I’m going to put the caveats up front. Caveat #1) When I was younger, I played doctor on occasion, but I never went to med school. Caveat #2) Trading for or grabbing injured pitchers off waivers is risky. You get one setback and you could lose the pitcher for another month or two. Then bam! you’re in September and shouting Emeril catchphrases. Caveat #3) The comparison I’m about to make may hold no weight whatsoever. Caveat #4) There’s no caveat #4, there never is. Like an overworked truck driver, Jorge de la Rosa had a strain of his middle finger. This injury is similar (this is the comparison that may be wonky) to Adam Wainwright’s middle finger strain in 2008. When Wainwright returned, he had 6 of 7 solid starts. Now if dlR uses his middle finger more than Wainwright or if his injury was more severe than Wainwright’s this may mean nothing. My common sense says, “The injury is not an arm injury. It’s your bugger off finger.” I think Rosa can return with value, but there’s also risk attached. So you have to weigh your pros and cons. A big pro is the plus-sized girl at The Chicken Ranch. Another big pro is that dlR strikes out a batter per inning. Mmm… Strikeouts. Anyway, here’s some more players I’d buy or sell this week in fantasy baseball:
BUY
Pedro Alvarez – Sure, he doesn’t have a 45-year-old wife with kids that he doesn’t recognize like Jose Tabata or a cool nickname like The Dread Pirate (though I may try and push The Smashbuckler like that Mean Girl tried to push fetch), but Alvarez does have a good bat and upside. Who else are you rocking at your corner infidel spot? Headley? Yeah, he’s disappointing at best and playing his home games at Petco at worst.
Dayan Viciedo – Just went over my Viciedo fantasy. Thank me later.
Delmon Young – Four long years ago, Delmon was the hottest prospect in all of baseball and flinging bats at umpires. Well, he’s still only 24 and now wearing Stickum. I wouldn’t expect much more than 20 homers and 10 steals, which sounds like what Pacman Jones should give you, but Delmon has that ever elusive upside. Wait, Jones has that too. Hmm…
Tyler Colvin – Steve Stone Piniella decided to give Colvin a chance and so should fantasy owners for pop. Not cola.
Travis Hafner – This is not implying that I think you should trade for Hafner. No, this is simply if you see him on waivers, I’d grab him (with one hand supporting the back of his big melon head).
Aubrey Huff – Hey, it’s Pat the Bat’s fingercuff partner. Huff has always been better in the 2nd half and now he’s hitting in the 1st half. You do the math!
David DeJesus – Member that guy you picked up about a month ago because he was hitting? Let’s call him Fred Lewis. Yeah, that’s DeJesus. Or DeJewis.
Mike Napoli – Why are people dropping him? You need to chillax. He’s playing 1st base as Mathis starts behind the plate.
Bronson Arroyo – Member how his post-All-Star Break ERA last year (2.24 ERA) fooled people into drafting him in March? Ah, we did have a laugh at them, huh? Me and you. You don’t remember, do you? Oh, well. It’s close enough to the All-Star Break that you can now grab him.
Jon Niese – He’s really not that exciting but I’m ready to take a long pull from the Niese pipe (maybe could’ve reworded that). Right now, Metco is ranked dead last in offense. No reason why you can’t exploit that.
Clayton Richard – Has an ERA of 2.71, 1.28 WHIP and home games in Petco. Imagine my surprise when I saw he’s only owned in 48% of ESPN leagues. Imagine my further surprise when I started a sentence with “Imagine my surprise.” Sounds like I’m writing in to Dear Abby. Imagine my surprise when they showed up at my door three hours after the housewarming started! Empty-handed! Some people!
Dan Hudson – Stephen just went over him in the Dan Hudson for fantasy thingamawhosie. With Peavy’s injury, we could see him in the landmark case, Sooner vs. Later.
Jason Hammel – Went over him in last week’s Buy/Sell. But you knew that.
Aaron Heilman – Heilman’s really not as safe as he may seem, but for right now SAGNOF!
Brandon Lyon – Don’t think Lindstrom just flat-out loses the job without a few major breakdowns (which could happen), but he has complained about a sore back a few times recently. Lindstrom sneezes and Lyon becomes the closer in Houston. It’s the very lazy butterfly effect.
SELL
Austin Jackson – I told you to sell Jackson back in April because that’s when his value was at its highest. If you wait until a guy actually stops hitting, then you’re not going to be able to sell them for anything. You’re gonna just drop him. And that’s about all you can do with Jackson now.
Carl Crawford – Let’s look at two lines. 50/6/36/.297/23 and 44/3/22/.317/22. That’s Crawford and Gardner, respectively. I could’ve also posted Podsednik or Rajai or insert SAGNOF’er. The steals are great and I don’t think Crawford necessarily falls apart. I think he stays on the same pace he has been his whole career, which happens to have him stealing less bases in August and September than any other months. So if you can get cheap steals and move Crawford for a big piece, I would. Say Crawford for Ryan Howard then grab steals off waivers? I’d do that. Don’t trade Crawford for a free consultation at the Don Mossi Beautification Center.
Chase Headley – I’m moving on in the leagues where I own him. Petco is where sleeper dreams go to die. How’s that for a turn of a phrase? Huh? Okay, moving on…
Andy Pettitte – I wonder if you can convince the Yankee fan in your league that Pettitte’s year is for real because it’s not. That reminds me of a run-in I had with Buddy Hackett about fifteen years ago. I dropped heaps of admiration and he said, “Is that a diamond in your nose? Oh no, it’s not.” I stared. Buddy, “No, it’s not!” Blank stare. “It’s snot!” Turned out I had to wipe my nose.
Which side would you want of Lincecum for Price/Stanton/Aardsma?
Hammel, Niese, Medlen — please rank them for the rest of the year. Thanks.
@steamer: Lincecum…
@The Cow: Medlen, Hammel…
Most saves for Arizona……….(a) the rest of this year (b) next year?
@Grey: Pacman or Colvin?
Zito vs the BJs today? This team has such a bad staff I can’t keep up with the innings limit because I have to sit people so often. I tried trading Rios for Rick Vaughn and that baby who smokes like a boss but it was a no go.
I lied…here’s one last either/or (but this is a new post, so technically, I didn’t lie)
(1) getting Dunn & Grienke FOR Lincecum & Wiggy
OR
(2) getting Tex, Arroyo & S-Rod FOR A-Rod & Colby Lewis
@Commish Cauda: I like side 2 FWIW.
Please rank the following SPs for the rest of the year:
Brett Cecil, Kris Medlen, Jon Niese, Max Scherzer, Gavin Floyd, Jhoulys Chacin
@Nuke LaDouche: one good turn…
What are your other choice(s)?
Myself, I sat Zito today. I know TOR doesn’t hit lefties well, but on the road in that homer dome seemed like a recipe for disaster. It was either him or Nolasco, and I went with Nolasco at home against TEX. Nolasco didn;t get the win, but he got a QS.
I got Brett Cecil and Ian Kennedy as my bottom 2 starters. Bronson Arroyo is available in my league. Is it worth dropping either of them for Arroyo?
Its not H2H. Only roto so I don’t have to start anyone. The team just has few pitchers I actually can start no matter what. Basically Gallardo. Kershaw has been coming around too. I’ll probably sit him too. I can make it up down the road. Just didn’t wanna get sonofabenched without reassurance!
Should I drop Bartlett for Scutaro?
@Grey: I’ll sit JWill and Posey tonight in favor of Tabata and Damon. I have a feeling D-Train’s going to derail in his return to Detroit Rock City.
Hey! I’m one of those poor schmucks who drafted Arroyo late – only to drop him when he stunk. Now I’m crying like the Native American who just saw litter.
- I like Smashbuckler for Alvarez. I wonder how to say that en espanol.
- Wow, Don Mossi! What a mug!
