MLB: Daily Fantasy First Half Most Valuable Players

The unofficial first half of the baseball is over, and it's time to reflect on who's been great in the first half for us in daily fantasy.  A bunch of my colleagues over here at FakeTeams have released their first half rankings, if you haven't checked them out do so.  This article will be different from theirs, and might even include names you never expected.

Starting Pitcher, Garrett Richards, Los Angeles Angels - You ask why is Richards on this list? He wasn't the best pitcher in baseball in the first half, he wasn't an all star, all true - but he was also priced considerably lower than "ace" pitchers, and returned almost the same value.  Richards was actually a sleeper of mine for roto leagues, but he has exceeded expectations far and beyond.  With an 11-2 record, a 2.50 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 131 K's, and no signs of slowing down, it's safe to say we have a heir apparent to Jered Weaver in Los Angeles.

Honorable Mentions - Dallas Keuchel (HOU), Scott Kazmir (OAK), and Jason Hammel (OAK).

Catcher, Victor Martinez, Detroit Tigers - I do realize V-Mart doesn't catch that many games anymore, but he is catcher eligible in a bunch of DFS sites.  Martinez has had a monster year so far, with 21 home runs, 51 RBIs and a .322 AVG, and up until recently he was on an even pace in HR/K ratio, absolutely amazing.  V-Mart has been the most valuable catcher thus far, hands down.

Honorable Mentions: John Jaso (OAK), Devin Mesoraco (CIN), and Miguel Montero (ARI)

First Base, Jose Abreu, Chicago White Sox - I bet you thought I would put Anthony Rizzo here didn't you? I actually did have a hard time deciding between Abreu and Edwin Encarnacion, but Abreu won out based on pricing through out the first half .  Abreu has been better than advertised, heading in to the all star break he lead the MLB with 29 homers, and he spent time on the DL!!!! Abreu is an awesome hitter, and already has four multi home run games this season, great job White Sox.

Honorable Mentions: Anthony Rizzo (CHC), Edwin Encarnacion (TOR), and Justin Morneau (COL).

Second Base, Scooter Gennett, Milwaukee Brewers - I could have went Cano, I could have gone Altuve, but I'm going for a guy who gives you the most bang for your buck.  Gennett has been underpriced all season, with no justified reason.  With a .306 AVG to go along with 8 homers, 34 RBIs, 42 runs, and 5 stolen bases, there is nothing not to like - other that he has been a platoon player thus far.

Honorable Mentions: Jose Altuve (HOU), Brian Dozier (MIN), and Ian Kinsler (DET).

Third Base, Josh Donaldson, Oakland Athletics - Donaldson tore up pitching in April/May with 15 homers and 46 RBIs.  It took the industry a bit of time to catch up to him pricing wise, and was a great value in the first two months of the DFS season.  Although he has slowed down as of late, those first two months still put him atop my list for third basemen.

Honorable Mentions: Todd Frazier (CIN), Anthony Rendon (WAS), and Adrian Beltre (TEX).

Outfield, Nelson Cruz, Baltimore Orioles - Yeah I'm going there, taking Cruz over Trout for the same reason I took other random players - pricing.  Cruz is a man on a mission after nobody wanted to sign him last year, I bet he will have teams lining up for him this off season.  Cruz has a great first half hitting 28 bombs, 74 RBIs, and 56 runs, not too shabby for a guy nobody wanted.

Honorable Mentions: Michael Brantley (CLE), Charlie Blackmon (COL), and Mike Trout (LAA).