Back in your humble-but-nonetheless-handsome Guru’s R-O-C-K in the U.S.A. days, I was working for a famous writing Mainer who also happened to own a radio station that doubled as a house of horrors. I was later fired for playing “The Lesbian Dating Game” and “doing things unbecoming of an employee” in the station’s van. Allegedly. But I digress. The job was cool and so was the “king”, but the program director was the kind of vertically challenged guy that put the double SOB in the word boss, if you know what I mean. I won’t mention his name either, but we called him “The Little Bastard”. He got that nickname one night backstage at a John Mellencamp show when he called the original little bastard “The Cougs” and got a face full of bourbon. *Puts pinky to mouth* come on baby, you make it hurt so good. I was never much of a fan of Mellencamp – Please, Mommy, don’t send us to Mellen Camp again there’s Mexican’s there – but after watching one Napoleonic sufferer destroy another, I’ve been in his corner ever since. I fight authority and authority always wins. Thus concludes the Guru’s 432nd edition of (insert echo effect here) “Brush With Fame”. Next time we’ll talk about Aerosmith, black nail polish, and Liv Tyler – the statute of limitations has long expired me thinks. Today’s little ditty on our jam or cram has us looking at some of last week’s chart toppers and trying to decide if they are one hit wonders or Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees. We’re not talking about running Albert Pujols or Jose Fernandez through the ol’ jammer crammer machine© here. What we are looking for is whether or not those players that rocked last week (and are under 50% owned) are worth a hand to hold on to. Now that I’m fresh out of John Mellencamp references it’s time to jam it or cram it.
Jam or Cram: Dayan Viciedo, OF, Chicago White Sox
Stats Last Week: 6 R, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 0 SB, .500 AV.
Availability: 84% Yahoo, 82% ESPN.
FAAB $$$ Value: $3. Money well spent.
The Gist: Viciedo is this weeks “Hot Schmotato” cover boy – he’s 14-for-24 over the last week with a six game hitting streak. Over his last nine games Dirty Dayana is hitting over .400. With right field all his now and hitting fifth on a White Sox team that is leading MLB in runs scored there’s plenty to like here.
Key Stats: The Tank is hitting .542 over his last six games, with a homer, four doubles, a triple, five RBI and six runs scored.
Jam it or Cram it: When former “Creeper of the Week” Avisail Garcia pulled a Wally Pipp and was lost for the year the door opened for Viciedo to get regular playing time. A man named Dayan is doing his best Iron Horse impression and is leading the AL in hitting with a .370 average. He’s the luckiest man of the face of the… JAM.
Jam or Cram: James Loney, 1B, Tampa Bay Rays
Stats Last Week: 6 R, 0 HR, 5 RBI, 0 SB, .423 AV.
Availability: 78% Yahoo, 82% ESPN.
FAAB $$$ Value: $1. Don’t be the big spender in April…unless you need a closer or you’re bidding on Gregory Palanco – we’ll get to him.
The Gist: There’s nothing sexy about James Loney at first look…or third look. However, he got his schmotato on last week as he batted .423 with four multi-hit games. There’s no power here as Loney has just 87 homers in over 4000 plate appearances, but could make a good play in points leagues.
Key Stats: Loney has batted .335 in the seventh inning or later since joining the Rays. How does this help us in fantasy? It doesn’t really. There’s not a lot of “key stats” when it comes to Loney.
Jam it or Cram it: Loney is a nice Platoony Tunes play against right-handers with a .801 OPS and a 3.9% strikeout percentage against righties this season. However, if you’re looking to Loney as your fantasy first baseman in April something went terribly wrong with your draft. Have you tried fantasy cricket? CRAM.
Jam or Cram: Danny Espinosa, SS/2B, Washington Nationals
Stats Last Week: 5 R, 3 HR, 2 RBI, 1 SB, .385 AV.
Availability: 96% Yahoo, 98% ESPN.
FAAB $$$ Value: $1. Pay in pennies.
The Gist: Espinosa was a sleeper pick last season then went night-night at the plate, suffered a wrist injury and wound up in Triple-A. With Ryan Zimmerman and his Rascal currently on the DL a door opened for Esp. He must’ve saw that coming as he’s making the most of the chance slashing .294/.351/.485 in 22 games.
Key Stats: Between the 2011 and 2012 seasons Esp hit 38 homers and swiped 37 bases.
