Roto Riteup: June 27, 2019
The Roto Riteup always brings something unexpected.
Let’s dance. pic.twitter.com/0t0ozSJTCx
— MLB GIFS (@MLBGIFs) June 26, 2019
On the Agenda:
1. Rumors!
2. Quick Hits
3. Streaming Pitchers
Rumors!
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Minnesota Twins are showing “strong interest” in Giants LHP Madison Bumgarner.
The Minnesota #Twins, who aren’t content simply to win the AL Central, are showing strong interest in #SFGiants ace Madison Bumgarner. The #Twins are NOT on Bumgarner’s no trade list enabling the Twins to acquire him without his approval.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) June 26, 2019
Bumgarner would certainly be a nice addition to the Twins from a “real” baseball perspective. He has a ton of playoff experience and can be a key leader in the clubhouse. From a skills perspective, he owns a slightly better SIERA than last season (4.06), but it’s still the second-worst of his career. He’s generating more swings and misses again and continues to maintain strong command/control.
Jon Heyman said on a radio show on Tuesday that the Yankees are “split” on the southpaws value, and Jeff Passan also commented on this subject:
While the San Francisco Giants’ interest in dealing Madison Bumgarner remains clear, the Minnesota Twins haven’t engaged with them in high-level talks in recent weeks, a source with knowledge of discussions tells ESPN. Giants reliever Will Smith is on the Twins’ radar as of now.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 26, 2019
My conclusion to all of this is that we should start making plans for a few of these Giants players to be making moves sometime in the near future. Tony Watson and Reyes Moronta could be nice, cheap additions in FAAB this week if you’re in a deeper league.
Ken Rosenthal reported that the Yankees are not willing to trade Clint Frazier, and that they’re prioritizing controllable arms. He said in various other outlets that Matt Boyd, Marcus Stroman, and Madison Bumgarner seemed to be better fits.
Here’s a slew of Jon Morosi tweets involving various rumors.
#Dodgers, #SFGiants aren’t ruling out the prospect of making a Will Smith trade, source says. The rivals haven’t paired up on a deal since @Sweendog9 to L.A. for Travis Denker in 2007. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) June 25, 2019
The @Dodgers and @SFGiants have traded with one another so infrequently that the fourth most recent deal involved Jackie Robinson going to the New York Giants in 1956 — which was later voided. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) June 25, 2019
#Dodgers interested in #Pirates closer Felipe Vázquez, source says. Pittsburgh has no urgency to move Vázquez — they have team options through 2023 — but #Dodgers want to add the best reliever possible and have a strong farm system. @MLBNetwork @MLB https://t.co/iCSVbun2s2
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) June 26, 2019
Would expect #Pirates to ask #Dodgers for catcher Keibert Ruiz in any talks for Felipe Vázquez. Ruiz, 20, has a .649 OPS at Double-A this season; he could address Pittsburgh's long-term catching need with Francisco Cervelli becoming a free agent after this year. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) June 26, 2019
There is a number of ballclubs in need of bullpen help. The list includes the Rays, Red Sox, Twins, Nationals, Athletics, Dodgers, and Phillies. Possible closers/relievers that could be dealt are: Brad Hand, Alex Colome, Will Smith, Greg Holland, Kirby Yates, Mark Melancon, Tony Watson, Kelvin Herrera, Felipe Vazquez, Shane Greene, and Ken Giles. Keep and eye on possible replacement options for these respective players.
The Rays are in the market for relief help.
Rays Expected To Pursue Multiple Bullpen Upgrades https://t.co/gKk4Y7HLpe pic.twitter.com/M8TtjVjDd0
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) June 27, 2019
The article mentions Kirby Yates, Ken Giles, and Shane Greene as potential targets. It also says that Tampa could be in the market for a right handed bat.
Quick Hits:
Shohei Ohtani threw his first bullpen session since undergoing Tommy John surgery in October of last year. He may be able to get a few innings in late in the season.
