CC Sabathia is out until at least July. ESPN said, “The Yankees clearly want to save their ace for a late-season run, so will exercise caution, making sure to not rush a return.” Seriously, is ESPN purposely five years behind everyone else or do they try to anticipate what other people think and just feed off of that? Are they under the assumption that casual (read: lazy) fans think Sabathia is the Yankees ace, so they just go with that? Are they ignoring Tanaka? Are they afraid of upsetting Yankee fans? Do they think Yankee fans are stupid? I have questions, y’all! Sabathia hasn’t been an ace in two years and I see no return to that any time soon. Even if he loses another 75 pounds and grows back his belly, only now it’s from being malnourished, and he shows up at the ballpark with flies buzzing around his head. Chase Whitley will remain in the rotation now and he had a 10+ K/9, 2.4 BB/9 in Triple-A, but he wasn’t even a starter prior to this year and the Yanks are throwing crap against their dresser hoping it forms a pretty, flower-doily design. I wouldn’t mess with him outside of AL-Only leagues. Anyway, here’s what else I saw yesterday in fantasy baseball:
Ryan Zimmerman – Told reporters that he was simply shagging fly balls, not learning left field, explaining, “Have you seen me try to throw from 3rd base? You want me to run fly balls back in from the outfield?”
Stephen Strasburg – 7 IP, 2 ER, 7 baserunners, 4 Ks. So far this year his 3.38 ERA, 1.29 WHIP are a real snoozefest, but his peripherals are sparkling — 10.9 K/9, 2.35 BB/9, 2.58 xFIP. He’s been the victim of a .358 BABIP, and other stats invented by a bunch of nerds hopped-up on Capri Sun. The general gist is Strasburg will get better, so if you can get him in a trade, now would be the time. General Gist was also the name of my high school band. You might remember us from our single that briefly charted in the US top 40, “8 Million Ways To Roll A 20-Sided Die (Choose One).”
Joey Votto – The Reds are undecided on whether or not to DL Votto. All I say is DL him or not, but please3 don’t start him for one AB in four days, then DL him and have the DL stint pushed back four days for that.
Mike Leake – 6 2/3 IP, 1 ER, 8 baserunners, 4 Ks, ERA down to 2.91. He’s got some yesteryear type peripherals — 5.3 K/9 and a 1.66 BB/9 — back when striking guys out was an insult because you had fought alongside them in Prussia.
Aroldis Chapman – 2 IP, 1 ER with the blown save on a sac fly. If it didn’t cost him a win, Leake would’ve appreciated that old school manufacturing of a run. “When I was a kid, we’d manufacture runs drinking soda pop laced with cocaine, telling the pitcher he had the grip, then running home.” That’s Leake if he were 120 years old.
Billy Hamilton – 2-for-6 and his 16th steal. And Sliding Billy Hamilton played with Leake back in 1898. Though he was a lot whiter then.
Chris Heisey – 3-for-6. Has done next to nothing since starting with Bruce injured, but he is capable, which sounds like a compliment his mom would say.
Todd Frazier – 3-for-6, 2 runs, 2 RBIs and his 8th homer as he hits .268. Quietly putting together a valuable season like he’s a librarian wearing mittens over his shoes.
Jason Kipnis – Hopes to begin rehab this weekend. Have one more cocktail for me!
Corey Kluber – 7 IP, 3 ER, 10 baserunners, 8 Ks. Now has four straight solid starts — some would even say Quality Starts — which is terrific, but I get the sense he’s due for a blow up. That’s simply my gut talking and I had Mexican food for dinner. The Stream-o-Nator doesn’t hate his next start, so I’m sure its nothing. And that’s how you landscape the hedges!
Cody Allen – 1 IP, 1 ER. Was called on to save the game and he did the opposite. It’s not Axford, it’s the closer role in Cleveland. Its womb is polluted! Axford may just get the next save opportunity again. Hang on tight, it’s a rapidly moving closerousel!
Michael Brantley – 2-for-4 and his 9th homer. It was a walk-off jobber that I blew out of the park with all my hot air about how much I like Brantley.
Yan Gomes – 3-for-4, 2 runs. Thankfully, Carlos Santana (0-for-4, hitting .148) learned third base or there would be serious heat to bench him for Gomes. Well, actually, Santana should be benched for Lonnie Chisenhall (1-for-1, hitting .371).
Drew Smyly – 5 IP, 3 ER, 12 baserunners, 6 Ks. I think I’ve figured out The Emoticon. Four innings and he’s a middle reliever; five innings and he’s a starter. More like Drew Sideways Face, Squiggly Line Indicating Taunting Tongue.
Nick Castellanos – 2-for-4, 1 run, and hitting under .150 in the last week, so that hot streak hasn’t come yet is what you’re telling me? All right, Nick Can’t-stand-nos.
Victor Martinez – 1-for-4 and his 11th homer and 2nd in as many games. The Indians threw Kluber out there, but you need to dust off the Corey Silver Spiker to put away The Zombino.
Khris Davis – 2-for-4, 2 RBIs and his 5th homer. Last time he homered, I picked him up the next day and ran him out there for a 1-for-32 spell, which is actually spelled F-A-C-K.
Ryan Braun – 1-for-4 and his 7th homer. His fan club in right field, The Hebrewers, tossed their yarmulkes in the air with the homer, then they pulled their hair out from PEDs guilt.
Wily Peralta – 5 IP, 2 ER, 13 baserunners, 5 Ks, as he tied his owners to the WHIPping post. His ERA is still 2.18 and half of my pitching staffs are injured, so I won’t hear complaints.
Jason Heyward – 3-for-4, 2 runs and two steals. This big game raised his average to .228. Only twenty more games like last night and it will make sense Heyward is batting leadoff, then Fredi will move him down the order.
Freddie Freeman – 2-for-5 and his 9th homer, and 2nd in as many games. He’s on pace for 35 homers and 108 RBIs. I think there might be room for him in the first round next year. There’s going to be a 400-pound space freeing up for a 1st baseman.
Justin Upton – 1-for-2, 2 RBIs and his 11th homer. I guess the month of June will be when Justin Wonder Twin-fist bumps B.J. and they turn into each other.
Andrelton Simmons – 3-for-5, 1 RBI. The SETI Institute is trying to piece together whether there’s a hidden code in his stat line. There’s an area there where they see 51.
Mike Minor – 6 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 7 baserunners, 5 Ks. Looks like he’s settled down nicely after a rough first start back. Hopefully, he’s not settling down like Cashner, Medlen, Taijuan, Beachy, Jose Fernandez, Chris Sale, Matt Moore…Okay, let’s move on.
Jason Vargas – 4 2/3 IP, 7 ER. The Regression Fairies call Bette Midler ‘The Divine Miss M,’ they own a pair of bicycle shorts they wear for special occasions and they will rip your heart out.
Salvador Perez – Out a few days after hurting his thumb. If only his abuelita were around to kiss it and make it better.
Billy Butler – 3-for-5, 1 run, 1 RBI. Terrific, fabulous, wonderful, are we sure the Royals aren’t keeping their bats in a humidor?
Alcides Escobar – 2-for-4, 2 runs and his 12th steal. So far, he’s my biggest regret for a guy that I shouldn’t have dropped. The regrets for guys I held on to too long is too painful to mention.
Matt Lindstrom – Left yesterday’s game after turning his ankle. Down goes Lindstrom, up goes Downs and who closes? Ronald Belisario has pitched the best in the last month, Daniel Webb has pitched the best if you just look at his surface numbers and does have ‘closer stuff’ — whatever that means — and Jake Petricka got the save last night, but Petricka was a Communist movement that failed and he was used last night only because Webb had pitched the last two days and Belisario had already gone in the game. I’d put Webb and Belisario’s names in a hat and grab one.
Alexei Ramirez – 2-for-5, 4 RBIs and his 6th homer. On our Player Rater, Alexei is ranked 20th overall. I will now laugh myself into a strait jacket.
Dayan Viciedo – 2-for-4 and his 4th homer. Rather than a hot schmotato, I’m beginning to think now we can set our clock to Viciedo homering again in a week, assuming we have a clock that has a day hand and a homer hand.
Paul Konerko – 1-for-4, 2 RBIs and his 2nd homer. For those in deep leagues that lost Abreu, Konerko might be someone to look at as I mention in yesterday’s radio (podcast? television?) show.
Garrett Richards – 7 IP, 5 ER, 12 baserunners, 1 K vs. the Asstros. The Regression Fairies call their lovers ‘poopsie,’ they own a poodle and they come in when you least expect it and set fire to the rain like the goblin that is in the finals of The Voice.
Dallas Keuchel – 8 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 6 baserunners, 8 Ks. Just leave your password in the comments and I’ll pick him up for you. If you’re password is “grey’smoostacheisdabombdotgov” all the better.
Matt Dominguez – 2-for-4, 1 RBI, a day after hitting two homers, hitting near-.300 in the last week. Hot schmotato alert!
Martin Perez – Underwent Tommy John surgery. I wonder if the same surgery in Mexico is called Tomas Juan surgery. I’m too lazy to Google, let me know. Thanks!
Carlos Marmol – Released by the Marlins. The Marlins tried to find interest from other teams prior to releasing him, but MLB ruled that it was illegal for one team to sign Marmol for another team.
Miguel Tejada – Signed by the Marlins. In addition to a utility backup infield role, Tejada will be playing the two starring roles in the off-South Beach revival of The Old Man and the Sea with Hemingway narration provided by the Dos Equis “Most Interesting Man in the World” guy.
2 PEAT
@Malicious Phenom: Great, now you can respond for Grey to everyone’s questions. Brilliant!
@Peter Nincompoop: it is, actually.
@goodfold2: Ummm
@goodfold2:
Thanks goodfold2..
Hey I am just having fun, I LOVE fantasy baseball.
I have played since 1993, managed 43 teams and won 19 championships. I played on these sites: Sandbox.com, rotonews.com, ESPN, Fox sports.com, Yahoo, and CBS (14 seasons now, same league).
NOT bragging, just stating my credentials as to why I feel qualified to help you guys out.
I also ask for advice on here, and I don’t mind when someone other than Grey helps me out.
And if that is not enough, Grey said it was ok. hehe
The only time Grey does not comment on a post is when he agrees with me.
I would love to do this for a living.
Peter, How do I get my own bolg?
@Malicious Phenom: In all “due” respect, albeit impressive, I don’t really care about your credentials as there is no way to substantiate them. I think it’s generous of you to stay up to the wee hours of the morning and post your thoughts on people’s questions, but people aren’t checking Razzball to see what you have to think, their reading the blog(s) to see what Grey, Rudy, JB, Sky, The Guru, etc., think. They spend a lot of time and effort writing these posts and responding to commenters questions, so you bogarting them isn’t respectful to them, or, their loyal followers.
Sounds like you’re a pretty successful fantasy baseball player for the past two decades. Congratulations. You could google how to begin your own blog, but you might miss posting first on Grey’s tonight. Here’s a tip to get you going on your search…wordpress.com
Good luck!
@Peter Nincompoop: “bogarting” would only apply if Phenom’s posts actually stole from a finite resource. i.e. it somehow took away Grey’s ability to answer questions. clearly Phenom doesn’t do this. Grey still answers when/if his answer is different than Phenom’s.
@Malicious Phenom: Are you the “JP” of fantasy baseball phenoms? Are you a “genius”?
@Peter Nincompoop: lol i always wondered if people got mad cause he answers the questions and when he does grey dont answer
@my sisters friend boyfriend: Exactly my point. He uses Grey’s creativeness and insight to post his own thoughts. He should start his own blog.
@Peter Nincompoop: i dont care, it probably saves grey the time to type a response to every question he’s probably answered 20+ times
Greetings, thanks for the insight- always a pleasure too read………….. I am in a NL only typical roto 5×5 ——- pretty competitive league…………. I have Espinosa at MI ..and though he is getting me some HRs and a hand full of steals, the rest of his stats, are, well, crap. I am probably sure I wont be in position to obtain Wong from the waivers (as we do waivers once a week, and worse too first, per round, with no bench) ——– whats your take on Ricky Weeks, or Jordy Mercer for ROS ? ——-isnt Espinosa’s playing time coming to an end, when Zimmerman gets back ? ———–and how long before Bourjos is benched and Taveras called up in St Louie?
