Fantasy Baseball vs. Fantasy Basketball
August 23, 2010
Category: Y to Z
There’s a certain grind to the baseball schedule that someone with a slight case of OCD like myself can fully get behind. Day in and day out over six months. You make a small move to offset another move and it may not show up in the standings for three months. By August, you wanna strangle some of your players (Jason Bay, you bastard!) and you’ve fallen in love with some other players (Carlos Gonzalez is a God!). From what I understand this grind is akin to fantasy basketball. Day in and day out over the course of an 82 game schedule, players come and go. (Some go back to their Mother Planet; Sam Cassell for one.) Unfortunately, I stopped watching basketball around the same time Patrick Ewing was sweating so much that they called lane violations on the droplets. So it makes sense that I would never write about basketball. I have nothing to say about it. But Razzball does. With that lengthy blah blah blah, I’m proud to announce Razzball’s own Fantasy Basketball Blog.
Razzball’s take on fantasy basketball should be as light and airy as its fantasy baseball or fantasy football take. I’ve assembled writers who I respect and, most importantly, have a sense of humor. Some of the commenters that you’ve come to know here at Razzball will be writing their fantasy basketball takes on all the going-ons. They’re going to have daily roundups, sleepers, features and rankings. I really have no idea anything about fantasy basketball, so if you want to talk basketball, go to our Fantasy Basketball Blog. If you want to talk fantasy baseball or any other nonsense I know, you’re in the right place.
August 23rd, 2010 at 11:05 am
So, when is the big announcement that you teased us about this morning going to arrive?
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 11:08 am
Good stuff. Makes me wish i cared more about the NBA. The football was very well handled and insightful. Next up… hockey!?!? (this would be pretty rad and would get me into fantasy hockey)
Good luck guys.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 11:08 am
Can we add a fantasy hockey section? Me and my buddies are all about Fantasy Hockey… I would volunteer my services to write a daily blurb for Fantasy Hockey if you ever feel the need to do that (and I know my shizz regarding the NHL, thats for sure…)
[Reply]
@Dad: Thanks!
@DonCoburleone: It’s under advisement. I need to launch one thing at a time. Will hit you up over email though when I’m more strongly considering it.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 11:11 am
I’m with ya on being clueless about basketball. But I can’t say it’s a bad time to get into it seeing as I live in Miami and we apparently have the Yankees of the NBA as the hometeam.
I actually saw LeBron in Dadeland mall a few days ago. Crazy scene.
But congrats on expanding this amazing site!!
[Reply]
@Eddy: Yeah, it’s actually a fun game to see in person… Anyway, thanks!
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 11:13 am
*Desperately crossing my fingers for a Razzball Fantasy Hockey Blog*
Basketball, meh. But kudos Grey to the Razzball expansion!
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 11:16 am
I agree; I’d love a fantasy hockey blog. Isn’t there some Czechs or Ukrainians who like to write about fantasy hockey? “In Soviet Russia, blog writes you!” Haha, get it, it’s a joke about things that are no longer funny!
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 11:19 am
Fantasy basketball sounds cool. I’ve never played anything but fantasy baseball but maybe I’ll try basketball this year.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 11:21 am
Sounds good Grey. I’ll keep any eye on my Inbox…
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 11:22 am
I guess we can ask for followups here as well?
Would you rather have Hudson or Shields? Should I wait to see how Shields pitches tonight first? Any chance of Hudson getting shut down not sure how much of a workload he has had this season.
[Reply]
@timSTi: When does hockey start?
@fitz: Cool
@DonCoburleone: Cool
[Reply]
@fitz: See how Shields pitches if you like, but I’d prefer Hudson right now. Though Hudson will get shutdown at some point.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 11:24 am
@Grey: cool,i have only played in a few basketball leagues but liked them,being from louisville, im naturally a b-ball fan so i might have to jump in a league,glad to see all the interest,your doing a hell of a job grey,thanks
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 11:26 am
Anyone ever go back and look at all their drops for the year? It can be entertaining but I recommend having a drink ready.
I’m pretty happy with most of my recent drops — some were mistakes in retrospect, but I can see how it made sense at the time. There are 2 drops, though, that I’m still beating myself up over.
In the first 2 weeks of the season, I dropped: Colby Lewis and Mat Latos.
The most painful part is that this was in a keeper league — I drafted Mat Latos somewhere in the last 2 or 3 rounds. The “news” broke that the Padres were sending him down so I let him go…and then I found out he wasn’t being sent down at all. At least his keeper value is all but shot for next year anyway since I dropped him (really expensive to keep players who aren’t rostered all year in our league).
