Justin Mason’s Baseball Chat – April 10th, 2023

Justin Mason: Chat will begin at the top of the hour as long as we have enough questions. In the meantime, please follow me on all my social media’s (twitter, tiktok, facebook, youtube, and instagram) at JustinMasonFWFB! I am doing regular podcasts on the FWFB podcast as well as three episodes a week for the Sleeper and the Bust so definitely make sure you are subscribed there as well!

Captain Awesome: Buying in on Myles Straw?  Is he the real deal this year?

Justin Mason: I’m buying that he can get a crap ton of stolen bases. The average could be halfway decent because of all the contact he makes, but there is a good probability that it regresses back to what we saw last season.

comish4lif: 12 team, NL only, how much of a leash does Ezekiel Tovar get?

Justin Mason: I think he will get a fair amount of rope. No reason for them to pull the plug early. It is the Rockies, but they already have him up and playing

J: 14 team 6×6 OPS league – drafted Hoskins originally, but who are you rolling with going forward? Wil Myers, Garrett Cooper, Gallo, Vosler, Harold Ramirez. The options are not great.

Justin Mason: I am rolling with Myers for now put you may just want to stream that spot untl you find someone good

Captain Awesome: What do you expect from Domingo German this week (2 starts)?  Cut bait if it doesn’t go well this week?

Justin Mason: It is not an awful two start matchup so if he isn’t good, then I would cut bait

SamskiNYC: Justin, I just had to pick up Donovan Solano in AL Tout. But he’s been hitting clean-up, so am I not totally screwed there?

Justin Mason: Anyone with a pulse in AL Only can work. Hopefully this is a short term solution for you lol

Captain Awesome: Hope you are well; how are your NFBC main event teams doing?

Justin Mason: So far, I am doing well. My Auction league is going pretty well (2nd place and top 20 overall) and My main event is competitive (3rd place in the league). Pitching is the only real issue on those teams and I am going to need to grind that.

Patrick: In an 12 team AL only with 3 priority adds/year, should I use 1 of my 3 priority adds on Jhony Brito, Akil Baddoo or Matt Vierling? Brito would be a pure block, whereas Baddoo or Vierling would be somewhat needed, as I lost Siri and Stowers last weekend(although could add 2 other outfielders very easily with lower priority add, which are infinite/year)

Justin Mason: I think I would go with Vierling because his role is safer.

comish4lif: Would you drop Rodolfo Castro to add Francisco Alvarez? How about Steer?

Justin Mason: If I needed a catcher, I would. The upside is immense.

Artie the Strongest Man in the World: Do you think we’ll ever see Pete Alonso and Pete Crow-Armstrong play on the same team?

Justin Mason: PRobably not lol

SamskiNYC: Will the Nationals play Stone Garrett regularly? It feels like he kind of deserves it

Justin Mason: Probably not, but I would love to give him a chance. The skills are shaky, but the upside is tantalizing.

Ben: Justin – Do you expect Wiemer to stay in MIL lineup and possibly move up in the order?  Thx.

Justin Mason: If he can keep hitting he will, but the strike outs may become a problem long term.

Matt: Understanding that it’s been 10 days into the season, are we nervous about Josh Bell at all? I was higher on him than most analysts, but he seems to really be struggling right now

Justin Mason: I think it is a bit too early to panic. There are some concerns though. The Z-Contact is down and Swinging Strike Rate is up. I think he will be fine, but I am watching this. A good day or two and all of a sudden he’s back to being good, so don’t panic yet.

Insert Witty Name Here: Desperate for OF help. Would you trade Strider knowing he’s an injury risk for someone like Arozerena?

Justin Mason: I don’t have an issue with that.

Matt: You think Finnegan is losing the closer role?

Justin Mason: I think it is a fluid situation.

AJ: Sell J. Baez after his first solid to big week?

Justin Mason: I guess. Baez is who he is. He will have hot streaks and cold streaks. If you can’t handle those then sell once he gets hot.

Sporgrrr: You starting Contreraa

Justin Mason: no

Jo Adell: you see me?  do you see me helping an AL only team this year?

Justin Mason: Probably not. There is too much development needed.

