Like the 2nd basemen to target post, this is necessary. You want to take flyers on late shortstops. You want to avoid taking high-priced shortstops. Position scarcity is a buzzword(s) that fantasy baseballers (<–my mom’s term!) like to throw around. It’s the same as someone using ten-dollar words in conversation they don’t really understand. I’m drafting Tulo because of position scarcity! That’s you after reading an ESPN analcyst. We talk about position scarcity on our first fantasy baseball podcast of the year, too. At least I think we do under some of the jazzy music. Our Fantasy Baseball Player Rater shows Jimmy Rollins was the top shortstop last year at 36 overall. Maybe what everyone means by position scarcity is that there’s scarcely anything good at that position. It seems like everyone understands to punt catcher, but shortstops get people all greedy like Scrooge McDuck. Let’s assume Tulo doesn’t get hurt and gives you my projected stats: 83/25/98/.288/7. To draft him, you had to skip, say, Fielder (they are back-to-back in ESPN’s rankings), so you missed out on 94/39/117/.291/1. Then you grab, Ryan Howard later for 79/30/98/.245. So you got 162/55/196/.265/7. Now if you got Fielder and Jed Lowrie, you would’ve had 146/56/179/.275/3. That’s essentially the same thing, and you tell me who you feel more confident about Tulo or Fielder? Also, Lowrie can be had about 100 picks after Ryan Howard. Finally, if you were to go by ESPN’s projections, they have J.J. Hardy projected for 92/27/79/.267. That’s obviously bonkers, but how different is that than Tulo? Then there’s the fact that the majority of shortstops get value from the steal. SAGNOF! What’s the difference here between ESPN’s projections: 73/6/53/.278/21 or 77/9/47/.275/24? Barely much at all, right? One is Andrelton and one is Aybar, but they give them about an eighty draft pick difference. There were only three shortstops that earned more than $20 (barely) last year. Don’t get caught up in position scarcity. This is a (legal-in-all-countries-except-Lichtenstein) supplement to the top 20 shortstops for 2013 fantasy baseball. Click on the player’s name where applicable to read more and see their 2013 projections. Anyway, here’s some shortstops to target for 2013 fantasy baseball:
Psyche! Before we get into today’s post, JB over at Razzbasketball asked that I announce a March Madness tournament. I don’t think there’s money involved, except for the wage hours lost due to you decorating your face with Gonzaga-inspired paint and sitting yourself in front of the TV for two weeks. Hey, at least it’s better than you fretting about who’s going to take over for Hugo Chavez. I nominate JC Chasez. But that’s me. Anyway II, here’s some shortstops to target for 2013 fantasy baseball:
Josh Rutledge – (Yahoo ADP 184; MDC 227; ESPN 248) I feel like I’ve heard his name somewhere before. Oh, I know! He was the name the doctor said to cure my erectile dysfunction. Silly me, how could I forget? Also, I love how ESPN calls Rutledge a sleeper about 3 months after I did. It’s super easy for ESPN to call someone a sleeper when they rank the player 100+ picks after he should be ranked. “Hey, I’m thinking this Adam Jones guy is a sleeper; let’s rank him 40 spots after everyone else!” That was overheard at an ESPN rankings summit.
Jean Segura – (ESPN 278; Yahoo 276; MDC 298) 75/5/50/.282/32 is what I have projected for Segura. 91/5/60/.285/35 is what I have for Andrus. Don’t trust me? Welp, that hurts, but okay. ESPN projects Andrus for 90/3/57/.274/32. That’s essentially what I have for Segura. They have Andrus at 94 overall. That’s about a two hundred draft pick difference to Segura. <sarcastic>Nah, no value there at all.</sarcastic> They have Aybar at 123 overall with the aforementioned 77/9/47/.275/24. About 150 picks separate the two and about 4 homers. Can’t see any value there either. (Note to editor: Insert eye rolling emoticon with a monocle and a disapproving look.)
Andrelton Simmons – (ESPN 208; Yahoo 240; MDC 267) I briefly touched on Andrelton already (in the back of a tinted-window van). He’s an afterthought in drafts. Really, all of these guys are even though they give you the same stats as guys drafted about ten rounds prior. What I think could be happening: most drafters realize they shouldn’t draft a shortstop early so they wait until after the 200th pick overall and draft one of these players. So, who is drafting the top shortstops? Autodrafters and people who read too much ESPN and Yahoo. I blame Snafu Larry.
Zack Cozart – (ESPN 244; Yahoo 274; MDC 319) I love me some post-hype sleepers. Everyone forgets what they loved about players the year after they underperform. Not every player bursts on the scene like they’re Bryce Trout. Some players look like the dog’s breakfast when they’re first called up. Some look like the dog’s middle afternoon snack. Some are just dogs. ZiPS gives Cozart a 15/10 season, Bill James gives 15/9, I gave him 17/10. Everyone is projecting him to hit between .250 and .260. .260 and a 17/10 season is not a 300th overall pick. It’s the same as freakin’ Asdrubal Cabrera!
Jed Lowrie – (ESPN 257; Yahoo 220; MDC 357) Sky asked me on IM if he could write a sleeper post on Lowrie and I basically wrote back, “I’m on the phone with my bookmaker, Jimmy The Greek Jr., figure it out yourself. No, not you, Jimmy! Wait, how can you hear me if I was typing that to Sky? You’re in my room making me spanakopita? You’re the best, JG!” So, Sky wrote it, but at the time I was thinking it might be a waste of time since Lowrie seems to be over, not underrated every year. Well, Sky knew something I didn’t. Turns out my New Year’s resolution to be wrong more is easier than I thought. No, I don’t think Lowrie can stay healthy. So, you get 17 homers from Lowrie and 15 steals from a waiver wire pick-up while he’s injured and Frankenstein together a top 150 ranked player.
Eduardo Nunez – (Yahoo 354) I didn’t even see him listed at ESPN or MDC, which is totally unacceptable. I’m writing a strongly-worded letter to my councilman, B.T. Fusspot. At worst, Nunez will be better for fantasy than Jeter for the first two months of the season while the Jankees try to get their act together. In most leagues, I imagine Nunez will be at the top of the Most Added players list the first month of the season, which was also a line from John Lennon’s outtakes for Imagine.
