Randy on Travis
August 21, 2009
Category: Fantasy Baseball Buy/Sell
If you can’t find a high risk/high reward outfielder on your waivers right now, you’re just not trying very hard. Sorta on topic, I feel like picking up the latest high risk/high reward hitter is like double dog daring your leaguemates. You think picking up Snider is risky? I just picked up Wladimir Balentien! Oh, yeah? I’m grabbing Matt Diaz and Chase Headley! *beads a sweat from random italicized voice* Fine, I’ll grab Angel Pagan! As for Travis Snider, he’s still very young and raw like a nice piece of toro. If you need pop, he’s worth a flier in all leagues to see if you can catch some lightning in a bottle, Thor. Though he’s just as capable of striking out 30 times in the next month and batting .130 as he is of hitting 8 homers. If your itchy for rookie nookie, go for it. Just beware the rash. Anyway, here’s some more players to buy and sell this week in fantasy baseball:
BUY
Matt LaPorta – The MLP Package is on in Cleveland. Now it’s up to LaPorta to make it watchable.
Drew Stubbs – Has great speed and BBQ.
Kyle Blanks – For power, you could do worse. Fun fact about Kyle Blanks, every year for Halloween, he dresses as Michael Clarke Duncan and he wears no costume.
Julio Borbon – Great, terrific, wonderful. All signs pointing to fantastic. Could win Player of the Week. Has a long way to go to being worthwhile for an extended period of time, but while he’s hot, grab him.
Carlos Gonzalez – We’re all gonna go blind if I keep flagellating Carlos Gonzalez.
Rajai Davis – SAGNOF! I’m only mentioning him again, because he’s still only owned in 25% of ESPN leagues. Even if 75% of ESPN leagues are abandoned… Wait, does that means he’s 100% owned? Hmm… Color me confused.
Bronson Arroyo – He’s had one bad start since the All-Star Break. That is all.
Billy Wagner – Lukewarm buy here. If you really need saves, okay. But he needs to not only get dealt, but he needs to end up on a team where he’ll be getting saves.
Mark Ellis – Picking up Mark Ellis and an orangutan couldn’t even get Jane Goodall’s nipples hard, but Ellis has been hot and he has 2nd base eligibility, so there.
Jeff Baker – I almost went with the title, The Fabulous Baker Boy and Jeff Baker as the lead. Jeff Baker? Boy, perhaps. Fabulous? Seems to be overselling him. Wow, this is already shaping up to be a major sell on this buy. So what can we expect of Jeff Baker? He has great eligibility! How’s that for a buy? He has good pop that never fully materialized in Colorado. So now it’s going to materialize? Yeah, I know what you’re saying. He hit 20+ homers in his last full year of Triple-A. He also has ten steal speed over an entire season. Right now, he’s the Cubs starting 2nd baseman. So if you need some pop from your MI slot, Baker’s worth a look.
SELL
Aubrey Huff – I didn’t like him at all in the preseason. Then when he was terrible, I looked at his 2nd half splits. Splits, indeed. But like Biff Tannen, make like a banana. I’m done ever liking him.
Brett Anderson/Trevor Cahill - Way over their innings. Beane needs to either shut them down or trade them for seven first round picks.
David Price – Another guy that’s pushing the limits of what a young pitcher should throw. Murmurs say Sonnanstine will be taking over Price’s rotation spot in September. Murmurs also say, the guy on Megan Wants a Millionaire is a murderer, but I really want to see the rest of the season. C’mon, VH1! This could be the best TV ever. He goes to open a wine bottle and you try to imagine what he’s thinking about holding a corkscrew.
Ryan Doumit – I preach patience with catchers relying on the Ron Popeil, “Set It and Forget It” method. I’m going to make an exception for Doumit because he’s been terrible. Even the Pirates have noticed his egregiousness and moved him down the order. When the Pirates are moving guys down the order, it’s time to abandon ship.
Hiroki Kuroda – Regarding his concussion, he said through a translator, “The first two days I had a hard time sleeping and I even had a dream about getting hit.” The translator was Nicole Kidman. Weird!
Travis Hafner – At this point, the only advantage to owning Hafner would be to use his head to crack open walnuts.
Tags: Aubrey Huff, Bill Wagner, Billy Wagner, Brett Anderson, Bronson Arroyo, Carlos Gonzalez, David Price, Drew Stubbs, fantasy baseball, Hiroki Kuroda, Jeff Baker, Julio Borbon, Kyle Blanks, Mark Ellis, Matt Laporta, Rajai Davis, Ryan Doumit, Travis Hafner, Travis Snider, Trevor Cahill
August 21st, 2009 at 12:00 pm
yeah i gave up on huff and furcal,and dumped anderson,grabbed laporta gaonzalez and wagner,time for the last push to make a move
August 21st, 2009 at 12:01 pm
outlook on morrow for the rest of the season? is he going to pitch over the last 40 games or what?
