Lance McCullers Jr. (7 IP, 1 ER, 5 baserunners, 9 Ks) was once in a rotation with Scott Kazmir. Actually, that Astros team with Kazmir had Altuve and Correa too. Don’t forget Marisnick. He was there too. How could you forget *nick? Now, in 2026, leading the AL Cy Young conversation is Lance McCullers. Sure, no one has pitched more than six innings, but I don’t come to your parade venue and rain. McCullers didn’t pitch in 2023 or 2024 (though neither did Kazmir). Returned to fantastically awful results last year. Couldn’t find the plate (6.3 BB/9), and, after all the abuse his arm had, if he called it quits last year, no one would stand outside his bedroom window screaming, “Quitter!” Cheater? Maybe. But not quitter. Actually, I don’t even know where he lives. Yesterday, looked different until the 7th. Everything was working for the first time I had seen it work in five years for him. You never know when comeback stories start, and yesterday might’ve started McCullers’. That’s all of them. Ya know, McCullers Cullers Cullers Cullers Cullers. [after a long nap] Cullers. Anyway, here’s what else I saw yesterday in fantasy baseball:
Bryan Abreu – Astros said he’s sucking because of a mechanical issue, and he should be fine going forward. Color me convinced when he gets a clean save and not Bryan King.
Yordan Alvarez – 2-for-5, 2 RBIs and his 2nd homer (and should have three, but who’s counting besides me). Captain Woo Cubano looks so locked in early I’m thinking I’m going to regret not having him in any leagues.
Brice Matthews – 1-for-4 and his 1st homer. He’s one of them llamas.
Jose Altuve – 4-for-4, 4 runs, 2 RBIs and his 1st and 2nd homer. Not sure if you heard, but with the ABS, MLB had to accurately measure players’ height so they could have a strike zone for each player. Turns out Altuve’s real height? 6′ 4″. Or maybe that was 64 inches.
Ranger Suarez – 4 1/3 IP, 4 ER. Ya know how praisey I was for McCullers? Welp, Suarez didn’t look good. Too highly ranked to abandon in one start, but I’m concerned, so you don’t have to be. Actually, you can be concerned too, me no care-o.
Cody Ponce – Was carted off the field after taking a fall trying to field a grounder. A few pitches before that, he tumbled on the mound. Hopefully, he’s not badly hurt, wasn’t drunk and can correct his equilibrium, because he looked excellent prior.
George Springer – 1-for-5 and his 2nd homer, and 2nd in as many games. Springer, Bringer of Bang. That’s bang, not bam, Emeril’s attorneys.
Andres Gimenez – 1-for-3 and his 1st homer. And-Gim ain’t just The Office party plus one.
Kazuma Okamoto – 1-for-3 and his 2nd homer. People were worried Okamoto wouldn’t have power for the States. I wish people thought that about a few of my 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round picks to reverse jinx them.
Troy Johnston – 2-for-5, 2 RBIs and his 1st homer. MLB tweeted something like the Rockies were pouring it on, and I chuckled, then thought about how nice it would be if Edouard Julien (0-for-2) did something. [pokes him with a stick] Ticker tease!
Didier Fuentes – Sent down to stretch him out. Only a few hundred years ago, they would’ve just put him on a rack.
Bryce Elder – 6 IP, 0 ER, 6 baserunners, 5 Ks. So, yes, stream everyone against the road K’s, until further notice.
Mauricio Dubon – 3-for-4, 3 RBIs. Razzbot recommendation paying immediate dividends. Thank you, machine learning.
Pavin Smith – Hit the IL with elbow inflammation. Much like Fleetwood Mac first did Black Magic Woman, Pavin the way for Carlos Santana.
Corbin Carroll – 2-for-4, 2 runs, 4 RBIs and his 1st homer. Hey, real question, what happened to Jackson Holliday? All the other hamate injuries returned, but Holliday’s on, well, ya know.
Michael Soroka – 5 IP, 0 ER, 4 hits, 1 walk, 10 Ks, and an immaculate inning, if your league counts that, you win your league. Drafted Soroka in a couple late leagues because he gained a mile on his fastball in spring training, and looks like he maintained it, though the slurve seems to be his get-out pitch (45% Whiff). Again, as I said with Hancock yesterday, you have to be fast just in case the early results stick, and I would try Soroka to see if he can regain that magic of 2019 (2.68 ERA in 174 2/3 IP) with additional Ks, and minus the Shroud. Some people seemed to push back on picking up Hancock yesterday (even though he was the top FAAB guy in all my leagues on Sunday), and all I’ll say is if it’s not real, you can drop these guys after a bad start. Just because you pick them up it doesn’t mean you need to hold forever.
Justin Verlander – 3 2/3 IP, 5 ER. Can you imagine putting yourself through this indignity rather than just retiring and staying home with Kate Upton?
Ryan Weathers – 4 1/3 IP, 1 ER, 6 baserunners, 7 Ks. Hit 98 a few times, and the stuff that has some people crazy looked good. He still needs to find that elusive “just pitch to contact a few times a game so you can make it to the 6th,” but the stuff plays.
Luis Castillo – 6 IP, 0 ER, 4 baserunners, 7 Ks. Still worried about his Spring Training? No? Okay.
Roki Sasaki – 4 IP, 1 ER, 6 baserunners, 4 Ks. Good news is he wasn’t awful. Bad news is he was pretty easily out-pitched by Parker Messick.
