Sunday Fantasy Waiver Wire & FAAB Chat

Jeff Zimmerman: OK, I’ll start this a few minutes early and will only go an hour as I have another commitment.

Jeff Zimmerman: First, here are the FAAB bids for the two 15-team Tout Wars teams

Jeff Zimmerman: Draft

Jeff Zimmerman: HStrickland (SF): 303
MDavidson (CWS): 87
KPlawecki (NYM): 42
AKnapp (Phi): 38
DMachado (Det): 34
DDietrich (Mia): 27
JZimmermann (Det): 23
TAustin (NYY): 12
LForsythe (LAD): 12
JMarisnick (Hou): 8
YSanchez (CWS): 7
CRichard (SD): 7
CSmith (Mia): 6
MGivens (Bal): 3
BAnderson (Mia): 3
PTucker (Atl): 2
MMarjama (Sea): 0

Jeff Zimmerman: Auction

Jeff Zimmerman: JZimmermann (Det): 262
MDuffy (TB): 101
TAustin (NYY): 98
RGsellman (NYM): 85
JHeyward (ChC): 62
IKennedy (KC): 46
SLugo (NYM): 46
NMarkakis (Atl): 38
DODay (Bal): 36
MGonzales (Sea): 28
HBailey (Cin): 26
JGarcia (Tor): 21
CRichard (SD): 17
MBoyd (Det): 17
CSisco (Bal): 10
KJepsen (Tex): 7
AKnapp (Phi): 5

Jeff Zimmerman: $1000 budgets

Jeff Zimmerman: Strickland for $300 is probably a little high but close for the league’s depth

Jeff Zimmerman: I picked up Duffy and Gsellman. I’m fairly aggressive early if I want a guy. Usually teams start out with timid bids

Curtis: Seriously worried about Franco’s playing time with Kingery up. Feels like a swap for Matt Davidson or someone else on the wire is the right move. Thoughts? Generally play in 12 team mixed leagues (NFBC Online Championship).

Jeff Zimmerman: It’s a legit worry. I think I’d move quickly to another full-time starter.

Boom: Add Ianetta????

Jeff Zimmerman: Context …..please.

Pie: Is Keynan Middleton worth a speculative pickup in a 12 or 15 team mixed?

Jeff Zimmerman: He’s worth a stash for sure. He’s got to control the HR’s this year.

Pie: Is Claudio worth owning in a 15 team mixed, or should I cut bait for a better saves spec?

Jeff Zimmerman: Some team in a 15-team league should have him … it might now be your team. If you think there is a better option drop him and move on.

First: What widely owned catchers might have changed your mind this week, that you would want to own?

Jeff Zimmerman: I’m only looking at lineups right now with catchers or any hitters. Nothing else can be determined from three games.

Ryan: On the catcher-carousel already this year… who do you like, out of d’Arnaud, Hedges, Avila as a short-term bet?

Jeff Zimmerman: Avila for me.

Steve: I pretty much decided not to go after Ohtani because I expected around 140-150 innings. Should that continue to be the projection? Looked great today

Jeff Zimmerman: It’s going to be tough to reach anything more than 150 IP with a 6-man rotation.

Daniel: Jeff, I used Depth Charts projections to evaluate each team in my league. Is there a good method I could use to isolate which team is the best and worst? I was thinking std.dev. Not a big stats guy

Jeff Zimmerman: Probably the best method. You can use the ROS projections to get an idea of the future.

Marko: Is Matt Chapman a top 12 3B in OBP leagues?

Jeff Zimmerman: Not even close. He might not even be a CI in that shallow of a league

FantasyMeetsReality: Pick 2 of these SPs for full year potential in a H2H points league: Musgrove, Mikolas, McCarthy, Skaggs or C. Richard?

Jeff Zimmerman: Richards …… Skaggs, Musgrove …… Mikolas …. McCarthy

Rickon: Who’s the best replacement for DeShields in OBP leagues? AVG has Peraza, Mallex, etc.

