Brad Johnson RotoGraphs Chat – 5/10

Brad Johnson: Ahoy there. Let’s get this shindig started

JD: Hi Brad, should I drop any of Gausman, Conley, Roark for Rodon in a 10-teamer H2H redraft? I’m a little nervous about Rodon’s velocity drop on his fastball and am not sure if he’ll put it together this year.

Brad Johnson: They’re all the same asset class, you should be able to stream them or comparable pitchers with ease in a 10 teamer

Brad Johnson: so play matchups

Gina: Should I try to buy low on Degrom or does he not have enough starts for panicking

Brad Johnson: You can try, but I doubt his owner is actually selling low

Brad Johnson: and I’m worried about buying at full price

Pomeranz: Which trio you prefer; McCutch/finnegan, yelich/cueto or polanco/cole?

Brad Johnson: polanco cole

My name is Piscotty not Biscotti: What do you think is a fair deal for R Hill? Him straight up for Pederson or Gardner? Or do I have to throw something else in to sweeten the deal?

Brad Johnson: seems reasonable

Brad Johnson: depends on context of course

Brad: Will we see an innings limit for Stroman this year? Only around 50 including playoffs last year.

Brad Johnson: No word on that thus far. They probably won’t let him go too crazy, but I doubt there’s a firm cap

Brad Johnson: if they fall out of the race, that could change

John Locke: Jose Quintana or Carlos Martinez ROS? Is either enough to get George Springer?

Brad Johnson: I’l pick CMart, but I like them both as quality second tier guys

Brad Johnson: I don’t think you’ll be able to trade one for Springer

A Curious GM: I own Adam Jones, and I’ve been offered Wil Myers, would you take that?

Brad Johnson: I’m tempted to. Not a huge Myers fan, but Jones is looking broken

Brad Johnson: could still be a rebound in there

Bored Auditor: Brad, I know C is a pretty bleak position, but can you rank the following. 10-team 6×6, final category is OPS. Gomes, Ramos, Realmuto. Thanks!

Brad Johnson: Realmuto, Ramos, Gomes

Oliver: What should I be doing with my three aces: Scherzer, Price, Kluber? Panic, Hold, Sell?

Brad Johnson: cry

Brad Johnson: I think you have to hold them all

Brad Johnson: unless someone gets over ambitious trying to buy “low”

Sam: What do you make of Jackie Bradley Jr? Is the power legit? He still has some appeal as a post-hype kind of guy, so is he worth rostering on the end of my bench over a more boring guy?

Brad Johnson: Power is real but he has some whiff issues.

Brad Johnson: And by saying the power is real I mean 15-20 HR ceiling

Ricky: Stroman or Price for Grichuk/Darvish. Thoughts?

Brad Johnson: Stroman is an easy yes. Price is probably fair too

Paul: Should I trade Scherzer and Franco/Castellanos for Bryant in an OBP/SLG league? Or is that too much as I have told the trade offeror.

Brad Johnson: I think it’s too much, especially in a redraft

Oliver: When one/both of McCullers and Erod come off the DL, I need two people to drop/try and move (5×5 OBP league, 10 keep forever): Jake Lamb, Shaw, HanRam, Joe Ross, Pineda?

Brad Johnson: Pineda and Shaw

Justin Upton Owner: What do I do with Justin Upton? He looks seriously lost at the plate. He is about a frustrating player as there is in baseball right now. Are you worried about him?

Brad Johnson: Not especially, he does this periodically

Brad Johnson: sometime later this year he’ll be the best player in baseball for a month

A Curious GM: Would you drop TDA at this point?

Brad Johnson: Depends how many catchers are rostered. 12 or fewer would make it easier

Arnie: Do you think that Felix Hernandez is hurt, or is it just regression. His stikeouts are less and less and he is walking a lot of guys. Last night alone, he hit 2 players with pitches. What gives?

Brad Johnson: His velocity was up though! I suspect there may be an injury. I’ve noticed the occasional blips in command too

The Maddness: would you trade kinsler/moore for rodon/rendon? H2H points league and I already have Odor entrenched at 2B…I’m buying low on Rendon and Rodon.