@Dusty Baker: If Weeks keeps hitting he is the guy, even Monday Grey was recommending your man Weeks..
Should see Oscar T. around early June
@Dusty Baker: I’d stick with Espinosa if there’s no bench, yes, early June
@Grey: thanks ——-
Grey:
I trade away Jay Bruce and Anibal Sanchez and get Strasburg. What do you think? I have Puig, Adam Jones, and McCutchen in the OF and Alex Gordon at UTIL
@Steve:good trade
@Steve: Sounds fair
Joe Smith or Jason Motte? Thanks
@2 Giant rings: what is choice #3? lol
@Malicious Phenom: deep league
@2 Giant rings:I would say Motte, he should get his closer job back right away..
@Malicious Phenom:
Based on what? Rosenthal had been throwing pretty well up until Matheny threw him for the 4th straight day. Rosenthal hasn’t been too great this year – I know as a double-owner – but I would argue Smith has a higher chance of getting the saves than Motte right now.
@DrearyJester: not only 4th str day, but 5th in 6, and 6th in 8. he pitched in 6 games (one of them for 1.66 innings) in 8 days. Matheny thinks he’s F.Gonzalez and Rosenthal is Venters.
@DrearyJester: Well in a deep league it’s probably more beneficial to take a flier on Motte in the hopes he ends up with the job and keeps it all year. Joe Smith might get a couple more saves right now, but his time in the role is limited and not secure whatsoever. So those 2-3 saves you get right now, or the potential 15-20 you could get from Motte for the rest of the season. Not to mention he has better K potential, and was pretty lights out when he was closing before the injury.
@Malicious Phenom: Right away, ha.
@2 Giant rings: I’d have to go with Smith right now, but keep an eye on Mott’e first couple of appearances and how Rosenthal rebounds from pitching four consecutive days and six times in eight days (what were they thinking??).
Smith is obviously a less-than-perfect choice because Scioscia seems to want Frieri to have the job. But I don’t know why everyone’s so willing to give Motte the keys right away. Pitchers don’t always regain their control in the first few months they’re activated after Tommy John surgery and you can bet they’ll be watching his workload when he starts pitching.
@Enrique: yes, not only “not always”, it’s the majority of guys coming back from TJ take a few months or so.
@2 Giant rings: Smith
This is vintage form, Grey. Literally had me laughing out loud. Awesome work.
12 team 5×5. Trade Justin Upton for Adam Jones?
@HWY68: sure
@HWY68: Thanks! I’d take Jones
The Adverb, The Emoticon… we need more of these: The Oxymoron for Angel Pagan? Who else?
@DrEasy: Too bad Johnny Damon retired. The Idiot has a nice ring to it.
@DrEasy: Like it. Need a good one for Pagan. The Multi Demential Denomination? The Coexist?
Oh and should I drop Espinosa or Gyorko for Owings?
@DrEasy: Espinosa
@DrEasy: Espinosa, definitely.
Gray!!!
Your article is too good for words. If only one were paid by the % of words containing sarcasm and wit one had in any given text!!! You would be a gazillionaire! Eek. On to the awards fr ur article IMHO.
1. Gold medal
The Billy Hamilton 21st c. to 19th c. segue. Should be a classic on the NYT Bestseller segue lines in no time.
2. Silver medal
Drew Smyly. Gets second place “ONLY” because smiley is not spelled smyly. Too bad we weren’t in the 80s when John Smiley was actually an RP converting to an SP in the Pirates organization. But then smiley would have a whole different meaning.
3. Bronze medal
Gomes comment. Actually the Santana reference to him not being better (of course, sarcasm aside, only at present) then the lowly and lonely Lonnie Chisenhall.
4. Lead medal (Inspired by Huddy Leadbelly, look him up I’m too tired to give you the wikipedia link ok here it is…http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huddy_Ledbetter – actually his real name is close to bedwetter which makes me laugh.)
The Regression Fairies, they will be visiting the aforementioned Lonnie Chisenhall or maybe they won’t because he won’t get more than 50 ABs to the end of the season.
Ante
@Ante GALIC: Good stuff Ante, except for that spelling mistake on calling Grey a paint color..cheers
@Ante GALIC: Ha, thanks!
What has Shaw done to not still be up for the closer job in Cleveland??
Other than be on my team.
@Emporers Monkey: I had the same question. I’d have thought Allen’s performance would help Shaw, at least in the short term. Grey, do you think Ax has jumped Shaw in the pecking order? Shaw’s only allowed 1ER in his last 8 appearances.
Axford has had four clean appearances in a row and was claiming fatigue did him in early in the month. Maybe he’s rested now.
Grey, anyone: opinions? Would Axford be to hold than Smith, Shaw, or Doolittle?
@Enrique: @Emporers Monkey: Nothing, but the Indians don’t seem to be using Shaw in that role as of right now… I’d hold him for now though
Grey++
Sorry on the misspelling of your name!!! Please don’t banish me to the disgraceful list!!!
Cheers,
Ante
Was Garrett Richard’s start a sign of things to come, or was this just a blip on the radar?
@picard56: Richards has been pitching over his head, so the regression fairies were going to get him sooner or later..
@picard56: I watched most of his start, he normally keeps the ball down in the zone and he left a lot of pitches up last night that got hammered. He was a bit wild (hence not hitting the bottom of the zone) and seemed to struggle to find his release point. His defense also did him NO favors. Eric Aybar thought he was Derek Jeter running all the way into the OF trying to make an over the shoulder grab that an OF would’ve been better off trying to catch. He kinda lost it over his shoulder and it fell right beside him, it was ruled a hit, should’ve been an error. Howie Kendrick let a GB go by him that 80% of major league 2Bs get to and throw the runner out. It was a shizz show for sure, but I don’t think it’s the way things are gonna be from here on out. He actually settled down for a 5 inning stretch and looked OK. Clearly didn’t have his best stuff last night and it should’ve been a 7 IP, 3 ER game. Which wouldn’t have raised too many eyebrows. The 1K is a little odd, but still.
@picard56: Something in between. Guy’s not as good as he’s been pitching, but he’s better than he looked last night. I regret dropping him after his last bad start a few weeks ago. Somebody else with more foresight than me nabbed him almost immediately and has been enjoying the ride.
Keuchel threw 128 pitches tonight, quite a high count. Does that bring up any nervous flags for his next start? seems like high volume games typically preceed clunkers
@Miles: 128 pitches, no big deal, whats the worse that could happen, blow out his arm? Should have pulled him after 7..
@Malicious Phenom: Would have been the first Astros CG since they were the Colt 45’s.
@Nick The Podcast Host: 8 innings would have been fine when he was at around 112 or so.
@Nick The Podcast Host: didn’t he throw a CG last start before this?
@Jay: Ya he threw a CG his last start, but had almost no high-stress or high pressure innings and basically cruised through 9 innings. Last night he had quite a few easy innings throwing less than 10 pitches, and only had a couple high pressure intense innings that brought up the pitch count. I wouldn’t worry too much about it, he’s got a nice frame to handle the workload (aka he’s not a little dude) and since he throws a changeup and not a whole ton of breaking balls he’s not putting as much stress on the arm as most pitchers. I really like this guy, he’s for real and I would be targeting him in trades or off the waiver wire while his value is relatively cheap.
Who has 2 thumbs up and is free of Prince Fielder in every league he’S in? This guy…..even landed Tulo in one of the deals.
@Natty Boh: well done Natty!
@Natty Boh: Enjoy that delicious beer after getting rid of the fat Prince… but save one for when Tulo goes to the disgraceful list
@Justin: Tulo’s never in his life gone on disgraceful list. he’s just made of glass.
@Natty Boh: Nice
Hi Grey,
With Alexei is doing good today, kindly pich two of Andrus, Alexei, Segura for now. thanks.
@Wilson: Andrus and Segura, best two of the 3
Minor’s first start was great. His second start was a horror fest
@apoxonbothyourhouses: Oops
Alex Cobb is coming off the DL this week and going to face Sonny Gray and the 9-1 in their last 10 games, Oakland A’s. Should I start Cobb this week and more importantly I have to drop one of the following pitchers: Ventura, Doug Fister, Wiley Peralta, Liriano, A.J. Burnett, Masterson, Jesse Chavez and Sonny Gray. I am leaning more towards dropping Liriano or Masterson with the latter being my heaviest lean. What do you think? Ofcourse I would not drop, Gray, Chavez or Ventura. Thanks a billion Greystaches!
@dLark: I’d start him in most leagues…Masterson….
Hey Grey,
What do you think about starting Bumgarner tonight in Colorado?
Yay or Nay
@dubjay: I always start my aces all the time..Bum is a stud
@dubjay: In 60.2 IP @ COL he’s got a 4.01 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and is 4-5. Kinda a mixed bag. How much risk are you willing to take on? I’d sit him personally given that COL is MASHING at home right now. Rather see a good game on my bench then 7 ER in my starting LU.
@MattTruss223: Matt thanks for the numbers, I will also bench mad bum, not worth the risk right now..I’ll throw bum for his 2nd start this week on Sunday…cheers
@Malicious Phenom: His last start in Colorado wasn’t bad… 8 innings 2 ER 6 Ks. I’m gonna assume that this next start will regress to the mean and I’m gonna sit him
@dubjay:
Not just no. Hell no. I’d rather miss a good start than endure a 1.2 IP, 8H, 7 ER shellacking.
If It’s weekly head to head I might do it. Full season roto? No way.
@dubjay:
11ER in 17IP there last yr (better results in previous yrs though)
I’d sit…
been thinking bout trading for stras
would you deal ellsbury to get him?
i dont have much else that would make sense to offer
@geegee: yes I would
@geegee: Yup
July for CC? Is that how long it takes to drain gravy from his bloated knees?
@English: Ha, guess so
fair/ close? W.Myers and I.Kennedy for Julio Teheran? Send off Julio for those two? Still not sure on Kennedy this year.
@Shawn of the Livid: I think you’re giving up too much. Kennedy has been pitching real well (9.8 k/9; 1.96 bb/9), I’d hold him. Could try Myers for Teheran if you’re desperate for pitching…
@Cyr: whoops, misread that. Yes, I’d take Kennedy and Myers
@Shawn of the Livid: Yup.
Hi, Grey. Nice article again :)
I have Lucroy at C, and i picked up Ramos from WW when he was on DL. I have used him at UT.
Now I’m considering to drop him. Will I do right thing? How about picking up Viciedo over him?
@Piranhaman: Also having a tough time with Ramos. Drafted him higher then I would have(thanks to greys love) But on the wire im staring at Mesoraco and Jason Castro…. Thinking I should hold but would be interested to see your opinions on Ramos ROS. My gut feeling is he needs more time to get ready. Think about it went all spring training seeing little time and then gets hurt the first game. This is still “spring training” for him. Same with Machado, itll be about June before they hit their stride.
@Justin: I’m in the same boat. Have Ramos, but castro, gomes and Norris all available on the wire. Is Ramos really that much better than those waiver guys?
@Piranhaman: Drop Ramos
Catcher Q alert:
Picked up C Santana off waivers a couple of weeks ago when Mesoraco was DL. Now Mesoraco is back and back to raking his male model face off, and Santana is still worse than the Matchbox 20 guy. Gotta drop one. Which?
On a positive note, I dropped Gyorko, so no more “can I drop Gyorko?” questions from me!
@Taylor:
I got that handled this thread..
@Taylor: Mesoraco
Your thoughts on Jeremy Hellickson, could be back by end of June…cheers
@Malicious Phenom: yawnstipating
@Justin:Nice, Justin..I am sure Grey will be proud!
@Malicious Phenom: Hell Boy is brutal to own when he isn’t coming off of serious injury.
@DonSlaughtOnslaught: ok, now that we have officially decided hell boy sucks..How about Derek Holland?
@Malicious Phenom: Been reading on multiple sites that Holland was one of the better IR stashes. Of course that was long before everyone started getting injured and everyone ran out of DL spots.
@ashtray: If he still has the “stache”. Grab him.
Don’t think we should joke about references to poverty stricken people in places like Africa with the CC malnourishment blurb. Have to remember how lucky most of us are. Love most of your comments though, always make me laugh.
Hutchison, Wily, G Richards. Pick 2 from 3.
