Sunday Night Waiver Wire & FAAB Chat (Preseason)

Jeff Zimmerman: Welcome

Jeff Zimmerman: No FAAB reports from Tout Wars because they run mid-week.

Jeff Zimmerman: As usual, I will answer all FAAB and Waiver Wire questions first.

Adam: What do we make of Mackenzie Gore given the abundance of starting pitchers in San Diego?

Jeff Zimmerman: I liked his chances until the Manaea trade. He’s going have to wait his turn a bit longer.

Greg: Bender still has a shot at closing in MIA? Perhaps they traded for depth?

Jeff Zimmerman: I have no idea what is going to happen here. I think they might just try to get a lead and then turn a game into a bullpen game. I’m holding Sulser and Bender in most leagues and see how this first 10 days play out.

Guest: Drop Castillo for Severino? Bid amount?

Jeff Zimmerman: That’s a shallow league.

Jeff Zimmerman: I would do it, but not spend a ton because it’s not much of an upgrade. If at all.

Jeff Zimmerman:

Galen: How much would you bid on Sean Manaea in a NL only league, $100 budget.

Jeff Zimmerman: This is like the trade deadline talent but at the beginning of the season. 50% or more.

Bobby: Brujan….drafted him late in alot of NFBC OC leagues….is he droppable now?  Or is he worth the hold as we expect.him up.somewhat soon?

Jeff Zimmerman: I’d drop right now in an OC. Add someone who is playing.

Rennie Stennett: Tough cuts to make in dynasty  h2h points format – need to part with 2 of Sixto Sanchez, Adolis Garcia, Austin Hays, Brujan. Which 2 get the boot and why?  Thanks Jeff

Jeff Zimmerman: Hays – profile is replaceable. Brujan – not playing and not a much upside.

Guest: How do we feel about Jorge Mateo’s production this year? Worthy of a roster spot in a 15 team league?

Jeff Zimmerman: For sure in a 15 and possibly in a 12 if a team needs steals. He might end up as a nice bench bat with OF-SS elligibility.

Hill: How mich for Grickic in OC? Kwan? Brash?

Jeff Zimmerman: I’m not a huge Grichuk fan and would min bid him. I’m not sure the playing time is there to make him a must add. Kwan is probably a 1% guy in an OK.

Jeff Zimmerman: Now with Brash. I think he could go from 3% to 15% of a budget. Some people love him and others are indifferent.

ch:

1. Who closes for Baltimore? 2. Do we even want to roster Baltimore’s closer?

Jeff Zimmerman: I like Lopez (up 2.5 mph this year) and depending on the league depth, yes the 25 Saves from Balt will be in play

High on B Lowe: Brandon Lowe feels super underrated to me…is it just because he’s a Ray?  Even the projections have him for 35-40 HR 5-7 SB, .255 avg 180 R/RBI…and that’s assuming his K rate improvements that led to a .270+ average after his rough April/may don’t fully stick.  Aren’t we basically just talking about a 5’11’’ Matt Olson?

Jeff Zimmerman: IMO, he’s fine where he’s going. He is comparable to Olson, but I think Olson is going way too early.

Phil: Who close in Baltimore with the last minute deal of Sulser to Marlins?  Also, what happens for the Marlins as well for saves??

Jeff Zimmerman: I’ve answered the Baltimore part but I don’t have a clue what Miami will do. None.

Bud: If you knew they were getting the same playing time, would you prefer Jeremy Peña over Bryson Stott?

Jeff Zimmerman: Pena and he’s already getting the time.

Pirate Pete: How long do I need to wait to see Cruz ONeil in action???

Jeff Zimmerman: It’d be the 3 weeks (he has some MLB time) and then drop. I might even drop him right now. I think PIT will at least wait until after Super 2 to promote him.

Starting Pitching: I was able to land a combo of Max/Cole as my pocket aces.  How do you feel about adding Brash/Detmers/Greene at the tail end???

Jeff Zimmerman: It depends are who you are adding in between. I’d prefer Brash to be my first bench option.

David: 15 team 5×5 where I whiffed on 3B. Aside from Stott there’s no one else. How high should I go on Bryson Stott?

Jeff Zimmerman: First check for Ibanez (TEX) at 3B and AZ plans.

Jeff Zimmerman: As for Stott, he might start in the minors (afsik) so he might not even solve the problem.

Depth: I feel 1B is pretty deep, and not a lot of difference when you get to the middle of the pack – do you agree?

Jeff Zimmerman: Yes and no. There is a drop around pick 180 where there is no one after them. No one. It’s around Aguilar. Get 1B and CI before then

Sea Dog: Kelenic – expectations for 2022???  I own him in a keeper league, and hoping for a big jump from last year

Jeff Zimmerman: None, but there is a change (~25%) that he just goes off. While I don’t have in the 30+ leagues I’ve drafted, it could come back to burn me.

