I’m still not convinced Yermin Mercedes isn’t a LARP. Or a Transformer. His name really is Yermin Mercedes? Just out here with a name that sounds like a German saying German Mercedes? And he doesn’t wear a Mercedes emblem around his neck like Flavor Flav? Is this real life or a simulation? The White Sox lost Eloy and just randomly found a guy who can do exactly the same? Right, right, okay, so the story I heard about one fantasy baseballer hearing the news of Eloy’s injury while on the Mercedes-Benz factory tour and crying onto a C-Class, and that transforming into Yermin, was a lie? I don’t hear lies, I hear truths! So, Yermin Mercedes went 2-for-4 and hit another home run (2nd) yesterday, and has basically done what we would’ve hoped for from Andrew Vaughn in our wildest dreams. But can it continue? Ah, excellent leading question! Yes, Yermin can hit .550. No! Of course not! He does have a solid hit tool (can hit .280) and good power (20-ish homers). The moment he slumps and Vaughn hits (it’ll happen — hopefully for my teams) Yermin will be on the outside, while Vaughn moves in. There is a chance Mercedes could hit 25 homers/.280, which is essentially Trey Mancini-type projections, so he’s worth rostering for now. tl;dr: Mercedes goes vroom, vroom, make room. Anyway, here’s what else I saw yesterday in fantasy baseball:
Lance Lynn – 9 IP, 0 ER, 5 baserunners (zero walks), 11 Ks, ERA at 0.00. Ask for a favor, can he have a zero ERA all year? Thanking you in advance! Out of pure spite for the haters, I’m not even going to talk about how I said he was a number one starter all preseason and everyone was like, “Yo, Grey is handsome, but maybe drunk.”
Yoan Moncada – 1-for-4, 2 RBIs and his 1st homer. More like Moan Yoncada, amiright? (I’m not right.)
Anibal Sanchez – Throwing for “select teams.” It’s pretty cool he’s throwing for the team of people at supermarkets that put “select” stickers on meat.
Eduardo Rodriguez – 5 IP, 3 ER, 4 baserunners, 7 Ks as he was activated from the IL. Kevin from ESPN’s “Get Him In Your Lineup” Department said, “Sorry about cutting into Karen’s cake. The light is out in the refrigerator and I didn’t see the writing on it said, ‘Happy Birthday.'”
Enrique Hernandez – 1-for-5 and his 1st homer. *slowly opens lace curtains, sticks bare leg out* Enrisqué!
Rafael Devers – 2-for-3, 2 runs, 2 RBIs and his 1st homer. Glad I didn’t drop him after six bad games. Whew.
Christian Vazquez – 3-for-5, 1 run and his 2nd steal, hitting .458. I still haven’t looked it up, so could someone else? I’m asking you of course to look if it’s me, or does Vazquez have the best first two weeks every year then fade?
Trevor Bauer – Being investigated for tampering with balls. Bad news is there was something sticky on his balls. Good news is they found Bauer’s balls.
Mitch Garver – 2-for-4, 3 RBIs and his 2nd homer. Our writer, Coolwhip, tried to put you up on the scoop with his Mitch Garver fantasy, did you listen? Uh, read?
Jose Berrios – 5 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 8 baserunners, 8 Ks, ERA at 1.54. His line is decent, and he looked even better. Call me Stanberry, because I love this guy.
Byron Buxton – 3-for-5, 2 runs and his 4th homer, and a triple short of the cycle, hitting .421. Someone wrap Buxton in bubble wrap. And wrap the outfield fences in bubble wrap. And wrap his teammates in bubble wrap in case they run into him. We cannot be too precautious.
Luis Arraez – 1-for-3, 3 RBIs and his 1st homer, hitting .381. The screen flashed, “Luis Arraez is the only Twins regular without a hit” just as he hit his homer. Could someone flash on the screen, “Grey is yet to win the lottery?”
James Paxton – Went for a 2nd opinion on his forearm — he gets more 2nd opinions than Bill Paxton got on Big Love. Bad but not entirely unexpected news on James Paxton, he needs Tommy John surgery.
Marco Gonzales – 4 1/3 IP, 7 ER, ERA at 10.45. Marco…Call the Po-Po…Marco…Call the Po-Po…Marco…Call the Po-Po my team has been violated. As I said in the preseason, if Marco’s pinpoint control was less than, he was going to struggle. Last game, he had more walks than Ks, and this game he had a ~4.5 BB/9. It’s not gonna work for him. You can hold out hope in deeper leagues, but I’d bench until his command returns.
Jose Marmolejos – 1-for-4 and his 1st homer. The Gypsy Kings are doing a comeback tour?! Aw sookie!
George Springer – Suffered a low-grade strain of his quad while recovering from his oblique injury. An offscreen voice whispers, “What Grey doesn’t know is we’re pranking him to see his reaction when his number one outfielder hurts himself again and again.”
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – 2-for-4, 3 RBIs and his 2nd homer. One week’s worth of games, and I’m already calling it: Vlad Jr. is gonna be a top 12 overall pick next year. We’re headed for a 32-homer, .315 season. Book it!
Cavan Biggio – 1-for-4, 2 runs and his 2nd homer. His father called after the game and said, “Nice homer, Buster Brown, but in this house we only recognize hits by pitch. Are you Lance Berkman’s kid?”
Mike Trout – 3-for-5, 2 runs and his 3rd homer. Gonna check out this site called Wikipedia dot com and find out about this guy.
Jose Altuve – 1-for-4 and his 1st homer. He homered to loud cheers from the home crowd of close to 11,000. Otherwise known as 22,000 eyes watching the catcher’s signs.
Yordan Alvarez – 2-for-4, 2 runs and his 2nd homer. Captain Woo Cubano taking ’em to the Matt! Olson and Chapman. See, they were playing the A’s.
