Nick Minnix Baseball Chat — 6/6/14

Eno Sarris: Nick will be here shortly!

Nicholas Minnix: Hey everybody. This is Eno in costume. Welcome! Thanks for all the welcomes, too.
PS Nicholas Minnix is a real person.

Nicholas Minnix: Either – Nicholas or Nick – is fine, for you guys.

Comment From PS
WAIT is it Nicholas or Nick?!

Comment From Guest
Kevin Gausman or Eddie Butler ROS?

Comment From Brad
Welcome Nick. Keeper question: Do I claim Eddie Butler or Jon Singleton? Thanks

Nicholas Minnix: Butler – clearly defined role

Nicholas Minnix: And, to Brad, Butler as well, I think a greater ceiling.

Comment From Guest
What are you thoughts on cutting a $17 Matt Cain in Ottoneu i have pleny of young cheap guys and i can take the cap hit, its also a 4×4 league with hr/9.

Nicholas Minnix: Cutting Cain … hmmm, at this point, he’s not a keeper, I think it depends on whether you’re contending. Can you deal him for a not-top-tier keeper, seek feelers? I think he has some ROS value left, although I’m a tad concerned about some periphs.

Comment From Pat
I was counting on Trout and Springer for a good amount of SB and it hasn’t been there at all. Any possible explanation?

Nicholas Minnix: Springer, it may take him a bit of time to feel comfortable to run often. He’s not a true speed demon, he has speed but is also a calculated base stealer. I wouldn’t project more than 15 for him ROS, might be generous altho more are possible. Trout, no real explanation, other than some minor health things throughout the first 2 months. It’s disappointing. I think he’ll pick it up, but 30-plus is far from likely at this stage.

Comment From Jeremy
In my dreams, Gregory Polanco becomes Darryl Strawberry. In my nightmares, he’s Chad Hermanson. In reality I’m still a little afraid he becomes Jayson Heyward. Not that he’s a bad player, per se, but he’s not exactly living up to the hype. What’s fair to expect for real?

Nicholas Minnix: Not Hermanson. I have been thinking for some time that his indoctrination will look similar to Starling Marte’s in 2013, in terms of production, and there’s probably a higher ceiling long-term because of some other skills. There’ll be some rough spots, of course. He’s at minimum an everyday player in the long term, to me.

Comment From Francisco Lindor Truffles
Will he answer our fantasy questions, or must they be carefully disguised as informed discussion about real life besbol?

Nicholas Minnix: Fantasy is great, that’s my forte 😀

Comment From Dickey Corerson
Are you a Corey Dickerson believer?

Nicholas Minnix: I am, although I believe Eno smartly cautioned in our latest pod that he’s likely going to have some obvious platoon splits, based on periphs and such. And COL has the depth to platoon him. I like him as depth in a 15-team mixed league.

Comment From Graham
How do you feel about Kemp ROS?

Nicholas Minnix: Kemp? I hope he’s dating a hot celebrity to compensate for this putrid statistical showing.
If I own him, without looking into it, I’d hold, but it’s a weak hold. If someone is willing to pay with an above-average player in a fantasy league, someone who gives me an upgrade in my regular lineup, I’d probably do it. I wouldn’t sell just to sell. But I think even tho he’s “past” health problems that they have debilitated him for the short term, and he’s starting to hit the peak/past-peak crux. Next year might be a nice rebound, assuming he’s healthy.

Comment From KC
Need speed in a 14 team roto mixer…Is Jhonny Peralta too much to give for Alcides Escobar?

Nicholas Minnix: About the same, in my view. Not drastically different, if it fills a need. Unless it’s an OBP league.

Comment From Boston Phan
I am afraid that I am not familiar with your work. Do you have certain areas of expertise we can ask you about?

Nicholas Minnix: I’ll do my best to answer whatever you have. I’ll say that I’m not a draft expert, and I know some prospects, not all. I have an opinion about a lot of things. 😀

Comment From Brad
Is eno checking your answers?

Nicholas Minnix: I hope so.

Comment From Matt
Hey Nick, any insights on Cliff Lee going forward? Can he be Cliff Lee again, or is this the beginning of the end for him?

Nicholas Minnix: I think he can easily be, sure. This might just be a hiccup. No way to know, though, unfortunately.

Comment From John
When does Andrew Heaney get called up, and will he be the most effective SP prospect this season?

Nicholas Minnix: Whenever the Randy Wolf experiment is deemed a failure. I honestly think it could last a month or more, but it’s hard to say.
No, I don’t think he’ll be the best. I think there’s some adjustment period, he doesn’t throw hard. I think a Skaggs-like debut – rough – is possible, but he’s more polished is my understanding and therefore likelier to avoid that kind of debut.

Comment From Mookie Betts
Hey Nick, are you a McHugh believer? I’m thinking of dropping Paxton or Liriano for him…

Nicholas Minnix: I am. I could see that. For me, those guys are almost as risky. I tend to be conservative and would probably hold on to Liriano, at least, he’s shown good signs lately, but I think you can justify the risk. There’s some give-back coming in his #s, though.

Comment From Spanky
Jeter is retiring because he knows he can’t hit. We know he can’t hit anymore. Why does Girardi keep batting him second? Is it not killing their already weak offense?

Nicholas Minnix: It’s pure reverence, I’m sure. Default.

Comment From Will
How are you feeling about the Yankees? Also when does Solarte come down to earth?

Nicholas Minnix: Probably some mild decline, but I think Solarte is for real, a nice find.

