The Tampa Bay Rays got the baseball world buzzing Friday afternoon when they shipped former top prospect Willy Adames to the Milwaukee Brewers along with RHP Trevor Richards for a couple middle relievers I’ve never heard of, Drew Rasmussen and J.P. Feyereisen. I’m partly lying for the laughs, I am aware of Feyereisen, he’s been solid (3.26 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 20/11 K/BB), and if there’s one thing we all know Kevin Cash needs, it’s more weapons out of the bullpen. But I’ve already spent WAY too much time covering these relievers, and I can assure you they are not the reason this trade sent beisbol twitter into a frenzy. The trade of Adames (.197/.254/.371, 5 HR, 15 RBI) opens up a spot for a new starting shortstop in St. P and the Rays have a bit of a premium at the position including two highly-touted mega-uber super-prospects, Vidal Brujan and Wander Franco, the latter being the consensus top prospect in all of baseball. Grey told you to BUY Vidal this weekend, and that advice was pre-trade, mind you! Clearly, Grey is a witch, but it remains to be seen if it’s of the sexy “Scarlet” variety. Vidal Brujan has 40-steal speed which, *Pro Tip* can help your fantasy team, but Wander is the name the Tampa fans (all 300 of them) are clamoring for. Enter the guy she told you not to worry about, Taylor Walls, who despite our deepest desires, is in fact the infielder that the Rays chose to call up this weekend to replace Adames. *Audible Sigh* No need to sigh so loudly just yet, frand, Walls has got his balls to it and he was slashing .327/.468/.490 with two homers, 10 RBI and two steals before the call up. Manager Cash suggested Walls will see plenty of time at shortstop along with Joey Wendle and could be worth a look for that speed alone, at least until one of the younger, sexier prospects arrives. Taylor had 10 homers and 28 steals between A/AA in 2019–and that is not nothing! Regardless, here’s hoping Brandon Lowe (2-for-3, 3 runs, 2 HR (9), 3 RBI) is next on the trading block. The Rays are so stacked at middle infielder maybe I’m delusional if I think I’m seeing Wander before August. But perhaps an injury? That would do it! What light through Wander a hamate bone breaks? If only they had the Mets training staff. Let’s make it happen!
Here’s what else I saw in fantasy baseball Friday night:
Jordan Montgomery – 7.0 IP, 4 hits, 0 ER, 0 BB, 11 K. JoMo! Where have you been all my life. This was his best start in ever. Probably in ever, right? Whata game though. The pitcher’s duel to end all pitcher’s duels. It was the first time both starters had more than 10+ Ks and didn’t allow a run or walk anyone. Wow! Doesn’t that sound exciting? So fun to watch, but you know what’d be even better? More dingers. As for Monty, he’s had just one rough start in May in Baltimore and that place can be tough to visit, just ask McNulty. His next start vs. Toronto scares me a bit, but I’m watching him harder than a Zack Snyder zombie fest–and there are undead Tigers, Drax and chainsaws in this fest. Do I need to go on–or should I wait here while you go watch a 3 hour zombie movie. I’m saying Monty needs to be owned.
Carlos Rodon – 6.0 IP, 2 hits, 0 ER, 0 BB, 13 K. Speaking of owned, something snapped in April and turned Rodon into a bonafide Ace. Did he start wearing Giolito’s lucky drawers? Did he forget how to walk hitters? His fastball topped out at 98.7 Friday night and he had a CSW of 36%, which some nerd tells me is pretty darn good. He’s rocking a 1.27 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and 62/12 K/BB, and I don’t need a nerd to tell me that could win your fantasy league for you.
Gleyber Torres – 2-for-4, HR (2), 2 RBI. Gleyber gets the honor of ending the torture that was a scoreless game through six innings. Wait–like no runs?? That sounds SO boring though! I know, Disembodied Text on Page, btw, do you happen to know Random Italicized Voice?
