I sure wish Grey would do his 2018 fantasy baseball rankings. Wait, I am Grey and this is those rankings! AHHHHH!!! I need to sit down. Wait, I am sitting!!! I can’t handle all of this!!! I’m going to put on a pair of pants and go dance in the street. Meh, let’s be honest, pants are a chore. So, this is the greatest day ever! Now, only 400,000 words more until I finish my top 500 and I’ll be done. Worst day ever! Damn, that excitement was fleeting. Well, not for you because you don’t have to write all the rankings. You lucky son of a gun! I wish I were you… *wavy lines* Hey, why am I balding and have lost all definition in my buttocks? *wavy lines* Hmm, I’m gonna stay me. Now before we get into the top 10 for 2018 fantasy baseball (though I imagine every single one of you has skipped this intro paragraph), I’m gonna lay down some exposition. Here’s where you follow us on Twitter. Here’s where you follow us on Facebook. Here’s our fantasy baseball player rater. Here’s our fantasy baseball team name generator. Here is all of our 2018 fantasy baseball rankings. Here’s the position eligibility chart for 2018 fantasy baseball. And here is a picture of my son. What a punim! You may not get all of those links in such a handy, easy-to-use format ever again this year, so make proper note. (Unless you just go to the top menu on this page that says “Rankings” and click it, but semantics, my over-the-internet friend, semantics.) Also, as you might’ve noticed upfront, this year we’re dipping our big toe into video. Yes, we only have one big toe, it is not plural. The preseason videos will be more rankings flotsam that washed up into my brain. They’re also animated to reach that target 7-12 demographic. That’s not 7 to 12-year-olds, that’s the 7 to 12 adult males that enjoy animation. If the preseason videos are met with enthusiasm, we’ll continue into the season.
Now my expositional half insists I breakdown some generalizations about these 2018 fantasy baseball rankings. The 2018 fantasy baseball rankings will be an ever-evolving mass like the blob. This fantasy baseball top 10 for 2018 list is as of right now and could potentially change with a big injury or Mike Trout quitting baseball because he’s bored with being the best and wants to play competitive Mahjong. (I’m not sure yet where Trout would rank in my Mahjong Top 10.) So while it is the 2018 fantasy baseball gospel, take it with a tablet of salt. Tomorrow we will cover the rest of the top twenty for 2018 fantasy baseball, then we will go around the horn with a top 20 (more like 50) list for every position. Then for pitchers and outfielders, I’ll turn the dial to 100 (more like 140). Listed with each player are my 2018 projections. Did I consult with anyone else who does projections? It would be ignorant not to, but, in the end, these are my projections. Players need 5 games started at a position to get included in the positional rankings. Finally, as with each list in the 2018 fantasy baseball rankings, I will be mentioning where I see tiers start and stop. I look at tiers like this, if Jose Altuve and Paul Goldschmidt are in the same tier, it doesn’t matter if one guy is ranked 2nd and one guy is ranked 3rd, they’re both very close. It comes down to personal preference. I would prefer the guy at number two over the guy at three, but you do you, I’ll do me and let’s hope we don’t go blind. Anyway, here’s the top 10 for 2018 fantasy baseball:
1. Mike Trout – This tier goes from here until Altuve. I call this tier, “Cheating on Beyonce.” Doing my best (awful) Jay Z impersonation, “Geyeah, this is a Razzclusive. Gebounce. Gebounce. Uh, uh uh uh uh. Ge-ge-geyeah, geyeah. Ge-ge-geyeah, geyeah. You know I thug em, draft em, love em, leave em, cause I don’t need em. This tier be big pimpin, spreadin’ cheese. This tier be big pimpin, cheese on T.R.I.S.C.U.I.T’s. Gebounce, gebounce. Watch me pop, gimme a high gebounce, gebounce, geyeah it’s now a Baltimore chop. Geyeah. Jigga man’s got the greatest girl in the world. Oh, baby Blue, your mother is so beautiful, I love her so much, geyeah. Gehey, gehey, who is that, girl under the sycamore tree with the dimpled-chin, I think I’ll give her my lil’ Jigga man. Oh, man, I cheated on Bey. Jigga what? Jigga who? Oh, Jigga, you just so dumb. I can’t respect that, my whole perspective is wack. I can’t respect that, my whole perspective is wack. (repeat 7x) Things just ain’t the same for gangstas, but I saw a girl with a butt on her chin and I banged her. Now I’m so gesad. So gesad.” Do you see the torment Jay-Z is going through by cheating on Beyonce? That’s why this tier is named what it is, because if you don’t draft one of these guys in the first three you’ll be met with similar anguish. Don’t cheat on Beyonce. As for Trout, yeah, he’s awesome. 2018 Projections: 116/40/105/.312/18 in 541 ABs
2. Jose Altuve – Once I was blind, but now I see. Once I saw Altuve as nothing more than a tippy-toe away from five-three. I was wrong, prematurely balding men and five girl readers. Altuve still looks ridiculously similar to Casper from Eastbound and Down. Un. Canny. What’s also uncanny is the cans of corn Altuve hits. As in, they’re not cans of corn, they’re hard hit liners. See, cause I called them uncanny. As in not canned. It’s not getting better with an explanation, is it? Never the hoo! Last year, I said, “(In 2016), Altuve reached new heights 24 HRs, 96 RBIs, 108 runs, 61 inches, and I’m not totally convinced these won’t all stay career highs, as he peers down at lesser stats and the tops of 8-year-olds’ heads.” And that’s me quoting me! See, I was blind. Apparently, Altuve can repeat those highs while wrasslin’ with carnies as he tries to get on a roller coaster that has a 5’2″ height requirement. 2018 Projections: 111/23/92/.329/30 in 593 ABs
