Nicholas Minnix Baseball Chat – 8/22/14

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

Comment From Matt
Do you think Maikel Franco has turned it around over the past month? Still someone to be excited about?

Nicholas Minnix: He’s kind of slowly turned it around, period, I’d say. Yes, still.

Comment From AL Pitching Coach
Hi Nicholas. Hope you had a great week! In an AL-only league, any worries starting Gausman @ Cubs, Smyly @ Jays and Gray vs. Angels today? Thanks!!!

Nicholas Minnix: Thanks, you too! Generally speaking, I wouldn’t worry. Having said that, Smyly and Gray face two of the top MLB offenses. Having said THAT, if those teams are susceptible to one arm more than another, then it’s the type they face today. This is more of a “where are you in the standings?” question. In general, esp. in AL league, I’d throw the guys I’ve been riding all year, as you likely have with them.

Comment From Matt
Is Willians Astudillo an actual prospect? Always seems to have good numbers but I never see people talking about him except a preseason article on FanGraphs.

Nicholas Minnix: I know little about him but I’d say pretty unlikely.

Comment From CS
of the following OF’s, Can you rank the level impact they can/will have next season? A. Garcia, A. Eaton, R. Liriano, AJ Pollock,

Nicholas Minnix: Can: Liriano, Garcia, Pollock, Eaton. Will (much more subjective): Pollock/Eaton/Garcia close to even, Liriano a wild card.

Comment From Alex
How much would you bid for Tulowitzki in an auction ($260 total budget) next year, if you have to keep him at that same price for the next 4 years?

Nicholas Minnix: HAVE TO? Hard to say, it’s not next year. He usually goes for more than I’m willing to spend, so having to keep for four years into his mid-30s would worry me, I’d be less inclined. It’s harder to get a replacement at that position.

Comment From Ronnie
I just dropped Shelby Miller for deGrom. That’s a no-brainer, right? Or do you think Miller magically turns it around?

Nicholas Minnix: Good move

Comment From Looking Ahead to 2015
I’m looking to target some under the radar pitchers in the American League for next year. Any names come to mind that are likely going unnoticed right now?

Nicholas Minnix: Under the radar … who has already played, or not even? Shane Greene has been a little more impressive than I’d have expected. Matt Shoemaker is 5X that even. Nick Tepesch and (not played) Sean Nolin still intrigue me to different degrees.

Comment From H to the Rizzo
Hey nick! I’m looking for some worthwhile dl stashes for my dynasty team. Which of these guys would you keep for $1 for next season. Patrick Corbin, kris medlen, Brandon beachy, Jarod Parker?

Nicholas Minnix: Yo! Hmmm. I’d lean Parker there, I think, just because he’s already throwing.

Comment From Tony G.
Any chance Alex Rodriguez could return next season and be a somewhat half decent fantasy option?

Nicholas Minnix: Yes, a chance. I don’t like his chance much, but I wouldn’t rule it out.

Nicholas Minnix: He’ll be ~40, mind you, tho.

Comment From American League Hustle
Please look into your crystal ball and give me a date for when the Rays will likely shut down Smyly.

Nicholas Minnix: I think sometime after 9/15, maybe 9/22, if they do. They may just give him an extra day when they can, let him go only 5, that sort of thing. They don’t sound real cautious with him.

Comment From Kris
$72mm for Rusney Castillo?!?!?

Nicholas Minnix: Yes, that was my reaction as well.

Nicholas Minnix: Trout, McCutchen, Kershaw, Goldschmidt, Cabrera, Stanton … that’s really the only 5 of 10 I’m sure will be there. Rest are debatable, easily IMO, and it shouldn’t be strict anyway. Cano may still merit consideration. E5 and Carlos Gomez … I take it back, Gomez probably belongs in there.

Comment From Vic
Care to offer a Top 10 for next year?

Nicholas Minnix: By the way, that’s my answer to taht.

Comment From Yours truly
OBP. Currently it’s SSS, but at what point is Oscar Taveras less attractive of a keeper than Mookie or even the injured Buxton?

Nicholas Minnix: Definitely less attractive than Buxton anyway. Mookie … maybe not quite yet, but closer than it was six months, or even two months, ago.

