(1) Jake Peavy twirls masterpiece. Should you be buying?
(2) Colby Rasmus, Matt Holiday and Lance Berkman hurt.
(3) Fernando Salas the Cards’ closer? Not so fast.
(4) Adam LaRoche = abysmal. Is a turn around coming?
(5) Injured players update – Joe Mauer, Nelson Cruz and Josh Hamilton.
By Ray Flowers
Tags: Adam LaRoche, Fernando Salas, Jake Peavy, Joe Mauer, Josh Hamilton, Justin Masterson, Lance Berkman, Matt Holliday, Nelson Cruz
The FSWA winner of the Best Baseball Series of 2011, BaseballGuys.com is the only source you will need for your fantasy baseball knowledge. OK, you might need other sources, but BaseballGuys.com should be on your daily list of must reads for the insights an analysis it provides on the world of baseball.
The co-host of The Drive on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio (Sirius 210, XM 87: M-F at 5-8 PM EDT), Ray has spent years squirreled away studying the inner workings of the fantasy game to the detriment of his personal life. Specializing in baseball, football and hockey, some consider him an expert in all three. Ray's work can also be found as feature writer for: Fantasy Alarm, Rotoinfo, Rotowire and Sports Illustrated.
You can contact Ray through e-mail at fantasyfandom@yahoo(dot)com or on Twitter.
By Jim on May 19, 2011
Ray, Let me start by saying that I really love what Lance Berkman has done for baseball. Year in, year out, he’s been steady and even a shining light on some of those mediocre Astros teams. (Hell, his eyelashes are almost as cool as Sofia Vergara’s!) But for the life of me, I can’t figure out how fantasy baseball players can forget in 2011 that we’ve seen this type of blazing start from him before, and his regression to the norm can get real ugly, real fast. The last time was in 2008, when he batted .347 before the All-Star Break, and .259 post-Break. When his average evaporated, so did his power. I’m happy he’s proving all the doubters wrong so far, but do you agree he might be a golden SELL at this point?
By Ray Flowers on May 19, 2011
Jim – Come on, no way they are better than Sofia’s. j/k
Berkman has been great, one of the best switch hitters in history actually.
I can’t say that just cause he tanked one year in the 2nd half that he will do so this year, but clearly the fact that he has done it before should certainly make people pretty nervous about Lance. I’ve been on record saying all along I’m shocked.
By Joel on May 19, 2011
Ray — I’ve been offered michael young and Tommy Hanson for Youk in my 6×6 h2h league. my sps now are hamels, brett anderson, Marcum, carpenter, cj wilson, zimmerman and anibal sanchez. what do you think? Is Hanson worththe step down from Youk to Young?
By Kevin on May 19, 2011
I’m beginning to realize I might not have the patience to hold on to Jason Heyward in my Keeper League for the next 2 seasons or so before he becomes the superstar he is projected to be – Can you think of any top-tier OF I could offer Heyward for in a straight-up deal, or am I crazy to even be considering trading Heyward. Would you trade Jason Heyward for say Jay Bruce or Justin Upton @ this point if it was possible?
By Ray Flowers on May 19, 2011
Joel – I think this is a solid deal. Clearly you lose in the move to Young, but you know he is going to produce runs and likely hit .300. Add to him an ace in the making in Hanson, a legit top-20 guy this season, and I have no problem given this the thumbs up.
By Ray Flowers on May 19, 2011
Kevin – I don’t know the depth of your league, or the rules (how many keepers, cost, etc). Need some more info, but I’ll tell you this – Heyward has a huge future.
I’d keep him over Bruce.
Justin Upton — very, very similar skill set to Heyward. If you have no patience for Heyward, you can make this move.
By Kevin on May 19, 2011
It’s a Yahoo! 16-Team Mixed H2H League with 14 scoring categories. Each team gets to keep 5 players after the season and can keep any player as long as they wish.
By Ricky S on May 19, 2011
Ray,
12 team 4×4. Who would you pick up in a league where strikeouts don’t count: Peavy, Ubaldo Jimenez, or Wandy Rodriguez?
Thanks
By Ray Flowers on May 19, 2011
Ricky S – Old school 4×4 eh? In that format I’d go Wandy. Ubaldo is still working on things, and Peavy – though I like him, I just can’t trust him to stay healthy. Wandy is the best combo of skills, health, and current performance.
