Sunday FAAB & Waiver Wire Chat

7:29
Jeff Zimmerman: As normal, I will answer all waiver wire and FAAB questions. Including as much league and team, context is desirable.

7:30
Jeff Zimmerman: Here are the FAAB bids from the two 15-team Tout Wars mixed leagues this week:

7:30
Jeff Zimmerman: Auction

7:30
Jeff Zimmerman: ADeSclafani: 87
TClippard: 83
FPena: 39
YSanchez: 38
AMejia: 37
WSmith: 36
KBroxton: 30
RTapia: 18
WPeralta: 13
MFried: 11
ELauer: 9
RBorucki: 5
NHundley: 5
APujols: 2
TWatson: 2
EDiaz: 1
MCanha: 1
CBassitt: 0

7:30
Jeff Zimmerman: Draft:

7:30
Jeff Zimmerman: KBroxton: 61
JPolanco: 58
ABarnes: 47
WSmith: 35
AMondesi: 33
NEovaldi: 31
DRodriguez: 27
KTucker: 22
MMaldonado: 21
RTapia: 21
SOh: 16
DWinkler: 16
JShields: 12
EJimenez: 6
HPerez: 4
MFried: 3
JMarisnick: 3
CMoran: 3
JAlfaro: 2
HBader: 2
CStratton: 2
CCulberson: 1
AGarrett: 1
DHolland: 1
KPlawecki: 0
RMartin: 0

7:31
Scott: 14-team roto.  Are Willie Calhoun or Eloy Jimenez worth stashing over Lucas Duda?

7:31
Jeff Zimmerman: With all the trade talk coming out of Texas, I’d stash Calhoun over the other two

7:31
Jake Junis Priest: Could you rank these WW options? (Speed a plus): David Fletcher, Jorge Bonifacio, Rossell Herrera, Victor Reyes (w/ Leyonis Martin going to DL…). Thank you!

7:32
Jeff Zimmerman: You have them in the right order. I’m not high on Herrera or Reyes at all

7:32
Parts+Gleyber: Looking for a starter in AL only. Could you rank or pick from F. Montas, J. Zimmerman, E. Jackson, J. Shields, C. Bassitt…? Or is a middle reliever better? Thanks!

7:33
Jeff Zimmerman: Montas … then a middle reliever. Now, some of these pitchers can be streamed depending on the matchups.

7:33
Rougned Odor: Is my recent surge worth a pick-up over a struggling Adam Ottavino?

7:34
Jeff Zimmerman: It really comes down to your team needs at this point in the season. Do you need good ratios or home runs. I don’t think Odor will give any more SB

7:34
Bubba : Jorge Polanco worth it?

7:35
Jeff Zimmerman: Yes, he was about a $5-$10 player coming into the season.

7:35
Jake Junis Priest: Was interested in your high Franklin Barreto ranking in your prospect list. He looks a little overmatched w/ the K’s, but I want to want him. Worth holding in AL only for this year? Thanks!

7:35
Jeff Zimmerman: In AL-only, sure. There are many choices out there.

7:36
Taylor: Is gausman must own in a 12 team H2H categories league with the added splitter use? What k/9 do you project him for rest of season?

7:37
Jeff Zimmerman: I think he’s a must-own but not a must-start. An owner may have to drop him if they get a more reliable arm.

7:38
Jon: Think Wily Peralta keeps the MIL closer job or gets traded at the deadline?

7:39
Jeff Zimmerman: He looks to have the KC job right now and teams aren’t going to want a pitcher with a BB/9 over 7 for the stretch run

7:39
Hannah Hochevar: Kevin McCarthy ain’t sniffing saves is he…

7:39
Jeff Zimmerman: No yet but this bullpen is baddddddddddddddddddd.

7:39
Rollie’s Mustache: Need to grab a starter off waivers tonight in a 6×6 QS roto league. Who do you like most of this group? Estrada, Eflin, Nova, Gibson, Wheeler, Dereck Rodriguez or Sabathia. Thanks!

7:40
Jeff Zimmerman: I have an irrational love for Rodriguez, so I’ll say someone else. I think I’m going with Gibson.

7:41
Tim: Dere(c)k Holland or Rodriguez ROS in redraft?

7:42
Jeff Zimmerman: I’d gamble on Rodriguez’s upside for now

7:42
Faabulous: Better bet Ros Tapia or Dahl? Percentage chance Tapia gets regular playing time going forward?

7:42
Jeff Zimmerman: This one is tough as the Rockies are unpredictable. My guy says Dahl but no idea really.

