Brad Johnson RotoGraphs Chat – 4/19/16

Chat Transcript below!

1:41
Shawn: James Shields still top 30ish SP?

1:41
Brad Johnson: No, not remotely close.

1:41
Brad Johnson: He’s a waiver wire pitcher in 12 team leagues.

1:42
Brad Johnson: Or at least he should be. Name brand will probably keep him rostered.

1:42
ChipHilton: In a 12 team NL only dynasty league, who do you like better – Matz or Nola?

1:43
Brad Johnson: Matz. Though I see Nola having the higher ceiling. I don’t think many would agree with that second statement.

1:43
Shawn: Who are ya few players having slow starts you would target in trades?

1:44
Brad Johnson: Carlos Gomez, Prince Fielder, Kolten Wong, Kyle Seager, Jason Heyward

1:44
Patrick: Parra a top 50 OF?

1:44
Brad Johnson: Sure. He’s right around there. Coors Field does a lot for a guy.

1:44
Horn Please ThankYou: Castellanos or Lamb? I want to say Castellanos, but that 0% walk rate through two weeks makes me think he hasn’t changed as much as he seems

1:44
Brad Johnson: Good question. The safer bet is Castellanos but I’m putting my money on Lamb.

1:45
Stump Junkman: I’m in an NL only league and just lost Brito to the minors. Only other OF options available are David Lough (just recalled by Philadelphia), Carl Crawford and Trayce Thompson. Any suggestions?

1:45
Brad Johnson: Well…make a trade. Surely somebody is open to a 2-for-1.

1:46
Buc Draper: Hi Brad! Would love your opinion on this trade that recently went down in my long-term dynasty league, standard scoring plus OPS. Team A traded A.J. Reed plus a third-round pick in next year’s prospect draft (7 rounds total) to Team B for Gregory Polanco.

1:46
Brad Johnson: Sounds reasonable to me.

1:46
Dion: Matt Moore top 30 SP this year? What kind of bats would be a reasonable return early on? I was offered a lousy combo of Soler and Tolleson who don’t move the needle for me

1:47
Brad Johnson: I don’t have a firm fix on Moore. I’d want a Chris Carter or Delino DeShields type. I don’t see him as top 30.

1:47
Zorak: Think Panik’s newfound power is for real? If he stays healthy (I know, if), can he be a top-5 2B?

1:48
Brad Johnson: I see him as a 12 HR guy still. No speed. Could still scrape top 5 value.

1:48
Jeff: Will Mets stick up with Conforto as #3 hitter?

1:49
Brad Johnson: If he hits and Yo isn’t doing much

1:49
Ralph: I am rather deficient in the power category. Lucas Duda is my only source of power. 10tm league. Should I venture trading for Sano. My Archer for Sano. Advisable?

1:50
Brad Johnson: It’s not a bad gamble if you have the pitching depth. I still think Archer will be fine though. Sano too.

1:50
Gristle McThornbody: Standard Roto Scoring (no holds). Can you rank these three NL relievers? Oh, Quackenbush, Strickland.

1:50
Brad Johnson: Strickland, other guys, Quack, Oh

1:50
Jesse: What’s our level of concern on Harvey? Flip him for Springer?

1:51
Brad Johnson: Yea, I have Springer well above a fully healthy Harvey.

1:51
Jake: What kind of season is Jared Eickhoff going to end up with?

1:52
Brad Johnson: 8.00 K/9, 2.90 BB/9, 3.85 ERA?

1:52
john: Need help deciding on this trade offer. 20 team auction keeper, points league. Deep league. I recieve Trout/Chisenhall/Miley for Duda/Puig/Conley. I have Trumbo/HanRam for 1B, Span in CF, J.Martinez/Granderson for RF with Parra able for all 3 OF positions. Which side would you prefer and why? SP already are Ventura/Strasburg/Richards/Wainwright/Valazquez. Conley was my bench depth, 7 starts per week max. Help!!!Thanls

1:52
Brad Johnson: Trout

1:53
Brad Johnson: Keeper costs would matter I guess

1:53
Brad Johnson: But I’d happily take the best player in baseball

1:53
PS: Worried about Bumgarner? Eno is..

