You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
May3, 2021 Chat
powered byJotCast
View Full Chat Next Page
Brent Hershey
12:03
Back again; glad you joined -- in real-time or afterwards. Turning the May calendar page always provides some interesting perspectives, opportunities; so let's get to it! Will get through as many questions as I can ... remember that league context and details help me provide a better answer. Onward ...
Triston McK
12:04
Does Triston McKenzie deserve the cut in a 12team H2H league that counts BB? Its a daily league so a lot of managers are SPheavy on their bench. Him and Tyler Anderson are my bottom 2 guys and could use those slots to stream/take fliers
Brent Hershey
12:04
Seems like a lot of volatility there; velo isn't back where it was in his good stretch last year and walks are def a prob. In a 12-teamer, seems like you could find better options right now.
Dennis
12:08
Is it time to cut Jeff McNeil based on his performance? He seems to really be struggling to find his game and this was also true in spring training. Should I take out behind the barn?
Brent Hershey
12:08
Though results have definitely been frustrating (as one who has rostered McNeil in several spots also), the underlying metrics are not that different that in years previous. Could use some BABIP help, but looks like a profile that could bounce back at any time. Bench might be a good option if you have it.
Zarcos
12:10
Hery I'm in a 12 team lg H2H 6x6 K/BB. Should I be looking to send Gaus for an underperforming SP? Like Sonny Gray, Morton, Luis Castillo maybe?
Brent Hershey
12:10
Kevin Gausman? I mean, he's not going to pitch at a ~2.00 ERA the rest of the way, but other indicators are very strong. In that home park, I'd ride this one out.
Uncle Rico
12:12
Finally, Monday is here! I love chatting with you, Brent.

Last week, I traded Will Smith for Carson Kelly in my dynasty league. I went with my gut on this one. He seems to have the type of plate skills that could have him contend with Realmuto eventually.

Wait, or am I crazy?
Brent Hershey
12:12
The Carson Kelly story has been a good one, especially over the past two weeks. Has a ways to go to contend with JTR, but the metrics like Kelly quite a bit coming into 2020. Think he's a super dynasty player from the catching position.
Jeff's Roommate
12:16
Tick, tock. Tick, tock. Tick, tock.

Is that the clock running out for those waiting to snatch up Luis Urias? He seems to be sorting things out. Brent, are you a fan of this guy going forward?

Thanks for continuing this column! :-)
Brent Hershey
12:16
I am a fan, though feel like his upside is still TBD. It's been only one hot week, but Brewers have made a commitment there, the park is a plus. Still a bit TBD fantasy wise, b/c not yet convinced that there's enough needle-moving power or speed. But have always liked his hit tool.
Bob
12:21
Does Andrew Vaughn have an opportunity to put his skills to use now that Luis Robert may be shelved this month, or does Tony LaRussa's meddling with rookies get in the way of that?
Brent Hershey
12:21
The injury might affect Vaughn some (one less hitter in OF/DH mix), but I think in general the learning a new position (LF) might be more difficult than it seems. For that reason, not sure you can pin this on TLR. But I agree sure seems like they would want Vaughn to get consistent AB, either in the majors or (starting tomorrow) in the minors. Long-term Vaughn obv more valuable than short-term.
Quagmire
12:24
I drafted Julio Urias with a 10th round pick in my 10-team 5x5 keeper league and have been skittish to use him each outing due to my starts cap (162 GS per year), having an anchor of Cole/Bieber and previous inconsistencies shown by Urias. Is it time to move past that and trust the impressive (but early) results?
Brent Hershey
12:24
Yeah, might be time. K:BB has been amazing, they're letting him go deep into games. That GS cap is an interesting rule, but in your case you might just want to get all of Urias's starts in now -- still seems likely that at some point, LAD will pull him back some. But yes, he's trustable.
Ted
12:29
Thoughts on Dominic Smith and Lourdes Gurriel Jr? It's been bleak so far but maybe showing signs of like after ok weekend series?
Brent Hershey
12:29
Both are holds -- Smith is taking way fewer walks than previously; that's a bit concerning, but quality of contact is holding up well. Gurriel's contact metrics have taken a step back, which is surprising given his age/experience and where they have been heading over the past few years. Still think rebounds are in store for both, but maybe we notch back the expectations a bit.
Ron
12:34
Hi Brent.  Two quickies. No reason to doubt Eduardo Escobar so far (BPIs support this) at top flight 2B/2B option, right? And what are chances of Higashioka getting full time ABs in the next month or so?
Brent Hershey
12:34
Yeah, believer in Escobar, really solid under-the-radar guy in draft season. Ride this one out. Higashioka - love the plate patience uptick, and power is for real (though this pace won't hold). It's more up to Sanchez, I think ... seems he's who the Yankees WANT to put in there, but Higashioka doing all he can to make it tough. If the team offensively comes out of this funk, and KH has been a part of it, will be tough to jettison him for Sanchez. Like KH in the short term.
Barney
12:36
Garrett Whitlock has impressed so far and I just picked him up as a ratio stabilizer in my 5x5 10-teamer. Thoughts on him the ROS?
Brent Hershey
12:36
Nice move ... and the fact that they SAY they want him eventually in the rotation works in your favor. In a 10-teamer, though, you'll need to keep an eye on his role, as don't know if any middle reliever/setup guy is a long-term solution in a shallow league.
Laura the Explorer
12:39
Good morning Brent! Should we be selling OR buying high on Jazz in our keeper leagues this week?

