Wrapping Up The Winter Meetings
December 9th, 2011 | by Ray Flowers |
As we wrap up the wild and wooly week that was dominated by the Angels and the Marlins, there are still plenty of newsworthy stories that we need to keep an eye on.
Gio Gonzalez is coming off two impressive seasons for the A’s as an innings eating, K machine (at least 200 innings and 171 strikeouts each of the last two years). He’s also won 31 games for a less than elite club in Oakland, and he’s a 26 year old left hander. So of course the A’s are looking to deal him. I get it, the A’s don’t have a lot of options since they are not exactly flush with cash, but what’s the point of having a club if you have to deal exactly the type of players that you should be building around? There is also a growing belief that the A’s and D’backs might work out a deal centered around Trevor Cahill.
Hiroki Kuroda is still looking for a home. It’s hard to tell if the reason he hasn’t signed is because teams fell that his heart really isn’t in it, i.e. that he wants to return to Japan, or if Kuroda is just being super picky about where he’ll sign.
Matt Moore is the best pitching prospect in baseball, a fact I spoke to in my Around the Horn Video from September 23rd (I compared him to Stephen Strasburg). The world saw that potential start to be realized late in the playoffs and the Rays, never one to ignore talent, have taken a big risk that could end up being a huge win for the team. The Rays signed Moore, who has just 9.1 innings of regular season work to his name, to a 5-year, $14 million deal (there are also three option years in the deal that could extend the contract out to $37.5 million over eight years, an a couple of escalator clauses could actually boost the total value up to $40 million). It’s a huge risk given his youth an inexperience, the Rays are saying their prayers that he doesn’t end up turning into Scott Kazmir, but if we’re six years down the road and Moore has been an All-Star four times, it will be a huge win for the club.
The Twins are operating under the assumption that Justin Morneau will be able to return to playing first base next season. Don’t count me in that group. As I said all offseason last year, I had no interest in adding Morneau to my fantasy squad, an unfortunately I was right (he appeared in only 69 games). For the Twins to expect the oft injured one to be handle first base duties is asking too much if you ask me. They’d be better off just sticking him at DH and letting him help the club with his bat.
Carlos Pena is a mere consolation prize for whomever doesn’t add Prince Fielder, but given that there could be a $100 million difference between their contracts, maybe he isn’t that bad a fall back option. Pena’s career batting average is pathetic (.239), an as I’ve written before he’s hit under .230 the last three seasons, but he is a legit power bat. The Cardinals, who now have an opening at first base, are reportedly kicking the tires.
Francisco Rodriguez apparently didn’t like what he was hearing from the marketplace, so he decided to accept the Brewers offer of arbitration. Given that the Brewers aren’t very likely to be pleased about paying a setup man $13 million a year (that’s the estimate of what K-Rod will get in arbitration), it’s hardly a surprise that the Brewers are engaging in talks with multiple teams about the setup man who wants to be a closer.
And finally, the Cubs and Rockies worked out a deal that involved Ian Stewart going to the Cubs along with Casey Weathers for Tyler Colvin and D.J. LeMahieu. Colvin has some nice pop, he’s hit 26 homers with 78 RBI and 78 runs in 581 career at-bats, but he really struggled last year hitting just .150 with a .509 OPS in 206 at-bats. The Rockies figure to give him some time in the outfield and at first base. As for Stewart, he’ll be given a chance to compete for the opening at third base with Aramis Ramirez no longer in the mix. A talented hitter with prodigious power, Stewart is a strikeout machine that simply hasn’t been able to figure out big league pitching. Still, he’s only 26 years old, so perhaps a chance to play on a regular basis will allow the former first round draft pick to finally find his footing at the big league level.
By Ray Flowers
Tags: Athletics, Carlos Pena, Francisco Rodriguez, Gio Gonzalez, Hiroki Kuroda, Ian Stewart, Justin Morneau, Matt Moore, Prince Fielder, Trevor Cahill, Tyler Colvin
By wesley on Dec 10, 2011
hey ray, i hear all the time xm radio fantasy advertises fantasy hoops, but i dont know who to listen to. All i know is big lead sports does something on tues night for a little bit. Is there anybody else i can follow or get advice from. thanks for your time
By Ray Flowers on Dec 10, 2011
Wesley – There is no NBA or NHL show currently on the schedule as of right now. I know that we’re trying to add one for both sports, though I don’t know when it will be. We talk NHL every Tuesday. Last year we talked NBA every Weds. We’ll announce it on the show when we get it locked in.
Follow: @fenstysports on twitter – he’s our producer Justin Fensterman and he is all about basketball… he even does videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9hAR7Wmgig
By wesley on Dec 10, 2011
sweet thanks alot, i listen to your show all the time
By Carl on Dec 13, 2011
Hi Ray, can you help with my lineup for this week:
RB1-
RB2-
WR1- Steve Smith
WR2- Marques Colsten
Flex-
Options are: Mendenhall, Blount, Reggie Bush, Mike Williams (TB), Kevin Smith, James Jones, Spiller, Reggie Wayne.
