Mike Clevinger is old school. Not old school like really old school, but instead what we’d consider old school. Ya know, good. That’s one adjective for old school nowadays. Like things were once better. Of course, shizz was sideways with grabby hands and unhappy people during old school times too, but there’s a Gaussian blur of nostalgia that washes over people to make them think old school is good. So, Mike Clevinger is old school like that. He’s also old school in that he can throw a lot of pitches. Not really old school like when Vida Blue used to throw 175 pitches by the 3rd inning, get an arm transplant then come out and throw another 100 pitches with a groundskeeper’s arm sloppily attached to his shoulder. Nah, not real old school, but old school as we think about it in the new school. That’s Mike Clevinger. A youngish starter (he’s 28) who can throw 200 IP, when so many other starters are lucky to get through 150. Yesterday, Mike Clevinger went 7 IP, 0 ER 1 hit, 3 walks, 12 Ks as he did exactly what I expected from him when I said he was a number one starter coming into this year and you said, “Grey, you’re handsome as fudge, but Clevinger is a #2.” Nah, you’re doing a number two out yo’ mouth, Clevinger is a number one. Anyway, here’s what else I saw yesterday in fantasy baseball:
Tim Anderson – Out for a few days because his wife went into labor. Or if a Brit’s reading, his wife’s in Labour and her baby’s about to make a Vajexit. Grey’s working topical!
Ivan Nova – 7 IP, 1 ER, 7 baserunners, 4 Ks. That’s a nice start, which is also what I say about anyone facing the Indians.
Giancarlo Stanton – Hit the IL with a biceps strain, and will be out about a month. While in a bubble bath on Saturday, I accidentally bite my Giancarlo sex doll’s arm, but I was wearing wax vampire teeth and I don’t believe in voodoo, but this coincidence is uncanny. I feel terrible if it’s my fault. Clint Frazier was called up, and should see playing time while Stanton and Hicks are both sidelined. ‘Clint Frazier is being called up’ is also the answer to the trivia question, “Whatever happened to Clint Frazier?” He’d likely be in his 3rd year of the majors if he was on any other team, so it’s not a bad flyer if you’re down an outfielder. He’s around a 15/15/.260 guy over 162 games.
Miguel Andujar – Hit the IL with a labrum tear, which might require season-ending surgery. As I fall into a great depression, I yell, “Noooooo….it…..was….supposed….to….be….Tulowitzki….” It would seem the fates of the Yankees and Mets are connected like Wei-Yin and Yang. When the Mets do well, the Yanks do poorly, and vice versa. Only it’s been vice versa for the last eighteen years. Tyler Wade was recalled when someone asked, “What the hell are the Yankees going to do now?” DJ LeMahieu stands to get everyday at-bats.
Domingo German – 5 IP, 0 ER, 6 baserunners (5 BBs), 7 Ks. Not to be confused with Domingo Santana, who is Domingod. See, if you say Domingod German, then you get into real dicey areas about race. Any hoo! German faced one of the worst teams, but I do like him and, according to the Streamonator, it gets even better next time out.
Gary Sanchez – 1-for-3 and his 2nd homer. Rudy texted me yesterday, “My Sanchez draft pick is looking good, until he gets injured and is out for two months.” Yup.
Brett Gardner – 2-for-4 and a slam (1) and legs (1). Gardner is picking up all the pieces! Do we have to pay extra for that? I just wanted him to take out the garbage.
Kyle Hendricks – 4 1/3 IP, 2 ER and 5 unearned runs. My heart almost gave out on that ticker shock!
Ronald Acuña Jr. – 1-for-4 and his 1st homer. Tildaddy says you can have dessert!
Ender Inciarte – 1-for-5 and his 1st homer. Ugh, it’s been almost sixteen hours since I’ve mentioned him on a podcast. I need to hear my own voice say his name!
David Hess – 6 1/3 IP, 0 ER, 0 hits, 1 walk, 8 Ks. So, um, hey, are the Jays gonna be practically no-hit every game? Asking for a friend. By the by, I had a hearty, full-throated laugh yesterday when I received a notification on my phone that said David Hess has a no hitter.
Jonathan Villar – 2-for-4, 2 RBIs and his 1st homer. Member in the preseason when I said the O’s had no one else to hit third besides Villar? True, and he could hit third for the Jays, Diamondbacks, Angels, Tigers, O’s, Marlins, Rays, Pirates…And it’s not because he’s that amazing.
Trey Mancini – 2-for-3, 2 runs, 2 RBIs and his 2nd homer. In related O’s news, Chris Davis is hitting .000.
Richard Bleier – 1 IP, 1 ER and the save. He only got the save because the O’s have been winning too many games. Now there’s something you never thought you’d hear! Bleier could get a few saves, but he’s so remarkable in his terribleness, I would not touch him even with your team.
Freddy Galvis – 1-for-3 and his 1st homer. Undaunted, Galvis is back at it, even though now it’s not going to be until 2047 when he breaks Ripken’s streak.
Randal Grichuk – 2-for-4, 2 runs, 2 RBIs and his 1st homer. Even though it is but one homer, I’m going to go out on a limb and say this is the start of a hot schmotato run because that’s how Grichuk rolls.
Joey Wendle – Hit the IL with a strained hammy. Mr. Wendle, you’re a bum!
Kevin Kiermaier – 2-for-3, 4 RBIs and his 1st homer. Anyone charting out the Kiermaier vs. Domingo Santana fantasy race yet for Rudy and me? He’s taking Kiermaier. I know, I know, don’t laugh at Rudy.
Brandon Lowe – 2-for-4, 2 runs, 2 RBIs and his 1st homer, as he hit cleanup. If he’s going to hit cleanup (prolly won’t), and hit for power (he could), I’m buying, but not at the expense of anyone great. I should be a landscape architect with these hedges.
Tanner Roark – 4 1/3 IP, 3 ER. Somehow I started him in multiple leagues and thought that was a good idea, and it actually turned out better than I would’ve thought after the Brewers batted around in the 1st inning.
Brad Peacock – 6 2/3 IP, 1 ER, 2 hits, 0 walks, 5 Ks. Not a ton of great pitchers went today because we’re at the 4th or 5th man through the rotation, so if a team is throwing a great pitcher, their rotation is pretty gorge. Indians? Yes. Astros? Yuppers. Mets? Not bad. Marlins? I think so, yeah.
George Springer – 1-for-5 and his 2nd homer. Member what I said about 1200 words ago about the Mets and Yanks’ fates being linked? Why does it feel like the same with Springer and Bregman? Can they both have a good season the same season? Please.
Ronald Guzman – 1-for-3 and his 1st homer. Don’t forget about my preseason bold prediction of Guzman hitting 30 HRs this year. Or totally forget about it, if he hits the projected-by-everyone-else 15 homers.
Matt Strahm – 2 2/3 IP, 5 ER. More like mael-Strahm!
Fernando Tatis Jr. – 1-for-4, 2 RBIs. FTJ! Fun the Jewels fast! In case you missed it, here’s the blast:
Fernando Tatis Jr #NotReady pic.twitter.com/Vpno7HWEz1
— DonkeyTeeth (@DonkeyTeeth87) April 2, 2019
Adam Jones – 2-for-5 and his 3rd homer. This Zombino has a taste for carcasses and is digging up the graves of unsuspecting pitchers.
Merrill Kelly – 6 IP, 3 ER, 7 baserunners, 3 Ks. Was interested in seeing Kelly’s start yesterday, and he looked…okay. Better than advertised. Though, after Joe Camel adverts, I stopped paying attention. His curve was a U-can’t-touch-this hammer drop that impressed, but he also was hit hard and those balls went into gloves. I’d take the brakes off a little, but he’s still a deeper league streamer.
Jon Duplantier – 3 IP, 0 ER and picked up the three-inning save. He was in Prospect Mike’s top 100 fantasy baseball prospects and the only Grade A prospect in the Arizona system. He’s being only used in middle relief, according to the D-Bags, but that could quickly change after another start by Godley or Weaver (or Greinke). For now, I’m only grabbing him in NL-Only leagues. His projections are at the Prospectonator.
Ramon Laureano – 1-for-4 and his 1st homer. Damn, it’s less than a week into the season and you haven’t dropped him yet? C’mon, you’re known for your overreactions! That is your trademark!
Khris Davis – 1-for-4, 2 runs and his 5th homer. Robot voice, “I am Robo-247. I hit .247 and home runs, 24/7.” Stops to robo-whistle, “That Roomba is sexy.”
Chad Pinder – 2-for-4, 3 RBIs and his 1st homer. Would’ve made a nice batty call, but I’m not marrying him yet or taking him to visit a group of strangers I found on Craigslist pretending to be my friends.
Aaron Brooks – 6 IP, 0 ER, 3 baserunners, 6 Ks. MediOAKer pitcher who sounds like he should be leasing furniture.
David Price – 6 IP, 4 ER, 7 baserunners, 9 Ks. Since that was like his final Spring Training matchup, I’m happy with that Price, which makes me a terrible Jew.
Caleb Smith – 5 IP, 2 ER, 5 baserunners, 8 Ks. Is it me or do you want to own every Marlins starter?