Carlos Correa – 2-for-3, 2 runs, 2 RBIs, hitting .321. Could it finally be happening? The season everyone’s been expecting since Correa was promoted? Could be. Not sure I’d believe until it actually happened. Consider myself burnt for about five seasons.
Cristian Javier – 5 IP, 0 ER, 5 baserunners, 7 Ks, ERA at 2.08. Streamonator liked this start, but loves his next one. Color me intrigued.
Cole Irvin – 5 1/3 IP, 4 ER, ERA at 7.45. Cool story, bro, can we please call up Daulton Jefferies now?
Nolan Arenado – 1-for-4, 2 RBIs and his 2nd homer. My team and I have spent five years restoring the letters Ted Williams sent his favorite bait and tackle store during World War II. I’m just going to carelessly put them by this open window–NOOOOO!!! Torenado!!!
Dee Gordon – Signed with the Brewers. The Brewers making a lot of strange moves lately, first trading Arcia away, then getting Strange-Gordon.
Corbin Burnes – 6 IP, 0 ER, 1 hit, zero walks, 9 Ks, ERA at 0.73. I stand by what I’ve been saying on Burnes. I wish I had him in every league. I am a huge fan. Yet, I still have an iCal reminder for trading him away around the All-Star Break, because he won’t be able to throw anywhere near a full season.
Trevor Rosenthal – Underwent thoracic outlet surgery. Thoracic outlet surgery is performed by cockroaches near a power outlet. I think, I skimmed the Quora. Jake Diekman is the current closer replacement; Sergio Romo would be my next guess.
Ryan Mountcastle – 1-for-4, 2 RBIs and his 1st homer. Mountcastle, Thursdays at 10 on the BBC — Catch the fever! Then watch as Mountcastle figures out the fever was planted by a Russian spy.
Matt Harvey – 5 IP, 4 ER, ERA at 5.59. David Wright’s wife ruined two players’ careers.
Dom Nunez – 1-for-4, 3 RBIs and his 3rd homer. He won’t be in this afternoon’s Buy/Sell column, because he’s here now. By the way, the Buy/Sell column is already available on Patreon.
Garrett Hampson – 1-for-4, 2 runs and his 4th steal. It would be legitimately funny to me if Bud Black plays Hampson for 150 games this year, and says something like, “He came this year ready to play,” like he wasn’t exactly this good for the last four years when Black didn’t play him.
Zac Gallen – Tossed 67 pitches in camp. What’s he a prude? Throw two more!
Ketel Marte – Hit the IL with a hamstring strain. That’s a weird way to spell cramp.
Kevin Ginkel – 1 IP, 0 ER, as he pitched the 7th. *looks up if this was a doubleheader* It was not a doubleheader, i.e., the 7th inning wasn’t the 9th inning, said Mr. Exposition. This was likely him getting work and Ginkel would still be my guess for closer, but the Diamondbacks had to Ginkel. Also, Stefan Crichton is there, and the Diamondbacks might not win any games. Have you seen their lineup? It was pretty bad with Crampel Marte.
Eduardo Escobar – 1-for-2, 2 RBIs and a slam (1) and legs (1). What if someone slammed and legged, and no one cared?
Anthony Rizzo – 2-for-4, 2 runs and his 1st homer. HR to the Izzo!
Javier Baez – 2-for-3, 3 RBIs and a slam (2) and legs (3). Wish I would’ve drafted him in every league. Baez gonna have a huge year for that huge contract.
Kris Bryant – 2-for-4 and his 2nd homer. Apparently, the stories of Bryant’s demise were greatly exaggerated. Since it was Bryant spreading those rumors, he lied to us! Kris Bryant: Noted Fabulist.
Jake Arrieta – 6 IP, 2 ER, 10 baserunners, 4 Ks, ERA at 2.25. Solid first two outings against the Pirates, who don’t have to look very hard to find booty. I’d use the Streamonator for Arrieta, and his next start is a big woof.
Nick Neidert – 4 1/3 IP, 1 ER, as he enters the Marlins’ rotation for one of the injured guys. Not much here for fantasy, but you can get a pretty good backing track going just repeating Nick Neidert.
Jorge Alfaro – Out with hamstring tightness. I had a Hormel with a tight hamstring, you just gotta chew it off.
Anthony Bass – 1/3 IP, 2 ER and his 2nd blown save. From the Razzball writers’ group DM: “Anthony Bass is toast.” “Call him Anthony Avocado.” “If you roster him, you’ll never own a house.” Any hoo! Marlins have no other options, so, yeah, prolly not Anthony Avocado just yet, and I wouldn’t speculate on anyone else.
Dellin Betances – Hit the IL with a shoulder impingement. You’d think if you paid $2.4 billion for a MLB team, you’d hire new trainers.
Jeff McNeil – 1-for-3 and his 1st homer, as he hit 7th. The Mets’ lineup isn’t bad, so McNeil 7th behind Villar? Then again, it paid off because McNeil was there to take Bass deep in the 9th. Luis Rojas managing the Mets and playing 4D chess.
Taijuan Walker – 6 IP, 2 ER, 6 baserunners, 4 Ks. Solid first start for his new team, the Mets. Now, he will hurt his arm and the Mets’ trainers will say it’s his knee. Streamonator loved this start, and is pretty meh on his next.
Michael Conforto – 0-for-2, 1 RBI, and a game-winning HBP as he leaned over the plate, getting nicked by a strike on his elbow. I don’t blame him, take what you can to get on base, but how was it the umpire was about to call a strikeout, then changed it to a HBP? How do you get to the major leagues as an umpire, and think if you’re about to call something a strike, you can just switch it to a HBP? Even in Little League, they shout STAY RIGHT HERE if a kid is hit by a strike. The kid can be crying on the ground in pain, and screaming, “I was state checkers champion last year, if I can’t move my hand when I try to repeat, you’re gonna hear from my attorney!” Not saying that was me. I’m just saying a thing a kid might say. Though, I was the New Jersey State Checkers Champion.