Parker Messick – 6 IP, 0 ER, 5 hits, zero walks, 5 Ks. Sonavabench! Of course, I wasn’t starting him in UniqLove Stadium or whatever it’s called now in LA. MooMooLemon? I think it’s stretch pants. Is it StretchPants Stadium? This was an encouraging start, and now I’m ready to start him next time out and get killed. No, he’ll be fine, I say trying to convince myself.
Deyvison De Los Santos – Sent back to the minors. Every team that has had DDLS hates him. Maybe because his initials sound like a dentist.
Chris Paddack – 4 IP, 8 ER. Midseason form!
Liam Hicks – 2-for-4, 3 RBIs and his 2nd homer. [gritting teeth, seeing Agustin Ramirez do nothing]
Austin Hays – 1-for-5, 3 RBIs and his 1st homer. Guarantee he has more fantasy value this year than you expect. Okay, yes, technically it’s because you expect none.
Miguel Vargas – 2-for-4, 2 runs, 6 RBIs and his 1st homer. Miguel Vargrandslamagas!
Luisangel Acuña – 0-for-2, 2 runs and 2 steals (1, 2). You steal two bags while getting no hits and you’re perking the ol’ ears.
Gunnar Henderson – 2-for-4, 2 RBIs and his 1st homer. This is a new year. He’s a home run hitter now. Stop playing your Tom Jones. This is not unusual.
Tyler Alexander – 1 IP, 0 ER, and his 2nd save. Would you believe Robert Garcia has been used a decent amount, not used as a closer and I still think he’s the closer?
Jack Leiter – 6 IP, 2 ER, 6 baserunners, 8 Ks. He was a preseason sleeper. I am not surprised by this.
Chase Burns – 5 IP, 0 ER, 1 hit, 3 walks, 7 Ks, 78 pitches. He was a preseason sleeper. I am not surprised by this.
Noelvi Marte – Sitting vs. righties. He was a preseason sleeper. I am surprised by this. I don’t know why he’s sitting so much. He played for them last year. They know who he is. He’s their freakin’ future! So frustrating. No notes. Only sighs. I’ve officially benched Marte in weekly leagues, and next step is making hard drop decisions.
Braxton Ashcraft – 6 IP, 2 ER, 8 baserunners (4 BBs), 3 Ks. There’s officially too many Ashcrafts in MLB. One’s fine, two’s a chore. There was two Ashcrafts in this Pirates/Reds game alone. One too many. Figure it out between you two. So. Dot dot dot. This Ashcraft throws 97 and was terrific in the spring, after being filthy in the majors last year, after being filthier in the minors in 2024. We’re waiting for him to be filthiest, but he could get there. Yesterday, he had zero command, but still overpowered guys, and usually he does have command. It’s not the days of Ray Searage, but it’s also not the days of pitching to contact in Pittsburgh. Ashcraft looks like a legit arm, don’t mind him in any league as a flyer, at worst.
Ian Happ – 1-for-4, 2 runs and his 3rd homer. Remember, he should have four homers. DeLauter Happ Enns, Dietrich!
Edward Cabrera – 6 IP, 0 ER, 1 hit, 1 walk, 5 Ks. He was also a preseason sleeper. This is the fantasy baseball equivalent of dogs marking their territory. I’m sorry, I’m not saying I’m peeing on everyone. I am not Moises Alou.
Yoan Moncada – 1-for-3, 2 RBIs and his 1st homer. Was just thinking today while on podcast with BDon about how 75% of the Angels’ roster could be playing in the KBO. They had some guy pitch, Ryan Johnson (3 1/3 IP, 6 ER). Cool, the Star Wars guy.
Jorge Polanco – 2-for-5. Playing through an Achilles issue. Vientos could be a future ill add. Epic.
Nolan Gorman – 1-for-4 and his 2nd homer, and 2nd homer in two games. Since he homered on Sunday, I moved him into my lineup on Monday at the last minute. [turns to mirror] Show them how it’s done!
Kyle Leahy – 5 IP, 4 ER, 10 baserunners, 1 K. I was watching McCullers, White Sox/Marlins, EdCab and Reds. I was not watching Leahy, but the line tells me [holds nose] stinky.
Clay Holmes – 5 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 7 baserunners, 5 Ks. If only someone told you to draft him as a safe number five. Wait a second! I did!
Kris Bubic – 6 IP, 1 ER, 5 baserunners, 4 Ks. It’s pronounced Boob-Itch. Don’t get it twisted. It being your bra strap.
Kyle Isbel – 2-for-3, 2 RBIs and a slam (1) and legs (2). Sonavabench! Don’t even ask.
Isaac Collins – 1-for-3 and his 1st homer. Hey, that’s my Jackson Chourio replacement because I’m playing fantasy baseball and 3D chess!
Simeon Woods Richardson – 5 IP, 2 ER, 6 baserunners, 2 Ks. This guy’s name is too long. Shizz is exhausting. Why would anyone do that? He writes that out all the time? I’m annoyed. Any hoo! Streamonator doesn’t like his next one, but likes it better than yesterday’s, for what it’s Wuertz.
Matt Wallner – 1-for-4 and his 1st homer. From the window to the Wallner…
Luis Matos – Giants traded him to the Brewers. He’s about to become an ace.
Kyle Harrison – 5 IP, 1 ER, 5 baserunners, 8 Ks. After giving up a leadoff bomb, he settled down nicely and I wonder why Sproat couldn’t do that. Yes, this is about me! The comments are about you!
William Contreras – 2-for-4, 2 RBIs and his 1st homer. Said it kinda yesterday, but it’s still gnawing the craw so: It’s goofy the Brewers brought up their top catching prospect to sit on the bench.
