2015 is certainly not disappointing by the amount of players on the move. Prominent closers have been moved to locations where closers already were holding down the job just fine. Below I'll highlight the relievers who have left their team for others and let you know who you need to pick up for what category on what team.
Jonathan Papelbon (PHI) traded to Washington Nationals:
Every year I hope for Papelbon to fail and eventually lose his job to some young gun out of the bullpen so we'll never have to hear from him again. However as usual, the guy gets what he wants. He was sent over to Washington where Drew Storen was having a killer season as the Nats' closer. Check out this quote from Storen, do you think he's happy?
"All I'm going to say is, I'm
aware of the move and I've talked to Mike about it. I've talked to my
agent about it," Storen said. "We've had some ongoing discussions. Until
those have progressed, I'm just going to leave it at that. No comment
for now. But as the situation goes, I'll keep you guys posted."
I don't blame him. However, I don't get paid for my opinion who deserves the job. Matter of fact, I don't get paid at all. But for all intents and purposes, Papelbon will be the closer of the Nationals for the remainder of the year. On days where Papelbon is unavailable, Storen will definitely be the guy so I wouldn't drop him just yet. If you're into setup guys with low ERA and WHIP, hang onto Storen. If you're just looking for saves, Storen can be dropped and you can replace him with Ken Giles (PHI).
Giles has been a silent assassin for the Phillies for a couple seasons now. Racking up 64 strikeouts in 45 innings last year and 54 Ks in 44 innings this year. The guy has been patiently waiting for his opportunity to close ballgames and he'll finally get it (if the Phillies can provide run support). Sub 1.90 ERA for the last two seasons, I fully expect him to be as dominant as he was as a setup guy.
Jim Johnson (ATL) traded to LA Dodgers:
Man I thought this guy's career was over after he imploded with the Orioles and the A's. However, he's had a nice bounce back year and recorded 9 saves in the absence of Jason Grilli. He's not recording the strikeouts a closer should be making, but he does have a low ERA so he's keeping runs off the board. He should be a nice addition to help bolster the Dodger's bullpen.
So where does this leave off with Atlanta's closer situation? Let's take a look at their closers for the 2015 season so far:
1. Craig Kimbrel- fully intended on being the dominant closer he has been but was shipped to San Diego the day before the season started.
2. Jason Grilli- Looked strong until he ruptured his Achilles. Poor guy.
3. Jim Johnson- see above.
The Braves' 4th closer this season is, drum roll please....Arodys Vizcaino. Viz has only pitched 9 innings so far since returning from a PED suspension but he has looked strong in that time. Only surrendering one run and recording 8 strikes outs, he's been a solid option for Freddi Gonzalez and the Braves. Same thing as the Phillies, the Braves are not providing the necessary run support but if you need a save from time to time, pick up Vizcaino ASAP.
Make sure to keep it locked here for tips and strategies to dominate your league!
Thursday, July 30, 2015
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Troy Tulowitzki Finally Traded
Well, it finally happened. All season Tulo's name was floating around the wire and I finally got the update after not having been able to sleep last night. I must have known something was amiss in the baseball world. It's kind of like when you're a parent and you just get that 6th sense telling you he or she is up to something, that's what I had last night. I got an alert just past 1 AM saying Troy had been traded. We all knew this was going to happen, but I honestly could not have predicted him going to Toronto, and for Jose Reyes nonetheless. Regardless, this sets up a very interesting fantasy bump for Tulo.
Yes Troy was playing in the best place to hit for power, Coors Field, but now Troy has an actual supporting cast besides Cargo. The workload will not be placed on him and the Jays will likely look for power from Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion. Troy has the opportunity to get on base a bunch and score a plethora of runs for the high octane offense. Look for him to bat 2nd behind Devon Travis and immediately ahead of Josh Donaldson. This isn't to say this will hurt his power potential as Troy obviously has the talent to hit home runs as much as he wants, but the pressure won't be on him as it was in Colorado. All he has to do is get on base and let the big bats bring him home.