@Swfcdan: sissy
@mike iwakuma: Don’t you have better things to do than to read everyone’s comments on here? You do realise people are constantly dying from starvation in Africa and you’re happy to laugh at them. What a great human being you are, Hisachi would be proud to be your dad.
@Swfcdan: Cry me a river.
@Swfcdan: There are no boundaries in fantasy baseball. If you want “politically correct” go read an ESPN article. haha
@Justin: espn message boards are filled with the highest level of human trash, if that’s what you are looking for. some of them do appreiciate pc-ness though. life must suck for somebody who can’t laugh at things though, it’s not sadistic to find suffering funny (it’s actually the basis for comedy itself)
@Swfcdan: Add Pomeranz to that. 2 from 4.
@Swfcdan: Wily, Richards
@Swfcdan: CC has nothing to do with starvation in africa…lighten up
Not off to the greatest of starts and thought I would field offers for trout. It’s a 10 team, h2h, 5×5 w/ Obp, and you keep 8. 1st offer:
Trout, gyorko, singleton for Carlos Gomez, rizzo, kinsler, and arenado.
@Hurling Darvishes: That’s a good haul for basically trout. I’d do it. that’s the type of depth trade that makes a team great.
@Hurling Darvishes: Nice trade for you, could get your team back in the hunt! cheers
Wilson ramos has Been terrible. He’s on my bench now after picking up Norris who’s been hot. Is it worth holding onto Ramos hoping he turns it around? Or I could drop him for Eric young, villar, Hutchison, or Chen? If you advise the drop and pickup, what order would you put those guys for waiver priority. Thanks as always Grey.
@Wade boggs: Terrible? He’s been on the dl all year and and has only played like 4 games so far since hes been back.
Now Carlos Santana – thats a much larger sample size, and you can safely use the term TERRIBLE with him.
@Wade boggs: Villar
Everth or Alcides?
@FISHY: ECab
@Malicious Phenom: Phenom, you knew Grey was saying Alcides here, what kind of simulacrum are you?
@goodfold2: simularcum? Razzball is making me smarter!
@FISHY: Alcides.
@FISHY: Alcides
@Grey, need to drop someone to activate Cobb. Bailey, Chavez, or Bauer? Starting to lose my mind owning bailey…
@DP: Bauer
@DP: That’s tough. Wait to see how Bauer does tonight. He might make it easy on you. But if he does well, i don’t know what to suggest. Isn’t there someone else to drop?
@DP: What Enrique said, prolly Bauer though
@Grey: We starting Bauer tonight?
In most leagues
Thinking about dropping Gyorko in my league. Have him in UTL with Dee Gordon and Rendon at 2b and Middle infield. Jedd is just killing my team after targeting him.in all my league at the draft. Ugh
I can pick up Billy Butler who send to be emerging. Pull the trigger or keep waiting on Jedd?
@Thump: Billy Butler is garbage
@Miles: He does look a little like a garbage pail kid.
I heard he eats garbage.
@gareth: so true!
@gareth: Nice Garbage Pail Kid reference.
@gareth: Country Breakfast! (from a trash can)
@Thump: FWIW, I think Butler > Gyorko if you take position out of the equation
@Adam Jonesin: Agreed.
@Thump: Hold
12 team mixed h2h
Have Hardy at SS and Prado at MI
Was offered Cole and Aybar for Tanaka.
Is that enough for Tanaka, or should I find better?
@Leraw: Not good
Country Breakfast is prolly the better overall player than Jethro Van Jerko..I would do it..
@Malicious Phenom: wait till the BABIP comes back.could happen anytime. If butler can’t even hit for high average Gyorko is better than him. It’s not like Butler hits homers or anything.
Quick suggestion: Add a disclaimer at the end saying whether it’s safe or not to cut Gyorko. That’ll cut the questions in half.
@ashtray: Ha
Richards struggled so much that he ended Castro’s strikeout-game streak. First time since Apr 22, Castro did NOT K in a gm.
@papasmurf: Jesus
@Grey: probably biggest indicator he had a bad game. we can use this for any pitcher maybe.
Drop Hart for Asche?
@kyle: Yup, I’d do it unless you need 1B eligibility.
Is there a term for when you are looking for a batty call and against every fiber in your body you add Mostsuckass. It’s like #^@$!*% a hooker without a rubber.
@The Strolg: That’s kind of a version of Beerer Goggles…a lesser known term that is in the Razzball dictionary. It’s in honor of Scott Beerer, the ex-professional ball player.
“It’s 2AM, I’m at the bar alone and trying to find a replacement for Zimm to play 3B. I’m thinking of taking Mostsuckass for a ride.”
“Whoa friend. Things aren’t that bad. Step away from your PDA, give me your keys and let’s call it a night.”
(Next day) “Thanks pal. Mostsuckass was really starting to look good and you saved me from something I’m not sure I could have recovered from.”
“Understood. It was a bad case of the Beerer Goggles. We’ve all been there. You would have done the same for me.”
“Now, what do think of giving Kelly Johnson a shot there?”
@The Strolg: Beerer Googles mixed with cream of the crap with blairing mistake…
16 team h2h, 16 keepers. 7×7, Ususal 5×5 cats with xbh, BB, QS, L added.
Getting a bit worried about Cano here, exploring ideas to trade him. How about this one,
I give: Cano, Hamels, Alex Gordon
I get: Kinsler, King Felix, Cespedes
What do you think of this move?
@justin: Sounds decent
H2H league with QS who do you like ROS?
Nate Eovaldi
Dallas Keuchel
@Bob: Eovaldi
@Grey: was gonna ask this just to see if i should be depressed that i kept eovaldi over him (only league i don’t have Keuchel where i could have conceivably got him)
Team A gets Molina & Hudson for Team B’s Mesoraco & Michael Cuddyer
Who wins the trade? 12-team H2H 5×5 non-keeper league
@WNWDOTCOM: B
@Grey: Thanks man. I just realized I typed that extremely confusing but I’m assuming you are picking the Mesoraco/Cuddyer side. Appreciate the help as always!
“8 Million Ways To Roll A 20-Sided Die (Choose One).”
HAHAHA!!! Brilliant!
@Moronymous Lohse:
“Petricka” too! I dabbled with some of those Petricka dudes my Sophomore year in college but the Gramscian guys were getting all the chicks so I defected to them. Nothing got chicks going more than “yeah….totally…I mean Howard Zinn, right!? Just…he’s soooo, you know…”
@Moronymous Lohse: Ha, thanks!
12team h2h-
Is Springer worth grabbing? He’s looked much better at the plate lately. My OF is J Upton, Marte, Cespedes and Rios. I know I don’t need him, but just hoping that he might catch fire. Worth an add?
@TheShelbySensation: I’d say yes , but it depends on who your dropping.
@Toe Knee Arm Ass: Pedro Alvarez? He’s just a bench bat.
@TheShelbySensation: Hold
Drop Richards and pick up Keuchel, or hold?
@PK: Bah, I always forget to include the pertinent info! 12-team 5×5 roto
@PK: Go for it
Dropped Chavez for Escobar for that sagnof-y goodness. Solid move? I feel like Chavez is gonna blow up in a bad way soon
@Fireball Feliz: Sure
Pitching conundrum! I have Cobb coming off the DL…. who do you suggest gets cut?
J Teheran
Y Ventura
H Bailey
F Liriano
D Keuchel
C Tillman
C Kluber
N Eovaldi
I can only carry 8 active pitchers. H2H, weekly points league. Thanks!
@timmyk93: Tillman
@timmyk93: Liriano
@timmyk93: Tillman
Great as always Grey!
In a 14 team roto keeper would you trade Ian Desmond to get Evreth Cabrera? In second place right now with a power heavy team and I’m dead last in steals. Either of these guys would probably be kept.
@Niceguybilly: yup
@Niceguybilly: Thanks! I’d want Desmond
How do you guys prefer to follow your fantasy teams?
Pick one game and watch it straight through? Follow your teams live online, and flip to a new game every time one of your players comes up to bat? Just check the stats in the morning?
In any event, MLB.tv + Apple TV is the greatest invention of all-time
@Chicagifornia: Thanks for the commercial! The Checks in the mail.
It’ll bounce.
@gareth:
Cool bro
@Chicagifornia: I flip around on my iPad
Was just offered Cueto for Prince in a 5×5 12 team roto, take it or leave it? Also own Chris Davis and Adrian Gonzalez
@The Big Stank: take it
@Malicious Phenom:
was just offered cuddyer and cliff lee, take that instead?
@The Big Stank: Take Cueto, unless you need Cuddyer which it doesn’t sound like you do
@Grey:
currently fielding an outfield of choo, marte, brantley, ozuna, viciedo, hamilton on dl and stashing polanco
I’ve never asked for any kind of geometrical offering for a slumping or injured player before, but I own Joey Votto on four out of my five teams, so I have to put the call out for some kind of prayerallelogram this time. Who’s with me?
@Principal Blackman: Principal B, inside scoop is Joey V will wait in Cincy until the Reds return for a 3 game series at home v the Cards..and he will be good to go..
@Malicious Phenom: highly doubt he’ll be “good to go” in the way you hope to mean.
@Principal Blackman: haha! Tell me about it. I just suffered through having Alex Cobb on the DL for how many weeks? And I had him on all of my 6 teams!!!
@Principal Blackman: Ha, I gotcha
Chris Davis or Freddie Freeman, ROS?
@Carter: I go Freeman, I don’t think Crush comes close to last seasons numbers..
@Carter: Freeman.
I don’t want to come off like it offends me but I just gotta know. Does the phenom guy work with you guys at razzball or does he just everyday dress up like grey and answer 120 questions like he might? I wonder if people log off thinking they got the answer they needed but its from some random dude nobody sought out. Not hating on you phenom. Maybe a little just wondering.
@LT: great question………………..
@LT: Sometimes guys take the early shift to lighten the load for Grey. I’m not sure if malicious phenom is officially affiliated with razzball though.
Its a fact of life that there’s only one Grey to go around, and hes awesome. The service he provides is second to none (alongside Rudy ). I always look forward to Monday mornings every week and the return of his write ups.
@gareth: I think if Grey’s opinion differs from another commenter, he’ll say so. If he doesn’t offer any additional advice then, in general, he agrees with whoever replied (razzball affiliated or not)
@Fireball Feliz: I’m new here and that’s exactly the way I see it . I have asked a few questions that other readers have answered trying to assist me . Never took offence never will. I answered some obvious questions especially in the just dropped or just offered just so a reader could respond faster.
@gareth:
I always find it humorous when people ask Grey a ‘pick one’ question, Phenom answers it thinking he’ll be in agreement with Grey, and Grey answers with the opposite.
@Philsfan: very often it saves Grey time, and could start further dialog, which could lead us to learn things. even if not, there’s certainly nothing lost.
@LT: He’s just being helpful. Grey doesn’t rise ’till the crack of noon.
@Nick The Podcast Host: That’s because both he and his mustache need 8 hours of sleep. 8 separate hours, mind you. The ‘stache is a sleep talker!
Grey! RP Rondon or LaTroy ROS ?
@Lou: LaTroy
Dallas Keuchel or Hiroki Kuroda?
@Chris: Dallas
Haha, the HeBrewers. I’ve missed that before. I may order that jersey with “Maclemore’s” name on the back
Need some help if you don’t mind. My offense is struggling. Just a quick rundown, 10 Yahoo Rotisserie.
C: Rosario
1B: Pujols
2B: Wong (Gyrko on bench)
SS: Segura
3B: Longoria
OF: Cutch
OF: Bmyers
OF: Billy Hamilton
UTIL: Springer
I picked up Wong for Gyorko and have Gyrko on my bench. Also have Votto on my bench while he heals. I really try not to have bench bats since this league has a high innings limit. My pitching has been struggling as well. Staff: Ventura – Porcello – Bailey – Eovaldi – Liriano with Cobb coming back on Thurs. Should I drop Wong or Gyrko to make room for Cobb? Also, Keuchel is available. Are Liriano or Eovaldi worth dropping for Kuechel?
Thanks so much and sorry for the long winded question
BTW, Ehrlich killed It on Silicon Valley this week
@Jamiehov: Ha, nice… I haven’t watched Silicon Valley yet this week…With finales, it may not be until Thursday (to me: cool story, bro)…. I’d hold Gyorko
What do you think of
Iwakuma/Bauer for Hill/Gattis?
