Paul Sporer Baseball Chat – March 23rd, 2018

Paul Sporer: Good afternoon, everyone!! It’s MLB The Show release weekend and we’re less than a week from Opening Day, let’s goooo!!!!

Dylan: Drop David Dahl to grab Lew Brinson in 10-team mixed?  Sounding like Dahl is destined to being the year at AAA.

Paul Sporer: Ya, I think you have to be super active in 10-team and not sit on guys

STT Fan: Kyle Hendricks or Danny Duffy?

Paul Sporer: Hendricks – https://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/march-composite-rankings-starting-pi…

Joba: Bump up Arrieta based on yesterday’s velocity readings?

Paul Sporer: Nah. I’m fine with him just outside the Top 30. I don’t think he’s terrible, but I just don’t want the headache

MP: Hey.  Considering I had Justin Turner signed for a year at $11 13 team mixed,  I am now forced with the decision of keeping him or cutting for $5.   Which way should I go?

Paul Sporer: Cutting him for $5 into the pool or off your roster budget?

SN: Is #85 overall too early to pick David Price?

Paul Sporer: No, not for me. I can take him there for sure

J.W.: Vogelbach or McMahon . . . who do I get more production from in 2018?

Paul Sporer: I prefer McMahon

Luke: how are you balancing OOTP19 and The Show?!

Paul Sporer: It’s not easy, especially bc it’s not like I can just stop doing my work

Dave: With news breaking today that the Orioles are going with a committee, who is your favorite option between O’Day, Brach, and Givens?

Paul Sporer: Still Brad Brach

steve: In a re draft league which side are you on between:  corey seager/buxton or story/yelich?  thnx

Paul Sporer: That’s close, but I lean Seags/Bux

STT Fan: wOBA/FIP based league. How much do i have to add to my Carrasco to get his JD Martinez?

Paul Sporer: I wouldn’t think TOO much. Both are about 2nd rounders

Minty: What’re you expecting out of Gallo for OBP leagues? .360

Paul Sporer: *Expecting* ~.340, but upside is .370

Evan: Do your views on drafting starting pitching change in a league that counts QS instead of W’s

Paul Sporer: Not really, no

@TheRotoFeed: Dylan Bundy’s tabbed as the Opening Day starter for the Orioles hosting the Twins.  In a 15 team mixed league (14 batters, 9 pitchers, 5 bench) Start or sit?

Paul Sporer: Start

DB: Got Ohtani at pick 148 in NFBC Rotowire OC last night…prices be crazy!

Paul Sporer: You beat mine & Dusty’s previous max pick by 1!!

Andy: Broke into a panic and cold sweat at my desk when the chat didn’t come up right at 3.  I can rest easy now

Paul Sporer: LOL, sorry. Was a little slow today

Matt: Paul, WTF. How’d you get on The Show at 11 last night? I purchased the game around 6, and downloaded what I thought was the game – to be opened for play at 11. But at 11, it only allowed me THEN to download the game…which I think took 5 hours. I went to bed.

Paul Sporer: Well there was a pre-load option that should’ve had you ready to go at 11, but for me, I was fortunate enough to get the game early from Sony so I was locked and loaded. Could only do Franchise & RTTS with the early access, but it was awesome. #SonyPartner

Ombudsman: What’s up Paul $porer! Happy to be back in these chats, ready for some baseball!

Paul Sporer: Welcome back!! I’m sooooo geeked for baseball

Nelson: Please rank: Wheeler, Matz, Harvey

Paul Sporer: Had Wheeler > Harvey in my SP rankings, buuut I’m now Harvey, Matz, Wheeler as Wheels seems to be on the outside looking in for a rotation spot

Chris: Hey Paul..11 team pts lg/weekly transactions/only start 3 OF….ok to bang SP’s early? I’ve come across some stuff where others recommend SP early in pts format.

Paul Sporer: Yes SPs rule in most points formats. I’m definitely open to shifting to an SP focus compared to what you’d do in Roto

Chris: Down to my last keeper decision in AL-only w/OBP. Fulmer or Semien?

Paul Sporer: Damn, that’s close.  Big fan of both. Gonna lean Fulmer

Bryant’s Outrageous Blue Eyes: Hi Paul. Can Kyle “Ted” Tucker break into the Astro OF this year and maybe have  a Bellinger-esque impact?.

Paul Sporer: It’s not out of bounds. I think he’s more blocked than even Belly was last year, but talent wins out and injuries WILL happen so I don’t rule it out at all

Gorky: Any of these pitchers worth holding (vs. streaming) in shallow 10-team?  Michael Wacha, Lucas Giolito, Mike Clevinger, Blake Snell.

Paul Sporer: All have their stream appeal, but out the gate I’d lean Snell and Wacha as most streamable. Or Clevinger if he opens with the dregs of his division (haven’t looked at schedules much yet)

gyroball: Hey Paul, are you putting out RP rankings? Drafts are coming up and I love the way you all do your rankings.

Paul Sporer: After this chat!

Minty: Oops didn’t mean to click send before. Is .350 OBP with 40-45 HR and 5 SB a reasonable expectation for Gallo?

Paul Sporer: Very plausible outcome

Randy Newman: who gets most saves out of Diekman, O’Day, T. Watson?

Paul Sporer: Diekman

Dave: News trickling out that Conforto might actually have a shot at opening day.  How far up does this move him in your ranks?

Paul Sporer: That’s not happening

Paul Sporer: I mean, I personally just don’t see it.

Pete: Best CF option: Adam Eaton, Adam Jones or Manuel Margot?