Also, Olsen or Celek at tight end? Thanks!!
By Ray Flowers on Dec 13, 2011
Carl – Why the need to set your lineup so early in the week? We’ve still got two days until the games start. Perfect example – at this point it’s not clear is Smith will play or not. Check back on Thursday when we have more data.
By Jason on Dec 14, 2011
Hi Ray,
Rough QB choice here: Sanchez or Vick
Scoring system info: Scoring bonuses for passing and rushing TD’s over 40 yards. Also (and this is big) -2 each time the QB is sacked… i know it’s dumb.
Any help is appreciated as always.
By Ray Flowers on Dec 14, 2011
Jason – Go with Vick. Sanchez is a middling option coming off a great week no doubt, but give me the elite talent that is Vick.
Good luck my friend.
By Ryan on Dec 14, 2011
Ray, non-PPR: currently have MJD and McGahee at my two RB spots, Blount and Felix Jones at my two FLEX spots and Dez and Marshall at my 2 WR spots. Options on the bench include Barber, Tate and Moss (with Andre Johnson also on the bench but probably staying there as it stands right now). Stand pat or move someone out? Also, need a defense for this week- have Pittsburgh and Seattle and Cincy (playing STL: who in Yahoo leagues have allowed at least 9 points to opposing Ds every week this season) is on the waiver wire. Which D? Thanks.
By Ray Flowers on Dec 14, 2011
Ryan – I’d make one change. I’d move on from Blount and go with Barber. Your other calls look good to me.
CIN, PIT and SEA are top-10 plays, can’t go wrong either way. I’d go with CIN.
By Bob G on Dec 15, 2011
Hi Ray,
First round of playoffs in my league and trying to decide between Michael Turner and Peyton Hillis at RB2. It is a PPR league. Thoughts?
Thanks,
Bob
By Ray Flowers on Dec 15, 2011
Bob G – Not even a close call here. Still no certainty that Hillis will carry the full load, so you go with the guy who is gonna touch the ball 20 times – Turner.
By Carl on Dec 15, 2011
Hi Ray,
Now that more info is available, could you help me out with the question I posed earlier in the week? Thanks.
RB1-
RB2-
WR1- Steve Smith
WR2- Marques Colsten
Flex-
Options are: Mendenhall, Blount, Reggie Bush, Mike Williams (TB), Kevin Smith, James Jones, Spiller, Reggie Wayne.
Also, Olsen or Celek at tight end? Thanks!!
By Ray Flowers on Dec 15, 2011
Carl – You bet…
RB1/2: Bush and Smith. Make sure Smith is playing though.
You made the right choice at WR1/2.
Flex: I’d go with Spiller there. Mendy has Niners, Blount in a game where they could be behind by 21 points and stop running.
TE: Oslen who returned to practice today.
Good luck.
By Bob G on Dec 15, 2011
Hi Ray,
Non PPR league. Need to start 2 of these. McCoy, Chris Johnson or Lynch. Also need a D between Seattle and Tennessee (never thought I’d ask that question).
Thanks!!
By Ray Flowers on Dec 16, 2011
Bob G – I hate to sit Beast Mode, but in this trio, Lynch sits.
On defense, go SEA.
By wesley on Dec 16, 2011
hey ray,
i need help with a few running backs. in 1 league its spiller or b.jacobs, AND in the other league its spiller or blount. ppr btw. thanks again
By Ray Flowers on Dec 16, 2011
Wesley – Go with Spiller in both instances. Bucs offense is struggling, and Dallas could get out big causing team to abandon run. Bradshaw has something to prove, is a better player than Jacobs, and has 5 scores in 4 games against the ‘Skins – http://www.rotoinfo.com/blog/fantasy-football-coffin-corner-week-15-nfc.html
By eric on Dec 16, 2011
need some advice on last wr spot. N Washington, Holmes or use my last transaction to pick up D Thomas? thanks for the advise all year
By Ray Flowers on Dec 16, 2011
Eric – I’d pick up Thomas and dump Washington. TEN going with Hasselbeck, not great, and Washington is all beat up too. Get Thomas, special matchup against worst pass D in football (NE). He’s the play.
By Bob G on Dec 17, 2011
Hi Ray,
QB dilema. I have Big Ben and Fitzpatrick. I’m thinking about picking up Alex Smith so I can wait until Monday night for Big Ben to see if he’s playing and if not I can go with Smith. Thoughts?
By Ray Flowers on Dec 18, 2011
Bob G – Big Ben would be my choice. If you are afraid of his health, I’d go with the struggling Fitzpatrick. Smith has a tough matchup against the Steelers.
By Alan on Dec 20, 2011
Ray,
Thanks for all your help this season. I finished the regular season 11-2 and then the injury bug hit me in the playoffs and that killed my team’s chances.
