Nicholas Minnix Baseball Chat – 8/29/14

Nicholas Minnix: Hello, folks! Hope you’re doing well. I’ll be with you at the top of the hour.

Comment From Tom
Votto droppable in an eight-team league?

Nicholas Minnix: Yes. But you waited this long! 😀

Comment From Vic
Does Syndergaard deserve some Sept starts?

Nicholas Minnix: Deserve is a heavy word. Don’t think it’d hurt to give him one or two.

Comment From Guest
You ok with starting Peavey and Lackey this weekend?

Nicholas Minnix: I’m a little hesitant on Peavy. Lackey should be fine. Just a heads up, to those who ask about “OK with starting so-and-so,” matchups, it’s really helpful to me to include what the actual matchups are. Will save you, me and others some time. Appreciate it!

Comment From Verl
I know you talked about Verlander on the podcast, but would you really start him today against the White Sox?

Nicholas Minnix: I generally am not starting him. Just think the signs are … if anything … encouraging. A reason to keep him around, for now.

Comment From Curious Charles
Crystal Ball Time: as of today, who are your top 3 candidates for 2015 American League ROY?

Nicholas Minnix: I’m having a tough time with this one. No one pops out. Not Rusney Castillo.

Comment From Bill
For the Daily Grind posts, have you guys considered posting the day’s battery mates that are mostly likely to allow SBs? Could be a nice addition. Thanks.

Nicholas Minnix: That’s a good idea. I’ll consult the DG writer(s) and see what they think.

Nicholas Minnix: And thanks!

Comment From CS
Any Thoughts on this staff heading into next season: Harvey, Smyly, S. Gray, Porcello, Cashner, Hahn, Wheeler, DeGrom. Do you think I should worry much about adding an ace at the draft? Any comments are welcome. Thanks.

Nicholas Minnix: You’ll need more innings, yes. An ace would make that staff look a lot better, from the likelihood of competing aspect, at least in terms of quantity. Some ?s there, even if I like all of them. If your rosters are big, perhaps just more depth could do it.

Comment From Cyb
Your thoughts on Eric Campbell?

Nicholas Minnix: Pretty easy to doubt him. Didn’t hit great until he crossed into his mid-20s, could be a little Vegas bump in there, and he’s swinging and missing a lot in the bigs.

Comment From Vic
Some thought Altuve would lose many SBs in 2014. Will this happen in 2015? Or, can he be penciled in for .300 and 40 for next year?

Nicholas Minnix: I don’t know what the rate of repeat is, but I’d venture to say that you can’t pencil him in for that many. I wouldn’t bump his projection much from this season’s, mid- to high 30s … latter end seems to put much stock in the most recent season, my fear. As for the AVG, I also kind of figured he was out of room to grow that, so I’d have to look deeper into him.

Comment From Sandy
In my h2h league, I’ve rostered three Nats: Rendon, Desmond, and Harper. Tonight they face King Felix–assuming competent replacements, should I bench all three?

Nicholas Minnix: Competent is relative, those are good fantasy players. If have really good replacements, I guess, I generally don’t sit players like them.

Comment From Guest
Serious question that seems ridiculous: Do you think fantasy baseball could be a good talent pool for MLB teams looking for analysts?

Nicholas Minnix: Good? Maybe years down the road. Ron Shandler has been an adviser to the Cardinals. Jason Grey went on to become a scout for the Rays. But they’re exceptions, not the start of some ruling trend, I imagine. Sim players may offer more, as well.

Comment From Greg Caderet
What are your thoughts on Brett Gardner ROS? He’s been pretty awful since that little power surge a month ago, but his overall numbers look so tasty that its hard to bring myself to drop him.

Nicholas Minnix: Well, I don’t imagine leagues in which it’s OK to drop a valuable player like Gardner. If there was a week or two left, maybe I’d consider it because he was still slumping. Otherwise. …

Comment From Guest
In a dynasty league, being asked to trade Giolito for Stroman and Pederson. My LF is Corey Dickerson

Nicholas Minnix: I’m sure Giolito can be really good. Any time I can get a top hitting prospect (at least whom I like) for a top pitching prospect, in general, I’d take it. Less can go wrong, and impact offense is scarce. Stroman is a bonus.

