Paul Sporer Fantasy Baseball Chat — 4/12/15

Paul Sporer: Good evening, everybody. We’ve almost got the first week completely in the books. Let’s talk some fantasy baseball!!

Comment From Pale Hose
What’s up Paul?

Comment From Pale Hose
Started Hutchison, House, and Hughes today. Not excited to see ERA tomorrow.

Paul Sporer: That is rough. Believe me, I feel you. House & Hughes are among my most-rostered arms (full rundown coming Tuesday, btw, similar to my Hitting Portfolio – http://www.fangraphs.com/fa…)

Comment From Joc Odor
Thoughts on Carlos Santana (5 x 5 OBP league with OBP replacing average) in the early going?

Paul Sporer: Very pleased! Looking very good out of the gate.

Comment From Angelo
How likely do you think it is that Castro holds the TOR closer gig and what % of FAAB would you drop on him?

Paul Sporer: I’m skeptical. Not so much because of him, but because of his manager. Look at Cecil’s leash. How long of one is a 20-year old rookie gonna get? Whereas I’m going into the $30s (of $100) for Grilli & Soria, I’m more in the lower-$20s for Castro if I’m desperate and probably mid-teens max if I already have 2 closers and I’m just trying to reinforce.

Comment From Jay
Do you think Corey Seager will make any kind of impact for the Dodgers this year, or will he be just a September call-up at best?

Paul Sporer: Sept. call-up at best. There’s a small chance that he just crushes AA and AAA too much to stay down, but that’s a low probability

Comment From The Ghost of Dayn Perry
Over/under on Tigers questions tonight is at 9.5

Paul Sporer: Under. Everyone already knows to start their Tigers because they’re studs!

Comment From Doug
Best RP stashes in AL-only that could potentially steal closer gigs in the next few months?

Paul Sporer: Someone who is actually available? The problem with the AL is that they’re so splintered that the best candidates are all taken. Maybe Osuna in TOR, Kela in TEX, and Tazawa in BOS

Comment From Jeff
With Montero in a 3-man timeshare, is Carlos Ruiz the better bet going forward?

Paul Sporer: Yeah that works. If Castillo is dealt, I’d still prefer Montero, though

Comment From Lars
Evan Gattis looks as lost as I would trying to hit MLB pitching. Is it too early to panic?

Paul Sporer: Way too early. That happens with his player type. But when he’s locked in, you start to wonder why he isn’t an MVP candidate… until he loses it again.

Comment From kd
NL only: Pagan and J Peterson or W. Ramos and O Herrera?

Paul Sporer: Ramos/Odubel for me slightly. I think Pagan is probably the best player in the deal (but not by much at all), though his health profile really narrows any gap.

Comment From Enos Hair
Worried about the velo drop for Holland? If I have decent saves depth (Allen Box and Jansen) consider dealing him?

Paul Sporer: Don’t panic yet. If you can get a real return, then sure, but don’t sell low

Comment From Todd
5×5 redraft, should i be holding on to Tomas? Need a replacement OF for he and Joyce. I can drop either Valbuena or Tomas…..for Kiermaier or Aoki.

Paul Sporer: I’d drop Tomas for either. Kiermaier is my preference, but both are fine.

Comment From Lars
If Alex Guerrero gets an opportunity due to injuries to others. Do you think he can take th job and run with it?

Paul Sporer: I certainly believe he could.

Comment From Chad B
When do you think atlanta brings up Peraza?

Paul Sporer: September? Maybe in the summer sometime, but I’m not betting on it. He’s 21 w/five minutes in AAA so far. No need to rush given their current path.

Comment From Lindor Truffles
I’ve got Kyle Hendricks in a 13 team roto league. Replacements aren’t very attractive. Drop him for Joe Kelly, N. Martinez or a Salazar stash? Find a good RP for ratios? Or hold?

Paul Sporer: I don’t think you need to hold. He’s not that special. Kelly and Martinez aren’t too different, though. Maybe go the RP route. Ideally someone would could realistically close if things opened up

Comment From Issac
After a stellar night last night–Jimmy Nelson is starting to get some love. Have you ever compared Nelson’s underlying skills to Garrett Richards’ two years ago? I am not suggesting that Nelson will make such a large leap–but given his pedigree and history of improving during the second year at each level (A to AAA)–why couldn’t he be better than we think?

Paul Sporer: Yeah I mean, 3 MPH of difference in velo is significant. He could exceed expectations, but I’m not sure he’ll ever be a frontliner as Richards appeared to be for 2014

Comment From Chad B
Trade my Cole Hamels and Manny Machado for Jacoby Ellsbury and Drew Hutchison?

