Brad Johnson Baseball Chat: 8/15/2017

Brad Johnson: Welcome to rad Johnson baseball chat. I noticed the typo too late, please excuse

Bob: I hate to waste your time asking this question but I’m desperate, so I hope you’ll be kind enough to provide your feedback. Need to fill the C spot in my AL-only league and the “best” options are Castro, Gomes, Vasquez and Chirinos. Any one of them stand out above the rest? Thanks!

Brad Johnson: I think Chirinos’ steady HR production is useful in that format. He’s probably top 10.

Sleepy: Totally thought the “typo” was intentional…

JD15: Alex Bregman has been very hot in the second half. As a whole, how has he compared to your expectations going into the season? Would you consider him a potential keeper at pre-season hype prices?

Brad Johnson: To answer the second part of your question first, that depends on just how hyped he was in your league

Brad Johnson: There was a very wide range. He certainly needed this rebound to remain interesting to fantasy owners

Brad Johnson: He was a massive drain for most of the first half

JD15: Thank you very much for the tip about Godley. He has been a huge help to my Otto rotation. What do you see as his ceiling? Is he this pitcher going forward or is this as good as it gets?

Brad Johnson: I think we’re about looking at his ceiling

Brad Johnson: There’s always a little more in the tank, but it’s hard to see him improving without more velocity or a new pitch

Manuel: Ryon Healy was inexplicably dropped in my 11-team AL-only league. I’m already looking ahead to 2018 and would love to have Healy on board. I know it’s early to project, but how much do you see him being valued at next season?

Brad Johnson: That’s a deep format to cut Healy…

Brad Johnson: He’s definitely a flawed player, kind of like the AL version of Tommy Joseph

Brad Johnson: Too aggressive but powerful enough to have fantasy value. Unfortunately, he’s basically a 0-2 WAR player which puts him at constant risk of losing his job

Don: These are my pitchers in my 10 team roto. Verlander, Quintana, Berrios, Stroman and Robbie Ray. pick on to drop so I can start streaming. AAre any of these pitchers better than A. Sanchez?

Brad Johnson: They’re all better than Anibal Sanchez. And they’re also better than Aaron Sanchez since he’s likely to relieve

Brad Johnson: Berrios is probably my cut since he’s looking a little gassed.

Chrius: How good can we expect Jordan Montgomery to be next year?

Brad Johnson: When we throw around the word “expect” there’s an implication that we’re going to use a projection

Brad Johnson: which means we’re using existing data and not really anticipating any breakouts.

Brad Johnson: I’d “expect” him to be 10% worse than this year. But he could easily turn into a 3.00 ERA pitcher with a few improvements

Robert: Now that Rizzo has 2b eligibility going into next year, what type of auction price are you expecting? A big bump?

Brad Johnson: No, he was already basically maxed out. It mostly just changed the complexion of the positions

Eric: Do you expect regression for Knebel next year?  Or is he a top 5-10 closer going forward?

Brad Johnson: Knebel reminds me of the wild version of Craig Kimbrel. Still very good, but likely prone to some ugly outings.

Brad Johnson: He’s danced around the walks this year, but they’ll eventually burn him

Brad Johnson: the position is pretty top heavy right now, but I’d comfortably put him in the 6-12 range

karl cheez: Who has the better career, Devers or Moncada?

Brad Johnson: I’m very tempted to say Devers simply because he’s the better player right now. It’s always hard to predict who will improve and to what degree.

Rockies: Yankees acquired international bonus pool money in deadline deals, is Ohtani a Yankee come next season!?

Brad Johnson: I don’t think IFA money is much of a factor when it comes to Otani. I kinda doubt he’s even posted despite all the talk

CW: Miggy… not sure what to do with him at this point.  Are you still holding or selling very low for someone who can at least help for the stretch run? For whatever reason the Tigers refuse to DL him. How shallow does the league need to be to drop him?

Brad Johnson: I think maybe a 8 or 10 team mixed format

Brad Johnson: I’m not in anything shallow enough to even conceptualize it

Brad Johnson: At the very least, play him against LHP, he’s still murdering them

DB: Is Mikie Mahtook a viable OF in a mixed 12-teamer?

