Frenchy is Off The Benchy
July 07, 2008
Category: July's Daily Notes
What’s the ultimate slumpbuster? Some players and the Urban Dictionary would argue a fat chick. The Braves know the true answer. A weekend in Mississippi. Jeff Franceour went 7-for-13 with 2 RBIs in three minor league games before the Braves decided his mind was messed with enough and they returned him to the majors. Maybe tomorrow they’ll call Francoeur into the front office to tell him his Mom died only to then say, “Psyche!” Francouer hasn’t changed overnight. He’s a hacker who can hit, but with less power than you’d think. Assuming he gets back to form, he should hit a pro-rated 90-100 RBIs before end of the year. But there hasn’t been much in his peripherals that promise that. Worth holding onto or gambling on, but he’s definitely marked down vs. his preseason value. Anyway, here’s what we saw yesterday in fantasy baseball:
Ryan Church - May not return this year because of persistent migraines. Perhaps his head would toughen up if Moises Alou peed on it.
Torii Hunter - His 2 HR day puts him on pace for his yawnstipating 20/20 season (22/17 to be exact). But he’s only on pace for 77 RBIs - this has more to do with the anemic Angels offense than double-i, but it’s still pretty pathetic for the AL. Didn’t Sizemore get this many last year from the leadoff spot?
Chris Davis - HR yesterday. Until further notice, I’m only starting him when he’s at home, unless it’s a short schedule day.
Manny Parra - Pitched an inning of relief in the Rockies game yesterday. I mentioned in the forums that I think it was just his throw day. Later, Suppan was put on the DL to make room in the rotation. We’re all good, gang.
Damaso Marte - Notched a save, his second. I see no reason why he can’t get to 15 saves.
Ubaldo Jimenez - Ubaldo was solid last year, if you remove a mediocre September. He looked good in his last start and he was good last night (7 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 7 Ks). He might go on a two month stretch where he can be very usuable. He gets the Mets this Saturday.
Jack Wilson - The Dodgers “have zeroed in on Jack Wilson to replace Rafael Furcal.” Zeroed has never been more apt a description for a trade target.
Josh Johnson - Scheduled to start against the Dodgers on Thursday. Josh Johnson hasn’t pitched in so long that we’re not sure if he played Casey in Dawson’s Creek. Would Katie Holmes start him? I don’t think so.
David Ortiz - He took batting practice today. Supposedly he’ll be ready just after the All-Star break. I’d say August.
Adam LaRoche - It’s the 2nd half so it’s time for LaRoche to hit. 11 for 21 w/ 2 HR and 9 RBI in the last 7 games. Why don’t the Pirates insist he play winter ball?
Nomar Garciaparra - HR yesterday. Nomar gave Mia the game ball, but that didn’t stop her from making a scene in the parking lot when Nomar told her that he drank half a beer after the game. Not on a school night!
Adrian Beltre - As the Mariners languish in last, Beltre gets predictably hot.
Hiroki Kuroda - Ah-so this is why the Dodgers got him! Actually, he’s been solid all season aside from a few hiccups. Yesterday he pitched a one-hit, shutout.
Vladimir Guerrero - HR against the Rangers. That brings his career numbers against the Rangers to 22 HRs/.408 in 77 games. In related news, the Rangers pitching used to suck/still sucks/will suck.
Jason Varitek - Your backup AL all-star catcher! Between him and Jeter, the AL is packed with baseball IQ, a never say die attitude and you-just-can’t-put-your-finger-on-it-ness.
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Tags: Adam LaRoche, Adrian Beltre, Chris Davis, Damaso Marte, David Ortiz, Hiroki Kuroda, Jack Wilson, Jason Varitek, Jeff Francoeur, Josh Johnson, Manny Parra, Nomar Garciaparra, Ryan Church, Torii Hunter, Ubaldo Jimenez, Vladimir Guerrero
July 7th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
Hmmm, no mention of Clay Buchholz’s imminent return so I guess I will delurk. Who will be valuable for the rest of the year: Buchholz or Liriano? I am holding onto Liriano currently. Am thinking of dropping Linebrink to pick up Buchholz, since I already have Fuentes, B. Wilson, Marte, Torres, Kobayashi and Percival (DL).
July 7th, 2008 at 11:40 pm
Grrrr, can’t figure out how to edit my own post. The question, obviously, was who will be more valuable, not who will be valuable. Thanks.
July 7th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
@Lolhamburger: i already own them both on my team; since my team has been plagued by injuries, i figure i could take more bumps of waiting for both guys’ re-entrance…
July 7th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
@Lolhamburger: if you need immediate help, buchholz definitely will help you this week; whereas liriano won’t be due back for another week or 2 (or 3) at least.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:47 am
Def Grab Buchholz…. hes a strikeout pitcher with lights out stuff when he’s on. Not to mention he pitches for boston who will get him W’s.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:50 am
Have Hawpe burning a hole on my bench (I have Markakis at RF and Tex at Util). Does he get me Soria or Rauch?
