Whatta day, here’s how it started. I woke up around 5 am, drank lots of coffee, did work stuff, got word around 8:15 that Alex Bregman would get the call this weekend and was set to join the surging Astros in Seattle. I then proceeded to pat myself on the back, throw a finger to the haters, and all the people who lived in the buildings I was prospecting in front of that called the cops on me when I was trying to make some money to feed my daughter. It was show and prove time for mi numero uno perspectiva fantasia. No longer would readers lament my existence while they starred down a dead spot on their rosters. For it was Bregman day and it was glorious. Then POOF it wasn’t, as A.J. Hinch decided to open his fat mouth and tell everyone that numero uno perspectiva fantasia Alex Bregman , would NOT be joining the team in Seattle. He did offer one assurance, Bregman could help the team down the stretch. Ahhhhh, hi A.J., my name’s Ralph, NO SH**. I’ve only been saying that forever. Doesn’t matter, he’s coming up. Maybe not this weekend, but maybe next week. Hell, maybe Monday! I’m the captain of the SS prospector, and I will sink this ship before I change course! Knowing I was writing this post for today, I thought “how appropriate everything is coming together for Ralph, The Summer of Ralph!!!”. Meh, enough of that let’s talk about the rookies that will give your redraft team a boost in the second half.
Alex Bregman, SS/3B Astros: “Heyyyyyy, you were just talking about this guy.” Yeah, no shizz dummy I done been talking about this guy.” He’s pretty much the Leonardo of my prospect ninja turtles. He went 3 for 5 in the Futures Game and finished a homer run short of the cycle. He’s done all he can do in the minors, it’s time to unleash this beast on the world. He’s going to give you slashline nirvana, with average, on base skills, and power, all part of the package. His multi-position eligibility will only boost his value.
Trea Turner, 2B/SS/OF Nationals: Welp, he finally got the call before the break, god damn I hope this one sticks. Turner gives the kind of varied production and counting stats potential that wins championships. The power won’t be eye-popping, but the speed will be close to that, and he’ll help you in batting average. Let’s hope Dusty doesn’t screw this one up.
Lucas Giolito, SP Nationals: He was demoted pre-break to keep him on a regular schedule, he should be promoted again this weekend. You saw how good he can be, and that he’s also still a rookie in his first two starts. Expect more of the same but he’ll have his moments of dominance.
Aaron Judge, OF Yankees: This one comes with a qualifier, how hurt is he? If the PCL sprain is minor and he’ll be good to go by say August 1st, he could have a major impact on how home run and RBI categories are decided down the stretch. He’s 24, there’s no reason to hold him down for the zombies that make up the Yankees lineup.
Josh Bell, 1B/OF Pirates: In his first three plate appearances he’s 2-2 with a walk, a grand slam, and 3 runs scored. Yes he’s scored in every at bat he’s had in the majors, he also has more runs than at bats. Give him the reins at first and see what happens, Pirates!! John Jaso’s emergence has only had minimal financial gains for the organization based on t-shirts sales in the lots of the current Dead & Co. tour.
Jose de Leon, SP Dodgers: Since returning from the DL in early June, De Leon has made 7 starts and put up some pretty eye-piping numbers in the hitter friendly PCL. How eye popping? Try on a 13.35 K/9 to a 3.34 Bb/9, and a 3.03 ERA. He’s been a little homer prone, but Dodger Stadium and some road dates in San Diego and San Francisco should help. He’s a big K pitcher, and probably would have been up already had it not been for injuries. In fact I wouldn’t be shocked if De Leon provides more value than Urias in the second half of 2016.
Hunter Renfroe, OF Padres: If I told you I knew what to expect I’d be lying. He’s a Padres hitting prospect, reliant on home runs to really be of value. That’s not to say he won’t hit enough homers to be of value, but I’d be cautious. He’s nearly allergic to walks, this lowers his floor in my opinion.
Manuel Margot, OF Padres: The Friars really do have a handful of potentially impactful prospects in close proximity. Margot for my money, long term at least, could be the best of them all. There’s a bit of a log jam now with Matt Kemp, Melvin Upton Jr., Jon Jay, Alex Dickerson, and Travis Janikowski. I’d be interested to see if any of the aforementioned trio of Kemp, Upton, and Jay find a one way ticket out of town. If so, that’s when you’ll see an outfield of Margot, Renfroe, and Dickerson.
Tyler Glasnow, SP Pirates: I feel like I should cut and paste the Giolito blurb, but I can’t because only one sentence makes sense. You saw the good and the bad on Glasnow in his one start. He can dominate one inning and get himself into a jam the next. The strikeouts will always be there.
Carlos Asuaje, 2B/3B Padres: Yet another Padres prospect, you’d think they have a chance to be good in a few years. I’m not sure that they have great prospects as much as they have close prospects. Asuaje was the throw in the Kimbrel deal and he’s gained a ton of buzz in the first half performing nobly in minors.
Jordan Patterson, OF Rockies: Recently Patterson has seen time at firstbase with AAA Albuquerque, this is a good development for a potential promotion to Coors. The lefty bat offers some 5 category production, with his weakest asset, his power, getting a boost in Denver. Once again, we would need some trade help to clear up a log jam, but a few of these will happen. Patterson is a worthy flier for a power/speed guy on a bad team in a good hitting environment going nowhere.
