One scene sticks with me that truly captures America’s independence. It’s Big Willy Pullman standing on the back of a flatbed truck, twirling a bra in the air and yelling, “Today is your last chance for independence.” It was a bachelorette party at a wine tasting class in Irvine, California, and Big Willy Pullman was a male stripper wearing a Bill Pullman mask. Then, due to copyright infringements, Big Willy and the vineyard were both sued with the women being called as witnesses. That courtroom saga really captures our great land. God Bless America! Seriously, though, think about this? The Brits thought they could control America? For our Independence Day, we celebrate someone shoving 75 hot dogs into his mouth. You can control this? Get the eff out of here! So, this weekend 225 years after George Washington gave birth to this great nation after 14 hours of labor, Kenta Maeda went 6 IP, 0 ER, 3 baserunners, 10 Ks, ERA at 5.03. His spin rate was down in prior starts, but looked better, and his velocity was up on his 4-seamer. Previously, he was dusty at 89 MPH with a 2220 RPMs, and, yesterday, lively at 91 MPH and 2279. Lots of noise when looking at just one start, but clearly this was Maeda’s best start of the year, and there’s a chance for better days like the Goo Goo Dolls. Now, put away that M80, you’re gonna need your fingers to make fantasy moves. Anyway, here’s what else I saw this weekend in fantasy baseball:
Jorge Polanco – 2-for-5, 2 RBIs and his 10th homer, hitting .253. Also, in this game, both Alex Kkirrilloff (1-for-5) and Max Kepler (1-for-4) hit their 7th homer. Jo-Po got lumped in with these other two, not because Jo-Po sounds like a state prison, but because none of these guys had done much recently, so not sure there’s anything here as far as schmotatoes.
Andrew Benintendi – 0-for-3 as he was activated from the IL. Whew, wouldn’t want Edward Olivares getting any playing time!
Danny Duffy – 4 IP, 2 ER, ERA at 2.60. What, and I’m going to pause here for emphasis, the hell are the Royals doing with Duffy? He’s injured! Shut him down!
Shohei Ohtani – 1-for-4 and his 31st homer, as he was named to the All-Star Game as a hitter and pitcher. By game time next week, he will have won the Home Run Derby, been named to the All-Century Team, inducted to the Hall of Fame, saved a kitten from a burning building, and announced the starter of the All-Star Game, where Kevin Cash allows him to pitch the whole game, because Shohei is Japanese for “There is no ceiling.”
Griffin Canning – Sent to Triple-A. This comes after moving Bundy to the bullpen as the Angels decide to pitch and hit Ohtani every game. I say, bring it on!
Anthony Rendon – 1-for-2 and his 6th homer, as he gave his first ounce of fantasy value in about three months, then was promptly injured, leaving the game. Weird to sell your soul for one random good game vs. the Orioles, but who am I to judge?
Kelvin Gutierrez – Orioles acquired him for cash. I believe the Orioles were the ones who paid the cash, but it’s not clear. The O’s might’ve been paid to take Guttierrez off of the Royals’ hands.
Eric Lauer – 6 1/3 IP, 1 ER, 8 baserunners (4 BBs), 4 Ks, ERA at 4.11. Lauer, without the fear of a button under his desk, has been quite good for very deep leagues. Focus on that ‘very deep’ part. Though, Streamonator is at least sorta positive for his next start.
Tyler Anderson – 7 IP, 0 ER, 5 baserunners, 6 Ks, ERA at 4.39 vs. Freddy Peralta – 6 IP, 2 ER, 8 baserunners, 7 Ks, ERA at 2.23. I love, love, lurve FreddyKBB, but I said Tyler Anderson was a solid Streamonator call in my Friday column, because, well, only lineup worse than the Pirates is the Brewers. That’s not a joke. Also, the Brewers left their best hitter, Jace Peterson, on the bench. This is also not a joke. Jace Peterson is the hottest schmotato in the league.
Kyle Schwarber – Hit the IL with a significant strain of his hamstring. Damn it, Icaruschwarber flew too close to the sun. So, did you sell him as I suggested in my Friday Buy/Sell? You didn’t have a chance? Damn, you could’ve had two extra days if you were a Patreon subscriber.
Alcides Escobar – Acquired by the Nats. Should replace Schwarber nicely.
Juan Soto – 1-for-3, hitting .278. Too bad he’s not in the Home Run Derby next week, he’d be the first player to hit into a double play.
Joe Ross – 6 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 7 baserunners, 11 Ks, ERA at 4.02. After the game, Joe Ross said, “Today, I celebrate my independence from my brother Tyson. Screw that guy!”
Jordan Montgomery – 4 1/3 IP, 3 ER, ERA at 4.17. One pitcher who I see on more commenter teams than anyone else who I can’t understand…Frankie Montas. But runner-up is Jo-Mo. At least going into this year I liked Jo-Mo, and only moved off him during the season.
Aroldis Chapman – 0 IP, 3 ER, ERA at 4.71. Donkey Teeth gave me a poison pill! Oh my God, get this schmohawk off my team! Make the pain end! Donkey, take your stupid curse off me! Also, how stupid does Aaron Boone have to be to keep going to him? Yes, I traded for a closer who I no longer want to get opportunities! Shut up, the pain makes me stupid! He’s so clearly broken. I’d guess Chad Green is the replacement, but Lasagna hasagna been just as good.
Gerrit Cole – 3 1/3 IP, 4 ER, ERA at 2.91. At home vs. the Mets? I cannot cackle loud enough. In related news, Gerrit Cole and Aroldis Chapman have been named to the AL All-Star team. To pitch the Home Run Derby.