Moneyball: Is Charlie Morton and/or Jack Flaherty worth a free agent add in a 10 team Fangraphs points league that starts 5 SP?

Justin Mason: Morton over Flaherty.

Guest: I’m in a 14-team H2H dynasty and have Casas at 1B; who do you like better to pair with him now and long term: Dom Smith or Alex Kirilloff?

Justin Mason: Now: Dom Smith. Long term: neither?

JOHNNYHELLER: Time for dart throws – Is Alvarado going to get saves for PHIL? Who is the best choice in Washington? – C Edwards or H Harvey (assuming Finnegan loses the gig)?

Justin Mason: Harvey

kcc26: hello! Brendan Donovan startable in a 12 teamer? I could be wrong, but even though I’m still holding, I’m wondering where the upside is?

Justin Mason: I think he is because of the high floor and multi-positional eligibility. Could be a guy that gets you 15+ homers, a lot of runs and a good average. Won’t be a star, but helps a lot when injuries hit.

mario: really hard to think of a question where the answer isn’t “small sample size, ask again next month”

Justin Mason: That is the hard part this time of year, but that doesn’t mean we don’t want to pay attention. Keep watching games, usage, and the stats. Things begin to normalize here in the next couple of weeks.

James: I sat Kopech yesterday. Starting to think I should have just cut him since I couldn’t start him vs the Bucs 🙁

Justin Mason: Luckily for me, I had to use him in weekly formats. Don’t cut just yet, but be smart about your starts.

GBS42: Hi, Justin.  Saves+Holds league.  I have R. Helsley, M. Fulmer, A..Chafin, K. Finnegan, J. Alvarado as options.  Would you have them in this order or something different?  Thanks!

Justin Mason: Helsley, Fulmer, Chafin, Alvarado, Finnegan

Luis Garcia (Houston): I’m not doing very well with the pitch clock. How worried should I be about this season?

Justin Mason: I think considering how he has looked with the walks and strikeouts, I am a little worried right now.

Sporgrrr: What ate your thoughts about Drey Jameson as a starter?

Justin Mason: I like Jameson, but I am a little worried about the early walks. If he can curtail them, he won’t give back that role.

HappyFunBall: Do you count gratuitous nonsense questions towards your starting total?

Justin Mason: Depends on the day lol.

Grod: Bid 50% of my FAAB to win grod in a 15 teamer where he had been surprisingly dropped. My team is a bit short on SPS. 2nd place was 40%, so I didn’t horribly overshoot. Will I regret this decision?

Justin Mason: If you don’t have $0 bids in your league you will.

RGM: 12 tm H2H saves only… I have 1 IL spot but Freid is using it… Drop Jorge Lopez and Munoz? Thinking of picking up bubic and streaming Burleson in Col.

Justin Mason: Lopez if you have to, but I would try not to. Neither of those streamers seem worth it to me.

Cruz´s Ankle: Hey Justin, Replacements for Cruz, 16 Teams Pts League, Got Volpe, but there are Arcia and Mateo availables, some light pls?

Justin Mason: I am sticking with Volpe

schlub: Is Glasnow’s upside and risk worth an Andrew Vaughn-type bat? In a 10 team points league, and I keep waffling on it.

Justin Mason: I think so. It is not like Vaughn has been the healthiest guy himself. Shoot for the moon in a 10-teamer.

Rob: AL Only: Matt Chapman for Drew Rasmussen a pretty fair deal in your opinion?

Justin Mason: I want Rasmussen pretty easily there.

OC: Jordan Walker is a top _____ asset in dynasty leagues moving forward?

Justin Mason: 25-30

Rob: Are there any big names (let’s say preseason top-50 ADP) that are struggling that you are truly worried about at this point?

Justin Mason: Not really. It is too early.

willie Calhoun: is there a world I can stay around and make an impact?

Justin Mason: Not in this world.

Oneil Crud: Looking for options for a SS replacement for ONeil Cruz in Ottoneu 4×4. Can you rank Steer, L Garcia, C Taylor, E Hernandez?

Justin Mason: Steer, Hernandez, Garcia, Taylor

Rob: Who are your favorite widely-available RP spec grabs right now?

Justin Mason: Got to give me size of league on questions like this.

