2231 - Fantasy Questions on the Phillies, Nats and Orioles

Fantasy Baseball Live – December 1, 2024Segment 1 – News and Notes1.The Dodgers have been busy.a.They signed Blake Snell to a 5-year, $182 million deal with $62 million deferred. This model appears to be the Dodgers' signature as they kick the financial ball down the road. i.The Dodgers appear to want a star at each position and a rotation of #1 starters. The obvious problem here is the health of these starters. Thoughts?b.The Dodgers also extend Tommy Edman, signing him to a 5-year, $74 million extension. Once again, money is deferred – a third, in this case, $25MM.i.If the deferred strategy is working, why aren’t other teams joining in?c.Should MLB step in against this strategy or just let teams continue to push their liabilities to a later date?d.If the deferred strategy is working, why aren’t other teams joining in?i.Should MLB intervene against this strategy or let teams continue to postpone their liabilities?2.Down the road, the Angels sign Yusei Kikuchi to a three-year, $63 million (nothing deferred). Kikuchi has always had great stuff, and with his two months with the Astros, they finally unlocked something. The data shows a pitch mix change to focus more on his slider. a.Let’s cut to the chase...will the Angels find some way to turn him back into the old Kikuchi?b.His ADP is 142, and he's going as an early #3 starter. Interested?i.Who would you rather have game?Segment 2 – Fantasy Questions of the NL East – Phillies and Nationals1.Philadelphia Philliesa.Bryce Harper is going off the board at #21 and Trea Turner at #24. Who are you more worried about returning their draft value, and why?b.JT. Realmuto had a down season with 14 home runs, 2 SB, and a .266 BA. At 34, is this the beginning of the downward slope or can he have one more 20+ HR season with a few more stolen bases?i.Statcast data seems to suggest there is still something in the tankc.If Johan Rojas remains the starting centerfielder, is this a player you find interesting at the draft table? Early NFBC drafts are not buying it as he’s going as the 656 player off the boardd.Ranger Suarez posted a 2.76 ERA in the first half and somewhat imploded in the second half with a 5.65 ERA. Granted, he only pitched 36 innings in the second because of some injuries. Are you going to bet more on the first half or take a pass. He’s the 104th pitcher off the board. Let’s call him a #5 starter. Are you interested?e.Give me a sleeper in the organization (minor or majors)2.Washington Nationalsa.James Wood early in the fourth round or Dylan Crews in the 10th round. Who would you rather have?i.James Wood 2025 stat line – HR, SB, and BAii.Dylan Crews 2025 stat line – HR, SB, and BAb.One of my guys is Jose Tena. However, he’s getting next to zero love in early drafts. His ADP is 513. Am I out to lunch here? He hit the ball very hard, with 91.2 average exit velocity and 71st percentile in sprint speed. Granted, he loves to swing the pole and rarely walks, but the fantasy tools seem alluring. c.Is this the year that Juan Yepez finally gets a ton of playing time? He’s an afterthought in early drafts with an ADP of 605. Any interest?d.Who besides MacKenzie Gore interest you at the draft table from the Nats list of starting pitchers?e.Give me a sleeper in the organization (minor or majors)3.Final Questiona.Who wins the NL East and how many playoff teams will there be?Segment 3 – Fantasy Questions of the AL East – Baltimore and Boston1.Baltimore Oriolesa.Jackson Holliday – 2025 stat line: AB, HR, SB, and BAi.He’s going off the board as the 17th-second baseman. We will determine who you’d rather haveb.Colton Cowser hit 24 home runs and stole nine bases. The data looks great on him. Are you looking for more this season? If so, how much more?i.His ADP is 162 or the 37th outfielder off the board. Does that feel about right or are you going to jump the line?c.Grayson Rodriguez is going as a late #2 or early #3 starter. His stuff looks great, but is this too high based on his lack of an MLB history?d.Felix Bautista should be back, and early drafters are excited. He’s going as the number six closer off the board. Too risky, or do you take the gamble?e.Trevor Rogers is free (665 ADP). Is he worth a gamble in Draft-and-Hold Leagues?f.Give me a sleeper in the organization (minor or majors)