This weekend I went to Palm Springs to see the in-laws, and I was saying to Father Cougs that I wished I bet on the Phillies to win the World Series back in November when we were in Vegas. He replied, “With all that blog money you have?” Then I went to the bathroom and told my reflection, “One day they’re not gonna laugh at you! I promise you that Reflection Grey!” Then, while sitting in a stall, I listened on my iPhone to the theme from Rocky, Gonna Fly Now, and stabilized my ego. Trying hard now! Gettin’ strong now! Gonna fly now! Any hoo! The newest favorite son of Philadelphia, Jake Arrieta, joined an already underrated starting rotation. I’d contend (for the welterweight championship) that Arrieta isn’t even their ace, that label goes to the guy draped in Mardi Gras beads, Nola. For a while, it appeared Arrieta was headed to Philly. I hear the hold up was due to Arrieta unable to find a special type of umbrella. “Do you have an umbrella that blocks thrown batteries?” In the top 40 starters, I said, “At this stage in Arrieta’s career, I don’t see his value changing much no matter where he signs. If he goes to Miller Park, Chase or Coors, then I’ll lower him a little, but I see no way I raise him up outside of a move to Petco, which doesn’t seem likely, because the Padres are playing for 2020, then, in 2020, they’ll be playing for 2023.” And that’s me quoting me! See, so nothing really changes, and I’m not looking to draft Arrieta suddenly, but a solid real world move for the Phils. Anyway, here’s what else I saw in spring training for 2018 fantasy baseball:
Psyche! Before we get into the roundup, there’s a $10 league signup today that needs some people. When we did the polling of what youse wanted in your fantasy leagues, a large majority of you wanted paid leagues, but I’m getting the feeling we may not be doing them next year, and go back to all free leagues. You don’t want to bet $10 to win $100 that you’re better than eleven others? C’mon, put that Jimmy John’s sub money where your mouth is! Hey, I could write ad copy. Anyway, the roundup:
Cam Bedrosian – In lead for the closer job in Los Angeles aka Anaheim. Blake Parker went out of his way to lose the closer job this spring, but, with The Sciosciapath, this is far from over. I’d imagine we’re talking about who’s closing for the Angels throughout the season. Or screaming at our computer monitors, at least. In my top 500, I moved Bedrosian up and Parker down.
Dominic Leone – Might be sneaking into the conversation for the Cards closer job. And you thought Dominic Leone was a country in West Africa. Silly, silly you. Not to be confused with Sillie Ewe, the President-elect of Dominic Leone, the country in West Africa that doesn’t exist. I’ve adjusted my top 500 for Leone. Don’t think he takes the job and runs with it, but he obviously needs to be drafted at this point.
Brandon Finnegan – Left yesterday’s game with a left lateral forearm spasm. This means when he was flexing his forearm that little bump that pops up started pulsing morse code for 911. In my top 100 starters, I didn’t give Finnegan anywhere close to a full season of IP due to his shoulder issues last year, so nothing’s really changed.
Anthony DeSclafani – Nursing a strained oblique, after having a sprained UCL last year, to go with the soreness he’s still feeling when he was stamped, “Fragile.” Insert emoji of a weeping child making an iPhone who just drafted DeSclafani. Much like Finnegan, in my top 100 starters, I had only projected DeSclafani for around 100 IP, so never thought he was throwing a full season, and nothing’s changed.
Jorge Bonifacio – Was suspended for 80 games for Boldenone, a controlled substance found in baby Tylenol. At least the baby Tylenol of Barry Bonds. This gives some room for Paulo Orlando to play, the Florida Project! I updated my top 100 outfielders.
Nick Delmonico – Partially dislocated his shoulder in a collision. That reminds me of Oscar winner, Crash, only without the clumsy racial overtones. I moved Delmonico in my top 100 outfielders and removed him from all other position rankings, because I was dopey and accidentally ranked him for the wrong position, and only one of you caught it six weeks later. Shame on you! You like how I displaced that blame, huh?
Matt Bush – Rangers said Bush will be used out of the bullpen. Sounds like the Rangers are playing with fire if Bush needs to ride the new bullpen cart onto the field. Hope the steering wheel has an Intoximeter. Bush is still in the top 500, but I removed him from the top 100 starters.
Delino DeShields – Rangers manager Banister announced DeShields would bat leadoff, steal 50 bases and learn when to use an em-dash vs. a semicolon. I haven’t adjusted anything with my DeShields projections in the top 80 outfielders, but I love to hear this, while trying to remain objective and know spring training boasts vary widely. Here’s my favorite from this preseason:
Hanley’s already announced he’s going to have two 30-day DL stints. https://t.co/fAOCcVovuW
— Razzball (@Razzball) March 2, 2018
Lance Lynn – Signed with the Twins. Solid real baseball move by the Twins to sign Lynn, but it doesn’t make him more enticing for fantasy, due to his peripherals that were discussed in the top 60 starters blurb. Though, he will be trying to keep his BABIP in check again this year because he’ll be in another contract year. Kidding! Don’t buy the contract talk mumbo-slash-jumbo.
Jonathan Lucroy – Signed with the A’s. Remember when Gary Sanchez realized he had a, uh, nut allergy to foul tips? That’s the hit Lucroy’s value takes going to Oakland. He could barely hit a home run in Coors, and now he’s up against it in the field MC Hammer and Charley O built. Well, I wasn’t owning him prior to this, and I’m definitely not touching him now. He is ranked and projected in my top 20 catchers.