David Peterson – Will miss around eight weeks with a strained oblique. Worst setback for A Man Da. Peterson since, well, Amanda Peterson died. RIP.
Taijuan Walker – 5 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 4 baserunners, 5 Ks, ERA at 2.44. Heard something on Saturday about how Taijuan was also pitching for a potential spot on the All-Star team. Well, that means nothing to us, so don’t put it into my ear palaces, but he should’ve made the team.
Pete Alonso – 2-for-8, 3 RBIs and his 14th and 15th homer. Albombso!
Dominic Smith – 2-for-7, 2 runs and his 9th homer, hitting .255. Well, yeah, he beat up on some scrub called Gerrit Cole.
Nick Pivetta – 7 IP, 0 ER, 4 baserunners, 10 Ks, ERA at 4.09 vs. James Kaprielian – 7 IP, 1 ER, 6 baserunners, 10 Ks, ERA at 2.84. This matchup was billed as, “I streamed both of these guys before, why didn’t I stream them on Sunday?” As you can imagine, a lot of people called it this.
Ryan Yarbrough – 5 IP, 1 ER, 4 baserunners, 5 Ks, ERA at 4.34. Real question: Why is he no longer following an opener? Could it be: Do the universal sign for money and roll your index finger around by your ear for crazy.
Wander Franco – 2-for-4 and his 2nd homer. Fun fact! Wander’s brother’s name is “Oh, the Places You’ll Go.”
Randal Grichuk – 1-for-3 and his 15th homer, and has done nothing-nada-yuck for a while now, but he’s the type to go from zero to hot schmotato overnight, so I could see grabbing him if someone grew bored.
Shed Long Jr. – 1-for-3 and his 4th homer. You don’t want to know how many homers Shed Long Jr. has in the last month vs. Juan Soto. At this point, I think Shed Long Sr. has as many homers as Juan Soto.
Luis Torrens – 1-for-2, 3 RBIs and his 9th homer, and his 2nd homer in his 2nd straight game. He was in Friday’s Buy column; he was in the Buy column the previous week, and he’s here now, so there ya go.
Chris Flexen – 6 IP, 1 ER, 4 baserunners, 5 Ks, ERA at 3.80. Streamonator loved this start, and, of course, it did. He was home vs. the Rangers. Dur.
Tarik Skubal – 5 IP, 5 ER, ERA at 4.35. Damn, these Zoomers! *sees Dallas Keuchel went 4 IP, 7 ER, ERA at 4.48* What’s Dallas? A Zoomer, Moomer, Boomer? Hmm…well, damn these non-Zoomers too. Damn them all!
Jose Cisnero – 1/3 IP, and his 4th save, ERA at 2.72, as he relieved Gregory Soto (2/3 IP, 3 ER, ERA at 2.94). Guess Cisnero is the guy for Tigers saves now. I dare you to grab him.
Akil Baddoo – 2-for-4, 1 run, 2 RBIs, hitting .281, and his 13th steal, and five steals in the last six games. Akil does rhyme with steal, so he’s a poet or runs like it.
Lucas Giolito – 5 IP, 6 ER, ERA at 4.20. Good news, Giolito has a 4.20 ERA because he’s for the legalization of marijuana. Bad news is I made up the good news.
German Marquez – 6 IP, 2 ER, 6 baserunners, 11 Ks, ERA at 3.59. I can’t believe A) I streamed Marquez in Coors. B) It worked out. C) There’s no C. D) I’d do it again E) It’s not butter.
Harrison Bader – 2-for-4, 2 RBIs and a slam (6) and legs (4). Don’t usually talk much about Coors homers, because once a hitter leaves there, well, what pops faster? Their value or ears.
Adbert Alzolay – 7 IP, 3 ER, 6 baserunners, 6 Ks, ERA at 4.48. Usually takes a few starts after a guy returns from a blister to look decent again, then a few starts until his blister reemerges. Or maybe Rich Hill has polluted my mind. Any hoo! I still like Alzolay, was just worried there for a few starts.
Heath Hembree – 1 IP, 0 ER and his 3rd save on Saturday, ERA at 5.06. Bullpens, man, can’t live with them, can’t pretend they don’t exist because you have a league with a saves category. About that Brad Brach closer flyer, David Bell, in all his infinite wisdom, went with the reliever who has a 5+ ERA. Wait, it gets better! David Ding Dong went with Amir Garrett on Sunday for the save, Amir Garrett with a 7+ ERA. Mean’s while, Brad Brach worked a clean inning and a third with his 2.25 ERA. Don’t use your best reliever to close. USE YOUR WORST!
Zac Gallen – Hit the IL with a strained hamstring. I saw somewhere it said the Dbacks wouldn’t rush their best starter back in a lost season. Then, I laughed for 45 minutes, fell out my window — luckily, first floor — and I laughed on the grass — not the Mary Jane, IOC — for another hour. They’re not going to rush their best starter back from a hamstring injury? They just rushed him back from an elbow injury.
Jake Odorizzi – 6 IP, 1 ER, 6 baserunners, 2 Ks, ERA at 3.70. Currently, cracking through the top 100 for the 2nd half, which will be out next week here (in a day or two on the Patreon), and I nearly pushed Odorizzi into it. I didn’t, at least not yet, but he could easily have a top 100 2nd half.