Before we end this shizz, we have a special treat for you, Razzheads. You know those “48 hours to make a video short” contests? Well, this isn’t one of those. This is a video put together by Nick, our podcast host. We gave him our tag line, “Razzball: Something To Do Between Masturbation Sessions” and he took it one cringe-inducing step further. Enjoy!
You guys do great stuff. I LOVE the War Room spreadsheet! I noticed comments were closed on that. Was anyone going to answer any more questions about it. In particular, from the comments on the War Room Post, it seems to be unclear how to change the rankings, projections and tiers to match our own thoughts (we’ve been trained by you to have our own thoughts). If someone can post a clear “How to” on that, I am sure that it will help a lot of people. I read Trevor’s answer to Charlie in those comments and it wasn’t very clear and, according to Charlie, still didn’t work all the way. Thanks in advance!
@Tom:
Where is the online WAR room. Dont want to use the spreadsheet….wanted the online version….help
@stock:
Also, will the online War Room be updated for 14 team leagues? PLEASE! Thanks!
@Mike: Agreed with Mike and Stock. I need me either (1) an online War Room, or (2) the downloadable war room to accommodate 14 teams! (2) is preferable!
@Tchaikovsky08:
To make it 14 teams just do a manual adjustment using the “data validation” function on excel.
@Abe Vigoda: Can you explain further? Or send me an excel sheet for 14 teams? michaelgoldberg21@gmail.com thanks!
@stock: Online war room was slowing down the site… We’re looking into how to make it less of a hindrance… We’ll see…
@Tom: I’ll give Trevor a heads up to hit you up in the comments here…
@Grey: @Grey: You da man!
@Tom: Trevor, when youlook at this – one more question….Playing in 10 team H2H 5×5 where each category counts as a win or loss each week. In the war room, should I use target numbers that would correspond to a 10 team roto? If not, what should I use?
@Tom: Tom, same as above.
@Tom: Tom, please email stickman3@cox.net with your questions. He is the one who designed the War Room I just implemented the new rankings into it.
@Trevor:
hey Trevor, where can I find the war room with the new rankings? here is my email if need be: ngil723@yahoo.com
thanks!!
I just saw that Nando from CBS has Elvis ranked higher than Bautista. Please forward him ur Jean Segura paragraph.
@Jake Stone: Ha
Any reason to look @ petey kozma now that furcal is out? Or do you think maybe it will open the door for matt carpenter to play 2b w delcaso playing some ss with kozma or others?
@oaktown a’s: Kozma is the likely replacement…He’s not very good…
@Grey: Thought I’d look up Kozma to see if he had some sort of potential I was missing…In 2009, fangraphs ranked him the 10th best Cardinals prospect. The same year, they ranked Descalso 6th. So, yeah, Kozma’s not very good.
Ha… Yeah, he’s like a poor man’s Daniel Murphy…
@Grey: After vomiting over the thought of a poor man’s Daniel Murphy, my nausea turned to empathy, and I thought to myself, ‘Damn Grey, that was cold.’
Sorry, sometimes you gotta lay it out there…
Love it. Can’t wait to see video podcasts with Rudy and Grey silhouettes to protect their true identities…never noticed that word ends with tities hehe.
@bossmanjunior: Ha!
@bossmanjunior: Working on the Rudy and Grey silhouettes!
Almost forgot, random story to pass on. At a Tampa Bay Lightning game tonight, taking full advantage of the free food and beer in the XO suite. Basically had a table full of every single food being catered as well a few beers ready to go. Few guys walking by take notice of this and of course its Mr. Alex Cobb with a big grin on his face. Trailing just behind him is what appears to be a prepubescent 14 year old boy, but of course its Jeremy Hellickson. Joined Cobb at the bar and talked about his new cutter and early spring success (Last two appearances: 7IP 2H 0BB 10K). Also had a chance to talk some fantasy baseball and told him I was leading the parade of his excellence. Hellickson disappeared, possibly wondered off with a stranger with promises of candy and tummy tickles. 5 minutes later run into Toby Hall and have a drink with him. Still plays a big role in the community around here and didn’t seem creeped out I named a dog after him. All of this while drinking and eating myself silly. Lighting lost, but who cares, its hockey.
@bossmanjunior: And did you think to share any with anyone else??? next time line your pockets and share some with the rest of us.
Awesome story though man.
Was Hellickson asking Cobb how the hell he could strike out more people?? Hellickson has been almost everything they have said he was going to be, he just can strike people out.
@Justin:
Hellickson actually generates a higher than average rate of swinging strikes but will likely not see an uptick in strikeouts due to below average fastball. A recent study on. Fangraphs showed he generates one of the best edge% in baseball which leads to weak contact. This means he throws pitches on the edge of the strike zone and misses the middle of the plate at a high rate. Combined with an advanced feel for changing speeds, this is what makes Hellboy so good. Not necessarily in fantasy context however.
@bossmanjunior: @bossmanjunior:
I read that Hellickson had a cutter going early last year, but got burned with it a few times and Madden told him to throw it less. Has he reworked it into a more effective pitch, or has Madden told him to just let it rip?
@Ned Shakeshaft:
As far as I know, Hellickson has scrapped the cutter. He experimented with it at the beginning of the season but stopped throwing it at some point in the season. Looks like he will stick with his normal three pitch mix. It remains to be seen whether the cutter will be an affective pitch for Cobb.
@bossmanjunior: That’s awesome!
great job as usuall
@AL KOHOLIC: Thanks!
Been scouring Razzball the last few weeks preparing for next week’s draft. One question about the overall rankings: Would they hold regardless of the league parameters? My league is 5×5 standard roto, 11-team, but we start 9 hitters (normal infield, 3 OF, 1 DH) and 5 pitchers (3 SP and 2 RP), plus carry 6 bench whatever-players. I wasn’t sure if the reduced pitching staff would warrant moving pitchers up to earlier in the draft.
@Minor Leaguer: Your league wouldn’t change the rankings… I’d go with 6 starters still… Maybe one bench hitter…
I know this is about sleeper shorts, but gotta say Hanley is killing it at the WBC. Funny how good he can be when he cares and actually tries.
