“Now, taking the stage, at the Pitching Coach Pulitzers for 2025, we have Jeremy Hefner of the New York Metropolitans and ‘Whoever the pitching coach is for the Royals my Google stopped working in early February when they started rolling out their AI product.’ Let’s see who the winner is…Wow, it’s all of us for getting to witness decent pitching!” (Curses to the person who is like, “Yeah, sure, man, but Kris Bubic isn’t good anymore.” The Pedantic Police called, there’s a warrant out for your arrest.) So, yesterday David Peterson went 9 IP, 0 ER, 6 hits, zero walks, 6 Ks, ERA at 2.49, as he threw 22 1st pitch strikes vs. 31 batters faced, and had 25 called strikes, 13 swinging and needed only 106 pitches. Under the hood, he’s working with a 8 K/9, 2.8 BB/9, 3.36 xFIP, and for the people who are just showing up, I actually had a sleeper post for him two years ago! He was terrible that year, but battled injuries and whatnot. Stop trying to ruin the fun! Peterson is low-key one of those Seth Lugo-types that the Mets produce so well. Not flashy (though his slider and change are nasty), and not hard to acquire in a trade, but extremely valuable. A man D. Peterson can’t buy love but can buy excellence! (So sorry for the people who get this reference, my brain in polluted with pop culture. It’s a disease, really.) Anyway, here’s what else I saw yesterday in fantasy baseball:
Juan Soto – 2-for-4, 2 RBIs and his 13th homer. Now, around a .400 average, 5 HRs and 10 RBIs in the last 12 games. Sexy Dr. Pepper spreading the message of love and pop.
Brandon Nimmo – 2-for-3, 3 runs, and his 11th and 12th homer. Nimmo didn’t find one, homefish found two!
Spencer Schwellenbach – 9 IP, 2 ER, 5 hits, zero walks, 9 Ks, ERA at 3.11. Extreme Justin Timberlake voice, “He’s bringing Schwellenbach.”
Ronald Acuña Jr. – 3-for-5, 2 RBIs and his 6th homer. That’s in 18 games. You know, the ol’ 54-homer pace.
Michael Harris II – 1-for-4, 2 RBIs and his 5th homer. Prior to this homer, he was on Player Rater at 259 overall. I’d oof, but I don’t have enough guttural oofing to emphasis the oof properly.
Rhys Hoskins – 1-for-3 and his 10th homer, hitting .257. Rhys’s peaces out that ball!
Chad Patrick – 5 IP, 5 ER, ERA at 3.25, and Aaron Civale was moved to the bullpen. For those of you wondering when Logan Henderson might be recalled. It might be within the next day or so.
Carmen Mlodzinski – Recalled by the Pirates. That recalling went: Pirates’ GM Ben Cherington puts fingers to temples, tightens eyes, trying to think of a name that doesn’t rhyme with Hubba Mandler, thinks so hard he lightly sharts, finally blurts out, “Carmen Mlodsomethingski!”
Bailey Falter – 5 1/3 IP, 1 ER, 6 baserunners, 3 Ks, ERA at 3.36. Don’t do the math in your head that you would’ve been better with Bailey Falter than Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow or many non-Dodgers starters. It’ll make you cry. Streamonator for Falter? Sure, yeah, ignore that he’s been a 3.36 ERA pitcher and continue to stream.
Andrew McCutchen – 1-for-4, 3 RBIs and his 6th homer. He hit his 241st home run as a Pirate to pass Roberto Clemente. Becoming Pittsburgh royalty with that homer means he gets fries and coleslaw on any sandwich for the rest of his life, whether he wants it or not. Enjoy your BLTFCS, Cutch!
Heriberto Hernandez – 2-for-4 and his 1st major league homer. Great, super happy for Her-Her; I’ll make those my pronouns now, but I have one pregunta: Why was he hitting third? He has 25 MLB plate appearances and hit .220 in Triple-A with a 35 K% and he’s 25. Is 2025 Marlins’ Manager legit stupid? Put Her-Her in the lineup if you like, but hit him 9th, you embarrassment to brains!
Brendan Donovan – Underwent an MRI on his toe. So that must’ve been [muttering This Little Piggy to self]..this little piggy went to the hospital…Is that the third toe or fourth? Hmm, either way, he’s day-to-day for now.
Matthew Liberatore – 5 IP, 3 ER, 9 baserunners, 4 Ks, ERA at 3.93. Was going to say he’s stopped being useful, and, while that is likely true, Streamonator rightfully points out his next start is vs. the Shite Sox.
Ernie Clement – 3-for-4 and his 4th homer. He usually hits two homers in two games, then disappears, so you have a chance here for one more.
Jesus Luzardo – 6 IP, 1 ER, 5 hits, zero walks, 10 Ks, ERA at 4.23. My head is in my hands. I don’t know. Not sure how anyone could know. Sure, his peripherals look great, but guess when they also looked good? When he put up 20 ER in 5 2/3 IP. That’s not an exaggeration! That is literally what he did. Could he be fine? Sure. Could we also get to September and we look back and say, “If not for those two random starts, Luzardo would have a 2.10 ERA?” Yes, that’s possible too. I’m not rushing to pick him up where I dropped him. I’m on to the next headache.
