Paul Sporer Rotographs Chat – 4/21/16

Paul Sporer: Awful news about Prince. RIP.

Guest: Tell me a good thing about Kyle Seager

Paul Sporer: A .139 BABIP will correct. I’d buy.

Pitching Is Bad: My pitching has been awful. Should I add Kazmir in a 12 teamer? Also, I cant wait to drop Shane Greene.

Paul Sporer: Is Kazmir really a fix for bad pitching right now? Not so sure. But I’m OK moving on from Greene in a 12-teamer. I’d hold in deeper, but dude needs to throw damn strikes

THe Price is wrong Snitch: What’s going on with Price today

Paul Sporer: Not watching, you tell me? Line score looks solid

Haymaker: What do you make of Pomeranz? Picked him up as a streamer in a 12 team mixed but he has been really good. Ride it out or drop him for Iwakuma or Conley?

Paul Sporer: I was HUGE on Pomeranz last year and I’m chronically a year early (something I always mention/whine about bc it just never stops, lol). So I’m in. Sit tight even w/Iwak and Conley being reasonable options

ken m: I have Semien, Story, and Dan Murph at infield. Jung Ho is on my DL and coming back soon. Who’s gotta go?

Paul Sporer: Semien of those 3 if you must cut. I’d try to work a trade. Surely someone needs a MI?

Steve: traded billy hamilton for jose berrios and 10 free agent dollars after every team in my league rejected like 15 better offers. is it worth it?

Paul Sporer: yeah that’s alright

DB: Just traded for Harvey & Caesar Hernandez and sent back Keuchel & Pillar. Any concerns about Harvey’s slow start? I thought it was a good buy-low opportunity.

Paul Sporer: I agree that it was a good buy-low And you got a nice parting gift from Keuchel v. DET. I’m not worried about Harvey yet. I take them at their word that it’s a fixable mechanical flaw

Pile On: Do you start Rich Hill in New York tonight?

Paul Sporer: I wouldn’t, no.

Pitching Is Bad: Erasmo seems to be thriving in Tampa. Obviously SSS, but could he be useful in mixed leagues?

Paul Sporer: Definitely. He was last year, too.

BigTimeNW: Who are a couple SP you’re targeting to trade for based on what you’ve seen so far this year?

Paul Sporer: Harvey, Kluber, Pomeranz, Wacha, Conley, Nola, Chen

Timmy: Have you seen anything in Tyler White over the past few weeks that has changed how you view him going forward?

Paul Sporer: Didn’t know enough about him prior to last year to make that distinction, sorry. But I like this guy. He’s just a hitter. I know the power was a concern, but it’s nice to have 5 HRs banked

Haymaker: Thoughts on Domingo Santana? Drop D. Span for him in 12 team mixed roto? Only 3 starting OF slots but 2 Utility spots.

Paul Sporer: Really impressed early on. Check out August’s piece: http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/domingo-santana-is-making-the-george-springer-adjustment/ I can make that swap just for the upside. Span is v steady, but you can find a Span-type on the wire if Santana randomly melted down

Please Help: Please rank the following: Greene, Graveman, Bassitt, Holland.

Paul Sporer: I think you just did

Tony the Tiger: Jarrod Saltalamacchia for MVP! He obviously won’t keep this up, but he sure is making a case for staying as the Tigers starting catcher even when McCann returns.

Paul Sporer: I don’t see it happening. He’s hitting well, but he’s still bad behind the dish and McCann is lauded for his catching. It’s probably gonna be more of a 60-40, though. And I thought it’d be more 75-25 coming into the season

Ryan: It really feels like Francisco Rodriguez is on borrowed time. Who’s the guy I should be stashing as his replacement, Lowe or Wilson?

Paul Sporer: Wilson. Even though he’s a lefty, they have other lefties who can get those key outs in 6th-8th, so I’d spec on J.Wilson

Gest : Are you a Porcello backer? He put up good lines against Toronto twice, then a very good line against Tampa. Can you figure this guy out?

Paul Sporer: Long time Porcello honk over here. Love the early K%, but I doubt it holds as the SwStr is static from last year. But he doesn’t walk guys, can miss a fair number of bats (20-22%), and keeps the ball down (though he’s closer to 1.0 GB/FB these days). Closed really strong last year, too

Birdman: What are your thoughts on Joey Rickard ROS?

Paul Sporer: Think he’ll be solid. Not special, but decent guy atop a good lineup with some cheap speed

AL Pitching Coach: Is Soria worth rostering anymore in an AL-only right now?

Paul Sporer: Nah, you can find another RP

Bobbya: Hearing a lot about Jake Lamb would you drop Castellanos to pick him up?

Paul Sporer: I get the Lamb love, but I think Casty’s ceiling is at the very least as high and IMO, higher

Bill: As someone who overpaid for AJ Reed in a keeper auction draft, can you reassure me he will be up and get regular ABs at some point this season despite Tyler White’s success?

Paul Sporer: Ummm… welll…. the thing is…. lol, kidding. Yeah, Valbuena isn’t exactly ripping it up and I think White can fake it at 3B to get both bats in there. be patient

Paul: Have you been disappointed in Addison Russell so far?

