Daily Joust – Wk 13: Did We Learn Anything?
July 2nd, 2012 | by Ray Flowers |
On Monday each week I take a look at the fantasy baseball game breaking down players who have produced noteworthy performances of late – not just positive outings mind you, but I’ll also delve into some of the players that have been sucking wind of late. Can you use this information to your benefit over at DailyJoust?
To get your daily fantasy baseball fix make sure you head over to DailyJoust.com to set your salary cap club.
GAINERS OF THE WEEK
Pedro Alvarez (+12, $96,000 in DailyJoust Salary)
In his last four games he has gone deep twice and driven in nine runs, and for the month of June he drove the ball into the seats seven times while platting 20 runs. He’s still hitting a mere .231 on the season, and it just doesn’t appear like he is ever going to be able to be a positive producer in that category (even in June he hit just .262). Don’t worry about his leg issue. Apparently it was just cramps and he should be fine.
Clint Barmes (+11, $66K)
The guy has been a monumental failure this season, even in NL-only leagues. On the year Barmes has somehow used 225 at-bats to produce a mere .204/230/.307 line. Never really an All-Star caliber performer despite a couple of nice seasons, he was usually effective when in the lineup. Well, at least he is improving of late. After hitting .149 in April he batted .189 in May and pushed that mark to .247 in June when he had 11 RBI after knocking in just seven runners the first two months of the year.
Freddie Freeman ($19, $105K)
It seems like every week there is some new malady that he is being forced to overcome. Even with all his missed time he still has 10 homers and 47 RBI putting him on pace to better his totals from last year (21 and 76). He’s also produced at least one hit in each of his last six games as he’s knocked in six runs, scored six times, and seen his batting average climb from .247 to .266 in that time.
Yasmani Grandal (+14, $64K)
This switch hitter can sometimes get a little long with his hacks, but as we last week, when he lays into it the ball can fly (his first two big league homers came from each side of the dish). The weeks #1 pickup behind the dish, Grandal has a big enough bat that he could be able to largely keep Nick Hundley out of the mix the rest of the season (when you hit .166 over 193 at-bats like Hundley has, leading to a demotion to the minors, it may not be that hard to do).
Justin Ruggiano (+13, $91K)
Have you noticed that through 54 at-bats this season that Justin is blasting the ball to the tune of a .389 average, a .469 OBP and .704 SLG? Amazing is right. He’ll continue to be in the lineup on a daily basis until he slows down, Ozzie Guillen might have his issues but he’s no moron. Really just an NL-only option unless you’re desperate in a mixed league.
LOSERS OF THE WEEK
Yonder Alonso (-22, $60K)
Wait, wasn’t this guy supposed to be able to hit? Through 268 at-bats this season he has two homers and 18 RBI. Toss in 23 runs scored and two steals, and he has been one of the least productive full time performers in baseball. When you look over to the average column and find a .257 mark sitting there, thanks to a .218 mark in June, you’ll begin to realize just how disappointing his effort has been this year.
Zack Cozart (-21, $56K)
Every time this guys name is mentioned people get all excited. Why? Sure his 17 homer pace is nice for a shortstop, and if he scored 90 runs that would be great, but the guy just isn’t a good offensive performer. He’s hitting a sub par .245, and his .290 OBP is hideous. He’s only swiped two bases on the year, and despite the power he’s displayed he’s on pace for about 40 RBI. Don’t know why anyone get’s excited about that (at least over at Fleaflicker his owned percentage is pretty low).
Michael Cuddyer (-28, $70K)
Uh oh. Everyone’s darling in Colorado has hit the skids. He’s still on pace for 25 homers and 100 RBI, so the run production has been there, but he’s also seen his batting average dip to .256 and his OBP is .311 after a June he’d like to forget (.212/.257). Also a bit concerning is his 21 percent K-rate after that number has been under 18.5 percent each of the past five years and under 17 percent each of the past two years.
Chris Davis (-26, $60K)
After a horrific dry spell that saw him go eight games without a hit, Davis has rebounded a bit with four hits in his last three games. Even with the dip he’s hitting .271 with 13 homers, and those numbers, if doubled, would still be a solid season for a guy who may have fooled a few people as he was hitting .300 as recently as June 16th. He’s simply not a .300 hitter.
