Flo Rightie In The Right Round Round Round
September 20, 2010
Category: 2011 Fantasy Baseball Keepers
This isn’t the days when Brady Anderson’s sideburns once hit 2 homers in a game while Brady was out with a broken foot. 30 to 45 homers is a lot nowadays. In the final weeks of September, there’s 4 guys who have 35 homers. I think Sammy Sosa once hit 35 homers in a month. Of those current 35 homer guys, one is a first rounder. One of those guys is having a career year. One of those guys in a Big Donkey. And the last guy is staying at the Renaissance Hotel. Mike Stanton is going to hit somewhere between 30 and 45 homers next year. At the age of 21. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? No kidding, Al Caps. For better or worse, the Marlins are a team that gives rookies rope to hang themselves. (See Cameron Maybin’s last two years for further reading on that subject.) So Stanton can scuffle for a month or two, but he’s here to stay. So what can we expect of Mike Stanton for 2011 fantasy baseball and what makes him a keeper?
Mr. Intro Paragraph touched on this briefly, but let’s go further into his power. He hit 21 homers in Triple-A this year. In 53 games! Not to be outdone by his minor league numbers, he has 20 homers in 86 games at the age of 20. For those who have never seen him play, it’s not a fluke. You know those tree trunks that Frank Thomas calls legs, Mike Stanton uses them for toothpicks. To use a name I alluded to earlier, he looks like an athletic Adam Dunn. As long as he can control his strikeouts, we could see a 50 homer season from Stanton before this thing is all done. May see it within three years. Strikeouts and average are the issue, as they are with a lot of my modern day crushes. Could Stanton hit .240? Yeppers. Though, as is the case with average, it’s unpredictable. A .250 hitter could hit .280 in a season and not look half as bad. (See Dan Uggla’s 2010 season for further reading.) In 2011, I could see Stanton giving a line of 70/32/80/.250/7 with upside from there. In other words, “Thank you, sir! May I have another?”
September 20th, 2010 at 11:10 am
Aaron Hill or EY Jr this week?
[Reply]
@Bern: Totally different things. Depends on need.
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 11:17 am
@ Grey: Remember I told you about my improbable comeback last Monday in my h2h playoff matchup? I had won that matchup by one K. Well, it happened again! Except this time I won by one hit. I was getting spanked this past week because my hitters were shitty, my pitchers were really good except for Garza. Anyway, I picked up Raburn during the week for 2B help. I was down 17-3, 15-6, etc. most of the week. My bats came alive on Thur.,Fri, Sat, and suddenly I was tied 11-11 after Street blew the save yesterday. I was down one hit, tied in HR and 3B going into the last game between DET and CWS. I had Raburn left and my opponent had Konerko. Raburn’s 2B tied up the hit cat and I almost pulled all my hair out when the game went extra innings and Konerko got an extra at-bat. Konerko goes 0-4 and strike out looking in his last AB. So, I ended up winning 11-10, all because of Raburn’s hit. Damn, I love fantasy baseball. Now, I go to the championship round. Thanks for all the help Grey. Sorry for the long post but wanted to share the drama of my playoff matchups.
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 11:22 am
@Grey: Keppinger or Aviles as SS this week?
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 11:24 am
Do I start Porcello with confidence this week? The guy scares the heck outta me.
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 11:27 am
Oh, and Robert Andino or Danny Espinosa for the next two weeks? I’m guessing Espinosa? Just hope he shows a bit of consistency. Thanks
[Reply]
@ThE sHiT: That’s incredible! Hopefully we can bring you the championship.
@Fletch: Aviles
@MrHappyTime: Not with confidence…
[Reply]
@MrHappyTime: Espinosa
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 11:32 am
@Grey: Yes, hopefully. So your telling us to get Guillen. Do you like him better than Murphy, LoMo, or my hero Raburn?
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 11:33 am
where would you take stanton in a draft? where do you think his adp would fall?
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 11:37 am
Similarly, what kind of line would you project from Werth?
[Reply]
@ThE sHiT: Better than Morrison.
@bosox617: Depends on how hyped he is. I imagine he’ll go anywhere from the 8th to 12th rounds.
[Reply]
@Anonymous: For when? Next year? Don’t know where he’s going to play.
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 11:46 am
@Grey: Made the move. Thanks sir! Any tips on strategy for streaming pitchers for the 2 week matchup? I have one slot where I’ve been streaming guys, James McD is currently occupying that.