1:53
Brad Johnson: Yep definitely. I’m always worried about him though

1:54
Marc: Thoughts on Klubers? Start looking at shopping or wait and see?

1:54
Brad Johnson: Wait. Nothing wrong with him, he’s just occasionally hittable.

1:54
Josh: You’re not concerned about Carlos Gomez at all? He doesn’t seem like the same guy he was in Milwaukee.

1:55
Brad Johnson: Oh, I’m very concerned. He’s not that guy anymore. But he can still hit for some power with run production and steals

1:55
Marc: Mesoraco dropable in a 1 catcher OBP league? Have Grandal as my starter

1:55
Brad Johnson: Yea you don’t need 2 C unless it’s very deep

1:56
Jon Snow: Should I dump Weiters for one of the Colorado catchers?

1:56
Brad Johnson: No

1:56
Tim: Please tell me Felix will be ok…..

1:56
Brad Johnson: uhm…sorry.

1:56
Brad Johnson: Felix was trying very hard when I watched him the other day, but he just doesn’t have a fastball anymore.

1:57
Brad Johnson: He can survive in the majors though

1:58
Kevin: Took over bad dynasty team. Trade JD Martinez + G Richards for Joc, Gomez, Glasnow+ Brendan Rodgers, Hate to give up best player in JDM, but took over a terrible team w/ very little talent

1:58
Brad Johnson: I like this for you.

1:59
Brad Johnson: JDM isn’t going to last forever. Closer he gets to 30, the faster he loses dynasty value

1:59
Pete: Will LAD bring up Urias any time soon? Is he impactful this year?

1:59
Brad Johnson: Hard to guess. I’ll say he does some relief work in Sept/Oct.

1:59
Jaypo: What does Eduardo rodriguez look like when he comes back from inury? solid #2? Top 40 sp?

1:59
Brad Johnson: More of a 3 with upside and shaky outings

2:00
Eastern NC: How much to buy into Joe Mauer? I could trade Ozuna for him in a keeper

2:00
Brad Johnson: I like Mauer again, but we’re still talking about a no power, no speed 1B

2:00
Brad Johnson: Ozuna could be a fair gamble, but I preferred him free off the wire

2:01
Roll Fizzlebeef: Prince Fielder… “It’s just April” or “Wait until he gets a few hits and then sell”?

2:01
Brad Johnson: I’ll say just April, but he could going full Carlos Lee

2:01
Jon Snow: Khris Davis should be dropped in 18 team league?

2:01
Brad Johnson: No

2:02
Rick: I have Ortiz and trumbo to play first. Should I deal Votto for Sale and Strickland?

2:02
Brad Johnson: Yea why not

2:02
Eric: Are you concerned about Kluber’s velocity dip?

2:03
Brad Johnson: No not yet. I think he can rebound. I also don’t think he needs the velo

2:03
Jeremy: You said you like Lamb more than Castellanos. What about in relation to David Wright?

2:03
Brad Johnson: I don’t like Wright as a major league regular anymore. Should be a 3 days a week guy.

2:04
Jon Snow: Besides Tanaka, which NYY SP would you most want to have?

2:04
Brad Johnson: Severino and Pineda

2:04
Jon Snow: Should I be worried about Sano this season?

2:04
Brad Johnson: Not yet.

2:05
Marc: With Kang returning hopefully soon, who do I drop in OBP roto league? K. Davis, Mesoraco, Shaw

2:05
Brad Johnson: If Meso’s just on your benchm then him

2:05
Only.the.Lonely: Deep League: Buy Avila or D. Navarro for better 2016 stats???

2:05
Brad Johnson: Navarro

2:05
Brad Johnson: Most would say Avila

2:05
Janak: Thoughts on J Dyson when he comes back? I need speed — will he have the everyday job and if so will he hit enough to make him worth a pickup?