Jam it or Cram it: Struggling in the middle infield? Frustrated with slow starts from Brandon Phillips, Jedd Gyorko or Brad Miller? Give Esp a go. He has three times as many homers as Robinson Cano. April stats are fun. With Zimmerman on his way back this would be a short term wham, JAM, thank you ma’am.
Jam or Cram: Juan Francisco, 1B/3B, Toronto Blue Jays
Stats Last Week: 4 R, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 0 SB, .320 AV.
Availability: 99% Yahoo, 99.8% ESPN.
FAAB $$$ Value: $1 or your Steve Balboni rookie card.
The Gist: I left my heart in Juan Francisco is another Platoony Tune poster boy getting his chance against right-handers with Adam Lind out. Ol’ Juan certainly has power – as evidenced by the four teams he’s been on in four years and his average home run distance last year was 10th in the league. The bomb he hit off Jake Peavy on Friday was his first of the year and traveled an estimated 968 feet – give or take 400 feet. I’m bad with math.
Key Stats: Francisco’s career average against lefties is .173 with a .426 OPS.
Jam it or Cram it: The Rogers Centre is nice spot for power hitting lefties and Francisco is certainly that. His HR/FB rate is 21%. I could see a deep league or AL only JAM for the power potential, but for everyone else it’s a CRAM.
Jam or Cram: Gregory Polanco, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates
Stats Last Week: None.
Availability: 79% Yahoo, 98% ESPN.
FAAB $$$ Value: $33. Yes, spend big my friends, but keep in mind it may take your entire $100 budget to land him.
The Gist: Here’s what our prospect whisperer Scott had to say about Polanco back in March: “He’s a top 10 overall fantasy prospect in my book, bringing impact potential in AVG, OBP, HR, and SB. Polanco is a potential 30/30 outfielder.” That’s Nicolas Cage kinda high praise from Scotty.
Key Stats: Between three levels in the minors last season, Polanco hit 12 homers, had 71 RBI and stole 38 bases in 127 games.
Jam it or Cram it: The 6’4”, 220-pound, 22-year-old outfielder is blowing up minor league pitching with four home runs, 23 RBI, 4 steals and a .417 average in his first 21 games. Polanco was also the Rookie of the Year and the MVP of the Dominican Winter League after hitting .331 with a .900 OPS. There’s nothing left to prove. Bring him up, Pittsburgh. Does Travis Snyder have incriminating photos of GM Neal Huntington? This is the type of player that could turn the Pirates year around and save your fantasy season. JAM.
**BONUS TRACKS**
Mark Meloncon, RP, PIT: With Jason Grilli on the DL you better grab your Meloncon fast. Oops, too late. J-Foh already snagged him. JAM
Alfredo Simon, SP, ATL: Simon gets the Cubs this week. I’d say JAM on that start. I’d say CRAM to any lady that is planning to have a drink with him. Simon says no means no.
Matt Joyce, OF, TB: Strictly a JAM vs. righties in DFS play, but for the rest of us it’s a CRAM.
Erick Aybar, SS, LAA: Aybar is 11-for-17 over his last four games and is outhitting Jose Reyes, Jean Segura and just about every other shortstop not named Troy Tulowitzki. JAM
Rajai Davis, OF, DET: I will continue to say JAM on Rajai until the SAGNOF gods strike me down.
Follow The Guru and his dirty turban on Twitter @TheGuruGS for fantasy roster 411?s, brushes with fame and his signature move – the scotch-fueled selfie.
Better than ever Goo. Love it.
Braun played piñata with my segura. Jam Spine Nose over Scooter for temporary relief?
Thanks, Kid. F’in Braun. What a worthless piece of sh*t. Not because of ‘roids, but I own Segura everywhere! Leaning Scooter here despite some tough pitchers this week. He’s been my go-to fillinski and I’ll stay on him until he runs out of gas.
10team h2h keepe league…Quick trade question. Wily Peralta and Heyward for Alex Gordon. I’d get Gordon. Need to open some space for Iwakuma when he comes off the DL so I’ve been seeing it at Iwakuma/Gordon for Heyward/Peralta. Good trade? Heywards sub-.150 BA is killing me.
Heyward will come around. I wouldn’t make that deal just yet. Peralta has also looked pretty good thus far.
@The Guru:
dropped chavez , last night , for the peralta start ,
and dropped peralta , today , for simon’s , tomorrow
and that’s in a 12-teamer .
the whole thing might back-fire , but they all seem like streamers .