Paul Sporer: It’s OK. You’re definitely getting the best player.

Comment From tx baseball lover
what are you watching tonight, paul? game of thrones of mad men?

Paul Sporer: Mad Men for sure!

Comment From Angelo
5×5 OBP league – how do you see Soler vs Gardner vs JD Martinez, or are they all very close? I’ve got Soler and JD, looking to add Gardner (need a speed boost)

Paul Sporer: I certainly wouldn’t move Soler or JD for Gardner. Ilike BG, but not more than the power guys.

Comment From Zabbaz
Yan Gomes down, who would be a good short term fill in for few weeks?

Paul Sporer: Really depends on league type. 2 C? How many teams? With such a small pool of usefuls, league type and depth matters most with catcher questions

Comment From Issac
Also, thanks for your podcasts. I listen to you and Enos on pitching. Simply the best.

Comment From Pale Hose
Sleeper and the bust tonight?

Paul Sporer: You’re welcome! And yes, Jason and I will record in a bit.

Comment From Chad B
What kind of FAAB bid out of $1000? should I be looking at for Vogt? drop Swihart of Cervelli for him?

Paul Sporer: I imagine that’s 2 catchers. I’d spend a good bit. Upwards of $300 to get him. He’s a major upgrade over Swihart & Cervelli. I’d drop Swihart if the Vogt pickup makes your two Cs Vogt & Cervelli. If you’ve got an unnamed good C as your C1, then do Cervelli for Vogt and keep Swihart stashed.

Comment From Scott
Is my bf Guerrero finally ready to go steady with me?

Paul Sporer: Ah, finally caught up on the LAD boxscore. Now I see where Guerrero love is coming from!

Comment From other barry
Sit, start, or drop Taijuan Walker? 10 team standard roto

Paul Sporer: Sit. But you can drop if you like someone else. I like Walker and I’m not flipping my lid over his opener, but in a 10-teamer, he can be cycled in. He might get scooped right away, but you’re likely picking up a pretty solid arm in a 10-teamer

Comment From Matt
🙁 at Felix Hernandez and the “Felix Hernandez starter kit” (Henderson Alvarez)

Paul Sporer: Rough freakin day for injuries if you throw in Gomes and I guess Ventura, but it was just another cramp (get this dude some bananas)

Comment From Whitey Fisk
AL only, 5 X 5. Miguel Gonzalez, Rucinski, Happ or Warren.

Paul Sporer: Happ, Warren

Comment From Scott
I think he can take the job and hit with it… As long as his defense doesn’t kill him

Comment From Scott
One more and I’ll let you answer the people that prob have more educational questions to ask you. Who do you go for to replace gomes in a 12 h2h? Vogt is a notable name but maybe his back up?

Paul Sporer: I’d go for Vogt over Roberto Perez (CLE’s backup)

Comment From Guest
I will be unfair and use recent results and your bias, but could J.D. Martinez club 30+ homers this year?

Comment From Guest
Bold Prediction: J.D. Martinez outearns Victor Martinez in 2015.

Paul Sporer: The power is very real. I could definitely see 30+. I do expect the AVG to drop, though. But honestly, he could drop all the way to the .270s and still be a stud. I freakin’ love this dude.

Comment From Angelo
After Carlos Rodon’s filthy start in AAA, any chance we see him around the super 2 line, or are we gonna have to wait until September?

Paul Sporer: Oh I’d be BLOWN away if we had to wait until September. I’d put that at 3% chance. I think he’s up relatively soon, espec. if one of Danks/Noesi pushes the door wide open. Once that first deadline hits, he could be up.

Comment From Rob
Outstanding starts from Pomeranz and Bradley. Who do you pick? Are either of them for real?

Paul Sporer: Pomeranz for me. Both are IMMENSELY talented. The success we saw is absolutely real, they are capable of achieving that level regularly. Now knowing if they will be that realness all year is the tough spot. I’d give Pomeranz the edge there as we are JUST seeing Bradley. The walks will be an issue at times this year. I think Pomy can take a leap.

Comment From JT
Fowler 2 run bomb! GO CUBS

Paul Sporer: Love Fowler this year.

Comment From Randy
Is Jeff Weaver finished as a fantasy relevant starter? He’s never had great stuff, but it seems like it would be hard to succeed in MLB with a fastball in the low 80s.

Paul Sporer: I’m not ready to write off Jered. I know his velo is lame, but it’s pretty much always been lame and it’s worked. It’s WAY down early this year, but let’s wait and see a little before writing him off. If you were only going to give him one start, you never shoulda drafted him

Comment From Scary Gary
Hawkins just blew the save on a HR to Fowler…time to grab Ottavino in a 16 team mixed?

