Joakim Soria went from being a $12 Salad to a Donkeycorn to a Brain Freeze back to a Donkeycorn to off the list completely in 12 short months. And if this is the first post you’ve ever read at Razzball, I probably lost you by the eighth word. Later! In Soria’s wake is Broxton and Holland, who together can be called Hamsterdam. In other “Saves give me serious agita” news is Ryan Madson. He went from a donkeycorn to off the list. Donkeycorns are dropping like flies! Then there’s Drew Storen. He was touch ‘n go there for a day or two… Okay, for about a week or two, but it seems like he could be okay. Yet, he’s starting the year on the DL. Terrific. Since our last Closer Look, Beane told us Balfour got the closer job in Oakland and Chris Perez got the job back from Pestano, which has the Italian American Anti-Defamation League up in arms, but that’s the norm for them since they talk with their hands. Finally, Carlos Marmol had some nerve issues with his hand that many Razzball commenters opined was from too much internet porn surfing. Sounds like someone is empathizing. Anyway, here’s all the closers for 2012 fantasy baseball:
$12 Salads
You know that restaurant your girlfriend/wife/what-have-you likes to go to that charges, like, $12 for a salad? Every time you go there, you have a thoroughly solid meal. No complaints, except you just paid $12 for a salad when you could’ve went to McDonald’s and stuffed you and your woman for ten schmools and had $2 in quarters left over to make the hotel bed vibrate. These closers are $12 salads.
1. Craig Kimbrel (Jonny Venters, Kris Medlen)
2. John Axford (Francisco Rodriguez)
3. Mariano Rivera (+1) (David Robertson, Rafael Soriano)
4. Jonathon Papelbon (+1) (Antonio Bastardo, Chad Qualls)
5. Jose Valverde (+1) (Joaquin Benoit, Octavio Dotel)
Donkeycorns
Imagine you’re following a donkey, who’s wearing a wool cap, through a desert for 1700 miles. Why are you following a donkey? Because he promises you something wonderful and you just need to trust him. Does the donkey talk? Yes. Yes, he does talk. So when you and the donkey in the wool cap arrive at his destination, he removes his the wool cap to reveal a horn. The donkey is a unicorn and his gift to you for your trust is saves. These closers are Donkeycorns.
6. J.J. Putz (+1) (David Hernandez, Takashi Saito)
7. Heath Bell (+1) (Steve Cishek, Juan Leo Carlos Nunez Oviedo)
8. Huston Street (+6) (Luke Gregerson, Andrew Cashner)
9. Jason Motte (+4) (Fernando Salas, Eduardo Sanchez)
10. Brian Wilson (-4) (Santiago Casilla, Sergio Romo)
11. Joel Hanrahan (Evan Meek, Chris Resop)
12. Andrew Bailey (+4) (Mark Melancon, Daniel Bard)
13. Sergio Santos (+3) (Francisco Cordero)
14. Kyle Farnsworth (+4) (Joel Peralta, Jake McGee)
15. Carlos Marmol (-6) (Kerry Wood, Rafael Dollis)
16. Jordan Walden (+1) (Scott Downs, Rich Thompson)
17. Frank Francisco (+3) (Jon Rauch, Ramon Ramirez)
18. Brandon League (+6) (Tom Wilhelmsen, George Sherrill)
Brain Freeze
I’m going on a picnic and I’m bringing apples, bananas and Matt Capps– Wait, he just gave up 12 earned runs and hit Valencia in the head with a pickoff throw. Brain freeze! Make it stop! Use the following closers at your own risk.
19. Rafael Betancourt (+2) (Rex Brothers)
20. Javy Guerra (-1) (Kenley Jansen, Matt Guerrier)
21. Grant Balfour (+8) (Brian Fuentes, Faustino De Los Santos)
22. Sean Marshall (-10) (Nick Masset, Aroldis Chapman)
23. Joe Nathan (Mike Adams, Alexi Ogando)
24. Brett Myers (+2) (Wilton Lopez, David Carpenter, Brandon Lyon)
25. Chris Perez (+4) (Vinnie Pestano, Tony Sipp)
26. Jim Johnson (Kevin Gregg, Matt Lindstrom)
27. Matt Thornton (-3) (Jesse Crain, Addison Reed, Will Ohman, Hector Santiago)
28. Matt Capps (Glen Perkins, Jared Burton)
29. Greg Holland/Jonathan Broxton (-19) (Aaron Crow)
30. Brad Lidge/Henry Rodriguez (-27) (Drew Storen, Tyler Clippard, Mitt Romney)
keeper related question:
12 Team 5×5 H2H, needed to select 5 keepers. I narrowed it down to:
*C. Santana
*Posey
Gardner
Rasmus
*Kershaw
*Weaver
Kimbrel
Kennedy
*Latos
and am going with the starred ones above. Thoughts? Had a hard time b/w Latos/Kennedy, refused to keep Kimbrel due to SAGNOF.
@spike, Your have enough starters with two aces… I’d throw back Latos and keep Gardner or Kimbrel…
Hopefully the Nats move quickly on this DL stint for Storen as I could use the roster spot. I just contributed absolutely nothing.
I is the suck
@2qbn, haha…is he hitting the DL, or just out for a couple games to start the season?
@Wilsonian, Great question. The articles I’m reading are saying DL. I’m not sure if they are discussing his injury or lifestyle preference.
@Wilsonian, He’s only thrown 2 innings in the entire spring. He’s starting on the DL.
@Grey, valid point. Just didn’t know if it had been made official. Sure glad I drafted him now…
@Grey, still holding out hope that Storen doesn’t go to the DL. It’s not official yet, and I think they are playing bait and switch with his illness (making it sound more like an arm problem so they have the option to send him to the DL). Strep throat is a b*tch, and can lead to other general sickness, but you can’t go to the DL with strep, right?
Wow, I’m (ir)rationalizing big time, aren’t I? Well, still waiting for the news item saying they’ll trot him out tomorrow or something…
@birrrdy!, I owned Storen last season and that poor dude was so over used. When i saw him close both games in a double header late in the season i was like ” yeaaa this kid is done next yr”. Davey Johnson and Dr. Andrews have to be business partners on the low
Can put up saves too?!?!? Well, I know who I’m voting for in September!
err November
@theevilempire, Ha!
Hey Grey could you give me some feedback on my team? Thanks a bunch.
12 team h2h points mixed league
1. (2) Albert Pujols (LAA – 1B)
2. (23) Adrian Beltre (Tex – 3B)
3. (26) Andrew McCutchen (Pit – OF)
4. (47) Elvis Andrus (Tex – SS)
5. (50) Jay Bruce (Cin – OF)
6. (71) Howie Kendrick (LAA – 1B,2B,OF)
7. (74) Jon Lester (Bos – SP)
8. (95) Gio Gonzalez (Was – SP)
9. (98) Mat Latos (Cin – SP)
10. (119) Alex Avila (Det – C)
11. (122) Jordan Zimmermann (Was – SP)
12. (143) Corey Hart (Mil – OF)
13. (146) Anibal Sanchez (Mia – SP)
14. (167) Jason Motte (StL – RP)
15. (170) Huston Street (SD – RP)
16. (191) Kenley Jansen (LAD – RP)
17. (194) Trevor Cahill (Ari – SP)
18. (215) Colby Rasmus (Tor – OF)
19. (218) Scott Baker (Min – SP)
20. (239) Brett Myers (Hou – SP)
21. (242) Austin Jackson (Det – OF)
22. (263) Juan Nicasio (Col – SP)
23. (266) Bryce Harper (Was – OF)
@Ben, Hard to tell when you put the team like this… It looks well balanced and strong though…
With Chisenhall being optioned I got some bench space, should I grab Perkins, Crow, H Rodriguez or K-Rod. I already got a bunch of MR with Pestano, Romo, and Jansen. But I got a 1250 innings cap and all the closers went super early.
I actually like where I am on this one, but have space for one more, so who would you guys grab?
Also on the SAGNOF topic, is Revere worth a Bench spot or should I look for one of those speed cats who plays more?
