Paul Sporer Rotographs Chat – June 30th

Paul Sporer: We will get started here in a moment!

Francisco: Hey Paul, not sure how attuned to the minors you are, but whom do you like better in an OBP league– Bradley Zimmer or Austin Meadows?

Paul Sporer: I’d lean Meadows, but they’re close

Julio Pepper: Pineda is a beast! So glad I held on to him in my AL only.

Paul Sporer: That 5.24 ERA has been instrumental in your success, I’m sure!

spacelasagna: At this point, can I dump Odorizzi or Kuma for Pineda?

Paul Sporer: How many teams? Kuma if so

DB: Paul! Just picked up Darvish, what can I expect from him ROS assuming he comes back after the break? Do you think he will be on a pitch limit all season?

Paul Sporer: I think he’ll be good when pitching, but not sure how much he’ll pitch

RP: Oh you’re welcome.

Paul Sporer: Forrrr????

rpo: Specific question that you can make general re punting categories – In 12 tm 6 x 6, I am last in saves by a good margin and 3rd overall (12 back from 1st). Is this the point to punt saves and trade my only closer (Osuna) for an upgrade in areas I am weakest?

Paul Sporer: Ya if you’re buried and not looking to add some closers to gain points there, then just move Osuna

JP: How soon will we see Trea Turner?

Paul Sporer: Really tough to say w/Dusty

N.W.enO: I lost Kershaw. Sniffles.

Paul Sporer: I’m sorry :(((((

Ed: Drew Smyly – Buy low or leave him alone?

Paul Sporer: How many teams? I can see buying, but the volatility is real

Paul Sporer: Please include league context with questions for the best possible answers

Paul Sporer: Also please don’t repeat questions. The queue will fill fast and I’ll move as quickly as I can. We’re gonna be here a few hours so settle in!

Gest : Who do you think will put up better numbers: Gausman vs. SEA or Eovaldi vs. SD?

Paul Sporer: Gimme Eovaldi there

Young Jeezy: I have Gerrit Cole, Kershaw and JD……is it ok if I cry for just a little bit?

Paul Sporer: C’mere Young Jeezy :hugs: it’s ok… it’s ok :pats back: here you go :hands tissue: *HOOONNKKKK* wow you blow your nose loudly. but it’s ok

spacelasagna: (Sorry, my question was for a 12 team league, and thanks!)

Paul Sporer: OK ya, you can go Kuma for Pineda. But there is still risk w/Pineda

Linus: Buchter the man in SD?

Paul Sporer: Yes, I think so

Julio Pepper: That xFIP man…

Paul Sporer: Oh you’re in an xFIP league? Then Pineda is a beast.

Rated Rookie: In a keep-forever and regardless of position, which near to MLB propsect do you want, Bregman or Benintendi?

Paul Sporer: Beni, but they’re really close tbh

Who is John Gant?: Targeting 2017 for a competitive window, would you lean Meadows or Benintendi? Thanks!

Paul Sporer: Beni

Albert: What kind of SP return can I get for Kemp in a 12tm H2H OBP league? He’s killing me!

Paul Sporer: Probably not that good. If you’re getting rid of him bc he sucks, doubt anyone wants to give a ton

JP: should I trade Jay Bruce in an NL league where you don’t get AL stats when they change leagues?

Paul Sporer: Yes

Paul Sporer: Btw, I play in a league like that still so I’m not throwing stones, but both of our leagues are stupid for that rule

Coach McGuirk: I have two 1B and only room for one. Wuld you rather have AJ Reed or the warm corpse of Pujols? ROS only.

Paul Sporer: Still Pujols, I think

Stevie P: H2H OBP/SLG league: My Papi and Nola for his Marte and Bumgarner? Papi is a top 5 bat with our settings right now.

Paul Sporer: Papi rules, but gimme the Marte/Mad Bum

Roe Bott: Any reason to expect A-Gonz to start hitting again?

Paul Sporer: Track record

Paul Sporer: I’m not being flip, that’s just the best we’ve got right now. And the fact that even his slow first 3 months is still about league average. Needs to get the ball back in the air

JalapEno: start taijuan vs. baltimore tonight in a 12-team quality starts league? or wait to see if he can pitch with this foot issue?

Paul Sporer: I’m OK passing espec bc that’s a tough matchup even at full health

Young Jeezy: oh and I have those 3 in a league that only has 2 DL spots

Paul Sporer: NOOOOOO.

Coach McGuirk: I can trade Nelson Cruz for Tanaka or Hamels. Who would you rather? Should I be expecting more for cruz? 8 tm AL only. Thanks!

Paul Sporer: Neither of those is a bad return and if it’s the best the market will return and pitching is your need, then I’d take Hamels. But I feel like he can get you just about any AL SP so I’d shoot higher. Maybe one of the Cleveland trio

Eric: How long is Kershaw going to be out for?

Paul Sporer: I heard 2 starts, but who knows. It’s v early

Eddy: Paul do you play any boardgames? If so, which?

Paul Sporer: Not anymore. But I used to play Strat-o-Matic w/some regularity

Gary: Any chance Benitendi is up this year?

Gary: Red Sox LF is ugly.

Paul Sporer: Sure, there’s a chance, but I could actually see him being traded for whatever big piece(s) they get

John: When do you see Berrios getting called up and what % chance do you think he has to put up ace numbers in the second half?