Steven Matz – 5 1/3 IP, 1 ER, 6 baserunners (zero walks), 3 Ks. I watched most of this game because the Mets announcers are the best in the business, and I’m reading a book about Paul Le Roux and–Neverthehoo! Besides a flat off-speed pitch to Starlin Castro that ended up 400 feet over the fence, Matz looked great. He definitely still needs to reign in his gopher balls, though.
Pete Alonso – 1-for-5, 3 RBIs and his 1st homer. Don’t get cocky, Pete Alonso, you’re here for the RBI doubles.
Julio Urias – 5 IP, 0 ER, 3 baserunners, 7 Ks. He’s featured in the video at the top of the post. Yes, I’d own him.
Chris Taylor – 2-for-4 and his 1st homer. If only the Dodgers’ bats could sneeze on the Jays to give them some of what they have.
Colin Moran – 2-for-3, 3 RBIs and his 1st homer. Colin Moran hits regular season pitching like Jung Ho Kang hits Spring Training pitching. I have Moran in Tout Wars, so I hope this is the start of more regular playing time. Maybe one of youse can call in a tip to the police when Kang’s leaving a bar.
Chris Archer – 5 IP, 0 ER, 5 baserunners, 8 Ks. He deserved more than a no decision, but, as a Immanuel Kant said, what does man deserve? I might be thinking of Emmanuel Lewis.
Adam Wainwright – 4 IP, 4 ER. Waino looked as miserable as ever. By the way, not sure if there’s any truth to the rumor that Kang sat yesterday because he thought Cards fans were chanting, “Wino.”
Kolten Wong – 1-for-4, 2 RBIs and his 3rd. I’d absolutely hold Wong (hehe), but just because he’s had a good first week does not make Wong a big shot (ew).
Jay Bruce – 1-for-3, 2 RBIs and his 3rd homer, and 3rd in as many games. I nearly wrote Jay Bryce, then chuckled. Anyhoo! Hot schmotato alert!
Roenis Elias – 1 IP, 0 ER and the save, which either means everything or nothing, depending on Roenis Elias Swarzak’s return, Rosscup, Bradford, Brennan, Lukis, okay, I’m just making up names now, but Elias could now be moved to the top of the bullpen food chain in Seattle.
Andrew Heaney – Diagnosed with “chronic changes” in his left elbow. That’s right, boi, his elbow is West Coast. Death Row Records dropping the chronic elbow on ya ass! 1, 2, 3 and to the 4, David Fletcher and Heaney is at the door. Don’t open it! The Angels said Heaney will have a cortisone shot and resume throwing, because, of course, they did. The Angels once had a pitcher rehab for 18 months instead of Tommy John surgery, then have Tommy John surgery to be sidelined for another 18 months. I dropped Heaney in one league where I couldn’t stash him.
Chris Stratton – 4 1/3 IP, 4 ER vs. Felix Hernandez – 5 1/3 IP, 1 ER, 7 baserunners, 4 Ks. This matchup of F-Her/Stratton was also featured in the riveting tale of destructive love called Star 80.
great write up as usual grey!
Do you have any thoughts on Yandy Diaz? Could this be the beginning of a breakout?
Who would you rather have as your 5th OF as of right now in a roto league: Laureano or Franmil?
Hoping so on Yandy, big fan.
Laureano is playing pretty much everyday so I’d go with him….unless you need power more than speed, then Franmil.
I went over Yandy yesterday — breakout, RJ!
Laureano
Would you drop any of Voit, Eduardo Escobar, Profar, LeMahieu, or Chris Taylor for Yandy?
Taylor
Strahm was only hitting 90 on his fastball today. He was sitting at 94 all spring and touching 96. I watched him struggle from the get go. He couldn’t locate anything but the velocity dip is alarming.
One outing of decreased velocity is not alarming, If it continues his next start, then I’d start getting concerned. There are a million reasons (maybe not that many) for decreased velocity for a day. Maybe he didn’t sleep well the night before, has a virus, hit his funny bone in the shower, who knows?
It’s definitely not a good sign! Usually the first signal of injury…
Yeah, he prolly needs TJ
I’m half kidding, Rich could be right too
Worth monitoring either way, but no firm conclusions off one game
Let’s say Strahm will be fine. Velo bounces back. Who do you take in a season long roto – Glasnow or Strahm for both counting stats and ratios?
Glasnow
Grey!!
What a fantastic Clevinger recap report!
a. See if you can follow all the moves I made since yesterday.
1. Signed up Minter, moved him to the IL and then free added Burnes.
2. Added Pablo Lopez, dropping Burnes.
3. Saw Wong hit yet another HR and said that’s enough. Signed up Wong, dropped Skaggs.
4. Saw Kiermaier hitting HRs and said that’s enough of that too. Signed up Kiermaier dropping Mullins.
5. Then I read Roto-Wan’s SANGOF report and I said that makes sense. So I added Swarzak, dropping Pablo Lopez. Then I moved Swarzak to the IL (now I have Swarzak, Jeffress and Minter all on the DL and all just about ready to come off the DL!!) and added Keon Broxton and moved him into the lineup for tonight.
Your analysis, please! Be brutal or be gentle, your decision. Also need to drop 3 of the following when Jeffress, Minter and Swarzak return. Who should I drop? I know your first comment will be make a trade, but I’m in a sea of sharks so the trade isn’t really an option.
C Barnhart
1B Rizzo
2B Shaw
3B Muncy
SS Story
CI Beckham (he’s still on the roster, reverse jinx is working)
MI President Trea Turner
OF Conforto
OF Dahl
OF Broxton (he can go)
OF Kiermaier
OF Springer
U Escobar
Bench: Bauers, Goodrum, Wong and Inciarte
SP Paxton, EdRod, Glasnow
RP Green, Hicks, Iglesias, Trivino (he can also go), Ottavino
IL Minter, Jeffress, Swarzak
b. Nice podcast yesterday. Enjoyed it thoroughly. Am sure there are plenty of your disciples listening. It can’t be just you, B_Don and Donkey Teeth. By the way, it’d be a lot worse on that podcast if Donkey Teeth brought along his girlfriend, Donkey Breath, amiright?
c. Abbott and Costello quote of the day for April 2
Bud Abbott: Do me a favor, loan me $50.
Lou Costello: Bud, I can’t. I can’t loan you $50.
Bud Abbott: Oh, yes, ya can.
Lou Costello: No, I can’t. All I got is $40.
Bud Abbott: All right, give me the $40 and you’ll owe me 10
Lou Costello: Ok, I’ll owe you 10.
Bud Abbott: That’s right.
Lou Costello: How come I owe you 10?
Bud Abbott: How much did I ask for?
Lou Costello: 50
Bud Abbott: How much did you give me?
Lou Costello: 40.
Bud Abbott: So you owe me $10.
Lou Costello: That’s right. [Pause] But you owe me 40.
Bud Abbott: Don’t change the subject.
Lou Costello: I’m not changing the subject; you’re trying to change my finances. Come on, Abbott give me my $40.
Bud Abbott: All right, there’s your $40, now give me the 10 you owe me.
Lou Costello: I’m paying you on account.
Bud Abbott: On account?
Lou Costello: On account I don’t know how I owe it to ya.
Bud Abbott: That’s the way you feel about it, that’s the last time I ask you for a loan of $50.
Lou Costello: But how can I loan ya $50, now. All I got is 30.
Bud Abbott: Well, give me the 30 and you’ll owe me 20.
Lou Costello: Ok. This is getting worse all the time. (Look at audience) First I owe him 10, now I owe him 20.
Bud Abbott: Well, why do you run yourself into debt?
Lou Costello: I’m not running in, you’re pushing me!
Bud Abbott: I can’t help it if you can’t handle your finances. I do all right with my money.
Lou Costello: And you do all right with my money too.
Bud Abbott: Now I asked you for a loan of $50. You gave me 30, so you owe me 20. 20 and 30 is 50.
Lou Costello: No. No. No. 25 and 25 is 50.
Bud Abbott: All right, here’s your $30, now give me the 20 you owe me. Fine guy, won’t loan a pal $50.
Lou Costello: How can I loan you 50, all I got now is 10?
Bud Abbott: Wait a minute, to show you that I’m your pal, want to double that?
Lou Costello: Go ahead [Give Abbott 10 bill] See ya later.
Bud Abbott: Wait a minute. I don’t want that kind of money. On the up and up. Pick a number between 1 and 10.
Lou Costello: Okay.
Bud Abbott: Is it even or odd?
Lou Costello: Even
Bud Abbott: Is the number between 1 and 3?
Lou Costello: No
Bud Abbott: Between 3 and 5?
Lou Costello: No. I think I got him.
Bud Abbott: Between 5 and 7!
Lou Costello: Yes
Bud Abbott: Number 6
Lou Costello: Right!…How’d he do that? [Pause] Hey …
Doesn’t really end, just like our fantasy baseball league. Enjoy it!
Cheers,
Ante
Now you’ve gone and insulted Donkey Breath… big mistake, Ante. You don’t wanna cross her.
DT!!!
Sorry to have invoked her name, man. And I spend 2 years in Sudan and 20 months in Chad both tours in prime donkey country where donkey cart is THE mode of transport!
Love you man, especially your brave Greinke comment in the face of Grey’s obvious and absolute hatred for the Greinke man.
