2241 - Fantasy Baseball Questions for the Rays and Blue Jays

Fantasy Baseball Live – December 22, 2024Segment 1 – News and Notes – Trades and Signings1.The first basemen who are available are getting jobs.a.The Astros signed Christian Walker for 3 years and $60 million.i.The new-look Astros have Isaac Paredes at third and Walker at first. In the outfield, there is Jake Myers, Chas McCormack, and a yet-to-be-hired left fielder. How are you feeling if you’re an Astros fan?ii.Do you think the Diamondbacks will go to battle with Pavin Smith at first base?1.The answer is no, as they acquired Josh Naylor from the Guardians for RHP Slade Cecconi and the 2nd round balance pick. Then the Guardians turn around and sign old favorite, Carlos Santanaa.What is the thinking here with the Guardians?b.Kyle Manzardo appears to be heading for DH duties. Is this good for fantasy manages long-term?c.Do you like this for the Diamondbacks?b.The Yankees appear to have signed Paul Goldschmidt, signing the 37-year-old to a one-year $12.5 million contract. He’s a perfect fit for the Yankees as he’s the right age. Is there anything left?i.Stat line for 2024 – HR, RBI, SB, and BAii.I love the fact that the Cardinals moved on here. They’ll move Willson Contreras to first and give full-time at-bats to Ivan Herrera. I’m a fan of Herrera. What are your thoughts?2.The Yankees also acquired Cody Bellinger from the Cubs for RHP Cody Poteet. The Cubs will pay $5 million to offset the deal. This was a salary dump to eliminate some of the outfield depth the Cubs didn’t need.a.Bellinger is a dead pull hitter with poor exit velocities and a ton of leverage. He should be better in Yankees stadium, but is it enough to interest you in Drafts? He is the 28th outfielder off the board and has increased since the trade. Are you interested? Will we look at the players going around him?b.Let’s see what we think about the Yankees opening day lineup - RosterResource3.The Phillies sign Max Kepler to a one-year, $10 million contract. He’s not the same player he was a few years ago, as the exit velocities are off, and last year, he rarely walked. You typically don’t see the fall-off he had last season in his walk rate, so there could be some positive correction. However, with the bat speed down, players will get more anxious. His ADP is 639.51. Is there any value left? Maybe a flier in a Draft and Hold League?4.The Orioles sign Tomoyuki Sugano. Can you give us a scouting report?a.Let’s look at the Orioles Opening Day rotation.5.Early this morning, the Phillies acquired Jesus Luzardo from the Marlins for…wait for it…more prospects. Returning is SS Starlyn Caba and OF Emaarion Boyda.Luzardo was injured a lot last season and only started 12 games for the Marlins. He was the big talk this time last year, but the Marlins held onto him. He has two more years of team control.b.Do you like this for the Phillies?c.Stat line for 2025 – GS, Ks, and ERASegment 2 – AL East Fantasy Questions – Ray and Blue Jays1.Tampa Bay Raysa.Junior Caminero’s stat line for 2025: AB, HR, RBI and BAb.Josh Lowe was one of your guys last season, but only got 50 plate appearances against LHP. He’s the 40th outfielder off the board. Any interest? We will look at other outfielders going where he is.c.Does Christopher Morel get full-time at-bats for the Rays? i.Over-under 25 home runs? ii.Over-under .220 batting average.d.McClanahan is 18 months removed from TJS, but remember, it’s his second one. He’s the 46 pitcher off the board or the 35th starter off the board. Is he worth the gamble as a high-end number three starter?i.McClanahan (46), Baz (67), Springs (95). Order these three in how you would draft them.e.Give me a sleeper in the organization (minor or majors)2.Toronto Blue Jaysa.I’m doing my Draft Targets for our Patreon members. I released first base over the weekend and wrote many glowing words about Vlad Jr., something I haven’t done much over his career. I love the setup, though. He has enormous power, still young and in his walk year. What are your thoughts?i.If Soto signs for $600 to $700 and Vlad Jr. will be just 26 when he enters free agency, is he at least a $500 million player?b.Joey Loperfido stat line for 2025 – AB, HR, BA, and RBIi.BTW, Loperfido is two months younger than Vlad Jr. and his career is just getting started. Let that sink in…c.George Springer’s career is winding down and he’s now going as the 59th outfielder off the board. He hit 19 home runs and stole 16 bases last season. Any interest?d.Kevin Gausman is the 63rd pitcher off the board – a late number three, early four starter. He pitched to a 3.83 ERA, but the strikeouts were down.i.Are you interested in Gausman next season.ii.I’ve looked at his baseballsavant page and will do a breakdown of him. There are warning signs. e.Give me a sleeper in the organization (minor or majors)3.Who wins the AL East and how many teams advance to the playoffs?Close