Comment From Rated Rookie
Trust Julio Teheran in COL next week?

Nicholas Minnix: I don’t trust anyone in COL.

Comment From PS
should i just stick a fork in Tillman? (like a literal fork)

Nicholas Minnix: Yes.
I’m not encouraged, velocity down a bit, but not remaining aggressive. I think he’s mentally taxed right now.

Comment From Melky
Nick, I have #1 waiver claim and I’ve been saving it for Alex Meyer in my keeper league. Would you wait or pick up Chavez or McHugh instead? I’m in second place and would like some pitching depth…

Nicholas Minnix: If McHugh and, especially, Chavez are still available in your league, then you have some leeway. Stick with the original plan, for a keeper going forward, if that’s your preference. But the return on Meyer short-term probably won’t be any better. It’s percentage-wise probably a wash. If you’re contending, get the help, IMO. I don’t see much point to saving priority claims, but I don’t play in your league, perhaps it has value there.

Comment From Polanco
Can Butler dominate (at coors) this year? Does he have the repitoire?

Nicholas Minnix: I’m not sure, not familiar enough. Eno believes so, says his stuff will play there. I do know that he has the goods from what I read about him in terms of his tools, the best pitching prospect they’ve had in some time.

Comment From Francisco Lindor Truffles
Nick, serious question: what type of questions do you answer? Every chat leader (that’s what we call you guys right?) seems to prefer certain topics. What is your baseball fetish?

Nicholas Minnix: Fantasy, generally speaking. It’s what I do. I’ll be happy to address anything else I can.

Comment From Dave
What should we expect from Derek Holland when he returns? Thanks.

Nicholas Minnix: I see no reason not to expect a mix of his last two seasons, once he’s built up. 4.00 ERA or so.

Comment From Lars
What’s up with Matt Holliday, does he start hitting HR again this year or is this the start of the decline?

Nicholas Minnix: His FB% has been in slight decline for a while. He’ll probably hit a few when the weather heats up, but I don’t think he’s more than a 20-HR guy anymore, might end up in the teens.

Comment From Georgie
Which side you want? McCutcheon/Choo or HanRam/Papi. My current ss is Simmons. Replacement OFers would be Springer and Polanco.

Nicholas Minnix: Geez. It’s all about need. If HanRam gives you that significant upgrade, I can’t argue not to do it. If you don’t address a category need or a significant upgrade at a particular position and the sum — your replacements from your bench — isn’t getting you to an overall improvement, then I can’t endorse the deal.

Comment From Bruce
CJ Cron continue to impress?

Nicholas Minnix: Define impress. He’ll be solid. PT is questionable. So far they haven’t strictly platooned him, thank goodness. He’s a good depth piece in 12-team mixed leagues, hanging on there.

Comment From Joe
Kris Bryant a good pickup in a keeper league? Gotta think he’s up sooner rather than later.

Nicholas Minnix: I think he’s a late-season call-up, at best, without looking into it more. I think he’ll be raw upon his call-up, rough adjustments, but good long-term possibilities. Yes, in keeper league, but depth and keeper rules make it hard to answer for sure.

Nicholas Minnix: Great ? They’ll have to play Zimmerman at 3B some. He may platoon with LaRoche on days they face a LHP, if LaRoche cools off. Health may never force them to answer the ?

Comment From Bruce
What will the Nats OF look like when Harper returns? Where does Zimmerman go?

Comment From Milhouse
What side you like? Cano for G. Richards, A. Sanchez, N. Franklin. Keep forever league. Thanks!

Nicholas Minnix: Two good pitchers. Still, Cano.

Comment From Guest
When Carlos Santana is back where will he play? Seems like Chisenhall is making his case to keep 3rd.

Nicholas Minnix: Another good ?. Swisher absence means 1B right away. They won’t answer these ?s until they have to, for us. For them, they’re thinking about it. I think Chisenhall deserves to face RHPs ROS, or at least a shot at it.

Comment From Rated Rookie
Where do you see Garrett Richards settling in, the ace that showed up against HOU or the BP pitcher that got hammered by OAK?

Nicholas Minnix: IDK if Richards will be an ace. He has the stuff to be one. But he’s closer to that pitcher than the bum. Has learned how to pitch, not just throw. Decent ceiling, IMO.

Comment From Joey
Butler or Stroman ROS?

Nicholas Minnix: Tough call! I like Stroman and know more about him, but I’ll go with Butler, in part because of what his opponents will look like more often. Man, that’s risky.

Comment From Lars
Will Everth Cabrera ever come close to stealing bases like he did in ’13? Major disappointment so far. Will he heat up with the weather, or is he suffering from post-juice syndrome?

Nicholas Minnix: PED guys are hard to assess. He hasn’t run because the SBOs haven’t been there, he hasn’t gotten on base. I think his average now is on par with his ability, it’s the BB% that’s disappointing. Without an explanation for that, I’d say I think he should rebound in that area and run a bit more, but these are hard players to assess, unknowns.

Comment From Guest
Devin Mesoraco keeps hitting HRs. Is he a top 5 catcher by the end of the season?

Nicholas Minnix: Hard to say he won’t be, but. … I still think pitchers are pitching him inside too often. I’ve seen him take advantage of all the mistakes made to him, and there’s something to be said for that. The average will come down, but the power is for real, at least for GABP. I don’t think he’ll finish top 5 C.

Comment From Brandon
Would you trade someone of Drew Smyly’s caliber for Brandon McCarthy? What about Eddie Butler or another pitching prospect?

