With so much up in the air, what better way to spend some time than to think about some dart throws for the 2020 fantasy baseball season when (shut up with your if’s) it starts. Dart Throws, I look at like this — you are drafting and you wanna gamble on someone, but you’re not sure who to gamble on — in these uncertain times, anything could happen, so why not make a few huge swings to see if they pay off? It’s a batter up 3-0 and they guess fastball. If you miss, so what? Count’s still in your favor. These players won’t exactly line up to their projections in my 2020 fantasy baseball rankings. Some of them aren’t even in my rankings. With these darts, I’m aiming for the ceiling. (Good for fantasy baseball, not great for actual darts.) I will also go around the horn with some guys at different positions, though not in order, because I didn’t want to begin with catchers. Enough with your goddamn catchers! If you want this in plain English, I like these players more than my rankings might show as last round sleepers in any league. First up, for this once-was-an-extremely-deep sleeper who is now a gamble-worth-taking sleeper (do you see why I’m just calling them dart throws? Bit easier to wrap your lizard tongue around, you alien freak!) is Wander Franco, the number one prospect on the top 200 prospects for 2020 fantasy baseball. So, about Wander Franco for 2020 fantasy baseball and what makes him a great dart throw:
Before the season was delayed, I didn’t even rank Wander Franco in my top 500 for 2020 fantasy baseball. Wasn’t because I didn’t love what he could do. Don’t suddenly love him now that his first name sounds like a glorious day outside. Won’t now start calling him Shelter-in-Place Franco. How’sever, the minor league season is not happening. I still firmly believe the major league season will happen. That’s because of TV money. Revenue. The cha, and the ching. If they play minor league baseball, no one makes money. Not even the players. There’s no reward for the risk. Was talking to Marlins beat writer, Craigory Mish, the other day about this and he agreed. He hypothesized that the major league clubs would have an extended roster in case they need guys, due to injury. Minor leaguers who aren’t on the roster but are getting workouts at the major league facility and if someone on the major league roster is broken, i.e., in case of emergency, a minor leaguer steps in. They might even rejigger what service time means this year. So, a larger than normal roster at the major league level, say 35-man rosters (with ten guys sitting in the stands to work as replacements and cheerleaders), then another five to ten minor league prospects, who the major league club doesn’t want to lose an entire year of development, will be allowed to workout at the major league park and will be promoted if needed. For minor leaguers, it will come down to this: Does the major league club want them not playing baseball at all this year? My guess for Wander Franco is absolutely 100% no.
Here’s what our prospect writer, Hobbs, previously said, “Franco comes equipped with an 80-hit tool, 55-legs and 60-power on the 20-80 scale. Although he hasn’t truly tapped into the power yet, there’s no reason to doubt that it won’t continue to develop even through the early stages of his Major League career. As a lifetime .336/.405/.523 hitter in two minor league seasons, Franco batted .327/.398/.487 last year at Single-A And A-Advanced with nine home runs (43 XBH) in 495 plate appearances. With that, he produced a minuscule 7.1 K% against an 11.3 BB%, walking 21 times more than he struck out. Franco has a mature approach and as the top prospect in the game, should be contributing as a Big Leaguer in 2021 and be a potential star by 2023. He’s a sleeper to be the best shortstop in the game come 2023. Speaking of sleepers, I’d like to put Grey to sleep with a forearm smash.” What the hell, my dude! Wander is super borderline for me for 2020, and I think we might not even see him until September of 2021, now that the season is delayed, but, well….I don a N95 mask, sneak up behind someone and scream, “DART THROW!” I’d be shocked to see Wander get major league action this year, but I’d be equally shocked if he’s not on the Rays’ extended roster for 2020, because the Rays won’t want (almost stutterer!) him losing any development time. So, whereas before The Rona, I thought Wander was nowhere near the Rays’ plans for 2020, now I think he’s one injury away from contributing. For a late round flyer, you can do worse.
Well, for what it’s Werth, I own Wander in both my DC leagues. Any chance you think he can vulture a few SVs? I’m short a true second closer in my Razz DC?
Wander Franco for saves?
Isnt he John Franco’s son?
John Franco’s son is JJ..lol
It’s the ‘rona timeline. Anything can happen!
This might be one of the funniest threads I’ve ever seen on Razzball. And that’s saying alot with the likes of Grey and his contributors writing.
I’m so glad MP questioned it. Priceless. I’m still not convinced DD was being serious.
Well, if the Angels can make Kaleb Cowart try it because his teammates Jared Walsh and Shohei do it, then why shouldn’t the Rays make him do it because McKay? Afterall, he DOES have the bloodlines for it anyone would agree… and don’t try telling me his real father is Julio. It is John, and I don’t like to argue.
