Krispie Peaking, Chic In (Now Szechuan It)
September 11, 2009
Category: Fantasy Baseball Buy/Sell
Yes, the title does sound like a Chinese R & B song. Krispie Young (For new readers, Krispie Young is the phonetic pronunciation of Chris B. Young to help avoid confusion with Cristal Young.) has been hot as cauliflower after a good broiling. 5 homers in 4 games this week; the post-All-Star Break last year saw him go 9/9 with a respectable (for him) .278. In 2007, he hit 19 homers and stole 18 bases in the 2nd half (ah, those were the days for Krispie). It’s critical to have the hot hands on your team this time of the year, especially in H2H leagues. I’d absolutely lose a cold player to take a chance on Young. Really, what do you have to lose, besides your league. Anyway, here’s some more players to buy or sell this week in fantasy baseball:
Psyche! Before we get to the Buy/Sell, just wanted to remind people that Fantasy Football has a fire going. So, if you like, take your marshmallows over there.
BUY
Marlon Byrd – Batting over .500 for the last week. More than that, he has 17 homers and 8 steals on the year while batting .287. Yeah, he’s outperforming Carlos Beltran. How’s dem apples? Sour? Ryght?
Seth Smith – Another guy that is outperforming Beltran on the year. Weird game we got here, fellas (and two girl readers). In the beginning of the year if you would’ve told me I’d be better off drafting Seth Smith than Beltran in the 2nd round, I would’ve punched you in the nose. No apology either. Just a nod telling you you had it coming. Smith’s time may get bushwhacked a bit by Fowler, but with the way Smith’s hitting, I think the Rox work him in.
Carlos Gonzalez – Let’s all just own Rockies, shall we? I like that idea. The nice thing about CarGo (take that, Carlos Gomez!) is that even when he’s not hitting homers, he’s stealing bases. Aim to please, that’s CarGo’s MotTo.
Ian Desmond – Scroll down to the last post to see what I had to say about him. Go ahead, we’ll wait. This is, after all, all about you.
Juan Gutierrez – Gutierrez is the closer. Not officially maybe. Or maybe officially. What, you need a letter from the Queen of England? He’s getting saves. That’s all that matters. How is he only owned in 6% of ESPN leagues? If you give me your password, I’ll pick him up for you.
Ryan Madson – In the past, Madson hasn’t been great in the closer role, which leads me to…
Brett Myers – He can sneak in and grab a few saves. Upwards to 4 saves. Enticing, eh? Almost as enticing as having your girlfriend meet a drunk Brett Myers at a bar. I don’t think the closerousel in Philly will be nearly as clear cut as some might think, but there’s so little time left, any of these guys could run with the job for a few weeks. How’s that for hedging bets?
Mike Gonzalez – Saves in Hotlanta could be a Mike G. Joint.
Madison Bumgarner – In keepers, you own him. In other leagues, it’s doubtful he sees another start.
Wade Davis – The Rays decided they were better off with Davis over Sonnanstine. Rookie nookie is alive and well in Tampa. Our weather is as humid as our pitchers! What are you talking about? Never you mind. Friends of the random italicized voice will appreciate it. Wade Davis is still capable of being mollywhopped so if you can’t handle that caveat, do what you do.
Brandon Morrow – Very few starters are coming into the league right now with potential. Mostly, you’re relying on matchups at this time of the year. Build up complete. Brandon Morrow’s back in the rotation.
Eric Young Jr. – I’m warning you now. This winter will be The Winter of Eric Young Jr. (patent pending).
Michael Brantley – If you’re the kind of guy who paints a face on fruit right before you bite it just to show you’re in charge, then you know what I’m going to say, because I’m that guy too. Brantley = SAGNOF!
SELL
Carlos Beltran – It was nice that you held onto him through his lengthy DL stint. Loyalty! You’ll make a good husband one day. But just because he’s back, doesn’t mean he’s back back. He’s still in the cavernous Metco for his home games and it could take a week or two for him to get up to speed. You have time to wait for him? Then throw in his knee might hinder his running game. If you’re in a deep league, I can understand holding him and hoping for the best. But if there’s guys on waivers, I’d lose Ricky from My So Called Life.
Brad Hawpe – I told you to sell him in June when he was still hitting. He really hasn’t hit much since then. You can’t play these vets who aren’t producing just because you wrote, “I Heart Hawpe,” all over your Trapper Keeper.
Joba Chamberlain – I understand you’re a fan of a descendants of much-maligned British Prime Ministers, but he’s pitching three innings at a time. And not even pitching them very well.
B.J. Upton – Ankle flare ups are hindering his running game. Being sucky flare ups are hindering everything else.
Tags: B.J. Upton, Brad Hawpe, Brandon Morrow, Brett Myers, Carlos Beltran, Carlos Gonzalez, Chris B. Young, Eric Young Jr., Ian Desmond, Joba Chamberlain, Juan Gutierrez, Madison Bumgarner, Marlon Byrd, Michael Brantley, Mike Gonzalez, Nick Swisher, Ryan Madson, Seth Smith, Wade Davis
September 11th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
For the last three weeks, might either of Gutierrez or Gonzalez be a better Save and perhaps less risky option than either of Street or J. Johnson? & horrendous Capezio reference this AM. Embarassingly resoled a few in my day.
