“Have I been wrong, hypnotized, paralyzed, by what my eyes have seen,” sang Natalie Merchant the last time I saw her at Lilith Fair. As I lay there, on that hemp blanket, eating a homemade granola bar, I thought, “I’m buying whatever that Merchant is selling.” Sadly, I can’t have my soul enriched during these dastardly times by some female honkeytonks, unless I happen across something between my binge watching of Siesta Key. Then, yesterday, Nate Pearson (5 IP, 0 ER, 4 baserunners, 5 Ks) was as good as Natalie Merchant and Siesta Key combined. Yo, my man went from a 99 MPH fastball that had Nats’ hitters bulging their eyes to a backdoor 77 MPH dipsy with poise of a 15-year vet. The 99 MPH fastball is enough, but his secondary command, just dropping pitches in. Go to the top of a mountain and let out a chef’s kiss. This was against the defending champs, and he was like en bee dee. Massively impressed by him during Spring Training in March just off a few clips, but watching him for five innings has me convinced: He can be this year’s Chris Paddack. He should be owned in 100% of leagues. Anyway, here’s what else I saw yesterday in fantasy baseball:
Juan Soto – Will return from the IL early next week since the Nats won’t be playing this weekend, due to the Marlins’ outbreak. Still good to have Sexy Dr. Pepper back. Now, if I could just get another twelve guys off my IL for undisclosed reasons and could have Soto play this weekend vs. a three-day spa vacay.
Me to all my other players now that I have Juan Soto back pic.twitter.com/0t28gihcZQ
— Razzball (@Razzball) July 29, 2020
Stephen Strasburg – Will miss his 2nd start, or 20% of his starts. Lowercase yay.
Howie Kendrick – Out with upper back stiffness. “If it’s a lack of stiffness, I know a guy.” That’s Rafael Palmeiro.
Max Scherzer – 7 1/3 IP, 0 ER, 6 baserunners, 10 Ks, ERA at 2.84. Ten years apart, Max has struck out Vlad Sr. and Jr. Still only 1-for-4 with three fly ball outs vs. wife and mother, Vlema.
Masahiro Tanaka – Will make season debut Saturday vs. the worst team to ever play baseball, the 2020 Red Sox. By the by, did you hear the Yankees next week might play all week vs. the Phils? The baseball schedule is so drunk this year.
Aaron Hicks – 1-for-3, 2 RBIs and his 1st homer. Sure glad I got him out of my lineups because of Covid cancellations.
DJ LeMahieu – 4-for-5, 2 runs, 2 RBIs and his 1st homer. Weird choice to start the year as Gleyber Torres, then change your name to DJ LeMahieu.
Aaron Judge – 2-for-3, 3 runs, 2 RBIs and his 1st homer. Just glad Judge is in action and not inaction or in jury.
Asher Wojciechowski – 5 IP, 4 ER, 6 baserunners, 7 Ks. Wojciechowski got jumped on early by the Yanks helped by two catcher interference calls by Severino. The Orioles should’ve at least given him a Chance.
Oliver Drake – 2/3 IP, 1 ER, ERA at 3.38, as he entered the game in the 6th. So, I bid $170 on Kyle Crick during the 1st FAAB, but that’s all right, I was able to move on from him with my $150 bid on Oliver Drake. *tapes nails to baseball bat, slams baseball bat into foot* So, I guess Nick Anderson…? Maybe. I don’t know, if I’m being honest.
Charlie Morton – 5 IP, 2 ER, 7 baserunners, 7 Ks, ERA at 8.00. Here’s a thing, for guys who rely on velocity, they need velocity. If a guy never threw more than ninety-one, then it’s whatever for them. Morton needs to pump 94; he’s hitting 92. If you can get out of owning him on the back of this start in a trade, I would.
Freddie Freeman – 4-for-5, 3 RBIs and his 1st homer, and a triple short of the cycle. Or, as they say, the never-used Peloton cycle.
Mark Melancon – 1 IP, 0 ER and the save. Woo hoo! One guy I drafted actually got a save. In…pausing for emphasis…credible.
Nick Markakis – Will return to the Braves, because we can’t ever have anything nice for Austin Riley. A plague on the world and we can’t even get Austin Riley at-bats. I’m going to take a nap. *shuts eyes, three seconds later claps hands* I’m back! What did I miss?
Travis d’Arnaud – 1-for-3, 1 run, 1 RBI as he returned to the lineup. He didn’t miss too much time with an unknown reason.
JaCoby Jones – 3-for-3, 2 runs and his 3rd homer, hitting .421. Hot schmotato alert!
Jonathan Schoop – 1-for-3, 3 RBIs and his 2nd homer, hitting .273. Glad I held him. Not romantically. But, well, if he keeps hitting homers something can be arranged.
German Marquez – 6 IP, 1 ER, 5 baserunners, 8 Ks, ERA at 1.54. Hold onto ya Bundesligas, it’s German season! Maybe. He’s also faced two teams in favorable parks. If Coors, in August, plays like…what the hell are they calling the Rangers and A’s stadiums nowadays? We’ll say Arlington and Arselickington…then, sure, German’s back, but more likely these were favorable road starts, where the Nazi in Exile has always been good.
Matt Chapman – 1-for-4 and his 1st homer. Okay, now sneeze on Olson, he needs some–Wait, sneezing on someone right now isn’t a good look. Okay, put on your mask and social distance some juju Olson’s way.
Frankie Montas – 5 IP, 2 ER, 7 baserunners, 3 Ks, ERA at 3.00. He was followed in this game by Jesus Luzardo (3 2/3 IP, 1 ER, 5 Ks). As good as it is for Montas (and the A’s) to have a sexpot like Luzardo following, it’s as bad for Luzardo’s fantasy value.
Brandon Woodruff – 6 1/3 IP, 0 ER, 2 baserunners, 10 Ks, ERA at 1.59. No lie, I had a few leagues with 20+ IP from three different starters, and zero earned runs. Sometimes, you’re living right. Sometimes, you’re wondering why Kyle Hendricks isn’t the greatest pitcher anymore.
