2017 Minor League Preview: Detroit Tigers

December 4, 2016 | Fantasy Baseball Prospects | 26 Comments

It’s for system writeups such as these that I save the high end scotch and vials of liquid acid. It’s not only because the Tigers farm system is so barren, but because I can see my future as a Red Sox fan flash before my eyes. Here’s to hoping Mr. Dombrowski, not scorching the earth of the Sawx farm the way he did the Tigers. With Detroit in full sell-mode, this could be one of the more “updated” system previews of the offseason. As for the current state of the farm, it’s comprised of a handful of recently drafted talents, some overhyped depth players, and a whole lot of specs that don’t deserve my brilliant prose. Okay, okay so maybe I’m being a bit hyperbolic on a few fronts, but all in all it’s an awful system. One of the bottom five I’ll cover, and quite possibly the worst one yet. It’s not that I hate Detroit Tigers Prospects, as much as I have little use for many of them. With that said there are two blokes in particular that I hold in high esteem. Who are they? Read on! It’s the Top Detroit Tigers Prospects.

Please, blog, may I have some more?

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Prospect Podcast Episode 16: Colorado Rockies Prospects

by: Geoff

Some prospectors talk about the #Prospectlife and others live it. Michael Halpern and I live that prospect life all day errday. It’s why we’re bringing you our next installment of system previews with the well stocked Colorado Rockies. We talk about our love of Coors inflated bats, and our distaste for Rocks pitchers. Maybe you disagree, maybe you’re a non-conformist type that bucks the trend. That’s okay, we embrace all types here on the Prospect Podcast. While we’re at it join any and all of my leagues. We also discuss some hot stove, and how I was molested by a senior citizen at a family party. Yes this episode has it all! Colorado Rockies Prospects mostly though. Raise your pinkie rings to the air, it’s the latest edition of the Razzball Prospect Podcast.

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Byron Buxton, 2017 Fantasy Sleeper

December 2, 2016 | Fantasy Baseball Sleepers | 153 Comments

by: Grey

Just as I went around the league and highlighted 2017 fantasy baseball rookies, I will now do the same with 2017 fantasy baseball sleepers. These sleepers are gonna be so butter margarine gonna be like, “Yo, you got me, I’m not real.” These sleepers are gonna be so terrific they’re gonna call up the West Virginian woman, Terri Fic, and tell her to change her name. These sleepers are gonna be so illuminating they’re gonna explain WHAT THE HELL IS THE HARMON FAMILY HIDING?! Seriously: what is Pam Dawber, her husband Mark Harmon and their kids, Sean Harmon and Ty Harmon hiding with all of these blocked accounts? If they are living in a log cabin somewhere in the mountains, I say send in the U.S. Marshals! We want answers, Mark Harmon and Co.! Does NCIS stand for Notably Cloaked In Secrecy? I want to know! So, our first sleeper is Byron Buxton. Hayzeus Cristo! I just wrote Buxton’s name and ran into the bathroom while screaming, “Give me five minutes of peace and quiet I need to explore myself!” No, there is no particular order with these sleepers, but I am kinda goofy crazy for Buxton. Last year, he disappointed with 10 HRs, 10 SBs and a .225 average. Luckily, this isn’t last year, fantasy baseball fans and fans of Mark Harmon conspiracy theories who found us in Google. So, what can we expect from Byron Buxton for 2017 fantasy baseball and what makes him a sleeper?

Please, blog, may I have some more?

Jose De Leon, 2017 Fantasy Outlook

December 1, 2016 | Fantasy Baseball Rookies | 74 Comments

by: Grey

I think this is going to be my last rookie outlook post. If someone pops up sometime in the preseason, maybe I’ll return, but I need to move onto sleepers, and Winter Meetings updates. Here’s what I said when Jose De Leon first came up, “There’s gonna be a lot of haters out there about Jose De Leon. It’s the times we live in. His great-great-great-great grandfather was the original body-shamer. Ponce De Leon set out about five hundred and fifty years ago looking for the Fountain of Youth because, his words, “My old bitty needs to go bye-bye if she continues to sag in the FUPA area.” He was also the originator of the common 1500s phrase, “Ponce upon a time you looked good, girl.” A phrase that has rightfully disappeared from common speech before any more women were hurt by vernacular manslaughter, so to speak. As for Jose De Leon, he’s got the youth thing for days, but he’s not quite as young as Julio Urias, which I’m gonna say is a good thing in this case, because Urias is so raw he may as well be carrying botulism. De Leon, 23 years old, is destroying Triple-A on the current — 13.8 K/9, 3.06 ERA — which is more or less same-same what he’s been doing for the last two years. Even more importantly, the Dodgers have an immediate need with their rotation a M.A.S.H. unit, a Jamie-Farr-kin joke.” And that’s me quoting me! De Leon ended up with a 11.6 K/9 and a 2.61 in 86 1/3 IP in Triple-A. There’s nowhere else for De Leon to go but the majors in 2017, so let’s segue this sucka. Anyway, what can we expect from Jose De Leon for 2017 fantasy baseball?

