Rick Porcello said of his catcher, Sandy Leon, “He’s the best catcher I’ve ever thrown to. Period.” It’s a shame people don’t end include other forms of punctuation when speaking. “I am the Red Sox ace. Question mark. No, I forgot about Chris Sale. Period. Actually, exclamation mark. The best Red Sox pitchers. Colon. Not Bartolo. Period. I’m going to list them. Period. Okay. Comma. Damn. Comma. I apostrophe V-E confused myself.” Yesterday, Porcello threw a sparkler — 7 IP, 2 hits, 0 walks, 1 ER, 10 Ks, ERA at 4.04, and roped a double to right, which is fun in a dog on rollerblades-type way, but is kinda irrelevant. What’s less irrelevant, Rick Porcello is pitching better this year than his Cy Young year, though with less ERA to show for it, obviously. That could change in the final six weeks if he finds his groove. Period. Ya know what, exclamation mark. Strike that, interrobang. Anyway, here’s what else I saw yesterday in fantasy baseball:
Nick Pivetta – 6 IP, 1 ER, 4 baserunners, 6 Ks, ERA at 4.37. I can’t believe I started him vs. the Red Sox and I didn’t come out sobbing uncontrollably. I couldn’t even watch this game from a sense of dread. It’s no wonder Pivetta sounds like the Italian word for panic stricken. The Stream-o-Nator loved this start (bless you, robot), and his next one.
Rhys Hoskins – 1-for-3 and his 23rd homer. There’s only one Rhysus and no one comes before him. Though, Acuña is his own revelation.
Jose Quintana – 5 IP, 5 ER, ERA at 4.46. I told you so’s after a bad start are the absolute worst, but that doesn’t mean I’m above being the worst. Last week I said, “I said to drop (Quintana) a few weeks ago, so this ain’t on me. Goodbye blame, hello guilt expunger!” And that’s me quoting me quoting me!
Ryan Braun – 2-for-4, 4 RBIs and his 13th and 14th homer, hitting .255. Since I drafted The Hebrewer Hammer in a few leagues, I remember his preseason projections were around 20 homers, 12 steals. He’s now on pace for 20/12. Guess what I’m saying is it felt like a struggle for him to get there, but, in the end, he is pretty much what we expected.
Lorenzo Cain – 2-for-5 and his 9th homer. You know who Cain…Sugar reminds me of? Every player who I had high hopes for due to their speed/power combo, except Cain…Sugar made good on his. I’m farting in your general direction, Michael Saunders.
Jhoulys Chacin – 7 IP, 0 ER, 5 baserunners, 10 Ks, ERA at 3.72. Sonavadrop! It would’ve been a sonavabench, but I dropped him because I didn’t trust him in Wrigley. Looking at the Stream-o-Nator makes me think I’m about to pick him up again, which means I have a retractable Yo-Lease.
Taylor Ward – 2-for-3, 1 run, 1 RBI as he was called up. I went over Taylor Ward yesterday, but you knew that because you read everything I write, except this…last….word. Damn, missed out!
Justin Upton – 3-for-5, 3 RBIs and his 26th homer, hitting .267. J-Up aged better than B.J.-Up and much better than Mel-Up. Toss up with 7-Up.
Freddy Galvis – 1-for-4 and his 10th homer. If I’ve mentioned him five times in the last ten games, and I have, there’s a pretty good reason. It’s how many times he’s homered in that time.
Trevor Bauer – Out with a stress fracture of his fibula. *rips wallpaper off wall, wraps self in it, crawls into corner and sobs* I just wanted one nice thing! *realizes can’t unwrap self from wallpaper* Oh God, I’ve mummified myself! WHY?! Okay, so it was a good run. I know this won’t ease the stress fracture of your fantasy team, but, for where you drafted him, you got a 2.22 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 214 Ks in 166 IP. Was still a win, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now.
Jose Ramirez – 3-for-5, 3 runs, 2 RBIs and his 36th homer, hitting .305. Amazing to me that any pitcher messes with anything yo-day-lay-eee-hoo. That’s anything in the lineup over Yonder.
Melky Cabrera – 3-for-4, 1 run, 1 RBI, multiple hits in three straight games with a homer in that time. *Sharpies out side of milk carton* Got Melk.
Jay Bruce – Began a rehab stint. Now the Mets are ready to go on a 40-0 run to end the year and win the division!
Jason Vargas – 6 IP, 2 ER, 8 baserunners, 1 K, ERA at 8.10 vs. Andrew Cashner – 7 IP, 2 ER, 8 baserunners, 3 Ks, ERA at 4.71. This matchup was billed as, “No one rides for free: Cash, Vargas, and both are ass.”
Adam Jones – 2-for-4 and his 13th homer, hitting .284. You know what Jones is having? A healthy Hunter Pence season. Perfect since Jones’ season is for the Birds.
Tim Beckham – 1-for-4, 2 RBIs and his 4th homer in the last seven games. I don’t know why you haven’t picked him up either.
Ryan LaMarre – 1-for-4 and his 1st homer. That’s a heady home run for LaMarre.
Xavier Cedeno – 1 IP, 0 ER and his 1st save, and seemingly the first clean post-Joakim Soria save for the White Sox. Cedeno has a few things going against him, A) Lefty. B) White Sox. C) There’s no C. D) No command. But he has a save and Ks! Hey, if Wily Peralta can be a lights-out closer, why can’t Cedeno?
Danny Jansen – 1-for-4 and his 1st homer. I just gave you my Danny Jansen fantasy. It was written in hieroglyphics.
Ryan Borucki – 4 IP, 4 ER, ERA at 3.29. My streaming of Jays pitchers against the Royals the last two days went about as well as Keith Olbermann’s play-by-play.
Ken Giles – 1 IP, 0 ER, ERA at 5.94, and the save. Guys and five girl readers, you’re not gonna believe this. Yes, it was against the Royals, but Ken Giles can! Ken Giles can! Ken Giles can!
Adalberto Mondesi – 4-for-4, 1 run, 1 RBI and three steals (13, 14, 15). I go over Mondesi in the video that’s at the top of this post.
Paul Goldschmidt – 2-for-5 and his 27th homer. Au shizz!
Alex Avila – 1-for-3 and his 6th homer, hitting .174. Fun fact! His name translates to Alex Of A Villa I Don’t Want To Visit. That is pretty appropriate.
