Around the Horn: April 28, 2011
April 28th, 2011 | by Ray Flowers |(1) Yovani Gallardo is struggling. Is it time to panic?
(2) Add Joe Mauer to the list of injured players I was right about (Kendrys Morales, Justin Morneau)
(3) What’s wrong with Andrew McCutchen?
(4) Carlos Carrasco (elbow) to DL. Is Alex White worth a pickup?
(5) Nick Swisher 0-for-18, Carlos Lee 0-for-15. For more on Swisher see his 2011 Player Profile.
By Ray Flowers
Tags: Alex White, Andrew McCutchen, Carlos Carrasco, Carlos Lee, Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Kendrys Morales, Nick Swisher, Yovani Gallardo
By Pete on Apr 28, 2011
hey ray,
was offered trade in a H2H points keeper league – russell martin and ryan zimmerman for posey and beltre. i love zim but i’m worried martin is going to tail off, so i’m thinking about rejecting the trade. plus since it’s a keeper league, posey is going to be a 13th rounder for me next year and beltre is a 12th, both great values.
thoughts? thanks!
By Ray Flowers on Apr 28, 2011
Pete- Martin has to prove he can stay healthy, and ultimately hold off Montero. Posey is safer, and a better bet.
Zimmerman obviously a better player than Beltre, but he is injured. Beltre will be close enough to Zimmerman ROTW that I think you should pass.
With the Keeper value of Posey, you totally want Posey/Beltre.
By Joe on Apr 28, 2011
Hi Ray.
I’m in a 12-team points league (equal amount of points for Ws, SVs and QSs). Looking to add Dan Hudson for the upcoming week (2 starts) and wonder if you think Thornton is worth cutting at this point. I usually draft and pick-up for the long-haul so I’m hesitant after just a few weeks to bail on Thornton but need points.
Thanks!
By Ray Flowers on Apr 28, 2011
Joe – I like Thornton, his skills didnt just disappear in two weeks. At the same time, he isn’t likely to get much 9th inning work, not in the short term with Sergio Santos pitching so well. Go ahead and make the move to add Hudson – he’s a solid arm.
By cameron on Apr 28, 2011
hey ray,
check out my team:
http://games.espn.go.com/flb/clubhouse?leagueId=43062&teamId=6&seasonId=2011
10 tm, 7 kpr. any suggested pickup/drops or players/categories to target?
thanks for your time.
By Bob Morrison on Apr 29, 2011
Is Coghlan worth picking up in a 10-team 4×4 league (HR, RBI,SB,AVG)??? I tried it last year and got burned…but maybe he is for real this year???
By Rob on Apr 29, 2011
Hi Ray,
I know you don’t like streaming pitchers but I’m thinking of picking up Dice-K for his start tonight against Seattle.
Would likely drop M. Boggs to make this happen. No bats to drop.
And what is your take on Broxton? Are you seeing a similar outcome to that of Thornton, Nathan, Franklin?
By Dave on Apr 29, 2011
Wells for Dempster? 14 team nonkeeper, 5×5 with OPS instead of AVG.
By Ray Flowers on Apr 29, 2011
Bob- Coghlan will hit for a solid average, yes, but that’s it. He’ snot going to knock in 90 runs hitting at the top of the order, and if he hits 15 hr’s I’ll be shocked. If he had stayed in the infield I’d be interested, but as on OF he just doesn’t have much value, and very little in a 10 teamer. I’d avoid him in that format.
By Ray Flowers on Apr 29, 2011
Cameron – I really dont deal too much with 10 team lgs. Reason is that they are so thin you can always go to the waiver-wire and find a bushel of players that should already be on rosters.
I know that Longoria is on DL, but your CI is weak. Morneau was a big risk to take in a 10 team this year, and so far he hasn’t paid off at all.
Your SPs need some help. Hellickson is a stretch in 10 team, Dice K a super stretch, and Lohse — great right now but the fall will be steep.
By Ray Flowers on Apr 29, 2011
Rob – There is no way I’m dropping a guy who could get 30 saves for a guy who has had two good starts after being awful for two full years. It might work out, but I cannot suggest doing it.