3. Trea Turner – This is a new tier. This tier goes from here until Giancarlo. I call this tier, “Buzzfeed Quiz, How Gay Are You?” Okay, I’m taking this directly from said Buzzfeed quiz. “What color do you think of yourself as?” Hmm, is Giancarlo a color? Can I choose fuchsia, but pronounce it fuks-ya, so it’s a super gay color but it’s a hella manly way to pronounce it? “Do you enjoy consensual sexual encounters with or feel a sexual attraction to baseball players?” *pulls on collar like Rodney Dangerfield* Next question please. “What city do you see yourself living in: San Fran, London, Tokyo, Trea Taintsville?” Uhh… “What’s your drink of choice?” Mookie Betts with a drink umbrella behind his ear? Does that count? Moving on! I love all the guys in this tier. Sure, Pitfall Harry, there could be unexpected quicksand death spills, but if I had a pick from 4 thru 9, I’d be happy. As for Treat Urner, he had 11 HRs and 46 SBs in only 98 games last year. I will now laugh hysterically. Doode’s in hashtag beastmode, and I can’t handle it. He upped his walk rate, lowered his strikeout rate and was actually a hair unlucky last year hitting ‘only’ .284. Honestly, I considered putting him in the first tier, and think he could easily be the number one hitter for all of fantasy in 2018. A 20+ HR, 45+ SB season seems s’attainable. 2018 Projections: 110/16/63/.302/47 in 581 ABs
4. Bryce Harper – One of these years we’re going to see the 50 HR, 20 SB, .330 season from Bryce, and now you’re thinking about how you haven’t been hornier for a man since Heath Ledger died. “He’s such a gritty Joker,” you say to yourself as you touch your nipples. That’s what Bryce is gonna do to you. More than likely, we’re going to see a month or two from Bryce that makes him seem headed for a 50/20 season, but then he takes a dookie for a month and you’re thinking about selling him for two Susan B.’s and a two dollar bill. He’s still only 25 years old, and, barring an injury, I see little reason he’ll be worse than a top 25 hitter, with a chance of being the absolute best. 2018 Projections: 96/35/109/.308/12 in 533 ABs
5. Nolan Arenado – I can’t believe I found these love letters from Lorena Hickok to Eleanor Roosevelt in my family archives, and by ‘family archives’ I mean a trash bin in the attic. I’m just going to sit these historically priceless letters by the window while I grab a chamomile tea–NOOOOO!!!! Torenado! Arenado is the first player ranked to have a negative for one category (steals), but he’s also the first player who will play half his games on the moon with an aluminum bat. The negative on steals has me actually down on Arenado, in a non-sexual way, compared to where I could see him being drafted in some leagues. I weighed which order to put Arenado, Harper and Trea for more time than I want to admit to (37 seconds), but two to four steals is just too much of a meh number to put Arenado higher. 2018 Projections: 105/39/126/.291/3 in 602 ABs
6. Paul Goldschmidt – These first two guys this year are the same as last year. Know what that means? No, you don’t because no one knows what that means, but it’s provocative. Au Shizz is going to be 31 years old this year, and had his lowest steals total in four years. Though, he also had a career year in power, runs, and ISO, so (stutterer!) I think he can stave off the inevitable decline that comes to all supermen, except for Superman. Though, if George Reeves, Christopher Reeve, Brandon Routh and Dean Cain are any indication, Henry Cavill should’t get too comfortable in the limelight. Guess what I’m saying is I expect Goldschmidt to remain Goldschmidt, and not suddenly become Bitcoinschmidt. UPDATE: I got shook by the humidor and lowered Goldy from 2nd overall to here. What if the humidor does dramatically lower homers? What if the humidor gets in Au Shizz’s head? What if it is the dankest of timelines for Goldy? What if the humidor reminds Yasmany of Cuban cigars, and he starts telling all sorts of anecdotes and Goldschmidt is like, “Shut up already,” and when he says that he throws out his back? So many questions, not enough answers for the 2nd pick in a draft. I’d still draft Au Shizz because he’s a rock in four of five categories, but if the power falls perceptibly I’m gonna be Googling what perceptibly means and won’t be as happy with Au Shizz. 2018 Projections: 108/30/111/.303/15 in 551 ABs
7. Mookie Betts – Mookie Ballgame had a down year last year, so he’s no longer Mookie Best? He’s a snooze away from being a sleeper? Put him out to pasture like a 15-year-old jockey who has a growth spurt? Goodbye, Mr. Betts? *pushes button under desk, Matt Lauer rises from the floor* “Hey, that’s my desk.” Get out of here, Lauer! I was trying to dispose of Betts Bond-villain-style because he’s over! Yeah, well, we know this is all lootie-cris. Last year, Betts’ BABIP was .268, which is crazy low for him. And that’s in a home park that puts up Donkey Kong numbers for BABIP. Yes, Betts’ line drives were down, and his fly balls were up, which is a good way to have a poor BABIP, but his Ks were solid, in line with his previous year. His walks were up to 10.8% vs. 6.7% the year before, and his hard contact rate was up, so I think we’re seeing a slight downtick on Betts’ placement on draft boards that will go back up again next year. 2018 Projections: 104/25/109/.305/25 in 605 ABs