Ludwick for BJ?
Other options would include dropping Posey or Alvarez for Stubbs, Podsednick, Tabata.
I can’t stand trading power for steals. I need to play in a league without SBs. It’s a meaningless stat.
@Grey – To follow up an earlier question -
I’m thinking about dropping AJ Burnett for Bronson Arroyo or taking a flier on Dan Hudson. I mean with what AJ has been bringing to the table, a flier can’t be any worse right? My guess is I should look at Arroyo before Dan Hudson, but what do you say?
@Dave: Heilman… No idea…
@tHe ShiT: Jones…
@Nuke LaDouche: I’d sit him.
@Commish Cauda: Dunn…
@genghis chone: That order looks fine.
@Long Bong Hitters: I’d hold for now.
@Wah: Eh…
@3FingersBrown: Smashpelota… Maybe.
@struggler: Drop Posey for Podsednik…
@William: Try Arroyo…
Manny being Manny – don’t expect Manny to be in the Dodgers starting linup for the weekend series at Fenway – I heard he will be faking an illness
My wife email me this story today ( non fantasy baseball related):
Lindsay Lohan’s mom has a problem with Fudgie the Whale. Dina Lohan angered Carvel store managers on Long Island by allegedly abusing, and overusing, a special “Carvel Black Card” issued to her daughter to get free ice cream. Even though Lindsay is the only person supposed to be using the card, Dina presented it Wednesday night at the East Meadow store to get an ice cream cake for her son Cody’s 14th birthday. The manager tried to confiscate the card. “He said I’m not giving the card back,” Dina told The Post. “He almost pushed the cake off the counter and he wouldn’t give the card back, so we called police. It’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever seen.” Cops came and gave the card back to Dina. A Carvel rep said the Black Cards were given out to celebrities last year as a promotion, and only the boldfaces themselves can use them.
Haha- I grew up in East Meadow. I am going to go there to pick up a Fudgy the Whale cake for Father’s Day and ask them if they accept the Black Card. I will tell them that Natalie Portman is my mistress (also grew up on Long Island)
Anyone have thoughts on starting Floyd against the Nats and Second-coming Strasburg tonight? Every time I start someone against the Nats I regret it.
@mr baseball: Hehe
@KarlJ.: That’s hilarious. I wonder how much bartering she did with that thing. “Yeah, I can’t pay for this car service, but…. If you have a birthday coming up, I can get you a Fudgie.”
I have Mauer and Santana as well as a glut of OFs. I could use help at CI and SS. So far, attempts to get Tulo, Andrus and Jeter have failed.
Do any of these options make sense?
1. Mauer for Dunn or Pena (I could make it Mauer + Smoak)
2. Mauer for Butler
Thanks.
@Nuke LaDouche: If you own him, you have to start him there.
Hi Grey — Interesting point about Hudson … in terms of speculative minor-league pitcher pickups, how would you rank Hudson along with Hellickson, Bumgarner, and Chapman.
Also, can you think of a joke involving the names Hellickson, Bumgarner, and Chapman? Seems like there should be one, but I’ve got nothing.
@3FingersBrown: “Now I’m crying like the Native American who just saw litter.”
I’ve seen Grey use this line as well, and I wonder…
Perhaps Mr. Native American is crying because he doesn’t have his bow handy to take care of those mother@$#ers…
@Terry Felton: I wouldn’t do either unless you’re fine on average and really need power, then Dunn.
@Enrique: “Hellickson, Bumgarner, and Chapman”
Law firm, gynecologists or proctologists – take your pick.
@Enrique: Bumgarner, Hudson… Unless Hudson is called up first, then Hudson over Bumgarner.
@Christopher: Ha
What about CSantana for Dunn or Pena? Is that a lowball offer?
@Grey: I just got offered Jeter for The Messiah (Strasburg)
I countered by asking him for Tulo instead, can’t hurt asking
@Terry Felton: It’s pretty low ball. Can try it.
@Doug Ault: Can’t hurt.
I’m rockin’ Niese, Cueto, and Medlen at the bottom of a mixed league staff. Would you snag Annibal Sanchez off the wire, or go with what I’ve got?
Is Masterson worth a spot start on Sunday against the hapless Pirates? This is in a deep league.
@Bob: It’s tough to drop Cueto, but he hasn’t exactly been lights-out. Medlen may or may not have a rotation spot when Jurrgens comes back. Is there anyone else you can drop to get Sanchez? How deep is the league?
I apologize in advance for this to any of his owners, but I picked up Silva in the RCL b/c I know the most sure-fired way to jinx a dude is to add him to my team. I’m hoping it will make the Mariners management feel a little better about the toxic assets swap.
@Christopher: No room for other drops. I’m just trying to settle on a decent bottom of my rotation.
@Eric: I think that the Pirates could give him some troubles. They have a lot of players who bat left or are switch hitters, and they are spread pretty evenly throughout the lineup. Masterson is still rocking a WHIP over 2 against lefties, and a BB/9 around 6 against em.
Also, as the Passive Aggressive Fantasy Starter, I assume he’ll do poorly. Not from the start, though. He’ll probably pitch like 3.2 solid innings, making you think that you’re a fantasy genius, and then implode for 5 runs with 2 outs.
@Bob: Anibal and Cueto are dependent on matchups.
@Eric: It’s risky, depends how badly you need the start.
@royce!: Ha
D-Lee homered again. He must have found a new way. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0_WJDige0s&feature=related
@Christopher: That’s a start on the joke front … seems like all three names are vaguely but not explicitly vulgar.
Might be worth noting that Hafner isn’t going to be starting any of the games against NL teams this week. He’s just going to get some pinch-hitting opportunities.
@royce!: I have the same sinking feeling. They’re only hitting .235 or something like that against RHP, but Masterson’s record against lefties is always a worry.
When one of your guys has the bases loaded is there a bigger letdown than the sac fly?
@Steve: yeah,like when justin upton k,s,
@Steve: punching bag is killing us in the keeper league with those dumb trades
Hammel or DLR?
Wouldja drop any of the following in a 16 Team H2H Keeper for Viciedo:
Smoak, Sean-Rod, Tabata?
They’re all fluctuating in and out of the last UTIL spot on my roster. Thanks dood…
@AL KOHOLIC: Yeah, that one is a bit lame. Hopefully Morneau does another second half disappearing act.
@Nuke LaDouche: Ha
@Steve: Yeah, a double play when you have the next hitter too.
@P´luto: Hammel…
@Wilsonian: Smoak…
I heard pronk wont be starting for the next 9 games due to interleague matchups. We just got pronk’ed
@Grey: Ur competition…
http://www.contracostatimes.com/top-stories/ci_15320573?src=yahoohome&nclick_check=1
Grey- How many leagues are you in?
@Martin: Thanks for the heads up!
@tHe ShiT: He’s a freak! I’m cool.
@laz: 8ish.
@Grey: Yes u r sir…
@grey- who do you like more between fragu or delmon young in a league that counts the “regular” stats plus OPS?
@Grey: Just grabbed Huff for the LF spot in my H2H league.
And warming the bench now? Ibanez and Lind.
Sheesh.
I trip out on the Strasburg countdown clock on the mlb network
@Martin: Young…
@Steve: Lind…
@tHe ShiT: Ha
rodney gets a save for that !!?
Grey borbon or colvin?
@big o: Ha
@Mets fan: Different needs… Need steals? Then Borbon.
@Grey: Oh – was more of a statement, than a question for you.
As in, this is what it’s come to – Ibanez and Lind have been so awful that right now I’d rather have Huff at LF and stick BOTH of them on the bench.
Tulo out 6-8 weeks?
http://www.rotoinfo.com/comments-latestfromTwitter-28703.html
@Mark Geoffriau: Ouch, he has a broken wrist. Man, he has so many wrist injuries.
