Justin Mason’s Baseball Chat – August 21st, 2023

Justin Mason: Chat will begin at the top of the hour as long have enough questions. 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!

Tony Touch: How much faith do you have in Ke’Bryan to finish the season as a fantasy contributor?

Justin Mason: I have a fair amount of faith though I am biased because I have always loved him. Since returning form the IL, he is hitting the ball hard and making a lot of contact. He is even lifting it more which is encouraging.

H: Would you rather have Kim or De La Cruz ROS? Points League format.

Justin Mason: I can’t believe I am going to say this, but I think the answer is Kim, but I can’t imagine dropping DLC

Bert & Ernie: Berti has a pretty good statline this season but doesn’t get consistent AB’s. I keep him around in hopes he gets some play and goes on a SB heater. Am I fooling myself?

Justin Mason: Seems to always happen, but I think on a team competing for a playoff spot his opportunities will be less than in years past.

Guest: R U comfortable throwing Manaea @ Phiily today. Also would you throw Detmers vs Cin. tomorrow?

Justin Mason: I would not use MAnaea at Philly. I am using Detmers tomorrow in Tout, but that is largely because we have to start guys we pick up in the first week after getting them. I would probably pass otherwise.

Catcher & the Rye: 5×5 roto – which Catcher do you like best ROS and/or for the next 2 weeks. Kirk, Jeffers, Knizer, Campusano, Stephenson, Gomes. I need AVG/RBI/SB the most. Thx!

Justin Mason: Probably  Campusano, but I don’t love any of the options. Is O’Hoppe available

bobsuruncle: Do you suspect Yainer Diaz to receive similar playing time next season, and does he retain his power production in his sophomore season?

Justin Mason: I think he can as long as the Astros move on from Maldanado.

Jorge: Is Amed Rosario going to get enough AB’s to be relevant in LA or is he a drop in a standard 5×5 roto?

Justin Mason: He is a drop. Only really playing versus lefties

Giants Fan: Expectations for Marco Luciano next season and career?

Justin Mason: I like Luciano if he can stay healthy. I don’t think he plays much rest of this season, but with Crawford likely gone next year, I could see him being an everyday player that hits for power and has a low average.

bobsuruncle: What type of production do you think we could expect for Lawrence Butler next season?

Justin Mason: I think he could be a strong side platoon guy that flashes power and speed at the top of the lineup for the A’s. The question is how much contact can he make. So far he is making enough that the tools can translate so I am watching how he finishes down the stretch

Insert Witty Name Here: On the last day of the season when I win my league, I drop all my players and add players that would get a chuckle or two. Which players that are available to add would you think would be funny this year?

Justin Mason: Buck Farmer, Justus Sheffield, Touki Toussant

Speedy Gonzalez: Is Dairon Blanco going to get enough AB’s for his SB numbers to be relevant ROS?

Justin Mason: It doesn’t feel like it.

B’ryce Hammer: Clinched playoff berth in my home league this weekend. But I’m a little concerned about Vladdy Jr. coming into the last couple weeks before it matters. Please give me some hope that he suddenly becomes VLAD again?

Justin Mason: I still believe in the talent and think he should be fine as long as this finger issue isn’t anything big.

bobsuruncle: Chase Silseth’s plate discipline reminds me of rookie McClanahan. Do you think he’s a guy who can keep his contact% below 70 for a full season?

Justin Mason: I don’t think so, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be a very good fantasy pitcher. He gets league average contact and while the swinging strike rate isn’t elite, the caught strike rate is very impressive and I think it is a skill of sorts.

Believe in the Jesus Lizard?: What’s the leash on Luzardo? Someone dropped him in our league and I scooped him up for the H2H playoff run off waivers. Bigger or smaller leash than Logan Allen or Braxton Garrett?

Justin Mason: I would prefer Garrett, but I think I take Luzardo’s upside over Allen. There is risk/reward with Luzardo, but the upside is so immense, he should be rostered in all formats.

Nats: Finnegan looking a little shakey the last few games. Harvey looks good since coming off the IL. Could Hunter take the closing gig back?

Justin Mason: He absolutely could. If Harvey hadn’t gotten hurt, I think this would have been his job.