Paul Sporer: the draft was the time in that league format, so yes

Comment From Donnie Sadler
Vogt, BButler, Moustakas, Kendrys… Does anyone stand out to you? (For better or worse?) Thanks!

Paul Sporer: Butler stands out among the four. The other three likely won’t be too far apart in total value at season’s end

Comment From TK
Buying Mark Canha? How deep a format are you willing to go?

Paul Sporer: Sorta, but maybe not as more than a lefty-killer. I wanna see what kinda opps he’ll get v. RHP.

Comment From Dave (Boston)
Hey Paul – any updated thoughts on the Blue Jays bullpen? what type of FAAB bid is Castro worth in AL only? Thanks

Paul Sporer: If you’re desperate, you can 25% of your budget, though I’d prefer to go harder on Soria (30-35%). Although AL Only, he’s probably gone. So yeah, with Castro, I’m not going to be quite as aggressive.

Comment From Scary Gary
Would you drop Gausman for Ottavino in a 16 team mixed? (Hawkins blew a 2 run lead today)

Paul Sporer: Yeah, I probably would unfortunately. Gausman is RP’ing right now and Ubaldo dropped a gem which likely buys him another 3-4 starts

Comment From Donnie Sadler
10-team league with 28-man rosters. Add DeSclafani, Jimmy Nelson or Ubaldo?

Paul Sporer: NOT UBALDO!

Comment From Jobu
Any reason to pick up Jimenez in case he finally recaptures the magic? or rather pickup Ottavino with Hawkins giving up so many runs? 12 tm dynasty roto 5×5 with 205 start limit. Thanks.

Paul Sporer: Need way more than 1 start from Ubaldo.

Comment From Morat
Jake Marisnick: anything to see here? Have you heard anything about him becoming more selective? Swing-miss was always a problem.

Paul Sporer: I mean, it’s definitely going to be a talking pt in the early part of the season bc he was so bad at it last year, but we need at least 25 games or so to see what’s what with his K rate this year

Comment From Donnie Sadler
Your thoughts on Kiermaier?

Paul Sporer: He’s on fire right now. He’s a 15 HR-15 SB kinda guy, IMO. There were only 8 OFs doing that or better last year

Comment From Scott
Can you out drink Jason?

Paul Sporer: Haha, I don’t drink anymore

Comment From Son of Satan
14 team roto MI: Tim Beckham or Jace Peterson? I’m more intrigued by Beckham, post weed and torn ACL, only 25 y/o. Oh yeah, FU TJ House.

Paul Sporer: You answered it yourself! Much more intrigued by TB

Comment From other barry
thanks paul

Paul Sporer: You’re welcome!

Comment From Dave (Boston)
Josh Hamilton have any stash value any more? Thanks.

Paul Sporer: Eh, I mean as long as he’s a true stash meaning you’re not taking a DL spot that could go to a more deserving player

Comment From Tony Womack
I’m in my first FAAB league and have no idea how to spread out my expenditures. Should I be worried about blowing 30% of my budget in the first week?

Paul Sporer: Depends on who, of course. But I’d rather invest early because you’re getting guys who could feasibly contribute all year long. Like Grilli or Soria, I’d take the shot with 30-35% of my budget bc it could be a full-season closer

Comment From Wilbur
Worried about Cobb’s health. Looking to move him + Matt Adams for DeGrom. You do that deal?

Paul Sporer: I love Cobb, but if you’re worried about the health, it’s fine. So with your outlook, I back the deal. I personally love him so I wouldn’t be looking to sell low (and it’s not even that low bc deGrom is v good)

Comment From mcf1417
Safe to drop Flores at this point? Looking to claim Guerrero.

Paul Sporer: I’d def do that

Comment From JT
Is Alex Guerrerro the starter at 3B in LA now?

Paul Sporer: Not outright. Not unless Uribe is long-term injured.

Comment From Matt
The House fell down today. It makes me look bad because I was pushing back the McAllister hype because the lack of secondary stuff and pushed for House for the opposite reason….

Paul Sporer: Look at the opponent for both. DET is pretty much a stars-only kinda team for pitchers.

Comment From Todd
Should I trust Morrows positive start or give Aaron Sanchez a little more time?

Paul Sporer: It’s really close for me. I expect Sanchez to have struggles whereas I could see Morrow being more consistent if healthy…. the biggest IF ever. They’re same tier, so I’m really torn. Go with healthy Morrow for now.

Comment From Randy
Is this the year that Chris Archer takes a leap into the top 25? Or am I over-optimistic?

Paul Sporer: It’s very possible. His stuff is great. My only concern is health, I think the talent is in place.

