Fantasy Roundtable – Slow Starts & Hill vs. Kendrick
April 28, 2009
Category: Fantasy Roundtable, Rudy Gamble
I’ve got a double Roundtable post this afternoon as I got too busy with life and whatnot to post the one from last week.
The first one was hosted by Patrick Cain of the Albany Times-Union Fantasy Baseball section. His advantageous location in the heart of New York State politics makes his blog the must read for the Governor and his staff (as in his staff must read it to him – the NY Guvn’r is blind, people! If he can’t see prostitutes, we New Yorkers assume he’s much less likely to frequent them. Wonder if he does the Ray Charles thing and feels their wrists to know if they’re skinny or not?). Anyway, here’s the link and the question:
What cold starts should I be reading into…and why?
I answered this one about 2 weeks ago but my advice seems fairly prescient. Worth checking out.
The second one is from Patrick DiCaprio of FantasyPros911.com - the site that fantasy pros like Grey and I go to only in the case of an emergency. I kid of course as one of the 911 (Mike Podhorzer) is beating me both in an NL league and in the Fantasy Razzball standings (will do a post on the standings later this week). Here’s their link and question:
Whom do you prefer for the remainder of the year, Aaron Hill or Howie Kendrick?
What – you expected Shawn Hill vs. Kyle Kendrick? The answers on this one proved to be rather consistent. Go figure. On a side note, Kendrick would be a tough last name if you were an old Jew because the fellas would all nickname you Schmendrick (the Howie would fit in well too). It would be almost as bad as being JJ Putz or Japanese pitching star Fakokta Mashugana.
April 28th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
***CLOSER UPDATE***
Per Rotoworld, Hanrahan is out as the Nats closer.
They say it will be a committee led by Tavarez and Wells, but they recommend Joe Beimel as the long-term add. Beimel’s currently on the DL, so you can drop a guy, add him, DL him, and add Tavarez or Wells.
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April 28th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
I have both Hill and Kendrick in an 11 team points league. I just traded Uggla and Chris Young ARI for Josh Hamilton and Kendrick. Since the consensus is i keep Hill, who would you suggest i target to pick up for kendrick. He’s just sitting in my utility spot right now.
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April 28th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
@Baron Von Vulturewins: Thanks, Baron. Not having much space, I grabbed Beimel. If doesn’t end up getting the job, no big deal – it’s just the Nats. Also, being the Nats, it could take a 2 or 3 weeks before we see enough save opps to know who the closer is.
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April 28th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
There will be no comparing Hill to Kendrick after this season.Hill was on the verge of all star status the year prior to getting his bell rung, he has picked up where he left off.
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April 28th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
Rudy, I am the Neifi Perez All-Stars.
Thanks for the update on the standings.
Know you got other crap to do.
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@Freak: Cool…added your handle in the standings. Good job so far!
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April 28th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Has there ever been a less appealing crop of closer candidates than Mock, Tavarez, and Kippy Wells? *shudder*
It was painful to drop Juan Cruz to slide Beimel to the DL, but of the two, I think Beimel’s the better bet to close for more than a week or two.
Why is Jose Guillen being dropped in all my leagues?
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April 28th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
I’m happy I just traded for Aaron Hill yesterday. I believe he’ll challenge Alexei for overall fantasy value.
Off topic sorta, but it appears Josh Hamilton is headed for the DL with his hammy issue. I think that Andruw Jones is a worthy pickup here as he and Byrd will see the bulk of his ab’s.
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April 28th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
I’m debating offering a trade of my Matt Kemp for his CC sabathia. Currently have a outfield of Markakis, Beltran, Kemp and Bay with Nelson Cruz sitting on my bench. Starting pitchers: Wandy, Dumpster, Gallardo, Maholm and Slowey.
Too much or not enough?
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April 28th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
@IowaCubs: Where is everyone seeing news on Hamilton?
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April 28th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
What do you think of Mark DeRosa’s cold start? For the rest of the season who would you rather have. Adam LaRoch or Mark DeRosa? Who will bring the most overall stats by the end of the season
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April 28th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
@BSA: rotoworld.com
hamilton is on the DL!!!
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April 28th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
@G: Ugh!!! Not yet but close. Just what I need.
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April 28th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Anon, that OF is fucking crazy. Who’s manning your infield? Kemp’s looking like a first or second round pick next year.
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@E Van: Hard to say without seeing your team. Maybe a pitcher? Maybe a closer? No idea what you need.
