Baseball, like a flower, blooms in the spring.  They also share equally effusive PR people.  Just the other day I read about how a petunia’s branches gained 15 pounds and was in the best shape of its life.  Sure, it’s always good to look at spring training numbers to give you an idea what you can expect from guys during the season — can I draft Ronald Acuna yet?!  Players in spring training are facing the top pitchers who are all displaying their best stuff.  No one needs time to get warmed up.  No one’s trying new pitches or getting a feel for the ball.  They are at the height of their game in the beginning of March.  Our former commissioner, Bud, once doffed his toupee and tried to have the World Series played in March.  Since these spring training numbers mean so much, I decided to look at some players stats so far:

Greg Bird – Hitting .451 with eight homers.  Why have you not drafted him everywhere yet?  Are you avian adverse?  Afraid of eggs and think avian means ovarian?  Did your mom-mom tell you a stork brought you to her doorstep, and have wondered ever since where that stork went and have always felt that stork is an absentee father, so you refuse to draft Bird?

Adam Duvall – Hitting .302 with six homers.  How about we give him an early MVP award and let a computer play out the season?  Can’t Elon Musk work on this instead of building a Taco Bell on Mars?  That is what Elon Musk is doing, don’t fool yourself.

Maikel Franco – Already has badonkadonked six homers.  Glory Bea Arthur, Franco has joined the fly ball revolution!  Not the Fly Ball Revolution, which was a revolt in the 18th century which saw Russian soldiers going around kicking enemies in the testicles.  That’s how the Cossacks got their name.  Any hoo!  No, this is Maikel and it’s break out time!

Paul Goldschmidt – Only has one homer.  Sad trumbone.  All spring Au Shizz has been playing in a bubble to simulate the humidor and we see how poorly he’s doing.  Move hime down to 400 overall and draft Mike Napoli and his mom’s gorgeous breasts instead!

Carlos Carrasco – Has the worst ERA in the history of ERAs at 10.80 through 15 IP.  I didn’t even know ERAs went above 10!  Obviously something is not right, and it’s time we just accepted it’s better to just draft Robert Gsellman, who has a 2.31 ERA.  Yes, Gbuy Gsellman!

Oh, please.  This is such nonsense.  Now we get to grade everyone’s reading comprehension because these are LAST YEAR’S spring training stats.  If someone can read everything but capped words, I apologize in advance if you draft Adam Duvall.  (I DON’T.)  I like to do this post every year because every year I get the same comments about how well a player is doing in the spring and if I’m going to change my fantasy baseball rankings because of it.  Spring training stats are a joke.  They mean nothing.  Let me say it again for emphasis, spring stats mean nothing.

Bird had the best spring training in the history of spring trainings last year, and that led him to do what last year?  Adam Duvall looked ready to follow-up his break out in 2016 with last year’s spring, and that led him to losing his full-time job.  Maikel Franco is talking about hitting more fly balls this year.  Sure, just like he did last spring and went on to have another poor season.  Goldschmidt struggled to hit for power last spring, and went on to have his biggest power year.  Carrasco?  Did he seem phased by last year’s spring?  Yeah, and how did Gsellman do?  You should only be looking at who’s healthy, who’s winning position battles and who’s winning rotation spots.  The rest is meaningless.

It’s great Jason Kipnis has a bazillion home runs this spring, but bazillion isn’t even a real number, and who knows if Kipnis’s newfound stroke is real either.  More than likely, he’ll turn back into a pumpkin in April like Mr. Grapefruit, Billy Butler, always did.  Speaking of which, here’s the most relevant spring training graph:

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Cole Trickle
Cole Trickle
5 years ago

Hey Grey, love all the content on this site (from you and the other contributors).

Have a roster move question. 15 mandatory keepers, no price tag associated with players. 6×6 H2H cats (OBP, SLG, QS, IP, K/9).

Hitters: Contreras, Votto, Albies, Machado, Arenado, Gallo, Bellinger, Springer, Khris Davis, Eaton.

Pitchers: Kluber, Thor, Carlos Martinez, Greinke, Godley — I will also be drafting Ohtani at #1 so counting him like a keeper

Question: Which of these two trades do you like more for my team? Thanks in advance!

1. Give Greinke to get Conforto (would keep 11 hitters, 5 SPs)
2. Give Greinke, Eaton to get Conforto, Raisel Iglesias (would keep 10 hitters, 5 SPs, 1 RP)

redsox
redsox
5 years ago

hey, Grey
we can keep 3 keepers in our league
should i keep billy ham 7th round pick over nick castellanos 19th round ???
other candidate (gerrit cole 9th round , zach godley 10th round )

my other two are locked ( jd martinez 4th and rhys hoskins 10th)

Big Magoo
Big Magoo
5 years ago

Just watched the 3rd inning of Bauer’s start against the Cubs. Threw mostly curveballs. Most of them were either out of the zone or right down the middle. Got knocked around pretty good.

OaktownSteve
OaktownSteve
Reply to  Big Magoo
5 years ago

@Big Magoo: I don’t like his command.

