A Loch Ness Monster waits nervously in a doctor’s office. He turns to his left to a unicorn. “What brought you in here?” “I was having a weird pang behind my horn for a few weeks while in Candyland, and I went for an MRI when they found a growth.” The unicorn chokes back its fears, finishing, “I’m having a biopsy. You?” The Loch Ness Monster hands the unicorn a tissue, then, through tears, “I’ve been pooping this tar-like substance, and they’re not sure…what…it…is.” As the the two of them sob uncontrollably, they look across the receptionist area to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The unicorn fights through tears and asks, “Why are you at the National Institute of Made-Up Injuries and Diseases?” “The Jays said I had an oblique injury to delay my free agency.” So, Vlad Guerrero Jr. has an oblique injury, which, honestly, is likely a real injury, but doesn’t sound serious. Maybe it is just an aching venient injury. Who knows. I’ve been saying for a while that I’m not drafting Vlad, due to his ADP, and wrote a Vladimir Guerrero Jr. schmohawk, so this doesn’t affect me a ton. Nor his MLB ETA. He wasn’t starting the year with the Jays either way. I haven’t changed his projections or ranking in my top 20 3rd basemen, though there have been a bunch of changes in my rankings, so let’s get to it. Anyway, here’s what else I saw in spring training for 2019 fantasy baseball:
Salvador Perez – Damaged UCL. Terrible news for Royals fans, but think, it could be worse if it was a damaged UL Washington. We must protect UL Washington at all costs. I’ve removed Perez from my top 20 catchers for 2019 fantasy baseball, and took 45 minutes to try to guess the Royals’ new catcher for 2019. Finally, I guessed Drew Butera, but the Olympic strongman is on the Phils. Three days later, I woke in a sweat and screamed, “Cam Gallagher!” But, alas, that was a nightmare even to the Royals and they went out and signed Martin Maldonado. That’s Candy’s son who was conceived during The Golden Girls episode that Martin Mull guest starred in. Maldonado for fantasy? How about Maldon-no-no? Alas, I added him into my catchers’ rankings.
A.J. Minter – Snitker said Minter and Vizcaino would split save chances. He actually scribbled it in his journal, which he calls a Snitker doodle. In my top 500, I have Vizcaino as the Braves’ closer, and I don’t think that’s gonna change much with this news. I have Minter projected for 11 saves, which seems about right. Plus, Minter had shoulder issues earlier in camp.
Chris Paddack – So, his spring training hype can no longer be ignored and I added him into the top 100 starters. Here’s what Prospect Mike said, “Paddack has a double-plus change and plus command. Splitting time between High-A and Double-A in 2018, he pretty much made opposing hitters his b**** – whiffing 15 per nine and walking just over one per nine. He should be on all radars, even redrafts, as he’s likely just an injury or string of poor outings away from a call to San Diego. Speaking of injuries, can I pay someone to injure Grey?” Hey, what’s that about? PM thought about a month ago an injury or poor performance by a Padres starter moved Paddack into the rotation, but as we travel further into spring training and Paddack puts on a clinic, he could just be in the rotation to start the year and I’ve already drafted him. For his price, there is no earthly reason to not at least take a flyer. There’s many ethereal reasons to draft him. He was also added to my Fantasy Baseball War Room and the top 500.
Matt Strahm – Da duh duh, da duh duh! Let the boys be boys! Strahm! Due to his spring training performance, I couldn’t overlook what Strahm Da duh duh, da duh duh! was doing anymore. He throws 94 MPH fastball with a curve, slide-piece and change that are varying levels of plus. In the minors, he regularly registered a 10+ K/9 and even tamed his once-wild command to respectable levels in the last year. I love NL West pitchers, and there feels like a real chance for a breakout here. So, definitely draft Strahm Da duh duh, da duh duh! Let the boys be boys! (If you can say his name without the rest of that, you’re a better man than I.) See top 80 starters for his projections, and I updated my pitchers’ pairings if you dig that sorta thing.
Travis Jankowski – Out with a broken wrist. Jankowski is an anagram for Janki, ow, SK. SK is the country code of Slovakia. Slovakia’s national anthem is Travis’s song, Side, because they call every injury an oblique injury because their country never sees any sun. “Broke your wrist? That is oh-bleek.” That’s a Slovakian doctor. If you think all of this is a coincidence, then you’re not seeing the forest because your forehead is smack up against a tree. Jankowski was never in my top 500, so no harm, no foul, except to him.
Miguel Sano – Out until May with a debridement procedure on his Achilles. Think of debridement as a divorce of a mucousy wound. “I’m sorry, I’ve fallen in love with another pus pocket.” “You never loved me, admit it!” I’ve lowered him further in my top 20 1st basemen and top 20 3rd basemen. On an unrelated note, I moved Pete Alonso up in my top 20 1st basemen. Draft him, prematurely balding men!
Adam Jones – Signed with the Diamondbacks to play…*sees crowded outfield* …um… *looks up news about a DH being added to the NL* …hmm… *Googles if Adam Jones can pitch* I guess Jones is going to play mostly outfield and Ketel Marte pushes Nick Ahmed to the bench, or Jones just doesn’t play. Moved him down to the top 100 outfielders.
Carlos Gomez – Signed a minor league deal with the Mets. He joins Rajai Davis and Gregor Blanco as non-roster invitees to camp. This, folks, is the Met’ greatest test. In years past, they would’ve made an Opening Day outfield of Rajai, Gomez and Blanco, benching everyone else, but they’ve grown…Right, Mets? Right?
Kyle Seager – Underwent an MRI on his hand, which he injured while diving for a ball. If he was playing soccer, this would’ve never happened!
Jose Altuve – Out with an oblique injury, that the Astros haven’t yet called an oblique injury. Why does it feel like this preseason is filled with injuries to guys I would never draft to begin with? Rhetorical! The Astros are saying Altuve will be fine for the start of the season. We shall see. Or not. Your choice!
Jeremy Jeffress – Was shut down for a week, due to a shoulder injury, but hopes to be ready for Opening Day. Jeremy’s spoken. Though, Jeremy’s broken. I haven’t moved him yet in my rankings, but I’m not drafting him until I hear more.
Steven Wright – Suspended 80 games for testing positive for a banned substance. Droll Steven Wright, “I thought the banned substance would help me play the guitar.”
Luke Voit – Yankees said there will be no platoon. It’s either going to be Voit or Bird. Bird or Voit. Finkel/Einhorn. If you own Voit because of my Luke Voit sleeper, or want me to look brilliant, now is the time you hunker down to think good thoughts.
Luis Severino – Shut down with shoulder inflammation. Damn, so far in my tier to avoid in the top 20 starters, it’s Kershaw and Severino who are sidelined. Greinke is goofy awful, but always stays healthy (which is what a prognosticator says right before said player is injured), so I need to go 4-for-4 in that tier to make sure my Noah Syndergaard schmohawk doesn’t look dopey. I docked Severino 20 innings from his projections and — surprise! surprise! — I still would not draft him.
Zack Cozart – Grade 1 calf strain and unlikely for start of the season. This is after he was already returning from a shoulder surgery. Cozart’s full name is Woofgah Ama-DL-es Cozart. I didn’t move him in my top 20 2nd basemen, because I wasn’t giving him a full season anyway.
Andrew Heaney – Inflammation in his elbow. Lowercase yay! I only drafted him in every league so far. Stupid early leagues. Your whole family is dumb, early leagues! All of them! On the bright side that’s not entirely bright, he threw on Friday (a whole 25 pitches) and says he felt fine. Further good news (that is barely good news), he had this same issue last year, returned mid-April and was fine. Maybe his elbow doesn’t like the spring. Hey, my knee doesn’t like the winter. I haven’t moved him in my rankings yet, but that’s prolly just because I can’t bear it.
