Ladies and Gentlemen, Your Toronto Lue Ays
July 09, 2009
Category: Fantasy Baseball Daily Notes
Much like a newly married female, the Blue Jays have dropped BJ from the active roster. Imagine this scenario. You walk into your fro-yo distribution job, say what’s up to your TCBY manager who’s twelve years younger than you, open up the jimmies container and proceed to flip them, one at a time, at your manager’s head. Timothy asks you politely to stop. You politely give him a wedgie. Naturally, he fires you. Then you collect your salary for the next year. Man, the life of a terrible baseball player may be better than the life of a marginal one who has to play every day. B.J. Ryan was released yesterday. Now he has more time to count his money. Anyway, here’s what else I saw yesterday in fantasy baseball:
Wandy Rodriguez – 9 IP, 0 ER, 11 Ks. In fairness to those who don’t own him, this was an easy matchup. For those that do own him, yee-haw!
Rafael Soriano – Now has more saves than Mike Gonzalez and more vowels than Rzepczynski.
Kevin Hart – 5 IP, 1 ER, 5 walks. Belch.
Kenshin Kawakami - 6 IP, 1 ER. His last start he went 4 1/3 IP and 4 earned vs. the Nats. I can’t imagine a scenario where Kawakami is not a risky start. Whether the matchups are favorable or not.
Troy Tulowitzki – 3-for-4, with his 14th homer yesterday. He trails only Ben Zobrist in most homers by a shortstop. He also trails Zobrist in awesomeness, but ya’ll knew that.
Manny Parra – Returning to start Thursday vs. the Cards. He’ll need three decent starts before I even consider him. Burn me once, shame on you. Burn me twice, stop freakin’ burning me, pyro!
Chad Gaudin – 6 2/3 IP, 1 ER, 7 Ks, 7 baserunners. Over IM, Rudy said this, “(Gaudin) is so hit or miss.” I said, “Yup.” Rudy then said, “But don’t put that in the roundup.” I said, “No problem.”
Max Scherzer – 7 IP, 2 ER, 9 Ks. I watched most of this game to see one thing, how does Scherzer throw so many pitches and not get out of the 7th inning? (That’s a complete lie. I watch every Diamondback game I can because of Mini Donkey.) Seems like Scherzer just gets himself into lots of deep counts. Kershaw and him really are the same pitcher.
Felipe Lopez – Hit his fifth homer yesterday. Man, he got cold as dog balls for a long time. Hitting one homer for all of May and June combined. At least steal some bases. You’re making me look bad! Hopefully, he can get hot for a few weeks and get into double digits for homers and steals.
Chris Volstad – Threw a five-hit shutout as he K’d 6. Guess who he was facing. Go ahead. I’ll wait. *taps finger* The Giants! C’mon, that was a gimme.
Dan Uggla – Hit his 16th homer yesterday, batting .223. Yeah, that’s not great. Need to raise that to .250 or hit about 5 more homers for that not to matter.
Oliver Perez – 5 IP, 2 ER. Wow, he had a solid game? 7 walks. Oh.
Joe Mauer – HR yesterday. He’s had four HRs since his insane 11 homer May. Maybe he had a BJ Upton playoff cortisone shot in May when he hit those 11 HRs. Not sure, but since then he’s returned to his high average, below average power ways.
David Aardsma – 3 ER, 5 baserunners, no outs. Aardsma’s showing why you can’t spell his last name without a Double A.
Roy Halladay – May approve a trade. Big news was the Yankees wouldn’t go after him. What about the Pirates? Will the Pirates go after him? Why isn’t that news?
Zach Greinke – 6 IP, 3 ER. Since June his ERA’s over 4 and his WHIP is above 1.30. Correia has been better. Snap!
Shane Victorino – 2-for-4, 2 steals. Just the other day I was asking for him to steal more. You’re welcome.
Homer Bailey – 6 IP, 2 ER, 6 Ks. Since his recall, 3.44/1.20 with 13 Ks. Money? Not really, but we are in a recession. It’s decent.
Scott Kazmir – 6 1/3 IP, 7 ER. Doode is killing me. I mean, I have Gaudin and Wandy throw solid games then this guy comes along and throws this shizz. I’m close to punting him. Sometimes it’s just better to let someone else pick up the poison pill.
Ben Zobrist – HR yesterday and 4 RBIs… The Zo!
Scott Downs – Returned and gave up the game-winning single, but the earned run was charged to Frasor. Yeah, way to make the other guy look bad. I know that trick. Have I mentioned Rudy wanted to draft Kazmir? Rudy, “Yeah, Fred Lewis has been terrific.”
J.D. Drew – HR yesterday while leading off as Ellsbury hit 6th. What’s this, an OBP move? This is ridiculous. Can someone text Francona that he needs to switch these two?
