Paul Sporer Baseball Chat – April 28th, 2017

Paul Sporer: Hellllllooooo!!!!!

Paul Sporer: Little tight on time, so we’re only going 60-75 minutes today

Cartel Bartel: how u doin????

Paul Sporer: Doing well!

Big Tuna: What do you make on early season Schimpf? Do you think he’s bound to lose some ABs?

Paul Sporer: Pretty much exactly what I expected – empty home runs, which is a weird phrase, but describes him given how terrible he is elsewhere

Big Tuna: Would you start either Maeda against PHI or Cotton against Houston tonight?

Paul Sporer: Picking one or can you do both? I’d go Maeda for sure

Waka: Paul Sonny Gray was just dropped in my league (12 team h2h points) and I have ww priority. Should I claim him? Would just drop a streamer I have. Good pitchers aren’t dropped too often in this league

Paul Sporer: I mean, you can, but his health has me concerned

Gucci: Had to drop Rodon yesterday because too many guys hit the DL :(((((

Paul Sporer: It’d been brutal right now

Big Tuna: If you have a major short-term need, can you justify overpaying for a player? For example, I need 3B/CI with Beltre and Duda hurt and Rendon not performing. Is it okay to overpay or would you sit tight?

Paul Sporer: Don’t ever wanna get too short-sighted and purposely make a bad deal

Twest: It’s a sad day when Bud Norris is one of the best things going on my fantasy team. That said, he’s almost convinced me that he’s not half bad. With Scoscia being crazy and Bedrosian taking his time nursing the injury, any chance Norris could hang on to this job for awhile?

Paul Sporer: I’ve been saying forever that he could be a lit reliever bc SP just wasn’t working. I kinda dig him as closer

John: aaron sanchez coming off the DL in my 12 team league. Who to drop among: jordan montgomery, daniel norris, senzatela, graveman, e. rodriguez, cotton?

Paul Sporer: Senzatela. Been impressed, but not missing enough bats to survive Coors much longer

Big Tuna: I bought low on Domingo Santana in an OPS league for Odorizzi. Basically, I’m a toddler hoping for affirmation.

Paul Sporer: LOL I’m cool with that

Matt: Hey Paul! Love the podcast and chats… I was offered Trout and Carlos Gomez for my Brantley and Trae Turner. Should I do it?

Paul Sporer: Thanks! That’s a really good offer. I think I’d take it, especially if you’re in a 10-12 tm league.

JD15: Has there been any news recently about Brandon Finnegan’s rehab? Are you still a fan of his? I know he had a NICE ranking in your March ranks.

Paul Sporer: Haven’t seen any updates. Still intrigued by the arm, but bummed that he got hurt

Tony the Tiger: How worried should fantasy owners be about VMart right now? I’m obviously no longer expecting him to put up comparable numbers to last year, but is there still some hope that he turns it around?

Paul Sporer: There is hope. He’s had painfully slow starts before. I’d hold tight still

Light: My Goldy for Votto and McCullers in a 12 team OBP redraft? Another possible scenario is to then flip Votto which ends up McCullers, Carpenter, and Wacha/Stroman. I have DeGrom, Paxton, Harvey, Tanaka, and gsellman as my top five pitchers. Murphy, Goldy, Stanton, sano, Turner my top five hitters.

Paul Sporer: Gimme Votto/McCullers

Richie : Do you see the Twins calling up Berrios on May 6 when they first need a 5th starter?

Paul Sporer: Certainly possible, he’s crushing in AAA again

Chris Tillman: I might be getting worried about my velocity on these rehab starts. Should I be?

Paul Sporer: Definitely a concern, yes

Tommy: Trade J Bell for Brinson? OBP instead of BA. Brinson worth it, even with the relative dearth of 1B prospects?

Paul Sporer: ya, I’m down with that. I like Bell, but I just don’t think he’s going to be all that fantasy viable, even at peak

barry fr boston: Pls rank ROS: McCullers, Bundy, Paxton, Mannaea, D Norris, Hahn, M Gonzalez Thanks

Paul Sporer: Paxton, McCullers, Bundy, Manaea, Norris, Hahn, Gonz

Gucci: Why isn’t Ervin Santana getting any of the trade buzz that Quintana has? Wouldn’t he be a cheaper starter for a competing team to go out and get with only a slightly lower ceiling?

Paul Sporer: He will definitely be discussed at the deadline. Q just has some long-term appeal thus the hype

Mystery Man: What are you doing with MadBum in a keep 7 10 teamer

Paul Sporer: Gotta hang on

Big Tuna: re: Cotton and Maeda, I can start both if I wanted.