Nicholas Minnix: ROS, I like all three, hard to say which more. I’m partial to McCarthy and believe his EOS #s will look nice once he adjusts to his new velocity and such. It’s been one or two bad innings, I think, in the bad ones. I think each is plenty risky.

Nicholas Minnix: I think Smyly is the safest best but perhaps lowest ceiling. Could still be very good, though, don’t consider that a pan. The Tigers eased him in so he should finish the year strong.

Comment From brad
do you think polanco was supposed to be called up fri and mgmt. got pissed it was leaked so they are holding him back?

Nicholas Minnix: No. That doesn’t happen.

Comment From Milke STrout
On what date does Morales play in a 2014 major league game? In which uniform?

Nicholas Minnix: I’ll say, by 6/20.

Nicholas Minnix: I think Texas, still, but Seattle makes some sense. I don’t see how he fits in Milwaukee.

Comment From Bruce
Care to take aguess at the final SB totals for Dee and Hamilton?

Nicholas Minnix: 65 and 55, resp. Total guess. OBPs for each ?able.

Comment From Guest
Are you annoyed with the way Gausman has been yo-yoed this year?

Nicholas Minnix: Not really, they’ve needed him for spots and kept him on schedule. Annoyed that he hasn’t been stretched out real deep yet, but they appear to be saving him for second half, probably working on things.

Comment From TB
Rank these closers, Mejia, Qualls, Balfour, Frieri…thx

Nicholas Minnix: Mejia, Frieri, Balfour, Qualls. I don’t like Qualls, haha. But he’s OK. Balfour, really, he scares me, a lot, but Collette thinks he’s fine, so I’ll relent there.

Comment From Slap Dickson
Reasonable expectations for Carl Crawford when he returns from the DL? He was really turning it on in May…

Nicholas Minnix: About what he’s done, maybe a .275 AVG, 10 HR, 20 SB.

Comment From GSon
abandon AJ Burnette or hang tough with him?

Nicholas Minnix: Great ?. Control is such an issue. Wonder if the hernia has played a part. Very deep league, I’d hold, as it gets into mixed leagues, 12 tms or fewer, I couldn’t hold. I have in a 12-teamer mixed with QS, I think I’m going to dump.

Comment From mike leake
am I jeckyll or hyde? have I pitched above my peripherals and about to turn into a pumpkin?

Nicholas Minnix: Midnight is somewhere around the corner, always, for you, friend, sorry.

Comment From Nicholas Cage
My pitching sucks, can Andrew Heaney or Eddie Butler help save it? When will Heaney be up?

Nicholas Minnix: Butler can, I like him more than Heaney. When Wolf experiment goes south.

Comment From Guest
Thought on Khris Davis RoS?

Nicholas Minnix: If you like the power, you’ll like him. Has decent OB skills, I would be happy to own ROS.

Comment From JS
How much of an upgrade do you think Morales over Reynolds for the Brewers at 1B?

Nicholas Minnix: Significant, offensively, just because the risk for Reynolds to slump is so great. Defensively, Reynolds might be better! Yikes.

Comment From oswaldo arcia
am I just lucky? or am I and Dozier individually worth more than Mauer?

Nicholas Minnix: Somewhat lucky. Would rather have Mauer than you. Dozier, at MI, call it a wash, but I’d still rather have Mauer elig at C for ROS. Next year, different story.

Comment From PS
who sucks less: masterson or tillman. this internal debate is killing me. (also im trying to decide if one or both is worth dropping in a 12team dynasty league)

Nicholas Minnix: LOL. Um. Masterson sucks less, I think. Platoon splits still a bit of a problem, but no bad signs otherwise.

Comment From Max
What’s up with suddenly Average Joe Mauer?

Nicholas Minnix: He needs a new shampoo. I think he’ll pick it up.

Comment From Brian
Is a Rios-Blackmon platoon an acceptable use of two roster spots in a shallow league?

Nicholas Minnix: Definitely. I’d be thrilled to play Rios every day! Blackmon is fading, predictably. But he’s probably not a sell, no one buys players like that anymore, do they?

Comment From Achilles
Willingham/Arcia or Taveras ROS in 10-team H2H non-keeper league? Thanks boss.

Nicholas Minnix: Wash. Health issues on both sides, performance not really in question if health isn’t a factor. I’d lean Taveras because he should be an everyday player and has no platoon issues in second half. If you lose one of former pair, you’re handicapped. Just my guess.

Comment From Max
ROS: Shin-Soo Choo or Melky Cabrera?

Nicholas Minnix: Choo

Comment From J
Hi Nick! I have Chris Davis, Tex, and Singleton for 2 spots. Should I keep rotating or try to trade one? If so, who?

Nicholas Minnix: If you can deal Teix or Singleton for something you can use regularly, awesome.

Comment From Rated Rookie
Sophomore challenge trade: Cole or Wacha?

Nicholas Minnix: I’ll side with Cole, but I think it’s a wash. Wacha’s change probably makes him a safer bet, really.

Comment From Brandon
How do I stop shooting myself in the foot by overpaying in deals for low-SIERA, high-ERA pitchers?

Nicholas Minnix: LOL. I had a similar problem. You just have to learn to say no, negotiate, instead of jumping right to agreement. Does that work?

Comment From jpg
Gio Gonzalez at $12 or Tyson Ross at $7 ROS? 5×5 standard mixed with a $330 cap.

Nicholas Minnix: Betts IDK. Eno said David Murphy for Calhoun. I think that’s spot on, but Calhoun is slightly better, career.

