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Dec18 BHQ Chat
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Brent Hershey
12:02
Greets, chatters! Happy Holidays to all of course ... lotsa baseball news fantasy teams/prep to cover, so let's go to it!
Analyst
12:05
Mauricio (2b, NYM) will require surgery and miss most of the season. He swings outside the zone too much. When young players with both talent and weaknesses are injured for months, can they improve during the layoff through non-athletic instruction?  Can he learn to recognize pitches better and swing less even if he doesn't have a bat in his hands? Is there any evidence (or do you believe) that such training works, and have injured players returned with improved skills in that area?
Brent Hershey
12:05
Yeah, great question. Each case is likely different ... but I'm kinda dubious with this specific one. I won't say 100% but seems like correcting that flaw would be especially difficult when rehabbing a knee. Part of the improvement likely can only be made against live pitching. Now maybe there's some VR training that could help, just in ID'ing balls v strikes, but can't imagine that there's data out there that says that an issue such as his can be corrected FOR SURE using a method like that.
Bill L
12:11
Hey Brent, I have a Wander Franco problem. Haven't heard anything about him in quite awhile, any speculation on what will happen with him this year? Thanks in advance...
Brent Hershey
12:11
The only update given was a couple weeks ago there was a note that he had returned home to the Dominican Republic (had stayed in the US since mid-summer allegations). The story didn't really say how that should be interpreted -- rightly so; no one who is privy to the investigation is chatting to the press. My own thought—you're right, it's pure speculation—is just to move on. Seems as if there would be lots of hurdles to clear for him to play in MLB in 2024. Again, just my speculation.
Jack
12:15
Happy Holidays, Brent! Not exactly a fanalytics question, but I find it fascinating that Cleveland is apparently fielding offers for Clase. I believe he is still controllable for a few more years and even though he slipped a bit last season (ERA, anyway) I’d think he is still an elite closer. Guessing they feel guys like Stephan can fill the gap if he is traded, and maybe they are hoping to land some strong offense in return for Clase? Certainly not a salary reduction motivation, so it still is puzzling to me. I guess it could simply be testing the waters to see if a team makes an offer they cannot refuse?
Brent Hershey
12:15
Yes, testing the waters for an overpay is probably part of it. But several other things going on that could contribute:
  1. New manager who may look at bullpen construction differently than Tito
  2. They may feel he is their best hope to grab an impact bat, as you say
  3. They are one of the teams with the TV deal in limbo, correct? Maybe -- not sure -- that plays a part in this?
Is definitely curious, as you say, b/c on the surface it seems like Clase is someone to hang onto.
Guest
12:18
20 team H2H league. Can keep 14. Last keeper choice is between SPs: Montas, Ray and Luis Garcia. Leaning heavily towards Garcia despite not being available until mid-season. Thoughts?
Brent Hershey
12:18
I might go Ray here ... similar timeline than Garcia; but has a history of more fantasy value than the HOU hurler. I like LG a lot, but each of these are risks (Montas a distant 3d for me) and Ray has strongest track record. That's how I'd lean.
Kasey
12:22
Brent, thanks for the chat.        In an only 12 team keeper, would you consider keeping AZ Gurriel @ 19? Looks like I have 10-11 strong to "decent" keepers.
Brent Hershey
12:22
Assuming NL-only, that seems right around his value. So would depend on roster construction some ... I don't think LG will turn a huge profit for you at $19; but if you have potential profit sources elsewhere, he could serve as a great glue guy/accumulator. Like it that he's re-signing — familiar with team, routine, etc. And def provides mid-level BA + mod power security.
Guest
12:27
What do the Red Sox need to do via free agents, trades, front office this off season to be competitive with the Braves, Dodgers, Rangers and others This season? Thanks
Brent Hershey
12:27
Figure out 2B; keep Tyler O'Neill healthy, and acquire more SP depth is what it looks like to me. That gives you the best chance to get into the playoffs ... which in this day and age, should be the goal for now. They don't have the homegrown resources of the Braves nor the superstar lineup and stud farm system of the Dodgers right now. Most of those things are not one-year fixes.
Billy
12:31
Brett, thank you! AL 4x4 keeper league. Ragans 7, bradish 10 bello 10,Gausman 32,Reese Olsen 6 Kirby10. Please rate can only keep 3 .......Baz at 1. what do you think Baz will contribute this year. Thanks!
Brent Hershey
12:31
Gausman, Kirby, Bradish would be the three I'd go with. Kirby at that price is a no-brainer for me. Feel like the others even out in terms of upside and proven performance.
Baz at 1 is a wild card, and certainly is worth a shot in some builds ... but with your other options and the unknown of coming back from injury ... just think I'd count on much there.