Comment From Mermaids
Just lost G Rich :(. Phil Hughes a good option to fill his spot rest of the way? Shallow 5×5 and I already have a spot for streaming.

Nicholas Minnix: Sure, that works.

Comment From Vic
Jeff Samardzija or Starlin Castro for next 3 years? I think Castro due to health and an improving lineup.

Nicholas Minnix: Yeah, that works.

Comment From Curious George
I’m not sure if you can answer this, but I was curious on how Yahoo assigns positional eligibility. More specifically, Mookie Betts currently has SS/OF eligibility, but he’ll have played 0 games at SS this year and a bunch at 2B (in the minors) and OF (in the majors). Is he likely to only carry OF-eligibility in 2015?

Nicholas Minnix: Each host is a little different. He surely was assigned SS from the get-go, likely based on what they thought he was in the minors (although he was a 2B in the minors and that’s clearly not the more accurate choice). Otherwise, it’s I believe still 5 GS or 10 GP this season, 10 and 20 from a previous.

Nicholas Minnix: Some assign a position right away, and it may not be the best, always.

Comment From Vic
Could Urias log 180 MLB innings in 2016?

Nicholas Minnix: He could. I could also log that many.

Comment From Tom Jones
Who would you target to replace Richards if you were the Angels?

Nicholas Minnix: Target? Phew. Colon might have to do. I’m not sure what they’ll do, unless they know something about Gordon Beckham that the rest of us don’t.

Comment From Vic
Could Jose Fernandez log 90 MLB innings in 2015?

Nicholas Minnix: Possible? Yes. I’d take the under, seems like a safer bet.

Comment From Lucas
Pick two of the following to hold onto as keepers (round of draft pick given up in parenthesis: Cruz(16, Kluber(10), Puig(10), Altuve(9), C Santana(6)

Nicholas Minnix: Cruz, Puig. Kluber really really close, I may change my mind later.

Comment From Ron Washington
Are you a fan of Derek Holland? What type of SP can we hope for in 2015? Worth keeping in an AL-keeper league at $7 (assuming $260 salary cap)?

Nicholas Minnix: Fan? I’m not in the club. Worth that price? Good chance, yes. I’d say to wait on that decision, you may be able to buy him for same or less?

Nicholas Minnix: I’ve hit noon!

Comment From Tom
The Reds look done for this year. Based on the players under contract they have one year left with this team before it gets broken up. What do they need to do in the offseason to make a run at 2015?

Nicholas Minnix: Find some impact hitters. I’d assume a LF, maybe a SS if they decide to upgrade over Cozart, but I think they like him (and I think he’s still intriguing enough, obviously glove is more than good enough). Trade Votto?

Comment From Art Vandelay
Stanton in Colorado over the weekend. What did I do to deserve this?

Nicholas Minnix: Volunteer at a shelter of some kind?

Comment From George is Curious
I was watching the Red Sox game last night and the commentators really harped on the average game being too long right now. Thoughts on the matter? If you’re in favour of shortening the game, any suggestions?

Nicholas Minnix: Ah, a Canadian, I presume. Welcome. I think it’s a little long, but it doesn’t seem egregiously different. Two things that would speed it up easily: 1) enforce rule for time allowed between pitches, 2) speed up the replay process a little (sometimes the calls are more obvious than the time taken). Maybe they limit times stepped out of the box or something about visits to the mound.

Comment From Jolly Roger
Who’s the better fantasy OF long-term, Michael Taylor or Rymer Liriano?

Nicholas Minnix: I like Liriano more.

Comment From Jolly Roger
Kyle Zimmer finally threw a few pitches in a real live baseball game! Is he locked into the Royals’ rotation by ASB 2015, or are we looking at another year of building up innings in the minors?

Nicholas Minnix: Locked in? Can’t say that. Yes, will have to build some innings. And therefore is a candidate not to pitch a full season.

Comment From Jimmy Johnson
This may be difficult to answer, but please indulge me and give it a shot: favourite American League sleepers for 2015???

Nicholas Minnix: Geez, you’re right. Matt Shoemaker, haha. I can’t think of anyone else off the top.

