Take 10 with Tim – April 25, 2025 – 9:30/8:30 am
Microsoft Teams Invite:
1.Well, that didn’t take long. After only 32 games in the minor leagues, the Athletics had seen enough and promoted Nick Kurtz to the Majors. He already has his first hit. How many more?
a.Stat line for 2025: AB, HR, RBI, BA
b.My buddy Agustin Ramirez finally got the call and promptly went 5 for 8 in his first two games. I think this guy hits and pop.
i.Your thoughts?
c.Surprisingly, the Rays promoted Chandler Simpson to the show and there was no word of a 8-year, $10 million contract that he signed.
i.Over-under 40 stolen bases.
d.Give me two or three of the next prospects you think will get the call?

2.I read yesterday that Triston Casas is moving his hands around trying to find something that works as he’s off to a brutal start to the season. He’s had two home runs since the change. Just luck, or perhaps he found something?
a.In looking at the data, his hard hit rates are about the same, and his strikeout rate is down. It might be that his .193 BABIP needs to be corrected.

3.PCA appears to be breaking out as the power I discussed when he was a prospect appears to be emerging. The hard hit rates and exit velo are all solid-average.
a.Stat line for 2025: HR, SB, and BA

4.Let’s take a look at the standings – just looking for surprise starts (both good and bad) and do you think they will stay that way.
a.American League
b.National League

5.We talked about rookies a lot because everyone knows Mookie Betts is good. I forgot who you picked for ROY, so I’ll let you complete a do-over if you want. One favorite and one deep sleeper
a.ROY for the AL
b.ROY for the NL

6.AJ Puk appears to be seriously hurt as he’s seeking a second opinion about his left elbow. Are you shifting to Justin Martinez?

7.Let’s look at the Top 15 players according to baseballsavant in Barrels per plate appearances.



8.Kumar Rocker got rocked again on Wednesday and didn’t get out of the second inning. Is it time to move on from him? How worried should Dynasty League managers be?

9.What one hitter are you looking to add in this weekend’s FAAB?

10.What one pitcher are you looking to add in this weekend’s FAAB?

Fantasy Baseball Live – April 20, 2025 – 3 pm

Segment 1 – Review this weekend’s games


Segment 2 – Waiver Wire


Segment 3 – Closer Report

Take 10 with Tim – April 18, 2025 – 9:30 am. We will use Microsoft Teams


1.The Cubs demoted Matt Shaw this week after getting off to a tough start, where he only hit .172 in 18 games.
a.It appears Gage Workman will be on the strong side of a platoon with Jon Berti. Workman is a Rule-5 guy I recommended during the Spring because I thought he’d get a shot. Any chance for success here?
b.If we’re taking Matt Shaw’s demotion, one has to wonder when the Nationals will pull the plug on Dylan Crews. Crew’s performance makes Matt Shaw look like an All-Star.

2.Spencer Strider returns to the mound after almost a year to the day of his TJS.
a.Were you encouraged? 5.0 IP, 5 hits, 2 ER, 5K/1BB. Fastball was a tad off – down 0.9 MPH

3.Surprising Starts - Sell High or hold what you got
a.Tyler Soderstrom (ATH) – 76 PA, 8 HR, 17 RBI, .324 BA, 14K/8BB
b.Spencer Torkelson (Det) – 79 PA, 6 HR, 14 runs, 13 RBI, .275 BA, 25K/9BB
c.Matt Mervis (Mia) – 45 PA, 6 HR, 12 RBI, .275 BA, 18K/4BB
d.Ben Rice (NYY) – 65 PA, 5 HR, 2 SB, 12 runs, 7 RBI, .273 BA, 15K/10BB
e.Kameron Misner (TB) – 49 PA, 3 HR, 1 SB, 9 runs, 10 RBI, .395 BA, 8K/3BB
f.Trent Grisham (NYY) – 44 PA, 4 HR, 10 RBI, 10 Runs, .308 BA, 8K/4BB
g.Pete Crow Armstrong (CHC) – 89 PA, 15 runs, 10 RBI, 3 HR, 7 SB, .259 BA, 22K/5BB
h.Trevor Story (Bos) – 80 PA, 3 HR, 6 SB, .299 BA, 24K/3BB
i.Geraldo Perdomo (AZ) – 79 PA, 9 runs, 16 RBI, 3 HR, 2 SB, .311 BA, 5K/13BB
j.Jung Hoo Lee (SF) – 76 PA, 19 runs, 14, RBI, 3 HR, 3 SB, .338, 12K/7BB