Hiroki Kuroda – 4 1/3 IP, 4 ER vs. the Mets in Metco. This is one of the problems with Kuroda. Last year, he led the league in FLAKE, which is basically the deviation from start to start a pitcher has. It’s a real term. Well, I mean, as real as a term can be that is made up by a baseball geek in his Mom’s basement. Leave my socks there, it’s just dried glue!
Jose Contreras - 6 1/3 IP, 1 ER, 9 Ks. Since he came back from the minors, he’s pitching like he’s actually 37-years-old as his ESPN player card says. 37… Ha!
Ervin Santana – 4 IP, 5 ER. Yeah, things aren’t getting better. Let him have a shred of dignity and shut him down.
Taylor Teagarden – Hit his first homer of the year. Wow, member when you were thinking about drafting this guy?
Andruw Jones – 5 Hrs in the last four games as he batted cleanup. You don’t have to like the hot guy to pick up the hot guy. (<–Quote from He’s Just Not That Into You, but it applies here.)
Donald Veal – Returned from the DL. Surprisingly, he didn’t have a calf problem.
Tags: Andruw Jones, B.J. Ryan, Ben Zobrist, Chad Gaudin, Chris Volstad, Dan Uggla, David Aardsma, Donald Veal, Ervin Santana, fantasy baseball, Felipe Lopez, Hiroki Kuroda, Homer Bailey, J.D. Drew, Joe Mauer, Jose Contretras, Kenshin Kawakami, Kevin Hart, Manny Parra, Max Scherzer, Oliver Perez, Rafael Soriano, Roy Halladay, Scott Downs, Scott Kazmir, Shane Victorino, Taylor Teagarden, Troy Tulowitzki, Wandy Rodriguez, Zach Greinke
July 9th, 2009 at 12:20 am
Hey, goddamit, Eric Bedard gave us Ticker Shock with his start two days ago. I thought that one was going in the glossary. Also, Grey, it appears I was right about Josh Johnson. Dr. Freeze must have brought his A game when he stitched that guy’s arm back together.
July 9th, 2009 at 12:22 am
So what do you actually think of Contreras going forward?
July 9th, 2009 at 12:29 am
Replying to myself here…I see Ticker Shock did make it into the glossary. Super, but now we’ve got to rock that bitch when appropriate.
Oh, and apropos nothing, the poster above me’s name looks a lot like “apartheid” if you just quickly glance at it.
July 9th, 2009 at 12:54 am
So is it time to dumb Ervin Santana in every situation? He did have over 50 pitches in the strike zone? maybe a good second half?
July 9th, 2009 at 12:55 am
@Dr.Phil: Wow too drunk, hopefully you understand that message
July 9th, 2009 at 12:57 am
“Leave my socks there, it’s just dried glue!”…snorted my Jack and Coke out through my nose because of that line, thanks a lot!
July 9th, 2009 at 1:22 am
variation of an old joke ===> toronto needs to go out and get two bj’s … and come back and give me one .
@ grey :
are you going to deny being related to that guy who “can speak french , in russian” ??
stay thirsty , my friend .
@ ALL :
buy this man a drink !!
July 9th, 2009 at 1:26 am
@john:
hey jack , maybe grey will write something to reverse what you said .
July 9th, 2009 at 4:13 am
Grey, I tho Aardsma is consisting with triple a…aint those triple a enough for you?
July 9th, 2009 at 4:32 am
I cant overstate my contempt for BlowJ Ryan, nice to see half my relievers turn into Kenny Powers this year.
Volstad is this years version of Garza. I spot start him against the Pirates and he gets burned up. I drop him and then he dominates the Giants. I think some of these bastards just like to play mind games with me.
July 9th, 2009 at 4:41 am
Haren/Cordero for Quentin/Papelbon
July 9th, 2009 at 5:15 am
Veal-Calf, you slay…
July 9th, 2009 at 6:23 am
Is uggla a second half guy? Would he be a good buy low candidate?
July 9th, 2009 at 6:25 am
@Cincinnasty: no way i’d trade a top 3 fantasy SP thus far for an injured OF and a closer (having his “worst” year taboot). much less throw in another serviceable closer. you should be able to move haren for a much safer OF (jason bay?) than quentin who will put up similar numbers assuming quentin stays healthy and plays the whole 2nd half which has been a problem for him.
July 9th, 2009 at 6:26 am
@ABell: i would, last i checked his babip was sub-.250, so the law of averages says it will at least go up a little. and he’s still giving you elite HR/RBI production from a 2B.
July 9th, 2009 at 6:29 am
What’s Harang’s value for the rest of the season? Figure a solid 3 starter in a 16 team league? Is he reliable to stay healthy at this point?
July 9th, 2009 at 6:41 am
@Grey: Drop Kris Davis for Polanco, Gutiérrez, Andruw?
Also if Sherril or Aardsma get traded or DL, who is your best bet to fill in?
I loved the pyro and dried glue lines.
July 9th, 2009 at 6:43 am
Saaaawweeeettt He’s Just Not That Into You reference haha….speaking of movies, have you seen Fired Up!?? If not, you should because it is a gem
July 9th, 2009 at 6:44 am
Any ideas why Nelly Cruz has been sitting out so much lately?