Nicholas Minnix: Must have hit to add incorrect ?. I’ll say Gio, although it’ll be interesting.

Comment From Steve
Think it’s time to cut bait on Burnett? He’s been awful his last few starts. Maybe take a flier on Butler?

Nicholas Minnix: 12-team mixed league or shallower, sure thing.

Comment From Josef
Do you recommend Verlander owners do anything but hold on him?

Nicholas Minnix: Send him to the guillotine, if not. I wouldn’t pitch him until I saw better signs.

Comment From Hape Go Lueke
Who do you like better going forward: Big Erv Santana, or Justin Verlander? Just did a 1-for-1 in my 12-teamer: K W SV ERA WHIP K/BB

Nicholas Minnix: Big Erv!

Comment From Max
Start Lance Lynn today @TOR? Ryu @COL?

Nicholas Minnix: No. Yes.

Comment From Percy
Who is the most surprising player thus far in the season? Good and/or Bad.

Nicholas Minnix: Nothing surprises me, really, especially when there’s an explanation. Dee Gordon’s ability to get on base having improved so much, it’s impressive and surprising, kudos to the Dodgers.

Comment From Mark
Underrated OF questions: David Murphy or Gerrardo Parra ORS?

Nicholas Minnix: Parra

Comment From Guest
Is Polanco somewhere between Fowler and Jennings with a little more power?

Nicholas Minnix: Not more power than Jennings, I don’t think. Better than Fowler, I think.

Comment From brad
would you trust liriano with 2 starts next week vs mia and cubs? Thanks

Nicholas Minnix: At home vs. MIA, then sure. Not in MIA yet.

Comment From SB
8-team keeper league, who should be my priority: Bauer or G. Richards?

Nicholas Minnix: Bauer

Comment From PS
i feel like you like 😀 faces

Nicholas Minnix: You’re correct.

Comment From Mark
ROS*?

Nicholas Minnix: Oops, I hit + accidentally.

Comment From Sandy
How would you value David Price and Alex Cobb ROS?

Nicholas Minnix: I like both, too skilled and talented not to see corrections in ERA. Price may depend a little on where he ends up, but not much.

Nicholas Minnix: Top 30 SPs ROS, Price of course can be dominant, top 10. I haven’t lost faith in either.

Comment From Gus
Trade posey for Shields and Bailey?? 14 team league and i could use pitching help

Nicholas Minnix: Wow. Well, it’s a good pitching haul. Who’s your new C, if so, though? I despise trading hitting.

Comment From Guest
Start Stroman or Cain or both?

Nicholas Minnix: Stroman fine I think tonight, but it’s on him, not STL. If he has command. Cain … no major risk, but no great upside, I think.

Nicholas Minnix: Cain I expect to be on pitch limit is why.

Comment From Lefty
Stanton, Wil Myers and Gerrit Cole enough/too much for Trout?

Nicholas Minnix: Too much.

Nicholas Minnix: The first 2, if you’re not playing daily.

Comment From Klubinator
Have to start 2 of Marte, Jackson, Taveras. Which two for now?

Comment From 😀
thoughts on RDLR?

Nicholas Minnix: Like him. Throws hard, finally healthy. Concerned about BB%, it’s going to bite him here and there. Will be a bit unpredictable, but like him ROS.

Comment From Bryce Harpers uncle
Should I drop Drew Hutchison, Eovaldi, or Alex Wood for Jesse Chavez, McHugh, or Stroman? All are available in my 10 team mixed league.

Nicholas Minnix: Wood is still in the bullpen, yes? That depth of a league, yes, him for any of those is good. I like all 3, won’t discriminate, first two more so. Chavez, I’ll say.

Comment From Zach
In an OPS league would you want Calhoun, Willingham, or Arcia?

Nicholas Minnix: Willingham for as long as he’s healthy. Since I don’t know how long that’ll be, I’ll take Calhoun, long-term.

Comment From Guest
Will Morales wait and sign with the Yankees?

Nicholas Minnix: I hope not.

Comment From Lefty
Tanaka or Strasburg in Dynasty?

Nicholas Minnix: Tanaka! How about that.

Comment From Jon Bon
I owned Beltran previously but dropped him because I was out of DL slots. Should I drop Khris Davis, Willingham, or Yelich for him?

Nicholas Minnix: I think you’re talking about the same or similar class of player at this point. I like Beltran more, but IDK if the spurs will affect performance. I guess … If you play FCFS, whichever is coldest, since your league appears not to be deep enough to stash cool or injured players with value.

Comment From Jon Bon
Which prospect — Taveras, Polanco, or Springer — has the best ROS once Polanco gets called up?

Nicholas Minnix: I like Springer! But Taveras is the safest choice. I think, on a hunch, it’ll be Polanco. So, Polanco, just so I don’t sound as if I’m a politician. All 3 are good.

Comment From Greg
Hey Nick, what do you make of Joe Mauer this season? Small sample size or beginning of the end?

Nicholas Minnix: Beginning of end is relative, since in fantasy he won’t be a C next year. In terms of his ability, I think there’s still plenty there to be the type of hitter he’s been before – .320, 8-12 HR.

Comment From Guest
Is Cingrani going to be good this year?

Nicholas Minnix: I have strong doubts. I think if they send him to the bullpen, then bring him back to the rotation later in the season, I’d be very interested, though.

Comment From Bartleby
Trade Span and Ramos for Kemp in NL-only redraft? Start 2C, also have Ruiz and R.Martin. Kemp looks terrible but upside seems much greater than Denard.