Mookie Monster: I have Oscar Gonzalez and Lourdes Gurriel. Victor Robles, Josh Lowe, and Joey Gallo are all on the wire. Should I make a swap? And for whom?

Justin Mason: Lowe for Gurriel

Porcho Villa: Which waiver catcher would you grab – O Hoppe or Cal Raleigh? Would you bench Kirk for either? 12 team 5×5 OBP

Justin Mason: O’Hoppe. I am ok benching Kirk for him right now, but I wouldn’t drop him.

Pants: Kelenic, 33% k rate but high average EV. Sitting vs lefties. How you feeling early on?

Justin Mason: Still nervous but it is still early.

CMG: 3B – Moncada or Jung ROS?  Any WW guys worth picking up? (J McCarthy, J Profar, H Bader, W Myers, E Ruiz, T Grisham) to replace Blackmon
Thank you

Justin Mason: Jung. I would pick up McCarthy for Blackmon.

Tony T: Do you expect Muller to stay in Oakland’s rotation given how bad the “top” of the rotation has been? Thoughts on his best-case-scenario upside? Thanks!

Justin Mason: I do expect him to. 150 innings of a low 4 ERA with like 130-140 Ks?

JB: It hit me the other day that the visiting team has a better chance of registering a save than the home team. If a visitor takes the lead in its last ABs in the top of the ninth, a save opportunity arises. If the home team takes the lead in the bottom of the 9th, game over and there is no save opportunity. Has anyone ever documented how much that matters in daily betting, etc.?

Justin Mason: I have not thought about that, but would be interesting to look at.

Keith Hernandez’ cat: Pitching in deep trouble early. Drop Detmers or Heaney for Jameson or DL McKenzie or both?

Justin Mason: Not doing that yet.

Matt: Re Bell: Do you think you’d trade him for Eduard Julien? I don’t have anywhere to start him, and wouldn’t mind freeing up some salary

Justin Mason: Probably not but I could understand if you did.

Moby: Tell me why I should pick up David Villar.

Justin Mason: He has power and should play a lot?

Guest: Would you drop Joey Meneses for Patrick Wisdom?

Justin Mason: No

mario: Myles Straw of the career 1.1% barrel rate…

Justin Mason: Is that bad? lol

Dan D.: Will the Red Sox announce a roster move re: Duvall before the start of today’s first game so we can reserve him for the week if needed?  If not, reserve him proactively given the injury history? Inquiring owners want to know…

Justin Mason: I would definitely reserve him. I don’t think he plays much if at all this week

Cheap Seats: Hi Justin, think W Smith is worth rostering in saves only or does LeClerc take over ROS? Also, Fujinami’s stuff is interesting. Think he can get his control down or is he destined to be wild? Thanks again.

Justin Mason: I am rostering Will Smith in my Main Event. I think he is the next man up if/when LeClerc struggles with his control. I don’t think Fujinami is that interesting because of the limited upside in Oakland and the downside with his command and control.

Mookie Monster: Have yet to start E-Rod. With Jays on tap, he’s firmly stapled to the pine. Bubic is available. Make the swap?

Justin Mason: I don’t mind that but I do believe E-Rod will be good this season.

GBS42: Justin, would you bench B. Snell (@NYM) to start R. Nelson (@MIA) this week?

Justin Mason: That is tough. I think I might, but there is risk for both.

Screwball: Better fantasy prospect – Bobby Miller or Gavin Stone?

Justin Mason: Stone but it is close

Yuniesky Betancourt: Hold onto Torkelson in a points league or drop for one of the top waiver options like A. Frazier, G. Cooper, or G. Mitchell?

Justin Mason: I would drop for Mitchell

Micah: Margot or Baddoo for an upside bench bat? (OBP roto)

Justin Mason: Margot

James: Super early offseason drafting regret?

Justin Mason: One of my best teams is a December draft, so no. There are pluses and minuses in drafting early.

Boob Itch: Is Bubic for real now, or just a flukey good start?

Justin Mason: I think it is mostly a fluky start, but I am ok with rolling with it for now.

Nick: In a 12 team points league Sale or Nelson vs Miami?

Justin Mason: Sale

Matt: Any updated thoughts on Mackenzie Gore?

