You have ADD and you have no idea how this sentence will end because you’re already reading the comments. You drafted Jay Bruce and traded him for Vernon Wells. You’re glad Crapolanco has 3rd base eligibility so you can trade away Youkilis. If Ellsbury isn’t DL’d soon, you’re dropping him for Kevin Millwood. You’re trigger finger is itching and only Scott Podsednik can scratch it. You’re also potentially losing your league in April.
Don’t drop guys that just happen to have a bad one or two weeks to start the season. In general, anyone that you drafted in the first ten rounds, should be untouchable in April. You need to let your Clydesdales carry your beer. Maybe you bench one that is severely struggling, but don’t fall victim to Attention Deficit Drops. Sure, Nick Markakis is not doing anything for you right now, but you don’t let him go for “Current Hot Outfielder.”
I realize this isn’t as easy as it sounds. The trouble lies in the fact that a lot of guys burst on the scene in April, never cool off and can carry your fantasy baseball team to a championship. So you don’t want to sit on your hands (especially if you have gas). If you took a flier for your MI spot, lose him for the “Current Hot 2nd Baseman.” A 5th outfielder is probably droppable. Utility guy? Droppable. Guys at the end of your staff? Fine. Those kinds of moves shouldn’t hurt you as long as you know you might have to keep playing the hot hand all season unless you fall into this year’s Ben Zobrist. In general, if you think someone will just sit there on waivers if you drop them, then lose them for the player who is on fire. You can always go back when the hot player cools off. There’s a fine line between reacting and panicking. Walk the line, Johnny.
That was a very good half of a first sentence, I read it then was saddened by the fact no comments existed yet.
@GopherDay:
Which sentence? I was busy dropping Upton for Posednik.
@Grey: You gotta stop with the good advice. I was hoping to score Tex on waivers.
@Carlos Zambrano: You hear that? You’re safe for now but you better shape up big guy!
I know who the suspended player is. I’ll tell you all once I’m done dropping Fielder for Kotchman.
@GopherDay: @Elijah: You guys!
@3FingersBrown: Hehe
@Nathan: Someone laced his Boca Burgers?
Okay, Mr. Grey. Point taken and all that. But to play Devil’s Advocate here — or, more precisely, to play Keanu Reeves as Kevin Lomax in ‘The Devil’s Advocate’ — this is a frustrating thing about fantasy advice. Experts (or ‘sperts) are always saying, on the one hand, “Stay the course.” But! Written on the other hand, Palin-style, is “Don’t hesitate!”
Stay the course! Don’t hesitate! Stay the course! Don’t hesitate!
Which is to say: Of course, no, no one should be dropping Markakis or Dunn or anyone drafted in the first ten rounds, really. (Julio Borbon = drafed in round 10. Borderline.)
BUT you also have to act quickly to grab the hot pick-up! Who might be the Cliff Lee of ’10! CJ Wilson! Jaime Garcia! That Other Guy! And of course Whoziwatzit!
Which is to say: Last year, I didn’t grab Aaron Hill because I already had Brandon Phillips. I didn’t grab Adam Lind because I had Bruce, Dye and, er, Vernon Wells. Sure, they were starting slow, but I was being patient. I was staying the course. I WAS BEING A G-D GROWN-UP FOR CRYING OUT LOUD! And how did the universe repay my maturity? See: Bruce, Dye, Vernon Wells, ’09.
Which is to say: I did pick up Bonifacio.
Which is to say: I traded Jon Rauch for Krispie Young, who’s gone 0-14 with 6Ks in his last 4 games.
Which is to say: Do I drop Adam Dunn for Ty Wigginton?
No day games today…. a true ADD’er nightmare having to wait till later for the rosters to lock so you can make the add/drops for tomorrow!
@Baron Von Vulturewins: KEVINNNNNN, she’s OVULATINGGGGG
Grey- Do you ever do updates on Razzball leagues? I’m currently tearing up Razzball 5 and would like to know overall standings. Its the only league I’m winning at the moment, gotta have something to hang my hat on, even if its a terrible team.
@3FingersBrown: The scuttlebutt has the Big Z amongst the positive PED candidates. Although I think that Grey might be correct re: David Eckstein.
@I am the Liquor: dude, it’s April.
@NoonTime: A true ADD’r is someone who waits until 3:00 AM to add/drop a player on Yahoo
@Baron Von Vulturewins: I try to tell you to drop, say, a fifth starter to grab, say, a Kennedy, Masterson, Garcia or Latos. Or lose a O-Cab for a Desmond. I.e., moves that can only help.
@I am the Liquor: Think the 1st one’s coming tomorrow. You’re not winning overall from what I remember. Think RCL 8 is currently the best league.
Baron-endorsed breakout candidates:
Brad Penny & Jaime Garcia: I have drunk the Dave Duncan Kool-Aid, big time. I have Penny, not Garcia, because I need veteran stability/WHIP help, not rookie upside/Ks. If you are the opposite of that, do the opposite. If you doubt this, take it up with Kyle Lohse and Joel Piniero.
Krispie Young: I am all-in on Krispie. Here’s my case:
Top prospect pedigree? Check.
Well-seasoned in majors? Check.
Recent small-sample success? Check.
Recent change in approach, yielding promising results? Check.
Good offensive position (i.e. lineup, ballpark, batting spot)? Check.
I am sore because Yahoo! Guru Brandon Funston pooped on my Krispie Flakes this morning.
I will call him Brandon No-Funston. See how he likes that!
Cameron to DL, Ellsbury hurting, Jd sucks and WILL get hurt…
Could Hermida be a big sleeper this year as a 4th or 5th outfielder, or will I be dissapointed for the 5th? year in a row?
@Baron Von Vulturewins: So now they’re soggy flakes?
@Grey:
Pelfrey or Jaime?
@Grey: I’m hearing that the NL pitcher is Felipe Lopez, that would explain his scoreless outing the other day.
@Grey: RCL 8 is the hardest? Wow. Guess my second place doesn’t look so terrible, even with Miguel Montero just chillaxing in my starting catching spot.
@Nathan: K-Flakes. The taste that will strike you out looking!
@Grey: I know. I mean the other ‘sperts. Without the mustaches.
Okay, I mean Brad Evans.
I do think that next year (oh God, next year) I’ll purposefully leave one roster spot as a carousel spot, to just pick up and drop people who are hot. That might also scratch the itch and stop me from other rash moves.
@MarkM: Obviously, I joke kids.
@Paulie Allnuts: I hope it is Z. I’ve got too many useful players and not enough spots to play them.
@Eddy: Herky-jerky motion + high K rate + good skills + The Magic of Dave Duncan = Jaime Garcia.
Stay away from Mets if you want to live a happy life.
@Grey: @Stephen: Ha makes my 2nd to last feel slightly better. Granted having a .214 avg has been pretty awesome. I was 11/97 this weekend, beat that!
My razzball team sucks ass.
@Louis: from your keyboard to God’s ears
Drop Duch for Peavy?
I know you like Duch – do you dislike Peavy enough to leave him alone on WW?
P.S. If anyone wants to say an encouraging word about Krispie, I’d be much obliged.
P.P.S. Brandon No-Funston (see? It’s sticking!) also pooped on my Beltre waffles. Can I trade Grady Sizemore for Youk?*
*this is a rhetorical question since Youk’s owner is a) a trade-a-phobe and b) a BoSox homer. He’d marry Youk if he could, and has, many times, in his dreams.
I just got offered Manny Ramirez for Franklin Guiterez. I want to ask the guy if it was a mistake
@Dough boy: Ask him by pressing ACCEPT.
@Nathan: Nope, coco flakes.
@Baron Von Vulturewins:
Krispie is nice but he could be off my team in 2-3 weeks. I have him, hes got crazy upside if he hits like he did the 1st week and runs, but at the same time, that pop-up fest from last year could return.
The Yahoo sports news feed has a link that includes the words “MLB”, “suspension”, and “Mariners LHP Lee”. Almost had a heart attack.
(The link describes how MLB decided not to suspend Lee because they felt bad about his owwie shoulder or something)
@Beau: Hey-O!
What are the chances that the PED suspension comes from a false positive test caused by the KFC Doubledown?