Big Magoo
Big Magoo
Reply to  OaktownSteve
5 years ago

@OaktownSteve: Me neither. You can tell he was mostly working out the kinks in that one pitch, but it was all over the place. Couldn’t locate at all.

OaktownSteve
OaktownSteve
5 years ago

Kurt Suzuki had the 4th best wOBA vs LHP last year, just below JDM and two spots ahead of Giancarlo. Not saying he’ll hit 19 homers or bat .283 again but it looks repeatable on paper. Very good park helps.

OaktownSteve
OaktownSteve
Reply to  Grey
5 years ago

@Grey: They want to give Suzuki same ABs as last year. I’ll take 300 productive PAs.

OaktownSteve
OaktownSteve
Reply to  Grey
5 years ago

@Grey:

He got that many last year, had a very good year and the Braves manager says he’ll get the same this year. So, y’know…

Ryno
Ryno
5 years ago

awesome article, made my day. Great stuff.

12 team H2H yahoo, 6 keepers with no limit or cost

Bryant
Springer
Strasburg
Carrasco

Need help with the next 2. Sano health/legal worries me, and I’m leaning toward Ozzie and Eloy. Or maybe Happ (6 DINGERS SO FAR THIS SPRING!!!!!)

Sano
Albies
Happ
Gerrit Cole
Eloy
Robles
Kopech

Thanks!!!

Ryno
Ryno
Reply to  Grey
5 years ago

@Grey: thank you sir, much appreciated!

Bill Lumbergh
Bill Lumbergh
5 years ago

Grey: I know that spring training stats don’t necessarily translate to the regular season…but what is your take on Kolten Wong’s aggressive base running? He’s been working with beauty queen Willie McGee and has been quoted saying he wants to swipe 20 this year. Stole his 6th today and has the skills to make it happen. I’m moving him up my draft board and targeting him late in deep leagues. Thanks for your thoughts!

OaktownSteve
OaktownSteve
Reply to  Bill Lumbergh
5 years ago

@Bill Lumbergh:

I think he could surprise. He also shed a lot of bulk and changed to a different conditioning program. Seems in the past he was a weight room animal. Going for more flexibility. He’s got a very good OBP so he should have ample opportunity. Was quietly having a pretty good year last year before getting hurt. I think there’s a lot to like here this year.

Super Terrific Carpal Tunnel Virusy Box vs Mail Robot (who wins)
Super Terrific Carpal Tunnel Virusy Box vs Mail Robot (who wins)
Reply to  Bill Lumbergh
5 years ago

@Bill Lumbergh: he should’ve had 20 each year by now, it’s managerial, matheny has jerked wong around for years. whether benching, bad lineup placement, curbing his steals, usual matheny b.s.

OldMilwaukeePounders
OldMilwaukeePounders
5 years ago

Hey Grey,

I was wondering if you could give me some keeper guidance. 12 teams, 5×5, H2H. Keep forever.

I’ve currently got Trea, Betts, Bellinger, Rizzo, Springer

Another owner has offered me a deal based around Machado for Trea. The rub is that he is including other players who I certainly won’t keep. I’m considering countering with :

Trea & pick 97 for Machado & pick 64.

Should he accept I would pick 61, 64, 72, 73, 96 and have Manny, Mookie, Bellinger, Rizzo, Springer.

What are your thoughts on this deal?

Thanks, Homie!

OldMilwaukeePounders
OldMilwaukeePounders
Reply to  Grey
5 years ago

@Grey: It is easy to overthink stuff like this when you are counting down the days until the draft & the season. Thanks for the help, Grey.

Big Magoo
Big Magoo
5 years ago

First Honeywell, and now De Leon down for the Rays. Pitching’s getting thin down there. Fortunately, I have a simple solution for them – 200 innings for Snell! Do the right thing, Tampa.

Big Magoo
Big Magoo
Reply to  Grey
5 years ago

@Grey: Oh man, Eovaldi. Forgot about him. Maybe Vazquez can get to 15 homers!

chris
chris
5 years ago

Hi Greym

My goal is to draft if possible Trey Mancini and Matt Olson.

Both qualify at 1b and OF, and both would idealy be of2 and of3.

Would both this combination of OF2/3 be workable, or would it be limited?

Depend on the draft, and if i go heavy on infield, so maybe Mancini and Olson would be my OF1 and OF2, if I cant manage to draft a top OF.

Would that scenario work?

League 12 teams mix, h2h
avg, obp, runs, rbis, hr, tb, sb

thanks,
Chris

Steve
Steve
5 years ago

12-team roto, ops & nsb, keep 5

JD(11)
Severino (12)
Ray(13)
Benintendi (14)
Devers (15)

Replace any of the above with

J Turner (10)
Pollock (7)

Thanks!

Swick
Swick
5 years ago

thoughts on Willie Calhoun in my dynasty league? do i really need to hang onto this guy with betts, benintendi, buxton, gallo and acuna in my outfield spots?