Morning Grey,
Excellent article.
I only really draft in one league. Most of my leagues are dynsaty. Am going to ask for some feedback on this team, it’s a 5 keeper league.
13 team (5×5) roto. One for each IF position (no CI/MI), 3OF and 2UT. 9 Pitchers (3 x SP, 3 x RP, 3 x P). 7 BN spots. 162 starts and 1500 IP maximum.
C – Jansen
1B – Hoskins
2B – Muncy
3B – Machado
SS – Peraza
OF – Acuna, Benintendi, Soto
UT – Escobar, Voit
SP – Clevinger, Marquez, Bieber, Lucchesi, Chase Anderson, Musgrove, Gonzales, Eflin
RP – Osuna, Iglesias, Strickland, Parker, Woodruff
Any areas I need to address ?
Best FA’s are :- Mullins, Urias, Wacha, Dereck Rodriguez, Peralta, Steckenrider
Best wishes,
Another Dan
@Another Dan:
Forgot that I currently have two BN bats :- Sunday Santana and Joey Wendle
@Another Dan: Nice looking team, love the hitting, maybe a hair light on SBs… Pitching looks great, guys I would draft… Lose Eflin or Anderson for Mullins, you don’t need 8 SPs (maybe 9 with Woodruff)
@Grey:
Thanks.
No problem
Drafted Voit with my second to last pick (SLEEPER, SLEEPER, SLEEPER!!)
Hunkering down. Positive VIBBBBBES.
I do not like BIRD[s].
Thanks for spring training update.
@Hebrew Hammer: Nice! No problem
Good morning,
Gotta a keeper question. 5×5 Roto, 14 tema, KEEP 5 forever.
Keeping: Goldschmidt, Stanton, Harper
Need to pick 2 from: Correa, Springer, Andujar, Conforto, Sale.
I think Sale has to go back into the pool. Current rankings would say its a no brainer to keep Correa and Springer. But is that the right call long term? I’m pretty sure Correa is in. But for some reason, which I can’t explain, I am meh on Springer. Does keeping Andujar or Conforto make any sense? And if so, which one?
Thanks as always.
@Peter Ehrmann: Sale, coin flip… Springer… No idea why it’s a no brainer to put Sale back
Are you planning on moving German up in your rankings? Am I the only one who thinks severino is going to be out way longer than everyone is saying? Sabathia had angioplasty and his knee scoped and will be 39 in July. Paxton and happ are not exactly durable. How much more mileage can tanaka get on that arm that was not fixed by getting tjs? They probably will sign or trade for someone, but everything seems to be lining up for german to get a long look imo. Thanks
@Scott: Have you seen my rankings? https://razzball.com/2019-fantasy-baseball-rankings/
How far up would I move German? I wouldn’t draft Severino, he’s irrelevant
Grey! Only 9 more days til season gets underway! And only 11 more days until the season goes on hold again for another week! And only 18 days til it gets underway, again! whew, just used four exclamation marks this early in spring training, I may have strained the oblique in my typing finger.
I drafted over the weekend and missed on Paddack, but Strahm is available. Will look at adding him as FA, in place of some Rays reliever who will probably just end up pitching the 1st inning anyway.
@Tigres: Haha, I know, can’t wait for the season to start then stop again… Strahm’s a little better bet than Paddack, but similar
Grey!!!!!
Great update/report.
a. So Vladdy, huh? They really don’t like how heavy he is, he looks like Cecil the Vessel’s son reborn, body-wise.
b. Love Paddack, love that they will only allow him to pitch 5 INN so he can get 10 Ks per outing. They’re monitoring his IPs this year following return from injury.
c. Love your boy Strahm. I drafted him 2 years ago when he was still with the Royals because of you and started him that one start in April when he got blown up. Thanks for that. Hope he does better this year on my team.
Cheers,
Ante
@Ante Galic: A. Ha B. Yeah, he won’t throw more than 120 C. He’ll throw about 140
@Grey: Grey!!
You like Alonso a lot? In a redraft points league for 2019 who would you prefer as a bench bat?
1. Alonso
2. Eloy
3. Laureano
Cheers,
Ante
There’s more than one Alonso… Eloy there, it’s not close
Hey Grey –
Thanks again for all your help the past few years. I’m coming off a championship largely due to the fact that I listened to you.
It’s time to select keepers. I can keep 7 of the following for the amount of money listed next to them. The league uses HR, R, RBI, OBP, SLG, SB /// IP, QS, K/9, WHIP, SV+HLD, ERA. We use 5 OF and CI and MI in addition to regular positions. 5 player bench.
Batters – Judge (7$), Shaw (1$), Khris Davis (1$), L Cain (16$), V Robles (3$), E Suarez (11$), J Aguilar (1$), Muncy (1$), Mallex Smith (1$), J McNeil (1$), B Lowe (1$), Franmil Reyes (1$)
Pitchers – Kluber (36$), Snell (9$), Taillon (10$), Kimbrel (19$), Berrios (1$), Knebel (1$), J Alvarado (1$)
Definitely holding Judge, K Davis, Snell, Berrios (unless you say I shouldn’t). Which of the others would you suggest I keep? I loved having Cain – is he worth the hold at his price? I have concerns about Shaw and Aguilar (and McNeil) regarding playing time. Will Muncy be playing every day?
Thanks,
Jeff
@Jeffrey Gilden: Your 4 (Judge, Davis, Snell, Berrios) plus Robles and Shaw. For the last one I’d lean toward Muncy. Good value, position flexibility heading into the draft, and you’ll have money to spend. But it kind of depends on the league.
@bigbear: Thanks for taking the time. Much appreciated!
@Jeffrey Gilden: No problem… Judge, K Davis, Snell, Berrios, Aguilar, Robles, Shaw… So many options tho, nice keepers
@Grey: Thanks, as always, Grey! I appreciate the response.
No problem
G’day Gray (that’s how we spell it down here under something(never work out what exactly))
Quickie about 3B options late in the draft piece, either as 1st or backup.
Donaldson
Asdrubal (now that is Rangers regular and little depth at the position, and likely carrying heavy relief pitching due to injury / usage concerns on starters)
Franco (now that he is Phillies regular)
There’s a pretty big gap in your projected rankings from Donaldson to Asdrubal, and a note that Franco will be adjusted if/when he is the everyday starter.
Either Asdrubal or Franco able to be a worthwhile fantasy starter (and what sort of adjusted / projected stats) if one wa to “punt” the position?
Good on ya mate
Roy, Oz
@James Hanna: Haha, g’day! I don’t love any of these three… I’d prolly lean Maikel… I don’t trust Donaldson at all, and Asdrubal’s a bore
@James Hanna: Maikel was updated: https://razzball.com/top-20-3rd-basemen-for-2019-fantasy-baseball/
Sir Grey,
I hope u had a great weekend!
I had my draft in my 5×5 12 team keeper league (keep 8). Looking back on it my weekend could have ended better;-)
I used the Rudy spreadsheet tool during the draft but got mixed up with the columns (what didn’t help is that I opened it for the first time a hour before the draft;-)).
Either way a great tool and well worth the price for the subscription (besides the rest we are getting!).
I was looking for a draft analyser on the site but the war room doesn’t work. I guess I do something wrong.
