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Last year’s LABR team was:

C: Elias Diaz – $1
C: Tyler Stephenson – $1
1B: Christian Walker – $16
2B: Nico Hoerner – $21
SS: Bo Bichette – $22
3B: Luis Rengifo – $1
MI: Oneil Cruz – $12
CI: Josh Naylor – $14
OF: Julio Rodriguez – $42
OF: Aaron Judge – $39
OF: Jackson Chourio – $10
OF: Christopher Morel – $7
OF: Tyler O’Neill – $4
Util: Marcell Ozuna – $1
Bench: Kris BryantPete Crow-Armstrong

P: Yoshinobu Yamamoto – $25
P: David Bednar – $13
P: Alexis Diaz – $9
P: Sonny Gray – $8
P: Jose Berrios – $4
P: Braxton Garrett – $4
P: Yusei Kikuchi – $3
P: Charlie Morton – $2
P: Kyle Harrison – $1
Bench: Brusdar GraterolHunter HarveyRanger Suarez

I show you that up front to put your expectations in order, and help you compare and contrast last year’s team with this year’s. Why are you turning the contrast up on your computer monitor? That’s not at all what I meant. Is this why your significant other has you wear a helmet when showering? So, on my team last year, I got a pretty miserable year from JRod; Yamamoto was good for roughly three months; Judge was great; Bo Piece-of-chette lived up to his name; David Shit-the-Bednar was almost as good; Gray was spectacular — Sonny, as well; Alexis Diaz was not; Hoerner wasn’t great; Chourio absolutely was and Ozuna might’ve been the steal of the draft. So, good, bad and everything in-between. Let’s now look at my team for this year. But first, he says like an informercial salesman, the league’s rules. Besides being an auction, weekly and two catcher, it’s very similar to our RCL leagues (spots available to take on me and all of your worst frenemies, and win prizes; it’s free — sign up for a Razzball Commenter League under that linkie-ma-whosie.) Anyway, here’s my LABR 12-team, mixed league draft recap:

C: Jonah Heim – $2
C: Hunter Goodman – $1
1B: Vinnie Pasquantino – $11
2B: Luis Rengifo – $5
SS: Gunnar Henderson – $36
3B: Junior Caminero – $16
MI: Ezequiel Tovar – $11
CI: Jazz Chisholm Jr. – $27
OF: Yordan Alvarez – $31
OF: Lawrence Butler – $20
OF: Steven Kwan – $7
OF: TJ Friedl – $1
OF: Parker Meadows – $1
UTIL: Lars Nootbaar – $1
Bench: Ha-Seong Kim

P: Cole Ragans – $25
P: Yoshinobu Yamamoto – $18
P: Josh Hader – $17
P: Sonny Gray – $12
P: Robert Suarez – $9
P: Nathan Eovaldi – $5
P: Bowden Francis – $1
P: Clarke Schmidt – $1
P: Ronel Blanco – $1
Bench: Aroldis Chapman, Kyle Harrison, David Peterson, Brandon Sproat

OKAY, I FEEL LIKE YOU WANT TO GIVE ME YOUR WAR ROOM VALUES, SO LET’S GET THAT OUT OF THE WAY.

Appreciate you teeing me up there, Mr. Al Capps.

LOOKS MEH. READS MEH. GOING TO TAKE A NAP.

Before you run off, let me explain my reasoning. There’s a quick LOL here too for you.

OKAY, I ENJOY THE LULZ. LET’S HEAR IT.

My bullpen last year was a true PITA and not the type that Castellanos’s mother serves in her diner, but a Pain In The Ass. You feel me? Okay, can you stop? It’s super weird that you’re still touching me. Bednar and Diaz killed me week in and week out. I worked waivers and did fine in saves. I won the league, so I clearly fixed things through waivers.

WHERE’S THE PROMISED LOL?

Coming, chillax. Bednar and Diaz aged me six months last year, and usually I age one day per month thanks to this revolutionary reverse aging treatment called: Drafting Well. So, I really wanted to avoid that disaster again this year, which had me drafting Josh Hader and Robert Suarez. Two stalwarts in the pen, right? Well, the war room for last year’s team? It liked Bednar and Diaz better last year than it likes Hader and Suarez. LOL.

THAT WAS THE LOL? RAISE YOUR LOL STANDARDS, MAN, YOU’RE WASTING MY TIME. OKAY, SPEAK ON THE REST OF THE TEAM.