Q
Q
5 years ago

So, if I’m in a 10 team H2H Yahoo league, should I use your rankings or Rudy’s? IYHO?

Also, Yahoo has Miles Mikolas 141 overall and Jon Gray 409.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..ok.

Q
Q
Reply to  Grey
5 years ago

@Grey:

YES HE IS. 409. LIKE THE CLEANING PRODUCT.

409.

Big Magoo
Big Magoo
5 years ago

Spring training is useful to determine health and position battles. That’s pretty much it. And to spot idiots like Thor who are already maxing out and making me question my ranking of him.

Saw the brief discussion on Ohtani above. Think his best case scenario for this year is Rich Hill. Nothing wrong with that from a ratio and K-rate standpoint, but the volume won’t be there. There were already red flags in his medicals and the Angels seem committed to starting the season with a six man rotation. Only threw twenty something innings last year. Don’t see the reward where he’s going in drafts.

Big Magoo
Big Magoo
Reply to  Grey
5 years ago

@Grey: Yeah, 170 innings seems like a pipe dream for this year. Getting credit for his offensive numbers provides a little bump, but it actually increases his risk of injury too. Kind of surprised that Rudy is so high on him. Doubt I’ll own him anywhere.

Big league choo
Big league choo
5 years ago

10 team 5×5 OBP dynasty one util

My Brinson, miles mikolas

For Ryan McMahon, Luiz gohara

My OF pollock, Puig, Olson, Thames, Kiermaier, austin Hays

My CI Goldy, Sano, Rendon, Smoak

Cohen
Cohen
5 years ago

Grey, 9th pick in draft and Goldy seems to be left for me but i love Stanton.If i take Stanton i would grab Freeman with 16 th pick. Should i take Stanton or just follow your rankings?

Cram It
Cram It
Reply to  Cohen
5 years ago

@Cohen: Follow his rankings. Unless you like Stanton, take Stanton. It’s your team.

AL KOHOLIC
AL KOHOLIC
5 years ago

i inherited a team in a 12 team keep 6 league,i planned on keeping
Gary Sanchez
Encarnacion
Verlander
Severino
Mad Bum
who would be the 6th
D. Murphy
Hamilton
Moustakas
Dejong
7×7 roto,thanks

AL KOHOLIC
AL KOHOLIC
Reply to  Grey
5 years ago

@Grey: thanks boss

Cram It
Cram It
5 years ago

NFBC deep catcher thoughts that I want to discuss…but not here, ya know, just in case. Maybe tomorrow.

Cram It
Cram It
Reply to  Grey
5 years ago

@Grey: There’s like 3 legit starting catchers left. I’m afraid I have to take one with my next pick. I’m thinking about taking Cisco. Or am I?

But there’s a guy out there ranked in the 500’s who’s a catcher eligible OF/IF guy that I owned last year but he got hurt on like the first day, who his team either has to DFA or have on the roster and they’ve been shopping him around and he WOULD pay huge dividends if on another team.

Big Magoo
Big Magoo
Reply to  Grey
5 years ago

@Grey: I was thinking Swihart, but could be Herrmann

Cram It
Cram It
Reply to  Big Magoo
5 years ago

@Big Magoo: Yeah Swihart. He’s a sexy proposition.

Big Magoo
Big Magoo
Reply to  Cram It
5 years ago

@Cram It: I think we have different definitions of sexy, haha. It’ll be interesting to see if the Sox move him. I think they’ll make room for him on the roster.

Cram It
Cram It
Reply to  Big Magoo
5 years ago

@Big Magoo: You’re right, I’m stuck in what seems sexy at pick 350. Sexiness is all relative!

Big Magoo
Big Magoo
Reply to  Cram It
5 years ago

@Cram It: There might still be some sexy on the board at that point. I really like Maybin for cheap speed this year. Soler, Drury, Fisher, Matz, Kela, etc. Could be nothing or return a nice profit. Choose wisely.

Cram it
Cram it
Reply to  Big Magoo
5 years ago

@Big Magoo: I read. I’m high on Matz. Even though he’s shutting the bed in ST and has shown nothing for over a year.

Cram It
Cram It
Reply to  Grey
5 years ago

@Grey: Well 2 catchers went in front of me so it’s either Cisco or Pina’s half a season, Cervelli’s 5 Hr’s or Castro’s 10 HR’s and .220 avg. I’m going Cisco.

Cram It
Cram It
Reply to  Grey
5 years ago

@Grey: I took the ‘Cisco kid. Can back him up with Caleb later.

Big Magoo
Big Magoo
Reply to  Grey
5 years ago

@Grey: Nice, he’s my #2 in one league too, so we can root for a guy who’ll hit 9 homers together. Uh, cool… I think.

Big Magoo
Big Magoo
Reply to  Grey
5 years ago

@Grey: I like him since he’s unlikely to tank your average and should steal a few bags. Don’t see a ton of power upside though. I’d be thrilled if he hit a dozen bombs.

