Loyal readers of mine know that sometimes I can be heavy on the hyperbole. I’ve mentioned that a lot of slates are god-awful and horrible and may or may not have told people not to play (cash) on them because of how painful they were. This slate is truly the most god-awful, horrible slate so far in 2018 (there’s the hyperbole!). There, I got it out of the way. Sadly, it may not actually be a bad cash game slate to play, that’s not why it’s bad. It’s bad because it’s the most straightforward thing imaginable. You’re basically looking at a lineup where having a guy at 35% will mean he’s not chalky and he’s your key to victory. You may even end up with a lineup of all guys >50% owned (which brings in the possibility of the comedic hilarity of losing with a lineup where every player you have is owned by a majority of lineups). But, yeah, today should be obvious. Just make the straight forward and blatantly clear plays and use the time you now have to ponder on life. Like how Urban Meyer can get a 3 game suspension when Terrelle Pryor got a 5 game suspension for hawking his bowl rings for tattoos (since he couldn’t afford them because he was an “amateur” whose labor created millions of dollars in value for his employer - I mean “institution” while he was given a “free education”). Too political? Don’t care. And yes, I know, NCAA versus Ohio State. Still don’t care. Abolish college football. Too political? Not my fault. Blame the schedule - this is the stuff that happens when I have free time because there’s simply no need to spend that much time on the slate’s analysis. And furthermore, let me get into the whole thing with Paul Manafort...actually, on second thought, maybe just work on your fantasy football draft list.
On to the picks...
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Monthly Archives: August 2018
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[brid autoplay="true" video="280818" player="10951" title="Fantasy Baseball Mailbag Week 21"]
Yesterday, Thomas Pannone took a no-hitter into the 7th inning of his 1st MLB start, and was the 5th pitcher since 1900 to go seven shutout innings with one or less hits and two or less walks, finishing with 7 IP, 0 ER, 1 hit, 2 walks, 3 Ks. More trivia? You got it! He sometimes goes by his stepfather's Polish name, Pannonehits, or his mom's Czech name, Panntwowalks. Coincidence? Pannone says puh-no-way! He has disavowed his biological Italian father, Panettone. That guy is a real fruitcake. Haha, we had some good laughs, huh? I'm going to take a nap now. *shuts eyes standing up* I can hear you tiptoeing behind me. So, wasn't able to find a ton on Pannone on site. Our Prospect-o-Nator that has projections for all rookies doesn't hate Pannone. Yes, it projects him for 4.98 ERA, but, trust me, with rookies, that's not awful. He's not listed on any major Jays' prospect lists likely because he throws 89 MPH. Woof, and let the dog out so it can woof-woof. For now, I'd look at him as a streamer. Anyway, here's what else I saw yesterday in fantasy baseball:
Ambulance Chasers, Week 21: To Hellickson and Pax-ton
August 22, 2018 | Fantasy Baseball Injury Report | 4 Commentsby: Kerry Klug
Jeremy Hellickson, SP, Wrist Sprain: After missing most of June with a DL stay, Hellickson finds himself back there again, this time with a more serious wrist injury. Hellickson has had an interesting season -- he’s allowed more than 3 ERs just once in his 18 starts, but has also only pitched 6 innings twice. Stash or Trash: The Nationals are being optimistic in their hopes that Hellickson will only miss one start. A pitcher with a wrist injury to their throwing hand? I’d expect a longer stay. I’d still stash him though until we hear more. Fill In: Last week when I had to make a lot of starting pitcher recommendations, the guys I recommended with an ERA of 15.00. So this week with so many starting pitchers placed on the DL I’m going to make all my SP recommendations that I truly believe in at the bottom.
Points Leagues: Wilmer!!!
August 22, 2018 | Fantasy Baseball Points Leagues | 4 Commentsby: malamoney
Fantasy Baseball Podcast: Robbie Ray vs. Joey Lucchesi + Willy Adames
August 22, 2018 | Razzball Podcast |by: B_Don
You know what they say about lefties don’t ya? They smell bad. Wait, no, that’s not it random italicized voice! They say you can’t trust lefties. On this week’s baseball sausage show, B_Don and Donkey take a look at two lefty pitchers, Robbie Ray and Joey Lucchesi. Can you trust these lefties to help your fantasy teams for the rest of 2018 and beyond? Tune in to find out!