Grey, on a semi-serious note in regards to Delino.
If he does come out of spring training with the lead off job in Texas giving him say 600+ AB’s
what do you see his line being from a 1B/2B/3B line even with a low long ball total?
160/30/15 more/less?
just gauging if he is still on the board in my league at the end of the draft if he may be worth a cheap pickup if he gets me 200+ points…. (im in a hitters league puts value only 1b/2b/3b/HR’s..)
Meh, maybe… Seems optimistic… Maybe 140/30/5
@Grey:
so just based on that in my league is 190 points then you throw in 6-10 HR’s which puts me around 210-220 points for my sixth man with my last pick. maybe worth the risk. :)
I’d still be more excited if Yolando was confirmed the every day starter in Cleveland….but i doubt it.
Thanks Grey!
So… I can either keep Trea Turner rd 1 OR keep Schoop rd 11 and have a 1st rd pick. Looking like machado or correa. Other keepers are Bellinger and Jose ramirez
So which side would you go with? I’m leaning machado/correa and schoop. Cheap speed later
Keeper league:
Give rizzo to get either altuve or mookie Betts?
What if it’s give rizzo and severino for one of the above? Can only keep 6 players/ year. (Severino is a 7th keeper for me, so I wouldn’t keep either way, have Bellinger and goldy at 1st already. Trying to improve my 6 if you think either is a upgrade on rizzo)
As always. Thanks
I’d take Altuve or Betts, that order…And give Severino if not keeping
Finally have my second draft tomorrow night. I drew the 7th pick. Chomping at the bit after seeing all of the RCL and slow draft results being posted here.
After owning Bedrosian last year, all I can say is good luck to whoever decides to partake in that mess. The Sciosciapath will have you regretting that decision by mid-April. I’d rather take a chance on the Cardinals situation. Could grab Norris and Leone cheaply and hope that one of them runs with the job.
Just saw that Vogt had a setback with his shoulder. Pina looks like an interesting option in two catcher leagues for those who decide to punt their 2nd. Might go .270/15. Jett Bandy is garbage. He shouldn’t see much playing time.
Finished the slow draft yet?
Hi Grey,
Draft question: 12 team league, h2h, 3 keeper league…
i have as keeper Arenado, Encarnacion, and Strasburg.
the draft starts at rd 4, but last year I dealt my Pick 4 and 5.
In view of this, I’m planing to take the best offensive player at Rd. 6, the best SP available on rd 7,… Planing on taking Acuña at rd 8 and then SP in rd 9, and then Matt Olson in RD 10???
If all works out… trying to draft potential without my first 2 picks of the draft available…. Do you see this as workable or would I be reaching?? Thanks Mr. Grey!!
Makes sense to me without knowing specifics
Hey Grey how much do you think Drury and walkers signings will affect Gleyber s value in a keeper league? Was set in keeping him as 25th rounder but now am wondering if I should keep Marwin Gonzalez, cespedes or Luis Castillo instead (all also 25th rds)? Thanks Grey
Meh, Gleyber wasn’t supposed to come up in my mind until Sept anyway… Irrelevant for him
@Grey: fair enough I’m leaning towards Castillo than at this point I think yoenis injuries scare me and somdoes Marwin playing time
That makes sense
Salfino’s clock expired. He comes in later and apologizes saying he was working on a football column for 538, then has the nerve to push the article link in the chatroom. Freakin’ guy!
HA! Classic
@Grey: 12 team weekly roto with two keepers per team which must be taken in 4th round or later. debating between story in the 21st (for two years) or moncada in the 19th (for 3 years). too close to call? any preference?
different subject, binged Schitts Creek over the last couple weeks? ever watch? catherine ohara is pretty amazing.
Close…Story… Nah, never even heard of it…Watch Gomorra!
@Grey: thanks.
Gamorra is next in my queue. Needed something a bit lighter. Ohara, Eugene Levy and Chris Elliot. First 3 seasons available on Netflix (fourth is going right now on Pop or some random network).
Ah, nice, I didn’t realize they were in it, I love all of them…
12 team keeper league H2H no keeper costs. Would you keep Schoop or Robbie Ray as your 5th keeper?
My 4 keepers so far are Altuve, Rendon, Benintendi, Buxton
My prospects/free keepers are Hoskins and Acuna. We have no MI position and only one Utility slot.
Thanks!
Ray
This question goes back to another commenter’s post that I’ve been thinking about since last week. I’m in a 6×6 10 team Keeeper. We keep 5 players forever, no round forfeits.
R/ HR / RBI / SB / OBP / SLG
QS / Ks/ ERA / WHIP/ Saves / Holds
Keepers: Harper, Treat, Machado, Bellinger, Robbie Ray
I have the 4th overall pick in the draft. Based off everyone’s rosters, I expect at least one of the following 6 players to be available for me at that pick. Can you rank the top 3 that you’d target from this list for this league?
Hoskins
Rendon
Ohtani (ESPN, so he’s one player)
Acuna
Severino
Strasburg
Hoskins, Acuna, Rendon
@Grey: Perfect. Was trying to gauge when to take Acuna. Thank you!
@knucks: In a keep forever league, I’d rank Acuna first there. Looks like Marte with more power. As good as Hoskins looks (especially in an OBP format), that’s much harder to find than a mid-30s power bat.