After seeing varying reports that Giancarlo Stanton would avoid the injured list, the 29-year old outfielder was indeed placed on the IL due to a PCL strain he suffered in Tuesday’s game.
https://twitter.com/lindseyadler/status/1143989619853352960
As if this season hasn’t been frustrating enough…..In a somewhat related note, the Yankees pulled the ultimate “savage” card and brought back Mike Tauchman instead of Clint Frazier. Yikes.
Max Kepler was a defensive replacement in center field against the Rays on Wednesday. He was hit in the elbow on Tuesday, but it looks like he’s going to be alright.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. went 3-for-5 with two home runs and four RBI against the Yankees. Coming into the game he was hitting .336/.376/.672 with 10 HR and 19 RBI in 125 PA since he returned to the majors on May 24th. Feel like I’ve been saying it for months now, but he’s legit.
Speaking of multiple home runs, Franmil Reyes swatted his 21st and 22nd home runs of the season. Hunter Renfroe (24) and Eric Hosmer (12) enjoyed the Camden Yards dimensions as well.
When Franmil Reyes gets hold of one, time stands still.#FriarFaithful pic.twitter.com/HQpHk7HBbq
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) June 26, 2019
This isn't a Fran-meal, it's a FEAST.@La_Mole_13 • #FriarFaithful pic.twitter.com/oIdyYkrTB0
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) June 26, 2019
Fernando Tatis Jr swiped his fourth and fifth stolen bases of the month (11 on the year), and Manuel Margot notched his 10th (fourth this month).
Jonathan Villar hit his third home run in his last eight games.
Justin Bour went 2-for-4 with two home runs against the Reds.
Currently accepting Justin Bour compliments. pic.twitter.com/i7c2lD61ng
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) June 27, 2019
Some headscratching news on the Brewers:
#Brewers manager Craig Counsell reiterated today that Keston Hiura is still in the minors because they are still trying to get Travis Shaw and Jesus Aguilar — two players who have made big contributions in the past — going. It's as simple as that, like it or not.
— Tom (@Haudricourt) June 26, 2019
Keston Hiura should be stashed almost everywhere. He’ll be back, and he’s going to be great.
Eddie Rosario made an early exit from yesterday’s game against the Rays, but it seems like he’ll be ok.
Eddie Rosario update: left ankle sprain. Day-to-day.
— Brandon Warne (@Brandon_Warne) June 27, 2019
Zac Gallen allowed three earned runs (two inherited runners) with eight strikeouts (19 swinging-strikes) and two walks in his second start.
Noah Syndergaard is slated to start against the Braves on Sunday after throwing five innings in a rehab start yesterday.
Tim Anderson was officially placed on the 10-day IL. Luis Garcia started at shortstop in his place.
Yoan Moncada was hit on the right knee by a Chris Sale offering and had to leave the game.
Yoan Moncada is day-to-day with right knee contusion.
Sanchez to second base, Rondon from second to third base.— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) June 26, 2019
Angels GM Billy Eppler told reporters that Keynan Middleton will be ready to face hitters “pretty soon.”
James Paxton was blown up again and only has one quality start since April 26th.
Trevor Bauer threw 127 pitches over 6.2 IP against the Royals – allowing one earned run, walking one, and striking out twelve.
Tony Gonsolin was rocked for six runs (four earned) with three strikeouts and zero walks over four innings in a loss to the Diamondbacks.
Jake Lamb made his return and started at first base (against a lefty), going 0-for-4 with three strikeouts, while also making a fielding error. This is a timeshare to watch, as Christian Walker, Nick Ahmed, or Adam Jones could start mixing and matching.
Jarrod Dyson has been cold recently, but he swiped his 18th and 19th bases of the year.
Garrett Hampson received his second consecutive start and went 2-for-4 with a double, two runs scored, and a stolen base.