Can’t believe how mediocre last year’s team looks in retrospect, considering I won that league. Did I mention I won the league? I did? Hmm, okay, if you say so. This year Steven Kwan was the only “I’m choosing this guy on a needs to know basis and I needs to know him because my team is hurting in” something. In Kwan’s case, it was average, steals and runs. Everyone else I drafted, for better or worse, was because I really liked them, and sorta threw around my fake dolla-dolla bills like I was making it rain in an imaginary strip club. $36 for an imaginary lap dance from Gunnar Henderson seems too good to be true, let’s hope it’s not. To give you some comparable amounts paid: Ohtani $49; Witt $47; Judge $45; Elly $44; Jo-Ram $41; Kyle Tucker $40; Soto $38 then Gunnar at $36. Following him was Betts and Corbin Carroll both at $35. Buying the dip there because of the injury concerns, which seem minor and it’s roughly a month before the season. I have adjusted Gunnar in my top 10 and top 500. Then you have Lawrence Butler, Junior Caminero and Jazz all playing in goofy minor league stadiums this year. SacTown Stadium, Big Stein Stadium and Big Stein Jr. Stadium will all help these guys and I did a little Lars Nootbaar sleeper and Parker Meadows sleeper bargain hunting, and I haven’t even mentioned Captain Woo Cubano, my 2nd biggest buy, and my 1st biggest love. Please, Yordan, get those 50 homers this year.

YOU CAN SAY YORDAN IS YOUR 1ST BIGGEST LOVE, BUT REAL ONES KNOW THE TRUTH.

Okay, fine, it’s true, I can’t quit Luis Rengifo. I like the steals — Wash loves to run, almost as much as he loves to run down lines — I also love his position eligibility. Once Jazz has 2nd base eligibility, him and Rengifo will float to wherever I need them. Also, last note on hitting: It’s unlimited IL so I figure I will IL Kim, Meadows and Rengifo when he’s hurt, then pick up players, of which there’s a ton. It’s a 12 team mixed league!

SPEAK ON YOUR PITCHING, AND KEEP IT SHORT, I HAVE A MASSAGE IN 20.

This is a weekly league, and you have to dominant innings. There’s guys on waivers, the “Well, he’s not great, but he’s getting two starts” starters are abundant. Most weeks I find myself starting only one closer, and going with eight starters. Last year, there was prolly weeks when I went closer-less. To win this league, or any 12 teamer, you want to dominant hitting and hope your pitching is just good enough in ratios and saves while taking down Wins and Ks. It’s really that easy. If you want to put that to the test vs. me and everyone else in the RCL, join a league:

Click the LINK in the ‘League Link’ column (see below) for the time you want and voila, you’re in.  If you’re not signed up at Fantrax, you need to do that too (it’s free).  Damn, that’s too easy.  Oh, I guess I should also mention make sure you’re joining a league for free or for money, depending on your preference.  That’s it!  You can join as many leagues as you like.  If you accidentally join a league, you can quit a league by going to OTHER –> All Options –> Quit League (located at the bottom).  Now go join some leagues!

 

Want to be my internet pal?  That’s kinda creepy, but you can follow me on the bluest of skies: @matttruss.bsky.social

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Paisan
Paisan
1 month ago

in an 12 team OBP league, 3rd pick. If i pick judge who should I target in rds 2/3. PS I dont like to draft starters til the 5th/6th.

SteveNZ
1 month ago

Man, there is going to be a hell of a scrap for pitchers at the pick 35-45 mark – esp in a QS league like mine. Could be a good year to be picking at the end of the first round…

SteveNZ
Reply to  Grey
1 month ago

Whoever’s there at 12 (Cake maybe), Yordan at 13 (we’re OBP too) and then maybe Framber at 36 wouldn’t be too shabby…

ellis
ellis
1 month ago

Hi Grey, top 3 prospects that you think will make an impact this year, thank you

bossmanjunior333
bossmanjunior333
1 month ago

12 team ESPN points h2h keeper

* Keeper

C William Contreras
1B Bellinger
2B Westburg
SS Witt *
3B Chisholm*
INF Lewis
OF Tucker *
OF Harris II *
OF Crews
OF Conforto
UTL Rooker *
UTL Burger
UTL Vientos
BN Buxton
BN Keith
BN Lee

SP: Crochett *, Strider *, DeGrom, Imanaga *, R Lopez, Ray, Pepito, Luzardo, C Holmes

RP: Jax, Megill, Abreu, Romano

bossmanjunior333
bossmanjunior333
Reply to  Grey
1 month ago

Lmao my bad….just drafted this team this afternoon? Other than some risky pitching, how does the team look?

J.R.
J.R.
1 month ago

What do you think of giving up Paredes + Mayo for Luis Robert in 18 team 6×6 dynasty?

Dave D
Dave D
1 month ago

Did you see Jacob Wilson’s dinger yesterday? With his contact skills adding a little power would really be fantastic:

https://www.mlb.com/athletics/video/jacob-wilson-homers-2-on-a-fly-ball-to-left-field?t=spring-training

J.R.
J.R.
1 month ago

Have a curious one I just got offered since the other team lost Alvarez. He wants my Sal Perez + Burnes for his Strider + MShaw or BJoyce or CKeith. Dynasty 6×6 18 teamer. If you would not do it, would you for Strider + a different asset or not at all?

J.R.
J.R.
Reply to  Grey
1 month ago

Burnes/Francis/SalP for Strider/Kirby or JLuzado.