Justin Mason: I think he is a really talented pitcher on a bad team and health concerns. I am rolling with him until the health becomes an issue.

James: When is Gavin stone getting the call?

Justin Mason: When the Dodgers need him.

Dan D.: Matz worth the @ Colorado dice roll to get his start vs. Pittsburgh later this week in a 17-team 5×5 league?

Justin Mason: No thank you.

The Say Hey Kid: Catchers, ugh. I have Logan O’Hoppe, who has been good so far, but ROS in H2H categories 1 C league: Best to stick with him? Or succumb the temptations of the likes of Mitch Garver, Gabriel Moreno, Danny Jansen, Francisco Alvarez, Jonah Heim, Shea Langeliers?.

Justin Mason: I think I am rolling with O’Hoppe knowing that there are a lot of options on the wire if he struggles.

James: Should I drop Clarke Schmidt for Urquidy?

Justin Mason: N

Guest: Can Hunter Brown do that 10-15 more times this year? (7IP, 0ER, 7k)

Justin Mason: Man, I would love to see if even though I don’t have him in a lot of leagues.

Kyle: How much rope do I give Trevor Rogers in a 12 teamer?

Justin Mason: Don’t give him a ton. You should be churning the back end of your roster there.

Guest: Deep NL only, any waiver wire ideas to replace Oneil? Who do you prefer as to Perdomo or Ahmed to get more PT?

Justin Mason: Perdomo

Ampersand: CI ROS, OPB: Yoan Moncada, DJ LeMahieu, or Christian Walker? sorry for all the acronyms

Justin Mason: LeMahieu

Injury gamble: Weekly lineup deadline dilemma.  I picked up Larnach as a possible repleacement for Starling Marte this week.  Looks like there will be no further update on Marte, other than a starined neck/day-to-day.  Do I gamble and keep Marte in RF hoping for a quick return, or just plug in Larnach and play it safe?

Justin Mason: Play it safe.

First base, worst base: I have Casas/Myers which is a rough combo. Mancini or Torkelson worth considering? Or should I just suffer?

Justin Mason: Stay patient for a bit.

mario: ok got one that’s not SSS. Or actually it is. VERY small sample size. And sensitive because we will root for the guy…. Meadows to IL with anxiety, joining a very short list of players to ever do so. I just have a hard time being optimistic he produces anytime soon. Cut him?

Justin Mason: Yes

Batman: 12 team roto. Starting rotation is Verlander, Kershaw, Sale, Glasnow, Clevinger, Flaherty with Buehler and Montas in IL..keeper league and so Buehler and Montas at $1 each and hard to drop. Civale Kopech Disco berrios on wire..stay pat and ride out injuries or drop to pick anyone of these

Justin Mason: I am ok dropping Montas to grab Kopech, Civale or Disco.

Justin Mason: Kopech is the top of the pile for me

Kyle: I’ve got Julio Urias (good), Gallen, Lynn, Sale, Gilbert (okay), Tyler Anderson, Trevor Rogers, and Musgrove (just had a setback). Talk me off the ledge

Justin Mason: I really like this rotation, so I would not worry a ton.

Alan: Currently have 4 IL players (Oneil Cruz, Nootbaar, Altuve, Munoz) in league with BB as a stat and only 2 IL spots. What would you do in this situation?

Justin Mason: Nootbaar should be back quickly I believe so if I have to drop someone, it is Munoz.

Morty: Looking at third base, who do you like rest of the year in a “standard” points league? Suarez, Miranda, or Jung? And why?  Thanks.

Justin Mason: Give me Jung. I think he has the best chance to really pop without the massive strikeouts you get from Suarez.

Justin Mason: If K’s aren’t negative, I go Suarez slightly over Jung though

Steve: Someone dropped Lars Nootbar in our 10tm h2h league.   Worth adding over a Colas, Outman, Mccarthy?

Justin Mason: I would do that over Colas

Guest: Are Mahle & Bubric just streamers or is there more under the hood which would give them more leash.

Justin Mason: I think Mahle is more than a streamer in deeper leagues, but Bubic is still a streamer for me.

Micah: Is Lance Lynn gonna turn it around or would you recommend selling while we can?