Comment From Matt
If I *have* to choose between keeping Gerrit Cole or Polanco or Kris Bryant next year, who would you choose? 12 team points league yada yada yada

Nicholas Minnix: Long-term keeper, I’d go Bryant.

Comment From Double Simcoe
Hi, Nick! Brian McCann or Yan Gomes ROS?

Nicholas Minnix: Hello! Gomes, assuming this concussion thing doesn’t pop up again for him. He’s been top-five.

Comment From Tony G.
Will Mookie Betts be wearing a Red Sox jersey come day one of the 2015 season?

Nicholas Minnix: So hard to say. I will guess yes, but it seems 50-50. IDK why a team would trade him when it’s low on players like him, but. …

Comment From Guest
What do you think of Pederson long term, is he closer to a star or a 4th outfielder

Nicholas Minnix: He’s closer to a regular than a 4th outfielder, IMO. I think he’s better than a regular.

Nicholas Minnix: Could be a star, he is in Hollywood.

Comment From Sandy
I think E5 is still hurt, and I’m looking to trade him before my league’s deadline for pitching help. Can I reasonably expect a top-10 starter in return?

Nicholas Minnix: I’d say so, it’s a top bat.

Comment From Vic
I think Kershaw is a 1st rounder in a 15 team league for 2015. What pitchers are 2nd rounders? 3rd rounders?

Nicholas Minnix: King Felix, Bumgarner, the usual. Kluber is a new face, belongs close if not in there.

Comment From Drew Smyly
In terms of the American League, am I a top-10, top-20 or lower SP in 2015?

Nicholas Minnix: Chance to be either. Wouldn’t draft him by either. Would need plenty to right in order to be the former, latter is doable, so I’d call that upside.

Comment From Guest
In a tight race in my league for Batting AVG… 7 teams between .254 (where I am) and .258

Nicholas Minnix: Well, I hope you dropped B.J. Upton, then, and good luck!

Comment From Speed Vulture
Are Cain, Aoki and Gordon all signed through next season? I own Jarrod Dyson and would love for the Royals to roll the dice and give him a full-time gig next season. I know he might turn out to be a black hole, but the speed on a daily basis could be fantasy gold!!!

Nicholas Minnix: Best spot I know to check such info is: http://www.baseballprospect…

Nicholas Minnix: Aoki isn’t. Cain is just hitting arb. Aoki seems likely to be gone, so maybe Dyson gets a shot. He probably should be no more than a platoon player, tho. But I agree, would be interesting.

Comment From AL Pitching Coach
Do you anticipate Alex Meyer being part of the Twins rotation right from the start of 2015? Can you offer up a prediction on what his stats may look like?

Nicholas Minnix: I suspect not, but the Twins went with Aaron Hicks right away (forget how it turned out). I do think it’s a very good possibility. I think 4.00 ERA, 9 K/9, 4 BB/9, upside to be better.

Comment From Jbizzy
Silver Hammer or the Shark ROS?? Similar? Thanks!

Nicholas Minnix: Man, I’m sorry, IDK who the Silver Hammer is. Maybe that means I choose Samardzija by default?

Comment From Tom
Anyone know how I can get a pizza delivered to Jesus Montero in the dugout? 🙂

Comment From Minnix Fan
Hi Nicholas. Just wanted to say you’ve been a great addition to the Fangraphs team! Out of curiosity, did you approach them or were you sought out?

Nicholas Minnix: LOL, thanks! It’s very kind, but I appreciate stuff like that a great deal. They approached me, and I considered it a huge compliment.

Comment From 2015 Fan
Top 3 American League players you expect to take a giant leap in 2015, both in terms of pitching and batting?

Nicholas Minnix: Man, I’m sorry, no one sticks out. Drew Smyly I think, Jon Singleton I see a little something.

Comment From Mike
Starting tonight question! Should I go with Blackmon, Hunter, AJax, or Puig? Really it’s a start three from that list (5×5 league, H2H

Nicholas Minnix: Flying blindly, I’d just sit Hunter.

