Brian Wilson is donzo. I called this one about 48 hours prior. You can put it on the beard…. Goodbye! The crizzappy thing for me is I told everyone to pick up Santiago Casilla to replace Wilson, and I picked him up too. I mean, I literally grabbed Casilla while the trainer was looking at Wilson’s arm on Thursday. So, of course, I dropped Casilla when Wilson was supposedly okay on Friday and Rudy grabbed him on Saturday before I could. *shakes fist* Rudy! No one really knows who’ll follow in Wilson’s non-conformist footsteps. He leaves a long shadow that smells of dirty socks. Sergio Romo has been a great MR for a couple years, while Casilla is rumored to be the favorite and Bochy brought him into the 8th in a tie game on Saturday. The mystery of ‘Who replaces Wilson?’ is trapped inside Bochy’s enormous head. To get the answer, you have move Bochy’s head like one of those wooden labyrinth marble mazes and hope the answer comes out his mouth and not one of the other holes. I’d grab Casilla and Romo, in that order. I actually even grabbed Affeldt for situational saves, but I realized I couldn’t speculate that deep — don’t have the bench room, yo — so I lost him. Anyway, here’s what else I saw this weekend in fantasy baseball:
Jacoby Ellsbury – That hard C you heard was the crunch of Brignac falling on a crapton of fantasy baseballers’ (<–my mom’s term!) number one outfielder. Doctors are saying Ellsbury has a subluxation, laymen are saying he has a dislocation of the shoulder, my Asian woman neighbor who’s always working on her lawn said, “Potato-potahto, you’re screwed.” For the next six to eight weeks, he’s D’Ellsburied. If he fails to respond to rest, there’s a chance he’ll need season-ending surgery. I say put a cone on his head and shove him in a dog crate. Gotta respond to that kind of rest. If you owned Ellsbury, you should be able to find steals — SAGNOF! — on waivers. His combo on speed, power, runs, RBIs, average… Well, it’s a bitter pill(sbury) to swallow.
Jason Repko – 0-for-3, as he started yesterday in CF for the Sawx. Jason Repko is the answer to the question, “Who is Jason Repko?” “Who’s the thirty-one year old has-been in the outfield?” “This is the Red Sox depth?” and “Wait, what?”
Mike Aviles – 1-for-4 and his 2nd homer in as many games after he took over the leadoff spot. In the big picture, I’m not a fan of Aviles, but if you have a slow starting MI photobombing your big picture, I could see working with Aviles. Just don’t be jockin’ Mike Aviles to my dismay.
Cody Ross – 1-for-2, 3 RBIs and his 2nd homer in as many games. No one really likes a Cody, except Kathie Lee, but if he’s hitting there’s that. BTW, with Big Papi, Youk, Ross, Aviles, Shoppach and Repko in the starting lineup yesterday, is it me or does it seem like Theo was secretly replaced by Brian Sabean?
David Wright – Decided to play through the pain and homered on Saturday, and has gone 5-for-9 in his two games back. I don’t know. I’m trying not to be a Mets player hater here, as I’ve been accused of in the past, but here’s my take. I think Wright’s a gamer. He’s shown it in the past. At one point in 2009, he was battling concussion symptoms, lingering groin soreness, a flu and a strain behind his knee all at the same time. And he still got on the field. Can I dig it? Yes, I can. He’s like the “It’s merely a flesh wound” guy. But he still hit 10 homers that year in 144 games. I’d be concerned that he’s playing with a broken pinkie and it’s not healing properly, so it ends up costing his numbers in the long run.
Ike Davis – 2-for-4, 2 RBIs and his first homer. I gotta say, people in the comments talking about dropping Ike Davis after 10 days of games is a bit crazy. If he hits 3 more homers in April (still have half a month!), he’s on pace for 24 homers for the year. Isn’t that kinda what you expected from him?
Brandon Belt – 1-for-3 with a steal with the start. Bochy’s marble must’ve fell out the right hole.
Ryan Vogelsong – 6 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 7 baserunners, 7 Ks vs. the Pirates. In the rankings, I wrote something about how Vogelsong would be a solid spot starter against weaker offenses. And that’s me paraphrasing me!
Matt Moore – 6 1/3 IP, 6 ER, 12 baserunners, 5 Ks. Now has 9 walks in 13 innings. Did Ollie Perez and Matt Moore make a wish while peeing in the same fountain?
Luke Scott – 1-for-4 with a homer in two straight games. After Luke Scott hit a homer on Saturday, I grabbed him for Sunday’s game. He’s like a slightly less streaky, Carlos Pena. He can hit 8 homers in a month, then a buck twenty-five for another month, then get hurt during his home run trot. April looks like the month he hits 8 homers. Or April powers, bring May sours.
Hector Noesi – There are Noesi starts in MLB, but OAK @ SEA sure isn’t one of the hardest. That said, 8 shutout innings with 6 Ks is pretty sweet. He has potential to be the King of the Marginers. “I name this land, Pineiroton, after one of our forefathers.” That’s Noesi taking the King of the Marginers title a little too seriously.
Edwin Jackson – A complete game victory against the Reds with only 1 ER, 3 baserunners, and 9 Ks. Don’t get too excited. You take the win out of his name and you’re left with ‘Jacked, son.’ In shallow leagues, he’s a 6th SP or streaming candidate.
Omar Infante – 1-for-5 with his 4th homer. Eh, only 4 more than Stanton. I’m not bitter. Nah. I will now down a bottle of NyQuil and operate heavy machinery.
Hanley Ramirez – 7 for his last 9 with a homer. Hey, look what the cat dragged in –> 2010 Hanley.
Heath Bell – Could there be an easier save opp than a 3 run lead at the Crayola Canyon against the Lastros? If there is, let Heath Bell know because he could use it. Lucky for his owners, 2 of the runs were credited as unearned. Wouldn’t handcuff him yet, but I’d be a little more aggressive fishing for waiver saves if I owned him.
Brandon Beachy – 7 IP, 0 ER, 5 baserunners, 6 Ks, which comes after Mike Minor went 7 1/3 IP, 0 ER, 3 baserunners, 4 Ks on Saturday. If Leo Mazzone were around, he’d be on the bench rocking back and forth like The Masturbating Bear to the Braves young pitching.
Jason Heyward – 1-for-3 and his 2nd homer and he’s batting .345. After the first game of the season, I said some crazy thing like Heyward looks lost. Well, I’m a moron, similarly to Fredi, who insists on batting Heyward 7th. Move Heyward up!
Jonathan Lucroy – 2-for-4, 3 RBIs and his 2nd homer. The other Brewers catcher, Kottaras, has three homers. So Kottaras and Lucroy combined have more homers than Pujols, Stanton, Longoria, Braun and Votto. Gotta love early season outliers.
Mike Leake – 6 1/3 IP, 5 ER, 8 baserunners, 1 K. This has no basis in fact, but it seems like Leake (which makes beautiful crystal) that he either has a 6 IP, 3 ER game or a 6 IP, 5 ER. That’s, uh, not so, uh, good for mixed leagues. In related news, Aroldis has 8 IP, 3 hits, no walks and 15 Ks on the year. In case you need that told to you with teenaged girl emphasis — 15 Ks!!! In, like, only 8 IP!!! Plenty gnar.
Dayan Viciedo – 1-for-4 yesterday with his second homer in three games. Viciedo is Latin for “I came, I hacked, I homered.”
Jason Kipnis – 3 for his last 7 with 2 homers. Here’s my Jason Kipnis fantasy because I don’t believe in throwing out the baby even after three Opening Days and eight total games for the Indians. Hey, I get it, I’m just as bad. In the my RCL, I’ve made 23 waiver wire moves (pretty much adding and dropping my UTIL guy cause I lost Chisenhall), but, well, go read this post.
Liam Hendriks – 6 IP, 1 ER, 7 baserunners (0 walks), 4 Ks. You know how next to the deli counter there’s a counter for starters who don’t walk or strikeout many guys and have more real world value than fantasy? The Twins order their meat from there.
Matt Carpenter – 4-for-4, 5 RBIs and a homer. He’s filling in for Berkman. Carpenter’s minor league numbers look kinda utility-man-ish, so if that’s anything like Omar Infante, he’ll hit 4 homers this week.
Jake Westbrook – 7 IP, 1 ER, 5 baserunners, 2 Ks. And if the Twins buy their meat from the Hendriks’ section, the Cards buy their meat from Westbrook/Chris Carpenter section where pitchers are either the type no one wants that the Cards turn into aces or the aces they turn into meat.
Bryan Shaw – Recorded his 2nd save of the year yesterday. Now has more saves than Sean Marshall. David Hernandez and Putz were used the previous day (and were ineffective), but there’s nothing to see here (probably). Shaw may not get a nutter save this year.
Trevor Cahill – 7 1/3 IP, 1 ER, 6 baserunners, 6 Ks in Coors. I know no one’s looking at rankings anymore because we’re a whole 9 games into a 162 games season, but I liked Cahill in the preseason. I still do.
Krispie Young – 2-for-4, 3 RBIs and a slam & legs, hitting .364. This was his fourth homer… To tie Omar Infante! Since this is really all about me, Krispie is literally the only guy on my RCL team that is hitting. That is all. Literally.
