Justin Mason’s Baseball Chat – September 9th, 2024

Here is today’s chat transcript:

9:40

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!

10:01

Just-in Case-in: H2H 10tm championship week. Start 2 of Tatis, Carroll (both with 5 games), Steer(7gms) or B. Reynolds(6gms)?

10:01

Justin Mason: I think I would take the 7 and 6 games here, but it is tempting to start the studs

10:01

Tim: How are we feeling about Nelson this weekend against the Brewers after the shaky outing against the Stros? I’d like to think it’s just a blip but I’d like to avoid another nasty weekend surprise

10:02

Justin Mason: No shame in a shaky outing versus a versus a good Astros team. I am still rolling with him

10:02

Rob: Have 2 lineup decision I’ve been wrestling with all weekend. H2H points league playoffs. 1B: Bride or Tellez? SS: Espinal, Rocchio, or Tena? Thank you!

10:02

Justin Mason: Tellez and Espinal

10:03

BLC: How concerned should we be about Rafael Devers?

10:04

Justin Mason: I am not overly concerned. Still hitting the ball hard though the in zone contact numbers are down. I can’t imagine there is much that is actionable here.

10:04

JG: Hello Justin, you like any of these streamers: Mize home vs Rockies. Civale at Giants. JT Ginn at CHW?

10:04

Justin Mason: I am rolling with Mize is some deeper leagues

10:04

Adenolith: Man, Webb killed me… My question is WTF?

10:05

Justin Mason: Stuff like that happens.  He should bounce back

10:05

Rob: Early keeper question – 15 team mixed points dynasty, I’m thinking about keeping Ben Rice as an upside play over Nate Lowe. I had faith in Lowe a few years ago but it looks hopeless now. Thoughts?

10:06

Justin Mason: I don’t mind taking Rice there especially if the Yankees don’t bring in another 1B

10:06

Titletown, USA: Going for a H2H points league title over the remainder of the season. Need one more start of these 3: Bassitt vs NYM, Cobb vs TB, or Severino vs PHI. (FYI – Bassitt on wire, would have to cut the two you don’t pick – no pressure, but I will totally blame you if you pick the wrong guy!).

10:06

Justin Mason: Cobb

10:06

Who to bench who to start?: How would you rank these four for this week?  J. Lowe, Caminero, A. Garcia, Volpe

10:06

Justin Mason: Volpe, Caminero, Lowe, Garcia

10:07

Kate: Are we trusting Arrighetti coming out of his stinker last week?  Or would you rather roll with someone like Stroman or Severino (who seem to have tougher matchups)?

10:07

Justin Mason: I am rolling with Arrighetti

10:07

Damian: What happened with Luis Matos? He’s been jerked around, but he looked so good for a while there.

10:08

Justin Mason: The power never truly developed the way we thought it might. However, I still think there is a Major League player in the profile, but he just hasn’t been given a true shot to play every day. Maybe he needs a new home

10:08

Damian: Where do you have Heliot Ramos or Pete-Crow Armstrong next year?

10:09

Justin Mason: Both have made strides in improving their biggest issue this year which is consistent in zone contact. I will definitely need to do a deep dive this offseason, but I used to be completely out on them, I don’t think I am anymore.

10:10

Woo-Turang Clan: What value does Zebulon Matthews have for next year?

10:11

Justin Mason: Command is a massive issue for Zebby. Until that is resolved, we I am not super interested in him. He could go the Joe Ryan and Bailey Ober route which has been successful for them, but his price on draft day will determine whether he is worth the gamble.

10:11

LongLiveSchlorf: I’m lost on what to do with Alec Burleson in a H2H playoff. 16 tms so waivers are short on options. Would I be better off with Winker, Jesus Sanchez or Horwitz?

10:11

Justin Mason: I would rather have Horwitz

10:12

Kate: Roto league, coming down the home stretch and trying to catch up in OBP, SB while maintaining small leads in HR and RBI.  Start Rizzo (7 games, 6 vs. RHP), Cronenworth (5 games, all RHP), or Toglia (6 games, 3 in Coors)?

10:12

Justin Mason: Toglia in Coors

10:13

Kate: Roto league, coming down the home stretch and trying to catch up in OBP, SB while maintaining small leads in HR and RBI.  Start Realmuto (currently nicked up), Kirk, or MJ Melendez?