July 9th, 2009 at 6:45 am
time to punt Ordonez? I’ll pick up Meyer (FLA) or maybe Willingham.
July 9th, 2009 at 6:45 am
Randy Wells or Jose Contreras?
July 9th, 2009 at 7:16 am
@Abell: He’s a good buy-low guy I guess. His power is there this season, but his average is a little lower than his career number. Based on the fact his career BABiP is .297 and this year it is .240, you should see his average return to normal.
July 9th, 2009 at 7:20 am
@Andy: Cuz hes been awful?
July 9th, 2009 at 7:21 am
Frasor and Downs combine for the meltdown L on the day the Beej comes off the menu in TO.
What’s your assessment of this situation going forward?
Downs’ job to lose?
July 9th, 2009 at 7:28 am
I wouldn’t think that dog balls are particularly cold. I’m not going to test this one out personally, though.
I picked up Andruw Jones. I’m not proud. He can platoon with Bruce, and they can take turns sonavabenching me.
Maybe one day BJ Ryan will be remembered as the last of the big-contract closers. I mean — why? Why, exactly? When most two-pitch middle relievers (Downs) can step up and do just as well? Billy Beane is cold crazy in some situations, but he was way out in front on the whole closers-are-a-dime-a-dozen thing. Because they are.
July 9th, 2009 at 7:29 am
@Baron Von Vulturewins: Sweet, sweet headline, by the way. Which I’m only now getting. On my third coffee.
July 9th, 2009 at 7:44 am
Grey,
Next year, assuming Rios comes back and plays at the level we all expected him to. What round do you see him going in next year?
July 9th, 2009 at 7:45 am
Which side would you want? (5×5 – mixed, 12 team – non-keeper)
Chipper, Ellsbury, Adam Jones, Soto, Joba
or
Prince, Ichiro, Billingsley (throw ins – Teahen, Millwood)
July 9th, 2009 at 7:47 am
@Baron Von Vulturewins:
I agree on this morning post. Some the gem one liners and references take a couple reads or cups of coffee to catch.
Nice writing Grey!
July 9th, 2009 at 7:49 am
More value for the remainder of the season: Hawpe or Sparkakis?
July 9th, 2009 at 7:49 am
They sent the wrong Reyes!!!
http://nybaseballdigest.com/?p=12430
So, so bummed.
July 9th, 2009 at 7:52 am
Inge for Wandy?
July 9th, 2009 at 8:04 am
Read a rumor that LAA is interested in Downs – trade him now before he becomes a set-up man there?
July 9th, 2009 at 8:07 am
drop dan meyer for furcal? i have the zo slotted into ss, but it looks like furcal might be gaining momentum and i can stick zo in the of or util. i also have nunez, frankfranc, and howell as closers.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:10 am
Should I trade Pedroia and Harden to get Tulo and Jenks? I would be able to slide the Zorilla over to 2B. My remaining SPs would be Beckett, Vazquez, Jered Weaver, Slowey, Gaudin. 5×5 ML 12 teams
July 9th, 2009 at 8:13 am
@Pops: markakis. markakis is the better overall player, and is a traditional 2nd half player. hawpe has seriously slowed down.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:15 am
@BabyBeluga: assuming you aren’t gonna be incredibly terrible with your fill-ins at 3B, C, and one of the OF spots, i’d want the prince side.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:15 am
@ThePoonTycoon: That’s what I thought. Thanks for the confirmation.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:16 am
@Curly Day: no,i dont understand it though,i quess now i need to hold on to frasor in all leagues
@Grimlock: Yeah, Bedard was a ticker shock. Will try to do better next time.
@agarthered: Worth a flier, but don’t trust him.
@Dr.Phil: I wouldn’t start him for at least three starts no matter the results. Just let him sit on your bench, or drop him.
@john: Hehe
@big o: Ha!
@Quintero: Starts with a Double A. Seemed to make more sense to me at the time.
@emporers monkey: They’re messing with you.
@Tarasco’sSecretStash: Definitely a solid 3, maybe even a 2 in that deep of a league, though that might be pushing it. Not sure why he wouldn’t stay healthy, unless Dusty pulls a dirty trick.
@SRM: Andruw – Johnson, White
@get figgy with it: Might wait for that one on HBO.
@Schatzi: Oh, yes. Lose Mags. Depends if you need an OF, otherwise I’d go with Meyer.
@mgeoffriau: Wells
@sean: Downs’s job to lose, yup.
@Baron Von Vulturewins: Thanks. Dog balls are superlative. You can be crazy as dog balls. Hungry as dog balls. Or cold.
@Suck My Wieters: Why hasn’t he played at that level for the last two years? He’s a 6th to 8th rounder.
@BabyBeluga: Prince side.
@BSA: Thanks!
@Pops: Sparkakis.