Hamilton’s going to the DL, btw. Sorry to be the one to break the news to you, if I did.
@Freak: I’m coming after you, Freak!
@Anon: I’d get CC there, but I think you’re better off going with a two for one since you obviously need pitchers. So say Beltran for Wainwright and Shields, or something like that.
@G: Where at Utility? LaRoche. DeRosa’s value comes from his eligibility.
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April 28th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
@G: Great, in the span of 3 days I’ve lost McLouth,Hawpe and Hamilton
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@Doug Ault: Hawpe’s supposedly fine.
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April 28th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
@Grey: I hope so,inserting Milton Bradley was cruel and unusual
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April 28th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
C-Napoli
1b-Berkman
2b-Uggla
SS-Reyes
3b-Huff
Clearly I went hitting before pitching.
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April 28th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
Fakokta Mashugana! Love it!
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April 28th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
***************Beltre update***************
0-2 so far, it’s a doubleheader kids, he could go 0-10!
That would be wonderful………..
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April 28th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
@BigFatHippo: You owe BSA aka Dog a daquiri for selling him damaged goods…
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April 28th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
@Steve: Yeah, I already apologized but that’s not enough. Has anybody ever gotten as lucky as I did there?
Hey, if I had Adrian Beltre in the RCL I’d give him to ya Summerdog!
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@BigFatHippo: What trade is this?
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April 28th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
@Steve: At this point I have regressed to drinking Scope since I am piss drunk from drowning my sorrow’s with Turkey.
Just another nail in the coffin, why not add a few to the DL, at least they won’t be going 0fer.
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April 28th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
@BigFatHippo: Would you throw Encarnacion in also?
I gave Ludwick, KRod, Lowell for Hamilton (ouch), Percy, JZimm, and MYoung.
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@BSA: Ouch, that’s mugging.
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April 28th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
@Grey: In approximately 2 hours, yours truly will be receiving Ludwick, Lowell and K Rod for Hamilton, M Young, Jay Z and Percival.
I don’t feel so good about it now, makes Dog sick to his stomach.
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April 28th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
@Grey: Think the commish should step in?
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April 28th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
@Grey: Hold on I gotta go crack open a bottle of Listerine.
At some point it has to look better than it does now.
Problem is I will wake up tomorrow and it’ll still suck.
That’s what I get for trying to fly to early.
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@Steve: Nah, trade happened before DL was announced. Still early, Hamilton can have a huge couple of months.
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April 28th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
grey, gotta hook a brotha up.on mlb.com, it says ” On Tuesday, one day after watching the bullpen blow a four-run lead, the Nationals decided that right-hander Joel Hanrahan will no longer be their closer and that Garrett Mock is out as the eighth-inning setup man.
The team will go with a bullpen-by-committee, with right-handers Julian Tavarez and Kip Wells as the late-inning options. Once left-hander Joe Beimel is activated from the disabled list next week, he will most likely be the closer, with Tavarez and Wells becoming the setup men. ”
i have soriano, hanrahan, street/corpas, bj ryan. who should i add and dropp? thanks!
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April 28th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
@Steve: I don’t want you stepping in. That would be right up there with a veto.
Hippo and I agreed on the terms, values, and risks. Ludwick could crack something tomorrow. KRod could hurt his pitching hand while jerking it in the bullpen waiting for a save oportunity. Lowells hip could tweak as he lumbers to first trying to prove he’s healthy and Sawx never should have been willing to walk away.
I’ll deal with it.
Heck you should know – I can only lose point not position at this juncture.
Now let me go get another drink.
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April 28th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
@johnson21: Hippo has the golden touch – go grab Tavarez. We agree that boy is crazy.
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April 28th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Just read this and had a laugh, too much man love in five sentences (not that there is anything wrong with that) -
Colorado outfielder Dexter Fowler mentioned that watching Jacoby Ellsbury steal home Sunday night against the Yankees inspired him to steal bases. On Monday, the rookie stole five against San Diego. Fowler, a top prospect, took advantage of the slow delivery of 6-foot-10-inch Chris Young, and said he thought about trying to steal home.
“I saw that. That was an amazing performance. That’s one great night right there,” said Ellsbury of Fowler’s performance. “I’m glad I inspired him.”
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April 28th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
@Grey: @BSA: Easy there, boys. Was keeding. Would never do that.
Should have used an emoticon!
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April 28th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
WS and Mariners must want to get a nap in between games- top of the ninth in less than two hours.
