Manuel Margot, 2018 Fantasy Baseball Sleeper

December 28, 2017 | Fantasy Baseball Sleepers | 47 Comments

Last year, Manuel Margot hit 16 homers and stole 21 bags, while hitting .263. *you checking Manuel Margot player page, you furrowing your brow* A 23-year-old with 16 homers and 21 steals while not killing you in average and being drafted after 200 overall? Huh? *you tentatively raising your hand* You, “Um, Grey.” Not right now, I’m making a point. Is he being artificially deflated by the association with the Padres? Knowing the Padres, he’ll be traded to the Cubs for Andrew Cashner. *you holding your elbow as your arm gets tired from being raised* “Grey, can I just say one thing?” What, you? Smugly, “He only hit 13 homers and stole 17 bases.” That’s right, in only 126 games, I was prorating his numbers over the course of the season, so eat a D, Smug You. This was also his rookie year. What, no player has ever gotten better after their rookie year? Maybe not Cody Bellinger or Aaron Judge or Ben Grieve, but most do get better after their rookie year. So, what can we expect from Manuel Margot for 2018 fantasy baseball and what makes him a sleeper?

Please, blog, may I have some more?

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Jesus Luzardo, 2018 Dynasty Baseball Sleeper

December 27, 2017 | Fantasy Baseball Prospects | 37 Comments

by: Geoff

Honestly, I wanted to take this whole week off. That was kind of my plan, but five minutes into getting my ass whipped by my 7 year old in video games, I decided to throw in the towel and retire to my study, determined to find Jesus. What I discovered instead was a 98 MPH fastball, a coaster from Dr. James Andrews waiting room, a video of Mike Rizzo writing his name and a smug photo of Billy Beane on a treadmill. What kind of Christmas caper did I find myself involved with? Is this the plot line to Ocean’s 16? A film I’m pitching to Grey about me and a bunch of unsigned international prospects storming Dan Duquette’s office, and demanding he sign them all… Why was the couch in my study talking to me? And what exactly was in my Aunt’s “medicated” candied bacon? I had to get to the bottom of this. But first, let’s talk about why Oakland Athletics lefthanded pitching prospect Jesus Luzardo has me ready to scorn my life of sin and debauchery for a higher purpose.

Please, blog, may I have some more?

Nick Castellanos, 2018 Fantasy Baseball Sleeper

December 26, 2017 | Fantasy Baseball Sleepers | 75 Comments

by: Grey

Hahahahahahahaha–Breathe, Grey, breathe! Nick Castellanos?! As a sleeper?! Again?! Well, it must be fantasy baseball sleeper season with a post about Nick Castellanos. I debated on whether or not to write this post (for 17 seconds), but I kinda have to write a sleeper post about Nick Castellanos now because if he really does breakout in a huge way this year, I can’t have this offseason be the one year he doesn’t have a sleeper post. That wouldn’t make any sense. Kinda like every episode of Mr. Robot. Elliot is doing what now? I have no idea, and I watch the episodes and read the recaps. I nearly talked myself out of this sleeper post, too. Not because I’ve written the same one four years counting, though that would’ve been a good reason. I almost didn’t write it because his power was so lucky last year. He nearly led the league with ‘Lucky’ homers (4) and was fifth in the league for ‘Just Enough’ homers (12). 16 homers out of his 26 homers that could’ve easily been doubles (one, actually, could’ve been an out because it was a misplayed inside-the-park-homer). Who’s Greek and might only hit 10 homers next year? Nick Markakis, the Greek God of the Bloop Single, but if there’s room for one more, Nick Castellanos, the Greek God of Hard Contact, seems like a worthy bedfellow. Though, there’s the thing: Hard Contact. So, what can we expect from Nick Castellanos for 2018 fantasy baseball and what makes him a sleeper?

Please, blog, may I have some more?