Comment From OOPH
Hi Nick, in a tight race for 1st in my AL-Only league where 7 teams are between .254 (I’m at the bottom) and .259. I gutted my future talent by dealing $20 Lester, $10 Chris Young, $16 Kipnis, $8 Dunn, $2 Walters, $3 Rodney, $10 Boxberger, and $4 Gallo for non-keepers Weaver, Shields, Kinsler, Butler, Pedroia, Capuano and Smyly. Just as far as AVG is concerned, how good (or bad) does this deal look?

Nicholas Minnix: As far as AVG, it looks like you may have upgraded considerably. Hope Butler keeps up the rebound when Hosmer returns!

Comment From garbo
Pearce or Kiermaier in AL-only ROS?

Nicholas Minnix: Need raw power or a mix of it and speed? That’s really the answer. If either work, I’d lean Kiermaier.

Comment From Guest
Is this the last year that Shields can be considered an ace? Or is he due for a bounceback?

Nicholas Minnix: He’s fading. I wouldn’t really call him an ace, not this year. He may have kind of an outlier season in the next few where he exceeds components by a lot, but in general he’s on the slow fade. Doesn’t mean he can’t be good.

Comment From garbo
Should I expect Capuano to improve given his peripherals? Should I trust him or Wade Davis more for net wins?

Nicholas Minnix: Considering that he goes only about 6 IP every time out and the Yanks’ offense is meh, I’d just go with the guy who’s been getting them, Davis.

Comment From Double Simcoe
Is CJ Cron a good bet to get called up again soon, play regularly and produce? What do you think about him ROS?

Nicholas Minnix: I like him a little, and he’ll obviously be up in September. He’ll probably spell Pujols occasionally, something like that, wouldn’t expect much PT tho.

Comment From Dr. Met
Rutledge is non rosterable on a contending dynasty team is he. Wasting away his audition.

Nicholas Minnix: Might be true. 🙁 Don’t care for him a ton, but thought he was better than what he’s done with his Tulo-out opp.

Comment From Guest
Thoughts on Brandon McCarthy?

Nicholas Minnix: He’s good when he uses that cutter regularly, has improved velo. Could be as good as he’s been with Yanks for another year or two, assuming health is good, and that’s far from guaranteed for him.

Comment From Algo
My 10-team 4×4 AL-only league has an extra slot for September call-ups… How would you rank Dyson, Marwin, Rusney Castillo ROS?

Nicholas Minnix: Ugh. Dyson’s PT will be questionable all ROS. If you need SBs, he’s your man, tho, just go with him. Otherwise, Marwin isn’t anything special, I might gamble on Castillo (not expecting much, though). If you just need someone to help you tread water, then go with Dyson or Marwin.

Comment From Guest
What do you think of Syndergaard? is he a candidate to improve control a la wheeler?

Nicholas Minnix: Anybody who spends that much time at Vegas is, yes.

Comment From Dean “Rusty” Koontz
How far superior of a prospect is Gallo to DJ Peterson? Worth mentioning Peterson increased BB rate and decreased K rate since double-A promotion, whereas Gallo did…not that.

Nicholas Minnix: Is he superior? IDK. I’d take Peterson, just because the floor is higher, I suspect.

Comment From the professor
Is it folly to expect Chris Young to continue his defiance of the conventional expectations given his peripherals?

Nicholas Minnix: Continue ROS? Sure, why not. After that, all bets are off, for so many reasons.

Comment From commenter
Does Schoop have enough potential to hold on to in extremely deep, near dynasty level keeper leagues? I’m intruiged by his power and position eligibility but worry if he’ll develop enough contact to justify a roster spot

Nicholas Minnix: Yes, there’s room to grow.

Comment From Hamilton Porter
When can we expect even a little bit of progression from Oscar Taveras?

Nicholas Minnix: Maybe in September, definitely in 2015.

Comment From Steve
What’re your thoughts on Avisail Garcia?

Nicholas Minnix: Surprised he’s hitting for as much power as he has since he returned from shoulder labrum surgery. Nice raw talent. Not a star, but could be pretty good, surely.

