Cano, Can You Hit?
May 28, 2008
Category: May's Daily Notes
Today, I noticed my diploma from the College of Fantasy Baseball at Charleston was a bit dusty and hanging crooked. So, I removed it from the wall, gave it a spit shine, polished the wood frame and fixed the wire so it would hang straight. Before I returned it to its rightful place next to my framed TV Guide cover of Miss Piggy and Kermit, I took a hard look at that diploma. I thought back on of all my classes with Matthew Berry, who insistently hit on all of the undergrads, male or female. I reminisced about hanging in the CFB quad with Rudy as we hacky-sacked and discussed a classmate’s trade of Alfonso Soriano for Dustin Hermanson. I remember being young and free and unable to get laid. Now many years later, and still unable to get laid, I miss those days. I miss the carefree attitude. The excitement I felt when a player would get hot and I would think he can hit .800 for the year. Or the frustration when a first round pick went 1-for-5. “Why can’t they go 4-for-5 every day,” I would yell at Prof. Berry. Alas, the highs and lows are gone. But, thankfully, in its place is patience. So now I know Robinson Cano refuses to hit in the first half of the season. This season is no different. Last year, post All-Star Break he went 53/13/57/.343. Pre-All-Star break, in almost 50 more at-bats, he went 40/6/40/.274 and three of those home runs came in July. In ‘06, more of the same shizz. This would make him a prime Buy Low guy. Hmm… Maybe those fourteen years weren’t wasted getting my CFB diploma. Anyway, here’s what I saw yesterday:
Troy Percival - As mentioned in the comments yesterday, Percy hurt himself and Wheeler came in to finish out the game. If Wheeler’s gone, go for Reyes if you have room.
Melky Cabrera - Of course he goes 2-for-4 on my bench. I love your name, Melky, I hate what you do to me.
Joba Chamberlain - He’s going to make his first major league start next Tuesday. This is subject to verification because I heard it from the Orioles announcers, who also manage to find positives about Mora, Millar and Ramon/Luis Hernandez, so they’re not that reliable. Though I will say they are a lot better than the YES announcers. Seriously, when I was a kid we had Rizzuto calling a black guy White and talking about huckleberries. This is not nostalgia talking. Scooter got into the Hall of Fame because of that nonsense (not officially, but still). Where have all of the good announcers gone? YES, I’m talking to you, Michael Kay.
Andy Pettitte - Rudy swears by this guy in deep leagues. I think Rudy’s caca-cuckoo. You make the call!
Adam Wainwright - You know what Wednesday means, right? Top Chef and The Real World: Hollywood! It also means a bunch of my pitchers went today, but I guess that’s more of a coincidence than anything. Wainwright does no wrong! It’s kind of a pun. Now groan!
Jeremy Guthrie - Another Grey pitcher! I like him more than most and less than his Mom. Go figure!
Zach Greinke - Rudy gave me this schmohawk for Melky. Rudy has since dropped Melky. Wow, who’s winning this trade? Rudy’s been Greinke’d! (Yes, it’s a verb now.)
Jermaine Dye - Hit a home run yesterday. Last month, I picked him off waivers in my ‘pert league. I thought it was a bit crazy at the time that he was dropped, but since then Granderson’s been traded for Johan, and Rios was dropped by a team that held onto David DeJesus, so you just never know.
Chase Utley - You want regrets? I have a few. One is not having Utley in any league. I think I only could’ve had him in one league because of where I drafted. Alas… Nothing.
Jose Reyes - He’s at 7/16 and .279. Weren’t people saying he’s having a bad year? I love Reyes. (BTW, wouldn’t it be great if someone drafted Jose A. Reyes with their first pick? “What do you mean he’s only elgibile at catcher? He’s 0-for-his last two seasons? No, there’s got to be some kind of mistake. Wait, I’ll take a Molina!” “Which one?” “Um…. Alfred?”)
Cody Ross - 2 home runs. I wonder if his last name used to be Rosenweig.
Jo-Jo Reyes - Another guy I’m fond of, but I don’t have him any leagues. Yet.
Jason Giambi - Here’s my theory: they tested Giambi for ‘roids in April.
Joe Saunders - 5 ER in 5 IP. There’s a correction to ease your trigger finger about picking him up.
Jake Peavy - Had a promising sideline throwing session and might be back as early as this weekend. Figure he’ll be out at least 10 more days but, nonetheless, this is best case news for Peavy owners. This might be the last time you can get Peavy at a discount.
Pitching - We’d rave more about Bedard, Halladay, Harden, and Zambrano if it weren’t for the fact that Lowe, Wakefield, and Suppan also pitched well. You know it’s an odd day when San Francisco scores more than both teams combined in the majority of games.
Travis Hafner - He’s shown nothing so far and is playing with a bum shoulder (2 cortisone shots and counting). Evidently sore shoulders are harder to play with than high-grade tears of the elbow. When you start your career as a 27-year old DH, the clock’s ticking and it’s already a quarter to 12. Like a comet with a really big head, Pronk appeared out of nowhere, shone brightly, and seems to be disappearing just as fast.
Rafael Soriano - Picture John Smoltz is Nic Cage. Now picture Soriano is a bird. Okay, now picture Manny Acosta is a brown jacket. Finally, Will Ohman is a grey shirt. Okay, here’s the Braves closing picture.
J.R. Towles - 109 AB hitting .147. No SB. Makes you long for the salad days of Brad Ausmus.
