Paul Sporer Baseball Chat – April 20th, 2018

Paul Sporer: Hellloooooo!!! Lots of good arms going today, but nothing tops Scherzer v. Kershaw!

Dusty: It’s 4/20, either talk about Wander Javier’s high upside or GTFO Paul.

Paul Sporer: Who?

Slapshot: Need to cut someone soon to make room for guys coming off the DL.  Should I dump Marwin Gonzalez or JBJ in 5×5 roto?

Paul Sporer: Marwin’s positional flexibility keeps him ahead of JBJ

Don: Drop gattis for kurt suzuki or is tyler flowers gonna make that a bad idea?

Paul Sporer: Flowers is out on rehab this weekend, but Suzuki’s been so good while Gattis has been terrible so it’s not a terrible move

James: Quintana off to a poor start, velocity down. Buy low candidate or look at others?

Paul Sporer: Open to buying low for sure. The huge BB rate is a little weird/worrisome, but I’ll take a discount and see if comes out of it

CW: Would you trade Nola, Manaea, Junis for Gordon/Cain? Hurting big time with DL stints for hitters- have stras and Paxton for pitching. 10 team obp keep forever

Paul Sporer: Sure, that seems good. Really nice infusion of speed.

Bill: Would you drop Y. Alonso for W. Calhoun in a 13 team mixed redraft?  Alonso is on my bench and is a reserve/fill-in currently.

Paul Sporer: As long as you’re willing to wait another couple weeks. Not sure Calhoun is up before early May unless I missed some news today

Paul Sporer: but I love Calhoun

Gio: Gallo or Chapman in an OBP league? Keeper price: (Chapman 8 Gallo 9).

Paul Sporer: Chapman

Paul Sporer: Do you ever remember old ass memes outta nowhere? I just thought about Epic Sax Guy and forgot how fire the song was:

Ben in Atlanta: Hold onto senzel (and keep waiting) or pick up buxton off waivers?  12t yahoo h2h cat.

Paul Sporer: Scoop Buxton

Mark: Daniel Robertson currently has a 27% walk rate (SSS disclaimer, etc.). I know he doesn’t do anything else, but can his OBP be good enough to contribute in fantasy?

Paul Sporer: He walked regularly in the minors so ya I could see him being a decent deep OBP league fill-in

Greg: Would you drop Albers for Arano or Danny Barnes in a 6×6 with holds added?

Paul Sporer: Barnes looks solid. Think I’d go Barnes, Albers, Arano

Gus Johnson: Going to cut Domingo in a points league as he’s been awful and PT is questionable. Which of these FA OFs do you like best – Choo, Peralta, Piscotty, Reddick, Mazara, Mallex, Kepler, Puig, E Rosario, and Teoscar? Sorry I know thats a lot of options lol

Paul Sporer: Lots of similar options so you gotta kinda iron out your favorites. I like Choo, Maz, Puig, and Peralta. I’m a huge Teoscar fan, but he will likely have the same PT issues as Domingo so while he’s on fire rn, it’d be the same headache.

Mathenaging: Thanks for all the content. It seems like you’re getting your due. More good things to come I’m sure.

Paul Sporer: Thanks so much!!

Scooby: Thanks for the chat today, Paul! Are you high at all on Newcomb? Roster in a 12 -team mixer? Or just stream?

Paul Sporer: Just stream in 12 as those walk issues will breed volatility

Albie alright : Conforto’s hard hit percent seems to have moved to medium percent. This a result of his shoulder and could linger for the season

Paul Sporer: It’s not illogical to suggest that as it’s very plausible, but we also don’t know for sure. Fact is, I was avoiding him entirely because I just didn’t know how the shoulder would impact power even when he came back (which I thought would be mid-May). Even with the meh start, his value is still high in most markets so he can be traded pretty easily

Rufus T. Firefly: Only 25 pickups allowed for the year. Spend one on Tyson Ross or hold my mud?

