Hey Rich. Great work, as always!
I’m in a deep 16 (going to 20 soon) team dynasty with 15 spots for minors and all players carry over. I’m an expansion team this yr and I have no shot of winning anytime soon. I seem to get overly enamored with prospects and their potential in a lot of leagues, but in this one it makes sense. But how much is too much?? I’ve filled all 15 minors spots and have 3 more on my regular roster!
Do you consider any expendable? Here they are…
Christian Walker
Betts
Baez
Correa
Bryant
McMahon
Tapia
Michael Taylor (was)
Pompey
Manaea
Zimmer
Miguel Montero
AJ Cole
Chi Chi
HHarvey
ABradley
JGray
Also, what are your thoughts on jake lamb?? Would you move one of the above for him? McMahon??
So, to add a twist, a bunch of the recent draftees just hit my league’s wire today. Which do you like best, in place of some of the above mentioned??
Touissant
Alex Jackson
Schwarber
Kolek
Chavis
Aiken
(Rodon not yet available)
Who would you switch with who? Still curious what you think about Lamb, as well.
p.s. As of last night, I traded McMahon for Dahl. thoughts on this?
That was a big help…it is very deep league (12 teams, 10roster spots five of which can be kept year over year) and two out of the three you suggested are already taken. That being said, I took a look at your May Pop-Up article and am now very intrigued by Teoscar Hernandez. I know his strike outs are a little high but his HR and SB numbers are impressive. What are your thoughts on his career trajectory?
Nothing is really special with him. I fear he might be a 12/12 kind of guy once he makes it to the majors. Remember, Cali League inflates totals. That said, he’s hot and getting buz, sometimes you can trade those assets for others struggling and make out.
I just promoted CJ Cron from my minor league roster so I have an open space to fill and the option to make one additional move should I decide to promote and/or drop someone else. 2014 draft picks are off limits until next year’s draft, so I am wondering if you have two to three favorites for prospects having a strong season but started off the year under the radar?
I guess it depends on how deep. Perhaps go with my May Popup list or Top 50 as guides. I just wrote up some young kids that can really hit. Also, it’s so hard, not knowing who’s available. If minor league rosters are not deep, it’s Mookie…deeper leagues, it’s Jake Lamb, Hunter Harvey type of players and for really deep leagues, it’s Manuel Margot or Harold Ramirez.
Hey Rich! You’ve made a new and loyal fan in me today… Love the site!! I put a similar question up on the top 50 prospect thread, so feel free to just answer this one as I’m going to expand a bit. In my league we’re allowed to carry 5 Minor league(ish) players (I say ish because we have a rule in place where you don’t have to call a player up immediately after he’s added to an MLB roster).
My current 5 are:
Miguel Sano
Maikel Franco
Mookie Betts
Danny Salazar
Marcus Stroman
These players are available:
Jimmy Nelson
JP Crawford
Hunter Harvey
Henry Owens
Mathew Wisler
Oh boy…tough one. First keep Betts and Stroman for sure. Sano is probably up in 2016 and given your format, it feels like it favors top guys who will be up soon. However, Sano is an exception given the power potential. That leaves Franco and Salazar. Long term I’d prefer Crawford, Owens, Harvey, and Wisler to both. However, Crawford and Harvey aren’t up until 2016 at the earliest with Owens and Wisler, maybe up this year or more likely next. Nelson should be up any day.
I’m going to do the following: Betts, Sano, Stroman, Crawford, and Wisler. Split the difference in readiness to the big leagues and longer term guys.
Thanks for the response and it does indeed help quite a bit! I’ve been on the fence for a while on pulling the trigger.
I actually left some key information out regarding the league rules (didn’t want to get too long winded on you!) that would favor your response.
The gist is we can only keep a certain number of our call ups/free agent acquisitions long term. I allow (5) keepers from drafted players and (6) from the fore mentioned group. It’s complex, but it keeps the league competitive while still having a Dynasty feel to it.
Again thanks for the response Rich! Good luck with the site… I’ll be checking in regularly!
Marco gonzales if he pitches well stays with the club or send down as soon as kelly is ready? I don’t want to spend money on a guy who isn’t going to help much this year I need to fix my abysmal pitchers of estrada, delarosa,kennedy. who would you drop if picking him up? I am leaning towards estrada.
Of course Estrada looked great today…Ugh…I have the same problem on Estrada. It’s a tough call and I could see Kelly getting the PT; although I think Kelly is a bullpen arm long term. Gonzales did just ok today and he’s a mid rotation guy for me. I’d go elsewhere as there is still too much uncertainity. Still like Jimmy Nelson
12-Team Mixed League, want to add M. Betts but don’t know if I should pull the trigger now or wait a week. Would you add him over any of these guys? J.D. Martinez, J. Harrison, C. Kalhoun, D. Hutchinson, Wade Davis?
The 3 hitters are currently being swapped in and out of 2 utility spots and 1 bench. Hutchinson has just been so inconsistent and I have a deep SP staff. We count SV + HD and have Kimbrel, Rosenthal, Cishek, Betances and Davis.
Thanks for all you do with the site and the podcast, big fan!
Thanks Josh. Betts has to be up soon. I would move Harrison for Betts as now with Neil Walker back, I would think Harrison is back to a PT player. Don’t wait too long.
Hey Rich! What are your thoughts on Trevor May and do you think he’s worthy of a roster spot in a 16 team dynasty (40 man roster)?? I’d have to drop Ryan McMahon to get him (I own Donaldson for 5 more yrs and own Kris Bryant). Thanks for any input!
Jay
I was never a big fan of May but he’s starting to look like he’ll now make it to the big leagues and be a decent back-of-the-rotation guy; maybe slightly more. His problem is control and he’s never had great control. He’s also homer prone because he pitches up in the zone. Again, for me, he profiles as that 4.10 or so ERA guy with a lot of strikeouts and the feeling that he should be better than he is.