Kyle Schwarber – 1-for-3, 2 runs and a slam (21) and legs (5), hitting .246. “Schwarbomb activate.” [eyes darken] Robot voice, “It. Is. June.”
Alec Bohm – 2-for-4, 4 RBIs and his 6th homer, hitting .283, as he hits third, with Bryce out. On our 30-day Player Rater, he’s around top 50.
Ben Brown – 5 2/3 IP, 6 ER, ERA at 5.71. Trying to cash in my “This pitcher should be better according to his peripherals” Get Out Of Bad Stats Card with my fantasy league commissioner to have them move me up in the standings and it’s not working.
Ben Casparius – 4 IP, 1 ER, ERA at 2.86. He’s the Dodgers’ 2nd best starter, which is hilariously sad. Roberts sounds like he’s finally figured that out, so Casparius moves from a deep league flyer to monocle in shallower leagues, and possibly picking him up, depending on how badly you need a starter. His numbers are quite good, and it’s just a matter of him being stretched out and commanding his pitches to continue to be worthwhile. I’m a fan.
Teoscar Hernandez – 1-for-5, 3 RBIs and his 11th homer. Basically doing what is expected of him, minus two weeks where he missed time. …the Teoscar for reliability goes to…Teoscar. Hmm, pretty predictable.
Michael Kopech – 1/3 IP, 0 ER, 3 BBs in the 7th inning, and maybe he’s not the closer. This is why you shouldn’t have dropped Tanner Scott (1 IP, 0 ER, ERA at 3.98), even though Alex Vesia (1 IP, 0 ER, ERA at 2.79) worked the 9th yesterday. Scott worked the heart of the order and Vesia faced Tyler Wade and company. This tells me there’s five guys who could get saves, and it’s likely Tanner Scott 70% of the time and the other guys 30% of the time, until that changes, which is possible too.
Jarren Duran – 1-for-4 and his 5th homer. Can you buy him? That would be something I’d try to do.
Marcelo Mayer – 2-for-4 and his 2nd and 3rd homer. And. Dot dot dot. We’re back in!
Walker Buehler – 7 IP, 3 ER, 7 baserunners, 7 Ks, ERA at 5.01. I dare you to pick up Buehler, Alcantara and Giolito. Actually, triple-dog dare.
Abraham Toro – 2-for-4 and his 5th homer, 2nd homer in four games, hitting around .380 in June. Is there a hotter schmotato? Not to answer but to just pick him up.
Shane McClanahan – Shut down and will visit a nerve specialist. Damn, starting to sound end-of-a-career-ish. Hopefully not. Rays really do serious damage to their pitchers. Send Cash to The Hague.
Zack Littell – 6 IP, 4 ER, 8 hits, zero walks, 6 Ks, ERA at 3.84. Considering he allowed four homers, this ended up much better than it had any right being. Call him Zack Littell Wonder and have his Small Wonder sister Doing the Robot in the corner. “Doing the Robot” like the dance, you perv.
Yandy Diaz – 2-for-4, 2 RBIs and his 10th homer, 2nd homer in four games. Weird year for Yandy, hitting for power and .256. Not normal for him. His agent must’ve been like, “Look at your home park, swing up, daddy.”
Ramon Urias – 2-for-4, 2 RBIs and a slam (3) and legs (1), hitting .278. If you made him a batty call, then you get one, “Bend over and kiss my Urias!” on your league chatboard.
Jordan Westburg – 2-for-4, 3 RBIs and his 6th homer, 2nd homer in two games, and two games since he’s returned from the IL. Jo-We, Jo-We, Jo-We, Jo-We! I’m beggin’ of you, please don’t take my man! He’s great, should be rostered in 100% of leagues.
Zach Eflin – 6 2/3 IP, 1 ER, 6 baserunners, 5 Ks, ERA at 4.08. He has a 6.1 K/9, 1.2 BB/9 and 4.05 xFIP. That’s “Solid for deep leagues, kinda whatever in shallower leagues, but if the O’s are winning, maybe it’s something.”
Jackson Jobe – Will undergo Tommy John surgery. See ya in 2027, the year of the Returning Tiger.
Marcus Semien – 1-for-4 and his 7th homer. Semien in the past 11 games: Near .500 average, 4 HRs and 10 RBIs, and moved up to cleanup. Two weeks ago, I told BDon I’d grab Semien if someone got sick of him. Remind me to rub that in his face this week.
Jack Leiter – 4 IP, 4 ER, ERA at 3.88. Between him and Jobe and Kumar and I’m trying to think of other rookie starters, well, it hasn’t been the greatest year for young starters.
Byron Buxton – 3-for-3, 3 RBIs and a slam (11) and legs (11). 11/11 on June 11th, make a wish. “Please let him stay healthy.” I just jinxed him, didn’t I?
David Festa – 6 IP, 2 ER, 5 baserunners, 4 Ks, ERA at 4.76. I want to Festa, karamu, forever, sing that song! Lionel aside, Festa’s thrown 22 2/3 IP, so can’t pull much from it, but he’s one of the few young starters who is getting Ks (9.9 K/9) and backing up the prospect pedigree. Still likely a cyclops with a monocle in 12-team and shallower mixed leagues.
Christian Walker – 3-for-4, 4 RBIs and his 9th homer. I was told he still plays baseball, and I did not believe the person. Silly me!