Big Magoo
Big Magoo
Reply to  Grey
5 years ago

@Grey: 130 games? Someone’s an optimist. Only four catchers did that last season (can you believe that Martin Maldonado was one of them?). I’d say anything over 110 games is gravy. If he goes .270/10/5, I’ll be happy.

Big Magoo
Big Magoo
Reply to  Grey
5 years ago

@Grey: Sounds like someone has Cervelli circled on his draft sheet…

Bret Adams
Bret Adams
5 years ago

Mr. Grey,

Joining a new league, 9 team mixed redraft with standard cats and snake draft. This is my first time drafting in a snake. What is a good list to use for player rankings? Should i just take your 10 team ranking and use that for ordering?

And not sure if you have a post for any strategy hints for snake but would be appreciative if you did and you can throw me a link.

Thanks,

W

herschel
herschel
5 years ago

@Grey: if moncada can stick in the leadoff spot, would that alter your projections for him at all?

Smell The Glove
Smell The Glove
5 years ago

Need one more keeper in a H2H 7×7 league from the following. Extra categories are OPS and Total Bases, Holds and Losses.

Wilson Contreras (6th round)
Domingo Santana (25th round)
Joey Gallo (25th round)
Lewis Brinson (25th round)
Javier Baez (7th round)
Lance McCullers (7th round)

Keep in mind that I do not have a 2nd or 5th rounder due to trades made at the deadline.

Smell The Glove
Smell The Glove
Reply to  Smell The Glove
5 years ago

@Smell The Glove:
Other keepers are Arenado, Kershaw, Correa and Bregman

Boomer19
Boomer19
5 years ago

Hi Grey. In a keep a player for 3 years league would you rather have Odor or Albies at 2B? Thanks

Cohen
Cohen
5 years ago

Grey, i got 9 th pick in my draft. Alot mocks ive done Goldy is there for me and Stanton right behind . I really want Stanton. If i grab Stanton i would take Freeman with pick 16. Bad strategy or just stick to your rankings and go Goldy if hes there?

Steve
Steve
5 years ago

Hey Grey,

12-team roto OPS & NSB

Need help with keepers (keep 5):

JD in 10th
Severino in 11th
Ray in 12th
Benintendi in 13th
Devers in 14th
J Turner in 10th
Pollack in 7th
Jansen in 4th

Thanks!

Chud
Chud
5 years ago

A few deals brewing on this non-spring Snowy day…….

10 team salary keeper league deal:

I give Carlos Martinez ($24)/Sano ($22)

I get Yelich ($20)/Quintana ($12)

Thanks!

Simon Steel
Simon Steel
5 years ago

Heya Grey

Could use some keeper help (totally original…I am good like that)

Can keep 2 of the following in standard 5X5 roto keeper. All have same cheap contract

Moose (wish he was signed), Snell (i believe in his second half…cuz I just do alright), Margot (for SB), and Chris Taylor (if last year was for real…sign me up two times).

Already planning on keeping

2B Odor, Rougned
3B Devers, Rafael
OF Yelich, Christian
OF Acuna, Ronald
P Martinez, Carlos
P Severino, Luis
P Diaz, Edwin
P Allen, Cody
P Bauer, Trevor
SS Seager, Corey

With a lots of money left to bid on guy like Abreu, Harper, Pollock, Coespedis, Kershaw among others

Simon Steel
Simon Steel
Reply to  Grey
5 years ago

@Grey:

Awesome..that is where I was leaning…I must be genius. Eecep I forgot I need to work Tucker in too since I think he lost his minor league status in our league…drat

Thanks!

Geoff
5 years ago

This is all true accept with prospects, their stats count double. Kyle Tucker and Miguel Andujar will battle for the AL ROY and the MVP in a true Fred Lynn tribute.

Peacecoast
Peacecoast
5 years ago

Hicks is gonna be starting CF right? I see him being ignored and may scoop him up as my last OF. Taylor already hurt his oblique again…I have a bad feeling about him cuz that Robles guy is waiting in the wings.

Peacecoast
Peacecoast
Reply to  Grey
5 years ago

@Grey: Healy or Mcmahon for CI?

Peacecoast
Peacecoast
Reply to  Peacecoast
5 years ago

@Peacecoast: dumb question, they r ranked. I capi!

Acuna Matata
Acuna Matata
5 years ago

Looking for some advice in a 12 team forever keeper league where you keep 10 players:

I am keeping Trea Turner, Correa, Machado, Blackmon, Kluber, Scherzer, Rendon.

I have to pick 3 keepers out of the following: Justin Turner, Ozuna, Osuna, Acuna, Verlander, Giles

Your thoughts?

J-Dawg
J-Dawg
5 years ago

Yo Grey!! Can keep two of these 3: Cobb ($3), JA Happ ($10), T. Walker ($15). 6×6, Quality Starts added for pitchers. Thanks brosef!