Comment From Hamilton Porter
How overrated is Billy Hamilton for fantasy when I can have Rajai Davis for cheaper?

Nicholas Minnix: Ah, well, still is a sizable gap between 30 and 50 SBs. So there’s that, plus the playing time (kind of related, obviously). Otherwise, it’s a tough question. How is he rated?

Comment From Delicious cake
My rotation is Weaver, Shields, Keuchel, Capuano, Smyly, Kluber, Lackey. Who do I need to worry about getting shut down out of those guys?

Nicholas Minnix: Smyly, TB already expects it.

Comment From Stephen
Hey Nick, what do you think about Andrew Cashner at this point in the season? Would you start him tonight vs the Dodgers?

Nicholas Minnix: Haven’t read or seen any reasons to be worried going forward.

Comment From Delicious cake
Do you see Trout hitting for higher AVG ROS? The speed I can deal with but I need more hits!

Nicholas Minnix: I’m sure he’ll break out of this funk, but the K’s are a warning sign for future seasons, surely.

Comment From Delicious cake
Is Billy Butler now the Billy Butler of old (in the good way)?

Nicholas Minnix: Seems to be. He seems to think it’s tied to his chance to play D, too. Worth monitoring once Hosmer returns.

Comment From arg
Can I at least rely on Pedroia for empty AVG ROS? Him or Kinsler ROS?

Nicholas Minnix: Yes, I think I’d prefer Pedroia for the AVG

Comment From commenter
Vogt or Iannetta to replace Rosario?

Nicholas Minnix: Vogt, for PT, more upside.

Comment From Khakhem
Better to have an average relief-eligible starter or a very good reliever if looking for net wins… Like Capuano or Wade Davis for wins?

Nicholas Minnix: Still Davis 😀

Comment From THE average sports fan
Jay Bruce: WTF?

Nicholas Minnix: Well, he showed signs earlier this month. … Just a bum year.

Comment From Matt
Baez, Springer, Bryant, Polanco, Soler. I can keep 3, do I have them in the right order?

Nicholas Minnix: Mmmm. Man. I really like Springer, but I think I’d keep Soler over him. Or Baez, actually, more that I see how much swing and miss Baez has, more I’m worried.

Nicholas Minnix: Baez moves down, yes. Loses SS eligibility, likely, anyway.

Comment From Khakhem
How bad will Arencibia be ROS? Took him after he got hot in my 2 catcher 10 team AL-only and now he’s stinking but nobody good available

Nicholas Minnix: Probably a good chance he’s bad. He’s just bad.

Comment From Alejandro
Baez or Bogaerts in a keeper league?

Nicholas Minnix: Baez, way more upside if it comes about.

Comment From Khakhem
What are some points/players where you and Eno disagree more than perhaps you let on in the podcast?

Nicholas Minnix: There’s not really anything where we don’t let on about it. I liked Machado more than he did, Baez too (although I’m starting to backtrack a bit on him). No one else comes to mind, but I’ll keep in mind to argue with him more for the sake of it. 😀

Comment From Matt
Dilson Herrera?

Nicholas Minnix: Was waiting to see if someone would ask about him. Well, you could do worse in an NL league, perhaps. Not even 21 yet, mild power and speed, has a little K in the game. I wouldn’t expect much ROS. Long-term, could be a solid regular.

Nicholas Minnix: Doing the last 12:13 ?

Comment From lookis
If you suddenly find yourself in a tight race for first, can you justify gutting your keepers for major upgrades for just one month?

Nicholas Minnix: Gutting, IDK, if I’m already there. But trading some, sure, I want the W if someone will give me a piece that gives me a better chance to secure it. Lock it up, even.

Comment From Marcus
How do you decide situations such as if a pitcher had an off day or the opposing offense had a good day? Where is the line drawn? You see things like “X pitcher struck out 14 and went 7 innings” when they’re against someone like the Astros, a high K-rate team.

Nicholas Minnix: There is no great way to measure that, it’s one game, obviously. Where is the line drawn? Every case/game is different, I’m not sure how else to answer that. Other than to say that actual observation and checking PITCHf/x data for the starter only is really the only ways I can think of.