Dude
Dude
1 month ago

10 Team, keep 13 forever, QS, IP, K, ERA, WHIP, K/BB, SVHD. Everyone in the league carries 7-8 RP and you must do so to keep up with IP, SVHD and K. 200 GS limit. What are you thoughts on this staff and any specific areas of concern? I am trying to stop myself from the falling into the doomed hard throwing/rookie pitcher hype trap as I already fell for Bubba. Damnit.

SP:
Cease
Flaherty
Freddy P
Pfaadt
Robbie Ray
Wacha
Tobias Myers
Bubba Chandler
RP:
Jax
Jason Adam
Cade Smith
Strahm
Uceta
Weaver
Chris Martin
IL:
Kirby
Kutter
Bello
Joe Jimenez
Dedniel Nunez
Evan Phillips

Hold or swap anyone out for?:
Will Warren
Sproat
Zebby
Festa
Max Meyer
Soriano
DJ Herz
Misiorowski

Last edited 1 month ago by Dude
Cohen
Cohen
1 month ago

Grey with this roster construction below which player should i take between Doyle as third OF, Westburg 2B or Bellinger CI?

Lindor ss
Yordan of
Riley 3b
Jazz of
Naylor 1b

The dude
The dude
1 month ago

10 team dynasty league. Trade Royce Lewis for jasson dominguez and Jackson Holliday? Would no longer keep cowser.

Rene
Rene
1 month ago

Hey Grey! Im a big fan of Razzball.
Just drafted last night. Took witt #1. Thoughts on my team? Standard H2H 12 team league.

C – J. Heim

1B – M. Olson
2B – J Westburg
3B – A. Riley
SS – B. Witt
OF – L. Butler
OF – D. Crews
OF – P. C. Armstrong
Util- H. Ramos
Util- I. Paredes
B – V. Robles
B – L. Rengifo
B – R. Mountcastle
B – L. Nootbar
B – A. Rosario

SP – G. Crotchet
SP – S. Imanaga
RP- R. Suarez
RP – J. Hoffman
P- J. Steele
P – S. Arrighetti
P – M. Gore
P – N. Lodolo

Rene
Rene
Reply to  Grey
1 month ago

Thanks alot Grey. Always looking forward to your articles. Good luck this year.

J C
J C
1 month ago

First time member of a RCL Roto League. Definitely a more knowledgeable group so I have my work cut out. it looks like the emphasis on claims is huge (500 a year??) – about 20 per week if I am understanding the rules correctly. Anyway, glad to have the opportunity. All suggestions on the squad are appreciated.
C – S Perez
CI – Harper, Caminero, Casas
MI – Altuve, O Cruz, Tovar
OF – Tucker, Suzuki, Cast, Ward, Robles
U – Bleday
Bench- McMahon
Sp – Shota, Yamamoto, Flaherty, Eovaldi, Buehler, Darvish, Luzardo, Woodruff
RP – Munoz, Joyce, Erceg

Duda Want to Build a Snowman?
Duda Want to Build a Snowman?
1 month ago

Hey! Two Qs for you….

1. Keep 8 forever $3 inflation, roto weekly. Do you like the Acuna side in any of these trades?
– $44 Acuna for $4 Westburg
– $44 Acuna for $24 Yordan
– $44 Acuna for $10 Strider
– $44 Acuna for $7 Ragans

2. Any new show recommendations? Been starting to get into Paradise, which has been hitting my LOST void a bit…

Duda Want to Build a Snowman?
Duda Want to Build a Snowman?
Reply to  Grey
1 month ago

1. Thanks. I think the “Acuna plans to take it easy running” is spooking people since he still said he’s going to run at 90/95%

2. Good recommendations! We’re halfway into season 1 severance. Gotta watch the rest. Walton Goggins is the best.

Acuña Machado Means No Worries
Acuña Machado Means No Worries
1 month ago

Back again! and I added a keeper league this year. 5×5 w/ W+QS as a cat (so that pushes starters up in value slightly vs relievers, yes?). Keep as many as you want, $260 budget.
Here are the potential keepers from the team I inherited (with their new salary after inflation). I’ve eliminated the $30 Adolis and $28 Max Fried (which may explain why the team was available to inherit…)

Jarren Duran $15
Teoscar $18
Sonny Gray $11
Imanaga $10
Christopher Sanchez $8
Degrom $6

Any issues keeping any of them?
And the two I’m really undecided about
Steer $16 (even assuming this year is a wash, will i want him at $21 next year?)
Brenton Doyle $15
Gut says only keep one of them (if that).

Thanks as always!

Acuña Machado Means No Worries
Acuña Machado Means No Worries
Reply to  Grey
1 month ago

Awesome, thanks. And am I right that for a W+QS league, starters get a slight bump (+$2?) because of the chance at getting 2 points from a start?

bossmanjunior333
bossmanjunior333
1 month ago

12 team h2h points keep 8 forever

8 keepers: Witt, Tucker, Jazz, Harris II, Rooker, Crochett, Strider, Imanaga

I have the second overall pick in the snake draft. How would you rank your top 3: Sasaki, Contreras (MIL), Rutchman, Crews, Westburg, Lewis, Abrams, Bichette, Dominguez, Butler, Doyle, (Bryce) Miller, Woo

Thanks!

