Paul Sporer Rotographs Chat – 3/31/16

Paul Sporer: Let’s get this going! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsJLLEwUYZM

Jonesing for Pitching: I am looking to trade Adam Jones for pitching in my 6×5 mixed 16-team keeper (OBP is the extra category). What caliber of pitcher can I reasonably target? Is Strasburg asking too much? Would Keuchel be too little of a return?

Paul Sporer: Honestly, it depends how he’s valued by the owners of those SPs. There are some fantasy managers who would move such a stud, but there are others who are sour on Jones and might only give like a Tyson Ross (who is still a v good SP)

Ty: Are you believing in Cody Anderson now with the increased velocity and the comps to Matt Harvey?

Paul Sporer: V good piece by Jeff. Comps can mislead and lead to overrating, but I completely understand where it’s coming from. More than the flashiness of the Harvey comp, we just need to be aware of the big velo jump bc that could really send Anderson skyward. I think we’re getting to a point where should eye anyone CLE is grooming in the minors or picks up bc Mickey Callaway and company are churning out some real studs

ScoKo: Do you think Berrios is a big leaguer by end of April? Immediate mixed lg value?

Paul Sporer: I can see it, but they were cautious last year so maybe more of an early-May. I think he’s an instant mixed leaguer upon arrival. Big Berrios fan

Johnny: Expectations for Shane Greene this season? (For the record, I’m referring to real life, not your dynasty team in MLB the Show.)

Paul Sporer: Since he can feel his hand again, I’ve got some real expectations. I’m back on the train I was driving last year with Greene. He is a skilled SP and now healthy, he can be a solid mid-rotation option

LudeBurger: Paul, you have won me from Eno. I look forward to this grand relationship between us.

Paul Sporer: You can have us both! We’re going to be doing back-to-back chats on Thursdays!!

Howard Dean: You cool with a 5×5 pitching staff of Price, Archer, Pineda, Buchholz, DeSclafani, Nola, Eickhoff + Chapman, Davis, McGee, & Miller?

Paul Sporer: Definitely. 2 studs, elite closers, and worthwhile gambles in your mid-rotation.

Broseph: Any thoughts on Adam Ottavino as a sleeper for saves this season? Beyond?

Paul Sporer: Nah, I’m off him for ’16. I think McGee holds it all year. I just don’t miss with guys in their TJ return season, espec RPs

LudeBurger: Welcome to LudeBurger, home of the LudeBurger. May I take your order?

Alex in Austin: Corbin or Shelby?

Paul Sporer: Shelby, barely. Really like both and have paired them on a couple teams.

Alex in Austin: Are you worried about Detroit’s defense? Castellanos grades out poorly somehow; the OF of Upton, gose/maybin, JD; Miggy, Kinsler…

Paul Sporer: It’s not great, but it’s better than some of those years where it was really poor

FantasyKrypt: Deep 20 teamer. Need help deciding between Cody Anderson and Shane Greene. Love the mph increase on Cody’s fastball and developing a spike curve, but Shane Greene is looking good again. He was my boy last year before he burned me.

Paul Sporer: I’m leaning Greene, but it’s a legit coinflip so take your preference

Kenneth : Someone in my league dropped Miller for Betances. I have Rosenthal, Perkins, Doolittle. Worth dropping Duda or Doolittle for Miller?

Paul Sporer: I really like Doolittle this year if healthy. I imagine Duda is a reserve bc you aren’t dropping your starting 1B for a reliever. I can do that move if it’s a shallow enough lg since Miller says he’s gonna pitch through

turbo: I’m starting to worry about my pick of Aroldis in a dynasty league. What are the chances he doesn’t get the closer’s role back this year? What are the chances he isn’t a top-shelf closer in coming years?

Paul Sporer: I think he will be completely fine. I don’t have any reservations about him getting the role back

Zac: My bold prediction is that Joey Votto is going to have a .500 OBP

Paul Sporer: Too low. .750!

PizzleRot: I spent 10% of my auction budget in an AL only on Byung Ho Park. How likely am I to regret this?

Paul Sporer: I’m buying the hype!

Brent: Any concern over Rich Hill’s walk-happy spring?

Paul Sporer: Yes bc it’s exactly the kinda crappiness that limited him to 153 MLB innings in seven years in the first place. Now, OAK is different than the Cactus League, but a ballpark alone doesn’t give you control. Plus he’s old.

Paul Sporer: At least he didn’t really cost anything in most drafts.

BBK: Coghlan or Piscotty? No RBI/R in this league

Paul Sporer: Piscotty, but I’m a Coghlan guy. Piscotty’s ceiling is just higher

OnSight: Rasiel Iglesias O/U top 30 SP?

Paul Sporer: Under unfortunately. Just won’t have the workload. Love him but he’s really more of a 2017 breakout. We (as a fantasy baseball community) are probably a year early

Zorak: A lot of people are justifiably “meh” about Joe Panik, but does his calculus change in a h2h points league? His dependable production is really attractive to me in that format, even if he’s one of the weaker hitters in my line-up overall.

Paul Sporer: Yeah I’m not meh on him. I really like him as a late-2B. There are so many similar 2B and he’s better or as good as many of them yet going much later. I agree that your format enhances him

Kingindanorf: in a league where Machado (drafted him at 5) is eligible at SS, did I nuke a big chunk of his value by taking C-Seager later?

Paul Sporer: No bc he’s a viable #5 pick with only 3B. And it’s not like 3B is super-deep.

Z: Which cheaper AL shortstop do you like best: Castro, Semien, B. Miller?

Paul Sporer: You picked three I really like late, but you put em in order. Gimme Starlin.

Paul Sporer:

Barry: Think Farquar or Knebel worth a pickup?

Paul Sporer: Really depends on league type

fubar: Rank for this year: Alex Wood, Drew Smyly, Julio Teheran and Matt Moore

Paul Sporer: Teheran, Smyly, Moore, Wood

Boris: Vince Velasquez or Kyle Gibson?

Paul Sporer: Velasquez. I like Gibby, too, but take VV’s upside now and find a Gibson-like clone or Gibson himself on the wire later this year when VV’s innings are winding down

fubar: Precursor: It was taco Thursday at work. I’m pretty excited to get the exit velocity reading on my Kakie Bryan

Paul Sporer: I hate you.

James: When is Bauer back in CLE rotation?

Paul Sporer: NEVER!!! Kidding. When Skinny Joe Blanton give up 9 HRs in 5 IP.

Billy: How concerned should I be about Desclafani’s oblique?

Paul Sporer: At least somewhat. Obliques are bitches. But it’s kinda built into the low price already so I’d still gamble.

Chase Headley: why only 11 HR with Yankee Stadium as ballpark ? 20+ HR in 2016 ?

Paul Sporer: Maybe just not so good?

Jonesing for Pitching: Over/under 100 games played for Reyes this season?

Paul Sporer: Ugh. Under. Still getting suspended (as he should) and he’s not exactly a favorite in Colorado

Jonesing for Pitching: This chat back to back with Eno chat has made my day: I am home sick from work 🙂

Mike: This is my first year playing The Show. I know you’re a fan–any tips (especially for hitting)? Diamond Dynasty strategies? Thanks dawg.

