One Man’s Trash: Back, Back, Back, Back…

July 26, 2018 | 2023 Fantasy Baseball | 24 Comments

Chris Berman was so awesome back in the day. The entertaining style and passion that he exuded made watching highlights so much more enjoyable. "Rumblin', bumblin', stumblin.....tick, tick tick, tick, tick tick....he could go all....the...way," were staples for football. For baseball? Outside of the bevy of nicknames he coined for players, he's best known for "back, back, back, back....gone!" for every home run hit. Now, it was cool for the first hundred times, but after the 10,000th one, I wanted to cut off my ears. Home Run Derby? Where I had to listen to it every few seconds on repeat for over an hour? I'd rather listen to my kids whine and cry in one ear, while the other would have a track of fingernails scratching a blackboard. In a nutshell, I wish it was back, back, back, back....gone for real. Now, it took me a long time to get over back to school sales and Baby Got Back, but I'm older and more mature now, so I'm open to things coming back. Which is a good thing because there are two players that will be coming back to baseball after being gone for a long time and could be worth your time.

Learn more about our 2025 Fantasy Baseball Subscriptions!

The best daily/weekly player rankings/projections (hitters, starters, and relievers) for each of the next 7-10 days + next calendar week starting Friday. Kick-ass DFS lineup optimizer and projections for DraftKings, FanDuel, and Yahoo!.

I don’t have enough spam, give me the Razzball email newsletter!

Weekly Razzball news delivered straight to your inbox.

See all of today’s starting lineups

#	MLB Starting Lineups For Wed 6/4
	ARI \| ATH \| ATL \| BAL \| BOS \| CHC \| CHW \| CIN \| CLE \| COL \| HOU \| KC \| LAA \| LAD \| MIA \| MIL \| MIN \| NYM \| NYY \| PHI \| PIT \| SD \| SEA \| SF \| STL \| TB \| TEX \| TOR \| WSH \| DET \| OAK

Rolling In The Deep: Lourd(es), It’s A Long Season!

July 26, 2018 | 2023 Fantasy Baseball | 18 Comments

by: Laura Holt

Every time [player]Max Muncy[/player] hits a home run, a little piece of me dies. Okay, perhaps I’m being a bit melodramatic, but that’s exactly how I feel these days. It would be bad enough if I'd just read about Muncy and not taken a fantasy flier on him, but given that I was one of the folks actually suggesting him as a pick-up -- because his past numbers were better than I thought they’d be after I looked them up, because Dave Roberts was finding a way to keep Muncy in the lineup even as the players he’d been replacing were returning from their injuries, because he just looked like he knew what he was doing at the plate -- and STILL not wrapping my head around the notion that he’d be a productive player as the season progressed… well, that just makes a girl feel silly. And a bit sad. In the deep league world, guys like Muncy can be insane difference-makers. I have a couple NL-only leagues where I’m hovering around 4^th place, trying to scratch and claw my way to a money finish. If I had picked up Muncy in those leagues, he singlehandedly would have provided stats that would likely have me in 2^nd place, where a strong last couple of months could put me over the top and give me a good shot at winning my league. I’ll regret Muncy all season – and perhaps beyond in my keeper leagues – but nothing I can do about it now. Time to get back to my Muncy-less NL-only reality, scouring the waiver wire for anyone that might provide a boost between now and the end of September. And speaking of the waiver wire, time to get down to business and take a look at some names who might be available for those looking for help in the deep-league world.

FanDuel: Globe(al) Warming: Bad for Humans, Good for Offense

July 26, 2018 | DFS, Fanduel |

by: cinthree

This past week has seen an extreme heat wave in parts of Texas, including Arlington. It has been at least over 100 degrees for 5 of the last 6 days (on Tuesday it was “only” 97) getting as high as 107 on Friday and 109 Saturday. While it’s normally pretty hot in Texas in late July, it isn’t normally this hot (I looked it up - typically it will be about 95-96 degrees, and it rarely exceeds 102. These last few days have all been abnormally hot). While I do believe that weather is generally overrated in baseball DFS, when it gets to be this hot, you simply can’t ignore it. Just to illustrate: Friday, July 20th (107 Degrees) - Cleveland 9, Rangers 8 Saturday, July 21st (109 Degrees) - Cleveland 16, Rangers 3 Sunday, July 22nd (102 Degrees) - Rangers 5, Cleveland 0 Monday, July 23rd (100 Degrees) - Athletics 15, Rangers 3 Tuesday, July 24th (97 Degrees) - Athletics 13, Rangers 10 Wednesday, July 25th (100 Degrees) - Athletics 6, Rangers 5. In other words, when it gets really hot, offenses just become downright silly (except apparently on Sundays). Yesterday’s game was a disappointment in that there were “only” 11 runs. To put it bluntly - no matter what DFSBot might want, at some point when it gets to be this hot, you have to just weather-truth it. On to the picks… New to FanDuel? Scared of feeling like a small fish in a big pond? Well be sure to read our content and subscribe to the DFSBot for your daily baseball plays. Just remember to sign up through us before jumping into the fray. It’s how we know you care!