Jeff Hoffman, SP Rockies: A big upside arm who’s stock has been hurt by his future at Coors. Jonathan Gray and Tyler Chatwood, have shown Rockies pitchers can be useful in spurts, and Hoffman has as much ability, if not more, than both of them. His 4.03 ERA in the PCL on its face looks unspectacular, but he’s had two awful starts over the last month that have inflated his ERA.
David Dahl, OF Rockies: This one seemed like a bit of a long shot as recently as a month ago. Even though Dahl was raking at AA Hartford I expected him to remain on the Yardgoats until late July. That didn’t happen, he was promoted to Albuquerque on Independence Day and has done nothing but mash since joining the Isotopes. If only they stayed in Springfield. I’m still skeptical of a promotion to Colorado before September without a string of injuries or trades going down, but it is Colorado so both are viable.
Ryon Healy, 3B Athletics: He’s been killing the PCL in the first half, and looks like he’s ready to get his first run in Oakland. Should provide a little pop, with average and on base. He’s shown the ability to do all three the last two and a half seasons across three levels. Though I wouldn’t expect the slugger we saw in AA early this term.
Orlando Arcia, SS Brewers: Admittedly, I’m lower on Arcia than many in the prospect world. Why you ask? Because he looks like a .260 hitter with speed, at least for 2016. His numbers aren’t gaudy for playing in one of the better hitting environments in the minors, so I’d temper my expectations.
Jose Berrios, SP Twins: The first go around was not great, but he’s been lights out of late for Rochester. Looking unhittable in the 4 starts proceeding Friday’s mediocre turn at Scranton.
Joey Gallo, 1B/3B/OF Rangers: In terms of talent and ability we’re talking one of the top 5 players listed in this post. The problem is, where does he play. He’ll surpass his rookie limits at some point in the next three months. The question is, will it be in July, August, or September. Should be added immediately in all leagues upon promotion.
Jake Thompson, SP Phillies: Since making a mechanical adjustment following a May 31st schalacking at the hands of Norfolk, Thompson has been lights out. How lights out? Try 4-0 over 7 starts with a 0.79 ERA, a .204 batting average against, and an increased GB%. He’ll never be a K/9 stalwart, but he’ll have his useful moments as a streamer.
Braden Shipley, SP Diamondbacks: The D-Backs top pitching prospect has been solid at AAA Reno this year, and pitched in yesterday’s AAA mid-summer Classic. His profile of low K/9 and rough home park make him less than desirable. I prefer the aforementioned Thompson a touch more.
Jesse Winker, OF Reds: I was extremely excited for Winker coming into the season, and while his average and OBP have been up to snuff, the non-existent power kills his value. Too bad because he’s shown mid-teen power throughout his professional career. He’s also shown the ability to walk more than he strikes out, with walk rates in the mid-teens.
Robert Stephenson, SP Reds: Another much ballyhooed Reds prospect that’s been less than advertised at AAA. He’s now been passed over by each and every pitcher he could be passed over for in the upper levels of the Reds system. The walks are an issue, starting to wonder if he might be better suited for the pen. He’s here because he could get hot and string together some solid starts.
Joe Musgrove, SP Astros: Was phenomenal in AA earlier this season, but has struggled here and there during his stay in Fresno. He started the futures game, and has sported solid K rates, and Bb/9’s in the low 1’s throughout his time in the minors. Could see a few starts here and there.
Alex Dickerson, OF Padres: Has been solid in his 18 games with San Diego so far in 2016. During his time in AAA earlier this year Dickerson slashed .382/.425/.524. Seems like a guy who could schmotato his way into your lineup.
Longshots With Some Buzz: Players that might not be up until September if at all, but there’s something that makes me not want to dismiss them altogether.
Yoan Moncada, 2B Red Sox: This is a long shot, but much of this tier is. If you saw the Futures Game then you know why there’s so much fuss about him. If there’s an injury to Pedroia in the second half the calls for Moncada will reach red alert levels. The Boston ownership is far more susceptible to fan influence than they’d like to admit. Plus he looks big league ready. Dombrowski’s waxing poetic about his success with promoting directly from AA when questioned on Benintendi, tells me it could happen. If he does find himself in the Red Sox lineup, OH MY GOD!!
Andrew Benintendi, OF Red Sox: If you read the above blurb on Moncada then you know that Red Sox GM Dave Dombrowski mentioned that he wasn’t opposed to promoting players directly from AA. I do feel we see Benintendi and Moncada at some point this year. Whether it’s with the Sox is a matter of debate. Benintendi is easier to part with than Moncada. It’s not strictly a talent thing either, it’s the $35 million they spent to sign him, and the additional $20-$25 million in penalties for exceeding their pool. Is it possible that Benintendi could be showcased for a week or so, and then moved? Maybe but not likely, a more likely scenario is that the duo see Boston sometime in late August to early September. Anything earlier would be due to injury. I’ve said this a million times but it bears repeating, Benintendi and Moncada are 5 category contributors and will have a very real impact in fantasy.
Ben Gamel, OF Yankees: Okay so I’m digging deep here, but maybe he gets some power/speed numbers if some of the Yankees zombies get sold off or die on the field.
Gary Sanchez, C Yankees: We’ve been hearing about Sanchez for what seems like forever, but he s still just 23. He played in last nights AAA all-star game for the International League, going 0-1. Wouldn’t be shocked if we see him this month.
Dan Vogelbach, 1B Cubs: Played for the PCL side in last nights AAA ASG. I wanted to see him many three letter capitalized groups I could use in a sentence. Vogelbach, has continued to hit, slashing .312/.426/.547. Ideally he’s traded to an American League team in need of a DH/1B, and starts immediately. Seems like a real possibility.