@Andre:
peralta is waiver wire fodder .
not a whole lot of value .
I agree. Good spot to stream way depending on the league.
You would pick up Polanco now? I have 3 bench spots and injuries galore. When do you think he’ll be called up?
I’d grab him now. He’ll be gone soon and I see a call up withing the next month.
In one league I have lost Calhoun, Trumbo, Harper, and now maybe Segura. The Titanic ain’t got nothing on me
I’m right with ya, man. The injuries have killed me across the board, but still got 2 out of my 4 RCL’s in the top 25.
@The Guru: your writers league game starts are out of control. April is not even over and you are almost 1/3 of the way through your starts. You lead me in K’s but with your 293 in 334.2 innings is not going to kep pace with my awesome 256 in 222 innings. Losing Harper in there doesn’t really hurt me since he’s done nothing
Yes, going to have to scale back a bit. My philosophy is build a lead instead of trying to play catch up at the end when everyone is going stream crazy.
@The Guru: that 3.43 ERA ain’t sexy.
Neither is your hitting. Ha! What a hateful one.
@The Guru: it’s hot garbage. They’ll get going at some point
Guru, i asked scott to, whats ur take? Springer has been lackluster so far, would you drop him for polanco? I have Baez In my N/a slot Right now and I’m holding onto him due to his position eligibility And Scott’s Miggy comps that just won’t leave my mind. So I guess I’m asking who do you think has the higher potential for the rest of the season Springer or Polanco (note I have Trout Justin Upton and Bautista in my OF)
Good question, Count. I have Springer on a number of teams (and the Baez stash, good move)waiting for him to heat up. You just have to think the breakout game would come as soon as we dropped him. I’d hold for now, but Polanco is very tempting.
@The Guru: Thanks guru, lets hope that springer goes off today to justify holding him
Iknow, I’m restless too. It’s not like he’s overwhelmed despite the low average. Mariners pitching this week should help.
Guru, I need some sage wisdom. They say patience is a virtue, but it’s hella hard to be patient when you’re staring at 1-3 in your league.
12-team, H2H points league (+2 for SB and -1 for Ks)
C – Mesoroco, 1b – Freeman, 2b – Wong, 3b – Moustakas, Ss – Segura, CI – Hosmer, MI – Owings, Of – Bautista, Puig, Heyward, Hamilton, Ozuna, Ut – Rizzo (have Baez sitting on the bench)
SP – King Felix, Greinke, Hamels, Ventura, Hutchinson, Bauer
RP – Jansen, Street, Gregorson, Johnson, Smith
DL – Latos
As of right now, the plan is to drop Mesoroco for Navorro, Owings for Gennett, Moustsuckass for Uribe, Gregorson for Melancon, and Baez for Miley (2 good starts this week)
Good ideas? The waiver wire is kind of ugly at this point, so I’m convincing myself I’ve just got to ride the hot hand at 3b and MI until I can find a willing trade partner.
I concur with your moves. Good luck. Now watch Moosesuckass hit 5 homers in a week because we dropped him. Ha! You’might need another SS as well because Segura may be out a few days, maybe a week. Haven’t seen the latest news since Braun bashed him in the face.
I am being offered homer bailey for Jose Altuve? should I do the deal?
I am hurting for SP since Anibal Sanchez and Alex Cobb are hurt on my roster.. but then Bailey is struggling as well..
Nope. Don’t likey that dealio. Use the Stream-O-Nator to keep you afloat the best you can.
Hey Guru,
I went to pick up any of the guys on your list….and they were all gone. I guess I’m behind the curve in my RCL ><
Would you trade Colorado CarGo and Frazier for Donaldson and King Felix? I''ve been following the SoN but it's been blowing me up. Hutchinson, Lincecum, Anibal have all been defying the SoN's blessing….
Sorry you missed out on the jams, Zar. The RCL’s are damn competitive and anyone mentioned on this site gets scooped up fast. Mostly by J-Foh. Ha! I would not trade away Cargo unless it was for Trout or Miggy.
Hutch wasn’t bad in his last start, Anibal got a blister and Timmy is well, Timmy – stay away.
So I lost out on Pagan and will need an OF as my final bench bat for when ortiz sits or rajai sits. OPS 6×6 — you like fowler? K davis vs lefties? Aaron hill?
Thanks
I like Hill over the next week. Other than Cashner his matchups are pretty good.
Heyward/Tyson Ross or Strasburg in a keeper?
Stras.