Bryan Woo – 6 IP, 5 ER, ERA at 3.39. Boo.
Eduardo Rodriguez – 6 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 7 baserunners, 5 Ks, ERA at 5.27. His peripherals are one of those that should have everyone buying, but with a big caveat: He hasn’t pitched anywhere near as well as he should be, so it could be iffy if not downright disastrous.
Pavin Smith – 1-for-3 and his 5th homer, hitting .277. The road less Pavin’d is rostering him in fantasy since that two-week stretch he was good in April. ‘Member the crap I got from people saying Pavin Smith was breaking out? It’s okay, I’ll remember for both of us.
Eugenio Suarez – 3-for-4, 4 RBIs and his 19th homer or his 39th homer since last All-Star Break. Pete Alonso has 32.
Brent Rooker – 4-for-5, 3 runs, 3 RBIs and his 14th and 15th homer. Occasionally, I’ll get a question about dropping Rooker, and it’s one of the more head scratchier ones. On pace for 35 homers and hitting .276. Not really sure what is expected of him. Come to your house and walk your dog? Take out trash? Have you asked?
JP Sears – 5 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 4 hits, zero walks, 9 Ks, ERA at 5.08. Actually, looked better than the line, but he always is a bit better on the road, like most A’s starters.
Jo Adell – 1-for-4, 2 RBIs and his 13th homer, and 2nd homer in three games, and has four homers since last Saturday. The people are screaming, “Mo’ Adell! Mo’ Adell! Mo’ Adell!” and someone overhearing them nods, saying, “I miss Modell’s too.”
Willy Adames – 3-for-4, 3 runs, 3 RBIs and his 7th homer. He’s a 40-homer guy if the Giants Kevin McCallister his ass in Colorado.
Patrick Bailey – Hit the IL with a neck strain. Giants are down a catcher and a third baseman. Should make stealing 3rd easier. I guess Knizner becomes their catcher. If it was Potato Knizner, I’d put mustard on him. Since it’s not, I won’t.
Nick Lodolo – 3 1/3 IP, 6 ER, ERA at 3.76. On Monday: [moving Luzardo to my bench, because I don’t trust him and starting Lodolo instead]. Today: [wanders into traffic wearing nothing but a burlap sack] For what it’s Wuertz, Lodolo seems fine to hold, if a bit yawnstipating.
Elly De La Cruz – 2-for-4 and his 13th homer. I’m so wildly pot committed to E! I’m scared to even say anything, but his Launch Angle’s meh and his ground balls are out of control.
TJ Friedl – 1-for-3 and his 7th homer, hitting .294, 2nd homer in three games, and third homer in a week. Friedl, Friedl, Friedl, you showed up to play!
Lane Thomas – 3-for-5, 2 runs, 3 RBIs and his 1st homer, hitting leadoff. Welcome to the 2025 season, Lane! He has been solid since returning from the IL, and is worth a looksie, if he was dropped in your league.
Carlos Santana – 1-for-4, 4 RBIs and his 8th homer. Oye como yay!
Logan Allen – 6 IP, 2 ER, 5 baserunners, 6 Ks, ERA at 4.28. Logan Allen isn’t just a name that sounds like a furniture store, he’s also a guy with some of the worst peripherals you’ve ever seen.
Aaron Judge – 1-for-4 and a slam (25) and legs (6). Oh, don’t start stealing bags too. You’re already too valuable. Please, I don’t have you in any leagues!
Ben Rice – 1-for-5, 1 RBI and his 3rd steal. Could start as catcher for some games when Giancarlo returns. Guess good for his eligibility, but not good at all for his playing time, so likely makes him unstartable when Giancarlo returns. Cheer up, his nephew can still call him Uncle Ben Rice.
Clarke Schmidt – 6 IP, 0 ER, 5 baserunners, 7 Ks, ERA at 3.60. Yankees actually have developed some decent pitching of late. Too bad they also trade it away as frequently.
Kris Bubic – 4 1/3 IP, 5 ER, ERA at 1.92. He’s not a 1.43 ERA pitcher. That shouldn’t be a huge shock to you. If you’re now looking at dropping a starter with a sub-2 ERA, you need to cool off. Go for a jog or something.
Cole Ragans – Hit the IL with a rotator cuff strain. Listen, I’m fine with pitchers being hurt. It sucks, I feel for them (and me), but can we just say, “(Pitcher’s name) hurt his arm,” and stop saying they strained their groin because it’s causing me to strain my groin by pulling my pud! [balloons fall from ceiling] Oh my! What’s going on? Oh, are these the balloons that signal I’ve used a phrase for the first time ever on Razzball after typing five million words? And that phrase is “pulling my pud?” So cool! What do I win? More balloons? Oh, okay.
What about The Jewels Fun for Friedl? It’s a thought
Christian Moore angels call up worth it?
Anyone watching J-Mis? How’s he looking? Pretty good, presumably!
Gah! Rolled his ankle and is leaving the game!
Did it stepping back onto the mound! Hopefully not as painful as it looked.
Will Warren a streamer or someone you looking to add either way he gets angels @home next week
Pick up Adames or Adell?!
