Fantasy Baseball Team Updates
May 21, 2009
Category: 2009 Fantasy Baseball Leagues
With about a month and a half in, I figured I’d go over where my (Rudy and my? Rudy and I? Rudy and me? Did I miss this day?) fantasy baseball teams are in their respective leagues. I know most of youse only care about your teams and how they’re faring, so I’ll keep this brief. I won’t bore you with all the tremendous moves I’ve made — Oh, there’s been some doozies. I also won’t bore you with all the lousy pick-ups I’ve made — Thanks, Hochevar! I’ll touch on a few key transactions and where I currently am in the standings. Anyway, here’s my fantasy baseball team updates:
15 Team, mixed league, roto; host: Tim of RotoRob, Currently in 4th place, 9.5 points out of first.
Key Trade – Moved my Heath Bell and Huston Street for Dan Haren and David Aardsma. This trade isn’t quite as lopsided as it seems because at some point I needed to make the hard decision between C.J. Wilson on waivers or holding Aardsma. I went with Wilson because Morrow was just pitching poorly and Frank Frank was actually hurt. In hindsight, I would’ve held tight, but hindsight has Wade Boggs vision. Anyway, the trade is still in my favor because I’d still want Haren over Street and Bell.
Key Pickup – Michael Bourn. No idea where the guy from last year went, but someone’s been *pinkie to mouth* re-Bourn.
Egregious Pickups — Ah… Where do I start? Actually, this reminds me of a valuable insight that you’re all going to enjoy. No need for your thinking caps either; I’m thinking for you! All of my terrible pickups (Hochevar, Grabow, Julian Tavarez, Shawn Hill, Wang and Anthony Reyes) and I’m still less than one good week out of first place. This shows you that you can take fliers on guys as long as your core is fine.
16 Team, mixed league, roto; host: Andy Behrens of Y!, Currently in 3rd place, 17.5 points out of first.
Key Trade — I’ve only made one trade, sending Elvis Andrus and LaTroy Hawkins for Julio Lugo and Ian Stewart. I still like my side better, but it’s basically a push so far.
Key Pickup — In a 16 team league (this one is much deeper than even the 15 team league with more outfielders and bench spots), there’s really not much out there. My best pickup so far is Randy Wolf. Yee-haw!
Egregious Pickups — Again, there’s been quite a few. Most of the same schmohawks as the other league as I tend to like the same guys across leagues. And end up disliking the same guys.
12 Team, mixed league, roto; host: FSWA, Currently in 1st place, 2.5 points in front.
Key Trade — I’ve made one trade and it happened today. Pending approvals, I receive Jose Reyes for Adam Dunn and Ryan Theriot. It’s an OBP league, so Dunn has a lot more value than in a regular league. I’m hurting most for steals and Reyes should correct that problem. I plan, nay, hope Reyes goes on the DL and misses a few weeks. This way he returns to doing what he do by July at the latest. I figure July through October of Reyes will be all I need for steals and can play a waiver guy at shortstop for the next few weeks. Since this is only 12 teams deep, there’s waiver guys to be had.
Key Pickup — LaTroy Hawkins. This league I had a few things working for me that actually worked against me thus far. I’ve been in first for 95% of the season, so I didn’t want to mess with success (Isn’t that a Deepak Chopra book?) and I had a solid core of pitchers (F-Her, Wandy, Wolf, Bedard, Scherzer, Papelbon, Rodney and Broxton) so I couldn’t grab closers or starters as I like to do.
Egregious Pickup – Kenshin Kawakami, Spaz and Cameron Maybin didn’t do me any favors, but they were all drafted. Haven’t had any egregious pickups in this league, because I haven’t needed to take many gambles thus far.
Your leagues are here – Fantasy Razzball and Razzball Commenter League
May 21st, 2009 at 12:31 pm
I’ve been blessed with some amazing luck in my league so far. During the draft, I was planning on taking Soto until he went one pick before me, so I was semi-forced into taking V-Mart as he was the last catcher in the top tier for me. Then Billingsley and Greinke fell to rounds 9 and 12, respectively, and they have been pretty decent so far. We also drafted early enough that Utley fell to me in the second round due to his injury concerns, and Manny was still unsigned, so I was able to grab him in the 5th.
Starved for saves, I was then able to trade Michael Young for Broxton early in the season. Then, another owner fell in love with Nelson Cruz’s potential and hot start, and I was able to get Prince Fielder and Mark Reynolds for Cruz, Adam LaRoche (also during his hot start), Kelly Johnson, LaTroy Hawkins and Melvin Mora.
The only glaring negatives I can think of are Reyes’s semi-slow start and now injury concerns, Nolasco’s terrible luck, and Manny’s little oops recently. I’m feeling good about my chances.
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@Adam: Better to be lucky than right… Or is it lucky than good? Something about luck and yup.
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May 21st, 2009 at 12:36 pm
well, in a race to see who could implement worse strategy, ron washington left millwood in to give up the go ahead run in the 8th. jim leyland still sucks, but at least edwin jackson has a chance for the 132 pitch W. hell, why not let him pitch the 9th?
