Welcome to another edition of Ben’s Building Blocks! In this article, I will outline the players I’m looking to build my main lineup around for today’s slate. If you want access to my core plays for every main slate, as well as one of the best discord communities in the industry, click here.
What’s up everybody! I’m running a bit short on time today so I’m going to write up three players I’m planning on plugging into my optimal lineup. Be sure to pick up a package with access to my Final Thoughts sheet for my closing decisions on this slate.
Miguel Cabrera- I’ve actually had a ton of interest in this Tigers team this week, and that isn’t changing tonight against Jon Lester. This offense has been shockingly good against left-handed pitching this season, and Lester, per usual, has been bad. His numbers have dipped even further this season allowing a .280 ISO and 44% hard-contact to right-handed batters. Miggy isn’t the hitter he once was, but he can still do damage against southpaws. Over the last two seasons he has the second-highest ISO on the team vs LHP at .216. The on-base skills haven’t diminished either, and he is over 40% line drives in 2020. He comes at an extremely cheap price tag, and is tough to avoid for me on another spend-up for pitching night.
Stephen Piscotty- People are starting to catch on, but this A’s roster is really good against left-handed pitching. They face another mediocre lefty tonight in Kolby Allard who has allowed a .361 wOBA to righties this season. Piscotty does have pop, but he also is a just a good hitter with the highest line drive rate on the team vs lefties over the last two seasons. I expect the A’s to be a popular stack tonight, and he is batting second for under $4,000 on DraftKings.
Trevor Story- With two value plays listed, I’m looking at Trevor Story for my top spend up against Robbie Ray. Story has been tattooing the ball this series vs the Diamondbacks, and Ray has been even more susceptible to power this season. Last season, Ray allowed a .221 ISO to righties while in 2020 that number has spiked to over .350. He throws primarily fastball/slider to right-handers, two pitches Story sports over 40% hard-contact against. He is my favorite spend-up tonight over some of the A’s players, and I will be actively trying to pair him with Nolan Arenado.
For SP analysis, see my Final Thoughts sheet!
Written by Ben Hossler (Follow @BenHossler on Twitter)