July 8th, 2008 at 1:08 am
And another - is Corpas worth picking up again? He seems to be getting the call when the Rockies have the lead now and obviously is in the mix to close if Fuentes gets dealt (I have Bucholz too).
I’m relievers-only so need as many (would-be) closers as I can get hold of. My league also counts Holds.
What say you MR.Bs? Would also welcome your thoughts on Sean Green, Brad Ziegler and Jared Burton. Seem to have good Hold, ERA and WHIP numbers in the last few weeks.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:21 am
I move that “Hiroki Kuroda” henceforth should be called, “Hokey Karaoke.”
July 8th, 2008 at 2:29 am
I really cant complain about Markakis so far this year, the guy is just a great all around player, plus he plays better in the second half. Is anyone noticing that he isnt stealing bases tho? They walk this guy like crazy, youd think he would make the other team pay a price by stealing bases. Why isnt he stealing? Come on Nick!! Pick em’ up and put em’ down buddy!! U kno you can Nicky!! WHOS GOT MY MARKAKIS SPARKAKIS? Haha.. definetely one of the best last names in baseball.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:42 am
I have Harang @ ChC and McGowan at home Vs. Bal…. start both? Harang worries me Vs. the Cubbies and McGowan always worries me except hes at home which hopefully is a plus. I have the lead in ERA and WHIP in my rotisserie league and I need to be smart about my starts in order to keep it that way.
July 8th, 2008 at 3:25 am
the selections for the All-Star game suck!!
July 8th, 2008 at 4:12 am
What might a good pick up be for pitching? Kuroda, CBuchholz, Liriano?
July 8th, 2008 at 4:51 am
@BSA: Id go Buchholz, Liriano (cant ignore his upside) then Kuroda
July 8th, 2008 at 4:58 am
Better second half…..David Wright or Lance Berkman? Im really looking for who will hit for a higher AVG, drive in more RBI’s and SB potential for the second half.
July 8th, 2008 at 5:23 am
Is the feel for Bucholz that strong? We’ve got some starters sitting on our WW and I’d like to just grab 1 pitcher and stick with him. It’s a good list and I can’t decide.
Bucholz
Slowey
S Baker
Kuroda
Chris Young (DL)
Tough for me to rank.
July 8th, 2008 at 5:43 am
@Frank Rizzo: I like Kuroda, Slowey, Baker, Buchholz, Young. In that order.
July 8th, 2008 at 5:52 am
Hey Denys -Good to see you posting over here as well as the forums. Great thing about these forums and blog comments are the variety of responses and philosophies. Looking at SP similar name bank and you and mike flip-flop Buch and Kuroda.
July 8th, 2008 at 5:57 am
So I’ve got one vote for Kuroda so far and one for Bucholz so far.
It’s funny. Those Minnesota guys are great but just not all that exciting are they? Baker threw a great game against Boston last night. He just will not allow more than 3 ER.
July 8th, 2008 at 5:58 am
@Frank Rizzo: Pick your poison. Kuroda seems locked in to an alternating brilliant shutout/severe ass-spanking pattern. The total results are good, not great — and for my money, he doesn’t rack up enough Ks to justify topping this list.
It’s hard to pick between Slowey and Baker, though personally I’m Baker-invested. He brings more Ks, while Slowey has a miniscule WHIP. Slowey’s also got a brilliant minor-league record, but his stuff is uninspiring. Given that choice, I’d go Baker — I trust stuff over smarts. (See Bannister, Brian.)
As for Bucky, he could run off a string of spotless starts, or he could get ritually pounded by the Yankees, Rays, et al. He definitely has the highest ceiling of anyone on the list, while Kuroda is probably the best choice for the risk-averse. Me, I’m likely to split the difference and go with Baker. Some upside, limited downside.
July 8th, 2008 at 6:06 am
@BSA: yeah thats whats great about this site, you get a bunch of opinions then you can decide for youself.
Im a Yankee fan so its hard for me to give any Boston player credit, but as for Buchholz I just really like him after seeing him pitch over the last 2 years. He flashes complete dominance at times. Dont forget scouts touted this guy as having the same kind of dominant stuff as Joba, he also threw a no hitter as a Rookie which is just crazy. Throw in that he plays for a team that scores a bunch of runs and I like his win potential. I like Kuroda also just not as excited about his “stuff” or the Dodgers so called offense scoring runs for him. Kuroda is kind of stuck in like a Jeremy Guthrie situation to me. Good pitcher but piss-poor offense backing him up.