Paul Sporer: Not at all. Cut the Ks, added BBs. Nice approach. Hits’ll fall soon. Still buying (but I’ve already got him p much everywhere)

Wardo: Max Scherzer is driving me nuts… make me feel better?

Paul Sporer: Xanax? Literally his first bad start today. Everyone is gonna have a couple.

My dauber is down: What are your thoughts on Saunders in his new lineup slot? I’m starting to think he could be upgrade on KDavis. DSantana another option — OBP and BA count.

Paul Sporer: There was justified hype on Saunders last year before the knee. Injuries are always a worry, but I like taking a shot. Take a shot on Saunders. Worst case is one of the other 2 or something very comparable will be on the wire if Saunders get hurt

Scooby: Thanks for your time, Paul. Can you rank these arms in a 12-team mixed? Pomeranz, Eovaldi, Tomlin, Porcello, Greene. Any roster-worthy or all streamers? Thanks!

Paul Sporer: You’re welcome. Pomeranz, Porcello are rosterable, the others are streamers. Pass on Tomlin for me — HR machine

Lone Toc: Top 3 players you’d like to get more shares of right now?

Paul Sporer: Thor, G.Polanco, and Kluber

Billy: How excited are you about Sean Manaea? When are we likely to see him called up and do you expect him to be fantasy-relevant this season?

Paul Sporer: Very. One of my favorite prospects, wrote glowingly about him in the SP Guide (thespguide.com) this year and I think he will be a fantasy contributor this summer. Let’s say Memorial Day area? Call up guesses are impossible for the prospect guys in the know so they’re even harder for me, but that’s where I’ll put it

john: Is Christian Yelich about to start hitting home runs?

Paul Sporer: I believe it a helluva lot more now that Barry is in town as opposed to last year when ppl were just assuming it’d happen despite the 60% GB.

Hot Corner: Tomas or Castellanos ROS @ 3b? Seems like Tomas has more upside?

Paul Sporer: I don’t see it that way. Tomas is very bland to me. Casty for me and not just bc I’m a Tigers fan

Toby: Better DL stash, Minor or H. Alvarez?

Paul Sporer: Oof. That’s tough. I’ll go Minor bc if they both return to like 90% of their previous level, Minor will still have SOME Ks.

Tavera’s Ghost: Harper o/u 98 home runs this year?

Paul Sporer: OVA!!!

Padres: Why did the Padres give up on Straily so quickly? Looks good so far. Obviously injury history is scary.

Paul Sporer: Not really sure, but Eno & I have been beating the drum there. We like him even in Cincy

Tavera’s Ghost: Just had my second child born yesterday, taking it as a good omen for my fantasy season.

Paul Sporer: Congrats!!!!

Andrew: Was offered DeGrom for my Chris Davis in an OBP, SLG, IP, QS, K/9 6×6 roto league. I countered with DeGrom+Heyward for Davis. He wants more. Can I throw him Teheran/Velasquez/Eickhoff/Finnegan?

Paul Sporer: Now that’s a solid back n forth negotiation. I don’t blame him for wanting a piece back. I’d give any of the 4, tbh. Is it keeper? If so, try to hold VV/Finny, but if not, then maybe one of them is the one to go bc of IP limits.

Lance: Seeing lots of Domingo Santana hype on this site. His power-and-patience plays in real life, but doesn’t he profile as a .250/20/5-type? Yawn…

Paul Sporer: Wait, you think that’s the upside? I just don’t see how that’s only the upside.

Steve: Tell me a good thing about Chris Archer?

Paul Sporer: He’s alive

Tavera’s Ghost: Should i be targeting joc before he rights the ship or is this what he is?

Paul Sporer: Whattya mean before rights the ship? Looks p solid so far.

FireFreddieG: How do you feel about Carlos Gomez moving forward?

Paul Sporer: It’s ugly, but this is how you buy low. When it’s actually ugly and there aren’t five obvious indicators pointing to a rebound.

Mr. Homolka: 14 team mixed dynasty. Keep Ozuna or D. Santana? How do feel about these guys going forward?

Paul Sporer: Honestly, it’s a personal preference with them bc I have them in the same tier of OF. I like both guys. Santana more dynamic

Young Jeezy: Will you talk to Justin Upton please? I really need him to start hitting!

Paul Sporer: lol sure thing

John: In a deal of Gregory Polanco and Javier Baez for Michael Conforto and Yasiel Puig, which side would you rather have?

Paul Sporer: Conforto/Puig. I’m not much of a Baez Believer

B.J. Upton: Have I become…mixed league-relevant?

Paul Sporer: It’s Melvin, get it right or pay the price

Paul Sporer: And yeah, I’m cool riding the hot streak

Steve: Looking to sell high on Trumbo before the bottom falls out. What would you recommend targeting in a shallow 10 team mixed?

Paul Sporer: Whatever can improve your team. I wouldn’t be picky. We all know about his streakiness so you’re unlikely to pull the wool over someone’s eyes. Just improve your team somewhere

ken m: Joey Votto and Devin Mesoraco. Concern level for both

Paul Sporer: 1, 7… didn’t buy Meso at all this year so it’s not the slow start so much as it is I’m just not a Meso guy

The Original Greaser Bob: Drop Greene for Graveman in a 20 team league?