The Blue Jays have done this before when they went out and acquired Jose Reyes, but Tulo, if he stays healthy will add a whole lot more power and offense than Reyes was able to during his tenure in Toronto. Once Tulo gets over the shock of being dealt (picture below) the Jays will be a scary, scary team.
Yes Troy was playing in the best place to hit for power, Coors Field, but now Troy has an actual supporting cast besides Cargo. The workload will not be placed on him and the Jays will likely look for power from Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion. Troy has the opportunity to get on base a bunch and score a plethora of runs for the high octane offense. Look for him to bat 2nd behind Devon Travis and immediately ahead of Josh Donaldson. This isn't to say this will hurt his power potential as Troy obviously has the talent to hit home runs as much as he wants, but the pressure won't be on him as it was in Colorado. All he has to do is get on base and let the big bats bring him home.
The Blue Jays have done this before when they went out and acquired Jose Reyes, but Tulo, if he stays healthy will add a whole lot more power and offense than Reyes was able to during his tenure in Toronto. Once Tulo gets over the shock of being dealt (picture below) the Jays will be a scary, scary team.
Monday, July 27, 2015
Manic Monday
At this point in the season, teams are starting to realize who's out and who's still in the hunt for a championship. Thankfully, yours truly is tied for first place and looking to add some key pieces to aid their hopes for greatness.
At the end of this last week, I found myself battling it out with my opponent for the less "sexy" stats. They should have had this battle on Pay Per View. We were neck and neck for WHIP and OBP. I started to realize if I wanted to win this year, I need to upgrade on these stats and make sure I'm set for the rest of the year.
My advice for those who are buyers this time of year: yes you're going to want to get that big bat your lineup is missing. What's that going to cost you though? A first round pick in next year's draft? My experience is, it's not worth it. Find those guys who are going to get you the most bang for your buck. Maybe there's that middle reliever like Wade Davis who will help your ERA each week. Or maybe it's Gerardo Parra who will get you those few points in OBP you missed out on last week. Don't go out and buy high on Jose Bautista or Albert Pujols, they're going to cost you far too much for what you need. You can find the "sexy" stats in free agency, but the most important stats can be acquired through strategic deals.
Happy hunting!
Friday, July 24, 2015
Friday Fantasy Implications
Growing up, the MLB Trade Deadline used to be my least favorite time of the year. This is the time where I saw all my favorite Pirates leave for prospects who would invariably never pan out. Bye Jason Bay, thanks for being the only reliable player on our team. Oh and who do we get in return? The worse Laroche brother and three terrible relievers. But those days are gone for Pittsburgh! We are finally buyers! We've already acquired Aramis Ramirez who we gave away 12 years ago for Bobby Hill. Bobby Hill is probably a Phys Ed teacher (nothing against our educators) while Aramis is still going strong, I love this deal.
As the trade deadline nears, I'm going to highlight the implications given with new additions to teams and departures of other players.
Aramis Ramirez (3B) to Pirates for Yhonathan Barrios (P):
Given all the injuries the left side of the infield has faced this season, this trade was a no brainer. Aramis Ramirez will fill an immediate hole at third base which will shift Jung Ho Kang to short stop until Josh Harrison and Jordy Mercer are ready to return. Given their injuries, it won't be for awhile. This move will bolster the Pirates batting order and give a chance for Ramirez to pick up some more RBIs batting behind Andrew McCutchen and Neil Walker. I'd start plugging Ramirez into lineups and see an increase in Home Runs as well with that short porch in left field.
As the trade deadline nears, I'm going to highlight the implications given with new additions to teams and departures of other players.
Aramis Ramirez (3B) to Pirates for Yhonathan Barrios (P):
Given all the injuries the left side of the infield has faced this season, this trade was a no brainer. Aramis Ramirez will fill an immediate hole at third base which will shift Jung Ho Kang to short stop until Josh Harrison and Jordy Mercer are ready to return. Given their injuries, it won't be for awhile. This move will bolster the Pirates batting order and give a chance for Ramirez to pick up some more RBIs batting behind Andrew McCutchen and Neil Walker. I'd start plugging Ramirez into lineups and see an increase in Home Runs as well with that short porch in left field.