Mike Gonzalez off to see Dr. James Andrews
I knew I should’ve dropped him for Rauch before the season started.
i’m convinced if all of razzball got into one room, it would be a fantasy baseball version of a Star Trek convention.
Maybin Owners:
I just picked him up. So, you can expect an 0-19 with 8 K’s coming up. He hates me.
5th OF spot- LaPorta, Gomes, or Seth Smith? Not a lot available out there…
@Everyone – which website will post the name of the player suspended for PEDs first?
Trade Cuddyer for Asdrubal Cabrera? I currently only have Alcides Escobar and Clint Barmes as SS available on my team so this would be an upgrade there.
on a side note if TMZ cared about baseball, we would’ve known who was suspended yesterday along with pics of said player taking the PEDs
@William: And probably snorthing them off some strippers ass while cheating on his wife with lindsay lohan.
@Beau – exactly.
@and1mcgee: Lots of people in fake mustaches and afros.
When I try to picture what Grey’s voice sounds like, all I hear is Dennis Eckersley.
Recently made a trade in a h2h, obp/slug instead of average league:
theriot + ethier for j. upton, I got upton
I figured since I picked up alexei (spent a chunk of my WW budget) to fill in for theriot and could only play one, the upgrade was definitely worth it.
Question is, did I get enough value back? Or should I have held out for more
@Nathan: Nice.
It could be Vicente Padilla; who has had a bit of a glow, recently. I’m thinking he got into Manny’s fertility drugs.
Thanks God it wasn’t Cueto!
On a side note: Kirk Cameron also hates me. But, legally, I’m not allowed to discuss that…….yet! Your day will come Kirk. Your day will come.
@Nathan: 3:1
any hear about the suspended player being edinson volquez?
I know Grey touched on this yesterday and I don’t know if anyone else asked/talked about this so if so, I am sorry.
I plan on starting Lewis tonight. Anyone else on the NESCAC train?
@Baron Von Vulturewins: I drafted Jason Kubel and almost immediately dropped him for Young in a league in which CF is a position. The guy has a career BA around .250, slumps are expected. Also expected are 30+ hr’s, 20+ stls, the ancillary Runs and RBI’s that go with it and the fact that no matter how cool you were in your 20′s eventually you turn into the old creepy guy at the bar.
right you are Grey,… most of us do suffer from this ADD/ itchy trigger fingers…
i think what would help is noting when one of the hot waiver hands officially rises significantly on your rankings…ex. “Masterson is now in Oswalt territory on my rankings of truth”…
cant wait to hear who’s getting suspended…. ‘crosses fingers for Halladay or Haren’ lol
@William: Seeing Volquez from several Twitter sources as well.
@Tom Reale: I gues your relationship is going through some, wait for it, “Growing Pains”
Volquez
Edinson Volquez? What a let-down.
@JRT: Not so much on the Lewis train, more on the Boston’s offense sucks train. I would start all steam ahead and laugh when JD Drew looks at a called third strike for the second time
SI’s Heyman says 50 games.
good news for Chapman owners?
What a letdown!
Volquez? Boooo
Def looks like it’s Volquez
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/04/a-major-league-ped-suspension-is-imminent.html.php
I was praying it was KRod. I hate that guy.
Edinson Volquez: the new spokesman for Bad Idea Jeans?
http://reds.fandome.com/video/109355/Edinson-Volquez-of-The-Cincinnati-Reds-Flashes-A-Gun/
i think the problem is that people want to drop hunter pence for krispie young when i know good and well they have some back end flier guys that aren’t producing, whether it’s travis snider or kris medlan or homer bailey or evercab or whatever. or else they are playing in a league (1) full of noobs, (2) morons, or (3) with 4 teams total.
Not that this whole Volquez thing should change Chapman’s arrival, but when is he projected to be called up?
@Louis: Eh
@Eddy: Garcia
@Stephen: Don’t quote me. I think that was the one.
@Matt: Sure
@and1mcgee: Ha!
@dsimon: Smith
@Howard: Sure
@John C: Sure
@Tom Reale: Ha!
@JRT: Sure
@brad: Doesn’t matter for Chapman.
As a Yankee fan i really wanted it to be Pedroia! His MVP is ludicrous! Jeter has had at least a half dozen years better than that including last year!
@Baron Von Vulturewins: I don’t have much positive vibes to add, though I have submitted a waiver claim for the recently dropped Krispie. One thing to note is that the fangraphs projection systems expect him to log a BABIP (batting average on balls in play) of about .285, which is a good bit higher than his current rate of .263. If his BABIP goes up, that’ll bring his average up as well. Of course, those same projection systems expect a 28% K rate (vs. his current 21%) and a ~.235 AVG, but I choose to ignore those parts.
You have ADD and you have no idea how this sentence will end because you’re already reading the comments.
___________
you suck, i was two comments in before i finished the sentence!
@Stephen: if it’s RCL 8 i’ll buy a round at the bar tomorrow.
@Grey: When and why did the Forum format change?
@Grey: So I looked again and realized I could also go with a CI. Kotchman it is for now….
Grey,
Matt Latos has been pretty annoying thus far, do I start him today against SF? Mind you, I also have Sanchez and losses count in my league. What to do, what to do?
grey
can you rank these guys?
pelfrey/kennedy/c.richard/fister
mike gonzalez headed to Dr James Andrews for second opinion on shoulder….mini uh-oh?
@chrisbenson: no. but you can you rank these guys?
obama/bush/satan/tom brady
@and1mcgee: oh, and Batman.
@and1mcgee: Different things, depends on what you need.
oh, and about Volquez: if you’re going to be on the 60-day DL… you might as well take PEDs cuz you have to miss 50 games anyway and you can serve it while on the DL, duh! Good move for his career, I say.
@Nathan: I need um.. hmm what DO I need… ??
this just got real.
hi grey,
just wondering if you can rank these guys thanks.
( i know i posted already, but the always annoying, non-value adding, mostly saddening ‘and1mcgee’ responded for you.)
pelfrey/kennedy/c.richard/fister
@and1mcgee: Are we going best to worst or worst to best? Bets to worst would go-
Brady-Is a god
Obama-Black Jesus say what
Satan-Nuff Said
Bush-The Devil, oh wait that’s satan, hmm
@Grey – amendment to an early question in which I asked if I should drop Ian Desmond for Ike Davis.
Drop Johnny Cueto for Ike Davis?
@chrisbenson: Just from reading I can guess
Kennedy
Richard
Pelfrey
Fister
And it would be situational starts.
@majortommy: LOL!
@All: Relax with Ike. Do you realize the pressure he has in Flushing? Now we’re going to put even more on the kids shoulders by all simultaneously rostering him on our fake teams. Oy vey… runs off to bid $7 on the kid.
@Grey: With Bergeson sent down, think Arrieta will get the call to start or Tillman? From what I’ve read, Arrieta might be better off in the ‘pen, even though he’s looked good starting in AAA so far this year.
@Frank Rizzo: It’s a work in progress. Trying to make it more user friendly.
@Suck My Wieters: If you own him, gotta start him there.
@chrisbenson: Richard, Kennedy, Pelfrey…
@William: Nope
@3FingersBrown: Doubt Tillman.
@Grey – Is Johnny Cueto still worth a roster spot on a 12 team H2H standard 5×5 roto team?
only ask because Yahoo! is off of the Cueto bandwagon and telling everyone to drop him.
@majortommy: Thank you. Though I think his career avg is closer to .235.
I keep chanting, “If Mini Donkey can do it, he can do it…”
@Dingo: I would be happy with .265 on the year.
I have, however, acquired a surplus of low avg., 30 HR guys (Dunn, Bruce, Stewart, Krispie) who might be untradeable given the fact that I like them all better than anyone else in my league does.
@William: with dudes like Romero and Penny dealing…. I’d say no.
@William: I’m nearing the point, but I’d like to see at least one more start.
**** If it hasnt been reported here yet, Volquez is the pitcher in question. Dusty probably gave him the injections….
SI.com’s Jon Heyman reports that Edinson Volquez has been suspended 50 games for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs.