7:42
kuff6: NL only 5×5  redraft – Kingham, Derek Rodriguez, or (gulp) Matt Harvey for rest of season?  Thanks!

7:42
Jeff Zimmerman: Go with Kingham for now

7:43
kuff6: Redraft 5×5 with obp instead of avg, would you trade Miguel Andujar for Frank Cervelli?  Cerv would upgrade from Romine/Tom Murphy.  Andujar currently my utility, would plug in Nimmo or pick up Winker to replace him.  Thanks!!

7:44
Jeff Zimmerman: I’d replace Andujar with Nimmo and wait on Cervelli until he is out of concussion screening

7:45
Craig: Fried or Alcantara for reminder of season? Dynasty league?

7:45
Jeff Zimmerman: Fried and hope he finds some command

7:45
Declan: 16 team roto keeper, would you give up $6 Robbie Ray for $6 Mitch Haniger or $7 O Herrera.  Fair or aim higher.  Need an OF.

7:46
Jeff Zimmerman: Aim a bitter higher but it you need to make the move to win the league, make the trade.

7:47
Kuff6: Sorry – updated question from earlier. Redraft 5×5 – kingham, d rod, Harvey, or Shelby Miller Rest of season?  Thanks!

7:47
Jeff Zimmerman: Still Kingham, then DRod

7:47
VottomanEmpire: Thoughts on the SF closer situation?

7:48
Jeff Zimmerman: Honestly, I don’t know. Everyone keeps saying Melancon will close but since he’s already getting his money, he could pitch any inning.

7:49
Steve P: dropping any of the following for Kingham (QS instead of Wins): Marco G, Taillon, Pivetta, Musgrove, Heaney?

7:49
Jeff Zimmerman: I don’t think so …. Musgrove if you must

7:50
Andrew: Need a filler for L. Martin in an AL only league.  Is Canha the better option or has Kole Calhoun turned it around?

7:50
Jeff Zimmerman: I’d bet on Calhoun for a week. If he’s still not producing, move on.

7:50
kerosenedan: Standard 5×5. In what order would you rank these 3 SP for the rest of 2018: McHugh/Fried/Dereck Rodriguez

7:51
Jeff Zimmerman: Rod, Fried, McHugh (if still a reliever).

7:51
Johnny5Alive: NL only league. Is an unkeepable Myers for a$1 franchy cordero and prospect Keibert Ruiz good enough? In a rebuild. Other offer is a $6 mahle.

7:51
Jeff Zimmerman: Make the trade but I love Franchy

7:52
Johnny5Alive: Gant or fried?

7:52
Jeff Zimmerman: Fried but get ready for the WHIP jump

7:52
Phantasy Ball: Clippard or Oh? Keep Fransisco Meija or grab Barreto?

7:52
Jeff Zimmerman: Clippard for now. Stay with Mejia

7:52
Yojiveself: Is osuna truly going to walk back into the closer role?

7:53
Jeff Zimmerman: Maybe. Yes if the Blue Jays think they can trade him

7:53
Nick: Thoughts on Nick Pivetta? Now available as a FA in my league.

7:53
Jeff Zimmerman: Bench streamer

7:53
vader: Just need a bat…Muncy or Peralta?

7:54
Jeff Zimmerman: Muncy

7:54
Faabulous: Drop bour for polanco? H2h 12 tm.

7:55
Jeff Zimmerman: This is a tough one as you might not get Bour back if Polanco struggles or doesn’t play. I stick with Bour based on playing time.

7:55
Guest: Zach Eflin and Shane Bieber are still on the wire in my league. Which one between the two?

7:55
Jeff Zimmerman: Bieber

7:55
jimniezgoda: H2h 5×5 14tm which closer do you like better J. Soria or Clippard?

7:56
Jeff Zimmerman: Soria. I think there are so many better relievers on the market than him and his market with dry up.

7:56
Jeff Zimmerman: Too many arms in Toronto

7:57
Guest: would you drop any of the following for Trivino: Minter, Brach, Watson, archie bradley? thanks!

7:57
Jeff Zimmerman: Bradley

7:57
Joe B: Drop Godleyfor Shane Bieber.

7:58
Jeff Zimmerman: Yes

7:58
Jake Junis Priest : My namesake has looked bad of late, especially the dingers. Should I start him tomorrow vs cle, al only?

7:58
Jeff Zimmerman: I’d probably not

7:58
Johnny5Alive: Is Fowler basically done? I know they list put him on paternity leave but it’s not like he’s been playing. I know the peripherals suggest some positive regression but will the cards give him the time? Worth dropping for tapia or broxton?