Paul Sporer: I use zone hitting with plate coverage indicator and it REALLY improved my hitting after just using buttons. Did you do a pre-order to get the bonuses? That really helps you get a base team that isn’t so bad. I’ve got a couple golds and plenty of silvers on my team. If you didn’t pre-order, maybe drop $20 on some stubs to get one of those 20 packs with 3 silvers. If you’re gonna play a lot, it’s a worthy investment. Some ppl just buy a million packs, but I like to earn stuff so I keep the investment pretty low. I bought the digital deluxe pre-order and threw a $20 spot for more stubs. I’m gonna build my team up from there

The Inbetweener: Do you think Osuna lasts the season as a closer?

Paul Sporer: I do. He’s a beast.

Steph Curry: What are your thoughts on Puig for this year? Think he will be productive?

Paul Sporer: Big fan of his. Our perceptions of players change SO rapidly and a lot of times there is no skills change to back that shift. He is still a super-skilled player. Health is a concern, but it is for everybody. You’re only healthy til you’re not, which sounds trite, but it’s true. Who were the rock-solid never-get-hurt bets last years? Adam Jones and Hunter Pence.

Kingindanorf: Could you please rank these three– Gardner, Fowler, Khris Davis… will they all be top 45 OFs?

Paul Sporer: Fowler, Gardner, Davis and they’re really close. In that 40-55 range which is pretty tight

Big hurt: What’re your thoughts on Robbie Ray this season? #s appear to be decent at a glance but he gets no love. Thx

Paul Sporer: He’s OK. Gave up a lot of hard contact last yr and didn’t get punished for it. If that happens again, he’s a low-4.00s ERA kinda guy.

OnSight: Roughned Odor lead all 2B in HR/SLG?

Paul Sporer: No.

The Inbetweener: Would you platoon Adam Lind and CJ Cron for cheap at 1B all year or try and pay for someone like Duda or Belt while giving up a pitcher of similar dollar value (Shields, in my case)

Paul Sporer: I’m totally cool with a platoon if you’re committed to it!

Jody Reed: Rubby or Greene?

Paul Sporer: Greene

Bart: Better season, Eickhoff or Conley?

Paul Sporer: Conley

Mark: 6×6, 5 keepers – should I draft Matt Carp if he falls to me or reach for Odor? Pick 72

Paul Sporer: Damn, they’re really close. What’s the 6th category? I think I’d lean Carp slightly.

CMo: Love the podcast. Any plans to revisit the positional rankings as you update them on the site?

Paul Sporer: I’m gonna get the spreadsheet updated by tomorrow with probably just my rankings since the team wasn’t prepped to update all of their rankings, but you’ll have a spread of new rankings for your weekend drafts and any after the season starts

Ryan: Eugenio or Reyes a better backup SS in 5×5 12 teamer?

Paul Sporer: Eugenio

PizzleRot: Joe Kelly, JA Happ, or Shane Greene?

Paul Sporer: Greene, but don’t ignore Happ. I think he will take some things from PIT to TOR re: sequencing and pitch selection

robb Stark: Wieters or Gomes for Catcher? standard 5 plus 2b, 3b, OBP, K, Slugging….

Paul Sporer: I’m a sucker for Wiets

Bork: Am I going to get 4 hours of ludes now? Because I just cleared my work schedule for Thursday afternoons now.

Paul Sporer: Y’all, Bork has the ludes!

robb Stark: More like Brotographs–AMIRIGHT?

Paul Sporer: 100% right

Bill: What kind of starting pitcher can I realistically expect for Longo in a 15 team dynasty?

Paul Sporer: Like a Zimmermann perhaps?

Jonesing for Pitching: Talk me off the ledge on Dozier’s 2014 and 2015 second half swoons. (or don’t and make me feel better about selling asap)

Paul Sporer: Well if it’s roto, it doesn’t really matter bc you’re only concerned about the bottom line and 1H/2H isn’t necessarily predictable (though some guys stand out as having rotten 2Hs regularly). Bigger concern is prob the meh SB count as I’m not sure he gets back to 20 again.

Paul Sporer:

HEATER: How are you feeling about Eovaldi this year?

Paul Sporer: Still on board for sure. Started to handle lefties late last year and it yielded big results. The splitter is legit. ALLLLL comes down to fastball v. lefties.

Bill: Chris Owings. You buying?

Paul Sporer: In deep lgs. I’m a sucker for him too… been burned a bunch, so maybe 1 share in a deep lg

robb Stark: Non-Fantasy questions: Is it crazy to think Dallas Keuchel is a top 3 pitcher in the major leagues?

Paul Sporer: it’s a tough case to say top 3 in MLB. He’s REALLY good and does some great things to be successful, but I can’t get him in the top 5

Donnie Sadler: Dustin Pedroia or Starlin Castro?

Paul Sporer: that’s a floor/ceiling battle for sure. I’ll take the shot on Castro

Trevor Bowser: Hi Paul. Do I cut T-Bau in an AL/keeper/short bench league or wait for Francona to see the light? Eno said to hold him, but his first name only has three letters and yours has four, so I defer to you.

Paul Sporer: Can’t trust a 3-letter named dude, I hear that. I’d hold, too. Josh Tomlin is booty.

Paul Sporer: (aka Skinny Joe Blanton)

Randy Savage: In a k/9 league do you prefer Wacha or Hamels?

Paul Sporer: Love Wacha, but gotta go Hamels there. We haven’t seen the BIG K rate from Wacha yet and while I believe it’s in there, Hamels hasn’t been below 8 K/9 since 2009

Tyler: I’m stuck with Lawrie as my starting 3B. Villar, Lamb, Plouffe are currently non-rostered. Any advice?

Paul Sporer: Not much separating that quartet. Stick with Lawrie and if he drinks too many Red Bulls and flops (again) then you can prob get one of those dudes off the wire in May

kimmy: Any reason to hold Kim in an AL OBP keeper league, 3 man bench? I’d say How the mighty have fallen, but he was never really that mighty…

Paul Sporer: yeah, let’s sit tight for now, though I understand the concerns

Paul Sporer:

Paul Sporer: If you hate Drake, don’t click these links. I (obviously) like him.

Fantasy Man: Which side wins, J Upton/Granderson/Straburg/Severino/ or Betts/Story/Kluber/McHugh

Paul Sporer: Not sure there’s a clear *winner*, but I prefer Side B. Best player (Betts) and less risk.

Jim Lahey: Who do you think produces better value this season: Travis Shaw or Nick Castellanos?

Paul Sporer: Castellanos has a more firm handle on PT while Shaw is a strong side platooner. I’m still going Casty.

Charles Sheen: I’m trying to do some platoon work for my utility spot in a OBP roto league. How do you like Carlos Santana/Pedro Alvarez + Joc Pederson/Delino DeShields platoons?

Paul Sporer: Those are good! You probably don’t have to platoon Santana in OBP bc he still had a .345 v. RHP, but I get it. Love the Joc-DD one

bigsmooth: What you drop Daniel Norris for Shane Greene?