Paul Sporer: Yeah I can understand that

Corey: Looking to unload David Price for a hitter in my H2H 5×5, what would you consider a good buy low target with that kind of ammo?

Paul Sporer: These questions are really hard, y’all. And by hard I mean impossible. Because the trade market isn’t static. It’s all league-specific and manager-specific beyond that. I understand why y’all ask so I’m not hating, I’m just saying that I can’t really pin down a name. You should definitely be eyeing an early rounder. Maybe Seager plus an arm if you want to cover Price’s spot. If you’re looking for just a bat, maybe Abreu?

Brad: Thoughts on Rendon’s slow start so far?

Paul Sporer: Not worried, I’d buy.

UptonGirl: Do you buy Melvin Upton’s hot start?

Paul Sporer: Nice handle, lol. I was a Melvin Upton honk for years before finally jumping off the bandwagon, but I’m open to riding the hot streak on him rn

Randy: Jorge Soler a 10-team mixed bat, or is that too shallow?

Paul Sporer: He’s on the cusp. You can ride it out for a couple more weeks if you believe in him, but he should be close to the first cut on your team in a 10 teamer

Steve: With his dip in velocity, do you see Iglecias being a good sell candidate now in a standard 5×5 league, since he seems to be just a 6 IP on a really bad CIN team?

Paul Sporer: I’m OK selling him, but I’m not too worried about the velo dip

Andrew: Can I cut Choo in a shallower H2H categories league (daily changes so I want to grab a SP)? Replacement guys like Myers, Gattis, Markakis free on waivers.

Paul Sporer: Ya the wire seems fruitful enough to do that

rpo: League mates want to try and block my Trumbo for Frazier swap- is that veto-able?

Paul Sporer: lol not even 1%. i hate vetoes so much, it’s unreal

Bryan: Maeda and Wacha a good buy low for Archer? Or an overpay?

Paul Sporer: I think that’s an overpay tbh. I love Wacha (as is well documented) and I’m buying Maeda. BTW, I’d think it was an overpay even if Archer wasn’t struggling SO BADLY

RIP Prince: Aaron Nola just got dropped in my 12 team mixed, but I don’t really need another pitcher (Have Sale, Kluber, Salazar, Maeda, Velasquez, and Corbin). Should I drop a guy like O’Day to grab him?

Paul Sporer: He’s certainly more valuable than O’Day in a 12-teamer and I don’t see Britton losing the job, so yes

Horn Please ThankYou: You’ve repeatedly compared Sano to Jack Cust – what about his profile says Cust to you instead of Stanton? Just because Stanton is the best case scenario and that doesn’t often pan out, or something more specific?

Paul Sporer: yeah Stanton is a pipedream right now while Cust was the exact guy we’ve seen Sano be so far: elite walker, insane power, strikeout master. Sano has upside for sure, but present-day Sano is peak Cust

Paul Sporer: Which isn’t necessarily a dig. We as a fantasy baseball community spend way too much time focusing on the 95th percentile upside of guys and I get it, but it’s a dose of reality to point out how similar his statistical profile is to Cust

Aaron Blair: See you Sunday? Are you ready!

Paul Sporer: V excited!

Andrew: Chapman owner here in 6×6 roto with K/9 and NSV, would you target Miller in a trade as NSV insurance? Can I give Teheran/Eickhoff/Finnegan for him?

Paul Sporer: yeah I’d get as many shares of Betances, Miller, Chapman as I could

Chris: Really liking the weekly SP Guide Updates, Paul. Thanks! In terms of AL guys on the DL, do you like Gausman or Henderson Alvarez to be useful soon?

Paul Sporer: Thanks! Going to have something tomorrow, too, and then the FAAB piece this weekend (earlier this time around, too!). Prefer Gausman for sure

CarlWeathers: Is Jon Gray worth rostering at this point? His home field speaks for itself, but his pedigree makes it tempting.

Paul Sporer: It’s tough bc guys are generally worse on the road and that’s the only place you feel comfortable with him. It takes a deeper league to matter, tbh

CJ: How would you rank Lucroy, Gomes, Martin & Salty? I assume close to the way I just wrote them.

Paul Sporer: Exactly as you wrote em

Proegler: Would you rather have Taillon or Manaea as far as young stash arm that could make an impact this season in a deep mixed league?

Paul Sporer: Manaea. I think Taillon could still be a beast, but NEXT year. He’s coming off of 2 years missed

Clayton: Have any of the slow starts of Harvey, G.Cole, Archer, Greinke, etc scared you?

Paul Sporer: Archer most. I was already out on Greinke as a top-10 so I’m unchanged there.

Waz: Erasmo or Pomeranz?

Paul Sporer: They’re v close, but Pomeranz’s upside is richer so I’ll lean there

Brian: Does john lamb have a rotation spot when he comes off the dl?

Paul Sporer: There’s enough daylight to believe he will get a shot, yes

Brad: also white and reed can play dh 1b. gattis no great shakes.

Paul Sporer: Sure, sure. But they’re going to give Gattis PT

Darren: Would you do Felix ($25) for any 2 of Odorizzi ($6), Jake McGee ($10), Smyly ($5), Jeffress ($3), and Domingo Santana ($3)? 12 team mixed 5×5 OBP QS keeper? Can keep 5 years but price goes up $10. Thanks Paul!

