Daily Fantasy Baseball Hot Picks for Tuesday 4/27/2015

Here the daily fantasy baseball hot picks for Tuesday 4/27/2015 by position.

Catcher: Russell Martin

Russell Martin got off to a slow start, but is beginning to heat up. He has a 5-game hitting streak with runs and RBIs scattered throughout. Tonight he faces Clay Buchholz who he is 4 for 14 in his career against. Note, those 4 hits were all home runs.

First Base: Carlos Santana

The Cleveland Indians slugger Carlos Santana has an average better than expected and tonight he faces a pitcher he’s very familiar with in Jeremy Guthrie. Santana is lifetime 10 for 21 with 2 home runs and only 2 strikeouts against Guthrie who happens to be struggling this season.

Second Base: Neil Walker

Never ignore a hot streak like the one Neil Walker is on. He has a 10-game hit streak and faces off against Travis Wood tonight who he’s hitting .350 against lifetime.

Third Base: Evan Longoria

Third baseman Evan Longoria will take his hacks against Chase Whitley of the New York Yankees tonight whom he’s 0 for 2 against. Ignoring the matchup in this case and instead focusing on how Longoria is 11 for his last 22, I believe Longoria gets the best of Whitley tonight.

Shortstop: Alexei Ramirez

Baltimore Orioles’ starting pitcher Chris Tillman is having a very bad year and Chicago White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez will make sure it continues. Ramirez enters the game with his own poor statistics to start the season, but he’s 4 for 9 with a home run lifetime against Tillman.

Outfielders: Bryce Harper, Giancarlo Stanton, Brett Gardner

I’ll put it very simply: Bryce Harper has good numbers against the struggling Julio Teheran, Giancarlo Stanton is hot and facing an inexperienced starter, and Brett Gardner has good numbers against Jake Odorizzi and he’s swinging a good bat right now. At least one of these guys belongs on your team tonight.

Starting Pitchers: Michael Wacha, Anibal Sanchez

Michael Wacha faces the Philadelphia Phillies and their poor offense while Anibal Sanchez looks to have two good games in a row when he faces the Minnesota Twins. His first start of the season was against the Twins and resulted in a very good outing. Let’s make it two.

The Excitement of Looking Through Your Old Autographed Baseball Cards

Until I created this website and decided to include pictures of my autographed baseball card collection I had not gone through it in a few years. Around 2008-2009 was the last time I collected anything so the box they are in remained dormant.

I have only very little interest in adding to the collection. I think once you are a collector you always are. There’s a certain challenge, similar to a creative drive, which people who get obsessive about a collection have within them. Looking through my autographed baseball cards gives me a slight interest in sending out letters again. I only stop because I know how I get with anything. It will become a new obsession and I really should focus on more important things than asking people younger than me to sign miniature pictures of themselves.

Like looking through the high school yearbook, scanning over my collection of autographed baseball cards brings back a lot of memories. And like that cute girl a page across from you in the yearbook that no matter how hard you try you cannot remember, I continue to find cards in my collection I don’t remember getting.

I let out an expletive when I saw two autographed cards from Mike Napoli staring at me. I understand he’s not great, but I had no clue it was in there. At the time he was going by Michael Napoli. I had apparently obtained him through a letter to the Arizona Fall League long before he was bearded and winning the World Series.

I had a similar reaction when I saw a Bert Campaneris autographed card stacked among ones I remembered having a little better. Likely, I added this from a purchase at a card show. At the time I was unfamiliar with Campaneris. My dad probably bought it and felt the same way about him as I will in 20 years about Napoli.

Even authentic autographs in my collection that I received in packs now have a great sentimental value you to me because of how much more I know about the history of baseball. When I pulled a Johnny Callison autographed card years ago I didn’t think much of it. After a few years of listening to Philadelphia Sports Radio, I understand how meaningful the autograph actually is.

Lesser names like Jayson Nix even get me a little excited because forgetting about them makes me wonder who else could be mixed in there. I obtained Nix at the 2002 South Atlantic League All-Star Game in Lakewood, New Jersey along with others, most notably David Wright. Unlike Nix, I very much remember Wright.