4.The Brewers traded for Quinn Priester, and he responded with an impressive win on Tuesday against the Tigers. Granted, it was the Tigers, but I wrote a long post about him to our Patreon members, indicating that the data looked pretty good. Was this just a lucky outing or do you think it’s sustainable?

5.The Dodgers are handling their pitching staff as we suggested. They are using that fifth spot in the rotation, soon to be sixth as a minor league start. They’ve used Justin Wrobleski, Bobby Miller, and Landon Knack. Knack has pitched the best. Is he worth a grab, or with Ohanti and Gonsolin due back, should you avoid the entire situation?

6.I saw where you were able to trade for Shane Baz in our Dynasty League and, surprisingly, it didn’t cost you much. Were you surprised?

a.What do you think the upside is with Baz this season and in Dynasty Leagues?

7.Let’s take a look at the standings – just looking for surprise starts (both good and bad) and do you think they will stay that way.
a.American League
b.National League

8.I know we don’t have regrets, but I want two anyway.

a.Who do you wish you had left on the draft table for someone else?
b.Who should you have drafted and didn’t?

9.What one hitter are you looking to add in this weekend’s FAAB?

10.What one pitcher are you looking to add int his weekend’s FAAB?

The following players are discussed:
1. C.J. Kayfus (CLE)
2. Kemp Alderman (MIA)
3. Cristian Hernandez (CHC)
4. Luis Pena (Mil)
5. Bubba Chandler (Pit)
6. Ben Hess (NYY)

Fantasy Baseball Live – April 13, 2025 – 2:00 pm

Segment 1 – Review of the weekend games
Additional Questions:
1.Wilmer Flores hits his sixth home run yesterday. Is this anything more than a hot start?
2.Paul Goldschmidt is off to a great start, or at least he’s posted a great BA of .365 and hitting in a lot in the leadoff spot, has seven runs. Unfortunately, he’s only hit one home run. Rebirth in New York or a 37-year-old in decline?
3.JT Ginn pitched a gem on Saturday against the Mets. It’s a power-sinker with a true outpitch, but I’m assuming he’ll be on your waiver wire.
4.It’s been a long wait for Matt Mervis, but he hit his fourth home run on Saturday and is hitting .300 for the Marlins. There are players better than him in the minor leagues, but he’s not giving up the ghost. Is he the first baseman for the Marlins all season long?
5.Impressed with Trevor Story’s start? .255/.340/.734, 2 HR, 6 SB, 8 runs, 10 RBIs?
6.What stat line impresses you the most?
a. (I’ll go through some of the leaders in HR, SB, etc… to see who is off to the most impressive/surprising start of the season?
7.Luis Ortiz was impressive on Saturday. 5.2 IP, 1 hit, 1 ER, 10K/2BB

Segment 2 - Waiver Wire

Segment 3 – Closer Report

Close

Take 10 with Tim – April 11, 2025 – 9:30/8:30 am

1.Pitchers off the great starts. Are you a believer?
a.Hunter Greene (Cin, 3, ADP=26 starting pitcher) – 17.1 IP, 2 wins, 23K, 1.31 ERA, 0.629 WHIP
b.Kris Bubic (KC, 108, 4) – 12.2 IP, 2 wins, 16K, 0.71 ERA, 0.868 WHIP
c.Spencer Schwellenbach (ATL, 25, 20) – 20 IP, 1 win, 19K, 0.45 ERA, 0.286 WHIP
d.Jack Leiter (Tex, 160, 25) – 10 IP, 2 wins, 10K/1BB, 0.90 ERA, 0.700 WHIP
e.Casey Mize (Det, 145, 30) – 11.2 IP, 2 wins, 12K, 0.77 ERA, 0.943 WHIP
f.Chris Bassett (Tor, 100, 48) – 12.2 IP, 1 win, 16K, 0.71 ERA, 1.105 WHIP