@Grey: Realistic expectations 4 Colvin? He went yard 2day…
@Grey: Yeah, I’m not sure why I posed that as a question, since I was supplying a source and everything. I guess I’m just feeling uncertain.
Oh well, Tulo’s owned by the 3rd place team in my league (who also won the last 2 years running).
@tHe ShiT: 20 HRs, .280…
@Mark Geoffriau: Yeah, I don’t have him on any team, so nice.
Chris Nelson getting called up to replace Tulo with Barmes sliding over. Worth the Add?
@Grey: Colvin gna b the same or better than Boesch?
@ Campbell
I’d probably drop Aviles to get him.
Granderson and Stubbs both sitting today.
Oh, and V-Mart is sitting too, but not carrying another catcher, I’ll be starting him just for the inevitable PH.
@Mark Geoffriau: Excellent. I’ll get all of Grandy’s production but none of the damage to my AVE and OBP.
@Campbell: Sure…
@tHe ShiT: Tomato-tomahto.
@Mark Geoffriau: Thanks for the heads up!
@Grey: Yo, should i drop matsui for big head hafner?…its only for my dh spot
Argg… with Tulo out for 6-8 weeks, here’s whats on the waiver wire: Peralta, Tejada, Aviles, Pennington, Escobar & Barmes. Any preference?
Alcides that is.
Goddamn Tulowristy! I have him in one league where I’m in 2nd, but was trying to look on the bright side by thinking I could trade Andrus (I also have Hanley) to his owner in another league. Then it turned out he’s owned by the one owner in that league who has clearly checked out- he’s still starting both Sizemores.
@Grey: Who should I replace Tulo with at SS: Furcal, Peralta or Sean Rod?
@Jermo: Hafner…
@tourinct: Blech… Tejada… But I’d watch for hot hands and just play those. Like Scutaro right now.
@royce!: Ha! I like that name. I may steal it.
@Fletch: Furcal…
Anyone have any recent news on Eric Young, Jr.? All I know is as of late May he was pain free but “awaiting further tests.” Apparently they’re sending them via stagecoach, ‘cos, y’know, Denver’s in the west…
@Jermo: Actually, Matsui because Hafner may not play in interleague.
@royce!: Ha… Rudy grabbed him in one league the other day. EY’s due back soon.
So, gotta drop someone to pick up a schmo to cover for Tulo. Should I drop Carlos Santana (trade bait, got Napoli), Colby Lewis, Ervin Santana, Nolasco, or Beckett (grabbed off waivers right before he got DL’d)?
mlbtv
gammons just announced that roger “rocket” just purchased 4 monster seat tickets for tonight’s game .
in a vacuum ,
pushed or jumped ?
@royce!: Santana…
@big o: Jumped.
Is Hammel worth a start at home today? I see Milwaukee leads the NL in homers with 82.
I’m heading to a game later that is about the tightest proof against interleague play possible: BAL @ SD. Anyone wanna guess the attendance? I think 15k is optimistic.
I think SD knew how hard it was going to be to get people to this game so they made it both “College Night” (cheap beer/tickets, and a DJ before the game) and “Salute to the Negro Leagues” (a pre-game ceremony). I really hope they don’t have the pre-game ceremony and the DJ going at the same time…I really don’t want to watch people choose some horrible DJ.
Tomorrow should be a sell out though- Kyle Blanks bobblehead night!
@Grey: Same predicament with Tulo as many others. I saw your responses about the riding the hot hands like Scutaro, and he is available to me once Yahoo officially places Tulo on the DL. But I wanted to drop a few other names open to me and see what you think, if you still would opt for Scutaro: Alex Gonzalez, Orlando Cabrera, Stephen Drew, Uribe and Furcal is also available.
Scutaro’s run’s look nice as well as heating up with a team at the right time, just a drop in the RBI’s (obviously) from Tulo. Would you still opt for Scutaro out of all the names I dropped there? Argh. Tulo, why did you have to have your wrist do this? I see my chances in my league suddenly shrinking.
Fernando Rodney picked up a save. Is he worth picking up
@vinko: It’s risky, depends on your situation.
@royce!: 12,000+ is optimistic. re: Blanks: That’s awesome, be great if it was with his hat off.
@ViagraFalls: Scutaro…
@aj: Depends on your team and who you’re dropping, as always.
i could drop heilman, niese, morrow, barbon
@aj: Eh… I’d hold, unless you’ll never play Borbon.
Pitching add/drop question for a 10 team H2H, non keeper, 5×5:
My starters are Verlander, King Felix, Latos, Jaime, Javy Vazquez, Burnett, Anibal, and Penny (man, this DL stint is lasting forever). After Burnett’s repeated shelling, I am ready to drop him.
On the wire: Dickey, Cahill, Hammel, and Niese. Not wild about Cahill, and Hammel still seems dangerous despite today’s buy suggestion. Is he my best, or should I try Dickey or Niese?
@Jenkies: Hammel (away), Niese…
@Grey: Carlos or Ervin?
Re: Blanks bobblehead, I posted a pic of it in the forums (couldn’t figure out a way to link to it here ‘cos its from a pop-up link). It’s like all the designer was told was the guy’s name is Kyle. You’ll see what I mean.
@royce!: Ervin… Unless you need a catcher, which you don’t. Nice pic, looks like Scott Hairston.
@Grey: I’m sorry, you’re “unless you need a catcher, which you don’t” comment threw me off. You’re saying to drop Ervin Santana, not Carlos Santana?
I have a middle finger Georgie DLR can use
@royce!: Sorry for the confusion. I’d drop Carlos, unless you need a catcher or this is a keeper.
@Tom Emanski: Ha
so grey are you a buyer – Sam Demel
@mr baseball: Not unless he’s getting saves.
Big Papi is on fire AGAIN
@Ryan: Damn! I have to say that if Corey Hart cools down (and he might just be now) that David Ortiz is his frontrunning replacement. Jorge Posada was grabbing my attention with those GS’s last week, but Papi is in a serious groove.
And both are available in FA. Damn, Big Papi!
@Grey: late to the show today, so im sure this question or a variation of has probably been asked, but best WW replacement for tulo?
sean rod
tejada
al escobar
barmes
peralta
renteria (weak crop, i know)
thoughts?
thanks.
@ViagraFalls:
yeah and the Util thing is a pain in the ass but he is hitting some bombs into the CF bleachers
@herschel: Can give Sean-Rod a whirl…
@grey- Huge problem, Tulo just went on the DL with a broken wrist out 6-8 weeks. I can either drop fragu, huff, ely, DLR, or beckett to make room for a new SS. But the question is who should i pick up? The best i can get is brignac probably or maybe barmes now that he will play ss. Other eh players are gonzalez, betancourt, escobar etc. What should i do?
@Martin: Yunel…
@grey- I could try and trade fragu for a ss like scutaro? Is that a good idea?
@Ryan: Utility thing? You mean as far as using Big Papi? If so, he has dual eligibility at DH/First Base on Yahoo so I wouldn’t be stuck at only using him in the Utility slot. Otherwise, yeah, he is hitting with some serious power again. And fairly consistently. I don’t know how long it will last, but I think I might take him soon enough if Hart stops his run. Seems like Hart stopped knocking HR’s out just after I picked him up a week or two ago. He may start up again, I’ll wait a little longer, but Papi is showing us all he is in the zone right now.
@Martin: I’d want a bit better than Scutaro, but it depends on your situation. If you need Runs and FraGu’s a bench bat, I could see it.
this is perhaps the worst sonofabench week ever…first the Tabata-Jones flip flop that maounted to 0-9 instead of two homers but I have had Stanton in every day until today…wahwahwah
@danimal35: Ouch…
@grey- i could try to trade stanton for latos or oswalt. Would that be a good idea?