Paul Sporer: Ace numbers? Like 5% chance. But I think if he gets a second look, he’ll ease in and start performing like we’ve seen w/Fulmer, Urias, and Manaea. They all struggled right away and got better as they got more reps

Chris: Including today, Pineda has a 3.27 ERA for the month of June and a 49/8 K/BB rate. I would say that he has actually helped his owners quite a bit.

Paul Sporer: if they picked him up after someone else cut him, otherwise Apr and May still count

Paul Sporer: I’m not new to Pineda. I’ve been on the train before… driving the damn train. Even a month isn’t enough to convince me. I’m sleeping w/one eye open re: Pineda

Chris: Just wanted to say love the late-night streams

Paul Sporer: Thanks so much! Love playing MLB The Show. Were you there last night for “The Comeback”? https://www.twitch.tv/psporer24/v/75451544

Don: 10 tm mixer – Danny Valencia, Melvin Upton Jr, or Leonys Martin?

Paul Sporer: Leonys for me!

Jaxck: Everyone seems to still be on board the James Paxton train despite his last three rough starts. What sayeth you?

Paul Sporer: The anatomy of those don’t worry me. First off 6 IP/3 ER isn’t rough. Spare me the “it’s a 4.50 ERA” stuff. It wasn’t a bad outing. Detroit outing wasn’t even bad, either, tbh. He was rolling but the Tigers got him a bit late (as they often do that on that 3rd time through). And then StL was one bad inning. I watched chunks or all of those and don’t see any reasons for major concern

Dave: 5×5 ottoneu league: trade $8 Trea Turner & $3 Glasnow for $24 Zobrist and $16 K-Rod?

Paul Sporer: Looks like a go-for-it deal if you’re getting the 2 vets and I like it

VVac Blows: Thoughts on AJ Reed’s slow start?

Paul Sporer: It’s 18 PA

Paul Sporer: It’s not even a start yet, ya know? It’s a blip. I know it’s 0-for-18 so it can start to snowball as he presses for that first hit, but it’s nothing to really worry about in the long term

Cat-Dog: Who do like more long term: Clint Frazier or Bradley Zimmer?

Paul Sporer: Zimm

Joel: Paxton or Bauer ROS?

Paul Sporer: I’m a huge Paxton fan, but his health record makes it tough to fully buy in over another pedigree arm putting it together, so I’ll go Bauer

Paul Sporer: I meant to say another pedigree w/out health history like Pax’s

JalapEno: thanks for your answer and thanks for chatting with us paul 🙂

Paul Sporer: No problem!

Eric: Will Syndergaard make it through the rest of the season?

Paul Sporer: Without a DL stint? probably not

Gary Bertier: What in the world is going on with the Pirates rotation. If your Hurdle, do you leave up Kuhl and Taillon and call up Glasnow at this point? 3.5 games out, they can’t be wasting starts and everyone outside of Taillon at this point is basically that.

Paul Sporer: I feel like if they felt Glasnow was ready, he’d be up. Not sure they can really rely on 3 rookies, but he’ll get his chance this summer

Rated Rookie: Willson Contreras has looked pretty good, huh? Top-5 catcher good?

Paul Sporer: The other side of the AJ Reed spectrum. It’s been about 2.5x the PA, but it’s still a tinnnyyy sample of 42 PA. Not a top-5 catcher yet. BEST case is top-10 and I don’t even feel confident tabbing him with that yet

RP: Bud Norris to Dodgers, think he’ll even make the flight? #JonahHEX

Paul Sporer: LOL. Did Jonah write up Bud? They need arms and he can give innings. He’s been great of late, but not much skills change behind it so I’m skeptical

JalapEno: what’s the deepest league you play in? do you have a favorite format?

Paul Sporer: I play in 2 20-team leagues

Paul Sporer: My favorite format is probably 12-15 mixed roto, preferably w/auction

Wardo: Any concern that AJ Ramos loses the closer gig in Miami? I wanna say he can’t, but crazier things have happened…

Paul Sporer: I think you nail – seems crazy, but it’d hardly be the craziest thing we’ve ever seen, espec w/closers. I’m gonna say no bc I feel like Rodney would be OK setting up

Eddy: If the rumors are true and the Marlins are trading their only decent SP prospect in Chris Paddack for Fernando Rodney, I’m jumping off my second-story window. It won’t kill me, it’ll just hurt, just like the damn trade.

Paul Sporer: Ya I read on twitter they only have 2 good players in A ball and it’s supposed to be a “good A ball prospect” per Law

Whats that Odor: would you do a tillman+ozuna for rizzo in a redraft?

Paul Sporer: Ya, that’s pretty good consolidation of two strong pieces into a superstar

Dellin Betances’ Fiery Gaze: Since being annointed cardinals closer (sort of), Oh has not looked like a final boss. Are they going to stick with him or is Siegrist gonna steal that job?

Paul Sporer: Y’all are the Small Sample Size Superstars today!