Chas McCormick – 2-for-5, 3 RBIs and his 1oth homer, hitting .239. In 2017, Chas was drafted in the 21st round of the MLB draft. He has more homers than Juan Soto. *lights fireworks, eats lit fireworks*
Cesar Hernandez – 1-for-4 and his 14th homer. You can’t spell Cesar salad without “Cesar Hernandez has six more homers than Juan Soto!” Sorry, I’ll stop now, but holy crap what is going on with Soto? Any hoo! Hernandez has been a mainstay on one of my mixed league teams, and haven’t even considered dropping him.
Eddie Rosario – 1-for-4 and his 7th homer, hitting .255. Rosario’s superhero name is Overdue Man. Rosario is so Overdue Man.
Blake Snell – 4 IP, 0 ER, ERA at 4.99, as he was activated from the IL. You know he’s having a great season when I hear he’s activated so I rush to my team page to make all other moves I need to make so I can leave Snell in my IL slot.
Manny Machado – 2-for-2, 3 runs and his 14th and 15th homer, hitting .264. Machado hit those homers because he heard his brother-in-law Yonder Alonso was in charge of the fireworks. These two!
Ranger Suarez – 1 IP, 0 ER, ERA at 0.85, and his 1st save on Saturday. Could actually become a great closer for the remainder of the season. Dot dot dot. Or fall horribly into the Phillies’ pit of despair with all the other relievers in their pen. Jose Alvarado had his face mushed by the Phanatic as he stepped backwards into the pit of despair. No one is safe in Philly.
J.T. Realmuto – 2-for-4 and his 8th homer. People drafted Realmuto in the top 25 overall. *putting self on ground, having my very large valet rolling me back and forth while I laugh*
Ronald Acuña Jr. – 1-for-4, 2 RBIs and his 23rd homer. Tildaddy says you can blow off your index finger with a bottle rocket!
Zach Thompson – 6 IP, 3 ER, 6 baserunners, 6 Ks, ERA at 2.25. Man, did I screw a giant French Poodle by dropping Thompson and holding the now-on-the-IL Cody Poteet.
Jesus Aguilar – 3-for-5, 2 runs, 2 RBIs and his 13th homer, hitting .266. He was replaced in the lineup by Yimi Garcia (1 IP, 4 ER, ERA at 3.66), and the Marlins would’ve been better off letting Aguilar pitch.
Adam Duvall – 3-for-4, 4 RBIs and his 19th homer. When do the Marlins play again? Today? Where can I bet money that Adam Duvall is going to homer today?
Sandy Alcantara – 6 IP, 0 ER, 1 hit, 4 walks, 4 Ks, ERA at 2.96. Hey, will you look at what a starter can do when he’s not ejected after one pitch. By the way, not sure if you heard, but on Friday night Pablo Lopez was thrown out of the game without a warning, just because he hit Acuña after one pitch. I have some thoughts. There should be repercussions for the UMP SHOW that tossed Pablo Lopez. It cost the Marlins a game, depleted their pen, so it could hurt them in future games, put the league office in a position where they have suspend Lopez for no reason, and zero consequences for the umps. Oh, and Lopez’s entire schedule gets messed, so he could overthrow in his next start. Absolute and utter BS. The ump’s ding-donginess was in FULL DING DONG mode. Bring on robot umps!
Stassi or Torrens or Zunino
thank you!
Red Sox cleared up a roster spot today and the rumor is Duran was spotted chowing down at Raising Cane’s in Boston tonight. The time is near.
10 team h2h points league
Which OF?
Gurriel or Franmil Reyes
Franmil
I avoid streaming pitchers on bad teams ( Allred) today’s example. But Merrill at home vs Rox and Gray seems good. What say you?
Works for me
10 team H2H. Limited moves so I hate to waste one. Would you drop Blackmon or O’Neill for Franmil Reyes?
yes, 2 months ago…Blackmon for Franmil
Grandal apparently hurt badly tonite (hardly able to limp off the field). So in preparation (for his likely DL replacement), please rank Navaez; Murphy; and Haase.
MLB announced “Strained left calf — DL likely.”
I’d go Omar
dansby is doing somthing weird with his swing. the old saying like a rusty gate, thats what he looks like, hes not making a full swing. hes absolutely killing the braves chances to be good. i dont see him turning it around with whatever weird shit hes doing at the plate. his swing is flat out horrible i feel like the hitting coach has some blame but either way yuck
Gotcha
14 team OBP
Which bat do you like best for a pick up: McNeil, Bader, Flores, Sheets, Cooper, P Smith
Thanks!
Bader
5×5 10 team h2h playoff league. In second currently hitting is stronger than pitching
Would you deal Baez and Ryu for Alex Reyes and Meadows?
My team
Offense: Ikf, Olson, Cron, Jram, Tim Anderson, Story, Walsh, Mookie Reynolds Gallo Yaz Rendon Baez
SP Freddy, Ryu, Hendricks, paddack, fried, Gonsolin Mcclanahan Erod
RP Hader Romano Robles Alvarado
IL Flaherty Plesac Carrasco Eloy
NA Brujan
Thanks!
What about Harper and Reyes for Timmy ryu and plesac ?
Why would you trade for a bat if your hitting is stronger than pitching
Hitting is stronger than pitching and you want to trade for Austin Meadows?
Really trying to get Reyes and solidify bullpen. Other manager wants Anderson but I’d still like a bat back to offset that loss. I prefer to deal Baez to Anderson
Baez and Gonsolin for Bassit and Reyes better you think
Meh, it’s fair, I guess
You’re giving too much for Reyes
Grey,
Sam Long was put on the IL, so I need a replacement. THese are my choices:
Chris Flexen
Tylor Megill
Colin McHugh
Flexen
Larnach or Jesus Sanchez ros?
