I rarely like to make too many movements in the Top 20 or so players, but this week I thought it was necessary. Last week saw me drop Paul Goldschmidt from 8th down to 21st and this week he tumbles a bit further down to 24. In the 4 games since my last top 100 article Goldy has gone 2 for 16 with two measly singles. He can get hot in a minute and rocket back up to the top 10 — but right now it’s disrespectful to the other players to place him in the top 10.
Jose Altuve’s slight fall is going to make a lot of people angry, but he’s just not doing enough with the bat or on the base paths to warrant a top 10 placement. I see the average over .300 but 2 HRs and 2 SBs isn’t cutting it. Just as a heads up — if you have a frustrated owner in your league who is willing to accept your offer of Jonathan Schoop and an OF2/OF3 for Altuve — make the offer now. Altuve is an avid Razzball reader and will be out to prove me wrong!
Two little Indians jumped up in my rankings: Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez. They are ranked 6th and 5th respectively on ESPN’s Player Rater and earned their boost. A commenter last week pointed out how much better Lindor was performing than Carlos Correa and I that message was received loud and clear. Correa has been more lauded than Lindor, but I can’t deny Lindor is out-performing Correa so far this year. Ramirez on the other hand has statistics that compare favorably to fantasy baseball Gawd Mike Trout. Ramirez only has 6 less runs, the same amount of HRs, 5 more Rbi, 2 less steals and a higher average (even if only by .006.) With second and third base eligibility that screams top 10 talent to me. Soon.
Fallers:
Is this it? Is the fall-off that was foretold? A 36 year old hitting 40 HRs? That’s against God’s will! Well maybe. Cruz’s hard and medium contact rates are almost identical from last year, he’s hitting less line drives, but almost the same amount of fly balls. The only difference I see is that he’s pulling the ball more than he ever has in his career — but even that isn’t too huge of a difference. It seems to me like our old friend BABIP seems to be showing his face again. Cruz’s .247 BABIP as of right now is the lowest of his career since 2006. There should be some regression to Cruz’s mean coming — but until then — he falls a bit.
Buxton wasn’t on last week’s ranking due to his injury, but he started week 1 at number 43 on my top 100 list. I want Buxton to be in the top 10 of this list and hope one year he can get there — but he doesn’t seem capable just yet. He’s hitting 44% of his balls on the ground this year, but with his speed you’d think it wouldn’t matter too much. But he’s just not hitting the ball with much authority. He’s only got a 26.2% hard contact rate on the year. I’m a Buxton believer — you don’t get drafted that early and ranked that high for nothing — but he’s a mess right now unfortunately. Maybe he’ll have another second-half surge. I know this sounds random and is completely unscientific — but to me it always seems like Buxton is swinging a bat that weighs more than he does. He’s a slight 189 pounds and he’s swinging a tree branch up there that it looks like he has no control over.
Risers:
Belt’s doing it — he’s really doing it! Since his debut in 2011 every single one of was saying “this is the year Belt breaks out!” But now it’s real — it’s really really real! Surprisingly (or maybe not so surprisingly if you’re fed up with Belt’s breakout teases) he’s already more than halfway to surpassing his career high HR total of 18 with 10 after homering in four straight games this week. If he keeps up this pace and doesn’t get hit by any pitches or line drives from his own teammates — he could have over 35 HRs and find a place as a top 10 first basemen finally. Not bad for a guy who everyone apparently had given up on as evidenced by his 225 ADP.
“Finishes with 100+ runs, 15 HR, 60 RBI, 30 SB, .300 AVG, .375 OBP and heads into 2019 as the second best second basemen….but then gets injured in May 2019 and misses all of next season. You asked for bold!” At the quarter-way point of the season — I have to say my bold prediction for 2018 seems on track! With 41 games played C-Hern has 30 runs, 5 HR, 14 RBI, 8 SB, a .271 AVG and a .384 OBP. He is actually third on ESPN’s Player Rater behind Jose Ramirez (who won’t have 2B eligibility next year) and Ozzie Albies. The only thing I hope doesn’t come true is the May 2019 injury part!
