Closer Look
June 01, 2009
Category: Closers
In this month’s closer look, let’s discuss the value of middle relievers. I’m a big Mr. B. Depending on the team, I have various combinations of MRs. On one team, I have C.J. Wilson still. (Notched a Save and a Win in a doubleheader the other day — natch!) On another team, I’m rocking Dan Meyer. On another, Rafael Soriano. Besides having a guy that could take over the closing duties, middle relievers help lower your starters’ ratios. Mark DiFelice + James Shields = 7-4/3.01/1.15/74 or Jake Peavy, 5-5/3.67/1.13/84. That’s right, the Frankenpitcher of Jark DiShields is beating the pure breed Jake Peavy. So how’s dem apples? Delicious! Now in some cases, you just can’t hold a MR. Whether you’re besieged by injuries, need to handcuff one of your closers or need a bench hitter, sometimes it’s just not feasible. As much as I like MRs, they are invariably the first ones I drop on my teams when I need help somewhere else. Luckily, there’s always one available on waivers. If it’s not Jark DiShields, you can own Kiko Garzero or C.J. Wolfson. Anyway, here’s all of the closers for your fantasy baseball team, as of right now:
$12 Salads
You know that restaurant your girlfriend/wife/what-have-you likes to go to that charges, like, $12 for a salad? Every time you go there, you have a thoroughly solid meal. No complaints, except you just paid $12 for a salad when you could’ve went to McDonald’s and stuffed you and your woman for ten schmools and had $2 in quarters left over to make the hotel bed vibrate. These closers are $12 salads.
1. Jonathan Broxton (+3) (Ronald Belisario, Cory Wade)
2. Francisco Rodriguez (+2) (J.J. Putz)
3. Joe Nathan (-2) (Matt Guerrier, Jose Mijares)
4. Jonathan Papelbon (-2) (Takashi Saito, Manny Delcarmen, Hideki Okajima)
Donkey-corns
Imagine you’re following a donkey, who’s wearing a wool cap, through a desert for 1700 miles. Why are you following a donkey? Because he promises you something wonderful and you just need to trust him. Does the donkey talk? Yes. Yes, he does talk. So when you and the donkey in the wool cap arrive at his destination, he removes his the wool cap to reveal a horn. The donkey is a unicorn and his gift to you for your trust is saves. These closers are Donkey-corns.
5. Heath Bell (+3) (Greg Burke, Edward Mujica, Luke Gregerson)
6. Bobby Jenks (-1) (Octavio Dotel, Matt Thornton, Scott Linebrink)
7. Mariano Rivera (Alfredo Aceves, Brian Bruney, Damaso Marte)
8. Francisco Cordero (+3) (David Weathers, Arthur Rhodes, Nick Masset)
9. Frank Francisco (C.J. Wilson)
10. Brad Lidge (-4) (Ryan Madson)
11. Brian Fuentes (+1) (Jose Arredondo, Scot Shields)
12. Ryan Franklin (+4) (Jason Motte, Chris Perez, Kyle McClellan)
13. Chad Qualls (-3) (Jon Rauch, Tony Pena, Clay Zavada)
14. Kevin Gregg (Carlos Marmol)
15. Brian Wilson (Jeremy Affeldt, Bob Howry)
16. Kerry Wood (-3) (Jensen Lewis, Rafael Perez, Rafael Betancourt)
17. Mike Gonzalez (Rafael Soriano)
18. Fernando Rodney (Joel Zumaya, Ryan Perry, Brandon Lyon)
19. Scott Downs (+7) (B.J. Ryan, Jason Frasor)
Brain Freeze
I’m going on a picnic and I’m bringing apples, bananas and Troy Percival– Wait, he just gave up 12 earned runs and hit Pena in the head with a pickoff throw. Brain freeze! Make it stop! Use the following closers at your own risk.
20. Huston Street (+2) (Manny Corpas)
21. Trevor Hoffman (Carlos Villanueva, Todd Coffey, Mark DiFelice)
22. George Sherrill (+7) (Jim Johnson, Danys, Baez, Chris Ray)
23. Matt Capps (-3) (John Grabow, Jesse Chavez, Tyler Yates)
24. David Aardsma (Brandon Morrow, Miguel Batista, Chad Cordero)
25. Joakim Soria (+3) (Juan Cruz, Jamey Wright, Kyle Farnsworth)
26. Matt Lindstrom (-7) (Leo Nunez, Kiko Calero, Dan Meyer)
27. Andrew Bailey (Brad Ziegler, Michael Wuertz, Santiago Casilla)
28. LaTroy Hawkins (-3) (Jose Valverde)
29. Joel Hanrahan (+1) (Kip Wells, Julian Tavarez)
30. J.P. Wheelfourson (-7) (Randy Choate, The Amazing Rando, Randy Jackson)
June 1st, 2009 at 11:41 am
I’m beseiged by injuries (Jose Reyes, Joey Votto), steroids (Manny,) and suckitude (Russell Martin and Geovony Soto). I need to drop somebody in order to have a starting first baseman. I’ve got Carlos Marmol? Should I drop him in order to pick up a 1B? The best one available is Kendry Morales. I’ve tried to trade Russell Martin and G. Soto but nobody is willing to trade anything (literally).
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June 1st, 2009 at 11:44 am
@Bob: If you’re starting a DL’d guy at first, you have to do something. Is Marmol your least valuable player?
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@Bob: I said to sell Soto and Manny back in April. In a one catcher league, there’s no reason to own two catchers. If it’s a two catcher league, then you have to hold them and drop Marmol.
