Shuffle Up: Wil Myers finally gets the call; two Cargos rule the world

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

The outfield is the fun place to do some roto shopping, with something for every budget and discerning eye. And from a sheer volume perspective, it's the most important offensive position to negotiate. Let's dig into this expansive area.

What we're doing is ranking the players for expected 5x5 roto value the rest of the season. What's happened to this point is merely an audition. Don't worry about the prices in a vacuum; what really matters is how the commodities relate to one another on this list. Players at the same cost are considered even.

I reserve the right to tweak this list in the first 24 hours of debut, and I'll add comments shortly. Your intelligent and respectful disagreement is most welcome, but be

My Buy Guy Has A Last Name, It’s M-Y-E-R-S

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

Hello, Nick Castellanos, see you soon, maybe, yeah, no, okay. Great to meet you, Gerrit Cole, eventually. What do you know it's, Mike Zunino, maybe at some point in the near future. What's up, Billy Hamilton, hey, aren't you supposed to be fast? What's taking you so long? Is that Oscar Taveras...Oh, it's Willy Taveras eating nachos out of a dwarf's sombrero. What about that number one prospect guy that the Royals traded so they could be a .500 team? What's his name again? Something Byers. Or is it Jon Cryer? HBO Signature Loves Playing Radio Flyer? Wil Myers! That's it. Let's compare him first to a guy that he's nothing like, shall we? Cool, thanks for indulging. What a mensch, you are!

Shuffle Up: Carlos Gomez, the real deal

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

When it comes to fake baseball, the outfield is where the fun is. The first couple of rounds will always include some of these stat-grabbing giants, and yet the waiver wire in an average mixer consistently offers something for the discerning shopper. Add it all up and there's a lot to digest.

The prices you see in this piece are roughly how I rank the roto-eligible outfielders going forward. What we've seen to this point is merely an audition; if you want a list of the top players to this point, there are plenty of places you can access that.

Don't obsess over the prices in a vacuum: what really matters is how the players relate to one another. Assume a 5x5 scoring format, as always, and players at the same price

Shuffle Up: Carlos Gomez, the read deal

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

When it comes to fake baseball, the outfield is where the fun is. The first couple of rounds will always include some of these stat-grabbing giants, and yet the waiver wire in an average mixer consistently offers something for the discerning shopper. Add it all up and there's a lot to digest.

The prices you see in this piece are roughly how I rank the roto-eligible outfielders going forward. What we've seen to this point is merely an audition; if you want a list of the top players to this point, there are plenty of places you can access that.

Don't obsess over the prices in a vacuum: what really matters is how the players relate to one another. Assume a 5x5 scoring format, as always, and players at the same price

Shuffle Up: Choose your sophomore, Mike Trout vs. Bryce Harper

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

The outfield is the fun place to go shopping in fantasy baseball. Power, sure, you'll find it here. Plenty of guys run. A few players do everything. And the two most exciting young position players in the game happen to reside here, too. Everyone likes picking out their outfield.

The goal today is to rank all the mixed-league worthy outfielders going forward in 5x5 fantasy value, 2013 only. Don't read too much into the dollar values in a vacuum - they're merely used as a tool to compare players. And when commodities share the same price, they're considered even. (Players on the DL and minor-league prospects are not eligible for ranking.)

I reserve the right to tweak this list as the day goes along,

Rafael Lopez (C-CHC)

Source: TG Fantasy Baseball

Rafael Lopez knows his days in the Cubs' big league camp are numbered. Alfonso Soriano reminds him almost daily.. Rafael Lopez knows his days in the Cubs' big league camp are numbered. Alfonso Soriano reminds him almost daily. Source: http://mlb.mlb.com

Soriano would accept trade to '6 or 7' teams - Alfonso Soriano | CHC

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Alfonso Soriano has given the Cubs a list of "six or seven" teams that he would be willing to accept a trade to.

Fantasy baseball 2013 team previews: Chicago Cubs

Source: SI.com

If the Cubs are searching for solace after a tough 2012, at least they don't have to exhaust themselves mentally to recall all the positive developments from the season. Jeff Samardzija proved himself a front-line starter. Starlin Castro pounded out nearly another 200 hits in his third season. Alfonso Soriano revived his sagging trade value, against all odds. Darwin Barney won a gold glove. That's about it for on-field accomplishments.

2013 Rankings: Outfielders

Source: Fantasy Baseball 365

You can find a bit of everything in the outfield. There are players who contribute across the board, and others who make waves in single categories. There are established veterans with lengthy track records, and young players on the cusp of becoming superstars. Oh, and the position is also home to two players who are going one and two overall in many fantasy drafts.

