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

Take 10 with Tim – March 28, 2025 at 9:30 am ET, 8:30 am CT

1.Observations from the first day of games?
a.Did anything in particular performance stand out?

2.Kind of like Kristian Campbell, it just seemed like Cam Smith was going to go North with the Astros – Actually more West, as Houston is well west of West Palm Beach
a.Stat line for 2025 – AB, HR, RBI, and BA

3.Other interesting spring training decisions
a.Brett Baty wins the starting second baseman for the Mets. What are your thoughts on him this season? He had a great spring.
i.Luis Ángel Acuña made the Mets as a super-utility player. Any interest?
b.With Zack Gelof undergoing hamate surgery, Max Muncy (the other one) appears to have secured the second base job. Any interest?
c.Ben Rice made the team. He hits the ball hard, but will he get enough playing time?
d.It has been reported that Mookie Betts had an illness that caused him to lose 25 pounds. He wasn’t that big to begin with. If all this is true, fantasy managers might want to brace for some early power struggles. Your thoughts?

4.Cy Young, MVP, and ROY
a.Your Choice for AL and NL
b.Your sleeper choice for AL and NL

5.AL Playoff Predictions
a.Three divisional winners
b.Three wildcards
c.Jump up team – Who surprises and sticks in longer than people think

6.NL Playoff Predictions
a.Three divisional winners
b.Three wildcards
c.Jump up team – Who surprises and sticks in longer than people think

7.World Series Competitors – AL and NL

8.Who wins the World Series?

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

10.What pitcher are you targeting for this week's FAAB?

Fantasy Baseball Live – March 23, 2025 – 12 Noon ET

Segment 1 – News and Notes
1.Jackson Jobe has made the Tigers rotation out of camp. I’ve written about this numerous times to our Patreon members. One of my logic threads is Tarik Skubal only has two more years until free agency.
a.Stat line for 2025 – GS, ERA, Ks
2.Thario Estrada will miss 4 to 8 weeks with a fractured wrist after being hit by a Kumar Rocker fastball.
a.Do you think the Rockies will give Adael Amador a shot?
3.Shane McClanahan was removed from Saturday’s game due to a triceps injury. That’s a tough one, as he was drafted as a top-30 starter (7 to 8th round).
4.Who will be the starting second baseman for the Red Sox to begin the season?
5.Justin Martinez agreed to a 5-year, $18 million contract with the Diamondbacks. He’s been up to 102+ this spring.
a.Is he the closer in Arizona?
6.Julio Urias will be allowed to sign with any MLB team after the All-Star. He’s been suspended twice for domestic violence. Will anyone take a flyer? Would you run out and grab him in a Dynasty League if he’s available?
7.Ryan Weathers had looked promising for the Marlins this spring, but he’ll start the season on the injured list with a forearm strain.
a.If he comes back healthy, what type of season do you think he can have?

Segment 2 – Overreacting to Spring Training stats
1.Rhys Hoskins leads the league in home runs with six. He’s even batting .306.
a.Stat line for 2025: AB, HR, RBI, BA
2.Jackson Chourio posted an odd stat line: 21 for 44 (.477), 6 SB, and 0 HRs.
a.Is there anything to make of the lack of power?
3.Curtis Mead appears to have made the Rays out of camp, while Eloy Jimenez was told he won’t. He led the league with 21 hits, hitting .538 with a home run and a stolen base.
a.Does he get enough at-bats to contribute to a fantasy team?
4.Bo Bichette: 19 for 49 (.388), 4 home run, and 1 SB. He’s in a walk year, but you’ve been a long-time hater.
a.Are you sticking to your position, or do you think he’ll have a solid season?
5.Cody Bellinger has looked good—20 for 47 (.426) with three home runs. Yankee stadium should work for him.
a.Are you buying?
6.Josh Lowe – 18 for 43 (.419), 2 home runs, 7K/6BB
a.Time to get excited?
7.Cam Smith was 13 for 35 (.371) with a home run. He did strikeout 10 times. There’s a lot of love coming out of the Astros camp about Smith.
a.Everyone seems impressed. What about you? 2025 statline: AB, HR, RBI, and BA
8.Spencer Schwellenbach – 18.2 IP, 2.41 ERA, 26K/2BB
a.Is he ready to climb into the elite pitchers? He’s already going as the 31st pitcher off the board?
9.Clay Holmes – 19.1 IP, 0.93 ERA, 23K/9BB
a.Impressive spring. A few too many walks. What are you thinking for 2025?
10.Jack Leiter – 16.2 IP, 15 hits, 19K/9BB, 3.24 ERA
a.Jack Leiter or Kumar Rocker – Who do you want for 2025?

Segment 3 – Waiver Wire


Segment 5 – Closer Report


Close

Take 10 with Tim – March 21, 2025 – 8:30 am ET

1.What are your thoughts on the Japan Series?
a.Did you get up to watch it?
b.Roki Sasaki – five walks?
c.The Dodgers won relatively easily without Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman

2.Let’s talk about your Tout Wars team
a.League Draft Result - Fantrax

3.Let’s talk about your LABR Team
a.Fantasy Football Baseball Basketball and DFS | RealTime Fantasy Sports

4.Five Bold Predictions for the 2025 season
a.The Yankees will not make the playoffs

5.Second Bold Prediction
a.The Tigers will be the AL Representative in the WS

6.Third bold Prediction
a.Dylan Crews and Jason Dominguez will be first-round picks next season

7.Fourth bold prediction
a.Corbin Carroll will be the number one outfielder in fantasy baseball

8.Fifth bold prediction
a.Sugano will be a disaster with the Orioles moving him to the bullpen by May and good old Albert Suarez getting the starts.

