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August24 2020 Chat
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Brent Hershey
12:04
Fantasy baseballers, good to be chatting again and thanks for joining. Again, trust you all are being safe out there as we approach (what we hope is) the halfway point of the season. So much to talk about—the rookies just keep a'comin', for one. Trade season in both real and fantasy, for two. So, welcome, and let's go ...
Rich
12:08
Hi Brent. I could use another closer, and Sulser and Buttrey are available, but I’m afraid their weak skills (10 and -4 BPV, respectively) are an ERA and WHIP disaster waiting to happen. Is either guy worth the risk, or am I better off trying to snag the replacement for someone traded at the deadline (Rich Rodriguez, Barlow/Staumont)?  Thanks!
Brent Hershey
12:08
I'm sure it's not, but the closer carousel sure seems worse this year, right? I hear ya on the weak skills, but this season I'm somewhat more inclined to take a short-term run at a Sulser or Buttrey type, just in the hopes of catching a couple Svs before they implode. (Though that didn't work out so well for me in the places I had J Jimenez last week - ugh). But, also picking up potential replacements if I have the stash room. Staumont, Romano, J Hernandez are a few faves; though Rodriguez could be a good one, also. Have a short leash with Sulser/Buttrey types. Good luck!
Capiersh
12:10
Javy Baez - hold tight, right?
Brent Hershey
12:10
Yeah, think you still have to ... but wow, those Ks are piling up. I know it hurts.
Capiersh
12:15
Frankie Montas must be less than 100% at this point. Cut him for a DUFFY or S HOWARD maybe?
Brent Hershey
12:15
Didn't make my up-front plea for including a simple lg specifics with these questions; really does make a difference what the replacement levels are like. On Frankie -- yeah, a full tick less on FB, and walks way up ... not a good combo. But Duffy ... just can't see where this new batch of Ks is coming from (velo/SwK about the same). And while I like Howard long-term, still work to do there. If you must pick one, I'd go Howard ... but holding for another couple starts also an option.
Jeff
12:18
What are your thoughts on post-hype players, such as Sam Hilliard and Clint Frazier? Should we pounce? Who else comes to mind for you?

Always a pleasure!
Brent Hershey
12:18
Thanks! Always been a Frazier fan; seems like he'll get a fair shot at least in the short term with that walking medical unit in the Bronx. I'd be more likely to pursue him, though Hilliard brings a lot of the table. Just not convinced that COL, given its history, will just let kids play. A bit older, but also intrigued a bit by JP Crawford's season in SEA. Deeper lg consideration; I think.
Brian
12:19
Brett - I’ve been offered Clevinger for my greinke and stripling in a keep 22 dynasty league. How fast do I need to say yes?
Brent Hershey
12:19
Yeah, if you don't need the reliability of Greinke this year, I'd jump on it. Clev a bit up in the air for 2020 given his choices, obv, but this is a fair talent swap if you're not in the thick of the race right now.
Richard
12:22
NFBC decision for Monday-Thursday hitters.  Swanson at home for two games facing Cole & Tanaka; or Luis Urias with four games at home facing Cincinnati: Bauer, Castillo, Gray & Miley.
Brent Hershey
12:22
I think Swanson is the better player (more skilled and experienced), and though he's facing the best overall pitcher in Cole and has two less games, I'd prob roll with him. Miley doesn't make up for those combined AB against the CIN trio in Urias' case.
Jeff’s Girlfriend
12:27
Straight-forward question: Is Trent Grisham legit?
Brent Hershey
12:27
I hear the skepticism, and shared it coming into this season, but I'm starting to be convinced. Still holes in swing, but multiple paths to helpful stats. Just 23 and doing this; former first rounder in the draft ... yeah, I'm on board. One of the reasons the Pads are so fun to watch right now.
David
12:33
Hi, Brent --

I always love your chats! Thanks for your time and attention.

In a dynasty league format, among Alex Kirilloff, Drew Waters, and Brandon Marsh, who should we be targeting most? Perhaps all 3?