Paul Sporer: I really like both Rays arms. Also think McGee will be strong so if you need saves maybe pick your favorite TB arm and him (former TB arm, lol)

Overpriced Outfielders: What do I do with LoCain and Heyward? They look awful at the plate.

Paul Sporer: What can you do? Cutting them would be a terrible idea, so you gotta sit tight

einstein2u: you think bauer is close? and would he interet you in a 12 team?

Paul Sporer: no and no. Cody Anderson pissing his chance away, but Bauer has been whatever out of the pen and I really wanna see something before trusting him

Paul Sporer: Wow, Cody Allen blows it big time with a Cano bomb. Allen got off to a really rough start last year, too. Holy shit what an awful pitch—center cut

SRN: What’s up with Correa?

Paul Sporer: What?

Paul Sporer: Kevin Correia? Or are you seriously asking about Carlos Correa, who has been 12 pts lower in OPS this year, lol. C’mon mang!

Sunni: You think Franco or Sano ends up with the better stats this year?

Paul Sporer: Franco

Horn Please ThankYou: Am I wrong to think that Buxton is at least a year out from any real fantasy potential? At this point I’m not entirely confident he knows which end of the bat is which

Paul Sporer: No, it’s taking time, but he deserves the time as he JUST crossed the rookie threshold earlier this year

Lance: Can you rank Mesaroco, d’Arnaud, and Grandal in a H2H that counts k’s and BB’s?

Paul Sporer: Grandal, TdA, Meso

Smith: What’s your thoughts on Suarez? Think he’ll end up around .270/70/20/70/10? Considering trading him, Zobrist, Suarez or Story bc of my middle infield depth.

Paul Sporer: Overshooting the R/RBI and even .270-20-10 is a really good season, but i think he can do it. I’m fine trading any of the three bc MI usually sells on the market

Repairman Man: curious why no hill tonight. Seems like the yankees can’t hit lately

Paul Sporer: He’s just dangerous. Tough place for lefties. You gonna get at SEA Rich Hill or v. KC/CWS (and the past 10 years version) of Hill? Big risk.

Cory: Hey Paul, Karns is walking guys all over the place. Would you replace him with Graveman or stay the course?

Paul Sporer: I don’t think Karns has done enough to believe he’s firmly over KG, so go ahead and make the move

Buff: Do you see any value to Derek Law, Stephen Okert, or Michael Broadway in very deep (12 teams, 12 pitchers per team) NL only league?

Paul Sporer: I do with Law. He’s the only of those three I’ve seen pitch and I think he can be a sneaky middle reliever this year

Kion: 10 team dynasty league: trade greinke/joc pederson for mccutchen/meadows in a league that’s weighted toward pitching?

Paul Sporer: Hmm, that’s close. if it’s weighted toward pitching, I think I hold even as someone not super high on Greinke

PS: If you had to cut one: nicasio, Finnegan, Glasnow, Berrios, Gausman

Paul Sporer: Glasnow

I hate Sv’s: Should I be dropping “k-rod” for Madson or Doolittle? Both available in my 10 tm.

Paul Sporer: Yeah I’m OK with that. As to which one, I’m less certain. But both are getting saves so just take your fave. I think K-Rod will straighten out, but your league format makes this acceptable

Mitch: What are your thoughts on Puig ROS? Top 10 OF? Top 20? Was offered him for Gregory polanco in a 12 team mixed keeper. Who do you like going forward (already well rounded outfield with mccutchen, Betts and Springer). Thanks for the help!

Paul Sporer: Love Polanco, but love Puig even more. I’d pull the trigger. I think Puig is a top-20 OF with top-10 upside.

Shawn: Shallow League – Matt Moore, James Shields, or Ian Kennedy ROS?

Paul Sporer: Kennedy

Daniel: Over/under May 15th call up for Trea Turner?

Paul Sporer: Over?

Shawn: Drop Maikel Franco for Domingo Santana? I’m worries the RBI/R just won’t be there for Franco. That lineup is dreadful

Paul Sporer: Fair concern, but I still prefer Franco. MIL still has a below avg lineup, too

Elwood: First time playing in a 180 GS SP limit league, and my 7-man rotation is already pacing 50 games ahead of season-long pace! Any suggestions for how to rectify this?

Paul Sporer: Trade someone? Or just sit tight. If you’ve got 7 you like, who cares when you get the 180!

Trevor Story: Is it the right time for my owner to trade me? Or am I a multi-year level keeper?

Paul Sporer: Both can be true. If the market is going to pay up for you, then it’s trade time. Story’s skills + Coors also make him a viable keeper candidate

PANIC: Liriano droppable in 10 team mixed?

Paul Sporer: No, he goes through ebbs and flows. If you draft him, you gotta be patient enough to withstand the variance

Mucho Maas: Pomeranz is currently throwing his curve over 40% of the time. Can he sustain success at that rate?

Paul Sporer: Sure, why not? Now, health might be a different question.

Buddha: How valuable is Alex Reyes in a dynasty league?

Paul Sporer: Pretty valuable? Kind of a nebulous question. He’s a good prospects

Paul Sporer: prospect – singular

Minty: 2B/SS are in use, but do you think that we see Bregman in July if he keeps hitting, not this unsustainably well, but well?