10:13

Justin Mason: Realmuto for me

10:13

Damian: Is Will Wagner a thing? His current bat to ball skills seem in line with what he was doing in the minors, but Toronto doesn’t even seem to believe in him.

10:13

Justin Mason: He could be an interesting accumulator if given full run. Just don’t trust Toronto to do that

10:14

Damian: What are the Pirates doing with all of their catchers next year?

10:14

Justin Mason: Davis probably doesn’t catch anymore

10:14

Guest: have to decide on OF3 and Util position in OBP H2H playoff

10:14

Guest: teoscar/riley Greene/cj abrams/goldy – which 2?!

10:15

Justin Mason: Abrams and Teoscar

10:15

DH: Couple of 2025 would you rathers:
Austin Riley or Rafael Devers?
Pete Alonso or Vlad Jr.?

10:15

Justin Mason: Riley and Vlad

10:16

Ken: Thanks for the chat, Justin. If I risk playing Teoscar this week, which player should I bench of the following: Crow-Armstrong, T. Fitzgerald, Nimmo, X. Edwards, or slumping Semien? 5×5 cat., AVG, HR, Runs very competitive. Seems like PCA but he’s hot and has 3 at Coors.

10:17

Justin Mason: Tough, but PCA I think

10:17

Pitching: Struggling to set my starting pitching for week 1 of playoffs in my league (12tm, Fangraphs pts H2H). Skubal is a lock, but need to bench three of: Festa’s 2-step, Lowder’s 2-step, ReyLo @Wsh, Ranger vs. TB, Webb vs. SD, Houck @NYY, Mize vs. Col, and Pallante’s potential v.Cin/@Tor 2-step.

10:18

Justin Mason: Bench Houck, Mize, and Pallante

10:18

Eminor3rd: Got a bye this week in first week of playoffs. Any matchup streamer targets for NEXT week in a 12-teamer 6×6 w/ QS?

10:22

Justin Mason: Detmers has a two step that starts with CHW and Pivetta gets one with against TB/MIN. Darvish also has a two step that ends against CHW. Walker Buehler has a matchup in Miami and could have a second start home versus Colorado

10:23

Billy: Please rank these pitchers as possible keepers in a 12-team AL Only 5X5 – Bowden Francis $2, Griffin Jax $1, Zebby Matthews $6, Ben Lively 라이블리 $4, Ryan Pepiot $17 and Carlos Rodon $19.

10:23

Justin Mason: Pepiot, Francis, Rodon, Matthews, Jax

10:23

Points: Bench Ward or Langford this week (CBS points)? Both have 6 games. My coldest OF is Judge but I don’t think I’ll be benching him. /s

10:23

Justin Mason: Langford

10:24

I suck: In my playoffs and my league has a rule where if the other team does not have 5 active scheduled starting pitchers you can pick a starter for them to fill that spot.  My opponent has Skenes and skubal so I need someone to bone his ratios and not get Ks.  Who do I give him that won’t bite me in the ass and bounce me from the playoffs?

10:24

Justin Mason: Senzatela

10:24

Justin Mason: What an insane and amazing rule

10:25

Eminor3rd: Any general advice for using your BYE week in H2H formats? First-come-first-served FA, daily lineups, limited adds per week?

10:25

Justin Mason: Usually try and grab some guys with good upcoming schedules. Those pitchers I mentioned above or hitters heading to Colorado or Cincy

10:25

Kcc26: oh no I submitted to early.  2025 keepers for 12 team mixed.  Rank the injured guys in terms of keeper potential: 16th round Felix Bautista, 4th round Austin Riley, 1st round Acuna, 15th round Senga, 8th round Joe Ryan.  Thanks!!

10:26

Justin Mason: Acuna, Riley, Ryan, Bautiusa, Senga

10:26

Hitting: Would you bench 5-game Profar or Arraez for any of the following wire options: Raley, Gelof, Moniak, Chaparro (6gms) or Otto Lopez, Bride (7 games). League is fangraph pts 12tm weekly H2H.

