Justin Mason’s Baseball Chat – April 1st, 2024

Justin Mason: Chat will begin shortly. In the meantime, please follow me on all my social media’s (twitter, tiktok, facebook, youtube, bluesky, mastodon, threads, post, 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!

Justin Mason: Will begin here in a minute. Just finishing a podcast with Paul.

Justin Mason: Sorry for the delay!

Bucco Believer: Who am I going to have to drop first between Morton, Maeda, and Jon Gray? (12-tm league, 10 SP per team)

Justin Mason: I think it is Maeda. The velo issues are very scary to me. If he gets blown up versus Oakland, then he is an instant drop

Vic: I just barely missed out on Bailey Ober last year and was annoyed I wasn’t able to keep him this year….and then….

Justin Mason: I was huge on Ober in drafts this year but got sniped in all my big money drafts… thankfully. I still believe in the talent so if he gets dropped, I am picking him up.

Vic: Do you start Pfaadt against the Braves in a 15 teamer?

Justin Mason: I am not.

Love Is A Battenfield: 5×5 OBP redraft league. Worst players are probably Suwinski,  JP Crawford, and Rizzo, though I have more of a positional need for Crawford and Rizzo. Would you drop Suwinski or any of them for Jared Jones and/or Crochet?

Justin Mason: I would drop Suwisnki for either for sure.

Austin Powers: In a 4×4 NL only league, how much out of my $150 FAAB budget should I spend on Jordan Montgomery and JD Martinez? (they started in minors so we pushed them to faab)

Justin Mason: $50 I think at least. These are massive talents in NL Only

Mugghead: Hi Justin, need some help in my H2H Points league. Lost Murphy at C and picked up Garver, who is obviously already hurt as well. Worth dropping him for Melendez, Ruiz, or d’Arnaud? Thanks.

Justin Mason: I would grab Melendez

Regretful Owner: I panicked in my fantasy draft (12 team 5×5 OBP w/ 5x keepers) and drafted Dansby Swanson in the 5th round. Been kicking myself for it. Should I trying to offload him for someone drafted a bit later? Maybe someone like Seiya?

Justin Mason: I like Swanson but a fifth round value is tough. If I could get equal value on someone else I wouldn’t mind it but I think he will be good.

Bucco Believer: Who do you like most in a saves+holds league? Borucki, Sborz, McGough, Ian Hamilton, Nick Anderson… maybe another name I’m overlooking?

Justin Mason: Sborz

Bucco Believer: Is Jared Jones for real??

Justin Mason: I think he is. There may be bumps if he struggles with control at times, but the stuff is excellent.

Adenolith: Hello Justin. Between CES, Casas, Candelario, and Jung, who’d you pick for 1B and CI this week?

Justin Mason: CES and Jung

TJ: Start of the season is always confusing, somehow struggle with dropping my Round 21 pick for someone producing on waivers.  Thoughts on Rafaela?  Think he’s got more upside than just streaming hot hitters at UTIL?  Someone dropped Ober – at least dropping Silseth for him is a no-brainer…isn’t it? 🙂

Justin Mason: First, grab Ober now

Justin Mason: I think Rafeala is a really interesting high upside play but he struggles with swinging outside the zone and there will be massive cold stretches. He plays good defense and could keep the role if he struggles or he could get sent down. It is a risk that the late season draft price didn’t account for.

Why not Zoidberg?: I’m a little concerned Chas McCormick took a seat so early in the season. Is he heading back to a part-time role?

Justin Mason: I think he may. I was not in on him at his draft price because I wasn’t so sure of the role. I would give it another week, but if he is a part time player, then he won’t be very valuable.

Guest: Please rank for points leagues: Crochet, J. Jones, Hicks, Singer, Whitlock, Littell

Justin Mason: Jones, Crochet, Whitlock, Hicks, Littell, Singer

Nick: Ketel Marte for Chris Bassitt in a 12-team 5×5 standard scoring league; which side do you like?

Justin Mason: I think that is pretty even tbh

Frustrated Individual: I went into my draft knowing I want to stay away from Royce Lewis. He was the top ranked guy available by round 6, and then nobody took him. Come round 14 I HAD to take a chance on him. And then he doesn’t make it through a full game.

