To discuss Francisco Liriano at Razzball HQ, I gathered the Random Italicized Voice, MR. AL CAPS and Larry King. After eating me out of house and home — “The selection was pretty meager. Freezer pops, really?” “NOT A THING TO DRINK,” “Anyone see where I put down my teeth?” – we talked about Liriano. He started off in the preseason in my top 10 starters for 2011. “That call looks as pretty as Rocky Dennis.“ “YOU SHOULD’VE FOLLOWED THAT CALL WITH SAYING TYLER COLVIN WOULD HIT 40 HOME RUNS.” “I wonder if my teeth are in the bathroom.” April saw Liriano’s ERA balloon to 9.13 and a lot of talk about how the Twins asked him to throw to contact. Yeah, why strike out guys when you can have hitters hit balls into holes? “I’d like to hit some of my random italicized balls into holes.“ “NICE ONE, RIV!” “Hey, what do you know? I clipped the potato bag closed with my teeth.” In May, Liriano had an ERA of 2.52 and a no hitter, but he still didn’t look completely right. In June, he’s given up one earned run in 13 innings. More importantly, he has more Ks than innings pitched. After his June 7th start, I said that was the best he’s looked all year, including the no-hitter. On Sunday, he looked better — 8 IP, 1 ER, 2 hits, zero walks and 9 Ks vs. the Rangers. He’s not at 100% owned in ESPN, I’d go ahead and fix that. Also, if you can get a Liriano owner to think he’s selling high, I’d see if I could still buy low. Remember some of these owners are still dealing with early season scars when he looked like hot garbage. Anyway, here’s what else I saw this weekend in fantasy baseball:
Joe Mauer – Supposed to return on Thursday. I’ll give him an over/under of 7 home runs on the year. I’ll give him and Morneau combined an over/under of 14 homers. Or two less than The Drubal has right now. “Why do I own Morneau in multiple leagues?” That’s me standing on the edge of the Golden Gate Bridge with tears streaming down my cheeks.
Mike Napoli – Headed to the DL with a strained oblique. The bad news is he’ll probably miss three to four weeks. The good news is it’s three to four weeks without questioning why Napoli isn’t playing. If humans use 10% of their brains and 7% of that is used with Napoli questions, suddenly you’re all gonna be like Travolta in Phenomenon. Forget picking up a free agent catcher, pick up a tractor trailer with a wiggle of your finger.
Miguel Olivo – Hit two more home runs on Sunday. All he does is hit home runs! (For a week or two then goes crazy cold.)
Justin Smoak – Hit his 2nd home run in the last three days, now has 12 on the year. I think next year he’s going to be terrific, but this year he might just be a tad better than Mitch Moreland. BTW, who names their kid, Mitch? That’s one of the few times the long form of a name — Mitchell — is far preferable. Hmm, looking again at the Google Map of this post, it looks like I could’ve avoided the Mitch detour.
Bartolo Colon – To the 15 day DL. When Colon heard he had a strained hammy, he asked if it was glazed.
Jorge Posada – 2-for-3 and is now only six points away in average from Russell Martin (.226 vs. .232). That’s not a positive for Posada, but a negative for Russell Martin, who I told people to sell back in April.
Derek Jeter – 7 from 3,000. Tony Gwynn said the last ten hits are the hardest to 3,000. Gwynn, “Until you get those last 10 hits, you won’t even enjoy the activity you enjoy most. For you, that’s probably banging Minka Kelly. For me, it was eating Big Macs.”
Aaron Harang – Headed to the DL with a foot injury, which for the Harangatuan could be his hands, not sure. Since Dustin Moseley is also ailing, Wade LeBlanc could fill in the rotation. In deeper mixed and NL-Only leagues, he’s a decent Hodgepadre flyer.
Anthony Rizzo – Homered on Saturday. It’s Rizzo, jerky!
John Axford – Recorded his 18th save to go along with his 2.97 ERA. Member when you dropped him the first week of the season? Yeah, I’d suggest Ritalin for the Attention Deficit Drops.
Dustin Pedroia – Since the knee scare, he’s actually been great. Yesterday, he hit a home run, before that two three-hit days. Maybe I was irrationally worried about his knee, or maybe I just couldn’t put my finger on his can’t-put-your-finger-on-it-ness.
David Ortiz – 2-for-6, 4 RBIs and his 17th home run while sporting a .325 average. His collapse next year is gonna catch some fantasy owners off guard, but think about the poor schmuck who’s gonna give him a 3-year, $45 million contract. Ed Wade’s Toupee, “If we had a DH, I’d consider it. We don’t have a DH, right?”
Kyle Drabek – 4 IP, 8 ER. Will have a nice career at some point, but right now he looks like five kinds of wrong with a side of meh. Speaking of meh, Super 8, though it ended up being just disappointing because of expectations. How does J.J. Abrams go wrong with Close Encounters meets E.T. meets Stand By Me? Only thing that could have been more disappointing is if David Simon was somehow involved, but he’s busy disappointing me with Treme. I will say I would like to see an updated Goonies built around the pyromaniac kid with braces. Finally we have a new Mouth. If that kid isn’t mainlining heroin within 5 years because of all the money he’s about to make, he should fire his parents.
Hunter Pence – Sat out Sunday with a sore back. I have a sore “lacking a 2nd outfielder” on my fantasy teams, so hopefully it’s not a major issue.
Allen Craig – To the DL. Hopefully, the Rays call up Desmond Jennings soon. What does that have to do with Allen Craig? Nothing.
Rubby de la Rosa – 5 IP, 3 ER, 6 baserunners, 6 Ks. Left the game early rubbing his index finger. He was either injured or playing charades with his name.
Andre Ethier – 0-for-4, hitting .321 with 5 homers and no steals on the year. He is such an empty average and, when that falls to .300, you’re gonna be left with even less.
Scott Elbert – Got the Dodgers first save in 3 weeks. This was just a situational save; I wouldn’t run out and add Elbert. I would add Elbert before Roeper though. He was worse for their show than Ebert’s cancer.