Paul Sporer: if you can’t reserve or DL Norris, then yes

Mike: Last rotation spot Jimmy Nelson or Shane Greene?

Paul Sporer: Greene has more upside. I think Nelson kinda is what he is (which is solid, but unspectacular)

Patrick in KC: holding on to Giolito in a 10 teamer(but keeper). how long will I have to burn a bench spot?

Paul Sporer: Until late-May at the earliest, probably June, though

Randy Savage: Verlander is only projects for an upper 7ish k/9. Do you expect that to be more like upper 8’s low 9’s?

Paul Sporer: Yeah, I do, but I get the projection. It’s been 557 IP since he was at 9+ per nine. But yeah, I’m lookin for 8sih

Paul Sporer: 8ish

IK: Gomes or Grandal? 12 team redraft roto

Paul Sporer: Grandal has the upside

Geoff: You high on DeSclafani this year?

Paul Sporer: Not as high Eno. I think he’s OK

paul bearer: grab xander early or wait and try to sneak semien? avg/obp/slg

Paul Sporer: I love Xander so I’m going for him

Scruff McGruff: How am I supposed to know that this is really Paul Sporer?

Paul Sporer: Because the content is straight fire.

Paul Sporer: And because I’m the only one who likes the first version of “Facts”

Shane Greene: People sure like me on here.

Paul Sporer: I know. You’re welcome.

The Ghost of Dayn Perry: Missed out on Kakie Bryan in our minor league draft. Would trading Jacob Turner for him be too steep a price to pay?

Paul Sporer: I think you gotta go after Bryan. That splitter he’s been working on is prime.

johnny nobody: adam conley vs kyle hendricks …. head to head points league, who ya got? easy decision or debatable?

Paul Sporer: I’m not a huge Hendricks guy, so gimme Conley

Dan: Keith Van Horn?

Paul Sporer: Anderson Varajeo!

Travis Shaw: Am I 12 team mixed league worthy?

Paul Sporer: Nah, prob not. Unless big reserve rosters.

Cory: Late speed? C Hernandez or Chris Owings?

Paul Sporer: Cesar

TheTinDoor: As long as you’re linking cool songs:

J Benoit: Who are your favorite closers in waiting this season?

Paul Sporer: You, Strickland, Madson (to protect against inj. for my boy Doolittle), Kela, and Vizcaino

Alex in Austin: Can you do upside/downside on Pineda, he’s such an enigma.

Paul Sporer: Upside is a great #2 SP. Downside is last year

Paul Sporer: (or I guess injury that limits him to 20 IP, but that’s every arm)

Jon: Choose one SP: Hill, Conley, Volquez, Peavy, Rubby, Gibson, Ray?

Paul Sporer: Conley

Big Fan: Justin Turner having a breakout year this year?

Paul Sporer: He broke out last year. The knee seems good to go, so re-invest this year!

southcoast: who’s second in line for saves in SF ROMO or Strickland?

Paul Sporer: I wanna say Strickland bc of skills and he has all the tools to close, but I can see it being Romo first.

Ryan: Conley or Medlen?

Paul Sporer: Conley

Jon: I was fortunate enough to draft both Osuna and Storen. How long would you hold onto Storen before dropping him for someone like Sam Dyson?

Paul Sporer: I’d just hang onto him if Dyson is the other side. At least ensure you keep the TOR closer.

The Kid: Batman v Superman wasn’t that bad, fact.

Paul Sporer: Don’t say dumb stuff. It was an objectively bad movie and I legitimately feel bad for anyone who feels otherwise. I usually am more open about things being subjective, but I legitimately question anyone’s movie tastes if they thought that pile of shit was any good.

Paul Sporer: And I’m not even a comic book guy. I heard it’s even worse (how is that possible???) if you know the back stories of everything. It was trash. It made Man of Steel look good. Zach Snyder is a trash movie maker.

doug: are people sleeping on nate jones? his numbers post injury look really good though it wasn’t a large sample

Paul Sporer: Yes they are. But D-Rob is also a beast so it’s not like Jones is gonna just overtake him

Beeker: Favorite RP stash for future saves?

Paul Sporer: it’s still strickland even though I mentioned I’m a leery of Romo

Mike: Best strategy for closers? Seems like there’s enough mid-season change that it’s fine to wait until the end to pick them up and bank on snagging someone that takes over for injury or poor performance.

Paul Sporer: I lean toward at least one stud usually bc i love getting those prime ratios and extra Ks, but I’m OK with someone who waits and goes McGee, Tolleson, Doolittle & that ilk

Tani: Chances Miggy gets playing time at 3b in early interleague games?

Paul Sporer: 60%. Could get those first 2 in Miami to get VMart in the lineup.

Randy Savage: You think Mesoraco can rebound to a similar form to 2014?

Paul Sporer: It’s all about that hip. I think he’ll be solid, but probably not that ’14 pace

Tim: Crazy to pick Miggy or Cutch with #5 overall pick in 12 team mix OBP league?

Paul Sporer: Not at all. I can get behind either in a 5×5 w/AVG too tbh

Dave: Paul have you sent out any update emails yet for the SP guide? I signed up for them but have not seen an update yet. Thx

Paul Sporer: No coming tomorrow and this weekend.

Cory S.: Does Joey Rickard feel like this years Delino Deshields, even down to the Rule 5 draft?

Paul Sporer: Kinda, yes. I’m vibing on Rickard in at least AL-onlys if not deep mixers (15+ tms)

Bruce Wayne: Domingo Santana worth a bench spot in 12 team league?

Paul Sporer: Def

Randy Savage: Does Andrew Miller’s injury changes his value at all in a SV+HD league?

Paul Sporer: Well he said he’s pushing through it, so not yet

Con: Best output this season: AJ Reed, Travis Shaw, Tyler White.

Paul Sporer: Shaw

Poor Man’s Rick Reed: Is The Show ’16 worth buying for the base price with no extra $$ thrown at it to improve things? Not a fan of these games that require you to spend spend spend to get anywhere.

Paul Sporer: I think they do a good job of not requiring you to spend. You can definitely build from the ground up bc they give you rewards for everything and you’ll get a lucky pull if you play a good bit. I pulled Trout and Tulow cards after games last year. So many good modes

The Answer: With almost all experts espousing to spend most money on hitting, most non industry drafters have bought in. Was it crazy in an AL only to spend $82 on Sale, Carasco,Gray, & Stroman then combine that w another $70 on Trout & Miggy?

Paul Sporer: No I’m OK zigging when ppl zag or vice versa… however the f you say it. I really like stars n scrubs in AL more than NL. So I think you can definitely compete with that strategy

Lars: Schoop or Lemaheiu for my 2B spot? I know. I waited too long.

Paul Sporer: Gimme Schoop. DJLM is bland

Tom: Is it absurd that goldy went #1 and trout fell to #2

Paul Sporer: No. Can really take Trout-Harper-Goldy 1-2-3 in any order

Paul Sporer: and even Kershaw has a case to be in that mix

Merv Throneberry: Ketel Marte or Eugenio Suarez?