Please, blog, may I have some more?

2017 Minor League Preview: Colorado Rockies

November 30, 2016 | Fantasy Baseball Prospects | 61 Comments

by: Geoff

Is there truly any system more worthy of your attention than Colorado’s? That’s not even a commentary on their high end talent or depth, as much as it is a commentary on Coors being awesome for boosting hitter’s value. The problem is due to this Ibiza for hitting reality, the Rockies have focused their efforts on acquiring top amateur pitching talent. So many of these top arms are sentenced to a fate worth than cleaning Billy Butler’s toilet after a Chili Cookoff. Pitching half of your games in the high altitude of Denver. Hey, at least they can smoke away the pain of bad home starts. Am I right? After graduating three strong talents into the majors last season in Jonathan Gray, David Dahl, and Trevor Story, the Rocks have another trio ready to contribute in the big leagues this season in Tom Murphy, Raimel Tapia, and Jeff Hoffman. As always any Rockies hitter has value, and any Rockies pitcher is worth treading lightly on. So read on, and learn who the Top Colorado Rockies Prospects are for 2017.

Please, blog, may I have some more?

Hunter Renfroe, 2017 Fantasy Outlook

November 29, 2016 | Fantasy Baseball Rookies | 67 Comments

by: Grey

Hunter Renfroe, or as Scooby-Doo calls him ‘Hunter Renfroe,’ is gorge. I’m a smitten kitten hanging from a string on an inspirational poster that reads, “Hang in There.” Why so gorge? Or better still, why does he make me engorged? Actually, that’s not better, and I apologize profusely as Johnnie Cochran or Gorilla Monsoon would say. Why is it that Johnnie Cochran and Gorilla Monsoon are the only ones ever to use the word profusely? I’m gonna be the third person to use it, profusely. So why gorge? Have you seen Renfroe’s swing? Or as Scooby would say, “Have you seen Renfroe’s swing?” Here it is:

I wanna watch the first 5 seconds of that over and over again, but as Cougs will tell you, I’m good for at least 15 seconds. That home run was only measured at 413 feet. I’m guessing the guy that walks, heel to toe, out from home plate to where the ball lands, lost count. That’s an easy 470 foot homer if I’ve ever seen one. That’s right, I measure with my eyes! *cabinet behind me collapses* Oops, might’ve measured wrong. In 11 games last year with the Padres, Renfroe hit 4 homers and .371. Okay, he’s a Padre, I get it, but I’m profusely interested. Anyway, what can we expect from Hunter Renfroe for 2017 fantasy baseball?

Please, blog, may I have some more?

Dylan Cozens, 2017 Fantasy Outlook

November 28, 2016 | Fantasy Baseball Rookies | 50 Comments

by: Grey

In the minor leagues this year, Dylan Cozens had 40 HRs and 21 steals, winning the Top Offensive Player award. Ha. Dubya tee eff. His minor league numbers are so insane they call up Gary Busey and ask for his advice. His minor league numbers are so crazy they voted for Trump simply because Scott Baio endorsed him. His minor league stats are so bonkers that they want to marry Blac Chyna and try to make her a housewife. His minor leagues stats are so stupid they threw paint on a dog because it was wearing fur. I call this the Cozens. It’s similar to The Dozens, but with Cozens. Ask a Mormon wife whose hat that is and she says, “Husbands.” These rhymes I’m Putin out there are from Russland. All that hair is on your back land, not Bob. I’m eating pigeon but all fancy like squab. Got a buddy named Robert who has a green afro and I call him broccoli raab. Aw…yeah! It’s my rap alter ego, B-Fire! Get some crunk juice, snitches! Okay, not sure where that came from but sometimes shizz needs to be freestyled, or in this case, free-stDylan. Anyway, what can we expect from Dylan Cozens for 2017 fantasy baseball?

Please, blog, may I have some more?

2017 Minor League Preview: Cleveland Indians

November 27, 2016 | Fantasy Baseball Prospects | 9 Comments

by: Geoff

It’s been a big year for Cleveland sports, but that all takes a back seat to a big week for Cleveland here on Razzball. Earlier in the week Grey gave you his take on top prospect Bradley Zimmer, yesterday we gave you the latest edition of the prospect podcast where we went through the top prospects in the Indians system. Always one to beat a dead horse, today we go over Zimmer and the Indians system again. Will we discuss anything new? Maybe. Sort of depends, if you read Grey’s post and listened along to the podcast, I’d lean toward the negative. If not than everything is new. Dollars to doughnuts it’s not a bad system to get hung up on. They have solid talent at the upper levels of the system and solid talent at the lower levels as well. Players like Francisco Mejia, Triston McKenzie, and Greg Allen all enjoyed breakouts. While Chris Antonetti and Mike Chernoff took home another haul in this year’s draft. Needless to say it’s a fun system to dive into. So let’s dive into it, shall we?

Please, blog, may I have some more?