Miguel Sano – 1-for-4, 2 RBIs and his 9th homer, and his 2nd homer since I said last week to buy him. Are you waiting until someone else picks him up? Because, over-the-internet friend, that’s a flawed strategy.
Nolan Arenado – 1-for-4, 2 RBIs and his 30th homer. It took me twelve years, but I’ve managed to isolate a single water molecule. I’m going to haphazardly leave it by this open window–NOOOO!!! Torenado!!!
Trevor Story – 2-for-5 and his 25th homer, hitting…Guess. Go ahead. I mean he hit like a buck twenty last year, so just guess what he’s hitting this year. Hint: He’s nearly a top ten player this year on the Player Rater. Give up? He’s hitting .290! He’s quietly having a fantastic season.
John Gant – 5 1/3 IP, 1 ER, 4 baserunners, 6 Ks, ERA at 3.74, and he pitchslapped Gio Gonzalez. Wanna hear how badly I managed my Tout Wars team this week? I started Adam Conley (2 IP, 5 ER) over a two-start Gant because I was worried about a double-headed mollywhopping. Look at the big brain on Grey! Don’t worry, I’m still in 1st by about ten points.
Kolten Wong – 3-for-3, 2 runs, 3 RBIs and his 8th homer. He homered off Trevor Gott, i.e., Wong got Gott!
Ryan Madson – Placed on the DL with lumbar nerve like you care are you even reading this irritation. Filling in for Madson will be Koda Glover and the Special Sauce and his smash hit, Rodeo Clowns, which goes, “Sweepin’ the floors, open up the 9th inning doors, yeah, turn on the lights, Nats got no one for tonight.” Justin Miller might also see some looks until Sean Doolittle returns, and, for those keeping tabs — Are you a waitress? — Doolittle threw off a mound yesterday and sounds less than two weeks away.
Bryce Harper – 1-for-4, 2 RBIs and his 30th homer. That’s nice, you had your chance to be the face of baseball. Now I have Acuña and baeball!
Ronald Acuna Jr. – 3-for-5, 4 RBIs and his 18th and 19th homer, and his fifth straight game with a homer, third straight game with a leadoff homer, and 7 HRs in the last five. Tildaddy says you can have dessert!
Charlie Culberson – 2-for-5 and his 9th homer, and 4th homer in the last eight games. I get it, I looked at him too on waivers and couldn’t pull the trigger, but obviously he’s a hot schmotato.
Anibal Sanchez – 5 IP, 4 ER, 9 baserunners, 6 Ks, ERA at 3.07. The Regression Fairies are taking it easy on Anibal because one of their friends has the same name, but I can’t imagine Anibal is an under-3.10 ERA pitcher.
Freddie Freeman – 2-for-4, 2 runs and his 20th homer, and 2nd homer in as many games. Has almost 200 extra at-bats and only one more home run than Acuña. Wow. Or mom, if your phone you’re reading this on fell in the toilet and is floating upside down.
J.T. Realmuto – 2-for-4, 4 RBIs and his 15th homer. He missed some time earlier this year with injuries, so that’s some nice power from him in 92 games. Maybe turning into a late bloomer for power like a Molina-type. Though, with a name like Jerry Tomato, he wouldn’t last long at a Madea’s Molina Family Reunion.
Magneuris Sierra – 2-for-4, 2 runs and his 1st steal. Solid SAGNOF play in NL-Only leagues, if you have any FAAB left after that massive trading deadline. I have zero dollars in multiple leagues. Any hoo! Sierra’s the kind of guy who could steal 10+ bags from now until the end of the year.
J.A. Happ – 7 IP, 0 ER, 5 baserunners (4 BBs), 4 Ks, ERA at 3.86 and his 13th win. This was an easy matchup, but, as a Happ owner in multiple leagues, I like easy matchups! I call them layHapps. Not aloud though.
Willy Adames – 1-for-2, and his 6th homer, hitting near-.500 in the last week. Hot schmotato alert!
Marcus Semien – 2-for-4 and his 10th homer, hitting close to .400 in last week with three homers. I’ve never been so excited to see Semien get explosively hot.
Jed Lowrie – 2-for-4, 2 RBIs and his 19th homer, and 2nd homer in the last three games. When Lowrie gets hot (.343, 6 HRs in April), Jed becomes more than just how Brits pronounce a Jay.
Mike Fiers – 6 IP, 2 ER, 6 baserunners, 5 Ks, ERA at 3.38. Fiers, ironically, puts out fires for a living.
James Paxton – Left yesterday after taking a comebacker off his arm. F-Her relieved him, or as M’s fans said, “F-Us.” Paxton’s x-rays were negative, but he will miss one start.
Robinson Cano – 1-for-4 as he was reinstated from suspension. One PEDs dealer went on record saying, “I’m kinda glad Cano got caught. He’d say he was coming by ‘around 5’ to pick up the PEDs and not show up until 6 or later, having me wait around. He just never showed any hustle.” With the return of Robinson Cano, a third of the M’s lineup has been suspended for PEDs at one time. The restroom in Seattle’s clubhouse is labeled, “Amends.”
Brandon Belt – 1-for-1, 1 run as he was activated from the DL. Sorry, I flinched because I thought you were reaching for Belt.
Yasiel Puig – Likely facing suspension after being tossed yesterday for shoving Nick Hundley. Puig was heard yelling, “I drafted Todd Hundley thinking it was you!” You know what’s stupid? MLB tweets out a video of it, and MLB-sponsored accounts make fun of the fight. I’m by no means a saint. I think fighting is fun (assuming I’m not involved). However, MLB promotes it, then suspends a guy for it. Doesn’t that seem assbackwards?
Alex Wood – 5 IP, 1 ER, 4 baserunners, 6 Ks, ERA at 3.51, as he was activated from the DL. The Dodgers reinstated Wood saying, “We’re happy to have Ross Stripling back–Sorry, that’ll be next week.”
Kenta Maeda – 1 IP, 1 ER. Major league bullpens’ wombs are polluted.
