41 Responses to “FREE: Win $100 Playing Fantasy Baseball”

1. By Danny Tanner on Jun 27, 2011

   Hey Ray,

   I was offered his Harem and Swisher for my Ethier and Dempster. My outfield is deep with Holliday, Kemp, Ju Upton.

   Do the deal?

   Also… I think I can substitute someone for Dempster if needed. I have Stauffer. I’m leaning towards leaving dempster in the deal.

   Do you think haren stays strong through second half?

2. By Fenz on Jun 27, 2011

   Ray,

   My Rizzo Watch is dying from boredom. Shall I dump him for a fellow Pads rookie who has shown he’s ready for the big time – Cory Luebke?

   Fenz

3. By Jeff on Jun 27, 2011

   I tried signing up for this a few weeks back when they had the advertising blitz on XM but sadly there are a few states that ban you, including my good ole Louisiana. Sadly I won’t be able to take you on Ray. Congrats on the 1 yr on XM/Sirius as well.

4. By James on Jun 27, 2011

   Hey Ray keep it real simple. Give Jose Bautista Get Matt Kemp. H2H cat with R/RBI/SB/AVG/OBP/HR/Total bases Keeper league and can keep forever. Do it?

5. By Ray Flowers on Jun 27, 2011

   Jeff – Thanks for the kind words buddy. It’s been a great year that’s for sure on SiriusXM.

   I had no idea states were banned. That seems really odd to me. We used to run SnapDraft at Fanball, and I’m not aware that there were any restrictions on that.

6. By Ray Flowers on Jun 27, 2011

   Fenz – re: Rizzo, guess you didn’t believe me when I wrote this, eh?

   http://baseballguys.com/2011/06/07/mailbag-june-7-2011/

   Luebke may not hold on to a rotation spot once Harang is healthy. He obviously has a nice arm though. Given how deep 1B is, if you aren’t in a keeper league, I don’t think you have to hold on to Rizzo.

7. By Fenz on Jun 27, 2011

   Never doubted you, Ray, just thought I’d bet on the come on Rizzo because I planned on hawking Adrian Gonzalez for some 2B and pitching help, with Konerko already my backup. I wound up trading A-Gonz (and Viciedo) for Pedroia, Liriano, Heyward and Blackmon (who’s also coming down to earth).

8. By Ray Flowers on Jun 27, 2011

   Danny T- Haren/Swisher for Dempster/Ethier

   Haren should continue to do what he always does, and that is post top-10 numbers while few seem to notice.
   Dempster is better than most seem to think, only his ERA says he’s bad (he’s pitching the same as last year actually)>
   Swisher has been super hot, but Ethier is the better play ROTW for me.

   Seems like a solid deal for both sides.

9. By Chrissy on Jun 27, 2011

   Hi Ray! I’m going to sign up to play, sounds like fun! Can you talk about Eric Thames value?
   Thanks!
   Chrissy

10. By brad on Jun 27, 2011

    need your opinion
    in a15 team mixed
    who is best 2 pickups out of this group going foward
    heisley
    gammel
    chisenhall
    a pressely
    c jackson

    duda
    w pena?

11. By Ray Flowers on Jun 27, 2011

    Chrissy – Thanks for signing up. Everyone that signs up helps me out!

    Thames could get plenty of work. It’s not like Patterson is a long term option of note, and Davis has stunk of late. Still, I don’t look at him and think anything other than a bench option in a standard mixed lg. He’s more of an AL only option unless something happens where he is going to be in the lineup on a daily basis.

12. By Ray Flowers on Jun 27, 2011

    Brad – Gotta spell the names better buddy. Heisey, Gamel, Presley…

    In a 15 team league…

    Take a shot on Heisey and Chisenhall.

13. By Ricky S on Jun 27, 2011

    Ray,

    Okay, if you won’t make daily calls, answer me this:

    10 team league.

    I picked up Stauffer just for the week. I have a high waiver pick and both Ryan Roberts and Matt Garza just got dropped. My hitting is very good and at the positions he qualifies I have: Youkilis (3B), Aramis Ramirez (CI), Pedroia (2B), Kinsler (MI). In fact, my hitting is very good overall. Knowing that, would you drop Stauffer for Ryan Roberts or for Garza? Or would you keep him? Would love some advice.

    Thanks as always Ray. You’re the best analyst out there. Where will I be able to find your football analysis once that season starts?

14. By Andrew on Jun 27, 2011

    Ray…need you to set me straight on this one..

    My buddy offered me a trade, knowing I’m a Phils fan- heres the offer:

    I’d get Utley and Carpenter for R. Weeks and Romero….

    my gut feeling is no- I think Romero is the real deal but Carpenter may be heating up; Weeks and Utley may be a push from here on out but also some injury risk with Chase. What do you think…

15. By Marc in CO on Jun 27, 2011

    Ray,

    Here is the bottom line on two trades I made in my 14-team H2H.

    I get: Cain, Papelbon, Dunn, and Uggla
    I give: J. Zimmerman, Britton, Hill, and Espinosa

    Win, lose, or draw?

