Fantasy Baseball Today - Nelson Cruz Traded, Prospect Report & Week 18 Sleepers! (7/23 Fantasy Baseball Podcast)

Episode Date: July 23, 2021

To nominate Fantasy Baseball Today for The People’s Choice podcast awards, go to podcastawards.com/app/signup/ and then toggle down the "Sports" category. Before we start recapping why is it so hard... to be a sports fan!? Let's get Scott's reaction to the Nelson Cruz trade (5:16). ... Kwang Hyun Kim deserves more respect (9:50). Can we trade Blake Snell after his quality start? ... We had some great pitching performances Thursday starting with Sean Manaea and it looks like Kenta Maeda is back (16:40). ... News and notes (22:40)! Mookie Betts could land on the IL, Jacob deGrom threw off flat ground, and more. ... Prospect Report (28:30)! Reid Detmers was promoted to Triple-A plus more on Rays prospects. ... Which two-start pitchers and sleeper hitters should you target in Week 18 (35:09)? ... Who are some hitters we haven't talked about in a while (44:52)? ... We wrap up with bullpens, streamers, and Fantasy Justice For All (52:45)! ... Email us at fantasybaseball@cbsi.com. 'Fantasy Baseball Today' is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Castbox and wherever else you listen to podcasts.  Follow our FBT team on Twitter: @FBTPod, @CTowersCBS, @CBSScottWhite, @Roto_Frank Join our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/fantasybaseballtoday Sign up for the FBT Newsletter at https://www.cbssports.com/newsletters/fantasy-baseball-today/ For more fantasy baseball coverage from CBS Sports, visit https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/ To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/FantasyBaseballToday You can listen to Fantasy Baseball Today on your smart speakers! Simply say "Alexa, play the latest episode of the Fantasy Baseball Today podcast" or "Hey Google, play the latest episode of the Fantasy Baseball Today podcast." To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript
Discussion (0)
Starting point is 00:00:00 Friday and welcome in to Fantasy Baseball today, presented by Lining Cougals. More on their great variety of beverages later on in the podcast. July 23rd, Frank Stamphle joined by Scott White here to get you ready for week 18. We'll talk some two-star pitchers. We have the prospect report. We'll recap Thursday's action and much more. But first, I have a question for you, Scott, that I've never asked. Are you ready?
Starting point is 00:00:59 Oh, I asked you one of those before we started the podcast. but we don't need to get into that again. No, no, we don't. Maybe another day. Are you still emotionally invested in the Braves? Do you get mad or frustrated at bad losses? Does that affect you? No, not really, not often.
Starting point is 00:01:21 No, I really, I kind of have a 10,000-foot view or 30,000-foot view of baseball, however many thousands of feet the expression is, where, you know, I I don't put too much emphasis on any one game. It's really more about the season-long trend. I'm not explaining it very well. I'm sorry.
Starting point is 00:01:48 Like, I feel like that is the better way to enjoy baseball. It's the more realistic way to enjoy baseball because, like, who has three hours to devote to your favorite team every night? Not even I do. And, you know, my job is centered on baseball. It's all about baseball. So I feel like the only people who can commit that time to their favorite team are children or retirees. And I'm neither.
Starting point is 00:02:15 And most people listening are neither. And so, you know, I feel like if baseball, if that was more widely understood, maybe baseball would be more popular. where, yeah, most of the time you are just checking the box scores, you are just checking the standings, you are just checking the leaderboards. I think playing fantasy baseball, watching individual players stats tick up every night, helps with that.
Starting point is 00:02:43 It helps you enjoy it without having to invest so much in the day-to-day in the nitty-gritty. So, you know, I think it works out, being able to play fantasy baseball. But no, no, I would say that, you know, even when they have a, because the Braves probably aren't going to the playoffs, let's be honest.
Starting point is 00:03:05 It's late July, and they're under 500 still by one game, I believe. But, okay. I mean, they still got a good nucleus. Next year, they'll try again. They just won like three division titles in a row. They almost went to the World Series last year. It's just like, whatever.
Starting point is 00:03:24 You know, I've lived a long time, and they've only won one championship. So it's just like, I can't get that upset about them not winning a championship, you know? Yeah. And I mean, people are going to think this is so ridiculous, right? Because I'm a Yankee fan. I'm spoiled, whatever. I've seen all these championships.
Starting point is 00:03:39 I haven't really, though. I only have recognition of one in my adult life, and that was 2009. I wish I could be like that, man. For all of my sports fandom, Yankees, Jets, Nicks, I am just so emotionally invested. and it is just, it is so draining, Scott. I need to get to a level where I'm like you because the Yankees loss tonight on Thursday night when we're recording this, it was brutal.
Starting point is 00:04:05 They suck, man. I'm so done with them. Like this season is such a roller coaster of emotion. They win a couple of games. They string together these wins with like Greg Allen in the outfield and stuff. And then I get hyped and, man. Well, see, I feel like being a Yankees fan,
Starting point is 00:04:21 it's the toughest. for that. It's the toughest emotionally because the expectations are always so high and like anything short of a championship is considered a failure when of course you're often you're much more often than not going to fall short of the championship because there are 29 other teams competing for it, you know? So it's just like I feel like winning the championship as a Yankees fan would be more like a sense of relief than anything else. Yeah. And that just seems like a miserable existence. Oh man, they suck, dude. I would like, it was, it would have been such a great win.
Starting point is 00:04:57 Chad Green, he just, he blows these saves in like the biggest spots too. It's just, it's so frustrating. But I'm sure people don't care about that. If you have any ways to help with my fandom and not care about my teams as much, please tweet at me or email in because I need all the help that I can get. We had a trade on Thursday and we did have an emergency podcast with Chris and myself reacting to said trade. Nelson Cruz.
Starting point is 00:05:23 was shipped on over to the Tampa Bay raise in exchange for two pitching prospects, Joe Ryan and Drew Strottman. I hope I'm saying your name correctly. But Scott, I wanted to get your reaction first and foremost. Nelson Cruz is awesome. I don't think it really matters where he plays, but do you have any thoughts? Seattle, Baltimore, Minnesota. He's been the same guy.
Starting point is 00:05:45 41 years old, he's sitting more often. And I might have a slight worry that happens even more with the raise because they like to mix up their lineup so much. I do wonder if this could lead to Austin Meadows, sitting more against lefties, because Meadows had been playing primarily D.H. Its splits aren't good against lefties. Maybe Brandon Lau also sitting more against lefties.
Starting point is 00:06:07 So it may be hurt them unless you're just thinking purely on batting average. But, you know, there's certainly like Taylor Walls. He's been playing shortstop less and less since Wander Franco got up. now got called up. Now, he's a great defender, Wals. He earns a lot of war just on his defense. So I don't know if the race would totally sideline him, but if they do, then there's certainly room for everybody else in the lineup.
Starting point is 00:06:33 Franco playing shortstop every day, Lowe moving back to second base every day, met us to the outfield, etc. I was surprised they got a prospect as good as Joe Ross. Joe Ryan. Sorry, Joe Ryan. Yeah. Back for 41-year-old Cruz.