Jeff Zimmerman: Mallex but tough call

Rickon: Aaron Hicks was batting fifth before injury (1 game). Is he worth a DL stash?

Jeff Zimmerman: Yes, if available. The RBIs could be huge.

B. Ryce Hammer’s Luscious Locks: Start Garret Richards vs. Cleveland or Godley vs LAD this coming week? Am I dumb to need to ask this question?

Jeff Zimmerman: Both …. Richards but close

Noah: how much risk is too much risk in a pitching staff? 3 DL slots, my pitchers are Severino, Syndergaard, McCullers, Hill, Paxton, Aaron Sanchez, and Tanaka. Are there really any stable arms?

Jeff Zimmerman: All arms have risk. Owners can’t get away from it. Risk tolerance to me only depends on replacement level. The higher the replacement level, the more risk I take on.

Okra: I’m seeing rather different velocity readings from pitch f/x and baseball info solutions on the player pages.  One says Kershaw’s fastball is down 1.5mph and the other only 0.2mph.  Why is this and which is more accurate?  Thanks!

Jeff Zimmerman: Always trust Brooks (IMO) and they have ….

Jeff Zimmerman: … nothing … great …

Jeff Zimmerman: I’ll try to answer in the comments.

Zorglorb: Trea Turner batting 6th has me fairly depressed.  Am I overreacting?

Jeff Zimmerman: Some but it is probably the best lineup for the Nats. He doesn’t walk

Mike: Would you rather have Bour or Alonso ROS?

Jeff Zimmerman: Alonso based on a better lineup around him. More counting stats and PAs.

Bob: With Bird on the DL I have Alonso in the 1b roll —- after 12 games I can move Machado to SS – Sano can be at 3b and then Duda at DH … or do I keep Baez in the roll at SS over Duda at DH ?

Jeff Zimmerman: Depends on needs but I’d go with Duda. Also, you may be able to trade Baez off as someone seems to always like him

@TheRotoFeed: Start/Sit Taijuan Walker hosting Ryu/LAD tomorrow?

Jeff Zimmerman: I’d start him. It’s a tossup IMO.

Brian: Need 3B backup. Eduardo Escobar or Headley?

Jeff Zimmerman: I’ve been going with Escobar. Talent similar but better lineup for Escobar.

Maris: Start Barnes or Weiters this week? Drafted Barnes too early, but he’s not playing. A draft mistake?

Jeff Zimmerman: Play Wieters and drafting Barnes now looks like a mistake. Don’t make a second mistake by holding on too long.

Jeff Zimmerman: Alonso but I need to dive into Davidson to see if there is any change

Bud: $100 FAAB budget, need an OF in 5×5 Roto 15tm, Conforto got dropped. $40? $50?

Jeff Zimmerman: Sounds about right. Someone may go crazy and be over $100

Robert: I’m holding Jordan Hicks as SP/RP in my dynasty league because he is absolutely filthy, but what are the odds that he actually gets saves at some point?

Jeff Zimmerman: Slimmer with Holland now. Maybe 10% this season.

Mike: Is Brach safe as the closer in BAL?  O’Day or Givens next in line?

Jeff Zimmerman: No closer is safe.

Jeff Zimmerman: I’ve Brach at a 30% chance of keeping the job all season.

Jeff Zimmerman: https://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/closer-job-security-chances/

Ryan: Curious about the Gsellman pick – do you project he ends up back in rotation, or more of an Andrew-Miller-type role? Good in a holds league?

Jeff Zimmerman: Starting as long as he stays on the Mets … I’ll assume most of the rotation will spend some time on the DL. And for now, he can be the Andrew Miller type.

Jeff Zimmerman: I love the 2 IP guys who can possibly start later. Gsellman, Peacock, Mongomery, McHugh

Jim : How long will Melancon me out and will he regain closer role

Jeff Zimmerman: I had no faith in his return after his arm nearly died: http://triblive.com/sports/mlb/13332898-74/giants-closer-mark-melancon…

Jeff Zimmerman: I’d bet be struggles with injuries all season.