Paul Sporer: Probably in anything but a 10-teamer

Vegan Man!: You starting Shark coming off the DL today? (180 start limit). Thanks!

Paul Sporer: Not against the Angels

Vegan Man!: You starting Gray vs. CHC today? Thanks!

Paul Sporer: Feel like we gotta kinda play Gray everywhere given the price we paid

Vegan Man!: Think Franco is in line for a breakout? BABIP is rather low – seems like room for improvement in the AVG department? Thanks!

Paul Sporer: LOL I didn’t mean to put 3 in a row from the same person. That’s what I get for not looking at names, but they’re good Qs

Paul Sporer: Anyway, re: Franco – that’s always been the case w/his BABIP so while I can see the breakout, I’ve been calling it for years to no avail and I feel like Charlie Brown trying to kick that football

Steve: You concerned with Aaron Sanchez’s xFIP and SIERA numbers and slight dip in velocity? Should we be selling?

Paul Sporer: Don’t even need the advanced numbers, tbh… the inputs – primarily his K% and BB% – are the worrisome factors

Erik Wright: Paulie!!! Got a dynasty trade offer: give up Cruz and Rey Lopez and get back manaea, Sonny Gray and Jansen. Have puig on my bench that I can play at RF. What are your thoughts? Thanks man

Paul Sporer: That seems pretty fair, espec. if you believe in a Kenley Jansen rebound. The fact that the most trigger-happy DL team in the league hasn’t DL’d him encourages me that it’s not injury and just something he needs to work through. Ya I can do this

Rufus T. Firefly: Did Eno double his paycheck over there at the you-know-what?

Paul Sporer: Sextupled

Henrietta: Just traded Paxton for Bogaerts/Salazar did I make the right move? My current SS is Semien

Paul Sporer: Big Marcus Semien this year, but still like the deal here as a buy-low duo w/both hurt. Solid move.

King Buzzo: Over/under Nick Castellanos homers rest of year:  1.5?

Paul Sporer: Even

Dean: Been offered chapman for my Clevinger. Is this a good deal?

Paul Sporer: Hell ya

Rickon: Should I hold onto Chris Taylor? Really only kept him this long for his multi position eligibility

Paul Sporer: I am a Taylor believer so I’m riding it out. So far his detractors are looking right

Mike: H2H obp instead of avg. Trading Votto for Jose Martinez and Ozzie Albies a good idea? Already have Matt Carpenter and Ian Kinsler

Paul Sporer: I love Albies, but no. Votto is going to get his normal numbers and alllll that goodness is yet to come

Spencer: Hey Paul. I traded Votto for Greinke, Conforto, and Moncada in a 12 tm H2H 7×7 keep forever with OPS and TB added. Did I get enough for Votto?

Paul Sporer: This one’s better, espec. w/Moncada surging, but I still don’t LOVE trading Votto

Doug: Did you see your Tigers rough up my AL Only Alex Cobb (spring training mode) yesterday?  It was a lot of groundball hits and a couple blasts, but Cobb’s pitches looked a little crisper, there were some whiffs and K’s, and bad defense hurt him.  Wondering what you saw, and am I safe still thinking of him as steady Eddie for middle of AL only rotation?

Paul Sporer: Stuff looked muuuuch better compared to first start, but then again, you, me, and seven others in the chat would’ve rocked Cobb in that first start. Still a ton of well-struck balls, even if many were on the ground. I’m OK giving him another look in AL only, but one more superdud and I gotta bounce

Brent: Should I be trying to unload Jarlin Garcia onto a sucker before his next start or could there actually be something there?

Paul Sporer: Is anyone really buying in on Jarlin Garica, though? Do these people exist? Because here’s the thing, even if you find an unsuspecting newb, he doesn’t know WTF Garcia is so anyone with knowledge of Garcia knows he’s not some budding superstar. Opponents haven’t been squaring him up, but he has terrible component numbers so I can’t see this holding.

