Nicholas Minnix Baseball Chat — 6/20/14

11:50

Eno Sarris: Nick will be here shortly!

11:52

Nicholas Minnix: Yes, I will, and don’t him Shortly!

11:52

Nicholas Minnix: Morning, everybody, looking forward to getting started at the top of the hour!

11:53

Comment From Sandy
MINNIX!!!

11:53

Nicholas Minnix: Sandy, surely you’re the most excited anyone has ever been to see me. Thank you!

11:54

Comment From season tickets
hey eno!

11:59

Comment From Finding Forrester
Whats up Nick….would it be smarter to stash Harvey or Fernandez for Keeper in 2015?

12:00

Nicholas Minnix: Let’s go! Long term, Fernandez. For 2015 results only, Harvey, so it depends on your keeper rules and if you’re gunning for the title.

12:00

Comment From season tickets
dropping Homer Bailey for Garret Richards was the right move, right?

12:00

Nicholas Minnix: It’s not a bad one. Breakout year for Richards, has great stuff.

12:00

Comment From Sandy
Rank ROS please: Ventura, Shark, Keuchel, Alex Wood

12:01

Nicholas Minnix: Man. Keuchel, Wood, Shark, Ventura (only because health is slight worry).

12:02

Comment From Finding Forrester
Do you like Z. Wheeler or Alex Wood ROS? Assuming Wood takes Floyd’s roster spot. Pretty similar to me with more W upside for Wood.

12:02

Nicholas Minnix: Wood is confirmed to take the spot. I agree, pretty similar. I don’t think you can lose. I think Wheeler is starting to figure it out and may have a big second half, so he’s my pick, but Wood is in a great position also.

12:03

Comment From Rated Rookie
Chasing saves: would it be too much to give up Cole to get Cody Allen and a SP prospect like Archie Bradley or Carlos Rodon (when he signs)?

12:04

Nicholas Minnix: Redraft league? Not really. Keeper? Perhaps becomes questionable. Cole is a great commodity. But they’re all pitchers, so my philosophy with them is go get what you need, and you need SV.

12:04

Nicholas Minnix: Their shelf lives aren’t the most dependable.

12:04

Comment From season tickets
dont you think its about time we took Bud “quality start” Norris seriously? hes the Orioles most consitant started so far this year…at least hes earned the right not to be moved to the bullpen when bundy arrives, right?

12:05

Nicholas Minnix: You’re right. I haven’t figured Norris out. He’s pitched really well, I don’t know what he’s doing differently, perhaps besides sacrificing power for control.

12:06

Comment From kris
do you drink copious amounts of beer like eno does?

12:06

Nicholas Minnix: LOL, no sir.

12:06

Comment From Childgrambino
hey Nick. i’m in a keeper league (7 keepers). what’s a good balance of current guys versus prospects if i’m playing for future seasons (2016-?). i have buxton and correa.

12:07

Nicholas Minnix: You have a GREAT start. I think if you can keep only 7 every year, I’d quit there. Prospects can fail quite easily, and you have two of the best. You’d be surprised by how competitive you can be in any given year. Surprises occur!

12:07

Comment From season tickets
im excited for anybody who’s ready to talk baseball for awhile

12:07

Nicholas Minnix: Thanks!

12:07

Comment From Alex
Does Josh Rutledge remain fantasy relevant when Nolan returns?

12:08

Nicholas Minnix: We can and do hope. It’s hard to say, because Weiss hasn’t given us much to go on. There’s really nowhere to play him, and he likes LaMehieu.

12:08

Nicholas Minnix: I don’t think Rutledge will play regularly, all healthy, to be clear.

12:08

Nicholas Minnix: But health is far from a given for a couple of guys in COL.

12:09

Comment From 1st place jays
Please Rank the following ROS ROTO: Gausman, Stroman. Heaney, Chavez, Bauer

12:09

Nicholas Minnix: Gausman, Heaney, Bauer, Chavez, Stroman. And I like all those guys.

12:10

Comment From 1st place jays
Did you like what you saw from Andrew Heaney last night?

12:11

Nicholas Minnix: I didn’t see the start, unfortunate. Looking at the marks, I think it was a fine debut. I am a tad more skeptical of him than most, in fact I’m second-guessing my choice of him over Bauer, but I’m told that Heaney is close to as polished as they come. That means a lot.

12:11

Comment From jocephus
what if it was nicholas sarris and eno minnex?

12:11

Nicholas Minnix: Oh no! Eno would be mad you got his last name wrong then. 😀

12:12

Comment From Dave
Can you give any advice on how to stream pitchers? Certain stats to focus on? Or can it be just as simple as a team (ex. Mariners) not hitting LHP well and start any LHP against them?

12:13

Nicholas Minnix: You generally have to play it that way: home/road splits, team vs. handedness splits, team vs. types of pitchers (hard throwing, etc.) splits. If you get too heavily into the #s, you’ll lose ROI on the time and in fact may hurt yourself or overlook something. Keep it simple.

12:13

Comment From hamsterjockey
What are your thoughts on Nelson Cruz ROS?

12:13

Nicholas Minnix: I think he will continue to hit HRs because it’s nice to play in Camden Yards in the summer.

12:13

Nicholas Minnix: He’s good and stuff. Hope he stays healthy.