Yandy Diaz – 2-for-4 and his 1st homer. He really muscled that one out. Emoji that coyly winks.
Jonny DeLuca – 1-for-3, 2 runs and his 1st homer. Between Mc’s and De’s of this early season, I’m waiting to hear MLB has a sponsorship deal with Mickey D’s.
Kevin Kelly – 1/3 IP, and his 1st save for the Rays. You know Kevin Kelly. Yeah, Kevin Kelly! Griffin Jax worked the 7th, Cleavinger the 8th, Ian Seymour opened the 9th and Kevin Kelly got the save. You know, as everyone figured.
Landen Roupp – 6 IP, 0 ER, 4 baserunners, 7 Ks. Likely more of a monocle, but it was odd to me how little people cared about him in the preseason (myself included) when Roupp has a 3.73 career ERA in 157 IP. I mean, it’s not nothing, and, even in deep leagues, no one cared (still me).
Willy Adames – 1-for-4 as he hit leadoff. Ha, okay, Tonnato Vitello. Worst news for the guy who you were hoping to get 90 RBIs from is the Giants won, so Tonnato prolly thinks Adames hitting leadoff makes sense.
Walker Buehler – 4 IP, 3 ER. Walker Buehler, still broken.
Jackson Merrill – 1-for-4, 2 RBIs and his 1st homer, a blast off Ryan Walker, who nearly blew the save. Recap! Jackson jacks off Walker but avoids the blow–Actually, forget the recap.
Taijuan Walker – 4 2/3 IP, 6 ER. More like the Nats tied-one-on Walker! Nailed it! No? Okay.
Foster Griffin – 5 IP, 2 ER, 5 hits, zero walks, 5 Ks. First time he’s pitched in a MLB game since 2022. He was giant beer can in Australia for the last few years. He didn’t look as good as the line, and Streamonator hates his next start (rightfully).
Joey Wiemer – 2-for-4, 2 runs, as he hit 9th. Before making an out, he started the season 10-for-10, tying Carlos Delgado (2002) for the all-time record to start a season. Joey Wiemer is the best player in baseball. I did not see that coming, but there’s nothing that could ever stop the Wiemer Republic.
Gimenez or Stott?? Such a tough one
You know the answer, the guy that plays every day
I’m dropping Ponce. Should I pick up Soroka or Kyle Harrison.
Breaking: Josh Naylor still hitless.
So that’s… fun?
Is there gofundme to get him some steroids? I’ll gladly chip in.
OUR LONG NATIONAL NIGHTMARE IS FINALLY OVER! Hallelujah!!
Welp.
I’d like to believe I reverse jinxed him.
Captain Woo-Hoo! Cubano!
Woo-Hoo!
Woo-hoo!
Noelvi has walked TWICE. He’s back, baby!
We’re back baby!
1B dilemma…Harper or Olson? Ten hitting cats so number of hits is a key vs just power.
Olson
What’s good, Grey? Drafted Mick Abel, but there’s Emerson Hancock, Mike Soroka and Reynaldo Lopez sitting out there in my 12-teamer. Would you drop for any? And if so, how would you rank them? Hi to Ted!
There’s Randy Vazquez as well:)
Poop! Ted says hi! Lopez
Thank you. So Hancock or Soroka are not better than Mick Abel?
Painter or Leiter(Tex)?
Leiter
Any concerns with rolling with mcclanahan at mil today? So far my i sat messsick yesterday and the rest 4 out of my other 5 guys didn’t do so well. 12 team roto. Thanks
Nope
Drop Woods Richardson for which (or hold)?:
Imai, Soroka, McCullers, S Smith or Lugo
Thanks!
Imai
Hey Grey, Painter or Soroka in a Yahoo 10 Team H2H Points League.
I added Soroka yesterday, but Painter is uh, well, Painting tonight.
Maybe add both and drop Ranger? Too early, right.
Thanks as always Grey.
Painter…hold ranger
Just an FYI. Garcia was brought into close the game on Saturday with a 3-0 lead. He got the first 2 then bloop single followed by a walk and they lifted him for Martin. If the bloop is a popout he has a save.
That would be nice
G,
I assume ACL-sprained-Ponce is a drop for any of the early standout pitchers (thinking Roupp since Soroka got yoinked already)? Unfortunately my IL is full with Yesavage, J. Jones, Steele, and Pepiot.
Thanks!
-IANASM
Yup
Redraft, 12 Team, standard 5×5 Roto.
Please rank top 2 SPs: Hancock, Roupp, Soroka, McCullers, Soriano, Messick.
Thanks.
Messick, Soroka
These managers are driving me so crazy with their lineups lately that a little thing like Cash dropping his infatuation with O-fer Mullins and letting my man Junior Caminero bat third makes me inordinately happy.
I hear ya
ReyLo at Arizona or
Wacha home vs Brewers?
Wacha
My teams every opening day: 2-3-4 hitters up & down my lineup.
My teams every game 5-6 of the season: 5-6-7-bench.
You can set your watch by it.
Haha, yup
I need to pick up a bat. Is ranger Suarez droppable in a 12 team H2H dynasty league? Other options to drop are Andrew painter, Noah Cameron or Taj Bradley.