@Grey: i feel like giving up…
I reversed sonavabenched myself. I thought I had sat Stanton everywhere and then I checked and had him playing on all teams.
/sigh of relief
@Eddy: Nice…
@Grey: So wait…Scutaro is or is not the “best of what’s out there” guy (depending on your league’s wire)? Furcal, Alex Gonzalez, Drew, Theriot, Escobar, Aybar, Uribe, the Escobar’s…
You still take Scutaro out of that or someone with more power like Gonzalez?
@ViagraFalls: I’d rank them Furcal, Drew, Theriot, Scutaro… Gonzalez if you just want power…
loving the big fly from Stanton
@Grey: What kind of #s do you expect from Hafner hear on out? Now that vlad has OF elig. I could potentially use him to help replace the power I lost in Kendry.
My OF is such a bust between Granderson and Bay. Do you think either of those guys eventually heats up?
@bodymore: Hafner’s not someone you put on your team for the whole season. Play him while he’s hot, get some power then drop him. I think Grandy will be okay, I’m worried about Bay, but have been since December when he signed with the Mets.
Of course I could have put Stanton in to one of my teams, but went with Bay instead.
The icing? I own Garza on one team.
Awesome.
@Grey: Thankfully, I was able to get Furcal off waivers as my Tulo replacement. I assume you like him over Yunel, correct? I know I could have ended up with a lot worse than Furcal.
Also…Floyd, DLR or Medlen for the rest of the year?
@Grey:
In all honesty, where do you see Strasburg going next season? And same question with a twist–where SHOULD he go?
@Steve: Garza’s killing a few of my teams right now.
@Fletch: Yeah, Furcal… Medlen, but he’s not a rest of the season guy.
Ibanez can kiss my a** too.
@grey what do you think of Matt Garza, hes slipping, should I grab Neise or Arroyo or see if Garza can come back to what he was in April.
Lilly, Silva, Cahill and Ani Sanchez are also available.
@Eddy: A lot can happen between now and then. If he continues the way he’s going, he’ll go in the 6th to 8th rounds like where guys like John Johnson went this year. So around the 10th to 12th SP taken. He’ll probably be overvalued by a few rounds.
@Dominic: Grab those guys over Garza? No. Lilly’s the top guy there to grab.
i know im thinking irrationally but i just wanna strangle him after 7 runs in 1.1 innings today
Am I reading that right? Garza threw 71 pitches in 1.1 IP? Wow. So glad I benched him in my innings limit league.
@Dominic: Yeah, it was crushing in three leagues for me.
@Grey: Do you think that Hart’s run is going to slow up soon or is slowing up now? If so, do you think this re-emergence of Big Papi is something that is real enough to replace him if he does tail off?
He’s been unexpectedly powerful and I picked him up to try and ride the wave. But, as I said before, he decided to slow down on the HR’s since. I don’t quite know what to make of him, if he is for real or if he had a lucky streak and is having it close up.
@ViagraFalls: No reason why Hart can’t continue. Plus, he can steal some bases and he has better eligibility than Ortiz.
How can anyone trust GARZA
Trading Strasburg for Wandy+Donkeycorn (keeper league, of course) is looking like the worst trade of the season by far.
@Grey: I have DlR on the DL while he heals and rehabs his screw you finger and after reading your post on him, I’m trying to weigh the risks of keeping him vs. dropping him/trying to trade him when he returns. Yes, he can get K’s like a fiend and hopefully return with good command, but as you said that’s a very risky bet.
My pitchers right now consist of: Halladay (who keeps giving me a great game and then falling apart the next…), Price, Kershaw, J. Sanchez, Pelfrey, Marmol and Valverde. Now if I were to keep DlR, obviously one of them would have to go and the only one that stands out is Pelfrey. And Pelfrey is pitching pretty well as of late. Sanchez would have been the one moreso a few weeks ago due to lack of run support, but that seems to be improving. Do you think the risk is worth it to keep DlR and drop Pelfrey in my case (or Sanchez) or would you let him go?
I suppose I could always drop a bench spot in the offensive rotation for one more pitching slot and keep them both, but then offense suffers. What do you think? And thanks for all the help today, Grey, you’ve gone all out and I really appreciate it.
I had Granderson in my starting lineup – he was not playing so this is who I put in to replace him
M. Stanton homered to deep left, H. Ramirez, D. Uggla and C. Ross scored
Was offered kemp and kjo for utley? Thoughts?
@ViagraFalls: Sure, no problem. I’d keep all of those pitchers. Trade a pitcher if you have too many.
@mr baseball: Nice…
@Quimmy: I’d take Kemp.
Tom Emanski Says: 71 pitches in 1,1 inning pitch for Garza
I heard Tom they took Garza out because they wanted to limit his pitch count to 70 pitches
@ViagraFalls: Yeah sorry, my main league is on ESPN where Papi is only Util.
@Doug Ault: I hope you were able to cancel that Stras for Tulo offer after the X-rays came back showing a break and/or before the other guy clicked “Accept Offer”.
Hey Grey, since we’ve added “Greinke’d” to the Razzball lexicon, I think it’s time to add “Clippar’d”, as well… basically meaning an SP threw well only to have his W vultured. As in, “Looked like Strasburg might get Clippar’d tonight, but now he may get his start Capp-sized.” Not something to add to the glossary, just for tossing around in the comments.
Catcher question:
How would you rank these guys for the rest of the season? (standard roto)
Montero, C. Santana, Posey, Posada
Thanks!
@ Grey:
Would you trade McCann for Montero straight up?
@Grey Just got the breaking bad news! Replacement for Tulo: Barmes, Alexei, Tejada? Have a good weekend!
someone check Adam Lind’s pulse
Hold tight with Wandy or drop for Niese, Hammel, Bonderman, Slowey or C. Richard? Thanks!
Stanton! Sonavabench!
Please rank: Medlen, Wandy and Harang for the rest of the year. Thanks.
@mr baseball: Ha
@Awesomus Maximus: It’s okay, the only problem is vulture wins are so fluky that he’s getting them now but may not get another one in a few months.
@tenken: Posada…
@Byrd: Nope…
@Howard: Alexei…
@fitz: Seriously.
@Mojo the Helper Monkey: Richard (at home), Hammel…
@Howard: Ouch.
@Dexter: Medlen…
I’ve been offered Felix H & Rollins for my Mourneau & Price. That would leave me with Vmart at 1st & Napoli at C. Already have Reyes at SS but Rollins could fill MI. Currently have Stewart at MI. What do you think?
Rollin’ tonight yet the greed in me is kickin myself for leaving RDavis’ AVG on the bench.
Is there a better sell high in the history of fantasy baseball than Stephen Strasburg right now (in non-keeper leagues)? Sooner or later he’s going to have to face a major league offense.
I need to get his off somewhere: Sat out Gavin Floyd, started Wandy and Garza in one league. *sadface*
One more replacement for Tulo question: Callaspo, O. Cabrera, Starlin Castro, or Neil Walker?
@Grey: I actually asked the Dominican handy man in my building – who’s a big baseball fan and claims to know Alvarez, like everyone in the neighborhood – how to say “smash” as in hitting a ball hard. The Dominican word is La Saco. So SmashBuckler would be La Saco Pirata! There’s an accent over the ‘o’ but I don’t know how to type that.
@KarlJ.: That’s funny as hell. I know that Carvel too, I have family out there. Tell them to make a custom Fudgie ‘O Puss (like the green cookiepuss they used to advertise for St. Patty’s) for Natalie Portman. Reminds me of the old Beasties single, “Cookiepuss”
@royce!: I’m with you: interleague play is bleh. Even the subway series has long since lost it’s thrill. I could go for one SS every few years, but two a season is ridiculous. Of course it’s always a sellout – that I contributed to by buying a 4 game package to get Mets/Yanks seats with a friend. Ok, so I’m a hypocrite.