Comment From Sandy
It’s beginning to look to me like the Red Sox don’t believe in Mookie Betts. They’re not playing him, bouncing him between positions, and now they’ve signed Castillo to a pretty sizeable contract to play his position. Is this a fair assessment?

Nicholas Minnix: I think it never hurts to have talent. I’d like Betts as much as Castillo, I think. Boston seems likely to make trades this winter, so Betts may be on the move.

Nicholas Minnix: I wouldn’t view their handling of him yet as their dismissal or doubt. I’d expect him to play CF most of ROS. But perhaps it’s with a trade in mind. TBD.

Comment From Greg
Just saw that Dalton Pompey was promoted to AAA. Are they getting him ready for a regular role in 2015? Should I drop Jesse Winker to pick him up in a dynasty league?

Nicholas Minnix: I see swing and miss in the games of both. Given that Pompey is more of a speed guy, I might lean to stick with Winker.

Comment From AL Pitching Coach
Awesome answer. Thanks so much!!!

Nicholas Minnix: Thank you!

Comment From bdhudson
What will 2015 Ryan Braun be? I’m so confused about him.

Nicholas Minnix: I think 2014 is about baseline for him, now. He’s a somewhat confusing case, though.

Comment From Shawn
Kenny Vargas keep this up ROS? (Maybe not quite the avg, but at least the power)?

Nicholas Minnix: You’re right, probably not AVG, but power, sure, why no.

Comment From STiVo
How good do you think Kris Bryant would be right now as an MLB third baseman?

Nicholas Minnix: I’d say still pretty rough.

Comment From Guest
Any insight on Avisail Garcia? What do you expect from him ROS?

Nicholas Minnix: Can’t believe he’s doing this coming back from that injury. I still have my doubts ROS, Prorated ZiPS looks fair to me.

Comment From Rusney Castillo
Will I pack any fantasy punch?

Nicholas Minnix: A little, not much, I expect.

Comment From Helix Fernandez
Heading into head-to-head playoffs and I don’t trust CJ Wilson at all. He’s my worst SP right now and I’m think about dropping him to have a streaming slot. Any argument against that?

Nicholas Minnix: Nope, not really, in a shallow mixed league.

Comment From Jolly Roger
If he continues on his current trajectory, when do you think Luis Severino joins the Yanks’ rotation? Any thoughts on floor/ceiling? Thanks for your advice!

Nicholas Minnix: Yanks are typically pretty slow to promote, I think, so I’d say not until 2016 is it realistic to think he becomes a candidate. I haven’t seen him, I’d guess No. 2 ceiling, No. 4/5 floor.

Comment From Bill
PANIC! Season of domination slipping through my fingers. Thanks Tulo, for both.

Nicholas Minnix: 🙁

Comment From John Stamos
Okay to drop Dickey in a Dynasty League? I need to clear room for Cashner coming back. For context, the highest ranked starter available is Josh Tomlin.

Nicholas Minnix: Yeesh. Trade Dickey?

Nicholas Minnix: Otherwise, I don’t expect it to be a MAJOR loss.

Comment From Yours truly
Do the Sox trade Betts with the Castillo signing and Pedroia at 2nd?

Nicholas Minnix: Yes, I think it’s possible.

Comment From Bill
From an SGP perspective, who is more valuable to their respective stat for the finish? Alcides Escobar:SB or JJ Hardy:RBI?

Nicholas Minnix: Escobar. Couple that with he drives in runs, Hardy doesn’t run.

Comment From Paul
any predication as to when Rusney Castillo will be available in fantasy leagues?

Nicholas Minnix: No idea, hosts are different.

Nicholas Minnix: Fantrax will be fast, I presume. ESPN, Yahoo!, CBS … I’d say CBS might be fastest of them, but he might not be elig beyond UTIL.

Comment From Tom
Is it time to give up on the dream of Carlos Gonzalez playing a full season? I can keep him for $26 in my NL only league but I’m thinking about passing.

Nicholas Minnix: I think that’d be understandable. Can gauge the market in the winter.

Comment From Bill
Looks like Quakenbush isn’t going to get any more saves–Hold on in case benoit gets moved? If not, who’s got a viable shot at saves?