Chad Pinder 2B/SS Athletics: A power hitting middle infielder that rarely walks and strikeouts a bit too much. Could get called up and schmotato for a few weeks.
Travis Taijeron, OF Mets: I just like his alliterative name. He’ll probably not be a factor at all but he is a PCL All-Star.
JaCoby Jones, SS Tigers: There’s some speed and power but also some major swing and miss. Probably not ready but he’s one step away in AAA.
Here’s some players that are talented and in AAA, but more than likely will see minimal time in MLB this season, limiting their impact.
Josh Hader, SP Brewers, Austin Meadows, OF Pirates, Alex Reyes, SP Cardinals, Nick Williams, OF Phillies, Harrison Bader, OF Cardinals, Amir Garrett, SP Reds, Reynaldo Lopez, SP Nationals
Follow me on Twitter @ralphlifshitzbb
JB asked me to aks you
thoughts on JHader – does he get called up for enough of an impact ?
@WM: I think we’re probably talking a handful of starts. He’s moved pretty fast I’d expect him to be more of an impact guy next season.
there are whispers that R. Lopez could join the Nats bullpen and be a good source of Holds down the stretch. FYI.
Given that he’s a rookie, is giolito the kind of arm that will make an impact on your team? I own him and wasn’t sure if I should drop him to make room for Darvish this weekend. I’ve got other arms I can get rid of if you giolito will be the kind of pitcher he looks like he can be.
Along the same lines, between Velasquez and DeScalfani, who should I drop for Yu? ERA and WHIP are my biggest needs and I’m hoping giolito will be able to offer me some stability in those categories.
@Mike: if you are worried about ERA and whip I dump DeSclafani
Awesome write up Ralph… Looking to bolster my farm in a 12 team dynasty… Have my eyes set on Adrian Morejon… I have:
Glasnow
Taillon
Meadows
Maitan
Lazarito
Crawford
Tapia
Hoffman
Albies
Peraza
Thinking of dropping Peraza for him… What’ya think? Thank you as always …
@Landisimo3: Yeah give it a try, he’s at least two-three years away if that matters.
Ralph
Do you think giolitto is right back up after his last start and then struggling in his start in a ball
@Brett: Yes
Austin Hedges (SD)? Watching him closely in my 2 catcher league.
@Steve D.: Not a rookie otherwise I would have included him. Worth taking a look at.
Looking for another SP in a 16 team dynasty league. have correa at SS. current SPs are jofer, price, teheran, salazar, quintana, gausman, sonny, jaime garcia, liriano, karns. Back 5 has largely killed me so far. defending champ and currently in first but feel like I need 1 more reliable SP. so would you trade my mateo in a deal for bauer? doubt it would be straight up and the bauer owner would want something else too (which i know is a large piece of the question that could change the answer but oh well). Thanks Ralph.
@Brian: I’d be cautious about an additional piece, but Bauer is a good target.
@Ralph Lifshitz: been offered mccarthy (who I do like) for tyler o’neill. I like tyler’s power and mccarthy is pretty risky so not sure I want to pull the trigger. I’d be dropping kuhl or karns to make room for mccarthy. what do you think?
@Brian: Don’t make that deal.
Regarding Bregman…am I wrong when I read about him and think Anthony Rendon (minus health concerns)? I’m having an internal struggle on whether to “rebuild on the fly” by trading a Springer rental for 3 years of Bregman. OBP/SLG league.
@TBone: He doesn’t run that much and I think he has better contact and power numbers.
I wouldn’t want to trade Springer unless I couldn’t keep him and wasn’t competing. If that’s the case make the deal. Particularly if you get years of Bregman.
@Ralph Lifshitz: Thanks for the response…so I guess I’m a bit off.
wkly H2H 6×6 with OBP instead of BA & SLG additional; W-L, QS, and K/9 with other standard categories.
Working on 3 deals that combined would become:
Abreu (rental)
Springer (rental)
Buxton (1 yr left, but seriously)
Stroman (2 yrs left at extreme value)
Berrios or Meadows (2 yrs left at moderate value or 3 yrs left at extreme value…if he’s legit)
for
Votto (rental)
Maybin (rental)
Cueto (rental)
Greinke (rental)
Bregman (3yrs at extreme value…if he’s legit)
Which side you like?
@TBone: If it’s Berrios I like the Bregman side.
Surprised you don’t think Alex Reyes (StL) will have much of an impact
@Sideshow27: He’s had a ton of control and command issues this year. Maybe as a reliever.
2nd question…Benintendi vs Meadows. What does your gut tell you? “Beni” up in/by August? How do the Pirates find a spot for Meadows? I know the rumor is a Cutch trade, but this seems so unlikely to me.
@TBone: I think we see Benintendi in late August or early September. My guess on Meadows is he gets rotated in to the OF come September. Injury could speed that clock up.
with AJ Reed still struggling, any chance Bregman gets 1B eligibility too? I am patiently waiting Bregman’s arrival and due to my logjam at 2B, SS, and 3B I am hoping he gets more eligibility.
I have Rendon, Schoop, Segura, Correa, Villar, and Arenado all to fill 2B, SS, 3B, and 2 UTIL spots. Plus Bregman on the bench.
@Will: No they’d move Valbuena over.