Brad Johnson: Rendon’s a solid buy low for Kinsler, but the pitcher swap is zero sum

Brad Johnson: I think Kinsler has more value than the overall package for him

Mookie Bumps: Is it time to drop Suarez? Feels like he’s cooled off that hot start (10 team h2h)

Brad Johnson: Probably not quite yet. With his multi-eligibility, he should stay relevant in 10 team leagues all year

JD: Is Randal Grichuk droppable in a 10-teamer redraft?

Brad Johnson: If the replacement is doing something important on your roster. Somebody else will be happy though.

J: 14 team. Grichuk on the waivers, worth it even given poor start?

Brad Johnson: A theme! He’s a good stash or even a start in a deeper league

Bob Dobolina: So what do we do with Russell Martin at this point?

Brad Johnson: Another situation for crying. hopefully you can find a replacement

Bob Dobolina: You buying Jon Gray yet?

Brad Johnson: Sure, he’s really good on the road against average or worse offenses

Miguel Sano: Where’d my power go?

Brad Johnson: No idea. I’m confused.

Josh: I drafted Deshields for steals but am worried about his playing time when Choo returns. Inciarte and Span are available on the wire. Should I swap for one of the other guys? I’m only concerned about steals.

Brad Johnson: Yea, I don’t see DeShields playing every day once Choo is back

Brad Johnson: though none of those guys can actually play CF

Ryan: Matz for Piscotty, dynasty league, who says no?

Brad Johnson: fair swap

D Diddy: Is there a worse position than catcher this year? I have already been through TDA, Grandal and now giving Realmuto a shot in a 12 team.

Brad Johnson: Grandal is good and playing well

Brad Johnson: Realmuto’s also a fine catch

Brad Johnson: seems like you’ve had a good turn

Jackie T. : With McCullers and Desclafani both set to miss 1-2 months to start the season, are they still going to be on an innings limit? Or do you think we see them both pitching in the fantasy playoffs? Have both in a H2H and am wondering if these injuries are actually a huge blessing to their value in that format, or if I still need to be selling mid-season (if they perform).

Brad Johnson: If healthy, they should be free to go all season

Jackie T. : I need runs and steals badly. Neil Walker and Strasburg for Altuve? Neil Walker and Syndergaard for Altuve?

Brad Johnson: Might be an overpay, but could be worth it

Brad Johnson: Strasburg is the guy I’d deal

Chris: Is it time to give up on Kolten Wong? I have been holding out hope in my 12 team H2H points dynasty. I would possibly add Derek Dietrich

Brad Johnson: Hard to flat out give up, but it’s also hard to sit through him scuffling in part time work

Brad Johnson: I do like Dietrich quite a lot

troy: Is Tolleson on the hot seat now after blowing 2 of the last 3 and with an era near 6

Brad Johnson: It’s getting toasty

Brad Johnson: I like Dyson most as next in line

JAL: Grichuk, Domingo Santana, Souza 12-team 5×5 or no? (I have Santana and have been holding on my bench). Thanks!

Brad Johnson: Yea they should all be owned by someone

Byung-hoSurfer: Where would you rank Byung-ho Park among 1B in a keeper league? Top 10?

Brad Johnson: Not yet top 10, but it’s been quite positive

Sam: How many steals can we reasonably expect from Denard Span this year? Is his speed gone?

Brad Johnson: 12-18

Ombudsman: Would you rather have Javier Baez or Derek Dietrich at 2B ROS?

Brad Johnson: Dietrich? It’s tricky because you have to factor in Baez’s perma-part time compared to Dietrich losing his job in about 70 games

Chicago Mark: Is Brandon Drury in for utility work only when Arizona is healthy? Does he see regular AB’s after that?

Brad Johnson: Might be a little hot hand work with Jake LAmb

Brad Johnson: he’ll be on the platoon side though

JAL: Thoughts on Mazara in 12-teamers RoS?

