Paul Sporer Rotographs Chat: July 28th, 2016

Paul Sporer: Let’s get it going! No, I still don’t know when Alex Bregman will be cal… oh sorry, he’s up, that was a reflex.

Michael: going for it this year in a 12 team keeper. have the opportunity (in separate deals) to trade my future 4, 5, and 6 picks for wilson ramos (my current catcher is grandal), joey votto (would slot into my utility slot, replacing ozuna and carlos santana), and david price (to hedge against volatility from my bauer, pineda, paxton, aaron sanchez). any of these guys that are more worthwhile getting than others? any that you would forget about?

Paul Sporer: I’m OK with it. It’s a push in the chips kind of setup. I might prefer a less volatile SP, though. Sanchez is almost certainly going to reliever and the others aren’t trustworthy

bakkemon: say the royals are able to dump kennedy’s contract. what can you see them spending that ~$60 million on?

Paul Sporer: More pitching?

Dumpster Fiers: What do you expect from Alex Dickerson ROS? Besides plenty of ABs.

Paul Sporer: Bombs! He’s coming up in a perfect season with the home run craze and he’s always showed good pop

Timmy: What are you doing with Paxton in 12-teamers? Is he a streamer, or do you not touch him until he proves he can string a few good outings together?

Paul Sporer: The tough part of streaming is that he doesn’t have a set split to exploit. Not better at home, no sharp platoons. So if you’re not comfortable w/him (which is understandable), you can try to trade him or just cut him

Aaron: Worried about a Pomeranz inning limit and Robertson being traded and not being the closer… 10 team h2h points traded Pomeranz, Robertson, and Smyly for Sonny Gray, Jon Gray, and Kimbrel. Okay trade?

Paul Sporer: There could be some IP massaging, but I think they’re going to let him go a bit. He is 27 so he can probably be pushed. Not sure D-Rob is dealt, so you’re probably safe there. I’d prefer the 2nd side of the deal .

AW: Most likely closer in 2017: Ottavino, Caminero, Lorenzen, Barrett?

Paul Sporer: Ottavino

Jalen: Where do you see Realmuto’s AVG rest of season? Debating a change at C to boost my AVG. Is he starter-worthy in a 10-team, 1-C mixer?

Paul Sporer: Yes he is. He has a good avg, little punch, and runs a good bit (10 SBs). I think he’s a .275 true talent, but that doesn’t take much luck to sit in the .290s

Gest: Does Aaron Nola have problems out of the stretch?

Paul Sporer: 300 point OPS jump w/runners on

Josh: You still buying Justin Upton going forward? Him or Valencia in a 12 teamer?

Paul Sporer: I still buy him over Valencia. Not sure J Up will be a STUD, but .260-12-5 rest of the way isn’t bad

Gest: Can you differentiate at all between the ROS outlook for Addison Russell and Javier Baez?

Paul Sporer: A little playing time for Addy

Chris: Maikel Franco or Sano in dynasty H2H points? (Ks not penalized)

Paul Sporer: Franco for me, but they’re really close

Buck: Wil Myers has had a rough few weeks, especially relative to what he’d been doing previously. Think there’s anything to it, or just a blip with an expected return to mashing?

Paul Sporer: Has had a weird good month-bad month pattern through 4 months. Generally unconcerned unless there is any sort of injury which has been the case regularly with him so far in his career

Dan: Need to drop 1 in a 10 team roto. I have Fraizer, Sano, Freeman, Vmart, Hamilton, Rendon and Cano. Avg is my biggest need.

Paul Sporer: Hamilton

Phantom of the Chakra: Hi Paul. AL-Only Keeper Q: $2 Sammy Dyson vs. $20 Xander B? Thanks!

Paul Sporer: Xander without blinking

Pretty Tony: Hey Paul this trade just happened in my league: Matt Andriese and Danny Santana for Edinson Volquez and Starlin Castro. is that the most boring trade of all time?

Paul Sporer: LOL, not every trade has to be a blockbuster. Must be a deep league for those guys to matter. Sometimes those are the game-changing trades

Michael: re: trading for price in a 12 team keeper. do you mean that you’d prefer a less volatile pitcher than price?

