Will get out of the way upfront the compliments. Yahoo isn’t nearly as bad as ESPN this year. (Likely any year.) Here’s my critique of the ESPN 2020 fantasy baseball rankings. ESPN appears to be phoning it in and they haven’t paid their phone bill in six months and they’re in talks with a bankruptcy attorney to get an extension on their bill because, “What defunct are they talking about?” While I don’t agree with all of Yahoo’s 2020 fantasy baseball rankings, I can at least understand what they’re talking about most of the time. For unstints, they have Fernando Tatis Jr. ranked 11th overall vs. my 10th, and ESPN has him at 43rd overall. That especially feels like a joke, much like, “Knock, knock.” “Who’s there?” “An Astros player stealing signs.” So, before this becomes a 360-degree jerk with my new best friends at Yahoo, who I’m guessing not-so-secretly despise me, here’s a totally impartial look at Yahoo’s 2020 fantasy baseball rankings vs. my own 2020 fantasy baseball rankings:
Last year the Yahoo gang — #Yahgang — had Adalberto Mondesi 69th overall, which is sexy, but not as sexy as my 20th overall, which, honestly, was too sexy for my own good. This year The Yahgang (adopting the moniker now) they have Mondesi at 42nd overall and I’m still crazy high at 20th overall. For what it’s Werth, Rudy’s auction rankings have him 33rd overall. Look at Rudy offering a hand of bridge to bring us together. (By the by, ESPN has Mondesi at 76 overall, which is just a total WUT.) So, who’s right: me, Rudy or Yahoo (obviously not ESPN)? Might surprise some people to hear this, but Rudy or Yahoo are likely closer to solid value. I’m overpaying at 20. How’sever, I am overpaying for a reason. Taking me out of the equation, Rudy’s hitter projections have Mondesi down for 71/19/68/.253/46 in 569 ABs. That is conservative, but fair. I have Mondesi for a few more steals and average (less HRs), but it’s all the same diff. I just want Mondesi more. 50-ish steals in today’s market without killing you in any other category is extremely valuable. I’m willing to pay a premium for him — a premi-him? Hmm, let’s never talk of that portmanteau again. Maybe you can wait until 33rd or even 42nd overall, but I’m reaching for Mondesi earlier. I know I’m paying $1.25 on the dollar, but at least I’m admitting it, unlike people paying $1.25 on the dollar for guys like Walker Buehler in the top 20.
Good for The Yahgang being down, in a non-sexual way, on guys like Jose Altuve (33 vs. my 31); Alex Bregman (16 vs. my 16) and Vlad Jr. (53 vs. my 56), but why is everyone so down on Pete Alonso? Again, for sake of argument, let’s take Rudy’s projections: 102/43/104/.252/2 in 560 ABs. That’s pretty close to what I have, but I have him hitting .263. He hit .260 last year, if you were wondering. Last year he was 17th overall on the Player Rater. Obviously, I’m seeing less homers from him this year vs. last, so that would mean lower on the Player Rater. OR WOULD IT?! Damn, Mr. Reversal Question, you scared the crap out of me. Well, it could mean less homers for Alonso while he still leads the league in power if baseballs are not dripping with juice again. Will the balls be dry? I have no idea. But no one knows. All I know is Alonso can lead the league in power pretty easily with a neutral ball. Sorta like, I don’t know, let’s see, Aaron Judge, who Yahoo ranks 22nd overall. The only difference is Judge has hit 27 homers each the past two years. Why does Judge get a pass and Alonso doesn’t? I think I know, and I think I’ve said this before. If Judge hit 52 homers three years ago and 27 homers the past two years, but was a normal-sized man, he’d be ranked around 75th overall. Everyone just assumes Judge will hit 50+ homers if he plays 150 games. Well, I’m not sure why that’s the assumption or why people think he’s gonna stay healthy. Alonso has plenty of power in his bat to hit 50 homers again. Okay, before PETA shows up at my doorstep because I’m beating this dead horse, I’m moving on.
Bully on The Yahgang for being appropriately down on Paul Goldschmidt (73 vs. my 76) and Nicholas Castellanos (96 vs. my 91), while being appropriately excited for Brandon Woodruff (93 vs. my 102) and Dinelson Lamet (110 vs. my 103), but they are way too low on Jose Abreu (95 vs. my 45) and too high on Chris Sale (39 vs. my 74). Like Altuve trying to get cereal out of a cabinet, let’s go with the latter first. I’m going to disregard my philosophy of not drafting top starters, and just assume you want to draft an SP in the top 40 overall, and, for some godforsaken reason, Chris Sale is who you want. Chris Sale was an abomination last year. Are people forgetting this? He was unownable. Ask someone who owned him, if you don’t believe me. He ruined teams. Also, are people forgetting the huge storyline with him last year about how his velocity was way down? Well, it was and it never returned. He was actually shut down last year and opted to rest and rehab his elbow vs. surgery. There’s something that always works out well for starters! Yup, no surgery has 100% success rate. Ow, eye roll headache! If you must draft a top starter, and I don’t think you do, draft anyone but Chris Sale. He will kill your fantasy teams once again. Next up, Jose Abreu. I kid, I have nothing to say on Abreu. He’s boring. Our writer, Dan Richards did write 1200 words on his Jose Abreu 2020 fantasy. I concur with 100% of it. Abreu is boring, but he’s a good boring. No one can make a good faith argument why The Yahgang (or anyone) has Rizzo 30 picks before Abreu. There’s a better case to be made that Abreu is more consistent and valuable than Rizzo.
