In my Blake Snell sleeper post, my prescience was like the exact opposite of science applied by flat earthers around the world. Look out the plane window and it’s flat, but pull further back it’s round. In reverse, if you pull out for enough, you see I wrote a sleeper post for Blake Snell — great! — but if you zoom in closer you see everything I said in that post was far from accurate. Good from 30,000 feet, less from Altuve’s distance. I talked up Chris Archer and Jake Faria. Said Jose De Leon is ready! Only one I didn’t like was Nathan Eovaldi, who actually was solid. I went over how Snell could be great, but this good? Puh-leaze. Snell and his extended family didn’t think he’d be breathing down a sub-2 ERA in the middle of September. Most accurate thing I said, “At 25 years of age and in his third major league season while primed for his first full year of innings, is about the best time to get in on him figuring it out. After 2018, Snell is going to be a known top 20 starter and you’ll never get him cheap again.” And that’s me quoting me! Yesterday, Blake Snell went 7 IP, 1 ER, 3 baserunners (1 Hit), 9 Ks, ERA at 2.03. In the AL East! Actually, my ‘accurate’ quote might not be accurate enough, I should’ve said Blake Snell will be a top 5-10 starter in 2019 fantasy baseball. Anyway, here’s what else I saw this weekend in fantasy baseball:
Ji-Man Choi – 2-for-4, 2 RBIs and his 7th homer, and his 4th homer this month. Hot schmotato, sure, but why do I picture myself in a back alley of the Roppongi district in Tokyo reading a graphic novel about a Ji-Man and his dog, Shibuya? Am I the only one?
Jose Alvarado – 1 IP, 0 ER, and his 8th save, ERA at 2.14. Alvarado has been filling in for Sergio Romo as he A) Helps the people of Liberia. B) Waits by the phone to be a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race. C) There’s no C. D) Is trapped under a pile of phone books. Okay, any of these could be right, but Romo is clearly no longer on the Rays, right? What’s he pitched, once this month? Can someone please update us on Romo’s condition? At least tell us if we should wish him well on the Drag Race.
Jose Ramirez – 1-for-4 and his 38th homer. In March, you weren’t sure if he could hit 20 homers. I will now cackle until someone thinks I’m choking.
Luis Urias – Done for the year, due to his hamstring. I still will like him for next year, if you’re at all *pinkie to mouth* Urias.
Hunter Renfroe – 1-for-5, 2 RBIs and his 22nd homer. He’s been on one for a while now. “On one” equals hot streak; “while now” equals since beginning of August. If you’re still asking about whether you should pick up Renfroe, serious question, are you waiting until the season ends?
Austin Hedges – 2-for-4, 2 RBIs and his 13th homer, hitting .242. He’s outhitting Gary Sanchez! *presses evil laughter button bought from Spencer’s Gifts*
Wade LeBlanc – 5 IP, 2 ER, 5 baserunners, 2 Ks, ERA at 3.56. He also gave up three unearned runs for a mild ticker shock. Hopefully, Kenley Jansen doesn’t own LeBlanc in his league.
Kyle Seager – 1-for-4 and his 21st homer, hitting .216. With the homer in the 9th, he pulled off the fizzlebang! (Going glossary term crazy today!)
James Paxton – Will miss Friday’s start with a virus. Should’ve downloaded the latest McAfee update.
J.P. Crawford – 3-for-4 and his 3rd homer, hitting .220. This year he lived up to his full name, Just Pfft.
Aaron Nola – 5 IP, 4 ER, 7 baserunners, 5 Ks, ERA at 2.42. Nola dedicated this start to deGrom’s Cy Young chances.
Stephen Strasburg – 7 IP, 1 ER, 5 baserunners, 9 Ks, ERA at 3.87. Strasburg dedicated this start to the ‘chances Grey drafts him next year are looking increasingly likely.’
Bryce Harper – 1-for-4, 2 RBIs and his 33rd homer, hitting .249. Harper’s nearing the 100 RBI mark for the first time in his career. No lie, he’s never had 100 RBIs before. I know RBIs are an antiquated stat, and he hit 42 homers in 2015 from the third and fourth spot in the order with a .330 average and still couldn’t get to 100 RBIs, but, wow right? This should be exasperated nicely when he’s in pinstripes next year.
Ryan Zimmerman – 2-for-4, 2 RBIs and his 13th homer. Shana tova with the Zimmermania!
Juan Soto – 1-for-4 and his 19th homer, hitting .305, and third homer in two games. Sexy Dr. Pepper can’t even legally drink for two years!
Ty Buttrey – There’s a chance he could be the Angels’ closer. Ty Buttrey could also be how I say I like my massages.
Francisco Arcia – 3-for-4, 4 RBIs and two homers (4, 5), hitting .240. Francisco to balls, “Arcia you later!” Then added, “That’s to baseballs, to clarify.”
Felix Pena – 6 IP, 0 ER, 7 baserunners, 3 Ks, ERA at 3.75. This was a Stream-o-Nator fave, but his next one is the opposite of a favorite — an underdog — hmm, might be using my thesaurus incorrectly. An over-cat? Yeah, this is wrong. Stupid thesaurus! *throws thesaurus* Damn, that was my phone.
Jose Fernandez – 1-for-4, 2 RBIs and his 2nd homer, and 2nd homer in as many games. Stop making me revisit Jose Fernandez, it bums me out!
Ross Stripling – 3 1/3 IP, 1 ER, ERA at 2.61. Solid first start since his DL stint, but he’s still about two starts away from being stretched out enough for our purposes, or porpoises, if dolphins have already taken over the world. I never enjoyed my time at Sea World, I want that down for the record.
Joc Pederson – 2-for-3, 2 runs and his 21st homer, and 2nd homer in as many games, as he hits leadoff. Previous to those two games, Chris Taylor homered in two games from the leadoff spot, then stopped playing abruptly. Dave Roberts: The Enemy of the Schmotato.