If not ranger than who? Please and thank you sor
Bradley
Grey
11 team roto
would you drop either Josh Smith ( I like is versatility) or
Sal Frelick
for Jordan Walker (Could this be his break out or fakeout)
Smith
ok thanks
sorry for the double message
No problem
Who’s someone I should take a shot on for upside in a keeper? W+QS
Grant Holmes, Christian Javier, Ober, Dustin May, Lauer, McGreevy, Matz, Littell, Mlodzinski, Bryce Elder, Roupp, Woods-Richardson, Taijuan Walker, Quinn Matthews
Mlod
Grey
11 team roto
Would you drop
Josh Smith ( I like his multiple positions)
or Sal Frelick
for Jordan Walker (Is this his breakout year)
Smith
In a 12 team k’s k/9 League how would you rank between soroka, r lopez, roupp, Manaea
Lopez, Soroka
Hey Grey,
Please rank – N Marte, Y Diaz, J Walker
Thanks!
Yandy, Walker
Add Gorman over Noelvi? 10-team but I drafted weakly at 3B with Noelvi, Keith, Lawlar
Sure
Rank’em ROS value ina 12-teamer…Mayo, J.McCarthy, D. Hamilton.
McCarthy
Brett Baty,Jordan Walker or Marr Wallner over Durbin for a breakout?
Brett Baty or Luis Garcia for 2B?
Thanks!
Walker…Garcia
hi Grey. are you starting bello at houston tonight ?
would you drop friedl for any of rumfield,o’hearn, house, sactown max ?
i know friedl has more sb projection but cant steal first base…lol thanks for all your help
Nope…I’d hold Friedl
Hey Grey, who’s more of a priority add Messick or Early?
And keep Nimmo over Marsee?
Early…yes
Hey Grey!
10 Team / H2H / Saves league
TOP 3 please:
Ryan Walker
Robert Garcia
Lucas Erceg
Paul Sewald
Clayton Beeter
Cole Sands
Thanks!
RICE
Walker, Sewald, Beeter
Hey Grey,
Already concerned about N. Marte as my 3B…would you drop him for any of the following (or hold for now): Vargas, House, Donovan, Lawlar, Lewis, Moncada, Paredes, Baty, Keith, Mayer, Durbin, Barger?
Thanks!
Barger
Oops, I guess I shouldn’t have launched Barger – HA!
12 team points league
1) Hold/drop bench bats C Smith and/or Bauers for Cassie, Walker, N Marte, Raley, Weimer
2) Hold/drop Mayo for C Young, Gorman. Castro, Rumfield
Thanks!
1. Hold 2. I’d go for Rockies at home
N. Marte is in the starting lineup today! Let’s go. Slam & legs incoming!
Haha
Would you trade away Harper and Eovaldi for Vlad?
Yes
Is Giolito worth holding on to in a deep 20 team league with 30 man rosters? Would likely drop for a middle reliever or bench bat.
Nope
@Grey: 12 team weekly roto. drop cantillo for any of soroka, lowder, roupp or warren?
thanks!
Soroka
Hi there,
Do you think Emerson signs that contract is playing in Seattle by the weekend?
Peace
By May
Afternoon Grey
E Hancock or R Loper QS W/QS league
Thanks!!
ReyLo
hi there- Is it crazy to drop Ceddanne for Cole Young?
tx
A little
B little
Fantasy bad guy
12 team h/h points redraft
Gore or R Nelson or T Rogers
Not sure where i have heard this before, but “there is so much pitching”! At the back end of my rotation/bench, I’m currently rostering Abbott, Senga, Nelson, McClanahan, Leiter and Early
Available arms include: Reynaldo Lopez, McCullers, Kyle Harrison, Soroka, Roupp
You adding any of these available arms? If yes, who you dropping?
Thanks
Meh, not yet
Thanks for the confirmation, going to pay attention to Senga and McClanahan tonight, if they look off (velocity down, control issues, lots of hard contact etc), I may make a move at that time.
Who would be your top two of the available arms I listed above?
Lopez, Soroka
Thanks
No problem
12 team h/h points redraft
You’re the GM of this team
What are you looking to do here to improve team
C…A Ramirez
1b..Harper
2b..Allies
3B.. Okamoto
SS.. Neto
Of..Acuña
Of..Tucker
Of..Greene
DH…Y Alvarez
EX… McGonigle
SPers
Start 5 per week
Sanchez
Ragans
G Williams
Sandy Alcantara
Bradish
Lodolo
E Cabrera
Baz
Early
RP
Start 1 per week
Helsley
C Smith
Trading Ragans and Harper for a better 1B, so I guess Vlad or Kurtz
Don’t like Ragans ?
So a Harper/Ragans for Vald ?
Yes
I have Judge, MHII, Robert Jr, T Ward, Froelick, O.Cruz, and Caglianone at OF
Can start 3 and a UTIL.
Should I drop Cag to add McCullers or stash Bieber? Hold and wait for him to show a pulse?
No
Thanks!
No problem
Hello Grey! Well, it didn’t take long for my team to round to it’s usual form. Ranger Suarez sucking against a guy I honestly thought had died (McCullers), but there ya go.
And my H2H Team with Witt, Acuna, and Tatis is still yet to hit a HR. Ok, they are not the biggest HR Hitters, but still. Pathetic! Is it bad if Busch is my best player? HA!
And of course I have N. Marte. Why not.
So in that same Yahoo 12 Team H2H League with OPS, are we adding N. Gorman over Stott? I have the latter, and I know it’s early, but his playing time is really tough.
Thanks much Grey.
HAHA
Gorman over Stott for power, and only power
Thanks Grey. I will hold on Stott, but I don’t think I can show the same restraint when it comes to Marte.
Sayonara Noelvi!
I hear ya
Hi, Grey.
In general, everything counts, Jorge Soler or Heliot Ramos?
My instinct says Ramos, but Soler hitting 4th after Neto, Trout and Schanuel feels too good to pass up. What do you think?
Appreciate all you do!