@Fungazi: Or the competition is light…
Anyone having trouble accessing the War Room online? I haven’t been able to reach the server since yesterday late-afternoon. Amazing how much I am already depending on that thing…
@Kaiser: I took it down briefly yesterday because it was slowing the site… Looking for solutions…
Hats off to Nick, that promo kicks a ridiculous amount of ass. Well done!
@MattTruss223: Thanks Matty! It only took 18 hours to get 47 shots of my bald spot!
@Nick the Podcast Host: Or was it 47 hours to get one shot of your 18 bald spots?
Grey if I can get prince in the 1st and goldschmit in the 4th, should I do it? I understand they are both 1B but I would love to slot goldy in the utility and just get huge numbers out of those guys.
@Whampwhamp: It’s not ideal…
@Grey: In the ol’ h2h (14 teams this year) where I’m planning to draft all my hitters before looking at pitchers, you’d sign off on what Whampwhamp is suggesting, right?
Yup
@Whampwhamp: take a solid OF with less risk than goldy…
Thanks for the thoughts. Probably should have mentioned that mine is a 12×12 h2h with ops.
Who would you rather have Ian Desmond in the 5th round or Jimmy Rollins in the 7th?
@vinnie: Rollins
Hmmm so espn, the worldwide leader in sports, takes its cue from razzball?
@John Adams: Could be, forefather.
@Whampwhamp: e @John Adams: point is don’t take fantasy advice from ESPN…
Might have already been answered elsewhere in another post, but how do you project Matt Carpenter if he wins the 2b job and gets a full year AB? Daniel Murphy with a hair more HR?….so, not really worth a flier??
@Chuck Norris: He’s in here: http://razzball.com/top-100-outfielders-for-2013-fantasy-baseball/
Grey, I’m in a longtime 12-team H2H keeper league and am beginning to think I should let Andrus go and punt SS. At the same time, in keeper leagues I think it’s wise to hold on to hitters over pitchers.
Out of the following 5 guys, please pick 3 to keep: Andrus (thru 2014), Halladay (thru 2013), Latos (thru 2015), Medlen (thru 2015), and Scherzer (thru 2013). Thanks!
@Van Hammersly: Medlen, Latos, Scherzer…
Hey razzballers, one last spot remaining in the $50 razzball commenter league. Draft is tentatively scheduled for Sunday the 24th at 3 pm. The league needs you like Grey needs a breakout season from Josh Rutledge!
E-mail me for details and league invite:
joshua_eastman@yahoo.com
so from this article i’m assuming it would be a waste for me to use starlin castro as one of my keepers when i can get value late
can keep 4 of the following. which 4 should i retain? you lose the draft pick for the corresponding round (in parentheses below). points league
McCutchen (5)
Stanton (7)
Castro (8)
Strasburg (23)
Cespedes (24)
Trout (25) *******
EE (26)
@Tony Starks: Trout, Stanton, Cutch, Strasburg would be my vote. Great keepers.
@Beastman:
yup. thanks beastie. stanton is even more valuable since you’re not penalized for KO’s in this league. and those were the 4 i have circled as well. just not sure about having my OF filled before i draft a single player. lots of late value in the OF this year
I have 4 of these 6 so … GREAT ARTICLE!
“Surely 2 of these will work out” ~ me, round 18ish of my live draft
@wynams: Nice
Note to Rudy and Grey,
I am going to set up my jerk league tonight before the Hawks game.
Note to people not named Rudy or Grey,
If you want to play in one of those jerk/turd/Chico Lind/bizarro leagues, I will have one for you to join. Ruben Tejada might be a 1st round selection!
Keeper help.
10 team, 5×5, i can only keep 10. Which two do I drop? (List in my ranking order)
Pujols, Albert(1B) LAA
Stanton, Giancarlo(OF) MIA
Kinsler, Ian(2B) TEX
Reyes, Jose(SS) TOR
Bruce, Jay(OF) CIN
Harper, Bryce(OF) WAS
Bumgarner, Madison(SP) SF
Gonzalez, Gio(SP) WAS
Sale, Chris(RP,SP) CHW
Cespedes, Yoenis(OF) OAK
Heyward, Jason(OF) ATL
Sandoval, Pablo(3B) SF
@Dom: Sandoval, Yoenis…
Loving the sleepy Shortstops this year! I was already very high on both Rutledge and Segura, you just further entrenched that. I will probably own one of them on every single team this season.
@Drexel Hill Dragons: Nice
Keeper Help- OPS instead of BA
Can only keep one of the following.
Aaron Hill
Victor Martinez
Ike Davis
Eric Hosmer
Chris Davis
Looking for mostly help this year, but with some consideration for the next couple years.
Also, I’ve been burned by Hill before, so if he’s the choice, could you please indicate if it’s a no-brainer or a toss up.
@James: Sorry, 12 team 5×5 (again OPS instead of BA) yahoo standard rosters with 1 extra OF and 2 DL spots.
@James: Ike
Ive been getting J Upton and A Jones in almost every Yahoo! mock in the 2nd and 3rd rounds when picking at 4. Are people stupid or is this really how my OF is going to shake up for my team this year?
@Dominic: For instance this mock I just finished picking 4th…
1. Miguel Cabrera (Det – 3B)
2. Justin Upton (Atl – OF)
3. Adam Jones (Bal – OF)
4. Brandon Phillips (Cin – 2B)
5. Shin-Soo Choo (Cin – OF)
6. Jimmy Rollins (Phi – SS)
7. Max Scherzer (Det – SP)
8. Kris Medlen (Atl – SP,RP)
9. Pablo Sandoval (SF – 3B)
10. Ike Davis (NYM – 1B)
11. Salvador Perez (KC – C)
12. Jonathon Niese (NYM – SP)
13. Homer Bailey (Cin – SP)
14. Chris Davis (Bal – 1B,OF)
15. Glen Perkins (Min – RP)
16. Steve Cishek (Mia – RP)
17. Carlos Marmol (ChC – RP)
18. Ernesto Frieri (LAA – RP)
19. Vinnie Pestano (Cle – RP)
20. Sergio Santos (Tor – RP)
21. Tommy Milone (Oak – SP)
22. Andrelton Simmons (Atl – SS)
23. Starling Marte (Pit – OF)
I think that is a stellar team…
@Dominic: no pitching if the razzball sleeper picks don’t work out
@Dominic: @Dominic:
You wouldn’t have gotten Upton in the 2nd and you’d have missed Jones in the 3rd in my 12 teamer. You’re also more likely to have an OF looking at you with that 1.04 pick anyhow so you might not be looking at those guys in those spots anyhow.