Bowden Fluffer (noun) - A young, nubile outfielder that gets one all excited about their 5 tools but never fulfills the promise. See Justin Upton (May=.203, 1 HR, 34 Ks), Adam Jones, Cameron Maybin, Felix Pie, et. al.
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Tags: Adam Wainwright, Andy Pettitte, Cody Ross, Jake Peavy, Jason Giambi, Jeremy Guthrie, Jermaine Dye, Jo-Jo Reyes, Joba Chamberlain, Joe Saunders, Jose Reyes, JR Towles, Justin Upton, Melky Cabrera, Rafael Soriano, Robinson Cano, Travis Hafner, Troy Percival, Zach Greinke
May 28th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
sorry, I guess it took too long for me to type. what is the trade value of Jonathan Broxton right now? I would like to move him with Chris Perez in the wings, and Santiago Casilla coming off DL soon. We count holds, so Broxton has some extra value in addition to his normal stats.
@Zebo: Probably a Hawpe-type player that hasn’t done well, but could. Broxton’s had his share of problems this year, as you probably know.
EDIT: For clarification.
@Zebo: Actually, I was thinking about this, maybe Cano? His owner has to be annoyed with him right. Then again, maybe you are his owner.
May 29th, 2008 at 3:19 am
OK my Beckett/Kinsler for Lincee/Utley trade has metamorphosed overnight to a pitching for power with a gamble at third. I don’t know much about Atkins or ACook so I’m looking here for insights.
I am now offered Utley/ACook/GAtkins and I get Beckett/Kinsler/ARam.
Fair in my favor or not worth doing a trade?
Late last night he was offering Lincee/Longo/Utley for Beckett/Kinsler/ARam. I flinched at ARam for Longo.
May 29th, 2008 at 3:23 am
Great site…
Holy cow, the scooter comment got me. There was also a “white” guy named roy.
May 29th, 2008 at 4:38 am
@BSA: If you are giving Beckett/Kinsler/ARam and getting Utley/ACook/GAtkins, I don’t make that trade.
Utley > Kinsler
Beckett > ACook
ARam > GAtkins
IMO, the upgrade from Kinsler to Utley is not worth the (minor) drop-off from ARam to Atkins and (the major) drop-off from Beckett to ACook. Aaron Cook is a 4th/5th starter at best in a 12-team mixed league.
May 29th, 2008 at 4:53 am
Now that Joba’s first start is on the horizon, which of the following trades do you like better:
a) Zimmerman for Chamberlain
b) Zimmerman for Hudson
c) Francouer/Rauch for Chamberlain
d) Francouer/Smoltz for Chamberlain
(Francouer for Chamberlain’s already been shot down)
I could use Ks and Ws — I’m solid in both both recently traded Volq.
May 29th, 2008 at 5:14 am
So instead of the guy doing Bruce for billingsley straight up… He wants me to give up Bruce and Cain and I’d get Justin Upton and Billingsley. Who wins that deal?
May 29th, 2008 at 5:39 am
Is Jo-Jo Reyes’ rotation spot solid for the season? Im just not familiar with the ATL staff beyond Hudson/Glavine/Smoltz-
Held Wandy Rod in a DL spot- Should I not worry about yesterdays start or or go for Jo-Jo for season long value? (Have to cut down on making moves!)
@BSA: Agree with BVV. Cook is a borderline 5th/6th starter at best. If he upgrades Cook to a solid starter like Billingsley, Maine, Wainwright, etc., I’d pull the trigger.
@Baron Von Vulturewins: I wouldn’t trade Frenchy for Chamberlain straight-up. Francouer isn’t looking great now but he’s a good bet for 95+ Runs and RBI. Those come in mighty hand. I love Joba but he comes w/ way more risk and I don’t think he’s that safe a bet to do better than Cueto, Parra, Kershaw, Scherzer (when he gets a 2nd chance), etc. As for Zimmerman, if you’ve got the 3B depth, trading him for Hudson is a solid move. I like Hudson more at this point for Joba but, if you really need K’s, that trade is okay w/ me too. Zimmerman will probably go on a power surge in August/September when his wrist heals (think D-Lee last year) but this is 18 months now that he’s been hitting at a subpar average. 3B is too deep to wait for him…
@cruisinkc: Well, we consider Justin Upton to be a Bowden Fluffer (see post for definition) so we don’t value him super-high. I like Bruce better than him, no doubt. I like Chad more than Cain though - should squeak more wins and I think he’s a better ERA/WHIP bet. This is a borderline trade that I wouldn’t make only b/c I’m from NJ and I like Broooooce….
@Jeff: The Braves certainly seem committed to Jo-Jo Reyes. I like him a smidge better than Wandy at this point - both are risky high K upside 5th/6th starters…
May 29th, 2008 at 6:31 am
I have Navarro and Doumit so do you think it’s worth it to keep both once Doumit comes back since he is outfield eligible? My other outfielders are:
Chris Young
Nady
Francoeur
Kemp
Ludwick
Guillen
Delmon Young
I would need to drop one in order to keep both cathers.
May 29th, 2008 at 6:32 am
is Leo Nunez done for the year. Grade 2 tear is typically 1-2 months, plus you need rehab, throwing sessions, etc. Safe to drop now right? I have a choice of Chase Headley and Ben Francisco, I am leaning toward Ben.
May 29th, 2008 at 6:32 am
@Grey: So far so good in the trade you steered me towards last week for Wainwright. I had a dominant pitchting evening with both Wainwright and Bedard. At the moment, I’m not missing Ludwick at all.
