Paul Sporer Impromptu Chat!

Paul Sporer: Hello everyone! Chatting on a Tuesday to fill in for Brad. Miiiight still do a second later this week, but stay tuned on that. Let’s talk some baseball!

THE Average Sports Fan: Is there any hope for Ian Desmond?

Paul Sporer: Maybe a little, but that batted ball profile is awful. I’ve lost a lot of the faith I had in Desmond

Greg: Thoughts on Jesus Augilar?

Paul Sporer: Interesting power bat who should probably be on a roster in all leagues at least why Braun is out

Andy: 12 team league.  You starting Caleb Smith at the Mets tonight?

Paul Sporer: Yeah, I’m starting him

Ken: How long should I hold on to Willie Calhoun for?

Paul Sporer: You’ve come this far. Let’s wait another 7-10 days

LosDoyers: Thoughts on Max Muncy? is it too early to crown him as the 2018 version of 2017 Chris Taylor?

Paul Sporer: He is absolutely SMASHING the ball and while he likely won’t hold a .907 OPS, something in the low-to-mid 800s w/power is definitely looking plausible

MarinerDan: What is the likely allocation of playing time with Robertson/Adames/Wendle?

Paul Sporer: Wendle is out on paternity leave so it’s just the 2 of ’em right now. I’d favor Robertson & Adames when all 3 are there and available to TB

Rick C: Would you drop Semien or S Castro for Adames?  10 team league that includes a MI spot.  4 keepers.

Paul Sporer: I would not, no. Correct me if I’m wrong, but a good bit of Adames’ prospect hype comes from being a good SS as opposed to a high impact bat

Nate Jakobs: Should the Cardinals use a 6-man rotation when Martinez and Reyes return/arrive?

Paul Sporer: They certainly have six candidates, but we’ll see if Reyes is available every fifth day and how many IP they want to give him. I know he’s had a great rehab so far, but guys returning from TJ are faaaarrr from sure things

John: Sell Sean Newcomb? If so what’s his value?

Paul Sporer: A player’s value is only what your specific market will net and we’re getting to a point where you can and probably should be making moves based more on your team’s performance as opposed to just maximizing value. I’d want an impact bat for sure. Maybe like Jed Lowrie?

Chippy: Drop Cozart for Adames?  12 Team H2H Cats. Gut is telling me no…

Paul Sporer: Nah, I’d hold Cozart. I know he’s been meh, but I just don’t see a huge impact from Adames

Parts + Gleyber: Liked the Fiery Fireside the other day. Good to have some debate!

Paul Sporer: Thanks! We got pretty good feedback, but I acknowledge that not everyone liked it.

MarinerDan: J.D. Davis:  fantasy factor ROS?

Paul Sporer: He’s got major pop, but I don’t see full-time at-bats from him so it’s hard to see 10- and 12-team mixed league viability

J: Ohtani and Lo Cain for Springer and Starling Marte? You like it or is it lopsided for one team?

Paul Sporer: Not lopsided IMO, no. Seems fair, espec. if needs align

Matt: Did Soler fly to close to the sun, or has it just been a couple cloudy days?

Paul Sporer: Didn’t really see a full season of .950+ OPS coming so coming back down to earth doesn’t surprise me

The Kid: Thoughts on ‘thoughts on’ questions?

Paul Sporer: I hate them as you know

Marc: Starting Musgrove on Friday agaisnt the Cards?

Paul Sporer: Ya I’m going to spot him in a H2H myself

MarinerDan: Is it safe to cut bait on Manuel Margot at this point?  Wow, what a disappointment…  (He is even losing playing time now.)

Paul Sporer: Ya definitely cutting him in mixers. I thought he could emulate his 2017 over a larger sample (145+ games), but he’s been horrific

bauer power: is the breakout for real?  or is it … pine tar?

Paul Sporer: Tyler is on fire for sure. I get nervous trusting him after years of buying in only to be disappointed, but I think he’s really emerging and are seeing the beginning of a career-year from Bauer.

Freduardo Freeman: Juan Soto…what should we expect from him for the rest of the season?

Paul Sporer: 60 HRs

Paul Sporer: ….