Haha! I needed this thread today.
No argument from me. Trust me. Just enjoying the view.
Great, I’m glad we are in agreement ;-)
John Franco! Haha
Where’s Jesse Orsoco’s son
He pitched so long his son retired before he did.
Haha
Domo arigato, Jesse Orosco….
*Praying hand emojis*
Kilroy was here… as was Dennis DeYoung.
I had to google Dennis DeYoung, tbh — but glad I did!
This is so bad, it’s good. just replace “Mr. roboto” with “Jesse Orosco” and have a good laugh…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uc6f_2nPSX8
HAHA, nice! That is wrong is so many ways, it is very enjoyable
Domo arigato, Jesse Orosco,
Mata ah-oo hima de
Domo arigato, Jesse Orosco,
Himitsu wo shiri tai
You’re wondering who I am-machine or mannequin
With parts made in Japan, I am the modern man
I’ve got a secret I’ve been hiding under my skin
My heart is human, my blood is boiling, my brain I.B.M.
So if you see me acting strangely, don’t be surprised
I’m just a man who needed someone, and somewhere to hide
To keep me alive-just keep me alive
Somewhere to hide to keep me alive
I’m not a robot without emotions-I’m not what you see
I’ve come to help you with your problems, so we can be free
I’m not a hero, I’m not a saviour, forget what you know
I’m just a man whose circumstances went beyond his control
Beyond my control-we all need control
I need control-we all need control
I am the modern man, who hides behind a mask
So no one else can see my true identity
Domo arigato, Jesse Orosco, domo…domo
Domo arigato, Jesse Orosco, domo…domo
Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto, domo…domo
Thank you very much, Mr. Roboto
For doing the jobs that nobody wants to
And thank you very much, Mr. Roboto
For helping me escape just when I needed to
Thank you-thank you, thank you
I want to thank you, please, thank you
The problem’s plain to see: too much technology
Machines to save our lives. Machines dehumanize.
The time has come at last
To throw away this mask
So everyone can see
My true identity…
I’m Kilroy! Kilroy! Kilroy! Kilroy!
HAHA
Yeah isn’t it? Among all the really bad music videos of the 1980’s, it could very well top them all.
I’m glad you enjoyed.
You ain’t lying when you say there are so many bad 80s music videos — The ones considered good (anything with animation) are awful
The Twisted Sister ones were the best. Those are some of the few that held up over time.
In a nostalgic kinda way, but to say they’re timeless…I mean, most are so corny
Oh yeah, for sure. The only men in spandex, with aquanet in the hair and makeup on we we should ever take seriously is… honestly the only metsl band of the 80s that never got cheesy was Iron Maiden. Eddie still scares me. Don’t mess with thise guys. They have a dungeon
Haha…Hence the name Iron Maiden
YEAH Dave D., they have a pretty big Dungeon, it’s called ED Force One….
Haha
No lie! Jesse Orosco’s son played for me years ago. So did Sciosia’s, Dykstra’s, Gretzky’s, and a few others. There are bloodlines galore in the greatest game on the planet!
Played for you? In what way?
Been involved with young athletes for years, playing tournaments against the very best competition. Molding high school standouts in preparation for college (or the MLB draft?) has been a very rewarding experience for me. This year is going to be a challenge, not sure what’s going to happen yet. May 4th the USA tournament officials in Az will be making a statement. Gotta believe if MLB is in Az, the USA tourney will be pushed back due to facility/field usage and availability. Life is still good Brother man
Ah, nice! A lot has changed in the last few weeks, and three weeks from now everything can look different (and hopefully better)…
Yes!!!!
HAHAHA
Knowing the Rays? Yes, it is possible
Nah they’d use him as an Opener.
LMAO!!
I would really like to see him open, move to third for innings 3-8, then move back to the mound to close out inning #9. That would prove he’s the hands-down top prospect in the game. Ohtani set the bar pretty high a couple year ago for the ROY. I think Wander”lust” Franco Can-Do
haha he’s likely to wander about the field for 9 innings.
HAHAHA
haha
haha!
Grey!!!!
Awesome Franco dart throw report!
a. So, I signed up Wander. Hope it works out. He shouldn’t be available in a standard 5X5 RCL, right? In one RCL he’s not available in the other RCL I’m in he was available. Actually, now he’s unavailable in both RCL’s I’m in.
b. Corona drivin’ me nuts. About to watch Crash landing on you and Arctic Circle, need to translate the subs! At least it gives me something to do.
c. MLB quote of the day for July 22, 1966
‘I don’t want to be Babe Ruth. He was a great ballplayer. I’m not trying to replace him. The record is there and damn right I want to break it, but that isn’t replacing Babe Ruth.’
