Justin Mason Baseball Chat – June 15th, 2018

Justin Mason: Hey everyone! Let’s have some fun. I am going to try and skip around to answer a variety of questions today, so I am not answer multiple questions about the same players. Please give me format and size of leagues for context. 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.

Justin Mason: Sorry about the late start. Was having some issues.

yojiveself: Trust Taillon (vs Mil, Az) and Pivetta (vs StL and Was) next week?  Pivetta has been scuffling lately and I am not sure if I like Taillon’s opponents.  Thanks!

Justin Mason: I trust both to some extent. Taillion over Pvetta for those starts.

yojiveself: Now that Rhys is back, is he back-back?  He’s started to hit but the Col staff isn’t that great.

Justin Mason: I trust him to readjust to what pitchers were doing against him. Just traded for him in Tout H2H

Steve: What are you doing with your Nick Pivetta stocks?

Justin Mason: Holding for now

Dubs: Will Cueto add any value when he returns?  Should I try to trade for him for the stretch run and fantasy playoffs?

Justin Mason: All depends on health. Was great when he was on the mound. Feel like he is a nice buy low right now. Just understand, if he has a set back, we could get nothing.

Bobby Evans: I can’t get everybody on the field.  We have to keep trying, too many long term contracts.  Should I trade Panik for a SP?

Justin Mason: sure

Rocco: Do you think Kris Bryant will turn it around ROS?

Justin Mason: He will be fine. He hasn’t really been that bad anyhow.

Craig: Buy low on Miguel Sano in a dynasty league?

Justin Mason: For sure.

Matty P: Hey Justin, 10 team 5×5 should I roster Billy Hamilton. Im afraid if I cut him hes going to double his steal total in a week. He is batting 9th tho…

Justin Mason: I can’t cut him loose personally. Too much profit potential with the speed. Defense should keep him in the lineup even it is 9th in the order

Patty V: Replacement for Longo:

Marwin Gonzalez or Maikel Franco?

Justin Mason: Franco

Don’t be a Hader: How did Duvall and Dexter Fowler get so bad?

Justin Mason: Duvall is who he has always been. He will rebound some. Getting unlucky. Fowler got old really fast.

Rocco: Would you worry that the Nats will send Soto down, and if so, would you try to trade him?   I am in a keeper league and can keep him for one season max.

Justin Mason: They will not IMO

Al Gone Quinn: Are you buying Swarzak for holds and possible saves?

Justin Mason: no

Justin Mason: actually, maybe some holds

Flags Fly Forever: Trying to make a push this year and need a good bat/pitcher to put me over the top. What kind of return would you be looking for for Tatis Jr. in 12 team keep forever dynasty?

Justin Mason: I would aim for a top 40 pitcher. Maybe like a Quintana or a Arrieta

Rhino: What are the best free resources for dynasty head to head research?

Justin Mason: I mainly look at prospect writers I trust. Eric Longenhagen and Kiley are on the tops of that list. Then John Sickels is up there. There are some great fantasy prospect writers as well out there. Matt Thompson, James Anderson, Ralph Lifshitz to name a few.

altitude: Drop Aguilar for Marte for IF spot? 10 tm keeper H2H

Justin Mason: sure

Rocco: Should I try to trade Raisel Iglesias?  I am worried he’ll be traded to a contender where he’ll be the setup man

Justin Mason: I don’t think he is a set up man if he is traded. Dude is too good.

Kev: How interested are you in Domingo German?

Justin Mason: Very. Love the stuff and the metrics. Needs to keep the ball in the yard.

Rocco: Thoughts on the Giles-Rondon situation?   Who gets the most saves ROS?

Justin Mason: I am going to say it is Giles, but I don’t think it is a landslide

Rocco: Is Kris Bryant a good buy-low right now?

Justin Mason: I don’t think anyone is selling him low.

baseballdude: i just dropped g. polanco for jake bauers in a 12 team H2H points league. also have yelich, teoscar, and nimmo.  was this a smart move? polanco just seems to be relegated to part time duty now and at least bauers has some unknown upside to him…

Justin Mason: It is fine. I don’t think Bauers’ upside is special, but the chance he reaches it over polanco is much safer.

DaChamp: yo yooo

Justin Mason: yoooooooooooooooo

C: I have a very crowded outfield in a 12 team OBP league of Cutch, Upton, Rosario, Puig, Pham, and Cespedes. Thinking of selling on Cutch or Puig because of the hot streaks and name value. Is pairing a guy like Lester with one of those for Madbum a fair ask?

Justin Mason: sure

baseballdude: out of these Mets OF, which do you like the most ROS in a points league?  nimmo, conforto, or bruce?

Justin Mason: Nimmo

Orange: Justin, thanks for spending time with us. I much prefer you to Paul, who I think is overrated.

Justin Mason: Completely disagree. Paul is way better than me in most regards. He is a fantastic guy to work with and for. That being said, thank you for the nice words.

BigBoi: Justin, should I be trying to sell Carlos Martinez? I’m worried about his lat injury reoccurring.

Justin Mason: I just sold him in Tout. I am worried he is not completely healthy.

Bradley : Do you trust Gibson tonight vs Indians?

Justin Mason: Not much. I am playing him in Tout, but that is because of the points format skewing towards innings and Ks.

Sergio Q: What type of return Can the Padres expect for Hand?

Justin Mason: Probably a handful

Ray Liotta as Shoeless Joe: Brandon Belt is due back in a week and a half. Do you think he comes back on the schneid due to lack of reps?

Justin Mason: no I think he will be fine.

Sergio Q: Are Lucchesi & Lauer part of the Padres future starting pitching staff, or do they get replaced by higher ceiling prospects?

Justin Mason: I think they are part of the future… for now. Who knows if the lower level guys ever make it?

J.BrucesterCockburn: Hi Justin- better dynasty asset: Bader or Mac Williamson

Justin Mason: Williamson

LosDoyers: Cristiano. Ronaldo. THat is all

Justin Mason: Not a cricket fan

Booby Hill: eric thames vs jesus ag ROS?

Justin Mason: Thames

LosDoyers: The equivalent of what Ronaldo is doing right now is if Ohtani pitched a CSGO while also hitting 3 homers in the world series

Justin Mason: Tennis?

Bleepbloop: Hi Justin, I’m in a 6×6 (OBPxQS added) dynasty league and need starter help. Was offered Stripling + Didi for Bregman (my other SS is Simmons). Thinking of countering for Berrios + Bellinger. Thoughts?

Justin Mason: I prefer your counter

Ozzie Ozzie Albies Free: Traded Corbin for Pham the other week. Makes sense in a shallow ten team league right?

Justin Mason: love it

Craig: Any pitchers in AAA that could receive a rotation spot (like Jalen Beeks) that you would recommend stashing or keeping an eye on in a deep league?

Justin Mason: Forrest Whitely looks dominate.

hscer: Juan Soto is a top x hitter in 2020

Justin Mason: 25

Ozzie Ozzie Albies Free: I desperately need saves. Would you flip Benetendi for Doolittle and Iglesias?

Justin Mason: sure

Justin Mason: Win the league, not your trade

Matty P: 10 team 5×5 Pivetta over Erod, Soroka or godley?

Justin Mason: yes

Craig: Sell high on Joc Pederson? Or does he keep it up?

Justin Mason: I think he can keep it up to an extent, but I would also sell high on him if I could get a good deal.

Craig: Marco Gonzales or Caleb Smith in a dynasty?

Justin Mason: Marco

Bleepbloop: Are you worried about Stripling moving back to the Bullpen or losing starts ROS or In future years for dynasty?

Justin Mason: Not rest of the season. Maybe in dynasty, but play for now.

TJ: Think Daniel Murphy is fully deployable in leagues now?  I’d really like to drop Kinsler, despite his recent heroics at the plate.

Justin Mason: yes

Rick: Keeper league: drop Soto or Puig when Cespedes comes back?

Justin Mason: Puig.

John: Jon Gray’s FIP is 3.17…strand rate is down…BABIP is HIGH…he a big bounce back candidate?

Justin Mason: He is, but he still is just too hittable especially at home. Makes too many mistakes that get crushed. Love the talent, but is inconsistent.

Larry Hutz: Would you flip Aguilar for Schoop? Is Schoop going to recover to at least 2016 levels?

Justin Mason: I have no problem doing that. I think we are seeing the lower end of Schoop’s range of outcomes right now.

Bleepbloop: Trying to trade saves for starters. 10 tm 6×6 QS dynasty league, I have Jansen and Hand, how high could I reasonably target? Carrasco for Jansen?

Justin Mason: I think that is about right.

Ozzie Ozzie Albies Free: Shallow ten team roto, is it time to sell high on Albies and Benetendi or hold and just hope it’s their breakout years.

Justin Mason: I am holding unless I get a monster offer.

Little Chicken: Justin, please tell us a fun fact about yourself.

Justin Mason: I am clean and sober. I haven’t had a drink in over 13 years.

tom: i think you give awful advice personally, justin….no offense

Justin Mason: You sound like my wife.

Bleepbloop: How much stock do you put in baseball savant xwoba?

Justin Mason: I put a little. I also think maybe it is a bit overused as people try to come up with ways to predict what will happen. All stats and tools are just a small part of the picture. Put them together and you learn more.

dingbat: Do you believe in Williamson’s swing changes? SSS for sure, but the results have been a bit underwhelming, he has proven anything.

Justin Mason: I do believe in them. I don’t know that he is ever a star, but I think he can be an MLB regular.

dingbat: Will Chance Adams get a shot in the Yankees rotation? Or does he need to be traded for that to happen?

Justin Mason: I think he needs to be traded. Hasn’t helped himself though so far.

Frank: Hey Justin.  I am in first place but need saves and have good SP with Soroka, Castillo (gulp), MadBum, Pivetta, Wacha and Mikolas with Stras, Darvish and Ryu in my DL.  I can likely trade Mikolas for a closer to a rebuilding team (Kelley, Vasquez or Box) as I got Miko for $3 in our auction.   Do you like that idea or am I exposing myself to too much risk with those injured SPs and inconsistency from those closers thus far.

Justin Mason: No, I think that is fine to do. Boxberger has been very safe so far. Vasquez has that job as long as he is healthy.

Jonny: Flip Rhys Hoskins or Carlos Martinez for Jose Berrios?

Justin Mason: I ranked C-Mart a couple spots above Berrios on our most recent pod. I did trade CMart for Hoskins in Tout though.

Stevie: Seth Lugo – what do you think?

Justin Mason: I really like his stuff, but I don’t trust the Mets. I think he is going to be in the rotation most of the season, but he could get bounced around annoyingly.

Uncle Mork: Does Kiermaier play every day when he returns?

Justin Mason: yes

Larry Hutz: You holding on to Romero in dynasty for a $1? Would you drop for Hector Rondon if you needed saves?

Justin Mason: If that helps me win now, I would do it.

tacopocket: Are you concerned about bumgarner?   I can trade for him but i’m not getting a discount or anything

Justin Mason: I am concerned. Has not looked as sharp since the ATV injury last season. Still looks off in his first few starts. I would look elsewhere personally considering the price people will want.

dingbat: Would you trade Stripling for Sano in a keep forever dynasty? My league is weekly, so I just try to go with whoever has 2 starts, and lean toward a good hitter over a pitcher

Justin Mason: Not if you’re competing now. If rebuilding than yes.

Biggy: So beer questions are off limits?  Congrats man, that stuff can be tough to shake

Justin Mason: You can ask beer questions, but I don’t know much. I was more of a rum in a funnel kind of drinker.

My bench>your starters: Who is better in a dynasty? Jose Martinez or Max Muncy?

Justin Mason: Martinez

Biggy: Kris Bryant will be fine.  Just saying, everyone.  What about Hoskins tho?

Justin Mason: I think he will be too. Natural regression ,

Barry Gibb’s Son: Sitting Junis vs. Houston tonight, AL Only. Correct?

Justin Mason: yes

LateBloomer: Can we get an article and your thoughts on McNeil? His player page is bare, he’s a late bloomer having a breakout year, was just moved to AAA, and Cabrera is in the final year of his contract on a bad Mets team.

Justin Mason: I don’t know enough about him honestly. Refer to the names above for more insight.

Hobbs: Justin been trying to get this answered all week. Hard to catch the chats during the day cuz of work. Ever thinki about bringing back the Tues night chats? ‪12tm Roto dynasty in 1st by a point but avg is 4/12. Trade Harper&Story for Machado & Yelich? Worried about giving Harper away in a dynasty and his avg has to come up soon right?‬

Justin Mason: That is really tough. Feel like you should get a smaller piece added because of trading Harper in dynasty. Do it if thats the best offer on the table because championships are forever. What time was the Tuesday night chats?

tJ: Do you see a big second half turnaround from Dozier like we’ve seen the past couple seasons?

Justin Mason: I do. There are small problems, but he is actually hitting the ball harder and making more contact. Should be fine.

My bench>your starters: Paul Blackburn or Domingo German?

Justin Mason: German

San Dzymborski: Jeff Sullivan says Alen Hanson ain’t shit. DO YOU AGREE?

Justin Mason: I disagree. I would say he is a pretty decent utility guy.

Kirk: Hi! Should I trade C.Martinez for K.Davis?

Justin Mason: You can.

My bench>your starters: How many fantasy leagues are you in?

Justin Mason: 17 for baseball

Spud : Any way Jose Martinez makes it back from paternity in Venezuela for Monday’s game?  Seems like a lot of travel

Justin Mason: I believe he is supposed to.

Will work 4 saves: Trade Wacha for Cody Allen?

Justin Mason: if you need saves.

Rick: You answer questions incredibly quickly.  Coffee couldn’t pull this off…I suspect you’re poppin’ greenies.  Anywho: like Andrelton or Crawford more ROS?  (when is Simmons coming back anyways?)

Justin Mason: Just had In and Out for lunch. Gets me going. Simmons once he is healthy. Crawford is playing over his head.

Jason Gottlieb: Do you believe in David Peralta’s recent power surge? Especially considering he’s already reached his career high in homers. Is he a better OF option than Teoscar, Joc, Schebler, Soler, Thames, Polanco, Kepler or Meadows? If you had to rank these guys, where would Peralta land?

Justin Mason: I believe that he has definitely improved. I would have a hard time believing he gets to 30 this year. Maybe he hits another 10-12? I would take him over most of those guys

James C: Would you drop Wood or Heaney to get Soroka off my DL? Or I could drop both Soroka and one of Wood/Heaney to try to get Giles hoping he regains the closer role.

Justin Mason: I would not drop either personally.

Jason Gottlieb: Bundy is a highly controversial fantasy player when it comes to ROS rankings. Would you rather have Heaney, Weaver, Fulmer, Aaron Sanchez, or Jon Gray than Bundy? If you had to rank these guys for ROS, where would Bundy land among them?

Justin Mason: I would rather have Heaney

ABall: Are you cutting Sano in redraft leagues?

Justin Mason: Depends on size of league, but I am holding where I can.

ABall: How long do you think Sano is down for?  Time to cut in redraft?

Justin Mason: I would guess he is down close to a month. Maybe back after the ASB?

My bench>your starters: Do you know anything about Yusei Kikuchi, the Japanese pitcher who may be posted this offseason?

Justin Mason: No, Tim McLeod from Prospect 361 is your man there.

Sonny: Dynasty assets; hoarding Tatis Jr, Rodgers & Bichette with Story at the MLB level how should I diversify? What kind of asset class are any of those 3 worth if I’m at the top of the standings?

Justin Mason: All three are top 30 prospects IMO. Got to just search for guys of that ilk at different positions. Eloy, Tucker, Gore, Calhoun, Huira, Adell.

Ray Liotta as Shoeless Joe: !

Justin Mason: ?

Ray Liotta as Shoeless Joe: The old Tuesday After Dark chat was Jeff Zimmerman and Paul Swydan at 9pm EST. But I’m a west coaster so this one is great to me

Justin Mason: I am a West Coaster that works graveyards, so that is usually nap time for me. Maybe Paul would let me do a middle of the night chat

Chris: Went to the Caps parade on Tuesday and it has to be one of the best days of my live  #ALLCAPS

Justin Mason: #ALLCAPS!

Kevin: Sano was dropped in my 14 team league.  My 3b is currently Pablo Sandoval.  I’ve been stashing Willie Calhoun all year.  Is Sano a better stash at this point than Calhoun?

Justin Mason: yes

Justin Miller: We have the same name, brother.  Tell us about me.

Justin Mason: You have had a rough time with the names. Just in time. Miller time. You make up for it with good looks and a great sense of humor.

Hannah Hochevar: I have a broken Josh Donaldson returning from the DL soon (maybe), which will result in an abundance of 3B on my roster. Do I drop Miguel Andujar or Matt Chapman?

Justin Mason: Wait and see what the news on Chapman’s hand is. The answer may be more obvious then.

Mat: Gleyber Torres for Greinke in a dynasty league (keep 9). Too much to give up for contending this year?

Justin Mason: I don’t think it’s too much.

Mark: What is more popular, roto or H2H?

Justin Mason: I believe H2H is more popular. I prefer Roto.

Mat: Dynasty league: Harper for Blackmon, Hoskins and Carrasco

Justin Mason: Take the trio.

Barry Gibb’s Son: In and Out lunch! You should be answering these questions ANIMAL STYLE. (Not sure if that would mean with monkey noises or onion breath…)

Justin Mason: loooool

Aguilar: are these mo’s really guna platoon me and my nearly .900 OPS? Cmonnnn.

Justin Mason: Never trust teams.

marichal: Will the Reds make room for Senzel any time soon?

Justin Mason: At the trade deadline.

Tom: Man, Garrett Richards just can’t ever be healthy…try and flip Brandon Crawford for him?  Owner needs SS so may be able to steal a gem while he’s worried about that hammy…

Justin Mason: definitely try.

Dodgerbleu: Morton or Quintana ROS?

Justin Mason: Morton

Justin Mason: but that was difficult.

Biggy: Goldie too much to give up for Berrios in a keeper?

Justin Mason: yes

Michael: conforto or joc smith RoS in a 12 team league?

Justin Mason: gulp… conforto

Michael: worth dropping cole hamels for seth lugo or jake junis in a 12 team league?

Justin Mason: sure

marichal: With Myers and Franchy due back soon, the Padres outfield is jammed. Who gets the most ABs other than Myers: Renfroe, Margot, Jankowski, Franchy, or Reyes? Please rank ROS. Thanks!

Justin Mason: Margo and Franchy? It is a mess.

Heaven’s Fernandez: Is Jose Fernandez capable of stealing a job in Anaheim?

Justin Mason: I don’t think he is. UT guy.

Willie: Start or sit Porcello tonight @SEA vs Paxton?

Justin Mason: Sit

Mat: Is Gleyber Torres due for some regression this year? What’s his long term projection?

Justin Mason: He definitely is. I think long term he is a 20+ homer guy with a .280-.300. He is playing out of his mind so far.

Mr. Met: Thoughts on Conforto ROS?  Gonna be crowded when Cespedes gets back

Justin Mason: He needs to get it together quick.

Joe Joe: What would it take for you to trade Soto in a dynasty league?

Justin Mason: I would want a top 30-40 player.

My bench>your starters: Jake Lamb for Sano in a dynasty

Justin Mason: sure

Stan: IF you desperately needed pitching help, trade my Blackmon for Degrom? I have Eaton, marte, markakis, Nimmo, muncy and teoscar so I have outfield depth

Justin Mason: sure

Stant ‘n Deliver: Is Justin Smoak droppable in an AVG & OPS 12-team redraft? On the shallower side — would slot in Jose Martinez at 1B and need space for Donaldson and Acuna coming off the DL.

Justin Mason: I think he is.

Stevie: Are you a Stripling fan?  That’s nice production from the RP slot in H2H

Justin Mason: I am jumping on the bandwagon late. Really impressive stuff. Has progressed a lot from previous seasons. Mechanics are solid and delivery is smooth.

Reliever ‘Stash: Best ‘stache has got to be John Axford, but who’s are the best few RP stashes for saves 2nd half?

Justin Mason: Daniel Mengden’s stache is better.

Justin Mason: Winkler, Yates, Hicks

My bench>your starters: What would it take for you to deal Vlad Jr in a dynasty?

Justin Mason: A top 30-40 player.

54: Would you trade Jeimer Candelario for Sano in a keeper league? I like Candelario, I’m competing, but it feels like a good buy low opp.

Justin Mason: I would

weezy: Gave Shaw and Vazquez for Machado in a 14 team OBP league…. some league mates are upset. Pass the sniff test to you?

Justin Mason: seems fine

Ichiro: Getting the feeling that Kopech will be a bust…you picking up on that hunch as well? Thinking of trading for another up-and-coming pitcher.

Justin Mason: I don’t think that at all.

Larry Hutz: Are either Adames or Bauers going to provide worthy production for 12 team leagues? Which would you bet on?

Justin Mason: I would bet on Adames over Bauers, but both are high floor lower ceiling guys to me.

San Dzymborski: do you think Caleb’s Smith’s numbers hold up ROS, or have we seen his best for the year already?  congrats on the 13 years, that is awesome

Justin Mason: I think this is the high mark on him personally. He is a streamer at home for me I n most formats.

Eminor3rd: Deep 16 teamer, few waiver options. Time to cut bait on Domingo Santana?

Justin Mason: Not yet.

Fredrick: Just traded Doolittle for a package of Scott Kingery, Touki, Adonis Medina and a draft pick upgrade in a 20 team semi-dynasty. I’m not competitive this year. Did I do good?

Justin Mason: I think so. I have shares of all those guys in different leagues. Really like Medina.

Justin Mason: Ok guys, that is going to wrap it up for me today. As always you can hit me up on twitter or facebook.