Friday’s MLB Picks

 C – Chris Iannetta: Maybe not the exact start Iannetta wanted to his 2012 season, but even though his batting average is down, he has 2 homeruns, and the right handed hitting catcher has the privilege of facing the struggling lefty Brian Matusz (0-2 8.38 ERA).

Other catcher to consider: Brian McCann (hitting right at .300 with at least 1 hit in 8 of his last 9 games)

1b – Freddie Freeman: In years past, the Braves have been known for their offensive struggles, but 2012 is a different story.  The Braves are atop many offensive categories and Freeman is red hot.  2 homeruns last night, and 3 homeruns in his last 2 games (5 RBIs last night).  Priced at 6.4K on draftstreet, he seems like a steal, and a no brainer play. 

Other 1b to consider: Albert Pujols (facing LHP Brian Matusz) 

2b – Jose Altuve: Quietly, the little guy is putting together a nice start to his 2012 season.  He is batting over .400 in his last 7 games, and he is batting .348 on the season.  In addition, he faces a lefty in Ted Lilly today. 

3b – Mark Trumbo: The Angels 3^rd basemen has missed some time this season due to illness, but he has 2 homeruns and is batting just under .400.  Once again, we hope he can feast on the lefty Matusz. 

Other 3b to consider: Ryan Zimmerman: After a slow start, Zimmerman has had at least 1 hit in his last 4 games which included his 1^st homerun of the season last night. 

SS – Rafael Furcal: Maybe one of the biggest surprises this season, Furcal has been exactly what the Cardinals wanted out of their leadoff hitter.  He is batting .353, which included a 4 hit game three nights ago. 

OF - Jason Heyward: After a dismal sophomore campaign, Heyward has been looking like his 2010 self to start this season.  He is batting .350 this season with 2 homeruns, but the most surprising stat are his 5 steals this quickly into the season. 

OF – Josh Willingham: The Twins cleanup hitter has 5 homeruns already and is batting .340.  He loves Left handed pitching, and he faces LHP Matt Moore today. 

OF – Matt Holliday: After a dismal start to his season, Holliday seems to have finally found his stoke as he hit his 2^nd homerun of the season last night which included a 3 RBI performance.  

OF – Josh Reddick: The 3 hole hitter for Oakland has hovered all year so far at the .300 mark, and since he is only priced at 5.4K in the heart of Oakland’s lineup, he could be a sneaky play. 

SP – Ubaldo Jimenez: Ubaldo has had a pretty good start to his season as he has averaged 6 innings in two starts with a 1-0 record.  Tonight he has a very favorable matchup against the struggling A’s.  12.6K seems very fair since he should put up terrific numbers against an offense that ranks 27^th in runs scored this season and 30^th in batting average. 

SP – Kyle Drabek: Drabek has started the year perfect with a 2-0 margin and a 1.42 ERA.  He has Royals tonight, and the Royals are 25^th in scoring.  If Drabek can keep the Orioles and Red Sox at bay, he should have no problem against the Royals. 

Other SP to consider: Brandon Beachy: The Diamondbacks are already being hit with the injury bug leaving their lineup depleted that is already 26^th in batting average this season.  Furthermore, Beachy has a 0.75 ERA in two starts.  Look for 6 innings and one earned run tonight.

RP – Craig Kimbel: The reigning Rookie of the Year is a perfect 4 for 4 is save opportunities.  Kimbrel hasn’t had an appearance is almost a week so he’s due any time soon.  We predict the Braves win today 5-3 giving Kimbrel the save.

RP – Chris Perez: Tonight the Indians face an Oakland team who is at the bottom of every offensive category.  This being said, we see Ubaldo keeping Oakland off the board and turning it over to Perez to work the 9^th in a low scoring affair.  Perez has not allowed a run in his last 5 appearances.

OSF’s Lineup:

Roster

Infield

Pos	Name	Salary
C	Chris Iannetta (LAA-C)	$6,655
1B	Freddie Freeman (ATL-1B)	$6,391
2B	Jose Altuve (HOU-2B)	$6,529
3B	Mark Trumbo (LAA-3B)	$7,793
SS	Rafael Furcal (STL-SS)	$7,694

Outfield & Utility

Pos	Name	Salary
OF	Jason Heyward (ATL-OF)	$8,610
OF	Josh Willingham (MIN-OF)	$8,892
OF	Matt Holliday (STL-OF)	$7,255
U	Josh Reddick (OAK-OF)	$5,400
U	Brian McCann (ATL-C)	$7,836

Pitchers

Pos	Name	Salary
SP	Ubaldo Jimenez (CLE-SP)	$12,610
SP	Kyle Drabek (TOR-SP)	$9,284
RP	Craig Kimbrel (ATL-RP)	$2,669
P	Chris Perez (CLE-RP)	$2,325

Total Salary $99,943

Over / Under($100k)$57