Paul Sporer: I’m not a huge Marte guy, but take him for speed; Suarez for pop

bum bum be-dum: In a league that favors counting stats – how would you ranks Kang, Moose, and Justin Turner?

Paul Sporer: Turner, Moose, Kang

Brian: Gerardo Para or Josh Reddick?

Paul Sporer: Parra

Brutus Beefcake: Any chance Wil Myers could have some nice returns as a post-hype guy if healthy?

Paul Sporer: Yes, the skills are there

Bob: Need a pitcher, who to drop: Reddick, DeShields, Peralta, V Mart?

Paul Sporer: Reddick out of that group

AKA22: please define “buying shares” of a player – does it mean how many teams you’re willing to have him on? what if I only have one team??

Paul Sporer: Yeah it’s only for ppl with multiple leagues. I mean you’re still buying a share if you only have one league, but the terminology is really for multi-leaguers

TP for my Byung Ho: Drake sucks

Paul Sporer: Cool.

James: What’s the most you’ve ever spent on hitting in an auction? How did it turn out?

Paul Sporer: Can’t recall exactly, but I think I’ve done 200/60 before.

Duda Abides: Jason Hammel or Greene? 6×6 with K:BB and W+QS

Paul Sporer: Still Hammel

johnny nobody: who has a better year? dexter fowler or domingo santana?

Paul Sporer: Fowler

Dave: How many leagues are you in this year?

Paul Sporer: Too many, but under 20!

David: rank Iglesias, Samardja, Pineda,Severino,J Ross?

Paul Sporer: Pineda, Shark, Iglesias, Severino, Ross

Jerrod Dyson: OBP league… Am I happy with Joc as my 3rd OF? Trout/Stanton in the other spots. Votto/Freeman/Park/Lind could be moved for a better OF.

Paul Sporer: yeah I’m cool with Joc in that situation. If you need the improvement, you can trade in May

Bill: Any thoughts on the massive decrease in Spring TJs?

Paul Sporer: We knew it was fluky when we got so many so it’s just normalizing. Can’t make anything out of one year on either end of the spectrum

Greg Oden: Could you please rank Hosmer, Park and Belt? Keeper forever league that favors power.

Paul Sporer: You just did.

Matt: Chris Davis or Edwin in a dynasty with OPS. Who do you prefer?

Paul Sporer: Still Edwin. I just worry about that swing-and-miss in CD’s game

Jay Dog: I waited too long last night on 1st base in our H2H points league and ended up with Morales at 1st…..am I going to be sad all year?

Paul Sporer: No, this seems to happen to a lot of people. He’ll be fine.

Jay Dog: Berrios or Giolito for my NA spot?

Paul Sporer: Giolito better upside; Berrios likely up sooner so take your choice based on that

ESPN 8-the Ocho: Your “taste” in music is well… Not good, but it takes a real friend to tell you you’ve got a buggar hanging.

Paul Sporer: If only I gave a shit what people thought about my musical tastes!

Chuckie: What exactly is a sporer – someone who harvests spores?

Paul Sporer: Exactly!

Eldridge Cleaver: What does Miguel Sano’s statline look like after his babip normalizes?

Paul Sporer: Jack Cust!

ragingtwig: What do you think about trading Cespedes ($28) for Mazara ($0) in an OPS league? Keep forever with prices set by mean of what was last paid and average auction cost for the next year. (Inherited team. I’m doing full rebuild)

Paul Sporer: If you’re in full re-build I’m down for it

TC: OK FINE YOU CONVINCED ME ON CONLEY

Jonesing for Pitching: Kela or Dyson 2nd chair for saves?

Paul Sporer: I think Kela. Eno thinks Dyson.

ESPN 8-the Ocho: Wow, looks like he touched a nerve with the Batman movie comment, but I have to agree with you.

Paul Sporer: Not a nerve. I ain’t mad. It was just an objectively bad movie. I seriously cannot fathom how anyone would say it was good

Al Bundy: Your favorite pull in The Show battle royale mode so far is…?

Paul Sporer: The Vintage A-Rod is prime. But World Series MadBum (2014 card) was SO good. I loved the team he was on and thought I’d make a run at the 20 wins with it, but went 3-2. lost on a walkoff for my 2nd loss

daneyko: do you think Dexter Fowler can collect 100 runs for a 2nd season in a row ? 102 R is impressive with a ,250 batting average.

Paul Sporer: Yes he can. OBP is legit.

Buff: Note that Tony Blengino is very down on Matt Kemp based on batted ball rates. Your opinion?

Paul Sporer: I’ve been off Kemp for a while. Just too inconsistent to pin down and I like other OFs in his range.

Jeet: Would you take Miguel Cabrera over Machado?

Paul Sporer: Yes

Jeet: Does ERod have ace-like potential or am I fooling myself?

Paul Sporer: You’re playin yourself there, but he can be a firm mid-rotation arm

Paul Sporer: (when healthy)

Josh: Dansby Swanson or Andrew Benentendi? Keeper league. No cost.

Paul Sporer: Swanson

Jeet: Does the awful Angels lineup scare you away from taking Mike Trout #1? I have a snake draft tonight and I am worried about what I’ll pick

Paul Sporer: Not really, but if that’s your tiebreaker, I get it. Go Harper!

Dan: What player are you the highest on that your colleagues aren’t? What player are you lower on that your colleagues are higher on?

Paul Sporer: Addison Russell, Chris Davis

Jumper: Talk me off the ledge. Why shouldn’t I punt SBs and/or Saves in a standard 5×5 H2H?

Paul Sporer: Those are the puntable cats in that format!

Ryan: Paul I don’t know whether to be here or in Eno’s chat…

Pie: Hook them

Hooha: do you have any livechats scheduled for opening day?

Paul Sporer: Not sure on that!

Bork: I think I took a wrong turn somewhere

Trystan: Will Revere steal enough to be worth a late round punt?

Paul Sporer: Yeah def.

Christian: Who is the closer in Tampa Bay?

Paul Sporer: Farq and Colome. I can see Farq running with it though

Fantasy Man: Overall offensively, who has the better stats this season, Justin Upton or Mookie Betts?

Paul Sporer: Betts bc of SBs

CMo: What underlying stats do you use to identify early season SP breakouts?

Paul Sporer: It’s all about them Ks and BBs

John: Marcus Semien or Trevor Story in roto this year? Same thing with Schoop vs Pedroia?

Paul Sporer: Gotta go Coors in that battle. And Schoop’s upside over Pedroia’s floor.

Kyle: Hey, Paul! Do you think that Zack Wheeler will have a significant fantasy impact 2nd-half of the year, and is he worth investing shares in for average 10-team leagues for 2017?

Paul Sporer: No. Wait for ’17.

Panda: Now that I have more time to spend on Instagram, any recommendations to follow?

Paul Sporer: http://www.instagram.com/char_mini

Patrick in KC: Stephen Piscotty going yard twice today. How do you like him this year?

Paul Sporer: REALLY like him

RJ: Keeper question (14 team H2H with OBP/SLG and QS and K/BB). Pick 1: George Springer in the 7th round, Keuchel in the 9th, or Strasburg in the 14th? Already have Donaldson (3rd) and Correa (12th). Thanks Paul!