@Shea Sera Sera, Forget Revere for now… Rodriguez…
@Grey, I will never forget an American Patriot! How Dare You Sir!
Interesting on the H-Rod front, I saw him pitch this spring and he couldn’t find the plate…hmmm…Thanks for the advice.
14-team H2H categories – I’m used to the typical 5×5 categories league, but this league is 6×6 with the addition of total IP for pitchers and Total Bases for hitters added. Does this change the value of anyone in particular? Obviously innings hogs are more important for pitchers. But, does it just level the playing field a little bumping up doubles hitters like Cano, Billy Butler, Markakis, etc?
It boosts average hitters like you said… And, if you can stream, you grab all kinds of SPs…
Hamsterdam! Ha! Certainly not Gamsterdam.
Could also be Assterdam…
@Grey, Nice! Should save that one for later, in case they both crap the bed.
@royce!, Ha!
I think Papelbon is going to have a really great season. Moving the NL, closing for a team with great pitching and not great hitting…I see many MANY saves for him this year. I rarely go for expensive closers…but I am targetting him in all leagues. Great ratios, good Ks, many saves….Yes please. I think he’s worth it this year, especially in big leagues where saves are scarce.
Hard to pay for a top closer for me, but he should be a $12 Salad all year if he’s healthy…
Drafted Carpenter late, and, well… yeah, that didn’t work out well. So Lance Lynn or Homer Bailey?
@Johnnie LeMaster, Lynn…
Mittens is going undrafted in all leagues! Fantasy baseball players clearly do not trust his conservative bona fides. Either that or they’re afraid he’ll change his mind and decide he’s a SS in the middle of his relief outing.
Also, given his track record with the ladies, Gingrich really is better suited for “closing,” wouldn’t you think?
Ok, end corny political jokes before I want to beat myself up.
@Art Vandelay, Ha!
Is bailey not safe and solid? I saw a post you mentioned Meloncon as a decent flier.
Mitt romney? Ha! I almost added Ryan Braun (laa) just to pretend I had him in my rcl.
What happened to salas as the cards backup?
@Bourne, Bailey’s injury prone, that’s all… Must’ve lost Salas in a cut and paste… Added… Thanks!
16 team H2H points league…Hosmer + Butler or A Gonzalez?
@goblue, Hosmer side… It’s fair though…
I would love some team feedback as well guys. Just drafted in a 10-teamer H2H. We count holds and hits as well as standard. Also I have a question for league like mine with H2H holds, is it worth it to split the investment of closers and setups for saves + holds, or to just go balls deep in saves (consistency) or holds (cheaper). Appreciate the help.
C) Wieters
1B) Fielder
2B) Kendrick
SS) Bonifacio
3B) Sandoval
OF) JUpton
OF) Stanton
OF) Bruce
Util) Gardner
Util) Lind
BN) L Cain
BN) Cozart
SP) Gallardo, Bumgardner, Zimmermann, Moore, Chacin
RP) Motte, Street, Jansen, Clippard, Robertson
@Jiffy Luebke, Holds cheaper… Team looks solid, looks real shallow though so in-season management will matter more than most leagues…
It looks like Johan Santana will be ready to go for the opening series. Is he worth a pickup yet, or is he a monitoring at this point?
@Sambo Jenkins, Can pick him up if you like…
Just did a crazy AL-only draft where we also get to draft 3 NL players. B/c people wait on NL, I managed to snatch Hanley in the 5th, McCann in the 10th, and MadBum in the last round. Any thoughts about my team? I’m really psyched about it (my infield is ridiculous). Since my OF isn’t great I picked up a lot of outfielders late instead of more pitching depth, which I kind of regret.
*5×5 Roto, 9 teams
C McCann
1B Tex
2B Cano
3B Longo
SS Hanley
OF Choo
OF Ichiro
OF Bourjos
U Kendrys
SP MadBum
SP Shields
SP Moore
SP Morrow
SP McCarthy
RP Brian Wilson (we also get one NL closer)
RP Balfour
BN: Torii Hunter, Rasmus, Trout, Yonder Alonso, Viciedo, Raburn, Eduardo Nunez, Pierszinsky, Phil Hughes, Colon, Jarrod Parker
thanks!
@Random Collmenter, Your infield is crazy… Your hitting in general is very solid… Your pitching could be a bit wonky, I do like the McCarthy WHIP pick to balance Morrow… Overall the team is solid…
@Grey, I would look into some backup for SBs. I was watching the Angels and Bourjos isnt running much this spring. Its also good to note that he is having hip surgery after the season so dont be surprised if his steals are a bit lower this yr
@PrinceRudyNasim, good point, thanks. yeah i don’t know why bourjos only swiped 22 bags last year…. am counting on him for more this year. that’s why i tried to get 3 guys who could give me 25+ steals in my outfield. thanks for the advice!
Grey —
If you had an UNLIMITED pitching budget, in an NL-Only league, which 6 starting pitchers and 3 relievers would you choose?
THE TWIST: you must keep these players for three seasons.
Sounds like a bad M. Night movie… See my top SP and RP rankings… Don’t think much would change, but you can ask about specific guys if you want…
@Grey, Thanks.
You have Halladay ranked #1 and Lee ranked #3. Those guys are 35 and 33 years old. For 3 years, would you rather have those guys, or Bumgardner and/or Gallardo? Strasburg figure in?
@Sweeney, Three years isn’t that long, but, sure, you can move guys 30 and under over 30+ arms… Bumgarner is a bit riskier to worry about for 3 years than Halladay… It’s judgment calls… Kershaw, Lincecum and Strasburg are probably the top 3…
@Grey,
(tulip bulbs)
Pitching staff of:
Halladay, Lester, MadBum, Luebke, Scherzer, Hellickson, Storen, Marmol, Hanrahan, Balfour, Marshall, Myers.
Categories are: W, L, SV, ERA, Whip, Ks, Ks/9
Was just offered this by a guy who autodrafted and needs closers:
CJ/Romo for Luebke/Marmol
Not sure I like it, but what do you think? I think Luebke/Marmol is worth more (like Hamles-ish, but I could be overshooting it).
He also has someone like D-Hudson or Romero, would I be better off trying to get one of those guys for Hellickson/Marmol?
I’d want Luebke… Don’t think this trade to help the other guy is gonna work for you, even with Hudson… Unless you’re giving Hellickson…
@Grey, thanks man. I didn’t think I wanted to do it. I just have pretty high expectations for Luebke and don’t see how CJ is THAT much of an upgrade, so thanks for the reassurance. I’m thinking about countering with Hellickson and Marmol for Hudson.
Hey Grey, is Lorenzo Cain for JJ Hardy a fair trade? How about Delmon Young for JJ Hardy? I have two shortstops and I could use an outfielder.
Both are fair…
@Grey,
I’m thinking I’m a little light on RBI’s, but otherwise relatively solid. Thoughts?
12-team/5×5 roto/2 Util and 3 OF/1400 innings limit
C: Napoli
1B: Pujols
2B: Philips
SS: Aybar
3B: Lawrie
OF: Jones
OF: Gardner
OF: Delmon
Util: Fielder
Util: Goldschmidt
Bench: Duda, Cain
SP: Lester, Latos, D-Hudson, Gio, Chacin, Cahill
RP: Santos, Thornton, Capps, Marshall
Thanks for your input. And by the way, it’s now been a year since I started reading Razzball on a daily basis. Happy Anniversary my friend. And thanks for expanding to the podcast. You’re the man.
Thanks for the kind words! I think your hitting is solid, don’t see it being light on RBIs… If anything, maybe a tad light on speed, but just barely… I think the team is rock solid, nice job…
@Grey, sorry for budding in but the SP staff looks nice but i’d watch Chacin closely the 1st half. Not only did this dude come into camp over weight which the GM pointed out and was a bit ticked off but he already got blister in his fingers which means he hasnt thrown much in the offseason.
@Grey, thanks man. Took home the gold last year in a super-competitive league and your advice definitely played a big role.