September 11th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
Byrd and Smith are both available in the ol H2H. Drop Beltran for one of ‘em?
From th previous post, if I grab Moyer, Huff an Manship I won’t have room for any closers. Moyer the best single choice?
September 11th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
Note also that Byrd has clobbered A’s/Angels pitching this year, in addition to already being hot.
September 11th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Which 2 do you like for Sunday if you had to pick…
Duensing (vs. Oak)
VandenHurk (vs. Was)
Richard (vs. Col)
Davies (@ Cle…he’s actually been good on the road)
September 11th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Lose Victorino for Smith or Young or Byrd? How about CQ – hang on or replace him with a hot hand?
@zombie: Eh, they’re pretty much tomato-tomahto. Probably own Gutierrez over Johnson.
@Steve: Go with Moyer, grab Smith over Beltran.
@ASAOK: Richard and Davies
@Mr. Rickey: Lose CQ for Smith.
September 11th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
@Grey: Couple questions for your Greyness…
1. I’m looking ahead to next week, who do you like out of these 3?
-Morrow vs. CWS
-Neimann @ BAL (I was surprised at how good he has been when I checked out his stats)
-Feldman vs. OAK (This might be the obvious choice, but I’m reluctant because I’ve been burned by the A’s one too many times this year)
2. Do you like Desmond’s upside over Stephen Drew or Elvis Andrus? Andrus has been money for me this week, but I know he is capable of going 0-4 for a week as well, and Drew hasn’t been impressive. Thanks.
Oh, and nice Floyd reference in the last post.
September 11th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Fighting for my playoff life in H2H… need to grab some quick steals this weekend. Who do you like best for this weekend: E Cabrera, E Young Jr, or E Andrus (what’s with the E’s?)
@TheGreatVeto: I’ve been burned by the A’s a lot too, but I think you have to go with him.
I’d hold on those SSs.
@bobbo: EverCab
September 11th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
The day I decide to sit Drew Stubbs he finally steals some bases – 2 of them. For SS and MI spots – have Alex Gonzalez and E Velez. Do I drop one for Young? Need SB’s and R’s.
Matt Diaz still worth holding on to?
September 11th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Eugenio Velez 2b
Jhonny Peralta ss
Adrián Béltre 3b
Casey McGehee 2b – 3b bench player
those are my players in questioned that can be dropped
topic – Ian Desmond
Ian Desmond is he someone to look for in the future for this keeper league
@mr baseball: Yeah, could be, depends on who you’re dropping.
@Curly Day: Lose Diaz, grab Young over Gonzalez for SBs and Runs.
@mr baseball: I’d lose Velez for him.
September 11th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Similarly clawing my way through the first round of the H2H playoffs. Virtual tie going into the weekend in R, HR, RBI, Avg, OPS, SB.
Juggling H. Pence, Berkman, Diaz, R. Davis for two OF spots and UTIL
Do I roll with them or pick up a Rockie (Young, Gonzalez, Stewart) or Krispie
@OPSy-daisy: I’d lose Diaz for Krispie.
September 11th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
@Grey: It comes down to next week. Second round of playoffs (Bye for me this week). Team looks like this
C-J Baker
1B-A Gonzo
2B-Utley
3B-Aramis Ramirez
SS-Alexei Ramirez
OF-Hunter, Bourn, Pence
U- Ibanez
B- Pena, Upton, Peralta
SP-Happ & Wolf
RP-Franklin & Hoffman
P-Wainwright, Bills, Beckett
B- Jurrjens & Jenks
Waivers look like this for catcher: Napoli (used to own him), Molina, Martin, Ruiz, Barajas, Kendall, Navarro.
Byrd is available as is Rajai Davis, C Gonzalez, Borbon, Diaz, Smith, Andrus, Coghlan, Pagan
Pitchers there is Feldman, Arroyo, Bucholz, Pettite, Floyd, Moyer
So Grey, the question is what should my lineup be next week? I will be facing 2 RPs on defense the rest starters..any pickups to replace for next weeks lineup? THANKS!
@Nick: I’d lose Upton for Byrd, Pena for Davis and Peralta for Andrus… Unless this is a keeper league. Then I’d lose Happ for Feldman and Wolf for Pettitte.
September 11th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
Re: Desmond- how many games do you anticipate him starting next week? I’d like to play him at IF but if he’s going to share time with Guzman or worse, I think I could find a better option.