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April 28th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
@BigFatHippo: chillax,Hamilton is not dead, he’s merely sleeping
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April 28th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
@Anon: I was pondering the same trade, but I can’t seem to make the offer despite leading every offensive cat but AVG. If CC weren’t in the AL East it’d be a much easier decision.
OT, but anyone else out there pondering starting Brett Myers tomorrow (at home vs Nats)? I’m 50/50, but i have a feeling i’ll regret it whatever i do.
Also, first post on a great site. Keep up the good work Grey, Rudy and commenters.
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April 28th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
@Scott: Looks like i not only stole someone’s name, but also didn’t know how to reply directly to Anon. F’n newbies. Consider me SRM.
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April 28th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
@Steve: Ha! I knew you was kidding, when I saw Grey’s response I thought, “Steve should have used an emoticon there.”
@BSA: Thanks for having my back anyway.
@Doug Ault: Tis merely a flesh wound.
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@SRM: Thanks! Yeah, you’re gonna be damned if you start and damned if you don’t. Should be like that all year. If he pitches well, I’d look to unload him for a different piece.
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April 28th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
@BigFatHippo: Flesh wound for you!! May the SmileyGonzalez’ Latin 19′s take a dive and we’ll talk about flesh wound. HA!
One of my favorites – “If we couldn’t laugh we would all go insane.”
Going back to my beer! Everybody drink!!
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April 28th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
Bay just went into the stands and held on for the out.
Watching the guy he rolled onto pat him on the back over and over (an Indian fan) makes you wonder which would be scarier for these guys when they go into the stands -
A potential freak fan all giddy you are in THEIR lap or getting hurt as your face plants into one of those plastic seats.
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April 28th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
@BSA: A toast, “To Smelly Gonzalez! May he be forever 19……”
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April 28th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
@BigFatHippo: Nice big swig of Sam Boston Ale with my bench buddy Josh.
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April 28th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
@BSA: Enjoy, A Rod and I have had a good time sipping Coors Light and watching Madonna age right before our eyes.
Sooner or later, one of us has to go to work!
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April 28th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Anybody seeing Hamel’s game? How’s he look?
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@BigFatHippo: Looks fine. Mostly watching Hughes though.
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April 28th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
@Grey: How’s Hughes look?
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@BigFatHippo: Healthy and confident. Very solid, throwing BBs and hooks.
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April 28th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
@BigFatHippo: @Grey: Are you guys serious? Tavares, this guy is soooo bad. His ERA is 5.1, 5.2 and 4.5 the last three years and this guy is a closer? Oh and his WHIP last year with BOS/MLW/ATL was 1.85!! That being said, are you hanging onto Hanrahan?
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April 28th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
Man Wakefield is KILLING me in razzball but that tasty downside is going to keep him on my team.
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@BKK: Nah, I’m not holding Hanrahan if I don’t have room. No way am I carrying two Nat relievers.
@Eric W: He’s too uneven for Razzball (or regular fantasy too).
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April 28th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
@Grey: Drop Hanrahan for Tavares, Aardsma or Nunez?
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April 28th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
Sawx/Indianslook like it’ll be big tonight and end up being a battle of the bullpen.
Penny keeps getting a nice lead but keeps trying to give it back.
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April 28th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
CBS is reporting that Biemel is going to be the Nats closer when he gets off the DL. I’m not sure how accurate of a thought that is but that’s their take at least.
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April 28th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
On the “who do you want for the remainder of the year” tip: Pedro Feliz or Beltre? I am getting a tingle on Feliz and thinking that if his back is healthy, which it seems to be, that 20 HR AT&T power could mean 25-30 and the Phillies lineup should give him opportunity to produce.
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@BKK: Aardsma
@Luke: Might be if someone else doesn’t claim the job from now until then.
@NoonTime: Beltre gives you more speed.
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April 28th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
@Grey: Yes… his 0-4 in the first game today was forgiven due to the SB.
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April 28th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
WHAT JUST HAPPENED TO HAMELS?
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April 28th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
@BKK: Tavarez filled in as closer at Pitt in 03 and a few times as Izzy’s backup in St Lou in 04 and 05. He was sort of a fan favorite in St Lou and pitched better when closing games, I don’t know where to look up the stats. I just remember thinking I wouldn’t want to face a guy that ugly and that nuts in the 9th!
I think he takes the job and runs with it, Beimel never gets in. Not many options in the Nats pen and if he pitches even so-so he’s well worth a spot as a 4th closer. Just don’t drop anyone useful for him.