Blanks bobble head night should really get the fanny’s in the seats. Funny, when I last went to Metco, I took a picture of a display case filled with David Murphy bobbleheads. Thankfully they didn’t give him his own night (did they?). Anyway, I’d love to visit Petco. Looks like a beautiful park.
Would you drop any of Lilly, Baker or Buchholz for Volquez?
@Grey: True… whereas Greinke will continue to get Greinke’d for as long as he wears a Royals’ uni.
@Impression: Probably… except in my league. I held him for 6 weeks just so I could trade him after a few good starts. Now that I’m ready for pay day, no one’s biting! Hopefully another weekend of Sportscenter hyping him will push that Longoria owner to click “Accept Offer”.
@Steamer: Not crazy about it.
@BSA: Greedy!
@Impression: May not be.
@SamYo: Wait, what? Ouch.
@mikeE: O-Cab
@3FingersBrown: Ha… That’s not bad. Takes some esplainin’.
@Wesley: Nope…
@Awesomus Maximus: Yup…
I picked up BUCK to start over the horrid Wieters. I just couldn’t take it anymore. Wieters can rot on my bench now
Is there a Razzball term for when you trade for a player, and the very day you get him he goes on the DL? Alex Rios for Tulo… FML
@Combo: You got Jokey Smurf’d.
@laz: never again will i draft a catcher early
The Pirates called up Pedro Alvarez, not Pedro Astacio, right?
@Grey: Laughing my f**king ass off (not at your trade, Combo… that sucks).
@Grey: A little long-winded I suppose. I really hope Alvarez mashes. It’ll be bizarre to see the kids around here rocking Pirates jerseys.
Hey Hammel with another solid start (at home no less). Dude is making me look like I know something. Dropping Floyd, not so much.
Just lost Tulo. Me sad. Bartlett, Yunel Escobar, Alexi Ramirez, Betancourt? Thank you.
@Tom Emanski: Ha
@Awesomus Maximus: Hehe
@3FingersBrown: Where are you Washington Heights?
@Tulo No More: Alexei…
@Grey: Yup. 184th and B’Way
Do I win trading Soto and Wandy for Montero? Thx team!
Bleh! Hernandez blew Shutdown Sauce’s W. I guess Simon will start getting the 9th soon… Oh well, at least I got a vulture W in one league with Bell.
Alright off to sleep off this drunk. Mermaid Parade + Cyclones game will be a long (and beer soaked) day tomorrow.
To anyone visiting NYC in the summer: Do yourself a favor and go to Coney Island to see the Mets A affiliate Cyclones. Beautiful ballpark over there. Plus you can ride the famous coaster and go see two-headed animals and freaky art school chicks do burlesque down the street after. Good times.
I have to take issue with your Carl Crawford analysis. He’s on pace for 15 HR 93 RBI 129 Runs and 58 SB. I agree that he probably won’t steal that many but neither Gardner nor random speed merchant off waivers is going to sniff those power numbers. Even if you traded Crawford for Howard as you suggest and then go get a Nyjer Morgan, Scotty Pods, Juan Pierre or Rajai Davis off waivers I think overall you end up behind in the power numbers. I’ll take random first basemen and Crawford over Howard and random speed merchant.
Btw, great call on Pena.
I didn’t read all those comments, though I will because I’m curious. But I hope Grey is getting drunk while answering. If the Mick could bomb home runs then Grey can dole out sage advice.
@3FingersBrown: Nice… That’s Manny territory too, isn’t it? Have fun at the parade.
@and1mcgee: Eh, it’s fine. Don’t think Montero’s really that huge an upgrade, but Wandy’s pretty useless at this point, so it’s a positive just losing him.
@NukeLaDouche: I’m drunk and tired. ‘Til tomorrow.
Just wanna give deep-leaguers something to Fangraphs about, Razzball fan favorite, Manny Parra had three decent starts in a row. 17.1 IP, 3.63ERA, 1.27WHIP and 23K/7BB in those three starts.
@Grey: With Rollins about to come back, I need to make a cut in my IF slot.
Its a 12 team 6X6 (Ks for hitters and WHIP added) ROTO league, where you keep players 2 rounds ahead of where you drafted them. I have in-season pick ups (which cost me a last round pick) of S-Rod, Ian Desmond, Starlin Castro, and Pedro Alvarez. Those players occupy SS, MI, IF and one bench slot.
My initial thoughts were just to dump S-Rod, but he’s been doing well lately. The other players have more upside in the future though. What do you think?
Deal Price for Holliday?
@Grey – Alfonso Soriano or Garrett “Robot” Jones?
I am strongly thinking about it because Jones has more power upside and the steals are about the same.
Hmm… Miggy left Friday’s game with dizziness. I guess the strain of carrying my fantasy team’s offense is finally getting to him. I should send him something nice, maybe a case of Dos Equis.
I really hope none of you guys dropped Derrek Lee yesterday.
“Beautiful ballpark over there. Plus you can ride the famous coaster and go see two-headed animals and freaky art school chicks do burlesque down the street after. Good times.”
@3Fingers: I swear I read that as barbeque the first time (not burlesque). Sadly, the former was more interesting, but I’d settle for burlesque. Maybe I will take the ride up 95 sometime this summer. Thanks for the tip.
@Grey Drop Mcgehee for Derek Lee? One is slumping the other is slumbering!
@Grey: It is indeed Manny’s old ‘hood. Rod Carew and A-Rod also spent time up here.
True story. Back in the early ’90′s, a friend of mine pitched for Hunter H.S., which is a specialized school for smart kids – not known for sports stars. One day they were thrown to the wolves against perennial baseball powerhouse George Washington High and All-City slugger, Manny.
“How’d you pitch Manny?” I asked.
“Four balls outside. If I threw it over the plate, he’d smack it a mile. If I came in and hit him, he would kick my ass after the game.”
@bodymore: There’s BBQ to be had on the beach too. To beat the crowds and have a seriously bizarre eating experience, go to the next hood over – Brighton Beach (aka Little Odessa) and eat at one of the Russian restaurant/clubs. It’s forever the ’80′s to Ruskies.
@Howard: Check out Lee’s monthly numbers from last year. Not saying he’s going to repeat his awesome second half, but it “bears repeating now” as Jack White said.
I wouldn’t do it. Don’t you have another bum you can dump for Son of Wiggy?
@3FB Yeah, he looked pretty good after May last year!
@Grey Niese or Hammel going forward? I know one plays his games at Metco and the other at six flags!
To anyone: is Elsbury worth holding onto? I have Crispy and Rajai for steals.
@Quintero: I know, Parra’s trying to suck me again.
@GopherDay: Desmond’s ceiling isn’t that high, can lose him.
@knighttown: Sure
@William: Sure, I’d take Jones. Less health risk too.
@Awesomus Maximus: Ha
@bodymore: Ha
@Howard: What 3Fingers said.
@3FingersBrown: That’s awesome.
@Howard: Hammel…
@Robert: I wouldn’t drop him.
Bad feeling about Slowey against the resurgent Phils lineup. Leading in ratios, I’m sitting him.
@Howard: Dude was a hitting machine. Lee was probably the biggest reason I won my league last year. Especially since I stupidly dropped Kendry (for the May Luke Scott hot streak), just before he went on his tear.
Great news for all those McCann owners out there:
McCann has attributed his ongoing vision trouble to significant caffeine consumption, the Braves’ official site reports.
Spin:
He noticed a change in his eyes during the team’s recent road trip to Arizona, where he was encouraged to drink more water and cut out the energy drinks he was consuming. “I’ve been through a lot the last two years and I finally found a solution that works,” McCann said. “I’m really excited about this. For the first time in about a year and a half, I’m able to come to the baseball field and not worrying about my eyes.” If this proves to be a permanent solution for the Braves’ catcher, it can only help him at the plate where his persistent vision trouble had previously required him to where prescription glasses.
