His Do-or-Die trial is over. In the six games, he hit .320 with a .370 OBP and a .480 SLG.
He passed. One point I'd like to make is he did this while only walking twice.
Normally, you'd expect him to get 5 or 6 walks in the same span of ABs, but with his Yankee career on the line, he became more agressive at the plate. To no ones detriment I might add.
Is it possible the ascendency of OBP coincided with the wide-spread use of performance-enhancing/recovery-accelerating drugs? And if this is so, would the descendency of those drugs lead to a more agressive style of hitting?
After all, no teams wins without putting the bat on the ball. And no hitter can keep his job drawing walks without getting hits - as Giambi was doing prior to the Yankee's ultimatum.
His value will get no lower, and if not for the three games in the NL, he'd get harder and harder to obtain. But pinch-hitting in at least two of the next three games will tamp down the rise in value.
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Hunches
Giants are mile-high after win
Tyler Walker is the SF closer. At the bottom of the article, Felipe Alou says, He's our closer right now. I have to give him that opportunity."
What sent my scrambling to the SFGate was a quote I read in the Rototimes MLB Player News section. The blurb quotes Alou saying, "there's something about him" regarding Walker.
As I said here and more recently here, Alou chose his closer based on the very un-sabremetrically method of a hunch based on physical appearance. And, unsurprisingly, he's been OK.
While the Jamesians lay claim to the last three outs of the games being no more vital than any other important outs that do not end the game, real life demonstrates that getting the outs which ential more pressure are different. What the Jamesian need to acknowledge is they are unable to quantify it.
But the spell of numbers seems too hard to resist. or maybe it is the vested interest each of these statheads have invested in being right that they are unable to change course.
Tyler Walker is the SF closer. At the bottom of the article, Felipe Alou says, He's our closer right now. I have to give him that opportunity."
What sent my scrambling to the SFGate was a quote I read in the Rototimes MLB Player News section. The blurb quotes Alou saying, "there's something about him" regarding Walker.
As I said here and more recently here, Alou chose his closer based on the very un-sabremetrically method of a hunch based on physical appearance. And, unsurprisingly, he's been OK.
While the Jamesians lay claim to the last three outs of the games being no more vital than any other important outs that do not end the game, real life demonstrates that getting the outs which ential more pressure are different. What the Jamesian need to acknowledge is they are unable to quantify it.
But the spell of numbers seems too hard to resist. or maybe it is the vested interest each of these statheads have invested in being right that they are unable to change course.
An extra Click or Two
Kolb demoted as closer | ajc.com
Rotoworld, Rotowire and Fanball have three different takes on the new closer in Atlanta with the assertion of confidence the highest at Rotoworld fro Adam Bernero.
After reading blurbs on Rotowire (via Yahoo) and Fanball, I knew I must check the reporting in the Atlanta Journal Constituion.
In it, Bobby Cox is quoted saying the Braves would "piece together" the closer role by committee.
Did Rotoworld jump the gun? I say they did because this morning's blurb positively states Bernero as the closer while the original sources , mlb.com and AJC, quote the Atlanta manager saying a closer-by-committee.
Here lies a common problem with any Roto site. There is always the chance of being wrong. (As I know. See here, 2nd paragraph.) This leads the users of the sites to make strategic decisions that turnout to be unhelpful and could then damage the credibility of the site used.
I combat this possibility by reading every one of those sites with one thing in mind - the writers of those blurbs also have Roto teams and tend to color their analysis based on the players they have on their rosters and the ones on their competitors rosters. If I doubt the analysis or the analysis hints at conjecture, I will read the original source (usually linked in the blurb.) This redundancy is normally enough to lessen the possibility of the blurb writer's Roto biases from providing faulty info.
And in some cases, like Jason Giambi, I will buck the conventional wisdom (CW) and stick with my personal analysis.
Use this as a lesson in caution - check the sources behind the Roto analysis whenever possible.
Rotoworld, Rotowire and Fanball have three different takes on the new closer in Atlanta with the assertion of confidence the highest at Rotoworld fro Adam Bernero.