I consider this far different from simple nostalgia. A big rush from autograph collecting was the feeling that you accomplished something. You gather up your baseball cards, you head to the stadium, and then go back home to see how many have ink on them. It was a challenge and seeing all of these successes years later reminds me I was not wasting my time. Going to a baseball game was always about more than who won or lost the game. It was also about who was willing to sign before and after.

My collection doesn’t compare to the greatest on the planet, but I do think overall it’s pretty impressive. Everything from Derek Jeter down to any player I have in my collection to never get beyond Single A, it all adds up to something unique and different from the rest.

Each autographed card I own has some history. Some were as simple as handing over a few bucks while others involved chasing a player down in the rain. They are a time capsule to a simpler time in life before taxes, bills, and women. They remind me how much one little hobby can give you: the adventure, the feeling of success, the bragging rights, etc.

An autographed baseball card tells a history. For some of us though, it’s a lot deeper than anyone can ever see.

Daily Fantasy Baseball Advice for 4/23/2015: Andrelton Simmons, Zack Greinke

Today I’m going to the bargain route with my position player for the cheaper option at the dreadful shortstop position where there isn’t much talent to choose from. My pitcher, though, I’m choosing a much more well-known name. These are my two players for your daily fantasy baseball team on 4/23/2015.

Position Player: Andrelton Simmons

The Atlanta Braves shortstop is one of baseball’s premiere defensive players, but today Andrelton Simmons should give you a little something with the bat. Simmons will take his hacks against Bartolo Colon and the New York Mets, which may not sound so good considering the season Colon is having. However, I do believe Colon might be due for a poor outing specifically based on his numbers against the Braves. The team is hitting .279 against him including Simmons who has a .462 average. Not to mention, Simmons has never struck out against Colon in 13 at-bats. The chances of it happening today are slim. Expect Simmons two get you a couple of hits and score a run or two. With the way he’s playing, he’s guaranteed to get you at least a few points. Teammates Freddie Freeman and Jonny Gomes also have great numbers against Colon. Don’t be surprised by the time the first inning is over, Simmons has crossed the plate once following a Freeman home run.

Pitcher: Zack Greinke

Pitcher Zack Greinke takes the mound against the San Francisco Giants and the odds are ever in his favor. Current Giants are hitting .208 against him with only 3 home runs total, 2 of which belong to injured Hunter Pence. The Giants are struggling a lot this year and for them to have a potent offensive night against a pitcher like Greinke is very unlikely. Greinke is also 2-0 this season with a 1.83 ERA. He’s pitching very well and it should continue tonight against the Northern California rivals.

By Feelin Kinda Blue [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons

Daily Fantasy Baseball Advice for 4/22/2015: Nolan Arenado, Justin Upton, Johnny Cueto

Here’s some daily fantasy baseball advice for 4/22/2015:

Position Player to Play #1: Nolan Arenado

Not only is Colorado Rockies’ third baseman Nolan Arenado already off to a good start and someone you should consider on a regular basis, he’s also facing a pitcher who he has a .800 batting average against. The San Diego Padres are visiting Denver this week and even though it’s James Shields on the mound, I do not like his chances. Current Rockies are hitting .321 against Shieds with 8 home runs. You can safely add plenty of Rockies today including Arenado, Justin Morneau, and Carlos Gonzalez.

Position Player to Player #2: Justin Upton

On the other side of the field there are the Padres who come to Coors Field with a hot offense, in particular outfielder Justin Upton. Upton has a hit nearly every game this season and is facing pitcher Kyle Kendrick. This alone should make you interested in Upton as he is 8 for 23 against Kendrick with 2 home runs in his career. Expect plenty of opportunities to drive in runs and a big game from one of the Padres’ big bats.

Pitcher to Start: Johnny Cueto

Johnny Cueto goes for his first win of the season tonight against the Milwaukee Brewers and you better believe he has a good shot. The Brewers have Carlos Gomez and Jonathan Lucroy out of the lineup. The only player on the team with significant plate appearances against Cueto with success is Aramis Ramirez. Ramirez has struggled immensely this season and there’s no reason to believe he’ll get out of his slump tonight against one of the National League’s best.