[Reply]
@AL KOHOLIC: Thanks, AL.
@Mark Geoffriau: I dropped Latos around the same time in one of my leagues. It haunts me. I dropped Cueto sometime in May right before he turned his season around. I love Cueto; he hates me.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 11:37 am
Wow! How exciting! I’m a huge basketball fan, both NBA and fantasy. Couldn’t find a fantasy basketball blog that I liked last year, so I’m thrilled to hear that you guys are entering the market. Sweet!
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 11:38 am
Hockey will start at the beginning of October, so fantasy drafts will probably be held in late September / real early October.
[Reply]
@Nathan: Cool, hope you enjoy it.
@Giacomo: Hmm… Bit tight for this year.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 11:57 am
Hey Grey, not sure if I missed it, but what are your thoughts on Lincecum going forward? Do you think he has something physical wrong or mental? I’m pretty hesitant to keep running him out there right now. Would you wait until he has a good start or just keep playing him?
[Reply]
@Nuke LaDouche: I’d run him out there, but I think there’s some wrong with his mechanics (or something else) that is causing the lack of velocity.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 12:04 pm
Drop Ian Desmond for EYJ?
In a vaccuum.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 12:17 pm
So cut my Wuertz loose? Need some K’s so think i am going to grab Hudson.
[Reply]
@I’m so Prado of you: Young
@XNadyMen: Go for it.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 12:26 pm
Thanks, oh and for hip-hop/Mashup fans, check it out:
http://www.boingboing.net/2010/08/23/johnny-cash-mashed-u.html
Good stuff.
[Reply]
@XNadyMen: That’s phenomenal.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 12:39 pm
@Grey: Yeah regular season starts Oct 7th. Finding a daily, or close to it, blog for Fantasy Hockey is few and VERY far between. Add in the Razzball comedy + wit and you would be in your own league amigo.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 12:41 pm
Hey you have to start Josh Beckett tomorrow at home against the worst hitting team in baseball right? I dropped that bum last week and no one has picked him up, so now I go on to look for a spot starter and there he is, just sitting there with that big SEA next to his name daring me to pick him up…
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 12:56 pm
No interest in basketball (I still pine for the days of Magic, Bird, Pistons Bad Boys, Ewing, Barkley, Malone, Dominique, Cylde the Glide, etc.) but nevertheless, congrats on the expansion and best of luck!
[Reply]
@timSTi: Yeah, I hear ya. Unfortunately, I don’t know hockey at all either, so would need to rely on someone else.
@DonCoburleone: The M’s are about the only team I would start him against.
[Reply]
@TheEvilEmpire: Thanks!
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 1:14 pm
@I’m up for a hockey blog too! Pretty soon I’ll three fantasy sports to follow! Good thing I’m not married! That being said, someone in my 12 team roto dropped Vlady. Is it worth dropping Inspector Upper Decker? THanks Grey!
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 1:15 pm
@DonCoburleaone Do you know of any good hockey leagues?
[Reply]
@Howard: Ha… Sure, go with Vlad.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 1:26 pm
WHo do you like better the rest of the year? Mike Minor or Brandon Morrow?
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 1:42 pm
@Grey:
My opponent in H2H pts this week has 10 starts from his 5 SP, I currently have 7. Would you consider sitting Kershaw @ Col or Price v. Bos for Hammel (Atl, LA) or Blanton (Hou, @SD)?
[Reply]
@Long Bong Hitters: Morrow
@Chris: I’d start all three. Blanton, Price… In that order.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 1:59 pm
count me in as another reader for a Razzball Hoops blog and a reader of a Razzball Hockey blog (one can dream, right?)
[Reply]
@MindiCohn: Awesome!
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 2:23 pm
@Grey: not much on the hoops save for March Madness, but I’m glad to see the brand is expanding.
Start v. Sit: Justin Upton 6 games @SD/@SF or David Murphy 7 games at Arlington against MIN/OAK (facing 4 lefties though). I’m heavily leaning Upton, but I can’t stomach another 2-for-21 kind of week.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 2:34 pm
so when’s the premier league fantasy blog coming?
[Reply]
@sean: Cool… Upton.
@Mike: Not sure yet, Footy.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 2:42 pm
Do you start Lind against Nova or Granderson against Morrow tonight?
[Reply]
@Mike: Grandy
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 2:52 pm
@Grey: Hey – you used the word footy. Nice one!
Soto off the DL today, btw.
[Reply]
@Steve: It’s his blog’s name. Mario Soto’s returning?!