Paul Sporer: Springer. It’s still a 2nd rd hitter in the 7th. Love Stras, but he’s still so risky

ARGO: How do I convince my teammate that Derek Holland, even at $1, is not going to have a rebound as a #2 starter? Ugh

Paul Sporer: Show him that mustache of Holland’s.

Paul: Is Jackie Bradley Jr. worth anything? Defense has to guarantee him ABs right? Can he improve on last years strides?

Paul Sporer: Ya, I’ve actually always been a JBJ backer so I got giddy last year even knowing he’s not that guy for a full yr. But there is something there.

Saul Pporer: Poopy or poopie?

Paul Sporer: Poopy

Bookie Mets: John Sickels said Tyler White could be “Ron Coomer with more walks”. Do you see that more, or Yonder Alonso, as today’s article suggested?

Paul Sporer: that’s kinda the range, huh? i like the Coomer call

Matt: I got screwed by the loss of Storen. Am I better off picking up and storing someone like Dyson, or picking up a guy like Jones for Ks, and waiting until I know exactly who is going to grab a closer role?

Paul Sporer: if you need the saves, dabble in the Tex pen just in case Tolleson’s back keeps him out

Cory: Smyly over Moore, does that change in a keeper league?

Paul Sporer: Yeah, I’m OK with flipping them in keepers

Harry Doyle: Is Garrett Richards going to get back to 2014 levels?

Paul Sporer: I think so, yes. I love G Rich.

robb Stark: Wieters or Gomes??

Paul Sporer: Still Wieters… I already answered that

Jonesing for Pitching: How many folks in this chat even remember Ron Coomer? Poll time!

Paul Sporer: Poor Ron Coomer.

Josh: Is DJ LaMahieu worth owning as one of two utility spots for avg. and SB if I already have enough power elsewhere on my roster?

Paul Sporer: Not keen on him batting low in the order

J : Is taking Scherzer or Arieta #7 overall in a points league a reach?

Paul Sporer: Probably, but SPs are no joke in pts lgs

Sour Ale: what about an 18 team league for Wheeler, presume he’s worth a shot then?

Paul Sporer: I’m just not going for TJ guys this yr. Maybe he’ll be a DFS play in the 2H. But keep in mind his command sucked pre-TJ and it’s usually last to return after TJ

Sam: Will Wacha get over 8K/9 this year?

Paul Sporer: I can see it, yes. He’s a stud.

Matt: Alex Gordon or Dexter Fowler in an OPS league?

Paul Sporer: Not too much difference, but gimme Fowler bc of that lineup slot

Diamond D: Berrios or Giolito for the next 2-3 years?

Paul Sporer: Gio has ace upside. Berrios’ isn’t quite that high

Patagucci: Who wins? Stanton/Lester for Bryant/Jo-Fer in a 5×5 keeper league?

Paul Sporer: side B barely. fair deal

Hi: Is Greene’s spot in the rotation safe?

Paul Sporer: I think so bc even when Norris is ready, there’s still Mike Pelfrey.

Paul Sporer: Speaking of Big Pelf, never watch him pitch bc he has some wicked stuff at times and you’ll trick yourself into thinking he can be halfway decent

Midre & Ryan, Cummins & Goins: I got picks 2 and 4 in keeper minor league draft: Your thoughts on this order: 1. Reed 2. Gallo 3. Benintendi 4. Brinson 5. (hypothetical) Snell

Paul Sporer: I’d go Reed, Brinson, Snell, Gallo, Beni personally.

Paul Rocks: Went all-in on hitting this year (Martin, Rizzo, Miggy, Odor, Arenado, Kang/Story, Upton, Betts, Bautista, Puig, Pederson), to the detriment of my pitching (Archer, Pineda, Cashner, Fiers, Porcello, Conley, Karns, Lamb, ERod, Cody Anderson, Rubby). It’s a H2H Ottoneu points league. Please tell me I’ll be okay.

Paul Sporer: I really think you will be OK. There’s some good arms in there and you will have at least 2-3 pop above their level (Conley, Pineda, Cash, are my faves to do so of that group) and you still got an ace.

Mark: AJ Reed, does he come a 30 HR 100 RBI guy eventually?

Paul Sporer: I mean that’s a HUGE level to put on anyone so I gotta say no, but there’s plenty of upside

Bruce: I have a spot to gamble on a high upside pitcher in free agency this week. Why is Juan Nicasio getting so much more attention than Shane Greene? Am I crazy for wanting Greene more?

Paul Sporer: No you’re not crazy, but Nicasio had that electric spring and the Pittsburgh factor really helps. Not just the Ray Searage thing, but their defense and park combo so I get it. But go Greene if that’s where your gut is leaning!

Dave: What are your favorite non-fangraphs podcasts?

Paul Sporer: There are non-fangraphs podcasts?

Paul Sporer: Baseballholics Anonymous, Jonah Keri, Bill Simmons (& Channel 33), Statcast, If I Were You, Rotowire, Short Hops, In This League, Friends w/Fantasy Benefits, Doing it Bartolo, Katie Nolan (called Garbage Time)

Luap Rerops: Would you rather fart fine cologne or poop really expensive soap?

Paul Sporer: New poll!

Paul Sporer: But you’ll never have those really stank ass farts that clear the room anymore if you choose cologne!

Paul Sporer: Sometimes it’s really funny to drop a legit BOMB

Minty: Trade Arenado for Sano in OBP dynasty if I have Bryant, or do I just stick him CI and love the counting stars?

Paul Sporer: Keep Arenado. I know his OBP wasn’t great last year, but he’s not automatically just that guy. He’s better than Sano.

Shammy: JBJ or Brito?

Paul Sporer: JBJ

Stan: Vogt or Realmuto?

Paul Sporer: Vogt

Jonesing for Pitching: Richards w/ Andrelton behind him…..yummmmmm

Paul Sporer: Exactly! Don’t sleep on Alexei in SD for Ross and Cashner (and Shields, though he’s not as GB dependent)

TJ: Haven’t heard a peep related to how Fernando Rodney has actually looked so far. I get we know who he is generally, but is it that ludicrous that he could get his share of saves this year? Is Maurer the best bet for second in line? As the cliché goes, somebody has to get the saves…

Paul Sporer: Yeah I think we know what he is. He’ll have some runs of usefulness, but he should be your CL3 at best

Dave: Do you think Gregerson beats out Giles?

Paul Sporer: I’d be surprised

Twins Fan: Ron Coomer was an All-Star from the Twins. He actually made the all-star team. Great guy!

Paul Sporer: isn’t he an announcer now for them?

Sleeper Star: What’s your HR/SB/Triple Slash projection for Jonathan Schoop?

Paul Sporer: http://baltimoresportsandlife.com/monster-year-schoop-might-look-like/

Sleeper Star: What’s your take on Delino DeShields?

Paul Sporer: Pretty good player. Speed is there and I think we’ll see more pop in ’16. Nothing crazy, but even 7-9 HRs from an SB stud is clutch. I always hate those 0s from Revere and his ilk.