We are getting 12-18 inches of snow, Capi?
btw no spoilers or anything, but just finished Season 1 and scrolled down next season episode list. I mean wtf. Every dude who gets killed in this show gets an extra couple bullets in the head. Except one guy, right!! Capi?? Now I haven’t seen what the explanation is yet so maybe I am just being prematurely whiny. Discuss.
@Peacecoast: No spoilers, I’m only halfway thru season 1!
Capi really? Ugh, I’m headed to NYC this weekend for Tout, would prefer no nothing… You gotta watch season 2 first, I refuse to delve into spoilers…
@Grey: Its early in the week and more towards the New England area. You should be good.
Hope so!
hope there are no marathons or parades or some shit like last year capi? (was that last year?).
hope there are no marathons or parades or some shit like last year capi? (was that last year?).
Oh man that was the worst! That was two years ago… But this year might challenge for worst since it’s in…Staten Island!
C Alfaro
1b Votto
2b Schoop
ss Segura
3b Rendon
of Trout
of Puig
of Rosario
of Taylor (chris)
of Taylor (michael)
1b/3b Mous
2b/ss Tim Anderson
Util Franco
Sp Robbie Ray
Sp Bauer
Sp Wacha
Sp Gausman
Sp Corbin
Sp Bundy
Rp Wade Davis
Rp Archie Bradley
Rp Holland
Rp David Robertson
Rp Kela
Rp Reed
RCL last night, thoughts?
Love the pitching and hitting, you pay attention, OSB, and that’s why I like you… Your hitting is insane tho, seriously
@Grey: If only you saw the shitshow of 2 teams taking all the good pitchers. So Crabtastic.
BLUE WAFFLES!
@MattTruss: The GOAT! (Grossest of all time)
@nick the smooth dick: Ya, it really isn’t fair. If you’re in any RCL’s that have auto draft you’ll see Grey. One team got Auto’d Verlander with the 12th pick, it was awesome
9 of Waffles first 10 picks were pitchers…and Domingo Santana.
@MattTruss: @Old School Brother: Haha incredible. It’s wonky how the ranks on Fantrax are first set to like points I guess? All pitchers at the top. Should somehow make the set ranks by ADP first for the autodrafters
You can do that yourself, but you have to put in a *little* effort.
If anyone comes across this comment, don’t, don’t Google
Ha, see I was being nice and saying nothing. By telling them not to Google it, they clearly will. Same thing that happened to me during the draft. It cannot be unseen
Don’t Google!
Crabs should know better…
@Grey: I don’t think anyone knows who this Blue Waffle Crab is yet….and yeah, me and Ralph told them all not to Google it….so they all Googled it
@nick the smooth dick: I didn’t, I’m waiting for a good time to while on my work computer
@Old School Brother: make sure to gather the coworkers ’round
Don’t Google it!
@Grey: NEWS BREAK – most crabs are not RCL’ers nor real razzballers
How dare you!
@Grey: It’s the truth.
Then it would be hashtag truth
@Grey: #crabtruth #phonyrazzballers #themtoo
Damn, coming hard with the shade!
Im a beach umbrella, an easy up at a kids soccer game
Haha, hilarious
@BJFOHOHL: JFOH is that hipster sipping PBR and telling everyone at the bar about how he Razzball’d before Razzballin was cool
@Grey: Don’t be Foohled, he’s in the Crab Slack chat everyday talking with his Crab buddies even though he isn’t in the league and they even got him to unretire from fantasy. He’s a Claw-Rider. Just has to throw shade cuz he’s, well…
Your team did come out really nice. Nice start obviously, but you robbed a few guys I had queued up along the way.
@MattTruss: You can get your revenge Thursday night
@Old School Brother: Like others said, your offense looks good. If you rosterbate the C, OF5, utility, and Gausman/Corbin/Bundy slots, you should be able to fill in any gaps. Nice start.
Hey grey, good pre draft info by you and the razzball staff. One question in a dynasty 6×6 16 team leagues were holds count the same as saves. Is there a winner in this trade or fairly even?, LLynn/GHolland for JTeheran/TMancini. Thanks kindly
Mancini, but I guess even enough
Grey,
Pick 2 keepers for this year:
Freddie Freeman: $38
Acuna: $5
Eddie Rosario: $5
K. Davis $25
Hosmer $18
Thanks!
In a 10-team 4×4 keeper league, we completed our auction and named closers went at (too high) a premium; I also have middling speed:
C Lucroy
C Flowers
1B Rizzo
3B Arenado
CI J Bell
2B Schoop
SS Segura
MI Tim Anderson
OF Stanton
OF Blackmon
OF Judge
OF L Cain
OF Kiermaier
U Avisail Garcia
SP Sale
SP Syndergaard
SP Weaver
SP Morton
SP G Richards
RP Gregorson
RP Claudio
RP AJ Ramos
RP D Robertson
We’re preparing to snake draft four reserves and I have first pick. I’m torn between my need for speed and saves, and grabbing the best available player. My top choices:
Travis Shaw
Delino Deshields
Potential closers like Boxberger, Leone, Dyson, Kela
Is it dumb to grab Shaw (replacing Bell at CI) even though I need speed and Delino probably won’t make it to pick 20? Or tomato/tomahto with Shaw/Bell/Avisail so grab the speed?
@flye: You have enough power, I’d go Deshields.
