Shin-Soo Choo
Choo continued his quietly strong season on Sunday, going 3-for-4 with three runs, a home run and two RBI. Choo is now slashing .259/.357/.443 for the year as a whole, and .326/.456/.547 since the All Star Break. That OBP is particularly eye-popping for those in OBP leagues, and the turn-around in Choo's performance this half has been driven largely by a return to the great batting eye and plate discipline that Choo had been known for in seasons past. Choo has 18 home runs on the season as a whole, with an outside chance to top his previous career-high of 22. What has really stood out for Choo owners is this number, though: 559. That's the number of plate appearances Choo has on the season, as he has stayed healthy all year. Choo is still available in a good chunk of leagues, and given his slash line since the break, that's pretty amazing. If he's there on your waiver wire, snatch him up right now, as his impressive Sunday will only draw in more perspective owners. Choo plays a full seven-game slate this week (championship week for many leagues), with all seven games taking place at home, in Globe Life Park - the fifth-best stadium for offense in 2015. It is important to note that Choo was removed from Sunday's game with neck stiffness, but the injury doesn't sound serious, and I would bet on him being in the lineup in an important game on Monday against the Astros.
Adrian Beltre
Beltre had a big day Sunday, leaving Arlington not once, but twice, as part of a 2-for-5 day with five RBI. Despite the big day, Beltre is almost certainly owned is too amny leagues because of his name recognition at this point. Beltre is hitting just .264 on the season, which would be his lowest average since 2003. Even with the big day Sunday, his 15 home runs would be the fewest in a season since his injury-depleted 2009 season, and before that you have to go back all the way to 2001 if he can't clear 19 by season's end. The biggest red flag with Beltre this season, but even more so when thinking about next season, is obviously his age. Beltre is 36 years old, but an old 36, that debuted all the way back in 1998. Beltre has over 2500 games on the old odometer, and there are some definite signs of slippage. His hard hit ball rate has declined each of the past six seasons, and his HR/FB rate has declined the past four. He has been improving his line drive rate, which makes sense as his power declines he has shifted into hitting more line drives and less fly balls, but it's hard to imagine any more big seasons at this point. In 2016, Beltre's name value will likely be much higher than his actual value - just like is happening now in 2015.
Daily Fantasy Leagues
J.P. Arencibia
DraftKings isn't respecting the recent hot streak of Arencibia, who has hit five home runs in his last ten games. Arencibia is obviously no more than a flash in the pan in the long term, but given the bat he's swinging and his match up Monday, the $2,600 price tag is a joke. Arencibia gets to face off with C.C. Sabbathia on Monday, also known as the guy with the fifth-highest HR/9 rate and fourth-highest HR/FB rate among qualified pitchers this season. Arencibia has always hit better against left-handed pitchers in his career, a full 24 points higher by batting average and 65 points higher by slugging percentage. The newly promoted Ray is hitting .368 in his 39 plate appearances with the club, but is buried below a list of equally dreadful names, none of whom are swinging as good a bat as he is or have as nice a match up. Double check to make sure he's in the starting lineup, although given that the Rays have been using him as a substitute early in games, he may be worth it even if he isn't given the absurdly low price.
DraftKings: $2,600
Eduardo Escobar
Escobar is a nice cheap option at shortstop on a light schedule Monday when you may want to splurge a bit on pitching. Escobar is swinging a nice stick for the Twins, and is a regular in the lineup, having started each game since August 22. Having player that cheap with a guaranteed lineup spot means you don't have to wait around until lineups are announced in case you're not into that whole "patience" thing. Escobar is hitting .346 since August 20, and although his power isn't long-term trustworthy, has six home runs in that stretch. Escobar gets to face Kyle Lobstein of the Tigers on Monday, who has allowed five and six runs in his last two starts respectively. Escobar has put up points in all but two of his starts since the aforementioned August 20 cut off, and is the rare "safe, cheap play."
DraftKings: $3,100
Tyler Duffey
Monday isn't the best day to cheap out on pitching, and nabbing a pair of studs with cheaper bats may be the best option, but if you're set on saving a few bucks on pitching, Duffey is the guy to go with. The Twins' rookie has struck out seven or more in three of his last five starts, and although he has a 4.18 ERA, a lot of that is due to his rough first outing. Duffey has pitched quite well in his last five starts, going 4-1 with a 2.67 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 30.1 innings. His FIP is lower than his ERA on the season, and he has a good match up in the form of the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers are the 21st best offense in the second half of the season, and aren't nearly as scary as they once were. Plus Duffey faces Kyle Lobstein, giving him a good chance for the win.
DraftKings: $6,800
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