Dale: Is José Martínez a sell high candidate? If his bat goes cold, his defence isn’t keeping him in the line up. What kind of players should I target?

Paul Sporer: There is some sell high viability to Martinez because he was a buzzy player in spring, but I don’t really think he’ll flop. The bat is really strong. His shitty defense hurts, but he’d have to collapse at the dish to start losing time. As for players to target, that’s dependent on far too many variables for me to give any value in throwing out random names.

Paul Sporer: Plus, it really depends what your market will net. You have to find the right buyer.

Rufus T. Firefly: Will Nimmo win a job? Is he worth holding in a 12-teamer with five-man bench?

Paul Sporer: There’s no starting role without injury so he’s pretty fringy in 12-tm

Mathenaging: Dongmingo Santana really sharting the bed at the momo, BUT it appears to be very similar to his slash at this point last season. Still like him? I’m still willing to let playing time sort itself out and think it probably will.                                                                           2017 – .193/.288/.368                                                      &nb

Paul Sporer: Good point re: Santana. He had a wretched line through a similar PA count last year. 77 PA – .182/.286/.379 — I know people are worried about the PT, but he’s too good not to play and hasn’t the entire KC OF besides him been hurt at some pt already? I’m holding Domingo in most situations. The guy earlier had a lot of solid options cut him for, but most won’t be so blessed. Ride it out

John: Traded Albies (and Clevinger) for Lindor. Could I actually end up regretting that?

Paul Sporer: I doubt you’d *regret* it, because the process is solid w/Lindor down and Albies up right now. I see Albies and Lindor being comparable so I’d probably just sit tight personally

Keanu: Buy Kenley and hope the Dodgers really are being careful and truly believe he isn’t hurt?

Paul Sporer: Ya but get a real discount. It’s been scary enough that you can offer something noticeably below his draft day cost (let’s say he went round 4… offer a round 7-8 value)

Mathenaging: Andrew Miller looking good in the Josh Hader role.

Paul Sporer: Yesssss

Boof: Even year Porcello a thing? 3.31 xFIP

Paul Sporer: Less of an even year think and more of things going his way with an increased focus on his slider and changeup (both of which have been untouchable). More importantly, his sinker is staying in the yard. Solid 3.60 ERA/1.20 WHIP rest of the way

My Name is Paul too!: Buying low on Ryan Zimmerman?

Paul Sporer: Sure! He’s definitely not this bad and his batted ball profile offers hope (particularly that 51% Hard contact rate and heavy LD/FB lean)

Master of Delusion: What are your thoughts on Triggs ROS?  I have Gohara on the DL and looking to drop either Triggs or Newcomb once Gohara is back in a 12 H2H 14 category League.

Paul Sporer: Better than 5.82 ERA he’s had thus far, but not particularly special. I’d keep the 2 Braves

Tooge2: I have Junis and Lopez in a 12 team OBP/QS league. Are you worried about their 4+ xfips? And what do you think about either of them for Aaron Hicks?

Paul Sporer: I’d do either for Hicks. While I do worry about ANOTHER oblique injury for Hicks already this year, I just love his talent.

Paul Sporer: JACOBY JOOOOONNNEEESS!!!!!!

Vegan Man!: Michael Fulmer was just dropped in my 12 team roto with a 180 start limit. Worth a pick up? Would have to drop Chris Davis or Stroman. Thank you!

Paul Sporer: Absolutely. Chop C.Davis for him

Jonesy: Should Walker Buehler be grabbed immediately with speculation of a Monday start?

Paul Sporer: I hadn’t seen that news yet, but if that’s the case then yes, scoop now and ask questions later. His upside is massive.

Bags: Assuming Archer still has trade value based on K rate and upside, wait for a good start and then trade or hold and pray for continued improvement?