Paul Sporer: Where’s he gonna play? No need to rush him

Paul Sporer: Perhaps a big trade candidate for them to get something dope in July

Mucho Maas: What are your thoughts on Anibal Sanchez this year?

PR: should i be a tad worried about scherzer?

Paul Sporer: Whoops.

Paul Sporer: Re: Sanchez I still think there is something in the tank if he’s keeping the ball in the yard. So far, he isn’t though

Paul Sporer: Re: Max, why would you be worried. What are the warning signs?

Paul Sporer: Today was his only *bad* start

Mucho Maas: Where do you think VV ranks as SP (at least while he continues to start)?

Paul Sporer: top 60ish

JV: Phil Hughes has great peripherals, looks like he could return to ’14 shape. Still drop him for Pomeranz?

Paul Sporer: Still think Pomy has more upside, so yes, but also agree that Hughes is more 2014 which offers some hope for him to be at least a streamer

Fernando Rodney: I am totally going to be the padres lone representative in the All Star game, right?

Paul Sporer: LOL, no it’ll be Myers

Paul Sporer: Or Pomeranz!

dave: Would you drop Sergio Romo for Mark Lowe or another likely available reliever lurking in the closer conversation?

Paul Sporer: Yeah, or Strickland

Paul Sporer: Yeah to dropping Romo. I prefer Justin Wilson in the Tigers pen

dave: Joey Gallo’s K% is down and his BB% is up down in AAA. Have you seen any reports on whether he’s improved his pitch selection or contact rates?

Paul Sporer: I have not. I plan to get to Round Rock to see him before he’s called up

Paul Sporer: We haven’t seen anything close to this kind of K rate for him so I’m encouraged

Existential Fan: My pitching staff (QS/H/S/K (Inning Cap)/ERA/WHIP) is Bumgarner, Richards, Ventura, Odorizzi, Conley and Nola. Relievers are Jansen, Kimbrel, Soria, May and Zych. How and where should I look to improve? Or just be patient?

Paul Sporer: I think you’re fine generally speaking. I wasn’t huge on Bumgarner bc of the foot and rib from Spring Training, but he’s a viable fantasy ace (more top-20 than top-10 this year, IMO).

StroShow: Would you rather have Kyle Seager + Joc or Longo + Domingo Santana in an AVG league?

Paul Sporer: Former

Shawn: S. Marte or Puig too much for Harvey?

Paul Sporer: Yeah if only bc the hitters weren’t far from him in draft slotting prior to the season so I’d want a little sweetner with Harvey to cover some of the risk. I’m definitely buying Harvey in general, but that price should get you something with him

Dave: Hey Paul, thanks for chatting. Can you pick two to keep out of Aaron Sanchez, Gio, Desclafini, and Finnegan? 10tm h2h w/ W,L, K9 Thanks

Paul Sporer: You’re welcome! If you’re counting Ls, both Reds are gone. Frankly, they’re probably gone from that group in a standard 5×5, but the Ls make it an easy call

Ryan: What are your thoughts on Hector Santiago and would you drop him for Pomeranz?

Paul Sporer: Josh Shephardson has a Santiago piece coming out soon, so stay tuned. I think I would take a shot on Pomy over him. Santiago still allows too many HRs

buttstuff: Liriano, Conley, Pomeranz, Porcello, Gausman. Rank em bub

Paul Sporer: I *think* that’s right. Liriano still clearly ahead

kris: Descla or Gausman upon return from DL? Expect both to be 14 team mixed valuable, or streamer?

Paul Sporer: Gaus

Teen Wolf: Do you own any shares of Mike Trout? I tell you, there is nothing more depressing than checking an Angels box score and seeing the names that surround him. For shame, Arte Moreno. For shame.

Paul Sporer: A couple, yes

Paul Sporer: They suck, but I knew that coming in so I’m resigned to it

Eno Sporer: I was offered Heyward and Prince for C Davis in an h2h pts lg. Why am I hesitating? Thanks for all the chats/pods!

Paul Sporer: I don’t know, why are you?!?!

Chuck: What’s going on with Joey Votto?

Paul Sporer: Rough start.

Pie: Moving back to Austin this summer. Any new bars/restaurants that have popped up in the last couple years that are worth checking out?

Paul Sporer: YESSSSSS!!! I’m a terrible person for this question, though. I don’t go to bars and I eat at the same damn restaurants all the time save special occasions. Welcome back

Chuck: How would you rank Fielder, Votto, Tyler White ROS?

Paul Sporer: Votto, Fielder, White

Andrew: Re: DeGrom/Chris Davis trade, it’s not keeper. Figure I can replace the VV/Finny innings later. Who is the worst guy for the next 4 months btwn VV/Finny/Teheran/Eickhoff?

Paul Sporer: Finny or Eick, prob

Steve: My Pedroia, Salazar and Jeffries for his Altuve. 5×5 roto and I’m last in steals. Too much to give up?

Paul Sporer: Hmmm how many teams?

JAL: Dropping Khris Davis for Domingo OK?

Paul Sporer: ya

Lars: Cut Josh Reddick to grab Domingo Santana? Who has a better year?

Paul Sporer: Nah. Reddick’s ’15 is basically what Santana could do so stick with the guy who has done it

Brad: Piscotty and what type of pitcher gets me Kluber? obp league 14 team roto. Thanks.

