Nicholas Minnix Baseball Chat – 10/9/14

Nicholas Minnix: Hello, folks, I’ll be with you at the top of the hour.

Comment From Eminor3rd
A LIKELY STORY

Nicholas Minnix: Isn’t it?

Comment From Ethan
Nick! Keeper league where we get to keep 13. Would you keep these 6 OFs: Puig ($19), Marte ($18), Cespedes ($17), Hamilton ($5), Yelich ($1) and Springer ($1)? Thanks!

Nicholas Minnix: Hey! Probably. I’d say without any other context, they all seem like potential keepers. If you could get any back for less, then you may change your mind. Obviously the cheap guys you couldn’t.

Comment From BEER BARON
Do you also answer beer questions?

Nicholas Minnix: Other than how many I’ve had, no, unfortunately. (Answer: 0)

Comment From Bobby Blownilla
Hello. My league went to 2 catchers this most recent season. I already have decent depth but it’s almost impossible to trade for a catcher now. Any under-the-radar guys that could be available to draft (rookies this year or next, back-ups to get time, etc)? We have a deep league… I know it’s obscure but any advice would be appreciated. thanks!

Nicholas Minnix: If it’s a deep league, are we talking AL only or NL only, then? A lot of teams in mixed? Just want an idea of how deep is deep, like is Andrew Susac already owned?

Comment From Xolo
What’s a realistic expectation for Yasmany Tomas?

Nicholas Minnix: I always think of this as a reasonable place to start: http://www.claydavenport.co…

Nicholas Minnix: Davenport #s tend to be pessimistic, but I think there should be some caution in thinking this guy is a “star” like a Puig or someone like that.

Comment From Guest
How would you distribute ottoneu allocation attack the most expensive or younger cheaper guys? is trout worth $76 in 4×4 I should probably trade next yr?

Nicholas Minnix: I try to attack the young, cheap guys. Make them ponder it. Trout is worth $76 as much as he is $72, so you don’t have much of a choice, I assume. Basically, what I mean is, he’s going to be a lot, it’s hard to pin down the number, so if you want him, keep him. If you think that your league will have cooled to him a little (seems unlikely, but you know your mates), then maybe take a shot (or trade him).

Comment From Guest
Did Des Jennings power already peak?

Nicholas Minnix: In terms of likelihood and potential, yes. He could still have a 20HR season, though, definitely possible.

Comment From Al Cajon
For the sake of argument, let’s say that the Padres are for real about Tomas and are willing to do what it takes to get him. Do you think this is the right course of action for them to take?

Nicholas Minnix: Haha. Good question. Not really, to me, but … I’ll say that Texas had some success with investments in foreign talent, and their new GM is a big reason why, so maybe so. It’s a bigger gamble, to me, than someone more established, for a team with their resources.

Comment From Del Martin
Does Grandal become a top fantasy catcher in 2015?

Nicholas Minnix: I like his chances. I’d target him in deep leagues, possibly.

Comment From neal
what have you done with eno???

Nicholas Minnix: Eno is increasing the world’s population somewhere. It’s on him.

Comment From Guest
Sandoval -#

Comment From Brad
What are your thoughts on Taijuan Walker? Do you think he’s worth keeping next year for a 10th rd pick? Thanks.

Nicholas Minnix: Depends on the type of league. 10tm mixed, no, 12tm mixed, I’d like to think that you can get him back with a lesser pick next year (but I don’t know how many you keep, rounds you lose, etc).

Comment From Sandy
Wait, did you and Eno switch days without telling anyone?!

Nicholas Minnix: Haha, no, I’m filling in for him. This is a hectic week for him, with a little one on the way.

Comment From hscer
Bryce Harper’s NLDS: .294/.368/.882. Would .294/.368/.582 (that’s five-82, not eight-82) be crazy for a full season?

Nicholas Minnix: No, not crazy. Within the realm of possibility. Likely? Oof. I like Harper. I did more than Trout. Looks dumb now I guess, but many years to go.

Comment From Guest
Thanks! Your comment is awaiting moderation.

Nicholas Minnix: Done.

Comment From hscer
Ghost Nick!

Nicholas Minnix: Scary.