September 11th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
Grey, I’m across the pond on vacation (worst week ever to pick to go on vacation) and get going on Monday with the playoffs. 5×5 H2H league with only 3 pick ups a week. I want to pick up some this week since I have a bye and then maybe a couple next week. Been in 1st pretty much all year but my team has taken a nose dive in the last few weeks. Guy I’m playing is going to be tough. Heres the squad
Mauer
Pujols
Utley
Scutaro
Kung Fu Panda
Bourne
Upton
McCutchen
Kemp
Bench, ARam, Beltran(probably should drop him after reading above)
SB’s Runs and Avg are usually my strength
Krispie, Byrd and Cargo Beckham all on the wire. Im pretty light on players next Thursday too. Only 4 to his 7
Pitchers
JJohnson,Baker, Blanton, Smoltz, Hanson, Hammels, Jimenez, Lilly, Billingsley(seriously thinking about dropping him),and Vasquez. Very little on the wire Padilla, Morrow, Dice K, like I said not much and the guy Im playing has a pretty sick staff. I think I will get 2 starts from Smoltz, Hanson, and Jimenez
RPs are Broxton, Bell, Rodney(whats going on with this suspension??) and Brian Wilson. Morales and Madison on the wire
Help me Obi One, youre my only hope
@royce!: Hard to say. Guzman’s supposedly moving to 2nd next year, so maybe he sees time over there? Riggleman gives Desmond time to show what he has? There’s variables. Desmond’s a flier with upside. SS (or IF, in your case) is a good spot to take a flier with upside.
@Carl Spackler: Beltran is sitting out again tonight. I’d grab Krispie. I’d lose Rodney for Madson. Those waiver wire starters aren’t worth dropping any of your guys for. Say hello to the Queen Mum for me!
September 11th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
@Grey: Riggelman obviously didn’t get to the wire in his league in time to grab Desmond – he’s sitting.
And I’m not sure that even the Queen can say hello to the Queen Mother these days…
@Steve: Hehe
@royce!: See Steve’s comment. Alas re: Desmond.
September 11th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Was there a subliminal message in there. For some reason I found myself looking at fantasy football information at one point.
@Mark: No, I have no idea what you mean. *slowly backs out the door*
September 11th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
@ people , people , people :
petitioning the commentors of this site to recognize that when you use the name “upton” , most of us immediately assume that you’re referring to the best one , and not the older one .
to lessen the confusion , can we agree to recognize b.j.
as brother (of) justin ??
@big o: If they were both good, this wouldn’t even be a problem. Grr…
September 11th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
I picked up EYJr for last week and he ended up only starting one game. More playing time for him the rest of the season or do you see the Rockies just playing the hot bat? Speaking of Rockies, thoughts on Garret Atkins?
@Sucklingduck: Atkins isn’t doing anything. The Rockies have an abundance of hitters they can play, but if you need steals, Young’s not a bad flier. Depends who you can play over him.
September 11th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
@Grey: Ryan Roberts, Andy Marte. i need steals and homers. I’m thinking of losing Marte eventhough he’s probably got the most pop. Pretty much sucks ass that I have to pick between these schmohawks.
September 11th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
oh….and Pedro or Kuroda. They’re both kinda blah but I always get suckered in by aging former CY Young award winners.
@Sucklingduck: What’s Ryan Roberts doing that you need him?
@Sucklingduck: Pedro
September 11th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Grey – i appreciate all the advice. However, now i’m playing for next year unfortunately.
I get to keep 4. I’ll list the contenders in order of espn’s 2009 player ranker:
Figgins
Cano
Ethier
Cruz
Pena
Markakis
Votto
Berkman
Beltran
so beltran/berk/markakis are supposed to be no brainers, right? are they though? after that, the 4th pick is a total coin toss for me now, but i’m leaning to cano. your/anyone’s thoughts?
September 11th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
@Grey: He has a double R name and his eligibility in sucking at three positions in my Yahoo league. Otherwise, I guess not much else. Thanks Grey.
@albertalbert: Hmm… I don’t see many no-brainers here. I’d probably keep Votto, Beltran, Cruz and Cano. But could be convinced otherwise on Cano for Markakis. The thing here is you have two outfielders, so I went with the 2nd baseman.
@Sucklingduck: No problem.
September 11th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
@Sucklingduck: He’s also valuable in leagues that count Tattoo Coverage.
September 11th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
Does Utley have Figureoa on his fantasy team or something?
@Steve: You might be right. I think he’s killed two rallies now.
September 11th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
@Grey: Would you start Desmond over Pennington?
September 11th, 2009 at 5:58 pm
@Grey: no keeper league so I made those changes…leave pitching as is? and catcher for next week, baker?
September 11th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
@Grey:
so there’s this blog-talk show that i listen to ,
and the experts there have ranked them , for next year ,
1/2 pujols , hanley .
braun , they have 5th (near utley) with the note that braun has proven that he’s the complete package , and may someday compete for the top spot .
my question is this :
does he show a propensity for tailing off in the 2nd half ?
or , is there some lingering injury issue ,
or , does he mail it in ?
braun has only been on my team for about 6 weeks .
he’s averaged about one double /week during this stretch , and the homers are almost gone .
is this guy the real deal ?
or just something to pump up sausage sales , after prince leaves town .
you should look into a weekly pod-cast , you know , go hollywood .
many of us would listen .
September 11th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
Bah! No S. Smith in the Rockies’ lineup tonight. That’s just Fowl(er)! Glad I’ve got CarGo too.
@royce!: I would.
@Nick: The catcher thing is kinda neither here nor there. If you want some extra pop, go with Napoli. I advised on what I would do with Happ and Wolf.