Matt Kemp – 3-for-4 with his 6th homer. In the offseason, Kemp said he wanted to have a 50/50 season. I didn’t realize he meant in April.
Dee Gordon – 2-for-6 with his 6th and 7th steal. He really could steal 70 bases this year, as long as he doesn’t walk too close to a salad bar and someone mistakes him for a string bean.
Brett Myers – Astros are shopping around Myers. Hey, I got an idea. Trade him to the Nats for Lannan. Or the Giants, Marlins, Blue Jays, Red Sox, Rangers, Rays, Diamondbacks, Twins, back to the Astros… Is there any team that doesn’t need a closer?
Kyle Drabek – 7 1/3 IP, 1 ER, 7 baserunners, 6 Ks. Now has an ERA of 1.42 on the year (okay, that’s through two starts). Small sample size, schmall schample schmize. He’s a former top prospect and you should grab him in case this is the breakout finally for this former-top-prospect-no-longer-a-prospect-maybe-is-showing-signs-of-being-a-top-prospect-again pitcher. I got all hyphenated there, the un-comma.
Brett Lawrie – 2-for-4, 3 RBIs and his first homer on the year as he bats .306. No amount of hashtags is holding back our enthusiasm for Lawrie.
Edwin Encarnacion – 2-for-4, 2 RBIs and his third homer. What’s E5 doing at 1st? The answer, my friend, is the blowing from Lind.
Missed out on Casilla by moments as well. Start Holland at Fenway? My rotation of Hamels, Hanson, Holland, Harrison, Henderson Al, Anibal and Garza has been stellar thusfar … it’s the 5H club.
@jack, yeah I picked up Casilla in 3 of my 4 leagues. I was on that news right away.
@thatonekid343, Holland’s not pitching at the Fens till Wednesday, i’m gonna sit that one out though…the Sawks mash at home.
If he survives that one then he really is a graduate.
Do I do this trade?
I get: Albert Pujols and Torii Hunter
I give: Joey Votto and Jimmy Rollins
12-team H2H 7×7 (OPS, TB, L, QS)
My team:
C. Posey
1B. Votto
2B. Uggla
3B. Longoria
SS. Rollins
OF. Stanton, Bruce, Jennings
UTIL. Melky
BN. Cozart, Stubbs
SP. Beachy, Anibal, MadBum, Zimmermann, Luebke
RP. Motte, Street, Casilla
@thatonekid343, I wouldn’t.
@thatonekid343, I wouldn’t either. You’ve already got 5 OF better than Hunter and I don’t see the difference between Pujols and Votto as that great.
Hi Grey, who is better flier Milone or Drabek?
@trent, Drabek
Grey, how long does Reynolds need to stay cold before its time to dump him?
@letsgobravos, I’d hold. I dropped him last year around this time and regretted it the entire season.
@Tggq21, You drafted him, you gotta wait him out. You had to know the average downfall possibilities when you drafted. He’ll get his home runs eventually.
@letsgobravos, yup he did the same thing to me last year as well, hold…
Javier Lopez or Wilton Lopez the better pickup for saves?
@Blue, maybe Aquilino Lopez.
@Blue, Wilton
Or I could drop J Sanchez and add them both..
@Blue, btw, my only other closer is H Santiago and my rotation consists of:
Bumgarner, Gio G, J zimmerman, A sanchez, cahill, minor, marcum and lynn (1600 inning limit)
@Blue, No
Altuve, Espinosa, Kipnis or K Johnson for 2b in a shallow league? Just keep rotating the guy hitting? (johnson for now?) or aviles? Thanks Grey!
@Blue, Kelly, Kipnis, Altuve in order. just stay away from Espinosa. he’s suck.
@Piranhaman, Not in an OBP league, he’s not. Also, it’s early, but he’s once again made more contact when he swings, and swung at fewer pitches outside the strike zone. Pretty good bet to hit better than .236 if he continues that trend. Also a good bet to repeat his HR performance if he continues to improve his pitch selection and contact skills.
Sorry for the bombardment of questions lol, but in another league – drop soto for either A.J. P, Kottaras, Lucroy, JP Aren, or Ramos?
@Blue, I’d hold
Hey Grey, great to see some bats like Heyward/ Hanley finally come around.
Clearly this is the year of closer turnover, we need to come up with a cool name for these closer shituations guys.
Also is it crazy to start Luebke and Bard today in a 16 teamer? Would like to play it safe on both of em, but its a deep league yo.
@TheNewGuy, Not crazy…
@TheNewGuy,
LOL at the term “Finally come around” 9 games into a 162 game season….
@Hawk, I know dude but I mean that they were a pile of dog dung last year too
Need a better term for that I guess rather than finally come around.
Rasmus is my only bench bat, do I drop him for LoMo or hold firm w Razzle Dazzle?
@atomeka, LoMo doesn’t have legs. got only slams. but i’d get LoMo than Rasmus fearlessly.
What are the chances Scott is in the lineup against Ricky Ro’ on Tuesday?
@Steve, Probably sit…
Grey, Well, now I don’t all that bad dropping Casilla a day before you told Razzball Nation to pick him up…
Suffered the bitter pill (sbury) in my Yahoo league. Over in my RCL, Omar the Tent Maker has four more dingers then Puhols, Giancarlo, Reynolds, Jennings, Yoooouk, and Jhonny “Silent H” Peralta put together. In fact, the entire team has two more homers then Matt Kemp.
Something tells me that this is just not my year…
@Paulie Allnuts, yeah i picked bautista over kemp,those are real tears
@Paulie Allnuts, Ouch…
@Grey. 12 team mixed league, drop Lance Lynn or Wandy Rod to add Drabek?
@ScoutAbout, you should know this. Lance Lynn will face great matchups until late May. following 5-man rotation.. @PIT, @CHC, PIT, @HOU, ATL, @SF, SD, PHI unless schedule’s twisted. if he keeps this hot pace, he will be the biggest add of the 1st half.
@Piranhaman, good to know. Thanks for your reply.
@ScoutAbout, ya thanks for the sched outlook, a guy in my one lg dropped him to stream on sunday, im planning on putting in my request to snag him.
Nice pun with the title name btw, only just got it…im slow!
@TheNewGuy,
I don’t get it. Can you please share?
@uncdrew,
tom hanks
@chata,
Ah, the volleyball blood-hand face on the island movie. Yes, I see now. Thank you.
My SP’s are Marcum, Daniel Hudson, ubaldo, morrow, volquez, and Sale. I have 2 questions.
1. Should I drop Volquez for Scherzer?
2. Is a fair trade Uggla for Sabathia? I have Cano at 2B and Uggla is at UTIL where I would move Goldschmidt or Bourjos. If I should do both of these, what other SP should I drop if I get Sabathia?
@Will, 1. Yes 2. For you
Hang in there, Grey, and thanks for the Casilla call. I picked him up and kept him, against my inner Giants fan ’cause I wanted Wilson to be okay. But he needs to get rid of the beard and reinvent himself, besides getting a new arm.
As to Belt, you said he was getting his numbers in 400 AB. So you’re right on your prediction. Don’t want to jinx anyone, but someone in the OF/1B Giants logjam is going to get tweaked and Belt is going in there to stay.
Last time a future Giants star was iffy early on, I traded him (Posey) for Chase Headley. This time, I hold Belt.
@The Miracles, Hope so…
This is the best website on the planet.
“Wait, Bryan, don’t you mean the best fantasy website on the planet?”
Nope.
@Bryan, Exactly.
@Bryan, Thanks!
getting Wainwright for my Haren?
who will provide me better stats? i like Haren more.
but since first two starts, i’ve been worried about his “CUTTER”.
is it done? can his cutter still be as sharp as he’d pitched?
@Piranhaman,
Haren>Wainwright this year.
Wainwright>Haren next year.
I’m only saying this because Jake Peavy is owned in less than 25% of ESPN leagues.
He pitched very well against Texas in Texas and against Detroit at home.
His FIP last season was 3.21, which was better than Ian Kennedy, C.J. Wilson, David Price, Anibal Sanchez, James Shields, Johnny Cueto, Yovani Gallardo, Gio Gonzalez, Hommy Tanson, Josh Beckett, Michael Pineda, Daniel Hudson, and Shaun Marcum, to name a few.
His xFIP was better than Jered Weaver, Mat Latos, Jordan Zimmermann, and Matt Cain.
He’s throwing .6 MPH faster than last season. Small sample size of two games, but it’s an increase nonetheless. With even a .5 MPH increase comes more swings and misses and strikeouts.
Rios is now playing LF, and Viciedo is in RF. Quentin is quite possibly the worst RF in the history of baseball (Dunn may have had him beat), and Rios is a massive upgrade from Pierre. In short, the OF is much better in Chicago.
Jair Jurrjens, Edinson Volquez, and Barry Zito are owned in more leagues. Seriously. Jump on board now, and if he gets hurt, drop or stash him.
@Feeding the Abscess, Agreed, I like Peavy…
schafer or tabata?
@tom,
Grey has Schafer on his Buy list for this week and I’m gonna pick him up. I already own Tabata and I think he has more long term (this season) upside.
h2h League
This week, start Yu @det, Vogelsong @nym, or Lynn @pitt?
@AdamH, Lynn
@AdamH,
Start anyone vs. Pittsburgh right now. Seriously.