@Cram It: thanks
Hey Grey, loving all the work you guys have put in this offseason it’s been really helpful. With that said, I gotta bother you one last time with keepers I have to have them in this week. It’s H2H points league – lose points for Ks, GDPs. Batter so far a point for each AB and most other offensive categories apply. Pitchers lose points for hit batters, ERs, BSs and they gain points for all the other usual categories. Roster is limited to 6 SP 3 RP 6 OF and than 2 of every other position. I’ve guessed a few opponents keepers and the first round this year should have the likes of lindor, rizzo (both of those are currently on my team as 1st and 2nd round respectively) Jose Abreu, Yelich, Justin turner, Nelson Cruz, merrifield, Shaw, Cano and Longoria….As of now I’m leaning towards keeping Jose Ramirez (counts as 5th round) bellinger (25th) Hoskins (25th) acuna (25th) and moncada (25th). I love the potential and the value of a 25th round moncada but would you keep him (pr trade him or any of those other 4 out) at the spot over lindor (1st rd) rizzo (2nd rd) carrasco (7th rd) Robbie ray (15th rd) sano (25th rd)? I’m really struggling with keeping moncada over lindor or rizzo even if they’re that high of a round anyway they would still be worth it. But at the same time I should have a chance at drafting one of the two of them in the first round anyway? Thanks for your help Grey!
I’d keep Lindor or Rizzo, likely that order… Though I don’t know if you can just redraft Lindor or how many teams in your league
@Grey: there are 10 teams so nothing too crazy – sale and scherzer will also be available then so someone might go for one of them too I really don’t want to be stuck without either of them but if I keep one of them and moncada ands up being amazing I’m going to be livid haha but I still have Hoskins belly and acuna that’s why I kind of wanted the reliable performance of lindor or rizzo
10 team league Moncada isn’t necessary to keep
@Grey: lindor it is. Thanks for pushing me off the edge haha appreciate the input Grey
No problem
Hey G,
Any word on Ralphs top 100 starters?
Question for Ralph
Rough guess what do you think the odds are that 1) claudio gets named the closer, and 2) what are the odds he stays the closer all season?
Im kinda liking him at his adp for a late rp
1. 95% 2. 10%
@Grey: wow 10%. Yeah i mean hes an underdog for sure. I agree would be suprising if hes not named closer to break camp. If anyone takes the role from him i feel like it will be tim
Maybe being harsh, 30%? I wouldn’t bet $ on him keeping job, I would draft him tho, and have
@Grey: yeah thats about what i think def worth the price at around 250 overall
Yeah, SAGNOF
AL-only keeper questions:
1. Would you pay a premium to keep Semien ($20 to keep vs. $13.7 Razz auction value) given the scarcity of AL steals and the fact that I project few SS to be available at auction (Cozart and Iglesias the only ones projected to offer more than $1 in value), or keep a dollar player and use the extra $$$ at auction?
2. Pick 2 RP keepers: Brach $7, B. Parker $1, Kela $1.
3. Would you keep all 3 of those RP and throw a $10 Reddick (projected $15.8 value) back?
1. Sounds fine 2. Brach, Parker 3. No
h2h keeper league that is standard plus walks and holds
Need to pick 7 from: Realmuto, Yuli G, Cozart, Brantley, Renfroe, Calhoun, G Torres, B. Rodgers, L Lynn, Odorizzi, Britton,
leaning towards cutting Brantley, Renfroe, Britton, and Odorizzi
do you agree or who would swap out for who? Thanks!
@Member Berries: Renfree over Lynn but after Calhoun and Torres, pretty awful options.
@Cram It:
last of the keeper options.
Renfroe vs Lynn – Hosmer pushing Myers to the OF and Renfroe’s inability to hit righties makes me think he wont play much. having trouble walking away from Brantley but not sure why…
@Member Berries: Lynn is a replaceable pitcher. Renfroe might be useful beyond this year. Brantley, Renfroe, Lynn…all of these guys are expendable as they’re not going to help you win unless you’re in a 20 team league.
Agree with Cram, though I would’ve been gentler
@Grey: Yes, you would have said “aren’t great”.
HAHA
Man, I kinda wish the NFBC draft would drag out a little longer. So many position battles, it’s tough to get a read on who will get a starting OF position or rotation spot. So much research for a 13th pitcher! This is where gut instinct really pays off for a fantasy manager. You can’t teach it.
Agreed, wish we could go until about last weekend, that would be perfect… We have people in the league tho that want it over in the next few days…
@Grey: Would be hard for everyone to milk it down to 4 hours even you wanted to. What round are you in?
I was out of town this weekend, so I tried to milk best I could… We’re about to enter 38th round…
@Grey: Salfino is doing his best milk job right now. Milk job! Although it doesn’t appear intentional.
I think bc you said milk job I’m seeing ads for a woman sucking on a cow’s teet
last hitter for my pretty balanced team: choo or tim anderson? would be util spot. I know you like Anderson…what you think? Go for the guy who never walks?
Anderson
Was offered Springer for my Machado in my keeper league. Machado has 4th round value with control for next 2 years losing a round each year. Springer is 6th round with 4 more years of control with the same deal.
I have Correa, Turner and Arenado so Machado frees up flexibility in my roster but would you say you like the tradeoff? I also get my 4th round pick back
Sounds solid for you
Did my first RCL draft (and Roto in general…) yesterday and came up with this team.