@PrinceRudyNasim, thanks for the post. Chacin and Cahill worry me a little, but I got them in the 19th and 20th rounds, respectively, so I can’t complain about that.
I expect Chacin’s K/9 to go back up a bit this year to the 7.5K/9 range, but still see his 4BB/9 as a problem resulting in a 1.3 WHIP. As a 5th starter, I am pretty happy with him, although there is definitely risk (especially coupling him with Gio with respect to my WHIP). Not too mention he had a pretty bad second half last year and hasn’t looked good at all this Spring.
As far as Cahill goes, I like the fact that he moved the NL West and as a groundball pitcher, he shouldn’t be hurt by AZ too much, but I read he’s looking like Country Breakfast Butler this Spring, which is not a good sign. Again, worth a gamble late, especially as my 6th SP.
@Grey, you really think steals could be an issue? I’m thinking I’ll net ~75 from my IF, ~65 from my OF, and another ~10 or so from my Util.
~150 steals or so should get it down, no?
@The Situation, You have around 150, you should have around 165… It’s just a tad… I wouldn’t worry about it right now, as long as Gardner stays healthy you should be fine…
Let’s talk lurkers/young guns waiting for their closer to go down/get traded.
Who do you like best out of:
Cishek, Dolis, Carpenter, Wilhelmsen
(both future closer value and current value for holds.)
Carpenter, Dolis…
Grey, thoughts on my team?
12 team with usual yahoo scoring + OPS.
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
SP: Jon Lester, Yovani Gallardo
RP: Matt Moore, vacant
P: Ricky Romero, Max Scherzer, Jamie Garcia, Derek Holland
Bench: Chase Utley, Adam Dunn, Carlos Lee, Justin Masterson, Alex Rios, Ricky Nolasco
Obviously saves are an issue, but I thought I could address that during the season. Unfortuantely I didn’t have a high enough waiver claim for Marshall so I already missed that one.
What type of pitcher should I expect for Lee or Reynolds? I would like to get build that up more.
@Jack,
oh…h2h
@Jack, Carlos Lee? He’s not getting you anything… Unless you travel back to 2004… Reynolds might get you an Anibal type arm… Don’t think you need another arm though right now… I like the team overall, think you have a nice mix of power and speed…
I just finished my first ever draft for a head2head league (12-team)…Any improvement ideas would be greatly appreciated.
C-Carlos Santana
1B-Eric Hosmer
2B-Robinson Cano
3B-Ryan Zimmerman
SS-Ian Desmond
MI-Howie Kendrick
CI-Michael Young
OF-Andrew McCutchen
OF-Hunter Pence
OF-Drew Stubbs
OF-Alex Rios
OF-Yoenis Cespedes
UT-Adam Lind
Bench – Jose Tabata (streaming spot)
SP-Yovani Gallardo
SP-Gio Gonzalez
SP-Anibal Sanchez
SP-Shaun Marcum
SP-Neftali Feliz
SP-Jhoulys Chacin
SP-Edinson Volquez (streaming spot)
RP-Brandon League
RP-Sergio Santos
RP-Matt Thornton
RP-Greg Holland
Thanks
@Zoo Animal on Wheels, Team looks solid, looks like you followed my rankings for the most part, which is good… Not a huge fan of Feliz but in H2H you’re gonna be streaming more than one spot anyway… The hitting looks very solid, well played…
@Grey: has your love for giancarlo subsided at all given his knee injury or still giddy?
thanks.
@herschel, Giddy… He’ll be fine…
@Grey, Had our 10 team Razzball auction last night. Is this the worst team money can buy? First time drafting a Razzball team. I feel like I need my eyes scrubbed clean after that experience.
C: Barajas
1B: Huff
2B: Descalso
SS: Ryan
3B: Morel
MI: Bartlett
CI: Uribe
OF: Stubbs
OF: Reddick
OF: Sweeney
OF: Viciedo
OF: J. Rivera
P: Lowe
P: Colon
P: Hochavar
P: McDonald
P: Bleavan
P: E. Jackson
P: McClellen
P: Lyon
P: Corderdo
P: D. McCutchen
BN: J. Guzman
BN: Theriot
BN: J. Castro
@3FingersBrown, Nice team! I think you have a nice balance of A’s and other crappy team players… Viciedo, I think, will be a top performer, so that’s great… I’d be worried about Morel, he has some down side… Or is that upside… Hmm….
@Grey, Thanks! During the draft my wife kept asking me, “how’s it going,” to which I would reply, “ok… I guess.” Harder than it seems to put together a truly awful team.
I basically punted pitcher (aside from Lowe who I snagged in the middle rounds) and catcher and focused on getting the most games played. Morel is a concern but I’ve got depth at 3rd. Morel may actually produce, especially in the 2 hole – where Ventura is considering using him.
Yeah, I like Morel to produce, like produce produce…
@3FingersBrown, I could see Bartlett being the best/worst player all year, that is of course, so long as Juan Pierre doesn’t play much.
@royce!, I figure he’ll be awful and play every day. I really wanted Austin Jackson with my first pick but he went 2nd overall after Dunn and before Arroyo.
I can see Mini-Donkey’s power dropping and giving us a historically bad, Donkey-esque season this year. I don’t have him but I’m keeping an eye out.
Hi Grey – can you give me quick idea how this team looks? 10 teamer, 5×5 H2H league, had the 4th pick. I think I’m going to mash, possibly have avg. issues. Wasn’t nuts on Santana, but he fell to me.
C Carlos Santana (Cle – C,1B)
1B Albert Pujols (LAA – 1B)
2B Dan Uggla (Atl – 2B)
3B Evan Longoria (TB – 3B)
SS Hanley Ramirez (Mia – SS)
OF Alex Gordon (KC – OF)
OF Adam Jones (Bal – OF)
OF Drew Stubbs (Cin – OF)
Util Billy Butler (KC – 1B)
SP Zack Greinke (Mil – SP)
SP Yovani Gallardo (Mil – SP)
RP Heath Bell (Mia – RP)
RP Jason Motte (StL – RP)
P Daniel Hudson (Ari – SP)
P Jordan Zimmermann (Was – SP)
P Cory Luebke (SD – SP,RP)
BN Kenley Jansen (LAD – RP)
BN Justin Masterson (Cle – SP)
BN Bud Norris (Hou – SP)
BN Grant Balfour (Oak – RP)
@Todd Harris, I agree with your assessment. Average will be a problem and you’re heavy on power, which is good, but you also have some speed… It’s a solid team… Norris would be my only concern at this point…
Any thoughts on Juan Nicasio?
@Gordon, Could be a nice upside flyer as a fantasy #6…
I don’t know how many of you mooks have noticed Grey tagging his Closer Look pieces with that extra little zinger. The lowest ranked Brain Freeze always has an unexpected last-chance, back-up arm for saves. Last week he had Chief Wahoo, and today I almost snorted my coffee when I saw Mitt Romney was added to the bullpen.
Very Funny… like TBS! Ha ha.
@Rodger-Dodger, Thanks!
Do you see Aviles holding the job and being a sneaky player at SS in a H2H points league? Or is he just deep league fodder?
@nick m., Deep league fodder… Will hold the job unless he gets injured…
Hi Grey… I’ll be another one of these “how’s my team?” guys.
14 team H2H OPS/QS instead of BA/W – 25 roster spots
(350 players active total in league)
C – Wieters
1B – Swisher
2B – Phillips
3B – Bautista
OF – Granderson
OF – Hart
OF – Beltran
Util – T. Hunter
Util – Espinosa
BN – Gaby Sanchez
BN – Carp
BN – Presley
SP – Sabathia, Cain, Anibal Sanchez, Chacin, Edwin Jackson, Leake, Randy Wolf, Henderson Alvarez, Matt Harrison
RP – Storen, Putz, Lidge
I will probably pick up Henry Rodriguez and another SP once the 2 expected DL slots open up.