8. Manny Machado – This tier could also be named Mike Seaver or FOB, Friend of Boner. I imagine after 2018 we’re gonna look back at Machado’s 2016 season when he didn’t steal any bases, and think, “Wow, that was really an aberration.” Then after a long beat, we’ll think, “I should Google ‘aberration’ so I make sure I’m using it correctly.” Then, five hours later, “I was just Googling the definition of one word, how did I end up on the Wikipedia page for Serge Voronoff, a doctor famous in the 1920s for using monkey testicles for therapeutic purposes? And how has Joaquin Phoenix not played him in a movie yet?” Machado had a similar year to Betts in that his average was unduly suppressed due to an abnormally low BABIP. Also, similarly to Betts, there was some reason — his LD% was way down and his ground balls were up (not literally). As with Betts, I’m not too worried. Machado’s 2nd half was a bounce back, and his LD% went from 13.9% to 17.6%, his Ks went from 19.7% to 13.2% and his BABIP rebounded from .239 to .290, which yielded a .290 average post-All-Star break. Thus far, Machado’s ADP looks way below this, so there’s buying in thar hills. Or, if Dean Smith is reading, Tar Heels. 2018 Projections: 103/36/93/.288/9 in 617 ABs
9. Giancarlo Stanton – Here’s my Giancarlo Stanton fantasy. I wrote it while getting dirty looks at a supermarket for checking cantaloupes for ripeness. 2018 Projections: 107/53/121/.273/3 in 547 ABs
10. Kris Bryant – This is a new tier. This tier goes from here until the top 20 for 2018 fantasy baseball. I call this tier, “ADP says what?” I don’t like to get too tied down with ADP. So, I’m not into B-ADP-SM? If I know my acronyms of the dark web correctly, that’s exactly what I’m saying. This tier takes what I’m seeing so far with ADP and throws it out the window. Though, honestly, after I ranked Trea Turner, I looked to see his ADP and I was like, “Wow, I guess I’m owning MLB’s number one Treat Urner everywhere.” Yeah, I don’t know what people are thinking. I’m ranking guys for their value, and where you want to draft them. From the ADP I’m seeing, people are drafting off some amorphous chart that lacks clarity, size and/or shape. Okay, now I’m just defining amorphous. I saw somewhere people are going with Correa over Bryant. Um, okay, if it stops us from getting in a nuclear war with Korea, then great. Otherwise, that’s batshizz crazy. Bryant is 26 years old, and capable of a 100/35/100/.290/10 without even breaking a sweat. Last year, he had 73 RBIs, but RBIs are stoopid, and you shouldn’t be avoiding a guy because of that. Everything else? Let’s see, his Ks went down from his MVP year, walks went up, average went up, his HR/FB% was low for him and he still hit over 40% in the air. He swung at less balls outside the zone, and made more contact. His ground balls were a little troublesome, but I see no reason why he can’t u-turn that trend. And, even if he doesn’t, he’s still a 100/35/100/.290/10 guy! I’m not pie-eyed, but I Anita Bryant! 2018 Projections: 108/35/95/.290/10 in 558 ABs
Thanks Grey!
@Boomer19: No problem!
The Orioles must be so jazzed for 103/36/93/.288/9, a compensatory draft pick, then nothing else ever again. Hey, if it gets em from 5th to 4th this year who am I to criticize! They are so wise!
@thatguy:
Haha, well they may still get two “controllable” starters? Maybe they go all in on Vargas like they did Gallardo and Jimenez and can stay in wild card contention through May!
@J-Hova: Surprised the O’s haven’t made a run at Bartolo yet…
@thatguy: Don’t worry, the Mets got A-Gon, everything is right with the world!
@Grey:
I’m sure his back feels better already with that great training staff. Mets have to have the worst training staff in pro sports.
HAHA
Lets go rankings 2018!
My grey prediction…
Trout
Altuve
Goldy
Turner
Arenado
Harper
Machado
Betts
Freeman
Stanton
Close!
@Captainpyper: Love me some Freeman this year
@Captainpyper: Yeah, not too far off
Hello Grey!
Yay! The release of Razzball’s Top 10 for Fantasy Baseball is of course the unofficial start of baseball season!
Needless to say, it’s a fantastic day. And now with added Video!! This is great!
@JakeTPE: Glad you enjoyed!
When I lived in the US I used to think of this post each year as the first robin of spring, now that I live in Australia, I don’t know what it is–the first bilby of fall? Or maybe some sort of monotreme. Hooray for autumnal monotremes!
@Not the real Hubie Brooks: I’ll tell ya, the idea of watching baseball all winter and having summers free sounds pretty awesome…
It is a merry Christmas and a happy holiday all at once. What a wonderful life today is! Happy happy joy joy.
Thank u Grey…..errr Santa
Today we got our wings.
@Brian: Haha, merry merry!
Looks like i’m starting GREAT with my keeper team :
Goldy , Alty & TreaT
and if i keep Springer (35HR) / Myers (30/20) / Lamb (30hR) / and maybe Gallo (40HR) as well !!
Powaaaaaaaaa
:)
Nick
@Nick: Wow, nice keepers!
HNY Grey! 5 Keepers, points league, no salary or contracts. Who do you drop from my top 6?
Trout
Harper
Turner
Kershaw
Correa
Bryant
I am struggling to decide in a starter-friendly league where big points are awarded for Wins.
thank you sir.
@PeteforHall: Correa
Correa
You probably don’t realize this, but we just skip the intro paragraph.
Got to be getting hard to make it through 400,000 words as you age. Of course, there were 13 words in this post you could have left out. So you could probably cut out 500 words over the course of the preseason and save yourself. Good luck!
@VinWins: Haha, I said that! I finished Goliath, it was solid, felt like a Damages-type show… Which 13 words?
@Grey: Hmm, didn’t see your mention of that. I liked Damages, so Goliath is added to my list. I’ll wait to give you the full 500-word list at the endfor simplicity. Should help with 2019.
Yeah, Goliath is solid fun, easy watch… No subtitles needed!
I never knew you were so good looking!
Can keep a $6 Cozart or $7 Scooter, any value in either? Both had big years especially in my OBP league, but both look like they could be total flukes.
@Swfcdan: Haha… No value prolly, but size of league matters
@Grey: 12er. What you think of both for next year? Could wait till rankings but give me a sneak-peek please…umm I mean my keeper deadlines tommorow!
