Austin Hays, 2018 Fantasy Outlook

November 6, 2017 | Fantasy Baseball Rookies | 96 Comments

Austin Hays‘ rebellion against minor league pitching was so alarming this past year that Jon Jay began arguing for a stronger centralized league office to ratify the MLB Constitution, and guarantee no prospect could take down the major leagues through sheer moxie. “Your moxie is manifest, and we call on Washington to leave his family home in Mount Vernon and return to public life.” That’s Jon Jay arguing to team representatives about UL Washington, who was minding his own business in Virginia. “Say what now?” That’s UL Washington as he sips sweet tea. Then again, it might be because I went to see Hamilton this past weekend. Of course, this rebellion I’m speaking of — the Hays’ Rebellion — thrust Austin Hays from also-ran minor leaguer to full-blown Trey Mancini clone. I will call him Robotcini. So, what can we expect from Austin Hays for 2018 fantasy baseball?

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Arizona Diamondbacks 2018 Minor League Preview

November 5, 2017 | Fantasy Baseball Prospects | 31 Comments

by: Geoff

Welcome my loyal Prospect disciples, sit back, relax, drink your coffee, crack a Beck’s if you wish, and get your popcorn ready. For Minor League Preview season has returned! Today we start with the improving Arizona Diamondbacks system, though improving might be disingenuous as this might have been the worst system I covered last season. Then again, there wasn’t even any mention of Jon Duplantier in last year’s write up, so maybe it was on me. Then again, again, when in doubt blame Dave Stewart, so I will. Dave Stewart, it’s your fault!! Your low brimed ice grille no longer has the same affect it had in your Oakland A’s salad days!!! Enough about Dave Stweart. For we are just a little over 12 months into the Mike Hazen era, and so far it is glorious. Big shouts to Abington, Massachusetts. Hazen has not only righted the ship on the major league level, he’s also coming off a strong draft, that was a thirst quenching boost to a thirsty system. In fact four of the players discussed in today’s breakdown were selected in last June’s draft. This shouldn’t come as a shock as the Princeton grad started his front office career in player development, and scouting, helping to build the Red Sox current young core. Needless to say Arizona is a system on the rise, let’s see what they have blooming on the farm.

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Prospect Podcast: 2017 End-of-Season Top 100 Prospect Rankings: 51-100

by: Halp

You’re getting double the Halph this week, as Ralph Lifshitz and I are back for another overstuffed episode worth of top 100 prospects talk. We cover prospects ranked 51-100 this episode, starting by discussing the ceilings of Yordan Alvarez, Jesus Sanchez, and Miguel Andujar. We can barely contain ourselves when we move on to potential shooting stars Heliot Ramos, Brandon Marsh, Bubba Thompson, Starling Heredia, Jhailyn Ortiz, Dermis Garcia, and Colton Welker, and then attempt to figure out which MLB players would make for fair trades with them. We discuss everybody from Matt Manning, Ian Anderson, A.J. Puk, and Riley Pint, to Jose Albertos, Jorge Guzman, Jordan Luplow, Edwin Rios, and many more. Finally, please make sure to support our sponsor by heading over to RotoWear.com and entering promo code “SAGNOF” for 15% off the highest quality t-shirts in the fantasy sports game. It’s the latest edition of the Razzball Fantasy Baseball Prospect Podcast:

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Nick Senzel, 2018 Fantasy Outlook

November 3, 2017 | Fantasy Baseball Rookies | 80 Comments

by: Grey

Zack Cozart is likely out the door this offseason with Eugenio Suarez moving to shortstop while Jose Peraza goes super-utility, and, after his previous season, that might be the only time ‘super’ is used in regards to Peraza. That’s my best guess for Nick Senzel getting into the Reds’ lineup as the starting 3rd baseman. If Cozart is re-signed, or the Reds want Suarez and Peraza both in the lineup or the Reds sign someone else, it throws this post into question. To this point, my only questionable life decision was frosting my hair in the 90’s, so I’m fine with writing this post as questionable decision number two in my life. Even in a best case scenario, Senzel will likely start the year in the minors until June, with Suarez not moving to short until then. So, if Peraza and Suarez have a huge first two months, then Senzel might get delayed, even though it will appear in March like it’s a matter of time, so, yeah, this will be iffy on playing time. What else is iffy about him? Not much, which is why there’s even a Nick Senzel 2018 fantasy outlook post. So, what can we expect from Nick Senzel for 2018 fantasy baseball?