Good depth
The lack of baseball is killllling me. Can’t wait for games again tomorrow. Thanks for the write-up Rappin’ Ralph, keep up the good work. If you’re ever down near Allentown for an Ironpigs game, let me know. Bacon/brews on me.
@knucks: Bacon and Beer in Allentown? Sounds like a Billy Joel combo! Let’s do it.
@knucks: Knucks, where you at in the Allentown area? I also live and work in the ABE area.
@B the Esq.: Razzball, connecting our world
@B the Esq.: Ohhh snap, an East Coast Razz meetup. Hah I’m up in the Slate Belt region, small world.
@knucks: what’s the best thing about Allentown?
@Ralph Lifshitz: Being 90 mins from both NYC and Philly. AAA baseball/minors hockey for the Phildos/Flyers. I passionately hate philly sports, but those games are always fun. Would be careless of me not to mention Yocco’s on National Hot Dog day. That’s about it though. Anything to add B?
@Ralph Lifshitz: Oh and Sands Casino/Hotel in Bethlehem. Sometime they have good tunes/comedy come through the Event Center there, located at the old Bethlehem Steel Factory. They built an awesome venue nearby there too called Steel Stacks, been to weddings there as well as seen a lot of music in the past 10 or so years.
@Ralph Lifshitz: Last thing to add, in August, week of free music at Musikfest. Should have mentioned that the cities of Bethlehem/Allentown right on top of eachother basically. For example, I lived in Bethlehem but only took me about 7 mins to go to a Pigs game in “Allentown”.
http://www.musikfest.org/
@knucks: Nice, my cousin went to college around there, Mulhenburg or something
@knucks: The Iron Pigs are actually changing their name and uniforms for the week around Musikfest….they will be the ” ‘Festers “, which really made me thing Addams family rather than musikfest, but such is life.
@B the Esq.: Ha!
Thinking about dropping reed for bregman. Don’t really have the bench space to stash more than one of them. What ya think?
@Don Julio: Do it. If Reed is sitting on your bench, go with the upside. Hopefully the Astros get Bregman up soon. Based on the minor league stats he will be a force when he is up.
@B the Esq.: It will be soon.
@Don Julio: I say go for it, Reed has been Blaaaaaah
I have been stashing Alex Reyes in an N/A spot in a 10 team H2H Yahoo keeper league on the hope he gets the call. Keep 10.
Currently have Bregman taking a BN spot as well as Urias in a BN spot.
Worth dropping Reyes from the N/A, moving one of the others to the N/A to pick up a current big leaguer or different prospect? Could go with a RP like Clippard or Dull. SPs available include Conley, Bud Norris, Eflin, McCarthy, Colon. Or could go prospect, i.e., Jose De Leon, Thompson, etc.
Thanks!
@B the Esq.: Or would Blake Snell be a better option than all of them?
@B the Esq.: Go with the SAGNOF
@B the Esq.: I’d dump him and add Clippard.
@Ralph Lifshitz: Done.
10 team 6×6 OBP / QS league
Which side?
Goldy or
Machado/hill
@Big league choo: Duo
@B the Esq.: Machado side
Good stuff Ralph. I laughed, I cried, I added and dropped every player you named as I read because they weren’t producing for me.
@Dr. Kenneth Noisewater: Makes sense!
I know you are prospect focused, soooo…what are Matt Harvey’s prospect(s) for the future. Obviously he is done for this year, assuming the surgery is done. Any thoughts on how long he is out next year, if at all, and how much this injury impacts him moving forward?
Have him as a potential keeper, but with a full DL, not sure what to do with him.
Thanks.
@B the Esq.: Tough call I’d be worried. I too have no idea what to do with him. Sounds like he could be slipping into donzo territory
If you have an extra spot on team add de Leon?
@Rex brothers: 12 team redraft
@Rex brothers: Sure got for it
I asked before and I’ll ask again cuz you’re so high on Bregman, who do you like long term Mazara or Bregman? I was offered Mazara for for him which earlier in the season I would’ve done in a heartbeat but bregman seems to be such a stud.
@MJC: I think it’s close, I like MAZARA long term a touch more. I like him so much my phone defaults to all caps. MAZARA
@Ralph Lifshitz: haaaaa ok got it tell your phone to stop yelling. Think I’ll do it considering I have arenado & bogaerts at bregs positions and could use a 3rd OF in my keeper.
Awesome
@Ralph Lifshitz: Do you also prefer Mazara to Buxton? I’m currently offering Buxton & Conley to a contender that needs pitching depth, for Mazara in a keep forever league.
@Drexel Hill Dragons: I prefer MAZARA and Bregman and others to Buxton. He’s losing me.
Which TB OF do you like better? Brad Miller, Corey Dickerson, Steven Souza
@Scott: Souza Portuguese power!
Chances Reyes gets called up before Sept? I’m using an NA spot for him, but Id rather use it for someone that will get a call earlier in the summer. I already have Moncada stashed for next season, would you rather have Reyes or Benetindi?
@WestGaFresh: Benintendi
I”ve got Reed & Turner now, but currently for the season I have Kinsler, whose having a killer season .. Would you advise to drop Turner and pick up Bregman? I”ve been playing the SS carousel all year too.
@AtlBravo: I’d dump Reed for Bregman
FYI I’m on a whale watch so I may go MIA for an hour.
@Ralph Lifshitz: um, what?
@Ralph Lifshitz: Razzball never ceases to amaze. That’s fantastic.