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June 1st, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Poor, ignored Colome — you see his last three outings? They way they’re using him lately, I’m hoping he gets Hanrahan-ed the top job soon.
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June 1st, 2009 at 12:11 pm
14 team mixed H2H League
Brandon Phillips/Marmol/Josh Johnson for
Damon/Alexi Ramirez/Downs
Been wanting to acquire Josh johnson straight up for Torii or Damon..although really like what Downs has been doing.
I have Qualls, Aardsma, downs as closers.
I am afraid of Ramirez heating up and Phillips hairline fracture…or at least rumors of it.
Thoughts? I’m thinking hold onto Damon/Ramirez/Downs
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@Dude: Oh, Jesus.
@boyle: It’s fair, I’d hold tight.
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June 1st, 2009 at 12:23 pm
@Grey: In a 12 team H2H, I am down to one closer and 3 Mr. B’s. Would Russell Branyon be equivelant in a trade to a higher level donkey corn?
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June 1st, 2009 at 12:25 pm
Kelvim Escobar worth owning at this point? He might join the bullpen or who knows maybe even close???
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@Paulie Allnuts: Sure
@Greg: He’s not going to close.
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June 1st, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Grey, you should do one of these reports for set-up men (holds guys).
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June 1st, 2009 at 12:27 pm
@Grey: I could have sworn Hoffman was wearing a wool cap the other night. What’s holding him back with the brain freezes?
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June 1st, 2009 at 12:28 pm
@Greg: The Angels are paying Fuentes too much to remove him from the closer role.
Looks like Escobar has been stretched out in his rehab starts. He should be joining the rotation.
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@dtv: Maybe
@BermudaTriangles: He’s 40-something with a 78 MPH fastball.
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June 1st, 2009 at 12:30 pm
@Greg: He may be in the rotation within the next week or two. Most recent rehab start: 6 IP 1 hit. Definitely worth owning if you have an open DL spot.
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June 1st, 2009 at 12:33 pm
Thanks Scott
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June 1st, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Yeah…Hoffman “use at your own risk”…what’s up with that? He’s been light’s out!!
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June 1st, 2009 at 12:47 pm
@Grey: is qualls hurt,pena or rauch get the job?and i keep seeing you support nolasco,santana and duschesher over escobar,whats with the dislike of escobar?
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@AL KOHOLIC: Qualls may be hurting, though haven’t heard anything to substantiate that. Rauch and Pena probably would share the job unless one pulls away. Nothing against Escobar. I like him. No idea what the advice was regarding, but no one should out right drop Ervin, and Nolasco has a higher ceiling. Duchscherer or Escobar? It’s a toss-up. Whoever comes back first is fine.
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June 1st, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Whos starting Hiroki Kuroda tonight??
He had some bad rehab starts but you never know.
Any advice?
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June 1st, 2009 at 1:04 pm
oh and should i drop Juan Cruz for Wheeler??
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@black love: I would start Kuroda. It’s a solid matchup for him. It’s obviously risky.
@black love: I’d wait a few days, unless Wheeler gets the save tonight.
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June 1st, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Come on man. Heath Bell is a 12 Salad by now. haha
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June 1st, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Back to the aforementioned Miggy trade — just got offered:
Miggy/Oswalt
for
Prince/E-Jax/CJ Wilson
I give Prince/E-Jax. (Not sure why the other guy wants CJ Wilson, who I handcuffed to Frank-Frank.)
Do I just pull the trigger on this, or do I go back and ask for Danks? I like Danks better than Oswalt, though Oz’s second-half last year was quite tasty.
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June 1st, 2009 at 1:12 pm
@Grey/AlKoholic (amusing sandwiched togther, no intended offense): I was also suprised by the Kelvim dis. Agree not to drop young Ervin, but Duchererererer has major issues & Kelvim’s on tap for Sunday (@ Det). Nolasco was also dropped in my league & I’m the not so proud owner of Liriano. After Ervin and for clarification purposes for us slow readers, could you please rank: Kelvim, Liriano, Nolasco, & Duche?
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@Baron Von Vulturewins: I’d just go for that trade. Miggy’s worth Prince and 1/2 of Jackson or Jack, so it’s ‘son and Wilson for Oswalt? Yup.
@zombie: Liriano, Nolasco, Kelvim, Duchscherer.
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June 1st, 2009 at 1:19 pm
Safe to start Soria in a weekly league, or wait a week?
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@Mike: Hard to say without knowing who you have to bench to start him, but I’d say yes.
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June 1st, 2009 at 1:21 pm
@Baron Von Vulturewins: I definitely don’t want Oswalt. Danks would be better.
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June 1st, 2009 at 1:26 pm
@Grey: Just pulled the trigger. After preaching mightily against both Holliday and Oswalt, I now own them both.
However, given I had a hard time choosing between Wright and Miggy with my 5th pick, I’m happy to have them both.
@Scott: Old Baron: I know! Oswalt’s washed up!
New Baron: Look at Oswalt’s second half last year! He’s going to turn it around!
Middle Baron: Given I would have done Prince/Jackson for Miggy, I don’t mind Oswalt as an add-on.
Rueful Baron: Guess who was my top-ranked player on my whole team this year, according to Yahoo!’s rankings? Not Wright. Not Prince. Not Peavy. Not C-Bills.
Edwin Jackson. Ranked #24 after last night’s gem.
Ah, Edwin. You were a true friend.
