Sunday Night Waiver Wire & FAAB Chat

Jeff Zimmerman: Welcome

Jeff Zimmerman: Here are the winning bids in the three 15-team, mixed Tout Wars leagues.

Jeff Zimmerman:

Turn Two: Looking towards next year in an NL Only keeper league.. better shot at being a future closer Kopech or Pearson (both or neither?)? Both seem to have +Stuff

Jeff Zimmerman: Neither IMO. Wait and some closer situations will clear up. Also, look for closers at the end of their contract where someone else will need to step in.

Vic: In a 15 Tm Mixed would you drop Tyler Phillips for Faucher, Littell or Thompson?

Jeff Zimmerman: While I pump up Phillips, he’s probably a sit vs the Dodgers and Walker might then bump him from the rotation.

Jeff Zimmerman: I’d try to add Faucher and Littell

Joyce Ride: Thanks for doing these must-read chats. I’ve probably over-invested in shiny new toy Ben Joyce. Your rating of OK seems like a caution flag I should pay some attention to. Removing the possibility that he may not have the closer job, can you say any more about what doesn’t impress you?

Jeff Zimmerman: A 7.7 K/9 and 4.0 BB/9

Jeff Zimmerman: Of the 253 relievers with at least 20 IP, his 8.7% K%-BB% ranks 207th. On average 6 others relievers per bullpen are performing better.

Bosox985: Was very surprised to see Noelvi Marte hit the wire in my 12 team H2H dynasty league. Is he worth a FAAB bid of 10%?

Jeff Zimmerman: In dynasty, he’s might be worth the bid.

Jeff Zimmerman: I will say he’s WW fodder this season. His projected OPS is down 94 points since the start of the season.

Derek: 10 team keeper, Lawrence Butler or Victor Robles?

Jeff Zimmerman: Butler

Ben: Read where Tampa can gain extra year of control by holding down Caminero till after 8/25.  Would you hold Caminero or bid on J. Lowe or Meadows?  Redraft

Jeff Zimmerman: I’d get Low and Meadows

K Man: Do you expect a big FAAB bid to obtain  Springs where available?

Jeff Zimmerman: He’s not one of the top adds for me once I started to dig in. I’m worried he’s not going to get any Wins and some other arms I have higher (e.g. Festa).

Honkus Wagner: thanks for doing these. how would rank Robles, Butler, Yepez for a utility spot ROS?

Jeff Zimmerman: Butler ROS. With those options, you should be streaming the spot

Sidney: Do you trust Birdsong ROS?  Would be replacing Woods-Richardson.  QS and K/9 league

Jeff Zimmerman: Yes and yes

Henry: Will Alex Call get everyday ABs ROS?  What about when Crews is recalled?

Jeff Zimmerman: I’m not sure on Crews getting the call up. As for Call, ride this little hot streak

Jeff: Hey Jeff- thoughts on Thompson or Puk getting the first extended crack at saves for the D’Backs?

Jeff Zimmerman: I don’t think either has an edge right now

Mookie’s Best: What are your expectations for Mookie ROS?

Jeff Zimmerman: About 90% of what he was doing before the IL, so really good.

Yeah Well Hiura Towel: Why is DJ Herz not allowed to go past 5 innings?

Jeff Zimmerman: Is a rule. Section 3.48.5, article 23

Fedde: Fedde hit my NL dynasty league – can he keep his new-found success going.. what kind of bid % are we looking at? Would he be a keeper for next year too, if I get him at a fair price?

Jeff Zimmerman: Even with the info, each keeper league is its own beast so I have no clue how he fits into a league’s keepers

Scrounging: Looking for Saves in NL only. Hold Justin Martinez or drop for E. Phillips, Kopech, or Ryan Thompson? Thanks!

Jeff Zimmerman: I’d try for Phillips of the players listed if looking for Saves

Tell Me Why: Why are you better at fantasy baseball than Justin Mason? Feel free to also answer vs Brad Johnson or any current/previous FG fantasy writers. Why are you the best?

Jeff Zimmerman: Why are you trying to start some shit?

James: Stash Rasmussen in 18-team keeper league? He’ll be an SP again next year I’d think.

Jeff Zimmerman: Sure

Some Guy: How would you rank Cobb, Mahle, or Littell for pick up? Would be dropping woods richardson. Thanks.

Jeff Zimmerman: Mahle … Woods …. Cobb, Littell

Waiver game: Travis Scott still considered valuable even with the move to SD?  Seeking improved era/whip & replacing Neris with Scott

Jeff Zimmerman: Seems like you’re rearranging deck chairs for no reason.