Stephen Strasburg – 5.1 IP, 1 hit, 0 ER, 4 BB, 4 K, 1st win. I mean, this was a WAY better return than I think any of us were expecting. The velocity was pretty good, he got through 5 innings with just around 70 pitches and he got his first win against an above average-ish offensive team. The four walks is a little concerning but most impressive of all is he didn’t hurt himself! He gets the Reds next week!
Josh Bell – 3-for-5, run, RBI. Kyle Schwarber was 2-for-5 with a run and RBI. Juan Soto had two hits. Seems like this offense is starting to wake up a bit. Bell’s got two homers in the past 8 games, Kyle Schwarber is becoming the garbage pail version of Harper we all know he can be and Juan Soto is trying to remember how to be the best hitter on the planet again. In due time, friends!
Aaron Nola – 5.0 IP, 7 hits, 4 ER, BB, 9 K. Not the best start of the season for Nola but Boston is not the easiest match up. He did keep the Phillies in it for most of this game and struck out 9 while continuing to limit his walks. We’ll take it!
Martin Perez – 6.0 IP, 5 hits, 3 ER, BB, 7 K. Perez might be the least sexy streamer in baseball, but you tend to know what you’re going to get with him and he remains one of the safer options. He hasn’t given up more than 3 runs in over a month and gets a juicy match up with Florida next week.
Danny Santana – 1-for-5, HR (1), 2 K. Leading off in his Red Sox debut the super utilityman slash journeyman went yard in the 5th to start a Red Sox offensive onslaught. Santana seemed to be giving this week’s BUY Bobby Dalbec a rest Friday, but he could end up playing all over the diamond, and should see time like Marwin Gonzalez and Enrique Hernandez. Also, I’m sure Alex Cora has some silly stat that supports his decision to lead him off over someone like Verdugo or Bogey but I don’t get it. Can anyone enlighten me?
Rafael Devers – 2-for-4, HR (12), 3 RBI. Raffy is hard not to gush about. He might be the best pure hitter in baseball but this video really says it all: “I’m happy. They pay me good, I play baseball and I hit homers.” I am also happy. Mostly for the fact that you’re on my team.
Alex Verdugo – 3-for-3, 2 runs. Left the game with a hamstring scare but should avoid anything serious. If anyone could ever replace Mookie in my heart, it’s probably not possible and I doubt it will happen but maybe if anyone could do it, it’d be 99.
Jean Segura – 3-for-4, HR (3). He’s batting .320 in May since returning from the IL. Mean Jean might not be the speed threat he once was but his solid average and position in that line up make him worthwhile.
Randy Dobnak – 6.0 IP, 3 hits, 0 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, 1st win. Look, anyone named Randy is already automatically A-OK in my book but doubled-down as a Twins starter?? Where can a sign up to stream this fool? If he pitches well enough he could steal a rotation spot from Matt Shoemaker who has not been very good but for now he’s fill-in for Pineda.
Alex Kirilloff – 2-for-5, 2 runs, 2 RBI. BUY. Kevin from ESPN’s “Get Him In Your Line Up” Department got his second vaccine shot and hasn’t showed up to work in over a week. I hope you started Alex, cause he’s going to pick up right where he left Kirilloff.
Ian Anderson – 6.0 IP, 6 hits, 0 ER, 0 BB, 6 K, 4th win. His third QS in a row and his 2.82 ERA starting to look real purdy after a rocky April. Maybe its just me but for me, I would think that kind of run support could do wonders for a pitcher’s confidence.
Tyler Anderson – 5.0 IP, 10 hits, 9 ER, 2 BB, 7 K. Me tryna reason with this start like, well, at least he got seven strikeouts.
Wilmer Difo – 1.0 IP, 6 hits, 8 ER, BB, K. *Position Player Pitching Alert* Why do I find it so hard to believe Pittsburgh was “saving their bullpen.” Use. Real. Pitchers. I want to watch a batter pitch as much as I want to watch a pitcher hit. Still, mad props to Difo. It took him 40 pitches to get through an inning but HE STRUCK OUT RONALD ACUÑA, JR. Worth the lifetime 189.00 ERA.