@Frank Rizzo: Id go, Slowey, Baker-Buchholz are even in my eyes followed by Kuroda then Chris BRAIN! Young.
July 8th, 2008 at 6:11 am
Would it be wise to start Jurrjens in LA tonight, Billingsley is on the mound.
July 8th, 2008 at 6:17 am
@jph: If I had Jurrjens Id start him, It may be hard for him to get the win but Atlanta’s offense could eek out some runs for him. I had Billingsley on a team which I recently traded him but thats not to say I dont really like him. In a year or 2 I think hes gonna be a top 5-10 pitcher in the league. This year Bills has had some great starts but he also gives up some runs every now and then, so yeah Id start Jurrjens. Even if he doesnt get the W he should pitch well enough to help your ERA/ WHIP/ and K’s going against the Dodgers offense.
July 8th, 2008 at 6:25 am
@wakenbake- mcgowan is on ww in my league and i didn’t pick him up for this start. close call especially @ home against baltimore, but too risky in the end for me. i like a better bet for spot start. Harang looked good last time out. and of course i didn’t start him. and i didn’t start him a couple of weeks ago when he had a great start v boston. and it really chaps my ass when i leave someone on the bench and they come through. so i’m rolling the dice on harang and hope he has finally turned the corner. even @ chicago where the cubs are deadly. but may i just say i hate that bastard. cant drop him. cant get any value in a trade. and ruins your lines every week. nice goatee assbag.
July 8th, 2008 at 6:29 am
how would you guys rank this pitching staff overall…. think I can hold tight? Should I try and make a move? Im in a 10 team 5×5 rotisserie league.
Oswalt, Harang, Parra, McGowan, Jered Weaver, Nolasco, Wainwright, Tim Wakefield and Chris BRAIN! Young.
Im currently doing well in pitching…. out of possible 11 my ERA is a 9, WHIP is a 10 and my K’s are an 8.
July 8th, 2008 at 6:35 am
@johnson: haha…. I understand your resentment toward Harang. I just traded for him before his last start so I dont hold the same hate for him as his owners who have had him all year. You could say McGowan is my Harang if that makes sense. I believed in McGowan all year long as continue to run him out there with less then stellar results to put it lightly. Usually if I have 2 pitchers going ill start them both in the hopes that 1 will do well enough to bring down the others stats as well. So I may roll with them both but thanks for the advice, Im trying to get talked out of starting them.
July 8th, 2008 at 6:40 am
Nolasco, Parra, Weaver, Wainwright, McGowan, Oswalt, Wakefield, Harang, Young
July 8th, 2008 at 6:42 am
@MIke: At first glance, I’d say you should be looking to upgrade.
How are you 3rd in ERA and 4th in WHIP in a 10 team league?* Oswalt and Harang have been getting pounded, and no one else here is having a sterling season. Does a single one of these starters have a season ERA under 4.00? I guess Nolasco pulls more water than I thought.
No offense, but I’d hate to see what the guy with the worst ERA’s pitching staff looks like.
If I were you, I’d be much more confident going forward with a top-15 starter (or two): Someone from the Webb/Hamels/Lackey/Halladay/Haren tier.
*Speaking of which, how is it a 10-team league but with 11 possible points per category? Is this some Spinal Tap homage?
July 8th, 2008 at 6:44 am
How does everybody feel about Granderson for the 2nd half compared to Torii Hunter? Although Grandy hasnt put up very good numbers so far, I looked at his numbers post All-Star break last year and he went crazy. Also looking at their lineups Detroits is obviously better than Anaheim’s.
July 8th, 2008 at 6:51 am
@Baron Von Vulturewins: ha my bad, 11 team league. As to how I am doing well in pitching…. this is a far cry from my original pitching staff I had before trades. At different points in the season Ive had Hamels, Greinke, Bills, Vazquez and Verlander after he turned it around, so that had something to do with it. But with my current pitching staff Ive been pleasantly suprised to say the least. Nolasco and Parra were huge pickups for me about a month and a half ago, Wakefield also has been suprisingly fantastic. Plus I use alot of MR such as Taylor Buchholz, Morrow I picked up before he turned closer and those 2 guys have been lights out. So that explains how Ive stayed up top, but Im fearful a big correction is coming toward my pitching staff.
July 8th, 2008 at 6:52 am
Any of the pitchers mentioned earlier - Buchholz, kuroda, Nolasco, or Liriano worth giving up Figgins for? since coming back from the DL he hasn’t doen anything but sit my bench, not that a pitcher will necessarily pitch every week but I like those names for the second half and I am not willing to drop Bruce.