Paul Sporer: He should get a real chance

Paul Sporer: (meaning a couple weeks)

Paul Sporer: Discipline: https://www.twitch.tv/psporer24/v/75456133

Honey Badger: Dozier is on fire, should I trade him or keep him in my 10 tm AL only? Would cost $27 of my draft budget to keep for 2017

Paul Sporer: I wouldn’t be looking to keep him for ’17, he’s just back at his normal level which is solid

keith: Start Odorizzi v Detroit tn? 6×6 head to head

Paul Sporer: I probably play these types in H2H more than I should, espec if it’s 10-12 tm’er, so I’m torn. I’ll say no

CHARLOTTE DOGSTER: I currently own 35$ Strasburg in Ottoneu, 12 team mixer, I’m in desperate need of hitting, would Benintendi and Bregman plus one more be too little of a return?

Paul Sporer: If you’re in need of hitting for ’16, yes

Paul Sporer: I’d want something more MLB established in like the Marcell Ozuna realm

Paul Sporer:

Eno! Helloooooo: How would you rank Lamb, Semien, and Schoop ROS?

Paul Sporer: Lamb, Schoop, Semien

Patrick: Is it woah crazy crazy to try and sell high on Altuve? He’s really good but I am somewhat skeptical about his ability to keep putting up these numbers

Paul Sporer: Only bc you misspelled whoa so badly!

Paul Sporer: Joking aside, you can certainly sell high. He’s been best-player-in-baseball level so if you can get an insane haul, you gotta entertain it. That said, he’s been an elite fantasy asset forever so even if the power tapers back to ’15 levels, he’s still excellent

AP: Any hope Grichuk comes back and performs this year? (10-team NLO)

Paul Sporer: Ya, if he gets himself right in AAA, he’ll be back. Still like him, espec in NL

A. Reitz: E. Sarris compared B. Buxton to C. Maybin…Are we really doing that already?

Paul Sporer: It’s not bad to entertain the ideas, right? Neither of us have buried Buxton. We’ve discussed this on the pod and talked about the Maybin stuff. It’s a lot better than the other guys who showed in Eno’s study of worst top prospect starts to their MLB career like Brandon Wood. We have to be open to the idea that he won’t be a star even w/this limited sample

Paul Sporer: If we JUST say SSS and bury our heads, we’re being naive. We can still see in the SSS that he kinda sucks. Doesn’t mean he won’t improve, but Buxton needs to start showing something to keep getting the benefit of the doubt

N.W.enO: You okay with Locke vs. Oakland tmw? He pitched well his last two times out.

Paul Sporer: I’d pass, personally

Lyre on Fire: What are the odds Correa finishes as a top 3 SS (not counting Manny)?

Paul Sporer: 38.2%

Paul Sporer: By ESPN’s Player Rater, he’s actually ahead of Corey Seager

Eric: Bour or Pujols ROS?

Paul Sporer: Bour

Guest: True or false: Melvin Upton finishes the season as a higher ranked player than Justin Upton

Paul Sporer: False, but I buy Melly Mel as a league avg-to-slightly above asset (98-105 kinda OPS+ w/pop and speed)

N.W.enO: Sounds like Erasmus Ramirez could be headed to the Dodgers. How much better would he be as an SP in the NL west?

Paul Sporer: Not sure he starts now that they got Bud Norris, but I still like Erasmo for sure. He can be a solid mid-3.00s arm

Jackie T. : Welington Castillo or Grandal/d’Arnaud/Norris ROS in an OBP/SLG/NSB H2H league?

Paul Sporer: Wait so keep Beef or get one of those others? I’ll stick w/Beef

Coach McGuirk: Solid advice on Cruz, thanks. Will look around a bit.

Paul Sporer: Good luck!

ctw: so I’m 3rd in a 10 team keeper that I’ve won the last two years. The guy in first traded for Kershaw a few weeks ago and has been pulling away. Should I be looking to grab a few more picks and prospects in trades and try to drop down the standings a bit (would get an extra keeper slot, better draft position) or is it too early? Would you just play it out and see what happens?

Paul Sporer: Wait, so 1st place loses their best player and you want to fall back? Why not re-double your efforts to take advantage of Kershaw’s missed time?

Jackie T. : AJ Reed or Kendry’s Morales in an OBP/SLG H2H league where we keep four? (meaning Reed would have to be pretty good to be kept)

Paul Sporer: K Mo finally pulled outta his slump, I’ll go him

Minty: 10 team deep keeper. Another owner is packing it on this year and a nonkeepable Stanton is available. I can definitely win it, so how strong would you go in an offer?

Paul Sporer: If a big power source is chief among your needs, make a competitive offer. You shouldn’t have to pay April prices, but don’t insult, either, bc we all know Stanton can have a huge summer

Rated Rookie: Giolito surely gets at least one more start for the Nationals, right? How much leash does Gio Gonzalez have left?

Paul Sporer: Yes, at least one more. Not really sure what to make of Gio. His season is a tale of two halves. First 8 – 1.86 ERA, Last 7 – 8.44 … it’s so nightmarish that is me curious about injury. So maybe we see a DL stint for him. If healthy, I think he gets a pretty big leash

Jackie T. : Can Thor win the CY Young now that Kershaw is down? I put $20 on him at 20/1 odds before the season, meaning I win $400 if Thor wins the Cy.

