The fans that arrived early yesterday at Nationals Park were puzzled to find what appeared to be a show on HGTV. Â The newest Property Brother, Michael Blazek, the Brewers pitcher, opened a box from Ikea, and sat at home plate for six hours during the pregame, assembling something. Â At one point, he screamed to the heavens about being screwed, but Bryce Harper (3-for-5, 3 runs, 4 RBIs and his 26th and 27th homers) realized Blazek wasn’t saying he was screwed, he needed a screw the box was missing. Â Ryan Zimmerman (2-for-5, 3 RBIs and his 21st and 22nd homers) had a fix, they could use Dusty’s toothpicks to hold together Blazek’s contraption. Â Then Anthony Rendon (2-for-4, 2 runs and his 21st homer) had a brilliant idea. Â The twine holding together the Nats’ bullpen could be used to hold together Dusty’s toothpicks. Â Brian Goodwin (3-for-5, 2 runs, 2 RBIs and his 10th homer) and Wilmer Difo (2-for-4, 2 runs and his 3rd homer) were the first ones to the plate to see what Blazek had constructed. Â It was a bit shoddy in places, but it was holding up. Â Pulling back, we reveal that Blazek had built a baseball tee to place all his pitches on. Â All of these guys are either owned or are Wilmer Difo, with the exception of Brian Goodwin. Â He has three homers since the All-Star break, and has been cemented in the leadoff spot (for reasons only Dusty can explain). Â Won’t help you on average, but has a solid base of speed and power that could help in deeper leagues while he’s leading off, and especially when hitting off a tee. Â Anyway, here’s what else I saw yesterday in fantasy baseball:
Lewis Brinson – 1-for-3, and his 2nd homer, and 2nd homer in the last two days. Â I’m guessing he’s about six hours away from being announced as the new Brewers’ leadoff man. Â He’s also about four hours from being in my afternoon Buy column. Â Times are subject to change depending on when you read this.
Dan Jennings – 0 IP, 1 ER, as he was traded to the Rays. Â Wow, the White Sox really want Tyler Clippard to be the closer. Â I guess Rick Renteria could also go to Jake Petricka. Â Though, best thing Petricka has ever done is glasnost.
Lucas Duda – Rays also acquired this piece of Duda. Â People get euphoric when a player is traded, like suddenly they’re good. Â I hate to be a buzzkill, but Duda’s garbage. Â They can’t possibly play him against lefties, and would be fools to with Trevor Plouffe, Tim Beckham and others that could slide in vs. lefties. Â Though, since Plouffe is french for the sound poop makes when it hits toilet water, the thought of him platooning with Duda has me giddy. Â Plouffe goes the Duda-mite!
Chris Archer – 6 IP, 3 ER, 9 baserunners, 10 Ks, ERA at 3.80. Â There was a hint of wanting to bench him yesterday in Yankee Stadium, and maybe some of you did, but I feel at a certain level of pitcher, you need to just start them everywhere. Â For better or worse, until awful xFIP do us part. Â Archer’s in that class that I’d just start.
Evan Longoria – 2-for-5 and his 16th homer, hitting .275. Â Not to be a Negative Nelly when someone does something good, but as long as you have less homers as Brett Gardner, you need to sit down.
Corey Dickerson – 2-for-5 and his 19th homer, hitting .304. Â Someone must’ve heard all the comments recently about dropping Dickerson. Â See, now ya done got him mad.
Alex Colome – 1 IP, 1 ER and his 5th blown save. Â Don’t think he’s in real dangerous in losing his job, but the Rays aren’t stocking their middle relief corps for s’s and g’s.
CC Sabathia – 4 1/3 IP, 4 ER, ERA at 3.66 vs. the Rays, who swear to God they are a playoff contender. Â God bless them, but the Rays don’t really feel like a playoff team, do they? Â Am I way off here? Â I mean, CC’s garbage under Al Gore’s seat cushion, so this was no indication. Â By the way, went to a screening of Al Gore’s Inconvenient Truth sequel last night with a Q&A of Al afterwards. Â I didn’t get a chance to ask a question, but I had it all lined up, “If there’s global warming, how do you explain Los Angeles being filled with so many snowflakes?”
Gary Sanchez – 2-for-5, 2 RBIs and his 15th homer. Â I also had another question for Al lined up, “I know uneaten food accounts for 75% of greenhouse gases, so have you taken it upon yourself to rid the world of uneaten food by eating it?”
Brett Gardner – 2-for-5, 2 runs and his 18th homer, hitting .261. Â Gardner has 18 homers and the balls aren’t different? Â That’s the real inconvenient truth, isn’t it, Manfred?!
Robert Stephenson – 4 1/3 IP, 3 ER, 7 BBs, ERA at 7.86. Â More like Robert Loses-Control Stephenson! Â Amiright?! Â Or am I right-right? Â Forget it, I need a nap. Â *three seconds later claps hands* Â I’m back!
Chris O’Grady – 7 IP, 0 ER, 7 baserunners, 5 Ks, ERA at 3.68. Â Down in South Jersey, Rudy’s cursing my name for talking him out of streaming O’Grady. Â Stream-o-Nator liked it, but O’Grady faced the Reds last time out and looked terrible. Â Though, this start was at home, and, well, as Forrest Gump said, shizz happens.