So I hope I can get some feedback here:
C) Grandal (12)
C) Beef (20)
1B) Rizzo
2B) Schoop (15)
SS) Story
3B) Andujar
MI) Pereza (9)
CI) Franco (was looking for a sp and panicked) (18)
OF) Acuna
OF) Judge
OF) Santana (16)
OF) Ozuna
OF) Bauers (19)
UT)Palka (23)
BE) Woodrum (24)
BE) McMahon (28)
BE) Wendle (26)
SP) T. Bauer
SP) Scherzer
SP) Lucchessi (17)
SP) Porcello (21)
SP) Skaggs (22)
RP) Iglesias (10)
RP) Hader (11)
RP) Bradley (13)
RP) Vizcaino (14)
BE) Wacha (27)
BE) Romo (25)
Thanks for the feedback!
Many thanks,
Bas from Holland
@Bas Hoedemakers: Looks like a solid power hitting team, you’re lacking some SBs and AVG…Your pitching is stacked, better than it needs to be, which hurt your hitting a little…
Grey, I know your big on Folty. Does his elbow concern you at all moving forward?
@Snacks Zillion: It concerns me a little, yes… But he’s saying he’s okay, so haven’t moved him down yet
Grey –
I’m defending the title in my 12-team 6×6 (R, RBI, HR, TB, NSB, OBP / K, ERA, WHIP, NSV, H, W) Yahoo League this year. Draft did not go at all how I expected, as I was sniped a number of times and drafted more or less where I didn’t want to be (pick 7) smack in the middle of the draft. That said, how’d I do? Looking forward to reading your columns all season long!
C – W. Castillo
1B – C. Bellinger
2B – B. Dozier
3B – M. Moustakas
SS – A. Mondesi
LF – A. Benintendi
CF – C. Yelich
RF – M. Haniger
Util – M. Olson
Util – J. Smoak
Bench – G. Polanco
SP – B. Snell
SP – G. Marquez
SP – T. Glasnow
SP – S. Bieber
SP – T. Skaggs
RP – J. Hader
RP – C. Knebel
RP – C. Allen
P – D. Betances
P – S. Dominguez
Bench – N. Eovaldi
Bench – L. Trivino
Bench – R. Pressly
@C: Thanks! Your hitting looks like a much deeper league team, your pitching is better than it needs to be which hurt your hitting…
Hey Master Lothario,
Keeper league 12 team 5 keepers. i have a few extra picks in this years draft. (Draft starts after 60.) My keepers are weak and looking to target a couple players the can make that jump into the top40 or maybe even 20 keeper status. Similar to the sleeper guys you had in the past like Judge, Story, Bauer, Blake Snell, who do you think can really make that jump this year or nextt year? I know Dahl and mondisei are your guys. Mondesei, vlad and eloy are taken. Can you name some players in order that have the best chance to crack keeper status.
Thanks , Frank
@Frank: Hey, Frank, there’s sleepers and all kinds of stuff in my rankings https://razzball.com/2019-fantasy-baseball-rankings/
Keeper for this year and next—- Yelich, Lindor or DeGrom? Thx!
@Happy Bumgarner Day: Lindor
@Happy Bumgarner Day: I’ll take Yelich
@Happy Bumgarner Day: Agree with DT
10 team, H2H. My keeps are trout, Harper, Soto and Verlander.
With a solid OF already, what do you recommend my first pick should be in the draft, bat or arm? My thought is to take a couple picks to build a good infield, then take an arm or two. I know that thought could changed depending on who falls where, but really wanted to get your take.
Thanks and looking forward to another season of reads!
@Mike: any of the top shortstops available? One of those with your first pick might be great…
@Mike: Bat, you have an ace
Grey,
i was high on Paddack for a week or so,
but after AJ “the Mint” shoulder ‘ issue,
i added Honey-oh well hoping he’d land on my IR spot awaiting the call up ,
but he was sent down for rehab.
Scoubidoo’s friend Paddington likes the Paddack a ton !
who would you drop now, Honey-well or Robertson PHI RP?
SAGNOF ,,, non full-closer
for Paddack in dynasty…
@Nick: Tough, but probably ditch Robertson if you can’t trade him
@Nick: Agree with DT
I’ve noticed the Pads have been giving Myers time in CF (and he has some games there in past years). With jankowski now out of the playing time picture it may mean they are intending on using Myers in center to give Franmil some ABs. I gotta believe the leash is short on Margot since his ship has left the dock and is close to completely sailing. Myers is not a good defender but who needs good CF play, right?
@Sweatpants Nation: Haha, right!
@Grey: Or at least him playing CF might speed up his DL clock.haha
Cue evil laugh
You guys going to be posting Top 100 Keepers any time within the next week?
@MICHAEL BICKHAM: I think this week
Congrats Grey! https://www.fantasypros.com/2019/03/most-accurate-fantasy-baseball-projections-2018/amp/?__twitter_impression=true
thanks but those are the Steamer/Razzball projections vs Grey’s.
@Rudy Gamble:
2nd best non-consensus. Nice. The Bat is interesting. Seem to have adjusted steamers tendencies to have low counting stat totals across the board.
@OaktownSteve: yeah, seems like The Bat is the only projection system that is in Steamer’s class. Derek knows his stuff.
Hush, Rudy!
@Marty’s farewell tour: Thanks!
Any concern on Folty and his hurting elbow (which sounds like the name of a bad children’s book)?
@Drew: Yeah, there’s some concern, I mentioned him last time I did an update
@Grey:
Would you move Folty and a prospect like N. Pearson for Wheeler? 16-team keeper.
I’d want Wheeler
Good Morning,
My apologies if this is a duplicate post, not sure if the 1st one went through .
14 team, 5×5 Roto, KEEP 5 guys forever.
I’m keeping Goldschmidt, Harper and Stanton.
Need 2 from the followings: Sale, Correa, Springer, Andujar and Conforto.
I don’t trust Sale in a dynasty league, so he is not gonna make the cut. I think I’m gonna give Correa another year. But, for some reason, and I don’t know why, but im meh on Springer. Does it makes sense to keep Andujar and/or Conforto?
Before I make a final decision I was curious what you guys thought.
Thanks as always.
@Mex: I’d keep Sale and Springer or Correa
@Mex: Agree with DT
@Grey: Hmmm…you guys are making me reevaluate. Sale just seems like a guy that has pitched a bunch of innings and thrown a boat load of pitches the last 5 years and he is at the beginning of the end of his time as a top starter…I gotta go back and look at his numbers.
You using black magic to draft?
@Grey: i have been using Razzball rankings a bunch…is there a Tier called “Black Magic” that I missed , perhaps it’s related to the “Sex Farm “ tier.
It’s the tier with Ervin
(It’s the tier with Yu Darvish) https://razzball.com/top-60-starters-for-2019-fantasy-baseball/
@Grey:
Nice, I found It Hallelujah!!
So, you think it’s mistake not to keep Sale?
BTW, I finally came across a LaCroix flavor I did not like- Key Lime Pie. I don’t think that is going back into the garage fridge anytime soon.
Lime can suck a D, it ruins everything… You have to keep Sale, pardner
@Grey:
Nice, I found It Hallelujah!!
So, you think it’s mistake not to keep Sale?
BTW, I finally came across a LaCroix flavor I did not like- Key Lime Pie. I don’t think that is going back into the garage fridge anytime soon.
Lime can suck a D, it ruins everything… You have to keep Sale, pardner
In a 12 team AL only keeper league would you do Correa $16 for Devers $1 and Adames $1 (2yrs)
@Hometown Heroes: It’s fair but I’d keep Correa
@Hometown Heroes: Agree with DT
About to pick up Strahm in my home league, unless I get sniped by one dude ahead of me.