Brian Dozier – 0-for-4, and this comes after an EKG revealed abnormalities with his cardiac rhythms, after leaving Monday’s game with dizziness. Yikes. First, Kenley complains of an irregular heartbeat, now this. What is going around in the Dodgers’ clubhouse? Are they accidentally walking in on Tommy Lasorda in the bathroom? Are the Dodgers reenacting Redd Foxx’s iconic Fred Sanford role? I got questions, y’all! Though, I guess it’s less serious than it sounds since Jansen is aiming to return next week, and Dozier was able to play. In fact, the LA Times is now reporting the Dodgers have discontinued the free ball cap giveaway to the first two fans who donate their hearts.
Players I wish I
Had taken In the first round:
Jose Ramirez.
@FrankGrimes:
Sweet haiku, FrankGrimes
Here’s a guy I’m glad I own:
Ronald Acuna
While I am at it
Freak injuries make me howl
Bauer and Paxton
@LenFuego:
Nice. Those damn injuries got me too!
@FrankGrimes:
If I had dollar
I’d buy a pizza for me
And Ronald Acuna
@Grey:
And I’d like to join.
Should have told ya that last week.
I was in L.A.
You were in LA and you didn’t mention it to me? That hurts, Grimey
Ahhhhh, the rare Hedy Lamarr reference! You just took the league lead … Gray 1, ESPN 0, CBS 0, …. well, everyone else 0. That was an easy 12 points picked up.
@LenFuego: Haha
Ugh, I grabbed Jansen for a Ramos fill in. Now Ramos is due back today.
So bye bye Jansen? Gotta go with Ramos aye?
Jansen looks good, but Ramos has the track record.
@Junkmastah: Yeah, go Ramos
Injuries lately seem to come in pairs:
– 2 hand foot and mouth diseases
– 2 heart arrythmias (on the same team no less)
– 2 broken fibulas (fibulae?)
– 2 bad knees in the AL East
Anyway, would you drop Devers to pick up Sano?
@Dr Easy: Haha, so true Doc! I’d go Devers
Grey!!
Great write-up, like the episode of the Family Feud with the Kardashians on one side!
a. Assbackwards indeed. Btw, Yes! it’s totally a word.
b. Signed up Galvis, cringed while doing it. The major reason I signed him up despite cringing? His 5 HRs you mention represents 50% of his YTD production!!! If he doesn’t hit a HR in the next 10 days I wouldn’t be surprised, I would say that’s a D move by you FML for suggesting him when you knew he would go 0/10 HRs in the next 10 games! Just kidding, man! He’s on the bench and on a very tight leash. No HR, no play next game. No HR in two straight games? Back to oblivion for ya!
c. Got these 10 players to play 6 positions. Could you set my lineup for me for today? This is how I see them playing.
2B Gennett at home versus CLE (Bieber)
3B Ward @SD (Erlin) – Gotta love the RH vs LHP potential, right?
SS DeJong at home versus Washington (Hellboy) – Hellboy looked good last time he pitched.
CI Olson at home versus SEA (Leake) – again LH versus RHP
MI Galvis at home versus LAA (Pena) – hot hitter
UT Cano @ OAK (Anderson) – might sit against Anderson who is a LHP
Bench
Cron, CJ @ NYY (Cessa)
Anderson, Tim @ DET (Zimmermann)
Beckham, Tim at home versus NYM (Wheeler)
Diaz, Aledmys @ KC (Burch)
d. Mark Twain quote of the day for August 15
To some people it is fatal to be recognized by greatness.
Cheers,
Ante
@Ante Galic: A. Bassackwards? Not so much B. Haha C. Diaz over Cano until you see something from Cano D. Nice!
Tommy Lasorda…that line had my drink coming out my nose. Damn you Grey!
@Manley Ramirez: Haha
Grey.
So, it’s not a HDABD (Happy Day After Bauer Day) today.
I’m so despondent. Had him in three leagues thanks to your rank. Will a prayer hexagon even work? CLE will probably keep him out until the playoffs, right?
Why can’t we have nice things. Interrobang.
Hope you have a good day.
@JakeTPE: I know, I’m bummed too, but he’s done for this year for our purposes
Please pick 4 for next 2/3 weeks: Gennett, Shaw, Mondesi, J. Bell, Sano, Hicks , and Kinsler.
@Tony C: Not Shaw, Bell, Kinsler — though guess depends on needs
Hahaha. Take an extra bow for the Porcello lead. That one was pure art. And I live for Torenado and ESPN Kevin. Lol
@The Fifth Girl: Thanks!
How is this for a mixed bag: I own Acuna and Upton. I also own Altuve and Bauer. This means I will find a $20 bill on the sidewalk today while a rabid dog munches on my leg.
@Doc Samson: Ha! (laughing through my own tears)
@Doc Samson: Haha, I know
drop Moncada for Adames?
@fleeced:
Or Villar
@fleeced: Adames
Hey Grey,
Great work man!
What are your thoughts on Schoop? is he a part timer now? time to drop him?
@RicoSuave: Depends on options
Mondesi over Villar ROS?
@Tinman95: Yeah
First QS for Vargas on the year. And of course, it’s the first time this year I’ve been able to stream a hitter against him.
Costanza Smurf. The power is real. :D
@papasmurf: Hehe, oy
Who do you like better tonight – Bieber (@Cin) or Ryu (SF)?
@Mr. Rickey: Ryu
Need to take Belt off the DL. Drop Inciarte, Puig or DeJong? I have plenty outfield.
@Balke: Puig
Saw a graphic during the Braves game….Acuna has 38 hits with at least a 105 exit velocity. For comparison, Freeman has 20.
@Cram It: I love him
@Grey: How can you not? Luckily the one league I own him is a keeper forever.
Funny, but Eduardo Perez on Sunday night baseball I think, was saying how Juan Soto was NL ROY. And someone asked about Acuna. Perez wouldn’t budge. Other guy said Acuna could make a run. Oh, he’s making a run alright!
Hey Grey
Have Dahl as a bench bat – cut him for Taylor Ward to use as a bench bat-slash- sub for the slumping Sally Perez? Or stand pat?
Thanks
@Murph: Hold
Grey,
Do you drop Bauer? How long is he out for? I dropped C-Mart yesterday as he will be moved to the bullpen when he returns.