@Dominic: Yeah, looks solid… People seem bored by Jones, I guess… Whatever, I’d draft him…
I am drafting 15th in a 15 team mix two catcher 5×5 next week and I am real itchy to draft Jose Reyes (sidebar whenever I see the word itchy, I think of a joke I once heard where all I can remember is the punchline: “Itchy pussy? Lady I only drive American cars”). Anyhoo, let’s say I think Reyes is going to give crazy numbers like 110/15/70/45/.310. Does that make him 15/16 overall material. I still don’t think so. He’s not going to last to 45/46 though that’s for ding-a-ling sure.
@OaktownSteve: HAHA! Nice punchline… You’re right, he’s not going to last to 45/46… Maybe Goldy will…
@Grey:
would you consider him at those numbers at 15. Prolly not. Goldy is definitely on the short list of targets at 45/46. I’m also thinking of waiting on pitching until the 7/8 round picks unless pitcihng is flying off the board.
@OaktownSteve: I wouldn’t consider Reyes there… I’d be too worried I’d be light on power coming out of the 2nd round…
16 team dynasty league using OBP instead of average and OPS, offered Pujols (under control this year and next) and Shelby Miller for Oscar Taveras and Addison Russell. I’ve already got Adrian Gonazlez tied up through next year, but could play him in RF this year. Worthwhile to cash in that much prospect value for a declining Pujols (and Miller)?
@Tarasco’s Secret Stash: I’d take Pujols…
G-love, I have one of the top few picks in my upcoming 12 teams mixed draft that uses OBP instead of AVG and LF CF RF instead of OF spots. In that format, u still have Cabrera, Braun, Dread, Trout? I am finding it very difficult to talk myself out of Trout’s likely 20/45 floor in a league that is shallow enough that having a sagnof around can be detrimental to other stats. And no CI spot, just a UT spot, so 3b isn’t too shallow. See what I’m doing? Trying to talk you and me into Trout, despite knowing the 1st round is the time to play it safe! Remember when Grady Sizemore was getting picked in the 1st round? That makes me want Cabrera…
@Damian: Yeah, I remember, and I want Miggy too…
Gray, the high-priest, love your wisdom. I need some help. McCutchen or Pujols for my first pick. Filling corners early is a concern with cutch, but I want goldy in the third. Can’t have pujols and my cake too! Slap it to me, sir!
@Benny Rodriguez: McCutchen
The difference between AssCab and Cozart is AssCab will get those numbers and Cozart could/should/might get those type of numbers
@Jack Full of Hate: I don’t have that much faith in Asdrubal… He’s a 14-homer guy masquerading as a 17…
@Grey: I’m not trying to defend AssCab, my point is that proven guys are a little safer to get theirs as oppossed to guys that hopefully can go next level. I would not suggest taking AssCab where his ADP sits, but if the price is right then I would grab him. In RCL is he going to drop 4 rounds from his ADP? The one thing that guys like AssCab and Elvis have in common is their batting order spot is pretty set, where cozart could easily be batting 7th or 8th and that is not a great place to be. Rutledge is looking good but again could he get a bad spot in the order or might have to play with the super utility man EYJ and get only 450 AB’s. I love cheep upside guys, but in the case of RCL, where we all read the same geniuses are we going to have a lot of SS not being drafted because everyone wants Rutledge and Segura or Simmons on the cheap?
yours truly,
Jack Full of Contrary
For most of these guys, Rutledge included, their Aprils will make a huge difference… If they do poorly out of the gate, they’re dropped in most leagues… That’s one thing proven guys do have, the track record to be kept around on shallower teams…
@Grey: thats usually how I get my MI every year. MI as a whole sucks, but if nobody is drafting middle of the order bats for guys that might break out of the 7 hole then good luck to them. Last year I was shocked to get Howie in the 8th round after all the love you sprinkled on him. So I might be wrong, maybe some of these guys have their own opinion.
Looking for my next Netflix gem after compliance, got any suggestions?
I’ve watched three seasons of Locked Up Abroad over the last week… I’m now thinking I don’t want to leave the country ever or ever let my suitcase out of my sight or let a strange man in sunglasses tape anything to my stomach…
@Grey: I only have time for movies, got any of those?
Who only has time for movies? I haven’t watched one of those on Streaming since Compliance… Their movies are garbage, usually…
@Grey: I have no problem watching some escapist crap movie. TV shows are tough because they can be so addictive, next thing I know i havent showered in three days and have food stains all over my clothes. I did that with Lie to Me.
Yeah, I have a hard time stopping once I start watching a show… It’s why I’m hesitant to start Game of Thrones…
I know the rutledge love is pretty high here. Trying to trade for him in our NL-only keeper. Do you think I should ask Miley @ 8 for his Rutledge @8? Is that getting enough for Miley? The advanced metrics folks aren’t high on Miley but he was ROY runner-up. Should I ask for a smidgen more?
What do people think? Would you be insulted if I offered Miley @8 for Rutledge @ 8 and a low low draft pick?
@Rags: I think you might be able to get a smidge more, but I’d still want Rutledge…
@Rags: not insulted, but i would decline… SP is deep he probably would have no reason to accept…
Mr. Gray: VIVA CHAVEZ!!! Que descanse en paz a pesar de su buen trabajo realizado…
Rutledge is going far higher than his rankings in most leagues… He is no longer a late pick IMO… He is the fair haired boy of 2013 for all touts – I have seen… I have not seen his name besmirched anywhere – He is NOT Sleeping with all those gongs trumpets and flares going off about him.. I like him… But, I am not convinced that Ruttman is not sat down more on COLO than he might on other teams… They have other fellas worthy of and demanding innings/AB there… I guess, the deep question I have about him when paying up is, does he really get 550 ABs???
