Yesterday, Lucas Duda went 3-for-5, 3 RBIs with two homers (26, 27). He now has five homers in the last three days. Duda goes from doodie to Duda in the blink of an eye. He’s like a sports car that goes 0 to 60 in five seconds flat that you only drive three times a year, because, while your penis may be small, you’re also reasonable enough to realize if someone crashes into you, you’re going to cry and that’s embarrassing in front of your future trophy wife. It seems like no matter how many games Duda misses and no matter how deep his slumps get, he gets scorching hot at some point and will get to thirty homers. His hot streaks are shorter, but he reminds me of a poor man’s Chris Davis. I will call him Piss Davis. Maybe I won’t call him that to his face. Somehow, Duda is available in over 40% of ESPN leagues. (Though 85% of leagues are abandoned already so he’s owned in 125% of leagues. Hmm…) So, if he’s out there, grab him before he takes the car back into the shop and pays $54,000 for a new taillight. Anyway, here’s what else I saw yesterday in fantasy baseball:
Matt Harvey – Will only make one start in the NLDS, which is the National League Division Series, if there were any Mormons reading this, thinking I was now covering the National Latter Day Saints ping-pong tournament. Though, that one Mormon who only speaks Chinese is suspicious to me.
Steven Matz – Stiffness in his right side, but it’s not considered serious and should start on Thursday. The Mets won the division already. Just throw Bobby Bonilla, who they’re paying a million dollars this year, to start the remaining games. *wipes hands on apron* Done, that’s it, problem fixed.
Darin Ruf – 1-for-4, 3 RBIs and his 11th homer. I hear the name Darin and I immediately think of Bewitched because I’m old! As for Ruf, he has three homers in the past week, so could be a hot schmotato.
Maikel Franco – Will rejoin the Phils on Thursday. Yes, just in time to re-injure himself and hurt his chances of becoming a superstar next year. Apparently, they’re letting Ruin Tomorrow Jr. finish out the season over Skype.
Giancarlo Stanton – The Marlins announced Stanton is done for the season. This takes a load off of my mind, which is somewhere a load doesn’t usually come from when I think of Giancarlo.
Logan Forsythe – Left yesterday’s game after being hit on the foot. Could cost him some time since he never practiced walking on his hands as a youngster.
Matt Moore – 7 IP, 1 ER, 8 baserunners, 3 Ks. I streamed him yesterday and I would on Sunday too…Okay, honestly, interjection, at this point, I’m streaming everyone.
Mikie Mahtook – 1-for-4 and his 7th homer, and his third homer this week. Fine, I give up, he’s a hot schmotato!
Asdrubal Cabrera – 1-for-3, 2 runs and his 14th homer and 2nd this week. Yes, you would’ve been better off with Asdrubal than Rendon. Stop pointing out those facts that hurt me.
Michael Pineda – 6 IP, 7 ER. “This Pineda is so easy to hit, a kid could do it.” Something overheard at the Yankee game and Party City.
Dustin Ackley – 1-for-4, 2 RBIs and his 10th homer, and his 2nd homer in as many games. Ackley sounds like the noise one makes when they’re about to be sick, but he is definitely hot.
Mookie Betts – 2-for-4, 2 runs and his 16th homer. I’m not a Red Sox fan by any stretch of the imagination. I’m not really a fan of any team. It’s all about fantasy for me. With that said (here comes something!), I have a feeling I’m going to be ranking Betts above every other ‘pert next year.
Rick Porcello – 8 IP, 4 ER, 7 baserunners, 8 Ks. The Stream-o-Nator mildly likes his last start of the year and if you’re thinking about streaming, I say, at that point, what the eff you got the lose?
Blake Swihart – 2-for-4, 5 RBIs and two homers (4, 5), and third in three games. He was thisclose to be the lede today, but, well, catchers. I would grab him though, if he’s available.
Trea Turner – 2-for-3 and his 1st career homer. There’s more where that came from! I mean, the odds that anyone would hit one homer and never another one are slim to anorexic.
Ryan Zimmerman – Done for the year. Backdate this to 2008.
Yunel Escobar – Out with an upper back issue. For those wondering, an issue of Upper Back isn’t a chiropractor periodical.
Tanner Roark – 6 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 6 baserunners, 4 Ks. The Stream-o-Nator hates his last start of the year, but it’s against the Mets and I can’t imagine they put any of their regulars out there for longer than three innings. By Sunday, the Mets may not even have a pitcher than can more than three innings.
A.J. Pierzynski – 3-for-3 and two solo homers (8, 9). Incredibly, I’ve made it all the way up to 2nd place in Tout Wars. The only place I can really gain points is in power. What does all this have to do with Pierzynski? Guess who owns the lesser of the two A.J. Pollocks? This mustachioed man!
Matthew Wisler – 7 IP, 1 ER, 7 baserunners, 4 Ks. Sure would’ve been better to stream this schmohawk for two starts this week than Cody Anderson, after the latter was rained out last night and now likely won’t get a 2nd start.
Adam Wainwright – Will be activated on Wednesday. A reputable site said, “He can be a “secret” weapon for St. Louis in the playoffs.” Quotes around secret aside, is Wainwright a secret weapon? Like, “Holy turdbuckets, who is that guy?! Check the media guide, quick! Oh, it’s the guy who has finished in the top three in Cy Young balloting four times.”
Stephen Piscotty – Has a concussion, but the Cards’ GM said he has a “slight concussion.” Oh, yeah, like a slight heart attack.
Brad Ziegler – He’s away from the club for the birth of his child. Nine months ago, Ziegler emerged from his bedroom saying, “Now that’s some sidearm action!”