-Frustrated Individual

Justin Mason: Dear Frustrated Individual,

That is rough, but hopefully you can stash him for now. Losing your 14th round pick isn’t as devastating as losing your 6th.

Signed
Justin Mason

Why not Zoidberg?: Just a way-too-early shoutout to you and Paul for your SP discussions. After one week, my cheaply built rotation of Skubal, B. Miller, G. Rodriguez, and Ragans has me excited.

Justin Mason: Love it and Thank you!

12 team NL SPs: Any of these guys rosterable? Keeper league and used my two IL spots on Ray/Woodruff. Weathers, Assad, Junis, Winn, Matz?

Justin Mason: I really like Matz and Weathers is interesting in spite of the poor first start. He got pretty unlucky in the BABIP first game

Whopper: Paul, how are ya pal? It’s Whopper.

Justin Mason: Sorry sir. This is a Wendy’s

seth: blaze alexander was a late round flier, is he worth holding on to to see if he turns into something? or would you pivot to dudes like amed rosario, enmanuel valdez, dejong, berti on the wire?

Justin Mason: I would pivot to Rosario. Alexander doesn’t profile as having a fantasy tool that is great. Mostly an accumulator if he got full playing time which I don’t really see happening.

tumtum: Berti’s playing time has become uncertain with Cabrera’s hot start. Is Cabrera a real threat to eat into Berti

Justin Mason: I think Cabrera is the guy until DJL comes back and maybe after that if he is good in the meantime.

Bucco Believer: When do we see Paul Skenes in Pittsburgh?

Justin Mason: Late April/Early May

bleepbloop: for a dynasty league with 7×7 H2H cats (normal 5×5 +OBP/SLG for hitters), I need more power, how do you compare Casas and Alonso?  Worth packaging something for the upgrade?

Justin Mason: I am not a big Casas guy so I don’t think they are particularly close.

KC Pain: I know early in season, be patient, but are there any players/situations you would recommend reacting to this soon?

Justin Mason: The closer role changes. Foley is a guy I targeted this weekend in FAAB. Then if guys are or are not playing. I didn’t drop Cowser this weekend, but I probably should have.

tumtum: With Caminero hitting the shelf, did Caballero buy himself more time at SS and more steals?

Justin Mason: I think Caballero holds the job until Taylor Walls is healthy. Love Caminero, but defensively his home is not at SS in TB.

A-A-Ron: 12-team, 5 cats plus K/9. Drop Severino so I can stream Silseth at Miami today, or is it not worth the risk someone else grabs Luis and rides him into fantasy. goodness?

Justin Mason: Severino’s next couple starts are pretty bad matchups, so yes

Don Von Handburger: I’m in a 12-team mixed league and someone dropped Cal Raleigh.  I have Heim and the Rockies’ catcher as a duo.  I should run to drop one of them and pick up Raleigh, correct?

Justin Mason: Drop Diaz

Guest: In very limited playing time, Nick Martini has shown much more power the last two years than he ever did in his career.  Did he make any adjustments suggesting this might be a sustainable difference that could make him fantasy-relevant?

Justin Mason: No, I think this is just a lucky start.

Adenolith: I’m sitting Alexis Diaz until he proves he can pitch again. Are you concerned about him after last year’s end and a rough spring? Is Sims next in line?

Justin Mason: I am not concerned yet, but I think Sims would be the next guy up.

KC Pain: Tigers should trade Manning and Flores for Orioles Stowers and Norby?

Justin Mason: I don’t know that the Orioles would do that.

ChrisB: I have at least one (maybe two) too many OFs in a 12-team league in which I can keep anyone until they hit 6 years of service time. Who would you move or cut from Jordan Walker, Lane Thomas, Chas McCormick and Evan Carter? It feels like a four-way tie for my third best outfielder.

Justin Mason: McCormick

Luciano: Ryan Pressley (SOLDS league) – do we think he will split high-leverage roles with Abreu or could he lose that role altogether in short order?

Justin Mason: I think it is a split for the most part

Guest: I grabbed Payamps at the end of a draft, hunting for MIL saves; would I be better of dropping him for Uribe or Gallegos?