Brad Johnson: as long as he’s not demoted, he’s a must own

Miguel Sano: My rotation is Price, J.Teheran, Tillman, Jon Gray, Pineda and an injured Ross. Am I doomed? I have votto, martinez and Mauer. Try and trade votto for a frontline starter?

Brad Johnson: Yes, make a trade

Brad Johnson: that rotation won’t get you anywhere

Dale: Justin Upton or Adam Jones worth a waiver claim? In need of some power. Any chance either of these guys resurrect their season?

Brad Johnson: Neither guy should be on waivers. Wait out the pain

Platt: Felix/Miley for Giolito/Norris in Dynasty?

Brad Johnson: It hurts to say yes, but it’s reasonable. My preference is to trade top SP for quality hitters. Arbitrage opportunity

troy: is devon travis worth a dl stash in a 15 team league? I have Schoop holing down my 2b spot?

Brad Johnson: absolutely. he’s stashed in all of my shallower leagues

Odubel: Got Mazara and Conforto for frazier in obp league. Did i do good (without know particulars of each team)?

Brad Johnson: Very, but would be better in a keeper

Steve : I have Bogaerts and Corey Seager. Who’s better ROS?

Brad Johnson: Bogaerts? 60/40

Shawn : Trade Trevor Story for JD MArtinez?

Brad Johnson: Well…I’m one of the most bullish on Story. So much pop in that bat. The average and OBP are going to hurt

Brad Johnson: JDM is a more stable asset if you have a good backup SS

Brad Johnson: otherwise, I’d stick with Story

Wil: Time to cut bait on Soler? 20 team h2h

Brad Johnson: No

Brad Johnson: in a 12-teamer, maybe.

Brad Johnson: but definitely not anything remotely deep

D Diddy: Thoughts on Joe Panik ROS? His BABIP is quite low, hits a fair amount of LD’s and has a discerning eye. Is my assessment fair in that I think he will enjoy a .290 BA, 10-12 HR’s, 60-70 RBI’s, 70-80 Runs and 8-10 steals this year?

Brad Johnson: He’s been a little injury prone. If healthy, those are roughly fair projections

Brad Johnson: maybe a very slight under

Kerry: Khris Davis a legit 35 HR bat?

Brad Johnson: On a lucky year

Brad Johnson: 20-35 HR

Snarfle: I’ve been juggling Marte and Asdrubal in my 14 team OBP league. I was starting to get ready to cut the cord on Marte, but he’s had a great week. Just wait it out with both and try to snag a callup?

Brad Johnson: yea keep the juggling up

JAL: Sorry, I meant do u agree with that ranking? Grichuk over Domingo?

Brad Johnson: going back a few, yes I still slightly prefer Grichuk. The minor injury to Domingo is relevant

Shawn : I realize all may have their BA issues, but who do you prfere of C. Carter, Park, Ozuna, Souza, C-Dick?

Brad Johnson: Park or Carter

yankfan: Severino going to turn things around here? 9Ks last outing and only 4 hits…too bad 3 were hrs.

Brad Johnson: He’s looking legit homer prone. He’ll figure that out eventually, but there will be growing pains.

Guest: I know the Dodgers are considering Urias for the pen. Any chance if he kills it they throw him in the rotation? Time to stash in a redraft?

Brad Johnson: A chance, yes. He makes more sense in their rotation anyway

Mikey: Dynasty league: Franklin Barreto for Adam Conley and Lucius Fox — good deal?

Brad Johnson: Hard call.

Brad Johnson: It’s all about Fox

Brad Johnson: he could be a future top player whereas Barreto looks like a mid-round talent

Mark: Aaron Nola gonna keep this up?

Brad Johnson: Not quite this

Brad Johnson: but he should be pretty good

The Young Bucks: What sort of return do you expect from SSs like Albies and JP Crawford in a dynasty?

Brad Johnson: trade or production?

Pablo Broken Belt: Will Alex Colome remain the closer once Boxburger comes back?

Brad Johnson: I hope he does, but I’d bet on no. Might regain the job quickly though if Box has rust

StromanOfSteel: Swap $1 Stroman and $16 Tulo for $6 Story in 12 team H2H keeper league? I’m good on pitching for this season, but am worried about regretting this in future seasons.