The sausage lovers also delve into the game of up and coming Tampa shortstop Willy Adames. Spoiler alert: Willy has a very bright future, and the duo toss around some lofty comps to his swing and his potential production.
In the final segment the guys discuss some pickups who could pay major dividends down the stretch, including Amed Rosario, Charlie Culberson, Michael Kopech and Brett Anderson just to name a few. Basically, pick up anyone that’s hot and don’t be afraid to move on quickly here in the end game. The sausage you seek can be found here:
Walker Buehler has been shredding opposing lineups over the last month, posting a 2.70 ERA with 34 strikeouts in 30 innings. He's got a 3.34 SIERA and a 3.40 Deserved Run Average on the season with a 26.5% K-rate, proving to be a worthwhile starter in his rookie season. After taking down some tough matchups in the Mariners, Rockies (at Coors), and Astros, he shouldn't have a problem with the Cardinals tonight.
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!
Nats DM’d The Cubs But We All Got The Message
August 22, 2018 | Fantasy Baseball Daily Notes | 319 Commentsby: Grey
[brid autoplay="true" video="280818" player="10951" title="Fantasy Baseball Mailbag Week 21"]
Daniel Murphy traded to the Cubs, after being claimed on waivers. I'm going to try to wrap my noodle around this one. My above-the-line noodle. That's above-the-line as in waist, not above-the-line as it's meant in Hollywood. An above-the-line noodle in Hollywood parlance would mean below-the-line as in waist. Okay, off track! *steps in cardboard box designed to look like a car, yells at homeless man 'driving' the cardboard box* Let's get back on track or I'm going to give you a bad Uber rating! For Daniel Murphy to get claimed by the Cubs, it means every NL team passed on him. I realize he can't pitch, but really, Brewers? You got screwed on the Archer move, but you can't use hitting, Pirates? You didn't want another reason to prospblock Jo-Ma, Cardinals? Yo, Phillies, your team batting average is .236; hey, Colorado, you passed on a veteran? Are you feeling okay? So, Murphy joins the Cubs, where he should bat third and play 2nd base. That knocks Javier Baez to 3rd; Ian Happ to a platoon in center with Al-Al, Maddon's Bae Zobrist becomes a utility man, David Bote dons a GOAT costume once a week as a pinch-hitter, but not a goat costume as in the animal, Kris Bryant learns how to play 1st, Rizzo catches, Schwarber pitches and--so the Cubs are obviously stacked. This should help Murphy's fantasy value. Anyway, here's what else I saw yesterday in fantasy baseball:
Psyche! Before we get into the roundup, just wanted to say our Fantasy Football Subscriptions are now live. Last year, Rudy placed top 5 out of something, like, 15,500 'perts who do fantasy football projections. Maybe it's closer to 200 'perts, but you get the picture. Plus, it helps the site. Anyway II, the roundup:
Fantasy Baseball Podcast: All The Pitchers Are Hurt Except Jacob deGrom
August 21, 2018 | All Podcasts, Razzball Podcast | 3 Commentsby: Geoff
A very special week on the podcast, as I'm just hours removed from attending our producer Andy Singleton's wedding in Brookyln, New York. Is he our producer? Kind of (totally), but either way, I'm fresh out of NYC, avoiding any conflicts with 6ix9ine, and I'm ready to talk some baseball. We dig into the Ronald Acuña beanball fallout, what we think a fair punishment for Jose Urena would be, and the idea that this is an example of "old school" play. We then jump into a little head to head player debate, pitting Vlad Jr. vs. Eloy Jimenez, Acuña vs Juan Soto, and Jack Flaherty vs. Walker Buehler. Then we jump into the modern marvel that is Jacob deGrom's 2018, before diving into all the player injuries, and news of note over the last 7 days. It's another gem for the hommies! It's the latest episode of the Razzball Fantasy Baseball Podcast. As always, go and checkout our sponsor Rotowear.com and use our promo-code SAGNOF to get 20% off all of your purchases.
