Keep in mind that there are six early daytime games on what is commonly referred to as “Getaway Day” in Major League Baseball. We will focus on a night game and the opposition of the Philadelphia Phillies, one of the worst teams in the game.
SP – C.C. Sabathia – New York Yankees
The Yankees will host the Toronto Blue Jays with a starting time at Yankee Stadium of 6:05 p.m. ET. A lot of experts and fantasy baseball owners are down on Sabathia which makes him a potentially strong bargain with value. Sabathia should have a refreshed arm due to missing most of last season due to a knee injury. While no longer an ace, he is a solid veteran that can deliver at a reasonable price.
SS – Hanley Ramirez – Boston
The Red Sox are at the Philadelphia Phillies with a starting time of 6:05 p.m. ET. We pick on a Phillies team that is a mess with one of the top shortstops in the game. As long as he stays healthy Ramirez will rank as a bona fide first round draft pick caliber player. Ramirez made quite a statement with two home runs in the season opener.
OF – Mookie Betts – Boston
Betts also had a promising debut on Opening Day with two hits in four at bats including a home run. Although a first year starter, Betts is considered one of the top prospects in the game and plays in a lineup that will protect him. Add in a matchup against the woeful Phillies and you have a promising pick for Thursday action. Betts also adds an element of power with 12 doubles and six home runs in 192 at bats last year.
2B – Dustin Pedroia – Boston
Pedroia may not be the most popular second baseman any more due to his age of 31, but there is no doubt that he is a proven commodity and a key component to the what the Red Sox hope will be a turnaround season. Pedroia had a promising start with three hits and five at bats with two home runs on Opening Day. Coming off his worst season ever, Pedroia has the potential for plenty of upside as long as his wrists can endure.
RP – Dellin Betances – New York Yankees
Betances makes for an intriguing relief pitcher selection and has among the best stuff of any reliever that is available. Betances could get a save opportunity in partnering up with Sabathia for Thursday night. If Betances serves in middle relief instead of a closer that may actually enhance his value as he will get even more innings. The Yankees are expecting big things from the 27 year old right hander. Since much of the public is down on the Bronx Bombers that could only serve to enhance the fantasy value of many of their players.
3B – Adrian Beltre – Texas
The Rangers are at the Oakland A’s with a starting time of 2:35 p.m. ET. Beltre is one of the few reasons to watch what is expected to be a woeful Texas Rangers team in 2015. Beltre ranks as the top third baseman in the game in most fantasy circles and is not cheap, but his potential makes the price well worth taking. Beltre got off to a slow start with no hits in his first seven at bats which makes him a ticking time bomb.
OF – Jacoby Ellsbury – New York Yankees
We are not yet ready to go all-in with the Toronto Blue Jays nor are we ready to write off the New York Yankees. Ellsbury did not live up to expectations as a Yankee last year but that does not mean he is not a potentially valuable commodity. In fact, last year may serve to protect some of his fantasy board value. Ellsbury’s posted 10 home runs with 15 stolen bases in the second half of last year which is indicative of his potential.
C – Yan Gomes – Cleveland Indians
The Indians are at the Houston Astros with a starting time of 1:10 p.m. ET. The Astros are improving but are nowhere near dominant and Gomes rates as one of the better backstops in the game. Gomes is coming off a 20 home run season and with the proven ability to produce runs. Gomes has a solid shot at run production against the young Astros.