Dave D
Dave D
1 month ago

Dude, did you catch any of the CHW/LAD game? Shane Smith looked mighty impressive striking out Freeman, Smith and Ohtani twice!!! Filthy. That convinced me to make him my 50th and final pick in my slow DC that is just ending. Rule 5 too so he likely will stick if he keeps up this shizz. Not sure how good that is being on Chisox, but its round 50!

Dave D
Dave D
Reply to  Grey
1 month ago

Haha. Nice!

J.R.
J.R.
Reply to  Dave D
1 month ago

How did he look on the radar? I am def adding in my dynasty bc why not. All fantrax has is a writeup from before, but he “only” had 93ish hit per them. Curious if it plays up bc he seems to K everyone. I appreciate you mentioning it!

Screenshot_20250308-170153
Dave D
Dave D
Reply to  Grey
1 month ago

Had a real nice K/BB last year too. If he maintains that control while adding 4mph to fastball then good things ahead. Ohtani seemed impressed. When is the last time someone K’d him in two consecutive AB’s?

Last edited 1 month ago by Dave D
Dave D
Dave D
Reply to  J.R.
1 month ago

Topping at 98. Gas. Good control. Very impressive.

J.R.
J.R.
Reply to  Dave D
1 month ago

Talking dirty so early

Screenshot_20250302-173339
Bas Hoedemakers
Bas Hoedemakers
1 month ago

team Razzball! I’m looking for somebody who can do my draft on Sunday march 9th. The draft is for my keeper league at 5pm ET and you can do whatever you like. It is Yahoo. I have to work so I can’t make my draft.

Thanks,
Bas from Holland

J.R.
J.R.
1 month ago

Have you read this?

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/03/giancarlo-stanton-has-severe-injuries-in-both-elbows.html

“It is hard to know what to think about the fact that Stanton attributed his elbow problems to “bat adjustments” he made in 2024.”

How long until some TMZ vid of him crashing on motorcycle a month ago appears? His timeline makes no sense if things got worse in offseason and then shows up unable to swing and didnt get any treatment.

Dom Cobb
Dom Cobb
Reply to  J.R.
1 month ago

Yeah I’m still trying to figure out how one gets tennis elbow in both elbows unless he was curling too much weight

J.R.
J.R.
Reply to  Dom Cobb
1 month ago

He said it bothered him last year too…..so I would think he told team he was sore at least.. but then he “rested” after playoffs I assume, and it still got worse.

Could be a weight room injury, good call. Just bizarre and if you have a weird injury there is at least a story behind. Not, um, it just got worse. Guy went on a playoff tear to not being able to swing half a year later.

Can you imagine if he has double elbow surgery at same time? The memes lmao

Last edited 1 month ago by J.R.
Dom Cobb
Dom Cobb
Reply to  J.R.
1 month ago

Lmao the memes would be insane!
Ugh the dude is made of glass and he can probanly kiss his HOF chances goodbye

uncle ernie
uncle ernie
1 month ago

Hi Grey. This is a keeper question in a complete vacuum without any knowledge of my other keepers or needs. Auction league. My Skubal at $6 for his Chourio $1 and Valdez $7. I’m all way skeptical about high end pitchers and injuries even though he’s at a good price. Thanks.

J.R.
J.R.
1 month ago

Wasnt it like a week ago someone was giving you crap about not trusting Cole’s elbow? Why is he so low in the rankings?!!?! HUH?! HUH?!? WHY?!? Oh!

“Gerrit Cole is heading for “diagnostic tests” on his throwing elbow, reports Jon Morosi of the MLB Network. It’s not currently clear whether the Yankees fear a significant injury, or if the testing is more precautionary in nature. In either case, it’s certainly not encouraging news after Cole missed the first couple months of 2024 with elbow inflammation.”

So NY will send guys to get checked out but BAL will save the cash on the MRI for Gunnar. Hmmm, lets see how that plays out….

In a dynasty league 18 teamer 6×6 I have an offer. I had a trade offer of Paredes and Bibee for Robert. I countered with Paredes and Francis for Robert. Thoughts?

I have a guy offering Rengifo for Francis which, im not sure if I want to do and am high on both. I also realized I spell Rengifo, Renfigo half the time without realizing it.

tigres
tigres
Reply to  J.R.
1 month ago

from MLBTR this morning: <According to MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch, the results of Cole’s initial diagnostic tests have been distributed, and the right-hander is now in the process of seeking a second opinion.>. Oh and that he’s “concerned” while hoping for the best.

J.R.
J.R.
Reply to  tigres
1 month ago

Wellllll oh boy. I guess he needs to find that Tanaka doc that avoided surgery. I think? Tanaka never did have surgery IIRC.

Wilson
Wilson
1 month ago

Hi Grey , I am in a 10-team league OBP 5×5 Keeper x 6 in 4 years

I am the 5th pick to draft and it’s snake draft.
I may pick either mature OF (eg Judge or Soto) or young SS (eg, E. Cruz or G Handerson). Which way should I draft in my first pick? Thoughts appreciated.