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June 1st, 2009 at 1:27 pm
@Scott, Grey -
It’s a one catcher league. I have five starters (the worst of whom is Max Scherzer) and four other closers, so yes, Marmol is currently my least valuable player. I hate to give him up because I’m convinced that Gregg will implode.
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June 1st, 2009 at 1:28 pm
I love MRs. I’m in a holds league, and they are pretty undervalued. My favorite roster move is look only at SPs, then sort by holds (or saves if the league is very shallow). That should give you a snapshot of who’s available at SP that is a good MR. Then, you just slot them in an SP slot and forget about them, and let the interest compound.
I just picked up Jim Johnson, so he’ll give me good stats (plus holds), he doesn’t ‘really’ take up room on my roster, and he’s in line in case something happens to Sherrill.
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June 1st, 2009 at 1:31 pm
@Baron Von Vulturewins: After a 2nd look, Oswalt is only 31! Hasn’t he been around for a while? It would be nice to own Miggy, I’ve never had the pleasure. I can’t argue with Grey. I’m the one reading his column every day.
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June 1st, 2009 at 1:35 pm
should i start kuroda tnight against the Diamondbacks. Also what do you think of randy wells?
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June 1st, 2009 at 1:35 pm
@Bob: If it’s a one-catcher league, I probably wouldn’t have Soto AND Martin on my team. I guess keep them both, because even if Marmol ends up closing, you probably don’t need 5 closers, unless 3 of them are named Wheeler, Hawkins, and Hanrahan. So, you could hope that Votto is back to his old dizzy-free self in two weeks and you could drop Morales and pick Marmol back up. Moral of the story is that you definitely should pick up Morales or someone and start him over no one at first until Votto gets back.
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June 1st, 2009 at 1:38 pm
@martin: Grey has been advising towards starting him tonight, and I can’t argue against starting any Dodger at home at the moment. Wells is due for an implosion (explosion?), but I wouldn’t think it will happen against the Braves and Kenshin tomorrow. Maybe against the Reds over the weekend?
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June 1st, 2009 at 1:39 pm
@Grey: Are we talking of the same Liriano when we talk Liriano’s.
I hope your guy body snatches my guy soon……
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June 1st, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Is either Blackburn or Livian Hernandez worth starting this week?
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@Greg: You can start Blackburn.
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June 1st, 2009 at 2:14 pm
I give up Brian Roberts, Heath Bell, the good Weaver for Hanley Ramirez? have 5 other closers, do i pull the trigger?
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June 1st, 2009 at 2:16 pm
@Ham: That seems like a lot to me.
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June 1st, 2009 at 2:18 pm
How far has Brandon Morrow fallen? When I saw that the Angels staged a huge comeback against the M’s, last night, I seriously assumed Morrow must have been in the game. Ouch. But he wasn’t. Ouch again.
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June 1st, 2009 at 2:23 pm
@Ham: Weaver’s replaceable, you’ve got closing depth, do it if the 2B->SS move is at all manageable for your roster.
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June 1st, 2009 at 2:25 pm
In a vacuum, who should i drop to activate Kuroda? (14 team) Options are Saito, Corpas, or Gaudin – thanks.
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June 1st, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Josh Hamilton might have a sports hernia, looks like he is visiting the same doctor Kinsler went to last year, results due tomorrow. Ugh, no more trades for me, I’ve traded for Liriano, Quentin and now Hamilton this year………….
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@vinko: Corpas
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June 1st, 2009 at 2:31 pm
@Grey: So my league has 4 SP and 2 RP. I have Bell & Wilson in my RP spots with Soria on the DL. In order for me to use a MR and have its value be worth it I’d need someone that qualifies as an SP too. Quick search of free agent SP’s with at least 1 save shows: Morrow, Villanueva, Sampson, Laffey, & Guttirez. Any of these guys worth throwing in one of my SP spots as a set it and forget it type of deal? Once in a while get me a win or a save and hopefully slowly help lower my ERA & Whip?
Also anyone else to look at that is listed as an SP but being used as a MR that might not have a save making them a little trickier to find?
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June 1st, 2009 at 2:33 pm
@mgeoffriau: yeah thats what im thinking. i have Aaron Hill on my team too. its a 12 team H2H league. 8×8 (obp,2b, 3b). i was first offerred Ibanez, Markakis, Uggla for Roberts, Vlad, and Bell which I may still do. I wanted a SS upgrade over Hardy though.
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@timSTi: Villanueva
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June 1st, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Which boring CF do you like better going forward: Byrd, Hairston, or Schumaker? (Weekly lineups so I can’t platoon Byrd, though he’s starting most games now anyways)
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June 1st, 2009 at 2:42 pm
@Grey: who sits this week in HTH (I start 3 of 4)? (I’m strongest in HR/RBI with ARod, Howard, Cruz, Ibanez, but also have Rollins & Phillips in there too)
Ludwick (7 home games)
Reynolds (6 road games)
Rios (6 home games)
Helton (7 road games)
Thanks!!!
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June 1st, 2009 at 2:47 pm
20 team mixed roto, thinking of adding Joyce. Bench right now is Coghlan, F Mart, Parra, Laporta, McCutchen, Burriss. Any thoughts?
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@Marr: Hairston
@BermudaTriangles: Helton, Reynolds, Rios
@nathaniel_g: Sure, lose LaPorta.
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June 1st, 2009 at 2:55 pm
Also, any thoughts on ranking Anibal, Holland, Gaudin, Brett Anderson, Bailey, Martis, and Romero would be welcome.