Daily Fantasy Baseball Picks for 4/21/2015: Melky Cabrera, Lance Lynn

Routinely I plan to give some more daily fantasy baseball advice. Although I don’t play a daily league, I understand how many other people do and would like to at least tap into that niche audience of immediate satisfaction.

As part of this ongoing series, I will give you one position and one pitcher I think can benefit your team greatly.

Fantasy Baseball Picks for 4/21/2015:

Position Player: Melky Cabrera vs. Carlos Carrasco

It’s okay to fear Carlos Carrasco, but Melky Cabrera has apparently not received the memo. The veteran outfielder is 6 for 11 lifetime against Carrasco without a single strikeout.

Cabrera has 1 home run with 5 RBIs and a pair of stolen bases off of Carrasco. He’s also 7 for his last 13 overall. This game is Carrasco’s first after getting hit in the face with a line drive, which happened to come off Cabrera’s bat. Carrasco pitched poorly that game before leaving and I suspect Cabrera will get the best of him once again.

Pitcher: Lance Lynn vs. the Washington Nationals

By djprybyl on Flickr (Original version) UCinternational (Crop) [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons

Today, Lance Lynn heads to the mound for his third start of the season. So far things have gone very well. He’s 1-1 with a 1.64 ERA and racking up strikeouts as expected.

Lynn’s numbers against the Nationals are pretty good too. The team is hitting only .227 against him with Danny Espinosa doing the most damage. His 18 strikeouts to 15 hits allowed also bodes well for your fantasy baseball team today.

Bryan Price Has Quote of the Year

Never mind the bleeps; Cincinnati Reds manager Bryan Price has the quote of the 2015 MLB season. Children, look away:

“Ah, f***. I’m just, I’m f****** p****** up a rope in this f****** business. Because everyone has to know everything all the f****** time. That’s not my f****** obligation, it’s not their obligation. You know why f****** Billy Hamilton didn’t f****** play? The other day? Because his f****** finger’s hurt and he couldn’t hit right-handed comfortably. Right? So that’s something that I need to know and no one else needs to know. No one else needs to f****** know it, and all of a sudden it’s out there. His f****** fingers are sore. It doesn’t benefit us. It wasn’t from you, but it doesn’t benefit us one bit to f****** announce to the f****** other teams that we’re playing to bring in lefties when they need to f****** get Billy out. There’s no benefit. So, I’m f******, to be honest with you, I’m f****** sick of this s***. I’m sick of listening to this f****** s***, I’m sick of f****** the f****** second-guessing b*******, you guys can do whatever the f*** you want, but I’ll tell you this — I’m not going to f****** tell you everything about this f****** club, because you f****** guys are going to out there and sniff it out anyway. I don’t f****** like it one f****** bit. I bend over backwards to be honest and direct with you f****** guys and you stick it right up my f****** a** — and the f****** team’s a**. And I’m sick of it. What do you got? If you don’t got anything, get out and I’ll do this f****** interview with Marty. You don’t have anything? Just get out, please.”

Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Replacements for Jonathan Lucroy

Milwaukee Brewers’ catcher Jonathan Lucroy will hit the disabled list tomorrow with a broken foot after fouling a ball off of it. If he’s your starting catcher, you may need to find a replacement and fast. Here are a few options you can pick up on the waiver wire:

Caleb Joseph, Baltimore Orioles

Caleb Joseph was the Baltimore Orioles’ answer to the Matt Wieters injury and he can be for your fantasy baseball too. Joseph is hitting .375 this season and currently has a 6-game hit streak. In fantasy baseball, I always believe in riding a hot player. Right now he’s hot and someone you should grab a seat on.

Derek Norris, San Diego Padres

Even though he was an All-Star last season, there’s not much fantasy baseball love for Derek Norris. He doesn’t hit for much power, but does have a .283 batting average. Not to mention, Norris is also in a very good San Diego Padres’ lineup. The best benefit of Norris is he is someone you could potentially came for the full season as he proved last year he’s a pretty good ball player.