Steve: Hays is boring but seems to playing everyday.  Would you dump him for Meadows (DET)?  Redraft league

Jeff Zimmerman: Yes, Hays over Meadows

Chucky: Rodgers @ Coors or the suddenly hot Lux this week for the broken Westburg?

Jeff Zimmerman: rodgers

Jake Meyers: Am I a drop in 5 OF OBP league (14 team) – avail are McCarthy, Wallner, Renfroe, Hays, J. Sanchz, Alex Call.

Jeff Zimmerman: I would look at the streaming for the week. I know Sanchez is the top rated for this week and Renfroe is way down because of the 5 game week. Several services (FTN, Razz, Moonshot) provide weekly ranks

Chucky: Looking for a bat to replace Langford’s balky back. Kepler, Larnach and Wallner are all available. All it will cost me is Jake Myers. Who’s the grab or go with Jake?

Jeff Zimmerman: I’d likely stick with Meyers but if you must, Larnauch for this week

Yeah Well Hiura Towel: Do I risk Sears v.CHW & @TOR, or Springs @STL & v.BAL, or both or neither?

Jeff Zimmerman: Sears is a no-brainer this week. I might pass on Springs until he can prove he can throw 5 IP

Zero Mayo: C.Mayo has zero hits! Should we be worried?

Jeff Zimmerman: He does have 2 walks, so I’m not freaking out. The one obvious issue is that he’s only seeing 25% fastballs and 66% sliders so far. I think teams have found his weakness.

Stella: what % of FAAB budget would you spend on A. Cobb in a standard 10 team 5×5 AL only roto?

Jeff Zimmerman: It’s going to be high. Depends are other players coming over in trades.

Jeff Zimmerman: In AL Tout Wars, he went for 8% of original budget

Guest: How high do you have to be in OC overall standings to continue to play for the overall?

Jeff Zimmerman: That’s a really good question … I’d still be trying in the top-100 for the overall. Just a note though. It’s an extra $700 for 2nd place and the same $700 for first.

Jeff Zimmerman: even though the top 30 pay, you need to be in the top-20 to win more than the $700 bump from 2nd to 1st.

Damaged Goods?: A contender is offering me CES from the Reds in my keeper league where I am not in the mix for a title.. is he too much-damaged goods or a good buy-low.  It’s a wrist injury from swinging at too many pitches out of the zone. I kid, but could he be a good power source at CR for $11 ($260 cap/NL)

Jeff Zimmerman: I would do it, if healthy, he’ll go for more in next year’s draft.

Catcher: What are your thoughts of Realmuto vs Fry for the rest of the season

Jeff Zimmerman: Sadly, this is close. I think Realmuto is still hurt, so struggling. But he could “heal” at any time and take off. I’d keep JTR around for his extra gear

Jimmy: Thoughts on Birdsong and his 2 start week ? Thanks

Jeff Zimmerman: I ranked him as the top WW add this week, what more do you want?

DodgerBlues: Looking towards our H2H playoffs at the beginning of September, how would you prioritize Birdsong, R Ryan, Schmidt, Cobb and Jobe

Jeff Zimmerman: Birdsong

KCBBq: $9 Ober or $19 Cole in 12 team AL only 5×5 H2H keeper league with 30% inflation. $260 team salary. My other pitchers are McClanhan $5, $1 Hendriks and $1 Felix Bautista.

Jeff Zimmerman: Ober

Brian: Need a sp in a qs league. E. Cabrera, M Gore, or D Festa?

Jeff Zimmerman: Festa and it’s not even close

Dave Roberts: The Dodgers’ closer is now whom, and how much money would you bid (if you think he’s someone who is on waiver wire)?

Jeff Zimmerman: No idea and I wouldn’t spend but the minimum there

I Shaved My Balls For This?: After lots of patience, do I finally drop Dansby at SS for: Holliday? Rafaela? Wynn?  CBS H2H points (12 teams but offense plays like a 10 since everyone stuffs their benches with every SP with a job)

Jeff Zimmerman: Go with Holliday for now but with the shallow WW, looks like a league to stream in

seattle-dreams: after 90 events this year combined Seattle-Washington, Robles EV, barrels, HH very, very healthy.  He does pass the eye test too – seems relaxed, patient, smooth – but maybe he is just hot right now?  90 events too small a sample, or do we have another Profar type situation?

Jeff Zimmerman: Usually hitting factors start to stabilize around 120 PA

Graham: Where can I find which teams or catchers are best to run against? Thanks!

Jeff Zimmerman: First, teams attack the pitcher, not the catcher. All MLB catchers fall in a tight window to 2B.

Jeff Zimmerman: Here is a link to each pitcher’s SB numbers: https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/majors/2024-basesituation-p…

Ross: With Rengifo back on the IL, I’m looking to add one of Jake Burger, Nolan Jones, Josh Lowe, Alex Call, Parker Meadows. Who ya got?