Ramos
Double Sonavabench! Early on Sunday and Messick last night.
I know, brutal, same
Luis Matos, an ace RF
Yup
Lance M at ATH or Soroka vs ATL or Vasquez at Bos and then at COL
1.Would you pick up any of these?
2.Who could be the surprise fantasy hit?
3Just pass
Thanks!!!
Soroka
12team, H2H, keeper.
1-Do you think Hunter Barco has S/Hold value this year…what about next year?
2-Drop Barco and Shane Smith for Soroka and McCullers? Thanks
1. sure 2. Barco, Soroka
Grey, would you drop Shane Smith for Reynaldo Lopez?
Sure
Hey Grey, I think my team lacks power, so thinking through some low risk trade ideas. There is a guy who may be ok with taking Roki Sasaki in exchange for Jac Cags, but we would need to do a SS swap. It would look something like:
Sasaki
Brooks Lee (2B/3B/SS)
for
Cags
Volpe
I already have two starting SS in Lindor and Swanson, so Brooks Lee is really only on my team because he can backup at three IF positions. But I also have Colt Keith (2B/3B) who can backup at two of them while I wait for Volpe to get healthy.
No brainer? Seems like it.
Works for me
Would be a fine time for the Roupp Dog guy to enter the chat again…
Roupp dog!
Marte killing me at CI.
Brady House, Meidroth and Marcelo Mayer FA’s, do I dare drop Marte?
Could use or drop Durbin but he is sucking as well…….
Meh, I guess you can try House
Morning Grey! Very shallow 10 team roto mixed league, short bench, but I have a spot for a spec add. Can you rank these guys for me, looking for balance of stability and upside with a lean toward the upside bc the league is so shallow. Rey Lo, Soroka, Roki, Didier Fuentes
Lopez, Soroka, Didier
Not saying Marte doesn’t deserve all the heat he’s been given because he has looked lost- and didn’t have a very good spring even. But Francona benching him against righties doesn’t make a ton of sense since Marte had an 821 OPS against them last year vs a 562 OPS against lefties. Using modern analytical tools it seems he should be playing vs righties but Francona is old school so is making decisions with his eyes.
I know, I know
Also, so Francona mentioned Marte is still relatively inexperienced in the OF implying he’ll won’t play regularly, which is of course sitting on the bench is the way for a guy to get better(sarcasm)
Pain
Yo Grey! Happy Rockies home opening day! Are dropping Boyd or Baz for Leiter or Soroka in a 5×5 mixer?
Rockies aren’t home
Nope
Canada is everyone’s “home away from home!”
Are you inviting me over?
hahaha. No, I crossed you off the list because of your love for the ABS system. “We want to get a few more calls right, not all of them.” It is better than nothing though. I did love CB Bucknor having 6 calls overturned. And Sal Perez challenging 3 identical pitches that were called balls and winning them all.
Haha, yup!
Hi Grey,
Which two should I pick up from:
Messick vs CHC
McCullers @ATH
Hancock @LAA
Soroka vs ATL
Lauer @CHW
Also, the early going has been bruuutal, but trying to learn my lesson from last year when I had a hair trigger and dropped the likes of Maikel and Bellinger early on. Holding tight and going for a long long walk is the best thing to do, right, or should I be making some moves? Here’s my team, 12-team pts league:
Basallo, Kurtz, Keaschall, EDLC, Maikel, Anthony, Tucker, Canzone, Treat, Vinnie P., Murakami
Skubal, Bradish, Baz, Early, Sheehan, Early, Warren, Sproat (about to drop), and Lodolo/Ponce on the IL/Out
Soroka, Lauer
Hold Maikel and Cody
Sorry, my comment was confusing. I meant that last year, I stupidly dropped Maikel and Bellinger early in the season. I should have just asked more directly – should I be worried about my current team? I just got hold tight and not give in to the impulses of wanting to blow things up in the first week of the season, right?
Oh, yes, drop Sproat
McCullers or Burrows?
tough call, I think Burrows
Grey!
Nice to be back reading the daily rundowns! Back in an RCL (and a roto league) for the first time in three or four years and need some reminders. How may SPs am I carrying? I drafted 6 and am carrying several relievers chasing save chances. I’m well inside the range for the correct pace for innings pitched, but know that could be small sample size.
Thanks for the help!
Thanks! 5-7 works…
Could folks worry about Julio Rodriguez power for me?
They are, I believe
Painter home vs Nats or
Williamson home vs Pirates?
Painter
Struggling with Durbin. Stick with him another week or drop for:
Gorman, Schanuel, Keith, Muncy (ATH), Rumfield…
Schnanuel
10 team 5×5 OBP. Messick over Abel?
Messick
Hey Grey, please rank these starts, gracias!
Shane Smith @ Miami
Painter vs Wash.
Harrison @ KC
Cameron vs Minny
Cameron, Painter, Smith
Is it too early to Drop Noelvi for Gleyber in a 10 team 6×6 with both avg and OBP?
Not too early
Hancock over Eovaldi?
No
What about McCullers over Eovaldi?
No
Trying to upgrade SS. Do you like J. Wilson/Cade Smith or Perdomo/Messick?
Cade
Please rank
Cole Young,Muncy(Oak) ,Lawlar?
You did
Durbin or Nolan Gorman?
Gorman
One more – Need help in the OF while Chourio heals. Please pick top 2…
Cam Smith
Wallner
Walker
McCarthy (1 hit, no walks, but 3 SBs)
Wiemer
JSanchez
Walker, Wiemer
Both those guys (Walker and Wiemer) over Canzone?