@NH: Drop him
Top o’ the morning Grey! (idk trying something new there) – So I’m in a big H2H matchup this week with the 1st place team who is working the angle of only relief pitchers and 1-2 streamers to pretty much guarantee ERA/WHIP and saves while sacrificing W’s and K’s. He got off to a rough start with 3 ER’s from guys last night, however, so I may be in on ERA/Whip. Knowing that, would you run Archer out there today against MIN? Leaning no but wanted your take. I’ve also got Rodon going but hes been so damn hot like Hansel I gotta run with him.
And on a sidenote, Fiers looked solid again last night as you mentioned and his upcoming schedule looks prettaayyyy prettayy good the rest of the way. Keep puttin out those fires baby!
@Ted Williams’ Frozen Head: Haha, top o morning! SON has Archer down for 5 2/3 IP, 3 ER, so doesn’t sound necessary to start
Schwarber or Muncy as a keeper in a standard categories 5×5 league? We keep 15 and one of those would potentially be my last guy. Thanks!
@Keith: Schwarber
Quintana ughhhhh. Where did you have this guy preseason? just wondering if you saw this coming.
Would you drop quintana for matt boyd?
@Wally Pipp: Yeah problem in my league is there aren’t many better options. He’s 86% owned, but next best options available are all under 25% owned. Might be better suited to just stream I suppose.
Should I grab Nix, Disco, or Toussaint over Quintana?
@Wally Pipp: Quintana? B*tch please. Stream the spot.
@Cram It: nice man… its a deep league so streaming is real tough, plus i’ve got limited moves remaining for the season.
@Wally Pipp: If I remember correctly Grey had Quintana ranked 19th among starting pitchers. He can’t get every one right!
Im debating dropping Quintana for Giles? He’s droppable now?
I didn’t see it in March, but like Castillo, after a few terrible months you have to look elsewhere
@Grey: is boyd worth a look or hold? its close.
Boyd is not good – goyd?
@Grey: Yeah, hes ok at home tho.
would you cut quintana for any of these players (highest % owned free agent in my league)
odorizzi
felix
ervin santana
mike minor
clayton richard
alex cobb
jake faria
john gant
thanks
Those are streamers, Odorizzi likely best
@Grey: my situation is tight moves budget and quintana sucks and i need the k’s and potential wins and quality starts (6×6) so i get that those guys are streamers but i need innings from starters, thats why im asking to cut or hold quintana for any of these guys. its not a traditional league setup
Odorizzi
You advised to start Pivetta but in fear i didnt. Great call. Hopefully, he doesnt turn around a pitch a dud vs Mets
@Rudboy: Don’t jinx him!
10 tm OBP redraft:
Have Bauers and Grichuk, recent play has me looking at Braun, Sano, Conforto as replacements. No specific need, can you give me your top 2 of those 5?
Also, couldn’t agree more- what a punch in the gut for Bauer. Was a win to have him help me contend to 2nd place thus far but what are the chances he makes it back in a month to help a playoff run?
Thanks!
Sano, Conforto — Don’t see Bauer doing anything worthwhile to hold onto this year — maybe 15 more IP?
@Grey:
Thanks!
Someone just dropped Devers. Does he jump above either Sano or Conforto? Thanks again!
Over Conforto
@Grey:
Thanks so much for the follow up and last follow up-
Braun was also dropped.
Would you rank them Braun, Sano, Devers, Conforto?
You’re the best!
Looks good, thanks!
12-team, 5×5 league with weekly lineups. I own Braun, Avisail, Desmond, Puig, Bryant, Trout, Polanco, Chris Taylor, Villar and Forsyth (among others). Between injuries (Trout, Bryant), slumps (Avisail, Desmond, G.Polanco), mediocrity (Braun, Taylor, Villar, Forsythe) and hot-headedness (Puig), they all have issues. Need to set lineups today.
1) I need to (can only?) sit three of the above. Probably Bryant (still injured), Puig (likely suspension) and dunno – Desmond? Thoughts?
2) Of the remaining guys (not sitting), would you suggest starting any of the following over them? Tim Beckham, Mondesi, Wong, Grichuk, A.Diaz, Nimmo, J.Polanco, Travis, Palka, Wendle, Zobrist, Galvis…
3) Cried a bit with the news about Bauer. drop (and use his spot for streaming/speculating) or hold for now until we know more about timing?
Thanks.
@Five-on-One: Forsythe? B*tch please. I’d pick up like 8 of those guys over him.
@Cram It: Since being traded to Minnesota, Forsythe is playing everyday, hitting at the top of the order and hitting .365 (15/41). Not a lot of other contributions over the last two weeks (4 runs, RBI), none of those other guys are slam dunks either.
So, Cram, assume your response (even after looking at Forsythe’s last two weeks) is to sit Bryant, Puig and Forsythe. And maybe pick up some random guy for Forsythe, but not start him over any of the others?
@Five-on-One: Even the sun shines on a dog’s Forsythe once in a while.
@Five-on-One: Bryant, Puig, Avisail works — I own Forsythe in one league, he has been decent, went 0-for-4 yesterday tho so could be cooling 2. Meh 3. I think he’s droppable
Danny Jansen or ROCCO!!?…sorry for yelling…while waiting on Dirty Sanchez’s return…good stuff as usual.
Thanks! Rocco Baldelli?
@Grey:
I should sleep more…I meant FranSiCo! Cervelli….I dropped Cervelli this afternoon for Jordan Hicks. SP eligibility and possibly saves. My head hurt having 3 catchers even if 1 was on the dl
Gotcha, then not ROCCO
Grey –
I have Gattis as my catcher on my dynasty team where we keep 24 players … and Gattis has really fallen off the last 30 days, plus he loses catch eligibility for 2019 …
The other day I picked up Danny Jansen and he should get plenty of at-bats ROS.
Is it time for me to move on from Gattis? I have Mazara on the DL and he’s scheduled to be activated tomorrow and I need to make room for him.
Your help is always mucho appreciated!
@Racehorse: You have no one else to drop? I guess Gattis
@Grey: well, my outfield is effing awseome (J.D., Soto, Hoskins, Ozuna) despite Mazara being on the DL … except for the hole in centerfield where I have Inciarte and Kiermaier.
Instead of dropping Gattis I could go bold and creative and drop Inciarte and KK and pick up the the Baltimore kid, Cedric Mullins, who’ll play everyday ROS, and still have room for Mazara.
Maybe I could go into roster-lock and keep Mazara in the DL slot and see what happens for a few days.