12:13

Comment From 1st place jays
Jesse Chavez for Melky.. what side do you prefer?

12:14

Nicholas Minnix: Depends on whether I need the hitter or the pitcher is all that matters. I’ll say Melky in a vacuum because I usually want the hitter all else equal.

12:14

Comment From 1st place jays
Rank the following 3B ROS: David Wright, Todd Frazier, Mcgahee

12:14

Nicholas Minnix: Wright, Frazier, McGehee.

12:15

Comment From Scott in London
Everth Cabrera: Time to dump? K% way up, BB% way down, swinging more, making less contact, SB% below 70%, craptastic BA of .226 not even unlucky (BABIP: .294), and he’s not even running (just 3 SB attemps in all of June, caught once), and he’s getting worse (June K%: 32%! although BB% is back up to 7%).

12:15

Nicholas Minnix: Not if you’re alternative is Jonathan Villar. It’s relative to what you can replace Everth with. Everth may rebound some, I won’t rule it out.

12:16

Comment From John
Keeper League: Trout, Mauer, Syndergaard, 20th rounder for Cueto, Greinke, Iwakuma, Kris Bryant, Lucroy, 7th rounder

12:16

Nicholas Minnix: Looks good to me!

12:16

Nicholas Minnix: Just a lot of talent each way. I want the best hitters of the group. I’d rather have Trout.

12:16

Comment From Rated Rookie
Taijuan Walker’s rehab start doesn’t look too bad if the errors behind him don’t happen. Still, are we waiting on Erasmo to fall off the high wire he’s walking?

12:17

Nicholas Minnix: Yes, I’d guess so. Or an injury. It shouldn’t be long. (Ominous, sad face.)

12:17

Comment From season tickets
thanks for chatting!

12:17

Comment From Nemo
Jon Singleton? Stud or dud

12:17

Nicholas Minnix: More dud than stud, in a mixed league.

12:17

Comment From Scott in London
(E. Cabrera, continued): ZiPS and Steamer still have him with 20+ stolen bases the rest of the year, but I don’t see it. Can I dump him for another warm body like Villar, Owings, Wong, Hardy etc?

12:18

Nicholas Minnix: I’d do it for Owings, yes. I like Owings.

12:18

Comment From hamsterjockey
Is Utley an upgrade over Zobrist at 2B?

12:18

Nicholas Minnix: I think so, in a vacuum, as long as Utley is healthy, and no reason to think he won’t stay that way barring a freak injury.

12:18

Comment From Andy
My Rios for his Marte and Melancon pretty fair? I have Grilli.

12:18

Nicholas Minnix: You might be able to get more, but it’s a smart move, I endorse.

12:19

Comment From Shawn
Assuming Alex Wood gets Floyd’s spot in rotation- him or Zach Wheeler ROS?

12:19

Nicholas Minnix: Believe we touched on this, but I like Wheeler … Both are great, it’s nitpicking.

12:19

Comment From C
Springer or Blackmon ROS? What kind of stats do you predict?

12:22

Nicholas Minnix: It’s really about which kinds of stats. Let’s say Springer, .260, 12 HR, 5 SB; Blackmon, .275, 6 HR, 12 SB.

12:22

Nicholas Minnix: I guess Blackmon by a hair? Depends on needs.

12:22

Nicholas Minnix: More upside in Springer at this stage tho.

12:22

Comment From Scott
What are your thoughts on Kyle Parker? Tough first start vs Kershaw

12:23

Nicholas Minnix: Interesting player. Clearly some appeal, has a good profile, worth NL-only spot, probably, just a good hitter judging from his peripherals. PT will always be an issue.

12:24

Comment From zurzles
posted this in the comments of yr replacing wins article, curious about yr thoughts: instead of using straight-up gamescore, turning it into a binary stat to reflect wins and QS — giving pitchers a “well-pitched game” if they end with a gamescore over ~60 or thereabouts

12:24

Nicholas Minnix: I saw that comment: I think it’s a good, interesting suggestion. I look forward to reading through all those comments today! And taking a few notes.

12:24

Comment From Wondering
Pretty please Rank Ian Kennedy, Alex Wood, Nathan Eovaldi, and Jesse Chavez ROS

12:25

Nicholas Minnix: Wood, Kennedy, Eovaldi, Chavez … Chavez may just hit a wall, fatigue, is my fear. But he’s good enough to continue to pitch well.

12:25

Comment From Jimmy
Need SBs. What are your thoughts on Starling Marte?

12:25

Nicholas Minnix: He can steal bases, so if you get him, you’ll help yourself.

12:25

Nicholas Minnix: He should rebound.

12:26

Comment From Ron
Who ends up with more saves at the end of the season, Street or Cishek?

12:26

Nicholas Minnix: Cishek

12:26

Nicholas Minnix: I’m only at 12:02 guys! I’ll try to speed up.

12:26

Comment From Jack
Will Jesus Montero be given another look at 1B/DH for Seattle?

12:27

Nicholas Minnix: I hope, he’s getting a shot now at DH. Health of rest of roster will determine, but I’d own him in very deep leagues where he’s elig at C.

12:27

Comment From kris
How does Eovaldi compare in the Gausman/Heaney/Wood types? like him over those guys?

