Monday's Third Baseman Value Rankings
Here are theScore's third baseman value rankings for Monday, August 15 (all stats exclude Sunday's games):
Value Rankings
C | 1B/DH | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP
Top Options
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Yangervis Solarte (SD) | at TB | 9 |
| Kyle Seager (SEA) | at LAA | 9 |
| Matt Duffy (TB) | vs. SD | 8 |
The Padres have had difficulty finding consistency with the bats, but they have a squad of hitters who can handle lefties. Solarte is one of their best in that regard, having hit .321 against southpaws. He's not the most expensive option, either, so consider him against Rays LHP Drew Smyly.
Seager also has a heavy handedness advantage, only his comes against righties. Coincidentally, Seager has hit .321 against RHPs but in a considerably larger sample size than Solarte's versus LHPs. Trust in Seager any time a mid to low-tier righty starter is on the hill against the Mariners. Ricky Nolasco certainly fits that bill.
Mid-Tier Targets
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Evan Longoria (TB) | vs. SD | 7 |
| Josh Donaldson (TOR) | at NYY | 6 |
| Nolan Arenado (COL) | vs. WAS | 5 |
Longoria and new teammate Duffy both qualify as third basemen. Duffy comes at a lower price tag, but Longoria carries the higher ceiling. Longoria is in one of his best stretches this season, with a 1.017 OPS, three home runs, and eight RBIs over his last 10 games.
Donaldson and Arenado are too expensive despite their pedigree. Favor Donaldson since Arenado has to deal with Nationals SP Max Scherzer.
Nothing to See Here
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Anthony Rendon (WAS) | at COL | 4 |
| Martin Prado (MIA) | at CIN | 3 |
| Danny Valencia (OAK) | at TEX | 2 |
As always happens, Rendon gets a huge price bump because he's hitting in Coors Field. His salary is too high, even though he's sure to be tempting with Jorge De La Rosa and his 4.22 BB/9 on the mound for Colorado. Prado is also overpriced, but has hit very well of late with an uncharacteristic two home runs in his last 10. That can't be counted on.