Ubaldo Jimenez – 5 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 12 baserunners, 2 Ks and 5 unearned runs. Holy ticker shock!
Carlos Gonzalez – 3-for-5 with only his 2nd slam and legs this year, as his owners hunger for more. He now has 9 homers and 10 steals. He’s just about on pace for where I thought he’d be.
J.P. Howell – Ye of the 10+ ERA got the save yesterday even though Farnsworth wasn’t overworked on Saturday. I think it was just a one time thing for Thurston and Lovey’s kid, but it’s worth monitoring. Or not. Your choice.
Mark Reynolds – On Saturday, he hit 2 home runs. On Sunday, he left the game with a left arm contusion, according to ESPN. Is it me or are teams using the word contusion a lot recently? Was contusion just the Word of the Day at Dictionary.com? Did Selig send around a memorandum that teams should start using contusion? It’s a bruise, people.
Adam Jones – 2-for-4 with his 9th homer. He’s been better than Heyward. Cust kayin’.
Dan Uggla – 2-for-3 with his 8th home run and first since May 15th. Or the first home run for Uggla since we lost the rapper of Teach Me How To Dougie. Good to see Uggla’s finally putting that behind him.
Tommy Hanson – 7 IP, 1 ER, 5 baserunners, 14 Ks. First name: Hommy. Last name: Tanson. Middle Name: Butter.
Craig Kimbrel – Venters recorded his 3rd save on Sunday but the word on the streets of Atlanta is Kimbrel is still the closer, he just needed to rest. Here’s a revolutionary idea, rest him during non-save situations.
Sergio Santos – Got the save yesterday but he’s now given up 8 earned runs in his last three outings. I could see grabbing Thornton on spec, but I’d leave him on my bench for now.
Adam Dunn – Hit his 2nd home run in the last 4 days. An Uggla and Dunn homer on the same day. It’s a total eclipse of a bad start.
Scott Sizemore – 1-for-3 with his first home run. He went 3-for-4 on Friday and has been playing every day. If you’re hurting at middle or corner infidel, it’s worth looking at him.
Tyler Chatwood – 3 2/3 IP, 5 ER as he got Mazzacred.
Jordan Zimmermann – 7 IP, 0 ER, 5 baserunners, 10 Ks. I love him, enough’s been written on that. But, let’s be clear, against the Padres in Petco isn’t exactly facing the 1927 Yankees in Coors.
Elvis Andrus – Was pulled from the game for a lack of energy going to first. Ron Washington, “Was setting an example, but I know about wanting to savor it when you go down a line…”
Alcides Escobar – 2-for-3 with his 8th steal. Yeah, yeah, fail with a hashtag for Alcides, but he’s 10 for his last 17 with 2 steals.
Mike Moustakas – Homered on Saturday. The Royals should hand out bottles of tahini and have their fans squirt each other in the face after a home run. It’s Greek love!
‘morning Grey.
Who are the top 2 or 3 of these middle infield options for the rest of the season (20-team redraft roto league)?
Here are the available choices: Scutaro, J Weeks, Jamey Carroll, Alexi Casilla, Scott Sizemore, and Nishioka.
Many thanks!
Vinnie Pestano is back!(…giving up a solo HR shot to Teixeira…)
Epic rundown.
Do you think either CarGo or Ubaldo will ever come close to their 2010 seasons again?
@Grey,
Which SP do you like most ROS? (10 team H2H) Baker, Collmenter, Volquez, Niese, Minor, or Beachy (when he returns) Thanks for the help!!
Soria, Ian Kennedy and Elvis Andrus for Hanley. Who wins?
Pestano serving up a fat one to Tex cost me last week’s ERA category, and contributed to me losing WHIP (Ubaldo did most of the damage there)…
@ Grey,
What do I do with Eric Young Jr? I called him up on 5 June from my minor league roster and my league stipulates that I have to keep him rostered for 2 months. I’m trying to trade him but obviously he has zero trade value. I picked up Charlie Blackmon as a handcuff but ain’t sure how that’ll work out.
Should I move EY2 at all costs? Should I ride it out and see what happens (the Rox offense has been abysmal, they’ve got to get better, at least a little better)… or should I stop spending so much time on all this and get back to bodybuilding?
Thanks!
@ltf: @Racehorse: My fault. That only happened after I picked Vinnie up. My apologies.
@Grey Am trying to improve on AVG and while Pujols isn’t the problem he isn’t part of the solution either. If I were to offer him for: Miggy, Votto, AGonz, Prince?
Jason Bourgeois was all set to get his 2nd start in a row(with Pence out) but was a late scratch with a sprained ankle. bad news for a speed guy.
DL is killing me right now. Heyward, Freese, Prado, Span, Wandy(back today), and Craig. in a deep league I had to cut Craig, but picked up returning from the DL Elliot Johnson. I can drop Johnson too, Andrus at SS and Dee Gordon at MI.
when Prado went down, grabbed Chris Johnson for 3B.
@Grey who is better at 3B until Prado returns. hold onto Johnson? or any of these guys? Scott Sizemore, Maicer Izturis, Edwin Encarnacion, Don Kelly, Jack Hannahan, or Scott Rolen who was just dropped yesterday.
Have to drop one with Zimm coming back: Blackmon or Bernadina?
@Grey While I have a lot of love for ‘Filthy’ and I can’t overlook his 83K/80ip, would you drop him for any of: Baker, Morton, Collmenter, Minor? I gues I’m just Pitchy WHIPped! (should that be a razzball term when a pitcher walks as many as he strikes out?)
Adam Jones – 2-for-4 with his 9th homer. He’s been healthier than Heyward. Cust kayin’.
Fixed it for you.
@Grey Sorry about all the posts! Does the same logic apply to ‘MishMets’ as to Hodgpadres in terms of only starting them at home? Looking at Niese @ Atl tomorrow.
Can you rank for H2H Points league? I’ll need 2.
Humber@ARZ, Marcum@BOS (scares me), Cueto@LA, Jackson@MIN, ESantana@SEA.