Comment From Eminor3rd
Are any of the playoff managers in any real danger of losing their jobs? To GMs know/care how poorly some of them performed strategically? Or is getting to the postseason in the first place a bigger win?

Nicholas Minnix: I don’t think any of them are. Williams especially, the organization can easily chalk it up to learning experience. Mattingly seems to have some leeway with LA. If there’s a GM change, changes that, perhaps, but the job he does managing egos warrants some credit.

Comment From rich
Sandoval stat line if he is Boston’s 3rd baseman nest year. If not, does Betts get the shot? Thanks

Nicholas Minnix: I’ll say .295/.335/.435 in 120 games. He’s impossible. I don’t know if Betts will get a shot there. BOS seems reluctant to consider that. Maybe it’d be a one-year solution.

Comment From Bertrum
Outside of the fact that he lost valuable time, how much should the TJS affect Sano?

Nicholas Minnix: Not much, it appears. Just a lost year.

Comment From Ace
What do you think of Yusmeiro Petit as a keeper for next year? 24.1 K%-BB% in 2014!! I’m in a fairly deep mixed league with K/9 AND Ks as categories, keep 20, no salaries to worry about. Would you keep him over any of Lynn, Liriano, McHugh, Odorizzi, or Quintana? Thanks, Nick!

Nicholas Minnix: Hmmm. Geez. I really can’t envision Petit as a keeper. DEF not over Lynn … or probably the others. He’s a swingman,

Comment From rich
I haven’t seen anyone putting G.Cole in their early top 20 SP rankings. Finished very strong. What’s your take.–thanks

Nicholas Minnix: I think folks may have just been a year or two early on predictions that he’d be such a commodity this year. I like him quite a bit, would invest anywhere with reasonable price. Hope the cost is mitigated in 2015.

Comment From Aokis crazy legs
Just want to point out that Nori Aoki was a -10 baserunner this year by BsR. Minus ten! He was the worst by almost four runs behind Davictor Ortinez!

Nicholas Minnix: Yikes. I don’t think Aoki is much of an asset as a regular anymore.

Comment From mtsw
What’s the best time of year to find a team in an quality ottoneu league?

Nicholas Minnix: This is a better question for the crowd, I think. I’d guess that right now is a good time to go looking, some leagues probably have a quick reaction to absent owners/orphaned teams, or are ready to fill them right away. If not, then just keep eyes peeled.

Comment From GSon
Keeper League conundrum.. The Keeper league had a NA grouping that allowed stashing players not yet ready for the show. The off season eliminates these coveted spots. With five players, 2 DL’s and 3 NA’d, I have space for three, who do I keep from Lucas Giolito, Jonathan Gray, Kohl Stewart, Matt Moore and Shin-soo Choo?

Nicholas Minnix: Man, a league where Stewart is kept … well, in that case, if he’s worthwhile, I’d just leave the COL pitcher and Matt Moore off my team. Would have to think that Moore comes cheaply if you want him.

Comment From Guest
Whats your opinion on Miguel Montero next yr? are his best yrs behind him?

Nicholas Minnix: He’s adequate low-end No. 1 C in 15tm mixed league, likely, No. 2 in shallower. And it seems so, yeah.

Comment From SuedePumaJayBuhner
i just saw Lucroy’s contract and actually got upset at the bargain that is 5 years 11 million… why did he sign that

Nicholas Minnix: Security at the time, surely

Comment From Bobby Blownilla
Yea, Susac owned for a few years now. 10 teams with 80 players each (including minor leaguers). Mixed. I’d be looking for guys like Yan Gomes, relatively unknown until he’s known. Or catchers in your opinion who are relatively cheap and could break out (I dealt for Conger last year hoping for this)

Nicholas Minnix: How about Grandal? A.J. Ellis can’t be as bad as he was in 2014, have to think some of that is health-related (not that he’s great, but he could be fantasy replacement-level). Maybe Josmil Pinto comes cheaply?

Nicholas Minnix: No other names striking me right now, sorry.

Comment From GSon
The Dodgers have six outfielders for essentially four or five spots on their roster (four if you consider Dee Gordon as a part time CF’er). Would the Dodgers consider trading Puig if it brought back a starting 2B and young SP with TOR stuff (like Jason Kipnis and Danny Salazar)?

