The loss of a couple of big-name first basemen – one of whom is actually a damn good hitter and major fantasy baseball asset – for the rest of the season, or close to it, has turned rotisserie and head-to-head attention to alternatives at the position. A young buck at the cold corner has plenty of room to grow – and may have hit a spurt.

A division-leading club has lost one of its top starters for at least a couple of weeks. The fill-in could be the bum that this team previously booted from the rotation. But they know what he’s about, so why shouldn’t they go with another option?

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Episode 150

The latest episode of “The Sleeper and the Bust” is now live!

Eno Sarris and Nicholas Minnix discuss Javier Baez, Steven Souza, Kirk Nieuwenhuis, Mike Carp, Jon Singleton, Brian Flynn and Andrew Heaney, Ubaldo Jimenez, Brandon McCarthy, Vance Worley, and Jesse Hahn.

As usual, don’t hesitate to tweet us or comment with fantasy questions so that we may answer them on our next episode.

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When one opens a fresh pack of crayons, the scent of those waxy art sticks is often what hits him or her first. If you need or just prefer markers, especially the permanent kind, then you may have enjoyed those whiffs a little more than most of your classmates. Maybe you didn’t even like to color.

It’s back-to-school time, kids. (Of course, according to the average merchant, that period began in early July.) I don’t have any, myself – children, that is, not crayons – so this is more of an opportunity to feel a little nostalgic. Crayons, like catchers, are essential supplies.

The eight classic colors set the catchers apart. No hierarchy from me, just the order in which they appear in an unopened box, from left to right. You, on the other hand, might be inclined to arrange the colors by favorite to least favorite … flavor. Taste the rainbow, little Jimmy.

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Episode 149

The latest episode of “The Sleeper and the Bust” is now live!

Jason Collette and Nicholas Minnix discuss Rajai Davis now that Austin Jackson is out of the picture; Josh Harrison’s move on Pedro Alvarez’s PT; Gerardo Parra’s similar deal with Khris Davis; and Grady Sizemore’s recent PT, which has come at the expense of Domonic Brown’s.

In addition, Collette and Minnix talk the Boston Red Sox’s continued roster shuffling; Kennys Vargas; Jesse Chavez; Mike Minor; Brandon Morrow; some players returning from injuries, plus a sidebar on Gerrit Cole; and some players who are now out with injuries.

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Episode 148

The latest episode of “The Sleeper and the Bust” is now live! Eno Sarris and Nicholas Minnix discuss trades, trades, and more trades! MLB’s 2014 non-waiver trade deadline was heated, heavy, and dramatic. Plenty of reaction to and thoughts on the fallout of the swaps of David Price and Austin Jackson; Jon Lester and Yoenis Cespedes; John Lackey; Justin Masterson; Asdrubal Cabrera; Jarred Cosart; and a host of other deals, such as involving Martin Prado or Chris Denorfia.

As usual, don’t hesitate to tweet us or comment with fantasy questions so that we may answer them on our next episode.

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The St. Louis Cardinals have added Justin Masterson to their rotation. The new team should be good for the right-hander, as Jeff Sullivan wrote on the non-fantasy side. Bernie Miklasz, long-time, reputable Cards beat guy and columnist, highlighted many of the same reasons. Potential positives:

• Masterson moves from perhaps the worst defensive team to perhaps the best
• If his knee is sound, which it reportedly is, then his command, velocity, etc. should rebound

In general, Masterson seems to be in a much better position to rebound for fantasy owners already. All he’s had to do is spend nearly four weeks on the disabled list and then pack his bags.

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Two pitchers who have changed scenery in the past four months and have rediscovered better versions of themselves with the relocation. Either of them could have a shelf life that lasts into the season’s final weeks. The first is pretty much entirely in control of that possibility, for fantasy baseball owners. The second’s rotation spot may be in jeopardy, but if he survives the week, then you might want to take a look.

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This year doesn’t look like a promising one for the promotion of catching prospects, at least those who could make a positive impression in fantasy baseball leagues. The San Diego Padres’ Austin Hedges may prove to be the exception to make his debut. Andrew Susac could allow the San Francisco Giants move Buster Posey to first base in September if circumstances called for it. Christian Bethancourt may be back with the Atlanta Braves to grab some pine. The Boston Red Sox may even want to give Blake Swihart a taste of The Show in September. But these youngsters probably aren’t ready for the bigs.

I decided to hold off on August catcher tiers until after the non-waiver trade deadline. There shouldn’t be much movement at this position, but a few extra days in the potential aftermath can’t hurt.

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Episode 147

The latest episode of “The Sleeper and the Bust” is now live! Jason Collette and Nicholas Minnix discuss, among other things, the Jake Peavy trade; trade rumors (and the fantasy implications of them) involving Matt Kemp, Alex Rios, Josh Willingham, and a host of others; the St. Louis Cardinals’ signing of A.J. Pierzynski; first thoughts on how soon Rusney Castillo will have an impact; Allen Webster versus Brandon Workman; Ian Kennedy’s injury; Billy Butler’s recent surge; Collin McHugh’s return from the DL; the health of a host of other returning players, plus a couple of them on the way out; and of course two-turn hurlers.

As usual, don’t hesitate to tweet us or comment with fantasy questions so that we may answer them on our next episode.

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Episode 146

The latest episode of “The Sleeper and the Bust” is now live! Eno Sarris and Nicholas Minnix discuss the Joakim Soria and Kendrys Morales trades; trade rumors (and the fantasy implications of them) involving Cliff Lee, Ian Kennedy, Casey McGehee, and a few others; the call-up of Chris Taylor; Darin Ruf versus Ryan Howard; C.J. Cron’s and Wilmer Flores’ returns to the bigs; Shelby Miller versus Carlos Martinez; Dan Haren; and some requested players, comprised of Jacob deGrom, Kyle Hendricks, Gregory Polanco, and James Paxton.

As usual, don’t hesitate to tweet us or comment with fantasy questions so that we may answer them on our next episode.

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