Kendrys Morales (-20, $60K)
Oh you dreaded hype machine. Everyone jumped on the bandwagon when Morales had a scorching week in spring training, everyone it seemed by me of course. Hey, the guy is on pace to hit about .280 with 17 homers, and those aren’t bad numbers for a guy who didn’t play a single game last year. Still, disappointments abounds with a a guy who is also on pace for a .750 OPS with 60 RBI.
DAILY CONTEST
Today you can sign up for the King Arthur’s $50 Free Roll on DailyJoust. No entry free is required to get a chance to play the game and earn your free chance to take home part of the $50 prize pool. All games that start at 7:05 PM EDT or later are open to add players to your daily fantasy baseball squad. So get over to DailyJoust, put together your one day lineup, and get ready to win some free $.
By Ray Flowers
Tags: Chris Davis, Clint Barmes, Freddie Freeman, Justin Ruggiano, Kendrys Morales, Michael Cuddyer, Pedro Alvarez, Yasmani Grandal, Yonder Alonso, Zack Coazrt
By Joe M on Jul 2, 2012
Hey Ray
Curious what you think Freeman’s season avg will be through his career?
85R 25HR 95RBI .280
Better or worse?
By Ray Flowers on Jul 2, 2012
Joe M – I don’t get into predicting numbers since all of it is really a total guess, but I’ll say that if he can stay healthy all the numbers you listed for Freeman are doable. The only number he isn’t about on pace for right now is the average.
By greg on Jul 2, 2012
Morning Ray,
Quick one today, if you have a sec. All things considered, I should be fine with a deal that nets me Prince & Casilla in exchange for my Craig, Bonifacio, Clippard – yeah? I’ve crushes on both Clippard and Craig so I have a hard time seeing straight. Heh. Boni was going to replace De Aza in my OF, so if I do the deal then De Aza would just stay there. I’m middle-high in SBs and this is a 10-team roto league w/ OPS and K/9 added. Do you have a read on this trade? thanks man!
(re-copied from other page ’cause I think somethin’ got messed up. Apologies.)
By Joe M on Jul 2, 2012
Yeah, I know you hate predicting, thats kind of why I actually follow your threads, you base your decisions on hard numbers rather than just brain fart prediction.
I’m just considering dealing for him in a keeper league and was curious if you thought he’s a potential 30-35+ HR kind of guy (a TRUE power hitter) or if you think his number so far don’t show that he’ll be much more than the type of numbers I mentioned.
By joe on Jul 2, 2012
10 team keeper league. Should i pick up starling marte and drop arenado?
By Ray Flowers on Jul 2, 2012
Greg – a deal that nets me Prince & Casilla in exchange for my Craig, Bonifacio, Clippard –
Prince is the only elite player here. Casilla has been very good, but he’s really been struggling the last 10 days. Given his lack of history in 9th, and lack of performing at this level, I’m not at all certain he ends up keeping up his current pace. Still, it’s a decent deal to do even if I would prefer to have Clippard over Casilla.
By Ray Flowers on Jul 2, 2012
Joe – In a 10 tm keeper lg, honestly, it doesn’t matter. I hate to be flippant, but unless you are keeping like 20 guys, neither is worth keeping for next unless there are $ figures or rounds attached to them.
Arendando is every bit the prospect that Marte is. If you use five OFs, you can go Marte.
By Ray Flowers on Jul 2, 2012
Joe M – I think Freeman is a 25-30 HR guy, not a 30-35 guy. Its obviously a few fly balls here and there. I don’t think he is a “true” power hitter, but he’s going to be an impressive player for a long time.
By Mike on Jul 2, 2012
Ray- Could you give me some feedback on the following trade? Team A gives up Braun and Ruiz (drop Heath Bell) Team B gives up McCann, Stubbs, Adrian Gonzales.
By Eric on Jul 2, 2012
10 team standard scoring. Need to start 7 who would you recommend. RA Dickey, James McDonald, Yu Darvish, Matt Moore, Jordan Zimmerman, Santiago Casilla, John Axford, Kyle Lohse, Ryan Cook and Ernesto Frieri. Thanks
By Donna on Jul 2, 2012
Ray- Napoli, C. Santana, Doumit for rest of the year in H2H scoring league
By Joe M on Jul 2, 2012
Hey Ray
Given Casilla’s recent struggles, who would you say is next in line for the role? From everything i’ve been reading, even if Casilla loses the job it seems like Romo will never be a closer in San Fran given some of his elbow issues. You being a Giants Fan and someone who really knows the game do you think this is just stupid talk and Romo would actually get the shot if it ever opens or do you sadly accept what’s supposedly being said by the San Fran management? I’m dying to see what damage Romo can do in the closer role.