@Adam Jonesin: It’s fair, depends on needs
would you drop Matt Adams or Dom Brown for any of the following Yelich, Juan Francisco, AJ Pollock, Pablo Sandoval, Rajai Davis?
@mcBlunty: I’d drop Brown for either Yelich or Rajai.
@mcBlunty: Adams for Pablo
Would you trade Braun for Strasburg ?
@Phil: Nope
Brad Miller is the name not spoken!!!!
@ElBoss: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord_Voldemort
@ElBoss: Who?
Safe to drop Tommy Hunter?
@Jangles: For?
@Grey: an outfielder cause my hitting sucks and I lead the roto league in saves. still have Soriano, Rosenthal, Reed, Shaw and ODay (holds count to and I suck at those)
So I watched the entire Astros/Angels game yesterday. Two observations:
1) Keuchel is pronounced like “Michael” but with a K.
2) Keuchel throws like Michael Angelo but he paints the corners with a lot of K’s.
Ps. Do you ever pronounce a fantasy name in your head a lot without ever hearing it on TV. Then you say it out loud to your buddy and they have no idea who you’re talking about? example: My friend kept calling his pitcher “Tijuana” Walker like the city in Mexico.
@Game of Throws: Yeah, totally… All the time…
@Game of Throws: Kind of like reading the names in the Game of Thrones books and then hearing them on tv. I was initially worried about how nerdy that comment would be. Then I read your name.
@ashtray: game of throws is a baseball reference likely. hehe.
Is Pujols, Donaldson and Gray to much to pay for Au Shucks in a 10-team, H2H, OBP league?
@Tom: Oh and I’m punting steals.
@Tom: WAAAAYYYY too much. Pujols and Donaldson are both crushing it. Try one of them w/ Gray first, but both way too much. Just my opinion.
@Tom: Too much, and Donaldson is especially valuable in an OBP league. Could see doing it for Pujols and Gray, depending on your other pitchers, but that’s pretty expensive.
Ont @Tom< [email protected][email protected]Tom: Don’t punt anything; the team that wins your league wont.
Drop Peralta for Drew after he signs or does it depend on where he signs?
@Jack: Depends where
@Grey: How about Boston?
QS league: lincecum or leake?
@Trapper Keeper: Lincecum
Great read Grey!
Better streaming option tonight?
1) Bauer vs DET
2) Liriano vs BAL
3) Desclafani? vs PHI
Thanks!
@Miz: Liriano
@Miz: Thanks! None are great…Liriano
What are the chances Motte is closing in St. Louis by the All-Star break?
Who would you rather have, Jim Johnson or Motte?
While you are at it, can you rank these guys in terms of saves rest of season.
Johnson, Frieri, Motte, Melancon, Allen
@malamoney: Unlikely..Johnson… Frieri, Johnson
Anything wrong with Kershaw? You think its possible that his injury comes back to haunt us?
I have an offer: Kershaw for Liriano and Cliff Lee…. Thoughts?
@Dirt Nasty: Could be…That trade isn’t great
14 tm weekly H2h, we start 4 SP and can only carry 7, plus 2 DL. With Cingrani and Anibal coming off DL I have 8 healthy SP. Been shopping guys but no bites. If it comes down to it, who do you drop? W, L and QS count.
Anibal
Cole
Bailey
Cingrani
Porcello
Keuchel
Beckett (2 starts this wk)
Bauer (2 starts)
Gio (DL)
The following guys are also available and get 2 starts in our league (Tue-Mon) this week–R. Montero, Odorizzi, Roark, Hutchison and McCarthy. Add any?
@Steve Stevenson: Beckett…Don’t add any
What’s the news on Derek Dietrich? He quietly has been getting better production than guys like B-Phillips and Gyorko. Can he keep up his decent numbers, or could his job be in jeopardy any time soon?
@Sammy D: Job is prolly in jeopardy
Random thought here…….. Does it bother anyone else here when on a 3-0 count , everyone knows a fastball is coming straight down the middle its the in thing to take the pitch ? Is it just me ? My thought is that’s the pitch your waiting for , But the manager sends out the take sign. absolutely drives me effing crazy.
@Toe Knee Arm Ass: Makes me think of Nelly Cruz. He always had the green light on 3-0 pitches and usually crushed them for dongers
@Fireball Feliz: That’s my point!
@Toe Knee Arm Ass: Wash might be a terrible tactician, but at least he has faith in his guys
@Fireball Feliz: Cruz doesn’t answer to Wash
@Grey: He used to… :(
@Fireball Feliz: math says to take free walk. run expectancy tables and whatnot.
Si
@Grey: nerds are ruining sports lol
Ha
@Toe Knee Arm Ass: since they tend to keep getting better and better jobs and more and more money from owners they tend to be trusted, mostly due to being right. You probably think Cincinnati Kid ending was proof of the Man being a better poker player, right?
Chris Davis, Matt Kemp, and David Price or
Prince Fielder, Evan Longoria, and John Lester
@Carter: Davis/Kemp/Price.
@Nick The Podcast Host: we hate Prince that much eh?
Keuchel sounds like a lady part.
In America I had to learn to use the word “hug”instead of the Welsh term for hug “cwtch,” which spoken aloud sounds alot like “cooch.”
You don’t want your American mother in law hear you say “im a bit down today, I need a cooch.”
@gareth: In America you don’t want to hug your mother in law.
@Nick The Podcast Host: good one Nick, although i’d be surprised if this was different elsewhere. Is it in Canadia?
@Nick The Podcast Host: ooh no, I was referring to asking her daughter for a hug while her mother was within earshot.
Any of these SP over Peavy?
Duffy, Vargas, Vogelsong, De La Rosa, EJax, Milone, McHugh, McAllister or McCarthy
I really only need one of these guys until Gausman takes a rotation spot (which hopefully isn’t that far away… I have him stashed as a minor leaguer)
Thanks!
@Jon: Liking EJax right now but anything is better than Peavy.
You picking either of these guys up to stream tomorrow?
Hughes @ SD $7.4
McCarthy @ STL $6.3
Hughes looks mighty nice but last time I streamed him this happened:
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/seattle-mariners-new-york-yankees-330515110/
@ashtray: Nope
@ashtray: Might go Milone over both.
6×6 (QS), best stream this week–Duffy @ LAA (SON -5.9), Anderson @ NYM (11.1), Stults v CHC (10.5), Elias v HOU (9.1), W. Chen v CLE (6.9), Ray v TEX (-3.5).
@Steve Stevenson: Add deSclafani v PHI today (6.4) to that murderers’ row. Have 4 moves left this week, hoping to snag 2-3 of the above, but there are several aggressive streamers in the league.
@Steve Stevenson: I’d follow SON
Hey Grey, need your help. You like Strasburg & Springer for A. Sanchez & Kemp?
@Yager: No
I would get Strasburg and Springer? Still a [email protected]Grey:
nothing on Hosmer? 2/4, 3 RBI, 1 Run, and a walk last night
so he’s got 1 homerun this year, but he also has 16 doubles tied for 5th in MLB. I watched a few clips of those doubles and they were all hard low line-drives off the wall including his double from last night. I’m not a psychic, but I think eventually those doubles turn into homeruns once the weather really heats up
@Wild Thang: Gotcha
Grey, need some thoughts on this trade offer I received. 15 team standard Roto redraft league, 5 OF, 10 P (5 SP, 3 RP, 2 whatever) I trade Tyson Ross (who qualifies at RP and SP) and Christian Yelich for Homer Bailey and George Springer. I need K’s, runs and SB’s, but i’m all about accumulating talent. This seems like a great deal if Bailey can get some good luck back. Do the deal?
@Cowa: Sounds decent
Yo HD Grey! Fortunately, weekly lineups are set on Tuesday in my league. Unfortunately, I own The Fielder formerly known as Prince. “They” say he’s back in the lineup today, but Ron Washington is claiming they’ll see how he feels when he gets in. I have Butler on my bench… Do I sit Fielder for the week and start Butler, or hope that Fielder can continue to get me a .300 avg with no counting stats while playing most of the week?
I could have easily said that in a much shorter blurb…
@Nico: I like your analysis!
@Nico: Start Fielder
Grey, what are your thoughts on this Cashner injury? MRI confirms “soreness and irritation”… Seems odd that San Diego waited all day yesterday to even release a hint of the MRI results and then they only give us some vague answer. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a second opinion soon.
@Wudaben: Hopefully he’s okay
I am looking to shake things up in my dynasty league. One guy in my league is after wheeler. Which side of this deal would you prefer?
brantley bautista nelson cruz james paxton miguel montero
or
fielder wheeler dominic brown gattis victorino cron clint frazier
c evan gattis
1b miguel cabrera
2b neil walker
3b evan longoria
ss yunel escobar
lf dominic brown
cf austin jackson
rf justin upton
util prince fielder
bn shane victorino
bn kris bryant
bn carl crawford/joc pederson/clint frazier dl jurickson profar
sp yu darvish
sp clayton kershaw
sp cliff lee
rp pedro strop
rp sean doolittle
rp carlos torres
p brian wilson p drew pomeranz p wily peralta Bn robbie erlan bn garrett richards bn zach wheeler
@Ryan: Mr Ryan back at it. Is this deal actually on the table or is this something you’re thinking about proposing?
@Cram It: I’ve proposed it and the other guy in my league is thinking about it. Just curious to see if I should leave it as is or tinker with it.
@Ryan: I don’t know why you turn an interest into Wheeler into a 17 player deal, but then again, you’ve never taken anyone’s trade advice so you should just consult this from now on:
http://baseballmonster.com/TradeAnalysis.aspx
@Ryan: Cruz side
Ozuna or Lo.Cain at UTIL?
@Snake Hips: Cain
colby jack and his cheese vs SEA or
desclafani (MIA marlins are piling up WOP pitchers now huh) vs PHI
pick one.
@goodfold2: add odorizzi vs OAK to those, still pick only one for stream spot till Cobb’s back thurs.
@goodfold2: Desclafani
drop Austin Jackson for AJ Pollack?
Sure
I know you are Jaded but Escobar or Simmons
For rest if year in 5×5 and espn H2H
?
@Peejer: Escobar, but only until the all-star break, then Simmons.
Re: the CWS closer sitch….since we’re dealing with Ventura, don’t sleep on Frank Francisco getting the chance. He loves him some vets with closer experience. None of the other guys have really distinguished themselves. I’m not saying he’s the guy, but I’m saying that he’s a possibility, and nobody is considering him.
@RandomItalicizedVoice: Yeah, could see it
Would you trade rizzo for Scherzer in a keeper? My hitting is pretty solid
yes I would
@Oppo Taco: Prolly not
trade question…would you trade away Greinke and Victorino for Alvarez and Pujols? What if cespedes was in place of Pujols? Trying to upgrade Prado at 3rd.
@El Queso Grande: Sure, with Pujols
Alex Gordon, Rajai Davis, or A.J. Pollock?
Alex Gordon
Grey:
Great write-up! Important question – some crazy guy in our shallow 10-team H2H league with OBP dropped some pretty big names…how do you rank these guys ROS and who is a must have:
Josh Hamilton
Wil Myers
Shelby Miller
Rajai Davis
My team is:
C: Empty
1B: Chris Davis
2B: Altuve
3B: Lawrie
SS: Hanley
MI: Rollins
CI: Seager
OFs: Carlos Gomez, Rios, Marte, Heyward, Bruce (DL)
Utils: Alvarez, Asdrubal, LaRoche (DL)
Pitchers: Shields, Ventura, Chavez, Porcello, Anibal, Cain, Pomeranz, Bauer
Closers: Reed, Balfour, Chapman
@MattW: Myers, Hamilton
big money (to me, anyway) league today only questions
1. seems silly but clearly rosario (at home) over mesoraco today. we have 10 bench spots, i’m not dropping either yet, may not ever have to.
2. wong over solarte (team hasn’t produced steals lately, this week’s opp doesn’t get them much, but would like to get a few before sitting steal guys) if NYY game is played?
3. which 3 of these to play today: mesoraco/jones/rios/arenado/crisp/a.gordon/solarte.
Hitter T says a.gordon/crisp/rios, but clearly benching Jones is insane, and Arenado at home seems odd (even with him being cold lately and up against Bumgarner)
@Aubrey Plaza’s Pillow: 1. Okay 2. Sure 3. Jones, Rios, Gordon
Let’s talk Puig for a moment. How legit is he? He’s one of the top performers this year, after being a phenom for the 2nd half of last season.