Nicholas Minnix: You know, I like Ramos, and I’m not keen on Kemp for ROS, because I think he’s decimated by recent injury issues, but that’s the type of risk that could win you your league. I think it’s reasonable to take that shot.

Comment From Eric
Do you think Bogaerts ever returns to SS or is he a 3B now?

Nicholas Minnix: Def a SS

Comment From Vince
Can we stick a fork in Alfonso Soriano as well?

Nicholas Minnix: Not quite. He’s slumped like this at other times. But if Yanks sign Morales, or something else happens there, then it’ll be a lot harder. He’s older, though, so last year’s second half is far from likely.

Comment From Ed
Do you think Rubby De La Rosa will stick in the Boston rotation?

Nicholas Minnix: Very good chance. Buchholz health never to be counted on. It’s up to de la Rosa.

Comment From canofcorn66
Starting Stroman vs. the Cards tonight?

Nicholas Minnix: I’d feel more comfortable with him vs. STL than Lynn vs. TOR.

Comment From Jeff
Is Marcus Stroman here to stay?

Nicholas Minnix: Probably, at this point, barring a disastrous stretch.

Comment From Guest
Expect a Brad Miller rebound?

Nicholas Minnix: Yes, but not gangbusters-style. Solid player in 15-team mixed leagues.

Comment From J. Mascis
What should we make of Garret Richards? Is he a top 60 fantasy SP? How about compared to Drews Smyly and Hutchison?

Nicholas Minnix: Yes, he is. Very good stuff, learning to pitch. ROS, those players could match him, and Richards will see some corrections, probably, but I’d feel more comfortable banking on Richards. Smyly I think can be best of the three with a great second half.

Comment From tommy
Looking for pitching depth. Butler or Kuroda ROS?

Nicholas Minnix: Butler. Kuroda is old. 🙁

Comment From tommy
Looking for some batting depth sell Kaz for Carlos Santana? Has C,1st,3rd eligibility in my league.

Nicholas Minnix: That’s a good swap IMO.

Comment From Jon
What type of end of year numbers do you see Anthony Rendon having? Long-term, what is his upside?

Nicholas Minnix: Stays on pace. 275, 20 HR. Very good player.

Nicholas Minnix: Upside, more power, 25-30 HR perhaps. Like him, great keeper.

Comment From Richard Dawson
Lot of Eddie Butler talk. Do you like him more than Marcus Stroman?

Nicholas Minnix: A bit, yes. As much polish, better stuff.

Nicholas Minnix: 12? It’s a fair deal. It’s just about filling needs, they have similar “values” at this point. One is a top-12 1B, the other a top-36 OF.

Comment From Bud
What’s your theory on benching a starter with 2 starts in a weekly league, but terrible matchups? Specifically, Mike Minor at Colorado and against the Angels this week in a 14 team mixed.

Nicholas Minnix: Depends on my other options. I’ve done it.

Comment From snid
10 tm roto 5×5 I need to trade for pitching pls rank ROS Strasburg, Bailey, Zimm, Weaver, Fister. thks

Nicholas Minnix: Zimmermann, Strasburg, Fister, Bailey, … who else?

Nicholas Minnix: Weaver

Nicholas Minnix: Strasburg has most to deliver, obviously, he’s easily first in a vacuum.

Comment From Cameron
I need to drop one of my fringe 3Bs to make room, Freese, Dominguez, or Gillispie?

Nicholas Minnix: Gillespie

Comment From tommy
Opinion on Bryce Harper? Injuries beggining to hurt his potential?

Nicholas Minnix: He’s very young. Not really.

Comment From NomahG
Votto is a top ____ 1B ROS? tried selling him for Werth…too low?

Nicholas Minnix: I answered this already, sorry, please see that earlier in the comments!

Comment From Salvatore Muffins
Hey Nick! Will this be David Ortiz’s last year as an elite hitter, or does he have enough magic beans to last him into next year?

Nicholas Minnix: I think the sunset is near. I wouldn’t expect to keep him, I’d want to draft him at a discount.

Comment From Guest
How much do you lean on projections compared to feel when it comes to player analysis?

Nicholas Minnix: Projections, which are based on advanced stats, scouting, other information like the news. Feel is based on information you know but can’t quantify, to a large degree.

Comment From Max
3 of last 4 appearances for Carlos Martinez were 2 innings-plus. Do you think they’re stretching him out?

Nicholas Minnix: I think they’d send him down to do that.

Comment From Richard Dawson
What defines a true keeper league? My league is a 10 team mixed, with 25 man rosters. Keep 6 each season. How does this compare to other “keeper” leagues?

Nicholas Minnix: It’s a keeper league. There is no one way. Some keep 3, some keep 30 or unlimited, some have salaries, some don’t. It’s whatever you and your mates like and how much time you want to devote to it. Do you all have fun? That’s all that matters. Do you have the urge to do more? Discuss it as a group, with the commish moderating.

Comment From Rotisserie Chicken
What are the ideal rotisserie categories in your opinion? We use the standard 5×5 with OPS and QS.

Nicholas Minnix: I prefer OBP to OPS. OPS is redundant if you use HR. I’m assuming you replace AVG, though. If you replaced HR, I’d go with SLG.

Nicholas Minnix: I like it, otherwise. I’d like to experiment with new categories to redefine QS and the SV category. SV+HLD is a reasonable alternative.

Comment From Manny Ramirez
Ive got Mesoraco and Sal Perez as my catchers in a one-catcher league. I’m definitely keeping Mesoraco long term, but is Perez worth rostering for the rest of the year?