Paul Sporer: I’m a big Margot fan bc of that speed

LurKing: Hey Paul:  Keeping K Bryant, Trea Turner, Thor and Acuna this year.  Have the 2nd overall pick.  Do you start the draft with a #1SP to pair with Thor (Max and Clayboy will be there) or go with another bat (Goldy, Blackmon, Rizzo or Harper would be there)?

Paul Sporer: I think I’d go with the SP, but format definitely matters so hit me back with the format details

Andy: Thoughts on Jesse Winker this year?  Potential breakout or just your run of the mill OF you can grab on waivers?

Paul Sporer: I can see a lil somethin, but I think it’s AVG-driven more than anything else

Paul Sporer: 12+ teams

Shuck Bowalter: I saw Albies go for $26 in my SABR Otto draft. On a scale of 1 to shaved-head Britney Spears, how insane was that?

Paul Sporer: -32 … a bargain at twice the price!

Paul Sporer: Kidding. It’s definitely a high end and requires he perform a good bit to pay off, but I can dig it

Kevin: In an OPS league do you prefer Alonso or Bour?

Paul Sporer: Got em side by side with Alonso on top – https://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/march-composite-rankings-first-base/ — can really go either way so if you personally dig Bour, it’s defensible for sure

Paul Sporer: BRB y’all. Charlotte had hernia surgery yesterday and is still moving around quite gingerly so taking her out is gonna take a little longer than usual. Sit tight

Paul Sporer: Orrr not. She wasn’t really diggin goin out right now lol

Jeremy: Admittedly weird, probably unhelpful to anyone else question: In a points league that awards 2 pts for every guy thrown out stealing, could Austin Barnes‘ presence be enough to push Tucker Barnhart past Grandal? Barnhart was the #14 C to Grandal’s HR-powered #8 in ’16 and #8 to Grandal’s #7 (by 13 pts) in ’17

Paul Sporer: Perhaps, though Barnes can’t catch rn bc of his shoulder. That said, I also see some upside in Barnhart’s bat so I might just wait on Grandal and scoop Tuck

MP: Justin Turner would cost me $5/260 and be returned to the pool where I could always reacquire or well keep him at $11/260

Paul Sporer: Just hang out. That’s a really fair price even with time missed

Shark Attacked: Lost the Shark and pitching is thin in 15-tm. Minor? Karns? Stratton? It’s bleak out there – shark was my # 3.

Paul Sporer: Justin loves Stratton so maybe just take the other Giant to replace Shark

League Champ: My 12 team Standard roto draft is tomorrow, and as 2017 league champ, I choose my draft slot.  In a snake draft, what is your preferred draft slot?

Paul Sporer: 1 for sure. Want Trout and 2/3 turn is very nice. Map out the 2nd-5th rounds a bit to see if you prefer the front or back end of the draft

Yuckleberry Wow: I draft in 4 hours…I’ve got Berrios and Godley in a 9 P 14 team league. Do I need 1 or 2 pitchers better than those guys?

Paul Sporer: I’d aim for at least 1

Rob: I’m in a deep dynasty but trying to win now. Drop Christian Arroyo for Kike Hernandez (need MI depth) or hold tight? Sort of assuming Arroyo is the everyday 3B by ASB but not sure.

Paul Sporer: Ya I can get behind that. I don’t find Arroyo particularly special

Acuna Matata: April 13 is likely for my call up date?

Paul Sporer: Yes I believe that’s the target

Chris : In a keep forever league: Smoak or Robles?

Paul Sporer: Teams, format, and if you’re going for it matter for sure, too and if you are I’d say Smoak, but if you’re on the rise or of course rebuilding, then Robles

Paul Sporer: OK noooowwww she wants to go out. Sorry for the start-stop

Chris: Who would you try to get in the 2nd round after taking Nolan A in the first round.

Paul Sporer: I dunno… do you want a pitcher or hitter?

Paul: I have both Grandal and Lucroy at C. Barnes is a FA. should I switch Lucroy for Barnes or keep with what I have?

Paul Sporer: Keep Lucroy

Kevin: In a SV+HLD format, please select 3 of the following- Treinen, Robertson, Hader, Minter. Thank you!

Paul Sporer: Treinen, Hader, and Minter

sheelpi: Stroman or Morton?

Paul Sporer: Morton

Jason: 18team H2H points league. Looking to get another starting pitcher for my rotation. What kind of return should I expect if I tried to package a Snell/Gregory Polanco or Lamet/Polanco? My pitchers currently are Castillo, S. Gray, Lamet, Snell, Newcomb and Reyes.

Paul Sporer: These are almost impossible to answer bc every market is different. Since we’re getting into trade question season, let me use this opportunity to say that I much prefer you include players you want to target for a player or package of players.  Me just trying to guess someone you could get isn’t going to work, but I’ll happily answer “do you think I can get Player X, Y, or Z for Player A or Players A&B?” and then we can start a convo about value

Daniel: Advice for first time auction draft?

Paul Sporer: Don’t hold your money forever. I’d lean towards action over inaction and then work the endgame if you end up spending big. I’ve seen a lot of first timers get left with a  heap of money and not nearly enough talent for it

Big Tuna: What are your thoughts on Miggy? I know Jeff hasn’t been impressed with his spring, but his hard hit % and exit veto were good last year.

Paul Sporer: I’m sticking with him

Greg: Is there any reason to expand better HR totals in the future for Xander, or is this who he is? Jeff seems to think that he could join the flyball/Launch Angle revolution.