Now I’m looking toward next season. What FREE site do you prefer to use for playing fantasy football: ESPN, YAHOO, NFL.COM, Fleaflicker??
Also is there a site that allows for all 12 teams to play in the playoffs but also offers byes to top seeds?
Thanks again.
By Rob on Dec 20, 2011
Hi Ray,
Thanks in large part to your advice this year on BB Guys and Sirius/XM I’m in the Superbowl in 2 of 2 leagues in just my second year playing fantasy!
I know you don’t like making lineup calls so early in the week but what do you think of these two options: Blount and Bell. I would use just one, in a PPR. Blount was shut down by Carolina a few weeks back but he could have a huge bounce back effort against their terrible run D. If Carolina gets ahead early though, his value would plummet as they don’t use him AT ALL playing catch-up…
I have a feeling (for some strange reason) that GB is going to have a big game against Chicago and the Bears will need to air out the pass to try to keep up, making Bell a good play since he possesses much of the pass-catching ability that they’ve lost in Forte that Barber isn’t providing. In a PPR, with Bell getting a lot of work, is he a better play than Blount?
Of course, I do have Holmes in my Flex (again, PPR), so I could toss him out and play both Blount and Bell. Giants secondary is a tasty matchup for Holmes this week though!
What do you think? And, Seattle (vs 49ers) or KC (vs Oak) this week?
Thanks!
By Ray Flowers on Dec 20, 2011
Alan – injuries killed a lot of people this year (including myself).
You should be able to setup your league almost anyway you want it. Most of the commish products are highly adjustable these days.
I usually use Yahoo. Simple, easy, straight forward to navigate.
By Ray Flowers on Dec 20, 2011
Rob – Congrats. I hope you win both your leagues.
I’d go Blount over Bell. Carolina is 25th against the run this season and they just haven’t done a very good job shutting down most runners. The PPR thing makes this a really tough call since Bell is a solid option there, but I’m gonna take a guy in a better matchup, who I have a history on, versus a guy with one good game. I don’t think the Bears will be able to air it out. They’ll likely be down to McCown at center, and GB is gonna look to crush them after the loss last week.
On defense, go SEA.
By Carl on Dec 21, 2011
Ray,
Thanks for the help last week. Could use similar help this week.
RB1- Mendenhall
RB2- Reggie Bush
WR1- Colsten
WR2- S. Smith (Carolina)
Flex- Blount
Other options: Kevin Smith, CJ Spiller, James Jones. Would you put any of these guys in? Non PPR.
Also, Celek or Olsen this week?
Thanks!!!
By Ray Flowers on Dec 21, 2011
Carl – Good luck this week.
RB – Mendy, Bush
WR – Colston Smith
TE – Celek
Flex – Spiller over Blount
By Ryan on Dec 21, 2011
Ray, non-PPR: need RB, WR and FLEX help with all of these injuries: currently rolling with MJD and McGahee at RB; Dez and Marshall at WR; Felix Jones (assuming he is healthy) and Santana Moss at FLEX. On bench I have Blount, K. Bell, Gaffney and Ball (in case McGahee has last minute injury), with Malcom Floyd available on the free agent wire. First, would you make any changes to the lineup? Assuming an injury to Felix or Marshall (who did not practice today) or MLD (who also didn’t practice today)- in what order would you bring in guys from my bench to start over the current starters? Thanks.
By Ray Flowers on Dec 22, 2011
Ryan – McGahee should be fine, but keep an eye on reports. Ditto for Marshall. Not at all sure about Felix Jones who I wrote about here – http://www.fantasyalarm.com/2011-fantasy-football-news-qb-changes-injuries-galore-and-some-interesting-facts/
I’d be very tempted to go Gaffney if it was a PPR. Since it’s not, I’d be looking at Blount. He’s not a great play, but Jones makes me pretty nervous.
Good luck.
By wesley on Dec 22, 2011
Merry Christmas ray, i have a problem. Haven’t really heard anything on owen daniels, if hes playing should i play him, winslow, fasano, or jared cook. Thanks again
By Ray Flowers on Dec 22, 2011
Wesley – Daniels is a game time decision. His playing will depend on how he looks in warmups. He is best option out of your group. I like Fasano, but he has a head issue that caused him to miss practice yesterday so I’m also nervous there. I’d go Cook, but all plays are risky. Happy Holidays to you too.
By Mike on Dec 22, 2011
Hi Ray,
Need some WR advice. Half point PPR, and I need 3 of the following:
Nicks
Marshall
Jones
Robinson
T. Smith
L. Moore
Thanks and Happy Holidays,
Mike
By Ray Flowers on Dec 23, 2011
Mike – Good luck this week.
Nicks, Marshall, Julio Jones.
Robinson is a threat to score but not getting a ton of snaps. Smith will be asked to step up with Boldin’s injury, but they just dont pass the ball. Moore, too hit or miss, though history shows that he has a ton of success in the matchup