After reading blurbs on Rotowire (via Yahoo) and Fanball, I knew I must check the reporting in the Atlanta Journal Constituion.
In it, Bobby Cox is quoted saying the Braves would "piece together" the closer role by committee.
Did Rotoworld jump the gun? I say they did because this morning's blurb positively states Bernero as the closer while the original sources , mlb.com and AJC, quote the Atlanta manager saying a closer-by-committee.
Here lies a common problem with any Roto site. There is always the chance of being wrong. (As I know. See here, 2nd paragraph.) This leads the users of the sites to make strategic decisions that turnout to be unhelpful and could then damage the credibility of the site used.
I combat this possibility by reading every one of those sites with one thing in mind - the writers of those blurbs also have Roto teams and tend to color their analysis based on the players they have on their rosters and the ones on their competitors rosters. If I doubt the analysis or the analysis hints at conjecture, I will read the original source (usually linked in the blurb.) This redundancy is normally enough to lessen the possibility of the blurb writer's Roto biases from providing faulty info.
And in some cases, like Jason Giambi, I will buck the conventional wisdom (CW) and stick with my personal analysis.
Use this as a lesson in caution - check the sources behind the Roto analysis whenever possible.
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Dan Kolb : Rotoworld.com - Dan Kolb Biography from Rotoworld.com
Dan Kolb : Rotoworld.com - Dan Kolb Biography from Rotoworld.com
Doh!
(memo to self: Never write anything down.)
As I have Bernero in none of my leagues, do I now root for his failure?
The run on the Atlanta bullpen will commence in Roto leagues across the land. Leo Mazzone's magic dust has seemed to work on Bernero. (See 2002-2004.)
Doh!
(memo to self: Never write anything down.)
As I have Bernero in none of my leagues, do I now root for his failure?
The run on the Atlanta bullpen will commence in Roto leagues across the land. Leo Mazzone's magic dust has seemed to work on Bernero. (See 2002-2004.)
USATODAY.com - NL closers walking tightrope
USATODAY.com - NL closers walking tightrope
If you're in a long-standing league where Mr. Hunt's column was the only Roto advise available , then you're likely to have a few owners who follow his advice.
To quote the longest-running Roto expert:
"Well, you'd probably like to do what that one fan in Oakland did, giving him not a piece of your mind but a splash of your beer. But that fan got arrested, and legal fees and possible jail time tend to get in the way of keeping up with your fantasy roster. I'd cut him loose if there's any kind of attractive option out there - you have a lot less to lose than the Yankees do."
With Mr. Hunt's imprimatur, you can be assured that an owner will be willing to deal The Giambinator or Giambalco more easily.
If you're in a long-standing league where Mr. Hunt's column was the only Roto advise available , then you're likely to have a few owners who follow his advice.
To quote the longest-running Roto expert:
"Well, you'd probably like to do what that one fan in Oakland did, giving him not a piece of your mind but a splash of your beer. But that fan got arrested, and legal fees and possible jail time tend to get in the way of keeping up with your fantasy roster. I'd cut him loose if there's any kind of attractive option out there - you have a lot less to lose than the Yankees do."
With Mr. Hunt's imprimatur, you can be assured that an owner will be willing to deal The Giambinator or Giambalco more easily.
Brazobhan Revisited.
Rotisserie Baseball Musing: 04/01/05
The link is to my April 1st posting on the value of Yhancy Brazobhan.
Now that Gagne, YB's value is retained in the closer-in-waiting role. He was successful filling-in and this increases his value, too.
I'd say he is more valuable than a middle of the road starter like Tom Glavine (of the prior years and not of this season-to-date!)
His main impediment is Gagne and his contract. Barring a trade, YB will not see too many saves over the next couple of years.
For this reason, I would seek to deal him for a decent hitter. Something along the lines of Kaz Matsui (still lots of upside) or Placido Polanco (very underrated after screwing Philly or getting screwed by Philly depending on your perspective). Maybe a Hee Seop Choi or Daryle Ward.
I may attempt to acquire if only to test my valuation.
The link is to my April 1st posting on the value of Yhancy Brazobhan.