I’d rather own McMahon as I think there is more upside, but May is ready, so there’s value to that as well.
Hi Rich! I think I finally made a trade I half way may regret. Traded Miguel Cabrera, Ian Kennedy, and Rios for Clayton Kershaw, Marte, and Granderson. I have frazier, billy hamilton, polanco, lucroy, carlos gomez, jean segura, altuve, p sandoval, singelton, mesaroco, hosmer on offense. Its a keeper league as well. 12 team. My pitchers are strasburg, kueschel, g richards, g cole, liriano, roark, stroman gausman, heaney, kluber and arrieta. I wws looking for a more consistent star on the mound for the stretch. Was it a mistake..
Sorry, I thought I responded to this. It’s tough to trade Miggy but you’re getting the best pitcher in baseball. What I worry with the trade is the late of power on your team. You’ve got a ton of speed but where’s the power going to come from? You’re pitching staff is ridiculous good now but you could use another 25 HR bat.
I have an open spot on my 16 team minor roster and was looking at adding Gohara, realizing he is far off, but liking the potential, but Manual Margot also out there, since both long term investments do you have a preference, could also drop Rymer Liriano and pick up both.
Just finished an article that included Manny Margot. Add him over Gohara. Try to keep Liriano as well. Padres about to be shaken up big time and he could get his chance.
Why would you consider the first two if you are in second and trying to win? The third is interesting but just for Utley. Is Dickey helpful in your format? If so, I would consider; although it might look ugly as soon as next year.
Hi Rich! I think I finally made a trade I half way may regret. Traded Miguel Cabrera, Ian Kennedy, and Rios for Clayton Kershaw, Marte, and Granderson. I have frazier, billy hamilton, polanco, lucroy, carlos gomez, jean segura, altuve, p sandoval, singelton, mesaroco, hosmer on offense. Its a keeper league as well. 12 team. My pitchers are strasburg, kueschel, g richards, g cole, liriano, roark, stroman gausman, heaney, kluber and arrieta. I wws looking for a more consistent star on the mound for the stretch. Was it a mistake….
For me, he has the highest upside in the draft. Uber-athletic and just learning how to pitch. That said, he has a long, long way to go and many things could go wrong. However, if it all comes together, it could be special. In other words high risk/high reward
Thanks Rich, it’s been great seeing all of these questions and responses!
I’m rebuilding currently, looking to challenge in 2-3 years. We have 4 NA slots, and I’m currently rostering Lucas Giolito, Alex Meyer, Robert Stephenson, Maikel Franco and Travis d’Arnaud (all currently not active). I’ve been offered Syndergaard and Jon Singleton for Meyer, Giolito, and Pujols. Meyer’s stock has taken a bit of a hit lately… is this an okay trade considering that I won’t be needing Pujols’ production over the next year or so? Our league also has an interior financial system and 12 keepers, so a few dollars could trade hands as well.
I like Meyer a lot but it’s not enough for me for Pujols and Giolito. The training wheels will be taken off Giolito next year and he could be special. Be careful with this one.
Thank you Rich for the site I have always wanted to see out there! I have so many questions but I will keep it to just a few Astros prospects. I have V Velazquez and Lance McCullers and noticed that both are on the minor league DL. Do you know their injuries and when they are expected back? Also, what is your take on Nolan Fontana? I am in a league that includes walks and he intrigues me. I have both Altuve and Villar,
Thanks again Rich.
That’s a ton of Astros…love it. VV has a groin pull and McCullers has some back pain I heard. I would guess both are minor. Remember, the DL in the minors is 7-day, so it’s easier to put them on. Fontana is an on-base guy but not much else. Very little power and average speed…a better hitter than Grossman but in the same vain. He’s a 2B and I don’t see him more than a utility guy if he stays in Houston
I know this isn’t the place for this but there seems to be a huge dedicated group of fantasy players out here…I have an urgent need for someone to take over a team in a dynasty league…The current owner is a dead beat but his team is pretty good…If interested email me back at kg2126@yahoo.com and we can discuss all the details so we don’t clutter this board anymore than I already have with this post….thnx!-!
Ha probably lame for me to say it, but I’m not on Facebook, quit it a few years ago…thanks for the tip tho…for anyone reading this the opening still exists, contact me for all the info
WOW…I don’t think so as I think I’d want more. Buxton and Giolito could be all-stars but Puig already is. It’s a tough call though and I could see how you want to do it. only 55/45 confident in my position.
In a dynasty league. In a rebuilding year. Looking long term. Who would u take Matt Dominguez or nick castellanos? Would like to pick Corey seager. Then I have Brett lawire, kolten Wong, and roughed odor. What is the order of those players. Like to pick up betts and jp Crawford.
Here is an intersting tidbit — perhaps you could shed some light on why people talk up Manny Machado (ive never been high on him) but basically ignore Marcell Ozuna…if you look at Manny Machado’s “breakout” 2013 his stats in 156 games was: .283 avg 14HR 71RBI 88R 6SB .314OBP…If you look at Ozuna’s CAREER numbers(2013+2014) in 140 games total: .264 15HR 74RBI 65R 7S .306OBP — so in 16 less games he has all but equaled Machado’s 2013…age wise they don’t differ that much 23 ozuna – 21 machado — Yet Ozuna sells at a much lower premium than Machado does…
I hear you, but those two years are big. Machado could be in Double-A and still be young. Plus, Machado plays a premium position, not to mention has a far superior hit tool. Ozuna does have more raw power but is more of a free swinger. When it’s all said and done, I believe Machado will be the far superior big leaguer, although in the early going, one could argue that they are more similar than that.
Weird isn’t it. He has that in his game and I’m not sure why it’s not there this year. It could be opportunity based. I wouldn’t worry about the 1 for 3, he has above average speed, if not more and clearly knows how to steal bases. GP has yet to attempt a SB and he has 70 grade speed. Just an anomaly I think.