Finally, the big reveal. Volquez is on the 60-day disabled list as he recovers from Tommy John surgery and isn’t expected to be healthy until well after the mid-July All-Star break. He can begin serving the suspension while on the DL, though, so this whole ordeal shouldn’t cut into his playing time at all. The 26-year-old right-hander owns a 24-19 record and a 4.37 career ERA through 62 major league outings. He may have been using the performance-enhancers in an attempt to speed up the recovery of his right elbow.
Grey, are you still reading the comments from the old section or the forums or should I repost it in the new section? Thanks!
I was just offered Joey Votto for Derek Jeter in one of my leagues. Saying yes seems like a no brainer to me but the ‘problem’ is that I already own Teixeira and Miggy. The league has 2 UTIL spots so I could just accept but what do I do about SS then?
@Grey – Are you higher on Clay Buchholz or Johnny Cueto?
I have both and have not been impressed with either. Are both droppable for the hot hands if neither of these guys can give me more than 5 IP?
@Joe: i hope you’re joking.
@William: What’s wrong with Clay so far??
This was just proposed to me:
Receive Prince Fielder, Mil 1B from BlueJay Dubs to Bench
Receive Ben Zobrist, TB 2B from BlueJay Dubs to Bench
Receive Tim Lincecum, SF SP from BlueJay Dubs to Bench
Send Chase Utley, Phi 2B from 2B to BlueJay Dubs
Send Manny Ramirez, LAD OF from OF to BlueJay Dubs
Send Jake Peavy, CWS SP from SP to BlueJay Dubs
Send Justin Verlander, Det SP from SP to BlueJay Dubs
@and1mcgee – I’m just playing impatient owner. Though Clay’s numbers look good 1.80 ERA, he has yet to pitch past the 5th inning.
@and1mcgee: no, not joking, something I’m missing here?
if you dont have someone to play SS once Jeter is gone… then??? youre left in a bad situation, no?
Grey, can I drop Nick Johnson for Wiggy, Kotchman, Ankiel, or Burrell yet? Or do we still see 85 runs and .280 from Nick “If Healthy” Johnson?
@herschel: “He can begin serving the suspension while on the DL, though, so this whole ordeal shouldn’t cut into his playing time at all.”
So Volquez, in essence, gets zero punishment for PED use… yeah, that sounds about right. MLB has bigger fish to fry anyway, what with the threat of Joe Maddon wearing a hooded jacket at any moment.
Someone summarize this post for me in 140 characters or less.
By the way, can’t believe it hasn’t been mentioned yet but Josh Reddick has been called up for Mike Cameron. He had a ML line of LOL/OMG/ADD
@Mike D.: pick up Wiggy. If Johnson begins to rake… Wiggy will be cold by then, anyway. Then just pick him up.
@and1mcgee: Votto is a much more talented player, I’d have to trade for a SS though cause the only viable options on waiver wire are ian desmond, cliff pennington, and marco scutaro.
@and1mcgee: I agree, people can say what they want about Jeters fantasy value and reaching for him, the facts are .300 ba, 110+ runs, 80 rbi, 15-20 hrs and 20+ steals. Oh and position scarcity. Votto is good but he is not better than Jeter(position wise) and he is not better than the two 1b’s you have on your team.
@Tom Emanski: http://www.nesn.com/2010/04/report-mike-cameron-placed-on-dl-josh-reddick-to-fill-roster-spot.html Josh Reddick
@herschel: Yeah, mentioned above.
@Ryan Beariot: Go into the new section for now.
@Joe: Doesn’t sound like you need Votto.
@William: Clay’s looked fine.
@keithr: Too many names.
@Mike D.: I’d hold him.
@Tom Emanski: Ha!
@Awesomus Maximus: Only punishment is he doesnt get paid while he serves the suspension. As he is making the league minimum, he stands to lose $137k.
@Joe: @majortommy: I agree. I want to have Votto’s babies. Maybe you do the deal, but it leaves you in a not-good situation. what is the net gain here if you have to roll with Ian Desmond and his ups and downs? I’d rather set it and forget it…. Or get Votto then try and move someone else for Alex Gonzalez and then cross your fingers he keeps up the pace and isn’t pulling a Volquez (on PEDs).
@Joe: You would downgrade at SS considerably unless you can get Tulo or Hanley. Not sure if yo have ever tried trading for Hanley, but his owners want extremely high asking costs and to get Tulo you would probably have to give up Votto and someone else. that is just my opinion. But I have been stuck trying to fill SS and you end up with Orlando Cabrera!
I can’t believe I was combing the internet all day to find out who the suspended player was and it turned out to be Edinson Volquez. I was intrigued by the initial story, found some exciting possibilities during my research, and was ultimately extremely disappointed in the outcome. I feel like I just lived through the fantasy baseball equivalent of an episode of “Ghost Hunters.”
@majortommy: buy low on Rollins, I say.
@Clyde Prompto: hahahahahaha
or Monster Quest!
Reddick’s terrible start didn’t stop me from picking him up, though. Just desperate for ANY every day players, even temporary, in my 450 player league. What are his projections?
@and1mcgee: Maybe, I am not sold on Rollins being healthy and his decline has become a trend not an anomaly. I say if you have two studs at first and a top 4 shortstop there is no need to make the deal.
@Tom Emanski: Bench/Suck/AAA-bound
@majortommy: I agree 101%
@majortommy: Hah! I was going to use Monsterquest as my example, but I thought Ghost Hunters had a wider appeal
@Clyde Prompto: That’s hilarious.
I hope whatever emergency Scott Pods has isn’t serious. I’m loving these jokes about him having to tend to his hot wife, but if it’s something serious, I’ll feel like a douche.
@Baron Von Vulturewins: I’d be happy with .265 too. His recent whiff mania had me worrying that his AVG was plummeting back down to sub-.250 levels, so at least it’s nice to see that his BABIP is a bit on the low side, despite all of the Ks. I’m in a similar boat with Stewart, Granderson, Sizemore, and Quentin, but I’ve tried to balance them out with high-AVG guys like Vlad and Span, neither of which seem to be too highly valued by the general population. Any chance you could trade for one of them?
@Grey: For my CI spot: Adam LaRoche (who I currently have), Chase Headley (also currently on the roster), Nick Johnson, Casey Kotchman, Aubrey Huff, Casey Blake or Mark Teahen? Keep in mind I needs me some RBIs. I have Bay, Markakakakakis, Pence, and Prince “Veggie Burger” Fielder in my lineup ever day too.
I’m going to go puke now.
@majortommy: rollins was killing it before his injury. granted it could hang around with him, but last year his babip was way low and his BB rate dropped. small sample size, but early this year his BB rate went up and maybe fortune is coming full circle on his babip.
I give it about 3 days until Edinson Volquez uses the Andy Pettitte excuse: “I used it one time to help me recover from an injury.”
@William: don’t douches feel clean? what’s wrong with feeling clean??
@Clyde Prompto: Oh cool they are going to find bigfoot, ow wait no they don’t. Oh well at least I will be able to see them uncover the Knight Templars treasure in America on the program after this, oh wait they don’t do that either. WHAT?!?!?!? The Devil’s Bible???? I have to watch that!!!
“Hey babe, no it’s 4 in the morning, sorry I got to bed too late but History channel had an episode of the nostredamus effect that I have only seen 4 other times”
@Dingo: Vlad is a high average guy? I hope so, too…
@and1mcgee – you got me there. That’s the second time today.
@Grey: Latos or Pelfrey tonight?
@William: That’s what she said.
OBP league: Weeks/Ike for Pence/Lidge?
@herschel: Don’t get me wrong, I’m not sneezing at $137k… but Volquez stands to earn a hell of a lot more than that if he can get back on the hill and impress. The PEDs could have aided his progress towards that goal… the punishment does not impede his progress towards that goal.
@and1mcgee – one more and it’s the golden sombrero.
I hate how Ike Davis is on waivers right now.
@Awesomus Maximus: completely agree. good career move, like i said above.