2.Pitchers off the poor starts. Are you worried?
a.Chris Sale (ATL, 8, 146) – 14.2 IP, 3 GS, 0 wins, 17K, 6.75 ERA, 1.364 WHIP
b.Dylan Cease (SD, 12, 114) – 14.2 IP, 3 GS, 1 win, 18K, 7.98 ERA, 1.568 WHIP
c.Bailey Ober (Min, 21, 349) – 12.2 IP, 3 GS, 0 win, 12K, 7.11 ERA, 2.400 WHIP
d.Aaron Nola (PHI, 22, 210) – 11.1 IP, 2 GS, 0 win, 10K, 6.35 ERA, 1.235 WHIP
e.Tanner Bibee (CLE, 27, 220) – 9.2 IP, 2 GS, 1 win, 6K, 6.52 ERA, 1.345 WHIP

3.I thought Justin Verlander had fallen too much in drafts, but maybe there’s nothing left. He’s getting beat up pretty well so far.
a.Time to move on?

4.Kyren Paris continues to make baseball look easy. He hit two home runs on Wednesday and has five for the season, to go along with four stolen bases. He’s also hitting .440. WOW!
a.He’s played a little 2B and CF this season, but Rengifo is back. Can they sit this guy? If no, where does he play?
b.As I asked last week, is this for real or just a hot streak?

5.Vlad Jr. signs a megadeal with the Blue Jays for 14 years and $500 million.
a.Is this the latest Mike Trout type of deal – meaning, he’ll make a lot of money but never win much?

6.Wyatt Langford hits the IL with an oblique injury. They say it won’t be long, but that’s usually not the case. Dustin Harris gets the call.
a.Will he get enough at-bats to warrant looking at in a fantasy league?
b.The data doesn’t look good on this guy, so I’ve soured. But perhaps I’m wrong.

7.Justin Steele has been placed on the IL after a great outing against the Rangers. However, the velo was down, and he was diagnosed with elbow tendinitis.
a.He was drafted as a top 40 starter, maybe more, so this one hurts. Any thoughts on who a fantasy manager should pick up?
b.What will the Cubs do?


8.Pablo Lopez hits the IL with a hamstring injury. The Twins are deep in starting pitching in the minor leagues with Zebby Matthews, David Festa, and Marco Raya available.
a.Who are speculating on?
b.Hamstring injuries can be bad, but unless you’re Mike Trout, a return in two or three weeks is reasonable. Would you spend a ton of FAAB here?

9.What hitter are you going to target for this weekend’s FAAB?

10.What pitcher are you going to target for this weekend’s FAAB?

The following players are discussed:
1. Nick Kurtz (ATH)
2. Travis Bazzana (CLE)
3. Zyhir Hope (LAD)
4. Franklin Arias (BOS)
5. Luinder Avila (KC)
6. Chase Burns (CIN)

Fantasy Baseball Live – April 6, 2025

Segment 1 and 2 - Review the weekend games
Additional Questions
1.Chase Dollander gets the call and pitches today…well, now.
2.Sugano had a solid outing on Saturday. 5.1 IP, 5 hit, 1 hit, 4K/1BB
a.Jackson Holiday, with three more hits, is now hitting .333. Much better than last season!
3.There was no love for Eduardo Rodriguez entering this season and while he gave up four runs in five innings to the Nationals, he also struck out 12.
a.Thoughts on E-Rod for the season?
4.Matthew Boyd had a great outing on Saturday. 6.0 IP, 5 hits, 0 ER, 5K/1BB
5.The Brewers have struggled to score runs this season. Yelich is batting .107, Contreras .0978, and Hoskins .136. Somehow, they are 4-5 entering Sunday’s game.
6.The Braves finally won on Friday, but after Saturday’s loss, they are 1-8. They overachieved with Acuna last season. Are they underachieving so far in 2025?
7.Tanner Bibee got rocked by the Angels of all teams.
8.Jesse Winker went 2 for 4 with two triples. Kind of a weird stat line. Winker, in my view, is sneaky good as a fifth outfielder, but I don’t think the Mets agree as he’s clearly in a platoon role at DH with Starling Marte.