Comment From commenter
Who are your top 5 AL bounceback candidates for next year? Is it reasonable to think that Chris Davis could return to a .240/.350/.500 line next year?

Nicholas Minnix: For sure, he’s a candidate. Kipnis, seems health related this year. A big MAYBE for Choo. No one else really jumps out who isn’t just injured.

Comment From commenter
Can Headley become a valuable fantasy option again if he resigns with New York or goes to Toronto? I’m ready to stick a fork in him.

Nicholas Minnix: Sure, yes, he can. Will he? Will see. I’d like his chances more if he stayed in NY.

Comment From commenter
Brad Miller worth picking up in super deep keeper leagues?

Nicholas Minnix: A lot of retained players, then sure, depends on whom you drop.

Comment From Jolly Roger
Where do you see Carlos Martinez (rotation or bullpen) in April? ASB? Thanks!

Nicholas Minnix: Probably rotation, because they trade someone. His changeup will probably determine that by ASB answer.

Nicholas Minnix: Or vice versa.

Comment From Nick
Billy Beane throughout the Barry Larkin comp on Addison Russell when he traded him to the Cubs. Do you agree with that comp or is there a better one out there?

Nicholas Minnix: I wouldn’t be able to come up with a better one. It may be out there. It’s fair.

Comment From Dan
Who are you?

Nicholas Minnix: My name is Nicholas Minnix.

Comment From Du Yarvish
Cashner ROS?

Nicholas Minnix: Go for it?

Comment From Double Simcoe
AL Only keeper question! Please pick 3: Bautista (at the cost of a 1st rounder), B. Moss (5th), Wil Myers (7th), Dozier (10th), Porcello (11th), Avisail Garcia (16th)

Nicholas Minnix: Moss, Dozier, Porcello … could debate Porcello with Garcia. In fact, given that his pick is so low, he’d have to be a keeper, I think. Trade Moss? I believe, but not sure about next year, already heading out of peak years.

Comment From GSon
Kluber, Bauer, Salazar & Carrasco ou goose bumps?..

Nicholas Minnix: (y)

Comment From Jay
Do you think J. Benoit stays in SD over the winter or does he stick as their closer?

Nicholas Minnix: Um, both.

Comment From commenter
Any chance that Panda ends up some where other than SF this winter? NY seems content to try and let A-Rod play 3B next year, and may be more comfortable signing Headley to a pillow contract, Boston may be a fit, but it just doesn’t feel right. Maybe Toronto?

Nicholas Minnix: Seems likelier than not to be SF, to me.

Comment From Steve
Was Jake Arrieta’s bad outing a bump in the road or a sign of things to come?

Nicholas Minnix: More of a bump than a sign.

Comment From commenter
Do you think FG could move the fantasy specialist chats to RG? I never know which chat host is going to get offended by my fantasy questions since the chat title doesn’t include a specialty or anything.

Nicholas Minnix: Good suggestion, I’ll mention it.

Comment From Dan
How is Soler / Baez / Bryant not the ROY next year?

Nicholas Minnix: If he’s hurt. 🙁

Comment From Jay
M. Franco is hot. Does he get the Sept call and start on opening day?

Nicholas Minnix: Possible, both things. I have my doubts, Philly is slow to promote.

Comment From Jeff
Who do you like more for fantasy purposes going into next year, Matt Shoemaker or Carlos Carrasco?

Nicholas Minnix: Shoemaker

Comment From Matt T.
Is the story about a Mariners scout sending an ice cream sandwich to Jesus Montero and yelling for him to hustle one of the best stories in recent memory?

Nicholas Minnix: I’ll go with yes.

Comment From Bobert
Looking to pick up a 1B/DH type for next year. Would you take Kennys Vargas or Christian Walker? Thanks for your advice.

Nicholas Minnix: Having seen Vargas do it, I’d take him.

Comment From Jason
Jake Lamb or Maikel Franco for 2015?

Nicholas Minnix: Not sure ARI is sold on Lamb. Franco has a greater ceiling. Easier to answer in 6 mos, I’m sure.