Justin Mason: I want to see one more start. If the velocity is down, I am going to be really worried.

Lomax: Any worries with the Phillies rotation, considering how anemic their offense is looking currently? Particularly thinking about wins. Thanks.

Justin Mason: I am worried about the Phillies right now. I wonder if they make a move to add another bat.

Guest: Any impact nl pitching prospects to sit on?

Justin Mason: Grove? Luis ORtiz?

Brady: Are you dropping Seranthony for a speculative add like Alvarado or Trevor Stephen?

Justin Mason: Not yet

Guest: Castellanos over Pederson?

Justin Mason: I think I go Pederson here.

BCubs: 20 team roto 20 categories. How long should my leash be for starters who have struggled (Taillon, Quantrill, Mikolas)? Do I insta drop wainwright and/or Kyle Hendricks when they come off the IL? Finally, Kelenic or Fraley?

Justin Mason: I am not keeping either of those IL guys over the listed guys. Kelenic for me but it is close.

Armadillofury: Spencer Steer or Torkelson if looking for a CI? Torkelson has more prospect pedigree and raw power but but Steer has a better hit tool and park

Justin Mason: Steer

Logan: How close are Brandon Pfaadt/Michael Grove? I’m looking to replace Kikuchi but I’m willing to wait for either of their call-ups – do you see any value in adding them now?

Justin Mason: I don’t know if there is a ton of value in adding them now. If the D-Backs were going to call up Pfaadt, why wouldn’t they have done it now instead of moving Jameson to the rotation.

Chili Beans: I have the oh so fun choice in a deep league–I basically have to start two of the following (and we have separate SP/RP slots so I can’t just stick a MR there): Flaherty (@COL, v. ARI), Muller (@BAL, v. NYM), Marquez (@SEA), and Musgrove (maybe he’ll come of the IL this week?).  Any advice?  (This team also has Cruz; it has been a tough start to the season.)

Justin Mason: This is tough. I guess I would go Flaherty and Muller. I don’t think Musgrove comes back this week.

Hank Scorpio: I’m holding Bradish and Singer in a 12tm with limited flexibility/no IL spots. I’m bullish on Bradish, but I have another 9 days at least to wait. And I don’t know what to make of Singer to start (K rate is a killer). Would you drop either for Whitlock, Megill, Matz, or Jameson?

Justin Mason: I am ok dropping Bradish with the intention of picking him back up before he returns. PRobably grabbing Whitlock

Landon Browe: Brandon Lowe looks like the 2019 version… Assuming this is a nice time to buy it?

Justin Mason: Yup, I am a big Lowe guy

The Prodigy Plays: A. Chapman > Kimbrel in saves only?

Justin Mason: Nope

James: Date one, bang one, ghost one. Mullins. Friedel. Kopech.

Justin Mason: Date Mullins, Bang Friedl, Ghost Kopech

Guest: Who is a current setup guy you would hold for ratios and an outside chance at moving into the role? Ottavino, Gallegos, Floro, anyone else?

Justin Mason: Ottavino or Miguel Castro

mario: what are Giants doing with Manaea and Stripling. Is Manaea in rotation and Stripling out? Are they alternating starts/piggybacks until someone gets hurt?

Justin Mason: I think the Giants hate our fantasy teams. This is going to be a situation with Manaea, Stripling, Wood, and DeSclafani moving forward until one gets hurt. Super frustrating.

Steve: SSS.   But Outman is officially that dude.  Correct?

Justin Mason: I am super excited but he is still striking out a lot. He will come back to earth at some point. This is a great time to sell, but I don’t blame you if you want to hold

Salad bar: Were you in on Nootbaar?  Looking at it he seems like a .250/25/10 type of dude… Was the excitement for him based on draft value?

Justin Mason: I definitely was. I think he could be a really big asset on top of that Cardinals lineup. Looking forward to him returning.

Justin Mason: Ok, going to do another speed round here in a minute because there are a ton of questions left.

Kid: If we drafted today, which SPs would be the biggest risers/fallers from a month ago?

Justin Mason: Faller: Luis Garcia. Riser: Jeffrey Springs

jay: Hi,

Justin Mason: Hi!

