I always thought Bobby Parnell was the little black kid in the movie, Role Models, but I stand corrected. Now I think he’s the new closer for the Mets. At least that’s what I hope. On one hand, I feel like the Mets will want to see what Parnell can do in the closer role. Why would they audition Jason Isringhausen? He’s 50-something and was out of baseball already once in his career. On the other hand, the Mets may want to inflate Isringhausen’s value. “Hey, he could be a closer! See?” On the third lesser known hand that is actually just a lamb sock puppet, the Mets may just split the duties. Which way will they go, George, which way will they go? This is fun! I grabbed Parnell wherever I could, but didn’t grab Izzy cause I have just a little patience. As for Francisco Rodriguez, well, on the way out of the locker room, K-Rod saw his nickname in the mirror and sighed. He won’t be the closer in Milwaukee. That’s Axford’s job. I wouldn’t immediately drop K-Rod, but I’d ready my dropping finger. Anyway, here’s what else I saw yesterday in fantasy baseball:
Miguel Cabrera – After I said in my fantasy baseball top 100 for the 2nd half that Miggy would be number one unless he got injured, he goes and gets injured. How’s dem apples? Actually, a bit sour. It’s not apple season, though if an apple can grow in the fall why can’t it grow in the summer? Ah, questions, questions. The report out of Arizona is Miggy will be fine. He just left for precautionary reasons. Weird to see him leave before the last call.
Brandon Allen – Or Paul Goldschmidt are supposedly due to be called up right after the All-Star break. Allen’s a bit longer in the tooth so I think the D-Backs go with him first. In deep leagues, I like him for a power bat. As for Miranda, he has the right to remain in Triple-A.
Cole Kimball – Going under the knife to repair a tear in his rotator cuff. How ironic. He had been searching for the one-armed man and all this time it was him.
Juan Rivera – The Dodgers traded for Rivera and dropped Marcus Thames and part of the reason that the Jays moved Rivera is they like Eric Thames. It was the best of times for Thames, it was the worst of times for Thames.
Replacing Marcus Thames with Juan Rivera is like dumping your slutty girlfriend because she gets around too much, then hiring a prostitute to replace her.
@Grey. Which LF for rest of season?
Matt Joyce
Johnny Damon
Logan Morrison
Jose Tabata
Delmon Young
Michael Brantley
Ryan Ludwick
Stubbs and Lester for Crawford and Gio.
Who wins?
KRod is a better pitcher than Axford. Of course, Axford keeps his job till he blows it. Down the stretch, my money is on KRod.
I said it a couple months ago. I am no Brewers fan but want this team in the playoffs.
@Asdrubal Bastardo: Good Lord. That is quality.
Message to AZ D-Bags: Initiate operation Paul Goldschmidt and initiate it now.
the Brewers have a reason not to have KRod finishing games. vesting option for $17.5 MIL.
as an owner of both Axford and Heath Bell I hope Axford keeps his job, and Bell is traded to a team where he closes. I could potentially end up losing 2 closers, ouch.
@Grey. does Joe Nathan end up closing again this season for Minnesota?
anyone else find it a bit odd(and by odd I mean suspicious and douchey) that Bochy burned out every Phils/Braves pitcher available and used only one of his-Wilson,and probably wouldnt have if Hanrahan had had an easy inning?
bit of a horseshit move IMO.
@Asdrubal Bastardo: very nice.
@Oilcan Giuseppe: its called strategery….
Now let baseball resume…. the ASB is stupid!
Grey:are you buying into Carpenter’s mini resurgence?Im trying to gauge his value,and having a tough time.
two questions,would you give up Gordon for him?
how ’bout Morse?….I already have Braun,Crawford,Bossman,Lind and Wells for OF/UTL.
thnks.
10 team h2h 8×8 keeper.
@Oilcan Giuseppe: I said the same thing last night. It’s not uncommon for the starter to go the first 2 innings, but to throw Lee out there for 2 after that? That’s over 40% of the game and you’ve got nearly 20 arms in the bullpen! I thought that was fishy enough but then he goes and throws 3 Braves in a row for an inning each. I think Bochy might be a little scared of his NL East contenders.