Nicholas Minnix: I’d hold in deep leagues, but I don’t think Benoit is going anywhere. It’d be likelier to occur because of injury.

Comment From Mookie
Why does the Red Sox’s hate me?

Nicholas Minnix: They crazy.

Comment From Pennsy
Is Anthony Rendon a first-round selection in my NL-only redraft league next year? Or do his on-field contributions not totally translate to fantasy?

Nicholas Minnix: Position, ability, it’s possible, sure.

Comment From Helix Fernandez
Pick one to start Shane Greene today or CJ Wilson tomorrow?

Nicholas Minnix: Greene

Comment From Waiting for Next Year
Can you win a fantasy league with no star hitters in your lineup (Rosi league, 11 by 11, so 1B, 2B, 3B count)? Going heavy on pitching next year and wanted to see if you had any advice on hitters to target? Thanks!

Nicholas Minnix: Rosi? Don’t know the term. Assume it’s just including those ind. hits. Sure, I guess it’s possible. You’re philosophy is kind of perpendicular to mine, so … Just target undervalued hitters. There’ll be plenty.

Comment From Natitude Adjuster
You a big fan of any non-baseball sports (pro or college)?

Nicholas Minnix: Big fan? I’m a fan of … world football, American football, some hoops, a touch of hockey. I’ve been known to watch tennis.

Comment From Locke
Now that Rusney Castillo has been signed by the Red Sox, do we see him this year in Boston and if so who’s spot does he take?

Nicholas Minnix: I still think this year is ambitious, but they may have agreed to let him, that deal includes money for this year. Um … I’ll say, Betts’? Sigh. The smarter move for the org. would be Craig.

Comment From Ozzie
Who is more likely to exceed the value of their contract, Abreu or Castillo?

Nicholas Minnix: Abreu

Comment From Brock Sampson
Your AL East rankings 1-5 in 2016.

Nicholas Minnix: Rays, Blue Jays, Yankees, Orioles, Red Sox … in some order.

Nicholas Minnix: Maybe that one.

Comment From CS
I keep hearing that Rusney won’t be as good as the hype, not near it either. But he still lands a record deal bigger tha nwhat Abreu got just 1 year ago – What are your thoughts on Rusney actually being an impact player for FL squads next year?

Nicholas Minnix: I don’t see it, myself, not impact. Ownable, I’m sure, not impact.

Comment From Headfirst Slider
You’ve got a crystal ball? Okay–who wins the AL East in 2015?

Nicholas Minnix: Rays or Red Sox

Comment From Natitude Adjuster
What is a Rusney Castillo?

Nicholas Minnix: It’s a candy bar, it’s not bad, but expensive.

Comment From Huh?
What does Rusney’s signing mean for the Red Sox outfield in 2015?

Nicholas Minnix: It means someone will be on the move this offseason, likely, probably Betts, Bradley, maybe both, or Craig, I’d think. So TBD.

Comment From PoorPoorGarrett
If you could keep one player for next year in a 18 team H2H, for 2015 Fowler, Calhoun or N. Walker?

Nicholas Minnix: Calhoun or Walker … man. I like Calhoun, but Walker has a bit more power, tougher position (although 2B isn’t the worst).

Comment From Nate
AL only, would you keep Sale at $28 or felix at $33 (or both?)? What about Cruz at $20

Nicholas Minnix: All are potential keepers. Do you have a limit? I’d try to trade a pitcher. I’d probably try to deal Cruz, regardless of your stance on the pitchers, and profit from his huge year as he hits FA.

Comment From J
What round are you drafting Kluber next year?

Nicholas Minnix: 1! Seriously, the guy has convinced me, he’s in the top 12/15 mixed, so … by Round 5? Hard to say what drafts will look like for sure.

Comment From Jim
Thanks! Your comment is awaiting moderation.

Nicholas Minnix: Approved

Comment From Jim
decided to totally tank this year and rebuild. I have dickerson, Calhoun, pederson, baez, and gallo all for $1. Should I focus the rest of my keepers on SPs like Cole, Ventura, and Stroman, or more position players?

Nicholas Minnix: Cole: hold+. Ventura: trade. Stroman: probable hold, may trade. Position players not bad things, although some point you want some studs. Gallo I’m worried about, I might peddle him.