Picked up Wendle for my last hitter spot as CI. Then he hits a HR in ST. You wrote a sleeper on him so he’s gotta be good right.
Stressed about Voit too. I have a gut feeling they go with Bird to start the year. They both been hitting well and taking walks.
So Vlad looks fat. There I said it. Not athletic at all. This injury may be the first of many. I bet the head office guys in TO were high fiving when they heard of the injury that will put him out just the right amount of time.
Jack Ryan is a decent show after all, not that into his love interest though. She is meh.
Expanse S3 is awesome, back into that too. Holden is such a dweeb though amirite?
Vikings is not as good as TLK in the end, not bad though. Worth a watch if you have time.
@peacecoast: TLK ends up better than Vikings? I definitely have to watch TLK next then…
@wass: well I have not gone far into Vikings yet so “in the end”is not accurate. I also was meh on TLK in the first season so I should maybe shut up.
@peacecoast:I think Vikings is great (my favorite) for first 3 seasons then it just becomes good/entertaining for the last two so feel like “in the end” may be accurate for a lot of people haha still going to give TLK a shot just based off what everyone has said about it here!
@wass: I really get around to watching this…
@Grey: hahah i do that with shows all the time, just keep putting them off… got E1 S2 of gomorra in this weekend between fantasy drafts… i really think gomorra is my favorite show now and i still have 2 seasons to go!
It’s the best! I love that show… I have another one for you, but you need to finish Gomorra first
@Grey:That will be awesome! Hope to finish S2 soon.
Get on it!
@Grey:
What is TLK?
@peacecoast: Yes, Mr. Wendle’s good! Don’t worry, Bird will get hurt… Miggy Cabrera didn’t look like an athletic specimen either… I love Expanse, waiting patiently for new season… I’ll watch Vikings soon, don’t watch Secret City, that was awful
Vlad Jr is built like a vending machine. Not the ones with Skittles and UTZ either, more like plain pop tarts and trail mix.
Haha, so was Miggy tho too
@Grey:
Miggy was slim when he was Vlad’s age
Was he? I’m remembering it wrong then… Fair enough, but baseball players don’t have to be jacked
Sir Grey,
I hope u had a great weekend!
I had my draft in my 5×5 12 team keeper league (keep 8). Looking back on it my weekend could have ended better;-)
I used the Rudy spreadsheet tool during the draft but got mixed up with the columns (what didn’t help is that I opened it for the first time a hour before the draft;-)).
Either way a great tool and well worth the price for the subscription (besides the rest we are getting!).
I was looking for a draft analyser on the site but the war room doesn’t work. I guess I do something wrong.
So I hope I can get some feedback here:
C) Grandal (12)
C) Beef (20)
1B) Rizzo
2B) Schoop (15)
SS) Story
3B) Andujar
MI) Pereza (9)
CI) Franco (was looking for a sp and panicked) (18)
OF) Acuna, Judge, Santana (16), Ozuna, Bauers (19)
UT)Palka (23)
BE) Woodrum (24)
BE) McMahon (28)
BE) Wendle (26)
SP) T. Bauer, Scherzer, Lucchessi (17), Porcello (21), Skaggs (22)
RP) Iglesias (10), Hader (11), Bradley (13), Vizcaino (14)
BE) Wacha (27)
BE) Romo (25)
Thanks for the feedback!
Many thanks,
Bas from Holland
@Bas Hoedemakers: Answered above
I’m in one of these goofy keeper league where you pick 3 new guys to keep each year. One for 3 years, one for 2, one for 1. Normally wouldn’t be looking at mondessi in this league since it’s OPS but the projections and yourself love mondessi. Might have to chance it and take him as my potential 3 year keeper.
Anywho, for my real question. In a H2h league where all you really need to care about is playoffs. Are you taking a chance on Ohtani? Doesn’t really matter if he misses a month or two I really only care about playoffs in August/September. As a side note, I feel like this is the only year I would ever want to own Ohtani with him not throwing this year and just hitting. Worth the pick, or are you worried too much about his surgery where he wouldn’t have a real impact even later in the season?
@crimedog:
Speaking as an Angels fan, and “fantasy baseballer”, who watched him quite a bit last year, I am also eager to see what he does as DH. He was very, very impressive agianst RHP. Like elite level power/speed combo, and he puts on a BP show with his power. I think he could blow last years offensive numbers out of the water if he improves against LHP and stays healthy. If he is the offensive force in 2019 that he seems capable of, perhaps he and the Angels may rethink the SP/DH flip flop. It’ll be interesting and at his current ADP I think he’s very likely to give a favorable return. I own him 4/6 teams so far. That is my two cents if it helps you.
@crimedog: Yes. I think he’s an ideal late round pick. But he’s got more upside than most late round picks, especially if you just need a UTIL slot filled. You already know he has the ability to hit MLB pitching. If it’s not working out health-wise, he’ll probably be shut down early and you can move on.
I will say Ohtani is great $/game
I don’t think Ohtani’s necessarily that great a pick for this year… He’ll be rested, won’t be playing in NL parks, might get pulled from games… 420 ABs feels like a top end projection
@Grey:
He’s not good for static/complacent managers, but if used properly by active managers based on decent match-ups he should be a great start. Good point about NL parks, but I already looked at that and the Angels only have 6 road games at NL parks and the first three are in April. I’ll probably bench him if he’s seeing two tough lefties on a weekend but most of the time I think he’ll be a valuable starter at UTIL.
Good point!
Are these updates to be reflected in your on-line Top 100 ratings (and/or are these reflected in Rudy’s War Room updates). Thanks.
grey and i are constantly updating our projections. we’re both up to date based on news. everything in my war room is based on Razzball/Steamer derived projections vs Grey’s. we’re in constant communication though on breaking news.
@Norman Ginsberg: Yes, what Rudy said
Skaggs left Sunday start from “forearm fatigue”. MRI was negative but anything with the forearm is never a good thing. Worried enough to lower him or would you keep him ranked where he is? They claim it had something to do with learning a new pitch.
I’ll lower him if he has an injury or something else officially… Not lowering based on fatigue, but it’s not ideal
@Grey: It’s Skaggs. Come on, it’s gonna be an issue.
Yeah, of course… Dah
@Grey: Ahem… dont let him near Folty
Any idea if @malamoney is posting his points league spreadsheet this year? Got a points draft coming up this weekend and that was super helpful last year. Thanks!
@Louis V: I think this week
Voit and Bird….Bird and Voit
Tango and Cash….Cash and Tango…
Only one will get the job and there’s definite value there.
Yup
@Hawk: Doesn’t Bird have a 1.000+ OPS every spring and then sh*t the bed come April-September?
If he hit twenty HR’s in spring I still wouldn’t draft him before round 40 and it would still probably be a waste.,,
Yup
When are the Top 100 Keeper Rankings coming out? I have to make my keeper picks soon!
@Bobby: I think this week
Keeper league : who should I keep :
keep 7 : acuna, soto, bregman, machado, l. cain, myers, devers, ramos, perazza.
main question : Do i keep devers and try to trade him or keep ramos ?
keep 5 : kershaw, taillon, folty, yates, ray, gausmann, dominguez
or do i keep perza ?
@jogon: 7) Acuna, Soto, Bregman, Machado, Cain, Peraza, Devers
5) Taillon, Ray, Folty, Kershaw, Yates
Wilson Rmaos? Forget Ramos
Not gausmann, dominguez
@jogon: In the keep 5 league – can you keep Taillon and get 4 more picks? If so, do that.