Robbie Ray – 6 IP, 2 ER, 9 baserunners, 3 Ks, ERA at 3.50. I think that’s his last start of the year, but either way, he’s definitely worked his way onto a short list of pitchers that will be drafted after the top 200 overall next year, that could easily end up a top 30 starter.
Carlos Gonzalez – 2-for-5, 2 RBIs and his 40th homer. Could someone draft only Rockie hitters next year just ’cause? Please, I think it’ll work, but I’m scared of 10-day road trips.
Greg Holland – Will have Tommy John surgery on Friday. That means Holland won’t be doing a windmill with his arm until 2017.
Johnny Cueto – 6 IP, 3 ER, 10 baserunners, 2 Ks vs. Jeff Samardzija 7 IP, 2 ER, 8 baserunners, 3 Ks. This matchup was billed as, “A Pitcher Who Kicks People In The Head vs. A Pitcher I’d Like To Kick In The Head.” Sadly, no one was kicked in the head yesterday.
Kendrys Morales – 1-for-3 and his 22nd homer and his 106th RBI. Yes, he has more RBIs than Jose Abreu. In case, ya know, you were wondering.
Eric Hosmer – 2-for-4 and his 17th homer. Only three more homers to reach the number of homers most 1st basemen had by June 1st during the steroids era.
Adam Eaton – 2-for-4, 2 RBIs and his 14th homer. Next year’s Pollock? Yes, if Lee Krasner were to manage him.
Carlos Gomez – Still has intercostal discomfort. If I may assist the Astros organization, it was a lousy trade. He’s been injured all year and never able to get in much of a groove. You’re better off without him. Damn, I’m a tough love SOB. By the by, I always found it odd that SOB is also sob, as in to cry. I’d like to whip that acronym SOB into shape, that’s how tough I am!
Robinson Cano – 1-for-3, 3 RBIs and his 20th homer. I’m glad he’s managed to put himself in a position to be overdrafted yet again last year. You know, Cano, the one that is ranked about the same as Brandon Belt on our Player Rater.
Mike Fiers – 5 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 6 baserunners, 7 Ks, ERA at 3.69. His ERA is a lie. I have no idea how he’s doing it, but it’s a lie.
Michael Brantley – Could be shut down for the year. Yeah, no fooling, foo’.
Todd Frazier – Has a slight Achilles strain. How an Achilles strain can be slight is Greek to me. This will likely end Frazier’s season. Guess we’ll never find out if Frazier ends up with Diane.
Dan Haren – 7 1/3 IP, 0 ER, 3 baserunners, 6 Ks, ERA at 3.67. Don’t even get involved with the theory that you could’ve just drafted Haren 10 rounds after Samardzija and had been better off. I’ve gone down that rabbit hole and it’s not fun.
Tyson Ross – 6 IP, 4 ER, 9 baserunners, 7 Ks. Every year one pitcher throws a no-hitter on the last day of the season (totally not a fact). I’m gonna guess it’s Ross this year.
Jean Segura – 2-for-4, 3 RBIs and his 6th homer. I don’t think I’m gonna write a sleeper post on Segura this offseason, but the cold months of the winter (65 in LA; I have a laser thermometer to check it) can change my mind.
Clayton Kershaw – 9 IP, 0 ER, 2 baserunners, 13 Ks as the Dodgers clinched in front of the Giants fans. So disgusted, Giants fans couldn’t even finish their chardonnay.
Madison Bumgarner – 5 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 6 baserunners, 6 Ks, Zero Homers Hit, Three Homers Allowed (Ruggiano, A.J. Ellis, Kike Hernandez, a real murderer’s row, if we’re talking about murdering one’s perception of what a good hitter is). That was the most homers he’s allowed in a game since his rookie season. After 270 IP last year, he’s thrown the third most pitches this year. Next year, his arm falls off.
Cole Hamels – 6 IP, 6 ER. Too bad this game didn’t get rained out too.
Shin-Soo Choo – 2-for-5, 2 runs, 2 RBIs and his 21st homer. His steals this year did a disappearing act — it’s not a trick, it’s illusion! — but Choo’s year has been decent outside of that. Well, not year, but 2nd half. His .350 average in the 2nd half has helped fix a lot.
J.D. Martinez – 1-for-3, 2 runs, 2 RBIs and his 38th homer. Said like a cologne commercial voiceover, “Just Dong, because that’s all she wants.”
Daniel Norris – 1 2/3 IP, 2 ER, but 4 unearned runs. “Hello, and welcome back to, ‘How Phenomenally Stupid Is That Manager?!’ The Ph is pronounced like an F if any managers are reading. So, last time out Norris was pulled with a perfect game going because the Tigers are trying to watch his arm. He was pulled after 63 pitches. Yesterday, in a mess of a start? He threw 71 pitches! Coming up after the break, Mattingly.”
Nick Tropeano – 6 2/3 IP, 1 ER, 4 baserunners, 11 Ks. Wow. Guess he was the guy to stream. Prior to this, Tropeano’s claim to fame was when NBC called him to be the hunky doofus in the LA version of Friends.
Got two adds left for this week. Would you use one of them to start Eickhoff tomorrow vs. NYM? He’s been great the past three starts, but it’s also Philly, and early in the week. I just don’t like deferring my adds to the weekend because it becomes such a clusterfart of lineup and rotation shuffles.
@Joe: I’d skip Eickhoff if I could
Won my league last week…thanks for all the help this year! It’s been great. See you next year!
@TayTay: Congrats!