@royce!: Ha
@black love: I’d take Wandy.
@nick m.: Sure
@Eric H.: It’s fine if you really need Jenks.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:36 am
@Grey: Thanks for the feedback.
@Any/All: Anyone dare starting Hanson @ Col tonight?
July 9th, 2009 at 8:48 am
Grey I have the number 1 waiver in my NL only. Whom do you think will be the most valuable player to come over from the AL?
July 9th, 2009 at 8:49 am
Anybody hear anything about Buchholz coming up for the Bosoz soon? I’m thinking he may be a great sleeper for the second half. Looks like he’s tearing it up in AAA. Is he worth picking up and hiding at the end of the bench?
July 9th, 2009 at 8:50 am
@Colin: halladay
July 9th, 2009 at 8:50 am
Make that Bosox. It was not an editorial comment.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:51 am
@Grey: You seem to be very familiar with dog balls.
Also: I say Andruw Jones gets to 30 donks this year — who’s with me?
Also: Cards trade for Holliday. I’ve got a feeling! Wouldn’t Holliday fit in nice in the 4 spot, protecting Albert’s poohole? Of course, this means LaRussa couldn’t prove his brilliance daily by blahtooning Skip Schumaker and Riley T. Fiddlesquat, and hitting the pitcher 5th, and triple-swapping so he’s got two catchers in the game at the same time, and whatnot.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:51 am
@Colin: Halladay. Then Holliday. Then Howledey. Then Howdy Doody.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:58 am
Does anyone else change team names constantly? So far, just this year, my team name in my primary league has been:
UguethWhatYouDeserve
Manny Being Banny (changed the date the suspension was announced)
Free Manny! (changed 1 week before Manny’s return)
and today I changed it to:
Foreverth Young (in honor of my new favorite rookie)
July 9th, 2009 at 9:00 am
Some team names used this year:
Napoli Headed Hoes
The Haney Project
Cum on my BoniFACEio
July 9th, 2009 at 9:01 am
Mr. (Gr)Anderson
July 9th, 2009 at 9:03 am
@All: Somewhat stale news, but seems the Marlins want Capps, but talks are at a standstill.
“FOXSports.com’s Jon Paul Morosi reports that the Marlins remain in contact with the Pirates about closer Matt Capps.
The two sides are reportedly at a standstill because the Pirates have little interest in outfielder Jeremy Hermida. Their salaries are a wash while both players aren’t eligible for free agency until after the 2011 season. The Marlins are in search of a closer with Matt Lindstrom on the shelf.” via Rotoworld
You know you’re desperate for saves and lost faith in Kris Davis when you just dropped him for Grabow who might not even be the closer in the 30% chance that Capps gets moved.
@SRM: Bleh
@Clay Dalrymple: Should be up soon, but there’s no guarantee he’ll have a rotation spot before September. I enjoyed Bosoz, editorial or not.
@Baron Von Vulturewins: I’m a part time lexicographer. Riley T. could probably hit 30 in Texas.
@mgeoffriau: And Rod Stewart.
@get figgy with it: Stay classy!
@SRM: Hey, I own Grabow in one league too. Never know.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:20 am
hah, I use Rodney Stewart
July 9th, 2009 at 9:36 am
@SRM: Capps to the Marlins? That will definitely happen — b/c I own Capps and Leo Nunez. Maybe Capps can come set up a healthy Lindstrom, thus wiping out my entire bullpen.
How hard should I be shopping Capps right now?
July 9th, 2009 at 9:40 am
@ SRM #41: Interesting note about Hanson. He’s given up 9 ER this year; every single run came off of an 0-0 count and 6 of those runs came in his first game.
He’s a strikeout pitcher who is not trying to strike dudes out right now, he’s been very smart with his pitch selection, and he looks very poised and mature for a rook. And he’s already beaten BOS and NYY. I think he’ll keep the ball down and refuse to let the Rockies elevate his shizz.
I’m starting him, I don’t care if the Rockies put up 5 runs a game. They’ll probably just get those 5 runs of Moylan.
6.2 IP, 2 ER, 6K’s, 3 BB and a big fat W-Go Bravos!
July 9th, 2009 at 9:41 am
Is anyone starting Wolf @ MetCo tonight???
July 9th, 2009 at 9:41 am
@ Grey
I figured I’d hook ya up with a Daiquiri so I’ll squeeze 1 last trade advice from you. 5×5 roto, keeper.
Should I accept either of these?
M. Cab/ C. Ross/ Zobrist for Cruz/Hill/Werth
or
M. Cab/Verlander for Cruz/Hill/Wandy
@timSTi: I am.
@RIP Harry: I’d take the Miggy side on either, preferably the 2nd one.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:50 am
@Grey: Good enough for me. Just had to hear I wasn’t the only one thinking that!
July 9th, 2009 at 9:56 am
thoughts on throwing liriano at home against the yanks in 10 minutes?
