Among the John Lennon songs I listened to on what would have been his 75th birthday was God. The dream is over, Blue Jays fans. What can I say? Marcus Stroman survived some early beer-league defense then was left in one batter too long, as our pick Rougned Odor sent the game into extra innings with some fabulous baserunning and Texas won in 14.
Our choice of Jacob DeGrom to beat Clayton Kershaw was both inspired and profitable at DraftKings; even with Stroman not getting a W, I cashed in every contest. Hope you improved on my selections just a little.
Today at 5:37 Eastern, I expect the Cubs to hit Jamie Garcia $9600 enough to make a winner of Kyle Hendricks $8500. Both teams figure to score more runs than in the nightcap, so that game is stackable.
Zack Greinke $12400 takes the mound for a win-or-else home start against the Mets. He’s had a truly historic season that would have won him the Cy Young unanimously in most years. There’s a lot more pressure on the Dodgers’ hitters against Noah Syndergaard $11100. “Thor” finished his rookie season strong and improved his road performance in September. It’s a low-scoring tossup.
Using both Greinke and Syndergaard will maximize pitching points. It leaves a mere $3312 per hitter in a shallow pool of players. To my surprise, there are enough Cubbies and Cardinals to fill seven spots with possible contributors in that bracket.
Choosing between those high-salaried SP and plugging in Kendricks is the alternative. In the sample lineup, I’m going with Greinke and my required batter from the nightcap is Howie Kendrick $3600.
C/OF Kyle Schwarber $4300 is better vs. RHP and Yadier Molina $3000 may not be 100% so Miguel Montero $3100 is my lukewarm choice.
Anthony Rizzo $4700 vs. a LHP costs a bit too much and most of the other 1B have difficult matchups. 1B/OF Brandon Moss $3000 could be a bargain.
If you don’t like the Dodgers (or Kendrick) and still need one bat from that game, 2B/3B Daniel Murphy $3600 fills the bill. 2B/SS Addison Russell $3000 is also playable.
At third, Matt Carpenter $4800 and Kris Bryant $4200 might both have a lot to say with their bats. If 3B/SS Ruben Tejada $2300 starts, he fills the third-team requirement at the lowest cost so you can “punt” either position.
SS Corey Seager $4900 is out of my price range. Jhonny Peralta $3700, Russell or Starlin Castro $3000 might provide similar value at a lower cost.
Yoenis Cespedes $4400 might be a hero even against Greinke, but we’re sticking with OF from the opener. Matt Holliday $3800 and Jason Heyward $3500 will start for the Cards, who used Stephen Piscotty $4200 at first base last night and Randall Grichuk $3600 in RF — one of them may sit tonight, as Moss usually starts vs. RHP. Dexter Fowler $4000 and Austin Jackson $3300 are both priced right.
| Pos | Premium | Bargain |
| SP1 | Zack Greinke $12400 | Jamie Garcia $9600 |
| SP2 | Noah Syndergaard $11100 | Kyle Hendricks $8500 |
| C | Kyle Schwarber $3900 | Miguel Montero $3100 |
| 1B | Anthony Rizzo $4700 | Brandon Moss $3000 |
| 2B | Howie Kendrick $3600 | Addison Russell $3000 |
| 3B | Matt Carpenter $4800 | Kris Bryant $4200 |
| SS | Corey Seager $4900 | Starlin Castro $3000 |
| OF1 | Yoenis Cespedes $4400 | Jason Heyward $3500 |
| OF2 | Dexter Fowler $4000 | Matt Holliday $3800 |
| OF3 | Stephen Piscotty $4200 | Austin Jackson $3300 |
The Fantasy Spin features DFS advice every day of the NBA season. Until basketball returns, we’re offering baseball tips on weekdays. Follow Kent Williams @SheridanFantasy for updates.