ROTW Rankings: Hitters
May 30th, 2011 | by Ray Flowers |
I get asked all the time, ‘hey Ray, can you rank these players for me the rest of the way.’ I diligently answer the queries, but with the question being asked so frequently it only made sense for me to come up with a list that I could refer people to. A few caveats before we get to the actual rankings.
(1) Players are only listed at one position so you only find Jose Bautista in the outfield and Jhonny Peralta at shortstop even though they qualify at multiple positions.
(2) I’ve sprinkled in a few rookies, guys like Brett Lawrie, Jesus Montero and Desmond Jennings, but with so much uncertainty surrounding young players and when/if they will be called up, most of the youngsters currently in the minors were left off the list.
(3) This is the most important point to make – these are Rest of the Way rankings. Jose Bautista might be the #1 fantasy performer right now, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he will be the best the ROTW. These lists are intended to give my thoughts on how players should be ranked from May 30th on, irrespective of the players production up to this point.
(4) The rankings are based on the standard of a 12 team mixed league using traditional 5×5 categories.
With that, here is the list. I’m sure you’ll all have a good time critiquing my thoughts, and I look forward to reading your replies in the COMMENTS section below.
ROTW-HITTERS-May30-2011-BBGuys
By Ray Flowers
Tags: Brett Lawrie, Desmond Jennings, Jesus Montero, Jhonny Peralta, Jose Bautista, Player Rankings, Ppsitional Rankings, ROTW
By Jeff on May 30, 2011
Thank you for the rankings Ray.
I am in a 5×5 roto league and I have Kurt Suzuki, who you have ranked 12th, as my catcher. I was going through the waver wire and I came across Mike Napoli, who is rank 5th. Do you think there is that big of a difference between the 2 for me to pick up Napoli?
By Ricky S on May 30, 2011
Justin Upton and McCutchen over Carlos Gonzalez? Did you not see his second half last year? Post all-star: .363 17 HR. In fact, that 17 HR matched what Upton hit all of last year To further that point, CarGos last 30 days: .293 7 HR 19 RBI 3 stls. His slump to begin the year is old news. Reconsider that one?
By Ray Flowers on May 30, 2011
Ricky S- I’m looking at his currently league average slash line (.257/.330/.439). And the fact that he isn’t very good on the road. Over his last 95 road games he’s hitting .272-11-56. He’s not going to hit .380 with 26 homers at Coors this year.
By Joel on May 30, 2011
Ray,
In my 6×6 h2h league i’ve been offered Kimbrel and Pujols for Prince and Soria. My other closers are Madson, Street and Gregg. what do u think?
By Jeff Shelton on May 30, 2011
Noticed E. Aybar didnt make top 20 @ SS. I find it hard to believe since you put alot of value on SB’s in your other player rankings. Did you just forget about him or do you think he’ll be a non factor rotw? I think .285-50-5-35-20 ROTW is realistic and with a line anywhere close to that he should warrant consideration at SS. Especially considering guys like Desmond, Theriot, Hardy made the cut. Thoughts?
By SAl on May 30, 2011
Hill or Peralta ROTW in a league that counts OPS? Thanks Ray!
By Ray Flowers on May 30, 2011
Jeff Shelton – Good catch buddy. I did gloss over Aybar. Update now in place. Thanks for the heads up.
By Ray Flowers on May 30, 2011
Sal – Neither Hill nor Peralta is a strong option in an OPS league. Both could post similar numbers the rest of the way. Given that, the answer likely comes down to whomever better fits your needs, i.e. which position do you need more? At this moment, I’d go Peralta who qualifies at two spots and is undoubtedly hitting much better at the moment.
By Ray Flowers on May 30, 2011
Joel – Soria was just demoted, Aaron Crow is going to take over the 9th. I don’t think the move will last for long, but stranger things have certainly happened.
Get Kimbrel/Pujols.
By Sanibel on May 31, 2011
Ray, nicely done.