Paul Sporer: I’m looking to sell on the heels of his next big start. 2 pitch guy, can’t handle lefties, and can’t get through 6 regularly

Sean Manaea: In a league that trades auction dollars, is it viable to trade $25 (how much it costs for a non top 4 ace) for Thor? Basically next year, I start out with $220/$245 budget

Paul Sporer: Yeah I’m open to buying Thor in this manner for sure

Vegan Man!: Dee Gordon or Didi and Matt Chapman in a 14 team dynasty points league? Thanks!

Paul Sporer: Didi & Chap

Big G: Which side do you like in a 6×6 with OPS? Harper/Abreu or Hoskins/Cruz/Schoop. If it matters, Schoop

Paul Sporer: Harper side

Charles : Trade Trout,

Paul Sporer: OK

Matt: Why does the banner announcing the Sporest of the chats always have the wrong time?

Paul Sporer: Whattya mean? 3 ET/2 CT, right?

Mike: Is Chapman’s drop in K% real? SwSTR% is down! Could be a legitiamte .280 guy with good OBP and 30+ HR!!!!

Paul Sporer: Real in that what we’ve seen so far has backing, but we don’t know if it’ll hold. I’m betting on Chapman, though – https://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/sporer-report-issue-3/

Billy : Jed Lowrie’s .378 xwoba for over 700 PA’s covering 2017 and 2018 is the 3rd highest for middle infielders over that span behind Correa & Seager. Some names below him –  Blackmon, Rendon, Machado, Arenado, Betts, Lindor, Altuve, Jose Ramirez. Is he this good?

Paul Sporer: Lowrie is one of my biggest “what if he had stayed healthy” questions of this era. Points league stud with the 2Bs. Must roster in all formats right now

Nicholas: I give Olson for Bundy in a 12 team OBP? I’m somewhat conerned w/ Olson’s K rate. Which side wins? Thanks Paul!

Paul Sporer: It’s a great trade so there’s no real winner, just even for both sides

Gio: Thanks. Curious, why chapman?

Paul Sporer: Because he’s awesome?

Ben: Chris Taylor was dropped in my 12 team H2H categories league. Are you bullish on his ability to repeat or come close to last year?

Paul Sporer: I was a big Taylor backer in draft season and while I’m bummed so far, I’m not giving up yet so yes I would scoop him

Matt: I had a log jam in my OF. Last week I traded Cruz and Merrifield for Cano, Roark, and a 2-round upgrade (late 4th to mid 2nd) in minors draft. Cano/Cruz each keepers only this year. I freed up my DH spot, freed up $1, and converted offense to pitching. Did I do good?

Paul Sporer: I don’t have any issues with this assuming the needs match in that you can afford to lose Cruz’s pop and Merrifield’s assumed speed.

Johnny 5: Trea Turner’s walk rate is off the charts. New approach or early season noise?

Paul Sporer: I think there’s some realness behind it. Don’t see 17% holding all year, but more like a 12% mark… which would still nearly double last year’s 7% mark

Ghost of Ned Yost: Badly need help in both my two catcher NL and AL only rotos as I full on punted C, like last two picks of the draft punted. Who are some good sleeper backups to target? Most catchers over 5% ownership are gone. I’m getting pure garbage production which is to be expected but hoping I can find some mid season gems or at least a few chips at the bottom of the bag.

Paul Sporer: You’re going to have to throw some names you’re looking at and I can pick from there, but this is why I don’t full punt on C anymore. It’s just 2 dead roster spots for too much of the year

Ben in Atlanta: Any Giles questions yet?  Is Devenski best bet for hou saves for year now?  Doesn’t seem like they have confidence in Giles.

Paul Sporer: I was a fulllll fade on Giles and I’m not surprised they’re already leaning away from him (AGAIN). I really see Devo taking it and running away

Jeremy: How much more leeway should Luis Castillo get? Drop him and start streaming or…?

Paul Sporer: All of it? I’m not even close to letting him go, tbh. Stuff is still there and I think he’ll get back on track.

Charles: Was offered Sale, Harper and Cueto for Trout, Dee and Justin Turner. Who wins?