Paul Sporer: Ya he’s been all over the place this year

Dave: Sonny Gray– buy/sell/hold?

Paul Sporer: Sell for ’16

Dan: Drop A.Rendon or Hamilton for Pence?

Paul Sporer: Hamilton

Josh: Are you buying the new and improved Zack Cozart? Would you rather own him, Kang or Semien in a 12 teamer as a bench bat?

Paul Sporer: Last 601 PA dating back to ’15: .263/.315/.462 w/24 HR, 5 SB (in 9 tries, though) for Cozart. Not bad. I generally buy it, but still prefer Semien for the pop AND speed

Rags: NL-only roto. Harper @ 33 = Unkeepable Rizzo + what level other piece?

Paul Sporer: I imagine Harper is being kept at $33, thus the appeal? Solid arm? A good MI?

Paul Sporer: Like someone you’d use at MI, not a starting 2B or SS. I hope the distinction is clear

Blue Morpho: Do you like Dyson or Harris better ROS?

Paul Sporer: Harris

Yoan Moncada: In an OBP league, with 2B as deep as it is, is Odor still an asset?

Paul Sporer: Still tracking toward a 30/20 season. Not everyone has to be an OBP asset on your team.

Michael: re: trades in a 12 team keeper: is wilson ramos going to be that much better than grandal ros?

Paul Sporer: Maybe not. Grandal an ever-present injury risk, even more than normal Cs

Josh: Eaton, Maybin or Rajai as my final Util bat in 12 tm mixed league?

Paul Sporer: Rajai! Could mess around and go 20/40 on us

taco boy: Ayyyy Pauly. Trade just happened in my Al-only keeper league: Keepable but sorta expensive Britton and Maybin for keepable Chris Tillman and LAA’s “prospect” Rafael Ortega. Is that a veto-able trade???

Paul Sporer: Nah. It’s not so far off. Maybin has really cooled.

Paul Sporer:

Josh: Do you see an uptick in K’s coming for Taillon? Hold him in 12 tm mixed lg or stream him only?

Paul Sporer: Not this year. When you come up like this, you’re usually just grinding and getting outs however you can. He doesn’t have a great swinging strike rate, either. I see more in the future, but he’s very Jordan ZImmermannish to me

mtsw: Any likely September call-ups likely to make a difference fantasy wise

Paul Sporer: Honestly haven’t considered it yet, but will write on that in August

Phantom of the Chakra: Rank $ rappers: I have: Curren$y, Too $hort, Joey Bada$$, …, Ty Dollar $ign, … , All $tar, Co$$. You?

Paul Sporer: No love for Travi$ Scott, A$AP Rocky, Ma$e, Rob $tone, and of course Ke$ha?

Josh: What in God’s green earth is wrong with Bryce Harper?

Paul Sporer: He doesn’t make as many hits as he used to.

Paul Sporer: Honestly, I don’t know. Still wonder if the CHC series messed with him and has his approach altered. Any nagging injuries crop up? We can’t discount that entirely.

Chris: How soon is too soon to start playing DD for someone who just bought The Show (and has never played a baseball game before)? Is there a casual DD mode?

Paul Sporer: Yeah it levels. So you start in the lowest division with players who are also new. So you’ll be able to learn there. I’d dive right in. Battle Royale is probably a stayaway until you get accustomed, but DD is playable from Day 1 because of the divisions

Phantom of the Chakra: In your head, when you see “JUpton,” do you say “J. Upton” or “Jupton”?

Paul Sporer: I sometimes call him JUpton in my head, But I say A LOT of dumb shit in my head, so this is pretty tame

KB: OPS league- Machado/Gattis/Berrios or Correa/Beef/Cueto?

Paul Sporer: I don’t think MM is SO much better than Correa to cover the gaps elsewhere. Gimme side B

Eno! Helloooooo: Sean Manaea has looked pretty solid lately – are you buying this production ROS?