Johnny
12:32
When will the new projections be up on the site?
Brent Hershey
12:32
Projections Week! I know our crew was prepping for this over the past few days. I believe Tuesday or Wednesday is the current target. Always great to get that first set into the sheets and PlayerLink!
Lou
12:37
Playing in a deep NL only keeper league. Is Miguel Vargas a good post-hype target, assuming he is liberated from LA via trade?
Brent Hershey
12:37
That's a big assumption! If so, it would all depend on where he lands -- what the acquiring team's roster looks like. If it's a second division club and seems like he's guaranteed a good shot at a big role, then yes I think I'm interested. If it's a team with playoff aspirations and/or a crowded infield, then I'd still want to see it first.
In any case — even if he stays put — I'm still a fan of the skills. But you have to make your impression in LA or they will turn to other options, b/c they have so many. But if I could stash him on a bench, for instance ....
TexasBob
12:41
Why haven't baseball analysts and writers skewering Angels' management for letting both their No. 1 starter and offensive MVP walk for nothing?  Every team in baseball trades star players when their contract extensions cannot be negotiated.  No team can recover from letting that much talent walk.  And its not like the Angels didn't need more talent to compete.
Brent Hershey
12:41
Because up through the last window when the Angels needed to make that decision — last July — they felt the team had a shot at the post-season and that adding talent to him and Trout was the way to go. Obviously didn't work out ... but I think you're underestimating the amount of analysts/writers who would have skewered LAA management at that point if they moved him at that point in the season. Think it's just a calculation the front office made -- wrongly or rightly.
Brent Hershey
12:42
Just about through the queue ... don't be shy if you have more thoughts/ questions/ thought experiments ...
Michael W
12:49
Happy Monday Brent, I’m in a dynasty 5x5 league with MI and 2 UT spots. I took over a team that pretty much only had Vlad Jr and scoured the waver wire to find potential. Now I’m trying to figure out who to try to trade away or let go as I’m overloaded in some positions. What are your thoughts on keep/trade/drop: 1b Vlad Jr, Torkelson, Casas, Kirilloff 3b Bohm, Jung, Marte OF J Duran, N Jones, J Walker, T ONeill, J Kelenic C Moreno and H Davis (do I hold on for backup as OF/C?)
Brent Hershey
12:49
Fun gig to get to this point; looks like you did well! Couple thoughts:
  • 1B: Best case, I'd move Vlad and go to war with Tork + Casas. But if you find Vlad offers underwhelming (seems like you ARE selling low here), then you prob could move one of the kids for a bigger haul and keep Vlad, hoping that he rebounds and/or the talent finally shines. Don't know that Kirilloff has much value, but he's def #4 here
  • 3B: I'd keep Jung and Marte, move off Bohm
  • OF: Trim O'Neill (durability issues) and maybe Kelenic? I'd hang onto the other 3
  • CA; Yeah, might hold Davis given the dual eligibility; just see where that goes. Esp if its a 2-CA league
Fun group ... dunno what your pitching is like, but the bats seem to be shaping up nicely. Good work.
Billy
12:54
Brent 5x5 Al only keeper league. yep im  in more than one. Holmes 5 Munoz10 Duran 5 romano 28 Pivetta 10 can keep 3 out of  5 thank you
Brent Hershey
12:54
No shade here on multiple leagues ...
Duran for sure, Pivetta is a breakout fave for me, so that's #2. Romano could be fairly priced given inflation, etc. He's obv more stable than the other CL. But in this case I might lean Munoz or Holmes to save the $, but knowing that there are bigger risks with those two. It's more as if you're keeping 1 1/2 closers as far as return, rather than 2 ... but saving a ton of auction $ to spread out other places.
Good luck .. hope that helps!
Michael W
12:57
Since you asked about pitching (have been snatching players for 2 years here thanks to this site): SP King, Strider (my biggest grab from 2 years ago), Peralta, Bobby Miller, K Harrison, B Woo, Lodolo, Skubal, Ragans, McKenzie RP Munoz, Brash, Harvey, J Duran It’s a hold/saves league. I figure move on/trade Harrison, King and Lodolo?
Brent Hershey
12:57
Yes, agree ... and if you can find a trade partner for McKenzie, I wouldn't hesitate moving on from that either -- given your other options. Nice staff, including those relievers!
Brent Hershey
12:58
OK, thanks much, crew! Fun times as always. We'll probably take a hiatus until after the New Year -- so have a great holiday season, and we'll catch up on the other side ... when we can rightfully say that pitchers and catchers start 'next month'! Best to you/yours!
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