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

Austin Jackson: (Hamstring) Will Return Friday

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Austin Jackson: Jackson (hamstring) will return to the Tigers' lineup Friday night, Chris Iott of MLive.com reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Over/Under: Exactly how much should Puig pull via trade?

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

Fantasy is a speculative game. Predict the future, and you look like a genius. Don't, and you're painfully human. Gazing into the crystal ball, here's our view on 10 intriguing over/unders this week.

Imagine you're a Yasiel Puig owner in a non-keeper mixed league who is looking to cash in on the hype. Which of the following players would you be willing to deal the sensation for in a one-for-one transaction (FYI, there is more than one answer possible): A) Alex Gordon B) Giancarlo Stanton C) Matt Harvey D) Ben Zobrist E) All of the Above F) None of the Above

Brad – A, C and D. What Puig has accomplished in his first few games is nothing short of orgasmic for those lucky enough to

Head-to-Head Risers and Fallers for Week 11

Source: Fake Teams by Alex Kantecki

Risers

Carlos Quentin

The much maligned Padres outfielder may never be owned by anyone in the Zack Greinke fan club, but Quentin -- still available in 78% of Yahoo! leagues -- is proving his worth in points leagues since his slap on the wrist suspension a month ago. With 106 points in the Official Fake Teams Head-to-Head Points League, Quentin has proven more worthy than Josh Hamilton, Austin Jackson and Michael Morse. And he's done so with less playing time --

Austin Jackson (hammy) begins rehab stint - Austin Jackson | DET

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Austin Jackson (hamstring) went 0-for-5 with three strikeouts Monday in his first rehab game with Triple-A Toledo.

Austin Jackson: (Hamstring) To Begin Rehab Monday

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Austin Jackson: The Tigers officially confirmed that Jackson (hamstring) would begin his rehab assignment at Triple-A Toledo on Monday, MLive.com reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Austin Jackson hopes to return next weekend - Austin Jackson | DET

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Austin Jackson (hamstring) is hoping to be activated from the disabled list next weekend.

Austin Jackson to resume running this week - Austin Jackson | DET

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Austin Jackson (hamstring) will attempt to resume running later this week.

Fantasy Baseball – FAAB Report, Wk.10

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

I was away this weekend on another mini vacation (Monterey this time), but baseball never tops. Don’t think a romantic weekend away precluded me from doing my duty though. I sat there, looking at the waves crash on the beach, as I put in my bids for the waiver-wire this week. Here’s how it went down.

TOUT WARS (15 team mixed): Sent

'Could be a while' before A-Jax is activated - Austin Jackson | DET

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Lynn Henning of the Detroit News writes that it "could be a while" before Austin Jackson (hamstring) is activated from the disabled list.

'Could be a while' before A-Jax returns - Austin Jackson | DET

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Lynn Henning of the Detroit News writes that it "could be a while" before Austin Jackson (hamstring) is activated from the disabled list.

Austin Jackson (hammy) unlikely to return Mon - Austin Jackson | DET

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Austin Jackson (hamstring) is unlikely be activated from the disabled list when he's eligible Monday.

Fantasy Baseball – FAAB Report, Wk.8

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

This week I went a bit reliever crazy. It’s better to spend a small amount on a middle reliever who could take over as the closer than spend a huge amount on the guy a week or two later when he is officially named the closer. Therefore, I added an AL East closer in pretty much every league this week, trying to get a bit ahead of the curve. We’ll see if it plays out as I think it might, or if I will have to go middle reliever trolling in the coming weeks all over again.

TOUT WARS

The Wire Troll: Jake Odorizzi Gets the Call

Source: RotoRob by Tim McLeod

Jake Odorizzi is finally getting his shot with the Rays.

We’re at that time of year when we’ve got to make a decision for many of our Fantasy squads. Contenders or pretenders? Are we building for the chase or rebuilding for 2014? Whatever decision we make will determine the path we take. At RotoRob.com we’ve always been huge proponents in moving early and saving a buck or three and our in-game strategy hasn’t changed one iota in 2013. This week we’ll take a look at some players that could be right around the corner and worthy of some early attention as we round out our contending squads.

