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Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Mike Fiers allowed five earned runs, eight hits and a walk with two strikeouts over 3 1/3 innings, and he served up three home runs in the Cactus League spring finale against the Chicago Cubs. It was his final tune-up before he makes the Opening Day start in Tokyo against the Seattle Mariners next week. The homers were obviously alarming, but to be fair there was a stiff wind blowing out. He is still a decent AL-only fantasy option and an intriguing DFS play f[...]

Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Mike Fiers was in line to start the Cactus League spring game Sunday, but he threw 60 pitches in a simulated game at the minor-league complex instead. There isn't anything to worry about, however, as managed Bob Melvin didn't want him to face the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, a division rival, for a second consecutive spring start. "At times for veteran guys that have faced a majority of these hitters, they can get a little something out of it, too," Melvin s[...]

Fantasy experts are placing a bigger emphasis on drafting elite starters early this year. It is apparent this strategy is making its way across the fantasy community, as the high-end starters are being valued higher than before. In points leagues, this is a wise methodology, as an ace can serve as the backbone of a fantasy team. Seven different SPs tallied over 600 points in standard formats, whereas only six hitters reached that mark. Even Mike Trout failed to reach that level of production tha[...]

Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Jesus Luzardohas yet to pitch a big league inning, yet the 21-year-old is being as hyped up as any rookie starter coming into 2019. While hype can easily lead to disappointment, the young Peruvian has allowed just 43 earned runs in 152 2/3 minor league innings. He has also struck out 177, walked just 35, and has allowed 7.3 hits per nine innings as well.[...]

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We continue our fantasy baseball tiered rankings analysis with the second base position. The sun is still rising on 2019, but RotoBaller writers JB Branson, Pierre Camus, Chris Zolli and myself are here with our initial pre-draft rankings to give you a sense of player values as early as possible. As the offseason progresses, these rankings are sure to change quite a bit over the coming weeks. [...]

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The Oakland Athletics re-signed starting pitcher Mike Fiers to a two-year deal that could be worth up to $15 million on Saturday. The 33-year-old is coming off his best season in the big leagues, going 12-8 with a 3.56 ERA with the Tigers and A's. As long as Fiers can continue limiting his walks, there is real fantasy appeal in mixed leagues, especially with him returning to one of the most pitcher-friendly ballparks in baseball.