July 8th, 2008 at 6:57 am
@BSA: I dunno man, I kno Figgins has been horrible but he tends to turn it on all of a sudden and go on serious rolls at different points in the season. I wouldnt trade him for any of those pitchers but I would definetely trade him for a better one such as Matt Cain for example…. he could be a good buy low, I really like him going foward.
July 8th, 2008 at 7:25 am
One more minor tweaking question - Get Cody Ross for Sheffield or Pence?
July 8th, 2008 at 7:44 am
@BSA: I’m a huge Cody Ross fan, mainly because his BABIP is .270 and his HR/FB rate is enormous at 17%, even less than his season a year ago when he clipped a 23% HR/FB rate. Call me stupid, but his OPS still has room to grow, and don’t be surprised to see an OBP of .350 by the end of the summer. He’ll end the season with Rick Ankiel type of numbers, 16-17 more HR and 45 more RBI, 40 runs.
It’s a buy time on Ross, but also a sell time if you can get someone better for him. That’s my take, but remember that I’m last in the RCL, so take that for what it’s worth.
July 8th, 2008 at 8:16 am
Do I drop Wakefield for Jimenez?
July 8th, 2008 at 8:20 am
@everyone: is there a Grey counterpart for football?
July 8th, 2008 at 8:24 am
Yeah, Iowa what’s up with last in the RCL? I thought I would start and end the season there.
@IowaCubs: Wake makes me nervous from a Fantasy baseball standpoint. Then again Jimenez has been shaky also. I know I just wrote two lines of nothing. I am sure Grey is preparing his lightening round now so I’m sure there are more opinions coming.
July 8th, 2008 at 8:25 am
@Zebo: Yes! His name is Gridiron Grey! He’s like 200 pounds heavier than Grey, but still has the porno stash. GG is to X’s and O’s what Grey Albright is to Zigs and Zags.
July 8th, 2008 at 8:26 am
@Zebo: HA! 90 degrees here and I can’t think about football. Are you an Indians fan?
July 8th, 2008 at 8:27 am
@IowaCubs: I dont think I would drop Wake for Jimenez. Wakefield pitches for a better team and doesnt have to pitch half of his games in Colorado.
@Zebo: That would be awesome!
July 8th, 2008 at 8:31 am
@BSA: I thought with such a deep league, I could squeak by with a mediocre offense and take a chance at dominating at pitching. Turns out, not only did I waste my first two picks on Peavy and Santana, but I also had to completely ignore pitching for rounds 5-12 because I was playing catchup on offense. All the good “value” pitching picks were gone, so my pitching ended up mediocre as a whole and my offense turned out worse.
Moral of the story… don’t draft pitching in the first two rounds, unless you have a plan to dig yourself out of it.
July 8th, 2008 at 8:33 am
Hey, who do you think will have the better second half - Dirty Filthy Sanchez, or Edison Volquez?
July 8th, 2008 at 8:37 am
@mikeisalegend: Volquez….. and yes those who know me best do refer to me as… The Legend!
July 8th, 2008 at 8:47 am
@IowaCubs: I tell you between doing some homework here this year with Razz, other online sources, and thinking for myself (only a little) I am pleasantly surprised how I am doing after the first couple of weeks. I laugh everyday in such a deep league at the names that keep getting add/dropped. Now I see why Grey falls out of his chair each time he sees names like Victorino, Votto, etc. in free agency.
I also appreciate the input from the cast of characters like yourself, BVV, PB, wakenbake, and other RCLers.
@Lolhamburger: I would drop Linebrink for Buchholz. Now you can return to lurking.
@Steve: I don’t think so. Maybe Marte or Kobayashi? I’d go with Corpas, Burton, Green, in that order.
@Freak: hehe
@wakeNbake: Start ‘em.
@BSA: Kuroda, Buchholz, Liriano, in that order.
@MIke: Wright
@Frank Rizzo: Baker, Kuroda, Buchholz, Slowey, Young, in that order.
@jph: Start him.
@MIke: I agree with Baron, your staff doesn’t look like it’s more than a middle of the pack staff. I’d try and upgrade your backend.
@wakeNbake: I like Grandy better.
@BSA: Figgins should get better.
@BSA: Eh on Cody. IowaCubs loves him though.
@IowaCubs: You and Cody should get a room.
I don’t drop anyone for Wake. I drop Wake.
@mikeisalegend: Volquez, hopefully, but it could be surprising.
July 8th, 2008 at 8:52 am
@IowaCubs: It also starts to suck in the roto set up because now the point swings are starting to become minimal so 2 points each day help you maintain your position while -1 can drop you 3 places. The 44 points between me and first seem insurmountable. My ultimate goal is to finish in the top half and learn how to control some of the positions I have struggled to understand in the past.