C Perez
1b Abreu
2b Kinsler
3b machado
Ss Turner
CI moose
MI Albies
Of ozuna
Of Acuna
Of Rosario
Of c. Taylor
Of trumbo
Util Hanley
Bn brinson, Conforto, Gyorko
SP: Cmart, Quintana, Wood, Morton, Corbin, Teheran, Odorizzi
RP Colome, Morrow
Any thoughts on how this team ended up?
@Jr: sorry, MI is Ahmed Rosario, not albies
Team looks solid! Well balanced on hitting and pitching… Teheran you can likely drop for a potential closer
@Grey: Thanks! It’s a completely different ballgame drafting a team in this deep a league.
And was probably using that spot for a closer pickup or streaming. Drop for Reed, Gregerson, madson, Boxberger, Minaya? Not a lot in terms of closers left…
Boxberger
Hey Grey!
I’m all about your style of drafting (or not drafting top) starters and it always (mostly) works out for me.
I’m in a really strange spot this year, however, due to traded draft picks.
10 team league. 40 league keepers off the board to start. I have 4 picks in the first 3 rounds (two 2nd rounders) after that. From there….. not another pick until round 12 (150 players overall with keepers).
So the question is… Do I take my #2 pitcher in round 4 (names like Nola / Quitana / Castillo)? Or should I wait all the way to round 12 with names like J. Gray / Anderson / Duffy?
My keepers are: Bryce (round 6), Bregman (round 24), Acuna (round 24), and Robbie Ray (round 20)
Thanks!!!
Nah, you have to draft a SP in Nola section, don’t push it
@Grey: I figured. Thanks for confirming.
It’s going to be an interesting draft. I have a TON of drinking time between round 4 and round 12.
Ha, yup
I joined a league! Its NL only Dynasty weekly FAAB, but hey its a league. Feels manageable. Also season two of sneaky pete is on amazon,
I’m starting Sneaky Pete tonight and stopping 7 Seconds midseason, it’s awful
Nice on the league, glad to hear you can draft all your beloved Dodgers!
@Grey: Ralph started it and made it appealing to me. You should join (I know you won’t) maybe Oaktown or Magoo will join us.
I’m gonna pass, I’m at my fill for this year
Plus, I already have 3 NL-Onlys
@Grey: I surprised you didn’t see the show out. You already missed the best parts of Tin Star when you bailed early on that
Tin Star was even worse than 7 Seconds, which is saying something
@Grey: but you never finished it and hence can’t really judge the show. crazy Tim Roth is amazing. The Brits love the show and you love the Brits
Yeah, that show was a mess tho… The ol’ I’m an alcoholic I forgot what happened angle is played
@Grey: you’re a mess!
I got my shizz together!
@Grey: Its not I forgot what happened its an I turn into a monster and turn into the best cop ever
Wasn’t there something screwy with an Native American reservation too? They really pulled out the stops on the seen this shizz better elsewhere before
@Grey: I enjoyed the strange tone because I have a strange tone to myself. Maybe you’re too normal for this
Yeah, that’s the problem, I’m too normal.
Its like Titanic, where you had to get through the first VHS tape, which was boring as fuck, to get to the best part when the boat sinks
You own Titanic on VHS? Wow, don’t deny it now, you copped to it already
@Grey: no I don’t, I remember from when my buddy worked at a video store and we hung out there
Don’t lie!
@Grey: Honestly I’ve only seen the boast sink. I swear on my signed Becket Baseball card price guide with Bob Feller’s autograph inside
Haha
@Grey: Can you reach out to Laura? We would love to have Razzball’s best NL only player in the league
She had a post a few days ago, you can ping her there…
@Grey: That was on the 5th
She’ll get comment notification tho
Hey Grey,
H2H 14-team cat. keeper (keep7) balanced stats, but a lot !!! (R,H,2B,3B,HR,RBI,SB,BB, IBB, K, TB, AVG / IP, W, L, CG, SHO, SV, K, HLD, ERA, WHIP, QS), 6 moves per week
Standard batters (individual OF spots) with Util and Pitching is 5 SP slots and 5 RP slots, 5 Bench (I’ve never played in something with so much RP’s)
I’m taking over for a team and these are the top guys available (with my suggested keepers), do you agree with keeping those guys or are there any you’d change (pitchers are hard to come by (popular in this league) after draft, not much trading either):
A. Rizzo (keeper)
M . Ozuna (keeper)
D. Santana
L. Cain
A. Jones
K. Seager (keeper)
Y. Gurriel
C. Carrasco (keeper)
J. Verlander (keeper)
J. Quintana (keeper)
M. Tanaka (keeper)
K. Giles
R. Iglesias
C. Hamels
Cain over Tanaka
@Grey:
Everything in my mind says Tanaka is undervalued, but everything in my soul says to be wary. Why is this? Oh yeah, 1st half last year…
I like him, but you can just redraft him (prolly) or someone like him
Ever look into these props for MLB futures?
Vegas is offering the following:
Who will hit most HR’s out of: Stanton, Judge Sanchez
Who will hit most HR’s out of: C Correa, Altuve, M Gonzalez
Both steamer and your projections have Stanton and Correa with double digit more HR’s than a different guy in the group, seems like free money no??
Funny you say that, I was listening to Brent Musberger’s Vegas channel this weekend and they were talking about this… Does seem like an easy bet
@Grey: Yeah the over/under on Stanton is set at 42.5
42.5??? Seems crazy low.. Did Brent say where in Vegas you could make this bet? I only saw it online. Going in a couple weeks for NFBC draft and might have to lay some money down on this!