Justin Mason: Drop him for Uribe. He looks like the main guy

Yeah Well Hiura Towel: Is Singer finally legit?

Justin Mason: I am not ready to anoint him. Still doesn’t have a third pitch which scares me but he has a nice early season schedule so you can ride it for now.

Yeah Well Hiura Towel: Should I be worried about Musgrove?

Justin Mason: I was a bit worried about him coming into the season after last year’s health issues. I think you bench for now but get ready to drop if he doesn’t look good soon.

All-Star: He’s recording a podcast whilst typing into the chat. What an all-star!

Justin Mason: I am a man of the people

bleepbloop: In a Yahoo dynasty league with 7×7 H2H cats (normal 5×5 +OBP/SLG for hitters), how highly would you rank Mookie if I need a 2B upgrade (from Hoerner)?  And how long do we think he’ll retain 2B eligibility?

Justin Mason: Top 15

vic: Could this be Whitlock’s year to get 162 +IPs?

Justin Mason: I really hope so. He was a big target for me.

Nootbummer: What happens to the Cardinals lineup when Lars comes back?

Justin Mason: I would hope they move Walker to DH and let Victor Scott II continue to play, but they could send him down especially if he struggles.

tumtum: How much salt should I take with the Springer revival ’24 after lackluster underlying in ’23?

Justin Mason: Not much. It is way too early. That being said, Springer has usually been a pretty good player when healthy, I just don’t trust him to stay healthy.

KC Pain: Is the Cards offense this bad?  It looks terrifyingly bad to me.

Justin Mason: Nah, it is early.

Dilly Dog: How do you feel about Braxton Garrett coming off the IR? I like him but I’m in a QS league and feel he may be lacking there.

Justin Mason: I love Garrett. I think he has SP2/3 upside and I think he fits right back into the rotation.

Kevin: It seems like the Brewers are going to be very aggressive on the base paths this year.  What do you think about Brice Turang stealing over 40 bags?

Justin Mason: I think he definitely could and I think that the Brewers trade Adames at some point too.

KC Pain: Any chance Muncy gets 2B work this year with the way Lux is playing?

Justin Mason: Probably not but I do think they could go out and trade for someone or maybe even replace Lux with Vargas.

danny: Hey! Any lower-ownership middle infield types that have your attention so far? Whether it’s performance, opportunity, lineup, etc.

Justin Mason: I picked up Brayan Rocchio this weekend in a couple 15-team leagues. Looks like he is playing every day and has some BA and speed potential. I also picked up Jared Triolo who is 3B eligible in most leagues but should pick up 2B here soon.

tumtum: Luis Gil

Justin Mason: Love Gil! I am sitting him in a few leagues this week because of the rough two start, but I am playing him in a couple spots.

Kevin: In a 12 team head to head points league. How would you rank in starting pitching between Louie Varland, Reynoldo Lopez, and Jordan Hicks for rest of season? Thanks.

Justin Mason: Varland, Hicks, Lopez

Guest: Jared Jones… don’t think he was on a widespread radar for most people. What’s he gonna do this year? I picked him up in the late rounds of an APBA replay league and am excited to see that he made the OD roster

Justin Mason: I think he could throw 140-150 really good innings with a ton of strikeouts. The whip may not be great, but I love the upside.

bleepbloop: Hi Justin, thanks for the chat! I have a very deep team (defending champ) in a 10tm dynasty league (7×7 with IP and K/BB). Who are you putting on the trade block for hitting: Wheeler/Kirby/Pablo Lopez/Fried/Eflin/Joe Ryan/Musgrove (have bradish, dustin may, and woodruff on my IL)

Justin Mason: Ryan and/or Musgrove

Justin Mason: Fried too

Dynasty prospects: I’ve got a few pitchers stashed in a dynasty (Whisenhunt, DEspino, and JLeiter). It’s always possible I’ll need the roster spot in season. Who would you cut first OR who would you hold the longest?

Justin Mason: Probably Espino because of the health.

Don Von Handburger: Should I drop Suwinski for Kris Bryant in an OBP league?  Either guy I would be using for bench depth, so I can be patient if Suwinksi has upside.