Paul Sporer: Honestly, it’s really hard to pin down given that he’s a 19-year old jumping from Double-A so any extended cold streak makes it really easy to just put him in Triple-A for more seasoning. I like Derek Carty’s projection best – .275/.345/.477 … level-headed and still useful. There’s upside for more which is why he was a must-get in any format, but the range of outcomes is about as large as you can get

Mike : Will we see Jack Flaherty rest of the season?

Paul Sporer: Is someone threatening to abduct him?

Fioruc10: Can I drop dexter Fowler in a 16 team mixed dynasty league?

Paul Sporer: That’s borderline because it’s hard to see a case where he doesn’t get better, but I can see it

CC: Is Devers worth holding still? His K’s are high but I read he was hitting the ball hard still…

Paul Sporer: I’m hanging on longer here for sure

Chippy: In a 12 team H2H Cats league where I can’t get anything for Olson (maybe rightfully so). Drop him for Flaherty?

Paul Sporer: No, hold Olson and cut someone else if you want Flaherty

Seth: Sale or Cole in dfs today?

Paul Sporer: Cole

John: Is it worth trying to buy low on Jon Gray by offering either Reynaldo Lopez, Francisco Romero or Jeff Samardzija? K/9 is a scoring category.

Paul Sporer: Sure, I’d do Lopez or Shark

Andy: Whats the deal with Patrick Corbin? Hard to sell because others know about his velo….

Paul Sporer: Ya I understand being worried bc it’s dropped big time, but at least he’s still performing. I’d just ride it out.

Zac: Paul.  I won my dynasty league last year.  However, I traded Vlad Jr. and Soto for Paul Goldschmidt at the trade deadline.  I know Flags Fly Forever, but…….

Paul Sporer: FFF!!!! There will almost always be pain when you do these trades after the fact, but you won the title. Cubs probably look longingly at Gleyber Torres boxscores, but then go to their trophy case and just smile

Sars: Time to bail on Ian Kinsler?

Paul Sporer: I wouldn’t say he’s a must keep, but I’m riding it out a bit longer myself. Plus I have no idea what kinda lg you’re in

John: Hanley or Manaea in a 12 tm h2h keep forever?

Paul Sporer: Manaea

MarinerDan: If/when Eaton comes back, is it Michael Taylor who loses his job rather than Soto?

Paul Sporer: Really depends how everyone’s performing when Eaton’s back

OddBall Herrera: Thoughts on Hoskins?  Sell while he has some name value left for less engaged owners, or hold on for the rebound?  I’m starting to think the move up the defensive spectrum has messed him up (we saw this with other guys, ex: Sano, Schwarber)

Paul Sporer: But if it was the move to LF, why didn’t it impact him until May? He was amazing in April. I’m not sure it’s anything other than a cold spell

Wet Willy Adames: AL Only, OBP: Josh Reddick a good deal for E-Rod? (I hear you’re gonna move him up your board!)

Paul Sporer: Ya, I’m with that.

Al: Do you know where to find minor league splits? Trying to look up Muncy vs LHP in minors since he’s barely faced any lefties in the majors.

Paul Sporer: Can change the year in the URL – https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=muncy-001ma…

Joe Dirtè: 12tm 6×6 w/ obp & slg. Would you trade Votto and GPolanco for JDM and Andrelton? Would allow me to play JTurner And ESuarez. Freeman at 1B. Or Just wait for Votto and Bregman (SS) to heat up? Team 5-1 right now.

Paul Sporer: Big fan of all four guys in that deal! I usually have a hard time moving Votto in OBP leagues, but this works for sure

Nick Pollack: RRRRAAAAAWWWWRRRR!!!!

Paul Sporer: Oh hai, Nick!

Shark or not Shark?: Buxton or Teoscar? About even?

Paul Sporer: Teoscarrrrr!!!

yojiveself: donaldson’s statcast numbers show a marked decrease across the board.  if I cant trade him, cut him for Matt Davidson?

Paul Sporer: I have a hard time believing you can’t trade him for SOMETHING better than Davidson

Big Junis Guy: Thoughts on Junis? If I can “sell high”, who would you be looking at

Paul Sporer: Not sure you can sell all that high. A mid-tier bat… like Solarte or something

John: Do you prefer Greg Polanco or Mike Conforto ROS and long term in a keep forever?

Paul Sporer: “Greg’s my father, call me Gregory!”

Paul Sporer: I prefer Polanco, btw. I’m still worried about Conforto’s shoulder

Seth: Is Story-Baez viable in 12 team at SS and 2B? Lots of K’s and volitality.