Paul Sporer: As long as you need the pitching and can let go of Dee’s speed, I’m in on that trade

Kakie Bryan: Dumb to add Vlad Jr. in a H2H keep forever with only three bench spots? Trying to win now, but I figure I just need the best roster come playoff time. I was going to practice restraint but you got me fired up on the pod.

Paul Sporer: Ya I think it’s too tight w/just 3 spots. You’re basically giving away a spot and you’ll need it sooner than later. If TOR is still playing well in 2-3 weeks, I’m more open to it, but doing it right now seems like you’ll just have to cut him soon

steviek: Struggling to decide between Pivetta and Porcello. Porcello’s early rates compare favorably to ’16, but really need who has the better shot at 3.5ish era ros.

Paul Sporer: Interesting duo. Both are keeping the ball in the yard way better than last yr (in fact, 0 HR for both). Think Pivetta is less-reliant on external factors like defense and BABIP good fortune so I’d lean toward him, but Porcello has definitely raised his stock from draft season

MARTin: Thoughts on Jordan Montgomery? Worth a spot in 12 man?

Paul Sporer: I’m a big fan and I’d definitely hang on in 12-team for at least another 4-5 starts and see where he’s at

Cory: Paul, would you dump Devon Travis for Jed Lowrie or Jedd Gyorko, or am I just selling low and buying high?

Paul Sporer: For sure. I don’t buy Travis at all. Scoop Lowrie

Ozzie Albies: I’m untouchable in trades, right? 🙂

Paul Sporer: Oh for sure! 🙂

stephanie clifford: IN a DH-lineup-spot league, is Carlos Carassco a fair trade for Nelson Cruz?

Paul Sporer: LOL at your name… and yes, that’s fair.

Ms. Happ: I have Paul DeJong, Javy Baez and Andrelton Simmons in my middle infield.  Semien is available on waivers, would you swap him for any of these gentlemen?

Paul Sporer: Eh, pretty neutral move… I like Semien as I mentioned earlier, but I’d just stick with who I’ve got

Henry Rowengartner: Am I silly to reject his Springer (replacing Reddick) for my Verlander?  I’m holding Kluber, Godley, Paxton, Nola and Quintana.

Paul Sporer: You’re not silly to reject it, but it’s definitely fair.

Cory: Paul, would you drop Glasnow for Stratton or steady guys like Leake or McCarthy?

Paul Sporer: I’d drop Glas for Stratton … this is Justin Mason hacking into Paul’s computer. I am altered any time Stratton is mentioned anywhere. Even if it’s just a Briggs & Stratton lawnmower

Not SuperDave Osborn: Matt Boyds good start sustainable? Eduardo Rodriquez or Ivan Nova?

Paul Sporer: He’s ridin high and while I believe Boyd can be a solid 4.00 ERA guy, I prefer E-Rod

Dan: I was offered DeShields and Pivetta for Devenski and Brach. I’m lacking SBs, and I seem okay on saves (Iglesias, Hand, Hader, Middleton). Thoughts?

Paul Sporer: Ya I like that w/The Dentist returning this weekend.

Greg A: Do you believe Bauer has turned the corner and is a reliable SP going forward? Seems like his improved pitch mix/selection has propelled him to the next level. Was offered him and Vlad Jr in a dynasty league for Dozier. I know it’s hard to rate trades without full league context, but if you think Bauer is a Top 15-20 SP then I feel pretty good about it.

Paul Sporer: I’m a Bauer skeptic, but that slider is surging and he’s always had some nasty stuff. I’d do that deal in dynasty.

Greg: Time to sell Chase Anderson? FIP and xFIP are ugly. Plus velo down

Paul Sporer: The HRs are back with a vengeance, though most are solos. I don’t think you can sell so it’d have to be a cut. I’d probably ride out a couple more starts. I’m gonna deep dive his numbers this weekend and watch some video

Big Tuna: As an Albies owner I don’t know if I should be searching for somebody who wants to buy him high or just sitting tight and seeing if offers come.

