Excuse the exposition and this clunky intro into aforementioned exposition, but here’s the catchers to target, 1st basemen to target, 2nd basemen to target, shortstops to target and something to stick to your dartboards to target. These 3rd basemen to target are being drafted after 200 overall. Keep in mind, nephew (and five niece readers), your Uncle Grey likes to have a corner man drafted by the time these guys appear, so you’re looking at potential utility men more than anything. Now, this is a (legal-in-all-countries-except-Indonesia) supplement to the top 20 3rd basemen for 2018 fantasy baseball. Click on the player’s name where applicable to read more and see their 2018 projections. Speaking of baseball (best segue ever!), the Stream-o-Nator, Hitter-Tron and DFSBot are now available, i.e., the Razzsubscriptions. Anyway, here’s some 3rd basemen to target for 2018 fantasy baseball:
Maikel Franco (ESPN 200) Since there’s so few 3rd basemen sleepers here to draft, I’m going to speak briefly in general terms about 3rd basemen after this clunky expositional sentence. A lot of 3rd basemen have multiple positional eligibility, so I might’ve went over some other guys already in the previous “to target” posts, especially since I’m using Yahoo eligibility, which is like, “Yo, didn’t DeJong play outfield last year?” Five milliseconds later, “Yes.” “Did you look that up?” “No.” “Cool.” I believe in Yahoo Rizzo has 2nd base eligibility because of Andy Behrens after a three daiquiri night. Also, there’s a ton of 3rd basemen to draft from around pick 85 to pick 150. Everyone from Devers, Castellanos to Longoria and Beltre are available in that range, and from what I can see, there’s so little difference between them. Sure, Devers has more upside, but his 25/7/.280 is that different than, say, Kyle Seager’s 27/3/.265? Beltre’s 24/3/.290 vs. Longoria’s 25/1/.265? Your enthusiasm mileage may vary, but these guys are not profoundly different. I love Castellanos, but he’s dramatically different from Seager? Any hoo! Maikel Franco, or as I like to call him, Maikel Franco. What, you have a different name for him? Oh, you call him a piece of–?! Wow, that’s harsh, you must be from Philly. Maikel’s projections are 25/1/.265. Again, that different from aforementioned guys?
Matt Chapman (ESPN 247; Yahoo 254) Because there’s so many Matts on the A’s, I think we need to start using middle names for these guys. So, Matt David Chapman– Wait, why is Matt David Chapman now applying lipstick like Steve Buscemi in Billy Madison? Why is he standing in a dark shadow waiting for us to come out of a movie theater? Matt David Chapman is scaring me! So, Chapman is all fly balls and home runs. Well, some of those fly balls don’t leave the park, which is why he hits .230. If you can stomach the low average, he could be a cheap Joey Gallo, who is a cheap Aaron Judge. Damn, Matt David Chapman is Aaron Judge! There’s some Matt David Chapman in the video below too.
Brian Anderson (ESPN & Yahoo not ranked) Brian Anderson sounds like the name for an unidentified body when John Doe just won’t do. “Ya know what, John Doe sounds too ethnic, can we call this body, Brian Anderson?” Wait, something is coming through…*puts finger to ear bud* It’s coming through right now that Brian Anderson’s value just went up in another NL-Only league. *puts finger to ear* And higher still! Wow! *finger back to ear* What’s that? Please bring pizza to back entrance? Got it! Sorry, I’m also working for Postmates. So, yes, Anderson’s value has been climbing this spring for deep leagues, because the Marlins have announced he will be their everyday 3rd baseman. The projections systems are lukewarm on him, but his walk and line drive rates in the minors were elite. He could sneak into a Jose Martinez-type year — think 17 HRs, .275, maybe even upside on the average. For a late pick, I could see grabbing him, but don’t get carried away, unless you’re in a baby Bjorn.
Eugenio Suarez (Yahoo 203) For whatever reason, Eugenio is a forgotten man this draft season. He is being projected for exactly the same stats as the crapumvirate group of 3rd basemen who are being drafted fifty spots earlier. Wanna make an over-the-internet bet that I will welch on that says Eugenio outpaces Beltre for fantasy value? C’mon, my fake money you’re never getting is burning a hole in my pocket.
Nick Senzel (ESPN 543) Sticking with the newly established Reds 3rd baseman theme, Senzel has been working out of the shortstop position this spring, so the Reds can play Suarez and Senzel. *Jose Peraza nudges with elbow* “Um, guys, what about me?” Not now, Peraza! Senzel is likely more of a bet for a June call-up vs. an appearance in April, but he had 10 HRs and 5 SBs while hitting .340 last year in Double-A. I know, I know, 10 homers and five steals is nothing great, until you consider he was only there for 209 ABs. Yabbity blabbity bloo!
Grey, I was stoked to see your adorable punim tweeted out a few days ago. You’re aging so gracefully.
Now that I’ve buttered you up, two questions:
1. I feel like I might have once heard you maybe recommend that people avoid top starters early in the draft? Would this change your thinking: I’m in an 8×8 roto league with K/9, K/BB, and QS added for pitchers and Ks, OBP and SLG added for hitters, and my three keepers are Stanton (2nd rd), Bryant (4th rd), and Rendon (7th rd). Since my hitting is stacked, should I used my first-rounder on a top arm to lock down those extra pitching ratios?
2. How’d I do in my RCL draft?
C: Lucroy (20)
1B: Freeman (1)
2B: Gordon (3)
SS: Lindor (2)
3B: Justin Turner (8)
CI: Carlos Santana (10 – accidental pick)
MI: Arcia (17)
OF: Khris Davis (5)
OF: Puig (7)
OF: Eaton (13)
OF: Mazara (14)
OF: Haniger (18)
UT: Hanley (22)
BN: Gurriel (19)
BN: Hicks (21)
BN: Cesar Hernandez (25 – dropped for Brad Ziegler)
P: deGrom (4)
P: Nola (6)
P: Sonny Gray (12)
P: Fulmer (16)
P: Jordan Montgomery (23)
P: JA Happ (24)
P: Wade Davis (9)
P: Colome (11)
P: Herrera (15)
P: Ziegler (waivers)
So much OF value late. And how about Hanley at 22? Homeboy’s hitting 3rd for the Sox!
@MrKnish: *blushes* Why thank you, Mr. Knish! 1. Yes, you need better starters than I would usually draft — I wasn’t talking K/9, K/BB, and QS leagues, let alone all three 2. Ouch on Turner, hitting looks okay otherwise, assuming Gordon gets all the SBs you need– Your pitching is slightly better than you need
Anderson, Cadelario, or Gyorko to fill in for Justin Turner?
Damn drafting early sucks
@The Fighting Chicken:
No shit, just read this. I was thinking maybe Healy would be a decent replacement.
@The Fighting Chicken: Tim Anderson
Grey,
What’s the deal with Danny Salazar? I’ve read that there are rumours of him being used as relief and no longer starting due to durability but the guy is 28 years old and only had 2 injury plagued seasons. I find it hard to believe he doesn’t come back as a starter.
@Ball_Boy: “Only two” is a lot when you’ve had 4 full seasons.
@Ball_Boy: The deal is he sux. Avoid him.
@Ball_Boy: I think what we saw from him last year is what you can expect going forward. A couple of glimpses of brilliance followed by periods of being lost (not making it out of the 2nd inning)…followed by the dl…followed by the bull pen. Repeat.
@Joakim Dead: The worst thing about Danny’s roller coaster is you’ll have him on the bench for a couple of his brilliant starts which will get your confidence up enough to trot him out there where he punches you in the crotch with a 1/3 IP 6+ER implosion.
@Ball_Boy:
He’s a nibbler. That’s his deal. Fools gold. Not even particularly good when healthy.
@Ball_Boy: Only 2 injury plagued years out of how many? 4?
@Grey:
2019 Kzar Breakout!
I don’t see how it can’t happen!
@Grey: @Grey:
Yeah fair points. I can see how he has burned a lot of people especially the times you bench him and he goes off.
Yeah, exactly
14 team H2H redraft daily league. QS, Ks, ERA, WHIP, K/9, S+H.
We changed Saves to Saves+Holds this year in responses to the changes in which managers are utilizing their starters and relievers. We brought relevancy to all the middle relievers who are being used so frequently now.
Am I a chicken if I cut 2 of Mikolas, Foltynewicz, or Vince Velasquez for Anthony Swarzak and Mychal Givens? Or just hold on to the (classic) setup of 7 SPs and 3 RPs?
I know there’s no real right answer to this right now as both could work. Many teams have 5 RP teams to create super bullpens in my league. Though some teams have 1 RP.