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April 28th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
@BigFatHippo: Like I said he talks to the ball and he is not afraid of karate kicking you in the nuts after he throws at you and you charge the mound.
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April 28th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
@BSA: I’m not watching the game, but I assume something to do with fielding the bunt on the previous play.
He looked lik ehe was making great strides in repairing his fantasy trade value, and now this. G’damn it Cole!
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April 28th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
@BSA: Think he rolled his ankle!
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April 28th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
@Grey: Just got home, saw Hughes with a nice line so far, dropped Tavarez for Hughes.
Over-reaction?
My thinking is: If Hughes pitches great, I would have picked him up anyway. If he blows up in the next few innings, I can still grab Tavarez back.
My thinking on my thinking: Baron, who the flip cares besides you?
@BigFatHippo: I don’t even know who Beimel is, or why people say he’s the closer-in-waiting. Wasn’t Mock the closer-in-waiting five minutes ago?
That said, the Nats are going nowhere, so they should have little interest in keeping a retread veteran as their closer all season. It’s not like it matters if they win 68 games instead of 63. But by grooming a young closer, they get a) a closer for the future and (more importantly) b) a trading chip, a la Jon Rauch ’08.
No one’s going to trade for Tavarez at the all-star break, saves or no saves.
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April 28th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
@BSA: Nooooo! He’s snakebit, credit that call to Grey.
re:Tavarez, when my son was 6 I took him to a game and we met Julian before the game, some kind of promotional deal. My son was afraid, very afraid………..
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April 28th, 2009 at 5:32 pm
@Baron Von Vulturewins: If he’s the closer till the all-star break, then he’s still valuable. The Nats will win 10 games by then and he may save 5 of them…….silver lining baby, take em where you can get em!
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April 28th, 2009 at 5:33 pm
@BigFatHippo: Brother can’t buy a win – 2 outs away.
Oil Can Boyd left me feeling the same way as your son.
Grey, Thanks!
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April 28th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
@BSA: What is this, a keeper league?
Somebody got rookie-nookie fever.
@IowaCubs: Hill is money. I’m glad Rudy’s keeping us up-to-date on these roundtables, but this one was a clunker, for reals. WHO STILL BELIEVES IN HOWIE SCHMENDRICK*? If anyone had taken him over Hill, that person should be exiled from Fantasy Island.
*He’s Mike Aviles ’08 with less pop.
@vinko: The guy who owns Hamels (and McCann) in my league is really nice, and really snakebit. I was actually pulling for Cole to get it together so the guy could shake his perma-mope.
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April 28th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
@BigFatHippo: I doubt his value gets affected much, saves or no saves. Every team in the ML knows just what Julian Tavarez is. I assume if he landed in Washington, they all passed on him once already.
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April 28th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
My boy Action Jackson looking tidy against the Yanks tonight as well.
I know I benched you, son, but I’m still proud!
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April 28th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
@Baron Von Vulturewins: Thank God it isn’t. I’m about to have a fire sale – everything must go!
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April 28th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
@BSA: Who was 2 out away?
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April 28th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
@BigFatHippo: Cole was merely two outs away from being eligible to get me one measly win.
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April 28th, 2009 at 5:44 pm
@BSA: Ahhh, can’t the official scorers award him a win if they feel he pitched well enough to deserve it? He was up 5-0.
I think that happened once this year already.
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April 28th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
@BigFatHippo: For you maybe. When you have a a snakebite on my a** like I do they say he didn’t pitch 5 so no deal. Now go back to the basement.
Hey, guess who just showed up in the basement?
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April 28th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
@Baron Von Vulturewins: At the risk of jinxing myself, so far I’ve made the right decisions in all of my leagues tonight with pitchers. Edwin, Wandy, Richmond all got the start while Anthony Reyes and his 31.50 ERA ride pine.
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******Jose Valverde to the DL
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April 28th, 2009 at 5:53 pm
@p0rk burn: Reyes looked horrible. Good call.
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April 28th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
@Grey: Doug Brocail would be the proper add in that situ if Hawkins is already taken, Hawkins will prolly blow up in less than 2 weeks.
I’m staying away from that mess, even though I bought a mess in Washington. Fantasy baseball is a cruel mistress, Mistress Cruela?
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April 28th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Hey, sry to badger. Sherril or Corpas?