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May 21st, 2009 at 12:38 pm
I’m in a 10 team 5×5. I was able to pick up Aaron Hill and Nelly Cruz early on. Also got Heath Bell and Randy Wolf. That’s been about the only positive pick ups. My pitching pickups have been disatrous. Phil Hughes thanks guy! Picked up Nolasco when he was dropped and took a raping. Then Cecil gave me one good start and one raping. My pitching should smooth out (Bills, Volstad, Wolf, Gollardo, Volquez, Slowey, Jimenez) but we’ll have to see. I’m in 3rd place right now. ERA WHIP & AVG are killing me.
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@fuqjimleyland: Let’s just hope Leyland doesn’t bring in Wilkin to close it out.
@timSTi: With the core of pitchers you have, you should try and ride the guys you have rather than picking up guys that could rape you.
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May 21st, 2009 at 12:49 pm
I’m the guy who shipped Haren over to Grey. Good trades are the ones that help both teams. I was able to move Haren, one of my favorite guys for Bell and Street whom I needed because at the time I had only one closer – Fuentes. I figure that dialed me into an instant 10 points over the term of the season. The trade was like the day before Street was reannointed the closer (but in fairness the writing was on that wall). I could ‘afford’ Haren with a pitching staff of Jurrjens, Volquez, Hamels, Wolf, Ubaldo and Kershaw. Obviously I’ll have to be judicious about how I use the last two. In any case for the moment I am first in K’s WHIP and ERA and the wins and saves will come around. With Haren, Grey will pass me in some places.
But the way I figure it, a few more Hochevar pickups for Grey and Rudy and I’ll be comfy. Currently first place – but very competitive over at Tim MCleod’s RotoRob league this season.
My best pickup so far was Inge, whom I have pretty much in every league going….he won;t continue to do this of course, but 20-something .250-.260 is sort of what he does at third…and the instant his C eligibility goes, into the dumpster with Brandon (sorry, buddy, used you and discarded ya).
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May 21st, 2009 at 12:52 pm
I keep thinking Ibanez would tail off, but he seems for real! I dont have him on my team, so I was hoping he would struggle. Shoud I trade for him, while there is still doubts about him?
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May 21st, 2009 at 12:53 pm
I think it’s Rudy’s and my.
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@SteveP:I had no idea you were a commenter here. I’m glad you didn’t ask me if you should trade Haren for those two because I would’ve told you no. But you’re right, if it helps your team, it’s fine. I still think you can get a Street or Bell-types off waivers or for cheaper (I put in a trade sending Bell for Casey Kotchman in a different league as I don’t value saves much). Anyway, thanks for weighing in your side of it.
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@Zebo: I don’t think people have too many doubts as to who he is. 25+ HRs, 110 RBIs, decent average.
@brad: Me thinks you’re right.
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May 21st, 2009 at 1:05 pm
4th placein 15 team Roto, 3rd in 16 Team Roto, 1st in 12 team Roto – against the Fantasy elite – excellent work! That’s why we ask you billions and billions of questions daily.
I am 1st place in a 14 team mixed H2H keeper league, 1st place in a 12 team mixed H2H league, 4th place in an 8 Team mixed H2H league, 9th place in a H2H 12 team mixed league (I have been killed with injuries, including the loss of Manny, A-Ram, and Delgado within a one week period, amongst others.) Ashamed to say that I am 9th in the RCL league, but I had never played Roto before. That could be the best league I have ever played in, so it is stretching me out, which is good. I also made some horrendous draft choices, including Maggs, The Guillen Boys, Aviles, Jose Lopez, Baker, Pelfrey, @Kelly Johnson. The team certainly has a patch-work quality to it at this point, and i may have to refer it to you in the forum, for radical surgery. Likely by trade, as our FA list is barren of talent. As soon as you make a suggestion, someone vultures it.
Best pickups – Edwin Jackson, in several leagues, who did win today, with a save by Fernando – picked up in three leagues. Michael Bourn. Cecil gave me several good starts. Hughes blew up on me. De La Rosa, upon your suggestion, who was fine until yesterday. Russell Branyan has been surprising; I jumped on him early. Kendry Morales is a fine backup.
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May 21st, 2009 at 1:08 pm
I think it would have been extremely good advice to advise me to say no to that trade. And I am completely of your mind that you don’t pay for saves. There are just too many situations where saves become available and the relative cost on the qualitatives (and similarly the benefit) of a crappy closer as opposed to all but the very best is so minimal as to make almost any price a non-value proposition.
On the other hand, and my thinking in this situation only, there is a certain amount of benefit it getting a needed commodity now, rather than perhaps in a month or so when the hole would be that much deeper and the amount needed to dig out that much greater. Particularly in that league with so much scavenging going on…(see Hochevar, Luke). In any case I am reasonably confident in my starting and have some innings to play with (we work with 1400ip limit in that league).
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May 21st, 2009 at 1:08 pm
drop BJ ryan, rich hill, or burriss for mark reynolds….?
I think hill is the one i wanna see what he does more than the others? so BJ or BURRISS?
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@Paulie Allnuts: Hey, those are some nice pickups! Wonder where you got that advice? (insert appropriate emoticon)
@SteveP: Agreed that the deeper the league, the harder the pickups are… I have the generosity of my commenters telling me when a closer goes down.
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@Tony Y: I’d say lose Hill, but if you wanna lose one of the other two, lose Burriss.
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May 21st, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Twins up 20-0 on the Sox. Hah!