The worst part of Monsterquest is at the end of every episode when the narrator says something to the effect of “This investigation has uncovered some compelling evidence.” Umm, no dude. Some redneck heard some noises in the woods he didn’t recognize. AND HE KNOWS DAMN WELL WHAT ALL THE LOCAL CRITTERS SOUND LIKE
@William: ya. Yahoo should add the top 100 prospects. they’re dumb. But I like their fantasy format the best, so I deal with it.
@Clyde Prompto: LOL!
@and1mcgee – yeah me too. Yahoo! is a lot less buggy than ESPN. I can’t tell you how many drafts were screwed up on ESPN.
Though stattracker on Yahoo! is still buggy after all these years.
@Grey – Soto matching or exceeding your expectations thus far.
@floridamach1: Latos
@Struggler: Neither? Take the Pence side.
@William: It’s barely over two weeks into the season. I didn’t have expectations through 10 games.
@Grey – oh booo. I thought it’d be a good one off your ADD post.
Neither? Ha!
I don’t think Yahoo! added him to their database yet.
Guys: Created a 20-team H2H dynasty league with a few fun quirky rules. Spent two weeks recruiting owners but of course we had a dud. He’s been deleted and I need a stellar, competitive, active – but mostly decent guy (or girl) – replacement. The open team is the White Sox.
If interested, please review league settings and scan the message board for a heads-up on a quirky small rule or two – namely, you have two White Sox franchise players you must hold this year, etc.
Take a look if this sounds interesting. I can promise you that the owners are top notch – and several are Razzball frequent visitors.
Here’s the link. E-mail me at dw.reds@gmail.com with questions. Thanks!
http://games.espn.go.com/flb/leagueoffice?leagueId=210466
Thanks, Grey, for the forum here.
I heard its Steve Howe being the suspended player
@majortommy: @Clyde Prompto: I usually laugh a lot at Razzball, but this discussion might take the cake. You guys hit that right on the head. “A thorough investigation of ancient aliens building the Mayan Empire?? Sign me up!”
@Mike D.: If-Healthy All-Star(tm)
@Dingo: Oh yeah, I have Sizemore too. For balance, I have Hanley and, er, Borbon. You know, high avg speed guy who starts season 0-for-50 with one steal.
I could def. trade an OF for Vlad or maybe Ichiro (who I don’t much like but hey). My avg is going to suck this year, though. Thankfully we also have OBP (yes, also — don’t ask) and Dunn is god in that cat. Krispie, no so much.
volquez claims it was a drug to help him make babies with Scott Podsednik wife
@Grey Drop Volquez for Latos?
@Baron Von Vulturewins: Sure, but Latos isn’t DL’d. You can carry him?
@Professor Chaos: Glad I am not the only one that can’t help themselves from watching Apocalypse Island, a two hour program about some dudes camping and climbing a rock formation that may or may not be the perfect place to see the galactic precession that will signal the end of the world in 2012! AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It is a pile of rocks but it just may help me understand my own mortality!
@Jif & The Choosy Mothers: “The open team is the White Sox” you can only use White Sox players?? how does this work?
@Grey: I keed!
Do people have Volquez rostered? I would hate to think my season is riding on the July return of a guy with a 4+ ERA BEFORE they cut into his arm.
Holy Moly, after all the jokes I finally gave in and clicked the link to Mrs. Podsednik’s pics. Way to go Scotty! I would totally “swipe her bags,” if you know what I mean.
anyone heard if podsednik is back with the team or still on his back?
We start 4 OF’s and U and 6 SP’s
My OF’s – Cruz, Wells, Hewyard, Span, BJ Upton, Hamilton, Vlad
My SP’s – Jiminez, DeLaRosa, Lester, J. Sanchez, Kazmir, Gio, Kennedy, Morrow, Pavano
Should I trade Wells for Nolasco?
Adam Jones has to be the expection to this rule.
@majortommy: I love stuff like that. My keeper league has a few guys who work at A&E/History. They call it The Hysteria Channel since it switch from the all Hitler all the time format.
Just poured some out for Dexter Fowler. I really liked you on draft day homey, but with guys getting healthy, you sir have to go.
Is Kurt Suzuki now a better play for the rest of the year than Napoli? Obviously if Mathis is severely injured (heaven forbid) I wouldn’t make the move.
@Jeff: I’d try to move Kazmir. He’s awful. Not to mention a HUGE injury risk. Kaz/Span for Nolasco? :] Wells for Nolasco is good, though.
@Mojo the Helper Monkey: is mathis’ hand injury confirmed?
googled “Jeff Mathis hand” and a lot came up. Napoli starting tonight for sure.
@and1mcgee: he’s not much of a looker, so I hope, for his sake, that it’s his left hand.
@and1mcgee: Is it worth dropping Pudge to pick up my previously dropped Napoli – Naps still pretty much blows, but Pudge is just the hot hand. Though I did vow to punt C this year.
Hey Grey,
I’m in a 16 team H2H keeper league. I was offered Desmond Jennings straight up for Carlos Santana. Who do you like better this season, and who do you like better two years from now? Thanks.
@Baron Von Vulturewins: I have him in an NL-Only league on the DL.
@Jeff: Get Nolasco.
@Mojo the Helper Monkey: Yeah, Mathis is injured.
@Eddie: Jennings two years from now. Santana this year.
@MattW: I would. I would think you could pick up Pudge at any time… or the hot catcher of the week when the time comes…
This reminds me of the guy who dropped Adam Jones for Chase Headley. I then proceeded to drop Blanks for Jones.
Do you think I win and this guy falls into the ADD category?
Any chance of a QS from Gio Gonzo tonight at home against the Yankees?
Need runs and SBs.
Grandy vs lefty today or the hot new leadoff Maybin?
@Mr2Bits: You win.
@dsimon: Not likely.
@Kazmere: Maybin
Pods out again. The mind boggles.
The Riot getting a day off too.
@Mr2Bits: Slim to none. Even if he was in top form it would be hard, but he’s had a rough couple of weeks in his personal life.
@dsimon – if they change QS to 1 batter then I say there is a chance – he better have good control because the Yankees are patient hitters
Just got offered Matusz for Lowe. Pull the trigger?
Start Prado or Berkman at UTIL tonight?
@Grey: The ennui of the deep league.
I can’t tell if I’d like deep league play more, or go more crazier. Shallow league = ADD thanks to way too many viable FAs available at all times. Deep league = rostering Edinson Volquez.
My money is on more crazier.
CarGo not in the starting line-up for some reason (there’s an “x” next to him in Yahoo). Adjust your teams accordingly.
@DrEasy: Ah yes – meant to mention him too.
Soto sitting also.
@Steve: Thanks for the heads up!
@MeanMachine: I’d take Matusz.
@Baron Von Vulturewins: Yeah, different kinds of crazy. Like looking at Mike McCoy and thinking, hey, maybe he can get me two steals.
Russell Branyan will make his season debut on Tuesday night
@mrbaseball: Thanks for the heads up!
@ Grey:
Drop Clement and pick up the Supernatural and wait for him to reach the bigs? Clement is killing me…
@tHe ShiT: Nope
@ Grey:
Ok so drop Clement for Kendall, Towles, Navarro, Barajas, Iannetta?
Or stand pat and hope for the best???
@tHe ShiT: Try Iannetta.
hey Grey/others: do you sit Bills for a while until he gets it together? It feels like last season never ended with this guy.
Thanks for the advice Grey! Worst move I made all season was dropping Aramis Ramirez for Casey Mcgehee. While Mcgehee is producing and Ariram is doing squat, I should have been more patient and not succumbed to my borderline ADD. I’m sure there’s a happy owner in my league.
@penpen: I’d pitch him, but it’s not without its risk.
@Howard: No problem.
The Angels have come out with their All-Star ballots and guess who they listed at catcher? That’s right, Mike Napoli. Makes complete sense. I’m starting to respect Mike Scioscia, he obviously thinks the way he manages his catching situation is hilarious. I certainly do.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2010/04/angels-allstar-napoli-mathis-scioscia.html
@ Grey:
Someone dropped JJ Hardy, drop Ian Desmond for him?
@Grey: Would you want Ike Davis or JJ Hardy in the IF slot?
@tHe ShiT: Depends on the needs, I asked the same question earlier.