I could just go against the grain to try to win all the quantitative stats as well since I have Kershaw and Scherzer. Drafting these 2 super-aces was my response to the league’s response in changing to Saves+Holds
P: Clayton Kershaw
P: Max Scherzer
P: Kelvin Herrera
P: Addison Reed
P: Shane Greene
SP: Sean Manaea
SP: Patrick Corbin
Bench: Miles Mikolas
Bench: Mike Foltynewicz
Bench: Vince Velasquez
Thanks! #InGreyWeTrust
@Savoy Special: I can’t imagine doing anything with Folty, VV or Miles Mikolas warrants being called anything, let alone a chicken. I would think all three or those guys are replaceable on the wire if you want, particularly if other teams are carrying 5 RP:
@DonSlaughtOnslaught: yea agreed. I’m just thinking maybe Folty and VV finally breakout. Age 26/25 season. but have been bad/mediocre and maybe finally figure it out? it’s ST but they both have looked good so far. also both are in the NL. and Mikolas, also NL, maybe he’s what Ohtani was supposed to be but less upside/safer play.
Anyway, who would you cut between Folty, VV, Mikolas for one (1) of either Givens or Swarzak?
@Savoy Special: Mikolas for Swarzak. The three starters are all close in Grey’s rankings.
@Savoy Special: I’d hold Mikolas and Folty for now, but VV for Swarzak sounds fine
14 Team H2H redraft daily league. Runs, HR, RBI, SB, AVG, OPS.
True or false, I have enough power because I have a stable Catcher and Shortstop?
I typically do not draft top Catchers and Shortstops and end up having to comb the wire all year. But this year I wanted less of a headache.
By achieving more volume of at-bats, the power is good enough especially as I believe my power/speed combos give me an advantage across all categories rather than being short in one of the another. I know I don’t have a big power source so yea..
C: JT Realmuto
1B: Josh Bell
2B: Chris Taylor
3B: Matt Chapman
SS: Francisco Lindor
OF: Mike Trout
OF: Steven Souza
OF: Bradley Zimmer
UTL: Mitch Haniger
Bench: Jonathan Villar
Thanks!
@Savoy Special: maybe I am not understanding what you are saying, but no, JT Realmuto does not help for power. Late catchers like Zunino, Ianetta and Wellington Castillo will all hit more HRs regardless of if JT plays every day. I personally don’t think you have enough power. I don’t draft for 14 teamers often though, and it seems like you went Trout/Kershaw/Scherzer which is going to eliminate opportunities for a great offense.
@DonSlaughtOnslaught: yea fair enough. I drafted Lucroy last year and have essentially not had a real catcher in 2 years. so having Realmuto for C and Francisco Lindor for SS just feels like a luxury. I just want a warm body there lol
I literally check Razzball every day during the season which is why I don’t feel so scared combing the wire and why I decided to go for broke in my auction draft for Trout, Lindor, Kershaw, and Scherzer. Each year, my final roster in September looks nothing like it did on Opening Day.
@Savoy Special: makes sense that it as an auction. Realmuto is a good player, and I get what you are saying abou having a stable catcher; I just meant he isn’t any great shakes in the power department.
@Savoy Special: Too much speed, not enough power IMO
@Cram It: for immediate power upgrades available on the Wire: Hunter Renfroe, Mark Trumbo, Lucas Duda, Eric Thames, Todd Frazier, Scott Schebler, Carlos Gonzalez (who looked great in September). Would you cut Haniger, Villar, or Zimmer for anyone of these guys?
Also, I can’t cut Realmuto but maybe I can trade him. For a possible replacement, who do you like out of Chirinos, Hedges, d’Arnaud, and Grandal?
Thanks!
@Savoy Special: You based some of your draft strategy on taking a catcher and now you want to trade him? I’d drop Villar for, Idk, Thames or Duda I guess.
@Cram It: toward the end of the auction draft, most managers were broke. Out of a $260 auction draft budget, I got Realmuto for $2. He was an accidental investment.
I spent $80 on Trout, $58 on Scherzer, $53 on Kershaw, and $48 on Lindor. It was literally 2 hours in between me selecting players because of my stars and scrubs strategy lol.
@Savoy Special: Sheesh, that’s extreme. Obviously you invested too much in pitching. But H2H you might be able to make it work.
@Cram It: also, my Kershaw and Chapman for Arenado? is this worth weakening my Kershaw/Scherzer advantage to solidify my offense? Chapman could break out, kid looks real.
@Savoy Special: I agree on dropping Villar for Thames. Just see how the season goes the first couple of match ups and look to trade Kershaw or Scherzer if you need some power. I worry that Zimmer isn’t going to give you every day at bats so I would drop him for Renfroe (IMO).
@Savoy Special: Agree with others
Hey Grey!!!
Fired up for the season, starting my pre-draft cramming now!
For my ESPN 14 team H2H 5×5 auction league, 7 moves a week (FAAB), a newly changed rule has me kinda stuck: min innings pitched is 45 inn now, with 12 games started as the cap still. How do i attack this at the draft on Sunday? 9 pitchers (P) starting slots daily, with 3 bench spots overall.
Last seasons draft, i came away with three stud pitchers (Thor, Darvish, Archer) and then six bargains each under $10(McCullers, J. Gray, Matz, Gio, to name a few), and a cheap closer. Thinking about trying to do the same this time. I know you’ll say i don’t need that much firepower up top, but with pitching so damn volatile now, i never felt comfortable unless i had at least two studs last season. I traded for Kershaw in early May after Thor went down. Then traded for Kluber for the stretch run when Kershaw was out. Brought home the title, looking to repeat of course.
In season i plan to stream about 2-3 starts a week at least, depending on how many two start guys i have scheduled to go. Last season i carried at most two closers, and a couple middle relievers for ratio and K help.
Sorry for the long question. Thanks for all you do and keep up the great work!!!
@ThE sHiT: I don’t see how this changes anything. You can’t reach 45 innings?
@ThE sHiT: Thanks! Good to see you! You won last year, wouldn’t change up game plan, if it ain’t broke, ya know?
I finished my first ever draft. Grade me!
C: Ramos
1B: Hosmer
2B: Albies
SS: Machado
3B: Gallo
OF: Stanton
OF: Yelich
OF: Benintendi
UTIL: Pollock
BN: Acuna
SP: Bauer
SP: Castillo
SP: Wood
RP: Giles
RP: Bradley
P: Wacha
P: Peacock
BN: Leone
BN: Kela
BN: Glasnow
BN: Nelson (soon to be DL)
Some waiver pitchers: Reyes, Chatwood, Montgomery (both), Gohara, Straily, Musgrove. Anyone worth having?
@HAL: It’s a 14-team league with 5×5 H2H categories with daily roster setting. 20 IP minimum.
@HAL: are you drafting with 3rd graders
@Crime Dog: just kidding, I see how this team is possible. Looks really good though
@HAL: I like the hitting a lot, pitching looks risky, but I like the guys you grabbed, seems like a team I would draft, nicely done!
Nice work! Completely agreed on Eugenio. In a redraft league, what’s the real difference between him and Devers?
@Duda Want to Build a Snowman?: Thanks! I know, right? I can’t figure it out, and I also have Devers ranked higher, just not sure why
@Grey: I think you have Devers ranked higher because Eugenio is probably his floor (within reason) . . . but his 95th-percentile ceiling even this year is probably ~.290 30 HR 85 R 100 RBI 7 SB (not saying it’ll happen, just saying that it’s not out of the realm of possibility if he hits 5th all year and builds on what he did last year without much regression of any kind).
Eugenio is more of the Kyle Seager mold.
Yeah, agreed, Devers has allure of upside, but I’m not sure there’s any serious high upside there
@Grey: Yeah, best case is Hanley 2016.
For util and possible bench/reserve, who would you pick and do you think I have them in right order:
Yonder Alonso, Ryon Healy, Logan Morrison, kendyrs morales
I am leaning towards Alonso as like him in Indians lineup and he seems to be killing it in spring training.
Thanks
@Earl:
ZO
@Earl: They’re all various shades of the same, just grab Alonso if you’re feeling him
Grey
New team I just drafted. 12 team mixed, Yahoo. Wanted your thoughts please? I missed out on the top SS, so as soon as Conforto & Murph are listed as DL, I will pick up a SS for the Free Agent list ( maybe Semien or others, will ask your opinion when I get to it). Not too worried there are plenty of serviceable SS left, and I think my offense looks good.
C Molina
1B Abreu
2B Odor
3B Moustakas
SS
OF Stanton
OF Betts
OF Marte
U Lamb
U McMahon
BN Chris Davis
BN Daniel Murphy
BN Acuna
BN Conforto
SP Darvish
SP Nola
SP Wood
SP Chase Anderson
SP Wacha
SP Corbin
RP Giles
RP Melancon
BN Harvey
BN Holland
@Jim: New team, who dis? I like the hitting, looks pretty stacked, maybe a tad low on AVG… Love the pitching, nice team!
Is Baez a straight-up drop over Tim Beckham in a obp h2h 12 teamer?
@MrMoonsault: Hold
@Grey: i think we should start using bitcoin twitter terminology… HODL FOR LAMBOS
Hahahaha
@Grey: Beaz could moon this year
Grey- I print out all of these players to target posts and keep them under my pillow at night. Its easier than sleeping on my tablet… thank you for the continued edumacation, always helps me on draft day!