Comment From Jon F.
Hawkins just blew the save again. Its early but think Ottavino is worth grabbing or is there another guy you see getting the saves there.

Paul Sporer: Nope, I agree. Ottavino very popular this evening!

Comment From bearproof
Third day of playing DFS, won $7,000 on $2 bet. Thanks Matt Harvey!

Paul Sporer: Very nice!!

Comment From Lindor Truffles
Will Rodon do enough when he is up to justify stashing him in a re-draft?

Paul Sporer: How many teams? Who are you cutting?

Comment From Aaron
Had too much pitching and no OF depth, so i traded my Bauer and Yelich for Dickerson and Ozuna. How’d I do?

Paul Sporer: Pretty well. That’s a fantastic duo of OFs.

Comment From Breezy518
Ottavino threw a nasty slider to Rizzo on a full count; is this the year he takes the closer’s job?

Paul Sporer: More Ottavino love!

Comment From Guest
Tanka tonight. Let’s load up the chambers and get ready for another round of “Japanese Roulette”

Paul Sporer: Not a great match up, either.

Comment From Matt
Buchholz went Sinker,Curveball,Splitter heavy last game. He ditched the changeup(which was his best pitch last year). He appeared to cut down on the cutter and four seamer usage. Weird changes, so I wonder if they continue.

Paul Sporer: I’ll be watching tonight. Currently remain unsold, of course.

Comment From Sean Connolly
Clippard or Castro? I know it very much depends on some murky bullpen situations and injuries to Doolittle and Cecil…

Paul Sporer: Clippard for me

Comment From Jomp Chief Osoyunti
Andrew Cashner: stream or hold in a shallow 10-teamer?

Paul Sporer: Hang on. He can be a stud.

Comment From Jomp Chief Osoyunti
Who’s up next in the Rockies pen, with Hawkins such a mess? I lean Ottavino, but Walt Weiss seems like the stubborn old school type that might point to Axford’s closer experience.

Paul Sporer: God that’d suck. But a fair point to raise. I’m still putting my money on Ottavino. Maaaaaybe a cursory bid on Axford if I’m speculating for anything

Comment From Metsfan
Better hitter this season: Wilmer Flores or Bartolo Colon?

:

Sexy.

Paul Sporer: Colon obv.

Comment From Mosbybelkin
I know you’re probably already tired of this question, but a week in who are some relievers you’d stash in hopes of saves in a league where all closers and guys like Ottavino, Romo, and even Evan Marshall are owned?

Paul Sporer: It’s really tough because as you say, the shaky spots are locked up. I gave a few ALers early – Tazawa, Kela

Comment From Randy
I know that it’s super early, but which pitcher (if any) have you changed your mind on the most based on his performance so far this year?

Paul Sporer: No one, really. I’m not going to be swayed off so little just yet.

Comment From Chad B
House or Jimmy Nelson in 12 team league?

Paul Sporer: I’ve got House higher. Difference isn’t that wide, though

Comment From David
I have Cecil, Soria, Allen and Betances. Should I grab Castro or do you see Cecil earning the job back?

Paul Sporer: I can see him getting it back. I think you’ve still got 2.5 closers. Maybe a high-teens bid on Castro in case people go low, but I wouldn’t go hard

Comment From Jon F.
I picked up De Aza early in the season as a bench OF and I also just grabbed Travis Snider. Gotta drop one…Cant have too many Orioles.

Paul Sporer: LOL, I go Snider

Comment From Minty
When should I consider stashing Seager, Thor, and Sano? Our bench is small, but all 3 could help late this year.

Paul Sporer: Never, after April, after May

Comment From Scary Gary
Thanks for doing this Paul! Last one: looking to drop one of Buchholz (6), Gausman (7), Norris (10), Beltran (12), or Lindor (1) in a keeper league for Ottavino. Which one?

Comment From Scary Gary
(Norris=Daniel Norris)

Paul Sporer: Lindor. I know he’s a buck, but I’m not sure he hits on arrival

Comment From Eric
Joey Votto is proving all your haters wrong. He’s even stolen 2 bases, what we probably expected out of him in an entire season.

Paul Sporer: It’s still early. But yeah, I love him. Got him in 5 leagues!

Comment From TheTinDoor
SP Guide Tiers had: Fiers, Paxton, S.Greene, Pomeranz, J.Nelson. How would you order 1 week into the season?

Paul Sporer: I don’t do an update because I don’t have a great way to dispense it (working on that for next year so I can just update ’em regularly). But anyway I do personal updates, obviously, and I ended with Greene 63, Pomeranz 69, Paxton 71, and Nelson 91. I’m still there with the four

Comment From Randy
You’re the man, Paul! Thanks.