The Great Knoche
The Great Knoche
5 years ago

Raul Mondesi JR is now Adalberto? WTF. Not a good change. Should have gone Giancarlo JR.

swaggerjackers
swaggerjackers
5 years ago

As a follow up, I found a Fox Sports article naming the following spring training “Studs” last season:
Salazar
Tanaka
Taijuan
Darvish
Kershaw
Jon Gray

swaggerjackers
swaggerjackers
5 years ago

@Grey: This is always one of my favorite posts of the year. It really makes a good point.

I got sucked into the Franco spring training hype a few years ago and Bird last season.

I’d be curious to see a counter-post to this one that looks back at guys who performed well in the spring last season that ended up having breakouts.

M
M
5 years ago

I think Franco has only hit 1 HR so far this spring? (he hit 6 total last spring and has 6 TB so far though)

MarvPesos
Marv
5 years ago

Hey Grey,

H2H 12-team cat. keeper (keep12) balanced stats (R,H,HR,RBI,SB,BB,AVG, OPS,XBH / W,CG,SV,K,GIDP,ERA,WHIP,QS), limited moves (35 per year)

Need to pick my 12 Keepers, so far have:

1B – Paul Goldschmidt
2B – Brian Dozier
3B – Nolan Arenado
SS – Xander Bogearts
Mi – Trea Turner
CI – Justin Turner
CF – Charlie Blackmon
BN – Christian Yelich

And I need to pick 4 from this list (was leaning 4 pitchers):

Mike Zunino ( C)
A McCutchen (CF/RF)
R. Braun (LF)
C. Carrasco (SP)
J. Verlander (SP)
J. Paxton (SP)
J. Quintana (SP)
G. Cole (SP)
A. Wood (SP)
A. Chapman (RP)
W. Davis (RP)
G. Holland (RP)

thanks in advance

Old School Brother
Old School Brother
5 years ago

Seth Lugo has pitched 8.1 innings with 6 K’s, 2.16 ERA, and a 0.72 whip so far this spring. Suck it 2017 spring Gsellman!

Old School Brother
Old School Brother
Reply to  Grey
5 years ago

@Grey: I’ve got both Lugo and Blach in the razz30, fingers crossed at least one of them makes their rotation

Pager24
Pager24
5 years ago

Hey Grey,

You heard anymore about the Rockies OF situation? It seems like most everything i’ve read so far is that they seem to want Tapia leading off. You hearing or seeing anything different? or too early to tell

Thanks!

Jr
Jr
5 years ago

Long term 10 team h2h dynasty league with k/9 instead of k’s, QS instead of wins, obp instead of avg and B.B. added on for hitters. Which side you like? 3 years of scherzer or 4+ of both Acuna and Sano?

Kill Gore Trout
Kill Gore Trout
5 years ago

Dynasty league, in a vacuum: Eloy Jimenez or Willie Calhoun?

mcmi11ions
mcmi11ions
5 years ago

Good morning Grey! I had my first draft last night, using your ranks exclusively since this site is FBB gospel. During the draft and immediately after, I was bummed about my pitching as it seemed any guy I was going for was taken. Waking up this morning though, I think I’m OK with it. Let me know if i get the GASA? (Grey Albright Seal of Approval. I’m kinda bummed the thesaurus doesn’t have a word for approval starting with “Y”).

Sale (Keeper)
Severino (Keeper)
Wacha
Morton
Velasquez
Mikolas
Trevor Williams
Rivero
Melancon
Treinan

Baseball
Baseball
5 years ago

Crazy to send N. Cruz to get R. Ray in a 12 team keep 10 keeper? Have Bumgarner and McCullers, but worried this is the year Cruz falls off. Is it close?

Thanks!

synyster
synyster
5 years ago

Grey! Since you’ve let me to many cashes in fantasy baseball I figured I’d ask. Looking to join a Home Run pool. Try to accumulate the most points by selecting 7 baseball players who you predict will most exceed their Target Home Run Number. I know you can’t see the target numbers, but do any players jump out to you who could be a sleeper for home runs this season?

Thanks!

synyster
synyster
Reply to  Grey
5 years ago

@Grey:

I think you’re thinking of someone else lol. This is my first year doing this home run thing. Just asking off the top of your head anyone that could exceed their home run expectations this year. They have Adam Duvall as 16 home runs, and if he does what hes done for the past few years he should have 30+. No prob it was prob a stupid question since you can’t see their targets.

synyster
synyster
Reply to  Grey
5 years ago

Really hope I don’t get in trouble for this long post lol. Apologize for the long post below.I have my eye on Duvalll so far.

Cram It
Cram It
Reply to  synyster
5 years ago

@synyster: You just broke the website!

Synyster
Synyster
Reply to  Cram It
5 years ago

@Cram It:

Lol. Thx grey/cram!

Cram It
Cram It
Reply to  synyster
5 years ago

@synyster: And Grey has him for 24 HR’s, so doesn’t that should answer your questions. Can’t you compare these Targets with the projections on here?

synyster
synyster
Reply to  Cram It
5 years ago

@Cram It:

Yeah that’s good advice as well! Thank you.