Jose Peraza – 1-for-4 and his 11th homer, hitting .293. Too bad no one saw this coming. Dot dot dot. Except I did! I told you to draft Peraza. Drunk SpongeBob: wHy dON’t yOU liStEn tO mE?!
Anthony DeSclafani – 4 2/3 IP, 5 ER, ERA at 4.80. Speaking of Drunk SpongeBob, DeSclafani’s name looks like it’s typed that way. Maybe that should’ve tipped us off to avoid.
Derek Holland – 6 IP, 1 ER, 6 baserunners, 7 Ks, ERA at 3.46. I streamed Holland yesterday like a Dutch baller, which I believe means to fart on testicles in a tightly-wrapped bedspread, because the Stream-o-Nator liked it. No other reason, and now he’s off my team, for better or worse, which was my grandmother’s favorite cartoon.
Anibal Sanchez – 6 IP, 1 ER, 11 baserunners (5 BBs), 4 Ks, ERA at 3.01. If I owned Anibal, she’d have a 6.50 ERA and be retired, asking her husband to Netflix and chill. I promise you this.
Jonny Venters – 1 IP, 0 ER, and his 3rd save, and 2nd save with the Braves, but the first one was a while ago, so I don’t think this means anything, besides Venters has a Five Million Dollar Man elbow, and that show was cancelled. The Braves scored late in the 8th and maybe Minter wasn’t ready to go.
Aroldis Chapman – Could return sometime next week, which sounds like horsecrap, to be honest, but the Yankees said it, which means it is horsecrap, but to be fair, maybe.
Luis Severino – 5 2/3 IP, 1 ER, 4 baserunners, 5 Ks, ERA at 3.46. One of the most baffling 2nd half slides has been Severino — emphasis on ‘has been’ — and it’s also puzzling why the Yanks didn’t shut him down for a few weeks. Almost like the Mets sneezed on them.
Jake Odorizzi – 7 1/3 IP, 1 hit, 1 ER, 3 walks, 5 Ks, ERA at 4.41. His 2nd half ERA coming into this game was 4.63, and his one September start was a mollywhopping. Guess what I’m saying or sayin’ even, this was a nice start, but not sure how indicative it is of anything. But, Part II: Turn That But Around, the Stream-o-Nator loves his next start.
Yu Darvish – Underwent elbow surgery and plans to be 100% ready for the start of Spring Training. You’re going 24 days of eating a bag of Cool Ranch Doritos every day, and I have more faith in you being 100% healthy next March.
Kris Bryant – 2-for-3, 1 RBI, hitting .277. He just missed a home run by mere feet. So, that gives him 11.5 homers. Where’s the other 25?!
Curtis Granderson – 3-for-4, 3 runs and his 13th homer. Not a great season…unless you compare him to Kris Bryant!
Carlos Rodon – 6 IP, 2 ER, 10 baserunners (5 BBs), 5 Ks, ERA at 3.10. Gotta appreciate how much effort Rodon is putting into being overvalued next year.
Tim Anderson – 2-for-6, 2 RBIs and his 19th homer, hitting .248. Another guy who absolutely no one wanted any part of in March, except for me.
Adalberto Mondesi – 4-for-5, 2 RBIs and his 22nd steal, hitting .284. Here’s a guy who I’m gonna want every part of in 2019.
Jon Gray – 4 IP, 4 ER, ERA at 4.80. I guess in some ways it’s appropriate that Gray is killing my fantasy team. To each his own, literally.
Nolan Arenado – 3-for-4, 2 RBIs and his 33rd homer. Turns out my great uncle — yeah, the one that drank a lot — left me a piece of the Shroud of Turin. Guess I’m a Christ on my dad’s side. Here, I’m gonna leave it by this open window–NOOOOOO!!! Torenado!!!
Eduardo Escobar – 1-for-4, 2 RBIs and his 21st homer. He has 10 more homers than Kris Bryant! Escobar has been in an almost month-long slump, but appears to finally be peeking his head out from the cloud cover.
Yoshihisa Hirano – 1/3 IP, 2 ER and his 4th blown save. I legit laughed out loud when I saw this. The Diamondbacks’ closer role is polluted like Michele Pffeifer’s womb! Steer clear! Unless you really need saves, then I guess Archie Bradley’s next man up.
Jeff McNeil – 3-for-5, 1 run, 2 RBIs, hitting .340. When he was first called up, I half-joked he could be like Jeff Kent. The part that wasn’t half-joking might be more accurate. Kinda pumped to own him in my keeper league.
Zack Wheeler – 8 IP, 0 ER, 4 baserunners, 7 Ks, ERA at 3.23. His post-All-Star break ERA is lower than deGrom’s. Cust kayin’.
Jay Bruce – 1-for-3, 4 RBIs and his 7th homer. Quite the season the Mets got from Bruce. Helluva signing!
Amed Rosario – 1-for-5, 3 RBIs and his 8th homer. I need so many things to go right in some of my leagues to win, but Amed getting hot would be a nice boost. Yes, this is about me!
Niko Goodrum – Left the game with an injured quad. Like any Goodrum, he will now be shelved.
Nicholas Castellanos – 1-for-4, 2 RBIs and his 21st homer, hitting .294. The Greek God of Hard Contact connects with a home run and screams, “Disco!” Then seconds later, “….Fries at the Galaxy Diner on Route 22, it’s my Uncle’s place.”
Gerrit Cole – 5 IP, 2 ER, 7 baserunners, 9 Ks, ERA at 2.88 vs. Daniel Norris – 4 2/3 IP, 5 ER, ERA at 6.14. This matchup was billed as, “Cole/Norris or what Chuck’s child, Diamond, was named before he beat the crap out of him.”