Well color me reassured!
I have no room on my DL, who would you drop to pick up another SS with Tulo’s DL stint: Ian Stewart, Pedro Alvarez, or Adam Lind?
Anybody heard anything on Nady? I’m hanging on to him cause they said they were on the verge of trading him.
Drop him for Pie?
I just know the minute I do it the Yanks trade for him and make him their everyday DH.
@royce!: Sorry, I just returned from Starbucks and my eyes can’t focus on your comment.
@black love: Alvarez…
@Donnie Baseball: I’d hold Nady over Pie.
REYESSSSS! 16th careers leadoff HR in the 1st! The guy only has like 80 career to begin with. That’s amazing.
Correction, he has 66 career HRs. That’s insane.
@Tom Emanski: Nice!
****Go check out Razzball football, Rudy wrote a post over there.
In a follow up to my Mourneau/Price for Felix/Rollins deal yesterday, the deal has been revised to Krispie/Price for Felix/Rollins. Already have JUp, C. Lee, Gardner, Quentin, Stanton in OF. What side do you want?
@steamer: I’d take the Rollins side.
@grey- i have a ss hole with tulo out and my OF is packed with Werth, Ethier, Granderson, Fragu, Bruce, Huff. If I need steals, in a 6×6 league with OPS, would u recommend me trading my Granderson for Reyes?
@Martin: I’d take Reyes there.
Thanks Grey, I also have a deal of Lincecum for Liriano, I. Stewart & Aardsma on the table. I’d be getting Lincecum.
I guess I picked the wrong day to try to trade for Reyes.
@fitz: Thanks, though. Would you mind putting out feelers now for Werth, Greinke, and… lets say Jason Bay?
@Bring Back Pluto: it’s the least I could do for you my good man
Jose, you can’t steal bases if you’re hitting HRs!
Loving my Freese for Reyes trade
@Tom Emanski: You got Reyes for Freese? Wow. I have a feeling Reyes’s about to go on one of his crazy hot streaks.
I’m so glad I stuck with Reyes. Everyone in my league laughed at me when I took him in the 3rd round. Thanks to this site!
@Grey: Yep. I took advantage of some poor guy who had Brandon Inge at 3B and was way too confident in Alex Gonzalez. My SS was Bartlett and my 3B was Zimmerman so he had all the leverage. I almost feel bad for him.
Exploring several trade possibilities in a single season league. I am pitching-rich, so trying to move some for offense. Thoughts?
Morneau/Weeks for C. Pena/Utley?
Price/Bucholz for Fielder/Marcum?
F-Her/Valverde for Fielder?
alright guys…
would you rather start arrieta @ petco, masterson @ the pirates, or harang @ seattle tomorrow?
dropping ely for this. RIP ely
Grey and Razz Commentors, I have sort of a strategy question:
I’m in first place at the moment in a 12 team league (:back pat:). Very early on, despite having Rollins, I picked up Reyes in a trade that I didn’t think I could pass up. Then Rollins went down again, so I happily plugged in Reyes.
Now, with Rollins coming back, I am considering trading him or Reyes to the Tulo owner. Problem is, Tulo’s on the 2nd place team (we’re virtually tied).
That team’s done pretty well in pitching (partly because he’s WAY over the pace for IP cap in this league), and has some arms I wouldn’t mind–Verlander for one.
So the question, I guess: is should I make a trade to my closest competitor if I think that–even though it will be good for me–it might be better for him?
Aux. question: is Verlander enough for Rollins or Reyes?
Also, Matt Kemp is batting lead-off? Is that a new thing?
@Bring Back Pluto: He batted 2nd yesterday I’m sure it’s just to try to get him going and won’t last long.
batted is my new word – don’t worry about it
@Bring Back Pluto: I’d hold onto to Reyes if I were you. And I wouldn’t risk giving the 2nd place team an edge. Maybe find another team with issues at SS who has a starter you’d like and offer Rollins for him.
Napoli, ticker tease!!!
How is Kemp so bad at stealing bases? Thrown out by the Wakefield/V-Mart combo..
There’s the Slowey I dropped.
Going to the 8th and a risky start in Peavy is looking pretty good – potential CG? With this kind of line I will take it every six days…..
whats nolasco’s deal?
Need some help in an NL Keeper league where I have J-Up at an unkeepable price.. and looking forward to next year, I need to trade him..
one team is offering Stubbs and Nunez
(he also has Stanton)
or do I go for a trade him for a similar guy at a cheaper price:
Rasmus, Pence, or Car-Go?
Grey and others – do you like any of these possible deals for me? how would you rate them?
How bad can it get in Pittsburgh? This bad:
Pirates fire racing pierogi for Facebook criticism.
Things that make you go hmmm….
Peavy
are the Marlins serious with this vuvuzela giveaway?
nine HRs and counting today at Citizens Bank Park!
Time to drop Slowey? Tempted to pickup Arrieta in SD tomorrow, or Masterson in Pitts. Looks like K’s will be close for this weeks matchup and I’ve already lost the ratios…might as well try to salvage some points?
@elwood blues:
Russell couldn’t decide whether to fire him or put him in the rotation.
@anyone H2H league, have Wieters and his struggling self, someone dropped Posada when they acquired another C via trade in shallow league. Drop Weiters, right?
@Don: Grab Posada immediately, assuming non-keeper.
@TastelessGarbage
Non-Keeper league. Thanks!
Team A gives up: Nolasco, Cargo, Grandy, and Kinsler
Team B gives up: Miggy or Braun, F-Her, and B. Philips
which side would you take and would you go Braun or Miggy. this is a 10 team salary capped keeper league too.
I currently have a 2 in batting average with a .254 (Thanks Pena), and the closest team in the standings is at .264…worth just punting average and loading up on Mini-Donkey wannabes or too early to throw in the towel?
@Don: I’m not surprised by much, but I will be shocked if Grey disagrees on this one.
Pedro Alvarez or Kouz?
Montero or Napoli?
@elwood blues: That’s hysterical.
@bodymore: Fortunately I benched Slowey. I’m holding him. He just ran into a waking monster when he faced Philly today.
I can’t believe that Minne pulled that game off – and got me a Rausch Win, when I thought Hamels (who I started) would get it today.
@vottomatic: I want the Miggy side.
@fitz: Groan. Don’t they realize that the world play soccer because they don’t know any better… what are they trying to attract a foreign contingent? I heard that a guy was kicked out of Yankee stadium for blowing one of those silly things. Then again they kick people out for not standing during god bless america. Fascists.
@fitz: Vuvuzela’s might have cost The Fish an out!
http://www.rototimes.com/mlb/player/4921/notes#161991
If they want to fill up the stands, they should just have 10 cent beer night…
Grey, I’ve been looking for your pre-season predictions of division/world series winners and mvp/cy young winners that you made before the season started. Could you post a link please?
@Kent Bottenfield: Nevermind. I typed ‘predictions’ into the search engine and found it. So far, you and Rudy are doing pretty good. Cardinals win it all though. Suppan is the World Series MVP, just in case it wasn’t obvious.
@Kent Bottenfield: Nevermind. I typed ‘predictions’ into the search engine and found it. So far, you and Rudy are doing pretty good. Cardinals win it all though. Suppan is the World Series MVP, just in case it wasn’t obvious.
Kuroda’s been good, but gotta sit him against the Sawx though, right?
Anybody have some suggestions about how to place my OF for today’s games? Right now it is: Heyward (vs. KC against Kyle Davies), T. Hunter (@ CHC against Zambrano) and Holliday (vs. Oak against Trevor Cahill). Utility slot has Byrd in it at the moment. I have Grandy and Hart on the bench.