2:05
Brad Johnson: I was never sure he could handle every day work

2:05
Brad Johnson: less so now

2:06
Marc: Maeda is a top _____ SP?

2:06
Brad Johnson: 35?

2:06
Jack: Shane Greene or Nicasio?

2:06
Brad Johnson: Nicasio for now. But his repertoire is so shallow

2:06
Jake: I currently have B Phillips & Moustakas starting at 2B & 3B respectively (12 5×5). I have room for an add, who would you pickup among the following: Schoop (2B), A. Diaz (2B/SS), J. Lamb (3B), or Escobar (3B). No striking needs in any specific categories.

2:06
Brad Johnson: Diaz

2:07
Brad Johnson: He’s a better Joe Panik with SS eligibility

2:07
Brad Johnson: more K’s

2:07
Gavin: Is Kluber’s drop in velo a concern? Should I past with Mazara and V.Velazquez to get him?

2:07
Brad Johnson: Redraft league? Maybe. Keeper, definitely no.

2:09
RP: I’m thinking of shopping Cole Hamels in my 12 team H2H OBP league where I have Thor, deGrom, and Fernandez. Looking for OF help, what would be a good target? Could use anything right now.

2:09
Brad Johnson: LoCain? Cespedes, Peralta, Polanco?

2:09
Steven: Giolito or Berrios in 2016? When do you each get called?

2:10
Brad Johnson: Thinking Berrios gets the first call. Giolito has a little more development ahead of him

2:10
Steve: Jose Abreu O/U 31 HR?

2:10
Brad Johnson: I’ll say over, 33

2:10
Steve: Flip Wacha for Blackmon or is the turf toe injury too dicey?

2:11
Brad Johnson: It can linger but if you have pitching depth it’s a reasonable gamble

2:11
William: Stay w/Nicasio in a 14tm mixed?

2:11
Brad Johnson: Sure

2:11
Sean: Shelby Miller and Corey Dickerson dropped in my 12 team mixed league. Expect either to bounce back?

2:11
Brad Johnson: Dickerson sure. Miller would be a speculative add

2:11
Ghost: Need Saves! Stash Kela or Dyson?

2:11
Brad Johnson: They’re about equal for now

2:12
Steve: Are you buying the Shane Greene post-hype hype?

2:12
Brad Johnson: Not yet. I’m just going to wait it out.

2:12
Brad Johnson: He’s not so good that we’ll be upset for sitting it out.

2:12
Ricky: What’s our level of concern for King Felix

2:13
Brad Johnson: Relatively high. As I mentioned before, he still has the stuff to pitch in the majors, but he’ll have trouble without a real fastball

2:13
Brad Johnson: I’m getting a lot of double questions so I’m going to skip ahead a bit. Sorry if you get passed over

2:13
Kevin: In a dynasty league on a rebuild, what are you trying to get for Felix? (Besides anything before the wheels fall off?)

2:14
Brad Johnson: A major long term asset. Like Bregman. Or even somebody with MLB success already

2:14
Alex McP: Adam Conley: are you buying?

2:14
Brad Johnson: Yes, but don’t go wild

2:14
Jake: 12 mixed 5×5 keeper QS instead of wins. What do I hope for for Felix and what do I accept? Or just hold?

2:15
Brad Johnson: Still looking for top 50 talents.

2:15
Brad Johnson: If you’re going to be forced to accept less, might as well wait

2:15
John: Which side of a redraft trade offer Bautista and Carrasco vs. Abreu and Kluber?

2:16
Brad Johnson: It’s a 2 player challenge trade. Probably prefer the Bats side

2:16
Terry: Is this the year Joe Ross breaks out?

2:16
Brad Johnson: He broke out last year.

2:16
Brad Johnson: That’s his best case scenario

2:17
Greg: The Oakland closer situation to be avoided if at all possible now?

2:17
Brad Johnson: Nah those are both good relievers.

