Andrew Bailey will need thumb surgery, according to one doctor. He’s scheduled to get a second opinion today. That second doctor’s gonna say, “The first doctor and I play golf and he only sent you to me to run up your doctor bills. Of course you need surgery.” My opinion is Bailey is always hurt and he’s gonna miss a few months. When Bailey was first traded to the Sawx in the offseason, I even opined, “When Melancon went to the Sawx, I said, “The GM over in Beantown says Melancon is “capable of closing.” In big market speak, that means he won’t be the closer. Melancon is the stereotypical small market closer, big market set-up man.” Prescient ain’t just a word you need a spell checker for. It’s a state of mind! Bailey will be absolutely fine as a closer when he’s healthy, which is to say maybe 4 of 6 months of the season if the Sawx are lucky.” And that’s me quoting me! I don’t just bring this up for the Bailey news, but I wanted to say again how the Sawx GM originally pegged Melancon as having closer potential. Originally, I said he wasn’t a big market closer, but guess what y’all? He’s a heck more of a big market closer than Aceves. He has closer experience and that you can’t buy (legally outside of Canada). The Sawx are saying Aceves could get saves. I’m not sure how much I believe it. If Melancon was out there in my leagues, I grabbed him too (as in, in addition to Aceves). If Aceves does get the first couple of saves, he’ll need to be perfect to keep the job, i.e., vis-a-vis, ergo, Melancon could end up getting 25 saves even if he doesn’t get the first couple. This shituation is fluid so put on some plastic bed sheets. Anyway, here’s what else I saw in spring training for 2012 fantasy baseball:
Frank Francisco – Went for an MRI on his knee yesterday. Ah, the Mets and their injuries. The Mets doctors originally thought Francisco was dealing with patella tendinitis — is that the pre-med Indian kid who lived in my freshman dorm? Frank2 had an ERA north of 5.50 in the spring and the publicity was, “Where’s his velocity?” He thought he’d locate his electricity with tenacity, but kept ending up back at paucity, which left people grabbing Rauch in felicity, prior to her cutting her hair — the audacity! Only issue is unless your league has a category for the number of things a pitcher can reach off a top shelf, Rauch may be useless. Bobby Parnell, who I believe is the little black kid from the movie Role Models, could end up with the bulk of the saves. Then there’s Ramon Ramirez, who insists you not call him Ram-Ram, not that there’s anything wrong with a little Ram-Ram… Basically, the Mets are a shizzshow closerousel that could get you sick to your stomach. I grabbed Rauch in one league, Parnell in another league and think one of them will get the majority of the saves in April for the Mets. Either could run with the job longer too.
Jason Bay – If he struggles in the season, the Mets said they could platoon him. Not even joking here, but I think this the first bit of Mets front office news I’ve agreed with since they fired A.J. Mass from his Mr. Met job.
Sam Fuld – Out 4 to 5 months with wrist surgery. Will give Fuld plenty of time to hunt wabbits.
Sean Marshall – Named Cincy closer. I could’ve told you that last week, and I’m not even reading tea leaves, especially not chunky Betty Draper’s.
Aroldis Chapman – Will stay in the bullpen as a setup man for Marshall. I wonder if Aroldis would’ve signed in Cincy if he would’ve known he’d be stuck in the bullpen for his whole career. Coming from Cuba, he should’ve known he wasn’t going to get any say in the matter with the Reds.
Tyler Colvin – Someone grabbed Colvin in my NL-Only draft during the free round and everyone groaned. Colvin is a whole lot of nothing right now, but prepare for Fowler to get benched a game here and there and Colvin to get a chance. If he does well with those chances, Colvin will be a hot add everywhere.
Josh Beckett – Has a thumb injury, but shouldn’t miss his first start. Beckett did go to Texas to get it checked out. I’m guessing he didn’t hitchhike.
Carlos Lee – Ken Rosenthal reported that Lee can block trades to 14 teams this year. With 18.5 million still going to Lee, 29 teams are hoping they’re one of the 14.
Dayan Viciedo – Hit a home run yesterday and finished with a .196 average. Spring training numbers mean nothing, but I wouldn’t be shocked if this Cuban raftee sees an average around .200 this year.
Randall Delgado – Won the fifth rotation spot for the Braves. As of right now, Delgado doesn’t look like he’s going to pitch well or past May 1st when Hudson returns. Last year, he had an ERA of 2.83 in 7 games started, but a hideous K-rate, walk rate and xFIP. I’m worried about his walk rate and K-rate dropping as he moves up to a new level. Right now, I wouldn’t risk it outside of NL-Only leagues.
Tyler Pastornicky – Hey, the clergyman that Carmella made out with was named the Braves starting shortstop. I went over my Pastornicky fantasy already. I wrote it while being disappointed by the Worst Cooks in America finale.
Roger Bernadina – Nursing a right knee contusion, but should be fine for Opening Day. Yesterday, in VinWins’ post about RCL trends, I was surprised to see Bernadina wasn’t drafted at all. Not that I need to explain myself to you, but there’s gonna be a post later today from Rudy that is gonna blow your mind. Let’s just say, just when you thought my mustache couldn’t get any fuller, it just did.
Jesus Montero – Was escorted off the field after getting beaned in the back of the helmet. After the game, Wedge said he’s okay, it got him “in the fat part of the helmet.” Then Kevin Smith started a Twitter campaign demanding helmets of any size are treated the same, then Michelle Obama started a helmet nutrition program and the fat helmet lost weight and wasn’t nearly as funny.
Dusty Baker. Dusty indeed. “If it ain’t broke don’t start it”.
@Chris J, Ha
Let me guess – there’s an error in Bernadina’s Point Shares rating? He’s not 756, he’s actually 75?