Thinking about trying to acquire Tulo. Was thinking of offering J. Zimmermann, I Desmond, and Taveras for Tulo, Machado, and Skaggs. Is that fair, too much, too little? Would you rather have Arrenado? This is a deep 12 team dynasty. Also could offer Baez. Nothing permanent, just throwing something out there. Thanks again and thanks for the best fantasy baseball podcast ever.
Follow-up, he countered with Tulo and Machado for Zimmermann, Taveras, Correa. I’m really hesitant on this but thought about going with Baez in place of Correa but am still hesitant. What’s your take?
Kopech then..Ortiz is a short 6-foot and 220 pounds. I’d go with the more athletic and prototypical pitcher, but don’t be surprised if Kopech has an elbow issue over the next couple of years
Ranks these prospects for this year and beyond…Jimmy Nelson, Andrew Heaney, Jon Gray….on a side note I don’t see any ads on this site, I hope you are making money from it somehow, it’s such excellent work…
Funny…we just ranked this guys on our podcast on Sunday for this year. I had them Nelson, Heaney, and then Gray. That was before Heaney got promoted…I could go either way with both. Long-term…coming out with Top 50 soon…but, it’s close with Gray on top.
Thanks for the kind words about my content. Ads? Well, if you knew how much revenue ads really generated, you know why people put so many of them on the site. The amount of revenue generated is ridiculously low unless you have tremendous volume. I do very well with my traffic and could make a few dollars but in the end, it’s not enough to make a difference in my life. I’d prefer just put my content out there without the annoyance of ads and let people enjoy it. One day, I might make a pay portion with a nominal fee, but that won’t be until I’m doing this full-time and can really spend 4-5 days a week in field.
I was able to grab Chavis with my second pick in draft, didn’t think that was realistic to expect, maybe the Red Sox thought the same thing at #26. I was prepared for him to be gone and was looking at Luis Ortiz or Michael Kopech, thoughts on them?
It looks like at the beginning of the year you pegged Jimmy Nelson with a ceiling of a #3 starter. Has your opinion of his ceiling changed at all given his dominate season so far?
Also I am curios in general how you determine ceilings. Is it all based on scouting reports and stuff or are minor league stats taken into consideration. (maybe a better question for the podcast)
Thank you so much for all your help. Reading your website and listening to you and Tim every week has been a game changer for me this fantasy season. Keep up the awesome work!
Great question…on Nelson, I’m trending up and thinking that he has a chance to be a top 30 pitcher if not more…so 2/3…in other words, a very good pitcher.
On the scouting vs. stats, I discussed this at length once on a podcast and really goes to why I got into scouting. In reality, I use both. However, in the lower levels, I almost completely ignore them with the exception of K/BB rates for batters and K/BB rates and hit rates to a certain extent for pitchers. The problem in the minors is that a pitchers in particularly will focus on one pitch for a particular outing…usually fastball to achieve fastball command. He could give up 3 HR’s, 8 hits, and look brutal but yet if he unleashed his secondary pitches, would be dominate. He might also ditch his slider to focus during a stretch on his change-up. See it all the time.
The further along the development process, the more things start to have meaning. Double-A and Triple-A start to have more relevance but still ahve to be combined with scouting reports.
Hope that helps…I’ll elaborate down the road on the podcast. Very passionate about this point and it’s what seperates wanna-be analysts from true analysts in my humble opinion.
Im a team that is rebuilding and have an offer from a contending team looking to make a run in a 20 team dynasty league.
Votto & Doolittle for Wheeler and Joc Pederson
I’m not sure how to value Votto but it seems a little low. He also has Rendon, Gausman, Moss, Yelich, and Synderguard that I could possibly ask for.
Some of my young hitters include: Polanco, Bruce, Ozuna, Piscotty, and Kyle Parker.
My future SP I have Kluber, Skaggs, Bradley, Matt Harvey, Casey Kelly, Salazar, and Hunter Harvey.
My take Ross is you’re selling to low. Votto still is a proven stud and Doolittle has become a very effective closer; partially because he’s a heck of a pitcher. Wheeler has upside but still has a way to go and Pederson could be special but had split problems last year and now strikeout problems this year.
Thoughts on the group of Luke Weaver, Newcomb, Kyle Freeland, and Fedde? Leaning towards Chavis with my next pick, but any of those arms worth taking over Chavis? I ended up taking Touki with my first pick, Hoffman went next pick and that guy really wanted Toussaint so I felt good about pick, the curveball alone seems worth theprice of admission.
It’s light in the minors with 1B prospects. I’ve seen Walker this year and guy has real power for sure. However, it’s more a leverage swing without premium bat speed. Going to be swing and miss in the bat, not a premium option at 1B, but has a chance. No other studs out there…maybe Pete O’Brien winds up at 1B, but he’s in the same category as Walker.
Aaron Judge…big raw power…The stats are a little over inflated as he’s very old for the league. Definitely has plus raw power.
Hey Rich, I made a decision to be more competitive for the title this year and traded Gregory Polanco, Trevor Plouffe, and Kohl Stewart for David Wright, Ryan Zimmerman, and Doug Fister. Even before the big game last night I was having huge regrets. What is your take on the deal?
Thanks for the reply, I was ready to pull the trigger on Touki and i started to get concerned about how likely he is to sign with the D’backs and maybe I should go a safer route with my first pick, if Alex Jackson were somehow to drop to me would do you see him as a no brainer pick? After the top three arms who have gone, no one stood out to me other the Touki and Hoffman, other then Jackson which bats are you high on, you like Schwarber as much as Theo and the Cubs seem too?
I think Touki will sign as will Hoffman. Hoffman could have been the #1 pick in the draft and while there is risk, he’s definitely someone to consider There is risk but upside as well. Jackson might be a harder player to sign based on where he went. Nice bat with power potential. Schwarber had a great debut but he’s after the other three.
Not paniced about Bradley, but I want him to start pitching again to eliminate any health issues. Uber athletic but still some work left. Way more advanced than Stewart, who I like as well.