Ronald Acuña Jr. – 2-for-4, Grand Slam HR (14), 5 RBI. Sure, he hit his league-leading 14th home run Friday night. Sure, he led his team to a 20-hit, 20-run offense massacre including 7 homers from the likes of from Marcell Ozuna, Dansby Swanson, Ozzie Albies, and a grand salami from Ehire Adrianza. And yeah Acuña might very well be the most talented player in the league when fully healthy. But he also struck out to Wilmer Difo last night. And I’m hoping that’s all he’ll think about for the rest of the night, because that’s what will make him great. Cue Jordan “…and I took that personally clip.”
Austin Riley – 3-for-4, 2 HR (7), 3 RBI. Riley also hit two jacks on the poor, pathetic Pirates pitchers (3 Ps!) but who’s counting? You’re not in some kind of game that counts home runs as points, right?
Guillermo Heredia – 3-for-5, 3 runs, RBI. To be honest, I’m worried I’m going to leave one of the Braves players out.
Tejay Antone – 1.2 IP, 2 K. Who cares if he’s not the closer. Wait–why exactly isn’t he the closer yet? Dude is awesome and needs to be owned everywhere.
Jesse Winker – 4-for-4, 4 runs, 3 HR (11), 3 RBI. Winker keeps both his eyes on the prize as he raises his slash to .356/.416/.664. He’s batting .320 in the past week. Is Jesse Winker really an MVP candidate?! And I thought 2020 was a crazy year.
Tyler Naquin – 1-for-4, HR (10), 3 RBI. Not as “elite” as Winker but Tyler’s got 2 homers and a steal in the past week and tends to homer in bunches. Are we witnessing the beginning of the next bunch?
German Marquez – 7.0 IP, 4 hits, 0 ER, 3 BB, 8 K, 3rd win. What!? Even the Rockies Ace is entitled to a gem every once in a while.
Ryan McMahon – 2-for-4, 2 HR (11), 3 RBI and Raimel Tapia – 1-for-3, 2 runs, HR (5). It’s a bit of a wet dream for fantasy owners this year with all these Colorado players finally getting their chance to play after speculating about them for so long. All it took was them trading all their star players to get these guys some consistent at bats! Someone grab Eric Young, Jr.!
Miguel Cabrera – 3-for-5, 2 HR (4). I know this doesn’t make any sense, but it’d be kind of funny if the Angels traded for him right now, no?
Eric Haase – 2-for-4, run. I’m only mentioning him because he’s a catcher who’s playing outfield so he could be a sneaky grab especially in two-catcher leagues which I still think are dumb. Haase has hit safely in all but one of his seven games in the past week and is hitting .304 with two bombs in that span. What’s your catcher been up to this week.
Michael Fulmer – 1.0 IP, K, SV (4). BUY. As a starter he’s not even on our radar–but as a SAGNOF, my friends, Michael Fulmer should be owned all over. Funny how that works!
Kelvin Gutierrez – 2-for-4, run. He’s got four multi-hit games in five starts since his promotion and not much else, but I felt obligated to mention a Royal for some reason. For the Queen, maybe?
Jonathan Villar– 0-for-4, run, SB (4). I really wanted to highlight Villar because I think he’s the pick up of the week, so the 0-for-4 night was not ideal–but the steal salvaged it! So here’s the deal, to put some perspective on this, I drafted Villar in the fourth round last year, and he was easily one of my best fantasy players. Perhaps, the Mets are where free agents go to die, but with plenty of opportunity for playing time and that elusive power speed combo (3 homers 4 steals in the past two weeks), Villar needs to be picked up in any league he’s available. Grey told you to BUY and now I’m telling you. He’s a Villar of Greatness!
Francisco Lindor – 2-for-5, run, RBI. Lindo is a big personality and while the media likes to portray him as a happy-go-lucky “I just want to play baseball” kind of guy, maybe, just maybe he’s kind of an arrogant dick and that attitude is rubbing most of the Mets homegrowns, who had a pretty good thing going last year, the wrong way? Is this possible or nah? That said, these things tend to resolve themselves when the team starts winning baseball games.