@Dr. Kenneth Noisewater: Seriously and there’s a guy in a Moby Dick shirt. That’s like wearing a band t-shirt of the band you’re going to see.
@Ralph Lifshitz: I doubt you see the same kind of whale. That’s more like wearing a Metallica shirt at a Warrant concert
@J-FOH: Or wearing a Captain Ahab shirt to a prosthetics convention.
@Dr. Kenneth Noisewater: that’s a dingy
@Dr. Kenneth Noisewater: I’ve done that.
In a league where I already have Semien and Story, would Bregman make a good UTIL?
@Scott: if i was reasonably confident Trea Turner sticks, I could drop Devon Travis for Bregman?
@Scott: Travis
In a 12 team H2H dynasty, would you do either of the following:
His: JUpton/Devon Travis/manaea
For
My: Archer?/trumbo
or
His: Jup/Manaea
For
My: Trumbo/odorizzi
I am playing more for next year than this year, so considering the second offer. Thanks.
@Dal: J-Up on both
Taillon or Berrios for a keeper league in a minor league slot?
@Speck: Taillon
Not expecting JP Crawford up at all this year? Just a cup of coffee?
@Calvin: No he’s young and needs seasoning. Did snap out of an awful slump last week or so
@Ralph Lifshitz: He’s hitting .415 in June and .349 over the past 30 days, so his hot streak has been well over a week. He’s still shown premium plate discipline all season. I think he’s finally just settled into the new level, and maybe isn’t pressing like he was early in the season. He’ll be up in September. Book it.
@Drexel Hill Dragons: He’s grossly overrated as a fantasy prospect. I’m not a Crawford believer.
@Ralph Lifshitz: you also mean July, he hot .243 in June
Bell for Berrios?
Bell and Benintendi for Berrios and Taillon?
Which is preferable? Keep up to 12, and I doubt I can keep any of the aforementioned, but I need a push now (slightly hanging onto first) and can trade the keeper worthy guys in the offseason for something. Have too many hitters as is, and moncada stashed.
@Jimbo: I like the second deal. Hitters over pitchers
@Ralph Lifshitz:
I would be trading away the hitters for pitchers. 10 team league, both hitters i’ve picked up recently. I have a glut of OF and 1b types on roster (trout, polanco, betts, Puig, belt, hanley) and we start 10-12 pitchers, meaning there are lots of 60-70% owned hitters in the FA pool. So i take it you mean it is a bad idea since I would be receiving the pitchers.
@Jimbo: I’d rather have bell and beni than puig and hanley. If there are that many hitters then why own puig and hanley. I’d be grabbing hot bats every week…unless this is a moves limit leage which if that’s the case….I’m sorry
@J-FOH: Agree
@J-FOH: I guess I am still holding out hope that Puig lives up to his potential. Bad idea?
And hanley has been real solid. He very well may go 100/100/15/15 .290
Thanks for the advice though.
One last Q-out of the four prospects listed in that one deal, who has the biggest impact this year?
Glad I just traded away Dyson last night… reports that Andrew Miller is on his way to TEX in return for Gallo. Anyone else see that? Legit sources? What I’m reading is heavy speculation.
@knucks: **Update** was reported by a beat writer in Dallas, then RT by “Fake Teams”. Other links are saying its a false report.
@knucks: that trade didn’t make a ton of sense. Texas pen is solid and kela should be back.
@J-FOH: Yeah I’d love it as a Gallo owner particularly if he’s manning 3rd.
@J-FOH: Agreed, Bush did a great job of holding down the fort in the 7th. Diekman has done his part as well. The closer “monkey” seems to think that the Rangers will be buying bullpen help and also stated that “By any metric, the Rangers have the worst bullpen in the AL.” Remove Tolleson’s numbers though and they’ve been fine.
Did move Dyson/DJLem for Odor yesterday, so I was pretty giddy for the 5 mins that the Miller thing seemed real to me.
Love seeing Moncada show up, even in this rookies for 2016 post! Drafted him in the reserve round of my keeper this year along with Urias (and can keep both in perp at $3/yr inflation)–2017 should be a very fun year for those guys!
@Duda Want to Build a Snowman?: 2017 should be interesting. If I only have two spots I’d want double bats hold on the arms.
@J-FOH: Thanks – totally agree. I have 7 keeper spots in this league…
1. Rizzo ($25)
2. Betts ($25)
3. Kershaw ($27) *got him at a steal when the injury happened, but will try trading for a bat when healthy
4. Moncada ($3)
5-7. Three of Urias ($3), Story ($8), Franco ($8), OZUNA ($4), AJ Reed ($8), Schoop ($3)
@Duda Want to Build a Snowman?: schoop and ozuna are good deals at those prices. Coin flip between story and franco. I’m always weary of sophmore slump so I give the slight edge to franco but either should be fine.
@J-FOH: I kinda like Story, Ozuna, and Franco. I’m admittedly not a big Schoop fan.
@Ralph Lifshitz: Thanks, Ralph. I like Schoop, but I feel like next year I’d be able to still snag him end of draft at $10 or less (even though he’s probably worth more than that).
Do you guys think Ozuna’s breakout is legit this year? Not sure if there was a Bear/Bull on him this year, but would be interested.
@Ralph Lifshitz: what?!?! He’s a young power MI who has made strides every year in on eod the best hitters parks. You’re crazy
@J-FOH: Oh, I totally agree. I just meant that my leaguemates totally undervalue him for whatever reason. If he hits that magic 30 HR mark this season, they’ll realize he’s awesome. If he hits 26 or something like that, he’ll somehow still fall a little under the radar.