Need a SS or 2B…
@grey or anyone: who do you have MORE faith in having a SOLID year Nolasco or Sanchez?
@Grey: Familiar with an Australian TV series called ‘Underbelly’?
Iannetta – one of the reasons Iannetta is having trouble finding playing time is the fact that Miguel Olivo has thrown out 6 out of 8 base stealers
@tHe ShiT
2B – Chase Utley
SS – Hanley Ramírez
@Mojo the Helper Monkey: That’s awesome.
@tHe ShiT: If you need power, then Hardy. Power/speed, Desmond.
@GopherDay: Eh, Hardy.
@slinky: Nolasco
@Steve: Nope, why?
So word is Volquez says he took the medication because he had “sex” problems and wanted to have kids…..
Wait a second…
Volquez wants to have kids, and Manny was taking women fertilizer…..
OMG :O
In my league, Adam Jones, Josh Hamilton and Jose Reyes have already been dropped. I was able to get Reyes with 4 people in front of me with waiver priority. Rookies!
MMD is batting 8th today.
@GTS:
Wow, really?
That’s pretty damn strange considering he’s been one of the most productive rockies! Dammit Tracy he’s not even hitting under .300 what’s the matter with you!
Anyone have any opinion about using FAAB dollars? I’m not sure how to approach the following Q:
I have $100 of FAAB in a 14 team weekly h2h league…how much should I bid for Ike Davis? I don’t need a 1B (got Votto, LaRoche, and Nick Johnson (valuable b/c league counts OBP), but around 1/2 of the league lives in NY, so there are enough Mets fans to make Davis valuable trade bait.
I put in a bid of $12 but have no idea if that makes any sense. I have no idea how I got to that number either. I think the most anyone has bid so far has been $2.
@royce!:
I think that’s too much considering Davis looks like a guy with a very long swing who’s already been targeted to be susceptible to breaking balls. But hey, you know your league better than I do, so you could probably get lucky and sell even higher.
@Eddy: He wasn’t so good against lefties last year… sub .700 OPS. I’d still keep him up in the order if it was my decision. Then again, I own him in 2/3 of my leagues.
@Eddy: Now we know the father of Manny’s kid.
@Mike: Yikes
@GTS: Tracy’s a moron.
@royce!: In a non-keeper, that’s too much. Try $7 at most. If you’re outbid, you’ll be okay.
@slinky: Nolasco. That siad, I have both, so my official answer is both.
@Eddy: @Grey: Thanks. You are the wind beneath my wings.
TULO!
Grady Sizemore for Jacoby Ellsbury? Am I giving up on Grady too soon? I had Borbon for some steals and that hasnt really worked out
@Steve: i cant see my underbelly
@and1mcgee: I filled the league by having owners choose a major league team as they joined. They then picked three players from said team, plus a keeper from said ML team (who hadn’t appeared in an ML game). In short, teams designated to keepers from their ML team who must stay on their roster this season. There are a couple of rules related to this that are described on the league page. Hope that helps. It’s not complicated and guys really seem to enjoy the group.
Thanks. Again, White Sox team is in need of an owner. Anyone interested, let me know. Thanks. dw.reds@gmail.com
http://games.espn.go.com/flb/leagueoffice?leagueId=210466&seasonId=2010
@Grey: Eh – will take too long to explain.
@Grey: Another thing re: $7 for Ike Davis– I’d have to drop Milton Bradley (whom I’ve benched so far) for him. Still a good idea?
Johnny Damon just hit the waiver wire in my mixed league. Is it worth dropping Mike Gonzalez, Chris Davis or Robot Jones to pick him up?
@royce!: I KNOW! What a release. When I saw I think I just made my Tul-O-face
@AL KOHOLIC: It’s a great watch. Not going to comment on your underbelly, however.
Anyone watching the BOS/TEX game? The gamecasts that I’m checking show that some Lewis pitches that are clearly strikes are being called balls. Is the home plate ump’s strike zone wonky or are the gamecast programs off?
@Carl Spackler: I’d want Sizemore.
@royce!: Sure
@Bob: Gonzalez, unless you’re desperate for saves. Also, when does the transaction go through, cause Gonzalez went to Dr. Freeze today. By tomorrow, he could be out for the season.
@GTS: @Grey:
I don’t know if MMDs RBI will help change Tracy’s mind or reinforce his decision.
And I think we’re gonna see a new episode of Maury within days Grey.
@Bob: I’d drop Gonzalez of you have enough closers… not good that he’s going back to Dr. Freeze.
Just realized Filthy Sanchez is pitching at Petco tonight. I’d be happier if I weren’t facing a streamer this week, but hey, you take what you can get.
@Eddy: Yeah, not sure either.
bruce triple!
@Grey: Sorry if already asked; but what is the deal with CarGo?
@Grey; @royce: I saw that Gonzo is going to Dr. Death. Unfortunately, gotta make the claim tonight. I’m a bit of a SAGNOF guy (I’ve got Valverde, Dotel, Wagner and Capps), but it’s a league where I’m getting a lot of trade offers for these crappy guys, so SAGNOF is tough to come by here. So, you still think it’s worth hanging onto Davis and Robot?
@Grey: I have a sinking feeling a Disgraceful List trip is in Bills’ future, and/or I’ll be dropping him in May/June because he’s just a wreck. Is his velocity down or something? What’s up with this guy?
Billingsley sucks…
I agree with the last two posts.
I drafted Bills to be one of my top starters. He is making me want to cry right now.
Drop Billingsley for Ervin Santana? Overreaction or reasonable?
@penpen: @GTS: @preptime: @TheBravesWearPrado: Hey, could be worst: he finally recorded a K!
@peter: edit: worse
I knew I should have benched him. He’s been wild.
If the pitcher makes the error, do the runs count as earned runs?
@GTS: He showing signs of improvement; hasn’t walked a single guy…
@Cheese: I don’t think so.
@Cheese:
No.
I think I am going to drop him after this game for someone on the waivers. Zito, Santana, Latos, etc. I can’t take owning both BBershaw and BBills.
@GTS: this might be worse; he’s not even wild tonight, just wildly hittable
fielder, bases loaded, no outs, fouls out to third base…..i know its prince and april and hes vegan, but cmon, a little sign of life would be nice…..
@herschel: really disappointing
@royce!: Lewis has been a little wild, if anything this ump seems to have a fairly liberal strike zone. Most notably giving the outside corner to the pitcher.
@TheBravesWearPrado: So glad I moved him Longoria and Lester for Kemp/Wright/Marcum
Note to SAGNOFers : Start anyone against the Red Sox. Their catchers are terrible.
I have Bills, Vazquez and Slowey tonight…. I’m sure that the latter two will make up for Bills lack of skills. Right guys??????
What is up with Billingsley?
And another hit against a lefty for Stewart, maybe idiot Tracy will move him up.
Batting 8th today against Olsen. I could see against a good lefty but c’mon Olsen.
@mauledbypandas: okay, thanks. I doubted that the gamecast programs were accurate about pitch location. Would rather that they were, b/c I would like Lewis to kill it this year, but so be it.
With Ellsbury hitting the DL, I need a replacement CF in a 12 team H2H league that uses LF, CF, RF positions and 5×5 + OPS.
Options are: Cody Ross, Dexter Fowler, Nyjer Morgan, Brett Gardner. 2 weeks in and my team (from a roto standpoint) is on the plus side of middling in AVG and SB, and a bit ahead in OPS, HR. Whats my best bet for runs, where I’ve been weakest? Nyjer hitting leadoff? Hoping for Fowler to warm up?
@mauledbypandas: I was actually able to move Lester before the season for Rollins and was able to avoid another slow start by a top pitcher although Rollins on the DL isn’t helping me either.
@SamYo: Another Vlad steal! Brilliant!
@SamYo: To be fair, most of these 6 Sb tonight have been stolen on Wakefield
@dsimon: Nyjer
@SamYo: As sad as that is, yes, anyone who can steal should be started v. Sox. Victor cannot throw to 2b.
They had a planned pitch out and he still blew it.
@PaddyTwoTimes: Did you see the lead Andrus had though? I know the throw was high, but only a perfect throw will stop a guy who gets a running start like that.