@big o: I’ve thought about the podcast. Maybe in 2010. I’m slow to adapt to new technology. re: Braun, his end of the season numbers say top 10, for sure. He does seem like he has a propensity for minor injuries that hamper him for a few weeks at a time. He can be the number one guy one year if he stays healthy. Anytime a player can hit 40 HRs and steal 15 bases they can compete for the top spot. The problem is he probably won’t repeat that season so he’ll end up slightly overrated the year after he reaches his dream season.
@VanHammersly: Bah is right.
September 11th, 2009 at 7:21 pm
I am a proud owner of Ian Desmond Dekker in my 20 team keeper league as per Grey – since he is right 95% of the time
@mr baseball: Considering who you had to lose for him, I think you’re going to be fine. Velez is 80lbs. short of a paperweight.
September 11th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
Gutierrez or Morales? The guy Im playin next week has some killer closers so I gotta get some waiver wire saves.
@Jay: Gutierrez
September 11th, 2009 at 7:32 pm
@Grey:
so , i’m thinking i should either have started bitchin’ about braun 3-4 weeks ago , or ,
quote roseanne roseannadana .
(tonight he has a double and a homer) .
@big o: There ya go.
September 11th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
I hate this stupid game.
Picked up Norris and then dropped him for Blackburn. Toronto are terrible so have Frasor benched.
Need I go on?
@Steve: I’d thought you’d be talking about Mujica pitching well.
September 11th, 2009 at 7:42 pm
@Grey:
no one is more in the dark about pod-cast technology , than i .
but the sheer volume of shows , indicates that nearly the whole damn world is full of rocket scientists .
all i’m saying is that i’d be a regular listener and a chat-room typer .
some of these other guys , i suspect , would queue up the phone lines .
i think i’ve heard your voice , once before .
(something about sending your girl out for ice cream ?)
this time , you’d get to dictate the tune .
stop thinking , act !!
you’re a natural , kid .
@big o: Ha, that’s right. I forgot about sending her for ice cream.
September 11th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
how sweet is this ?
dodgers / giants on mlb tv
and the wife has gone up to bed .
i control the wide-screen !!
kemp is batting 4th .
i heard a rumor that torre has banned himself
from the local medicinal marijuana store .
September 11th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
@Grey: Krispie or The Byrd Man in place of LaPorta?
September 11th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
meanwhile , on the computer ,
jair has chewed up the cardinals .
September 11th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
@Grey: If only. Don’t have him. We have SP, RP and P slots so I can’t have too starters going otherwise I can’t roster the closers I need.
Not that I roster the right closers either.
Oh – and how the eff does Uggla have three home runs this week?
I’m in a dark place.
September 11th, 2009 at 7:55 pm
@Grey (or anybody else with a strong feeling about it)
Playoffs start next week and Im having trouble deciding between:
M Garza 1 start
vs Toronto (Scott Richmond)
D Price 2 starts (if the rainout today doesnt change that)
@Baltimore (D Hernandez)
vs Toronto (R Romero)
J Garland 2 starts
vs PIT (Duke)
vs SF (Lincecum)
other Starting pitchers on the staff are:
Wainwright vsFLA, Jimenez@SF, Nolasco @STL+@CIN, Buchholz @ BAL
and I have Rowland Smith gonna ride the pine next week with one home start vs the White Sox
Crunch Time Baby!
@big o: Ha, and there’s a lot of those shops now.
@David: Krispie
@big o: Chewed up and swallowed.
@Steve: H2H does that to people. Just when you think you’re okay, Uggla homers three times.
@Isaac: I’d go Price if can only choose one. If you can choose two, I’d start Garza too.
September 11th, 2009 at 8:20 pm
@Grey:
why am i always the 1st one to crack ??
the dodgers are wearing red caps .
gtfooh .
September 11th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
@Grey: You say, “In the beginning of the year if you would’ve told me I’d be better off drafting Seth Smith than Beltran in the 2nd round, I would’ve punched you in the nose. No apology either. Just a nod telling you you had it coming. ”
How about what I just did to try and get me some pitching points in the RCL dropped Hamilton for Jepsen?
Even after looking at position and the calendar I still flinched when I hit “submit”.
Going with no bench as I have a 19 HR lead and up by 31 RBIs but need steals, Ks, WHIP, and ERA. Friggin three of us are so tightly bound in AVG that an 0fer 12 beginning tonight cost me to drop a point and Baller’s Diamond to take three points with a 12 for 24 night.
September 11th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
Top three in the RCL Original Recipe separated by .5
September 11th, 2009 at 8:36 pm
I HATE Sparkakis with a passion. Is there a term for a star that has a yawnstipating season? I can’t think of one but it should be named after him.
September 11th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
Jurjens – SONVABENCHED !
@BSA: Wow, that’s crazy you guys are all that close in the RCL. Don’t flinch, just do — Yoda.
@Tom_Emanski: Agreed, highly disappointing. He doesn’t even deserve Sparkakis anymore.
@SamYo: Ouch
September 11th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
@Grey: Gotta load up on Mariners and Rangers now in the ol’ H2H now, right? Double-header on Sunday.
@Steve: Yeah, go for it.
September 11th, 2009 at 9:11 pm
@Grey: You like Porcello on Sunday?