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@nathaniel_g: Bailey, Gaudin, Holland…
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June 1st, 2009 at 3:12 pm
@Grey: Good, those are the guys I like as well. Sonovabench on Gaudin yesterday, like most of his owners, but I do like him at Petco.
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June 1st, 2009 at 3:13 pm
I need a bat for awhile, Luke Scott or Ben Francisco?
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June 1st, 2009 at 3:37 pm
@timSTi: Dan Meyer?
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@I’m Keith Hernandez: Scott for power, Francisco for a little bit of everything. Emphasis on little bit.
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June 1st, 2009 at 3:56 pm
@Grey:
I’d start Clayton Richard (SP who is also RP eligible) instead of Soria. It’s a H2H-Points league, so I don’t need saves per se.
The catch is, if I start Richard at RP, then I’d have to start either Kawakami, Davies, Jon Sanchez or Eric Milton in one of my SP slots. Kawakami and Davies both have two starts this week, but I’ve been burned by them before.
Now that you know my options, you still agree to start Soria?
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June 1st, 2009 at 3:59 pm
Grey doesn’t like Kawakami (think half-priced sushi).
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@Mike: There’s so many factors that go into these decisions. Who are your other pitchers? Who is your opponent starting? How many teams in the league? You can afford to start three terrible pitchers over one good closer? Then, go for it. The names you said, I wouldn’t start in any league.
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June 1st, 2009 at 4:01 pm
@Grey: I dumped the R-Spill for a dose of Ben-Fran.
Worth a shot, no?
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June 1st, 2009 at 4:03 pm
@Grey: How’s Gavin Floyd project for the rest of the year? Strictly a matchup guy?
He’s actually been solid over the last 3 starts. Something like K per inning, 3.50/1.20.
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June 1st, 2009 at 4:04 pm
@Grey: In a vacuum, who wins on this trade:
Papelbon + Cano for Beltran + Kendrick
Other astute razzballers may comment as well
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@Steve: Sure
@BigFatHippo: I wouldn’t touch him.
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June 1st, 2009 at 4:04 pm
So, after some back and forth, the best deal I might be able to pull off is to give up Votto, Ryan Franklin and Geovony Soto to get Berkman and Hawpe. Should I offer that?
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@Paulie Allnuts: Beltran side.
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@Bob: I’d want Berkman’s side.
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June 1st, 2009 at 4:07 pm
@Grey: Thanks.
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June 1st, 2009 at 4:09 pm
@Grey:
Yea, those options suck, but it’s all I got, and there’s not much out there.
It’s a 16-team, H2H-Points league, so does it really matter who my other starting pitchers are? Who to start is really who do you think will score the most points this week? (W=10, L=-5, S=5, Hd=3, inn=1, K=1, BB=-.3, HA=-.1, QS=1)
But I get your point…you need to at least know the basics (league size, roster details, format), in order to be of some help.
I’ll be more informative next time. Thanks again.
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June 1st, 2009 at 4:12 pm
Speaking of Beltran, I thought he was playing today…
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June 1st, 2009 at 4:15 pm
@Steve: Rotoworld reports that Beltran was a last minute scratch due to continuing stomach ailment.
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June 1st, 2009 at 4:16 pm
yes v.mart dh
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June 1st, 2009 at 4:21 pm
@Grey: Randy Wells, Parra, Romero, Marquis ferchrissakes?
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June 1st, 2009 at 4:22 pm
@Bob: Yeah – I guess it can’t be that easy to swing for the fences with that going on inside you…
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June 1st, 2009 at 4:23 pm
My view on Jorge De La Rosa
he wants to be the next Gil Meche – Gil Meche won 55 games over his six year career with an ERA of 4.65 – (without the wins of course)
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June 1st, 2009 at 4:25 pm
@Steve: Beltran’s got the rockin pnumonia and the Metco, Metco flu………….
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June 1st, 2009 at 4:26 pm
My view on Arthur Rhodes
I see Arthur Rhodes has the league hitting .158 against him – that can only mean one thing – that he only faced B J Upton so far this year – I know that can’t happen since in is in the American League so I quess he must have faced Chris Young instead all year long
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June 1st, 2009 at 4:30 pm
my yahoo fantasy baseball league – I have a player that just doesn’t make that many moves in a season so when he made his 5th move I just had to post a message on my leagues message board
LETS SEE WHAT GREAT FREE AGENT PICKUP HE MADE TODAY!
Don Carlo has made his 5th move of the season today
but then again Clint Barmes is a once in a lifetime free agent pick up
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June 1st, 2009 at 4:35 pm
I read that Nalasco had a decent start today & he might be on his way back up. I’m thinking of picking him or Hanson up for the end of my rotation. Who’s a better pick up? Also, 5th OF – Reimold or Zobrist?
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June 1st, 2009 at 4:36 pm
@Mr Baseball: Hey Tom Seleck, you’re movie’s on TV tonight at 7…………
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June 1st, 2009 at 4:46 pm
@Grey: Thanks, as always. Trade executed. You’re the bomb.
@BigFatHippo: Ha! Who came up with Metco; was it you or Grey? Perfect
As long as he gets better by Friday; that’s when my trade for him comes through!
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June 1st, 2009 at 4:49 pm
Holliday\Wieters for Braun?
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June 1st, 2009 at 4:50 pm
@Paulie Allnuts: Think it was one of the Tony’s, can’t keep em all straight. Tony x?
What trade you pull off?
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June 1st, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Joe Blanton good spot start in a weekly?