By Ricky S on May 19, 2011
In my 10 tm 5×5, just made a trade. What do you think:
2 of my closers were Salas and Walden and I had Peavy sitting on the bench as my 5th starter (Josh Johnson, Weaver, Gio Gonzalez, Marcum). So I traded Peavy and BJ Upton for Kinsler and Neftali Feliz.
Was the deal good or bad?
By James on May 20, 2011
Hey Ray. I own Jason Heyward in a Keeper League that counts On Base and Total Bases. I heard on Sirus XM Fantasy Baseball that Cliff Floyd and Bobby Cox had a convo and Cox said that Heyward is never going to play hurt is kind of a Prima Donna. I looked deeper and read that he was a huge injury risk in the minors. Is there any truth to that? Keeper leagues are tricky as sometimes the Hype of a player can sink you. His GB rate is very disturbing and his K rate is rising. If I knew he was healthy I would keep him but I am wondering if I should move him in a deal. I have the best keepers in my league. Own Bautista, Braun, McCutchen, Longoria, Tulo, Harper and my final keeper is Heyward. I could move him in a package but not sure if I should. I am as patient as they come and I know there is a learning curve but I also know that injuries can derail a fantasy season quicker than anything. What would you do? Is Heyward soft and going to be an injury risk or is this just unfortunately series of events and should I ride him out and reap the benefits. we can keep the player forever. Thanks so much for getting to my question
By Rob on May 20, 2011
Hi Ray,
I’m in need of a power MI bat. Who do you think will be a breakout power guy the rest of the way? Guys like Hill, Alex Gonzales, Aviles, Furcal, Uribe, Hardy are available. Do you think Justin Turner is worth adding? Will Hill start hitting some HRs finally?
Would be dropping Figgins. 10 team, mixed, weekly H2H points, daily transactions.
Thanks!
By Joe Closer on May 20, 2011
I dropped Guerrier based on your advice a couple of weeks ago; keeping Motte, Masset, Jansen, and Loe as better value relievers.
Disappointed and still looking for saves in a very, very deep NL only league (13 teams).
Should I still be keeping all of those four setup guys on the roster?
By Chaka on May 20, 2011
Watching Braun and Cargo leave the games yesterday (Chaka’s first two picks of the draft) make Chaka want to drink heavily. Is this bad news for Chaka’s liver? Will either or both be lost for significant period of time?
By Chaka on May 20, 2011
Oh. Chaka was interested in Collmenter, but noticed in his two starts, flyball outs rose drastically compared to groundouts and he hasn’t missed too many bats as a starter. GB/FB 24/12 as reliever but 12/24 as starter. Also, 11K in 14IP as reliever compared to 4K in 12IP as starter. The .69 ERA and .50 WHIP look good, but can I safely say a rude awakening is coming, possibly @COL on Tues?
By Chaka on May 20, 2011
Last “quick fire” round question… Bedard tonight @SD or Baker tomorrow @Ari? I know you’ve been high on Baker but Bedard @SD has looked better recently.
By BVtime on May 20, 2011
Ray,
I am in a 10 team H2H, we start 3 OFs 1 Utilty. I am discussing a deal with someone where I would give up Granderson and get back J. Sheilds. My current OF is Grandy, CarGo, Hamilton, Choo and Beltran (Zobrist is OF elig as well). My pitchers are Kershaw, Price, Gallardo, Marcum, Ogando, Chacin, Kennedy, Santos and Storen (we start 5 SP and 2 RP). I am being stupid cuz I like Shields so much?
By Ray Flowers on May 20, 2011
Ricky S- I have no faith that Peavy will be a force this year, too many arm concerns. I do like Upton, he is an elite talent. Kinsler could be a match for Upton since he plays 2B, so would I prefer a struggling Feliz or a suddenly hot Peavy? Give me Feliz.
By Steve on May 20, 2011
Ray
A number of OFs available and they all seem the same player to me - S.Smith, Torres, Brantley, Gordon, Maybin and Span. Who do I pick up? Thanks.
By Ray Flowers on May 20, 2011
James – the guy is barely old enough to drink. Ask scouts what they see and they tell you All-Star level talent at the low side. I know things are great with him right now, but everyone predicts greatness from the kid.
