Steve Souza
Maybe the projection systems do know something we mere humans don't, as STEAMER/PECOTA darling Steve Souza continued his great start to the 2015 season on Sunday. With a 3-for-5 day, Souza raised his slashes to .289/.373/.533, while connecting on his third home run of the season, scoring his fifth run of the season, and getting his RBI total up to 10. Souza also has four steals on the season, and has been one of the top performers in fantasy so far this year. As is the case with any hot start this early in the season, there are a couple of red flags, and a .435 BABIP and 37.3 strikeout rate are a bit worrisome. However, the power/speed threat of Souza combined with the aforementioned fact that the best projection systems in baseball loved Souza before this season are good signs for Souza owners. Certainly hold onto Souza for the long-term, but if someone in your league really starts drinking the Kool-Aid, and offers an overreaction trade offer, feel free to bite - the batting average and home run rate will both drop.
Carlos Rodon
The White Sox announced on Sunday that they will be promoting last year's number three overall pick, Carlos Rodon to their major league roster for Monday. Rodon will start off in the bullpen (as the White Sox did with Chris Sale), but is worth picking up, as it is only a matter of time before the talented southpaw gets his chance in the bullpen. In eleven minor league games across three different levels, Rodon threw 34.1 innings with a 3.15 ERA and 51 strikeouts. Rodon has swing-and-miss stuff, and snagging the number 15 overall prospect (per Baseball America) before he gets moved to the rotation, and everyone wants a piece of him could be the type of move that pays off in spades in a month or so.
Daniel Norris
Daniel Norris threw just 2.2 innings on Sunday, getting roughed up for six runs (five earned) and walking more (2) than he struck out (1). The soon-to-be 21-year old has struggled early in the 2015 season, with a 6.08 ERA and 6.44 FIP to go along with just 10 strikeouts compared to seven walks. Maybe the most intriguing Norris news, however, came after the game when he told reporters that he was (and has been having) a case of "dead arm." Norris said that he just hasn't felt right since the Jays' preseason exhibitions in Montreal, and although "dead arm" is not necessarily synonymous with an injury, it is certainly a possible indicator. At this point, between his ineffectual start to the season, and the possibility of him missing some time, outside of keeper leagues Norris should not be owned.
DFS Suggested Pick ups
Trevor Bauer
Trevor Bauer's salary still hasn't caught up to his results yet in the early season. Bauer has been mowing down hitters via the K at the most prolific rate in baseball this season, and is facing the team that struck out at a higher rate than any other American League team in 2014 - the Chicago White Sox. While Bauer's long-term value is clearly not as the top strikeout guy in baseball, he has a strong match up tomorrow, and has been pitching great to start the season. In addition to that top strikeout rate in baseball, he has a 1.50 ERA, and 2.08 FIP. His foe on the mound is John Danks who has a 6.97 ERA and is 0-2 on the season so far. Look for lots of strikeouts, a win, and a quality start from Bauer on Monday.
DraftKings price: $7,100
Mike Moustakas
Mike Moustakas has had the look of a guy who is finally putting it together at the big league level this season, after a strong pedigree but weak start to his career. Moustakas is slashing .304/.407/.478, even after a 0-for-4 day on Sunday. He has two home runs, a steal, and 12 RuBIns (runs+RBI). One pitcher Moustakas has had success against in his career to date is Kyle Gibson, and Moustakas gets to face the Twins' righty on Monday. Moustakas is 5-for-10 off of Gibson in his career. Gibson has had one real bad start followed up by a solid start in his last outing, but is far from a dominant pitcher. Target Field isn't the most conducive for home runs, but searching for home runs can be a dangerous game in daily leagues. Picking a guy who looks to have the edge on the pitcher he's facing is the most important thing, and Moustakas certainly has that edge.
DraftKings price: $4,200
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