Starting point is 00:06:49 who's only signed through this year and can, you know, pretty much NL teams were off the table because he's a DH. So less competition for him. But, you know, Joe, I keep wanting to call him Joe Ross. Joe Ryan is like a curious prospect because the numbers have been phenomenal of the last two minor league seasons.
Starting point is 00:07:07 Two years ago, he had a 196 ERA between three levels. This year, the ERA is up 363, but a .79 whip because he like walks nobody. and 12 strikeouts per 9. A ton of strikeouts, but doesn't really rank high on any prospect list,
Starting point is 00:07:25 not a top 100 guy because it's pretty much just the fastball. He's got a really good fastball that misses a lot of bats, but they're minor league bats, and will that play at the major league level? Probably in the bullpen it will, but does he really have a future as a starter? I have my doubts, but he's among people who follow prospects closely,
Starting point is 00:07:45 Joe Ryan is the name. And getting traded probably gives him a better chance of being called up, being tried out here at the end of this season. He's already 25 years old. Fangraphs does give Joe Ryan a 50-grade curveball, which is not great, but it is a secondary offering. So I think it's a good point that you bring up. The numbers just in themselves are great.
Starting point is 00:08:08 75 strikeouts over 57 innings pitched at AAA this season for Joe Ryan, but that's as somebody who just turned 25 years old. in the beginning of June. So he is a little bit older to be pitching at AAA. I think we probably see him at some point this season. He's 3% rostered.
Starting point is 00:08:24 I recommended you could stash him in AL only for now and I think once he gets called up he'll probably be on our radar for 15 team leagues, deep leagues like that. So just a name to remember there. Joe Ryan, Nelson Cruz, by the way, he is currently the 57th ranked player in 5x5 Roto
Starting point is 00:08:39 and averaging 3.1 fantasy points per game at 41 years old. So he is awesome. I think that he's going to continue to be just that in Tampa Bay. All right, let's talk a little bit about what else happened on Thursday. Oh, my goodness gracious. Oh, my goodness gracious. Yeah, I should have been listening to the radio to see what John and Susan were saying about that loss.
Starting point is 00:09:02 Sheesh. Enough, enough. I'm just, Scott, before we got on this call, I was like, I was really, really frustrated. But once you came on, you actually cheered me up a little bit. So, thank you. I appreciate that. I'm a cheerful guy. That's the thing.
Starting point is 00:09:16 I've never seen you frustrated. I don't even know what an angry Scott White looks like. Oh, wow. Well, you've never worked with me in an office setting, let's just say. There was one day that some... I'm sure Chris has seen me frustrated. There was one day you came on here and you were... There was something that really ticked you off.
Starting point is 00:09:34 I think it was that play at first base with the pirates and Javier Baez and you went on like a whole rant. But anyway, let's talk about Thursday's action. Who's your, oh my goodness, gracious player from Thursday? Fou frustration. How frustration can you get, how frustrated can you get about a baseball play? Anyway, Kwongyang Kim is my, oh my goodness, gracious player of the day,
Starting point is 00:09:56 had turned in another great start, two earned runs and six innings with seven strikeouts. And that gives him a total of three earned runs, a total of three earned runs over his past five starts. With the last four of those five, all going six innings or more, Great stretch like that. His season ERA is suddenly down to 288.
Starting point is 00:10:18 His whip is 117. He's looking like a very curious case because he was doing these sorts of things last year too. It was easy to dismiss all small sample sizes. I guess he doesn't strike out many batters. He's just a modest ground ball pitcher. It's not like he has an extremely high ground ball rate. And usually you need one of those two things
Starting point is 00:10:41 or at least premium control. which he doesn't really have either. And yet, he keeps delivering these low ERAs. So the X-FIP, of course, it's, again this year, it's not very good, 454. It's what it estimates his ERA should be. His XERA is better, but it's still high threes. But Kwong Hean Kim sitting there with a 288 ERA.
Starting point is 00:11:04 And at this point, I just, I got to think he's a unicorn, you know? Just kind of like Kyle Hendricks. Like, there's no reason this guy should be. this good, but every once in a while somebody comes along who is so good at inducing weak contact that he just kind of breaks the normal indicators. Because now we're talking about 24 appearances, 23 starts in his career. That was actually coming into this one. 245 ERA in his career, Kwong and Kim.
Starting point is 00:11:37 So, you know, especially now that he's going six innings with consistency, because he wasn't doing that earlier in the year, but now that it's happened, four starts in a row. Got to think Kwong Han Kim is a mixed-leg asset, as difficult as it is to confess. Yeah, I mean, specifically with players like this, with pitchers like this, it's usually guys that induce soft contact that can kind of overperform their underlying numbers. So, yeah, Kwong Han Kim seems to be a player like that. He's 69% rostered. It looks like he is scheduled to face the...
Starting point is 00:12:12 Cleveland Indians next week on the road. They are 25th and weighted on base average against left-handed pitching. So pretty good matchup there for Kim. And I did want to compare him to a few other pitchers that pitched well on Thursday that are under 70% rostered. Jordan Montgomery, 5 and 2 3rd shutout
Starting point is 00:12:30 against the Red Sox. He had six strikeouts. He's 68% rostered. And then Advert Alislai, quality start, six innings, three runs. Eight strikeouts, pretty good there. And I notice he's using a new cutter 20% of the time over his,
Starting point is 00:12:42 last three starts. He's 54% rostered and a two-star pitcher next week. How would you rank those three? Kim, Montgomery, and Al-Zalai? I would go Montgomery, number one. Came through even in a matchup against the Red Sox. And he's pretty steady.
Starting point is 00:12:58 It's pretty stable. Rest of season or next week alone? I think for the two starts, I go Al-Zalai over Kim. But rest of season, I think, I'm at this point favoring Kim to Al-Salai. All right. Yeah. I'm all right with that. Jordan Montgomery at Tampa Bay next week. They are 26th and weighted on base average
Starting point is 00:13:15 versus left-handed pitching, but they are going to have Nelson Cruz in that lineup. So it makes it a little bit more dangerous, of course, against left-handed pitching. So for me, oh my goodness gracious, I am going to go with Blake Snell, who went six plus endings against the Miami Marlins, three hits, one run,
Starting point is 00:13:32 eight strikeouts, 11 swinging strikes on 92 pitches. And his fastball, I noticed, was down one mile per hour in this one, a slider was down like two and a half miles per hour. So you don't like to see that. It's only his second quality start and 18 tries this this guy. I just wonder after a start like this based on the name value, can we, can we trade him? Can we trade them for anything following a start like this or are people sharp enough to realize it was the Miami Marlins? I think it was the Miami Marlins. I don't know. I don't know. Can you trade him because he's Blake Snell
Starting point is 00:14:10 and he won the Sigh-Young in 2018 with a sub-2 ERA and he's had great whiffs in the past. I mean, maybe. Maybe somebody was just asking me if they should accept a trade of Snell for Anthony Rendon. And I don't know where I fall on that
Starting point is 00:14:27 because I don't know how much time Anthony Rendon's going to miss. And obviously he wasn't doing anything before the injury himself. So it's, you know, I'm not sure you could do much better than that for Snell. but maybe you could.