Hey Grey, hope all is well. Was offered my Werth for his Walker. What do you think?
Grey, loved the round-up today. If you thought Super 8 was disappointing, wait for the sequel – Motel 6…Heyoooo
Re selling Martin, would you drop him for any of Olivo, Arrencibia, or Soto? I’m feeling no. He’s got a 20% LD rate and a very unlucky BABIP of .236. Back injury is a concern, but other than straight up for McCann there’s not much else better at C because C sucks.
I gave up on Treme due to the fact that I didn’t care one bit about what happened to any of the characters. I bet that is what it is like to be a fan of the Dallas Cowboys.
Hey Grey (or is it Gray?), Anywhooooo
Who do you like better for the rest of the season:
Lohse
Liriano
Zimmerman
Stauffer
Thanks!
good lord… coffee through my nose on my monday morning. Damn you Grey… you owe me a new keyboard
Sry……one more for the list…..Tim Hudson
I love me some Frank Liriano. Now with him, Hanson, and Hamels leading my pitching staff, I’m looking pretty deadly.
It was tough but I dropped Humber to nab Bud Norris who amazingly enough was on the wire. Humber was a fantastic 2 start add last week for H2H and now Norris is getting 2 this week. Please tell me dropping Humber was not a mistake!
Is there any site that I could follow to get the jump on the rest of my league when Desmond Jennings is getting the call? Our benches are so thin that it’s tough to justify rostering him when he’s not even a Ray yet.
Grey : Farns was unavailable to close the game yesterday due to having the flu.
I think I’m punting Catcher now that Napoli is down. I think I have more useful bench bats at other positions… even my bench pitching is more useful. Am I wrong? I could pick up Lucroy, Ianetta, Olivio or even Posada… they seem to get relatively steady ABeeees….
Was that a Black Joe Lewis reference? Naw, couldn’t have been.
The RCL standings have been updated.
http://razzball.com/2011-fantasy-razzball-master-standings/
My weekly update is in the forums.
http://razzball.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=21
Trumbo or Rizzo?
pick up thornton or stick with uehera?
best “current non-closer RP” for some save opportunities and low ERA / WHIP? I already have Venters who is the best non-closer RP
grey,hows it going my friend,savoring the line,especially when the 1st is always the best,heheis grady ok as a bench guy,or would you loose him for a jansen type guy or even blackmon or goldschmidt type,
@frank rizzo:
Twitter is what I use to learn about everything baseball related.
Grey, I am platooning Aaron Hill, Ty Wiggington, Alex Casilla and Justin Turner at 2B and MI. I have CarGo, Stanton, Ethier, Alex Gordon, Morse, Delmon Young and Seth Smith filling 4 OF spots.
In a H2H points league would you rather have Mike Young (2b, 3b) or Andre Ethier (OF)?
Ahem, i mean, should i trade Ethier for Young?
@Eddy: So then who do I follow to find out about Jennings? A Tampa beat writer?
Anyone know what Brandon Beachy’s status is? Is he coming back anytime soon?
@ Grey…..good morning LeBronball.
He was worse for their show than Ebert’s cancer.
The Bookhouse Boys believe that’s a little harsh…..
Grey, thoughts on Garza after his last couple outings? I could have him for almost nothing. Should I acquire? What do you think? Thanks.
@Will……pick up Mike Adams
12 team, 5×5 roto, weekly changes
Pick 2 for the week, Bedard, Cueto, Gio Gonzalez
@stynyr: CBS says his timetable is end of June. Needs a few rehab starts before he rejoins the big club.
Saltalamacchia or Wilson Ramos?
@frank rizzo:
Shoot me an email (eddy5791@yahoo[dot]com) and I’ll send you a few of the guys that I follow.
hey g-
Trade my Joyce for his Dunn?
Thanks,
-lou
Anyone know anything about Freese? Any time table for his return? I’m getting sick of Wiggy playing 3rd while Wright is out. I could use someone who, ya know, produces.
I was originally going to give your Moustakas comment an ‘NC-17′ rating, but seeing as it’s a foreign comment, we’ll call it ‘NR’ and say it’s a coming of age story.
It looked like Jennings was gonna beat Mous to the majors, but Rays are cheapskates.
Now, if Upton gets traded to Washington, and Jennings comes up to play CF, that would be a disaster for me. That would give me two CF for next year and no LF, and thus I cannot keep both then. Not worth holding Jennings and wasting a roster spot all year long so far.
anyone riding the Wandwagon tonight?
@Wilsonian:
News/Analysis Headlines Preseason Outlook
Freese cleared for next step: The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Cardinals 3B David Freese (hand) said on Thursday that he has been cleared to begin taking batting practice. He expects to begin a rehab assignment in the next two weeks.
(Updated 06/09/2011)
Injury Report
Hand – 15-day DL. Out until at least mid-July
(Updated – 5/2/11)
Fantasy Analysis
Freese added that his hand’s motion felxibility has been restored, though he has to regenerate lost strength. He will remain marginalized for at least the next couple of weeks. Freese was batting .356 with two homers and 14 RBI before going down with the injury and should be stashed away in deeper mixed leagues while he is on the shelf.
(Updated
Lester/Hosmer/Hamilton for Lilly/Pujols/McCutchen
Which side?
@AL KOHOLIC: thanks man. If Heyward would flippin come back, I’d drop Aaron Hill to stash Mr. Freese in case Wright stays out for a LONG time.
@Wilsonian:
I’d go Pujols side. You’d have above-average pop and some speed to boot. Lilly will be a Kuroda-type player: nothing spectacular, but consistent.
I picked up Ian Stewart after reading about Wigginton’s errors. Stewart is crushing AAA. Hoping he gets called up soon.
Would you rather own Torres or Guerrero?
@Eddy: nice, I just offered that, hopefully getting the Pujols side.