Looks like Stroman is coming up.
What do you think of him?
Or put it simply:
Jam or Cram.
The K potential is there for sure – he has 20+ in 20 innings this year. Mid 90’s fastball, nasty cutter. JAM
@The Guru:
Shine on you crazy diamond.
Don’t reach for the secret too soon.
Someday I will only communicate in Pink Floyd lyrics.
I know grey didn’t like him going into this season but what the hell is wrong with David price? Is it a velocity thing?
He’s had 2 great starts, 2 blah ones and one shellacking. The strikeout to walk rate is still good, but he’s getting hit. The velocity is way down (except for the MIN start) and he’s just around the plate too much. Is the arm ok? He says yes, but that’s a real worry. Wouldn’t be surprised if he’s traded this summer if the Rays are out of it. Here’s hoping he goes to the NL.
Drop Beaz for Singleton?
I would not and have not. Holding out hope for Baez call up sooner rather than later.
What are the odds Kris Bryant gets called up this year. Thinking of dropping him for Tommy La Stella in a redraft league with NA spots if it’s not likely Bryant comes up this year.
Bryant looking good down there in Tennessee. Think he has over 10 RBI in 20 games .300ish av, 4 homers. Since this is his first taste of Double-A pitching I don’t see a call up this early.
I just lost Harper to the DL. I dont have any DL spots left, need to drop someone for an OF. Who would you suggest dropping out of; Jesse Chavez, Martin Perez, Sergio Santos, Mark Melancon. Should i pick up Rajai, Eaton, Ozuna or Polanco?
Rajai is my pick here for immediate help with runs and steals. I’d drop Chavez, he’s come back to Earth now I think.
@The Guru: plus he’s @TEX next up
Would you trade Yordano Ventura for Matt Holliday? I’m in need of serious offensive help.
Sure would.
so many injuries not enough spots, so i want to grab polanco but dont have the room, need a utilty for the week, who is the best grab, Pagan, Khris davis, infante, or middlebrooks???7×7 h2h cat, already grabbed dayan hope he can keep up the hotness, thanks guru
Middlebrooks may give you some power as he gets 3 lefties this week. Think Infante would be a good play as well, especially after today.
In 5×5 OBP league which of these guys is Polanco better than: R. Davis, Aoki, Bourn, Revere, A. Soriano, (assume next 2 guys are healthy), R. Zimmerman and Willingham?
If he hits his ceiling he’s better than all of them. Willingham would be the sure drop for me.
@The Guru: Hmm ceiling….let’s say he plays “as expected” not his floor, not his ceiling…which of these guys does he rank higher than?
I’m really high on Palonco. And bath salts. I like him better than all but Zim (if healthy)and Soriano. Davis too maybe, but he does give you the SAGNOF.
Guru, would you recommend dropping Fernando Rodney for Melancon, Farnsworth, or Janssen?
My level of trust with Farnworth is nil. That’s the switch I’d consider making.
Is it worth dropping any of the following for Joe Smith or Joyce?
Dillon Gee
Josh fields
Chris Tillman
Luke Gregerson
Fields has been terrible and is dealing with an injury now. Grab the guy you need. Joyce is a nice Platoony Tune vs. righties.
After he gets off the DL would you rank Sanchez higher than Cain?
Sure would, thanks for Razzballin’, Tom.
Jam starting Iwakuma this week?
I like the matchup against Houston. I don’t usually go with a SP fresh off the DL, but it’s the Lastros. Give him a go.
Thoughts on Collin McHugh? Small sample size, but 6.2 innings of shutout 12 K ball against the Mariners last week and almost a complete game shutout (8.2, 2 Hits, 1 ER, 3 BB, 7K) against the A’s today.
He’s another member of the April Hall of Fame. Great couple of starts and soon to be more like himself – the guy that went 0-8 with an 8.94 ERA the last 2 years.
@The Guru: Thanks!
No prob, Scarecrow. Thanks for Razzballin’.
Ooh yeah, and there’s winners and there’s losers
But they ain’t no big deal
‘Cause the simple man…baby…pays for the thrills
The bills… and the pills that kill…
Sing it like the Cougs!
My Colabello for his Mejia?
I can slide Carter or Seimen in his spot. H2H points. Looking for more pitching depth. Dont like having so many bench bats
If he’s just wasting away on the bench do it. I’m not a big fan of having lots of wasted spots on the bench. I’d rather have the arm and Mejia has looked good.