I was sold on Olson this year. Your write up on him was just icing on the cake. I went out and got him / took him about spots above his adp. Besides missing 2 games, the most frustrating thing is that I watched him obliterate baseballs all spring. Now that real baseball started, he owns a robust iso of .048. Amazing. I know it’s early but I still can’t believe it.
20 spots
Yeah for real u would atleast think guys seeing the ball in spring training well would carry it over to some degree but it is way early and manny great players struggling early
Sameeee
This is how I feel about Josh Rojas , Ron Guzman and Tyler O Neill. Deep league but how long do I wait to drop?
It’s amazing how quickly those Spring firecrackers fade into irrelevancy. Josh Rojas became the darling of many “perts” going into the last week of drafts, a week into the real season you don’t hear his name much anymore.
If he holds the slot atop the DBacks lineup, he will be talked about again. You don’t hit leadoff in a dry air hot environment launching pad home ballpark without major fantasy value. If Rojas is getting 5 AB’s per game in July, he should be universally owned. Its April 9th. I’m holding.
Arizona was not much of a home run launching pad ballpark last season, it played on the low end of neutral at .936 per game compare that with say a true launching pad like Cincy that played at 2.14 hr’s per game.
He just seems like another guy that put up a nice season in the PCL in 2019 and lots of people saw his nice Spring and looked at those PCL numbers again and thought they found a gem. Maybe, but probably not. If he stays in the lineup could he hit 10-15 hr’s, sure.
I throw just about everything from 2020 out the window.
Historically, Arizona has made mediocre hitters into relevant fantasy contributors.
The Hr park factor in 2019 was even worse at .88 and 2018 was about the same as 2020. Sure in the pre-humidor days Arizona was a better place to hit homers but in recent years that’s just not the case.
I’d like to stand up and share…I have him in all but one of my leagues….womp, womp. I’ll be at the next meeting.
Haha, I know…It’s one week tho, and he wasn’t even healthy for the whole thing
Yeah agreed. For those mentioning rojas, he has never hit before in real games at the mlb level. Olson has a track record and is coming off a down season that still had power so imo his slow start out of the gate is much more frustrating.
If this were a random week in June, no one would notice
Another great baseball day and more closer carousel. What’s your take on Ty France in obp leagues. Looks like 280+ hitter with 20-25 hrs and 380ish obp is in reach.Didn’t get any shares of a Mercedes but I have Baddoo.weekend starts in 2 hours for me and it’s time for some cold beverages
That sounds about right, maybe .360 vs. .380, but I like him
FIRST (I hope) Bring back my Ketel Marte. I really do think I prefer bumbarded.
Yup
Grey!!!
Wickedly good report!
a. Brewers next going to sign Doug Strange as their AAA affiliate manager and Dr. Strange as their hypnotherapy guru!
b. Have a nice weekend.
c. Marx Brothers quote of the day for April 9, 2021
Groucho: ‘You know that sometimes requires years to bring the pear and alligator together.
They don’t like each other.’
Mary Eaton: ‘No.’
Groucho: ‘No. Do you know how many alligator pears are sent out the State…every year and told not to comeback?
Mary Eaton: ‘I don’t think I do.’
Groucho: ‘All they can get a hold of. Florida feeds the nation…but nobody feeds me and that’s
what I want to talk with you about.’
d. Random Reggie Jackson quote of the day for April 9, 2021
‘This is what happens when you get old and have a couple of bucks. You go back and try to be young again.’
Cheers,
Ante
B. You too!
D. Same
I’d figure you’d enjoy this ESPN tidbit than most. For over a month now, ESPN has had a player named, Kevin Joseph, on the Braves’ 2021 Depth Chart under the ‘3rd’ RP slot. Kevin Joseph is currently 44 years old and his only career experience at the Major League level was just for the month of August in 2002. Like I said, Kevin Joseph has been on this Braves’ Depth Chart for over a month. But it doesn’t stop there… The Astros’ 2021 Depth Chart also has an intriguing entry under their ‘3rd’ RP slot. For Houston they have a player by the name, Brandon Berger. Brandon Berger, 46, played four season with the Royals from 2001 to 2004 as an outfielder…. Most people don’t find interesting what I find interesting, but I figured you’d be one of the ones to enjoy it.
Haha, yes, diligent housekeeping with their fantasy product
Am I wrong in saying there are more terrible MLB offenses than a typical season?
I couldn’t pass up Hiura at pick 93. I should have.
It sure feels like all hitters on the waiver wire are garbaggio… But usually pitchers are ahead of hitters in April. Best month to stream.
I’m trying to cut my loses with Hiura. Assuming the worst, let’s say Marte is out 4 to 6 weeks with that hamstring. Would you trade Hiura for Marte? Replacement on waivers for Marte are wong/asdruble/peralta. Thanks.
Hmm, maybe, there hasn’t been a ton of great pitched games tho either
Mike Trout – netted 3 hits, 2 runs and sealed the deal by clubbing his 3rd homer. Wish I reeled this catch in on draft day, because next year we’re gonna need a bigger boat.
CM! — est.4/21
Chuckie Miller fire, est. 2021
OK. OK.
In 2020 he hit .277 with 4 HR the first couple weeks; .286/3 HR the rest of the way.
2019: .185/1 HR, and then .281/22 HR
2018: .257/0 HR, and .199/3 HR.
Hmm, okay, so it was last year only, that’s fair, I misremembered — thanks, Vin!
Is it just me, or are the Torenado blurbs much better this season?
probably since yr near STL (or was it just an STL fan that used to be near there).