Grey, I give Rasmus and Romero and I get Lester. Worth it? I’d then pick up Desmond Jennings…
My team (12 teams, H2H, 5×5, Non Keeper) :
C: Montero
1B: Cabrera
2B: Johnson
SS: Andrus
3B: Youk
OF: J-Up
OF: Bruce
OF: Lind
Util: Rasmus
Bench: Moustakas
SP: Felix, Verlander, Romero, Scherzer, Liriano, Latos, Lilly, Norris, Matusz
@Vince: Definitely hold.
At what point does Michael Morse become a sell? Can he be startable the entire year or do you move him. I’m on the cusp of a blockbuster where I’d send Morse/Braun/Andrus/Gio Gonz to another team for McCutchen/Holliday/HanRam. Which side you want in that trade?
Derek Jeter…”Why choose? Have you had a Big Mac off the back?”
@Enrique: Nishioka, Weeks…
@ltf: Thanks! Nope
@Mike: Volquez
@Derrick: Andrus
@Racehorse: I’d ride it out a little longer.
@SpecialFNK: Rolen…
@Howard: Bernadina
@Howard: Nope
@Howard: Can start Niese in some leagues.
@BamBam: Marcum, Cueto, Ervin…
@Shibboleth: Eh
@Professor Chaos: Ha
@Rico: Arrencibia
@malacoda: Ha!
@golfnut: Liriano
@toolagio: Hehe
@Mr2Bits: Ah…Thanks!
@CL: Olivo
@VinWins: Thanks!
@Mr. Rickey: Trumbo
@Will: Thornton
@AL KOHOLIC: He’s okay.
@Jah: Young
@stynyr: 2 weeks
@EnglishMetsFan: Ha
@Madballs: Get him.
@Jim: Cueto, Bedard
@Eddy: Salty
@lou rodney: Sure
@Oregon Nut Cups: Ha!
@papasmurf: Yup
@mrobs: Yup
@Tom Emanski: That could be fun.
@Eng: Vlad
@Vince: Sure
@frank rizzo: I’d take Braun.
@Wake Up: Ha
@Grey: Hey Grey….I know your love for the Hebrew Hammer.
What if I switched that to giving up Morse/Bautista/Andrus for McCutchen/Holliday/HanRam? Better for the rest of the season or should I hold?
@Grey: @frank rizzo: I’m wondering the same thing about Morse. Is it time to sell him, or do you think he can keep this up for the long haul?
Leake at home against Tor or Minor at home against the Mets? Also, Ramos or Posada going forward?
@frank rizzo: I’d take the Holliday side.
@Wilsonian: Depends what you’re selling him for.
@C.O.C.: Minor…Posada…
I was watching Home Improvement early this morning and I just realized what Wilson is. He’s a WAGNOF–Wisdom Ain’t Got No Face!
@Grey: Is Casey Mcgehee going to get his shizz together or should I move on? Not many options available: Figgins, Encarnacion, Wigginton, Sizemore (soon).
Those are some depressing options for a 10 team league.
@Grey: well I wouldn’t be dealing him for nothing. But an upper echelon pitcher like Scherzer-ish?
@Grey: Thanks ! The other manager also has CC and Hamels on his staff. Would you take one of them instead of Lester?
start hanley or dee strange gordon this week?
also would you start reynolds over kelljo this week in a util spot?
@Grey,
After yesterday’s stinker, would you drop Matusz for Jordan Schafer as a pre-Desmond Jennings rental? Or pick up Jennings now?
Thanks.
@Grey: Gotta drop Napoli. Who to replace him with? Arencibia, Ramos, Soto, Olivo, and Ruiz are all available.
Joyce or Tabata straight-up for Masternson — thoughts on whether that is too much or not enough?
I don’t really NEED the roster spot, but dropping Colby Lewis seems wise in a cathartic way. Is this being short sighted? Could pick up a dropped Todd Helton, a flyer worthy Franky Frank, speculate on Mike Adams or put a waiver claim in on Melancon. Thoughts?
Morrow is killin me! Would u hold or look for safer options.
Grey-
Sitting in 1st place in one of my keeper leagues (14 teamer) and got bored. Just gave Longoria, Brian Wilson, Jered Weaver, and Tabata for Braun, Kimbrel, Tommy Hanson, and Coughlan. The one part of the deal that I didn’t like was giving up Tabata for Coughlan. Now my team looks like this:
C-Weiters
1B- Votto
2B- Neil Walker
3B- Morel
SS- Castro
LF- Braun
CF- Kemp
RF- Quentin
Utility- Rasmus
Utility- Moreland
Bench- Pedro Alvarez/Barney/Coghlan/Brett Gardner/Jennings/Lawrie
SP- Hanson/Haren/Britton/Kershaw/Lester/Marcum/Morrow/Beachy
RP- Bailey/Kimbrel/Sipp
I love my outfield combo of speed and power, but hate 3B. Do you approve of the trade?
Hi Grey,
Is it time to start Uggla this week or should I stick with Kelly Johnson who I’ve been playing the last month? Thanks!
Who is the best upside/pickup for the rest of the year?
Lilly, A.J Burnett, Zambrano, Arroyo, Homer Bailey, Hughes?
Also good stuff today had me cracking up this morning in my cubicle with the napoli write up
Drop Garza for Zimmermann? I love Garza’s K-rate, but his other ratios are getting on my nerves.
@Tom Emanski: Ha!
@SwaggerJackers: I’d hold
@Wilsonian: I’d take Scherzer if you need pitching.
@Vince: Nope
@brad: Hanley
@brad: Yup
@Chillmodious: I’d take Jennings.
@ThE sHiT: Arencibia
@FredayCouples: Eh
@Johnny Five: Melancon
@MeanMachine: Depends on what options.
@Alvarez4President: Sounds solid.
@Mhfella: Start Uggla
@John: Thanks! Lilly…
@ThE sHiT: Eh
Cheers Grey! One last one….Pierre or Torres in a vacuum?
14 team h2h league. Currently in 3rd. Traded BJ Upton and Michael Pineda for Jon Lester. I’m fine in the OF and have Heyward coming off the DL soon hopefully. Good move? Too much for Lester?