Keston Hiura – 2-for-4 and his 2nd homer, and 2nd homer in as many games. Not to be greedy, but I need more!
Lance Lynn – 6 IP, 0 ER, 1 hit, 2 walks, 8 Ks, ERA at 0.00. Why didn’t I draft Lynn in every single league? I loved him in the preseason, and drafted him in some leagues — while the rest of you were drafting Ohtani — and, damn, I wish I had him everywhere.
Joey Gallo – 1-for-5, 2 RBIs and his 2nd homer, hitting .211. He’s gonna hit 30 homers in 60 games, isn’t he? Oh, and .200.
Nick Solak – 1-for-5, 1 RBI and two steals (1, 2), hitting .308. Also, in this game Isiah Kiner-Falefa stole his 1st two bags. Ain’t no thang, Falefa gives me the runs too.
Jose Leclerc – Couldn’t warm up because of tightness in his shoulder. About time a closer went down. I kid. Hayzeus Cristo with pens this year. Nick Goody got the clean save yesterday, and I grabbed him in one league, but Jonathan Hernandez might also get looks, or Jesse Chavez. When in doubt, bet on the guy who just got the save, Sam Goody’s brother.
Roberto Perez – Hit the IL with a sore shoulder. Behind the plate for the Indians now is Sandy Leon and Beau Taylor, who previously was Jimmy Stewart’s dog.
Zach Plesac – 8 IP, 0 ER, 3 hits, zero walks, 11 Ks. There are no bad Cleveland pitchers. That’s the blurb. I streamed him last night, because the White Sox have looked wonky (aside from Lou Bob, of course), and no matter what the Streamonator says I’m holding Plesac for his next. By the by, in one league, I have a 1.50 ERA and 0.80 WHIP through 80 IP, and you need to draft top starters. Mmkay.
Brad Hand – 1/3 IP, 3 ER, ERA at 15.43. Game saw Hand with a pair of aces, and he lost with the flop.
Lucas Giolito – 6 IP, 0 ER, 6 baserunners, 6 Ks, ERA at 6.52. He didn’t look a hundred but he was headed towards the butter store, and it’s better than last time.
Daniel Poncedeleon – 3 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 5 baserunners, 8 Ks, as he moved into the rotation. I know how the explorer Ponce de Leon felt when he went looking for Fountain of Youth and found Florida Man. A bit underwhelmed.
Rich Hill – 5 IP, 0 ER, 3 baserunners, 2 Ks in his 1st start. Hopefully right after the start they wrapped him in bubble wrap and put him in a moving box until his next start.
Taylor Rogers – 1 IP, 0 ER and the save, as Sergio Romo pitched the 7th. Screaming at the top of my lungs to my much younger self, “Where was Mr. Rogers last time?!” Well, not much younger, but Yesterday Grey. Guess you can lose Romo again. Hey, early season saves are a work in progress.
Madison Bumgarner – 5 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 5 baserunners, 5 Ks, ERA at 4.09. Didn’t love Bum going into Spring Training, Part 1, but I did back off that during the shutdown, because he felt like a guy who could have a solid 50-60 IP. Unfortch, his velocity has not looked good at all, and I would not be excited about what I’ve seen.
Sandy Alcantara – Is among players who tested positive, but, honestly, they’re up to like two-thirds of the team, so chances are everyone you own on the Marlins is positive. Put a mask over your Olde English and pour some out for the guys you’ve lost. In shallower leagues, you have to move on.
Yoenis Cespedes – 2-for-5, and his 2nd homer. This was a solo shot for Yo, so I guess YOLO.
Andres Gimenez – 2-for-4, 1 RBI. It’s so poetic Jose Reyes retired on the same day that the Mets’ future SS tripled in his 1st start. Beautiful poetry being written by Amed Rosario on the bench, apparently.
Pete Alonso – 4-for-4, hitting .250. They said he couldn’t hit for average. They also said, they don’t want him to hit for average. What are you, Luis Arraez?! Hit an Albombso!
Jacob deGrom – 6 IP, 2 ER, 4 baserunners, 4 Ks, ERA at 1.64. First earned runs he’s given up in 31 1/3 IP. “That sounds like one start.” That’s Dusty Baker.
Christian Vazquez – 2-for-4, 3 RBIs and his 2nd homer. I should’ve just drafted this schmohawk in every league. He was so dirt cheap, but I tried to vary my catchers like I was getting points for freakin’ variety. It’s 2020; hindsight is guaranteed.
Mike Yastrzemski – 3-for-5, and his 1st and 2nd homer, hitting .409. The Giants are not a very good team. Red Sox bad? No, don’t be foolish. But Yaz Jr. Jr. is well worth owning in all leagues.
Donovan Solano – 2-for-4, 4 RBIs and his 1st homer, hitting .400. Worth cyclops’ing, but he’s usually, at best, an average bet. Do love that the Giants fought their way back to win, and give Rogers the win as he’s on my bench, or dropped everywhere. Great stuff, Fantasy Master Lothario! (Feel free to abbreviate it this once.)
Johnny Cueto – 3 2/3 IP, 4 ER, ERA at 5.87. Sigh. Goodbye. Get off the Albright All-Stars
Chris Paddack – 5 IP, 2 ER, 6 baserunners, 6 Ks, ERA at 1.64. If you would’ve told me in December, I’d have an ERA of 1.64 for Paddack heading into August, I would’ve kissed you. Then for seven months I would’ve wondered if I was asymptomatic.
Manny Machado – 2-for-4, 2 RBIs and his 2nd homer. Race for NL MVP is tightening between Machado and Wil Myers.
Trent Grisham – 2-for-4, 2 runs, 3 RBIs and his 2nd homer, hitting .286. C’mon, you’re loving this guy, right? No? Yes? Are you talking to your computer? I can’t hear you.
Andrew Heaney – 5 IP, 2 ER, 6 baserunners, 6 Ks, ERA at 2.79. Streamonator liked this start. By the by, now that most pitchers are throwing more innings in the 2nd week, Streamonator is no longer throttled down due to tamped innings, so guys shouldn’t all be negative.