Paul Sporer: like a top-30 guy?

Chet Manley: If you go into a season in love with a player, how long of a leash do you give him? Is it time to start putting together a backup plan for Miguel Sano?

Paul Sporer: depends what’s going on to create the concern, but usually give at least a moth before even worrying about a hitter a little

MIcah: Who gets the next Cincy save opp?

Paul Sporer: Cingrani!

Paul Sporer: Probably Diaz, tbh, but I’m kinda in on some sneaky Cingrani pick ups

MikeD: Paul! Great job on the podcasts, keep up the awesome work. What do I do about Felix? He’s too expensive to trade….and kinda want to dump him before the s*** hits the fan. Lackey, J Garcia and others on the wire are options. Thanks!

Paul Sporer: Can’t cut him. Just sit tight. Feel free to grab one of those other two but not for Felix

Blue Morpho: Once Kang returns, do you like him or Rendon ROS?

Paul Sporer: Well I’d like ot see how he looks, but if healthy then Kang by a smidge. Big fan of both

Gary: Are you all over Mauer? Is this the 2012/2013 incarnation, in which he runs a 140 wRC+?

Paul Sporer: I was such a Mauer diehard. But I died hard a while back. I’m intrigued, but not bending over backwards to get him

Jackie: Moustakas or Lamb the rest of the way?

Paul Sporer: Moose

Chet Lemon: Hello Paul is chat over?

Paul Sporer: Sorry, multitasking a bit over here. I gotta take Charlotte out and then we’ll crush another 20 minutes or so

Star Macking: Paul – how long before you and Eno are working for an MLB team? and is that a goal or direction for you guys?

Paul Sporer: Eno probably, but not me. That’s not necessarily the path I’m going for

Lars: Is Curtis Granderson a guy you start every day or play matchups?

Paul Sporer: I feel like you can sit him v. lefties

Carlos Martinez: My peripherals aren’t looking so hot. Fewer GBs, fewer Ks, low BABIP. I had a +5 xfip in yesterday’s win. Velocity looks fine, but is there cause for concern?

Paul Sporer: No more than the standard injury concern i thought he had coming into the year

Ryan: James Shields done-zo? He looks bad so far in ’16.

Paul Sporer: Not done-zo, but hardly must-keep in 10/12 tmers

My dauber is down: Thanks for your time. If you don’t mind 1 more, ROS ranking? Conley, DeSclafani, Gausman, A Wood, Tillman. K/9, QS and Wins. Back of my rotation full of uncertainty.

Paul Sporer: Conley, Gaus, Tillman, Desc… full pass on Wood

OnSight: O/U 35 Chris Carter homers?

Paul Sporer: U

Minty: If Gattis doesn’t hit, outside of Reed not hitting, what would keep the Astros from calling him up in June? I keep hearing that he’s “blocked.”

Paul Sporer: Well he is currently blocked, but you’re only blocked until you’re not. If he keeps smashing, he’ll get a chance

ChrisM: Love your Podcast…Is Mazara roster worthy in a 10-team mixed with only 3 OFs?

Paul Sporer: No, that’s a top-30 OF

Blue Morpho: Khris Davis droppable in 10-team? Thinking of bumping Desmond to his spot and scooping B. Crawford off the wire for ss.

Paul Sporer: Ya, in a 10-teamer, I get it

ChrisM: Where in Michigan are you from?

Paul Sporer: Allen Park (suburban Detroit). Live in Austin, TX now

Brad: would you trade mcculers for wainwright? redraft and keeper?

Paul Sporer: Eh, probably not in either

George: Jake Lamb or Yasmany Tomas?

Paul Sporer: Lamb

YOYO Ma: Some old pitchers throwing up some nice Sw STR % early.. and reason to add either Hellickson or Chacin?

Paul Sporer: No on Helly. Eno and I discussing Chacin last pod: http://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/the-sleeper-and-the-bust-episode-334-late-career-barry-zito/

Sirras One: Forgive me but the Sano/Cust response was a bit silly. Stanton and Sano last year were identical, yet Stanton is in his prime while Sano getting his first taste. A top prospect doing that deserves more than to be compared with Cust at his peak.

Paul Sporer: Thinking Sano is Giancarlo Stanton bc of 80 games is what gets him foolishly drafted in the 4th round. When you actually look at it, it’s clear Stanton is a cut above. http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=0&type=8&season=2015&month=0&season1=2010&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=12164,4949

Paul Sporer: Meanwhile, the Cust comp holds up. Sorry the reality of the situation doesn’t sit well with you, but fantasy baseballers spend WAY too much time dealing in the 95th percentile of player projections… which is probably why they ask questions about cutting those guys after 3 weeks. http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=0&type=8&season=2016&month=0&season1=2007&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=12164,1564

Tommy: Stash Taillon or Snell is a keeper leage?

Paul Sporer: Snell

H. Rowengartner: Wacha for Blackmon? I’m worried about a lingering turf toe injury.

Paul Sporer: I can take Wacha for him if you’re worried

MK: JDyson > SDyson … if ya know what I mean

Paul Sporer: Not if SDyson is closing

Dave: Ketel Marte is my SS. Should I just pack it in and give up?