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@cubbies299: Corpas
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April 28th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
Luke Scott or Fields? Haha this is like a Rorschacht blot of crappy players. Enough of these and we’ll know the real Grey
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April 28th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
@p0rk burn: Sweet. I should have believed in Edwin enough to start him tonight. But if he develops into the 14W, 3.75 ERA tasty premium sleeper I know he will, I will demand kudos from any and all, since I touted him since Day One!
Well, maybe Day Two. Or Three.
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@cubbies299: Fields
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April 28th, 2009 at 6:09 pm
@Grey: how is hughes looking? anyone watching the game? he’s on my radar to pickup and drop garza…
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April 28th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
@paulzone: I’m not watching the game but 2 hits, 2 walks, and 6 Ks sure looks nice on the stat line. Now is that something you’d be interested in?
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April 28th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
@p0rk burn: i’m definitely interested. am i garza interested? yeah, probably.
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April 28th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
I should have been clearer earlier. CBS portrayed the situation as if it was official that Beimel would be the closer: “MLB.com reports that Nationals RP Joe Beimel will become the Nationals’ closer once he comes off the 15-day DL next week.”
But, I had read that MLB.com article and it wasn’t quite as definite as CBS makes it out to be. I don’t trust much of what CBS says anyhow. But, those are my two cents and now they’re yours.
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April 28th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
who would you rather have – brandon webb or ervin santana?
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April 28th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Uehara v. LAA, Tallet @ KC, Stults @ SF or punt?
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April 28th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
@paulzone: Webb but I’m scared about this injury. I won’t be surprised if they announce he needs surgery after the month on the DL. Don’t read this IowaCubs, he’s totally healthy and will be fine and you should do that trade with me.
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April 28th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
@paulzone: Santana has already started minor league rehab and Webb is out 6 weeks at least. Add Santana now and wait for Webb. Webb is by far the better pitcher but I’m worried about him.
Are these guys free agents in your league?
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April 28th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
@cubbies299: Stults if you really need to.
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April 28th, 2009 at 6:33 pm
@paulzone: No one else droppable? I wouldn’t punt on Garza for Hughes.
I dropped Julian Tavarez for Hughes, though. After dropping Juan Cruz for Julian. After dropping Coffey for Cruz. After dropping Hastaneuva for Coffey.
It’s the circle of life.
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April 28th, 2009 at 6:38 pm
Argh, Kendry Morales looking mighty fine on the wire. Thinking about droppin fields for him.
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April 28th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
i own santana. an owner just dropped webb for fowler. crazy. santana is occupying my only dl spot. gonna hold.
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@cubbies299: Punt those pitchers, Fields over Morales.
@paulzone: I’d find a way to get Webb.
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April 28th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
@paulzone: Yeah, you gotta pick up Webb. Then you have em both.
*************Beltre Update****************
0-7
My prediction could come true, %^*#####!
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April 28th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
@Baron Von Vulturewins: Good news, Phillips with a donk! Bad news, Howie Schmendrick with a donk!
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April 28th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
@Grey: Should I find a way to add Blalock and plug him back in there?
Beltre’s driving me nuts and I don’t need steals.
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April 28th, 2009 at 6:57 pm
@Baron Von Vulturewins: i am trying to decide that…
sp’s: beckett, bills, haren, weaver, garza, e. santana (dl),
rp’s: qualls, gonzo, franklin, arrendando, kuo (i have kuo in sp spot for hlds).
we can start 4 sp and 3 rp everyday and have hlds and saves.
i feel like i could dump either garza or gonzo. whatchathink?
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April 28th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
BTW, I don’t mean drop Beltre, I can drop Coffey or Zoomaya and stash him on the bench till he wakes up?
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@BigFatHippo: Go for it.
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@BigFatHippo: Drop Coffey.
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April 28th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
then gonzo goes and k’s the side for the save…LOL
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April 28th, 2009 at 7:08 pm
@Grey: Thanks, check out the standings in the RCL. I fixed my power problem.
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April 28th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
Beltre posting the impressive 0-8 in the double header!
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April 28th, 2009 at 7:10 pm
@vinko: I needed the donk. Someone blasphemed Phillips earlier today on the board, but I restrained myself from jumping in.
Kendrick is still a Schmendrick.
@paulzone: Not sure — don’t know much about Holds leagues. None of those starters look droppable for Hughes. What about your hitter’s bench? Any MIs who can be curb-kicked?
Ryan Perry got spanked tonight, true believers.
So did Lyons and Nate (!) Robertson (!!) but no one owns them. Right?