Question: In a standard 5×5 roto, If you had to pick one late round SP that you could add to every one of your teams, who would that be?
Thanks in advance.
@JoeMonte: Ha, thanks! Newcomb looks on verge of breakout
Another insightful article, Grey. If i didn’t keep 1b’s in my ci, ut, and 2 of slots, I’d take eugenio every time.
I’m in a 17 team league that only 3 stats- LGIP, ACA, wCG (that’s length and girth x innings played, areola circumference average, and weighed carriage generosity). Who would you recommend as sleepers in this format?
@Fanciful Basesball: Thanks! Billy Butler
Grey!!!
Great 3B article.
a. I could see two of these guys catching fire for a 10-20 day period. Who knows? Only the Shadow.
b. In day one of the 3-day training. A real yawner. At least the accommodation is full-board – I know, I know! It’s all about the free food! Lunch was adequate but nothing to write home about. Will let you all know tomorrow for the supper menu.
c. Amped for today’s draft at 13h00 EST.
Cheers,
Ante
@Ante Galic: A. Only the Shadow sounds like a horror film B. Free food *is* worth writing home about! C. Nice!
@Grey: Grey!
Just completed my H2H draft. It’s H2H points with weekly setting of the lineup and pitcher heavy (7 pts for W, 3 for QS, 3 pts for 1IP, 1pt for K, -0.5 for BB, -1 for H, and -5 for L), especially if you can lineup 2-start pitchers for Mon – Sat or Tues – Sun starts during the week.
C Yadier Molina (158)
1B Freddie Freeman (23)
2B DJ LeMahieu (118)
3B Alex Bregman (43)
SS Francisco Lindor (18)
OF1 Andrew McCutchen (63)
OF2 Yasiel Puig (123)
OF3 Ender Inciarte (138)
U Adam Eaton (163)
P1 Corey Kluber (3)
P2 Jacob deGrom (38)
P3 Chris Archer (58)
P4 Jose Quintana (83)
P5 Jeff Samardzija (98)
RP1 Roberto Osuna (78)
RP2 Edwin Diaz (103)
Bench Michael Fulmer (143)
Bench Cole Hamels (178)
Bench Michael Wacha (183)
Bench Jameson Taillon (198)
Bench Mike Minor (203)
Some guys on the wire…DeShields, Manaea. Drop any SPs for any of these two?
Cheers,
Ante
Minor for DeShields, Hamels maybe, see how he looks 1st week… Love the balance on hitting and your pitching is insanely stacked, nice team overall, Ante!
@Grey: Grey!
Thanks.
a. Having Cutch22 as my OF1 is scary!
b. Minor has RP eligibility so I can start him there when he gets 2 starts. Does he have more value as an RP eligible pitcher?
c. I understand the DeShields pickup to be a handcuff for Eaton if he ruptures another knee tendon. Right?
d. It’s H2H points, so it’s all about the points and nothing else.
e. I promise not to start Kluber in April!
Cheers,
Ante
A. AF
B. Meh, can hold him if you like, I don’t like Hamels either tho, can lose him if you like
C. Yeah
D. Gotcha
E. Ha!
If I told you that you were stacked at the hot corner, would you hold it against me?
@Joakim Dead: Haha
Who would u prefer first two rounds?
Goldy/Machado or Goldy/JDM
@Cohen: goldy/mach by a mile
@Cohen: Agree with Peacecoast
The 3rd basemen all seem to be doing the same thing. None really stand out. 25 bombs 270 ish avg…0 to 2 steals….
Third is a boring play imo.
@Mark: that’s why you can wait and take them late if you don’t get on of the elite guys
@Mark: Yeah, lots of similar guys
Grey,
Need a new show rec..just got done Gormorrah…Great show
Also going to vegas need a future bet, i remember you took ATL last year, anything this year?
@frank cloud: I wanted to bet Phillies in November, but didn’t, and should’ve… Gomorra was so good, right? Damn, I love that show… You watch Sneaky Pete? 1st season was better than 2nd, but not bad… Hard coming off one of the best shows I’ve seen recently…
Okay, speed round! I need power… 14 team H2H redraft league.
Which side? I also have Scherzer but I’d rather keep him.
1) Kershaw/Chapman for Arenado
2) Kershaw for Harper
3) Kershaw for Bellinger
4) Kershaw for Rizzo
5) Kershaw for Springer
6) Kershaw for Schoop/Gallo
7) Kershaw for JD Martinez
8) Kershaw/Realmuto for Gary Sanchez/Kenley Jansen
Thanks!
@Savoy Special: If you have Scherzer, you definitely don’t need Kershaw. If you can do 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7 – those are highway robbery. Schoop + Gallo is OK but I think you can do better. Sanchez + Jansen isn’t bad.
@Savoy Special: Agree with Duda
Should I drop Willy Adames for Chad Pinder in an AL Only league for my backup SS?
@Kingslayer: Yup
Is it just me or is it downright insane some of the Giancarlo Stanton projections. I like him just as much as anyone. But why am I seeing projections of him hitting 60 homers and 140 RBIs? that’s downright silly. That’s more his ceiling I would say. I don’t doubt that he can do it, but I think a lot of stuff has to go right for that to happen. Between Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, and Mark McGwire, some of the best power hitters of all time, all on the juice too, I think they had a combined 6 seasons of 60 homers or more between the 3 of them. Giancarlo is not on juice (at least hasn’t been popped, also doesn’t look like he is), and it seems people are thinking he’s going to hit 60 every year until he retires. Am I alone here?
@Crime Dog:
There’s a guy on the radio who has covered the Marlins a lot who says Stanton is like an ocd level creature of routine and habit. He has suggested that bouncing around the of/dh and moving around the line up is going to screw with Stanton’s head. League change team change might also take adjustment. Not necessarily buying in on all that but I did note that narrative.
@OaktownSteve: right there’s that element too. good point. I totally think he’s capable of those lofty projections, but since when are we projecting based on ceiling. Seems to me if you’re projecting Stanton for 60 homers and 140 RBIs you should be projecting trout for 50 homers and 30 steals, but no one has trout with those projections.
@Crime Dog: I just looked again at Razzball/steamer projections. I’m picking on them, but it’s not only them, this is everywhere it seems, Actually Grey’s projections are more reasonable. Stanton is projected for 140 RBIs, the next highest RBI projection is 115 RBIs. That is also just silly. Arenado gets 130 every year in his sleep and is projected for 115. Why is Stanton’s ceiling being projected and everyone else’s floor being projected!
@Crime Dog: I talked with Steamer in NY in person, and he said he was shocked by his own projection, but he doesn’t fiddle with the projections once they come out of the machine, so they are what they are
@Grey: I don’t know all the details behind how steamer runs their projections. Could be part of the problem. It’s just shocking to me.
It’s what the projections systems are saying tho
Drafted my only team this year, in my 8 Team H2H league. Just wondering some thoughts. I missed out on a few things but feel like it’s a pretty well rounded team. Especially knowing that my bottom three arms and Zimmer are probably going to be rotated on and off my team.
C – Realmuto
1B – Goldy – K
2B – Rizzo – K (thanks ridiculous 2B eligibility)
3B – Sano
SS – Trea – K
IF – Votto – K
OF – Giancarlo – K
OF – Pollack
OF – Puig
OF – E.Rosario
UTIL – Lamb
UTIL – Mancini
BN – Zimmer
SP – Verlander, Severino, Cole, A.Wood, Corbin, Wacha, Bundy, Morton, Anderson
RP – Knebel, Giles, Neris, Herrera, Bradley
H, R, HR, RBI, SB, AVG, OBPS, W, QS, KS, KS/9, ERA, WHIP, SV
@Wilsonian: Think Zimmer and Lamb are likely goners in this shallow of a league, and Anderson and Bundy, but that’s quibbling, solid team!
@Grey: thanks! I figure the same. I think those were my last 4 picks, anyway. Tried to go with speed, power, and avg with my offense, and think I accomplished that. And then I tried to get some value picks with relievers and back end of my rotation.
Yeah, I hear ya
Hey Grey – in that 13 team league where I’m keeping 6 boppers (harper, JDM, bellinger, blackmon, rhys, devers), I’m trying to figure out how cheap I can get in the auction draft filling my remaining 6 non-catcher spots with guys who will take care of my speed needs.
Definitely spending whatever it takes to snag Acuna. Also definitely planning to draft Deshields.
So, for 2B/MI/SS/UTL would you feel good coming away with any 4 of Anderson, Peraza, Villar, Ketel Marte, Zimmer, Mallex Smith?
Also thinking really hard about spending $1 on Kingery at MI (then taking a guy like Ketel Marte in the $0 reserve rounds). I know you liked him a lot back in November, Ralph is a big fan too, and he sounds more and more like a camp-breaker or April/May callup.