“You too can become a winner just like me. I followed the advice of the Razzball consultants and it’s made me a winner. Anyone can win……with Razzball!”
May 29th, 2008 at 6:46 am
With that being the case- Do you see both more valuable than Jake Westbrook? I know you have a thing for NL pitching… (And rightfully so)
May 29th, 2008 at 7:03 am
I just got a dog last month and named her Jo-Jo. My wife thinks it’s because it’s a name my two year old twin boys can say easliy, but really it’s because I just picked up Jo-Jo Reyes the day before his Braves season debut. Suckers.
So I have saves finally burning a hole in my pocket in my mixed league. I can smell the money now that I’m in second place. I want to trade either Ryan or Putz for one of the following outfielders: Dye, Damon, Matsui or Drew. My instincts tell me Damon, but my head says Dye. I need HR, RBI and steals. Eh?
May 29th, 2008 at 7:08 am
I need steals and Joey Gaithright is available is here more valuable then Delmon Young?
May 29th, 2008 at 7:12 am
Iowa: If you need steals I think the choice has to be Damon. I like Godzilla personally (nice average, etc) but he obviously isn’t going to help you with swipes. How would Dye help you there?
May 29th, 2008 at 7:14 am
@Basketnarb: Same question from me…
My heart tend to lead toward Gathwright, but I already own Wainwright. Do two wrights make a wrong? (HOO-AH!)
Here’s to hoping the Royals continue to bat Joey 2nd.
May 29th, 2008 at 7:47 am
Who wins this trade? Miguel Cabrera for Kershaw, Bruce, Alex Gordon
May 29th, 2008 at 7:47 am
One more question: When he returns from the DL should I pick up Chavez and drop Dewitt?
May 29th, 2008 at 7:49 am
I have a plethora of outfielders and was looking for starting pitching. Who can I target with Ankiel, Fukodome, or Beltran. Jason Bergman and C Kershaw are available on waivers should I just drop Ankiel for him?
May 29th, 2008 at 7:59 am
[...] to the DL in no time flat. For this reason, you need to keep both Manny Acosta on your radar. Here is Razzball.com’s picture of the Atlanta closing situation (scroll down to bottom of post and click on [...]
May 29th, 2008 at 8:07 am
Rich Harden gonna hold up? Just got offered Ichiro for Harden and I am deep in OF in my keeper league. Not much in the way of SP unless you like Oliver Perez and Cheech…er I mean Pedro…. Martinez.
May 29th, 2008 at 8:24 am
@RT — I’d take Ichiro and trade him for a more stable SP
@Basketnarb: I’d chuck Jose Guillen if you *have* to make room for Doumit. If you don’t have to, let him sit on your DL for a little while and see if he returns hitting the way he was, my guess is he might struggle when he first comes back.
@Zebo: Even if he’s not done, chuck back to waivers. MR are a dime a dozen. Go Ben.
@Jeff: I have a slight tilt towards NL; Rudy doesn’t. Jo-Jo, Westbrook, Wandy, in that order, they’re all close. All will be usable at different times.
@IowaCubs: If you can move Ryan for Damon, I’d do it.
@Basketnarb: Sure to Gathright. No way to Chavez.
@Chet: No keeper? The person getting Miggy.
@dan: That sounds like an eight team league or one where the owners aren’t paying attention. I’m not a huge fan of Ankiel, but I gotta think there’s still someone better on your team to drop for Kershaw.
@RT: I’d take Ichiro and then trade him for two pitchers to a team that needs speed.
EDIT: Typos and shizz.
May 29th, 2008 at 8:35 am
I’ve been following Jerry Hairston, Jr. for the past few days. With Keppinger out (and C. Patterson finally in the minors - remember Karabell predicting a 30/30 season from Corey??!!), he’s batting at the top of the order and making the most of it. .338 and 9 SB. How much of a fluke do you guys think this is? His career #s are up and down - never got a lot of ABs, and avg has been low and .300 in various years. I’m thinking it’s time to pick this guy up. For me, I’ve got Holliday on the DL in one league and could use some speed. Power just isn’t available on the ww, so I can’t worry about that too much.
May 29th, 2008 at 8:45 am
@Rudy Gamble: Thanks for the in-depth run down. One complicating factor is that I’m in a 3 OF league, and I’ve got Holliday, Rios, Pence, Bruce and Francouer, with Morneau and AGonzo clogging up 1B/Util. So Francouer is the 5th man in a 3 man rotation.
Which is why I’m more inclined to move him than Zimmerman, since I only have Longoria to cover me at 3B…. I can afford to sit Zim now and wait for him to get hot later, or to spot-start to cover Longoria’s cold spots….
@Basketnarb: I agree w/ Grey re: Doumit. The road is littered with young stars who start hot then get injured (especially hand injuries — oy), and it knocks them off their rhythm. I grabbed Doums-Day when he got dropped and stashed him on my DL, but I plan to keep him there until he shows signs of life… which brings me to…
@Grey: Thanks for the Olivo tip. So far, so good. For the first time all season, I don’t have to cover the catcher slot on my team with masking tape on my screen, to avoid tearing my eyes out.
May 29th, 2008 at 8:52 am
Edited to add: I put out on SOS on our league board looking for a pitcher. This is what one guys offers me:
Ryan Dempster for Justin Morneau
Why, Lord, why? I know you usually open with a lowball offer but this one assumes I’m borderline-retarded.