The obvious (well, obvious to me @ least) question is whether your ranking is based on up-2-date performance, or on a combination of that plus upside and previous record of players? Example: C. Crawford. The guy is just now starting to play better, but if you consider his up-2-date performance (.232 BA and only 7 SBs), he’s hardly a #5 OF in the league. Same argument could be made for J. Bautista who’s current stat puts him at #1 player in baseball.
By FP on May 31, 2011
Thanks for taking the time and putting together the Rankings Ray. I hope your prognosis on Choo holds up.
By Steve on May 31, 2011
Ray
This is a great help to help evaluate players. Will you be doing the smae for pitchers?
Thanks
By Elliot on May 31, 2011
I guess there is an official “changing of the guards” for 2b. Kendrick over Pedroia? Really? I realize it’s ROTW ranking, but what is the rationale behind that – gut feeling?
Thanks for the rankings!
By Ray Flowers on May 31, 2011
Steve – Of course. Pitcher rankings will be coming later in the week.
By Ray Flowers on May 31, 2011
Elliot – Pedroia is running like crazy, shocked to see that actually given his foot issues, but I have a hard time believing he’s turned into a 30 steal guy. Plus, Kendrick is out hitting him by like .080 points, his OBP is .037 points higher, and his SLG is .195 points higher. Pedroia simply isn’t driving the ball at all at the plate. Think of that – through 52 games Pedroia’s SLG is lower than his OBP. Again, I don’t think the steals keep up for Pedroia, and if he didnt have that going for him right now, he’d barely be a top-12 second baseman.
By Ray Flowers on May 31, 2011
Sanibel – Like I mentioned at the start of the piece:
Jose Bautista might be the #1 fantasy performer right now, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he will be the best the ROTW. These lists are intended to give my thoughts on how players should be ranked from May 30th on, irrespective of the players production up to this point.
Therefore, the rankings are a little bit of data from the first two months, a little bit of previous history, and a little bit my thoughts based on that data. There was no hard and fast rule – i.e. 25 % of this, and 45% of that – it was just a combination of everything.
By brad on May 31, 2011
I read that Holiday may require day off here and there from quad. Do I still make trade? Batista and daniel Murphy for Weeks and Holiday could substitute justin upton if i wanted, this is my season so I am concerned about making deal batista is carring my team Im in 15 team .
By Ray Flowers on May 31, 2011
Brad – Truth be told, everyone is day to day. There is never any way to know who will stay healthy. All we can do is to look at a guys track record and see if he has been able to play through injury, because you don’t play for six months without getting hurt.
By Evan on May 31, 2011
Great info as always Ray! Can’t wait for the pitcher rankings.
By Tom on May 31, 2011
Hey Ray, good stuff, thanks. For Napoli, is that assuming he gets more playing time or the PT stays the same? Also, am I right in assuming this is for 5×5? Lastly, if Bautista was at 3B in rankings, where would he be (a lot of us have him with 3B elig)? Thanks again!
By Ray Flowers on May 31, 2011
Tom – Napoli will start getting more looks. The Rangers have recognize the numbers – Napoli has an amazing .936 OPS after hitting four bombs with nine RBI last three games. They are also 11-4 when he catches.
Yes, rankings are 5×5.
Bautista at third would be #2 for me behind ARod.
By Jamie on May 31, 2011
It would be great if you did the same at the end of July with the end of the season around the corner and some leagues will have trade deadlines in August.
By Marco on Jun 1, 2011
Thanks for the update Ray…..with the new info. – would you trade (give up) Pulojs for Ryan Howard and Drew Stubbs? I have Votto as well, but need some steals and my OF is my weakness: I have Andre Either, Delmon Young, Corey Hart, Nick Markakis, Bobby Abreu, Mike Morse, Domonic Brown, and Aubrey Huff…..I play 1 or 2 at utility as well.
I know it is a drop in average, but what do you think?
By Ray Flowers on Jun 1, 2011
Marco – Pujols is going to come around. Still, in terms of getting Howard/Stubbs, I’d be hard pressed not to take that deal, especially since your OF has guys like DelYoung, Markakis and Huff. You could certainly use another OF. Do the deal.
By Nick on Jun 1, 2011
Trade offer… I would be giving up Pence for Rasmus and Price (or Weaver)
Do you like the offer?