@Duda Want to Build a Snowman?: I feel varying levels of ‘good’ about those 4… I’d spend $1 on Kingery if I could hold him until June, though might be earlier
@Grey: Thanks . . . if Taylor isn’t kept, I’d add him to the mix. Otherwise, my targets would probably be Tim Anderson + Villar plus Zimmer, with Kingery as my $1 MI. Weekly lineups with 7 reserve spots, so I feel fine holding Kingery on the bench until he arrives.
Active spots are done via auction. Then, 7 $0 reserve spots are done right after via snake draft from last place finisher to first. The first round of reserve is usually where all the hyped prospects go.
I’m pretty sure Robles, Senzel, Kingery would all go before reaching me, but feel pretty confident that Ketel / Peraza / Mallex will be available in reserve.
Makes sense
@Kingslayer: Could also drop Mallex Smith for Pinder and stash Pinder in outfield. Anyone have any opinions?
unkie grey, unkie grey!! I got Suarez in one of my early drafts. Get out of here kid?
@hello: Haha
Good mornin’ Grey,
I’m late to the razzball source of knowledge, so late that this is my first year seeing the light! Been lurking since December and this is my first post. 8th year in this particular league, was really hoping to get your 2 cents on my draft that went down last night.
10th overall pick and Goldy dropped to me. 12 team roto, 5×5 OBP and QS. I believe my pitching is over the top and regret taking Nola- wouldn’t have done so if I knew those guys in that 120 range (Price/Godley/McCullers) were gonna drop like they did. I know you won’t like T Pham and my middle infield is light, but I feel I snagged some late MI value there in that 220 range nevertheless. Anyway:
C. LuCroy
1B. Goldschmidt
2B. Kipnis
3B. Rendon
SS. Cozart
2B/SS. Cesar Hernandez
1B/3B. Freeman (back to back 1B to open draft, not sure how I feel)
OF. Pham
OF. McCutchen
OF. Deshields
OF. Conforto (come back soon pls)
UTIL. Travis Shaw
BENCH. Matt Kemp
BENCH. David Peralta
P. Severino
P. Nola
P. Godley
P. McCullers
P. price
RP. Hand
RP. Treinan
RP. Shane green
BENCH. Brach
BENCH. Snell
BENCH. Corbin
Thanks in advance and thanks for all you do for us!
P.
@Motown_magic24: I don’t disagree with your thoughts above, your MI is very light and I don’t like Pham… Not really a fan of your OF in general… Think your pitching is solid, don’t like Price…Wouldn’t be a team I would draft
@Grey: appreciate the response but sad to hear that last sentence. Should have followed your draft combinations and went with a Lindor/Ramirez at 15 instead of handcuffing myself with 2 first basemen like that. I’ll flip some guys once the season starts and see what can happen, plenty of SPs to work with and trade, and a lot of guys in this league will jump on an offer for Pham. Long road ahead!
A lot can happen, keep chin up!
Points league where everyone loves pitching, staff is
Kluber
Archer
Bauer
Gausman
Taillon
Corbin
Cobb
I’ve got Healy at third right now, do I flip Corbin for Moustakas?
@Mike: Sure
As much as I like Moose, in a points league, I think I’m holding Corbin. Anxious to see what the humidor is gonna do and how it plays. I like your top 3 SPs but it gets kinda thin after that. A humidor aided, NL West pitcher in Corbin, could easily slide in as your #3 ( although I love bik K upside Bauer). In a points league I’m holding. If you wanna spec, take a look at Davidson of ChW. Currently leading ST stats in RBIs…for whatever little that’s worth.
Terrific A+ content, thank you!
CONFESSION: I may be addicted to the puppet version of you.
FUN FACT: Your wife sounds EXACTLY like my girl. Weird!
@Fanthead: Ha, thanks!
@Grey: 12 team weekly roto with two keepers. I am likely keeping Benintendi and Story. Which trifecta do you like best to start my draft:
Betts/Rizzo/Rendon
Turner/Rizzo/Yelich
Goldschmidt/Springer/Rendon
Thank you!
@Herschel: Turner
@Grey: Thanks! Assuming if Harper or Stanton were available (instead of Betts) in option 1 you would go that route. I love me some Turner but definitely affects draft strategy.
Yup
Maikel, Odor, Deshields—all on my watch list previous 2 years, now on my post hype schlepper list.
Deshields rocks this year, finally. Franco again average. Odor bombs with Mendoza line average again.
@Gigorilla: Guess we’ll see
Just read Behrens’ Tout recap. He’s got them fightin words for Grey. He seems to be consumed by you. Did you steal his car ride or somethin?
@Huffin Gas: Ha, yeah, I think Andy is a big fan of yours truly and partially afraid of what I can do to him in fantasy, so it’s a molotov cocktail of adoration and fear…
14 team H2H redraft league:
Just got a counter offer for my Kershaw for Arenado proposal.
He countered with my Scherzer for Arenado. Which side?
Thanks!
@Savoy Special: Arenado
Guy in my dynasty league is offering me Blackmon for Acuna and Mejia. I’m obviously super high on Acuna so I don’t know what to do here.
Currently have
Khris Davis
Whit
Ozuna
as my current starters with Hamilton and Deshields as backups. Acuna obviously will be short lived in the minors. What should I do here?
@Chris D: Think you have to hold in a dynasty.
@Chris D: If Acuna is up in 14 days will you regret this for the rest of your days?
@Grey: Damnit Grey, that’s good haha. I’m regretting it and I haven’t even done the trade haha. I have been leaning towards hold and just need some extra opinions. I think overall it’s a fair deal, but in the grand scheme of things, I can get by on what I currently have, see how Acuna does and then hopefully unleash him.
It’s just fun having an elite player being offered your way and hope your keeping is the next Trout and not the next Heyward or Profar. Thanks for your ultimate opinions and wisdom Gents.
No problem
Morning Grey. I have a need for stolen bases and average. The other counting stats are welcome also but these are more pressing. Who would you slot in as your 4th or 5th outfielder. Gardner or Kiermaier? I know Gardner is atop a stacked lineup but Kiermaier finished 2017 strong and maybe that will Carry over. Thanks
@Uncle Ernie: Gardner
@Uncle Ernie: add Ed Nunez to that decision. Someone just dropped him. Thanks
@Uncle Ernie: I prefer Nunez right now
H2H 10 Keep Dynasty, no contracts: Altuve, DeGrom or Stanton, Scherzer?
@Chucky: Stanton
In a keep 5 forever league (h2h categories, 8 teams), how early would you take Acuna? 5×5 with H, BB added for hitters and QS, K/9 added for pitchers.
I have the 5th pick this year, with keepers being Trout, Votto, Bregman, Kershaw, and carrasco.
Thanks!
1st round
@Grey: that’s what I thought. Guys like Rendon, Hoskins, Benintendi are all there too, but I want Acuna…
Greybones,
Love these target posts my man!
My merkin is tingling waiting for the top 100/400 for 2018. Any idea when those posts will be out? Trying to hold off my draft until they’re up!
Welcome back, Merkin: https://razzball.com/2018-fantasy-baseball-rankings/
@Grey: Holy Moly, I looked everywhere! Except the rankings page I guess? Thanks Grey!
New fire Lil Dicky joint: Freaky Friday ft Chris Brown.
Sweet! How is it?
Suarez definitely looks like a good player to target. Solid power, prime age, bandbox of a home park, great plate discipline, etc. All of the things that I highlighted about him weeks ago. Think there’s a nice opportunity to buy low on Seager and Beltre too, though they’re not quite low enough to make your cut off for this exercise.
There is a third baseman who’s going off the board near the very top of most drafts who I probably won’t be owning this year. In a single season, this player has never hit .300, hit 40 homers, or knocked in 100 runs, and he’s stolen fewer bases than Yadier Molina or Buster Posey over the last two seasons. He’s also torn ligaments which required season-ending surgeries on both of his knees. Guess right and you’ll win my fleeting over-the-internet admiration.
@Big Magoo: rendon?
@FrankGrimes: Rendon’s never come close to hitting 40 homers, but he’s checked the other things off of his list
Sano?
@Grey: Most players haven’t accomplished those things, but I’m referring to a premium pick. Think top 25 overall.
Machado?
@Grey: Yup, you and Jr both got it. I was excited about him when he went 35/20 in 2015, but that appears to be an outlier as far as the steals are concerned. And when he has a bad luck BABIP season like last year, he’s just a borderline top 50 player. There are too many good options in the 2nd round this year to pull the trigger on him, in my opinion. The SS eligibility will be nice, but his likely line will probably mirror something that a healthy Cespedes would put up.
I totally blanked on the massive knee injuries, maybe that’s why his steals went the way of the dodo, four years later, it could be… Fair points, and I don’t own him anywhere, and likely won’t unless I get the right slot in our RCL tomorrow…
@Big Magoo: Sounds like Machado
@Jr: Correct! Well done, sir. You’ve won my respect and admiration for the day.
@Big Magoo: been saying this since the Top 10 came out. He’s not even in my Top 25.
Damn, haters gonna hate
Hey Grey et al,
Couple of questions today.