Drop Duda or Ike for a SF closer?
@Jangles, Duda
I picked up Casilla on FRI as a temporary replacement while I bench O’Flaherty so I got kinda lucky. But, judging from the way the pen was used, it seems like Romo may be the first guy to get a crack.
Hard to believe, but that was Lawrie’s first XBH this year. He had been looking pretty bad. Hopefully this is the beginning of a solid season. The Smurfs sure need it, off to another terrible start.
Stanton should never have changed his name. Didn’t work so well for Kendrys…
@papasmurf, Lawrie is hitting .306, so he’s not looking too bad. I mean yeah, he looked pretty bad when he tried to steal home the other day, but on the whole he’s been alright.
It should be noted that 3 of Moore’s 9 walks are intentional. Not that 6 walks in 13 innings is all that great.
And what was maddon doing sending him out for the 7th, when he had already thrown 98 pitches?
@Johnson, Not sure… Agreed re: IBB’s…
@Johnson, I think Maddon was trying to give his bullpen some rest.
Aviles or Cozart rest of the year?
@Vinnie, no question its cozart… what would make you consider avilies?
@Tony, I guess it’s just small sample size and the prospect of leading off in front of the red sox lineup for several months, not that Cinci is any slouches…thanks for the response
In a keeper league where I have Kemp, Upton and Jennings in the OF, would you swap Giancarlo for Jose Reyes? Currently rolling with Cozart at SS.
@schlitzy, Yup
Grey : Lose Arencibia for Iannetta?
Also just read that Pierzynski will be splitting time with Flowers so he may be a sell this week
@2 Cups 1 Braun, Sure re: Iannetta…
shitty closer shituation: broxton or sergio santos?
@ThePoonTycoon, I think Santos will be fine
@ThePoonTycoon,
Santos was victim of some poor defense. Broxton was a victim of poor pitches.
Grey – Wondering if you would you give Cahill or Nova a roster spot over Bud Norris?
Thanks!
@RussB, Cahill, under the radar for now…
Got offered a minor trade, but looking for some insight:
I give: Greg Holland
I get: Adam LaRoche
This is a 12-team 6×6 H2H, NON-KEEPER league
My roster is below:
c: Doumit (till Jesus gets C eligible)
1b: Miggy
2b: Uggla
ss: D. Gordon
3b: Wright
IF: Reynolds
OF: J. Upton, Bruce, Bourjos, Kendrys
Utl: Jesus Montero
Utl: Belt
BN: Reimold, Scott, B. Harper
SP: Bumgarner, Price, Gio, Zimmerman, Minor, Bard, Drabeck
RP: Santos, Guerra, Myers, HanK-Rod, Casilla
His only other closers are: Street, FrankFranc, Storen, & Clippard; so he’s kinda desperate.
Other players on his team I like are: Granderson, Kendrick, Willingham, ARam. You like any if the above as a better target to go after?
Thanks in advance
@Scottie O., I’d take LaRoche…
Also, would you lose Espinosa for Infante?
@2 Cups 1 Braun, Eh
I’ve got Bijou Phillips playing 2nd, with her/his wonky hammy. Kipnis is available as is Kelly Jo. I don’t foresee me dropping a bat, so would anyone drop someone out of this rotation:
SP – Doc
SP – Lester
SP – Bum
RP – Marmol
RP – Hanrahan
P – Marshall
P – Balfour
P – Myers
BN – Beckett
BN – Scherzer
BN – Luebke
BN – Sale
DL – Storen
W, L, SV, Ks, ERA, WHIP, Ks/9
@Wilsonian, Kipnis over Myers if you need someone…Guessing 8 team…
@Grey, Yessir. How’d you guess?? You so smart. Emoticon. Espinosa is available, too, if he catches your fancy more so than the Kipper.
In a stnd roto vaccum, would you do this deal?:
Trade
Stanton, Moustakis, & Soto
for
Votto & the soon to be Catching Jesus
@Muchacho, votto side, defly.
Should I give up Zimmermann and Vernon Wells for Greinke? 16 team league, 8×8 (H, BB, SLG, QS, K/BB, HLD)
@Cheese, Yup
Marmol or Aceves to start this week? 5×5 roto with K/9 rather than total Ks. Thanks.
@Rabbit, Marmol
Grey-
The team i’m facing this week has Teixeira,Zimmerman and Youkilis and has been sitting Youkilis all season. I have Reynolds for 3rd. What would it take to get Youkilis from him?
He’s very weak at Starting Pitching. I have
Lester,Bumgarner,Gio G. Marcum,Cahill and Lewis.
If i got Youkilis i would platoon Lind and Reynolds in Utility slot.
What do ya think?
Thanks so much
@Steven, Try Marcum…
Speaking of Aroldis Chapman, I noticed his FIP and X-FIP are -0.84 and -0.32 respectively. So should we expect him to improve on his 0.00 ERA going forward?
@Thomas, Yeah, his defense hasn’t been that great…
@Thomas, HA!
Any help would be appreciated – pick the best 2 in a 12 team H2H league this week — thanks
Colby Lewis
John Danks
Matt Latos
Derek Holland
Ryan Vogelsong
@LT, Latos, Lewis
Gardner is on the waiver wire. Should I use my second overall waiver claim?
If so, drop: Kubel, J. Montero, Stubbs, Chacin, Dunn?
@Roz, Chacin first, Kubel second. rest of them has worth keeping.
@Piranhaman, I’d dump Kubel. I’d ride Chacin out a little bit before I considered dumping him. Dunn is also dumpable.
Well done Grey, well done sir!
@DP, Thanks!
Grey, I’m wondering if in hindsight you’d have considered Ianetta, Scott, or Reimold in Friday’s “Buy” section? I’m also wondering now if Ianetta is a better option than Pierzyski?
@frank rizzo, As I guy who’s started both for long periods, I’d rather have Ianetta than Pierzynski.
@frank rizzo, Go with Iannetta…
@Grey – Great reading and laughs to start the week. Don’t think the Sawx can run the marathon with those guys. Iwas looking for a C to replace Ramos when I read your Lucroy/Kotteras blurb. Stopped laughing when I realized I owned Stanton, Braun, Longoria and Votto (and Ike) in my two leagues. Thanks for all that you do.!
@AnotherFalstaff, Thanks! No problem…
grey –
You say grab Drabek in case he does break out….but do you drop Buchholtz or Danks to get him?
@Poet, Buchholz
Obvious Matt Moore apologist here, but 3 of those 9 BBs were intentional. 6 BBs in 13IP against the likes of Detroit and Boston doesn’t sound SO bad.
@Andy, Gotcha…
12 team, 5×5 roto, weekly lineups
Which 2 of Lind, Rasmus, Reimold do I start?
Thanks dude.
@L-Boogie, Rasmus, Reimold
Also, which 1 should I start (12 team, 5×5 roto, weekly lineups):
Lynn @ Pit
Peavy vs Os
Volquez vs Phils
Thanks again.
@L-Boogie, I’d start Lynn just because Pit is so bad. But Peavy has been really good and more likely to go deeper in the game. Volquez is just walking too many guys.
Grey —
Who do you like more between Bedard and Cahill? And would it be a good trade to send one of them plus an average catcher, Pierzynski, for Hudson?
I’d have to pick up another catcher from waivers (probably Doumit) but it wouldn’t be for long since I just need three more starts for Jesus to qualify.
Thanks!
@Enrique, Cahill
@Grey, Thanks …. I assume that’s because of Bedard’s fragility.
Do you think it’d be a good deal to trade Cahill + Pierzynski for Hudson?
A question about the site: Have you given any thought to making comments searchable? There is interesting info exchanged in the comments sections, and I think it’d be helpful to be able to search them later on when evaluating players.
@Enrique, Great idea
@Enrique, CTRL + f?
@Chunk, I mean, historically searchable. If I wanted to see what Razzball thinks of any player, I can search for his name from the home page and it gives me the all times he appeared in a wrapup or column going as far back as I like. But it doesn’t include any time he was discussed in comments, and some of those comments could have value.
@Enrique,
more trouble than it’s worth , imo .
suppose you wanted to search all comments about player “x”
further , suppose player “x” is tim lincecum …. or some other player
who is apt to be drafted in every league .
are you now willing to re-read all of the “what do you think of my
(mock) team , Grey ?” questions and answers ??
it’s not my site , nor my time …. knock yourself out , i guess .
p.s. don’t forget to include the forums .
@Enrique, I don’t know if it’s possible, but if anyone’s more computer savvy than me I’d be open to doing it…
not for nuthin, but in terms of DWright… a broken finger is a lot different then a broken back.
@gbaked, When a player struggles to grip a bat, it’s not great…
@gbaked, i always thought he was gay too… him and jose reyes…
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ixoyXv8Vzd8/Tt0YMK7-BPI/AAAAAAAAAF4/P88Uce86mRQ/s1600/david-wright-jose-reyes.jpg
Hey there!
Curious who you think would be the better bench guy, Dayan or Alex Pressly?
Thanks!
@Bryank, Presley, but they do different things…
@Grey, I’m looking for best all around value in LF. Also it’s a keeper league so long term value is important to me. I guess it’s more who’s more likely to break out? Thanks for the help!
I hate to ask these types of questions but I hate this roster spot about as much as you do. For catcher I have J.P. Arrenwhatever. Its a twelve teamer, with Soto, Pierzinsky, Ramon Hernandez and Lucroy all available in free agent pool.
If you have another brain cell to spare, Aviles or Desmond? both leadoff, Aviles has the Hollywood cast behind him and Desmond has the Vancouver staff behind him
@Jack of LA, I’d rather have J.P. than those other catchers. I’d also rather have Desmond, he seems to have more upside.
Final question, Grey — but could you list here (or write a column some time soon) on potential buy low targets? Now seems like a good time to try to nab someone who is probably underperforming.
To wit: Which side do you like more? David Wright + LaRoche for Longoria? The other guy has Morneau at 1B and I’ve just been using LaRoche in the UTIL slot.
@Enrique, Grey has a Buy/Sell post every Friday — that should give you what you’re looking for.
@dingbat, Thanks, Dingbat (heh) … I know about the buy/sell.
Generally, though, buy/sell doesn’t include names that should be on everyone’s roster already but who might be available for a low price. Most ‘buy’ guys on that list are unheralded guys who might not be on people’s radar screens, or old guys showing signs of life, or guys about to be called up or about to start due to injuries, or SAGNOF candidates. But I’m talking about guys like Tex or Cruz or Elvis or Alex Gordon or Lincecum or Haren whose slow start might be making their owners nervous.
And it’s not just a question of guys underperforming. A week ago someone might have considered Brian Wilson a good buy-low candidate based on his track record. But suspicions about his arm would have contradicted that.
So … my suggestion: it might make for a good column idea (or, if not, a few off-the-cuff ideas here) of buy-low candidates, guys whose early performance is far worse than expected but for whom there is no real cause for concern. Any ideas Grey? Or anyone else?
@Enrique, are you asking for a column that points out common sense, the obvious? I know razzball is here to assist us in some of the deeper questions we don’t have the time to research and the comedic takes provided by Grey and the boys on something you never admit to women and girls that we play. Its not like those cool fanatasy football kids. But really man he can’t play our teams for us. It would be a waste of times to dedicate a column discussing the players that are 100% owned. The best way to play this game is to figure it out.
@Jack of LA, Jeez. I guess by that standard half this site is *obvious* … nobody’s asking anyone to run their team for them. Buy/sell, the daily wrapups. I think most people come here for the insights and the humor, and Grey, Rudy et al seem happy enough to provide that. What’s the problem?
Look at the “deeper questions” you’re talking about. Most comments here are along the lines of: Should I trade X for Y? Should I start A over B? If ZZ happens, what impact will that have? Is XYZ a sleeper? Here’s my roster, what do you think?
I don’t live in the U.S., so it doesn’t happen too often, but something that almost invariably comes up when I talk to fellow fantasy managers is whether a specific player is playing hurt or if he’s likely to rebound this season or if age or inexperience has caught up with him, etc. The guys who run the site and some of the commentators have more insight into this stuff than I do, and they voluntarily share them here, and so I was asking for a few names of players struggling so far but that they see doing better over the rest of the year. Notwithstanding his name, Dingbat’s point above was better than yours (there is some crossover between what I asked for and buy/sell), but if my question’s not deep enough to hold your interest than just skip 1/8 of an inch above or below and keep scrolling.
@Enrique, part of playing is knowing what everyone else is doing in your league. go to the players screen sort by all players and find out who is sucking it and then target them for buy low candidates.
@Enrique, also for in depth up to date player info/injuries try CBS sports players profiles. they are usually the most up to date. But don’t read their “wrtiters” those guys are generally pretty terrible.
@Enrique, I’d want Longoria…
Grey, curious your thoughts on Trout’s hot AAA start.
Also, I’ve got Gamel and Reynolds manning the corners of my Yahoo! standard team. It’s a 12-teamer and Mous and Belt both recently hit the waiver wire. I’ve got a rotating roster spot I was going to use to grab Rex Brothers and his/their 4 little tiny arms, but I’m killing the league in saves and lacking in offensive stats. Would you snag one of these dudes as some insurance/fill-in? Also considering adding Trout as trade bait instead. Thanks for the input as always!
@MattTruss223, Angels are a clusterf*ck of PT, not sure where Trout plays… Grab Moose if you have room…
I hate myself for asking but who do you like better for saves if Myers is traded: Lyon, Lopez or someone else?
@Mr. Rickey, Lopez would be my guess…
Whom would you start today, Arrieta or Humber? Or pick up a hitter instead like Ibanez, Fowler or Helton?
Also streaming catchers. Would you start Martin against Pavano, A.J. against Arrieta or Ruiz against Lincecum?
Thanks!
@Frank Kim, Neither? Humber… Scratch that… Ibanez… Martin…
@Grey, Thanks as always! Went w/ Helton and Martin.
D.Bard (2 starts: TB (shields), NYY(CC) or
Aceves (TB, Tex(2), NYY(3)) at RP spot?
7 pts per save, 10 pts win, -5 for loss, 1 pt for k/IP, -1 for ER.
@smegma, Aceves
Should I trade Bruce for Han Ram. Guy in my league has him on the block. My other OF’s are J. Upton, B. Gardner, N. Markakis, A. Jackson, C. Crisp and D. Young
@Go Nats Go, Who does HanRam replace in your lineup? On its’ face, don’t love this trade.
@Baron Von Vulturewins, He would replace Cozart. The reason it makes sense to me is I have lots of depth at OF but not much depth at SS and Third base
@Go Nats Go, It’s a fair trade, though in a vacuum, I think Bruce has more value this year than Hanley. And I feel like the minute you trade Bruce your OF becomes a lot shakier. No one else there besides Upton looks likely to top 20 HRs.
@Baron Von Vulturewins, Thanks for the input. I pulled the trade down. I hate leaving trades up once games start with the potential for an injury. If the other guy is interested he can propose it on his end. I also have Reynolds as a utility guy so I think I could aborb the downgrade in HR’s and could use the upgrade in average.
would you drop any of the following for Drabek 12 team H2H. my staff is:
madbum,cj,garza,anibal, beachy, d holland, feliz, lynn, Guerra, marshall.
bench bats JD martinez, Jesus montero.
only start 2SP 2 RP and 3 P
@poop, I like him more than Feliz, but I don’t know if I’d pull that trigger…
If you had to pick one between: Milone, J Westbrook, Duffy or J Sanchez, who you taking?
@Grey’s da man!, Sanchez or Milone… Depends on needs…
Drabek or new nose Niese moving forward?
@2qbn, Niese
You touched on Westbrook briefly today in your post but do you think he is going to hold up like this? I drafted Narveson in a 12 team NL only league and it is taking all will power not to drop him and grab Westbrook. I hate the low K totals for westy but Narveson is doing all he can to balloon my ERA and WHIP…….and he is doing a great job.
Worth dropping Narv to pick up West?
@bean, Ha… Yeah, go for it…
Tabata, Viciedo, Reimold or Schierholtz?
@Mr. Rickey, Tabata, Reimold…
Why no Aviles love? Projections pretty consistently have him with a .270-15-15 line if he gets 500 ABs, and he went from kinda buried on a lousy team to (now that Ellsbury’s gone down) hitting leadoff for an offensive monster. He’s not someone I’d want starting any any specific position, but he plays quite well at all the positions where he’s eligible (SS,2B,3B,MI,CI), so he makes a great floater (and he’s especially good vs. LHP). He’s basically Howie Kendrick except he’s eligible at SS and 3B instead of 1B and OF (in addition to 2B). He may get bumped back to the 9-hole when Ellsbury comes back, but even then, he’s still useful, and if he can rack up the runs before than and do a bit more running he might make a good sell high.
I definitely sympathize with your concerns on Wright, but statistically, even in the small sample, there are some really nice signs so far. He’s only punched out twice (though both have come since he hurt the finger, one in the AB immediately after the injury occured and one against Cole Hamels yesterday) and he’s barely swinging and missing. His strikeout rate was still high last year, but after two straight years of seeing his SwStrike% rate increase, he got it back down to 7.7%, mostly during the second half in 2011. There’s some reason for optimism that he’s culling the strikeouts back down to pre-2009 levels. He’s also hit two long bombs directly to either side of CF, and has shorter home fences to contend with now. If the finger injury doesn’t hold him back, his former five-category glory is looking more within reach than it has in a few years. He’s more of an injury risk, to be sure, but I’m liking what I’m seeing.
@Mark, Wright’s played what? 6 games… Yeah, bit of a small sample… Aviles is fine for counting stats…
@Grey, Obviously I’m not saying that Wright is gonna strikeout less than 10% of the time this year, or swing-and-miss less than 5% of the time, but each of the last three Aprils he struck out at least 26% of the time. Extreme changes in relatively stable stat categories (i.e. SwStrike%, K%) can be meaningful in small samples (depending on how extreme the shift is and how stable the stat-type is), and at the very least, especially considering there was evidence of improvement last year as well, it’s something worth watching closely. If you get to mid-May or June and his strikeout rate is still around 15%, he could well be on his way to producing first or second round value. He’s a bit of a health risk and his projection should be discounted there as well, but there’s way more negativity around him than there should be at the moment (not just from you, mind you, but in general). If someone was willing to sell him from around $20 or less, I’m still buying.