Alex Bregman – 2-for-5, 1 run, 3 RBIs with his 50th double, hitting .296. He’s the first hitter in history to play mostly 3rd base and hit 50 doubles with 30 homers in one season. Not since 2007 have we seen 30 HRs, 10 SBs and 50 doubles, and there’s only eight in history with Lou Gehrig, Chuck Klein, Frank Robinson, A-Rod, Al-So, D-Lee and Ma-Ho. The last three were not players in the Nippon Baseball League.
David Price – 7 IP, 0 ER, 3 baserunners, 7 Ks, ERA at 3.42. Gonna have to give Price a long, hard look this offseason for 2019; he might be taking the path back to likability that Verlander cleared.
Aaron Sanchez – 7 IP, 1 ER, 6 baserunners, 6 Ks, ERA at 4.90. Solid game against the Red Sox, but they clinched like four months ago and were playing Fortnite in the dugout all game, finally able to get to play with Price on the mound.
Trevor Cahill – Might be skipped on Saturday because of a back issue. Also, because the A’s might make the playoffs and they need one healthy starter.
Matt Olson – 2-for-4, 3 RBIs and his 26th homer, hitting .241. Fairly quiet 2nd half for Allahson. At one point, he was on pace for 40 homers; now he might not reach 30, without Allahson getting jihotti.
Ramon Laureano – 3-for-5, 1 run and his 5th steal, hitting .293, and has two homers this week (they both came in the same game). Also, was hitting leadoff yesterday. I cannot tell a lie, which is good in general, and this isn’t a lie, I’ve owned Laureano for the better part of September in my Yahoo league (15-team mixed). By the by, the Yahoo Friends & Family league standings are getting pretty interesting. Rudy and I are battling it out at the top. Wish me luck and curse Rudy.
Liam Hendriks – 1 IP, 0 ER, ERA at 5.94, and a one-hitter, as he started for the A’s. Is it me or do you think Billy Beane got a little jealous he didn’t start using The Opener first (opening The Opener?), so now he’s just using it ’cause?
Daniel Poncedeleon – 5 IP, 2 ER, 6 baserunners, 7 Ks, ERA at 2.81. He feels a bit like a trap for 2019. He’s older, walks a ton of guys, and is likely first one out of the rotation for the Cards. I realize I have a real sickness thinking about 2019 rankings still in September of 2018. Any hoo! Poncedeleon won’t win ROY but maybe the FOY if he wanders around Florida, and I’d just use Stream-o-Nator for him.
Gregory Polanco – Underwent shoulder surgery after injuring his knee. Wow, that was some slide into 2nd base!
Jameson Taillon – 7 IP, 2 ER, 6 baserunners, 4 Ks, ERA at 3.37. Underappreciated how great his season has been, and doing this with fewer balls. Also, his walks are down.
Story, Bregman and Yelich first rounders next year (top 12)?
Rank for 2019: Severino, Bauer, Snell, DeGrom, Nola, and Wheeler (bc he has a 1.32 era post allstar break)
@Member Berries: I’m going to hikjack your comment to bring up P. Corbin and cy young silliness
if we are ignoring Wins , why aren’t we ignoring ERA?
195 ip 11.03 k/9 2.03 bb/9 0.95 whip 2.71 xFIP
186 ip 11.13 k/9 2.03 bb/9 1.03 whip 2.57 xFIP
one of those stat lines belongs to Corbin the other belongs to DeGrom
which one’s which??
Slappy doesn’t know!
@Slappy Jack: https://razzball.com/patrick-corbin-2018-fantasy-baseball-sleeper/
@Grey: I think about half of the top 10 SP ‘s were Grey sleeper calls
Impressive, most impressive
Nice!
@Member Berries: deGrom, Snell, Nola, Bauer, Severino, Wheeler.
Actually, it’s been a while since I’ve looked at Wheeler’s stats. He’s been much better than I had given him credit for. I can see a case for switching Wheeler and Severino. But went with the K upside.
@bigbear: Definitely Severino over Wheeler. As a Mets fan, I love Wheeler, and he’s been downright amazing in the 2nd half. Best ERA in baseball since all-star game.
But Severino is on a better team, is younger, and I think Is a safer bet. Wheeler SHOULD be able to continue this next year but this is also the first time in his career he has pitched this well and this consistently. He’s still a big injury risk.
@Member Berries: I’m not ranking for 2019 right now, because I don’t know, but my guess is those three hitters are top 15 and pitchers are all close and in top 20, except Wheeler
@Grey:
disrespecting Wheeler bc he is Wheeler or bc he’s a Mets pitcher?! (just jokes, i have no real love for Wheeler other than a big thank you for all the streaming starts)
I think Severino is quite interesting considering how dominant he was to how terrible he has been (6.35 era post AllStar!).
You see Willians Astudillo (Twins) rounding the bases? Kid has wheels but because of his Bartolo Colon-esque build (and face) it resulted in a good laugh for me
Astudillo is hilarious to watch run… Wheeler had a good 2nd half, we’ll see, I’ll need to dig in on him
@Grey: https://twitter.com/MJ_Baumann/status/1040065707088781312/photo/1
Haha
Weekend? You mean yesterday? :)
Who would you rather have ROS, Semien or Jeff McNeil? I’m trying to use my bye week productively. Also, I’ve got Acuna, Peralta, Beni, Franmil, and Kole Calhoun as my OF, but Kiermaier is available. Would you drop Franmil or Calhoun for him? (Yahoo 5×5 16 team)
Thanks again for all the writeups throughout the year!
@Oliver: McNeil — Franmil
Do you wanna know why I like Urias? My father was a drinker, and a fiend. And one night, he goes off crazier than usual. Mommy gets the kitchen knife to defend herself. He doesn’t like that. Not. One. Bit. So, me watching, he takes the knife to her, laughing while he does it. He turns to me, and he says, “Why so Urias?” He comes at me with the knife. “Why so Urias?!” He sticks the blade in my mouth—”Let’s put a smile on that face!” Aaaand… Why so Urias?