Bear or Bull: Yes, Jose. Saves Can Have a Face
August 21, 2018 | 2023 Fantasy Baseball | 7 Commentsby: Son
Life is about value. If something is rare, then it's value increases and the owner will be reluctant to part ways with it. If something is in abundant quantity, then the value decreases and spending above market value price on it is sub-optimal. Since we are in the heart of fantasy football draft season, it only makes sense to talk about the late-round quarterback strategy. In leagues that require only one quarterback, it doesn't make sense to spend high draft capital at the position because A) it is the most predictable position B) it is matchup dependent C) even if every owner in a 12-team league drafted two, that still leaves nine starters on the waiver wire. The same concept applies to Grey's SAGNOF theory, except for slightly different reasons. Paying up for saves doesn't make sense because the position is volatile with tons of turnover. Therefore, saves can be found on the waiver wire. In both instances, They Ain't Got No Face because we have no issue using 'em, them losing 'em. But that doesn't mean we can't fall in love. That's the ultimate, right? Like going to the club and, instead of a one-night stand, you find the partner that you want to spend all of eternity with. You say no way Jose? I say hip hip Jose, as in Jose Leclerc.
RCL Update: The Week That Was, Week 20, 2018
August 21, 2018 | Our Leagues, Razzball Commenters League | 13 Commentsby: MattTruss
A familiar name is back atop the Razzball Commenter Leagues Master Standings, that of your humble RCL Update host. It’s been since week 8 that I’ve finished the week in the top spot, but with 6 weeks to go, it’s not a bad position to be in. I’m still fighting that ugly LCI of 99 and with 0.2 RCL Points separating first from third, it’s going to be anyone’s game. Even the lightest slip up and you’re out of it. I think it will take one of the high LCI teams reaching 106+ or a low LCI team such as mine reaching 110+ to win this thing but either way it should be a fun finish! I’m not the only Razzball writer with a shot at overall RCL glory either, Laura Holt continues to put on a shot in the Writers League and is currently in third place, just 0.2 points behind my squad. Laura is getting dinged by some pretty terribly win-luck as she’s only got 59 Wins in her 976.1 IP. Watch out for Laura if her win-luck turns around down the stretch. She may end up pulling double duty on Razzball after that, Deep Leagues and RCL strategy! Click below for more on the Master Standings and the rest of the week that was, week 20:
It's a good night on Draft.com. Outside of a Coors game, there's not that much chalk, especially with starting pitching. It's a perfect night to dust off guys like Scooter Gennett, who don't get much respect. A touch of contrarian play could go a long way here.
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!
Wouldn’t It Be Bryse If Atlanta Brings Up Wilson
August 21, 2018 | Fantasy Baseball Daily Notes | 354 Commentsby: Grey
[brid autoplay="true" video="280818" player="10951" title="Fantasy Baseball Mailbag Week 21"]
The Braves called up Bryse Wilson, their third starter who is under 21 years old (Soroka, Allard) and 4th player (Acuña). Mean's while, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. just collected his 3,000th minor league hit. By the time Vlad Jr. is called up, he will be Vlad Sr.'s brother. Didja you know in Latin America junior is a term of endearment like when you call that old lady in your family 'aunt' even though she's unrelated? That's why so many Jr.'s get to their 2nd year of pro ball and drop the junior. Right, Raul Mondesi Jr.? Any hoo! The Braves called up yet another gorgeous, young prospect. "That's what I love about these Braves starters, man. I keep getting older, they stay the same age." -- Matthew McConaughey seeing Bryse Wilson. Prospector Ralph just gave you his Bryse Wilson fantasy. He's also in his top 500 fantasy baseball prospects. Previously, he said, "A 4th rounder in 2016, Bryse Wilson rode his plus sinking fastball to one of the bigger breakouts of 2017. His four-seamer sits 92-95 with sink, and commands it extremely well. His secondaries are far more raw with a power 12-6 curve, and a fringe changeup. Speaking of Wilson, I'd like to spike Grey like a volleyball." Okay, not cool! Yesterday, Wilson went 5 IP, 0 ER, 6 baserunners, 5 Ks, as the Braves bumped everyone in their rotation back a day. The big thing that struck me about Bryse is he looks like he's been doing it for years (which could be said of the other young Braves players). About to call him Poyse Wilson. Seems weird to call him up to just send him back to the minors, so gotta expect him to stay up. In shallower redrafts, I'd view Wilson as a streamer, but I did grab him in two mixed league redrafts. He's obviously a decent keeper in deep leagues (10.8 K/9, 0.9 BB/9 in only 20 Triple-A innings), especially now that's he's up with rest of the Braves' Poyse of Summer. Anyway, here's what else I saw yesterday in fantasy baseball:
