It is my pleasure to bring to you the first full-slate “Stack the Deck” of 2017. As Nick Berns noted in the Opening Day edition, this article will look a bit different day-to-day as we try to bring you the information you need in a unique and fun way.
You will play an important role in this endeavor. Let me know what you would like to see in this space going forward, as well as any other content you are looking for. Leave me a comment below, post in the FANation boards or hit me up on Twitter.
For my first go at the “Stack the Deck” article, I decided to identify four stacks to consider, including specific players I like for each stack. As always, things can change based on lineups and weather, so don’t be afraid to plug in Stephen Drew if he gets a start, and feel free to play Odubel Herrera if you like him, even though I prefer some of his teammates.
Stacks for Tuesday, April 3
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Scott Feldman
This is probably my favorite stack of the day, because it is so cheap, especially on FanDuel. Scott Feldman is one of the weakest pitchers on the slate and batting in Great American Ballpark is rarely a bad thing. Michael Saunders, Tommy Joseph, Andres Blanco, Maikel Franco and Howie Kendrick are all solid value plays, and playing a Phillies stack will allow you to pay up for pitching or stud hitters at other positions.
Houston Astros vs. Felix Hernandez
Felix Hernandez had an 8.10 ERA in two starts against Houston last year, and all the Astros did in the offseason was add Carlos Beltran, who is 6-for-11 with two walks against King Felix. Jose Altuve is a robust 11-for-22 against Hernandez, and from there you can save some money with Brian McCann and Josh Reddick or pay up for George Springer and Carlos Correa and save money elsewhere.
Seattle Mariners vs. Dallas Keuchel
This may be the riskiest stack of the day since Dallas Keuchel is a strong candidate to bounce back after a pretty terrible 2016. That being said, Danny Valencia and Nelson Cruz are always strong plays against lefties, while Mike Zunino and Mitch Haniger represent value plays.
Washington Nationals vs. Edinson Volquez
You probably don’t need a reason to play Daniel Murphy and Bryce Harper against a weak righty, but I like that you can stack those guys with reasonably-priced left-handed bats like Adam Eaton and Adam Lind.
Other stacks receiving votes:
Oakland Athletics vs. Ricky Nolasco
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Jhoulys Chacin