I told him…It’s cool a guy who never hit more than 11 homers in the minors at any level hit a 434 foot moonshot like this at only 21 years old* (and he’s in the top third of the league in average exit velo of fb/ld). How many homeruns do you think he’ll hit in his peak year?
*https://www.mlb.com/video/urias-mammoth-2-run-smash/c-2479581183?tid=6479266
@Jordan Rosenblum: HA… You’re working through your pain, and that’s what’s important… 15-17 HRs
Grey!!
Loved it, you are the king!
a. Thanks for the tip on Pena last night. Dropped him for Ji-Man as I said I would. But then I saw McNeil was available AND playing 2 today so, I added him and dropped the Ji-Man.
b. Drop Voit for a Jay Bruce batty call? Bruce apart from being slightly hot is also playing 2 today. Other options are Cron who I’m really starting to hate despite his record-breaking season.
c. Mark Twain quote of the day for September 13
Nothing is made in vain, but the fly came near it.
Cheers,
Ante
@Ante Galic: yeah late in life (at least) he had a immense hatred of bugs, likely due to when his wife and multiple daughters all died of cancers or other slow rotting type diseases, the flys/bugs would be all over their bodies (before dying). also late in life had an immense hatred of god (or at least it showed more), not as much as say nietzsche/de sade, but a lot.
@Ante Galic: A. Nice! B. Sure C. I don’t get it
@Grey: Grey!!
I know, me too. There are two possibilities.
1. Flies are the one thing that God made in vain (or really close).
2. Flies fly near poop. Poop is made in vain. Therefore, flies fly by the poop. Therefore they come near it (the poop).
What’s your interpretation?
Cheers,
Ante
Only thing I can think is, we have no reason for flies, so God made them just to prove that he could, so that’s vanity
@Grey: Grey!
I like that one better. Anyway, sorry for inciting a riot.
Added Bruce, dropped Voit into the void that’s Matt Adams back side! Voit for sure will now go on a tear.
Cheers,
Ante
No riot, I was seriously perplexed
@Grey: Grey!
You got shook by Twain. Shame on him.
Cheers,
Ante
Hahaha
i’m telling ya he’s got some woman tied to a bed or in a closet of some hotel room somewhere. and he got away for a day or 2, but now he’s back (romo, and maybe kela is with him). neither one of them was pitching badly to have this much time off (romo twice now).
AL only, with the son of donalding allen is a BN player (so he really IS the young version of the king of sagnof now). OBP over AVG, total bases added. allen is lefty side only guy (which is funny since when he was called up and first starting he was a righty only side guy, this was just weeks ago too)
C ward (3B)
1B alonso
2B whit (1B/OF)
SS correa
3B mostsuckass
CI rowdy
MI lowrie (2B/3B)
OF (4) grichuk, brantley, villar (2B/SS/OF, i think he’s back to being a keeper next year, pretty good price he’ll have on this as well, just had to get away from MIL like scooter), mancini (1B)
util (1) fletcher (2B/3B/SS)
BN allen
options (not good of course):
austin (even after going cold as shit has an 854 with MIN)
rickard (playing every day now, some steals lately too)
schweg engel (check that reference it’s awesome)
goodwin (at least he was good a few different times)
the new jo-fer (now playing everyday, hitting good lately)
grossman (really high OBP lately, plays every day),
@Stupid Sexy Glanders: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBesuP7zil4&t=276s
@Stupid Sexy Glanders: Haha — Engel’s been decent — OMG — Schweig Engel — dead
i called it last year (didn’t think it would be THIS FAST though) “snell gearing up for those cy youngs (late in season) if he just lowers that BB rate”
@Mantis Toboggan MD: Totally
My team logo next year will be a photo of Stephen Strasburg with#NeverAgain superimposed over his face. When I start him, he kills me. When I bench him, he kills me. Do I dare start him next week, championship week, for two starts? I am sure whichever I choose will be wrong.
@Steinbrenner Youth: Everytime I hear “superimposed” I think of the goat skit with Adam Sandler
@Steinbrenner Youth: Everytime I hear “superimposed” I think of the goat skit with Adam Sandler
@Steinbrenner Youth: What are his matchups next week?
@Grey: @Marlins, vs Mets
@Steinbrenner Youth: Can’t see why you wouldn’t start him (which means he’ll be roughed up)
Ok so I add beltre who was on fire last week and so far he is 0 for 11 for me. I need a ci. Do I hold or add Bruce or choi, wil Myers who i cut? I just need somebody to give me some kind of hitting stats r, hr,rbi and total bases for 2 f’n weeks. Thx
@Scott: Try Bruce
Love the “Scarface” reference for the D’backs bullpen situation. It’s too bad Billy Wagner isn’t still around because then you could have said, “say hello to my little friend!” “Thank you, thank you, try the veal, it’s stopped moving off of the plate…
@Doc Samson: HA!
Hi Grey,
Streaming for the Semi – FInals:
WHat are the best option for tomorrow:
Shields @ BAL
Harvey @ Cubs
Jorge Lopgez vs MIN
Shoemaker vs SEA
Lauer vs Tex
many thanks!
@chris: Shoemaker
My first place team has gone ice cold in the head to head playoffs. Like 260 OBP ice cold. Somehow I’m still in it in counting stats. Would you recommend drop Donaldson and Brad Hand to get enough salary to pick up 3 deep league waiver players? I have 6 players playing, my opponent has 9.
@Raul: Works for me
Adalberto or Asdrubal over the last 2 weeks? Assuming you prefer Adalberto for 2019…
@Drew: Adalberto and yes
14 Team H2H auction redraft league. I have a BYE week this week so for next week…
1) I made a mistake by picking up Niko Goodrum. I mean, you can’t predict a player getting injured but I should have listened to you when you said to wait a few more days to make a decision. I’m now down to $5 FAAB. Anyway, looks like I will need to replace him. Who are your top 2 from this group of 1B?