Brad Johnson: Sure, he’s batting second and hitting well. Be prepared to move on later

Brad you are Rad: Would you trade Moncada, B. Rogers & G. Bird for Altuve & A. Vizcaino in a 12 team H2H keep forever league?

Brad Johnson: No keeper cost? Hell yes.

Brad Johnson: I’ll take actualized talent every time I can get it.

Rockies: Is the NL wild card Rockies @ Dbacks, Dbacks @ Rockies or something else?

Brad Johnson: Seems like it. But the Cardinals have been creeping back into relevance and the Brewers still have a strong roster too

Brad Johnson: That race is far from over

Brad Johnson: It’s not half as interesting as the AL race though

Ryan Arthur: Michael Taylor or Zimmer at CF? Think Hoskins hits enough to be a regular LF in a 12 teamer?

Brad Johnson: Hoskins hits enough to be a top 10 round draft pick next year.

Brad Johnson: That’s my bold bet of the day

Brad Johnson: Zimmer is so much better than Taylor, although the slump isn’t ideal…

JoeB: Thoughts on Willie Calhoun. Will he be up in September? What do you see as his ceiling next year in terms of avg and Hr?

Brad Johnson: Need to see him playing in the majors, seems like a legit bat. He’ll probably be up in September, but I still can’t find a way to play him regularly

Goober: Dynasty format:  Judge or Bellinger career?

Brad Johnson: I’m all for Judge

Brad Johnson: He has Stanton power. Bellinger’s power is more comparable to a guy like Dozier

Brad Johnson: He CAN hit a bunch of HR, but there will be years when he doesn’t

Brad Johnson: A healthy Judge is going to mash mash mash

Bleh: Am I crazy for continuing to start Jose Peraza?  I feel like there’s some stolen bases waiting to happen but they just aren’t

Brad Johnson: That horse looks pretty dead to me

Brad Johnson: Losing playing time too

Alex: 14 team 2 C league.  Just lost McCann, any suggestions on who may be available that can be useful?

Brad Johnson: Alex Avila, Robinson Chirinos, and Miguel Montero recently gained fairly full time jobs

Brad Johnson: Might see one of Flowers or Suzuki on the wire

Brad Johnson: Austin Barnes is having a top 15 season despite being a backup

Brad Johnson: James McCann rocks LHP, Rupp is a lesser version

Brad Johnson: I think that about covers it

karl cheez: Would you trade Machado for Bellinger in a keep forever points league?

Brad Johnson: I think I prefer Machado. It’s close.

Brad Johnson: I don’t think you’re really “wrong” with either of them

Colin: Is Avisail Garcia part of the White Sox rebuild? Think he can breakout like Ozuna?

Brad Johnson: Ugh, I’ve been a Garcia pessimist for half a decade now. I think his skill set is far too limited to be a starting OFer. He’s like a better Yasmany Tomas.

Brad Johnson: And the better part only applies to 2017

Matt: ottoneu FG Points…was sitting good on pitching at the start of the year, now it doesn’t seem like I’ll hit 1500 IP (on pace 1425) thanks to injuries, I have 6 SPs and only a couple (C-Mart and Scherzer) that I trust on a regular basis (Folty, E-Rod, Odorizzi and Davies are the others).  Got a bunch of relief pitching though.  Anyone you recommend to go after?  Worth looking at someone like Banda, Bettis or Montero?

Brad Johnson: Trevor Williams is a guy I’ve been hyping recently. Make sure you hit your cap. Even if you’re only getting 3 pts/IP, it’s well worth covering those last 75 innings

Wilson Betemit: Standard 5×5 roto, not keepers or anything. I just traded Anthony Rendon, Alex Wood, and Ken Giles for Manny Machado. Fair deal?

Brad Johnson: You done screwed up

Brad Johnson: Rendon was the best player in that swap

Brad Johnson: Machado is capable of making you look smart though

Brad Johnson: He’s the more talented player, but he’s having a weird season and his supporting cast isn’t nearly as potent

Brad Johnson: Although, I say that knowing the O’s have the top offense over the last month

Brad Johnson: Tim Beckham going wild…

Mr. Fulmer: Did i not have enough wherewithal this last start or am i not as good as you think i am (top 10-15 pitcher)?