Does anyone else get the feeling that the Brewers might use a two-headed monster? Just for shits. And to make sure that K-Rod ends up at 54 games closed.
Want to keep one of these as a bench bat… who stays?
Hosmer, brown, or daniel murphy?
thanks
I’m hoping Grey is right. “He won’t be the closer in Milwaukee. That’s Axford’s job.”
Venters has been awesome for me this year, but should I look toward Clippard, Ardolis Chapman or someone else for the remainder of the year? Will Venters get back to dominating or are his recent struggles a sign of more looming trouble?
Any thoughts on who will be the best “non-closer” for the ROY?
@Frank Rizzo: Melvin says there’s no closer controversy. That being said, it’s Axford’s job based on that.
Drop Dempster for Luebke? Or wait/pray for Dempster to turn it around?
@Grey…
Parnell or Rauch?
I can’t be the only one who has noticed that Pujols has developed a bit of a gut over the last few years, right?
you tickle the Dickens out of me: “It was the best of times for Thames, it was the worst of times for Thames.”
@Grey: Is Chacin and Phillips too much for Pedroia?
Colby Lewis & Floyd are my 8th and 9th SPs… should I drop 1 or both for Parnell and/or Nathan? I have Perez/Hanrahan. In 1st comfortably, 9×9 league, looking towards playoffs…
Humber or Worley?
I rarely comment on here but for your Thames comment, I salute you. *Tips cap* I still can’t stand reading Dickens, though, so that won’t change.
@Grey: I give up Gio and get Papi. Good deal? I feel my hitting will suffer while A-Rod and Reyes are out. My SP’s are Yovanni, Gio, Bills, Stauffer, Beachy, Marcum..Thanks!
Woohoo! Grabbed Parnell right after your closer report Grey. Hope it pays off. On another note…with a guess where do you see Strasburg’s value/rank next year?
love the dickens quote. but cleaner if it was, “it was the best of thames, it was the worst of thames.” cust kayin’. love your blog. i feel we have the same sensibility. movies and otherwise.
@DHill Dragons: yeah,everyone expected Roy to pitch 2 innings,but TWO SP’s pitching TWO innings is not the way it has been done recently.And Vogelsong is probably the worst pitcher on the roster so no surprise to not see him,but Timmy Jim should have been out there.
Keeper League: losing Tulo after this season offered Miggy for him and Gordon. Morse is my 1B since I drafted Morales. Is the injury that scary? Took your advice and drafted Elvis to replace Tulo been happy with that. Dread is my other keeper I think it helps me this year and next, assuming Miggy isn’t hurt bad.
Anyone know anything about Broxton’s injury and if/when he may be back? I’m looking for speculative saves to stash on my DL.
Grey, 2 questions.
1: have you heard anything of Rajai Davis being traded? I’m thinking of targeting him in an AL only league where i need SB’s.
2: ROS: Coco Crisp or Rajai Davis?
Grey – Is it a far, far better thing to keep Eric Thames over Roger Bernadino?
The Mets traded K-Rod for cash and two players to be named later. Rumor has it that the two players are Harry Chiti and
Bennie Agbayani.
BTW, ESPN’s two 250 also came out yesterday. However, I noticed that Tyler Colvin didn’t appear on Berry’s list. What little faith. Hey, he could have a Barry Bondish 2nd half, and still hit 40 dingers…
What do you see Trumbo doing for ROS? Thanks.
@ Grey and anyone: Just got offered Hamilton for Gio & Morse. Should I take it? Thanks!
@ Grey and all you South Siders
Any chance that POS Dunn turns it around? I’m thinking about flat out dropping him at this point.
@Paulie Allnuts:
In 2002, here was my draft day OF in my NL only league:
Benny Agbyani OF $8
Jeffery Hammonds OF $13
Geoff Jenkins OF $23
That awesome lineup combined for 23HR and hit around
.247 in about 830AB’s.