Nicholas Minnix: Not if it’s a shallow mixed league and you need the roster spot and you can’t trade him for anything that you can use.

Comment From McLance McLynn
Which performance is more of an outlier: Jays’ success or Rays’ failure?

Nicholas Minnix: Haha, judging by preseason estimates based on run diff, I’d say it’s =! I think the Rays could trade Price and still find a way to get above .500 and into WC contention, wouldn’t surprise me.

Comment From Guest
Marlon Byrd…can he repeat 2013??

Nicholas Minnix: Can. Will? Doesn’t appear to be doing it. Don’t think he will. He’s a fine 4th or 5th OF in mixed leagues.

Comment From canofcorn66
How tentative are you with playing young pitchers? Trying to decide whether to start Butler vs Dodgers (in COL) and Stroman vs Cards (in TOR)…

Nicholas Minnix: All depends on the league. I’m comfortable enough to do it usually.

Comment From Max
Need your help. Gotta start one: Ryu @COL or Lynn @TOR?

Nicholas Minnix: Ryu

Comment From Francisco Lindor Truffles
Start Smyly and Stroman tonight?

Nicholas Minnix: Hmmm. I wouldn’t expect great #s from either. They’re OK starts.

Comment From Shawn
Did you see Yordano’s outing last night? The velocity seemed there, but only 1K.

Nicholas Minnix: I wouldn’t worry.

Nicholas Minnix: Short-term, that is. Velo is fine, no biggie.

Comment From Manny Ramirez
Desmond Jennings turns 28 this year. Has he reached his ceiling?

Nicholas Minnix: Maybe not quite, but basically. Not a bad ceiling, tho, I’d say.

Comment From Bart
I traded Ellsbury/Frazier for J Bruce/Seager. I needed more pop in my lineup. Do you think this was fair or did I give up too much?

Nicholas Minnix: It’s fair. I’d rather get your side back, in a vacuum.

Comment From Reginald Denton III
Will Buster get going at some point? Kinda crazy that the Giants have been so good while not getting more production from him.

Nicholas Minnix: If he remains healthy, he certainly should get going, yes. Nagging stuff has probably affected him.

Comment From Jompo Chief Osoyunti
Okay to drop LaTroy Hawkins in a shallow 10-team mixer?

Nicholas Minnix: Depends on whom you pick up, but yes, I can see it.

Comment From Brad
Would you trade Anibal Sanchez for a nice hitter? A Kipnis maybe?

Nicholas Minnix: If you can do that, I would.

Comment From Obi
Abreu, Billy and Josh Hamilton for McCutchen,Springer, Dickey. Who wins this deal?

Nicholas Minnix: Former side. More offense, Dickey is just an OK pitcher, suppose another good 2nd half could be in store. But man, it’s close. Two very good offensive pieces on that side, too.

Nicholas Minnix: Abreu is legit, even with some correction, geez he’s so good.

Comment From Wheres Oswaldo?
Oswaldo Arcia: can he keep this up?

Nicholas Minnix: No. He’s too whiffy. Will slump at some point.

Comment From Joe
Is Harper, pedroia, and Lynn enough for Cabrera and Cueto in a dynasty? 10tm H2H. Out of it this year and Aaron Hill is my @b.

Nicholas Minnix: Who Cabrera? If I gain Harper in dynasty, I’m happy.

Comment From The Humber Games
Butler Vs. Heaney? Seems like Butler may have the better stuff, but Heaney has control and ballpark on his side

Nicholas Minnix: Butler, stuff.

Comment From Georgie
I’m confused. You’d do the deal to get the ss upgrade with ghe Cutch/HanRam swap or you wouldn’t do it because springer/polanco won’t be good enough replacements?

Nicholas Minnix: I’d do it because HanRam is significant upgrade and the other two could be good enough.

Comment From Joe
You think Dee slows down that much? I really need SB’s in my 12 team roto dynasty. Guy will only take my Shields for his Dee. I think I could make up 5 pts in SB’s quick with him which would put me about 2 behind the leader. Go for it?

Nicholas Minnix: 30 more SB is still a lot. I think it’s possible that he ends up with 75 or 80, sure, but I don’t think it’s likely. He has to get on base at same pace to do that.

Comment From Daddy Mac
Welcome Nick! Evan Longoria…just brutal. All his stuff is normal, other than the ISO. Just too many IFFB, think there’s anything amiss?

Nicholas Minnix: Nah, think it’s partly that he’s pressing. Probably most of it.

Comment From Scooter
Is there any reason for optimism with Desmond Jennings? Or is he just overrated?

Nicholas Minnix: I’m optimistic. Not much has gone right in TB this year. I think strong second half is likely.

Comment From Skip
I traded an under preforming Matt Kemp for an under preforming Chris Davis in a keeper league. I did okay, right?

Nicholas Minnix: I think so, yeppers.

Comment From Mark
was that Crawford line ROS or year total?

Nicholas Minnix: Year total.

Comment From Bryce Harpers mom
What are your BA/HR expectations for Bryce Harper when he returns? I’m very concerned about him.

Nicholas Minnix: Same as would be preseason, prorated. Maybe .275, 10 HR. Could be more, could be less and hurt again. He’s unpredictable, but I’d be happy if I was banking on his return.

Comment From HGL
Erv Santana or Justin Verlander ROS? 12-teamer keeper where Erv is $3, Verlander $23 but I wouldn’t keep either next year. Cats are K W SV ERA WHIP K/BB

Nicholas Minnix: Erv

Comment From Chicago Mark
Do you see Alex Wood joining the Braves rotation this year? If so, how many starts does he get?