By Ray Flowers on Jul 2, 2012
Mike -TTeam A gives up Braun and Ruiz (drop Heath Bell) Team B gives up McCann, Stubbs, Adrian Gonzalez
Braun is elite.
Ruiz some pullback coming.
Bell has been mostly good for a month.
McCann should improve.
Stubbs great talent, not consistent.
Gonzo been awful, but better times have to be ahead.
Give me the talent of the second trio.
By Ray Flowers on Jul 2, 2012
Eric – Dickey, McD, Zimm, Lohse, Frieri, Cook, Moore this week.
By Ray Flowers on Jul 2, 2012
Donna – ROTW rankings will be available tomm
By Ray Flowers on Jul 2, 2012
Joe M – If Casilla is out, gotta be Romo. Alfedt/Lopez would be in mix – more Affeldt than Lopez.
Romo is elite and right handed. They had better turn to him, elbow issues an all.
By joe on Jul 3, 2012
Good shot at Marte getting called up this year?
By Ray Flowers on Jul 3, 2012
Joe – The Pirates called up Gorkys Hernandez Tuesday, but yes, Marte looks likely to be called up at some point with a report yesterday suggested it could happen soon.
By Joe M on Jul 3, 2012
Good Afternoon Ray
I think its time to drop Cozart, he’s been a borderline ok filler till now but its time to move on. These are the top MI’s on my waiver wire. Which one would you go with?
Yuniesky Betancourt
Andrelton Simmons
Alexi Amarista
Stephen Drew
Jeff Keppinger
Luis Valbuena
Tyler Greene
Ryan Theriot
Willie Bloomquist
Thank You
Joe M
By Ray Flowers on Jul 3, 2012
Joe M – I’ve been saying the same thing about Cozart since the season started, but for some odd reason no one has listened.
Simmons was nl rookie of the month for June. Don’t think he can keep that up, but he’s been on fire. He’d be the move I would make.
By Joe M on Jul 3, 2012
Thanks man. Ive heard you all season. I was sort of guilty, I listened but didn’t act and definitely missed out on some waiver guys because of it. Hey, better now than never.
Thanks again
Joe M
By Robert on Jul 3, 2012
Hey Ray,
Jesus Montero has killed me in the month of june. Has done absolutely nothing. Rosario is tearing it up! pull the trigger or ride out montero?
By John on Jul 3, 2012
Ray,
Was offered Michael Young, Jose Reyes and Phil Hughes for my Adrian Gonzalez and Johnny Cueto..
I have Alexi at short, and Middlebrooks at 3rd.. I would use Reyes and Young at those positons.. I use Gonzo as a OF.. I have Kemp, Hamilton, Upton, Harper, Stubbs…
Your thoughts?
By Ray Flowers on Jul 3, 2012
Robert – Can make the switch from Montero to Rosario, but Ramon Hernandez will take away some PT from Rosario soon.
By Ray Flowers on Jul 3, 2012
John – Michael Young, Jose Reyes and Phil Hughes for my Adrian Gonzalez and Johnny Cueto
Hughes is ok, not a huge fan.
Young more about name than game right now.
Reyes, not much diff than Young at moment.
AGone slowly improving … slacking. Cueto been killing it of course.
Alexi Ramirez hitting much better of late.
Deal is OK, but not a huge win.
By John on Jul 3, 2012
Hey ray,
thanks for the advice… just accepeted a larger deal.
Getting: Reyes, M Montero, Ike Davis, Hughes, Young
Giving: Alexi Ramirez, Dan Murphy, J Montero, Cueto Adrian Gonzalez.
Was sick of picking up and dropping shortstops all year. Your thoughts?
By Matt on Jul 3, 2012
Hi Ray,
I’m thinking about dropping Kendrys Morales for Pedro Alvarez? I feel like Kendrys is at a disadvantage because he gets about 75% the ABs most regulars do. Do you like Pedro better the rest of the way?
By Ray Flowers on Jul 4, 2012
Matt – You can move on from Morales to Pedro A.
Morales will give you a better average, Pedro more pop.
All depends what your team is in need of, but I’d take a shot on Pedro and hope the good work keeps going.