GREEN: Rising | BLUE: New Additions | RED: Falling
Top 100 Hitters
| RANK | NAME | TEAM | POSITION | LAST WEEK |
| 1 | Mike Trout | LAA | OF | 1 |
| 2 | Mookie Betts | BOS | OF | 4 |
| 3 | Bryce Harper | WAS | OF | 3 |
| 4 | Trea Turner | WAS | SS | 5 |
| 5 | Nolan Arenado | COL | 3B | 6 |
| 6 | Charlie Blackmon | COL | OF | 7 |
| 7 | Francisco Lindor | CLE | SS | 13 |
| 8 | Carlos Correa | HOU | SS | 8 |
| 9 | Kris Bryant | CHC | 3B | 9 |
| 10 | Manny Machado | BAL | 3B | 10 |
| 11 | Aaron Judge | NYY | OF | 11 |
| 12 | Jose Altuve | HOU | 2B | 2 |
| 13 | Giancarlo Stanton | NYY | OF | 12 |
| 14 | Jose Ramirez | CLE | 2B/3B | 18 |
| 15 | Freddie Freeman | ATL | 1B | 14 |
| 16 | Joey Votto | CIN | 1B | 15 |
| 17 | Anthony Rizzo | CHC | 1B | 16 |
| 18 | J.D. Martinez | BOS | OF | 17 |
| 19 | Ozzie Albies | ATL | 2B | 24 |
| 20 | George Springer | HOU | OF | 19 |
| 21 | Cody Bellinger | LAD | 1B/OF | 20 |
| 22 | Jose Abreu | CHW | 1B | 22 |
| 23 | Dee Gordon | SEA | 2B | 23 |
| 24 | Paul Goldschmidt | ARI | 1B | 21 |
| 25 | Gary Sanchez | NYY | C | 25 |
| 26 | Christian Yelich | MIL | OF | 26 |
| 27 | Justin Upton | ARI | OF | 27 |
| 28 | Josh Donaldson | TOR | 3B | 28 |
| 29 | Alex Bregman | HOU | SS/3B | 29 |
| 30 | Andrew Benintendi | BOS | OF | 30 |
| 31 | Rhys Hoskins | PHI | 1B/OF | 31 |
| 32 | Brian Dozier | MIN | 2B | 34 |
| 33 | Anthony Rendon | WAS | 3B | 36 |
| 34 | Khris Davis | OAK | OF | 38 |
| 35 | Didi Gregorius | NYY | SS | 39 |
| 36 | Eric Hosmer | SD | 1B | 42 |
| 37 | Buster Posey | SF | C/1B | 41 |
| 38 | Edwin Encarnacion | CLE | 1B | 37 |
| 39 | Tommy Pham | STL | OF | 44 |
| 40 | Jean Segura | SEA | SS | 45 |
| 41 | Javier Baez | CHC | SS/2B | 46 |
| 42 | Lorenzo Cain | MIL | OF | 47 |
| 43 | Xander Bogaerts | BOS | SS | 48 |
| 44 | Mike Moustakas | KC | 3B | 49 |
| 45 | Nicholas Castellanos | DET | 3B/OF | 50 |
| 46 | Mitch Haniger | SEA | OF | 51 |
| 47 | Whit Merrifield | KC | 2B | 52 |
| 48 | Andrew McCutchen | SF | OF | 53 |
| 49 | Ender Inciarte | ATL | OF | 54 |
| 50 | Ronald Acuna | ATL | OF | 55 |
| 51 | Nelson Cruz | SEA | DH | 43 |
| 52 | Nomar Mazara | TEX | OF | 57 |
| 53 | Jonathan Schoop | BAL | 2B | 58 |
| 54 | Trevor Story | COL | SS | 59 |
| 55 | Travis Shaw | MIL | 3B | 60 |
| 56 | Rafael Devers | BOS | 3B | 61 |
| 57 | Gregory Polanco | PIT | OF | 62 |
| 58 | Joey Gallo | TEX | 3B/1B | 63 |
| 59 | Hanley Ramirez | BOS | DH | 64 |
| 60 | Justin Smoak | TOR | 1B | 65 |
| 61 | Marcell Ozuna | STL | OF | 56 |
| 62 | Carlos Santana | PHI | 1B | 66 |
| 63 | Eugenio Suarez | CIN | 3B | 68 |
| 64 | Eddie Rosario | MIN | OF | 78 |
| 65 | Brandon Belt | SF | 1B | 88 |
| 66 | Brett Gardner | NYY | OF | 70 |
| 67 | Adam Jones | BAL | OF | 71 |
| 68 | Byron Buxton | MIN | OF | NR |
| 69 | Jose Martinez | STL | 1B | 69 |
| 70 | Matt Olson | OAK | 1B | 72 |
| 71 | Delino DeShields | TEX | OF | 74 |
| 72 | Chris Taylor | LAD | 2B/OF | 75 |
| 73 | Jed Lowrie | OAK | 2B | 76 |
| 74 | JT Realmuto | MIA | C | 77 |
| 75 | Cesar Hernandez | PHI | 2B | 95 |
| 76 | Michael Brantley | CLE | OF | 96 |
| 77 | Corey Dickerson | PIT | OF | 79 |
| 78 | Kevin Pillar | TOR | OF | 80 |
| 79 | Kyle Schwarber | CHC | OF | 81 |
| 80 | Yangervis Solarte | TOR | 2B/SS/3B | 82 |
| 81 | Nick Markakis | ATL | OF | 83 |
| 82 | Kyle Seager | SEA | 3B | 85 |
