The Daily Duel: FanDuel Value Picks

This article is part of our The Daily Duel series.

This column will focus on players that are good "Values" in FanDuel's salary cap contests. Typically, I'll try to cover a player or two at each position every week throughout the season. Remember a value here could be a minimum-priced player ($2200) or a higher-priced option that is still undervalued based on expected production.

This week I'm going to add a new section called "Newbies." I used this section last year to outline players called up over the last week. The purpose of this section is to let you know their price and give you my opinion on their fantasy prospects.

VALUES

Catcher

Derek Norris, $3200 – Norris is a regular in the lineup against left-handed pitchers, and he's making a strong case to be in there against right-handers as well. He clubbed two home runs Sunday off Gio Gonzalez and now holds a 1.108 OPS vs. southpaws this year. Norris has shown improvement against righties this season with a 1.031 OPS, almost 600 points higher than his mark against them last season. He hasn't let his home park slow him down and actually has more home runs at home than on the road over the last three years.

First Base

Matt Adams, $2600 – I'm a little puzzled that Adams' price has fallen to this level given that he's hitting .310 to start the season. I'd only recommend using him against right-handed pitching, as he's hitting .351 with both of his home runs against righties. I'd guess there's more power here than Adams has shown and the only red flag is his 33:4 K:BB ratio.

Third Base

Mike Olt, $3000 – I wanted to bring up Olt, who I think is a great play in Guaranteed Prize Pools. He hasn't been heavily owned this season, but he's been quietly crushing southpaws. Against left-handed pitching, Olt has a .924 OPS that includes four home runs in 29 at-bats. Pass on him when there is a righty (.161 BA) on the mound.

Shortstop

Ian Desmond, $2700 – Desmond is off to a slow start batting only .217 through his first 37 games and his strikeout rate has risen five percent this season. He doesn't appear to be hurt and should turn things around at the plate before too long. Desmond is the only shortstop to go at least 20/20 in each of the last two seasons, which is why he was considered one of the top fantasy shortstops coming into this season. Use him while his price is dirt-cheap.

Outfield

Jason Heyward, $2800 – Heyward has struggled at the plate to start the season batting only .209. The good news here is that most of his numbers (walk and strikeout rate) seem to be in line with his career norms, meanwhile his BABIP is 29 points lower than last year's mark. Heyward does have three home runs and six stolen bases, and he's only two years removed from a 27-homer, 21-steal campaign. Look for the 24-year-old outfielder to turn things around soon.

NEWBIES

First Base

C.J. Cron, $2800 – Cron has hit the ground running since getting called up, posting a 1.107 OPS over his first seven games with the big club. He hit his first home run Saturday against the Blue Jays and has found himself hitting in the middle of the Angels lineup. Cron has some pop in his bat and has the upside to hit around 15 home runs from here on out.

Second Base

Rougned Odor, $2400 – With Jurickson Profar and Donnie Murphy both landing on the DL, Odor will get a chance to see if he is ready for the big time. Odor is a legitimate fantasy prospect that has some speed and a little pop in his bat. The 20-year-old may need some time to develop his power stroke, but he's worth a look in the short term while receiving at-bats for the Rangers.

Shortstop

Grant Green, $2500 – Like Cron, Green is getting a chance at playing time with the Angels due to a rash of injuries. Green has played both third base and the outfield, but as of now only qualifies at shortstop on FanDuel. Green received some experience last season with both Oakland and the Angels, and he has consistently hit for average with a little power throughout his minor league career.