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May 21st, 2009 at 1:17 pm
I forgot to mention my pick-ups (not that anybody particularly cares, just nice to rant a bit)…
E-Jax’s former elite prospect status and hot start convinced me to pick him up early, and he’s been solid gold in a very pitching-thin league. Asdrubal Cabrera’s steady play also bailed me out of a jam when I traded away Michael Young and relied on Kelly Johnson for my MI spot. Finally, my streaming closers has been successful, as I bought in early on Downs during Ryan’s ST struggles, bought Hawkins and sold high in the Prince deal, and it looks like Bailey has a good shot at success in Oakland.
Great work on the site though, recently started commenting and haven’t gotten around to sending some love yet…
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@Doc: Let me guess, Mauer has 10 RBIs and 3 HRs?
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@Adam: Thanks for the kind words. Yeah, I believe I told people to grab Edwin after his first start of the season, I wish I would’ve listened to that as well. (In fairness, I probably didn’t have room at the time.)
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May 21st, 2009 at 1:19 pm
@Doc – Which leads to a major ticker tease for me – Morneau, 0-2, 1 R
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May 21st, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Hawpe or Lester?
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May 21st, 2009 at 1:22 pm
@Grey: only 6 RBI’s
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May 21st, 2009 at 1:22 pm
@Grey: Close on Mauer — 6 RBIs and counting.
@Paulie Allnuts: Morneau is the ultimate ticker-tease today.
In a related story: E-JAX.
That is all.*
*the five walks are a bit disconcerting.
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May 21st, 2009 at 1:23 pm
Mauer – 3-4 2RS, 1HR, 6 RBI
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May 21st, 2009 at 1:27 pm
@Baron Von Vulturewins: More disconcerting than the walks are the 130 pitches Leyland left him out there for…
@Doc: Twins/Sox update, Kirby Puckett just went yard.
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May 21st, 2009 at 1:28 pm
@Adam: Gagne with a 2 run Donk
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May 21st, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Peavy trade to White Sox a disaster. From NL team with the fewest runs scored to AL team with the fewest runs scored. On my team with hope for trade to the real Chicago team. Just say “NO!” Mr. Peavy.
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May 21st, 2009 at 1:31 pm
awesome the guy i’m playing H2H has morneu and mauer… and the twins put up 20….
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May 21st, 2009 at 1:33 pm
@Tony Y: Nothing to worry about with Morneau, 0/2 with a run and 3 BB’s…Mauer killed it though
Breaking news, the Sox have changed their name to the White Flags for the rest of the afternoon in a plea for mercy
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May 21st, 2009 at 1:34 pm
@Tony Y: Don’t worry about Morneau; he’s done nada. But Mauer is another story.
PS – Grey – Forgot to add the RP pickups; Aaardsma, Downs, Cruz, all of which I borrowed from your columns. As well as Bailey.
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May 21st, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Edinson Volquez to 15-day DL (retro to Sun) because of back spasms. Homer Bailey recalled
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May 21st, 2009 at 1:40 pm
@Simply Fred: Looks like Peavy will nix the trade. What incentive does he have to accept it? My guess is that the Pads/Sox leaked the info to pressure Peavy and prod other, more palatable trade partners to up their offers.
I think Peavs does get traded, but not to the feeble Chox. I hope.
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May 21st, 2009 at 1:42 pm
@Simply Fred: Not only that, but from the best HR park to the worst HR park (from the pitcher’s perspective). Most of the reports I’ve read have said he’ll veto it….I sure hope he does.
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@Doc: Hawpe. Thanks for the Bailey update!
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May 21st, 2009 at 1:46 pm
@Baron Von Vulturewins: Suspect the same. Not really panicked yet. Thanks for your valued insight!
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@Doc: Could I have a link on the Bailey recall news?
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May 21st, 2009 at 1:55 pm
Also fresh… Jody Gerut from the Padres to the Brewers for (surprise!) Tony Gwynn Jr.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090521&content_id=4861792&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb
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@Ernie Imbroglio: Thanks for the update!
****Anyone see the Bailey news so I can see a link?****
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May 21st, 2009 at 2:02 pm
@Grey: http://www.redreporter.com/2009/5/21/882706/will-we-be-seeing-homer-bailey-on
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@Doc: Thank you, sir!
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May 21st, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Brett Anderson is on the waiver wire in my 14-team keeper league. Should I dump Cecil to pick up Anderson since (1) Anderson improved his last outing, (2) his rotation spot is more secure, and (3) he doesn’t play in the AL East.
Or should I just keep Cecil?
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May 21st, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Thanks for the new post, Grey. I’d like your (or anyone’s) wisdom on how to approach Lester — wait till he begins pitching better, or just go ahead and start him?
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May 21st, 2009 at 2:16 pm
@Grey: You taking a flier on Bailey in deeper mixed leagues? 43/17 k/bb in 45 ip is obv solid for AAA, but 9 hr allowed. That’s been his big problem the last couple of years, so I’m concerned especially with him calling GABP home.
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May 21st, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Any of Happ, Palmer, Cecil or De la Rosa worth dropping to pick up Bailey?
Also, Chris Snyder or Yadier from here forward?
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@JR: Keep Cecil.
@Prince: You’re welcome. I’d wait to see a good start from him first.
@jsp2014: I’m taking fliers in a 15 team and 16 team league. I think if you’re grabbing him in 12 team leagues, you shouldn’t start him first time out.
@royce!: Lose Palmer for him. Snyder.