Rich, I have the 10th pick in my upcoming amateur draft, too early for Touki? Who do you like as possibilities at that spot. Also have 30th pick, would love if Hoffman fell, but doubtful.
Hey Ted. I have learned in a Dynasty re-draft to take the guy you like. I took Hunter Harvey in all four dynasty leagues because I believed in him. I took him as high as 8 and people snickered. Touki is a long way off but the stuff and athleticism is one of the best in draft. I’m also a big fan of Chavis…might get him at 30.
Hey Rich, thanks in advance. If someone asked you for three names to buy in dynasty leagues before they explode (like betts, harvey, gallo) who would you say?
16 team dynasty. Im trying hard to dump Beltran (10k/2yrs left) and need a 1B.
I was offered LaRoche(1k/1yr), AJackson (10k/2yrs) and Lance McCullers (1k/3yrs) i’d give
Beltran, LMartin (1k/3yrs) and JQuintana (1k/2yrs)
12team H2h category league. I have been offered Kershaw for Tehran and a bench guy. What do you guys think? 5 player keeper league and players kept for life in round drafted.
Kershaw round 1
Tehran round
New to keeper leagues does this make sense to make this deal or would you rather have Tehran and the 1st round pick. I am in the running right now in 3rd place.
My current keepers are probably
Kershaw/Tehran
Darvish (2)
Springer (17)
Dozier (24)
And either….Heyward (6), S. Castro (8), Adams (10), Belt (11), Buxton (19)
Love the show, tune in every week all the way in Asia.
Sorry for the late response. It’s hard to say…you actually didn’t tell me what round Teheran is in, but keeping somebody in the 1st round is dicey as there are usually good players available. Kershaw is special, so it’s tempting, but Teheran in the 15th plus round, it would be tempting. You already have Darvish in the second.
With Polanco being called up, I have 1 slot open on my “farm” team in my Dynasty League. I already have Correa and Rodon in my other spots. Our claim period is during the all-star break. I was thinking either Aiken or Hunter Harvey for my other spot. Between those 2 which would you choose? Are there any bats from this years draft that I should consider instead? Thank you for the response that I know will be quick and accurate as well as the best podcast in fantasy baseball.
Thanks Rich, for everything you do. This is one of the only sites I trust, as I hold your opinion in very high regard.
My question is is what is your overall general opinion of Alex Wood? How do you think he will fair the rest of the year? Will the braves have him in the rotation the rest of the year or limit his innings?
At this point would you rather have Hunter Harvey or Kevin Gausman? I have both of them (in a stacked rotation for the long run), and am trying to trade for Sano. The owner of Sano offered either one of those guys for him. Would you take it, and if so which one?
I’d rather have Sano than either pitcher. Between Gausman and Harvey…WOW…tough question. I really like Harvey but he’s still in Low-A with too many things that could go wrong. That said, he could be special but you have to go Gausman over Harvey.
I am currently in my 20 team dynasty’s minor league draft where I have a 2 minor league spots remaining. Where is newly signed international FA Aldiemy Diaz ranked and what is his projection? Is he draftable? (the league has 8 minor league slots)
Awesome! Thank you Rich for the expeditious response! I thought it went well also! The guy who I traded with is actually in First Place, so I think it helps him win now and gives me some reinforcements for a few more years to come!
Hey Rich. Great work, as always!
I’m in a deep 16 (going to 20 soon) team dynasty with 15 spots for minors and all players carry over. I’m an expansion team this yr and I have no shot of winning anytime soon. I seem to get overly enamored with prospects and their potential in a lot of leagues, but in this one it makes sense. But how much is too much?? I’ve filled all 15 minors spots and have 3 more on my regular roster!
Do you consider any expendable? Here they are…
Christian Walker
Betts
Baez
Correa
Bryant
McMahon
Tapia
Michael Taylor (was)
Pompey
Manaea
Zimmer
Miguel Montero
AJ Cole
Chi Chi
HHarvey
ABradley
JGray
Also, what are your thoughts on jake lamb?? Would you move one of the above for him? McMahon??
Thanks a lot…sorry for the long read!
Sorry, that’s Miguel Almonte, not Montero. And add Daniel Norris to that list! Ty
So, to add a twist, a bunch of the recent draftees just hit my league’s wire today. Which do you like best, in place of some of the above mentioned??
Touissant
Alex Jackson
Schwarber
Kolek
Chavis
Aiken
(Rodon not yet available)
Who would you switch with who? Still curious what you think about Lamb, as well.
p.s. As of last night, I traded McMahon for Dahl. thoughts on this?
THANK YOU, RICH!!!!
Love Dahl…well done.
i have them ranked Aiken, Jackson, Kolek, Schwarber, and then Chavis. I wouldn’t fault you for taken Schwarber before Kolek.
That was a big help…it is very deep league (12 teams, 10roster spots five of which can be kept year over year) and two out of the three you suggested are already taken. That being said, I took a look at your May Pop-Up article and am now very intrigued by Teoscar Hernandez. I know his strike outs are a little high but his HR and SB numbers are impressive. What are your thoughts on his career trajectory?
Nothing is really special with him. I fear he might be a 12/12 kind of guy once he makes it to the majors. Remember, Cali League inflates totals. That said, he’s hot and getting buz, sometimes you can trade those assets for others struggling and make out.
I just promoted CJ Cron from my minor league roster so I have an open space to fill and the option to make one additional move should I decide to promote and/or drop someone else. 2014 draft picks are off limits until next year’s draft, so I am wondering if you have two to three favorites for prospects having a strong season but started off the year under the radar?
I guess it depends on how deep. Perhaps go with my May Popup list or Top 50 as guides. I just wrote up some young kids that can really hit. Also, it’s so hard, not knowing who’s available. If minor league rosters are not deep, it’s Mookie…deeper leagues, it’s Jake Lamb, Hunter Harvey type of players and for really deep leagues, it’s Manuel Margot or Harold Ramirez.