Paul Sporer: Ya if it’s roto, you only care about the bottom line so how they get there is less important

Colonel: Please rank in FFV, thanks!

Paul Sporer: Don’t know what that means

Lazzaro Da Fietta: If things keep going as they’re going, how many innings do you think Bueller gets this year? It sure looks like a nice and easy, controlled delivery.

Paul Sporer: Think he’s got about 150 so he has just over 100 left in the tank

Matt: Is Matt Carpenter back? It certainly looks like he’s back.

Paul Sporer: It’s been six excellent games for sure (.542/.577/.958). I’ve been staying away all year, content to get burned if he does rebound, but I worry about his shoulder, too

Sam: What do you project from Williamson ROS?  Will he get everyday ABs?

Paul Sporer: I think he’ll get full time run and pop 20+ HR if he stays healthy

yojiveself: drop the dentist for jankowksi?  DDS has really fallen off a cliff in the last 10 days.

Paul Sporer: Nah, you’ve already missed the mega hot streak from Jankowski. He’s a punchless speedster who’s AVG will only come down. The Dentist isn’t exactly a powerful speedster, but I prefer him to Jankowski and feel like you’d make the cut only to get Jankowski’s comedown

ncb: Soto

Paul Sporer: Adames

Paul Sporer: Are we just naming recently called up prospects?

dee’s nutz: drop yonder for aguilar? 6 x 6 obp

Paul Sporer: Lateral-ish move, but I’m OK with it

weezy: adames is up, do you like him better than Senzel in an OBP league?

Paul Sporer: No, I don’t. Adames isn’t a bat-first prospect like Senzel

Webster: Do you think we’ve seen the best of Franchy?

Paul Sporer: I can’t remember exactly where I heard the Keon Broxton comp, but it’s really apt and helped put him into perspective for me

Ozuna: Is he going to rebound?

Paul Sporer: Unless he’s hiding injury, he won’t stay this bad

Lazzaro Da Fietta: I get Conforto and Pirela, he gets Hosmer and Adam Jones in 12-team keeper. I do this, right?

Paul Sporer: Meh, not really. The keeper aspect of Conforto is the only upside for you. I don’t like Hosmer all that much for fantasy, either, but he is playing well again this year

HappyFunBall: Speaking of Ian Desmond. It’s worth noting that WAS literally signed Mark Reynolds off the street and to a MiLB contract a month ago. He’s produced 1.7 more WAR in 6 major league games than Desmond has in 46.

And, of course, Mark Reynolds played in COL last year. He produced more than Desmond there as well

Paul Sporer: They could use Reynolds so much in COL right now, lol

Joe: What kind of starting pitcher is Tommy Pham worth in a salary neutral, keep forever league?

Paul Sporer: A v good one

Tim: Should I try and sell high on Manaea? I his FIP and xFIP are a lot worse than that ERA

Paul Sporer: You can sell him. I don’t think it’s going to be some massive return. I feel like most understand that he’s a solid arm, but not a frontliner

Adam Guttridge: Should I sell high on Jesus Aguilar? He’s been an unexpected surprise for me. I think I can probably trade him for Junior Guerra. Take it?

Paul Sporer: Is that really selling high, though?

Webster: What’s the deal with Altuve?

Paul Sporer: 4% HR/FB, a portion of his pull rate from last yr is going to center instead. I think he’ll be fine

Ken: Is Donaldson hurt or just slumping?

Paul Sporer: Hurt, he’s been on the DL already this year

ncb: Soto?

weezy: I’m really excited about Juan Soto. That’s all.

Paul Sporer: Understandable

HBP: Thoughts on Carps recent turnaround?

Paul Sporer: It’s six games. if he completely turns it around and ends up as a plus bat, I’ll absolutely acknowledge that I was wrong for tabbing him as a stayaway, but I’m not sold on six games

Hobbs: 10tm H2H dynasty std cats. Think Baez and Manaea are enough for Lindor?

Paul Sporer: It’s not an awful offer, but it probably won’t get it done. You can make a perfectly offer and your leaguemate can still say no just bc they don’t want to trade the player in question

MarinerDan: Godley has been a bit of a disappointment this year, but then I see that he is top-5 in soft contact.  Reason for optimism going forward?