May 29th, 2008 at 8:54 am
@Baron Von Vulturewins: Hey - don’t just dismiss my offer! Dempster is awesome - just look at his K:BB rate.. oh, wait.. don’t look at any of his peripherals.
May 29th, 2008 at 8:55 am
@peter: Harriston makes me proud. He was born in Des Moines.
What’s up with this guy? Everyone from Iowa is slow. I don’t get it.
Isn’t he eligible at like 11 positions including “usher?”
May 29th, 2008 at 8:58 am
@IowaCubs: Well, I don’t know about “usher”, but I’m pretty sure he qualifies at “grounds crew”.
May 29th, 2008 at 9:05 am
@peter: Dempster is attractive for my All-Canadians Team concept, though trading him for Morneau is one step forward, one step back.
I was going to say that no one should ever, ever, offer an undrafted waiver wire pick-up for a first-three-round pick, just on principle. But then I remembered I traded Volquez for Morneau in the first place. Oops.
@IowaCubs: How many Hairston progeny are there in the majors right now? Too many, by my count. Is there some lost Hairston brother working the night shift at Wal-Mart right now, thinking ‘I couldn’t hit the curve ball.’ Kind of like that third Manning brother, now forever known as That Third Manning Brother.
May 29th, 2008 at 9:20 am
The Mid-Season League has been established. We currently have 4 (including 2 outstanding invites) and are looking for another 10 or so. If interested hit me up at gl0bal.p0rk[at]gmail.com (those are zeros not oh’s).
Champ gets to claim dominion over the RazzBall All-Stars midsummer’s classic.
May 29th, 2008 at 9:25 am
@BVV - Volq got me Vlad
Any details floating around about Pedro M’s return. Two-starts make him attractive next week.
I would love to see another team in myleague check the trade board so I can talk about getting Howard for Morneau/Cueto.
May 29th, 2008 at 10:13 am
Edwin Jackson at home VS. CWS…..ok start? Edwin was a little shaky with is control the last time out.
May 29th, 2008 at 10:17 am
Also who do you see having more value going forward….Ben Francisco or Jo-Jo Reyes? People in my league stash alot of starters so even good spot- starters are hard to come by.
@DFNMwillwin: I’d start Jackson and I’d grab Jo-Jo if your league is that aggressive on spot starters.
May 29th, 2008 at 10:23 am
Ok so how long do you think Percival will be out?
I only have 3 RP’s and could use some saves so do you think Wheeler will become Closer for the Rays for sure?
@nick: Percy’s probably going to the DL. Forty-something ex-retirees don’t bounce back so well. Wheeler should be on your team. Immediately.
May 29th, 2008 at 10:29 am
Mike Napoli or Dioner Navarro…..to me Navarro better fits my team because i could use his help in average, but Napoli’s power is hard to let go. This is a league that only starts one catcher as well.
May 29th, 2008 at 10:30 am
Alright heres the problem….i can wait till tomorrow when figgy will go to DL and then ill have space on my roster OR i can drop Nady who I have been wanting to get rid of yet he seems to still be getting hits
May 29th, 2008 at 10:33 am
@wakeNbake: I had Napoli for the past week and he did jack for me…he isnt the starter for LAA so he is switching on/off with Mathis i believe and when he does start he has not done anything recently (yesterday he had good stats against the pitcher yet he went 0 for 3). I dropped him and picked up Pierzynski again b/c i really need help with my average and hes there everyday starter
May 29th, 2008 at 10:34 am
@pork burn
You’ve got mail.
May 29th, 2008 at 10:35 am
So im trying to cash in on the jay bruce frenzy going on. If i package him with alex rios, could i target a struggling big bat like prince fielder? other options?
@wakeNbake: Navarro, as I’ve been saying for weeks. He’s batting .375 (approx. I’m too lazy to look up right now).
@nick: AJ? Zoinks!
@BigFatHippo: This made me laugh. I have no idea why.
@Ross: I’d try Rios for Prince first then pretend you don’t know who else you can trade and then offer Bruce with Rios. Make like the other owner is really twisting your arm.
May 29th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Tru i hear what your saying about Napoli. Ive had him the whole yr so Ive kind of realized what hell give you. HR and SB are a nice bonus from a catcher tho, its just his AVG can be a killer. Also although he splits time at catcher, take a look at his R/RBI totals VS. other catchers in the league that start everyday and hes right on par with them. So i dunno, Mike Napoli perplexes me!
May 29th, 2008 at 10:49 am
Alright so with a .375 average maybe Navarro is the better choice…for my team as well haha…my league is gonna think im nuts today
May 29th, 2008 at 10:54 am
@Grey
Probably cause you’re a sucker for old chick flicks like me, nah, can’t be it!
Hey, Yadi did me proud last night, first hit I’ve had from a catcher in weeks. One ?, what is it about Olivo, anything I should know? He’s never been much of a hitter.
May 29th, 2008 at 10:55 am
doumit, snyder, aj pier, napoli, navarro, varitek are available. i dont like to trade for a high tier catcher bc people overvalue them. who should i be looking to pick up? (currently have napoli, avg is killer, but 10 hr’s is hard to ignore)
@BigFatHippo: I’ve split my teams between Navarro, Napoli and Olivo (as of two weeks ago). Olivo’s been hot. I can’t guarantee he won’t revert to lots of swings and misses. Earlier in the year I had Ruiz and Salty. I’m streaming catchers this year. So far, it’s been hit and miss. Probably a bit more miss, but it’s still early and you don’t need much from catcher to compete, so I’m taking fliers.
