Saturday's Shortstop Value Rankings
Here are theScore's shortstop value rankings for Saturday, April 23:
Value Rankings
C | 1B/DH | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP
Top Options
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Xander Bogaerts (BOS) | at HOU | 9 |
| Corey Seager (LAD) | at COL | 8 |
| Trevor Story (COL) | vs. LAD | 8 |
| Francisco Lindor (CLE) | at DET | 8 |
| Carlos Correa (HOU) | vs. BOS | 8 |
While a repeat of .320 was unlikely from the beginning of the season, DFS owners probably expected a little more than what Bogaerts has delivered. Don't let the mediocre batting average be the decision maker. He's scoring runs, leading the Red Sox with 12. Hitting third in the lineup will do that.
Seager and Story should be considered while playing at Coors. Story might be seeing his shine wear off while reality has caught up with Seager's sky-high expectations. Still, the friendly confines of Colorado bode well for hitters of their ilks.
Mid-Tier Targets
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Zack Cozart (CIN) | vs. CHC | 7 |
| Jordy Mercer (PIT) | at ARI | 7 |
| Asdrubal Cabrera (NYM) | at ATL | 7 |
| Elvis Andrus (TEX) | at CWS | 7 |
| Jonathan Villar (MIL) | vs. PHI | 6 |
| Ruben Tejada (STL) | at SD | 6 |
| Freddy Galvis (PHI) | at MIL | 6 |
| Eduardo Nunez (MIN) | at WAS | 6 |
| Alcides Escobar (KC) | vs. BAL | 6 |
| Marcus Semien (OAK) | at TOR | 5 |
| J.J. Hardy (BAL) | at KC | 5 |
| Javier Baez (CHC) | at CIN | 5 |
| Didi Gregorius (NYY) | vs. TB | 5 |
| Brandon Crawford (SF) | vs. MIA | 5 |
| Adeiny Hechavarria (MIA) | at SF | 5 |
Once past the elite, shortstop has a smattering of mediocre options. Cozart comes cheap, mostly because his production is limited, but he's swinging a solid bat. Andrus has yet to steal a base, but he's been making solid contact. The steals will come.
Tejada will get the bulk of starts - at least for the time being - but offers little in the way of counting stats. He could be a source of runs, though. Semien is among the most expensive options. While hitters have been making solid contact against Blue Jays LHP J.A. Happ, the ball hasn't been falling. Plus, Semien has been hitting at the bottom of Oakland's lineup, limiting his chances.
Crawford has the difficult task of squaring up against Marlins ace Jose Fernandez. If the price is right, he's not a bad contrarian. Just don't forget that an 0-for-4 with a handful of strikeouts is highly possible.
Nothing to See Here
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Troy Tulowitzki (TOR) | vs. OAK | 4 |
| Alexei Ramirez (SD) | vs. STL | 4 |
| Brad Miller (TB) | at NYY | 3 |
| Erick Aybar (ATL) | vs. NYM | 3 |
| Andrelton Simmons (LAA) | vs. SEA | 3 |
| Ketel Marte (SEA) | at LAA | 2 |
| Aledmys Diaz (STL) | at SF | 2 |
Tulowitzki is, you guessed it, nursing an injury. Beware. The rest of these options are not worth serious consideration in cash games, and are stretches in tournament play as well. Diaz, as good as he's played, is likely out of a starting job. Marte hasn't hit a lick, so his speed hasn't been put to proper use. Stay away for now.