12:28

Nicholas Minnix: For the question about Eovaldi vs. the Gausman, et al., group, I like him near the end of it. Very good talent, has a ceiling lower than the rset.

12:28

Comment From Ned
Would you trade Wacha for Cole in a dynasty league? Is it even close?

12:29

Nicholas Minnix: Of course it’s close, IMO. I … probably wouldn’t, is my reaction, but Wacha’s pitch mix may give him a better chance to stay healthy. 6 of one. …

12:29

Comment From Sal
Hey Nick, Gennett or Wong ROS? 14 team league and 2b is obviously a wasteland.

12:29

Nicholas Minnix: I think Wong, because as long as he hits, he plays, the competition for PT behind him is less messy.

12:29

Comment From Sal
A. Wood or McHugh ROS?

12:29

Nicholas Minnix: Wood

12:30

Comment From Shawn
Joe Smith or Mark Melancon a better stash for saves?

12:30

Nicholas Minnix: Good ?. I’d feel more confident in Melancon, the way Grilli has struggled and has had previous health issues.

12:30

Comment From Boomer
Dynasty League. I traded away my Dee Gordon, Chisenhall and Perkins for his Machado. I done good?

12:31

Nicholas Minnix: If you can keep them forever, maybe. I like Machado a lot, but there’s a lot of unknown about him, very young still. Those guys are emerging at least. If you gave up on this season, you may have yourself a nice investment long-term.

12:31

Comment From Jay
Will Springer and Polanco start stealing? I have both and have been waiting for Springer to at least attempt them.

12:31

Nicholas Minnix: Polanco, yes, Springer, unlikely much.

12:31

Comment From Bradley
How did you become a phillies fan? You don’t sound like you are from Philly? Eta when amaro gets replaced?

12:32

Nicholas Minnix: I’m from northern Delaware originally. Funny, people tell me I have that Atlantic seaboard accent sometimes, but definitely not a Philly one. And NOT SOON ENOUGH.

12:32

Comment From Jay
Picked up Mike Minor on the waiver wire. What kind of 2nd half can he have? Was last year a fluke?

12:33

Nicholas Minnix: It can be as good as last year. It won’t be. Last year wasn’t a fluke, just the high end of his range of outcomes, IMO.

12:33

Comment From Jay
Would you trade Springer for someone like Gardner if you needed steals?

12:33

Nicholas Minnix: Sure, I think that’s fair.

12:33

Comment From Dan
Should I drop Belisario for J.Smith?

12:33

Nicholas Minnix: No.

12:33

Comment From chris
matt shoemaker is available, would you rather own him than either h.kuroda or m.cain ROS?

12:33

Nicholas Minnix: No

12:33

Comment From Con
Can you advise on Arrieta? Pitching great lately, do you predict him to be effective moving forward?

12:34

Nicholas Minnix: Here’s your answer:

12:34

Nicholas Minnix: http://www.fangraphs.com/bl…

12:34

Comment From the depths of baseball geekness
Is now the time to sell high on Devin Mesoraco? I have Carlos Santana.

12:34

Nicholas Minnix: IMO, yes, it still is, in a redrafter.

12:34

Comment From season tickets
any thoughts on who come out with the most saves, POST all star break on the ANGELS and PIRATES..both situations look unstable

12:34

Nicholas Minnix: Frieri, Melancon

12:34

Comment From Jay
Who is this James Jones guy in Seattle? I picked him up for steals-can he deliver?

12:35

Nicholas Minnix: He’s a pretty good WR. Not great hands, but above-average in other attributes.

12:35

Nicholas Minnix: OK, seriously, Jones is a decent-hit, good-speed LHB. Yes, he can, because he’s one of the more reliable hitters in SEA’s OF at this point.

12:35

Comment From South Sider
De Aza over James Jones in a 14 team roto mixer?

12:36

Nicholas Minnix: Tough call. I keep expecting De Aza to rebound considerably. Jones if you need speed is fine. Power also, I’d hope for the De Aza turnaround.

12:36

Comment From Guest
what’s up, Nick. do you think Gausman can keep *this* up all year?

12:36

Nicholas Minnix: All year? No. Stuff still needs more variety, IMO. But can be very good ROS, maybe 3.00-3.50 ERA.

12:36

Comment From North Sider
Drop Balfour, Frieri, or Mejia for Neil Ramirez?

12:37

Nicholas Minnix: Maybe Balfour. Yes, I’d do Balfour. Not the others.

12:37

Comment From Newb
What does OTTENEU and ROS mean?

12:37

Nicholas Minnix: Ottoneu is FanGraphs’ neato fantasy league format, which FG hosts. ROS=rest of season

12:37

Comment From Ron Swanson

Ernesto Frieri………….

12:37

Nicholas Minnix: 12:10!

12:38

Comment From Lars
We know there are several pitchers but……Do you see any relevant hitters being involved in a potential trade?

12:38

Nicholas Minnix: How about this one: Kendrys Morales?

12:38

Comment From Dan
Need closer help. Drop Belisario for J.Smith?

12:38

Nicholas Minnix: No sir, still not doing that.

12:38

Comment From Pittsburgh Pride
Please rank the following OFs in a 12-team 5X5 dynasty league: Calhoun, Martin, Ozuna, Arcia, Dickerson. Thanks!