Gah. And now I’m subscribed to the post…
You’re right Grey, these shizzshow carousel situations are getting pretty ridiculous now…I do wonder if the Chi Sox will ever name their closer this century, just lets us know Ace Ventura jeez so we can drop otherwise worthless guys like Crain…Anyway free saves out there so gotta try get em.
Pick up Parnell dropping Aceves/Crain?
@TheNewGuy, All this shizz about the Mets closing carousel – as a fan of the Amazin’s since Casey had the helm, do you really think that the total Mets saves for the season will be over 35? I would project them for about 50-60 wins total. It is really a waste of time to get involved too deeply, especially because any one of the options will probably wreck your ERA/WHIP. But thats just me…Grey did promise to say something good about the Mets every fortnight or so; I guess the mild endorsement of Blahtooning Bay will work for the month of April.
@Paulie Allnuts, Possibly true actually Paulie, this may be one of those ugly closing situations noone wants to get involved with…
@TheNewGuy, Yes pickup Parnell…drop Crain
@TheNewGuy, i guarantee it’s going to be thorton to start the season. almost 100% sure. Ventura doesn’t seem to high on Reed (neither does don cooper). they actually favor Hector Santiago over him. Thornton will begin the year though.
League with limited moves and my closers might not get a lot of chances. Is Chapman droppable for Melacon if I need saves over K’s? Could also ditch Kenley, Myers or Balfour. Thanks in advance.
@Shin-Soo Choo Choo, I’d make sure Melancon was getting saves first.
@Grey, Aceves also available. Drop Chapman and Myers for Melle Mel and Ace?
@Shin-Soo Choo Choo, Don’t drop Myers…
Hey Grey, quick trade question: A guy in my 12 team Stnd Roto league autodrated two catchers and is trying to get rid of Alex Avila. He’s offered me Avila for Chris Sale. I know this should be a no brainer but I like Sale and already have Soto. Is the improvement on Soto (who I’d have to drop) worth giving up Sale for? (my pitching can take the hit and the improvement in batting avg would help). What do you think?
@Muchaco, Hold
Grey,
I’m back again. I’m once again asking questions about closers (Obviously i’m not too confident in mine). Do you drop any of the following for Melancon? Marmol,Myers,Capps,Broxton….Or would you just stick with them.
Thanks a bunch
@Steven, stay with those id think
@Steven, hold…
I need saves. Do I drop Addison Reed for Parnell or Rauch?
@BobbyVCard, Parnell
“Coming from Cuba, he (A-CHAP) should’ve known he wasn’t going to get any say in the matter with the Reds.” Great stuff. So an ace Cubano with 100 MPH velocity risks his life to become a set up man for Dusty. Bad Karma, man
Grey, you talked about Mesoraco in the same fantasy post as the Pastor. I drafted him with a low pick, but when his ownership tailed to 1.2% in ESPN, I dropped him and figured I would play the Soto/Suzuki/Buck/Martin (a.ka. SoSuBums)catching streamer option this season. I don’t have the cajones to stick with a regular who is a 1 Percenter, I guess. However, do you see Dusty giving DevMes the bulk of the catching duties over Hannigan, or not?
@Paulie Allnuts, still laughing at that quote
@Paulie Allnuts, Thanks! He’s not going to get the bulk out of the gate…
@Grey,
As always, thank you for all the work you do in making Razzball a must-read destination. There was a lot of positional value at the end of my 12-team 5×5 H2H draft, so I committed a cardinal draft sin and wound up with 2 offensive bench players. I also took just 2 closers. I was thinking about grabbing Melancon or Greg Holland (now Melancon is the obvious add), but who to drop is vexing me. Here’s my lineup:
C – Lucroy
1B – Adam Lind
2B – Howie Kendrick
SS – Jimmy Rollins
3B – Jose Bautista
MI – Jason Kipnis
CI – Kevin Youkilis
OF – Andrew McCutchen
OF – Jay Bruce
OF – Desmond Jennings
OF – Jose Tabata
OF – Lorenzo Cain
Util – Mike Moustakas
Util – Jemile Weeks
Bench – Mat Gamel
Bench – Jose Altuve
SP – Zack Greinke
SP – Tommy Hanson
SP – Max Scherzer
SP – Anibal Sanchez
SP – Jaime Garcia
SP – Jonathan Sanchez
RP – Sergio Santos
RP – Chris Perez
Bench – Jhoulys Chacin
————
I was thinking about dropping Tabata, Jonathan Sanchez, Chacin, or Altuve (in that order) for Melancon, but I’m gunshy on whom to cut as he will be swooped up by another owner quickly. Do I hold or, if not, what should the drop order be? Your input would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
@Chillmodious, Thanks! Drop Altuve for Melancon…
@Chillmodious, @Chillmodious, Why is having two two offensive bench spots a cardinal sin? You don’t have to follow the sites advice 100% (which based on your draft you do). It’s very informative and has useful ideas and insight, but they’re also wrong a decent amount too, like with any forecaster. Last year I avoided taking unproven/small track record guys too early like Alvarez and Heyward and won a few leagues with Ellsbury, berkman, bumgardner….it’s not gospel. You’ll keep your offensive bench and you’ll like it!
@The mind, I already dropped Jonathan Sanchez for Melancon and kept Altuve/Tabata (whom I almost dropped). I follow a lot of advice from this site, and others, but it is always filtered through my own perspective. I took Joey bats at no. 4 overall with Votto and Braun still on the board, which obviously would not fly if Grey were drafting. I happen to feel that taking two offensive bench players is a cardinal draft sin–with or without Razzball’s advice.