Rank First Name Last

Player Profile: Alfonso Soriano

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

Alfonso Soriano' or find free 'alfonso soriano' pictures via Wylio" href="http://www.wylio.com/credits/flickr/7007685137"> Alfonso Soriano had a rather astonishing season in 2012 as he knocked in 108 run while going deep 32 times in a season, impressive enough to pick up a 6th place vote in the NL MVP (for more on that see Around the Horn

Cubs would eat around $26M in Soriano trade - Alfonso Soriano | CHC

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

According to CBS Sports' Jon Heyman, the Cubs would eat about $26 million of the $36 million remaining on Alfonso Soriano's contract if they can get a prospect.

Phillies a long shot to acquire Cubs' Soriano - Alfonso Soriano | CHC

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Jayson Stark of ESPN.com reports that the Phillies are "kicking around" a potential trade for Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano but it's a "long shot" to happen.

Phils a 'long shot' to acquire Cubs' Soriano - Alfonso Soriano | CHC

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Jayson Stark of ESPN.com reports that the Phillies are "kicking around" a potential trade for Alfonso Soriano, but it's a "long shot" to happen.

Phils have explored trade for Alfonso Soriano - Alfonso Soriano | CHC

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports that the Phillies have explored a trade for the Cubs' Alfonso Soriano.

Cubs plan to shop Soriano at winter meetings - Alfonso Soriano | CHC

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

According to Jon Morosi of FOX Sports, the Cubs plan on speaking to other teams about outfielder Alfonso Soriano during the upcoming Winter Meetings.

2013 Cubs Projections: Soriano, Castro

Source: Fantasy Baseball 365

Our 2013 projections turn to the north side of Chicago where we examine two Cubs with plate discipline issues, but also significant upside. Can Alfonso Soriano stave off a regression at his age? Can Starlin Castro make a big progression at his age?

Alfonso Soriano 2013 Age: 37 - Splits: Slight vs RHP 2013 Projection: 502 AB, .249/.317/.475, 27 HR, 90 RBI, 65 R, 4 SB Notes: Soriano did a couple of things really well in 2012 to produce his bounce-back season: 1) He stayed healthy. 2) He showed a slight improvement in plate discipline and lowered his fly-ball and pop-up rates. The bad news is that: 1) He'll be 37 in 2012 with a track record of being injury prone. 2) His plate discipline

Jurickson Profar, 2013 Fantasy Outlook

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

I almost didn’t write this post.  Not because I was trapped under a Pizza Hut/Taco Bell Combo and unable to move my arms, but because Jurickson Profar will either be a huge boost for 2013 fantasy teams or he’ll be irrelevant and it’s not really on him which outcome comes to play.  It depends on the Rangers.  And it’s not like my Wil Myers fantasy which depends on the Royals and their cheapness.  This depends more on, where is Profar going to play?  Scenario Number One:  Andrus is traded this offseason, Profar runs with the shortstop job.  Scenario Number Two:  Hamilton leaves, Kinsler is moved to the outfield and Profar

Top 20 Outfielders, 2012 Fantasy Baseball

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

Went over the catchers, 1st basemen, 2nd basemen and shortstops and top 20 3rd basemen for 2012 fantasy baseball. Guess what’s next!  No, not pitchers. Read the title, man.  In 2010, there were only 5 outfielders that hit 30 homers, in 2011 there were 9, this year there were

Review: NL LABR

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

The worst team of all-time.

The worst ever drafted.

How could I possibly be considered an expert drafting this team?

I heard some variance of the above in emails, in tweets, on my show on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio. I heard it from everyone. E V E R Y O N E. I left money on the table (a mistake I owned up to in my review of the draft). I had a

The Final Day

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

It’s a sad day for many in the world of baseball as this is the final day of the regular season. Hopefully your team is in the playoff mix, and your fantasy team still has something to play for on this final day of the 2012 regular season.

Miguel Cabrera is on the cusp of the Triple Crown which would be the first since Carl Yastrzemski in 1967. Cabrera has a seven point lead over Mike Trout in the batting race (.331 to .324), a one homer lead over

Soriano hits 31st homer in loss to Cardinals - Alfonso Soriano | CHC

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Alfonso Soriano hit his 31st home run of the season in Sunday's loss to the Cardinals.