Scott: Does fantasy baseball ruin the real thing for you at times? I’ve flip-flopped over that question a bunch.

Paul Sporer: No, I’m just so obsessed with baseball that I can enjoy both angles. Sometimes I wish I had one fantasy lg though so that those guys were MY GUYS all yr, but then if I sucked by May, I’d be like wtf?!

Jon: Alex Gordon and Steven Souza for Gerardo Parra and Dexter Fowler. Which side wins?

Paul Sporer: B

Stan: Ron Coomer wiki page burning up right now!

Lindor Truffles: Will I regret keeping a 26th round Sano over a 1st round Kershaw?

Paul Sporer: Nah, I think that’s late enough to be worth it. And maybe you get Kersh in rd 1 still?

stork: Scooter Gennett -what the…? Even homered off a lefty. Could there be something there if healthy?

Paul Sporer: Yeah, check out his numbers post re-call last year: http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.cgi?id=gennesc01&t=b&year=&share=1.87#228-320-sum:batting_gamelogs

Josh: How many homeruns will J.D. Martinez hit today?

Paul Sporer: 5

Paul Sporer: They’re ripping a former Tiger. Chad Green was in the Justin Wilson deal

Sam: Feeling any optimism for Hanley now at 1B? He raked when healthy last year

Paul Sporer: yes, for that reason you mention. I’m gambling in a couple lgs. still a monster.

Tom: Which side wins: lindor and carlos martinez vs kluber and jean segura?

Paul Sporer: Gosh I’m so not a Segura guy, but I still think that’s the better side bc of Klubes

Jeet: I know you’re biased so lets leave daschunds out of this. Best small dog breed to buy as first pet. I was thinking Havanese

Paul Sporer: Curtis was a mini-beagle and I really liked his size (~30 lbs) or are you talking Charlotte size only? I didn’t have any experience w/tiny pups before Char, but now I’m fully on board

Matt: At this point, is Storen droppable, or is there a chance Osuna faulters? In this league, I would think he’d need to have the job before June for me to regret dropping him.

Paul Sporer: There’s always a chance, but I think it’s low. I love Osuna. You can cut Storen in most lg

FantasyMan: Drop Brandon Finnegan for Nicasio or Shane Greene?

Paul Sporer: Not a lot of distinction in that trio so go with YOUR favorite

Stan: A lot of Adam Conley love here today. At his ceiling, name an MLB comp

Paul Sporer: Corbin

Jeet: Chris Bassit. Real or?

Paul Sporer: Real how? He’s cromulent. Home-streamer

CHRIS CARTER: WIETERS GRANDAL OR HUNDLEY

Paul Sporer: GRANDAL

Walter White: What are you thoughts on this strategy: Instead of buying a $20 Seager or Beltre- but Moustakas and Castellanos for a combined $13 and hope one breaks out?

Paul Sporer: Ya that’s totally worthwhile. if you don’t get stud 3B, might as well gamble on mid-tier

Entymology: Is your name, Paul, short for something? Paulmall Extra Sporer

Paul Sporer: nailed it

Chris: In a H2H points Dynasty league, am I crazy to trade deGrom for Bogaerts? My top pitchers are Bumgarner, Harvey, Fernandez, Richards, Iglesias without deGrom. Have Alcides at SS right now.

Paul Sporer: No, I like it!

Jon: Real-life baseball: Thoughts on the NL Central?

Paul Sporer: It’s fierce. Wanted to be cute and go against CHC, but I just can’t see it.

Jason: Miggy for Park/Hanley..fair deal?

Paul Sporer: man, that’s tough. I still prefer Miggy

Mike: What are you doing with Jose Reyes in drafts in shallower leagues? How much of the season do you think he’ll miss?

Paul Sporer: I’m just laying off bc I have SS I like late and we still don’t know what kinda suspension he’s gonna get

Tommy: What do you project for Marcell Ozuna this year?

Paul Sporer: 25/.270

Likey Likey?: Eovaldi or Eickhoff? Eovaldi more talent, Eickhoff less talented division

Paul Sporer: Eovaldi. I hear you on Eick’s division, but he’s on one of the crap tms

Drew: Are you on board the Taijuan hype train?

Paul Sporer: Yes. I was last year, too, so I’m not jumping off!

Greg: Would you rather have Osuna or the eventual winner of the Gregerson/Giles battle?

Paul Sporer: Giles over Osuna, but Osuna over Gregerson

Danny: I’ve heard a lot of positive buzz on Joe Panik in some circles. You like him?

Paul Sporer: I do. I know some hate this term but he is a “gamer”. I basically use that to mean the total pkg is better than that individual scouting grades of his game

Jopa: Delino Deshields expectations this year?

Paul Sporer: .265/9/35

Kris: Are you feeling an Alex Wood resurgence as much as Eno?

Paul Sporer: No, I’m not a Wood guy. Those mechanics are vomit-inducing.

Hank: I tried to punt saves and ended up with Osuna/Strickland/Betances/Kela. Did I fail at punting saves?

Paul Sporer: LOL well it looked like you REALLY did last night when we assumed Miller was toast for a while, but he’s gonna pitch through it so I think you still punted even though you got Osuna. You can prob flip Osuna for something if you wanna remain committed to no saves!

Jeet: Are you coming to the NYC fangraphs meet?

Paul Sporer: Si.

Matt: What’s the best way to get into a gig writing about baseball?

Paul Sporer: Ask sites if they’re hiring. Start your own blog to get some reps and just write, write, write. Some will say NEVER write for free, but sometimes you gotta at the start. if i’m gonna write for free, I’d rather do it on my terms at a personal blog that way you’re not beholden to deadlines and such.

Paul Sporer: Find a niche and specialize. I did the SP Guide on a msg board for a while and then Paulsporer.com and then just asked BP if they needed anyone. that’s how I got started on my full-time baseball path. Then moved over here after BP

Fangraph hero: Aaron Hicks a nice lottery pick? Could he be Carlos Gomez circa 2012?

Paul Sporer: You must read my stuff http://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/is-aaron-hicks-the-next-carlos-gomez/

Jay: Chen a top 30 SP now that he’s in the weakest hitting division?

Paul Sporer: Yes, or at least damn close. i think I technically have him 34

Joey: Luis Severino or Masahiro Tanaka?

Paul Sporer: Much tougher after hearing Stephania Bell’s concerns over Tanaka when I talked to her in NYC, but I’m still going with him. Severino has plenty to work out still and IP will be light

Ken: Tanaka, an acceptable 12 team SP3? Better or worse?

Paul Sporer: Yeah it’s OK, but see above: I do have some concern.

Jeet: Would you trade away Rodon or McCullers in a dynasty for a more 2016 ready arm or do they have ace like potential?

Paul Sporer: They do both have outstanding upside, but I’m always trying to compete in current yr so if someone will give you Richards, Wacha, or Waino or something like that, then I’d entertain moving em

Don The Magic Juan: Heaney a top 15 AL SP this year?

Paul Sporer: Not quite that high. Just don’t see the K upside for that.

Tyler: Waited and ended up with Ben Paulsen in a 16 tm H2H Points. With the Shaw news should I scoop him and swap Paulsen out?