Sorry, lousy advise, but that’s all I’ve got. RW
Hey Rich! You’ve made a new and loyal fan in me today… Love the site!! I put a similar question up on the top 50 prospect thread, so feel free to just answer this one as I’m going to expand a bit. In my league we’re allowed to carry 5 Minor league(ish) players (I say ish because we have a rule in place where you don’t have to call a player up immediately after he’s added to an MLB roster).
My current 5 are:
Miguel Sano
Maikel Franco
Mookie Betts
Danny Salazar
Marcus Stroman
These players are available:
Jimmy Nelson
JP Crawford
Hunter Harvey
Henry Owens
Mathew Wisler
My question is who do you keep, drop and add?
Thanks in advance!
Oh boy…tough one. First keep Betts and Stroman for sure. Sano is probably up in 2016 and given your format, it feels like it favors top guys who will be up soon. However, Sano is an exception given the power potential. That leaves Franco and Salazar. Long term I’d prefer Crawford, Owens, Harvey, and Wisler to both. However, Crawford and Harvey aren’t up until 2016 at the earliest with Owens and Wisler, maybe up this year or more likely next. Nelson should be up any day.
I’m going to do the following: Betts, Sano, Stroman, Crawford, and Wisler. Split the difference in readiness to the big leagues and longer term guys.
Hope that helps…great and tough question.
Thanks for the response and it does indeed help quite a bit! I’ve been on the fence for a while on pulling the trigger.
I actually left some key information out regarding the league rules (didn’t want to get too long winded on you!) that would favor your response.
The gist is we can only keep a certain number of our call ups/free agent acquisitions long term. I allow (5) keepers from drafted players and (6) from the fore mentioned group. It’s complex, but it keeps the league competitive while still having a Dynasty feel to it.
Again thanks for the response Rich! Good luck with the site… I’ll be checking in regularly!
Marco gonzales if he pitches well stays with the club or send down as soon as kelly is ready? I don’t want to spend money on a guy who isn’t going to help much this year I need to fix my abysmal pitchers of estrada, delarosa,kennedy. who would you drop if picking him up? I am leaning towards estrada.
Of course Estrada looked great today…Ugh…I have the same problem on Estrada. It’s a tough call and I could see Kelly getting the PT; although I think Kelly is a bullpen arm long term. Gonzales did just ok today and he’s a mid rotation guy for me. I’d go elsewhere as there is still too much uncertainity. Still like Jimmy Nelson
12-Team Mixed League, want to add M. Betts but don’t know if I should pull the trigger now or wait a week. Would you add him over any of these guys? J.D. Martinez, J. Harrison, C. Kalhoun, D. Hutchinson, Wade Davis?
The 3 hitters are currently being swapped in and out of 2 utility spots and 1 bench. Hutchinson has just been so inconsistent and I have a deep SP staff. We count SV + HD and have Kimbrel, Rosenthal, Cishek, Betances and Davis.
Thanks for all you do with the site and the podcast, big fan!
Thanks Josh. Betts has to be up soon. I would move Harrison for Betts as now with Neil Walker back, I would think Harrison is back to a PT player. Don’t wait too long.
Who would u take in a dynasty league, Jp Crawford or Carlos correa?
Correa
Hey Rich! What are your thoughts on Trevor May and do you think he’s worthy of a roster spot in a 16 team dynasty (40 man roster)?? I’d have to drop Ryan McMahon to get him (I own Donaldson for 5 more yrs and own Kris Bryant). Thanks for any input!
Jay
I was never a big fan of May but he’s starting to look like he’ll now make it to the big leagues and be a decent back-of-the-rotation guy; maybe slightly more. His problem is control and he’s never had great control. He’s also homer prone because he pitches up in the zone. Again, for me, he profiles as that 4.10 or so ERA guy with a lot of strikeouts and the feeling that he should be better than he is.
I’d rather own McMahon as I think there is more upside, but May is ready, so there’s value to that as well.
Sorry…a little wishy/washy with this one.
Hi Rich! I think I finally made a trade I half way may regret. Traded Miguel Cabrera, Ian Kennedy, and Rios for Clayton Kershaw, Marte, and Granderson. I have frazier, billy hamilton, polanco, lucroy, carlos gomez, jean segura, altuve, p sandoval, singelton, mesaroco, hosmer on offense. Its a keeper league as well. 12 team. My pitchers are strasburg, kueschel, g richards, g cole, liriano, roark, stroman gausman, heaney, kluber and arrieta. I wws looking for a more consistent star on the mound for the stretch. Was it a mistake..
Sorry, I thought I responded to this. It’s tough to trade Miggy but you’re getting the best pitcher in baseball. What I worry with the trade is the late of power on your team. You’ve got a ton of speed but where’s the power going to come from? You’re pitching staff is ridiculous good now but you could use another 25 HR bat.
Thanks Rich. What you have going here is awesome! Keep it up. You could charge and id subscribe if it keeps growing!
Rich,
I have an open spot on my 16 team minor roster and was looking at adding Gohara, realizing he is far off, but liking the potential, but Manual Margot also out there, since both long term investments do you have a preference, could also drop Rymer Liriano and pick up both.
Thanks,
Ted
Just finished an article that included Manny Margot. Add him over Gohara. Try to keep Liriano as well. Padres about to be shaken up big time and he could get his chance.
Ok…quite a few questions here…I am trying to deal in a full 30 team dynasty league…in which I am in 2nd place. Offers:
Adam Jones, LaTroy Hawkins, and Darren O’Day
FOR
Alcantara, Baez, Castellanos, DJ Peterson, 1st Round AMAT Pick
AND
Cano, Yelich
FOR
Baez, Soler, Cord Sandberg (could you explain more about him…upside?), Carlos Villanueva, and DJ Peterson
AND
Soler, Baez
FOR
Utley and Dickey
Would you accept any of these trades and if so which one…also i don’t know much on Cord Sandberg,
Why would you consider the first two if you are in second and trying to win? The third is interesting but just for Utley. Is Dickey helpful in your format? If so, I would consider; although it might look ugly as soon as next year.