August 21st, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Anytime anyone mentions Jane Goodall’s nipples I’m happy. Great stuff.
August 21st, 2009 at 12:07 pm
I am in desperate need of saves and have room on my team to roster two of following: Mike Gonzalez, Wagner, Lyon, and Angel Guzman…which 2 would you guys go with?
@AL KOHOLIC: Cool
@Critter Nagurski: I think he will pitch. But might be a 5 inning guy with decent Ks.
@brad: Thanks!
@Beau: Wagner and Gonzalez.
August 21st, 2009 at 12:23 pm
Shoot, activated Cruz from DL, now have to choose between wagner and gonzalez…add wagner until it plays out and if doesnt get moved drop him for gonzalez?
August 21st, 2009 at 12:24 pm
@Grey: Trust Arroyo next week, @MIL (Burns), LAD (Kershaw)?
What about Ross Ohlendorf: PHI (Blanton), @MIL (Burns)?
Im skeptical, but own Arroyo, and the reds cant seem to score….
Thanks
@Beau: Sure, that’s fine.
@matthole: I’d prefer Arroyo of those two.
August 21st, 2009 at 12:31 pm
@Grey: would you start arroyo with confidence?
August 21st, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Sittting Cook against the Giants until he learns to pitch again? My feeling is if I’m not starting him tonight, maybe I should just drop him…
@matthole: Never with confidence, but he has an under 3 ERA since the break. You start that.
@Art Vandelay: I’m sitting Cook.
August 21st, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Start Hamels at Metco today? My head says “no,” but my heart says “don’t let me get burned again!”
So I guess we’re unanimous.
Also, I got all excited about dropping Doumit until I saw who was available in my league — Somehow, in an 11-team, 1-catcher league, 19 catchers are rostered. Among the available shmohawks are Wieters, Navarro, Pudge, Barajas, and Zaun. Are any of those guys really likely to be any better than Doumit?
August 21st, 2009 at 12:50 pm
So, I own Doumit, but there aren’t a lot of better options on the wire. Soto, Baker, Olivo, Pudge, Varitek, Barajas…
Any of them worth picking up over Doumit? I almost just want to forget him and hope he picks it up in a couple of weeks.
@Dingo: I’d go with Wieters.
@Lava: Eh
August 21st, 2009 at 1:18 pm
FYI: Wagner has been claimed, go ahead and add him. http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/08/billy-wagner-claimed-on-waivers.html
August 21st, 2009 at 1:27 pm
Nationals introduce No. 1 pick Strasburg
HELLO THERE – lOOK AT MY ARM
http://pix.alaporte.net/pub/d/16996-1/That-s+a+Big+Arm.JPG
@Beau: Thanks for the heads up!
@mr baseball: Ha! Almost as big as his ears.
August 21st, 2009 at 1:47 pm
Between Snider and LaPorta: Who’s a safer bet to keep for next season and perhaps have more value this season? Shanks.
@teddyballgame: Snider for straight production. LaPorta because of his eligibility. If I had to choose one for UTIL, I’d go Snider.
August 21st, 2009 at 1:50 pm
@Grey: Yeah, and it’d be nice to have him get going again in time for the playoffs. I’ll sit tight for now.
August 21st, 2009 at 2:00 pm
hey I own both Pronk and Doumit! Guess that’s why my team has gone from 20 pts in first to 20 pts behind the first place team in less than 2 months.
@Lava: Hopefully…
@papasmurf: That’ll do it.
August 21st, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Insane to start Smoltz on Sunday @ Petco?
@T-BZA: No, not insane. If you’re going to start him anywhere, that would be the place.
August 21st, 2009 at 2:35 pm
Hey Grey, do you like Snider or LaPorta over The Dread Pirate ?
@SamYo: For power, in that order. For Runs and speed, nope.
August 21st, 2009 at 3:07 pm
@Grey: Cool, thanks!
August 21st, 2009 at 3:12 pm
According to the Boston Globe, the Red Sox may have been the club that claimed Mets reliever Billy Wagner on Friday afternoon.
WHY – what inning is Wagner going to pitch the fifth – the red soxs needs starting pitchers not relief pitchers that can go only one inning
there goes all the value that Grey prediction on wagners value
Billy Wagner – I love him best relief pick up in the last 24 hours. you all need saves – you saw how fast everyone picked up Carlos Gonzalez and if you pick him up now I will throw in 2nd Slap Chop™
2nd Graty
August 21st, 2009 at 3:15 pm
@Grey: Sporting News doesn’t even have Stubbs in their database yet, un freakin believable
@mr baseball: A free Slap Chop seems too good to be true.