Paul Sporer: I really like Xander. I think he’ll continue evolving as a player, too. I don’t think he’s a mid-teens HR player forever.

Tim: Final keeper for my AL only (8 teamer) home auction this weekend (no bench league) – $3 Berrios, $3 Marwin, $3 Bundy or $26 Edwin? Feeling like Marwin for the positional flexibility but having a hard time throwing Berrios back. Who you got?

Paul Sporer: Maybe throw Bundy back then and keep both?

Dan: Sporer I got Albies for $3 in home keeper league w Braves fans last night. Looking forward to following him with you this year!

Paul Sporer: Wooooow!!!! Let’s gooo!! I’m so excited about his season and getting hate tweets every time he goes 0-for-4

Josh Hader: When will they fully understand what they have in me. Do you think my better as a starter or closer?

Paul Sporer: He’s probably BEST as a 110-IP swingman right now as he develops into a full time starter which I still think is viable down the line

Chris : Keep forever 2 of 3: Alex wood, Jon Gray and Giolito?

Paul Sporer: Hmmm, I might actually go for Giolito over Wood. Likely a short-term hit (but not even for sure) for a long-term gain

Big Tuna: Was planning on drafting Puk in my 12 team keeper league w 27-man rosters and letting him sit on the bench for a few weeks. Does his biceps injury scare you away from that?

Paul Sporer: Scares me a bit, but I’m not completely running away. Worried that you say bench and not DL, though. Not sure I’d use a precious bench spot

sheelpi: Stroman or Morton?…who would you rather have in 2018

Paul Sporer: Oh no a repeat questioner! We let him get through bc I hadn’t seen this second one. DON’T REPEAT QUESTIONS!!  The queue is loaded and I’m about 40 minutes behind the asked questions. I’m going as fast as I can!

Jason: Have you started Road to the Show yet?

Paul Sporer: Yes, I have an SP with a couple starts

Ben: Any specific targets to key in on for an OBP/SLG league?

Paul Sporer: Mostly power guys get an extra little boost

Big Tuna: What’s your strategy with last few rounds in a draft? Upside arms or upside bats that you can cut if they don’t click? Just any value you can find?

Paul Sporer: Depends on the roster. Usually upside arms and a multi-position bench bat (hopefully finding THIS year’s Marwin… perhaps Yangervis Solarte?)

Ghost of Ned Yost: Starting to get scuured Barreto might grab a bench job and force me to waste a DH slot on him heading into my Sunday draft. What are the odds he gets sent down by Sunday midday? or should I start planning on him not being storable on my minor league roster. I have a lot of injury risk players so I figure the odds are good in season I have room for him plus I have Semien so if thats how he comes up I’m covered.

Paul Sporer: I think he still gets sent down, but if he doesn’t and you really believe in him, then roster him!

Matt: Sorry, this is a bit complicated, but here we go. Dynasty Roto league. I usually like to have flexibility against the cap, as well as droppable players (can recoup up to $4 of dropped player salary). I misread the auction market in my prep, then panicked. I ended up with Ohtani at 24, Cespedes at 13, and my entire bench is made of $1 guys – no wiggle room in case of an injury. I have Andrus and Taylor, and someone with open cap space had Polanco get popped. Do you think it is worth trying to move Ohtani, Miller, Andrus, Cespedes for Corbin, Chapman, Upton? I’d be taking the lesser side of the trade, but freeing up $7. Too much for too little?

Paul Sporer: 4 for 3 just for $7? Nah, I can’t do it. Especially bc you’re only freeing up IN CASE of emergency. You don’t even necessarily need flexibility yet.

Shuck Bowalter: Is Tyler Mahle worth an Otto spot, or are we seeing some run-of-the-mill ST success?

Paul Sporer: I like him a bit! https://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/seven-prospect-arms-for-2018/

Dan: 6×6 with OBP util rank: Bird, Alonso, Lomo, Bruce?

Paul Sporer: If it’s a shallower league, I’ll prob go Bird just for the upside as he’s batting 3rd in that obscene lineup. Otherwise, I go in the order listed for the final 3

Mr.Marlin: Haven’t seen much spring hype over him, but thoughts on D.Dietrich?  He has eventual multi-position (3B/OF) eligibility & I’m in an 18-team league.  Thanks.

Paul Sporer: I like him, especially in that format. I’ve taken him the last couple yrs in NL only lgs and now he’s a getting full time role to show what he can do!

Paul: Once Acuna is up, I’ll be looking at sending Desmond, Baez, or Corey Dickerson to the bench. In a 12 teamer that starts 6 OF, would it make sense to platoon Desmond (at home) and Dickerson (vs RHP), or is that getting too cute in a league like this?

Paul Sporer: No, it’s not too cute. I actually like trying stuff like that in 10- and 12-teamers to replicate an elite player without having to pay the cost of one

Big Tuna: I was not at all productive today because I’m prepping for two drafts I have this weekend. I can give myself a pass for that, right?

Paul Sporer: It’s the best time of year!

Nick : I’m keep forever, I can hang onto Brinson or Robles but not both. Who you recommend?

Paul Sporer: Robles for me

Crazy Man: Picking at 4 in a 12 team league. My heart says Turner, but my brain says either Arenado or Scherzer.  Go with my heart, or the bat or pitcher?

Paul Sporer: Here’s the thing, you can’t go WRONG here IMO. I say go with the heart and try it out.

Youngsters: Which minor leaguer will make a bigger fantasy impact in 2018?  Willie Calhoun, or Francisco Mejia?