Bill
Bill
5 years ago

Grey or anyone else! I play in a 12-team contract league where players are given 1-5 year contracts, so the player pool is always decently shallow each year for the draft. I am in a SS conundrum and would appreciate any advice.

We’re currently in the third round of the draft and I pick 8th. Amed Rosario is my starting SS as of now and that has me a bit itchy. I have been offered Tim Anderson on a 3-year contract or Orlando Arcia on a 2-year contract for the pick. Here’s my current lineup:

C – Sanchez
1B – Bellinger
2B – Altuve
3B – Seager
SS – Rosario
LF – Benintendi
CF – Buxton
RF – Judge
UTIL – Cruz

I feel like I need SBs out of the SS slot. Anderson could be interesting in that regard, but I also feel like we don’t know what Rosario is at this point (other than injured and on the Mets…eek). Players left in the draft pool: DeJong, Russell, Peraza, Semien, Beckham, etc.

Do I take one of the players offered or go with someone like DeJong and sacrifice the SBs? Thanks!

Just A Lonely Terrorist
Just A Lonely Terrorist
5 years ago

Great and established Grey and Razzball community, I am needing help deciding on my last 2 keepers. I’m leaning on D. Santana and Clevinger but I can also choose A. Rosario, Cueto, or Senzel. I could also throw dust to the wind and keep a pathetic reliever.
I play 5×5 roto obp and Wins for pitching.
And if people need to know I’m currently keeping Bellinger, Chaz Noir, Odor, Rendon, Jo-Ram, and Mr. Robbie Ray.
I actually don’t bite unless you pay me too.
Advice is appreciated

Packers
Packers
5 years ago

Hey guys this is my start in the 15 team draft 50 NFBC DC league. 6th pick, went:
Stanton
Dee
Abreu
Ray
K. Davis.
I know Rudy has been drafting Rivero in the 6th round. I feel I need a SP next though. I know one of my next two picks should be a pitcher of some type. Only 4 closers off the board now, I’m looking at Bauer, both Grays, Weaver, Morton types for SP’s. The other thought is Shaw could be there too. It feels like the next two picks are real important for my team. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Packers
Packers
Reply to  Grey
5 years ago

@Grey: Yep, that’s what I’m going to do. Rivero is gone. Geez 23 SP’s off the board and only in round 6. Each draft is different. Thanks.

jon
jon
5 years ago

Thoughts on this squad: 10 team keeper league Season 4- keep 20 throw back the rest

League stats R 2B 3B HR RBI SB BB AVG- W SV HR K ERA WHIP K/9 QS

1B- Votto
2B- Dozier
3B- Seager
SS- Seager
OF- Betts, Springer. Benintendi
UTIL: Abreu, Pham
Bench- Polanco, Carpenter, Puig, Peraza, Moose
SP- Madbum, Carrasco, Paxton, Cole, Stroman,Ray, Lamet, Shark
RP- Jansen, Chapman, Diaz

any advice here?

jon
jon
Reply to  jon
5 years ago

@jon:

Yes I don’t have a catcher yet…. have to drop someone or make a 2 for 1 trade.. just not sure what to do.

C
C
5 years ago

Yo Grey,

I inherited a squad in a 12-team Yahoo League where you can keep up to three players (lose a draft pick for each player kept). Here are my potential keepers:

Freddie Freeman
Jonathon Schoop
Starling Marte
Nelson Cruz
Justin Verlander

Who are you keeping? I am leaning toward just keeping Freeman and Marte, but would also consider adding in Cruz.

Thanks for your input and looking forward to starting my days with Razzball in a few weeks!

G
G
5 years ago

Hey Grey,

Wondering your thoughts on my first round selection. With my team starting off with keepers of Arenado, Machado, Trea Turner, Correa, and Severino, my first round pick based on available players may come down to a choice of Abreu and Dee Gordon. I know your rankings, but based upon my keepers, and that my league counts OBP and AVG for categories, which way would you be leaning. 1st base, 2nd base, and OF are the spots I need to fill with two of my keepers filling my utility spots due to overlap of shortstops I have. Turner already gives me speed and my other guys give me power so not such a clear decision. Gordon and Turner would win me steals every week but Abreu would be a bigger boost at OBP.

Jomogrom
Jomogrom
5 years ago

Love the write ups! I have 4 keeper slots with 5 candidates. Please let me know which one I should leave behind. Bear in mind that there are 10 teams keeping 4 guys each so much of the top end talent is already off the board.

Zack Greinke (Would have to give up a 7th round pick)
Elvis Andrus (10th)
Andrew Benintendi (17th)
Tommy Pham (18th)
Joey Gallo (19th)

I am inclined to let go of Pham because I don’t believe he’ll be able to replicated his numbers from last year. Thanks!

BJFOHOHL
BJFOHOHL
5 years ago

Will you be putting out a post of good spring training stats from last year that carried over into the season? Did that even happen? I don’t know, seems like a logical counter post.