Trey Mancini (vs Blue Jays, @NYY), Ryan O’Hearn (@Pirates, @Tigers), Hunter Dozier (@Pirates, @Tigers), Max Muncy (vs Rockies, vs Padres), Wil Myers (vs SF, @Dodgers)
If there’s anyone else I haven’t listed that might be on waivers, please let me know.
Thanks as always!
@Savoy Special: 1. Myers, Mancini
Hildenberger or Alvarado for saves ROS
@DrizzyDrizzle: Hildenberger
Do you wanna know how I got these positive urias vibes?
My father was a drinker, and a fiend. And one night, he goes off crazier than usual. Mommy gets the kitchen knife to defend herself. He doesn’t like that. Not. One. Bit. So, me watching, he takes the knife to her, laughing while he does it. He turns to me, and he says, “Why so Urias?” He comes at me with the knife. “Why so URIAS?!” He sticks the blade in my mouth—”Let’s put a smile on that face!” Aaaand… Why so Urias?
I told him not to worry about the lower minor league homerun totals bc he’s young and hits it hard (his second homer was a 430 ft bomb!) and he pretty much bought it.
How many homers would you guess he hits in his best power season?
@Jordan Rosenblum: When I said above it’s good to work through your problems, you can’t work through same problem repeatedly
@Grey: I’m spinning my wheels now, aren’t I…it’s time to seek help
Would you drop any of the following to pick up Heaney for his start tomorrow? I’m in playoffs. 5×5 redraft.
Lucchesi? He has a wonderful start next week so it’d be a shame to drop him but I can also worry about next week if I win this week.
Reynaldo Lopez? He’s been good recently, and he hasn’t yet given me a start this week, but SON still doesn’t love his next two starts.
W.Ramos (punt catcher)? Great per game catcher but seems like Philly only intends to deploy him 2-3 starts a week.
@Joe Beisbol: Be nice to know who these guys are starting against
@Grey: I’m screen shotting this as the day I knew something Grey didn’t. Let me have my moment.
Heaney is at home on Sat. against SEA (start pushed back a day)
Lopez is @ Baltimore.
Lucchesi’s next start is next week, likely at home against SF.
I can drop Berrios after his start tomorrow @ KC.
PHI has three games at home this weekend against the Marlins. It’s anyone’s guess whether Ramos will play and when.
Haha — I’d go all of them, but Lucchesi, Heaney, that order
Keep 1 for MI: Torres, Rosario, Profar… Rosario has been hot, Torres has been batting 9th and Profar has been cold
Cut Bud Norris? I could really use a couple more saves if he could get them. There is no saves on the wire
@msh2404: Amed — Yes, cut Bud Norris
better bet for saves ROS…hirano, jace fry, or alvarado
thanks grey
@brian: Alvarado
Need to keep one of these pitchers in a H2H points league. Which should I keep:
Severino or Snell?
Thanks for all your help this season!!
@Chris: Snell
If Stanton isn’t a bust, can we at least acknowledge that playing in the AL, hitting in a Yankee lineup, in that bandbox, didn’t work out as expected? Clearly he’s no Reggie. When you have to consider the likes of Choo, Haniger and David Peralta as better options, isn’t it time to admit Derek took Cashman to school?
@Chucky: He’s a top 20 hitter https://razzball.com/playerrater/
@Grey: No. Yankees didn’t give up much to acquire him. He’s certainly not the problem right now with their collapse.
They lost Judge, that was huge for them
@Chucky: You, Wally Pipp and that other guy who kept calling Grey an idiot for not conceding that Stanton was a bust, should get together and start your own Stanton-bashing blog. You can high-five each other after agreeing over false premises like “Yeah man, he’s so not Babe Ruth! Those idiots!”.
@Chucky:
hey look Chucky’s back. he went real quiet while stanton was hitting aka the entire summer. what I love about Razzball is how nice you dudes are to trolls. such restraint, keeps things from escalating. Just kill em with facts and kindness. keep it up, a sincere ‘thank you’.
@AllThePrettyStantons: Funny how the Stanton haters only come out when they’re in a “slump”, aka the normal process of a baseball season.
Hey Grey,
Could you pick your 4 favorites out of these…
09/14/18 – Diego Castillo vs OAK EJackson – 20.9
09/14/18 – Tyler Anderson @ SF CStratton – 16.0
09/14/18 – Zach Eflin vs MIA WChen – 14.8
09/14/18 – Eric Lauer vs TEX YMendez – 11.4
09/15/18 – Robbie Erlin vs TEX AJurado – 16.5
09/15/18 – Ian Kennedy vs MIN CDe Jong – 11.2
09/15/18 – Liam Hendriks @ TB RStanek – 8.9
09/16/18 – Mike Minor @ SD JNix – 20.7
09/16/18 – Kyle Gibson @ KC JJunis – 16.6
09/16/18 – Dereck Rodriguez vs COL ASenzatela – 9.2
Thank you so much as always!!
@David Kohn: Minor, Gibson, D-Rod, Anderson
@Grey: Thanks!!
I’m so sorry though Minor is owned.
Who would you replace Minor with?
Guess try Erlin
@Kohn: Geeze and D-Rod is owned.
Could you pick 2 others. Sorry!
@Kohn: Should I just stay away from the others?
Yes, stay away
Anderson
In a 5×5 H2H league with limited moves a week…I need Ks and Ws mostly, but have a shot at ERA and WHIP.
I see that Diego Castillo is loved by Stream-o-Nator, but are we sure he will pitch enough innings? Where do you land on him and Tyler Anderson?
@Dean Kongslie: Can’t see Castillo pitching more than 2 IP — I’d try Anderson
Morning, Grey!
A. So it’s looking like we drop J. Gray for Gibson, right?
B. As for Stripling, I didn’t watch any of it, but it looks like a decent outing. However, assuming I make the move for Gibson, what do you think of swapping Stripling for Musgrove who would be @KC and vs MIL next week?