@J-FOH: Thanks. My very preliminary thinking had me leaning towards Story, Franco, and either Ozuna (worried about if this is a true breakout or BABIP fueled season) or Urias (Urias esp. if I flip Kershaw for a cheap top 10 bat).
Story could regress (but my keeper team name, A Story of Ice and Fire, requires him on my roster, so he gets some tiebreaker points there) + Schoop I love at that price, but with Moncada (2B elig) by hopefully early 2017, I feel like it makes Schoop more expendable.
@Duda Want to Build a Snowman?: you can always change your name
@J-FOH: Appreciate all the input from you guys on this! One very clear message I’m getting is that I should not be keeping Urias (and should just either trade him, or bid on him during the draft next year, when he should still be relatively cheap), contrary to my initial plans. Thanks!
@J-FOH: Long term Franco is the much better investment over Story in my opinion, especially at equal cost. Franco in his prime should be a .280/85/35+/110 bat, where I see Story more of a .240/80/25/85/10 guy.
@Drexel Hill Dragons: that’s really low for story. I would expect more dongs and a better average
@J-FOH: Agreed. I like seeing Story’s consistent modifications throughout this season as they pitch him differently, as well as the fact that Ks-be-damned, when he makes contact, he knocks the crap out of the ball to all fields. Franco is a great long term guy too of course.
@Drexel Hill Dragons: Sign me up for that all day!
@Duda Want to Build a Snowman?: Totally and Moncada will see Boston at some point this season.
So mr hinch stole my xmas in july but 1. Any chance he was being cryptic saying Bregman won’t get the call “this weekend”? Meaning he’s getting the call 1st hone series the Astros have. And 2 are we as razznation holding onto bregman in redrafts or dropping him for the 1st streamer necessary?
bc he’s currently blocking me from throwing the brandon Finnegans/Colby LewiI of the world in a H2h weekly if I need wins and ks. Thoughts and thanks
-fausto
@bookiemetts: it’s h2h. If you are looking good for the playoffs I’d hold Bregs for a few. He’s the kind of bat that can win your league in the playoffs. If every week is do or die for the playoffs then you might have to toss him back.
@J-FOH: Agree.
@J-FOH: thank you jfoh and Ralph I’m looking solid lock for playoffs just a difference between 1st and 3rd place. I built my team by grabbing the call ups and trading them for good players. Ex: I got salazar for mazara. I’ll hold and hope Bregs brings the rake before the leaves start falling. Thanks fellas.
@bookiemetts: Yes I think we see Bregman this week.
Great work Ralph.
Wheeler or Berrios in my prospect stash? How close are these 2 for long-term value? Thanks.
@Riles: Berrios. We’ve seen enough of wheeler to know he tops out as a 3 or 4
@Riles: Berrios his body isn’t rejecting itself like Wheelers is
De Leon over Kennedy, Guerra or Ryu?
Would you hold Rodon when he gets back from the Disgraceful List?
@Steve: is this keeper? Kennedy is a matchups play, guerra has been good and is the safest of the three and ryu needs to get thru 6 a few times before trusting. De Leon has no spot and word is the doyers are looking to add an arm. Go with guerra for now. I don’t think Rodon is worth the hold unless this is a keeper league where you get double digit keeps.
@Steve: I’d grab Guerra he’s been awesome. I wouldn’t be shocked if De Leon gets into the rotation in the next month, not sure if he sticks.
@Ralph Lifshitz: shocked? There’s no reason for him to be here yet. McCarthy and Ryu are back and they are actively shopping for a starter
@J-FOH: Yeah because those guys will stay healthy
Hey Ralph!
Im holding Bregman and Reyes on my roster. Bregman is a no-brainer, but what do you think about holding Reyes?
-5×5, 12 team
-5 keepers for 5 years
-Already holding Goldy, Arenado, Marte, and Bregman for next year
If Reyes isn’t going to throw many innings this year, I think it would help to drop him, as Im in contention and the roster spot could be used elsewhere. I could also pick up a better guy to stash?
Thanks for your thoughts!
@Bryce Krispie Treats: use the roster spot for reyes and keep an eye out for a better stash
One rookie keeper for next year.
Mazara, Story or Bregman?
@Frankgrimes: you can’t go wrong with any of them. Really depends on other keepers and positional needs.
@Frankgrimes: I’ll take a shot and say Bregman; he will have the best team around him next year and should be hitting from fantasy impactful lineup slots.
@Yescheese: gun to the head that is the safest but if he has MI’s and is light in the outfield then maz would be the hold. Call me crazy but is story primed for a sophmore slump?
@J-FOH: Indont like Story for next year.
@Ralph Lifshitz: hey look we agree on something
@Frankgrimes: I say MAZARA he’s only going to get better highest ceiling IMO
@Ralph Lifshitz: but if he has a bunch of outfielders it might be better to fill another position. I hate questions like this with no supporting info. Let’s see. Choose one of three good players with no clue who else is being kept.
@J-FOH: just looking for gut reaction for next year. None is prolly projecting to being a non rookie keeper for the following year.
@Frankgrimes: why not just supply the relevant info for better help? it’s not like yr one of those guys who intends on only spending 3 minutes total on here a day.
Yo Ralph!
Who is a better pick up for impact this year, Renfroe or Healy?