It’s h2h, I’m boat racing the 16 team league and no way I’ll miss the play-offs (I have the #1 seed all but locked up).
Maybe I’m just trying to be damn cute? (hey, it’s a hobby!)
Leave Mazara for a day or two, see how it plays out
@Grey: Roger Wilco
Thanks Grey, you’re the best!
No problem
Contending team in keeper league who has rode Bauer offers to a non-contending team (next year’s prices) $18 Bauer for $40 Scherzer. Good for both sides? Would you do this deal from either side?
I’d want Bauer in a keeper — Only like 40-50 IP left on SPs, feels like a lot to give up even for best SP in game
Well that was my offer and the response was Just Dongs ($20) and Treat Urner ($30) for Scherzer ($40) and Matz ($1). Which is patently ridiculous. No, Thank You!
Appreciate it and good hear your thought on Bauer vs Scherzer.
Gotcha, No problem
Grey – fantastic stuff as always….a daily must read for me! Could use a SS with some versatility while Gleyber is working his shizz out…My options are Tim Beckham, Paul DeJong, Eduardo Nunez, Adalberto Mondesi…can you rank these guys ROS? Thanks as always!
@Rosterbating: Oh and always fishing for saves….Scott Alexander or Hildenberger? THanks again!
Hildenberger
@Rosterbating: Nunez? B*tch please. Give me DeJone
@Cram It: hahaha yes….that was kind of my reaction when I looked at the list of available players…I may have used a different word however. Thanks Cram It! I feel like I’ve been down the rocky road of DeJong, Beckham before – that’s why Mondesi seems sexy….Its a keeper league if it matters but I already have a wealth of other guys. Looking for production/flexibility most.
@Rosterbating: Thanks! DeJong
@Grey: Thanks Grey! Question – because now I’m stck staring at the screen….would you drop Brian Anderson or Travis Shaw to grab DeJong?
Anderson
Jo-Ram dips more than Freak Nasty! Which of these streams would you mess with?
Ray (@ SD)
Lucchesi (vs. ARI)
Gibson (vs. DET)
D. Rodriguez (@ CIN)
Keuchel (@ OAK)
Haha — Ray, Gibson
Boring catcher question:
ROS: Taylor Ward, Danny Jansen, Zunino, or Lucroy?
Do you know if Marcus Semien is any relation to Johnny Dickshot, who was an OF in the 1930s and 40s?
@Terrible Timmy: Jonathan Lucroy? B*tch please. Give me Dickshot.
@Cram It: Really enjoying the stream of B*tch please’s on the thread today Cram It!
@Ted Williams’ Frozen Head: Haha
@Ted Williams’ Frozen Head: Ha, good! I’m in a “B*tch please” state of mind. Was hoping there were more questions I could apply it too.
@Cram It: Cram it is the only guy that finds his humor funny. That guys an idiot! You gotta get rid of him, Grey!
@Christopher Coriell: you are approaching the nexus of intelligence, beware beware!
@Christopher Coriell: 1st place in 2 RCL’s, NFBC and a $ Yahoo points league. 142 IQ, Summa Cum Laude in English at Dowling College, and a Scott van Pelt once read my email on air. Take or leave my humor but I will straight murder you.
@Cram It: I feel like one of these things is a lie.
I’m going to guess it was only Magna Cum
@Christopher Coriell: I’m not REALLY going to murder you. Don’t go all millennial, screen-grabbing and running to the police on me.
@Terrible Timmy: Only 23andMe knows for sure on Dickshot — I’d try Zunino
Mondaseai or Peraza? 12 team redraft with extra OPS catagory
@SheaSeraSera: And a quick follow up Zobrist or Culberson ROS?
@SheaSeraSera: Zobrist
Mondesi
Please rank Trumbo, Gallo, Calhoun, and O’Neill ROS. Thanks.
Gallo, Trumbo, Calhoun
Avisail Garcia, O’Neill, Palka, or Nimmo in next two weeks? I want RBIs or power. Or better suited just taking a flier on Eloy or Vlad as a lotto ticket for September?
None? I guess try O’Neill — Eloy
@Starz: King of the North will fulfill your hopes and dreams
Great stuff as usual.
Danny Jansen or ROCCO!?…sorry for yelling. Waiting on Dirty Sanchez’ return…
Thanks for your thoughts…
@B Rain: Thanks! Rocco Baldelli?
Traded Hosmer to get Goldschmidt back when he was BronzeSchmidt…….not too shabby
@LennyDykstraIsJustMisunderstood: Very nice. I traded Paxton, fresh off his no-hitter for Goldy back in May. Worked out well.
Nice, Starz!
@Starz:
Nice Job ! I wish i did too i still have Paxton I tried but couldnt unload him
Nice! Damn
@Grey:
Luzinski has Bulls BBQ at Citiizens Bank great pork sandwiches and ribs.
One time my wife and young kids who were at the game. Luzinski’s hang out there a lot. We had the old 70’s blue hats they were giving out my wife said why don’t you go get the “Greg Loughanis” guy you like to sign your hats. While he was signing I told him that story and he said “Well Loughanis a diver”…put his arm around the young phillies girl next to him and said “I like to dive too .. don’t I hun? “
HA, I do love me some Luzinski… Used to have a autograph photo of him on my bedroom wall
In an Ave & OBP (dont ask) league where I am golden for steals would you pick up
Sano, Chapman over someone like polanco even puig?
I also have McNeil who I grabbed per Hittertron, but will drop at the end of this week I think.
@Jammer McSlam: @Jammer McSlam:
And when I say “over” I mean drop G. Polanco or Puig
@Jammer McSlam: Sano over Puig
12 moves left. Drop Quintana for Lynn?
@Justin Ralph: Or Glasnow?
@Justin Ralph: Glasnow
Thanks so much for all the Bauer hype this year, has been really fantastic to have him even if the (regular) season is done for him.
Have to now manage my DLs, so-
In a 10 team, 5 keeper snake draft – Who are the keepers out of this list-
– Machado
– Hoskins
– Benintendi
– Acuna
– Rizzo
– Bauer
– Carrasco
Follow up question- assuming I keep the 5 hitters, will Bauer or Carrasco be consensus top-50 guys? IE- will I be able to flip either of them to guys who need better keepers (for draft picks).
