Justin Mason Baseball Chat – August 28th

Justin Mason: Hey everyone! Starting a bit early today so I can record with Paul right after. Just a reminder that I will answer as many questions as I can, but please don’t repeat questions. If I can’t get to your questions then hit me up on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008744507752 or on twitter @justinmasonfwfb.

Robert: Would you start Thomas Pannone against Baltimore today who is terrible against left handed pitching?

Justin Mason: If I was feeling a bit desperate I would

Padre: Urias!!

Justin Mason: I am interested to watch him play. I think he profiles more as an empty average guy, but he has shown a bit of pop for his smaller frame. Worth an add if you are chasing average.

Michael Smith: Austin Dean a viable option for a bench OF for the playoffs in a h2h roto 10 teamer?

Justin Mason: Probably not

Kevin wears a t-shirt to BP: Do you see Shohei Ohtani being useful as a pitcher in H2H playoffs? Worth a speculative add?

Justin Mason: I think he is worth a speculative add if he’s just sitting out there. My real concern is how deep into games they let him pitch. They should be conservative.

kyle gibson weed wacking service: Elvis Andrus…post DL stint he has been a letdown. I’ve been toying with the idea of dropping him. Am I crazy? 12 tm roto.

Justin Mason: Depends on who is available, but I don’t necessarily have a problem with it. We are in the home stretch. Very few people aren’t worth dropping if they aren’t performing.

smada: Do you still think Franmil Reyes is not interesting long term? 110 wRC+ in 171 PA. Pacing almost 40 jacks

Justin Mason: I don’t know how he is ever an everyday player with the holes in his swing. Striking out 34% of the time won’t work well long term.

Michael Smith: Rank semien gurriel urias kinsler adames ROS? 10 team h2h roto

Justin Mason: Semien, Kinsler, Gurriel, Urias, Adqames

Chris: OBP league.  Would you value Mallex Smith over Chris Taylor in 2019?

Justin Mason: For right now, I would, but that could change depending on what the Dodgers do with the rest of the roster in the off season. Mallex has a better path to playing time right now.

Kyle: Walker Buehler has been on fire lately. Is he starting to really grow into the ace he has always had the potential to be?

Justin Mason: YES!

Robert: Back on the Stratton train?  What do you expect from him this year and moving forward into next?

Justin Mason: I am for this year because the injuries gives him a spot in the rotation. He doesn’t have much long term value as I don’t think he has a spot next season.

jeddy: What are your thoughts of Jed Lowrie rest of season? Every time I think he cools offs he just keeps going

Justin Mason: outside of July, he has been great all season. As long as he is healthy, I would ride it out.

Justin Mason: Vlad, Soto, and Snell

Angelus Novus: Hey Justin, I need some help. In a keep 3 (for next two seasons) H2H league here are my options for next year: Juan Soto (25), Vlad Jr (25), Albies (10), Snell (15), Realmuto (14), Haniger (18), Odor (25), Brantley (25), Wheeler (25), Rodon (25), Kopech (25), Luis Urias (25), Eloy Jimenez (25).
If the answer is three guys for round 25 I would get them in rounds 23-25. At first, I thought it was obviously Soto, Vlad Jr, and Albies. But with Snell and Jimenez surging and Albies floundering I’m beginning to second guess myself. Which three would you take? For context. it’s a H2H league where pitching is at a premium.

Justin Mason: Vlad, Soto, and Snell

Erik: Will Javy Baez be drafted as high or higher than Kris Bryant next season? Bryant has the longer track record, but he’ll be coming off an injury-plagued season, while Baez seems to be the best power-speed combo this side of Jose Ramirez and Mike Trout.

Justin Mason: I think they will be going around each other, which means I will be getting a lot of Bryant shares.

Rick: Who would you rather keep for 2019: Vlad Jr or Soto?

Justin Mason: Vlad

Kole Calhoun Landscaping: Who do you think is going to be the most fantasy useful September call up? Meadows?

Justin Mason: Vlad Jr

zorn: His Arenado for my deGrom?

Justin Mason: sure

The Drizzle: Besides Kopech, any arms to target for September call ups to help.  Just gave up on McCullers, assuming he is pretty much done at this point.