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 3:27 pm
@Grey: Frankly, the moustache shaving story would have been much more compelling.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Oh and as far as the Kemperor goes, at least the Dodgers are looking to trade Manny now (finally) so maybe he will goto LF like he should have years ago.
[Reply]
@Elijah: Yeah, heard about the Manny story. Not sure the point of getting Barajas to then dump Manny. Not sure the Dodgers know either.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 3:56 pm
Wilson Betemit is officially the luckiest batter in baseball. He has a .426 BABIP with a 14.8% LD rate, surpassing Austin Jackson, who has a .424 BABIP but a LD rate 11 percentage points higher than Betemit (25.8). Another player hell bent on tormenting the fangraphs database (I suppose someone had to, once Silva declined).
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 3:57 pm
@Grey Seattle@Beckett or Arizona@Clayton HodgePadre?
[Reply]
@royce!: Ha…. Fangraphs database, “Cannot compute, please hit baseball to a fielder.”
@Howard: Richard
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 4:03 pm
@royce!: @Grey: Better to be lucky than good?
Hope so. Grabbed him for today.
@Grey: Yeah, that’s him. Footy’s a great word. Covers all three codes that I’m interested in – Rugby, Rugby League and Soccer. “What a great game of footy.”
[Reply]
@Steve: Hey, I grabbed him with the hopes he’s lucky for another week or two. Don’t think anyone is expecting him to be hot forever.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 4:30 pm
@Grey: Oh indeed. He might be lucky to survive a day on my team (emoticon).
Not such a great start for the Dorf. Cards brought him to his knees. Oofa!
Chen getting his comeuppance too.
[Reply]
@Steve: Hehe… Yeah, I shouldn’t have even recommended the Dorf, but I did mention the caveats that he’s the Dorf.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 4:34 pm
@Grey: His only redeeming feature may be that you can call him The Dorf.
[Reply]
@Steve: The Dorf is good. He should have his own detective show. The Dorf has no time for games, the Dorf wants answers.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 4:41 pm
@Grey: He has his own foam rubber action figure – The Derf.
Or is it The Norf?
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 4:46 pm
@Grey: Now that you guys are doing hoops AND football, you can answer my question. In my murderball league, who do I keep: Jim Leyritz, Rasheed Wallace, or Donte Stallworth?
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 4:47 pm
“That will teach Steve to drop me to activate that Soto guy” said Carlos Ruiz as he rounded 3rd…
[Reply]
@Steve: It’s Nerf. BTW, I met some guy on Saturday moving to New Zealand and someone else from New Zealand. I asked them if they knew you, they didn’t.
@MarkM: Ha… I think you should draft that guy with a goatee first.
EDIT: It’s met.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 4:55 pm
@Grey: I know it’s Nerf. But if the Dorf was made of Nerf he’d – oh never mind (emoticon)
Yeah – we’re everywhere. Were you protesting outside our embassy or something?
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 4:56 pm
@Grey: Yeah, this move is a little perplexing to me. Maybe it’s planning for next season since Ausmus’ reign of terror comes to an end this year and Martin is banged up?
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 4:58 pm
@Grey: @Steve: Nah, he was at the consulate with Murray.
[Reply]
@Steve: Yes, my sign read, “Those Kiwis are seedy.” Why would I be protesting you? You guys waterboarding people?
@sean: Just seems like a weird move even with Ausmus.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 5:09 pm
@Grey: I see what you did there.
Nah – we make our bad people watch Jersey Shore. They crack in about 20 minutes.
[Reply]
@Steve: Is Jersey Shore playing there? If so, do people watch it thinking this is exactly how all Americans are?
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 5:15 pm
@Grey: Yeah – it’s on.
I think these days with the internet and heavy promotion and all, it means that people know a lot about the show and the characters before it even starts.
There are bound to be people who think that that’s how all you guys are, but anyone that has an effin’ clue knows different.
[Reply]
@Steve: Huh? We are all like that. I’m doing crunches right now.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 5:28 pm
@Grey: Ha.
My nickname is The Hesitation. Yeah, yeah, yeah – nah.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 5:36 pm
FYI: Mr. Morrow doing work v. the Yankees. 10 Ks through 5.1.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 5:45 pm
@Wilsonian: 12 Ks through 6, but over 100 pitches. Could be done.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 5:50 pm
@VinWins: dude’s nasty when he’s on, there’s no denying that…
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 5:54 pm
@Wilsonian: Nice debut for Nova, too. Loaded the bases with 0 out to start game, but got out of it with 0 runs.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 6:13 pm
Hmm, Madson. That’s fairly annoying.
[Reply]
@Steve: Hehe
@Wilsonian: Yeah, he looks unhittable at times.