To be sure I’m seeing, Segura getting love far above his rankings too… The SB freaks are all over him far too early IMO… I’m liking him more than Ruttman for my teams now… In that, he does offer more SB and he often is available a half dozen or more rounds later than Ruttman… And his BA does not look to be worrisome…
Conversely, Poor Cozart is not getting much love at all… The Touts have ganged up on him in a Conga line of abuse – only after having queued for a flying drop kick on him off the top of the turnbuckles while the others held him down (excepting, you of course, O’ Great One)… Undrafted in Yahoo leagues.. Real late in ESPN Mocks… He will have to earn his spot this year in most leagues.. I think,he will…
Lowrie has fallen in value with his trade to Oakland’s real MLB Plug In Plug Off system (at least at the start of the year)… And folks know it… He will have ot earn respect this year… He is a in season Add Player now IMO … at Yahoo and ESPN.. Last Rounder and first Dropped for another now at best…
Nunez is never picked… His value just skyrocketed with Teixeira’s injury – esp. if Yanks stand pat… Deserves spot at the top of all watch lists now… Yum Yum … A true SLEEPER!!!!
A SLEEPER that is getting “”"NO LOVE”"” anywhere (except by the brave) – Is S. Drew in BOS… This fella is back healthy and could pop a big year… Almost no one is picking him up… I say, Good for me… He could crack the top 10 SSs in value this year… And certainly, could eclipse those above him on this list.. BA / Power pot. = super cheap…
Shortstop is a great place for PLUG ON PLUG OFF play this year..
Hey, on the Razzman league disappearing on ESPN question from yesterday – you misunderstood… It just was not listed on there with my other Razzman team for a 24 hour period… It did return, however…
Yes, I did move closer to me puter looking for it (before you even suggested it).. If fact, I even used the look at it with a mirror trick too… The “Rotating” the screen trick as well – which I’m very very very good at because of all my Porn watching.. It should be noted, I even turn off my Porn sites while searching for it – that does not often happen.. It was a serious glitch…
E S T R A D A !!!!!
@T Moore: I hope this helps you get through your day
http://marceleichner.de/static/img/upload/estradaornada.com.jpg
@T Moore: Viva Estrada! Drew is terrible at baseball, but I hear he makes a decent ham sandwich…. re: Lowrie: A lot of these guys are in-season adds depending on the league… Rutledge gets 550 Abs, and then we marry (Rutledge and I, not me and you)….
@Grey: @Grey:
Jack Thanks, I ordered a one for everyday of the week
@Grey:
Congrats!!! You and the Ruttman will make a grand couple while smashing the “don’t ask – don’t tell” policy in FBB along the way…
I’m not disappointed about losing you to Ruttman… You were always too young for me… I don’t think my poor old heart would have withstood those lurid fantasy honeymoon nights..
Besides, I’m a Metro-man anyways… I just dress and act differently…
But, just in case change my mind, is Rudy single???
You are so hard on poor S. Drew… Hope, he puts together a true Dagwood sandwich of a season…
But on our honeymoons we will have the podcast music playing in the background… Rudy’s married, sorry, T Moore…
Love the video!!
@Eddy: Thanks Eddy!
Great video, Nicks acting leaves something to be desired
@Jack Full of Hate: I’m not an actor Mr. Hate. However if you ever need an IT consulting, yeah well, I probably couldn’t help with that either. But my wife is hot!
@Nick the Podcast Host: You are a lucky man. I had that feeling after watching the video, you are a lot easier on the eyes than I thought. Your podcast voice projects to a less attractive looking male. I had this picture of permanent five o’clock shadow, salt and pepper hair and lots of flannel. but that could be my American bias toward Canadian. If you spent more time in LA LA land with gray you could pick up on being more fake
@ Grey Will there be a War Room for 14 team leagues? Thanks!
@Grey The Excel War Room*
@Mike: I alerted Trevor that there was questions for him on this post, will see him soon hopefully…
Thanks for the post Grey, I think I will be Searching for Segura Man late in my drafts.
Quick question about Josh Rutledge (settle, settle…):
I’ve seen several other fantasy experts pointing to Rutledge’s abysmal final month of 2012. (Besides the obvious “don’t put stock in September” argument) Were there any peripherals or other indicators that you saw that may point to those struggles continuing, or were they more bad luck?
He doesn’t take a walk, so he could slump badly… He’s worth the upside gamble though…
Two points to make:
1) I take some credit for writing the script for that video…until the part where they talk about horses and grab tissues….
2) Grey is smoking crack on Jean Segura. 75 runs!!! He’s hitting 8th in an NL lineup. Aoki and Weeks seem pretty set at #1/#2. He’d need something like Joey Votto’s OBP to get 75 runs. I also think .285 is too high. I think .265 is more likely. Still like Segura as a sleeper for his SB potential and semblance of power (5-7 HRs > 0 HRs). I think the gap between him and Andrus isn’t as wide as some think (maybe $7 / 7 rounds). That gap is because Andrus should crush Segura for Runs, do a bit better in RBIs, and hit for a better AVG.
@Rudy Gamble: Waiting for Grey’s response *Grabs popcorn*
@Sky: Is Rudy putting Grey on blast?
It’s like Skip Bayless vs Richard Sherman up in this mutha.
@Sky: when i first looked at this I thought you said skip bayless (idiot) and richard simmons ( weirdo).
I like when he goes on David Letterman. It’s fun seeing Letterman as uncomfortable as he makes others.
@Sky: I havent watched Letterman in 15 years.
Last time I really remember watching it was early 2000′s when I was overseas. Only a few things on worth watching over there. Got heavy into CSI when it was in Las Vegas and all I knew about Grissom was that he liked bugs and was weird. But that’s what happens when everything else on is a Korean drama.
@Sky: thats funny, its not like TV in espanol, which is quite entertaining even if you don’t speak it.
Long season, Segura’s always hit for a solid average in the minors… I’m guessing Segura will hit for a solid average, Weeks will get hurt and Jean will move up the order… 75 runs would be tough if he got all 500 Abs from the 8 hole…
@Grey: I wouldn’t like to have 75 runs from MY 2 hole… hey now!