With a rotation that includes Bard, Doubront, and an ailing Beckett, no way will Aceves be saved for 1 inning at the end. He’s gotta be the backup plan for a questionable rotation. Any quotes from Valentine are to make a huffy Aceves feel important after the rotation snub without offending his starters. Melancon is the add. Agree?
@Nate, I think so, but it’s not official.
So what’s the projection on number of ABs Eric Young gets this year now that he’s “super utility” status?
@Skillz, Wondering the same thing…I got a need for Speed…..
@Skillz, 250
@Grey, unfortunately that’s pretty much what I figured you’d say. The average is gross but man, those SBs are sexy. Would look great in my MI spot if they’d just give him real playing time.
12-team 5×5 (QS instead of W) roto league, 200 GS limit, 4-keeper league (loose the round you drafted them)
I just traded Gordon and Frank Franscico for Jennings…who would you pick up?
Free agents
Bats: Vernon Wells, Alcides Escobar, Arenado, Reimold, Pastornicky, Lahair
SP: Peavy, Bailey, Lynn, Leake, Milone, Samardzija
RP: Fuentes, Downs
My team
C- Montero
1B- Miggy
2B- Phillips
3B- Lawrie
SS- Desmond
MI- Aaron Hill
CI- Youk
OFx5- McCutchen, Hamilton, Heyward, Jennings, Bourjous
DH- Thames
SP- CJ Wilson, Hudson, Gio, Chacin, Cahill, Filthy Sanchez
RP- Valverde, Putz, Marmol, Myers, Jim Johnson, Henry Rodriguez
@Project_Badass, Pastornicky for now.
Hey, Grey.
Forgot my draft was yesterday, so I autodrafted this team in a 12 team 5×5. Do you see any glaring holes?
C Matt Wieters, Bal C
1B Adrian Gonzalez, Bos 1B
2B Howard Kendrick, LAA 2B, OF
3B Alex Rodriguez, NYY 3B
SS Troy Tulowitzki, Col SS
2B/SS Starlin Castro, ChC SS
1B/3B Adam Lind, Tor 1
OF Andrew McCutchen, Pit OF
OF Jay Bruce, Cin OF
OF Nick Swisher, NYY OF
OF Martin Prado, Atl 3B, OF
OF Josh Willingham, Min OF, DH
UTIL Joe Mauer, Min C
Bench Ryan Roberts, Ari 2B, 3B
Bench Mike Moustakas, KC 3B
Bench Yunel Escobar, Tor SS
P Zack Greinke, Mil SP
P Madison Bumgarner, SF SP
P Daniel Hudson, Ari SP
P Josh Johnson, Mia SP
P J.J. Putz, Ari RP
P Joe Nathan, Tex RP
P Kenley Jansen, LAD RP
P Sean Marshall, Cin RP
P Jonathan Broxton, KC RP
@BSW, you probably autodrafted a better team than anyone else drafted. You had to have set pre-ranks. How do you end up with TULO and AGON in a competitive league? Plus starlin, mccutch, bruce and greinke? im pretty sure if this is an autodrafted team you have this league locked up.
@BSW, i think your other league mates autodrafted too but with ESPNs rankings…
@BSW, Yeah, like the others said — your team is really strong. If I had to identify a hole, I’d say you could use more pitching depth. Your four SPs are studs, but if your league doesn’t have a low innings cap, you might need more starters to be competitive in wins and possibly Ks. If there are any promising SPs on the wire, I’d drop Yunel Escobar for one.
Hey Grey,
My RP’s are: Marmol, Axford, Thornton, Venters
Any new word on Thornton? Should I drop Thornton or Venters for Melancon? or just stay away from him?
Thanks!
@stynyr, regarding the closer shituation in CHW, Ventura said yesterday that we’ll all find out who the closer is when they’re up in the 9th inning and the closer comes in. He’s very helpful already. He’s almost as bad as crazy Ozzie.
@Wilsonian, I think he just about needs another meeting with Mr. Ryan.
@RandomItalicizedVoice, could be interested when the Chi Sox venture down to Arlington…rematch on the mound?!?
Chapman should be thanking his lucky stars that he hasn’t been converted to a starter. This is what? His 3rd season? If Dusty makes him a starter, he’ll get Mark Prior-ed and never pitch again.
@Wilsonian, Ha
Got a buddy who in one league drafted Madson as his no1 closer, Soria as his no2, Bailey as his no3 and he drafted F Francisco for good measure.
He said at the time he was loaded in saves and should kill the cat…needless to say I have been unable to stop laughing since.
@TheNewGuy, hahahaha that is terrible.
@stynyr, he must have done something very terrible to deserve that kind of baseball karma…
@beardcrabs, That’s what he gets for threatening to kill his cat.
@TheNewGuy, Ha
@TheNewGuy, that’s some awful shizz. I’ve got a friend in one league who got Madson and Soria…he’s now claiming he should just punt saves. Poor guy also drafted Carpenter, Utley, and Hart. His injury karma is awful…
No more thumb wrestling for Beckett and Bailey
@Doofus, Hehe
First Bailey, now Becket. I wonder if Bobby Valentine is going to shut down the thumb wrestling ring in the Red Sox clubhouse. This is what happens when dudes aren’t allowed to drink.
@Cole, Hehe
@Cole, Hehe
Hey – Grey – who do you like out of these RPs for the next month or so
in a H2H points league – more points for Ks and Saves
Sean Marshall
Mark Melancon
Henry Rodriguez
Bobby Parnell
Thanks!
@LT, sean
I have bailey 12 team head to head storen is on waivers (april 4th) or i can grab thorton right now. is it worth holding on to bailey I have farnsworth and marshall and could potentially grab one of the above 2 closers. when i drafted tried to drive price up on bailey and got stuck with him so not really a fan to begin with.