The trouble is that every time guys like Holliday look like they are sagging and I bench them, they go out and homer. Byrd is slugging over 1.000 against Joe Saunders in his last 7 AB’s, so he is hard to pull. But obviously baseball has that human component that you just never know on any given day. Grandy, though he has knocked them out when you don’t expect it, is going up against Johan Santana so that is not as appealing. Hart is riding (hopefully) the energy from last night’s homer.
Any advice? Should I leave my roster the way it is for today, or should I sub in one of those guys? Thanks to any and all for advice.
At what point do we start rolling Santana over Wieters? Small sample, but Santana has 92% contact and .280 ISO, and demolished AAA. Wieters did too, but at what point do we say “hitters in the AL east who don’t get to face the O’s have a tough go.”
Morning Grey! 20 team keeper league, dropping Iannetta for Flowers thinking of the future. My regular catcher is Olivo. It was nice to have Iannetta filling in because I never had a day without a catcher. Thinks it’s a viable move?
Went to a charity softball game last night to benefit ALS. Pedro Martinez, Moises Alou, Chris Widger and Warren Cromartie were a few of the ex Expos represented. Got to meet Pedro afterwards! Geez we need a team back here in Montreal!
@Art Vandelay: I’d take Utley, Fielder/Marcum or Fielder.
@dj: Hanrang…
@Bring Back Pluto: Sure, I’d take Verlander.
@Howard: Ha
@elwood blues: That’s hilarious. Sure, CarGo, Rasmus or Pence, in that order.
@bodymore: Arrieta
@Adam: Don’t purposely punt anything.
@aj: Alvarez, Napoli…
@Steve: Eh, I’d start him on most teams.
@ViagraFalls: I wouldn’t bench Hart in Colorado. Sit Heyward.
@Rico: In shallow leagues, it’s fine.
@Howard: Morning! Not viable.
@Howard: That’s awesome!
I’ve been catching the ass end of hot streaks in my OF3 spot. I currently have Willingham and Stanton while waiting for Beltran. Markakis, Byrd and Soriano have all been dropped over the last few days. I only have a handful of moves left. Would you take any of those three over either of my two? Thanks
Lilly or Morrow, going forward? Lilly’s got the White Sox and Pirates coming up, Morrow’s got the Cards (bleh) and the Indians. I didn’t see Lilly’s game yesterday, but that line is Sarah Jessica Parker ugly. Morrow has beaten some heavy hitters lately, although he can’t seem to get a decision.
Your opinion, anyone?
AL-Only question… Dayan Viciedo or Conor Jackson for 2010?
@ Lines – Lilly all day. Think about how much more comfortable you’re going to feel in the second half with Lilly facing NL opponents rather than Morrow vs the AL East. All yesterday’s start did was bring Lilly’s numbers back in line with his career. Smooth sailing from here on out. I can’t vouch for the run support though.
Picked up Clayton Richard for yesterday’s start. Yeah. Anyway, you think he’s worth next week’s start @Fla? Thinking of picking up another steals guy. Nyger or Corey Patterson? Like Corey’s ability to get on base much better…
Grey, if I have to drop one, should I lose, J. Garcia, Hammel, Cecil, or Kennedy?
All-
NL-only 5×5 H2H keeper league – Mad Bum or Ed Volquez -
Better SP for rest of this year? Better for next year?
Thanks!
@Kazmere: Answered my own question on Richard– Hodgepadre!
@Grey thats what I figured… accidentally slept on it and didn’t pull the trigger. oh well…
Hey Grey,
I see you recommended dropping Slowey for Arrieta. Would you recommend doing the same in a 14 team h2h. Slowey has a knack of making or breaking my peripherals every week. I knew I shouldn’t have started him this week, but my other options were Nolasco and Hammell at home.
EDIT: should read “[...] 14 team h2h?”
Laroche just hit the waivers in and I’m thinking of dropping Jose Lopez for him. Since Laroche is such a second half player it seems like a decent pickup. He would probably mostly be a bench player. What say Razzball?
@NukeLaDouche: If you are also only using Lopez as a bench player, I say go for it.
Alright one more. I’m in need of a shortstop upgrade. Soriano for Alexei? Markakis for Alexei? Thanks!
Sanchez tying me to the WHIPing post on Sunday
@Andy: Not if you have a handful of moves left.
@Lines: Lilly…
@Kazmere: Grab Nyjer…
@rafi: Conor…
@Bring Back Pluto: Hammel…
@magicterp: Volquez
@Kazmere: Yup
@royce!: Not for Arrieta… That was just for his start.
@NukeLaDouche: Markakis…
@Tom Emanski: Yup
What are your thoughts on Sparkakis’s slow start? I just got him offered to me for Uggla…My team average sucks, so it would help there, but Sparky would bump Willingham or Granderson out of my lineup, and Uggla would be replaced by Uribe or another schmohawk 2B, so I’m thinking it’s not worth the trade-off unless you see a big bounce-back coming
@Adam: Average is about the only thing I’d count on Markakis for.
ARam worth grabbing and placing in a DL spot? My other thought is to stick Bedard in there instead…
@nick m.: Sure, grab A-Ram.
@Grey:
Grey, a few questions…
Niese or Scherzer?
Would you sit any of the following for Wade Davis (SD, Ari) or Jonathan Sanchez (Bos): Kershaw (@Ana, NYY), Greinke (Stl), Hamels (Tor), Price (Ari), Strasburg (KC)
I need to pick a 2B, 3 OF, and a Util from the following this week: Kelly Johnson, Aaron Hill, Bruce, Granderson, Hart, Krispie, Coghlan, and Markakis. Thoughts?
Hi Grey
Please help me choose for next week. 5×5 roto, no specific needs at the moment:
CHOOSE TWO to PLAY:
JasonBay: 3 v DET, 3 v MIN
Granderson: 3 @ ARI, 3 @ LAD
Adam Jones: 3 v FLA, 3 v WAS (missing Strasburg, apparently)
Chris Young: 3 v NY, 3 @ TB
@Chris: Niese… I wouldn’t sit any of those SPs. Kelly, Bruce, Hart, Grandy and Krispie. You have too many bench bats.
@Bring Back Pluto: Grandy, Krispie…
Can’t Scoscia just accept a loss gracefully instead of throwing my closer in there to get Kazaamed!
I’d just like to publicly thank Mike Scioscia for bringing Fuentes into a 1-9 game, 8th inning, for some work. I curse you, Scioscia.
@Howard: Ugh, I know.
@Kazmere: Seriously.
anyone know the problem with nolasco? should he be getting better?
.154. .083. .217. .146.
That would be my four teams’ hitting performance today.
Throw Corpas, Arrieta and Saunders (started those two in H2H) in there and it’s been a great day.
@charlie batch: I think he improves.
@Steve: Better day than any Steve in Italy, from what I understand.
@Grey: See? It’s growing on you!
Keep waiting for the clock to stike midnight on the mighty(ish) All Whites, but it hasn’t yet…
@Steve: Bafana Bafana!
@Grey: There ya go.
You’ll be watching rugby next.
Would you trade Vlad and Boesch for Arod and either Shields or Zambrano?
@Steve: I don’t know, I didn’t even enjoy Invictus.
@pwire: Sure, Zambrano…
@Grey: That’s not going to tell you anything about rugby. It’s impossible to shoot rugby for a movie and make it look real.
Here’s a favourite of mine to get you started:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gji6NclA9t0
It’s only 20 secs…
@Steve: It reminds me of Australian Rules Football, which I used to like as a kid.
@Grey: Interesting.
Slightly different rules to rugby, of course, but rugby is probably a little more structured (especially today – that clip is, like 20 years old).
Used to watch a bit of Aussie Rules myself. One of those games that you need to spend a bit of time with. Those guys are great athletes, though.
@Grey: Thanks Grey, good stuff as always!