Comment From STiVo
Theoretically, how soon could Castillo be added to the Red Sox roster?

Nicholas Minnix: I believe he’s added as soon as he signs the deal, it’s a major league contract, they’ll have to cut someone from the 40.

Comment From CuriousGeorge
who gets moved from the sox outfield now? Mookie a sure thing to move? Also maybe now we wont have to heard Stanton to the sox rumors all winter

Nicholas Minnix: Not a sure thing, no, but the reaction seems fair to think that he’s the guy they’ll look to move. Yes, let’s hope?

Comment From SMC
When will Rusney be added to ottoneu?

Nicholas Minnix: That I can’t answer, sorry.

Comment From John
Would it be worth taking a flyer on CarGo as an undrafted keeper for next year? I’d have to drop Mesoraco for him.

Nicholas Minnix: No, not at that cost. Wait, either or? Hmmm. No, maybe still not, sounds as if this knee thing will linger into next season.

Comment From Alex
Given that this year is basically over, Is the castillo deal really a 6/72 deal or really a 6/61.7 + pro-rated RoS deal?

Nicholas Minnix: It’s the latter, saw it reported that way.

Comment From John Stamos
Poor Mookie.

Nicholas Minnix: 🙁

Comment From ss
Starlin Castro or Addison Russell

Nicholas Minnix: Man, I like Russell. If I’m the Cubs, I try to move Starlin, maybe this winter.

Comment From Ozzie
Abreu would surely belong in the top 10, no?

Nicholas Minnix: Yes, it’s a very real consideration. How he does ROS will have a major impact, there’s still a lot TBD for him.

Comment From Chris
So Rusney Castillo joins a very crowded Boston OF. Which of these outfielders is the odd man out in, say, a trade for Cole Hamels?

Nicholas Minnix: Mookie would have to be, no one else in that OF besides Cespedes (doubt BOS moves him, altho who knows) could be part of a deal that would net Hamels. Unless as throw-ins, not central pieces. PHI wouldn’t deal for Bradley, they probably like Revere despite the bad D … oh don’t get me started. Too late. Betts, they could move him back to the infield, that’d be nice.

Comment From JBD
Do you think Dylan Bundy will come up to help the Orioles in the bullpen when rosters expand?

Nicholas Minnix: Think it’s possible, but given the recovery, hard to say. Next couple of weeks alone could have a big say.

Comment From Kyle
Do you really think you could log 180? That implies you’re getting outs enough to make it deep in to some games, just saying

Nicholas Minnix: Good point. I’ll say 150. I haven’t really built up the stamina, on track to pitch only about 110 this season.

Comment From ss
Over/Under 90 HR for Baez + Bryant + Rizzo in 2016

Nicholas Minnix: Haha! It’s no fun to take that under. None.

Nicholas Minnix: OK, I could see how it’d be fun for some people.

Comment From John Stamos
ROS: Tsuyoshi Wada or RA Dickey?

Nicholas Minnix: Wada seems like a safer bet, sadly perhaps.

Comment From Nate
any advice on how to go from 12 to 14 owners in a keeper? every1 gives up 1 keeper to the new teams seems like the simplest route

Nicholas Minnix: Hmmm. Would have to have some sort of expansion draft, where those team can pick from unprotected players? I haven’t thought about this one. Get back to me.

Nicholas Minnix: They’re there: http://www.fangraphs.com/le…

Comment From Anon21
Is there some way to see pinch hitter stats at a team level? They don’t seem to be included as a “position” in the selection menu for team stats at the top.

Nicholas Minnix: Sorry, there they are (arrow up)

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

Comment From Cronut Burger
I asked Eno about C.J. Cron yesterday, and he offered up a comparison of the new Mark Trumbo. Given the current lack of power in the league, does that make Cron a pretty good stash for 2015 in an AL-only league?

Nicholas Minnix: LOL, actually, it kind of might, in that context. Depends on what you give up because of it.

Comment From commenter
I’m in love with Gallo’s power (I’m pretty most everyone is) but the K’s are pretty crazy. Do you see a chance that he can cut them down next year if he repeats AA like he did this year in A+? Should we expect a 40% K rate for him in the majors?