He films from South Point, so I guess you can make bet there, but I’m not sure… I’ve never seen future bets like that in casino… They were also talking MVP bets, high on Seager at 18-1, which doesn’t seem bad… That feels more like a sucker bet tho, so uch has to break right to win MVP
@Grey: Awesome thanks, I’ll check out South Point when I’m there and I’ll probably have to put at least a little on this Stanton bet.
How much does he have to go over 42 by? Just 1? That’s a silly easy bet if he stays healthy… What’s it pay? 1 to 1?
@Grey:
Yup, 43 is a winner!
It pays $8 for every $10 bet.
Stanton to hit more HR’s than Judge pays $6.50 for every $10 bet.
Seems way too good to be true, I want to go big on it! Health is really the only concern..
Yeah, Stanton hits 43 in NY with ease… I don’t think he’s much of an injury concern either, his previous injuries were fluky
Hey Grey –
What do you think of this team. 14-team auction using OBP and QS.
C – Flowers
C – Iannetta
1B – Goldschmidt
2B – Villar
3B – Arenado
SS – Beckham
MI – H Perez
CI – N Castellanos
OF – Trout
OF – Benintendi
OF – Peralta
OF – Altherr
UT – Gurriel
P – C Martinez
P – L Weaver
P – D Pomeranz
P – A Wood
P – Kimbrel
P – Giles
P – Familia
P – Ryu
P – Velasquez
@The Fridge: Plus, Michael Taylor as OF5
I think your team is light on SBs, Villar won’t or shouldn’t play much on your team, Peralta and Altherr are weak… Pitching looks okay, if risky
Always enjoy reading, thanks. 14 team H2H 5×5 with OBP replacing AVG. Who would you rather have, Goldy or Votto? Thanks
Thanks! Goldy
Grey,
Was hoping I could get a team rating. 12 team H2H categories keeper league, 4 keepers per team. We use OBP instead of AVG, QS instead of W, and SV+H instead of SV.
C – Gary Sanchez (15th Rd Keeper)
1B – Cody Bellinger (14th Rd Keeper)
2B – Paul DeJong (12th Rd)
SS – Trea Turner (21st Rd Keeper)
3B – Scooter Gennett (17th Rd)
MI – Jorge Polanco (17th Rd)
CI – Yuli Gurriel (18th RD/DH Stash)
OF – Mike Trouth (1st Rd)
OF – Giancarlo Stanton (2nd Rd Keeper)
OF – Lorenzo Cain (5th Rd)
OF – Ronald Acuna (10th Rd)
Util – Kevin Kiermaier (13th Rd)
SP – Justin Verlander (3rd Rd)
SP – Jose Quintana (5th Rd)
RP – Edwin Diaz (8th Rd)
RP – Raisel Iglesias (9th Rd)
P – Dinelson Lamet (16th Rd)
P – Blake Snell (16th Rd)
P – Drew Pomeranz (16th Rd)
P – Blake Treinen (18th Rd)
BN – Michael Wacha (19th Rd)
BN – Luiz Gohara (20th Rd)
BN – Jeurys Familia (20th Rd)
BN – Jordan Montgomery (21st Rd)
Thanks!
@Succos Baseball: Your hitting and pitching look solid, I think you’re looking extremely safe on pitching, which isn’t something I’ve thought a lot this preseason… Hitting looks fine, a little light on MI and CI
@Grey: Thanks, Grey! I have my eyes on Gyorko, Andujar, J Harrison, Drury, Neil Walker, and Tim Beckham as potential pickups to fill the Yuli void. Anyone else you would target?
I am in the process of preparing for my upcoming keeper draft in which I will have the first pick. We can keep five players. Right now, I have four locks – Betts, Lindor, Hoskins and Ray and am debating between Schoop and Devers for my final spot. It looks like there will be a strong group of players available for the first pick. This includes Freeman, Machado, Sale and one of either Stanton or Arenado. In addition, there is an outside possibility that one or more of the following players could be available – Altuve, Kershaw and/or Scherzer.
Based on this scenario, who would you keep for the final spot? I feel that Schoop is the safer pick but am leaning Devers given the upside.
Also, for the first pick, would you select “best player available”? If so, it looks like my choice will be between Machado and Stanton unless either Altuve or Arenado are unexpectedly made available.
Thanks!
@Hankg: Devers. How many teams in the league? For the first pick, I think I would rank them Arenado, Sale, Machado……unless the outside chance players are available. Altuve obviously no. 1, then Kershaw and Scherzer. I would take any of those 3 with the first pick.
@Hankg: Devers — Stanton
What are your thoughts on this draft strategy? 5×5, 14-team, H2H categories, daily roster changes, 9 hitter, 7 pitcher, 5 bench slots.
Draft hitters 1-7 to fill 1B through OF then take 11 pitchers in the remaining 14 rounds (non-pitchers in those rounds will be a UTIL, catcher and bench bat). Aiming for 8 starters plus Bradley, Robertson, and Harder.
@MakeLoveLikeWar: Sounds nonsensical to REALLY stick to that. You’re in round 6 and planning to draft Odor, but Robbie Ray is there, you’re gonna pass up an ace to “fill” 2B?