Adell
would you drop Parker Meadows
for
Evan Carter or
Josh Smith
No
Why does Dean Kremer and he is not the only one – does not start the game and comes in 2nd inning instead – its weird to me Gray – what do you think
Some teams use openers
Priester vs stl
Horton vs pirates
Ortiz @seattle
Sugano vs angels
Pick 1
Horton
Is Andrew Abbott a top 20 pitcher for next year? Close? He’s been great. Thanks!
Nah, maybe close
12 team redraft. Offered Witt and Baz for my Cease and Aroldis. Sound like a good deal?
Witt side
So as I mentioned yesaterday, the ol’ rotation (H2H, OBP QS league) is in a bit of an untidy state:
Ragans – hurt
Eovaldi – hurt
Rodon – going nicely
Ranger – going nicely
Liberator – scuffling
McCullers – who knows
Roupp + Elder hopefully solid(ish)
J-Mis – who the hell knows
Ed-Cab – picked him up for a stream, who knows what I’ll do with him
All that said, would you have a crack at trading Rodon for Duran? Guy with Duran could use him and I could do with some speed.
The Analyser has it pretty much dead even…
Jhoan? I’d want Rodon
Sorry – Jarren, the outfielder.
Duran doesn’t seem close
You’d want more for Rodon? Suggestions for an OF to target?
I hope you’re wrong on Logan Henderson
I just cut him loose this morning
Which means I know you’re right, and of course he gets the call tomorrow.
Ha, maybe
Master Grey,
Bey-once would throw down if Jo-We looked at her man:). Thank you, I didn’t have anything in my mouth to spit all over the screen, that was extra funny. That line would put you in the top 10 of the best of 100 for this season…..
A) I usually get my answers from you replies but today is slipping away too fast. CES or Mayer or Holliday, Bench bat?
B) Anthony or Crews, who’s better when healthy?
C) There is no C
D) Deep 16 team league, any SP’s to buy low?
Thank you, you’re better than the other guy, sorry, I only read your finger typed stuff Monday through Friday. Oh, yeah, FRIDAY THE 13TH, put some scare into it:). Have a great evening.
CCC
Hahaha, A. CES B. Roman D. I said some buy low SPs in the comments below, do a find for Gilbert
gloat the senga injury tomorrow at your own peril, greg!
Oh you know it!
i’ll bring out the big guns
i mean i’ll go back to the jose bautista schmohawking before the 2011 season. i’ll cut my bangs!!
Damn, the big BIG guns
HAHAHA
i’ll cut my bangs is a very obscure dana carvey as marcia clark oj trial reference that still makes me laugh for some reason
Hahaha
H2H league. Ten hitting cats which tends to reward hits of any kind while reducing value a bit for SBs HRs.
Hitter WW and position eligibility: J McNeil (2B, CF), Burger (CI), CES (1B), LuGarJr (2B), Toro (CI), Soler (OF), India (all but C). Any swaps from this lineup
Vlad, Machado, Tork
Lindor, Winn, B Lowe
Tucker, Teo, Donovan, Ward, Cowser (must play a CF)
Util – Xavier
Thank you
Harper in IL slot so Tork in the lineup.
Nope
Max Muncy (Oakland) or Brendan Donovan?
Donovan
So I am finally biting the bullet and dropping Bubba Chandler
I am pretty sure all the names I am about to mention are streamers
but if you think 1 isn’t please let me know. Who would be your top 2 picks
Quinn Priester home vs STL
Cade Horton home vs Pitt
Ed Cabrera @ Wash
Zach Eflin @ TB
Mick Abel @ Miami
Sorry
1 more Idea
If I drop Chandler
would you also consider stashing
Chase Burns or
Logan Henderson
instead
I know 2 different questions
Henderson
Drop Bubba, Horton, Proiester
Hey Grey, I don’t want to put words in your mouth, but you seem to kinda like Muncy (ATH)?
I do
Was offered Bubic for B. Lowe. Should I take it?
Yes
Hey, Seag, I drank a fifth of vodka, you dare me to drive?
You know the song by Phil Collins, “In the Air of the Night”
About that guy who coulda saved that other guy from drownin’
But didn’t, then Phil saw it all, then at a show he found him?
That’s kinda how this is: you coulda rescued my team from drownin’
Now it’s too late, I’m on a thousand downers now—I’m drowsy
All I wanted was a lousy single or a run
I hope you know I ripped all of your pictures off the wall
I loved you, Seag, we coulda been together—think about it!
You ruined it now, I hope you can’t sleep and you dream about it
And when you dream I hope you can’t sleep and you scream about it
HAHAHA
Please rank Horton, Gavin Williams, and ECab.
Horton, EdCab
Where would you put Festa?
in the back of an ice cream parlor
Only have 1 add left either drop muncy (dodgers)
For adames, Josh smith rangers or hodl for a weekend add would just be be a bench bat
Why use your last add on this?
Back to the 2b well
Norby, Mauricio, muncy (Oakland)
Muncy
Hey Grey,
Who would you rather trade for in a 12T dynasty points league for ROS?
Matt Olson
Tyler Soderstrom
Thanks in advance!
Olson
Whelp. There goes Senga. I couldn’t trade him fast enough. Burnes went a last week. Weathers got plunked. Zebby went to the IL after the cursed mound in SacTown. Woodruff got put on 60day IL with no new date forthcoming. I was able to pick up Cease on the cheap…but now I don’t have anyone around him. I think it’s time for a nap.
I blame Cash.