I am thinking i bid on storen and if i dont get him sweep up thorton.
@poop, Grab Storen, DL Bailey…
@Grey, 1 bench bat in J. montero bench pitchers derek holland, feliz, scherzer…
drop neftali or derek for storen?
leaning Nefti
Hi Grey
We’re drafting prospects now that our auction is over.
One of these guys will eventually be on my roster for $3. While there’s some value to having prospects graduate quickly (you can reuse the spot), I’m asking you to rank them by ‘highest ceiling’…
Xander Bogaerts, Michael Choice, Dan Vogelbach, Josh Bell, Javier Baez, Marcell Ozuna, Mason Williams, Brad Peacock, Carlos Martinez
Many Thanks!
Bermuda Triangles
Get Lost!
@Bermuda Triangles, Peacock, Bell…
I want to get rid of Rajai Davis – available options are
Cody Ross
Peter Bourjos,
Jason Kubel
Dexter Fowler,
Jose Tabata,
Stay put or make a move — thanks
@LT, bourjos in a heartbeat
“Coming from Cuba, he should’ve known he wasn’t going to get any say in the matter with the Reds.” haha nice
@captainpyper, They should trade him to the Cubs, where he’ll have support from Castro. Or at the very least, the Royals, where he can mingle with Bourgeois.
@captainpyper, Thanks! Ha!
Does anybody here believe Broxton will get the job and keep it?
Fat Betty made me flaccid. Magic City fixed that.
@malacoda, still like Holland better…
Got Melancon in a few leagues! for some reason i dropped him in the RCL a week ago… DOH!
@The Talented Mr. Dope Man, Dah
Grey — How worried would you be about Beckett? I just read he’s gone off for a second opinion (to Cleveland of all places) — why get a second opinion if the doctor in Texas told him he’s OK? And if we believe in his good-year-bad-year thing, this is an even year.
I’ve got a trade offer out for Aaron Hill + Jair Jurrjens for Beckett in a deep roto league where I want to open up a roster spot, upgrade at SP, and I already have Kendrick at 2B. Does Beckett’s thumb change the attractiveness of that deal at all?
@Enrique, I wouldn’t draft him, so I’m the opposite of worried.
@Grey, I don’t really have a place for Hill and this is one of the only teams with a need at 2B. Even with the Beckett concerns, is he trade (Hill + Jair Jurrjens for Beckett) one you’d make? Or am I better off staying put? Thanks again….
@Enrique, Sure
Rauch has looked awful this Spring…I know I know it doesn’t matter, but if both he and Parnell are on the wire you go Parnell right?!
As a Mets fan this situation sickens me…but I need saves.
@Nothing to See Here, I did
…and Jesus was able to use the fat part of the helmet to feed 5,000, including both sets of both Blues Brothers, the cast of the Biggest Loser, John Candy’s ghost, the man and the van down by the river, Cee-lo and his white cat, Mama Cass’ mama, Biz Markie and John Popper’s harmonica. Jonah Hill was left to fend for himself and we all threw stones at him!
@Wake Up, Ha!
Mets beat writer announced this morning Francisco should be ready for opening day.
@Black Beard, Thanks for the heads up!
Drop AJ Pierzynski for Wilin Rosario as my 2nd catcher?
Mainly because I don’t want to look up how to spell “Pierzynski” every time I ask you a catcher add/drop question.
Thanks dude.
@L-Boogie, Hold
6×6 league w/ OPS.
Pick 2 of 3:
Chris Heisey, David Murphy, Nolan Reimold?
Whoever I drop will almost definitely be snatched up. These guys all seem pretty similar but I don’t want to drop the wrong one. Appreciate any input you have.
@Jake, Go with playing time so drop Heis
@TheNewGuy,
Thanks. Was thinking this too, but I’m having a hard time dropping him since he’s the only 1 of the 3 I actually drafted. But in all likelihood, Ludwick will probably steal more ABs from him than will be stolen from Reimold or Murphy. Not much good competition in those 2 situations.
My relievers in an RCL League: Kimbrel, Valverde, Chapman, Aceves…
My starters: Sabathia, Garza, Johnson, Santana, Wandy, Norris, Peavy
Clippard just became available and I’m having a hard time not grabbing him… I’m not convinced he isn’t going to get a chance closing. Leave him or make a move?
@J-Bird, Hold for now.
Grey in light of recent events any thoughts to add the Razzterm ‘shituation’ to the Razzball glossary. Could be used as: Aw man my brain freeze closer Frank Francisco has gone down again, now who do I pick up…what a shituation.
@TheNewGuy, hehe
@TheNewGuy, Hehe
Pastornicky?
“What did you do, play Name that Pope?”
“That’s verging on sacrilege.”
“Oh, so sorry, I didn’t mean to veeeerge.”
@RK, Ha!
deep 16-team, H2H-5X5 League
Need SP help for my bench. Cecil just got booted from the TOR rotation. Which of these dogs has the least fleas?
Randall Delgado
Liam Hendricks
Kyle Drabek
Dillon Gee
Luis Mendoza
@Commish Cauda, Delgado
Hey Grey : Just wanted to check in on the eBook I ordered. Do you email that or does someone else?
@Mr2Bits, I’ll email it to you. Thanks!
Took Bryce Harper late in a deep 16-team H2H-5X5 league. But I actually could use SP help more than a bat.
Re-draft league. Trade Harper for Trevor Bauer?
@Commish Cauda, Hold
I posted earlier up (#10), but I’d love some input before my league-mates get to work, fire up the computer, and snatch Melancon….