Now that Gagne, YB's value is retained in the closer-in-waiting role. He was successful filling-in and this increases his value, too.
I'd say he is more valuable than a middle of the road starter like Tom Glavine (of the prior years and not of this season-to-date!)
His main impediment is Gagne and his contract. Barring a trade, YB will not see too many saves over the next couple of years.
For this reason, I would seek to deal him for a decent hitter. Something along the lines of Kaz Matsui (still lots of upside) or Placido Polanco (very underrated after screwing Philly or getting screwed by Philly depending on your perspective). Maybe a Hee Seop Choi or Daryle Ward.
I may attempt to acquire if only to test my valuation.
Eric Bedard
He looks like a legitmate break-out candidate. All his numbers are great, and he was a highly-regarded prospect rpior to elbow surgery a couple years ago.
The question is whether he is going to be helpful in August and September as his workload the past few seasons has been very low.
My hunch is that he will fade, as will the Orioles. What this means is his 2005 numbers will be good but his splits (pre-traded for and post-traded for) will only benefit the team that traded him.
If Bedard has no time left on his contract, then I would not pay-up for his current numbers as his performance going forward will not match his previous one. His trade value in August will also diminish as he will be out of time at season's end.
However, if he has time left on his contract for 2006 forward then paying-up for him may be a wise idea as he will still retain good trade value in August even if his numbers begin to worsen.
All said, he should be veiwed as legitmate with the above caveats when trying to acquire him.
The question is whether he is going to be helpful in August and September as his workload the past few seasons has been very low.
My hunch is that he will fade, as will the Orioles. What this means is his 2005 numbers will be good but his splits (pre-traded for and post-traded for) will only benefit the team that traded him.
If Bedard has no time left on his contract, then I would not pay-up for his current numbers as his performance going forward will not match his previous one. His trade value in August will also diminish as he will be out of time at season's end.
However, if he has time left on his contract for 2006 forward then paying-up for him may be a wise idea as he will still retain good trade value in August even if his numbers begin to worsen.
All said, he should be veiwed as legitmate with the above caveats when trying to acquire him.
BostonHerald.com - Boston Red Sox & MLB: Slow going for Schilling
BostonHerald.com - Boston Red Sox & MLB: Slow going for Schilling
A very good buy low candidate.
As a Schilling owner, I can attest to the feelings of despair he causes. He has been useless for 7 weeks now, and this article extends that period into June.
And that is how you can get him from an even more despairing owner.
When he returns, he will still be able to get 15+ starts which should translate into 8-10 wins and 100 innings of excellent ratios. And these numbers will come at the best time - the end of the season when the standings count!
Too many Roto teams place too much emphasis on performances in the beginning of the year.
A very good buy low candidate.
As a Schilling owner, I can attest to the feelings of despair he causes. He has been useless for 7 weeks now, and this article extends that period into June.
And that is how you can get him from an even more despairing owner.
When he returns, he will still be able to get 15+ starts which should translate into 8-10 wins and 100 innings of excellent ratios. And these numbers will come at the best time - the end of the season when the standings count!
Too many Roto teams place too much emphasis on performances in the beginning of the year.
Kolb
No sooner do I post about Dan Kolb then he blows-up in a save opportunity.
I did not watch the game, but I have the scoop from someone who is a current Kolb owner convinced he cannot watch Kolb or he blows-up. (Question: Why watch then?)
He reports that Sosa was warming up in the bullpen whilst Kolb was seeking a guarantee of not being tendered next December.
As intriguing is why Reitsma wasn't up. I know he has had a couple of stinkers the his last three outings. Could he be nursing an injury?
I did not watch the game, but I have the scoop from someone who is a current Kolb owner convinced he cannot watch Kolb or he blows-up. (Question: Why watch then?)
He reports that Sosa was warming up in the bullpen whilst Kolb was seeking a guarantee of not being tendered next December.
As intriguing is why Reitsma wasn't up. I know he has had a couple of stinkers the his last three outings. Could he be nursing an injury?
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Atlanta
Dan Kolb has looked shaky this season. he cannot seem to keep men off the bases. This alone would seem to merit a closer look at the other arms in the Atlanta bullpen.