Jim: I know you arent the prospects guy, but have you heard anything about Sidd Finch, Mets pitching prospect?  Supposed to be “the real deal”.  Should I add to a dynasty roster?

Jeff Zimmerman: I used to get SI back in the day and got that issue in the mail: He’s a pitcher, part yogi and part recluse. Impressively liberated from our opulent life-style, Sidd’s deciding about yoga—and his future in baseball.

BobbyV: Manaea available in a 12 team QS (over W) league, pick him up?

Jeff Zimmerman: Depends on who you drop

John: Pick up Chad Green in a saves + holds league?

Jeff Zimmerman: How is he not already owned?

Yes inDidi: Drop Hanley for Haniger in a points league?

Jeff Zimmerman: Close … yes, but I’d not pay much for Haniger.

Floyd: For holds, do you prefer Edubray Ramos or Ross Stripling? – thanks

Jeff Zimmerman: Neither … there has to be better options.

Fly: % FAAB on Middleton? Strickland went for 37% FAAB, highest in league history for closer.

Jeff Zimmerman: 15%

Weather: I’ve heard closers still have a value edge over other relievers in saves + holds because saves are more plentiful than holds. Is there a tipping point where it’s even?

Jeff Zimmerman: They aren’t more plentiful ….

Jeff Zimmerman: … and I can’t find the article

Jeff Zimmerman: A lot of the top Holds pitchers end up closing so they get Saves dropping their overall total. I might need to revisit the idea.

Rx: Thoughts on Caleb Smith? Looks like his minor numbers support a high K upside.

Jeff Zimmerman: …and he has high upside by giving up walks and home runs. He needs to get both under control

Rx: Does Pedro Strop close before Carl Edwards Jr? I would imagine it doesn’t matter since the Cubs will eventually trade for a closer as we approach July.

Jeff Zimmerman: I’d bet on Edwards

Bob: Cut J.D. Davis now or wait a bit?

Jeff Zimmerman: After three games? No, if as an owner, I valued him correctly in the preseason.

Closer : Prioritize Strickland or Box? % of $100 for each? Thanks for doing this. Great idea.

Jeff Zimmerman: Box … I think. Maybe both with 15% each.

Evan: What are your thoughts on K. Gibson of the twins. After getting rid of his slider he has seemed to turn his career around.

Jeff Zimmerman: I wasn’t a fan at the end of last season. He’s a fine streaming option.

Closer : Deep league ratio and K help: Hader or Jordan Hicks? Any chance either gets the closer job?

Jeff Zimmerman: Hicks and 15% for each.

Alex Meisler : Would you drop Matt Chapman for Jose Ramirez (8×8)

Jeff Zimmerman: Yes if the Ramirez is the one on the Indians.

Mark: 18 team keep forever with saves/holds combined and k/bb rate and 7 RP per team. what % of faab is Jordan hicks worth? I have swarzak, gsellman, steckenrider, glasnow, musgrove, pagan, Michael feliz in those spots right now

Jeff Zimmerman: 15%

Kevin: Kiermaier or Pillar ROS?

Jeff Zimmerman: Kiermaier … more power

sitremba: How much of FAAB to spend on Drury? Only have Beltre at 3B but have depth at 2B and 1B. Does he keep job all year?

Jeff Zimmerman: No on keeping the job. 5% or less. Drury is no difference maker to spend too much money on

Jeff Zimmerman: I can’t give up on Salazar

Taylor: Should I drop gausman for manaea? I think it’s early to judge gausman but he has burned me before

Jeff Zimmerman: Manaea but expect a DL stint. I’m probably the low man on Gausman

Drew: Hey jeff.  played chicken with SS in a deep league and ended up with Dansby Swanson.  Would you place a bid on Eduardo Escobar for insurance if it meant dropping Derek Fisher

Jeff Zimmerman: You might pull off a trade for Fisher. I like Fisher a lot but it’s a tough road to playing time. Hold Fisher for a week and see if you can trade him.

Chris: How much for Kingery this week and Acuna when they come….IF you have must keep them next year if you bid more than $25.  Do you go over that limit?