Derek Dietrich – 2-for-3, 3 RBIs and his 5th homer, and 5 RBIs the previous night, though everyone knocked in runs on Wednesday for the Marlins. Â Could be a rising schmotato, might be worth a monocle on a cyclops, but I wouldn’t drop anyone too valuable.
Dominic Smith – Could be called up at some point for the Mets to replace the vacated Duda (ewww). Â Smith looks like a James Loney clone — bleh power, no speed, solid contact skills. Â I didn’t put Smith in my Buy column, because who knows with the Mets and their call-ups, but grab him in deep leagues if you need batting average.
Chris Flexen – 3 IP, 3 ER in his first major league start. Â There were some people in the comments talking up this prospect the last few days, and, now I’m thinking Terry Collins might’ve been in the comments the last few days.
Manuel Margot – 3-for-4, 3 RBIs and his 7th homer, and 2nd homer in as many games. Â He’ll be in this afternoon’s Buy column, but you don’t need to wait for that. Â Margot and grab him!
Jose Abreu – 2-for-4 and his 17th and 18th homers, hitting .297. Â After the game, the White Sox said, “We’re not fielding offers on Abreu.” Â Then Abreu said, “Then why’d I homer twice?” Â Then the White Sox said, “Because you are committed to helping us rebuild.” Â Then Abreu said, “I’m sick of comprendo’ing you, I go listen to Tidal.”
Kyle Schwarber – 3-for-4, 4 RBIs and his 16th and 17th homers. Â He’s still hitting .191, but imagine how many home runs he’d have if he played every day and wasn’t demoted earlier this year. Â Like a trillion! Â Okay, maybe only a handful more, but still that’s a lot for someone who supposed was struggling. Â He might actually be undervalued next year.
Anthony Rizzo – 2-for-4 and a slam (24) and legs (6). Â HR and SB to the Rizzo!
J.D. Martinez – 1-for-4, 4 RBIs and his 20th homer, and 3rd homer in the last two games. Â Just Dong because someone has to!
Zack Godley – 7 IP, 0 ER, 6 baserunners, 7 Ks, ERA at 3.06. Â I own him in one mixed league, and let me be the first to tell you it hasn’t been as easy as his ERA shows. Â He’s coming off two straight games of nasty as in bad and bad as in bad and not bad as in good. Â His peripherals are solid though, and that’s why I’ve been holding him. Â It’s a 15-team mixed league, for what it’s Werth.
Luke Weaver – 5 IP, 4 ER, 7 baserunners, 5 Ks, ERA at 4.50. Â C’mon, give Jack Flaherty a chance!
Trevor Bauer – 8 IP, 1 ER, 8 baserunners, 6 Ks, ERA at 5.25. Â No matter what the Stream-o-Nator says, if you trust Bauer in his next start, he will give up at least six earned in four innings. Â That is my promise to you.
Carlos Santana – 1-for-4 and his 13th homer, and third homer this week. Â Guess he didn’t like me calling him Carlost Season.
J.C. Ramirez – 6 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 11 baserunners (6 BBs), 4 Ks, ERA at 4.29.  Jesus Christ Streamer Ramirez will never be confused with his cousin, Jesus Christ Superstar Ramirez.  “My tamales will be te amo of your life!  And you will enjoy my Spanglish.”  That’s Jesus Christ Superstar Ramirez.  Seems like a good guy.
Kendrys Morales – 2-for-4, 3 runs and his 19th and 20th homers, and 3rd homer in the past two days. Â I almost mentioned Morales two days ago, but he was so cold, that I didn’t bother. Â Now that he has three homers in two days, he’s obviously heated up. Â Morales of the storys? Â Yes, that it is. Â *thinks if that makes sense, decides onto the next blurb*
Josh Donaldson – 2-for-5 and his 10th homer, hitting .242. Â I told you to avoid drafting him. Â I told you to sell him about two weeks into the season right before he returned. Â I told you repeatedly don’t get involved with Donaldson this year. Â You didn’t listen, did you? Â Aw, what a shame. Â I’m going to go onto eBay, bid a penny on the world’s smallest violin, and, if I win it, I will play it just for you!
Marcus Stroman – 4 2/3 IP, 3 ER, EAR at 3.08. Â The guy who hit Marcus Stroman the hardest? Â Of course, Marcus Semien (3-for-4, 1 run, 1 RBI). Â Too bad there isn’t a Marcus Strokeman to bridge the gap.
Sean Manaea – 7 IP, 3 ER, 7 baserunners, 7 Ks, ERA at 3.82. Â I’ll admit to a blindspot. Â I keep benching visiting starters in Toronto, and the Blue Jays, well, they’re the Blew Jays, the So-Through Jays, the Blue Days, but they are not good.