No telling with Broxton. Right now my biggest concern is his health. He’s got strong skills and has plenty of success in the 9th, so I’d hold on to him.
By Ray Flowers on Apr 29, 2011
Dave – Wells’ isn’t going to do much for you in an OPS league, while Demptster looks as lost as it gets right now. A decent trade of two buy low guys. Roll those dice.
By Dave on Apr 29, 2011
OK Ray, how about Freeman for Gavin Floyd?
By David on Apr 29, 2011
Ray, am I crazy to drop Aaron Hill for Jed Lowrie in a standard 5×5 keeper league? Hill is so frustrating to me right now! Thanks!
By Ray Flowers on Apr 29, 2011
David – I wouldn’t drop Hill just cause he is injured. At the same time I don’t know your league rules etc., but on the surface I would hold on if I could. Based on your question about picking up Lowrie you must be in a very shallow league since he was picked up in every league about two weeks ago, so perhaps you should give it a look. I’d still keep Hill though.
By Bob Morrison on Apr 29, 2011
Ray…who do you like better as a utility player in a 10 team 4×4 league: M Izturis, Damon, M Reynolds???
By Marshall on Apr 29, 2011
Ray, I’m in an AL 10 team 4×4 roto league. I started the season with Will Rhymes at my 2B spot. I have since dropped him, and am holding onto both Carlos Guillen and Scott Sizemore. I’m hoping one of those 2 is with the Tigers soon. How do you see the Tigers 2B situation working out?
By Ray Flowers on Apr 29, 2011
Bob – Reynolds. In a 10 team lg. Damon and Izturis are as bland as it gets. Reynolds might bomb, but he is the only difference maker of the group and his HR/RBI total will destroy the marks of the other two. Risky? Sure, but all three are in a 10 teamer.
By Ray Flowers on Apr 29, 2011
Marshall – It’s a disaster. Rhymes is terrible. If he doesn’t play everyday he has no value. Guillen is still productive when he plays, he’s just never out there. He is improving slowly, but is still weeks away from the sound of it. Sizemore has been a beast at Triple-A the past couple of years, really has nothing left to prove there. Not sure why he isn’t getting more of a look in the bigs. If Ordonez starts hitting, and Boesch keeps it up, maybe Rayburn sees more time at 2B. It’s a minefield.
By Erik on Apr 29, 2011
Ray – love your show and website. I am dead last in every offensive category in a 12 team, 5×5 Rotiss league. My pitching is equally bad filled with slumping slow starters, so I’m now in full panic mode. (and I have 5 guys considered undroppable that are hitting below .200) I was offered this deal:
I trade:DUNN BRUCE CRAWFORD and I would receive:
VICTORINO REYES SCHERZER. I can’t stomach another Dunn weak grounder or Crawford K any longer! Help!
By RC on Apr 29, 2011
Ray,
Quick thoughts on Frank Francisco going forward? Will he get 20+ saves in your opinion the rest of the way? Thanks RC
By Ray Flowers on Apr 29, 2011
Erik – Buttering me up is always a good move.
You are giving up a ton of power to get back a lot of speed. Traditionally, power guys are a bit more stable.
I want Crawford over Reyes.
I want Dunn over Victorino (its close).
Bruce vs. Scherzer? It’s about the makeup of your club.
Without knowing your starters or SS option, I’d say this.
It’s certainly a fair deal.
I’m very partial to Dunn and Crawford though.
By Ray Flowers on Apr 29, 2011
RC – I hate to put numbers out there, cause no one really knows. If I had to guess I would say the answer to your question though is yes. I can’t see that the Jays brought in Francisco at the cost of Mike Napoli merely to have him caddy for Rauch.
By Mark on Apr 29, 2011
Ray, thanks for giving the approval on Erik’s trade offer earlier. He’s my twin brother and obviously doesn’t trust me! What he DIDN’T tell you is that he’s a suffering Orioles fan and his roster is very bird-heavy…thanks again, buying low on Crawford and Dunn should widen the gap between us twin brothers. Have a great weekend and thanks again for the great info!
By Chaka on Apr 29, 2011
Who will have a bigger impact this season, Alfnso Soriano or Adam Lind? My OF is Braun, Cargo and Bruce and presently Soriano at Util. I have Lowrie and Damon on the bench for depth. Should I drop Soriano, Lowrie, or Damon for Lind who was recently waived?