Brad Johnson: He’s hurt

Matt W: Do you believe in Whit Merrifield?

Brad Johnson: Ish

Brad Johnson: Not sure he’s really a .300 hitter, but he does seem to be a 15/15 guy with a good lineup role

Brad Johnson: and that coveted 20/20 upside

Joe: I’m falling out of the race in my 12 team points H2H, and I was offered Gallo and Danny Duffy for JD Martinez. Duffy isn’t a keeper consideration, but I could keep Gallo for $6 next year, whereas I could keep JD for $22. Make the deal?

Brad Johnson: That’s tough. Gallo is a massive volatility investment

Brad Johnson: could return anywhere between -$15 and $35

Brad Johnson: JDM is far more reliable, but he’s also aging. Nor do we know where he’ll play next year

Matt: I traded for Domingo Santana right after his slump started (too new to see at the time). SHould I be holding? I just lost Harper, and need a boost.

Brad Johnson: I think you gotta hold. Lot of talent there

RK: Any thoughts on Mitch Garver?

Brad Johnson: Not really

Brad Johnson: He’s a bit old to be a prospect, although catchers are often late bloomers

Brad Johnson: I have no info on his defense which is the most important trait to consider

Rasta: Chapman given the dreaded vote of confidence. Is my straight jacket theory of him getting demoted from last week holding more water for you? If you had to pick between Betances and Robertson, who ya got?

Brad Johnson: Still leaning Betances way if anything happens

Porcho Villa: Would you stick with Grandal for the stretch run? Or would you drop him for J. McCann or Avila? (12-team OBP)

Brad Johnson: I’m sticking

Nick: Is it worth getting excited about a Glasnow September call-up after his recent stint in AAA or are you still concerned about control issues coming back to haunt him? Looks like pitching exclusively from the stretch has helped him to limit walks

Brad Johnson: Excited might be a strong word, but I’ll stash him anytime I have the opportunity

Brad Johnson: There’s a reason the scouting community loves him

Al: Acuna or Guerrero – who’s the better fantasy player long term?

Brad Johnson: Acuna by virtue of thriving in Triple-A. Vlad still has a lot to prove

U were good on the vikings: Samardzija or Keuchel for 2018

Brad Johnson: Keuchel for ceiling, Shark for floor

Steve: Who do you prefer in a dynasty – Jimmy Nelson or Rodon?

Brad Johnson: Nelson. Rodon still gives me indigestion

Brad Johnson: He’s like Michael Pineda – too good to be a reliever, but also much better suited as a reliever

Nick: 5×5 12 team keeper league — Is Bogaerts clear cut better keeper over J. Lamb and Miggy?

Brad Johnson: Over Miggy, yes

Brad Johnson: Not over Lamb. That’s a decision for a latter day

JimmyBallgame: How is Bradley Zimmer owned in less than 30 percent of fantasy leagues?

Brad Johnson: I don’t know, I recommend rostering him every single day

Rasta: Lamet, Odorizzi, Bauer…in on any of them in a 12 teamer or just a streamer based on matchups?

Brad Johnson: Bauer looks like he’s figured things out again

Brad Johnson: He’ll probably un-figure them out eventually

Brad Johnson: but you can ride the wave until it happens

Porcho Villa: Better late-season save stash: Familia or Barraclough?

Brad Johnson: Familia

Jon: Is Xander droppable in a 16-team league? Dude’s been terrible since his hand injury and providing no power.

Brad Johnson: I had to check to make sure you weren’t talking about some other Xander

Brad Johnson: No, you can not cut Xander Bogaerts in a 16 team league

Brad Johnson: Or a 10 team league

K-Pax: Like what you see from Hoskins so far?

Brad Johnson: Well I like what I saw yesterday

Brad Johnson: I also like that it coincided with me recommending him in multiple columns 🙂

Kevin: Is Amed Rosario worth keeping over Boegarts?