Jeff Zimmerman: Save for Acuna and bring a $95 hammer. Hopefully, you have $0 bids. If not, may have to do your 1 for their 2 during the season.

Miguel Andujar: Will I be up long?

Jeff Zimmerman: No

Outfielded: Which 2 of the following 4 would you take ROS: Conforto/Acuna/Haniger/Jose Martinez?

Jeff Zimmerman: Martinez and Acuna

VottomanEmpire: As a Blake Parker owner, should I be putting down some FAAB on Keynan Middleton tonight after Parker’s early hook and Middleton’s save?

Jeff Zimmerman: Yes, for sure

Dave: Is Sal Romano worth an add? 6 IP/3 ER against the Nats seems pretty good, especially given that Adam Eaton is using cheat codes.

Jeff Zimmerman: Depends if anything has changed but I’d say no.

Guest: Name two guys who will be this year’s 2017 Chad Green?

Jeff Zimmerman: My crushes, Gsellman and Hicks

Ben: 10 tm, H2H categories – pick up Willie Calhoun or Jose Martinez right now for ROS?

Jeff Zimmerman: Both? … Martinez if only one

Jeremy: Currently have Faria as a 5th starter, but worried how the Rays are going to manage pitching. Skaggs is available. Swap em?

Jeff Zimmerman: I like Skaggs better than Faria

Edwin: Daniel Vogelbach – if Cruz sits, he worthy of a 12-team flyer?

Jeff Zimmerman: Yes but be willing to cut and move on quickly

steve: Does Santander get enough at bats in Balt. to be considered in AL only.

Jeff Zimmerman: Right now, AL-only

Bilbo: Do you like those type of RPs (Peacock, Montgomery, etc.) over borderline closers like Ziegler, Neris and Soria?

Jeff Zimmerman: I’d like the Saves when you can get them. I’m streaming MR when my backend starters have tough matchups. Keep ratios and likely end up with more K’s

Al: Who would you rather keep.  Chad Green, Givens or Nate Jones?

Jeff Zimmerman: Green but if desperate for K’s, Givens

Zappa: Just added m taylorl. Also have Eaton and Harper. Should I be concerned about having too many nats?

Jeff Zimmerman: Never but your daily production with be a roller coaster based on that day’s starter. It will even out over the season.

Justin: Kevin Pillar,  a decent wire replacement for injured Deshields?

Jeff Zimmerman: Yes, there’s not many steals on the wire.

Ac: Pls rank Andujar, Davidson and T Anderson

Jeff Zimmerman: Davidson

Jeff Zimmerman: Anderson … Andujar

Jeff Zimmerman: But really need more context

Ac: Buying Taijuan Walker this year?

Jeff Zimmerman: He has a place in most leagues.

rainmaker42: Which 2 SPs would you pick- Matt Moore, Sal Romano, Nick Pivetta, Jason Hammel, and Chad Kuhl

Jeff Zimmerman: None, I’d use a middle reliever without any more context.

JDD: Drafted Matt Olson 10th rd in 12 team league . Thought maybe he totally breaks out. But he seems to be a K machine. Will he hit .220?

Jeff Zimmerman: It’s been three days. Against a team’s top three starters. Patience

A different Jeff: How much would you bid out of FAAB budget to get Duda? Would drop G Torres. NFBC 12-team Rotowire online championship

Jeff Zimmerman: I’m not sure I would but $5 max

Jim: Jeff, thanks for the April Fools day post of the Sidd Finch question.

Jeff Zimmerman: You’re welcome

Brian: Picking up a backup 3B I need. Projected near the bottom in SB, drop Heyward or Span?

Jeff Zimmerman: Either is dropable

joe: Would you rather have Bradley Zimmer or Randal Grichuk

Jeff Zimmerman: Depends if I need speed or power. Both will kill your AVG

Jeff Zimmerman: Sorry everyone, it has been an hour, so I’m off. The queue is packed and I’m going to see about getting some help before or after my slot. Same time next week. Bye. Jeff Z