Paul Sporer: The WHIP has been rough, but this is definitely in the range of outcomes for him. I’m not too worried.

Nick Pollack: You’re tacky and I hate you.

Paul Sporer: Geee, I’m sure this is the real Nick Pollack

Anonymoose: Took notice of Duvall upping walk rate, HH 41% and statcast has him with a nice FB avg distance. Would you recommend a buy even though he is somehow getting benched when facing righties even without a split?

Paul Sporer: Ya I like Duvall. Very nice power bat and he’s not going to hit sub-.200 all year

Gregg: Loved the points you made on the FIREy side chat the other day, only thing id say is to let Nick in to try and defend his position to the fullest before going back at him. Couple times he hadn’t finished his point before you started countering him (btw i tended to lean towards your points but thought Nick could use a bit more room to flesh his out). LOVE the differing opinions though and the passion.

Paul Sporer: That’s a completely fair point and I’ll definitely be cognizant of that when engaging in the Fireside debates

Al: Do you see Conforto turning it around?

Paul Sporer: Not really. That shoulder is very concerning

Dave: On a scale of 1-10, how valuable will Gohara prove to be in a 16-team dynasty league?

Paul Sporer: 6

Trevor Cahill: Do you like or love me tonight vs SEA?

Paul Sporer: Big fan! http://www.espn.com/fantasy/baseball/story/_/id/23565293/fantasy-baseb…

Alex: Trade Tanaka for seager? My record is poor and looking to rebuild for next season

Paul Sporer: For Corey Seager? Sure

Henry: Can I cut Greg Holland now, or could he still become a valuable RP?

Paul Sporer: Totally fine cutting. I just cut him in a league myself this past Sunday

notacop: How long until we see Austin Riley called up?

Paul Sporer: Any day now!

Kenny: Is there still hope for Buxton to become a fantasy monster or should owners be selling? (Keeper & dynasty)

Paul Sporer: There’s still a chance, but the probability of “Amazing Byron Buxton” has definitely dropped from his prospect status. That said, selling now seems rough bc you can’t really ask for all that much

Cody Bellinger: How many bombs will I finish the season with?

Paul Sporer: 31

Guest: Carrasco or Hamels? Keeper League

Paul Sporer: Carrasco for sure. Hamels has been better than most expected, but he’s definitely behind Carrasco for me

Bill: Can Mikolas and Pivetta work as 3rd and 4th pitchers in a 15 team roto league ROS

Paul Sporer: Ya, I can see that, especially behind two studs

Paul Sporer: The volatility of pitching means you should always be working on your rotation and where a guy slots in your rotation can move around

CW: Soto- tempted to trade high in a keep forever league as I’m competing this year bc of hype being so high right now. 10 teamer, OBP- what haul should I look for in return? Or what tier of player?

Paul Sporer: Ask for the moon, see where that hype’s at

Paul Sporer: But as I always say, there is no real answer here because it depends on your market. These questions are a lot better if you say “I’m trying to get player X, Y, or Z for this player… is that viable?”

Al Frankelstein: Re: Soler … Top 30 OF ROS?

Paul Sporer: Nah, not that high.

Erik: Bour for Godley, who says no?

Paul Sporer: Not sure anybody does if the needs align

Ben: Vlad Jr should be owned in all redraft leagues at this point, yes?

Paul Sporer: Oh for sure

Zach not so Godley: Godley was my first pitcher drafted (traded away most of my early and mid rd picks last year in a push to win) but (12 team mixed h2h keep 3) but now is the worst on my staff : skaggs, newcomb, pivetta, heaney, buehler, weaver, mikolas ( all of whom were fa adds…, dropped t walker, a sanchez, giolito, montgmery, chatwood). So, is he going to get better? Droppable in a 12 tm mixed?

Paul Sporer: I’d keep him. He’s just not that far off of last year and like I said earlier, well within the range of expected outcomes. The WHIP is the only real issue

Paul Sporer: QUICK BREAK TO TAKE THE DOG OUT… BE RIGHT BACK.

Paul Sporer: Aaaannndddd we’re back

Dennis: Hamels or Carrasco in keeper league?

Paul Sporer: You asked this like four times

Polo: Do you see anyway the Cardinals keep O’Neill in the lineup?