They’re not worth keeping in a 12 teamer, but I guess depends on your other options…
Morning Grey! 2 Keeper Pts league – I have Trout, Betts, Turner, Stanton, Bellinger, Lindor.
Can only keep 2 but could trade a players to move up in the draft. Also, note that steals are only 1pt and SO are -1pt. Thanks!
@El Marco: Trout, Trea
@Grey: Thanks!
No problem
I didn’t skip the intro but wished I skipped the Trout blurb. Wtf was that?
@The Vaporizers: I assumed everyone knew Mike Trout
@The Vaporizers: I wish i skipped this comment
@Old School Brother: Thanks for your input
I’m in a 2-keeper league and I have Trea, Machado, Votto, and the Judge. After last year I’m worried that Machado is setting a new normal.
Do you think Many can beat the Judge in ops?
@Greydalf the WHIPzard: personally I’d keep Trea and Judge…with those two on your roster you have category winners (SB and HR).
@Greydalf the WHIPzard: I’d go Trea, Machado
@Greydalf the WHIPzard: I like Trea and Votto. I want one of the top 5 1st baseman.
Hey Grey, looking forward to the rest of the rankings and all the great work from Ralph, Rudy, and everyone else!
In an auction keeper league, how does this deal strike you: my Bryant ($37), C. Seager ($15), JBJ ($10) for Freeman ($29), Darvish ($20), and Blackmon ($23)?
Thanks! I’d take the Freeman side
Lookin good in clay Grey! Think you might need to lay off the bronzer a bit though…
Ha, thanks!
@realDonaldTrump
Razzball releases FANTASY Baseball rankings. These are going to be very very very beautiful rankings. The REAL rankings. Other mainstream rankings are FAKE! Only Grey is Master Baseball Lotherio. All others are not good. Too bad!
@Sweatpants Nation: Everyone says Grey has the best rankings. Believe me. And everyone knows there is no collusion in these rankings. Trust me, everyone keeps saying that there is no collusion in these rankings.
Haha
::: Cheering the return of January Grey and the Top 10s!::::
Welcome back you sexy beast!
Thanks!
Dude, like the guy above me said, WTF is the Trout blurb about??
You are brilliant at baseball and you really know your stuff, BUT, all this other bullshit has really turned me off from this site.
You wouldn’t have to write all those 400,00 words if you just stick to baseball and TALK baseball.
Be a professional baseball guy,. Look at Ralph, Halp, Mike and so on and read their blurbs, they talk baseball! That is really all us loyal readers want from you is your baseball EXPERTISE!!!!
If I want a clown, I’ll go to the circus!!
@Malicious Phenoms: The blurb is poking fun at the fact that what’s the point in having a detailed analysis on the best player in the league in his prime?
You go to the circus to visit your family. Or was it the zoo.
@Malicious Phenoms:
@Malicious Phenoms: This message is sponsored by the #MAGA Coalition to End the War of Free Fantasy Baseball Content. If you are among the millions of patriotic Americans upset at the liberal clown coup against our free fantasy baseball content, please consider making a donation today.
@Malicious Phenoms: You take fantasy way too seriously, dude. Lighten up.
@Malicious Phenoms: You’re clearly speaking for yourself. Majority of readers enjoy the site, content, and humor. Perhaps you’ll find ESPN or CBS more to your liking…
@Malicious Phenoms:
MP – What do you really want Grey to say about Trout??? Like he can tell you something you don’t already know. Pretty sure this is why Grey wrote that first paragraph which I found entertaining. . If don’t like what you are reading after a sentence, maybe stop reading and move to something else?
@Malicious Phenoms: Grey – Thank you for the many, many hours you put into your annual rankings, sleeper, schmohawk, rookies, and all the other posts. It’s really great work.
@Malicious Phenoms: Lighten up Francis
@Old School Brother: Stripes!
@J-FOH: J-FOH!
He went back to JFOH? Uh-oh…
@Grey: January-FOH
Oh…Of course!
@Grey: Im pigging backing on you
You’re piggybacking on me? I’m reminded of the Gang Starr song, Who’s Gonna Take the Weight?
@Grey: Is that a fat dig? Are you fat shaming?
Aw, man, now I feel guilty
@Old School Brother: +1 thousand
@Malicious Phenoms: yeah same I’m pissed. Now I have no idea whether or not I should draft Mike Trout if I get the first pick of the draft. WTF Grey? Before this post I was dead set on taking Mike Trout 1, now I don’t know! is 40 home runs good? is 20 steals good? is a 1.000 OPS good? thought I know, now I don’t! guess I’ll just go listen to lemonade. Thanks for nothing.
@Crime dog: sorry forgot to add…. It’s just that Trout mayne, PIMP C and B.U.N.B.
@Crime dog: Haha…
@Malicious Phenoms: @Malicious Phenoms: When you have a fantasy blog that attracts thousands of fans and has won numerous championships for people with insight you cant find anywhere else then you can post whatever the fuck you want. As for now, go suck it.
@Malicious Phenoms:
What can I say about Malicious Phenom that hasn’t already been said about Afghanistan?
Love the list, bur Correa should be top 10,
Thanks, I don’t agree about Correa, but apples/oranges…
It’s the best day of the year!!!! Thanks Grey!!!!
Thanks!
I came here with the singular intent of finding out if Mike Trout was good. You sir, have done me no favors. All I got from this is Mike Trout is Beyonce, which means Mike Trout is racist and a member of the illuminati.
Sorry, I only get news from my uncle’s Facebook.
@Ralph Lifshitz: Ralph, just a quick comment. I thought I would be devastated by the loss of Halp a lot in your podcasts, but Lance is a great find, and I like dynamic you two bring. Thanks a lot for your continued work. I eagerly await each and every podcast.
@The Eye of Horus: I have replacements lined up for my replacements replacements! I’m like Alice Cooper with guitar players!