Nicholas Minnix: At some point, yes, just because probably someone hits DL again. Just what happens to pitchers. Fine pickup in deep mixed leagues if so.

Comment From Rotisserie Chicken
Tyler Skaggs seems to keep getting worse, is he even roster worthy in a 12 team roto league?

Nicholas Minnix: Yes, kind of fringe. Breakthrough, growing pains. HOU was a bad matchup for him, keep in mind.

Comment From Guest
Pat neshek get some saves this year ?

Nicholas Minnix: No

Comment From Jon Jon
Re: Khris Davis, how many homers ROS?

Nicholas Minnix: 15

Comment From Guest
Do you drink, if so your favorite beer?

Nicholas Minnix: I do, rarely. Murphy’s Stout is in my fridge. Don’t have a true favorite, I don’t think. Love that Murphy’s tho.

Comment From the Average Sports Fan
Think the Rays go full sell mode soon?

Nicholas Minnix: Jason does. I’ll side there, he knows more than I do. I think it’s likely.

Comment From Finding Forrester
Which 2 do you like best ROS? Eovaldi, Keuchel, McHugh?

Nicholas Minnix: Oh man! The first two, just more there to believe in, on the surface, to me. McHugh could be a revelation, who knows!

Comment From Mark
We’re having locker room problems and I have to cut one of the arms from my Sterling staff, who goes? Keuchel, McHugh, Ventura, Cain, J. Chavez, or Harang?

Nicholas Minnix: Yikes. Harang.

Comment From Shawn
Better Catcher ROS- McCann, Rosario, or Santana?

Nicholas Minnix: Rosario, by a hair over Santana.

Comment From Hulk Hogan: I am a real American
You starting Smyly today?

Nicholas Minnix: .280, 12 HR, 20 SB

Comment From Desmond Jennings
What’s my upside for the rest of the season?

Nicholas Minnix: In deep leagues, Smyly, sure.

Comment From Rags
Deep NL-only league. Need a replacement for Jordan Lyles. Edwin Jackson, Randy Wolf, Brandon Cumpton or just add another middle reliever and hope for some vulture wins?

Nicholas Minnix: Wolf could be a sneaky, OK addition. I’d not feel super comfortable with any of them, the RP is a safer choice, especially if there are a few good ones to choose from. Neil Ramirez?

Comment From Mac Daddy
Trade Blackmon or Melky in an 8 teamer? I’ve got Polanco on deck, gotta make room…. Thanks Nick!

Nicholas Minnix: Sure, why not.

Comment From Guest
What’s the non-baseball thing we should ask you about? Jeff is volcanoes, Eno is beer, Dave is his dog, Carson is ennui.

Nicholas Minnix: I’ve lost my passion for the moment. I’ll get back to you, ask in a future chat!

Comment From Puigs Boat Captain
If Kendrys signs this week, about how long until hes ready to play in majors?

Nicholas Minnix: A week to 10 days, same as Drew.

Comment From Guest
Can you rank please ROS? Lee, Kluber, Latos, Bailey, & Fister.I have them and Kershaw. But with Latos and Lee on the DL I can’t keep them all when they get healthy.

Nicholas Minnix: Let’s see.

Nicholas Minnix: Lee, Fister, Kluber, Bailey, Latos.

Comment From Mr. Met
D. Wright for C. Davis…who wins?

Nicholas Minnix: Wright

Comment From Joe
Shields for Dee in a 12 team roto dynasty if I really need SB’s and projected over my SP limit. Should give me a great chance at winning.

Nicholas Minnix: Sounds fair to me.

Comment From Joe
Selling Miggy in a dynasty in which i’m out of it this year. What would you want? Have an offer of Lynn, Pedroia, Harper for Miggy and Cueto? Enough?

Nicholas Minnix: Want more, Harper is a great start tho. Better pitcher and/or hitter included.

Comment From fred frugal
I just need permission to drop Evereth Cabrerra in my 14 team, no MI, redraft league. Have Bogaerts at SS, Dozier, Ellsbury & Marte for steals. Thanks

Nicholas Minnix: You have mine, as long as the player you pick up is better. Who cares if that’s the case.

Comment From Jake
The Jays were 2 games under .500 when Rob Ford entered rehab. They are 15-2 since. What’s Ford’s 2014 WAR?

Nicholas Minnix: 15-2=13 … and counting!

Comment From Alex
I just traded Ike Davis and Brad Miller for Alex Wood in a keeper league. Win?

Nicholas Minnix: Mmmm… Maybe. I prefer the hitters, usually. I like Miller, but he’s not a stud, at least. Wood is a good pitcher, so it may work out.

Comment From Alex
Verlander and Jered Weaver are two guys with shaky peripherals. Who is the better pitcher ROS?

Nicholas Minnix: I think Verlander will figure something out and be respectable. He’s lost something, physically, but he’s smart. Still, Weaver has beaten periphs for a while. I’d go with him.

Comment From bring on da stats
This is my pitching staff on a 12 team H2h w/5 max keepers: Kazmir, Ross, Chavez, Kennedy, McHugh, Ventura, Wood, Elias and Paxton (DL). I’m currently 5-13 (we do double headers) Do I need a doctor?

Nicholas Minnix: A head doctor.

Comment From bring on da stats
I recently traded Doolittle for A. Wood straight up. At what date do you think he has to be back in the rotation before I lose that trade? Also, Wood is a 9th round keeper in my league.

