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.
Values
Catcher
Yadier Molina, $2900 – Despite a relatively slow start to the season, Molina is still considered one of the best offensive catchers in baseball. His price has dropped due to a recent drop in production, as he's only hitting .186 over the last two weeks (49 plate appearances). Still, he sports a 7:6 K:BB ratio during that span, so he doesn't appear to be pressing at the plate. It shouldn't be too long before Molina breaks out of his mini-slump. Take advantage of him while the price is low.
First Base
Albert Pujols, $3000 – Pujols has gone through a power outage as of late, hitting only one home run in his last 14 games. While the batting average (.249) leaves something to be desired, Pujols' 15 home runs are only two off last year's season total. Given Pujol's track record, there isn't much too much concern with his recent dip in power, and considering Paul Goldschmidt is currently priced at $5200, the value in Pujols' low price tag is obvious.
Second Base
Ben Zobrist, $2900 – Zobrist is one of the harder players for me to evaluate. After averaging 20 home runs and 16 stolen bases from 2011-2012, he managed just 12 homers and 11 steals a year ago. While he's on the wrong side of 33, I still preach on a weekly basis to take players with a nice power and speed combo, and Zobrist still fits that bill. At some point the Rays offense will pick up and Zobrist will likely have a hand in it.
Third Base
Aramis Ramirez, $2800 – Ramirez easily could have gone in the "Newbies" section after getting activated from the DL, but I'm going to try and keep that section reserved for call-ups over the next few weeks. Ramirez, in my opinion, was grossly undervalued heading into this season considering the numbers he's put up when healthy. He continues to hit in the heart of the Brewers order while playing in a plus-hitter's park. The veteran third baseman has hit two home runs since returning to action.
Shortstop
Starlin Castro, $2800 – Castro is quietly putting together a solid season with eight home runs and a .276 batting average. The disappointment here is that he doesn't run anymore after swiping 25 bags two seasons ago -- he has only attempted two steals this season. On a good note, he's only 12 RBI away from last season's total and is on pace for a career-high in home runs. Daily Gamers should strongly consider using Castro, especially if the weather calls for the wind to be blowing out at Wrigley.
Outfield
Carlos Beltran, $2800 – After a slow start to the season and a stint on the DL, Beltran has seen his price drop drastically. At 37, decline should be expected, but it's unlikely that his fantasy value has completely fallen off a cliff. Playing in Yankee Stadium will work to his advantage and he should have no problem eclipsing the 20-home run mark again as long as he stays healthy.
Newbies
Shortstop
Eugenio Suarez, $3000 – If you play daily fantasy baseball, you're going to notice a player who homers twice in a week after they get called up. Unfortunately, Suarez's price has already gone up but that doesn't mean you should shy away from using him, especially in Guaranteed Prize Pools. His numbers in the minors were respectable and he has enough speed to steal a base on occasion.
Outfield
Gregory Polanco, $3000 – Polonco was finally called up by Pirates this week, giving much pleasure to everyone that has stashed him in season-long formats. In daily fantasy sports, Polanco should prove to have value before too long. The Pirates' top prospect should have a green light on the base paths and he has enough pop in his bat to flirt with 10 home runs from here on out. He was batting a lofty .347 at Triple-A in the pitcher-friendly International League and should score plenty of runs if he stays near the top of Pittsburgh's lineup.