At this point, is it safe to rank him up there, if not higher than, Cargo, McCutchen, Jones or guys like that? Or is now the time to trade him being his value is prob at it’s peak?
I was offered Marte/Shields for him which I easily declined. He countered with Ellsbury/Yu which is a tremendous offer, but is it enough for a guy crushing all 5 categories? I’m not convinced it is. He’s actually out-hit Trout since his MLB debut last yr.
@Hey, It’s Enrico Pallazzo!!!: I’d take Ells and Yu, Puig’s legit see my rankings
@Grey: Your rankings are why he’s on my team! But I think you might have undervalued him. Personally I feel he’s better than Mcctuchen, Cargo, Jones, etc… right now. Trout, Miggy, Goldy prob only guys I’d put above him.
Own Rosenthal 9 team roto
Also own Motte coming off DL.. hold him and drop Mejia or Britton?
@E: Lose Motte
Drop Trevor Bauer for Dallas Keuchel in a 14 team roto keeper league?
@Mets Guy: Okay
Sal Perez being out for a couple days means I need to drop one of the following – who would you drop
AJ Pollock
Arroyo
R Montero
Brandon McCarthy
Eovaldi
@Heff: Arroyo
Prince and Keuchel for Hosmer Eovaldi and Samardzjia….which side?
@blindnuts: Hosmer
Roto 5×5:
Give up Fielder, Verlander and Cingrani
Get Rizzo & Strasburg
@E: Sure
Hmm…just got a random offer in my 11 team daily 5×5.
Give up my Rizzo, R-Zimm and Cain for his Buster, Hosmer and CJ Wilson.
I’m playing Zunino at C which could be improved. Problem is I have Gyorko at 3B who is terrible. Still…Zimm is no sure thing.
@knighttown: Sounds decent
You think Grilli gets the closer gig when he returns or is Melancon in the role until he implodes and loses the job?
Wondering if I hold on to Melancon for the saves or grab someone like Keuchel before he is gone.
@Bob: Yes re: Grilli
Hi Grey, QS & W league
Start Burnett tonight?
and, who will you start tomorrow, Santana vs MIL , Ryu vs NYM , Eovaldi vs Phi ?
@Wilson: Sure…All of them
castellanos or aviles today at 3rd, in league where i own every player on DET/MIL/CLE, except asscab/a.jackson (traded).
@Aubrey Plaza’s Pillow: Castellanos
With the Lindstrom injury and uncertainty with the White Sox closer situation, drop Lindstrom for Qualls who is still in FA or hold and wait to see how this plays out?
@J-MoneyIV: Hold for now
Hey guys,
I just got an “update.exe” automatic file download start when I hit the Razzball home page. My security stuff took care of it but you may want to do some investigating on your side.
@Hawk: Thanks for the heads up! We’ll look into it
Grey – how do you like these lines at Triple A in the hitter friendly PCL?
Mike Fiers and Jimmy Nelson.
Fiers
49.1 IP – 72Ks – 7BB – 2.01ERA – 0.91Whip – 11ER – 38Hits
58.0 IP – 58Ks -17BB- 1.71ERA – 0.93Whip – 11ER – 37 Hits
Nelson
That’s 2012 half-season fantasy sleepr darling Mike Fiers pitching for the AAA Brewers affiliate. Amazingly, with the Brew Crew’s rotation settled, he isn’t even expected to be the first guy called up. That’s Lil’ Jimmy Nelson’s job if he want’s/gets it.
@Moronymous Lohse: (don’t really know what “want’s” means but apostrophes ar’e fu’n!)
@Moronymous Lohse: Sweet lines
@Moronymous Lohse: I believe Fiers gets the first crack should a spot open up in lieu of a rookie call up. Fiers has pitched well for them in the past and they will likely want to see what they can get out of him given his AAA success so far.
Would you trade away Jose Abreu for either F-Her or Wainwright?
League counts OBP and Ks. I’d still have Votto/LaRoche/Encarnacion…
@ashtray: No
One more question… I have a slight surplus of starting pitchers in an 8-start per week capped league (Gray, Shark, Hisashi, Cobb, Peralta, Keuchel (who replaced Kuroda today (good advice!)), Bauer, Cain, and Latos on DL).
Would you trade Matt Cain for Charlie Blackmon?
@Chris: Sure
I just traded Teheran and Lindstrom for Altuve. The guy I traded to then dropped Ian Desmond to make room and I snatched him off waivers. Loved having Teheran on my roster but I don’t expect his 90% LOB and .179 BABIP to continue.
Good move?
@ashtray: Eh
@Grey: Well that’s not the ringing endorsement I was hoping for. I’ll interpret your “eh” as an “aye!” and get myself Chipotle for a lunch celebration.
Ha!
Mark Reynolds or Lonnie Chisenhall in an RCL?
By the way, this sounds like something Hitter Tron might have been involved in:
@Jerk Store: Reynolds… Ha!
Question for Gray:
What order would you rank these OFers? Alex Gordon, Rajai Davis, or A.J. Pollock?
@dLark: Gordon, Pollock
drop rajai for alcides?
3 OF spots, 2 UT, have: Bautista, j up, leonys, a gordon butler, ortiz, rajai (who i play vs L)
@John: And Andrus at SS. Thanks
@John: Sure
you too dropped escobar? damn, as did i, then he was picked up about 34 minutes before i wanted to reaquire him, still have him in 30 and 15 teamers. wonderful Frazier blurb.
@goodfold2: Thanks!
Sit Bauer vs Detroit tonight?
Depends on league
please rank Trumbo, Calhoun, Polanco ROS value
You did
Buysellatops thinks I should sell Jesse Chavez like so much oregano to Daniel, the kid no one likes. What do you think? Is Chavez only good if you drink a lot at the same time?
I’d sell him for the right price
I trade away Beltre/Holliday/Melky for Braun/Alvarez/Kemp in a points league. Don’t love Alvarez, but HR are super valuable in this league. And no negative points for K’s. Worth taking a chance on the upside of Braun/Kemp over Holliday/Melky?
Sure
Rest of the year please pickup rate: Cron , Nick Castellanos, Jason Castro or Ozuna. 13 Team Daily mixed 6×6 roto.
Ozuna
@Grey:
Thanks. I guess I will keep Ozuna a little longer waiting for a hot streak.
But, Would you drop Cron (playing time issue) for either Castellanos or Castro?
Castellanos
anibal + kemp for gomez? and then stash taijuan
standard roto league
Gomez
16 tm league – 3 OF. Trade Sonny Gray for Nelson Cruz. Basically Cruz takes my 3rd OF from Jennings.(behind Bruce and Alex Gordon). I could use some power because Fielder stinks. Ok w/ pitching bc of Scherzer, Cingrani, Kluber, Haren, Peralta, Ross, Paxton. Thoughts?
Sounds fine
Was listening to Mark Langston on Angels radio call the game last night. He was really impressed with Keuchel. The thing he kept going back to over and over was Keuchel’s ability to control all his pitches down. Everything was down and frequently away. Just did not make any mistakes up in the hitting zone. Check out this map:
http://www.brooksbaseball.net/profile.php?player=572971&time=month&minmax=ci&var=count&s_type=2&endDate=05/20/2014&startDate=03/30/2007
His highest percentage of pitches thrown to any of the 25 mapped areas are to the extreme low and corner locations. The rest of the map shows he is down and off the plate with a very high percentage of all his pitches.
He’s got a very average fastball and he relies heavily on his off-speed stuff where he’s getting good swings and misses. I think he’s one of those guys that the league having seen his pitches will maybe figure out how to lay off the deception. My concern is as guys get a feel for his stuff he’s going to be forced to bring the ball up.
Couple of other notes. Tough luck last night as Trout and Pujols both had infield singles in the 9th with two outs before he left and then the pen let those two come home. So close to the CG.
He’s been much better on the road so far. His FIP is a run lower on the road. Houston is a tough park on lefties with the Crawford Boxes out there for a short porch. He’s been a ground ball machine though. That helps.
The Astros schedule over the next couple of months look pretty pitching favorable. No A’s and no AL East trips. I like his chances to keep rolling but definitely look for drops in swinging strike rate and HR rate as warning signs the league is catching up.
Nice breakdown!
@OaktownSteve: Great post Oaktown, much appreciated.
@Jason:
You bet. My pleasure.
@OaktownSteve: Great stuff partner. Probably should’ve bid on Keuchel this past week…
@Big Magoo:
we’ll see. He’s definitely on a roll right now.
10 team keeper league, h2h 7×7 (obp & slg), normal hitting positions but 1 c, 1 if, 4 of and util, daily lineups, playing to win this year but always having keeper value in mind:
I give up hosmer (wont keep bc would have to be in the 2nd round)
I get wil myers (can keep in 10th round next year) and carlos santana (wont keep bc would have to be in the 2nd round)
I have jason castro as my starting c and just picked up gattis bc he has of elig too and its daily lineups. Hosmer is at my util spot so myers would plug in there.
Thoughts?
Sounds decent
@Grey: would you do it? I feel like myers has more power upside and my team is fine when it comes to speed.
Yes
Drop Bonifacio to pick up Aoki?
@SteveThePirate: @SteveThePirate: Or maybe Ozuna
Hold
Hi Grey,
Drop Garrett Richards for Dallas or Pomeranz, or Porcello? or hold?
Amazing they are all three on waivers…
I LOVE the smell of moustache wax in the morning!
Thanks
Ha… Dallas
How many of us do you think own Chad Qualls and aren’t willing to admit as much?
@SportiveTricks: I played against Qualls in HS. And I barely admit that.
who do you prefer ROS cargo lite or cargo, ah heavy?
CarGo
FACT OF THE DAY:
Double Dutch jump rope is considered a cross training sport
Haha
Segura, Escobar, A Ramirez, A. Cabrera. Drop one. Steals and Runs are important.
Thanks!
Asdrubal
Heeeyyy Buddy!
Hello Grey always a pleasure.
I am having some quandaries in the closer position. I currently have Tommy Hunter, Matt Lindstrom, Grant Balfour and Krod.
I was wondering if you would consider replacing Hunter and Lindstrom for the following: Doolittle, Britton, or Qualls — and who you would drop for each. Thank you in advance.
Hunter for Qualls is fine
Odorizzi has put together back to back good starts. Is he off the shit list and back in your good graces yet?
I went over him after his last start
Grey:
Where would you rank Freeman now? Trying to figure out what he’s worth in a trade.
Thanks!
Top 15
You don’t like Doolittle or Britton over lindstrom just yet?
Nope
axford or webb?
Axford
Noticed you have no love for Rajai. He’s on 12/56 pace, hitting .280 and driving in a fair bit of runs. I think he’s still the SAGNOF king …
12 team keeper/dynasty league and JoFer’s owner has him locked up for $13 for next year only (standard $260 budget). Is he worth trying to trade for if the price is right? or is next year too uncertain for him? He could be back in June/July of next year, but could also be out most, if not all, of the season as well.
I wouldn’t bother with him
Just got offered Longoria, Carlos Santana, and Garret Richards for Braun, Lucroy. Good offer. Do I need to upgrade 3b if I Have Frazier, and Lawrie manning it now?
Nope
I would take Longo though
@Grey: what about longoria for my braun straight up? Who wins?
Longo, it’s fair
My 1b is a mess….. Napoli, Billy Butler, or Smoak
OR
Could also move UTIL Mike Morse to 1b and pick up Byrd, Viciedo, Torii Hunter
Best move?
Napoli
Goldy and Keuchel for Freeman and Tanaka…which side?
@blindnuts:
Freeman side every single day.
Freeman
Picked up Eovaldi off waivers, decided to look deeper into his numbers.
Looks like we have a homeschooler on our hands.
2.80 FIP, 9 K/9, 1.3 BB/9, 25% K, 0.97 WHIP at Crayola Canyon.
3.81 FIP, 7 K/9 , 2.9 BB/9, 17%, 1.62(!) WHIP on the road.
Also, a little scary vs. LHB. .315/.364/.525 line. And somehow he’s faced almost 40 more left-handed batters than right-handed batters.
Let’s hope being at home tomorrow counteracts facing Utley, Howard, Rollins and DomBrown.