September 11th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
@Grey: Another double-header question. I’m assuming Ibanez will only play in one game (as per Phils’ policy of not starting him in a day game that follows a night game).
Can’t really drop him for some schmohawk that might play two (eg Da Big Fra Gu v Texas), can you?
@Steve: It’s not an awful start for Porcello. I’d drop him if FraGu’s playing two.
September 11th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
the rockies find a way .
September 11th, 2009 at 11:03 pm
I’m sick of Chipper. Drop him for Alex Gordon?
September 11th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
Sit Danks tomorrow?
@DrEasy: Chipper’s been terrible, but Gordon? Eh.
@penpen: I would, unless you can handle the risk of a beating.
September 11th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
@Grey:
out here on the east coast , kayem hot dogs runs an ad , showing a young girl running under a back-yard sprinkler .
so i tell a friend at work about this ad and it’s hauntingly beautiful music , which i ask him to help me identify .
(i wasn’t even sure if it was in english) .
if i knew how to cut and paste , i would send you the you-tube links that he forwarded to me .
turns out it is a group called state radio .
the song is “right me up” … about red sox fan , manny furtado .
also , the song “camilo” gives pause for thought .
September 11th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
Grey, I just want to vent. What the hell does a guy have to do to buy a W?!?! I have a whooping total of 1 win so far in this first round of h2h playoffs…figures. I was so sure having Verlander, Hanson, Wandy pitching a few days ago would net me at least 1 win. Then I picked up Blanton and he pretty much ruined my life. Of course Pettitte’s W streak ends today and Johnson gets a ND against the freaking Nationals. This blows.
I know it’s hard to predict wins, but any of these waiver options here look somewhat decent for tomorrow? Cueto vs Cubs, Moyer vs Mets, Hudson or Lohse, Padilla against Giants. Whatever gets the job done at this point right?
September 12th, 2009 at 3:38 am
Sunday – Parra @ DBacks or Homer @ Cubs? Can’t use both and have Bills, Richard and Porcello going already.
In case I need a 4th starter in H2H…
September 12th, 2009 at 4:43 am
@Grey:
In the end – RCL OR:
1-Doc 82
2-Iowa and Bob’s Schmo’s 80
3-Dogs 78
I did and Did Not Try!
September 12th, 2009 at 5:25 am
Heads up to all you heads who picked up Krispie: he’s 4-12 lifetime vs. Saturday’s starter, Dave Bush, with 2 solo shots.
September 12th, 2009 at 7:01 am
Ok H2H playoff question- ERA and WHIP are both real close: I lead 4.40ERA and 1.40WHIP to 4.44ERA and 1.56WHIP and I’m currently up 2 Ks. My opponent has Clayton Richard going tomorrow at Petco -vs- Colorado.
I am considering starting Anibal Sanchez home -vs- Nats or Kyle Lohse home -vs- Braves or possibly even both.
Any suggestion? Go with one or the other or both? Alternatively, I could start neither and just hope that Clayton Richard gets lit by the Rockies tomorrow.
September 12th, 2009 at 8:17 am
Cueto, Hudson, or Padilla worth a flier today? Still trying to recover from Carlos Torres’ last stand, too.
September 12th, 2009 at 8:38 am
Very tight three-way race to the finish in my league. I’m tied in Ks and just 0.01 ahead in WHIP. Have room to gain on ERA.
Three pitchers going today:
Edwin vs. TOR
Beckett vs. TB
Sanchez vs. LAD
Should I start/sit any of those guys? I’m currently going with all three, but I’m uneasy about it. Beckett is probably in, but wavering on the other two.
@big o: I’ll have to check it out.
@beisbol: They all look like good bets for wins except Cueto. So of course Cueto will get one. I’d go for Padilla.
@Steve: Homer
@BSA: That really is incredible. Probably will come down to the last day.
@VanHammersly: Thanks for the heads up!
@anon: Do you have to win Ks? Those are your only choices? I’m leaning towards saying neither.
@vinko: I’d start all three, in that order.
@Joel: I’d start all three.
September 12th, 2009 at 10:08 am
Drop Josh Hamilton for Krispie Young? 12 team keeper keep 8, Hamilton not a keeper for me but could be for someone else. I’ve got a bit of a lead for this week and next but two week series you never know.
@Charlie: I wouldn’t do that move.
September 12th, 2009 at 11:05 am
Too bad Fox can’t play either 1B/3B and Pinella has to watch Lee and Ramirez kick the ball around. Can I start Fox next week in a weekly league or am I risking getting no AB like I did this week?
@Telemachus: There’s no indication he’s going to play at all, I wouldn’t start him.
September 12th, 2009 at 11:12 am
@Grey:
I think those are my best options, but maybe not. I’ll list every starter I could add for tomorrow at the end of this post. I am currently leading the matchup 6-3, but it’s very close. I’m going to lose average, steals, and runs. I’m going to win RBI, saves, and wins. ERA, donks (currently tied), WHIP, and Ks are all extremely up for grabs.