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 11:46 am
Any word on how serious Napoli’s forearm injury is? I expect him to sit 3-4 times a week thanks to Sciosciapath, but I don’t want to take a bagel on him. 2-week H2H final starts today, I have one move left. Considering picking up Thome for his all-righties binge this week (I need offense more than pitching in this matchup), but wondering if I shouldn’t wait to see if I need a C replacement for Napoli, or hold the move until later in the week in case I need certain pitching cats or someone else gets hurt.
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 11:54 am
@Grey: Benching Garza tonight right?
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 11:58 am
Grey — I want to drop Walden to grab Perry (as you suggested earlier) but have Chris Young on the DL. I was hoping to leave him there ’til he has a home start, but I can’t make the roster move without activating him.
So, who is more droppable in a 20-team roto league between Bonifacio (Three 0-fer games in a row and today is isn’t starting … has his hot streak finished?) or Rollins (What’s the best-case scenario? He hits .250 during the last week to prepare for the post-season)?
Am I better off dropping Bonifacio or Rollins + Walden in order to activate Young and grab Perry? Or better off sticking with what I’ve got now until Young is about to have an attractive start?
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 12:02 pm
BTW, related to the previous question, dropping Bonifacio would leave me with only Headley at 3B, and dropping Rollins would leave me with only Ian Desmond.
Believe it or not: I’m in third out of 20 with this lineup!
[Reply]
@ThE sHiT: I wouldn’t go crazy in the beginning and dig yourself a big hole.
@Steve Stevenson: I haven’t heard any updates. Assuming he’ll be out at least a few days.
@ThE sHiT: Yup
@Enrique: Bonifacio…
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 12:08 pm
@Grey: Koo. I have 11 moves left, so I’ll have to choose carefully. I think I’ll stick with my regular SP’s, then save my moves for next week if I feel I have to start streaming.
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 12:14 pm
@Grey: Would you start Volquez @ MIL?
[Reply]
@ThE sHiT: In some situations, yeah.
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
Standard roto-scoring NL league with no salaries, one last open OF keeper spot left for 2011 — please rank Stanton, Bruce and Crispie. Thanks.
[Reply]
@Chuckles Tiddlesworth: Krispie, Bruce…
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 1:06 pm
In an 8 Team H2H 2 week final round, what do you think of already streaming Big Z and DLR for tomorrow? I’ve got Hamels and Porcello going tonight and picked up those two for tomorrow. They’ve been good lately, but I don’t wanna be digging out of the Grand Canyon by this weekend.
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 1:13 pm
If you notice a distinct lack of cursing and whining around here it’s because I’m in a training course the next two days.
Will follow along as and when I can, however.
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 1:15 pm
Grey, for shits and giggles, if you had to guess how you’ll end up ranking Kemp, McCutchen, Pence next year, do you think it will be in that order?
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 1:16 pm
Oh – and I can keep Stanton for five bucks next year. How nice.
[Reply]
@Wilsonian: Those guys seem fine for tomorrow.
@Steve: Hopefully no offers you a Coke and you completely lose it.
@Bum Juice: Yup
[Reply]
@Steve: That is nice.
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 1:23 pm
@Grey: thank you, oh wise one…in my lineup they will stay, and hopefully propel me to the $250 grand prize!
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
What’s your gut feeling on this one: drop Jhonny for Aviles? There’s a transaction limit (it’s 10 a week, so it’s not much of a limit), so if you think it’s not worth the trouble, I’ll hold Jhonny.
Thanks.
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 1:27 pm
Grey,
… at the start of this season my dynasty team’s bully looked like this;
Joakim Soria
Brian Fuentes
Kerry Wood
Sergio Romo
Pat Neshek
Allot happened this year (of course) and I just lost in the semis. Now my bullpen looks like this;
Joakim Soria
Mike Adams
Ryan Perry
Jordan Walden
Kenley Jansen
I dropped Tyler Clippard last week and I’m thinking about picking him back up if no one claims him off waivers. So, looking ahead to 2011 do you think Clippard’s trajectory is better than guys like Perry, Walden, Jansen? (… or even Adams?) Or do you think Clippard will take some sort of step back in 2011?
Thanks!
[Reply]
@Wilsonian: No problem.
@Brad Havens: Go for it.