There is no way to predict injury… unless it’s chipper jones.
I have no idea if Heyward is soft, but he did play the second half last year with a bum wrist so I’m of the opinion that he is getting a bum rap right now.
By Ray Flowers on May 20, 2011
Rob – I’d take Hill. Despite his struggles last year, I believe he was still top-5 at 2B in HR and RBI the past two years. I know the power hasn’t been there yet, but I have confidence it will be.
By Ray Flowers on May 20, 2011
Joe C – NL only leagues are tricky. I know the dodgers are saying Guerrier now, but I’m still a big fan of Jansen and that power arm. You can drop Loe if you want, but the question is, who can you pick up? Loe has been worked hard at the start and his performance has caved as you are well aware.
By Ray Flowers on May 20, 2011
Chaka – Collimeter = I agree with you. Too many people jumping on the bandwagon. I won’t be one of them.
Braun/Cargo should also be ok, so don’t worry about your live Chaka.
Dr. Rick Marshall
By Ray Flowers on May 20, 2011
BVT – Shields is one of my favorite. I had him in my top-30 this year and people said I was a dope. that said, we both know he isn’t this good. We also know that Granderson is not this good.
I look at this deal as one of need. Both guys figure to be solid all year, with some regression coming.
With CarGo banged up, Hamilton always at risk, and Beltran an uncertainty in my mind, I’d pass. Deal is fine, but you need to keep that OF depth.
By CHRIS on May 20, 2011
RAY QUICK TRADE QUESTION
BUSTER POSEY,JAIME GARCIA AND JOEL HANRAHAN IN EXCHANGE FOR RUSSEL MARTIN, JUSTIN UPTON..PRETTY GOOD AT PITCHING BUT NEED OFFENSIVE HELP,WHO DO YOU THINK IS WINNING THAT DEAL??
By Ray Flowers on May 20, 2011
Chris – I’d rather have Posey than Martin.
Garcia has been phenominal, but is in line for some regression. Hanrahan could be a top-10 closer this year, I’ve said that all along. Upton is a potential star on offense. His shoulder always concerns me, as does his approach, but the guy can do it all.
I dont have much faith in Martin, he’s been awful in May, so I’d say the side with the three players is where you want to be.
By Rob on May 20, 2011
I know you abstain from making daily calls on pitchers but I have to ask – down to my last acquisition of the week and I’m looking at Vogelsong v. Oak, Humber v. LAD and Bedard @ SD.
IF you HAD to choose one of these three, who looks better to get the W tonight?
By Steve on May 20, 2011
Ray
A number of OFs available and they all seem the same player to me - S.Smith, Torres, Brantley, Gordon, Maybin, A Jackson and Span. Anyone jump out at you? Thanks.
By Marty on May 20, 2011
Just traded Fielder & Granderson for Crawford and Pujols. 12 team 5×5 roto. Thumbs up?
By Randy on May 20, 2011
Ray,
I’m looking to trade high on Matt Joyce. Before doing so, I wanted to know your thoughts on his potential going forward..is he legit, or the flavor of the month? BTW I need Power, could Joyce land me a Swisher and/or some other under performing player?
By Ray Flowers on May 20, 2011
Rob – you know me so well. I’d say all appear to have solid matchups. I’m tempted with Bedard, but cause of his uncertainty I’d say go Vogelsong who seems locked in right now… but…
By Ray Flowers on May 20, 2011
Steve – All depends what your team needs.
Brantley, Span for avg/speed.
Jackson just a step below.
Maybin 202/20 upside, but avg issues.
Torres slightly less, but more stable avg.
Gordon really slumping badly.
Smith a nice bat but no speed.
They are are kind of in that same area, though to be honest, you must be in a very shallow league to have all of them available.
For giggles – Torres, Span, Maybin
By Ray Flowers on May 20, 2011
Marty – In my mind you robbed the other guy. Two up guys for two down guys, but I wouldn’t bet against Crawford/Pujols ROTW.
By Rob on May 20, 2011
I left one thing out, just to see who you’d choose…I have Cahill pitching against Vogs tonight. Does that change anything? It’s a little like “hedging your bets” to have two SP going against each other. But if both are locked in, only one can get the W! Do I go with Bedard in the hopes that Cahill walks away with the W and Bedard does too?