2019 Colorado Rockies Minor League Preview

December 24, 2017 | Fantasy Baseball Prospects | 25 Comments

by: Geoff

In the words of Frank Lucas, “Rockies hitters are a brand name; as much a brand name as Pepsi. I own it. I stand behind it. I guarantee it, and people know that even if they don’t know me.” So the story goes for Rockies prospects reports, all the kids want to know about all the potential future Rockie bats, and are quick to raspberry a talented arm before his future Coors date. With this in mind, I try and focus on some of the more unheralded hitting talent amongst the Purple’s ranks. There is loads of infield depth in this system, with a fair share of mid-rotation arms, and some speedy outfielders to boot. It’s not the Rockies farms of the past few offseasons, but it’s a talented group nevertheless. The Rocks have done an excellent job of developing talent, and cashing in at the major league level over the years. The roster currently boasts home grown talents like Nolan Arenado, Charlie Blackmon, Jon Gray, Trevor Story, and DJ LeMahieu among others. So the question remains, who is the next player to emerge a fantasy star? Go ahead and take your best guess, it’s the Rockies Top Prospects for 2018 Fantasy Baseball.

Please, blog, may I have some more?

Prospect Podcast: 2018 Boston Red Sox Top Prospects

December 23, 2017 | Prospect Podcast, Razzball Podcast | 10 Comments

by: Geoff

No matter how bad the Red Sox farm system is it will always have a place in this Prospector’s Heart. Despite his best efforts, David Dombrowski has not stripped the joy out of Red Sox prospects just yet, and to celebrate this I’ve brought along not only my brother from another Lance Brozdowski, but also “boots on the ground, eyes at the park” prospector John Calvagno of @SallyNotes on twitter, and NotesfromtheSally.com. Before John, Lance, and I dig in on the Sawx. I wax poetic about my days as a young man running amok at McCoy Staduim. We then dive into the big names (Michael Chavis, Jay Groome, Bryan Mata, Tanner Houck) and then move onto the plethora of future middle relievers, and utility bats. It’s a labor of love, but we managed to give you an hour and a half of Red Sox Prospects takes.

Finally, please make sure to support our sponsor by heading over to RotoWear.com and entering promo code “SAGNOF” for 20% off the highest quality t-shirts in the fantasy sports game. It’s the latest edition of the Razzball Fantasy Baseball Prospect Podcast:

Please, blog, may I have some more?

Position Eligibility for 2018 Fantasy Baseball

December 22, 2017 | 2018 Fantasy Baseball Draft, Fantasy Baseball Rankings | 125 Comments

by: Grey

On Dancer! On Prancer! On–Oh, I didn’t hear you come in. Welcome, reader! Grab some egg nog and brandy it up to the fire. You look festive. I love that Rudolph tongue ring. That’s the great thing about Christmas, no matter what your interpretation is, it’s all about commercialism. That’s unless you light the Munenori Kawasaki. The 2018 fantasy baseball rankings are not far away. Right now, January Grey is throwing darts at a board to figure out where to rank Shohei Ohtani, the hitter vs. Shohei Ohtani, the pitcher. Exciting! In the meantime, let’s look at the players who have multiple position eligibility for this upcoming 2018 fantasy baseball season. The biggest surprise from this list is one that we’ve discussed previously. I’m going to try to stay in the holiday spirit, but Anthony Rizzo having 2nd base eligibility because they switched his glove out ten times is really effin’ stupid. So, if Mike Trout plays the outfield with a catcher’s mitt, he’s a catcher? Oh. *runs a marathon in just under nine hours* Kay. Any hoo! I did this list of multi-position eligible players because I figured it would help for your 2018 fantasy baseball drafts. I’m a giver, snitches! Happy Holidays! I only listed players that have multiple position eligibility of five games or more started outside of their primary position. Not four games at a position, not three, definitely not two. Five games started. If they played eight games somewhere but only started one, they are not listed. 5, the Road Runner of numbers. So this should cover Yahoo, ESPN, CBS, et al (not the Israeli airline). Yes, Christmas came three days early this year. Players with multiple position eligibility are listed once alphabetically under their primary position. This is the only time a year I do anything alphabetically, so I might’ve confused some letters. Is G or H first? Who knows, and, better yet, who cares! Wow, someone’s got the Grinchies, must be the spiked egg nog talking. A very special thank you to VinWins, who helped me put this list together. Anyway, here’s all the players with multiple position eligibility for the 2018 fantasy baseball season and the positions they are eligible at:

Please, blog, may I have some more?