Cheers,
Ante
Haha
Did someone say Greinke?
5. Bauers, Goodrum, prolly Jeffress maybe Trivino B. Donkey Breath is a lovely girl
6. Nice!
Grey!!!
You’re gonna laugh, but I don’t get the end of the sketch where Abbott guesses Costello’s number, the number 6. Think you could briefly mansplain it for me.
Cheers,
Ante
Think of a number between 1-10
Grey!
6.
Cheers,
Ante
You’re supposed to say even or odd!
Grey!!!
You scared the sh*t out of me, I just answered what I’m supposed to answer…6!
But, ok! Even or odd.
Cheers,
Ante
You read my mind reading your mind!
Grey!!!
You’re supposed to say even or odd, like in response to my question?
Ga!!!!
Cheers,
Ante
Damn, I thought I was reading your mind reading my mind reading your mind
When does Christian Walker get the full time 1B job? (And is a hold until then)
When Jake Lamb gets enough at-bats to prove he’s once again Jake Lamb.
Hoping within 2 weeks
Does that spell trouble for our boy Eduardo at 3B? Is platoonage with Lamb-chop imminent?
Possibly
Great article Grey :)
Would you start Eflin @Was tonight?
Not for me
Hopefully you have better options
Thanks! Agree with DT
Thank you Grey, DT and Lenny :)
No problem
14 team H2H auction redraft league. 6×6: Runs, HR, RBI, SB, AVG, OPS and Ks, QS, ERA, WHIP, SV+HD, K/9
1) drop Jeff McNeil for Kolten Wong?
C: JT Realmuto
1B: Jesus Aguilar
2B: Jeff McNeil
3B: –
SS: Manny Machado (5 games away from 3B eligibility)
OF: Mike Trout
OF: Tommy Pham
OF: Ramon Laureano
UTL: Fernando Tatis Jr
B: Austin Meadows
P: Mike Clevinger
P: Jose Alvarado
P: Will Smith
P: Arodys Vizcaino
P: Chad Green
SP: Zack Wheeler
SP: German Marquez
B: Hyun Jin Ryu
B: Brandon Woodruff
B: Joe Musgrove
B: Michael Wacha
Thanks!
I’d hold but they’re close. That’s a hot Wong!
Agree with DT
I know he had only one start, but darvish. Would you roster him. I feel he is a candidate for a solid bounce back year, but I’ve been wrong before…
I’d I drop him, I could stash senzel. Assuming he called up in a few weeks, I think he’s worth chewing up a roster spot.
grey hates darvish
I am holding on cuz upside
I’d hold also
Agree w/ others
Which SuperFutility player do you like RoS, Kike or Goodrum?
Kike
Agree with DT
And all along I thought it was Vagexit. Grey is edumacational . . .
As a brit I think you are right Bodacious, but I believe a decorated lady-garden is called a vajazzle, hence the use of the J.
Vayjay is used colloquially
Clevinger’s start was great. The Indians can move 2 starters and still have the best rotation in the Central.
Although losing Wendle sucks, I like Brandon Lowe and think he can be a Dozier-type moving forward. I’d like to see if Solak gets a crack at the team this year though.
It’s nice that the Yanks signed some depth pieces, but Andujar was looking so solid coming off of last year. They can slide Torres to 3B (where he should end up anyway), replace Tulo with Didi at SS and keep LeMahieu at the keystone. They’ll be alright without him, I think.
They should move 2 for two bats then
Yes on Yanks, they can afford to lose one, two or even three guys
Grey! All my hitters are hurt, all my pitchers are awful, and I’m all out of chocolate granola. Otherwise, it’s a great morning! Are we starting Buehler @COL or should we sit that one out?
No. He has already said no way at coors and see how he looks
Agree with AL
Agree with others
Tyler Glasnow or Rick Porcello?
Glasnow
Agree with Malicious
Agree with others
H/H Points……have a spot for 1 SPer….. D German or J Urias
Urias for me.
Urias
Of course grichuk dings one when I drop him for Bruce, Tomato, tomatah
The fun here today is that I’m actually interested by catcher position this year as I took astudillo and Sanchez.
Usually I abide by the catcher/scab/don’t ask me about catchers unwritten razzball role, but…..
This could be really good or really bad quickly.
I’m holding Astudillo
14 team H2H auction redraft league. 6×6: Runs, HR, RBI, SB, AVG, OPS and Ks, QS, ERA, WHIP, SV+HD, K/9
1) Need to bench 1 SP for the remainder of this week:
– Zack Wheeler vs WSH
– German Marquez @TB
– Brandon Woodruff vs CHC
– Joe Musgrove vs CIN
– Michael Wacha vs SD
C: JT Realmuto
1B: Jesus Aguilar
2B: Jeff McNeil
3B: –
SS: Manny Machado (5 games away from 3B eligibility)
OF: Mike Trout
OF: Tommy Pham
OF: Ramon Laureano
UTL: Fernando Tatis Jr
B: Austin Meadows
P: Mike Clevinger
P: Jose Alvarado
P: Will Smith
P: Arodys Vizcaino
P: Chad Green
SP: Zack Wheeler
SP: German Marquez
B: Hyun Jin Ryu
B: Brandon Woodruff
B: Joe Musgrove
B: Michael Wacha
Thanks!
I’d bench Woodruff
Agree with DT
does it bother you that the only hit worth mentioning from Laureano so far is against the launching pad rotation that is the BoSox?
Also, is there a glossary term for early season overreactions from grey sleepers not performing right away? I feel like there should be…
Nope, but all ears
What about something like – Restlessleepersyndrome..
or when someone overacts to a blah start from a player they should be holding..you could say.. – “don’t blahve a fit!”
Haha, I like it
*Walks away with fist in air full Judd Nelson at end of Breakfast club*
My B. … I forgot to ask in original post – glasnow and Eloy for Robles ..who wins?
Thanks for all the feedback
Eloy
EOAS — Early Onset Alzbrighter Symptoms
Haha, bunch of sufferers y’all
Lucroy or Kelly at catcher?
Kelly
Agree with DT
Hey @Grey: How do you rank AND tier these Marlins starters??
They almost all look rosterable, particularly, Pablo, Richards, Smith and Alcantara. I’m in a QS (instead of W) league, so that helps.
I don’t really have the room for all of them, so is there anyone you would prioritize adding?
Thanks in advance!
Definitely all rosterable and its a tight grouping. Richards, Smith, Alcantara, Pablo for me but hard to argue with any order.
They’re ranked in my rankings, Agree with DT that they’re close
Best of luck in Tout Wars, Grey!
Some waiver claims I am considering… pick up Semien, Yandy Diaz, Greg Bird, and drop Alex Gordon, Josh Reddick, and Justin Bour.
I need some pitching help and Caleb Smith is a pickup for Mike MInor, right?
Which pitchers would you drop?
I have Bauer, Chacin, Estrada, Hendricks, Minor, Chad Green, Kela, Leclerc, and Andrew Miller (stashing Keuchel and Kimbrel! on the bench and Gausman, Rich Hill and Betances on the IL)
FWIW, saves+holds league! OBP league! 5×5 roto 14 teams
he was a ball player……..kruk was the best
All those waiver claims look good. I’d swap Smith in for Minor.
Those drops depend on who you’re adding, but Estrada and Minor are pretty droppable.
Thanks! Agree with DT
Grey, I have been reading you for at least a decade, probably more, and this is the first time (I think) I have seen you drop a serious philosopher–and you went with the best of the bunch, Immanuel Kant. Well done. Next thing you know you will be telling us that punting average is a Categorical Imperative.
David Hume is rolling over in his grave
DH can eat a D, DT
Ha, thanks!
Grey,
12-tm H2H cat keeper (keep 12) CATS – (9) R,H,HR,RBI,SB,BB,AVG,OPS,XBH – (8) W,CG,SV,K,GIDP,ERA,WHIP,QS. 35 moves all year (which I don’t typically use all) so no streaming. This League is pretty active on the wire Waiver.
I’m trying to work the league a bit to improve my 2B position but most managers don’t want to start trading until at least a month in. I guess first Question, to try and get some youth & upgrade at 2B, who would you happily part ways with ? Everyone is after Trea Turner but what kind of return would you be happy with for Trea ?
These are the Available players (WW), Do you see anything worth swapping out ?
Hit: T. Beckham, A. Barnes, T. Mancini, A. Jones, K. Wong, R. Healy, J. Soler, J. McNeil, Y. Alonso, J. Bruce, I. Happ (NA)
SP: C. Burnes, T. Willaims, K. Gibson, M. Fiers, I. Nova, A. Sanchez, P. Lopez, Y. Chirinos,
RP: A.J. Minter, A. Vizcaino, M. Barnes, G. Holland, S. Greene,
My team:
C – W. Ramos
1B – P. Goldschmidt
2B – K. Marte
3B – Eugenio Suarez
SS – T. Turner
CI – A. Rizzo
MI – X. Bogaerts
LF – C. Yelich
CF – C. Blackmon
RF – D. Santana
Util – R. Laureano
BN – F. Reyes
SP – C. Carrasco
SP – J. Verlander
SP – N. Syndergaard
RP – K. Jansen (RP)
RP – J. Leclerc (RP)
P – K. Giles (RP)
P – W. Davis (RP)
BN – W. Buehler
BN – J. Paxton
BN – T. Richards
BN – M. Wacha
BN – T. Toussaint (NA)
DL – A. Heaney (DTD)
Thanks bud
Marv
Your team is really good.