Paul Sporer: He’s gotta stay healthy himself, but ya he has the talent

Paul Sporer: Plus voter fatigue (which is just a nice way of saying they’re stupid, bc if you think about it, we’re just saying they’re tired of voting for the best guy even though he’s deserving) could elevate Thor if he stays healthy

Paul Sporer: But Kershaw is the NL and MLB’s best SP

B. Lawrie Mouthpiece: Just traded VV for Buxton in a 20 team Dynasty League. ONLY, because of VV’s injury history. Should I have tried for more?

Paul Sporer: Yeah, you should’ve, but it’s not awful. As I said earlier, Buxton still has time. But we have to be aware of the fact that the star has dimmed. Small sample doesn’t mean it doesn’t count or can’t give us any ideas of the player he is and so far it’s been very poor.

Linus: Justin Bour a 10-team bat for leagues with daily transactions?

Paul Sporer: Ya, I’d say so. Espec if you’re willing to be diligent enough to start him v. RHP only and have a platoon for those days they’re facing LHP

Jobu: Trying to trade for Lindor in 12tm roto dynasty. Owner is willing to move him. Where do you rank him in that format, and what SHOULD it take to get him in a fair deal? Thanks.

Paul Sporer: Near the top of the heap. He’s incredible. I think you gotta come STRONG. If you’re going for it this year, it might be cost-prohibitive to get him. But if you’re eyeing ’17, then start with your best non-keepable assets and then add in a couple keepable pieces

A. Reitz: I just imagined someone on this chat, seeing “Love the late night streams” and being absolutely dumb founded by what that means not knowing you play video games.

Paul Sporer: LOOOOL. Good call. For those unaware, I stream MLB The Show late-night son Twitch.tv/psporer24

Hello: I traded Lewis Brinson for Yordano Ventura. Yay me?

Paul Sporer: Wellll it’s not a total nay you, is that OK? I like Brinson a good bit, but Ventura still shows those flashes that make him very appealing, so it’s a fair deal, but I’d prefer LB

Guest: Is Prince Fielder back???

Paul Sporer: Certainly looking like it more and more. Has about 30 games of about an .800 OPS

Mark: Too late to try to trade Aaron sanchez in a 12 team keeper? If not, what tier hitter/pitcher would you be looking to get in return?

Paul Sporer: No I think you still can. The IP limit is looming, but still can offer a chunk of success worth dealing for

Paul Sporer: As for what you should get, those questions are impossible and put entirely too much burden on me. Every league’s trade market is different and so to try and name who you should be able to get is too tough. For those, it’s better if you “do you think I can get Player X for Aaron Sanchez?” and of course there are still the questions of your league’s specific trade market, but at least I can have an idea of what you’re going for

A. Reitz: Trying to get Cody Reed and Joey Gallo in my 20 team dynasty. Martin Perez, M. Margot and J. Flaherty seem fair or am I giving too much?

Paul Sporer: No that seems pretty fair

OddBall Herrera: My picks to have a breakout second half: Baez and Pederson…both have had underappreciated but sizeable jumps in their contact and discipline #s, and I think the counting stats are coming. Agree/Disagree?

Paul Sporer: Been on that Joc bandwagon since February so I’m with you there. He’s been solid, but hasn’t quite broken out. I’m coming around on Baez. They’re finding him time. he’s power-speed, and as you mentioned, those Ks are coming down. I like both picks

Paul: Drop Shawn Kelley for Ryan Buchter in a 12 team league?

Paul Sporer: I’m OK w/that bc Buchter likely to hold the job longer than Kelley so despite being on the worse team, it’s a viable move. If you really need saves, maybe just hold both?

Rated Rookie: What’s Yoan Mincada

Paul Sporer: A good baseball player

Jeff: Guerra or Smyly ROS? 12 team redraft.

Paul Sporer: Seems crazy that this is a question, but it’s fair to ask. Guerra has been great w/that splitter. Smyly is just so damn volatile. Doug Thorburn HATES his mechanics and we’ve seen injuries be a consistent issue. I’m still going to lean Smyly bc the upside is higher and we just can’t predict the health piece, but I think Guerra will remain solid all year

Chris: I was one of the lucky owners that grabbed Pineda when someone bailed at the end of May. What do you see his numbers looking like at season’s end? Is he slowly garnering confidence to roll him out for every start? Dominating Texas today looks good.

Paul Sporer: The thing that REALLY frustrates me about Pineda is that he could allowed 8 ER next time out for good reason whatsoever. His volatility is utterly maddening. I’ll tab him as a 4.10 ERA the rest of the season w/plenty of Ks. There is upside for more so he shouldn’t be treated like any normal 4.10 ERA guy, but don’t get TOO drunk on the recent run, we’ve seen him do this before and then his command evaporates and he pulls the rug out

Sammy Meatballs is looney: So has Billy Hamilton traded power for speed this year? 3 HR v. 19 SB

Paul Sporer: Not sure he has enough control over his game to make such a choice. He has a little punch for his size and his HR/FB rate has doubled to 7%. The 13 2B might be the bigger change. He had 8 all of last yr. So starting on 2nd base has perhaps curbed some of his SB prowess. And then of course his godawful OBP doesn’t help

Blue Morpho: Are you shopping Matz and Thor in redrafts?