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May 21st, 2009 at 2:22 pm
@Prince: My 2 cents- just start him. He’s been awfully unlucky, but you can’t sit someone who K’s at over 10 per 9. His LD% is actually lower than last year. Basically, GBs will become hits less often and FBs will not leave the yard as often, and then he’ll dominate.
I think.
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May 21st, 2009 at 2:23 pm
@Grey: It doesn’t look good for Jose Reyes does it?
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May 21st, 2009 at 2:24 pm
@Grey: @royce!: Thanks guys. It seems I always make the wrong choice with my semi-borderline pitchers, so maybe it doesn’t matter what I do!
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May 21st, 2009 at 2:25 pm
@Grey: Sorry, one more- I just realized no one picked up Medlen. I picked up Snyder recently. So I guess two Qs: drop Palmer for Medlen or Bailey? And, drop any of the remaining SPs (De la Rosa, Cecil, or Happ) or Yadier for Medlen or Bailey?
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May 21st, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Juan Cruz caught Mo Rivera-Brad Lidge fever!
1/3 IP 4 ER, 3 H, 1BB. D’OH!
(in fairness, the schmohawk that came in after him let two of the inherited runners score, but the point stands)
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May 21st, 2009 at 2:28 pm
@Jobu: KAZAAM!
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May 21st, 2009 at 2:30 pm
forgot to explain my point … Lidge/Rivera fever in that it was a non-save(or hold) situation. whoops.
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@BigFatHippo: I just traded for him, but he might miss a few weeks. I’m not to concerned.
@royce!: Drop Palmer for Medlen. Lose Happ for Bailey.
@Jobu: It was a kazaam.
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May 21st, 2009 at 2:35 pm
Today’s Sonavabench!: Shin-Soo Choo, 3 for 5, 2 RBI and a run scored against the Zack Attack, in favor of Josh Anderson, who went 0 for 3.
Flurking shizz.
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May 21st, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Betancourt is getting a save opportunity. This should be fun.
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May 21st, 2009 at 2:46 pm
@Grey: Open DL slot – Schmidt, Bonderman, neither?
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May 21st, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Wow, he came in for 3 straight outs with the bases loaded. He’s still a cuddleboy for life.
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May 21st, 2009 at 2:47 pm
Considering going after Pujols in my H2H league (6×6 with OPS).
Is offering Teix and Quentin for Albert and Justin Upton too much / too little…?
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May 21st, 2009 at 2:52 pm
did kerry wood lose his job? He only pitched 2 straight days
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May 21st, 2009 at 2:54 pm
What do you guys make of Porcello so far this season? His BABIP would expect us to believe he should regress, but his HR/FB is high. His ground ball percentage is great, which should allow him to excell (double plays and keeping the ball in the park). I am sure he will have his struggles, but all I have read is how mature he is at such a young age. Plus, the road hasn’t been a problem for him. I want to sell high, but I am starting to change my mind.
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@jsp2014: Thanks for the heads up!
@SRM: Neither
@Mike: Too much
@Zebo: I don’t think he lost his job, but Betancourt’s a decent handcuff.
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May 21st, 2009 at 2:55 pm
@Zebo: I doubt it. He converted last night, they signed him to close, and Betancourt has proven many times that he can’t close.
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@James: I’d sell. Rookie pitchers are really tough to trust over the long haul.
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May 21st, 2009 at 2:57 pm
@Grey: It doesn’t look good for Jose Reyes does it?
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May 21st, 2009 at 2:59 pm
Carlos Lee for Hamilton/Lidge (I get)?
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May 21st, 2009 at 3:00 pm
Coghalan or Fontenot or doesn’t really matter?
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May 21st, 2009 at 3:01 pm
Coghlan or Fontenot or doesn’t really matter?
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May 21st, 2009 at 3:02 pm
@Grey: I think you are still reeling from being Hochevarred.
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@BigFatHippo: I just traded for him, but he might miss a few weeks. I’m not too concerned.
@I’m Keith Hernandez: I’d take the Hamilton side.
@Doc: Coghlan
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May 21st, 2009 at 3:06 pm
@BigFatHippo: Latest update says that he’s day-to-day with calf tendinitis and that they’ll check him out in a couple of days to see if he’s going to end up on the DL. Tendinitis doesn’t sound like it’s such bad news, though.
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May 21st, 2009 at 3:09 pm
I hate my league. People don’t trade, and they’re clueless — someone just outright dropped Votto for Span. Unfortunately I’m 9/10 in the waiver line, so he probably won’t be mine.
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May 21st, 2009 at 3:13 pm
@Grey: @Dingo: His value relies so much on runs and steals though, so yeah, I worry about his tendinitis.
Hopefully he just needs rest. Or someone to kiss his boo-boo.
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May 21st, 2009 at 3:14 pm
Does Gerut to Milwaukee make Hairston a decent pickup?
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May 21st, 2009 at 3:15 pm
@Prince: You need to join a Razzball league!
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@Doc: Yup
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May 21st, 2009 at 3:16 pm
I have been offered Reyes with me giving up Theriot and Pedoria- I have Hill so Pedoria been my utility. Sitting in 1st place in a head to head cat league in which I have been loosing steals most weeks. Peralta is out there to pick-up.
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@Boudy64: I’d do it.
******Derrek Holland to make start tomorrow.*****
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May 21st, 2009 at 3:21 pm
@Grey: Grey, is he worth a pickup even as a Texan?
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@Doc: In Houston? Sure. It’s risky though.