I’m pretty happy considering the depth of the league, but a little nervous about Bautista/Granderson…
@Mike, You should be fine with OPS instead of BA, team looks real solid… Surprising to get that good of a staff with that hitting…
@Grey, Thanks…I’ve always done well with pitching, but hitting seems to be an issue every year. Tried to draft better this year, but I’m worried about regression from the two I mentioned above.
Forgot to mention SS is Aybar.
@Grey, Should also mention I only drafted 2 of those pitchers in the top 10.
Dude in my $$$ league (5×5, 12 team) drafted this team last night with the wraparound pick (12th). I’ve heard rumors of this sort of draft strategy before but I’ve never seen it put into play:
C Arencibia
C Olivo
1B Hosmer
2B Walker
3B Wright
SS Cozart
MI Aviles
CI Konerko
OF Alonso
OF Berkman
OF A Gordon
OF A Jones
OF Maybin
DH De Aza
P Verlande
P Kershaw
P Greinke
P Lester
P Garcia
P Marmol
P Santos
That’s right. My man took Verlander, Kershaw, and Greinke in the first 3 rounds and followed it up with Lester in the 6th. I guess he didn’t get the memo about how deep pitching was this year. I mean, he could probably start 4 SPs all year and still finish first in most pitching cats.
Oddly enough, he was able to piece together a decent team with some good value picks: Konerko in the 8th, Wright in the 5th (if he’s truly ok).
Is there any way this guy can compete offensively or did he completely shoot himself in the foot?
Thanks dude.
@L-Boogie, And Mike, if you’re reading this, nothin but respect for you and your team…. except for your offense. Although if he did fillow this site he wouldn’t have taken 4 pitchers in the first 6 rounds.
@L-Boogie, Ha! I wouldn’t want that team…. His offense is miserable…
Maybe I’m out of the loop but why is Motte ranked so high? Didn’t he lose the job most of last year?
@frank rizzo, He got the job at the end of last year…
@Grey, + he won’t have TLR to yank him around this year. His micro-managing of closers last year drove us all insane…
Yeah, thinking that too…
I posted this the other day but it was missed.
Drafted this 14 team h2h first year keeper team.
Batting; runs, doubles, triples, HR,RBI, steals, OBP ( no average)
Pitching W Era, K, WHIP, Saves, QS, Holds
A few questions.
Who do I go for in LF?
How bad is my RP?
Any other general observations
C Miguel Montero
1B Prince Fielder
2B Brandon Phillips
3B Evan Longoria
SS Jhonny Peralta
LF Mike Carp or JD Martinez or Marcus Thames
CF B.J. Upton
RF Jay Bruce
U Drew Stubbs
SP Zack Greinke , Daniel Hudson, Gio Gonzalez , Shaun Marcum , Jhoulys Chacin ,Mike Minor , Luke Hochevar
RP Jason Motte, Jonathan Broxton, Brett Myers, Matt Capps, Mark Melancon, Joel Peralta
Bench Mike Aviles and whoever I don’t start in LF.
@ritzer, Carp for tonight then Martinez… Your team looks a little light on closers and speed, but that’s fine in H2H… Your RPs are obviously worst part of the team, but SAGNOF!
drafted last night in my 14 tm h2h points league
c- saltalamaccxcxxxxccccccia
1b – pujols
2b – weeks, ricky
3b – a-rod
ss – jeter
of- j up
of – cargo (gonzalez)
of – Kendrick
util – youk
b- Austin Jackson, bourjos, rasmus, Sean rod
sp- greinke
sp- marcum
sp- anibal
drafted last night in my 14 tm h2h points league
c- saltalamaccxcxxxxccccccia
1b – pujols
2b – weeks, ricky
3b – a-rod
ss – jeter
of- j up
of – cargo (gonzalez)
of – Kendrick
util – youk
b- Austin Jackson, bourjos, rasmus, Sean rod
sp- greinke
sp- marcum
sp- anibal
sp- dempster
sp- beachy
rp- putz
drafted last night in my 14 tm h2h points league
c- saltalamaccxcxxxxccccccia
1b – pujols
2b – weeks, ricky
3b – a-rod
ss – jeter
of- j up
of – cargo (gonzalez)
of – Kendrick
util – youk
b- Austin Jackson, bourjos, rasmus, Sean rod
sp- greinke
sp- marcum
sp- anibal
sp- dempster
sp- beachy
rp- putz
rp- chapman
rp- noesi
b- j sanch
any weak spots? any guys you’d try to get rid of at this point?
@farcus, goddamn phone. sorry for the post in triplicate
@farcus, No worries… You look like you have a bunch of injury risk, but if those work out you should be fine… I wouldn’t have taken A-Rod, Weeks, Youk, Bourjos, Marcum, Jeter and Putz on the same team…
I’m curious about Greg Holland. If he can grab that job, where would he rank?
The sub 2.00 ERA of last year doesn’t look to stick, but with 11K/9 and a 2.67 xFIP… maybe the top of the second group?
@microwave donut, He’d be a Brain Freeze next month with a chance to donkeycorn up the following…
Not for nothing but that Dolis kid looked real good pitching the 9inning i believe it was against the Texas the other day. GB pitcher wirth heat. James Russell looked surprisingly nice. I could see him being the deep sleeper of that bullpen
@PrinceRudyNasim, Thanks for the heads up!
The up in arms comment had my dying. Thanks, Grey. Anyway, could you choose one from this list of speculative FA pick-ups? Thanks!
Alejandro De Aza
Vernon Wells
Jake Peavy
Edinson Volquez
Also, did you see that Belt might not make the opening day roster? Ugh.
Thanks! I saw that on Belt, ugh indeed… Wells for now… Unless you need steals… Then De Aza…
Draft postmortem
10 Team, Auction, Keeper League, AL Only, 4 x 4 (Avg., HR, SB, RBI x W, S, ERA, WHIP)
I obviously punted average. I think I’m good with HR & SB, but weak in Saves and very average at Wins. Thoughts / areas to improve?
C Arencibia, J.P.
1B Pena, Carlos
2B Beckham, Gordon
3B Beltre, Adrian
SS Nunez, Eduardo
MI Escobar, Alcides
CI Dunn, Adam
OF Hamilton, Josh; Upton, B.J.; Crisp, Coco; Cain, Lorenzo; Reimold, Nolan
U Doumit, Ryan; Lillibridge, Brent
P Weaver, Jered; Jimenez, Ubaldo; Hellickson, Jeremy; McCarthy, Brandon; Sale, Chris; De Los Santos, Fautino; Fuentes, Brian; Holland, Greg; Dotel, Octavio
Bench Davis, Chris; Carroll, Jamey; Axelrod, Dylan; Betances, Dellin; Hagadone, Nick; Paulino, Felipe
@Dom, The average looks terrible as you said… But you shouldn’t punt anything… Looks like you might’ve punted power too if Dunn doesn’t return and Pena doesn’t produce… I’m not crazy about the hitting… It is a very deep league though, so you need Dunn or Pena to step up and you could be fine… The pitching is solid enough…
Casey Blake was just released by the Rockies. Who plays 3B? They sent Arenado down. Cuddyer and then Colvin in the OF?
@Eddy, Ugh, just saw Chris Nelson and Jordan Pacheco will probably share time.
@Eddy, Dammit Eddy you always beat me by a couple minutes.
@Wilsonian, :)
Chris Nelson/Pachecho blahtoon…
Casey Blake was just released…time for Arenado or who the hell is gonna play 3rd?
Chris Nelson/Pachecho blahtoon…
@Grey, guh. Hopefully that means a shorter time frame for Arenado.
@Wilsonian, Nah, remember they sent down Arenado a few days ago.
@Eddy, Yeah. I read so much crap that I forget which is which. Still thinking about picking him up and dropping Morel from my bench in my 16 teamer.
question….would you guys drop Volquez for any of the following guys..
Duffy
Milone
Lynn
Alvarez
Maybe Milone or Lynn… Depends what you need…
Is the Tokyo Dome pitcher or hitter friendly?
Guessing hitter…
@aj, I can’t remember where, but I skimmed an article a bit ago that claimed hitter.