Paul Sporer: Calhoun for sure. I’m pretty suspect on Mejia right now. I love Calhoun’s bat

Al Gone Quinn: Hey Paul. What under the radar groundball pitcher is about to go all Godley this season?

Paul Sporer: Got a mixed, AL, and NL option: Tyler Chatwood, Trevor Cahill, Luis Perdomo

Michelle: Is this the busiest month of the year for you?

Paul Sporer: For sure

Randy Newman: Which big spring velocity surger do you like more Amir Garret or Reynaldo Lopez?

Paul Sporer: Garrett has me intrigued bc it’s the velo he was advertised for last year but never really showed

Dingus: Which side would you rather have: stroman/cole or carrasco?

Paul Sporer: Nervous about Stroman, but the difference between Cole and Carrasco isn’t a hurt Stro

Brooks: Thoughts on Hosmer as a comp for Trey Mancini? Their age 25 seasons were fairly identical.

Paul Sporer: That’s interesting. I do think Mancini’s AVG is legit and that’s Hosmer’s calling card

Jonny: What can we expect from an older Juston Upton with a full year with Mike Trout? Is he 3rd round material in an OBP league?

Craig : How was Charlotte’s visit? Also, love the dentist nickname!

Paul Sporer: Whoops, hit the button before answering Jonny

Paul Sporer: I expect a big season from Upton for sure. I think we could see 20 SBs, too, on the run happy Angels

Paul Sporer: Charlotte’s surgery went well. She’s recovering and muuuuch better today after being OUT of it yesterday. Thank you! The Dentist is surging up the draft board (DeShields)

jh00k: How much should I sell my Gold Eno Sarris and Diamond Sandwich cards for?

Paul Sporer: Hard to sell those given their extremely high value

Bern: Hey Paul! What’s the best card you’ve pulled in Diamond Dynasty so far?

Paul Sporer: Handful of golds. Verlander being my favorite so far

Dillon: Start King Felix vs CLE if he goes?

Paul Sporer: Nah

Big G: Went with Miggy and Bird to hopefully lock down my first base spot. Chances I’m scrambling to find better 1B production in May?

Paul Sporer: There’s a chance, but I don’t think it’s high. 11%

Brian: Have Odor and Albies at 2b. How long will it take before I’m starting Albies over Odor?

Paul Sporer: Opening Day?

Jay: What pick is too high for Matt Olson? 12 team OBP

Paul Sporer: pick 5

Paul Sporer: I mean, that’s not WRONG. Pick 5 is too high, but I was being a smartass. Gotta be later than pick 100 for me

Paul Sporest: Thoughts on Miguel Cabrera this year? Any chance he finishes top 1st baseman? top 10?

Paul Sporer: Good name, but if you were the Paul Sporest you’d certainly already know my feelings on Miggy

Moltar: Bird or Yuli?

Paul Sporer: Bird

Bean Smuggler: GAH – SO MANY QUESTIONS, MIND IS JUMBLED, BASEBALL

MOISES ALOU!

Paul Sporer: lol

Dillon: Dahl, Kemp, Grichuk, or Rasmus?

Paul Sporer: I’m gonna surprise myself and say Kemp here

Eloy, Matey!: Best guess at call-up dates for these d00ds?
– Senzel
– McMahon
– Andujar
– Kingery
– Robles
– Torres
– Buehler
– Kopech
– ELOY!

Paul Sporer: I’m definitely not doing that

Paul Sporer: And you’re thinking, then why even post it… just to let y’all know that I’m never doing that. It’s futile enough to guess any single player’s call up date let alone NINE! lol

Eloy, Matey!: Best guess at call-up dates for these d00ds?
– Senzel
– McMahon
– Andujar
– Kingery
– Robles
– Torres
– Buehler
– Kopech
– ELOY, MATEY!

Paul Sporer: AND YOU REPEATED IT??? Wooooow, you’re the literal worst

Kristen: I’ll give you 3 dollars if you can somehow find something nice to say about the Rangers’ pitching staff.

Paul Sporer: Hamels Fister Minor Bush Moore

Lars: Who you got for saves in the Texas bullpen to start the season?

Paul Sporer: To start the season, I’d lean Claudio but I’m on Kela and even Diekman long term

Roger: Do you consider Severino’s changeup a good pitch? Or is it just good enough given his other two pitches?

Paul Sporer: It was solid last year for sure.

bigboi: hey bigboi

Paul Sporer: meme bigboi

Roger: Can you identify some guys who went to the bullpen last year but will be starting this year (other than David Price)? Kind of like how Aaron Sanchez and Luis Severino seemed to figure things out then carry it over the next year?

Paul Sporer: They’re very limited. Price, Minor, Chatwood

Roger: I know it’s assumed pitchers adjusted to Hoskins at the end of 2017, but is there any ostensible change in the way pitchers were handling him?

Paul Sporer: I haven’t investigated pitch mix and location enough to know that, tbh, but it might be a worthy endeavor should someone be so inclined

JT: Do you expect a breakout from Mazara this year or next?

Paul Sporer: I’m buying one this year

Jonny: Will McCullers end the season as a SP or a RP?

Paul Sporer: SP

Yo Yo Dad: You ranked Ray 15 and then included some suck zone in your Bold prediction. Which is closer to what you believe?

Paul Sporer: The latter. I acknowledge the strikeouts and success last year, but I agonized over his rank and really wanted to slot him late-20s, early-30s but chickened out

Tom Candiotti: Will Ron Acuna be a first round draft pick in fantasy drafts in 2019?

Paul Sporer: Probably not

Quadrangular: is Puig flying under the radar at this point?