Suzanne: Any thoughts on whether Rhys Hoskins is a decent IL stash (or not) for next yr in my keeper?

Justin Mason: I think he is an ok one, but where he ends up in free agency will determine a lot of his value, so there is a far amount of risk in stashing him.

seth: Need to pick 1 or 2 of Lynn @Cle, BiBee @Tor, Webb vATL, Greene @Ari. (then chasing S+H and WHIP with my other slots)

Justin Mason: Lynn and Webb

bobsuruncle: MJ Melendez has been excellent since the break. Is this just some due luck or is he showing off somewhat improved skills?

Justin Mason: I think most of it was he was so unlucky in the first half that he was bound to rebound. This is much closer to his true talent level. I also think that moving to the outfield full time has allowed him to focus more on his hitting.

Cal Ripken Sr.: Is Anthony Santander underappreciated? He’s no stud obviously, but his 30HR 90-100RBI bat with a decent .255-.265 AVG seems boringly awesome!

Justin Mason: He absolutely is! I love Santander and have him on a number of teams. Especially with power being down a bit, a guy that you can pencil in for 30 homers without killing your average is really valuable.

bobsuruncle: Eloy Jimenez’s power has been hiding away this season, should we respond similarly to Guerrero Jr.’s situation?

Justin Mason: I am less enthused by Eloy because of his constant injury issues. I don’t think there is a talent issue though.

bogart: Shortstops Maysn Winn or Tovar career stats going forward. Who’s better.

Justin Mason: Winn

Pete: Any potential callups to keep an eye out for if I need AVG & RBI?

Justin Mason: Manzardo, Mayo, maybe even Jackson Holliday could debut. Pete Crow Armstrong and Jordan Lawlar are also names that might appear. Hard to know what teams will do in terms of prospects. I really like Parker Meadows for fantasy and he is being called up today.

bobsuruncle: How would you treat Pena and Melendez

Justin Mason: I would wine and dine them before long walks on the beach. Don’t know if this is what you were asking

Paul Sporer: What’s wrong with me?

Justin Mason: I think you have a bad body which makes it difficult to repeat your mechanics.

Luis: What happened to me, errr, I mean Severino this season? Asking for a friend 😀

Justin Mason: I honestly don’t know. I have always loved severino and only didn’t draft him because I got sniped in every league. Just seems crazy that he has fallen apart.

bobsuruncle: How would you treat Pena and Melendez’s seasonal slumps in a keeper league with their salaries increasing by double this season? Should their be faith in their improvement?

Justin Mason: I am a bigger believer in Melendez moving forward. Pena was a guy I was pretty tepid on coming into the season as I didn’t see a high ceiling that others did. I think he can rebound, but you should be able to get him back for a better price in draft.

Rebuilding GM: Dynasty League: Elly has a massive strikeout rate, but is clearly dynamic. Are you buying or selling him as a dynasty asset? If you’re selling, what’s the asking price?

Justin Mason: I would hold unless I got a monster price. I would want a top 10 asset plus something if I moved him.

Guest: I like Morel’s position versatility, but he’s been striking out a lot lately. Someone dropped Story. Pick up and drop Morel?

Justin Mason: I am ok with that.

Guest: Any opinions on Nolan Jones, Happ, Pham or Kepler ROS?

Justin Mason: While I dislike him as a person, Pham has been really good and playing a lot in Arizona. Happ just can’t seem to get it together unfortunately. I like Kepler as a guy that is quietly putting together a really nice second half and he is probably my favorite out of the bunch if I don’t need SBs.

TooDamnTall: I am out of it for this year and making trades. Any SP you would chase for big improvements next year?

Justin Mason: Brandon Pfaadt and Bryan Woo

Jomas bide nignant: AL-Keeper 10 tm auction. Should I sell high on C.Seager at $32?  I’m worried if this is his career mark, what do you think?

Justin Mason: I think it is all about health for Seager. I don’t think the skills are regressing in the near future. If he stays healthy, he is an elite bat.

KCbbq: Any concern with Sale’s velo dropping down to 91.5ish mph in his last start? The lack of control seems to me he may still be dealing with his shoulder issue. Both he and the Sox say they aren’t worried, but shouldn’t they be concerned?