Justin Mason: I don’t have a problem with that.

tumtum: Luis Gil’s spring a fluke or does his stuff play enough to break out?

Justin Mason: I think he definitely has the stuff, but the health has been an issue. If he can stay healthy, I think he could be really valuable.

KC Pain: Would you trade A. Vaughn+D. Lesko for Gorman in a dynasty 15 team 5×5?

Justin Mason: I am ok with that

Yeah Well Hiura Towel: I should drop Kepler for Happ yeah?

Justin Mason: yes

Bowing to Bowden: I’m excited for Bowden Francis, but he’s probably a sit for HOU today (and NYY next) right? (AL Only league, but eventual start limit)

Justin Mason: Yeah, I wouldn’t run him out vs HOU or NYY

Colton: Maikel Garcia stans rise up!

Justin Mason: Let’s GOOOOOOOOOO

showbusiness77: ESPN 10-team points, lots of players hastily dropped early on. Would you pick up any of (Nimmo/JD-Mart/Conforto/T-Oneill/B-Lowe/Haniger/Mountcastle)? Potential drops are (Seiya/Soler/Hoskins/Ozuna/Bichette/Arcia [fill in for Bo]) or Xtra pitchers (REA)/(WELLS)?

Justin Mason: I would definitely drop Arcia for Nimmo

KC Pain: Bibee+Ozuna for S. Gray+JD Martinez in dynasty 15 6×6?

Justin Mason: I want the Bibee side

Guest: did you pull an april fools joke on your wife yet?

Justin Mason: She has been pranking me for the last 19 years.

Dennis: Everyone dropping LeClerc, would you pick him up and see if he can right the ship?

Justin Mason: I think I would stash him, but I am worried

Last of the OFs: Who’s your favorite/least favorite OF in an AL OBP league: Lawrence Butler, Aaron Hicks, Richie Palacios?

Justin Mason: Favorite: Butler. Least Favorite: Palacios

Austin Powers: Follow up: $50 each or total for Monty and JD Mart?

Justin Mason: Each

Justin Mason: especially if you have $0 bids

Vic: Does Miguel Andujar have any value in a 525 player league with the option to keep next year very late?

Justin Mason: probably not much

Guest: Will Benson leads the majors in average exit velocity.  Where would you rank him among outfielders?

Justin Mason: top 40-50

Love Is A Battenfield: In a 12 team 5×5 OBP league, would you drop Suwinski to speculate on Crochet ahead of the scary ATL matchup tomorrow? Or Jared Jones Friday v BAL? I like the Suwinski upside but still platooning to start the year and have pretty good OF options on my roster and the WW.

Justin Mason: I would just to stash those guys. I don’t think I am starting either though’

Drafter: 12 team AL only.  I already kept two injured pitchers, in reasonably priced Gavin Williams and Jhoan Duran.  Would you completely avoid a third injured pitcher on draft day (Cole, etc.) even if they seem somewhat underpriced to where you think they should go?

Justin Mason: Yeah, I would avoid because if you get hit by more injuries, it could be really hard to maneuver.

bleepbloop: Hi Justin! how dare you join 4 mins late! in a 10tm yahoo dynasty league (7×7 with standard hitting cats + OBP,SLG), who would you rather try to trade for? Mookie, Ohtani (batter only), or Soto? 2B is a bigger need but I can make room on the roster at OF/UTIL

Justin Mason: I apologize!!!

Justin Mason: Mookie for me

KC Pain: Better minors stash Matt Manning or Quinn Priester?

Justin Mason: Manning

Vic: Josiah Gray or Brady Singer?

Justin Mason: Singer

Jon: If Tyler O’Neil stays healthy (500+ PA), is he a top 50 hitter in fantasy?

Justin Mason: I think he could be

Bucco: Jones has already captivated Pittsburgh…do they say the heck with it and call up Skenes in a few weeks? Why not?

Justin Mason: I hope they do but it just isn’t what they have done normally. Though maybe they are more aggressive with them already bringing up Jones.

Ampersand: Sean Manaea (vs DET, @ CIN) or Garrett Crochet (vs ATL, @ KC) better this week?