D. Would you take McNeil or Choi over S. Marte or Peralta?
@The Shoe: A. Yes B. I’d take Musgrove D. Nah
@Grey: @Grey: Hmmm, so Stripling will start on Sunday against STL confirmed. And he’s also listed at probably starter vs SD next week. Would you keep him around for that start even if it’s a somewhat shorter one?
I’m rethinking things now… I’ve got a 90 point lead with 3 days left in my H2H matchup. If the chances for Stripling to blow up @STL are low, perhaps I just keep him around and instead drop J. Gray for Musgrove’s KC start next week – Gibson will get the As next week and that matchup doesn’t seem great.
Nah, I’d lose Stripling, 4-5 IP, 2 ER, does nothing for you
@Grey: So you don’t think he’d be stretched out enough to log 5+ innings next week against SD?
Seems doubtful, maybe 5 IP, 0 ER
Streamer for today: Laureano (against Dylan Bundy) or Jeff McNeill (double header against Alcantara and the other pitcher is still unknown)? Also Dahl (Buchholz) or Ohearns (Stephen Gonsalves)?
@Chocolate Thunder from Down Under: McNeill — Dahl
Bregman got a little OCD going on? 100/30/100/10 and 50 doubles
@Fungazi 2.0: Ha, yup
For me first round of playoffs may have come down to Nat/Phils ….an unfortunate week to have this series.
I have nola and strasburg who went h2h. I also have Ramos, Harper, Turner, Soto so something had to give.
Sitting here tie at 90pts so far this week still have a great shot.
luck and timing play a huge role
@LennyDykstraIsJustMisunderstood: Yeah, H2H is such a crapshoot
I streamed Ramon Laureano on Tuesday at the Robots suggestion. He went 0-5 so I dropped him since I had a full hitting lineup for Kela in order to try to snipe a W. Kela didn’t even pitch…
Real quick, no matter how many times he proves otherwise, or how many times you say you’re riding with him, I still can’t feel confident about it and I have to ask. Are we starting Freeland in Coors against Dbacks? SON says -14, but it never likes Freeland anyway.
Thanks Grey
@jose: I’m starting Freeland until he does something that makes me think I shouldn’t be starting him
@Grey: I’ll never make you say it again. Haha
Ha, I’m just saying, he’s done nothing in months to warrant being benched… If he has a bad game, then shizz happens
Pinstripes? Perish the thought. Harper will be a Cub next year, as the Bryant and Harper wives will conspire to help make this happen. Leaving Heyward to be a $184 million dollar late inning defensive replacement, lol.
@Will: Ha, yeah, that could be too, and the Cubs fans hate him for 7 years
@Grey:
Harper will be a Philly
Wouldn’t mind seeing that
@Grey:
Maybe he was helping shovel sand on the field during trying to making playable on before the rainout tuesday. Trying make himeself look good for philly fans
What, no blowtorch?
I got one more move left (yes my league limits FA moves!!!) and my offense needs a spark for the stretch run here… Some hot names still available on the wire are: Choi, Laureano, Pham, Kiermaier, JBruce, C Taylor, J Turner, and David Dahl… Who do you trust to continue the hotness?
@MALARKY: Kiermaier
Severino & Syndergaard, are either Top 10 starters in 2019?
@Gator: Prolly close
I’m guessing the Rays (absurd hot streak, haven’t even “needed” Romo) are keeping him fresh for a beastly, 14-straight-days reappearance to close the year, and capture WC #2. But yes, as an owner, this period has been mind-boggling
@RoPo: A team doesn’t usually stop using their closer for 2 weeks just because they didn’t need him
@Grey: Mmm, true. So strange. Must be either of A) phantom injury, or B) containing his cost / increasing the trade value of their other relievers. I gotta assume the latter of the latter.
Also, separately, maybe you’ve already used this quip and I missed it, but I love this for Eric Fedde — Fedde Whoppin’!
I’ve used Fedde Wop a few times, will again I’m sure…
At this point, I think I would pay ESPN $$ to let me drop Correa. Also am I crazy for wanting to drop Travis Shaw for Ji-Man Choi?? It’s so weird, all of Shaw’s peripherals say he should be way better.
@B: Not crazy, but I’d hold Shaw
How the fudge does Hader get credited with the win?
@malamoney: I thought the same thing!?!? Don’t tell MLB, though. I need that win!
@malamoney: All wins are subject to scorers’ whims, but that is weird…
@Starz: @Grey: Further reason why deGrom should win Cy young. Wins are BS.
Agreed
@Grey: Wins are only subject if the starting pitcher doesn’t go 5, though, I thought?
Surprised Knebel didn’t get the win in the Brewers game.
Yeah, if the SP doesn’t go 5, that’s right… It’s still crackers… What kind of power trip does a scorer have to be on to just give a win out to a random person?
@Grey: Totally agree. Ryan Yarbough has been cleaning up this year racking up the wins, even though he comes in before the 5th. But for the most part, he’s in the game when the team takes the lead. I still can’t believe I didn’t know this rule until this summer (just assumed that wins were related to the game not being official until the 5th).
Hader has been dominant this week, so maybe that’s it. I know I’m not complaining since I got his win (still can’t believe that someone dropped Hader last week for some reason – I wasted no time).
Who ‘should’ve’ got the Brewers win?
@Grey: Knebel. But I guess that’s based on the “old-school” method of having the lead after the starting pitcher is removed and pitching past the 5th inning. The lead didn’t change after Anderson left so I guess it’s not that simple. And I already noted that after the SP leaves early, the 5th inning is meaningless.
It’s a good question though. Why Hader?
Maybe scorer owns Hader in fantasy… I wonder if that’s legal (prolly not)
@Grey: haha that would be interesting.
@malamoney: Per the rulebook, it’s up to the official scorer’s discretion to pick the winning pitcher. Chase Anderson only went 4 innings.