Brad Johnson: Lots of Bogaerts doubt today

Brad Johnson: It’s possible Rosario is keepable over him depending on the format and rules. Would need to be pretty special circumstances. Or a Rnd 2 cost versus a Rnd 25 cost.

Brad Johnson: Rosario looks overmatched to me. I don’t think we’re going to get any instant gratification from him

Brad Johnson: Eric did call him arguably the best prospect in baseball

Brad Johnson: He certainly knows more about prospects than me

Slamboni: Do you really think that Buck Showalter will bench Beckham for hardy when Hardy comes off the DL? I know Buck likes his vets, but Beckham is crushing…

Brad Johnson: Absolutely not

Card’s Devil Magic: Fowler or Pham ROS?

Brad Johnson: Fowler

Mark: I dropped Thames for Hoskins a couple days ago, why did I make the right/wrong move?

Brad Johnson: I think that’s close to a push

Brad Johnson: Similar risk/reward profiles, albeit for very different reasons

Rob: Hey Brad, Carlos Santana or Carlos Gonzalez ROS?

Brad Johnson: Gonzalez has to be close to losing playing time

Brad Johnson: The Rockies actually need him to produce and have alternatives

Brad Johnson: The Indians need Santana too, but they have fewer alternatives

Brad Johnson: So.. Santana

Pablo: Think Raisel is set as closer or will the Reds think about moving him back to the rotation for next year?

Brad Johnson: No, they don’t think he has the durability

Porcho Villa: Trade deadline coming up and need to trade for a bat to replace Harper (OBP format). Who would you target: Gallo, Dozier, Moustakas, or Schoop?

Brad Johnson: All else equal, Dozier

Brad Johnson: Although, I’d take whoever costs the least points elsewhere

Ruyi: Giancarlo first round pick next year?

Brad Johnson: Yessir

Brad Johnson: Should have been this year. One of those all-too-obvious bargains

Brad Johnson: Always a few of those in the early rounds

Brad Johnson: Stupidly good players coming off bad seasons

Ray Liotta as Shoeless Joe: It’s early. A lot can happen. Pick three keepers: Posey, Freeman, Rizzo, J. Ramirez, C. Seager, Rendon, Judge, Pollock, Conforto, Sano.

Brad Johnson: Whoa…that’s quite the list

Brad Johnson: Judge, Rizzo, Seager?

Brad Johnson: Further analysis might push me in another direction, but I’m not going to do that 🙂

JimmyBallgame: I have Michael Taylor in a 12 tm H2H…worth dropping for any of the following? –> Choo, Suarez, E. Rosario (don’t need a particular position)

Brad Johnson: I like Choo and Suarez more

Porcho Villa: Thoughts on Bauer? Was all ready to drop him for a streamer last week when I noticed that he’s rolling with a top 10 K/9 (and with fewer walks, too).

Brad Johnson: Hang onto him for now

Brad Johnson: Don’t be surprised when he squats all over your ratios one day

Seth: Easier to chase wins or saves at this point in the season?

Brad Johnson: Saves are always easier to chase

Brad Johnson: Wins are just so random

Zed: Chances Rosario matches Bogaerts’s production next year?

Brad Johnson: 30%? I have no means of accurately predicting that

Hannah Hochevar: Would you start either of Hellboy v. Angels or Pruitt v. Seattle in an AL Only? Thanks!

Brad Johnson: I think they’re both playable in AL Only if you need the innings. What’s the top ERA in that format? Like 3.90?

Zed: Thinking of trading for Greinke in a keeper league with an eye to next year. Expect a serious dropoff from this year?

Brad Johnson: No, probably more of the same

Brad Johnson: Not 2016 but also not 2015

Zac: Would you trade Robles, Vlad Jr, and Juan Soto for Goldschmidt and Brendan Rodgers in a dynasty league?  I’m in second and just lost Harper.  Really need hitting.