Paul Sporer: I’d sit tight personally and see what’s up

Mark: IS OOTP like the old Baseball mogul game I played in the late 90’s?

Paul Sporer: But like 400000000x better. And that’s more to prop up OOTP as opposed to shading Mogul

Johnny 5: What is going on with Matt Carpenter and how concerned are you?

Paul Sporer: Collette got me super scared about his shoulder so I don’t have any shares, but I’m not sure that’s the issue right now. I think hits will start to fall and he’ll be OK. Health keeps me skeptical generally speaking

Rick James: Should I try to buy low on Tanaka?  The Ks and BBs look solid, but those HRs…  worth the risk or stay away?

Paul Sporer: Oh no, I accidentally posted a 2017 message… oh wait, no this is from this year

Paul Sporer: I love Tanaka bc he’s so fun when he’s on, but I don’t really see the homers going away which will always keep him volatile

Me, me, PICK ME!: Likelihood that Suarez gains SS eligiblity (Senzel gets called up, hits well, and Suarez bumps Peraza)? Also, likelihood that Haniger eventually gets bumped to the #2 spot in the order?

Paul Sporer: I’d say pretty likely once he gets back on the field bc Peraza is TERRIBLE. The Haniger thing is plausible for sure

Jake Junis Priest: Listened to your podcasts back-to-back yesterday. Like lighting one cigarette off the other. Except without the cancer!

Paul Sporer: So I had an uncle who liked video games and played Nintendo baseball with me back in the day and one of the things I remember most is him using his previous cig to light the next lol

G: You rolling with Hendricks in Colorado tonight? I’m hoping cold rain will keep the run-scoring down

Paul Sporer: I would not, no

o’HOOLIGAN’S: Concerns with David Price moving forward? 4.05 bb/9 so far this year. It’s early but that’s double his career average.

Rick James: Is it time to sell high on David Price?  Is he just destined to go down?

Paul Sporer: Definitely don’t love the walks, but I’m staying the course with Price … or at least letting deals come to me as opposed to seeking out deals to trade him

Jake Junis Priest: When Migos says “I walk it like I talk it,” does he mean that he walks in a halting, staccato manner?

Paul Sporer: Correct. It’s very weird. And Migos is three people, not just one

Slow starting pitching: Tell me Archer will soon be Archer?  I can deal with the slightly higher ERA & such, but this is ridiculious, he’s not even giving QS.

Paul Sporer: I can’t tell ya that. Just worried about his inability to get out lefties or deep into games

JPL: Who do you like rest of year Mike Minor or Tyson Ross?

Paul Sporer: T-Ro

Big Tuna: RIP Avicii. Not generally a dance music fan, but I definitely had some fun to a bunch of his songs

Paul Sporer: Agreed. And so sad at age-28

GB: I’m sure you’ve answered this in the past.. But on last week’s Pod you seemed to be able to see all of your fantasy rosters really quickly, maybe simultaneously? What program are you using?

Paul Sporer: I just made an Excel file

Hi: Is Greg Holland worth my #1 waiver spot in a 12 teamer?

Paul Sporer: No

Chet: Great stuff as always Paul! Wondering you’re thoughts on Thames this year? Clearly still hates the Reds and everything they stand for, but do you see him improving on last year or more of the same?

Paul Sporer: LOL man he OWNS the Reds. It’s hilarious. I don’t think he’s much different than last year: 30+ HR, .240-.250

Rick: Gausman just isn’t impressing me so far. Your thoughts on him? I’m considering a drop this weekend for Mikolas, Estrada, or even Gohara.

Paul Sporer: I’d scoop Estrada or Mikolas over him

Guest: So I just wrote my first post for a fantasy site (happens to be one you used to write for) this week, giving some advice for an evening of daily fantasy. I promptly finished last in my 40-person contest using all the guys I wrote up. Do you remember some of your terrible early posts?