By Ray Flowers on Jun 1, 2011
Nick – Give up Pence and get Rasmus and Weaver??? Make that deal before the ink dries.
I really like Pence, he’s a borderline superstar, but for Rasmus and Weaver you have to do it.
By Matt on Jun 3, 2011
Ray, can you rank these pitchers for me from best to worst because i have to drop one or 2 because kendrick is coming back off the dl.
Jake Arrieta, Mark Buerle, Matt Harrison, Colon,and Jordan Lyles.And if you could tell me why you ranked them the way you did briefly. Thank you.
P.S. I listen to you guys everyday, who needs music! lol
By Ray Flowers on Jun 3, 2011
Matt – Colon, Arrietta, Buerhle all on my list.
After them I’d go Lyles and then Harrison. Lyles more of a high level arm, just the way it is.
By Ray Flowers on Jun 3, 2011
I’m going to be away for the weekend – taking my first real vacation in about three years. I’ll get to the questions as soon as I can when I return.
Thanks for your understanding.
By Bob on Jun 3, 2011
Ray,
Enjoy you vacation you deserve it.
By ritch on Jun 4, 2011
Ray, I have a trade offer that came my way…
·Brantley, Michael CF CLE
·Farnsworth, Kyle RP TB
·Sanchez, Gaby 1B FLA
For
·Balfour, Grant RP OAK
·Granderson, Curtis CF NYY
He wants Granderson badly… and I only have two real RP’s… Bell and Storen. I have been using Balfour as a holds guy as they are worth 9 points in my league.
What do you think about this trade offer ?
Ritch
By Phil on Jun 4, 2011
Ray just want to say thanks for your preseason and ROTW rankings. I am a a huge fan of The Drive and your advice has me running away with 1st through the first 2 months. You are my guru.
By Otay on Jun 5, 2011
I was offered Michael Bourn and Stubbs for Carl Crawford. What do you think of that deal for me?
By Ray Flowers on Jun 5, 2011
Ritch – I’ve never heard of a league that awards 9 pts for a hold, so I really can’t speak to this deal because Balfour should barely have value in a regular league. How many pts do you get for a win and save?
By codyodea on Jun 5, 2011
Your totally missing with not having alex gordon even in your top 20. He is at least a top 15 if not higher 3rd basemen going forward. The breakout is for real.
By Ray Flowers on Jun 5, 2011
Phil – Glad I can lend a hand, and help keep you entertained and informed. Thanks my friend.
By Ray Flowers on Jun 5, 2011
Otay – I have no problem with that deal. While I love Crawford, Bourn has elite speed, and Stubbs should be, other than average, a really strong contributor the rest of the way.
By Ray Flowers on Jun 5, 2011
Cody – I looked at Gordon as an OF for the rankings since he hasn’t appeared in a single game at third base this year. I placed him #53 at that spot.
By codyodea on Jun 5, 2011
Sorry about that boss, you nailed that one. I guess I thought he was looked at as third base due to last years starts. Thanks for the speedy reply.
By codyodea on Jun 5, 2011
Why do you have C. Santana as low as you do? It seems like he is starting to come around and is doing very well with his OBP. Am I still stuck in the hype?
By Ray Flowers on Jun 5, 2011
Cody – Carlos Santana is as low as he is, #11, because of his performance this season. This is not to diminish his keeper value, only ROTW this season. The guy was hitting under .220 when I did my rankings, and he only has one homer in 28 games. He’s just underperformed his talent this season.
By Joel on Jun 5, 2011
Ray, welcome back.
can u rank these players for the near future in a h2h league:
Allan Craig, Daniel Murphy and Andres Torres. Have Craig, but his weird playing time for the last week has been frustrating. Thanks!
By Chase on Jun 5, 2011
hey ray, tell me I’m not stupid. Just traded away casey mcgehee and shields for mike young and dan hudson. Mcgehee was just killin me…
By Ray Flowers on Jun 6, 2011
Joel – Not quite sure what you mean by near future. I dont look at guys, in most situations, and think 2-3 weeks. You do that, and more often than not you’ll end up losing.
