JotCast | Fantasy Baseball Chat with Brad Johnson

Fantasy Baseball Chat with Brad Johnson

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Brad Johnson

12:55

Howdy folks, let's get rolling!

Keeper Decision

12:55

Positional need is not an issue. Are you higher on Cowser or Eury Perez?

Brad Johnson

12:57

I'm definitely higher on Perez in terms of star potential. Cowser is on more of a core performer path. The latest report I received is actually somewhat concerning. I'm still buying on Cowser in OBP dynasty leagues, but I'm also listening for anyone who's overly bullish.

In any case, I'd do Perez in your shoes. More potential to be special.

Sultans of Swing

12:57

Bubba Thompson and players like him: 12 team 5x5 OBP league with most teams keeping 10-11, what price do you put on 25-30 stolen base specialists like that? Will Texas (et. al.) regularly just weaponize him as a pinch-runner?

Brad Johnson

12:58

$1. Ideally, I'm streaming him. He doesn't merit a full time roster spot, especially not early in the season.

If it's August and you need to somehow gain 10 SBs in a 2 week span, then hanging onto a player like Thompson makes a lot more sense.

12:59

H2H leagues also differ in that you could construct a plan around using him to win SBs.

Sultans of Swing

12:59

5x5, 12 teams, 11 keepers (most teams will keep 10-11), rosters frozen this coming Saturday, auction April 1st: Bubba Thompson @ $11. Keeper? Seems high but if he steals a couple of bases before the auction, it might seem low. WillWhat price do you put on the 250 at-bat player who will steal 25 bases this year (or more)?

Brad Johnson

12:59

I see I did this out of order. Hard pass on $11 Thompson.

Sully

1:00

Two questions, feel free to pick one or answer both. Just had my AL-only draft last night and gambled on Torkelson. Do you think he's ready to make the leap, or at least hit a breaking ball?

Brad Johnson

1:01

I don't have a special insight into Torkelson. I'm sure you're aware he showed some positive signs late last year while still not quite putting it all together. The scouts I talk to aren't enthusiastic, but they still think he's a big leaguer.

1:02

I'd be more bullish about him if he played at a hitter friendly venue. Aspects of his batted ball profile would play amazingly at GABP, for instance.

RAGBRAI

1:02

Who offers the most fantasy value? Villar $1, Berti $1 or Marsh $3? Berti really only offers SBs but worried about playing time. Is SF really committed to Villar? Marsh seems likely to see most time but are his numbers better than Villar’s?

Brad Johnson

1:03

Gonna be shooting in the dark no matter which direction you go here. I will say I don't like Villar. I think he's entirely a product of offensive environments and being old for his levels.

1:04

He makes poor quality of contact and projects for north of 30% Ks. Does have nice launch angles, but the same caveat about Tork applies here. At GABP for 81 games, I'd see the upside. At Oracle, it's less enticing.

1:05

Berti will start at some point, just like last year. Unlike last year, there's no guarantee he'll go on a timely BABIP tear. He's a mid-season waiver add imo.

1:06

That leaves us with Marsh who, honestly, the use case for is to set him down and see if he improved. He showed growth in Philly which is hard midseason. Did an offseason in a new regime help?

If it did, I can't wait to see where Jo Adell is traded!

1:07

Anyway, re: Marsh. He's a upside-ish bench stash early on who you're likelier to replace than keep.

RAGBRAI

1:07

Finnegan at $5 better better than Phillips at $1?

Brad Johnson

1:07

I like Finnegan to record more saves. Phillips is the better pitcher.

Sully

1:07

Second question: what's Austin Meadows capable of if he's truly healthy, mentally and physically?

Brad Johnson

1:08

It's tough to say, he is the wrong man for that venue. The Tigers had no place acquiring him. He's another guy who desperately needs a small venue - a lot more than Tork and Villar. All those lazy warning track fly balls...

1:10

At his peak, he had elite EVs and a high barrel rate. We haven't seen that in a long time. Consider him a 30-homer threat who will probably fall waaaay short. For better or worse, the Tigers have no alternatives, so he'll play.

GBS42

1:10

I kept Juan Soto in my 8-team, NL-only league for full price (including inflation). How worried should I be about his "mild" oblique injury?

Brad Johnson

1:10

Not worried as yet.

Ofer

1:11

Needing a late round 4th outfielder in a 12 team H2H yahoo draft, who has the best floor/ceiling between Austin Meadows and Jarred Kelenic or do you have a better suggestion?

Brad Johnson

1:11

I'm sure I have at least a dozen better suggestions. Between these two specifically, I'd gamble on Kelenic finally figuring it out.

1:12

I love the value on Jesse Winker a couple picks before them.

Brendan Donovan is useful for his flex.

Oscar Colas is one of those guys who could go nuts early until scouting reports adjust.

1:13

(buy the fizz!)

Chris Taylor rebound.

1:14

Max Kepler and Joey Gallo interest me more among very risky plays. Winker feels so perfect though...

GBS42

1:14

Alex Cobb worth $1 as a keeper in an 8-team, NL-only league? Do his solid ERA, good number of Ks and wins potential on a solid Giants team offset his high WHIP?

Brad Johnson

1:14

Yes, I'd keep him.

1:15

His ATC projection is worth $12 in your format.

Steve E

1:15

Any predictions about the outfield starters in Miami? I have De La Cruz at $10 in a 5x5 NL-only league, but it looks like he's not going to start?

Brad Johnson

1:16

It looks pretty settled as Jazz, Avisail, Soler, and Jesus Sanchez for the 3 spots and DH with Berti nabbing the odd start.

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