16. By Green Man on Jun 27, 2011

    In standard catagories (plus K for hitters)10 team league; I get Andre Ethier for Hanley Ramirez. No brainer last week but Hanley is starting to perk up. What do you think?

17. By david on Jun 27, 2011

    hi, ray. 12 team mixed 6×6 weekly head-to-head. 6th categories are K’s for batters and losses for pitchers. i give up adam lind, maicer izturis & trevor cahill for elvis andrus and hunter pence. what do you think? also, as the other owner is wavering, what do you think of granderson & cahill for andrus and pence?
    note that i have jj hardy at ss now. so andrus would fill my extra infield spot replacing my rotation of kelly johnson, adam dunn or izturis. i usually play dunn or johnson, but they are killing me with K’s and avg and overall poor production.

18. By Rob on Jun 28, 2011

    Hi Ray,

    Melancon or Salas? Is Salas getting overworked to the point that it’s affecting his performance?

    Would you take a chance on Nathan over those two?

19. By Jim on Jun 28, 2011

    Hey Ray, Signed up for the DraftStreet.com play … it looks like a lot of fun. I’m curious as to why the earlier games on Wednesday weren’t included. There are some intriguing match-ups, although in at least one case, it appears there’s a SP that’s unconfirmed for his start. Maybe that’s why?

    Also, could you please comment on Scott Sizemore for those of us who are dumpster diving in the second base wasteland? If nothing else, he seems to be getting a decent opportunity to show his stuff or fall on his face. Thanks!

20. By chris adamo on Jun 28, 2011

    Trade advice (2 trades)

    Trade one:

    sending: matt kemp, jimmy rollins, Francisco Rodriguez and max scherzer

    receiving: Jacoby ellisbury, Josh hamilton and chase Utely.

    (saves are not a concern for me)

    Trade # 2

    sending: Carlos Beltran and Bud Norris

    receiving: Josh Beckett

    (same league)

    thanks!!

21. By Ty on Jun 28, 2011

    Ray can i run another trade by you. In a 10 team roto league I’ve been offered Kershaw, Aramis Ramirez and Wandy Rodriguez for my Bautista and Swisher.

    Do you think this is enough for Bautista? I’m at the top in HR’s and RBI’s and could use the pitching help. Swisher would be a throw in, i haven’t used him all year and my outfield is solid.

    Thanks for all you do.

22. By Gary on Jun 28, 2011

    Who’s the better start tonight in outfield? Swisher v. Grienke or BJ Upton v. Ceuto. Upton doesn’t have very good #s at home so I was leaning toward Swisher, what do you think, Ray?

23. By Ray Flowers on Jun 28, 2011

    Ricky S – Stauffer is a very solid arm. Roberts an avg. bat who has positional flex. In your setup, I see no real need to add Roberts since you are strong at those positions.

    Garza is someone I would add over Stauff. My main reasoning is that Garza has been a rock for 3.5 years, about as consistent as any hurler in the game. Stauffer has a ways to go to catch up. He might get there, but he’s not there yet, and his offense never gives him any support.

    Working on a football gig right now. I’ll be sure to mention where I end up for that so I can help screw up people’s football teams like I do with their baseball clubs.

24. By Ray Flowers on Jun 28, 2011

    Andrew - I’d get Utley and Carpenter for R. Weeks and Romero.

    Can’t do this deal. Weeks has been arguably the top 2B this year. Utley has yet to show his elite skills. He’s been good, but not back to previous levels.

    Romero is a better pitcher than Carpenter. It’s close, but regardless, you’d still end up on the losing end of this one.

25. By Ray Flowers on Jun 28, 2011

    Marc in CO - I get: Cain, Papelbon, Dunn, and Uggla / I give: J. Zimmerman, Britton, Hill, and Espinosa

    I don’t like breaking down all these players, hard to put something down.

    Papelbon and Cain are studs.
    Dunn/Uggla = ton of potential but dreadful production.

    Zimm = on par with Cain right now.
    Britton = solid but less valuable than Papelbon.
    Hill = I’d want him over Uggla, but it’s close.
    Espinosa = blows doors on Dunn.

    If it was March 2011 it would be slam dunk for you. Now? Hard to say you’re the clear winner.

26. By Ray Flowers on Jun 28, 2011

    Green Man – love you at NHL games by the penalty box.

    Hanley plays the tougher position to fill, and is the elite talent. Ethier is a rock, and I have no problem with this deal because of how bad Hanley looked early on, but I would have stuck it out with the uber talent that is Hanley.

27. By Ray Flowers on Jun 28, 2011

    David – Macier and Cahill are nothing special, though Lind has been on fire. Getting back Andrus and Pence is a really good deal for you. I would Hesitate to do Granderson/Cahill for Andrus/Pence only because I think you should be able to get more if you include Granderson.