Can the effing season just effing-well start al-effing-ready
Seriously…
@Grey, Sorry to repeat myself, but I like to follow the comments via email so I needed to subscribe to the post (emoticon)
any thoughts on Krispie’s new swing? Just spring training or a new man?
@Coach McGuirk, Spring training, but I like him for speed and power and no average…
Grey-Any word or hunch on Chapman and/or Ogando’s role?
Both will be middle men…
I am in a 12 team. Extremely competitive league with the same guys for 8 years. Its 100 dollars a person. 1,000 to the winner. 200 for second place. Head to Head league.
What were my best picks? What were my worst picks? I know I am thin on power. How can I upgrade? Who should I target. I need to win this year. Help is much much much appreciated.
1. (6) Robinson Cano 2B
2. (19) Clayton Kershaw SP
3. (30) Josh Hamilton OF
4. (43) Matt Holliday OF
5. (54) Matt Cain SP
6. (67) Eric Hosmer 1B
7. (78) Shin-Soo Choo OF
8. (91) B.J. Upton OF
9. (102) Jason Heyward OF
10. (115) Brandon Beachy SP
11. (126) Jose Valverde RP
12. (139) Emilio Bonifacio 3B,SS,OF
13. (150) Max Scherzer SP
14. (163) Jhonny Peralta SS
15. (174) Joe Nathan RP
16. (187) Mitch Moreland 1B,OF
17. (198) Yunel Escobar SS
18. (211) Austin Jackson OF
19. (222) Edwin Jackson SP
20. (235) Wilson Ramos C
21. (246) Alcidies Escobar SS
22. (259) Jose Altuve 2nd
23. (270) Matt Capps RP
24. (283) Vance Worley SP
25. (294) Bryan LaHair OF
@Dan Frank Francisco, Don’t like many picks after the 13th round, which isn’t great in a 12 team league…
Grey… 12T H2H trade help. Would you give B. Meyers and Jim J. for J.J. Putz? Farnsworth? I’m thinking one donkeycorn vs. two brain freezes…?
Thanks!
I wouldn’t…
@Grey, Woah-kay (that a surprised okay). Thanks!
Beltran or Markakis?
5 x 5
@EK, See rankings
I usually end up taking Valverde every year, but this year I took Marmol over him. It may be nothing more than some crazy paranoia and I could be kicking myself in a month (especially since Marmol’s not exactly been great in the spring), but I think V’s in for a tough year (compared to his norm). A somewhat lucky season last year, bad D behind him, and age.
@papasmurf, Sounds like paranoia, but guess we’ll see…
@papasmurf,
how many games do you see the cubs winning this year ?
Mat Latos leaves start. No word yet, may be an injury.
@Eddy, Yikes
@Grey, Strained left calf. In other news, Lind sat out with back tightness. Not already…
@Wilsonian, Hmm, went all in with Lind in 3/4 leagues this year…
@Eddy, yeah, I went in on him in one league, but I’m banking on him being pseudo healthy. Not a fan of him already having issues with the same thing that made him sit out last year. But I totally understand back issues…they never seem to go away.
That doesn’t sound terrible… As long as it’s not arm issues…
@Grey Thanks for the closer look! Nice to see League in the Donkeycorns! Still waiting for that T-shirt! Anywho, went all in on Chisenhall in some leagues and will need a hopefully short term replacement: Rolen bleh, Figgins bleh, Mcgehee bleh, Mini Mini Donkey?
@Howard, Stewart for now…
Just finished up my draft last night. Thought I did decent, my team looks like this with the price I got them at.
TEAM WILLIEMAYSHAYES
6 Troy Tulowitzki, Col SS $36
14 Adrian Gonzalez, Bos 1B $27
19 Carlos Gonzalez, Col OF $26
21 Clayton Kershaw, LAD SP $24
26 Andrew McCutchen, Pit OF $22
27 Adrian Beltre, Tex 3B $22
42 Jay Bruce, Cin OF $20
55 Carlos Santana, Cle C $15
108 Howard Kendrick, LAA 2B $11
111 Chris Young, Ari OF $10
134 Jose Valverde, Det RP $11
135 Josh Johnson, Mia SP $10
160 Mark Reynolds, Bal 3B $6
166 Andrew Bailey, Bos RP $6
196 Jesus Montero, Sea DH $1
204 Lucas Duda, NYM 1B $3
211 Yoenis Cespedes, Oak OF $1
217 Emilio Bonifacio, Mia SS $1
222 Grant Balfour, Oak RP $1
226 Mark Trumbo, LAA 1B $1
230 Kendrys Morales, LAA 1B $1
234 Edwin Jackson, Wsh SP $1
238 Frank Francisco, NYM RP $1
242 Trevor Cahill, Ari SP $1
245 Mike Leake, Cin SP $1
Would you drop Leake for Liriano, and Cahill for Bedard or Niese?
Thanks
@MrHappyTime, Can lose Leake for Niese if you like…
grey – who would you rather have in a 12 team 5×5 h2h, nicasio or jon sanchez?
@jaw, Sanchez
Has Marshall not been named the closer? I assumed he’d be ranked waay higher if he had the gig.
He’s not officially the closer, but I think he will be named it…
Need to fill my 2b/ss slot. Light on steals. Should I pick up Espinosa, or take a flier on Cozart?
Espinosa
Just got mlb tv on my xbox 360. So far the video quality is unexpectedly good; it’s not outstanding, but I’m watching it on a 42″ tv, and it’s definitely watchable. Much better than on my laptop. I can finally stop regretting paying over $300 for a video game system that I only used for netflix and EA Skate, and neither frequently.
Nice…
@Grey,
Hey, not a closer question, (or a cloSer question, I get cornfused every time I read that headline). I have one of each so I’m well rounded there, pun intended.
What value does Brandon Belt have for this year? I have Youk, Ike D, Panda on the corners with Lind and Belt as backups. Too many corners?
@BigFatHippo, Not sure if Belt makes the club… If he does, I like him… As heard on the Podcast and read in the rankings… Welcome to the site! Just busting chops… I like him….
@Grey, You can bust my chops anytime great guru. Just getting too lazy to surf the site……………it’s so exhausting!
I liked it when there were just a few of us, you know, like before Steve got here ;)
Aw, shizz…
Fighting words…
@Grey, I’m a lover not a fighter.
Too bad his name isn’t ‘Grant Strikethree.’
@Chunk, Huh?
@Grey, His name is Bal(l)-four, not Strikethree…
@Steve, Ah… Nice, Chunk… Do the Truffle Shuffle!
@Grey,
steve had some splainin to do .
Grey, 2 questions. I drafted this team on Saturday and I feel pretty invincible. But I feel that way after pretty much every draft, so I might be a little bit vincible. The weak link I think is Goldschmidt, and I have a lot of brain freezes, but overall I like it. What is your impression?
12 team H2H
C: Jesus Montero (when he becomes eligible)
1B: Paul Goldschmidt
2B: Howie Kendrick
3B: Adrian Beltre
SS: Elvis Andrus
OF: Justin Upton
OF: Andrew McCutchen
OF: Jay Bruce
U: Chris Young
SP: Madison Bumgarner
SP: Gio Gonzalez
SP: Jordan Zimmermann
RP: Sean Marshall
P: Brandon League
P: Matt Thornton
P: Grant Balfour
BN: Jim Johnson
BN: Anibal Sanchez
BN: Mike Minor
And number 2, I need to dump a RP and grab a catcher for the first week or two. Which of those guys sucks it up first?
@Killer Joe, Usually when someone says they like their team, I don’t… I do like your team a lot…
@Killer Joe, I agree with Grey…just thought I’d chime in. It looks like a 10 team league team, not a 12er.
@Wilsonian, yeah it is a 12 team league, I guess it is just populated by 11 buffoons that I went to college with.
@Grey
Put that in the wrong thread but I’m used to putting things where they don’t belong.
@BigFatHippo, Ha!