Paul Sporer: Thank you!

Comment From LMB
what about betancourt or axford in Colorado?

Paul Sporer: They’re there being annoying as potential roadblocks to Ottavino. But honestly, it’s probably in COL’s best interests to use one of them and let Ottavino continue to be the 7th-8th inning fireman since those are usually the biggest fires. I wouldn’t touch Axy or Betancourt unless I could just bench ’em. Don’t want to have to use em

Comment From Danimal
Leonys martin getting robbed of a grand slam has ruined my day 🙁

Paul Sporer: Awww maaaaannnn, haven’t seen highlights yet. Devon Travis deserved a freakin triple in Baltimore today. That was a horseshit error.

Comment From Minty
10 team 30 player hybrid dynasty with inflation. I want to stash Sano, but is it too early, IE is September a best bet?

Paul Sporer: Yeah, probably too early. Just wait a while. If he starts going BANANAS in the minors, you can move sooner, but otherwise I’m not looking until late-May

Comment From Son of Satan
Lagares or Marisnik 15 team roto redraft?

Paul Sporer: Lagares for me

Comment From bearproof
Does Colon have a chance to eat 300 wins?

Paul Sporer: He already has. He has logged 205 of ’em, but he just flat out ate the other 95

Comment From Ben
Thoughts one Daniel Norris this year? Can he have a season like Stromans 2014?

Paul Sporer: He certainly *can*, but I wouldn’t bet on it out of the gate. It’s just too big of an expectation from where he came (virtually no high minor exp., plus a walk issue)

Comment From Guest
Is Dallas Kuechel going to continue doing this Brandon Webb impression?

Paul Sporer: Yes. I bought in on both HOU SPs (McHugh being the other). I think both are legit af

Comment From Minty
What do you think of Alex Guerrero?

Paul Sporer: He can hit. We’ll see what kinda PT he’s in line for. Uribe isn’t DL’d yet

Comment From LMB
do you think maybin will see more regular playing time. is he worth a FAAB bid?

Paul Sporer: Yes. Really depends on league. It’d take an NL only or a deep mixer.

Comment From Steve Jeltz
Jon Gray might be starting on Wednesday

Paul Sporer: That’d be hot. Afternoon or evening? I have softball on Wednesdays. I prefer debuts to come ANY other night of the week, lol

Comment From Ben
Daniel Norris or Archie Bradley?

Paul Sporer: Archie has the higher upside

Comment From Todd
Kershaw or Scherzer RoS in 5×5 roto?

Paul Sporer: Still Kershaw, but it’s close. Scherzer definitely vying for that overall #2 spot (we’ll see how Felix’s quad is) with Price, a healthy Sale, Kluber, and his teammates Stras and JZ. All could get that #2 spot

Comment From brad
alex guerrero run with 3b job?

Paul Sporer: See several other comments on Guerrero above. I know you might’ve missed ’em, but we’ve had some Guerrero discussion earlier!

Comment From Alan
Thoughts on Y Petit? Worth using a spot to stash?

Paul Sporer: Meh. I just don’t buy him as a starter. I think he’s best as that multi-inning fireman. I don’t think he can make it through lineups three times. He can’t get lefties out for one and he’s a homer machine.

Comment From Todd
Should I be worried about Rizzo?

Paul Sporer: Why? Bc he K’d thrice today? Oh his AVG? C’mon.

Comment From sandlot
looking to drop gyorko at MI. Options availible are d santana, j ramirez, iglesiais, lowrie, travis. Looking for sb, any other categories are a plus. Thanks.

Paul Sporer: If you’re looking for SBs, Santana, Travis, and Iglesias are your choices. Ramirez isn’t a bad choice, but he’s more power-speed with a bit of each as opposed to pure burner.

Comment From Larry
Rank for the rest of the year between: Soria, Castro, Famillia

Paul Sporer: You just did!

Comment From Alan
Need to cut Eovaldi or B Norris to make room for Homer Bailey. Which one?

Paul Sporer: Norris for sure

Comment From Phil
Where would you rank Vogt at the Catcher position?

Paul Sporer: Now that he has C-elig, he’s top 15 with Gomes and Jaso shelved

Comment From Aaron
What do you think is Tim Beckhams fantasy upside?

Paul Sporer: Same as any guy with Lamar as his middle name.

Paul Sporer: OK, that’s obscure. Some might not even get that. Anyway, it’s like a 12 HR-15 SB kinda guy.

Comment From Guest
Take this with a grain of salt, but looking at the Pitch F/X data, Greene’s arsenal is kinda….Kluberish. I’ll show my self out.