Larnach
10 team h2h points league
Pick a 2b moving forward:
Wendle or India
Also need to pick an OF moving forward:
Gurriel or E. Rosario
Thanks!
India
Lourdes
12 Team H2H 6×6 OPS Redraft
Someone dropped Renfroe. Would love to add another bat from the high scoring Boston offense to go along with my Devers. Whose the drop or hold?
Mancini, Mountcastle, Conforto
Thanks in advance for your feedback
Meh, can lose Conforto for him
Can you also rank ROS and DYN C Torrins and Haase.
Thank you again for everything!
Torrens
thank you sir!
No problem
Burger, Jung, and Bohm
Please rank for ROS and dynasty. Thanks and happy belated 4th!
Jung…Bohm…you too!
Hi Grey,
Hope you had a good 4th!
Couple last minute lineup decisions in my weekly 10
team H2H:
1) Bellinger 6 games @ MIA, ARI or Grisham 7 games WAS, COL
2) Jazz 7 games LAD, ATL or Semien 6 games @BAL @ TB
3) Sit 1
Nola @ CHC, @ BOS
Peralta CIN
Framber OAK, NYY
Max @ SD
Thanks!
LG
You too! 1. Trent
2. Semien
3. Ugh, tough call, I guess Nola
Thanks!
No problem
Wisdom or Villar?
Wisdom
Thanks Grey!
Happy 4th!
No problem — you too!
In keeper league, I’ve been offered Castellanos + W. Smith for C. Vazquez + 6th round pick next year. While my hitting has been pretty strong I assume it’s a no brainer to accept (I’m currently in first place). Thanks
Cast side
Trying to find a solution at 2B. Who do you think of these will have the best ROS: Berti, Rodgers, Urias? My only other alternative would be to try and entice the LeMahieu owner with some overpay, such as a Fried, Musgrove, or even a Gausman. Should I take one of the FA/wire options, or push for a trade?
Hope you had a great weekend!
Hey Grey!
Hope you enjoyed the 4th! I was working and lived vicariously through texts from friends and random, drunk Razzball tweets. Much obliged. The Juan Soto saga continues and we openly weep together. Took your advice and picked up L. Gurriell Jr off of waivers. Had to drop DTDonaldson (feel free to use that) to do it. I have a pending trade – my India and Elias Diaz (picked up the schmotatoe and was able to flip at the peak) for his Buster Posey. Not sure who to grab for my last spot… a few options in my 10 team 5×5 cat league. I need a 3B and could pick DTDonaldson back up in a few days… or not. A few other options:
– Nico
– J Berti
– L Urias (cooling off?)
– Ty France
– Wisdom
– Starlin Castro (heating up?)
– Asdrubal (fun to say asdrubal)
– Candelario
– Arreaz
– Jon Villar
Also scoping out some pitchers who look v v nice. Would you drop Skubal or Manoah for:
– Kaprielian
– Ross
– McClanahan
– Pivetta
– Z Thompson
Ok that’s all I got. Sorry for the length and thanks for all the help!
You too!
I like Donaldson…For now, I’d go Berti for SBs, or Nico
Shane and Kaprielian over those two, but kinda depends on matchups
Thanks man! Always appreciate the advice.
No problem
Grey – would you deal Wander and Teoscar for Devers? Would probably slide Adames in at MI and have to figure something out at OF. Value seems good though (I think)
Thanks…hope you had a great weekend (from Canada)!
Yup
Thanks you too!
@Grey: weekly roto. Need to start two of the following. Who do you like this week?
Jazz – 4 vs lad, 3 vs atl
Nico – 4 vs phi, 3 vs stl
Moncada – 3 @ min, 3 @ bal
Blackmon – 3 @ ari, 3 @ sd
Thanks!
This might be a dumb question and feel free to discard it if you deem it one but, why do you like hoerner so much? His stats arent stellar and he was just hurt pretty bad for a while and returned 0/4, could you give me a bit more info on why he’s a fairly commonly recommended pickup from you? Trust me I believe you that he’s probably a good player I’m just curious why specifically
If this is a reply instead of a comment my mistake, I meant this as a question for grey not a reply to you
https://razzball.com/nico-hoerner-2021-fantasy/
Jazz, Nico
Hey Grey,
Looking to get Starling Marte on a trade.
it’s a keeper league so I will pair one of the below with a pick.
Which of the 3 players below do you like more ROS and who should I trade?
Pham, Austin Riley or Yoan Moncada.
thanks!
Pham or Moncada
Your Big Willy story reminds me of Larry the Cable Guy’s show “Only in America “
I don’t know it
Grey, 10 team keeper OBP.
Should I bench Bellinger and arozarena?
Really none of my outfielders done anything as of late. My team below even Arenado been pretty boring.
Made a BIG trade earlier this week and ended with big loss that sent me back a few games with 5 weeks left in our league. All division remaining games.
My pitching was horrendous as well just an awful couple weeks. Not much on waivers. Erod, pivetta, hill r, there are others but these guys are pretty much streamable.
Perez (got via trade)
Freeman
Schoop
Arenado
Story
Bellinger
Arozarena
Garcia A
Correa (via trade)
Nola
Urias
Manea
Ray
Berrios
Hand
Romano
Bench
Odorizzi (picked up this morning)
Peterson J (picked up this morning)
Mountcastle
Chapman M
Cronenworth
Renfroe (picked him up today)
Stanton
Haniger
Hernandez Teoscar
I think my offense is solid and pitching but just hitting a big bump idk..