Paul Sporer: Stick with paulsen, but I’m OK adding Shaw for someone else

Mancy: Does giving up an oppo bomb to Jon Lester perfectly encapsulate the state of Rockies pitching?

Paul Sporer: LOL yes

Stan: will Soler need an injury to become rosterable?

Paul Sporer: Or to play out of his mind in his opportunities

Sal M.: Wait when/where is the NYC meetup?

Paul Sporer: June. Not entirely sure all the deets, but I promise they’ll be on the site at some pt. We’re going to a game where people can come

Matt: Paul, I’ve been having this issue in FG chats. There’s this imposter Matt…..

Paul Sporer: Need to me bump him off? 🙂

JV: Who to drop in 12 team—Villar, Alexei R, Storen or Hicks? Thanks Paul!

Paul Sporer: Alexei is pretty bland.

wee: Playing around with Auction Calc (Steamer). In my triple slash, it has Puig over Blackmon and about equal with Xander. you buying Puig that high?

Paul Sporer: Yes, he’s a star

Stephen: Am I crazy to have Ketel Marte as my starting shortstop this year (8 team league)? What are the odds he hits leadoff?

Paul Sporer: Yes you are in a league like that. I can see him batting leadoff and even maintaining it, but I don’t buy last year’s BB% at all

john: Edwin or Chris DAvis?

Paul Sporer: EE

Fart_Balloon: Are baseball chats considered good behavior in prison for DUIs?

Paul Sporer: yes, that’s why they let me do em

Ray: Which Seattle pitcher? Miley or Karns

Paul Sporer: Karns barely

corey spagenberg: what do you think of me?

Paul Sporer: I think you’re p good and a solid MI option in deeper leagues or 2B in NL-onlys. Little punch, lotta speed, high batting spot.

Paul Sporer: OK I might’ve overstated the punch. It’s like 5-6 HR upside. But I think plenty of SBs

Jon: Benoit or Madson over Storen?

Paul Sporer: if you’re SVs hungry, I’d go Benoit, Madson, Storen. If you just want the best stats, Storen is over the other two

Barry: Piggybacking off the previous Reyes question, who are the late draft shortstops that you like?

Paul Sporer: Semien, Didi, Miller, Suarez, Villar, Rollins, and maybe even Cozart

Recca: Justin Upton or Carlos Gonzalez in a 12 team OBP league?

Paul Sporer: J Up

JV: Would you start Nicasio at Cincy or Samardzija at Milw?

Paul Sporer: I think I’ll ride the Nicasio Spring Training wave for that one start. I’d rather use Shark in AT&T for now

Paul Sporer: or at least NOT milwaukee

Matt: If Cishek faulters, how long will Benoit have that job before he gives it to Zych?

Paul Sporer: I think Benoit is capable of holding it, but teams seem to prefer him in 8th inn. so perhaps Zych just forces his way in. Love Zych, but it’s kinda like Strickland in SF. He’s the central casting version of a closer, but blocked

JV: How worried about my closer situation in 12 team would you be with Giles-Betances-Colome-Farquhar-Storen-Dyson?

Paul Sporer: That’s workable

The Great North: Thoughts on Tulo this season? I have avoided him so far but I have 2 drafts tonight and Saturday and I was wondering…..

Paul Sporer: To quote Matthew & Nate from 06010, the hate has gone too far. He’s still a $20 SS in his sleep.

Patrick in KC: Wieters or Gomes? KIDDING. Who would you rather have as a 3rd closer? Cischek or Rodney?

Paul Sporer: LOL. Cishek. There’s a chance he recaptures his pre-15 value. I think Rodney is just a bottom 10 closer no matter

Jose Quintana : Someone in their bold prediction article mentioned the lack of Tyler Flowers pitch framing will really hurt my value. How do you feel about this?

Paul Sporer: It’s a fair pt. if we look only at ’15 as Flowers was great and Navarro/Avila were terrible. But it’s much closer in 2012-14 so I’m not sure I’m making too much of it. Avila has been good in the past, maybe he finds his previous level

ChipHilton: What kind of value does Juan Lagares have in a 12 team NL only 5×5 roto league?

Paul Sporer: Not much.

Milton Bradley’s Sorry: Any sleeper endgame AL-only catchers youre watching?

Paul Sporer: JMcCann, JR Murphy, Phegley, Iannetta

FantasyKrypt: Brito, Fuentes, Goeddel. How would you rank them for this year?

Paul Sporer: Brito, Goeddel, Fuentes

Robert: Is a stable of Tanaka, Wacha, Walker, Richards, ERod, Moore, Desclafani, Nola and, eventually Darvish of workable this year? Lacking the aces.

Paul Sporer: It needs some good fortune, but definitely workable. I think you might have to move off of ERod early if someone legit pops up on the wire that you feel good about

Paul Sporer: but if Wacha, Walker, Richards, and Moore progress as I believe they can, you’ll be good

Matt: Best flavor of sunflower seeds?

Paul Sporer: Pepper

rustydude: Darvish or Tanaka?

Paul Sporer: tanaka for 16

Jon: Expectations for Joc this year?

Paul Sporer: 25/15/.250

Trevor Story:

The Fonz: Who is the coolest person in the GRAPH family?

Paul Sporer: Besides me, you mean? 🙂

Paul Sporer: Eno is my dude. Dan Farnsworth was v cool when I met him in AZ last yr. Really good group of gents all around, tbh

Jon: Favorite current TV shows? Mine: The Americans, People vs OJ, Fargo, Game of Thrones, Broad City, guilty pleasure: The 100

Paul Sporer: Unfamiliar w/The 100. But Broad City is my #1 right now. OJ is my #2 and in fact, those are the only 2 that I make sure not to miss each week.

BestMatt: Do you feel there’s an overabundance of sabermetric-oriented startup blogs? I wanted to get started on writing myself, but it seems saturated with people who think that’s the hottest niche right now.

Paul Sporer: Don’t worry about that. If you’ve got something worthwhile to say, just go out and be the best at it.

Paul Sporer: The market has been flush for quite a while and yet we’re still seeing new voices emerge.

Jopa: Everyone seems to be high on Carrasco, but he’s still a bit of a gamble for how high he’s going, right?

Paul Sporer: Maybe from a standpoint that he’s never done 200 IP, but the skills are impeccable

EmCee EmPeeThree: Marlon Byrd O/U 15 HR?

Paul Sporer: Even? I think he’s right around there, but I’ll say over w/18

EmCee EmPeeThree: Is it a big disadvantage to enter a draft with all SP sloths taken up? I have Kluber $18 Keuchel $18 McCullers $1 Pineda$5 Darvish $3 Holland $1 in 10-team AL but sad I can’t even bid on SPs

Paul Sporer: It’s fun to bid on guys, but if you’ve already got a dope roster, that’s good too! If there’s someone you really want, maybe cut Holland. He’s not THAT special, even at a buck

Drafting tonight!: Reddick or Santana, final OF bench spot in a 10 team h2h w 5 OF’s

Paul Sporer: Bet on Santana’s upside. A Reddick type substance will be available if Domingo shows he’s not quite ready

Charp Tarpleton: wutchu think about Silvino Bracho

Paul Sporer: Solid gamble in that pen, but Clippard could get first crack after Zieg

Mike: Are you buying the Mets platooning Conforto all year? Seems silly to do that with a former 1st round pick who handled lefties in the minors, especially considering Grandyman getting older and sucked v. lefties LY

Paul Sporer: I’m not. I think it’s a bad move if they do, though. Def think that Curtis should be more susceptible to the platoon (as much as it pains to go against my boy Curtis!)