Thanks again!
Brent Hershey
12:33
Thanks for the kind words, David ... Yes, I like all three, and probably in the order you have them here, though Kirilloff and Waters are close, if different types of players. AK better hit tool and projects as a BA+power guy; Waters more likely to be double-digit HR/SB, but with an average or lower BA. Marsh looked really good last year and in the AFL specifically, and has a lower profile it seems. Not sure any of the three turn into a monster fantasy force, but all should have success in the long-term.
KrisOlson
12:39
Say you had a free roster spot in an AL-only and wanted to try to steal a save or two during the absence of Nick Anderson. Rank the lottery tickets among Castillo, Curtiss, Beeks, Loup, Slegers (did I forget anyone?)?
Brent Hershey
12:39
What a mess, as someone once said. Castillo and Fairbanks (admittedly, has to bring his walks down) are the two I'd rank above the rest ... but this is the Rays, so who knows? I just don't see Curtiss or Slegers being a big part; Beeks seems much better as an opener/bulker, and not convinced Loup has the raw stuff. Just keep "lottery ticket" (and the corresponding odds) in mind as you make these decisions. IE, low expectations.
Capiersh
12:40
MATT OLSON >>> Mendoza Line by the end of the year?
Brent Hershey
12:40
Yep, he'll finish above .200
Dean
12:43
I am out of contention in my season-long points league, so I am looking towards keeper decisions in my roto league. We are replacing BA with OBP when we resume play next year. We can keep six players with no year limits/contracts. So far, I'm keeping Shane Bieber, Gerrit Cole and Juan Soto. I have decisions to make on Bryce Harper, Anthony Rendon, Jose Ramirez, Trea Turner and Cavan Biggio. I love Biggio's longterm potential, but just not sure he fits into the fray at the moment. How would you go about the final three roster spots? I really want to three-peat.
Brent Hershey
12:43
Yeah same on Biggio ... like him, but he's not on the same level as those other 4 hitters. Harper/Rendon are locks for me; think it comes down to if there's enough cracks in JRam's game that you feel like the SBs you'd get from Turner compensates. From this vantage point, those are the things I'd be looking at when you have to make that keeper decision. Either way, seems like a 3-peat is very possible with this starter kit.
EG
12:47
In NFBC...would you consider sitting Luis Robert for 1st half of week....he only has 2 games.  Other options are Urias 4 games.... A Rosario or Chavis 3 games..
Brent Hershey
12:47
Given Urias' matchups, prob not him (as I explained above). Rosario now has an extra gm (DH on Tuesday); maybe that's enough (but of course no guarantee he plays both, either). Might be just as well to stick w/ Robert, given how he's started and the firepower in that lineup.
Brian
12:49
Dominic Smith... would love your thoughts. He seems legit and like someone who could be a top 100 dynasty piece for the next couple of years.
Brent Hershey
12:49
Think he's totally legit for 2020, and yes, a dynasty piece for a couple years for sure. Top 100 might be pushing it, but in dynasty lgs where I have him, I'm keeping him and if he wants to ascend to that level, I'm all for it. :-)
Beano
12:53
I know he's an HQ darling, but Stripling is awful. It's time to cut bait - right? He gets the green in the weekly rankings but he is not good.
Brent Hershey
12:53
Struggling for sure, and depending what your other options are, yes could be time to move on. Huge drop in K rate and SwK, at the same time OppBA is up is not a good combo. Not sure I'd call him an HQ darling  :-) , but weekly projections likely based on a higher-K past that he's just not repeated this year.
DrDave
12:56
Do you think the Indians management will keep Clevinger and Plesac at the alternative site for adding a year to their arbitration time as punishment for their actions?
Brent Hershey
12:56
I guess it's possible; that's really an unknown that I'm most worried about for THIS year ... if they return, how/if they'll be accepted by the team and if/how that affects their performance. But beyond that, don't really have an insight into this; though seems like the demotion and how it their story unravelled would be punishment enough.
Capiersh
12:59
Do you think Mad Max will turn it around before it’s too late?
Brent Hershey
12:59
Tough call. Walks killed him early; now not striking out as many. Always seems to be an injury away from missing a start. Not sure I'd have confidence in his "return" to what we all expect in 2020.
Brent Hershey
1:01
Again, thanks all ... great questions and glad to spend this hour with ya! Continue to stay safe out there, enjoy the end of summer baseball we have, and thank an essential worker while you're at it. Check out our stretch-run tips over at BaseballHQ.com; can follow/ask me more questions on Twitter @BrentHQ. Have a great week; see ya next Monday!
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