1.I drafted I.Desmond as my starting 1b which I’m not too excited about. Just missed on the Smoak/Olsen tier in the draft and he was the next best option. I wanted to grab a 1b to help to cover if Desmond doesn’t get the job done. Currently have thames there. But there are a lot of other 1B options on waivers. Do you like any of ALONSO, MORRISON, C.DAVIS, BELT, MORALES, J.MARTINEZ more? I know that Alonso has been hitting well lately.
2.I have an empty slot now that Acuna has been unmercilessly sent to the minors. Was thinking of grabbing another pitcher. King Felix is still out there along with Mikolas and Musgrove. Any of those worth grabbing? Or I could shore up my bullpen with Minter, Kela, Boxberger or Devenski
1. Hold for now 2. Box for now
@Grey:
Thanks Grey
No problem
Mostly successful draft last night in my RCL. Had the 5th pick and went with Turner the Afterburner. Harper was there too, but stuck with the rankings. It was a tough choice. Freeman went the pick before my second pick so ended up with JoRam falling to me. Went Abreu from there and it was off to the races. I probably went too safe on pitching in the early middle rounds, but at the time it was that or Outfielders I didn’t care for. I ended up with Puig on this team, which I wasn’t hoping for, but that’s how it goes. I took Peraza at what I felt was a good fit for my team. With Hamilton’s Spring struggles, Peraza has been mentioned as sharing lead off duties. I’ll just have to watch the Senzel rumors for the inevitable.
Quick question though. One goon in the league didn’t set his lineup to draft by ADP. He ended up with a Holy Consortium of Starting pitchers. Like 8 -10 picks of the “best” pitcher on the board. Do I need to make an adjustment for that?
Thanks Grey!
I love Peraza…. Nah, let him win pitching and come in 2nd in pitching and win hitting
I need some deep AL arms Grey? Oaktown?
Just started the 17th round. This league is SV+HLDS so closers have a lot less value. so far I have:
Carrasco
Paxton
Pomeranz
Jordan Montgomery
Peacock
Shane Greene
Anything to gleam? https://razzball.com/al-only-12-team-draft-recap-or-maybe-i-shouldve-limited-the-number-of-white-sox-and-twins-players-i-drafted/
Or: https://razzball.com/playerrater-preseason-alonly12team
I liked Rob Whalen until about Saturday, I own Marco Gonzales, Nate Karns seems underrepresented, Daniel Norris is lurking in Detroit, people seem to like Joe Jimenez to take over for Greene so handcuff (tho, I think Greene will be fine)…
@Grey: I added Gonzales to my que a minute ago. Wavelengths! Im looking at the skaggs, shoemakers and Not the king any more felix and puking in my mouth
Ah, so you’re still in guys in my top 500… Heaney seems to get some love, I don’t mind Junis, I own Andriese places as I think the Rays’ 4 man rotation ends by mid-April
@Grey: I said the same thing to myself with Andriesse. I got Junis on my list. Heaney is gone. Maybe im too sober but Im looking at Felix and wondering does he have one more in the tank? His k rate and walk rate are still good.
I doubt Felix is unusable in an AL-Only league, so yeah I could see it…Over some others? Maybe not as much
@Grey: I rolled the dice on Felix, I mean c’mon the Mariners got Dee Gordon supplying defense now and hes so fast he can cover half the field….hahaha, I can’t, I can’t
Haha, prolly okay tho
@Grey: This team is almost all win now, I already showed the staff and considering its an OBP league I went with this:
Ramos
Smoak
Cano
Seager
Andrus
Judge
Just Dongs
Delmonico/Mallex
Alonso
Im targeting another OF because Im acting like a pussy with no faith in my platoon
@BJFOHOHL: Martin Perez
@BJFOHOHL: Andriese, Santiago, Minor, Heaney, Nate Karns!
@Cram It: you love Karns like Grey loves Giancarlo
@BJFOHOHL: Strange loving a shitty player like Karns.
Skaggs, Erasmo Ramirez.
Math Boyd could be interesting.
@The Great Knoche: I have all these names already queued up, looking to see if there is someone I missed
@BJFOHOHL: joe biagini could be an end game play.
@The Great Knoche: love the K upside, hate the will he wont he be in the rotation and that he may end up being an LR, will limit his holds chances which is a cat
@BJFOHOHL: @BJFOHOHL: True, was thinking more if Stromans shoulder acts up again he would be first man up.
Guessing Puk is gone.
@The Great Knoche: its dynasty and yes he is. I dont play for 3 years away, I want instant gratification.
@The Great Knoche: its dynasty and yes he is. I dont play for 3 years away, I want instant gratification.
I’d plus 1 Biagni
@Grey: you’re a sucker for waps
Technically, it’s 95% of the league
14 team H2H redraft.
just got another offer… Kershaw for Anthony Rizzo. which side?
Thanks!
Rizzo
Justin Turner, i never knew you… Or at least I wont know you until May 15th ?
Yup
Which OF offers more fantasy impact in 2018? Austin Hays or Jorge Soler?
Hays
Hi Grey,
drafting Keepers team tonite and focusing on SP
I already have Severino Archer and Morton
we’re already at pick 140 ! and i’ll draft 7 and 13th
please , who would you GO FOR my picks:
Pick1: Bauer / Paxton / Weaver / Ohtani / Wacha
Pick2: JGray / BSnell / Corbin / C.Anderson
others of consideration : Gausman / Pomeranz / TJWalker / Bundy / Salazar
then Sleepers for good night : DLamet / Mikolas / Giolito / Manaea
i’d try Bauer or Weaver (nice spring !) , but they may be gone by pick 7th?!
i’m not aboard the Ohtani Orient Express …AT ALL
isn’t Wacha a “Reach” before Snell (for example) ?
Thanks , Nick :)
Bauer, Gray — I go over all of these guys in my rankings
@Grey:
SURE ! BOSS” :)!
i’ve READ EVERYTHING already ,,, many times!!!
Read it again, 2nd in command!
I hope we don’t have to do fantrax next year for RCL. The site is not user friendly.
We’ll do a poll to see what everyone thinks
@Grey: Interestingly, trades go through immediately, but you can’t make a waiver claim for 24 hours. Fine if you want 2 days for the claim to go through, but I can’t see a reason to not let you put in a claim right away.
How was the draft software?
@Grey: No problems for me. Pretty straightforward. Easy to look at.Can move players to any eligible position. Don’t have to draft a catcher if you don’t want.
Anything stand out with waivers or anything else?
@Grey: Not really. Nothing that makes me think it is better than ESPN (of course, I’m the one who loves ESPN), but nothing to make me say I’d never use it again (which I did say of Yahoo).
Nice that you don’t need to have your league full 1 hour before the draft, but unfortunate that the draft takes place even if you are not full.
Gotcha, well, we’re drafting tomorrow night so will see
@Grey: once I figured out how it worked I thought it was great.
First player i drafted took a minute to make selection though…
Gotcha
@Rory: especially the I phone app sucks bad. I don’t see making daily moves being an option on phone only
Brandon Drury…might only have 2b if you are using yahoo…but it won’t be long until he has 3B. Was he left off this list because of the eligibility issue or prospective results issue?
https://razzball.com/2nd-basemen-to-target-2018-fantasy-baseball/
@Grey@Grey: The equivalent of not running out a grounder…getting pointed to the article I should have read. My bad coach!
C’mon, JD!
14 team H2H redraft league
drop 1 out of Bradley Zimmer, Jonathan Villar, and Mitch Haniger for Eric Thames?
Thanks!
Depends on needs
@Grey: I need power. leaning toward dropping Villar. soo Villar?
@Grey: how concerned are you about CMart with the off field issues? Still taking him in the Panty Mouth tier or is he more of a Shuggle?
Concerned, but haven’t moved him
Hey Grey,
12 team league:
Hey Grey,
Would you keep either Greinke ($13) or Verlander ($17) as a a keeper in a $260 budget, or just try and get them at those prices in the Auction?
Also, for hitters (can keep 2) I’m leaning towards Acuna and E. Rosario at $5 each over paying for Freeman at $38
Thanks!
Verlander and Greinke sound fine, about what they’d go for… Sure, Acuna, but Freeman over Rosario
Grey,
12 team H2H OBP auction league. Could you please rank the below keepers in order that you would keep. I do have somebody offering me some auction $ for Weaver and I can’t decide whether to trade him and keep someone else.
Luke Weaer – $5
Michael Taylor – $5
Miguel Sano – $15
Tim Anderson – $5
thanks!!
Sure, take Weaver
Hey Grey,
Draft for my league is this coming weekend. 12 team H2H keeper league with OBP replacing AVG. We can keep players for up to 3 years. Below are my keepers.