Justin Mason: I think I would rather Crochet

Elmeg: Digging deep for quality relievers with potential saves upside in 10 team NL only league.  Thoughts on L. Sims and M. Leiter Jr?

Justin Mason: I don’t think Leiter is next guy up in Chicago, but Sims would be. I took some gambles on Anthony Bender this week because Tanner Scott has looked shaky.

Storytime: daily league with Story and Turang. When Turang faces RHP, do you start Bryce or Trevor?

Justin Mason: I think it is pretty even honestly. With Turang’s speed, I might lean there.

Waylon: Someone (new to our 12-team mixed 1-C league) inexplicably dropped Adley,  although he did also have Y. Diaz.  I keep waiting for the “sorry guys, hit the wrong button” text, but if this sticks, What % FAAB should I go?  I still have 99/100.  I’ve streamed C all my life, I’m salivating at the chance to set it and forget it.

Justin Mason: If you have $0 bids, I would probably go close to $40-50

showbusiness77: Please rank top 3 SPs would you add for catch-up in ESPN points for Sunday stack?
Christopher Sanchez @WSH, Abbott vs. NYM, Crochet @KC, Paxton @CHC, Rea vs. SEA, Olson vs. OAK

Justin Mason: Sanchez, Crochet, Olson

KCBBq: Would you trade a $1 Paddock or $1 Kremer for a $4 Ober in a 12 team AL only 5×5 H2H league using W+QS?

Justin Mason: Paddock, yes

KC Pain: Recency bias or did it seem like lots of weird tinkering by managers then in past for opening series? E. Ruiz not playing. Naylors dont play vs lefies.  Lange maybe lost job. Drury got pinch hit in opener.  Suwinski..not playing?

Justin Mason: Something to monitor but don’t overreact to the first weekend.

Screw You, Cubs: …for tricking me into thinking Ben Brown was going into the rotation

Justin Mason: looooooool

Justin Mason: Ok, I have about 15 minutes left and a ton of questions so I am going to speed round a bunch

showbusiness77: ESPN 10-tm pts 1-catcher league: Dropped Garver to win last week. Pick him back up or pivot to (Kirk/Langeliers/Naylor/TStep/Fry/E-Diaz/Bailey/Gomes/Wong or a yankee)? Alternate option: Roll with no C and wait for another team to wise up and drop an extra catcher (or trade with them)? 3 teams have two and 1 team has four!!!

Justin Mason: Pick him back up

Yeah Well Hiura Towel: How long can BAL realistically keep Jackson down at AAA?

Justin Mason: Hopefully not more than a few weeks.

showbusiness77: Pls rank 2-start SPs you like for this week in ESPN  10-tm pts
Sanchez (CIN/@WSH), Abbott (@PHI/NYM), Olson (@NYM/OAK), Crochet (ATL/@KC), Paxton (SF/@CHC)

Justin Mason: Sanchez, Olson, Paxton, Crochet, Abbott

KCBBq: Langford wasn’t eligible for our 12 team AL only 5×5 league. Went for $44 FAAB yesterday. I was underbid at $43, several in the mid/high 30s. We use $100 FAAB. Given that info what kind of FAAB bids will be needed when Holliday and Caminero come up?

Justin Mason: $30ish

Kevin: In a 12 team head to head points league how would you rank these starting pitchers for rest of season? Jordan Hicks, Reynoldo Lopez, and Louie Varland.

Justin Mason: Varland, Hicks, Lopez

Colton: I typically play points league, but am doing a categories league this year for the first time in probably a dozen or so. Was able to snipe Foley off the wire for $0 FAAB this morning and was JUICED about it to say the least

Justin Mason: Nice!

Prospector: Pick 2 OF and a DH for this week only:
Happ, Nimmo, Varsho, Taylor Ward, Will Benson, Victor Scott, Dansby Swanson, Rhys Hoskins

I’m light on steals if it matters.

Justin Mason: Varsho, Happ, and Swanson

Don Von Handburger: I can rotate C Correa and C Mullins in my last UTIL spot.  Should I play one of them predominantly (which one?) – or just mix and match based on opponents etc?