Brad Johnson: It’s a steep but fair price

Brad Johnson: You may kick yourself in five years, but you should enjoy the interim

Mike: What’s your take on strategy in a 14 cat league, where pitching stats are QS/IP/K/ERA/WHIP/S? Seems like half my league streams and the other doesn’t. Kinda weird set up, and not sure if I straddle the 2 or go for one side

Brad Johnson: Kind of depends on league depth and what you land in the draft

Brad Johnson: Certainly devalues pitching since you almost have to punt 2 or 3 categories

Brad Johnson: I’d try to do the zigging while others zag

Brad Johnson: That may mean drafting Kershaw, Scherzer, and Sale then also streaming

Brad Johnson: plenty of different ways to skin the cat

Not a Phillies Fan: Has Aaron Nola graduated to ace status if he stays healthy?

Brad Johnson: Like Cole Hamels grade ace

Porcho Villa: You buying Pat Corbin? Results up and down but consistently solid peripherals (top 20 SwK and FpK)

Brad Johnson: Not really. Too consistently mediocre

Hannah Hochevar: In a keeper league w/ dump trades, a manager in the hunt wants to acquire a keeper stud for the stretch run from a team that’s dumping (for a decent keeper) with the promise that he’ll deal the stud back to said team during the off-season at a steep discount. Smells fishy but not necessary illegal. Your take?

Brad Johnson: This is collusion

Brad Johnson: Collusion is the c-word of fantasy sports

Brad Johnson: Usually, either the offenders are kicked out or the league dies

Brad Johnson: It would be fine if the guy says something like “I’m totally open to trading him back to you at the end of the season”

Brad Johnson: He can even list the players he’d like

Brad Johnson: but the “discount” component is a red flag

Brad Johnson: Every owner should have the same opportunity to acquire the player

Brad Johnson: Skipping from 4:25 to the present

Jazzhole: Your take on Luis Castillo in a dynasty league

Brad Johnson: Very interesting, shouldn’t be viewed as a can’t miss stud

Brad Johnson: but he might get there

Brad Johnson: He’s very hyped which really messes with his value

Brad Johnson: I’d equate him to an early career Robbie Ray, except Ray was much less liked

Griff: I drafted Thames, and now I’m stuck with buyer’s remorse. I missed the boat on trading him, didn’t I? I had a buddy warn me…

Brad Johnson: I still like him a lot. I think he’s been playing banged up since early May

Brad Johnson: Old man body probably needs more off days

Pat: Deshields starting again today, worth an add in 10 team al only?

Brad Johnson: Yes, that’s a deep format. He runs frequently

John: Three keepers from this bunch: Trout Machado Springer Rizzo J. Ramirez

Brad Johnson: It’s funny when people send lists like these

Brad Johnson: You really can’t go wrong as long as one of them is Trout

Brian : Do you fall in the Bryce Harper is always hurt camp?  Trying to trade him for KB or Altuve

Brad Johnson: The players who aren’t always hurt are the outliers. I don’t think Harper is especially injury prone or anything

Brad Johnson: I’ve thought the same of Giancarlo all along too

Jim: How do you rank Treinen, Ziegler, and Hildenberger?  Not necessarily desperate for saves on my team but prefer my opponents not have them.

Brad Johnson: Treinen then ugh

Brad Johnson: Probably Hildenberger over Ziegler

Luck Dragons: Whats value of a good SP closer (Iglesias) in daily H2H categories league? Around Jon Lester value?

Brad Johnson: We’re late in the season, it’s all about the number of points up for grabs

Brad Johnson: If one blue chip closer is worth 10 points to you, then he might be worth Chris Sale. If it’s only worth one point, then you have to find a SP that’s worth 0 to you

Brad Johnson: Or vice versa

Brad Johnson: Points are all that matter

Brad Johnson: And if it’s a H2H league, then it’s a little less crazy

Pitchin’ Luis Castillo: So do you think I could be an ace? Also, do you think the Reds shut me down soon over innings concerns?

Brad Johnson: Maybe, and maybe

Ah, Choo: How can I can prepare for the  fantasy playoffs (trade deadline over)? Any advice from a vet such as yourself?