Shohei Ohtani – 1-for-5, 3 RBIs and his homer, hitting .158. He hit that one homer so well he must’ve imagined himself pitching.
Kyle Lewis – 3-for-5, 1 run, 1 RBI, hitting .458. Only question now is if they waive the five-year period prior to Cooperstown.
Mike Moustakas – 1-for-2, 2 runs, 2 RBIs and his 2nd homer, as he was activated from the IL. Easy to focus on the Marlins and the shizzshow that is going with them, but it is encouraging that there’s been no other positive tests on 29 other teams, and Moustakas was IL’d with sniffles, but tested negative and is fine. I was worried about germs with a guy who went by Moistasskiss.
Sonny Gray – 6 2/3 IP, 0 ER, 2 baserunners, 11 Ks, ERA at 0.71. Member when I ranked him as an ace in my starter rankings and everyone was like, “His name isn’t even spelled the same, what’s with the love?” I drafted him everywhere; hope you listened.
Nick Castellanos – 2-for-3, 2 runs, 4 RBIs and his 2nd homer, hitting .381. When Nicholas went to Nick this year, he dropped the pleasantries when he lost the holas.
Nick Senzel – 2-for-4, 2 RBIs and his 1st homer, hitting .182. Reds have no shortage of Nicks, lucky they don’t play basketball.
Cristian Javier – 5 2/3 IP, 1 ER, 3 baserunners, 8 Ks in his 1st major league start. What an amazing start! Kidding, I have no idea because MLB’s blackout restrictions are the absolute stupidest. There’s no fans in the stadiums, you idiots! Here’s what Prospect Itch said, “(Javier) can be a dominant strikeout force. I suspect anyone who gets him around his ADP of 719.95 in Draft Champions leagues will get at least one useful week out of him, but that’s not why I like him here. He’s got tremendous upside in a short burst with two plus breaking balls. Hitters will need time to adjust to Javier’s unique skill set, and they won’t get that this year. Also, Grey sucks.” What the eff, dude! So, Javier’s 1st game looked good, and Itch likes him. I’d buy that for 70 cents (out of $10. So out of $100, I guess $7).
George Springer – Out with a sore knee. *insert “You’re such a cry baby” face from Joe Kelly*
Joe Kelly – Suspended for eight games because he made a face at the Astros, who cheated to win the World Series, and didn’t receive any player suspensions. Kelly wasn’t suspended for throwing at Alex Bregman. If the suspension was for throwing at someone’s head, why wasn’t Joe Kelly ejected immediately? Give me one good faith argument, and umpires being bad at job isn’t good faith. So, Joe Kelly was suspended for what is the equivalent of 22 games of a regular season for making a face; think about that. Players are encouraged to be themselves, have fun — let the kids play, they say — and a guy makes a stupid face and is suspended for eight games. Rob Manfred is a disgrace.
Impressive and enjoyable takes here.
Have to comment on Kelly. Yes he was suspended for throwing at Bregman and the rest of the batters he faced. Umps don’t decide who gets suspended and yes that ump was garbage.
He threw a fastball at Bregman’s head. That’s attempted murder in my book and he should receive an 162 game suspension if not a lifetime ban from MLB. Only reason I wouldn’t support a lifetime ban is that you can’t prove he was aiming at his head. Could have just meant it for his upper torso, but I think we all know he likely hit his spot.
Take your book and repeatedly bash your pea sized brain with it. Then give yourself a life time ban from viewing sports and commenting in general.
lol
Thanks! Biggest problem I have with what you said, if it was clear he was throwing at Bregman, why didn’t the Astros’ benches clear right after that pitch vs. waiting until the end of the inning when Kelly made a face and jawed at them? Makes me think the Astros even knew he had no control that night and it wasn’t until he provoked them with a face did they care
I thought I also read that he threw at Carlos Correa? Maybe it’s like MMA. He can do it once and it’s okay, but punishment comes on the second foul.
Ha, I don’t think they have any clear rules
One of baseball’s biggest problems, NO clear rules, says it all.
Yup
I disagree. Did you see that curveball he threw in the offseason? Dude broke his window because he can’t locate. Looks about the same location as that pitch to Bregman. Then again, maybe he was planning for this all along, playing the long game. Show you can’t locate your pitches by posting a viral video of you breaking a window in your house and then throw balls at Astros heads and then you have video evidence of how you have no idea where your ball is going.
Ha, yeah, premeditated for months
IF, he wanted to hit Bregman, he would have.
Can I vote down this comment, please?
Grey!!!!
What an awesome report!
a. First in one league with 99 pts! Though don’t get too high yet, some geek from Northern India is still calculating his ERA. Don’t know why? Don’t know how 4 runs scored when he only walked 1 and gave up 1 hit – 2 baserunners and 4 runs! Ok, he must have hit at least 2 batters. What a POS and my BP that had Yates and Hand….not looking so good! Can’t get any worse though, right? Like Pete Davidson on why he masturbates (to get the bad ones out), I hope my team is done with this kind of bad stuff.
b. In that other other league where I still had Kintzler rostered, was able to drop him for Pearson. Was waiting on whether to add Pearson or Spencer Howard, I’ll go with Pearson for now.
c. MLB quote of the day July 30, 2020
‘I never played drunk. Hung over, yes, but never drunk.’
Lewis Robert ‘Hack’ Wilson. One of the most-feared sluggers of his era, had he remained consistent he would be the bench mark for power. Unfortch, he didn’t work out that way and he drunk his way into ending his career, ending his life and oblivion. He was voted into the HOF in 1979.
His 162-game average was as follows.
668 PA, 572 AB, 106 R, 176 H, 32 2B, 8 3B, 29 HR, 128 RBI, 81 BB, 86 K, .307/.395/.545 slash line, 144 OPS+, 312 TB
His best season was for the Cubs in 1930, the stuff of legends.
709 PA, 585 AB, 146 R, 208 H, 35 2B, 6 3B, 56 HR, 191 RBI, 105 BB, 84 K, .356/.454/.723 slash line, 177 OPS+, 423 TB
He was colorful, he drank a lot and he got into fights. But give him a break, he was born with fetal alcohol syndrome and made something of himself.