Starting point is 00:14:40 You know, I don't like that his velocity, despite the success in this start. His velocity was down 1.1 on the fastball, 2.4 on the slider. Didn't get that many whiffs, 11 on 92 pitches. That's certainly not Blake Snow-like. And of course, this was only his third six-inning start of the season. So we know he doesn't go deep into games.
Starting point is 00:14:58 It's been a long-standing issue. I'm surprised he's as rostered as he is, which maybe suggests that you could get something for him in a trade after this start. Yeah, I think it's, you shouldn't view it this way at this point in the season, but people still hold on to draft capital and think, all right, I spent a fourth or fifth round pick, whatever it was on Blake Snell, and they just don't want to let go.
Starting point is 00:15:20 But, I mean, the numbers speak for themselves. He's been mostly bad for the entire season. 92% rostered is Blake Snell. I say try, it doesn't hurt. Shop them around, see what you can do after this one. I just updated my starting pitcher ranks on Thursday, did like a massive overhaul. and I lowered him to SP 62 in points of leagues,
Starting point is 00:15:40 mostly because he just doesn't give you volume and SP 52 in Roto, just because I think the strikeouts are still going to be there, so that helps a little bit. But, man, I am not very excited about Blake Snell. Last question on him, Scott. Two starts next week versus Oakland and versus Colorado. Both are at home,
Starting point is 00:15:57 where Snell has a 1.43 ERA this season. Would you feel okay starting him in that spot? Maybe in a points league, but I actually switched it when I went through these for the two-star pitcher rankings. I think it's going to be Chris Paddock who lines up for those two starts instead. So it may end up being a move point.
Starting point is 00:16:18 All right. So I don't know who that one start would be. It would either be Oakland or Colorado. Obviously, the Rockies in San Diego would be much more favorable than having to face Oakland. Yeah, it would be the Rockies. Wait a second.
Starting point is 00:16:33 No, it would be Oakland. Oh, well. That is not nearly as good. All right, so we'll play it by ear here with Blake's. Now, I did want to highlight some other awesome pitching performances from Thursday. And one that is just kind of concluding right now, Sean Mania. Up against the Marlins, seven innings, three hits, one run, 13 strikeouts. 21 swinging strikes on 106 pitches for Sean Mania on this one.
Starting point is 00:16:59 The ERA down to 3.16, the whip 1.19. Whips a little bit high this year, but I noticed he's given a lot. up a lot of hits this season, which I don't know what calls for that. But yeah, the ERA still really good. Strikeouts have been up over a strikeout per inning this year. Just amazing performance here, Scott, from Sean Mania. Yeah, I don't think he's unlocked anything new with this start in terms of, oh, now he's going to be this monstrous strikeout pitcher. I think it was just a especially good start. He did have an 11 strikeout effort like five turns ago. But, you know, it's had a great year, obviously.
Starting point is 00:17:38 Basically, a must-start pitcher. And, yeah, not sure what else to say. Sean Minai is good. He did it again. Hashtag, he did it again. That's right. Sean Mania, he did it again. Charlie Morton and Walker Bueller just want to highlight those guys.
Starting point is 00:17:53 Charlie Morton gave us a quality start. Six innings, two runs, eight strikeouts. His last seven starts. He has a 2.40 ERA with a 14% swinging strike rate. Walker Bueller up against a giant seven-enings. one run, nine strikeouts, 12 swinging strikes on 95 pitches, at least six innings pitched in 19 of 20 starts this season for Walker Bueller. Hold myself accountable.
Starting point is 00:18:17 I was wrong about Walker Bueller coming into the season. And even as recently as a month ago, six weeks ago, I said I would take Aranola over Walker Bueller. Not true. Walker Bueller has been awesome. Well, yeah, I think, and by the way, I was probably the loudest critic of Walker Bueller of anyone who covers fantasy baseball.
Starting point is 00:18:41 So I know that you need to keep so much blame on yourself. I mean, for whatever reason, the Dodgers chose this year of all years to completely change the way they use him. And he's been as consistent innings eater as any pitcher in baseball. When he didn't have, or he had, what, one six-inning start last year? And this year he's had one six-inning start last year. had one sub six-inning starts. So complete turnaround.
Starting point is 00:19:09 Who saw that coming? But anyway, prior to this start, entering today's action, Walker Bueller was the top scoring pitcher in points leagues of all pitchers. Walker Bueller, number one. So that goes to show you just how many innings he's been piling up. Yeah, I moved them up to seventh in my starting pitcher ranks, and deservedly so Walker Buehler has been great. Last one I want to highlight here wasn't a great start, but I think he's back.
Starting point is 00:19:39 I think Kentamai is back. Up against the Angels, seven innings, seven hits, three runs, zero walks, six strikeouts in this one. His lone mistake was a three-run homer that he gave up to their nine-hitter, of all people. It was Jack Mayfield. But last four starts for Kentimaita, a 2.35 ERA, 31 strikeouts to four walks, over 23 innings pitched. I feel good, Scott.
Starting point is 00:20:03 He's giving up a lot less hard contact. The control has been much better. It looks like he's getting more of the slider, the splitter. I think Kenta might be back. Yeah, I think so too. I mean, the main thing that seemed off early this year was the splitter.
Starting point is 00:20:20 It just seemed like it wasn't its usual level of effectiveness, certainly not compared to last year. and that has turned around during this impressive stretch is impressive, what is it for? Well, in the month of June he's allowed six total earned runs with well more than a strikeout per inning. Now, the previous two starts, I believe,
Starting point is 00:20:45 there were both five innings, so that's still an issue. He did go seven in this one. He had a six-inning start at the start of July. But, yeah, I mean, the splitter's back. I think Kinta Ma'8 is back to being a trustworthy, worthy starter. And so you were saying, you know, at this point in the season, where you drafted a player doesn't matter. I would say that's true, but you still see, you still see it rewarded sometimes.
Starting point is 00:21:10 You're seeing it rewarded with Kinta Maeda if you held on to him, which I didn't in one league. I traded him for nickels on the dollar. And you're seeing it rewarded with Dominic Smith, who I know you and Chris talked about yesterday, not as clear whether that's just a hot streak for Smith or a full-fledged turnaround, at least not in my mind. But, Come on, Scott. Come on, Scott. Dominic Smith's July. Dominic Smith's July looks an awful lot like his 2020.
Starting point is 00:21:35 Yes. I'm hoping. I'm hoping this is for real with Dominic Smith. Before we hit the news and notes, this is the final week. We are finalists for the sports category of the People's Choice Podcast Awards. We appreciate all that you do for us. And we hope you enjoy our show enough to nominate us to advance to the final round. To nominate fantasy baseball today, go to podcastawards.com slash app slash signup.