Would you drop Tabata, Jonathan Sanchez, Altuve, or Chacin for Melancon if saves are needed? If so, in what order? (Full lineup is listed in comment #10 above)
Many thanks.
@Chillmodious, drop gamel and sanchez for melancon and holland…
@beardcrabs, or altuve instead of gamel…
@Chillmodious, altuve or chacin would b my drop,depending on your roster
Grey : Franc Frank, Thornton or Capps to replace Bailey while he sits on the DL?
@Mr2Bits, Frank
@Grey: I have Frank Francisco as one of my closers. I have been holding on to Holland as well should I keep Holland or drop him for Parnell or Rauch?
@Chicago Mike, Sounds like he’s fine… Parnell to be safe…
12-team 5×5 (QS instead of W) roto league, 200 GS limit, 4-keeper league (loose the round you drafted them)
Just received an interesting trade proposal…I need pitching help and was offer Strasburg (Round 24) and Mat Gamel (Round 16) for Lawrie (Round 26). What do you think?
My team
C- Jesus Montero
1B- Miggy
2B- Phillips
3B- Lawrie
SS- Desmond
MI- Aaron Hill
CI- Youk
OFx5- McCutchen, Hamilton, Heyward, Jennings, Bourjous
DH- Thames
BN- Pastornicky
SP- CJ Wilson, Hudson, Gio, Chacin, Cahill, Filthy Sanchez
RP- Valverde, Putz, Marmol, Myers, Jim Johnson, Henry Rodriguez
@Project_badass, Tough call… Risky, but it could work out.
@Grey, If I could get him to switch Cuddyer for Gamel, is it a no brainer?
@Project_badass, Nope, but better…
@Grey, So I was just offered Cuddyer (Round 7) and Strasburg (Round 24) for Lawrie (Round 26). Do you think should accept or try and trade a SP/RP combo instead?
It’s risky trading one of the best prospect bats for one of the best arms… Always trust a bat first… It’s fair though…
@Grey, Thanks Grey…decisions decisions decisions…I guess I will put this on the back burner and hope I can get a SP/RP for a #1 SP done instead
So some team in my league is (stupidly) trying to win just pitching categories and is mostly abandoning his offense. He (stupidly) dropped Drew Stubbs. Thankfully, after picking last, I had the last pick so Stubbs is mine. My problem is that my team’s batting average is going to be worst in the league. I have Reynolds, Chris Young, and Desmond Jennings on the team already, with Dunn as a bench upside guy. Should I not take Stubbs, or look to package some of the other guys for someone with less power, and a higher average? Who are some underrated average boosters I could look to target that wouldn’t hurt me too badly in other categories?
@Josh, Look for positive numbers in the average category: http://razzball.com/2012-point-shares-12-team-mlb-espn-roster/
Milone or Cahill?
@Ed Nugent, Cahill
Sounds like FrankFrank will be OK after all. Still, its the Mets.
@Elijah, Yup
@Elijah, ikes,thats never good
moreland, street, sale or Scherzer, Espinosa, Viciedo
@harrrr, Scherzer
just heard that if bailey does need surgery he’ll be out around 3 months
@The Talented Mr. Dope Man, Sounds about right…
@Grey, and Brett Cecil just got sent to AA… WOW
@The Talented Mr. Dope Man, Yup
What’s that smell? Is it the smell of a new nickname?
Tyler Pastornicky = Monsignor Jughead
@Awesomus Maximus, we might as well give all the scrubs nicknames then. haha.
@moses, True, but if he breaks out, I want credit.
@Awesomus Maximus, Ha
@Grey, One of Tony’s better nicknames. I loved the ep when Carmella is questioning her faith and Monsignor Jughead says, “Were you there when Jesus Christ had his moment of doubt and pain?” As if it were his own, no nod to the Stones. Might be time to rewatch that series.
Greyson,
Would you accept an offer of Matt Moore and Colby Rasmus for MY Stubbs and Luebke?
H2H Points league (no categories). What if it were Scherzer instead of Moore? better or worse?
@moses, I’d hold…
Can anyone point me in the direction of the post giving you an idea what you need in each category to be competitive? I’m in a 12-teamer. Searched but couldn’t find it.
@knighttown, Enjoy: http://bit.ly/HkYc8i
Great Mustachioed One,
Is Ubaldo’s control impacting your season outlook? Please discuss.
@Big Nate, Not right now.
Changed my name so something that actually means something (formerly Rennan)…question:
Which side of this trade do you prefer (blindly)?
Ceteris peribus,
Braun + Josh Ham for Dread Pirate+Aramiz Ramirez+Papelbon?
@PastaMan, Braun
@Grey:
Kipnis > J-Weeks, Altuve, or Aviles… right?
Cheers.
@crane game dispair, Depends on needs…
@Grey,
H2H points league, just need overall best player.
In my 14 team, H2H league, I decided not to draft a catcher, since I had little money left and I got priced out of the guys I wanted (even Mesoraco went for more than $1!). Who seems like the best alternative off the waiver wire out of R. Hernandez, Salty, Iannetta, Rosario, Suzuki?
Also, who to drop to get him: A. Hill (I have Espinosa at 2b), V. Pestano, S. Romo, Norris, Worley?
Thanks
@Danger Zone, Iannetta… Pestano
Grey, I need mustachioed wisdom! My third base situation stinks. Valencia, Stewart, Morel, or Francisco? Also, Altuve or Aviles at middel infidel?
@John Butte, Stewart for now… Altuve…
10×10 (pitching side adds: holds, K/9, Inn, BAA, W-L) daily roto keeper league, active roster 23, 1SP+1RP+7P, 6 bench, 6 DL. We have no innings limit and in fact Innings pitched is a scoring category.