@Doug Ault: Yahoo’s sending him through waivers. He wasn’t in there either.
August 21st, 2009 at 3:25 pm
Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com has confirmed that the Red Sox indeed claimed Billy Wagner off waivers Friday.
@mr baseball: Looks like they’ve got a guy to bridge the 5th and 6th innings for Penny’s starts.
August 21st, 2009 at 3:38 pm
Grey -
Do you like Delmon Young over LaPorta or Snider (mind you, this is a keeper and I will probably keep 2 out of those 3).
BTW – no Delmon love in your buy list?
@Jake: Yeah, Delmon slipped my mind. He has been hot lately. I mentioned him two days ago in the roundup. I’d go with Young and LaPorta. But this is a very tough call. Snider can outperform the other two next year.
August 21st, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Are we starting Richard at Petco tonight against the Redbirds?
August 21st, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Any chance Boston isn’t stupid and they see trade value from Wagner?
@Ceasar: No, I’m not.
@Simply Fred: What do you mean?
August 21st, 2009 at 4:11 pm
I am wondering why Boston would take him as well. The only thing I could think of (other than the bridge for Penny) was future trade value for a starting pitcher or another bat???
@Simply Fred: I think they’re just thinking about shortening games in the playoffs.
August 21st, 2009 at 4:15 pm
@Grey: In that case, it does seem extravagent.
@Simply Fred: A bit, but they’re a big market team. They can do extravagant things.
August 21st, 2009 at 4:16 pm
maybe the sox wanted to keep him from the Yanks, who are not exactly rich in lefty relievers…
August 21st, 2009 at 4:16 pm
@Simply Fred: edit: extravagant.
@mc serch: Yeah, that probably has something to do with it too.
August 21st, 2009 at 4:25 pm
Who googled M C Duncan?
C’mon now, fellas….ain’t gotta lie ta kick it, yo….
(No? Well you should’ve, unfunny guy!)
…Nice, Grey!
August 21st, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Regarding Joe Mauer, obviously he’s not going to hit .380 next season, but what draft value does his have going into next season?
Coming into this season he was generally overrated with a mostly empty average, but now that he’s put up numbers not really all that far from Pujols’ 2008, and as a catcher no less, is he a consensus pick in the first two rounds?
Even factoring in the inevitable drops in power and average over a full 2010 season, I could see taking him in the top 30 picks. Any thoughts?
@nmdunkel: It’s the Green Mile doode.
@Martin Martin: He’ll probably be somewhere between the 15th and 25th pick. I won’t take him in there, but that’s about where he’ll go, barring an unforeseen injury.
August 21st, 2009 at 5:01 pm
Snider, LaPorta and Blanks still available…I don’t need anything but I have Robot Jones, Vernon Wells, Dukes and Rajai on the bench.
Bench-clearing brawl…who comes out on top?
I know I let Carlos Gonzalez slip through my hands by trying to shop Wells for peanuts and then Yahoo wrote a peice on him and whattaya know…he got snapped up….dirty pirate arrrrggghhh!!!!
@danimal35: I’d lose Dukes for Snider.
August 21st, 2009 at 5:09 pm
as Robot Jones hits a 3-run homer…the drop button is kryptonite to my mouse
August 21st, 2009 at 5:14 pm
they need him tonight – better get a rocket shp to transport him in
@mr baseball: Looks like they’ve got a guy to bridge the 5th and 6th innings for Penny’s starts.
@danimal35: Ha!
@mr baseball: Hehe
August 21st, 2009 at 5:43 pm
Carp for Bay or Ethier. Which one do you like better? Bay or Ethier?
August 21st, 2009 at 6:07 pm
Stupid Hamels. Can’t even get the Mets out.
@Corey: Bay
August 21st, 2009 at 7:14 pm
Thanks again!
August 21st, 2009 at 7:32 pm
Which SS do you like..Orlando Cabrera, Everth Cabrera or Elvis Andrus?
August 21st, 2009 at 7:45 pm
The Wolfman has more RBIs today than pretty much my three teams combined.
August 21st, 2009 at 9:15 pm
You’d have to be in some seriously deep leagues to risk picking these players up, though I think Carlos Gonzalez has nice balanced stats as of late.
@Corey: No problem.
@ASAOK: Andrus
@Steve: He did what he had to.
@Chris Cairns: Definitely depends on league size as to who you should own.
August 21st, 2009 at 10:53 pm
Sit Burnett against the Red Sox tomorrow? Looks like it’s going to be a high-scoring series.