Hey-oh!
@Rudy Gamble: Whatever Rudy, you actually sketched out the scene. Weird.
I wrote a classy piece that hinted at bromantic pornography consumption and you MacFarlane’d it with a horse joke and tissues!
@Rudy Gamble: what a great response, MacFarlane’d it, i would of really like to have seen the bromantic pornography bit.
@Grey…5×5 roto keeper league, which side do you like better (without giving you much info, being a keeper league let’s place value of players at 50% for this season, 30% for 2014, 20% for 2015 and 2016).
Rizzo and Ellsbury OR Butler and D Jennings (note: 5 OF league and DHs qualify at OF in the league).
I’m leaning towards Butler/Jennings, but hate giving up Rizzo in a keeper. Thanks Grey
Butler side
Great article as always Grey. First website I check everyday. Thanks! I have a keeper question for you… so in a 12 team H2H league we keep 5 people. So far I’m keeping
Stanton 3rd
Mccutch 8th
Crai 10th
Cespedes 11th
I was offered heyward as a 5th rd keeper but would have to give my 4th pick away for him. 4th and 5th rd is where I wanted to start attacking SP since I have none. Stanton, mccutch, heyward would be OF and util would be cespedes. Would you go for it and lose those picks and aim for SP later. Or since I’m already solid in OF leave it alone? Thanks!
Thanks! I’d take Heyward….
Hi Grey,
Quick keeper question, how would you order the following?
$27 Adam Jones
$14 Carlos Beltran
$17 Chase Utley
And would you keep any in a $260 cap league?
Jones, Beltran…
I’d keep those two… Probably… Don’t know anything about your league…
Grey and Rudy… Been a long time reader but this is my first time posting. You guys have helped me lead my team to the Championship game the past 2 years. Hopefully this is the year I finally get over the hump.
Keeper question here…
Yahoo 12 team H2H league 8×8 (R,HR,RBI,SB,BB,K,TB,AVG x W,L,CG,SV,K,ERA,WHIP,QS)
3 OF and 2 Util. No MI or CI.
Keep 5. Can keep for 3 years. Already kept Zobrist, Lawrie and Jennings once.
Zobrist (10th)
Lawrie (Last Rd)
Rizzo (Last Rd)
D Jennings (Last Rd)
Gio Gonzalez (8th)
Sale (19th)
Latos (6th)
Shelby Miller (Last Rd)
Leaning towards Zobrist, Rizzo, Jennings, Gonzalez and Sale. What do you think?
Thanks!
Yeah, hopefully we’ll take you to the primosed land this year… Rizzo, Lawrie, Sale, Gio, Jennings..
Ahh Razzball the place to go for near instant advice. Its like the 911 of fantasy.
Named my keepers in my keeper league but need to decide if Segura is worth keeping at $0 as a promoted prospect. Might sound an obvious yes for free but it is only a 10 teamer with OBP over AVG, so need to decide if he’s worth using a roster spot on. Keep him? Can obviously offer him a further contract with slight inflation next year too if he earns it.
I like him for zero…
@Grey: Use him as a bench player to start though right? I.e dont trust him and draft him as my starting MI.
Eh, in a ten team league, I’d roll with him at MI to start the year while keeping my eye on waivers… It’ll give you more money at auction to get someone else…
@Grey:
Sounds good enough to me.
Hi Grey. 14 team, standard 5×5 3 keeper league. After 2 years each keeper moves up 5 spots until eventually a first rounder . You can only keep 1 first rounder. Which 3 would you keep, knowing you select 22more rounds other than where your keepers fall. Miggy OR Cano 1st round, Kinsler 3rd round, Scherzer 9th round, Encarnacion 10th round, Craig 14th, Sale 15th or A. Jackson 20th. Thanks
Miggy, Kinsler, Encarnacion…
In a standard 5×5 12 team roto with 14 batters (2C), 9 pitchers, and no bench, what round would you select your first catcher and first RP?
Between 8 and 10 for catcher and RP, very close to same… But depends on how the draft plays out obviously…
Can I run a deal past you guys?
I have a 16-team league where we have 5 keepers. I have so far:
1B Adrian Gonzales
1B Paul Goldschmidt
2B Ian Kinsler
P Felix Hernandez
P Aroldis Chapman
I need draft picks, but I think I have an idea to improve and get picks. Does this deal work for me:
Give up A-Gonz and Felix
Get Adam Jones, Madison Bumgarner, 1st round pick and 5th round pick (picks are 6th and 10th rounds overall)
How’s that go over?
I like it for you…
In a 10-team league, would you rather have your 3rd OF spot (3rd of 4) or your CI spot filled first? Does it depend on who’s in those spots?
Right now I’m going into keeper lock with 1B,3B,CI filled but only 2/4 OF spots. I’m considering making two trades that I think help my team. If they go through, post-trades I’d have 1B/3B filled, not CI, but 3/4 OF spots. The two trades are:
1) Zimmerman for Goldschmidt
2) AGon for Bautista
Stanton and Jennings are my other OF and Lawrie is currently my CI. What do you think? Try to make one or both, or hold?
I’d hold off on both… As for your first question, it depends who is available…
@Grey: These are some guys I know will be available in our re-draft: Gordon, Aoki, Sandoval, Ike Davis, Moss, Alonso, Belt, Gomez, Cain, Leonys Martin, Eaton, Victorino, Frazier…
Fowler and Hosmer, too.
@Jon: Gordon, Ike or Sandoval…
Grey,
In a 10 team 5×5, let’s say I draft Rutt in the 10th. Would you rather use him at SS or 2B? (We don’t have a MI slot) Who would you most likely be looking to pair him with in your other MI slot? Who sucks less?
SS… I don’t understand the 2nd question…
@Grey: Since you’re saying to essentially punt MI, which of the MI spots sucks less? Placing Rutt in the SS implies more value at 2nd at that level, no? Just my wording, I think.
jus
Neither slot is very good… SS tends to have more late steals and 2nd has more late counting stats/power… Depends what you need and what’s available… Rutledge is a 15/15 guy so it doesn’t matter in regards to him, it matters in regards to the rest of your team…
@Grey: Much obliged.