Prospect Podcast Episode 15: Cleveland Indians and Detroit Tigers Prospects

November 26, 2016 | Prospect Podcast, Razzball Podcast | 5 Comments

by: Geoff

A very special Black Friday edition of the Prospect Podcast this week. Where we discuss two teams that are like stores with completely different inventory. One being the well stocked Cleveland Indians system with plenty of merchandise for prospect hounds. The other being the Detroit Tigers and their going out of business sale with only candle holders and shell shaped soap on the shelves. Yes Ohio vs Michigan and just in time for Ohio vs Michigan. Myself and Michael Halpern of ImaginaryBrickWall.com maintain order so no one can rush the doors and crush other shoppers. Wow I’m really lost in this analogy. Nevertheless it’s the latest edition of the Razzball Fantasy Prospect Podcast.

Please, blog, may I have some more?

D’Backs Taijuan On With Ketel One

November 25, 2016 | Fantasy Baseball Daily Notes | 65 Comments

by: Grey

Happy Black Friday! Oops, sorry, I mean Happy African-American Friday! As I type this, I’m being trampled at Bed, Bath and Beyond. “There’s enough Scrub Daddys for everyone!” The Diamondbacks got a head start on Black Friday sales on Wednesday when they traded Jean Segura, Mitch Haniger and Zac Curtis to the Mariners for Taijuan Walker and Ketel Marte. What’s that old axiom, if you don’t know who the sucker is at the table, you’re the sucker. Mariners, you’re the sucker. If anyone forgot that the Diamondbacks fired Dave Stewart immediately following the end of the season, this was a reminder. If Stewart were still there, the Diamondbacks would’ve traded Greinke for Todd Walker. As Dave Stewart would say after reading that, “I’m not mad at ya.” Don’t love the move to Chase Field for Walker, but the NL West makes that medicine go down a little easier, chim chiminy chim chiminy chim chim cher-ee! Walker had a 8 K/9 and 2.5 BB/9 last year in 134 1/3 IP. That goes up to 8.5 in the NL West and he’s pretending to yawn as he puts his arm around a low to mid-3 ERA. The only thing that’s stopping you from nodding your head like a plus-size Pez is that Walker hasn’t done it yet. He’s only 24 years old, not doing it yet isn’t a great excuse for never doing it. For 2017, I’ll give him the projections of 12-11/3.44/1.18/153 in 160 IP. Anyway, here’s what else I saw this offseason for 2017 fantasy baseball:

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2017 Minor League Preview: Cincinnati Reds

November 23, 2016 | Fantasy Baseball Prospects | 58 Comments

by: Geoff

In the Natti things just ain’t been the same. The chili has been more disgusting than usual, Hi-Tek’s beats just don’t slam like they used to, and Jerry Springer is no longer mayor. Outside of those three things I don’t know much about Cincinnati. What I do know about however is their Red’s freshly re-stocked farm system. After an excellent 2016 draft and international period the Reds boast a wide array of pitching prospects, and a handful of hitting prospects of note for owners in dynasty leagues. Of course the most sought after being this year’s number two overall pick Nick Senzel. Not only did the Reds net the best college bat in the draft, they also picked a high upside athlete in Taylor Trammell, and arguably the best catcher in the draft in Chris Okey. The international period saw the Reds make major splashes in the Cuban market adding top pitching prospect Vladimir Gutierrez. As well as a saavy signing in “through the cracks’ talent TJ Friedl. While the big league club struggles, the system shows glimpses of light at the end of the tunnel for the Reds, though it’s still year’s away. It’s the Cincinnati Reds Prospects from A-Z…

Please, blog, may I have some more?

Jesse Winker, 2017 Fantasy Outlook

November 22, 2016 | Fantasy Baseball Rookies | 102 Comments

by: Grey

I’m going to cackle very shortly. It’s going to be a full-throated cackle. The cackle to end all cackles. The cackle that has you turning around in your seat at the movie theater to look at me. Okay, here it comes. Jesse Winker hit three homers last year in 448 Triple-A plate appearances. THREE?! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I CAN’T FEEL MY FACE! OH MY GOD, MY HEART!!! “Here lies a man who loved baseball as much as his much older woman and he was totally healthy until he saw how many homers Winker hit in a full season of at-bats. I, the tombstone, would tell you how many homers it was that Winker hit but I’m afraid you might die too. You’re welcome.” Damn, my tombstone is considerate! Three homers in 448 PAs? How is that even possible? Sorry, some of you might need a primer. Three homers from a 65-steal type makes sense. Winker had zero steals last year. Again, some of you might need more info. Winker is considered a top prospect. Or was, I guess. The one positive, and it is big, he has insane plate discipline. He had a .397 OBP and hit .303 in Triple-A last year while walking and striking out exactly at 13.2% of the time. Terrific for both. Plus, that’s some crazy OCD to walk and strike out 59 times for both. That’s As Good As It Gets, now put your neighbor’s dog down the garbage chute! Anyway, what can we expect from Jesse Winker for 2017 fantasy baseball?

Please, blog, may I have some more?