Grey! Thanks for all of your help this fantasy season. I am currently in 2nd place and behind the leader by 2 points (roto 5×5). If I move ahead in Ks, I can at least tie the leader. He is out of transactions and I have 1 left. I dumped my catcher to add another bench spot to move ahead in pitching stats. So rest of season, could you give me a good waiver wire add who will rack up Ks?
I know you don’t know who is available, but guys on waivers right now are in this range…
Reynoldo Lopez, John Gant, Fedde, Musgrove, etc. I do have Bauer, but it doesn’t look like he comes back during the regular season. I am trying to maximize starts. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank You! Please do an offseason podcast of celebrity stories with Ralph!
@Tyler: Thanks! Musgrove, I guess, but only bc I sorta know his upcoming matchups are decent (I think)… Just about matchups at this point, which I’d look at if I were you, or tell them to me bc I don’t know everyone’s matchups by heart
For rest of this season only who do you like more – Mondesi or Villar?
@Launch Angle: This is a tough one. I was going to say Mondesi, but they both have prime lineup spots in the 2-hole and Villar has been better over the last 30 days, just slightly. Can’t go wrong with either IMO.
@Launch Angle: Villar
12 team H2H Semifinals 6×6 OPS QS
I have Abreu still on my DL. Must first drop him or another player, in order to add SP for this weekend.
Bieber is available and pitching Sunday, looking to add him asap. Then will prob stream a SP next few days as needed.
So I’m looking to drop 2-3 players. Have you any suggestions?
G. Sanchez
Encarnacion
Carpenter
T. Turner
J. Turner
OF: Acuña, Renfoe, Haniger
Util: Freeman, Chapman
Bench: Bellinger
DL: J. Abreu
Porcello, Morton, Happ, Gausman, Heaney, Pivetta, Rodon
Treinen, Strop, Gsellman, Givens
@TOGMAN: Pivetta and Rodon (or Bellinger)
July 3, I traded Bregman for Snell straight up. Outside of Snell’s DL-vacation, he’s been awesome. This has surprisingly been a solid deal for both teams, even though I should have pushed to move a different bat (I tried). He wanted Trea Turner, Lindor, or Bregman, so I chose the latter. Everyone thought he wouldn’t keep up his first half but after reading about how he models his game after Scherzer and wanting to prove to the league that he can be one of the best pitchers in the league, I was all in!
I also had a glut of offense and lacked an ace. And my offense hasn’t missed a beat since.
But Snell can be kept for a 15th round pick next year whereas Bregman will cost a 3rd. That was the deciding factor IMO. Sometimes you have to trade from a strength, even if it hurts, to address a weakness and improve your team. I think Snell lines up for two-starts next week too.
@Starz: In hindsight, I’d probably move Turner for Snell and keep Bregman. But I didn’t think he was going to be THIS good.
@Starz: Nice trade for you, even if it was a nice trade for the other person too!
Yo Grey, who you liking more ROS (please pick 2) – Marwin, Dahl, Ed Escobar, Desmond?
@LagunaBobbyI: Eduardo, Dahl
Looking back at my draft I feel like a genius for following your guidance and getting Jo-Ram, Bregman, and Snell for cheap. Unfortunately I also paid full price for Schoop, Bryant, and Hosmer. And didn’t wait for the Acuna call up. You win some you lose some.
Short term, H2H playoff time, do you prefer Nimmo or Rosario over the next few days?
Thanks a bunch.
Amed
Grey, can u please list the top 2 of these streamers?
Berrios at KC
Gausman at home vs Wash
Velasquez at home vs Mia
Shoemaker at home vs Sea
Shoemaker, Gausman
Which two for saves ROS? W. Peralta, R. Gsellman, M. Melancon, G.Holland, J. Alvarado?
Thanks.
Wily, Alvarado
Second round of playoffs, lost Paxton and need some Ks and QSs. Crazy to pick up Jorge Lopez @ MIN tomorrow?
Little crazy
@Grey: Gio at PIT a better play?
Not really
Hey Grey,
I’m still with you even though I don’t comment much. I’m battling for first or am in first place in 4 different leagues, thanks to you and your staff.
In the NFBC cutline I just missed out on the championship round. Jose Ramirez and Severino went cold a week to quick.
Are the player rater stats going to be available throughout the winter for help in preparing for next year?
Nice work! Yes, Player Rater stats are available until February when they become preseason
last 2 weeks of season, who you drop for a streamer?
-W smith
-Hiledenberger
-Strop
-Minter
-Giles
Smith
Grey,
Drop Ian Desmond for Jay Bruce?
@Succos Baseball: 12 tm H2H OBP instead of AVG.
Sure
any hot takes on the Dodgers rotation?
Yahoo has R.Stripling going on short rest this Sun(I’d assume another 3-4ip tops if he goes).
LA Times says H.Ryu would be on regular rest sun @STL and A.Wood is bumped back a day.
would you lose Stripling in a semi final matchup that you were up 8-1 and needed a stream spot?
gotta give you your propers on the B.Snell call. I traded C.Bellinger for B.Snell at the All Star break in a redraft and I was like “meh”.
I’m now 3 days away from a 2 week final with a 3 start Snell like “oh Bellingers losing ab’s to *squints at computer* D.Freese?”
*types into google.com* “Tony LaRussa Dave Roberts illuminati bloodline conspiracy”
Yeah, lose Stripling — nice on Snell! Yeah, he’s been even better than I thought… Hilarious on google search! Haha
How would you rank these guys ROS: Amed Rosario, Abreu, Eddie Rosario, Renfroe?
Abreu, Rosario, Amed
Mornin’ Grey!
So funny but I could have gone the rest of my life without remembering For Better or For Worse ever existed if you hadn’t brought it up. It was like Family Circle except everyone secretly hated and resented each other. I’m sure a venn diagram of their readership would also intersect with readers of Cathy. I also appreciated the Taillon entry, where you managed to simultaneously pull off a dick joke and a math joke.