Justin Mason: Non that really jump out as impact.

Justin Mason: Most of the arms coming up won’t be really that great. Staumont in KC is probably one of the better starters. Kyle Wright is an interesting arm, but will likely relieve.

Sum: struggling with my keeper decision for next year. where do you see ADP for Jack Flaherty and Michael Soroka next year?

Justin Mason: Get back to me in a few weeks when I start running the Too Early Mocks

Chris: If Stripling has a starting gig starting next year, should he be drafted as a top 30 pitcher?

Justin Mason: yes

Matt: Re – Few not worth dropping: How do you balance this with dynasty value to a competitor? Due to minimal cap space, guys will likely be able to be picked up for below auction value, and potentially provide future value. Should this be taken into consideration at all – or no?

Justin Mason: If I am competing, I do whatever I have to do to win. Championships are forever

Rockies come to your senses!: Does McMahon get meaningful playing time this year? Why does COL insist on dragging out guys in front of him who are already worse this year, let alone long-term?

Justin Mason: I don’t think he does. Organizations like known qualities unfortunately.

OddBall Herrera: Think Mitch Keller or Touki move the needle much on ROS starts?

Justin Mason: I think Touki does, but I don’t think Keller is coming up

Wash closer: who gets most saves ROS?

Justin Mason: Glover?

Kyle: Any chance we see Whitley or James get called up for the Astros or will they keep having bullpen days to replace McCullers?

Justin Mason: I don’t think either are coming to the rotation.

CubFan: Does Bird return or has Voit taken his spot? Seems like how well Voit does this week may have alot to say which way the Yanks turn.

Justin Mason: I think long term Bird gets more chances, but for now they will ride with Voit.

Matt: What are your thoughts on Pivetta’s future? Closer to first-half, or closer to second half?

Justin Mason: I think long term he is a 3.3-3.5 ERA guy with great strikeouts. This has been a rough second half but the underlying numbers are great.

CubFan: Think the cost conscious A’s will resign Lowrie for 2019+ or turn to Barreto?

Justin Mason: I think they will turn to Barreto unless Lowrie is cheap.

Eric: What do you do with Pivetta and Eflin in a 10 team keeper, 12 person points league? Eflin needs to be a keeper, right?

Justin Mason: I personally prefer Pivetta.

Robert: Any interest in Brandon Lowe of Tampa?  Started really slow but has hit well the past couple weeks and has 2 SBs in that time frame.

Justin Mason: We haven’t seen it yet, but he has some pop in that bat too. The questions are whether the hit tool is as good as we think it could be and if his defense is passable somewhere. I think the latter is a huge concern, but in fantasy I am ok if he hits enough to get him on the field.

TJ: What makes you think Vlad will get called up?  I was assuming he’d get the Kris Bryant treatment and be a May callup in 2019…really impacted my keeper strategy (I cut him since I’m in the playoffs and trying to win now).  Your opinions are now filling me with regret.

Justin Mason: It’s honestly a crapshoot at this point, but I think the Jays may bring him up in September to sell tickets.

CubFan: How concerned are you with Ohtani’s partial UCL tear and McCullers forearm injury (maybe foretells TJ down the road) for pitching purposes in 2019?

Justin Mason: I am super concerned on Ohtani. I will not have any 2019 shares like I had no 2018 ones. McCullers I am a bit less concerned and I think his price will be right to gamble on.

Raul Gillette: Machado signs with Yankees and pushes Andujar to 1B next year? 1B has been a major hole in that lineup for 2 seasons, and it’s theoretically the easiest position to fill with a decent bat.

Justin Mason: hmmm… I like the way you think. Or they sign Machado and trade him for pitching.

baseball fan: hello…i have a first round bye this week…H2H points league…are there any potential fringe 2 start SP i should look to add early this week?

Justin Mason: Pultko, Erasmo Rmirez, Reynaldo Lopez all have nice Monday matchups and then you can see if their second ones work well for you as the week progresses.

Bill: Ketel Marte….future comps?

Bill: Future for Ketel Marte?

Justin Mason: Please don’t repeat questions.

Justin Mason: I like Marte, but if he doesn’t steal he isn’t super valuable. Hard to see anything changing right now.