Paul Sporer: I was pretty high on him coming into the season, so yes I am. I’m glad he was given a chance to settle in. Last 2 months: 3.13 ERA, 54 Ks, 10 BB in 54.7 IP

Balsamic Vinegar: Josh Bell. Will he see regular playing time this year?

Paul Sporer: They seem fine w/Jaso for now. *shrug* Should at least be back in Sept.

Scooby: Thanks for your time, Paul. Do you think David Price returns to glory ROS, or is this who he is this season? You starting him tonight?

Paul Sporer: No problem! Definitely starting tonight, but I think there will continue to be some volatility. More good than bad, though

Joey: Dynasty league: trade Bradley Zimmer for Rafael Devers if you were deep at OF? Or keep Zimmer bc he’s closer and adds speed?

Paul Sporer: Pass for the reasons you said, but also because I’m not sure Devers will be much of a fantasy asset. Better in real life kinda guy

Mr. Black: 12 team keeper league standard scoring. selling for 2016 and have bumgarner as a 3rd round keeper next year. have an offer of conley (19th round keeper) and berrios (21st round keeper). with only a 2 round escalator, they can be kept for a while too. pull the trigger?

Paul Sporer: They’re kind of fringy for a 12-teamer. I’d want a more stable piece and preferably a hitter for MadBum.

Paul Sporer: Trevor Story might be too much, but around that.

Paul Sporer: Wil Myers, Marcell Ozuna

Sulzer: Gyorko worth a shot over Castro at MI in a 12tm points league?

Paul Sporer: Yeah, Starlin’s been whatever. See if Gyorko’s for real. if not, you can probably get Castro back

John Stamos: Hey Paul, thanks for doing a chat on my birthday!

Paul Sporer: No problem!!!

Batman: Time to bail on Bregman? (0-9) J/K …… however if going for it in a keeper league, how much of a haul would you need to sell Bregman ($5) (14 team, 10 keep, 5×5, $5 annual increase, $300 budget) or is he as close to as an untouchable prospect there is?

Paul Sporer: Nothing is untouchable when you’re going for it. I honestly would’ve sold before he came up bc the hype was insane. Can still pull a haul, though

Matt F: do you think hedges gets called up during this deadline season? do you think he’s an impact catcher ROS if so?

Paul Sporer: Can see him up, don’t see him being impactful

Paul Sporer: I don’t really buy his AAA explosion and SD probably doesn’t either or he might be up

Zorak: What do you tend to do when your team is a tweener? I’m right now in 5th out of 6 who make the playoffs, but I’m a lot closer to 7th than I am to 3rd, and I’ve lost my only truly elite player (Kershaw). Do I try to hang on to my playoff spot and hope I catch fire in september, or load up on keepers and hope for dominance next season?

Paul Sporer: It seems you’ve done an honest assessment and don’t think a legit run is in the cards. Nothing cool about finishing 7th so if you think that’s the fate, get those keepers!

Bill: With Zimmer being promoted to AAA do you see him coming up this year. Have you heard anything about a change in approach with the .324 BA in July, K% down (somewhat) or just talent catching up to level, or SSS. How do you compare him to other top upper minors OF prospects, like Meadows, Frazier, Margot, Dahl

Paul Sporer: I really like him, but they’re taking their time so earliest I can see if late August (of course he will be called up next wk now that I said that). I rank Dahl ahead long term, but then probably ZImm

Tyler Anderson: Can I become an effective groundball ace-like pitcher? Like Jaime Garcia?

Paul Sporer: What the hell do you think you’ve been doing this year?

Young Jeezy: Everyday starting 2nd in a 12 team H2H points league re-draft. Pedoria or Baez?

Paul Sporer: Pedroia

Scooby: Is Straily for real? Does he keep this up? He’s a FA in my Yahoo 12-teamer. Like him better than Nola, Shoemaker, Archer or Pomeranz ROS?

Paul Sporer: Ya, I actually do buy in a good bit, but I’m not sure he’s better than what you have

Young Jeezy: JA Happ, Pineda, or Shoemaker ROS? 12 team H2H points league?