Starting point is 00:21:58 and then toggle down the sports category. We've included the link at the top of the episode description as well. And CBS Sports and Westinghouse are teaming up to give away a 55-inch TV, 55-inch TV, not a portable TV, a 55-inch TV, a portable power station, and an air purifier over the next, what do we got here? Seven, eight days. Go to CBSports.com slash home run, H-O-M-E-R-U-N to enter.
Starting point is 00:22:25 The link is in the episode description. as well, the contest ends on July 31st. So we are just eight days away from there. That's CBSports.com slash home run. No purchase necessary. Must be 18 or older and reside in the United States. News and notes, Moogie Betts remains day to day with that hip injury, but a stint on the injured list remains a possibility.
Starting point is 00:22:47 I hope that does not happen because Mooky Betts was actually heating up. So not great there. Jacob de Grom threw off flat ground at City Field on Thursday. The team recently said that he would not throw until the forearm tightness dissipated. So some good news from Jacob de Grom. Let's take it easy. Don't rush him back.
Starting point is 00:23:05 Mike Trout ran the bases on Thursday and participated in outfield drills and also took some batting swings. There's still no word on a rehab assignment. This is taken longer than expected, Scott. So I don't really know if there was like some setback at some point that they just didn't tell us
Starting point is 00:23:23 or it was just really that bad of a calf injury. But this is weird. I mean, it sounded pretty bad. It's been beyond eight weeks now, right? The six to eight week timetable that was initially presented. Yeah, it has to be, because this happened back in May, right? Yeah, and supposedly, I heard someone say once that every injury has a six to eight week timetable, so surprised that this one has exceeded that.
Starting point is 00:23:50 According to the Elias Sports Bureau with Fernando Tatis Jr's stolen base on Thursday, he became the fastest player in terms of games to reach 50 career home runs and 50 career steals since 1898 when modern steel rules were adopted. Fernando Tatis, it's pretty good. So basically ever. Yes.
Starting point is 00:24:12 In history. Yeah. No one was alive to remember the other guy. Yeah, he's, that's great. Fernando Tatis, who knew? Chris Bryant has sat out two straight games with a hamstring injury or maybe they're just trying to keep
Starting point is 00:24:26 him healthy before they trade him away. Jose Ramirez was back in the lineup after sitting out too straight with that elbow soreness. Jack Flaherty threw his second bullpen session on Thursday. Manager Mike Schilt told reporters that Flaherty's next step will be facing live hitters, though he deferred providing further detail until Friday. Nick Cassiano's could be sidelined for a couple of weeks. According to John Morosi of MLB Network, Cassiano's was diagnosed with a micro fracture in his
Starting point is 00:24:55 right wrist. And Scott, you weren't on the podcast yesterday to react to this. Do you have any thoughts? This sounds like it could be pretty bad for Nick Castianos. Yeah, it was weird. When it was reported yesterday on Twitter, it sounded like Castellanos was just saying he needs a couple more days. Not a couple more weeks. And I was like, okay, micro fracture. I mean, that's not a full fracture. And what do I know? The report said that he feels 50%, but he only needed a few more. days to rest up. Yeah. Yeah, which... I don't know. I wasn't about to second guess it, but it sounded weird to me because when I first saw a micro fracture in the wrist, holy cow. So apparently it is more of a holy cow thing, which sucks. Yep. We did have... It really sucks. We had a Yankees news dump
Starting point is 00:25:43 on Thursday. Aaron Judge could be ready to rejoin the team this weekend and potentially return from the COVID-IL early next week. Luis Severino is scheduled to throw a live batting practice session this weekend and could begin a minor league rehab assignment by the middle of next week. He suffered a grade two groin train in mid-June during his first rehab assignment. John Carlo Stanton will see time in the outfield in the coming weeks, which means injuries could be coming, Scott. I'm just saying Staten has mostly managed to stay healthy this year, one IL stint, and he's been fine. I mean, he hasn't been great. He hasn't been like Staten of old or anything, but playing in the outfield. that definitely opens up the possibility of more injuries.
Starting point is 00:26:26 You know where they're going? That he needs to play the outfield? If he's going to stay in the lineup, they're going to Miami. Oh, revenge on them. A homecoming for Mike. It's probably the first time he's going to... Actually, I don't know.
Starting point is 00:26:41 I don't know either. Yeah, I don't know. I'm just, I'm making stuff up. Jazz Chisholm is expected to begin a rehab assignment in the near future and could return during the Marlins' upcoming homestand. That begins July 30th. Mitch Garver was placed on the potential.
Starting point is 00:26:53 Paternity list, which Scott is very excited about. I've never been more excited for anybody being placed on the paternity list than Mitch Garver. Which, you know, obviously the bun was in the oven before the incident, clearly. But I'm glad to hear a bun was in the oven just because I don't know the state of things down there. I don't know. We've been, we've been, we've been denied certain details on what exactly went on with Mitch Garver's nether region. but I'm glad he's on the paternity list. I'm happy to hear it for him.
Starting point is 00:27:25 We're happy for you, Mitch Garver. Hope you're listening. We had some reinstatements on Thursday. Austin Nola returned and was batting seventh in the Padres lineup. I will find out what he did in that game. Justin Upton returned for the Angels was batting third. He finished 0 for 4 with a strikeout. Oduble Herrera returned and was batting 6 for the Phillies.
Starting point is 00:27:45 He finished one for two with a walk and an RBI. Austin Nola went 0 for 3 with two. strikeouts. So that's not great. And just like that, the Yerminator is back. Your mean Mercedes reported to the AAA ballpark on Thursday following a retirement post on Instagram, which Chris and I talked about on yesterday's podcast. So, yeah, I'm happy to see him back. I mean, I didn't want to presume too much. It would have been crass to say so at the time, because you don't know if something's seriously going on with this guy in this personal life or whatever. but my suspicion was it was just venting.
Starting point is 00:28:26 That was my suspicion, and that appears to be the case. All right, the prospect report, and before we actually talk about the players that Scott wrote about in his article, actually, I didn't look at the top of your article, maybe you wrote about Reed Detmer's as well, Scott, but I did want to highlight that he was promoted to AAA by the Los Angeles Angels.
Starting point is 00:28:45 He is their top pitching prospect, and in AA this season, Debtmer's had a 3.50 ERR, A 1.17 whip, 97 strikeouts in 54, innings pitched. Again, 97 to 54. That's a lot more strikeouts than endings pitched. He was their first round pick in last year's draft
Starting point is 00:29:05 back in 2020. I think there's a chance that we see Reed Detmer's here, Scott, in the second half of the season. I agree. There's a chance. I considered him for my five on the verge, which is the section of the prospect report every week where I talk about the five prospects most worth stashing in redraft leagues,
Starting point is 00:29:26 which doesn't necessarily mean they're the five closest. They're the five most worth stashing, both because of how good they are and how soon they might arrive. And so there's been a lot of changes, a lot of spots have opened up here recently in that five on the verge. Duran could finally clear him off. Kelnick could clear him off again. Bruhan, I thought I was going to be able to clear him off,
Starting point is 00:29:49 but he ended up back in there. So it was hard to fill out the five. I almost went with, I almost went with Reed Detmer's for that fifth spot, but I instead went with Josh Lowe of the Rays. I believe it's low and not Lowe because I believe he's Nate's brother and not Brandon's. Yes, you are correct.