I’d swap Wacha for Corbin Burnes, but other than that stand pat. No need to force a trade.
Meh, Franmil or Beckham is six of one, half dozen of another… Wacha or Burnes is kinda same… No moves really right this moment that are necessary
DT,
I’ve been working on this team for years, and am looking to defend my championship again. I’d say that’s the team that Grey built, been following his sound advice for years.
you guys are awesome & thank you for always answering the 500 questions everyday!
Marv
No problem
Hey @Grey- One more question today. In a 6×6 roto league with QS instead of W, the below SPs are available. How would you rank/tier them?
Woodruff, Peacock, Pablo, Richards, Smith, Alcantara, Burnes, Boyd
Thanks!!
Burnes in his own tier for me. Then Peacock, Richards, Smith, Alcantara, Pablo, Woodruff, Boyd .
I ranked them in my rankings, nothing’s changed in less than a week
Thoughts on dumping J.A.Happ for any of these guys…..McHugh, Matz, Maeda, K Gibson, Rodon or any of the Marlins SPs? Thanks G
I’d hold for now
Agree with DT
Í have Tatis, Gleyber, Mondesi, Machado and Muncy. Í though about dropping Tatis but now Í think should be Muncy. What do you think?
Like just drop one for the hell of it? Why do that?
I’m with the fungi, i’m would sit on those unless you need something.
Agree with others
Hey Grey,
Love reading these every morning. Thanks
What in Domingod’s name do I do with Kimbrel?
Thanks! Hold for now, what can you do? Trade?
Nope, considering dropping!
I’ll hold.
Ron Darling is clearly mistaken we all know the true culpert of the “magic slur” is keith hernandez. Or was there a second slurrer? we many never know.
They’re the best to listen to and it’s not close IMO. (in any sport)
i’m not buying the claim that Dykstra stood in the on deck circle yelling racial slurs at oil can boyd during the world series and now one know about until 30 years later.
with all the audio/ cameras, i mean even people in the stands would have heard it the circle is closer to the stands than the mound. i would’nt put much past Lenny but this does’nt seem to pass the smell test.
I didn’t know about the Dykstra stuff at all. Now your first post makes a lot more sense to me! I just purely meant the Mets 3-some is the best sports broadcast. They bring up interesting points and aren’t talking 100% of the time
I can’t say a good thing about ANY football commentator team.
Don’t know football commentators but love Mets booth
Agree with Moneyball
Thanks Grey, glad to have you back in mid-season form.
Rank these pitchers ROS in a 7×7 with W, QS, K, &K/9 (I know…)
Stroman, Peacock, McHugh, Trevor Williams
Thanks!
Peacock, McHugh, Williams for me
Agree with DT
Great write up as always, Grey, but I’m surprised you didn’t go David Bowie on Andrew Heaney’s chronic ch-ch-ch-ch-changes.
Thanks! Sorry, always rap for me over rock
That Tatis homerun made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. But then I remembered that my team’s already guaranteed a tie at best because Snell, Stras, and Greinke got lit up, and I own a handful of closers(?) who don’t deserve their jobs(?). But young players are fun.
Ha, he hit it was such ease, crazy
was more excited about the daily thread being back than baseball itself!
which of the following would you stash in 14 team dynasty league? Upton, Cespedes, Polanco, Heaney, Wendle? got two DL spots but also willing to sacrifice bench spots If they’re worth it
Upton and Polanco.
Agree with Malicious
Agree with others
Already down Stanton and Olson, my two biggest power bats. No team homers since THR. Counting down to 2020… lol
Uh, no, Papasmurf!
Tyler Naquin goes from batting 3rd to batting 8th. 1 for 10 with 6 K’s. AAAA is calling.
The countdown to Greg Allen starting and batting leadoff (L.Martin should be 9th but we know they’ll start Allen at 9 before eventually making the switch) continues….
95… 94… 93… 92… 91…
Totally!
Tatis or G. Torres as a keeper in standard 5×5 roto this year and beyond (same price.)
Doc!!!
Tatis like in the landslide case of The Notorious B.I.G. versus Bushwick Bill! Get it? Tatis a million times over. Check the video above for video confirmation.
Cheers,
Ante
Tatis
I’m new to the RCL i was always in H2h….i stablized my pitching a bit and am putting up overall points becuase i drafted all hitters. I’m doing poorly in stolen bases, K’s, saves , i don’t even have a closer this week and somehow i’m only 2nd to the last in saves. The question is the league overall points or do individual categories matter?
Your question doesn’t make sense, but if you’re asking how roto works…you’re ranked first to last in each category based on your team stats.
Are the standings determined by aggregate points or all categories ?
If so then one individual category does’nt matter if i make up for it with strength in another category.
i went back and looked seems like it just rolls up all int a total point value.
This is too stressful. What Ante said.
LOL……..i’m just stumbling thru it
cram it up your cram hole lefluer……best movie ever next to Tommy Boy
I stand by My Cousin Vinny.
Lenny!
Individual categories matter. For instance in your league, the guy or gal whose team leads in HRs, RBIs, runs scored, SBs and batting average (standard 5 hitting categories) and leads in WHIP, ERA, Ks, Wins and Saves (standard 5 pitching categories) will score 120 points which means they won every single category. Obviously it is pretty unrealistic for that to happen, so the trick is to lead in 3 or 4 categories (like HR, runs, RBIs and maybe SBs) with maybe saves and Ks as additional extras. You don’t have to lead all of them. Be in 1st, 2nd or 3rd in all 6 and you could be in first overall. For wins, you have to watch out for the innings pitched limit. The limit is 1400 IP, so in theory you could have like 4 primo starters (maximum) who have high k/9 and win the K category but then you won’t have enough closers to be close in the Save category. You also need to allow for relief pitchers to pitch, if there are 4 that’s 400 IPs, plus your 4 starters 800 IPs, that’s enough to qualify (e.g., over 1000 IP) and under 1400 IP. If you go over 1400 IP, you stop scoring points for pitching so your maximum your team could get is 5 X 12=60, which will get you 8th place or lower. If all 4 starters are efficient they can win you ERA and WHIP too, but that depends a lot. On pitching, the Grey mantra and industry standard is 3 starters to 6 relievers among your 9 pitchers. The rest of the team should be hitting plus your bench also hitting.
Well, that’s step 1. Good luck.
Cheers,
Ante
Thanks AG that helps……….i see you can’t really punt on a category. The Inning count is interesting will have to look at that; around 150 inning per pitcher.
I’m good on hitting except SB. my pitching is messed up.
Lenny!
You can punt (not completely) on saves and batting average. In my opinion and my experience, the team that wins the runs category is the team that wins the league.
Cheers,
Ante
Well its early but so far first in runs, hr, avg, 4th rbi last stolen base.
pitching IP is high but all categories middle of the pack at best. hopefully i get some luck on pitching pickups and the guys i have on dl.
It’s 5×5 roto — so individual categories
Strahm or Urias in a 12 team redraft with QS instead of Wins? Feel like neither will be great at getting the QS unfortunately.
agree, neither will go 6 often I fear
Urias
Urias
Lucroy or Kelly
Kelly
Drop Musgrove for Urias?
I heard Urias will be moved to the bullpen once Clayton is back. Would you stick with Musgrove?
I’d want Urias
Hold
Grey,
12 team QS instead of holds.
A. You starting Urias in Colorado?
B. You starting Strahm in St. Louis?
QS instead of wins.
I’m not starting either
Agree with DT
Hey Grey –
I have a question regarding player status on ESPN. I currently own Jesus Luzardo, and would like to hold him, but he’s listed as DTD and hasn’t been moved to IL. Is there a reason for that, and what are the expectations for his designation going forward?
Thanks,
Jeff
Is he on the IL?
wont be moved to IL, he’s not on 40 man roster. same problem for Honeywell
so is it worth keeping him, assuming johnnyhobbes is correct (which i’m guessing he is)? it’s a keeper league.
Don’t know how deep your keeper is, but seems doubtful
I agree about the Mets announcers, but only after Vin Scully retired. Some of his recent opinions made me rethink him as a person (re: stance against NFL players kneeling), but damn, to listen to him call a ballgame was like drinking ice cold lemonade on a hot summer day.
Scully was the best
Agree with Grey..
Yes and not really close. He is missed.
Heany, ugh.
Would you drop him for MKelly, Hess, Giolito, Keller, or Duplantier in a weekly 14 team H2H (start 3 SP, 2 RP, 2 P)?
I’d want Keller. Keep a close eye on Giolito and Dup…
Agree with DT
Alonsoooo!
That is all.
An absolute bomb
Good morning Grey! Drop Porcello for Burnes or wait?
Very small bench in this league so I can’t roster both. I know porcello is safer but it’s bugging me that burnes still available in 14 team league
Rest of my SP: Flaherty, G. Marquez, Kituchi, Stripling, Eovaldi, P. Lopez, Heaney (IL), C. Martinez (IL)
I’d do the swap. Might ditch Lopez instead of Porcello though…
Hey, Rafi! I’d hold Porcello for at least one more start, can lose Lopez
10 team league 5×5 svs+holds categories
1)lose andrew miller or matt strahm to open up streaming spot?