Paul Sporer: Oh for sure. I remember some terrible posts from last year… like when I lost my mind over Thames lol

Jeremy: Who gets the most Cy votes on the Astros rotation at year’s end? Morton?

Paul Sporer: Cole

DRAGONWAGON: Tell Mackel he sucks at fantasy baseball and should give up.

Paul Sporer: Ya Mackel, just quit. Gosh.

Conundrum : I was just offered Giancarlo Stanton for my Charlie Blackmon straight up.. WHAT DO I DO?

Paul Sporer: Pass

Jimmy: Would you start Chris Archer tonight, or are you taking a wait and see approach?

Paul Sporer: OK so despite answering 2 questions with a negative outlook on Archer, I still don’t think you can sit him. If you’re rostering him, you gotta ride it out

Huh?: “I test my knowledge against anyone’s.” – Paul “Hey Paul, name any Minor Leaguer.” – Bob “Ummm, Willy Mo Pena?” – Paul GTFOH

Paul Sporer: LOL, I know *some* minor leaguers!! Sorry I don’t know the next up-and-coming nine year old

Rerops Laup: Garrett Richards for Schoop and J Montgomery….16 team h2h

Paul Sporer: Fair deal.

Mike: Do you believe in what Dansby is doing can last, or at least something close to this? What do you think his ceiling is now that we’ve entered his post hype phase

Paul Sporer: Nah, I see something like ZiPS .260/.340/.400. Better than last yr for sure, but not special

Sid: Is Gsellman this year’s Peacock?

Paul Sporer: It’d be fitting for my penchant for being a year early on players. I liked Gsellman last year and he was awful lol

99: Attempting to trade for Betts at some point this season.  Do you think that if Berrios and J. Martinez continue to dominate for another month or so, that would be a reasonable offer?  My gut tells me no but I have to try…

Paul Sporer: Jose Martinez? No. JD Martinez? Yes, but then the difference between Betts & JD isn’t Berrios so that’d be too much which is why I think you meant Jose

John: DJ Lemahieu for real and worth buying now?

Paul Sporer: We spoke well of him on the pod. I’ll have some additional thoughts in the next Sporer Report, too. Plus check out this by Travis: https://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/dj-lemahieu-is-up-to-something/

Bill Brasky: Does Whit Merrifield end up hitting his pretty favorable pre-season rankings?

Paul Sporer: As long as he runs, I think it’ll end up alright even if the power wanes

Brian: Any concern on EE? His line is nasty so far. I have Jose Martinez and tried to trade EE for G. Cole and was rejected.

Paul Sporer: Same thing happened last year and that doesn’t mean that he will DEFINITELY come out of it, but I’m giving him at least 6-8 wks of leash

Vinbaka: Candelairo has been hot the past week or so. Is he a solid option in 12-team mixed?

Paul Sporer: Ya he’s fine. Playing time and high spot in order cover for lack of a standout skill

Trea Anderson: HOT TAKE!  Tim Anderson, Trea’s senior by 72 hours, puts up a comparable season line to Turner in terms of HR and SB, while hitting .260. He’s 8 for 8 so far, upped his walk rate, and seems to have the infinite green light on a team who has no reason to put the breaks on him.  Aside from injury, hard to see why he’ll stop running anytime soon…

Paul Sporer: I don’t even know if that’s all that hot, but the 30-40 pts in batting average between them is severe

Guest: When can we drop Chase Anderson and walk away from the imminent disaster?

Paul Sporer: I wouldn’t chastise you for doing it now. I’m holding a little longer, but definitely have some concerns w/the HRs returning

Paul Sporer: OK yall, I gotta get going. As always, you can send your questions via Twitter (@sporer). You can also follow me on Twitch (twitch.tv/psporer24) and get questions answered there. I’ll be streaming later this evening for several hours. Thanks for coming out, enjoy Scherzer v. Kershaw!