12:39

Nicholas Minnix: Martin, Ozuna, Dickerson/Calhoun, Arcia

12:39

Comment From kris
is it nick or nicholas

12:40

Nicholas Minnix: It’s either! I go by Nicholas on my articles everywhere, people like to call me Nick — two fewer syllables.

12:40

Comment From Grand Admiral Braun
W. Y. Chen or Rubby de la Rosa ROS:

12:40

Nicholas Minnix: Rubby, IMO, but it’s close, Chen could have a decent 2nd half, Rubby has some variables working not in his favor always.

12:40

Comment From Gary
All the Heaney, Gausman, Stroman buzz, nobody talks about Wacha anymore.

12:40

Nicholas Minnix: Wacha Wacha Wacha! Says Fozzy.

12:41

Comment From chris
Hi, Nicholas! Would you roster Brian McCann or Derek Norris in a one catcher roto league with BA, OBP and SLG as categories?

12:41

Nicholas Minnix: Norris!

12:41

Comment From Pat
Who would be a sneaky RoS return for Justin Verlander as a “trial” in a keepers league?

12:41

Nicholas Minnix: Not sure how to answer that. Besides, I like Verlander to rebound.

12:41

Comment From adam
ROS Puig or bautista?

12:41

Nicholas Minnix: Puig.

12:41

Comment From Scooby
Is Smyly coming around, with a couple of pretty good starts in a row, or is he really just a streamer?

12:42

Nicholas Minnix: Will get stronger as season goes on. DET has managed him to be there at end of season, in postseason.

12:42

Comment From Ceej
If Wheeler is “starting to figure it out,” him, McHugh, or Stroman?

12:42

Nicholas Minnix: Wheeler

12:42

Comment From Pittsburgh Pride
Who would you drop (if anyone) to pick up Alex Wood or Arrieta in a 12-team dynasty league: Smyly, Hutchison, Pomeranz, Jaime Garcia. Thanks!

12:43

Nicholas Minnix: Hutchison because he’ll hit a wall sooner or later, Garcia if you do two.

12:43

Comment From Guest
Following up on the wood question, does the floyd injury have an immediate impact on this site’s playoff odds formulas or wins expectancy formulas for the braves? Do injuries ever have an immediate impact?

12:43

Nicholas Minnix: I don’t know, ATL specifically. Surely they do, it depends on the player injured.

12:43

Nicholas Minnix: That’s my guess. I don’t know for sure.

12:43

Comment From Guest #3231
Any thoughts on Jesse Hahn? Will he be better than Jimmy Nelson?

12:44

Nicholas Minnix: I’m not really familiar with Nelson. I like Hahn and think his chance to be as good as Nelson is very good, yes.

12:44

Comment From Guest
how much do you like neil walker when he comes back?

12:44

Nicholas Minnix: The same as I liked him before, except I’d give him a couple of weeks or more because he may hit poorly if he’s rushing back so quickly.

12:45

Comment From hamsterjockey
Who do you think hits more homers this season, Cruz or Encarnacion? Looking at trying to acquire Encarnacion and want to use Votto or Cruz as trade bait.

12:45

Nicholas Minnix: Really splitting hairs. I’ll say E5 because Cruz is slightly more of a health concern.

12:45

Comment From i love baseball
NICK!!! thanks for doing the chat again. Your’s and Eno’s are the only ones I follow now!!

12:45

Nicholas Minnix: Wow, thanks! All the folks at FG are great!

12:46

Comment From Alex
How far away is Josh Bell? 2015 debut?

12:46

Nicholas Minnix: 2015 is ambitious IMO, 2016 reasonable

12:46

Comment From Dan
Drop Dickey for A.Wood?

12:46

Nicholas Minnix: Yes

12:46

Comment From Scooby
Thoughts on Mike Minor? He has not been very good lately. Just a slump, or are you worried?

12:46

Nicholas Minnix: Right now, just a slump, not worried, not expecting 2013 repeat ROS either.

12:47

Comment From Oberyn Martell
Probably not the person to ask since you’re so new, but you’re the person chatting so there’s that, but have you guys ever considered looking at managerial statisitcs? Such as seeing a manager’s career team statistics, and the impact they may have on a team within a year or two after taking one over? Team avg, era, fielding %, etc…

12:47

Nicholas Minnix: You’re right, I’m not the one to ask, but I’ll put the question forth. Thanks!

12:47

Comment From Keith
Are you worried about Wright at all, or you think he’ll continue to pick it up?

12:48

Nicholas Minnix: I’m rarely worried about Wright, I expect better things.

12:48

Comment From Pittsburgh Pride
Time to drop Segura for Miller, Santana, or Suarez in a 12-team dynasty league?

12:48

Nicholas Minnix: No. Don’t panic. Most upside with Segura, still, IMO. Others may be a bit safer is all. Miller I like, Suarez is interesting long-term. Segura still most upside.

12:49

Comment From Brad
H2H redraft points – little light at sp, but good reliever depth. My kluber and Perkins for his Braun and samardzija/minor. I’m a little worried about Braun’s thumb but go for it? Is minor an acceptable substitute for samardzija? Thanks

12:50

Nicholas Minnix: I’d be surprised if he/she went for the Braun deal, but I’d do that, sure, some worries about the thumb, but it’s a great player to get if you’re going for it.