Nice write-ups, as per usual. :o)
Finals week, head-to-head. Team Epic Fail has managed to make the playoffs, defeat the #2, and then the #1 teams and is now faced off against #6. Scoring is 7×7. Daily transactions available. Now down to the brass tacks. With three double headers today, I’m feeling the crunch on some decisions:
C – Voigt (v Richards) (alt’s Grandal v Leake, Norris v Davies, Molina v Cole&Morton, Murphy v ChAnderson)
1b- Freeman (v Zimm) (alt’s Duda v Asher, VMart v Gallardo)
2b- Altuve (v anyone)
3b-Carpenter (v Cole, v Morton)
SS-Lindor (v Gibson, v Pelfry)
SS/3b- Sano (v Carrasco, v C. Anderson)
OF-Peralta (v Bettis)
OF-Inciarte (v Bettis)
OF-Revere (v Gausman, v M González)
OF-Yelich (v Smyly)
OF-Gardner (v Miley)
OF-Reddick (v Richards)
SP-Stroman
SP-Carrasco
(Streamers – Gollardo? Lyons? Cosart? Miley? Verrett, Davies? Gausman?)
So … I’m tempted to pick up all DblHs, but getting a few 0/8s can really hurt and DblHs for Catchers tend to split catching duties. Below are the question areas with an * for where I’m leaning.
Voigt – Murphy*, Grandal, Norris, Molina?
Freeman – Duda, V-Mart ?
Carpenter/Lindor/Sano – 3b/SS
OF – Revere*, Peralta, Inciarte, Yelich, Reddick, Gardner
UT-?
SP – Any *strong* streamers from above?
So far, tied in HRs (1) and SB (0).
Opinions/advice – greatly appreciated. Tight race.
@Syllogism: Thanks! I’d go Murphy… Duda… Carp, Lindor… Revere, Peralta, Inciarte, Yelich, Reddick, Gardner… I’m streaming Gausman, it’s risky, there’s no strong streamers
@Grey:
Fantastic! Thanks.
Clarification –
“Revere, Peralta, Inciarte, Yelich, Reddick, Gardner” I can only play 3 in OF … I can keep one more (or Freeman or Sano) as my utility ….
So which three do you like for OF, of: Revere, Peralta, Inciarte, Yelich, Reddick, Gardner
and which one do you like for UT: Freeman, Sano, or the fourth OF of Revere, Peralta, Inciarte, Yelich, Reddick, Gardner?
Ender, Gardner, Revere… Sano at UTIL
@Grey:
Fantastic! Thanks.
Clarification –
“Revere, Peralta, Inciarte, Yelich, Reddick, Gardner” I can only play 3 in OF … I can keep one more (or Freeman or Sano) as my utility ….
So which three do you like for OF, of: Revere, Peralta, Inciarte, Yelich, Reddick, Gardner
and which one do you like for UT: Freeman, Sano, or the fourth OF of Revere, Peralta, Inciarte, Yelich, Reddick, [email protected]Grey:
That Garner fella has been killin’ me, but I haven’t been able to cut him … so … if I’m gonna carry him, I should be ready to play him (again).
… Turns out that Duda got scooped (*doh*-da!).
If you do cycle back to this post –
Freeman (rostered) or .. VMart v Gallardo, Mauer v Carrasco&Anderson, Smoak v Gonzales, Gausman, Bird, Lind, Forysthe?
One more time, into the breach! Thanks again.
Mauer
@Grey:
Thanks.
I’ll stop be shellfish and let some others get questions in. :P
You rock. Thanks!
No problem
Is Tyson Ross scheduled to pitch again?
@WThothot: He is on the SON
@Grey: According to MLB app, the remaining Padres starters will be Cashner, Kennedy, Kelly, Erlin, and Shields.
Gotcha… Not sure then, just going by what I saw
What about Stroman? Make-up game double header today. I suppose the Sunday start is toast now? Can drop him after today for another streamer then?
@madden_curser:
Assuning Jays clinch there is talk of Buerhle getting a short start on Sunday. He needs 8.2 innings to get to 200 on the year (for I think the 14th-15th straight year) and has one more start scheduled. If he can get 6-7 IP there he would go again on Sunday.
All that to say, wouldn’t count on Stroman.
@madden_curser: Anyone pitching today won’t pitch a full five innings on Sunday
@Grey: Has that been historically proven or is that an educated guess on your part? Asking because now that Carrasco gets the earlier game, wondering if I should hold on to him in case he starts on the last day.
If you count out the days, it’s four days rest, starters don’t pitch on four days rest unless there’s huge stakes
@Grey: Thanks for the quick response! Not to spoil myself with your attention, but along the same lines, if Tyson Ross is not listed as the Sunday probable on MLB.com, and Foxsports just came out with an article saying he just had his last start…probably enough evidence to support that he will NOT be starting the final day of the season despite 5 days between last night and then, correct? Apologies for the finicky question, but it’s crunch time and the uncertainty of this last week is giving me the combined anxiety of every Jewish woman in my family.
Sure
Pick 2 please; Hill @ NYY, Corbin vs COL, Jamie Garcia @ ATL, Peavy vs COL, Pineda @ BAL, McCullers @ ARI , Happ vs CIN, Elias vs OAK or Porcello @ CLE. Does Garcia still pitch if the Cards wrap up the division before Friday?
@madden_curser: Garcia should pitch… Peavy, Garcia
Good morning sir,
Just want to stop by and give a big thanks for all that you do for myself and fellow fantasy baseballers. It is appreciated more then you know sir.
Just a quick question. I got beat In the semis in both my leagues so I’m looking to next year.