Nyls Nyman: Can get Gary Sanchez off wire. Or I can have Jansen, Gomes, Cervelli, Narvaez. Elimination roto league where I’m now in last place.

Justin Mason: Grab Sanchez. He is supposed to be back on the 3rd.

CubFan: Gaze into your crystal ball….what chance do you place on Eduardo Escobar coming back to the AL next year? Got him dirt cheap. Seemed to really like playing in MN. And your not allowed to use 50-50 🙂

Justin Mason: I think there is a 75% chance he comes back the AL.

CubFan: Is Laureano in Oakland’s 2019 OF plans? Management keeps saying Fowler is their future CFer. And is Canha nothing more than a decent 4th OFer?

Justin Mason: I think he will be. Will have to battle for playing time, but I think the defense and hit tool give him a chance to be in the lineup

Ryan: What would you think about dropping Heaney for Alec Mills in a 12 team 5×5? Mills has the Mets tomorrow, Heany vs HOU.

Justin Mason: You can. I love Heaney, but you play to win right now and with a month left you can afford to play the matchups more.

Guest: hey what is going on with Kluber this year? K rate is down (significantly), hard hit rate up, and he’s using slider a ton less. Should this stuff scare me away from trying to acquire him before Friday’s trade deadline?

Justin Mason: I think he may be a little hurt. Still has been pitching well enough, but I am not paying a ton for him right now.

Kevin wears a t-shirt to BP: I will buy a Jays ticket immediately if they bring up Vlad Jr. I will also not complain about my phone bills for 3 months.

Justin Mason: YUP!

Tom: NL only keep forever league……..keep Ketel Marte or Maikel Franco?

Justin Mason: Marte

Eric: Thanks Justin! have a great day today.

Justin Mason: You too buddy!

Ryan: Drop Matt Olson for Pham? 12 team 5×5

Justin Mason: I have no issue with that, but don’t be surprised if either goes off or is super cold rest of the way. Both are streaky.

The Drizzle: Willy Adames has been showing surprising pop with steals to throw in. Go with his upside over guys like Semien/Crawford in a H2H OBP ROS?  Assuming the Rays will play him everyday.

Justin Mason: I would take Semien over him, but no problem with him over Crawford.

Raul Gillette: Thoughts on David Peralta in future seasons? Unrepeatable peak season or can he churn out another couple years of production like this?

Justin Mason: I think he can do close to this. The power breakout may come back to like 20 next year, but the rest is in line with what he has done before.

CubFan: Wellington Castillo is under contract by the White Sox next year. There’s been some recent talk that Narvaez should start next season. Who do you think is catching for the Pale Hose next year? He’s available via FAAB this Sunday and probably could be had for $1 in my 12 team AL only league.

Justin Mason: I think Castillo is catching early one in the season to build up trade value.

Griffey’s Nerve Tonic: I have Bauer on the DL in 1 league and on the waiver wire in the other. Both playoff teams – playoffs end 9/30. Drop him or pick him up?

Justin Mason: I would grab him. I think he could be back in time for you playoffs.

Moelicious: Trey Mancini’s batted ball data from 2017 is identical to 2018. Why the huge drop in AVG/BABIP?

Justin Mason: Last year he got lucky, this year he is getting unlucky. I think he is more of a .250-.260 hitter with 20 homers.

tmicacchi: IS Bregman this good? What’s his peak? Are we seeing it?

Justin Mason: I think we are living his peak right now. Though I wouldn’t be surprised if he added more steals next season. He is J-Ram lite.

Moelicious: Which two keepers? DeGrom, Verlander, Altuve, Bregman, Yelich, Suarez.

Justin Mason: Altuve, Bregman

Chris: OBP league.  Pick two to keep, Ozuna, M.Chapman, Cespedes.

Justin Mason: Chapman and Ozuna

bleh: is donaldson going to be any good when he finally gets back on the field?

Justin Mason: Yes, but how long does he stay non the field?

Tim: My favorite part about the fantasy playoffs is the liberation i feel in being able to drop Vlad Jr for Joey Lucchesi because I REALLY need a QS or Andrelton Simmons for Rosario because I REALLY need SBs.  I can be the impulsive manager I know would be better ALL year because I’m not hung up on names.