2:17
Alex: Considering a trade in a keeper league where I get Miggy but give up George Springer. Miggy can’t be kept and Springer is at a good value for the next 3 years. Pull the trigger?

2:17
Brad Johnson: No!

2:17
Brad Johnson: Miggy’s barely an upgrade to Springer now

2:18
Steve: Do you like, love, or gotta have Garrett Richards?

2:18
Brad Johnson: like

2:18
Gym Bob: Have faith in Starlin Castro? Need the 2B/SS help, but hesitant to buy in.

2:18
Brad Johnson: Depends on the buy in. He’s rosterable. There are so many 2B that you don’t need to pay much

2:18
Lol: While I can appreciate that Felix is trending downward, the overreaction by some is silly. He’ll still be better than 95% of all starting pitchers out there.

2:19
Brad Johnson: 95% is a little high. He has good pitchability so he’ll survive this transition if it’s permanent

2:19
Brad Johnson: but he won’t be an ace

2:19
Danno: I’d like to flip Velasquez for a utility bat in the short term, mostly because I don’t expect him to pitch past 160 inning or so which won’t help me in the playoffs of my 16-team H2H league. What do you think is the best kind of return I can expect?

2:20
Brad Johnson: That’s going to be very league dependent. Pitching is so huge in an H2H that you could get a crazy return

2:20
Marc: HanRam or Freeman OBP Roto? Can I package Freeman with a good SP to get a decent bat?

2:21
Brad Johnson: Coin flip, and why not. Freeman himself is a decent bat

2:21
Joe: Which of these (if any) should I drop in a 12 team keeper once Erod is back: Shane Greene, Jason Hammel, Descalfani, Urias?

2:21
Brad Johnson: Greene

2:22
Steve: Buying Todd Frazier to rebound and mash with that low BABIP or is last year’s 2nd half tumble still on the brain?

2:22
Brad Johnson: I’ll buy a rebound of some sort. Think the average of his two seasons

2:22
Brendan: Maikel Franco had a hot week, then a cold week, and here we are. Any changes in thoughts on him for 2016?

2:22
Brad Johnson: No, he has an added challenge of being the only hitter on his team. He’ll be streaky

2:23
Harrison: Soler has cut down his K rate to below 20% – is it April – or is 50 PA about right to notice the beginnings of a change.

2:23
Brad Johnson: I’d have to look closer. I’m not going to make everyone wait 🙂

2:23
Roe Bott: Is Pujols done?

2:23
Brad Johnson: Nah, he’ll be fine. Low average, 30 HR

2:23
Alex: Is Ian Desmond droppable in 12 team mixed?

2:23
Brad Johnson: I just did today. Didn’t need the SS eligibility and there were better alternatives

2:24
Walt: I want to sell high on Trumbo. Is Trumbo/Cueto for C. Seager and Mazara a good deal? It’s a 1 year keeper, Mazara is a 23rd rounder in ’17. (H2H 5×5)

2:24
Brad Johnson: You don’t get to keep Seager I assume?

2:24
Brad Johnson: I think this might be forcing it a little, but it’s not bad by any means

2:24
Corner Me!: Lind, LoMo, or Forsythe? Thanks

2:24
Brad Johnson: Not LoMo

2:25
Brad Johnson: They all could disappear this year

2:25
Brad Johnson: or rebound

2:25
john: Miley – going to turn it around? Strong K/BB numbers but getting lit up

2:25
Brad Johnson: I think he’ll be fine insomuch as he’s ever fine

2:26
Franklin: Speed plays likely to be on the wire in a 12 team mixer?

2:26
Brad Johnson: Michael Taylor, Coco Crisp, Rajai Davis, Odubel Herrera

2:27
OnSight: What do you think of Tomas in an obp/slg league? He seems to be making some interesting improvements,

2:27
Brad Johnson: Can’t say I’m on the bandwagon. But I’ll keep an eye on it

2:27
RC: 12 team mixed 5×5 keeper (OBP)…should I sell Trevor Story? I have Semien and Kang too. What kind of value should I ask for?