Nicholas Minnix: Goodness, haha, I’m sure they’d consider that package. Doubt they’d get an offer like that, though.

Comment From GSon
Thanks! Your comment is awaiting moderation.

Nicholas Minnix: Someone said that already.

Comment From Jon
The Royals are saying they plan to make a run to keep Shields this winter. This is just lip service, right? No way they offer him anything substantially higher than a QO.

Nicholas Minnix: That QO is more $15M, maybe they try to do a 2- or 3-yr thing that’s more cost-beneficial, ~$10M per or something. IDK, there seems to be some intangible value to them regarding him, if that matters, then perhaps they do a deal.

Nicholas Minnix: The QO for him would make sense to a rich team, not as much to KC (but easy to justify as just a one-year thing at least).

Comment From GSon
True or False: After Sal Perez and Yan Gomes, all other catchers in the AL are playing for third best in the league..

Nicholas Minnix: … True?

Comment From Guest
Good to see you chattin been a while.

Nicholas Minnix: Thanks! I missed you, Guest.

Comment From Guest
[‘]

Nicholas Minnix: And your brackets.

Comment From Chris
Trumbo or Carlos Santana next seas for 4×4?

Nicholas Minnix: Both? What’s the trade-off? Trumbo is reasonable to think rebound, Santana already had a fine year.

Comment From Bertrum
Would you keep Buxton/Sano over Alex Wood/Stroman? I already am keeping Bryant/Richards/Sale as a prospect and SP.

Nicholas Minnix: I like bats more than arms. A lot of risk there, but yeah, I think I would – especially if I could trade Wood or Stroman (or both).

Nicholas Minnix: I like Wood. That’s what someone said.

Comment From Vslyke
When does Jose Peraza make an impact at the MLB level? And what position do you think he settles in at?

Nicholas Minnix: Gotta think 2B, not sure where else he’d be. Braves have been unafraid to promote those MIs if they’re ready, think it won’t be until 2016 for him tho. Maybe a cup next year.

Comment From Bubbles
5×5 dynasty: McCutchen OR Hanley Ramirez, Taveras, and kazmir. Thank you!

Nicholas Minnix: Cutch no question. Give me the best player.

Comment From Red
I can only keep two: trout, mccutchen, or goldshmidt. I know, it’s a good problem, but what’s your take?

Nicholas Minnix: LOL. Yeah, good problem is right. Yikes. You can’t lose. I’d keep Goldy as one for sure because OFs seem easier to come up with than quality 1B. Flip a coin on the OFs, I guess you have to keep Trout. That is so weird.

Nicholas Minnix: Sad weird, not you weird or anything. It’s uncomfortable saying, “Throw back Cutch!”

Comment From Guest
Chris Tillman’s 2nd half: 2.33 ERA, 3.38 FIP. strikeouts ticked up (to average), walks went down. Is there reason to be encouraged about his future?

Nicholas Minnix: Tillman is a good pitcher. He’s not an ACE, but he’s a good pitcher. No strikeout stuff, don’t see him doing much in the way of adding them, nothing stellar in the pitch type peripherals, except the movement. Just a quality pitcher.

Comment From Bobby Blownilla
I also asked this of Eno but want your opinion. Is now the time to sell Adam Jones? It’s an OBP league and I bet I can sell him to a team who have been rebuilding for a couple years now. I swept all 5 offensive categories last year so I have some wiggle room.

Nicholas Minnix: If you can, then I’d say yes.

Comment From Terrible Ted
Can we still do ludes?

Nicholas Minnix: I won’t judge you.

Comment From Guest
In 2012 Joe Blanton posted a 4.71 ERA in 191 IP. In 2013 he posted a 6.04 ERA in 132 IP. His xFIP during each span was 3.39 and 3.84

Nicholas Minnix: And he is retired.

Comment From JayBuhnersButtPlug
Im tired from all this use!

Nicholas Minnix: This is a family show. I probably shouldn’t have let you through, pal!

Comment From Matt
How do you explain Joe Blantons ERA in 2012 / 2013? his xFIP and SIERA over that span is in the 3’s.

Nicholas Minnix: Blanton has long had great “command” rates, stuff that component stats like. What he hasn’t had is good pitches. A straight fastball without speed and nothing much in terms of secondary pitches will get you hammered much more often than not.