C:
1b: Goldschmidt
2b:
3b: Rendon
SS:
OF: Buxton
OF:
OF:
UTIL:
UTIL:
At my first pick, I’m certain the following players will be available: Votto, Dozier, Yelich
My current keepers will mostly likely be hitting in the 3-5 lineup spots on their respective teams so I’m leaning towards grabbing Dozier or Yelich who will both likely leadoff. Votto is an OBP monster but is 34 years old so probably won’t keep him and I would need to put him in my utility since I have Goldy at 1st. Looking at Dozier or Yelich, I’m leaning towards grabbing Yelich due to his younger age compared to Dozier and his new ball park at the launchpad of Miller Park.
Thoughts on who I should grab?
Thanks!
Votto’s the pick in OBP
Hey Grey,
Please give me your thoughts on my 12 team, 25 keeper dynasty roto team. In year 4 of a complete rebuild after taking over a garbage team. We are at the tail end of our draft at this point.
Starters
C Grandal
C McCann
1B M Olson
2B Dee Gordon
SS Correa
3B Donaldson
CI J Turner
MI T Beckham
OF Cain
OF Hamilton
OF Souza
OF N Williams
OF Zimmer
UTIL K Seager
UTIL J Harrison
Bench: Cron, Pujols, Span, L Martin, D Travis, C Vasquez, S Vogt (made him a keeper before I saw how many C’s were available in the draft, he’s likely my first cut for waiver fodder)
SP’s MadBum, Keuchel, Paxton, Maeda, Bauer, Samardzija, Buehler
RP’s Iglesias, Familia, Bedrosian, Kela, Gregerson, Ziegler
We also have a 15 man minor league roster, players closest to making an impact on mine are Kyle Tucker and Keston Hiura.
Thoughts?
I’d grab Tucker… Anyway, I like the hitting a lot, I love the core you have, though it doesn’t look like you’re rebuilding, looks like a win now team, which is fine by me… The pitching is more than enough to compete, I’d even trade some closers if you can…
@Grey: Awesome, thanks man!!
No problem
14 team H2H redraft league
drop Vince Velasquez for Sean Newcomb? Or hold?
Thanks!
Meh, sure
Grey, which one ?
Trea/Machado
Trea/Freeman
Trea/JDM
Freeman
Hello Gray,
Strategy Fantasy Question:
in a 14 Team, H2h league with SVs and Holds, do you like to balance your RP with 2 closers and 2 set-ups pitchers, or punt one of the two categories?
thanks for the input!
I don’t punt anything
@Grey:
Not even on 4th down?
Grey (and others), how important is salary AFTER the draft?
Another owner loves his Yankees and has been asking me for Judge and Sanchez for awhile. He has Kris Bryant and Mookie Betts, but both are with guarenteed contracts. What that means is:
Bryant $60 until end of 2020
Betts $46 until end of 2019
Would you offer Judge and Sanchez for them? Both Yankees are $1 each. Judge I won for this and next season, and Sanchez goes back into next year’s draft, but I get a 25% off rate for whatever he goes for if I choose to keep him post draft. I would then pick up Hedges, or Barnhart, or J. McCann or Chirinos to start for me in my 1 catcher points league.
I get that I’d be receiving the two best players here, but it would be for $106 of next year’s $300 budget. I could always offer 1 Yankee for 1 of those too.
No, hold
15 team NFBC. If I pick 12th and my first 4 picks go:
Machado
Lindor
Marte
Darvish
With best available hitters on the board being:
Cano
Hosmer
Cain
Braun
And pitchers:
Tanaka
Cole
Who should I be targeting based in the 1st 4 picks I made?
Thanks!
1B, preferably
This team is almost all win now, considering its an OBP league I went with this:
Ramos
Smoak
Cano
Seager
Andrus
Judge
Just Dongs
Delmonico/Mallex
Alonso
Carrasco
Paxton
Pomeranz
Jordan Montgomery
Peacock
Shane Greene
Not King Felix
Im targeting another OF because Im acting like a pussy with no faith in my platoon
Looks stacked, I like playing to win now, think it’s the best way to go
@Grey: I’m the Dolly Parton of this AL only….maybe, I haven’t seen others teams yet.
I need Oaktown’s judgement because Im so insecure after taking the last year and half off. I already have Magoo whispering picks in my ear
Haha, you’re gonna be great!
@Grey: this weird Laura rom com is really coming together with your confidence in me
Haha, we’re a match made in heaven
@Grey: If heaven was a bar with peanut shells all over the floor
And I was grimacing at how dirty the bartender’s towel was that he’s using to clean the bar
@Grey: snapping dirty towels? Sounds like a fantasy football team name
Haha
Grey,
Any rookie SP that u r targeting in drafts? Even an arm starting the year in MiLB?
Thanks!
https://razzball.com/top-100-prospects-for-2018-fantasy-baseball-2/
@Grey: thanks! Yeh Ive read that a few times. That is a great list!
I guess I was looking for any differing opinions u may have compared to who Ralph likes.
I’d look at Ralph’s list — but I like Walker Buehler
Congrats on your NL only Tout war team over the weekend …that hitting in NL only looks amazing. Actually heard some of the draft on the radio. Is there a link to look at the teams & prices they went for???
I do have a keeper questionas well. Able to keep 9 players by virtue of winning this league last year. It is a 10 team H2H league with the usual batting cats plus K’s, OPS, & XBH. Pitching counts the usual plus L’s, BB’s & QS
Obviously I have a pretty stacked team but since we can keep forever, I am almost wanting to keep Albies in the mix.
My for sure keepers are: Altuve, Judge, Bellinger, Hoskins, & Thor.
So I need to pick 3 of: C Seager, Rendon, Buxton, Domingo, Devers, Albies, Carrasco, Severino, & Ray.
@henncoop: Sorry I need 4 …doh
Thanks! https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Lz06T4W8lkofWs3tcnWOvPIPV84QdSoU0lwD3YnuCgk/edit#gid=0
Seager, Rendon, Severino… You just have too many good keepers, good problem to have
And Buxton
Crazy J’s Team – Yahoo 12-Team Standard 5×5
Round Pick Player Position
1. (1) Mike Trout OF
2. (24) Manny Machado 3B
3. (25) Cody Bellinger 1B,OF
4. (48) Carlos Martínez SP
5. (49) Starling Marte OF
6. (72) Jonathan Schoop 2B
7. (73) Jean Segura SS
8. (96) Felipe Rivero RP
9. (97) Ken Giles RP
10. (120) Luis Castillo SP
11. (121) Mike Moustakas 3B
12. (144) Eddie Rosario OF
13. (145) Trevor Bauer SP
14. (168) Ryan Zimmerman 1B
15. (169) Kevin Gausman SP
16. (192) Archie Bradley RP
17. (193) Michael Conforto OF
18. (216) Drew Pomeranz SP
19. (217) Tim Anderson SS
20. (240) Yasmani Grandal C
21. (241) Luke Gregerson RP
22. (264) Danny Salazar SP
23. (265) José Peraza 2B,SS
I feel the catcher pain already. I put out feelers for C and WHIP. I feel like I need one more pitcher closer to 200 innings pitched. What do you see?
Don’t see why you’d bother trying to get a catcher in a 12 team league…. Don’t see much of a problem, but hard to see a team in this format
@Grey:
Gotcha! Thanks.
I have not competed in roto in 10 years, so I feel I may be a bit rusty. Is there a SB rule-of-thumb that I should try to maintain (ie. 150 team steals), and AVG looks to be .279 (based on Yahoo) this seem OK to me, I’m usually tanking in AVG (below .250).
C – Yasmani Grandal
1B – Cody Bellinger
2B – Jonathan Schoop
SS – Jean Segura
3B – Manny Machado
OF – Mike Trout
OF – Starling Marte
OF – Eddie Rosario
Util – Mike Moustakas
Util – Ryan Zimmerman
Starters
Carlos Martínez
Luis Castillo
Trevor Bauer
Kevin Gausman
Drew Pomeranz
Danny Salazar
Relievers
Felipe Rivero
Ken Giles
Archie Bradley
Luke Gregerson
Bench
Michael Conforto
Tim Anderson
José Peraza
Also. I can’t wait to see the FULL-season Conforto projections! :)
In the War Room there’s goals for categories https://razzball.com/fantasy-baseball-war-room-2018-edition/
Your team looks solid to my highly trained eye. maybe low on steals, like the pitching a lot
@Grey:
Thank you, I will check out the War Room. It sounds like a useful tool. Just realized this league is actually H2H, which is a bummer. I don’t want Salazar to rape me each week, maybe I’ll go head-hunting for A. Miller.
No problem
Howdy grey! H2H pts/ weekly.
These bats are available on the wire who would you add as depth / maybe more?
Zach cozart, solarte who is eligible at 2b/SS/3b, Carlos Gonzalez, Albert pujols (he’s just a DH), Aaron altherr, lewis Brinson, Adrian Gonzalez, Ahmed Rosario , hunter renfoe , Ryan McMahon , schebler, Jesse winker.
Do you like any of my bench guys more or less then the available guys?