@What Would Dykstra Do?: could be none of the above. Both could be meh and I don’t see an immediate reason to push them up sooner. San Diego must make a few trades to get Renfroe the AB’s and in Oakland they like to platoony tunes so much Healy could be frustrating to hold on to. I give the slightest edge to Renfroe for impact but you could be chasing a waste of time and roster spot.
@J-FOH: Ugh, that was not what i wanted to hear J-FOH! I’m not seeing anyone, from the prospects pool, that are available and have a good shot at making an impact. Jordan Patterson maybe?
I had Bregman, but traded him with others for Arenado.
@What Would Dykstra Do?: I like Patterson to get his shot this year. Problem with 1st base that reynolds has been serviceable (see magoo’s fine work on tuesday). That being said reynolds would be a player that gets moved before the deadline or put out on waivers. Reality is that you might be playing poker with half a deck and your card may never come up.
@J-FOH: Gotta know when to fold’em, esp in 2nd half. Maybe I’ll just drop Renfroe and pick up Grichuk… thanks!
@What Would Dykstra Do?: Yeah, if Grichuk is there you better add the shit out of him
@What Would Dykstra Do?: I actually think it’s Healy, I could see him getting some AB’s. Though its splitting hairs they’re all close.
@What Would Dykstra Do?: Healy. As will be making some trades. Renfroe will have an adjustment period
@Yescheese: but you know those damn A’s will platoon him and piss everyone off. See billy burns
@J-FOH: good point
Would you hold Nick Williams in dynasty or go after Meadows or Dahl? Also, still wondering if Tomas is worth the stash in 13 team roto forever keeper.
@Mike: long term dahl is the best of those three. Williams is nice too but Philly is so loaded with outfielders and Altherr is due back at the end of july. We should see Williams in september, dahl maybe in september and meadows in 2017. My issue with Meadows is the Pirates are molasses with positional prospect call ups. See Bell.
@J-FOH: You like Dahl over Judge long term also? Thx for the response
@Mike: I do
@Mike: Dahl and Meadows are close, Dahl has the clearer path, but I like Meadows a little better. Both over Judge
@Ralph Lifshitz: really. Pittsburgh is the death of offensive prospects. How long did we wait in Bell and even though he’s here they still won’t play him. He’s blocked by one of the best trios in baseball. He could play fit’s since from what I’ve read he has a sissy for an arm.
@J-FOH: I’m not of the mind that he or McCutch are there next year. He’s a better player than Dahl IMO. Bell is different, I’m not sure he’s on Meadows level.
@J-FOH: death of hitting prospects?! marte/polanco doing that bad eh
@The Harrow: Haha, yeah it’s really just isolated to Bell this year. I was always of the mind he should have been up in April.
10 team OBP / qs h2h
Who wins?
Villar/matz for belt/carrasco
Villar for carrasco
@Big league choo: I have way too many sbs.
@Big league choo: Carrasco side. Not even close.
@J-FOH: agree
judge is a product of yankee hype.On any other team he would be unknown
@Steve b: not sure anyone 6’7 in AAA with 30+ homer potential could be considered an unknown…
@Steve b: I wouldn’t say that. He’s still a power threat in a friendly division. I think the concern here is the Yankees are not great developers of bats. In another organization he could be better.
@Steve b: Nope he’s a legit prospect. Refsnyder is Yankee hype. Judge should have been up a month ago.
What do you think of someone like Mazara compared to Bregman, long term and this season if Bregman gets called up? Someone dropped Mazara in my keeper league so I have the ability to add one of them. We have a dollar cap for keepers so it’s not definite I’d be able to keep either, just depends on the values my league sets. My OF is deep (Harper, Betts, JUpton, Bruce, Yelich, Peralta on IR) so Mazara would be more of a stash/fill in, but Bregman would probably replace Kang this season as my MI if he got the call and hit.
@Joe: MAZARA is one of my favorites long term.
@Joe: sounds like you need to make trad4d to keep mazara. I’m going to disagree with ralph here and say bregs makes more sense to win this year especially with kang looming suspension
awesome work
Thanks Al!!
Great write-up Prospector Ralph!
@Malicious Phenoms: Thanks MP!
12 team keeper (at a cost). Currently holding reyes. Would you drop for De Leon?
Gallo, Moncada, and Musgrove are also available, among others. Seems like stashing Moncada is looking like a pretty good idea
@Bwyce Hawpo: MONCADA!!!! Now!
@Bwyce Hawpo: Moncada like right now right now
@The Hack Formerly Known as Hate: Ha! Done. Thank you, gentlemen.
Rhys Hoskins. Is he for real . Possible call up
@Martin Harris: Not this year, I imagine next though.
@Martin Harris: he is for real and he would need to get into AAA ASAP if he is to be a September call. I own him in one dynasty so lets pray he does get the magic carpet ride to Philly in September
@The Hack Formerly Known as Hate: I feel like it’s tough with some depth there in Philly
When does brendan Rogers get called up? What do u think of Vince Velasquez. Worth keeping for $6 next year in an nl only league $260 budget
@Martin Harris: With Rodgers you’re looking at 2018 at the earliest. He’s in A ball and doing well. Hits to all fields, strong batted ball profile, great K/BB, and an ISO above .200. With Story there and the Rox a little more conservative I see no need to rush him. He could fast track and push them to a September 2017 call but he is only one year out of high school, under 500 professional at bats, and since we havent seen him in AA yet its hard to determine if adjustments need to be made.