Without further ado let’s go trolling.

Jake Odorizzi, SP, Tampa Bay Rays (CBS: 18 per cent owned,

Fake Teams Podcast Episode 1: Who Are These Guys?

Source: Fake Teams by Andrew Ball

In an exciting development, Fake Teams has started a bi-weekly podcast! Most episodes, including this one, will feature Zack (FantasyNinja8) and I as the co-hosts, discussing all the relevant fantasy news and any other topics that strike our fancy. We also will have a number of the other Fake Teams writers join us to talk baseball.

While Zack and I are certainly excited about doing these podcasts, we need your input and feedback to really make it an entertaining and valuable part of the Fake Teams community. So please give us your thoughts and suggestions in the comments.

In this episode we talk about:

Injuries to David Price and Austin Jackson
Hot starts for Matt Moore, Pat Corbin, and Shelby Miller

Austin Jackson: (Hamstring) Lands On DL

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Austin Jackson: The Tigers placed Jackson on the disabled list retroactive to May 12, MLB.com's Jason Beck reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Austin Jackson: Lands On DL

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Austin Jackson: The Tigers placed Jackson on the disabled list retroactive to May 12, MLB.com's Jason Beck reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Austin Jackson (hamstring) put on 15-day DL - Austin Jackson | DET

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Tigers placed OF Austin Jackson on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right hamstring.

Austin Jackson: Sore Hamstring

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Austin Jackson: Jackson is dealing with a sore right hamstring and will be held out of the lineup Sunday, MLive.com reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

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

Mostly MLB Notes: Buying Matt Cain and examining what’s wrong with Eric Hosmer

Source: Roto Arcade by Dalton Del Don

Matt Cain entered this season having allowed 129 homers over 1,536.2 innings (0.76 HR/9). This year, he’s already served up nine home runs over 34.2 innings. Put differently, he’s allowed the same amount of long balls this month as he did all of the 2011 season, which spanned 221.2 innings. Cain has never had a season in which his HR/FB% was higher than 8.4. That number currently sits at 19.1% in 2013. While some could view this as regression hitting hard, Cain’s previous sample was too big to be written off as a fluke, and it’s worth pointing out just two of his six starts this year have come at home. Cain’s fastball velocity is down slightly in the early going (about 0.5 mph less compared to last

Fantasy baseball Weekly Planner: Which hot starters to sell now

Source: SI.com

Baseball can be a fickle game. If you have played fantasy long enough you know this all too well. Now that the first four weeks of the season are in the books, it can be a good time to sell-high on some hot starters. It's also a good time to have some fun with some ridiculous on-pace numbers: -Braves outfielder Justin Upton is on pace for 88 homers. -Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper is on pace for 60 homers. -Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli is on pace for 190 RBI. -Tigers outfielder Austin Jackson is on pace for 169 runs scored. -Red Sox outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury is on pace for 77 steals. -Rangers starting pitcher Yu Darvish in on pace for 330 strikeouts. -Breakout starting pitchers Matt Moore and Clay Buchholz are on pace for 35 victories. -Orioles closer Jim Johnson is on pace for 70 saves.

Over/Under: Is Giancarlo Stanton a fried fish?

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

Fantasy is a speculative game. Predict the future, and you look like a genius. Don't, and you're painfully human. Gazing into the crystal ball, here's our view on 10 intriguing over/unders this week.

Inadequately protected Giancarlo Stanton, who is still looking for his first homer and RBI on the year, combined HRs and RBI over the rest of the season 124.5

Andy – UNDER. Don't get me wrong: I think he can still be great, and he makes for a nice buy-low. But if you assume 35 homers rest-of-season, then he'll need to find 90 RBIs somehow. That's the trick. Plus he'll need to stay healthy.

Scott – UNDER. He's already hurt, I hate the lineup, I hate the negative

Over/Under: Is Gincarlo Stanton a fried fish?

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

Fantasy is a speculative game. Predict the future, and you look like a genius. Don't, and you're painfully human. Gazing into the crystal ball, here's our view on 10 intriguing over/unders this week.