Justin Mason: Play Mullins

Ippei You Back: I had Puk in all 4 of my leagues and canned him for Gil/Foley/Wells. Overreaction or appropriate considering the 6 walks was heinous?

Justin Mason: I am fine with that.

Webs: Who is first in line for saves in PHI if they move on from Alvarado? Hoffman? Soto? Dominguez?

Justin Mason: Hoffman

Emil: Is Lipscomb for real or just a hot start?  Would you keep over Rosario?

Justin Mason: Just a hot start

Uh Oh: Kinda f***ed at 3B in a 5×5 AL-only leage. Rostering Rengifo and Moncada (and IL Lemahieu) at the moment and patching things together. Do you prefer Colt Keith, Cavan Biggio, or Ezequiel Duran on the wire to to Moncada’s steady 2-hole ABs or Rengifo?

Justin Mason: Give me Keith

Late draft: Thanks for these chats – Do you prefer Doyle or Thomas (hopefully minor hammy) in standard 5×5 league?

Justin Mason: Doyle

Steve: Any hope for Kikuchi this year

Justin Mason: I am not a big fan. Too inconsistent.

Uecker’s Tuba: 12T 6×6 OPS. Who do you like better ROS, O’Neill or Suwinski? Also Adames or Story?

Justin Mason: O’Neill and Adames

A-A-Ron: My pitching ratios are taking a beating (last place), do you sit Pepiot v TEX?

Justin Mason: Yes

Webs: Very deep NL 5×5 with weekly rosters. For 1B and CI, I have Tellez and Montero for this week. The third option is Lamonte Wade. Your choice?

Justin Mason: Wade

Mike: Is Houck an obvious stream this week against Oak and LAA?  Do you start Crotchet when he has Atlanta and KC?  I like the second matchup, but hate the first.

Justin Mason: Yeah, and I don’t really like him but these are cake matchups

ML: How many innings this year for Crochet?

Justin Mason: 140

Standard NFBC: Would you take the Luis Gil two-step over Bryce Miller’s one start or a week of one of your two closers?

Justin Mason: I would go with Miller

Boiler Up!: Oswaldo Cabrera are you buying? Love the pos eligibitly

Justin Mason: I picked him up in multiple leagues. I am a buyer for now.

Pants: Was offered, Abner Uribe and a round 1 next year for Ragans, in 12 team 5×5 roto dynasty, keep 23, I’m competing this year, how are you valuing Ragans in a dynasty

Justin Mason: I would keep Ragans. I think he is an ace

Mike: In a 12-team league, do you move on from players like Jeff McNeil, Tim Anderson, and/or Sal Frelick for players like Canha, Turang, etc.  Both Turang and Frelick steal bases and sit versus lefties, but Frelick leads off while Turang hits much lower in the lineup.

Justin Mason: I move quick in 12-team leagues. Don’t really care about Canha, but I would run to grab Turang

Pants: Any hope that the new coaching staff for the Angel’s unlocks Detmers? Looked good yesterday but had him benched against the o’s

Justin Mason: I wrote about him in the roto riteup this morning. Would recommend reading that. I am intrigued, but not a buyer yet.

Guest: Do you think Chourio, Langford or Carter will have the most impact this year? fantasy wise

Justin Mason: Langford

KC Pain: Devin Williams get traded at deadline if he is off IL?

Justin Mason: I don’t think he will be back

Pumpsie Green: Is Anthony Rendon toast? He showed nothing in spring training and his AB’s thus far show only weak contact.

Justin Mason: Probably

Guest: Rank these waiver wire OFs: Ian Happ, Will Benson, Mitch Haniger

Justin Mason: Happ, Benson, Haniger but like all three

Jake Slider: Loaded at OF in one league. Try to sell high on Taylor Ward or hold on for depth? Got him cheap w/ low expectations but love him hitting 4 behind Trout and a hot start.

Justin Mason: Sure because he usually gets hurt.

Guest: Who would you try as a starter for possible breakout-Mize, Gore, Hall or R. Lopez.

Justin Mason: None?

Justin Mason: Mize I guess

Whopper: Paul, remember when you name to my place for that bbq. Lots of fun and big turnout. Big fun times man! Gotta do it again!