By Dave on Apr 29, 2011
Alexei Ramirez for Rajai Davis. Fair trade for a manager who lost his MI (Nishioka) before the season and for me who has Crisp on DTD, Fowler, Hunter, and Wells for OF.
My infield is solid though (Tulo, Konerko, Phillips, Itzuris for backup if Ramirez goes, Freeman, and Alvarez).
By Ray Flowers on Apr 29, 2011
Chaka – I’d drop Damon. I know he has been hot so far with the RBI bat, but he is a middling mixed lg. option. Lind has the potential to be a much bigger run producer. That’s the move I would make.
By Chaka on Apr 29, 2011
Thanks, Ray. I really just picked up Damon for the double dip yesterday and thought he was too hot to drop. It’s all about long term reward.
By Ray Flowers on Apr 29, 2011
Dave – Davis will run wild, but I’m still partial to Ramirez. I have a hard time thinking that Alexei wont’ be a top 7 or 8 option at SS with the potential be do more. Davis can make a difference on the base paths, but as an outfielder – I’d prefer Ramirez.
If you already have Crisp and Fowler you simply cannot add another all speed, no power bat to your OF.
By Chris on Apr 29, 2011
Ray – I need a closer…sitting now with Broxton and Valverde…not bad but their teams aren’t helping them out right now.
I have been offered Sergio Santos for Vlad. My other outfielders are Granderson, Bruce, Fuld, Soriano and Pence.
Does Santos have enough of a chance to stay the closer on the South Side to justify this deal?
This is a 12 team, H2H, dynasty league (Yahoo).
Thanks.
By Ray Flowers on Apr 29, 2011
Chris – Santos could end the year with 5 saves, or 30. Honestly, and I hate to say this, I have no idea how it will play out. He is certainly in the driver’s seat right now, but if he has a bad couple of games, will Ozzie pull him out immediately? I have no idea how that guy thinks.
I’d turn the deal down. Vlad ain’t what he used to be, but he’s still gonna hit .290 with 25 homers. Santos could easily outpace that value, but he could also be an afterthought in two months.
By Logan on Apr 29, 2011
Hi Ray,
Listen to you, Elfrink, and Kay all the time, have called in a couple times too. Really like your work since early fanball days on.
Alright here goes it, 12 team mixed keeper (keep 5 in their respective rounds)
A) Cano, Jimenez, Hafner or B) Bautista, Tabata, Marcum, Kelly Johnson?
It’s 6×5 H2H with Hits as the additional category (doesn’t change much)… I have side A) and really like Cano, but I heard Chris Liss calling Bautista a re-draft top 5 type pick the other day. What are your thoughts?
Thanks, Logan
By Ray Flowers on Apr 29, 2011
Logan – thanks for words of support. It’s been a long road to get here.
http://baseballguys.com/2011/03/15/my-life-in-fantasy-sports/
1- Since you can only keep 5, getting all kinds of players isn’t always a great thing.
2- Hafner isn’t going to play everday, so he’ll be of little help in hits.
3- Bautista will NOT be a redraft top-5. See: http://baseballguys.com/2011/04/27/early-season-surgers/
I love Cano, but give me the other four. I really have no faith in Hafner: http://baseballguys.com/2011/04/29/around-the-horn-april-29-2011/
By David on Apr 30, 2011
Ray, thanks for your help on these posts, it makes a difference! Deep 12 team keeper league, no bench. I am pretty strong in power and runs, but could use some SB. Worth dropping Denard Span as Rajaj Davis is on the waiver wire and just came off the DL. What do ou project for those 2 guys? Thanks!
By Ray Flowers on Apr 30, 2011
David – How can you be in a deep 12 team lg if you have no bench? A bit confused there.
Span is a better, more stable option than Davis. Span should be able to get 30 steals, though Davis will almost certainly better him. Straight up I would prefer Span since he is, simply, a better overall player. However, if your only need/goal is to get steals, Davis would be the better option in that strict sense.
By Bob on Apr 30, 2011
HELP HELP HELP.
i am in a 5×5 10 team roto league here is my team i am in 5th place. i have been offered Votto for lester. my team as follows.