Nicholas Minnix: Yes, possible he does. I think no way he’ll do better than 30% in MLB, and that alone is really dicey. 40% possible, so, he’s pretty far from a sure thing. VERY far.

Comment From Jacob H. Cornhole
$300 cap fant league. Would you keep Rusney at $10, $15, $20 for the next 3 years respectively? (that’s how our keeper contracts work)

Nicholas Minnix: Probably not.

Comment From Nate
Any American League guys owned difference the final month?

Nicholas Minnix: I don’t follow that question, quite.

Nicholas Minnix: Unowned? Hard to say, who’s available? Easier to answer.

Comment From Matt
Does the Rusney Castillo signing all but confirm that JBJ isn’t a starter and that Mookie is going to be trade bait?

Nicholas Minnix: In life, not yet. But for 2015, that’s how it’s looking, I’d guess.

Comment From commenter
To speed up the game, managers should have to challenge the play blindly. There’s no excuse for letting a manager come out and delay a game so that his guys can review it and decide if they have a case or not. You either think you do or you don’t, we don’t need to waste time pre-reviewing the review.

Nicholas Minnix: I think it’s OK that they can review before deciding to challenge. They should decide quickly, though, they shouldn’t be allowed to come out and delay the game for that sake. The ump should control the game more, the staffs more, demand a decision by 15 seconds into a delay attempt (same time as whatever’s allotted per pitch). If teams can’t review it themselves, they’re making same blind call from a worse position usually, so what’d be the point in guessing, just in case they got it right? Point is to get the calls right.

Comment From Curious George
Just to confirm on the positional-eligibility question, the 5 GS or 10 GP have to be in the majors, right?

Nicholas Minnix: Yes.

Comment From thomas
first year of a dynasty league, standard draft: what do you think is the fairest way to proceed starting year two? thinking we’ll keep at least 10.

Nicholas Minnix: The # is really irrelevant. In dynasty, true dynasty, you keep everyone automatically, I believe, or they’re rolled over at least. In a keeper, the # doesn’t matter, just have to decide what you give up to keep, if anything, and then how deep is the league? If the league is shallow, the number should be smaller. Deeper league allows for more possibilities of keepers, but there’s a tradeoff. 10 may work fine. I might start with fewer.

Comment From Bill
Is it likely that the Mets will move some of their pitching pieces for one of the Cubs or Red Sox young fielders, or are we looking at Josh Willingham or something next year?

Nicholas Minnix: What will the Mets do? I wish I could tell you it’d be something smart, but I don’t know. A Willingham-esque player sounds like a good bet, if there is one.

Nicholas Minnix: Actually, as a Phils fan, I don’t wish that. But as a Phils fan, I understand also that the Mets are likelier to do something smart than the Phils.

Nicholas Minnix: And that isn’t saying much for the Mets, just to be clear.

Comment From David
H2H, points, keeper league. Keep players where they were drafted. I have to pick 4 from: Samardzija (10), Gray (13), T.Ross(19), Price(2), Baez(21), Gordon(22), Tai Walker(17), Sal Perez(12)

Nicholas Minnix: Baez I’d consider, debating with all three pitchers or two of the three, plus Gordon. I’d try to trade one of Baez or Gordon and one of the pitchers, if allowed, packaged. I’d be more inclined to keep … Gordon, I think I’m a believer, crazily. Man, tough calls. Of the pitchers, I’d probably cut Samardzija, I guess.

Comment From Sauceman
Hey NM, I have a dilemma on my hands…both Cashner and Hanley returning from the DL before Monday lineups. Forcing me to have to drop 2 players. Who would you choose of the following; C Carrasco, J Nelson, M Fiers, or hitters D Santana, Duda or Moss…HELP!

Nicholas Minnix: Hmmm. I’d hate to drop one hitter. I’d drop Nelson for sure, like Carrasco more, and then (I assume Santana has SS elig, or he will soon), Duda. No, Fiers, probably gets shelled by sometime in September.

Comment From Gila Monster
I’m in a 20-team dynasty league and I was in 2nd and pushed my chips in. Then Tulo,Beckett,Anderson are out RoS. Lawrie is back on the DL. Bailey is back on the DL. Holland isn’t being rushed back. Should I just stand pat, hope for a miracle, and bring this team into 2015?