Here’s my bench: Brandon belt, acuna , willie Calhoun, Jackie Bradley jr, Todd Frazier, grichuk, Pedroia. And also have Ohtani on my bat bench but he’s also on my bench for SP it’s espn . Honesty I really only plan on playing Ohtani as pitcher in this weekly league – am I right ?
Now pitcher hold or drop Jameson taillon for either Patrick Corbin, matt Harvey or add Eduardo Rodriquez or Pomeranz as stashes on DL incase they aren’t ready for week 1?
Thanks man!!
Brinson and Ahmed are interesting to stash… I’d lose Belt and Pedroia — Hold Taillon
Do you think the market with over-react to the Justin Turner injury?
Around what ADP could you see taking him in standard 5×5 Yahooligan leagues?
I reranked him in all of my rankings… He went from a 70ish to 170ish — wrist injuries are tricky
I just kept Castillo over Weaver? Love both. Was it the right keep?
Sounds solid
Hey Grey… would love your thoughts on my team. Admittedly I Joe Panik’d quite a bit drafting it.
10 Team H2H – R,H,HR,RBI,SB,AVG,OBP,SLG IP,ERA,WHIP,K/9,QS,SV+H
C: Castillo
1b: Rizzo
2b: Schoop
SS: Segura
3b: Bregman
OF: Trout, Springer, Mancini
Util: Cano, Mazara
SP: Nola, Archer, Wood, Gray, Castillo, Wacha, Gausman, Gray, J. Montgomery, Trevor Williams, Ryu
RP: Treinen, Dyson, Betances
Thanks as always!
Doesn’t look that Panik’d, nice pitching and hitting, what’s the problem?
NL-only roto, keep 3
Rendon 19
Quintana 8
Nola 12
Votto 36
Jansen 24
Which 3 to keep? Graci
Rendon 19
Quintana 8
Nola 12
15 team 5×5 weekly lineups. Thoughts?
C R Martin
C J McCann
1B Hosmer
2B Dejong
SS Lindor
3B Machado
OF S Marte
OF Castellanos
OF Puig
OF Rosario
OF Michael A Taylor
Util Healy
Util Y Alonso
Bench: K Marte
Bench: Cron
P C Mart
P Bauer
P Melancon
P Gausman
P Wacha
P Holland
P Ryu
P Mikolas
P J Nelson
Bench:
T Williams
N Pivetta
K Gibson
Z Wheeler
You look low on average, solid on power, possibly low on speed… I like the pitching, solid staff
Herrro!
Old friend herrre.
Technical question for everyone who would like to give an advice. 6×6(holds) league. Positions just like in Razzball league. We have transaction limit set at 65 for the season. Do you think thats should stay or be removed? I’m the commissioner and trying to make it as competitive as possible. Trying to avoid stacking up but with only 3 bench spots it shouldn’t be an issue I hope. Anything you would add? Thanks !!
Hey, Polish Neighbor, make it at least 150 moves, you don’t want people to lose interest bc they can’t replace injured guys
@Grey: Yahoo allows 100 max. Thanks okay still better than 65. Ugh.
I’m in a Yahoo league with higher max than that
@Grey: Maybe because it’s a 10 teamer instead of 12? Is 100 enough or you would go unlimited? Its a keepers league and I want people to avoid loosing in the playoffs just because someone picks up everybody to win the matchup.
I think you can go higher than 100, are you sure you can’t?
@Grey: 100 is my max. Maybe it depends on the league size. Weird.
Hmm…Maybe, don’t know — WHAT CAN DO?!
Love you dr Grey :****
Thanks buddy!
What can do??!!
What can do?
Interested in some starting pitcher talk? Just performed a search for SPs who matched this criteria: K/9 > 9, GB% > 50%, K/BB > 2.5, min. 50 IP as a starter. Here are the SPs who qualified in 2016:
Syndergaard
Nola
Wood
Pretty select group. Syndergaard had already established himself as a stud, and Nola and Wood took the next step forward in 2017. Small list, but it seems to be a decent predictor of future success. Here’s the list of qualifiers from last season:
Severino
Nelson
Godley
C-Mart
Morton
Wood
McCullers
Castillo
Weaver
All of these pitchers had swinging strike rates in the double digits (Godley led with a 13.3% SwStr%), while C-Mart had the highest FIP (3.91) and xFIP (3.63) in the group. McCullers had an insane 61.3% GB%. All of these guys were effective at managing contact. K-BB% ranged from 17.0% (C-Mart) to 23.6% (Weaver). Velo ranged from solid (Wood and Godley, 91.8 and 91.9 FBv respectively) to elite (Severino and Castillo, 97.6 and 97.5). Outside of Nelson (injury) and Morton (age, durability), the only real red flag in this group is the lack of a reliable track record in the big leagues. Draft away, razzers.
@Big Magoo: Thanks for this!
@Duda Want to Build a Snowman?: No problem
Not sure what to make of this but quite a lot of Wood talk at Tout this past weekend, and people were pretty down on him due to his 2nd half… I do like all of these guys tho, some of them a lot as rankings say — BAUER!
@Grey: Not sure what to make of contact managers with solid control who miss bats and induce grounders? I like that profile. I understand the pushback on Wood due to loss of velo and some durability issues, but quality-wise, he’s been one of the best in the game over the past couple of years. I tend to prioritize quality over quantity in 12 team mixers or shallower (hence my top 3 of Syndergaard, Godley, and McCullers in one league). In deeper leagues, it’s more of an issue.
Man, you and Bauer. Sorry, but he’ll probably never qualify for this type of list. Not a huge ground ball guy, and his command is iffy at times. He has the lowest whiff rate (9.2%) among this group by far too. Wins, solid K-rate, and wonky ratios. That’s his bag.
@Big Magoo: I have two shares of Bauer. And I went to UCLA.
Haha
@OaktownSteve: Nice. Rallying behind a fellow Bruin.
@OaktownSteve: 8 clap!
I know on Bauer, was just kidding… Yeah, I still like Wood, was just relaying what the general consensus was…
@Grey: Yeah, I understand the concerns about Wood, but I still like him too. Have him at the bottom of the Godley/Weaver/McCullers cluster. In 15+ team mixers or only leagues, just pair one or two of these guys with a workhorse or two and you’re in good shape.
Yeah, agreed
@Big Magoo:
Great analysis as usual, Magoo. On point. Albino and I have chatted about Jordan Montgomery a bit. I think he looks to me like a high potential profit. Have you had any eyeballs on him?
@OaktownSteve: Haven’t seen him yet this spring, but I caught a couple of his starts last year. Solid repertoire. Likes to lean on his slider as an out pitch against lefties and his curve against righties. Has a good change too. Think the only real issue with him is fastball command. If he irons that out, he could take a nice step forward.
@Big Magoo: I’m a big fan of the guys on this list.
Looking at my draft position in a 12 team keeper, do you think it’s too risky to start off a staff this season with Nola then a bunch of the guys in this list? For example, something like:
Nola, Wood, Castillo, McCullers, Godley
The alternative would be to pair Nola with Quintana and end up with a staff like this:
Nola, Quintana, Castillo, Weaver, Godley
Going the first route would open up the opportunity for another upside bat around pick 75.
@swaggerjackers: It depends what hitters you think might be available at pick 75, but I’d lean towards the 2nd group. As much as I like all of these guys, Quintana is the only one that has a track record of pitching 180+ innings consistently. It’s nice to have at least one horse to lean on.
Keep forever . . . who’s your pick between $4 Delino (??? auction price with the hype train going), $4 Godley (~$15 auction price), and $10 Ray (~$20 auction price)?
Thanks!
Ray, no way Delino, maybe Godley
@Grey: Thanks – consider my Delino excitement duly-checked to within reason!
Ha, no problem
Are there any guys this year with duel SP/RP eligibility that’ll be getting save opportunities? Having Iglesias last year was a huge boost for me!
Thanks!
Hmm… Not that I can think of top of my head
@Grey: maybe Reyes in a month.
Robbie Ray 5 bbs and then pulled early. Uh oh.
Without googlin’ can anyone remember the only player with a 20+ game hitting streak in 2017?
Here’s the next piece of mathy fantasy research Is like to see. Take 2017 final statistics and have 15 bots run millions of simulated drafts. Each bot could be given a specific set of characteristics like, “likes closers and. catchers” or “never drafts pitchers.” For each simulated draft you would be able to identify the draft winner by using ‘17 numbers. Would be interesting to see how different theories fared. You might also be able to use some machine intelligence to reach a more refined draft strategy and gain an edge.
Commenters, if you have a couple of minutes, give Lance’s piece on tunneling a read. Nice to see an effort to present a different lens on Baseball. Cool discussion in the comments too.
I realized the other day, I have never owned mike trout.
Mike Mayers threw 2 scoreless on 11 pitches wit 2 ks. He’s all over the Internet this afternoon. If you consume a lot of fantasy content you’re going to see/hear about him in the next couple of days.
