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

1.James Wood is off to a phenomenal start with a .281 average, 10 home runs and five stolen bases. Where does he go in drafts next season?

2.With that as a background, it’s been six weeks, let’s draft the first round for the Rest of the Season.

1)Aaron Judge
2)Bobby Witt Jr.
3)Shohei Ohtani
4)Corbin Carroll
5)Juan Soto
6)Ella De La Cruz
7)Kyle Tucker
8)James Wood
9)Tarik Skubal
10)Gunnar Henderson
11)Tatis Jr.
12)Francisco Lindor
13)Jose Ramirez
14)Jackson Chourio
15)Pete Crow Armstrong

3.What three hitters are you the most disappointed in this season? Mine are the following:

a.Adley Rutschman – I was worried entering the season since he doesn’t hit the ball that hard, but I heard so many excuses from listeners, I believed them. But, he’s batting .212 with four home runs and 10 RBIs.
i.Remember Matt Weiters?
b.Yordan Alvarez – What the heck happened? .210 batting average and 3 home runs
c.Jordan Walker - .196, 2 home runs and 2 SB. You gotta hand it to the Cards, at least they are playing him. I fear this isn’t going to end well.

4.Noelvi Marte leaves Wednesday’s game with a grade two left oblique strain. Who gets his playing time?

5.There are rumors of Cade Horton getting a start soon for the Cubs. Are you interested?

6.Evan Carter is recalled. Any interest?

7.What one hitter will you be targeting in FAAB this weekend?
•Zach Dezenzo
8.What one pitcher will you be targeting in FAAB this weekend?
a.AJ Smith Shawver

Fantasy Baseball Live – May 4, 2025
Microsoft Teams:
Segments 1 and 2 – Reviewing the weekend games

Additional Notes:
1.Triston Casas appears to be out for the season due to a left patella tendon rupture. The Sox have dismissed the idea of moving Devers to first. How does the infield look after this injury?
a.Could they move Wilyer Abreu to first and promote Roman Anthony?
2.Jake Meyers had himself a game. He went 4 for 4 with 2 home runs and 7 RBIs. He’s still Jake Meyers, right?
3.Corbin Burnes has struggled this season and will now miss his next start. He’s got a 3.58 ERA (5.31 xERA) and only striking out 7.7 per nine.
4.Kyle Stowers had a big game on Saturday and is hitting .324 with six home runs entering games on Sunday. Surprised?
5.Kevin Gausman had a nice game Sunday, but is it me or can you trust this guy? He’s got a 3.86 ERA, but he seems to teeter on problems every outing.

Segment 3 – Waiver Wire

Segment 4 – Closer Report


Close

Take 10 with Tim – May 2, 2025 – 7:00/6:00 am
Microsoft Teams:
Podcast
Friday, May 2, 2025
7:00 AM - 8:30 AM
https://teams.live.com/meet/9344301938391?p=FbWCGwzXFMz4LKSw4a

1.Closers have once again been the bane of many fantasy managers' existence. I know I’m struggling. I have excellent teams in a couple of leagues, but my closers suck or are hurt. Last Sunday, I spent a fortune on Will Vest in Detroit as it looked like he had the job. Now, maybe he doesn’t.
a.What’s your advice for me and others who are struggling?
b.Should managers go for the hot potential closer like Vest or instead spend less on setup guys?

2.Potential young breakout pitchers. Who are you buying? We will talk about each and then I’ll have you order them in how you like them for the rest of the season and then their careers?
a.Brandon Pfaadt (AZ, age=26, rank=18) – 6 GS, 5 wins, 2.78 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 29Ks/4BB in 35.2 IP
b.Jesus Luzardo (PHI, 27, 15) – 6 GS, 3 wins, 1.73 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 41K/10BB in 36.1 IP
c.McKenzie Gore (Was, 26, 26) – 7 GS, 2 wins, 3.51 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 59K/9BB in 41 IP
d.Max Meyer (Mia, 26, 37) – 6 GS, 2 wins, 3.18 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 47K/11BB in 34 IP
e.Casey Mize (Det, 28, 42) – 5 GS, 4 wins, 2.12 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 23K/7BB in 29.2 IP

3.Potential young breakout pitchers. Who are you buying? We will talk about each and then I’ll have you order them in how you like them for the rest of the season and then their careers?
a.Pete Crow Armstrong (CHC, 23, 10) - 6 HR, 12 SB, 23 runs, 21 RBI, .315 BA
b.Tyler Soderstrom (ATH, 23, 50) – 9 HR, 1 SB, 20 runs, 24 RBI, .349 BA
c.Spencer Torkelson (Det, 25, 65) – 8 HR, 1 SB, 20 runs, 24 RBI, .359 BA
d.Wilyer Abreu (Bos, 25, 78) – 6 HR, 4 SB, 18 runs, 21 RBI, .295 BA
e.Ben Rice (NYY, 26, 113) – 8 HR, 2 SB, 22 runs, 13 RBI, .266 BA

4.In doing the research for the potential breakouts, two players caught my eye. What do you think about these two:
a.JP Sears (ATH, 29, 33) – 6 GS, 4 wins, 2.94 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 30K/6BB in 33.2 IP
b.Griffin Canning (NYM, 28, 40) – 6 GS, 4 wins, 2.61 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 31K/14BB in 31 IP
5.Lance McCullers Jr (Remember him?) will make his 2025 debut on Sunday against the White Sox. I’m assuming you have to start him, but is there anything there with this kid or is it impossible to tell?
a.Ranger Suarez also makes his debut on Sunday against the Diamondbacks. Are you starting him?
b.ROS – McCullers or Suarez?

6.Over/Under game
a.Aaron Judge: AL MVP – more yes or no
b.Oneil Cruz: 1st round pick in 2026 – more yes or no
c.Corbin Carroll: 25-25 season
d.Kyle Manzardo: 30 HRs
e.MacKenzie Gore: 200 strikeouts – 11 were over 200 in 2024

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

8.What pitcher are you targeting for this week’s FAAB?

The following players are discussed:
1. Moises Ballesteros (CHC)
2. Jac Caglianone (KC)
3. Cristian Hernandez (CHC)
4. Josh Adamczewski (Mil)
5. Asbel Gonzalez (KC)
6. A.J. Ewing (NYM)
7. Robby Snelling (Mia)
8. Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz (NYY)

Fantasy Baseball Live – April 27, 2025
Microsoft Team Invite:
Segment 1 and 2: Review the weekend games

Additional Observations and Questions:
1.Word out of NY is that they might make a move with Devin Williams. Who would you speculate for saves?
a.Speaking of closers, Emmanuel Clase pitched the eighth inning while Cade Smith took the ninth. I understand they are just trying to get Clase back on track, but could this signal a change in closers?
2.Austin Hays hit two home runs on Saturday. He’s now up to five, despite missing the season's first two weeks. Are you buying this?
3.Speaking of buying this, Tyler Mahle had another terrific start on Saturday. He has a sub-1.14 ERA, 3 wins, but only 26 strikeouts in 31 innings. Thoughts?
4.Gage Workman is now a member of the White Sox. Interesting.
5.Tyler O’Neill hits the IL, and the Orioles call up Dylan Carlson. Any interest?
6.Logan Gilbert was removed from his start due to forearm tightness. Gulp.

Segment 3: Waiver Wire


Segment 4: Closer Report


Close

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