Justin Mason: I am not Paul!!!!

TJ: What do you think about Trevor Story clawing his way to a 20/20 year?  SS is my biggest hole and not sure if giving up on him for Neto is the best idea in the world…

Justin Mason: I am not really a believer in Story. Underlying metrics did not look great in spring. He could volume his way to 20/20, but I don’t think it is a guarantee even if he stays healthy.

jason: do you have a preference of detmers vs lugo?

Justin Mason: Lugo

Griselda: Anything to like about Ronel Blanco besides the team he pitches for?

Justin Mason: The pure stuff is nice, but I don’t love the early season schedule and he is likely first demoted when guys get healthy.

Drop One: Gavin Williams
Mitch Keller
Eduardo Rodriguez

Justin Mason: Williams

Baseball!: Did you watch all the Giants games?  JHL seems to have at least a bit of pop to go with a great eye?  Trending up?

Justin Mason: Yeah, he has looked better than I thought. I don’t think there is a ton of pop, but enough were pitchers won’t necessarily try and knock the bat out of his hand.

Balls and Shaft: Victor Scott II too much of a BA/OPS anchor?  4OF league.

Justin Mason: He could be depending on depth of league.

Dave: Royce replacement… Eugenio Suarez, or trade for a Polanco or J. Turner?

Justin Mason: Suarez

Henry Dung: Severino or Gil?

Justin Mason: Gil

I Sei Suzuki Yusei Kikuchi: Kelenic was dropped in my (daily moves) league! What % of FAB should I bid? Or are we just gonna get burned like last year?

Justin Mason: 5%

scarce saves: Who gets the most saves over the next month?  Gallegos, McArthur, Shelby Miller or Brock Stewart?

Justin Mason: McArthur

Ragans to Riches: I took Tyler O’Neill with my last pick in a 12 team 5×5 OBP redraft league. Should I be looking to sell high with the hot start, or should I hang on to the last round lottery ticket?

Justin Mason: Hang on

White Sox, White Flag: Is there any reason to have these White Sox (Shewmake, Dejong, Nicky Lopez, Pillar) on the radar, even in a deep league?

Justin Mason: Nope

James: Got offered Ketel Marte and Ty France for Thairo Estrada, Bryce Miller, and Brady Singer. Thoughts? 12 team roto league

Justin Mason: I am ok with that. I really love Miller and Singer definitely looks better even if I am not completely sold.

Rick: I saw you had Hicks ranked ahead of Reynaldo Lopez earlier, where would you put Houck compared to those two?

Justin Mason: Behind Hicks

o-m-garver: garver already hurt.  thought the DH was supposed to keep him upright.  how often do back spasms linger and hurt long term production?

Justin Mason: I am not overly worried yet but you don’t love to see it this early.

Skull: Kelenic is 5/8 with 1XBH and 0Ks. Did ATL turn him into Steven Kwan?

Justin Mason: I think it is early season sample, but this is one I need to go watch some video on.

Undecided: Ober or Chris Sanchez?

Justin Mason: Ober but I love both

Dave: re: Nimmo; same basic question, but would you burn the No. 1 waiver priority for him?

Justin Mason: I think so

I Got Puk-ed: We dropping AJ Puk for the Gil/Jones/Wells/Stone tier of leftovers? 6 walks is gross

Justin Mason: Yes

manny: Thoughts on Kyle Isbel for OBP AL league?  do you see some 27-year old upside?

Justin Mason: I love Isbel but he is a low upside guy that could be a accumulator. Perfect for AL Only though.

Toss-up: Mize @ NYM or Wells @ PIT this week?

Justin Mason: Wells

Fangraphs Chat Enjoyer: I feel like my roster is fairly set so i don’t have many questions today, but I do appreciate the chats. Always enjoyable to geek out about fantasy baseball when I’m at work- I mean not busy

Justin Mason: Thank you!!!

Dave: Early in the season, in leagues where you don’t have a maximum number of moves, are you typically using bench spots on a particular category of player (e.g., SPs, RPs, OFs, etc.)?