Cheers,
Ante
Thanks!
A. You’re totally winning this league, I can feel it
B. Yup
C. HAHA, great quote
Merrill Kelly or Cristian Javier?
Coin flip?
yeah kinda coin flip, Javier looked pretty good against a good lineup (thats starting slow) but he hadn’t been above AA before and no one has seen him. Whereas Kelly has book now but he has showed velocity gains, so there’s a little more to trust there, but i could go either way based on next matchup.
I’d go Merrill
Where would you rank Plesac amongst those?
Ahead of both for me
Kelly
Dbacks are a great target for steals. Padres and Rangers ran pretty freely against them.
Yeah, good call!
Manfraud strikes again!
He’s the worst
I hope to god, Manfraud has no kids. What does he do, ground them for 8 days, if they make a face at him.
Ha
Hey Grey,
Awesome write up!
In a standard 5×5 league, are you dropping any of my guys for Plesac? Is Kennedy even worth holding? Here is my staff:
SP: Darvish, Giolito, Wheeler, Heaney, Matz, Lamet, Houser
RP: Gott, Kennedy, Jansen, melancon, Kimbrel
Yeah I’d lose Kennedy for Plesac
What about Matz after this start? He has WAS next.
Thanks!
Agree with DT — can lose Matz next too if you want
We never comment. But Rob Manfred IS a disgrace.
He’s the worst
Absolute joke that Kelly got eight games and NOBODY on the Astros was ever suspended for stealing signs and cheating their way to a World Series.
They say Manfraud, is just a puppet for the owners. How stupid and messed up in the fuckin heads are these 30 guys..
Good to be back and reading these write-ups again. My league decided to skip our H2H style because of the shortened season and we made a side roto league. This is my first year doing roto. Is it way too early to be concerned with missing starts (since there’s a game played cap in roto) from VIllar and Kingery during the COVID fallout? We only have 3 bench spots and I’m already rotating in players with other guys being D2D.
Yeah, potentially. You don’t want too many empty slots in your lineup.
I am also doing roto this year instead of h2h.
Make sure you hit the max games played
Not too early, fill your lineup and get all starts you can
Thanks all, i figured that was the name of game. Drop Kingery or Villar for either Grisham, Teoscar, Voit as a batty call today?
Can’t do that yet
oh wait i just noticed I have garret richards haha. His next 3 starts are @COL, LAD, @LAD…sounds like a good pitcher to avoid. which bat from above do you like for him?
Grisham
Grey-
Would you recommend dropping Willie Calhoun in 12 team mixed leagues? His manager’s comments about him being scared after getting hit in the face plus his performance has got me shook. I know you’re an advocate to move on quick in this “season.” Or give him another week?
I’ve basically got him, Ohtani, Happ, and Kyle Lewis rotating on OF slot and DH.
Thanks man
Doesn’t sound like you need him, fine with moving on. Who are you picking up though?
Agree with DT
Grey,
Looking to move on from W Calhoun. Do any of these float your boat or just hold Willie (yikes!) for now?
Zimmer, O’Neill, Martinez, Fletcher, Yaz
I’d try O’Neill
Agree with DT
Thanks. It’s FAAB and I can add a contingent bid for any of the others. Are they better than Calhoun in your opinion?
Fletcher and Yaz too
Thanks!
No problem
So if I have N Pearson, what type/level of pitcher can I target if I want to sell Pearson?
Maybe someone in the Ray, McCullers, Boyd range
McCullers ain’t happening — Better off holding if you’re trading for a pitcher — trade pitchers for hitters and vice versa
10T 5×5 May or Plesac?
Thanks
Plesac for me
Agree with DT
Rob Manfred is a DISGRACE!
Keep doing you, Grey.
He’s terrible
Plesac for me!
This shortened season has me panicking in my keeper league and my players are not performing to par…normally I’d be way more chill, but these unique circumstances are making me already give up and planning for next year (Juan Soto, Matt Olson, Matt Chapman, Cavan Biggio, etc.). So I was contemplating offering the following trade:
I offer Yelich (2nd round keeper pick) and Lindor (3rd round) for Luis Robert (24 round) and Fernando Tatis Jr (21 round). Not even sure the GM would accept it, and would offer maybe Kyle Lewis (24 round) as a sweetener. Thoughts? Should I still hold steady or is it time to rebuild? Juan Soto at 12th round is the only untouchable for me.
Sounds fair for you to get younger — not necessarily better for this year tho
Drop Lucchesi for Plesac?
yes Plesac
Yep
yes
Thanks again!
No problem
Hi Grey,
Would you consider dropping SP Boyd for SP Christian Javier?
I can also add Tyler Chatwood and drop Boyd?
thanks,
Christopher
I’d keep Boyd
I’d try Javier
Best RP to own on the Seahawks? Or is is the Kraken? Magill, Hirano and Williams are all available. I am collecting crappy closers (Davis, Hudson, Watson, Kintzler, Drake) on my team.
Where does your suggested SEA RP fit in on my list? Above Drake, hopefully.
Davis, Drake, Magill for me right now but I think they’re all in the same range behind Davis
Probably Russell Wilson.
Agree with DT
I see your 1.50 ERA and 0.80 WHIP through 80 IP and raise you my 1.59 ERA .94 WHIP in 60 innings with 8 wins and 64 Ks and I didn’t draft my first starter until 9th round in a 12 teamer
On the flip side – my batters thus far are a combined .189 BA which is all you need to know about the state of my hitting right now
Ha, same same…I didn’t have a great night for hitters — going like 4-for-50 and all 4 were Albombso
are your hitters for W1 have been good so far though? Cause that BA is year to date
Oh, no, terrible year to date too
Was gonna ask if I should roll Max Fried out there, then remembered that I’m a subscriber now so I checked SON and saw +$6 value today and put him in… still a little annoyed I’m playing H2H – but I guess it works out cause my hitting has been such trash, bad stats get wiped out next week!