@Racehorse: Better than Walden.
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
@Grey: I may need some of the other kind to get through the next two days.
Nah – me and Phil are OK. It’s the 12 dingers and only – only! – 22 RBI that really sticks in the craw.
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 1:59 pm
Grey start Richard at la?
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 2:04 pm
I value two Fantasy writers opinion — yours and Shandlers –need your opinion . 12th2h get to keep one player drafted in 10thrd or later or FA pickup for following year only.
My choices are Stanton/Weeks/Latos –I basically ruled Latos out because I dont draft pitchers early, Weeks concerns me for obvious reasons and then theres Stanton.
If I thought I could get him in next yrs draft in 10rd I would let him go but with all hype im sure that wont happen.
Shandler told me Weeks hands down which was way I was leaning but Stanton could explode any yr.
Your opinion please?
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 2:10 pm
Friggin’ Bruce is out of the lineup tonight (then @MIL, off Thurs, @SD) . Strongly considering dropping him in the last week of a Championship round for a full week of Guillen (@CHC & @ COL) in a pennant chase. Make sense, or may Jose’s crappy attitude spoil my clubhouse chemistry?
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
matusz vs. sox
holland vs. laa
norris vs. was
capuano vs. cin
floyd vs. oak
I unfortunately need to pick 3. Your thoughts Grey? Way ahead in wins but need everything else, especially Ks.
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 3:09 pm
Well Grey, I finished the regular season in first place by a rather large margin, got a bye, proceeded to get bounced 6-5 by the 4th Place Team and finished third. So it goes. Thanks for all of your help once again.
I wanted to ask you about Keepers for next season. We can keep 2 and they revert to their draft rounds with the lowest rounds being 11th and 12th. I have the following candidates with their rounds drafted:
Hamels (6th Round), Oswalt (11th Round), Tim Hudson (15th Round), Scherzer (16th Round), Delmon Young (FA), or Hellickson (FA).
Any advice would be greatly appreciated Grey.
Thanks and oh yeah, Garza sux!
[Reply]
@Steve: That is really insane.
@Mets fan: Nope
@Pochucker: Stanton
@zombie: Go for it.
@Sucklingduck: Floyd, Holland, Norris…
@yankees2010: Damn, that’s annoying. Young and Scherzer… No problem, sorry you didn’t win.
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 4:57 pm
any new news on crisp?i could use the sb,s if he isnt out long,two and a half men resume tonight,
[Reply]
@elvis the drunk: He’s done for the year.
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 5:35 pm
THANKS,forgot to change my name back from messing with steve
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 5:42 pm
@elvis the drunk: Yeah – you really had me fooled there.
@Grey: Our trainer is from Iowa!
[Reply]
@elvis the drunk: No worries, like how you’re still drunk even with the new name.
[Reply]
@Steve: Is it Phil?
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 5:46 pm
@Grey: Not unless he’s a post-operative transsexual.
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 5:53 pm
Living in South Florida has a lot of perqs, watching Stanton play is one of them. He is huge, and deceptively fast. I have seen him make more than one diving catch, and you just can’t believe somebody so big can be so agile. I am glad I have him for $1. He should have no problem crushing 35 homers and stealing 5-10 bases.
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 5:54 pm
Had the pleasure of starting Porcello in both of my finals weeks…and I’d like to punch him in his stupid mug. That being said, should I stream Volquez and/or Lewis tomorrow to help make up for his crapping the bed?
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 5:54 pm
@Grey: Deep dynasty league…lose James McDonald for the recently dropped Homer Bailey?
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 5:56 pm
@Wilsonian: or Westbrook, forgot about him…
[Reply]
@Steve: Ha!
@malacoda: Agreed, he’s pretty special.
@Wilsonian: Lewis
@GopherDay: Sure
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 7:03 pm
I was a victim of Tulo’s reign of terror last week. I would have beaten either of the other teams in the semis. Oh well. Time for fantasy football.
[Reply]
@TheBravesWearPrado: That sucks, sorry about that.
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 7:11 pm
@Grey: Adam Jones, Tejada, Aviles, or Betemit for my Util slot for my playoff run?
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 7:13 pm
@GopherDay: Add Stanton, Thome, Chris Johnson, and Derrek Lee to that list…
[Reply]
@GopherDay: Jones
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 7:16 pm
Go Camels.