It’s always because of Cash
Cash ruins everything around me
Apparently you forgot how magic works. A year ago, on this date, Grimace threw his pitch from the mound. The staff turned it around for the rest of the season. Today, that bill for the magic came due. Senga was the sacrifice.
RIP
(I didnt see but for those reading he hurt his leg trying to cover first I believe on a bad Alonso throw).
There must be balance.
Mets right-hander Kodai Senga has a strained hamstring and will go on the 15-day injured list. Manager Carlos Mendoza informed reporters.
Hahaha
Hey Grey, whats up with SON, the last few times I’ve looked it is only showing today’s matchups. Any idea?
Comment on SON and Rudy will see it and answer you, he handles tools
will do, thanks
No problem
So that’s why I have to deal with Rudy, I guess.
HAHA
I like that you write snippets about a lot players now, in the daily. Thank you. Bubic’s cube is cooked. Cheers!
Haha
Guy one pick in front of me in my draft inexplicably took Kyle Schwarber at pick 6 overall, graciously leaving me with Yordan Alvarez at pick 7… worst part is if the guy took Yordan like he was “supposed to” I would have likely picked Kyle Tucker : ((
Anyways, is Kyle Schwarber the most underrated player in baseball? Assuming he gets to 40 bombs this year he will have 170+ HRs in his last 4 seasons alone
Ha, yeah, might be, him and Rooker
Pick up Elder, drop Ober? Other waiver wire SPs are bad.
Sure
Elder over Ober? Roger
Drop Mauricio for Willy Adames (since he was dropped) or hold?
Adames
Hey Grey happy Misiorowski day!
Give Rooker, get Gallen? Or go for a better SP?
12 man 5×5 redraft. I am next to last place :( but on offense I lead in BA, second in R, 3rd in HR, second in RBI, LAST in SB
Pitching Last in ERA and WHIP, and next to last in K
C- Herera
1B- Alonso
2B- Garcia
SS- Turner
3B- Paredes
OF- Acuna Jr
OF- JROD
OF- Rooker
U- Bichette
U- Jacob Wilson
Bench- McClain, C Walker, Stott
SP- Hunter Brown, Webb, Luzardo, Taillon, Wacha, Misirowski
DL- Sasaki, Mike King
I’d want a better SP
Gotta a couple buy low that you like that could end on a high?
If you’re willing to trade away Rooker, get a great starter
buy real low, maybe Gilbert? Maybe Strider? Maybe Cease? not trading away Rooker for these guys, I’m saying trade a different bat for them
I knew Ober was due for one of these kind of games. He was outperforming his peripherals. It was only a matter of time. He has regressed this year even if his era got back in the 3’s. The K’s are gone, he’s been very inefficient with many short outings, his velocity is down, and he’s been a whip killer.
Brutal
Ober was lucky up to this point. His hr rate was way down despite not having anything supporting it. 4 hr’s today coupled with 6 walks and everything i mentioned abovd is going to lead to a day like this.
Now for some positive correction! (I kid)
It’s so depressing how you can claw your way back in ratios (it takes forever) and a few starts like this basically erases all of the good work almost immediately.
I know, it’s so frustrating…even if Luzardo is right, I had to drop him for my own sanity
Thank you Ober! I was starting to feel like my lead was a little too big this week.
HAHA
Meadows or Carter
Meadows
The site’s RSS feed still isn’t updating. Last story published was June 4th.
Ugh, okay, will talk to web person
Who to pickup for end of week:
Megill, Wacha, Edler, McCullers, or Keller?
H2H Points League
Just to help, Grey will probably ask for the matchups here for these
Megill
Excellent stuff Grey! And that makes at least 3 CGs this week with Abbot, Schwelly and now Peterson. There may be another one in there. That must be some kinda record?
So 2 questions for you. Is Stanton worth an add in a Yahoo 12 Team H2H with OPS and Holds? I can make room, but wanted to know what you thought.
And I am now kicking myself for dropping Westburg early on, as he is heating up as you mention. And I hate to read it when you say “Should be owned everywhere” – Ugh! Same 12 Team League, is it a fair trade to offer say Pages or Meadows for him or would I get laughed at?
Thanks much Grey.
And the Westburg drop followed a really assinine drop of Heliot from both my teams. Yup, I am really not that good at this stuff – HA!
Prolly gonna get laughed at now, but I guess you can try…Stanton is fine for power
Wouldn’t be the first time, but maybe for a trade offer – HA!
Thanks Grey.
No problem
You starting Lugo vs. the Yanks tonight?
Yes
I got offered an expiring Marcell Ozuna for my $1×2 Christopher Sanchez. Otteneu dynasty.
How worried are you about either one injured in 2025? Ozuna has a hip tear and Sanchez had forearm soreness which seems to have gone away (for now).
I need pitching over hitting, but I have Manaea and Meyer waiting in the wings. Love Ozuna’s power and he’s OF eligible in this league.
Thoughts??
Bat over arm, but sounds like ozuna banged up
With Gilbert coming back I lose either Roupp or Shane Smith, who gets the chop?
Smith
Yeah, I want some Durran action. Would you trade Riley Greene and Berrios for Durran? 10 team H2H
Sure
Hi Grey,
Your daily notes are a must read! I so enjoy your perspective.
I saw that you recommended to start Warren.