Santiago Casilla – A’s said they could replace Casilla at closer. Â With who? Â Blake Treinen (1 1/3 IP, 1 ER) who promptly blew yesterday’s save? Â Yeah, he’s garbage. Â The most revealing thing about this announcement by the A’s is they said they could replace Casilla rather than their usual move of trading him to another team. Â “How much to give us Casilla?” asks Dusty Baker while GM Mime Rizzo stands next to him waving his hands, pointing to the Mercury News headline, ‘Casilla To Be Replaced.’ Â Dusty lowers the phone, “Not right now. Â I’m trying to trade for Casilla.” Â GM Mime Rizzo builds box around himself and cries. Â Aw, sad Mime Rizzo.
Yelich for cmart or yelich for darvish
What is the better deal ?
@Bryzzo: I would give up Yelich for either of them, liking the Darvish side best.
@Bryzzo: Darvish…would do both though
@Bryzzo: Agree with F
Those French are so smart… it’s like they have a different word for everything– Steve Martin
Which side do you like better… Arenado and rajai Davis or Stanton and J Gallo? Thanks!
@Snowflake means good person: Arenado side. I know SAGNOF and all but Gallo is such a drain on the avg i don’t think the power is worth it.
@Snowflake means good person: Why do I feel like Johnny 5? “No disassemble!”
@Snowflake means good person: Haha — Arenado
Grey!
Loved the write-up.
a. At day two of a training which started yesterday afternoon, just after the 2.5-day forum ended. Today I’m sitting to the left of a colleague who is a super-spy who is trying to read what I’m writing or find out what I’m doing. So I moved my laptop to my lap to finish with my input! Sheesh!
b. Had Pearce in my sights yesterday to add and start. Not sure why I didn’t!!!
c. John Rambo Quote of the day for July 28-30
[Scene change, Mousa Ghani leads Rambo on the way to the fort where Colonel Trautman is being held.]
Mousa Ghani: ‘This is Afghanistan. Alexander the great tried to conquer this country, then Genghis Khan, then the British. Now Russia. But Afghan people fight hard. They’ll never be defeated. Ancient enemy make prayer about these people. You wish to hear? It says, “may God deliver us “from the venom of the cobra, “teeth of the tiger, and the vengeance of the Afghan. You understand what this means?’
Rambo: ‘That you guys don’t take any shit?’
Mousa Ghani: ‘Yes. Something like this. We go now. To the north are many caves. We will travel through them. This leads to the valley of five lions. In ancient days, the Afghan king was asked to send 500 warriors into battle. He said, “only five.” His greatest five. And they won. He said, “it’s better to send five lions than 500 sheep.” What do you think?’
Rambo: ‘The king was lucky. How much longer to the village?’
Mousa Ghani: ‘About two hours.’
d. Have a nice weekend.
Cheers,
Ante
@Ante GALIC: A. Maybe he hadn’t seen Rambo yet and wanted spoilers?
C. Nice!
D. You too!
Sir Grey!
In our very closer minded league I can see losing Rosenthal and Clippard. I still have Osuna/Davis and Neris so not all is lost in the save department.;-)
Having said that, I just picked up Blevine as a potential closer.
Who would u see as other potential new closers?
Vizcaino (Atl)/Greene (Det)/Rogers (Min)/Treinen (Oak)/Yates (SD) are already on other rosters. Who to pick up from the Marlins for instance or do u see any other potential save guys?
I’am also waiting on secret special shoes so steals can go up in the game (for my team;-)), I badly need them. Having said that, I picked up Granite. Good move or drop him (or Altherr or Herrera) for Mr. Margot.
Many thanks as always as I’am heading for the coast here in Holland for a week of vacation let’s hope we can get some sun.
Bas from Holland
@Bas: even in non-closer minded leagues i’d not lose clip or more so rosie esp not for blevins. margot over granite by miles.
@Alfred E. Naujocks:
Thanks! I read my comment back and I’am like huh that was not what I ment.;-)
I have Clippard and Rosenthal but there is a good change they r getting traded to become
setup guys. I’am not going to drop them just like that.;-) but If they don’t get saves I need other guys.
@Bas: Treinen, Yates, Barraclough for Marlins… Drop Granite for Margot — have a great vacation!
14 team H2H redraft league
Kris Bryant, Alex Wood, Manaea for Trout and Moncada
which side?
thanks!
@Great Bambino: Trout side.
@Great Bambino: Trout, unless you really need the pitching.
@Great Bambino: Almost always going to be the Trout side if he is healthy.
@Great Bambino: Trout
Rendon for Kyle Seager and Wil Myers? Keeper league. WM with 19th round keeper status.
I would have to drop someone. I’m thinking about dropping LoMo. Bad idea?
@Kam: Myers side, Lomo can be dropped I guess
My Raisel Iglesias for his Gio Gonzalez. I give up a 22nd round pick and get back a 19th round pick.
@zain: Needs. Saves or wins.
@zain: Agree with b
Cespedes or Duvall…
Short term –
2018 –
@Smoooth Jimmy: Short Term – Duvall
2018 Cespedes
@Smoooth Jimmy: Agree with mcm
Namaste Grey
So in my league people kept dropping OF’s and I kept picking them up. I picked up Brinson today and had to drop one of my streaming pitcher. Problem is I do need to stream pitchers.
I have a logjam of Outfielders and its a keeper league with VERY FEW trades in the league. I dont think there was a trade at all this season. Its really that bad.
I have sent a few trades already but no response.