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April 28th, 2009 at 7:17 pm
@Baron Von Vulturewins: my only bench hitter is fukudome. i have chipper so i need to keep one bench hitter to slot into utility when chipper is day to day.
really, who has more upside is the question: hughes or garza. if you think that is garza then i stay put or loose a closer.
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April 28th, 2009 at 7:21 pm
lets see another Lindstrom implosion I need to get some saves from Nunez.
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April 28th, 2009 at 7:23 pm
@NoonTime: Beltre with a hit! Suck it!
As infuriating as Beltre has been to watch thus far, the 3 steals has been quite welcome.
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April 28th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
*****************Beltre Update***************
Damnit, there goes my 0-10 prediction! Almost Nostradamus like……..!
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April 28th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
I traded Hamilton and a 9th rd pick for V-Mart, Cruz, and a 6th rd pick.
Got crap for that.
Now Hamilton is on the DL.. The last time he was injured he went on a crack binge.
I added Hughes. Got crap for that. He pitches a gem tonight.
And tonight I traded Cruz, Kershaw, and my 12th and 15th rd picks for Lohse and his 7th and 10th rd picks.
I’ll get crap for that. But Kershaw is way too raw. I have plenty of keepers to choose from, so I won’t miss him. Just call me Bill Belicheck.
Grey, anyone.. Matt LaPorta. I normally despise MLB prospects, but this guy is destroying the ball in AAA. Should I add him with my extra spot once the trade goes through?
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April 28th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
@BigFatHippo:
I saw Sportsdesk and saw the M’s up 9-0 or whatever and thought to myself, “self, this might have been Adrian Beltre’s best night of the year”.
And you know what, I was right. 1-9 with an SB is damn well Ruthian in comparison to his season.
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April 28th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Related to the Beltre comment above, is their a Razzball term for the excitement you feel when you watch Sportscenter and see along the bottom that one of your big fantasy teams has put up a huge number. Only to find out later your guy still went 1-9 with an SB in a 9-0 win?
I propose Ticker Tease.
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@Ashley: Nice, that comment made me laugh. You can add LaPorta but the Indians are saying they aren’t bringing him up, which of course means he’ll be up by tomorrow morning. He can rake and he’s worth a roster spot if he’s getting called. Doesn’t seem likely right now.
@knighttown: That totally used to happen to me all the time. You’d be like, “Twins put up 12 runs? Morneau had to get at least 5 RBIs.” Turns out he was the only to not get in on the action. But Span went 7-for-7.
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@knighttown: i like that one….Ticker Tease, ha! What do you think, Grey?
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April 28th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
@Ashley: Oh yeah, add LaPorta in a keeper league. By all means!
Razzball will help you win baseball, Bill Belichick can’t help you here but we can.
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@Rudy Gamble: Yeah… Add it to the glossary.
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April 28th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
POP QUIZ
1)If your pitcher has labored through 5 innings given up 4 ER and thrown 105 pitches and is due up 2nd in the top of the 6th do you.
A) take the dude out
B) take the dude out
C) let him bat then send him out in the 6th then after he gives up a lead off HR let him face two more Batter’s
D) TAKE THE DUDE OUT!
If you answered C you are qualified to be the Pittsburgh Pirates manager. If you answered A,B or D you are still qualified to be the Pirates manager but you are just to smart to take the job.
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April 28th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
@Rudy Gamble: Big fan of Ticker Tease.
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April 28th, 2009 at 7:58 pm
@Eric W: Well-played sir. Well-played.
The other day my buddy and I were discussing Jays prospect Brett Cecil. (Yes, that’s how we roll.) We proposed that, given his name, he should make it his trademark to pitch with an ascot on. Then, whenever he strikes someone out, he puts a monocle to his eye and yells out in an English accent:
“Good day, sir! I SAID GOOD DAY.”
That would make everyone forget about Roger Clemens and really bring the joy back to baseball.
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@Eric W: That’s very funny.
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April 28th, 2009 at 8:01 pm
@Grey: I saw somewhere that he just won Player of the Week again in his league. I think he hit like .500+ this past week.
Why are the Indians holding off on calling him up? Financial reasons? Garko is too good? Or do they just want him to get more experience?