Comment From Dan
Do I keep Upton for $39 next year?

Nicholas Minnix: IDK, what’s your cap, keeper rules?

Comment From Matt Damon
MATT. DAMON.

Nicholas Minnix: !

Comment From Kevin
Hi Nick. I’m having a heck of a time deciding which OF prospect I’d like to pick up in a dynasty league. Please rank Dalton Pompey, Rymer Liriano, and Michael Taylor by 90% long-term performance and 10% major league productivity in 2015. Thanks a lot.

Nicholas Minnix: Liriano, Pompey, Taylor is my pref

Comment From Guest
Because of injuries, Tulo hasn’t been a top 40 player in terms of season value since 2011, and CGone hasn’t since 2012. Yet most people have them slotted top 20 for next year. Is this the triumph of hope over experience? Or is 100 games from Tulo worth a top 20 pick?

Nicholas Minnix: The rationale people give is “give me that upside, a lot changes in a season.” When you pick that early, tho, they all have awesome ceilings – or they better, or you’re doing it wrong.

Comment From Guest
Which stream option: Peavy vs. MIL, Feldman vs. TEX or Burnett @NYM?

Nicholas Minnix: Do I have ta? Man. Definitely not Burnett. I’ll go with Peavy, but there’s more bust there possible I think. More upside too.

Comment From Matt
Is Kyle Seager a top 50 player next year? (position doesn’t matter)

Nicholas Minnix: No pitchers, sure. Including pitchers, not happening.

Comment From tucker
Do you see any value from Trumbo ROS?

Nicholas Minnix: Hard to predict. I’d like to think that this is just the result of a lot of missed time from a free-swinger.

Comment From Wiz Wit
Drop Leonys Martin for A.J. Pollock in a dynasty league? I’m not concerned about ROS production at this point. Thanx.

Nicholas Minnix: Ummm…. I wouldn’t. Like Martin’s capacity more.

Comment From Sean
Is Kennys Vargas really this good? Debating whether I want to keep him for 2015 and beyond or free up the roster spot in my dynasty league.

Nicholas Minnix: This good, in terms of AVG, definitely not. If you can deal him, it’s a good time to profit, potentially.

Comment From Locke
Can Domingo Santana turn himself into a big league OF? The ridiculous amount of K’s his first time around could not have been a good sign for the ‘Stros to give him a chance again any time soon

Nicholas Minnix: First time, and second time. I have my doubts, based on that. He’s very young, so there’s hope tho.

Comment From Jake
Whoa, really think McCarthy bumped his true talent with the cutter? I love Masahiro McCarthy as much as the next NY fan, but how much of his improvement is regression, and how much is his cutter?

Nicholas Minnix: I think the cutter is what allowed him to experience regression. I don’t think his #s would have magically gotten much better without some change of the process.

Nicholas Minnix: Helped to allow, there are other things.

Comment From David
Why the power outage for Kinsler this year? Is it the new park?

Nicholas Minnix: DET isn’t bad for RHBs. Check last year, Kinsler’s power dipped before this one. Power is down everywhere.

Comment From Jon
Grabbed Carlos Carrasco in an AL Keeper league right before his return to the rotation. Is what he’s doing now the real Carlos Carrasco or should we expect major regression?

Nicholas Minnix: It’s what he’s capable of. Based on a lot of what I’d read and seen, his problems are much more mental than physical. This is a good sign. I’d be cautiously optimistic going into next year.

Comment From Hamilton Porter
I can keep 2 of 3 OBP: Mookie, Billy Hamilton, Taveras. Hamilton is a hole outside of the speed, right?

Nicholas Minnix: Yes he is. Can you peddle him? That’d be awesome if you could, IMO. Betts still intrigues me a good bit.

Comment From Brad
Nick don’t argue for sake of arguing. Be who you are. And, are you as nice as you seem.

Nicholas Minnix: Haha, thanks. I won’t. And yes, although I have an occasionally unforgiving sense of humor. Thanks!

Comment From Seattle reigns
Is mike Fiers and Colin McHugh keepers jow in a 15 team keep 15 league?

Nicholas Minnix: Probably not. Who else? Trade them.