@DrEasy: I wouldn’t start him.
August 22nd, 2009 at 2:50 am
Best WW guy for Sunday?
Smoltz @ SD
Porcello @ Oak
Norris v Ari
Pavano @ KC
Homer @ Pit
Ks and ratios more important than the win…
August 22nd, 2009 at 5:57 am
What about Nolan Reimold and Will Venable? I had Reimold in a few of my leagues, but he’s tapered off. Out of that list, who are your top 3 prospects for next draft season? I’m going with: Reimold, LaPorta and Gonzalez.
August 22nd, 2009 at 6:13 am
@Steve: don’t like any of those options…but if I had to, maybe porcello? he’s been decent lately but was lit up in Oaktown earlier in the season. Smoltzie is a crapshoot that could pay off big…you feeling lucky my friend?
August 22nd, 2009 at 7:40 am
The Mets did not Vote for Pedro
@Steve: I agree with Serch on not liking any of them. I’d give Smoltz a whirl over Porcello though. Actually, I wouldn’t start any of them outside of a H2H league.
@Chris Cairns: That sounds good, but I’d probably go Reimold, Gonzalez then LaPorta.
@mr baseball: Ha!
August 22nd, 2009 at 9:23 am
What are your thoughts on HodgePadre Correia this evening?
@vinko: I’m starting him in a 15 team league and sitting him in a 12. I think vs. Cards are a risky start.
August 22nd, 2009 at 9:29 am
@Grey: Which two should I sit today-Beckham, Votto, Jones, Fukudome? They would be my Util. guys. Thanks
@Robert: I’d sit Fukudome and Beckham. Maybe Adam Jones, unless that’s Chipper. I’m not sure.
August 22nd, 2009 at 9:40 am
@Grey: The other day we discussed ranking Kershaw and Scherzer for next year. We both favored Kershaw. They look pretty even. However, I checked the BABIPs. Kershaw .278, Scherzer .340. I don’t understand BABIP in depth enough to make a valid judgment here. It seemed to me that .340 was high enough to consider Scherzer unlucky and likely to do better next year, vice-a-versa for Kershaw. Or, is Kershaw just that much better a pitcher?
August 22nd, 2009 at 9:41 am
@Simply Fred: I guess the better question is: Is Kershaw’s .278 within reason and we can expect him to repeat that level next year?
August 22nd, 2009 at 9:54 am
@Grey: Add Brett Anderson, Jonathan Sanchez to Kershaw, Scherzer. Please rank. (Know this is real early. Just trying to figure out the ones to continue to evaluate.)
August 22nd, 2009 at 9:56 am
@Simply Fred: Anderson’s BABIP .311 and Sanchez .296 don’t seem to be an issue.
@Simply Fred: They’re pretty even across the board, but Kershaw’s team and ballpark are better. Giving him a slight edge.
Kershaw, Scherzer, Sanchez, Anderson….
August 22nd, 2009 at 10:11 am
@Grey: So, what to make, if anything, out of the corresponding BABIP’s? (Thank you for ranking!)
August 22nd, 2009 at 10:12 am
@Simply Fred: Are the team and ballpark the reasons for Kershaw’s lower BABIP?
@Simply Fred: They’re not related. Just a separate point. What to make of BABIPs? Kershaw’s been a tad lucky, looks like he’s left more guys on than usual and has given up less homers. Nothing really for red flags. Then nearly the opposite for Scherzer. A tad unlucky, but really nothing for red flags.
August 22nd, 2009 at 11:04 am
@Grey: Got it.
BTW: Appreciate the Thursday “Keeperanos”. Am making room for Butler (not expecting mini-donkey numbers, but should earn his cost).
@Simply Fred: Yeah, exactly. He won’t be a top 20 overall guy, but he should be good value for his draft pick. As I see it right now, at least.
August 22nd, 2009 at 11:16 am
@Grey: Your post made me go back to mini-donkey numbers for 08 and make that compare to Butler’s 09. Coupled with Butlers 2nd half, I definitely see why you singled him out. Thanks for putting him on the radar!
August 22nd, 2009 at 12:14 pm
@mc serch: @Grey: Sorry – it is H2H. If it was roto I wouldn’t be picking any of them up with your team.
Was leaning Smoltz – thanks.
August 22nd, 2009 at 2:02 pm
7 ER for Burnett so far.
August 22nd, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Anyone know why Broxton pitched the 8th and Sherrill got the save?
August 22nd, 2009 at 4:23 pm
only thinking sherrill has been better
August 22nd, 2009 at 4:32 pm
@AL KOHOLIC: They oughta outlaw hotels without bars, and I don’t mean bars in the windows……………..