Starting point is 00:30:09 A lot of the lows and Lows and it was kind of awkward because they traded away his brother, but he remains in the organization. Josh Lowe, that is correct. Speaking of those five, the five on the verge, according to Scott's latest prospect report, which you can find on the site,
Starting point is 00:30:25 CBSports.com slash fantasy slash baseball. Bobby Witt, who has recently been promoted to AAA himself, Joe Adele, Edward Cabrera, Vidal Bruhan, and Josh Lowe. I do think Bobby Witt and Edward Cabrera are the top hitting and pitching prospects respectively that we have the closest proximity, or I guess the biggest impact prospects that could be called up in the near future.
Starting point is 00:30:51 I did want to ask you just about these Tampa Bay guys, Scott, because with Bruhan getting sent down yesterday, and now with this trade of Nelson Cruz, it kind of muddles things a little bit more here where I just don't know if we're going to have a spot for Josh Lowe, unless they want to put him in center field, but it seems like they value Kevin Kiermire's defense there. And then just with Bruhan,
Starting point is 00:31:15 are you holding him anywhere after he got sent down again? So specifically for those two, raise guys. True. True. True. I guess, I mean, those are good points. And maybe if I was rewriting the column today, I would not go with Bruhan and Lowe for those final two spots. But the bottom line is I think there are really only three prospects left that I expect, or at least have hope, will make a fantasy relevant contribution this year. And those three prospects are Bobby Witt, Edward Cabrera, and Joe Adela. who I do, I want to point out, Joe Adele in the month of July, his strikeout rate is below 25%. So we've finally seen some improvement there for an extent to stretch. And maybe that will finally put him on the path to getting called up.
Starting point is 00:32:07 But, you know, it's not a foregone conclusion for any of them. Witt might not get called up, even though he started out at AAA 5 for 11, or yeah, 5 for 11 with a home run. is how Bobby Wood started off in AAA. So, you know, if he, a couple weeks of that, he might get called up. And certainly, he's probably the last prospect left, that if he got called up, there would be a race to the waiver wire to pick him up. I think Edward Cabrera has probably the strongest chance of getting called up of those three. But his first start of AAA didn't go so well.
Starting point is 00:32:37 So we'll see. The five prospects on the periphery, these are prospects that are further away, but they're doing something of note recently. Jordan Belazovich, he is a starting pitcher with the Minnesota Twins. Justin Foske, a second baseman with the Rangers. Orelvis Martinez is a shortstop with Toronto. By the way, it feels like there's a different Blue Jays prospect on this list every single week. So they probably just have like a really fun farm system.
Starting point is 00:33:03 MJ Melendez is a catcher with the Royals and Jose Miranda, a third baseman with the twins. Scott, anything you would highlight, like to highlight on this group of five. Belasovich, he was sidelined by a back injury at the start of the year, and it seemed like it took him a while to get back to form, it took him a few starts. But he's really turned things on at AA, and his strikeout rate is back up, as Kper 9's back up to around 12. He had a breakthrough year in 2019, where he became a borderline top 100 guy. I think he's probably not long for AA, and once he gets moved up to AAA, particularly if he's, if the twins were to trade off somebody like Rios. And I haven't heard as much about Kintamaiata,
Starting point is 00:33:47 but I guess that would be a possibility as well. Twins might have some rotation openings, and it's not unthinkable, Belasovich could fill one, though I would guess Joe Ryan is probably ahead of him in the pecking order now. There you go. Prospect Report. You can find Scott's article on the site.
Starting point is 00:34:02 We're going to take a quick break, but when we return, we're going to get you ready for Week 18 next on Fantasy Baseball today. The week 18 pitcher and hitter planners presented by lining coogles and let's get things started as we always do with the two start pitchers for next week. Scott, who are some names that you are looking at that interests you? So I will point out first, even though they can't be picked up on waivers. John Means versus Miami and at Detroit.
Starting point is 00:34:34 First start back from the aisle wasn't so good. but we talked about it when we were talking about that start the other day that those matchups are too enticing to pass up probably even in categories leagues so
Starting point is 00:34:48 roll with John Means hope he turns it around this time I mean the Marlins made Blake Snell look good Scott so that's true now the Tigers have been hot they're on a winning streak but still I mean
Starting point is 00:35:00 I don't really think they have a great offense so among pitchers who might actually be available Brad Keller I like a lot three straight quality starts and I think he's fixed himself mechanically I mean he came in with such a good
Starting point is 00:35:15 track record being an extreme grandpoll pitcher keeping the ERA low and ERA is still near six this season because he was so messed up early on but I think he's fixed now I hope he's fixed because they're actually pretty tough matchups white sucks and blue jays but he's 29% rostered
Starting point is 00:35:32 Michael Paneda I'm less confident he's fixed he's had issues with the elbow dating back to June. But he looked better in his last star, and he gets the Tigers and the Cardinals. Both of those are good matchups. Kyle Muller of the Braves, can't be sure he's going to go even five innings,
Starting point is 00:35:49 but good swing and miss stuff, and he gets the Mets and the Brewers. Those are two favorable matchups. Austin Gomberg, he gave up three home runs in his first start back from the IL earlier this week, but it was in Colorado, and he looked fine otherwise. Two starts on the road this week.
Starting point is 00:36:05 Angel's Padres, not great matches, but they're on the road. And Albert Alzali, who's, you know, hit or miss, but he had a quality start here on Thursday. And I think it's specifically in points leagues, it's probably worth the gamble. Yeah, it's a good point about the points leagues, because Alzalai prone to giving up home runs, he's given up exactly two home runs in five of his last six starts. So it could be prone to the long ball, quality start on Thursday. Using a new cutter, about 20% of the time over his last three starts. So I do want to see where Adbert Alislai goes with that pitch.
Starting point is 00:36:43 How about some... I think also Alec Manoa. I knew there was another two-star pitcher. I wanted to point out. Alec Manoa took a tumble down the dugout stairs and wound up on the IEL. But it sounds like he's going to be ready for Monday. Check back at the end of the weekend and see. But he would line up for two starts if he is,
Starting point is 00:37:00 and one of those starts would be against the Royals. Yeah, I believe it's Red Sox and Royals. So one really good matchup, one pretty bad matchup. Single start, streamers, Scott, that you're looking at for next week. Who you got? So there are a couple of pretty interesting ones here. Alex Cobb, who has had a very strong month so far and had strong peripherals all season long.
