Take 10 with Tim – April 4, 2025

1.The talk all week has been about the Torpedo bat. It’s funny that Franciso Lindor used it all last season and was a Top 3 finalist in MVP, and nobody said a thing. But, the Yankees hit nine home runs in a game, and the whole world goes crazy. Three of them were hit by the Judge, who doesn’t use the bat.
a.Is this something that could make a real difference or just a blip like the hockey handle was a few years ago?

2.Overreacting to the first-week statistics. Can these players continue?
a.Eugenio Suarez (AZ, ADP=161, Ranked=7) – 5 HR, 1 SB, 11 RBI, 5 runs, .238 BA
b.Victor Scott (STL, 368.77, 38) – 1 HR, 4 SB, 5 RBI, 8 runs, .348 BA
c.Wilyer Abreu (Bos, 316.33, 42) – 2 HR, 1 SB, 6 RBI, 5 runs, .500 BA in only 14 ABs
d.Kyren Paris (LAA, 456.13, 78) – 1 HR, 3 SB, 3 RBI, 5 runs, .444 in 9 ABs
e.Jake Magnum (TB, Undrafted, 85) – 0 HR, 3 SB, 6 RBI, 5 runs, .533 BA in 15 ABs

3.Overreacting to the first-week statistics on the downside. Should we be worried?
a.Triston Casas (Bos, 116.19, 790) – 1 for 18, 9K/1BB
i.Francisco Lindor (14.5, 785) – 2 for 20, 1 SB, 6K/0BB
b.Carlos Correa (Min, 231.09, 783) – 2 for 25, 4K/1BB
c.Rafael Devers (Bos, 34, 782) – 3 for 27, 16K/5BB
d.Curtis Mead (TB, 476.70, 775) – 0 for 10, 3K/1BB after hitting .524 this spring
e.Dylan Crews (Was, 122.58, 773) – 0 for 18, 1 SB, 10K/1BB

4.What three players or teams are you worried about that I might not have listed above?

5.Jurickson Profar is suspended. Like…what? Is this still happening?
a.Who gets his playing time in Atlanta? Bryan De La Cruz? He’s 6% rostered in CBS

6.The Athletics cut ties with fantasy darling Esteury Ruiz, and the Dodgers trade for him. Why do I think he gets a shot as a fifth-outfielder type of player? Any interest in NL-only or deeper mixed leagues?

7.Dustin May pitched well earlier this week, but he got hit hard, and his velo is not what it was before his multiple surgeries. In 2023, his fastball averaged 97.3. On Monday, he averaged 95.4 MPH. It does appear he dropped his cutter and is now throwing he’s sweeper a ton. Given its spin and movement, it’s a devasting pitch.
a.Dunno, what do you think? Is this someone you start with confidence?

8.How about Casey Mize? He had a similar dominating outing as May and also, his stuff was not as hot as 2024. His fastball was down over a mile per hour. He did have crazy whiff rates on his pitches. His splitter, which has always been his best pitch, received a 71% whiff rate.
a.Now, here’s the rub, his opponent was the Mariners in Seattle. Same question with Mize, do you start him with confidence or maybe try to move him after his big start?

9.What hitter are you targeting for this weekend’s FAAB?

10.What pitcher are you targeting for this weekend’s FAAB?