| 83 | Odubel Herrera | PHI | OF | 97 |
| 84 | Yasiel Puig | LAD | OF | 86 |
| 85 | Salvador Perez | KC | C | 87 |
| 86 | David Peralta | ARI | OF | 89 |
| 87 | Domingo Santana | MIL | OF | 90 |
| 88 | Andrelton Simmons | LAA | SS | 91 |
| 89 | Eduardo Escobar | MIN | 3B/SS | 92 |
| 90 | CJ Cron | TB | 1B | NR |
| 91 | Josh Bell | PIT | 1B | 93 |
| 92 | Rougned Odor | TEX | 2B | NR |
| 93 | Teoscar Hernandez | TOR | OF | 98 |
| 94 | Marcus Semien | OAK | SS | 99 |
| 95 | Matt Adams | WAS | 1B | 100 |
| 96 | Jorge Soler | KC | OF | 101 |
| 97 | Scooter Gennett | CIN | 2B | NR |
| 98 | Matt Davidson | CWS | 3B | NR |
| 99 | Denard Span | TB | OF | NR |
| 100 | Matt Chapman | OAK | 3B | NR |
You might notice that it looks like many guys got boosts from their rankings last week — but that’s only due to players being removed from the rankings due to DL stints.
Where would Juan Soto be placed now that he is in the MLB?
@Brennan Cassidy:
Call me crazy but I’d say in the 80 range. He’s 19, not guaranteed to be up for the rest of the year and isn’t a lock to crush it out of the gate.
Hello all
oNe of the teams in my 12 team H2H is trying drop Goldshchimidt but he is undroppable
I was thinking of offering up freddy peralta for him what do you think? the rest of my roster
Ramos, hosmer, dee Gordon, muchado, trea turner, cody bellinger Kris Bryant, Bryce harper; gleybor torees; Edwin emanciaon, jay bruce; starling marte
Chris archer ; jack Flaherty; aaron nola, Paxton; alex wood; Edwin diaz, brad hand ; Madison bumgarner; freddy peralta
I was thinking of packaging another player and trying to get either chris sales; Arreita or maybe berrios.
thanks
@LennyDykstraIsJustMisunderstood: Peralta won’t be enough. You’d have to do Peralta and Hosmer just for Goldy. If you wanted sale it would have to be Hosmer and Paxton.
Goldy is struggling yes… But smart owners know he can break out at a moments notice.
@Kerry Klug: But I am pretty sure he said Goldy’s owner is not smart … Goldy’s owner wants to outright drop Goldy but league rules prevent him from doing so.
I say offer up Peralta and see what happens … if there is any chance whatsoever he will go for that, you have to try.
@LenFuego:
exactly he was just going to drop him outright hopefully he will trade i think goldy has some in the tank
@LenFuego:
he wised up i traded hosmer for goldy……i like hosmer but i think goldschmidt will go on a tear at some point it is worth taking a chance; if not i have plenty of hitters
who do you think puts up more production for the rest of the season: Edwin Encarnacion or Yasiel Puig?
@Raj: tricky… Across the board I’d go with Puig. Both havent looked good so far but Puig is showing some life.
Willson?
@Honest Q: Willson fell off last week but if he keeps this going he’ll be back.
Justin Turner?
@hondo: dang! He’s been gone so long I forgot he came back. It seems like the average will be fine but I’m worried about the power numbers… What does a 10 HR/. 285 third basemen mean to you?
I have Pujols at U. I’m looking at J.Iglesias, M.Rojas, N.Ahmed, L.Garcia, L.Maille, M.Duffy, D.Valencia, JaCoby Jones, or Difo to fill that spot.
14-team OBP 5×5 roto. Who do you choose or stay with Albert?
@coacher: out of those options of stick with Albert. But I’d be watching Jacoby and Duffy.