2)lose one of the above for matz?
RP on waivers right now include robertson, pressly, britton, parker, may, greene
SP gets thin later in the year rp usually is stocked year round
1) Miller looks lost, can prob ditch him in a 10 team
2) I’d hold Strahm for another couple starts and see
Agree with DT
Actually kind of deceptively good news on Heaney, at least from his perspective. “Chronic changes”probably means no ligament damage, or at least anything to surgerize.
Grey- what are you doing with Mullins? Leading off against righties (good), but looks like he’s a sit against all lefties (bad). Lot of lefty starters in the AL east (although the Yankee’s will surely get hurt at this rate).
It never means that for Angels pitchers’ elbows
I’m holding Mullins for now
12 team ..H/H Points……I like to make moves but at $5 a FA pickup & $10 a trade there has to be a limit ..
Hi,
Which of these pitchers would you be holding in an RCL type league with a deeper bench (6)?
Woodruff
Gibson
Caleb Smith
Matz
Musgrove
Even with a 6 man bench, if you have unlimited moves none are must hold yet in my book
I’m holding them all for now
Thanks. Who would be your two least favorite of the group?
Thinking Gibson due to age and Musgrove due to lower Ks. rest seem to be controll issues from being a hold all year kind of pitcher.
Sure, can lose those 2
Where do you get your no-hitter text alerts from? I’m been looking for that for years. Thanks in advance.
I got it from my TV app on my phone
Looking to add another SP in my QS league. Which fish do you like the most: Caleb Smith, Pablo Lopez, Sandy “Cheeks” Alcantara?
Thanks!
Smith for me but Alcantara is right there with him.
Smith
If you don’t follow Keith Hernandez on Twitter already, you should. Gold mine of content.
Start or sit DeSclafani vs Milwaukee?
Sit
I’m starting him in league where I have him, but might be deeper than yours
Morning Grey! Anyone to drop for Domingo German for the forseeable future? W/K/ERA/WHIP/QS league. Or hold?
Corbin, Marquez, Clevinger, Happ, Lucchesi, Ed-rod, Pivetta, Eovaldi, Gray, Chirinos.
Gray
Ha! I’m laughing this morning several seconds after I normally would have ceased. However, this is not simply a jolly laugh, but a rather maniacal one imbued with an inquisitive tinge of arrogance muted quickly by healthier skepticism. You see, I DRAFTED Yoenis Elias in our DC. Not only did I draft him, I took him at 644, the highest of ANYONE. That is any one of the 26 managers who were foolish… or brilliant enough to draft him at all. We’re talking about 11% ownership here. That’s an exclusive club when it comes owning a potential closer in NFBC draft and holds.
Okay, okay, I’m probably getting carried away. Don’t let me get lost in my delusions of grandeur, Sir Grey. He’s probably not the closer. Plus, he’s a lefty. I also own WAY more shares of Shawn Armstrong. But, hey, if he does stick that’s my cheapest closer ever beating even my Bud Norris 2017 DC pick!
Wow, impressive you even considered him… You might’ve been only one to draft him out of every fantasy league in the world this year
OBP League, Benintendi or Hoskins?
https://razzball.com/2019-fantasy-baseball-rankings/
1.) Would you buy high on Clevvy? Buehler or Clevinger ROS?
2.) Drop Jorge Polanco for Bruce in a 6×6? Already have Beckham, Peraza and Story at SS
3.) Start M gonzales vs. LAA? 12 team league, SON -4?
1. Clevinger 2. Sure 3. Sounds fine
Interesting that nationals are moving up scherzer to get the sherzer / harper match up. Seems to me this is game 4 or the season not game 4 of the series. It will be fun to see the first meeting but that seems like a desperate move for this early.
It’s crazy they’re doing that
How long would you hold onto Old Man Dozier in a 12-teamer? It’s early I know, just don’t have a lot of faith in the old timer to do much lol
I don’t know, maybe a month… I wouldn’t have drafted him
Pinder? I barely know her!
Why don’t you know her?
BOOM
Good morning,
Not trying to overreact, but given the injury, would you move Giancarlo for Vlad, Hader, and Gary Sanchez in redraft?
The fact that a “funky swing” caused the injury, it sounds like it could re-injure pretty easily with how hard he swings
Thanks
Sounds fair
Would you pick up Betances and put him on IL or keep Strickland there? My league doesn’t give points for holds, but Betances could help my era and contribute some ks when he’s healthy. My current closers are Giles, Alvarado, Boxberger, Givens, and Brasier.
Betances on IL
I’m n a 10 team H2H yahoo mixed redraft league.
I have 3 DL spots. I already have Didi and Upton in DL spots and they will each be out for at least half of the year. Stanton and Folty are also on the DL so I have 4 injured players for 3 spots.
Should I be holding onto Didi and Upton?
Please advise. If I dropped one of them it would likely be to fill-in for a hitter (thinking about Soler but others are available).
Laureano
Mancini
Kepler
Bradley
Dickerson
Grichuk
Soler
K Hernandez
I’m also thinking of dropping Strahm after his terrible start and swapping out with Caleb Smith or P Lopez.
My team:
C : Buster Posey (C, 1B)
1B: Pete Alonso (1B)
2B: Matt Carpenter (1B, 2B, 3B)
3B: Nolan Arenado
SS: Javier Baez(2B, 3B, SS)
OF: Giancarlo Stanton (OF)
OF: Rhys Hoskins (1B, OF)
OF: AJ Pollock (OF)
UTIL: Domingo Santana (OF)
Bench: Jonathan Villar (2B, SS),
DL: Justin Upton (OF)
DL: Didi Gregorious (SS)
STARTING PITCHERS:
James Paxton
Jameson Talilion
Eduardo Rodriguez
Nathan Eovaldi
Chris Paddack
Collin McHugh
Julio Urias
Matt Strahm
Joe Musgrove
Tyler Glasnow
DL: Mike Folynewicz
CLOSERS:
Felipe Vazquez
Wade Davis
Ken Giles
Drop one to add another bench bat? Why?
Long term, do you like German or Odorizzi better?
German
Grey! You’re the man…. I was offered Betts for Goldy, and Mikolas… I feel like that’s giving up too much, but love Betts… Thoughts? Here is the rest of my team for reference.
C – Cervelli
1b – Goldy
2b – Cano
3B – Devers
SS – Tatis/Bregman
OF – Bellinger, D Peralta, Eloy
DH – K Davis
Pitching – Severino, Berrios, Mikolas, Quintana, Rey Lopez, Junis, Dereck Rodriguez, Strahm, Stripling, T Richards… Wood, and C Mart on IL.
Betts side
14 team mixed ops league, keep 15 (no term limits)
My Puig, C Burnes, Strahm, mcHugh
For Soto and other junk rp’s
I wouldnt compete for champ this year, keeper evaluation only
Gracias
Soto side
Chasing saves is hard. That is all.
So hard out here
for a pimp
of saves
Matz looked “great?” He looked servicable against the Fish in the Fish Tank. And saying, if he didn’t serve up the tater circumvents the point, which is that he did…Starlin Castro. You’ll be lucky to get a fraction of that when he goes to Philly, Atlanta and DC.
It’s going to be hard to know what to do with Urias. He gets one more start then he’s back to the bullpen. The Dodger pecking order at the moment seems to be Buehler/Kershaw and I don’t know which is their 1, Ryu (who is their 1), Hill/Maeda (also reversable), Stripling and Urias. The current plan is for him to come back as a starter possibly in August/Sept. There would need to be two of the six ahead of him DLed at any time for him to be in the conversation for spot starts, and even then who’s to say the Dodgers don’t give those starts to some scrub to keep Urias on plan.
On the flip side, the Dodger pen looks pretty shaky at the moment. Is there a chance you get high end multi inning relief guy with great Ks, a shot at a few vulture wins and a handful of saves. How much production would it need to be to be worth a carry in a 12 team NFBC format?
Caleb Smith is really nasty. Was caught off guard by how good his change up is. Knew about the fastball/breaker combo. He got a lot of swings and misses on the change. Went to it in tough counts at times as well. If he can stay healthy he looks pretty good.
Yarbrough…one appearance one win. His wins last year weren’t flukey and wins are getting tougher to come by via the SP route. I recommend paying attention and trying to gobble up the “bulk” guys following openers in leagues where it makes sense. I mentioned Yacabonis yesterday…might or might not work out but there is upside if he pulls a Yarbrough. Also thinking Clay Buchholz might end up in that role.
Watched every Acuna AB yesterday except the homer. The other ABs he didn’t look real great. Not entirely that is. I thought his discipline was good. Mostly swung at strikes. But he was late on some pretty mediocre fastballs in hittable locations. Not an alarm on Acuna. Just saying doesn’t look locked in at the moment.