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Your Wednesday Free Agency NEEDS
I know, it's the middle of the week and you're getting antsy with under-performers on your team. I always tell myself, sometimes the best moves you can make are the ones you don't make. However, there are other times when enough is enough and you need some fresh faces from free agency Here are some options at each position who will give you some pop at each position:
C- Kyle Schwarber (STILL only 60% owned)
1B- Mitch "Give Me" Moreland (54%)
2B- Joe "It's Not Time To" Panik (65%--and he's an All-Star)
SS- Yunel "Pablo" Escobar (48%)
3B- Jung Ho Kang (17%-- Finally a starter, MUST be owned)
OF- Alex Rios (45%-- Looking to make some noise in the second half)
SP- Mike "Someone Fix The" Leake (35%--Probably going to be traded to a contender)
C- Kyle Schwarber (STILL only 60% owned)
1B- Mitch "Give Me" Moreland (54%)
2B- Joe "It's Not Time To" Panik (65%--and he's an All-Star)
SS- Yunel "Pablo" Escobar (48%)
3B- Jung Ho Kang (17%-- Finally a starter, MUST be owned)
OF- Alex Rios (45%-- Looking to make some noise in the second half)
SP- Mike "Someone Fix The" Leake (35%--Probably going to be traded to a contender)
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
3 Hot, 3 Not- 7/21/15
The first week back from the All Star break has shown us the true identities of some, and also created some potential stars as well. The list below will show you 3 guys you need to pick up, and 3 you should probably cut ties with. All nicknames are TM'ed by me...but not really.
3 Hot:
Taylor "YMCA" Jungmann SP, MIL- Must have been staying at the YMCA because he certainly is having fun out there for the Brewers (boo). In his past 3 starts he's gone 8, 9, and 7 innings respectively surrendering only 1 ER in each start. While I don't see this lasting forever, I'd snatch him up now as he has a pretty favorable match up with Arizona this weekend. Owned in only 24% of Yahoo leagues.
Kyle "Broflovski" Schwarber C/OF, CHI- Here's a guy who has had plenty of hype this season after posting awesome numbers in the minors (.333/.429/.613). He had a brief appearance earlier this season but now looks like he's here to stay for a little while longer. After his call up on Friday, he's gone 4 for 10 with 2 runs scored. Joe Maddon has hinted that Schwarber will catch 3 games in a row against the Reds so make sure to plug him into your lineups now. Owned in 54% of Yahoo leagues.
Jose "Enrique" Iglesias 3B/SS, DET- There's something about Jose that I just can't keep him off my watch list. He consistently hits for contact and gets on base and also gives you eligibility at the MI and CI as well. Not a lot of power but with 10 stolen bases this season, he'll get in scoring position to put some runs on the board for Detroit. With a slash of (.314/.366/.384) he's definitely getting the job done for a lackluster Tiger's team. Owned in 29% of Yahoo leagues.
3 Not:
Justin "At Least I Have Kate Upton" Verlander SP, DET- Man I used to love watching this guy pitch. And by used to, I'm talking two seasons ago. With a blistering fastball and some awesome off speed junk to mix, he was unstoppable. This season, his velocity has dropped considerably and I just don't think he has it like he used to (ie Tim Lincecum). In his past 5 starts he's had 2 decent and 3 terrible outings. Even if he does get it together, the Tigers are talking about unloading Yoenis Cespedes and Miguel Cabrera won't be back until mid-August, so the run support won't be there. It's time to part ways with the 6'5 righty.
Chris "This Is The" Carter 1B/OF, HOU- I always knew Chris Carter couldn't hit for average but what is going on here?! He hasn't had a hit since July 3rd!! Usually when these stretches happen at least he'll put one over the wall, but he's done absolutely nothing. It's a good thing the Astros have so many other power options or else they'd be in trouble. I wouldn't drop him quite yet, but I'd definitely monitor the situation and put him on your bench in the time being.
