JotCast | FantasyPros Fantasy Baseball Chat (4/15)

FantasyPros Fantasy Baseball Chat (4/15)

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P.O.

1:25

I have Altuve, Bregman and Springer. When do I panic?

Mario Mergola

1:27

Bregman and Altuve: no panic other than the recent COVID issue where they are placed on the IL. Springer: panic in March... he worries me and strikes me as a player who will remain outstanding on a per-game basis, but you never know when you'll get enough games from him to matter.

Corey P

1:27

is offering Vlad for Bieber an unfair offer?

Mario Mergola

1:28

I would think the offer gets rejected immediately and you may look a little too aggressive, but the numbers do back up the conversation starting there. I don't think it's an insult, but people react differently, and Bieber was drafted much higher than Vlad, so there's likely a connection there.

Guest

1:28

What is Otani’s trade value as a utility hitter only?!

Mario Mergola

1:29

He's batting .340 and hitting for power. He really is incredible. The issue with him is health, so you need a fantasy manager on the other end of the deal who isn't concerned.

Guest

1:29

what do we think about conforto cutch and swanson?

Mario Mergola

1:31

I can't accept that Conforto is this bad right now. I'm not a big believer in his power anyway, but .120 batting average is just impossible. He'll be better, but it's frustrating. Swanson may not come back, but only because last year was his "breakout time." This could be him settling back into a regression. Cutch is 34, hasn't run in a long time, and hasn't hit 20 HR since 2018. I don't see him recovering.

Guest

1:31

Would you drop Swanson to snag Chisholm?

Mario Mergola

1:31

I actually would. Again, I loved Swanson last year, but Chisholm runs and has been showing power.

joe

1:32

Do you prefer paddack or luzardo?

Mario Mergola

1:33

I'm a little biased because Paddack is pitching right now (and potentially going to implode), but I do give him the edge. Luzardo has a nice K rate that keeps him afloat, but I don't see a path to his ERA dropping below 4.25-4.50. Paddack is the exact opposite (no K's, but better ERA potential).

zeile33

1:34

Was offered Vaughn for Gallen in a keeper/dynasty league. I have luzardo, erod, Nola, glasnow already. But if vaughn isn't playing right now do I ask for more or is it not worth doing?

Mario Mergola

1:34

Gallen is TREMENDOUSLY valuable in a keeper/dynasty league. I wouldn't move him unless the haul was huge.

joe

1:35

My team doesn't walk enough, who are you preferred hitters for total bases? And would you give up on pederson?

Mario Mergola

1:37

Yes, I'd give up on Pederson. In terms of walks, Robbie Grossman might be a cheap option. Francisco Lindor if you're willing to pay in a trade. For Total Bases, you'll want players who aren't necessarily hitting HRs, but still showing pop. Gurriel is one, Max Muncy is another.

Gilly

1:37

What pitchers are in the Gavin Lux range trade wise?

Mario Mergola

1:38

Problem with Lux is.... what are you using as the trade value for the other side? He's batting .220 and has no power. That knocks him down a lot. Any mid-to-low range SP would be a fine return for that, but I can't see you getting a ton.

Jordan

1:39

What do you make of Jesus Luzardo? He is on the FA and I have Morton, Means, Giolito, Burnes, Antone and Sixto Sanchez taking up my roster spot with his N/A along with Carrasco and Syndergaard on the IL. Should I push for Luzardo?

Mario Mergola

1:39

I touched on Luzardo above, and most of his value comes from K's. I can see you adding him with the pitching staff you currently have in place, but I don't think he's a MUST by any stretch.

Tim

1:39

I have a plethora of good starting pitching but need to trade for some offense. Of Woodruff, Giolito, Rodon, Strohman, Ryu, Musgrove. F. Peralta, and Eovaldi, who do you recommend trading for a good bat? Or should I just hold? I have Rendon and Bellinger in IL. 10 team, standard yahoo scoring.