@What is up with Billingsley? – he is not that good
Trade Robot Jones for Kevin Correia in a 20 man H2H league where my 3rd and 4th starters are Colby Lewis and Mat Latos? Or hold out for something more?
What do you do with Billingsley at this point?
Matt Kemp, De la Rosa for Billingsley, Nolasco and Reynolds
Who wins?
Someone with a television, is Bills throwing meatballs? Rolen doubles off the second pitch…come on!
@MattW:
Well he can’t get his curve over for a strike and he is topping out at 91mph.
I’m not sure what’s going on with him.
Pelfrey looks very good again so far tonight. No hits, 1 BB over 4.
Zambrano gives me an ulcer. Hasn’t been terrible. 2 out walk to Pelfrey lead to the 2 run Reyes triple. Jose looks primed to bust out.
Borbon hit one out of the infield! let the track meet begin
@jj: It seems like ever since he hurt his leg last year he’s been out of whack; maybe he subconsciously altered his delivery to compensate or something.
Not looking good for Masterson so far…
@Bob: I thought I answered this above. Can you wait until he sees Andrews? If not, then drop Davis, if you want Damon. I don’t know what your team needs. I’m guessing it doesn’t need two corner men.
@PaddyTwoTimes: Rest day maybe? I haven’t heard anything.
@ichirosan: You should get more.
@preptime: Nolasco side, but it’s close.
@Grey:
I’d be getting the Kemp side and it is a keeper league. I also have David Wright so Reynolds isn’t really necessary and I don’t think he will be running as much this year. Also, I was planning on dropping BBillingsley anyways.
Referee has declared Brett Myers the loser for tonights game after giving up 2 runs in the top of the 1st inning
@Grey: Traded Quentin & E.Santana for Kershaw in a 10 team keeper. Tried it per your advice w/o Quentin but he wanted a pitcher in return. Wouldn’t accept E.Santana. Still a decent trade right? I hardly need the power (right now at least). My staff now consists of Nolasco, Baker, Vazquez, Kershaw, DeLaRosa, Sanchez, & CjWilson. That’s a good enough staff to carry me through in a 5×5 right? Time to put my ADD at ease and let the stats tally up!
@timSTi: Yeah, should be.
@preptime: I feel you brother, I had Bills and Kershaw last year…Bills was great until the break and I had enough of Kershaw burning up 110 pitches in less than six innings. My best pitchers wound up being Wandy and Pineiro…should give you some idea of my fate.
@grey: Thanks for the great columns, but I gotta stop reading ‘em at work…I laugh so hard it just reinforces everyone’s thoughts that I’m insane.
C. Billingsley – Only 3 innings tonight and the league is hitting over .300 against him – why didn’t he tests positive for PEDs ?
@timSTi: *Wouldn’t accept Cueto
Has anyone seen an update regarding Mathis’ X-ray yet?
@GREY + taking others OPINIONS:
I’m thinking of offering MY haren/bay for another owners Kemp/Verlander?
Is Haren/Bay enough to get that done maybe? If the guy is hating verlander right now? If not do you think if i throw in a donkey corn/brain freeze that would balance it out?
jonathan sanchez for jason kubel?
i get kubel.
Why is Carlos Pena stealing? I’m -2 on the day now.
Between Carlos Lee, Chad Billingsley, Mike Gonzalez(Dropped), Jason Frasor (dropped), Jon Lester, Ellsbury (DL) my team is giving me an ulcer. WORST start to a season ever!
At least Miggy is mashing, and Dwright is hitting HR’s.
@Grey:
I know you told me earlier don’t own Pelfrey, and I went out and dropped him for Jaime. But it’s getting harder and harder to ignore his performances. Is Buchholz worth dropping over Pelfrey? Or do you see him heading towards a huge blow up start?
@Eddy:
I streamed him, where were you!
Nelson Cruz with 3 steals off of the knuckler tonight. I had 4 for my whole team all last week. SB’s are such a streaky category.
Anyone starting Kazmere, the sweater, tonight?
@3FingersBrown:
I’ll take it.
My SP’s are: Ubaldo, Oswalt, Bills, Marcum, Wilson, Sheets, and Duchscherer. Anyone think I am in dire need of upgrading? I realize half my rotation has injury concerns.
@mrbaseball: Seriously.
@Awesomus Maximus: Day to day.
@slinky: Should be enough.
@spencer: Sanchez
@TheBravesWearPrado: Cause Wakefield is pitching and V-Mart is catching.
@Eddy: Own Pelfrey if you want.
@slinky: If he is hating Verlander enough, maybe, but Bay has been pretty awful himself… I don’t see any harm in offering that though.
@Elijah:
I did too! I love the stats I’m getting as we speak! But earlier I asked “Jaime or Pelfrey” and Grey suggested Jaime (and statistically it makes sense too since Jaime has been even better), but it’s hard not to go out and drop someone for him (thinking Buchholz)!
@3FingersBrown:
Tell me about it, I was dead last in the RCL in SB. I have 6 today, so it threw me back in the mix.
sexy alexei or desmond? obviously neither is doing great but at least desmond is drawing some walks. i wanna drop one of them to take a flier on jaime garcia in a daily lineup league so i can rotate him in for good matchups.
@TheBravesWearPrado: The back of your staff is a little troublesome. Depends how long Duchscherer can pitch and what you get from Sheets.
@ThePoonTycoon: Lose Desmond.
@Grey: Well that makes sense about Pena stealing. Now I feel silly. You think Jaime Garcia is worth adding over Sheets or anyone else? Thanks for you input.
anyone watching kemp try to steal? is he not getting good jumps? wobbly knees from rhianna? people think this issue will curb his running in the future?
***Mathis to the DL with a fractured right wrist.***
@TheBravesWearPrado: I wouldn’t own Sheets.
@Yo Soy No Bueno: Thanks for the update!
@Grey: Nothing broken (Mathis)?
@herschel: Between him and CarGo I’m getting all kinds of negatives in stolen bases. I was hoping for at least 20 net from each.
@Yo Soy No Bueno:
Good thing I dropped Napoli several times already.
I was just able to pickup Napoli in a league. However, Soto was just recently dropped. Do I use the waiver claim I have on Soto or ride the Napoli?
I see my question was being answered while I was typing it. Gotta’ drop Olivo for Napoli now, right? Suzuki, as well?
@Awesomus Maximus: No, sounds like there’s new, um, news.
@Yo Soy No Bueno: Stay with Napoli.
@Awesomus Maximus: Go with Napoli.
So, am I to assume the silence means no one likes Kazmir tonight?
@Grey: Sorry, I confused your answer with somebody elses.
@Grey: The two most powerful forces in baseball are Razzball and Mike Scioscia’s All-Star considerations. Thank you, Grey. The amazing SIAFI catcher.
@john: I haven’t liked Kazmir in three years, so I’m out.
@Bob: No problem.
@Yo Soy No Bueno: Ha!
@john: Yeah, I think you might be right… Though DET doesn’t have the greatest offense, if you have Kazmir I think you have to bench him until he proves that he deserves an ERA of less than 10.
@Yo Soy No Bueno: thanks for that. just snagged napoli in a league where i was running an empty C slot.
that league also has a 40-move cap for the year and i’m already up to 13, but screw it, i love the napoli.
@Grey: Napoli over Pudge?
@herschel: Sure
@Grey: You probably answered this a year ago, though I don’t remember.
Lets say you’ve grabbed a guy like Wiggy cos he’s hitting a home run every day. If it’s looking like he’s starting to cool off, how long to you give him to see whether he is or not?
Have hitters clogging up my bench in a couple of leagues where I’d rather have MRs (having dropped MRs to grab the hot hitters).
@herschel: @wily mo: SIAFI!
I apologize, I’m a grown man who’s giddy about another grown man fracturing his right wrist. Fantasy Baseball, makes you evil.
@Steve: About a week.
@Yo Soy No Bueno: Ha
@Grey: Yea, I guessed that would be how you felt.
@royce!: My team is partially a reclamation project (Reyes, Soto, Quentin, Ervin Santana) so I drafted him. But yea, I suppose I shouldn’t start him until he proves he’s decent again.