Guest: Is Tony Disco for real? 😀

Justin Mason: I think he could be. He has usally been really good when healthy and SF has a great park to protect his homer issues.

Bob: Manzardo and Mead worth stashing or are playing time concerns going to be too much?

Justin Mason: I think Mead is for sure. I just don’t know when Manzardo is up.

Ryan: Could Lodolo finish the year as a top 10 pitchers? 200k possible?

Justin Mason: He definitely could, but I think homers and walks could be an issue

Guest: 16-team roto 9X9 w/ traditional SP categories + QS, CG, and GIDP. Experience w/ unpredictability and no innings limit means I hardly ever sit SP…but I’m sitting Matz tonight at Coors. Right call? I’m sitting at or near top of SP cats, including ratios.

Justin Mason: Correct

Micah: Do you have any buy-low or sell-high targets at this point of the season? (12-team 6×6 OBP roto)

Justin Mason: I do a weekly article that comes out tomorrow on Fantasy Pros for exactly that

Hamilton Porter: Drew Rasmussen is a top __ SP right now? Same for teammate Jeffrey Springs.

Justin Mason: Ras: 30, Springs: 25

Keith: Thoughts on Detmers so far? Numbers aren’t there but it seems his stuff has taken another leap forward

Justin Mason: I would be patient with him for right now. The stuff is really good. As long as the Angels don’t get impatient, I think he will be fine.

Seth: Soler or Fraley? Also, are you buying into the changes Bubic has made?

Justin Mason: Soler and not yet

Mike: Thoughts on Carlos Estevez at this point? Can he earn the closer role still?

Justin Mason: I think he will get a shot

Joe Shlabotnik: I’m guessing it Luis Garcia’s (HOU) problems have at least as much to do with his old windup being banned as they have to do with the pitch clock. Had me leery until I saw he did fine in ST. Should have stayed leery…

Justin Mason: Yeah, I love Garcia, but I am worried right now.

JB: Which Rays pitcher wins the Cy Young?

Justin Mason: Springs

Sid Finch: Thoughts on Max Muncy? Buy, Hold, Panic Button?

Justin Mason: Hold

Tyler: Is the ball juiced again?

Justin Mason: Sure feels that way

Ed: Is 18/.270 a reasonable expectation for Brian Anderson by the end of the year?

Justin Mason: I think so

Eduardo Rodriguez: Can you save me from the Tigers?

Justin Mason: I cannot

Ryan: Too early to be concerned about Hunter Greene’s command?

Justin Mason: Nope, this was the concern coming in.

Smitty: Max Scherzer is down a mile an hour on his fastball… And things are not going well. Any concern level there?

Justin Mason: I am not concerned yet

MetLife: Is the Mets closer situation settled on Robertson? Worth holding Ottavino still?

Justin Mason: I think it is Robertson’s job for now, but if he struggles or gets hurt, Ottavino is next up.

Matteo: Can I drop will benson and will Brennan to pick up guys that have started hot who might help my team? 16 team H2H

Justin Mason: Yes

Steven Puntenney: Nice to meet you in Vegas. What is your take on Chas McCormick leading off in Houston? Can he get me 20Hr / 10 steals with regular playing time? Will he get regular playing time?

Justin Mason: I worry the playing time becomes an issue when they get healthy. Ride it for now though

Miserable in Milwaukee: I know it’s only been two starts, but how worried are you about Corbin Burnes? Any chance the contract fiasco is affecting his performance?

Justin Mason: I don’t think it is contract related, but I am a little concerned. Too early to do anything, but definitely am watching this

Hamilton Porter: How much longer are we holding Clarke Schmidt in an AL-Only? Upside is nice but is struggling. Best Ps in FA would be guys like Marco Gonzales, Jose Berrios, Dean Kremer, Will Smith, Trevor May, Matt Brash

Justin Mason: I would give him another week or so. Too early to jump ship I think

Harry Bolz: Start Matz in Coors today???

Justin Mason: NO!

Tom G: Tony Disco’s available on my wire. Drop one of Whitlock, Flaherty, Clevinger, N. Martinez for him?  Or better to hold? Standard 12 team roto. Thanks!