Shallow 11 team weekly 5×5
BN: springer
Start 7: sale, Sanchez, gray, cingrani, Tillman eovaldi, kluber, axford, Perkins, frod
Do I drop springer, Tillman, or kluber to pick up recently dropped DL Cobb?
Kluber looks expendable. I’m not ready to give up on Springer yet.
@The Guru: But definitely grab and stash Cobb?
Yes, but he won’t be ready for awhile. Those obliques are tricky, he’ll need a rehab assignment, but should help you at some point.
Guru,
In a 10-team Keeper league H2H cat. – OF’s Braun/McCutch/Bruce with Holliday in my util. I’ve got 2 bench spots with Seager and Middlebrooks. Would you drop middlebrooks for Polanco ?
Yeah, I’d do that. If my high praise for Polanco blows up in our faces please blame Tehol.
Salazar is dealing today, stoked I just picked him up off waivers!
Some owner panicked and dropped him. Dumb. But its your gain. Nice work!
Need some pitching help in my ten team keeper league. Guy has pitching needs OF. He wants Stanton and I can afford to lose him because I have both cargos Bruce brantley and ozuna left over. He offered Crawford and Lynn for Stanton which I obviously rejected.
I have Teheran, cobb, Salazar, porcello, gray and liriano with streamers as necessary. Which of his pitchers is a fair offer for giancarlo?
Shields, Strasburg, samardzija, lynn, Zimmerman, Ventura, Hudson, hamlets. Or just hold?
No way I give up Stanton for those guys. I’d want Kershaw or nothing. You’re pitching looks pretty good to me actually. Teheran was great today, Salazar looked good, Cobb will be back. Keep your Giancarlo – especially in a keeper league.
@The Guru: my only concern is that I have pujols til I cargo so I always worry about injuries. He does have Kershaw on the dl… maybe I should offer.
@Robby d: that was tulo pujols cargo
Nice lineup. I understand the injury concerns, especially this year.
I’ve traded away my pitching so I plan on picking up 3 starters off the wire to speculate on. Based on ROS / near future, which 3 guys would you want out of…
Justin Masteron, Jason Hammel, Jenrry Mejia, Wily Peralta, Alfredo Simon, James Paxton, John Lackey, Jason Vargas, Josh Beckett, Trevor Bauer
QS instead of Wins, K/9 in addition to total K’s
Interesting strategy. Let’s go Masterson, Lackey and Vargas.
@Scarecrow Greinke: on the brink of doing this too. in a 10 teamer, there are plenty of guys on the wire that i would take a chance on if i had the spots.
Let me know how it works out.
Guru,
someone dropped frieri in my league. I have space available on my bench. Do you think he will regain the closer job soon or should I move along?
Hard to figure out anything Scioscia will do. If you have space it’s worth a grab, but your guess is as good as mine if he gets the gig back. I’d say it’s probable if he is effective as a set up guy.
Sup guru…I need to drop one of these pitchers in a 12 teamer h2h for a mesaraco replacement…who would u drop?
T hunter
Santos
Joe smith
Eovaldi
I am heavy on saves as i also have balfour and Ax
Im thinkn drop santos or smith
Thanks man
Yes, go ahead and drop Smith if you’re good on saves and need the bat.
@The Guru:
Either Smith or Santos. Eovaldi seems like a 180 K lock …. and the Os will give Hunter enuff cracks to keep him relevant
Guru help me with 5 hole… watching too much hockey these days lol
I’m struggling with 5th OF slot– 10 team H2h redraft 5X5 + Hits + OPS + QS
Current OFs are Jones, Rios, Beltran, Yelich, Matt Joyce (lost Avisail, dropped Aoki for Dee)
ROS who do u prefer in the 5th OF slot…. Joyce, Aoki, Ozuna (little leary given already have Yelich), or Pagan (on the wire and I have first crack)
I feel like I need HR help but none of the above seem to offer that.
OR I deal Madbum for a Puig type or Gio for a Pence or Myers type.
Joyce is a great Patoony Tunes, but not much else. Aoki and the rest just blah. If you’re looking for power you may have to make a deal for a bat.
@The Guru:
Agree– none of those waiver OFs rustle my jimmies.
Yelich + Madbum for Puig a fair offer?
My other chuckers are Gio, Teheran, Sonny, Ventura, Archer, Eovaldi, Porcello, Martin Perez, Tyson Ross.