Justin Mason: I think if it continues to be an issue, he could hit the IL again. They are still competing, so  they may let him pitch through it if he says he’s ok. I am keeping an eye on it for his next start

KCbbq: What’s up with Chapman’s offensive nosedive since the AS break? Mechanical?

Justin Mason: I think it is natural regression off of his fast start. He has just kind of reverted back to the player he has been the last few seasons.

tomasaquinass: Is nelson Velazquez half the player he has been the last 60 PA?

Justin Mason: I think he could be half of it lol. He is just really hot right now and has opportunity, but the skills don’t show any real improvement.

KCbbq: Any concerns with keeping Silseth and/or Hunter Brown active in my 12 team AL only H2H league as I head into the playoffs in a couple weeks?

Justin Mason: I would be very nervous about Brown having a job in the rotation in a couple weeks. He has been really awful.

Guest: Looking at picking up long/bulk reliever, Stram, Avila, Holton Pivetta, Yarbrough or Whitlock

Justin Mason: Pivetta

tomasaquinass: I really want L.Butler in my keeper al-league however, I’m also moving up the standings with a shot to take the win; I still need to overtake SB and HR, and hold BA. I’m split on whom I should to drop today, between Benintendi and Renfroe which would you choose.  Or am I being irrational on Butler?

Justin Mason: I don’t mind taking the gamble on him but Renfroe is safer.

KCbbq: Have Torkelson for $1 in my 12 team AL only 5×5 H2H keeper league. I realize it’s super earlier but based on what we’ve seen so far this season would you extend him? Extensions are $5/yr for a max of 3 years. And how many years would you extend?

Justin Mason: I have a policy of never extending guys unless I think they are elite talents for fantasy which I don’t think Tork is necessarily. Save the money and add more talent around him.

Jefferson: 5×5 with QS league. Do you prefer Nola (SF, STL) or Rodon (WAS, @TB) for a double this week?

Justin Mason: Nola

Phil: H2H keeper.  Wander is taking up a bench spot. As the investigation drags on, how long should I hold on?  I could replace him with Josh Jung or Jackson Holliday as a keeper next season,  but it woul

Justin Mason: I don’t think Wander is ever playing in the Majors again.

In re: Funny Names: To Witty Name: There’s a player named Greifer Andrade in the ESPN system if you really want to give your teammates some “greif”

Justin Mason: LOOOOOOOOOOL

Dan: Am I a crazy person for liking Alex Faedo at home vs the Cubs today

Justin Mason: I don’t mind it, but he also gets Houston later this week so I am sitting him in a number of spots.

Matt: Roto 5×5 league OBP, QS are the unusual categories.  6 keepers allowed each year.  2 of my keepers are guaranteed Tatis, Elly De La Cruz, I have to choose between Matt McLain, Jordan Walker, Triston Casas, Josh Jung, Eury Perez, Gavin Williams & Tanner Bibee for the remaining 4. Which you taking?

Justin Mason: Eury, Williams, Jung, and Casas

Bob: Do you think Hunter Greene poor performance after coming off IL was shaking off the rust and will get back in stride for ROS?

Justin Mason: I think that this is who he is. He can throw eight scoreless or get blown up.

Jackie Jensen.: Playoff time in my 12 team, no keeper, points league, Which is my worst SP, the first I should drop: Brax Garrett, Silseth, Kutter Craw, Skubal, Eury? Thanks.

Justin Mason: Crawford

Guest: who am i dropping mikolas/cobb/Miley for when trout comes back

Justin Mason: Miley

Kyle’s Four Horseman: Cole Irvin vs COL then at ARI or Alex Cobb at PHI then vs CIN? If I had to use both starts from one of them.

Justin Mason: Irvin

Bob: Please rank these four guys for ROS: Santander, Torkelson, Candelario, Josh Naylor. Thanks

Justin Mason: Santander, Tork, Naylor, Cande

bobsuruncle: what can we expect from Schanel

Justin Mason: I don’t expect much outside of some cheap runs batting at the top of a good lineup. I just can’t imagine he is great right away after being drafted in June!

KCbbq: Will Smith has been shaky lately. Does Chapman over take him as closer? If so, would you bench him and go with 7 SPs in a 12 team AL only 5×5 H2H league using S+ 1/2H? My 2 closers would be Duran and Fairbanks. Or sit tight?