Justin Mason: I don’t mind dropping Clevinger for him. Or Martinez

A. Kirk: Some dummy in my league dropped A. Kirk since his PT has looked weird with the blue jays insisting on Belt as DH. I’m guessing I need to add Kirk > G. Montero and the waiver fodder. I’m worried Kirk’s PT looks weird though

Justin Mason: I would take Kirk over Montero

JR: 12 team NL only keeper. Set up to consistently compete for next 3 years. Struggling with Chourio, Pfaadt, or J. Merrill. Already have lots of OF, decent pitching Merrill far away

Justin Mason: Chourio

IV: Biggest surprise(s) so far this early in the season for you? Could be a player(s) or general expectations.

Justin Mason: Just how many more SBs there has been and how the ball is flying. It really changes the fantasy landscape.

Moneyball: Are we forever stuck with 2022 Max Muncy? Or, will 2018-19 Max Muncy return at some point?

Justin Mason: I think he will be ok, but not what he was previously.

RGS: Is it too early to be using statcast to identify sustainable performances or hidden value?

Justin Mason: I don’t think it is too early, but I do think things will change. We have only had about a week of action.

Daro: Garret Mitchell, Larnach, Friedl, Miranda, Kelenic. Need 2 for my util.

Justin Mason: Friedl and Mitchell

M: Who ends the season with more saves, Jose Alvarado or Andres Munoz?

Justin Mason: Munoz if healthy

Steve: Who to start this week… Outman or Colas?  Nootbar on WW.   Worth adding over either of them?

Justin Mason: Outman

Mets fan: is JD Davis worth adding? 3b eligible and seems like he is going to get at bats.

Justin Mason: Probably not

Kyle: Starting Jose Suarez today? Not a tough matchup, but neither was Seattle and he struggled there

Justin Mason: Yes

Mitch Keller: Will I finish the year as a top 30 starting pitcher?

Justin Mason: No

Kyle: Jose Suarez or German Marquez in H2H Cat league(QS/W/K/K9/ERA/WHIP)

Justin Mason: Suarez

George Vanderlay: 12-team H2H 10×9 category keeper league with K/9 K/BB QS HRA as pitching cats and BB K TB OPS as hitting cats….pick a side for now and in the future – Steven Kwan or Drew Rasmussen. Is it close?

Justin Mason: Rasmussen

Colton: Are we ready to buy in on Suwinski yet? Guy is hitting the hell out of the ball just nothing has fallen lol

Justin Mason: The strikeouts will be a major issue

Fish: Your thoughts on Volpe vs Pena this year and long term?

Justin Mason: This year, Pena. The floor is just too good. Long term, Volpe

Need Saves: What do you think of Peirce Johnson going forward?

Justin Mason: I think he is fine for a Rockies closer, but I think Bard is back at some point.

Guest: Is Berrios a drop in 12 tm 4×4?

Justin Mason: Yes

Kyle: 14 Team h2H Cat league – long term play this year B. Donovan or Yandy Diaz?

Justin Mason: Donovan

Kluber: pull the plug?

Justin Mason: Yes

Ponch: Thoughts on David Villar contributing above average for the year?

Justin Mason: I think he can power wise, but the K rate will be an issue for him.

Vince: Hi! 10-tm category roto w OBP replacing BA. Have B Donovan and Miguel Vargas as utility, but short on trustworthy SP1-2 after Nola, Javier and Springs.  Would drop either Donovan or Vargas for Hunter Brown or Deitmers? Thanks!

Justin Mason: Vargas for Brown.

Paul Shuey: Drop K. Ruiz for O’Hoppe in points league?

Justin Mason: Sure

Sporgrrr: Would you trade JRam for Jrod if you had ton start Flores, Rengifo, Perdomo or Walls at 3rd with Baty on my bench. 12-team keeper league. Gotta give up JRam this year.

Justin Mason: Yes

NFBC Cutline: I’ve never done this before; we have two FAAB cycles — how do I split my budget between the two? 50-50? 70-30?

Justin Mason: 50/50

Kraig Cimbrel: I know he’s the closer, but he looks god awful. Should I even bother?

Justin Mason: Probably not

bushupking: Is Franmil Reyes hopeless?