By Ray Flowers on May 20, 2011
Randy – Joyce has an unsustainable LD Rate and BABIP mark. There is no way he keeps this up. He is a 25 HR type bat, not doubting that, but he just isn’t a .300 hitter. I’d give a thumbs up to moving him if someone believes he is a fantasy all-star. Still, as much as I like Swisher, I’d think you should be able to get more in a deal.
By Joe Closer on May 20, 2011
Trade offer for analsyis – I’d be giving up Rolen for Bailey. I don’t normally like trading hitters for pitchers, but could use some strikeouts and am fairly solid on the hitting side.
I am currently 5th in the batting stats and 9th on the pitching side in a 5×5 NL only league.
By BVtime on May 20, 2011
Ray,
Should I give up A. Dunn for G. Sanchez and R. Martin? I have Wieters at catcher right now.
By matt on May 20, 2011
Ray,
I was offered Dunn for BJ Upton in a H2H mixed points league… How do you feel about Dunn the rest of the way?
By Bob on May 21, 2011
Hello Ray
What do you know regarding Joey Votto. Yahoo reported he was hobbling may 18th. Does he have an injury i should be concerned with?
By brad on May 21, 2011
do you think trading batista for weeks and j upton is fair do you think i would have to include i throw in player to even deal or is batista more than fair the throw ins would be pie gutierez but not pierre
let me know this could be my season
By Ray Flowers on May 21, 2011
BVT – I’d rather have Wieters than Martin who has been pretty awful in May.
I would not do this deal.
Dunn simply must improve, and as great as Sanchez is, there is no way that he’s a .320-30 HR guy like he looks like right now. You’d be buying high and selling low, so I’d pass.
By Ray Flowers on May 21, 2011
Matt – Dunn has to, has to get better.
7-straight years with 38 HRs.
7-straight years with a .250+ ISO (it’s only .159 right now).
8-straight years of 20 percent HR/F. It’s only 9.3 percent right now.
He has to get better.
Still, I’d keep Upton for his power/speed combo, that is unless you need a 1B.
By Ray Flowers on May 21, 2011
Bob – Votto is fine. If he wasn’t, I’d have to think that the Reds would use him at DH and not Gomes this weekend.
http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110520&content_id=19322118¬ebook_id=19324506&vkey=notebook_cin&c_id=cin
Plus, Votto has a 6-game hitting streak. He’s fine.
By Ray Flowers on May 21, 2011
Brad – Right now Bautista is the #1 guy going. I’d think if you offered him for Weeks/JUp it would have a good chance of being accepted. You know me and my thoughts with Bautista, though I seem to be in the underwhelming minority in my thoughts.
By BVtime on May 21, 2011
Ray- I am setting up my weekley league next week Price at home vs. Cleveland or Marcum at home vs. SF
By Craig N on May 21, 2011
Help
Need pitching last in wins and k’s 5×5 nl only….should I deal Howard and Romo for Cliff Lee and Garret Jones? Also, I drafted a team ok at all cats but not great at any..
By Matt on May 22, 2011
Ray i have been offered a trade- i give up braun, De Larosa and I get Lincicum, Alfonso Soriano and Brett Myers… i need era/whip and K- i am at bottom of each. i am very good in hitting..
By Ray Flowers on May 22, 2011
BVT – Again, I dont like predicting pitchers for just one start, too much going on to know for certain. With Price struggling a bit in his last two starts I’d go Marcum who is facing a giants lineup that just doesn’t score a lot of runs.
By Ray Flowers on May 22, 2011
Craig N – Howard for Lee is fair based on need. Romo is a fine NL only arm, but his value is limited since he isn’t getting saves, and only faces righties. Jones isn’t great, but his numbers will far outpace the contributions of Romo unless he lucks into some saves.
Do it.
By Ray Flowers on May 22, 2011
Matt – Myers has been a mess this year, can’t count on him being the guy we saw last year. He’s decent. Lincecum is obviously a massive upgrade. If I said Braun for Lincecum ok. Would I then do DLR for Alsfonso and Myers? DLR can be a star, but inconsistency always follows, so that’s OK too.