I’m waiting until someone beats inside with a cutter and he fouls it off and the bat shatters in his hand and his pinky does the “oh, crap, that hurt”s.
Start McCarthy tonight at the Angels?? He doesn’t have great history against them and I have a feeling their about ready to start scoring runs in bunches…
@Mike, I’d start him in most leagues…
Working around D’Ellsbury. Move Boesch from U to OF, Move Zobrist from 2B to OF, move Aviles from B to 2B, move Moustakas from B to U, and bench AGordon? Or just put Boesch in the outfield and Aviles or Moustakas at U? D’Ellsbury!!!
@Jay, 2nd scenario…
Grey,
Last week I listened and picked up LaRoche and dropped Rios. High-five (Borat voice).
I have Dunn and on waivers is Ike Davis and Boesch. Did Dunn finally figure out with his recent games, or it is an illusion?
Rest of my team which I’m renaming “The Adams Family”
h2h 12 team with yahoo scoring
C: Yadier Molina
1B: Joey Votto
2B: Dan Uggla
SS: Hanley Ramirez
3B: Evan Longoria
OF: Andrew McCutchen, Desmond Jennings, Adam Jones
UTL: Mark Reynolds, Paul Goldschmidt
Bench: Adam Dunn, Adam LaRoche
SP: Jon Lester, Yovani Gallardo
RP: Jim Johnson, Hector Santiagio,
P: Matt Moore, Ricky Romero, Max Scherzer, Jamie Garcia, Justin Masterson, Derek Holland, Jonathan Broxton
DL: Chase Utley
@Jack, Ha! I’d lose Dunn for Davis…
Oh…Is Yadier Molina for real or should I be selling high?
@Jack, Don’t sleep on Yadi. Will he hit 25 homers? More than likely he won’t. He will still hit for avg and is very comfortable in that lineup. I’m going to ride the cheap Yadi train and his neck tattoo suggests you do the same.
I bit on Berkman, since I’m in an OBP league. I’m currently on the have-to-sit-him-because-I’m-not-sure-if-he’s-going-to-play carousel, after spending a chunk of the first week of the season giving me goose eggs.
I eagerly anticipate a 4 HR, .450 OBP with 8 R and 10 RBI week on my bench.
@Feeding the Abscess, Ha
Pick 2 for this week….H2H-POINTS
Luebke @COL (Guthrie), vsPHI (Halladay)
Lilly @HOU (Happ)
Duffy vsDET (Verlander), vsTOR (Romero)
Lynn @PIT (Morton)
normally, you always go with the 2-start guys in H2H, but they have much tougher match-ups…
@Commish Cauda, Lynn, Lilly…
Kuroda, Volquez, or Scherzer?
@wctip, See rankings…
In a 12-team NL League I have Jansen, Cashner, S. Castilla, Romo, and Lidge.
How do I feel about saves right now?
@Blue, Ha!
@Blue, Oh, but at least you have some scraps… That’s a deep league, you could have no one…
The owner of a fantasy team in my league has made a statement why he keep Masset instead of Eilsbury
6-8 weeks before they might know if he needs surgery. My DL is full. I’m looking forward to some second half saves out of storen, and I want to stick with Masset for some late relief/hold opportunities. Ellsbury hasn’t really produced, and how productive do you think he would honestly be with an injury that will most likely linger. Not all managers play the same, let me run my team, you run yours.
THIS IS MOE’S FANTASY BASEBALL SCHOOL 101
SUBJECT WHICH IS MORE VALUABLE TO A FANTASY BASEBALL TEAM
1- 5 TOOL PLAYER THAT PLAYS EVERY DAY
or
2- 1 TOOL PLAYER THAT PITCHES IN CERTAIN SITUATIONS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3lLYOGDsts
@Mr Baseball, HA! That’s hilarious…
Love my Grey influenced staff of Gio, Madbum, Gallardo and Ubaldo
Should I drop Ubaldo for Lynn, Drabek or Vogeslong??
Thanks in advance,
@Jamiehov, I’d hold for now…
@Grey,
Thanks Grey, will do. I had Drabek for a stint last yr until I saw him and realized he had neither his dads curly mullet or moustache
Brett Myers – when Micheal Myers gets traded who is next in line to get the closers job
@Mr Baseball, Lopez
Grey,
Someone just dropped Boeshe in my league. I lost Morse recently and am already thin at OF as I also have spot start Brett Gardner in my OF. I have the #2 waiver…worth burning on Boeshe. Would you drop David Murphy for him? Or is Boeshe not enough of an upgrade over Murphy to burn my waiver priority on?
@Adam, Drop Murphy…
@Grey, ok…but should I burn the #2 waiver on Boeshe? worth it?
and I agree…too early to move on with Lind. I’m just getting antsy seeing all of those x’s in my lineup each week with both he and Gardner on my team.
@Adam, Yeah…
Also…what do you make of Lind? Is it to early to consider moving on? He seems to be getting locked into a platoon.
@Adam, Bit early to move on in most leagues…
@Adam, It depends how deep your league is. He can’t hit lefties (in a division with CC, Price, Lester, Moore) and his back problems don’t seem to be going away. I’d take someone like Ike Davis in a trade or LaHair (if available) over him. This is coming from someone who owns him in multiple leagues.
@Big Magoo,
Thanks man. It might be tough to shop him right now though. Most people are so reactionary. I’ll probably just sit tight. Seeing him struggle early doesn’t bother me but the fact that he’s sitting 2 or 3 times a week in a H2H league is tough to swallow.
@Adam, His early slump doesn’t bother me as much as the other issues, particularly his back. If the injury lingers (and back problems usually do), I see him hitting .240 with 20 bombs, which isn’t all that great, especially in a weekly lineup league where he’ll sit against lefties most of the time. You could try to move him for Howard or Morse if you have an open DL slot, then pick up someone to fill in until they are activated.
H2H (10 team league)
R, H, HR, RBI, SB, AVG, OBP, SLG
Who would you drop for Lind (for a Util Spot)?
Rasmus, Wells, Dunn, Duda, Max Nobody
@J-Birdis, Nice last name… I’d hold for now…
Drop Dirty for Drabek, Dude?
@Chunk, I’d hold…
…and, would you lose any of the above named for Belt? Or is he not worth it in a 10 team league until Bochy stops botching his play time?
@J-Birdis, Not worth it in a 10 team league yet…
Beachy blurb…nice!
@Wake Up, Thanks!
Currently holding eight starters in an attempt to find five or six I can count on. Those eight are Gallardo, Gio, Latos, Morrow, Cueto, Peavy, Volquez, and Samardzija. Obviously I won’t be dropping any of the first five.
So, Drabek over Volquez? Samardzija? Peavy?
@Mantis Toboggan, M.D., I’d hold for now…
My batting has been terrible.
C- Ramos
1B- Gonzalez
2B- Phillips
3B- Longoria
SS- Aybar, Cozart
MI- Moustakas
OF- Berkman, Hamilton, D. Young, BJ Upton
Util- Butler, Lind
I’m 2nd to last in Runs and RBIs, last in HRs and Steals. Do I drop Lind for Encarnacion, or LaRoache, or Bourjos??
Also is Soto a better option than Ramos going forward?
Pitching is solid. Maybe look to trade for a bat??
SP- F-Her, MadBum, Gallardo, Gio, Scherzer, Dempster
RP- Putz, Motte, Marshall, Johnson, Chapman
Thanks for answer all these questions!!
@RealMcCoy, Trade F-Her or Bum or Gio…
All this love for Drabek Son of Doug, yet no love for my man C-Bills? Both with solid starts against suspect competition? Both former top-flight prospects possibly turning a corner? C-Bills with more experience under his (admittedly expansive) belt?
I’m going to relentlessly beat the C-Bills drum until he, you know, implodes at his earliest convenience.
Speaking of, sitting Volquez against the Dodgers was my smartest weekend move.
ALSO: Thanks for the tip on Casilla, who I scooped. And extra-special thanks for the Mike Aviles/Beastie Boys reference, right in time for their RRHOF induction.
Speaking of love, how about Adam Jones? .343/3 donks/3 steals? He’s like Matt Kemp for those of us who didn’t get Matt Kemp! He’s the Official Matt Kemp Pretender of the Week! He’s…
…wait for it…
Matt Temp!
@Baron Von Vulturewins, Temp — That’s awesome! You beat that Bills drum… RRHOF with the ill communication…
Thanks for the new ammo in the teenage girl lingo. I told one that she was “da bomb” this week. I’m guessing that that is no longer the “cool” or “hot” or “schizzle” thing to say, unless flipping people off is the new high-five…
@Wake Up, I got flipped off at Benihana on Friday… So maybe…
@Grey, Did you tell Benry Ridge he was Da Bomb?
Ha… I don’t remember after the third Buddha drink…
@Grey, Those Buddha drinks are wrong on so many levels…
Soooo many…
@Grey, “Better than a thousand empty Buddha tiki cups, is one full one that brings peace.”
Grey, in a 12 team 6×6 H2H … I’ve ended up with three 2Bs, and I need bench help at SS. Hold on Aaron Hill, or drop him for Robert Andino for flexibility?
@Graveyard Duck, Hold
@Grey, gotcha. Also, speaking of Andino … not sure if you’ve already got a term for a schmohawk who seduces you with his multi-position eligibility; how about “schmex appeal”?