Paul Sporer: Not really, he’s around pick 100, but there isn’t a ton of hype. Just most drafters acknowledging he’s really solid and taking him as such

buehler: How much do I contribute this year?

Paul Sporer: 75 good innings

Zach: Help me decide between Freeman and Votto… 10tm H2H points league.

Paul Sporer: It’s a total coin toss. I’ll take Votto out of personal preference only. I can’t statistically separate ’em

Acuna Ma-keeper?: Keep forever with minor annual inflation, about how much are you bidding to snag yourself an ACUNA ?  ($260 budget)

Paul Sporer: Depends how many teams, but low-$20s max. It’s a big gamble, but he’s worth the shot

Buff: Will Flores over/under 400 AB?

Paul Sporer: Under. They hate him for some reason lol

Philly Fanatic: Can I expect decent production from Alfaro in an 18-team league as my starting catcher?  I have F.Mejia as a minor league stash hoping he arrives if needed as my backup plan.

Paul Sporer: Ehhh, it really depends. He has a terrible plate approach so he needs to sprinkle in some good luck

Alex in Austin: Can you prove you’re not overhyping Detroit and give us an overrated Tiger?

Paul Sporer: lol at that proving anything

Paul Sporer: No one goes higher than like 85 on average, hard to really be overrated. I love Castellanos, but I was a little surprised when I first saw his market price. While I do believe in him, I usually just wait it out and draft someone else at 3B so probably him

Jason: Would you think Polanco and Snell could get Price or are my valuations way off?

Paul Sporer: No I think that could work for sure

Hannah Hochevar: Thanks for all the help!

Paul Sporer: Happy to help!

Treydmarq: Paul, I went to bed by 1am last night, so I didn’t get to watch the stream late. Did you have any big pulls? How far, if any, did you get into a BR run?

Paul Sporer: Just a good handful of golds. Can’t complain since I’ve got a good # of them, but I’m still tracking that elusive diamond. I’m 10-0 in the current BR with Mookie 12-game

Kim: Is Odor toast?

Paul Sporer: Nah, not yet. I’m giving him a month-plus to see what’s what

Dave: Was it ever resolved whether Comerica’s EV numbers were juiced last year, by poorly calibrated equipment or otherwise? If so, have they taken any corrective action? Figure you might have heard something, being a Tiger fan.

Paul Sporer: I’m actually curious myself. I remember when that was the word and everyone was just disregarding the numbers, but I thought I heard/read something from Mike Petriello that it wasn’t as bad as we originally thought sooo I’m up in the air right now

dave in slc: how do you view seager now that hes back? Still scared of injury or in the convo for top ss?

Paul Sporer: I’m cool with him at his 40ish ADP, but I’m not bumping him up

Rex: Draft is tonite and pitching is my numero uno need…..two years from today will I regret it if I have drafted Luis Castillo over Keuchel?

Paul Sporer: I don’t believe so, no

Doug: Can Jose Pirela continue what he did last year? My brain tells me no, but he keeps on hitting.

Paul Sporer: I’d imagine he’ll smooth out a bit and be more of a 105-110 wRC+

Todd: You play any DFS?  If so, how deep into the day to day, pitch type vs batter variables do you dive?

Paul Sporer: I do play but I don’t SUUUUPPPEEERRR deep dive. I definitely check some next-level stats and pay attention to weather and stuff, but I don’t look for good curvebal hitters and then see which curveball SPs are going that day. Not enough time for all that for someone putting $10-30 in on a given night

Moltar: Just reupped my FG membership for another year. Thanks for all the great content!

Paul Sporer: Thank you so much for the support! We’re nothing without our readerships and pod listeners

JC at the Bat: 10 team NL only, $1 Tucker Barnhardt vs $7 Joe Panik…yes, yes, I know it probably doesn’t matter.

Paul Sporer: Hey, it does in NL Only. I’m a big fan of both, tbh, but I’m gonna save the $6 and go Tuck. Throw back Panik and at worst I’d think you can get him back for $7

JDBeast: Thoughts on Yonder Alonso? Tearing it up this spring

Paul Sporer: I’m in. I think a lot of his gains will stick in ’18 and his new park is very lefty-friendly

Treydmarq: In my 14 tm, 5×5 H2H draft this weekend, is it crazy to think I could nab Trea, JoRam and Bregman with my first 3 picks and be solid to spectacular in all 5 hitting cats? If I can land that, I’ve thought about grabbing Jansen and Kimbrel in 4/5 ad then just tanking W/K and focusing on SV/ERA/WHIP. Solid strat or will I sink myself?

Paul Sporer: Ya that’d be really tough to pull off. Might not even get either of the others after getting Trea in the top 4-5. But I’d think 2 max.

Mr Baby Giraffe: A.A. Ron Hicks or Dexter Fowler? Both high OBP guys. Hicks seems to be more popular pick but arent they pretty similar?

Paul Sporer: Hicks has the killer upside to me – https://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/category/bold-predictions/

Daniel Castro: Let me mash

Paul Sporer: Right??

Paul Sporer: Daniel Castro and Wander Javier for life.

Mr. Freeze: fan of JP Crawford? buying him at or over the price of more predictable IF like Panik, Asdrubal, Starlin?

Paul Sporer: Interesting post-hype prospect for sure, but I’d prefer any of the other three at similar cost

MH252525: Percent Chance that you wind up with the Vlad Guerrero Immortal Card by the end of the year?