Comment From jocephus
whats your favorite horror movie?

Nicholas Minnix: I don’t really have one. Not my genre.

Comment From Guest
The sooner the better to find an ottoneu league arb starts next week and last a month

Nicholas Minnix: Awesome, thanks! mtsw, please note!!!

Comment From Chuck Knoblauchs Niece
Where does my uncle stand in weirdest batting stances of all time? He crouched down and squatted like some kinda girl or something

Nicholas Minnix: He’s behind Aaron Rowand in my book. That just looked uncomfortable.

Comment From Brad
do you think tomas would be a wise investment for Phillies or is raj just being desperate?

Nicholas Minnix: It could be both, right? I think it’s an easier investment/risk for a rich team. There isn’t a young player of such caliber that they could acquire any other way, really, so it’s probably not the worst risk he could take.

Nicholas Minnix: I guess that almost amounts to praise for RAJ. Blech.

Comment From Matt
how do peripherals explain the fall of Joe Blanton

Nicholas Minnix: They don’t. They lied.

Comment From Pirates Hurdles
For Bobby Blownilla, if it is super deep, check out Elias Diaz PIT if/when Martin departs.

Nicholas Minnix: There you go, Bobby Blow!

Comment From Guest
What kind of return would it take to get Matt Kemp out of LA? 3 bats and catchers mit?

Nicholas Minnix: Haha, no, the price has definitely gone up. Throw in a couple of cases of Big League Chew. It does appear that he’s healthy, hasn’t been the case in a few years, he’s a commodity.

Comment From Big Joe Mufferaw
Do you agree with putting WAR as a stat in fantasy league?

Nicholas Minnix: No

Nicholas Minnix: But if everyone in your league likes it, then it doesn’t matter what I think.

Comment From Mooking for Love
Everybody’s so god damn polite today, with all the “thank you’s” and “please’s”. WTF IS UP WITH THAT MAN!? THERE’S NO BASEBALL ON TODAY AND I’M MELTINGGGGGGGG

Nicholas Minnix: Yeah, somebody act up!

Comment From Big Joe Mufferaw
Hell, I’d sign a 5 year 11 million $ deal in my early/mid 20s… Why would you be upset for a guy securing his status as a MULTI MILLIONAIRE??

Comment From Michael
Odds the pirates bring back martin?

Nicholas Minnix: Geez I’d like to think at least 50-50. There’s no one else on the market, and he’s been invaluable. He said earlier in the season he liked it in PIT, but now he postures a little to regain leverage … I’d pay to keep him, if I was Huntington. That’s how I look at it, so I like it as better than 50-50.

Comment From Michael
Over/Under 2/$20 mil for Harang this offseason?

Nicholas Minnix: Man, seems like good #s there. I’ll guess … under, but not by much. Hard to see over.

Comment From Michael
who do you feel will be the best bargain free agent pitcher this off season?

Nicholas Minnix: Tough call. Maybe Big Erv. I like Wei-Yin Chin in the right environment a little. Jason Motte, maybe?

Comment From Vslyke
Thanks for the answer! I am hoping that TLS settles in at 2B and Peraza moves to 3B but that’s just a pipe dream at this point.

Nicholas Minnix: Yeah, I think it’s hard to see them moving Peraza to 3B.

Comment From Rated Rookie
What is Oscar Taveras’s future in St. Louis? Or maybe somewhere other than St. Louis?

Nicholas Minnix: I think it’s still STL. High ceiling, attractive hitter, still a lot to like. Probably a corner OF is smarter place to put him.

Comment From Guest
Is Josh Beckett a hof’er?

Nicholas Minnix: No. Some very good years, but not HOF material.

Comment From Scott
What coding language/platform would allow me to reference a player’s fangraphs page to a database (excel?) so I can track my own league’s scoring? I hope that makes sense!

Nicholas Minnix: I think it does. But I wouldn’t know, not the tech guy. SQL I imagine is your answer, but IDK.

Comment From pat
Was this so called “year of the pitcher” a trend or an outliner?

Nicholas Minnix: It’s been happening for a couple of years, I wouldn’t consider it an anomaly.