Justin Mason: I think Smith will be fine.

Mountie or Canadian: OBP league: Chapman or Mountcastle, ROS?

Justin Mason: Chapman

Ghost of Tom Joad: In a H2H categories dynasty league with added cats (avg, obp, r, rbi, hr, Tb, bb, K), who would you rather have: Casas or Tork. No penalty, just who do you want for the rest of career.

Justin Mason: It is close, but I go Casas

NukesLaLoosh: Should we be worried about Chourio’s 35% oppo– we know elite hitters need to pull the ball in the air, and this is major change from his 2022. Could this be profile risk dynasty community is neglecting? Seems to me to be something we have to consider when looking at dynasty leagues.

Justin Mason: I am not super worried. I think he is an elite bat

Starters or Enders: Paul listed Paxton (HOU) and Blackburn (KC) as 12-team starters, in that order, today. Do you agree?

Justin Mason: yes

ha-seong him: hey Justin, is JD Martinez droppable in shallow leagues? I’ve held him through all his injury flare ups, but I’m not sure how reliable he’ll be down the stretch. I’m in a roster crunch and deciding between him and Mountcastle. Thanks!

Justin Mason: I wouldn’t drop him.

Deek: Cease droppable in a 12? I know what he’s capable of but I also don’t want toys eat him anywhere right now and I could use the streaming spot.

Justin Mason: I think you should hold, but I understand the frustration. Upside is too good.

tonytonysliceryourmeats: next season in my auction al-only, I’m planning to buy low on both degrom and mcclanahan and wait them out til ’25, is this sound or should I pick only one?

Justin Mason: If you are ok not competing next year, I don’t have an issue with it.

Mike F: I have nearly a 1050 pt lead over second in a FGPts league. It’s basically over unless I screw something up horribly, but how soon is too soon to cut bait on guys I’m not keeping for stashes for next year?

Justin Mason: I would wait a couple more weeks to be safe, but you can probably start in September.

Farhandrew Zaidman: Did Julio Urias save his season with the addition of the cutter, or is that an oversimplification?

Justin Mason: I think that is a huge part of it, but I also think he just has had better luck outcomes as well and seems completely healthy which he didn’t look like earlier in the season.

David: When Lodolo comes back I will need to drop one of Brash, W. Smith, Bednar, or Kimbrel. Points league almost playoff time. I’m leaning Will Smith…thoughts?

Justin Mason: Yeah, I think it is smith.

Pitch the Woo: Odds Carlos Hernandez gets the closer role in KC next year? Is he a better keeper than Woo in AL Only for $10?

Justin Mason: I think there is a good chance that is who they roll with. I like Woo a lot but his elbow issues recently have me a little worried.

Matt: Who do you like as a Heim replacement ROS in 1 C formats that include OBP?  Keibert Ruiz, Varsho or Yainer Diaz?

Justin Mason: Diaz

The Rodon Less Traveled: Noticed on consecutive pods that you were cool on Rodon but also picked him up. Now that the week is here, are you starting vs. Washington or playing wait and see?

Justin Mason: I am waiting and seeing. Washington has been really good against lefties.

JoJo Romero: Why do I see no buzz about him as the Cards closer? Cards in no rush with Helsley and Gallegos has been used in the fireman role lately

Justin Mason: I don’t know. I think he is the dude until Helsley is healthy.

Guest: Raleigh or varsho ROS?

Justin Mason: Raleigh

Noelvi Marte: Expectations for him ROS? Can he be as good as McLain?

Justin Mason: I think he can be very McLain-esque. A bit of pop and speed and will gain third base eligibiltiy.

Pitching the Woo: Normally I don’t start pitchers off the IL, but seeing Woo @CWS this week has me tempted. How deep a league is he a start for you?

Justin Mason: Probably just 15s

Guest: Pick one late round roto keeper: casas, j walker or k carpenter

Justin Mason: Casas

Ragans: How hyped are you on ragans last few starts? Top ____ pitcher next season?

Justin Mason: 50 ROS. I am pretty excited by him but I also want to acknowledge there could be some bumps with his control and the Royals are not going to win a lot of games down the stretch.