Torres has the best combo of skills and playing time, though he hasn’t been great this year as you are aware.
Craig should get enough PT next couple of weeks with Holliday out to be relevant.
Murphy is gonna find PT tougher with Hamilton back and Chavez hitting like Ted Williams.
I’d rank the guys in that order.
By Ray Flowers on Jun 6, 2011
Chase – I’d rather have Shields than Hudson. The youngster has a big arm though, so this part isn’t horrible, especially when you got back Michael Young for McG. I think you did just fine.
By codyodea on Jun 6, 2011
A. Avila is available in my 10 team roto league. I have soto and C. Santana. Should I drop one for Avila or hold tight. I’ve been starting santana all year and picked up soto when he came off the dl to spot start to get my 162 games out of the catcher spot. Please help Sir.
By Ray Flowers on Jun 6, 2011
Codyodea – Here my catcher rankings which should answer your question – http://baseballguys.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/ROTW-HIT-May30-2011-BBGuys5.pdf
By Rob on Jun 7, 2011
Hi Ray,
Glad to have you back. Hope you had a good vacation.
Brennan Boesch had a Monster Monday so I imagine you might get asked this a few times today…what are his strengths/weaknesses going going forward? I notice he’s not in the top 60 OF on your ROTW rankings. I’m in a H2H points league (-1 for K, +1 BB, Total Bases, Steal, Run, RBI). In my system he put up 20 points yesterday.
Is he worth rostering? – I know, I know, you just talked about us fantasy players that see a guy in a hot streak and knock down our mothers to pick up the flavor of the week (my mom’s fine, btw, no harm done). Is this one of those hot streaks or is there something worth while here?
Same goes for D. Murphy?
By Ray Flowers on Jun 7, 2011
Rob – The Tigers are interesting. They have too many OFs. Jackson plays everyday, and Ordonez figures to do the same when he returns to the fold (soon). You’ve also got Wells, Boesch, Dirks and maybe Raburn as well. Lots of mouths to feed.
Even with his huge night, Boesch is still barely better than league average in the slash line (.278/.338/.449), and don’t overlook that he was below average before last night (.260/.324/.401).
He also doesn’t hit righties that well with a .241/.301/.398 slash line in 507 ABs. If you can’t hit righties, it’s tough to play everyday.
He’s a 5th OF type in mixed leagues.
Murphy – With Cruz back the OF always has Cruz/Hamilton. That leaves one spot for murphy, chavez (borbon), Gentry. Murphy is a solid hitter, one of the best 4th OFs in baseball, but he doesn’t profile as a guy who will get 500 ABs and that really limits his fantasy value in mixed leagues.
Glad you weren’t too hard when you elbowed your momma out of the way.
By Rob on Jun 7, 2011
She’s a trooper. I should have included more info, forgot about David Murphy…meant to ask about Daniel Murphy. How do you rank him ROTW?
By Rob on Jun 7, 2011
And here are my 5 OF: Pence, Ethier, LoMo, Hart, Morse (start 5) – have Joey Bats at 3rd.
I want an elite OF – would you give up Pedroia and Cahill for Braun (if I can pry him away from his owner)? Other owner needs both 2B and SP.
I would have Aaron Hill to slot into second (and could pick up Daniel Murphy at MI). My starting pitching staff is solid – Hamels, Gio, Scherzer, Gallardo, Kennedy, Nolasco, Shields, Wandy (DL) so I can afford to lose Cahill (who is regressing…and as you rate him, he’s my lowest guy).
By Ray Flowers on Jun 7, 2011
Rob – Murphy’s value depends on if Turner continues to produce when Ike Davis returns. I’d look at Daniel Murphy as a nice stop gap for now, but he isn’t likely to play everyday the ROTW from the way it looks right now.
By Ray Flowers on Jun 7, 2011
Rob – Pedroia/Cahill for Braun, if you need an elite OF, sounds OK to me. At the same time, your top-5 in OF seem solid enough right now, especially with Bautista playing 3B.
By Tim Reins on Jun 8, 2011
Michael Young for Kelly Johnson.
What do think about this deal?
Thanks for your advice!