Johneshwy Fargas – 2-for-5, 2 RBI. I triple-checked. His name is, in fact, Johneshwy. Khalil Lee was a BUY and doubled to take the lead in the 12th and Johneshwy tacked on some insurance as the Mets kiddos has a big night. Certainly want to see more before we do anything drastic but he’s hit safely in 3 of his 4 starts and there’s plenty of opportunity for playing time as long as all the starters remain hobbled and the Mets trainers remain useless.
Marcus Stroman – 6.0 IP, 6 hits, 2 ER, BB, 8 K. His 2.75 ERA makes me happy but also concerned for his health and well-being as we all know there are no healthy starting pitchers allowed in Queens this year.
Garrett Cooper – 2-for-5, HR (4). He’s got a six game hitting streak and has homered in back to back games, but to be honest with you, your Garrett Cooper add reeks of desperation. S.M.H.
Kyle Hendricks – 6.2 IP, 7 hits, ER, BB, 4 K, 4th win. After posting a 7.54 ERA in April, Kyle notched three wins and put up a 2.36 ERA in May. He’s shined in back to back starts and your buy low window is closing fast as he’s heating up and air conditioners are about to be installed.
Carlos Martinez – 6.0 IP, 4 hits, 2 ER, BB, 2 K. If I wanted a pitcher that doesn’t strike anyone out I’d pick up Willians Astudillo.
Nico Hoerner – 2-for-5, 3 runs. BUY. Nico so horny! Wow, I hate that joke too, I’m so sorry. Nico’s got a five game hitting streak but hasn’t stolen a base since returning from the IL. How’s about you steal a base and then we’ll revisit this blurb?
Ian Happ – 3-for-4, 2 runs. Hot schmotato alert! Happ has a six game hitting streak, batting .407 with 4 homers in that stretch. If you add him your team could be a little dot, dot, dot…Happ-ier? I owned him in early April but now I’m dot, dot, dot…Happ-less? At this point we know what the ceiling is for Ian, but he could be worth an add while he’s hotter than a J.Cole album drop.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – 3-for-5, 2 HR (13). Slashing .338/.447/.650. The headline for the home run clip was “Vladdy’s 12th homer of the season leaves the ballpark” and if you’ve seen this stadium the Blue Jays are playing in you would also assume that any home run hit here is “leaving the ballpark.”
Marcus Semien – 3-for-6, HR (11), 2 RBI, SB (8). When you thought paying $18 mil for a year of Marcus Semien was overpaying. Welp. Marcus is hitting .407 with 3 homers and a steal in the past week. He’s hitting .380 in May with 6 homers. He’s also got 18 RBI and 19 runs scored in that stretch. Sweet sassy molassy! I thought Semien was simply Oaktown stud, but I was wrong, he’s got style for days on either coast. Dude is about to get paid.
Tyler Glasnow – 4.2 IP, 9 hits, 5 ER, BB, 2 K. Worst start of the year for Glasnow, but I give him a pass because he was facing a stacked Dunedin Blue Jays line up and pitching in a little league ballpark.
Nate Lowe – 2-for-5, run, RBI. NGL, until like, just now, I thought he and Brandon Lowe were the same person.
Brock Holt – 1-for-4, HR (1). If he hit this against the Red Sox my head would literally explode.
Adolis Garcia – 2-for-5, HR (12), 5 RBI. Slashing .291/.331/.582 with 35 RBI. The homer was walk off 3-run HR in the 10th to beat the cross-town Astros, bee tee dubs. Was there a better waiver wire add this year? Did he just become my new favorite player?
Kyle Gibson – 6.0 IP, 4 hits, ER, 2 BB, 4 K. If you streamed Kyle Gibson Friday against the Astros then you, sir, are an absolute madman and I think we should get a beer.
Trevor Bauer – 6.1 IP, 2 hits, 0 ER, 4 BB, 11 K, 5th win. 1.98 ERA, 0.77 WHIP. Bauer has probably been the most consistent Dodger this season. Stupid Bauer, acting like he’s so good and being so good. Nothing more infuriating than a player who thinks he’s God’s gift to baseball, and then actually pitching like he is. Someone needs to take him down a peg before he starts comparing himself to Sandy Koufax.
