Nando, Ian and DVR discuss the early-season value of long relievers like Keegan Thompson, why they may become less interesting as rosters shrink, Nando's fast start in the "Nap League", Nolan Gorman v. Jo Adell in long-term leagues, patience with Spencer Howard, and whether it's a good idea to target a few bats in Oakland for improved power production later this season. 

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On this Prospect Tuesday edition of the show, DVR and Al consider Adley Rutschman's value for single-catcher redraft leagues, while also looking at the longer-term appeal of recently-demoted Bryson Stott and recently-promoted Richie Palacios. They peruse the Z-Contact% leaderboard for rookie pitchers, assess whether to stash Triston Casas, Nolan Gorman and Max Meyer, and discuss some Class A standouts, such as Pete Crow-Armstrong, Carson Williams and Kahlil Watson.

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DVR and Al explain whether it makes sense to pursue Jurickson Profar in FAB after his hot start, and they also look into other hitters on waivers, including Aaron Hicks, Taylor Ward, Tyler Wade and Cristian Pache., They also consider Paul Blackburn's surprising start, as well as the fantasy appeal of Tyler Anderson, Ross Stripling and two-start pitchers like Mitch Keller and Josh Fleming. Tanner Rainey, Hansel Robles and Dany Jiménez are among the relievers discussed for this week's bidding.

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It's our first beat writer episode of The Athletic Fantasy Baseball Podcast this season, with Katie Woo checking in from St. Louis, and Steve Berman giving us the latest on the A's. Beller and Al wrap up the episode with a buy-sell-hold-based look at players who have gotten off to surprisingly strong starts over the first few weeks of the year.

Follow Katie (Cardinals) on Twitter: @katiejwoo

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Nando, Ian and DVR discuss the league-wide drop in offensive output and try to parse blame between a new baseball, the shortened spring training, and other factors. Plus, Mookie Betts' quiet start, Gerrit Cole, Luke Voit & Tyler Stephenson, Jameson Taillon's early value jump, and a big milestone for Ian.  

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DVR and Al zero in on the major league debuts of three pitchers -- MacKenzie Gore, Nick Lodolo and Bryce Elder -- on Prospect Tuesday, and they consider the redraft league appeal of Grayson Rodriguez and Max Meyer. They also gauge their level of concern regarding Kevin Smith, Bobby Witt Jr.., Bryson Stott and other rookies who have possibly been a little too aggressive so far. Then they discuss the hot starts of Noelvi Marte, Robert Hassell III, Kyle Harrison, Owen White and a few other players who are beginning the season at High-A.

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DVR and Al consider whether the rush to add Steven Kwan from waivers has run its course, and they look at other possible hitters to add, including Connor Joe, Anthony Santander, Oscar Mercado and Owen Miller. They discuss how aggressively fantasy managers should bid on MacKenzie Gore and Kyle Wright, and sort out a number of bullpen options, such as Tanner Rainey, Dany Jiménez and Jake Diekman.

Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper

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Reliever guru Greg Jewett joins Beller and Al to discuss Ryan Pressly, Craig Kimbrel, HLRs, FAAB strategy and more on this episode of The Athletic Fantasy Baseball podcast.

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On this prospects edition of the show, DVR and Al consider the redraft league appeal of Matt Brash, Heliot Ramos and C.J. Abrams and discuss several trending players, including Steven Kwan, Kyle Wright, Jhoan Duran and Triston Casas. They also take a look at a number of intriguing players who are starting the season at Double-A, including this week's deep sleeper prospect from the Brewers system.

Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper

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Nando, Ian and DVR discuss the fast start to Steven Kwan’s rookie campaign, life with baseball on TV around the clock, what they’re looking for in the early days of the new season, Ian’s concern about Michael Kopech, Jo Adell’s bumpy opening series, Jurickson Profar (!?), and very under-the-radar prospect that Nando is pursuing in Texas, and more. 

Follow Nando on Twitter: @nandodifino

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Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper

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