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@Mike: Sit Soria, start those three schmohawk pitchers (Richard, Kawakami and Davies) then.
@BigFatHippo: Wells… How did you pitching get so bad?
@Mr Baseball: The Rhodes one made me laugh.
@steamer: Hanson, Reimold.
@Paulie Allnuts: Metco was used in this morning’s post, the one that you said you liked. Hrmph. Check the glossary.
@Greg: I’d want Braun.
@Rick Dempsey: No
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June 1st, 2009 at 5:04 pm
Picked Shin-Soo Choo up off waivers start of season and hes impressed me, someone in our league recently dropped Verno Wells. Would you drop Choo for Wells? Im ahead in SBs by over 40, don’t need speed Im lacking power. What you think?
Droppables I’d have to think about: Inge, Cantu, Hardy
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June 1st, 2009 at 5:18 pm
@Grey: Dropped Parra when he shit my bed, Meche when he killed my dog, Richmond last night for some Mr B action and of course, there’s Francsuckso on my staff.
You said I needed power so I traded Shields early to Steve for Dunn, shoulda stuck him with Liriano.
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June 1st, 2009 at 5:28 pm
6 foot 5 220 pounds,strausburgh,didnt know he was that big.
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June 1st, 2009 at 5:28 pm
@BigFatHippo: That wouldn’t have been very neighbourly.
Don’t forget Damon was part of that deal too…
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June 1st, 2009 at 5:34 pm
@Steve: Yeah, Grey already said you got the better of that, but you would have taken Francisco at the time, shit. Forgot about De La Hosa, he ran off with my ex gash.
@AL KOHOLIC: Haven’t you heard, he’s bigger than the Empire State Building, can leap it in a single bound too…………….
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June 1st, 2009 at 5:34 pm
shit,big albert twist an ankle
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June 1st, 2009 at 5:35 pm
@BigFatHippo: Yes, I probably would have.
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June 1st, 2009 at 5:36 pm
cliff lee or orlando hudson?
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June 1st, 2009 at 5:39 pm
Did anyone just see the play Joba made?
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June 1st, 2009 at 5:41 pm
@Steve: yeah,good thing he wasnt hung over,hitting on the belly coulda made a mess
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@BigFatHippo: Ah… Ouch.
@Maitland: Lee
@Steve: I didn’t. I’m busy willing Aaron Cook to pitch well.
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June 1st, 2009 at 5:44 pm
@Grey: Same here, but I’m doing that in Fantasycast, while I’m watching Joba on the big screen above my desk (I have him in my H2H).
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June 1st, 2009 at 5:45 pm
@Grey: hope Cook pitches well, but i’ve dropped him already, looks like no one’s in hurry to pick him up right now.
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June 1st, 2009 at 5:45 pm
@Steve: Yes, pretty amazing. I can’t stand Joba, but I’ll give him his propers (when I get home).
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June 1st, 2009 at 5:46 pm
volquez removed after 1st inning,probably headed to the d.l
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June 1st, 2009 at 5:46 pm
Looks like Volquez gets one inning of work and then heads to the shower. Uh-oh…
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June 1st, 2009 at 5:46 pm
@AL KOHOLIC: Noooooooo!!!!!!!!
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June 1st, 2009 at 5:47 pm
@AL KOHOLIC: Sorry AL!
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June 1st, 2009 at 5:50 pm
is biggie “ALPU” hurt?
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June 1st, 2009 at 5:52 pm
@Elbert: Stayed in the game.
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June 1st, 2009 at 5:57 pm
Damn you Volquez! Anyone have any clue what happened with him? Not watching the game…
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June 1st, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Grey, who are some of the most valuable MRs? Can you do a report on just relievers in general?
Thanks
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June 1st, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Just got offered my Happ for his Liriano.
Grey: I want Liriano.
Ceasar: I figured. Are there any dissenters?
Razzball Commenters: …
Ceasar: I need a reliable starter, not a potential bullpen-er/AAA-er.
Grey: …
Ceasar: Fine. Fine.
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June 1st, 2009 at 6:06 pm
@timSTi: Same back injury which sidelined him the last time.
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June 1st, 2009 at 6:08 pm
@timSTi: numbness in the pinkie and the ring finger.
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June 1st, 2009 at 6:09 pm
Why did they have to say Sizemore could be out another 6 weeks. I want my Bills back lol. That I didn’t have a big need to do a trade makes it more annoying.
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June 1st, 2009 at 6:10 pm
via twitter – Volquez left with numbness in pinky and ring finger. Maybe an elbow injury? will be re-evaluated Tuesday. #Reds #roto
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June 1st, 2009 at 6:13 pm
I give Harang and Sheffield. I receive Votto.
My 1B options at the moment are Berkman and Nick Johnson. My SPs are Greinke, Gallardo, Felix, Malholm, Meche.
What do we think?
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June 1st, 2009 at 6:17 pm
@Corey: http://razzball.com/top-20-middle-relievers-for-2009-fantasy-baseball/
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@Corey: Maybe I’ll see what I can whip up, but the setup men are in the brackets above.
@Ceasar: I want Liriano.
@Gareth: I’d want Votto there.
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June 1st, 2009 at 6:19 pm
@Gareth: I’d do that. Harang is good, but inconsistent. Sheff is old.