Not Wiemer
greetings
you prefer AGimenez or Ceddanne?
There’s joy in Mudville, Yordan looks mighty again
Ceddanne
Yes!
Best bench bat among the following, or not worth it, thank you!
Raley Wallner Pereira JMcCarthy Royce Gorman Gimenez Meidrith Gleybar MVargas MCastro
Rumfield availalbe too
Raley
Can only grab one ?
Soroka,McCullers,Reynaldo Lopez or Leiter(Tex)
Leiter
Thank you for making the voice in my head sound like Ice T as I read all the “Cullers Cullers Cullers.” Guys like McCullers doing well drives me crazy, since my ratios may never recover from what Sproat did to them. But in a vacuum, I’d start Sproat over McCullers every time. I clearly have no idea what I’m doing.
It’s so frustrating watching all the shiny new toys go off while my star players ease into things. I realize there are no hard-and-fast rules, but as far as churning the bottom of the roster this early… Are you quicker to chase breakouts from hitters or pitchers? Like, in general, are you, Grey Albright (Master Lothario), carrying more bats or arms in your RCLs right now? I’m struggling with finding balance. Thanks!
Arms right now, trying to find ones that will stick and give me 120+ IP of number two to three stuff…Bats are mostly rostered…
Its early but Cade Smith has looked shaky. Any reason for concern?
I owned him last year and when he took over as closer he was a little shaky too.
not yet
Happy end of March!
1) Thought I drafted a strong RP corps: Santana, Jansen, Jax and Garcia. Stick with Jax and Garcia or move on to someone else… Lauer, King, Alexander, Stanek…
2) Questionable SPs for this week – please rank:
SonnyG vSD
Ray vNYM
Weathers vMIA
Meyers @NYY
2-start Pfaadt (vDET and vATL)
2-start Williamson (vPIT and @MIA)
Hancock @LAA
McCullers @ATH
RhettL @TEX
Cantillo vCHC
Thank you.
1. King over Jax works for me 2. Weathers, Ray, Williamson
Can I ask for your next three out of:
SonnyG vSD
Meyers @NYY
2-start Pfaadt (vDET and vATL)
Hancock @LAA
McCullers @ATH
RhettL @TEX
Cantillo vCHC
Gray, Cantillo, Hancock
Grey,
Thanks again for all that you are and do!
Please rank Hancock, McCullers, Reynaldo, Lauer.
Hancock only in the rotation a month or is he auditioning to take a permanent spot?
Thanks!
No problem! Lopez, McCullers, Hancock
Good Morning, Grey!
I could use your thoughts on dropping Leahy and Ashby in a 10Tm, NL, H2H, & 4 bench spots. We have limited transactions (3 per week), but no IP limit so Leahy could be used as a spot starter.
SPs: Peralta, Cabrera, Holmes, Nelson, Patrick, Roupp, Williams, and Jones (IL).
RPs: Diaz, Ginkel, and Ashby
Available pitchers are:
SP: Elder, Griffin, Tong, Braxton, T. White
RP: Butto, E.Miller, Dreyer, Treinen
A) short-term (next 2-3 weeks)
B) long-term.
D) Any of the guys in B that are not in A worth stashing now to make sure I don’t miss out?
Thank you!!
A. Ashcraft over Leahy, Elder over Ashby B. Tong D. think it’s answered from A
Brain fart on Braxton. I meant Garrett. Ashcraft is already on a team. Just saw that Graham Ashcraft is also available? Either of them over Leahy?
Thank you!!
A middle reliever over Leahy? Depends on your league, unlikely tho
I appreciate it. Will keep holding Leahy and to
With Elder over Ashby to have plenty of start options.
No problem
Start Brandon Williamson (lefty) against Bucs at home (GAB)?
I am
yup, think im done with lopez
who would you rather:
g. mitchell
canzone
j. sanchez
or get another sp breakout guy like hancock?
don’t know who lopez is, reynaldo? Why?
sorry…jacob lopez
What is the current preference between Noah Cameron (He was a preseason sleeper we will not be surprised if he pitches well, but hasn’t pitched yet) and the small sample/ pitching well guys- Hancock, Soroka, McCullers. Drop Cameron for Hancock or give it a minute and see who ends up on the IL before his next start?
I’d hold Cameron until he pitches
What do we think about this Weimer fella? Him or Bryan Reynolds (who is sorta meh) as my 3rd OF’r?
Reynolds
Always did love Fleetwood Mac.
See that?
Always Grey, always.
Yes
Would you drop Logan Henderson, Shane Baz or Joey Cantillo for Roupp?
Sure, Henderson
Rank ’em…K. Harrison, Burrows, Mlod,
Burrows, Harrison
B. Joyce have a legit chance to overtake Romano, and Yates upon return?
Sure
I have a team where brandon lowe has my only hrs
Need 3b own Noelvi
Baty, House, or Vargas? (yes im at this level of desperation after 4 days )
drop Ranger in a 10tm? (I thought as a 5 hed be ok even in shallow lg but that start was BRUTAL to watch) id be grabbing mccullers and/or streaming the spot.
Vargas
Nah on Ranger
Owning N. Kurtz, J. Naylor, N. Marte is a big reason I’m in 10th in a lot of my leagues. Clearly I drafted the perfect team and the only reason is because the 1st rd. Skubal/Skenes dudes just dropped half their roster for hot bats and own all the RP possible.
I might have gotten the worst possible trade offer of all time as well: Acuna & J-Rod for Trout, Murakami, Megill. Sigh.