Please pick 7 to keep for next year. 12 team ops and qs. One util and one xtra infield slot.
Cano rendon prince Bryant tulo Pederson cargo(col) longoria grienke wacha severino
I’m leaning toward letting severino wacha longo and Rendon? Back ?? I dk. Tough decisions
@Justin: No problem…. Not Severino, Wacha, Longo or Rendon
@Grey: Thank you sir. How big of a leap are you expecting from Joc next year?
He could be a 30/20 guy, needs to cut back on Ks
FML,
I’m in the finals of my H2H league and need one or two more starts (can’t the Cubs throw Arrieta again?). What pitchers below 50% owned that are starting this weekend do you like?
Thanks for all the help, and comedy, this year.
Arrieta is scheduled to pitch Friday.
Morning Grey!
This close H2H points championship continues as I’m now down by about 15 points now… Need the best streams for tomorrow my man! Whoever I don’t pickup, I’m sure my opponent will use against me…
H2H Points:
Pitcher Scoring: WIN (+3), LOSS (-3), IP (+3), K (+1), BB (-1), SAVE (+3), ER (-2), HIT (-1), NH (+10) PF (+15)
Corbin vs. COL (23.5)
Tomlin vs. MIN (18.8)
Odorizzi vs. TOR (10.8)
D. Holland vs. LAA (6.0)
Eickhoff vs. NYM (1.7)
B. Anderson @SF (-1.1)
R. Hill @NYY (-4.5)
Heaney @TEX (-10.9)
Jungmann @SD (-11.8)
Hudson vs. LAD (-19.6)
@ebudz: Corbin, Tomlin, Odorizzi
@Grey: Cool grabbed all three… would you say the other guys are too risky? I have room for one more streamer that’s why I’m asking …
Of course I’m sure my opponent will pickup all those guys with negative SON values and they’ll pitched great games like Eickhoff and Hill did last week … Week ends Sunday so I’m starting to freak out since we’ve been in such a close championship matchup!
Yeah, they’re all risky, even the ones you’re going with…
Grey!
Fantasy Master Lothario (no abbreviations, please!!)
a. Not sure if you know the profound effect Beethoven had on Chopin during his formative period but if you listen closely to his music it’s unmistakable. When you fully appreciate that effect that Beethoven had on Chopin, you will be aware of maybe 1% of how deeply you influence me. This is not a sob story or frivolity, only the truth. And it’s not just the advice or the way you present your information. It’s way more than that.
b. Sorry for being absent. Am still in mourning after losing my finals H2H matchup that I was leading by 100 points going into Sunday’s action!!! Lost by 4 fantasy points, despite finishing first in points and breakdown and first in the power rankings. Life goes on, bla-bla-bla, but it still hurts.
c. No NORM MACDONALD quotes forthcoming. Sorry to disappoint (or delight pbmax and others, reversal!).
d. Take very good care of yourself. See you next year.
Cheers,
Ante
@Ante GALIC:
B. tough loss brother, but hey that is what next year is for..Have a great off season bro and see you in 2016!
@Ante GALIC: A. Ha, thanks! B. Ugh, that sucks D. You too!
Prices being equal, would you rather keep Blackmon or CarGomez next year? 6×6 obp league
@M: Blackmon
Any thoughts yet on where Joc ends up in your rankings next year vs. the rankings that espn/ yahoo sharts out?
I have seven keepers and I’m trying to decide if him in the 22nd (10 team ops) is worth the smidgen less flexibility in my final week.
@Matty: No idea, I’d guess around 100 overall and above ESPN
@Grey:
Cool. Thanks. I’ll see how the matchups are looking and may send him packing.
No problem
The Cueto-Samardzija matchup could also have been billed as “Please, For the Love of God, Let Us Return to the NL.”
@Clyde Prompto: Yes!
Thanks again for all the solid fantasy baseball advice, this season, as I won my 22nd overall fantasy baseball championship, this one in H2H..
Didn’t fare as well in my 2 roto leagues, but hey you can’t win them all..
Be well my over the internet amigo.
See you in 2016!
@Malicious Phenom: Congrats!
Last weekly deadline is today. Handful of questions for 5×5 roto league.
1) Pitching – Only categories that can move are Wins and Saves. Hard to stack one without harming the other.
A) Despite the randomness of wins, please rank the following starters for win potential (mostly): Leake (vLAD Bolsinger – day after LAD clinch), Davies (@SD Cashner), Kennedy (vMIL Jungman), Kluber (vBOS E-Rod)
B) I’ve picked up a bunch of guys who ‘might’ get saves these last five days. Please rank for saves only: Tolleson (TEX), Jepsen (MIN), Feliz (DET), Gott (LAA), Trienen (WAS).
2) Hitting – The only categories that remain close are AVG, RBI and SB. Again, tough to stack one without potentially harming the other.
A) MI options are Alcides, Wong, Desmond, Odor, K Marte. Please rank top three.
B) OF Options are OZUNA, Bruce, Burns, Pagan, Joc, Rajai (why has he stopped running?), Marisnick, Myers, Dyson, Mahtook. Please rank top three.
C) Yes, Catcher question: Arencibia, Grandal, Swihart, Garneau. Please rank top two.
That’s all for now. Thanks for all the advice during the year.
@Five-On-One: A. Leake, Kennedy, Kluber B. You ranked them 2. Odor, Marte, Alcides B. Pagan, Burns, Mahtook… Swihart, [email protected]Five-On-One:
Yo, BB.
As a mets fan, figured I’d offer some insight into Duda, as he basically won me my semifinals as well.