Thoughts ?
Bench them for guys with best matchups…Maybe Teoscar, Giancarlo, I don’t know
Hi Grey,
Thanks to you and Blair! I got 92 points yesterday in a Yahoo league due to 61 points coming from pitchers that you guys recommended to take off waivers (Ray, Hendricks, Sandoval, Flexan and Bosberger). Wow!!
I am thinking of taking Patrick Corbin off waivers and keep Vince Valesquez (who I recently picked up) and hope to strike light in the bottle again. I would therefore have to cut one player from one to get Corbin (if you agree) and then will have to waive another when Buxton is available. Thoughts?
Below is my team:
c. JT Realmuto
1. Jose Abreau
2. Wilmer Flores
3. J Turner
ss. Trevor Story
LF Andrew McCutchen
CF. Dylan Carson
RF. Manuel Margot
Ut. Kris Bryant
Bench: Brenden Rodgers
Raimel Tapia
Yoan Moncada
Gio Urshela
Justin Upton (IL)
Byron Buxton (IL)
Available Pitchers:
Brad Boxberger
Jack Flaherty (IL)
Adbert Alzolay
Adrian Houser
Vince Velazques
Other pitchers: Darvish, Woodruff, Hendricks, Sandoval, Flexan, and Ray
I really appreciate all your help and insight!
Martin
Ah, nice! Corbin’s been painful, I don’t agree with picking him up
Thanks Grey,
I was leaning in that direction.
Who would you drop once Buxton is off Il.
Have a great day!!
Martin
Gio
Bader or T. Estrada?
Think Badder can still do 15-15
THario is such an unknown. I cannot figure out his power speed in the minors.
Is he finally healthy?
iS it a fluke?
I cannot find anything about his abilities. I just love in minor stats this year.
Bader
Hey Grey,
Hope you had a great 4th! One question…
12 Team H2H, 6×6, OBP
1) Could you please rank…Joc Pederson, Trevor Larnach, Jesus Sanchez, Nico Hoerner?
Thanks so much!
1. Hoerner, Larnach
Need to pick 5 SP’s this week in a H2H. Comes down to the last spot. I have Gonsolin 2 times, we get 10 points for a win, no idea how they plan to use him. Pablo Lopez vs Gonsolin and I don’t see him listed for a 2nd start, Maeda vs Detroit, or Stroman vs Pirates I’d normally say Stroman, but he looks like he’s fading the last couple starts. Thank you in advance. Oh and have to cut one. Straw or Villar. Only reason I’m considering keeping Villar is I have a bunch of outfielders and Villar/Gio only at 3rd.
You need to pick 5 SPs and you listed four Gonsolin, Pablo, Maeda, Stroman
Villar
Sorry I meant which one was the 5th. Have 4 already.
Oh, Stroman
Y! 12 team H2H 6×6 OPS
Pick 1:
Kiriloff/Santander/Vaughn/J. Sanchez
Pick 2 including above remaining players:
Hiura/Bradley/Hoerner/Adames/France
Thank you
Santander
Hiura, Hoerner
Thank you. Can you do one more?
Y! 12 team H2H 6×6 OPS
Pick 1:
Gurriel/France
Pick 2 (including remaining above):
Kiriloff/Vaughn/J.Sanchez/Bradley/Adames/Fraley
Thanks again
Whichever Gurriel
Fraley, Vaughn
Grey, 10T 5×5 Category Keeper League
Was just offered my Lindor for his Snell and Kelenic? Thoughts?
What season are you playing for? If this year, then Lindor
12 team 5×5 roto:
Start 2 of:
Rich Hill vs CLE & vs TOR
Snell vs COL.
Ryu @ BAL.
Thanks!
Snell, Hill
There are some people on the waivers who are borderline worth picking up and I dont know who I should pick up (if anyone) so here’s my current lineup and then I’ll list the available players:
C: Omar narvaez (was planning on dropping but he went 5/6 with 3 runs and is now batting I think just over .300 so he’s hardly droppable although I’d be willing to if someone is clearly better)
1b: Freddie Freeman
2b: Jonathan schoop (originally intended to drop him, not anymore this guy does. Not. Stop.)
3b: justin Turner
Ss: trevor story
2b/ss: didi gregorius (back finally)
1b/3b: kebryan hayes
Of: Mike yastrzemski,
adolis Garcia,
max Kepler (been underperforming all year)
Amed Rosario (yet another intended drop who turned out solid) Jace Peterson (picked up today for Dylan Moore, Peterson has scored like crazy lately and moore is batting .180 he needs to get it together or he should be sent down kelenic style)
Utility: Josh bell (underperformed but maybe is getting it together?)
Bench: Biggio (isn’t playing today,)
IL: mark canha
Now I’ll list the people on the waivers who might be worth picking up:
Wil Myers, Josh Rojas, Enrique Hernandez, robbie Grossman, Myles straw, nico hoerner, Wilmer florez, Bobby Bradley, Jake Fraley, Eric haase, elias diaz, torrens.
12 team h2h categories, non keeper league
Fraley, Hoerner over Amed and Jace
1. I have amed and Jace both playing outfield, it might be tough rearranging my lineup to add hoerner, fraley for jace should be relatively easy though, also 2. do you think any of the catchers available are better? Haase, diaz, and torrens all have more power from what I can tell
Also Harrison Bader is also on the waivers if that changes anything, I’ve seen people talking about him here
Bader does little for me
Ah, then forget Hoerner 2. Meh, Torrens has been a bit hotter, but kinda tomato/tomahto
Franmil or Pete Alonso ROS?