Justin Mason: I don’t think he is hopeless, but I don’t mind moving on

Hans Moleman: How droppable is Bellinger in a 10 team 5×5 roto? I have Schwarber, Carroll, Renfroe, Seiya, and Outman as my starting 5 OF (but am weighing the merits of keeping Bellinger benched in case of an injury to one of my current 5)

Justin Mason: I think I would hold for now.

Johnny Park: My 5×5 roto dynasty team is in a position to win now in every cat but saves. My options are sparse on the WW and I need to gamble on an unsettled bullpen somewhere… would you be taking a shot at ARI, TEX, or OAK?

Justin Mason: Texas

dunnarama: Alek Thomas underlying numbers looking legit (97% avg. exit velocity + .342 expected avg.). Any thoughts on a true breakout?

Justin Mason: I like Thomas a lot but I don’t think he has huge upside. More like a prime Benintendi

J: Is Chas McCormick worth rostering over Profar or Colas, if he is going to be leading off for the Astros?

Justin Mason: Defnitely over Profar

Drop One: Upon Fried return, I need to drop L. Garcia/Sale/J Steele/G. Rod/Wesneski

Justin Mason: Steele unless Garcia still looks bad

Lou: All the way out on Berrios?

Justin Mason: Yes

Caleb: Larnach or Conforto?

Justin Mason: Conforto

Mike: OBP league in AL.  Belt or Grossman?

Justin Mason: Grossman

Depressed fantasy manager: News just came out that Oneil Cruz is going to miss four months. Brutal

Justin Mason: So sad

Eh?: 12 team points league – I picked up Jhony Brito as a streamer. Should I just keep him for now? Or continue rotating out some streamers?

Justin Mason: Continue grinding

Patrick: Is Reid Detmers for Amed Rosario a fair deal?  I am going to float that to the Cruz owner.  Have Polanco ready to replace Rosario once he is healthy.

Justin Mason: I would prefer Rosario

T: Traded Woodruff and Chapman for Burnes and Puk. Even with Burnes’ reduced velocity, that’s still a win for me right?

Justin Mason: It should be but it feels scary right now.

dunnarama: Hayden Wesneski not meeting preseason hype (admittedly in just one start) — too early to drop? Any concerns moving forward?

Justin Mason: I wouldn’t drop yet, but he needs to produce to keep that job.

Guest: standard points league: start jorge lopez or garrett whitlock for the week?

Justin Mason: Whitlock

JOHNNYHELLER: McGough out as AZ closer already? Or is it time for patience?

Justin Mason: I think that is a fluid situation

Pete: How much of a premium do you place on Coors starts. For example, if I’ve got a couple bench guys from Colorado (Tovar, Montero) and they’ve got a game at Coors should they ever start over studs like Arenado or Xander? Points league if it matters

Justin Mason: Should rarely start guys like that over studs

Billy Boi: My starters in my 12 team are Castillo, Gallen, Rasmussen, Gilbert, Peralta, Ryan, Brown.  Do I have the arms to trade Gallen or Gilbert for a bat without more arms coming back?

Justin Mason: I think so.

Chip: Why are Correa and Bregman doing this to my fantasy team?

Justin Mason: Give them time. They should be fine

Guest: Arraez or Pederson for utl. role

Justin Mason: Pederson

Alan: News just broke that Cruz will miss four months. Droppable?

Justin Mason: Unfortunately, yes

Mikey: Would you add Whitlock in favor of Kopech or T. Rogers?

Justin Mason: Probably not because I love those two so much, but you probably should over Rogers.

dunnarama: Jo Adell — off to a pretty exciting start in AAA. We know the power potential is there with the hit tool risk. Is he worthy of a stash in a dynasty keep forever format?

Justin Mason: Sure, but it is unlikely to pan out.

Mig: Turang or Arcia for Cruz replacement?

Justin Mason: Turang

Justin Mason: I have to wrap up. I tried to get to as many questions as a I could.

Justin Mason: please follow me on all my social media’s (twitter, tiktok, facebook, youtube, and instagram) at JustinMasonFWFB! I am doing regular podcasts on the FWFB podcast as well as three episodes a week for the Sleeper and the Bust so definitely make sure you are subscribed there as well!