Wilson Ramos, Washington Nationals

By now we know exactly what we’re going to get out of Washington Nationals’ catcher Wilson Ramos. He’ll hit .260-.270 with limited power. The benefit of him is that as long as he stays healthy, you’re going to get an average catcher. Considering the situation you might be in with Lucroy down, having the availability to pick up average is a great move.

1996 MLB MVP Candidates, Voting

After somehow landing on Ellis Burks‘ Baseball-Reference Page, I decided to explore a little more in-depth as to how the 1996 MVP Voting went. Burks had an amazing year with 40 home runs, 128 RBIs, 32 stolen bases, and lots of other numbers that probably sold a few jerseys. Burks only finished third with the unanimous decision going to Ken Caminiti even though Burks clearly had better numbers.

Overall, the 1996 season was an amazing one for offense. Pitchers didn’t seem to stand a chance as baseball was back for its first full season since 1993. Players’ shoulders were broader, their biceps were thicker, and the home runs were a lot more frequent.

Here’s a deeper look into how the voting went and how many great candidates there were this year in the American and National League.

When Dante Bichette finishes 20th with 40 home runs and a .313 batting average, there’s something wrong with the game or everything is going right.

Baseball for Beginners: Moments Everyone Should Know – Bill Buckner’s Blunder

Not everyone is as big of a baseball fan as you or I. Believe it or not, many people are completely clueless about the game. I know, it seems silly that some of baseball’s classic moments would be foreign to them.

In an attempt to educate the rest of the world about baseball, I’m going to share some of baseball’s most memorable moments whether good, bad, or indifferent.

Today’s installment is Bill Buckner‘s Blunder. In 1986, the Boston Red Sox were one out away from winning the World Series for the first time in a really long time. I’m not even exaggerating. It was 1986, the same year Ferris Bueller’s Day Off came out, and the team hadn’t won the World Series since Babe Ruth played for them.

Buckner’s Blunder came in Game 6 with the Red Sox leading the New York Mets in the series 3-2. Some wild pitches and a few fluky plays as part of a Mets’ comeback led to the infamous error.

Mookie Wilson stepped up to the plate and hit what should have been a routine out at first. Instead, history happened:

The end result of Buckner’s fielding mistake was the series continuing to Game 7. The Mets won the game and the series causing Buckner to become one of the biggest goats in baseball history. Only when the Red Sox finally won in 2004 was he forgiven…at least by some.

2015 MLB Prediction: Oakland Athletics Make Lots of Trades

I hate the dismantling of the Oakland Athletics. Billy Beane is a criminal for what he did this offseason to a team that was building toward something better. In my opinion, he should be sent out to Alcatraz with nothing but a copy of his book and the boring moving about it.

My 2015 prediction for the Athletics fumes from this Beane hatred. I see a disastrous season on the way even if the start hasn’t been too bad. I see the A’s finishing below .500 and making a ton of trades in July. If you thought this roster looked a lot different from last season, wait until 2016.

Players I see the Athletics trading include Scott Kazmir and…who else is even on thus team anymore?

Their pitching is still good if you’re playing Strat-O-Matic. In reality, though, so many members of this starting rotation were lucky or not as good as they first appear to be. Outside of Sonny Gray, it’s a team of mostly mid to back of the rotation starters.

The Athletics certainly can’t trade Billy Butler or Ben Zobrist so quickly, or can they? They got rid of Yunel Escobar within days after receiving him in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays so who knows what they’ll do?

By Scott U (Sonny Gray (3)) [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons

Do the Athletics do anything good in 2015?

Other than a phenomenal yet frustrating season from Gray, I don’t see too much good coming from the franchise this upcoming season. Who’s going to drive in runs? Who’s going to score them? Is it sad when Sean Doolittle‘s beard is your most popular attraction?

The Athletics are in for a miserable season. They’re going to have a miserable summer and every fan give away is going to look cheap, like a way to actually attract fans to their horrible stadium. Get used to the misery Oakland. Your GM has lost his mind. Thankfully, a lot of players won’t have to endure a year in those ugly uniforms.