10:27

Justin Mason: I would bench both Moniak and Raley

10:27

Ned: I’ve followed baseball since I was young, so the other day when I read about the Federal League was quite surprising.  A third league in 1914-1915.  League folded and the guy who owned the Chicago team bought the Cubs and moved them to the Chicago federal league team’s stadium – which is now known as Wrigley.  Wrigley was a Federal League stadium.  Anyway, really interesting and hadn’t heard of the league before.  Then there’s the league that formed in 1960 by a guy named Shea who just wanted an NL team in New York.  League agreed to fold before they ever played and MLB expanded.  Shea Stadium.  Who knew?

10:27

Justin Mason: This is really cool!

10:28

Barry: Is anything about what Connor Norby is doing sustainable?

10:28

Justin Mason: I don’t really think it is. Just a really nice hot streak

10:28

Guest: Corbin.  As a streamer against Miami this week?  He imploded against the Pirates but was really good for about 5 starts prior to that.  I’m In a deep NL only league and not much starting pitching is available 1or 2 wins I could gain about 4 points and slide into 2nd.

10:29

Justin Mason: I might risk it in NL only but you know the risks associated with Corbin

10:29

Guest: 10t, h2h, redraft, playoffs, Adley at C this week or Langeliers ? Have no bench since there are no IP max and some teams have overused the quantity approach on pitching side

10:29

Justin Mason: Adley

10:29

Jimmy: Any idea why the Cardinals haven’t retired Pujols and/or Yadi’s number yet?

10:30

Justin Mason: Drop Williams

10:30

Vince: Hi! In playoffs in 12-tm, H2H, category w a bye this week. But what I thought was pretty good pitching has shown true colors — unreliable (Peralta, Pivetta), innings-weary, still developing young SPs (Baz, Festa, Williams), or washed up (Kershaw)! Want to drop one (possibly two) of Festa, G Williams or Heaney (good remaining schedule … vs SEA … then @OAK or @LAA) to add bat. Your preference(s) would be?

10:30

Justin Mason: Drop Williams

10:30

Guest: is eduardo rodriguez a drop in h2h first week of playoffs – he has MIL on sat

10:30

Justin Mason: Depends on depth of league, but probably

10:30

Beefo: Hey Justin. H2H cats QS 16 team – looks like B. Lowe going to be unreliable for the rest of the year – Need to pick a 2B off the wire and pickings are slim – Rodgers, O Lopez, Espinal, Triolo, Nick Gonzalez, Turang,  or Clement.
Also – sp steam for the week – Civale (@ SFG/@ ARI) or Cobb (maybe @CHW/TB hard to say), Ginn (@ CHW).

10:31

Justin Mason: Triolo and Cobb

10:31

Catchers: Stick with O’Hoppe or twist to Wells or Wong for the playoffs? (1C H2H points league)

10:31

Justin Mason: Go with Wong

10:31

Slippy fingers: agghhhh. Damn you I phone keyboard

10:32

Justin Mason: It happens lol

10:32

Justin Mason: point awarded

10:32

Keeper: Rooker is currently the #10 ranked player in Yahoo.  You still taking J. Jones and O. Cruz over him as keepers?  If so, is Rooker all smoke and mirrors?

10:32

Justin Mason: I might take him over Cruz, but not over Jones

10:32

Toother Vandros: In a dynasty league, would you move Luis Gil for PCA?  I have depth in both positions.  Just looking for the better player to own in the long run.  Thanks!

10:32

Justin Mason: I would not

10:32

JSweetchuck: Ten Team Dynasty League: Tink Hence worth an add going into 2025?

10:32

Justin Mason: depends on who you are dropping

10:32

Eminor3rd: Weird H2H 6×6 (OPS) desperation utility play: Masyn Wynn or Spencer Horwitz? ROS only

10:32

Justin Mason: Horwitz

10:32

JG: For Saves only , drop Champan for K.Jansen ?

10:33

Justin Mason: yes

10:33

Nicholas: In a points league that focuses on QS, pick one: Bryce Miller, Eflin or Francis, and would you start any of them over a 2 start Povich, Gore or Civale?

10:33

Justin Mason: Eflin over Civale

10:33

DH: Austin Wells is a top __ catcher next year

10:33

Justin Mason: 20

10:33

Best of a Bad Situation: Do you like Mize (COL), Zebby (LAA), or Houck (@NYY) best this week?