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May 21st, 2009 at 3:25 pm
@Grey: Would you drop Cook for him in a 12-teamer?
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May 21st, 2009 at 3:28 pm
@Grey: Too late! I’ve been Doc’d!
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May 21st, 2009 at 3:30 pm
Joey Vertigo should be back this weekend:
http://www.oxfordpress.com/oxford-sports/cincinnati-reds/votto-a-smiling-pin-cushion-with-just-an-ear-infection-129146.html
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May 21st, 2009 at 3:36 pm
@Grey: Grab him in a keeper? Would be dropping Dribble…
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May 21st, 2009 at 3:40 pm
@Steve: I’ll probably change my mind in an hour or so!
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@Jobu’s rum: Thanks for the update!
@Steve: Nope
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May 21st, 2009 at 3:43 pm
@Doc: Not so fast Doc, I’ve had Hairston for 5 days.
You’ve gotta draw faster than that to outdraw Quick Draw Hippo McGraw.*
*Sounds like a Looney Tunes character, I’ve been reduced to a caricature.
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May 21st, 2009 at 3:45 pm
We need some good Amsterdam nickname for Holland: Something like “Spliff”… or Dutchie…
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May 21st, 2009 at 3:47 pm
@JR: Derrick “Royale with Cheese” Holland. If only he played for the Royals, sigh.
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May 21st, 2009 at 3:48 pm
@BigFatHippo: It took me a while to go through my thousand leagues, but I found him in one!
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May 21st, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Gamel not starting again. Grrrrrrrr.
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May 21st, 2009 at 3:52 pm
@BigFatHippo: I like it. Either way, we got to convey the inflated value of rookies. Either, you think you’re getting a Royale with Cheese but it’s just a hamburger. Or, you must be high to think he’s saving your rotation.
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May 21st, 2009 at 3:55 pm
I don’t know about the timing of Spliff’s promotion. They want to ease into the big leagues and yet they put him in the rotation to face Houston and then (gasp) New York, at New York, and at Boston. Yikes. I’ve smashed up on the Royale with Cheese before but this time no thanks.
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May 21st, 2009 at 3:57 pm
@Steve: With Reyes going down at least I have Flippy to slide over to short and Ian Stewart to plug in at MI!
x………Grrrrrrrrrrrrr
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May 21st, 2009 at 3:58 pm
@JR: @Doc: I grabbed him in my H2H league. Had a roster spot I didn’t really know what to do with. Don’t intend to use him – maybe see how he does and flip him on if I can.
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May 21st, 2009 at 3:59 pm
@BigFatHippo: Flippy benched too. I see your Grrrrr and raise you a Bollocks!
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May 21st, 2009 at 4:02 pm
@Steve: If he beats the Yanks in his second start he should have mad value.
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May 21st, 2009 at 4:04 pm
@BigFatHippo: And it’s too late to move Atkins into Gamel’s spot! Jesus – what was I doing? Working or something?
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May 21st, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Peavy says no, Peavy says no, Havlicek stole the ball, I don’t believe what I just saw, Down goes Frazier, Down goes Frazier……and so on and so forth.
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@BigFatHippo: *Grey exhales*
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May 21st, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Dodgers are gonna jump right in, dontcha think Grey?
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May 21st, 2009 at 4:12 pm
@Grey: Same here.
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@BigFatHippo: I actually think the Mets should.
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May 21st, 2009 at 4:18 pm
@Grey: Dodgers, Mets, Cubbies will all be in the mix. My money’s on the Dodgers, Peavy wants to stay in the NL and if he can stay in Cali, more power to him.
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May 21st, 2009 at 4:18 pm
What the hell happened to Joba?
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May 21st, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Joba left in the 1st, line drive to the leg, ouch.
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May 21st, 2009 at 4:20 pm
@BigFatHippo: Sh*t. Just traded for him in my H2H.
Was his first start for me.
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May 21st, 2009 at 4:22 pm
@Steve: The keeper’s sure getting bunched up isn’t it?
Al’s in California, just hope I can hold down top spot till he gets back, that oughta piss him off.
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May 21st, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Mark Reynolds stole another base today.
That makes him the first player this season to cross the double-double threshold.
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May 21st, 2009 at 4:23 pm
****************JOBA JUST LEFT IN THE 1st. I DONT KNOW WHATS WRONG YET. AHH
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May 21st, 2009 at 4:23 pm
@BigFatHippo: Yeah – unfortunately there’s daylight between the bunch and me.
And Asdrubal sonavabenched me today just to add insult to injury.
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May 21st, 2009 at 4:25 pm
Joba leaves in first with undisclosed injury
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May 21st, 2009 at 4:25 pm
@Steve: I started Joba the Hutt and sonovabenched Edwin Jackson. I mean, hey, it’s the Rangers. He also was lucky as hell to get a DP in the 2nd.
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May 21st, 2009 at 4:26 pm
@Doc: Read before posting!
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May 21st, 2009 at 4:26 pm
@Steve: Ooohh, 4-5 wasn’t he?
@Martin: Line drive to the leg, shouldn’t be bad, probably just precautionary measures.
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May 21st, 2009 at 4:26 pm
@BigFatHippo: line drive to the leg, you say? That’s better than it could be, assuming nothing’s broken.
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May 21st, 2009 at 4:28 pm
@BigFatHippo: Yeah, between Weeks, Flippy, and Reyes, I’m getting a big fat squat from 2B and SS today. At least tomorrow I’m getting a hot Kelly Johnson injection!