Hi Grey,
Are the targets in order? Would you be choosing Segura over Simmons?
Thanks!
Mike.
They’re not in order…
@grey, u r doing yourself a disservice by not watching Game of Thrones, its on a whole nother level. I think its as good as breaking bad, different, but just as awesome
Really? Wow, that’s some high praise… It doesn’t seem like something I’d like at all… But I will give it a shot… Might watch 6 episodes tomorrow… Damn you, HBO Go…
@Grey: Speaking of which, this is money right here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ZFjsOZDjnJA
Thanks for sharing! That was brilliant…
Trying to keep my mock-a-week plan going so I’m not completely lost when the real thing comes around.
This is in preparation for a 12-team H2H OBP league.
C- Jonathan Lucroy
1B- Prince Fielder
2B- Brand Phillips
3B- Pablo Sandoval
SS- Josh Rutledge
OF-Justin Upton
OF- Jason Heyward
OF- Matt Holliday
Util- Alex Gordon
Util- Adam Eaton
BN-Matt Carpenter
BN-Oscar Taveras
SP-Max Scherzer
SP- Jordan Zimmermann
SP- Jonathan Niese
SP- Hyun-Jin Ryu
SP- Alex Cobb
SP- Shelby Miller
SP-AJ Griffin
RP- Joe Nathan
RP- Tom WIlhelmsen
RP- Greg Holland
RP- Vinnie Pestano
Looks solid on hitting… Pitching looks okay, I imagine you’ll probably drop 2 of the last three SPs, but it’s okay in H2H…
funny and great stuff as always, lookin forward to a 20/20 year from rutledge
Thanks! Me too…
Would you trade Posey for Reddick or Morse + a mid-round draft pick? I’m leaning no and am trying to convince the other owner to do my Posey for his Adam Jones instead…
Yeah, that first trade isn’t good
I’d take Jones; I wouldn’t take Reddick and Morse…
I have received a trade offer in a 10-team 6×6 dynasty league ( OBP%, RBI’s, Runs, Steals, HR’s, Total Bases, Wins, ERA, WHIP, K’s, Saves and K/9) of Oscar Taveras and Matt Holliday for Bryce Harper?
In your opinion, what type of stats do you feel that Oscar Taveras will put up in 2014 and beyond? What do you think about this trade offer?
I’d want Harper…
@Grey:
Thanks for the input!
Looks like the trade was now redone (facepalm)
Cano and Oscar Taveras for Harper and Rollins … what say you?
Cano side…
Probably going relievers-only in the ol’ H2H, so did a Yahoo mock and filled all my hitting spots first (autodrafted after that, tho Mo was the best closer once I had all my hitters, so that’s good). It’s 12 teams and my league is 14, so y’know. We have LF/CF/RF so drafted accordingly though screwed up by taking Choo instead of a CF which is why he’s ended up in the Util spot. Anyhow, whaddaya think?
1. Prince Fielder (1B)
2. Justin Upton (RF)
3. Ryan Zimmerman (3B)
4. Matt Holliday (LF)
5. Shin-Soo Choo (Util)
6. Ben Zobrist (2B)
7. Josh Rutledge (SS)
8. Austin Jackson (CF)
9. Salvador Perez (C)
@Steve: Oh – I autodrafted the rest, so no point in posting…
@Steve: And we count OBP as well as average…
@Steve: Jaysus. I picked 12th.
I think the team look s pretty well balanced, maybe a tad low on speed… Not terrible though…
@Grey: Thoughts on Rutledge in a shallow-ish league where OBP counts?
Or does the fact that it’s 14 team mitigate his inability to take a walk somewhat?
I’d bump him down in OBP leagues…
Hey Grey,
I’m doing my first H2H league this season, 12 team, 11th pick in the draft. Just drafted and here’s my team:
C Victor Martinez
1B Paul Goldschmidt
2B Ian Kinsler
SS Hanley Ramirez
3B Pablo Sandoval
OF Justin Upton
OF Shin Soo-Choo
OF Torii Hunter
UT Josh Rutledge
UT Brett Gardner
SP Zach Greinke
SP James Shields
RP John Axford
RP Glen Perkins
P Tim Lincecum
P Jon Lester
P Josh Beckett
P Matt Harvey
BN Jonathon Broxton
BN Steve Cishek
BN Kyuji Fujikawa
BN David Robertson
BN Hisashi Iwakuma
Here’s our stats, which obviously value high average players:
R, H, HR, RBI, SB, AVG, OBP
SV, K, ERA, WHIP, K/9, QS
I feel real good about it, especially my offense. Mostly drafted 20/20 guys with good average. I’m a little worried about the power, and there weren’t many reliable picks on the board so I scooped Gardner for my 2nd UT spot. Wonder if I should drop him for Dayan Viciedo since I liked him last year and I think he has a solid season, or am I ok with power?
Also if there are any glaring problems and also should I roster some more SP instead of RP?
Thanks Grey!
The hitting looks okay, I think your pitching is going to struggle… The good news is if something needs to be stronger, it’s hitting…
Can you rank these players in order of your favorites to least favorite?
Bj upton, encarnacion, craig, headley
And
Medlen, greinke, chapman
Thanks!
Here’s the rankings:
http://razzball.com/2013-fantasy-baseball-rankings/
Just started a dynasty slow draft. 18 teams. We do MiLB in a separate draft from MLB. Anyone with any MLB ABs or IPs is not eligible for a MiLB, so Profar is going to have to be taken in the MLB draft.
Where would you take Profar, Olt, Bundy or some of the other top prospect pitchers in the MLB draft?
Where would you take Eaton, Fujikawa (we count holds), and maybe Ryu in the MiLB draft?
Profar and Bundy in or around 7th round, Olt maybe in the 10th… Eaton, Ryu around the 10th, Fujikawa in the 12th… Really hard to say without seeing how others are drafting…
I know you’ve all been waiting on the result, so you’ll be glad to know that
New Zealand have just beaten Venezuela 4-1 in the final of the World Softball Championship ????
Sweet!
@Grey: 6th time we’ve won it…
You’re the Muhammad Ali of softball.