7:59
Jeff Zimmerman: I’d take a chance on Broxton. You can always go back to Fowler

7:59
Faabulous: 12×12 roto, what’s the bid for lowrie?

7:59
Jeff Zimmerman: 10%

8:00
Jason: Would you drop any of the following for Trivino? Watson, Brach, Archie Bradley, Minter, thanks!

8:00
Jeff Zimmerman: Watson

8:00
Mike Honcho: How do you rank these guys ROS…Sano, Souza, Duvall, Eaton, Bour. Thx

8:01
Jeff Zimmerman: Eaton, Bour, Duvall, Souza, Sano

8:01
Matt: Any sneaky SB sources for ROS for 5×5 Ottoneu?

8:01
Jeff Zimmerman: The Royals Mondesi

8:01
Virus: Is Alen Hanson anything more than an average utilityman?

8:01
Jeff Zimmerman: His speed is useful in Roto

8:02
Jake Junis Priest: Follow-up on Barreto: would you rather him vs. Brock Holt?

8:02
Jeff Zimmerman: Barreto while he still plays

8:02
vader: ROS for H2H…Kingham, Eflin, Suter or Guerra?

8:03
Jeff Zimmerman: Eflin but possibly Kingham

8:03
Andrew: Is Bonifacio better than Canha or Calhoun? Looking for a one to two week starter with Martin on the DL.

8:03
Jeff Zimmerman: I’d go with Boni and see if he catches fire

8:03
Travioli: Which Pirates pitcher do you trust most this week against the Dodgers? Musgrove, Nova or Kingham?

8:04
Jeff Zimmerman: Kingham but I’d feel dirty about doing it.

8:04
jimniezgoda: Rank these 3b ROS Jake Lamb, Chapman or Todd Frazier.

8:04
Jeff Zimmerman: Chapman, Lamb, Frazier

8:04
Jonah: Got a trade I’m looking at… dynasty league – 18 team. My Marcell Ozuna for Matt Olson and Jon Gray.. what you think?

8:04
Jeff Zimmerman: I like it

8:05
Jeff: Dereck Rodriguez or Joey Lucchesi?

8:05
Jeff Zimmerman: DRod

8:05
Andrew Triggskaidekaphobia : 12 team 5×5 H2H redraft. If I am trading David Price, are targets like Jesus Aguilar, Tommy Pham, or Khris Davis reasonable returns!

8:05
Jeff Zimmerman: You may be aiming too high

8:06
Craig: What do you think of fried?

8:06
Jeff Zimmerman: I was way off last year but the strikeouts are way up. I’d bench and observe

8:07
Faabulous: Kiermeier going to bat .255 avg plus rest of season? Worth a bid?

8:07
Jeff Zimmerman: No idea on AVG, such a crapshoot stat. I’d bid if available

8:08
Zack Godley: Drop me for a middle reliever at this point? WHIP killer

8:08
Jeff Zimmerman: possible trade, someone would take him

8:09
LFC Mike: Good Evening Jeff.  I am having to think about 2019 for fantasy baseball purposes.  12 TEAM AL/NL LEAGUE  32 Roster spots   23 active players. Are Nomar Mazara and Trevor Bauer top 50 players for 2019? Where would you slot them…this is a keeper question for best value. Thanks so much.

8:09
Jeff Zimmerman: Bauer is for now

8:09
Jeff Zimmerman: Now to cheat some, put your league settings into our auction calculator

8:10
Jeff Zimmerman: Use the Depth Chart ROS numbers and you will get a decent ranking for next season.

8:10
jimniezgoda: Being offered  Joey Gallo for Jose Quintana?  My SP is so so but have a high team avg and need HR.

8:10
Jeff Zimmerman: Go for it.

8:10
Lee: What do you think of Jesse Winker in a H2H points league for the rest of the season?  He looks like a solid player when he gets ABs.

8:11
Jeff Zimmerman: The platoon is killing his value.

8:11
Jeff Zimmerman: At least he’s on the strong side

8:12
Chell: Best stats ROS – Lamb, Polanco or Mancini

8:12
Jeff Zimmerman: Lamb

8:12
Chell: Best Free Agent pitcher ROS – Eovaldi, Loasiga, kINGHAM, Leblanc, or D Rod

8:13
Jeff Zimmerman: I’ll go with a biased DRod and then Loasiga. Both could get demoted.