Paul Sporer: Hahaha, you’re not the first. In fact, Ray Flowers actually deemed him his “next Kluber” in terms of a later round guy who could make a huge leap. Jason and I touted him in the AL Central preview ep back in February. I’m huge on this guy. It’s an added benefit that he’s a Tiger

Comment From EW
All else equal, what’s more valuable: A HR or a SB?

Paul Sporer: HR. Contributes to everything else, too – it’s a hit, run, and at least one RBI

Comment From Minty
Semien or Jhonny for my MI/Tulo backup for when he gets hurt

Paul Sporer: Jhonny

Comment From Ben
Should I buy into Devon Travis as a solid average second baseman this year?

Paul Sporer: It’s mixed. He’s coming right from AA, but he’s 24 so it’s not a huge deal. The prospect community is split on him. I’ve never not seen him hit in the handful of appearances I’ve seen. I know I’m back-&-forth here, but I’m just not totally sold yet. 2B is deep enough that you can take a shot and if it fizzles, there will be a fix available

Comment From Pete
Setting up my contingency plan in case Alvarez misses time (MRI on his elbow), how would you rank these replacement options – Masterson, Worley, Despaigne, Feldman, Happ, Iglesias.

Paul Sporer: Happ, Iglesias, Worley, Masterson, Despaigne, leave the spot open, put a hitter in the spot, Feldman

Comment From Rhonda
Thoughts on who the surprise death is in season 5 Game of Thrones?

Paul Sporer: Tina?

Comment From Cidron
Got a team with a roster full of DL-stars (10 dl in total). Ride it out, or drop and hope? If I drop, likely they will fall to other teams.

Comment From Cidron
re: question about multiple dl. its a 16 team mix hth

Paul Sporer: Well who are you trying to cut? Who would you pick up? I’m a bit confused here

Comment From John
Jake Marisnick… He has some believers, and he’s having a great start. Buying in?

Paul Sporer: Meh, not yet. If he’s got a markedly lower K rate after 25 games or so, I’ll take a look

Comment From Hold the Pickles
Thoughts on Kiermeir? He’s been better than Eaton. Worth keeping for ROS?

Paul Sporer: Check above a bit.

Comment From brad
tj vs minn walker vs lad or go Boxberger as 3rd closer? thanks

Paul Sporer: Boxy

Comment From John
Paul, Pauly, Pauuuul… Would you mind giving your thoughts on House, McAllister and when should we expect Ottavino to be the closer in COL? Good day sir

Paul Sporer: House and McAllister faced a really difficult team. I’m unchanged on both. I like House a good bit. I’m not yet as sold on McAllister as everyone else, but paying attention

Comment From Brian
how would u rank RoS 5×5 mixed: AJ Pollock, Adam Eaton, & Steven Souza? Thanks

Paul Sporer: Just like that.

Comment From CuriousGeorge
I have catcher health issues (Gomes, Vazquez)… Is Roberto Perez worth a few FAAB $ or should I go after Lavarnway or JR Murphy?

Paul Sporer: I’d throw a couple bucks on Perez

Comment From Tom
Am I over-reacting on Hutchison? I have H. Bailey waiting on the DL, and Hutchison seems just like last year, awesome or really, really bad. Is he rosterable or should I cut him loose and hope to stream him?

Paul Sporer: I’d figure something else out for Bailey. Love Bailey, but a big Hutch fan, too. Baltimore is REALLY good.

Comment From BG3
Can Eovaldi be trusted this year? I know supposedly he might have a split change down, but he doesn’t get a lot of strikeouts and Yankee is death for lefties. Worth holding onto in 10 team 5X5?

Paul Sporer: He’s streamable in 10 teamer

Comment From Bubbalo colon
12 team mixed Who has the better year: Hammel,Greene, or Pomerantz?

Paul Sporer: They’re all in the same tier, tbh, so it’s really tight. I’d go Greene, but all three interest me

Comment From CuriousGeorge
Would love some guidance on these scrubs this week: Eraser, May or Detwiler… Who (save me) do I roll the dice with this week?

Paul Sporer: if you’re rolling the dice, take a shot on May.

Comment From TheTinDoor
Kimmy Schmidt keeps getting funnier by the episode. “Unbreakable…they’re alive, dammit!”

Paul Sporer: I can’t wait to continue. I’m about 4 in. Baseball takes a lot of time (not that I’m complaining at all!! but my TV queue piles up)

Comment From Chevy
Carson Smith has some filthy stuff, might climb fast up RP ranks

Paul Sporer: Good name for sure.