Other deals I’m thinking of offering are Sonny for Brantley, Archer + Ross for Torii Hunter, or Gio for Pence.
Thoughts? Thanks again
Any of those deals would be fair, but I’m not a big fan of Torii Hunter deal if it’s power you need.
@The Guru:
Thanks much. Agree on the Hunter part– I think Gio for Pence makes most sense cause Teheran Sonny are in a similar tier to Gio I think
Grey thinks SIngleton is the better stash over Polanco. What say you?
Hate to disagree with Senor ‘Stache, but I prefer Polanco and his 20/20 potential plus the high average in a better lineup. Can’t go wrong with either. Singleton is a Ryan Howard type. Polanco could be a young Barry Bonds.
Yesterday a weird day for my team, especially in light of the focus points of your article and the companion article on the site saying to pick up Scooter. I almost traded for Segura the day before, I have Braun, I have nosebleed Liriano, and I am currently riding the Scooter. Was kinda glad I didn’t get Segura (other guy refused), but thought it funny that my guy Braun knocked him out, until his guilty conscious strained his Highway 1 intercostal, and now he’s doing penance. I won’t even go into Liriano going faint from a nosebleed. REally??
You dodged a bullet there, too bad Segura couldn’t. It’s been a weird week baseball wise for a lot of us with injuries, aces turning into asses and great hitter match ups coming up zeroes. My pride and pocket got blasted this week. Glad it’s over. Thanks for checking in and here’s to a better week. Cheers.
@The Guru: thanks. Stay strong on Segura. I think now is a great buy opportunity for him. I’m going to re-engage the trade talks!
Yeah, might be able to steal him on the cheap from frustrated owners. Like the way you think.
Howdy guru!
I’m in a bit of a predicament heading into my week 5 matchup; Bryce Harper went on the DL earlier today, on my bench I have to choose to activate or drop Victorino, I’m leaning on keeping Victorino hey I waited this long to keep him around, so by activating Victorino I have to drop a player, who would you drop, either dee Gordon , Salvador Perez, Martin prado?
By putting Harper on DL I’ll have a free roster spot, which is the player you’d add
Marcell Ozuna, Rajai Davis, Khris Davis, Michael Brantley, Dayan Viciedo, will middlebrooks(I can play at utility or IF my 3b is d wright), Emilio bonificio (eligible at 2b & of)
Next would you make a move by stashing Gregory polanco by dropping Martin prado or someone else from my bench?
C- Carlos Santana (he’s driving me nuts lol)
1b- goldy
2b- pedroia
3b- David wright
SS- Alexi Ramirez
IF- Andrelton Simmons
OF- Holliday (Harper now on DL)
OF- pence-
OF- Victorino
OF- ??
Utility- as of now Gordon but if I drop him it may be Eric Hosmer
DH- Adam Dunn
SP- Strasberg
SP- tanaka
SP- bumgarner
RP- papelbon
RP- Alex wood
Bench- cueto, zach wheeler, Gerrit cole
Also, would you wait another couple weeks before dropping Santana? I have faith he’ll turn it around but he’s looked horrible, but Perez hasn’t looked all that better either lol
Thanks guru love your insights!
Hey Green, tough to drop Prado with his multi-position eligibility. Do you have to roster a DH? Dunn is such a waste and Dee Gordon is a nice source of speed and runs. Brantley would fit in nice on your team for sure and I might prefer him over Victorino. Stick with Santana and let’s hope he gets it going.
@The Guru:
Thanks for the response, yes to answer your Q we do start DH’s If we didn’t have a DH slot I prob would’ve dumped Dunn weeks ago, but the wire isn’t much better than Dunn lol.
Yes i agree with prado & his position eligibility, would you consider dropping Perez? Also, about polanco do you think he could be this seasons version if Puig (whenever he gets called up) I’m liking what I’m hearing
Perez has to turn it around right? So many cold bats around. He’s bound to heat up. Polanco could be a Puig type for sure and without the headaches.
Pick best Twins C ROS….Pinto Bean or Samuri Suzuki?
Butch Wynegar. If this is the extent of your fake baseball problems I’m jealous. Have some Pinto beans.
@The Guru: Ha! I wish! It’s the extent of my line-up problems for Week 5. I hastly dropped my C2 (Flowers) when i heard Joe Smith was replacing Frieri (need Saves) with the intent of picking up Ruiz. Another guy literally snagged him min before me, leaving me with with this lovely dilemma.