Mario Mergola

1:41

If you can sell high on Rodon, that's a nice play. I think Stroman is the answer, though. An insane 0.73 ERA, but an xERA of 4.22. I think you HAVE to hold onto Musgrove right now.

1:41

is it time to panic with B.Lowe?

Mario Mergola

1:43

Yes, for a few reasons... 1. What are we really expecting from him? He's never hit more than 17 HR in a year, and his career BA is .258 (not bad, but not spectacular). He doesn't steal bases, so he really isn't carrying a fantasy team. 2. We saw these same Tampa Bay Rays love Corey Dickerson as a LHB hitting cleanup against RHP, but would bench him frequently against LHP (as I remember it anyway). I'd be concerned that TB gets cute with Lowe, too.

Guest

1:43

If Ohtani is split (like in my Yahoo league), is the SP side really worth holding onto versus picking up someone like Kelenic?

Mario Mergola

1:45

I would really want to find a way to have both. But the hard part about Ohtani is obviously innings. He's just not going to give the length you need.

Guest

1:45

10 team points mixed league - I have a good team but a bit light on hitting, bc my SP are DeGrom, Bauer, Buehler, Ryu, Urias, Rodon, Sonny Gray, Ohtani. Is Rizzo enough of an upgrade over Candelario/Nate Lowe/stream to deal one of those studs for? He asked for Bauer, but I’m feeling more like Rodon/Gray is a better fair deal. Am I off on that?

Mario Mergola

1:46

I like Rizzo, but he's no longer worth a top SP. You're going to be an ideal trade target because of all those arms, so why not hold out for the best offer? You can essentially afford to deal anyone besides deGrom, so make the league pay you for one of them. With that being said, Rodon/Gray is not a bad deal for Rizzo (and that gets a boost with a points league assuming OBP/BB is included).

Guest

1:47

1st year doing fantasy baseball my question is R.Laureano off waivers for D.Carlson ? Smart move or no.

Mario Mergola

1:48

Welcome to fantasy baseball! There's a lot of stress, but a lot of fun. Enjoy it and like your team (trust me, you'll stick around longer). Otherwise, Laureano is leading the league in SB and, as surprising as that is, it's hard to ignore it! Carlson is fine to drop. He can be replaced.

Jordan

1:48

What do you make of Joey Wendle? I have him in place until Tatis Jr. Is back. Should I make a play for Chisholm Jr.?

Mario Mergola

1:49

Wendle is fine (how can you not love the average!?) but he isn't special. I think Chisholm can be close to special (that speed is so valuable).

10 minutes left, everyone! Once again, if I can't answer it here, feel free to ask any question to me on Twitter @MarioMergola

Jesse

1:50

Question: In a dynasty league ... in terms of rankings...which players would you target for keepers for later this year, but mostly for beyond? I.e. Kelenic, Franco, etc..?

Mario Mergola

1:51

MacKenzie Gore remains my top dynasty target in every format. Franco is second, but Kelenic should be helping out shortly. So, if you have any chance at winning now (and still want to look ahead), then Kelenic is a priority. Alex Kirilloff is also high on that list (he just re-debuted).

1:52

Standard 5x5 roto. Employing the Marmol Strategy (booting W and K’s) but still need to hit an innings minimum. What undervalued pitchers would you consider targeting to booster ERA & WHIP that will eat up decent innings?

Mario Mergola

1:54

You'll quickly see how difficult it is to find innings eaters with ERA/WHIP... mainly because those pitchers are worth far more than a waiver wire add! Chris Paddack comes to mind (and he did wiggle out of the jam I mentioned earlier), Matthew Boyd is starting to work his way back from a dismal 2020 season, and Jake Arrieta is available in many leagues. You'll have to be careful with that approach, but as long as you're monitoring your team closely, you can make it work.

Jesse

1:54

Thank you for your valuable time, Mario. You've helped a ton.

Mario Mergola

1:54

Thanks, Jesse!

1:55

Im looking to move J.D Martinez and Lourdes Gurriel for Cody Bellinger.. am i given up too much

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