What do I do with Berrios for the rest of the year? His FIP’s been around 5 the last month and he’s hard to trust even in cakewalk matchups now. His next one’s against KC but also against Lopez who almost no-hit the Twins last time, so chances for a win are bad as usual. JB seems like he’s been gassed since the all-star break. Should I ride or die with him anyway, given the good matchup? Trying to avoid meltdowns during the stretch run.
Thanks a lot!
Haha, I know, right? So true on the venn diagram — I’d start Berrios vs. Royals, then go one start at a time
hey boss
is it safe to drop bud norris and boxburger in my dynasty? have diaz, osuna, leclerc, Giles and wade davis holding the fort down
thanks!
Yes
You’re really dumping Holland when his next two starts are vs the Padres?
I’ll try to pick him back up, but yes
I’ll try to pick him back up, but yes…
One expert has posted his first two rounds for 2019:
ROUND I in order Betts,Ramirez,Trout,JDMartinez,Lindor,Altuve,Scherzer,Sale,Turner,Arenado,Machado,Harper,Stanton,Bregman and Story
ROUND 2 in order
Baez,deGrom,Kluber,Judge,Blackmon,Benintendi,Goldschmidt,Cole,Freeman,Marte,Nola,Bauer,Kershaw,Yelich and Acuna.
I thought not bad overall but I would raise Acuna and maybe Yelich in 2nd and Arenado would not get to 10 if I were in draft. I think would drop Altuve and the pitchers. I would love to get your thoughts. Anyone missing? Any big changes off the top? Thank you as always.
@DonnieB: Not sure, will do my rankings in January
@DonnieB: No way will his top 30 players have 8 SP
Agree
Grey,
Need your help for my dynasty forever team. Who would you keep and who would you drop between Zach Eflin and Luke Weaver?
I’m torn. They both suck. I just can’t figure out which one sucks worse. What do you think pal?
Lose Eflin
@Grey: Thanks Grey! I can always count on you! Love your site, love your humor, love your wisdom!
I’ve got Julio Urias,Ale Reyes and B. Honeywell all coming off injury for next year. You like those guys moving forward or should I part ways with any of them too?
Thanks! I like them
great stuff as always Grey!
catcher for next week: Suzuki (STL, PHI), or Barnhart (@MIL, @MIA)?
Thanks! Kurt
Soooooo… Matz lets two no names hit back to back homers off him. Next inning Matz is up at bat with a man on first and two outs, and I’m cursing the Mets for batting their pitcher eighth when we really need some offense. “Way to go, you morons. So I guess we all have to just hope Matz has a homer in him, huh?” Umm, Matz then hit a homer. 2-2 score. Baseball’s crazy.
Hahahaha, nice
@Grey: Of all games to ask Doolittle to throw two innings…against the Cubs? Really? He’s fresh off the DL and they wouldn’t even let him work both halves of a double header on Tuesday, but today he can somehow tame the heart of the order? Dumb decision–as is my owning him I suppose. I wanted him just for ratios. Is he droppable if I’m locked into where I am saves wise???
It’s such an awful decision, it’s not at all surprising the Nats are losing… Yeah, can drop him
I’m in a small standard 5X5 roto league. 6 points out of first place. need HR and W, is time to dump my stars and aces and go daily line ups and streamonator, or ride it out another week and see if my current staff can bring it on?
Dump the stars and aces and ride the lightning!
Hi Grey,
For a 2019 H2H keeper pool who would you keep? Peraza or Segura?
Offensive cats are hits, runs, BA, SB’s, RBI’s, TB’s, k’s and OPS.
I’m leaning Peraza due to age and the fact that I have a feeling that Segura will drop back a lot next year.
Thanks,
Cersy
Peraza
Shame! Shame! Shame! Shame! Shame!
10 team h2h OBP limited moves (only 9 moves left for this week and next)
1) Hold Parker or drop for Greene, Buttrey, Peralta, Hirano, Hunter
2) Best streaming options of these pitchers this week:
Gibson @KC
Minor @SD
Giolito @BAL
Miley PIT
Barria SEA
V Velasquez
Kennedy MIN
Gant LAD
Shoemaker SEA
Efflin MIA
Chen @PHI
Shields @BAL
J Lopez MIN
Thanks!
1. Meh, toss up… Prolly try Peralta 2. Minor, Shoemaker, Gibson
Can we talk about why H2H is awful? I needed 1 run–a single run–last Sunday to win my H2H playoff matchup and go on to the Championship week. I had Harper, Treat Urner, and Daniel Murphy locked into my lineup and was sitting pretty until the Nats game was postponed until Monday (i.e., no longer in that week’s H2H matchup). I lost Runs category, season over.
Does anybody play in a H2H league where stats would be applied retroactively for make-up games? Is that a thing?
Not sure, but I have long said H2H is super flawed
@Stumanji!: @Grey: I’m unfortunately in H2H leagues haven’t gotten league mates to transfer over to points. Leaves too much to chance, I’m 1st in total hitting across the board but now suffering from my hitters going cold (Rizzo Freeman Machado Stanton Benintendi ERosario Trout etc) season ruined…
I hear ya
@Grey
Hey Grey. Which start do you like?
Eflin vs Miami/Chen 14.8
Lopev @ Balt/Y.Ramirez 4.5
SON clearly likes Eflin here, but I love the Lopez matchup/he’s been pitching well of late. I’m really hunting for a win here too. Who do you like?
Thanks as always brotha!!
@lubey: Im still kicking myself after taking Flaherty over Snell this yr….
Ouch
Reynaldo, I guess…
Conforto is anothwr today. Only 16 games left. In a standard roto redraft league do I want Conforto or Freddie Freeman for HR and RBI’s?
Conforto
Tomoro stream
Eflin vs miami
Lauer vs texas or
Stratton vs col
Eflin
Speculative sv+holds add: Buttrey or Ziegler?
Buttrey