I am the one trading Baez and them in all the trades…my mistake for putting them after the other persons players
Hi Rich! I think I finally made a trade I half way may regret. Traded Miguel Cabrera, Ian Kennedy, and Rios for Clayton Kershaw, Marte, and Granderson. I have frazier, billy hamilton, polanco, lucroy, carlos gomez, jean segura, altuve, p sandoval, singelton, mesaroco, hosmer on offense. Its a keeper league as well. 12 team. My pitchers are strasburg, kueschel, g richards, g cole, liriano, roark, stroman gausman, heaney, kluber and arrieta. I wws looking for a more consistent star on the mound for the stretch. Was it a mistake….
good afternoon was wondering what you think of touki toussaint? sure has some nasty stuff
For me, he has the highest upside in the draft. Uber-athletic and just learning how to pitch. That said, he has a long, long way to go and many things could go wrong. However, if it all comes together, it could be special. In other words high risk/high reward
Thanks Rich, it’s been great seeing all of these questions and responses!
I’m rebuilding currently, looking to challenge in 2-3 years. We have 4 NA slots, and I’m currently rostering Lucas Giolito, Alex Meyer, Robert Stephenson, Maikel Franco and Travis d’Arnaud (all currently not active). I’ve been offered Syndergaard and Jon Singleton for Meyer, Giolito, and Pujols. Meyer’s stock has taken a bit of a hit lately… is this an okay trade considering that I won’t be needing Pujols’ production over the next year or so? Our league also has an interior financial system and 12 keepers, so a few dollars could trade hands as well.
I like Meyer a lot but it’s not enough for me for Pujols and Giolito. The training wheels will be taken off Giolito next year and he could be special. Be careful with this one.
Thank you Rich for the site I have always wanted to see out there! I have so many questions but I will keep it to just a few Astros prospects. I have V Velazquez and Lance McCullers and noticed that both are on the minor league DL. Do you know their injuries and when they are expected back? Also, what is your take on Nolan Fontana? I am in a league that includes walks and he intrigues me. I have both Altuve and Villar,
Thanks again Rich.
That’s a ton of Astros…love it. VV has a groin pull and McCullers has some back pain I heard. I would guess both are minor. Remember, the DL in the minors is 7-day, so it’s easier to put them on. Fontana is an on-base guy but not much else. Very little power and average speed…a better hitter than Grossman but in the same vain. He’s a 2B and I don’t see him more than a utility guy if he stays in Houston
I know this isn’t the place for this but there seems to be a huge dedicated group of fantasy players out here…I have an urgent need for someone to take over a team in a dynasty league…The current owner is a dead beat but his team is pretty good…If interested email me back at kg2126@yahoo.com and we can discuss all the details so we don’t clutter this board anymore than I already have with this post….thnx!-!
Try our facebook page as well…
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Prospect361/?fref=nf
Ha probably lame for me to say it, but I’m not on Facebook, quit it a few years ago…thanks for the tip tho…for anyone reading this the opening still exists, contact me for all the info
Jake Lamb for $5 or Lucas Sims for $10 as a minor guy?… contract doesn’t start until they are activated…
Got with the bat…Lamb
Thanks.
Hey Rich,
would you deal Puig for Buxton and Giolito? No chance of winning this year. Thanks
WOW…I don’t think so as I think I’d want more. Buxton and Giolito could be all-stars but Puig already is. It’s a tough call though and I could see how you want to do it. only 55/45 confident in my position.
Sorry, 16 team dynasty league. Thanks!
Any update or thoughts on J. Soler?
Hurt his hamstring. Hasn’t played much this year. Still made my Top 50 but starting to lose some credibility given his injury concerns.
http://prospect361.com/2014/06/20/2014-mid-season-top-50/#Soler
In a dynasty league. In a rebuilding year. Looking long term. Who would u take Matt Dominguez or nick castellanos? Would like to pick Corey seager. Then I have Brett lawire, kolten Wong, and roughed odor. What is the order of those players. Like to pick up betts and jp Crawford.
A lot of names. Castellanos is a better hitter but Matt D. has more power. Go Cast there.
Lawrie, Seager, Odor, Wong.
You need to find a way to add both Betts and Crawford.
Ok pitching question now, I have Kyle crick, Marcus stroman and Rafael montero. What is the order on upside?
Stroman…big drop…Montero and Krick. Krick has a lot more upside, but he might wind up being a reliever long-term.
thnx!!!
Here is an intersting tidbit — perhaps you could shed some light on why people talk up Manny Machado (ive never been high on him) but basically ignore Marcell Ozuna…if you look at Manny Machado’s “breakout” 2013 his stats in 156 games was: .283 avg 14HR 71RBI 88R 6SB .314OBP…If you look at Ozuna’s CAREER numbers(2013+2014) in 140 games total: .264 15HR 74RBI 65R 7S .306OBP — so in 16 less games he has all but equaled Machado’s 2013…age wise they don’t differ that much 23 ozuna – 21 machado — Yet Ozuna sells at a much lower premium than Machado does…
I hear you, but those two years are big. Machado could be in Double-A and still be young. Plus, Machado plays a premium position, not to mention has a far superior hit tool. Ozuna does have more raw power but is more of a free swinger. When it’s all said and done, I believe Machado will be the far superior big leaguer, although in the early going, one could argue that they are more similar than that.
Springer stole 32 and 45 bases his last two full seasons in the minors but is only 1 of 3 this year. Is Springer going to be a 20 steals guy?
Weird isn’t it. He has that in his game and I’m not sure why it’s not there this year. It could be opportunity based. I wouldn’t worry about the 1 for 3, he has above average speed, if not more and clearly knows how to steal bases. GP has yet to attempt a SB and he has 70 grade speed. Just an anomaly I think.