Taijuan "Sky" Walker SP, SEA- Walker was supposed to be the closest thing to Felix Hernandez and the Mariners were elated about it. He's still very young so there's time, but he hasn't been impressing as of late. His past two outings have been abysmal and he's let up 5 and 7 ERs during those games. He has a start tonight against Detroit and for me, he's on a short leash. If he throws the ball well tonight and gets at least 5 strikeouts, I'll keep him on the team for now. If he implodes again, I'm parting ways with the young righty from Shreveport.
I'm not sure why I just gave a shout out to Shreveport there, but I'm sticking to it! Good luck in your games tonight and be sure to tune in for more updates this week.
3 Hot:
Taylor "YMCA" Jungmann SP, MIL- Must have been staying at the YMCA because he certainly is having fun out there for the Brewers (boo). In his past 3 starts he's gone 8, 9, and 7 innings respectively surrendering only 1 ER in each start. While I don't see this lasting forever, I'd snatch him up now as he has a pretty favorable match up with Arizona this weekend. Owned in only 24% of Yahoo leagues.
Kyle "Broflovski" Schwarber C/OF, CHI- Here's a guy who has had plenty of hype this season after posting awesome numbers in the minors (.333/.429/.613). He had a brief appearance earlier this season but now looks like he's here to stay for a little while longer. After his call up on Friday, he's gone 4 for 10 with 2 runs scored. Joe Maddon has hinted that Schwarber will catch 3 games in a row against the Reds so make sure to plug him into your lineups now. Owned in 54% of Yahoo leagues.
Jose "Enrique" Iglesias 3B/SS, DET- There's something about Jose that I just can't keep him off my watch list. He consistently hits for contact and gets on base and also gives you eligibility at the MI and CI as well. Not a lot of power but with 10 stolen bases this season, he'll get in scoring position to put some runs on the board for Detroit. With a slash of (.314/.366/.384) he's definitely getting the job done for a lackluster Tiger's team. Owned in 29% of Yahoo leagues.
3 Not:
Justin "At Least I Have Kate Upton" Verlander SP, DET- Man I used to love watching this guy pitch. And by used to, I'm talking two seasons ago. With a blistering fastball and some awesome off speed junk to mix, he was unstoppable. This season, his velocity has dropped considerably and I just don't think he has it like he used to (ie Tim Lincecum). In his past 5 starts he's had 2 decent and 3 terrible outings. Even if he does get it together, the Tigers are talking about unloading Yoenis Cespedes and Miguel Cabrera won't be back until mid-August, so the run support won't be there. It's time to part ways with the 6'5 righty.
Chris "This Is The" Carter 1B/OF, HOU- I always knew Chris Carter couldn't hit for average but what is going on here?! He hasn't had a hit since July 3rd!! Usually when these stretches happen at least he'll put one over the wall, but he's done absolutely nothing. It's a good thing the Astros have so many other power options or else they'd be in trouble. I wouldn't drop him quite yet, but I'd definitely monitor the situation and put him on your bench in the time being.
Taijuan "Sky" Walker SP, SEA- Walker was supposed to be the closest thing to Felix Hernandez and the Mariners were elated about it. He's still very young so there's time, but he hasn't been impressing as of late. His past two outings have been abysmal and he's let up 5 and 7 ERs during those games. He has a start tonight against Detroit and for me, he's on a short leash. If he throws the ball well tonight and gets at least 5 strikeouts, I'll keep him on the team for now. If he implodes again, I'm parting ways with the young righty from Shreveport.
I'm not sure why I just gave a shout out to Shreveport there, but I'm sticking to it! Good luck in your games tonight and be sure to tune in for more updates this week.
Thursday, July 16, 2015
All Star Break Hangover
Welcome to the first post from Dream Team Fantasy. I don't know about you but I'm ready for the second half of the season to begin. The All-Star Game was definitely exciting, and I kept checking my team to see if I was getting credit for my guys' performances. Well, the wait is just about over as the second half of the season begins tomorrow...FINALLY! Make sure to get those lineups set for Friday, and stay tuned for tips and help for the weekend series. In the meantime, enjoy some highlights from the All Star Game.
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