I’m going to list players in a handy chart like I did the other day with ESPN’s fantasy baseball rankings. The Thank You’s have it. It being good value from my rankings vs. Yahoo’s. The No Thank You’s don’t have it. They’re bad people. Meh, they might be okay people, but they’re likely not ending up on any of my Yahoo drafted teams. For this, I’ll be using my 2020 fantasy baseball rankings (go figure!) and Yahoo’s 2020 fantasy baseball rankings (crazy, right?).
THANK YOU
| Player | Grey’s Ranking | Yahoo’s Ranking | Overall Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | Overall | ||
| Trevor Story |
5 | 13 | 8 |
| Jose Ramirez |
11 | 21 | 10 |
| Pete Alonso | 15 | 29 | 14 |
| Bryce Harper | 18 | 28 | 10 |
| Rafael Devers | 19 | 31 | 12 |
| Adalberto Mondesi | 20 | 42 | 22 |
| Matt Olson | 21 | 82 | 61 |
| Jose Abreu |
45 | 95 | 50 |
| Jorge Soler | 54 | 78 | 24 |
| Max Muncy | 57 | 104 | 47 |
| Ramon Laureano | 62 | 80 | 18 |
| Mike Moustakas | 65 | 99 | 34 |
| Sonny Gray |
68 | 105 | 37 |
| Oscar Mercado |
86 | 106 | 20 |
| Lance Lynn | 96 | 133 | 37 |
| Zac Gallen | 110 | 137 | 27 |
| Miguel Sano |
128 | 160 | 32 |
| Hunter Dozier | 130 | 224 | 94 |
| Christian Walker | 132 | 238 | 106 |
| Danny Santana |
140 | 183 | 43 |
| Dansby Swanson | 150 | 229 | 79 |
| Marcus Stroman |
151 | 206 | 55 |
| J.D. Davis | 152 | 212 | 60 |
| Lourdes Gurriel Jr. | 154 | 195 | 41 |
NO THANK YOU
| Player | Grey’s Ranking | Yahoo’s Ranking | Overall Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | Overall | ||
| Gerrit Cole |
17 | 7 | 10 |
| Aaron Judge |
37 | 22 | 15 |
| Chris Sale |
74 | 39 | 35 |
| Charlie Blackmon |
71 | 41 | 30 |
| Whit Merrifield |
94 | 43 | 51 |
| Kris Bryant |
83 | 44 | 39 |
| Tommy Pham |
85 | 61 | 24 |
| Tyler Glasnow |
123 | 81 | 42 |
| David Dahl |
157 | 116 | 41 |
| Elvis Andrus | 178 | 124 | 54 |
| Aristides Aquino | 195 | 125 | 70 |
| Kyle Tucker | 163 | 127 | 36 |
| Garrett Hampson | 222 | 153 | 69 |
| Matthew Boyd | 202 | 157 | 45 |
| Jean Segura | 215 | 162 | 53 |
| Justin Upton | 272 | 197 | 75 |
Hey keeper questions
I have Devers, Eloy, Robles,Marte,and Thor, Berrios
Do I trade for another SP Sonny Grey who do I offer or do I move a SP for another Bat
In my upcoming draft and I have the 19th 23rd 26th & 30th picks. Who are a few guys you think I should target in each of those spots
Chris Sale is an interesting case. I understand the hate, but… he did end up with 1.09 WHIP and a 13.32 K/9. seems pretty elite. His 4.40 ERA obscures a 3.39 FIP and 2.93 xFIP. The HR/9 was the glaring stat for him, by far a career worst. Not saying I’m totally sold on him, but I’m likely one of those willing to buy low and may end up with him this year. BRING ON THE TORMENT.
Meh, I can’t get in on that, but I wish you well!
Doom and gloom. Don’t say nobody told you so. Diminished velocity is the death knell for many a picture.
I will not be drafting sale in any league of any size in any format i’m almost any round.
Hiya Grey!
Long time commenter, 1st time reader, thanks for taking my call.
This is my favorite article of the year – a yeariodical, if you will. You won’t, but I left you the benefit of the doubt.