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Prospect Podcast: 2017 End-of-Season Top 100 Prospect Rankings: 21-50

November 2, 2017 | Prospect Podcast, Razzball Podcast | 18 Comments

by: Halp

Welcome to the only baseball podcast that will drop the day after Game Seven of the World Series that will not be talking about Game Seven of the World Series. Well, that’s actually not 100% true. We do talk about how we won’t be talking about it. It’s prospects 24/7 around these parts. Ralph Lifshitz and I continue our top 100 series on today’s podcast, analyzing prospects who fall in the 21-50 range. We discuss our level of concern over the less than enthusiastic scouting reports Kevin Maitan has been receiving, if Kyle Lewis’ continued knee problems have him dropping, and if Harrison Bader will be able to carve out a role in St. Louis’ crowded outfield. On the plus side, we gush over Anthony Alford’s power/speed combo, hype up what Luiz Gohara is capable of, and predict big things for Christin Stewart in the Majors during the 2nd half. We talk about everybody from Forrest Whitley, Austin Meadows, MacKenzie Gore, Hunter Greene, and Jordon Adell, to Tyler O’Neill, Mitch Keller, Jahmai Jones, Michel Baez, and many more. Finally, please make sure to support our sponsor by heading over to RotoWear.com and entering promo code “SAGNOF” for 15% off the highest quality t-shirts in the fantasy sports game. It’s the latest edition of the Razzball Fantasy Baseball Prospect Podcast:

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Minor League Update: Arizona Fall League Edition

November 1, 2017 | Fantasy Baseball Prospects | 36 Comments

by: Geoff

Every year in early October, a few hundred prospects converge on the Minor league complexes of Arizona to celebrate the grandest of all prospecting expeditions. The Arizona Fall League. Now I want you to backup, and read the words “Arizona Fall League” like you’re Ham Porter talking about Babe Ruth. Okay, now that you’ve reread the opening sentence, I’d like you to read the last one again in a “silly” old lady’s voice. Okay, now that you’ve done that we can move on. BTW, if you didn’t do any of that out loud, you win. You’re not an idiot. As for the Arizona Fall League, or the AFL as us “cool kids” call it, tis’ back in full swing. In case you don’t know it’s a 6 team league in Arizona run by MLB, and the teams are comprised of top prospects from almost every MLB organization. The ultimate goal is to showcase these talents for scouts and MLB executives, but there’s a multitude of reasons why players head to Arizona. It might be further refinement of a new swing adjustment or pitch, but it’s very often to make up time. Over the last few years we’ve had a string of exciting prospect classes in Arizona, and this year is no different. Needless to say, we’ll be covering some of the top prospects in the game today. Even one that earned his own Rookie post from the incomparable Grey Albright.

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Ryan McMahon, 2018 Fantasy Outlook

October 31, 2017 | Fantasy Baseball Rookies | 113 Comments

by: Grey

Well, they’re not all going to be positive. That’s starting out a post on the right foot about as well as Daniel Day-Lewis in My Left Foot. Before Ryan McMahon talk, let’s talk about the Rockies in general. This is a team that screwed me (this time it’s personal!) with Raimel Tapia, David Dahl and Tom Murphy, and that’s only from this past year! In the past, they’ve refused to play Eric Young, Ian Stewart, Charlie Blackmon (for 3 years!) while opting at times for Clint Barmes, Seth Smith, and Ty Wigginton. I know, those first names don’t jump out as amazing, aside from Chazz Noir, but we’ll never know because they just weren’t played. In five years, we may say Raimel Tapia isn’t good either if he gets at-bats like Eric Young, which was rare to never. First base is especially littered with vets who the Rockies chose to go with over rookies: Helton (four to five years too long), Justin Morneau, Giambi and Mark Reynolds. Not saying these were all bad, okay, they were mostly bad, but Mile High makes mountains out of molehills. If the Rockies gave, say, Ben Paulsen a real chance at 1st base, maybe he would’ve done better. Which brings us back to Ryan McMahon, who the Rockies moved to first because The Torenado’s got 3rd on lock, and he’s a star. 3rd lock from the sun? So, what can we expect from Ryan McMahon for 2018 fantasy baseball?

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Willie Calhoun, 2018 Fantasy Outlook

October 30, 2017 | Fantasy Baseball Rookies | 86 Comments

by: Grey

How much does the Rangers giving up Yu Darvish for Willie Calhoun play into their wont to play Calhoun? Bigly, not bigly yet, bigly soon, or, like a chicken piccata’s side, big leek. Therein lies the sun, moon, and stars of Willie Calhoun’s value for 2018 fantasy baseball. My thoughts on this is you don’t trade a guy that is the face of your franchise like Yu for a guy who’s not going to play, but — and this is a Kardashian-sized but — Darvish was due to be a free agent, so maybe it doesn’t matter. How’s that for landing on one side or the other? Honestly, I don’t know, but the Rangers need to move towards the future and their outfield has room for Calhoun. Why does any of this matter? Cause Calhoun’s so butter I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter can’t tell the difference between him and butter, and I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter’s “butter or not butter” radar is as fine-tuned as you’re going to find. So, let’s speak on him as if playing time is all but assured. So, what can we expect from Willie Calhoun for 2018 fantasy baseball?