My staff:
Halladay
Greinke
THudson
Liriano (got him for a $1, figured what the hell)
McCarthy
Minor
JSanchez
Relievers:
Motte
Farnsworth
Guerra
Thornton
Kenley
Aroldis
Venters
Available on waivers are: RPs: Melancon, Aceves
SPs: MHarrison, Nicasio, Volquez, Pomeranz, HAlvarez
What do you think of my staff? Should I make any moves? Maybe add a starter and cut a reliever?
Thanks
@doghat666, Can add Nicasio over Aroldis if you like…
@doghat666, I’d probably hold though for now…
drop Bedard for…(standard roto, 12 team, 1400ip)
Hughes, Nieeman, Capuano, Matusz, Norris, milone, Duffy?
@harrrr, Milone
@Grey, wow, interesting, thanks. I will consider him heavily now.
BTW, I did add bernadina for Chapman based on your mustache erection. If nothing else I can test him until Falatio Upton rubs out the stache
@Bourne, Thank you!
Who do you think is least likely of this group to pick up saves this year? Glen Perkins, Fautino de Los Santos, Fuentes, Matt Lindstrom, and Hector Santiago. Thanks!
@Ralph, Santiago
@Grey or anyone, what’s the latest on Brandon Belt? Is he going to be in the majors to start the year and if so, what will his role be? If you had to guess, what will things look like for him on June 1?
@Jon, i think they want a lower keyed entrance this year,not opening day,but he will be getting reg ab,s in june
@AL KOHOLIC, cool, thanks. Would you drop Belt right now for Delmon Young in a H2H league? Benches aren’t deep so I’m trying to decide if Belt is worth rostering right now.
@Jon, id love to hold belt but delmon will probably have better numbers overall at seasons end
I have my last two draft picks tonight in a 16-team H2H points league, and I am looking at picking up some guys to possibly fill in my bench this year but mostly use as keepers for next year (in my league, you have to draft them to keep them).
What order would you grab these guys?
-Trevor Bauer
-Shelby Miller
-Anthony Rizzo
-Nolan Arenado
-Brad Peacock
Thanks!
@Jake, Arenado, Rizzo, Peacock, Miller…
Matt Thornton or Mark Melancon? Thanks.
Thornton for now…
@Grey, what do you think: Belt or Delmon Young in a H2H league?
@Jon, If Belt plays every day, him… Otherwise Young…
There is no face to streaming in the ECFBL.
Jon Jay grabbed off the wire. Per the big kahuna:
“there it is,i grabbed the ever dangerous JonJay,for 1 game”
The bar is set high!
@Simply Fred, now lohse id grabbed,its starting
Hey Grey
Trying to register to the forum and have not received my email to activate the account – does it take a while or are their issues
Thanks
@LT, Having my forums guy look at it, but I think it might be on your end b/c someone else just signed up…
@Grey,
Thanks – I’ll try again
Frank2 declared ready to start the season by the Mets and their vet(as someone said the other day), as the closer. Do we really trust this? I wouldn’t bring my pet chicken to see the Mets doctor.
@Wake Up, Ha… Not really…
i know i know,it doesmt count,but seeing scherzer get lit up for 10 hits 9 runs in 4 innings the day before it counts isnt encouraging
@AL KOHOLIC, Better before the season starts…
@Grey, yeah im empatiently being patient
OK Grey: what is your 2:30 pm prediction of who the intial Red Sox closer’s gonna be?? Thanks!
@joel, Melancon
i just saw that farnsworth elbow is sore. would peralta be the guy to pick up???
@anarchy burger, Yes, pick up Peralta…
@Grey, thanks for the quick reply
@anarchy burger, yeah talking about a dl stint,peralta is the 1st choice and thanks i just grabbed him
@AL KOHOLIC, Some jerk in my league actually drafted Peralta (ahead of Broxton, Adams, Robertson, Romo, Clippard, and Pestano). Naturally I’m just venting because I have Farnsworth, and can’t pickup the fill in. I really need to try punting saves in next years draft.
@AL KOHOLIC,
if the phillies didn’t take so damn long to put howard on the DL ,
you would never have been able to snatch peralta .
it was suppose to be a smooth one or two day transaction for me .
enjoy the spoils .
@Grey: Peralta or Parnell?
Peralta
@Grey, Awesome, thanks!
In a 14 team dynasty league I’ve been offered howie Kendrick for nolasco/reddick. Kendrick and nolasco are 1 year contracts and reddick is 3. To me this is one year of Kendrick for reddick who would cost a dollar for the next three years. Do it?
@SOS, hell yeah
@SOS, do it!!! hurry before he realizes reddick is a stiff
@anarchy burger, wow, ok, thanks. I guess I thought this was a bit closer than I thought. I took the deal and got kendrick but was hesitant initially, thinking that reddick would have some future value at such a cheap price. As it is, I am trying to win it this year so I feel great about this deal. Thanks for the help.
Which side in rcl? Mauer/Berkman or Posey/Kendrick? I’ve never traded for the same player in two different leagues in one day…is there a glossary term for that?
Trade my Pence for Josh Hamilton?
@K!cks, tough one. depends how much risk you want to take on. pence is pretty good.
@K!cks, Apples for apples…
@K!cks,
does pence have mvp caliber potential ?
A’s sticking with Billy(Beane)-Ball. Rank 22nd in runs scored in spring training. Have conjured a 14-6 record. If only fantasy were that easy!
@Simply Fred, Ha
Oh yeah, the pitching staff ranks #4 in runs allowed.
@Simply Fred, yeah i love thier pitching,just dont count on wins
Would you rather have Lidge over Melancon in a H2H league?