Comment From Dave
hey Paul, I am in a weekly lineup points league… should I start RA Dickey and James Paxton getting to two starts each or James Shields (vs. Cubs) and/or Lance Lynn or Michael Wacha (at home vs Milwaukee and Cincy respectively) who each get one? Thanks!

Paul Sporer: In points you gotta go with 2-start guys if they’re solid or better. Both of those guys are solid or better. I have a hard time sitting Shields, but I think the 2-start guys are the way to go. TB-ATL is tasty for Dickey

Comment From Feeding the Abscess
Still bullish on Hutchison? His velocity is down to start the season, and I’m looking in Carlos Martine’s direction after watching him against the Reds.

Paul Sporer: I’m still holding firm after just two starts. If you’re ready to pull this quick of a trigger on Hutch, then CMart will infuriate you

Comment From KP
Trying to decide which 2B to own in a 12 team mix: Devon Travis, Giavotella, Aaron Hill, LeMahieu, Alex Guerrero, or Valbuena in 5×5 OBP league

Paul Sporer: Valbuena or Guerrero for pure value. Travis gets some consideration if SBs are a major need

Comment From Tom
Hutchison or DeSclafani?

Paul Sporer: Hutch.

Comment From John
Chris Heston got the “Matt Shoemaker of 2015” bold prediction in the preseason. Can you see it?

Paul Sporer: I mean, sure, because that’s a low bar in terms of type – former modest prospect gets better with age and finds command for success. The thing is, these kinds of guys are this era’s version of the random middle infielders who were popping 15 HR a year because HRs were so prevalent. Like Randy Velarde.

Comment From STS
Should I start Hutch Tor. P or Pineda NYY P next week? Not worried about wins. Need ERA, Whip and K’s per 9.

Paul Sporer: Pineda. I prefer Pineda to Hutch overall. Pineda passed Hutch in my final rundown of tiers for my last few drafts, though they’re in the same tier

Comment From John
Do you envision pre September call ups for Carlos Correra or Byron Buxton? Also, when do you expect the Rusney Castillo call up? Thank you!

Paul Sporer: No. Castillo will be up this month, I’d bet.

Comment From brad
Sun night chat great idea thanks. when bailey comes back would you cut house, walker or brett Anderson?

Paul Sporer: Thanks! I thought people would find it useful and then FG gave me the green light! I’d say House. Gotta ride Anderson while healthy.

Comment From sandlot
thoughts on cj cron, hold or drop?

Paul Sporer: if he was drafted, it’s means it’s a deeper enough league that he’s worth at least a hold.

Comment From the greek
how do i build a sweet team on diamond dynasty, mlb show?

Paul Sporer: Get lucky, tbh! My Trout and Tulo Diamond cards came as game rewards, one of which was a freakin loss!! I also got 12,000 stubs for ordering the 10th anniversary edition. That helped me get some packs to get going. I wouldn’t advocate dropping a ton on it since it’s a $65 game already and building the team is the fun, but if you really plan on playing it all summer, spend $10-15 for some stubs to get some packs.

Comment From Cidron
re: the dl question earlier. No particular targets, but I have 10 on my dl, with only two dl slots. If I cut, I likely wont see many of the ten, given its 16 team, and they pretty much are weiters, Rendon, Ryu, YanGomes, Uehara, Bailey, and others in that range.. Ride it out, or do some drop/replaces — hth

Paul Sporer: You already have 10 guys on the DL and you can only bench 2? you must start cutting them. That’s way too many. You can’t afford to get behind in all the counting numbers

Comment From Jeff
Jesse Hahn or Shane Greene

Paul Sporer: Greene

Comment From the greek
you think your boy inanetta bounces back?

Paul Sporer: It’s too early to suggest he needs to bounce back from anything

Comment From the greek
tj house a drop after today?

Paul Sporer: No, it was one start v. a great offense

Comment From Burt
What were your thoughts on Chase Anderson’s first start?

Paul Sporer: I didn’t get to see it, unfortunately

Comment From Tubbs et al.
Joe Buck, Joe Morgan, and Joey Gallo split the $30 cost of a hotel “suite” with each paying $10. The hotel manager forgot that he hadn’t given Joey Gallo his $5 discount that is given to all current MLB players, so he gives the money to a bellboy to run it up to them. The bellboy realizes that $5 can’t be split equally among them, so he gives only $3 back to them and keeps $2 for himself. Since each of Joe Buck, Joe Morgan, and Joey Gallo received $1 back, they only paid $9 each for the room ($10 – $1). Altogether, the Joe’s paid $27 towards the room, and the bellboy kept $2 for himself.

But if the Joe’s paid $30 originally to the hotel manager, and only $29 can be accounted for by the Joe’s partially refunded payments and the bellboy’s stealing, what happened to the extra $1?