Yeah, maybe because they were fewer and farer in between with his season last year?
lol. I just said that because I am a Cards fan.
Isnt Yermin today at 28 pretty similar to Nelson Cruz when he was a quad A at 28? The body of work in the minors is there. I understand the skepticism bc he’s a quad A and due to a potential logjam of solid yewts and catchers, but Im picking up on some excessive skepticism here….
You must have listened to the podcast yesterday.
Nope – I listened to it the podcast this morning after making this comment. But I did accidentally post this comment twice, so I have that going for me.
Ha, Cards homer!
Would you rather own Trey Mancini or Kyle Isbel?
Msncini
Mancini
Mancini
Yermin is soothing my frustrations with the Sox over Vaughn playing time in ESPN where he’s C-eligible! Talk about an ideal catcher scab. Now, let’s get Vaughn going!
I’m not so lucky in my CBS 2-catcher league, where I’m currently rocking Barnes (happily with that timeshare) + Jansen (less happily due to him picking up where he left off). Would you keep holding Jansen this early, or maybe swap him for a guy like Trevino, Barnhart, Stephenson, Astudillo (currently as many AB as those catchers, aside from Trevino who has a few more)?
Yeah, that would be nice…La Russa doesn’t even view him as an everyday hitter tho…Meh, I’d hold
10 team, H2H, keep 20 each year, OPS
Is this a shit deal? Is Robert overrated?
I give:
Lindor (SS)
I get:
Robert (OF)
Valdez (SP)
Current roster:
Hitters
W Smith (C)
Alonso (1B)
Hampson (SS/2B/OF)
Machado (SS/3B)
Lindor (SS)
Yelich (OF)
Bryant (OF)
Tapia (OF)
J Baez (SS)
Winker (OF)
The losers who I have to rotate in and out:
H Dozier (1B/3B/OF)
K Hernandez (2B/SS/OF)
Wong (2B)
E Escobar (2B/3B)
Pitching
A Nola (SP)
L Castilo (SP)
B Woodruff (SP)
Z Davies (SP)
A Wood (SP)
C Martinez (SP)
DL
E Jimenez (OF)
Voit (1B)
Tatis (SS)
N Pearson (SP)
M Soroka (SP)
NA
M Manning (SP)
Hold
My draft plan at 2B was Lordes and when some loser friend of mine swept in way too early for him, I ended up with no Lordes and was on tilt at 2b. I went with Dylan Moore… meh
And now that Hampton and McMahon are hitting… it makes me wonder. Granted, I have a … rocky… relationship with both of those jerks and am hesitant to add them again to only be hurt but I have to ask:
Moore or Hampton or McMahon at 2b?
My team has solid power / speed so really just looking for the least hurtful and emotionally damaging player.
Thanks for the help!
Meh, you can try Hampson, but that’s liable to end bad too
So we agree – Meh it is!
Hampton Hampson … autocorrect autocorract
I bet he calls himself Hampton some times because it’s easier.
Thanks for the help!
Ha, No problem
“Mercedes goes vroom, vroom, make room”
————
Me and Lo-RENZO rollin’ in a [Mercedes] Ben-ZO
Haha
Mountcastle or Santander?
Santander
What do you think of Lou Trivino as the A’s closer? No, he’s not a golfer.
A’s said Diekman, so until they say or do something else, I’m going Diekman
“If we can move it forward with Lou, maybe he gives us an option to close as well and/or pitch the eighth inning depending on matchups,” Melvin said.
Not concrete but just a heads up! Get Lou before Rudy does!
Hmm, that doesn’t sound great for either
They also said Trivino, as of last night I think. So that’s my guess at what 5-1 is getting at here. I have shares of both Diekman and Trivino now. Added Trivino in a spot or two this morning. Don’t know who gets next chance… (prob Romo, lol)
Would you drop McCann for Mercedes?
Nah
I don’t know why the Streamanator did not like Jon Gray’s start yesterday, but I did, thanks Jon Gray.
Nice!
Hey Gray, thanks for the morning write ups. I was curious if you caught Jon Gray. Not bad performances, both at Coors I think too. Any takes on the Gray not named Sonny?
Haha, I wouldn’t mess with Jon Gray
Stay away from that guy. Coming from a Rockies fan here.
Damn, your name is Grey. Autocorrect feels like it’s the typographic “sonofabench”
Heart emoji
Isnt Yermin today at 28 pretty similar to Nelson Cruz when he was a quad A at 28? The body of work in the minors is there. I understand the skepticism bc he’s a quad A and due to a potential logjam of solid yewts and catchers, but Im picking up on some excessive skepticism here….
That’s what Donkey Teeth said on the podcast yesterday — could be, Cruz also hit like 35+ HRs and 20+ steals in minors, Yermin never came close to that
Looking at E. Escobar, J. Polanco and IKF for my U spot. Rank? Thoughts?
Polanco
Mancini! In the lede!! Dios mio! I am about to faint. Grey knows Trey Mancini exists. Wild times we’re living in.
HAHA
Smyly or Javier ?
Javier, but close
“Anthony Bass – 1/3 IP, 2 ER and his 2nd blown save …
Marlins have no other options … and I wouldn’t speculate on anyone else.”
____________
Every time Don Mattingly calls on Bass, it’s starting to feel like being severely snagged by a treble-hook.
C’mon Bass, need ya buddy!
Haha
Between Mancini, Schwarber, Joc, and Austin Hays who gets the boot? I can only keep3. Thank you!
Hays
It’s Friday, why is there little more than half the teams playing today? 9 games today. 9 games yesterday. Making multiple adds/drops every day is getting annoying. Get the Nats out there for a triple header already!
MLB started this last year, not sure I understand why…
Who’s streaming Hoffman @ Arizona?