Those question marks are supposed to be a
Keep 12, 10-team H2H league: Would you trade Posey + my 1st rd pick for Adam Jones + his 4th rd pick. Rest of my keepers are AGon, Cano, Zimm, Tulo, Desmond, Lawrie, Stanton, Jennings, Bumgarner, Zimmermann and Medlen. Would need C, DH and one more OF heading into the draft, plus pitching.
Nope… You have two OFs already… I’d hold…
@Grey: 4 OF league – same answer?
Hold…
Looking to replace Grandy with a late round keeper.. already keeping Verlander, Chapman, D Jennings, Goldy.. options:
Machado
I Desmond
Harvey
R Soriano
Peavy
..all last round draft picks if I keep them
Is Desmond a no-brainer? He’s the highest rated in your rankings and its a weak position, thanks!
Yeah, I’d go Desmond…
Got a late SOS call before my draft tonight (sunday night that is)!
Just had all our contracts announced in our keeper league, loads of teams are in win now mode offering 1 year deals to get the cheapest prices possible, so enssentially 1 year rentals (eg 1 team has Chapman ($3), Kimbrel ($9), Sale ($3), Reed ($3), A-Jax ($4), Desmond ($4). Dirt cheap huh.
Ok thats the most extreme example, but theres another 3 (out of 10) thats done the same thing too. So what im asking is how much more should I value players going into the draft, with all these bargains already kept? As all this money available in the draft will lead to inflated prices. Is x1.5 a good rough idea for auction values??
There’s no exact science, but you should bid more on players you want… I’d go above $40 for say Votto in my keeper because of inflated prices, whereas I usually don’t go above $30.
dominican republic vs puerto rico at hiram bithorn stadium (san juan) .
you will NEVER find a more energy-charged game/crowd in all of baseball .
broadcast live on espn in 5 minutes !!
question ===> what do sharks and puerto ricans have in common ?
answer ===> they’ve both have had their fill of dominicans !
there will be dancing in the streets of san jose and all across puerto rico , regardless of
the outcome .
wish i was there .
Ha, nice… Did you see the brawl yesterday?
thought I made a post – anyway
dyanasty league 20 teams – need to select one of these pitchers – also if I select a pitcher if they do not make the opening day roster in MLB – they will still take a space on my roster
who should I pick here grey
Hyun-Jin Ryu
Taijuan Walker
Jose Fernandez
Walker
Overall I feel really good about my team, although I may have waited a little too long on pitching but I think it’s much easier to find arms than it is to find bats.
This is a 12 team 5×5 H2H League and I picked 2nd
C- Santana 1B- Goldschmidt 2B- Utley SS- Reyes 3B- Miggy
OF- J. Upton, Bruce, Choo UTIL- K. Morales
Bench- R. Weeks, L. Cain
SP- Latos, J. Zimmermann RP- Holland, Betancourt
P- Niese, Beckett, J. Parker
Bench- Milone, Ryu, Hughes
DL- ARod (we have two DL spots, figured it as worth the risk especially as my last pick)
I may use my free roster spot to grab Fujikawa in the likely scenario that Marmol is traded.
What’s the verdict? Thanks!
Verdict is it looks good… I think you could have some minor average concerns and don’t think Weeks and Utley are necessary, but neither has any trade value right now, so I’d hold them for now… Pitching looks solid…
CJ Wilson might think he’s got it going on, but at least I get to drink beer.
https://twitter.com/str8edgeracer/status/310921565019725829
(you need to click @lisalla for full effect)
I don’t follow the beer comment, but heyzeus cristo is that girl hot…
@Grey: He’s Straight Edge, so at least when it comes to beer drinking it’s Steve 1 CJ 0
Oh, really? I didn’t remember that about him… He probably has a dark twisted past and now is all reformed…
@Grey: Which set of players would you rather run out on a weekly basis in an H2H league with OBP instead of AVG:
Goldy
Rizzo
Greinke
Scherzer
Peavy
or
Goldy
Ike
Greinke
Samardz
Peavy
Rizzo, Scherzer one…
Grey
Please evaluate – keeper league
I give Weaver Cano for Kinsler Strasburg (can sub bum for weaver)
I give Chapman + Andrus for Justin Upton
Thanks
I’d take the Upton or Strasburg side…
Least surprising news of Spring Training thus far?
http://blog.sfgate.com/athletics/2013/03/10/brett-anderson-leaves-game-after-just-8-pitches/
Ha… Yeah, saw that, amazing he got through 8 pitches…
@Steve: You also need to scroll down to the last paragraph in the piece…
HA! Jesus… Literally…
FFS. Just got done ranking 150 players in Yahoo then realised I’d done it for my auction keeper. Fail.
Doh
Question—I pick #6 in a 12 team holdover league…..top guys available will be King Felix, Wright, CarGo, Holliday, Tulowitzki, Adrian Gonzalez, Ryan Zimmerman, Carlos Santana, Hamels, Adrian Gonzalez, and Pedroia…..
I have to assume GarGo, Tulow, Adrian Gonzalez, along with Wright, Pedroia will all be gone at 6. Would you take King Felix or one of the hitters left?
I held onto Mccutchen, Trout, Adam Jones, Longoria and Machado….and at pitcher Chris Sale and Jordan Zimmerman.
A hitter….
I guess I went off the reservation with my draft taking Castro in the 3rd. With Jones, Kinsler, and a couple of other picks I’d considered going right ahead of me and my draft board looking like pitcher central, I opted to go down the list to the best bat on there that was a need (didn’t want to double up on 1B, 3B yet) and Castro was it. Probably not as good of a value as these later sleepers but 100 runs and 30+ SB is nothing to pass up. Things have still went really well for me other than both Greinke and Matt Moore going 1 pick before I was going to nab them in rounds 6 and 8.
Grey, is it safe to assume from your rankings that you’d rather have the Dredd Pirate than Kemp in a keeper league?
Nope…
You’d rather have Kemp? Can you clarify please? I have this offer on the table now, I have Kemp.
I like Kemp long term better, his elbow worries me for only the first 2 months of this season.
Love Lowrie on a late rounder. Good work there.
Cool, thanks!