@brad: I wouldn’t.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:59 am
price(looking good so far today)morrow and cook,take 2@Grey:
July 9th, 2009 at 9:59 am
@Grey: Ozzie Guillen said Quentin would be DH when he comes back but with a healthy Thome in the mix do you think his AB’s will be limited at first?
July 9th, 2009 at 10:02 am
Grienke’s relevant stats since June 1:
45 IP
41 K
9 BB
4.56 K/BB
1.25 HR/9
I dunno…still looks reasonably Cy-tastic to me. What can you say? He’s had some bad luck, and he pitches for the Royals. If you want to trade Greinke to me from your league for Correia, I can arrange that; that way I can have two Greinkes on my team.
@AL KOHOLIC: Sorry, are you asking something there, I’m confused. Are you still drunk?
@Rick Dempsey: Sounds like it.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:03 am
@Grey: thanks
July 9th, 2009 at 10:04 am
Tex/Missile or Howard/S.Drew
July 9th, 2009 at 10:04 am
Sorry, got the HR/9 wrong – 4 HR allowed in 45.1 IP = .8 HR/9. Which is even Cy-tastic-er than I originally thought.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:05 am
@AL KOHOLIC: Out of Price Morrow and Cook I’d take Price and Cook.
@bonk: Will you trade me Miggy so I can have two of them?
@I’m Keith Hernandez: It’s pretty even.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:11 am
Rest of the season, who do you want: Magglio or Hart? Or neither and some other FA scrub?
July 9th, 2009 at 10:12 am
@Grey: hung over a bit but yes asking who youd rather have,pick 2 of the 3,morrow,price and cook
July 9th, 2009 at 10:12 am
grey, you think the Rangers will finally give my boy everyday playing time? i told you boys on Monday that Ron Washington was wasting him!
July 9th, 2009 at 10:13 am
Okay, unrelated: all things equal, do you like Nelson Cruz, Adam Jones, or Hunter Pence?
@AMH: Hart
@AL KOHOLIC: Morrow, Price
@andruwjonesmom: I think the Rangers will have to play him if he keeps hitting. You should be very proud of how he’s played recently.
@bonk: Cruz
July 9th, 2009 at 10:18 am
Quick one: NL-only 4X4. Rank the following for the remainder of the season: Harden, Zambrano, Vazquez, Hamels. Thanks!
July 9th, 2009 at 10:20 am
nolasco for Inge,
which side is better
@Jon: Hamels, Vazquez, Zambrano…
@black love: Nolasco
July 9th, 2009 at 10:34 am
trade Rivera for Cruz?
@Greg: Sure
July 9th, 2009 at 10:37 am
Drop Thome and pick up Matsui?
Also, who do you like better on the SAGNOF front-andrus or elverth cabrera?
@jp: Hold Thome — Andrus.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:42 am
@ABell: Other than pre-AllStar 08 not sure what you are seeing that makes you want Uggla in the 2nd half???
Uggla GS HR SB OBP SLG AVG
07 preAS 89 17 2 .318 .488 .247
07 postAS69 14 0 .337 .469 .244
08 preAS 81 23 4 .374 .605 .286
08 postAS65 9 1 .343 .396 .226
09 preAS 83 16 1 .335 .435 .223
09 postAS?
July 9th, 2009 at 10:44 am
Thank you for the Wandy Rodriguez buy last week. I acquired him in a deal after seeing that and I am very happy right now.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:47 am
Why don’t we like Aceves again?
July 9th, 2009 at 10:55 am
Start E-Jax against Cleveland tomorrow with a +100IP count?
@BrianKennedy: Cool
@Greg: Just talked about him yesterday.
@knighttown: I would.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:59 am
Jake Fox could be in line for playing time at C if Geovany Soto’s oblique injury keeps him out; not sure if it would be realistic for him to get eligibility though, as I’d imagine another catcher would be called up/acquired if Soto needs to be DLed
July 9th, 2009 at 10:59 am
@Grey: good advice on liriano so far, he’s been all over the place.
July 9th, 2009 at 11:00 am
Okay, I’ll clarify a bit…
The league I’m in is based on MLB payrolls – you assume the salary and length of player contracts, with a salary cap set to the average AL payroll ($97 mil this year). Arbitration years, options, and extensions are at your discretion – you can accept the negotiated salary/extension cost, or drop the player.
So if I’m going to trade for a player, I’ll have them for the length of their contract. Cruz, Jones, and Pence are all similar in this regard – they’ve got like 1.1 years of MLB servive before this year, and are really cheap now. However, Jones is 23 years old, Pence 26, and Cruz 29, so I’m also concerned with what their performance will be by the end of their arb years and/or in a longer-term extension.
ALL THAT SAID: Cruz, Pence, or Jones?
(In return for paying attention to this ridiculously tortured post, I offer the following link as compensation, in hopes that you haven’t seen it: http://www.toplessrobot.com/2009/06/bonus_robs_transformers_2_faqs.php)
@Adam: I doubt he sees enough games behind the plate.