Nicholas Minnix: What’s today? June 6. Doolittle is beastly and a closer.

Comment From Sad in San Diego
now that Jedd Gyorko is all but a lost cause, who should I pick up as a replacement: Odor, Wong, Beckham, Aviles, or other…?

Nicholas Minnix: Odor, most upside

Comment From RWG
any thoughts on RDLR? better than Butler, heaney etc?

Nicholas Minnix: I like RDLR a tad more than Butler, but IDK much about Butler beyond what I read and have seen in highlights is part of my reason. RDLR is healthy, highly skilled, will hit bumps just like Butler, for different reasons. RDLR for me.

Comment From Rated Rookie
1K for Yordano last night. Possible reasons include low number of breaking and offspeed pitches, a Cardinals lineup that doesn’t strikeout a ton, something else?

Nicholas Minnix: Wouldn’t worry. Velo was fine.

Comment From Nick
Has Weaver figured out how to pitch with diminished velocity or do we see a Verlander-esque regression from him?

Nicholas Minnix: Yes he has, never threw hard anyway, will be rough times, but probably a slow fade from relevance.

Comment From Rated Rookie
1K for Yordano last night. Possible reasons include low number of breaking and offspeed pitches, a Cardinals lineup that doesn’t strikeout a ton, something else?

Comment From Guest
Dexter Fowler or Austin Jackson, 5×5 OBP?

Nicholas Minnix: Fowler, is so much safer, just because it’s an OBP league. If you’re asking because you’re trying to win and you need a difference-maker, go with A-Jax, who could see a power surge. If you just need a steady piece, Fowler is fine.

Comment From f
hosmer and wily peralta for carlos correa and charlie blackmon in dynasty league?

Nicholas Minnix: Interesting ?. I think Correa is so likely to be good that I’d take his side.

Comment From JV
would you trade Jason Kipnis for Brian Dozier if Kipnis couldn’t be kept next year but Dozier could for $9?

Nicholas Minnix: If I can’t win this year, sure. If I can, no.

Comment From Gregor Clegane
Kluber or Price ROS?

Nicholas Minnix: I guess I’m not a member of the society. I’ve come around on Kluber, he’s great, but I will take Price.

Comment From JV
How many HR and SB does Lorenzo Cain end up with?

Nicholas Minnix: 4 and 9?

Comment From JV
Where is Nick Franklin playing come August?

Nicholas Minnix: Tacoma. Haha.

Comment From Guest
Start Keuchel today v Twins?

Nicholas Minnix: Yes.

Comment From Steve
Do Zack Wheeler’s three good starts in a row mean he has turned the corner?

Nicholas Minnix: Hard to say, for sure, but I liked him this year and think he’ll finish strong.

Comment From Guest
Which side would you prefer, 5×5 OBP and QS, JUp and Fowler for Price, Alvarez, and Austin Jackson

Nicholas Minnix: Latter, I like to play the “buy low” game if I can and it feels right.

Comment From Gila Monster
I’m in a 20 team dynasty and currently in 2nd place, so I preparing to push the chips in. I could use help in W,WHIP, and SB. What SP could I get in return for Arismendy Alcantara? I have Derek Holland,Anderson,and Kelly on the way back and Wisler as a late season call up. Should I wait until the ASB before I deal pieces to see how these guys return?

Nicholas Minnix: IDK re: Alcantara, honestly, and your league should give you a good gauge based on history and if you put him on the block. I’d only wait if you don’t think anything about your team you assess as being well above its head performance-wise.

Nicholas Minnix: OK, guys, I’m going to wrap it up in five, it was awesome to do this for my first time. I probably won’t go this long in future chats, just getting my feet wet, but glad I could answer so many questions. Thanks so much for joining me!

Comment From Rags
Deep NL only roto keeper league. My team is in the middle of the pack overall, but last in steals with no help in sight (Heyward, Denorfia and Blanco are my top 3, blech). Should I punt steals altogether and focus on gaining points in other categories? Or try and trade for steals and see if I can’t come back there? FWIW, I’ve got 33 SBs, there are a few in the 40s, a few in the 50s, and the leader has 80 something.

Nicholas Minnix: Depends on whom you can trade for. Steals are easier to trade FOR than to trade AWAY (they tend to have less value in a trade market, because of perception and relative value to other owners’ standings in the category, they tend to come from less diverse players, etc.).

Nicholas Minnix: If you can acquire a couple of SB sources and not sacrifice much, NOW, I’d strong consider it.

Comment From Nolan
Trade Wacha and Polanco for Darvish in a keeper league?

Nicholas Minnix: No. I just want the hitter. Safer. Darvish is great, tho. Can’t blame you if so.

Comment From Jeff
Would you rather have Kole Calhoun or Wil Myers in a dynasty league?

Nicholas Minnix: Geez. Myers, aim for the stars.

Comment From Beany
Polanco or Blackmon ROS?

Nicholas Minnix: Polanco

Comment From SB
I have Salazar stashed in my minors in a keeper. Should I drop him for Bauer? Don’t have anyone on my major league roster I want to drop for Bauer at the moment

Nicholas Minnix: I’d rather have Bauer ROS at min, yes, maybe career.

Nicholas Minnix: OK, all, I’m sorry if I didn’t get to your questions. You’re all great, glad to have been here with you. I saw some repeats of questions, not a bad thing, but review the chat long, because some of them I know I answered, so maybe you just missed the response.
Have a good weekend, thanks, and good luck!