I’m starting to believe Soler is a thing. When I first mentioned him here it was just for the bsohl jokes. I think what was interesting about what I read about him was that, while launch angle and conditioning got the headlines, the article really was about a total change of approach. It would seem from afar that if Yonder Alonso can suddenly find 30 homer power by working with this same guy, why can’t Soler, especially considering his physical ability.
I am not predicting but imagining Moustakas can will the Royals to a non-hideous season. Duda is on a redemption tour. Soler too. Merrifield wants to claim legit. Sal Perez is a leader. Nate Karns has something to prove. Jake Junis, who I streamed last year and thought he was not good, has some heat right now. Might give him another look.
Odubel Herrera.
I’ve never owned Trout either… Mike Mayers is making headlines! Saw that line from him today…Okay, Mike Mayers or Alex Reyes this year?
Soler’s not a thing, he’s done this nonsense before (though maybe he is, but still don’t buy it)…
Odubel!
@Grey:
That’s a tough one. Reyes has a few outcomes: closer, Miller role, 120 IP starter, back in the minors/zero contributor. Mayers peak is closer, his floor is zero.
The future is cloudy. Mayers has the higher chance of being absolutely nothing. He has looked good though.
Fair enough, good points on Reyes/Mayers, agreed
@Grey:
That’s a tough one. Reyes has a few outcomes: closer, Miller role, 120 IP starter, back in the minors/zero contributor. Mayers peak is closer, his floor is zero.
The future is cloudy. Mayers has the higher chance of being absolutely nothing. He has looked good though.
@Grey: Oaktown smoking way to much of the Royals Northern California sinsemilla. I don’t buy it, although in that division with James Shields and Jordan Zimmerman starting opening day who knows.
Not buying Soler. Strikes out like Judge except…he doesn’t walk or hit like him.
And Cram paid him to tour Karns.
Ha!
@OaktownSteve: did Benintendi get to 20+ hit streak last year?
Hey Grey,
I’ve been offered yelich and billy Hamilton for Nelson Cruz and Osuna. That goes against my gut of chasing power hitters and saves…..my only established closers are kimbrel, aroldys viz and osuna. The speed would be nice though…….my nuts say change it up and accept, my gut says decline. Nuts or guts on this one?
Nuts
Keeper League Existential Angst
Deadlines are nigh for my Keeper Leagues so couple of tough decisions to make. Any and all insights or opinions are welcome!
First league is standard MLB 5×5 Roto, 15 Teams, full roster, 2 SPs, 2 RPs, 4Ps + bench, $260 salary cap, Yahoo! rosters, 6 Keepers
Top options are: Bellinger ($3), Benintendi ($7), Bregman ($7), Devers ($7), Edwin Diaz ($7), Ian Happ ($7), Hoskins ($7), Knebel ($7), Ozuna ($8). I was leaning toward not keeping Devers, Diaz and Happ but the latter’s play and probable role makes me think that Knebel is now getting thrown back.
Second league is AL-only, 12 teams, full lineup + 4 SP + 3 RP, 5×5 Roto with OPS instead of Runs, $50 salary cap, no bench, Yahoo! rosters, $15 max keeper value
Top options are: Trout ($7), Sale ($7), Kluber ($6), Y. Alonso ($2), W. Calhoun ($2)
Trout seems like a no-brainer but AL SP pool is so weak that, barring injury, Sale + Kluber pretty much wraps up 42-48 Roto points from what I can tell. If I keep Trout, then the question is Sale vs. Kluber; i lean toward the former…
As to this article, 3B seems like such a deep position. Always expecting a breakout from Maikel but seems like he’s a real stretch as a starter unless pool is crazy deep or NL-only. And as good as Senzel looks he might have a hard time cracking top ten at the position even once entrenched.
Is it 6 keepers on both?
in the AL-only I am capped at $15 of player value for keepers. in the other league, i can keep up to 6 players no matter the value.
1: Cody, Benintendi ($7), Bregman ($7), Devers ($7), Ian Happ ($7), Hoskins
2. Trout, Sale
NFBC – 15 teams – 12th pick – draft began on FEB 11 – 2 rounds to go.
thoughts on my team. thanks
C Lucroy, Jonathan – OAK 18/259
C Vázquez, Christian – BOS 23/342
1B Rizzo, Anthony – CHC 2/19
2B Odor, Rougned – TEX 7/102
3B Machado, Manny – BAL 1/12
SS Seager, Corey – LAD 3/42
CI Cabrera, Miguel – DET 10/139
MI Villar, Jonathan – MIL 12/169
OF Acuña Jr., Ronald – ATL 8/109
OF Brinson, Lewis (R) – MIA 16/229
OF DeShields, Delino – TEX 11/162
OF Marte, Starling – PIT 5/72
OF Polanco, Gregory – PIT 9/132
UT González, Carlos – COL 24/349
P Castillo, Luis – CIN 6/79
P Cláudio, Álex – TEX 22/319 – computer pick
P Devenski, Chris – HOU 21/312 – computer pick
P Giolito, Lucas – CHW 13/192
P Martínez, Carlos – STL 4/49
P Montgomery, Jordan – NYY 15/222
P Montgomery, Mike – CHC 27/402
P Reyes, Alex (R) – STL 17/252
P Snell, Blake – TB 14/199
C Herrmann, Chris – ARI 40/589 – computer pick
C Joseph, Caleb – BAL 39/582 – computer pick
1B Adams, Matt – WAS 36/529
2B Profar, Jurickson – TEX 32/469
2B Zobrist, Ben – CHC 30/439
3B Dozier, Hunter – KC 38/559
3B Headley, Chase – SD 29/432
SS Pinder, Chad – OAK 31/462
SS Valaika, Pat – COL 48/709
OF Baddoo, Akil (R) – MIN 45/672
OF Martin, Leonys – DET 33/492
OF Pederson, Joc – LAD 19/282
OF Quinn, Roman (R) – PHI 41/612
OF Stewart, Christin – DET 47/702
UT Duda, Lucas – KC 28/409
P De León, José (R) – TB 35/522 – drafted before TJ news
P Fister, Doug – TEX 43/642
P McHugh, Collin – HOU 26/379
P Miley, Wade – MIL 44/649
P Minor, Mike – TEX 25/372
P Romano, Sal – CIN 46/679
P Sabathia, CC – NYY 20/289
P Tillman, Chris – BAL 37/552
P Wheeler, Zack – NYM 34/499
P Zimmermann, Jordan – DET
Your outfield is weak, and they might not hit 30 homers collectively, Miggy is a lottery ticket, and I don’t see much on bench to fix that… Pitching looks decent enough… Could be okay, might be low on power…
@Grey: I kinda like my OF and I like the young upside arms I have. Long season anything can happen. My first ever NFBC, with no moves, it will be interesting.
Gotcha
@Malicious Phenoms:
Wow Marte at 72 overall? Isn’t his ADP in the 30’s to 40’s? Surprised he dropped that far in a NFBC league
@Kevin: Yeah, very surprised he fell that far. Marte is legit 20/40/300 kinda a guy and has a lot to prove after 2017.
Bats look fantastic!
Pitching staff is a whole lot of upsidey, and really lacking in saves. Even potential saves.
@The Great Knoche:
Thanks, as a whole I think I did OK. Closers went so early and fast, I just decided to punt them, I hate closers and never would draft them early
Looks like Cobb is going to Baltimore for something in the neighborhood of 4/60. Talk about a worst case scenario for fantasy.
@Big Magoo: might as well go to Japan for the food
@Big Magoo:
Basically lost Cobb from a deep keeper plus might have lost Straily today.
Doesn’t sound super promising, no, but I’d likely still throw him a bone late
@Big Magoo: word case is when he changes his name to Cobb Marmol.
Grey,
In a 12 team, 5X5 keeper league and another team is keen on My RIzzo. They are offering Thor and a swap of picks; if I ask for his first pick (round 4, pick 5), what round would be fair to give back in return?
Since I’m not keen on losing Rizzo, I feel I need a pretty big premium to take the offer… thoughts?
2nd or 3rd
I have the first pick in upcoming draft for 10 team, 6×6 (OPS and HLD) league. My keepers are Betts, Lindor, Hoskins, Ray and Devers. There is a strong group of players available for first pick including Arenado, Machado, Rizzo, Freeman, JD Martinez and top starters – Scherzer, Sale and Strasburg. I assume Arenado is a no brainer (even though I already have Devers) – would you agree? Or should I go with an ace here – my hope is one of the top starters falls to my next pick in 2nd round (there are 7 selections between my first two picks)? Thanks.
Yes, Arenado is a no brainer
NICE!
I’ve been creeping, hope your winter’s been great!
Featherbottom!
Which 4 would you keep? Thank!
J-Ram ($5)
Machado ($30) – would go for $50 prob with keeper inflation
Bryce ($40) – would prob go for 60-70
Pham ($10)
Bregman ($10)
Olson ($10)
Castellanos ($10)
Giloto ($1)
J-Ram ($5)
Machado ($30) – would go for $50 prob with keeper inflation
Bryce ($40) – would prob go for 60-70
Bregman ($10)