That’s a good price in NL only $260 budget
@The Hack Formerly Known as Hate: 2018 the earliest
I’m a bit off the beaten path but that’s because I value your opinion. Redraft Poins league, drop Leonys for Naquin?
@Chucky: Naquin
@Yescheese: Agree
Would you drop Anderson Espinoza for Josh Bell in my minor league system? I reckon Espinoza is a couple years away so I could probably pick him back up next year as people in my league generally don’t hold prospects with eta that far away. Thanks and keep up the good work.
@tobiasfunkeanalrapist: Nevermind Bell has been picked up, what do you think about grabbing Victor Robles instead of Espinoza. So essentially who do you like more long term: Roblems or Espinoza?
@tobiasfunkeanalrapist: I’d grab Robles. The ceiling of Espinoza in San Diego is insanely high, but he floor is a good pen arm. Young pitching prospects are risk reward to extremes.
Where does Confortos value stand now? I’m guessing he will come back and be fine but is he worth dropping for a Margot or Benintendi or do you ride the wave and hold?
@Mike: Hmm I’d take Benintendi for him. Not sure I’d do Margot just straight up.
Assume Dahl is up this month because the stars aligned in trades – is Buxton a drop for him? Hate to cut him after being this patient, but 38% Ks and no power is a shoddy skill set
@I am a Banana!: Yes, I’m okay with that. At this point you have to let him find himself on someone else’s team.
Given your apprehension regarding Story in the comments, do you think now would be a good time to sell high on him in a dynasty league? I can spare the power for more balance (I like the comparison of Story to Mark Reynolds @ SS, where he could hit .260 with 30 bombs or hit .200 with 25 very easily), and figure I could package him with, given my already young outfield, Conforto and a prospect to see if I could pry away an ace? Guys like Saunders/Melky/Pence etc. don’t particularly interest me as long as Story calls Coors home.
Possible targets on teams: Chris Sale, Max Scherzer, Chris Archer, Jose Quintana, Michael Saunders, Melky Cabrera, Lorenzo Cain, Carlos Gomez, Hunter Pence, Tanner Roark.
My lineup looks like this:
C: Yadi/Castillo
1B/3B/CI: Votto/Arenado/Frazier
2B/SS/MI: Kinsler/Story/Odor
OF: Bryant, Trout, Betts, Calhoun, Ozuna
UTIL: Pujols, Beltran
Bench: Carter, Andrus, Pillar
SP: Kluber, Tanaka, Duffy, Guerra, Keuchel
RP: Chapman, Miller, Diaz, Britton, Jeffress, Law
DL: Greinke, Felix, Morneau, Kiermaier
Minors: Conforto, Robles, Paulino, Wall, Vogelbach, Bader, Verdugo, Tapia
@thorbs: I’d hold tight unless you can pry away Max or Sale
Hey you think I should take Trea Turner over Devon Travis or Profar? Need help at 2B in redraft 12t H2H 6×6.
Thanks
@HelpMoiBBGod: Over Profar, Travis is close, but Travis has been pretty good in the month and a half he’s played. Particularly from the counting stats department.
Dropping grandal for Sanchez if he gets the call?
@Googo: I’m fine with it
Drop any of Mccarthy Shoe Pax for Giolito?
@Lil Mook: Shoe
Gurriel to the Astros.
Our Bregman dreams have dried up like a raisin in the sun
@Oddball Herrera: I’ve been discussing this via text with Smokey and J-FOH. I wonder if a trade involving Bregman might be coming. They have the assets to land J-Fer
@Ralph Lifshitz: @Ralph Lifshitz: Or maybe Atlanta has a new trade target for Teheran, and they somehow end up with the #1 and 2 guys from the last draft…
So who is the best stash on my minor league team? I’ve got one spot open: gurriel, ryon healy, victor robles or anderson espinoza? Thanks man and keep up the good work.
@TobiasFunkeAnalRapist: Immediate help its Gourriel, long term it’s Robles.
Baring a trade any way bregman comes up now? Been stashing him and now don’t know what to do in a daily moves league. Keep 5. Bregman can be kept only for next year @$5
@Brett: I think he still beats Gourriel to the bigs. Who knows what they’re going to do. They could always send Valbuena to the bench. Problem is he’s slashing .310/.401/.534, since June 1st. I imagine they move him to first when Gourriel’s ready. He’s too hot to bench at the moment.
They might be content to wait it out and let Bregman play it out in AAA.
Curious if you’d hold Bregman for this roster below, Grichuk is available and so is Snell, I have a bunch of DTD guys on O and my SP’s are also in need of some help.
ESPN 12 team HTH 5×5 with OBP and QS daily moves and 4 keepers per season
C Posey
1B Cabrera
2B Daniel Murphy
3B Seager
SS A. Russell
OF Stanton
OF Springer
OF Polanco
UTIL OF Choo
UTIL OF Sano
Bench 2B/SS/3B Baez
Bench SS Bregman
SP Salazar
SP Shoemaker
RP Uehara
RP Melancon
P Nola
P Pineda
P DeSclafani
P Pomeranz
Bench SP Paxton
Bench SP Gausman
Bench RP Clippard
DL SP Rodon
DL Kimbrel
@My Thread Count Is High: No move on.
@Ralph Lifshitz: Thanks Ralph, appreciate your insight,based on roster, would you add Snell or Grichuk? Paxton and Pineda got ate up but I cant really afford to drop them with so little on the wire imo. While my O(when healthy has been decent).