@MakeLoveLikeWar: Agree with Cram
Looking for some keeper advice…
Longstanding Yahoo keeper league. Unfortunately, over the years, we have dropped to only 8 teams. 6×6 adding walks and Holds. Also use QS instead of Wins.
C, 1, 2, 3, ss, 3 OF, 2 Util, 3 SP, 2 RP, 4 P. Daily transactions and roster moves.
Need to keep 5 of these as the first 5 rounds of our draft (mandatory 5):
Trout, Blackmon, Just Dong, Rizzo (with 2B), Machado, Dozier, Kershaw, Thor, Severino
In addition, can also keep up to 5 of the following (if multiple last round eligible, they simply move down a round)(not mandatory):
Bellinger (last round), Devers (last round), Hoskins (last round), Lindor (20 of 26 rounds), Edwin Diaz (21 of 26 round), Luke Weaver (last round), Alex Reyes (last round) Betances (10 of 26)
Currently leaning/pretty set on:
Trout, Kershaw, Blackmon
Bellinger, Devers, Hoskins, Lindor
Thoughts on Machado/Rizzo/Thor/JD for the other 2 mandatory?
Last one for the rookie/team builders?
Thanks, and sorry for the long post, but your comments are appreciated.
@Inquiring Mind: Machado, Rizzo….Weaver
Paul
MARCH 12, 2018REPLY
Could you help me out with a keeper question? I’m in a 12 team H2H $260 budget league with OBP and slugging instead of average and penalties for strikeouts. A lot of the heavy hitters (Correa, turner, Judge, Stanton, Altuve, Blackmon, Arenado) are being kept which has me leaning towards keeping Kris Bryant for $35. That leaves me with two more options:
Yu Darvish $19
Khris Davis $17
Carlos Carrasco $25
Yasiel Puig $6
Jose Berrios $7
My heart is leaning Darvish and Puig for the prices but I’m conflicted with Darvish this year and like Carrasco better. Davis also finished as the 28th hitter last year in those settings and I’m just completely at odds with who to keep. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!
@Shifty:
Yu & Puig
@Shifty: Carrasco, Puig
what side do you like in a dynasty?
blowfarts bogaerts or nola
@slimbo: Nola
@slimbo: Haha, Bogaerts
13 teams 5×5 OBP
300 salary per team
2 keepers
WHICH TWo DO I KEEP? Thx
E. Thames-$18
J. Baez-23
J. Bour-15
A. Bennintendi-32
R. Iglesias-15
@Luvdarooks: These aren’t great… Benintendi, Raisel
in a 12 team roto keeper Auction, my keepers thus far are:
Jose Abreu. $25
J. Segura. 10
N. Castellanos. 3
L. Severino. 10
Aaron Nola. 4
A. Chapman. 15
I can keep 8 players. The other contenders:
Edwin Diaz. $10
Manny Margot. 10
Tim Anderson. 10
K. Gausman. 7
Mike Zunino. 10
Luke Weaver. 10
Which two of those six would you select? I also have Machado and Springer at $56 and $49 respectively—which is about what they will go for. It is a $300 budget league not a $260. Thanks for all your help.
@DonnieB: Machado, Springer
Reds injuries lead me to bump up the live child created when Mr Drummond allowed an Arab sheik to stay on Park Avenue and impregnate his house keeper. Ladies and Gentlemen. Amir Garrett
@Zeus: HA
Grey (and others),
10 team league, 5×5 with AVG and OPS. It’s also weekly, so streaming is kinda out.
I traded away several of this years draft picks to win the championship last year, so I am in a bit of a hole so far mid-way through my slow-draft. Currently I have:
C-
1b-Goldy
2b-Jose Ramirez
3b-Arenado
SS-Lindor
MI-Story
CI-Rendon
OF-JD
OF-Puig
OF-
OF-
DH-Cruz
SP-Sale
SP-Verlander
SP-
SP-
RP-Iglesias
RP-Hand
RP-
…plus some bench spots to fill.
We are at pick 155 overall currently.
Where do you recommend I focus my efforts? I was hoping for Margot or Zimmer but they both just went. I could go with DeShizznit. Other bats available are Mancini, Braun, Inciarte, Eaton
I also need pitching. Right now best available is Wood/Wacha and then Gausman/Morton/Pomeranz.
Would you go with a guy like DeShields, a different bat, or focus on SP?
Thanks
@Test Kitchen: I would take Alex Wood. Your hitting is ludicrous.
@Test Kitchen: Agree with Don
@Grey: I lied, Wood is gone now. Wacha or Gausman then?
Wacha
@Grey: Thanks. Think I can wait much longer before taking DeShields? Maybe take another SP and then Deshields? Or other way around?
I think you can take an SP first, but depends who else is available
Noooooo Malammore noooooo.
@FrankGrimes: Haha, I know!
Quick question. I went to your subscription page and was curious about cost but I find the layout very confusing. Can you please either explain what it is, what we get and cost? Sorry maybe it’s just me.
NL Only 10 team keeper deadline today. We’re normal 5×5 categories and $260, but the twist is that everyone has to roster 2 2B and 2 SS (but only 3 total corner infielders). Top players usually go in the mid to low 30s.
With that in mind, I need to pick 5 of these 6 to keep (1 to cut). What do you all think?
$26 Freeman
$17 Ozuna
$16 Story
$13 Ray
$4 Wood
$4 Margot
Thanks!!
@AlbiesTheRacistDragon: If thats Alex Wood I would lose him.