12:50

Nicholas Minnix: Minor is acceptable yes, if Samardzija is asking too much. May even turn out better, hard to say.

12:50

Comment From Patrick
Drop porcello for gausman?

12:50

Nicholas Minnix: I would, I’m indifferent on Porcello.

12:50

Comment From g
What kind of pitcher can I expect to get back for my Jay Bruce? Is Kluber for Bruce a good return?

12:51

Nicholas Minnix: Seems fair, as long as you need pitching

12:51

Comment From zurzles
i traded sonny gray and joakim soria for castro — had a massive segura-shaped hole at SS and way too much pitching. too much?

12:51

Nicholas Minnix: IMO, yes, a little much for this season only, but you got the hitter, so you’re in safer shape, IMO.

12:52

Comment From i love baseball
What do you think of Rizzo? Is he keepabel as a 5th rounder in the 2015 draft? Just traded Heyward, Holiday and Chavez for Rizzo, Gardner and Odorizzi. I thought I overpaid, but I had plenty of OF and I really needed an 1b. Just wondering what you think of him ROS and RO(next)S? haha

12:52

Nicholas Minnix: A 5th might be a little much, in a vacuum, IDK. But he’s a legit starting 1B in mixed leagues, and you have solved your problem.

12:52

Nicholas Minnix: 5th= about fair.

12:53

Comment From Dave
Thanks for the streaming answer. Reason being I netted Cutch and Gomez for Bumgarner, J. Zimmerman, and Andrus. I now am left Kluber, Cobb, Lohse, McHugh, and the Shark, with one SP spot to stream. League initially vetoed trade, but went through. Did I get a steal?

12:53

Nicholas Minnix: Kinda. You got awesome bats. Those P’s are awesome, ROS, too, but you go killer bats.

12:53

Comment From Alex
Heyward or Marte ROS

12:53

Nicholas Minnix: Marte

12:54

Comment From Capn America
who do you see being the aggressive suitors for Daniel Murphy?

12:55

Nicholas Minnix: No one comes to mind. Hmmm…. TOR may make some sense. OAK maybe.

12:55

Nicholas Minnix: The Giants!

12:56

Comment From Phil
Is trading Dickerson and Wily Peralta for either Wheeler or Wood a good deal?

12:56

Nicholas Minnix: It’s fair, sure.

12:56

Comment From Ed
Do you prefer Aaron Hill or Brett Lawrie at 2b ROS?

12:56

Nicholas Minnix: Lawrie by a hair, Hill is even tougher to predict than Lawrie.

12:56

Comment From i love baseball
I saw some reports on Jimmy Nelson a week and a half ago and I had an open roster spots so I picked him up. Should I hold him or drop him for a guy who is actually starting now (the SP on waivers in my league is THIN)

12:56

Nicholas Minnix: If it’s THIN, w/o knowing who makes up THIN, I’d say to hold.

12:57

Nicholas Minnix: 12:19

12:57

Comment From Tim
Please rank ROS: Cain,Minor,Gaus,Heaney,Hahn,Whitley,Garcia. Thanks!

12:58

Nicholas Minnix: Gaus, Minor, Cain (reservations), Hahn, Heaney, Garcia, Whitley

12:58

Comment From max fisher players
fan of dropping mejia for mark the shark (not the College basketball player) in a 12 team

12:58

Nicholas Minnix: No, you can always trade SV.

12:58

Nicholas Minnix: Trade Mejia, then pick up Shark.

12:58

Nicholas Minnix: Mark the Shark that is.

12:58

Comment From Slumping
Blackmon’s end of season numbers? Does he stay over .300?

12:59

Nicholas Minnix: He might. Best environment to do so, but I’ll say no. .280ish final BA.

12:59

Comment From i love baseball
Simmons or Solarte, ROS?

12:59

Nicholas Minnix: I really like Solarte, him by a hair. Versatility.

12:59

Comment From Brad
Any optimism for Bucholtz once he’s back?

12:59

Nicholas Minnix: Sure, there is, he’s getting a lot of time to change things mechanically. But I’m generally not a fan and wouldn’t depend on him or trade much for him.

1:00	Comment From Pittsburgh Pride I’m working on getting younger at the closer spot in a dynasty league. Already replaced Nathan with Doolittle. Is Mejia’s spot safe enough now to drop Soriano? Thanks!

1:00	Nicholas Minnix: To trade Soriano, yes, I think so.

1:00	Comment From i love baseball What kind of SP do you think Addison Reed could fetch in a trade?

1:00	Nicholas Minnix: Not a top one. Or a 2nd tier one. Someone who’s better than mediocre. Maybe Minor, since folks are down on him here.

1:01	Comment From Hey yo Currently I own frieri, mejia, Allen for saves. Who, if any, do I drop?

1:01	Nicholas Minnix: None.

1:01	Comment From Great White Shark did not have a great year last year, and is slumping quite a bit now…worried about him?

1:02	Nicholas Minnix: Which Shark is this? Samardzija? Not worried a lot. Where he lands probably affects him a good bit, and he’s due some corrections, no doubt. This is still a breakthrough year for him.

1:02	Comment From yaya toure Would you be looking to buy low on Marte in an (OBP) dynasty? There’s no way he’s this bad, right?