J.R.
J.R.
Reply to  Wilson
1 month ago

Will you be able to keep whoever you take? Is there some kind of limit on keepers because shouldnt they all be keepers right now?

Wilson
Wilson
Reply to  J.R.
1 month ago

Yes, this year is the first year to draft, then I can keep anyone (max 6) in my team for another 3 year.

Wilson
Wilson
Reply to  Grey
1 month ago

Thanks , mature OF first.
Then I’d look at young SS or 2B or 3B in my 2nd pick.

Wilson
Wilson
Reply to  Grey
1 month ago

By the way, I know Soto higher than Betts in your ranking. But with multiple position SS/OF, should I draft Betts over Soto in my first pick (5th overall) ? Thanks

tigres
tigres
1 month ago

Hey Grey! Cole to get MRI on elbow… I’m half crying (cuz Yankees fan) and half relieved (cuz RB reader and avoided in draft) and half still waiting for the coffee to kick in.

VinWins
1 month ago

Still 4 openings in RCL 12, featuring the amazing Dwight Ford who had 6 of the top 25 teams in the RCL last year.

VinWins
Reply to  Grey
1 month ago

Says 5, but someone joined!

VinWins
Reply to  VinWins
1 month ago

I was just advertising, not pointing out a miscue.

Slimcompoop
1 month ago

What’s good Grey? Prepping for another season in my 12-team keeper league (K/9 and SLG%) and could use your help with my final keeper.
I’m currently keeping Vlad Jr., Jackson Chourio, Jazz, Kirby and Helsey.
My options for the last slot: Rutschman, J. Holliday, Bichette (I know, just can’t believe he’d be done at age 25), Riley Greene, Brenton Doyle and Triston Casas.
Your rankings suggest Doyle, but I’m just not sure on banking on year of evidence. I was leaning towards Casas and his power, but I think Greene might be the safer choice. What say you?
Hi to Ted.

Slimcompoop
Reply to  Grey
1 month ago

Thanks!

Schmohawks Bob
Schmohawks Bob
1 month ago

For an NL only, Roster Resource is now projecting Austin Hays as the Reds cleanup hitter. Is that really a thing.

J.R.
J.R.
Reply to  Schmohawks Bob
1 month ago

Well Ty France is getting all the reps at 1B in Min after not being good enough to hang on to a job on Reds, so…I guess this is 2025, where the castoffs get starting jobs.

Duda Want to Build a Snowman?
Duda Want to Build a Snowman?
1 month ago

Hey Grey! Keep forever H2H OBP OPS league, inflation starts to go wild after year 2.

Would you trade your $29 Tucker for a $6 Rooker? The rest of my keepers are all strong in steals (Witt, Jazz, wood, Doyle), so Tucker’s steals probably wouldn’t make or break my matchups.

Tucker is $38 next year then $49 in 2027.
Rooker is $9 next year then $15.

Thanks!

Duda Want to Build a Snowman?
Duda Want to Build a Snowman?
Reply to  Duda Want to Build a Snowman?
1 month ago

Meant to add – this league is 2 UTL slots

Duda Want to Build a Snowman?
Duda Want to Build a Snowman?
Reply to  Grey
1 month ago

Thanks!

bossmanjunior333
bossmanjunior333
1 month ago

12 team ottoneu fangraphs points league keeper $400 budget.

I talked with you about my draft strategy a couple weeks ago and feel like I attacked it pretty well. My MIF and 3B positions needed to be strengthened, add outfield depth, and starter depth with good values on relievers and prospects. I decided to nominate first year college players who could help possibly this year and didn’t have the same name recognition. Got them all pretty cheap. Let me know what you think.

*Keeper

C Rutchman $23 *
C I Hererra $1
1B Bellinger $13 *
2B Albies $31 *
SS Adames $18 *
3B Machado $20
MIF Bogarts $13
OF Chisholm Jr $17 *
OF Merrill $17 *
OF Suzuki $25 *
OF Arozarena $15
OF Butler $16 *
UTL Dominguez $5 *

1B Busch $9 *
1B Encarnacion-Strand $6 *
2B/SS/3B Shaw *
3B Jung $11 *
OF Conforto $5

INF Wetherholt $3
1B Caglianone $2
OF Condon $3

SP Crochett $14 *
SP DeGrom $8 *
SP Ryan $12 *
SP Bibee $7 z
SP Grayson $12 *
SP Eovaldi $10
SP Pivetta $3 *
SP Baz $10 *
SP Luzardo $9
SP Darvish $5

RP Helsley $9 *
RP Yates $7 *
RP Chapman $6
RP Treinen $2
RP Finnegan $5
RP Faucher $2

SP B Miller $2
SP Waldrup $3
SP Hagen $1

Last edited 1 month ago by bossmanjunior333
Los Locos
Los Locos
1 month ago

With the news of Kirby is he still considered a keeper this year?