I did not win any jellybeans that season.
Keeper league:
My cruz and yoga for his dread pirate?
@Grey: Drop Mark Melancon for Bobby Parnell ?
Looking for a 3rd strong closer in a 4 SP/3 RP weekly league.
Victorino/Hellickson/Melancon for Marmol/Rasmus/Holland? Fair?
Who would you rather have for the remainder of the season and for the next couple seasons?
Jose Bautista or Matt Kemp
@Asdrubal Bastardo: Ha!
@Ernie: Joyce
@Derrick: Stubbs
@Bré Jus: Ha
@SpecialFNK: Yup
@Oilcan Giuseppe: Sure, Gordon…
@joe: Hosmer
@Will: Chapman
@AdamH: Hold
@Ralph: Parnell
@Feeding the Abscess: No, you are.
@Fletch: It’s okay.
@supra: Floyd..Parnell
@Fletch: Worley
@Oregon Nut Cups: @Josephus: Rudy contributed that one.
@JJ: Sounds fair.
@boomer19: Bottom 100.
@Al Dumars: I consider it.
@Birddawg957: Take Miggy.
@Wilsonian: Not supposed to be back for a month at least.
@Dope man: No…. Davis….
@Paulie Allnuts: Bernadina, unless you really need to gamble on power. Ha!
@EG: 10 homers, .250
@JJ: Yup
@STRAWberry: He might.
@quimmy: Too much.
@xtremehulk: Nope
@Chris: It’s fair in some leagues.
@airweino: Kemp
what order would you rank these OF over next 3 years? I’m trying to decide which keepers to target.
dread pirate, j. upton, cargo, bruce, braun, bautista
Grey Liotta,
Utley or Zimmerman?
Ok, so I know this is some deep closer BS, and I don’t usually even care and just ride the hot hands, but can you rank these closer-ish guys for the rest of the year as to who you would want? It’s a Ks AND Ks/9 league.
Santos, Walden, K-Rod, D. Hernandez, Guerra, Nathan, Lidge, Broxton.
I do have 2 DL spots and have Lidge in one now and could get Broxton, too.
Need to figure out my SPs for the short week; I’ve got 7 possibles to fill 5 spots, roto 5-cat league w/ K/9, which five?
Gallardo @ Col
Karstens @ Hou
Kuroda @ Ari
Luebke vs. SF
Nolasco @ Cubs
Dempster vs. Fla
D. Hudson vs. LAD
Thanks!
@ Grey
I was curious as to your thoughts on the closing situation in Milwaukee. Same reports are saying K Rod will be closing games, yet I would aside Axford would retain the gig? What are yout thoughts sir?
Thanks for your time man!
The Spaceman
*assume, not aside (apologies for the confusing grammar error
)
- The Spaceman
@Will: Braun, Bautista, CarGo, Upton…
@Duck Charleque: http://razzball.com/fantasy-baseball-top-100-for-second-half-of-2011/
@Wilsonian: Santos, Walden, Guerra…
@Rabbit: Not Dempster or Nolasco…
@The Spaceman: The thoughts are above, no?
@Grey: need to start 2 of these 4. could use help in whip, era and wins.
d. hudson vs la
norris vs pit
scherzer vs chw
kuroda @ ari
thanks!
@Razzball Nation, Grey
Which side of this deal wins out?
Kinsler, Martin, Harden, Papelbon / Pence, Montero, Cueto, Desmond
@ Grey!
Ha! Yes, you’re obviously right, hehe. Question sounded completely absurd. I suppose I didn’t phrase it correctly.
I meant; I’ve been hearing that K Rod will infact be closing out some games. I dig Axford, so your writeup calmed my soul a little, you know? Though I fear K Rod may claim the gig due to track record, prior expenierence, prior relationship w/ Roenicke, etc.
All to say… in your opinion; ballpark % on KRod’s chances to be Milwaukee’s closer? Thanks a bunch Grey and apologies for the mad confusing prior post
The Spaceman
Looking to drop a MI-type to pick up a speculative closer – 12 team 6×6 – choosing between Scutaro, Cozart, Furcal (have Espinosa and Reyes, when healthy).