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June 1st, 2009 at 6:21 pm
@Grey:
gregg/marmol pair for cueto …. too much ?
leaves me nathan , f-rod , texas wilson and latroy .
cueto joins bills , carp , ddavis, volstad , harden … and the expendables ==> max , kaz , and miller (fla) .
also , guy @ fantrax (nick nelson) says kaz out indefinately .
have you an up-date on kaz ?
thanking you , in advance .
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June 1st, 2009 at 6:23 pm
@Ceasar: You can’t call either one reliable at this point, so you have to take Liriano, the one with huge upside.
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June 1st, 2009 at 6:23 pm
@Dumbmutt: Noooooo!
I’ve got Reyes and Webb on the DL already, I’m in serious defcon 3 territory. Hope Hanley, Rollins, Braun, Beltran, CC and Johan all get hit by a bus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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June 1st, 2009 at 6:23 pm
@vinko: Thanks for the info. Bummer for Volquez.
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June 1st, 2009 at 6:26 pm
@big o: I’d want Cueto there pretty easily
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June 1st, 2009 at 6:27 pm
@Grey: @Doc: Thanks fellows. That was my instinct.
If I can get Cuddyer for Nick Johnson, that’s an acceptable return, right?
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@big o: I’d want Cueto. Haven’t heard anything on Kaz.
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@Gareth: Sure
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June 1st, 2009 at 6:29 pm
Picked Shin-Soo Choo up off waivers start of season and hes impressed me, someone in our league recently dropped Verno Wells. Would you drop Choo for Wells? Im ahead in SBs by over 40, don’t need speed Im lacking power. What you think?
Droppables I’d have to think about: Inge, Cantu, Hardy
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June 1st, 2009 at 6:32 pm
@BigFatHippo: jaba looking really good,wednesday in our keeper i have zimm-san fran,happ-s.diego and lilly atlanta,looks great on paper but why does it seem that these kind of nights burn me
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June 1st, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Berkman for Rollins….
Garza for McCann….
Dead last in runs, could use the steals. Still running Dioner Navarro out there night after night. Any objections?
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June 1st, 2009 at 6:34 pm
@BigFatHippo: I traded Papelbon and Cano, and in return I received Beltran and Kendrick. Kendrick will only be stopgap until i find something better.
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June 1st, 2009 at 6:39 pm
@Paulie Allnuts: Suweeeet! You earn 1000 Razzball points.
@AL KOHOLIC: Hope Zimm and Lilly have a meltdown
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June 1st, 2009 at 6:43 pm
Found a new use for Razzball. Makes for great reading material during 7th grade band concerts. Fastest 1.5 hour band concert I ever attended. Of course you need the requisite mobile device. Thanks Razzball!
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June 1st, 2009 at 6:48 pm
@Grey: Floyd pitching tonight? 6 IP, 6 much needed K’s, 3.00/.67, grrrrrrrrrrr!
Where the f#!k was the PP? I got a PP for ya ESPN, teabag this!
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June 1st, 2009 at 6:51 pm
Hey Grey, (<— it rhymes) someone just dropped Liriano, is he worth picking up ? and John Danks or Scott Baker ?
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June 1st, 2009 at 6:53 pm
@Sam: 8 team league?
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June 1st, 2009 at 6:54 pm
@BigFatHippo: i guess you have happ,sit lilly against dodgers and it backfired,i need a big night though,notice no one but me you and steve seem to be on top of these closer changes going on in the keeper
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June 1st, 2009 at 7:01 pm
@AL KOHOLIC: That’s cause we have something in our toolbag they don’t, Razzball baby!
Won’t have it much longer though, new store starts up in 2-3 weeks, I’ll be way too busy for FBB………….enjoy watching me divebomb.
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June 1st, 2009 at 7:03 pm
@Doc: I think it’s ok to drop him in a 10-12 team at this point. I am def holding on him and think others should, but given all the DL stints out there I can understand dropping Liriano at this point.
@Sam: Drop Baker, he sucks too but doesn’t have the upside of Liriano.
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June 1st, 2009 at 7:03 pm
Has Oswalt ever pitched to Kennedy?
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June 1st, 2009 at 7:04 pm
@I’m Keith Hernandez: I agree, I thought Danks was also a free agent, but I might have read it wrong.
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June 1st, 2009 at 7:04 pm
@Grey and Gareth: Thanks!
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June 1st, 2009 at 7:05 pm
Crap Oswalt batted bottom of the 7th, please don’t f this one up Roy!
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June 1st, 2009 at 7:06 pm
@I’m Keith Hernandez: nm, they pulled him
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June 1st, 2009 at 7:07 pm
@Doc: it was written unclear, but yeah Danks should be owned.
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June 1st, 2009 at 7:12 pm
if it fits, are you a believer in trying to trade a back-up you have on your team (r. soriano) to the team that rosters the closer (m. gonzalez), and expecting a little more back? you’re doing him a favor, aren’t you?
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June 1st, 2009 at 7:23 pm
@Doc: Nope, 12 team Yahoo roto league.
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June 1st, 2009 at 7:24 pm
@airlifting: Soriano was prolly a FA I’m guessing. So if he wanted a handcuff he would have already had him. If it’s a deep league, then yeah, trade him a handcuff for a piece he’s not using.
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@BKK: Ha!
@Kyle: I’d lose Choo for Wells.
@Pops: I’d take Rollins and McCann.
@Sam: He’s worth picking up, don’t know who you’re dropping though. I wouldn’t drop either of those two.
@airlifting: That team might be the only one you can get anything for in a trade for Soriano, and you’re not going to get much.