Paul Sporer: I wasn’t in on him to start, so I don’t give him much of a leash. I’m sure that BABIP will come up, but he’s not guaranteed to stay up, either

Rugnedd: Rajai Davis over/under 30 SB

Paul Sporer: Over bc of PT

Dan: Freddie Freeman worth buying low on?

Paul Sporer: Sure, I’m cool with that

Stan: Cody Allen- I hate it when teams use their closers for more than an inning in non save chances

Paul Sporer: Generally speaking, they just don’t seem to succeed

H. Rowengartner: Do you trust Darvish to be near elite? I know the command might be shaky after TJ but Harvey showed some good stuff last year.

Paul Sporer: No, I don’t. Harvey actually had command pre-TJ and a much longer recovery. I wanna be wrong on Yu, but I passed for ’16

RZA: Have we entered “Kanye is the greatest hip-hop artist ever” territory yet?

Paul Sporer: I think it’s a viable discussion, but you’ll get a lot of pushback

BC: Would you trade deGrom and Mookie for Stanton in an OBP league?

Paul Sporer: I take it you’re worried about deGrom? That’s pretty steep. I think you gotta get a reutrn piece

dave: Sano just hit a fly ball that just kept traveling and wound up as a HR in deep CF. He didn’t even get all of it. Just monster power.

Paul Sporer: Total monster, for sure.

Chet Manley: Nevermind Sano just hit a home run I love him again.

Paul Sporer: LOL. Still Jack Cust right now w/potential for more

dave: Kershaw threw an Eephus pitch. Cause he needs to be more unfair.

Paul Sporer: lol gross

Joe: Hi Paul. In your podcast yesterday you and Doug were high on Tillman. But you referenced stats that I think we’re out of date (7 IP, 93+ velo, etc). Did you include his mediocre start against Texas last time out, and are you still buying him?

Paul Sporer: Yeah I think we mentioned when we were recording so some time passed. Tough start in TEX, but had some BABIP hits. I’d still buy

Big Chief: Maikel Franco looks lost right now, and I reached for him in the 8th. Any cause for concern?

Paul Sporer: I reached as well bc I love the talent. Stay the course, but we might’ve gotten a little drunk on Spring admittedly

Sirras One: It just seems fair to me to compare Sano and Stanton last year (roughly half season each) than it is to count up both careers. Obviously Sano needs to prove himself over time, but I’m not seeing the difference in rates/batted ball. You may as well say Stanton = Cust too.
http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=0&type=1&season=2015&month=0&season1=2010&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=12164,4949,1564

Paul Sporer: Fair how? Bc it makes you feel better about Sano? Why would you compare him to 74 Stanton games when Stanton has 700 played? It just doesn’t make sense. Honestly, it just feels like you wanna feel better about Sano.

Paul Sporer: OBVIOUSLY he needs to prove himself and THAT is the point. His draft slot and the expectations were comically ridiculous for someone fanning 35% of the time.

Danno: I hate vetoes as much as you, but Wei-Yin Chen for CarGo? Can we really let that slide?

Paul Sporer: Of course you can. Who are you to tell people what they can and can’t do with their team? Unless it’s collusion, you can’t just veto trades you disagree with. What if the Cargo dealer thinks he’s gonna get hurt and Chen is a top-30 SP again?

YP: Cust had a really nice 4 year run where he ran something about a 130wrc+, so it’s not that insane after looking at the numbers.

Paul Sporer: No, it’s not. I didn’t just off-handedly make it. Stanton is the dream upside, Cust is reality right now

Gary: Would you take Tomas over Soler? Thanks Paul!

Paul Sporer: Not a Tomas guy

Spotie: Shelby Miller can’t even make it out of the 3rd… flush him down the toilet or nuke him into orbit?

Paul Sporer: Was it the hand at all or just suckiness? Been in the chat throughout his start. I’m worried as someone who came in high on him

Tomas: I just hit another bomb…

Paul Sporer: LOL, nice. Still not a fan. Maybe I’ll be proven wrong

Sirras One: My point being the Cust comp is opposite of how it should be done: Comparing a top prospect’s first year with an avg. player’s best year doesn’t seem fair to me. It’s all spin either way. Dude’s has pedigree and posted great numbers. Better than not.

Paul Sporer: Huh?

Paul Sporer: You wanna compare him to a 74-game sample of a star, though? Not sure how that works out, lol

Paul Sporer: Again, it looks like you just want to believe Sano is a locked-and-loaded star. Still needs to prove a lot

dave: Sano had over 5% more Ks, 100 points of BABIP and 80 points less ISO. How in the world can you claim those are the same seasons?

Martin: What are your top five 2B’s this year? Any sleepers you see making that jump?

Paul Sporer: I really like Joe Panik

Dangit: So it looks like Erasmo will not be starting tomorrow…

Paul Sporer: I know, bummer!!

Brad: what eno would leave us for a mlb team?! that would blow for us.

Paul Sporer: Yes it would. Depends on the opportunity!

Slow Sano: Why the heck to they pinch run for Sano soooo much?? He that dang slow??

Paul Sporer: He’s mad slow. Like Cust.

frothy: whens berrios get the call?