Chris Reitsma is the obvious choice to step into the closer role if the braves decide the turmoil of changing closers is necessary. (By my choice of words you can gather I do not believe that is likely right now.)
Adam Bernero has pitched well but I think he will be the longman this season and a good one. Pick him up in lieu of bad starters. he will get as many wins without the extra innings starters give.
The deep sleeper is Jorge Sosa. He was a failed starter in TB, but he had a very good strikeout rate of 9.0 per 9 innings. "Failed starter" and "good strikeout rate" are the key markers to potential closers.
I do not see him getting it first but do see him getting the opportunity in 2006.
In the meantime, Leo Mazzone will srpinkle him with his magic pitching dust and make him a quality middle reliever as Coach leo has done with so many other pitchers.
Chris Reitsma is the obvious choice to step into the closer role if the braves decide the turmoil of changing closers is necessary. (By my choice of words you can gather I do not believe that is likely right now.)
Adam Bernero has pitched well but I think he will be the longman this season and a good one. Pick him up in lieu of bad starters. he will get as many wins without the extra innings starters give.
The deep sleeper is Jorge Sosa. He was a failed starter in TB, but he had a very good strikeout rate of 9.0 per 9 innings. "Failed starter" and "good strikeout rate" are the key markers to potential closers.
I do not see him getting it first but do see him getting the opportunity in 2006.
In the meantime, Leo Mazzone will srpinkle him with his magic pitching dust and make him a quality middle reliever as Coach leo has done with so many other pitchers.
Roto Times Fantasy Sports
Roto Times Fantasy Sports
Seems my mind runs parallel to the great ones. (See here, here and here.) Sorry, Nate.
One point needs to be considered. This column is not for 4X4 AL- and NL-only leagues.
There is no way a closer can be had for the 4th OF on most Roto teams.
This demonstrates why I started this blog - the lack of advise for the traditional 4X4 format.
Seems my mind runs parallel to the great ones. (See here, here and here.) Sorry, Nate.
One point needs to be considered. This column is not for 4X4 AL- and NL-only leagues.
There is no way a closer can be had for the 4th OF on most Roto teams.
This demonstrates why I started this blog - the lack of advise for the traditional 4X4 format.
Four game hitting streak
Giambi turned in another 1-4. He's going to help some Roto team. (I doubt he'll help whichever team signs him to the minimum after the Yankees cut bait because that team will finish last regardless of his presence.)
The more important question is what is he worth in a Roto trade. A possibly smart place to look is what Jeff Bagwell would have fetched prior to the shoulder surgery announcement but after he stopped playing.
There was a Houston Chronicle article last week that basically painted the injury as a likely career-ending one. Despite this, Bagwell was dealt for Lance Niekro in a league I play in.
If Neikro got Bagwell, then I'd put Giambi's value a little higher than a productive injury fill-in with legitimate pitch selection concerns (2 walks in 68 ABs.)
A decent middle infielder along the lines of Orlando Hudson or one coming off injury like Adam Kennedy. An OK OF like Rondell White. A flawed everyday corner like Darin Erstad (no power) or Aaron Boone (equally struggling).
What I wouldn't deal for him would be a Jorge Cantu (too much upside), Randy Winn (too good across the board) or Cory Koskie (more consistent.)
The more important question is what is he worth in a Roto trade. A possibly smart place to look is what Jeff Bagwell would have fetched prior to the shoulder surgery announcement but after he stopped playing.
There was a Houston Chronicle article last week that basically painted the injury as a likely career-ending one. Despite this, Bagwell was dealt for Lance Niekro in a league I play in.
If Neikro got Bagwell, then I'd put Giambi's value a little higher than a productive injury fill-in with legitimate pitch selection concerns (2 walks in 68 ABs.)
A decent middle infielder along the lines of Orlando Hudson or one coming off injury like Adam Kennedy. An OK OF like Rondell White. A flawed everyday corner like Darin Erstad (no power) or Aaron Boone (equally struggling).