Red Sox Add Eovaldi As A Paisan For Porcello

July 26, 2018 | Fantasy Baseball Daily Notes | 337 Comments

by: Grey

[brid autoplay="true" video="273115" player="10951" title="Fantasy Baseball Mailbag Week 17"] Nathan Eovaldi was sent to the Red Sox for Jalen Beeks. That's right, Beeks in Tropicana. Orange you glad they're Trading Places? We can only hope Dan Aykroyd comes to the games in black face to switch out Beeks' briefcase. *insert Eddie Murphy laugh* Sigh. I miss Eddie Murphy. Speaking of aging comedians, I was watching Comedians in Cars Yadda and, boy, Jerry Seinfeld got old and bitter, right? He's becoming Robert Klein, Jerry Lewis and, well, lots of old comedians. Any hoo! Eovaldi is getting passed around the AL East like Johnny Damon. Thankfully, he can throw better than him. Moving to Fenway does not help Eovaldi. I won't tell you he had a 2.12 ERA at home and a 5.18 ERA in away games, except to tell you that while telling you I won't say it. It's not completely fair, though, because players are just better at home, in general, wherever that home is, but Fenway is unforgiving, especially if you're not white. (I kid.) Eovaldi should provide value in the right matchups, but he's far from a 'start every time out' guy. As for Beeks, he was placed inside a gorilla suit and shipped off to a much better landing spot. He appeared on Prospector Ralph's top 500 fantasy baseball prospects list. You scrolling for him, "Uh...Um....Is he here....Where is he....Oh, there. Geez." Yeah, he's deep, and he's simply a streamer for this year. Anyway, here's what else I saw yesterday in fantasy baseball:

Ambulance Chasers, Week 17: You Get an Oblique Strain and You Get an Oblique Strain!

July 25, 2018 | Fantasy Baseball Injury Report | 8 Comments

by: Kerry Klug

Michael Fulmer is officially oblique strain 1 of 3 in this report! Collect all three for a frustrating prize! Luckily it’s a grade 1 strain. Unluckily it’s a friggen oblique strain. They all suck and they all linger for weeks. Stash or Trash: Stash. He’s 3-9 and his frustration will frustrate you -- but he’s still a worthy SP4 or 5 on your roster. Fill In: Carlos Rodon (19.6%.) Last week I told you to add Carlos Rodon, but apparently the message was not received as he’s still under 20% owned. Rodon’s K/rate is still approximately 2 strike-outs behind his career numbers so you have to believe that number will normalize as he gets more starts under his belt. As it stands now he still has a 1.19 WHIP and a 3.56 ERA in 7 starts.

Points Leagues: Son of a Pitch(er)

July 25, 2018 | Fantasy Baseball Points Leagues | 16 Comments

by: malamoney

If only I had a top performing pitcher to highlight that was the son of an ex-pitcher to really drive home my title. I guess I could discuss [player]Dereck Rodriguez[/player], but his daddy was a catcher. I could change the title to "Son of a Catchter", but it doesn't have the same ringtone. While I am here, however, let's give him a quick shout. Over eight starts Pudge Junior is averaging 16.50 points per start. That sandwiches him in between [player]Lance McCullers[/player] (16.42) and [player]Mike Clevinger[/player] (16.37). Ignoring the small sample size factor, that puts him inside the top 30. And the list of pitchers ahead of him reads pretty much like a who's who of who you'd expect the top starting pitchers to be. One surprise on that list is [player]Ross Stripling[/player], whose last name sounds like a little person (midget for you less PC readers) that takes their clothes off for money. Stripling has a 2.43 ERA, is averaging more than 20 points per start and is striking out more than ten batters per nine. His numbers (xFIP of 2.83) say he's the real deal. And guess what, he's got RP eligibility. He could end up being the waiver wire pick of the year. I haven't given that much thought, but his name would certainly be up there. Given his year-to-date performance I'm willing to forgive him for hanging that curveball to [player]Rhys Hoskins[/player] Monday night and costing me about ten points, but I would like a complimentary lap dance in the champagne room the next time he's in town.

Draft: The Price to Pay

July 25, 2018 | DFS, Draft |

by: TroyKlauder

The Orioles have been one of the best lineups to stream against all year, and now that they've traded Manny Machado, they're just making it too easy. Baltimore has just a .290 wOBA versus lefties this year, so I'll be rolling with David Price against them on Wednesday. Price hasn't been spectacular this year, but he's coming off of a nice return from the break where he went 6 1/3 scoreless against the Tigers. Price has a viable 24.0% K-rate and should have no problem giving you a productive start on Draft. New to Draft.com? Scared of feeling like a small fish in a big pond? Well, be sure to read our content and subscribe to the DFSBot for your daily baseball plays. Just remember to sign up through us before jumping into the fray. It’s how we know you care!