Jared Fogle: Kiley said Khris is a good comp for Tyler O’Neill but then said the latter could even be a better hitter. Possible to have healthy Khrush production from O’Neill ROS, and if that’s wildly optimistic, will he at least stay up this time and perform well enough to start 5ish times a week?

john mozeliak: Tyler o’neill is showing he deserves to be part of the cardinals outfield. The question is will I let him?

Paul Sporer: And that’s just a sampling of the Tyler O’Neill questions today

Paul Sporer: He’s not going anywhere raking like this, especially w/Dexter Fowler doing literally nothing. Kiley’s Khris comp makes a lot of sense and makes O’Neill someone to target in any format. He’ll come back to earth, but a boatload of homers and a .250 AVG is viable anywhere

Tubby Mice: Yo Paul, did I manage to submit my question?

Paul Sporer: Yes

Allen: Drop Yonder Alonso for Justin Bour?

Paul Sporer: Yes, love Bour

Bill: Most of the top level prospects going into the season were owned. Mac Williamson, Christian Stewart or Garret Hampson as a stash in a 15 team roto keeper league with OBP replacing BA. Any you think will have an impact this year

Paul Sporer: Really like Mac’s power. Christin Stewart is smashing the ball at AAA and should be up any day for the Tigers. He’s 24 so there’s no real need to hold him down even in the midst of a rebuild and I like his power a good bit, too

Mike: This is my first year playing Diamond Dynasty and can’t stop playing. Just started getting into all of the program missions after finishing the 1st go around of Conquest, but im still looking for some better players. Who are some of your favorite pitchers and hitters to play with on Diamond Dynasty this year?

Paul Sporer: Really like flashback Yu Darvish and the legend Jim Palmer on the bump. The player of the month Albies is expensive, but soooooo good! That new Adam Lind murders EVERYTHING

Bob: Matt Olson or Jose Mart, ros?

Paul Sporer: I think I’d base it on need of AVG v. HR

Hmmm: Francisco Mejia: stud dynasty prospect or just a decent high floor guy with value as a catcher?

Paul Sporer: More the latter and his C eligibility seems fleeting.

Bart: Was offered Goldshmidt, Monacada and Teoscar Hernandez for G Torres, Belt and Paxton. Should I accept?

Paul Sporer: Definitely fair so if the needs align, let’s lock it in

Shark or not Shark?: Cash says Adames only up for 2-3 days

Paul Sporer: Makes sense with Wendle on paternity leave

JJ: Is something going on with Addison Russell? I feel like the book has been written on him, but he’s still only 24 and when I see a hot streak, I can’t help but take notice. Should I prefer him to Dansby Swanson?  Thanks.

Paul Sporer: I prefer him to Swanson, but I don’t really have the super-high hopes I did from years past. Even with 3 full seasons on his ledger, he’s still young and I don’t think we’ve seen his best yet

Dres : Limited moves, only one left this half. Worth one to pick up Reyes?

Paul Sporer: Damn, that’s tough. I’m usually pretty tepid on TJ returners in their first year back so I think I’m passing

Dave in London: What’s wrong with Austin Hayes He received a huge amount of hype before the season, now he can’t put up a .300 OBA at AA. Is he simply not a good hitter?

Paul Sporer: I didn’t really understand the hype in the first place. He had 20 awful games in the majors coming from AA and a bunch of folks thought he’d be some major fantasy contributor this year. He’s just 22 so I’m not close to writing him off, but for 2018 I didn’t get the buzz

City: Is Heaney for Mac Williamson a good deal?  Or do they both have marginal upside?

Paul Sporer: That’s a fair deal right there

Matt: For Andy, who is worried about Corbin, his velocity was in a similar range last season while he was very good. Maybe he’ll be fine since velo is down on a pitch that no longer is his featured pitch?

Paul Sporer: Ya I think there’s too much automatic concern with velo drops as if they ALWAYS mean the guy is washed even in the face of Corbin continued to succeeding despite the dip

Al Gone Quinn: How good is Kuhl? Would you drop him for Jordan Lyles in a keeper league?

Paul Sporer: He’s aight. I had some late-round love for him this year, but he’s not a game-changer. I see Kuhl and Lyles similarly so take your personal preference from the pair

My fingers hurt: I have DeJong and LeMahieu. Is Daniel Robertson a viable fill-in?

Paul Sporer: Ya I think there’s some upside w/D-Rob. Been keepin an eye on him since writing him up a while back http://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/sporer-report-issue-5-cervellis-power…

weezy: Conforto or Schwarber ROS in 12 team OBP?