1. Would you start or sit Gavin Williams at Seattle?
2. Would you start or sit Horton vs Pittsburgh at home?
3. Between Warren, Williams and Horton are these all relative safe? Which ones worry you if there are any?
Thank you!!
1. Start 2. Start 3. none are safe
I always appreciate your help and honesty! Thank you!!
No problem
Morning & Happy National Child Labor Day
(Seems odd there’d be a holiday for child labor, but who knows, those Nike shoes ain’t gonna build themselves I suppose).
Anyway, got 2 quick ones for ya:
Thank you as always!
Haha…1. Droppable 2. Adames
Thank you kindly!
No problem
Tucker or Acuna ?
Tucker
One other random thought, the choice was either CES or adell. Guess who I picked up? So it’s me, the cooler.
CES
Cowser or Jesus Sanchez ?
Cowser
Hey grey. I’m sure you’re more connected than I. Does Kim have a clause in his contract that he’s not to play a full game and has to bat 9th? Good grief!
Haha, I know
Drop L Ortiz for Uncle David Festa?
Sure
Better buy low – Ragans or Gilbert? Or stay away?
Gilbert
Start Warren @ KC tonight?
Yes
Thanks JKM for asking my question!
Jobe looks forward to the family discount on his TJ surgery!
Haha
i feel your luzardo. that suarez start on tuesday left me a broken oak. i had him in basically every week and he was pretty awful, even in favorable match ups. finally pulled the plug on him. it really had the feel of the universe just effing with me.
Why do they do this to us?
Arenando or CES ROS
CES
I too sat luzardo to put in lodolo in NfBC keeper this week. ?. To make it worse, I traded Pfaadt and a pick to get lodolo…
Gotcha
Thank you for forgetting Robbie Ray!
Pretty meh start
Yah, was a heck of a run until yesterday. Casparius’s statcast page is gorgeous
Agreed
I will never draft geno saurez again. And this seems like his career year. He is the most frustrating player to own in weekly leagues. I have to choose between him and Holiday weekly and the team needs more speed and avg than power. Which has resulted in me seeing Geno go off every other week on my bench. Followed by me fomo-ingly insert him into my lineup the following week for him to go 1-20…
ok
Who’s the drop –
Wilyer Abreu, Doyle, Edman, Ragans, Snell
My need is SP.
Haven’t read anything about the severity of Ragans strain and how long he will be out.
You can’t wait to find out about Ragans? I guess him
Hey Grey,
A. How do you rank: Roman, Edman, Shaw, Garcia Jr., Ramos
B. Potential trade partner is interested in either my Woo or Schwelly. I’d be getting Oneil plus a pitcher, either M. Kelly or Boyd. If you think I should trade for Oneil, which pitcher would you send and which pitcher would you ask for? For context in 12-team pts league:
Offense: Agustin, Busch, Edman, JRam, EDLC, Wood, Ramos, Anthony, Shaw, Garcia Jr., B. Lowe (Yordan on IL)
Pitching: Skubal, Woo, Schwelly, Brown, Abbott, Bassitt, Megill, Ortiz; Duran, Adam, Randy Rod, Uribe
A. Ramos, Roman, Edman B. Woo
Thanks – so trade for Oneil, sending Woo?
If so, Who do you like more, M. Kelly or Boyd?
Yes…I prefer Boyd
Gotcha – actually, Gavin W. is also on the table. Do you like him more than Boyd?
No
Please rank these upcoming starts:
Hayden Birdsong @ Colorado
Cade Horton vs Pit
Noah Cameron vs Ath
Luis Ortiz @ Seattle
Horton, Ortiz, Birdsong
NL-only keeper, SV only, drop R Henriquez, R Walker or D Santana? None likely to make the keeper cut, though Ronny maaaybe could for a buck if he ends the year as the closer.
Ronny
The umps haven’t noticed, but E! has been hitting ground rule doubles all this time.
Ha
How do you think Misiorowski will do today? Would you start him?
I’m starting him, maybe 5 IP, 3 ER, 8 Ks
Chaz Jism hurt again, shocker. (sad face)
Will Yordan play again this year? (sad face)
Westburg’s back! (happy face)
Yeah, hopefully it’s another nothing injury
I don’t know on Yordan, I’m having my doubts tbh
i prefer jizz chasm as he seems to be a bit of a pussy. sorry for the vulgarity but i’m a bitter old man.
HAHA
I am with you.
The Top 25 on the RAZZBALL PLAYER RATER with their RCL ADP March17-26 (24 drafts):
1 Aaron Judge 3.5
2 Shohei Ohtani 1.5
3 Cal Raleigh 111
4 Pete Crow-Armstrong 122
5 Corbin Carroll 10
6 Elly De La Cruz 4
7 Max Fried 103
8 Pete Alonso 33.5
9 Jose Ramirez 25
10 Tarik Skubal 21
11 Kyle Tucker 8
12 Hunter Brown 109
13 Kyle Schwarber 43
14 Carlos Rodon 144
15 Rafael Devers 35.5
16 Francisco Lindor 11
17 Manny Machado 31
18 Paul Skenes 19
19 James Wood 39
20 Trea Turner 25
21 Zack Wheeler 28
22 Garrett Crochet 41
23 Seiya Suzuki 73
24 Jacob Wilson 272.5(4)
25 Jeremy Pena 187
The 4 newcomers (BOLD) pushed out:
26 Bobby Witt Jr. 2
27 Robbie Ray 157
32 Nathan Eovaldi 206(23)
45 Kris Bubic ND
Seiya returns after a week just outside the top 25, while Machado, Wilson, and Pena make their first appearance.