Alex Wood – 6.0 IP, 8 hits, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 K. 1.93 ERA, 1.05 WHIP. Owning Giants starters this year is a lot like owning a Trevor Bauer-type. Except you never hear them on twitter and you picked them up off waivers 3 weeks ago.
Gavin Lux – 2-for-4. Seeing an influx in G-Lux’s ownership percentage and wanted to know why? Is it the five multi-hit games in the past 10? Is it the .348 average in the past week? Or perhaps it’s the dozens of middle infielder injuries that occurred over the past 10 days? Let’s throw Gavin a bone and say the first two.
James Kaprielian – 5.2 IP, 4 hits, 2 ER, BB, 9 K. Chillin with Kaprielian. James has been a bit of a journeyman in the minors and has had some issues staying healthy but most ‘perts agree, if he’s gonna be somebody in the BIGS, the clock is ticking and now’s the time. He has not squandered the opportunity yet, and pitched 5.2 innings of two run ball against the Angels Friday night striking out nine and surrendering two home runs. He notched his first major league win last week in Boston in an even more impressive outing. While the masses were blowing their free agent wad on Logan Gilbert, you ended up with Kaprielian and you may have lucked out. The homers are concerning but the 12.66 K/9 makes me say “What homers!?” out loud and in public all awkward like. To cap it all off, or is it no cap, Big Game James has the juiciest, tastiest match up with the Seattle Mariners next week and I believe they have formally requested to be no-hit a third time this season. OK, I’m not saying he’s going to no-hit the Ms next week, but I’m not not saying that…? What I am saying is I think James Kaprielian is definitely worth a speculative add based on his team, his next match up and what he’s done in these past two starts. And yes, I would drop Logan Gilbert for him.
Jared Walsh – 2-for-4, HR (9). Albert would have hit this homer two times farther though, and rounded the bases three times slower!
Ramon Laureano – 4-for-4, 3 runs, HR (11). Jed Lowrie, Mark Canha and Chad Pinder also homered. That’s a lot of A’s HRs! Honestly, I’m starting to feel bad for Seattle and that’s not fun for anyone.
Chris Flexen – 1.2 IP, 10 hits, 8 ER, BB, K. Anyone remember how hype I was on the Mariners last week?? Yeah, me neither.
Jake Cronenworth – 3-for-5, HR (5), 5 RBI. Trent Grisham also homered and Jurickson Profar had three hits as the Padres scored 16 runs on 17 hits and they did it without Manny Machado. I guess the bros gotta step it up if they’re goona keep up with Tateeees. And all of a sudden–it’s fun to own Padres again.
Chris Paddack – 6.0 IP, 3 hits, ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 2nd win. His first six inning outing of the year. I would feel a lot better about this start if it wasn’t Seattle, but I guess I still can’t drop you yet.
Fernando Tatis Jr. – 2-for-4, HR (11), SB (9). Mmhm. Most incredible is he’s done it all in just 28 games. Give him the extra 12 games Shohei had and how many homers you think he’s got? Over 20? Over 40? He’s been on and off the IL. Doesn’t miss a beat. Probably had Covid? NBD. He’s invincible. He makes the slam & legs routine. FTJ is a vibe. FTJ hits different. Is it possible the Padres underpaid him? $340 million? Pfft! They fleeced him good! He could be worth two times that considering all the tickets, jerseys and fake dreadlocks he will sell. The jack last night was his 50th career homerun, the fastest Padre to reach that mark. Will he hit 50 more by EOY!? Probably! If you think Shohei is fun to watch, you gotta get a load of this kid, he’s a bonafide superstar! Ha-cha-cha!
Thanks for reading! Questions? Problems? Complaints to management? Advice, small gifts or large bribes? Please leave it in the comments below. Join us next Saturday for another Friday recap as fantasy baseball continues next week, all week long!