Steven: Who will be the SDP Closer?

Jeff Zimmerman: I think it’s Suarez

Jeff Zimmerman: https://www.mlb.com/padres/news/joe-musgrove-wraps-spring-robert-suare…

Jeff Zimmerman: Best info I have

John Olerud’s Helmet: Hello Lord Jeff!! All Hail Thee!! AL only league, 31 player rosters. Normally dont like to use any Faab before games have started but should i jump on Steve Kwan?

Jeff Zimmerman: In that deep of league, yes. Add while you can.

Guest: do we cut bait on chas mccormick in a ME?

Jeff Zimmerman: I’m not sure of who else is out there in 15 teamers.

Jeff Zimmerman: It all comes down to who you add

Spring Training risers?: Biggest Spring training risers for you?

Jeff Zimmerman: Mitch Keller for sure. Lots of hype around him. It’s mainly been several guys dropping like rocks and everyone else slowing moving up in their place

K9 relievers: Best high K9 relievers to round out the back of a 5 RP/5 SP rotation?

Jeff Zimmerman: I would go through all the committee bullpens and hope one gets Saves. Get the high K/9 guys there

Steven: Which Catcher would you rather have in a 1 catcher, 12 team Roto: d’Arnaud or Kirk?

Jeff Zimmerman: Maybe Kirk. It depends how he’s used with McGuire gone. I think he can hit better, but it’s going to come down to the at-bats.

wes: Is there a chance Jeremy Pena is like good good? Top-50 prospect who’s gotten better, added power, clear path to ABs and HOU didn’t add an SS. Tea leaves?

Jeff Zimmerman: I think Amed Rosario should be the expectation… at least for me it is.

JG: Keller hit pretty hard today.  Make you pause on him?

Jeff Zimmerman: I don’t give two shits about how a guy is hit in Spring Training. Is the velo there and is he no longer walking everyone? That’s it for me.

boobie miles: Jesus Luzardo…should I believe again? Better bet to rise from the dead, him or Keller?

Jeff Zimmerman: Keller and all based on health.

OF depth: How long before Olivares and Isbel get full-time ABs in KC?

Jeff Zimmerman: 2023

Jeff Zimmerman: The org loves those defense first outfielders

boobie miles: any sneaky under the radar guys for SBs in NL?

Jeff Zimmerman: Greg Allen looks to have full-time at-bats with the Pirates

Bean Town: Houck or Whitlock?

Jeff Zimmerman: Houck and it’s not close

JL: Who is the Cardinals DH? Nootbar?

Jeff Zimmerman: Pujols until he breaks

Erik: Is Jose Miranda good enough to be worth stashing in a 15-teamer?

Jeff Zimmerman: I wouldn’t but it would come down to bench size.

Patrick: Just picked up Nate Pearson. Thoughts?

Jeff Zimmerman: Don’t care. I’ll get interested once he’s thrown a couple full game without breaking.

Who’s in CF?: Is Moniak gonna be the everyday CF in Philly by May?

Jeff Zimmerman: I hope not for their pitchers

Erik: General strategy question: how much of your budget do you like to spend in this FAAB period in a typical situation?

Jeff Zimmerman: 0% on teams I just drafted. There is one league that I drafted early and if everything goes through, I will drop 25% in the next hour.

Erik: Would you bid more on the boring but capable Zach Eflin, who went undrafted in an early draft when he seemed likely to miss time, or the complete wild card in Matt Brash?

Jeff Zimmerman: Brash, Eflin is probably a replacement level pitcher in most leagues.

Timmy: Baz is all kinds of fun.  I’m hopeful he’ll be back end of April.  If indeed he is, ok as a 3rd SP?

Jeff Zimmerman: I would hope not. Probably a #5 for me.

Cole: I have top pick in our reserve draft tomorrow. Patrick Sandoval, Luis Garcia or Trevor Bauer. Non-keeper league

Jeff Zimmerman: Garcia

David: Do you like Lane Thomas or can I look at the window and see a bunch of guys who are just as good?  Thanks Jeff

Jeff Zimmerman: It’ll come down to how much he plays. I think Tyrone Taylor is just as talented but Taylor isn’t going to play much to start the season.

Zeff Jimmerman: Any word on how Patrick Corbin’s looked this spring? If I’m going strictly by numbers, he’s been pretty solid. Anything that might point to a rebound?

Jeff Zimmerman: I wrote about him in my Waiver Wire article. A possible talent bump might have started last season

Pillar: Do you think Morton is still a top tier pitcher or has time caught up to him?