By Ray Flowers on Jun 8, 2011
Tim R – I see them as similar fantasy performers. I’d rather have Young given that he qualifies at multiple positions though.
By Dan S on Jun 8, 2011
i have A.Cabrerra and Reyes. Can I rely on ACab the rest of the way and use Reyes in a trade to upgrade my OF. I offered Reyes for Nelson Cruz, 6×6 including hits, H2H. And should I keep Napoli if I have McCann, for off days and injury, or should I try to trade. Thanks, love the show
By Ray Flowers on Jun 8, 2011
Dan S – Reyes will bring a huge return. ACab, don’t think there is anyway he keeps up his current pace. He should still be solid, but he’s not elite in my mind.
Cruz has a chance to be elite if he stays healthy. Would love to see you add him. However, Reyes is too much to offer. Try to send ACab for Cruz.
Napoli will mash when he is on the field. If you only start one catcher, think long and hard about keeping a second catcher if you need roster spot to fill another need.
By Nish on Jun 9, 2011
ray – in a shallow league (10-team, 5X5); I have hosmer at 1B, braun, chris young, and michael morse (who is also 1B eligible) at OF, corey hart in a util slot, and smoak and shin-soo choo on the bench now.
you have choo in your top 10 for the rest of the year, so once he starts hitting i should probably get him back in at OF, but who should i bench/drop? put in morse at 1B and bench hosmer/smoak?
By Ray Flowers on Jun 9, 2011
Nish – At this point, you cannot bench Morse who is hitting .346-4-14 the past two weeks. He must be active. There is little reason to have Hosmer benched either. Right now I’d be sitting Smoak. He’s only hitting .249 on the year, and with just 19 runs scored and zero steals, he has no business anywhere near a starting lineup in a 10 tm league right now.
By brad on Jun 9, 2011
question about a trade offer I recieved
Oswalt for League? which side do you like I have Feliz Soria Crow and Valverde as my closers Beckett wandy cain Porcello wakefield lilly as pitchers
lastly would you trade pierre fro tabata who has more upside potential second half?
By Ray Flowers on Jun 9, 2011
Brad – I don’t know how deep your league is, but Feliz/Soria/Valverde form a great group. I’m not sure if you are adding Oswalt or League though from your question. You don’t need another closer in my opinion, not with Crow to support Soria, and your SPs could use a big boost. In your situation it would clearly be better for you to have Oswalt.
By david on Jun 9, 2011
12 team mixed weekly head to head in 12 categories. 6th categoires are K’s for batters and losses for pitchers.
i lead the league in HR’s and RBI’s and usually win those categoires each week. i’m .500 in steals cateogry and my weakest position is SS, where i now play maicer izturis.
want to offer Adam lind & michael brantley for michael bourne & alexei ramirez. trading partner needs HR’s and RBI’s desperately. fair deal? do i benefit enough?
By codyodea on Jun 9, 2011
Hey Ray, what do you think JJ hardy’s value is going forward, is it possible he regains his 08 form?
By Ray Flowers on Jun 9, 2011
Cody – Hardy is always a decent middle infield option if he can just stay healthy. He has the chance to be a .275-20 type of bat whenever he is on the field. Question is, how often will that happen since he has broken down so many times in recent years?
http://baseballguys.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/ROTW-HIT-May30-2011-BBGuys5.pdf
By Nish on Jun 10, 2011
Ray, thanks for your answer. Smoak is on the bench. I guess the real question is, when do I put Shin-Soo Choo back in at OF? right now it is braun, chris young, morse at OF and corey hart at util, and hosmer at 1b.
By Ray Flowers on Jun 10, 2011
Nish – With only starting 3 OFs, a setup I’m not very fond of, there is no reason to start Choo until he starts hitting. I know this isn’t a real answer, but you have plenty of options to go with – just ride whomever is hot.
By Brian on Jun 12, 2011
Ray,
Big fan !!!! Im shopping Abreu. What should I expect?
Smoak? Huff?
Or should I try to package him with a pitcher like Cain and try to get a top notch pitcher.
Your thoughts thanks.