Paul Sporer: Not really because you’re selling low… or at least lower. I’d rather take a shot that it blows over and they get hot again and THEN start trying to sell

Paul Sporer: but by and large, this is just how it goes with pitching. they’re all so damn risky so might as well hold some of the most-talented ones and hope for health as opposed to getting lesser guys who you think are healthy

Rags: NL only league with no bench so you have to take every start a pitcher makes. Is Chase Anderson worse than a blank spot on the roster?

Paul Sporer: I think I pass. Just too many damn HRs

mateoloco: Redraft league. Kershaw for Arrieta. Who says no?

Paul Sporer: Probably the Arrieta owner right now

Beka : I traded j Zimmerman for nola….. How dumb am I in this points league

Paul Sporer: LOL you’re not dumb. It’s not like J Zimm is rolling and at least Nola’s skills are still there. Eno was still pretty bullish and eased some of my fears w/his piece on Nola

Carl: Traded Lindor for Stanton, 14 team OBP. Seager is other SS. Good move?

Paul Sporer: Dang, where’s the discount on Stanton? That feels like full price. I can see a path where Stanton comes back to his level and this stings less, but I don’t love it

jan: in mlb the show chise do you play 30 team control or single team? how far along are you and does FA classes get any better longer in

Paul Sporer: I haven’t done a franchise yet. I’m considering starting one w/some of my stream viewers

Rated Rookie: What’s Yoan Moncada’s fantasy ceiling?

Paul Sporer: Ceiling is elite bc he runs, has some punch, and will join an incredible lineup

Deece: what is Cmart doing out there? sure he isnt giving up runs but where did the K’s go?

Paul Sporer: But the WHIP is much lower so it kinda balances out

Hmm: Harper finishes as a top __ player

Paul Sporer: 20

mateoloco: Kipnis, Lindor, Bauer for Cano, Blackmon in a 10 team redraft. Fair?

Paul Sporer: Favors the Cleveland superfan, but it’s fair.

Carl Carlson: drop Peter O’Brien to activate R Iglesias?

Paul Sporer: Sure

Bart: With Cain going on the DL, which WW dud should I pick up, Granderson, Melky, T Thompson or Logan Forsythe or Moya?

Paul Sporer: Forsythe

Ryan F.: 6X6 14 team roto league. I have good power with Ortiz, Ozuna and Lamb. Horrid starting pitching. Should I trade Stanton for JFer?

Paul Sporer: Definitely

Carl: Would you trade Stanton for Price and Polanco or Stanton for Price, Matz, and Calhoun in 14 team OBP, 7 keeper- Pitching: Arrieta, Archer, Shoemaker, Conley, Tanaka. (In 1st place but a lot of wheeling and dealing to get there)

Paul Sporer: I’ll take Price & Polly

Gary Busey: as a devers owner, how should i feel about a potential move to atlanta in a trade?

Paul Sporer: I wouldn’t be too freaked. By the time he’s ready, ATL could be solid

Deece: whats the reason of Beni over bregman? just curious

Paul Sporer: Why not?

Paul Sporer: I don’t see any major separation, tbh. I think Beni is the better hitter

Jay: Todd Frazier is leading NL for HR now with avg .204. Is his avg ever going to go up?

Paul Sporer: AL*

Paul Sporer: But ya I think he can still be a .240ish hitter. Just needs that hot streak where the singles start falling

Chris: That 2-2 take tho

Paul Sporer: :fire emoji: :fire emoji: :fire emoji: :fire emoji:

keith: What was the worst pick you made in any league this year? Best?

Paul Sporer: None. All.

Paul Sporer: JK… I made plenty of both!

Paul Sporer: Trying to think of someone I really liked who has tanked. There’s definitely someone, I’m just blanking

Proegler: Paul, thoughts on Raisel Iglesias the rest of the year? Think he could snag the closer role? Worth owning in a 14 team mixed keeper points league?

Paul Sporer: Ya I can see him closing. Go ahead and roster him in that lg but he’s probably close to first cut if someone better pops up

Pete: Re: AJ Reed – Sure, it’s only 18 PA, but look at who those 18 PA’s were against: Chris Young, Ian Kennedy, Matt Shoemaker and Jared Weaver. He should have punished at least Young and Weaver. No question. It’s just slightly concerning as in maybe he isn’t quite ready.

Paul Sporer: “No question”? C’mon, that’s kinda silly.

Paul Sporer: I’m sorry, I just can’t follow that line of reasoning all the way through

Paul Sporer: If anything, those veteran MLBers can have an advantage on someone like Reed over other veteran hitters bc their tricks are still new to them

Zorak: Kershaw 🙁 I’m now up to 6 guys on the DL. Nobody out there on the wire worth dropping an injured guy for. No real question, just want to vent to somebody.

Paul Sporer: Sorry Zorak 🙁 Injuries are the WORST

seth: 16 team, big rosters, who performs best ros: grossman, nimmo, carerra?

Paul Sporer: Grossman

Jay: Who would you pick, Poland vs Portugal

Paul Sporer: Mark Portugal was way better than Hugh Poland

seth: keeping or selling for this year and next year: myers, teheran, and saunders

Paul Sporer: this year keep, keep, keep; next year: keep, sell (just don’t love keeping SPs), sell

Hmm: Would you trade Arenado and Piscotty for Trout in a keep forever league? Arenado’s production at a scarce position makes me weary, even for Trout

Paul Sporer: Unless you really need the speed, I’m passing.

Young Jeezy: Taillon worth rostering in a 12 team league?