Paul Sporer: Schwarber

Sporer Spice: I should be really excited about Alex Reyes, right?

Paul Sporer: Long-term ya, but I’m dubious about how impactful he’ll be returning this yr

Paul Sporer: The real issue w/TJ returners isn’t that they won’t have great outings, but it seems that their rough outings are especially bad and keep the bottom line numbers in check

Kakie Bryan: Thought experiment: who’s the worst major leaguer we could send down to Double A today who would replicate what Vlad Jr’s doing?

Paul Sporer: That is a fun exercise. I think a lot of questionable guys would come close. The first name that popped into my head was Nick Ahmed

Mariners : Healy has been moved to the clean up spot. Beneficial or hurtful without same supporting cast?

Paul Sporer: Always good to be in the heart of order, even a bad one

Callen: What are you doing with Roberto Osuna?

Paul Sporer: Holding as long as can, but not above cutting. I don’t see much from him rest of year

Kevin: Is Buehler in must-start (mostly) territory?

Paul Sporer: Ya I’ve got him in Usually Start which means I’m almost never sitting him – https://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/mid-may-starting-pitcher-rankings-up…

I love these chats!!!!!: You do a great job picking interesting questions and taking the time to respond thoughtfully

Paul Sporer: Thanks, y’all are killing it on filling the queue, too!!

Harold: Are you starting Taillon tonight @ Cincy? For ROS, would you take over/under on an ERA of 3.50?

Paul Sporer: Yes and I’d take over

Webster: Which side of the trade do you like better: M Davidson for A Heaney

Paul Sporer: That’s a fair deal if needs align, not overwhelmingly on one side

Dexy’s Midnight Fowlers: A-a-ron Hicks was a bold prediction for you and is red hot after a long slump. You still a believer? Just grabbed him off the wire…

Paul Sporer: I’m ride-or-die w/Hicks!

Tyler: Is Nick Pivetta the dark horse for the cy young?

Paul Sporer: Not really, but he’s been really good and I quite like him

Graham: Does Miles Mikolas’ low K/9 concern you?

Paul Sporer: Not if I’ve got the Ks covered. I understand pointing it out in a general analysis, but I think most who drafted him realized he wasn’t a K guy so they hopefully molded the rest of their rotation accordingly around him

I love these chats!!!!!: Do you have a personal favorite mlb player?

Paul Sporer: Curtis Granderson… absolute favorite player, even named my first dog after him (RIP Curtis the Beagle)

Rob: Need a fill in for Dee Gordon and his broken foot: Zobrist, Kinsler, Castro and Villar available. Any suggestions for an under-the-radar guy I might target or should I grab one of the above?

Paul Sporer: Think you gotta go Villar bc you’re replacing a major SB asset

Dexy’s Midnight Fowlers: Heard you talk up Lyles on the pod. Still think he’s a hold despite the rough start Sunday?

Paul Sporer: Did we talk him *up*?

Paul Sporer: I think we specifically said we’re not like super hyped but he’s worth taking a shot

HHHHHHHHH: Surprised Mikolas wasn’t higher in your SP update. Top 30 for me

Paul Sporer: I’m sure that’s not at all influenced by a shutout last night….

Eddie: Is Greg Bird a must-start in a 14-team league upon return?

Paul Sporer: No, he’s never done anything to suggest he’s a must start anywhere. Roster him sure, but not must start

Dan: How many ballgames you gotten to this season?  Seen any good ones?

Paul Sporer: Just a handful and no MLB ones being in Austin. Saw the Horns on Saturday and it was awesome. Hoping they host a regional so I can go to that, too

Kakie Bryan: Sell or hold Domingo Santana? He’s kinda turning it around

Paul Sporer: You’re not getting much if you sell so I’d hold (and am holding in a league)

Kenny: Rank: Tanaka, Darvish, Ohtani

Paul Sporer: https://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/mid-may-starting-pitcher-rankings-up…

John: Have you used the event Cutch card?

Paul Sporer: Not yet

Han Soto: Never tell me the odds that I’d be called up.

Paul Sporer: That’s a Star Wars reference, right? Not much of a fan, sorry

TallDrinkH2O: Do you DFS?