Nicholas Minnix: Without knowing more, I’d say that your chances are shot, and I’d prep for 2015, yes. 🙁

Comment From Sauceman
Which 2 P’s for the ROS…Carrasco, Fiers, Nelson, or Gio?

Nicholas Minnix: Gio, Carrasco

Comment From commenter
Do you think that Alcantara will get enough playing time at 2B next year to maintain eligibility? I like his skill set, but it seems like it would be far more valuable for fantasy if he was 2B eligible instead of just CF

Nicholas Minnix: Next year, as in into 2016? I think that’s still a very realistic possibility, yes. Not guaranteed, but definitely a good possibility, IMO>

Comment From CuriousGeorge
People keep stealing my name and asking dumb questions. ugh.

Nicholas Minnix: LOL

Comment From Angelo
Way to invite the wrath of the Orioles fans

Nicholas Minnix: Grrr!

Comment From ss
Sox have nothing to lose by playing Castillo this year. He’s already under contract and service time doesn’t matter. I hope they call him up.

Nicholas Minnix: Says Mookie Betts! You, sir, are in the minority, I think, haha.

Comment From Alex
Any chance the Jays could deal Buerhle to the Angels through waivers?

Nicholas Minnix: Chance? Sure, probably a chance. Happen? Doubtful. Haven’t read that he’s been put on waivers yet, so he’d have to pass thru, and then TOR would have to kick in some money, he’s owed $19 next year, it looks.

Nicholas Minnix: Plus TOR still seems to be mostly-in for a playoff spot.

Comment From Matt
How long before the “The Red Sox have money to spend on a 4th outfielder, but not Jon Lester” articles come up?

Nicholas Minnix: LOL

Nicholas Minnix: Monday.

Comment From Greg
How long is Hammel’s leash? Does Pomeranz take his spot if he blows up next time out? Thanks!

Nicholas Minnix: If Hammel has another couple of clunkers, I could see him taking a back seat. Not next time, yet. Pomeranz would be my pick not Chavez.

Comment From Mike
Lost Tulo and Richards. Hold me

Nicholas Minnix: There, there.

Comment From Dempster Fire
Do you think situational adjustments in roto are wise? I keep thinking its a bad idea to target specific categories–i.e., play an otherwise inferior player, a la Z scores, for the sake of focusing on a weak category (e.g., J Harrison over T Frazier to get AVG up). My main thinking is that subjective assessments of necessity will always be ineffective, given the implicit complexity of predicting roto-point outcomes. Should I just stick with Z scores and ignore categorical situations?

Nicholas Minnix: Your analysis is perfect. Your clairvoyance is lacking. There’s a point of negative ROI, both on players as fantasy commodities pitted against one another and on thinking about situations like these. I haven’t figured out how to know when that is for either without the benefit of hindsight, yet. Sorry :(. I will say that Harrison contributes in enough other categories not to be a drag in them, don’t you think?

Comment From Tom
Are you past waiting for Kazmir to blow up/injure himself? I can’t seem to bring myself to trust him.

Nicholas Minnix: Sort of, I think he’ll pitch fine, just be inconsistent. I didn’t expect a blow-up, just regression to mean.

Comment From Angelo
What current non-Familia non-closer will get the most saves ROS?

Nicholas Minnix: Pat Neshek? OK, unlikely. Jose Veras maybe! Eno likes someone in TOR, specifically Sanchez. It’s hard to say that won’t happen.

Comment From Lindor
Am I Cleveland’s opening day SS in 2015?

Nicholas Minnix: I doubt it. I suspect after Super 2s.

Comment From Dylan
What laptop do you use? Do you like it?

Nicholas Minnix: An HP 450something. And yep! And with that, I must bid you all adieu. I hit 1:08ish, sorry if I missed you. I saw a Phils question involving Betts to PHI, and I wouldn’t mind that scenario playing out. 😀 I like Ryan Howard, seems like a nice guy, I wish he cost about half of what he does.

Nicholas Minnix: Have a great weekend, everyone! Until next time.