Yankees Have Revolutionary Thought, Make Up With Britton

July 25, 2018 | Fantasy Baseball Daily Notes | 368 Comments

by: Grey

[brid autoplay="true" video="273115" player="10951" title="Fantasy Baseball Mailbag Week 17"] Zach Britton was traded to the Yankees. The Yankees acquired Britton to throw out all Boston players' tea. Now the Yankees just need to acquire Ben Revere to ride into Boston and tell everyone in Fenway what's up. "Excuse me, Jimmy McMalley, should we Google when the Yankees are coming to town next?" "I don't think that's necessary, Shane O'Irishharvard, the Yankees have a lovely black gentleman riding into town named Revere with a Britton" "Splendid, Jimmy, splendid." And that's how Massholes discuss current events. Britton now moves about three innings from the ninth. Is he gonna pitch the 6th? Not sure, to be honest, but he's not closing, so in most leagues you can drop him. As for Baltimore's new closer? Like neon scrunchies, what's old is new again, and Brad Brach should regain the closer job. Anyway, here's what else I saw yesterday in fantasy baseball:

Fantasy Baseball Podcast: Tim Tebow’s Virginity & Other Baseball Stuff

July 24, 2018 | All Podcasts, Razzball Podcast | 15 Comments

by: Geoff

As we lift ourselves up from one of most boring week's on the sports calendar, Grey and myself dive back into the happenings of the last weekend in fantasy baseball. We touch on Tim Tebow's virginity, elevators in people's homes, the Brad Hand trade, and Matt Carpenter's grueling pace. Later in the show we talk schmotatos to add, those to avoid, and whether Ian Desmond is on the verge of a good half of baseball. And as always shoutout to our sponsor Rotowear for providing the finest shirts in fantasy sports, and beyond. Don't forget to head over to Rotowear.com and punch in our promo-code SAGNOF to get 20% off all Rotowear brand shirts. It's another episode of the Razzball Podcast:

Bear or Bull: How Much Wood Would a Grichuk Muck If…?

July 24, 2018 | 2023 Fantasy Baseball | 10 Comments

by: Son

I've always been fascinated with players breaking bats with their legs and head (freaking Bo Jackson). The strength it requires and the fact that their muscles are so freaking developed that they basically have an armor plate boggles the mind. Granted, this is coming from a guy that is the favorite sleeping place for his kids because the stomach is so plush and comfortable. It also makes me question why we still have wooden bats in the game. Don't we have the technology to manufacture a bat that mimics a wooden one but doesn't splinter or break? Save trees and save money. Seems like a win-win all around. The wooden bat companies must have some powerful lobbies. Anyways, players break bats when they get frustrated from striking out. Randal Grichuk has a career 29.2% strikeout rate, but doesn't break bats. Imagine the damage he'd cause if he didn't have the Zen-like composure or enlightenment of self-awareness? I am not Tony Robbins so I give no shits about "emotional mastery." But I do care about the prospects of Grichuk being a fantasy viable asset.

Draft: No(la) When To Hold Em

July 24, 2018 | DFS, Draft | 2 Comments

by: Roto-Wan

Many were high on Aaron Nola coming into this season. Even out of those backers, few could have expected this kind of ceiling performance. The control has always been there; the bankable consistency is a new feature. If you're going early at starting pitcher on Draft, you want that trust factor. Nola's showing it. Who else can you put your trust in? It's like Charlie Daniels said, you have to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em. New to Draft? Scared of feeling like a small fish in a big pond? Well, be sure to read our content and subscribe to the DFSBot for your daily baseball plays. Just remember to sign up through us before jumping into the fray. It’s how we know you care!

Poncedeleon Discovers Something More Useful Than Florida

July 24, 2018 | Fantasy Baseball Daily Notes | 457 Comments

by: Grey

[brid autoplay="true" video="273115" player="10951" title="Fantasy Baseball Mailbag Week 17"] Yesterday, Daniel Poncedeleon was called up and threw no hitter (thru seven innings and then was pulled from game while striking out three hitters, but it's more fun to say he threw a no-hitter, so ignore this). Incredibly, Poncedeleon is 478 years old, and he could be the ROY. *intern whispers in my ear* That's an F? What the hell is, 'He could be a FOY?' The fountain of the year? What are you talking about? Rookie of the youth? What are you talking about? Sorry, having a miscommunication with my intern. Any hoo! In Triple-A, he had a 10.1 K/9 -- up my giddy! -- a 4.7 BB/9 -- put my roll on slow! -- a 2.15 ERA -- getting the fever! -- with a 4.99 xFIP -- so I'm taking some 'Tussin. He might surprise some major league lineups, but he could easily go out and destroy you. By the way, Bartolo Colon is so intent on 300 wins that he might follow Poncedeleon wherever he goes. On the reals, Poncedeleon's dad in the stands after his son threw seven no-hit innings gave me the feels, especially when you figure his dad has to be at least 498 years old. Anyway, here's what else I saw yesterday in fantasy baseball: