Justin Mason Baseball Chat – May 29th, 2018
Here is the transcript from my weekly chat. Join me next week at Noon EST on Tuesday! May try to do an extra long one then.
9:00 |
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008744507752 or on twitter @justinmasonfwfb.
: 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 |
9:00 |
: Should I just give up and drop Willie Calhoun already?
|
9:00 |
: I am still holding tight, but it is hard to rationalize it.
|
9:01 |
: 12 team league (non-save), been using ottavino to help ratios. don’t have an open DL slot, so should I hold him, eating a roster spot, or drop for someone like tepera, e-rod, or caleb smith?
|
9:01 |
: That’s tough. He has been so valuable, but obliques can be tricky. I would drop for E-Rod
|
9:01 |
: Are the TB Rays still garbage?
|
9:02 |
: Maybe…
|
9:02 |
: 14 team dynasty points league – Would you trade Robles for Nola? Trying to win this year. Thanks!
|
9:02 |
: YES! Always win now if you can
|
9:02 |
: Hi justin, In a 14 team dynasty what do I do with Giolito – he’s killing me I fear cutting him might make me very very sad in a couple of years. Any could suggestions for replacements?
|
9:03 |
: I would drop him at this point. Better to win now and regret him later than lose because of him.
|
9:03 |
: Would you sell Godley/Lindor for Verlander/Simmons in an 18 team keeper points league?
|
9:03 |
: I would not.
|
9:03 |
: You starting Kyle Gibson today in a QS league if you don’t need starts?
|
9:03 |
: He was my streaming pick in the Roto Riteup
|
9:03 |
: Any interest in Frankie Montas for OAK?
|
9:04 |
: A little. I wrote him up in at Fantasy Alarm yesterday. While the control was decent, the command was spotty. Interesting guy due to prospect pedigree and velo, but more of a deeper league play right now.
|
9:04 |
: Eduardo Nunez droppable in 12 tm?
|
9:04 |
: Yes.
|
9:04 |
: You buying on Max Muncy?
|
9:05 |
: In the short term I am. Long-term, I think the dodgers address 2B if they are competing at the deadline.
|
9:05 |
: You starting Michael Fulmer tonight in a 12 team roto? 180 start limit and I’m ahead of the pace already. Thank you!
|
9:05 |
: I am.
|
9:05 |
: How much are you bidding on Bieber? Rather him or Soroka ROS?
|
9:06 |
: Not more than 5% of remaining FAAB. I like his profile as a good MLB pitcher. Don’t know that it translates to fantasy and I don’t know if his rotation spot is very safe. I am taking the shot on him in deeper formats, but not dropping Soroka for him.
|
9:06 |
: Marwin Gonzalez or Josh Harrison in a 12 team roto? Thank you!
|
9:06 |
: Harrison
|
9:06 |
: When Eaton and/or Pollock come off the DL, who are you dropping of: SOler, Aguilar, Alonso, Adujar, Franco?
|
9:07 |
: Alonso and Aguilar
|
9:07 |
: I know it’s hard in a vacuum but I’m looking to sell high on Heaney in an OPS league, what type of bat could I realistically expect back? Puig? Alonso? Moose? Brantley?
|
9:08 |
: I think you might be able to get any of those. Start with your favorite and work your way down. Don’t compromise too much on value just to move him. I love Heaney.
|
9:08 |
: Caleb Smith’s been looking great against bad offenses, do you think he will be viable in 12-team Std Roto?
|
9:08 |
: I don’t think he will be all year, but ride him while he is hot.
|
9:08 |
: Hypothetical: If Ohtani had SS eligibility as well, would he be the most valuable fantasy player and how much would you pay for him in a rest of season auction?
|
9:09 |
: If you can use him in daily lineups, he would be extremely valuable. Most valuable? I don’t think so, but we are talking about a potential first round pick next year in many formats.
|
9:09 |
: thanks for chatting, Justin! 10-team mixed league H2H. is Sean Manaea officially streamable if he doesn’t dominate TB tomorrow? (is he already?)
|
9:09 |
: He is already IMO
|
9:09 |
: Austin Meadows or Juan Soto?
|
9:09 |
: For this year, Meadows. For the future, Soto
|
9:09 |
: Soto or Wade Davis in a 12 team roto? Thanks!
|
9:10 |
: Depends on what you need.
|
9:10 |
: Jameson Taillon somehow dropped to the waiver wire. Should I drop any of Bundy, Musgrove, or Jon Gray for him?
|
9:10 |
: Nah
|
9:10 |
: When do you ever trade for saves? I’m first in SB but 2nd to last in SV. Was offered Cody Allen for Cain (I also have Altuve and Trea). Tempted but not sure.
|
9:10 |
: All the time. They can be one of the easiest categories to make up points in. I would do that if I didn’t need the speed.
|
9:11 |
: Love the chat! Skaggs or J. Gray RoS?
|
9:11 |
: I am probably in the minority on this, but Skaggs.
|
9:11 |
: Do you feel good about any closers in Tampa?
|
9:11 |
: Not at all
|
9:11 |
: Are you dropping Luke Weaver for Musgrove?
|
9:11 |
: No
|
9:11 |
: Think Ohtani pitches more frequently in the second half? His bat’s cooled off a bit.
|
9:11 |
: I think they are going to try and save his arm, so he may only pitch once a week at the most.
|
9:12 |
: Would you rather have Bird or Olson long term in a 14 team dynasty points league? Thank you!
|
9:12 |
: Olson because I don’t trust Bird to stay healthy.
|
9:12 |
: Would you trade Bellinger at a good contract dynasty league to try and win now or will Cody pick it up?
|
9:12 |
: I always want to win now. No one remembers the third place team, but we never forget champions.
|
9:12 |
: In a non-keeper league, is it worth picking up Vlad jr?
|
9:13 |
: Only if you have an NA slot or really deep benches.
|
9:13 |
: Is Ohtani’s arm really that worrisome long term?
|
9:13 |
: I don’t think so.
|
9:13 |
: Hi Justin. My bench is a bit clogged. What do I do with G Polanco, Gallo, and Yangervis? It seems like no one wants any of them because they are just marginal upgrades on what they have. The AVG and OBP for Gallo/Polanco is especially ugly for other owners in my league.
|
9:13 |
: No problem dropping Solarte or Polanco in shallow formats, but I would drop Solarte first.
|
9:14 |
RoS: Nimmo, Meadows, or Dahl? Different playing time issues for each, but similar upside. |
9:14 |
: Meadows
|
9:14 |
: Is Ross Stripling a keeper or more of a streaming type ROS?
|
9:14 |
: Streamer
|
9:14 |
: Are you dropping Sonny Gray?
|
9:14 |
: depends on depth of league
|
9:14 |
: 12 team roto, I’m comfortably in front at 100 with 12s in hitting, good enough pitching, few injuries (Darvish & Ottavino) but been here before in past years, and things fall apart… Any general advice on managing when your team is doing great?
|
9:15 |
: continue to be aggressive and diligent. Complacency kills
|
9:15 |
: Don’t just sit on a lead. Keep looking where you can improve or lengthen your lead in the standings.
|
9:15 |
: Can you give any insight on Belt’s terrific year and how well he’ll sustain this?
|
9:16 |
: Made a swing change in the off season. Shortened to help make it quicker to the ball and close a hole. I believe3 it is very sustainable and he is a top 7-10 1B
|
9:16 |
: Drop Ian Happ for a SP streamer, or is he too valuable to drop?
|
9:16 |
: I wouldn’t want to outside of very shallow formats.
|
9:17 |
: Haniger’s power has come back to earth this month. Over/Under 20 more HR this year? Thanks!
|
9:17 |
: Over. I beleive
|
9:17 |
: and I can’t spell
|
9:17 |
: Re: Meadows question — what about between Nimmo and Dahl? Or am I splitting hairs?
|
9:17 |
: Nimmo over Dahl
|
9:17 |
: though that depends on if you want upside vs floor.
|
9:18 |
: Nimmo is safer, but if Dahl ever figures it out, he could be a beast.
|
9:18 |
: My pitching staff is currently being carried by a bunch of guys no one drafted: Mikolas, Pivetta, Ross, Manaea, Smith, and Stripling. Why do I even bother to draft pitchers at all?
|
9:19 |
: This is why we devalue pitching in ranks and ADP. If we went based on where they finish, you’d be taking top starters all over the first two rounds, but they get devalued based on their inherent risk.
|
9:19 |
: would you trade baez (can be kept the next two years at $7 and $8) for altuve who can’t be kept. I am going for the win this year. 12 team 5×5 dynasty OBP
|
9:19 |
: sure
|
9:19 |
: Expectations for Rodon once he’s back from the DL? Is he a better stash than Jimmy Nelson?
|
9:20 |
: Until I see him not walk everyone, I can’t buy in over Nelson
|
9:20 |
: Haniger or Hoskins RoS?
|
9:20 |
: Haniger
|
9:20 |
: Any reason to worried about harper? HR are there, but the OBP has been steadily declining for a month now
|
9:20 |
: nope
|
9:20 |
: Inciarte for Gohara a good dynasty trade for a team probably leaning toward a rebuild?
|
9:20 |
: yeah
|
9:20 |
: Is Nelson Cruz finally old, or is he going to bounce back and end up with 35-40HR?
|
9:21 |
: I think he will be fine. Been dealing with injuries most of the year
|
9:21 |
: you tempting fate and starting duffy v min today?
|
9:21 |
: I am super tempted to do so in DFS. He is only $4,000 on DK
|
9:21 |
: Hey Justin, I’m torn on what to do with Kingery in a re-draft league. Should I move on?
|
9:21 |
: move on
|
9:21 |
: Does Tepera have the arsenal to stay a closer?
|
9:22 |
: I think he does, but I do not trust that situation at all.
|
9:22 |
: Are you still holding out hope for Darvish’s resurgence ROS?
|
9:22 |
: I am not with injury unless we get good news today.
|
9:22 |
: Max Stassi potential ?
|
9:23 |
: Mediocre?
|
9:24 |
: Hey Justin, I’m freaking out about Rhys Hoskins. What’s wrong with him?
|
9:25 |
: I think this is just the lower end on his range of outcomes. Expectations were just way too high. I think he will be a .255 guy with another 15-20 homers.
|
9:25 |
: What do you expect from Odor ROS? He seems to be hitting a little better this past week. In a 10 team league with MI position, is he worth keeping around or should I go with Gyorko?
|
9:25 |
: I just grabbed him in Tout Wars last week. I still believe.
|
9:26 |
: How do you address running away with a category at this point in the year? Currently I have Severino, Syndergaard, Paxton, Buehler, Hader, and Chapman, and if it’s not obvious from that list I have a massive lead in K’s. I don’t think anybody is going to trade for single category help, but it feels like I should explore a 2-for-1 where I give up the best player (one of those SP’s) for a less dominant pitcher and to plug a hole elsewhere.
|
9:26 |
: That is a good strategy. Also look for people that are hurting in K’s and maybe you can make a 2-for-2 trade and double up on a category you’re hurting in.
|
9:26 |
: Why do I keep making the same mistakes every week?
|
9:26 |
: I ask myself that all the time.
|
9:27 |
: What’s ailing Goldschmidt?
|
9:27 |
: Feels like a head issue. Dude is just pressing. Nothing in his profile makes sense as why he is struggling like this.
|
9:27 |
: Andrew McCutcheon… Does he have any real value going forward?
|
9:27 |
: only in deeper formats.
|
9:27 |
: what does O’Neill have to do to play everyday ros? what about Meadows?
|
9:28 |
: Send Dexter Fowler some bad seafood.
|
9:28 |
: Is Alex Reyes being overhyped or does he have legit ace upside?
|
9:28 |
: both
|
9:29 |
: I have no idea what to do with Donaldson. Clearly hurt and now hurt with with another injury. I just have to slot him in and pray, right?
|
9:29 |
: Yeah, it’s rough but you can’t cut
|
9:29 |
: You can’t buy in Rodon over Nelson?? He is on pace to come back over a month before him with similar upside
|
9:30 |
: How does he have similar upside, when we have actually seen a good season from Nelson? Rodon has never delivered on the pedigree. Doesn’t mean I don’t like him, but the chances that he is better than Nelson is smaller.
|
9:30 |
: Pickup Andrew McCutcheon or stash Adam Eaton and his endless history of injuries
|
9:30 |
: Neither?
|
9:31 |
: if McMahon gets 2B eligibility, do you prefer him or kingery?
|
9:31 |
: I guess, but I don’t know what his playing time is like long term.
|
9:31 |
: Pomeranz lost 2mph which can partly explain his struggles, but in general he just looks awful. Think he’ll right the ship?
|
9:31 |
: nope
|
9:31 |
: League that prioritizes strikeouts. Does Cody Allen for Jose Berrios seem fair?
|
9:31 |
: Give me Berrios in that format.
|
9:31 |
: Devers or candelario ROS? Obp/slugging league. Thanks!
|
9:31 |
: Devers
|
9:32 |
: Shark looks awful. I’ll take an ERA north of 4.50 if he’s stacking up the Ks, but those numbers are middling. Is he going to turn it around ROS?
|
9:32 |
: I think he does, but you may want to keep him on the bench for a while.
|
9:32 |
: I picked up Forrest Whitley for nothing in a keeper league. Does he get a chance to start so the Astros can rest their starters down the stretch or will he be limited to the bullpen?
|
9:32 |
: I think he is limited to the bullpen coming off the suspension.
|
9:32 |
: Chase Anderson, Fernando Romero, Domingo German: your favorite ros?
|
9:32 |
: (Holds nose) Anderson
|
9:32 |
: First year my league is doing keepers. My keeper options are suspect, so I grabbed Soto hoping he’s a 2018 contributor and a potential 2019 keeper. Think he plays well enough to be rosterable all year?
|
9:33 |
: I think he can.
|
9:33 |
: Villar or Josh Harrison in a 12 team roto? Thanks!
|
9:33 |
: Villar. Go with the upside
|
9:33 |
: Is Godley droppable in a 12 team league? The BB/9 is horrific
|
9:33 |
: Yeah
|
9:33 |
: My team was flying high in April, but my offense has been absolutely putrid the last few weeks with Hoskins, Bellinger and Teoscar Hernandez all slumping badly. Do you see these guys getting back on track?
|
9:34 |
: I believe in Hernandez for sure. Both Hoskins and Bellinger will be better, but just maybe not as good as people thought.
|
9:34 |
: Who do you like between Pillar or Nimmo for the rest of the year? 5×5 redraft. Pillar’s defense will keep him in the lineup more often, right?
|
9:34 |
: Pillar in formats that reward playing time, but Nimmo in OBP or daily moves where you can use him as a platoon bat.
|
9:34 |
: 10 team league. why do i still have jay bruce?
|
9:34 |
: You enjoy pain
|
9:35 |
: Move Arrieta before it’s too late? It’s probably already too late isn’t it? I answered my own question.
|
9:35 |
: No, I think now is a good time to sell.
|
9:35 |
: Time to pick up Michael Kopech in a 12 team keeper league?
|
9:35 |
: He should have been owned already in a keeper.
|
9:35 |
: Pickup Josh Bell now or Stash Adam Eaton?
|
9:35 |
: Bell
|
9:35 |
: Andrelton Simmons will not and apparently CAN NOT strike out. I grabbed this dynamo after Seager went out for the year and feel like the replacement level value I’m getting is pretty gosh darn dandy! Think he keeps up the BA at least this year, keeps scoring runs in this lineup? Oh, and Kinsler SUCKS.
|
9:36 |
: I love Simmons. I think people are still sleeping on him for no apparent reason.
|
9:36 |
: You have faith in Stroman long term in a 14 team dynasty points league? Thanks!
|
9:36 |
: I do, but this may be a lost year.
|
9:36 |
: I am in need of replacement managers in my league. Assuming other commish are in the same boat, is there any chance you could run an “in need of replacements” post like at the start of the season? Thanks
|
9:36 |
: Remind me and I will be happy to.
|
9:37 | : or join my facebook group and post stuff there: |
9:37 |
: Pick a side, Manny Machado or Jose Ramirez!!!!!! Already have Lindor, would be getting Ramirez. I think not.
|
9:38 |
: Machado
|
9:38 |
: Is Mazara a top 30 outfielder moving forward?
|
9:38 |
: No, but it is close.
|
9:38 |
: Is Dexter Fowler toast?
|
9:38 |
: yes
|
9:38 |
: should colin mchugh be held in a 12 team mixed league?
|
9:38 |
: no
|
9:38 |
: Just made several ‘anger” moves in light of my dismal offense. Dropped Polanco, Teo, Robertson and DDS for Nimmo, Mucy, Peralta and Carpenter. How’d I do? 6×6 OBP 12 T Dynasty.
|
9:39 |
: I think you may have overreacted on Teo, Polanco and DDS.
|
9:39 |
: Drop Tyler Skaggs for Nick Kingham?
|
9:39 |
: no
|
9:39 |
: Would you rather Sano or would you rather Schwarber?
|
9:39 |
: Sano
|
9:39 |
: 20 team dynasty. I’m in 6th place. In a vacuum, posey for my erod. Do it or hold young pitching?
|
9:39 |
: posey all day
|
9:40 |
: what is wrong with matt olson?
|
9:40 |
: “He is who we thought he was”
|
9:40 |
: Over/Under .285/12HR/12SB for Andrus when he gets back? Thanks!
|
9:40 |
: under on power. Over on SBs
|
9:40 |
: Just want to say that my strategy of long relievers and like 2 starters was great, until Miller, Iglesias, and Ottavino went down.
|
9:41 |
: Tell me about it. Just was loving Ottavino in Tout
|
9:41 |
: Is a Castillo a safe start in a shallow points qs league?
|
9:41 |
: Safe? No, but he has been much better
|
9:41 |
: Can we all please drop Ed. Nunez at this point?
|
9:41 |
: yup
|
9:41 |
: Did the real Sean Newcomb stand up in BOS, or was that just a blow up game that should not occur often?
|
9:42 |
: Dr. Jekeyl showed up. Expect him to show up more often.
|
9:42 |
: How long do you think it takes Pedroia before he starts hitting?
|
9:42 |
: Got a time machine?
|
9:42 |
: Stripling or Tropeano RoS?
|
9:42 |
: TRopeano
|
9:42 |
: Think Kemp sticks in the crowded Astros’ OF or just a place holder?
|
9:42 |
: nope
|
9:42 |
: Are we experiencing a Trevor Bauer breakout? (Please say yes, I have Godley, Shark, and Darvish)
|
9:43 |
: I believe we are, but he has been the BJ Upton of pitching in terms of tinkering, so I have a hard time completely jumping on board after being burned so often in the past.
|
9:43 |
: Should I be trying to trade Nick Markakis actively here, or is this level of production for real? He really helps in almost all categories except SBs
|
9:44 |
: I would try and move him, but I don’t know that you’ll get much in return. May be better to just ride it out nd cut when he coold
|
9:44 |
: Picked up Ryan McMahon in super deep league – is he worth a spot?
|
9:44 |
: in a super deep league. yes
|
9:44 |
: Come playoff time in a 12 team h2h, should I try and maximize 7 or so categories? Or try to compete in all 10? Thanks!
|
9:44 |
: I try and maximize
|
9:44 |
: In 12 tm OPS, which side do you prefer if HR/RBI are the goal: Donaldson, Adam Jones, Gausman or Dozier, Jesus Aguilar?
|
9:44 |
: Gausman side
|
9:45 |
: Trying to win this year in a 12 team roto – Would you move Blackmon for Dozier, Greinke, Treinen and Cody Allen? Only have 2 points in saves and in 4th place overall… Thanks!
|
9:45 |
: If I needed the depth
|
9:45 |
: Is Scooter Gennett enough of a product of ballpark and good lineup spot that he should be a sell high candidate before he possibly gets traded?
|
9:45 |
: Sure. Don’t know that they do trade him though. Can’t really figure out the reds.
|
9:45 |
: Do you stand by your point that you made on the SnB podcast about the Braves being dumb to call up Acuna at all this year because they wont be competitive?
|
9:46 |
: No, I can eat crow on that one.
|
9:46 |
: Is Seranthony Dominguez looking to be the next stud long middle reliever?
|
9:46 |
: I think he could be. As long as the control sticks.
|
9:46 |
: Also, I have Vlad jr and everyone wants him. What sort of pitching return is reasonable? How high should I try – Nola?
|
9:46 |
: Nola is a nice start, but I wouldn’t go much lower than that. Vlad is special.
|
9:46 |
: I might even try for higher.
|
9:47 |
: Jake Lamb a viable CIF/UTIL option in a 12 team league? Thanks!
|
9:47 |
: I think he is iffy
|
9:47 |
: What is your take on Desclafani when he comes back which could be by the weekend? Worth picking up?
|
9:47 |
: In NL Only maybe, but he needs to show health before I grab him in a mixer
|
9:47 |
: Puigs coming around a bit. I need to trade for some pitching. Do I deal him for Ja happ, romero, roark or gausman? or do I hold him?
|
9:47 |
: Gausman
|
9:47 |
: Hey Justin, are there any top hitting prospects you think get called up after the Super Two cutoff passes? Like Bauers, Tucker or even Cozens? I’m moving on from Calhoun, personally. Just isn’t hitting.
|
9:49 |
: Tucker should be up. Maybe Senzel depending on if the vertigo doesn’t come back.
|
9:49 |
: Got offered Archer for my Realmuto. 12 team league and i already have Kurt Suzuki on my roster. Would you accept that trade?
|
9:49 |
: sure
|
9:49 |
: How much value does Yonder Alonso have? Better option than Healy or Candelario?
|
9:49 |
: no, he’s not a better option.
|
9:49 |
: You a schwarber believer? Flaherty too high of a price to pay to trade for him?
|
9:50 |
: Never have been. Platoon player with shoddy defense keeps his ceiling capped. I will say his defense has been better this year, but that doesn’t change my opinion.
|
9:50 |
: Traded my Cain/Pivetta for Stanton. Good move?
|
9:50 |
: yeas
|
9:51 |
: Trevor Cahill will be a top _____ SP this year. Thanks!
|
9:51 |
: 60
|
9:51 |
: FIP says Jon Gray should be a heck of a lot better than his ERA indicates. But we’ve seen discrepancy this before. Should I cut bait in roto with Caleb Smith, Cahill, Boyd and Marco Gonzalez available on the wire?
|
9:52 |
: I think he is a streamer right now because he can’t figure out Coors. IF he was in a different park, he might be a top 20 guy.
|
9:52 |
: Hold onto Vinny Velasquez in a 10 team?
|
9:52 |
: meh
|
9:52 |
: Would you trade me in a 16 team dynasty for Cespedes, Jon Gray, and Matt Olson?
|
9:52 |
: nope
|
9:52 |
: Lance McCullers is challenging. He’s a top 25 pitcher any way you slice it, and 60% of the time, he flashes top 10 stuff. He has Boston coming up. A pitcher of those ranking you should never bench, but would you bench him against the top 3-5 offenses?
|
9:53 |
: He is in the must start category for me.
|
9:53 |
: what is your preferred fantasy format. Number of teams, keeper/redraft, roto v hth, and standard or custom categories? Thanks
|
9:54 |
: AL or NL ONLY with OBP instead of AVG, with short term keepers at auction value. I am not actually in one of these right now, but that is my favorite
|
9:54 |
: David Price will be a top ____ SP for the year? Thanks!
|
9:54 |
: 40
|
9:54 |
: Nimmo a 10-team grab yet or too shallow?
|
9:54 |
: if it is OBP and there are deep benches and daily moves.
|
9:55 |
: I was offered a combo of Kershaw and Strasburg for Altuve. My hitting is strong, my pitching fine enough, but I’m in 2nd place and figured why mess with a good formula. Should I have immediately jumped on that trade, or was the hesitation justified?
|
9:55 |
: I’d do it.
|
9:55 |
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008744507752 or on twitter @justinmasonfwfb.
: Ok, going to wrap up a couple minutes early. If I didn’t get to your questions then hit me up on facebook at |
Justin is the co-host on The Sleeper and The Bust Podcast and writes for Rotographs covering the Roto Riteup as well as other periodic articles. In addition to his work at Rotographs, Justin is the lead fantasy writer/analyst and co-owner for FriendswithFantasyBenefits.com, and the owner of The Great Fantasy Baseball Invitational. He is also a certified addiction treatment counselor. Follow Justin on Twitter @JustinMasonFWFB.
Re: “anger moves”. Discovering I’m not the only one, like Yoda dropping the “there is another Skywalker” bomb. We need a support group to talk us off the ledge.