Tag Archives: Fantasy Baseball

I held out on a fantasy baseball trade proposal made to me last week involving outfielder Carlos Gomez for one of my best pitchers, James Shields. It was the second time this season Shields was targeted by that owner and both times I ignored it because I felt I was being insulted. This time, offering me Adam Jones got my attention.

By Keith Allison [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons — By Keith Allison [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons

Jones is a guy I remember best as the one who got a 2-run double on a Sunday afternoon and cost me a win two years ago in fantasy baseball. To steal him away, I feel a little better about things even if it cost me a good pitcher. I hate to lose Shields and probably didn’t need another outfielder. Admittedly, this trade was made largely because it makes things more interesting.

The addition of Jones on my team gives me an incredibly deep outfield which also includes Yoenis Cespedes, Mookie Betts, Alex Gordon, Charlie Blackmon, and George Springer. Adam Lind has been pretty hot and used as the utility man so in order to get the most out of my team I’m going to have to seriously look at matchups.

Was this a deal you, the public, approve of?

Fantasy Island

Bad Fantasy Baseball Trade: Carlos Gomez for James Shields

May 9, 2015 Tim 3 Comments

One of the teams in my ESPN Fantasy Baseball League is obsessed with getting James Shields from me. This is the second trade proposal this season involving Big Game James and certainly not the last. The first time he wanted to give me catcher Salvador Perez for Shields. He was smart in that he did it immediately after Jonathan Lucroy hit the disabled list. He did this without realizing my backup catcher was Russell Martin, a very formidable replacement. This time the offer was for Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Carlos Gomez.

By Steve Paluch on Flickr (Original version) UCinternational (Crop) [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons — By Steve Paluch on Flickr (Original version) UCinternational (Crop) [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons

In any other season this is a find trade. In 2015 it’s a dumb one for me to accept. Shields is pitching in the National League now in a pitcher-friendly park for the San Diego Padres. Even though he hasn’t been terrific, all signs point toward a better season ahead.

Gomez, on the other hand, has struggled after returning from the disabled list. He’s also playing for a bad team right now which will surely limit his run production. Gomez was never supposed to be this elite fantasy baseball player that he has become so when he plays poorly I’m going to wonder how much time he has left.

I’ll so no to this trade, but not before letting the other team sweat it out and think there’s a chance I could be so silly.

Fantasy Island

Daily Fantasy Baseball 5/2/2015: Hits and Misses

May 2, 2015 Tim Leave a comment

To help you with your Daily Fantasy Baseball Picks today, because we know damn well that you’re busy and enjoying the nice weather or the big boxing match (not the Kansas City Royals’ game by the way) here are some players you should and should not pick in your league today.

Hits:

Anthony Rizzo – The Chicago Cubs first baseman is playing well and comes into the game 5 for 7 with a home run against Milwaukee Brewers’ starter Mike Fiers. Fiers has struggled this year and he will do so again when Rizzo steps up to the dish.

By bengrey on Flickr (Original version) UCinternational (Crop) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons — By bengrey on Flickr (Original version) UCinternational (Crop) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons

Melky Cabrera – Cabrera is not having a particularly good season, but facing Ricky Nolasco could give you some fantasy baseball points. Cabrera is 7 for 19 against Nolasco and might be able to break out of his slump.

Michael Cuddyer – A pair of home runs in the last 3 games makes Cuddyer a fine choice tonight against Gio Gonzalez. Adding more to the argument is Cuddyer’s 6 for 17 career against the lefty.

Misses:

Adam Jones – Facing a very hot Chris Archer, whom he’s only 1 for 14 in his career against, there’s absolutely no reason to take Jones today. Better yet, stay away from all of the Baltimore Orioles.

Kyle Seager – Normally Seager is a very good pick at third base, but today he’s not. Seager is 1 for 16 against Houston Astros’ starter Colin McHugh with 6 strikeouts. McHugh is pitching great and at home should handle Seager as usual.

Dee Gordon – Gordon and the Miami Marlins host Cole Hamels and the Philadelphia Phillies tonight in what could very well turn into a frustrating evening for Hamels if he doesn’t get much run-support. One guy he has handed well, though, is Gordon. Gordon is 0 for 9 against Hamels in his career with 5 strikeouts.

Fantasy Island

Daily Fantasy Baseball Hot Picks for Tuesday 4/27/2015

April 28, 2015 Tim Leave a comment

Here the daily fantasy baseball hot picks for Tuesday 4/27/2015 by position.

Catcher: Russell Martin

Russell Martin got off to a slow start, but is beginning to heat up. He has a 5-game hitting streak with runs and RBIs scattered throughout. Tonight he faces Clay Buchholz who he is 4 for 14 in his career against. Note, those 4 hits were all home runs.

First Base: Carlos Santana

The Cleveland Indians slugger Carlos Santana has an average better than expected and tonight he faces a pitcher he’s very familiar with in Jeremy Guthrie. Santana is lifetime 10 for 21 with 2 home runs and only 2 strikeouts against Guthrie who happens to be struggling this season.