@Ralph Lifshitz: Am I still the replacements replacement or am I the replacements replacement replacement? I was confused by the new years email you sent all of us
@J-FOH: I like to keep you at arms length. Can’t let the other replacements know the order…
@Ralph Lifshitz: I did come up with Broshitz. Its at the top of my resume
@Ralph Lifshitz: Refrencing the illuminati on a fantasy baseball blog? How dare you, sir. Stick to baseball!. I want only baseball! Stop joking around. This is serious business. (takes rubber nose off, so he can take a deep breath)
I hate to break it to you, but your uncle is in the illuminati, and, well, a little racist…
@Grey: Explains his various hooded robes.
Perhaps it explains his nicknames for my Jewish Mother too.
Did you hear that thing during the holidays by the Girl Scouts about hugs? They were talking about your uncle.
@Grey: “Hop up on big pappa’s lap and give me a cookie sweetie” -Unkie Lifshitz
“Let me show you what I think of when I hear peanut butter fudge cookie.”
@Old School Brother: No it’s my Uncle from the Arlington side…
@Ralph Lifshitz: In that case, it’s “hop up on my riding mower sweetie, don’t those vibrations feel great?”
Well done Grey!
Me make a trade based on last article….
Shiek trade away Jabroni Cole and Washed Up Miggy for Lamb and Mazara! Camera man zoom in on bicep as Grey tell me what GREAT TRADE I make!
Well done by you, Sheik!
@The Iron Sheik: @The Iron Sheik: Can i be in your league cause it looks like you play with amateurs.
@Whatever: Hah! I a challenge a you to a Persian Club Challenge. Sheik doubts you can lift them over you a head!
No real surprises. I was curious to see where Grey had Turner compared to where I’ve seen him in on rankings and mocks.
My league is still struggling with moving to a slow email draft. Mainly one guys asking about rules. Is there a good site that breaks it down? Our we just over thinking It? I like the idea a lot and would appreciate feedback from anyone.
@Simps: Maybe you are overthinking it. My league does a 24 window draft, which seems sufficient. We start a conversation thread and then announce picks on that instead of email. The only “rule” is that when the time to pick has passed, it moves to the next pick and the laggard can chime in with his pick whenever he elects to. I love the 24 hour window rather than 3 day windows, as it just seems excessive time to hem and haw about for an extra 2 days
I think you’re overthinking it… Just email each other your picks, reply all, ya know?
Grey-
Sheik needs a cameo in your video!
Sincerely-Classy!
Classy, you still managing Sheik? Cause that was a nice trade…
@Grey: Yeah, he comes to me with trade advice! I only had him make the trade because the guy lives in Texas and adores the fastball. Some dig long and some dig the fast! Something tells me Cole will be giving up a lot more in Houston than in Pittsburgh. I’m bummed about Peacock! The Pirates should’ve asked for him and stuck in the rotation to a tune of 13 wins and 165 Ks. Now Brad P just goes back to the bullpen blocked by a bunch of overrated Jabronis!
I agree, would’ve loved Peacock in the rotation, I had him ranked really high before this Cole trade, like crazy high…
i love the opening paragraphs which are usually good for a 90s-2000s hip hop reference, Bruce Jenner jab or Game of Thrones talk. Today it was Boner who IMO was the original Urkel. Thanks Grey!
Thanks!
I have something to say about Trout being Beyonce …
*sips coffee*
If I stare incessantly at Trout’s double hundy projections, does that make me a dirty old man?
*sips coffee*
Thanks Grey !!
Haha, no problem
Grey;
Unrelated, strategic keeper question:
I’m in 5×5 league with 8 keepers. Off season trading has resulted in the hoarding (and related extortion) of SS, where top SS all kept and one guy has Beckham, Polanco and Simmons. Accordingly, there will only be about two quality Ss that hit the auction.
I have Mondesi at $10 and our auction will occur a few days after the start of the season, so he’ll almost certainly have achieved SS ELIGIBILITY.
Questions:
– do you like Mondesi?
– what are your general thoughts about atrategically keeping keepers with lessor net value, but in “scarcity circumstances that create far higher potential for values being unrealistically bid up – especially since Mondesi will provide steals
I like Mondesi, but he might hit .215, and $10 is not a great price…
@Grey:
For conversation sake…..
While I don’t disagree with anything you’ve said, in our 8 keeper league price inflation is real and with AL-Only scarcity involved, bidding can ofter get stupid. Given he’s on the Royals one of the few known-to-encourage-stealing-bases teams and seems assured of a starting spot for the year, 12hr/25+ steals seems very realistic, with the only question really being batting average – something I’d put at .215 =>.265. With all that baked in, I see this guy as a $12-15 player….purely because of the steals. Without the steals, he’s a $3 -5 player
I don’t hate him, and I get AL-Only can get pricey, but you’re talking about a guy that maybe goes for $12, and you have him for $10… That’s not value, but I don’t know your options… Also, Mondesi was supposed to be the starter last year and we see how well that worked out…
@Grey:
Not to overanalyze this, but it seems to me Mondesi needs a personal plate discipline coach. His biggest problem seems to be a willingness to swing at nearly anything remotely close to the plate….. I have to believe strides in this area can be made, even if they are baby steps. Thoughts?
Ps: al-only league
My league uses OBP instead of AVG…. how would you adjust your top 10 for an OBP league?
There will be OBP rankings
@TRUMP 2020: The least studly guy for OBP in this list is Trea Turner. He’ll probably have an OBP around .340 while everyone else will be in the upper .300’s or low .400’s in the case of Trout, Goldy, and Harper.
Votto, Freeman, and Rizzo are three other strong cases to get bumped up a notch for OBP.
Is Trea’s ranking strictly based on what he can do? Because it seems what he has done falls pretty short? If he has another year of .280/.330/.450 15hr / 40sb does he drop out of the top 10? Seems kind of like another somewhat overrated player to me.