@herschel: Hudson, Kuroda…
@Pops: Pence
@The Spaceman: No worries… I’ve heard that because of contract stipulations the Brewers would be mad to make K-Rod their closer. Plus, they have a closer. So if Axford falls apart, then sure. Otherwise, K-Rod might only see a handful of ‘Axford threw the last two days’ saves.
@Lis Franc: Scutaro
@The Spaceman: http://twitter.com/JimBowdenESPNxm/status/91193860474155008
@Grey: my bad….was actually 3 of those 4. so who do you like between scherzer and norris? thanks!
@herschel: Norris
@ Grey
Thanks for the link and your thoughts man! I knew that the Brewers were not keen on picking up his option (who would be?), but there was previously talk about them potentially doing so with the dough they’d be saving by (likely) not re-singing Prince (*tears).
But like you said, Axford has done nothing to lose the job. And unless a combustion occurs, I didn’t see any reason he should be losing the job… Anyways, thanks again for your thoughts Grey.
Take care and stay cool,
The Spaceman
In 1st place by 4 points in a “Keep your 5 best” keeper league. current potential keepers = kemp, holliday, kinsler, fielder, hamels, kershaw (just traded for kershaw)
2nd place team is offering me McCutchen + Hanson for Kemp plus a mid level pick next year.
is that too sweet to pass up? love kemp but both those guys could be keepers next year….or is sitting tight the right move?
forgot to mention… my hitting has 48/55 pts (1st in steals and homers). pitching has 40/55. i can use whip / W help, though kershaw has yet to make an impact on my team….
@The Spaceman: Yeah, no problem.
@John Drunks: Not too sweet, you have 5 keepers.
Grey, I respect your opinion and need your advice on this offer. I am weak at my IF position in my NL-only. I got offered Sandoval, Dempster and Parnell straight up for Lincecum. My other starters are Zimmermann, Chacin, Rubby, Garza, Harang, Zito and Capuano. Do you see a big second half from Lincecum? Please let me know what you think.
@Grey: thanks man. So if I currently have K-Rod, Santos, Walden, Hernandez, what’s the move:
A) Drop K-Rod for Guerra;
B) Drop Hernandez for Guerra;
C) Drop K-Rod and Hernandez for Guerra and Nathan;
D) Do the unthinkable and trade for a closer;
E) Kick myself in the nuts for even thinking of dealing for a closer;
F) Just seeing if you’re still paying attention, because I’m not going to trade for a closer, I’m a veteran who follows your advice and I win shit with it, so there’s no way I trade for one…long live SAGNOF!!!
Which side?
Gio & Morse for Matt Holliday
Grey I need your opinion on 2 possible trades. My team is sorely lacking an ace SP and I have too potential deals on the table:
1)I get Sabathia and Quentin for David Wright, Chacin and Huston Street
2) I get King Felix ,Corey Hart, and Moustakous for David Wright, CJ Wilson and Hanrahan
I’m good at 3B because I have Zimmerman with Freese on my bench and can afford to move a closer.
I think these are the best deals I am going to get in my league if I am going to move Wright for pitching as I have been shopping him for a while and been getting mostly crap offers.
I like Felix better than CC but like Quentin than Hart. The other thing that’s complicating matters is the CC owner is in last place and with all things being equal would prefer to avoid trading with last place team and any potential backlash for trading for the last place team’s best SP and 3rd best OF.
Your input is greatly appreciated.
Which side would you want ROS?? (12 Team ROTO)
Rollins/Smoak or Han Ram??
Ron Roenicke (not to be confused with Ron Burgandy) said that Axford and K-Rod will SHARE closer duties. What that means is yet to be determined.
would you give up hosmer and karstens for wandy??
@Grey: would you offer Reyes straight up for Hanley right now? Assuming that’s rejected, would you go Reyes/YoGa for Hanley, or too much?