Inadequately protected Gincarlo Stanton, who is still looking for his first homer and RBI on the year, combined HRs and RBI over the rest of the season 124.5

Andy – UNDER. Don't get me wrong: I think he can still be great, and he makes for a nice buy-low. But if you assume 35 homers rest-of-season, then he'll need to find 90 RBIs somehow. That's the trick. Plus he'll need to stay healthy.

Scott – UNDER. He's already hurt, I hate the lineup, I hate the negative

Roto Roundup: Zack Greinke, Austin Jackson, Bryce Harper, and Others

Source: Fake Teams by Ray Guilfoyle

Thursday was a quiet day in MLB, as there were only 8 games played. Here is what I saw during the games, reading the boxscores and other fantasy sites on Thursday.

Mike Zunino: Ready for the big leagues?

I was reading Buster Olney's blog post from Thursday morning where he wrote about the Mariners predicament as to when they should call up their top hitting prospect, Mike Zunino. Zunino, if you weren't aware, tore up High A and AA last season, hitting a combined .360-.447-.689 with 13 HRs and 43 RBI in 44 games. This season, AAA is not much of a challenge either, thus far, as he is

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,

Clever Ball: Roto Arcade’s 2013 MLB Predictions

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

Predictions are silly. Predictions are fun.

Today we collect the Yahoo! Five (Funston, Behrens, Evans, Del Don, Pianowski) and we invite Michael Salfino to sit in. It's Crystal Ball time, 2013 MLB season. We've seen the future, and this all works out reasonably well.

Share your predictions in the comments, and Happy Opening Day, gamers.

Brandon Funston, Lead Singer

NL Playoffs
Washington
Atlanta
St. Louis
Cincinnati
San Francisco

AL Playoffs
Toronto
Detroit
Kansas City
LA Angels
Oakland

World Series – Washington over Toronto

NL

Fantasy Baseball: Top Outfielders – 16 to 30

Source: Fantasy Baseball Dugout by BeeZee

You may not have the opportunity to draft all of your outfielders in your fantasy baseball money league or your free fantasy league in the early rounds. So use this list to help you decide who else to pick in your draft.

16. Matt Holliday, St. Louis Cardinals

Holliday has seven straight 20-HR seasons and a career BA of .313. He turned 33 in January.

17. B.J. Upton, Atlanta Braves

Upton has five straight 30-steal seasons and 51 HR over the last two years. But  his.246 BA was highest in last four seasons.  Career .336 OBP, .422 SLG at home, .335 OBP, .422 SLG on

Fantasy Baseball 2013: The Love List

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

The snarky comments will have to wait for another day. The red pens won't come out of the desk drawer today. It's time to get shiny, happy and target-driven on blog, unveiling a handful of players we can't wait to point-and-click on. Make sure you've got these guys queued up.

The 2013 Love List will keep us together. Who wants to ride shotgun?

[Baseball 2013 from Yahoo! Fantasy Sports: Join a league today!]

In the

Player Profile: Jayson Werth

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

Jayson Werth is one productive player, and he’s often being overlooked in fantasy baseball in 2013. Should you join the heard and ignore him, or should you buck that trend and target the Nationals’ outfielder in your fantasy baseball draft?

In 2008 Werth, while a member

Fantasy Baseball: All-Value team, 2013

Source: Roto Arcade by Brandon Funston

They say timing is everything. That might be giving "timing" a little bit too much credit. But at least in the case of fantasy baseball drafts, it's spot on. When 2013 comes to an end, you can count on this page to be top-heavy with players that not only had successful fantasy campaigns, but were also afterthoughts on draft day. With that in mind, here's an All-Value team for 2013 - again, it's all about the timing (ADP).

First Base - Chris Davis, Baltimore (Yahoo! ADP 160, Y! '12 rank 89): Players that can hit 30 home

2013 SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio – Experts Draft

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

I just keep doing fantasy baseball drafts don’t I? Seems like every time I wake up I get my bowl of cereal, my Red Bull (sometimes there is vodka in it), answer a plethora of tweets and emails, and then I end up being in a draft of some kind. Which draft am I talking about in this article? It’s the SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio draft, populated by the genius minds of the network. How did my team turn out? Before I get to that, here are the rules.