August 22nd, 2009 at 4:35 pm
@Grey: Just found a game in time to see your boy CQ go deeeeeeeeeeeeeep!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 22nd, 2009 at 4:54 pm
who that pitching for the dodgers Charlie Hough ?
August 22nd, 2009 at 5:49 pm
@BigFatHippo: yeah ive been stuck at those also,just not much fun drinking alone in your room,hey let us get caught up on the flood control and me and nellie will come see your new pad,
August 22nd, 2009 at 6:10 pm
@Dexter: @AL KOHOLIC: MLB: “But warming up in the eighth was All-Star Broxton, not Sherrill, and it wasn’t a demotion. Torre wanted Broxton to face the heart of the Cubs’ order.”
“We had an opportunity to save the game in the eighth inning and I just couldn’t resist it,” Torre said. “Broxton struck out two last night and I basically decided to flip-flop them because of where they were in the lineup. It’s a nice situation to have. We’re not as concerned about who gets the stat as much as the only stat that’s important, the ‘W’ in the left-hand side. The game dictates what you do, especially when you have options. If we don’t have Sherrill, we don’t do that.”
So, looks like Broxton’s saves may take a hit, but hasn’t lost the job.
How many saves should we expect him to lose–not many???
August 22nd, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Which of these would you choose to fill your 2 hole?
Howie Kendrick, Maicer Izturis, Mark Elllis, Jeff Baker, Brendan Ryan
August 22nd, 2009 at 6:19 pm
@Simply Fred: Thanks!
August 22nd, 2009 at 7:01 pm
@AL KOHOLIC: Had to go across the street to the pizza joint. At least they were wet.
You and Nellie are welcome anytime, bring furniture…………..
August 22nd, 2009 at 7:18 pm
The day after I (and probably some of you) drop Doumit, he puts up this line:
3/5, 3R, 1HR, 3RBI, 1SB
It feels like it’s been that kind of season.
August 22nd, 2009 at 7:26 pm
@BigFatHippo:
drinking alone ain’t so bad .
the company is top-shelf , and there’s never a line in the men’s room .
in the words of the fabulous furry freak brothers … “dope will get you through times of no money , better than money will get you through times of no dope” .
i’m sure there are some parallels here .
@BigFatHippo: Nice!
@mr baseball: Ha!
@brad: Baker
August 22nd, 2009 at 7:48 pm
@big o: Ha…………………….!
Well said my man, the fff bro’s were philosophers of the baked kind. Sorta like pork rinds….think I’ll go get some out of the vending machine. Pork rinds that is, not dope………….
August 22nd, 2009 at 7:52 pm
@Grey: Just when I get excited about Colby’s crank they had to go and mention his 14 homers and 41 ribbies………………Buzzkill.
August 22nd, 2009 at 8:04 pm
@Grey:
borbon’s treat was strong …. like a $7 hurricane … (1997 prices) .
@BigFatHippo:
THERE’s a place you should go .
hole-in-the-wall bars are bouncer-free .
August 22nd, 2009 at 10:24 pm
@Grey:
adam jones ??
@BigFatHippo: Hehe
@big o: I just walked in and am drunk. What about Jones?
August 23rd, 2009 at 12:45 am
@Grey:
figured you for your weekly “recess break” .
just wanted to plant that thought .
‘cuz , that’s exactly my question .
wish i had sold high on jones , pre-all star break .
the guy’s hitting about .200 for august .
August 23rd, 2009 at 1:23 am
@Grey: How’s the headache?
I’ve got one – he’s called Chris Iannetta. Dump him for Suzuki or Yadi?
August 23rd, 2009 at 6:02 am
@Grey,
Rajai Davis or Carlos Gonzalez overall this year?
August 23rd, 2009 at 6:11 am
Adam Jones – fading away
Happ – here is one that Miss Cleo Missed
Junichi Tazawa – he only has two pitches – 94mph fastball that he likes to keep high and a good curve ball but they say his best pitch is his delivery – I say he got out of way too many jams yesterday
Joe Buck and Tim McCarver – Their annoucement of the yankee redsox game (little fictional here)
inning 1 – yanks down 3- 0 – the way the yankees are hitting they can come back
inning 2 – yanks down 7 -0 – the way the yankees are hitting they can come back
inning 9 – yanks down 26- 2 – the way the yankees are hitting they can come back – Joe Buck – what an optimist !