‘Nobody will touch it…Look up the records and you’ll see that it’s a rare year when anybody hits 50 homers, let alone 60.’
Roger Eugene Maris, the pride of Hibbing, Minnesota. A special double-dose quote for y’all.
Cheers,
Ante
For me Maris’s 61 is still the record.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hSNO_PhSnI
Totally agree. The period when steroids were banned till testing began (1991/2003) contains every name on the list above Maris. Taking the point even further, without the juiced ball, how many of those who got close to Maris’s 61 would actually have done so. HRs put bums on seats so the juiced ball is probably here to stay, and along with it the questionable authenticity of anyone going past 61.
Billy Crystal’s 61* movie was sooooo good
excellent movie!
Not only the steriods and juiced balls but the mound was higher in Maris’ era, pitchers owned the inside of the plate as well. Also Bonds wore the arm sheild that was so thick he did’nt care if he got hit. i used hate when he hung his elbow over the plate taking away 1/3 of it the complain that pitchers walked him all the time.
I’m all for body armor at the plate- if you have to wear it on the base paths.
Same for those sliding gloves- I want to see someone hitting in one of those.
How the game has changed! Roger getting pushed out of the dugout to take a curtain call. Nowadays, guys doing fist pumps to the crowd for moving a runner over.
What about the NBA dunk or spiking the football after a TD? Hi fives? all those things were considered out of bounds back then.
for me i don’t care if the players do that.
” Act like you’ve done it before”…….Gale Sayers
Nice, Chucky!
That was Sayers style but why should everyone act like gale sayers?
agreed. Like Jim Brown did.
Me either. I respect the guys who ‘have been there before’ and those are the ones I point my kids too. As long as they are excited for the play, not against an opponent, I don’t begrudge a guy for having fun playing a game.
I agree had an assistant coach tell a kid act like you been there before after he got all excited…..i told but he has’nt been here before let him have fun. You all want to live in a Tom Landry World?
In 162 games w/out Steroids, yes.
Ruth in 154 when Gehrig hit 47 as runner up, will always be my record.
Bonds hitting video games numbers was really magnificent, I must acknowledge. He hated seeing McGuire and Sosa hitting 70/66 h.r.’s, knowing he was 100x the ballplayer that they were.
Picture Ruth, Gehrig, Mickey, Willie, Teddy Ballgame, Aaron on the juice. Priceless !
Thanks, Ante!
A. Yeah, I like that gamble, why not
B. There’s at least a chance they play in the polar regions, which is why I own Pete Alonso in every league
C. Awesome!
I feel like if you told Ante to jump, he’d say, “how high?”
You’ll be answering questions from him daily for the first 3 weeks on what to do w/ Wander, LOL.
You’re being tough on Ante
Ah, yes you are right, just messin’ round!
Must defend Ante 4 life!
Hi! Please explain the last sentence in more detail. Thanks.
a 3rd catcher, the Rockies 5th pitcher, Lewis Brinson, and Bruce Chen.
Keep Bruce Chen’s name out yo’ mouth!
haha, i notice you aren’t jumping to defend Lewis Brinson!
Oh hell no
Brinson breaks out in 2020. You heard it here first!
Bruce Chen ? is that the same Bruce Chen?
There’s only one Bruce Chen even tho he seems like multiple men
There’s only one Bruce Chen. The Incomparable Bruce Chen.
He has to be about 90 by now lol………..but still Incomparable.
Which part, Don?
Grey!!!!!
Bruce Chen was good for a part of one glorious season for his MLB career!
Cheers,
Ante
Chen-chen-chen-ges
just by the hair of his chenny chen chen
Haha
Appreciate the Bruce Chen talk today
haha. chen chenney chen chenney chen chen charee
good luck as lucky, as lucky can be.
Haha — you’re like Bania with 15 mins of Ovaltine, but 15 mins of Chen
just doing my best to make your day Chen-tastic
Haha, thoroughly enjoying it
Chen You Dig IT Grey?!?!!
HA!
Yeah, I miss that guy too
When Bruce throws high and tight would that be “Chen Music”
Grey! Love the Dart Throw and look forward to reading more of them. Great work by you and RB nation to keep coming out with excellent content. Keep it up! (from six feet away…)
Speaking of dart throws, I gave in and let the hubby give me a DIY haircut this week. Since all he knows is clippers and buzz cuts… that’s what I got. First time in 45+ yrs with virtually no hair. It looks better than I expected (and he loves it, so that’s a bonus). Like many things in life, I guess the secret is to keep expectations low!