There tends to be a hole in his swing during the cold streaks, and then it magically just goes away when he closes it. It’s interesting. Up and in with fastballs. He’ll go weeks where he can’t catch up to anything in there and he continues to swing. Then, one day, he’ll catch up to a high inside fastball and crank it out, and then you know. It’s about to happen. Weeks of glorious longballs everywhere.
@Phil of the Future: BB! Yeah, his hot stretches are like Icarus…Like straight into the sun for a week then goodbye
@Grey: Totally. He gets as hot as a player can possibly get. Max hotness. Then poof. Like Jay Bruce before he hit the wall.
Yeah, Bruce, talk about a career letdown… He looked so amazing when he first came up, now I’d be surprised if he hits .250 without major BABIP luck
@Grey: Maybe he had too much success too early. Peaked too soon? Who knows.
Yeah, not sure, but he’s Ks are absurd
I know I asked Big Magoo yesterday, but I’ma get nother ‘pinion.
Grandal or Welington Castillo as a keeper for next year?
@Snag: Gotta go Beef
@Snag: Beef
Hmm, this Kershaw feller’s a pretty good pitcher. Why shouldn’t we draft him in the first round?
@Scott: Lots of pitching available late
Rangers magic number down to 4. Too late for take backs on quitting my job?
@Old School Brother: No take backs, Ron!
Two adds left. Got Chris Kaboom Carter but Duda and Cron are out there (next day adds). Duda is scheduled against Eickhoff tomorrow, Gio Friday, Scherzer Saturday, and for all we know he’ll rest on Sunday like some Demi Duda Deity. Would you still bet on Duda to keep the hot streak going or would you rather have Carter, or CJ Cron (Thurs-Sun @ TEX), on your squad to finish the season?
In other news, all of us still here need a vacation soon. Not all together, that might be awkward and crowded. But you know, in general.
@Joe: Ha! I’d go Duda
Which one sits
Pham vs Cole,Morton
Yelich vs Smyly
Khris Davis vs cashner
Upton vs Davies
Deshields vs Boyd
Up 3 -1 in homers down 1-2 in sb and -1,2 net steals
@Donchupo: also add cron vs zito to the list. Does cron hit 2 jacks today ?
@Donchupo: Upton
@Grey: who’s the second one you would sit yelich?
Pham
Or the NL-only Chris Davis, Niss Davis if you will.
@Scott: That’s Khris Davis
Need to sit two of these guys
Khris Davis
Bird vs Miley
Ortiz vs tanaka
Yelich vs Smyly
Polanco vs wacha, Lyons
@Ygr: Ortiz, Yelich
So….. Harvey won’t make his scheduled start Saturday?
Also… I know Arrieta is scheduled to pitch again on Friday – but do you think he will?
@EA: Harvey could pitch a few innings on Saturday, but wouldn’t be surprised to see him skipped… Arrieta will pitch a few innings
Started Fiers and Hamels, might’ve cost me the championship. On to news that actually matters, who’re your top 3 favorite streamers for the last few days out of:
Bolsinger vs. SF
DeSclafani vs Cubs
Medlen v. CWS
Hill v. Yanks
Rubby v. HOU
Nicolino v. PHI
Hendricks v. MIL
Would you start Hamels for his final start v. Angels?
@Steve: Hill, Hendricks, DeSclafani
H2H championship. I’m up but with a deceiving score as the cats are pretty close and my opponent has 4 SPs going today. I should be fine in SP options from here through Sunday though (currently projected at seven), while my opponent will have 3 on tap (including Harvey on Saturday). This is a QS league.
R HR RBI SB AVG K QS SV ERA WHIP
Opponent 37 10 34 2 0.2797 63 6 8 2.478 1.29
Me 35 12 35 1 0.2851 93 10 11 2.455 0.877
I have 3 moves left and my opponent has burned all of his. I’m looking to use one move on better production from 2B where I currently have Gyorko. With a couple of double-dips going today, I’m eyeing dropping Gyorko for Neil Walker, Harrison (PIT v Walker and v Lyons), or Jose Ramirez (CLE v Kyle Gibson and v Pelfrey). Who do you like from those three?
I could also drop Domingo Santana for someone like TKOS (Rajai) looking for SBs and Rs. Or I could drop Pineda as I’d be able to pickup another SP later if it turns out to be needed.
@Hal Incandenza: Walker…I’d skip the Domingo drop and focus on SPs
@Grey: Thanks man.
No problem
@Grey: HR for Walker! Now that’s early dividends!
That’s what I’m talkin’ about, Hal!
Hey hey,
I’m in the rotisserie thick of it for the final push. Roster spots are opening up as I can drop guys who are getting shut down or are close enough anyway (Frazier, A. Jones), but what do you think the chances are of Glenn Perkins getting back into the closer role over the last few days? I’m just sick of holding him on my bench while I have Jepsen in an RP slot.
Love yas!!!!!
@sportivetricks: I’d lose Perkins, love yas!
Just saw your note about Frazier. Need a replacement at Utility. Important categories are RBI, SB and AVG.
Wong, Desmond, OZUNA, Bruce, Joc, Rajai, Marisnick, Myers, Mauer, Prado, Semien, J. Harrison are some possible options.
Please rank top two.
Thanks again.
OZUNA, Bruce
Won my league! Long-standing, 12-team, competitive H2H points league.
17-7 Overall.
Followed the blueprint you guys put together – love the tiered approach as a draft formula. I think I took Arrieta as my first SP in the mid-rounds, allowing others to reach on Kershaw and Scherzer. Paid off exponentially. I believe I took Rizzo 1, Harper 2 and Arenado 3…also, wound up picking up several key pieces on the waiver from impatient owners (Cano, Desmond, Kemp, Ellsbury, etc. were all dropped at some point during the season).