Liriano: Slider, slider, slider, Tommy John, slider, slider, Tommy John, slider, early retirement.
@Grey: Thanks!
The Padres placed starter Aaron Harang on the disabled list with a foot injury on Sunday and have recalled Anthony Bass to start Monday in Colorado for his major league debut, reports MLB.com.
Who wins in a trade of Trout for Carp and Bass? I made that deal with my wife at Sushi Samba last night.
@Grey: Got it. I had an extra roster spot open from my 2 for 1 trade, so I just grabbed Zimmermann without dropping anyone. Thanks dude, happy Monday! Btw, im going to the U2 concert on saturday. yeah!!! Did you ever get a chance to check out the Airborne Toxic Event band i told you about last time?
@Grey: Alex Rios or Carlos Beltran?
Grey,
which side do you like in Kemp/Norris for Braun/McCutchen. Non-keeper 12 team Roto
Hitters: Olivo, Howard, Kelly Johnson, Longoria, Hanley, Kemp, Stanton, Victorino, Smoak (Util), Gardner (Bench).
Pitchers: Lester, Hamels, Garza, Lilly, Bumgarner, Lewis, Niese, Norris, Beachy (DL), Gregg, Farnsworth.
I’m considering trading Kemp for an upgrade at pitcher. I know I have a strong lineup, but Longoria and Hanley are the death of me. I also know I have to rely on them no matter what, and Kemp has ridiculous value. If I offered Kemp/Bumgarner for Verlander/Cruz, is it a more balanced team, or am I giving up on my best player for no reason? Not even saying I’d get that deal, but it’s what I’m kind of thinking right now…..
It’s a H2H league and I’ve lost 4 straight weeks mainly due to bad pitching stats.
trout or goldschmidt a better stash?
@Eng: Torres
@Peeved Off: Sounds fine.
@Sabean’s Muzzle: Ha!
@Vince: No problem.
@L-Boogie: Mmm…Sushi Samba. Nice! Carp side.
@ThE sHiT: Yeah, I love that band. Good stuff.
@Sabean’s Muzzle: Beltran
@Tom Thumb: Braun
@ujoh: Not a good trade.
@farcus: Goldschmidt
@Grey: Awesome! I knew you would like them… what is your favorite song?
@Tom Thumb: braun mcutchen
which side wins
Braun Smoak for Mccutchen/Victorino/Marmol
Hi Grey
Any thoughts on Dan Uggla (for power) or Rajai Davis (for speed) or Danny Espinosa (for a bit of both)? Do you expect rebounds (Uggla/Davis) this season? Is one of these 3 a better buy low than the other?
Reverse-Ticker Shock: Losing ERA (and the week by 1/2 category) because 5 of Ubaldo’s Rs were unearned against me. Damn you Ty Wigginton!!!
Thanks!
Bermuda Triangles
Get Lost!
@Dave: if i needed steals and saves and could afford to loose the 2 power bats its fine,depends on needs but its fair
@Grey
Going forward, Morrow or Volquez?
Thanks.
@ThE sHiT: Changing is a great song.
@Dave: Braun…It’s fair.
@Bermuda Triangles: I just went over my thoughts on Uggla on Friday. Uggla, Espinosa, Davis….
Do you guys think Lincecum’s (why doesn’t he go by “The L-Word”? He’s got the hair) worth targeting in a trade?
@Eng: IN a vacuum they would both explode.
@Grey: Too bad you didn’t know about them until after they were in concert at the Troubadour in late April.
@Grey Liriano or Daniel Hudson?
@PaleHose: Morrow
@Long Bawls: That’s great! Depends what you’re giving up.
@ThE sHiT: Yeah, damn.
@DP: Hudson
@Grey: Thanks, Grey! I was thinking of seeing if the guy’d bite on Cueto+Rollins for Lincecum. I have Jeter, and really need to roster one civil war vet at a time.
Been using Aaron Hill since he came off the DL with uninspiring results. Would you drop him for any of these options: Beckham, Justin Turner, Espinosa, Wigginton?
@AL KOHOLIC: thanks, I do need steals and saves. I might do it
Tabata or Brantley for my 5th OF?
@Long Bawls: Ha
@nick m.: Espinosa
@sean: Tabata
Rios or Morneau?
@Dave: cool,victorino is cash money across the board and mccutch has added some extra power to this year,and at this stage its hard to get closers,especially one that can really help in k,s
@Ray: to bad theres not a door 3
@AL KOHOLIC:
Hah! It’s for an end of the bench spot (way..way at the end of the bench). There’s Lyaynyce Nix / Coco Crisp for hitting and Capuano / Narveson / Leake for Pitching available but I figure I’m better off hoping one of these dudes turns it around
@Grey: who to start in weekly roto league this week. need one:
gallarado (@chc, @bos)
d. hudson (vs chw)
minor (vs nym)
thanks.
H2H weekly lineup league. 5×5 + quality starts.
I have an open slot and the waiver wire looks like this:
Edwin Jackson
Tim Stauffer
Morrow
Vogelsong
Lowe
Tomlin
Wolf
Brett Myers
Who would you pick up? No glaring needs at pitcher.
Would you drop any of these for Lirano?
Dan Hudson
Anibal Sanchez
Ian Kennedy
Mat Latos
Eric Bedard
One more question: what do you see from Shane Victorino ROS?
Top __ outfielder?
Thanks
Alex Rios or Rajai Davis?
@Grey
Hey, I just lost Napoli and have a trade offered to me of Pablo Pandavol for Alexi Ogandi straight up. I’ve got Halladay, Carpenter, Chacin, Baumgardner, J-Zimmermann, Wandy, and Humber left if I trade Ogandi. What do you think?
Who is better ROS, Uggla or B. Phillips?
Pena or Dunn ROS?
Nice one on Moustakas. Moukaki?
Thoughts on Lincecum (not a continuation of joke above) please.
Thanks Grey.