8:13
Roy Phillips: Any good/intriguing SSs worth picking up over my Ketel Marte? deep points league, best options out there are Kike Hernandez, Duffy, and then a drop to Igglesias, Robertson, Camargo etc

8:13
Jeff Zimmerman: role with Marte

8:14
Chucky : Drop Godley for Kingham?

8:14
Jeff Zimmerman: Godley, with the lower velo, is back to his old self, useless.

8:15
Nino Sarris: Best pitcher and catcher in the minors to stash for ROS?

8:15
Jeff Zimmerman: Kopech and don’t stash a catcher. Stash a hitter who will help your team.

8:15
Evan: 12-team, 40-man, 25-keep (forever)… what type of package would get a conversation started to target scherzer from a struggling team?

8:16
Jeff Zimmerman: You’ll need a top-20 pick. I tried to deal Trout for him and the owner would only accept a 1:1

8:16
HappyFunBall: Would like to pick up Bieber. Last three pitchers are Barria, Pivetta, and suddenly Jon Gray. Who goes?

8:16
Jeff Zimmerman: Drop Barria for now

8:17
Travioli: Have a pretty deep rotation but my 7th Sp slot has been in flux. Currently have Ivan Nova there, would you take a chance on Dereck Rodriguez’s upside over Nova’s high floor?

8:17
Jeff Zimmerman: Crazy you should ask … yes

8:17
Faabulous: What are the chances Ryan Zimmerman is productive for the last August/September

8:18
Jeff Zimmerman: What are the chances he’s 100% healthy?

8:18
hscer: what are your fantasy concerns about Hiura

8:19
Jeff Zimmerman: The only one is the walk rate. His upside may max out at Adam Jones

8:19
Chucky : Nimmo or Winker until Pollock returns?

8:19
Jeff Zimmerman: Nimmo

8:19
Young: Fried or Alcantara for rest of this season?

8:19
Jeff Zimmerman: Fried while the K’s are high

8:21
Paco: Is Peraza for real….or ride the wave while he’s hot?

8:21
Jeff Zimmerman: Go for it. Walks up, strikeouts down, and higher launch angle.

8:22
Chucky : Gomes, Barnhart, Chirinos , TMurphy or Stassi?

8:22
Jeff Zimmerman: Barnhart. Lots of playing time and acceptable stats.

8:22
Paco: Thoughts on Yuli Gurriel?  Seems primed to start hitting HRs ROS but maybe I’m talking my own book

8:23
Jeff Zimmerman: He’s never really been an HR threat. There is no reason to start now

8:23
Paco: Will Kris Bryant rebound after returning from the DL?

8:24
Jeff Zimmerman: Some, he was playing horrible right before he went on.

8:24
Paco: Any thoughts on Dozier ROS?   Would you buy low?

8:25
Jeff Zimmerman: No. His profile looks like he’s playing through something

8:26
CW: How do you explain the Scooter surge? Is this sustrainable – this year and into next?

8:27
Jeff Zimmerman: He’s swinging hard with more loft. He’s been doing it for about 3 seasons but owners are now just buying in.

8:27
Faabulous: Is Giles going to get the closer job to himself again or has that sailed? Droppable over Archie?

8:27
Jeff Zimmerman: I’d still prefer Giles

8:28
Jeff Zimmerman: I think AZ may trade for a closer or two

8:28
CW: Who is more likely to reach their hype – JP Crawford or Dansby Swanson?

8:28
Jeff Zimmerman: Swanson for fantasy.

8:28
Chucky : Castillo two starts this week, u buying or bailing like everyone else?

8:28
Jeff Zimmerman: I like the talent and am buying in …. let me check something …

8:31
Jeff Zimmerman: I may not start. The velo drop may be hurting him too much.

8:32
Jeff Zimmerman: Well, that’s it for this week. I’ll be here next week, but the week after is up in the air as I will be in Vegas for a conference.





Jeff, one of the authors of the fantasy baseball guide,The Process, writes for RotoGraphs, The Hardball Times, Rotowire, Baseball America, and BaseballHQ. He has been nominated for two SABR Analytics Research Award for Contemporary Analysis and won it in 2013 in tandem with Bill Petti. He has won four FSWA Awards including on for his Mining the News series. He's won Tout Wars three times, LABR twice, and got his first NFBC Main Event win in 2021. Follow him on Twitter @jeffwzimmerman.

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Charlie Hustlemember
5 years ago

Not sure if it was intentional, but you may on onto something by giving different answers to people who ask repeat questions. 🙂