Paul Sporer: I’m down to do that

Jim: Thoughts on J.C. Ramirez? He’s currently on the wire and I’m wondering if I should scoop him up. Thanks!

Paul Sporer: Need league context. Maybe an AL only save spec

this is cool: Snaggle Rosario or Barreto if you have space for just one?

Paul Sporer: Barreto probably has more fantasy viability in the short-term

Baryolo Cologne: Paul…wassup dude happy Friday. Start Cotton and Shark in a QS league tonight?

Paul Sporer: Ya I can start both. At least Shark for sure v. SD

Big Tuna: Would you stash Berrios (I’m in a 12tm keeper league with 7 bench spots)? I have him in anticipation of May 8th when the Twins need a 5th starter, but he was so poor last year that I’m not sure he’s worth the spot just yet.

Paul Sporer: If you’ve got the spot, yes

Texas Dolly: Who’s starting in left field for Texas a month from now?

Paul Sporer: :throws dart: DeShields

Gucci: This 10 day DL suckssss with only one DL slot

Paul Sporer: Leagues have to add DL spots. And maybe even do so in-season. I’m not much for in-season rule changes, but this is nuts. Maybe institute it a month down the line so it doesn’t immediately favor a particular team, but 1 is nuts lol

JP: How much stock do you put in Ausmus coming out today and saying he has no intentions of removing KRod? Is some of that a smokescreen that can change very quickly or should I be dropping Justin Wilson if I’m speculating for saves?

Paul Sporer: It happens all the time and then sometimes we see a move a week or so later. I’d still spec Wilson in applicable leagues

Rasta: Paulie! Myers got that +1…I call BS!! All kidding aside, great job with the predictions last night. You highlighted a bunch of the guys who got bumps up

Paul Sporer: Haha, he was on my monitor list but I wasn’t sure he’d done enough just yet. I was focused on the power, but they upgraded the contact. I got that one wrong

I need help: Looking to take a flier on an OF with upside in my 11-team AL-only league. Please rank: Deshields, Bonifacio, Decker, Heredia.

Paul Sporer: The order you have them

John: drop benoit for neris, or hang tight on benoit for now?

Paul Sporer: Neris for sure

Big Tuna: What do you make of Yonder’s early start? Worth owning in OPS leagues?

Paul Sporer: I’m digging it. He made real changes and they’re showing up (smashing the ball and huge FB% surge)

Jeremy: Traded Thames/Hamels for Encarnacion/Verlander

Paul Sporer: Ya I think I’d do that. I believe in Thames, but I also think EE will be fine. Then JV > Hamels

Mike: Hi from RJ, we miss you! Very deep 5×5 with OBP, two years of Arenado, Alonso, Nova or five years of Moncada, Tapia, YMendez? Going for it this year, just tell me to stop worrying about the future…

Paul Sporer: Hey Mike! You gotta go 2 yrs of the Arenado & Co., especially going for it! Very little chance all three of those prospects pan out

GK: Do you start Gausman against the Yankees tonight in an FG pts league?

Paul Sporer: No, I don’t think so

sancho panza: i have eno on line 2 saying he’s hates your glasses?? savage

Paul Sporer: With that hair? Interesting. Can’t trust Sandwich Boy!

Big Tuna: Trey Mancini hasn’t had a hit in 6 games and his SwStr% has been over 40 in two of those contests. Is the fun over?

Paul Sporer: I mean, not based on just 6 games, but I was never really into it to begin with

Cw : Would you try to buy low on cespedes with the DL stint? What is his value in a keeper?

Paul Sporer: Sure, if you can get a discount

Guest: Is there something up with the Comerica statcast readings? Detroit pitchers and hitters dominate the league in hard hit %, and the home/away splits are stark.

Paul Sporer: Hmm, interesting. Hadn’t seen that. Got any links on it to read further?

Hannah Hochevar: Saw Manny Machado walk up to HUMBLE during the Red Sox homestand (including when he got hit). Will Kendrick Lamar get him out of his early-season slump?

Paul Sporer: Hahaha, yes

Moltar: Archie to the rotation? Say it ain’t so! He’s been money in my points league, filling in around the edges with my weekly start cap. Any other multi-inning dudes you like? Devenski is long gone…

Paul Sporer: I was concerned he might get moved with Miller getting hurt. I like him better in super-RP role

Hannah Hochevar: Which non-Archer TB arm finishes with the best numbers this year?