@Grey, I once found my wallet in the hands of a stripper who looked surprisingly like Betty White!
You sure you didn’t just drop your wallet in the prunes in the produce section?
Hey Grey longtime reader and first post. Ur the shizz! Anyways-
I checked out your 3rd base rankings and all of these guys are very close who would u roll with? heres my hitters: 12 team h2h mixed
C- doumit (until Montero gains elig)
1st- A Gonzalez
2nd- Uggla
3rd- encarnacion
SS- cozart
OF- Cargo
OF- Bruce
OF- Jennings
Util- Jesus Montero
Util- Heyward
Bench- D Young
My dilemma is that both Moustakas and Gamel are available. Which of the 3 do you like considering my squad? Thanks and keep up the great work
@Reezy, Take Moose…
@Reezy, Oh, and thanks for reading! Sorry for lack of manners, in the middle of a draft…
12 team head to head
SP: Greinke, A. Sanchez, Beckett, Beachy, Lilly, Liriano, Bedard
RP: Motte, Betancourt, Thornton, Venters
Who would you prefer to round out this rotation:
Lynn, Bailey, Capuano, or Volquez?
@KCC26, Lynn for now…
The optimism engendered the Royals’ corps of exciting young hitters, must surely be tempered by the news that Bruce Chen will be their Opening Day starter.
@Steve, Ha, very true…
@Steve, No shizz. Duffy and Montgomery could be good, though.
I am lucky enough to be in a shallow 14 team h2h league with a bunch of KC (and, to a lesser extent, STL) fans, and Sanchez, Hochevar, Paulino, and Mendoza are all owned (weirdly, Duffy and Chen are not).
Someone even owns Salvador Perez.
To reiterate, HOW HAVE I NEVER WON THIS LEAGUE???
@royce!, Is it possible you care too much?
I hate Chen. He has NEVER done right by me. If he’s on someone else’s team against me, he’s brilliant. And then if I ever pick him up and start him, he’s crap.
@Steve, You would think that was the problem, but one year I got eliminated because I stayed out too late with a buddy who was visiting from out of town and forgot to set my lineup for the playoffs… I think I overlooked it because I subconsciously thought it must be Saturday if I’m out after midnight… I think it was the year before that, I lost because peavy didn’t start due to having a kid or something, for which I will never forgive him (though I did take a late flyer on him). Stupid h2h.
@Grey: have you been liking a particular draft position in your leagues thus far (beginning, middle, end)? i know each league has its particulars, but i am currently picking 4th and am thinking about trading down to the 10 spot. just curious if you have a preferred draft position…
thanks.
@herschel, 4th is better than 10th…
Deep 16 team league. Hitting is awesome but pitching (starters & relievers) needs help. Putting G Sizemore my last pick on the DL & can take….
H Rodriquez
Vogelsong
Floyd
Hughes
I am leaning torward Hughes 4 upside & only start him w good matchups. However if HRod has a real chance 2 close he is the pick. Opinion?
Vogelsong
@Grey
OK, here’s my team. 9 teams this year. See if I need to make any moves. I feel like some players are too risky.
C…Posey
1b…Youk
2b…Jemile Weeks
3b…Pablo
ss…Reyes
OF…Ellsbury, Holliday, BJ Up
Util…Ethier, Ike Davis
Bench…Tyler Green, Belt, Mig Montero, Cespedes
SP…Hamels, Hanson, CJ Wilson, Beckett, MadBum, Scherzer
RP…Axford, Marmol, Perez, Mitt Romney………….
Thoughts?
Your team looks heavy on speed and light on power… You may not have anyone hit over 25 homers and you have 3 guys that could steal 40+ bases… Pitching looks fine…
@Grey, I thought you’d tell me to drop Romney and pick up Santorum. Yeah, I hardly ever finish high in HR but I usually do quite well.
Here’s another team. My 13 year old kid got in the league this year and I said I’d help him as long as it didn’t involve money! Then I paid his entry fee, sucker.
BigFatHippo’s Kid
C…Yadi
1b…Tex
2b…Uggla
3b…Longo
SS…Boneface
CI…Bautista
MI…Kendrick or Utley
OF…Braun, Ichiro, Bruce
Util…Papi with V Mart on DL
SP…Lincecum, Strasburg, J Zimm, Cueto, Jaime, Garza, Ubaldo, Oswalt
RP…Nathan, Balfour, Motte
Thoughts? Other than I should kick him out of the league and demand my money back?
Ha… Who’s that? Dash? I like his team better than yours… His pitching is great and has a better hitting squad…
@Grey, No, Drake. Dash would rather play drums and mexican dominoes.
@BigFatHippo, Gotcha… How is everyone?
@Grey,
Great, thanks for asking. Scholar Bowl team went undefeated and they’re going to Space Camp this summer! The Pater Familia is still dumber than a sandwich, go figger………….
How’s things in LaLa?
That’s awesome… Space Camp was always a dream of mine, I wonder if they’ll be monkey there in little astronaut uniforms… That would be so cool… LA’s cool… Actually, temperate, as it always is…
@BigFatHippo, It’s just a pity y’all are playing for second.
@Steve, HaHa, we shall see…………..
@Grey: Looks like Altuve’s batting 8th for the time being, which is kind of very blah when it’s for the Astros, and even more very blah when he’s my MI. Was gonna grab Aviles as insurance, but he’s gone already. Would you prefer any of Cliff Pennington, Yunel Escobar, or Jed Lowrie (at least he’s hitting 2nd and still has the stench of untapped potential about him) over Altuve for now?
Hold Altuve for now…
grey would you drop leake and or homer bailey for hocheaver or lynn?
Could see losing Bailey for Lynn…
Anyone getting up at 6AM EST (or staying up, for you Grey, until 3AM) to watch the season opener? Is it even being broadcast here?
Eff Selig. Stupidest thing I ever heard… Having Opening Day at 3 AM….
@Grey, No, no, no… it’s not “Opening Day,” it’s the “Season Opener.” They’re two completely different, totally unrelated events.
Ah… Much better…
@Grey, Well, to be fair, the Japanese love our pastime more than we do, at this point. How much? Well, they’ve given it a native name, ???? (pronounced yah-KYUU). May not seem like a big deal, but consider how long beer has been around and how awesome it is, and that is still called ??? (pronounced BEE-ru), not a native name. Or how pervasive and addictive McDonald’s is, yet that is still called ??? ???? (pronounced MAH-ku doh-NARU-doh), also not a native name.
This tidbit brought to you by the Who Gives A Shit Channel, check local listings or call your cable or satellite provider.
@Awesomus Maximus, Razzball won’t post hiragana or katakana? Racist website…
Hey Grey, Did my 2nd 12 man NFBC high stakes draft last night. I don’t really like this team. Would like to hear your thoughts. Also as you can see weak at SS and MI, is there any MI minor leaguers who could come up this year and make a big impact for me? Who r some to watch? Thanks you the best.
McCann
Soto
Votto
Kendrick
I. Desmond
Youkilis
J. Upton
J. Hamilton
N. Cruz
C. Maybin
A. Rios
G. Sanchez
C. Rasmus
Z. Cozart
N. Reinold
G. Beckham
F. Hernandez
D. Hudson
G. Gonzalez
J. Zimmerman
D. Holland
F. Liriano
J. Danks
J. Neise
T. Cahill
R. Delgado
B. Wilson
S. Marshall
S. Romo
J. Crain
@Jim, https://razzball.com/2012-fantasy-baseball-rookies-to-target/ Not sure why you don’t like the team, it looks solid… Bit wonky on the back end of your pitching staff….
I’ve had the damndest time trying to submit a comment with a URL, so consider this a test.
Ok, guess that was the issue!