July 8th, 2008 at 8:53 am
@BSA: With Jeff Kent nursing his 40 year old back, I had to add Damian Easley… I know exactly what you mean. It’s not everyday that you join a league where John Grabow and Tyler Yates are added ten minutes after Matt Capps farts the wrong way.
BTW, the best forum thread was just started:
http://razzball.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=532&p=2650&sid=f35b30685ebbe78d6c28240fc7e910b4#p2650
Help out a brotha.
July 8th, 2008 at 8:55 am
For those considering whether to pick-up/keep Liriano over other pitchers, be sure to manage your expectations about Liriano. His velocity is still down five or six mph from what it was in 2006, and he isn’t throwing his slider (his dominant out pitch) very much because it caused his arm injury in the first place. Frankly, he just isn’t the same pitcher he was when he dominated in 2006, and fantasy owners should know going in that his extended stay in the minors isn’t changing that. What they’ll be getting when he gets promoted is a guy who throws 90-91 with a decent changeup and an solid slider. He won’t strike out batters at the same rate he used to; even in his best minor league starts, he’s maxing out around seven strikeouts. Plus, the Twins rotation has been so good that they’re in no hurry to promote him. Fantasy analysts are all speculating he’ll be up shortly after the all-star break, but I’d be surprised if he gets brought up before August 15th. The Twins know they rushed him last time, and since they don’t need starting pitching, they really want him to re-gain his old form in the minors before they bring him up. It pains me to say this as a Twins/Liriano fan, but I’d pick up almost any other pitcher (Buchholz; Kuroda; Baker; Slowey; et al). I don’t expect anything from Liriano this year.
July 8th, 2008 at 8:56 am
Good morning Grey - nice lightening round! Everyone caught up?
Hopefully Figgy gets better but doesn’t go through the roof since I moved him in the RCL.
@Shogun: Great comment. I agree with you. I’m looking elsewhere from Liriano.
July 8th, 2008 at 9:04 am
Ian Kinsler is perfect.
July 8th, 2008 at 9:12 am
@Chase: Shhh! dont jinx my man! Got Kinsler in the 8th round! and Berkman in the 4th! Currently they are the number 1 and 2 players in Yahoo!……….yahoo!!!!!
July 8th, 2008 at 9:20 am
@Grey: I hart Cody, this is true…
Are you saying that you don’t want Wakefield at all? I’ve been thinking about dropping him for Balfour or Jimenez. I need saves and sorta need K’s, but I’m set in all other pitching categories.
@IowaCubs: I don’t want Wake on any team at any time. I’d go Balfour.
July 8th, 2008 at 9:30 am
@IowaCubs: HA - I was wondering what that smell was - Capps’ Gas or the deep groans Capps’ owners let out.
@Grey: #47 the thread is becoming a fun read.
On that note gotta go, brotha.
July 8th, 2008 at 9:33 am
Got Grey’s boy, Josh Willingham, offered to me for Orlando Cabrera. O-Cab is in my utility (or rather futility) spot, and I could really use a 3rd OF while Bruce is learning.
Should I accept?
July 8th, 2008 at 9:37 am
@Denys: BVV is the best one to ask about getting rid of O-Cab. Hold on, he just walked - “YES”
Are we going around again about O-Cab?
July 8th, 2008 at 9:41 am
I have the urge to start JJ Hardy over Rollins tonight & Yahoo Research agrees giving Hardy 5 stars & Rollins 3 stars but I don’t want to regret this move. Do you think Hardy will have another colossal day or should I stick with Rollins and hopefully get some more SB’s
@Denys: I want Willingham.
@Nick: You can’t get both in your lineup? I don’t want to bench either right now.
July 8th, 2008 at 9:49 am
@BSA: The question is: what brings me more value - O-Cab in my futility spot, or Willingham as my 3rd OF?
@Denys: O-Cab should not be a utility guy. He’s fine as a MI or a SS, but as Utility — ugh.
July 8th, 2008 at 9:51 am
@Grey: That’s what I was flowing with; trade offer accepted.
July 8th, 2008 at 9:54 am
@Grey: Need some trade help! I’m thinking about a deal for A-Rod. Would the following be something that could work:
A-Rod, Ichiro, and Cody Ross for Manny, BJ Upton, and Dempster.
The other team needs 2B and SP.
July 8th, 2008 at 9:54 am
@Nick: You NEVER bench Jimmy Rollins dude. Absolutely NEVER.
@Hank: Sure, I want Arod and Ichiro, but I don’t think anyone would accept that deal.
July 8th, 2008 at 10:07 am
I heard CC doesn’t want his intials marked by periods anymore. Does this affect his fantasy vault?
July 8th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Now that we’re on the subject of utility players, who would you rather place in the utility spot:
Feliz, Pence, Thames, Edmonds, or Adam Pacman Jones?