Haha, it is a struggle
Any thoughts on Edwin Olivares OF (SD). I have watched him a few times and getting pt, hits the ball hard w SB potential from his ml #s. Batting 9 right now though
There’s upside but I don’t think I’d roster him yet in anything shallower than 15 team leagues
I went over him, can search the site — Agree with DT tho
Guy in my dynasty league is offering me Julio Urias for Aroldis Chapman and Liam Hendricks
I feel like that’s prob a very good long term investment but not sure about the now factor being a top 3 team. I could snag Joe Jimenez or Leclerc (who is now hurt with a shoulder so probably not him)from free agency to recoup a closer.
Your thoughts?
Thanks as always Grey!
Sure, if there’s closers in the free agent pool then go for it
Thanks Donkey! That was kind of my rational here too. Get a good long term piece and still snag a closer. I just wasn’t sure with the quality of closers I was trading.
Appreciate the response
Agree with DT
12 Team 6×6 OPS Roto
Thoughts on:
1) Kieboom: should I still have hope for this guy? hear he’s been nursing groin injury? well my groin hurts waiting fro WHAT!?
2) Sam Hilliard
3) Garrett Hampson
4) Brett Gardner
5) Jason Heyward
(Actually dropped #4 and #5 to make room for Moustakas back from IL, and waiver pickup Tim Lopes)
1) Move on
2/3) See how these two home series’ goes
4/5) Streamers at best
Agree with DT on all 5
Grey, 12 team. H2H. 6×6. Would you drop Paxton for Nate Pearson, Javier , Plesac? Ty
Plesac for me
Agree with DT
They can committee left they can committee right but either way Rays gonna go the committee route. But Drake looks really good. K’ed Acuna lookin’ and then Albies chopped one to 2b. The 2b rushed the play and dropped the ball when he tried to throw. Then Freeman put on a real ugly defensive swing and poked a single to center.
He looks hard to square up. Good movement on pitches and the delivery looks a little deceptive, might be hard to pick up ball.
Damn Cespedes only does anything when on my bench. He’s my backup LF. 2 games on bench, 2 homers. 3 games in lineup, I think he had 1 hit… I think he’s THAT guy this year for me.
Yeah, that’s fair on Drake, it will likely be a committee in general with Drake getting tough outs
Check this other Drake.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWggTb45brM
HAHA
Fried and Maeda or Bauer and Odorizzi this season?
Standard categories roto.
Bauer side for me
Agree with DT
Do I start RRay in 12 team mixed? SON is iffy at -6, vs LAD.
I prob wouldn’t but for reference, SON had Max Fried at around -6 for his first start at Citi Field and he came out OK
I’d pass
I’d expect 4 1/3 IP, 7 Ks, 3 ER — if you can handle that, go for it — in general that’s not a great start
Hello Grey,
Jordan Montgomery has had his first start moved to tomorrow against Boston. Do I drop him for Plesac now or wait to see how the start goes and hope Plesac is available still after?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts
Plesac
Agree with DT
My current OF in a 12-team H2H where we start 4 is Bellinger, Eloy, Lewis, and McCutchen with Meadows on the IL and Carlson in the minors. With only 2 games played so far for McCutchen, should I keep him or take a chance on Grisham, Yasterzemski, or Teoscar? I could always play Bellinger in my infield to open an OF spot since Escobar, Biggio, and Olson are off to slow starts. Thanks!
All three could be better…I’d prolly go Grisham
12 team keeper league 5×5 scoring
Do I hang onto Matt Boyd and Pablo Lopez or move on?
Thoughts for rest of season?
Thank you
Move on
Grey, please rank these pitchers
M.Kelly, Plesac,Javier
You did, 1st two close
Just traded Bregman and Luis Robert for Bellinger in an OPS league. The hype’s real with Robert but couldn’t pass up a known quantity for a hopefully.
What do you think almighty Grey? Did I done goofed?
Works for me
Anytime you can trade for a Top 3 player without having to give up a top 3 player in return, you do it
Would you sit any of these guys for their next start? I’m ahead in GS limit so I can afford to sit them.
Lucchesi – @Col
Keller- @Cubs
Kelly – Home – Dodgers
1st two are terrible
Looks like Sonny Gray is for real. Last year not a fluke. Would you trade Gray away for Laureano depending on needs.
Grey, whos the better start
Montgomery at home vs Bos or
Shoe at home vs Philly?
Shoe
Yes, that’s fair, Uncle Ernie
Know you love Yarbrough, but SON hates his start today at -$10.5. Would you ride with him?
What’s the matchup
@Braves
I’m starting him
Let’s drive this car over the cliff together.
Let’s do it!
Pretty happy with drafting Vasquez at 202.
Yup!
Yarborough!
(QS league)
Haha, nice! I do like him a lot
Yar might not even go 5 innings
I’m a believer in DJ. He’s picked up right where he left off last year and hits in the top spot. He’s a solid 4-category guy (decent power now) with 3-position eligibility, which is great this year where flexibility is ever more important.
I’m still not entirely comfortable with Vlad as a consistent producer.
Vlad or DJ for this year only?
I want Vlad, but it sounds like you don’t
Have FOMO on Vlad for sure, but this is a very short year.
How close would you compare them for this year?
Prolly same diff tbh
I need to pick up a replacement hitter today. Which SP should be my drop?
* May
* Howard
* Javier
* Chirinos
* Keller
Keller
Done! Thank you Grey!
No problem
Gooooood morning!!
Kris Bubic getting called up to face the Pale Hoes tomorrow. He worth adding/ starting in 12-team redraft leagues?
Also, just added Robby Ray this morning. Tough matchup vs. LAD today and SON has him at -6.2. He worth starting in Roto or better to sit on the bench and hope he can rebound from his last start vs SD?
I’m not adding him outside of AL Only
Ray: I’d expect 4 1/3 IP, 7 Ks, 3 ER — if you can handle that, go for it — in general that’s not a great start
as always, I appreciate the response and insight!
No problem
Can you pick 2 for best shot at the W today?