Grey-
Just finished my draft, mixed league, H2H, Keep 4 forever, OBP league:
C-Alfaro
1b-Hoskins
2b-Odor
3b-Arenado
SS-Treat Earner
OF-Trout
OF-Dahl
OF-Inciarte
Util-Ohtani
Bench: Domingo Santana, Marwin Gonzalez
SP-Taillon, Bieber, Glasnow, Luccessi, Ryu, Stripling, Matz, Paddack
RP-Leclerc, Cody Allen, Shane Greene, Brasier
Man I hope you’re right on pitching this year! (and wrong that Ray Searage will tear out my heart)
Do you think I have enough stolen bases? Trout/Trea/Inciarte are a great start, but it seems like everyone else is just a mild contributer.
@Pine Tar Incident: I’ll be right on pitching and you still might not have enough, hard to say without knowing how many teams, but almost def low on pitching and fine on SBs
Great write up, Grey. Feels like the season is right around the corner (even though it’s just the one series).
I hopped in that RCL draft you tweeted about over the weekend, wound up with first pick.
Here’s how that went (I’m a little light on speed but otherwise I think it went great):
C Castillo, Welington – CHW (22/264)
1B Abreu, José – CHW (5/49)
2B Villar, Jonathan – BAL (9/97)
SS Mondesi, Adalberto – KC (2/24)
3B Shaw, Travis – MIL (7/73)
CI Encarnacion, Edwin – SEA (8/96)
MI Seager, Corey – LAD (6/72)
OF Trout, Mike – LAA (1/1)
OF Stanton, Giancarlo – NYY (3/25)
OF Mazara, Nomar – TEX (12/144)
OF Bradley Jr., Jackie – BOS (17/193)
OF Renfroe, Hunter – SD (19/217)
UT Wendle, Joey – TB (20/240)
P Buehler, Walker – LAD (4/48)
P Happ, J.A. – NYY (10/120)
P Davis, Wade – COL (11/121)
P Lucchesi, Joey – SD (13/145)
P Bradley, Archie – ARI (14/168)
P Ryu, Hyun-Jin – LAD (15/169)
P Heaney, Andrew – LAA (16/192)
P Givens, Mychal – BAL (18/216)
P Musgrove, Joe – PIT (21/241)
P Matz, Steven – NYM (23/265)
P Britton, Zack – NYY (24/288)
P Parker, Blake – MIN (25/289)
Nice! Thanks for getting in the league! You look fine on speed — Villar, Mondesi and Trout is plenty… If anything you look low on AVG — Your pitching is excellent, nice team overall…
Whatup Grey! Good stuff … 14 team H2H points league …
Was offered Alonso/Hendricks/Castillo for Bieber Fever
What say you ?
@Landisimo3: It’s more than fair, but I want more for The Biebs. Grey will probably disagree…
@Landisimo3: Alonso who? Castillo side prolly
Was gonna ask when you’ll make the move on bumping Franco, then saw your blurb on him in the 3B ranks. You have 4 days!
Hmm… Yeah, I should do it today
@Grey: Funny thing to note, after seeing your’s and Cram’s backandforth… Franco has been out with flu-like symptoms the last few days haha
Yeah, I saw that, but he does seem like 3rd baseman for the Phils, at least 85% of the time
I think Lucchesi is an interesting comp for Paddack in a way. First he shows the Padres have no problem jumping a guy with limited Milb numbers to the majors. Second you’re probably gettin somewhere around 130 innings. Maybe 150 if he throws all his inning in MLB. 10 k per 9 and 3.45 fip is what Lucchesi had. Would take that though Paddack would seem to have some upside from there and should pack a might whip.
I’m an almost 50 year old man who can’t sleep at night because of Greg Bird. Magoo has to talk to me in a calm soothing voice.
@OaktownSteve: I wouldn’t be that worried about Bird, I think his history tells us he’s not going to be much competition in the end… Interesting on Paddack, I like him too, haven’t thought of the Lucchesi comp, yeah, could be… I’m more worried Paddack can’t throw that many IP
@Grey:
It’s like Hitchcock and Tippy Hedren in my head
Don’t run up the bell tower!
@OaktownSteve: One thing both have in common is they are older. Lucchesi was that guy who felt disrespected being drafted in the 4th round and came out like an animal from day one. I read a very early article/interview (back in 2016) close to the end of his first season and my spidey senses said this is that guy. He won’t be held back. I ran out and added him to all my dynasty teams. Strahm took a different path. Remember he is 27 and had 56.2 innings before he went to San Diego. Maybe it’s me but fast tracking older players who are killing it while allowing the “young studs” to marinate longer for a cost conscious franchise makes sense. Why pay a re-tread 2 million when you can roll out one of these guys. You have nothing to lose and its paying off……but I could be wrong.
@BJFOHOHL:
Plus with pitchers you feel like they only have so many innings in their arms. If you have a difference maker you kind of want to have as many be at the mlb level as possible where the position players generally have a longer horizon of getting paid
@OaktownSteve: Plus you’ve made the financial commitment with Machado to put a winner on the field. Who are you holding innings back from if you make the move right away? Brian Mitchell, Perdomo and maybe Lauer? Lauer moves to the swingman long relief role, and insert Strahm and Paddack. Makes sense to me.
@The Great Knoche: I honestly think Machado had nothing to do with this. Joey was already in and Strahm, like I said above, is a 27 year old who can pitch at the major league level. Paddock is only 23 and has never topped 90 innings in a season and I can’t imagine them taking him any higher than 130-140 best case scenario. As much as we like the pad lock I wouldn’t be taking him and thinking he throws 165 innings. I would be surprised if they did
Awesome as always Grey.
14 team, 25 player h2h points-based dynasty league (if any of that matters) where you can keep guys for a max of 3 years. Keeping Trout(1), Baez(8) and Hoskins(12). I can keep one more batter. Would you rather have 1 year of Story as a 10, or 3 years of Matt Chapman as a 20?
I also have to keep a pitcher. Choose from Price(8), Ray(14), Trevor Williams(15) or Musgrove(24). Yes, my pitching wasn’t great last year.
@Paul: Story and Ray
Story, Price
Folty has now been ruled out for opening day. If you had the option of keeping him as an 18th round pick or Leclerc as a 22nd round pick, who would you choose?
@DAN SILVER:
A lot of the underlying stats were already not in Fawlty’s favor anyway.
@OaktownSteve: I had some concerns about Folty too before the injury. Oh that walk rate
@OaktownSteve: I had concerns about Folty too. Think he is a tad over valued
@DAN SILVER: Kind of depends on league format and team build, but I’d lean toward Folty there
@Donkey Teeth: You keep 10 players from year to year. My hitting best in league, Freeman, Merrifield, Bregman, Bryant, Betts, Benintendi, right now pitching is Bauer, Clevinger, Treinen, and then either Folty or Leclerc. It’s a saves league with three RP slots and you have a max of 12 pitcher starts/week
@DAN SILVER: Folty seems like the move there…and then pray the elbow is alright
@DAN SILVER: Folty seems like the move there…and then pray the elbow is alright
Folty
I’m entering a two-year contention window in my NL-only league. I have the first overall pick in our reserve draft and would appreciate any help in figuring out which of these guys I should pick. Ideally it’ll be someone who gets some quality time in the bigs in 2020:
-Jonathan India
-VV Mesa
-Alec Bohm
-Dustin May
-Luis Garcia (Washington)
-Luis Garcia (Philly)
-Nolan Gorman
@Epstein’s Mother: India for me, Victor Victor would be my 2nd
@Epstein’s Mother: Agree with DT
Hi Grey,
My team is making the switch from Batting Avg to OBP this year. Just wondering who some of your biggest risers/fallers in your rankings would be based off this switch.