Orioles Promote Bundy To Stick His Hand Down His Pants

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

After the Orioles played 18 innings on Tuesday, delirium set it in and they said, “We’ve had two bean and cheese burritos since 6 o’clock and we have to pull a double shift ice trucking.  Somebody gives us a Christian side hug right now or we’re calling up Dylan Bundy.  Okay, fine.”  Only they did it with no punctuation and in a spot-on Christopher Walken impersonation.  For the ostriches with their heads stuck in the sand, Dylan Bundy is the Orioles 19-year-old who has been labeled by some as the best prospect to come out of high school since Babe Ruth had sex with Miss Agatha Hannigan and he was kicked out of his orphanage.  Bundy’s A-Ball numbers were insane.  He was too good for A-Ball.  A-Ball

Soriano posts first 30-HR season since 2007 - Alfonso Soriano | CHC

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Alfonso Soriano hit his 30th home run in Wednesday's 11-inning loss to the Reds.

Around the Horn: September 19, 2012

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

(1) Ian Kinsler a dynamic option at second base.

(2) What do Chase Headley, Ryan Braun and Alfonso Soriano have in common?

(3) Yonder Alonso streaking at the dish.

(4) Tim Lineceum turned his season around.

(5) Erick Aybar producing in the average and steals columns.

(6) Orioles call up phenom Dylan Bundy.

 

By Ray Flowers

RCL Roundup: September 17

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

The Rank Railheads (RCL 40) continue to set an amazing pace atop the Master Standings, thanks to a still unbelievable 119 league points. Last week I said they were too far behind Chin Music in the Runs category to score a perfect 120, which I guess they took as a challenge. The Railheads narrowed the gap to 14, outscoring Chin Music 49 – 39. Another week like that would make things interesting.

Meanwhile, panthers_freak (We’ve Got the Runs — Baseball Reasons) gained a couple of points to pull to within 3 of top spot. He still could gain in wins (4 behind, but with 11 extra starts) and batting average

Harvey Milks 10 Ks

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

The Mets went into their minor league system and pulled a giant rabbit out of their hat with Matt Harvey.  *terrible Jimmy Stewart impression*  Mr. Potter, I knew a Harvey once.    Back in 1955, see, and Danny Kaye asked me to sneak this guy named Harvey out of his bedroom at 2 AM.  Nice fella, that Harvey.  He told me a story that involved Ethel Merman and ping pong balls.  Good, salt of the earth guy, that Harvey.  So, yesterday, Harvey went five innings and 10 Ks.  Tomorrow, the world!  Or just icing his arm and joking around with Ruben Tejada.  One of those.   I’m a big fan of Harvey, but he only has one more start this year (you would’ve owned him yesterday if you followed the

Around the Horn: September 5, 2012

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

(1) Ryan Vogelsong struggling for Giants.

(2) Kenley Jansen to return in September.

(3) Zack Greinke finally finding his groove with Angels.

(4) Andrew McCutchen back on track. Can he hold off Melky Cabrera?

(5) Adam LaRoche big time run producer.

(6) Jesus Montero solid in 2nd half.

(7) Alfonso Soriano powering the ball.

(8) Mark Reynolds also powering the ball.

 

By Ray Flowers

Eaton Good In The SAGNOF Neighborhood

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

Adam Eaton went 2-for-6 with a run yesterday as the Diamondbacks called up their outfield prospect, and hit him leadoff.  The move is to fill in for Krispie, who’s out with a sore quad.  Krispie could return (he won’t go to the DL because with 40-man rosters, there’s no need to), but Eaton’s not coming up to play in one game a week.  The Diamondbacks are taking a look at players.  Getting them on the ol’ catwalk (hey, I can’t forget our 4 female readers).  To give you the brief summary up front about Eaton:  Imagine Pedroia in the outfield with more speed and less power.  He’s got spark plug written all over him (in invisible ink, so not to creep anyone out).  At five foot-eight soaking wet,

RCL Roundup: September 3

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

The Rank Railheads (RCL 40) showed this week they weren’t giving up without a fight, adding 2 points and retaking the lead as panthers_freak (We’ve Got the Runs — Baseball Reasons) slipped back into second, 2 behind in the Master Standings. The Railheads have an amazing 117 league points, and will have to keep it up there to make up for a lower league competitive index. They have a shot of matching or even beating the unbelievable mark of 118 set last year by Mike Stark (Better Lucky Than Good). The Railheads are currently scoring 10 points in steals, and sit 4 behind Marble Mountaineers and just 6 back of the