Ryu home vs Nationals (Fedde)
Stripling @Dbacks (Ray)
Matz vs Red Sox (Perez)
Ryu, Ross
What should I do with PabLo and Caleb? If the Marlins don’t IL any of these guys for covid they’re just dead weight right? Are we going to know the names of these test positive players?
I dropped them
Hello Grey
Nice to see ur thoughts in the Joe Kelly blurb—unreal. Correa continues to be the worst of them, almost seems proud to have cheated..
A). So a guy in my 12 team yahoo 5×5 roto put Story, Soto, and Treat Urner on the trading block and wants pitching (he has degrom, Kershaw, shoemaker, Wood, Ohtani). My OF is atrocious but I want Story over Soto (and slightly more than Treat I think) and could spare a starter and just stream my 6th SP slot, which is fun anyway. Who should i offer for Story?
Here is my team for context
C – Contreras
1B – Olson
2B – Kingery
SS – Baez
3B – Machado
OF – Ozuna
OF – Pederson
OF – Canha
UT – Eugenio Suarez
UT – Riley
B – Willie Calhoun
SP – Giolito, Castillo, Paddack, Lamet, Gallen, Houser
RP – Hand, Jansen, Leclerc (RIP), Burdi, Pomeranz, Knebel
B). Are you dropping Joc, Calhoun, or Riley (my OF…) for any of these guys. Not sure how long I can wait for all three of these guys..
Teoscar, Trent Grisham, Myers, David Peralta, Adell, Madrigal (need a 2B and steals), Yaz,
C). Thanks u
Yeah, totally on Correa
A. Pitching to get Story? Gotta be at least Paddack or Castillo and a bat like Eugenio, no?
B. Yes, lose all three — Teoscar, Trent, Myers
C. No problem
You’re probably right in terms of pay for Story. I think trading for him was a knee jerk from seeing him on the block. If I can shore up my OF and 2B I think my batting will be fine, no?
That way I can keep my strong SPs… like a man using a condom, I don’t want to compromise my staff
Your hitting could be ok — haha
I guess the better question is would you make a move for one of those bats or keep the pitching?
Thanks again
A. Hold
B. Make moves I suggested
Matz for me
Hey Grey,
Someone just dropped Joc Pederson… In my 5×5 cat,10 team league, are you making a change? I have limited moves this season, and already have used 11 of 50 moves. Thanks!
C: Keller
1B: Olson
2B: Moran (covering for Villar)
3B: Donaldson
SS: Bogaerts
CI: Walker
MI: Brandon Lowe
OF: Harper
OF: Acuna
OF: JD
OF: Lewis
UTIL: Yaz
UTIL: Grisham
BN: Villar
IL: Hunter Dozier, Yordan Alvarez
NA: Madrigal
Nope
2 moves left for week 1.
Do I drop Marmolejos, freddy peralta, or Rojas to get hot start Jacoby in my lineup?
Or do I hold onto two moves in case a new texas clsoer emerges and to follow your buy/sell tomorrow?
Rojas
Would you hold monte Harrison? Deep league thanks!
I am in a very deep league, so I don’t know what deep means for you
You didn’t hate on Wil Myers again??? Why not???
Myers did exactly what you said he would do: He went 1/3, walked, scored a run and stole a bag. Not great but not bad. Shows he’s still got some juice in those wheels just like you hated on him for yesterday.
Wil is spitting in your eye. What are you going to do about it? It’s your move!!!
Haha, keep talkin’ trash prolly
I’m hoping you will! But you know how that works. Now that I said something, too, he’s going to crash and burn!!
I hope so!
You’re a horrible human being! Horrible!
Hahaha
He will not crash and burn, Cat in the Hat. This is his renaissance season!
Am I the only one that believes in Daniel Hudson as the closer in WAS? Don’t really see any discussion anywhere about it. Drop Kimbrel for Hudson, safe move?
I said he was the closer yesterday
thanks…missed it! so Hudson > Kimbrel?
I’d say right now = and flip them, but close
I need to drop a pitcher to free up a roster spot. Does May, Burnes, or Javier go? My gut says Javier, but May and Burnes aren’t pitching enough innings to keep me competitive at this point.
Burnes
I know its early but still buying Franny Reyes and Sano?
Yes
Need a streamer for this weekend
Chatwood vs Pitt
A. Mills vs Pitt
Lyles @ SF
Smyly vs TEX
C. Burnes vs StL
Leaning Chatwood or Mills at home. Your thoughts would be appreciated.
Thank you
Chat
Hey Grey
standard 5×5 12 team league
got offered biggio for montas and voit
voit isnt a keeper for me anyways, but im short at pitching, and have escobar at 2b right now
do i pull the trigger? intrigued by biggio power/speed combo at 2b, but not sure if i should sacrifice my pitching for it when i have decent bats already (lacking speed though)
i also have pitcher ohtani to move instead of montas, who do you rate higher in a keeper league
thoughts?
I’d take Biggio
I want to make a play for Rafael Devers, which starting pitcher should I offer in return? 10 team keep forever H2H points league.
Gerrit Cole
Jose Berrios
Lucas Giolito
Hyun-Jin Ryu
Tyler Glasnow
Patrick Corbin
Glasnow
Start Lewis vs LAA or Cespedes vs Boston?
Lewis
My pitching is pretty loaded in a 10 team 5×5 redraft but I’m still making some minor tweaks. Curious to see what you would do here. I have…
Darvish
Giolito
Bauer
Woodruff
Glasnow
McCullers JR.
Houser
Wheeler
Streamer (Singer for tonight’s start)
Hader
Rogers
Neris
Bass
Kim
We are allowed 40 moves for the season and I’m planning on using nearly all of those for streaming for pitching cats.
My question is would you drop any of those relievers for Plesac? Until last night and didn’t even have a save yet.
Bass
Grish! On to Colorado! Stay well Grey
You too!
Oof I benched Yaz last night – hopefully someone reaped the rewards of my benching sacrifice
I dropped him yesterday!
Glad to see us working together!