Paul Sporer: 73%. I’m really going to try for it and if investments go off like last year, I’ll be able to afford a lot of cards

The Fighting Amish: Last offseason it seemed you, Eno and Jason were down on Aaron Sanchez. This year he makes your bold predictions after a lost season. Something change for you on him?

Paul Sporer: Was I down on him? I think I had him top 25 preseason. I love the raw stuff and think there’s a good arm there

KilleBrews: Do you believe in post post hype Joc P to have 12 team value?

Paul Sporer: Nah, a watchlist guy in 12-tm

SN: What’s your favorite position for Road to the Show? I keep getting bored and making a new player

Paul Sporer: Starting Pitcher. I mostly play Diamond Dynasty, though, so I don’t have a ton of RTTS experience

Branik Best: No suspension for Sano.  Wow.

Paul Sporer: VERY surprising. I’m thinking this seems to suggest the story wasn’t corroborated? I feel like if they had ANYTHING, they’d suspend him. I gotta read more, but this *seems* to speak well of Sano’s side in this?

Desperate, confused Marlins fan: Winker or Mazara in a points league?

Paul Sporer: Mazara. I’m hyped on Maz for sure

OddBall Herrera: Who do you like better in the “give him a roster spot to see if they start hot” category: Glasnow, Harvey or Mikolas?

Paul Sporer: I’d go Mikolas. Had some love for him before ST and thought it was foolish to believe he was worthless after 2 ST starts

Steve: What’s Gregory Polanco’s ceiling if he stays healthy — 30/30?

Paul Sporer: https://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/paul-sporers-bold-predictions-for-20…

Kevin: Do you target M Carpenter over C Santana in a H2H Categories league with OBP?

Paul Sporer: I do not, no

Paul Sporer: They’re both boosted by the OBP, but Santana doesn’t have Carp’s injury concerns

JDBeast: How many shares of Albies do you have in DD?

Paul Sporer: Just like 7 so far bc prices are whack

Billy James Beane: How are you feeling about Musgrove given his shoulder issues this spring? Lowering his ranking at all?

Paul Sporer: He’s still so dirt cheap that it hasn’t changed much in that realm, but I’ve definitely dropped expectations some

Guest: Clevinger, Chace Anderson, or Jake Faria?

Paul Sporer: https://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/march-composite-rankings-starting-pi…

Vegan Man!: 14 team dynasty points league – would you give Ozuna and Olson for Corey Seager? Thank you!

Paul Sporer: I don’t think so, no

Matt Klentak: Altuve or Machado for 2018 & on, no cost to keep

Paul Sporer: Altuve

Sean: 7×7 keeper. $260 budget with QS and k/9 as extra categories.  Can’t decide if Roark trading the sinkers for 4-seamers and higher k-rate makes him worth keeping at $6.

Paul Sporer: That’s close. Can probably throw him back and WOOORRSSTT case feels like it costs ya a buck at $7

Vegan Man!: Thoughts on punting saves in a 12 team h2h? Thanks!

Paul Sporer: Sure!

Michelle: Just wanted your thoughts (slash to brag). Picked #8 in a 10-team H2H categories league last night and landed Turner and Stanton with my first two picks. How’d I do?

Paul Sporer: Very well! Power and speed locked in right off the top

Tuna: How far should we be moving down Turner after the broken wrist?

Paul Sporer: A round or 3 depending on lg size

Kershawshenk: What are your thoughts about the possibility of a Tyson Ross resurgence this season?

Paul Sporer: Used to be a big T-Ro fan when he was healthy so I’m really down with a potentially healthy Ross coming back. Could EASILY see him as an early season pickup that ends up as a game changer

Conundrum: Nick Pollack or A.J. Pollock?

Paul Sporer: Nick by a lot

Jamie (ATX): Where can I find yours and Jason’s rankings for reference. Thanks for all the hard work on those podcasts!

Paul Sporer: There’s a Positional Rankings box on the sidebar – https://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/

Matt: How should I balance wanting your insight on my specific dynasty league situation with potentially broadcasting my thought process to my FG-reading competitors?

Paul Sporer: It’s a tough one. I’ve had ppl say they don’t ask Qs bc of their competitors. Maybe a pseudonym?

Steve: How many homers does Matt Olsen hit this year?  And with what ba? Thanks!

Paul Sporer: .250/31

rusty : If Kingery doesn’t have a clear place to play, and the Phillies aren’t contending this year, won’t they wait past super two deadline to bring him up?

Paul Sporer: The second part could definitely change. They could find themselves in the mix for WC2 as early as this year. Kingery’s also 24, not sure there’s AS MUCH need to milk every millisecond of svc time out of him if he can help for 2 months at the big league level instead

Giancarlooooo: I’d never wish injury on someone as awesome as Curtis Granderson but man I’d love to see Teoscar get full time run.

Paul Sporer: Don’t even halfway put that evil out in the ether! Teoscar will get a shot, it doesn’t have to be at expense of the greatest player in the world, Curtis Granderson!

Matt: Paul, either you don’t know the meaning of “literal”, or you have some serious ranking issues with Kim Jong Un, Rodrigo Duterte, and Eloy, Matey!

Paul Sporer: What?

Tim: Eno is a pivetta believer. What are your thoughts?

Paul Sporer: I see the strikeouts there and understand the interest

Tim: Trevor williams have any sneaky value?

Paul Sporer: Ya I think so

Rick: Is Dominic Leone too good to be a holds guy?