Bauer’s dirty balls get a thorough inspection, but hitters can wear armor and crowd the plate with no consequences? Hmm… Chicks and our Man Fred still dig the long ball!
Not me
Catcher’s being discussed in the morning updates AND then getting mentioned as part of a buy/sell? Who is writing things these days? I’m still abiding by the days of ‘catchers are like scabs, just leave them alone.”
Hang on. I thought we were supposed to pick the catcher scabs!!??
Its like the cocaine bugs, Charlie Murphy don’t have no control.
Haha
Come on Grey. I thought for sure you were gonna lead off with our boy Lance Lynn. What a GEM he threw yesterday! I took him as my number one starter. Thanks for the advice!
I do love Lynn, but Yermin is less known
Trade question! I need help in CF…I was offered Nick Senzel and McCutch for Biggio…now my CF is Happ and and Adam Haseley… I have Edman and McMahon to handle the keystone….18 team keeper 5×5 ….love your stuff as always
Biggio side
Whoa – Cueto with a +$20 value for today’s start @ home v. COL… now that’s coloring me intrigued
Giants fan here…. I’m not too excited for any Cueto starts this year. Yeah he’s fun to watch for his antics, but we aren’t expecting much out of him and he has been irrelevant for fantasy for several years now.
He’s a 5 inning guy nowadays.
Rox suck, even worse away from home
Ride the robot – YOLO!
YOLO til WE DIE
So I’ve held off on dropping one of my surplus SV+HLDs guys but I need to drop 1 now to stream Cueto. Originally I was planning to drop Alex Reyes, but he’s gotten the job done so far, though I haven’t watched his games – is it a mirage or legit? My other options are: Castillo, Merryweather, Montero, Taylor Rogers, Rich Rodriguez, and Diekman.
Diekman or Dick-Rod…I’d just not stream Cueto
gotcha – yeah, I also think it’s better to not stream just for streaming sake
Agreed
Streaming options for tomorrow: Civale, Logan Webb, Kikuchi and Chris Archer?!?!? The Robot has Archer really high…
I have a feeling some combo of Civale, Webb, and Kikuchi may be in your Buy column today cause of SON’s $ value
Civale or Kikuchi, I don’t know their matchups tho
Civale v. DET (5.9) & Kikuchi @MIN (3.6)
For Shitz & giggles – Logan Webb v. COL is at 21.7
Webb sounds good
Hey Grey- 2 questions. As a Patreon member wondering if my coin also buys daiquiris for Itch, Laura and the gang?
Second- I watched the Angels and Jays in the A league stadium. I started Canning and loved the Ks but not the hard hit balls. (Ha). Anyhow- should I even bother to start a pitcher all season in that stadium? Seemed like Coolios hitters paradise? What say you?
They get paid
Yeah, not a great stadium, but not sure I’d bench everyone there, maybe just some
Thanks Grey! Keep it real and have a good weekend!
You too!
Bass is beating me with a sack of doorknobs.
You say there are no other options but I grabbed Yimi Garcia as a quick handcuff in case they give him the next shot.
Am I crazy?
I am dying for saves as I guessed 100% wrong on every closer by committee option thus far so any ideas appreciated.
Take a flier with Tanner Scott, Tanner Rainer, Daniel Hudson or Bryan Garcia? I had never heard of the name Tanner before this closer crapousel I am going through.
To be honest I already had Garcia but dropped him after he gave me 2 ER and a Loss in his 1 outing for me, same as Rainey who gave me the 2ER Loss too.
Also worth taking a flier on Ginkel? Will he even get a chance for a save?
Hudson
Feel like I have to many 1st basemen and want to trade one. Who would you trade away: Jarred Walsh or Nate Lowe? (I have Olson as my first tier 1B)
Also, would the trade pick for Garrett Hampson be a good trade? Need help at SS and only Jorge Polanco and Andres Gimenez are on the waivers.
Lowe
Sure
Good morning Grey! Are you excited about Widener’s second start of the regular season today?
I am!
So should I not start Winker (if he finally is able to play again), Senzel and/or India if Widener is starting?
Why
You said you’re excited for Widener’s start above…not sure if that also means I shouldn’t start Winker, Senzel and/or India.
Bench them for who?
Because the slate of games are not extensive today for some odd reason, I wouldn’t start them over anyone else. It’s mostly whether this is a good matchup for them to give me some much needed production. My last week has been horrid (Soto, Olson, Yelich, Lindor, Franmil, Happ, etc.)
If you have hitters on your team who are starting, start them
Good morning Grey and happy Friday!
SON loved Logan Webb for his start @Sea (pretty meh results) and loves him again against COL at home. Am I missing something or is it just a terrible lineup at a pitchers park?
Thanks!
Friday!
terrible lineup at a pitchers park — yes
Hi Grey,
How’s it going? Quick Q. I picked up Austin Riley after Donaldson went down.
Hampson is available for the moment. I could move Muncy to 3B and add Hampson to be my primary 2B. I’m intrigued by his start and always like a hitter in Coors despite all the Bud Black nonsense… Drop Riley for Hampson?
Thanks as always and have a great weekend.
Jake
Keep in mind Coors just saw its first 70 degree day in 7 months. The bats don’t really show up there for another 6-8 weeks.
Thanks. Good point…. I just have an itchy trigger finger with the last man in I guess. Can keep cycling through guys until one sticks?
Hold
Thanks Grey. Will hold steady!
No problem
Desperate for closer help.
Is Yimi Garcia really not worth a flier if Bass continues to be toast?
Which of the following bargain bin back up closers if worth taking a flier on? Tanner Rainey vs Daniel Hudson, the other Tanner (Scott), Bryan Garcia, Ginkel/Lopez/Crichton?