So I will have to drop one of these
Pham, Margot, Zimmer, Brinson ,Clint Frazier, David Peralta Jackie Bradley and Polonco( in DL spot)
I need to drop at least one these if not two. I already have Trout too.
Who do I drop? Thank youu!
@Blint: JBJ, Peralta, Zimmer,
@Blint: Agree with Cram
Two trades have been proposed to me in my standard 12 team redraft league:
I get Paxton and Lindor for Bellinger and Schoop
I get degrom for Schoop and Godley.
Either one worth accepting?
@Wywyz: Who is playing 2nd for you after getting rid of Schoop? If I had to pick one (without knowing who your backup is) I would take the deGrom trade. I like Lindor but Paxton scares me.
@Wywyz: DeGrom one if need SPs, but Agree with mcm
Drop LoMo in a league that has a little higher emphasis on power?
Margot, B. Lewis and Zimmer best available
@msh2404: If the league emphasizes power why are you dropping LoMo for low power speed guys?
@mcmi11ions: Because LoMo has been awful lately – 4/30 with no dingers in last 9 games
@msh2404: Margot best all-around, but LoMo has the most power like Mcmill said. You know your team construction better.
@msh2404: I should add that I recently dropped LoMo myself because I wanted another streaming spot on my team. My situation though is I have Wil Myers or Jay Bruce that can cover 1B, and my other options for drops were Dickerson or Souza, and I would rather have the all around contributing players. Now I’m toying with the idea of getting Ben Gamel since this is a keeper league and his rate numbers currently are comparable to the rookie seasons that Trout and Pujols put up. I don’t know if I want to drop Souza or Dickerson for him though.
@msh2404: Is that Brinson yins is talkin about?
@msh2404: Agree with others
Pujols, Healy, Joseph or Mazarra ROS for Power ans Rbis ? Also, in keeper league, Who should i drop : E Rodriguez, J.Gray, F. Hernandez or Salazar ?
@Jogon: Healy
Assuming you are looking to hold the pitchers you listed, I would drop Hernandez. I don’t know if this season is just a down year or a sign of things to come, but he isn’t getting any younger. I would think he has the least upside of any of those guys at any rate.
@Jogon: Pujols — F-Her
Flexen fail.
@Cram It: I read that he was the 10th best prospect in the organization so I got all jazzed for his start when it was first announced, then I read Thursday morning that he was the 22nd best prospect (so I assume he was 10th best pitching prospect) and I was significantly less excited. I don’t know why they didn’t just go with Pill. 40 man roster stuff maybe to protect Flexen from Rule 5, but that’s a ways away. I dunno… Mets being Mets I guess.
@mcmi11ions: He had excellent numbers in the minors this year and in SD was enough for me. But it was AA. I don’t pay attention to roster/eligibility rules, but I’m hoping it had something to with that and not “Let’s see what he’s got.” Because we have bats down there that we want to see what they’ve got!
@Cram It: I had hopes to, for sure. Players jumping from AA to the majors and having success isn’t a totally foreign concept and yeah, SD may have played a factor in it. Going back and looking at roster stuff, he was placed on the 40-man this past winter so that wasn’t the issue. All the guys in AAA are pitching horribly, except Pill.
@Cram It: Kershaw was awful in 1st year, means nothing, but gross yesterday indeed
@Grey: Ha. It meant something in my RCL!
Haha
I own Chris Owings in a dynasty league and have no idea what do with him. Hes unplayable but still young with some upside I feel.
Replacement options out there include: Scooter and Whit(who I think is the better of these two options). A true battle of weird names. Are either of these guys worth dropping Owings for when looking at this from a long term perspective?
@Chris D: also the other thing I don’t like is losing SS eligibility. Would have to play either Villar (bad) or Gyrko (better, but currently bad)
@Chris D: Whit
@Grey: Thanks Grey, seems like the smart move here. Just wanted some re-confirmation.
Have a great weekend!
You too!
I continue to roster several guys that are either in slumps or just had abnormal first halves….and they are actually garbage. H2H league and in good shape to make our playoffs. So I can be patient. Best on the wire include: Margot, Schwarber, Puljos, Addison, Grichuk.
C- Realmuto
CI – Rizzo, Lamb, Freeman
MI – Dee, Simmons, Marwin
OF – ugh…Conforto, N Williams, Melky, Souza, Dyson, Owings, Thames ( must play 5)
Util – LoMo
Ten hitting cats so guys like Melky actually have value! Strikeouts is a cat so Thames and Owings hurting me now. Hold or swap?
@I Could Have Been a Contender: Even when Thames was raking I didn’t trust him. I would have no problem dropping him for Margot.
@I Could Have Been a Contender: Owings for Margot
Hey Grey!
Your headline brought back many unfortunate college memories involving Natty Light.
I want to get some saves/holds in our 14-team league that has a category that combines them. Who should I roll with next week? 2 or 3 names is fine…. THANKS!
I own Britton, Knebel, Claudio and Kela but could drop one or two.