Paul Sporer: he’ll get a crack at some saves for sure

Dr. Jill Wine: How much does QS instead of W impact your view of starters on the Dodgers/Yankees who go to the pen early? Especially with health risks like Wood & Hill

Paul Sporer: The Dodgers are definitely the first tm I think of in that respect and it’s why I don’t mess with any non-Kershaw SPs in  LAD… well except for some late Buehler shares

Jeremy: Strorton Or Moman?

Paul Sporer: Moman!

Erik: In an auction, where do you draw the line between, “Everyone’s overpaying for the top guys so I’m about to get some great bargains on the next tier,” and “Everyone’s overpaying for the top guys so I better overpay too to make sure I get one”?

Paul Sporer: There is no perfect answer. It’s what makes every auction so different. I think some ppl get too hung up on the exact dollar value and think if a $50 player doesn’t have $50 in their calculator, he’s not worth it. But you’re buying certainty of numbers, too. And sometimes you just need to pony up for a stud or two bc it’s the highest probability of big #s

Charlotte Pooped on the Rug: In a points league who do you prefer at SS this year. Have both Cozart and Segura and thinking about moving one of them.

Paul Sporer: Prefer Segura bc of the speed

Kristen: Hmm, well, “nice” and “nausea-inducing” vaguely sound the same…

Paul Sporer: LOL, my baaad (Kristen asked about the TEX rotation and had me say something nice)

Bryan: Drop Kevin Pillar to pick up Derek Fisher?

Paul Sporer: Sure

AT: Why have the brewers intentionally walked 2 hitters this spring?  Why have the cards done that once?

Paul Sporer: No idea lol

Jeremy: Are you in on Mr Generous Carriage now that he won’t be facing a suspension?

Paul Sporer: I’ll jump him a few spots, but I’m not really in, no

Jason: Thanks for the help!

Paul Sporer: You’re welcome!

Bryan: I picked up Leone when Gregerson got hurt, but now Brach is in a time share too. Are any of them droppable if I’m a little short on saves?

Paul Sporer: If you’re short on saves, I’d hold them as I doubt there are full time saves out there anywhere

Bs2115: Did the Stache survive mlb18 opening night?

Paul Sporer: Being shaved today

Jimmer: Any love for Swihart?

Paul Sporer: A little bc he’s out of options and that could force some PT, either in Boston or via trade

Nikko: Paul, thanks for doing this. How do you feel about Brad JOhnson’s SP strategy?

Paul Sporer: Who?

Rick: Devers, Suarez, or Beltre for 2018?

Paul Sporer: https://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/march-composite-rankings-third-base/

Greggor: Any tips for transitioning from Wins to Quality Starts

Paul Sporer: Don’t have to focus so much on the guys with good offenses supporting them. Maybe identify the most efficient pitchers who are likely to get those 6 IP consistently

Guest: pick an old pitcher to rebound: Price, Lester, Arrieta

Paul Sporer: Been all over Price all year

John: Who will win “Ian of the Year” – Ian Happ or Ian Kinsler?

Paul Sporer: Ahhh, you’re jammin me up here, I love both. Gimme Kinsler bc of his PT guarantee

ImportantStuff: Quintana dark horse for CY?

Paul Sporer: I can see it, yes

ImportantStuff: Yelich or Rendon in Rd 2 of NL only?

Paul Sporer: Yelly

Hannah Hochevar: Is Springer @ 32 worth keeping (AL OBP)? Or Choo @12?

Paul Sporer: I like Choo at 12 a lot, save the $20 (though without Choo’s presence, the Springer is passable)

ImportantStuff: Bryant or Harper?

Paul Sporer: Harper

Dave: Lol at anyone asking you questions about albies, castillo, fulmer, hicks

Paul Sporer: They would not be classified as Sporer acolytes, but we accept all comers!

James: Who ends 2018 with more saves Archie Bradley or Dominic Leone?

Paul Sporer: I really think they’re gonna put Bradley in the Andrew Miller fireman role so while I like him better, I’m going Leone here

Moelicious: Worried about Pham’s terrible Spring Training?

Paul Sporer: Nope

Hernandez: Will Austin Hedges be a serviceable spot starter in 2018?

Paul Sporer: In deeper leagues, ya

Nitro: Trade offer: I. Desmond for Mikolas

Paul Sporer: Prefer Desi

Dave: http://www.rotoworld.com/player/mlb/7838/michael-conforto
Playing OF this weekend, he can’t be that far from returning.  But the question still stands.  He’s clearly ahead of schedule, so where do you slot him in your OF rankings?

Paul Sporer: Couple wks ahead, but it’s still a major shoulder injury and I just worry. I can see moving him up a handful spots at OF, but I’m basically fading his ’18.

Hollandaise Sauce: Which Holland pitches more MLB inning this year?

Paul Sporer: Greg!

Steve Matz: Am I throwing my slider this year or am I going to take a boiled hot dog to a knife fight again?

Paul Sporer: Think I hear the slider is being shelved or at least dropped down in usage

Al Gone Quinn: What do you think of Miggy and Tulo as bounce back candidates?

Paul Sporer: Like Miggy, but not Tulo

Mr. Freeze: re: overpaying in an auction. I have the same question about a position. Do you bump your values if everyone is going over them at a position? Or settle for $1 not very good players and spend your savings elsewhere?

Paul Sporer: Bump, especially if I want one of the remaining players

Paul Sporer: I don’t think the $ values are as process as the projection makers do. Projections just aren’t that precise at nailing a dollar value

Al Gone Quinn: Long chat. If you’ve skipped ahead, maybe you’ll answer this. Trey Baughn in a piece this week advocated freeing up salary cap space by asking a trade partner to pick up a previously dropped player. Do you agree with such a tactic and if so would the side agreement need to be announced to the league?