10:34

Justin Mason: Mize

10:34

Captain Jack: Jack Leiter got 20 swings and misses vs LAA but also gave up runs. Will he put it together this season or more of a 2025 play?

10:34

Justin Mason: 2025 play or reliever

10:34

Coming up Short: Brooks Lee or Jacob Wilson윌슨, ROS in an OBP league?

10:34

Justin Mason: Wilson

10:35

Panik! At the Disco: No. 1 seed/bye week in 12-tm H2H playoffs. Looking ahead and thinking of replacing Tanner Houck with possibilities such as Festa, Boyd, Bido, Baz, E Rodriguez. Which two do you like most? Or stick with Houck? (Rest of my SPs are Cole, Bryce Miller, M. King, Framber and Skenes.)

10:36

Justin Mason: Boyd has a decent two-step coming up next week

10:36

Crazy: Am I starting Bello today?

10:36

Justin Mason: Depends on your other options

10:36

Crystal Balls: Trying to get ahead of next week starts. Favorite 1 or 2 of these? Bowdin (@TX), Zebby (@CLE), Povich (DET), Kutter (MIN), Detmers (CWS), Jack Leiter (TOR)?

10:36

Justin Mason: Bowden and Detmers

10:37

John Hanke: Are Detmers and Cobb two start pitchers this week?  12 team points league

10:37

Justin Mason: Cobb

10:37

Starters: Pick 2/3: Zebby, Boyd, or Francis for next 2 weeks. All have 3 starts. Points league

10:37

Justin Mason: Boyd and Francis

10:37

Nicholas: Would you start Francis or Bryce over Civale?

10:37

Justin Mason: either

10:37

Steve Albini RIP: PLAYOFF WK1 – WEEKLY H2H league w/ QS and k/9 – can’t decide on my final SP spot– S Arighetti vs Oakland, R Pepiot @ Cleveland, or J Jones vs KC ? Help me Mr Mason kissing_heart

10:37

Justin Mason: Jones

10:37

JT: Final 4 of a Redraft H2H playoffs, who is my starting 2B; Nico, Lux, McMahon, Norby or Kiner-Falefa this week?

10:38

Justin Mason: Nico

10:38

Justin Mason: I am through all the questions! Send me some more

10:40

George: How many games do you think Kyle Tucker plays out of his 6?

10:40

Justin Mason: 5

10:40

Andrew: Any feelings on the Chris Bassitt two-step this week? NYM is scary but STL feels more palatable…

10:40

Justin Mason: It is a risk with how hittable he has been. I am leaving him on my bench in a few leagues and dropped him in a few 12s

10:40

person: NFL season already? oh right it is

10:41

Justin Mason: My Commanders never got the notification lol

10:41

Guy: There are a ton of 21-22 yr old pitchers tearing up High-A ball. What are some factors/stats you look at to help determine if they are legit or not?

10:42

Justin Mason: I am definitely not a prospect guy so I rely a lot on people that cover those guys. I am looking for good command and control first and foremost along with a full arsenal. Love good stuff, but if you can’t command it, it doesn’t tend to end well.

10:42

person: hey I’m a commies fan too. at least our rookie sucked less than the other 2 rookies

10:42

Justin Mason: Small victories. Point awarded

10:42

Frank: Eflin, Burnes H Brown or Woo as a starter in hth this week?

10:42

Justin Mason: If I can only chose one, it is Burnes

10:42

Mugghead: Thoughts on JT Ginn vs CWS this week? H2H Points League and basically deciding between him and Patrick Corbin vs Miami. Thanks.

10:43

Justin Mason: I refused to do it. I just have zero trust in him even versus a AA team like Chicago

10:43

Does Chewbacca use TP?: Lane Thomas has been brutal since he joined Cleveland… good buy low (ish) candidate for next spring or a stay away?

10:43

Justin Mason: In a really deep league, I might stash and see if he can turn it around

10:43

Jones: Hodge or Foley for saves this week?