I own crochett, h brown, sale, Kirby, painter, bubba chandler, e Perez, flaherty and Jobe

Crochet and Kirby were my keepers and I was going to hold Jobe.

toolshed
1 month ago

The news for Grayson Rodgruez just keeps getting worse.

Wed: lower velocity, felt “sluggish”, not going after velocity

Thur: triceps soreness, getting evaluated, may not be ready for Opening Day

Fri: triceps / BACK OF ELBOW, out for some time, will seek a second opinion

Last edited 1 month ago by toolshed
Steveshu
Steveshu
1 month ago

Happily a new member of your service… I won my league the last two years and I know the other owners will be gunning for me. I am in a 12 team Roto Home League, 6×6, OBP and QS with a $25M budget for carryovers and our auction. We have a unique format with an auction first and then a draft. We can carry 4 players and deduct their cost from our $25M budget.  My choices are: Judge at $6.4M, Lindor at $4.2M, Lawrence Butler at $1M, Matt McLain at $1M, Jordan Westburg at $1M, Hunter Greene at $1M, Shane McClanahan at $.4M, and Joe Ryan at $1M. The players I pick to carry over in 2025 cannot be carried over by any team in 2026. What do you suggest?

Charlie
Charlie
1 month ago

Happy Friday!!

Grey, given the Kirby news (shoulder mri, no shoulder damage but starting the year on the IL), in a 6×5 including ops keeper league, where keeper value is tied to the round a player was drafted, who would you rather keep as your final keeper?

Round 2 Pete Alonso
Round 9 Kirby
Round 12 Volpe
Round 15 Pablo Lopez

Thanks!

Charlie
Charlie
Reply to  Grey
1 month ago

I’m currently keeping

Round 1 Austin Riley
Round 3 Corbin Carroll
Round 7 Betts (2nd, ss, of eligible in my league)
Round 14 Ozzie Albies
Round 20 CJ Abrams
Round 24 Rooker

This is a 10 team league btw

Charlie
Charlie
Reply to  Grey
1 month ago

Hitters baby!! lol I hate pitchers. They’re so damn volatile. George Kirby says hi lol.

The only thing that sucks about keeping Alonso is the 2nd round attached to him. Volpe at 12 with his age is intriguing but his low EV kinda sucks. But you’re probably right in that Lopez adds a pitcher to my team and given his keeper round value, he’s likely the best option. Thanks!

toolshed
1 month ago

Kirby now with shoulder soreness. Shut down. I don’t like it. Bad week for guys i like. Make it stop.

AntiScioscia
AntiScioscia
1 month ago

In my main league, there was a trade early this morning. Ohtani for George Kirby (auction keeper league and Ohtani not really worth keeping at his price, Kirby was a good value). Less than an hour after it processed, Kirby got shut down. Yikes.

Gregory Balabushka
Gregory Balabushka
1 month ago

question almighty grey…..i see no jacksons…just wondering – was their pricing high, or wrong timing on the call out of their name

Gregory Balabushka
Gregory Balabushka
Reply to  Grey
1 month ago

jackson merrilll and jackson chourio

OaktownSteve
OaktownSteve
Reply to  Grey
1 month ago

Jack Me? Jack Chou, Jack Ho.

Joed1414
Joed1414
Reply to  Grey
1 month ago

Action Jacksons

Joed1414
Joed1414
Reply to  OaktownSteve
1 month ago

Captain Jackson will get ya high tonight!

Joed1414
Joed1414
1 month ago

Does the clock get sped up in the RazzSlam at any point?

Earl
Earl
Reply to  Grey
1 month ago

Trying to take your projections and turn that into point values and using that as my guide for RazzSlam. First time doing RazzSlam and other than it being incredibly slow, it is interesting

Earl
Earl
Reply to  Joed1414
1 month ago

Mine is awful. Like 50 hours into it and only at pick 48 or end of round 4???

Joed1414
Joed1414
Reply to  Earl
1 month ago

Pick 65 has been up for nearly 4 hours. Seems impossible that any draft could be slower than mine. Apparently it used to be an 8 hour clock and people are ok with this.

Last edited 1 month ago by Joed1414
Earl
Earl
Reply to  Joed1414
1 month ago

Oh it is possible. Mine just turned over to pick 52

Joed1414
Joed1414
Reply to  Earl
1 month ago

I was told 8 hour clocks are old school I said 3 weeks before the season starts? I could see in February but now? I don’t want to still be drafting while regular season games are playing. I want those spring mistakes to affect people they are part of the game. Part of the strategy. Part of the Luck good or bad we all have to deal with.

Fungazi 2.0
Fungazi 2.0
1 month ago

It’s bad luck to go into a draft with no team name but I’m getting team naming writer’s block suddenly. Anything good here or keep trying?

Burger and Frieds
Hairy Busch
Christmas Carrols
Jasson D’s nutz
Woooooooooo
Snow White and the 7 Altuves
Veni Vidi Vientos

OaktownSteve
OaktownSteve
Reply to  Fungazi 2.0
1 month ago

I floated Now Here’s Eguy but i got nothin.