F-Herfection

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

Felix Hernandez joined Philip Humber and Matt Cain in the Perfect Game club this year, shutting down the Rays in Seattle yesterday.  If only it was against the Yankees and Ichiro (hitting 9th) was the last hitter and Ichiro bunted.  Oh, the Internet drama!  Or is it a total dramacracy?  What are the kids saying nowadays?  For a while King Felix looked out of shape.  Oh, uneasy lies the head that wears a crown made from Snickers wrappers.  But he checked his Ho Hos at the door and, after a 2011 year where a higher BABIP led to a rise in ratios (3.47/1.22), F-Her is back down to 2010 levels (2.60/1.06) and a not that shabby 11 wins, considering

Soriano still not open to San Francisco move - Alfonso Soriano | CHC

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Alfonso Soriano told Patrick Mooney of CSN Chicago that he probably wouldn't accept a trade to the Giants.

Cubs OF Alfonso Soriano clears trade waivers - Alfonso Soriano | CHC

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, outfielder Alfonso Soriano has cleared trade waivers.

Lawrie’s Unprime Rib

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

It’s time for us as a people to start makin’ some changes.  Let’s change the way we eat, let’s change the way we live and let’s change the way we treat each other.  You see the old way wasn’t working so it’s on us to do what we gotta do, to survive.  If that means cutting loose Brett Lawrie with his DL stint, then so be it.  This year he has a 59/9/40/.282/13 line.  Right now, I’m throwing up a “W” with my hands, which is the 14-year-old girl gang sign for Whatever.  Yunel Escobar called, he wants his stats back.  Yu Darvish called and said he’s got the wrong number.  Kelly Johnson called and said, “What’s up, Yunel?”  I then disconnected the phone cause it’s getting too many

Soriano’s two-run homer in eighth downs Reds - Alfonso Soriano | CHC

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Alfonso Soriano blasted a two-run homer in the eighth inning on Thursday, leading the Cubs to a 5-3 victory over the Reds.

Alfonso Soriano: Sore Finger

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Alfonso Soriano: Soriano was scratched from Tuesday's lineup with what is being described as soreness and swelling at the base of his right index finger, the team's official Twitter reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

You Two Had Been Gian So Long

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

Desperate housewives and team owners rejoice – Evan Longoria is back and he has the mysterious, bedroom-eyed Giancarlo Stanton with him.  Woo-hoo!  Tommy Hutton be my Marlins docent and read me Giancarlo’s stat line.  No, a little to the right.  Ah, yeah, that’s the stuff.  Bad wheels sidelined both these 2nd round picks and I imagine a lot of teams that drafted these two are down in the scrap heap, but this has to be a sweet moment for those of you who managed to keep your teams in contention and can now add these guys back into your lineups.  Enjoy it (I know Rudy is on his RCL team), because it’s still a big question mark whether either of these guys flash the power that warranted

Alfonso Soriano; Sore Finger

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Alfonso Soriano: Soriano was scratched from Tuesday's lineup with what is being described as soreness and swelling at the base of his right index finger, the team's official Twitter reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Soriano scratched Tuesday with swollen hand - Alfonso Soriano | CHC

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Alfonso Soriano was scratched from the Cubs' lineup on Tuesday night because of a swollen right hand.

Get to Know: Cubs prospects

Source: Sporting News Fantasy Source Baseball

The Chicago Cubs aren't going to erase a 104-year championship drought in 2012, but at least the club (per usual) is looking toward a brighter future.

Prospects Brett Jackson and Josh Vitters, both promoted over the weekend, add to that hope. Neither player has the fantasy juice of teammate Anthony Rizzo, but that's OK. Mixed-league owners still need to show interest.

Jackson, a 2009 first-round pick, enjoyed a 2-for-4 debut out of the No. 2 against Los Angeles spot Sunday. Colleague Brad Pinkerton has monitored Jackson's career with great interest in

Soriano informs Cubs which trades he'd accept - Alfonso Soriano | CHC

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

While Alfonso Soriano has a full no-trade clause in his contract, he has reportedly informed the Cubs as to which teams he would be willing to accept a trade to.