Yup
What the heck are the Dodgers going to do with Joc Pederson? Should I stash him? Will he be traded? Will they trade someone else to make room for him?
Thanks – Love the website
Thanks! Prolly won’t be a factor in the majors until next year…
Do you like keuchel over pomeranz ROS? I currently have pomeranz but was thinking of waiting until his start later to determine. waivers process tonight. Thanks again Grey
Yup
What do we think of Teixiera? Had a few good weeks now. Not ever expecting the old Teixiera, but has anything changed about where you’d rank him? (all of this with the codicil that he WILL miss time and should be added/dropped at will when this should occur.
@Q: Just wondering if I could platoon he and Morneau with Abreu out and hope one of them is playing at home. Otherwise…..SMOAKIN’!
He’s exactly what he is… An aging first baseman who will get hot and injured at some point…
Grey,
10 man h2h, is it safe to drop Salazar now? My pitching is in shambles.
Yup
Bench 1 of these 3 –
(47) Rios facing Iwakuma
(49) Rizzo facing Tanaka
(58) Holliday facing Arroyo
Bench 1 of these 2B –
(184) Dozier facing Kennedy
(229) Phillips facing Fister
Rizzo, Phillips
Send pedroia/Reyes for Donaldson?
Sure
Longoria and Hosmer for Puig?
@Derrick: Longo
Bit much
Hey Grey,
STheth/Melancon for Cobb
Points league
Cobb
Please rank: Ackley, Wong, Green, DJ
Wong, Ackley
Love your articles! You have won me many leagues. thanks
12 team yahoo $ league that got auto drafted when I couldn’t get home in time thru the first 8 rounds.. Damn rush hour traffic! This is painful but after a few moves, 6/wk, allowed, here is what I have:
C Santana
1b C Davis
2b Beckham
3b Headley
SS Reyes
OF Cargo, Dom Brown, L Martin, Singleton
DL Harper, Votto, Bruce, Kipnis, Trumbo, and Zimmerman
SP Miller, Haren, Peralta, Harang, Dickie, Skaggs, Hughes (Dropped JO Fer) SMH
RP Frieri, Motte
I know I am beyond help, I NEVER give up and certainly cant before it starts.
Which DL’ed players would you cut loose to fill spots?
Should i punt saves?
Also your thoughts on Stubbs?
This mess is beyond a “guru” but would appreciate any advice other than the obvious..Get home on time for the draft!!!!!
Thanks.
P.s. What does the “stash” say………
I’d lose Zimmerman, Hughes, Dickey, Harang, and not punt saves
Need to start two
R Montero v ARI (SON $11.3)
T Wood @SD (9.9)
Skaggs @ SEA (8.1)
Kluber @ BAL (6.7)
Trust the SON, or other?
Kluber, Wood
I love laughing in the morning… Your bit on the Hebrewer’s was a classic, and your Mom will love it, because it sounded like something she would say…. Also I like when you get all technical, like how to pick a closer. ” Just put 2 names in a hat and pick one ” I will use that formula a lot. Also another of my favorite’s is the SWAG System. Serious wild ass guess….Anyhoo thanks for getting my day going on a laughing start. You were F’n funny today !!!!
No problem
Deep 16 team dynasty H2H, one catcher league. I have Mesoraco and Pinto as my catchers, with Seager and Juan Francisco as 3b. Would Mesoraco for Nick Castellanos be fair? The other owner has Weiters and is running Doumit out there right now.
Eh
Grey , thanks for the articles and for answering so many questions, I ‘ve got 2 trade questions for you, 12 team HXH Categories League
A. Sanchez/H. Bailey for Josh Hamilton/L. Lynn?
Cueto/Frazier for Longoria (or David Wright)?
No problem… Anibal side, Cueto side, it’s fair
Lindstrom on the DL. Who’s the add and to save you the trouble, guy “x” over Smith?
Keeper league, trying to trade pitching for hitting. Who should I trade between sale, gray, Cobb based on the next 2-3 yrs.
Depends what you can get
@baseball: sale
What’s your prediction for Alex wood? Would you hold and hope he gets back I’m rotation or is it time to drop? I’m starting to fall behind in innings in my roto format. Thanks – great site.
Drop him
My offense is sputtering with Mesoraco,Abreu,Kendrick,Carpenter,Escobar,Craig,Ellsbury,Cargo and Big Papi….its actually my OF thats killing me…take a look at my pitching and let me know if its deep enough that i can trade to upgrade my offense—->Madbum,Minor,Cueto,Iwakuma,Cobb,Wood,Fister,Ryu,Peralta,Smyly…..is my team just underacheiving,my record is 3-3 in a h2h points league.
Yeah, trade Bum
@my sisters friend boyfriend: i just added cuddyer luckily
How would you rank top 3 in order for pts:
Erlin vs CHC (18.1)
Colon vs NYM (13.1)
Desclafani vs MIL (10.7)
Anderson @ NYM (10.6)
T. Wood @ SD (9.9)
E. Jackson @ SD (7.5)
Thanks
Erlin, Desclafani, Wood
I have Aaron hill as my 2B on two teams. Neither league has an MI spot and both are 10 team. Kendrick, walker, Wong, solarte are all available. Hold hill or pick up one of the other guys?
Hold
who would you rather: AJ Pollock or Adam Eaton?
Pollock
Hey Grey ,
can you recommend a few emerging pitcher for a Keeper League with Holds I can pick up??
No idea who’s available in your league
Would you drop DL Lindstrom for DL Grilli for 3rd RP?
Others available: Rondon, Qualls, JSmith
Sure
Hey Grey! Thanks for another great recap, you probably got this one a lot today. Im in a shallow mixed league (12 TM), its H2H and my rivals’ ERA exploded last night (matchup from Mon to Sun), he had Vargas and Peralta, so yes his ratios are sky high.
Today I have Yordano and Burnett starting today, would you start Bauer too?? Or play it cautious??
Thanks!
Thanks! I’d start him
Pls rank for RP spot in H2H points leagues:
Frieri, Balfour, Rondon, Mejia, Belisario, W. Davis
Balfour, Rondon, Frieri
Love the blog!
Start Rizzo today vs Tanaka or Springer vs Skaggz in my UTIL?
Thanks! Springer
Sorry Grey posting my Holds league question again with pitchers that are available!
Machi, Zack Duke, Belisario, Mike Dunn , Pat Neshek, Chamberlain , Affeldt, Al Alburquerque, Jake Mcghee, Casey Fien , Neil Ramirez ( Is his k/9 legit?)
I can pick up 3 of those!
Thanks!!
Machi, McGee, Ramirez
In a dynasty league, cool to trade d wright for machado and gyrorko?
Sure
Is it time to give up on Hosmer yet?
You’re gonna drop him?
Stephen Drew just resigned with Boston for $10 Million dollars.
I just puked in my pants for free.
HATE JD Drew #2!
What the hell does that family have on Sox ownership that these idiots keep throwing money at them?
Ha, seriously
Stephen Drew just signed back with the Sawx… any SS/3B off the top of your head you’d cut to pick him up?
Will Middlebrooks
Last trade scenario of the day:
Goldy/Bats or
Freeman/Cargo/Braun
Freeman
@Grey: What if Goldy side added Rios and Freeman side added Springer?
Would Freeman side still be better.
By the way – I still cant get over the Requiem For A Dream analogy you had for H2H a while back. Just thought you should know.
Freeman…Nice
Which side:
Gattis (upgrade over Castro) or Estrada/Jaime Garcia
Gattis
Which side wins this trade..?
Pujols/Braun or Freeman/A. Jones
Stats – R, HR, RBI, TB, AVG, OPS, NSB
Freeman
Though you hear it all the time, Great job! I love your banter.
My Cargo for his Strasburg/Ellsbury
Thanks! I’d take Strasburg side
Hey Grey, great column as always..couple questions..
Picked up Ramos when Wieters went down but Mesoraco is available..I already have Phillips & Hamilton on my team so I’m a little hesitant to add a third Red..who do u like better ROS Meso or Ramos? Thinking about packaging Phillips in a trade and grabbing Wong if Meso is better choice.
Also, what do u think about trading my Fielder & Phillips for Strasburg (I lost JoFer and have several SP2 quality guys but I don’t really have a front-line starter anymore)
Current Pitchers- Teheran, Zimmerman, Gray, Cobb, Porcello, Liriano, Cingrani, Pomeranz Romo, Soria, Rondon
Greatly appreciate any advice..sorry if you already answered similar question in the thread, but I didn’t have time to read all the comments today.
hanks! Mesoraco… I’d take Strasburg
Daily Points keeper league with heavy emphasis on hits and not striking out.
My SS are Miller and Hardy. Would you drop Miller or Beltran to pick up Drew or stand pat?
Miller
Great stuff Grey. Injuries have killed my staff as well and I’m buried in the standings. I need pitching help bad and was thinking should I trade away Harper for G. Cole? I figure I can’t wait for Harper because I’ll be long out of it by July if I don’t get some pitching now. What do you think?
Sounds fair
I missed out on Keuchel and can use some pitching help. Paxton should be back soon- he worth a stash? I have one spot for streaming so can use it for him, or just keep streaming if you don’t expect much.
Stream
Got countered Bauer for Gattis. Gattis still wins, right?
Yup
Also pollock or Calhoun? Thanks again Grey!
Pollock
Chisenhall is hitting cleanup vs the Tigers tonight. As if Verlander doesn’t lead enough of a charmed life already.
Haha
@Big Magoo:
Nice.
L. Martin moved to lead off for the Rangers. Choo in the three. Fielder 5th. Could be a nice boost for Martin if he can stick there.
Any streaming potential for Rienzo tonight @KC? SON hates him but he looked great last start only giving up 2 hits in 6 innings @Oak
Nah
Afternoon Good Sir,
Im in a predicament, I want to tell everyone about your site because of your great content and knowledge, but I don’t want anyone else in my leagues to have your insight…selfish or smart?
Could you rank these players ROS? Hill, Gyorko, A. Escobar, and Kendrick. 10 teamer and I find one on my bench everyday.
Would you drop any for, say, Vogelsong, Hutchinson, or a closer in Doolittle or Qualls?
Thanks G!
Smart… Hill, Alcides, Gyorko… Qualls
@Grey: Qualls or Britton? Thanks!
Qualls
Hey Grey, you watching Bauer/Verlander tonight? I’ll be watching for sure.
Would like to hear your view on Cano. I’ve owned him for 4 years now and never been disappointed. But with one homer this year I’m scratching my head. As of today he’s batting .318, not much on walks or runs. Is his current stat line just a fluke or are you worried too? I have Rendon in Utility and he is making my number one pick look dumb. I need a security blanket, one named Grey :)
Thanks in advance my internet friend
@Shawn of the Livid: His runs/RBI/HR production were inevitably going to take a dip going from NY to Seattle. It’s not a fluke, it’s science.
I wouldn’t be worried yet, but he is grounding out a lot which is a concern… Yup, will be watching Bauer…
Cano has relied on a high HR/FB rate to generate his counting stats. Last year there were only 34 qualified hitters in MLB with a FB% lower than 30%. Of those, only 3 hit more than 17 home runs: Choo (21), Votto (24) and Cano (27). All three of those guys played in parks that were extremely friendly for home runs. So there was bound to be some fall off in the numbers. Obvious.
However his current HR/FB rate is just 2.6%. Only 4 qualified players had a number that low for the 2013 season (Scutaro, EYJ, Hechevaria, Escobar). Cano is not all of a sudden Marco Scutaro.
In April his GB% was a very high 59%. It’s back down to 46% and nearly all the difference became line drives a sign that he’s squaring the ball up again. His K and BB rate are on career norms. His May peripherals after that bad April are pretty close to career norms. In other words, he looks more or less like the same hitter again.
As such I think we’ll see Cano challenge 20 homers. He’s basically on a pace for 165 R+RBIs and a .318 average. I’m betting that as he starts to find the gaps and sneak a couple over the wall he’ll push the R+RBI pace to 180+. Definitely a notch down from Yankee Cano but still a very good player at the 2B positions fantasy wise.
@OaktownSteve:
should clarify his GB rate is actually down to 44.1% for the month of May…not 46%
@OaktownSteve: Thanks Steve, hell of a reply, makes sense. I knew Safeco would cause some regression, just thought the current 1 homer was a bit odd. It’s not like he only plays in Safeco
@OaktownSteve: @Shawn of the Livid: It’s OK, fellas. I’m up against him in H2H this week – just what he needs to start turning it on.