Is it safe to grab Butch now with his imminent called up from Scranton?
The waiver wire snipers get me all the time.
Yes, he’s worth a shot.
Thanks to my staff of Jose F. , A. Wood , Hamels,
Masterson and Ian Kennedy, I was able to swap James Shields to a pitching desperate team for Robinson Cano….
now, would it be wise to drop Neil Walker and take a crack on Jim Johnson, the only “closer” left in my 12 team h2h points league, if my other closers are Chisek and Balfour. I can roll with all 3 closers if need be since I have an open RP utility slot.
Hell of a trade for you. Good work! I’d drop Walker for Johnson. He should get save opportunities at some point going forward.
5×5 NL only keeper.
Need saves. Bryce Harper DL’d and I have a move to make.
Hector Rondon or Withrow (LAD.) I like Withrow way more as a pitcher but does Rondon have the job?!
Nothing official with Rondon, but he was in there for the ninth today and some SAGBOF starved leaguemate is about to grab him before you. Go get him.
@The Guru: Thanks!
What does Jam or Cram mean? Which one is good?
Jam good, cram bad.
Chavez or Richards rest of season?
Punt? My confidence in Chavez is slightly less than Rickards. Go with Garrett.
@The Guru: haha awesome response. It really my last bench spot. Just made a trade and added it below. At this point I would use it for polanco if he wasn’t already owned. Might go looking for Bauer instead?
Not a bad idea.
Drop Ozuna for Viciedo? Or hold?
It’s close really. Maybe more power from Ozuna. Hold.
@The Guru: thanks, I just picked up Polanco this morning for $7 FAAB points. Hope he gets promoted soon
Nice score, Will. That one of the cheapest I’ve seen him go for.
@The Guru: well, most teams in our league seems to wait until promotion to pick people up . I just would rather stash.
That’s a good Razbzaller. You’ve been drinking our Kool-Aid…which is spiked with bath salts. Ha!
Drop Gyorko, Howie Kendrick or Jesse Chavez for Polanco?
Chavez.
Got to drop bourgos, who is the better waiver wire pick up maybin or lorenzo cain
I’ve been waiting for this question all day! Ha! I’d say Maybin since he’s off the DL.
@The Guru: what about for the rest of the season when cain gets back??
Still Cam me thinks.
What do you think the likelihood of Dice K closing for the mets is?
Those guys are mess and Dice-K never saw a 3-2 count he didn’t like which is not ideal for a closer. Don’t see it happening and guessing he eventually gets released.
Just traded Nelson Cruz and Mike Minor for Jose Fernandez and Carlos Santana. Thoughts? Roster below before trade
6×6 h2h extra category is k’s for hitter and Qs 10 team.
C-Posey
1b-Goldschmdt
2b-altuvie
SS- Hanley
3b-Beltre
Of-Braun
Of-Alex Gordon
Of-Bruce
Dh- Edwin Encarnacion
B-Nelson Cruz (of/dh)
B-Arenado
B-Xander bogaerts(3b/SS)
B- Allen Craig (1b/of)
B-George Springer
P-Bumgardner
P-tanaka
P-Zimmerman
P-Anibal Sanchez
P-Sonny gray
RP-holland
RP-Robertson
B- Jesse Chavez
B-Nate eovoldi
B-Danny Salazar
B-yordana Ventura
B-mike minor
Dl- Tijuan walker
Fair enough trade. That gives you a hell of a pitching staff. Let’s hope Santana starts hitting, like his positional eligibility.
@Bob: Dude, are you in a 6 person league?? That is a helluva squad!! Kudos
@Matt Damon’s Face in Good Will Hunting: that seriously is a 6 team league.
segura replacement H2h points weekly my teams a mess in this one…
Lowrie, Villar, Aybar or dee? someone just dropped Castro but dont think he be available with waivers til following week
The ‘tron likes a man named Jedd. But, it’s hard to ignore what Dee has been doing if you want runs/steals. I’d go Dee, but don’t tell ‘tron. It will hump my toaster oven. Again.
Justin Morneau for the rest of the season, is he too legit, or too legit to quit?
Depends on options. I like him at Coors. He’ll have 20+ homers this year.
@The Guru: is there a negative answer when those are the choices?
Points league, keep 2: Strailey, Travis Wood, and Tanner Roark. Thanks for your help!
Straily and Wood. Nice start for Roark. It won’t last.
Trying to get Kipins. I was going to offer Wong and either Mat Harrison or Ozuna. Which one should I keep?