May 29th, 2008 at 11:00 am
V-Mart has to be a buy-low no? His power outage is a little scary tho.
May 29th, 2008 at 11:05 am
@Grey
Streaming catchers, what a concept. I seem to be doing the same thing. Dropped Benjie Mo believe it or not a long time ago, no chance to get him back, 2nd place is starting him.
@Ross: Depends what you need. Napoli could easily not hit ten more home runs the rest of the year, doumit has some upside, will be interesting to see what he does upon return, navarro has average and upside. He hit 8 home runs in last season’s 2nd half and he’s only 24. Snyder seems fair across the board. Punt on the other two.
@wakeNbake: For a guy that usually is better in the first half and who has ten doubles on the year, I don’t think he’s a buy low.
May 29th, 2008 at 11:22 am
I picked up Flores while waiting for Doumit. So far it’s payed off.
May 29th, 2008 at 11:23 am
I offered Co Jacks + Broxton to acquire Tex and Izzie, think it’s a fair offer? Co Jacks ranks 49 in yahoo, Tex is 150.
@Zebo: Think it’s a great deal even if Izzy doesn’t ever return.
May 29th, 2008 at 11:28 am
Y’ALL ARE A BUNCH OF RAZZHOLES.
Adam Wainwright … God or Man?
In other news:
Should I drop Kuroda for any of the following free agent pitchers in my 10 Team Mixed H2H Points league?
Padilla, Wellemeyer, Guthrie, Arroyo, Jonathan Sanchez?
If so, who? I am leaning towards Wellemeyer…
May 29th, 2008 at 11:32 am
@ nick
Regarding Percival’s injury, I picked up Wheeler yesterday but did some research and speculated that the injury wouldn’t be that bad… I then dropped Wheeler for Victorino late last night.
This morning, they have the results of Percy’s injury: MRI came up clean, no serious long term damage. They are saying if he goes on DL he will not miss any more time than needed.
Doubt Wheeler posts more than 5 saves during this whole debacle…
May 29th, 2008 at 11:33 am
@Grey: @ anyone else: Jerry Hairiston, Jr.? Nobody born in Des Moines is for real. I once struck out 13 batters as a 12 year old in little league in Des Moines, but I don’t claim to have that “for real” quality to me.
May 29th, 2008 at 11:33 am
@SaltyBiscuits: I would hold onto Kuroda, I think he has better trade value than those other schmohawks (I love that word).
@SaltyBiscuits: God.
Guthrie, Wellemeyer, Sanchez, punt.
@SaltyBiscuits: Oops. I forget to include Kuroda.
Guthrie, Kuroda, Wellemeyer, Sanchez, punt.
May 29th, 2008 at 11:39 am
@p0rk burn: Did you know that Jerry Hairiston, Jr.’s nickname is “PORK BURN?”
May 29th, 2008 at 11:40 am
Oswalt was dropped in one of my leagues. Is he worth the waiver claim or do you think he’s already been Jack Ruby’d for the season?
May 29th, 2008 at 11:41 am
@IowaCubs: Forget I said that… It’s PORK RIND. Eh…
May 29th, 2008 at 11:42 am
@ Iowa: I thought it was Pork Rind. It should be Porkroider or something in that vein.
May 29th, 2008 at 11:49 am
Iowa: I was about to say “No effing way!!!!”. There are a lot more pork themed nicknames out there then you would imagine, yet I have never come across another pork burn. If I did I would probably have to destroy them like that Jet Li(?) movie The One. The pork burn power WILL be mine . . .
@p0rk burn: But Hairston spells it with ohs not zeroes. Weird!
May 29th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
This week I am trying to make some trades and recently tried to move Kershaw and Rauch for Jenks. He has counter offered to send me Jenks for Shields and Rauch.
His pitching stinks, royally, and has yet to win one week of h2h.
His staff is: Hendrikson, Cabrera, LHernandez, Padilla, Wake, KRod, Saito, Broxton, Jenks.
Mine is, if my other trade doesn’t get vetoed: Lincee, Bedard, Harden, Hudson, Shields, Kershaw, Cueto, Rauch, Ryan, Pap
My Free Agent starting pitchers available that have been mentioned lately on Razz are: Myers, JFrancis, Danks, Sonnanstine, Guthrie, Kuroda, Garland, Pedro Martinez, ’nuff said
I dropped Victorino back into free agency to pick up Kershaw so my choice would be to pick up Pedro for the coming week, drop him if he doesn’t show much and pick up Victorino again.
As to the trade if he wants Shields and Rauch I am thinking I should go for Saito or KRod.
Ideas?
May 29th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Going with Guthrie, as he is a 2 starter next week against Boston and Toronto.
Another question:
My outfield is currently Vlad, Granderson and Bruce. I am thinking of benching Curtis until he gets on track (I can replace with Victorino).
Should I try and sell low on Curtis and move him for a pitcher? Or should I stash him in hopes that his trade value increases.
My current pitching staff: Peavy, Wainwright, Maine, Pedro, Kershaw, Contreras, Duchscherer, Guthrie, Wolf, Valverde, Sherrill and Capps. Does it need bolstering?
May 29th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
So I got lucky enough to nab Kershaw on my Yahoo! waiver. I’ve been offered Ian Stewart for him, since my CI stinks (Ed Encarnacion). Can I get more? Not sure of Stewart’s upside especially once the regulars get healthy. What caliber bat should I expect in a deal for Kershaw?