@Ray: yeah,im kidding,i dumped uggla and dunn early on,before they lost theyr trade value so i feel lucky,if morneau could get it going the twin team is coming around with kubel and mauer coming back,cuddyer hitting well, he(morneau) could produce
Chris Young for Billingsley. Who is getting the better player going forward?
If you had to choose from the following list, who would you take (5×5 weekly league)?
Delmon, Cuddyer, Theth Thmith, Laynce Nix, Ryan Ludwick.
I could use SBs and AVG the most, though it doesn’t look like I’m getting much of either from this list.
I like the Pirates lineup, batting second playing CF, Paul, batting third and playing 2B, Walker.
@Ray: Rios
@herschel: Gallardo
@Peeved Off: Stauffer
@larry: Bedard
@Peeved Off: 25
@Biggidy: Davis
@Kelley: I’d take Sandoval.
@Nuke LaDouche: Phillips
@larry: Pena
@STRAWberry: Ha… He’s a top 5 pitcher.
@MeanMachine: Young
@Earl Battey: Smith
@ Grey
Happy Monday(s) sir! I hope the weekend was debaucherous and enjoyed. As always a simple question (or 2)….
Ditch 2; Smoak, Trumbo, Raburn, J Weeks, Blackmon
Ditch 2; E Jax, Morton, Minor, Lyles, J MacDonald
Your time is truly appreciated,
-The Spaceman
brantley for walker? which side would u want?
@The Spaceman: Raburn, Blackmon… Lyles, Jackson… No problem.
@quimmy: Walker
@Grey: Thank you for the response. Lincecum has seen better days, but will trust your thoughts.
I’m not banking on Sandoval getting starts at catcher since it is what got the Giants into the mess, but any insight on the possibilities of this happening?
Sorry to disappoint, but Giants questions end there…none on Aubrey Huff or Mark De la Rosa
Please choose a side: Hill and Gardner for Carpenter.
Fifth starter matchup question:
Lilly at home against HOU, or
Zimmemann at home against BAL
I’m leaning Lilly on the matchup alone, but J-Zimm has been hot.
5×5 H2H
Start Kuroda tonight?
@sean: Zimmermann is awesome, I’d start him over Lilly.
@STRAWberry: He’s not going to catch, at least I wouldn’t use him to catch.
@Black Beard: Carp
@sean: Zimmermann
@RollieFingered: Sure
Dan Haren for The Drubal
Team with The Drubal has HanRam and needs SP, team with Haren has Halladay and needs SS. And the winner is..?
@Awesomus Maximus: As…drubal… Great reunion show, who knew Heather was secretly the evilest one in the house? Cooke apparently did.
Need to DL Allen Craig. Team in first place by a few points (mixed 12 team league). No glaring weaknesses right now. Who do you like of the available FA options worthy of discussion:
- Rubby de la Rosa
- Paul Goldschmidt
- Ben Revere
- Jason Vargas
- Scott Sizemore
- Yonder Alonso
@airweino: Revere
@Grey: Ah… finally coming around on the Ass Cab, I see… or are you down on Haren?
Seriously, Heather was not only evil but completely full of herself… that condescending head tilt and eyebrow flap as she “Oh, Mike”-ed after he said she wasn’t his type. On a side note… do you think she has spectacular dairy pillows or just wears great bras? It’s tough to tell these days.
@Grey – H2H weekly lineup question. Moose for 6 games on the road or Holliday for 4 off the DL (have Youk normally @ 3B). Thanks!
Any thoughts on selling high on J. Chacin?
@Grey
Rizzo or Freeman ROS?
Wandy or Billingsley rest of the way?
@Grey: Safe to drop Morneau for Goldschmidt yet? The D’Backs have a disease at 1B and the only cure is more Goldschmidt… would it be safe to think of .250 AVG and 15-20 HR from him if called up around the All Star break?
@Grey:
In a 12-team H2H OBP league, I’ve been offered Kelly Johnson for my Matt Garza and Tabata.
I’m currently rocking Raburn at 2B and Tabata is coming on and off the bench now with Dunn coming into the swing of things. No Tabata would mean less speed for me, as only CarGo, Desmond and Ellsbury would remain to pick up the slack.
My staff would then look like:
Hamels
Weaver
Kershaw
Dempster (possible streaming spot)
James McDonald (possible streaming)
Tim Stauffer (possible streaming).
What do you think?
Should I commit suicide with Raburn until he becomes a monster in the second half, or should I make this trade now and pick up Desmond Jennings?
@Awesomus Maximus: @Grey: I’ve just been researching this, and they look pretty good all by themselves.
News/Analysis Headlines Preseason Outlook
Jennings waiting for the call: Rays OF Desmond Jennings is red hot at the plate for Triple-A Durham to start June. The highly-touted prospect is batting .383 (18 for 47) with a .442 on-base percentage, .553 slugging percentage and .995 OPS through 11 June games. “I’ve been more aggressive towards the ball,” Jennings told MLB.com. “Last year, I was tentative in swinging at some pitches, but now I’m feeling good about letting it go and taking an aggressive swing.” Now, Rays fans and Fantasy owners await Jennings’ recall to the majors. “I would think he was disappointed when he didn’t make the [major league] club, but he knows he’s got to wait for his chance,” Durham manager Charlie Montoyo said. “But he also knows he’s going to get a chance.”
(Updated 06/13/2011)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 6/13/11).
Fantasy Analysis
With Anthony Rizzo and Mike Moustakas getting called up over the weekend, it might be only a matter of time before Jennings gets the call as well. Sam Fuld has cooled off dramatically after his hot start and Justin Ruggiano isn’t the long-term answer in left field either. It’s Jennings. Fantasy owners should continue to stash this kid seasonal formats since now is the time of year where most top prospects are getting recalled.
(Upd
Per Buster Olney:
Brett Anderson will not have Tommy John surgery, after seeing Dr. James Andrews. Six weeks of rehab recommended; another eval in 3 weeks.
Also, looking for a couple pitchers (could use holds, Ks, or Wins) in another mixed 16 team 6×6 league. Who do you like of these?