Paul Sporer: Ya I would

Hmm: Corey Seager just hit #17. I dont think many projections in march had him for that much in a full season. Is he really a 30 homer bat at short this soon?

Paul Sporer: Ya projections wouldn’t have him that high this year bc they’re naturally conservative and he had like 9 minutes in the majors prior to this year, but big power output was always in the projection and his most aggressive proponents had mid-20s going for this year

Paul Sporer: So pushing mid-20s to low-30s isn’t a stretch

spacelasagna: Beef Welington or Derek Norris ROS? (12 teamer, all of us weeping at the state of the catcher position)

Paul Sporer: Beeeeef. Catcher is POOP this year

DW: Any info on a Severino promotion? What kind of value ROS?

Paul Sporer: Pitching well at AAA, could be back soon. I think when healthy, he’s a solid arm (upper-3.00s ERA w/Ks and upside)

Cory: In a keeper league, would you trade VV for Berrios. I can keep Berrios one year longer

Paul Sporer: Yeah I’m OK with that for the extra year

Carl Carlson: Wait, you’re on the “whoa” spelling but you spell yeah, “ya?” PS that’s BS.

Paul Sporer: well both “whoa” and “ya” are correct, so ya, that’s how I roll

Paul Sporer: Y’all know the red squiggle underline means it’s wrong, right?

Paul Sporer: It was a good try, I guesss Carl….

Brian: Paul – who is a good stream for next week – Gray at home v. Phi, Bradley at home v. SD, or Fister at home v. Oak? Thanks…

Paul Sporer: Fister of those 3. I’m not messing with Coors at all. Still curious about Bradley

Team Ramrod: Billy Hamilton’s head. How is it? Another concussion?

Paul Sporer: Ya I think he was concussed. It was bad, he got drilled with that flyball

RMR: To the guy complaining about his team’s injuries: I lost Pollock before the season, Schwarber as soon as it started, Duda shortly thereafter. And then over the last couple of weeks traded for JD Martinez the day before he went down, had Darvish go down (who I’d been holding all season), had Vince Velasquez go down, had Fowler go down and had Justin Turner, McCullers and Story all go down for at least a couple days. Oh and I’m also holding Dee Gordon and JP Crawford. You can’t match that level of horrid luck!

Paul Sporer: I think some of the other stories definitely compare bc they had more star power. Your volume has been severe, but Pollock and JD are the only *stars* there. I don’t really feel bad for Darvish owners, that’s part of the risk after TJ. Not disputing that you’ve taken it on the chin, but it’s not worse than some of the other stories we’ve seen, it’s comparable

Team Ramrod: So is Buchter the guy in San Diego now?

Paul Sporer: Ya, I think so

Jon Gray: Am I crazy for getting excited about Gray? His stuff looks great and his metrics are pretty good too.

Paul Sporer: No, but Coors is still a thing and really tamps down my excitement. I ride for Gray, though

A. Reitz: C. Rodon has been pretty darn good this year, minus the crazy HR totals. Is he destined to be a solid #3? Or can we still see a potential ace?

Paul Sporer: He has 221 MLB IP, so I don’t think he’s *destined* to anything yet. He still has a very high ceiling. It can take a few years

Chris : Hi Paul, had a question for a 6 x 6 league with OPS, head to head. Do you like Jonathon Schoop or Devon Travis more for ROS? Both have been hitting 2nd in the lineup lately. You thinking they will finish with similar production, or do you see one as clearly ahead of the other? I know you talked up Travis on the podcast the other day, but just interested how you view him compared to Schoop.

Paul Sporer: I prefer Schoop, but I acknowledge that Travis is better than I thought. His pop holding up has impressed. But Schoop has LEGIT POWER, I prefer him.

JAL: Please tell me why Starling Marte (he of the .331 BA half way in) is EVER batting 6th before I cry

Paul Sporer: LOL who knows

Jake from State Farm: Too early to be stashing Tyler O’Neill in a dynasty?

Paul Sporer: Really depends on league size

Christian: Which C do you prefer? Weiters, Gattis, or Contreras?

Paul Sporer: Wiets, but that trio is pretty close

JAL: Can I ever start Archer again?

Paul Sporer: Yeah, you almost have to start him bc of the Ks

Paul Sporer: and he’s just been meh lately

Paul Sporer: if it was a buncha 5-6 ER outings, I’d feel comfortable benching him

N.W.enO: I think he should change his name from Erasmo to Erasmus.

Paul Sporer: LOL

A. Reitz: Are the Mets jinxed? They went from potentially best young pitching staff we’ve ever seen to. Harvey stinking, Matz, Thor and Degrom injury concerns. Baseball is brutal…

Paul Sporer: Nah, that’s just pitching. Most teams don’t even get to the stage that the Mets have w/their collection of pitching prospects

Bob Dobolina: I’m laaaate! Quick, pick one – Martin, Realmuto, Castillo

Paul Sporer: Beeeeffff

Paul Sporer: Don’t repeat your questions, please.

Deece: is Jose Fernandez being overlooked as a great pitcher by the masses? short career i get it, but he has the best advanced numbers of all time, era-, fip- and actually the loswest batting average against as well

Paul Sporer: No I think he’s acknowledged as the superstar that he is, espec in fantasy

Guest: Adam Duvall is now more owned than Jason Heyward in ESPN Fantasy. What sort of odds could I have gotten for this phenomenon happening at the start of the season?