This is awesome, Vin! Thanks for doing this!
Birdsong at Col or Canning at home vs Tampa Bay.
And, Thank You
Canning
Addison Barger or Parker Meadows, 12-team keeper league
Meadows
Might need a 2B to replace Jazz (again). Please rank the top four from the following for a 5×5 league:
Thairo, Gelof, ColtKeith, Hye Seong Kim, Otto, McLain, IKF, Muncy (ATH), India, DJ, BrooksLee…
Muncy, Lopez, Kim, India
Schwar Be Back!
Yes!
David Peterson is all growns up. He used to be a pouter. One thing went wrong behind him and he’d get all mopey, and start walking people, eventually give up a big hit and was done. No walks last night was huge for him. Jeremy Hefner and his other pitching lab mates, have really turned his career around. 2017 first round pick, having watched just about his whole Mets career, it’s nice to see what he’s turning into. He was asked in the post game about his peripheral numbers not really being as good as the results. He gave a good answer. Analytics are important but they don’t measure a players competivenss. Peterson was at 97 pitches after 8. Mendoza told him he has to get it done quickly, and he did. for us old timers, I’m 54 watching the reaction to a CG is like 2 clicks below what a No hitter used to be. One quick one on injured pitchers. Why do they have to start with a lie? Micheal King slept funny. He must have been laughing hysterically all night because he hasn’t picked up a ball since. I would not be surprised if he’s shut down for the rest of the year from this funny sleep.
Haha, indeed!
Been a patient Bubba stasher, but I think his last two starts are probably enough for me to move on and free up that roster spot (in a redraft).
Last night only lasted 2/3 of an inning, walked 4 (13 of 31 pitches were strikes), gave up a hit and an ER before being pulled. Game before that, only 2IP – walked 1 but gave up 4 hits and 3ER before getting yanked.
If he were to get the call today, I’m not sure I’d feel safe starting him anymore. Agree it’s time to drop if even just for streaming options?
Yes, agree
Jeremy Pena is quietly having an epic breakout.
Indeed!
Trade for Cags or Kurtz
How much lower are those guys compared to bellinger and sody
Kurtz, quite bit lower
I would guess Luzardo was tipping his pitches….which is why I help him. Everything under the hood seems fine. Just me, though…I get the angst.
Yeah, could be
Oops A Painter(thinking of the Purdue bkb coach) or Chandler.
Chandler
B. Chandler or M Painter best NA stash in redraft?
Chandler
Watching David Festa and listening to the Twins management I think and agree, after twice through the order, he gets tattooed. Hence he can’t make it to the 5th inning.
I want to like him, but watching him at least this year, stay away.
Monocle but don’t add.
Yeah
O/U 10.5 steals for Acuna this season
That is like the elephant in the room no one is a talking about…he hasn’t even thought about attempting a SB.
yea.. but hitting .350 with a 50 HR pace ain’t too shabby.
Agreed
Sigh, under
Imagine getting benched for Giancarlo Stanton… Yankees fans will lose it I think.
Accept that Stanton mashes every post-season. So maybe they feel ok with him in the lineup if it all leads to that. Just a theory. I know some Yankees fans who can’t sand seeing him in the lineup, until Octobe comes and he undoes it
Stanton’s fine when healthy
I knew you wrote a Wenceel Perez buy column,but any belief in this statcast for his skill set?
Simply hot and nothing else?
Hot for now
Not a fantasy question, just some observations for real baseball: As a Reds fan and an Elly fantasy owner, I watch a lot of his at bats and the thing I am noticing is his overall approach has improved pretty significantly this year leading to an improved K% and BB rate. His Hard Hit and Barrels are as good if not better than the previous two years. The biggest frustration I think is being fueled by his patience at the plate because he is getting less fastballs than ever and is not swinging at the balls he gets that he needs to swing at the most. His swinging percentage on balls in the zone and on meatballs is 6% lower than league average. He is making better contact than last year on pitches that he chases, but that is likely leading to more ground balls and dragging his LA down. I’m going to share his Hitting Run Value chart from statcast. A player like him should NEVER have a negative run value on pitches in the heart of the plate, but it shows he is taking these pitches way more than the average MLB player.
I think if someone in the Reds organization (I don’t believe they have anyone capable of doing this because they suck as an organization at getting the most out of their players) can tweak his approach enough to just get him swinging at those fastballs in the heart of the plate, his quality of contact will rise quickly. If you filter his pitch tracking to when he is behind in the count, his LA on breaking and off-speed stuff is -14 degrees and he is getting those types of pitches over 56% of the time.
You have an aggressive, free-swinging, young player who struggles when he is behind in the count but has immense power and speed to put pressure on the defense with any ball put in play, so let’s start jumping at some early fastballs and profit. When pitchers start adjusting, then they can adjust back to being more patient.
All that being said, we need to do another deep dive into where the SBs and triples went… he is yet to hit a triple this season and had 6 before the ASB last year.
Excellent post! the LA is concerning, hopefully he continues to learn and grow on those pitches, and becomes more aggressive
Drop one SV+HLD?