July 8th, 2008 at 10:12 am
I have Yunel Escobar who is kinda stinking right now. Drop him for Theriot? Or try to move Haren of Harang for a top-tier guy, Reyes/Rollins.
@IowaCubs: Pence, punt.
@Chris: Move Haren or Harang for a top guy if you can.
July 8th, 2008 at 10:22 am
@Freak: Fantasy vault? What’s wrong with you.
Can’t even follow through on a terrible joke. Frankly, I’m disappointed.
July 8th, 2008 at 10:26 am
Still hold onto Wheeler after last nights performance? Think the Rays will go to Balfour now for their main closer?
@Freak: Shake it off, man. You’ll get ‘em next time.
@wakeNbake: I think Balfour will get more looks. I’m holding Wheeler for now. BTW, that should’ve been mentioned in today’s roundup. I’m a bad person!
July 8th, 2008 at 10:39 am
Manny Parra was dropped in my 10 team league.
Who to drop:
Pedro Martinez
Mike Pelfrey
(Huge Mets fan, can’t seem to come to grips with Pedro’s decline. Pelfrey has looked really good and could be big sleeper for 2nd half).
July 8th, 2008 at 10:40 am
@Grey: Carlos Lee for BJ Upton?
July 8th, 2008 at 10:42 am
Add-on to above:
Also considering dropping Liriano for Parra.
July 8th, 2008 at 10:45 am
@Hank: I’d want Lee.
@SaltyBiscuits: Parra is the clearer choice, uncertainty with Liriano.
July 8th, 2008 at 11:13 am
@Hank: Rustic Trumpets? Is that you? THIS VERY TRADE IS PENDING IN THE RCL.
With some throw-ins. It’s an awesome trade.
@SaltyBiscuits: Drop Liriano.
@Hank: Lee
July 8th, 2008 at 11:51 am
If Hank is Rustic Trumpets I call foul.
Uh-oh, someone’s in trouble.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
@Grey: If I get both in the lineup who do I start for OF if Hardy is at UTIL (3 OF spots)
Markakis, Lee, Dye, Burrell, Quentin
(I was planning on benching Quentin already cause he has 2 stars…comes down to Dye & Burrell, who to bench)
July 8th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Both of them - Baron’s on the other side of the table - FOUL!
May all the players in this trade land on the DL with Rustic Trumpets dropping below Iowa and Indifferent Fielders going a into tailspin.
What a coinkadink! Upton for Lee in the RCL and it shows up same time same day on the Razzboard.
Hank is sending Lee + to BVV for Upton +
You better like that trade Baron. Just like Cruisin’ liked getting Atkins for Hyperbaric Drew.
White Lightening - See why you won’t move ARod.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
hahaha.. thats some funny stuff if thats the same guy… he asks for trade advice on this site, with the same people he’s in a league with…. thats fuckin priceless dude.
@Nick: Bench Burrell, but they’re both good matchups.
@BSA: @wakeNbake: Sounds like we have a Razzballgate on our hands.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Now mind you this hasn’t been proven beyond a reasonable doubt yet but there is some evidence to indicate that very notion.
The only thing that indicates otherwise is that both Grey and Denys don’t like it from Hank’s side and the trade was still accepted.
more to come in the town square right next to the stocks….
July 8th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
@Grey: I predict the read on this blog entry will be jumping from 86 to over one hundred by tonight.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
Whoa whoa whoa — I didn’t ask for any advice here. Why would I listen to you Schnohawks — especially the 13 of you currently below me in the standings. Snap!
July 8th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
@BSA: P.S. I’m getting Upton.
Here’s the full trade, for those interested observers:
C. Lee, M. Kobayashi and Wheeler going one way; Upton, Javy Vazquez, and Jared Burton (who?) coming back.
Feel free to dissect, deride, etc.
As mentioned above I am blameless in RazzGate, but then again, I’m not sure asking for advice here is a hanging offense. If anything, Hank ran the risk of me seeing all of you poo-pooing the trade and me pulling out. Thankfully, I am a free thinker.
Viva Upton! Viva La Rays!
July 8th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
@Baron Von Vulturewins: You would never ask if Upton for Lee is a good trade. As you said, It is a great trade.
You didn’t pick your fantasy online name for nothing, Vulture!
@Baron Von Vulturewins: Oh, that’s a lot more even of a trade. I wasn’t told about Javy V.
You’re both culpable in a court of public opinion.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
@BSA: Wait — I’m getting Upton. I’m giving up Lee. You understand that part, right?
According to everyone here, I’m getting rooked, not the other way around.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Viva this idea for some summer excitment from our previous leagues. How can a Blue Jay fan say viva the devildogs?
