Friday's Second Baseman Value Rankings
Here are theScore's second baseman value rankings for Friday, April 15:
Value Rankings
C | 1B/DH | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP
Top Options
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Robinson Cano (SEA) | at NYY | 10 |
| Jose Altuve (HOU) | vs. DET | 9 |
| Dee Gordon (MIA) | vs. ATL | 9 |
| Daniel Murphy (WAS) | at PHI | 8 |
| Ben Zobrist (CHC) | vs. COL | 8 |
DFS owners may be scared away by Cano's low batting average to start the season. This is a mirage. His BABIP is comically low at .080 indicating a dire stretch of bad luck. He traditionally dominates right-handed pitching, too. Otherwise, spend up for the top names like Altuve and Gordon. Neither has a particularly intimidating assignment and will be good bets to record runs and stolen bases.
Mid-Tier Targets
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Dustin Pedroia (BOS) | vs. TOR | 7 |
| Starlin Castro (NYY) | vs. SEA | 7 |
| DJ LeMahieu (COL) | at CHC | 7 |
| Neil Walker (NYM) | at CLE | 6 |
| Ian Kinsler (DET) | at HOU | 6 |
| Brandon Phillips (CIN) | at STL | 6 |
| Jose Ramirez (CLE) | vs. NYM | 6 |
| Aledmys Diaz (STL) | vs. CIN | 6 |
Castro's hot start is partially aided by a high BABIP, but he projected to have better numbers in pinstripes, anyway. Kinsler will see a drop in salary on some sites because of the matchup against Astros LHP Dallas Keuchel. This likely won't matter. He's made a career out of being able to hit the best and worst consistently.
Walker may be pressing a bit much. He's striking out at an absurd rate (32.3%) and should be due for correction in that department. Diaz and Ramirez may be part-time players. If they play, they're in positions to return value.
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Ryan Goins (TOR) | at BOS | 6 |
| Jason Kipnis (CLE) | vs. NYM | 5 |
| Anthony Rendon (WAS) | at PHI | 5 |
| Rougned Odor (TEX) | vs. BAL | 5 |
| Josh Harrison (PIT) | vs. MIL | 5 |
| Brian Dozier (MIN) | vs. LAA | 5 |
| Jonathan Schoop (BAL) | at TEX | 5 |
Like the aforementioned Walker, Kipnis is striking out well above his career percentages. He's done well for his career against right-handed pitching, and could bounce back. At his salary, a little more certainty would be nice.
Nothing to See Here
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Logan Forsythe (TB) | vs. CWS | 4 |
| Howie Kendrick (LAD) | vs. SF | 3 |
| Wilmer Flores (NYM) | at CLE | 3 |
| Kolten Wong (STL) | vs. CIN | 3 |
| Brett Lawrie (CWS) | at TB | 2 |
| Cory Spangenberg (SD) | vs. ARI | 2 |
Kendrick has played in only two games and isn't likely to pull through against Giants ace Madison Bumgarner. Flores has struggled in his platoon and isn't a must-roster if he does play. Wong hasn't been making contact. Until he can string together some success, there are more consistent options available.