And yeah, it’s a 14-teamer so pickings are slim. I already added Sanchez and Lohse so I have them rostered for today if I wanted to start them, but I could easily bench them and hope my team hangs on. The way this league works is I’d have to add pitchers for tomorrow if I wanted another start, transactions are locked for today.
So my opponent has Clayton Richard going as his last start of the week. I’m up 2 Ks, 4.40 ERA to 4.44 ERA, 1.40 WHIP to 1.56 WHIP. I think the YAHOO tiebreaker is ERA, too. LOL. Such a close matchup!!
Tomorrow’s available pitchers look disgusting to me: John Maine @ Phils, Rick Vandenhurk -vs- Nats, Carlos Carrasco -vs- Royals, Felipe Paulino -vs- Pirates, Doug Fister @ Texas, Jeremy Guthrie @ Yankees, Paul Maholm @ Astros, Brian Duensing -vs- As, Tim Redding @ Phills, Kyle Davies @ Indians.
Alternatively, I could just roll with my ‘pen -vs- his Richard start and hope to win ratios and still possibly even Ks. I’ve got Morales, Jim Johnson, Nunez, Valverde, and Raffy Soriano.
@anon: Those matchups are terrible. You don’t think there’s a chance he grabs five starters for tomorrow late tonight, right? If not, I’d hold tight. If you think he might, I’d grab Maholm and Davies and only start them if you need to.
September 12th, 2009 at 11:29 am
grey, you da man. I’ll try not to ask too many more obnoxiously long questions!! And nah, I don’t think my opponent will do that. Hopefully I get a few solid innings from my relievers and at least hold on to the ratios.
September 12th, 2009 at 11:30 am
You know what, problem solved. Looks like Lester is going to get his ass back out there tomorrow so I can start him.
September 12th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
Drop Cuddyer for Byrd?
@Shmorgie S. Board: Byrd
September 12th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
Oh Moyer.
And trust Beltran to wait til I dropped him. Hopefully my opponent’s Maine gets shelled too.
On the bright side, two saves today!
September 12th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
@Grey: Done, thanks. Dropped Cuddyer for Byrd. Now it’s ON YOUR HEAD.
September 12th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
@Steve: Doh. Maine tomorrow. Pelfrey needs a beating today.
September 12th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Byrd or Beltran? Beltran hit a dinger today
September 12th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Every Phillies boxscore without a Ryan Howard HR is a ticker tease
September 12th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Grey looking ahead to Monday what do you think about Gaudin at home vs Weaver?Hes been pretty solid since coming over to the Yanks
September 12th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
Sorry for the double email but whats your thoughts on Dice K starting Tuesday? Kind of an up and down rehab but the last start was solid
September 12th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
I’m not sure there are words to describe how I’m feeling about the Phillies bullpen right now.
September 12th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
Holy Blown Saves Batman —Marmol Franklin Madson
September 12th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
I’m about to lose two pitching starts to the Sox-Rays rain delay. I hate fantasy baseball.
September 12th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
OK I take that back immediately
September 12th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
PERFECT TIMING, GREY! MLBFP featured EY Jr. today. He comes in at #22 on our ranking of the Top 25 MLB Fantasy Prospects for 2010: http://www.mlbfantasyprospects.com/2009/09/23-mlb-fantasy-prospect-eric-young-jr-of2b-colorado-rockies—scouting-report.html
September 12th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
@Dumbmutt: Add Fuentes.
September 12th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
@Simply Fred: Sadly, I also have Fuentes.
September 12th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
@Dumbmutt: I was looking for whom to blame. Guess I have to give you a pass given the 0 for 4.
September 12th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
@Steve @ MLB Fantasy Prospects: @Grey: No estimate of playing time for Mr. Young in 2010 on Steve’s site. Given the crowded Rox roster, that’s kinda’ important.
September 12th, 2009 at 7:19 pm
@Simply Fred: “C’mon, Clint Barmes is not a starting 2B. Barmes is only hitting .243 with a .291 OBP for the Rocks. Sure, he has 22 dingers. This squad, however, needs Young’s leadoff skills much more than Barmes’ bop.”
We think he plays a lot of 2B for Col and has the flexibility to be in the rotation in the OF too. He will regular AB’s. We’ll touch back on him come Spring.
Thanks for reading!
September 12th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
@Steve @ MLB Fantasy Prospects: I just looked at what you said the site was about and noticed that the article didn’t seem to cover your intentions. Thanks for filling in the blanks.
Not really fair for me to throw you under the bus. Playing time will unfold with the rest of September, winter moves, and spring training.
September 12th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
*I’m in a daze. I just got roofied by Dade Wavis and I can’t feel my netherlands after being tied to his WHIPing post*
September 12th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
@Simply Fred: Thought we had it covered with the Clint Barmes and Chone Figgins references. We appreciate your comments! Please keep us on your regular fantasy baseball round-up.
September 12th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
@Grey: Want to make sure where you are regarding Beckham for next year. Saw your post about him getting one HR every 5 games and a .250 avg. Not sure if you were projecting for end of year or for next year. The HR every five games gets 30+ which seems stellar to me. But, ???
September 12th, 2009 at 7:44 pm
Roofied by Davis and SONVABENCHED Beckett.