Paul Sporer: Healthy Odorizzi

Baryolo Cologne: Taijuan Walker is going to play the rest of the season like last night…right?

Paul Sporer: LOL, yep. 25 more starts like that

Rasta: As a Texas transplant, what are your thoughts on brisket?

Paul Sporer: It gives me life

Helpmetomcruise: Lindor says he’s not trying to hit more home runs, but he looks like he’s trying to hit more home runs? What are your thoughts ROS?

Paul Sporer: I think he’ll push 20 HR

Aspergillus: Hi Paul, In a 12 tm 5×5 OBP/QS league, I have an open bench spot with no glaring needs. Who would you pick up for upside? Someone just dropped VMart, but others available are Margot, Hicks, Schebler, J Wilson and BMcarthy. IOW, my pickup would not be started right away

Paul Sporer: I’d go VMart or Margot depending on needs.

Houzer : Paul! I really want to like Carlos Gomez .. but Jackie Bradly Jr is available on the wire. Should I make the switch?

Paul Sporer: I’d hold Gomez.

Rick: Why is Collins batting second for the Tigers?

Paul Sporer: LOL, no idea

Paul Sporer: But it is Pelfrey

Blazer: I know oblique injuries are super tricky, but do we have any idea on at least the expectation of how long Haniger will be out?

Paul Sporer: At least a month 🙁

Rufus T. Firefly: 14-team with K’s counted against hitters. Would you deal Thames and J. Upton to get Mookie?

Paul Sporer: Ya I’m good w/that deal

Guest: Buy low on Wainwright? His velocity and peripherals look decent and comparable to his career averages.

Paul Sporer: He’s better than this. Buy low in deeper formats, not 10-12 mixer

PAlford: What do you expect for 2017 Berrios? Worth it this time around if (when?) he gets the call?

Paul Sporer: sometime in May

Chris: Must part ways with one intriguing 3B. Is it Castellanos, Gallo or Suarez?

Paul Sporer: Gallo

Westernal : Who do you think is better inning for inning, Alex Wood or Chris Devenski?

Paul Sporer: Devenski

Nick: Paul! Trade question: How does Pujols/Moore for Nunez/Verlander sound? I have power but need steals and ERA. 12-team 5×5 redraft. Feel like I’m underpaying a bit, but could tack on a Choo or upgrade Moore to a Vargas.

Paul Sporer: I dig it

creme sanchez: Did yu read that crazy Josh Donaldson profile?

Paul Sporer: I didn’t. Hit me with a link

Ryan: NL-only keeper league… I was offered Greg Holland for Strasburg, straight up, which seems kind of rude. Am I just as rude (or dumb?) to ask for Holland + Victor Robles?

Paul Sporer: It’s not rude, but obv don’t take it. Counter w/Robles and see what they say

Minty: I own Gregory Polanco in a 10 team, 30 man roster OBP dynasty. Do I suffer through his shoulder induced power outage this year, or look to deal and fill holes elsewhere?

Paul Sporer: Shop him, but don’t sell super low. I’m so mad about the shoulder. I had such high hopes for him

Ombudsman: In need of some starts this weekend! Would you run out Charlie Morton tonight vs. Oak, Blake Snell @ Tor, or Big Sexy @ Mil? Also, would you give Kevin Gausman a whirl tonight against the Baby Bombers?

Paul Sporer: Morton and Snell. No way on Colon and pass on Gausman

Ted: Theoretical question: How do you go about selling Thames? Anybody I offer to will know I’m trying to sell high and, thus, likely won’t pay “full” price, so it’s not really selling high. I feel like either I hold him, or else I need to build a bigger, multi-piece trade around him.

Paul Sporer: It is still high, though, bc you’re going to get substantially more than you paid for him on draft day. I believe in him, so I wouldn’t sell for less than a 5th-round talent

AD: Matt Moore finally looked good yesterday. Can I let out a sigh of relief, or should I still be concerned?

Paul Sporer: Against a team known for being awful v. lefties, though. I think you can breathe some, but don’t get toooo psyched

Big Tuna: I know I bombarded you with questions today, so I just want to say thanks. These chats on Friday are a perfect way to end the work week looking like I’m being productive to those around me, but really being already checked out

Paul Sporer: Thanks so much!

CJ: 14 team AL Roto 5×5. What would be a good trade target in the OF for Duffy? Looking at Trumbo, Jones, Mazara. Have Sale, Darvish, Bundy, Paxton

Paul Sporer: I’m not even a Trumbo guy, but I think he’ll be fine so I’d be looking to scoop him on the low. I’m a huge Mazara fan so I’d be OK getting him, too.