Bitterly, I finished 2nd last year, losing my championship because my cubbies & Braves all got benched for either being eliminated or clinching. Well, they were resting, which is the psychical opposite of resting. It’s difficult to rest while clinching. For example, one must rest into a poop. You ever try to clinch into a poop? Impossible!
Were my league straight 6×6 roto I woulda won with 3 weeks to play. Technically, were it straight 6×6 roto I’d win every year because my fantasy football H2H loving friends would all quit, so there’s that.
Anyway, I’m finally getting past my bitter and wiping the slate clean. Figuratively, not like my poop analogy before.
Getting excited & psyched to abuse the Yahoo rankings.
I’ve been lurking for a spell, and I’m happy to see you’ve mastered the R to the Izzo! On Hot Ones, ScHoolboyQ said my sauce was “hella good”, so I have mad street cred now. As long as that street is in an affluent, safe neighborhood.
See ya during the season, buddy.
Is the expectation that Baez will regain eligibility at 2B and 3B fairly quickly? Does that enter into your calculations? Is there a list of guys in your mind who will definitely get additional eligibility?
So psyched for the season.
same league as yesterday. we were down to either keeping:
goldy, stanton, treat, ryu, kingery, bieber, otani, rogers, and 1 of jd davis or wheeler.
wasn’t sure on wheeler or jd davis
2. i know if i can do the mostsuckass trade (my brantley + 11th rounder for moustakas + 9th rounder) i should do that and just keep: goldy (1B), stanton (RF), treat (SS), ryu, kingery ( OF), bieber, otani (SP), rogers and moustakas (3B)
3. but if i cannot do the moustakas one would you do kimbrel (not keeping anyway) for s.gray, then keep goldy (1B), treat (SS), otani (DH), stanton (RF), kingery (3B or OF), rogers, ryu, bieber and s.gray?
2. Okay, I’d take Moist
3. Sure, I’d take Gray instead
got the mostsuckass one done almost immediately (apparently the owner sent it yesterday but when i adjusted the draft picks it removed it). i checked with both your rankings on s.gray (17 SP) vs wheeler (30th) but rudy’s QS+ holds has wheeler higher (22nd SP, 13.7) than s.gray (36th, 10.1). interesting how that’ll come out. both of you almost exactly 14 higher or lower than the other guy on wheeler vs s.gray.
Can’t remember the last time I saw Mr. Reversal Question! Hello again, old friend.
These Yahoo! ranks aren’t too bad!
I agree the Alonso hate is going too far (like online and in podcasts). But ~30 overall is totally fine, IMO. I just don’t want to build my roto teams like a game of Jenga.
Every Fantasy Analyst Nerd who drafted Sale last year is on Snell, and vice versa. Buyer Beware!
I’m so, so off Bryant lol. But jw, what do u think about him potentially batting leadoff?
Low blow on Acquino! C’mon, no way that’s still their rank!
Did you hear Segura lost 14 pounds? Apparently, he’s no longer drinking whiskey. Just wait until day 52 of listening to Girardi compliment Didi every single day. *Sends text to CC Sabathia* … “I can’t do this anymore.” … *Looks around* … “Yo, ball boy, pass me the bottle!”
Later!
Haha, baby seal! Yeah, I heard abotu Bryant, we’ll see if he’s really the leadoff hitter… Cubs are not-so-secretly a mess… Some of their guys at least, namely Bryant — Woof on him
Alonso will free the world and no one wants him…I want freedom!
Hahaha, honestly, at this point, I’m pulling for him (but really, you!)
I love when everyone’s wrong and Grey is right
PS. I guess Big Magoo is my new best friend here!
PPS. All these ppl with their keeper questions is enough to make your head spin lol
I’m with you on most of the “thank yous” except for a few (Alonso, Olson, Gray). Same thing with the guys you’re fading. I did draft Dahl as an OF3 recently though. Isn’t it funny how our opinions on him were reversed just last year? Funny how quickly things change.
Signed up last yesterday for the slow 15. Really liked that format. Should be fun.
Serious question: Why don’t you like Alonso, Olson or Gray?
Glad you’re in!
It’s not that I don’t like those guys, but I wouldn’t spend a top 25 pick on Alonso, a top 40 pick on Olson, or a top 100 pick on Gray.
Alonso and Olson are three category players. They don’t steal bases or hit for average. Three of my first four picks in my first NFBC online championship draft were deGrom, Albies, and Kershaw, and I still landed Freeman, Giancarlo, Donaldson, Rizzo, Encarnacion, Garver, etc. If they fall past those spots, then I might be in. Too expensive though. Plenty of power around.
As for Gray, I don’t trust him enough to make him an SP2. Offseason surgery, hitter’s park, not a huge K guy. Tends to be a bit inconsistent too. Remember how he performed with the Yankees in ’18 or the A’s in ’16? Not willing to make that type of investment.