Giants Like Investing In Veterans As The Day Is Longoria

December 21, 2017 | Fantasy Baseball Daily Notes | 76 Comments

by: Grey

The Giants went out and traded for the 32-year-old Evan Longoria, who has rapidly been declining for years. Please, keep that in mind while I run down their lineup. Hitting leadoff…Steven Duggar? Is that the Christian with 52 kids who is cheating on his wife with his butler or some shizz? Maybe, it’s definitely not Christian Arroyo, he was traded. Hitting 2nd…Joe Panik? We’re only two guys in, but Panik, indeed. Then will come their newly-minted three-hole hitter, Longoria, followed by the 14-homer, don’t-touch-his-pretty-boy-face, Buster Posey. Please never let me see another one of those commercials with Posey in it. Please. Next up! A guy whose hits are described as “belting one” because his last name is Belt, and for no other reason. It is completely and unequivocally not because he hits the ball hard. Followed by…Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it my 72-year-old aunt trying to throw a baseball? No, it’s The Gangly Manbird, Hunter Pence. Next up, some combination of Brandon Crawford, Jarrett Parker and let’s hope Madison Bumgarner knocks in a runner otherwise they’re going to lose 95 games. As my intern, let’s call him, Lalph Rifshitz would say, that’s primo, bud. As for Longoria, he should feel at home with the Giants since he is used to being in places that collect old people. On the bright side, Longoria plays a lot, staying on the field. On the dim side, you kinda wish he’d take more days off. For 2018, I’ll give Longoria the projections of 86/22/94/.271/2 in 608 ABs. Anyway, here’s what else I saw this offseason for fantasy baseball:

Please, blog, may I have some more?

Nomar Mazara, 2018 Fantasy Baseball Sleeper

December 20, 2017 | Fantasy Baseball Sleepers | 59 Comments

by: Grey

I know what you’re thinking, haven’t we already called Nomar Mazara a sleeper? So? We can’t ever call a guy a sleeper again after calling him one? I know, this is so logical it’s absolutely nuts. Crazy Town, population: My Stache. “I think you should get into government.” “Why?” “Because you’re the only one living in Crazy Town, and you can shore up the vote pretty easily.” That’s some local townspeople and My Stache discussing My Stache getting into government. Nomar Mazara is so forgotten he’s behind this blank space and you need one of those special highlighters to rub over the space to reveal his name. Mezuzah was hung at the door of “Breakout” two years ago and has been collecting dust ever since. Last year, in his attempt to deflate any optimism about his career, he hit 20 HRs, stole 2 bags and .253. Hit the snooze alarm, I’m getting drowsy. “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the most boring player?” “Hmm, does that say Ramon or Nomar? It’s hard to read in a mirror.” So, what can we expect from Nomar Mazara for 2018 fantasy baseball and what makes him a sleeper?

Please, blog, may I have some more?

Fantasy Baseball Podcast: Giancarlo Stanton, Shohei Ohtani, and the 2018 Off-Season

December 19, 2017 | All Podcasts, Razzball Podcast | 53 Comments

by: Geoff

Before anyone else beats me to it, just call me number four, or #4 for short. The host of the Razzball Podcast has finally reached it’s lowest point… Yours truly. Who decided I should host two podcasts let alone one?!? That man’s name is Albright, Grey Albright, and he is the Fantasy Master Lothario, Protector of the Realm, Giancarlo Stanton Stalker of more than 500 Feet Henceforth. Don’t try and tell me you’re not interested in listening to Grey’s giddy cackling about Giancarlo between breathy moans. I know you do, so we do that. We also discuss Shohei Ohatni, Zack Cozart and Ian Kinsler to the Angels, The Marlins fire-sale, Ronald Acuna’s callup date, and much, much more. Finally, please make sure to support our sponsor by heading over to RotoWear.com and entering promo code “SAGNOF” for 20% off the highest quality t-shirts in the fantasy sports game. It’s the latest edition of the Razzball Fantasy Baseball Podcast:

Please, blog, may I have some more?