Paul Sporer: Dude, some obscene ones

Paul Sporer: 1000/1 or something

Paul Sporer: It’s just a one-off example, but it helps illuminate how little we know about how the season will pan out and it’s why this game is so damn fun.

Paul Molitor’s Guyliner: Is Josh Tomlin a ticking time bomb? Is Jason Werth Tarzan?

Paul Sporer: I think so, yes. I just don’t buy Tomlin and if the BABIP starts moving up, his ERA will suuurge

rustydude: Any upcoming FG pieces on Ortiz? This must be close to the best final season of any hitter ever, right? Will this push him into the HOF, even ahead of Edgar Martinez?

Paul Sporer: I’m not writing him up any time soo, but he’ll get some love as the season wears on, probably from the front page folks. He should go HOF, as should Edgar

John: Jake Lamb vs. Maikel Franco (12team H2H 6×6 OBP league)– who do you favor for ROS and who do you favor as a 3-year keeper? Thanks.

Paul Sporer: I still like Franco more long-term, but Lamb has REALLY impressed me this year

Paul Sporer: For ROS, I’m going Lamb btw and the OBP is the driving force. I think Franco has more room to grow, hence the long-term pick of him

Zorak: I’m still in the playoff picture but my team is falling apart with guys on the DL and underperformance, and even if I do make the h2h playoffs I’m not confident I can keep up with the better teams in my league. Do I keep plowing ahead and hope I can reach the playoffs and catch fire? Or start putting out feelers to sell off vets for potential keepers?

Paul Sporer: You know what I’m gonna say, play it out!!! By September, you could have 3-4 guys playing star-level that aren’t doing so right now

Paul Sporer: You gotta get that NEXT Jake Lamb

N.W.enO: With his injury risk, would you trade Cruz for Thor?

Paul Sporer: It’s a calculated risk. You’re getting a discount as Cruz alone probably wouldn’t have gotten Thor 2 weeks ago

Paul Sporer: if SP is your biggest need, take the gamble

Leo: In an OBP league where Carpenter qualifies at 2B, is he the top 2B after Altuve?

Paul Sporer: Yes

Paul Sporer: He’s so good

randy bobandy: Cargo for Tanner Roark, who wins?

Paul Sporer: Need a little more w/Roark for Cargo

Mike: I know Matz’ ERA and peripherals look great this year, but is he startable today given his bone spurs and the Cubs’ powerful offense?

Paul Sporer: No, I’m fine passing v. CHC

Paul: Who is Mazara’s biggest threat to win AL ROY? Is it close?

Paul Sporer: I don’t think Mazara has an insurmountable lead. He’s been cold of late. Fulmer making a push. Naquin on fire of late, too

Wei-Yin: Pick up Paxton, drop Eickhoff?

Paul Sporer: Yeah, def

Adam Lind Me Your Ear: Do you know of any sites/web apps to manage minor league systems for Yahoo leagues?

Paul Sporer: I don’t know of any that specifically do that

Richie: Not 1000/1 for Heyward/Duvall, or anybody, really. Injuries, dude. Including those played-through ones we don’t find out about till after the season.

Paul Sporer: Def could’ve gotten 1000/1 from someone.

hairy kitten: 12 team H2H – Betts/Taillon for Cruz/Stanton. (Taillon is only keeper eligible player and team receiving betts is out of contention). Fair??

Paul Sporer: Ya it’s def fair, though I prefer the 2 hitters

Roe Bott: I AM ADAM DUVALL AND ALL YOUR TATERS BELONG TO ME!!!

FGM: What does SSS stand for?

Paul Sporer: Small Sample Size

Mr. Wrestling IV: Who’s getting saves now in SD?

Paul Sporer: Ryan Buchter

Tony: What is up with Price? Is he still elite even though his ERA on a starting basis takes a hit and hasnt pitched a clean game all year? His Hr/FB% is double that of last year and his FIP is 3.6 and WHIP is 1.22

Paul Sporer: Maybe a jump below ELITE, but still really good. Since Pedroia gave him that mechanical tip: 3.49 ERA, 67 Ks in 67 IP even w/the dud at Tex and meh outing at TB

RyZim: Do I turn it around this year or is this what I am? The exit velocity is solid but the results aren’t improving…

Paul Sporer: Ya I think he’ll be above avg rest of season

Roe Bott: How about some love for Eduardo Nunez! Waiver wire gold

Paul Sporer: He’s been AWESOME

Paul Sporer: Espec. w/SS elig

happs on the craps: Hi Paul. Sneaking a chat while in the high Tatras. What chance do you give a BH Park rebound this year? And next year? Thanks!

Paul Sporer: He’s shown the power. He’s still getting his footing as MLBer. I think we see some better work this summer

Paul Sporer:

R-E-L-A-X: Is Jason Heyward droppable?? Would I regret dropping him?

Paul Sporer: Yes and maybe, but it’s fine to cut in 10-12 tmers

The Shield: Any encouraging changes to James Shields performance yesterday

Paul Sporer: He couldn’t stay that bad unless he was hurt, so I’m not surprised to see him get back on track a bit. Only way

Paul Sporer: whoops… that “only way” is meaningless

Avi: Is Dyson going to be in danger of losing the closer spot?