Thanks!
@prey879: We have OBP rankings https://razzball.com/playerrater-preseason-espnmlb12-5X5obp/
@prey879: Here’s a few of the big gainers… Votto, Harper, Gallo, Carlos Santana, McCutchen, Grandal… some others like Josh Bell, Choo, etc.
Our home leagues uses 2 cats… OBP and SLG to replace AVG, so I already ran Rudy’s stuff against NFBC ADP.
As far as fallers, I had Baez, Albies, Tim Anderson, Segura. Peraza, Amed Rosario, Harrison Bader, Inciarte, Schoop, Cesar Hernandez, Elvis Andrus losing value in my league compared to ADP. But keep in mind, that for my league it was also lower SLG numbers that would detract value. Maybe that’s why almost every guy I mentioned is a MI, I dunno. But my comment along with Grey’s pointing you to the rankings from Rudy should help alot. Good luck w/ your draft!
Paddock and Strahm = Mikolas of 2018?
I’m thinking of drafting one of these guys as my last pick for this year’s draft
@William Hung: There’s so much hype for Paddack that it’s hard to imagine he lasts that long, but every league is unique….
@William Hung: Merrill Kelly is the Mikolas of 2018
@Fungazi 2.0: I don’t Kelly is on the same level as Mikolas. Kelly was pitching in Korea where the competition is much weaker than Japan (where Mikolas was pitching).
@Donkey Teeth: Ohhhh.. I thought it was the same league all this time lol
@William Hung: Paddack could be more along the lines of a Buehler or Flaherty, should be more K potential than Mikolas but a lot less innings. Not sure there’s a great 2018 comp for Strahm.
@William Hung: Seems like possibility is there, yeah
Grey,
Initially you had ranked Foltynewicz with the Braves at 88 in your rankings. I just looked and he’s now ranked at 86.
MLBTR reports that Folty won’t be ready for opening day and may take 1-3 times thru rotation for him to be back in rotation. How far does he fall in your rankings? You had him pegged in your SP2 tier. Where would you move him to now?
“Braves top starter Mike Foltynewicz won’t be ready for the start of the season, general manager Alex Anthopoulos revealed Monday (Twitter link, with video, from 680 The Fan). The 27-year-old was scratched from a start nearly two weeks ago due to elbow soreness.
Anthopoulos wouldn’t forecast specifically how much time Foltynewicz would need to get ready, as he’s not yet progressed to throwing off a mound. The GM speculated on anywhere from one to three would-be turns through the rotation, though the situation remains fluid.”
He could be out for 2 weeks, or 2 months… I need to adjust the rankings… I will in a few mins
@Grey:
Awesome. Thanks!
Which tier of yours should I move him to?
https://razzball.com/top-60-starters-for-2019-fantasy-baseball/
I’ve updated Folty https://razzball.com/top-60-starters-for-2019-fantasy-baseball/
Grey, why aren’t you moving guys in your rankings every time there’s a report a guy sneezed?!
Allergy sneeze down 10 spots… Flu sneeze? Down 15 easy!
@Grey: I don’t know, those allergies could be pretty debilitating, nagging and last longer than a flu. Then again, the flu could kill you. Either way, just update the rankings more forthwith, sheesh!
Ya know what, it’s pollen season, dropping everyone 5 ranks, which means Trout is now ranked 6 and there’s no 1-5
@Grey: Careful, someone is going to be reported to have allergies and a commenter will ask how that affects his ranking.
Especially if said player is allergic to a baseball
The trend in high upside arms continues. Luzardo, Paddack, Strahm, Hudson, Urias, Dom German…
Switching gears: MLB is piloting some rule changes in to be tested in the independent Atlantic League (non-MLB league). It’ll be “interesting” to see how the rule changes impact the game, especially the pitching mound distance. Advantage offense. I live in the York, PA area, so I usually catch a York Revolution game with the kids at some point during the season. Maybe I’ll try to catch one in the second half this year.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/03/mlb-announces-agreement-to-experiment-on-rule-changes-in-independent-atlantic-league.html
@bigbear: Good stuff, I’m not far from the Somerset Patriots and was def also planning to see a game or two this year for the same reason. Would have never considered that any other year, since its a lot more exciting to go see the Ironpigs or the Reading Fightins’
I am pretty sure I know the answer here. In a 10 team keeper dynasty (keep forever) 6 X 6 OPS league. Cats are H, R, HR, RBI, SB, OPS.
Haniger or Rosario? I’m assuming Rosario here but wanted to be sure.
@Cyler: Did you look at the 6×6 OPS rankings?
Rosario
What do you make of the quote from Benintendi about how he wants to focus on average and not worry about power now that he’s leading off with Betts/JDM behind him?
Don’t think it changes any projections, but makes me think that we may not see the 25 HRs we were hoping for… (here’s also hoping he doesn’t do a Springer and stop stealing as much).
Sounds like nonsense, but I have projected for 24 HRs, so I didn’t think he hit for much power anyway
Have to choose:
Domingo or Lucchesi?
My pitching so far
Thor (keeper)
Bauer
Glasnow
Hader
Leclerc
Don’t pick again for quite a while so can only pick one.
Thanks
What’s your OF? Domingo prolly
@Grey: OF
Harper
Stanton
Beni
Grey, did my 10 team keeper league draft last night. 5×5 OBP, 5X5 K/9 QS
Can you let me know you thoughts? Anything we categories I need?
Castillo
Freeman Keeper
Albies
Arenado Keeper
Story Keeper
Bellinger Keeper
Conforto
Ozuna
Castelllanos
Bench
Yawn Moncada
Moose
Pereza
Mazara
D Santana
C Stewart
Pitching
Bieber
Kershaw – Keeper
Lucchesi
Nola – Keeper
Tailon – Keeper
Hand
Knebel
Bench
Glasnow
Heaney
Matz
You’re lacking SBs, tho your bench is stacked with them so I guess you could play some of them… I like the pitching aside from Kershaw, but it’s fine
Good day Grey! Love all your write-ups, prepping for my drafts.
Need some help: Keeper League, with a 3 year keepers rule, only 4 keepers. H2H, 8 Teams League. OPS and Losses are Cats we have, with all the rest standard. Keeping Bauer in the 11th and Gleyber in the 19th.
PICK 2; All these guys will be K1s…
Castellanos in the 14th
Dahl in the 17th Round
Folty in the 20th
Vazquez in the 20th
Treinen in the 20th
I’m leaning Dahl and Folty.
Grey,
Love your analysis of Paddack as i’ve also noticed he’s been a boss this spring and has risen on my rankings. I’m curious what your take is on Julio Urias who similar to paddack has been a beast this spring. Your thoughts sir
Thanks
@John: BTW i’m in a keeper league so there is inherently more value to be had.
I have Urias in the rankings, close to Paddack…I like him too, but he can’t throw more than 110 IP either
Since it’s “Ask where are you ranking player X even though you have your rankings?” day. You don’t have Kevin Cron ranked. Nothing to see here? Obvi he needs to get some run, but I don’t see why he doesn’t with Goldy gone.
Jake Lamb’s at 1B in Arizona, at least half the time… Can’t imagine they just bench Lamb… Maybe as a deep NFBC flyer in late rounds
@Grey: Yeah but he’s so godawful against lefties. I would think Cron could work his way into a platoon at the very least and swing the PT in his favor from there. I will be monitoring the situation closely. Cram It is on the beat!