@brad: Yeah, but it’s not great to have pitchers you can’t start.
@bonk: Jones then, nice link.
July 9th, 2009 at 11:13 am
@Grey: F.Y.I,really like the football site,looks to going well,looking forward to the leagues starting up in about a month
July 9th, 2009 at 11:16 am
Thanks much. Keep up the excellent work.
July 9th, 2009 at 11:19 am
@nmdunkel: I like the optimism and info and I wouldn’t be surprised if I regret sitting him but I think i will since i’m plus innings.
I also saw Rotoworld had him as #106 overall player going forward for the year. I don’t track that sites info outside of news, so I’m not sure if the guy who wrote it is reliable or just falling for a hyped rook, but apparently most people are more confident than I am (which can’t hurt his trade value with another good start or two).
July 9th, 2009 at 11:23 am
@bonk: Good stats. Thanks. I was able to trade him + A Soriano for Pujols yesterday. I don’t think i’ll be regretting that, but that data might have given me a millisecond of pause.
July 9th, 2009 at 11:30 am
@ SRM: I hate being plus innings. That’s about the time I’m like…”Did I really give Jeff Suppan a couple starts last month? What, why?”.
Yeah, if he has a solid game tonight I’d shop him if not in a keeper.
@ Grey: I’m buying you a couple drinks (at Atlanta prices, of course). One is for Ben Zobrist, the other is for having sweet style.
July 9th, 2009 at 11:34 am
@SRM: Not sure how often anyone regrets trading for Pujols. You can’t go far wrong there. And as much as I love Greinke, a team with Pujols+an average SP is almost certainly better off than a team with Soriano+Greinke.
July 9th, 2009 at 11:35 am
Grey, do you plan to post any article about usual suspects aiming for the great second half of the season? Such article would be indeed great.
@AL KOHOLIC: Thanks, but should be thanking Doc and Hank.
@bonk: Cool, you’re welcome.
@nmdunkel: Cool, thanks!
@anoraxx: Next week.
July 9th, 2009 at 11:38 am
drop smoltz for morrow?
@danimal35: Sure
July 9th, 2009 at 11:44 am
@Grey:
Wonderful indeed. I can´t wait.
July 9th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
I cant believe this, Would you rather have mini donkey or wright going forward?
@I’m Keith Hernandez: Wright
July 9th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
Oh God! Just when I thought that Manny Parra was out of my life forever…
@JR: Ha!
July 9th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
@Grey: I’m going to pick him up. Apparently I have Battered Razzballer’s Syndrome.
July 9th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Madsons 2IP save last night; cause for concern for Lidge owners? Look to deal him or do you expect a second half bounce back….
July 9th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
Madson got the W…..still, look to deal lidge if possible?
@JR: Hehe
@matthole: Depends on what you can get and what you need. Lidge is the closer.
July 9th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
@Grey: word, especially when you aren’t starting a twins pitcher at home. it’s a 16 team keeper league though so i can’t just drop liriano right?
July 9th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Wheeler with the save today; I’m assuming it was because Howell’s pitched 2.2 innings over the last 2 days.
@brad: Not droppable in that deep of a league.
@mgeoffriau: Sounds right.
July 9th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
@Greg: This from Grey yesterday: Alfredo Aceves – Will start for Wang on Thursday. So, he goes, what? 60 pitches? Worth grabbing in H2H leagues and AL-Only, but I’m not bothering with him in mixed leagues.
Aceves lasted 65 pitches.
July 9th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
Just noticed that Jesus Flores and Elijah Dukes are back in the saddle again!
July 9th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
@vinko: nationals team report said flores is out 3 months from june 1st?
July 9th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
@vinko: Finishing the suspended game.
July 9th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
Start Hanson tonight?
@Jackie: I would not.
July 9th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
Dump Meche for Contreras? H2H league is K-heavy.
@Hardcore Midget: Eh, if you like. I’d hold pat.
July 9th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
@Grey: I just get excited by shiny things. I think it’s my fantasy baseball ADHD.
I know Contreras is gonna come back to earth, and take a huge dump all over my team. But right now, he’s the fancy shiny thing.
But I’ll stick with Meche. Thanks.
July 9th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
Boy, I gave up on Contreras long ago and didn’t realize the stretch that he’s been having.
Parra or Contreras?
Gracias.
@JR: Contreras
July 9th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
Does anyone have any experience with trading for draft picks in a keeper league?
@bpasinko: Sure, but I almost always want the players instead the draft picks.
July 9th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
@Grey: Even if you are trading players you wouldn’t keep and you have given up on the season?
@bpasinko: I don’t know your circumstances, but it’s early to be giving up. But if it’s really a lost cause, I’d try to get keepers instead of draft picks.