FInally- in a 10 team, 5 keeper auction (with inflation), what the yay/nays of these guys as keepers at next year’s prices-
– Bauer $18
– Corey Seager $19
– Stanton $36
– Goldschmidt $42
Thanks!
– Machado
– Hoskins
– Benintendi
– Acuna
– Rizzo
They should be top 50 and able to flip them
– Bauer $18
– Corey Seager $19 –> maybe for someone, not for me
– Stanton $36
And when I say “over” I mean drop G. Polanco or Puig
@Jammer McSlam: Yup
I’ve been waiting for Fiers to implode at some point, but QS after QS after QS it hasn’t happened.
For a standard roto league using QS instead of W in what order of preference do you like these guys?
Fiers
Pivetta
Musgrove
Adding one more
Fiers
Pivetta
Musgrove
Rodon (great stats, horrible peripherals though)
Rodon is last
Reverse order, Fiers is decent for ratios, but no Ks
How would you rank these guys ROS as utility options?
Braun, Cano, Puig, Jo-Ma.
Thanks!
@Lindorphins: You did
I’m in keeper league and 2 managers did a trade which feels like collusion.
José Ramírez, Andrew Benintendi, Dylan Bundy and Walker Buehler LAD for Vlad Guerrero, David Dahl and Clayton Kershaw.
What do you think?
@Vash: Dear God – is this a money league??? Can I get an invite?
@Vash: I’d want Jo-Ram, but doesn’t feel like collusion
@Vash: the team getting joram benni and buehler is winning
without knowing more about the league settings
in a year or two this could look fair tho
Do I drop ward to bring Ramos back now? Or wait a day or two until hes back in the groove?
@Jays for Days: Or hold both and drop Addison Reed?
-I have Giles, Strop, Davis, and Smith as other relief pitchers
@Jays for Days: Drop Ward for Ramos — Can drop Reed too
@Grey: okay, I need to pick up a bench bat since I don’t have one and dropping Reed. Galvis, Nimmo, Adames, or hold onto Ward?
Adames
@Jays for Days: @Grey: Or modesi
Mondesi
Looking to pick up two spot hitters for tomorrow, among options: Cron, Bour, Teoscar, Santana, Conforto, Nick Williams, Kole Calhoun, Nimmo
Need HR/RBI, and am leaning toward PHI/NYM hitters given double header tomorrow. Thanks…
@EG: Williams, Conforto
Got offered Eduardo Escobar for my Carmart. I’d be dropping Andrus. Sounds good to me. What you think?
@Dante:
Or is Dozier the better drop… considering his ROS keeps looking bleaker…
thanks
Hunter Dozier?
@Grey:
A) Is the deal good?
B) drop Andrus, or Brian Dozier?
thanks
A. Sounds good B) Do not drop Brian Dozier
@Grey:
cheers!
Ta!
@Dante: I’d take Eduardo
@Dante: For Carlos Martinez? Run to accept that deal. Carmart is waiver fodder now. Getting anything in return for him is worthwhile.
Drop A Diaz for Beckham? Tim not Gordon haha…
Thanks!
Haha, I’d hold for a few
Adames or Mondesi
thank you
Mondesi
Adames or Mondesi, is it close?
thank you
It’s close, I’d try Mondesi
Please rank RP’s in a H2H points league:
Wade Davis
Boxberger
Bud Norris
P. Strop
Thanks!
Box, Strop, Norris
Who is the drop in a 12 team keeper? Ian Happ,Wacha, Alex Reyes or Corey Seager? I need to find a place to stash Bauer. All drop possibilities are at $10. Bauer is at $16 but a great keeper in this league with $300 cap and only 8 keepers. Thanks.
Reyes
Rizzo or Soto, ROS?
Seriously, but I’d go Rizzo
Sadly
@Crime Dog: in a redraft, Rizzo for rbi, Soto for runs imo
I am very interested in the context of this comment tho
@Slappy Jack: It’s complicated. I just lost Bauer
14 team league, H2H, OPS instead of average and K’s are a contra offense cat.
A guy who is out of playoffs I have mutual interest with. I need a healthy arm and he wants my Soto. I have a bye this matchup and just need to win 1 matchup to get to finals. Losing Bauer was a big blow to my chances as I really only have corbin and Tanaka behind him. I think I might trade Soto and Bauer for Syndergaard and Rizzo.
This will be the first year of doing keepers and we pick 3 each year and assign one guy for 3 years, one for 2 years, and the last for 1 year. I have Mike Trout who will be kept at 3 years so at best Soto was going to be a 2 year keeper and Bauer probably 1 yr. but I want to win this year and I at least still have Trout. Not interested in keeping Syndergaard for next year, don’t think he stays healthy, and Rizzo is fine. I also have springer, bellinger, Rosario who I can keep so keepers I should be fine on but that’s second fiddle to winning this year.
I think Soto is extra valuable in this league format too because of his elite plate discipline. Walking gives him a great OPS floor, and doesn’t K a bunch so he’s in high demand.
Grey, would u stream today
Bieber at Cincy and
Erlin at home vs LAA?
SON likes the starts
Bieber
Great work, Grey! Always a pleasure to read. Durnto C-Mart move the bullpen, do you prefer Buchholz, Freeland or Wheeler? Thanks!
Thanks! Wheeler
Top 2: Mondesi, Gennett or Braun?
Forget Mondesi there unless you need SBs
Best 3 ROS
Mancini
Villar
Trumbo
Bauers
Adames
Mondesi
Depends on needs… Mancini, Trumbo, Bauers
@Grey: my top steal guys at the moment are Benintendi and Odor. Everyone else has under 10 steals. Would you take Mondesi or Adames over Mancini? I already own Trumbo and would prefer not to own multiple Orioles
Mondesi over Adames
bored, sup
You stop watching Sinner?
@Grey: watched Ep4. It’s good, I like the characters and the mystery. I just don’t understand her. Dora. Why she was acting the way she was at the beginning if she just couldn’t remember what happened those two months. Maybe she will keep changing her story and is always hiding something. Have you finished? Is it good? I’m just not terribly bitten by it. I wanna like it. I like the detective BDSM guy plenty. I will finish it if you tell me to. I bailed on Goliath S2 cuz it was retarded.