Okay, yes, there’s a lot of power around, but Olson and Alonso are top 25 players — Alonso was 17th last year, will be top 20 again and Olson wasn’t but will…So, there’s a lot of power around, but not these guys — And you’re still able to get Freeman because you took him in the 2nd round
Gray’s had bad years — when he was on the Yanks — every other year has been good — He’ll be top 20 starter — his stats are there — I hope we’re in the same league again, it’s my redemption song, mon
I think the issue is not those players, but the opportunity cost of roster construction!
Exactly. Baby seal gets it.
Go baby seal!!
It’s all about roster construction like baby seal mentioned. My starters are projected for 365 homers based on steamer projections, which is fine by me. Drafting those guys would’ve made my pitching worse, wouldn’t have added speed at all, and wouldn’t have had a noticeable effect on power. If you’d rather have Alonso, Olson, and Gray than Freeman, Donaldson, and Kershaw, that’s your prerogative. That’s the beauty of fantasy.
I’m chewing the corner of my computer screen where Alonso’s name is I want to draft him so bad
Plus, how could you go against a baby seal, you monster!
I love baby seal, do not drive a wedge between us
ROFL HAHAHAHA!
Flaherty for J. Baez?
Who you got?
Baez
Grey what kind of bat should I be looking for in return for Snell? Thx
Hmm…Keston? Eloy?
AL only roto league – would you trade four years of Willie Calhoun at $10, $10, $15, $20 for one year of Bregman at $15? I would have to also give up Solak but I have no space for him as already keeping Yordan at UTIL.
Sure
Grey,
Crazy idea that I’d like to run by you…… I’m in an AL-Only league 5×5 9 team, where we are allowed to keep 8 keepers. Because I was going for it last year, I dumped most of my keepers chasing categories, so objectively I’ve got a marginal keeper list. HOWEVER, given that there’s a dearth of steals. saves and BA, let me ask you which keeper list you’d rather have. Any modifications are welcome:
Normal “likely” list:
Lindor $30
Mallex Smith $11
Franmil Reyes $17 (Must keep)
Clevinger $18
Heaney $10
McKay or Yarbrough or Bassit $6-8
Roark $1 (Must Keep)
Nick Anderson $8 or Osuna $21
Now I believe I can trade Roark away for nothing, if I give up some combination (but not all) of Bassitt, Yarbrough, McKay and maybe Heaney. If so,
Here’s crazy altnernative:
Lindor $30
Mallex Smith $11
DeShields $10
Arraez $10
Franmil Reyes $17 (Must keep)
Clevinger $18
Osuna $21 or Hand $24
Nick Anderson $8
Now suddenly I own steals and likely saves entering the auction, and my BA is very solid despite Smith/DeShields. I’ve got an ace with lower innings and a stud offensive player in Lindor. I haven’t overpaid for anyone, but will have to scrounge for SP’s.
THOUGHTS?
PS: I can also trade DeShields in auction at a premium value.
2nd seems fine
NL Only Keeper (we can keep 3 players for up to 2 years after the year drafted). This is my last year keeping Acuna. My options for the other 2 spots: Josh Bell, Eugeno Suarez, Victor Robles, all who can be kept next year as well. Which of those 3 do I toss back into the draft pool? Thanks!
Eugenio, Robles
How would you feel about a draft starting like this (10 team 8×8 h2h cats):
1. Turner
2. Jo-Ram (or Bregman, rendon, Harper, Devers, JDM)
3. Olson
4. Darvish
5. Severino
6. Acuna (Keeper)
7. Muncy (Or Cruz, laureano, m Chapman)
8. Donaldson (or moose, soler)
21. Soto (Keeper)
By the time it gets to me in the 4th, all of your top 14 plus sale and kershaw, will be either drafted or kept later in the draft. Too early to double dip on SP? Would be missing out on hitters like hiura, Villar, moncada, and eloy.
Not too shabby — You have 2 SPs, you don’t need a quick two more, but I guess if the value is there… You have a full team, you’re just adding parts now
I was referring to my double dip in the 4th/5th! You’re ok with grabbing two from that tier?
You have two solid SPs, you can choose anything next
Any holes you’re seeing in the foundation?
Solid foundation, I’d want more power
Where do you suggest I get more power? I would love for arenado to fall to me in the second but I doubt he will. On the flip side, if I were to take arenado in the first, no speed would be there unless I reached for mondesi or committed to two 3b in 1st/2nd with joram.
Assuming turner in the first, would you prefer Harper or judge over joram (even though I am keeping two OF)? Or are you more just suggesting I add more power moving forward in rounds 9+?