28. By Ray Flowers on Jun 28, 2011

    Rob – Both Salas and Melancon are unknowns at this point. However, I would not drop a current closer for a guy who might be (Nathan). Salas is the better option over Melancon, he has better stuff with a K per inning and a strong 3.78 K/BB. His LD-rate and BABIP are pretty damn low, so it’s quite possible his ratios will worsen a bit.

29. By Ray Flowers on Jun 28, 2011

    Jim – thanks for signing up my friend. DraftStreet sets the games/rules, I have nothing to do with that. I think the reason for it is that they are able to get more signups on Weds in the AM (I’ll be running another piece on Weds morning).

    We all gotta dumpsters dive some time Jim, no shame in that.

    Scott Sizemore is getting a chance with the A’s. I’ve long been a fan:
    http://baseballguys.com/2011/05/03/mailbag-may-3-2011/

    He should remain solid, and with 2b/3b elig. he’s a solid option in AL only. Mixed? Hopefully its a 15 teamer.

30. By Ray Flowers on Jun 28, 2011

    Chris – I never understand why people want to make just massive roster overhauls. Toss in the best player in fantasy in Kemp, and this is a HUGE deal. I mean, if you do these two deals your turning over a quarter of your roster.

    sending: matt kemp, jimmy rollins, Francisco Rodriguez and max scherzer
    receiving: Jacoby ellisbury, Josh hamilton and Chase Utley.

    If you dont need saves… and have a strong SS…

    Honestly, I dont like the deal. Hamilton makes me nervous with all his injuries. Utley has been solid, but not his old self. I think you’re giving up too much.

    sending: Carlos Beltran and Bud Norris
    receiving: Josh Beckett

    This deal is OK. Depends a lot on who you can pick up to full the open roster spot. Beltran is solid, and Norris has a huge arm. Beckett is the best player, but he also comes with a lot of injury risk AND his ERA is going to go up substantially, so you are buying high.

31. By Jim on Jun 28, 2011

    Ray, Interesting that the link you provided on Scott Sizemore answered a question about dropping Beckham to pick him up. That’s exactly what I did, and was hoping for your blessing. Now I’ll know who to blame if it goes haywire (j/k). Sometimes, these guys surprise when they get a fair chance. We’ll see. Thanks — great analysis in any case.

32. By Ray Flowers on Jun 28, 2011

    Gary – I don’t predict players on a daily basis. There are too many variables to render an answer that has a high enough of a degree of certitude for me. You can look at the pitching matchups for sure and make a solid guess, but picking a guy bases on one night is, more often than not, going to work against you. Pick the guy with the better skills while taking into account all the other factors.

33. By Ray Flowers on Jun 28, 2011

    Ty – Kershaw, Aramis Ramirez and Wandy Rodriguez for my Bautista and Swisher

    Aramis and Swisher are suddenly hot. Give me Aramis because of the position.

    If you need pitching, I say do this. Kershaw is a top-10 arm, Wandy a top-30, that’s a pretty darn solid return.

    Glad I can lend a hand.

34. By jb (not JB) on Jun 28, 2011

    Hey Ray, Jose Reyes, contract year surge and drop off next year? What’s you thoughts as I am thinking of trading Tulo for him?

    Thanks,

    Boston Bruins Stanley Cup Champions

35. By James on Jun 28, 2011

    Ill try again Give Jose Bautista Get Matt Kemp. Can keep forever.

    Runs HR RBI HR SB ON base and Total bases do it?

36. By Ray Flowers on Jun 28, 2011

    JB – I don’t believe too much in this contract surge stuff. Reyes isn’t playing well for money, he’s playing well because he is finally healthy. I’d say Reyes has slightly more upside with his wheels, but give me Tulo in a keeper league, a more stable option at the dish with massive power upside.

37. By Ray Flowers on Jun 28, 2011

    James – Gotta be Kemp over Bautista. He’s younger, more dyanmic and simply put an elite talent. Bautista looks great right now, but I’m not at all convinced that he is even a .290 hitter, and if his average falls, his value will go down… a lot.

38. By Minnesota Mike on Jun 28, 2011

    Someone in my 12 team mixed H2H league just dropped Vogelsong. What are your thoughts on Vogelsong going forward and would you use a high waiver priority on him? Thanks.

39. By Ray Flowers on Jun 28, 2011

    Minnesota Mike – My writeup on Vogelsong and his efforts this year can be seen here: http://www.rotoinfo.com/blog/vogelsong-making-history.html

    As great as he has been, there is NO way he keeps his ERA this low. Even if it’s 3.00 this season, it’s gonna be over 4.00 rest of the way. When Sanchez is back, and if Zito continues to look good, maybe Vogelsong loses his rotation spot at some point past the All-Star game. Be careful. Vogelsong’s a decent add in 12 team, but keep your expectations reasonable.

40. By russ on Aug 17, 2011

    hey ray i live in louisiana and was wondering if you know of any sites where i could compete for cash on?

41. By Ray Flowers on Aug 17, 2011

    Russ – the article you posted your question on takes you directly to s site where you can compete for cash on a daily basis – Draftstreet.com