Brad Johnson: Ahoy, I need to grab some fresh baked bread, then I’ll be ready to roll.

Brad Johnson: I suppose this is also a good time to point out that as baseball writers, we here at FanGraphs have income tied to games actually being played. So, if you’re not too adversely affected yourself, consider signing up for a FanGraphs membership.

Brad Johnson: I’ll also plug my personal Patreon because why not. I make most of my yearly income from DFS advice columns. https://www.patreon.com/BaseballATeam

Roger: What is the minimum number of games do you need for a legitimate season to take place? Do you think it is possible that we don’t get any baseball this year?

Brad Johnson: This might just be me, but legitimacy isn’t a function of games played imo

Brad Johnson: Obviously, the more games played, the more likely we are to see the best teams in the postseason.

Paul Sporer: Welcome everyone!! Peak draft season is here. Lots of drafts this weekend and next, let’s talk some baseball!

grundle: thoughts on narvaez?

Paul Sporer: Not trying to put you on blast specifically, this is more of a PSA, but I generally don’t love “thoughts on” bc it’s not really a question and just super vague, so I’ll ask for more pointed questions or generally ignore these. He’s good, though.

dougie jones: happ or myers as last OF?

Paul Sporer: Happ, I’m fully back in!

Unsullied: big hubbub in my league as owner 1 traded $40 Trout for $25 Verlander and $13 Hader. seems unanimous that erstwhile Trout owner could have gotten more – substantially more. what do you think? 10 team head to head points.

Brad Johnson: We’ll get started momentarily.

Brad Johnson: I just need to finish chomping on this kale first

pepper: Salutations!   Josh Van Meter.   how many at bats you reckon the kid can get in a utility role for Reds?   He smells like a 20/20 to me if he can find 500 at bats.   Agree?

Brad Johnson: I think the speed probably plays below that, but I do have him as a big fantasy sleeper who’s hopelessly blocked.

Brad Johnson: I just got done writing about how Phil Ervin and Scott Schebler (both out of options) could force Van Meter to Triple-A.

Brad Johnson: I’ll say something opens up 250 PA (ie injuries)

Paul Sporer: Good afternoon, everyone! Let’s talk some baseball!

The Champ: Any update on the Beat Paul Sporer league? You’re killing me

Paul Sporer: I’m picking a date soon. Any days you CANNOT do?

Jake deGrom: Heard you said Kershaw was in the grandpa tier on the pod. Since I’m only a few months younger, am I hitting grandpa tier this year too?

Paul Sporer: Mostly tongue in cheek re: grandpa, but it’s more related to IP counts where Kershaw dwarfs deGrom by essentially double

Michael: How concerned are you about how the change from Grandal to Narvaez will affect Woodruff? How are you baking that into your rankings?

Brad Johnson: We’ll get started in a few minutes.

Brad Johnson: spam me with some Severino questions and we’ll try to knock this out right at the start

dave in slc: w severino out who would you target in a keeper al only league where not much pitching is available but Sale, Kluber and Morton will be? Pay up for Sale or take a bit of a discount on either of the others?

dave in slc: What yankee pitcher do you think gains value w the injury to sevy?

Garfield: Mmm… Lasagna

Brad Johnson: I would target Morton if you’re confident about the discount happening

Brad Johnson: Let’s start this shindig

Brad Johnson: Who has something poll worthy?

Jack: How do you interpret slash lines against a pitch? Is it only when the pitch ends the at-bat (hit, walk, strikeout, out)?

Brad Johnson: Exactly

Brad Johnson:

Guest: not fantasy but fun for a poll. would the dodgers have won if the astros hadnt stole signs?

Brad Johnson: Let’s start this ball rolling

Brad Johnson: For those who missed all my twitter promoting, check out Juiced Balls episode 3 with Dan Szymborski. Now on Spotify, Apple, and Anchor.

Brad Johnson: https://www.patreon.com/posts/33836590

Matt: Is there a way to determine if punting a category is smart/viable beyond just some back of the envelope guessing? I play in a 13-team 6×6 roto (+OBP and QS) with seven dedicated SP slots (and 3 dedicated RP), so well over 100 SPs are rostered at all times. Since I’m definitely hammering SP early, and there are two extra categories, does it make sense to punt steals? I feel like I could grab a lot of pitching early and still put together a great AVG/HR/OBP lineup by eschewing any steals guys.

Brad Johnson: If I understand the intention of your question, no. Not ahead of time.

Brad Johnson: Punting a category usually should be a matter of circumstance. For instance, you missed various runs of closers and would rather go with elite non-closers than Joe Jimenez and Mychal Givens types.

Brad Johnson: I’m just screwing around with Twitter instead of finishing my player caps so let’s just get this ball rolling.

Michael Chavis: Downs and Verdugo stocks would go way up with a trade to BOS right?  Even though it’s not the best park for Verdugo at least he’d get the playing time

Brad Johnson: Absolutely. Boston has a thin farm system whereas the Dodgers not only have a trove of prospects, they also keep minting all these excellent not-prospects.

Brad Johnson: They have a small horde just waiting to climb over the walls of Triple-A.

Brad Johnson: Really, they’d crush the Tigers and Orioles.

Reds: Are you staying away from eugenio suarez or looking to pounce if his ADP drops to about 80-90 (i think it’s in the 40s or so now)?

Brad Johnson: Let’s start this ball rolling.

CC: Otto 5×5 – $8 Andre Vaughn a keep, cut, trade for anything of value, hold and trade later?

Brad Johnson: I don’t think he’s a cut unless you’re really hurting for money and can’t find a trade partner.

Brad Johnson: It’s not an ideal valuation

Brad Johnson: But he should also be a fast-mover so it’s not like you’re paying $8 now to keep Jasson Dominguez for his 2023 debut.

Kai: Rank the following pitchers as keepers? Luzardo ($8), Ohtani ($6), Lamet ($1)? Does one stand out as being a particularly better or worse deal?