I don’t know who’s available so hard to say…Harper over Judge all day…Jo_ram over Judge…I don’t trust Judge
I’m suggesting add more power moving forward 9+ rounds
Gotcha. Works for me! Unfortunately, guys like Alonso and Alvarez are being kept so the big boppers are limited in the second round. Thanks for the insight, grey!
No problem
Hey Grey, Auction league, last year of keeper…would you keep Paxton at $3.
Depends on who else
Keeper cap is $50..I’m keeping:
Lindor – 21
Rendon – 3
Mookie – 8
JoRam – 9
Either Berrios – 3 and Paxton – 4 for a total of $48
or keep Franmil – $9 and no pitchers.
The 2 SPs
Does it make me a bad person I force my league to stay with ESPN because I know how bad the rankings are and that half of the teams in my league will follow their rankings to some degree leading me to scoop up all the value?
Anywhoo, quick question in regards to pitching…I have 7th pick in the draft meaning I have pick 42 and pick 55. If I understand your pitching tiers correctly, you’d rather wait til pick 55 to draft first starter assuming that there will be a pitcher from Moistness or Cookie Dough remaining, correct? As opposed, to possibly reaching for a Moistness as 42?
Haha, very tricky, TrickRey
Yeah, that’s right on SPs
Plus Good Luck( they probably don’t need it) to All Razzball Experts going into TGFBI!!!!, Go DT , Itch!!!!, represent!!!!
Thanks, Hernan!
Most these ESPN. Yahoo “analysts “ are already prepping for Football, mocking and so, XFL DFS , whatever that means….., man I need a draft, can’t wait for these NFBC leagues to start!!!, Bring it on Donkey!!!!!
You’re beating that Donkey again?!
El Burro Going to Suffer!!!!!!!!!!
Burn donkey burn!
What’s up FML, I love your article (TLDR) Is Yahoo still doing the pre-season ranks then after they get enough ADP they change their ranks to fir the ADP?
R to gat, possibly….whoa autocorrect went crazy but I’m gonna leave… what I was saying is you are onto something, possibly could be what’s going on, hopefully not too long of a reply
They have been doing this forever. I used to get pissed when I played in my old home league and they would draft at the end of March because there was no reason to think you would get a steal because Yahoo would correct itself based on how many people do not follow their ranks while drafting in their leagues…..I hope that makes sense.
Ah, yeah, I hadn’t noticed it before, but it does make sense
Its been going on for at least 12 years
Speaking of ranks. How is my BFF Tristan doing?
Honestly, I haven’t paid attention… I see Tristan in Fridya in 10 days then again in NY, so double-dipping this year
Give him a big hug for the hateful one
I will wrap my tiny arms around him and squeeze for you
They are quite tiny you pretty petite playa’
I am a little tiny beach
Gray, is this trade fair and do you have a preference: 20 team forever keeper, 6×6, roto
Dahl, Pederson for Gallen, Pearson.
Thanks for the victories!
No problem
Gallen side
sup
Wade Davis lol
what kind of car did you buy again? what happened to the Saab?
I sold the Saab last year and scooter’d around LA for a year…Just bought a new Audi convertible
that’s so gay
not that there’s anything wrong with that
Good save
I’m jk too I’ve owned like 4 Audi’s they are great cars
I’m rdy to own yo ass in NFBC son
Please bring it, son
(emails Rudy) “please make sure Grey is not in my league”
Hahaha
Keeper Question – 2 Keepers per team
14 man OPS/QS H2H categories league.
I have the 11th pick –
I am keeping Yelich in the 2nd.
I can keep one more among the following:
Soto – Rd/1
Verlander – Rd/3
Ketel – Rd/6
Mondesi – Rd/6
Bieber – Rd/11
Soto won’t make it back to me if I don’t keep him. Yelich/Soto was a powerful combo for me last year.
However, I might be giving up to much value not keeping one of the other guys. I don’t think I can make a wrong choice, but input is always appreciated!
Soto
Thanks.. Not a huge fan of starting with 2 OFs but you’re right, fantasy is all about production. Good luck!
You too!
Keeper question for folks…
14 team 5×5 with K/9 instead of Ks.
Pick 2 of these 3 to keep: Hader in round 7, Laureano in round 11, and Semien in round 14.
Other keepers are Eloy, Hiura, Paddack.
Not Hader
Like i said, I’m not sure on mondesi’s value.
Bichette is my youngest player I’d like to build around. But, can’t pass on a could offer
These guys you’re getting back are great, Mondesi alone is fair
Yep i can keep them all
Hurt Feelings Report (Yahoo has feelings too Grey, ESPN not so much)
I’m in a14 Team unlimited keepers, h-2-h league with a ton of scoring categories (except Bat AVG, OPS)
My current keepers:
-Trout, Soler, Blackmon, Bichette, Carlos Santana, Voit, Encarnacion, Donaldson, Salvador Perez, Dahl
-Snell, Maeda, Odoruzzi, Gallen Luchessi,
Trade offered to me:
-My Bichette for his Glasnow, A. Mondesi and Lance Lynn.