Paul Sporer: Couple times a week and for low stakes. Don’t have the time to put in to making lineups that I’d like

marichal: Alen Hanson was raking for SF until he strained his hamstring. When he returns, will he get playing time, or will Joe Panik send him to the bench?

Paul Sporer: If he keeps performing, he will play. I’ve written the last two articles he’s mentioned in on his player profile page – https://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=12926&position=2B/OF – so I’m a fan

Mayday Malone: You’re killing me with these surprise chats and Friday chats starting hours earlier than scheduled.  If I don’t post a question within the first ten minutes of the chat, it never gets answered, so I usually plan to be on my computer right when you’re scheduled to chat.  Surprise chat or early chat = my questions not getting answered.  🙁

Paul Sporer: Sorry, I had no idea I’d be chatting today

Harold: Would you drop Samardzija or Fulmer to take a shot on Gohara?

Paul Sporer: I could see it with Shark, but no way on Fulmer

Pad Squad: Do you think the Padres’ rebuild will pay dividends? It’s all depth and no stars with that organization. They have loads of Franchy Cordero and Franmil Reyes types, but almost no Corey Seagers/Cody Bellingers.

Paul Sporer: Fernando Tatis says hi

Seranthony Dominguez: Will I become the closer in Philly? If so, when?

Paul Sporer: Maybe, but I have no idea when. That’s a manager’s whim so I could give you a blind guess, but it won’t be helpful. He’s got enough skills to possibly be a mixed league viable arm even as a middle reliever, though

jweeds11: Did you ever try working for a team?

Paul Sporer: No, I’m really happy doing what I do now. But I’m also not sure I have a skillset desirable for teams

Mark: Would you roster middle relievers who give you multiple innings (Glasnow,

Paul Sporer: Yes, but not Glasnow

weezy: What % of submissions are people trolling you?

Paul Sporer: Fewer than you’d think, tbh

Harold: Is Pivetta more trustworthy at this point than Tanaka? Pivetta seems to be busting out and Tanaka seems to never be able  to perform consistently.

Paul Sporer: Where were you Pivetta lovers when I slotted him 36th and everyone was up in arms? https://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/may-starting-pitcher-rankings-update…

F-Rome: Cahill owned in 18% of ESPN leagues — thats a joke right?

Paul Sporer: ESPN is primarily 10-team mixers and he’s just recently off the DL, but yes it’s too low

Adam: Play descalso over kinsler right now? 16 tm

Paul Sporer: Sure, but don’t cut Kinsler yet

Coach K: Hey Mr. Pitching Guru… my question about SP rank is still sitting unanswered. Need your insight…

Paul Sporer: Lots of Qs are unanswered. There are 3 pages of them and no chance I can get to every one

Little Big Guy: Walker Buehler and Alex Reyes for Altuve? H2H points league

Paul Sporer: No way I’m trading Altuve for them

FantasyPlayer: Whats going on with Stroman? Injured? Or are they reworking his mechanics? Is he a mid 3 or mid 4 era guy?

Paul Sporer: Ya his shoulder is a problem and currently has him on the DL. Sometimes it’s the easy answer with a struggling arm.

Al: How is Bour walking more than Trout or Judge? He has the 2nd highest BB% behind Harper

Paul Sporer: I’m not sure how the players relate, tbh. BB% isn’t a talent meter, it’s just one metric. Bour is the most powerful bat in a terrible lineup, you don’t want him to beat you so you be careful and thus a lofty BB%

brood550: Could Arenado end up on the trade block this year if the team keeps up te struggles?

Paul Sporer: The team in first place?

Adam: Is stripling worth fostering? Pretty good numbers in last 2 starts and gets Padres next

Paul Sporer: Yes, I’m very intrigued. Need to do a deep dive, but I scooped him a pair of leagues already myself

Adam: I have $39 left in faab. How much you putting on Soto? 12 tm keeper league

Paul Sporer: Can you do $0? If not, you have to be kinda conservative and go like $15 max. Can’t leave yourself with no $ for replacements w/4 months left

Uncle Charlie: Paul, thanks for chatting! 10tm H2H keep 7 forever, 5×5 OBP. I just turned down Arenado for Jo-Ram and MadBum. Will I regret this?

Paul Sporer: No, I don’t think you will. It wasn’t a bad offer but you’re sticking with your stud bat

Sam: Paul, should i quit the rat race and try to become a fantasy writer?