FA list has: Maurer, J.Barnes, Ottavino, W.Harris off the DL, Bowman, Phelps, Norris, Nicasio, Ramirez Givens, Watson, Treinen, Hunter, Tazawa
@dfrench23: Haha, we’ve all been there with Natty Light…. Treinen, Harris, Norris
@Grey: Can’t bring myself to drop Knebel for Norris but Treinen and Harris over Britton and Claudio is do-able. Thanks!
You shouldn’t either
Brinson, Margot, Benitendi in a 10 team h2h redraft league. Who would you rather have?
@Robert: Margot right now
@Robert: Agree with F
@Grey: It’s funny to see these three lumped together. It seems to be the old ‘toss them in a bag, and then grab one’ you can’t go wrong and they are pretty similar.
Ha, yup!
Morning Grey,
12 Team 6×6 (OPSxQS)
Drop Parra for Zimmer or Brinson? Would be for my second util and a bench bat once Springer starts playing again.
Thanks in advance!
@IV: Brinson
@JeF WiTh 1 F: thanks Jef!
@IV: Agree with F
Abreu vs Salazar or Votto vs Worley tonight?
@Strike 3: Votto
@Strike 3: You should trade if you’re benching one of them every day… Agree with F
Great write-up Grey.
Brewer’s fan here: Sad, but funny.
Blazek has now been officially listed as the pitcher for every participant in the Home Run Derby next year.
@Prog Nation: Ha, thanks!
Thanks for the write up! Yonder Alonso or Aaron altherr ROS for a UTIL slot?
@Justin: Altherr…Probably a coin flip though
@Justin: Alonso
Logan Morrison or Corey Dickerson ROS?
Bergman or Moncada ROS?
@Adam: for me it’s Dickerson and Bregman.
@Adam: Dick, Moncada
Dallas is back I need some pitching stats today. I have to drop one to activate him.
Marte, Braun, Owings, D. Santana, Odor. Pitching options to drop would be Clevinger, Berrios, Ed- Rod, Peacock. I hate to drop pitchers. Streaming is necessary in this league so dropping too much pitching talent will hurt me.
H2H
@Your Mom: Its def Peacock if he’s moved to the pen. Of course, you’ll prob not get that info prior to Keuchels start tonight.
I don’t own him, but it sounds like a lot of people are dropping Owings recently. Does he start for you?
@knucks: Owings has been on the bench. I have Segura, so Owings is dropable. Thanks!
@Your Mom: If you can drop Owings, go for it
Always a good read first thing in the morning, and yikes there goes my nfbc team as I just traded for Donaldson and his partner in crime Joey bats this week. I now feel like the delinquent kid who was told not to play with knives and scissors and wonders why he ended up with stitches.
@Foul balls: Ha, hopefully he has a decent last 2 months
2 questions
1 Santana or bregman?
2 Jacob Turner or Jake lamb?
@Brett: 1 question. Carlos or Domingo?
@knucks: Carlos santana.
@Brett: Santana & Lamb
@Brett: Agree with Mark
My 14-team H2H 5×5 league is currently debating changing our categories for next year. Seems like someone is pissed off about a certain category every year so we continuously tinker. So I’m curious what all you razzball readers and writers feel are the best format for H2H.
We currently have HR, RBI, SB, OBP, and SLG and then QS, SV, ERA, WHIP, and K/9. We have a minimum of 30 innings per week and a weekly transaction limit of 5. No waivers, just straight FA.
@Benintendo64: I prefer AVG and OPS over OBP and SLG, but I’m in three leagues, all H2H and they are all different, one is AVG and OPS, the other just OPS and the 3rd is your OBP and SLG.
For pitching I like straight up K’s over K/9. I have never seen that used before. I see that K/9 having value as that make RP more worthwhile, but you could do the same thing with Sv+HLD category instead. K/9 should be more of an evaluation of whether I want to add someone rather than a scoring category.
@mcmi11ions: in your H2H leagues do y’all do one win and one loss for the whole matchup or a win and loss separately for each category? We switched to the individual category format this year and even though it doesnt matter in the playoffs, I like it cause it makes the seeding seem more accurate of a teams actual talent level and encourages teams to compete in all 10 categories and not punt
@Benintendo64: I like old school 5×5 — but if your league feels above that, QS, and OBP added for 6×6 — Definitely do FAAB on waivers
@Grey: definitely lobbying for FAAB, and I agree on the classic 5×5 personally but I seem to always be in the minority. Oh well, I still finish top 3 each year so as long as the masses are happy and feed me prize money I’m okay haha
Yup
Grey,
Nice work as always on the write up. I give it a positive review! Reading this is how I start every day, and it is always entertaining. As someone who used to fill pages by making the font bigger, I don’t know how you can put out so much content and still make it funny and insightful. Well done!
Pitching this year has been a disaster, not just on my team, but it seems everywhere. An ERA under 5 seems rosterable in all formats. I’ve built a staff of basically $1 waiver guys in a H2H league and the playoffs start in Sept. I’m worried all these $1 guys will be shut down. Are there any of these guys you think will actually be pitching at the end of September?
Severino
T. Walker
Peacock
Godley
Nova
McCullers
Your insights are appreciated. And don’t worry, if these guys fail I always have my high dollar reliable aces to fall back on: Verlander, Salazar, Maeda. Yeah. That will work out well. I’m never spending more than $11 on an entire pitching staff again.