2:28
Brad Johnson: I dealt Rendon and Piscotty to acquire Story and Jeanmar.

2:28
Brad Johnson: Probably roughly what you can get

2:29
Bobby: drop Gyorko pick up Owings?

2:29
Brad Johnson: Not unless there’s an extreme need

2:29
Alex: Pillar ends up a top __ OF?

2:29
Brad Johnson: 60-70

2:29
Young Jeezy: Panik is out on the wire. I have Pedroia at 2nd. 12 team H2H points league. Do I drop Pedroia and roll with Panik?

2:29
Brad Johnson: I’d try to hold both for a time

2:30
Jon: DeShields, Burns, Mallex or Span RoS?

2:30
Brad Johnson: Span until he breaks. Then DeShields

2:30
CJ03: What do I even do with Carlos Gomez. I assume he will be not-awful at some point, but he’s just been sitting on my bench so far!

2:30
Brad Johnson: Nothing else to be done for now

2:30
Sean: Have Desclafini and Bailey coming back off the DL soon. In which order should i drop Kyle Gibson, Chris Bassitt, Shane Greene? QS, k/bb extra categories.

2:31
Brad Johnson: Greene, Gibson

2:31
KB: Does Addison Russell ever enter the Top 5 SS debate in fantasy?

2:31
Brad Johnson: Maybe someday

2:31
Brad Johnson: not this year

2:31
Joe: Do you believe in Hector Santiago?

2:31
Brad Johnson: I believe he’s a borderline hold in a 12 team mixed. Better as a streamer

2:31
Alex: Is there any value in Tyler Chatwood in a 16 team league? Maybe just for starting him away from Coors?

2:31
Brad Johnson: Yes

2:31
Brad Johnson: Try it out

2:31
Benny: Wainwright going to rebound?

2:32
Brad Johnson: I think so. Stuff still looked good

2:32
Existential Fan: 12-team mixed QS/K/H/S/ERA/WHIP…my staff is MadBum, Richards, Ventura, Odorizzi, Conley and Nola. Relief core is Jansen, Kimbrel, Soria, May and Zych. Can I sit comfy?

2:32
Brad Johnson: Yes, but always look to improve

2:33
T-bone: What say you about Nick Tropeano? Can he stick in the rotation all season and be good?

2:33
Brad Johnson: He should stick, but good is a little much. Serviceable?

2:33
Kenny: Would you trade Yoan Moncada for Aroldis Chapman in a keep forever league? Closers are hard to come by.

2:33
Brad Johnson: No. Hard no. Better to struggle with Jeanmars and Hoovers

2:34
First Time Poster: Just traded Fowler and Zimmerman (SP) for Marte and Santana (gonna drop him immediately) in a 12 team keeper points league. I liked Fowler a lot coming in… but Marte is Marte!

2:34
Brad Johnson: Kudos

2:34
Josh: Why do you consider pitching to be a bigger deal in H2H? Doesn’t streaming offset it a bit?

2:34
Brad Johnson: At least the H2H’s I participate in, there are very few stream-quality SP available

2:35
VFart: So at this point is Harper = Kershaw + Decent bat?

2:35
Brad Johnson: Yes, but nothing excessive

2:35
B-Dubya: Trying to figure out my MI Situation. 12 team league. Pick two please: howie kendrick, Brock Holt, Scooter Gennett, Devon Travis (on my DL currently).

2:36
Brad Johnson: I’d let Howie go eventually. For now, stay on the mix and match game

2:36
First Time Poster: Just scooped Desmond off the WW in my 14 teamer (2C, MI, CI). Worth holding? I am waiting on Kang to join Ketel Marte and Odor up the middle.

2:36
Brad Johnson: As long as you’re not expecting anything now

2:37
Joe: Since you’re obviously concerned about Felix, what kind of bat would you target for him in a points league?

2:37
Brad Johnson: Still looking to sell him at full price.