@Graveyard Duck, That’s not bad… Doesn’t say multi-positional… Good area though… Rudy came up with Kama Schmotra — A schmohawk that seduces you because they are available to play in several positions.
@Grey, ha, yeah I like Kama Schmotra better.
12 team mixed league, h2h 5×5 categories:
C- yadier molina
1B – morneau
2B- uggla
3B – longoria
SS – reyes
OF – Hamilton
OF – Cruz
OF – Young
Util – Brandon Phillips
Bench: Montero, Markakis, BJ Upton (DL)
SP – Anibal Sanchez
SP – Jordan Zimmerman
SP – Jhoulys Chacin
SP – Gio Gonzalez
SP – Yovanni Gallardo
SP – Jake Peavy
RP – Hector Santiago
RP – Sean Rodriguez
RP – Santiago Casilla
RP – Sergio Romo
RP – Kenley Jansen
RP – Jorge De La Rosa (DL)
Was offered Ulbaldo for Upton straight up? thoughts?
Hold
Aroldis Chapman is leading the majors (tied with Verlander) with a .7 WAR. In 10 games. As a relief pitcher. Let that sink in.
@Derrick, Wow… Effin’ insane…
Drabek or Worley?
@Slam, Coin flip on matchups… Worley….
@gray. I hate to ask these types of questions but I hate this roster spot about as much as you do. For catcher I have J.P. Arrenwhatever. Its a twelve teamer, with Soto, Pierzinsky, Ramon Hernandez and Lucroy all available in free agent pool.
If you have another brain cell to spare, Aviles or Desmond? both leadoff, Aviles has the Hollywood cast behind him and Desmond has the Vancouver staff behind him
@Jack of LA, Ha! I’d go with Soto and just start him through thick and thin but no one seems to do this… Desmond…
@Grey, thanks stache master, I forget to say that Martin was available
@Jack of LA, I’d play Soto…
12 team league
Drabek over Buckholz or Cahill, YEscobar over AEscobar?
Over Buchholz… Can go over Alcides…
No Barenaked Ladies/Brian Wilson reference? I’m sure he’ll be lyin’ in bed just like Brian Wilson did.
Also, *knocks on wood* Bard looks like a starter to me right now, 6 IP, 3 H, 4 BB, 6 K. Thrown (threw?) 87 pitches so far, somewhat of a concern. Would you take him over Buchholz or Kuroda or is he going to get blown up and head back to the bullpen?
@Poo Holes, Ha… Over Buchholz…
Bud Norris, Jeff Samardzija, Daniel Bard, and John Danks just got dropped in my league. Also Kyle Drabek is still a free agent. Would you drop Francisco Liriano or mike minor for any of these guys.
H2h league scoring for pitching is W ERA WHIP K9 QS
@Eric, Liriano for all of them… Norris…
@grey. Is Yonder Alonso woth stashing in a deep 12 team (5 outfield slots and a CI)? guys like Ibanez, Shelley Duncan, Reimold, Scott, Cody Ross, Schierholtz available. They all have concerns like Raul is old, Shelley Duncan is well Shelley Duncan,Reimold is injury prone, Scott is as streaky as an english soccer fan, Ross is Scott light with all the carbs, and Schierholtz plays for the Bobblehead. FYI I have a pretty balanced offense that is not really hurting in any department.
Nope… Scott or Reimold over him for now…
Crazy game for Bard today. 7 K’s… 7 walks. Just walked in the first run of the game.
@L-Boogie, nice K/BB… Kidding…
Putz blew that save on Saturday in a downpour at Coors. Always be careful when getting your Putz wet in Colorado. Just ask Kobe.
@Cole, HA!
12 team mixed 5×5 roto
Need SP – my SP1 is Bumgarner
Do I do this deal?
I give up Bautista and Andrus
I get Lawrie, M Moore and Scutaro
@Jason, Hold
@Grey, Does it matter any that it’s a 5 keeper league?
@Jason, Yeah, still hold…
Tribe Called Quest and B-Boys in the same wrap up. Somebody’s speakers were kickin’ last millennium shizz this weekend. “Hear the drummer get Kipnis!”
@Awesomus Maximus, Ha! Oh, yeah…
What do you think of Craig Stammen’s chances of closing are?
@Gavin, Very slim…
Gaby Sanchez or Adam Dunn?
@Schmohawks Bob, Gaby
I know the Romo/Casilla debate rages on, but didn’t Casilla really only get the save opportunities last year because Romo was also hurt at the time?
@nick m., Yeah, but it’s at least a committee at this point… I never said you shouldn’t hold Romo too if you have room…
Good to see Longo and Pena keeping that good offense from last week rolling…
@Wilsonian, Oh, Longo…
@Grey, He sure crushed that one right back to the pitcher (the always dangerous Matt Albers) in the top of the 9th.
@Wilsonian, King Albers
@Grey, Fat Albers…
Espinoza or Kelly Johnson for now at 2b?
@Grey’s da man!, Espinosa
Grey,
Tired of waiting for Kendrys to walk up to the plate with his bat. Should I ride out the series against Oakland or drop him for Kotchman, Seager, or M. Carpenter?
Thanks!
Btw, I’m spreading the word about Razzball even though my twin bro ( frequent commenter-ThE ShIt) said treat the website as Fight Club…Rule #1….you know the rest. Great work Grey!
@The G, Nice…Thanks! I’d hold Kendrys over those other guys…
@The G, Yep its a secret community man, only the best know about it.
@TheNewGuy, as hard as it has been to not tell any of my friends, AKA competition, about this great site, I have been able to keep it a secret for a few years now. I like the Fight Club comparison
5×5, 10 team, H2H league with OBP instead of AVG…
1. Drop Lind for Cespedes, J.D. Martinez or Edwin Encarnacion?
2. Have Sale, Lynn, Cahill, Casilla, Santiago (other closers are Marmol and Frank Frank)…do you like Drabek over any of those players?
@B.o.B, Cespedes… 2. Nope
Grey, the owner set a deadline for the trade, so I figured you’d get to it here quicker than in the forums.
This is a trade in a 12-team, H2H, OBP league.
I get: Strasburg and Carlos Peña
I give: Matt Holliday and Jonathan Niese
My lineup:
C- G. Soto
1B- Teixeira
2B- B.Phillips
3B- Longoria
SS- Cozart
OF-Adam Jones
OF- Holliday
OF-Pence
Util- Victorino
Util- Fowler
DL- Ellsbury
SP- Bumgarner
SP- Anibal
SP- Chris Sale
SP- Dan Hudson
SP- David Price
SP- Niese
SP- Mike Minor
Taking into account my lineup, should I pull the trigger?
@Eddy, Not crazy about it…
Drafted Axford in an auction draft because got him for cheap early on..would you trade him for a hitting improvement? For example, Alexei + Axford for Asdrubal or Rollins?
Or something like Pence + axford for McCutchen? My other closers are H Rodriguez and S Casilla..
@Grey’s da man!, I don’t think you can trade a closer away with those other two… Not right now at least…
@Grey, Rex Brothers hit the wire in my H2H keeper league. Would you own him over Marshall, Broxton, Casilla, HanKRod or Jansen?
@Jon, Hold
As a faithful reader, I know that you were/are a huge Mike Minor believer. Until this year’s rankings, you actually had him ahead of Brandon Beachy in terms of development and potential.
Beachy has been able to put it together, but Minor hasn’t. What’s the problem? Is he a head case, or is the talent just not there?
Not sure where this is coming from after his last game…
Im hoping the breakout started last start vs the Braves…longest outing of his career.
Still treating him as just a home play for now.
Got a trade offer:
I get:
Jose Reyes
Ben Zobrist
I give:
Ian Kinsler
Hector Santiago
Thoughts? I’ve currently got Cozart in the SS slot. I’m doing fine in Saves but just lost Wilson. Thanks.
@The Dude, Sounds solid for you…
Can you rank these pitchers?
Duffy, Danks, Worely, Buchholtz, Drabek, McCarthy, Liriano, Minor….
Thanks!
@J, Worley, McCarthy, Minor…
Hey Grey,
Been offered Mig Montero for Encarnacion. But, I have Avila. Make the trade, then flip one of the catchers?
12tm 5×5 h2h 10 kpr
Thanks!!
@El Guey, Eh
Remember when you didn’t put Yadier Molina on your 300 list and I asked why and you said the other catchers you had were better? Devin Mesoraco, Ryan Doumit and Jarrod Saltalamacchia were above him. Do you no recognize the error in your ways or do you believe that this guys will have better years than Molina?
@A-Ram Baller, Not to speak for him, but a quick note on how Grey’s rankings work: where players are on the list isn’t necessarily a reflection on their expected performance relative to other players. It’s market-based. Meaning, Yadier’s production isn’t worth what he cost when you could get comparable production from another catcher much cheaper.
@peter, I understand how the ranking work but plain and simple the rankings were not correct. You will get more value from Molina than you will get from any of the catchers mentioned. Right now if you passed on Molina for any one of those guys you are probably scrambling for a replacement.
@A-Ram Baller, Seems a bit premature to think Yadier Molina is such a great offensive powerhouse after 10 games…
@Grey, Never mentioned “powerhouse” just mentioned that you undervalued him and if someone passed on Molina for Salty etc… they are probably going to have to waiver wire it the rest of the way.