NL-only 5×5 H2H – please rank for rest of this year…
Wade LeBlanc
Kris Medlen
Mad Bum
Jolyhs Chacin
Thanks!!
@Grey: You place much store in the ZiPS rest-of-season projections?
markakis or garza?
@Steve: It’s been a while since I’ve seen a Aussie Rules game (match?). For some reason they used to play in the states when I was a kid. I don’t think they do anymore. What I remember it was like wrestling meets football.
@magicterp: Medlen, LeBlanc, Chacin… If Bumgarner gets called up, he’d slide in front of LeBlanc.
@Steve: I don’t look at them.
@Donnie Baseball: Garza…
@Grey: So how do you assess what a player will do for the rest of the year? Do you look at where he is relative to your original projections and figure it out from there?
@Steve: I have a rough idea what a player is capable of. Say Kelly Johnson, he’s capable of about 8 homers per half. He’s at 13, but he’s still capable of 7-8. So I’d say he’s in for a 21-22 homer season, giving him the benefit of the doubt. Same with the other categories. Not really scientific, but I just looked at Johnson’s ZIPs for reference point and they have him with 23. Close enough for me.
who should i roll with at catcher – r, hr, rbi, sb, avg, obp, err, gidp
santana, posey, montero, napoli, paulino
@Grey: Is morrow more worth owning than leake?
stash Holland or Harden on dl.
@Grey: Howdy Grey. Hope your teams are doing well. My guys had a bang up day (Smooth doing work!).
Interesting that you don’t bother with the ZiPs projections. Good for you. A lot of the ‘perts seem married to them – especially the FG guys. No slight against them, they know their stuff but sometimes I feel they get too caught up on a few numbers (K’s for instance) when success or failure is staring them in the face. See Tim Hudson or Fausto for example.
I can’t help but look at them but at the same time, I try not to put too much stock in projections. It seems they don’t take into account changes in playing time, batting order (see Cano’s early season projections) or adjustments that players make.
@Grey: Ha! for reasons which may or may not become apparent, you couldn’t have picked a worse example!
Elsewhere, Guthrie v Fish or Moyer v Tribe on Tuesday? It’s H2H.
@paulzone: Napoli
@Rick Dempsey: Yup
@Donnie Baseball: Harden…
@3FingersBrown: My teams had a terrible day today, but I finally moved into first this weekend in Friends and Family, so that was fun. re: projections — Eh, it happens with a lot of people that they see a small sample and they justify it with numbers. I tend to go the opposite way and not believe people can breakout after they’ve failed to for so long. Case in point, Rios.
@Steve: Great minds, yadda yadda. Guthrie, only because I’d never start Moyer anywhere.
my pitching staff has been in shambles and i’m getting itchy. would you swap any current sp’s for any the fa’s listed:
current: carpenter, hamels, santana, oswalt, leake, nolasco, vazquez, slowey
fa’s: arroyo, scherzer, vargas, takahashi, niese, morrow, kennedy
Floyd seems to have really turned the corner, so I’m wondering how you would now rank him, Cueto, Ervin Santana and Ian Kennedy.
MMD, unfortunately, is heading the other direction. Would you drop him for Callaspo, Jose Lopez, Tejada, Orlando Cabrera, Peralta, Aviles, or Neil Walker?
Got the Kyle Blanks bobblehead last night. The picture I posted in the forums was accurate. Perhaps it’s more expensive to cast a darker figurine?
Good news for Edwin Encarnacion owners: he was finally sent down to AAA, and so your suffering is over. The Jays have recalled Jarrett Hoffpauir (don’t know if he’s related to the other one), a player who is too old to be considered a prospect and who is probably not a factor from a fantasy standpoint.
What is not clear at this point: who will play 3B now? Do they move Bautista there (but then who takes over RF?), do they give Hoffpauir a shot, or do they plug in a light-hitting UT like Nick Green or John MacDonald. Things will settle down once Snider is back, but no news on that front…
Thanks grey, but was wondering what it means if you put a few extra…. on an answer. Does it mean sort of either or.
@paulzone: Arroyo, Scherzer over Leake and Slowey.
@royce!: Kennedy, Ervin, Floyd… I wouldn’t drop Stewart yet if those were the choices. Was the bobblehead ginormous?
@DrEasy: Bautista will probably man 3rd.
@Donnie Baseball: Doesn’t mean anything, just there instead of a period. Usually use it when I rank players. Like the above comment, I wrote Kennedy, Ervin, Floyd… Instead of writing Cueto’s name at the end.
@Grey: I hear you. It’s easy to get caught up on a early season hot streak (say Bautista for instance) but aside from the occasional “career year,” most players are who they are.
I tend to buy in more on a pitcher breaking out, since sometimes all it takes is a minor adjustment (like Dave Duncan fairy dust) to make a big difference. This coming from they guy that dropped Scherzer, so what do I know?
Nice to hear you’re running game in F&F. I’m not sure if you purposely write for a deeper league audience than most, but it seems your picks are usually well ahead of the curve.
@3FingersBrown: Yeah, I don’t try to be ahead of the curve, just works that way I guess.
FYI some interesting call ups in Houston: Jason Castro and Jason Bourgeois are up in the bigs. Bourgeois really interests me (since I need speed). Kid has been great in AAA.
Also, I just read the Mets send down Mejia in an effort to get him stretched out to start. He should have been starting in the minors all year. ‘Bout time. Parnell called up for the ‘pen. Word is Maine’s done for the year. All of which is meaningless in fantasy unless you play in a 60 team league.
@Grey: Generation Kill starts on TV here tonight. Have you seen it?
If so, thoughts?
@grey- would you drop fragu for medlen if you have to much OF depth?
Thinkin about picking up a pitcher from the FA pool. Would you rather have Scherzer or Arroyo? I’m thinking about dropping Sparkakis or J. Lopez for LaRoche with hopes he has a big second half, good idea or bad?
@Grey: Yeah, fortunately I drove my forklift down to the game.
Someone made “Kyle Blanks has a posse” stickers, but I can’t find the image online. I thought that was clever, if a bit dated. Stanton fans could do the same. Or maybe someone could make “Billy Butler has a posse” stickers, but instead of following the original and giving his height and weight, they could list his cup and band size.
@royce!: HA! I love it. I remember swiping “Andre has a posse” stickers off of street signs to put on my HS notebook. I like your Butler idea.
Here’s a JD Drew has a posse image that I found:
http://www.sawxblog.com/2007/08/jd-drew-has-a-p.html
@3FingersBrown: Yeah, saw those guys were up.
@Steve: I’ve been meaning to rent the series, but haven’t gotten around to it.
@Martin: Sure
@NukeLaDouche: Sure, lose Lopez. Scherzer for Ks, Arroyo for decent ratios.
@royce!: That’s awesome.
Grey-
What kind of value do you think Smoak has the rest of this year and next year in keeper leagues? I’ve got a guy asking what I want for him, and he’s a Util/bench guy for me right now. Just looking for a ballpark of what’d be a good get, hitter wise.
Thanks.
@Grey: Gotcha.
Kouz or Beckham at 3B?
@Steve: Sorry – it’s 14 team, H2H.
@dsimon: He has real nice upside, may not happen this year. I’d want a #3 OF or #3 SP for him.
@Steve: Kouz…
Dayan Viciedo or MMD at 3B for the week? MMD has been blech, so I want to roll the dice with Viciedo, but I don’t like to gamble on Ozzie’s whims. Of course, I only call them “whims” because I don’t understand his decision making process. For example, Ozzie decided not to start Dayan Saturday because it was hot in DC. Is Dayan from Northern Cuba?
And in the same league, Kouz was just dropped. The league is 14 team h2h counting 7×7 (OBP and XBH). Drop Viciedo for Kouz?
@royce!: Go with Kouz.