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 7:17 pm
@Grey: A’ight. Thanks for all your help this year Grey! Greatly appreciated!!
So far its looking like 1 first place finish in my ROTO keeper, 5th place in my dynasty league, and I’m in the championship round of my shallow friends league. I deem this year a success, and I am eternally grateful to you.
Keep that ‘stache strong!
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 7:19 pm
Gavin Floyd crapped his pants and had to leave the game in the first!
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 7:23 pm
12 tm roto league. Between all the injuries and day-to-days the last couple weeks (Teixeira, JUp, Bruce) I’m falling fast and could use some tips for the final 2 weeks. Pick 4. The other 2 I’ll have to drop.
Ibanez
Bruce
Teixeira
Stanton
Jose Guillen
Betemit or Chris Johnson
[Reply]
@Elijah: Hehe
@GopherDay: Of course, no problem.
@vinko: Ha!
[Reply]
@Kazmere: Ibanez, Guillen, Betemit, Tex…
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 7:28 pm
@Grey: thanks man. If I HAD to choose one of Westbrook or Volquez, which route should I go?
[Reply]
@Wilsonian: How bad do you need Ks? Then go Volquez. I’d go safe and Westbrook.
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 7:41 pm
Well, here is something interesting –
Do you think Granderson stays on waivers in the RCL after tonight’s show?
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 7:48 pm
Domo Arigato, Mr. RoVotto.
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 7:49 pm
Different team. Dump Bruce for Church, Jonny Gomes, or Grandy? Need RBI.
[Reply]
@BSA: Doubtful
@Elijah: Ha!
@Kazmere: Grandy
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 8:03 pm
@BSA and Grey: So pleased I dropped him.
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 8:53 pm
@Grey et al: Looking to add some possible 2011 breakout pitchers to my bench positions in a 12 team dynasty league. May not end up keeping them, but at least want to prevent anyone else from stashing them and ensure myself a shot at them in the draft of unprotected players. I’ve already stashed Matusz & Norris. What other pitchers that are commonly available on waivers are you big on for 2011? Available pitchers include Capuano, Niese, Zimmermann, Wood, Leake, Hochevar, Enright, & McDonald. Thanks!
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 9:26 pm
Guillen or Scott for a power/rbi boost?
[Reply]
@Bill Lumbergh: Zimmermann, Leake, Niese, Wood, McDonald… In that order.
[Reply]
@Ruah: Scott
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 9:28 pm
Oh, nevermind, I see Scott is heading to Toronto soon. He doesnt hit their pitchers or that park very well.
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 9:38 pm
I knew I shouldn’t have started Garza today, but I did it anyways. Should’ve known. For tomorrow, Hughes is mos def a no no right? How about Santana?
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 9:46 pm
Ouch. Nasty sonavabenching from Grandy in Ye Olde Keeper. And that on a day when then rest of ‘em went 4/28…
[Reply]
@gza: I wouldn’t start Hughes. I’d start Ervin.
@Steve: Wow, couldn’t start Grandy on a short day?
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 9:52 pm
@Grey: Went for BJ, Pence and Stanton in the three OF slots and Thome at Util.
Grandy’s been hard to trust…
[Reply]
@Steve: Ah…
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 10:18 pm
@Grey: Better 1B in case Tex goes down again:
Morse, Berkman, Morrison, Helton or Dan Johnson?
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 10:20 pm
Which 2 would u spot start Wednesday…Wolf vs. Cin, Sanabia vs. NYM, Drabek vs. Sea or Blackburn vs. Cle? Thanks
[Reply]
@Steve: Morrison
@ASAOK: Blackburn, Sanabia
[Reply]
September 20th, 2010 at 10:33 pm
@Grey: Thanks. Have him already.
[Reply]
September 21st, 2010 at 12:07 am
Meh. What’s the proper etiquitte when a sore loser drops his whole team in a HtH league after getting knocked outta the semis? I just asked my opponent what he wants to do, I guess the best thing would just be to ignore anyone he dropped?
[Reply]
September 21st, 2010 at 4:06 am
@Steve: Right into my lineup.
[Reply]
March 1st, 2011 at 7:29 pm
Q. 12 team H2H, allowed 4 keepers (3 yrs max). Trying to decide on my 4th: Stanton for $1 or Reyes for $20? Would only be the 2nd year for either. I love Stanton’s upside… WWGD?
[Reply]