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May 21st, 2009 at 4:28 pm
The Little Donkey can run, baby!
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May 21st, 2009 at 4:30 pm
@BigFatHippo: He was.
Now Percy and Bailey are piling on the misery.
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May 21st, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Zobrist PH game-tying HR. How does this guy not get more PT?
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May 21st, 2009 at 4:39 pm
Cruz, Percy, Bailey and now Ziegler?? Did all the closers go on strike today? Trying to show us how much more we should appreciate them? Do I need to buy them flowers and do the dishes once in a while? Do I need to ask anymore rhetorical questions??!!!!
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May 21st, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Then again, I vastly prefer 4 RP meltdowns to Peavy going to CWS, so I guess it was a good day! Nay, a great day!
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May 21st, 2009 at 4:45 pm
@Steve: Hehe, why ya think I dealt Percey? In Both leagues!
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May 21st, 2009 at 4:48 pm
@BigFatHippo: Yeah yeah.
At least he got me a win!
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May 21st, 2009 at 4:49 pm
@Steve: Bugger. It was Nelson.
Oh well.
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May 21st, 2009 at 4:56 pm
@Steve: If it makes ya feel any better Juan Cruz, How Do You Do’s, totally f’d my ERA. Another reason to hate crappy closers, it’s why I zagged this year and traded for K-Rod. Sometimes ya gotta do what ya gotta do, booyah!
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May 21st, 2009 at 4:58 pm
@Grey: wish my ex-girlfriends listened to your advice:
“[R]ide the guys you have rather than picking up guys that could rape you.”
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May 21st, 2009 at 5:04 pm
Homer Baily just got the call and holland is starting tommrow.
How would you rank Baily, Holland, Zimmerman, Medlen, Porcello, and Hanson.
Also would you start pettite vs. phillies on saturday?
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@sean: That’s freakin’ hilarious.
@Martin: Zimmermann, Porcello, Holland, Hanson, Medlen, Happ, Bailey, they’re all matchups/risky, rookie pitchers.
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May 21st, 2009 at 5:20 pm
would u start pettite?
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@Martin: I would not start Pettitte in any league, but against the Phils it’s not a terrible matchup.
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May 21st, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Albert just knocked the lights out of the “I” in Big Mac Land.
Guess we Cardinal fans can all forget about Mark now, Albert’s playing his own personal pin ball game.
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May 21st, 2009 at 5:36 pm
@BigFatHippo: That was crazy! I wonder how far that ball would have gone?
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May 21st, 2009 at 5:42 pm
@Doc: All the way to the Mississsippppiiiii……
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May 21st, 2009 at 5:57 pm
Geez, I come back to the computer to find Lester hasn’t given up a run. And of course I didn’t start him. Sonofabench!! The only other time I didn’t start him was during his stellar outing against the Yanks. Gotta love fantasy BB.
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May 21st, 2009 at 5:57 pm
@Grey: Yeah solid advice Grey. I just get antsy waiting around for them to pitch like they “should”. Im just gonna stick with what I got from here on out unless someone pops up on waivers.
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May 21st, 2009 at 6:12 pm
WOW do you see the ‘stache on this guy Zavada on the D’Backs?
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@jsp2014: Was one of the best things I’ve ever seen.
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May 21st, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Mini-donkey with another HR and SB tonight. You can’t stop him, you can only hope to contain him. And-oh-by-the-way, his batting average now rests north of .260 for the year.*
*My audition for a regular job on Sportscenter.
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May 21st, 2009 at 6:37 pm
A little late to the party, but I felt the need to throw in my own take on the 20-1 Twins game today. I added Blackburn for a spot start because I’m getting absolutely murdered in the pitching categories in the RCL:OG. Looking through the probable pitchers today something about Blackburn against Bloated Colon stuck out.
Sometime around the 7th inning of that game IowaCubs made a comment about judging people that stream Blackburn against the White Sox and it being a 20-0 game. I was scared until I saw it was good guys 20.
Am I the only person in America that can say they made that pick today?
I would also like to personally apologize to Joe Mauer for all the mean things I have said about him this and every other season. Unless he needs to play angry to keep this up, in which case he’s still a joke.
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May 21st, 2009 at 6:43 pm
I traded V-Mart, Morales, Gregg, and Downs for Iannetta, Bruce, and Cliff Lee in my keeper league. What do you think?
I’m 0-4-2 in saves, so I’ve temporarily decided to punt saves.
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May 21st, 2009 at 6:58 pm
@Ashley: Good move, you’re gonna enjoy Bruce and Cliffy.
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May 21st, 2009 at 7:01 pm
@jsp2014: What are peoples thoughts on Zobrist? His major league career is as follows: 565ab, .230avg, 22hr, 77rbi, 10sb. Add a few points to that average and that’s Jhonny Peralta. He was just dropped, and might not be worth my waiver claim, but I may try to roster him after he clears.
May I suggest a nickname for Mark Reynolds: Diddy (as in Donkey Kong’s sidekick Diddy Kong)
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May 21st, 2009 at 7:30 pm
@naughtandcross: I wouldn’t waste a waiver claim on him. He might have value in a deeper league or if you are scraping for help after an injury, but I don’t think he’s worth benching too many players for.
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May 21st, 2009 at 7:41 pm
Love your work Adam Wainwright. That’s more like it.