5 x 5 roto 12 team
Im tryng to get a little power for a little steals in Abreu
By Ray Flowers on Jun 12, 2011
Brian – No way to know exactly what you can get, don’t know how people value the players.
Right now Abreu is ranked 127th, Huff 393, Smoak 271 according to CBS.
I would agree with that and say you should be able to get a lot more for Abreu if you deal him.
By Joel on Jun 12, 2011
ray: I’m in second place in my h2h 6×6 lg and playing the first place team next week. Picked up Brett Lawrie last week (ugh), and am gonna cut him for a pitcher. Deciding between Scott baker (1 start v. SD) and Jon Niese (2 starts at ATL and home v. LAA). Which would u pick up? Thanks!
By Craig N on Jun 12, 2011
Colorado, Blackmon….is he worth big faab?
By Ray Flowers on Jun 12, 2011
Criag N – All depends on the depth of your league on Blackmon. In the FSTA experts league, with some of the best minds in the business, Blackmon went for a mere $11 in a 12 team mixed league, so I don’t think you should/need to go big on him.
By Ray Flowers on Jun 12, 2011
Joel – Baker should NOT be on waivers. I just can’t understand why he is in so many leagues. I’m certain he is better than someone currently on your roster.
For this week take 2 start Niese. He has a 1.34 ERA over his last five starts.
By codyodea on Jun 13, 2011
Hey ray, wondering what the likelyhood that Matt Thorton gets his closing gig back from santos, I feel it might be soon possible but its just a hunch.
By Ray Flowers on Jun 14, 2011
Codyodea – Thornton could get the job back. Santos has been really good this season and in 26 games he has allowed runs in just four outings. Still, awful last three years. Thornton still owns elite skills, and his .338 BABIP will come down, and his 56.5 LOB% will certainly go up. A change could certainly happen.
By Steve Henry on Jun 15, 2011
Quick question. AL Only league.. Would you considering trading Granderson and O. Cabrera for Crawford and Peralta..
1st in AVG, HR, RBIS, R and 5th in steals offensively. Guy with crawford is looking to dump for next season and could use the points to try to get into first(Carmona, Lackey, Morrow, and Lewis have let me down)
Thanks for your advice..
By Ray Flowers on Jun 15, 2011
Steve H – OCabrera is a total waste, so this is basically Granderson for Crawford and Peralta. Whomever is getting Crawford and Peralta is flat out robbing the other fella blind. That’s a no brainer to do.
By Tim Reins on Jun 17, 2011
Cuddyer for Michael Young? What do you think? PLMK.
Tim
By Mike on Jun 17, 2011
Ray, just flipped Brennan Boesch for Matt Capps. Whats your thoughts on Nathan getting his job back in the near future.
Thanks
Mike
By Ray Flowers on Jun 17, 2011
Tim – Both Cuddyer and Young play multiple spots and can help a team in a variety of ways. As good as Cuddyer has been, I’m still going to say you wan Young because, even with a recent slump, I view him as a .300 hitter in a better lineup, and in a better home park.
By Tim Reins on Jun 17, 2011
Ray: Thanks for the help. How about Big Papi for Cuddyer? (I hope it is ok to ask multiple questions)
Tim
By Ray Flowers on Jun 17, 2011
Tim – Multiple questions are ok, just try your best to put them in one post.
Ortiz only quals at DH which limits his value to be sure, and Cuddyer is the exact opposite qualifying all over the field.
Unless you are in special need of roster flexibilty, I don’t see how it makes any sense to deal Papi for CUddyer.
By codyodea on Jun 26, 2011
Hey Ray, im in a 10 team roto league, in first place with a large lead in runs and SB. Need wins and Ks. I want your professional opinion on my latest trade. I gave up Pedroia, A.J Burnett and Derek Jeter for Weaver and Carpenter. I have Howie K on the bench to now promote and picked up JJ Hardy when jeter went down. Was this a fair trade? Thank you sir……
By Ray Flowers on Jun 27, 2011
Codyodea – Pedroia, A.J Burnett and Derek Jeter for Weaver and Carpenter
Jeter is so-so option ROTW, and obviously worth nothing right now. Burnett is solid, but that doesn’t get you much of anything in a 10 tm league. I don’t like giving up Pedroia, but Kendrick is solid to slide in at second.