Joe Buck at the Hindenburg disaster – I think the blimp can make a comeback
August 23rd, 2009 at 6:13 am
hey there is only 2 more weeks left in the regular fantasy baseball season and you allknow what that means – the owner of Carlos Gonzalez only has two more weeks to drop him for me
August 23rd, 2009 at 6:14 am
I DRAFTED THE HINDENBURG DISASTER
August 23rd, 2009 at 6:21 am
Joe Buck did predict John Travolta – COMEBACK in Pulp Fiction
he still can make a comback after 15 stinkers at the box office
@big o: Yeah, he’s been miserable lately.
@Steve: Go with Yadi.
@madballs: Davis for speed, Gonzalez for moderate power.
@mr baseball: Ha!
August 23rd, 2009 at 8:03 am
Start Price against Texas today?
@Jay: I wouldn’t.
August 23rd, 2009 at 9:10 am
Grey…looking at available pitchers stats over the last month and Gio Gonzalez kinda stuck out as the only SP with more K’s than innings that actually had decent peripherals…Our league takes into account QS and HRs allowed instead of wins…what do you make of the Mexican Hatchback?
August 23rd, 2009 at 9:12 am
Oh and somebody just dropped Marmol…am I missing something or is he not the closer?
August 23rd, 2009 at 9:38 am
@Grey:
yay .
a) one of us got drunk last night .
b) one of us called out , from work , so he could watch baseball all day .
c) no “c”
August 23rd, 2009 at 9:58 am
buchholz vs the sox or smoltz vs the padres. Usually I would take Smoltz and never look back. Also, would you drop Romero for either of these?
August 23rd, 2009 at 10:57 am
If anyone knows the answer it will be you … do you know of any site where I can find the two start pitchers for the period AFTER the upcoming period? Trying to get a jump on waivers and want to know who the two-starters are during the period 8-31-9/6 right now. I managed to piece it together using cbssports’ schedule page but that was tedious and figured maybe you knew of a good place that did this as a regular feature. Playoffs start for us the week after next and I have clinched my slot so figured I’m better off getting a jump on the playoff period.
FYI I picked up Kawakami for his starts @FLA (Johnson) and vs. Cincy (Harang’s slot) and might start him over Wandy (vs Phi – Blanton), or Garza vs Bos (Beckett) I might just bench him and keep this as a move to prevent my opponent from picking him up. A Wandy benching has the sound of a move that loses someone the playoffs, maybe I better dance with the girl I brought. And you may have noticed Garza has really stepped it up against the AL East this year? I really don’t have many qualms about starting him vs the better teams. Check out the team splits. http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/player/splits/2009/1098892
August 23rd, 2009 at 11:34 am
@Grey: RE: Butler and projections for next year, food for thought:
AVG/OPS
Home: .343/ .974
Away: .265/ .729
PostAS HOME: .387/1.214
PostAS AWAY: .264/ .738
I don’t see anything that explains the home/away discrepancy. KC isn’t really a hittters park. The away opponents after the All-Star break included BAL, MIN, CHA so that doesn’t seem to be the problem.
Regardless, he will likely be a good value pick. However, if one can spot start him at home, he projects to be gold there.
Anything that points to his away numbers improving???
August 23rd, 2009 at 12:09 pm
I picked up Anibal Sanchez for Harang and picked up Zito for Correia. Both look like they have good upcoming matchups – are these razzball-approved starts?
August 23rd, 2009 at 12:22 pm
@Grey: For next week which 7 do you start?
Beckett @ Tor
Happ @ Pit
Wainwright @ Houston
Wolf @ Col
Jurrjens vs SD & @ Phi
Bills @ Cin
RP choices: Franklin, Jenks & Hoffman
I will be matched up against Lincecum, CC, Hamels, Marquis, K-Rod, Wood & Marmol…
@danimal35: I wouldn’t go there him in 12 team leagues or shallower.
@big o: C
@Carl Spackler: I would start Smoltz over Buchholz there, sorry if it’s late to get him in.
@Matt: I don’t know of a site that does it. I’d start him over Garza.
@Simply Fred: Might be fluky on those splits. Not sure, would have to look closer.
@GTS: I wouldn’t go near Anibal.
@Nick: Beckett, Happ, Wainwright, Jurrjens, Bills, Franklin, Hoffman…
August 23rd, 2009 at 12:50 pm
What do you think of Slowey’s value next year?
August 23rd, 2009 at 12:53 pm
@Grey: Hi, in need of Wins so looking for 2 start pitchers to replace my 1 start pitchers…Wondering your thoughts on starting the following pitchers (thinking of using all of them), if not, which would you select
1. Ryan Rowland-Smith (SEA) — Tue-OAK (Anderson), Sun-KC (Greinke): 2-1, 3.25 ERA, 0.87 WHIP in four home starts in 2009
2. Clay Buchholz (BOS) — Mon-CHW (Garcia), Sat-TOR (Halladay)
3. Justin Masterson (CLE) — Tue-@KC (Greinke), Sun-@BAL (Matusz)
4. Sean West (FLA) — Tue-NYM (Santana), Sun-SD (Latos): 3-2, 3.82 ERA, 1.41 WHIP in seven home starts in 2009
over DLR, Harang, gaudin, lidge
Thanks
August 23rd, 2009 at 1:01 pm
@Grey: Put it on the winter to do list.