BJFOHOHL
BJFOHOHL
Reply to  Grey
5 years ago

@Grey: I’m a brain scrambler

BJFOHOHL
BJFOHOHL
Reply to  Grey
5 years ago

@Grey: Speaking of BSOHL, I was going to go to the gym this morning but said to myself, ” It’s spring, you’re in the best shape of your life, why mess with a good thing”

BJFOHOHL
BJFOHOHL
Reply to  Grey
5 years ago

@Grey: I do like Greek….food

BJFOHOHL
BJFOHOHL
Reply to  Grey
5 years ago

@Grey: One of the few bright spots

BJFOHOHL
BJFOHOHL
Reply to  BJFOHOHL
5 years ago

It’s in the name

Geoff
Reply to  BJFOHOHL
5 years ago

@BJFOHOHL: We oversold the show Grey. You know it, I know it, jack knows it.

Even if Jack liked the show, he had no choice but to hate.

BJFOHOHL
BJFOHOHL
Reply to  BJFOHOHL
5 years ago

Maybe it was over sold, maybe I only liked certain seasons, aspects and characters in the show. As a complete show I didn’t care for it. To sum it up again, any show that needs a 3 1/2 minute long montage to close it out because of all the storylines isn’t for me. I’ll take GOT or Curb any day over that show

BJFOHOHL
BJFOHOHL
Reply to  BJFOHOHL
5 years ago

but its not boring. And I hated the hype and didnt care for GOT from the get go. But then I sat down, watched it and fell in love

BJFOHOHL
BJFOHOHL
Reply to  BJFOHOHL
5 years ago

are you working for Gomora?

BJFOHOHL
BJFOHOHL
Reply to  BJFOHOHL
5 years ago

Oh and a show is a show. Doesnt matter type or genre. Its either enjoyable or not

LenFuego
LenFuego
Reply to  Grey
5 years ago

@Grey: A better companion post might be to look at all the players who had breakout seasons last year — e.g., guys like Marwin Gonzalez, Whit Merrifield, Cody Bellinger, Tommy Pham, Paul DeJong, Alex Wood, Ervin Santana, Luis Severino, Alex Colome, Corey Knebel — and show what their spring stats were last year. I do not know for sure what the results would be, but I would guess that few if any gave any hint that they were about to have a great season.

Ante Galic
Ante Galic
5 years ago

Grey!!!

Great write-up!

a. Just got back 30 minutes ago from Kisoro. It’s prime gorilla trekking territory. Saw a gibbon on the highway on the way back to Mbarara.

b. RCL #48 dropped to 11/12!!! Sad emoji.

Cheers,
Ante

Ante Galic
Ante Galic
Reply to  Grey
5 years ago

@Grey: Grey!!

a. Thanks a lot, man.

b. Me: ‘I saw a gibbon (casually scratch his nuts) on the highway.’

Cram: ‘I saw Gibbons (cussing as usual) in Dunedin.’

Cheers,
Ante

Ante Galic
Ante Galic
Reply to  Grey
5 years ago

@Grey: Grey!!

He’s not, but I wish he was like I wish all of you all were. I would take you all out for gorilla trekking.

Cheers,
Ante

FrankGrimes
FrankGrimes
5 years ago

Kzar 2019 breakout!!

Leon
Leon
5 years ago

Keeper league question. 18 teams. We keep up to 7. We have to make a decision soon. I asked a long time ago, but just checking back to see if anything changed. 7×7 league. Avg/obp/slg….
If u keep less than 7 players you get to draft in the missing rounds. Options: judge , correa, buxton, conforto, bird, eaton, snell. Thanks.

Leon
Leon
Reply to  Grey
5 years ago

@Grey:

How about bird and snell? would u drop them?Or would you go only judge, correa, buxton, conforto and draft 5, 6, and 7th rd. I am really on the fence about bird because of where hes hitting in the lineup and the lineup it self. But, i am afraid that is why i like him.

Justin
Justin
5 years ago

Yeah I’m with you on uselessness of spring training stats. Only one that has piqued my interest slightly is Kipnis hitting well. Shows he is at least healthy at the moment. I think around 200 is a decent value for him, slightly above where he has been going. Other dud with a hot spring training last year to add to your list…Addison Russell

Chucky
Chucky
5 years ago

Happy March…..in like a mutha bleeping lion….out like a lamb……10 keep forever. 11th pick in the first round and won’t be picking until 11th in the second round and so on…..So I’m looking at #131 player after 10 keepers . Not sure who’s available but I’ll take a guess. Need 2b/ss best player available. Odor, Albies, Whit, Happ, DJ, DeJong, Arcia, Semien, Baez, Simmons, Polanco, Rosario, Kipnis. What say you?

Big Ticket
Big Ticket
5 years ago

Just got keeper’s for the whole league and enter into more specific draft prep. I have #1 pick in the draft (10 team standard roto) with top available players being Hosmer, Hoskins, Benintendi, Schoop.