@Yo Soy No Bueno: YES!!!!!
I was just thinking about how much more of McClouth’s 0-fer loafin’ I can take, and then realized that Carlos Lee has been even worse than him… I’m not sure what to do with this thought though. Actually, my first thought was to go after Lee. If Lee’s owner hates him anywhere near as much as I hate McClouth right now, I would assume I could snag him for pennies on the dollar. He’s a toxic asset.
Wait, that was supposed to be a question (has anyone tried this brown liquid called “Jim Beam”? It’s delicious!). Should I target Lee?
Holy SB look at the Base Running column in the Tex game haha
This will probably seem over the top…anyway:
Isn’t this the same injury Doumit went down with last year? In which case he was out until July. I looked back at the reports at the time and noticed that X-Rays and MRIs came back inconclusive for him. This necessitated a CT-Scan and through that procedure they finally found the fracture.
…all that being said. Mathis, as far as reports are concerned, only had an X-Ray scheduled for today. I don’t know if there are any medical professionals on this list, but does that mean that the fracture could be more severe because it was located through a simple X-Ray?
so if slowey can give me 8 strong innings (or a complete game tonight?? check the pitch count), what are the chances my slowey for lester offer gets accepted?
@Grey: Steal for Reyes! He is rewarding us for our faith and foresight, Grey.
@ThePoonTycoon: I think very slim but I’m gonna make the same offer if he keeps it up!
@ThePoonTycoon: I just offered someone Sheets for Slowey. I’m going to guess you have the same slim chances I do but for different reasons.
Mathis to miss 6-8 weeks.
Any Hermida believers in the house?
BP had him as a longshot darkhorse this year. I just wish he could play 3B.
Hey look at that, they reversed the hoodie ban!
Looks like they realized Maddon had “guys” that Selig didn’t wanna mess with.
Wow, that was a close one. I tried dropping Napoli for M. Harrison in my 20 teamer this week. But missed out on him.
@Baron Von Vulturewins: i’ve been hanging on to chris davis but i’m really tempted to punt him for hermida right now. even though that would leave me with a 3B squad of uribe and callaspo. it’s not like having davis in that mix is helping.
i looked at borbon’s and davis’ fangraphs last night. borbon’s expanding the zone and hitting everything in the air. davis is taking strikes and hitting everything on the ground. if we could combine them into one player they’d be… uh… roy halladay?
actually davis had 3 flyouts tonight. encouraging? maybe? knuckleball?
@Jif & The Choosy Mothers: I’d be interested in your league. I’ve sent you an email.
Grey,
Just offered a trade that was accepted….
My Morneau and Danks
For
Chase Utley
Thoughts?
Goddamn POS Madson. Can’t wait for Lidge to get back so I can dump him.
Prefer Bruce over any of the following OF: Quentin, Pence, Robot Jones?
Hey Grey, it looks like Carlos Quentin was dropped in one of my leagues, would you drop either Pence/Robot Jones for him or just hold on tight ?
@Bill Lumbergh: Thanks for the interest. I just filled it with another guy from here literally five minutes ago. Sorry.
I run two similar 20-team dynasty leagues but everyone else so far is very active, so far at least, so that was the only opening. Thanks though.
1B Face Off:
AGon vs Votto….Go!
@Jif & The Choosy Mothers: No worries. Thanks anyway!
@john: Votto is the better all around. A-Gon for power.
@SamYo: Drop Pence for him…but that’s just me.
Holly crap-shoot from mars!!! How many stolen bases did the Rangers get???
@Suck My Wieters: Danks is looking pretty dang good, but that trade is solid for you.
Wells thinks its pretty hilarious that I dropped him pre-season for Austin Jackson. So he decided to rub it in my face by actually performing and hitting.
Sonovadrop???
@Bill Lumbergh:
Yea, AGon is older, horrible home park, pretty bad offense around him but is as close to a guarantee of 35+ HR’s as you can get.
Votto is young, terrific home park, better offense and has some speed. Also, he can hit 30 HR’s.
I don’t know, I’m not sure those 5+ HR’s are really worth the extra benefits Votto brings to the table.
What a performance by Slowey. So glad I have him on a couple of teams.
@Eddy: Me Too!! I started Masterson and Slowey in two leagues where I own both. Rough Start by Masterson but the K’s were nice and the two gave me a decent start to the week.
ROLEN or Kouz? @anyone
rolen or Kouz/nick johnson…. throw him in the mix….. @anyone
Two steals in two days for Headley. Those steals are a pleasant surprise.
For me I got a nice game out of Mike Pelfrey – 7 scoreless he gave up 3 hits and got 6 K’s – this is turning into a love fest
@TheBravesWearPrado: Make that 3 steals in 2 days.
@mrbaseball:
Ditto. Had him going out too, I ended up dropping Buchholz for Pelfrey because initially I had streamed him. He’s only 26, we may be witnessing a breakout here. Same for Slowey (age and breakout haha).
In a keeper league I was offered Adrian Gonzalez for Votto and Bell. I’m building for next year and have Votto, Phillips, Zimmerman, Braun, Lind, Stanton, Jennings, and Josh Johnson lined up as my 8 keepers.
Would you take Gonzaelez and the chance he gets moved (please to Tampa) or Votto becoming a top tier 1B? Since I’m not keeping Bell long run he doesn’t matter but I can always use him as an upgrade later.
I can also move Votto, Bell and Broxton (leaving me with just Woods but I don’t care about this year) for Gonzo, Billingsley and Hawpe/McLouth. I also have a man crush on Billingsley but I’m afraid of how he’s started despite the small sample size. What do you think about that deal? Would you take neither, the first or the second? If the second one with Hawpe of McLouth? Thanks and I love the site.
@slinky: I’m not a fan of Kouz especially in Oakland. If you use OBP Johnson obviously is much more valuable. Once Tex and A-rod start hitting some homers he’ll score a ton of runs. Rolen has started off well but I don’t know how much he can improve off of last year. I guess I would say Johnson, Rolen, Kouz.
I think there should be a glossary term for a pitcher who does terrible for a couple of starts, and you decide to give him one more start to prove himself and BAM, he annihilates. I’m looking at you Ervin Sanatana.
Does Lidge immediately get the closer role back upon returning to the Phillies? I have Madson and I think im going to drop him now for Lidge.
@Keith: Never play for next year. You’ve got a strong core and can go for this year. I’d hold tight on Votto, he could be a 5 category stud…but its really who you prefer.
Don’t think A-Gonz is going to Tampa.
@royce!: Sure
@ThePoonTycoon: How much do you want it to get accepted?
@Steve: Nice!
@Baron Von Vulturewins: Worth trying while he’s hot and playing.
@Suck My Wieters: I’d take Utley.
@diy: Over the last two.
@SamYo: I’d lose Jones for him.
@Eddy: Nice!
@slinky: Johnson
@Keith: I’d want Votto.
@Eddy: There should be.
@wakeNbake: Lidge should get the job back.
Red sox just walked off. Quick, go grab Darnell McDonald.
@MarkM: Saw this nugget at the bottom of the game wrapup:
“RANGERS RIGHTFIELDER NELSON CRUZ LEFT THE GAME IN THE BOTTOM OF THE NINTH INNING WITH AN APPARENT HAMSTRING INJURY.”
Note: I’m not yelling… that’s how it was written.
Headley with his third steal of the night! Is Sanchez bad at holding runners?
HR Mini Donkey!!!
@Awesomus Maximus:
Oh wow, that really sucks for my RCL but is awesome for my H2H matchup. I hate this conflict inside of me
Thanks for the update though
@Awesomus Maximus: Ya, well all of those Cruz owners will have a spot for McDonald!!!
Seriously though, he was hobbling a little. It didn’t look serious. But I guess neither did Reyes last year.
@Elijah: I love Mini Donkey’s!
Kyle Blanks or Chase Headley
Gonna’ have a spot open tomorrow with Rodney going back in the pen… don’t like any of the spot starts for tomorrow, though, so I’m thinking ahead. You like any of these?