Thanks! Haha, that’s awesome, I need to buy clippers, methinks…But my hair is so gorge, I’m nervous
Shave the head, it will grow back better than before!
Easy for you to say!
Very bummed there is going to be no MiLB. We have Durham Bulls tickets and I was looking forward to watch Wanders home games for his AAA team.
word, i have AAA Dodger tickets. I’m bummed!
Haha I have AAA Dodger tickets too! So disappointed to not catch Dustin May in the beginning of the season.
Well, I don’t know for sure, but I have to assume so
Yeah, and I’m sitting with a full season of 2nd row seats over 1st base at Petco. Think you’re bummed.
If we want baseball there has to be some kind of concrete plan put in place. Even if it doesn’t happen, we need a firm plan. If we wait another month or 2 to come up with a plan idk how anything will materialize
We still have a month before they need to even plan…Plan end of May, beginning spring training around June 20th, start season on July 4th
Grey for president!
LOLmets will be my campaign manager
Do you want to lose?
I’m in it this year just to make a name for myself on the national stage
Insert meme of Howard Dean…
“BYAAAAA”
My campaign manager never sleeps!
Everyone will be signing up for some ad-free!
I hope so!
Both Zac Gallen and Frankie Montas are available in the FA pool in my small and shallow friends league. Looking more closely at the QS category, Montas had converted a high % of his starts to QS with 12 out of 16 in just 96 IP. Conversely, Gallen had a hard time going deep into games converting only 5 QS out of 15 in 80 IP.
With a similar projected ratios and K% profile, would you take Montas or Gallen if you wanted more QS in a shortened season?
Grab Gallen
Montas edges out in QS league. Though anything is possible with short season.
Montas !
Montas and it’s not close for me
Grey,
Love this new series. It’s an interesting angle. I won’t ask you who’s next because I know you’ll just tell me to come back tomorrow. So, instead, I’ll ask you how many of these pieces do you expect to write? Just wondering because I have a few prospects that might or might not make your list and I’ curious to see what you think their chances are now on the ‘Rona Timeline!
Give me some names and I’ll see if any haven’t crossed my mind and I might do — how long this will go? I’m guessing two to three weeks
Mariano Rivera Jr.?
Haha
How about Vidal Brujan, Luis Patino, Julio Rodriguez, Brent Honeywell, Alex (cough) Reyes, Seth Beer, and Jose Garcia. I have others but those are probably the closest to getting called up. The others are quite young and years away (Groshans, Pauson, Acuna).
This is a good list, I’ll go through a few of these
Looking forward to it!!
Ping!
You are OTC.
And if you don’t set that queue, you gonna end up with Mancini next clock out. For shame.
Thanks!
hahaha
This will be Franco’s walkup (wander up) music (and/or his closer entry music)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whPvz9HwR7I
Awesome!
And a Waylon we go!
Good one! Waylon is about the best thing ever. I absolutely love him and never get tired if his music. They broke the mold after him.
Hope you’re right on Rosario and he has a young Yelich like season. Just got first share.
I hope so too!
I had my queue set as Amed, Klubot, Mercado and they went in that exact order.
We all have hopes and dreams!
Your team is looking pretty good so far! One of the better ones, I think
Drafted Segura and Newman as SS and MI in one RCL….Picked up Wander after reading this….Still feeling like this for this team…https://gifrific.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Thats-A-Bold-Strategy-Meme.gif
.
Haha, nice!
I am Uhtred son of Uhtred
It’s back?!
Good timing just finished a pretty meh Ozark
What?! Ozark was great this season!
hmm Great?
What you watching now?
Yeah, I liked Ozark…We’re watching Fauda, new season dropped last week…It’s awesome, go back start from season 1 if you haven’t watched yet
And you didn’t watch L’immortal yet haha
Nah, not yet…It’s on the list tho!
YES YES YES
Miss him so much, isn’t he dreamy?
Of course he is!
I’m definitely out on Wander for 2020, but crazier things have happened!
Hope you’re doing well!
You too!
When are you guys recording pod numero dos?
Will be up Monday, thank you for your patronage
My pleasure! Thanks, Grey
Baby Seal! You never have to thank me!
2020 and beyond dynasty 16 man 6×6 … puig($5) or bryan reynolds($12).
thanks.
Puig
Hey Grey! In a keeper, would you move Hand $10 Wheeler and Rich Hill for $14 luis Castillo and Doolittle? (I own his handcuff Hudson)
Thanks!
Yeah, I would
Freddie Freeman or Gleybar Torres in dynasty?
Hmm…tough call, I’m going Freeman