Paul Sporer: Shoe

Flash: How do you think Dee Gordon will do ROS?

Paul Sporer: He’ll pretty be himself, IMO

Kylo R: Rodon available on my WW, worth an add?

Paul Sporer: Really depends on league type and size, of course

grapes: Would you take Nola or Fulmer in a short term keeper league? I’m leaning toward Nola, but his recent performance is leaving me a little gun shy.

Paul Sporer: Short term it’s hard to go away from Fulmer. Nola has just not been on track for a good 2 months.

Young Jeezy: In a 12 team H2H points league. With 2 keepers (no penalties for who you keep). I was just offered Franco, Sale & a 2nd round pick for Donaldson, Kluber & 10th. If I were to do the trade, I would most likely keep Betts & Kershaw (praying for a healthy recovery). This is a tough decision…..

Paul Sporer: No, I’d pass, Keep JD and Betts

Maxamuz:

Zorak: Thought about Ke$ha as a joke vote but I can’t bring myself to not vote Too $hort

Phantom of the Chakra: Forgot A$AP and Ma$e! Good call.

Maxamuz:

Maxamuz:

Blargsworth: I just traded Alex Bregman, Matt Harvey, and Justin Upton for Miguel Cabrera in a dynasty league, where I have one of the top teams, but lacked a 1st baseman. I was already set at SS, 3B, and LF. Did I do good, or sell too low?

Paul Sporer: i think you did pretty well!

Cubbies: For fantasy purposes in an AL only league who produces more, Melvin Upton, Bregman or Gallo….ROS and 2017?

Paul Sporer: Bregman

Blargsworth: Who do you like best in terms of hold opps, potential future closer likelihood, and pure stuff: Jake Barrett, Adam Ottavino, Hansel Robles, Pedro Baez, Cory Knebel?

Paul Sporer: Ottavino is my favorite there

Josh: What do you expect from David Peralta after his return ROS? Top 30 OF?

Paul Sporer: Not sure he goes right to top-30, but I expect him to be an all formats play

Dumpster Fiers: Chen worth holding onto in a 16 team points league? I have DL spots, but we have a SP limit and I’d have to drop a SP if/when he returned.

Paul Sporer: Hang on until you MUST make a move. Maybe the DL rest will get him on track and he can be a solid mid-to-low 3.00s ERA guy rest of season

Gavin: Hey Paul! Thanks for the chat! Would you trade away Lamb for Oh if I’m looking to make a much in saves(10 team roto, owners horde saves)? He’s in my util spot and I can replace him with piscotty or bregman. Also if I trade a SP for a closer, should I move McCullers or Waino?

Paul Sporer: You gotta get more for Lamb. He’s been insane. I’d move Waino over McCullers. I buy Waino’s resurgence, but McCullers is a total game-changer when on

A friend : dilson herrera – who can i be in 2017?

Paul Sporer: Are you considering a name change?

Paul Sporer: He’s a deep league player if anything

Mike: Are you starting or sitting Wacha and/or Roark tonight?

Paul Sporer: Starting both. I just start those guys except in probably Coors

Bork Taco: Please tell me I didnt mess up. Traded Urias, Swaggy V & 2017 pick for Ortiz & Carrasco in H2H keep forever league. For some reason I thought Carrasco was younger but I’m worried up I gave up a lot of good years with the age gap.

Paul Sporer: That’s OK. I hope you’re going for it this year, of course. But don’t sweat the future value. Carrasco should remain a stud at least through next year.

Eric”Paid da Cos to be da”Hosmer: Thanks for all the time and answers! Wondering if you see BH Park coming back soon/playing. I know you and Eno were bummed (like me) by his demotion.

Paul Sporer: He’s been solid in the minors with his usual power. He’ll be back and be a decent power source

Paul Sporer: I could see it in early Aug.

Joe Maddon : Bregman or Dahl RoS?

Paul Sporer: Dahl. Coors ftw

Doug: Javy Baez or Segura RoS?