Finnegan, Yates, Erceg, Shelby Miller, Robert Garcia, Ronny Henriquez
Ronny
So you’re saying, 70% of the time Tanner Scott works every time.
HA, yup!
It’s been a tough hop for me with SP injuries and guys not doing as projected.
Are any of Festa, McCullers, Corbin, Sorok, DMartin, Houser better than any I am currently rostering?
Cease
(Imanaga)
Horton
Paddock
Abel
Elder
BBrown
(LHenderson)
Walter (using in one RP spot to boost Ks)
Priester
(Face planting into phone in embarrassment)
Much appreciated
McCullers over B. Brown
Grey- If you had to pick one that you were more confident in ROS, would you choose Evan Carter or Jo Adell? Are you confident in either being real?
Adell…no
11 team 5×5. Era and whip are horrible. Just cannot get pitching right this year.
Start?
Birdsong @Col. very negative on SON but COL very bad.
Lugo vs NYY 5.5
Misiorowski vs STL not on SON
I’d start all 3
Ive noticed that weird perception of Rooker like last year didnt happen.
Had no one in my league interested in him and traded Ozuna easily over him in my dynasty (both DH only…still …..but fingers crossed Rooker gets elig).
Had someone arguing here how Kurtz was better than him while still in minors…which if 2024 never happened I could understand that argument.
I get the bad team, not much press, west coast but a bit of a headscratcher this far in that people seem surprised he is good? Goodish?
This is an absolutely insane side by side, as a Rooker owner, I have loved having him. I knew the dude rakes, he does have some tough cold streaks, but this is some serious company to be toe to toe with. Good find!
I know, one of the most underrated players
Good Morning
In our 15 team league with OBP rather than BA we picked up Kirk last week to replace Chandelier whose lights went out. We now have a Utl spot with limited choices
Toro
Burleson
T Fitzgerald
Wenceel Perez
I listed them in my bid order. Are you good with this?
Thanks as usual
Is this weekly? BUrleson is tough in weekly is all…I’d likely go Toro, Tyler, Alec, Perez
yep..weekly
We pick up on Thursdays. Your Wednesday buy/sell email is made for this league.
Ah, nice
Report on MLB Tonight was that Luzardo was tipping pitches in his 2 blowup starts
If true, that’s an epic failure on the part of the Phils coaching staff. If two teams could see it, then they should have as well. Asleep at the wheel…
I didn’t see the report, but assumed as much.
Man, those starts sucked to have
Good morning Grey!
Still desperate for some outfield help.
I am asking your opinion on offering this trade.
My opponent is weak at third base: I offer Vlad Guerrero for Heliot Ramos.
I still have Matt Olson at First and Eugenio Suarez to cover third.
Opponent is Deep at OF: Yelich, Trout, Soderstrom, Duran, Mookie, and Ramos
My OF is shit
Kwan
Bryan Reynolds
Andy Pages
Gavin Sheets
Ryan O’Hearn
None of them consistently produce much.
Thoughts?
Thank you
I’d take Vlad
thank you
No problem
Amanda, well played sir.
Haha
Buehler, Giolito, and Luzardo is the trifecta of barf emojis. Tri-funk-ta? Gross.
I hate them all
Ha Ha
Hi Grey ,
In a 12 team league what two are you keeping ROS
Brendan Donovan, Sal Frelick, Matt Shaw or Parker Meadows
Meadows, Donovan
Hey Grey,
are we back in on Kirk? I’ve been starting Agustin but he’s been ice cold. The occasional homer is nice but the counting stats on the Marlins leave something to be desired. Kirks stat cast page looks prettttttty prettttttttttty good as well
Yes, Kirk looks good
I’m stoned yes, but did you just have the longest player report ever? Not complaining,
I might’ve
The two complete game shutouts yesterday end up right next to each other on the 100 Best Fantasy Starts list. Schwellenbach now has 3 entries:
2 Spencer Schwellenbach Apr 4 vs MIA
55 David Peterson Jun 11 vs WSH
56 Spencer Schwellenbach Jun 11 @MIL
58 Spencer Schwellenbach May 31 vs BOS
Personally, I had Peterson’s start a bit further ahead because of the 2 ER for Schwellenbach, but I guess the 3 extra strikeouts and 5 hits vs 6 make up the difference.
Nice!
Clement vs LHP: 68 PA/.400/4 HR.
Ah, there it is
Grey!!!
Awesome!
Rodney Dangerfield quote of the day for June 12, 2025
My wife, no respect! She can’t cook. The other day she made alphabet soup, our oldest spelled out H-E-L-P, the youngest S-O-S.
Cheers,
Ante
How many quotes does this guy have wow
Haha
Way too many, obviously.
Ha Ha
Thanks!
Pick 2
Jesus, Mayer, Adames, Doyle, Gorman, lane Thomas, muncy (dodgers), Ty France, schanuel
Man there’s been a lot of good ‘below average’ hitters over the last month
Jesus, Adames
David Peterson’s numbers going back to last year…
34 games started, 200.2 IP
15-5, 2.74 era, 1.25 whip, 172 k, 7.7 k/9 with 20 qs
Healthy, confident, great clubhouse, terrific coaches and staff.
Very nice!
May be time to get back in on Manaea