Yo Grey! I’m looking for upgrades at SS (currently have Erick Aybar) and OF (Heyward, Gardner, Springer, Victorino) and currently weighing two trade offers:
Give Casey Janssen; Get Jayson Werth straight up.
Give Hector Rondon and Bonifacio; Get Andrus.
I’m tempted to just pull the trigger on both. Which deal do you prefer and would you do both? My RPs are Holland, Janssen, Rondon, and Lindstrom (Axford, Shaw, Mejia, Motte, Belisario, Webb only RPs of interest available on the wire). It’s a 14-team H2H league, with 6×6 categories (HR, RBI, OBP, SLG, R, SB | ERA, WHIP, K, QS, SV, K/BB). Thanks man!
I’d do both, first one is better
would you trade fielder for jose abreu in a dynasty league (once hes off the DL)? same keeper cost. (10 team 5×5 h2h snake)
Yup
So Prince is back in the lineup today. It’ll be an interesting week. We’ll know pretty quickly if the treatment worked. Lots of emotions for a Fielder owner:
Relief that there’s a physical cause for his scuffling. Anger that he wasn’t upfront about it going into the season/late last year. Hope that all he needed was a little pain relief to unlock that mighty swing. Anxiety that the injury will hinder him ROS and he’ll scuffle while trying to play thru it.
And, he returns to Detroit for a 4 game set. We’ll get a good sense of who Prince will be ROS this week. He might be droppable after it, or he might start an epic rebound.
Droppable?
@Grey: @Grey: Probably not droppable but on a great f’in side note Prince was scratched from today’s game due to “renewed weakness” while swinging a bat. I probably couldn’t get a turd in return for him at this point in a trade.
@fielder’s fatties: If it requires surgery,most definitely droppable. Neck surgery is no joke. He’s untradeable until he goes on a rampage. That may never happen … his arm still feels weak and he’s not starting today. No pain, but weakness.
If you could afford to, would you sit Chris Davis against lefties?
Nope
Which side do you like better:
Lee or Harper/Shark
Harper
@Grey: He countered with Lee/Alex Gordon for Shark/Harper. What do u think?
Thanks Grey
Shark side
Hi Grey,
going with Alcides as my ss, keep or go get Drew from waivers?
thnks
Hold
Yo G 12 team h2h counts strikeouts. Is Cron worth holding onto in util spot or would you rather grab wong? Obv very different players but overall who should I run with?
Wong
McCutch having a down year? Thinking about offering my Bautista for him. Good idea or do we have concerns?
@It’s Enrico Pallazzo:
Listening to some Pirates radio broadcasts, they were talking about him playing through a fair amount of pain. Guess his foot is bothering him and it’s just something he’s decided to play through. Be interesting to monitor.
@OaktownSteve: thanks for the feedback. Guess I’ll hold off a bit. Although Jose isn’t exactly the figure of perfect health.
I’m not concerned with McCutchen
I’ve got an offer in my inbox – his Fielder and Homer Bailey for my Rizzo and Minor. A month ago, I would have jumped all over this, but I’m reading disturbing things about Fielder’s peripherals, and I’m not sure Bailey is an upgrade over Minor (though I like getting pitchers who are due for normalizing). Thoughts on whether I should even consider this, or a counter with the same building blocks?
@Milarky: FWIW I wouldn’t take that deal. I have Rizzo over Fielder and any difference between Minor and Bailey isn’t enough to bridge that gap.
Hold
Drop Familia for Machi?
Okay
…..and now Fielder scratched with “arm weakness.”
I really want to think of a joke about his arm being weak from eating too much, but it’s just not coming to me. Really, what joke hasn’t been made already.
…..but seriously, f&*%ing ARM WEAKNESS? Just say it’s still from the neck hernia! LIE for God’s sake!
ARM WEAKNESS?!?
REALLY?!?
MY ARM IS WEAK FROM CLICKING ON YOUR NAME EVERY TIME I TRY TO TRADE YOU!
AND NOBODY WANTS YOU!!!!
@Q: Stephania Bell talked about his herniated disc creating left arm weakness that will make it take a while for his power to come back. I’m waiting until he gets back into the lineup to offer any kind of trades but I’m guessing he’s going to be a POS wasting a roster spot for the remainder of the season and on my never draft again list.
@OaktownSteve: @fielder’s fatties: ah Bell, the only useful fantasy writer at espn.
Ha
Is Cashner replaceable with streamers at this point? Also, why does Hitter-Tron hate Pollock today? It’s just Waino right?
Yeah
Keuchel or Hutchinson?
Keuchel
Bonifacio or Kole Calhoun?
Bonifacio
@Grey: Thanks.
BTW, loving you on the Podcasts (or radio show, or whatever). A great addition to the site!!
Ha, thanks!
Traded A.Sanchez and Rondon for Wil Myers and K-Rod… Thoughts?
Cool
@Hawk Harryson: Myers
Is Brandon Moss a sell high candidate or do you see a 33hr 110 rbi end of year? What pitchers you would trade him for now?
As opposed to the 30 homer guy he was last year?
I’ve got Gray and Cobb coming off the DL going against each other Thursday. Your stream-o-meter has Archer going. I usually do not start both starters when going head-to-head. I am unsure what to do here. Any thoughts…??
@JWray: start both and hope for a 1-0 win from one of them.
Depends on league
ROS…..Matt Cain or…….Tillman, Hutchinson or samardjdiza?
Headley or Matt Dominguez?
12 team head to head points.
Thanks!
Samardzija…Headley
Hey Grey,
12-team OBP roto. Which side is better?
Choo/Price or Wainwright/Gardner?
Wainwright
Hey Grey, can you rank these OFs for me? Standard 5×5
Werth, Brantley, Crisp, Gordon, Cuddyer, Springer
Thanks
Gordon, Werth, Cuddyer
which side do you like better?:
J. Reyes/M. Ozuna or J. Peralta/J. Hamilton
Reyes
10 team 5×5 yahoo OBP league that only uses 1 catcher. Right now I have Wilin in the C spot and Gattis playing OF. To make room for Cuddyer, I need to lose one of the following, who would you cut lose?
Wilin Rosario Col – C
Brandon Phillips Cin – 2B ?
Domonic Brown Phi – OF
Alex Gordon KC – OF
Evan Gattis Atl – C,OF ?
Jedd Gyorko SD – 2B,3B ?
Gyorko
@Grey:
Forgot to include their keeper round value. I am in last place due to injuries…would you still lose him?
Wilin Rosario Col – round 8
Brandon Phillips Cin – round 18
Domonic Brown Phi – round 10
Alex Gordon KC – round 4
Evan Gattis Atl – round 22
Jedd Gyorko SD – round 24
I was almost thinking about losing Brown or Gordon…..thoughts and help are appreciated
Lose Brown
Just got an offer of t walker for cliff lee. Should I take it or wait to see results for lee. This sucks!
Hold
Carlos Santana was dropped in my 12 team roto. I have been holding my #1 waiver for the right time. Do I use it on him? Perez is my catcher, so not really sure here. I would prob drop Eaton…thanks.
Go for it
First, I know your a big fan of Gyorko and I’m just curious as to the reasoning behind it. He’s been doing poorly for almost 2 months now although I’m reluctant to drop him. What stats or what makes you predict him having such a good year?
On a side note, Aaron hill is available, should I pick him up and drop: Simmons or Gyorko
Drop Simmons for him, I’ve gone over Gyorko numerous times
Which side do you like better in a 10 team 5×5 categories league?
A gets Abreu
B gets D Wright, M Carpenter, Crisp
A
Corey Kluber is a starter who’s been very impressive so far. I don’t think there’s any reason for you to hedge when it comes to him. His 10.14 K/9 is 9th among qualified SPs with a 4.93 K/BB that’s 12th best, thanks to a low 2.06 BB/9 rate. Has a 2.34 FIP, good for 4th best, and a 2.84 SIERA, which is 10th best, indicating that his 3.43 ERA has been a bit unlucky. Has an 11.4 % SwStr % which is 14th among SPs.
The only thing that seems due for a bit of a correction is his 6.8 % HR/FB, which is just over half of his career mark, but he only allows flyballs at a 31.7 % clip (career 30.3 %), so that correction should balance out with the correction on his high .355 BABIP.
Everything looks good here. Definitely a solid “buy” target for me.
Yeah, I hear ya
Hey Grey.. Pick 2 rest of season. Have to drop
Someone due to kipnis returning.
Pomeranz, wood, eovaldi
10 man h2h deep league. Standard 5×5 categories.
Kipnis isn’t returning for a week
Just learned that Alexander Guerrero’s “ear was ‘displaced by a bite’ during an altercation with teammate Miguel Olivo on Tuesday, according to Guerrero’s agent, Scott Boras.” Considering that ears are made of cartilage, I don’t like the sound of one being “displaced.”
“I know I left it around here somewhere…”
Haha… Is this the same Miguel Olivo who used to give long generous hugs to Dontrelle?
@Grey: Indeed! Maybe if the hug had lasted any longer he would have given Dontrelle something to be anxious about…
Maybe he wasn’t biting his ear…
@greyfan
To update
For keuchel, pomeranz , wood and eovaldi , which order would you drop them in? I also have polanco coming up soon.
Drop Wood
I’m sick of Frazier already this week.
Ha
@SteveNZ: loving him, waivered him in writers league
@J-FOH: Pppppfffttt.
I’m in a 12 team H2H weekly points league. We have to RP spots to fill. I have D Robertson in and trying to find a #2 RP. As of now I have Tomlin in cuz he starts and not much as free agent RP closers out there. I was offered afredo Simon for Matt holiday would you make that trade? My RPs would be set. My OFs are g Stanton , holiday, pollock starting. On my bench I have to fill in for the loss would be Dominic brown, Calhoun, and waiting on g Planco…. Thx for your help I appreciate it.
Terrible trade
@Grey: so I’m assuming you don’t think a top OF should b moved for a top Sp/SP that’s what I figured. With Calhoun n planco on my benchwould you drop dominc brown? I’ve been holding him all year never able to use him. Might as well been DL .. I’m thinking hold cuz last year I dropped him n he went off to hit 25 more homers.
You can lose him… I don’t like trading for a top SP in most instances
Would you lose Mejia for Motte? Or hold for now?
Hold
@Grey: what if half your league are Cardinals fans? Change your mind at all? Haha!
Not especially
Sir Gray.
For my limited moves league who do you like as a fill in with Lindstrom out?
A crappy closer like Qualls or Webb (have Chapman and Soria so not in bad shape)
Or Betances for ratios
Or an SP like McCarthy, Jackson, Colon Blow, The Moticon (Miley)
Qualls
It’s not safe to start anybody against the A’s right now
Cliff Lee headed for MRI on elbow? FML
Ha
What would be a fair trade to get Stephen Strasburg… Julio Teherán, Sonny Gray or Alex Cobb gets it done?
Doubtful
Would you offer Buchholz for lee and take a shot
Sure
Gotta drop someone to take Ryu off the DL. Who goes?
– Salazar
– Lind
– Frazier
Salazar
Justin Verlander. My how the mighty have fallen.
Yup
@Big Magoo: @Grey: At least he has Kate Upton to comfort him.
@SteveNZ: And his nine figure contract
@Big Magoo: But is he really, truly, happy?
@SteveNZ: I’m sure that he motorboats his way through the tough times
@Big Magoo: I see your Gomes batty call and raise you an Ike Davis ;-)
@SteveNZ: Touche’. Just a shame (for me) that Verlander whipped my ratios into submission.
Which shortstop would you rather own in a keeper league… Andrelton Simmons or Xander Bogaerts?
Bogaerts
Hi Grey,
Would you drop AJ Burnett for Andrew Cashner?
Thanks…
Mike.
Nope
@Grey: Thanks Grey!
No problem
What you make of Verlander? He’s getting lit up tonight, his second bad start in a row now, and he hasn’t looked too dominant before this. Despite his 3.15 before tonight, he’s not striking out folks, and his SIERA and xFIP are both over 4.00… Tonight and the last start a fluke, and he still capable of an elite(ish) season? Or should I be worried and trying to sell him for whatever I can get?