Paul Sporer: Segura. The PT advantage helps

Michael: so having a 4th round pick to deal for pitching in a 12 team keeper, what is aiming too low if i’m not aiming for price? lester, kluber level?

Paul Sporer: Those 2 are fine. I’d take either

Gavin: Does Junior Geurra finish the year in the rotation? He was inexplicably dropped so I scooped him with my waiver priority in my 12-team H2H. All in for this season so should I hold of flip for an arm that will be pitching in September (barring injury, of course).

Paul Sporer: Ya at 31, I’m not sure they’re going to be too focused on limiting him

Christian: Just traded my Darvish and Cody Allen for Bautista and Berrios. Immediately picked up Kintzler, and then traded Berrios for McHugh. Will I end up regretting this?!

Paul Sporer: No, it’s not regrettable. Obviously the RESULTS of any deal can make us regret it, but as-is, they’re fine

binbrain: I need to grab an OF (need runs and RBIs). Alex Dickerson or Altherr?

Paul Sporer: Take a shot on Dickerson

Guest: Trying to win this year. 10team. Keep 6 w/ no restrictions. Give up Ozuna and Freeman for Bautista and Jansen?

Paul Sporer: If you really need saves to get that title

Gavin: I’m in first in my 12-team H2H. Fourth has shown interest in my Arrieta but only has futures to offer (Pollock, JDM, Glasnow. I’m reluctant to move a win-now piece but is my Hamels/Lester/Quintana/Lackey/Shoe/Guerra strong enough to make him pay through the nose for Arrieta?

Gavin: Regarding Arrieta question it’s a keep six forever league and Arrieta was my sixth keeper.

Paul Sporer: I’d think you should be able to get a little something with JDM, but then I’d be open to it

Dr. Met: Have the mets been the most unclutch team is history?

Dr. Met: Twitter answered question… 2nd worst all time. https://twitter.com/richmacleod/status/758753636654678016

Josh: Bryce was slumping badly for 2 weeks prior to ChC series. What’s the real reason?!

Paul Sporer: Ya I was keeping the real reason from you last time it was asked.

Steve: Would you try and sell JD Martinez right now? He could see reduced playing time, or the injury could flare up. What level of hitter is an appropriate target to seek in a trade? Adam Duvall?

Paul Sporer: There will be no reduced PT. Once healthy, he’s everyday. I don’t think I’d take Duvall.

Paul Sporer: Full disclosure, JDM is pretty much my favorite player, but I don’t think he’s going struggle too much upon return

Alex: Trea Turner or Dustin Pedroia if I want but don’t NEED steals in a 10 team mixed. Should I try to trade Pedey or just drop?

Paul Sporer: Pedroia has been pretty darn good this year. I’d at least trade him. I mean, Turner will run more, but Pedroia is the play

Alex: Favorite J. Cole album? Born Sinner with Friday Night Lights a close second for me

Paul Sporer: Born Sinner

Oliver: Need pitching in a h2h points league. Trade EE JoeyBats and Hamels for Fernandez Freeman and Crawford?

Paul Sporer: Ya that works

Clint: 12 team standard mixer, i was offered Edwin,Stanton, Ad Jones, for Trumbo,Cespedes,Ortiz…i should do this, yes?

Paul Sporer: Sure? I mean, this is just six power bats changing teams, right? Is there really any separation?

Maxamuz: BREAKING NEWS: Familla blows a save.

Adam: Jonathan Villar or Dee Gordon ROS? Seems like equivalent steals with a little extra power for Villar…

Paul Sporer: Ya, gimme Villar

Maxamuz: Familia however you spell it

Maxamuz: Dont judge me McLovin

Maxamuz: I’m sorry.

Harry Carey’s Ghost: If you had Mazara, Bregman, and Dahl in a keep forever league….which one would you trade in order to make a push for the crown this year?

Paul Sporer: Bregman, who probably has the highest value in the market

Garrett: If Zimmer or Frazier get traded to a team like Milwaukee are they a must add in fantasy? would they get the call right away?