@A-Ram Baller, And if Yadier goes 5-for-25 this week and Doumit or Salty hit three homers then we’re back at square one… Just not sure how we’re having this convo a week and a half into the season… We shall see though…
@Grey, Doumit with an RBI. What did Yadier do tonight? Emoticon…
@Grey thanks for the answer above. In the same league, I was offered Reynolds for Cahill. Is that a no-brainer? My lineup is pretty set with Hosmer 1B, Zimmerman 3B, Lawrie CI, plus Berkman playing OF… when he’s healthy, and Kendrick DH (with Cano 2B, Rollins MI). Would you pull the trigger with no obvious spot for Reynolds, or hold?
@Jon, Sounda fair… Not sure why you’re trading for a guy you don’t need…
@Grey, the other owner offered it, not me. I’m wondering if it’s enough of a win, though, that I should do it anyway…
@Jon, Nope
Am finally rinsing my hands of all things Liriano, my 16 team league is the final goodbye. Which of these guys would you pick up to replace that schmohawk:
Gee, H Alvarez, Hammel, R Delgado.
Thanks.
@TheNewGuy, F-Liriano, for sure. I like Alvarez the most from that group. Not a ton of Ks, but he’s not likely to burn you with BBs, either.
@TheNewGuy, Alvarez
Comment # 1: You told me to drop Infante. Grr.
Comment # 2: You told me to pick up Cozart. Yay.
Question # 1: Drop Volquez for which of the following? Drabek, Bedard, Zito, Harrison, Correia, Peavy, Happ, Vogelsong, Vargas. League counts QS, not W.
Question # 2: Is there anyone I can pick up for saves speculation in a saavy league? 11t Roto, and Casilla/Romo are already off the board. I have Bell, Marshall and H-Rod…. and 1 save total. Ugh.
Question # 3: How do you like Ubaldo going forward?
@Pierre, I’d hold Volquez, but there’s other factors at play… Can try and speculate on Mujica or Perkins… Ubaldo looks like a bit of a mess, not sure of his next start but might need to bench him…
Rodney with another save. Seems like that’s turning (turned?) into a committee of one in Tampa.
@Awesomus Maximus, Yup
Hey Grey, would you drop Worley for Peavy, Lynn or Bard? If this Bard guy could find a way to limit the free passes, then watch out. His stuff is impressive.
I own Broxton and Holland, i some how cant push myself to drop holland because i think he is a good pitcher who just needs to know about his role in that team and he will start to deliver. Yost ist not the brightest guy around and this fact alone seems to destabilize the whole bullpen. I think Holland and Crow are both great young pitchers and you can even get more out of Broxton if you handle the situation better. However while i can live with Holland on my roster (for Holds) i am still tempted to drop him for someone like -lets say- H. Rodriguez or Myers. would like to know what you think about it.
@Moscowitz, I’d go with H-Rod and hold Worley…
Are Mike Minor or Bud Norris worth trading Lind for? I already have Pujols at 1B, Butler at Util and Trumbo on my bench (drafted Lind thinking he had OF eligibility). Thanks.
@EG, Sure… Norris over Minor…
12 team head to head 7×7 with ops. ks
Hardy, Cozart, or Desmond at ss?
@The Burghler, Desmond
Thinking of streaming someone tomorrow, Danks, Delgado, Blanton or Millwood in an 11 team standard roto? Would you pick one or just not take the risk and pick up a middle reliever to help my ratios?
@Frank Kim, Not sure of their matchups off the top of my head…
@Grey, Sorry I should have included that info.
Danks hosting Bal, Wei-Yen Chen
Delgado hosting NYM, Johan Santana
Blanton at SF, Bumgarner
Millwood hosting Cle, Masterson
Looks like only Danks has a chance to win but still not sure if I should roll the dice with him. His last start he had no control.
Danks would be my choice…
Collective Razzbrain: you think it’s worth it to try to grab Broxton for Milone? From the “epic flail” files, someone just dropped Broxton to waivers to pick up Romo, which seems sort of like letting a filthy, torn dollar bill go for three dented quarters and something furry that might be a dime. I’d do this and then trade him or one of my other closers away, most likely.
Side note: Whenever I think of Milone, I hear that song: “My Miloney has a first name, it’s T-O-M-M-Y, My Miloney has a–wait, no, really, what’s his name?”
@Long Bawls, HA! I’d grab Broxton…
What do you think happens when Farnsworth comes back. Does he go straight back in to the closer’s role.
There’s no way Rodney can keep this up, surely?
(Farns just got dropped in my H2H league…)
Yeah, Rodney will have exploded by then anyway…
Grrrrrr. Car-Go out for the third straight day.
@Steve, Tell me about it, stud. When I bought CarGo and Braun at auction, I would never have guessed Krispie would be outperforming the two of them combined.
Damn…
In the “Get to Know Grey Better” department, just wondering…you a puck fan at all Grey? If so, have you been following the playoffs at all? They’ve been pretty intense!!
Never seen a game (match?)…
@Grey, HA!
@Grey, it’s actually a meet
@B.o.B, Meet on the ice? I like it, sounds like the ice capades with Scott Hamilton.
@Grey, Ice Capades? *shakes head*
@Steve, *sadly*
@Steve, What? You don’t like graceful?
@Grey, It’s my middle name.
It’s relentlessly perky variety shows I can’t stand (emoticon)
@Steve, My middle name is Seamus…
Grey, BnY, 12-Team, 5×5, H2H
Who do you like better at 2B for my team…
Espinosa, Izturis, Aviles, Galvis, Altuve, Dan Murphy, A. Hill?
Rest of Team…
C: Weiters
1B:Pujols
SS:Hanley
3B:Pablo San
OF:Bruce, BJ Up, Desmond
Util: Lind
Thanks for the Help
@tggq21, Espinosa
@tggq21, BnY
Is Nolan Reimold the real deal this year – worth 12 team mixed league consideration?
@airweino, I’d try him to see if it continues…
Lucroy, Hernandez or Iannetta?
@ruah, Iannetta
Goodness me:
http://mlb.sbnation.com/2012/4/16/2952798/bobby-valentine-red-sox-youkilis-pedroia-bard
And look at The Peav go!
http://deadspin.com/5902482/hey-its-jake-peavy-partying-at-a-bar-in-wrigleyville/gallery/1
@Steve, Get it, Peavy, get it!
I have Stanton on my team (as I’m sure many of us do) and am concerned about this nagging injury news, but I’m having trouble figuring out where his current value is. If you were to rerank him on your Top 300 right now, where would he drop to?
Thanks!
@Jake, Probably around 40 overall… Obviously not going up if he continues to be a drain…
Wow. Commissioner in a secondary league just pulled an Ervin and Moose for Ryan Zimmerman and Michael Bourn deal.
What’s the point of even being in the league when the commissioner is pulling bullshit like that so early.
It’s not even a keeper league, so even if the guy trading Moose thought he was the next Barry Bonds, it doesn’t make any sense at all.
@Feeding the Abscess, That’s terrible…
Any chance Volquez is a Razzball reader and knew he shouldn’t be started on the road? Or am I just desperate for a reason to feel comfortable running him out in his next start?
I’d feel starting Volquez starting in every Petco game… Actually, there’s not many guys I wouldn’t start in Petco…
@Grey, Not like the Phils have been blowing pitchers up, either.
@Awesomus Maximus, Yup, that too…
H2H points (1pt. per out for pitchers) – which players do you like as 2-start streaming options?
Millwood (vs. CLE/vs. CWS)
Blanton (@SF/@SD)
Niemann(@TOR/vs.MIN)
Delgado (vs.NYM/@ARI)
Ross (@LAA/vs.CLE)
Blanton, Delgado…
grey- just put up a fresh votto trade in the forums, if you could review, i appreciate it….
@Tony, Sure…
I picked up Shaw where I owned Putz…might be Much Ado…
@Wake Up, Probably…
i’m 3rd on the waiver wire and wainwright was dropped (for niese). who would you dump on this staff to pick him up or pass?
latos, hudson, morrow, anibal, worley, sale
Thanks.
@paulzone, Worley
@Grey, just curious, do you consider that a small, medium or large upgrade?
i just read wainwright is average only 89.1 mph on his fastball…so i am second guessing here…
@paulzone, Small with a chance for large… If Wainwright’s getting dropped in your league, you can afford to lose Worley…
Rios doing work. OK, not much more than getting up off the sofa and stretching, but it’s something.
@Steve, Finally…
@Steve, glad to see he realized the season started finally.
I’ve got a glut of 1B (but play in a league with 2 Util spots) – is it worth using my #4 waiver claim on Ike Davis (who was dropped over the weekend) by dropping any of Morneau, Dunn, or LaRoche?
@nick m., Dunn
Another Ike sighting.
@Wilsonian, Nice…
@Grey, I’m about ready to bust out my “We Like Ike” button from 1952…
@Wilsonian, Hehe
Morneau! And you dared to question Rudy’s draft madness…
@Awesomus Maximus, Don’t encourage him…
@Grey, Morneau keeps this up and you’re gonna’ need a catheter installed before every draft next season.