Pete
What about Pete Alsonso or Harper?
Pete
Hey Grey…glad to see you managed to duck all the ordinance flying around everybody’s neighborhoods this weekend and come out in one piece.
Anyway, in my last-place travesty impersonating a team (12/5×5/H2H), here’s where the hitting stands after this week’s parade of injuries and knee-jerk replacements:
C: none…the only honorable thing to do at this point is cheat.
INF: Bell, Semien, Devers, Hoerner
OF: Duval, E Rosario, Renfroe, Fraley
INF/OF: Bellinger, A Rosario, J Peterson
IL/Inj-on-bench: Trout, E Jimenez, Canha, Schwarber, Donaldson
I think Amed’s run of goodness has completely run out, so here’s the guys on the waiver wire who appear most likely to hit the ball frequently and get some counting stats in the process:
B Rodgers, L Urias, A Hayes, K Hernandez, E White, M A Taylor
I think I’m liking Rodgers…any favorites? Maybe rank a couple?
Thanks!
Sure, try Rodgers…Hays, Urias
Grey,
Thoughts on Jose Suarez? Got a good feeling about him after replacing the choke job known as Dylan Bundy(my biggest draft pick bust)
Went over him when it was announced…I don’t have great feeling for him
This was the first start after I dropped Maeda in all leagues. You’re welcome, buddies.
Let me know if I should drop Lourdes, too, to kickstart the hot streak.
Haha, thanks! Yes, please!
Grey, 10T 5×5 Category Keeper League
Was just offered my Lindor for his Snell and Kelenic? Thoughts?
sorry wrong spot
Please Rank Skubal Thompson Pivetta
You did
Nico Hoerner or Brendan Rodgers, redraft?
Rodgers at home, Hoerner, Rodgers away
Hey Grey,
12-tm H2H cat keeper (keep 10) CATS – (9) R,H,HR,RBI,SB,BB,AVG,OPS,XBH – (8) W,CG,SV,K,GIDP,ERA,WHIP,QS. LIMIT of 40 moves (used 3) – no streaming
Not having a great year so far, currently in 8th and at an awkward time where I either start winning and move up or start packing it in (trading/acquiring picks for next year). Take a look at my team below, any wire guys you’d grab and who would you drop ?
WIRE
HIT – J. Jung N/A, A. Duvall, J. Votto, K. Hernanadez, Jace Peterson, A. Baddoo, C. Hernandez, N. Lowe, J. Aguilar, J. Bell, S. Castro, J. Lowire, L. Arraez,
SP – M. Kelly, K. Freeland, T. Anderson, M. Foltynewicz, Z. Davies,
RP – R. Rodriguez, K. Graveman, A. Garrett
My team:
C – M. Stassi
1B – E. Hosmer
2B – J. Chisholm Jr.
3B – Eugenio Suarez
SS – T. Turner
CI – P. Goldschmidt
MI – J. India
LF – C. Yelich
CF – M. Conforto
RF – A. Kirilloff
Util – T. Mancini
BN – L. Voit
BN– R. Laureano
BN – K. Marte (IL)
SP – W. Buehler
SP – S. Gray
SP – T. Mahle
RP – J. Hader (RP)
RP – E. Diaz (RP)
P – M. Barnes (RP)
P – T. Gonsolin
BN – J. Odorizzi
BN – L. Gilbert
BN – J. Montgomery
IL – A. Civale (IL)
IL – C. Carrasco (IL)
M. Pineda (IL)
IL – J. Means (IL)
Thanks, Marv
Prolly go Baddoo over JoMo and play him over Kirilloff — not a ton of moves to make here…Can’t believe Hosmer’s been better than Voit to play him over Luke
what about stashing Jung ? (and who would you drop?). Even I guess if I only monocle him until he gets the call
I’d lose Civale, IL Ketel and grab him
Ranger Suarez, Amir Garrett or Chad Green?
Ranger
Luis Urias or Moncado?
Moncada
Would you drop Yimi Garcia for Suarez
Nah
10 team H2H and I have Lourdes and Hoerner at 2B. Keep them both or is one droppable for bullpen help?
I also have Ramon Laureano backing up a loaded OF for me. Is he droppable? He started the season on fire but hasn’t done a thing in weeks.
Dropping for what?
The bullpen help could be Loaisiga, Hembree, Barlow, Cisnero, Garrett, Soria, Ranger Suarez.
The SP help could be Alex Wood, Ryu (just dropped while reading your article), Alzolay, Maeda.
I currently only have Romano as a closer so could pick up two closer options.
Loaisiga over Hoerner
Ok thanks. What should I do with Laureano?
How good to you feel about Ryu? Im surprised he was dropped, but Im not sure its worth dropping Laureano for him.
Not great about Ryu
He’s a top 70 overall guy
Laureano is?
Laureano is a top 75ish guy if he’s healthy
Ok thanks a lot Grey!
No problem
Is Flexen actually decent or was that just a good matchup? He’s at home vs LAA this weekend.
Also France, Hiura, or Jace Peterson? (Points league)
I’d start Flexen at home
Hiura
Any info on availability of Kyle Tucker and Michael Brantley this week? Showing “DTD”
Thanks
Haven’t heard anything
ESPN points, this week (not sure of lineup in the next shortened week July 16-18) only
Please rank top 3….is McGil too risky (good matchups though)
1-Luis Garcia vs Oak, @ CWS Jul 16-18??