08 away OBP .737 (nearly the same as 09)
08 home OBP .710
@Corey: Should be good sleeper next year. As long as he’s fully recovered, of course.
@matthole: I wouldn’t start Smith, West or Masterson.
@Simply Fred: Cool
August 23rd, 2009 at 1:12 pm
Do you think he’s keeper-worthy in a 17 team league 9 keeper? It’s early still, but I”ve got eight solid and if I don’t trade for someone, I’ll be keeping Harang/Napoli/Huff/Slowey/Peralta
August 23rd, 2009 at 1:17 pm
@matthole:
my name’s not Grey , but ,
buchholz .
August 23rd, 2009 at 1:53 pm
@Grey:
iannetta just threw out the kung fu panda , attempting to steal 2nd .
it was only iannetta’s 12th successful cs in 54 attempts ….. about 20 % .
i understand that pierzynski has a pretty pathetic rate , as well .
can you direct me to a site , where all ml catchers are ranked according to their cs rate ??
thanking you , in advance .
@Corey: Those don’t sound like great keepers, but it is a deep league. Not sure of your options.
@big o: ESPN has it.
August 23rd, 2009 at 2:36 pm
They aren’t. That’s why I’m scrambling,but I have awhile until keepers lock.
Another question is what do you think of Quentin going into next year?
August 23rd, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Doug Fister or Tomko if thats how you spell his name – I still smell an 7 run break down for Tomko coming
August 23rd, 2009 at 2:57 pm
@Grey: In the outfield I currently have Pence, Ibanez and Hunter. Who should I swap out for BJ Upton? Pence seems logical but Ibanez has been so cold I kind of want to go with him…
Also at 3B & SS would you stick with Aramis & Alexei or switch one of them for Peralta?
August 23rd, 2009 at 3:00 pm
@Grey: Ks and good ratios? I’m no ‘pert, but I’d say that’s what Smoltzie is serving up today!
August 23rd, 2009 at 3:01 pm
@Steve: Nooooooooo!!!!!!!! Leave him in! I’m still a K behind in my H2H matchup!
August 23rd, 2009 at 3:05 pm
@Steve: As a Red Sox fan I have to ask, “What the F—-?!”
I don’t think he had 9 Ks in his whole time in Boston. Jerk!
August 23rd, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Nolasco got dropped in one of my leagues. Would you drop Scherzer or Danks for him?
August 23rd, 2009 at 3:17 pm
@Nick: Don’t think this is the week to expect BJ to erupt. He has a .222 AVG and .342 SLG on the road. @Tor and @DET he is facing an average opponent ERA of 3.53 (including Halladay and Verlander).
August 23rd, 2009 at 3:32 pm
Ubaldo 8 innings, 9 K’s, starts half his games at COORS field and just got his 19th Quality Start……MONEY IN THE BANK.
August 23rd, 2009 at 3:43 pm
@BSA: He didn’t get to face the Padres though, either
August 23rd, 2009 at 4:13 pm
Pick 2 from here on out Blanton, Smoltz, Romero
@Corey: I like him a lot better than those guys.
@Nick: I’d go with Pence over Upton, unless you need steals. I’d stick with who you have.
@Steve: Yeah, Padres can help just about anyone.
@TYY: Nice
@Carl Spackler: Blanton, Smoltz
August 23rd, 2009 at 4:36 pm
What was Smoltz pitch count after 5 ip?
August 23rd, 2009 at 4:42 pm
@BSA: 75
August 23rd, 2009 at 4:42 pm
@ Grey: I should have specified that I don’t have him on my team, but I can trade for him? Do you think he’s a top 50 next year?
@Corey: Ah… Yeah, he’s around top 50.
August 23rd, 2009 at 4:48 pm
Okay. Because I’m looking to get a power OF and if I can get him for carp I might try to offer it
August 23rd, 2009 at 4:50 pm
***16-team, H2H-Points League***
I need a 2B moving forward with Prado still having headaches. I picked up Jeff Baker for this past week, but I’m wondering if any of the following are better options?
Brendan Ryan
Ryan Radburn
Delwyn Young
Luis Valbuena
Jayson Nix
(yes, they are all 2B eligible with CBS Sportsline)
August 23rd, 2009 at 4:52 pm
@AL KOHOLIC: Ugh! Like I said hard not to get frustrated.