Justin Mason: I grab a lot of closer specs and high upside hitters. Just want to get lucky somewhere.

Guillotine: Last year you said you were goin to play a Guillotine lg this year. Did you do it? Im addicted.

Justin Mason: I didn’t do it this year and wish I had. Just ran out of time for more drafts.

Greg: 12 team mixed 5×5 league. I lost MaLain and picked up Polanco. Would Truilo be with adding instead?

Justin Mason: I think I stick with Polanco for now

AL Central Casting: Michael King just got let go in my 12-team mixed. Worth dropping Bello, Pfaadt, Cortes, or Manaea for him? Try to wait until after his next start? The walks are concerning.

Justin Mason: Drop manaea

bleepbloop: Anyone struggle enough to be a good trade target already?

Justin Mason: Shoot throw out offers at any struggling stud and see if you get lucky lol

Guest: Taj Bradley as an injury stash (no IL but deep benches) or roster Ben Brown now?

Justin Mason: I’d rather stash Bradley

Guest: 5×5 Roto, any issues having 3 BOS SP on my roster (Bello, Pivetta, Crawford)?

Justin Mason: Nah, I like all three guys

showbusiness77: Thanks for answers! 1 extra pitcher this week. Who should I sit? Snell @LAD, Pfaadt @ATL, Tyler Wells @PIT

Justin Mason: Sit Pfaadt

Winker: If he’s actually healthy, could he be helpful in NL Only’s or 15 lgers?

Justin Mason: NL Only yes. He is on the strong side of a platoon batting third

Colton: Side note, not aimed at you obviously, just in general I think this change for Oswaldo should be taken very seriously by the general public!

Justin Mason: I think I am with you

Skull: Should Puk be rostered in a 12T? Varland/Severino/Manaea best SPs on the wire

Justin Mason: I dont think so

Justin Mason: Grab Varland

Buff: You in on Jared Jones.

Justin Mason: Yup!

Buff: NL only keeper. Need an ace. Please rank: Yamamoto, Webb, Glasnow

Justin Mason: Webb, Glasnow, Yamamoto

KC Pain: Just wanna say I really appreciate how many questions you get to.

Justin Mason: Thank you! I do my best’

KC Pain: 16 teamer 5×5 dynasty Nimmo/Diaz (CIN)/Raleigh for R. Suarez/Rodon/Story if I need a catcher and closer and already have Witt at SS?

Justin Mason: I could do that

Whopper: Sorry Justin, thought you were Paul.

Justin Mason: No worries. I know we look alike lol

Siri: What did you see with AJ Puk’s first start? Prefer him or Meyer?

Justin Mason: Prefer Meyer

Roy Hobbs: Do you hold on to Lange in a 16 team league counting Saves?  One bad outing and he is replaced?

Justin Mason: I think this is fluid, so I would hold for now.

Roy Hobbs: Adames for Flaherty in a 16 team dynasty.  Which side do you prefer?

Justin Mason: Adames

Siri: OBP league, Ryan McMahon or Ryan Mountcastle?

Justin Mason: Mountcastle

No Neck Williams: Drop Rendon for Schaniel? AL only, 5×5.

Justin Mason: Sure

Bob: I like Max Fried, but is he fried?

Justin Mason: Too early to tell, but I avoided him in drafts because of the arm issues last season.

showbusiness77: Tyler Wells + a Sunday pitcher this week (Crochet, Sanchez, or other) OR just drop Wells and grab Christopher Sanchez for the two-start?

Justin Mason: Sanchez

Platoon: I made a conscious decision to roster both Kelenic/Duvall in a points league and so far I dont hate it. Rosterable platoons? is this a thing in 2024?

Justin Mason: It is in deeper leagues.

LOL: No question, but I play in a league with my friend’s dad. He dropped Hader and Altuve after the first week. I think it’s hilarious

Justin Mason: Nooooooooooooooooooooooo

Justin Mason: Please don’t do stuff like this in week 1

Justin Mason: Ok, I got to almost all the questions!  Thank you for chatting with me.

Justin Mason: Please follow me on all my social media’s (twitter, tiktok, facebook, youtube, bluesky, mastodon, threads, post, 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!