Haha
Tough one for Cueto last night. He was cruising along and then went after a short popup on the 3rd base side, couldnt believe how swift he is but he didnt get there and ran into the dugout railing. Started holding his side where he hit the railing, walked slowly back to the mound, re-tied his shoes, and immediately did not look the same from then on.
Yeah, saw, but still can’t deal with him, better options in mixed leagues
I have a terrible HemorrBoyd (HEM-uh-Boyd) and looking for a cure. Standard 5×5 10 team.
3 brands of wipes available on the Rx shelf…
Merrill Kelly
Zach Plesac
Chris Javier
Best to pick from one of these or hold and hope the swelling goes down?
Kelly
Thanks Grey
Always looking forward to your thoughts on here, they are greatly appreciated!
Last one, keeper league P Ohtani or Houser moving forward?
Ohtani
Got a roster crunch. 16 team OPS league. Need to drop either Mercado, Willie Calhoun. Can’t trade either. I trust Trent Grisham more. Mercado batting 9th is garbage.
Kintzler worth holding onto with Miami situation up in air?
David Peterson over Bubic or both worth holding onto?
Mercado
Forget Kintzler
Yes, Peterson
Anyone throwing either Matz (vs Bos) or Singer (@ Det) tonite?
Btw, I was the last guy in my draft to take an arm, ended up with Luis C and Gray, and now have 2 studs and the best O in league. Pretty sure nobody in my league has caught on to Razzball yet. This is my 6th year following Razzball, and I’m 5 for 5 in the money. Thank you sir.
I’m throwing both
Nice!
Hopefully you’re paying it back by subscribing to their incredible tools, patreon podcasts, etc. Cuz that’s what you should be doing.
Win + QS heavy points league –
Drop any: Boyd, K Gibson, J James or J Montgomery
For: C Javier, Turnbull, Canning, Houser
All but Boyd are bench depth/lotto tickets
Javier, Houser over Last two
Yo Homie!
Any thought to dropping Franmil or Verdugo for Grisham in a fairly shallow 9 team roto (we had opt outs!).
Thanks!
Will Myers is going to bop two this weekend in COL. Can’t wait! Also has a .440 OBP takin dem walks.
I also find myself getting tempted to pick up Shed Long and Crawford in SEA. Are either of these guys legit?
Long seems okay for SBs
Desperate need of IF help:
Pick 3 from this group:
Edwin, Sano, Hampson, Hoerner, Profar, Cano
5X5 Roto
Not Profar, Cano
Would you take Hoerner over Edwin, Sano or Hampson?
Nope
10 team Weekly 6×5 (Standard+OPS). Keep 3 per roster for 1 year. Which side you like better:
A) Ozuna, Olson, R. Hill, Bass
B) Meadows, Hosmer, Plesac, D. Hudson
All players eligible to be kept thru 2021. With the current roster construction, Ozuna and Olson are maybes (probably not); Meadows has “good” chance to be kept.
A. Olson
Hey Grey. Would you drop Will Smith for C Vazquez? Thank you sir.
Sure
Don’t you just love Lance Lynn?
That guy has been gold for me. Talk about a veteran finding that extra whatever-it-is that puts him over the top. Dude is the new Verlander or new Charlie Morton. Dude is throwing smoke and keeping guys off-balance!
Oh yeah, Wil Myers sends his love!
I do love Lance Lynn, looks awesome out there
No thanks Wil
Conforto and Pearson for Meadows? I’d be getting Meadows. Standard categories roto scoring keeper league. Keep 15. My team is pretty loaded on both sides. Don’t want to give away Pearson if people think he’s a future #1/2 guy.
Are these guys keepers?
They’d all be, yes. I’d probably keep one of L. Gurriel, Fried, or K. Lewis with Meadows if I did the 2-1 swap.
Grey, i have Houser
Would u drop him for Javier or hold?
Hold
Drop Oscar Mercado for Colin Moran?
Sure
Could u please rank these outfielders?
W.Calhoun, Hilliard, Hampson
Hilliard, Calhoun, but all close
ROS: K Tucker or JD Davis
Davis
ROS: Hunter Dozier or JD Davis
Davis
Great thanks
No problem
Grey, great article! Love the stuff. I’m in a Roto Dynasty league with 15 teams. You have to jump and gamble on taking players before the whole world knows about them. There are few players I’d like your opinion on: Tim Lopes (Sea) and Myles Straw.
What do you think of both those guys in a dynasty league?
Thanks! Lopes is interesting, solid speed/power combo, but platooning…Straw is not, except for SBs
Phillies v. Jays series this weekend officially postponed
this season is a mess!
Another great write up!
vlad/McCullers for Soto/ Pearson
Which side would you prefer for this year? Does it change in a keeper over three years?
Soto, both
Andrus or Swanson ROS?
Swanson
So what’s your take on Brad Hand? There was some concern about him last year. 2020 looks bad. Do you have him on a short leash, or just go for say, a Sulser, in a short season?
Short leash for now
Thanks!! I wish Karinchak was available.
No problem
How much FAAB $ on JD Davis would you spend
If you had a $100 budget?
10 team head to head
Thanks
$17
Hey Grey, this question seems a bit rediculous, but Dusty is forcing my hand. Am I better off starting Nico Hoerner than Kyle Tucker at this point? Or do I wait to see what happens to Tucker’s playing time when Alvarez is back?
Tucker just lead off yesterday didn’t he?
I know Tucker is better, but Hoerner’s production has been better so far, and Tucker may see less playing time with Yordan coming back shortly. Do I just trust that the prospect pedigree will win out?
Hoerner’s good, I like him, if you want to try him it’s fine…Tucker could be great tho
Dalton Varsho sighting! How much you bidding on him (out of $100) for your C2 in a keeper league? I know Ralph (Or maybe itch?) is bonkers for him.
$13
Thanks!
No problem
Since they cancelled Philly for this weekend I’m looking to pick up a cheap infielder. Who would you pick between Galvis, Hoerner, or C. Taylor?
Hoerner
How much playing time are you thinking varsho will get?