@VinWins: Yeah, he didn’t look bad either.
@Steve: Dah!
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 6:16 pm
@Steve: Annoying? I had Blanton and Pence going. The former has the bullpen cough up his W and the latter strikes out with the ducks on the pond with a chance to do it.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 6:19 pm
Grey – Drop Volquez & Kazmir for two out of Zimmermann/Chacin/Minor? Thanks!
[Reply]
@AnotherFalstaff: Zimmerman, Chacin….In that order, but I’d own Minor too.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 6:27 pm
@Grey: @AnotherFalstaff: Minor to be skipped this week, by the sounds of it.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 6:29 pm
@AnotherFalstaff: Falstafff… the thirst slaker!
As sung by Jack Bruce of Cream.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aCNwukIe78&feature=related
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 6:32 pm
Grey – Love to have Minor as well but will need to drop Nolasco to do it since he’s not DL’d yet. I’m in first by a game in 12 team H2H but the second place team pulled a nasty Strasburg/Bumgarner for CC trade with an also ran. I need to set up my staff for the playoffs.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 6:34 pm
Another vote for Fantasy Hockey….would be great to have another good daily blog in addition to Chris Nichols.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 6:35 pm
@AnotherFalstaff: Dropped Nolasco from my two big teams on Sunday. Even if he isn’t done-zo, you were hanging on to a pitcher who can easily be replaced this time of year…
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 6:41 pm
@Grey: Congrats on the new site. Fantasy RazzCAR next? (Kidding, NASCAR makes me queasy…because it’s so dumb.)
Is there any explanation for Bautista turning into Barry Bonds other than the reason Barry Bonds turned into Barry Bonds? This is too much to be some swing anomaly, right?
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 6:43 pm
If you had Kemp and Victorino (8 Team H2H, so the Hawaiian is a spot starter), and Pods was an FA, would you drop Victorino for Pods to get the proverbial handcuff? I’m debating on this, but leaning towards no, but would like some opinions.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 6:48 pm
In Jays last 162 games, 50 HRs for Bautista
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 6:54 pm
@Grey: is Zimmerman starting for BBJ this Thursday? With what Steve said about Minor, I need to move him for Zim if that’s true.
[Reply]
@Jake in Columbus: Ha
@TastelessGarbage: Cool, will keep it in mind.
@Seequinn: It’s an insane outlier.
@Wilsonian: Nope
@VinWins: Crazy
@Wilsonian: Yup
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 7:05 pm
@Grey: word, thanks. Zimmerman it is.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 7:08 pm
@Grey: @Steve: I’d prefer to think that Betemit went 0-fer today because the fangraphs database had its revenge, but it’s more likely that its true cause was that I, too, picked him up. Sorry dudes.
Oh, and Grey, your sign outside the NZ consulate was hilarious. Hopefully they will heed the call of international justice and reduce the amount of seeds.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 7:14 pm
Twins 0 hits through 7, but Harden gone after 5 BBs in 6.2.
[Reply]
@Wilsonian: No problem.
@royce!: Yeah, you jinxed him pretty bad.
@VinWins: That’s so Harden.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 7:40 pm
Hmmm. Hoping for more of a 1-0 pitcher’s duel In Colorado.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 8:06 pm
Need to grab JZimm – should I drop Lyon or Hanrahannahan? (would still have four closers after dropping one)
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 8:09 pm
@Steve: Bah.
No joy for the Hudson owner and now, not for the Hammel owner either.
[Reply]
@Steve: Mmm… Yeah.
@TastelessGarbage: Hanrahananananan…
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 8:33 pm
undeserved win for betancourt
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 8:34 pm
@big o: You can say that again.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 8:59 pm
Thanks for the advice on my outfield ……stuck with the studs and Cargo played as though he had a good knee ……today at least
again ……..thanks
[Reply]
@d2bnz: No problem.
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 10:10 pm
Wow. Morrow seems to be positioning himself for that pitcher just outside of the top 100 you reach for and then pray he turns into the Cliff Lee/Greinke/Ubaldo of 2011. Dark horse: Scherzer?
[Reply]
August 23rd, 2010 at 10:27 pm
Thoughts on Rofgers at home to the Braves on Wednesday? Or Sanabia @ Metco?
[Reply]
@Black Beard: Yeah, like both. Wish they were in the NL.
@Steve: Sanabia…Neither are great, obviously.
[Reply]
August 24th, 2010 at 1:44 am
Gosh I hope hockey gets bigger in North America. The fantasy sites for that are very limited
[Reply]
August 24th, 2010 at 10:15 am
What’s the NBA?
[Reply]