This article is part of our FantasyAces MLB series.
If you've been following my hockey recommendations for Fantasy Aces, you have seen some pretty good advice. Let's see if that translates to baseball, as I don't want to be a one trick pony.
SP Max Scherzer $7,750 - Let's begin with easy math. Scherzer has been a top pitcher in the AL the last few seasons. Now he moves to the NL, arguably to the best team in the senior circuit. No DH. I like his chances to have monster year, and it begins with a good matchup at home against an ordinary looking Mets lineup.
SP Drew Hutchison $6,300 - Hutchison picked up this spring where he left off after strong second half last season. His bulldog approach has vaulted him to the head of an interesting starting rotation in Toronto. He is supported by one of the deepest and strongest batting orders in baseball.
C Yan Gomes $4,700 - One of the top power-hitting catchers, Gomes is always a good option if you don't want to "punt." He ran into 21 bombs last year and posted a .278 BA, again one of the best at this position.
2B/SS Alcides Escobar $4,550 - Escobar is a disruptive force on the bases, and you can put him down for 25-30 thefts again this season. He is durable player and has always displayed pretty good range in solidifying the team's defense up the middle, which will keep him in the lineup.
2B/SS Aaron Hill $4,550 - Hill is one of a few veterans on a squad that is in rebuilding mode, so he is viewed as a team leader. He is looking to rebound from a season that saw a drop in his overall batting and power numbers. His price makes him a good value Monday against the Giants.
1B/3B Michael Morse $4,550 - The Marlins are a club that has a lot of nice pieces as they prepare to take a big step toward contending in the NL East. They are looking for big things out of Morse, who is being tabbed as their cleanup hitter. He is expected to be an everyday player, though he has only once amassed more than 500 plate appearances (2011).
1B/3B Lonnie Chisenhall $4,500 - Chisenhall is a corner infielder with some pop as well as his versatility on defense, which makes him valuable to the Indians. He has also developed a better eye at the plate, taking more walks and developing more power, driving up his slugging numbers and his on-base percentage. He is a lock to be a productive middle-of-the-order guy in Cleveland again this season.
OF Alex Rios $4,600 - Rios' production suffered last season as he endured numerous injuries. A thumb injury limited him in spring training, but he still had an encouraging March, batting .308/.368/.538. As the everyday right fielder, Rios should have plenty of chances to steal bases even if his power doesn't return to the 20-25 HR level.
OF Alejandro De Aza $4,300 - De Aza has speed to burn and should still be targeted as a leadoff hitter who could be a disruptive force and a distraction on the basepaths for the opposition.
OF Michael Bourn $4,600 - You will have noticed by now, that I am looking for speed in my Monday lineup, because I believe in the axiom that pitchers are ahead of hitters at the start of a season. Bourn is yet another of those players who can put pressure on defenses because of his speed. He saw a drop in his stolen bases (only 10) but has vowed that he is working on his legs and wants to return to the ways that carved his reputation.
Util Aramis Ramirez $4,600 - Even though he is 36, Ramirez enters this season as the Brewers' cleanup batter in a potent lineup, hitting behind perennial MVP candidate Ryan Braun and righty-mashing first baseman Adam Lind.