A 15/45/.300 season, which seems all but a lock if he plays 130+ games, is an easy top 10 season…
@Grey: Ok. Why is Blackmon not in the top 10? 30/15/.300 seems like a top 10 lock as well. Just curious as to why you rank them the way they are?
I don’t buy the power of Blackmon being 30-homer, and his steals are fading as he gets older…
The best players in the league and not a single Blackmon. How could you?
Haha, I sound like Ralph’s uncle, as mentioned above…
Grey-if I may stray from the top ten for a minute. What do you think of Mike Minor as the #3 in the Texas rotation. What might his stat line look like? At a modest price I think I would be a buyer. Thank you.
I’ll go over Minor in my top 100 SPs, outlook isn’t great, but maybe a cheap #3-4…
@Grey: primarily ballpark and league or is it just Minor?
He can’t be counted on for more than 120 IP, so right there hurts his big picture value… When he’s been a starter, his K/9 has dipped into the 7-8 rage too, so he could be decent for stretches, but I doubt we see the 2013, 200 IP, 3.15 ERA guy…
@Grey: thanks!
No problem
It’s just that Jigga Man, Pimp G, and O-S-B
2018 is officially upon us! Looking forward to reading about my favorite stinky player in the top 20 tomorrow (hint: i’m talking about Odor)
Haha, no Odor!
Hey Grey,
Happy MLK Day. I am looking for two bats to fill my roster. THese are my choices:
Kendrys Morales
Howie Kendrick
Eric Thames
Albert Pujols
V-Mart
Which two should I put bids in on?
Same to you, Scott! Morales, Thames…
@Grey: thanks buddy. I am putting the bids in.
No problem
Cutch to SF
will his numbers suffer at AT&T Park?
It won’t help Cutch
Yeah, bleh
should i try and trade him?
Depends what you can get… He shouldn’t be that different from last year…
so about 275/28/85
I’d expect closer to 25 HRs, but around there, yeah
@Grey: if i could get Taillon for cutch would that be a fair trade?
Nah, I’d want a bit more
This is his roster. Who along with Taillon shoudl I ask for?
SP Jameson Taillon (PIT)
3B Adrian Beltre (TEX)
3B Maikel Franco (PHI)
RP Yusmiero Petit (OAK)
C Evan Gattis (HOU)
RP Addison Reed (MIN)
SP Felix Hernandez (SEA)
RP Joe Smith (HOU)
1B Joe Mauer (MIN)
OF Stephen Piscotty (OAK)
OF Denard Span (TB)
OF Shin-Soo Choo (TEX)
1B,2B,SS,OF Ben Zobrist (CHC)
SP Matt Andriese (TB)
RP Taylor Rogers (MIN)
C Yadier Molina (STL)
1B Yonder Alonso (CLE)
1B Greg Bird (NYY)
1B,3B,OF Ryon Healy (OAK)
1B,3B,OF Miguel Sano (MIN)
2B,OF Jason Kipnis (CLE)
2B,SS Jonathan Schoop (BAL)
2B,3B,SS,OF Chris Taylor (LAD)
SS Didi Gregorius (NYY)
SS Trevor Story (COL)
OF Aaron Altherr (PHI)
OF Dexter Fowler (STL)
OF Adam Jones (BAL)
OF Starling Marte (PIT)
OF Jesse Winker (CIN)
SP Patrick Corbin (ARI)
SP,RP Anthony DeSclafini (CIN)
SP Sonny Gray (NYY)
SP Kenta Maeda (LAD)
SP Sean Manaea (OAK)
SP Jordan Montgomery (NYY)
RP Wade Davis (COL)
RP Jeurys Familia (NYM)
RP Felipe Rivero (PIT)
RP Blake Treinen (OAK)
Think you can get Healy?
He is from Oaklad and is a HUGE A’s fan
That cramps that then, huh?
Wait, Healy’s in Seattle now
Yes he is. Sorry blonde moment. LOL. I’ll ask him for healy and Taillon for McCutchen and minor leaguer Sierra now with MIA
Yeah, see what he says
Is that a fair offer?
Yup
Who is this JayZ?
Haha
@<a href="#[email protected]FrankGrimes: Grimey! Your fantasy football team in Teehol’s league was atrocious
@Old School Brother:
I wasn’t in it this year.
I couldn’t make the draft date.
Glad to see the rankings coming out! Keep up the good work. 12 team AL only roto league. Would you trade:
Mazara $16 (3 yrs),Cano $40(1 yr),C Morton $6 (1 yr)
Kyle Tucker $1 (5 yrs) for Stanton $32(3yrs)?
Thanks!
I’d take Stanton
Hey Grey,
Look forward to your rankings every year. I would like to think I am in good shape in my keeper league when I have 3 players that are in your top 10(Altuve, Harper and Arenado). Here’s to hoping I can finally win it all this year!
Thanks
No problem
Machado…Meh.
Even during 2nd half his pulled ground ball rate was not good which is what was driving down his BABIP. Unless he stops rolling over he is going to still struggle with BA. He had one month, July with a high LD%, and in August he hit 12 of his HRs. Otherwise his 2nd half was very similar to his 1st.
March/Apr .224
May .191
June .242
Jul .327
Aug .341 (.292 BABIP)
Sep .230
I’ll take , Bryant, Giancarlo, Votto, Freeman, Blackmon, and Rizzo, before Manny.
I guess we’ll see, feels like you’re cherrypicking out the good and focusing on the bad…
@Grey: Probably owned him too much last year to see the good for what I paid for him. I’ve seen repeat performances from the 6 guys I listed so I guess I just trust them more if I end up with a pick later in round 1.
Also did you know website has been down a few times today and is loading really slow?