What I wouldn't deal for him would be a Jorge Cantu (too much upside), Randy Winn (too good across the board) or Cory Koskie (more consistent.)
Monday, May 16, 2005
Jason Giambi
The Yankee organization is doing all it can to destroy him. The press is ready to cast everything he does in a negative light (with instigation from Tampa.)
What this means is there nowhere for Giambi to go but out of the Bronx.
While other experts may say he is done, I am going to withhold judgment until I see signs that other teams are no longer afraid of him. The key will be the number of walks Giambi receives. As long as he gets four balls per AB, other teams are saying he is still someone to be feared.
When he stops walking, in combination with getting no hits, then I will say he is done. This will indicate that other teams no longer fear him and will throw him strikes with impunity.
Until that occurs, I will go so far as to say Giambi is a great buy-low candidate. As he will be gone from the Bronz and likely to land at the other end of the scrutiny continuum (TB, KC, OAK), he will play with a much lesser degree of scrutiny.
This will lead to better results, and I suspect he will fall into a .260-.280 AVG with a .400 OBP and .500+ SLG.
What this means is there nowhere for Giambi to go but out of the Bronx.
While other experts may say he is done, I am going to withhold judgment until I see signs that other teams are no longer afraid of him. The key will be the number of walks Giambi receives. As long as he gets four balls per AB, other teams are saying he is still someone to be feared.
When he stops walking, in combination with getting no hits, then I will say he is done. This will indicate that other teams no longer fear him and will throw him strikes with impunity.
Until that occurs, I will go so far as to say Giambi is a great buy-low candidate. As he will be gone from the Bronz and likely to land at the other end of the scrutiny continuum (TB, KC, OAK), he will play with a much lesser degree of scrutiny.
This will lead to better results, and I suspect he will fall into a .260-.280 AVG with a .400 OBP and .500+ SLG.
Selling High and Buying Low
This is the time of year when teams in first place need to trade those players who have out-performed and to acquire those players who have under-performed.
The season is old enough for teams to think their results are likely to be due to more than hot starts or luck. However, that is not necessarily the case. Is Brian Roberts really going to go 40/50? Is Eric Chavez really going to hit .190?
"No" is the answer in both cases, but try to trade one for the other and the Roberts owner would think you were crazy. But this is precisely what the Roberts owner should be trying to do.
With Roberts SB, his owner can likely get a little more than Chavez right now. But can he do it?
I say that he cannot, and it is for this reason - the inability to sell high- that the standings right now are no more indicative of the final ones than the ones in the first week.
What can alter this belief would be for the teams at the top of the standings to shrewdly acquire those players doing poorly right now - almost any Oakland A's hitter, Jim Thome, Lance Berkman and such- for those players like Brian Roberts and Dontrelle Willis.
As you can see, I do not advocate dealing hot-performing crappy players such as Shawn Estes or Damon Hollins, but players who other teams can see continuing the great seasons.
The season is old enough for teams to think their results are likely to be due to more than hot starts or luck. However, that is not necessarily the case. Is Brian Roberts really going to go 40/50? Is Eric Chavez really going to hit .190?
"No" is the answer in both cases, but try to trade one for the other and the Roberts owner would think you were crazy. But this is precisely what the Roberts owner should be trying to do.
With Roberts SB, his owner can likely get a little more than Chavez right now. But can he do it?
I say that he cannot, and it is for this reason - the inability to sell high- that the standings right now are no more indicative of the final ones than the ones in the first week.
What can alter this belief would be for the teams at the top of the standings to shrewdly acquire those players doing poorly right now - almost any Oakland A's hitter, Jim Thome, Lance Berkman and such- for those players like Brian Roberts and Dontrelle Willis.
As you can see, I do not advocate dealing hot-performing crappy players such as Shawn Estes or Damon Hollins, but players who other teams can see continuing the great seasons.
Saturday, May 14, 2005
Closers
Tyler Walker looks like the closer in SF. He is an imposing pitcher, and a height/weight criteria (6'3 255lb). That seems to be all Alou needs to give him the job. I have an intuitive sense that he will remain the closer.