Theo Is Real Star Of The Cubsy Show

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

Here’s what I said last November about Theo Epstein, “A new GM can toss out the used-up-and-spit-out pieces he inherits, right?  It’s like when a new boss comes into a flailing company and all the employees start quaking in their boots that they’re gonna get fired because they’re unproductive.  Alfonso Soriano, Marlon Byrd and Tyler Colvin should be worried about their parking spots. Soriano, “Hey, there’s a Segway in my spot.” Epstein, “Bowden was liquidating. There’s parking on Waveland for $35 a day.”  And that’s me quoting me!  Since then, Byrd — gone!  Colvin — gone!  Soriano should be gone, but he’s refusing to hand over his parking permit.  Yesterday, Paul Maholm and Reed

Alfonso Soriano will not OK trade to Giants - Alfonso Soriano | CHC

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

According to Jim Bowden of ESPN.com and MLB Network Radio on Sirius XM, Alfonso Soriano has told the Cubs that he will not accept a trade to the Giants.

Shuffle Up: How I learned to stop worrying and love Melky Cabrera

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

This week's Shuffle Up experience comes in the outfield. What's happened to this point works as an audition, but we're looking to judge the value for the final two months. Players at the same price are consider even, and all that matters is how the commodities relate to one another - don't obsess over the prices in a vacuum.

Assume a 5x5 rotisserie scoring system, because we're reasonable men. And remember that players on your own team don't gain 10-20 percent of bonus value. Keep both cleats on the ground as you negotiate the list.

I welcome your intelligent and respectful feedback; win the debate, win the rank. I'll tweak this list as the day goes along, and I'll try to answer as many worthwhile

Alfonso Soriano drawing bit of trade interest - Alfonso Soriano | CHC

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

According to FOX Sports' Jon Paul Morosi, at least one team has expressed interest in Alfonso Soriano.

Soriano mashes 19th homer in Cubs' victory - Alfonso Soriano | CHC

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Alfonso Soriano launched his 19th home run of the season on Tuesday, helping to power the Cubs to a 5-1 victory over the Pirates.

Soriano launches 19th homer to lead Cubs - Alfonso Soriano | CHC

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Alfonso Soriano launched his 19th home run of the season, helping to power the Cubs to a 5-1 victory over the Pirates on Tuesday.

How I Spent My All Star Break

Source: Razzball by grey@razzball.com (Grey Albright)

Four full days without fantasy baseball!? I know, it was brutal. How are we possibly supposed to keep ourselves occupied when we’re not refreshing our team pages every two minutes? In all seriouslyness, there are plenty of alternatives to constantly monitoring your team, for example: speak to a loved one, watch the all star game (yaaaawn), go outside, play real baseball (have a catch with the old man?), google cat videos, or if you dare not venture too far out of your comfort zone, perhaps you can start to prepare for your fantasy football draft? I hear this Tim Tebow foosballer is quite the fantasy

Roto Roundup: Ryan Braun, Alfonso Soriano, Francisco Liriano and Others

Source: Fake Teams by Ray Guilfoyle

Baseball is back!!! After needing the break for the All Star game earlier in the week, Thursday came and I was hoping there were games scheduled, but that was not to be the case. Let's take a look at what happened on Friday night.

Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun ended the break as the NL leader in home runs and built upon that lead last night, going 4-4 with 2 HRs, 3 runs, 3 RBI and a stolen base. Braun is now hitting .315-.399-.624 with 26 HRs, 59 runs, 64 RBI and 16 stolen bases. So much for those who wondered if he was juicing last season. Or those who thought he would miss Prince Fielder. He is having a better season this year than last, and could be the # 1 pick

Plouffe, there it is: Meet the 2012 Wiggys

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

The same thing happens in every March draft. You walk away from the computer or the war room and think "we drained the depth pretty well. The waiver wire is going to be skank all year."

And then the unknowns come out of nowhere, the surprise stories, the fun pickups and the lucrative pickups. And on my clipboard, I like to call them The Wiggys.

Ty Wigginton, our patron saint, represents so much that's good and right about fantasy baseball. He had a 24-homer season with Tampa Bay in 2006, a spike pretty much out of nowhere. He routinely qualifies at a bunch of different positions. He's usually out there on the wire, ready to go for free when you need him. And sometimes it's more fun to win your

Fantasy Baseball: Is Ike Davis out of His Slump?

Source: Bleacher Report MLB

Looking at New York Mets first baseman Ike Davis’ numbers, you can’t help but feel for the guy and the owners who have endured his .190-21-7-33-0 start. He has been much better lately. The question is whether or not he’s back on track.

After posting a .302-20-7-25-0 line in 36 games last year and .264-73-19-71-3 line in 2010, much more was expected of Davis than his horrible start. As bad as he’s been, he was hitting .158 through June 8.

In the past 11 games, though, Davis is hitting .364 with six runs, two home runs and 12 RBI. While his average jumped an impressive 32 points, he really made a mark by increasing his OPS by 94 points.