Paul Sporer: Wait so if it’s a 2-for-1, you just include the one you were cutting to make it 2-for-2?

OlAbner : If you were to reach more than two rounds for a player, who would it be?

Paul Sporer: :stares:

Aaron: Is it viable to leave the catcher spot empty if your options are bleak enough in a 12 team standard?

Paul Sporer: How could they be that bleak? And no, it’s not viable. Even the worst guys in 12-team are getting like 50-something R/RBI and you’re just taking zeroes? no way

FGM: I got Betts at pick 21 today in a draft. I’m just bragging. Turner went 16 which is also craziness.

Paul Sporer: holy shit!!!

tb.25: Quick check: Pitch selection didn’t change, by pitchers began to throw to Rhys lower in the zone (as in, edge of zone or lower) starting 9/3, when his struggles seem to have began

Paul Sporer: Good follow up!

E: What are your plans tonight?

Paul Sporer: The Shoooowwwwww twitch.tv/psporer24

OK KAY KAY: Thoughts on J.Montgomery this year?

Paul Sporer: Big Jordan Montgomery fan!! Think he delivers a nice 180 IP of 3.60ish ERA

Leif Me Alone: MadBum just took one off the pitching hand….Left game immediately ;(

SadBum: 🙁

Paul Sporer: Noooooo. Man, we almost got through ST with just a few injuries and now every time I look up someone is getting merked

Bryant’s Outrageous Blue Eyes: Marathon Chat…mid season form Paul.

Paul Sporer: I’m tryin! We’re actually wrapping up here right now, but still went 2.5+ hours

Moltar: In an intrasquad game degrom started the Mets put two men on base in a couple innings so he could work on pitching out of the stretch/with men on. I think per AT’s question, the Brewers and Cardinals did similar.

Paul Sporer: Re: the intentional walks

Twins!: Scherzer for Stroman, Buxton and Merrifield. Who wins in this scenario?

Paul Sporer: Probably Side B, but league details would be useful here

Charles : Trade G. Sanchez for Contreras and Price?

Paul Sporer: Ya let’s do that

TradeDeadline: I can’t believe I forgot about this chat. What have I done!!!

TradeDeadline: But maybe, MAYBE Paul loves me and squeezes in whether I should target Gohara or Puk in my dynasty draft. MAYBE!!!

Paul Sporer: Let’s stick with Puk as the bicep issue isn’t supposed to be MAJOR right now

Al Gone Quinn: You dropped a $10 Ottoneu player, you only recouped $5 on the drop, and still have a $5 penalty on your cap. Sometime later you negotiate a trade and you ask your partner to pick up that dropped player as a deal sweetener, giving you another $5 cap  space. Seems shady to me unless you announce this side deal with the trade.

Paul Sporer: Ya I’d think you’d have to keep above board or else it’s weak.

Paul vs eno: Paul’s trying to outdo Eno over on that other website.

Paul Sporer: Is Eno chatting rn, too? I’ll chat him under the table!

Nick: Royce Lewis or Luis Urias in a dynasty League draft

Paul Sporer: Urias for me!

B. Ryce Hammer’s Luscious Locks: Paul, I have pick 3 in a shallow H2H points format. My charts say pick an ace, but, but… Mookie! And Arenado! And, and… help

Paul Sporer: Ya Betts/Arenado are my guys at 3. We took Betts in the NFBC Main, but it was essentially a coinflip.

Al Gone Quinn: Yeah but Miggy cost me $17 and Tulo only $1

Paul Sporer: Fair enough. You didn’t include that context. AL Only?

Matt: That question about trading 3 for 4 to save 7 bucks. Does it change your answer if I say my rotation currently is Ohtani, Nola, J Monty, Lamet, Doolittle, Miller, Bearclaw? That 7 bucks could get me…a pitcher or 2.

Paul Sporer: I feel that but still think it’s too much. Keep searching the market for a better deal. That feels like taking the first thing available

Paul Sporer: Sorry yall, got a call unexpectedly

Dave: I get hit by one of those horrible, inescapable, “your computer has a virus” popups literally every time I visit fangraphs on mobile.  What gives?

Paul Sporer: Unfortunately that is a mobile-wide issue plaguing tons of sites. We’re aware of it and trying to work around it for sure. I know it’s a horrible experience

John: Does Brandon Nimmo make an impact this year? Worth a late round pick in a keeper league?

Paul Sporer: The OBP is nice and could spark something!

bl27: concerned with the very bad ST for Tommy Pham ? Only ST but ugly stats.

Paul Sporer: Still no 😉

Aaron: re: leaving the catcher spot empty. This would be done to own another starter in a league with no cap on starts. So not technically taking a 0, just replacing it with pitching stats.

Paul Sporer: Still only have 9 P spots, though, right? I just don’t think taking zeroes at a spot makes any sense

tb.25: You scared me! What has stood out to you theist from The Show this year?

Paul Sporer: The depth of content is amazing. Blazing fast menus. I like the core of what we’ve got. There will be patches and updates so even the negative things – like guys beating out too many routine grounders – doesn’t have me too worried as I believe it’ll be patched

Paul Sporer: OK yall I gotta bounce! Thank you sooo much for coming out. Posting the RP rankings shortly after this.

Paul Sporer: Follow me on Twitter (@sporer), Snapchat (psporer), and Twitch (http://twitch.tv/psporer24) where I’ll be streaming MLB The Show later tonight!

Paul Sporer: Take care, y’all!