Steamer and I: Carlos Rodon
March 15, 2016
It’s time for another (and perhaps final) comparison between my Pod Projections and Steamer. Today we’ll look at another starting pitcher who I am significantly more bullish on by ERA than Steamer.
Archive for Roto
Rotographs Rankings March Update – Catchers
by Paul Sporer
March 15, 2016
We are doing our March ranking updates. You can follow each position here:
We’re using Yahoo! eligibility requirements which is 5 starts or 10 appearances. These rankings assume the standard 5×5 categories and a re-draft league. If we forgot someone, please let us know in the comments and we’ll make sure he’s added for the updates. If you have questions for a specific ranker on something he did, let us know in the comments. We can also be reached via Twitter:
There will be differences, sharp differences, within the rankings. The rankers have different philosophies when it comes to ranking, some of which you’re no doubt familiar with through previous iterations. Of course the idea that we’d all think the same would be silly because then what would be the point of including multiple rankers?! Think someone should be higher or lower? Make a case. Let us know why you think that. The chart is sortable. If a ranker didn’t rank someone that the others did, he was given that ranker’s last rank +1.
The Sleeper and the Bust Episode: 320 – The John Smoltz Interview
by Paul Sporer
March 14, 2016
3/14/16
The latest episode of “The Sleeper and the Bust” is live!
Follow us on Twitter
Strategy Section: John Smoltz on Pitching
- His amazing nickname before “Smoltzie” (3:05)
- Evolution of arsenal (4:05)
- Success of FB/SL guys (8:00)
- Slider manipulation & movement (10:30)
- Best way for FB/SL/CB guys to succeed w/out changeup (13:40)
- Did the slider or splitter tax your arm noticeably (16:00)
- Postseason pitching as a stress factor (18:00)
- The SP-RP-SP transition (19:25)
- Closer vs. Setup/Middle Relief warm-up patterns (21:33)
- Today’s Elite RPs as Potential SPs (24:10)
- Preparation Needed for SP-to-RP Switch (27:12)
- Command (28:50)
- More ideal: 1 Dominant Pitch or Diverse, Lesser Arsenal? (37:00)
- Two SPs on the Rise? (39:00)
- Nola v. Rodon (41:33)
- March Madness Tips [spoiler alert: take MSU!] (44:00)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
2016 Pod Projections: Jeff Samardzija
March 14, 2016
The Pod Projections are back! My projections are based on the methodology shared in my eBook Projecting X 2.0, and the process continues to evolve and improve.
After a breakout 2014 performance, Jeff Samardzija followed up with a stinker of a season. His ERA spiked by nearly two full runs, his SIERA jumped by more than a run, and his strikeout rate plummeted, as did his ground ball rate. It’s no surprise then that the RotoGraphs ranking crew don’t exactly agree on his 2016 value. His individual ranking ranged from a bullish 25 to a bearish 69, but a “split” (difference between high and low ranking) of 44, the highest mark among the top 45 consensus pitchers.
Despite his poor 2015 results, the Giants gave him a five-year contract. Let’s find out if a return to the National League and calling the most pitcher friendly park in baseball home can spark a rebound.
The Sleeper and the Bust Episode: 319 – Corey Seager’s Knee; Tout Wars Upcoming
by Paul Sporer
March 13, 2016
3/13/16
The latest episode of “The Sleeper and the Bust” is live!
Follow us on Twitter
Moves/News/Injuries/Rumors
- Corey Seager knee
- Keon Broxton pushing for starting CF in MIL
Strategy Section: SP Guide, Tout, SXSW
- SP Guide
- Tout Wars
- SXSW panel
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
The Sleeper and the Bust Episode: 318 – Camp Tales from Eno
by Paul Sporer
March 11, 2016
3/11/16
The latest episode of “The Sleeper and the Bust” is live!
Follow us on Twitter
Moves/News/Rumors
- We spend the bulk of the episode discussing Eno’s findings at the camps he’s been to: Chicago, Cincy, San Diego, and Colorado.
Strategy Section: Tout Mixed
- Review of Eno’s team for Tuesday’s Tout Mixed Draft
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
How to Add Player Page Links to Your Draft Spreadsheet
by Tanner Bell
March 11, 2016
A couple weeks back I wrote my first Excel-focused piece here at Rotographs. I was testing the water to see how it would go over and the results were pretty unanimous… More Excel please!
So I’m back today with a very practical tip to help you during the draft or while you’re conducting player research. In the instructions that follow I will show you how to add clickable player page hyperlinks to your draft spreadsheet.
Running out of time on the draft clock? Want to look up Dexter Fowler’s walk rate? Or Chris Davis‘ home run per fly ball rate for 2015? You’ll quickly be able to get to any player’s Fangraphs profile page after adding this to your spreadsheet.
Rotographs Ranking March Update – First Base
by Paul Sporer
March 10, 2016
We started our positional rankings updates yesterday with outfield and today we’re hitting the mound.
We’re using Yahoo! eligibility requirements which is 5 starts or 10 appearances. These rankings assume the standard 5×5 categories and a re-draft league. If we forgot someone, please let us know in the comments and we’ll make sure he’s added for the updates. If you have questions for a specific ranker on something he did, let us know in the comments. We can also be reached via Twitter:
There will be differences, sharp differences, within the rankings. The rankers have different philosophies when it comes to ranking, some of which you’re no doubt familiar with through previous iterations. Of course the idea that we’d all think the same would be silly because then what would be the point of including multiple rankers?! Think someone should be higher or lower? Make a case. Let us know why you think that. The chart is sortable. If a ranker didn’t rank someone that the others did, he was given that ranker’s last rank +1.
2016 Pod Projections: Raisel Iglesias
March 10, 2016
The Pod Projections are back! My projections are based on the methodology shared in my eBook Projecting X 2.0, and the process continues to evolve and improve.
After subjecting three straight hitters to the Pod Projection process, it’s time to move on to starting pitchers. I have decided to begin with everyone’s favorite sleeper, Reds sophomore Raisel Iglesias. After coming over from Cuba, Iglesias has pitched just 36 minor league innings and 95.1 Major League innings. And despite a lackluster 4.15 ERA during his debut, the hype machine has been running all offseason.
Such a limited track record and unimpressive ERA doesn’t typically result in an NFBC ADP that equates to the 40th starting pitcher selected. So what we have here is our classic so-called sleeper, who isn’t going for sleeper prices. As a result, he’s no sleeper, as everyone is on the bandwagon. Are fantasy owners justified in their optimism?
How to Mess Up a Mock in 23 Rounds
by Justin Mason
March 9, 2016
It was 2:16pm on a Thursday afternoon. I was sitting on my couch, watching a DVR’d episode of Better Call Saul, when I got the DM that would unknowingly change the course of (the next few hours of) my life. Read the rest of this entry »