My only regret is taking Dickerson in round 4! Sad story there.
Overall, great advice and approach to fantasy baseball. Thanks!
J
Congrats!
@Grey: Thanks! Appreciate it. BTW, what are your thoughts on Dickerson for 2016? Injury prone or just a tough-luck season?
Hopefully tough luck, but plantar fasciitis can linger so still risky
hey thank you for helping me get to the championship for 2nd year in a row. I’m in a H2H league looking to take advantage of the doubleheaders by picking up a guy to get extra at bats. Who should I pick up out of the two? Pham (vs. Pitt) or Rosario (vs.Cleveland )?
Rosario
Hi Grey, I’m currently in 1st with another team hot on my heels, and this is going to be a photo finish. Just wanted your advice on how to maximize my pitching staff through the last couple days. 12 team league, with K, QS, ERA, WHIP, HLD, NSV. Every category is close and could swing. I have 34 innings left on the season.
Lester – Today @Cin (I’m thinking Start)
Carrasco – Today vs Min (I’m thinking Start)
Zimmerman – Today @Atl (Don’t trust him, Sit)
Arrieta – Friday @Mil (Start)
Salazar – Friday vs Bos (???)
Relievers: Allen, Ziegler, Giles, Soria, Benoit
I’m thinking that if I start Salazar on Friday then I’ll almost assuredly hit my innings limit. Kind of thinking I should sit him to save some innings for some possible saves and holds over the weekend. This would be my first championship (started reading Razzball last year), so any advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated, good sir!
Start Lester, Carrasco and Zimmermann…Let’s see where you are come tomorrow…
1. Lynn, Happ, and Haren are all slated as Sunday starters. What are the chances each/any of them have a normal start, rather than get pulled early, or benched altogether as teams assemble their playoff rotations?
2. Absent premature desperation, would you start Sabbathia tomorrow against BOS, Hendricks @ MIL Saturday, and/or Colby Lewis at home against the Angels Saturday?
1. Unlikely on any of them starting, maybe Haren goes 3 IP 2. I’d start them all…Hendricks, Lewis then CC
Mornin’
What up, G
@Grey: I just got paid and want to go shopping…Im such a chick sometimes
@J-FOH: More like ZZ-Top.
Let’s get some juice!
@Grey: Im working to make Friday happen
You mean working to not work?
@Grey: I can write it off so its work
Do I need to write you a receipt for hanging out with me?
@Grey: I write off our lunches for my day job
Orthopedic surgeon? Cool!
proctologist
The ultimate creeper!
let me lube up my finger and creep around in there.
Okay, now I’m scared
just take a deep breath and relax
Please stop
would you stop squirming, you are only delaying the inevitable.
Haha… Now I’m gonna have nightmares…
Who gets saves for the Nats for the last five days?
Treinen
In championship of a head to head points league. I have one move left.
I have Miggy, Kemp and Pham all likely not playing all games the rest of the year. Do I have pick up:
Bour
Yelich
J Parker
Or stream:
R Hill
Shark
Thanks for advice all year. The morning read was always a high light. No coincidence the person I am playing against also a Razz reader.
Bour
Would you start Anderson tonight v. COL if desperate?
I am
One more today.
Francisco Lindor or Sano in my SS spot for the rest of the week in a H2H?
Thanks. Your daiquiris will come directly from my winnings.
Lindor, good luck!
In championship of head-to-head league. Down 4 categories to 6, needing just a steal, three homers and five rbi. Also, holding on to a 7 run lead in runs. As a result, should I start Dickerson over Heyward, Granderson, Altherr, or Ortiz. If so, which one? Thanks, Grey!
Over Altherr
Great, thanks!
It also seems that Freddy Freeman is in a mini slump after breaking out for two days last week. I have Carlos Santana in a double-header today, Chris Carter, Kyle Seager, and Ortiz at the other corner positions. Should Freeman start over any of them?
Really appreciate the feedback!
Nope you can bench Freeman
Freeman’s not playing anyway
About Norris, they usually count warm up pitches against the internal pitch limit.
Mmhmm, mmhmm… Emoticon…
Next year if Schwarber has catcher eligibility would you want him or Blake?
Schwarber
Where will Archer be ranked in SP next year? Is he better than Cueto? Thanks
Yes better than Cueto
Hey Grey – I’m up 7-5 in my H2H finals right now. However, I only have 3 grabs left + my opponent has many more – so rather than try and win Ks I’m looking to hold onto ERA/WHIP (3.2/1.16 compared to his 4.01/1.34) + make some targeted streams to snag a couple more QSs/Ws.
Also – in light of Forsythe’s possible injury, and with Miggy likely only playing 1-2 more games, I may be down a couple of key starters (2B or UTL), where Runs + HR are most important, as well as maintaining my high OBP (.375 right now, to his .364).
1. Do I use one of my remaining 3 roster spots on a hitter, to grab either:
(a) a 2B like Dozier, DJ, Keke, or…ORr
(b) go for the hottest player available (as a UTL when Miggy sits) like Bour (facing PHI pitching soon), my namesake Duda (but facing tough WASH pitching), or fairly cold Fowler (but v. really terrible pitchers)?
2. Which 2-3 streamers are the smartest bets for good ratios, a QS + W?
Corbin v. COL
Hill @ NYY
Santana v. KC
Burnett v. Cin
Hendricks @ MIL
Pineda @ BAL
Duffey v. MIN
Conley @ PHI
Thanks again. Home stretch!