Thinking about trying to acquire Tulo. Was thinking of offering J. Zimmermann, I Desmond, and Taveras for Tulo, Machado, and Skaggs. Is that fair, too much, too little? Would you rather have Arrenado? This is a deep 12 team dynasty. Also could offer Baez. Nothing permanent, just throwing something out there. Thanks again and thanks for the best fantasy baseball podcast ever.
I like the Tulo side and don’t think it will be enough to get that haul. Would rather have Machado than Arrenado.
Follow-up, he countered with Tulo and Machado for Zimmermann, Taveras, Correa. I’m really hesitant on this but thought about going with Baez in place of Correa but am still hesitant. What’s your take?
Rich,
sorry about that, Luis Ortiz the player the Rangers took in the first compensation round
Ted
Kopech then..Ortiz is a short 6-foot and 220 pounds. I’d go with the more athletic and prototypical pitcher, but don’t be surprised if Kopech has an elbow issue over the next couple of years
Im a team rebuilding so I dont need saves. Give up Doolittle and Crisp for Matt Adams and Cingrani?
Sure.
Thanks Rich!!! I’ll be first inline to sign up for that content
Ranks these prospects for this year and beyond…Jimmy Nelson, Andrew Heaney, Jon Gray….on a side note I don’t see any ads on this site, I hope you are making money from it somehow, it’s such excellent work…
Funny…we just ranked this guys on our podcast on Sunday for this year. I had them Nelson, Heaney, and then Gray. That was before Heaney got promoted…I could go either way with both. Long-term…coming out with Top 50 soon…but, it’s close with Gray on top.
Thanks for the kind words about my content. Ads? Well, if you knew how much revenue ads really generated, you know why people put so many of them on the site. The amount of revenue generated is ridiculously low unless you have tremendous volume. I do very well with my traffic and could make a few dollars but in the end, it’s not enough to make a difference in my life. I’d prefer just put my content out there without the annoyance of ads and let people enjoy it. One day, I might make a pay portion with a nominal fee, but that won’t be until I’m doing this full-time and can really spend 4-5 days a week in field.
Rich,
I was able to grab Chavis with my second pick in draft, didn’t think that was realistic to expect, maybe the Red Sox thought the same thing at #26. I was prepared for him to be gone and was looking at Luis Ortiz or Michael Kopech, thoughts on them?
Ted
Love Chavis…good get. Kopech supposedly has a live arm and loves to throw hard. I’ve never seen him. Which Luis Ortiz?
Hi Rich,
It looks like at the beginning of the year you pegged Jimmy Nelson with a ceiling of a #3 starter. Has your opinion of his ceiling changed at all given his dominate season so far?
Also I am curios in general how you determine ceilings. Is it all based on scouting reports and stuff or are minor league stats taken into consideration. (maybe a better question for the podcast)
Thank you so much for all your help. Reading your website and listening to you and Tim every week has been a game changer for me this fantasy season. Keep up the awesome work!
Chris
Great question…on Nelson, I’m trending up and thinking that he has a chance to be a top 30 pitcher if not more…so 2/3…in other words, a very good pitcher.
On the scouting vs. stats, I discussed this at length once on a podcast and really goes to why I got into scouting. In reality, I use both. However, in the lower levels, I almost completely ignore them with the exception of K/BB rates for batters and K/BB rates and hit rates to a certain extent for pitchers. The problem in the minors is that a pitchers in particularly will focus on one pitch for a particular outing…usually fastball to achieve fastball command. He could give up 3 HR’s, 8 hits, and look brutal but yet if he unleashed his secondary pitches, would be dominate. He might also ditch his slider to focus during a stretch on his change-up. See it all the time.
The further along the development process, the more things start to have meaning. Double-A and Triple-A start to have more relevance but still ahve to be combined with scouting reports.
Hope that helps…I’ll elaborate down the road on the podcast. Very passionate about this point and it’s what seperates wanna-be analysts from true analysts in my humble opinion.
Hi Rich,
Im a team that is rebuilding and have an offer from a contending team looking to make a run in a 20 team dynasty league.
Votto & Doolittle for Wheeler and Joc Pederson
I’m not sure how to value Votto but it seems a little low. He also has Rendon, Gausman, Moss, Yelich, and Synderguard that I could possibly ask for.
Some of my young hitters include: Polanco, Bruce, Ozuna, Piscotty, and Kyle Parker.
My future SP I have Kluber, Skaggs, Bradley, Matt Harvey, Casey Kelly, Salazar, and Hunter Harvey.
What’s your take? Am I selling low? Any ideas?
My take Ross is you’re selling to low. Votto still is a proven stud and Doolittle has become a very effective closer; partially because he’s a heck of a pitcher. Wheeler has upside but still has a way to go and Pederson could be special but had split problems last year and now strikeout problems this year.
what side do you like better.. Yordano Ventura (prereqs for elbow injuries) for Jonathan Singleton (possible K machine with power upside)
Singleton…not close
Rich,
Thoughts on the group of Luke Weaver, Newcomb, Kyle Freeland, and Fedde? Leaning towards Chavis with my next pick, but any of those arms worth taking over Chavis? I ended up taking Touki with my first pick, Hoffman went next pick and that guy really wanted Toussaint so I felt good about pick, the curveball alone seems worth theprice of admission.
Thanks, Ted
I like Newcomb the best of that group. Obviously, I’m a big fan of Chavis.
Hey Rich! Can you throw out a few potential 1B prospect names you’re high on?? Can you elaborate a bit on Christian Walker? Is he in your group?
One more…what’s the scoop on Aaron Judge?? Real deal??? How good can he be and should he be on high radar alert?
Thanks so much for your input and time! Much appreciated
It’s light in the minors with 1B prospects. I’ve seen Walker this year and guy has real power for sure. However, it’s more a leverage swing without premium bat speed. Going to be swing and miss in the bat, not a premium option at 1B, but has a chance. No other studs out there…maybe Pete O’Brien winds up at 1B, but he’s in the same category as Walker.
