The New York Mets faced a tough loss against the Houston Astros, succumbing 2-1 at Daikin Park. Griffin Canning made a solid debut for the Mets, pitching into the sixth inning with two earned runs on four hits, but he received little offensive support. Jose Siri, who tied the game in the sixth with a well-executed run, was a bright spot for New York, showcasing his speed in the process. The Astros regained the lead shortly thereafter, capitalizing on a crucial mistake by Canning, who left a slider hanging for Jeremy Peña, allowing him to hit a home run. Despite a valiant effort from the bullpen, the Mets couldn't muster the offense needed to secure a victory.

Finding value in your fantasy baseball drafts can set the stage for championship success. By targeting players at each position who are projected to put up comparable numbers to more popular counterparts, but are available significantly later in drafts, savvy managers can enhance their rosters without breaking the bank.

This approach begins with catchers, where Will Smith of the Los Angeles Dodgers is a compelling alternative to the overvalued Adley Rutschman. While Rutschman (ADP 73) is expected to play more games, Smith (ADP 126) could produce similar stats, thanks largely to the Dodgers' utilization of Shohei Ohtani in the DH spot. Moving to first base, Vinnie Pasquantino could outperform Josh Naylor while being drafted much later, offering a better value proposition despite concerns over injury histories.

The second base spot offers a similar story, with Jordan Westburg providing a cheaper alternative to Ozzie Albies. At third, Eugenio Suarez, who has consistently delivered power stats, is a solid pick over the hyped Mark Vientos. Lastly, in the outfield, Heliot Ramos has the potential to match Nick Castellanos’ production, making him a great late-round target. These selections reflect a strategic mindset, focusing on maximizing value across all positions.

By leveraging these insights, fantasy managers can bolster their teams effectively and position themselves for a successful season.

Jeremy Peña is focusing on a simplified batting stance this spring, allowing him to concentrate better on pitch recognition. His updated mechanics have led to improved contact rates and a slight decrease in strikeouts. However, Peña still struggles with chasing pitches outside the zone, which could hinder further improvements in his offensive output.

With a higher hard-hit rate and a league-average OPS, Peña's performance shows promise. The Astros' coaching staff emphasizes that enhancing his pitch selection will lead to better hitting opportunities. Peña's early spring training results suggest he is making strides, hitting well and being more selective at the plate.

The Houston Astros are putting a renewed focus on infield defense as they prepare for the upcoming season. After ranking 19th in defensive metrics last year, the addition of Gold Glove winner Christian Walker to first base aims to address the team’s struggles, particularly with a -14 runs saved at the position. Manager Joe Espada acknowledged the need for improvement, stating that defense remains a key strength of the organization.

This spring, the Astros are experimenting with Jose Altuve in left field, allowing Mauricio Dubón to potentially take over at second base. Dubón, a utility player who won a Gold Glove, had a solid defensive season last year, and Espada hopes that Walker’s addition will elevate the entire right side of the infield. The Astros believe improved metrics are essential, especially with pitchers like Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown leading the rotation, both of whom favor groundball pitching.

Yordan Alvarez and Jeremy Peña are ready to make their Grapefruit League debuts for the Houston Astros against the Mets. Manager Joe Espada noted that José Altuve will also be making his spring debut, playing left field, which he is learning in camp. The Astros are slowly integrating their veterans into games. Injury updates reveal that reliever Shawn Dubin has inflammation in his throwing shoulder, while outfielder Pedro León is sidelined with a Grade 1 MCL strain.

On a positive note, Lance McCullers Jr. had a successful bullpen session and is expected to face hitters soon. Luis Garcia also threw off a mound and felt good, but the number of bullpens he will need remains uncertain. Additionally, the Astros have reassigned pitchers Glenn Otto and Ray Gaither to minor-league camp due to shoulder issues. The team's cautious approach aims to keep their key players healthy for the upcoming season.