Yeah, the website is getting crushed under traffic… Pitfall of being popular and dropping a top ten…
@Grey: Being so popular must be a drag
A real torture *poses for picture with passerby*
@Grey: A possible option: using Disqus or similar for comments. Could allow you to use more/better caching for pages and could limit reloads & page size, etc.
Thanks! I’ll run it by my web person…
@Grey: Sounds good! Stoked that your ranking posts have finally arrived
Thanks again!
@Grey: Yes, Disqus! I’d love it if this site used Disqus. It has way more options for the commenters in terms of being able to see our old comments easily, see other commenters past comments, it’s used by other sites, and apparently it’ll make your site faster! Wins all around!
Okay, will look into it…
awesome job and excited as hell for another great fantasy season with Razzball,,thanks to you all for all the great work
Thanks, AL!
Awesome…we are officially back
Which side you got in an obp k/9 league
Myers or Sonny Gray Travis Shaw
Hmm…Close… I’d go Gray side
Grey,
In preparation for the draft, I’ve been noticing that there doesn’t seem to be a lot of value in the 7th/8th round of my 1/ team league. Would you trade the 8th round pick (2nd pick of the 8th round) for two picks later? The best options of this round have been Kimbrel, Paxton, Ray (assuming they last) and my hope is to get two extra picks a couple rounds later for another sleeper SP and to gamble on Acuna.
Any thoughts on whether this makes sense, or would you hold the 8th round pick for one of the players mentioned above?
That doesn’t sound like a bad move… Tho, you can just draft Acuna in the 8th and get crazy with yo’self….
Wait is trout good? Great work my man.
Ha, thanks!
looking forward to reading this year
are you buying Aaron Altherr at all? Prob won’t repeat a .270/.340/.515 batting line again but does he interest you?
Full disclosure, I wrote a Altherr sleeper post, but didn’t post it b/c the Santana signing moved Altherr to the bench…
@Grey: That Hoskins in the outfield experiment is not going to end well. I feel another Schwarber debacle coming.
Hopefully not, Hoskins takes a walk and shouldn’t hit anywhere near .250 let alone .180….
@Grey: I was thinking more 2016 when he tore up his knee in the outfield.
Goliath was cool huh. I enjoyed it too. Billie Bob is so good. And that weird old pervert lawyer guy wtf that was on odd storyline. did they ever explain how he burned his face?
William Hurt, yeah, he was solid, they never explained what happened to his face… I love Billy Bob, but has he ever not played a drunk?
@Grey: In Fargo he was refreshingly killer and sober.
So my keepers are looking like M Taylor in round 20, Zunino in 26 (2 C league), Dee in 3, F Rivero in 25 and maybe fucking Kimbrel in 8 or Raisel in 19. Is that shit or what? This is because I sold off last year trying to go for it, but came in 2nd. Again.
True! Forgot about that… I kept thinking of him as Bad News Bears coach during Goliath…. Those aren’t great keepers…
What’s good Grey? Musicals give me gas as well. I paid $700 to see Hamilton around Thanksgiving. I wasn’t pretty. Thanks for the write-up.
I paid $1500 to see Hamilton for two… And like $1000 to see Dear Evan Hanson on Broadway… I have serious agita…
NOW it’s baseball season! Great stuff as usual. Who’s that Mike Trout guy though?
Trea’s got me pretty psyched! Unfortunately, don’t have him in either of my keepers….
To snag him for $3, would $13 JDM and $26 Blackmon be too much to offer? How about $18 Goldy (for his $3 trea) straight up?
Ha, thanks! A $3 Trea is insane value, but those other guys aren’t bad value either… Prolly hold…
@Grey: yeah good points. This league I’m very fortunate to have a pretty killer 7 keepers(those 3 guys, plus $3 bellinger who I traded for from the turner owner last year haha, plus $15 schoop, $11 Devers, and $10 Robbie Ray). Doubt he’s willing to give me another $3 stud anyway!
Bellinger at $3 I love… Actually, I kinda love all of these…
@Grey: Thanks! Worked out well for sure. Devers is probably my “worst” keeper and he’s awesome.
Yeah, not a bad worst keeper…
OMG, even better than the top 10, LOOK THERE ARE COMMENTS AGAIN! Not that I don’t love the off-season banter about what we’re all watching on netflix. Grey, thanks in advance for the next few weeks of rankings hilarity and informativity. If I didn’t know your top 100 was just a bit down the road, I’d ask about trading 3 yrs of Ozuna for 1 yr of Lindor (oh, wait, I just did…).
Haha, thanks! Ozuna at 3 yrs is pretty sexy, but I do like Lindor more… Tough call…
Going into my 12 team dynasty draft with this OF: Blackmon, Eddie Rosario, Trey Mancini, Bradley Zimmer. (Brinson, Robles on the horizon) I know you are optimistic on Rosario and Mancini, but I still need another top 25ish OF’er here right? Or you like this as a top 4 OF. My infield has me really feeling myself but my OF is telling me to pump the breaks. Mixed signals!
That’s a solid OF as it is… Zimmer is the only one I have reservations about (Indians!), but he’s even a decent flyer…
@Grey: Hmmmm. Interesting take. I still think I am light on AB’s with Zimmerman penciled in as OF4. I know Polanco and Piscotty will be available in the draft (dropped due to price). I think either of them would be a nice addition. Yelich might be getting dropped too, I know his owner is really down on him after the Marlins tear down.
Yeah, I like both of them…
@Grey: Was just offered Ozuna and Yelich for Realmuto, Brinson, Edwin Diaz, and Paxton. I think that’s a yes. Huh?
Yeah, take it
Thank you for soothing everyone’s insatiable appetite with your top 10! Only change I would make is swapping out Manny for The Blackman. Manny second half will be top 10 but not comfortable with his 1 st half numbers. Blackmons average gives him a push also. Thanks Grey looking forward to your next rankings.