2:37
Andrew: King Felix or Wainwright in 2016?

2:37
Brad Johnson: push

2:37
Steve: Aaron Sanchez or Joe Ross? Which would bring back more if paired with Trumbo in a classic ‘sell high’

2:37
Brad Johnson: Sanchez and Sanchez

2:37
Jacob: Does A. Diaz have a permanent role in STL? Even after Peralta returns?

2:37
Brad Johnson: Could depend on Wong

2:38
Brad Johnson: if he continues to scuffle Diaz will take that job

2:38
Brad Johnson: otherwise, they’ll have another crowd to deal with

2:38
Brad Johnson: too early to worry

2:38
Avi: Is Conforto the best hitter the Mets have going forward or is Neil Walker somehow going to shock everyone with 20+ HR?

2:39
Brad Johnson: What about Yo or Grandy or Duda?

2:39
Luke Gregerson: Possibility of me keeping the closer job for the entire season?

2:39
Brad Johnson: 45%

2:39
Chris: Prefer Jose Fernandez or Thor in a H2H Points dynasty league?

2:39
Brad Johnson: Thor

2:39
Brad Johnson: Kershaw, Thor, Scherzer

2:40
Steve: Odds that Pollock comes back this year? I can keep him (crazy value) but could use some help now and he’s a good trade chip.

2:40
Brad Johnson: 10%

2:40
Texas Toast: Would you break the bank on Mazara in an AL-only league? Do you see him staying in the starting lineup all year?

2:40
Brad Johnson: Risky with their OF depth

2:41
Thomas: Fielder o/u 25 HRs + 90 RBIs?

2:41
Brad Johnson: under/over

2:41
Brad Johnson: Please don’t repeat questions.

2:42
Joe: Worried about Harvey in a dynasty? Also have Felix on same team. 12tm roto dynasty. Would you move Felix & Berrios for Stras or Felix and Devers for Arrieta. Trying to win this year.

2:42
Brad Johnson: Wouldn’t deal Devers. And I worry about Stras and Arrieta long term

2:42
Brad Johnson: Couple more…

2:42
Pat: What non-closer RP are worth starting a 10 team (start 9 pitchers) 5×5 roto league?

2:42
Brad Johnson: Betances

2:43
Brad Johnson: that’s it for now. There will be others

2:43
Marc: Have no need for another starter, but is adding Santiago and hoping to flip him/another starter a good move?

2:43
Brad Johnson: Nah, it’s not worth the effort

2:44
Joe: One long time keeper league I have Greinke, Harvey, Bum, Felix, and Kluber. How concerned should I be?

2:44
Brad Johnson: Ha! Sorry for ya. Good luck transitioning.

2:44
Jordan: Where do you rank Chris Davis overall in a 5×5 H2H with OBP instead of AVG? What type of pitcher would be a fair target?

2:45
Brad Johnson: Very high. I’m on the bandwagon. I’d be looking for a top pitcher outside the top 3 (Kerhsaw, Thor, Scherzer)

2:45
Brad Johnson: And final question because it’s a doozy

2:45
Jackie T. : Trade Story for Seager (LAD) in a keeper? For this year only?

2:46
Brad Johnson: So here’s the thing about Story. He has a real K problem. The power is also very real and he has Coors to help with both. He has 30 HR with a 40 HR ceiling, 10-20 SB, and big run production. The average will hurt

2:47
Brad Johnson: Seager doesn’t have much power or speed by comparison. Something like 16 HR and 3 SB. Much better potential for AVG/OBP production and slightly worse run production

2:47
Brad Johnson: In the real world, I take Seager. In fantasy, it’s Story now and long term

2:48
Brad Johnson: GG folks





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2 Comments
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Mason
7 years ago

You have an issue with Felix’s velocity but not Kluber? Felix hasn’t relied on his fastball for years. Not sure why you are now raising the red flag. His off speed pitches are his primary pitches, he’ll still be a strike out machine.