- Al Alburquerque
- Jeremy Guthrie
- Logan Ondrusek
- Michael Stutes
- Jose Veras
Yeah, I know…middle men are sexy…
I have limited trades so need to make this one last for ROS – Hold and risk losing Jennings, or Pick up Jennings and keep an empty slot for a few weeks while dropping which of the following: Ibanez, Rios, or Victorino?
@Grey:
Also: Uggla>Kelly Johnson for ROS?
@Eddy:
Been offered Brandon Phillips for Dunn and Garza.
So I guess it becomes either Tabata/Garza for KellyJo
or
Brandon Phillips for Garza/Dunn
What say you?
@Awesomus Maximus: I don’t think it’s the bras.
@AnotherFalstaff: Moose
@Commish Cauda: Depends what you’re getting.
@Nick: Rizzo
@Higgins: Wandy
@Joe B: If it’s a bench bat in a keeper, sure.
@Eddy: I’d want Garza.
@Steve: Nice research.
@AL KOHOLIC: Thanks for the heads up!
@airweino: Alburquerque
@HoosierDaddy: Hold
@Eddy: Hold for now.
@Eddy: Phillips
@Grey: Taking one for the team.
@Grey: given the news of 6 weeks of rehab and then reevaluate, is brett anderson worth hanging on to in redraft leagues?
@Grey:
All right, so to recap:
I should stay put with Raburn, Dunn and Garza
or
I should accept Brandon Phillips for Dunn and Garza?
@Steve: Do you have a Real World type show in the NZ?
@herschel: Nah
@Eddy: Philips
@Eddy:
I should really stop posting until all negotiations cease.
VMart, B.phillips and Bumgarner
for
Hamels and Dunn
My 2B=Raburn
My C= Salty (Napoli on DL)
My staff would be Weaver, Garza, Kershaw, McDonald, Stauffer and Dempster
@Grey: Nothing produced here, if that’s what you mean. We have MTV on our pay-TV platform, so we get Jersey Shore and whatever else gets served up there.
Have to say, that of the things we have in common (whatever they are!), a love of reality TV is not one of them I’m afraid.
@Eddy: Sounds fine.
@Steve: Eh, you’re still all right. Heard about your famous sheep dying. Tough break for your people.
@Steve: pawn stars,american pickers,american choper and deadliest catch are my post work favorites
@Steve: big fat hippo said that stuff they joke about with sheep is true.that just aint right
@Grey: He wasn’t that famous.
Sad for the kids that wrote letters to him and all that, but I’m not sure it’s what we should be making global news for.
Would you snag Homer and drop a Leake, or hold? I’m thinking longer term help throughout the season, not just for right now. Bialey should be back next week.
@AL KOHOLIC: I heard Freaky Eaters is good.
@Steve: Was big news here saying it was big news there, guess we’re perpetuating a stereotype.
@Wilsonian: Nope
@AL KOHOLIC: American Pickers was by my hometown a little while back. They were in a town called Cobden, IL. Some dude with a MASSIVE collection of cars.
@AL KOHOLIC: Not you too.
@Grey: Oh – not saying it wasn’t big news here. Got a track in the news and then a slot in the current affairs programme right afterwards.
Slight overkill in my opinion. And you know how humble that is.
@Grey: so you recommend taking a Leake for a bit?
@Grey: ill try that
@Wilsonianis that up north?im from down south,centraila mt vernon area(salem actually)
cant beatem,joinem@Steve: :
@AL KOHOLIC: Baaaaaaa
@Steve: It did look pretty cute. For a sheep.
@Wilsonian: Yup
@Grey: Yeah. It was kinda cool that he stubbornly stayed in the mountains all that time and grew that enormous fleece, but I’m not convinced it’s the stuff of global phenomenon.
I could just be a grumpy old coot, though.
Aw Krispie. Come on, man.
And of course the next guy clears the bases.
Nice to have Nolasco farting liquid all over the mound.
@Steve: I just read some ewe-phemisms. You kiwis and your sharing/sheering.
@Feeding the Abscess: Ha!
So much for winning ERA or WHIP this week…
Just heard that Wright is going in for another exam, may or may not be healing properly, which is just fantastic…I probably can’t move him for anything and lost out on moustakas…who would you roll with out of:
wiggy, headley, chris johnson, rolen, freese (when he gets back) or pick up and wait for lawrie?
@Grey: Don’t tell me, you’re here all week.
@Exactly: Wiggy
@Steve: Hey, I’m not taking credit for them. Read them at Wikipedia.
@Grey: Yeah, I already did. Hadn’t heard the shearing/sharing one. Not bad.
@Grey: has e johnson regained the everyday ss job,if so is he better than bartlett?
Daniel Murphy has something like a .500 OBP in his last 15 games but he has 2 runs. Stupid Mets.
Do you like D. Murphy or Rickie’s lil bro over Theriot at 2B?
@Grey With Espinosa playin 2B and no Util spot for Hill would you drop him for Jonathan “Really Dirty” Sanchez, Brandon “that’s just” Beachy or Brandon “there’s no to” Morrow
@Grey: Time for a change of subject. Heyward already out rehabbing. Could be activated Wednesday…
@AL KOHOLIC: Nah
@Tom Emanski: Ha
@zzzzzz: Weeks
@jongenes: Sanchez
@Steve: Nice!
Rasmus just got dropped in my 10 team 5×5
Should I pick him up for OF Sizemore, U Damon or U Dunn ??
@Buge Hoobs: Instead of Damon…
Why is Rasmus not on pace for 30 HR? Did everyone overrate his power?
Hey Grey,
Going forward who would you rather have: Tomlin, Niese or Holland?
@Tom Emanski: He’s a 25 homer guy, plus or minus 5 homers.
@stynyr: Niese
Jeter out with a calf injury.
who to drop to activate Zimmerman?
12 team 5×5 H2H
C JP
1b Votto
2nd Kinsler
3rd Zimmerman
SS Elvis
OF JUp, Pence, Tabata
Utl Lind, Pena
Bench Casey McGee, Aaron Hill
@SwaggerJackers: Thanks for the heads up!