Was offered Votto and Zunino for Sanchez and Franchy. 10 team H2H and you penalized for Ks on hitting side. Thoughts? Thanks.
@Jniz: depends who you have at first right now. Sanchez to Zunino is a huge downgrade. But I do think Franchy is starting to humanize a little bit and will lose ABs once Myers/Renfroe return.
If you’ve got a bad 1B I’d say take the deal… And don’t be afraid to stream catchers if Zunino doesn’t heat up.
@Kerry Klug: thanks. First base options are Healy and Crom. Should probably do it then.
Curious in a 5×5 H2H keeper, who would you rather own, Bregman or Mazara. The keeper league also values CF, LF, RF as individual positions if that makes a difference.
@Mark: I would project them for ROS about as follows:
Bregman .290/14 HR/8 SB/62R/65RBI
Mazara .265/18 HR/1 SB/60R/74 RBI
For me, that is a slight nod to Bregman, but YMMV.
@Mark: Oh man my bad! I missed this one! I like Bregman more — he’ll give you more SBs and is hitting at the top of one of the best lineups in baseball.
Curious about the Yanks. I consider Gary Sanchez their most talented hitter. Is Stanton more talented in your opinion or rather the best?
Also, I know it’s potential, but 3 years ago, I thought Bird was the best of all the Yankees so called baby bombers. Did you ever feel that way and if so, do you ever think he can be still?
@Mark: Bird is going to find himself on this list — I’m a believer and think he’ll be fine.
The best, most complete Yankee hitter is Aaron Judge apparently. Didn’t see that coming.
Did I miss the Pants weekend post? or am I just blind
Is that even a regular thing?
This was great btw not trying to take anything thing away from it
I just need my razz hot takes on this weekends activities
Hi, 10 tm h2h pts, what do you think of this trade – Goldschmidt for Kershaw – thanks
@surfer dude: Not bad. They both have their issues but depending on need it’s doable.
Would you sell off Altuve for Lindor?
@Taylor Sims: Definitely — as always — based on need and team compositions.
Just moved my JD for Altuve. Did I sell high or blow it?
@Turd Ferguson: Nah that’s fair. Altuve is still hitting over .300 and I think the Power/Speed will come. It’s not like he’s Goldschmidting the bed.
Which end of the deal would you rather have in a H2H redraft league?
Ozzie Albies, Donaldson and Alex Wood
Or
Jose Altuve, Nelson Cruz and Chris Archer
Thanks
@Charlie: Wow. This is tough. Wood is always hurt, Archer is completely random.
Donaldson looks like he’s still injured, Cruz might be on his decline.
Albies is thriving, putting up MVP numbers — but its his first year. Altuve is having a “down” year but has won an MVP.
If you need third base help — I could see taking the Donaldson side. but Altuve and Albies are the only two worth their stones right now.
@Kerry Klug: great answer, thank you.
I just sent Hosmer, Archer and Kyle Tucker for Goldy in a 6 regular keeper + 2 rookie keeper league. How do you think I did?
My 6 keepers to this point would be Albies, Correa, Rendon, Stanton, Benny, Goldy, Acuna and Whitley(if he’s called up)
@Will H: Gulp. Thats a pretty high cost for a struggling Goldy right now — but if your pitching can survive without Archer then I guess it’s passable.
so bell and puig – don’t they need to be higher? I have ender and cruz and they both seem nicked up.
@Blake: Bell yes — Puig no. Puig is hitting for power now but that average is still .215
@Kerry Klug: 12 team pts league no negative pts for SO’s. here is my OF plus 1B and U situation
1B: C santana
OF: M Haniger
OF: G Stanton
OF: E Inciarte
U: N Cruz
B: J Bell
B: Jose Martinez
B: Y Puig
Do I change out any those to in my starting lineup?
@Blake: Nah that’s solid.UTIL is the one spot where you can insert people based on match-ups/Cruz injuries.
Would you rather:
Gleyber Torres
OR
Javier Baez
…in a long term keeper league.
@Andrew B: Gleyber.
Any faith on Jake Lamb repeating last years success (1st half)? Puig’s on waivers, trying to decide between the two.
@JP: Both are solid options — it looks like Puig is starting to turn it around. I’m leaning Puig at this point.
Am I making the move in a 6×6 OBP Dynasty? Odor for either Goodrum, Robertson or Harrison?
@Chucky: I’d say you stick with Odor — there’s a reason the other three went drafted after pick 200 (or undrafted) and Odor was taken among the first 100 picks (even if I don’t agree with that.)