Comment From mtsw
Over many seasons/innings would a pitcher need to overperform his peripherals before you could conclude it’s not just luck? Certain guys (Buehrle seems an airtight case) seem to have run prevention skills that FIP doesn’t pick up on.

Nicholas Minnix: Yes, peripherals have flaws. FIP especially.

Comment From Big Joe Mufferaw
Brett Gardner was well on his way to a 20-20 season before his injury (which he played through, but wasnt the same). Could he be a sleeper pick next season?

Nicholas Minnix: No, he won’t catch anyone by surprise. The HR output is largely fluky, too, I think, even with Yankee Stadium as his backdrop.

Comment From Andy5
Given Trout’s age, athletic ability, and skill set, is it reasonable to expect him to make the necessary adjustments to cut down his whiff rate? Or is this the new Trout, give some contact for more power?

Comment From Big Joe Mufferaw
How awsome and frustrating would Eric Davis have been if Fantasy baseball was around back then? He would have flooded these chats.

Nicholas Minnix: Hahaha, well, first of all, fantasy baseball was around then. The Internet wasn’t, really, unfortunately for his owners.

Comment From Guest
Who you got in the world series?

Nicholas Minnix: To “expect,” I don’t know. He seemed to make a conscious decision to pursue more power for less contact. I think he could go back, a little, and yeah, he should cut down some anyway because those skills are pre-peak for him. He should improve in that area, but that’s assuming no other changes in approach on his part.

Nicholas Minnix: O’s Giants. An all orange and black WS.

Comment From mtsw
(thanks for publishing the response to my ottoneu question btw)

Nicholas Minnix: You bet!

Comment From Terrible Ted
Sometimes during these chats I let my eyes glaze over at work and pretend I’m watching someone else play a slowly paced tetris game.

Nicholas Minnix: !!! Great job, Ted.

Comment From Phil
Wouldn’t a star SP and a decent bat be the only sensible price for Kemp? They need to utilize commodities for arms, not more bats.

Nicholas Minnix: Hanley seems unlikely to re-sign, so I’m not sure they won’t need offense. I figure they’ll see what they can get for Ethier or Crawford, perhaps that’s how to address the bullpen instead.

Comment From Guest
You should fight Kiley for your rightful friday chat slot.

Nicholas Minnix: Thanks. I’m not much of a fighter, probably a 30, maybe 60 peak when I’m super angry. He’d likely win.

Comment From Rated Rookie
I’m a relative newcomer (in my 4th year) n a league that is nearly 20 years in existence. Hitting categories are BA, OBP, HR, RBI, SB. Using both BA and OBP seems redundant, right? It’s as if doubles and triples don’t really matter (much).

Nicholas Minnix: Yes, it’s pretty redundant. 4 hitting cats might just be better. I kind of like SLG in place of HR so that 2B and 3B count for more, too.

Comment From Brian
Who’s a better keeper, Dickerson or Hosmer? I don’t know aobut Dickerson’s PT, and Hosmer looks awesome since his injury. What to do

Nicholas Minnix: Phew. Well, I’d be awfully wary of judging Hosmer based on the postseason and September. It’s encouraging. Need some more context. And it’s definitely either/or?

Comment From Brian
You are my Minnix Sense: Leave a pitcher out 4 next year: Britton, Carrasco, Gio, Gausman, Richards, Tanaka. In a holds league, also have Wade Davis and Clippard. Can keep five pitchers.

Nicholas Minnix: Geez. My reaction is Carrasco … or Gausman. I think Gausman. Wondering if the K’s will ever really be there.

Comment From Brad
Let me be the 1st to have a mookie betts question. Do you see him getting 5 starts at 2b relatively quickly next year? I need 5 starts and I think his value is so much better at 2b.

Nicholas Minnix: Haha, impossible to say right now. No, I don’t, right now.

Comment From thomas
there

Nicholas Minnix: you have it

Comment From exxrox
Hey Nick thanks for the chat. I am in a 14-team dynasty (keep all) league and am wondering about a trade offer: my Verlander/Singleton*/Zach Lee* (*prospects not on roster yet) for Arrieta/Carassco/Y. Gomes. What do you think? My current C is McCann, is this an upgrade all around?

Nicholas Minnix: Hmmm. Gomes is obviously an upgrade. I think if you already have a catcher like McCann, though, he’s not much of one. I like the two pitchers you could acquire, but I think they’re pretty questionable as long-term assets. There’s still reason to believe that Verlander will be good next year.