Second Base: Neil Walker

Never ignore a hot streak like the one Neil Walker is on. He has a 10-game hit streak and faces off against Travis Wood tonight who he’s hitting .350 against lifetime.

Third Base: Evan Longoria

Third baseman Evan Longoria will take his hacks against Chase Whitley of the New York Yankees tonight whom he’s 0 for 2 against. Ignoring the matchup in this case and instead focusing on how Longoria is 11 for his last 22, I believe Longoria gets the best of Whitley tonight.

Shortstop: Alexei Ramirez

Baltimore Orioles’ starting pitcher Chris Tillman is having a very bad year and Chicago White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez will make sure it continues. Ramirez enters the game with his own poor statistics to start the season, but he’s 4 for 9 with a home run lifetime against Tillman.

Outfielders: Bryce Harper, Giancarlo Stanton, Brett Gardner

I’ll put it very simply: Bryce Harper has good numbers against the struggling Julio Teheran, Giancarlo Stanton is hot and facing an inexperienced starter, and Brett Gardner has good numbers against Jake Odorizzi and he’s swinging a good bat right now. At least one of these guys belongs on your team tonight.

Starting Pitchers: Michael Wacha, Anibal Sanchez

Michael Wacha faces the Philadelphia Phillies and their poor offense while Anibal Sanchez looks to have two good games in a row when he faces the Minnesota Twins. His first start of the season was against the Twins and resulted in a very good outing. Let’s make it two.

Fantasy Island

Daily Fantasy Baseball Advice for 4/23/2015: Andrelton Simmons, Zack Greinke

April 23, 2015 Tim Leave a comment

Today I’m going to the bargain route with my position player for the cheaper option at the dreadful shortstop position where there isn’t much talent to choose from. My pitcher, though, I’m choosing a much more well-known name. These are my two players for your daily fantasy baseball team on 4/23/2015.

Position Player: Andrelton Simmons

The Atlanta Braves shortstop is one of baseball’s premiere defensive players, but today Andrelton Simmons should give you a little something with the bat. Simmons will take his hacks against Bartolo Colon and the New York Mets, which may not sound so good considering the season Colon is having. However, I do believe Colon might be due for a poor outing specifically based on his numbers against the Braves. The team is hitting .279 against him including Simmons who has a .462 average. Not to mention, Simmons has never struck out against Colon in 13 at-bats. The chances of it happening today are slim. Expect Simmons two get you a couple of hits and score a run or two. With the way he’s playing, he’s guaranteed to get you at least a few points. Teammates Freddie Freeman and Jonny Gomes also have great numbers against Colon. Don’t be surprised by the time the first inning is over, Simmons has crossed the plate once following a Freeman home run.

Pitcher: Zack Greinke

Pitcher Zack Greinke takes the mound against the San Francisco Giants and the odds are ever in his favor. Current Giants are hitting .208 against him with only 3 home runs total, 2 of which belong to injured Hunter Pence. The Giants are struggling a lot this year and for them to have a potent offensive night against a pitcher like Greinke is very unlikely. Greinke is also 2-0 this season with a 1.83 ERA. He’s pitching very well and it should continue tonight against the Northern California rivals.

By Feelin Kinda Blue [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons — By Feelin Kinda Blue [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons

Fantasy Island

Daily Fantasy Baseball Advice for 4/22/2015: Nolan Arenado, Justin Upton, Johnny Cueto

April 22, 2015 Tim Leave a comment

Here’s some daily fantasy baseball advice for 4/22/2015:

Position Player to Play #1: Nolan Arenado

Not only is Colorado Rockies’ third baseman Nolan Arenado already off to a good start and someone you should consider on a regular basis, he’s also facing a pitcher who he has a .800 batting average against. The San Diego Padres are visiting Denver this week and even though it’s James Shields on the mound, I do not like his chances. Current Rockies are hitting .321 against Shieds with 8 home runs. You can safely add plenty of Rockies today including Arenado, Justin Morneau, and Carlos Gonzalez.

Position Player to Player #2: Justin Upton

On the other side of the field there are the Padres who come to Coors Field with a hot offense, in particular outfielder Justin Upton. Upton has a hit nearly every game this season and is facing pitcher Kyle Kendrick. This alone should make you interested in Upton as he is 8 for 23 against Kendrick with 2 home runs in his career. Expect plenty of opportunities to drive in runs and a big game from one of the Padres’ big bats.

Pitcher to Start: Johnny Cueto

Johnny Cueto goes for his first win of the season tonight against the Milwaukee Brewers and you better believe he has a good shot. The Brewers have Carlos Gomez and Jonathan Lucroy out of the lineup. The only player on the team with significant plate appearances against Cueto with success is Aramis Ramirez. Ramirez has struggled immensely this season and there’s no reason to believe he’ll get out of his slump tonight against one of the National League’s best.