vs. MIL, $3,200
Like usual, if I’m not paying top dollar for the best catchers, I’m scrolling down the list. Cervelli has had a great season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and it should continue in this game against Jimmy Nelson. He has a career-high six home runs and 38 RBI. Nelson has given up five runs in two of his last three starts. It will be another hit parade for the Pirates and Cervelli should get a few.
1B: Paul Goldschmidt, vs. LAD, $5,000
Week in and week out, I continue to say first base is the deepest position to choose from. I wrote earlier this week that Goldschmidt should be the No. 1 pick in fantasy next season. He has power, contact, plate discipline and speed. He’s improved on his walk and strikeout rates. He’s the total package. Since coming over to Los Angeles, Alex Wood has allowed at least three runs in four of his seven starts. Even at $5,000, find a way to get Goldy in your DraftKings lineup.
2B: DJ LaMahieu, @SEA, $3,900
I’m honestly not a fan of any of the second basemen in these games. It’s not the prices that are outrageous, it’s the lack of talent. However, LaMahieu is the best cheap option. He has multi-hit games in five of his last 10. While he isn’t a power-hitting second baseman, he gets on base with ease (.319/.376/.415 line). Hitting against Hisashi Iwakuma isn’t as scary as it once was, so LaMahieu is a good pick this game.
3B: Danny Valencia, @TEX, $3,700
I originally had Justin Turner in this spot, but looking at his recent struggles, I changed my mind. Valencia, on the other hand, had one home run, 10 RBI and a .263 average in his last 10 games. Pitching to him is Colby Lewis, who owns a 4.91 ERA in his last 10 games.
SS: Troy Tulowitzki, @NYY, $3,800
After having a plus-4,000 salary since coming to Toronto, he is finally in my price range. The New York Yankees starting pitchers haven’t pitched well in recent weeks, and the bullpen isn’t much better. With the AL East title on the line, I expect Tulowitzki to drive in a few runs.
Next: Outfielders
Aug 26, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Stephen Piscotty (55) singles in the seventh inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
OF: Stephen Piscotty, @CIN, $4,400
Another prospect called up this season that is making a big impact for their team. Piscotty has two RBI in each of his last two games, and seven in his last 10. His salary has been trending down over the last week, so this is a good time to take advantage of his DraftKings price.
OF: Starling Marte, vs. MIL, $4,100
See Cervelli, Francisco. Speed and newly-found power has increased Marte’s value all season. Hovering around the mid-$4,000s, he is a good player to have in your lineup to cover all of the bases (no pun intended).
Edit: Marte is not playing in Friday’s game.
OF: Michael Conforto, @ATL, $4,100
Man, has the Mets offense exploded in the last month? Conforto has three home runs, seven RBI and a .400 batting average in his last 10 games. Hitting behind this now-dangerous lineup will provide good numbers for Conforto. The Atlanta Braves pitching staff hasn’t been great all year.
Next: Lineup Summary
Sep 9, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; New York Mets left fielder Michael Conforto (30) hits an RBI single during the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. New York Mets defeated Washington Nationals 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
At the end, I finished with $100 left to my budget. There wasn’t any single position that I felt could use an upgrade without sacrificing another position. So, here is my DraftKings lineup.
P: Dallas Keuchel
P: Jarred Cosart
C: Francisco Cervelli
1B: Paul Goldschmidt
2B DJ LaMahieu
3B: Danny Valencia
SS: Troy Tulowitzki
OF: Stephen Piscotty
OF: Starling Marte (Out Friday)
OF: Michael Conforto
With my starting pitchers, I feel like Keuchel is guaranteed 10 points for the win and everything else is just extra. Cosart is a bit of a risk, but with the struggling Nationals lineup could benefit him. Goldy and Tulo are my power picks. With the pitchers they’ll be facing, a home run or multiple RBI is likely. The outfielders are cheap, young players with a lot of upside.
Leave a comment with your DraftKings lineup and where you think I could improve.