Paul Sporer: I think you’re looking for Cistulli’s chat

Comment From Matt
It is a little known fact that there is an asylum dedicated to people who have gone mad trying to understand or figure out Clay Buchholz. The Red Sox try to keep it under wraps.

Paul Sporer: I feel like I’ve got it nailed: he’s not very good.

Comment From Bombo Rivera
How innings do you think we get out of CMART this year? With that CH up improving he could breakout

Paul Sporer: He’s a breakout candidate, but needs plenty to go right. I’d plan for about 120

Comment From the greek
corbin a no brainer stash if i have a dl spot?

Paul Sporer: Yeah, if you can afford it

Comment From EW
Do you think Rosario or Stubbs will see legit playing time in CO before June? Seems like Morneau trade / OF injury are reasonably likely soon.

Paul Sporer: No, they’re short-side platoons.

Comment From Todd
Billy Hamilton or Mookie Betts in a 5×5 roto keeper? Hamilton right now and Betts later?

Paul Sporer: I’m a Mookie guy.

Comment From John
Re: The Heston-Shoemaker prediction, thanks for the response, but can you see it, as in Heston puts up Shoemaker’s points (points league)

Paul Sporer: I wouldn’t bet on it. Maybe a lesser version – 3.60 ERA, 1.20 WHIP.

Comment From Paul
I need to start 2 of these 3 next week in the outfield: Guerrero, Arcia, Victorino. Who would you take?

Paul Sporer: Guerrero and Arcia

Comment From Tubbs et al.
What is the background behind your surname? I’ve never heard it before.

Paul Sporer: Croatian, I believe

Comment From Hold the Pickles
Is Mark Canha addable?

Paul Sporer: Depends on league. Might just be a lefty-killer.

Comment From TheTinDoor
Can’t wait to hear you give Jason hell tonight about Suckholz

Paul Sporer: It’s coming!

Comment From John
If Alcantra secures a starting gig, is he a must add and play?

Paul Sporer: Definitely. I think he’s an add in many formats already, but with a spot, he’s obviously an auto-get

Comment From John
I know you had high hopes for Napoli after his surgery, and i know it’s only one week, but are you seeing anything to lead you to believe he’s improved, and that we should expect a better season than previous years?

Paul Sporer: I’ve only seen a handful of ABs. Nothing to get hung about.

Comment From Pale Hose
Paul coming up on two hours!

Paul Sporer: I’m a beast in that regard.

Comment From hondo
i picked up gose for cuddyer in 6×6 ops league, how’d i do?

Paul Sporer: Might be a little premature. I do like Gose, but Cuddy ain’t no joke, even out of Coors.

Comment From Sam
In Ottoneu FG Points, do you like Pomeranz or DeSclafini more?

Paul Sporer: Pomy

Comment From Steven Biel
20 team unlimited keeper points league. When Smyly comes off the DL, I’ll keep one of these: TJ House, Nate Karns, or JA Happ. Who do you like?

Paul Sporer: Happ.

Comment From Re: Tubbs
There is obviously no extra dollar, so the question is misleading.

Paul Sporer: Haha

Comment From the greek
what percent chance does osuna have to pull off some betances numbers? thanks

Paul Sporer: 2%, but he can be a solid RP

Comment From the greek
strategy question….would you rather have a fridge starter like a dickey/miley or a solid k middle relief like delgado/osuna for a roto (k/9) league? thanks

Paul Sporer: How deep is the league? Calling them fringe makes me think it’s a 10-teamer, but I’d still prefer the SPs. Miley over Dickey

Comment From Marco
In a points format where saves count twice what holds do, how would you rank Cecil, Romo and Ottavino going forward. I will need to drop one in the next couple weeks. And would you add Peralta over any of them right now despite his lesser skills?

Paul Sporer: I’d keep those three over Peralta. I honestly don’t think you can pick which to cut until it becomes the time. A lot can change for all three in that time. Ottavino could be closing and frankly, so could Cecil.

Comment From Marco
What do you make of Joe Kelly’s phenomenal start yesterday? Has he harnessed his skills to go with that voluminous vela?

Paul Sporer: He did yesterday. We just can’t make too much of one start. Look at those who went nuts on Buchholz after he beat PHI

Comment From John
How worried, if at all, after Mat Latos’ abysmal performance last week?

Paul Sporer: It sucks bc it was REALLY bad and the velo is still an issue. But he succeeded sans the velo last year so I think he has the stuff to do so if he keeps the ball down

Paul Sporer: OK y’all, I gotta get going. I have a podcast to record before Mad Men!