Jon: The 100 is a CW show. Battlestar Galactica meets LOST… on the CW. Take that for what you will.

Paul Sporer: Ah, OK!

Mike: brah it’s been like 3 hours how are you still chatting?

Paul Sporer: I’m a gd beast.

Paul Sporer: Bout to roll out though. I’m starving and can ill afford to skip meals #ChrisSalebodytype

Robert: Who’s ST helium are you buying?

Paul Sporer: Nicasio, Greene, Conley

Brad: Thoughts on Aaron Sanchez? Thanks.

Paul Sporer: Talent is there. Still a major gamble, but one really good thing about his ST: 3 BBs

Guest: If Wacha is Drake, is Wainwright Meek Mill this year?

Paul Sporer: Hahahaha, nice. I think Waino ain’t goin out like Meek, though

TreeToed: Khris Davis or Dickerson in a batting AVG league?

Paul Sporer: C Dick

jb: Ron Coomer played for my Twins! Who could forget him.

Patrick in KC: Piscotty or Castellanos for my UTIL in 10 team standard?

Paul Sporer: Pisc

Bill: With NL so weak (PHI ATL CIN MIL SD COL), would you rather target NL SPs (of course no DH too).

Paul Sporer: Yeah NL SPs are always a better target bc of pitcher batting, but the have-have not split of NL makes that even more viable this yr

Paul Sporer: that’s why I said Conley over Eovaldi. I think Eovaldi has more raw talent right now, but context favors Conley

Rick: How did you end up in Texas? I thought you were a Tigers fan.

Paul Sporer: Parents moved us down here when I was 14. I was too young to stay 🙂 Not that I would’ve anyway. I love Austin. It’s a lot different than Texas at large

Don The Magic Juan: Does that pothead Alex Reyes have any fantasy relevance this year?

Paul Sporer: The suspension really hurt him. I could see a late-summer call-up, but that’s it

JAL: PS, back at it again with the epic chats (just waiting for it to end to read it easier)

Z: Sporer is still going! I had to go to work things and I’m so happy to see this!

Charp Tarpleton: how old you are

Paul Sporer: 34

einstein2u: try again, ranked these mid tier SP: iglesia, pineda, odorizzi, verlander, corbin

Paul Sporer: if only I had rankings on this website somewhere. 🙂 kidding! JV, Odorizzi, Corbin, Pineda, Iglesias

Go Twins: True story. Waited for autographs outside the Metrodome and Ron Coomer comes out. He starts signing when a little kid says: “Who are you?” He says “Kirby Puckett!” with a big smile. Didn’t bother him that he was a bit unknown but was always gracious. Pretty good hitter, great guy!

Didn’t Do It: Who is better at “just the right amount of campy” on “The People vs OJ” – Schwimmer or Travolta?

Paul Sporer: They’re both pretty good, but I die every time Ross says “Juice”

Paul Sporer: I think Travolta is REALLY trying and he’s gonna be pissed when Courtney B. Vance gets the Emmy nom over him

Dog ate my HW: 14-team 5×5 pitching staff – Carrasco, Salazar, Tanaka, J Ross, Conley, VV, Erasmo, Lamb, Manaea, Ramos, FRod, Betances, Jeffress, Zych – ok, or too much risk?

Paul Sporer: I really like that. There is risk given the youth, but it’s definitely workable. I like the stud RPs bc they balance out some of the SP risk

BEAST: It’s true, Paul Sporer is gd me.

Didn’t Do It: Just like on the show! Also don’t sleep on Nathan Lane – unsung hero of the Dream Team

Paul Sporer: He’s so good. Great when he pops up in Modern Family, too. (though that show cliff-dove this year)

Reginald Denton III: What SSs do you like…beside the obvious ones?

Paul Sporer: Scroll up, listed a buncha late ones.

Paul Sporer: Bogaerts my favorite elite one, though

Robert: Will Manaea be a top 50 pitcher at any point this season? When do you think he will be called up?

Paul Sporer: Top 50 is lofty. I love him, but he’s gotta get his chance first. I think late-May is a good target.

MP: I’m starting my 13 mixed auction with Raisel, Stro, Giles and Mcgee. How would you look to address the other spots. Ace and then end game?

Paul Sporer: Yeah at least one bona fide ace. And then maybe some stable endgamers like an Ervin Santana who will give 190+ IP and be no worse than a high-3.00s.

Ryan: Looking for a J. Bour platoon partner in a 20 teamer. Is there anyone palatable ranked under him?

Paul Sporer: Lind, Paulsen, Carter, Reynolds (espec. at home), Canha http://hosted.stats.com/mlb/adp.asp?pos=1B

Reginald Denton III: How long will Casilla close before he gets replaced?

Paul Sporer: I wanna say quickly, but I doubted him all last yr too and he was solid. So I’ll say late-May

Bill: Boxberger get the job when he comes back? Worth stashing?

Paul Sporer: I think so, but McGee never got it back last yr so it’s no guarantee. Stash with 3+ DL spots

Bill: So in general, pay up for corners & OF and lay back for MI & C?

Paul Sporer: yes, that’s a good general plan going into a fresh draft

JAL: 12-team 5×5, I am aiming for Carrasco or Archer as my ace. Cool?

Paul Sporer: Definitely

rustydude: Favorite movie scene involving fantasy baseball? I can only think of 1 which was actually pretty funny in Knocked Up when Seth Rogan et al go on a hunt for a suspected cheating husband and find Paul Rudd in his FB draft meeting instead.

Paul Sporer: yes that’s definitely the one

Paul Sporer: OK y’all, I gotta roll

Paul Sporer: but good news, I’m in the regular chat rotation this year! So Thursdays after Eno all year!!

doug: do they have in-n-out burger in austin? rank these burger chains, in-n-out, whattaburger, burger king, hardees

Paul Sporer: they do have the most overrated burger place in the universe here

Paul Sporer: Whataburger, starve, In-n-Out, Carl’s Jr. (that’s hardees here), and BK

Paul Sporer: In-n-Out is so f’n average

Minty: Shake Shack!

Paul Sporer: Much better! and We do have one!

Don The Magic Juan: Does Tim Anderson see PT before ASB?

Paul Sporer: Maybe? I’m bad at projecting when guys will come up

Paul Sporer: can he play SS? bc i think lawrie holds 2B

Paul Sporer: i’m so bad at leaving

Paul Sporer: ok for real leaving

Paul Sporer: you like funny people? check out Alison & Gaby. They’re HILARIOUS! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfVC_0-T1gkati_kcb4gXPg byyyyyeeeeee