Fungazi 2.0
Fungazi 2.0
Reply to  OaktownSteve
1 month ago

Who’s that? Eguy Rosario? Too obscure of a reference.

OaktownSteve
OaktownSteve
Reply to  Fungazi 2.0
1 month ago

yes and yes

Knobby
Knobby
1 month ago

Thinking about my first round pick in OBP league. In OBP are you still taking Yordan over each of Jose Ramirez, Tucker, Gunnar? According to OBP ranks, Yordan ranked highest but these are guys Im considering taking over him anyway. Ive already decided Im taking Elly over him if hes there even if ranked below Yordan in OBP ranks. Wondering about the other three

SteveNZ
Reply to  Knobby
1 month ago

Knobby – I had almost this exact conversation with Rudy at the bottom of one of the OBP rankings pages if you’re interested:

https://razzball.com/playerrater-preseason-yahoomlb12-6X6obp/

The Judge
The Judge
1 month ago

How would you rank these pitchers as keepers in a 12 team auction?
Justin Steele. $10
Bryan Woo. $9
S. McClanahan. $10
Joe Ryan. $13

Please rank these pitchers top three in order. $300 draft budget. Thanks!

martinrostoker
1 month ago

Hi Grey,

I can not thank you and your staff for your help and most important making fantasy fun.

Last night was our draft in a 10 Yahoo Point League.I would appreciate any ideas where I need to make improvements. I would welcome any thoughts especially on my pitching staff.

C: Cal Raleigh
1B: Josh Naylor
2B: Marcus Seimen
3B: Austin Riley
SS: Francisco Lindor
LF: Marcell Ozuno
CF: Brandon Nimmo
RF: Anthony Santandar
DH: Manny Machado (3B)
BN: Michael Toglia
BN; Christian Yelich
BN: Jeremy Pena
BN;Lane Thomas
BN:Kerry Carpenter
BN;Josh Jung

SP: Framber Valdez
SP: Max Fried
SP: Seth Lugo
SP: Bowden Francis
SP: Shane McClanahan
SP: Carlos Rodon

RP: Peter Fairbanks
RP: Carlos Estevez
RP; Jordan Romano

Your honesty and insight is always welcomed,

Thanks!!!!!

Martin

martinrostoker
Reply to  Grey
1 month ago

Right on point!

1.Too early to try and trade Manny for a better pitcher?

2. Would you try and take any of the following;

Clarke Schmidt
Merrill Kelly
Kumar Rocker
Kutter Crawford
Walker Buehler
Reese Olson
Jeff Springs
Michael Wacha
David Festa
Luis Severino
DJ Hertz

Thanks again!!

martinrostoker
Reply to  Grey
1 month ago

Great having these discussions. Thanks for taking your time!

Would you take a flyer on the the Yanks Will Warren?

Thanks again!!

martinrostoker
Reply to  Grey
1 month ago

As a reminder, here is my OF and DH:

LF: Marcell Ozuno
CF: Brandon Nimmo
RF: Anthony Santandar
DH: Manny Machado (3B)
BN: Michael Toglia
BN; Christian Yelich
BN: Jeremy Pena
BN;Lane Thomas
BN:Kerry Carpenter
BN;Josh Jung

I had a chance to look at waiver list for hitters. Here are a couple of names for your review:

  1. Jorge Soler is available
  2. George Springer is available

Would you pick up Soler or Springer? If yes, who would you drop?

Have a great weekend!

Martin

martinrostoker
Reply to  Grey
1 month ago

Thanks!!

Smitty
1 month ago

Looks like another winner. Balanced roster covers all cats, well done!

MapleCanuck
MapleCanuck
1 month ago

Hey Grey…quick question. What position has the thinnest top end talent? Is it as easy as suggesting 1st base or does 2nd base suck just as much?!?! Thanks!

OaktownSteve
OaktownSteve
1 month ago

obsessively hitting refresh for Grayson updates…

OaktownSteve
OaktownSteve
Reply to  Grey
1 month ago

sounds bad. at least i have brandon young and chaynce mcdermott (the latter possibly made up or a minor Dawson’s Creek character)

OaktownSteve
OaktownSteve
Reply to  Grey
1 month ago

same. pulled the lever when the grayson non-news news hit. i’m done. last pick was doug nikhazy

OaktownSteve
OaktownSteve
Reply to  Grey
1 month ago

Dirty Doug likes to knock a few back

rangerfan
rangerfan
1 month ago

I just got offered in a 12 team 9 keeper league;

Jackson Merril and his 5th round pick

for

Jackson Chourio.

what would you do?

OaktownSteve
OaktownSteve
1 month ago

They sent down The Password, which is a pretty solid nickname. Not great. It’s no Elton P. “Icebox” Chamberlain. No Slothful Bill Lattimore. Death Valley Jim Scott.

Big Christmas is pretty good. Then there’s Jasrado Hermis Arrington “Jazz” Chisholm Jr.

That’s as good as any old timer. Oil Can Boyd pretty damn good.

