I hope you’re all making a standings push as we inch toward September. Now is the time for action. Don’t wait too long and need a drastic solution. Don’t be like Patrick Swayze’s star character in Road House, bouncer extraordinaire Dalton. He kept having to up the violence ante to maintain the status quo. Look ahead at which categories could be within reach with a few wise adds this week.
Please, blog, may I have some more?
We’re about to flip the turn cards of the fantasy season as September approaches. A well-placed gamble on a potential closer can be a winning bet. We all need more saves from any place we can get them. Here are seven lucky numbers that might become a jackpot.
Please, blog, may I have some more?We’ve officially reached the part of summer where crazy baseball things start happening. The latest version of that is Mike Tauchman being better than Mike Trout. It’s not likely to be long-lived but let’s bask in the glory of a relative unknown shining on baseballs biggest stage.
Please, blog, may I have some more?
Bullpen Report: Chaos Is A Ladder
August 8, 2019 | 2019 Fantasy Baseball, Closers | 18 Commentsby: Roto-Wan
A bunch of bullpens have undergone reseeding after a flurry of deadline moves. It’s not a bad time to grab a speculative arm in an uncertain situation. As the ultimate standing climber, Petr Baelish, once said, “Chaos is a ladder.” Just be careful who you trust your ratio’s with…
Please, blog, may I have some more? SAGNOF: Bo Goes For Big Bucks
August 5, 2019 | 2019 Fantasy Baseball, SAGNOF | 6 Commentsby: Roto-Wan
If you need speed you’re in luck of late. New options for steals chasers having been popping up. Don’t fret if you don’t have the budget left for Bo Bichette. There are some lesser names that can help boost the category for you.
- The last of the Wunderkind got the call as Bo Bichette joined the Blue Jays major league team. Speed is certainly part of his profile, though the power may translate to the majors easier if he isn’t given that many green lights. You’d better have some FAAB squirreled away. He won’t come cheap.
- Josh VanMeter swiped three bases last week. That’s a healthy amount for someone without an elite speed profile. It’s interesting to see the steals flow as JVM was moved more into the heart of the Reds order.
- Two Braves, Ender Inciarte and Johan Camargo, have found themselves with more playing time lately. Inciarte is the better bet for steals, though Camargo can sprinkle in a little bit of everything if he gets going with regular at-bats.
- The newest Cleveland Indian Yasiel Puig has already stolen two bases in four games. It could be somewhat coincidental. It could also signal the Tribe’s intentions for their newest toy.
- Roman Quinn has always offered tools, the greatest of which is his 80-grade speed. His challenges have always been finding at-bats and staying healthy. Let’s see if the Phillies can find ways to keep their sparkplug involved.
- Scott Oberg notched his first save since Wade Davis was demoted. You won’t get elite ratios or an exceptional K/9. They aren’t going to be detrimental, though. Let’s face it, you’ll take saves from any avenue at this point. Please, blog, may I have some more?
Closer Rankings, Week 18: New Additions To Families
August 1, 2019 | 2019 Fantasy Baseball, Closers, Middle Relievers | 21 Commentsby: Roto-Wan
Roto-Wan is back monkey chuckers, and on less sleep than ever! I actually threw up last night out of sheer exhaustion after feeding the little-wan. I did not know that was possible. Thank to B_Don for being an adequate at best fill in for me. Yesterday was the trade deadline and bullpens were heavily reworked for many contenders. Tiers are of course baby themed. Time for some notes!
Please, blog, may I have some more?We’re off and running in the second half of the baseball season. Get busy padding your steals category before September comes and you’re staring up the standings at someone who did.
Please, blog, may I have some more? Closer Rankings, All Star Edition
July 11, 2019 | 2019 Fantasy Baseball, Closers | 21 Commentsby: Roto-Wan
We’ve reached the All Star break. That’s a little more than halfway through the fantasy baseball year. Since there was no real baseball yet this week, we’re going with a Closer Report/SAGNOF mash up. Bullets are freestyle and rankings are below. Tiers are HR Derby themed with some of my favorite moments in Derby history…
- The All-Star break also serves as a time for teams to take stock of where they stand and consider whether the should be trade deadline buyers or sellers. The interest in Will Smith is heating up. That means there’s a stash opportunity. Pick your favorite between Sam Dyson, Mark Melancon, or Reyes Moronta. There’s something in my gut telling me Moronta might be the guy long term.
- Greg Holland and Craig Kimbrel both gave their owners a bit of solace going into the break with a save each just prior. Holland is the shakier own with the Diamondbacks minimally invested in him. Let’s see what a few days off do for two aging arms.
- Grey told you to roster Liam Hendricks. I told you not to drop him. Hope you listened because, surprise, rushing Treinen back was probably a mistake and it’s showing. Treinen may never be a guy cut out for the solo closer mantle. He’s likely an elite fireman with multi-inning capability.
- The top of the stolen base leaderboard isn’t particularly surprising with Adalberto Mondesi and Mallex Smith at the top. It gets interesting from there. Christian Yelich is third, Elvis Andrus is fourth, and Jose Ramirez is fifth. They’re likely matchup based with pockets of steals coming in the first half. It’s an interesting top 5 nonetheless.
- Right behind them in sixth is Kevin Kiermaier. If you’re after steals, check the wire for him. He’s been a popular add but could be there. KK gives you some of everything.
- Joey Wendle, another Ray, is right behind him. Wendle’s had about the worst injury luck you can have. He’s back now and sporting a solid .257/.341/.371 with 3 steals in the last two weeks. His playing time has some risk with Brandon Lowe’s return. Wendle can play all over the diamond, though. Please, blog, may I have some more?
Closer Report: Bombs Bursting In Air
July 4, 2019 | 2019 Fantasy Baseball, Closers | 7 Commentsby: Roto-Wan
It’s America’s birthday! That means baseball, fireworks, and processed meat products. It’s been a rocky week for many closers. The Star Spangled Banner plays in my head as I recap the bombs these folks gave up.
Please, blog, may I have some more?If you’re unfamiliar with the New Orleans tradition of King Cake I’ll fill you in. It’s made in January to commemorate the arrival of the Three Wisemen, sports the official colors of Mardi Gras, and often has a plastic baby on it. It doesn’t always seem like the most appetizing dessert. Looks can be deceiving, though! It’s actually quite good. Just like second-year super utility stud Scott Kingery…
Please, blog, may I have some more? Bullpen Report, Week 14: Show Me Your Oberg Face
June 29, 2019 | 2019 Fantasy Baseball, Closers | 20 Commentsby: Roto-Wan
It’s not easy making a reliever as an MLB closer these days. The ball is juiced and more hitters than ever have figured out that swinging for the fences pays off even with some extra strikeouts. Those factors equal plenty of blown saves these days. The pitching landscape is changing. You need to take more cracks at saves than ever, even if you strike out, too.
SAGNOF: The Hendricks Experience, Electric Liamland
June 24, 2019 | 2019 Fantasy Baseball, SAGNOF | 3 Commentsby: Roto-Wan
The album Electric Ladyland by the Jimi Hendrix Experience gave us two of the all-time great guitar riffs. Voodoo Child (Slight Return) was decades ahead of its time in 1968. All Along The Watchtower may be a Bob Dylan cover but Jimi owns that song now. It’s opening lyrics are fitting for this column, “There must be some kind of way outta here, said the joker to the thief. There’s too much confusion, I can’t get no relief.” Are you rostering a joker or a thief with your spec add? It’s certainly confusing and there’s little relief in sight. Nevertheless, we press on.
Please, blog, may I have some more?