C suzuki,1b konerko 2b Uggla ss Tulo 3b Longoria/c jones. of stubbs,werth,rios,swisher,pagan,d young, we start 3 of and 1 util(any position) we must start 4sp and 1 rp 2 flex 7 spots total
sp lester,haren,kershaw,cj wilson, j sanchez,pineda,c lewis,narveson,hellickson rp broxton
Do i stand pat or do the deal MR FLOWERS?
By Joel on Apr 30, 2011
ray: Kubel is my 6th OF. I can trade him for either Lohse or Haraang. Which one should I take?
By Ray Flowers on Apr 30, 2011
Joel – Stay away from Lohse. What he is doing now make no sense. Everything is totally out of whack with his pitching line. As for Harang, you cant expect him to win 20 games, but all his numbers pretty much mirror what you would expect from him.
By Ray Flowers on Apr 30, 2011
Bob- Do the deal. Lester is an ace, but Votto is a top-10 performer. You already have two aces in Haren and Kershaw, and in a 10 teamer there will be pitching available for you to add.
It’s a fair deal for the other, but I still prefer the hitter Mr. Votto who will likely be the more valuable option this year.
By Joel on Apr 30, 2011
Just traded Kubel for Harang — thanks! Follow up question: someone cut Delmon Young yesterday in my 6×6 h2h league. We have 2 DL slots, and only 2 wire moves a week. Even though I already have 5 OFs (Braun, J Up, Kemp, Torriii Hunter and Bourn), do u think Delmon is simply too valuable to ever be on the wire and that I just have to pick him up? What do you think of him ROS? would u rather have him or Hunter?
By Matt on Apr 30, 2011
Just was offered :
Ichiro, Jed Lowrie and Ogondo for
Rios Alexi Ramirez and Dempster
12 team mixed
By Bob on Apr 30, 2011
The guy has Ryan Howard and needs pitching bad. but top 10 guys are not growing on trees.
I am doing the deal…thanks again RAY….
By Bob on Apr 30, 2011
one more question Ray.
The following pitchers are available on waiver wire..
Z Britton, Wade Davis, B Duensing.. which of the 3 do you like best i was thinking of dropping Narveson for one of them.
Thnank You
By Primo on Apr 30, 2011
I got Panda out for 6 weeks in 2 leagues, who do I grab off the wire?
Not many corners out there…Im looking to trade for beltre and d.hudson so I offered Liriano and beckham, thoughts?
Im in a hole…
By Joel on Apr 30, 2011
Ray, I too have a waiver/pitching Q: on the wire are Scott Baker, A. Sanchez, Wade Davis and Cueto. Which TWO of those should I take first thing Monday morning?
By Bill on Apr 30, 2011
David Wright is my favorite player and has been on my team since I picked him up 3 weeks before the Mets called him up. His strikeouts are getting scary and his swing is VERY different from when he came up. Is that lineup killing him and could he lose keeper status when Reyes and Beltran get dealt eventually. The Mets will be bad for a while and I fear that he will become the next Mark Reynolds with more steals.
By Ray Flowers on Apr 30, 2011
Joel – if you have two DL spots then yes, you have to pick up Delmon. It’s not a major injury so he shouldn’t be out too long. Having him though will allow you to see your players play for another week before making a decision what to do.
I have NO idea why people are so down on Young. He was one hit from going .300 with 110+ RBI last year, that’s pretty damn good.
By Ray Flowers on Apr 30, 2011
Matt – Lowrie I like, but not sold on 500 ABs or all-star level production. Ogando I like, but concerns about him going over the 100 IP mark that he has never reach does bother me. Ichiro – no issues with him.
I’d take the struggling rios, dempster and ramirez. Their talent clearly outpaces the other trio, and if someone had proposed this deal 30 days ago, they would have been laughed out of your league.
Keep the faith.
By Ray Flowers on Apr 30, 2011
Bob – I’d hold on to narveson for now. He looked awful in his last outing which skews his overall numbers. Davis is pitching well but has no strikeouts. Deunsing is solid but he too doesn’t strike anyone out. Both might end up with better numbers than Chris, but for now I’d hold on to Narveson – by the chair of my chinny chin chin.