I’d be selling him if I could get a decent price…
@Grey: about what level would you consider decent return (bat or pitcher)? Don’t want to sell too low in frustration, but doubt anyone will give near where he was drafted now…
A top 75 bat or arm, maybe you can buy Kipnis cheap, or Bruce
Sit mad bum @col?
I would
Officially done with Liriano.
@Shoop Da Whoop: Word
@Shoop Da Whoop:
wish I knew what the hell is wrong with him.
Ray Searage is a snake oil salesman, making me believe in Liriano and then Volquez for a bit.
Any reason not to drop Montero? 4 runs 4 bb 4 K 4 inn
Nope
Bombs away for Toronto at Fenway tonight. EE’s wrist is healed, I would say. Hit two tape measure shots. Melky hit one off of the foul pole. Even Erik freakin Kratz launched a moon shot. Then again, it was a Doubront start. He’s always good for a couple, then the mop-up relievers finish off the mess.
Yup and yup
Sat Pujols yesterday (2 HRs) and played Davis (squat). Today I reverse it and Davis hits 2 HRs on my bench. Hittertron had him ranked 364th. Oyve.
At least I don’t own Liriano anymore. Dodged a bullet there.
Damn
come on Bauer
@frankgrimes: Umps have been a bit dickish. He’s getting nothing on the edge and that last ground ball should’ve been called a DP. He’s getting nothing for free. I think he’s pitching really well, honestly.
@Sky:
yo what up sky?
I thought he was getting squeezed but maybe it was wishful thinking on my part
He only made a few mistakes good thing that call got reversed tho
Ha, hey Frank; didn’t mean to disappear on ya. Yeah, he pitched well. Will just take some time for the umps to give him a bit of credit for his pitches. I mean, he hit his spots and was on the edges or in the strikezone most of the game. If that’s the trend, he’ll do well. His stuff is nasty.
I’ve tried being patient with Liriano for the first third of the season, but the inconsistency, deteriorating control (over 4 BB/9), and general trend towards terribleness is making me think the time’s come to cut ties and watch him from the waiver wire.
I doubt anyone else in my league will go running to pick him up/
Look at Bauer hold the Tigers in check. Bauer or Eovaldi ros?
Eovaldi
Verlander has given up 14 baserunners and 5 runs through 5 IP, and he started the inning with 104 pitches. Naturally, he trots out in the 6th. I don’t own him anywhere, but what is Detroit thinking? He’s already displaying declining velocity and command. Are they trying to injure him?
Wouldn’t be the worst strategy with how he’s pitching
Tanaka is coming unstuck against the Cubs?
Can i deal Dee Gordon and Sonny Gray for Kipnis, Alex Gordon and Lance Lynn? I have Seth Smith at LF with Harper on the DL.
Sure
Pleased with bauer tonight. Tough matchup and got nothing given to him.
Yup
No, Britton. Just no.
Ugh
@SteveNZ:
The clarity from tonight for the Baltimore bullpen is as clear as the LA skyline.
Holy Chris Davis.
@SteveNZ: Yeah guess who I’m facing in h2h…I’ll give you one guess…here’s a hint: you just mentioned him…
Drop liriano for keuchel?
Sure
Allen again in the ninth, non save but shaw was in inning 7 and they want him to prove he can do it, Allen is getting the chance.
It wasn’t a save situation
coco is unstartable in weekly leagues….dude is fragile.
Agreed
Grey,
What do you think of Wheeler for keepers league?
Hes asking for Willin Rosario.
I also have Yan Gomes.
10 team h2h.
Thank You
He’s a streamer in your league
@Grey: weekly roto redraft. gordon/reddick for pedroia/holliday?
@herschel: dee that is…
Pedroia
Does it bother anyone else how Hanley keeps his jersey unbuttoned halfway down? He looks like Travolta in Saturday night fever.
@It’s Enrico Pallazzo:
He’s got his eye on you, sexy.
http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_travolta_3.jpg
HA
denard span has more hits than my team today. that is all…
Ha, ouch
Grey and various and sundry Razzballers – Yovani Gallardo limped off the field during the fourth inning tonight in Atlanta.
That might open the door for Mike Fiers who I mentioned earlier has 72 Ks in just 49.1 innings in AAA PCL.
He had a brief stint a couple years ago where he was surprising fantasy sweetness. If he gets the call – you add that effin’ guy and look like a savant in your leagues.
@Moronymous Lohse: Okay, I have to give myself the “MEH” on the Gallardo “injury”. Just watched the replay and it looks like he just twisted his ankle and they decided to sit him for the rest of the night. He looked fine. Sorry.
@Moronymous Lohse: Agreed – I definitely think he’ll get the call over Nelson if the need arises.
@Jason: Yeah it will be curious who gets the nod. But what a problem to have – a good starting five and at least two other guys that look ready.
Puig was limping around the bases just now. Stayed in but looks like a hammy. Wouldn’t be surprised if he sits tomorrow. Hopefully nothing
Ugh
Jesus, Papelbon. No.
He got it
6×6 (OPS and Holds) 10 team league
Trade Pujols and Thayer for
1) Kershaw, Frazier, Tazawa or
2)Strasburg, Rendon, Melancon or
3) hold
1
which trade would you rather take in a 14 team keeper
i give fielder pence verlander kyle seager joe smith for his stanton yelich laroache strasburg
or
i give fielder longoria verlander for his a gon arenado greinke
i have abreu to cover first and closers galore jansen rosenthal rondon shaw? mejia
i took the first one last week but the other owner is bitching that i didnt get enough?
which trade would the fantasy master lothario have taken
You did fine… That’s a solid take for you
@barker: Someone is complaining that YOU didn’t get enough in that trade??? I’d prefer any single player you received over any single player you gave up. As far as I’m concerned, you absolutely schooled him in that deal.
replay seriously blows
Cashner was dropped in my league, do you think is probable for him to heal fast?, do i stash him?
I dropped him in my league
@Grey:
but… why?
haham just broming i get it, thanks.
its the “grippe” not the grip. your welcome
I just went here: http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/The+grip
@Grey: Interesting. The link spells it incorrectly but the article only spells it correctly. Regardless, it is impressive that you were able to work it in. Of course not as impressive as my one of my RCL leagues
I think the other members of my league must of had the grippe when they let me draft this team.
Ha, nice
It’s Doolittle…
https://twitter.com/susanslusser/status/468948249697865728
About time
Rats, I pick up Porcello instead of Doolittle, Doolittle becomes closer day after waiver period, now have to wait till Thursday, he’ll probably cost $10
@Rondelio:
Though sounds like Cliffely may have escaped with only 15 day DL. Crossing fingers.
Dr. Doolittle or Mejia for saves? Only other drop is Kennedy who looks a bit pedestrian since his blowup of 12 Ks.
@Wilsonian:
I like Doolittle. Imagine having a free shot at Glen Perkins, that’s a $12 salad.
@Rondelio: dropping Mejia or Kennedy? My other closers are Soriano, Rodney, and Hawkins.
Kennedy, depends on needs
@Grey: dropped Mejia already. I may drop Kennedy for a stream of Hughes tomorrow or just hold and take Mejia when he comes off waivers. Only have 7 moves left for the week.
FYI, my starters are Scherzer, Teheran, Bailey, Minor, Ventura, Cole, Cingrani, Kennedy. Closers are now Soriano, Rodney, Hawkins, and Doolittle. Stream the Kennedy spot until Mejia is available?
Hold
@Wilsonian:
That’s tough, depends on your other other SP, Roto or H2h. Id say Mejia, though neither are straight drops, I’d rather have doolittle
@Rondelio: dropped Mejia. Listed my SPs in that response to Grey. It’s an 8 Team H2H, but pretty deep rosters so it plays more like a 10 teamer.
Doolittle
Trusting hughes tomorrow for a stream at SD??
Nope
@Grey: didn’t think so. I’m a yankees fan I should know better. Thanks!
@nick the dick:
yep ole Philly has been pitching great lately
Is Johnson worth holding on to? Already have Britton, Paps, Robertson and Melancon/Grilli
Hehe… Nope
@Grey: *Sniggers*
Gee was dropped. Worth grabbing over a streamer?
Nah
Drop RP Tomlin for doolittle? I’m in a 12 team H2h weekly points ans I start to RP. I’d Like to start a SP in the RP role in tomlin but I think Doolittle will b more valuable if he’s the closer… Your thoughts?
Sure
Hi Grey,
The Cubs winning tonight is a surprise (so far), but there should be an asterisk next to Tanaka’s loss. That weather was really bad for a while. Anyway …
Tony Cingrani just hit the wire, do I drop any of the following SPs for him?
Alex Wood
Chris Sale
Corey Kluber
Gio Gonzalez
Hiroki Kuroda
Jeff Samardzija
Jon Lester
Mat Latos
Thanks!
Mike.
Kuroda
@Grey: Thanks Grey! I thought that would be the drop, but two guys were injured and thought maybe you would cut one of those loose. Mike.
Cliff Lee to the DL – wow.
Yup
@Mike: had to meet quota for today. Watch for Cueto or verlandet tomorrow. Anytime an ace gets lit up someone ends up there.
Carlos Santana is being dropped in a lot of my leagues. Are you still picking him up if he was out there?
Thanks…
Mike.
@Mike: To be more specific…
In one league, drop Jedd Gyorko or Jed Lowrie for Santana?
In another league, drop Jedd Gyorko for Santana?
All are backups for me, and Santana actually brings more positions to the table.
Also, I figure I can add Gyorko back later if I needed him.
Thanks…
Mike.
Lose Lowrie…Sure, Gyorko…
Yes
Sorry if repetitive but Mejia or Britton for saves?
@EK: I go Mejia here, said they want him at closer and hes got the stuff. They are a not great to ok team so should get fair amount of chances.
I dont feel BAL situation is settled.
Mejia
@Grey: really. i am surprised at the answer. i assume that it is close in y’alls minds. but according to palmer on the tube, 2 innings before britton got the first save, pamer said that buck was asked if he considered britton to have what it takes for a 9th inning role and the answer was yes. furthermore mejia seams a little in in the bb dept. finally, buck will ride a hot closer till he cools, is traded, or his arm falls off . ask the alfredo simon that used to have no idea where the ball was going if buck will stick with a guy.
ps. i hope it is mejia cuz i lost out on britton by $1 and i have mejia in one league
Would you add Britton, Doolitttle, or neither for saves?
Shallow 10 team leagues.. What are you doing with Liriano?
@Carlos: DOOLITTLE AND FAST. Hes was named closer and it was pretty obvious. Go grab him.
Doolittle..>Drop Liriano
@John: @Carlos: doolittle. he has better stuff.
@Carlos: and apparently melvin, unlike most managers, is not a lhp closer bigot
We’ve made some significant medical advances over the last few years — really just astounding — and I’m so proud of humanity. So why don’t they just swap Lee and Cashner’s arms? Seems like the most logical solution to my fantasy teams’ problems…
Ha!
Which fringe closer: Belisario or Shaw? Thanks!
@Jett: Belasario should keep job, but id watch close.
Belisario
12 team head to head points
Worth it to drop anyone for Wilin Rosario? HRs worth 9 -12 points in my league when you add total bases and RBI in there…
Prado, Headley, Allen Craig….
Prado
Grey…
I have the following pitching staff:
6 starters, 2 closers (12 team, mixed, roto)
Starters: Scherzer, Samardijia, Fister, Kuma, Kazmir, and Beckett/Niese to stream the 6th spot
Closers: K-Rod, Janssen
DL: Paxton
Bench: Gausman, A. Heaney
I am second in overall points in pitching. (1st in ERA, 1st in WHIP, 4th in Saves, middling in the rest of the cats)
My question: is this a good enough staff to not worry about the rest of the year despite the expected regression (for dudes like Samardijia and Kazmir) if all the pitchers pitch to their ability (relatively) and no injuries (fingers crossed)?
Or do I need to make another deal for another arm?
I don’t want to overthink and rosterbate…
Thanks Grey.
Play it a day at a time, no reason to mess with it now
@Grey:
Thank you Master Moustache… you da best!
Have you read this, some Mike Tyson shizz
http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/05/alex-guerrero-ear-miguel-olivo-los-angeles-dodgers-mlb
Yeah, mentioned above
@Grey: didn’t read above