Brad Johnson: The playoffs, unfortunately, are pretty random

Brad Johnson: You can try to plan for your expected opponents

Brad Johnson: Last year, I managed to snag 2nd with a 6th place regular season team by trading my power for speed. I regularly swept the pitching categories but struggled on offense. Netting saves was enough to get me to the championship round

Brad Johnson: Without trades available, it’s mostly just preparing to finally cut those Villars and Storys

Brad Johnson: I’d wait until the actual playoffs though, just in case

Guest: Villar has looked good for the last few games.  Do you think he sees enough playing time ROS to get back on track, or has he blown his opportunity for this season?

Brad Johnson: A common misconception is that all hitters are better off playing every day

Brad Johnson: Many will maximize their performance on a rate basis by playing every other day. I think Tyler Flowers/Kurt Suzuki are a nice example

Brad Johnson: And it’s certainly more necessary for catchers

Brad Johnson: So you might get more out of semi-part time Villar than full time Villar

Brad Johnson: The Brewers roster is quite cramped

Nedd: Joey Votto is a top-5 pick next year, right?

Brad Johnson: I don’t see how

Brad Johnson: So many amazingly good players

Not a Phillies Fan: I have a Xander/Story battery at SS in a 12 team dynasty league; any recommendation on a stop-gag SS to stop the hemorrhaging?

Brad Johnson: If it’s not too deep, maybe Paul DeJong?

Brad Johnson: Freddy Galvis?

Brad Johnson: You’re not really going to improve upon them with the waiver wire

Brian : A guy in a keeper traded away Kyle Seager for Brian Goodwin and a guy who got sent down who he then cut.  Bad trade, obviously.  League is being dramatic and locking his team, kicking him out.  Oh yeah, he’s my dad.  Justified for me to leave?  Weird stuff?

Brad Johnson: If you don’t love the league, then take a hike

Brad Johnson: I assume this is the latest in a long series of bad trades

Perd Furguson: Did I overvalue Harper’s longterm value in my 12-tm roto keeper league by rejecting Lindor/Jose Ramirez for Harper (even after Harper’s injury)? Players can be kept at no cost or round association forever. I’m currently in first place with padding in the offensive stats.

Brad Johnson: No, I’d turn that down too

Brad Johnson: That deal’s an entire Jose Ramirez short

Brad Johnson: Or at least a Kyle Seager

Gary: Who are you drafting next year for a play-all-positions guy next year? Marwin Gonzalez, Edwardo Nunez, or Chris Taylor?

Brad Johnson: Whichever comes with the least opportunity cost

Brad Johnson: Though I like Marwin least

Harold: I’m in first place and feel like I’m too reliant on unproven hitting. I have Moncada, Hoskins, Pham, and Benintendi in a 5 OF league that also uses MI and CI. We only keep 9, so not dynasty, should I move on from Moncada to get the likes of Arcia, Galvis, or Villar? Should I move on from Pham who’s slowed down? I just cut Thames and Alonso recently as well, seems like all my hitting is cooling off at the same time!

Brad Johnson: If the options are Arcia, Galvis, and Villar, I’d only move on if I was targeting specific production

Brad Johnson: Nothing wrong with piecing things together

Matt: Thoughts on Lamet as a minimum salary keeper?

Brad Johnson: Absent other opportunity costs, you can do it

Brad Johnson: I wouldn’t

Brad Johnson: But I’m very confident he’s only a reliever

Brad Johnson: Most people should be less confident and therefore willing to roll the dice

John D: When is it time to give up on Moncada in a re-draft, points league?

Brad Johnson: I mean, he was always just an interesting streamer

Brad Johnson: It’s not really giving up

Phil E.: In an AVG/OPS league that also counts BB, how valuable do you see Rhys being as a sneaky keeper? Can’t predict next six weeks of course, but is the fact that he’s a slow 1B depressed the hype train?

Brad Johnson: I think the fact he’s a Phillie is the main culprit

Brad Johnson: They haven’t produced a meaningful prospect in a long time

Brad Johnson: For fantasy purposes that is

Brad Johnson: Odubel doesn’t count, he was a Rule 5 pick

Ottoneu: Just got offered Manuel Margot ($4) and Taillon ($13) for Brad Hand ($4) and Carlos Carrasco ($15) in a dynasty league. Think Margot makes it worth it? I never trust keeping closers…

Brad Johnson: That may work out. Some of people I know really think there’s a lot more in the tank for Margot

Brad Johnson: And Carrasco isn’t exactly durable

Brad Johnson: Depends how long you can keep Margot under $10 I think

Perd Furguson: Keep two of these SPs in keep forever roto league: Nola, Goldey, Jimmy Nelson…or do you like them all enough to keep over Smoak?