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June 1st, 2009 at 7:34 pm
Corey Hart just hit the waiver wire, should I drop Hanson for him? I prob will need a bat when Josh H. hits the DL manana. Luke Scott and Josh Willingham are also available.
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June 1st, 2009 at 7:40 pm
@I’m Keith Hernandez: Dropped Baker for Liriano, but I’m thinking benching till he’ll have some good starts. and Lester, sonvabench !
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June 1st, 2009 at 7:41 pm
Escobar 4IP, 5H, 1 ER (2R), 1BB, and 0 Ks.
Apparently, it’s raining and Escobar is having some trouble locating everything except his fastball.
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June 1st, 2009 at 7:43 pm
@Corey: Ramon Ramirez !
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June 1st, 2009 at 7:44 pm
Escobar is getting hit hard in the 5th, which started with a questionable non-strike three call…
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@I’m Keith Hernandez: I’d lose Hanson for Hart.
@James: Thanks for the updates!
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June 1st, 2009 at 7:59 pm
Ervin Santana has been dropped by 4959 teams in Yahoo! leagues
This is what is left of Ervin Santana value
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June 1st, 2009 at 8:00 pm
Actually I could lose Wheeler, but I do need saves.
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June 1st, 2009 at 8:05 pm
@Grey: NP!
Escobar ended up getting out of trouble, but gave up four runs. 5 IP, 8H, 4 ER, 2 BB, and 1 K. He ended with 87 pitches, and considering the rain and small strike zone, I don’t feel that badly about this start. I think he is done, but will update how the 6th goes if he comes out.
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June 1st, 2009 at 8:06 pm
Err 3 ER in the 5th!
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June 1st, 2009 at 8:07 pm
I don’t think Capps belongs in the Brain Freeze category. More like Donkey-corn for me…
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June 1st, 2009 at 8:09 pm
When Kazmir comes off the DL, who would you keep? Kazmir, Liriano, or Hanson?
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June 1st, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Leadoff double by Kemp wasted as the back-up shortstop, pitcher, back-up left fielder and back-up third baseman can’t get him home.
Torre!!!
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@James: Cool
@Mr Baseball: Ha!
@Robert: Hanson if he’s up.
@Gareth: Ha!
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June 1st, 2009 at 8:21 pm
Gareth
thanks for playing america’s new favorite game – where is Matt Kemp batting today
A- 7th in the order
B – 8th in the order
C – 9th in the order
D – pinch hitting
E – all of the above
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June 1st, 2009 at 8:29 pm
Cantu or Reynolds?
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June 1st, 2009 at 8:38 pm
Span or Bourn?
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June 1st, 2009 at 8:50 pm
Colbert or Conan? In a vacuum.
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June 1st, 2009 at 8:53 pm
@Doc: They bring completely different things to the table…depends on what you need.
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June 1st, 2009 at 9:08 pm
So Grey how F*ed am I? I just traded C Beltran and Lind for Martin, Quentin, and BJ Upton. Two days after, Quentin goes on the D/L. This is a problem because I also own A-Ram and Votto and they are both on the D/L and now so is Sizemore! Should I sell Sizemore low or just wait it out? Heres my remaining players:
C- Martin, 1b – Miggy, 2b- Hill, 3b- Davis, SS- Hairston (Just dropped Tulo, but Drew is also in FA) OF’s- Kemp, Upton, Adam Jones, Reimold UTL- Empty cuz I dont have room!
DL- Sizemore, Votto, A-ram, Quentin
The only thing saving me is my Pitching
SP- Lester, Shields, Gallardo, Josh Johnson, Cueto, Scherzer, Carpenter, Beckett
RP- Broxton and Francisco
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June 1st, 2009 at 9:10 pm
Just had the slickest move pulled on me in a league.
I had a deal to get Kinsler and some dudes for a deal where I had Hudson in the deal. Earlier in the day I had offered Hudson to another guy for Cliff Lee.
Completely forgot about it because the guy kept saying he wasn’t going to do it. The guy found out I had a deal in place for Kinsler, who he wanted, so he accepted the Hudson deal I sent him to block me.
Fucking deflating since I really wanted Kinsler, but damn that was a nice move.
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June 1st, 2009 at 9:19 pm
Which side: Wolf & Street or Oswalt?
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June 1st, 2009 at 9:20 pm
Exciting game going on at Chavez Ravine…2-0 and enter the Ultra-Stache, Clay Zavada
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June 1st, 2009 at 9:26 pm
can you rank these OF going forward? thanks
lind, sheffield, scotthairston, crisp, ethier, reimold
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June 1st, 2009 at 9:26 pm
My Wright for his Zimmerman/Kemp. Hmm…?
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June 1st, 2009 at 9:30 pm
@mgeoffriau: Hey, it’s me, the guy who said, “I would never own a guy who has given up so many hits per inning as Slowey.” Just dropped Liriano for Slowey. Just wanted you to know I listened.
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@Drev: Reynolds
@Mattp2121: Not a terrible trade for you. Depends what you can get for Sizemore. Maybe get Alexei Ramirez for him?
@Maitland: Eh, it’s not awful to get Lee for Hudson.
@Drev: It’s fair. I’d take Oswalt.
@RogerDorn: Ethier, Lind, Reimold, Hairston, Sheff
@Gareth: I’d take Kemp/Zimmerman.
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June 1st, 2009 at 9:40 pm
Odd trade offer: Calero/Nunez/Quentin for Kubel/Qualls.
I only have Qualls, Francisco and Grabow, but I like the idea of the rest of the deal more than i like my mother. So, how soon does Lindstrom lose the job?