I do not know alot about Mondesi except he was hurt end of year.
I really don’t want to give up Bichette. I see too much potential.
Other guy also has: Hiura, Robles, F. Reyes, R. Laureano, VLAD and ton top prospects i.e.Wander, Lux, etc..
Your thoughts on trade offer? Or possible counter offer?
Thanks!
Mondesi side, but can you keep them all or is this essentially a 1 for 1 trade?
Mondesi, Lynn, Glasnow for Bichette, 3 for 1
Its a dynasty keeper league.
Mondesi side
AL-only keeper. Would you prefer Luis Robert for 4 years at $10/$10/$15/$20 or Rafael Devers for 1 year at $18 + Vladito for 3 years at $10/$15/$20?
Devers/Vlad
Other funny bit – Tony Wolters’ barrels score last year was literally 0.
That literally made me cackle
Success! Last year I needed a C2 replacement and grabbed Tony for his lone homer of the year. I think he also had a ton of RBIs randomly that week. Cracked me up…this is the guy responsible for Murphy being in SEA instead of starting in COL!
Ha, yeah, Bud Black sucks life out of wonderful
But Sam HiIlliard is going to happen!!! (that’s what i’m telling myself at least as I draft him at OF5 everywhere in early drafts)
Haha, Hilliard’s minor league stats are so insane
He’s worth drafting for the 5-10% chance he hits his way into 6 games a week.
Yup, for sure, his minors #s are goofy
Good morning!
Which mariner prospect will make his debut first, Rodriguez or Kelenic? Are they worth drafting this year in a 12 team H2H keeper league?
Rodriguez — nope
Or I guess in last round, no harm no foul there
Loving the podcasts this year Grey. Thanks for the extra analysis!
In a shallow OBP keeper league, trying to figure out where to take Sano. You have him at 125ish in standard, Rudy has him at 73 in OBP (581 PA’s). Does your love for him bump him up even higher in OBP? I have a pick in mid-60s where I’d have to pick between Sano, Tucker, Mercado.
If it matters, keepers are:
Trout, Eloy, Robles, Eugenio, Bryant, Tatis, Muncy, Bieber
Thanks!
Thanks!
Feels like 73ish is way to go, you’ll get him there
In my 14 team h2h dynasty league someone is interested in story. I could use sp and he has Strasburg. Would a trade of Story and Kepler for Strasburg and Lux be a fair trade for me?
c gary sanchez
1b yuli gurriel
2b ozzie albies
3b rafael devers
ss bo bichette
lf juan soto
cf ronald acuna
rf austin meadows
util trevor story
bn max kepler
na corbin carroll
na jeter downs
na julip rodriquez
sp brandon woodruff
sp julio urias
sp jon lester
Sp zach pleasac
rp ty buttery
rp ryan pressly
P Mike fiers
p zach efflin
p john means
Bn shun yamaguchi
bn deivi garcia
bn sixto sanchez
na logan gilbert
na luis patino
na casey mize
Nope
Do you see any bats I should move to address my sp needs or do you think I should just ride it out and wait for my sp prospects to get called up?
What can you get for Kepler straight up?
So far the best arm I could get is kluber. Maybe also wheeler, but kluber for sure. What do you think?
Meh
Outside chance I could maybe also get Lamet. Any of these guys worth even giving Kepler for?
I do like Lamet
Hey grey, we’re finalizing our keepers and I was all set but a trade has been floated my way. It’s a 12 team 5×5 keeper with no costs associated. We keep 8. As of now I’m keeping : trea, Bregman, Baez, JDM, Alvarez, Freeman, bieber and giolito.
Meadows is on my squad but I have to toss him back. However I’ve been offered rendon for giolito and meadows. I gotta take this deal right? I’ll have both UTIL spots clogged as we don’t use CI or MI but i feel like this is for the best. Thoughts? I’d go from keeping 6 hitters and 2 pitchers to only having bieber. Lots of pitching being kept too. Thanks !
Take Rendon
I was also just offered Trout for Baez Giolito and Meadows. Too rich? Trout would be replacing Baez and then I would keep either Corbin/Hoskins/Bauer/Aroldis Chapman. Thoughts? Thanks!
In my auction league either Bo Bichette or Taylor Rogers will be my final keeper, both at $1. Given past results, the price of Bichette and Rogers should be more or less the same at the auction. I cannot decide between between these players. Rogers probably is less risky, but Bichette’s upside is quite enticing. Please help.
Bichette, not close
Thamks, Grey!
No problem
Hot take: Austin Riley finishes as a top 50 bat with 3b/of elig.