OaktownSteve
OaktownSteve
Reply to  Grey
1 month ago

Jazzmajass. I am numbered among thoae who will miss Sterling.

Well ya know, Suzyn…

OaktownSteve
OaktownSteve
Reply to  Grey
1 month ago

the universe served that one up!

Cold Soup
Cold Soup
1 month ago

10 team Roto, 8 keepers, keeping 5 bats & 2 arms with one open slot— keep one below:

Vientos (would be UTIL)
J. Jones
Schwelly
Freddy P
McClanahan

Bleacher Bard
Bleacher Bard
Reply to  Grey
1 month ago

Schwing for Schwell for sure

Jon
Jon
1 month ago

Would love some feedback/suggestions on my dynasty team going into keeper lock this weekend. I’m carrying this team:

C Wong $4
1B Olson $37
2B McLain $7
3B Jung $7
SS Abrams $7
MI Arraez $8
CI Casas $5
OF Acuna $30
OF Reynolds $15
OF Cowser $7
OF Meadows $4
DH Steer $7

Bench – India $11, Evan Carter $4, 3B (auction)

SP Strider $12
SP Ober $7
SP Gavin Williams $7
SP Pepiot $26
SP Eovaldi $20
SP Pivetta $7
SP Keller $7
SP Kutter Crawford $7
SP Clay Holmes $8
SP Wacha $4
SP Birdsong $4

RP Erceg $4

SP/RP x 4 (auction)

That groups leaves $42 left over for the auction. I’m targeting a 3B (hopefully good enough to bump Jung to the bench) and four pitchers. If I can afford a high-end SP like Sasaki, I’ll do that, but otherwise I’ll focus on filling out my relief squad since it’s pretty weak, at the moment.

I also have seven minor leaguers that don’t count toward my budger: C Ford, 3B Mayo, 3B House, OF Chourio, SP Chandler, SP Zebby Matthews, SP Misiorowski

Here are the players I’m NOT keeping:
2B Gorman $4
SS Swanson $20
OF McCarthy $4
OF Frelick $4
SP Civale $7
SP Hicks $4
SP Christian Scott $4
RP Sewald $12

Any thoughts, changes, suggestions? India feels expensive for a bench bat but I’m curious what he does in KC. Not in love with all of my SPs but pitching is typically expensive in the auction (I added Pepiot and Eovaldi last year at those prices).

Jon
Jon
Reply to  Grey
1 month ago

12 teams. No change to standard batting stats. We use W+QS and S+H on the pitching side.

galica1234
galica1234
Reply to  Grey
1 month ago

Grey!!!

Soon you’ll be screaming “Matchups, matchups, I don’t know the matchups!!”

Love you, man.

Cheers,
Ante

Jon
Jon
Reply to  Grey
1 month ago

I don’t have to keep this many. India can go. Any SP I should let go, too?

Z-Man
Z-Man
Reply to  Jon
1 month ago

Bowden Francis for $1

That’s a highway Robbery

JACK YES
JACK YES
1 month ago

How do you feel about about rays and As playing in minor league stadiums. Do we like their bats more and arms less? Do we like AL East bats extra because of this and BAL bringing in the walls and Yankee stadium

ndgwynn
ndgwynn
1 month ago

What hitting prospect would you want the most for this season and for a potential long term keeper?

RaynorShine
RaynorShine
1 month ago

Help me choose my final two keepers. I tend to go with the guys I most likely have a chance to flip (as keepers) in July (we do a discount window where depending on when you trade someone their value gets ‘readjusted’ and july is only a 20% discount off their round value so most trading happens then) so I am tempted to say McLain and Dominguez but keeping all hitters has never worked out for a team. My lean right now is Gallen and McClanahan and just flip McClanahan when his innings start getting messed with (hopefully someone wants him as a keeper.) Gallen probably doesn’t have much keeper value after this year but is an ace and if I take a SP in first round or 2nd my staff is looking great. 

I feel like the Martian might suck and has the lowest floor but boy if he is even decent thats a huge keeper piece in July. McLain is looking awesome this spring. 

Definitely keeping (and the round value I am giving up): Corbin Caroll (8) Witt (9) James Wood (16)

Choose 2 of these 4: Gallen (7) McLain (13) Jasson Dominguez (14) McClanahan (14)

Old School Brother
Old School Brother
1 month ago

Hey how did you know I like to run down lines?!

Drew
Drew
1 month ago

Good stuff, as always. Keepers are coming due in my 16 team OPS league, and I’ve got one UTL spot to fill. You like Manzardo, C. Keith, India, or C. Moore, as UTL in OPS? I should add that Moore can be kept as MiLB but it would mean throwing Keaschall back.

Ante
Ante
1 month ago

Grey!!!

Awesome.

Rodney Dangerfield quote of the day for March 7, 2025

No respect, I told my dentist to put in a new tooth for me to match my other teeth. He put in a new tooth with four cavities.

Cheers,
Ante

VinWins
1 month ago

Trust Rudy to come up with the perfect title!