@Joeg414:
I don’t think that’s enough for Kipnis
Or maybe I could offer; Harrison, Wong and Paxton. For Kipins. I’ll like to keep the everyday hitter.
@Joeg414: Unless you’re in a pretty green league, I doubt that trio is enough for Kipnis. A mediocre second baseman and two middling pitchers for the #2 second baseman, I just don’t see it. But wish you the best of luck in trying to sell it.
@JT:
I know, I’m pretty desperate with Gyorko as my 2b.
@JoeG414: We’ve all been there…For what it’s worth, one of them, Gyorko or Wong, will probably right the ship. Good luck!
@JT: Well, Wong got demoted to Triple-A :(
Gyorko should turn things around. *crosses fingers*
If you can get Kipnis for that go for it.
so what are your thoughts on corey dickerson this week? he faces five rightes this week and half the games at coors good pick up??? also what do you think of jim johnson does he get the closer gig back??? sitting on my wire. thanks for the help
I think JJ will get his gig back.
As for Dickerson, it’s good pick up when he’s at home. I’m sure the Hitter-Tron would agree.
@The Guru: only against righties, esp at home.
I know he got hit hard last start, but is Kuroda worth a pickup? 13 Team mixed daily 6×6 roto. Thanks.
@JoeG414:
Or is Matt Harrison better choice( who I picked up this morning, damn bullpen)
Kuroda gets the Mariners next and that’s a start he should win. Not really trusting Harrison yet.
Jam or cram gennett? Probably adding him over miller but dunno what to think of him
Def jam on the Scooter. He’s been a big boost where I own him with all the injuries and the slumps.
Great advice
Dickerson now or stash singleton for later
My last roster spot
That’s a tough one. If you’re team is competitive and you can afford to stash Singleton that may be the way to go. If you really need a bat then grab Dickerson.
One more
Just had a trade offer Zimmerman 3b for my baily
Thanks
I’m not trusting Zim and his health. Reminds me a lot of the end of Mike Lowell’s career. I’d avoid him.
The Guru, I asked you last week whether or not I should drop Villar for Wong, and you told me to hold. Your advice has been invaluable as Villar finally looks like a major league infielder.
This week, I will try to stump the Guru. I had Aaron Hill, Segura, and Villar for my infield. I dropped Hill for Gennett (and of course Hill started hitting). I’m debating whether I should drop Gennett and pick up Espinosa, or hold onto Gennett.
Thanks in advance The Guru.
-MDFiGWH
Glad I could help. You should have asked me about Hill. Ha! Hold on the Scooter. Thanks for Razzballin’!
Drop collabello for Viciedo? Would occupy second utility spot
I can get behind that play.
Wish Polonco were still available in my league. Lots of other questions for you, however.
12 team 5×5. I need a replacement for B. Miller? Scooter, Espinosa, DJ or Beckham? Sticking with Gyorko for another week (at least). Folly or is he droppable as well?
Also need to replace Harper – some options are Dunn, Reynolds, Ike, Fowler, Kubel, Maybin.
Lastly (for now), is Pinto an upgrade over either Ruiz or Navarro?
Thanks for the help.
Hey Five, thanks for writing in. I like Scooter a lot and he’s worth a play.
Sorry about Harper. That kid needs to be bubble wrapped. Not a lot of options you’re giving me. I’d say Fowler mainly because he gets regular player time over those other guys.
When it comes to catchers I generally stream the hot bat. Ruiz has been hitting .500 over the last week. Stick with him.
When do you forsee Oscar Tavaras getting the MLB call?
I don’t see him getting a call until after the All Star break (unless there’s an injury.) Oscar needs AB’s and that STL outfield is crowded. Still think he’s a couple years away from being a solid producer.
Would you trade my Springer (14th rd keep next year) for Polanco (19th rd keep next year) at this point? Or give Springer some more time? Really pissing me off
Wow, nice question. I really like Springer, but I have a giant man-crush of Polanco. He’s a top 8 prospect in my mind. I’d put Springer just behind him. Do the deal.
Guru and anybody listening. Got offered Kemp/A. Craig for my encarnacion?…. Do you do that deal?. Im assuming E5 is just slow start but wrists surgeries are bad for power..seems like e5 just isnt seeing the ball… like the overall production ceiling of kemp/craig im struggling in rbi/hr. Punting avg as I have alvarez at 3rd. Thanks in advance.