News/Analysis Headlines Preseason Outlook
Axford no longer Brewers’ sole closer: MLB.com reports that Brewers manager Ron Roenicke told reporters on Wednesday that he plans to use both current closer John Axford and newly acquired Francisco Rodriguez in save situations and as setup relievers. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that the Brewers do not plan to let Rodriguez close out 21 games over the remainder of the season because it would trigger a $17.5 million option that the organization is not willing to pick up. The Brewers acquired Rodriguez and cash from the New York Mets late Tuesday night in a trade that sends two players to be named to the Mets.
(U
i dont really agree with the above post just seen it on cbs sports,i can see him getting a few down the line,but without an injury i cant imagine he gets more than 6 to 7 saves
@Colin: Hold
@Wilsonian: E
@EK: Holliday
@KarlJ.: 1′s fine.
@Brew Crew: Hanley
@Wilsonian: Weird
@pipa: Sure
@mc serch: Straight up, other one is too much.
@AL KOHOLIC: That’s odd, and I doubt it’s 100% accurate.
Worth a gander for all of you Fantasy Razzball fans- top 100 worst players of all time.
http://deadspin.com/5820716/
I recall Rudy did some posts focusing on specific players “back in the day,” as they say. Those were a blast. Its not exactly schadenfreude when you’re talking about pro baseball players, but it’s still fun!
@Grey: would you think that Quentin for Gallardo is overpaying?
Which side?
C. Lee/Mauer or Gallardo/Pence in a keeper league.
Thanks.
@ Grey
I need a 3B/power after A-rod. I offered Ubaldo for Reynolds and the guy countered for Gio. I see that Ubaldo is in your top 100 and Gio is not but for some reason I find myself favoring Gio. Tomato-tomahto? Pull the trigger?
@royce!: Nice, I’ll alert Rudy.
@Rick Dempsey: Nope
@t-rex: Pence, it’s fair.
@Amart: They are basically the same thing. I’d prefer to give Gio.
@Grey: that’s not really nice. I wasn’t legitimately dealing for a closer nor really even thinking about it. But in all honesty, and my terrible jokes aside…
So if I currently have K-Rod, Santos, Walden, Hernandez, what’s the move:
A) Drop K-Rod for Guerra;
B) Drop Hernandez for Guerra; OR
C) Drop K-Rod and Hernandez for Guerra and Nathan
@Wilsonian: Can do B in a few days, but hold for right now.
just traded Lind and Reyes for Adrian Gonzalez (have Hardy to play SS) did I overpay?
gonna have to pull off a blockbuster in my AL only league. all the teams out of the race are selling and the teams that are chasing me (currently in 1st) are stocking up. IT’s a dynasty keeper league where you can keep players up to 3 years, and then each additional year you keep them $5 is added to there salary (for a max of 3 years).
Here’s what the deal would be:
I give
Des Jennings ($2), Jesus Montero ($2), Chisenhall ($2), Lillibridge ($10), Teahan ($1) Joel Pineiro $10, Joe Nathan $7, Jason Kubel ($26)
I receive
Teix (can’t keep), Gardner $31 (probably wouldn’t keep), HAmilton $33), Pestano $10 (would drop once buchholz is back) and ervin santana $18.
Is it worth it for the rest of the year? I need SB’s and pitching, but i need to trade for power because the other teams will catch up to me with the trades that they jsut pulled off.
Hurting at 3B in two leagues now where I need offense . 1st team- with A-Rod out who’s the best option till he’s back: E Nunez, S Sizemore, umm…Maicer Izturis? Omg 3rd base is horrific!
2nd team- Looking to buy-low on Zimmerman. Torii Hunter and Wandy a fair offer?
@Grey: Duensing at home vs. KC or Worley @ Mets vs. Dickey?
Also, Stauffer or Bumgarner for ROS?
@Grey: Two Indians walk into a bar…
Do you choose Carrasco or Masterson?
Grey: how much should I worry about Haren’s 2nd half history?