Nope
I’m hearing Eric Thames will bat 7th. Am I the only one getting excited about this guy as my #5 OF?
Nope, have mentioned him on the site…
@Grey, Yeah I know heh, but I’m starting to get 25 HR 90 RBI excited. Maybe crazy talk but maybe not.
If I have to DL Farnsworth for a couple weeks, which guy is the best to stash and hope for a closer’s injury or disgrace? Perkins, Pestano, Cashner, Rauch, Wood, Casilla or McGee? Also, are any more of them worth dropping Adams or Robertson for? (Yahoo 1250 innings cap)
Can try McGee, but none of them are clear at this moment…
10-team H2H points (1 point per out for pitchers): I have 3B depth, been offered Shields/Gio Gonz for my Youk, Swisher, and Garza. Good deal for me?
Eh
@Grey, What if I could switch out Shields and get any one of Sabathia, C.J. Wilson, or Tommy Hanson with Gio instead?
@nick m., Yup, much better with CC.
Grey, hey.
Looking for two setup RPs for Holds, WHIP from among Bastardo, Cashner, Reed, Hector Santiago.
Which two would you take?
Thanks, once again, for your help.
@fyodor, Cashner, Reed…
I was offered Thames for Tabata in my 14 team 5×5 roto league. I am ok for steals and already have Bourjos. I read your Thames article but still trying to decide whether to pull the trigger. Thames over Tabata?
@Boomer19, Sounds solid…
Grey,
In a 12 team, 6×6, H2H league with K/9…
I have Farnsworth and want to handcuff him with Peralta. The only guys I can drop before he officially hits the DL are:
Addison Reed
Vance Worley
Mark Melancon
Tim Stauffer
Or do I lose my catcher (Devin Mesoraco) and go without one for a day or two? My only other bench hitters are Adam Lind and Ike Davis and I’m afraid to get burned dropping Reed in a K/9 league.
Sometimes the seemingly easy moves trip me up most I guess… but thanks sir.
@Whiskey Diet, Lose Stauffer…
@Grey: Joel Peralta or Henry Rodriguez?
@Marty Funkhouser, Peralta
@Grey: Still Rios over Thames?
@tHe sHiT, Yup
In an 11-team, NL-only roto league how terrible is my pitching? It’s weekly, we have no bench except for minors or dl, and there’s a transaction fee which makes streaming tough and unprofitable.
Jason Motte
Javy Guerra
Sean Marshall
Klayton Kershaw
Adam Wainwright
Tim Stauffer
Kyle Lohse
Clayton Richard
Randall Delgado (had to call him up from my minors or lose him, but I can send him back down when he goes down and pick up a replacement)
Having three closers is nice, but I’m afraid Richard and Delgado are going to tie me to the whipping post. And it’s going to be easier for one of my opponents to get a closer from a team dumping at the trade deadline than for me to improve my ratios and Ks.
Should I try to swing a trade early? Pick up a guy off waivers (Arroyo, Detweiler, Blanton, Eovaldi, Karstens are what’s left)? Or sit tight for a couple weeks and see?
@Rags, Your pitching isn’t terrible. Looks better than my NL-Only staff. I’d hold for now…
Should Mesoraco be owned in 12 team roto? I have Carlos Santana at C but could move him to CI (Duda there now, Morse on DL).
Also, Lidge or Peralta?
Peralta… Lose Mesoraco…
@Grey, Thanks.
Yep, Bailey out for the first half, has to have surgery to repair some ligament damage.
Yup
@Grey, Might as well get a third opinion, though. Why stop at two? As someone who does not own him and does not root for BOS, I think the best idea would be for him to travel the world sampling exotic cures. I’ve heard urine therapy can work wonders!
I like that idea…
@royce!, he could have Moises Alou piss on his hands…
Grey, a favor?
How would you rank these schmoes in terms of HR potential this year?
Ike Davis
Brandon Belt
Bryan LaHair
Adam Lind
Youk
Lind, Davis, Youk…
@Grey, Thought you’d say that, thanks.
Any chance Posey gets 1b eligibility soon?
If he does I could play him there and M Montero at C.
@BigFatHippo, Probably after about a month…
11-team, 4×4 AL only league. Dynasty auction. How’d we do (considering we completely punted saves)?
C Tyler Flowers $2
C Mike Napoli $18*
1B Miguel Cabrera $49
2B Maicer Izturis $1
SS Yunel Escobar $10
SS Jhonny Peralta $9*
3B Mark Reynolds $22
CI Danny Valencia $4
OF Desmond Jennings $10*
OF B.J. Upton $25
OF Brett Gardner $23*
OF Josh Hamilton $36
OF Nolan Reimold $3
DH Travis Hafner $9
P Mark Melancon $2
P Doug Fister $10
P Brandon McCarthy $1*
P Tom Milone $3
P Max Scherzer $10
P Gavin Floyd $6
P Liam Hendriks $1
P Josh Tomlin $1
P Jake McGee $3
* keepers
Team looks solid, bit low on average and power, you look heavy on speed… Might work out if Jhonny and Valencia chip in 20 HRs. Your pitching is a mess… Out of 4 categories, you punted one?
OK – I know I keep coming back like Punxsutawney Phil with this one, but given Bailey’s out for who knows how long, and Storen is likely back in mid-April, is there now a stronger case to drop Henry R for Aceves?
Aceves does have SP eligibility, which is nice, and he should get Holds if he’s not closing, right?
@Steve, Yeah, go with Aceves…
@Grey, Done. You must be pleased that’s over.
The ad to the right of comment #7 (by Steven) is a talkie.
@royce!, And it disappeared when I reloaded. Whatever. Working solo makes hearing a human voice refreshing, even if it is an ad for razors or pillsbury biscuits.