Brad Johnson: Yes. Jump on it

Jason : Do you think Aledmys will hit enough to keep a full-time job?

Brad Johnson: He should, but he’s not going to take Peralta’s job when he’s back

Brad Johnson: could bump Wong to the minors if he’s still struggling. I think he has options.

Inquiring Monde: I’ve been offered Trevor Story for my Shaw/Semien combo in a fairly deep league (15 team roto, standard scoring). I know that Story’s BA is likely to regress with all the Ks (and Semien’s should improve) but do you think I should take the deal?

Brad Johnson: Jump on it.

The Young Bucks: Trade and/or production from the shortstops! #BulletClub4Life

Brad Johnson: Going back a few questions to JPC and Albies

Brad Johnson: If the Phillies keep winning, we’ll see Crawford this year

Brad Johnson: Albies looks a little challenged at Triple-A in a tiny sampl

Brad Johnson: Albies probably a .260 avg with good SB rates. Crawford a .270/.340 avg/obp with a low SB rate

Brad Johnson: long term, they’re both set to be hugely valuable

Brad Johnson: so young for their talent

Dan: Is Brandon McCarthy going to be a 2nd half SP of interest?

Brad Johnson: yes

Brad Johnson: keep an eye on him

Ian Woods: Is Wellington Castillo going to keep these numbers up or come back to his .240 career BA?

Brad Johnson: He’s a better hitter than his career numbers, but regression is coming

Tyler: Semien or Kang at SS in a 12-teamer (OPS in place of AVG)?

Brad Johnson: tricky part is Kang’s a part timer

Brad Johnson: but he’s much more talented

Brad Johnson: I might take him

Zeitgeist : Who is the better prospect to stash in a 14 team 5 keeper points league: Taillon, or JP Crawford?

Brad Johnson: Swanson?

Brad Johnson: 🙂

Brad Johnson: I’ll say JPC, pitchers are pitchers

LPC: Tulo looks bad, tons of K’s and can’t hit lefties after he used to crush them. OBP leaugue, ROS Tulo or Crawford?

Brad Johnson: Crawford

Brad Johnson: I’m farther off the Tulo bandwagon than most

Brendan: Pillar or Fowler ROS?

Brad Johnson: Fowler

Brad Johnson: but roster both

Bobby: I know Castellanos has got to come crashing down at some point, but think he can finish the year ~.280, 25 HRs?

Brad Johnson: the average may be a stretch, but I think the power output is more real than fake

Questioning Qioxe: NL setup men most likely to get saves by end of year? Is Will Smith on the DL a distinct possibility?

Brad Johnson: Smith could save some if he gets back to full strength

Brad Johnson: Neris and Hernandez in Philly, Phelps/Barraclough in MIA

Joe: Hammel and Castro for Odor fair in a points league?

Brad Johnson: No. Odor is more valuable than that. But points can sometimes be weird. If pitchers have extra value in your format, my judgment could be wrong.

Josh Hader: Say something nice about me.

Brad Johnson: I’ll be snagging you just as soon as you’re promoted

Ricky: So, is Baez 10-team (keeper) relevant, or am I better off rostering a pitcher like Gausman, Gray or Porcello?

Brad Johnson: Probably better with Gausman or Porcelllo

Bobby: Time to cut bait on Fielder, Puig, or Heyward?

Brad Johnson: I have all of them on one roster. It hurts but I’m keeping them

Jose: Drop Pineda for Berrios?

Brad Johnson: Yes Pineda is steamable

King of NY: I have Mesoraco & Hundley on the DL in a 14 team keeper league. Should I trade Doolittle for Wieters, or wait for Hundley to come back. (I would replace Doolittle with Cingrani or Dyson off ww)

Brad Johnson: Make the trade

A Different Matt: Lucroy or Castillo ROS? What tier pitcher could the other fetch in a 10 team league?