1. Yes, Bour 2. Corbin, Ervin, Hendricks
@Grey: Thanks!
No problem
I have 1 add left he has 5 do I use it on a hitter or one last streamer?
Pitching stats right now are
27.2 -25 ip
0-1 win
0-0 cg
2-0 saves
18-25 hits
23 -12 k’s
2.28 -2.49 era
.90 – 1.11 whip
Qs 4-3
Pitching
Just because your day isn’t busy enough already (!) ….
I need a 2b for tomorrow … options seem pretty thin … Rosario v Tomlin, DeShields v Heaney, Pardo v Ramirez, J Ramirez v Duffy, Phillips (if he plays) or Schmaker v Hammel, Dietrich v Ramirez or Turner v Hudson.
And, today … that Gardner fella v LHP Miley (doesn’t he often sit v LHP?) or Pillar (v Gausman, and v Martinez)?
Thanks, once more.
@Syllogism:
Doh! Correction:
Rosario v Tomlin, DeShields v Heaney, *Prado* v *Odorizzi*, J Ramirez v Duffy, Phillips (if he plays) or Schmaker v Hammel, Dietrich v *Odorizzi*, or Turner v Hudson.
And, today … that Gardner fella v LHP Miley (doesn’t he often sit v LHP?) or Pillar (v Gausman, and v Martinez)?
Rosario… Pillar
Have I told you how much I hate early games? Anyhoo,
Utility spot: Zobrist, Coghlan, or Ruggiano?
Zobrist
I need to keep 4 and having trouble deciding the last keeper.
1. Todd Frazier in the sixth
2. Maikel Franco in the 22nd
other keepers would be Abreu in the 5th, , Correa in 20th, Schwarber in the 21st
tempted to go with Franco to have 3 late round keepers but is the gap in round selection worth it?
Frazier
It’s just been announced that Trevor Bauer will be getting a spot-start tomorrow vs. MIN. Would you trust him?
Hell no… Would I start him? Maybe, depends on need
h2h finals both hitting like crap so im still in it and lineup is below. Have 4 moves left 2 maybe 3 will be on pitching. Likely going tomlin peavy hendricks as you suggested few days back. Leaves me with 1 bat move for sure and possibly 2?
Catchers Gomes Santana
Votto
Kipnis
Starlin
Donaldson
upton
betts
calhoun
dickerson
ozuna
Arenado
10 tm lg and if these bats just woke up id probably win this thing but its final week baseball so yeah….
1.Should I grab a E Escobar(eligible at ever posi!) he could fill in for Starlin days off and also be a backup OF? hmmm
2.Should i just grab another hot bat period like mahtook inciarte Altherr kiemier trumbo
3.Should I just grab another SS. Starlin im guessing starts today and most likely at least 2 of next 4 but? Semien Cabrera Marte Peralta
4. Would i gain from adding another Catcher Swihart realmuto to backup
So i can only really do one of the 4 options maybe 2, what two options above should i target in order of importance
1. Yes 2. No 3. No 4. Nope
Grey
Need innings in a couple of leagues, but need good performances of course.
Would you pitch Chase Anderson, Volquez, Gallardo and/or Drew Smyly tonight?
Thank you
I’m throwing Anderson and Smyly
Odorizzi vs Miami must start in all leagues
Corbin or odorizzi
I’d start both…Odorizzi first
Start volquez today or drop him for corbin. Less starts the better in this league
Drop for Corbin
@Grey: volquez or peavy
Peavy
Last pickup for the week/CHAMPIONSHIP!
Corbin vs Col or Duffey @ Cle?
Corbin
@Grey: Safe to drop Lester after tonight’s start, i.e. no way he pitches Sunday, right?
Drop him
conforto or souza the rest of the way. hoping for power
conforto @ phi and home vs WAS
souza at home vs MIA and TOR
Conforto
Pretty comfy ERA cushion, WHIP might be close, trying to push over the IP cap on Saturday in a Yahoo league for some extra K’s/W’s. Who do you take? I’m planning on 2-3 guys but realistically could fit in up to 7 of ’em. I’m thinking just Hendricks and Lewis.
Hendricks v MIL
Lewis vLAA
Ubaldo vNYY
Koehler @PHI
Harang vMIA
Finnegan @PIT
Milone vKC
Hellickson vHOU
Doubront @SEA
Erik Johnson vDET
Rusin, TWagner, Erlin… eh, just no I’m pretty sure.
Hendricks, Koehler, Lewis, they’re not great
Hey Grey – I’m in 1st with a slim lead. Need to protect Ks, ERA and WHIP and can move up with wins. Would you start Quintana vs KC tonight?
Need a chance at a win without risk of a 10ER blowup Grey. K’s/WHIP are locked up. Who do you like for my last stream of the year? Some bigger names on the WW than usual due to pitchers getting dropped for 2 starters.
Rich Hill @ NYY (CC)
Eickhoff vs NYM (Tim Stauffer)
Syndergaard vs WSH (Gonzalez)
Hendrikcs @ MIL (Wagner)
Hammel @ CIN (Lamb)
Heston vs COL
Kennedy vs MIL (Jungmann)
Wins are pretty fickle, and while it may seem like on paper some of the other guys have better matchups I’m leaning towards just picking up the best pitcher (Thor, by a landslide) and hoping Washington continues to fail. Whatcha think?
I have no problem with that, Noah it is
Got an empty spot in my lineup for tonight’s games, what’s your batty call?
You can pick up players after games have begun?
@Grey: I can from teams that haven’t played today, Stl, Pit, Tor, Bal, Min & Cle are out
How about Gose?