Brian Fuentes is the closer in Colorado now that Tsao has been DL-ed again for a shoulder injury. I do not expect him to hold the job as he is left-handed. Facing the predominantly right-handed hitting will not withstand any length of time in Coors Field.
I like Ryan Speier but he is currently in AAA. When he was sent down, he expressed a displeasure I'd characterize as "competitve." If given another chance, I believe he'd succeed as he ptiches froma variety of different angles which could help confound the difficulty of Coors Field. Of course, Colorado may not get enough save opportunites to make a difference.
Brian Fuentes is the closer in Colorado now that Tsao has been DL-ed again for a shoulder injury. I do not expect him to hold the job as he is left-handed. Facing the predominantly right-handed hitting will not withstand any length of time in Coors Field.
I like Ryan Speier but he is currently in AAA. When he was sent down, he expressed a displeasure I'd characterize as "competitve." If given another chance, I believe he'd succeed as he ptiches froma variety of different angles which could help confound the difficulty of Coors Field. Of course, Colorado may not get enough save opportunites to make a difference.
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Colorado Closer
Tsao looks to have a shoulder problem. He was babied last Septmeber. He was shut down immediately after winning the closer's job in Spring Training, and he is now experiencing more should discomfort.
And none of this even considers his horrific numbers so far this season. Reminds me of Shawn Chacon's 2004 campaign.
Hopefully, no one paid full price for Tsao. He was a $10 pool pick-up in 2004 in one of my leagues and was drafted for $10 in another. That seems to be the most a Rockies pitcher should fetch. (A refresher on Rockies closers here.)
And none of this even considers his horrific numbers so far this season. Reminds me of Shawn Chacon's 2004 campaign.
Hopefully, no one paid full price for Tsao. He was a $10 pool pick-up in 2004 in one of my leagues and was drafted for $10 in another. That seems to be the most a Rockies pitcher should fetch. (A refresher on Rockies closers here.)
Langerhans
To follow-up on the posts of the previous couple days, Ryan Langerhans has broken out.
For the first five weeks, he did nothing. Not only that, but Bobby Cox played Pete Orr in the OF. This clearly indicated that the Spring Training hype around Langerhans was misplaced.
No sooner does a Roto team make that conclusion than Langerhans breaks out with 4 HR and 10 RBI. Now he has legitimate Roto value again.
What this shows is how quickly a player can go from worthlessness for 2005 to value for 2005 and 2006.
(This is essentially an issue of levergae. When one HR in a quarter of the season projects to four HR for the season, you have leverage of 4X.
The opposite occurs once you pass the halk-way point. Then a HR will only be worth less than one additional one over the rest of the season. From here, a player has a very difficult time recapturing 2005 value.)
For the first five weeks, he did nothing. Not only that, but Bobby Cox played Pete Orr in the OF. This clearly indicated that the Spring Training hype around Langerhans was misplaced.
No sooner does a Roto team make that conclusion than Langerhans breaks out with 4 HR and 10 RBI. Now he has legitimate Roto value again.
What this shows is how quickly a player can go from worthlessness for 2005 to value for 2005 and 2006.
(This is essentially an issue of levergae. When one HR in a quarter of the season projects to four HR for the season, you have leverage of 4X.
The opposite occurs once you pass the halk-way point. Then a HR will only be worth less than one additional one over the rest of the season. From here, a player has a very difficult time recapturing 2005 value.)
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
More Bailing
In addition to wanting to focus on 2006, teams that are doing poorly at the moment begin to alter their perception of the teams that are doing well. No longer are those teams the recipients of good fortune that they were for the month of April.
Those teams are now in the midst of acquiring a "truly" good team. And why is that? Because the negativity that the poorly-performing teams have endured and tried to square away with their self-image of being a good Roto player is weakening after 40 days of their team's crappy performances! And 40 days of watching Eric Bedard spin gems, and Brian Roberts hit HRs and steal bases, and Dave Dellucci bat like Barry Bonds for those teams who are doing well!