Justin Mason: Ok, I only have a few minutes left and a ton of questions so we are going to speed round it!

Witch Which: Teoscar/Bello or Velazquez(KC)/Verlander? (OBP league)

Justin Mason: Verlander side

Guest: Would you pick up o’hoppe for raleigh in a one C league?

Justin Mason: No

Young NL SPs for 2024: Give me your far too early rankings for these young guys in next year’s draft. Abbott, Bo Miller, Pfaadt, Eury, Elder?

Justin Mason: Eury, Miller, Abbott, Pfaadt, Elder

Walker: Jordan Walker is a top ____ asset in dynasty leagues moving forward? Not a great year, but a league average batting like as a 20 yo seems like a pretty good indicator of future success

Justin Mason: 75

Doug: In playing percentages with L/R platoon guys, would you rather have the better hitter for five games a week or a little worse hitter for six games a week?  Need to make a decision about the upcoming week.

Justin Mason: Better hitter for 5

gabagool: Tyler Freeman, a guy who could earn full playing time next season and be similar to early-career Altuve?

Justin Mason: Nope

Farhandrew Zaidman: Do you have any expectations at all of what Walker Buehler will be when he’s back? All indications are September is still a go.

Justin Mason: I think he is likely just a reliever when he returns.

SeaM’s: Regarding Sale, drop him for Zach Littel ROS? Littel starts against Colorado while Sale gets Houston.

Justin Mason: No

Oddball Herrera: Is Luzardo cooked for the season, or just a rough patch

Justin Mason: Rough patch

Adam: In a keeper league should I trade Noelvi Marte for Freddy Peralta?

Justin Mason: Yes

NukesLaLoosh: In terms of long-term outcomes, Nolan Jones seems to be a guy that the industry overlooks.  I get he’s an old rookie and has some contact issues this season, but what are chances we are overrating fixable issues and underrating a 40 HR outcome?

Justin Mason: I think that is fair. Hard to trust the Rockies in developing guys though

Guest: Should I Keep Jeff McNeil for one more year in a keeper league.  Have him at 20 dinero.

Justin Mason: That is borderline.

Chip: Is Torkelson finally figuring it out?

Justin Mason: Yes, the contact and power numbers are really intriguing.

Troutmask Replica: Trout might be coming back! What does he bring? Him or Teoscar (OBP league)?

Justin Mason: Trout for sure

Chip: Re: Wander – given your opinion, are you cutting him if you have him?

Justin Mason: Yes

Bob: After Trout comes back, how many games before he back to being real useful to help lead me to championship?

Justin Mason: Right away

Guestavo: Is J.Heim rosterable in any re-draft leagues?

Justin Mason: Sure, he was the #1 catcher before he got hurt

Cito: Arcia or E. Duran Ros, standard league?

Justin Mason: Duran

In re: Funny Names: Also: Andre Scrubb, Connor Sadzeck are good “flex on leaguemates” pickups

Justin Mason: love those!

Pedro: Justin, Santos or Foley for 2024?  Thx

Justin Mason: Santos

rotorueter: It sounds like Trout is coming back any day now. Should I drop a Matt Wallner or Nelson Velazquez for him? I know hamate injuries can sap power in the short term but it’s still Mike Trout, right?

Justin Mason: Drop Velazquez

Phil: Rank these SPs as keepers: Woodruff, Kirby, Gavin Williams

Justin Mason: Woodruff, Kirby, Williams

JC: PTS League: picking up SSuzuki but have to drop Kepler, Gimenez, or Wollner in exchange…Who ya got?

Justin Mason: drop Wallner

David: So we aren’t going to wait and see if Wander is actually innocent by any chance? Or will he be blackballed regardless?

Justin Mason: Where is Addison Russell these days?

Bob: Looking to next year, Burnes is a ___ SP in 2024?

Justin Mason: 5

Nick: In a points league, are 2 start Abbot or Ober or one start Woodruff over Sandy, Eury, Bradish or Kirby?

Justin Mason: I would take the 2 start Abbott over one start Bradish because Bradish’s start is at the end of the week

Justin Mason: Wow, I got through them all!

Justin Mason: Thank you for Chatting with me. 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!