@Prettaaay, Prettaaay, Prettaaay, Pretty Good: Thanks! Nova, Walker, Godley would be my best guesses, but all of these SPs are in danger of being skipped in final weeks
Grey callin ‘ b!tches out this morning haha I love it.
Ian Happ’s droppable at this point, ya?
@LeggoPens: This is the exact kind of structure of a question that will receive the “sure” response? Is that all your looking for?
For Semien or Didi or Brinson? Yes.
For Peraza or Lowrie or Cesar? I guess.
@knucks: Simply mean it’s not a regrettable choice. Plenty of directions to go on waivers I’m not overly concerned about replacements.
@LeggoPens: He’s droppable
Pick 3 ROS in a points league: Morales, Nunez, Desmond, Gurriel, Souza Jr, Bautista, Merrifield, HanRam, Pham, Gardner.
@Tim: Souza, Hanley, Gardner
Hi Grey! Need your expertise with a trade in my Yahoo H2H 7×7 (+BB, +OPS, +L, +K/BB)
Which side would you take and is it close?
A) J.Abreu, C.Archer, F.Rivero
B) C.Seager, L.Lynn, T.Rosenthal
@MJP: Abreu side
@MJP: Agree with F
Hi Grey, Rendon or Severino in a keeper? Close? Thanks!
@Keeper: Rendon. You can overcome pitching with streamers.
@Keeper: Agree with mcm
@Grey: Thanks both of you, I was leaning that way too.
No problem
Grey!! I really want to pickup Hand but haven’t yet. Afraid hes going to get traded then thrown in the pen. Does he get traded or safe to pick him up?
@Synyster: So just drop him if he gets traded. What’s the harm in picking him up now?
@Cram It: And go with only one catcher Cram!?! Are you nuts?
@Synyster: Agree with Cram
@Grey:
Thanks guys. Problem is I am at 38 moves out of 70 cap.
@Synyster: That’s a problem you have to assess. Do you need the saves that much? Do you stream a lot? Will you need every move? Etcetera etcetera etcetera
You still have plenty of moves
Margot or Baez ROS 10 team Roto
@Jon: Margot
@Jon: Agree with Mark
So just made this trade..
Rendon/Avisail/Tanaka (all late round keepers) for Darvish/Archer/Pujols (no keepers)
Who wore it best? Needed pitching to win this yr. Fair trade?
Also… need SB/Runs/OBP. Drop Pujols for Margot or Brinson ROS.
Thanks as always
@Gogulls: Great for you in going for the win.
Margot
@Gogulls: Darvish side… Margot
weekly 6×6 with OBP, SLG, W-L, K/9, and QS as differences from traditional.
Deal Peacock (potential keeper, 15th rd) and Giolito (3yrs in 20th) for rentals of Kluber and Britton? Have Chapman, Osuna, Kintzler, and Wilson now, but could be losing Kintzler and Wilson as options for SVs if they are traded.
@Tbone: Do it
@Tbone: Agree with F
Is it safe to start Bridwell @TOR (Happ) today? W, ERA, WHIP
@Wilson: Safe? i would say risky
@JeF WiTh 1 F: But I’d start him…Live on the edge its Friday!!
@Wilson: Ugh, nah, I can’t
@Grey:
How about them? Safer?
Hellickson @Atl (Teheran)
Garcia @ Oak (Gosset)
Nope
@Grey:
Thanks Grey
one more question.
Start Vargas or Porcello tonight? Or none? W, ERA, WHIP
Who are they facing?
@Grey:
They are facing each other. KC vs BOS
In Boston? Then Porcello, neither are good
@Grey:
Yes, in Boston.
Thanks. I don’t stream starter tonight if so..
Don’t stream anyone then
12 team, H2H, Yahoo, 5×5
ROS: Gennett or Gregorius at SS?
Gennett has position eligibility @ 3B and OF, but I am okay there, but I am in 1st by 20 games and looking for long-term push.
Thanks!
@Just Busted: Didi
@Just Busted: Agree with F
I realize Werner Herzog documentaries don’t get a lot of play on these pages, but when Derek goes yard, I propose the term, “Little Dietrich Needs to Fly.”
@bugs4000: Yeah, they’re more about homoerotic rambo fanfic for sure.
@bugs4000: HA, what, I love Werner’s films
Trade question – Head-to-head 8×8 – R/H/HR/RBI/SB/BB/AVG/OPS – W/L/SV/ER/K/ERA/WHIP/QS. It’s an 8 team league though, so does a smaller league with more categories increase the values of hitters or pitchers? I have already traded Kershaw (just in time!) and Abreu for Betts and Harper, now I have an offer of me trading Severino and Robbie Ray for Votto. My other pitchers are Nelson, Hill, Fiers, Porcello, Samardzija, and Rodriguez(BOS).
Big names from my offense are Harper, Blackmon, Reynolds, Betts, Inciarte and a lot of underperformers – Santana, Marte, Trumbo, Ramirez, Villar, Dozier, Machado and some overperformers like Gennett, Cozart, Pham, and Marwin Gonzalez.