12 team mixed

AL LABR 2013

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

Phoenix Arizona.

Not many fantasy baseball leagues mean more than LABR in the world of fantasy sports. Started by John Hunt 20 years ago, it was the first exposure many of us had to fantasy baseball, at least the first chance to really dig into the mind of the experts in the field to find out why they did what they did on draft day (for more on the history of the event see Steve Gardner’s wonderful piece). I’m honored that I’ve been asked to be a part of the event.

Last

K-BAD – 2013: Part III, BBGuys Team

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

The fellas over over at KFFL.com have a fantasy baseball league nicknamed K-BAD, for Baseball Analysis Draft, and for the 5th straight year I’m honored to have been asked to participate (the proceeding link takes you to an analysis by every participant on the league). In Part III of this three part review I’ll break down how my squad turned out.

C:

K-BAD – 2013: Part I, Rounds 1-14

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

For the fifth straight year I was invited to play in an expert’s league by the folks over at KFFL.com (you can click on the link to see how everyone else in the draft evaluated their own selections). Nicknamed K-BAD, for Baseball Analysis Draft, the league pits 11 of the top minds in the game against one flunky (that would be your truly). I thought I would give my analysis

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

Spin Doctors: Who’s No. 1, Mike Trout or Miguel Cabrera?

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

Now that the Super Bowl result is in the books (no one left to beat, Joe Flacco), the roto public turns an eye to pitchers, catchers, and the rest of the fantasy baseball carnival. The top of the ranking board is always a hot-button topic, and today, in this forum, Brandon Funston and Scott Pianowski have a difference of opinion on how they'd kick off a draft. Share your thoughts (and Ryan Braun sympathizing) in the comments.

B-Fun leads off: Last season, Miguel Cabrera became the first player in 45 years to win a Triple Crown. That's a first place finish in the AL in three of the five categories in our roto racket. But despite his rare trifecta, and the fact that Mike

Pressing Questions: The Detroit Tigers

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

The 2012 Tigers were supposed to be a good-hit, bad-field bunch that contended for the AL Pennant. The last target came to pass, even if the path getting there didn't take the expected shape.

In spite of Miguel Cabrera's Triple Crown season (and controversial MVP), Detroit finished a mere 11th in the majors in runs (726), dropping 61 from the previous year. And don't blame it on the home yard, as Comerica Park played slightly favorable for offense in 2012. The full-season loss of Victor Martinez obviously didn't help, though the addition of Prince Fielder countered that nicely.

The Motown defense turned out to be problematic in spots, passable in others: while

Tigers avoid arb. with Jackson on $3.5M deal - Austin Jackson | DET

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Tigers avoided arbitration with OF Austin Jackson by agreeing to a one-year, $3.5 million contract.

Player Profile: Austin Jackson

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

Austin Jackson' or find free 'austin jackson' pictures via Wylio" href="http://www.wylio.com/credits/flickr/6037154857">

The Tigers’ Austin Jackson had an impressive rookie season in 2010. He hit .293, stole 27 bases, and scored 103 runs while playing strong defense. For a follow up his effort receded to .249, 22 and 90 in 2011. Jackson not only reclaimed his ’10 glory in 2012, but he blew past that effort (save for a

Player Profile: Torii Hunter

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

Torii Hunter is coming off of one of the best seasons of his distinguished career, and the 37 year old realized this might be his last contract of significance, if not the last contract, of his big league career. He said he wanted to find a home where he could play full-time and have a chance to win. He got his wish Wednesday when it was announced that he signed a 2-year, $26 million deal to join the Tigers (for more on the deal and how it came to pass read the entertaining story of

