The time has arrived to fill out our fantasy baseball lineup cards for the first time in 2015. Here is your Opening Day lineup and sleeper pick.
Catcher – Jonathan Lucroy – Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee hosts the abysmal Colorado Rockies and Lucroy remains one of the most underrated catchers in the game with better value than what should be the case.
First Base – Eric Hosmer – Kansas City Royals
The defending American League champs will open at home against the Chicago White Sox in what should be a spectacular showcase. We call for Hosmer to breakout as a dominant player in 2015 and he brings value.
Second Base – Ian Kinsler – Detroit Tigers
We like the dependable veteran in the Tigers matchup at home against the woeful Minnesota Twins. Kinsler is derided in some circles but that only adds to his value.
Third Base – Kyle Seager – Seattle Mariners
Seattle hosts the Los Angeles Angels in a highly anticipated opener in which they begin the season as a favorite to make the playoffs. Seager is a big reason as to why.
Shortstop – Alcides Escobar – Kansas City Royals
Escobar could prove to be one of the top value picks in the 2015 season and has considerable upside as far as potential.
Outfield – Giancarlo Stanton – Miami Marlins
This is expected to be a breakout year for Miami’s face of the franchise. Stanton and the Marlins have a strong chance at a great start against the stripped down Atlanta Braves.
Outfield – Jacoby Ellsbury – New York Yankees
New York hosts a Toronto team that is again getting plenty of love in the preseason just like last year. Meanwhile the Yankees have been written off as washed up. A contrarian value play here.
Outfield – Andrew McCutcheon – Pittsburgh Pirates
You won’t find bigger fans of McCutcheon than us and we are expecting a huge year from the Pirates in 2015 led by their maturing star outfielder. Pittsburgh is at Cincinnati.
Starting Pitcher – Max Scherzer – Washington Nationals
One of the most impressive offseason pickups in the Hot Stove League, Scherzer is a major reason why the Nats are favored to win the National League pennant. Washington hosts the New York Mets.
Reliever – Greg Holland – Kansas City Royals
We expect the Royals playoff momentum to continue as Holland was a major contributor to their 2014 AL Pennant. We expect Holland to emerge as an elite closer in 2015.
Designated Hitter – Billy Burns – Oakland A’s
A value pick as the A’s host a terrible Texas Rangers team.
Sleeper – Omar Infante – Kansas City Royals
Plenty of potential value here as we expect the Royals to get off to a great start despite an offseason that many considered lackluster. Infante may prove to be the most underrated shortstop in the game.