Comment From thomas
there’s been a lot of vitriol towards dayton moore over the past few years. was he right this whole time?

Nicholas Minnix: Hahaha. Well, I guess so? I don’t think he’s been quite aggressive enough. But it worked this year. The team doesn’t strike me as an annual postseason participant, which I think is kind of an assumed goal with these rebuilding plans, so still not yet. He’s righter than he appeared to be?

Comment From Agent
Year of the pitcher because steroids aren’t as prevalent. Duh.

Nicholas Minnix: I’m sure that’s part of it. There are myriad reasons.

Comment From Snopes
MLB’s nonresponse to Molina’s umpire contact: precedent-setting, a post-season exception, or not really a big deal?

Nicholas Minnix: That surprised me as well. I don’t know what to make of it. An oversight is all I can think it is.

Comment From Big Joe Mufferaw
Is Oscar Tavares available? If so, what are the Cards looking in Return? (A Colby Rasmus esque return?)

Nicholas Minnix: No, I don’t think so.

Comment From thomas
good time to move kemp in a dynasty league this offseason? who do you think is a good target at CF.

Nicholas Minnix: It’s not a bad one, surely. Buxton? What’s owned, who’s out there?

Comment From Sklonty
Think Kipnis is going to bounce back next year? What sort of numbers might you expect him to put up?

Nicholas Minnix: Seems likely, have to think much of this year was health-related. Doesn’t mean he won’t sustain an injury again next year tho. .260/.330/.400 seems reasonable. 15 HR, 25 SB.

Comment From Chuck Knoblauchs Niece
i think anyone talking about “decline” for trout is jumping the gun..cmon guys

Nicholas Minnix: Probably.

Comment From Big Joe Mufferaw
Its funny that when people were comparing Mike Trout to Mickey Mantle 2-3 years ago, we called them Crazy and idiots… Now its a legit comparison, which is pretty damn cool.

Nicholas Minnix: Haha, true, a good perspective.

Comment From Chuck Knoblauchs Niece
and he’s cute 😉

Nicholas Minnix: Oh my!

Comment From Reed Hastings
Orange and black WS — clearly an Netflix-sponsored planned result, promoting season two of their popular series

Nicholas Minnix: A golden opportunity

Comment From Prich
Chris Taylor or Brad Miller… Have you been a bigger fan of one over the other?

Nicholas Minnix: I like Miller. Haven’t seen enough of Taylor yet to say I like him more than Miller. Doesn’t hurt that Miller is the LHB, facing the opposite hand more often. He showed some good signs in Aug./Sept.

Comment From mtsw
Do you think fantasy leagues in the future will do any cool stuff to incorporate PitchF/X or HitF/X type data? If so, what would you predict?

Nicholas Minnix: Perhaps, way in the future, after we’re all gone. Maybe it’ll become an option. HITf/x isn’t even publicly available, so it seems impossible to think it’d be in fantasy leagues. PITCHf/x in fantasy, I don’t see much use for it right now. Just helpful to evaluate players.

Comment From Chuck Knoblauchs Niece
jj hardy just extended. come back to bite them in the butt? i think yes

Nicholas Minnix: Yeah, I’d think so. He’s … 32. I’d have let him walk, or QO, whatever is appropriate.

Comment From Big Joe Mufferaw
What 80 skill do you have in real life?

Nicholas Minnix: Procrastination

Comment From Sklonty
Is Jay Bruce worth keeping in a 12 team keep 6 league? Seems like everyone was expecting a rebound as the season went on but he kept just being a butt.

Nicholas Minnix: He’s a butt. I’d say good chance he’s worth that. Just a question of whether you think you’d have to pay it in your draft to get it. As your sixth, not so bad.

Comment From Stephen
Could you see Mookie Betts as a top ten SS/2B for fantasy next year assuming he stays in boston?

Nicholas Minnix: Surely, could see it. 600 PA and 20 SB would make him one of those, probably.

Comment From houzer
Does Markakis re-sign with the O’s? If yes, whats his new deal look like>

Nicholas Minnix: He has an option, it looks, so I could see them picking that up and delaying your question. Pricey but it’s only money, one year.