September 12th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
Marmol, Franklin, Rodney and Madson combined in one day to take down an entire season of fantasy baseball…I have been in 1st place since the end of May and today marks the end of my run.
September 12th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
Not quite understanding the Beltran hate. You sort of suggest Seth Smith has been better even though Beltran missed almost 3 months. Beltran couldn’t have played much better before he got hurt, he was killing it.
And then there is his 3-5, hr, 2 r, 3 rbi effort tonight….
He’s Carlos Beltran, there is no sell.
September 12th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
Kinda drastic, but drop Beltran for Jim Johnson?
September 12th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
@Jareth Cutestory:
AB/AVG/OPS/SB
Beltran:249/.333/.942/11
G.Jones:243/.305/.977/9
S.Smith:285/.316/.963/4
Jones and Smith bring equivalent at less cost?
September 12th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
one more question. Stephen Drew, Beckham, or Asdrub-Cab the rest of the way?
September 12th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
Start or sit:
Duensing (Oak)
Jobacum (Mil)
Penny (LAD)
I’m ahead by 1 win and ERA and Whip are close. He’s starting Marquis @ SD and I’m starting Vazquez @ StL. Thinking Jobacum but not Penny and Duensing.
September 12th, 2009 at 9:54 pm
Alex Gonzalez or Elvis Andrus for the double headers tomorrow?
..I need HR, RBI, and SB more than R.
@Carl Spackler: I don’t like either.
@Simply Fred: That’s just year on Beckham. He’s a talent for next year to watch.
@Eric C.: If you need saves.
@Eric C.: Drew
@Sos: That makes sense.
@john: Andrus
September 13th, 2009 at 1:07 am
Rob Tejada in the rotation for the next two weeks? Do you recommend? Any faith in Freddy Garcia?
September 13th, 2009 at 1:13 am
Pick two
Tejada
Garcia
Hammel
September 13th, 2009 at 3:08 am
@Grey: What’s your thinking on Scherzer? Sit or start? I’m already benching Shields.
September 13th, 2009 at 3:25 am
kershaw’s shoulder was down-graded from bruised to separated ??
wtf … it was batting practice !
September 13th, 2009 at 5:46 am
@Simply Fred
Those are some interesting stat lines to compare, but the reality is that Beltran has a much better track record, and is much more likely to top those players in rbi and runs scored under ordinary circumstances. He doesn’t have to play in CO to do it either.
Jones and Smith will be much more expensive next season, but if your point is that sometimes you can fish a player out of free agency that produces like a star, well, I already knew that.
Still doesn’t make Beltran a sell. It is kind of funny though, I have all three of the players you listed on my team.
September 13th, 2009 at 7:34 am
@Grey: anyway to determine the 2-start pitchers for the last week of the season? Noticed the season ends on a sunday….
Thoughts on using freddy garcia down the stretch? 2K’s and 2HR’s, 1 Win separates first from second….ERA and WHIP tight too
Thanks
September 13th, 2009 at 7:39 am
H2H (12 category) playoffs this week. Going into today I’m up 6-5. Offensive categories all are up for grabs. I’m down in strikeouts (by 5) and up in Losses (4-2). My opponent benched his pitchers to protect his lead in ERA and WHIP. I picked up some guys last night for strikeouts: Marquis at San Diego (4 pm start), Guthrie at Yankees (1 pm start), Bailey at Cubs (2 pm start), and Duensing v. Oakland (2 pm start). Those guys should get me more than enough Ks, but I don’t want to lose my lead in Losses. Any suggestions on which of these starters I should go with?
@bwass: Don’t trust either, but it’s the time of year where you may need to take some risks. Could look at them for matchups.
@bwass: Hammel, Garcia…
@Steve: I’d start him in most cases.
@big o: Thanks for the heads up!
@matthole: re: Garcia… Eh, if you must. Pitchers are skipped and clubs prepare for the playoffs, even if you find something, it won’t be accurate.
@jerkstore: Losses are a crapshoot… I’d bench Guthrie and Bailey.
September 13th, 2009 at 9:06 am
what about Richard, Davies, and Buehrle in a 14 team? Also, are you likely to pick up and stream players when they have double headers this late in the season? just wondering- thanks.
@vinko: Yeah, I’d grab doubleheader guys. I’d own Richard, Buehrle and Davies, depending on the match up.
September 13th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
rank beltran, byrd, chris davis por favor
September 13th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
@Grey: I own J.P howell and Frank Francisco and both of them have been giving up runs like they want to lose their jobs. Franklin Morales, leo Nunez, juan guiterrez even phil hughes and brandon lyon are on the FA list and seem like better options. Am I being hasty (as treebeard would say), or should i grab one of those guys on the FA list?
@Martin: Byrd, Beltran…
@Jacob: I’d lose Howell for Gutierrez.
September 13th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
@Grey:
Grey, I just have to commend you on your 2 picks. You chose two schmohawks out of an absolute pile of crap they combined for 14IP, 0ER, 5Ks, and 2 wins. Amazing work, thanks again
@anon: No problem, glad it worked.
September 13th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
Uribe or Kaz-Mat this week?
Start Shields against Toronto?