Please assess my team — 8 team H2H 2-catcher 6×6 with OBP and QS:
C – Matt Wieters, Chris Ianetta
1B – Prince Fielder
2B – Dan Uggla
3B – Brett Lawrie
SS – Jose Reyes
CI – Adam Lind
MI – Ryan Roberts
OF – Ryan Braun, Jay Bruce, Adam Jones, Drew Stubbs
UTIL – Peter Bourjos, Jesus Montero
BN – Ike Davis, Delmon Young
SP – Cliff Lee, Zack Grienke, Madison Bumgarner, CJ Wilson, Gio Gonzalez
RP – Jose Valverde, Carlos Marmol, Kenley Jansen, Grant Balfour, Brad Lidge
P – Max Sherzer, Jhoulys Chacin, Justin Masterson, Aroldis Chapman
I know I shouldn’t be carrying three catchers, but I couldn’t believe how far Montero fell, so I had to grab him and will hope to trade Ianetta when Montero gains eligibility.
Thanks!
@Shin-Soo Choo Choo, Three catchers is crazy… You so crazy! Team is stacked, but it should be in an 8 team league… Obviously the league will come down to who works waivers the best…
@Grey, Bourne has been kind enough to weigh in on my team in the forums (Baseball – Lineups, Waivers, Keepers >> “Only the strong survive! Please assess.”), saying that my MI’s gotta go and AVG will suffer. Agreed?
Basically…
1) If I’m working the wire (and note that this is a 50 moves max league), should I concentrate on high AVG/OBP guys over other needs?
2) Drop Ryan Roberts for Aviles, seeing as Aviles will bat top of the order for the BoSox?
@Shin-Soo Choo Choo, If you only have 50 moves max, don’t drop Aviles… Your average does look like a slight issue, but with 50 moves max, let it ride until the season starts at least…
@Grey, Sorry if I wasn’t clear. I have Roberts. Drop him for Aviles?
Sorry, I meant don’t drop Roberts yet…
Grey, this has to be tedious, but I would love to read your overall impressions of this team…
12 Team, ESPN standard Roto league. Same as RCL settings I believe…
C Joe Mauer
1B Ike Davis
2B Ian Kinsler
3B Evan Longoria
SS Alcides Escobar
MI Aaron Hill
CI Pablo Sandoval
OF Hunter Pence
OF Desmond Jennings
OF Jayson Werth
OF Nick Markakis
OF Yoenis Cespedes
Util Billy Butler
SP Madison Bumgardner
SP Yovanni Gallardo
SP Matt Garza
SP Jhoulys Chacin
SP Tim Hudson
SP Chris Carpenter
SP John Niese
RP Jose Valverde
RP Frank Francisco
RP Addison Reed
RP Vinnie Pestano
BN Bryce Harper
Pitching strong enough that it might have hurt my hitting? Only thing is I’m banking on three bounce back years (Mauer, Werth, Hill) and a guy whose never had a ML at-bat (Cespedes).
Appreciate any thoughts sir. Your work is outstanding.
@Whiskey Diet, Counting the days until I can just answer trade questions… Your pitching is a bit too strong, yeah… Your hitting is a bit messy… I do like Werth, Mauer and Hill though… You look a bit power light…
@Grey – I’m drafting my 10 team H2H 7X7 at 9:30 PM EST tonight. Do I take Stanton anywhere in the 2nd or do I stick to PEDS and go 1B/3B? Help me Obi Wan Grey-nobi, you’re my only hope.
@Hats for Bats, 1B/3B if possible… But that’s really only 1B/Longoria…
@Grey, Oh man – you had to go and remind me about not waiting on Longoria again. I’d only just got over that… (emoticon)
@Hats for Bats, Sorry, guess that’s Bautista too…
@Grey, I’m not hearing a no . . . .
Grey-
I don’t know if you will get to answer this before the games get going tomorrow morning but i’ll submit anyways. I have no players that play for Oak/Sea and also do not have any for opening night for Mia/STL. With that said i’m playing on yahoo and the opening week goes from March 28th-Apr 8th leaving me only 3 days (Those who play on the 5th don’t play on the 6th and that happens to be my whole team) of stats to fill categories. Would you consider picking up any players from OAK/SEA off waivers to try and grab some stats?
Thanks so much
@Steven, I would, but I wouldn’t drop anyone too valuable obviously…
@Grey,
The only options that i have to pick up off free agents would be-Kurt Suzuki, Mike Carp, Miguel Olivo, Cliff Pennington, Chone Figgins, Josh Reddick, or Jonny Gomes. Any of these guys worth it???
On another note I am in a 1 catcher league and picked up both Soto and Ramos in the draft. Which would you rather have?? I would probably be dropping one of these to pick up any of above players.
Thanks so much
Drop a catcher for Carp… Doesn’t matter which one…
@Grey,
Thanks for your time
No problem…
Grey, a couple of years ago I got the basic rules for my keeper from you in the comments.
With your help, I decided that a 3-year limit would be best for any player, as well as a 3-round inflation per year kept.
When someone is traded mid-season, I obviously don’t count that as year 1 for the new manager.
E.g., If someone trades me Strasburg in the middle of 2012, I keep him 2013-15. Not 2012-14.
But I’m in a bit of a dilemma. Two teams just made a trade and Stanton was involved. Because he has been traded, his new owner has the three full years to own him until he returns to the pool.
But does his first year count as this year since the season hasn’t even started? I want to say yes, because if not, and I make 2013 the first year, that’s essentially four straight years.
@Eddy, Yes, this is the first year, 2012…
@Grey, Thanks!
@Grey,
One last question in the subject:
What should be the cutoff date for when a player is essentially “used”?
We agreed that this is year 1 for Stanton. But what’s the earliest a player should be able to be traded and that year NOT count as a keeper year?
Buy low on Storen everyone… mark my words, he will be a Donkeycorn.
And Johan Santana will be solid this year, buy low again! David Wright? Yup.
Here’s an even crazier idea. Chris Young will be in the starting rotation for the Mets in July. Shoulders schmolders!
@birrrdy!, That last one is cuckoo…
@Grey, sorry, I couldn’t resist!
If you could get 40 Saves out of Thornton and Jim Johnson, you’d be pretty happy, right?
@Steve, 40 saves total, I mean.
@Steve, I’d put their combined save total over/under at exactly 40…
Not a great spring for closers, eh? Or, “Not a great close for Springers,” if your name is Jerry, and you’re a TV personality.
On to my point, I’d like some team evaluation. It’s 14 team H2H, keeper league, 7×6 categories, with TB/OBP and L added. I made a a few trades in the off-season in hopes that I’d have a pretty balanced team this year, as opposed to being very young and too much pitching/not enough hitting last year as a byproduct of having a terrible initial draft. Any weak spots?
C: Napoli
1B: Hosmer
2B: Espinosa
SS: Aybar
3B: Longoria
IF: Moustakas
LF: Braun
CF: Fowler
RF: Hunter
OF: Boesch
Util (2): Trumbo/Belt
Bench: De Aza
SP: Haren/Beachy/D. Hudson/Hellickson/Billingsley/Baker/Shelby Miller (keeper stash)
RP: Betancourt/Jansen/G. Holland
Thanks, I really appreciate it. And keep the podcasts coming. They’re hilarious, entertaining, and informative. And they don’t include Matthew Berry.
Thanks for the kind words! I like the team, I think your pitching is still slightly better than your hitting, but it’s not terrible… Hopefully Fowler and Trumbo/Belt work out, they could be huge for you cause the rest of the hitting is fine.
@Grey, Yeah, Bochy and Sabes have me worried with the whole Pill thing though. WTF are they thinking? And rookie with 29 HRs to bench player is kind of disheartening. Both of those guys were keepers and was banking on them being big contributors this year.
Lynn, Milone, or Pomeranz in standard 5×5?
Thanks dude.
@L-Boogie, Milone or Lynn, coin flip…
Well, now the guy who wants Storen from me ($5) is pitching Putz($18) and Alonso ($5).. I wondering if YA gets double digit HR’s in Petco. I’m still leaning on riding out Storen’s ‘issues’
Depends on your needs… Alonso should get around 15-18 homers…
@Grey – Guy just offered me Carp for Sale. I can DL Carp and pickup Baker/Leake/Chapman or Balfour. Is Carp cooked? Thanks!