Ryan Zimmerman is expected to join the Nationals this weekend against the Tigers.
Bryse Wilson will take the mound today against the Cubs in place of Mike Soroka, who’s being pushed back to Friday against the Mets due to lingering tightness in his forearm.
Lorenzo Cain will return to the Brewers lineup today or tomorrow due to his thumb injury.
David Dahl drove in five of the Rockies six runs against SF. Four of them came on a grand slam – his third home run in his last four games.
HE GOT DAHL OF THAT. pic.twitter.com/xv311gWuLv
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) June 26, 2019
Craig Kimbrel will make his way to the Cubs today.
Mike Minor allowed one run with seven strikeouts and two walks in a complete-game win against the Tigers.
Willie Calhoun hit his second home runs in eight games since returning from the IL. He’s hitting .313/.353/.625 during that time.
Jeimer Candelario was recalled from the minors after hitting .345/.427/.631 with five home runs and 24 RBI in 96 PA in Triple-A. He went 2-for-3 with a double in his first game back.
Matt Boyd allowed at least four runs for the third-straight start, but he’s continuing to rack up those strikeouts.
After I recommended picking up Scott Kingery everywhere yesterday, he went 0-for-5 with four strikeouts (out of the leadoff spot) against Jason Vargas (10 K on the day) and the Mets.
Um, Jeff McNeil has a 150 wRC+ this year and has posted a combined 4.9 WAR between 2018/2019. He also has seven multi-hit games in his last nine.
Wilson Contreras has a hit in ten-straight, and hit his fifth home run this month yesterday (17th this season).
Willy Adames hit a homer in his second straight and has hits in seven-of-nine.
Kevin Newman hit his third home run of the year and swiped his fourth base of the month yesterday. He also has a 14-game hitting streak going.
J.P. Crawford continues to rake.
Some Indians updates:
On Corey Kluber’s right forearm and 4 other things about the Cleveland Indians https://t.co/OT5fJulql8
— paul hoynes (@hoynsie) June 26, 2019
Streaming Pitchers (Less than 50% owned)
Pitcher for Today: None
With fewer options than normal, there just isn’t anyone I’d recommend.
High-Risk Option: Martin Perez vs TAM
The Rays are 25th in OPS over the last seven days and Perez has fared better at home.
Pitcher for Tomorrow: Merrill Kelly at SF
Kelly has been good recently and has allowed two earned runs in 11.1 IP against the Giants spanning two starts this season.
High-Risk Options: Anibal Sanchez at DET, Wade Miley vs SEA
Fantasy Baseball and Tampa Bay Rays enthusiast. Restaurant manager by day, fantasy analyst by night. Contributor to Rotographs, Baseball HQ, Fantasy Pros, and co-owner of Friends with Fantasy Benefits. Follow me @MikeWernerFWFB.
“In a somewhat related note, the Yankees pulled the ultimate ‘savage’ card and brought back Mike Tauchman instead of Clint Frazier. Yikes.”
Frazier’s service time is currently at 1.057. There are 95 days left in the season (I think). If brought up today and kept on the 25-man for the rest of the year, he’d max out at 1.152. Super 2 is usually around 2.130. Meaning as long as Frazier is down for another month-ish, the Yanks could have him on the 25-man for the duration of 2020 and avoid Super 2.
But, yeah, something, something, needs to play everyday.
Honestly didn’t even think of the service time implications. Figured they didn’t bring him up for more tedious reasons, but that completely makes sense.
I think it’s more about the fact that he can’t play defense at the moment. They have a dedicated DH already in Encarnacion. Also, they only play 2 games in 5 days so it’s probably better for Frazier to work on his defense in AAA playing every day.
I’m not a Yankee fan, so you might be right. But anytime I hear “needs to work on his defense” from management, my brain automatically replaces it with “service time manipulation.”
https://blogs.fangraphs.com/down-goes-frazier-when-it-comes-to-defensive-metrics/