Geez, someone doesn’t like Matz — he barely gave up any baserunners outside of Castro, and that inning should’ve been over
Hoping Buehler doesn’t get IL’d and sent to extended spring training to work on stuff for 3 months
Smith looked nasty too, pretty unhittable, made Cano look bad
Meh, it’s one game on Acuna
I always like to have one player on my team I can drop at any point someone hot comes along. Not sure I have that right now. Here’s who I have on my bench behind some solid starters: C. Taylor, Laureano, Dickerson, B. Anderson, D. Castilla , B. Rodgers
Not sure I’d want to drop any of them. I just picked up C. Smith after last night’s performance, though I might be too invested in the Marlins as I have Richards and Lopez too. It’s a pts league so I’m not worried about wins.
Anyways, if you had to pick one of the above that is droppable, who would it be? 11 team pts keeper league. I’d hate to drop any of them.
Anderson
The first of many quick drops of 2019 in my league is Miles Mikolas. My H2H league counts K/9 and Ls for pitchers in addition to the standard 5 cats.
My starting staff is heavy on Grey sleeper picks – Clevinger, Woodruff, Lucchesi, Glasnow, Stripling, and Marquez
The schmohawks attempting to win me saves are: Alvarado, Holland, Matt Barnes, Brasier, Dominguez, and Kennedy. I’m leaning towards standing pat since Mikolas is such a drag on the K/9 category, but wanted to know your perspective.
On a side note – I caught the end of the Reds/Brewers game yesterday and the Reds announcers were commenting how Iglesias doesn’t look right – velo was down and his off speed stuff didn’t have any snap to it. Not sure if you heard anything else on the matter, but Jared Hughes is on my watch list now.
You have no one to drop
I’d put Amir Garrett on the watchlist, interesting Raisel… Would be my luck my one closer goes down
10 tm lgs safe to dumb Andujar, no?
No
Playing in some shallow leagues this year so the waiver wire has me drooling. Pick up Beckham, Wong, Healy, Franco, or Kike over Inciarte, Laureano, or Pete Alonso? R/HR/RBI/AVG/OBP/SB
No
Hey Grey- could you see dropping andrelton simmons for Ryon Healy? I’ll have Baez move to short and Healy to third. Or will his playing time get cut when Seager returns. If his bat stays hot , the mariners make room for him correct?
Also
Laureano > Meadows ?
Thanks
Yes
And Laureano = Meadows, see my rankings
Thanks FML
No problem
Grey & Donkey Teeth –
What up homies???
By now I am sure you are getting sick of the Strahm questions, but I’ve got another one, sorry dudes.
In a 10 team, 6×6, roto (holds & OPS), that is pretty shallow overall at the moment, would you considering moving on from Strahm until he shows something? Right now he would be my stream spot for a holder and/or a starter if the matchup is spicy enough (Gibson @KC?).
What says you, men?
Yes, move on in a 10 teamer
Gotta share. Traded Stanton/Suarez for Arenado/McCutchen the night before Stanton injury.
Awesome for me…but all hell broke loose for team trading for Stanton.
I thought I killed him even before the injury…but what is your take on the timing of the trade injury. I label this as shit happens…injuries happen.
It happens, ain’t your fault
Grey,
Someone cut Tim Anderson. 12 team 6×6 OPS the extra category. Can you rank:
Profar, Tim Anderson, Tatis, McNeil
Thanks
Profar, Tatis
Hoskins or Benintendi, OBP league!
I have the following on the bench in case my other players aren’t playing that day
Jake Bauers
Miggy
Matt Strahm
Would you drop either of them for the following:
1. Christian Walker
2. Kevin Kiermaier
3. Corbin Burnes
Also – do you expect David Robertson to get much pitching time this year? If not, I may drop him for someone like Zac Rosscup from Boston who is getting a lot of holds (category in my league, blah)
Strahm for BUrnes — hold Robertson for now
Is Dominguez the closer in PHI? Robertson was being drafted as the closer n most leagues. Thanks as Searanthony is available on the free agent wire in my 12 team. Grab him. If yes,drop Senzel,Strahm or J Urias?
In a committee, maybe
Think you can drop Strahm or Senzel
5×5 12 team obp. Sv+hlds.
Have corbin, marquez, strahm, f. Peralta, german, lucchesi, eovaldi, woodruff (playing matchups as you suggested). On waivers: Alcantra, gibson, musgrove, c smith.
Any changes you would make? Getting a little worried about ratios evn though its early.
Also…thank you for all the help, lots of hospital time with my son and obsessing over this helps pass the time.
Hope your son’s okay… Musgrove over Strahm
He hanging in. Thank you again.
No problem
As a Snell fan, I’m conflicted tonight as I want him to pitch well, but I also want Story to ball out of his 1/16 7 K streak right now. Maybe 3-3 with 3 solo HRs and Snell still gets a QS?
Ha, I’d take it
Anthony Alford worth an add in 10-team mixed? Pillar traded.
Bit shallow for him, but I added him in 12 team mixed
Noooo, give McKinney more run!
Both are prolly not good
Thanks to injuries I need an Alford break out!
Let’s go with the Alford pleas
Bad true crime joke
Haha. Can we also get on board with Franchy over Franmil?
Dude looks lost at the plate right now anyway.
Yeah, I’m with that move too
Not good can still be useful in NFBC.
I know, it’s my entire team right now
When will the myth end that to be successful a closer must be on a good team?
Yahoo/rotoworld just had a Will Smith update saying the giants figure to be a bad team limiting Smith’s value. I’ve always found that bad teams win more close games when they do win, providing save opportunities. Dodgers have a top 3 closer but they’ve scored so many runs they haven’t needed him.
Razzball way ahead of the curve here.
SAGNOF baby!
Yeah, I love good closers on bad teams… They shouldn’t have competition… Tho, I do worry Bochy likes Melancon
Melincon has done enough damage in spring for Boch to not trust him in the 9th. I feel like the fresh prince has a lock on the job.
My bigger worry is a fire sale at the deadline, but this new GM just acquired Pillar, and hasn’t shown much inclination to dealing pieces. Maybe MadBum goes, but Smith is pretty affordable.
That said, enough teams need closers that Smith’s situation might not change if he’s dealt.
And that that said, a hardcore Giants fan in my league lost Strickland, and I’m thinking about offering him Will Smith in a trade after he cried to me about only having 1 closer in a text last night. Hmm…
Yeah, mayeb but I don’t trust Bochy
I wouldn’t. Dude’s shady AF. He’s the kinda dude who’d try to bang your g/f when you go to the bathroom at the bar. I’m just sayin.
Haha
Thanks, Grey, for yet another great start to my day and the baseball season! This year, I’ve decided to take an “off-year” where I don’t put as much time into managing my team and get away from the grind of researching players, making moves, etc. With that said, I still plan on keeping up with your posts (and those of the other Razzball writers) since your writing brings me that much joy.
Warning: the rest of my post is going to make me seem like a liar re: what I said above, haha.
Another focus of this year is to try to take a gamble on some players in the hopes I find some nice keepers in my auction-style, points league. I let go of Trout ($72) and Arenado ($38) and kept Clevinger ($9), Treinen ($12), Marquez ($7), and Bregman ($19). Somehow, I got Trout back for $60 (thought others would bid higher then got stuck – I know, what a shame).
1. On the pitching side, I managed to get some intriguing potential keepers (I know it’s way too early): Paddack ($8), Glasnow ($8), Kikuchi ($7), Bieber ($7), L. Castillo ($11), and Lucchesi ($6), Bryse Wilson ($1). Among these guys and adding in Clevinger and Marquez, which two or three do you think could emerge as the best keepers, not just for next year, but in the mid- and long-term?
2. On the batting side, I don’t have as many intriguing potential keepers. Trout is a tough decision as usual at $60, and Bregman seems like a lock at $19. However, I’m looking to pick up or trade for another potential keeper (I can only have 4 keepers btw). Right now, I have a deal on the table, Treinen for Robles ($9). What do you think about both short-term and long-term?
3. The guy who offered Treinen for Robles also has Alonso, Aguilar, and Voit – are any of those guys worth targeting over Robles, or with Robles in a larger deal?
4. Separate question: would you swap Dozier for either Wong or LeMahieu?
Thanks for the fantasy wisdom in advance!
Ha, thanks! 1. It’s early 2. Keepers? Less than a week into the season? 3. I’d want Robles 4. Nah, not yet
Hahaha, ok point taken, too early for keepers. Perhaps I should clarify that I’m hoping to acquire a stud who’s worthy of keeping year after year.
What do you think of Treinen for Robles? Think Robles will be a consistent top 20 player anytime soon or ever?
I’d want Robles
Gotcha. A couple follow-ups:
A. What about Kikuchi and Glasnow for Robles?
B. I also nabbed Ohtani for $5. Assuming Ohtani is healthy, would you take him or Robles long-term?
1. Robles 2. Robles
Tell me more about Alford? Worth an add in 12 team mixed over Bruce? I don’t know much about him.
12/24/.235 player — for deeper leagues really
Hey Grey!
I’m antsy about my pitching and want a slot to stream. I have Goldy, Encarnacion, Josh Bell, Rendon, Tim Beckham, Just Dongs, Blackmon, Mallex Smith, Austin Meadows, Conforto and Mazara to cover 1B, 3B, SS, and OF. 10 team H2H keeper league, cats are AVG, OPS, K, R, RBI, HR, SB for hitters and W, L, NSV, K, ERA, WHIP, K/BB
I was looking at grabbing Chacin, Skaggs, Newcomb, or Matz. My pitchers are Nola, Syndergaard, Paxton, Berrios, Castillo, Stripling, Luchessi, and Peacock. Am I good? I just don’t like carrying so many bench bats and sitting guys constantly.