Paul Sporer: They’re not getting traded

Wanee: 11tm mixed keeper $260 budget sell or hold Castellanos $1? He’s come back to earth

Paul Sporer: Last 25 games; .281/.333/.542 w/5 HR, 15 RBI

Paul Sporer: Sure, just since the break he’s at .224/.264/.388, but that feels like ebbs and flows of a season. No one is on ALL season

Bart: Cesar Hernandez or Starlin Castro ROS?

Paul Sporer: Castro

Maxamuz: I guess he blew a save yesterday and Im just not paying attention.

Anthony: Would you trade Syndergaard for Betts in a dynasty? Trade would leave me with Fernandez, Lester and DeGrom anchoring my staff

Paul Sporer: Yes

Billy: What a summer Bryce is having

Dungeon Master: mixed dynasty 6×6 w/QS, out of the race this year and have too many keeper SP…which 2 or 3 do I trade at deadline and who do I keep long-term? Gausman/Eickhoff/Odorizzi/Taillon/Rodon/Berrios

Paul Sporer: The latter 3 are gonna bring in the goods, but I’d try to keep at least 2 of them

Noah Syndegaard: Should I extend myself at 40$/yr upto 6 years (can only extend once) or throw back to pool and see what my cost is? Deep 32 active player (+10 minors) 450$ cap

Paul Sporer: $40 on a $450 is way different so I’d actually be open to that

JB: Brandon McCarthy or Gio Gonzalez ROS? Thanks!

Paul Sporer: Take a shot that B-Mac stays healthy

Dave: What is your optimism level on Kershaw at this point? I know (?) you don’t have inside info, mostly just looking to commiserate…

Paul Sporer: Nervous for sure. But even if it’s another 2 weeks, that’s time to come back and dominate for 1.5 months

Roy: Dynasty league: Machado or Stanton + Franco?

Paul Sporer: Stanton/Franco

Balsamic Vinegar: The Rangers have answered my prayers and finally called up Joey Gallo. In OBP league, is it crazy to think he could be a top 12 1B ROS, if given enough ABs?

Paul Sporer: Kinda crazy. He could catch fire w/power, but I don’t think it’s likely. His alleged K improvements faded pretty thoroughly

Oliver: How much does Moores value improve if Pittsburgh ponies up and trades for him? Obviously itll probably be inbetween but more Happ or Niese results?

Paul Sporer: More Happ, probably. I’d be pretty interested. If only bc the park and league might cut into those HRs, let alone what they might do to help him

Rusty Baker: Thoughts on Story in dynasty format? Could move Russel and Betances for him. Think he is an annual 30-40 HR guy and worth that much?

Paul Sporer: I think Russell will be a star, so I might actually pass, but Story in Coors is going to be a stud

Billy: Traded that bum Bryce for that boss Scherzer this week. Last week I dealt JoFer and Eaton for Trout so I think it works.

Paul Sporer: Hell yeah it does

Skip: Should we expect Fulmer and Vazquez to get shut down in September? I’m in a weekly H2H league with playoffs starting 1st week of Sept. Trade deadline this Sun: Do I have to get what I can for both of them now?

Paul Sporer: Fulmer can get to 180 without much issue. VV more likely to be held back in September.

Paul Sporer: OK y’all, I gotta get going.

Paul Sporer: I’ll take a couple rapid-fire ones if you have ’em

Big B: Holding or selling Puig in 10 team mixers?

Big B: And by selling, I mean cutting at this point

Paul Sporer: You can cut if you like someone else on the waire

Paul Sporer: wire*

Ben Hester: What’s your outlook for Willson Contreras?

Paul Sporer: Solid C in all formats in part bc C has sucked this year

Dr. Met: villar in doghouse + any trades = orlando time in a week? a month?

Paul Sporer: Not sure the doghouse is long term

jb: Jaime Garcia or Danny Duffy in a weekly h2h, 12 team mixed? I have Garcia, but Duffy is on the wire and offers more K’s.

Paul Sporer: Duffy! He’s been insane as SP.

Paul Sporer: OK, that’ll do it! Thanks for coming out as always. Hopefully next week we’re talking tons of trades!!!!