Comment From The Rover
Eno owes me twenty bucks, is now the best time to ask for that?

Nicholas Minnix: LOL … no. Wait until around Thanksgiving.

Comment From Guest
do you see Hardy’s power bouncing back next year? maybe never 30 again, but 20+?

Nicholas Minnix: Yes, I think it’s quite possible. Especially now that he’s back in BAL.

Comment From houzer
Denard Span a good fit for the Tigers?

Nicholas Minnix: I could see that. I think WSH will exercise his option, though.

Comment From Matt
18 team dynasty: I’ve got Cueto,Kluber,Cole,Cobb,Bailey,Holland, and Corbin coming back. And I am throwing back Beckett and EJax. It is a pretty stacked pitching staff, but I was wondering if I should try to move someone for an outfielder or wait till after the draft to see who I can snag there considering my holes are in Steals and Saves.

Nicholas Minnix: Yes, because I generally prefer to have more bats than arms going in. Try to move Cueto, perhaps.

Comment From Adam
Odds that Matt Williams wins Manager of the Year? And how ironic would that be on a scale of 1-10?

Nicholas Minnix: I kind of feel as if Williams isn’t much deserving. They’re supposed to win. It’s not that easy, of course. Mike Redmond is a better choice, IMO, though. Ironic? 2. I guess if you’re thinking of the DS as reason for irony, it’s up there, but not much irony in it.

Comment From Bubba
The worse the Giants and Cardinals are, the farther they make the post season. I’m sick of them and hope whatever AL team wins kicks their butts.

Nicholas Minnix: Woo hoo! I’m sick of them too.

Comment From Ron Swanson
“I like would”. I said that…

Comment From Rated Rookie
Want to start an ottoneu league with me? You are looking for a fantasy league to join, right? Why not just make one instead.

Nicholas Minnix: Not a bad idea. Making a league is the way to get one the way you want it.

Nicholas Minnix: I could be looking for a league, sure. TBD. Keep me posted.

Comment From The Rover
Joe Blanton also owes me money…

Nicholas Minnix: He owes the Angels a few bucks, too.

Comment From mtsw
O’s just re-signed JJ Hardy. 3 years $40M. Good value?

Nicholas Minnix: No

Nicholas Minnix: But he was good value before, I suppose if he’s 2/3 of what he’s been for the next three years, then it’s worthwhile, but not at his age, don’t see it.

Comment From everyone
i hate the cardinals

Comment From David Ortz
I hate Mookie Betts… Too much hype

Comment From Darren Wilson
Even I think those Cardinal fans were out of line, what do they think this is — 1964 all over again?

Comment From Geust
What MLB team will be saddest going after this year’s playoff boot?

Nicholas Minnix: Don’t think I understand your question. Which is saddest for losing in the playoffs, like the saddest outfit, organization? SoCal area?

Comment From Tyrone
What is the adult beverage of choice for Sir Minnix?

Nicholas Minnix: I have a couple of 4-packs of Murphy’s Stout in the fridge. Outstanding stuff. I like red wines, pinot noirs and chiantis especially.

Comment From Adam from the Wood
Wouldn’t it more correctly be “odds that Matt Williams *has won Manager of the Year,” since the voting already took place

Nicholas Minnix: Indeed.

Comment From Guest
Just popping in finally. 12 team keep four. I led all season only to have injuries kill me in playoffs, and those injuries are ones I’m having trouble figuring into my keeper question. SO: Rendon, Stanton, Braun, and Kershaw, Kluber, Fernandez, Darvish, and Gray. I’m thinking Kershaw, Stanton, Darvish, ??????

Nicholas Minnix: I think you could leave out Darvish and keep Rendon. I want the bats more. Rendon at least is in. I like Braun to rebound. That’s some tough stuff you have there, though. I’d wait to see what ADP/proj$ is going to look like. Perception is a big part of who to keep, IMO.

Comment From Guest
IRL fake trade proposals: Cespedes and Webster for Iwakuma (both Ces+Iwa signed only through 15), and Henry Owens, Garin Cecchini, Deven Marrero for Andrew Cashner. Are these balanced value?

Nicholas Minnix: First one, no, second one, I’d say no, also.

Comment From houzer
So whats the VMart deal gonna look like this offseason?