Garcia @SF (Lincecum)
Correia @Cin (Cueto)
Duchscherer vs. Cle (Westbrook)
I like Garcia, except for the fact that I’m not expecting a ton of run support with Lincecum on the bump. Correia… eh… Votto, Phillips and Bruce all hitting could be dangerous. I’m thinking Duch is the best matchup all around.
Kazmir is looking pretty good thus far.
@john: Too bad you benched him.
Does Lidge immediately get the closer job back upon returning?
thanks. I cant stand Madson on my team anymore….
@Awesomus Maximus: I like Duch. He’s looked really good with the exception of his first outing. I’ve actually watched the As games that he’s pitched and it looks effortless. His WHIP and ERA are higher than they should be, because he’s still getting into game shape and tires late, but they leave him in.
@wakeNbake: Grey already answered that, and he said yes.
@Awesomus Maximus: I agree with your assessment. I own Duch so I will definitely be starting him. I’m currently trying to see what I can get for Sheets so that I can add Garcia before his start though I doubt I’ll get any takers. I’m very intrigued by Garcia and want to jump on the bandwagon before its too late.
@Awesomus Maximus: The other options I’m considering are:
1.) Grab Badenhop (I’m H2H against a streamer, so he could help solidify ERA/WHIP)
2.) Pick up Jim Johnson (could hurt ERA/WHIP, could help make up for Saves I’m losing with Rodney)
@Awesomus Maximus: Correia/Cueto is in SD.
@mrbaseball: I asked this same question the other night and I believe the consensus was Headley for this year and Blanks for the future. Headley has more major league experience so he is more polished at this point. The fact that he is running both aggressively and successfully right now is obviously a big plus. However if you are desperate for power and good on average I could see choosing Blanks.
Thoughts on starting Hudson against the Phillies tomorrow.
I was just offered James Shields for Jose Valverde. I’m in a 12 team league where I could use another starter and even if I trade Valverde I’ll still have 3 other closers. I almost feel silly asking since I know the policy here is ABtC but I just want to reassured before I hit the accept button.
@BKK: Hmm… I don’t think so. Schedule shows Friday, April 23rd – San Diego at Cincinnati.
@MarkM: @TheBravesWearPrado: Thanks for the input, gentlemen.
@TheBravesWearPrado: @BKK:
I am gonna.
@BKK: I’ve got him in an H2H league. Thanks to Penny yesterday and Slowey, Wagner and Latos today, I don’t really need to start him so I’m not gonna.
@TheBravesWearPrado: You should feel silly! Kidding, but I own Shields in a couple leagues, I’ve sent out at least a dozen trade offers trying to get rid of him (don’t like him in the AL East), but I still wouldn’t take a closer of Valverde’s caliber for him. So yeah, I think it’s good for you.
@Awesomus Maximus: Sorry, my bad, now I feel really stupid because I was waiting on Cueto for his start in San Diego and missed out on Duch and Garcia who were sitting on the wire until today. Dyslexia strikes again.
So has Kazmir looked good tonight or are The Tigers just very bad? I have him on one Roto team and I’m going against him H2H. Hate when that happens.
@Elijah: @Steve: Billingsleys abomination makes it an easy decision in one league but, Slowey’s outing has me second guessing it in another league. Thanks for your input.
Is that right? Haren’s hitting in the 6th inning of a 9-7 game? Strange.
I hate how Filthy Sanchez is losing solely because of a sac fly. How ridiculous!
any updates on cruz???
@3FingersBrown:
He’s a horse.
@Awesomus Maximus: Cool thanks I have the same concern about the division and Grey also expressed some frustration with his inconsistency in his preseason rankings. But either way I think he’ll be an upgrade to the back of my rotation (Sheets has most likely seen his last day on my roster) and hopefully I can add a closer later.
Which side would you guys take: Joey Votto and Nick Markakis for Adrian Gonzalez and Adam Jones
Back-to-back double digit Ks for Sanchez.
Grey you are the man for recommending him.
@Elijah: And he can hit apparently. He’s 4-4!
Where is that San Francisco offense!?
Grey,
Theres some b*tching and moaning over this trade. Utley for Danks and Morneau. Should there be b*tching going on?
@john:
Seriously!
I refuse to believe Filthy is two inngings away from gettingt a loss in a start where he K’d 10 and gave up ONE hit.
@john: There it is!
@BKK: @Elijah: Mini-Donkey’s place in my heart had been replaced by Mini-Mini Donkey. He is much cuter. Haha
@john:
Eli Whiteside’s dishing out Bagels.
@Eddy: @Suck My Wieters: Come on Eli, not Jewish, Whiteside!
@Elijah: Suicide Squeeze…do it…do it now
@john:
What do ya think this is, Tommy Lasorda Ball?
@Herschel: Cruz had a cramp. Doesn’t seem serious thankfully (I own him on all of my teams): http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/mlb/news/story?id=5120703
@Elijah: Once they had one out, and the pitcher coming up, that’s what shoulda been done. Imo…tie the game and start over…instead, 0 runs and Sanchez still on the hook.
@john:
I agree, but teams dont use it much anymore.
@Elijah: Yea, I know. I’m a small ball guy. Bobby Cox was my boy, but even he doesn’t use it much anymore, if at all.
And tonight marks the start of Nelson Cruz’s string of minor injuries for rest of the season, just like last year
The good thing is that he’ll still put up 150 games worth of counting stats in 130 games.
It’s such a shame to see Rodney, who’s converted 4 out of 4 saves (and a chance at another one tonight), be sent down to the bullpen just like that. Someone remind me why he didn’t end up on the Orioles or with the DBacks?
Arizona is up 9-7 in the bottom of the eighth. Are there any other Qualls owners who are nervous about him coming on for the save?
@Griff: /raises hand
He’ll get the 8, 9 and 1 hitters, at least.
@Eddy:
The angels like having a deep bullpen, its not a bad thing to have.
@Griff: Holy balls, a strikeout to start the inning. I think I’m gonna take a shot for every out he gets.
@Griff:
He hasnt been as bad as the boxscore has looked the last few times, lotta soft singles.
Krispie or Maybin?
@Elijah: That’s good to know. I’m on the east coast so I don’t get many of the D’back games.
I’d picked up Gutierrez as a handcuff…the day before he gave up 4 runs. Yaaay.
Garret Jones/Colby Rasmus for Adam Lind…
what do you think?
My current infield and OF:
Derrek Lee, Pablo, Nelson Cruz, Adam Lind, Borbon, Chris Young…
I NEED an OF.
Haha, I was just looking at the McClouth walk-off, and as he was rounding the bases all the Braves ran inside the club house for a silent treatment instead of out celebrating. Pretty funny stuff.
@all: Dude offered me Beckett for McGehee & Rausch. I have good pitching, but that’s too good an offer to pass up no? Am I missing something? McGehee’s not this good is he?
@Brian: Gonzalez side.
@Eddy: Oh, yeah.
@Suck My Wieters: It’s pretty uneven, but whatever.
@Brettj72: Krispie
@Jonathan: I’d want Lind.
@3FingersBrown: I’d want Beckett.
Cameron Maybin, Josh Willingham, or Chris Young?
@Grey:
Wolf or Jaime in the RCL?
@Jonathan: Krispie
@Eddy: Jaime
@Grey: Yeah me too. I think the guy’s drunk. Looking at MiLB stats, there’s nothing to make me believe that McGehee has the kind of power he’s shown. I’m trying to move him while he’s hot.
Y’know my team is pretty slow but has Power/OBP. Tonight shows just how streaky SB are though. I got 3 steals from Nelson and 1 from Ajax. Another team had 7, with those guys plus Headley. Crazy.
random Q to emit into the razzball ether: has any SABR-type quant ever calculated the ability of teams to produce save opportunities? Like perhaps certain teams have a set of characteristics that leads to them leading games by 3 or less runs going into the 9th inning? I just wonder if its possible to evaluate which teams will provide the best “frame” for any ol’ closer to step in and rack up more saves than others.
Of course, this could boil down to “teams that are good and win more.” Can’t get a save opp without a lead after all…
Dammit, Grey. I was expecting a new post at 2:30 AM CST! One of the highlights of getting off my second shift job is seeing the new post. Where the hell is it?
Better late than never!
@herschel: Penelope?