@royce!, Beware the moa!
@Steve, And here I thought they were extinct. You should change your team name to the Megalapteryi. (Megalapteryxes? I can never get these plural latins (latina?) right.)
@royce!, Some pretty incredible flora and fauna here before man showed up.
Ugh… What was the ad for?
@Grey, Don’t know- by the time I noticed it had ended.
@royce!, Gotcha…
olivo or rosario? Looks like I’m riding the catcher waiver wire all year.
Olivo
drop Bailey and pick up peralta? Melancon has already been snagged and DL slot has Scott Baker
@Dexter, Sure
v.wells or thames?
@tom, Coin flip… Wells for now…
@Grey, This team was drafted at 9AM after spending Friday night watching a Game of Thrones first season marathon until 4AM. What’s your take on the Astoria Fishmongers? 15 team roto 5×5 OBP, 1600 IP limit
C Napoli $21
1B Fielder $35
1B Duda $10
2B Murphy $6
2B Hudson $1
3B Batista $47
3B Rolen $1
SS Scutarro $8
SS Ryan $1 (DROPPED for Parmalee)
OF Pence $21
OF Bruce $19
OF Gardner $17
OF De Aza $6
OF Quentin $1 DL
UTL Guzman
BN Plouffe $1 (DROPPED for Buress)
BN Parmalee
BN Buress
SP Haren $23
SP Romero $12
SP Masterson $3
RP Betencourt $10
RP Capps $4
P Volquez $2
P Cahill $2
P Leake $1
P Peavy $1
P Romo $2
P Lidge $3
P Crain $1
I don’t have a good feeling about this team. 1 or 2 injuries to stars and I’m toast. In hindsight, I wish didn’t go for Napoli instead putting that money into Kipnis or Cozart… How many starters would you carry in this league?
When Quentin goes on the DL, should I take another crappy SS?
Ryan, Plouffe are still on waivers, Santiago, Sogart, Theriot, Punto, Evercab…
or just punt it until someone interesting is available and take best available position guy – Bernadina, Bourgeois, Parra, Chris Johnson?
@3FingersBrown, Not crazy about it either… I agree with what you said… Napoli for $21 and your outfield’s a bit of a mess… Blech… Also, I’m not a fan of spending that much on stars because then your team is totally contingent on them, as this team is… Chris Johnson… But that could change quickly…
@Grey, I’m not sure why I picked Napoli, I don’t usually pay for catchers. I simply went on tilt at some point.
I’d probably role into opening day with Duda in OF and Parmalee at 1B. . I’m more concerned with my Razzball schmo-star MI and lack of infield depth. I dropped Ryan because I couldn’t have him on both this team and my Razz team.
How many starters would you roster with a 1600 IP limit? I figured I’d keep my pitching cheap by picking up solid MRs throughout the year.
7…Starting 6… Playing matchups…
I have Brox and Holland, would you drop either for Peralta? Trying to get some saves
@Carl Spackler, Yes, drop Holland…
Are you Josh Feinberg?
@Wake Up, What?
@Grey, Are we allowed to guess?
Oh, that! You can email guesses, if you like…
Would you drop any of these guys for Bartolo. I think i can get a decent month out of him
Kenley Jansen,Jhoulys Chacin, Brett Myers, Jonathan Broxton, Greg Holland, Brad Lidge,Tommy Milone, bourjos, trumbo, L Cain
@aj, Nope
Holy shit!! Storen is FINALLY on the DL in Yahoo!!! It’s an almost the regular season miracle!!
@Wilsonian, About time…
@Grey, Now if Felatio would get some sweet DL action, too…
Is Utley or Howard DL’d yet?
@Grey, Howard isn’t and it’s pissing me off. I’ve missed out on a lot of closers the past few days as a result…
That sucks…
@Grey, They definitely aren’t. Morse is now. He’s the only other big name I noticed.
which side would you want?
tex and gio OR Cliff Lee
5X5 roto keeper league (3 keepers)
Tex
@Grey: Eric Thames or Yonder Alonso for 5th OF slot…
Thames
Which side would you want Tex or Lee ….. 5×5 rotor 13 team keeper
@aj, It’s fair… Lee…
Rcl…Mauer/Berkman or Posey/Howie K?
Howie side…
I just bought your book so I hope it makes for a good read on a plane to a bachelor party in Portland… Portland?
Anyways, am I working too hard to try to get a BJ here? H2h 10 team points. I give Holliday, Cahill and get a BJ and a Garza (which I assume is to help with the subsequent rash).
Thanks! Nah, that trade looks decent…
Don’t pay for closers
You want cheap closers
Just draft setup players next year
IM SMARTER THAN THE AVERAGE BEAR
When I drafted closers this year – I tried to draft the setup man with the closers since most leagues had holds – here is where it gets complicated gray – I did not draft the setup man to the setup man to the setupman
Ha!
Notes from tonight’s padres game: 1. How could they possibly justify raising prices for chicken strips? 2. Alonso is slow- a ball over the left fielders head should be a stand up double, 3. Filthy gives up back to back HR at petco? Beware! 4. And Clayton Richard barely missed hitting a HR off Filthy. More beware? Funniest moment of the night was Headleys reaction to hitting a HR at petco– he seemed to just be bummed that it could only happen in an exhibition game.
Who’d he give up homers to?
@Grey,
Headley and Jesus Guzman
@Pokey Reese, Thanks!
10 team league, and we start 6 sp, 3 rp, and 1 p
Gio, marcum, kennedy, ubaldo, beachy, dirty sanchez, garza
Kenley, thornton, balfour, motte, frank francisco…. would I drop anyone for peralta or aceves?
Melancon is picked up