1:02	Nicholas Minnix: Correct, not THIS bad.

1:02

Comment From season tickets
i saw the preseason top 300 ranks awhile back…and i remember zach ranked jose altuve at 12 overall because his ZiP rankings valued a 2b with speed…he got alot of slack in the comments for it…JOSE ALTUVE is leading the AL in hits and steals… do you think his ranking was not far off now?

1:03	Nicholas Minnix: Haha, I guess not. I wouldn’t have ranked him there still. But he looks like a genius. ?

1:03	Comment From jocephus i cant believe i spelled yer name wrong…/much shame

1:03	Nicholas Minnix: No worries, not the first, not the last!

1:03	Comment From Mike D Does Melancon close in the next week? Thanks for the chat!

1:03	Nicholas Minnix: Hard to say. I doubt it, but health or another couple of awful showings change that.

1:03	Comment From dudekid any love for matt shoemaker? high K’s, low BB’s, who is a similar player to him ROS?

1:04	Nicholas Minnix: Off-hand, I have no love. Haven’t examined him, never been anything special. Um, Aaron Harang?

1:04	Comment From Pittsburgh Pride Any thoughts on Kyle Schwarber as far as floor/ceiling/ETA? Thanks!

1:04	Nicholas Minnix: I really do not know, for him. Sorry!

1:04	Comment From Reginald Denton III Keeper League: Tulo / Goldy for Scherzer / Stanton. Which side do you like? And who’s the best hitter (long term) in the group?

1:04	Nicholas Minnix: Tulo, Goldy – two awesome hitters. Forget the pitcher!

1:05	Nicholas Minnix: Goldy is slightly ahead of Stanton as best hitter long-term. Slightly. It’s nitpicking.

1:05	Comment From Vince Would you drop Lawrie or A. Hill to pick up Alex Wood?

1:05	Nicholas Minnix: If I had plenty of coverage at 2B in a shallow league and couldn’t trade one, I suppose I would.

1:05	Comment From Walked Into Aybar How crazy am I to be thinking about dropping Rajai Davis, Everth Cabrera or Brandon Phillips to pick up Mookie in a 12-team 5×5 keeper league?

1:06	Nicholas Minnix: Not too crazy.

1:06	Nicholas Minnix: Wait a little, drop the one you’re least unlikely to be able to deal.

1:06	Nicholas Minnix: least LIKELY that is.

1:06	Comment From Hey yo Drop frieri for Melancon?

1:06	Nicholas Minnix: Still no!

1:07	Nicholas Minnix: Melancon is a good pickup. Frieri still ends up with most SV in LAA, I think.

1:07	Nicholas Minnix: Just thinking you all can find a better drop or trade Frieri.

1:07	Comment From Sandy Polanco’s off to a heck of a start…think it keeps up? Am I correct in valuing him over Springer and B. Moss?

1:08	Nicholas Minnix: ROS, yes, it probably keeps up, and him over Springer, yes, Moss, debatable but no because power is also scarce.

1:08	Comment From Justin Thoughts on Charlie Morton today vs Cubs?

1:08	Nicholas Minnix: A good start, I’d guess. CHC better vs. LHPs.

1:08	Comment From Seasons Already Over I’m rebuilding and looking for guys that can consistently be the top-5 or so at their position for years to come. Does Anthony Rendon qualify as such?

1:08	Nicholas Minnix: Yeppers

1:09	Comment From 3B Problems Would you rather have Wright or Arenado if he comes back 100% healthy?

1:09	Nicholas Minnix: Geez, I’ll still say Wright

1:09	Comment From Grand Admiral Braun Kluber/Keuchel/Lackey/Ventura/Colon/Quintana/Kuroda is my rotation in Redraft league where we use QS instead of Wins and use K/BB as well. Decent?

1:09	Nicholas Minnix: W/O league context, I cannot say. Seems decent.

1:09	Comment From john-o will Locke be bumped from the rotation when Cole comes back?

1:09	Nicholas Minnix: No, I expect it to be someone else, Cumpton or Worley.

1:10	Comment From RotoCurious Whom do you prefer, ROS: Soriano, Rasmus, or Lagares?

1:10	Nicholas Minnix: Rasmus, Soriano (A.?), Lagares (just least chance to make fantasy impact), assuming this is a mixed league.

1:10	Comment From Graf Hyperion I don’t have a question. I just want to tell you that Nicholas Minnix is a very cool name.

1:10	Nicholas Minnix: LOL, thanks!

1:10	Comment From Grand Admiral Braun Given the state of third base in fantasy, it’s not insane to think Kris Bryant is the #1 guy by 2016.

1:10	Nicholas Minnix: Sounds fair to me, definitely possible.

1:11	Comment From Eric What do you think of Zack Wheeler? Got the elusive ground ball/strikeout combo, but is the command an issue?

1:11	Nicholas Minnix: Occasionally it is, yes, but I think he’s starting to figure it out.

1:11	Comment From Hiroki Cain Hiroki Kuroda or Matt Cain ROS?

1:11	Nicholas Minnix: Ugh. Yuck. Cain.

1:11	Comment From Grand Admiral Braun Does Bogaerts’ peak resemble something attune to .300/20/15?

1:11	Nicholas Minnix: That sounds fair, give or take.