July 9th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
I wonder if any of you have any experience with the type of trade I’m thinking of making. I’m in first at 93 points in an 11 teamer. The guy behind me is at 89 and no one else is over 70. My bats are excellent but I have zero depth, which is the way I like it. Jay Bruce is my only bench player and I never play him…over Choo who would be my number 5 OF. I’ve twice moved a stud SP (Cain and Beckett) as part of a package to get a bat (Pujols and Crawford) but I’ve picked up a bunch of serviceable SP’s. I’m playing the matchups and need to be selective because I’m over by 100IP.
My idea is to target a Top SP with 2 or 3 good-to-average guys. I really don’t want to include any bats.
1. Who would be the TOP 10 SP for fantasy baseball the rest of the way?
2. Is there a package that might entice a guy to move someone above out of this group (Jackson, Hanson, Kuroda, Weaver, Scherzer and Harden)? I also have Vazquez and Oswalt but don’t really want to move them for dominance/undervalue reasons.
3. My wins are fine and my WHIP and ERA seem to be coming down. Should I just stay the course and see what comes my way?
@knighttown: I’d try to trade Scherzer and Hanson or either and Harden for Johan, CC, Hamels or Bills, in that order. If that doesn’t work, maybe stay the course, but I wouldn’t mind even trading two of them for a an F-Her or Wainwright in your situation.
July 9th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
@Grey: The Wolfman is tying us to the WHIP-ping post.
@Steve: I know, it’s killing me.
July 9th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
@Grey: At least he has run support.
@Steve: Yeah, but I’m worried it’s going to be one of those games where Torre pulls him with 4 2/3 innings right before he qualifies.
July 9th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
@Grey: Oh, I’ve been fully prepared for something bad to happen from even before gametime.
On a related note, why did Martin and Werth choose this week to catch fire. Martin has scarcely done anything until now.
July 9th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
@Grey: Time for the Wolfman to hit the showers?
@Steve: Nothing good can come of him pitching anymore so hopefully.
July 9th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
I could be wrong, but I think the bases have been loaded for Martin everyt time he’s been up. I do not need this.
@Steve: This is my outlet!
July 9th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
I. Stewart, Blalock, or Encarnacion while DeRosa is out?
Thanks, as always!
July 9th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
@Grey: I guess that what Torre do.
No harm done, though.
@steamer: Blalock
July 9th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
Werth has hit homer’s in 4 consecutive games. Keep it rolling jay-son!
July 9th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
Hamilton is dying to get off my DL. Does Juan Pierre get traded and get more PT or is his contract just too terrible? Would you drop Pierre or let go of Maholm.
@Ham: Depends what you need, but I’d probably lose Maholm unless I was totally fine with speed.
July 9th, 2009 at 7:37 pm
Daniel Bard is looking nasty for the BoSox tonight. Gotta love Boston’s farm system
@timSTi: Better than Josh Bard and the Padres farm system, that’s for sure.
July 9th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
@Grey: Haha tis true.
July 9th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
@Grey: Hey man, don’t blame the Padres for Josh Bard! That’s all on the Indians! Blame the Padres for Matt Bush, Matt Antonelli, Tim Stauffer, Jake Gautreau, Mark Phillips, Omar Ortiz, Gerik Baxter, Vince Faison, and Sena Burroughs…damn, writing that out was depressing. The only worthwhile Padres first round pick- D.Lee, 1993. Oh, and Dave Winfield, in 1973. And Dave Roberts in 1972! That guy is old!
July 9th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
@Grey: Chris Davis/Smoak owner here (8 team AL Only Keeper)… I am playing a dead spot at CI right now. Wigginton is my 3B.
Tight rosters. I’d like to pick up Lowrie to cover for the TEX boys, but the only guys on my team I’d sort of consider dropping are David Murphy ($2), Trevor Cahill ($1 – my #6 SP), and John Smoltz (my #5 SP – yeah, my pitching’s not deep at all).
With all that in mind… Should I sit tight and wait a few weeks to see what shakes out with the TEX guys, or drop someone to pick up Jed? Considering the All Star break and Jed’s return being 10 days away, is that the right thing to do?
Thank you, Grey.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
In my H2H, I’m 4-3 down in Wins and and up 1.02 to 4.28 in ERA. I could potentially have Haren, Joba, Bills and Lowe going tomorrow. Inclined to sit Lowe, or should I run him out there?
July 9th, 2009 at 8:20 pm
@Grey: Dunn and Cueto for Ichiro or Kemp. Which side, and who would you prefer to receive? Many thanks.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:30 pm
In case anyone else was starting to wonder about why Nelly Cruz has been sitting its explained here http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090709&content_id=5790402&vkey=news_tex&fext=.jsp&c_id=tex . Guess we’ll just have to sit back and wait. Not that I can blame Washington. Hopefully this’ll cause Cruz to come back and go on one of his tears and get his avg back up again!
July 9th, 2009 at 8:46 pm
@Grey: After a recent trade in my 10 teamer my pitching staff looks like this: C-Bills, Johan, Gollardo, Scherzer, Jimenez, & Wolf with Volquez on the DL. In W/K/ERA/WHIP I’m 6/7/5/5. Should I sit back and watch the numbers correct themselves or do I need to make another move? My offensive numbers are R/HR/RBI/SB/AVG 9/10/9/7/7.