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May 21st, 2009 at 7:44 pm
Beltre’s on the waiver wire in a ten-team league. Worth a shot? Or do I let him bat .220 for someone else?
Current roster is 1B Fielder, 3B Wright, CI Votto, U K. Morales
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May 21st, 2009 at 7:47 pm
@Grey:
but you DO remember missing SOME days … HA .
was that a one-pitch save for franklin ?
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May 21st, 2009 at 7:51 pm
@p0rk burn: Yeah, I’m just a sucker for position eligibility. Actually, Its a full blown addiction.
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May 21st, 2009 at 8:01 pm
@Steve: He’s red hot and most importantly his BB’s are way way down. Thank you Chris Carpenter for pointing out his flaw! Is it Joe Nelson or Wheeler who gets saves after Percival, Espn note thingy says Nelson.
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May 21st, 2009 at 8:14 pm
in a keeper league, would you trade my longoria for his wright?
also in a seperate deal, would you trade my bossmanupton for his kemp?
thanks
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May 21st, 2009 at 8:21 pm
@PJTres: No and yes.
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May 21st, 2009 at 8:22 pm
Mini Donkey, for all you do, this beer’s for you.
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May 21st, 2009 at 8:22 pm
@Steve: Yes indeed, he’s been working out splendidly after a chump absorbed the rough start and cut him so I could have him. It was rather nice of the guy, don’t you think?
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May 21st, 2009 at 8:25 pm
@p0rk burn: You can say that again. I now only have in my H2H league. I drafted him in the RCL but traded him to Hank in a deal that got me Rollins.
So it’s starting to work out for both of us by the looks of things.
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May 21st, 2009 at 8:27 pm
@p0rk burn:
Im amazed at some of the guys that get dropped, even in a league with all veterans (well except me). Lester was on waivers this week, sadly I missed him.
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May 21st, 2009 at 8:28 pm
Got any other shortstops that you’re frustrated with and should be heating up soon? My strategy of having nobody in the position the last few days just hasn’t been giving me the production I was hoping for.
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May 21st, 2009 at 8:57 pm
@Grey: Yes, I always sell high, but I have been watching his starts and I like what I see from him. Plus, I forgot to mention it’s a keeper situation. Anyway, I will probably do the smart thing and trade him for something I need after his next start vs. COL.
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May 21st, 2009 at 9:00 pm
I watched Lester’s start tonight: He looked very good, his fast ball was in the mid 90s, kept the ball down, and was able to get out of jams.
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May 21st, 2009 at 9:00 pm
@p0rk burn: Not a bad strategy. Whatever bum I put in there just hurts me, as opposed to giving me … nothing.
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@mgeoffriau: You’re hired!
@Steve: No Cook love?
@naughtandcross: I think mini-Donkey’s good.
@sean: Let Beltre ride on someone else’s team for now.
@p0rk burn: Drew?
@James: Sounds about right.
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May 21st, 2009 at 9:07 pm
@Grey: Au contraire.
Bursting with love for the Cook-ster. Nearly dropped him this week – glad I didn’t. Him and Wainwright have papered over the cracks left by Percival, Bailey and Meyer rather nicely.
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May 21st, 2009 at 9:24 pm
***** Travis Snider optioned to Vegas (Jeff Blair’s Twitter).
I guess this is a temp move for the duration of interleague play. They’ll probably move Lind to LF.
Hey can someone option me to Vegas?
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May 21st, 2009 at 9:25 pm
Start Zambrano tomorrow? I hate that first start off an injury. On the plus side, it wasn’t an arm injury, and it’s against San Diego IN San Diego. On the other hand, he may take a start or two to get his command back, and he’s faced up against Peavy (who I also own).
Do it or don’t?
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May 21st, 2009 at 9:27 pm
Drop Wheeler, Jensen Lewis, Chris Sampson, Masterson or Cecil for Betancourt?
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May 21st, 2009 at 9:27 pm
if had to choose 3 between Cook, Pavano, Porcello, Baker, & Bailey, which 3 should I pick up for next week?
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May 21st, 2009 at 9:29 pm
- Rowand is heating up. Do you like Rowand or Rasmus?
- Also, I guess Chris Snyder over Robinson Diaz?
- would you guys activate Dice-K against Santana? He might not get the win, but the Mets are toothless without Delgado and Reyes.
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@DrEasy: Ha! Yeah, option me too.
@mgeoffriau: Do it
@Atomic: Sampson
@Elbert: Cook, Porcello, punt? Can I punt the third one? Bailey, I guess.
@DrEasy: Rasmus, Snyder, activate him.
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May 21st, 2009 at 9:44 pm
OK, in my H2H league, I’m 8-3 up. Down 2.83 to 2.88 in ERA, up 1.19 to 1.27 in ERA and ahead 41-37 in Ks.
I have Haren, Lowe and the Wolfman going on Saturday. He has Nolasco and Porcello going tomorrow.
Starting Holland is not a risk I need to take, is it?
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@Steve: Nope
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May 21st, 2009 at 9:51 pm
@Grey: do you think Baker is ever coming back to 2008 form? he’s just been very plague-vish, and my team is in serious need on SP, outside of Cueto, Bush, Gallardo, E-Jax, Baker, Porcello & Cook, do you think i need to switch anyone for anyone like K.Davies/Pavano/Bailey/Gallaraga/Guthrie/Kawakami/Buchholz/Pelfrey/J. Sanchez/Penny for rest of season?