2-McClanahan vs Tor, @ Atl Jul 16-18?
3-Stripling @TB, probably no start July 16-18
4-Tylor McGil v Mil, vs Pitt
Thanks
Shane, Luis, Ross
Rendon at 3B has been killing me all season. The best options to replace him on the WW are India, Segura, IKF, Wene, Seager, Wisdom, Urias, Villar, or grabbing an IL stash like JD Davis or Longoria. Looking forward to seeing where these guys rank in the top 100 for the second half. If I’m grabbing any of these guys now, who are the top 2? Thanks!
IKF, India…what’s a Wene
Dang, you’re cutting Rendon already? I have him too. He was my highest bid in the draft. It’s been brutal!
Meh, actually IKF, Rendon, India if ranking the three…still no idea who Wene is tho
I’m going to guess Wendle. Only name I could figure anywhere close.
Ah, well not him
Wene = autocorrect Wendle. My bad. Not dropping Rendon, just benching until he hopefully gets it going.
Grey, i know i’ve asked this kinda before, but now its crunch time, i would love to hear what the community thinks in a 5×5 obp keeper league (every keeper raises $5 in value)
Bellinger (would be $21 next year) and Manoah ($5 next year)
for
Aaron Nola (35, too expensive to keep) Darvish (35 would keep for another year) RP Hendricks (also too expensive) and JD mart (also too expensive)
i have the top offence and thats with bellinger doing practically nothing, but i could use the pitching….but moving an MVP type player when hes keepable for at least a few more years is my biggest stoppage
i could move wando instead of bellinger, but then hesistant to give up on a player thats $1 next year for me with that type of potential
shold i do it? im in 2nd right now in 12 teamer…
Cody side
whats even crazier is i have top off team with bellinger, soto mondesi doing NOTHING!!! urg
Haha, ugh
do you think its close Grey? Big reason why you want cody’s side?
Cody is a possible top 10 overall guy and keepable
Thanks for working on the holiday!
1) Julio R or J. Durran for stash for next year?
2) Urias (Mil) was 7/18, 2HR, 5 RBI, zero K in four games prior to last Thursday. Let’s give him a day off! 0/15, 8K over the weekend.
No problem
1. Durran
2. Teams are so stupid
How do you feel about CJ Cron. I’ve been holding him hopeful that he would produce some big HR totals but so far has not showed up and looks like he could move into a platoon.
It’s not like the wire is very great-I currently have Mancini in CI-I could move him to first and add Arraez, LaMonte, Villar, Slater, Didi(would go into Mi and move McNeil(having faith he turns it around- to CI), or even Iglesias with the same move.
Also who do you prefer at catcher, Zunino(Currently have in spot-hate the AVG) or Stassi or Gomes.
Thanks
Worth starting at home and that’s it
That wire does nothing for me
Zunino
B Lowe
Suarez
Hiura
Santana
Biggio
Drop which of these to activate Franimal?
Biggio
1. Please pick Top two streamers :
Allard v Tigers (Peralta )
Miley at Brewers (Lauer)
L Garcia v A’s (Manaea)
ERod at Angels (Heaney)
McClanhan v Jays (Stripling)
2. Need holds. Please pick one
Stammen (Nats)
Petit (Astros)
Barlow (Reds)
Kopech (Twins)
1. Home or away matters…I’m gonna guess Shane, Luis
2. Stammen
I put “at” for visitors and “v” for home. Coaches use that lingo. I will be more specific in the future. Thanks.
Ah, okay, I didn’t catch that…1. Luis, Shane still
no love for flexen? last 30 days 2 Ws – 0 Ls, 31 IP, 2.27 era, 2.90 fip, .98 whip, 24:6 k:bb.
I looked at his numbers yesterday…He has such sad Ks and is getting by by not having any walks…It’s fine…Reminds me of his teammate last year, Marco Gonzales, and we see how precarious that is
Great stuff. Need to drop one unless worth having two bench spots on a hitter. Options are Benny, Tapia, Mountcastle or Adames. Extra bench spot would be used on a streaming SP. Thanks!
Thanks! Benny
Two related questions:
1) In a SV+H/QS league, which one of below do you want for SV+H?
—Robles, Brach, Whitlock, Cisnero, Soto, Hill
2) My other RP are Barnes, Castillo, Green, and Kopech. Do I hold onto Kopech for the ratios and occasional SV+H or drop for an RP above or a streamer slot? For reference, my SP are Gausman, Berrios, Lynn, Eovaldi, Peralta, and Lopez so im top 3 for ratios, W, and K; for SV+H I’m 4th and QS am tied 8th. Feels like a spot better used by someone else, but I always like shiny ratios…
Thanks as always
1. Brach
2. Can go for a streamer to work on the QS
Altuve or Gallo?
Altuve
[email protected]
2 start Jameson Taillon (@SEA, @HOU) or 1 start Tarik Skubal?
Neither? I guess Skubal
That awkward moment when you’re counting on Yabba Dabba Badoo and Skubal Dooby Doo to save your fantasy team.