Nicholas Minnix: Good question. 2 yrs, $36M?

Comment From Thunder Joe
True or false. Mike Scioscia was one pitching change short of a victory in game 3? I really think one more would have done it.

Nicholas Minnix: True!

Nicholas Minnix: OK, folks, going to have to wrap it up in a couple. I’ll answer what’s here and then pack it up.

Comment From Here Goes Nothing
Who’s playing shortstop in Oakland in a year? Two years?

Nicholas Minnix: I’ll say … Stephen Drew. Geez. And then Troy Tulowitzki. It’s almost as good a guess as any other.

Comment From Rated Rookie

Nicholas Minnix: Right on

Comment From Matt
THe Royals will attempt to resign James Shields? So they are going to be the suckers to give him way to much money eh

Nicholas Minnix: IDK, it’ll be interesting to see what Shields brings. It could be, though, yes.

Comment From God
FEAR NOT HUMANS, I WILL BESTOW UPON THE CARDINALS A GREAT CURSE!…. and they will overcome the curse the first week of October, 2015

Comment From mtsw
Any idea why Caleb Joseph hit like Matt Wieters in August and then hit like Bartolo Colon in September? Just in a slump or did pitchers figure something out about him?

Nicholas Minnix: He’s just not that good of a hitter, overal.

Comment From Geust
lol i need a copy editor. What MLB will be saddest going *forward after getting the boot this year? Tigers seem best fit — long, expensive run with no WS victory, and soon enough age and expense will catch up with them and this era will have came and went without hoisting that many-flagged trophy.

Nicholas Minnix: DET is a very good pick. Scherzer and VMart on the market, Verlander appearing to fade, a woeful bullpen, no CF, bad defense.

Comment From Guest
Lloyd Mcclendon for MOy?

Nicholas Minnix: Nah, not quite.

Comment From tom
Can someone explain to me how ottoneu works? I tried to poke around with it to see if my less tech-savvy friends could make the Yahoo->Ottoneu transition, but I get sent to some WordPress login page and have no clue how to proceed. (heh, if they’re *less* tech-savvy than that…)

Nicholas Minnix: That’s it, it’s basically your FG account. Have to create one.

Nicholas Minnix: If you don’t have one already.

Comment From Stephen
Are their any books along the lines of “The Book” that you recommend I add to my off-season reading list?

Nicholas Minnix: Honestly cannot think of one. I think that … I like books that give more insight into player mindset and performance. I liked Ron Darling’s “The Complete Game.” A numbers-ignorant analyst pretty much, but that side is insightful.

Comment From marv thronecherry
Julio Urias has nothing left to prove in high A….double A to the majors by end of 2015?

Nicholas Minnix: Much too quick, I think.

Comment From Guest
Who egregiously overpays for V-mart? the Mariners?

Nicholas Minnix: A good possibility, surely.

Comment From There Went Everything
Who will play LF for the expansion Las Vegas Rough Riders in 2034?

Nicholas Minnix: My friend’s son. Skills.

Comment From Dylan
Are we getting another S&B podcast today by any chance?

Nicholas Minnix: No, unfortunately not. Next installment will be next week, hopefully Tuesday.

Comment From Hieronymous
Hardy extension might be a bit of an overpay, but makes sense for Os. SS was going to be their only big hole in the offseason.

Nicholas Minnix: True, given that the market is unattractive and Machado isn’t fit to move back there any time soon.

Comment From Guest
I hate the Giants more than the Cardinals. The Cardinals have good teams while the Giants have been coasting even though what was a elite pitching staff is a shell of its former glory. They have Buster Posey/MadBum and a bunch of boring players that are decent, but not entertaining.

Nicholas Minnix: Well damn!

Comment From Guest
I highly recommend Dollar Sign on the Muscle that BP republished. I was the first scouting book which is fun. I believe you get a free copy with a subscription. Keri’s The Extra 2% is good. Also Baseball Between the Numbers is good.

Nicholas Minnix: Some good recs there!

Comment From Guest
Try and Collette to do a chat I miss that fool

Nicholas Minnix: Thanks! And I will tell him!

Nicholas Minnix: OK, folks, thanks for all your time and attention. Fun as always. Enjoy the rest of the postseason!