Monday's First Baseman/DH Value Rankings
Here are theScore's first baseman/DH value rankings for Monday, May 16 (all stats exclude Sunday's games):
Value Rankings
C | 1B/DH | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP
Top Options
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Victor Martinez (DET) | vs. MIN | 9 |
| Hanley Ramirez (BOS) | at KC | 9 |
| Eric Hosmer (KC) | vs. BOS | 8 |
| Adrian Gonzalez (LAD) | vs. LAA | 8 |
It's mind-boggling to think that Martinez is priced among the mid-tier options. Even though he was in a bit of a slump and went 7-for-27 with just one extra base hit to start May, he still owns a respectable average. Since May 10, he's 13-for-21 with three RBIs. The counting stats will come, but he's been returning value against his DFS salary more often than not.
With Hosmer slashing .336/.395/.537, it's tough not to roster him. He's put up a 18-homer pace (adjusted for 162 games) in his career, but with six long-balls through 36 games, he might be on his way to setting a new career high in 2016.
Though Gonzalez only has four blasts on the season, he has cashed in 20 runs while still boasting a mid-tier price point. With a favorable matchup and high-floor, DFS owners can roster him safely in cash game formats.
Mid-Tier Targets
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| David Ortiz (BOS) | at KC | 7 |
| Justin Bour (MIA) | at PHI | 7 |
| C.J. Cron (LAA) | at LAD | 7 |
| Miguel Cabrera (DET) | vs. MIN | 6 |
| Mark Teixeira (NYY) | at ARI | 6 |
| Edwin Encarnacion (TOR) | vs. TB | 6 |
| Joe Mauer (MIN) | at DET | 6 |
| Freddie Freeman (ATL) | at PIT | 5 |
| Mitch Moreland (TEX) | at OAK | 5 |
| Steve Pearce (TB) | at TOR | 5 |
| Justin Smoak (TOR) | vs. TB | 5 |
| Albert Pujols (LAA) | at LAD | 5 |
Ortiz has been one of the most reliable options at the first base position. He has hit 10 dingers and 33 RBIs in 34 games while also recording 16 doubles and one triple. He's normally a Top Option, but his value takes a hit due to playing in the pitcher-friendly Kauffman Stadium.
The Tigers' bats have been rather unpredictable lately, which has led to a tough stretch for Cabrera. Detroit is hosting the lowly Twins and inexperienced right-hander Jose Berrios, who has gave up 10 earned runs in his first three games. He could face a low-ownership percentage, so roll him in tournaments.
Batting cleanup for the Braves' horrendous offense has lead to Freeman's ceiling becoming severely capped. He's hitting .282 and has crushed six homers but has only generated 10 RBIs. While his counting stats remain low, use him as a contrarian only.
Nothing to See Here
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Paul Goldschmidt (ARI) | vs. NYY | 4 |
| Ryan Howard (PHI) | vs. MIA | 4 |
| Byung Ho Park (MIN) | at DET | 4 |
| John Jaso (PIT) | vs. ATL | 3 |
| Billy Butler (OAK) | vs. TEX | 3 |
| Prince Fielder (TEX) | at OAK | 3 |
| Kendrys Morales (KC) | vs. BOS | 3 |
Goldschmidt has yet to prove he's worth paying up for. He's hitting .226 and has hit seven homers and produced just 19 RBIs. His high salary is based upon his success in Coors Field earlier this week where he went yard once while going 5-for-12 with three doubles. Since then, he is 1-for-12. Until his production improves, leave him alone.
Despite the last two games where he has gone 3-for-7, Morales is hitting just above the Mendoza Line, batting an atrocious .203 with only four homers and 14 RBIs. He could begin to heat up, but it's in your best interest to just fade him.