I hope you don’t think my Kershaw trade was dumb. But I’m in 1st place, trying to win my 1st championship this season and I see Kershaw more as a liability than an asset this season. I know Lohse is nothing special, but I’m hoping he can be more consistent and won’t have to worry about him having any weeks like Kershaw’s previous week. I have A-Rod on the DL, and Lowell at 3B. Lowell is probably too good to drop when A-Rod comes off the DL, and I wouldn’t get any value for him in a trade.. So I decided to part ways with Cruz and I’ll play Lowell at Util as long as he produces.
And it’s easier for me to get draft picks early in the season because no one is really thinking about next year’s draft in April. Already have two 6th, 7th, and 10th rd picks.
I’ll see if I can’t get something decent for Hughes. I know he looked good tonight, but there’s no way anyone can succeed at Yankee Stadium, right? Especially this summer..
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April 28th, 2009 at 8:01 pm
drop Freddy Sanchez for Fontenot? Fontenot has homered in 2 straight.
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April 28th, 2009 at 8:01 pm
@Grey: If I can send Hughes and Fowler for Danks, I do that, right?
Danks over Kershaw?
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April 28th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
@Grey: Salty is a Ticker Tease regular.
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April 28th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
@BigFatHippo: Based on your enthusiasm, I expect him to put up Ryan Braun rookie numbers. If he doesn’t, I’m never listening to you again!
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@Ashley: Think Francisco is standing in his way, not Garko. But that’s neither here nor there. He’s down there because I don’t think they want to seem like they’re panicking. Hitting really isn’t the problem, though Francisco hasn’t been good. Their pitching is awful. LaPorta should be up soon. Just don’t think it’s going to be at least 2 weeks. If you have room, he should be owned in a keeper.
Salty is a big time Ticker Tease.
@Zebo: Go for it.
@Baron Von Vulturewins: Danks for Hughes and Fowler — yeah, that’s nice.
Kershaw + NL = Danks
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April 28th, 2009 at 8:16 pm
@Grey: By which you mean….
Kershaw + the National League = Danks?
He’s the Danks of the National League?
He’s worse than Danks but it’s made up for by being in the NL?
But I do want Danks, not Kershaw, right? I could target either.
Hoffman’s in for the save, kids! Let’s hope he doesn’t blow it and send us all on a Coffey Run!
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@Baron Von Vulturewins: Sorry, that was brilliantly confusing. They’re same diff is what I meant. Dealer’s choice. I’d target Danks.
@Ashley: Oh, and I’m not a fan of your Kershaw trade, but I see why you did it. I do agree that Hughes will have some ups and downs, but tonight was a nice sign.
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April 28th, 2009 at 8:30 pm
@Ashley: Ha!
He might not this year, cause he might not get called up till rosters expand, which means he’s still a rook next year. If he’s on your roster next year he’s worth something. If it’s a deep keeper add him, if it’s really deep skip him and add Brett Wallace.
This guy……http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/8416
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April 28th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
@Grey: It’s ok, you didn’t like my Hamilton trade either. But few people have my foresight. Today on campus I ran up to the guy and said “HA! Hamilton is on the DL! I robbed you, sucks doesn’t it?” He responded, “How many championships have you won??” And I walked away with my head down wimpering..
But this is the year, I can feel it.. Then I can talk all the trash I want and won’t have to worry about them telling me to win a championship.
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April 28th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
Time to drop Corpas?
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April 28th, 2009 at 9:01 pm
@knighttown: Ticker Tease … hah!
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April 28th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
@Grey – Followed your advice in picking up King Felix in the draft, and Phil Hughes last night, against my better judgment, having seen Phil implode in the past. Tonight they conbined for 14 Innings, 15 K’s, 2 wins, an ERA of 0.00, and a WHIP of 0.64. All I can say is thanks, and you’re the man! I don’t know how Hughes will do in Yankee Stadium, especially with the Jetstream, but even if he evolves into a Road Scholar, he should be a big pickup. BTW, what are your thoughts on Ian Kennedy? If he is ready, the Yanks can put Joba back in the 8th inning role, where he can find his mojo.
Ticker Tease is a natural.
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April 28th, 2009 at 9:09 pm
Hermida, Ross, Swisher, J Guillen, Church, Dan Murphy, Winn, Morales, Schafer, Delmon Young, Carlos Gomez
Of these Schmohawks, who is the best play right now. I’m thinking Swish. I am currently rostering Hermida.
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April 28th, 2009 at 9:11 pm
@BigFatHippo: Checked him out on baseball cube.. He looks solid, but too young. Maybe in a year or two. I try not to fall in love with baseball prospects though. There will forever be a hole in my heart left by Justin Upton last year, damn him…
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April 28th, 2009 at 9:12 pm
@Paulie Allnuts: Glad to see and hear that you are a little cheerier today.