Leonys Martin, 2013 Fantasy Outlook

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

Leonys Martin said this recently in an interview, “I’m gonna be 25 years old in March.   In Triple-A last year, I hit 12 homers, stole 10 bases and hit for a .359 average in 231 at-bats while rocking a .422 OBP.  My mother, Martina, always said, ‘Leonys, modesty isn’t the best policy, it’s the only policy, except for my policy regarding our dining room which is no shoes, no shirt, no service.’  But if I, Leonys Martin the Great, may be so bold, I’m a solid center fielder and ready for the majors.  I have nothing left to prove in the minors.  I could get double digit homers and steals in 2013 in the minors, too, but instead I’d like to play for my major league club, the Rangers.  I hear Josh

Adam Eaton, 2013 Fantasy Outlook

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

Even with Petco’s fences coming in, I’m really liking what this middle-aged journeyman pitcher… *checking notes*  Me to myself, “I don’t think this is the Adam Eaton, 4+ ERA pitcher.”  Myself to me, “Jesus, then don’t write about the pitcher, or people will think you have no idea what you’re talking about.”  Me to myself, “Chill, Myself!  I know what to write and what not to– Um…Uh…”  So, Adam Eaton is a Diamondbacks prospect, not the other Adam Eaton that once pitched for the Padres.  That is plenty obvious.  I mean, these are rookie outlook posts for 2013 fantasy baseball after all, right?  *awkward laughing*  Right, so here’s what I said about Adam Eaton at the end of last

Player Profile: Michael Brantley

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

Why am I reviewing a guy who didn’t hit .300, who didn’t steal 15 bases, who didn’t hit 10 home runs, and who didn’t record 65 runs or steals? Why “waste” an article on Michael Brantley. Let’s see if I can explain why.

Let’s start with his lack of elite production shall we. It is true that Brantley didn’t hit .300 (he batted .288). It is true he didn’t steal 15 bases (he stole 12). He didn’t drive in or score 65 (he had 60 RBIs and 63

Top 40 Outfielders, 2012 Fantasy Baseball

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

With the top 40 outfielders, we’ve finished all the hitter recaps.  We meaning me, but I’ll include you.  No, that’s not a cue to try to hold my hand.  Why are you now patting my butt?  (Here’s all the final 2012 fantasy baseball rankings.  They’re also to your left… your other left.  And down.  That’s up.  Oh, forget it.)  The pitching recap will begin next.  To recap, the end of the season rankings are based on our Fantasy Baseball Player Rater.  I felt the easiest way to keep it objective would to go this course.  This way when I say someone finished 30th and

Moustakas Out Of Beta

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

Mike Moustakas left yesterday’s game with a groin injury that could end his season, which would also end his sophomore slump (the “o” is silent in sophomore, like when you make love to your woman — oofa!)  The 2nd season like the 2nd Greek letter is beta.  Beta is also a testing phase when the most kinks are found.  So, naturally, we should expect guys in beta to perform for stretches and then find they have serious compatibility issues with major league pitching, right?   Well, there’s no scientific evidence to support this.  Sure, Austin Jackson and Jason Heyward’s 2011 seasons were miserable and this year we got the same from Hosmer and Moustakas, but Gaby Sanchez was fine for two years, then hit a

OPS Fantasy Leagues: Just Like Heaven

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

This week I wanted to discuss some players that have unexpectedly carried teams in OPS fantasy leagues. Some of them have simply stayed healthy, while others have become completely different players, at least temporarily. The best example of an incarnation is…

Edwin Encarnacion – Matthew Berry said he would rather have Encarnacion than Prince Fielder in 2013. I mean, that’s just obnoxious. Sure, Fielder has his ups and downs from year to year, but he’s been a top fantasy player for a long time and there’s no reason to expect that to change. That’s a big contrast to Edwin, who already has a surprising 40 home runs this season. He’s been especially helpful due to him qualifying at third base, where

Austin Jackson: (Ankle) Returns To Lineup

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Austin Jackson: Jackson (ankle) returned to the lineup Monday and went 1-for-5 with a run scored and an RBI. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Austin Jackson back in Tigers' lineup Monday - Austin Jackson | DET

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Austin Jackson (ankle) is back in the Tigers' starting lineup on Monday against the White Sox.