Hudson or Ginkel, answered above
Wish I had kept Hampson over Escobar in my NL-Only league. However, at the time he wasn’t slated to be a starter, and I wanted Escobar’s lineup spot for a cheaper price.
Gotcha
Grey Grey Grey; you called it last year and again this Spring. It made sense to me. Full sense. So I listened. And now I’m reaping the rewards. Lance Lynn is the man!
Personally, my favorite call of yours, on a guy who I thought was washed up 2 years ago.
Jolt
I don’t get it either. Lynn was wildly underappreciated even before his “resergance”. I had him earlier in his career when he was a WHIP master on the Cards and could draft him late in rounds cheaply on the regular. Sometimes that media bias just never shakes off for whatever reason.
Nice!
ROS RP in SV/HLD league:
Merriweather or Reyes?
Thanks
both? who are your other RPs… I’m interested in this question because its close to my situation.
or ‘closer’ to your situation. bwahahahaa. I kid I kid.
has the time has come for razzball to get the “thumbs up” capability? I feel like we are special for keeping it real with no emoji capabilities. Either way…. good one
I currently have Merryweather and Devin Williams….can only roster 7 pitchers at a time so going 5 SP and 2 Rp…..
Merryweather
Hey Grey,
Which OF do you roster? Brantley, Naquin, or Hampson? I’m leaning Brantley, am I right?
Thanks!
Brantley
My hitters are getting hurt at 5 5imes the rate of my pitchers…I mean, go figure??? Tatis, Belli, Ketel, Tim Anderson, Kyle Lewis, Olson for a bit, and on and on and on. What the hell is going on? It’s bizzaro world. My SPs on the other hand…they’re ‘The Untouchable’s.’
I know, it sucks
Nice Update Grey! 12 team, H2H, auction redraft league. I got Dylan Moore, OF, $3. What is your advice on this guy the ROY? I’m strong offensively including SB, we do not have a bench. I picked up Solak-WW for Grisham. When Grisham returns next week do I keep Solak or Moore? thanks
Other available FA’s are: Robles, McCutchen, Hicks?
Thanks! Robles
I look to have Grisham coming off the IL this weekend. In a mixed 10-team h2h, should I drop Kiner-Falefa (have Bichette, J-Ram, Bohm, Swanson at 3b/ss), or maybe Baddoo, Cronenworth, J McCann or vroom-vroom-Mercedes?
Baddoo
CLoser,…..Alvarado or Clase?
Clase
Grey,
I know we are only a week in, but I’m desperate for some offense. In a 15-team mixed 5×5 league, someone offered me Dylan Moore for Jordan Montgomory. If I go by your rankings, that is an easy deal. This is a keeper league and both guys are cheap and 28 years old, but 28 year old pitcher vs. hitter relying on legs? I’m a fantasy ageist!
The other offer made was Hiura for Moore straight up, which seems like a steep price, even though I don’t love Hiura and he has been awful.
Do you like either of these deals?
Dylan Moore for Jordan Montgomory seems solid
Triston McKenzie or Bassitt
Bassitt
I’ve sold all of my Razzball stock shares in “catcher questions.” I’m buying all the shares I can get this year in “closer questions.”
STONKS!
Razzball: Come for the pitching predictions, stay for the Kevin (from the Get Him in Your Lineup Department) story arc.
I think I’ll spend next offseason compiling his exploits and writing Kevin fan fic.
Haha
12 team, ESPN, 5X5 Roto … we have the 11 day Week one. Honestly never seen injuries like this to any of my teams.
C – Murphy missed time (and he sucks!)
1b – Olson (missed time also sucks!)
2B – Marte (IL)
SS – Tatis (IL)
3B – Hayes (IL)
OF – Bellinger, Betts (both day to day, both missing games)
SP – Paxton (lasted a cool 1+ innings before his elbow blew up)
Navigating injuries and setting a lineup for Week 2 is challenging. Was able to pick up India (cover 3b). Lux (bench bat) to cover 2nd. Also Mullins to help in the OF. Dropped Murphy for Mccaan. Couple questions;
1. Traded Vaughn for Cronenworth (looks like every day player) to cover for Tatis. Thoughts?
2. This is a keep any 6 forever league (no limits, no inflation etc). Currently my keepers are Acuna, Betts, Tatis, Bellinger, Tucker and Flaherty. Given the keepers (and keeper rules) would you trade Tatis and Bobby Witt for Bo Bichette and Luis Robert? The guy who has Bichette and Robert has had some rough luck and is thinking about next year. His goal is to get a top tier talent. Thanks as always.
1. Sounds good
2. Works for me
Thank you! Read your write up in the rankings of Bichette and Robert. Obviously they have lots of upside. If all healthy next year, how close are Tatis, Bichette and Robert? If Tatis were not injured would you make the deal? Trying to determine if it’s a good deal because Tatis is hurt or if Bichette and Robert actually have more value than a healthy Tatis. Sorry convoluted post, but having a difficult time parting with Fun the Jewels Fast!!
If all are healthy, see preseason rankings
My apologies, I’m not being clear.
Simply put, If all were healthy and you received an offer of Bichette and Robert for Tatis would you pull the trigger? Thanks
Grey, i got Story, Blackmon, Tapia and Hampson on one team
Need to drop one
Whos the drop?
Tapia
In a WEEKLY AL-Only 5×5 League would you consider benching Ramon Laureano for Yermin Mercedes? I’d only be considering this because my outfield is Buxton/Trout/Merrifield
Ramon Laureano (6 Games) versus
R M. Bumgarner (L)
M. Kelly (R)
T. Skubal (L)
J. Urena (R)
C. Mize (R)
M. Boyd (L)
Yermin Mercedes (7 games) versus
S. Bieber (R)
TBA
Z. Plesac (R)
A. Civale (R)
N. Pivetta (R)
M. Perez (L)
N. Eovaldi (R)
Sure
Damn I come here for you to shut me down. Now I have an actual decision to make!