None of this should change your 162-game projections. If you believe Eric Byrnes is going to have a duplicate 2004 season in 2005, then don't give-up yet. he could easily go on a two-week tear where he does a Brian Roberts impersonation. Or more likely, he can hit 4 HR and steal 4 bases in the next three weeks and reach the end of May on pace for those 15-20 HR and 15-20 SB you projected.
Those teams are now in the midst of acquiring a "truly" good team. And why is that? Because the negativity that the poorly-performing teams have endured and tried to square away with their self-image of being a good Roto player is weakening after 40 days of their team's crappy performances! And 40 days of watching Eric Bedard spin gems, and Brian Roberts hit HRs and steal bases, and Dave Dellucci bat like Barry Bonds for those teams who are doing well!
None of this should change your 162-game projections. If you believe Eric Byrnes is going to have a duplicate 2004 season in 2005, then don't give-up yet. he could easily go on a two-week tear where he does a Brian Roberts impersonation. Or more likely, he can hit 4 HR and steal 4 bases in the next three weeks and reach the end of May on pace for those 15-20 HR and 15-20 SB you projected.
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Bail Season
As we near the Memorial Day weekend, many teams have come to grips with their bad April and have begun to entertain the notion of playing for 2006.
This is a common occurence, and one that I believe is premature. There is just too much babseball left. With MLB teams nearing the 40.5 game mark (25%), there is still 121.5 games left!
At this point, MLB teams will begin to adjust to their bad April and promote and demote players. It is here that the poor-start Roto teams should be focused, and it is here where the poor starts are most beneficial due to standings priority for free agent pick-ups and waiver claims.
While I advise against panicking, I don't advise passivity in this regard. A poor-starting Roto team must agressively deplete the free agent pool and waiver wire. Is Freddie Sanchez or Bobby Hill still available? Get them as Craig Wilson's injury will open OF ABs for Makowiak while pushing him away from infield ones. Did a team pick-up Jonny Gomes based on Piniella's assertions that TB needed more HRs only to watch him not play? Trade for him because he will be playing by the All-Star break (Still 80 games or so left in the season!)
Go to Baseball America and catch-up on the hot AAA and AA players so you know who will be called-up (Dan Johnson? jack Cust? Joey Gaithwright? Aaron Hill? Brad Eldred? Matt Cain? and so on.)
There is a lot of baseball left in this season, so do not quit yet. The beginning of July is the better time to seriously consider that as there will be more season gone than season coming.
This is a common occurence, and one that I believe is premature. There is just too much babseball left. With MLB teams nearing the 40.5 game mark (25%), there is still 121.5 games left!
At this point, MLB teams will begin to adjust to their bad April and promote and demote players. It is here that the poor-start Roto teams should be focused, and it is here where the poor starts are most beneficial due to standings priority for free agent pick-ups and waiver claims.
While I advise against panicking, I don't advise passivity in this regard. A poor-starting Roto team must agressively deplete the free agent pool and waiver wire. Is Freddie Sanchez or Bobby Hill still available? Get them as Craig Wilson's injury will open OF ABs for Makowiak while pushing him away from infield ones. Did a team pick-up Jonny Gomes based on Piniella's assertions that TB needed more HRs only to watch him not play? Trade for him because he will be playing by the All-Star break (Still 80 games or so left in the season!)
Go to Baseball America and catch-up on the hot AAA and AA players so you know who will be called-up (Dan Johnson? jack Cust? Joey Gaithwright? Aaron Hill? Brad Eldred? Matt Cain? and so on.)
There is a lot of baseball left in this season, so do not quit yet. The beginning of July is the better time to seriously consider that as there will be more season gone than season coming.
Sunday, May 08, 2005
The Threat of a Stolen Base Can Add Value to an At-Bat - New York Times
The Threat of a Stolen Base Can Add Value to an At-Bat - New York Times
This would then mean the hitters in the line-ups of teams that steal bases are more valuable.
Maybe Vernon Wells wouldn't be hitting .200 if there was any semblence of a Toronto running game. Maybe JP should stop mettling.
This would then mean the hitters in the line-ups of teams that steal bases are more valuable.
Maybe Vernon Wells wouldn't be hitting .200 if there was any semblence of a Toronto running game. Maybe JP should stop mettling.
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