Aaron Judge…big raw power…The stats are a little over inflated as he’s very old for the league. Definitely has plus raw power.
Hey Rich, I made a decision to be more competitive for the title this year and traded Gregory Polanco, Trevor Plouffe, and Kohl Stewart for David Wright, Ryan Zimmerman, and Doug Fister. Even before the big game last night I was having huge regrets. What is your take on the deal?
Good deal if you’re playing for this year and the next couple, but obviously Polanco could be special, but he landed you two very good players.
Rich,
Thanks for the reply, I was ready to pull the trigger on Touki and i started to get concerned about how likely he is to sign with the D’backs and maybe I should go a safer route with my first pick, if Alex Jackson were somehow to drop to me would do you see him as a no brainer pick? After the top three arms who have gone, no one stood out to me other the Touki and Hoffman, other then Jackson which bats are you high on, you like Schwarber as much as Theo and the Cubs seem too?
Ted
I think Touki will sign as will Hoffman. Hoffman could have been the #1 pick in the draft and while there is risk, he’s definitely someone to consider There is risk but upside as well. Jackson might be a harder player to sign based on where he went. Nice bat with power potential. Schwarber had a great debut but he’s after the other three.
Thanks…if you had to pick one to build around in dynasty which one?
Between Stewart and Bradley? Bradley.
Are you concerned with Archie Bradley? Do you like Bradley or kohl Stewart long term?
Not paniced about Bradley, but I want him to start pitching again to eliminate any health issues. Uber athletic but still some work left. Way more advanced than Stewart, who I like as well.
Rich, I have the 10th pick in my upcoming amateur draft, too early for Touki? Who do you like as possibilities at that spot. Also have 30th pick, would love if Hoffman fell, but doubtful.
Thanks,
Ted
Hey Ted. I have learned in a Dynasty re-draft to take the guy you like. I took Hunter Harvey in all four dynasty leagues because I believed in him. I took him as high as 8 and people snickered. Touki is a long way off but the stuff and athleticism is one of the best in draft. I’m also a big fan of Chavis…might get him at 30.
Hey Rich, thanks in advance. If someone asked you for three names to buy in dynasty leagues before they explode (like betts, harvey, gallo) who would you say?
David Dahl, Alex Reyes, and Blake Swihart. Really deep leagues with a talent a long way off…Franchy Cordero (I still believe) and Manny Margot.
16 team dynasty. Im trying hard to dump Beltran (10k/2yrs left) and need a 1B.
I was offered LaRoche(1k/1yr), AJackson (10k/2yrs) and Lance McCullers (1k/3yrs) i’d give
Beltran, LMartin (1k/3yrs) and JQuintana (1k/2yrs)
Thanks for any input!
Jackson has lost a ton of value as he’s no longer hitting leadoff. Dropped off the map. I like LaRoche but don’t think I do the deal.
12team H2h category league. I have been offered Kershaw for Tehran and a bench guy. What do you guys think? 5 player keeper league and players kept for life in round drafted.
Kershaw round 1
Tehran round
New to keeper leagues does this make sense to make this deal or would you rather have Tehran and the 1st round pick. I am in the running right now in 3rd place.
My current keepers are probably
Kershaw/Tehran
Darvish (2)
Springer (17)
Dozier (24)
And either….Heyward (6), S. Castro (8), Adams (10), Belt (11), Buxton (19)
Love the show, tune in every week all the way in Asia.
Sorry for the late response. It’s hard to say…you actually didn’t tell me what round Teheran is in, but keeping somebody in the 1st round is dicey as there are usually good players available. Kershaw is special, so it’s tempting, but Teheran in the 15th plus round, it would be tempting. You already have Darvish in the second.
Thoughts on Elroy Jimenez?
do you think there is any chance joey gallo get a call up this yr with all the injuries texas has on the inf/1b
It’s possible but not likely. The most likely positive scenario is a September call-up. But they are dropping fast in Texas.
Hey Rich, love your podcast!
If you had to list your top five prospects going into next year now, who would they be? Assuming Taveras and Polanco lose their rookie eligibility.
Thanks, Paul
Working on my mid-season Top 50. Should be up next week.
With Polanco being called up, I have 1 slot open on my “farm” team in my Dynasty League. I already have Correa and Rodon in my other spots. Our claim period is during the all-star break. I was thinking either Aiken or Hunter Harvey for my other spot. Between those 2 which would you choose? Are there any bats from this years draft that I should consider instead? Thank you for the response that I know will be quick and accurate as well as the best podcast in fantasy baseball.
Aiken followed by Alex Jackson. I’d go Aiken, Harvey, and then Jackson.
Thanks Rich, for everything you do. This is one of the only sites I trust, as I hold your opinion in very high regard.
My question is is what is your overall general opinion of Alex Wood? How do you think he will fair the rest of the year? Will the braves have him in the rotation the rest of the year or limit his innings?
At this point would you rather have Hunter Harvey or Kevin Gausman? I have both of them (in a stacked rotation for the long run), and am trying to trade for Sano. The owner of Sano offered either one of those guys for him. Would you take it, and if so which one?
Thanks!
Matthew
I’d rather have Sano than either pitcher. Between Gausman and Harvey…WOW…tough question. I really like Harvey but he’s still in Low-A with too many things that could go wrong. That said, he could be special but you have to go Gausman over Harvey.
Thank you! That is exactly what I was thinking, but I just wanted to make sure.
I am currently in my 20 team dynasty’s minor league draft where I have a 2 minor league spots remaining. Where is newly signed international FA Aldiemy Diaz ranked and what is his projection? Is he draftable? (the league has 8 minor league slots)
I’ve not seen him play and don’t have him ranked. Not sure he’s a Top 100 for me at this point.
Awesome! Thank you Rich for the expeditious response! I thought it went well also! The guy who I traded with is actually in First Place, so I think it helps him win now and gives me some reinforcements for a few more years to come!