Guest: What’s the prognosis on Gregory Polanco? Is he playing through injury?

Paul Sporer: Has played through it in the past, too, so I think he can continue to, but definitely a muted version

Hannah Hochevar: Dave got asked a couple times the other day about Yuli G’s quasi-resurgence but brushed it off for its lack of power/BBs. I know you were excited on a recent podcast. Buy/Sell/Hold?

Paul Sporer: I still think he’ll be solid. Low-teens HR, good avg.

Rasta: JMont or Cotton ROS?

Paul Sporer: really close, tbh. I prefer Cotton

Flores: What do you make of this Rich Hill to the bullpen thing? I understand they want him to minimize blister damage but this can’t possibly be a long term plan right? Please? Lol

Paul Sporer: Ya I don’t love it, but they’re at a loss

AD: At what point do I panic if my AVG in my roto league is still .235?

Paul Sporer: About now. That’s pretty low

Chris: Lots of love for Yonder on the site today. Drop Choo for him?

Paul Sporer: I can do that, yes

Pikup Androppov: Samardzija’s era and whip are heinous but the k% is up and the 1.82 hr/9 and .359 babip seem likely to regress. What do you make of him moving forward?

Paul Sporer: Ya it’s been a nightmare thus far, but he should be a high-3s, low-4s by seasons end

Chris: Are you starting Kenta Maeda tonight?

Paul Sporer: Yes

Moelicious: You like Chase Anderson with increased velocity, a new pitch and a stout offense behind him?

Paul Sporer: I’ve been keeping an eye on him. Gonna ask Eno next pod as he once touted him

Mike: Relying on Bregman and Rendon to handle 3B for me. Please tell me I’ll eventually be happy with that decision.

Paul Sporer: ya I’d be patient

Martin: What are you projecting from Trumbo this year given the poopy start?

Paul Sporer: 4% HR/FB won’t last. Unless he’s hiding injury, he’ll be fine. Still >30 HRs

Bruce Bocce: You rolling out the Boyd-ster (AL-only) against the surprisingly-potent White Sox tonight?

Paul Sporer: Ya in AL Only I am, but hear you on WSox not being awful

Hold the Odor: Is Osuna still injured? Worried?

Who Are You?: Worried about Osuna?

Paul Sporer: Health is my only concern, but if he’s healthy, he’ll be fine. Not worrying yet

New World Odor: Thoughts on going to a 3 DL spot set up? In season or wait until next year?

Paul Sporer: Make sure EVERYONE signs off on changing in-season. Can’t just be majority, gotta get 100% sign off. If so, I say do it in-season

Drew: Can stash 1 on DL, Beltre or Haniger. Who do you want?

Paul Sporer: Still Beltre

Rufus T. Firefly: Isn’t Delino Deshields Rajai Davis with a bunch more OBP? When will the Rangers let him play?

Paul Sporer: Ya I think so, that’s why I keep falling for him

MOLD: Will Jose Ramirez be as highly regarded as Lindor by the end of the season?

Paul Sporer: Their bats just aren’t that different

JD15: You’re not on the same page as Eno about JC Ramirez being a starter?

Paul Sporer: No joke, I’m lame af– totally missed his transition to SP

Paul Sporer: Maintaining velo as SP. Three pitch guy. Intriguing. Going to fire up MLB.tv tonight on one of his games

DongTown: If Schoop hits 30 homers why isn’t he a top ten 2b?

Paul Sporer: He could be, but he’s gotta do more than the HRs

Jeff: Time to drop Greg Bird in a 12-team OBP league with 5 bench spots?

Paul Sporer: Ya I’m OK with that

Paul Sporer: Remember when he was going in the top 100 lol

John: Thoughts on potential Archie Bradley move into rotation?

Paul Sporer: Not sure he can make it 3x through the lineup

JJP: Do TJ surgeries occur more in March/April than Aug/Sep? If so, what does that do to roto strategy?

Paul Sporer: I think there is research saying more happen early, but not sure it alters my strategy in any way

Paul Sporer: OK, yall had to be quick today. Think we can do a longer one next week. Thank y’all so much for hanging out. Follow me on Twitter @sporer, on Snapchat at psporer, and on Twitch at twitch.tv/psporer24 — I’ll be back next week!

Paul Sporer: BTW, you can hit me with your question on Twitter if you’d like.