Justin Mason: PLAY TO WIN THE GAME!

Kristen: Nomar Mazara hasn’t progressed at all in his 3rd season.  Should TEX gamble this is as good as he gets and try to deal him this offseason for some young SP?

Justin Mason: Sure, but they won.t

Morrow?: See him before playoffs?

Justin Mason: I really don’t have any idea.

twinmh: Investing for next year and beyond in a dynasty league, how would you rank all the rookie Brave pitchers?  Soroka, Toussaint, Wilson, Gohara, Fried, Allard.  (Did I miss any?)

Justin Mason: I would go Soroka, Touki, Allard, Wright, Wilson, Fried.

Justin Mason: man that is crazy how much good young pitching they have!

Charlie Kelly: Why doesn’t Ketel Marte steal any bases? The DBacks as a team run quite a bit and he’s 2nd fastest on the team per Statcast.

Justin Mason: because he is stuck batting 6th or 7th.

Justin Mason: That could change next season because I believe that Pollock is a free agent. So, maybe he could jump up in the 2 hole.

Run TMC: Here’s one for the SF fan in you, Justin. Stratton or DRod in 2019.

Justin Mason: D-Rod

Moelicious: How does playing time shake out between Gurriel, Gattis and White? Everyone plays 66% of the games?

Justin Mason: I think Gattis and Gurriel get a bit more, but it’ll be a time share.

Chris: Archer or Taillon for 2019?  Archer continues to make me sadder and sadder with every subpar NL start.

Justin Mason: I think I lean Taillon

Matt: when you talk about flags flying forever in fantasy – does your league actually distribute flags to the winner? I feel like I need to join a league with flags.

Justin Mason: I want in that league! Let’s make one!

CubFan: Think Cozart can put his injury and poor year behind him and get close to his 2017 numbers next year? At least his torn labrum is in his non-throwing shoulder.

Justin Mason: I think he can. He is a really interesting sleeper next season.

Jessica: At the same price, you would still have vladdy over soto?

Justin Mason: yes

Hannah Hochevar: Al obp bench bat: voit, Greg Allen, melky or Mullins?

Justin Mason: Voit

Taylor: Will the Jays really not offer JD an QO? Is he so hurt he’s done? He’s second only to Trout from 2015-2017 in WAR.

Justin Mason: I don’t know that they would want him to accept it if they are going to rebuild.

The Drizzle: Obviously Matt Chapman in the real world is a top 3B moving forward.  As far as fantasy goes though, how do you value him moving in to 19.  Obviously people throw out Donaldson comps, but can he be a top 5 or 10 3B?

Justin Mason: I think he can be top 10. Top five is pushing it with the talent at 3B

Rocco: Are the good times with Odor coming to an end, or can what has been going on continue ROS?

Justin Mason: It’s always a roller coaster with Odor. Hold on and hop you enjoy the ride.

Ray Liotta as Shoeless Joe: What are you doing with Seranthony Dominguez, particularly when Sean Doolittle comes back?

Justin Mason: I prefer Doolittle once he is back for sure.

CubFan: You buying any shares of Glasnow for ros, 2019?

Justin Mason: Sure, but I am not overpaying

Jessica: Love the Too Early Mocks

Justin Mason: Me too! Going to get them set up soon!

Hannah Hochevar: Sporer seems modestly in on giolito ros. You?

Justin Mason: I am definitely interested in spot starting him down the stretch. Velo is up on the fastball and he has been better with the command of it. Though that is a low bar.

Rocco: Thoughts on Fiers and Marquez rest of season — is the recent run sustainable?

Justin Mason: I believe in Marquez. Fiers? not so much.

Pete: Ugh.  Vlad Jr dropped in my league.  I want him for 2019, but I can’t burn a roster spot mid-playoffs for him!  …right?  Just be happy I have Juan Soto and move on?  HELP.

Justin Mason: The upside is so huge on Vlad, I would take a chance on a bench spot on him. I can’t burn an active roster spot on him though.

Jake Junis Priest: Framber has been effectively wild ™ in Houston. Worth spot starting going forward?

Justin Mason: I think he is. Feels like he has the shot and that offense behind him should get him some cheap wins.

Rocco: Any waiver wire catchers you have your eye on to start on the days Chirrinos is off for me?

Justin Mason: Danny Jensen?

Raul Gillette: Had Jon Gray, Luis Castillo, Nick Pivetta, Dylan Bundy on my staff this year. I’m leading the league in Ks but ERA & WHIP took a **BEATING**. What happened to these guys, and who do you think is most fixable?

Justin Mason: I think all are fixable. I have the most faith in Gray and Pivetta though.

Jay: My 12 team H2H outfield is running on fumes, so I’ve been streaming guys like Dahl, Nick Williams, and Souza based on schedule and matchups. Given the Indians easy schedule and his recent performance, is Melky Cabrera viable the rest of the way? Or should I go with a young gun like O’Neill or Laureano?

Justin Mason: Go with the upside of those young guns.

Jake Junis Priest: Which Cleveland Spider outfielder: Greg Allen or Melky? (Obp al only) thanks!

Justin Mason: I will take Allen.

ATL pitching: Don’t forget Ian Anderson!!

Justin Mason: and Ian Anderson!!!! Insane!!!

Parts and Gleyber : How crazy is it that Cano now qualifying at first is more useful than 2b? First is so bad this year, especially al only.

Justin Mason: I totally predicted this. In 2017. I hate being a year early.

Chris: Jack Flaherty or Walker Buehler for 2019 and beyond

Justin Mason: Buehler long term. Flaherty Short Term.

Parts and Gleyber : Staring Gibson today vs Cleveland?

Justin Mason: sure

pirates hurdles: Why so low on Adames? He has been pretty great the last month offering avg, hr, and sb.

Justin Mason: Maybe I have been a bit low on him. Love the talent. I always worry about playing time with Tampa, but it looks like they have been playing him consistently. I admit, I was wrong!

baby Tatis: Would do you think his timeline to the majors is now that he missed the majority of the second half?

Justin Mason: I think he goes to the Fall league and then is up mid summer.

Guest: Vlad or Acuna, short term and long? Acuna has wheels, and he has the job now, but is Vlad’s hit tool so advanced that it makes up for the lack of steals?

Justin Mason: Short term, it is Acuna. Long term Vlad looks like a potential generational talent.

Bo: Yankees sign Machado and trade Andujar to Atlanta for pitching??

Justin Mason: I love this idea, but I think the Yankees would want a more seasoned pitcher.

Jeff in T.O.: re. Donaldson accepting Jays QO. Wouldn’t they want him to accept, build up his trade value and get rid of him next year? Also gives them an excuse to hold Vladdy Jr. down.

Justin Mason: Can’t build value if he can’t stay on the field.

Gerald: Do you like prospects? Baseball prospects to be clear.

Justin Mason: I do like prospects, but I am typically not crazy over them like a lot of analysts.

Bart: Pick two for dynasty league, Bill McKinney, Ryan McMahon or Willie Calhoun?

Justin Mason: Calhoun and McMahon. McKinney is more of a fourth outfielder.

Bo: Acuna’s ADP next season?

Justin Mason: 25

Ryan from Pittsburgh: I’m in first place by 20 points in my $100 Ottoneu Roto league and after crunching the numbers, I don’t expect that number to change very much. I don’t have a question, but since none of my friends play fantasy baseball, I just wanted to gloat. Have a nice day!

Justin Mason: Can I borrow some money?

Dynasty: Have Whitley, Keller, Cease, Ian Anderson, Canning, Burrows, Logan Allen, Bryse Wilson. I can stash them all without giving up much. If you’re dropping one who would it be?

Justin Mason: Burrows.

twinmh: Gerald asks everyone if they like prospects.  It’s in his profile at Match.com.  Yes, Gerald, we all like prospects.

Justin Mason: We all have our fetishes.

Parts and Gleyber : thanks for taking such a bounty of questions!

Justin Mason: Thanks! I love doing these

Justin Mason: One day I will do a marathon chat. Just go for a few hours.

Justin Mason: but for now, Got to wrap up. If I didn’t get to you or you have more questions then hit me up on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008744507752 or on twitter @justinmasonfwfb.