Just be prepared to sit Julio on your bench for the first half of the season
What’s with these managers trying to fleece people in trades? Sadly, some people do bite and that fuels their future attempts.
Guy in my league wants my Turang+J-Rod+Tatis+R Walker for his Judge+Stanek+Steer+Beeter. …Like wtf guy, I want Judge but not for half my team.
The J-Rod+Tatis for Stanek+Steer part of the trade is pure comedy.
Doesn’t sound that unreasonable
Especially when you factor in that Julio is only usable for half a season. I benched him myself this week for Pages. I might be crazy but I’m not stupid
I hear ya
12-team roto league, my current SPs are Glasnow, E-Cab, Imai, Burrows, Max Meyer, and K Harrison. I have 1st priority waiver, and Strider was recently dropped. Should I use the waiver to pick up Strider (I have an IL spot open) or nah and keep the 1st priority for later?
Sure grab him
OHHHH YEAHHHH, GREY! SNAP INTO THIS ONE, BROTHER!
From the top rope…..”Grey, I got two arms, two eyes, and I’m lookin’ at TWO pitchers… but I only get ONE, DIG IT?! The cream always rises to the top of the waiver wire (priority post draft as champ) OHHHHH YEAHHHH Emerson Hancock versus Michael Soroka in a HEAD-TO-HEAD POINTS LEAGUE… WHO’S GONNA DELIVER THE ELBOW DROP OFF OF THE TOP ROPE (after a 3 second pause)!?!”
Elizabeth…DOWN THE AISLE!!!
Haha, Soroka
Someone dropped Taylor Ward onto waivers, how much out of my 1000$ season long faab should I use to grab him? This is perfect because I’m in need of an outfielder Chourio hit the IL. Thanks as always for the articles and content, has helped majorly !
157
would LOVE to read your thought process on this bid and FAAB bidding in general.. I sucky bigtime trying to figure out how much to bid on weekly free agents.
So team and league dependent
Great write up! Couple questions
1. Keep one of these Josh Lowe Jordan Walker Jesus Sanchez?
2. Drop Mick Abel for Soroka?
12 team dynasty 5×5
Thank you!
Miguel Vargas or TJ Rumfield for 3B/1B?
Rumfield
I know I’m not being patient w Marte… but clearly the manager doesn’t value him like we do here at razzball. He is on the wrong side of a platoon , and he hits at the bottom of the order. All the while , he gets benched in late inning at bats.
Is Jordan Walker, or B Doyle an upgrade at this point over him? Tia
Walker
Pick up Soroka or McMullers ?
Soroka
Murakami or Sal Stewart ? Thanks Grey
Tough call, I think Sal
We starting Bibee tonight? My gut says hell no
No
Hey Grey!
would you stream Taillon vs LAA Today?
Sure
Gracias!
Also current SP: Chase Burns, Eury Perez, Emmet Sheehan, Eovaldi,
Lodolo (IL), Yesavage (IL).
current avail: King,Flaherty,Bubic,Cabrera,Soriano,Senga,Soroka.
10tm H2H. See any I should swap out, or just wait n see for now. I know its early….?
Hold
Thanks a million! Have a GREAT day!
you too!
If you only have room for two SPs: Weathers, Cantillo, & Messick…or send a benched XEd (have Abrams & K.Griffin) to the wire?
Messick, Weathers…I’d hold XEd
Drop XEd from my bench (have Abrams and K. Griffin) for Messick, or keep him and dump either Cantillo or Weathers? Abel also available.. Thanks!
see above
Thanks, love your work, sh!t cracks me up! …apologies for the duplicate messages.
Sincerely,
Capt. Redundancy
No problem!
Finally started Mr nobody! You must be the pee pee man sealed it for me.
HA
If you only have room for one SP – Hancock, Harrison, or Leiter?
Leiter
Jose Suarez is really going to test the Stream against the Road K’s theory tonight.
Ha, he is
Marte, ugh! Sitting vs righties after I traded (preseason-after our auction) for him giving up Sheehan, double ugh!!
I might be able to get Cassie, Weimer, Mitchell or DeLuca. Is it to early to dump Marte or bench him as an alternative. (my pitching is very strong and I can cut Mize who is now on my bench). 15 team deep league, so there are few options.
Thanks as usual.
Brutal, I know…Not too early to dump him, but that’s a deep league where I’d hold for now, but Caissie is appealing
Hey Grey, yesterday you gave great feedback on my H2H league, today I’m curious the feedback on my home league 5×5 standard roto league. No pitching IP minimum so again went with a modified Marmol strategy. Roster:
C: Shea, 1B: Soderstrom, 2B: Keaschall, 3B: Caminero, SS: Perdomo, OF: K. Tucker, OF: J. Wood, OF: R. Anthony, UT: Buxton, UT: Yandy. Bench: Delauter, C. Montgomery.
SP: Bubic, Burns, Early, Messick; RP: Hoffman, Megill, Uribe, Erceg, Sands, T. Alexander.
Just wanted to ask your thoughts on the roster and any upgrades you’d make or players you’d move. Thanks Grey, as always.
Hitting looks solid if a little light on speed, but that’s fine in H2H…The pitching seems incredibly light, but you have a strategy you’re working with the IP min, so guess see how it plays out
Roupp was in control all night, had the Padres hitters off balance. It was a dominant performance versus a solid lineup.
Can he repeat it vs Mets later this week?
I think I like his chances more thanMcCullers start at BingBong?
Or Soroka who is home to Atlanta, is that a revenge game?