My keepers are Trout, Rizzo (2B eligible), Machado, JDM, C-Mart. I know the ranks are very close on available players – based on my keepers, who would you take with the first pick? Thanks Grey

Nick
Nick
5 years ago

Grey, Nick again

KEEPER TEAM now :)

my batters are SET !
but my pitchers :
SP1 Severino
SP2 Archer
RP1 KJansen
RP2 CAllen

i need to add one SP between :
Morton : 34 y-old goodie – already ready in spring + Houston lineup ! Grey believes… Yummy
Salazar : already injured !
Gio: KK+ but overated, sceptikal about another 2017 revival?
Chase Anderson: maybe the safest UNSEXY pick here
Bundy : still not paying dividends,,, see 2019 draft
Maeda: ,,, risky but 4th LAD starter

Justin
Justin
Reply to  Nick
5 years ago

@Nick:

Morton or Gio by a wide margin.

Cram It
Cram It
Reply to  Nick
5 years ago

@Nick: I’d roll with Morton

Nick
Nick
Reply to  Cram It
5 years ago

@Cram It:

Morton is selected for a Grammy : POY –> Papy of the Year ^^

Cram It
Cram It
Reply to  Nick
5 years ago

@Nick: I call him Jelly Roll Morton

Ryan
Ryan
5 years ago

Grey,

In a $100 auction 5×5 roto with 4 corner infielders(1b 3b) and 5 OF as part of the roster, I can keep JD Martinez for $5.50 or Rafael Devers for .25. I usually lean to try to keep the .25 guys, but I’m starting to think JD for $5.50 may just be too good. Thanks.

Moneyball
Moneyball
Reply to  Ryan
5 years ago

What site do you use? Does fantrax allow salaries under $1?
I know ESPN and Yahoo don’t.

Mordacious Levator
Mordacious Levator
Reply to  Ryan
5 years ago

@Ryan: in fantrax you can set whatever budget you want. 260, a million.

Dr. Pash
Dr. Pash
5 years ago

So my league just switched to net saves/holds and took away wins for win %. other cats are ratio based and HRs against. Running the numbers based on last year’s stats now we have 7 relievers more valuable than what Kershaw did…. not ideal, but that’s what people voted for.

Any advice on how leagues with net saves/holds should approach their draft? does it change things? a lot? a little?

Joel
Joel
5 years ago

I pulled a game-used Billy Butler jersey card from a pack a few years ago. The jersey must have come from that sweet spot in the graphic because it’s still a little damp!

Test Kitchen
Test Kitchen
5 years ago

Grey,

I’m in an OBP/SLG Keeper league, 8 teams and we keep 8. I traded away some aging guys and am rebuilding this year. Current keepers headed into the draft are:

Freeman
Correa
Machado
Springer
JD

Would you trade Manny and Springer for Betts? Think that’s fair in an OBP format? Thanks

Dave
Dave
5 years ago

I think it’s hilarious that people are all over these stats and base their adp around them. I’d love to be in their leagues. Haha

My pitching staff is as follows in a points league: Kluber, deGrom, MadBum, Corbin, Ray, Happ.

I think I can trade/drop one for some depth in the mi. Would you propose any of these trades (with the assumption the other owner would say yes, or at least think it’s close):

Happ for Merrfield, LeMahieu, J. Harrison, Baretto….of those players are not starters for the other teams and on their benches. Or, the following mi are available: Villar, Kinsler, Solarte, T. Anderson, Pedroia, Lowrie….but I’d hate to just drop Happ. I have Rosario as my starting ss.

Dave
Dave
Reply to  Grey
5 years ago

@Grey:

Thanks. Since it’s not close I won’t propose the deal. I think I’ll try Lamahieu and see what happens. I don’t want to offer lopsided trades….unless they say yes to the deal?

Dave
Dave
Reply to  Grey
5 years ago

@Grey: Good point. In your experience, would a bad trade offer hurt your chances of working out a subsequent deal? That’s my opinion but i could be wrong.

Mordacious Levator
Mordacious Levator
Reply to  Dave
5 years ago

@Dave: not if you immediately assume they AREN’T stupid with the 2nd “offer”. i’m very nice to people the 1st time they view me as a mark, and i explain how i’m not. when the 2nd bad deal comes across i’m less nice and talks stop. i’ve already been nice enough to waste my time to explain how i’m not being tricked, if a dude wants to continue down that road he’s doing it alone.

Dave
Dave
Reply to  Dave
5 years ago

@Dave:

Or would you offer Rosario and Happ for Albies and either J. Harrison or J. Gray or S. Gray? I could slide Bregman over to ss.

Pouss-Pousse
Pouss-Pousse
5 years ago

Reminds me of one of my favorite songs from the 90s:

“Are you Jon Gray?
Are you Robbie Ray?
Are you Sonny Gray?

Who wants Sano!
Who wants Sano!”

M
M
5 years ago

How could you omit Miguel “MVP” Andujar? Lol

M
M
Reply to  M
5 years ago

@M: never mind -noticed they are last year’s stats my bad!