Paul Sporer: If you hate money, sure

Joey Bats: Should I show interest in the Mets showing interest in Bautista?

Paul Sporer: Meh

Conforto: Last 2 weeks I’m 13/39 with 3 HR… don’t think I’m getting stronger?

Paul Sporer: Plausible. Especially since the original timeline was May and now a few weeks into May he’s starting to look better

Billy Bathhouse: so anyone with a shoulder injury is 100% toxic in your opinion

Paul Sporer: Because I had concerns about Conforto and Carp? LOL. But also, is it so crazy to be leery of players w/shoulder injuries? I don’t think you’ll ever go broke fading them

Guest: WHY ARE YOU AND NICK FIGHTING?!

Paul Sporer: We’re not. It’s a sports debate… some of y’all are too sensitive

John: Did I miss my window to sell Hanley?

Paul Sporer: Not sure there was ever a point when you were going to net a big return. Everyone knows the deal w/Hanley

Chip: What do you think of Buehler?

Paul Sporer: Love the talent for sure. They said he’s got about 150 IP this year, though, so only about 100 more

Anders: Trevor Story had a terrific series in SF. Still think he’s a non-start on the road? wRC+ on the road is pretty bad, but maybe this is indicative of a breakout?

Paul Sporer: I actually wasn’t aware of the severe split so far this year, but I just start him everywhere in leagues where I have him. My expectations were for big pop, some speed, and a bad AVG and that’s what I’m getting so I’ll take the 5 SB on the road for the crap slash line

thankless in tx: please answer 10 more buehler qs, 9 more on conforto, 5 on soto thxxxxxx!!!!!!

Paul Sporer: I wish there were more Qs about many others. That said, I’m trying to answer Qs about them that further the conversation on them as opposed to the exact same ones about them. It’s always crazy to me how every chat winds up with a handful of theme players. The chat just fills w/3-4 guys

Paul Sporer: Y’all are KILLING it by the way. Four pages of questions! Unreal.

Paul Sporer: That said I do have to get going, so just a few more here

Sean Newcomb: Will i be considered an ace by end of year?

Paul Sporer: No, not an ace. Solid arm pitching very well, but not a finished product

seth: in 10th in a 15 team roto league. Holding out for Kershaw and Ray to save my pitching. Is it too late? time to hunt for keepers?

Paul Sporer: The rank in the standings isn’t as important as how many points you can gain in the categories so do an honest assessment of the points you could reasonably gain with your team doing well and then see where you’re at

Shark or not Shark?: I really appreciate how when you discuss trades you talk about non-same position deals (ie, not OF for OF) even though it seems harder. I particularly like arms for bats discussions, even if they’re abstract, since that’s often how a deal gets done. Thanks!

Paul Sporer: Thanks! I just rarely see same-for-same get done so I get annoyed when that’s the discussion point on pods or in articles. This is especially prevalent in buy-low, sell-high stuff. “Oh I would try to trade Flash in the Pan McGee for Established-but-Sputtering Stud”… just so useless

Guest: My team ERA is 2.70. 60 pts lower than my lowest individual starter-ERA. Talk about picking my spots.

Paul Sporer: Sometimes ya gotta drop a straight brag in chat

Aaron Sanchez: Will I get back to 2016 form?

Paul Sporer: As much as I like Sanchez’s raw stuff (very feral as Nick would say), even that 2016 was far from bankable in terms of the success. I think someone like him would benefit from getting moved off the turf and to somewhere with a good infield defense.

George Michael: I have a nice rotation in a 12 team h2h and was offered Lamb for my Archer. Good deal? Thank you!

Paul Sporer: Ya I think that’s about right.

Jeff: Trade C.Seager for Kluber in a 14 tm keeper? I’m in second this year but have a team set up to contend for a few years

Paul Sporer: No, you gotta stay on track for this year. You’re not even in 1st, I don’t think you can start making 2019 trades. — POST CHAT ADDENDUM: I completely misread this and thought he was acquiring Seager. Ty to the commenter for setting me straight!

Paul Sporer: OK y’all, I gotta roll! Thank you so much for hitting up the impromptu chat! Brad had some things come up so I filled in. There’s a good chance I’ll still keep the regular chat later this week, too! Follow me on Twitter (@sporer), Twitch (psporer24), and Snapchat (psporer)! Have a good one!!