Goliath S2 was awful… I’d stick with Sinner, like I said it’s not the best show, but it’s entertaining enough and Bill Pullman is great, plus it’s halfway credible at the end without total disbelief
More punctuation comedy, and still two-spacing. Alas.
It’s my way. I can’t stop.
@Grey:
You just did!
I can’t stop. Doing. It! Help me.
@Grey:
I’ve tried to help you; it’s hopeless.
Also, punctuation is funny as fuck. Can I start writing the Razzball Orthographical Humor column? No? Maybe if it runs on the slowest day of the year for page hits? Super Bowl? Christmas Day? Whenever it is.
You’ve got Xmas day, pal!
Add Belt, drop Desmond?
Thanks
Meh
I like Jo Ram as much as Tigra and Bunny like the boom.
Haha
@Grey: I thought this was nearer to a “HA” comment, but I’ll take it.
BCS is starting slowly, which is disappointing because it’s only a ten episode season. Your thoughts?
I liked the 1st 2 episodes, but it doesn’t come close to Breaking Bad for me… Feels more like a trifle, I didn’t love Jimmy’s 180 after Howard visited him in the 1st episode either…
@Grey: Def on Breaking Bad, but not many, if any, are going to approach that show. Jimmy’s change was kind of clunky.
My concern is that they’re going to end up cramming a bunch of plot developments into a short period of time that don’t mesh with the rhythm of the season.
As of right now, it feels like 2 episodes to wrap up last year’s loose ends and haven’t started new season yet… All characters are great, and entertaining, plot has been perfunctory so far this year… There are moments that remind me of Breaking Bad so much, like when Mike was riding around warehouse… That felt very Breaking Bad-ish, and not simply bc of carryover characters
@Grey: I hear ya on the characters. Who knew professor Laskey from Saved by the Bell the College years had such chops?
Ha! I used to see Mr. Belding doing karaoke at this one bar (he might still do it), it was so sad
@Grey: i saw him (belding) at OG in vegas like 10 years ago. guy was acting like he was pac man jones….
Yeah, he was hitting on like 22 year olds and drunk off his cocker
Morning, Grey! Another great post!
My stream of Quintana yesterday went as well as could be expected. I tried using reverse logic (and the SON) on him, but alas, Quintana gonna Quint.
Starting Berrios today in spite of the SON, because he’s the closest I’ve got to an ace and what the hell am I doing with him if I’m not starting him at home vs the Pirates. Please cross your fingers for me!
Wondering if I can drop Osuna now? Or if you see him working his way up over Rondon? I’m pretty locked in to where I am saves-wise, but would love it if Osuna got in a groove and helped my ratios. Although now that I say that, it doesn’t sound like a big payoff either way. Would stream/batty call his spot.
Thanks a lot!
Ha, thanks! Morning! I’d start Berrios — I’m not dropping Osuna yet
In a dynasty league where 95% of the top 60 pitchers are kept, is Lester droppable? He’s been hot garbage lately and I don’t see me using him anytime soon, but he’s under a tag for next year so I can keep him basically for free. If I drop him I’m still on the hook for his contract, but no additional penalty…
Yes, Lester’s droppable
You still thinking Bauer is a top 20 SP next year?
Of course, he was this year
“The restroom in Seattle’s clubhouse is labeled, “Amends.” LOL! Good article!!
Ha, thanks!
Where do you rank Marquez in this list for a standard roto using QS instead of W (redraft league)?
1. Marquez
2. Wheeler
3. Ryu
4. Pivetta
Last
Jansen or Ward?
Jansen
What up G,
In a 12 team OPS H2H, first round of playoffs, two week match-ups, do you like Trumbo over Puig ROS? I feel like I could end up with FOMO dropping Puig, even if he hits 7th every night…
Thanks man!
He hits 8th every night, will be suspended, has lots of PT concerns… I think Trumbo
@Grey: Would you take Sano over Trumbo? My current OF – Acuna, Yelich, Calhoun, Mallex, Puig.
Thanks!
Sure
I will not be drafting Berrios next year. That is all.
When he will be good, sadly
@Grey: I dunno. When you factor in you’ll still have to sit him against the Red Sox, Indians, Cubs, Yanks, etc., plus the inexplicable occasional blow ups against teams he should beat like the Rays and Reds, plus the fact that his team’s offense has gone down… and he’s not a no-brainer top 20 pitcher to me. He’ll show flashes of brilliance against the White Sox and Tigers of the world, but I don’t see how his game makes major strides over the offseason if he isn’t already finishing the season strong. You’re probably right, but I like him way more for 2020 than I do for 2019. I’m far from a roto expert, but the last month he’s been very WHIPpy. Mechanics? Fatigue? Could it be a simple fix?
He could be Nola next year, definitely worst league tho, so maybe top 25 vs. top 20, but he has potential and way too early to write off — I think this is fatigue right now
@Grey: Yeah, the league’s a killer. You’re probably right about the fatigue. And I’m sure I’m also overstating the negative since I just got burnt. Hopefully he gets a couple more wins to finish the year. I have a feeling he’d really benefit from having better pitchers around him too. Hope the Twins pony up some dough and get an ace somewhere this offseason. Then Berrios wouldn’t have to learn at the feet of Odorizzi.
At the feet Odorizzi? Thinking odor eaters
@Grey: Haha! Dem eggs ain’t just Odorizzi, they’re rotten!
A) Speaking of fatigue, think Gleyber’s hit the rookie wall. Hitting .145 the last 30 days. Worth holding another week to see if he turns it around?
B) Okay to drop Touki in redraft? Even if he returns he’s near an innings cap anyway, right?
C) As always, there’s no C.
D) Thanks!
A. Hold B. Drop D. No problem
For Saves ROS – Hicks; Leclerc, Yates?
Leclerc
@Grey: I meant to ask “who to drop” — Hicks or Yates?
Hicks
Ward, Jansen or Ramos? Will you please rest your case? cause Ramos is the most establish player but he will be rest for potential playoffs. Jansen will be rest as well but is younger and
Ward will play everyday and offers a power speed combo.
Ramos
Strat Eovaldi @Phi?
@Joel: start
Sure
Drop Cron for mondesi? Cron is playing like half of the time now
If you need SBs
Dennis Haskins doing karaoke, that does sound like a sad sight. Unless he was doing “We Are The World” with a group of Japanese businessman. That sounds joyous and uplifting.