Make sure to lick your pencil tip before taking notes, or no one will believe you
@Grey: I wear a fedora and carry a notepad in my tweed jacket pocket.
And smoke cigars, I assume
@Grey: Naturally. Nothing like a good Rocky Patel.
True story, I was actually a PI for a couple of years. Needless to say, I have some good stories.
That feels like a job you do JUST for the stories
Hey Culligan Man! Fuck the time change
I know, total flukazy
@Grey: This government of ours is flukazy on this. I would move to Arizona (yuck) to avoid this nonsense
It’s such an outdated thing, should’ve been eliminated 20 years ago
@Grey: It’s like acid wash jeans
I just shuddered thinking of a vape flavor “acid wash jeans”
@Grey: tastes like aqua net and marlboro lights
That’s good, right?
@Grey: the desperation exhale is really off putting
The Desperation Exhale sounds like a chick flick
you write and I’ll take half the credit for it
I’ll ghost write, you can have it… unless you get Penelope Cruz involved then I want in
deal!
Hey Grey draft finally over and sadly I didn’t get lucky enough to get early pick to grab lindor – first time in three years I didn’t get him I was a little sad not gonna lie but hopefully mondesi makes me forget anyhow just wanted to get your thoughts on how the team turned out and I’m trying to over a trade for Clevinger and was curious who you would offer (guy autodrafted him and is dying to get rid of him) 10 team h2h points 7 keepers
C – cervelli / castillo
1b – bellinger (25) / Muncy
2b – joram (5) / cano
Ss – segura / mondesi (25)
3B – gurriel / Myers
Of – Hoskins (25) /acuna (25) /Soto (25) /Piscotty / Anderson / grichuk
Sp – Nola (7) / Severino (dl spot he fell three rounds from where he was originally ranked figured it was worth the risk)/ elfin / lucchesi/ Marquez/ Eduardo / Jon Gray
Rp – maeda / glasnow / kimbrel
Cano Myers? Piscotty?
Normally I wouldn’t mind doing Cano but I just found out joram is losing 2b eligibilty so I’ll have to drop Anderson and pick up a back up 2b (zonrist goodrum schoop lemahieu kinsler are best available really) and he hates Myers unfortunately there’s roster limits and weekly pitching start caps so it’s tough
Gotcha
Does Luzardo’s service time clock start early due to the early games in Tokyo (and all As and Mariners)? Any chance that allows him to enter the rotation in early April?
Nah
@Grey:
Rookie of the year!
Gonna be Acuna Jr. Jr.
Hello Grey! I had my draft this weekend and you are the only person in the world who will actually look at my team and give me an opinion on it…ha. So I look forward to your feedback about how competitive it looks to you. Thanks again!
14 Team, 5×5 roto keeper, $260 budget, Mixed league
C John Hicks
C Brian McCann
1B Jesus Aguilar
2B Rougned Odor
3B Miguel Andujar
SS Jose Peraza
MI Chris Taylor OF,SS
CI Jake Bauers 1B,OF
OF Ronald Acuna
OF Jackie Bradley
OF Marcell Ozuna
OF George Springer
OF Mike Trout
U Yonder Alonso
U Marcus Semien
RESERVES
OF Chad Pinder
U Joey Wendle 2B,3B
PITCHERS
SP Carlos Carrasco
SP Luis Castillo
SP Zach Eflin
SP Kyle Gibson
SP Nick Pivetta
SP Jameson Taillon
RP Tyler Glasnow RP,SP
RP Corey Knebel RP
RP Brandon Woodruff RP
RP Kirby Yates
RESERVES
SP Chase Anderson SP
SP Trevor Cahill SP
SP Matt Shoemaker SP
RP Mark Melancon RP
RP Ryan Tepera RP
Your pitching is sweet, solid 1-5…. you look low on saves, but SAGNOF… Your hitting is decent, but low on speed, I count 70-ish SBs, low on AVG, looks around .260, and okay on power…
That’s not bad, btw, just worth noting
@Grey: I appreciate your eye and expertise. You were a big help in building the team, especially pitching!
I’ll work the wire for saves, yes. As long as power is there I think my avg will compete with the rest of the rosters. It’s hard drafting speed, but tried to find power / speed guys.
No problem
Missed out on razzball nfbc this year. Do you think theres a better advantage in 12 or 15 team NFBC league using rudys war room tool? Ive only played in 15 team leagues on NFBC actually took home 2nd in a razz NFBC few years ago. In the 12 team leagues theres 30 man rosters with FAAB so you can make roster moves whereas the 15 is typical draft 50 and hold.
15 team is huge advantage… I came in top 20 out of all teams last year using it…
Missed out on razzball nfbc this year. Do you think theres a better advantage in 12 or 15 team NFBC league using rudys war room tool? Ive only played in 15 team leagues on NFBC actually took home 2nd in a razz NFBC few years ago. In the 12 team leagues theres 30 man rosters with FAAB so you can make roster moves whereas the 15 is typical draft 50 and hold.
15 team is huge advantage… I came in top 20 out of all teams last year using it…
@Grey: I must be using it wrong lol
Haha, if you need help, let me know
@frankgrimes: it might be because we are in round 29 and you don’t have a middle infielder. But you do have the Yankees first baseman handcuffed so you got that going for you.
I appreciate your eye and expertise. You were a big help in building the team, especially pitching!
I’ll work the wire for saves, yes. As long as power is there I think my avg will compete with the rest of the rosters. It’s hard drafting speed, but tried to find power / speed guys.
No problem
@Grey
Getting ready for my ESPN snake draft. Just edited ESPN’s pre-draft rankings on my team page to your rankings!
Nice!
Michael Chavis Bos – Thinking about holding him in my NA slot – next year do you think the red soxs move him to 1st base but more important is he any good – I noticed th -at the red soxs after the hot start that did not really end been keeping him on the bench – How good is he – I hope your dog also likes him
My dog literally likes no one, not even me… Be shocked if we don’t see him this year, but I have no hopes for him, think he’s got some pop, maybe 25 HRs, nothing amazing — Agree with Mike: https://razzball.com/2019-minor-league-preview-boston-red-sox/
Hey Grey,
Appreciate your great work this offseason… Great stuff! Kudos to you and the staff!
Just wondering…. Do you know when the top 100 keeper list will be made available?
Thanks,
Big W
Think this week
I need to set my 8 keepers in a 12 team H2H yahoo league. Keep as long you like without any sort of cost or penalty for the round etc.
I plan to keep Judge, Rendon, Bellinger, Thor(figure I have to keep him even though he made your poop list) & Berrios for sure.
With the injury to Altuve & having two other viable 2B options; maybe this is the time to consider keeping either Albies or Odor instead?? It’s not any sort of $$ league etc so I can play for the future but it might be crazy to throw back a guy like Altuve? (also there are 2 DL slots)
1) So options for the last 3 keepers are Altuve, Odor, Albies, Rosario, Gleyber, M Chapman, Laureano, Severino, Folty, Happ, Ryu, Leclerc, or Yates
You have to keep Altuve — Prolly keep Albies and Severino, assuming you have spot for Albies too
@Grey: I have a utility spot then if need be I can drop Severino & Altuve on the DL to start the year if it comes to that. I would wait it out but keepers due today.
I’d go that way then
G
Who you taken in a dynasty OBP league… How big a difference?