He and Hamels are my 2 aces. I think I can trade haren and Starlin castro (Strudel’s my SS) for Halladay and Lucroy (Olivo’s my C). If not for haren’s past, i wouldnt even consider this, as I view castro as much more valuable than Lucroy. what do u think? should I do it?
Carlos Gonzalez (wrist) is fully expected to be in the Rockies’ lineup on Thursday night. CarGo was diagnosed with a deep bone bruise in his right wrist over the weekend and was given a cortisone shot Tuesday.
@Paul R: It’s fine.
@Epic Punk: Sounds solid.
@TheNewGuy: Sizemore…It’s fair.
@Fletch: Worley…Stauffer…
@Steve: Masterson
@Joel: I’d take Halladay there.
@herschel: Nice
@Grey: Salas or Axford?
@Fletch: Salas
just kidding….
Carlos Gonzalez (wrist) will not play Thursday.
Gonzalez was given a soft cast for his badly bruised right wrist earlier this week and won’t test it in Thursday’s second-half opener. He’ll aim to return Friday.
@Grey: I am deciding on dumping Bumgarner for either Worley or Luebke…
@herschel: Dah
@Fletch: I wouldn’t.
What are the chances Pujols see’s anymore time at third. I think in Yahoo he’s only a game away and that eligibility would take me a long way. Thoughts?
@Sos: Could get another game at some point, right now Freese is healthy and playing there though.
Snider or Trumbo? Gracias
ROS:
Eduardo nunez or Maicer Izturis?
@Grey: thanks, i pulled it off, but i keep chisenhall and kubel and he kept hamilton. I’m about to trade Chisenhall for Swisher and Vernon wells right now.
@I’m Kieth Hernandez: Trumbo
@Epic Punk: Nunez
@Epic Punk: Cool
12 team h2h points league…thinking of trying for uggla – which do u like more and would you not offer either of these trades?
My Bailey for Uggla (he needs 2nd RP)
My K.Johnson for Uggla (2b swap – is it worth it as Johnson has better #’s for now)
@busta: Bailey for Uggla’s fine.
Leake, A. Miller, Maholm, Lyles, Carrasco, Lannon
Which 3 do you roster right now in a 14 team H2H league?
Preciate it, Grey.
@Whiskey Diet: Maholm, Lyles, Carrasco… More or less matchup guys….
@Grey: This guy accepted the trade of my Phillips and Chacin for his Pedroia …good enough deal for me?
Who would you pick up with the extra spot out of Worley, Luebke, Gee & Hughes?
Hi Grey,
Long time no talk.. My motherboard in my Sony has been defective for 3 weeks now. With that said, don’t buy a Sony Vaio laptop. Any hoo, Could you give me a line for Matt Joyce for the second half. Thanks! Black n Yellow Black n Yellow, No keys.. Push the Start..
hey grey, real quick: parnell or madson?
a-rod must be tougher than pujols .
they’re not even bothering to put him on the DL .
Pujols, A. Gordon, Bud Norris for J-Up, Lincecum, and Dan Hudson
Who wins for this year and keeper?
also, marcum/morse or greinke/rios?
@Fletch: It’s okay… Luebke.
@tggq21: Black n yellow! 35/8//30/.270/3
@Exactly: Madson
@chata: Ha!
@AdamH: Upton
@Exactly: Greinke…It’s fair, could go either way.
Who wins… Marcum & Beltre for Hamels?
In a league with a 13 day scoring period, so all pitchers are 2-starters….need to start 5 of the following: Beachy, Colon, D. Hudson, R. Romero, E. Santana, Hughes, Luebke or Andrew Miller.
Also, rank these SS in order you would play them: Furcal, A. Escobar, Tejada, and Eduardo Nunez.
@Fletch: Beltre
@C.O.C.: Not Miller, Hughes or Colon.
@C.O.C.: Furcal, Alcides, Nunez…
anyone watch The Franchise? thoughts?
in a deep 16 team league, drop Ian stewart for B. Allen? I also have delmon young. Need 1 of the 3 to b my dh in the 2nd 1/2