Ha, sorry! I said sure, as in benching Ramon for Yermin
Hey Grey
Who’s the odd man out in a saves league:
Pagan
Rainey
Trivino
Thanks!
Rainey
Hey, Grey! Who do you like better for today: Widner vs CIN or Cueto vs COL? Thanks!
Widener
IKF, E Escobar and C Walker all available for my CI spot. Who to pick?
IKF or Walker, depends on needs
Buying M Taylor is or is Senzio a better roto option?
Means or Kikuchi?
Whar to do with Vaughn? I have him everywhere but the latest news is discouraging at best.
Senzel
Means
Hold for now
Other LF options are Nick Williams and Adam Engel…. hold Vaughn. The hits will come!
Hey Grey,
12-tm H2H cat keeper (keep 10) CATS – (9) R,H,HR,RBI,SB,BB,AVG,OPS,XBH – (8) W,CG,SV,K,GIDP,ERA,WHIP,QS. LIMIT of 40 moves (used 2 moves) – no streaming
With Marte hitting the IL, I have a free pick up to make (1 empty spot- don’t need to drop anyone). Who would you grabbing from the wire (available guys below) ? Before Goldy got hurt I was going to lean pitcher/a 4th RP but I guess I should focus on hitting ?
WIRE
HIT – T. Nyquin, G. Hampson, N. Senzel, A. Baddoo, C. Moran, E. Longoria, R. Grichuk, M. Taylor, C. Dickerson, J. Chisholm Jr., C. Owings, M. Straw, J. Aguilar, A. Aquino, S. Hilliard, J. Marmolejos
SP – J. Gray, T. Houck, J. Teheran, W. Miley, M. Minor, M. Shoemaker, G. Canning, L. Gilbert N/A, M. Manning N/A, N. Pivetta, J. Odorizzi N/A
RP – I. Kennedy, C. Valdez, C. Knebel, C. Green, J. Hicks, E. Pagan, M. Barnes, G. Gallegos
My team:
C – Mitch Garver
1B – E. Hosmer
2B – J. India
3B –Eugenio Suarez
SS – T. Turner
CI – P. Goldschmidt *DTD
MI – I. Happ
LF – C. Yelich
CF – M. Conforto
RF – T. Mancini
Util – R. Laureano
BN – A. Kirilloff (N/A)
IL – K. Marte (IL)
IL – L. Voit (IL)
SP – W. Buehler
SP – B. Singer
SP – A. Civale
RP – J. Hader (RP)
RP – E. Diaz (RP)
P – A. Reyes (RP)
P – J. Means
BN – T. Mahle
BN – D. Dunning
BN – J. Montgomery
BN – M. Pineda
IL – S. Gray (IL)
IL – T. Gonsolin (IL)
Thanks bud
Marv
Hampson
In my format that counts 5 standard batting cats + OPS, K’s and ABs – do you still think Kelenic’s potential will be a lot better than Jon India’s? I’m debating on whether to stash Kelenic now or continue to ride India’s hot-ish start…
Yup
minor or cease?
Cease
tyler duffey or richard rodriguez in SVHD?
thanks grey
Dick-Rod
Dick-Rod…HA!
Haha
Thanks Grey! Your writing makes my morning!
H2H Points Keeper League
$20 cost bump for players each year
My $100 Machado and $1 Merryweather for his $60 Ozuna for $20 P Lopez. Also of note, I also have J Ram at 3B and need OF help. Thoughts? This is too good to be true huh?
Thanks Grey
Thanks! Ozuna/Lopez side, easily
Thanks!
No problem
That should be “for his $60 Ozuna AND $20 P Lopez”
Trevor Story and Luis Castillo
for
Mookie Betts and Marcus Stroman
thoughts?
Story
Grey, SON doesnt like Wideners home start vs Cincy today
Would u stream him in a 12 team roto?
Nope
Keep Andrew Vaughn, or cut in favor of Adam Eaton or Tyler Naquin?
Hold Sean Murphy, or pickup Omar Narvaez?
Hold
Hold
I actually had the Marlins Monyline yesterday in that game and Draftkings refunded me unexpectedly. Anthony Bass is on my shit list and Ron Kulpa.
Who do you like the most out of these three: Cedric Mullins, Akil Baddoo, Michael Taylor?
Should I drop Sean Murphy? Really nobody on the wire except Carson Kelly, Omar Narvaez. Eff that position.
Why did they refund? Bc of Conforto?
Mullins
Meh, I’d hold Murphy
Uh oh… Here comes the stubborn Greys in our Nov DC! Nice week Lothario! Per to the haps, The Cobblers shouldn’t have talked smacked on Day Two!
Oh, that team is such a mess…It will fade
Would you bench Heaney @Tor and Mahle @Ari tonight and Paddack @Tex and Montas @ tomorrow in an Otteneu pts league? HR allowed are punished hard.
I feel like they might all be droppable at some point too since I’m never confident in them (yet) and they will keep getting benched. But I know it’s early and hope they can improve.
I wouldn’t start Heaney or Montas but I don’t know who he’s going against
Grey, question for you that’s about something even nerdier than fantasy baseball – your writing process! I’ve always been impressed by the sheer number of words you generate daily. Writing is my day job as well, but it includes far more procrastination and perfectionism to ever hit your word count. Do you do a kind of vomit draft/stream of consciousness just to get through it? Anything you’ve discovered about your process that has helped you keep things moving?
Thanks from someone who’s on a deadline and using this comment to procrastinate.
Haha, I do vomit drafts then go back and fine tune
I’ve got Azulay… would you swap him out for Heaney or erod or Trevor Rogers of Miami or hold?
Rogers
I got Solak and Croneworth
Drop Wong for a free agent to fill line up or hold ?