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Top 50 First Year Player Draft Rankings for 2018 Dynasty Leagues

October 29, 2017 | Fantasy Baseball Prospects | 36 Comments

by: Geoff

I’m going to keep this brief, because it’s more or less an intro in the middle of a post. Or maybe it’s because I’m lazy. Or maybe the W is ruined on my computer? Then again you saw that perfectly healthy W, so that’s not going to work as an excuse. But I’m too lazy to come up with another. Blah, blah, blah, stuff, stuff, oh yeah! I released the Top 25 First Year Player Draft Rankings on Wednesday, because I wanted to take your work week bathroom reading to the next level. Can’t have a newcomer just show up and steal the show. Not that there’s a new comer, but Lance has been known to steal the show. That’s if by “the show” you mean “my pants” (heart eyes emoji). But in all seriousness, Lance stole my pants. Okay, I’m done with the buffoonery I pinkie swear! Below is the next 25 players on my big board for first year player drafts. Keep in mind, every league’s scoring can be slightly different, so adjust accordingly, and use my words to guide you. I’m Prospect Mufasa. Onto picks 26-50!

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Victor Robles, 2018 Fantasy Outlook

October 27, 2017 | Fantasy Baseball Rookies | 122 Comments

by: Grey

I debated Victor Robles or Ronald Acuna for my number one rookie for 2018. It was quite heated debate that one bystander claimed, “Are you talking to me or yourself?” And another bystander said, “Are you asking for the directions to Paso Robles?” Those people don’t know obviously about the juicy rookies that I speak of, and don’t end a sentence with of — dah! By the way, don’t ever say “…that I speak of” in real life, or you will likely get punched. Any hoo! Victor Robles was called up for a cup of coffee this past year, which, I guess, made Dusty Baker a barista. Would’ve taken Baker more for a pastry guy. Let’s get to the elephant in the room first, or if you’re a college freshman and the word elephant upsets you, let’s address the large mammal in the free-range zoo. Robles was called up, Werth and Taylor may leave this offseason, and Robles is ready. Those are all points in his favor for playing time. Against him is we don’t know how the new manager in Washington is going to use him. Will Robles be used more than he would’ve been with the toothpicked barista? Hard to say. I’ll get to my projections below, but Trea played, Taylor played, I think Robles can play in 2018. Maybe at least two-thirds of the time. Anyway, what can we expect from Victor Robles for 2018 fantasy baseball?

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A Look Beyond the Century Mark, Mock Draft Style

October 26, 2017 | Fantasy Baseball Sleepers | 12 Comments

by: Lance

It’s been a month since I last posted about a set of four industry mock drafts the honorable Justin Mason wrangled experts together for. While more complete mocks likely exist on the seas of the internet, these hold a special place in my heart, as they contained myself, good friends of the Razzball universe, and Prospectus Jesus himself. I’ll save you from the self-reflective intros that have lined my last few columns – but really, you should read them – and hastily prime our readers who prefer a longer digestion cycle with info, for 2018.

Partial results of these mocks can be found here, and instead of sifting through the first few rounds, I’m only looking at players with ADPs among the four mock drafts that exceed 100 overall. These players range in potential and my confidence in attaining that potential, but I think each should occupy a small place in your mind for the coming season.

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First Year Player Draft Rankings for 2018 Dynasty Leagues

October 25, 2017 | Fantasy Baseball Prospects | 46 Comments

by: Geoff

It’s my favorite time of the year, the time when I start to research the first taste of pro-ball for all recent draftees, and prepare for the first year player drafts in several of my leagues. Depending upon the league the rules can vary, but by in large, you’re picking players from the recent draft, the July 2nd International class, and the remaining players on the free agent pool. I’m going to be breaking this post into two parts, first the Top 25 today, followed by the next 25 on Sunday. If my math is right I’m ranking 50, but I had to use my hands three times, and my toes twice. Plus I have to double count my fourth toe, because I lost my pinkie toes after starting Kevin Gausman early in the season. So toe math aside, if you’re in a 12 team league with limited minors (5-10 per team), this is the only post you’re going to need. Ya dig? Moving on, I have to say, now that I’m finished with the top 50, and I’ve researched each team’s draft class from top to bottom, this year’s crop is far more interesting that I thought. There’s tons of talented hitters with combinations of power, and speed, high end power arms from all levels of amateur ball with ace upsides, and some talented bats in the middle infield. These rankings are subject to change, but it’s unlikely, as all of these players are done with competitive baseball for the season. Feel free to chime in with players you love, players you think will bust, and the players you hope to see in the next 25. Thanks for reading, and good luck in all your first year player drafts this off-season.

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