1:11	Comment From Pittsburgh Pride I’m really tempted to pick up Betances in a dynasty league that counts saves not holds, but he could help in K’s and reliever ERA at least (along with the occasional W). Good/bad idea? Thanks!

1:12	Nicholas Minnix: Yes!

1:12	Comment From Bryce Harpers mother Which Oakland catcher do you like better? Seems like Norris gets all the pub but Jason might be a tad more consistent(?).

1:12	Nicholas Minnix: Like Norris more, long-term especially!

1:12	Nicholas Minnix: Jaso is overlooked, underrated, yes.

1:12	Comment From Larry Bernandez If Mike Trout was instead a 1B and had all the same skills, what would his WAR have been last year?

1:12	Nicholas Minnix: I wish I could tell you but I do not know.

1:12	Comment From Bob Fantasy! George Springer for Carlos Santana & Kevin Gausman. Which side blinks?

1:12	Nicholas Minnix: Blinks? IDK. I’d rather get the two players, one with C elig.

1:13	Comment From Daniel I’m in a daily dynasty league where even trades rarely occur. At what point do you cut a piece positionally blocked on your team for his roster spot knowing someone else will pick him up and likely start him? Just keep trying to make a trade as the deadline inches near?

1:13	Nicholas Minnix: When the player you want to pick up is clearly an upgrade for you ROS and you’re aiming to win. Does that help?

1:13	Comment From hamsterjockey Norris or Rosario ROS?

1:14	Nicholas Minnix: Ugh. I still side Rosario. But it’s not entirely confident.

1:14	Comment From Bart Do you think the Phils will be sellers and if so, does Ken Giles get a chance to close?

1:14	Nicholas Minnix: Yes, they will be, no, I highly doubt that he does.

1:14	Comment From zurzles there’s a northern delaware?

1:14	Nicholas Minnix: LOL, it’s not THAT small.

1:15	Comment From Justin What side do you like better? Werth & Homer or Marte & Minor?

1:15	Nicholas Minnix: Hmmm. I lean Werth and Bailey, ever so slight, 6 of one….

1:15	Comment From bradley why isn’t springer stealing?

1:16	Nicholas Minnix: Speed not a primary tool, could be because he hasn’t timed pitchers well yet, not as confident to do it in The Show, things like that. He’ll start, eventually, but the floodgates may not ever open.

1:16	Comment From Bruce Will Koji still be saving games in 2015? 2016?

1:17	Nicholas Minnix: Um, sure? If he signs somewhere that needs a closer, then probably. Question is does that team handle him properly? BOS seems to have it down.

1:17	Comment From Patrick imho, miramar is a much louder airport (with all the f-14s buzzing around) than the downtown san diego. thoughts?

1:17	Nicholas Minnix: LOL, yes, quite possible, probably you’re correct!

1:17	Comment From Dallas Ok to deal Kluber for Murphy? I need offense and avg. and am first in pitching. Looks like Kluber is hitting a wall? Thanks

1:18	Nicholas Minnix: It’s OK, if you want permission. You’re addressing a need.

1:18	Nicholas Minnix: Trades, everyone, are more about addressing your team’s needs than anything else. Trade value is largely based on perception and willingness in your league.

1:18	Comment From JPA_fanclub_prez Aaron Hill back to the Jays? He is finally mediocre enough for a return.

1:18	Nicholas Minnix: LOL, it could happen!

1:19	Comment From Sagar What are your thoughts on Danny Santana? Can he keep this up?

1:19	Nicholas Minnix: No, he continues to defy my expectations. His line is better than it’s been at any minor league level, he’ll regress eventually.

1:19	Comment From Guest I want to keep George Springer. Do I drop Longoria or Scherzer after the season?

1:19	Nicholas Minnix: Oy. Scherzer? Can’t you trade one? I don’t like to keep the pitchers.

1:19	Comment From Guest Better util guy Chisenhall, Morales, Cron or C.Santana for 4×4 slg and obp?

1:20	Nicholas Minnix: Santana, my lean, has that C elig to give you some flex later too.

1:20	Comment From Dan Better source of steals? E.Y JR or James Jones?

1:20	Nicholas Minnix: ROS, EY Jr. likelier, but riskier. Jones safer, to get fewer.

1:21	Comment From matt offered gattis for shields. i could use power, but i don’t know that gattis is what i want. what do you think?

1:21	Nicholas Minnix: You were offered Gattis? It’s a fair offer. I figure he won’t hit 35 HR, if that’s your question. He should approach 30.

1:21	Comment From Guest I’m in dead last in a Roto keeper league and looking to get set for next season (yes, it’s that bad). Currently have the following: Kipnis ($1), Harper ($11), Springer ($1), Xander ($1), Tavares ($1), Trumbo ($1), Betts ($1), Singleton ($1), and Donaldson ($1). I keep to keep 6.

1:21	Nicholas Minnix: Then you’re in great shape for next season!

1:22	Nicholas Minnix: 12:37 – I don’t think I’ll catch up by the time 1:30 rolls around, I’m sorry if I don’t get to you!

1:22	Comment From Larry Bernandez When does Lindor start getting major league money?

1:23	Nicholas Minnix: September, and then arbitration years. … ?