Jeff Zimmerman: Lowe or Burger

Nolan: Rank ROS…. Schwellenbach, Birdsong, Baz, Springs

Jeff Zimmerman: That order

Michael: Need a backup 1B. These 4 are available J.Bell, M.Busch, Schanuel or Horwitz

Jeff Zimmerman: Stream them if wire is this normally this deep

Alec Leamas: Will Parker Meadows be worth rostering in 12 teamers ROS?

Jeff Zimmerman: I wouldn’t spend up for him, my projections have him as a below average MLB hitter

Jeff Zimmerman: Here are Meadows Steamer600 comps. If any of them give you a warm fuzzy, feel free to add Meadows.

Jeff Zimmerman:

Cards: With Siani injured, will Nootbaar have full playing time / be worth rostering in 12T points? Will he better than Pham ros? Thanks

Jeff Zimmerman: Attack this outfield right now. I have no faith in VS3 getting regular PA

When to bail?: I have a few lucky / hot hitters, such as Eugenio Suarez and Tyler Fitzgerald.  Any tips on what to look for as they cool off when deciding whether to drop them?

Jeff Zimmerman: Watch for a downturn here: https://www.fangraphs.com/players/eugenio-suarez/12552/graphs?position…

Jeff Zimmerman: ISO, K% and BB% stabilize the fastest so any changes could be real

Guest: Do you Morel is worth hanging onto. I could drop for McNeil(3 @ Colo) or B. Lowe.

Jeff Zimmerman: Yes

Jeff Zimmerman: Hang onto Morel

Wes: Do you think Heliot Ramos can be dropped in 12s if spot crucial? Thumb seems bad and ominous but no IL until at least Tuesday

Jeff Zimmerman: Agree about the thumb. I’m trying to bench and insert if someone else gets hurt

Young Guns: Who do you trust most ROS Herz or Arrighetti? Or are they just streamers?

Jeff Zimmerman: Herz yes, Spaghetti no

Jeff Zimmerman: I trust Herz and Spaghetti is just a WW streamer

Purple Hays: Hays over Nootbar in a 5 OF 12 teamer?

Jeff Zimmerman: I’d go the other way

Jay: Should I drop Luis Rengifo and grab Xavier Edwards

Jeff Zimmerman: yes

VT: Thanks for doing these every week! Much appreciated

Jeff Zimmerman: You’re welcome

Guest: Are Stowers and Norby worth a flier in 12 tm?

Jeff Zimmerman: No, both are likely quad-A talents

Jacoby: Where would Wilyer Abreu be in your WW rankings?

Jeff Zimmerman: Near the top, I think it’s only 5 righties for him this week.

MC: Who ultimately takes the Royals closer gig?

Jeff Zimmerman: Erceg

Guest: Drop Machado and plug Jazz in at 3rd? Jazz is $12 Machado $30, 12 tm 4×4. Have more OF options than 3rd base

Jeff Zimmerman: It’s Eno’s kid’s league where dropping Manny is an option.

Jeff Zimmerman: Yes, I’d have Jazz over Manny

Love Fest(a): Sounds like you like Festa. Over Heaney or try to play match ups?

Jeff Zimmerman: That’s close. IIRC, Festa has the better matchup this week

Don: Birdsong or Festa ROS?

Jeff Zimmerman: Birdsong

My Name: Do Jordan Montgomery and/ or Civale have a chance to salvage this year?

Jeff Zimmerman: Both are streaming options

urub: How likely is it that Nate Pearson is the Cubs’ Opening Day closer in 2025?

Jeff Zimmerman: 25%

Doom L(o)operfido: Loperfido looks locked into 2nd spot. Pick up for Andrew Vaughn or Malloy in an obp league?

Jeff Zimmerman: I’d stick with the two you have until Loperfido proves he’s a major league hitter.

With closers like these…: I’ve been see-sawing between Shelby Miller and Hunter Harvey in AL Only league. They’re both getting occasional save chances and frequent blow ups. Do you like one better or should I just look to stream a starter (most of the A’s, for instance, are available). Thanks!

Jeff Zimmerman: Harvey right now

Is this leads safe?: 20 save lead in a 12 teamer, last in Ws and 2nd to last in Ks. Trade my remaining 2 closers for starters??

Jeff Zimmerman: Yes but it might be too late to catch up

Toolsy: Nootbar or kelenic obp league?

Jeff Zimmerman: Nootbaar

Frank: would you cut Francisco Alvarez for Austin Wells

Jeff Zimmerman: No

Jeff Zimmerman: That’s it for tonight. Talk to everyone next week.