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June 1st, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Wonderful. J. Upton blew his wad and watch he’s got a 1 for 30 slide coming. Just wait and see.
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June 1st, 2009 at 9:44 pm
Allow me to brag about my nice little Rich Hill stream today! He’d hurt me against the Jays the other day, but watching that game it was obvious to me that his nasty curveball was back and was a bit unlucky, so I picked him up again. I think I’m going to keep him a little while, but playing him will be a matchup decision (sorry Grey, I know I’m overthinking this again!).
There are a couple of other nice streams this weeks: David Hernandez against Seattle (in Seattle), Chad Gaudin against Arizona at Petco, and maaaaybe Zimmermannnnn at home against San Fran. I’m going the cautious route with the Gaudin pick-up, but I’m curious as to how the other ones will pan out.
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June 1st, 2009 at 9:45 pm
Oh and am I the only Sizemore owner who is actually relieved to see him go on the DL? I picked up Willingham, and I’m only half-joking when I say I think he’ll do better than Grady.
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June 1st, 2009 at 9:47 pm
merry CRasmus? 6 homers in a month, but no avg and no steals. Hmmm. I’m still waiting.
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June 1st, 2009 at 9:48 pm
Mini Donkey displaying his excellent speed.
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June 1st, 2009 at 9:49 pm
@Colin: What makes you think Upton’s going into a slump?
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@Tom: I’d take the deal and not worry about Lindstrom. You can drop the two setup men and be fine.
@Tom: I like the nickname, but it’s June.
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June 1st, 2009 at 9:57 pm
Arizona went with Gutierrez over Pena in the 8th? I wonder if there really is something wrong with Qualls. I smell a save opportunity for Pena today.
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June 1st, 2009 at 9:58 pm
@Tom: @Grey: Shame it wasn’t next month – CRasmus in July.
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June 1st, 2009 at 10:02 pm
@DrEasy:
There are some rumblings about Qualls, but I wouldnt jump to conclusions yet. Guiterrez has been pitching better so its not really surprising to see him in the 9th.
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June 1st, 2009 at 10:03 pm
Pena’s warming up…
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@Elijah: Thanks for the heads up!
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June 1st, 2009 at 10:14 pm
anytime!
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June 1st, 2009 at 10:14 pm
anyone watching the game they give any info about whats wrong with Qualls? should we pick up Pena?
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June 1st, 2009 at 10:16 pm
Pena showing why hes not a closer
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@Corey: Qualls had forearm pain over the weekend. Supposedly.
@Elijah: Lopez’s error should’ve been a double play, but yeah…
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June 1st, 2009 at 10:19 pm
Im watching the game, and I follow the Dbacks most every day. There’s some concern with Qualls as he has had a string of poor outings and frankly hes not really a prototypical closer (hes a breaking ball pitcher). Pena throws bullets and is what you think of as a closer and they are giving him a shot. Problem is he tends to get too excited and hang sliders and/or walk guys.
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June 1st, 2009 at 10:20 pm
@Grey:
I didnt hear about the forearm thing. I know they weren’t happy with Qualls wobbling the last couple weeks, but I dont know that Pena is any sort of subsitute.
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June 1st, 2009 at 10:20 pm
@Grey: I just dropped Madson for him in the RCL. Should I have gone Gutierrez instead?
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@Elijah: I only have the home feed (Dodgers), so did Sutton or Grace say anything about Qualls not coming in?
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June 1st, 2009 at 10:22 pm
Dbacks barely win.
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@Elijah: See comment #52 on the morning Sizemore post.
@Steve: Think you have to go Pena at this point. After all, that was the guy the Backs went to first.
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June 1st, 2009 at 10:23 pm
@Grey:
Nope…it was business as usual.
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June 1st, 2009 at 10:24 pm
@Steve:
Not sure Id want either but yeah Pena is definitely the closer if Qualls is hurt/disgraceful.
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June 1st, 2009 at 10:25 pm
@Grey: Antonio Bastardo?
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June 1st, 2009 at 10:26 pm
@Grey:
I figured you were from LA btw
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@Doug Ault: Married Melanie Griffith?
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June 1st, 2009 at 10:28 pm
Ah OK, Qualls was officially unavailable due to injury
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June 1st, 2009 at 10:29 pm
@Grey: Well I hope they delayed the honeymoon,cuz he’s toss’n for the phils tuesday
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@Doug Ault: Vs. the Padres? Sure, why not?
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June 1st, 2009 at 10:37 pm
@Grey:
What did you think of Kuroda? Should I pick him up (my pitching is horrid just for reference)
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June 1st, 2009 at 10:42 pm
Btw, since we’re on Dbacks talk, watch for Schleref longterm, he’s gonna be a very good lefty if he can get his control down. I could see him as the closer as soon as next season.
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@Elijah: Cool, I’ll look out for him. Yeah, pickup Kuroda.
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June 1st, 2009 at 10:51 pm
@Grey: who knew?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlEPVsmrB7U
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June 1st, 2009 at 10:56 pm
Dukes is coming back off the DL. Should I drop Dexter and his la-BOR-atory or Uncle Ben the Cleveland Town Treat? Or is that Rice-A-Roni…
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@Doug Ault: Ha, you did.
@SP: Flip a coin. I’d lose Dexter.
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June 1st, 2009 at 11:19 pm
Max Scherzer or Carlos Marmol?
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June 1st, 2009 at 11:27 pm
Scherzer….that bad outing was a blip…
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