Berkman was a Ticker Tease once again tonight.
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April 28th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
@BKK – besides great pitching, SAGNOF heaven- 2 steals by the Bourn Identity, 1 by Bonafellatio, and 1 by Ichiro. ASHA’MAN rose to 8th with a bullet! +10 Roto jump. Life is good.
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@Ashley: Hopefully we can get you your first championship then.
@Prince: Nah
@Paulie Allnuts: I don’t think Kennedy’s coming up to replace Joba.
@BKK: Swisher
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April 28th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
@Grey: Sorry to ask just after you’ve answered a bunch, but would you start Fausto against the Sawx tomorrow?
I’m thinking not…
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April 28th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
Grey, the advice to pick up Holland and Hughes rather than stream for Pelfrey and Dorf is proving brilliant right about now, thanks! I see a fruity drink in your future.
I should also have gone ahead and re-activated the Hoff right away instead of keeping Penny for one more outing and witnessing his meltdown, but there’s just no way to know that in advance. Time to punt Penny? I think so. When Dice-K comes back, I’m not sure anymore that it’s Masterson who’s going to lose his starting job. Thoughts?
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@Steve: Would not start him. In fact, between you and me and the 10,000 daily readers. I think I’m dropping Carmona tomorrow (waiver claim is in).
@DrEasy: Hmm… That’s an interesting thought. Not sure if the Sawx would do that, but I like the idea of Masterson staying in the rotation. Don’t think Penny’s at the point for the Sawx, but I would punt him in fantasy, assuming you have a good fill-in.
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April 28th, 2009 at 9:48 pm
@Grey: Well, I guess my fill-in for Penny is Hughes, and that looks like a net upgrade to me. But my only reason for dumping Penny is so I can create a roster spot for Hoff.
I also wonder how Clay Buchholz has been doing in the minors; I just don’t see Penny lasting long in that deep rotation.
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April 28th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
@Grey: Cool. Do you see a 6th starter from this lot: Davis, Washburn, Cook, Hampton, Anibal, Perkins, Parra, Porcello or Paulino?
Or should I just roll with 5 starters and go with an extra MR?
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April 28th, 2009 at 9:59 pm
@DrEasy: my Sawx rotation thoughts
Penny – will continue to get starts until Smoltz is good to go
masterson – i think they see him as a dominate set up man would be very surprised if he stays in the rotation once dice-k gets back.
Buch – wont get the call up unless he is needed for a long stretch of time they don’t seem to want to shuttle him back and forth from the trip to the majors.
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April 28th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
@Eric W: I guess you’re right, the Sawx have no reason to panic at this point. How many more blowouts will it take to kick Penny out of the rotation? Smoltz’ ETA is some time in June, right?
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April 28th, 2009 at 10:14 pm
@DrEasy: Ya they say the target is June 1st for Smoltz. As for penny I think as long as he can manage to get them 5 innings he is going to stick till june but if his next 2 outings go like this one I think Bowden may get the call before buch.
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April 28th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
Thanks a bunch, Broxton.
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@Steve: Parra! — Actually, I’m starting Cook tomorrow.
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April 28th, 2009 at 10:17 pm
@Steve: I was just getting pissed about that.
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April 28th, 2009 at 10:18 pm
@Grey: Drop Fausto for Cook and then Parra going forward?
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April 28th, 2009 at 10:20 pm
I need to drop one:
Burriss, Lugo, Holland (stashed)
Thoughts?
Again, very deep league so a lot of benches look like this.
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April 28th, 2009 at 10:22 pm
Trade Liriano + Derrek Lee for Peavy?
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April 28th, 2009 at 10:30 pm
@RT: I dropped Burriss in a similar league last week and I’m not looking back. I’m a happy Holland owner. Lugo will get as many steals as Burriss, because, you know, at least he gets on base sometimes!
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April 28th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
@Eric W: Blake deserves some scorn too for hitting into a double play with the sacks full and one out in the 7th…
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April 28th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
@Eric W: Now those stupid Dodgers are pouring it on! Just as well I got a Wandy-win today…
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April 28th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
@DrEasy:
What I was thinking as well, just needed somebody else to say it.
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April 28th, 2009 at 10:37 pm
@Steve: HeHeHe Good point. Ugh Now they decide to score.
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@Steve: Sure, go with Cook.
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