Matz over a bench bat
Thanks Grey, made the switch.
No problem
Hope I don’t jinx it, but I’ve been on-board the Domingo Ate Your Baby (c) train with a big nod your way. Got him later in both of my leagues, though I expect the larger coup will be my 6×6 w/OPS roto league. At some point last year you mentioned how the Brewers cost him $X million, and I think you were dead-on there (in concept; I don’t recall the exact amount but I’m sure you were scientific with it.). I have more faith in him than Puig (whom I also grabbed in the OPS league).
Domingod’s headed for a top 40 OF season
What do you think of Matt Chapman for Archer? Or would you rather have EdRod or Glasnow for Chapman? Or hold? I have Arrenado and Carpenter.
I don’t want Archer — Hold
Grey,
I choked and missed on Bellinger in my auction draft, going to try and trade for him now in a 12 teamer but obviously his price is now sky high.
How aggressive should I be to get him?
Should I propose Dahl/German Marquez for Bellinger/Pivetta
Or
Start with a proposal of Dahl/Kikuchi for Belli
Thanks
Wait til he goes on his 1-for-23 with 12 Ks streaks.
Not sure why the Belly owner would do these, but you can try
Yeah you’re right, but a man can dream.
Would you trade Muncy for Correa? Got too many ss…
I have Story and Turner too.
Correa
10 team dynasty h2h 5×5 obp
my muncy for andujar? worth the risk?
Muncy
Heading to Baltimore tomorrow for a conference. Catching the home opener on Thu vs NYY. Got tix for $35. wtf huh.
Anything else fun to do in that town? Lived near there for a couple months, not a fan.
You should do a walking tour of Hamsterdam
why do you wish me harm
Geez, I thought it would be fun!
Gomorrah! Sent the info….
got it thanks! will be OOT for a few days tho
no spoilers!
No spoilers, I may not watch for a week
Are you talking about the TV series? Worth the watch?
Crazy that some of the best recommendations of what to watchcome from a fantasy blog. Started watching The Great British Bake Off last year after it was recommended.
GBBO is the best! Watch Gomorra on Netflix
Thanks for all the help!
Curious to hear your thoughts on closers… In a 12 team H2H league, and have Leclerc + Holland closing right now, with Strickland out. I just picked up Jeffress to stash–do you think he will get some save looks when he’s back? Hader might run away with it.
Other than that, some of the MIN, SEA, BAL pitchers are available, as well as Brasier. Keep Jeffress? Or move on?
I also was dumb enough to draft Kimbrel if he ever decides he wants to pitch again…
Thanks!
Hader’s the closer until further notice — Parker over Jeffress
Trying to figure out if I should get rid of Buehler now before his value tanks; play the “I’m a panicked owner selling low” card. Rank these guys going forward for me?
Buehler, Bauer, Corbin, Clevinger, Marquez?
Feel like those are the pitchers I’d attempt to swap for.
Very little has changed from my rankings after 1 start
I think I misworded my question.
What I’m asking is, which of those pitchers would you rather have over Buehler? I know above you said Clevinger, any others?
Right now I’d take any of them. Doubt someone would swap u less they didn’t watch any baseball yet.
Any of them, and they’re ranked.
Yeah, I’m concerned about Buehler, he’s now last on that
Hey Grey! 10 team Roto league with standard 5×5 cats.
1. I’ve got a glut of OFs: Betts, Conforto, Jimenez, McCutchen, Inciarte, Piscotty, and Meadows. Need to drop 2 or 3 for pitching. Who’s your 3 to drop?
2. Also a glut of 3B: Vlad, Devers, Chapman, Turner. Which 2 would you drop?
3. Drop Voit for P. Alonso?
Thanks a bunch!!
1. Trade — Piscotty, Meadows, Ender 2. Devers, Turner 3. Alonso
Sure do like having one player in the Phili lineup; but Odubel really feels more like a consolation prize. Would you swap him for Alford (if called up) or Yandy (buying into the hype. BUTT, qualifies as DH on stupid ESPN. Should get 3B eventually)? Would also stash a couple of currently IL’d projected closers in Jefferes & Swarzack in the process, if that matters. Thanks. & Grey, those damn videos get funnier & funnier. Still cant rid my twisted mind of the visual Davey & Goliath comps. Minus the life’s lessons. Need that wholesome dog to make a cameo.
Hold Odubel for now — Ha, thanks!
Hey Grey,
in a 10 teams h2h league, my SPs are as following
Ryu, Stripling, Strasburg, Archer, Burnes, Berrios
Would you drop anyone for Arrieta (ROS)? He looked surprisingly solid yesterday.
Thanks
Archer
If Sergio Romo was available in your league, would you be add him.?
My only closers are Colome and Wade Davis.
What % of the committee do you think belongs to Sergio Romo?
Thanks as always!
95% Romo — I would add him
Grey,
I just accepted a trade from someone: I get Benintendi and he gets Treinen.
This leaves me with one more batter than I’d like.
1) should I pick up Vizcaino or Holland (for the purpose of SAGNOF)?
2) should I drop Muncy or Enciarte to pick up my new SAGNOF?
At the beginning of the year I would have kept Muncy hands down but I’m not digging how they are only using him against RHP and I despise platoons/I need an every day player (which I now have in Benintendi). I have good power and am a little light on steals this year (I guess I’m kinda hoping you’ll tell me to drop Muncy).
Thanks,
Jedi
That’s easy. Vizcaino.
But I sure as hell would not be dropping Muncy four games into the season.
Oops, typo, meant Inciarte.
At the worst, I could have 1 less SP if that trips your fancy a little more.
Vizcaino 2. Ender
I watched most of Julio Urias’ start last night on ESPN. Man he was smooth and deliberate, calm and poised.
He may be 22, but honestly, he looked well beyond his years. His control and ability to put the ball right where he wanted was beyond remarkable. If he stays healthy, this kid could really be something special.
Agreed
Last roster spot after losing Andujar, should I pick up Jay Bruce or Brandon Lowe? 12 team 7×7 keeper league (OPS and TB are the extra categories).
Also, drop Luke Weaver for Caleb Smith or Domingo German?
Bruce
Interesting extension for Atlanta. What a bargain for Acuna! Possible they can now sign Kimbrel????
What were your thoughts on Pomz last night? I thought he looked good. Too bad his team sucks.
Please let them now sign Kimbrel!
Pom looked fine from what I saw… His team sucks, but his park is good
Yandy or Kang? 14T Mixed
Are they close?
Thanks!
They’re close, Yandy
Caleb Smith of Zach Eflin rest of the year? I already own Trevor Richards. Just feels weird considering two marlins.
Eflin
Is Justin Upton worth a stash now or would you wait a bit to see how the healing process goes?
Yes, stash
Early season reactors (a.k.a. comical reactors) who think they are dropping Laureano are actually only dropping the ball.
Ha
Who would we rather roster, Caleb Smith or Woodruff?
Woodruff
In my NL only, do you prefer Schebler or Pillar, and could you rank them in relation to Hunter Renfro. I’ve got FAAB decisions to make.
Schebler
Schebler, Pillar, Renfroe
Thanks. Are you going to make a move on Pillar in your NL?
Of course, may not get him tho — won’t be that aggressive
yo I’m gonna run outta moves in this RCL. Ever done that before?
Nah, 500 moves is a lot of moves
I think I have a problem with rosterbation
Me and you both
Blue Jays just lost their best hitter Kevin pillar haha!
Haha
Maelstrahm is pretty amazing – almost made starting him yesterday not make me hurt!
Two unrelated questions for you….
1. In a 12 team obp ops (not avg) keep forever league, h2h, – would you trade your $10 Muncy for a $11 Tatis? No brainer yes due to keepers despite muncy having power and obp edge this year?
2. Was it you or Ralph who really liked Rowdy Tellez? With the changes to TOR, seems like he might be in line for daily ABs now…any thoughts on him?
1. I’d take Tatis 2. I think prolly Ralph, he’s okay, could be a cheap source of power, I’m not adding him yet in 12 team
Thanks! Yeah – I still like the Goodrums and Escobars and Kekes of the world over him too…
No problem
12 team keeper forever league:
Which side?
Vlad Jr. for D. Santana and Pereza
Vlad!
Agree with cram
Thanks Cram and MP
Vlad
Yandy Diaz or Ryon Healy?… eww im puking in my mouth as I re read that.
I’d give Yandy a shot..
Yandy
Is Josh James still worth holding? 12 team league.
If you want a MR that should give you above average ratios.
Nah
Thoughts on starting Keller tonight in KC v Twins..
Nelson Cruz is going to hit two bombs. He might be okay outside of that.
You must have Cruz..lol
That sounds like don’t start him..
Maaaaaaybe. *pinkie to mouth*
Sure
In a 12 Team H2H 6×6 + OPS Dynasty with 4 OF and 2 Util slots in win-now mode what’s everyone’s thoughts on Story ($9) for Bellinger ($6) and Segura ($26).
Bellinger will replace Hosmer at 1B, so that’s a big step up, but obviously Segura is no Story.
Thanks.