I’m in second place. Kid in first had a nasty first couple months but i’m gaining on him. I think I just hit that mid season blues where I feel like I have to do something but my team has the talent.
Pablo, Pujols, Cano, Alexei, Chone, Helton, Hill, Kemp, Grandy, Cruz, Werth, Rivera with Quentin on DL and Beckham/FraGu on the bench.
Any moves you think I need to make? Help cure my midseason blues.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
should I even bother to pick up another catcher for the rest of the week or just wait until the prognosis on Soto comes back after the break?
@john: Screw it, adding a catcher will probably just screw up your OBP anyways.
@john: Thanks, thats exactly what I was thinking!
On a separate note, your team scores 9 runs and you go 3/5 with 4 total bases yet score 0 runs and 0 rbis..would that qualify as a ticker tease?
July 9th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
Hey Grey, just got offered Beckham for Everth Cabrera (by the way- when searching for a way to abbreviate his name, I realized that EverCab sounds like the name of a crappy band I should have started in junior high)
So, EverCab or Beckham? I might need some steals, but who knows
@royce!: Ha!
@Mike D.: I’d lose Murphy for him.
@Steve: Sit Lowe.
@Gubbins: Kemp
@timSTi: Thanks for the heads up about Cruz. I wonder if you could fix your pitching. Those guys are a bit murderous on WHIP and ERA on occasion. Maybe Scherzer and Wolf for F-Her? Not sure if you can pull it off, just thinking aloud.
@john: It qualifies as something, not sure what though.
@Tom: Evercab — Ha! I’d go EverCab for steals.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
Da big Fra-Gu!
July 9th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
@Grey: Guy in last place recently changed his team name to Trade Bait. He has Burnett, Lilly, & Washburn for quality starters. Any of those I should target? When I sent him a message about Burnett he replied with:
“I’m either looking for a draft pick for next year or I’m looking to get rid of 2 or more guys for someone better to use to trade or be a keeper ”
What kinda draft pick in a 10 team 3 player Keeper league you think Burnett or Lilly is worth? His only notable offensive players are Miggy Cabrera, A.Soriano, Reyes, and Sizemore. Any possible trade ideas you see there? I’m bad at valuing trades.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
@Steve: There we go FraGu! I needed that my offense was lacking tonight!
July 9th, 2009 at 9:31 pm
@timSTi: You know it. The guy I’m against in my H2H league has Werth so I need all the help I can get.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
@Steve: Werth has been hot lately. I have him and FraGu on one team and FraGu on my other team. I miss the excitement of H2H leagues. Maybe I’ll get in another midseason league so I can be in a H2H-er….
July 9th, 2009 at 9:37 pm
@timSTi: This is my first year playing roto and I’m kind of liking that a couple of bad days for your team doesn’t necessarily spell doom for your team as it can in H2H.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
@Steve: Yeah I can see that point. And bleh, there goes Wilson’s save opportunity! Thanks San Fran.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Ok Razzballers, Jermaine Dye has been a terrific performer in RF for my team this year, but I can’t help but think that at his age his second half isn’t going to match his first half. Am I crazy to think it’s time to cash in my chips?
What other RFs would you be targeting in a trade?
July 9th, 2009 at 10:01 pm
@Grey: yea, that was el Cabello’s night..very semi-disappointing..its kinda like premature ejaculation, it feels good while it’s happening but then you see the look on the woman’s face and realize the sad truth that you’ve accomplished nothing
July 9th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
@Gareth: I have a feeling the rest of your leaguemates would feel pretty much the same as you so I think it might be tough for you to get a fair deal
July 9th, 2009 at 10:13 pm
@john: Fair call. I’m wondering if there aren’t some 1st half underperformers (Hamilton for example?) that I might be able to prise away.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:18 pm
Ron Washington – if Ron Washington managers always played the hot hitter then Ron Washington would have never gotton one AB
July 9th, 2009 at 10:19 pm
at least Torre would bat Cruz 8th
July 9th, 2009 at 10:30 pm
@Gareth: Its worth a try..maybe they’ll be scared of the injury bug..maybe Hart, or Rios as they’re both underperforming
@Steve: Hehe
@timSTi: Lilly could help your team. Maybe a 3rd round pick?
@Gareth: I don’t think you’re getting Hamilton with Dye.
@john: Hehe
@Mr Baseball: Ha!
July 9th, 2009 at 10:59 pm
Two FA questions:
1.Would you toss Morrow vs Tex tomorrow?
2. How bout Weaver @ the BrewCrew, or Hampton vs Nats or neither on Saturday?
@john: I’m starting Morrow tomorrow in a 12 team league with fingers crossed. I’d start Hampton there.
July 9th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
@Grey: Thanks..I think I’ll stay away from Morrow but I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you Grey