@Grey: Thanks!
No problem
I will likely never draft him, but Jesus, how good is Clayton Kershaw?
Sometimes you just have to turn away from your fantasy livescoring app and look at him for what he is.
Ha, I feel the same way
Quintana tonight ¿si o no?
Si
@Grey:
So lost Felix last start
Do I dare trust Hill again? (@nyy)
I think you have to (though don’t know your options)
Stroman is so good. I hope he bombs in the playoffs. Otherwise he’s going to lose all that delicious sleeper appeal next season.
Agreed!
Is Kazmir worth starting this eve against Sea? Have other options in the next couple of days- thanks
Yup
2016, keeper league, 2 questions: Arenado or Machado? Its yahoo so i believe Machado will have 3b, ss.
Also rank: Bumgarner, Degrom, Kluber
Thanks
@danny almonte: Nolan, Manny
DeGrom, Bum, Kluber
Arenado… deGrom, Bum
sorry for weirding you out above, this end of the season is bringing on the madness
That *was* madness?
@Grey: the madness manifests itself in many forms
Relatively, that wasn’t close to madness
@Grey: I think you really want to see me flip my s**t one of these days
Haha, nah, I like when you’re nearing your boiling point… Fine line!
@Grey: good you dont want to see it in person, Im a passionate person but damn if I lose my cool in public…..again
Ha, understood!
@Grey: answered like a mobster
HA, that’s me!
Every time I hear Hawk Harrelson talk about someone getting a “Kansas City Special,” I think he is referring to an act of sexual depravity.
Haha, awesome
@Fred Garvin MP: sounds like something the hookers in St.Louis aren’t willing to do
Please, hookers in St. Louie are down for whatever!
@Grey: oh so you know from experience
Yeah, I had a layover once in St. Louis
@Grey: I bet you got laid over. Why do everytime I think of st. Louis I think of national lampoon vacation when they ask for directions. Which btw they changed what was written on the car because honky lips is offensive
Honkey lips is a compliment, no?
@Grey: I thought it was an acceptance term.
@J-FOH: Why, because it involves Don Denkinger?
@Fred Garvin MP: is that Don Dongkonger?
I can use a hot bat for the last few games HR’s RBI’s and average are what I need most
Here are my options what do you think
Andre Ethier
Mark Trumbo
Kevin Kiermaier
Chris carter.
Darin Ruff
Thanks
Carter
Last round of questions of the season!I
1)I’m 0.5 points out of first in roto. I have FIVE innings left. I’ll enter tomorrow tied with someone in wins, so I’ll have a half a point to gain there. Should I start Garcia at Atlanta, pull a hail mary and try to grab five relievers who could possibly get a win (wins), or is there another streamer out there you like? (I tried the reliever approach today with Blanton, Watson, who I’m keeping since he didn’t pitch today, and Siegrist). That bit me in the ass as they ate up precious innings.
2)I’m also 4 steals behind the guy above me and .02 behind the leader in OPS. Which would you chase? I’m thinking OPS. I don’t think Marte has stolen a base since I picked him up.
3)Finally, thanks so much to the whole Razzball crew. I wouldn’t even be fighting it out for the win without you guys.
1) Garcia 2) Chase OPS 3) No worries
@Grey: Realizing you can go over the innings limit on the day you cross it and stats still count, I streamed Hammel, Eickoff, Holland, Medlen, Sabathia, B. Anderson, and Heaney today. And have Andew Miller in the last pitching slot for good measure. So far so good.
Nice!
@Grey: Shit. Now I’m insure if I ran out of innings yesterday or today. Do stats show up on your daily lineup page and just not get added to your totals or do they blank out on your lineup page during the day?
Why are you in this old post?
@Grey: ‘Cuz I’m 80 and don’t know how the internet works. I’ll move future ramblings to the latest.
Haha
Hey grey!!!.
Last question of the year
Who do you like on Sunday? Would need 3
Available guys are:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Matt Moore home vs tor
Samardzja vs det
Hutchison @tb
Elias vs oak
Tillman vs nyy
Hughes vs kc
Porcello @ cle
Roark @ nym
Bassist @ seA
Wisler stl
Norris @chw
Tropeano @ tex
Frias vs sd
Cravy vs chc
Thanks man
Moore, Porcello, Roark
@Grey: my head just exploded! Thanks for the quick answers guys. As far as a consensus what do you think about Elias Moore and either tropeano or porcello
@The tone ranger: tropeano and elias for sure.
Hey Grey have a great idea but don’t tell anyone OK, anyways being its the last week of the season and the finals for some fantasy baseball leagues. yOU ought to look into starting a Fantasy playoff crisis line so to speak. Maybe an open forum for some sad soul like myself to vent as they watch this past 6 or 7 months hard work wither through my fingertips or there’s. and second guess My or our whole fantasy managerial value. meet on Sundays and Wednesdays of the entire fantasy playoff schedule. Except donations. claim we are a church. Rip some people off Tax free Well anyways my buzz is starting to wear off and the idea doesn’t sound as appealing as it did two minutes ago, it’s yours now Grey run with it… Yeah my team is playing like shit ya know but i keep winning and that’s all that counts… Right DroOgiEs
I can only keep one in dynasty, which do you want in 2016?
Byrd, Canha, Torii Hunter or Billy Butler
5×5 roto, 30 mlb per teams, 15 teams
Thank you for the help
Can you, or anyone who knows the answer, help me out ASAP. I’ve never done roto before or come up against my game and innings pitched limits. If I’ve reached the games limit for outfielders but am under on utility games played, can I still use outfielders in the utility spot?