1 other detail, streaming pitchers gets expensive, we get 25 free moves, 25 at $1, every other move is $2. I typically pick up the occasional 2 start pitcher for the week, and maybe stream if i need to try and win a category at the end of the year. In the past I have streamed quite a bit once it’s playoff time.
@JC: Increases value on hitters
@Grey: So make the deal? Trade Robbie Ray and Severino for Votto?
Sure
Betts/Manaea for Bryant/deGrom? Betts & Bryant both keepers.
@Mark: Bryant deGrom for me
@JeF WiTh 1 F: what if you switch Manaea for Nola, still like it?
@JeF WiTh 1 F: He’s terrible on Real Sports
@Grey: Ha!
@Mark: Agree with F
@Grey: Thanks! Still do it if I have to switch Nola for Manaea?
Yup
Can you rank these keepers 6×6 ops and holds the extra categories. 12 team 260 budget keep 5.
Rivero $2 for 2 years
Story $4 1 year
Sal Perez $1 for 2 years
Jimmy Nelson $5 for 1 year
Fulmer $9 for 2 years
@Brett: Story, Perez, Nelson
@Grey: are they close? Thinking of trading story away
They’re all close
Keeper League, should i keep Polanco or drop for Margot? Souza, marwin, chris taylor, logan, david Peralta , altherr are also available.
@Theitguy: I’d go with Margot
@Theitguy: Agree with F
Plse rank Margot, Bader & Castellanos, ROS
@Jim: Flip 2nd two
One more league Margot question please
Margot or Villar ROS as a UTIL.
@Jim: Margot
10 team 3 keeper h2h points I need to make up 10 games in the standings (play 9 a week) with 5 weeks to go in reg season. Traded my $2 judge (+5 to keep)/lugo/nick Williams/Nazi Marquez for Goldy/JD Martinez/Alex wood/Felipe rivero. Good move or no?
@Donaldnasty: Works for me
David Price to the DL with elbow stuff. I hope he’s done, and disappears for 12+ months. He’s the reason this Red Sox team will miss the playoffs, guy is poison.
@Ralph Lifshitz: Red Sox don’t need him, they have Ralph’s preseason projections for Porcello
@Grey: Hahahaha! He’s been pitching well the last month. Leave Pretty Ricky out of this.
Brinson, Zimmer, or Margot to replace struggling Schebler on the roster.
@SallyCips: Margot
@Grey: Grazie.
Nada
16 team h2h with k/bb and QS. which of these would you start today? Marquez @ WAS, Vargas @ BOS, Teheran @ PHI, Salazar @ CWS
thanks grey!
@Brian: Salazar, none, Teheran
1. I did good on this trade right? I sent Luis severino, Steve Souza and yuli gurriel for Max Scherzer. I could have kept severino and Souza for free next year (two one year keepers drafted after tenth round). But you gotta go for the win now at that price.
2. In that deal I got back Brandon Drury. I have Jean Segura, Villar, Cozart, Brandon Phillips and Drury for my middle infield. While Cozart is banged up and Villar is villaring I need to keep four of them. Do I Drop Phillip or Drury?
Thanks!
@Chris r: 1. Yup 2. Phillips
Kepper league I was offered Arenado and Trea Turner for my Kris Bryant and Mookie Betts. Which side do you like better?
@James Denniston: Betts
@Grey: thanks
No problem
Would you add Bregman or Semien and cut Pham or Moncada?
@Andrew Mellars: Semien over Moncada if you must
@Grey: Semein over Moncada like the end of a film
Haha
good title today; i realize it was likely rudy; still worth my acknowledgement.
thanks!
Rumor that Rosenthal might be going to Nationals. Who becomes closer-Doolittle or Rosenthal?
Thank you and nice write up today.
@lwomack58: Thanks, not Doolittle
I’m in a 10 team 6×6 league and was offered Sale and Mancini for Blackmon. I’m in 1st place and am in the top 3 in most hitting categories and closer to middle-of-the pack in most pitching categories. Kind of thinking I should stay the course, but Sale is so good. Any thoughts?
Hold
Grey, your daily posts now go hand in hand with my morning coffee. its a mean combo.
I’ve been trying to sell miggy for a while now… in a standard 5×5 HTH, who could i get in return for miggy in a straight up 1 for 1 trade?
let’s say 1 batter equivalent and also 1 pitcher equivalent?
thanks and have a great weekend
Thanks! Shizz, brah, I don’t know… K. Seager? Hanley? Cole? Not much, brah
@Grey: Would you sell Miggy + Hand for Smoak? sounds pretty good to me
Sounds fine
Would you rather have Alex Claudio or JA Happ in a points league?
Happ
Do advanced statistics guys not know that psychology is an advanced statistic?
Sounds like a riddle
@Grey: Summer Friday on the beach Grey
Invite me, please, thank you
@Grey: grey I’m on Brighton beach. You live in LA. Your beaches are better but our water is warmer
Your water is the best, hoping global warming heats our water a few centigrade
@Grey: We also have great Russian and Uzbek food. If I indulge enough I may get caviar
We have that too, I can do without
@Zeus: it stemmed from a Facebook post on what your walk up music would be. Mine would be Dies Irae from Mozarts Requirm. But my closer intro would be When the Levee Breaks by Zeppelin. Walking out all slowlike to “Crying won’t help you, praying won’t do you no good” would be bad ass.