Haha, yeah, not great
Replace Bohm or Cron with Andrew Vaughn, Kiriloff, or Wilmer? 12 tm 6×6 H2H w/ OBP and Total Bases
Also do i ditch Hansel (19 sv/h) in a SV+H league for either Ranger or Amir? He’s got a lot of holds but ERA has been ballooning lately
Yes, Vaughn, Kirilloff
Yes, Ranger
Hey Grey,
Happy Fourth! Is Wil Myers stoppable? Been trying to wait for him to come around and it’s painful. Plan on dropping him for some batty calls and streamers (he’s been riding my bench for over a month now anyway).
Thanks!
Droppable.. not stoppable!
Happy 5th! Yes, droppable
Good morning.
I can’t believe you took the risk of mentioning the goo goo dolls by name. now i’ve done it too. if someone else does it, they’ll manifest, and we’ll have to summon the candyman to get rid of them again. Again!
This week’s pitching question, for h2h with standard cats (no garfields or heathcliffs) and locked lineups:
Replace any of:
Cease @ MIN @ BAL
Bassitt @ HOU @ TEX
PabLo vs LAD (with a might-could second vs ATL)
A Wood vs STL
with either of:
Kikuchi vs NYY
Alzolay vs PHI
This week comes with a bonus trade analysis question.
First place team gets: Darvis + Carlos Santana (OBP league)
Seventh place team gets: Muncy + Jorge Polanco (team already has Baez at SS, polanco will be benched)
Is this trade ugly enough to mention something? The 7th place owner is a 17-year old rookie, so i wouldn’t think collusion, but maybe first place taking advantage of 7th’s inexperience?
Thanks again!
Hahaha, yikes, hopefully no one does it
Those two start starters are so scary, but I think you have to go with what you have
Nah, trade’s whatever…We all want Darvish, but not that outrageous
Much appreciated.
If i may use some more of your time… would you risk locking Old Man Cruz in for the week (with a DTD blurb about a stiff neck), or replace him with T Grisham for the week?
more thanks
Replace with Grisham
thanks
No problem
Better chance for a W this week:
Berrios vs. CHW (Rodon)
Manaea @ Hou (Garcia)
SON slightly prefers Berrios, but the White Sox hit him pretty well his last time out. Thank you!
Berrios
Rodon for Jesus Aguular in a keeper league?
Rodon
Better add – Suarez or Hembree? And would you drop Neris for either?
Suarez — get Neris off your team
Bader, Vaughn, Happ, Santander. Solak or J Sanchez to replace Schwarber?
Santander
Grey happy fourth!
Just when i thought i broke up with Maeda….
Three questions for today:
1. Best bat to grab going forward – Brujan, Durran, Votto, Vaughn, Jace Peterson
2. Who wins this trade: Moncada/Edman for Stanton?
3. Better target for trade above – Stanton or Alonso?
4. Better arm going forward: Skubal, Kaprielian or Maeda?
Thanks!!
My math may be off on the number of questions above lol
1. Vaughn
2. Moncada/Edman
3. Alonso
4.I’d prolly sigh and try Maeda
Grey my man! Explain Max Kepler to me. I’m holding this schmohawk in my 14 team OPS league. Has 5 OFs (no DH). I can dump him w Hoerner who just came off the DL. Do I do it?
Thanks!
Kepler might be getting hot, due to his homer yesterday, but I like Hoerner more if Kepler’s going to be as useless as he’s been all year
Holà
Best keeper in a deep league? Willy Adames, Gio Urshela, Tyler O’Neill or Will Smith, the closer?
Gracias
O’Neill
I think we’re seeing a Brendan Rodgers mini breakout…..
Home: .269/.333/.403/.736, 13:5 K:BB, .134 ISO vs Arz, Tex, Oak, SD, Mil, Pit, StL
Away: .264/.361/.491/.851, 12:6 K:BB, .220 ISO @ NYM, Pit, Mia, Cin, Sea, Mil
I’m buying in and will look to acquire him for ROS and in dynasty…..would you deal Gallen for him? Or move a smaller piece? I think buying low is an option here in my league….and other leagues.
Gallen’s broken so I could see it…Think we’re 18 months from Gallen being right again
But I did get that 1 “decent” Gallen start: 5 IP/1 ER/8 Ks.
Better closer target rest of season, Presley or Hendricks?
Liam
Hold onto Skubal or Zach Thompson?
Thanks!
Skubal
Happy National Graham Cracker Day, Grey!
Looks like it’s gonna be S’mores on my lunch and/or dinner menu today!
SON seems to like Megill’s start today and loves his 2nd start this week vs. PIT.
1.) do you trust him vs. a HOT Brewers squad?
2.) If the answer to the above is “yes”, who would you drop for him?**
** I would also need to drop Benintendi since he’s still in my IL spot…
Current Roster:
12-team, 6×6 (OPS & QS), H2H, redraft league
C: Stassi
1B: Freeman
2B: Altuve
3B: Arenado
SS: Story
IF: Chisholm
OF: Laureano, Springer, Adolis
UTL: W. Franco
Bn: B. Rodgers, Franmil
SP: Woodruff, Ryu, Gausman, Framber, Sonny Gray, Heaney, McClanahan, Pivetta
RP: Chapman, DickRod, Kennedy, Graveman
IL (3 total spots): Means, Benintendi, Boyd
NA. Brujan
Thanks in advance!
Has it been a year already?
1. I wouldn’t mess with Megill
Thanks Grey; saves me the headache of watching the possible implosion of Megill.
With my available roster, would you drop Rodgers to activate Benintendi?
Thanks again
I’d drop Benny 1st
Unless you need an OF instead, then sure
Kinda potato/potato
Got ya;
Was more of a “Rodgers isn’t playing today and then is on the road for a bit while Bennie has a game today.