Good show.
What did you see in the pitchers? You didn’t have to include two closers.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
@Baron Von Vulturewins: If your really desperate for saves and lacking in RBI’s Id take the Lee side…. other wise I like the Upton side. Burton who? is right…. whos that guy? Maybe Burton is the X factor!! ..haha
July 8th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
@Grey: True that, though full disclosure, I offered Carlos Lee for Upton straight up. (Again, for the back of the class: I get Upton. I give Lee.)
What can I say? I need steals. I got homers. My team’s monstrous and steroidal. I like the Rays. I have a crappy MI right now.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
94
July 8th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
@Grey: Marte and Koba are gone. Would you do Hawpe for Rauch?
July 8th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
@Steve: Yes.
@Baron Von Vulturewins: “I like the Rays.” Are you Fred McGriff?
@Steve: Yup.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Javy V makes the trade a bit more evened up IMO. Plus there’s a closer going the other way… I guess it all depends what the respective owners need. If Baron needs SP and speed/runs boost, then getting Upton makes sense. You’re losing ~15 extra HRs with Lee going away tho.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
@Denys: Home runs? I got home runs out the ying-yang. I got Prince, Dunn, I got Hinske, I got Cantu, I got mashers, baby, mashers, as far as the eye can see. (Assuming your eye can see only as far as “Prince and Dunn”*.)
I do need steals. He does need saves and RBIs. I actually kind of hate Javy V, but if you saw my staff you’d understand that useful arms are always welcome. (See ya later, Kenny Rogers!) And I loves making the trades! I would have done Lee for Upton just because. I’m crazy that way. It’s a game, kids. A game! This ain’t the MCATs. Weeee!
Plus, I think Upton hits 12 HRs second half. Yeah, you heard me. 12.
* Worst country group ever.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
@Baron Von Vulturewins: I got $500 to win in my “game”. But I see where you’re coming from, the trade sounds fair.
@Everyone: Given the choice of - Jay Bruce, Chris Davis, and Adam LaRoche - looking for a boost in runs and some power, which would you insert in your UTIL spot.
Also available on the waivers - Mark Ellis, Justin Upton, and Ray Durham.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
@Denys: Yeah, my real league is a money league, with top prize $750. I’m a little less cavalier over there.
Chris Davis for now. LaRoche medium term. Bruce in the long term.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
@BSA: There are no coincidences here, I knowingly posted the trade on here to ask for advice. That’s what the comments are for correct? Where’s the foul play?
Besides we went back and forth a few times to make the deal more appealing to both sides. The standing clearly show that my floundering team is close to last in HR, RBI, OPS, AVE as well as SVs. Upton is about my only blue chip offensive player (mostly because of 2B eligibility).
@wakeNbake: Maybe bad strategy maybe not.
Oh, and Burton (Reds Mr. B) is definitely the X-Factor:
47.1 IP
4 W
3 SV
50 K
2.28 ERA
1.31 WHIP
Y! Rank 186
July 8th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Re: Razzgate
As punishment for the offending teams the 2 best players on each team have been dropped and absorbed by the commissioner’s team. I look forward to enforcing the rules against more of you in the future.
Just kidding. Seriously though, if one party had backed out of the trade based on advice from here I probably would have made it go through with my omnipotent Y? powers as an equitable remedy. If it was good enough for you to live with before Grey told you how stupid you were it would be good enough for you to live with after. No harm no foul. Cheaters.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
@Hank: Where are these three saves of Burton that you speak of?
Lance Burton?
July 8th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
@Hank: I say it’s a classic good trade! Everybody is a winner! You get HRs and RBIs and stuff and I get BJ Upton, who I also have in my Other League. That’s synergy, people!
@p0rk burn: You are a wise and beneficent commissioner. Plus, by passing the trade today, I get Javy’s start tomorrow against KC. Me happy.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
@Denys: Haha you are right sir! Those were HRs!!! Not bad for Great American BP!
No wonder my team is so shitty, I get HRs and SVs confused!
@Baron Von Vulturewins: Agreed. Again.
@Grey: Jared Burton
Burton on a four-game winning streak: Reds RHP Jared Burton, a Rule 5 pick two years ago, is on a four-game winning streak and owns a 0.73 ERA over his last 20 appearances (24 2/3 innings, two earned runs), according to The Sports Xchange.
Burton is a solid middle reliever for deeper leagues that use true middle men. He could develop into a closer someday, but Francisco Cordero has a long-term deal he signed this winter, so don’t expect it at this point.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
@p0rk burn: “If it was good enough for you to live with before Grey told you how stupid you were it would be good enough for you to live with after.”
Well said.
This might be the Comment ‘O the Week.