FCM
May 29th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
@ BSA
With the starters you currently have, I would definitely try and upgrade Rauch… I mean you don’t really need to with Ryan and Paps… but anyway…
He proposed Shields + Rauch for Jenks as a counter… I would counter that with Shields for Jenks straight up. That is pretty fair and definitely gives him what he needs (his rotation is roflcopter lollerskates the worst assembling of fantasy assbags) If he takes that you could drop Rauch for Victorino (Or then try to spin off Rauch in a different 2 for 1 deal which would let you pick up Shawaii Shane-O anyway).
May 29th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
But the universe won’t notice if we are working within the Razzball.com font and I’ll still get my pork powers, right?
May 29th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
@ FunkColdMussina (lol)
I wouldn’t deal Kershaw for Stewart. I do think selling high on Kershaw would be wise but only if you can truly sell high and get some great value on him. He will be a great pitcher, but if you could flip him for an mid-level CI… maybe Jason Giambi, Alex Gordon, Paul Konerko… someone in that range… Maybe you should just keep Kershaw and hope to pull some talent off WW in coming weeks (quite doable at CI position, someone is bound to get hot out of no where).
I just wouldn’t deal Kershaw for Stewart right now, as I think Kershaw is much more valuable at this point.
@BSA: Jenks for those two is not good. Trade Kershaw for Jenks. If he doesn’t want it, go elsewhere. He doesn’t know what he’s doing with that rotation and, frankly, I don’t think you should be wasting your time with him. How does he have some of those schmohawks and he leaves Kershaw, Kuroda and Guthrie on waivers? Guthrie is a quality start machine, look it up.
@Funky Cold Mussina: I think you can do better than Stewart. As you say, he’s not guaranteed anything. I’d try for a “you know what you’re going to get” hitter, say Beltre or Youk. If you want upside, go Gordon or Zimmerman.
May 29th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
@Funky Cold Mussina– I agree that Stewart isn’t worth it. Go for someone better, but Personally I would stay away from Konerko. Giambi has been playing better and Gordon might have a big second half. I’d put some feelers out there. Look for someone desperate for SP. Good luck!
May 29th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
I was wondering what you guys thought of the chances of Scherzer becoming the closer in Arizona in the near future? Or does he have a better change at starting again? I was curious because I was considering trading CJ Wilson for Scherzer.
May 29th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
I got this in another place too but Im asking here
Do Matt Cain and Derek Lowe have trade value I dropped them both cause my pitching is stacked. I hate derk lowe too but he was best available when I drafted.
May 29th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Heck I like Guthrie since I watched him cut through the Red Sox lineup like a hot knife through butter.
Rate these third baseman: Figgins, longoria, agordon, reynolds, kouzmanoff
@razzmanian devil: Hey, RD, thanks for coming to this post. I think Cain is a good Buy Low and Lowe is a decent stashee on your bench to see if he can continue his recent success. I don’t think either can be traded away for much of anything.
May 29th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
i got damn wheeler i need more closers where they at
@BSA: Gordon, Kouz, Figgins, Longoria, punt.
May 29th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
I’m trying to work a trade for a guy that owns Carlos Guillen and Hafner and is in big trouble at 1st base right now. He’s not going to let me destroy his team but right now he’s thinking over giving Rich Harden for Alex Gordon. Gordon is relatively forgettable for me now since I just landed Miggy and I also have Conor Jackson and Giambi, for the moment.
How valuable is “Mr. Glass” Harden anyway? If he doesn’t want Gordon is Conor Jackson offering too much? I’ve built a pretty damn nice pitching staff recently but I’m on a neverending quest to make it untouchable.
Currently…
Bedard
Lincecum
Wainwright
Shields
Owings
Chamberlain
Kershaw
Harden may seem like overkill but why not when you have the room for it I always say. Pitching is a high injury position and I could always try to upgrade somewhere else via trade if I want.
Thoughts?
May 29th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
What is the lastest on Ian Stewart? Is he sticking around for awhile or not?
May 29th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
damn son u got the pitchers i am in 12 teams yahoo and i can’t touch your pitching.
May 29th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
damn son u got the pitchers i am in 12 teams yahoo and i cant handle your pitching.
May 29th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Too much studying and too many practice questions always makes me read questions such as “Rate these third baseman: Figgins, longoria, agordon, reynolds, kouzmanoff” like a standardized test prompt.
“Your fantasy team needs a third baseman. The best pick up from the free agent pool is:
a) Figgins
b) Longoria
c) Alex Gordon
d) Kouzmanoff
e) none of the above”
Grey, does it remind you of your finals at the CFB? I’d much prefer those questions to the crap i’m in. Its going to be a long summer of bar study . . .
May 29th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
@BSA: With all of the injuries the Rockies are dealing w/, I’d bet he’s given at least a couple weeks to shine. If things pick up, he could find his way into that lineup (in addition to injuries, no one’s producing much). It’s a promising sign to see him starting at 2B (!) the last two games.
@Frank Rizzo: Not a huge fan of Harden, and you’re stacked at pitching. You must have some other weakness that he could address. If not, it’s a fair trade with your corner situation.
@p0rk burn: BTW, I’ll make a post on Sunday about the league, if it’s still necessary. If I do, can I put your email address with the [at] of course to avoid spam?
May 29th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
@ Grey / Pork Burn
What league is this of which you speak!?