1:23	Comment From Clair I’m not sure who to add in my 14-teamer: Hardy, Valbuena, Owings, Lowrie, Infante, or Odor. I need help at the MI position; which guy is the best long-term add?

1:23	Nicholas Minnix: Owings and/or Odor. Odor longer-term, less short-term reward perhaps.

1:23	Comment From bradley favorite phillie ever and currently? Mine was bowa and jroll.

1:24	Nicholas Minnix: J-Roll and J-Roll, probably. I’ve always loved him. All-time challenger may be Kruk (not his announcing that does it, surely). Von Hayes. Had to love Schmidt, but that’s too easy.

1:25	Comment From Clair Wilin Rosario is frustrating to roster right now. Do I just bench him or does he fall in the category of a “stud” in which you never bench your studs?

1:25	Nicholas Minnix: He’s slowly coming around, I’d sit tight.

1:25	Comment From Chris Does Brian McCann rebound?

1:25	Nicholas Minnix: Not a lot, should hit HR more often, BA up a litt.e

1:25	Comment From Patrick fwiw, i gotta agree with eno, yesterday’s podcast was the best in a long time. thank you

1:25	Nicholas Minnix: Thank YOU!

1:25	Comment From Clair Would you start Cosart today against the Rays? Guys in my league think I’m crazy for doing so!

1:26	Nicholas Minnix: It’s not a bad move, but Rays are tougher on RHPs generally.

1:26	Nicholas Minnix: IDK because IDK how deep your league is.

1:26	Comment From Clair In a 14-team, do you like to load your bench with batters or pitchers? Seems like my league is hoarding pitchers and I don’t know how to overcome it.

1:27	Nicholas Minnix: Pitchers, more so. It depends, as always. Overcome it? With great relievers (in a daily lineups league), or with great hitters on your bench that someone may need.

1:27	Comment From i love baseball Can Mesoraco be a solid keeper in the 16th round next year?

1:27	Nicholas Minnix: Surely, yes.

1:27	Comment From Bart Drop which one when Reddick returns, DJ Lemahieu, Estrada, Rubby De La Rosa, or Ken Giles.

1:28	Nicholas Minnix: Keeper league? Estrada. Giles if redrafter, or it’s a limited keeper.

1:28	Nicholas Minnix: Estrada is a safe and easy drop anyway tho.

1:28	Comment From Clair In a vacum, who would you rather have: Fowler, Jennings, or Ozuna?

1:28	Nicholas Minnix: Jennings

1:28	Comment From Guest Do you have an Ottoneu team?

1:28	Nicholas Minnix: I don’t, this year, unfortunately!

1:28	Nicholas Minnix: Last year I partnered on one

1:28	Comment From StartWedman Do you think Doolittle could be valuable as a cheap keeper next year? Or are closers a dime a dozen? He seems to be a little better than the usual replacement.

1:28	Nicholas Minnix: Yes, I do. If he’s cheap, worth finding out.

1:28	Comment From Larry Bernandez Jimmy Rollins HOF?

1:29	Nicholas Minnix: i don’t think so.

1:29	Nicholas Minnix: But I guess he’s borderline, it’s hard to say.

1:29	Comment From Clair I traded Marcus Stroman for Dexter Fowler… was that a mistake?

1:29	Nicholas Minnix: Not if you needed an OF who runs a little and has a good OBP.

1:29	Comment From Vliet Sent Y. Gomes, Springer, Hutchison and S. Gray and received J. Garcia, Lucroy, and Cobb. Who won?

1:30	Nicholas Minnix: Whoever filled his needs more. It’s really close.

1:30	Comment From StartWedman Who is the real Josh Donaldson? Decent power/high BA or eh BA with monster power?

1:31	Nicholas Minnix: Very good power, decent BA, could be above-average BA consistently. Has great control of strike zone, so great tools to hit .280 or better, but a bit stubborn/streaky.

1:31	Comment From jake Who are some buy low targets you like?

1:32	Nicholas Minnix: Price and Cobb … Marte is a decent one, IMO.

1:32	Comment From StartWedman Keeper league, what kind of return should I expect if I deal a $1 Xander?

1:32	Nicholas Minnix: a VERY good one.

1:32	Comment From Clair ROS, Ellsbury or Pedroia, in terms of production?

1:32	Nicholas Minnix: Ells, Pedroia is just a guy almost anymore, IMO.

1:32	Comment From Bart Trade Cespedes for Gardner and Roark a fair deal?

1:33	Nicholas Minnix: I’d rather have the better hitter in a deal, in a vacuum. If you need a pitcher and SBs, it’s fine, but I’d think you can get more. Depends on the league context.

1:33	Comment From Jorge Henderson Alvarez or Tyson Ross ROS?

1:33	Nicholas Minnix: I’ll say Ross.

1:34	Nicholas Minnix: OK, folks, I have to cut it off. I really wish I’d gotten to everyone! If I didn’t, I feel bad, but I’ll do my best to get to as many as possible always. I look forward to next time. Until then, have fun, and good luck!

BAL	CHW	LAA
BOS	CLE	OAK
NYY	DET	SEA
TBR	KCR	TEX
TOR	MIN	HOU

ATL	CHC*	ARI
MIA	CIN	COL
WSN	MIL	LAD
NYM*	PIT	SDP*
PHI	STL	SFG