You got the two best pitchers in the deal, and you need wins and Ks. Seems like mission accomplished.
By codyodea on Jun 28, 2011
Hey Ray, Is Javy G the closer for the Dodgers or what, he’s available just can’t figure out if he’s closing.
By Ray Flowers on Jun 28, 2011
Codyodea- Yes, I would tab Javy Guerra the closer for the Dodgers. With Broxton shut down for at least three weeks, JG might have a chance to take the role and run with it, though as we have seen all year with the Dodgers, there is no certainty in this situation – at all.
By codyodea on Jun 28, 2011
Your a good man Ray, thanks for all your help.
By Johnny T on Jun 28, 2011
Hey Ray! Ok…I can only keep one, and have pretty strong pitching. I now have a shot with Jonathan Sanchez or Rich Harden. Thoughts?
By William on Jun 28, 2011
Hi Ray,
Who are the two best SP’s out of this group for Moving forward:
J Sanchez, Ceuto, Zimmerman,Latos,j Garcia, Bedred, Cahill.
Can you rank them for me for best value?
By Mike on Jun 29, 2011
Love your site, Ray, but I can’t stand owning Ted Lilly any more. I’ve tried to be patient, really I have. But, at some point, cuts need to be made, even if simply to protect my own sanity. Not a deep league and choices abound. Top ones are Latos (recently cut), Norris and Lohse. A dark horse candidate under consideration is Bedard. Leaning toward Latos; consider Norris similar to Latos but perhaps not as good; skeptical about Lohse and don’t like his K/9, but he has good control and may be the best source of wins out of the bunch; and Bedard may have the best stuff of all but am worried he’ll get hurt as soon as I pick him. So, who would you pick up, or would you really stick w/ Lilly w/ those choices? Thanks.
By Ray Flowers on Jun 29, 2011
Johnny T – Harden has a great arm, but there is no way I can protect him over Sanchez. You want the Giants lefty who has a K per inning, and who has kept the Giants in the majority of his starts this year even if he walks everyone in the house. He’ll be back soon.
By Ray Flowers on Jun 29, 2011
William – Bedard is the best of the group. However, he’s a huge health risk. Sanchez has a great arm, though his walks do cause major concern. Zimmerman is pitching about as well as anyone in the game, but he’s got an IP limit. Latos is really solid, but a return to last year’s levels is not going to happen this year.
By Ray Flowers on Jun 29, 2011
Mike – Lilly has been confounding, and just when he seemed to have locked in he went south recently. There is NO need at all to keep him if there are guys like Lohse, Norris, Bedard and Latos on waivers. Honestly, you could have made a move to any one of those guys a month ago and it would have been OK. Obviously you’re in a shallow league, and I say this all the time — if you’re in a shallow lg. there is simply no reason at all to hang on to a moderate pitching option who is struggling. How is Bedard on your waiver wire? He’s a top-40 SP right now. Norris? He has a K per inning with solid ratios. I’d also have no issue at all with adding Latos too.
Did you see my ROTW rankings from a month ago?
http://baseballguys.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/ROTW-Pit-June3U-20113.pdf
I had Latos and Norris ahead of Lilly, and Bedard only behind him because of his injury record.
Make the move, and if your pitcher gets hurt, just go back to the waiver wire to get another strong arm.
By Tim Reins on Jul 2, 2011
Ray: I have been offered Shane Victorino for Adam Lind. What do you think???
Tim Reins
By Ray Flowers on Jul 2, 2011
Tim R – I do this deal. Victorino helps you across the board, where Lind obviously is more limited. Plus. I really dont think Lind is a 45-150 guy like his pace this season would be over 600 at-bats. Victorino has always been one of my favs anyway.
By Tim Reins on Jul 2, 2011
Ray: Thanks for always being prompt with your reply! Your advice is always well thought out.
Have a great 4th of July.
Tim
By Tim Reins on Jul 12, 2011
Ray: I have been offered Danny Espinosa for Michael Young. ???????
Tim Reins