10:43

Justin Mason: Hodge

10:43

HappyFunBall: Here we are a week before the H2H playoffs, I’m in 3rd, and coincidentally facing the 4th place team.  #5 is facing the league laggard. A pitching staff that has been middling all season has been utterly obliterated thanks to the injury to Justin Steele and the implosions of Baz, Bradley, Houck, and Pivetta.  So I guess my question is this: Which Gods would I best be served to make sacrifices to, such that a miracle run of streamers will carry me through?

10:44

Justin Mason: I would spread my prayers around to cover all my bases

10:44

Justin Mason: Point awarded!

10:44

George: Rolling with Bradford @ ARI this week? 12 team H2H 5×5 w/ QS. Other options are Schmidt, Ortiz, Parker, Spence, Flexen, Ginn, Lowder.

10:45

Justin Mason: I would roll with Lowder’s two-step

10:45

diadem: Please rank as keepers next year: Horton, Shaw, Lawler, Hodge, E Rodriguez.

10:45

Justin Mason: Lawlar, E-Rod, Hdge, Shaw, Horton

10:45

Chris: Is there any world where I am starting Festa this week (rotations lock and we are all ratios) over Framber, King, Ragans or Kirby?  Naturally its playoff week so lets overthink as much as possible….

10:45

Justin Mason: No, leave him on the bench

10:45

Andrew: Where are we at on DL Hall in dynasty? Threw a beauty in GABP but still such a weird situation out of the pen as well. All stats promising since he got called up but such a volatile arm overall

10:45

Justin Mason: I think he is a going to be a really good late inning reliever

10:46

Sean: Hi Justin, Hodge or Justin Martinez this week in H2H semis?  Thanks!

10:46

Justin Mason: Martinez

10:46

South Sider: In the playoffs of a 16-team H2H, would you drop Pivetta (vs BAL this week) for a Gore two-step (vs. ATL, MIA), or am I overthinking it?

10:46

Justin Mason: I would

10:46

Keep Soler Power?: 10 team H2H points, in the playoffs.  Stick with a cold Soler, or  try a hot hand like Benitendi, Marsh, Moniak, Barger.

10:47

Justin Mason: Give me a hot Moniak

10:47

BPB: Hey, 11 tm Roto, keeper…need saves and protect whip and era don’t need wins.  I have 3 rp’s going, Hodge, Foley and Phillips with schellenbach and Gil on my bench.  Do I drop Phillips or Foley for Diaz or Joyce and go with 3 RP’s or drop one of my bench SP’s and go with 4 RP’s? Second place, behind by 1 pt.

10:48

Justin Mason: Drop starters if you don’t need the wins.

10:48

Biscuit: Who are a couple schedule-based streamers you are looking at for multiple starts down the stretch. Competing in a weekly lineup league, so looking at schedule starting next week.

10:49

Justin Mason: Said this above, but Detmers has a two step that starts with CHW and Pivetta gets one with against TB/MIN. Darvish also has a two step that ends against CHW. Walker Buehler has a matchup in Miami and could have a second start home versus Colorado

10:49

Justin Mason: Must be football season because I am out of questions again

10:50

ROB DIBBLE DABBLE: PLAYOFF WK1 – 12tm WEEKLY H2H league w/ OBP & TB: pick 2 for my final Utility spots – Spencer Steer, W Langford, E Tovar, JJ Bleday, and T Story.  weary thanks my dude

10:50

Justin Mason: Steer and Tovar

10:51

Justin Mason: Well, since we are out of questions. I will wrap up. 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!

10:52

George: C. Walker or Toglia for this wek 5×5 H2H

10:52

Justin Mason: Walker

10:52

Justin Mason: Thank you all for chatting with me!

10:52

Guest: walcott or kumar rocker for dynasty league

10:52

Justin Mason: Walcott

10:52

South Sider: 16-team H2H, better option for my last outfield spot, Springer or Crews?

10:52

Justin Mason: Crews

10:52

what’s the trevor story morning glory: what’s the trevor story morning glory?

10:53

Justin Mason: Just a beautiful day for baseball!

10:53

BPB: 11 team Roto, Diaz or Joyce?

10:53

Justin Mason: Diaz





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.

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comish4lifMember since 2020
1 month ago

Is there an available in season tool (similar to the Fangraphs Auction Calendar) to look at current season value and help in planning for 2025 season?