9.What batter will you be targeting for this week’s FAAB?

10.Which pitcher will you target for this week’s FAAB?

Rich reviews 20+ rookies that he expects to have impact this season.

For the list of all 52 players, join our Patreon group at Patreon.com/prospect361

Tim and Rich finish their sleeper discussion

Fantasy Baseball Live – March 8, 2025 @ 8:30 am 1 to 1:15 hours

Segment 1 – News and Notes
1.Gerrit Cole hurts elbow and Kirby with shoulder on the IL.
2.Gunnar Henderson may start the season on the IL. Do you drop him from the first round?
3.Grayson Rodriguez velo was off on Wednesday and the team revealed a tricep issue. What do you do with him at the draft table?
4.Chase DeLauter is hurt again. That guy just an’t stay healthy. Will be out for 2 to 3 months after having surgery to repair a sports hernia.
5.Lawrence Butler signs a long-term deal with the Athletics. It’s good to see the Athletics lock up some of their young players.
6.Cam Smith continues to hit. Is there anyway he can force his way North with the Astros?
7.Curtis Mead is 14 for 18 this Spring. Can he push his way North?
8.Roki Sasaki looked great in his opener – touch 98 MPH.

Segment 2 – Closer Report
Tim will share his first Closer Report

Segment 3 – Our 2025 Sleepers (2 per position, a few more for OF and SP. Make one deep)
Mine are listed. If I take one of yours, it’s ok to double-down. Might be good. If we run out of time, we will continue next time.
•Catcher
oSleeper - Ivan Herrera (STL, 19th Catcher off the board)
oDeeper - Agustin Ramirez (Mia, 34th catcher off the board)
•First Base
oVinnie P (KC, 10)
oNick Kurtz (Oak, 43)
•Second Base
oJackson Holliday (Bal, 17)
oAdael Amador (Col, 62)
•Shortstop
oAnthony Volpe (NYY, 14)
oJordan Lawlar (AZ, 29)
•Third Base
oMatt Chapman (SF, 11)
oJose Tena (Was, 39)
•Outfield (3)
oDylan Crews (Was, 32)
oJacob Melton (Hou, 131)
oChandler Simpson (TB, 124)
•Pitcher (3)
oGavin Williams (Cle, 92)
oJustin Verlander (SF, 152)
oLuis Ortiz (Cle, 154)
oCaden Dana (LAA, 256)
oJR Ritchie (ATL, ND)
•Reliever
oI got nothing.

Segment 2 – Starting Pitcher Preview
1.How are you approaching this position for your upcoming drafts?
2.We will break down the top 30 to 45 in detail. Then, go through 30 or so in less detail. We will end by jumping around the remaining ranked players.
3.Which pitcher not in the Top 10 has a chance to emerge there next season?
4.Which Top 10 pitcher will not be there next season?
5.Give me a couple of sleepers
6.Give me one, maybe two guys you are just going to avoid drafting?

Segment 1 – Over-reacting to Spring Training stats. 
1.    Corbin Carroll (OF, AZ) – 6 for 10 with 3 home runs and 2 SB.
a.    He looks all the way back.  Would you move him up in the first round?

2.    Brett Baty (3B, NYM) – 7 for 12, 2 HR, 0K/1BB
a.    Is there room for Baty on the team?

3.    Cam Smith (3B, Hou) – 3 for 6, 2 HR
a.    He looked great after being drafted and keeps on hitting.

4.    Curtis Mead (2B, TB) – 10 for 12, 1 2B, 1 HR, 1 SB, 1K/1BB
a.    Holy moly…he’s hitting everything.  Is there room for Mead in Tampa?

5.    Thario Estrada (2B, Col) – 8 for15, 1K/0BB, 1 SB
a.    There was a lot of bounce-back buzz over the winter.  Is it playing out?

6.    Michael Busch (1B, CHC) – 9 for 18, 2 2B, 1 HR, 2K/1BB
a.    Will Busch take the next step in 2025?

7.    Kristian Campbell (2B/OF, Bos) – 0 for 9, 7K/0BB
a.    Yikes

8.    Heyseong Kim (2B, LAD) – 2 for 16, 1 HR, 7K/3BB
a.    Not the kind of start the Dodgers had hoped for.

9.    Cristopher Sanchez (LHP, Phi) – 4.0 IP, 2 hits, 0 ER, 7K/0BB
a.    He’s seen a significant increase in volume – up to 98 MPH.

10.    Zebby Matthews (RHP, Min) – 5.0 IP, 3 hits, 7K/0BB
a.    He’s throwing a bit hard and continues to throw strikes

11.    Cade Povich (LHP, Bal) – 5.0 IP, 1 hit, 0 ER, 7KK/1BB
a.    Control has been elusive, but in two starts, he’s looked good.

12.    Kumar Rocker (RHP, Tex) – 2.0 IP, 8 hits, 8 ER, 1 HR, 2K/2BB
a.    It’s been a tough start for Rocker


Segment 2 – Starting Pitcher Preview
1.    How are you approaching this position for your upcoming drafts?
2.    We will break down the top 30 to 45 in detail.  Then, go through 30 or so in less detail.  We will end by jumping around the remaining ranked players.
3.    Which pitcher not in the Top 10 has a chance to emerge there next season?
4.    Which Top 10 pitcher will not be there next season?
5.    Give me a couple of sleepers
6.    Give me one, maybe two guys you are just going to avoid drafting?