“Those were HRs!!! Not bad for Great American BP!
No wonder my team is so shitty, I get HRs and SVs confused!”
@Hank: BTW, wasn’t I the one who told you about Burton? Someone asked yesterday. Uh-oh. Busted again?
July 8th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
@Grey: Jared Burton is my new favorite player. I am a middle-reliever believer. Plus, he lost all that weight eating subs. That’s just inspirational.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Is Luke Scott done with his hot streak?
I’m thinking I should drop him for Randy Winn.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
@Grey: Haha, fortunately for me I’ve had Burton on my team since: Jun 15 at 8:14pm. Trouble avoided!
I’ve been riding that 4 game win streak, sad to see him go!
@Freak: Winn? Eh. Though I don’t want Scott either.
@Hank: I hope your team manages to overcome the shock of losing Jared Burton.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
@Hank: Thats just funny dude… never mind the strategy. Thats probably the funniest thing Ive seen so far this fantasy season aside from Chris Snyder busting a nut. Haha… that had me rolling, ur the man Hank.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
@Grey: Also, with a hat tip to BVV, what is your stance on us asking advice about our RCL teams here? Maybe it would be better to avoid it, or do you think all’s fair? We all come here for the great (humorous) advice, I think!
I’ll try to stay the course, but it’s going to be tough replace those 3 HRs of Burton’s with some SVs.
@Hank: I don’t care if you ask for advice.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
@Hank: Not in the RCL, so take what I say with a grain of salt. It seems fair to me tho, it was just funny because it seemed like nobody knew that you were the same person that was in the RCL.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
now I kno who Jared Burton is…. he pitched in the series when Cincy came to Yankee Stadium. Hes got some crazy facial hair going on that guy.
July 8th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
@Grey: Current WW fodder is Winn, Beltre, Mike Jacobs, Either, Krispie, Votto, Werth, Cody Ross, Justin Upton…craptacular
AVG is my biggest priority, HRs 2nd. So I’m guessing Either.
July 8th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Scratch that, HRs aren’t a priority at all.
My one and only concern is AVG.
@Freak: Yeah, Ethier.
July 8th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
RCL week in review posted in the forums.
@p0rk burn: Thanks, P0rk.
July 8th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
We end razzballgate with a quote from a great movie,
Mister Senor Love Daddy: My people, my people, what can I say, say what I can. I saw it but didn’t believe it, I didn’t believe what I saw. Are we gonna live together, together are we gonna live?
Stay Cool!
@BSA: Extra Cheese is 2 dollars.
July 8th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
@Grey: Yo, Sal, we’re gonna boycott your fat pasta ass.
July 8th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Follow up to my initial trade discussion of Vlad/Longo/Mauer for Grandy/Wright/Pudge:
The following is in voting and already has one f’in objection,
I give Vlad/Longo/Mauer/Morneau and get Grandy/Wright/Pudge/Fielder.
So now my offense is Pudge, Fielder, Utley, Hairston, Wright, Grandy, Sparkakis, Bruce, Shef with a bench of Figgins, Pence, and Tulo.
July 8th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Did I mention how excited I am about the Harden trade?
No? Well, I’m pleased as punch. High as a pie in the sky that just won’t die.
@Freak: Really? You’re not worried about Harden’s track record at all? He hasn’t come close to 200 IP in 4 years and if the Cubs get to the playoffs, he’ll be way over 200. I think this is a reactionary move because of the the CC move by the Brewers.
July 8th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
@Grey: Was this done pretty quietly? On the east coast I didn’t hear anything.
@BSA: Don’t know. I heard about it in the Razzball forums.
July 8th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Has anyone picked up Mike Pelfry? Anyone seen him pitch?
July 8th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
@BSA: If your league vetoes this you need a new league.
@Grey: Come on, the Cubs have a great history with fragile pitchers. I’m sure Harden will be pitching well into February.
July 8th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
@wakeNbake: Yeah I try and keep all my personalities separate and mixed up, that way nobody knows where the fuck I’m coming from!
@Baron Von Vulturewins: If I remember correctly, don’t former A’s aces have long track record of success?
If only there was a facetious wink/emoticon/thingy.
July 8th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Shed a tear for you when I left Longo in the mix. As to the objections - there is one team I have a personal vendetta against and another guy hates my trade offers. Last one was telling me I wasn’t even in the same area code and had no counter. Granted the offer was me giving Hudson/Figgins for either Hanley or MiggyC. Well, needless to say their is one team that has objected to every trade within the first two hours of the posting. The only trade I have had without an objection was when I got Markakis and gave Quentin.
July 8th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
@Hank: I guess so Hank I think I see you in three places here, RCL, and forums with three different signature/logons.
July 8th, 2008 at 5:38 pm