Brad Johnson: I’ll say Lucroy. Like ’em both though. Probably get a third or fourth tier guy though

Brad Johnson: if you have the roster space, it might be better to deprive your leaguemates until one gets desperate

Snarfle: Wait, there’s a real baseball player named Lucius Fox? Hooray!

Brad Johnson: And he might be a generational talent

Brad Johnson: He’s still 18 so be patient

Clown Baby: In a keeper league I am competing for 1st. Traded Goldy ($48), Berrios ($9), Buxton ($9) for Myers ($4), Kluber ($19) and Price ($26) this weekend. Was this a panic move after losing Garret this weekend?

Brad Johnson: Trading Goldy always hurts

Brad Johnson: I think you did ok here

gavin: How does VV for Miller feel now that Chapman is back?

Brad Johnson: fair

Brad Johnson: VV is so inconsistent

Cornelius: Rotation of Tanaka, Hamels, Wacha, Stroman, Joe Ross, and Aaron Nola strong enough for 10-team?

Brad Johnson: Very fringy.

Brad Johnson: No need to panic though

Brad Johnson: just search for marginal upgrades

Brad Johnson: don’t be afraid to overpay in a 2-for-1 scenario. The wire is so valuable at that depth

mario mendoza: McCarthy or Homer Bailey?

Brad Johnson: McCarthy I think

Brad Johnson: comparable

ChickenHawk: Can you compare Willson Contreras to a current MLB catcher? will he stick with C or move? I don’t want another Schwarber type I have to worry about possible playing time.

Brad Johnson: He’ll stick, but the Cubs have Miguel Montero for a couple more years

Brad Johnson: so playing time will be an issue

Brad Johnson: He might be Lucroy-ish as a hitter

The Kangbanger: Kang isn’t a part timer. He is being eased back >_<

Brad Johnson: 6 of one, half a dozen of another

Alpha King: When can we expect to see Swanson as the starting SS for the Braves?

Brad Johnson: average, power, OBP, speed – the total package.

Brad Johnson: The speed will probably dwindle within a couple years

Janak: Trade Maeda and J Upton for Marte? 12 team keeper Maeda would be a 14th round keeper next year can’t keep upton or marte. i need steals

Brad Johnson: Yes. quickly

canofcorn66: Is it a waste to play Kang at 3B? Have Semien; otherwise have Lamb/Prado to play 3B. (14 tm)

Brad Johnson: If it’s weekly, then it could be a problem. But Kang is your starter most days

Henry: Who would you drop of Puig or Piscotty in a 12 team PTs league? Other OFs are JD Martinez, CarGo, and Sano.

Brad Johnson: Wow, you really have to drop one? I think Puig might be less productive RoS but surely there’s a trade to be had

Steve: When do we start taking Tyler Duffey for real?

Brad Johnson: Have you not been? He’s a solid streamer quality guy

Charlie: News earlier today on Boxberger/Colome: Cash said Boxberger will get the nod at closer http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/playerbreakingnews.asp?sport=MLB&id=5969&line=498935&spln=1

Brad Johnson: Right, they’ve been saying this

Brad Johnson: I don’t fully buy it if Box isn’t sharp

Brad Johnson: Colome was already the better pitcher

Steve: Do you buy Miguel Montero as a supplement/replacement for a beleaguered Russell Martin owner?

Brad Johnson: yes, when healthy of course

Red in the Face: How many saves do you think Cingrani ends with? Is Jumbo worth holding on to?

Brad Johnson: 6?

Eric: 5×5 ottoneu league: $6 Mazara for $28 Posey. Which side you like better?

Brad Johnson: Mazara

Jordan: I’ve got Pujols and Carter with Freeman and Duda available. Make any moves or sit tight?

Brad Johnson: Sell high on Carter and pick up Freeman or Duda

Tony: 14 team, OBP league: My arrieta and Carpenter for his Machado and Price. Not enough? OBP helps Carpenter’s value.

Brad Johnson: Fair-ish

Josey: avg & obp league: drop gordon or holliday for Mazara?

Brad Johnson: Gordon

King of NY: Rank these RP’s ROS. Dootlittle/Dyson/Cingrani?