Jeff Zimmerman: He needs to be a team’s #2 or #3

Dan: What’s your bid on Kimbrel in 10 team with 1000 budget?

Jeff Zimmerman: $20 in a 10-team. More closers will show up

Naylor Nailer: should I drop Naylor for Kwan or stash in 8 man bench? AL only keeper

Jeff Zimmerman: Yes sir. Naylor can’t be rostered for now

Deep leagues: How much of a hit does Gavin Sheets’ value take with Pollock taking over RF for the White Sox?

Jeff Zimmerman: Sheets was unrosterable to begin with (limited playing time) and even more so now.

SporesofSporer: 12-team mixed 5×5 (obp/QS instead of avg/wins) is Bohm a drop for you? Was a $1 late draft dart. Looks like a time share or demotion, yeah?

Jeff Zimmerman: He’s a tough call. It’s going to be all or nothing with him and Stott. The teams wants the loser playing/practicing every day

Jeff Zimmerman: We just don’t know

Brett: Drop Matt Barnes for Art Warren? Saves + Holds league. Concerned about Barnes’ velocity.

Jeff Zimmerman: Stick with Barnes for now. Many relievers don’t start throwing hard until the season starts

JL: Have JD Davis, Kyle Isbel, and Garrett Cooper as reserves  in a TGFBI satellite league. Who would you drop to try and find full-time bats?

Jeff Zimmerman: Easily drop all 3

Pillar: Thanks for taking your time to help tonight – I was approached to trade Ian Anderson for Pablo Lopez but I’m hesitant due to injury concerns with Pablo but also feel he is the better oitchers currently. What’s your thoughts on this move?

Jeff Zimmerman: Fair and your analysis is right.

Jeff Zimmerman: Lopez but I could be wrong

Guest: Not sure that this is a specific enough question, but I feel like playing time is still a bit up in the air for a bunch of guys (Villar, Hiura, Dom Smith types) where it feels like I’m holding more “stashes” early in the year than I’d like. Does this lack of clarity reflect realityt or am I missing some news somewhere. . . I figure I’ll hold on until things seem to shake out.

Jeff Zimmerman: I feel there is going to be a ton of turnover for net 2.5 weeks. It’s going to be more important than ever to look over lineups

Galen: Reynaldo Lopez a pickup now, with Lance Lynn expected to be out around 6 weeks?

Jeff Zimmerman: yes

SporesofSporer: Is CJ Abrams and all-format spec add? Or are we still in the deep-league and only territory as of today?

Jeff Zimmerman: I’ve seen a ton of Abrams questions and I just don’t have a good read on the situation. I could see him up all year or in the minors the whole time. I don’t know.

Padres: drop nick martinez? 15 teamer

Jeff Zimmerman: Probably

Guest: Who do you like in the Reds bullpen for saves?  Stick with Sims through his injury, or pick up Warren or Cessa?

Jeff Zimmerman: Warren for now, but I expect it to be fluid like last season.

Pillar: Thank you for your time and help my friend

Jeff Zimmerman: You’re welcome

Nate: Care to venture a guess at the Seattle closer? I grabbed Sewald bc I feel like it kind of seems like all roads go back to him…but definitely dont feel confident about it

Jeff Zimmerman: Sewald, for now, is the best option.

CC: drop Whitlock or wick for r Suarez?

Jeff Zimmerman: drop Wick

John: David Bednar has been lights out this spring, but reports have the closer job as Co with Stratton. Thought?

Jeff Zimmerman: I think it’s going to 66% to Bednar, 33% to Stratton

DV: Melancon has looked kinda cooked this spring…you worried at all? Thanks Jeff.

Jeff Zimmerman: He’s hot garbage right now. Velo down from last year and has dropped each appearance. Also, he’s walking everyone. Add Kennedy as a hand cuff

Stan: Cavan Biggio a comeback candidate? Not sure he’ll be any better than Suarez, my current 3b.

Jeff Zimmerman: I’m not counting on it.

Al Gone Quinn: Are you cautiously reboarding the Aaron Hicks bus?

Jeff Zimmerman: He’s a fine late add. Nothing too exciting

Mike Elias: Are you available to close for us in Baltimore?

Jeff Zimmerman: They called Alex Fast already.

JL: How do you like Bumgarner with a bit of extra velo? Worth rostering in a 15 team mixer?

Jeff Zimmerman: In a 15, sure. He’s not the type of player I roster early in the year. I’m aiming for upside.

Al Gone Quinn: Are we seeing something with Higashioka? High barrel rates last 2 yrs. 7 ST hrs.

Jeff Zimmerman: He is so streaky. Maybe

Jeff Zimmerman: That’s it for the night and thanks for showing up. I’ve got to give my teams a quick look over before FAAB runs in 30 minutes.