And money isn’t really an object, but included prices for the sake of transparency.
Cody side
Thanks. I’ve been trending that way.
Trending is good
It’s only one start, but are you still in on Strahm? I could grab Julio Urias or Eduardo Rodriguez off waivers in my 12-team.
Jk, someone already picked up Urias. :((
I’d go Ed-Rod, you’re in the video at the top of the post
Hey Grey!
Huge fan, would you trade Walker Buehler for Edwin Diaz and Kyle Freeland in a 12 team H2H league 6×6 including QS and SV+Holds?
Already have corbin as my top starter
Nah
Drop Strahm for: Musgrove, Peacock, Freddie Peralta or Matz?
Also drop Hirano for Romo, Minter, Jimenez, Parker, or Swarzak? Speculating Holds or Saves, my league has both as a category.
Thank you!
Musgrove — Yes, Romo
GREY! WUTUPPPP!? Hey man i know its super early in the season but what are your thoughts on Jose Peraza? 92.5 % owned, batting 6th or 7th. Awfully high % to be hitting out of the 6 hole dont ya think?
I like him, should be hitting leadoff, but is hitting 8th, not good
I like him too but apparently the Reds have other plans with him so low in the order. Ive got gim so ill hold on for now.
Meh, it’s only a few games
H2H Points league. Yarbrough or Chirinos?
Yonny
Drop any of these guys for Anthony Swarzak?
Felix Pena, Matt Festa, Ian Kennedy, Taylor Rogers
Swarzak is ostensibly the M’s closer when he gets back, so he likely takes Festa’s spot.
Festa
What’s up Grey?
Andujar news sucks as I owned him in 2 leagues. I was able to snag Franco in one but the waiver wire is quite barren in the other. I grabbed Jung Ho Kang in the moment but after looking at your rankings, I think the best move is to lose Kang for Wendle, throw him on IL, then grab Jake Lamb for now. I’m guessing you still prefer both of those guys to Kang?
Works for me
Bader or Wong, Wong or Bader? Peace out, Premier, bring me out with the fader…
HA! Nice… Bader
12 team standard 2 catcher 5×5 roto.
Nick Pivetta (PHI) vs. MIN Fri (v. Jake Odorizzi), or
Kyle Gibson (MIN) @KC Wed (v. Homer Bailey)?
Gibson
FUN THE JEWELS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SITCHES
FTJ! Fun the jewels fast!
Hi grey,
do you think keller could be legit this year? as in he could have a k/9 of 7+ instead of the 6 junky stuff he had been throwing previously? the 2nd half of last year he looked improved and his first start has me thinking.
1. given those thoughts (and your own thoughts too) how would you rank these guys?
Caleb Smith, Keller, Matz, Alex Wood when hes back, yonny, jimmy nelson?
2. would you hold all three of ian kennedy/wily/boxberger for now? or is there a clear drop?
3. do you think olson and polanco are worth DL stashes? if so which?
thank you
1. I ranked them in my rankings, nothing’s changed after one start… I think Matz, Smith, but I’m not sure 2. Box seems out 3. Yes, Polanco
More faith in an Alcantara breakout of Giolito? Have space to hold one in competitive 14T mixed.
Lasagna spot staring tomorrow for the Yanks!
Yes, more in Sandy
Lasagna!
Hey Grey,
Drop Weaver for Pomeranz?
Sure
$260 keeper budget: My Lindor $7 for his Scherzer $35 & K Giles $20
Meh
Has anyone done the Fiers Sale in Oakland joke yet?
Is it Fires or Fears? Serious question
It’s Fires. The A’s starters over the last 5 games have gone 30 innings and given up one run. Having Chapman and Lauerano on defense doesn’t hurt.
The A’s could start any good, get good results and still no one would draft them… Fires was pretty much free this year, as was all of their SPs
If Treat is ruled out for an extended period of time, who would you add from this group?(I can play Peraza at SS so I can add a basically any FA) DominGod, Alonso, Peralta, Moncada, Voit, Mallex, Buxton, A Meadows, KIke Hernandez or Profar? I’m ok in the steals department even without Treat so that’s not a huge concern. Thank you Gr to the ey!
Let’s see what the xrays say
Acuna Segura for Soto Rendon—-who do you like?
Acuna
10 team h2h points league
Pete Alonso or Yandy Diaz
Alonso
Would you trade Brian Dozier for Joc Pederson?
Nope
Hey Grey
I have Kang
Would you drop for Yandy
10 team.
Or just stay pat
Thanks
Prolly hold, coin flip, I like Yandy better tho
Thanks pal
No problem
Andujar will try rest/rehab over surgery for now – i hope it works out cause he was dropped in my league
Not optimistic
Starting desclefani vs Brewers?
I am but my league might be deeper than yours
I have Brinson and Maikel Franco ask my last links, would you drop either for Laureano ?
Brinson
With Andujar to the IL, who would you pick up ?
I’m in a 7×7 head to head league (total bases, OPS)
C cervelli
1B bell
2B Shaw
3b
Ss Tim Anderson
Of jd
Of benintendi
Of springer
Util co forto
Util Domingo
DL – Olson, Lindor, Ohtani
Bruce
Diaz
Goodrum
Thanks !
Bruce
So glad I had Price and Strahm in there last night. You know, I could have lived with Price’s 2 Runs and 9 K QS in 6 IPs, but he had to make a statement and give up a 2 Run HR to Pinder? Really?
Drop Strahm for Burnes in our 10 Team H2H Points League? I am willing to hang in there unless you feel Burnes is simply better.
Thanks much Grey.
I’d prolly hold for one more, coin flip really
Grichuk 5/52 extension – wow
That’s crazy
Franco or LeMahieu? Need to replace Andujar
Maikel
I have 2 DL spots
I DL’d Andujar until further notice and I picked up Gennet in my second sadly spot (for the time being since I have them for use).
Someone dropped Justin Upton. Would you DL upton or Gennet? Gennet should be back in June and Upton a June/July.
Thank!!
Upton
Ruh roh for Trea Turner owners
Ugh
How bad was it?? Didnt see….
Not good
For the love of God! I can’t have anything nice!
Son of a bench Efflin!! Wasn’t feeling comfy pitching him against Mad Max and SON didn’t like him either.
Damn
Ryu is helping me forget about it. Dude is en fuego.
Grey,
Wiould you drop Marcus Stroman for one of these pitchers:
David Hess
Jordan Zimmermann
Matt Shoemaker
Or hold Stroman
Shoemaker
DO you not trust Baltimore pitching??
No
If Treat is ruled out for an extended period of time, who would you add from this group?(I can play Peraza at SS so I can add a basically any FA) DominGod, Alonso, Peralta, Moncada, Voit, Mallex, Buxton, A Meadows, KIke Hernandez or Profar? I’m ok in the steals department even without Treat so that’s not a huge concern. Thanks
Domingo tho
I’m hoping the God of the Branch Davidiams can make Treat whole again in a day or two
We all are
drop Gibson for any of T. Richards, Caleb Smith, or Pablo. 14 team, mixed roto
Smith
I wouldn’t drop Gibson tho
The other guys that are possible drop candidates are: Alacantara, Brinson, Ian happ, Mullins, Renato Nunez, Renfroe.
Any of those?
One knows what one is getting with Alfaro, but jeez.
Mondesi with the inside the parker!
Seriously?
Isn’t the season not even a week old?
https://mobile.twitter.com/Snack_TimeFS/status/1113233615624691713?s=19
Broken finger! Dammit.
yeah, i got treat/stanton/andujar on ONE 14 team keep 5 hitter/4 pitcher h2h league. i think that’s the only league where i have even 2 of them in one spot. i think i have one total move left on week too (already did have the kike on that team, he’ll move to SS, or j.polanco)
already had to add cozart at 3B (this is espn here), palka to replace stanton (he doesn’t have to start much, puig moves to RF from OF), and one of these bums to replace at least treat urner’s roster slot (semien or kike or zobrist at SS/MI/util): c.walker, tellez (not a bum possibly), hanram, d.smith, moreland.
AL only with OBP over AVG, net steals over steals, total bases added. have this: (10 team h2h here)
C jansen
1B box wine (OF)
2B altuve
SS villar (2B)
3B r.nunez
MI harrison (2B)
CI kendrys (1B)
OF (4) bauers (1B), grichuk, mullins, comish gordon
util (1) hanram
BN r.ruiz (3B, so i have the BAL starter every day till vlad is up)
DL: duffy, otani, upton
NA vlad (3B)
SP: shoemaker, porcello, gibson, fiers, bieber, smyly, paxton, thornton, minor
RP (max 4, holding an extra SP for now since opp has few holds guys): barnes, pressly, buttrey
DL: swarzak (he’ll be my 4th RP), tepera (or him later)
1. guess smyly is my eventual drop for swarzak
2. drop harrison or a.gordon for either of: l.garcia (leadoff at WSOX and counts as MI, but neither of him nor harrison have done much, and harrison liked better by the raters), leonys (dropped just now, leadoff at CLE)
Yandy or Franco to fill in for Andujar?
Hey Grey,
Some WW advice: Im in a 14 team 5×5. Drop Delino or Kepler for Bruce? I have Whit for steals… Domingo/Blackmon/Schwarber in the OF already.
Thanks
-g