Starting point is 00:37:25 The ex-fip looks great. Ground balls, missing bats. It gets the Rockies. He gets the Rockies, not in Coorsfield. So that's a cupcake matchup right there. Jameson Tion, he's also gotten his season on track after a bumpy ride early on. He's at Miami. So Jameson Tion seems like a good call.
Starting point is 00:37:47 If you have to go deeper than that, you know, it gets less exciting. It definitely gets less exciting. But Jake Oteresey's at Seattle and, of course, has the Astros lineup backing him. I got Zach Thompson on here against the Yankees, mostly just because I like Zach Thompson. and Tuki Toussaint against the Brewers. Obviously, he looked good in his previous start, but you're putting a lot of faith in that from a pitcher who doesn't have much of a track record.
Starting point is 00:38:15 We mentioned Kwong and Kim earlier going against Cleveland. So any of those would be fine, but the ones I'm most excited about are Alex Cobb and Jameson. Yeah, Alex Cobb, we've talked a ton about recently, spoke about him on yesterday's podcast with Chris. as well. I think there's a good amount to like there and obviously a nice matchup against the Rockies
Starting point is 00:38:38 who are going to be on the road in that one. All right, it's got some sleeper hitters that are rostered in less than 75% of CBS leagues. Joey Votto. I'm just going to keep saying it until that roster rate goes up.
Starting point is 00:38:54 The Reds are facing nothing but right handers this week, at least as it stands down. Nothing but Ritees in seven games. So that's going to benefit Votto. as well, splits, as you'd expect, better against Ritees. The Tigers have favorable matchups. Also a seven-game week for them.
Starting point is 00:39:11 So Robbie Grossman, who's having a big July, and really, in leagues that reward OBP over batting average, I feel like Robbie Grossman should be must-start at this point. I saw an interesting stat the other day from... What's the account? Prospects 365, which I believe his name is Ray Butler. Is that sound right? Yep.
Starting point is 00:39:34 Prospects 365 is the Twitter account. And hitters with at least 15 home runs, 10 stolen bases, and an OBP of 350 or higher so far this season. Fernando Tatis, Trey Turner, Ronald Dukunya, Cedric Mullins, Shohay Otani,
Starting point is 00:39:48 and Robbie Grossman. That's incredible. By the way, Robbie Grossman has a 470 OBP in the month of July alone. So he's hot. Yep. Yep.
Starting point is 00:39:59 And I also like Akil Badoo. Akeld Badu who's I've been slow to come around on after the early fakeout cut way down on the strikeouts but was kind of selling out for contact suddenly that's changed here
Starting point is 00:40:15 he's three home runs in his last seven games or so the power's coming back for Akil Badu and again good matchups for the Tigers Dominic Smith talked about him earlier the Mets are playing eight games so I think it's time to get him active
Starting point is 00:40:30 again. Jock Peterson the Braves are the other team playing eight games. Those two have a doubleheader on Monday. And seven of the eight matchups are against right-handers. So that should benefit him. The Red Sox are scheduled to face five left-handers. That's good news for both Hunter Renfro and Enrique Hernandez, who's very hot. So they're both on this list.
Starting point is 00:40:52 And there are a couple more names, but I got to give you a reason to click on the article. So I'll leave it at that. You had to bring up Enrique Hernandez, Scott. Really? Why? He's the one who hit the two-run double in the ninth inning is the Yankees. Send shivers down my spine hearing his name. But that does bring me to one lineup question that I had
Starting point is 00:41:14 about a very popular prospect that we've picked up recently in Jaron Duran, who is clearly sitting against lefties, and I respect Alex Cora as a manager. I'm saying that truthfully, not being facetious. But Jaron Duran, he's sitting against lefties. They're scheduled to face at least five of them next week. do you bench Sharon Duran everywhere? I think so.
Starting point is 00:41:35 I think so. I'd be surprised if he didn't make his first start or two against the lefty when there's that many and such close proximity. And of course, by the end of the weekend, they may not be lining up to phase five lefties anymore. I doubt it would go from five to one. But, you know, things get shuffled around very quickly. Probable pitchers do.
Starting point is 00:41:56 So keep that in mind. But yeah, if they're, if they're, If they're facing three, four, five lefties, you probably sit Duran. And if Alex Cora or anybody in the Red Sox organization is listening to this podcast, Jaron Duran was awesome against lefties this year in the minors. So just letting you know, 321 batting average with a 954 OPS. So keep that in mind. I think we could get them a few starts here against left-handed pitching.
Starting point is 00:42:19 The best hitter matchups, Scott already mentioned some of them, the White Sox, the Phillies, the Tigers, the Twins, the Twins, the Blue Jays. I did just want to point out with the Tigers. Eric Haas hit his 15th home run on Thursday. He's 52% rostered if you need a catcher. Some really nice matchups there. And if you are very desperate in deeper leagues, five outfielder leagues,
Starting point is 00:42:38 Victor Reyes had a sock and a shoe on Thursday. That's his second home run and his third steal of the season, deep leagues. He's 2% rostered. He plays for the Tigers as well. The worst hitter matchups for Week 18, the Giants, the Astros,
Starting point is 00:42:52 the Cleveland Indians, the Royals, and the Padres. So there you have it. The Week 18 pitcher and hitter planners presented by Lining Cougalls and I'm headed out to Coney Island on Friday. I'll be grabbing a few. Lining Cougall's summer shandies beforehand.
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Starting point is 00:43:39 Just head on over to Liny.com. That's L-E-N-I-E-D-com or follow Lining Coogles on Instagram or Facebook for more information about all the delicious beers that they brew. Let's talk about a few hitters
Starting point is 00:43:53 that we just haven't really talked about in a while that did something notable on Thursday, and Danesby Swanson hit a grand slam. It was his 17th home run of the season. However, his season has just been mass. Got 234 batting average, 741 OPS. The Babbup is down this year,
Starting point is 00:44:10 which correlates with the line drive rate, which is down five to six percentage points from where it's been each of the past two seasons. What do you think about Danesby Swanson? I mean, do you have to hold him everywhere? What do you think? No, I don't think you do. I think in leagues without a middle infield spot, he's pretty fringy,
Starting point is 00:44:31 and you probably know that by now. He keeps having these stretches where he gets insanely hot. He had one just earlier this month. He had a, what was it? He had a eight-game stretch where he hit 394 with three home runs and five doubles, and it's like, all right, he's coming around finally. But then, you know, he cools off. He had one hit in four games leading up to Thursday here.
Starting point is 00:44:55 So it still won. It surprised me if he sustained a hot stretch long enough to get that batting average up to 250, 260, and suddenly the overall numbers look pretty good. I mean, he does have 16 home runs six steals. That's not nothing. But it's certainly not what you hoped for. Isaiah Kinear Phlefa is betting just 155 in the month of July.