Sit one:
Rajai Davis
Braun
Carlos Lee
Holliday
Werth
Hidekei Matsui
McLouth
5 OF spots and 1 DH, I can’t play one of these guys, which one? McLouth was benched this week and I missed a big week, Matsui is on fire again, and those are the two best candidates to bench.
@Telemachus: Kaz, sit Davis if you don’t need steals… If you do, sit Hideki, his schedule’s kinda tough this week.
September 13th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
I’m tight in all 5 categories. HR, R, and BA are the ones to focus on.
i was leaning toward Uribe thinking I might get 1 HR out of 2B this week?
So go with either Kaz/Matsui or Rajai/Uribe?
September 13th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
James Shields against Toronto, thumbs up or down?
September 13th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Grey, should I just drop Markakis for (random OF)? At this point Borbon/Reimold/Jones/etc. are just as likely to homer as Schmarkakis plus they provide in other categories, especially Borbon. Plus I HATE HATE looking at Schmarkakis on my team. I’m leaning toward Borbon.
Hold me
@Telemachus: Up on Shields. Davis/Uribe
@Tom_Emanski: Go with Borbon as long as it’s not a keeper.
September 13th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
drop Schmokakis for Chris Young?
September 13th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
Grey,
For non-keeper, McCutchen, Pods, or Borbon?
September 13th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
braunstipating
September 13th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
nevermind, ESPN still has Sporkakis as undroppable (!)
that sadly makes the decision easier
September 13th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
@penpen: This is why I make sure that my league doesn’t have a can’t cut list/undroppables; it does more bad than good. Schmokakis (love that name) deserves to be dropped in all leagues unless you’re in a Beltway Teams Only league.
September 13th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
@Grey: re:re:freddy garcia:
Like garcia @SEA, Maholm vs. SD? or Pat Misch 2 starts? (I dont trust Hudson @ PHI)
Thanks
@Colotov Mocktease: Borbon for homers and steals upside, Pods for steals with less upside or downside.
@big o: Hehe
@matthole: Garcia and Maholm.
September 13th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
@Grey: better start, maholm or garcia?
@matthole: Maholm
September 13th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
I’m dyin’ here trying to decide my last 2 SP, H2H categories league.
Pedro @ATL, Penny @LA, Shields vs TOR, Arroyo vs HOU vs FLA. Leaning Pedro and Penny.
@Matt: I’d go with those two.
September 13th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
If I drop Billingsley or Shields is it such a big loss at this point?
In my H2H playoff I’m not gonna start a pitcher for the rest of this two week round (way behind in K and W and playing it safe with my large ERA and WHIP leads and would like to bolster SV with another closer), but will I be kicking myself if I make it to the next round of the playoffs without either one of them? I feel like they’ve been operating at virtually replacement level fantasy-wise for a while now.
September 13th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
@Grey: madson or lidge? or both not worth starting? very close in wins with multiple teams and only close with one team in saves….
also, cant afford era/whip blowups
Thanks again!
September 13th, 2009 at 10:20 pm
I was getting beat bad as of Thursday in my H2H playoffs, down 10-3. I made some, if I may say so, outstanding moves..picking up players and playing matchups…and clawed my way back. Watching stattracker stream all day on my computer today, at one point I was up 9-4. But, then the tide turned and the score started to slide the other way. By the end of the night, it was a 6-6 tie. By a Yahoo playoff tie-breaking technicality, I will lose this week’s battle because my ERA was 3.24 for the week but his was lower with a 2.94.
So after my managerial awesomeness, getting myself back into contention, I will fall short because of a flippin’ technicality. Now I have to try not to feel like a loser as I play for 5th place, even though my team should be advancing purely because of effort.
…..I apologize. I had to rant.
September 13th, 2009 at 10:24 pm
@john: I’m hearin’ ya. I was beaten by a guy who started Kyle Davies and Tommy Hunter.
What’s more, I loaded up on double-header guys for today. The seven of ‘em combined to go a combined 5-41.
Fail.
@penpen: You can lose either. I’d lose Shields first.
@matthole: If you can’t afford ERA/WHIP blow ups, I wouldn’t start either.
@john: Sorry, that sucks.
@Steve: Damn you, Tommy Hunter!
September 13th, 2009 at 10:30 pm
@Grey: If we’re damning everyone in his team, we’ll be here all night.
September 13th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
@Steve: That sucks, man. And yea, I picked up Andrus and Byrd but only ended up starting Byrd cuz I was afraid of the rain. His freakin 0-8 performance didn’t really factor into my tie..err I mean “loss.”
September 13th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
@Grey: Thanks, your pity provides me some comfort, Grey.
September 13th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
Grey help me out dude. I gotta decide between Andrus and EverCab. I’ll need steals for this week but Andrus is also hotter at the plate right now and gets runs. He hits great at home and he’s home all week. EverCab has home and away and not as good a hitter.
September 13th, 2009 at 10:38 pm
Also, Hammel has two away starts against SF and Ari this week. You like?
@Tom_Emanski: EverCab for steals, Andrus for everything else. I like Hammel away.
September 13th, 2009 at 11:34 pm
Cool, Hammel does look like a good stream! Thanks!