Comment From Guest
Tulo is officially injury prone. Shouldn’t that substantially reduce his value going forward despite his gaudy stats when he does play?

Nicholas Minnix: Yes. I’m also surprised if someone like the Mets would want to trade what COL would want to get him. But, they can probably afford it, at least. Fantasy, yes, I never own Tulo. Not an embargo, just never available when I’m willing to take him.

Comment From Brad
Sullivan and Cameron anti-fantasy. Nick, Eno, Szym yes!

Comment From Guest
Don’t Tulo’s constant injuries take him out of the top 30?

Nicholas Minnix: To me, and especially as his age creeps upward, yes.

Comment From STEVE HOLT!
STEVE HOLT!

Comment From The Humber Games
Given Bryant’s power upside, what percentage of crazy would it be to keep him over Rendon? Projections don’t seem to entirely believe in the latter’s ability to hit more than 20 HR

Nicholas Minnix: Hmmm. Well, Rendon’s future remains at 3B, whereas Bryant’s probably lies in the OF. Rendon you’ve seen do it, and do it well, and it probably gets better. Bryant isn’t a lock, no one is. So there’s that. That’s a tough choice. Pick someone else? Pick someone else!

Comment From Guest
drop koji for latroy for the playoffs? cant risk the era blow-ups

Nicholas Minnix: Hmmm. Seems extreme. I’d wait out Uehara, hope they give him some breaks. Could happen to Hawkins at any time, surely, especially in COL.

Comment From CS
Is Eaton a top 5 leadoff man next year?

Nicholas Minnix: I guess he could be. If he stays healthy.

Comment From Cliff
Opponents notwithstanding…!0 points win or save & -3 BS…1 pt. per inning and per K….For 1 week, only, do or die….Wainwright, Pineda, Arrieta & Zimmerman ( for 1 start each) or Nathan, Melancon, Chisek, & Allen for 6 games each. Which ‘set’ do you go with?

Nicholas Minnix: Opponents for the starters would be helpful. Seems like more upside with that group, given that Nathan could result in a minus easily, and no minuses for the SPs.

Comment From Glenn
Thoughts on Trumbo for next year?

Nicholas Minnix: Almost as likely to hit 30 HR next year as he was this year. He’ll just cost less to take the shot on him next year.

Comment From TB
Hey Nick, You’re not a doctor are you? Right now I have Chris Johnson and David Wright, any of these three guys better ROS? Kennys Vargas, Justin Turner or Mike Moustakas, Thanks!

Nicholas Minnix: I am a doctor, in fact. Vargas must be, and Moustakas I’d take a shot on rather than Wright.

Comment From Jake
Who’s gonna be the subject of Moneyball 2; The Moneyball-ening? The 2014 WS champion A’s? The 2015 Cubs?

Nicholas Minnix: Haha. Both!

Comment From Guest
I just got Kyle Hendricks in a faab auction this morning should i start him vs the Cards?

Nicholas Minnix: Kid is rolling, might as well, STL’s OF is meh.

Comment From Gorky
Steve Pearce: believe or make-believe?

Nicholas Minnix: More make-believe than not, the magic vs. RHPs likely to go away soon, at least in 2015 soon.

Comment From Guest
Rendon upside in terms of overall ranking? Top 15? 30? 50?

Nicholas Minnix: Upside? Well he’s like top-50 right now, or close to it. Any season, could be a 15 or a 30, I think. 30 I think is pretty reasonable, 15 I definitely have doubts.

Comment From Andrew
May I ask why you favor Soler over Springer? Does George K too much for your liking?

Nicholas Minnix: Yes, to put it basically. Soler is younger, more advanced at his age in a number of ways, and probably stronger besides.

Comment From Fowler
Will Kris Bryant get called up in September?

Nicholas Minnix: Cubs have said that he won’t be. I’ll side with them and say no. This is his first full year after all, might not hurt to take a break, then unleash in 2015.

Comment From Sprinkles
Should I go with Eovaldi or Carrasco going forward?

Nicholas Minnix: Carrasco

Nicholas Minnix: Sayanora, all, I got to all of ’em!