@Inquiring Mind:
Yes Alex Wood, sorry for the vague list.
$4 though is so cheap though!
@AlbiesTheRacistDragon: It is cheap, but the value on the others, given your settings, I think is better. Wood may have and innings limit, the Dodgers play with the 10 day DL like a new toy, and he is a bit of an injury risk.
Other option, if you keep Wood, I think I would lose Story. That’s not bad value, but maybe a bit high for an injury risk himself.
@AlbiesTheRacistDragon: Story, just buy him back if you want him
@Grey:
Thanks to you both. Story and Wood were the two I’m looking at the hardest… Story seems like the worst value, but having to roster 4 MI in an NL only is tough!
I hear ya
War room Q- is the goal setting tab set for 12 teams default to RCLs? If not what weights does everyone use?
@Raider: Yeah, 12 team defaults…
Hiya Grey –
In a 13 team standard 5×5 yahoo rotisserie league with an auction draft. Each team can keep 3 guys with cost of the player being the average of: 2017 draft value + 2018 average auction value. We have a$260 budget. Out of these folks which three am I keeping?
-Jose Altuve: $49
-Bryce Harper: $45
-Joey Votto: $32
-Robbie Ray: $11
-Segura: $14
-Buxton: $14
-Rendon: $18
-Jake Lamb: $9
@Jimmy Suitcase:
Jose Altuve: $49
-Bryce Harper: $45
-Robbie Ray: $11
Hi Grey-
Quick draft pick question. In a Yahoo 6×6 12-team roto (standard hitting + OPS, pitching uses SV+H, + QS), where Paul Goldschmidt, Andrew Benintendi, and James Paxton are my keepers, I have the 5th pick.
Conveniently, the order of the remaining players in your top 20 exactly match the order from Rudy’s league setting-specific auction values…the top remaining picks in rank order are Trout, Harper, Betts, Machado, Bryant, Lindor, J. Ramirez, and Blackmon (the top 7 pitchers are off the board already).
Would you draft whoever is the highest remaining ranked player out of this pool when it gets to me (so, theoretically, Bryant)? Or target a different order of players based on my keepers/league? The existing rank seems reasonable to me, but I’m curious.
@MisforMookie: I think I would take Blackmon over Bryant.
@MisforMookie: I’d draft highest remaining guy, so Bryant if there
Grey!!!
Loved the article, especially the DeShizz news!
a. Will be drafting him for sure around 175ish? Is it too early? Too late? Would you rather have Bret Gardner or DeShizz at 175?
b. Am in day 1 of a 2-day training. It’s the same training as the one conducted end February!! Only the training facilitators are different. Plus one of the facilitators asked me to come for moral support, so there’s that. Plus, free lunch. I come from poverty so I still go ga-ga for a free buffet lunch.
Cheers,
Ante
@Ante Galic: Thanks! A. That late prolly go DeShields, but team makeup would likely play into it B. Who turns down a free lunch?
Hey Grey and you guys (and five lady commenters), I drafted Zach Britton for my DL stash spot in a 12-team standard Y! league, please rank these waiver wire pickups for possible save potential:
(currently ranked)
Joakim Soria
Dominic Leone
AJ Ramos
Ryan Madson
Thanks!
@Matt: Leone, AJ, Soria
@Matt: I’ve ranked all of these
Looking to round out my offense with a SB threat in the UTIL spot who won’t sink me too badly in AVG or anything. Who you got:
Delino DeShields
Manny Margot
Eduardo Nunez
Jonathan Villar
Kevin Kiermaier
Ender Inciarte
Orlando Arcia
I’m leaning DeShields (can he legit steal 50?) or Margot (15/25??) but is Nunez maybe the best bet because he’s eligible at 4 positions in my league…But then there’s Inciarte who seems to be a legit .300 hitter! Decisions decisions!
@Need steals: Margot.
@Need steals: Margot
@Need steals: Depends how many steals you want. Sure Inciarte and Margot might steal 20+ with more average or pop, but Deshields should steal 40+ with a full season.
@Need steals: I’d go by my rankings
Yo Grey,
As per tradition, looking for validation, comments, and/or criticism following my draft last weekend. 12-team non-standard roto (TB, R, HR, OBP, NS, RBI and K, ERA, WHIP, NSV, H, W) with 1250 IP max.
Here’s the squad:
C – C. Iannetta
1B – J. Abreu
2B – J. Schoop
3B – T. Shaw
LF – G. Polanco
CF – C. Yelich
RF – G. Stanton
Util – J. Bruce
Util – J. Villar
Bench – B. Zimmer
Bench – A. Eaton
SP – R. Ray
SP – C. Archer
SP – T. Bauer
SP – B. Snell
SP – C. Morton
RP – C. Knebel
RP – F. Rivero
RP – A. Bradley
P – A. Miller
P – A. Swarzak
Bench – C. Greene
Bench – Juan Nicasio
My Util bats are in flux a bit, as I needed some speed. And I’m speculating on holds with my bench pitchers. How’d I do?
@C: Do you have to play an actual LF in that slot? They aren’t just OF slots? Like powdered donuts… that would make me go nuts.
@knucks:
Correct – have to play an actual LF, CF, and RF.
@C: Hitting looks solid, maybe low on AVG, depends on Bruce down, should likely be fine… Pitching is rock solid… Nice team!
@Grey:
Thanks! Totally neglected my SS – which is Lindor.
No problem