Not a ton but who knows
If he Lovullo plays Jake Lamb much longer he should be fired. Kelly and Vogt cant throw anybody out. He should get some looks soon. Im guessing he pinch hits tonight and gets a start or two this weekend. Since injured Tom Murphy is my 2nd catcher in two of my leagues, Im plugging Varsho in. He cant do any worse that Realmuto at this point.
Having Lamb DH for Bumgarner actually hurt them last night: 0-4, 4k’s. Bum couldve managed at least a fielders choice.
Oh, I agree, just worry managers always do the stupidest things…Varsho should play — 100%
Noted.
If he is playing consistently do you like him more than Jansen? Or is it tough to say?
Prolly for this weekend since Jays are off
How does Manfred cancel all 3 games this weekend for Phillies and Blue Jays b/c a coach got covid.
This is a freaking joke. All about post season cash. Tough to compete in fantasy when you have Phillies, Blue Jays in your lineup, and Marlins on the bench.
Makes no good sense to try and have a legitimate baseball season with this commissioner.
Yeah, its hurting me too. One DC I have Realmulto, Kingery, Elesier, Eflin in my weekly lineup snd the other I have Harper, Wheeler, Dickerson. Stuck with dud roster spots.
You’d think they’d have the Nats play the Bluejays.What a shitshow.And what a dbag commish.
Not sure why Jays aren’t playing Nats tbh
Someone in every city has tested positive, let’s shut down everything……seems to be Manfred’s thinking. 2 staff members tested positive, not hospitalized, not playing, and you shut down the entire 3 game series. But it’s ok to open the stadium up next week. Manfred is the wokest, most pissant Commissioner in the planet, ever. But for the 16 team post season, there would be no baseball in 2020. Hope this bites him in the ass.
I hear ya
https://www.dodgersnation.com/dodgers-nomar-and-jerry-hairston-attack-mlb-for-the-joe-kelly-suspension/2020/07/30/
Nice
Daulton Varsho being recalled. Grab him while you can. He will play C and OF and be a strong asset.
https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2020/07/30/arizona-diamondbacks-call-up-prospect-daulton-varsho/5548280002/
Cool
Which 2 of 3, ROS: Benintendi, Verdugo, Grisham? OPS league with Ks. Thanks.
Grisham, Benny
Red Sox are sitting Bradley Moreland and Devers vs Matz, i get the other 2, but why Devers, smh.
Ugh
good for Matz though! i think.
Yup!
Makes absolutely zero sense. Is 23 yr.old Devers tired ? 4 doubles. Must be exhausted. Mgrs. are pansies like I’ve never seen as a kid. Woke commissioners, and clueless mgrs., and Ivy league g.m,’s. Baseball has turned upside down.
Haha get those pansy asses out of the way! Right on Champ!
I miss baseball the game.
Grey,
Quick question. Which SP would you rather have: Cristian Vazquez or Zach Godley?
Who
Rookie pitcher Cristian Javier from Houston, or Zach Godley of BOS
Javier
ok im dumping Godley and picking up Javier
Ok
thanks for the advice
No problem
hey Grey, 12 team , H2H, 6X6..Would you drop Paxton for N. Pearson or Bassitt…or Hold? ty
Hold
thanks Man…one more please sir…is Mercado drop able for either Lewis. Grisham ..
Yes, Lewis
Would you take a gamble on Verlander in a deep 22 team 5×5 roto non-keeper? Cost is only Teoscar Hernandez… Thanks!
Nope
Teoscar for MVP!!! Too bad he got thrown out stealing.
TEOSCAR!
Thanks – Looks like I’m ride or die with Teoscar!
Yup!
Read that LeClerc is gonna be out awhile – the monkey is saying Edinson Volquez might be next man up cause Woodward doesn’t want Jonathan Hernandez to deal with the pressure of being a closer right now – they think Nick Goody only got the call cause both Hernandez and Chavez were already used and don’t think he’d be an option going forward. Thank god I play in a SV+HLD league – I can hedge a bit more on who will be the closer in this situation
Yeah, that could be…I like going with guy who actually got save…but it’s a mess, obviously
Joely Rodriguez and/or DeMarcus Evans coming back/up soon for that pen. Keep an eye on each.
Need trade advice. 7×7 OBP 18 keeper league with no draft penalty for keepers.
My Hiura, Lewis, Montas.
For his Paddack and Darvish.
My team is building for the near future and my pitching is woeful, but still seems like a lot.
Nah
Who you want the most?
J. Turn , JD Davis, K Lewis or Voto?
Lewis
Teoscar for MVP!!!
I will keep saying it every time he goes yard!!!
Yes!
Looks like 7 inning double headers could be a thing..smfh
Insane right?
Just keeps getting worse. I know not a single baseball fan that thinks games are too long.
Of course!
that Adalberto Mondesi top 20 ranking might not look great this year – batting 7th tonight after batting 6th last night. First AB after Alex Gordon leads off the inning with a double – Mondesi with the worst bunt of all time
Yeah, but if he steals 20 bags, that’s huge still
gotta stop doing his mallex smith impression first
True
changing the topic – is it time to go back to Schoop? I need a 2B as a Villar owner and I’m currently employing Ian Happ but he bats all over the bottom of the lineup
Yes, I own him and love
We spoke Mondesi waking up into existence
OK – time for me to get Schoop back on my team for the first time since… 2018
Ha, nice
my mookie cesar shoemaker for his ozzie brantley cespedes verlander?
Mookie
Hi Grey,
How would you rate the following (semi)-rookie pitchers:
Corbin Burnes, Cristian Javier, Zach Plesac, Dustin May…
Would Nate Pearson be the automatic no.1, if being added into the list?
Thank you!
1. Traded my Abreu and Morton for Story and Cron. Then I read your blurb on Morton being a good guy to trade. Felt better. Cron is not good but I needed a 1B backfill.
2. I watched Javier and he is nasty. Tight slider with late break.
3. Hoerner. Caesar, McMahon….top two please
did you say starters are going to do 10 games or was it 12 (we’re assuming no injuries here of course and probably only the top 1-3 guys per team)? well bieber is at least 16.67% of the way to cy young town. sooooo nice to have that dude.