It was more like Billy Squier’s Strokin
hi friend :) sorry I am scratching my catcher wart or scab or tendril or something else rather disgusting I been ok with Grandal so far but he’s boring me and Ramos is on the WW worth the swap? Ops league
thx!
Sure
The Carlos Rodon pick has been a real coup for me in NFBC. 1 point behind Rudy in the standings in ERA and he drafted Chris Sale. (*Still shaking fist at Quintana). As reluctant as I was to do this league again, I find myself paying more attention to it than any of my other leagues where I’m competitive. Which is dumb, because I can’t do anything to change the situation and there’s still 6 weeks left.
I find myself doing opposite with paying attention… I look at every league multiple times, except NFBC where I might not look at it for entire days… NFBC is great bc of how little can be done
@Grey: I hear ya, I mean, I was hardly looking at standings until a couple of weeks ago. I think maybe I just want this win so bad, and I’m right there, that I’m extra into it. And enjoying it more because of how it’s going. The other 2 money RCL’s where I’m in first, I’m just like, meh.
Yeah, money hardly motivates me with fantasy, maybe if I were in a high stakes league it would… I just want to beat snitches!
@Grey: I’m jaded. I can’t see putting in all that time and energy with no real payoff anymore. Bragging rights only matter to me in ‘Perts league at this point. You’re old school! I’m mob school.
Haha, mob rules
Taylor ward or cervelli?
Try Ward
Pick one please. Utility bat in H2H Pts league
Dahl
Braun
Bader
Bell
None? I’d try Dahl
@Grey: haha thanks. Yea slim pickins
10 team H2H points league
Bottom of my rotation feels like Archer and Newcomb. Neither are terrible but can be at times. Should either be switched out for any of these available SP’s:
Bieber
Chacin
Eflin
Gibson
Meh, I’d hold prolly, but I’d look at upcoming matchups
Rizzo slam and double legs! Trying to make up for his lackluster season in one afternoon. Now just keep this up for 6 weeks and all will be forgiven.
Haha, totally
I know it’s bad, but Braun went down and he’s my 1b. Who to get until cano has elig…If he gets it.
Y. Alonso
T. Mancini
Alonso
Who do you think has Better ROS, FML!
Y Alonso
T Mancini
Alonso
@Grey: thanks! Stupid Braun and his Ribs–“I’m in a glass cage of emotion”
Ha!
Who is the drop out of nimmo or m franco. Both reserve players. Obp league. Thanks
Nimmo
Are you dropping Bauer in a redraft league? Great preseason call on him, BTW.
I am
Stripling going to see a back specialist. I thought LAD was making up the injury to get him ready for starting. Is he a drop now that his stats is in limbo or do I hold him? Not going on dl is and taking up a roster spot doesn’t help me. Thx
Can lose him
Are you starting eovaldi today after last week’s drubbing? He pitched well in his start after the twins took him to the woodshed several weeks ago if that means anything. Thanks
I’d start him
Keeper league, $5 Scooter Gennett or $25 Justin Turner?
Scooter
Hey Grey!!
Hope you’re doing well.
Max Muncey sitting 3 straight games ?! .
That being said. How do you rank these guys rest of season? Can you rank all of them so I know how to set waivers? Thank you!!
Muncey , profar, maikel, semien, Smoak, Alonso
Thanks!
Alonso, Smoak, Semien
@Grey:
Thanks!
Where do you put willy adames and trey Mancini in there?
After Semien
@Isabella: muncy this was mentioned when dozier was acquired. but DO NOT DROP in dynasties as next year dozier (and likely machado) will sign elsewhere, slotting muncy right on back in.
Grey,
Would you drop Wil Myers for Mondesi as a second bench bat (Scooter Gennett being the other)? I’m not sure if I should hop on the hype train…
Thanks as always for the tips!
I wouldn’t
@Grey: that’s good enough for me…
Would you drop Aaron Judge? Sounds like he will be out for a while still.
The playoffs end September 23
Seems fine
Would you drop O. Herrera for Tyler Glasnow
Apples/oranges… unlikely tho
Would you drop Votto? One homerun in the last 41 games.
Nope
Okay, I would like to add Tyler Glasnow or another SP to my roster but I don’t know who to drop. I want to drop Bauer but I am waiting for the final word on his injury.
Bauer’s out, can drop him
Acuna!
Noooooooooooooooo.
@FrankGrimes: noooooooooooooooooii
Noooooooooooooo
Wtf?!
Is he staying in?
I guess two V’s won’t be making a W tonight.
If you need me I’ll be in the next room screaming into a pillow.
Haha, be well!
gotta sense that acuna bean ball was coming…
Why? Bat flip?
not really specific act… hes just so young and hes rolling these teams, having an easy time, a fun time and all the old school baseball shizz which i love/hate will always take an accounting of all that. hopefully he’s just DTD
Hope so
Granted I have not seen the play in which Urena hit Acuna, but I feel like when a pitcher hits a batter intentionally and it leads to the player missing an extended period of time that pitcher should be suspended for the duration the hitter is unable to play. This may not be applicable to this situation because I have no idea whether Acuna will miss time or not, but I just think pitchers intentionally throwing a baseball at a person is dangerous and irresponsible. Bottom line, Urena is a b!7C}{.
@fletch f. fletch: I’ve seen it now, and it was intentional for sure.
@fletch f. fletch: rotoworld reported it’s def intentional, albeit i have no idea why in this case. in all of sports throwing a baseball at a person’s head (i don’t know in THIS instance if that happened it didn’t say that) is the worst intentional thing that tends to ever happen regularly, outside of certain spinal/head intentional charging in football/hockey (which are far rarer than a guy’s head being thrown at in baseball). it’s literally sociopathic shit and needs to be outlawed (literally counting as assault when it’s done intentionally). once in hockey a guy back in the 90’s (t.bertuzzi) actually did get convicted for taking a guy’s head and from behind putting all his weight into pile driving it into the ice (THAT’S of course worse than throwing at a guy’s head)
it’s been floated around in hockey of doing exactly this, if you intentionally hurt a guy you’d have to stay out exactly as long as the guy you hurt is, without pay. THAT would end this shit. also fine the team for the same amount of money (or MORE, THAT’D end this shit too)