Paul Sporer: Only if they trade for a stud closer. Had a 1.77 ERA as closer before yesterday

Pineda: Pineda can’t pitch with runners on. He allowed 3 baserunners today. If you catch him on a day where he allows 6 or 7 baserunners you’re up shit creek with a turd for a paddle.

Paul Sporer: Exactly. Bc he can’t command his stuff from the stretch with ANY regularity

The Kid: I mean, holy cow, how good is the younger Seager?

Paul Sporer: He’s incredible

Paul Sporer: Both Seagers are v good

Jon: seager for sano and gray?

Paul Sporer: What’s wrong this question, y’all?

Paul Sporer: No team context, no first names when Seager & Gray are both last names for multiple players.

Paul Sporer: This is for you Jon: L

Paul Sporer: 🙂

rustydude: Re: Arenado v Trout, doesn’t Trout get browny points for consistency? You’ll always get a top 3 season from Trout. Not so with any other player.

Paul Sporer: He wasn’t top 3 last year

Paul Sporer: Arenado will be a consistent upper echelon power threat as a Rockie

Adam C.: Hold Jake McGee, or grab Buchter or Rasiel?

Paul Sporer: I’d roll the dice on Buchter. McGee will have to content w/Estevez and Ottavino

humphrey: I looked up the numbers of the A ball pitcher that the Padres got for Rodney: 49%K, 2%BB, 0.39 WHIP. Makes me wonder: what kind of numbers would Kershaw put up in A ball?

Paul Sporer: They’d be INSANE

Paul Sporer: and ya, might be a bad deal for Miami

Von Schloss: Which keeper prospect of you like more out of Crawford, Benintendi & Adames?

Paul Sporer: Beni, best hitter

Von Schloss: Does Tampa move any of its starters before the deadline?

Paul Sporer: I think at least one

R-E-L-A-X: Should I drop JHey for L. Martin? Is that crazy?

Paul Sporer: Not crazy, go for it

Howdy Folks: JBJ and Ozuna for Carp? I’m in first and my 3B is Travis Shaw…need an upgrade and JBJ and Ozuna get slotted in my lineup randomly. 12team mixed. JBJ and Ozuna 17 Rd keepers, Carp 11. Thank!

Paul Sporer: Ya consolidate for star talent in 10-12 tm’ers. I wouldn’t do this in 15+

cj: #GetMattMooreOutOfTheALEast2016

Eric: Need sp…trade Kyle Seager and Stroman for Hendricks and Justin Upton? Lamb would become my 3b.

Paul Sporer: That works for sure

Eric: Who makes the best protection for next 2 years of Herrera in 22nd, Villar in 24 or Lamb in 23?

Paul Sporer: Odubel!

Bob: I was offered Harper for Kershaw by an owner desperate for SP. Take it?

Paul Sporer: Ya, I like it

Paul Sporer: OK, y’all, I gotta start wrapping up

Paul Sporer: Gonna take Charlotte outside really fast and then come back for a few quick hitters. I’m gonna scroll down to recents of pluck from there

Paul Sporer: BRB

Neal: Is Schoop more .300 or .260?

Paul Sporer: .260 but awesome pop

Dee Gordon: Will I be a top 5 2b when I return?

Paul Sporer: Probably

JD: Still like Stras and Kershaw post-DL? Trying to acquire an expiring keeper contract for younger guys

Paul Sporer: I do. It’s always scary when the studs are hurt, but I’d still buy either for a discount

Bill: Three years from now, Addison Russell or Bregman?

Paul Sporer: I’m still an Addy believer. He hasn’t blossomed as much as I’d hope and thought yet but not backing off him at all

Big Bambino: Guerra or Conley ROS?

Paul Sporer: Still like Conley’s upside over Guerra, but I buy Guerra as useful in virtually all lgs

Jon: It was corey seager for Sano and Sonny Gray… apologies– ive been so invested in the trade that I forget others don’t track all my activity 🙁

Paul Sporer: I hear you, it’s a big deal! I’m really torn here. I think I’m in for Seager, but it’s a fair offer if you’re trying to get Seager

Paul Sporer: Now just bc it’s fair doesn’t mean a Seager owner won’t say GTFOHWTS, but it’s not insulting, IMO

ROBOCOP: Duvall for Wade Davis fair? 5×5 roto 12 team

Paul Sporer: It is. I buy Duvall’s power

Colin: Bauer in Al-only dynasty a top-10SP? 20? Higher?

Paul Sporer: Probably 25. I can’t do 10 off of this sample just yet.

Sean from Tampa: Any thoughts on Willy Adames?

Paul Sporer: I’m going to pretend that my favorite tm didn’t get David Price for an excellent year-plus and complain that we traded Adames!!!! He looks really good, but still 2 years off

Steve: 12-team league. Was offered Shoemaker for my Keuchel and Gardner. Pull the trigger? Thanks!

Paul Sporer: That feels heavy bc if Keuchel keeps getting better, then I’m not sure Gardner is the difference between these 2 arms even as I believe in Shoe’s run

Paul Sporer: OK y’all, thanks again for coming out!

Paul Sporer: 2.5 hours, not too bad!

Paul Sporer: Back at it again next week