Which led me to thinking about the actual psychology behind performing in high leverage situations and I don’t believe it’s what stat nerds believe. There is probably something quantifiable that we haven’t figured out yet
I’d have Gone by Kanye
@Grey: for at bat or closer?
Bat
And closer!
@Grey: it’s a good at bat song. I’d also like reign of the tec but they probably wouldn’t alllow it
Depends on the part, pop the trunk, hit the deck!
@Grey: Could I slip Akinyele in? Pun intended
Can you? I need that
I must be the only one the SON has not been kind to this year…
Do you like Roark, Bridwell or Kuhl as streamers tonight? QS starts league instead of wins.
Or Happ.
I don’t know their matchups
Roark vs Colorado (Home)
Bridwell @ Toronto
Kuhl @ SD
Happ vs Angels
J. Garcia @ Oakland
Roark, Happ
Hey Grey, I asked the questch yesterday about Joey Bats, and was able to ship him out for Zack Godley. Still not sold on Godley, but his peripherals are decent so I’m happy with the result.
What do you think about Rosario? Seems like he’s almost certain to get called up, but I want to explore the trade market. I have Semien as a placeholder but he’s heating up, should I ship out Rosario while his value is decently high and roll with Semien, or hold on Rosario in case he becomes 2016 Trea Turner? Thanks as always!
@mrm3711: 12 team standard Y! league, by the by
Rosario won’t be Trea this year, is this a keeper?
@Grey: Nope, re-draft. I have Semien at SS and Seager/Hosmer at my two UTIL spots, so if I keep Rosario I will likely have to cut Semien. Also have Treat Urner on the DL but I can shift him to the OF. So, my options are:
A: Keep both, start Rosario, Semien to bench, lose a roster slot for a pitcher
B: Keep Rosario, try and trade Semien but likely have to cut him
C: Keep Semien, trade Rosario.
Thanks!
C
@Grey: Cool, gonna drop a few lines and see who bites, thanks as always!
No problem
10 team redraft
Starling, HanRam, Bruce, and Kemp….all of these dudes over Moncada and Devers right?
I have too many bats, and need to cut bait, just making sure.
I could see cutting Bruce for Moncada
@Grey:
thanks man
No worries
Last day at the job. Then begins the late summer of Noise!
Noise begins to live today!
@Grey: Hells yeah. I’m even going to drink a little tonight. GASP
Hopefully not Natty Light
@Grey: I will be at a Primanti’s. You know, the only restaurant Pittsburgh has according to every sports telecast intro or food show.
Hahahaha… They put fries on their sandwiches there?
@Grey: I think coleslaw too maybe. Not sure, will have to watch a Monday Night Football game in Pittsburgh. *Cue molten hot steel being poured*
Hank Williams Jr.’s eating Utz!
@Dr. Kenneth Noisewater: Make sure you get a round of disc golf in.
@Cram It: Frolfing on the reg son!
Best for holds:
David Robertson or Tommy Kahnle?
Robertson
Hello Grey,
Need some bench OFs. Would you add Margot over Parra in a 10 Team H2H Points League even with the Rocks playing at home next week? I also have Zimmer and Merrifield that could be candidates to drop for a Margot add.
Unfortch, I have Desmond and Springer who are both f’n DTD, so I need to prepare for worst.
Thanks much Grey and have a great weekend.
Yes, Margot, you too!
Pick 2:
Holiday, Parra, Brinson, Margot, Altheer
Brinson, Margot
10 team AL only
cano and Kepler
or
k Davis and T Anderson
Need BA and SB more than HR and RBI
Cano
One follow up do you like Kepler or gamel to go with cano
Kepler
In a 12-team, 11-player H2H keeper league, would you take this offer: Alex Cobb for Bradley Zimmer? I’m in win now mode and have Springer, Blackmon, Pham/C.Frazier as my starting OFs currently
Zimmer
12 team 5×5 roto, need overall production, including sbs
Drop Zimmer, Renfroe, Reddick or Nick Williams for Margot?
Reddick
JbJ for Verlander 12tm h2h 5×5
Sounds fair
Should I deal Taijuan Walker for Joey Bats if I need power? Or go for a better power bat?
Do better
I just noticed Grey do you ever go on vacation? You must, but I cannot remember anytime when there was not a write up every day. Then again you do have half to year in the off season.
During break, I went up the coast, peacecoast
@Grey: pardon me, do you have any grey poupon, grey?
You’re about ten minutes early with this, you’ll see why
Who closes in Detroit if Justin is traded?
Maybe Rondon, but he’s awful… Maybe Greene, but not good either
12 team 6×6 h2h (ops/qs)
Which two to roster in what order?
Schebler
Gurriel
Margot
Brinson
Last 2
THERE’S A NEW POST FOR FOLLOWUPS FOR ME***************
Harper story Carlos Santana or freeman lamb pollock
THERE’S A NEW POST FOR FOLLOWUPS FOR ME***************
Good afternoon. Rest of season on the following catchers. Please rank Gattis. Lucroy. Ramos. Cervelli. Sanchez. Thanks