Soroka, Roupp then McCullers
Revengoroka
Thank you chief
No problem
Durbin got pinch hit for with Yoshida, late in the game with two runners in scoring position. Wondering if Cora is having second thoughts about the great Durbin experiment going bad? Sounds a lot like the Marte situation in Cincinnati. Thinking of replacing Durbin with Colt?
I liked the 2b and 3b eligibility of Durbin and the SB potential at 3b but the guy has to hit, have him all over. Still way early, give him 50-70 AB’s and let’s see what transpires.
I too, thought the move to Fenway would unlock some RH power, cautiously optimistic I suppose. He hasn’t hit a lick. Can’t help but wondering if the move to the AL has him in the deep end of the pool.
Yeah, go with Colt
In a 12 team QS redraft league – Would you rather drop max Meyer or Sproat or both? I can pick up McCullers or Mlodzinksi or both.
Sproat for McCullers
How we feeling about Brady House? Drop Marte for him?
Im getting close in my shallow league
Meh, don’t love it, but can understand it
I’m carrying 2 catchers in a 1 catcher league. Should I keep Dingler or Kirk?
Kirk
Drop Marte for Durbin?
Meh
Just saying … I would like to have the luxury of picking up players every day and if they suck then drop them .. my league charges a $5 transaction fee for player pickups and a $10 fee for trades … BTW for the last 15 years I’ve led the
League in transaction fees and that won’t change
I hear ya
I could probably do away with one of Otto Lopez or Ez Tovar OR dump Baz or Cleavinger for either McCullers or Soroka
Yes or Hold?
Cleavinger for Soroka
5×5, Roto, traditional categories
12 teams
Love my hitting. Had a great start with my keepers but kept investing throughout.
Will this pitching staff get the job done?
* I kinda punted saves during the draft but am already tweaking to make sure I’ll have a 2nd closer soon just so I don’t finish last in saves.
C- Goodman
C- O’Hoppe
1b- Sal Stewart
2b- Jazz (Keeper)
SS- EDLC (Keeper)
MI- Witt (Keeper)
3b- Caminero (Keeper)
CR- Burger
OF- K Tucker (Keeper)
OF- M Harris
OF- Burleson
OF- DeLauter
OF- Stanton
DH- Baty
P- Crochet (Keeper)
P- Eury
P- Bradish
P- Alcantara
P- Imai
P- Sheehan
P- H Greene(IL)- C Beeter
P- Leiter
P- Abel
I guess I’d trust it if I felt stronger about Bradish and knew more about Imai.
I appreciate your insight!
Thank you.
You have a #1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and possible two #1’s, seems fine for pitching…
Drop Shaw or Noelvi for Lawler in Keepee league? Or be patient?
im all in for lawler! Could be the year hes finally healthy and open opportunity. plus im going to love that 3b/OF dual eligible.
thank you. hope so too. good luck.
Marte
ah wish i waited for your response. pulled the trigger too soon on Shaw. Don’t like him platooning with Con-farto! and not sure where he plays if and when Suzuki finally comes back.
Meh, it’s fine
Drop Noelvi for: Riley Greene, David Lile, or Caglianone?
Thanks.
How is Riley Greene available? Snag him 15 minutes ago!
Riley
Still liking what I see from Jordan Walker.
Nothing big last night but looks very good at the plate. But hasn’t ran yet which is interesting considering the Cards claimed he would.
Agreed!
Mccullers looked pretty decent…more than decent.
How to handle a guy like this? Is he ace form again?
2 year off basically ..would that able to give him longevity?
I want to believe.
Gonna hit the IL by the end of April, unfortunately
We’ll see, he seemed to lose it in the 7th
Traded Eugenio Suarez for Kwan and Griffin and need to look at FA pool in a 12 team ESPN 5×5 H2H league. Need a 3B replacement until McGonigle gets eligibility.
I’m liking Miguel Vargas and Brady House. Any preference on one or the other from your perspective?
Vargas
Make the move or hold?
Drop Sproat for Soroko, Harrison, or Reynaldo Lopez?
Drop Jorge Polanco for Andres Gimenez or Caleb Durbin?
Sproat for Lopez
Hold JoPo
Irrationally excited about how good Ed Cab looked last night. He’s always had a ton of potential, maybe this is the year he finally unlocks it. Cubs have to be thrilled with his first start. I was excited when the Cubs traded for him and was excited to nab him near the tail end of our draft a couple of weeks ago.
Agreed!
Thanks as always for your help. As a reward, I will ask progressively dumber questions until told to stop:
In a shallow-ish league (10 teams but large benches), would it be dumb to drop Cags for:
a) a Cole Sands level closer
b) Burger
c) a Messic/Hancock/Soroka/Ponce level SP
Lastly, how would you rank Messic, Ponce, Hancock, and Soroka in a shallow-ish league?
HAHA, great!
Hold Cags
Messick, Soroka, Han
Soroka, McCullers or Hancock?
That order
If Boob-Itch has a bad start does he turn into Boo-Bitch?
Ha
Durbin or Baty?
Can I add Keith to the question?
Keith, Baty
Durbin has been so bad. I expect a very good season. But 0 for 14 is to much.
It’s 5 games
Technically, Wiemer was 8-for-8 with 2 walks. Delgado only had 4 hits in his 10 plate appearances. He was HBP twice and walked 4 times.
Other than the physicality of getting hit by pitches, Wiemer’s feat seems tougher to accomplish
True!
Dude. I have 2 steals on my team TOTALY at this point and I have Elly. Shrug.
Haha
I’m so enlightened to see every former Marlin killing it. This is why it’s tough being a Marlins fan.
I dropped Noelvi for Marsee, correct?
Yes