Phillies Pay Up To Get Back That Carlos They Traded To Clev…Nope, It’s Santana

December 18, 2017 | Fantasy Baseball Daily Notes | 110 Comments

by: Grey

Carlos Santana was signed by the Phils. Did Carlos Santana ever have a song called, “Harumph?” Cause he’s making me harumph all over the place. Doesn’t Hoskins play 1B? Will Santana move to 3rd? I agree, Maikel hasn’t been great, but he’s too young to give up on. Maybe Santana plays outfield? Hoskins plays outfield? Maybe they juggle left field? Maybe they juggle balls hit to them in left field? Maybe they’re juggalos? I got questions, y’all! The scenario of Hoskins in the outfield seems most likely with Franco getting pushed down the order, but not out of the lineup entirely. This might be something to watch in the spring with The Jacked Up Jew, and how he manages his new Latin classic rock guitarist. As for Santana, his stats last year look like that of an aging slugger. Carlos Santana’s gone from Oye Como Va to a hard-of-hearing Latino, ‘Oye come again?’ His average home run distance from 2016 to 2017 came down ten feet, but Citizens Flank might help a little. His line drive rate went up, but his fly balls are going nowhere, and his Hard Contact was down. He’s even seeing more pitches inside the zone, because people just aren’t scared of him anymore. His stats don’t scream, ‘The end is nigh,’ but they are whispering, ‘Soon, my pretty.’ For 2018, I’ll give Carlos Santana projections of 74/24/81/.257/4 in 552 ABs. Anyway, here’s what else I saw this offseason for fantasy baseball:

Please, blog, may I have some more?

2019 Cleveland Indians Minor League Preview

December 17, 2017 | Fantasy Baseball Prospects | 27 Comments

by: Geoff

Wake up Sheeple! I bet the mainstream media will tell you that the Indians system is top heavy and that outside of the top four it’s all high upside teenagers. I bet you’re hearing that! I’m here to tell you that’s totally #fakenews. The Indians system is three really nice talents and a whole bunch of high upside teenagers. Then again I’m not sure where that leaves Yu-Cheng Chang, who is neither a teenager or one of those elite level talents. He’s a nice power and speed player in the Indians top 5, who happens to be currently generating traffic to this post from his homeland of Taiwan. I learned this trick from Halp. True Story! Any the hootie-hoo, this is one of the more hitter heavy lists I’ll write this year. Which is probably okay for the Indians, they won’t have too many spots to fill in the rotation with Kluber, Carrasco, Bauer, Salazar, and Mike Clevinger under contract until 2020. So, if you’re a fan of some of the quad-A types destined for middle relief littered throughout the Tribe’s system, then you’re going to be severely disappointed. Overall it’s a farm in flux, some talented players with an arrival window in the next two years, and a lot of lottery tickets with four year+ ETAs. Also switch-hitters, the Indians love switch-hitters. Don’t be frightened off though, there’s some jewels in these here blurbs! Read on noble future dynasty champion, it’s the 2018 Cleveland Indians Top Prospects.

Please, blog, may I have some more?

Prospect Podcast: Atlanta Braves Top Prospects for 2018 w/ Jason Woodell

December 16, 2017 | Prospect Podcast, Razzball Podcast | 8 Comments

by: Geoff

It was bound to happen one of these days, but we here at the prospect podcast have finally created our War and Peace. It’s only fitting that the Atlanta Braves minor league system would be the subject of such a saga. To cover all of these prospects I reached out to a friend of the show in Jason Woodell (ProspectStorm.com, Prospects1500.com, and @Jasonatthegame), a man who’s seen more of these Braves prospects than just about anybody. So you’ll get some first hand accounts from a really knowledgeable baseball mind. We also dig into the Shohei Ohatni injury, have a detailed discussion of Platelet-Rich Plasma injections, and the success rate. You might need to listen across a few sessions (we go an hour and forty minutes). It’s all the Braves Prospects from Ronald Acuna to Austin Riley to Mike Soroka, Kyle Wright, Kolby Allard, Luiz Gohara, and the rest. See what I mean? There’s so much to talk about. Finally, please make sure to support our sponsor by heading over to RotoWear.com and entering promo code “SAGNOF” for 20% off the highest quality t-shirts in the fantasy sports game. It’s the latest edition of the Razzball Fantasy Baseball Prospect Podcast:

Please, blog, may I have some more?