By Ray Flowers on Apr 30, 2011
Primo – No one in the world is going to accept Liriano/Beckham for Beltre/Hudson. Both the guys you are offering likely wouldn’t even get you Beltre right now with how they are performer. You’re going to have to up your offer to get Beltre.
By Ray Flowers on Apr 30, 2011
Joel – Davis has no Ks even though he is pitching well. Cueto still needs to prove he is healthy. Give me Baker and Sanchez.
By Ray Flowers on May 1, 2011
Bill – Wright is fine. There is no doubt that his K rate is up, and that’s not a good thing, but everything else is fine. He’s still on pace to go 25/25 this year 90 runs and 80 RBI, and he has performed poorly so far. The key is a return of his line drive rate and BABIP. WHen those normalize over the course of the year as they should, the production will once again be top notch.
By Rob on May 1, 2011
Hi Ray,
Is Gio a sit or start vs the Rangers? Usually he’s a must start for me but the way the Rangers are lighting it up…I’m not so sure about this afternoon.
I’m in a points league, so a bad outing for a pitcher can be a killer.
Thanks!
By Ray Flowers on May 1, 2011
Rob – I really don’t like making daily calls. I say it over and over again, I have little idea how a guy will do on any certain day. Did he sleep wrong on his shoulder? Is his stomach upset? Is his wife going through something. Did he wake up feeling blah.
I look at the skills and the matchup and say if you have a doubt don’t pitch a guy.
I’d say Gio is a moderate option on Sunday – not great, but not awful.
By Joel on May 1, 2011
OK – 2 last Q’s for this week:
1) who would you take tomorrow a.m. off waivers out of A Sanchez and S Baker? Does Anibal’s 2 start week make him the obvious choice?
2) With Youk doing his usual, I think I need an IF. Choices are Betimit, LaPorta, Brett Wallace, Hannahan and Luke Scott. I like that Betimit and Hann have 3b eligibility, but its not necessary cause I have Prado to fill in at 3b. I also like that LaPorta has OF elig as well. However, maybe Wallace is just hands down better overall. Finally, is Scott going on one of his fabled streaks that you and Kyle wax so eloqently about? Tough call to make. Which one would you take?
By Ray Flowers on May 1, 2011
Joel – I don’t pick guys up for one week, I pick them up for the long haul. I’d take Baker. If you are talking about this week only, a 2-start guy though is obviously very attractive in h2h formats.
No idea when Scott’s runs come, why he is so difficult to spot start.
Wallace , see – http://www.torontosun.com/2011/04/30/yanks-hold-on-against-the-jays
LaPorta no faith in him right now.
Hannahan – been good, but history says he can’t keep this up.
Betemit is probably best choice to help out. He’s been great since he joined the Royals. Still not certain to play every day though.
By Joel on May 1, 2011
what am I missing? what is the hook from the Toronto story to Brett Wallace? Is it that he’s young and unpredictable in the way that Drabek is?
By Alan Siefert on May 1, 2011
Ray,
I see there is a big run on RP Fernando Salas on yahoo. I have Wilson and Axford as my RP with Nathan on the bench. Do I cut Nathan and take a shot on Salas or hold on to Nathan and wait for him to get back into form?
10 team Points league.
By Ray Flowers on May 1, 2011
Joel – not sure what you are referring to with your comment on Wallace? Can you re-phrase?
By Ray Flowers on May 1, 2011
Alan – In a 10 tm league holding on to Nathan is OK, but you had better have a lot of strong performing pitchers if you are wasting a spot on him right now. Salas is one of many Cards that are getting called on in the 9th. La Russa said he is going to mix and match, so don’t pick up Salas thinking he is the Cards closer, he has not been named to that role.
At some point Nathan will get the 9th inning role back. It just a matter of time.
By Ricky on May 14, 2011
Is Jason Bay worth holding onto or should I let him go?
By Ray Flowers on May 14, 2011
Ricky – Depends on your league size with Bay and whether you start 3 or 5 OFs. If 10 teamer not worth keeping. If 12 maybe depending on depth. If 15, I’d hold on because you aren’t likely to find more upside on the wire.