Hold
RP question, Points league so hold and saves…. Current RPs are Merryweather and E Pagan ( Rudy’s robot loves Pagan) but available on the wire are Melancon and Alex Reyes…. which two do you want?….. Merryweather and…………………..
Melancon
TY
No problem
Please rank overall?
Mullins, Oneil, C.Frazier
Frazier, O’Neill, depends on needs
which side: Alcantara & Kopech or Means & Pagan ?
Sandy
thanks Grey!
No problem
Whose the drop when I activate Bell? Saves only
Bass, Kennedy, Amir, Diekman
Thanks
Bass
Bass
Ugh
I have Bass and Garrett on two teams
Not great times
In a 12 team keep forever dynasty which I drafted to win now how close is my Tatis for his Correa and Bobby Whit Jr for starters? He has all the good outfield prospects, Kelenic, Robinson, Carroll, Duran, Rodriquez plus Abrams and on and on.
I’ve tried other combinations with his Lou Bob, Trout, and Correa but got rejected. It doesn’t seem like Tatis all of a sudden will become just an average player. Not sure what is fair at this point including draft picks.
Any ideas that would be fair and not feeling like I sold low in a one week old keep forever dynasty?
Thank you
Not very close
Well, you nailed it… Down goes Aaron judge. RIP, we hardly knew ye.
So crazy
Who could’ve ever predicted?
Haha, no one, right?
Love your take on Yermin, and I know you’re right but I’m hoping your wrong.
Just curious, though. Let’s say that slump for Yermin doesn’t come until deep into the season past the time he’s pretty much established himself. Do you think he can maintain some ABs then? Or does he get pushed out of the way and forgotten because of the $$$ invested in Vaughn?
I think upper management may want Vaughn or Eloy or whoever to play. But LaRussa is running the show. He knew before anyone else did that Yermin could hit. Would LaRussa go with his instincts and still play him if he’d proven himself long enough?
Cross that bridge when we come to it? Eloy’s not playing, he’s hurt…If Vaughn starts hitting next week and Mercedes stops, this is all moot
This makes me sad. But I know you’re right.
:o(
Sorry!
This is why I come here. To get some unbiased opinion about guys on my team. I know you’ll give it to me straight even if I don’t like it or disagree.
But I’d be lying if I didn’t say you hurt me today. :o(
LOL
Your Torenado blurbs get me every time! Too funny!
Thanks!
need a 2b in a points league, who you got here: owings, arraez, solano, chisholm, castro
thanks!
Solano
Hey guys I’m trying watch baseball today but on my cable ESPN is the only one. They’re fucking doing golf though. Where should I go on my phone?
For the Rockies.
MLB app
12 team 5×5 redraft.
Trying to vulture saves.
Got Pagan, Ginkel, Knebel.
Drop any for Treinen?
Thanks in advance.
Why? Something announced?
Knebel does nothing for me but same
Nothing announced except Kenley is bad and Knebel get the save seemingly ahead of Treinen on Sunday. Also during Dodgers’ radio broadcast it was said Dodgers really like Knebel.
Regarding Pagan, Kerry Klug’s 4/7 SAGNOF post indicated Melancon’s got closer on lock. If so I’d rather hold the two Dodger guys in anticipation of Kenley losing the job.
Except Roberts’ leash on him is so long it wraps around the globe twice over, so ugh.
Roberts isn’t moving on from Kenley unless he’s hurt
which streamer tomorrow? Agree with SON?
Logan Webb vs COL – $21.8
Trevor Rogers @NYM $5.5
Tarik Skubal @CLE $5.2
Domingo German @TB
Agree with SON
12 teamer, keep 10 guys, 6×6 roto with OPS and QS. I might already be selling this year since I own Eloy, Mondesi, Gallen, Springer, and Ke’Bryan. Rough start.
I was offered his $27 Bellinger for my $3 Giolito. Thoughts? Here’s the rest of my team:
C: Murphy
1: Freeman
2: Muncy
3: JoRam
SS: Dylan Moore
OFs: Rosario, Solak, Dickerson
U: Sano, Dalbec, Canha, Moran, etc.
BN: Witt, Jr.
SPs: deGrom, Castillo, Giolito, Wheeler, Taijuan
RPs: Chapman, Holland, Will Smith, Kopech, Montero
IL: Springer, Mondesi, Eloy, Ke’Bryan, Gallen
Thanks as always!
Sounds good for you
Better late KC SP flier — Junis or Duffy?
Junis
10 team H2H points league
Saves are 10pts
Holds are 4pts
I need to drop a RP to stream. Who do i drop?
Devin Williams
Pagan
Neris
Merryweather
Pagan
Hold on Happy and Vaughn?…… Looking at Mullins…. Pts league 12 teamer
Happ
Sorry to do this but that answer means drop happ? For mullins? Keep Happ?
Keep Happ
Got you
Please explain your site. Now that drafts are over, should I continue looking at 2021 ratings for your current opinion — or should I be using the Player Ratings?
https://razzball.com/playerrater-restofseason-12teamespn/
Molten wing tenets in his eyes from the St Louis ovation and Arenado saying that was his first ever curtain call were awesome
Ha, nice!
Molten wing tenets in his eyes from the St Louis ovation and Arenado saying that was his first ever curtain call were awesome
Kolten Wong tears in eyes
Yeah, saw on Wong
Hello, AL
Hello Boss. Starting out ok except one league injury bug had me down doing good in my others. Thanks again for what u all do here.
THERE’S A NEW POST FOR FOLLOWUPS***********
Knebel just got the save.
Might be something.
kenley went 2 days in a row and i think 3 out of 4 (or 5). it’s the same as last time that happened.
@Grey: sagnof, Holland or one the oak guys (Diekman, Trevino or Romo)?