@Awesomus Maximus, True…
Markakis looks completely lost out there. In the midst of a 2/27 slump with a hit in just 1 of last 8 games.
@B.o.B, Yeah, not great… But it’s still early…
Can I also say how sick and tired I’m getting of my opponents’ streamers working out just fine for them, while mine have been 10 shades of shit?
Humber and Gee’s turn today.
@Steve, Yeah, those are pretty risky ones…
@Grey, Unbelievable. If I started Humber there he’d have given up 5 or 6 earned there (and he should have).
Now watch McCarthy get clobbered.
@Steve, I don’t fucking believe it.
@Steve, Damn…
@Grey, Apologies for language. But come on…
@Steve, Now his Wieters hits a grand slam, robbing my JJ of a save opp in the process. FFS
FFBFML
@Grey Would you drop Yo-Lease for Peavy? Too small sample size? (that’s what she said!)
@Howard, or Drabek?
@Howard, Yeah, Peavy…
Ike Davis or Goldschmidt going forward? 5×5 h2h
@Carl Spackler, Davis
@Grey- 5×5 Youk just hit the wire. Dump Morneau or uber-hot Ian Desmond for him? Both are UTIL types for my team. Thanks Grey you’re the best
Goldschmidt another name to throw in there…
@Drew, Morneau and Desmond for Goldy and Youk…
@Grey, sorry I was unclear- who should I dump for Youk? Morneau, Desmond, or Goldy?
Desmond…
Morneau with a solid night so far. 2/4 with a homer and he just got robbed by the grandy man on who made a running stab to catch what would have been 2 RBI 2b.
@letsgobravos, He’s alive!
I guess MadBum really enjoys getting zero run support and pitching in crappy cold weather most of the time…just signed a 4 year/36 million dollar extension with the Giants.
@letsgobravos, Ha…Yup…
@Grey, 5-year extension with options for 2018 and 2019, from what I’ve read.
@Grey: 12 team mixed roto. my cespedes/lidge for anibal/soriano (the one on the cubs)? cespedes is currently my DH/4th OF (in a three OF league), so he is fairly replaceable in my lineup…
thanks.
@herschel, Anibal…
@Grey: would cespedes being a potential keeper (18th round) effect your decision at all. we are in a two keeper/team league, anyone drafted after 3rd round is eligible (no free agents).
@herschel, Out of 2 guys? Doubtful he’s a keeper there…
sorry- I meant to say who should I drop for Youk? Morneau, Desmond, or Goldschmidt?
@Drew, Grey answered above:
“Desmond…”
Damnit…Joe Saunders doing his best to make the Pirates look like the fucking ’27 yankees so far in the first. 3 hits, BB, and 1 ER. Bases loaded w/ 2 outs.
@letsgobravos, Eh, it’s not like Saunders is good…
There’s been a Brandon Belt sighting in the Giant’s starting lineup… for the second day in a row.
@Awesomus Maximus, About time…
Timmy’s getting slapped around again. 4 runs in the 1st. Lincecum is in serious trouble. Have to figure the Giants could shut him down for a while to let him work through whatever it is that’s causing him to be so awful thus far.
@letsgobravos, He did this shizz last year. Buy now.
@Terrence Mann, He had a 3.51 ERA last April. He gave up 5 ERs in his first start, but then gave up 2, 0, and 1 in his next 3 starts so there really isn’t any comparison to this year where he has given up 5, 6, and then already 4 in one inning tonight.
@letsgobravos, I know. Im joking. I just wanted Steve and royce to pop a blood vessel after seeing me post it again.
@Terrence Mann, Too late. I already popped a blood vessel over my H2H matchup some time ago.
@Terrence Mann, Haha, ah, my bad. Def went over my head. Carry on.
@Terrence Mann, He had a 3.51 ERA last April. Sub-2 ERA in April 2010. His velocity has declined the last few years…K/BB has gotten worse to go along with it…
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/tim-lincecums-early-season-struggles/
Any of these fools worth a shot in H2H tomorrow?
Jeff Karstens @ Ari
Randall Delgado v NYM
Drew Smyly @ KC
Jamie Moyer v SD
Delgado…
Damn, Verlander is a beast. Drafted him in the 7th round last year and it was awesome watching him pitch all year. Just threw 131 pitches for the CG W and talked Leyland into leaving him in the game after he put runners on in the 9th. Was throwing 100+ in his last AB with the bases loaded and a 1 run lead. Just sick.
Yeah, he’s nasty…
Hey Grey,
Looking for a one start streamer. who do you like?
Derek Lowe @ Sea – Vargas
Randy Wolf @LAD – Harang
Jeanmar Gomez @ Oak – Godfrey
Leaning Lowe…
Lowe…
reimold with a pinch hit hr,love it
@AL KOHOLIC, Oh, yeah…
Wow, one team is 2/24 with 1 RBI tonight. Hopefully Luebke and Doc’s starts help stop the bleeding from my anemic offense.
Fuck. Santiago gives up a 2 run homer to blow the save.
@letsgobravos, Actually, make that 2 solo shots he gave up. What a fucking bum.
@letsgobravos, Damn it. I had Humber going. Ugh… so far the only guys I’ve got with W’s are Kennedy and Cahill.
Timmy just gave up an RBI to Halladay. Ouch.
@letsgobravos, He got it back.
@Grey, I’ve got Motte, Street (hey great dim sum!) and Lidge in a league where I can only run 3 RPs out per day. Reed was put on waivers yesterday.
Would you drop Humber (I’m streaming him for two starts this week) or Thames for Reed? Think he’s close to getting the call in the 9th? Ventura used Thornton in the 7th tonight and Crain gave one up in the 8th…
Ha! Humber…
@Grey, He won’t clear waivers until Thursday. It’s h2h so I’m going to see wait and see how my pitching is does over the next 2 days.
I hate carrying 4 RPs with only the 3 RP slots but I think Reed will be the better play ROS.
@3FingersBrown, Agreed…
A clean inning from McCarthy. I seen it, but I don’t believe it.
For someone who seems like such an in-your-face tough guy, Youk sure is gimpy. He’s day-to-day with a sore groin, so who should I grab to fill in?
Infante
Jay
Kotch
Ross
Schierholtz
Headley
@Steve, Infante
My keeper league Monday trade offers – Lets see who they want now
This trade has been proposed to you in League of Dorks – Year 6 (551). Trade offer number 1
Jax Jacks Hindenburg Disaster
Tommy Hanson
[ View Trade ]
Matt Moore
This trade has been proposed to you in League of Dorks – Year 6 (551). Trade offer number 2
Dr. Van Nostrand Hindenburg Disaster
Rick Porcello
[ View Trade ]
Jesus Montero
This trade has been proposed to you in League of Dorks – Year 6 (551). Trade offer number 3
Evil Empire – Hindenburg Disaster
Omar Infante
[ View Trade ]
Gio Gonzalez
@Mr Baseball, Hey, at least you’re in a league where people offer shit. It’s at least entertaining. I’m in one league where you have to give up the farm for anything and another where people put stuff on the block in June, but then never work out a deal.
Those deals are pretty awesome, though.
@Wilsonian, On the Infante offer – my response was -
I hate trading for a zero tool player – do you have any 1 tool players on your roster instead
@Mr Baseball, Ha!
Nice league name…
Another Krispie Kreamed! Doode in my league told me today he wants me to give him Krispie and Beachy for his Verlander… I’ll bet he does!
@Awesomus Maximus, Sweet! (Get it?)
Krispie Young with yet another homer. Dude is on fire. His retooled swing appears to be the real deal.
Never thought I’d be so happy to own Krispie…
@grey: drop any closers for Duffy or drabek? Broxton, Acevas, or Casilla? Or hold to see what closer plays out? Only need two for the year.
Other on the cusp reserve players on my bench are Rasmus, Brett Gardner, Filthy Sanchez, and Brandon McCarthy.
@Sal, Only need two closers? Filthy for Drabek…
@Grey, Yea, this ones a ten team h2h points league with two closer spots.
Jesus. This Oakland lineup could play for a week and not score.
@Steve, they could end the year with less than 100 hr,s
@Steve, I wonder if Kila sticks at DH. I’m thinking of grabbing him in a deep 15 team league that counts OBP instead of AVG…
@3FingersBrown, I don’t feel kindly disposed towards ANYONE from the A’s organisation right now.
@Steve, Oh yeah, they’re awful. My razz team is filled with A’s and doing great. I’m talking about a guy that will compete for time on my time with such luminaries as Brett Pill, washed down with Chris Parmalee. My options are limited.
@3FingersBrown, Yeah – might as well give him a try…
W(hy)TF is McCarthy still out there?
@Steve, Yeah, that seemed like a terrible idea…
@Grey, Terrible day’s FBB in the ol’ H2H.
The McCarthy start was a shame… Should’ve never been out there for those other runs…
@Grey, Yeah – even putting aside the fantasy implications (as if!), didn’t seem to make much actual baseball sense either.
@Steve, Brilliant. 5 ER for McCarthy now.
things could be worse :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wdF84qS_4o
Grey, are you worried about Espinosa losing playing time to this lombardozzi guy? He went 4/5 today. That’s 3 fewer hits than Espinosa has thus far on the season.
Vogelsong, Drabek, or Jimenez
In 12 man deep ESPN league, innings limit roto