Brad Johnson: Nola/Godley for me

Brad Johnson: Smoak’s a weird one, we’re going to have to talk about him in the offseason

Luck Dragons: Safe to cut Syndergaard in a league that ends on 9/17?

Brad Johnson: Yes, what are you likely to miss? A couple starts at most

Brad Johnson: They’ve have to be damned good to be worth more than the roster spot

Bob Villar: No one cares about how you did in your public leagues last year

Brad Johnson: Trust me, people care.

Brad Johnson: And if you think I have any public leagues…

Dave Kingman: in a vacuum, Is Stanton a keeper for $26 in a 12 team Roto league?

Brad Johnson: Easily

Pat: Am I wasting a roster spot stashing Willie Calhoun in an AL 10 team keeper? I could drop him for Deshields/Cron or try to snag a reliever for Holds/Saves. Really my biggest area for improvement right now is in HRs/RBIs/SB

Brad Johnson: Sort of. If he’s blocking you from making money, then it’s a problem

Brad Johnson: If you’re a long shot to make more with another active player, he’s probably worth a cheap keep

Bob Villar: Guy traded Brantley for McGowan yesterday and promptly dropped McGowan.  Collusion?  Should that trade be reversed?

Brad Johnson: I don’t know what that is…

Brad Johnson: But if it’s redraft, he was probably planning to cut Brantley, got offered a player he liked more, then found another guy on the wire

JD15: Do 1B lose keeper value when we’ve seen players at their position this season come out of the woodwork and become 30+ HR players?

Brad Johnson: Too soon to react that strongly

Brad Johnson: The LoMos and Smoaks could all disappear next year

Brad Johnson: We know the Rizzos and Goldys aren’t likely to vanish

Brad Johnson: So I think I’ll be regressing 2017 production very heavily with the hopes that everybody else doesn’t

Brad Johnson: With any luck, that’ll lead me to a higher floor roster without sacrificing much ceiling

Brad Johnson: Way too early though…

Mike: Is there an optimal number of keepers for a 12 tm H2H league? We have 5, but it seems like that is too little

Brad Johnson: My preference is for unlimited with costs

Brad Johnson: That allows for interesting optimization and varied tactics

Bob Villar: Why do leagues still use average and Wins?  OBP and QS are much better and rankings need to be adjusted for those stats

Brad Johnson: AVG is the very best stat in fantasy baseball IMO

Brad Johnson: I remember crusading against it 10 years ago

Brad Johnson: However, I’ve grown to appreciate it because it’s not highly correlated to the other offensive categories

Brad Johnson: That means a manager has to make more decisions beyond rostering the most Trout-like Trouts he can find

Brad Johnson: Well, Trout’s a bad example

Brad Johnson: But I’m sure you take my point

Brad Johnson: Wins are similarly uncorrelated with other categories, although I’m often annoyed by how unpredictable they can be

Nick: Altuve ,Trout,Paxton, and Bumgarner for Greinke, AWood, Ozuna, Merrifield and Smoak?

Brad Johnson: Trout alone is better than the other 5. Maybe Altuve too

Brad Johnson: Time to wrap it up, I have other works to complete

Lane: Trea Turner top pick after Trout next year? Steals are scarce. Or at least good players who can get a lot of them.

Brad Johnson: No, can’t go that far

Brad Johnson: Goldy and Betts steal without the craterous floor

Brad Johnson: There is still a chance Turner has a terrible season. Or even just mediocre

Brad Johnson: He’s not quite can’t miss

Greg: Jose Ramirez or Mookie betts in dynasty?

Brad Johnson: Betts

Dave: You a believer in Hoskins?  How many bombs does he hit in 2018?

Brad Johnson: Yes, 30