I know you mentioned him as a sleeper in the top 100 outfielders but I gotta good feeling he makes good on his pedigree. He won’t be all of his first half, but 75% of it? Sure. I’ll file this 2020 take right next to my “Dylan Bundy 2020 = Lucas Giolito” 2019 hot take.
I like Lucchesi as my Giolito 2.0 (though Bundy is a better comp). Lucchesi is apparently working on a true third pitch, which has always been what seemed to hold him back.
I’m underwhelmed by his 90.2 mph 4seamer. I hope I eat my words though! Always happy to scoop up talent off the wire
Yeah Joey definitely doesn’t have a great fastball. That churve thing is his bread and butter, but he needs something else to go beyond where he’s been . . . but his floor isn’t terrible for a final rounds pick in 12 teamers.
Lucchesi is solid due to park and division, his stuff is less than impressive
I like that call…I drafted Riley once already…
As for Bundy, maybe, I’ve heard worse predictions
The shine on his prospect pedigree was impressive and it’s been all but erased?! I’m just not buying that. Glad you agree
Yeah, but late, not reaching early…Good park switch change too
Oh right, he’s on the Angels now. There’s definitely some late flier appeal there for me.
Yeah, super late, no hate — early, and warning (that should rhyme)
That shine was like 7 years ago. As long as he’s an Oriole, that pedigree will never materialize.
Random question, but I noticed you only have Kela projected for under 20 saves. Since he’s been declared the PIT closer, was curious what your thinking was there . . . trade midseason expected or don’t think he’ll hold the job? (or is it just because the Pirates might not win 20 games?!)
Thanks!
I don’t trust him to keep job or Pirates to provide many opportunities… How many saves does Rudy have him for?
Makes sense – very similar to you (only 15).
Yeah, that makes sense
Forever keeper. Keep 15/10 teamStandard scoring. Which side?
Hiura, W.Franco, and Clevinger for
Bregman and Strasburg
I have a very strong, balanced core so I don’t have to really make any moves. Just not sure how much to value that future value over Bregman.
Hiura
Your writing style always keeps me coming back. Your expert analysis is the cherry on top of the Sundae that is you.
Yahoo is the Miguel Cabrera of fantasy baseball sans the roid rage. After all they got rid of Funston long ago.
#FireFunston #ThePeopleSpoke #GreyMatter
Thanks! Appreciate it!
Sagnof is dead
Long live SAGNOF!
Is Puig ever going to sign with a team? Hard to believe a guy you have ranked #104 overall can’t find a job this spring.
I wrote or said somewhere that Puig feels like a guy who could hold out until May
Yeah, I remember reading that but I look at the outfields of teams like Cleveland or the Marlins and think, really, they could not use Yasiel Puig? I mean Miami is trotting out Jonathan Villar in center this season, lol. Not that Puigs’ a CF but he can’t even get the RF job in Miami? They’re still giving Lewis Brinson and his .183 career average at bats ffs.
Yeah, agreed…It’s the nature of MLB, teams want to tank
In Dynasty points league would you rather have Gavin Lux or Forrest Whitley?
Lux
Actually…That’s a tough call, maybe not Lux…I’m torn
I signed up for the NFBC league yesterday. I entered my email address into space provided. So far I have heard nothing. I missed out last year due to some type of glitch I’m hoping the same thing doesn’t happen again. Am I missing step 2 somehow?
No
we will be sending the email addresses in the next day or so to NFBC to send out invites. the email invite should come from NFBC.
thanks!
Any idea when the Keeper ranks will be released? Thanks! Looking forward to 2020!
Kerry Klug is toiling away at the keeper rankings. He said they should be ready to go by the end of the month.
Thanks!
Keeper question in OBP league. Keep one for the next three years at the same round each year:
Meadows in the 16th
Alvarez in the 5th
Thanks!
Meadows
Was looking at this myself last week. My league drafts on yahoo (more control on keeper settings) and imports to ESPN (they prefer the interface there). Talk about a let down – been trying to find anyway to manipulate keeper settings on ESPN so I could move the draft over there and take advantage of the ranks, but no luck.
Not sure
Is the Aquino ranking for Yahoo Serious due to them not updating their projections after the Reds signed their 25th MLB outfielder? Are the Reds going to employ the slow-pitch softball 4 outfielder strategy?
Aaron Judge (and Giancarlo Mike Mark David John Stanton) will never stay healthy. A good non-baseball parallel is JJ Watt and Gronk in football. They’ve maxed out their body size to the point their bones can’t support their muscle mass, so injuries will continue to happen. Especially in a 162 games of baseball, where nagging day-to-day injuries beget severe injuries.
Not sure on Aquino
Yeah, I tend to agree with you on Judge…I think I’m out
Have to love Larry Bowa on the radio to day he said the play should have taken care of this. It seems like alot of people new about it they should have plunked a batter in the ribs every time they heard the trash can bang. They should make the Astro’s play pay this year.