He won’t pitch out of the Red Sox bullpen but he is willing to pitch out of another teams bullpen.
Goes to another team, granted against the Padres, and pitches a 4 hit 9K game.
C’mon!
August 23rd, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Romero or Buchholz rest of the way?
@Commish Cauda (formerly Mike): Punt? Baker
@Carl Spackler: Buchholz
August 23rd, 2009 at 5:15 pm
@Grey: Tazawa presents as an interesting flyer as Penny gets bumped.
2 out of 3 good showings so far.
August 23rd, 2009 at 5:34 pm
AH the big Carlos Gonzalez may be out a few days after cutting his hand with a steak night at home. What a fool, now I have to find somebody else who’s hot.
August 23rd, 2009 at 5:35 pm
@Grey: Setting my roster and was wondering your opinion on a few decisions:
Eric Young JR worth a pre-emptive grab? (can only make pickups on Sundays), how about chris davis?
Luis Castillo has been hot lately, is he worth starting over ian stewart for this week? could use the runs and avg too…
if im using montero at C, should i cut Inge who is on my bench to maximize space? similarly, would you cut Ryan Madson as a handcuff at this point (i own lidge)
Thanks
@Martin: LaRoche, Byrd, Snider…
@matthole: Young, sure. Sure, for runs and average. Cut Inge. Cut Madson.
August 23rd, 2009 at 5:47 pm
@Grey: Thanks
August 23rd, 2009 at 5:50 pm
@Grey: Should I be persevering with ‘Nancy’ Drew in the ol’ H2H when Andrus, Barmes and Everth are all available?
@Steve: He hit two homers last week.
@Steve: Drew that is. As in, he hasn’t been that terrible, right?
August 23rd, 2009 at 6:02 pm
@Grey: Yeah – you’re right. For some reason it just seems like he has.
Mind you, having just had a third straight hammering, it seems like my whole H2H team is crap.
August 23rd, 2009 at 6:15 pm
So, CarGon cut his finger with a steak knife. That’s what you get for using a steak knife!
Really though, will he be out for most of the week? That kind of sucks so close to the playoffs, and all I have to replace him is one of Dukes or Snider to fill in my Util spot.
@Lava: Snider
August 23rd, 2009 at 6:25 pm
With Harang likely done for the season, who would you like to replace him: Pineiro, Lilly, DLR, Arroyo, Jonathan Sanchez – all are FAs in my league.
August 23rd, 2009 at 6:45 pm
@Grey: Not even when he’s pitching against the Mets?
@Mr. Rickey: Lilly for safety, dlR for high risk/high reward, Arroyo for everything but Ks and Wins.
@GTS: Not sure who you’re talking about.
August 23rd, 2009 at 6:57 pm
Josh Beckett 1-2-3-4 home runs. Yuck.
August 23rd, 2009 at 6:58 pm
@Grey: Anibal Sanchez.
August 23rd, 2009 at 7:12 pm
How comparable are Evan Longoria and Quentin in a keeper league? Which one would you rather have?
August 23rd, 2009 at 7:31 pm
@Grey
Would you start Laffey @ Baltimore or Smoltz v. Washington?
Thanks
August 23rd, 2009 at 7:51 pm
@Corey: Longoria, no question. Like by a lot. But in a keeper league you might be able to get Quentin for a good value, whereas I don’t think a Longoria owner would give him up too easily.
August 23rd, 2009 at 8:11 pm
I just thought of Snider House Rules as an alternate title to this. Or did you think of it and I’m just that senile? Also, glad to be back.
August 23rd, 2009 at 8:51 pm
@Grey:
adam jones …. back spasms .
looks like he might miss some games from here on out .
August 23rd, 2009 at 8:52 pm
To pick up Arroyo, drop Max Scherzner, Washburn, Danks, Buchholz, Porcello? I need better era and whip, along with wins.
@GTS: Worth it vs. Mets, sure. But still risky.
@Danny: Smoltz
@cubbies299: That’s a great title, will have to store that one in the noggin for future reference.
@big o: Yeah, saw that.
@Curly Day: Danks, Buchholz…
August 23rd, 2009 at 9:28 pm
@Grey: Time to spit Borbon out yet?
Texas get righties in the next two out of three so maybe keep him around and see what he does?
@Steve: Depends on how bad you need steals and what your options are. His value might be done.
August 23rd, 2009 at 9:42 pm
@Grey: Always need steals.
Pennington?
@Steve: Sure, go with Pennington.
August 23rd, 2009 at 11:30 pm
Drop Blalock for Chris Davis?