Paul Sporer: Not sure. Starts like Noalsco’s don’t expedite, though. There is room w/Milone, though

Lars: Sit Corey Dickerson against lefties?

Paul Sporer: If you can, yes

Gnarls: Mel Upton or Soler ROS?

Paul Sporer: Still like Soler’s upside, but it’s actually close which would’ve seemed dumb to think a month ago. If Upton was just getting HR/SB with the same shitty K%, I’d be unmoved, but I like the drop in Ks and jump in BBs.

Raul Mondesi, Sr: Tyson Ross makes 3 starts this year, over/under? This shoulder MRI is scaring me.

Paul Sporer: I mean I’ll take the over at this pt, but I hear you

Joc: 14 team roto and Joc was dropped. But don’t really have anybody to drop (kinda hate when that happens). How do you view him and what would you guess his final counting stats would be?

Paul Sporer: I love Joc. He was one of my dudes this year. I think he pops 20+ and steals 10+ (with the chance to push 20 if they really let him run). AVG will be trouble, but he’s good

Rich Hill: I know I’m dangerous, but does that make me unrosterable in AL-only leagues?

Paul Sporer: Unrosterable in AL, no. But risky af. I’m pullin for you man, but that Spring Training and your first outing had me thinking about your eight years of futility and realizing we may have gone too hard on 4 starts.

Ryan: Next year’s All-Star game should have a throwback HR Derby with Ortiz, ARod and Bonds. Half baked or fully baked?

Paul Sporer: Half baked, but it’d be cool af

Please Answer: Who’s the likeliest to take over for Marte in Seattle?

Paul Sporer: Brad Miller 🙂

Paul Sporer: kidding, obv

Paul Sporer: Taylor? the lack of appealing options helps Marte

Pie: Is the restaurant you eat at every time in Austin Chili’s? Because that’s all I need

Paul Sporer: LOL, no. Torchy’s Tacos

George: So would you be rushing to deal Felix right now if you owned him?

Paul Sporer: No, not really

Lars: You like A-Rod to be of any use this season?

Paul Sporer: Yeah, he’ll be OK

Mookie Monster: Who do you take off of the wire: Lamb or Saunders?

Paul Sporer: Saunders, atop a beast lineup

CJ: Would you trade Corbin, VV, Eickhoff or Iwakuma and Suarez (bench bat) for Harvey or G.Cole?

Paul Sporer: So one of those arms and Suarez? hell yes. Ideally want to hold Corb and VV, but honestly any of the 4 is fair game for those aces

John: Wanting to trade for Chapman in an AL only roto. What type of hitter or starting pitcher would make a fair trade?

Paul Sporer: I dunno, see if you can move a fast starter? Tyler White+something? Here’s the thing, any discount you can get works bc Chapman can still put up a full season of excellence in 5 months.

Chet Lemon: His Polanco & Matz for Price, 12 team H2H 5×5?

Paul Sporer: Do it!

Mets Fan: Is Saunders going to stick at the top of the lineup when Devon Travis returns?

Paul Sporer: If he performs!

Manny: David Wright or Lamb?

Paul Sporer: Gah, Lamb. Didn’t think I’d be saying that anytime soon

DwyJon: Vogt, Grandal or Wieters? Suarez, Segura or Kang?

Paul Sporer: Grandal and Kang

Jon: Did I make the wrong move dropping Strickland for Cingrani?

Paul Sporer: No, not necessarily. You’re spec’ing on the worse bullpen. I prefer Strick in a 1-for-1 battle of skills, but with SVs as a consideration, I can get behind it

Matt: Marcus Stroman gonna K enough to be 10-team relevant ROS?

Paul Sporer: Yeah, he’s 10-team relevant

Paul Sporer: OK y’all, I gotta get going. Thanks so much for coming out! Follow me on Twitter (@sporer) and if you like video games, I’ll be messing around Twitch all summer and I usually post on Twitter when I’m streaming.

Phil: Would you add Berrios or DeSclafani for this season only if you had room to stash?

Paul Sporer: Berrios

Paul Sporer: couple quick one… you know I always answer a few more after my first goodbye

Paul Sporer: it’s like a warning goodbye

Martin: Please rank these guys: Maeda, Odorizzi, W. Chen, Conley, Iwakuma.

Paul Sporer: Odor, Chen, Maeda, Conley, Iwak

Loren: You were pretty high on Bogaerts taking the next step this season. Still feel that way?

Paul Sporer: Ya, no doubt. There’s just no way anything besides injury could change my opinion in 14 games.

Tax Time: Thanks for staying with us so long. Really makes all of our weeks better!

Paul Sporer: You’re welcome!

Bump: Drop Greene for Nola in 12-team mixed?

Paul Sporer: Yes

DUDA: Please rank! Sano, Conforto, Domingo Santana, Span

Paul Sporer: You just did. Maybe Span ahead of Santana, but close.

Peter: Top three AL closers you’re most concerned about right now?

Paul Sporer: Tolleson, KRod, and I gotta say Allen after another tough outing, but he’s a level or two lower than the others re: concern. Started ugly last year, too

N.W.enO: Abreu for Thor?

Paul Sporer: Fair on both sides. Thor has emerged as a firm top-10 option and Abreu is still a top two-round bat.

Paul Sporer: OK, leaving for real! Have a great weekend y’all!