Counterattack - Kennedy Will Look to K-O the Astros

Here are the best contrarian options for Thursday, April 14:

SP Ian Kennedy, Royals (at Astros)

Kennedy has been out of sight and out of mind for the past two years while toiling in San Diego. The lower win totals have eroded public perception for a steady veteran who came fourth in Cy Young voting in 2011. Now with the Royals, Kennedy should get the run support and prestige that playing for the reigning champs will bring.

For now, public perception has not quite caught up to reality, which should mean lower ownership, especially on a slate with Chris Archer and Stephen Strasburg headlining.

In each of his past two seasons, Kennedy has struck out over a batter per inning while keeping his walk rate around 7.5 percent. Against an Astros lineup that has struck out 10.3 times per game so far this season, Kennedy could pair high K numbers with a realistic shot of notching the win.

3B Evan Longoria, Rays (vs. Indians)

Like Kennedy, Longoria has has lost some shine in recent years. Against upstart strikeout artist Danny Salazar - one of the tougher matchups on the slate - don't expect to see high ownership numbers for the former All-Star.

But despite strong strikeout numbers, Salazar's Achilles heel has been playing away from Cleveland. In 109 innings pitched on the road, Salazar put up a middling 3.80 ERA, striking out fewer batters, allowing a higher batting average and giving up more home runs per nine innings.

The subtle differences add up, and though Longoria has always hit southpaws better than righties (and Salazar is indeed right-handed), he is a career .275 hitter at home with better numbers across the board at Tropicana Field. Hitting third, Longoria will be in the thick of things if the Rays can get to Salazar early.

OF Gerardo Parra, Rockies (vs. Giants)

Parra is an expensive option in a deep pool of outfielders, and he's certainly not being priced based off of the start of his season: the off-season acquisition has hit just .250 with no walks, no homers and no RBIs.

Those numbers don't scream dynamism at first glance, but five of Parra's seven hits have been doubles. If he continues to hit fifth, those extra-base hits will start to drive baserunners home.

The crux of Parra's value is hitting at Coors Field, with the thin mountain air serving as a natural performance enhancer on balls hit in play. Not only will that manifest itself in better numbers for hitters like Parra, but visiting pitchers like Matt Cain (who sports a career 4.45 ERA in 15 starts in Colorado) have a greater propensity for getting lit up.