Leagues are good.
May 29th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
I like Rickie Weeks but his AVG is a killer, does he have too much value too drop? Im thinking of dropping him for Kelly Johnson, Stephen Drew or Ben Francisco off waivers.
May 29th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
@Frank Rizzo: Normally I’m not a big fan of chronically injured players (who is?) and Harden is the King of the Glass People. But I’d do this trade. Your staff is strong enough to take a flyer on Harden — who, unlike other fragile types, always gives quality innings when he is healthy, which is never.
May 29th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
@Grey: Let’s play Rate These Trades:
a) AGonzo and Rauch for Scott Kazmir
b) same for Ben Sheets
c) AGonzo for Carlos Zambrano
May 29th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Lets see how Harden fairs after last night’s 104 pitches.
As long as we’re on the glass people topic - is pedro worth a longer look than it took me to write this question?
May 29th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
@ BVV
I know I am not Grey, but here’s my 2/100ths of a $…
a) Win. Kazmir’s elbow could lock up after any pitch.
b) Win. Sheets body could explode after any pitch.
c) Push. Zambrano’s arm should have fallen off by now… maybe he is a mutant? I am being completely serious.
Loves me some A-Gonz for injury prone pitchers.
May 29th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
A) Pretty even…i like the Gonzo, Rauch side esp. if u need saves
B)Still like the Gonzo, Rauch side
C)Id def trade Gonzo for Zambrano
Guys, I think what really works about the comments is everyone *is* commenting to everyone. Don’t hold back.
Anyway,
a) Gonz/Rauch side
b) Gonz/Rauch side
c) Z
May 29th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Grey: I think we are up to 7 (not quite sure, 5 currently registered). 14 is definitely doable. If we haven’t hit capacity or if we feel like upping the number of managers and fielding teams of schmohawks I’ll let you know saturday/sunday for a post including everybody’s favorite target for magic beans, singing frogs, and - what seems to be the new rage in spam - discount software. Thanks for taking up valuable “above the fold” space for an impromptu league.
@Biscuit: We’re doing a mid-season roto league for the razzball faithful. If you want in send me an email at gl0bal.p0rk[at]gmail.com (those are zeros).
May 29th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
@Baron Von Vulturewins: Ditto with the feedback above. I like:
1) Gonzo/Rauch side. That’s too much for Kazmir and his elbow.
2) Gonzo/Rauch side. I’d prefer Kazmir to Sheets - and I wouldn’t do it for Kazmir.
3) Zambrano side. Straight up for Big Z? Claro que si!
May 29th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
@peter: Would you trade Derrek Lee for Zambrano?
May 29th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
@BSA: I live in New York*, and I can tell you: Pedro is the Glassiest Glass Who Ever Glassed. If he was a lying reporter who worked for The New Republic, he’d be Stephen Glass. If he wrote weird operas, he’d be Philip Glass. If he was all colorful and hung in a church, he’d be Stained Glass.
If he pitches 50 more innings before his Mets contract runs out, I’ll be shocked. He makes Mike Hampton look like Lou Gehrig. I’d give the over/under on his starts-before-being-DLed-again at 3. Proceed accordingly.
*this doesn’t really make me more qualified than anyone else; it’s not like me and Pedro are roommates. But I thought it sounded authoritative.
@SaltyBiscuits: @wakeNbake: @Grey: Thank you, almighty Hive Mind. I probably should have specified that I’d be the schmo giving up Gonzo & Co. and getting the gimpy hurler. So I’m guessing I should hold tight. My staff is so bad that when anyone dangles a name pitcher, I jump.
Plus, I feel like everyone else here is always posting: “What do you think of my pitching? I think it’s pretty stacked. I have:
J. Santana
Peavy
Bedard
Hamels
Kazmir
Billingsley
and I’m thinking of dropping James Shields for Lincecum, who’s on the waiver wire.”
Meanwhile, my staff looks like the damn Misfits of Science.
May 29th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
What about Gonzo for Kaz straight up? AGonz is somewhat expendable as I also have Morneau…
If not, what’s a fair SP return for the Gonzmeister General?
May 29th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
@Baron Von Vulturewins: I wouldn’t ever make that trade, though I’m a Gonzo skeptic, aka a Gonzkeptic. You Canadians… sheesh… even your money’s overvalued!
Acceptable returns: Marcum, Hudson, Wainwright, Erv Santana
May 29th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
@IowaCubs: You like all those guys better than Kazmir? But the potential! The possibilities! If only he can stay healthy! 500 Ks, at least.
May 29th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
@IowaCubs: Both are having great starts to their seasons. Lee, of course, has a longer track record of success and is in a MUCH better lineup. My personal feelings are that Lee is more likely to put up better numbers from here on out. So, no, I wouldn’t trade him for Zambrano, straight up.
Keeping in mind that the only stats that matter are what each guy would get you from here on out… it may be worth noting that Gonzalez had very similar numbers at this point in 2007 - while Lee only had 4 HR by 5/31/07 and turned it on after the ASB. His previous full season (prior to last) was 2005 - when he had 46 HR. Like in 2007, Lee turned it on in the 2nd half. Coincidentally, his #s so far this year are very similar to what he did through 5/31/05. Also in 2005, 50 Cent had the #1 selling album, youtube went online, and Lance Armstrong won the Tour de France. So, there you have it.
May 29th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
AAAAAARRRRRRGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!
What the hucking fell is Rios doing? Sure he scored a run and stole a base, but 0-4 and stranding 8?