Old Skooool baby.
he is in his 70’s so nice to not worry about fines of blow back from the MLB commission.
MLB is gonna be like WWE Raw this year
I’d pay to see that. Correa vs Bellinger with special guest referee Mike ‘the snitch’ Fiers
HAHA
Good morning Grey and Razzballers. Keeper league trade question here. 7×7 league with ops and K for hitters and k/9 and Losses for pitchers which side do you like I trade Sanchez and paddack for Cole. Keep forever basically. Thanks for help.
Gary?
Cole side
Ya, sorry Gary. Thanks for your help.
No problem
Can you compare to CBS as well? It will save me the trouble. It is a great to for guessing what the rest of the league will do during the draft,.
CBS is comical in its own right. My league uses their platform, and has since we stopped doing live auctions in 2014. The CBS projections in the draft room when we auction are typically outdated by a few weeks or longer, yet others in my league go by them. For a league with a $250 entry fee, it is laughable (and sad) to watch some owners not use a much more updated projection system, like Rudy’s or Grey’s. Or like I do, combine the two of them to project the auction values I’ll go by. But hey, it’s their money they are entering with, do what they want, and watch them finish in the bottom half year after year.
I don’t usually do a post for them — don’t think anyone uses their rankings
Is there a deadline to sign up for those leagues from yesterday’s post?
Before they fill up I would think.
Like Cram said, first come first serve
I gave my email address. Do I wait to get contacted by Rudy or do I go ahead and pay the $150 on the site? I don’t see any Razzball leagues listed so I hesitate to pay up for now.
Wait for Rudy
we will be sending the email addresses in the next day or so to NFBC to send out invites. the email invite should come from NFBC.
thanks!
Ugh.. this is still about 3 weeks earlier than I like to draft but FOMO
The draft takes weeks to finish.
The 4 hr per pick slow draft? Ok, thanks. That helps.
Yeah, if the NFBC is the one you were referring to. It’s a grind!
A good grind! Like a pepper mill
Fungazi, I’m not sure which leagues you’re mentioning, but commenter leagues are still available.
Some are free and you get to face off against DT, Grey, Laura, Kerry, Son, Coolwhip, Joey Bart, etc. I think it’s pretty [email protected] cool to be able to do that. Start times of drafts all over the place. Just make sure you have a Fantrax account. I think Tres had links to each drafting pool in his last post.
Enjoy.
Yeah, get in the commenter leagues too! https://razzball.com/razzball-commenter-leagues-why-join/
Thanks for the info. I was referring to the draft and hold leagues with the phat loot payouts. I’m not a huge fan of the unlimited moves leagues.
Will prolly start next week, they’re close to filled
Alright, alright, I entered my email.
Happy to hear it!
David freaking Dah! I lol’d reading that name. Woof…
Ha, yeah, I think Dahl’s gonna be a strong pass at Yahoo’s price
Funny. Yesterday, Laura Holt had an article titled “What’s Old is New Again.” Today, ESPN has an article called “Everything Old is New Again.”
They aren’t even trying anymore.
Haha
12 team keeper league keep 6 forever …… as of now my keepers are
Beiber
Sale
Hiura
Ketel marte
Eloy
Pham
Give Beiber and get snell and Donaldson ….. would then look to deal snell and Pham for Olson and Matt Chapman hopefully
Thoughts ….
It’s fair but I lean toward keeping Bieber
Agree with DT
Same league…. would you deal Hiura for muncy?
Nope
Thanks
No problem
Beiber for muncy ?
Bieber
Razzball team, please help with my keeper selections.
League details:
10 team
Each team can select up to 5 players with their cost escalating two rounds every year
Scoring is 8×8
Hitting categories – Runs, Hits, Home Runs, RBI, SBs, Ks (lesser amount wins), BA, and OPS
Pitching categories – Wins, Losses (lesser amount wins), Saves, Holds, ERA, WHIP, Quality Starts, and K/9
Here are my options:
Castillo – 8th round
Benintendi – 12th round
Clevinger – 17th round
Flaherty – 18th round
Villar – 20th round
Woodruff – 20th round
Vlad – 22nd round
Luzardo – 25th round
Sano – 26th round
Kyle Tucker – 26th round
If you keep two players that were drafted in the same round, one of them would bump up a round. So, if I were to keep both Sano and Tucker, one would be a 25th and the other would be a 26th.
The rounds are so late, that it’s a non-factor.
I’d go Vlad, Sano, Tucker, Castillo, Flaherty.
Your offense is behind the 8 ball to start the season.
Actually, I might go Villar or Benny over Castillo. You need offense.
Flaherty, Castillo, Vlad, Sano, Woodruff for me. Focus on offense in the draft…