Thanks, Uncle Ernie… I hear ya on Manny, just think he’s trending up and Blackmon is trending down…
@Grey: All Aboard the Anti-Manny Express!
What did you start?
@The Great Knoche: not anti Manny. Just that his 2 years in the bigs aren’t deserving of top ten ranking. Just my opinion. If he were ranked for potential top 10 then yes.
@Uncle Ernie: Sad same thing above, I haven’t seen a solid repeat performance from him yet. I’d take him around 15
@Grey: The thing for me is…Manny has 3 straight years of 30+ HRs…has had 40, 50 Doubles in a season before…and since he’ll only be 25 this year, it’s possibly we haven’t seen his best. And I could see both the 31-y/o Blackmon and Manny having 10 SBs each. So, I’m with Grey. I’m going with the rising career arc vs the falling one.
Yeah, exactly
I had both Betts and Manny last year. Both were frustrating to have. For every 5 for 9 in 2 games Betts got he’d throw in an 0 for 5 the next game. He hit a bunch of soft fly balls- seemed like he got on the pitch but the ball just didn’t go anywhere. However, I agree both should give top 10 value. But, based on last years “under performance” I think these guys can both be had in the second round. Especially in those leagues where Kershaw and maybe Scherzer are picked in round one.
I don’t see Betts falling to the 2nd round anywhere, but Machado might…
Also, just saw McCutch to the Giants. Meh.
Yeah, big meh there
@Grey:
https://razzball.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Grey-Albright-Jr.jpg
Exactly!
Woooooooooooooooo! Thanks, Grey you rule! I have Turner, Arenado, and Mookie in my keeper league thanks to you. Keep up the good work and keep the rhymez flowing.
PS: RIP Cranberries singer.
Thanks, man!
RIP: Zombie
Got offered Odubel Herrera and Yasmany Tomas for Colin Moran and Albert Almora in a dynasty league. Trying to fill my CF spot this year, you think Herrera and Tomas will have bouncebacks?
Take Yasmany
Grey:
could you have Ralph shoot me an email. I am in the middle of a trade talk and would like to discuss it with him of the board. He can get my email from my profile.
thanks, Jose
Could ping him on his last post, he gets an email every time someone comments… I will ping him tho
this needs to be said, for the nay sayers—-
!—RAZZBALL is the best site for fantasy advice—-Grey has answered my questions and given out advice to me for about 3 1/2 years. i have probably asked 120 questions and Grey has been right about 117 times. Keep up the great work.
2—also keep the movie and tv discussions going–they are fun and informative.
3—i follow Greys’ rankings and advice and come out way ahead—he is the man.
1. Thanks! 2. I’d recommend Goliath if you haven’t watched yet 3. Thanks!
@Grey: -i recommended Goliath to you a few days ago
Ha, nice! I enjoyed it! I need something else now, please
the last few i watched were sneaky pete, good behavior and damnation—–liked them all
Sneaky Pete was great… I’ll have to look at those others…
Can you rank these RP in a SV+HD dynasty?
Carl Edwards
Dellin Betances
Chris Devenski
Josh Hader
Scott Alexander
Dellin, Hader, Devenski, Edwards
Great stuff as always, Grey.
Keeper question for you… I’m the reigning champion of a 6×6 roto league with weekly h2h match ups. There’s 10 teams in the league and each team is able to keep 6 players from year-to-year with no repercussions. I have a pretty clear 5 keepers (Arenado, Bryant, Correa, Blackmon, and Kershaw) but am struggling with my last selection.
Which of the following players is the best choice? Is there an obvious choice that has eluded me until now?
Sano
Abreu
Encarnacion
deGrom
Darvish
C-Mart
Greinke
Abreu
Thank you grey for the official start of the baseball prognosticating *gives a shit bow*
Loved the video, apparently im one of the seven guys who love it. Love the nasally drone, hope you continue it!
So I’m still peddling Mr Trout. Couldn’t get Freddy for him as I wanted so looking at Mr Springer. Not as high on him but if I get him for $19 salary this year might give up Trout at $67. I’d rather have Trout but could save $48 for the auction. What would you do Grey. ?
‘FOB, Friend of Boner’
Awesome.
Great start to the pre-season Grey! Thanks a lot!
Would you rather have Devers in the 27th, Rendon in the 11th, or Kimrel in the 19th
Greetings.
I’ve a question regarding a few of the top 10 up here if I may be so bold.
Let’s say you had to choose btwn 2 sets of keepers. Who ya got (head to head league):
Trout
Goldy
Scherzer
Turner
And one of Jose Ramirez, c seager or hoskins
Or:
Trout
Altuve
Scherzer
Turner
And one of hoskins, c seager or Ramirez
My concern being: if I have the chance to grab Altuve with goldy as the chip, is it worth it, longevity wise?
Cheers to hypotheticals
Altuve and Hoskins sounds sexy… Can’t really go wrong with Goldy and Ramirez either tho… You can take followups to my newest post so I don’t have to come back here….
Glad you’re back with the rankings Grey! I have a keeper question for you:
12 man league, 7×7, we can keep 5 players per year (for the first 5 rounds of the draft). Each keeper can be kept for 3 years before we have to trade them or give them up. This is my last year with Trout. I was just offered Scherzer/Goldschmidt for Trout. Think I should take it? My other keepers are Kris Bryant, Trea Turner, Jose Altuve, and Byron Buxton (questionable 5th keeper, but my best option).
Thoughts on the trade?
I’d take that
Hey Grey. After I won my league last year (Jimmy Nelson was one of my best picks. That’s right , out-for-2018 Jimmy Nelson), I was all set to make a (very small) donation but I don’t even give out my phone number to former James Franco students so I certainly won’t give it to the likes of you. Your loss! But a big atta boy for your analyses and attempts at stream of semi-consciousness humor.
Thanks (I think)!