@Carl Spackler: Hill
@AL KOHOLIC: You’re creeping up the keeper (kreeper?)…
Like the tweaks I’ve made to my team though. Liriano/Bum should help with ERA/WHIP and Sanchez shouls help with AVE/OBP and (lack of) Ks.
@ grey: 2 questions: if you’re going to deal a SP in a deal would you rather deal Hanson or Lester? And do you think Hanley bounces back what would be your interest level in him, low, medium or high if you could get him…..?
Looks like Nunez is back. Odd time to come in, though. Might as well get him back in a low-leverage situation I guess.
ROS, league counts OPS: Tabata or Gardner?
A) Lester, Phillips, Corey Patterson
B)Cano, Hanley, bud norris
Which side? Grey or Anyone….. thanks
@Tony: I’d rather have Cano/Hanley. That’s a first and second rounder for a couple 4th rounders.
@Grey: If you’re not using Gordon at 3B, he loses a lot of his value, right?
He’s also LF-eligible at Yahoo…
trade ccrawford/marmol/jay-z for kershaw/stubbs/storen? 10 team h2h points.
@Tony: Lester… I do think he will bounce back.
@Black Beard: Gardner
@Tony: B
@Steve: He does.
@debar: Kershaw
@Grey: As a follow up, would you take any of the following over Joyce for the LF slot. 12-team H2H, we count OBP as well as AVE:
Gordon
Reggiano
Seth Smith
Ross
Huff
Peguero
Nix
Scott
Ibanez
Torres
Ludwick
Patterson
Wow, Lyon’s doing a great job trying to regain the closer job. Shafer 3 R HR.
@Steve: Nah
@royce!: Yeah, seriously. Glad I activated him.
Did Choate pitch an inning or not?
@AL KOHOLIC: that’s crazy, Cobden is down south. I’m from Marion. Live in Marion currently. I definitely know the Centralia/Mt. Vernon/Salem area pretty well. That’s definitely crazy. Good to see you’re a Southern Illinoisan at heart, man.
@Steve: yeah,i hated dropping sanchez but im overloaded at 1st,it would be great just to sneak into the money but thats a long ways off,your still in position to win it,i wish you or hippo the best
@Wilsonian: partied at siu quite a bit,amongst many other area watering holes
During the delay, the Rocks radio team threw Dexter Fowler under the bus and pimped Blackmon (pointing out he has as many sb in a week as Fowler had all year). Also said that Fowler has to learn to hit from the left side if he wants to play…..
Grey,
Bumgarner (@Ari, vs. Min, vs. Cle)
or
Norris (vs. Pit, @LA, vs. TB)
Who’s the better add for the next two weeks and maybe longer?
just watched true grit,awesome flick,the name alone reminds you of a season of fantasy baseball
@Terrence Mann: good,you get tired of hearing about potential,,show me some numbers,of course in colorado that means fowler will take blackmons place when he comes back
@AL KOHOLIC: Great, great film.
“I do not know this man.”
@grey- I currently am looking for a second baseman. I have been offered weeks for dan haren. My current staff is haren, cain, scherzer, hanson, d. hudson, cueto, chacin, stauffer, bumgarner, and vogelsong. Should i accept weeks for haren or try and trade cueto for polanco instead? Or just drop vogelsong and pick up a 2nd baseman like daniel murphy on free agents? Thanks for the help.
@Steve: yeah,ill probably watch it again after the reds game,i love westerns and was worried about remaking this classic but they pulled it off great
@AL KOHOLIC: I haven’t seen the original in full, but from those bits I have seen, it looked a bit like a comic book.
Loved the dark colours and atmosphere of this film. Great performances and just a fantastic story.
@Terrence Mann: Nice
@DHill Dragons: Bum
@AL KOHOLIC: Yeah, one of my favorites from last year.
@Martin: Take Weeks.
Need an SP-eligible Holds guy. Pick one please:
Howell
Hawksworth (has the most Holds of late)
Luebke
Laffey
Pauley
Thanks.
Qualls is warming up. I’m getting a chub!
@Steve: im a john wayne fan so i still loved the original,but yeah the janell really liked the scenery and realisticness of this one
@AL KOHOLIC: lmao. sad but probably true.
Stupid shit Dodger defence. Shit, shit shit.
How is that third run earned?
ugh,skinny little gordon better hit and run,just made a big error that cost them the lead there
@Steve: Is it because the double play can’t be assumed? Looks like that’s what they were trying for.
@Steve: yeah,they cant assume a dbl play,kuroda got screwed tonight
@AL KOHOLIC: Yahoo has him with 2 ER, ESPN shows 3.
Either way, it’s a Loss in the keeper. Words can’t describe how stupid that stat is.
@Steve: yeah tell me and my 30 something loses about it
@AL KOHOLIC: You only have 1 more loss than me
ESPN has Kuroda with 2 ER now too.
@Andre Ethier’s Mother : Why do the Dodgers fielders hate Kuroda?
Grey, I grabbed C Santana June 4 by dropping Wieters…A’m i being to impatient by looking to switch back to Wieters at this point? Iannetta or Molina are other options…
Also, Turner or Pagan for my Met on my bench going forward??? Had Turner, now have Pagan…
& Daniel Murphy!?!?
@Grey Are you high enough on Liriano that you’d drop Brandon Morrow for him?
Kemp now 20/15 in 68 games…
Projections on any significant HRs the rest of the year from HGH Wells are pure science fiction.
@Steve: Hawksworth
@Terrence Mann: Ha!
@Nick: Switch them up.
@Nick: Pagan
@TomtheBod: Eh
@Steve: Nice!
@Terrence Mann: Ha!
12 team 5×5. I have Asdrubal. Offer on the table to trade him for David Price, should I take it?
I have plenty of hitting: 12/11/10/9/9, but need pitching bad: 12/3/5/5/2. Currently in 3rd place. Feel like As-Cab is sell high right now. Any advice would be appreciated.
@Quinn: That trade’s fair.