Also, do you think Bailey is up for good, provided that the timing of such coincides w/ Owing’s recent struggles?
in this 16-mixed H2H league (my 2nd most important league), i’m really having headache on SP… and since it’s a weekly league, can’t really stream as well, damn….
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May 21st, 2009 at 9:54 pm
@Grey: Thanks. Might even drop him for a Holds guy who might K a batter or two. Any prefence from Villanueva, Parnell, Rhodes or McClellan?
Mind you, Percival could be an MR any day now…
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May 21st, 2009 at 10:04 pm
Okay, I’m not sure what to make of this.
I just got offered Justin Upton/Lindstrom/Lilly/Carpenter (all four) for CC/Gregg
I figure Gregg and Lindstrom are a toss up, so it comes down to CC for the other three.
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May 21st, 2009 at 10:09 pm
Wilson just blew a save. About the 4th closer crap-out for me today.
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May 21st, 2009 at 10:12 pm
@Paulie Allnuts: feel your pain man, i have Wilson as well.
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May 21st, 2009 at 10:12 pm
And he cost me Affeld’s hold….
I’m losing patience with Coghlan. Should I drop him for Adam Kennedy, who is hot right now?
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@Elbert: I don’t think Bailey’s up for good, but he has upside to be. He’s also very risky. I don’t think Baker’s going to come around until he hits the DL again. I wouldn’t switch any out out of those starters.
@Steve: Try McClellan.
@Griff: Someone’s trying to chump dump on you.
@Paulie Allnuts: Wasn’t pretty.
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May 21st, 2009 at 10:13 pm
now i’m thinking of trading my RP away… fucking BS Wilson & no-saving M. Gonzo.
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@DrEasy: Forget Adam Kennedy.
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May 21st, 2009 at 10:14 pm
@Grey: so keep Baker regardless?
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May 21st, 2009 at 10:21 pm
@Grey: Yeah, I think you’re right. Too much liability with Lilly and Carp.
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@Elbert: You don’t have much choice unfortunately.
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May 21st, 2009 at 10:35 pm
@Griff: you can package 2 of your mid-rounders to your trade-counterparts for his 1st-rounders, see if he takes it or not.
your counterpart is going for CC all the way, no doubt about it.
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May 21st, 2009 at 10:37 pm
@Grey: true, let’s wait for Baker gets to DL, then see what happens.
picking up Bailey is feeling like picking up Hughes, is it possible they could be artificial Siamese Twins?
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May 21st, 2009 at 10:39 pm
http://games.espn.go.com/flb/clubhouse?leagueId=214108&teamId=1&seasonId=2009
the cheating sonavabiatch i’m battling this week, i’m hell-bent on beating this ass-munch.
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@Elbert: Wow, his team is ridiculously stacked.
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May 21st, 2009 at 10:47 pm
@Elbert: Excuse my ignorance, but how the hell does that happen?
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May 21st, 2009 at 10:48 pm
Grey, I give Ibanez and Fernando Rodney and I get Braun. Whaddayareckon?
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@Gareth: I’d want Braun there. And thanks for the donation! I tried to email you back my appreciation but your email said mailer-daemon. Anyway, if you have a username in the forums, tell me it and I’ll add a daiquiri glass. Cheers!
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May 21st, 2009 at 11:10 pm
No worries mate, a small token for a bonza site, as we Aussies would say (in bad dialogue in a 1980s movie).
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May 21st, 2009 at 11:19 pm
@Gareth: http://games.espn.go.com/flb/recentactivity?leagueId=214108&seasonId=2009&activityType=2&startDate=20090331&endDate=20090521&teamId=1&tranType=4
obviously cheating through it…. amazing. haha!
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May 21st, 2009 at 11:25 pm
@Elbert: So the guy controls four teams and trades all the good players to himself? What a douche. How boring.
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May 21st, 2009 at 11:34 pm
@Gareth: Well, interestingly i’m right on his tail & currently is leading this week’s matchup w/ this team.
hope I win this week, that would serve the purpose of playing this stupid league; if i beat him this week then i can move on to other leagues…
@Grey: just made my long-promised donation, hope you can keep this site more interesting!
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May 22nd, 2009 at 9:35 am
@Grey: If I were in your league I would vote down that Bell/Street for Haren/Aardsma.
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May 31st, 2009 at 9:33 am
You’ve been in first for 95% of the season??? Easy, Dan Duquette! Not to mention I was on top for at least a week–which is like 12% right there. Oh, it’s on now!!!
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@Roto Rebel: True, if the season started May 14th and ended on May 19th, you would’ve won in a walk.
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May 31st, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Actually, checking FantasyCast, I’d be in first if the season ended right now, which is preferable to spending “95%” of the season up until now in first and then dropping to fourth!
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@Roto Rebel: Makes it more interesting if others think they have a chance.
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May 31st, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Haha…glad to help!
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May 31st, 2009 at 5:10 pm
@ grey: per your mauer pauer article…you mentioned that itd be a good idea to trade away mauer for an OF with similar potential….Have been offered torii hunter but hes been playing out of his head….
Was wondering which OFs and MIs you would shoot for Mauer
Thanks again….
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@matthole: I’d want at least a 2nd outfielder, think Victorino, Bay, Markakis, etc. Also, go to the newest post for followups.
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