Senzel
or
Eloy
Eloy
I apologize in advance for the length of this mess. This is a 12 team dynasty 6X6 roto (with OPS & QS added on) with daily lineups
I have a solid team but need to cut it down to 25 slots (there are 3 DL slots & 5 NA’s)
I am keeping:
C
1B Goldy
2B Schoop (recent trade of Piscotty from a loaded OF)
3B Arenado
SS Segura, Peraza (Util)
LF Stanton, Rosario (RF)
CF Cain, Dahl
RF JD
2 Utility slots K Davis & any of the above.
SP Kluber, Bauer, Thor, Buehler, Greinke, Morton, Morton, & Folty? (poss DL)
RP Diaz & Treinen
NA Kirilloff, Luis Robert, & Sixto Sanchez (figure I need to hold onto these 3)
That’s 24 players … I tried to make lopsided trades to cut down my roster size without any luck.
I assume I need to keep Folty considering his age no matter the severity of the injury. Obviously I will grab some guy later as a Catcher.
1) My choices for the last spot would be hitters: Renfroe, J Polanco, Smoak, O’ Hearn, or K Marte. SP: F Peralta, Elfin, Soroka (also injured) Allard, or Domingo German (might having a starting gig). I do like Polanco but I have 2 other SS or otherwise Elfin or Soroka. Also willing to rethink any of the 24 I plan to keep.
2) Would it be totally crazy to give up say a Segura or Peraza with Thor for the injured Lindor?? or too much? Last day to make trades I was considering firing a few like this out there …but so far no bites on lesser offers.
Appreciate your advice with these keeper/dynasty questions …I waited as long as I could but the picture is still pretty murky.
Thanks again
@Licketty Splits: Did you miss my question or is it too big a pain in the ass?
Which question?
1. Polanco is easy most valuable there, but you don’t need him… Take a flyer on Domingo
2. Not crazy… Lindor will be back and it’s a dynasty league
Grey, I’m in a 10-team NL-only redraft. We have a process where we draft for draft position.
Where is your ideal draft slot in an NL only?
I think this only really matters for the first few rounds. Are you better off with an early pick like #1, 20, 21 or a late pick like #10, 11, 30 or something in between?
Thanks.
I’d be fine with 5or 6, middle pick
You project Puig for under 500 at bats. Are you expecting him to miss some time from injuries this year? i know he usually does, but if he plays a full season i like him to maybe go 30 and 15. Do you think thats in the realm of possibilities?
Reds’ OF is very crowded
I think Puig is terrific if he gets 550 ABs, I don’t know if he gets there
We were looking at Strickland, but figured he’d struggle to coexist with Harper. Trying to build clubhouse chemistry.
Ha, yeah, I think he’s last closer on the board, so happy he fell to me
Of course, until a closer gets injured any day now
Hey Grey,
Linked to the question above on draft position.
In my 13 team 5x 5 OBP roto:
I currently have the 3rd (and 24th, 29th etc) pick.
I’ve been offered a swap by the person with the 9th (and 18th, 35th etc) pick
Assuming Trout and Betts will go 1&2 would you rather pick 3rd or 9th in a league of 13 teams?
Thanks!
Think you can get Harper 9th? If not, take 3rd
Traded Bregman and Leclerc for Vladdy and Bieber. Thoughts? Keeper league. Thanks!
Sounds okay for future years, hopefully solid for this year eventually
@Grey: Thanks Grey. Really appreciate all you do – it helps make fantasy baseball so fun.
No problem!
Sorry, another team for you to critique…!
10 team OBP roto. Weekly waivers, limited SP streaming.
Up to 10 Keepers
I took over the bottom placed team this offseason, hoping to move to mid table.
You will see how far I need to come when you see the ‘quality’ of my keepers!
This is where I am following the auction draft yesterday:
2 x C: W Ramos (K), Chirinos (K)
1B: Smoak
2B: Albies (K)
3B: E Suarez (K)
SS: Bogaerts
MI: J Polanco
CI: Donaldson
OF: Harper, Rosario, Braun, Inciarte, D Peralta (K),
UT/Bench: Profar (K), Andrus, Choo
SP: Strasburg, Darvish, Castillo, Lucchesi, Ryu, Stripling (K)
RP: Vizcaino, Barnes, Strop, Strickland, Betances
What do you think?
Also any particularly categories you would suggest I focus for trades, early season pick ups.
Thanks….
Your pitching is decent, but risky, you don’t really have a strong bet for 200 IP, but I do like the guys you have… Your hitting is a bigger problem, you’re lacking SBs and power, you don’t really have a 2nd or 3rd round bat…. Your RPs are stacked… You might be able to flip some saves for a better bat…
@Grey: Thanks, that’s incredibly helpful!! This may take more than a year to turn round…!
2nd/3rd round bats were mainly kept and thus distinctly lacking at the auction!
Makes sense
In a 10 keeper league – head to head format
What do you think of my 10? Would you make any changes ?
1b votto
2b
3b Bregman
Ss bogaerts
Of jd Martinez
Of Soto
Of
Util rendon
Util
Sp sale
Sp Nola
Sp Bauer
Sp flaherty
I also have Cain, Encarcion, Haniger, Tucker, Clevinger, Pham to choose from.
Thanks
Votto is only questionable one… I’d prolly go Haniger or Clevinger
Thanks. Would you trade votto or Cain for Gallo? Based on your rankings, I’m assuming yes. And make Gallo a keeper ?
Yup, Votto
@Grey:
Votto for Gallo is not happening
Option 1 Cain for Gallo
Option 2 trade 15th and 17th round picks for Olson and Realmuto
Option 3 trade 16th round pick for Olson
Thanks again
Grey, 12 team roto
Please tell me what u think with this latest mock
I really like the team. Not thrilled with Edwin at first but got him at pick 115
C-Castillo
1B-Edwin
2B-Shaw
SS-Segura
3B-Bregman
CI-Muncy
MI-Mondesi
Of-Yelich
Of-Hoskins
Of-Dahl
Of-Santana
Of-Laureano
Util-Escobar
Sp-Bueler
Sp-Marquez
Sp-Lucchesi
Sp-Glasnow
Rp-Leclerc
Rp-Giles
Rp-Givens
Rp-Barnes
Rp-Greene
Rp-Steckenrider
Rp-Parker
Rp-Boxberger
I like it too, you’re pretty stacked, prolly only weakness is RPs but they’re fine, SAGNOF
Heyo Grey,
Excited for another year! I have a keeper conundrum seeking advice from the grizzled young vet. Do you keep Rendon for a 4th round pick, or Tim Anderson for a 12th? Honestly, that sound dumb now that I type it in. Obviously you take Rendon. So now I’m looking at Rendon (4th), FLaherty (15), Dahl (17), and Happ (18). Sounds about right, right?
Thanks for your help!
Rendon
And yes that looks right
@Grey: Muchas gracias!
De nada
Grey,
Funny what you say throughout this piece. Not much to see here because just about all of these guys are on my “Do Not Draft” list too.
On to the next piece!
Took over a horrible team in a keeper league, need your help picking the 6 keepers to roll with
14 team mixed h2h auction keeper $260 budget 6×6 (OBP + TB; QS, SV/HLD + K/BB)
J Turner $13
E Rosario $16
K Jansen $13
M Tanaka $14
R Odor $13
R Ray $10
D Peralta $7
D Kuechel $9
J Bauers $5
B Trienen $4
S Matz $2
T Glasnow $2
J Avarado $2
K Kiermaier $6
Right now, I am leaning towards Jansen, Trienen, Turner, and Peralta being locks.
Thanks!