Appreciate your thoughts!
Brent Hershey
12:39
Contender or rebuild makes a big difference here -- like Jazz long-term better than short; just think the swing/miss could be something that catches up to him if the injury time is short and he league sees him again. And then it's up to him to adjust back. But full disclosure, I know I have a blind spot sometimes w/ poor plate discipline guys. Definitely an exciting player, though!
Kasey
12:41
Can you use your influence to convince the STL management to send Austin Dean to the Alt. Site for his and my team's benefit? His 2 or 3 ABs a week aren't helping anyone.
Brent Hershey
12:41
Does seem like an odd use of a young player ... BUT ... would not be surprised if you see some eye-raising optioning of players out to TripleA once the minors season starts this week. MLB clubs may have thought that MLB time, even limited, for some of these guys, was better experience than the alternate training sites. Something to watch.
Joey
12:43
Hi Brent, did you happen to catch Alex Kirilloff's swing this weekend? Holy smokes, it's gorgeous! Do you think he's a top contender for AL Rookie of the Year?
Brent Hershey
12:43
Did catch a couple highlights — I know there were some questions on it specifically as he rose through the minors, and some injury cascades may have had an impact on that. But yes, what a weekend, and things look bright going forward -- hit + power, everyday lineup opportunity on an established club (no pressure to be THE GUY), etc. Long way to go, but he could be in the AL ROY running come October.
John G
12:46
How worried should I be about Gary Sanchez's playing time?  AL-only so dropping isn't an option, but wondering if I should try to move him.
Brent Hershey
12:46
As mentioned above, I think there's reason for concern as along as Higashioka keeps hitting. Tricky in an AL-only, as to get anything decent in a trade you'll need to find a partner who still believes in the HR power. But in real-life, the shaky D also seems to play a part in the playing time decision. Which as fantasy players we have to take into serious consideration.
DragonAsh
12:49
Hi Brent! I'm currently tops in my 12-team standard roto, five-keeper league. I managed to snag Kirilloff as a 23rd round keeper; very valuable. I don't need HR help (already have a ton of power bats). I'd like to upgrade SS (currently Hampson) or add some pitching (I have deGrom, Urias and Darvish but rest is a bit meh). What should I be targeting as a return for Kirilloff, in a trade that someone may actually decide to pull the trigger on?
Brent Hershey
12:49
Congrats .. and great thinking; as Kirilloff is a super trade chip in your situation. Always tough to answer questions like this, other than the frustratingly vague "For as much as you can"! So much depends on league context, trading partners, etc. Always easier to have you bring a list of guys to choose from or rate. I will say that whether someone like Kirilloff (rookie OF/1B with hit+power) normally gets kept in a league like yours (5 keeps) should make a difference. If he would, seems like return should be higher and play in your favor. Good luck!
S. in Japan
12:51
12-team roto (standard except OBP and Sv/Hld). Slightly light on SBs. Who would you pick as a potential SB play? Locastro, Hampson, Tapia, Slater, Straw, Haggerty. Txss!
Brent Hershey
12:51
Probably Locastro, but Hampson is hitting much better than I expected and is running also. Straw would be my #3 option.
Rock
12:52
The Yusei Kikuchi rollercoaster ride has been interesting after a month. HQ liked him coming into the year ... worth plunging back in in shallower leagues (10-12 teamers?)
Brent Hershey
12:52
In leagues like that, I'd prob prefer to see the consistency from YK first ...
AL-daydreamer
12:54
Thoughts on C-Rod in 15-team league. Anything special, or just another bullpen arm?
Brent Hershey
12:54
Really exciting long-term arm ... MIGHT get a rotation spot later in the year, so really depends on whether you have the stash room on the bench. BUT, in the interim, could also be a guy who doesn't hurt you in a week where your SP matchups are not great. But scouting reports, metrics, and his MLB manager have lauded the stuff. Arm to monitor in the very least.
Guest
12:57
al only-- 5x5 traditional   how do you rank mcclanahan,lynch and patino? Any big differences in expected productivity?
Brent Hershey
12:57
The 2 Rays guys make it tough to project role and thus productivity going forward. Those 2 should give good innings — and of course McClanahan showed otherworldly stuff — but role remains unclear. On the other hand, good innings are good innings, right? Lynch, OTOH, more likely to stay a starter and seeing him repeatedly in the minors, I'm a big fan. Rookies, them all -- so keep that in mind. But roles could affect results for fantasy in 2021 for sure.
Mark
12:59
Is there any tangible reason(s) of hope to hold on to Patrick Corbin (I've kept him benched for now) or should I just cut bait?
Connecting…