I need a hug.
May 29th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
@Baron Von Vulturewins: I’m the guy that plays the Don’t Pass bar at the craps table. I’d rather have Wainwright and all his boredom and ho-humedness, but that’s boring old me.
Kaz makes me more nervous than putting 20 bucks on a hard 6.
May 29th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
@ BVV
I think if you could manage Wainwright for Gonzo that you have to pull the trigger. I am biased but Waino > Kazmir (for injury bug reasons. also I think Wainwright is a better pitcher).
I would rather see you try and move Morneau as I feel he might have more trade value, and I think Gonzo might outproduce Morneau after the dust settles in October.
May 29th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
@peter: xlnt points… many thanks.
May 29th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
@Steve: I feel your pain. I keep seeing scores like 7-0… 10-0… and hoping Rios had a hand in it. Nope! Wilkerson strikes again.
May 29th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Edited to add: The irony is, if you look at the Jays lineup, Rios and Aaron Hill are the only two guys who should even be in the majors. What happened to this team?
Kevin Mench? Marco Scutaro? Rod Barajas? J.P. Ricciardi, you got some ’splainin’ to do.
@Baron Von Vulturewins: The Jays are pathetic. I will now Google Rios’s home address and track him like Mark Wahlberg in Shooter.
May 29th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Rios better get a damn hit in this game! If he doesnt Im buying Blue Jays season tickets next year for center field and screaming ALEXIS!!! ALEXIS!!! ALEXIS!!! ALEXIS!!! for the entirety of the season.
May 29th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
@Baron Von Vulturewins: GIDP.
I’m going to kill myself.
May 29th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
I offered Co Jacks and Broxton for this guy’s Tex, and I think I will get laughed at, so do I ask for Garret Atkins next? is Garret Atkins a fair return? he had a great 06, dropped off in 07, maybe this is his year?
May 29th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
@Zebo: Actually, Atkins had a pretty good year last year (after a horrible start) and is absolutely torching it right now.
Unless your league counts Total Poundage as a category, I can’t imagine Broxton has enough value to pry Atkins loose, even when paired with the Young Peter Gallagher.
May 29th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
@Baron: the dude that owns him has him on the bench, I guess his team is THAT good? He has Tex and A Gordon as 1B and 3B. I think the following I can deal to acquire Garret: Kershaw, Owings, Dye, in addition to Co Jacks and Broxton, I don’t care about any of these guys, to be honest, I may even not care about Torii Hunter. What do you think?
May 29th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
@Steve: Safe on an error. Caps it off nicely.
@Zebo: Atkins is a great pickup. Look to see what his team needs - if he has Atkins on the bench, why would he need CoJack?
I like Kershaw and Dye as an offer but, as a proud Atkins owner, I’d laugh in your emoticoned face…
May 29th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Bruce batting third already!
@Chase: Wow, I gotta think that’s coming from upstairs and it’s not Dusty’s decision.
May 29th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
@Zebo: I would make a weak offer for Gordon. Maybe let him know what you are willing to offer and that you are looking for a 1B/3B type player. He might immediately take the hint and swap out Gordon for Atkins if he isn’t high on him, or you could bring him up at some point (especially if you notice him have a 0-fer).
If you are willing to deal Kershaw and Owings, remember there are a lot of games to be played within the Division. The NL West pitchers will be facing some piss-poor lineups. That might be a reason to hold on to the pitchers, or something to bring up in trade talks.
May 29th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
I think I might have asked this (or a substantially similar question) the other day, but lets pretend that was someone else, ok? I’m in a league with LF, RF, CF positions and I need another pitcher (IP is a stat). The Marcum owner will deal him for Markakis which I don’t want to do. My only other RF eligible player is David Murphy (not expecting him to keep this up). This is the same league I was struggling for steals in but that seems to have been fixed for now. My other steal sources are Rollins, Kaz Matsui, and Double-eye Hunter (does he even count? Murphy has just as many w/ 5).
I can get him to throw in Bourn but I really can’t eat the negative impact on my other categories. Besides that, my LF and CF positions are pretty much clogged with Hideki and Votto in left and Hunter and Vernon Wells in center. Murphy of course is eligible across the board out there. I’m pretty sure I know the answer to this question already but I always like to hear other opinions.
This post isn’t long enough yet so let me list my SPs: Santana, Beckett, Shields, Billingsley, and Cook.
I don’t think I’ll ever be able to leave notes for my wife on a post-it note again . . .
May 29th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
i hate roy oswalt
May 29th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
@p0rk burn: what service are you using?
May 29th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
how good do u see Ian Stewart being? dont know much about him but Im speculating on adding another bat.
May 29th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Freak: what do you mean what service am I using?
May 29th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
wow…talk about your all time backfires…drop Snell and Parra, pick up Edwin Jackson and Eveland and then they go out and perform almost exactly like Snell and Parra
@p0rk burn: Honestly, I read your comment a few times an I’m not sure what you’re asking. Going to dinner. I’ll try and figure it out more when I get home.
@Freak: Escort service?
@wakeNbake: Well, worth it if he’s at second base.
May 29th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
This is what Dusty gets for throwing his starter out there in relief for 4 innings!!!
May 29th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
@Grey: Should I trade Markakis for Marcum and possibly Bourn? Thats the nitty gritty. The rest is an exposition on life, death, and fantasy baseball - I mean why I don’t think I should do it. I don’t think I can afford to lose the s