Thursday's First Baseman/DH Value Rankings
Here are theScore's first baseman/DH value highlight's for Thursday, April 14:
Value Rankings
C | 1B/DH | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP
Top Options
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Prince Fielder (TEX) | vs. BAL | 9 |
| Eric Hosmer (KC) | at HOU | 9 |
| Brandon Belt (SF) | at COL | 8 |
| Ben Paulsen (COL) | vs. SF | 8 |
| Anthony Rizzo (CHC) | vs. CIN | 8 |
Fielder has struggled to open the 2016 season, but he's been an elite option against right-handed pitchers for the duration of his career. His slump should end against Orioles RHP Chris Tillman. Hosmer came into Wednesday 5-for-12 over his past three games and he'll continue to enjoy the benefits of hitter-friendly Minute Maid park.
Paulsen should receive the start against Giants RHP Matt Cain, and he's a definite home run threat at Coors Field.
Mid-Tier Targets
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Joey Votto (CIN) | at CHC | 7 |
| Paul Goldschmidt (ARI) | at LAD | 7 |
| Adrian Gonzalez (LAD) | vs. ARI | 6 |
| Stephen Piscotty (STL) | vs. MIL | 6 |
| Tyler White (HOU) | vs. KC | 6 |
| Edwin Encarnacion (TOR) | vs. NYY | 6 |
| Mitch Moreland (TEX) | vs. BAL | 6 |
Votto continues to search for his first home run of the season, but he had two multi-hit games in his past three outings coming into Wednesday. Don't fear Goldschmidt against Dodgers RHP Ross Stripling. Stripling's near no-hitter was nothing more than a mirage. Gonzalez is also safe in a lefty-on-lefty matchup against Diamondbacks LHP Robbie Ray.
Encarnacion has started showing some signs of promise to end his slow start. He'll be able to sit on Yankees RHP Nathan Eovaldi's fastball.
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Jose Abreu (CWS) | at MIN | 5 |
| Luis Valbuena (HOU) | vs. KC | 5 |
| Kendrys Morales (KC) | at HOU | 5 |
| Alex Rodriguez (NYY) | at TOR | 5 |
| Carlos Santana (CLE) | at TB | 5 |
| Joe Mauer (MIN) | vs. CWS | 5 |
Abreu is the biggest threat of the group, but also the most expensive. He has two home runs on the season, but just one other extra-base hit. He entered Wednesday with multiple walks in each of his past two games. Rodriguez hasn't had much success in Toronto yet this season, and he may have another long night against RHP Marcus Stroman.
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Mark Teixeira (NYY) | at TOR | 4 |
| Ryan Zimmerman (WAS) | vs. ATL | 4 |
| Victor Martinez (DET) | at PIT | 4 |
| Brandon Moss (STL) | vs. MIL | 4 |
| Miguel Cabrera (DET) | at PIT | 4 |
Teixeira hit his third home run of the season Wednesday, coming in the strong side of his split as a righty against a left-handed pitcher. He may not have the same success when moving to the other side of the plate. Cabrera is unlikely to return value on his high price tag against Pirates Cy Young candidate Gerrit Cole.
Nothing to See Here
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Wil Myers (SD) | at PHI | 3 |
| Buster Posey (SF) | at COL | 3 |
| Chris Davis (BAL) | at TEX | 3 |
| Freddie Freeman (ATL) | at WAS | 2 |
| Byung Ho Park (MIN) | vs. CWS | 2 |
Davis' power upside will be significantly limited against an elite left-handed pitcher like Rangers starter Cole Hamels. Fade Freeman and Park amid their early-season slumps.