I wouldn’t want Carp…
Any opinion on Andino? Leading off & qualifies @ 2b, SS& 3b. Good fill in/bench guy in deep league?
Has no upside, but could get counting stats…
Looking for a SP flyer in my 5×5 mixed. Sale or Pomeranz?
Sale
Please rank: De Aza, Lahair, Presley, Thames. Mostly wantnt
Nothing’s changed from my rankings…
@Grey, Gotcha. Thanks. Is it a good idea to own AP everywhere or should I mix it up a bit?
@Terrence Mann, Can try Thames for power…
Mostly want upside. Stupid fat sausage fingers!
I’m in a salary cap league where we can only make 6 moves all year, would u rather have Marshall or Guerra? Even though Dusty hasn’t made up his mind I’m leaning Marshall. I’m worried about Jansen taking over the closer role in LA.
Thanks for all the interesting articles and work yourself and the rest of the guys put in all year!
@Eric, Marshall
@Eric, No problem, thanks for the kind words!
Grey, my new team is hurting on WHIP. I’m kinda stressing about it. Would you drop j. Sanchez for Lilly to help out the WHIP? 12 team h2h
@Tggq21, Try McCarthy or Milone… Lilly’s hurt…
20 team keeper league keep 9
separate lf cf rf slots 1 util 5 rp slots
fielder kemp lawrie verlander gallardo pineda are the six i plan to keep
other possibilities pick 3
matt moore luebke sergio santos cuddyer kenley jansen corey hart beltran lind
i have a trade of kershaw + 1 player picked after the 15th rd for gallardo and pineda which i think i have to do — so i must keep pineda
@barker, Moore, Lind, Beltran…
@Grey, moore was a definite just wanted to see your thoughts with the way you have been bashing him : ) but really beltran and lind didnt see that coming
i was thinking moore cuddyer and santos so i could fill 2b and not have to burn one of my first picks on a closer or get two closers early and be done with it ( ie keep santos and pick a closer early) i pick late or last in the first rd so i get a wrap around pick
luebke is interesting and i might do him but my pitching should be set with verlander kershaw moore and possibly santos
it really stinks i cant do trades in this league preseason so i could get rid of 2 keepers to get kershaw and keep more offense
@barker, None are great choices… I almost said Santos instead of Beltran, if you wanted to go that way I could see it…
i have 6 brain freezes. my buddy lost soria AND madson. should i trade two brain freezes for brandon beachy?
@captainpyper, Sure
yo grey man,
i herd reimold leading off son. that lookin true? someone above talking andino.
respeckt.
Magic Johnson’s crew buying the Dodgers for $2 billion. McCourt bought the team in ’04 for $430 million.
Crikey.
@Steve, that’s an absolutely ridiculously insane amount of money.
@Steve,
hope they have an antiseptic spray , when they wipe down the seats .
too soon ?
@Grey: Here are the results of my first ever RCL draft (and roto league).
C Avila
1B Prince
2B Kelly Johnson
3B Lawrie
SS Cozart
MI Kipnis
CI Lind
OF CarGo
OF Cruz
OF BJ
OF Ethier
OF Carp
UTIL Chris Davis
SP Gallardo
SP Latos
SP Anibal
SP Morrow
SP Minor
SP Stauffer
SP Peavy
SP Niese
RP Guerra
RP Johnson
RP Bard
SP Carpenter
The last two were auto picks. I feel I’m light in saves and wonky on avg. What say you?
@ThE sHiT, A new computer and you get auto picks?! Team looks it could be terrible on average, but very solid on power. You look a hair light on speed too, that’s not bad… Your pitching is very strong, probably a tad too strong… Too many SPs too…
@Grey, I went on autodraft because my $ league started drafting and it was tough for me do both effectively. Ill post the results from the second draft tomorrow. Ill be a vulture on the wire for saves.
@ Grey :
somebody’s freakin’ .
it used to be that you had to be careful around tax accountants on April 15th,
and postal workers during the beanie baby craze .
http://baseballguys.com/
it can’t be about the lousy 8 bucks , can it ?
can it ??
I keep getting excited because I have McCarthy on three teams. Then I remember the Oakland offense and the pitcher he’s going against…
@Steve, sit him.
Which do you like better Tim Stauffer or Lance Lynn?
@Aaron, Stauffer
@Grey (and all)
Got offered Felix Hernandez and Hanley Ramirez for Tulo.
I’m tempted but hate to give up Tulo and am pretty comfortable with my pitching already (Gallardo, MadBum, J-Zimm, Scherzer, Garcia, Minor). Also either Felix or H-Ram could be kept next year, Tulo could not.
Is this deal too good to pass up?
@TheSoloRush, I’d take F-Her/Hanley…
Hi Grey, big fan.
Drafted last night. 10 team mixed league with 5 x 5 scoring using OPS instead of avg:
Oxford Commas
1. (5) Ryan Braun
(Mil – OF)
2. (16) Ian Kinsler
(Tex – 2B)
3. (25) Andrew McCutchen
(Pit – OF)
4. (36) Pablo Sandoval
(SF – 1B,3B)
5. (45) Dan Haren
(LAA – SP)
6. (56) Kevin Youkilis
(Bos – 1B,3B)
7. (65) Madison Bumgarner
(SF – SP)
8. (76) Brian McCann
(Atl – C)
9. (85) Yu Darvish
(Tex – SP)
10. (96) Daniel Hudson
(Ari – SP)
11. (105) Josh Johnson
(Mia – SP)
12. (116) Chris Young
(Ari – OF)
13. (125) Ike Davis
(NYM – 1B)
14. (136) Jesus Montero
(Sea – Util)
15. (145) Billy Butler
(KC – 1B)
16. (156) J.J. Hardy
(Bal – SS)
17. (165) Melky Cabrera
(SF – OF)
18. (176) Adam Lind
(Tor – 1B)
19. (185) Colby Rasmus
(Tor – OF)
20. (196) Gaby Sanchez
(Mia – 1B)
21. (205) Joakim Soria
(KC – RP)
22. (216) Fernando Salas
(StL – RP)
Traded McCutcheon for Hanley.
Need RPs. What do I do via trade or waivers?
@Oxford Comma, Thanks! You have five SPs in the top 11 picks, it’s too many, but I do like all your hitters except Hardy…
@ Grey :
the next time you fly into florida ,
can you go to that new miami stadium and take
a picture of yourself standing next to that 50′ art-strocity
out there in center-field ?
http://www.fishstripes.com/2012/3/25/2902317/miami-marlins-season-preview-home-run-structure
@chata, That’s awful…
@grey- Hey, I just drafted in my 12 team mixed H2H 6X6 league (OPS, K/bb). What do you think?
C-Jarod Saltalamachia
1B- Prince
2B- Hill
3B- Sandoval
SS-Han Ram
OF- Upton
OF- Choo
OF- Crawford
Util- Bourjos
Util- Butler
Bench- Belt
Bench- J.Montero (until he gets C eligibility)
SP-Greinke
SP- Madison Bum
SP- J.Zimm
SP- Mccarthy
SP- Peavy
SP- Worley
RP- Motte
RP- Marshall
RP- Guerra
@Martin, Your team has too much speed and not enough power… Not good in most H2H leagues, especially bad in an OPS league…
I read this every year and still laugh
Thanks
I don’t know what it is about the position that turns me off, but I absolutely hate tracking bullpens and closers. Perhaps it’s because of the fungible nature of the position, but I find it to be a most tedious process.
Thank you for eliminating the legwork for me. I’ve followed these columns for several years and while injuries pop up and circumstances change, I place a great deal of value on the information you put forth here. This is the best and most useful thing about you site, in my opinion.
Grey, you da man. Help me with a trade offer…
11 team 5X5 roto, obp instead of avg QS instead of wins.
Player one is extremely short on obp and has kinsler and cano. Player 2 is projected to win obp fairly easily but is starting jemile weeks at 2b (kelly johnson is on the FA wire). Player 1 gives up kinsler and greinke for Votto and Worley.
Thoughts?