Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Game: Texas Rangers @ Houston Astros – The Battle of the Longhorn State
Date: Sunday March 31, 2013
Related: 2013 Fantasy Baseball AL West Third Baseman
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Overview:
When the MLB scheduling department made the Opening Day game between the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros, they probably expected OF Josh Hamilton to still be in Texas. However, the game now gives us a chance to scout some of the lesser-known bats in fantasy baseball.
There are still some players worth watching, just don’t expect the season to start off with too much of a bang. This game will likely be a rather low scoring affair.
Starting Pitchers: Matt Harrison (TEX) vs. Bud Norris (HOU)
Fantasy Star To Watch:
SS Elvis Andrus, Texas Rangers – Andrus is now the face of Texas and will be the main player to manufacture runs this year. Look for him to get a couple hits, score a run, and steal at least one base in the first game of the year.
Fantasy Player To Avoid:
SP Bud Norris, Houston Astros – The Astros have had a different Opening Day starter in four straight seasons. This year that lucky pitcher will be Bud Norris. The righty posted an ERA over 3.50 for the third time in four years last season, and he has a similarly awful 5.52 ERA this spring. He may be a decent strikeout pitcher, but he simply can’t keep the ball in the park. If Norris happens to be on your roster, I would think about benching him this week.
Fantasy Sleeper To Start:
OF Justin Maxwell, Houston Astros – Maxwell gets no credit as a power-hitter, but he will surprise people in the opening game of the year. He has a great mix of power and speed, so make sure to pay attention each time he steps into the batter’s box.
Prediction:
Texas Rangers win 4-2.
Adam McGill is the Senior Fantasy Sports Writer at Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @adammcgill83, like him on Facebook, or add him to you networks on Google here or here.