Starting point is 00:45:17 He's still 80% rostered, which is very high. He has 15 steals on the season. So obviously a huge control. contributor in that category if you do playing categories leagues, but the OPS all the way down below 650 at this point in the season, Scott. Kiner Folefla, 80% rostered? What should that number be? Less than that. I think maybe like 60%, 55. You know, it's hard to turn them loose in a roto league because there's so many roster spots to
Starting point is 00:45:48 fill, but also because so few players can impact the stolen base category like he can. but yeah, I mean, he's definitely definitely lost the shine he had earlier this year and not as confident in his case that he's going to get it back. Dylan Carlson went three for four with two doubles and a home run on Thursday. It was his ninth home run of the season.
Starting point is 00:46:10 He was having an awful July. Scott, what have you seen from Dylan Carlson this year? I kind of liked him. Actually, I liked him. I had him in my breakout article, so I definitely was on him. He's still 81% rostered, so much like,
Starting point is 00:46:24 kinder-fil-fah, I feel like that's too high. Yeah, it is. It's much too high. I'm surprised, frankly, because I don't even know. I wouldn't even say he's in less than five outfielders leagues. I mean, he hasn't stolen a single base. That was part... We were hoping that would be part of his profile in the majors.
Starting point is 00:46:42 This, you know, a moderate base dealer. He's contributed nothing in that category. And the power production hasn't been very good either. No, strikeout rate is fine. It doesn't seem like he has launch angle problems. It just doesn't seem like he's squaring up the ball enough to be an impactful power bat. It's only 22 years old.
Starting point is 00:47:08 And I think it feels like, and I don't really have an explanation for why, or I can't really say if it's going to continue, but it feels like, as we've talked about over and over, that we're entering a stretch in baseball history where young players have a more difficult time breaking in, which has been true at other points in baseball history, but coming off a stretch of 10 years or so
Starting point is 00:47:38 where that wasn't the case where these guys would transition so easily for the most part and become stud contributors right away, it kind of leads us to judge, Carlson more harshly than maybe we should. Very young. Still a chance he turns into an impact player and fantasy, but it's not that right now. Yeah, I was going to say, the plate discipline to me looks fine.
Starting point is 00:48:03 25%, 24% K rate, 10% walk rate, and his distribution of batted ball events, it looks fine to me. 25% line drive rate, 38% ground balls, 36% fly ball rate. That looks fine. He's just not impacting the ball all. that hard.
Starting point is 00:48:21 His average exit velocity, his hard hit rate is not good for Dylan Carlson. So I'm not going to write him off. He's 22 years old. But for this season, I'm not sure that it's going to happen. So we'll see. Hopefully in the future. And I forgot who said it earlier this season. I think it was Craig Counsel.
Starting point is 00:48:39 But there was a manager who said that this is the hardest jump for players from AAA to the majors ever. I mean, I don't know if you can keep. pair it to like whatever, however many decades ago. But I think there was, you know, there was something to be said for a quote like that. So not having a minor league season last year, we are not going to know how that is going to affect the development of players for years from now. I mean, you know, it could be five, ten years when we look back on this and we say, wow, remember that stretch of like two or three years where prospects came up and they just really didn't do much? And I think losing out on
Starting point is 00:49:19 an entire year of development and playing actual minor league games. And that's why I'm not sure whether it's just a short-term phenomenon or a real paradigm shift, I guess, is because of that major variable that's influencing the results. What makes me skeptical is that about that being all it is, just the fact there was no minor league season, is that a lot of these prospects are still dominating in the minors. If they were really that rusty, it seemed like they'd be having. trouble down there too. Waiverwire starting pitchers we've already talked about a lot of these guys, Kim, Montgomery,
Starting point is 00:49:55 Al-Zalai, just have to ask, Andrew Heaney, up against the twins on Thursday, seven innings, two runs, seven strikeouts. He's in line for two starts next week versus the Rockies and versus the A's, both come at home, 55% rostered. Any interest, Scott? No, still a 532 ERA. Yeah. We know he has starts where he misses a lot of bad.
Starting point is 00:50:19 sometimes, but not reliable. In deeper leagues, we saw Cal Quantrell with a quality start up against Tampa Bay, six innings, one run, three walks to two strikeouts, 3.84 ERA, 4.88 X-FIP, so not overly exciting. Luis Patino was at Cleveland.
Starting point is 00:50:38 He returned to the majors for Tampa Bay, five and a third, four runs, three walks, four strikeouts. And then Tanner Howe started the game for the Yankees. His start got cut a little bit short because they went into a rain delay. He didn't come back out afterwards. Four and two-thirds, two hits, one unearned run, two walks, eight strikeouts for Tanner Hauk. Any interest in any of these players, Scott? Calquantril, Luis Pettino, Tanner Hauk, more so for deeper leagues. I mean, Petino has a lot of upside, but in a shallower league, I'm not moved to
Starting point is 00:51:08 pick him up yet. He needs to deliver on it for a couple starts in a row before that happens. how impressed down the stretch last year and he's not a prospect of the caliber of Luis Patino I mean kind of a limited arsenal really good slider the thing is he wasn't and I think he'd been injured but even at AAA this year he wasn't doing much and he already over five
Starting point is 00:51:35 he didn't go five innings and any of his appearances down there he needs to do a lot more than this to compel me to add him. Call to the pen, some bullpen updates for the Tigers. Gregory Soto now has three saves in the last three days. He's 34% rostered. I'm not so sure, Scott, that when Michael Fulmer returns, he just jumps right back into the closer roll.
Starting point is 00:52:00 Gregory Soto has been pretty good recently. Yeah, I'm not sure either. I mean, who can be sure how J. Hens is going to handle things? There's been so little consistency to it all year long. but he, Gregory Soto, yeah, three consecutive days with the save, as you mentioned, and the last five saves for the Tigers. So that's as good a run as any of their relievers have gone on this year.
Starting point is 00:52:22 For the Cardinals, Alex Reyes, got his 23rd save of the season for Cleveland. Emmanuel Class A was used in the eighth inning. James Carrencheck came in in the ninth. He allowed two runs and took his third blown save of the season. So I wonder, does Class A get the next save op? Let's see what happens. For Tampa Bay, Pete Fairbanks was used in the ninth inning with the game tied. Diego Castillo was used in extra innings once they grabbed the lead,
Starting point is 00:52:46 picked up his 14th save of the season. Reiselli Glacius got his 20th save. The Yankees, a roll of his Chapman, was unavailable. Chad Green gave up two earned runs in the ninth. Some scrub pitched in the 10th, and he was awful. So I don't even remember his name. I don't want to talk about it. For the Dodgers, I just saw something big happen in this one.
Starting point is 00:53:09 Kenley Jansen comes in in the ninth, only records two outs, four hits, four runs, two walks, blows the save, takes a loss, his fourth loss of the season. Jake McGee then comes in the ninth, locks down his 20th save. So is that a four-game sweep?
Starting point is 00:53:29 I don't know exactly. But it feels like the Giants have had to save each of the past four games. Maybe it's three out of four. But Tyler Rogers was used yesterday. Jake McGee had been used the two days before that and then Jake McGee used here. They're still kind of mixing and matching.