Segment 3 – Waiver Wire

Segment 4 – Closer Report

Close

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?

Fantasy Baseball Live – March 30, 2025

Segment 1 – Review of this weekend's games – Some notes
1.The Yankees beat the Brewers 20-9 on Saturday and hit nine home runs. Judge had three.

2.Eugenio Suarez is leading the league with four home runs. Jordan Westburg has three.

3.Jesus Luzardo with a strong outing for the Phillies. 5.0 IP, 2 hits, 2 ER, 11K/2BB

4.Rafael Devers has looked terrible in his first three games. He’s 0 for 13 with 10 strikeouts. He was shut down last season with shoulder issues and was late getting into games this spring. Now, he has been moved to DH, possibly permanently. Doesn’t feel good.

5.The Braves have not looked good in the first three games. Concerned?

6.Dylan Crews went 0 for 5 on Saturday, striking out five times. Yikes.

7.The Dodgers are 5-0. Will they ever lose a game?

Segment 2 – News and Notes
8.It’s now been four days. If you’re struggling, do you start to get aggressive on the waiver wire?

9.In those same four days, many players were injured. He’s just a few.

a.Max Scherzer is placed on the IL with a LAT strain, which he claims is related to his thumb issue. Okay…
i.Who gets his starts in Toronto? Yariel Rodriguez?? Any interest?

b.Gleybar Torres hit a home run and ran around the bases, limping with a hip injury. If he is placed on the injured list, who will be the pickup in Detroit?
i.Colt Keith back to second and Tork at first?

c.Trea Turner missed Saturday and Sunday’s game with lower back spasms. Who would be the pickup if he’s placed on the IL?

d.Josh Lowe hits the IL with a right oblique injury. I’m not sure who the pickup is, but I hope it’s Jose Caballero. He did play a little outfield this spring.

e.Jose Ramirez left Saturday’s game with a wrist sprain. Who you got with this one?

f.Remember my PSA on Mookie Betts. Well, he hit two home runs on Friday night. I guess he’s fine.


Segment 3 – Waiver Wire

Segment 4 – Closer Report



Fantasy Baseball Live – March 30, 2025

Segment 1 – Review of this weekend's games – Some notes
1.The Yankees beat the Brewers 20-9 on Saturday and hit nine home runs. Judge had three.

2.Eugenio Suarez is leading the league with four home runs. Jordan Westburg has three.

3.Jesus Luzardo with a strong outing for the Phillies. 5.0 IP, 2 hits, 2 ER, 11K/2BB

4.Rafael Devers has looked terrible in his first three games. He’s 0 for 13 with 10 strikeouts. He was shut down last season with shoulder issues and was late getting into games this spring. Now, he has been moved to DH, possibly permanently. Doesn’t feel good.

5.The Braves have not looked good in the first three games. Concerned?

6.Dylan Crews went 0 for 5 on Saturday, striking out five times. Yikes.

7.The Dodgers are 5-0. Will they ever lose a game?

Segment 2 – News and Notes
8.It’s now been four days. If you’re struggling, do you start to get aggressive on the waiver wire?

9.In those same four days, many players were injured. He’s just a few.

a.Max Scherzer is placed on the IL with a LAT strain, which he claims is related to his thumb issue. Okay…
i.Who gets his starts in Toronto? Yariel Rodriguez?? Any interest?

b.Gleybar Torres hit a home run and ran around the bases, limping with a hip injury. If he is placed on the injured list, who will be the pickup in Detroit?
i.Colt Keith back to second and Tork at first?

c.Trea Turner missed Saturday and Sunday’s game with lower back spasms. Who would be the pickup if he’s placed on the IL?

d.Josh Lowe hits the IL with a right oblique injury. I’m not sure who the pickup is, but I hope it’s Jose Caballero. He did play a little outfield this spring.

e.Jose Ramirez left Saturday’s game with a wrist sprain. Who you got with this one?

f.Remember my PSA on Mookie Betts. Well, he hit two home runs on Friday night. I guess he’s fine.


Segment 3 – Waiver Wire

Segment 4 – Closer Report