Brad Johnson: Dyson/Doolittle/blank

Something Brewing: Do you think the Brewers trade Jeffress this season? If yes, when?

Brad Johnson: Looking like it

Chris: How do you rank Calhoun, Pillar, Grichuck, Mauer ROS? 10 team 5×5 OBP league.

Brad Johnson: All very similar overall valu

Brad Johnson: will get there in very different ways

Christian: Since they are both hitting lead off, do you prefer Pillar or Saunders?

Brad Johnson: Pillar

I am your Padre: Should the Padres trade Fernando Rodney ASAP while his value is inexplicably high?

Brad Johnson: Real teams don’t usually make fantasy player mistakes

Brad Johnson: nobody’s trading a stud for Rodney

ss_needed: Semien or Cozart ROS?

Brad Johnson: push

Brad Johnson: though I like Cozart more personally

Brad Johnson: most of my fellows prefer Semien

Oliver: Freeman and Dozier are killing me 5×5 OBP right now. Sit tight or look to upgrade? Have Panik, HanRam, Shaw as backups

Brad Johnson: Just use the backups

Brad Johnson: if somebody will pay full price, you can sell low

Zorak: Duda for Rosenthal a fair trade if I need saves?

Brad Johnson: Very

Bob: What are your ROS thoughts on Ian Desmond?

Brad Johnson: He’s going to be a rocky asset

Brad Johnson: the end of season line will look better than the day-to-day experience

The Maddness: Gomez worth a stash? Someone in my 10 team dropped him.

Brad Johnson: if you don’t have anything better to do with your bench. You probably do

Barney: Can I still expect Pillar to finish season matching last year’s SB’s? (25)

Brad Johnson: no

Brad Johnson: 17?

Zorak: Think Michael Fulmer stays in the rotation? Worth keeping or drop for a stash like Glasnow/Giolito?

Brad Johnson: Hang on another start or two then grab the stash

HOF’er: Your thoughts on Tyler White ROS? is he startable in a 14 teamer?

Brad Johnson: No. He’ll be back in the minors soon

Bob: Is Jackie Bradley Jr. and Eduardo Rodriguez fair to offer a Red Sox lover for Starling Marte?

Brad Johnson: no but try it anyway

Bobbo: ROS ranking…is this right?
Fowler, Parra, Pillar, Piscotty, Polanco, Belt

Brad Johnson: No

Brad Johnson: Polanco and Belt are top followed by Fowler then the other trio

Brad Johnson: all are good for fantasy

Von Schloss: Have OF of Trout, Harper & Pence in a 16 team dynasty, who is a better 4th OF, Revere or Khris Davos?

Brad Johnson: Need power or speed? Should be an easy answer

Albert Pujols : How have I struck out only 15 times but I am hitting .190 in 116 ABs? Should I ride the pine?

Brad Johnson: BABIP’d to death. Not in the unlucky way either

Diamond D: How many leagues are you in? How are you fairing so far?

Brad Johnson: I cut down to 8 this year. Mostly doing well except in my experimental leagues 🙂

John C.: Do you think we’ll see AJ Reed before the month is out?

Brad Johnson: Him or another round of Singleton

Brad Johnson: he’s hitting well too and already has a contract

Enlightening Round: I have Ed Rod coming off the DL soon, looks like my best drop is Tropeano, what do you think of him going forward this year?

Brad Johnson: Trop is droppable

Dave: Adam Morgan is showing a 2mph increase on his fastball and he’s sitting 91 as a lefty. Is the secondary stuff good enough for him to have some sneaky value pitching in the NL East?

Brad Johnson: Yea, I have my eye on him as a Josh Tomlin type

Ben: Is Kendrys Morales worth rostering in 12 team H2H mixed leagues? Could pick up Fielder, Grichuk, Ozuna

Brad Johnson: Grichuk over Kendrys

Jeff in T.O.: Robles or Fox for a stash, super deep league which values rookies highly. Thanks!

Brad Johnson: Robles

Dan: Khris Davos the Onion Knight

Brad Johnson: And on that note…thanks for playing!

Brad Johnson: See you next week