Starting point is 00:53:44 We thought we were getting closer to just Jake McGee being the guy, but I still think more often than not, it will be him, but it's Kapler. So you never know. Yeah, he just needed a day off yesterday, right? Yeah, he had pitched two days in a row before that, before yesterday.
Starting point is 00:53:59 Yeah. Currently going on in Oakland, Lutrovino is in for the save in a four to one game, runner on first. He's got a three-run lead. so I'll let you know if anything crazy happens there. To stream or not to stream, we'll start with Friday.
Starting point is 00:54:13 Zach Davies, up against the Diamondbacks, David Price versus the Rockies, Johnny Quato versus the Pirates, Zach Thompson versus the Padres, Willie Paralta at the Kansas City Royals, and Alex Cobb at the Twins. Well, you know I love Zach Thompson. I don't think that Padres matchup
Starting point is 00:54:31 is going to scare me away. David Price, with, you know, going against the Rockies on the road, he's not really stretched out yet. he went four innings last time, but the plan is to stretch him out, make him a conventional starter again. So maybe he goes five and can get a win with that easy matchup. And Alex Cobb at Minnesota, the Nelson Cruzless, Minnesota twins. I like all three of those, legitimately, Thompson, Price, and Cobb.
Starting point is 00:55:01 For Saturday, Ryan Weathers at the Marlins, Merrill Kelly at the Cubs, Alec Mills versus the Diamondbacks, Patrick Sandoval at the Twins, Freeland at the Dodgers, Rich Hill at Cleveland. Good luck, Scott. Yeah, this is more our usual fare for the streamer pitchers segment. Patrick Sandoval, the twins are still good against lefties, right? But now minus Nelson Cruz. I don't know whether he was good against lefties or not, presumably.
Starting point is 00:55:31 Yeah, I mean, Patrick Sandoval I could see doing, but the rest, I really couldn't. I really couldn't. Merrill Kelly, if you're feeling gutsy. but I'd rather not. Yeah, this is pretty bad. I'm guessing Chris Bryant won't be in the lineup for the Cubs, but yeah, that's still pretty rough. For Sunday, we have Josiah Gray versus the Rockies,
Starting point is 00:55:54 by the way, that is Gray versus Gray, John Gray versus Josiah Gray. Oh. Fun little match up there. Tuki Tucson at the Phillies. Ryan Yarbrough at Cleveland. Tristan McKenzie versus Tampa Bay. Caleb Smith at the Cubs.
Starting point is 00:56:06 J.T. Brubaker at the Giants. This list is not as bad as the last one, but still not very inspiring. We're done with Brewbaker, by the way. I'm done with Brew Baker. It's over. It's over, J.T. Give it up.
Starting point is 00:56:22 No, his ground ball rates way down since April, so no reason to mess with him anymore. Who should we mess with? Gosh. I think the only one I could kind of get excited about is Josiah Gray, who's facing the Rockies on the road. Yeah, but you could definitely see that going very wrong.
Starting point is 00:56:46 You wonder if there's any chance he goes beyond five innings? I don't know. Tuki Tucson could come through again, but that's just a total toss-up. Not even a toss-up. It's just, I don't know, a roll of the die, I guess. that's yeah you're less likely you're less likely to get a favorable role than a favorable coin flip so let's go with that one instead Scott did you realize that you quoted brittney spears earlier in the podcast and just now you said it's over
Starting point is 00:57:23 j t you're not that Britney spears Justin Timberlake yeah look at you okay that was not intentional Not intentional. So you're not just... The first one was intentional. Okay. All right, good to know. Let's wrap up here with some fantasy justice for all, as we like to do on a Friday. Yeah, yeah.
Starting point is 00:57:48 Hey guys, long time listener, Jeff here. I need help. I'm in a 15-team Dynasty Roto with 50 total players. Standard roster with basic categories plus saves and holds, single catcher. The commissioner himself just made a trade where he got Kevin Gosman, straight up for Max Stassie. And the guy who ridiculously traded Gosman also just dropped Ronald Acuna Jr.
Starting point is 00:58:13 into the waiver wire. I posted this message in the league forum. What is going on? Okay, first trade just made, should not be allowed. Gosman, who is the third overall pitcher this year for a mediocre catcher, and then Acuna just dropped into waivers. WTF is going on.
Starting point is 00:58:30 I will leave the league if this isn't fixed. But that would totally suck because I'm in first place by a mile. I've worked really hard on building my team. Not only for this year, but for future years to come, what should I do? Yeah, originally I read this and I was like,
Starting point is 00:58:44 well, Ronald Le Cunia is out for the year, but it's a Dynasty League with 50 total players. 15 teams, 50 total players. Yeah, obviously. How many, is that 750 players rostered? You're probably better at math than I am. So that's basically as deep as the school. Scott White Dynasty League. No.
Starting point is 00:59:06 Yeah. Or is it deeper. Anyway. It's deep. It's 750 players. Wow, look at you. I mean, the only way it could make sense is if you're keeping these guys at disparate values. So, you know,
Starting point is 00:59:22 Max Stassie is a really cheap keeper, Gossmann, an expensive keeper. Maybe a Cooney's salary had gotten to where he was too expensive to keep. But since you're not indicating that in the email, I assume that's not the case. They're all being kept on equal terms. I can't imagine a round value that still justifies Kevin Gosman for Max Stacey. Even if it's a first round, Kevin Gosman, for a 50th round, Max Stassie, I still don't think
Starting point is 00:59:47 that that's a fair trade. It's not good, no. No, in any way you slice it. Gosh. We've heard about bad trades, but, I mean, this is really bad. Yeah, I don't know. I don't know what you can do. Surely you're not the only one of the 15 people in the league who feels this way.
Starting point is 01:00:06 I mean, the design of the league is, you know, it sounds like a pretty hardcore league. Like you didn't, you know, this is not a novice setup here. So you're probably not the only one who's upset. And I'm sure enough of a stink could be raised to get to the bottom of what happened here. So I have faith in that. But, you know, if that doesn't happen, if that doesn't happen, if, if that doesn't happen. the league is a joke and I don't think you should invest any more time in it. Sometimes you just have to pull the plug. Yeah. No, I mean, it's just sad when stuff like that happens too, right?
Starting point is 01:00:41 I mean, especially for Jeff here, who sounds like he's put the work in, he's built this team up, he's in first place. And it's not easy to be in first place in a 15 team Roto league, let alone a 15 team dynasty Roto. So there's a lot of work that goes into that. So I understand your frustration here, Jeff. If your league mates are not paying attention or don't care enough to cause a ruckus about this, then this is not a league that you should be invested in. I agree with Scott. So hopefully you win
Starting point is 01:01:10 and you take it down and you can kind of leave on your own terms with a W. But man, that sucks. And that's what I would say to anybody who plays in a league where bogus trades like this go down. They just shouldn't exist. All right. I believe that justice has been served.
Starting point is 01:01:33 For Scott, I am frank. Thank you all for listening and watching Fantasy Baseball today. We'll be back to and on Monday. Bye-bye.

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