Roto Roundup: Cliff Lee, Jose Bautista, Francisco Liriano, and Others

Source: Fake Teams by Ray Guilfoyle

Make sure you post any fantasy baseball questions you may have in the comments section of the daily Roundup. I will answer all of your questions, and you can post multiple questions if you want.

If you haven't listened to Episode 2 of the Fake Teams podcast, make sure you check it out in this link.

Cliff Lee on a roll

The Phillies rotation is not performing to expectations this season, as Roy

Closing Time: Yup, we’re talking about Fernando Rodney again

Source: Roto Arcade by Andy Behrens

One day after recording a rocky five-out save, Fernando Rodney took a rough turn against the Jays. So we're back to worrying about him. Or maybe you never stopped worrying. Either way, he's a big, bad-hatted worry.

Rodney attempted to protect a one-run lead at Toronto on Wednesday, but Jose Bautista greeted him rudely, with a no-doubt bomb. Tie game. Save blown. Rodney then retired Edwin Encarnacion, but gave up a five-pitch walk to Adam Lind. At that point, Joe

Fernando Rodney blows save and gets pulled - Fernando Rodney | TB

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Fernando Rodney took his fourth blown save in giving up a Jose Bautista solo homer Wednesday against the Jays.

Jose Bautista homers twice in Blue Jays' win - Jose Bautista | TOR

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

A one-man offense, Jose Bautista went 4-for-4 with two homers and a game-winning hit in the bottom of the 10th as the Blue Jays edged the Rays 4-3 on Wednesday.

Fernando Rodney blows save, gets pulled - Fernando Rodney | TB

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Fernando Rodney took his fourth blown save in giving up a Jose Bautista solo homer Wednesday against the Jays.

Shane Victorino Dealing With Back Woes

Source: RotoRob by RotoRob

Shane Victorino never had problems with his back until…

Heading into the season, we expected Shane Victorino to be among the top 40 in our 2013 Outfield Rankings, however, back woes that have limited him to 120 at-bats have made it difficult for him to live up to that billing. Through a month and a half, he’s probably been a top 65 outfielder.

Victorino’s back issue cropped up last month, causing him to miss several games and nearly landing him on the DL.

A few days after his return in May he started to heat up, recording four multi-hit efforts in a five-game span to jack his BA up to

Roto Roundup: Chris Sale, Jose Bautista, Adrian Beltre, and Others

Source: Fake Teams by Ray Guilfoyle

If you have any fantasy related questions, trade offers, roster decisions, keeper questions, questions about when to bail, or how to bail, feel free to post them in the comments section of the Roundup.

Adrian Beltre: Still very good at 34

Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre is one of the top fantasy third baseman in the game, and he is a gold glove third baseman as well. At some point, he will begin to slow down at the plate, but he has the advantage of playing for a very good team and in a hitters park. Yesterday, he went 4-5 with a HR, 2 doubles, 2 runs and 4 RBI in the Rangers 12-7 win

Jose Bautista homers twice, Jays top Boston - Jose Bautista | TOR

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Jose Bautista slugged two home runs Sunday in the Blue Jays' 12-4 trouncing of the Red Sox.

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

Draft Day Challenge, May 9

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

I’ve partnered with DraftDay.com to give all my wonderful followers, that’s you, the chance to play the game on a daily basis. I’ll be giving you some insight into the mind of The Oracle as I will give you some of my best plays for the day – even if I’m willing to admit that daily games are a

Happ 'conscious' and 'in stable condition' - J.A. Happ | TOR

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Jose Bautista said after Tuesday's game that the team has been told that J.A. Happ (head) is "conscious" and "in stable condition."

Bautista (back) homers in return to lineup - Jose Bautista | TOR

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Jose Bautista (back) launched his fourth home run of the season in his return to the lineup Friday.

Jose Bautista (back) returns to lineup Friday - Jose Bautista | TOR

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Jose Bautista (back) returned to the Blue Jays' starting lineup Friday as the designated hitter.

Jose Bautista: (Back) Will DH Friday

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Jose Bautista: Bautista (back) will return to the lineup as designated hitter Friday against the Yankees, Barry Davis of Sportsnet.ca reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Jose Bautista: Sits Again

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Jose Bautista: Bautista (back) is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the White Sox. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Bautista remains absent from Toronto lineup - Jose Bautista | TOR

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Jose Bautista is out of the Blue Jays' starting lineup on Thursday due to lingering soreness in his back.

Baseball Daily Dose: Giancarlo Ready to Return?

Source: Rotoworld Baseball Articles

Patrick Daugherty checks in on Giancarlo Stanton and Jose Bautista's injury struggles in Thursday's Dose

Bautista (back) out of lineup again Wednesday - Jose Bautista | TOR

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Jose Bautista (back) is out of the Blue Jays' lineup again Wednesday.

Bautista (back) out of lineup again Tuesday - Jose Bautista | TOR

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Jose Bautista (back) is out of the Blue Jays' starting lineup again Monday.

Mostly MLB Notes: The Matt Harvey Show

Source: Roto Arcade by Dalton Del Don

I’m not sure what more can be said about Matt Harvey at this point, but I’ll go ahead and continue to pile on the praise. The guy has allowed six hits over 22.0 innings this season. Six! Thanks to a 0.82 ERA and a decent 0.55 WHIP, he’s been the No. 1 ranked fantasy player so far. Harvey’s control still isn’t great, as he’s walked multiple batters in all three of his outings (and he had a 3.93 BB/9 rate across Triple-A and with the Mets last year), but his stuff is among the nastiest in the league already. Harvey’s average fastball velocity (94.3 mph) has been the fourth-highest among all starters this season, while his slider (88.6 mph) has easily been the fastest (next highest is Madison

Jose Bautista: (Back) Expected To Play Tuesday

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Jose Bautista: Bautista (back) is expected to play Tuesday against the White Sox, MLB.com reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Joey Bats (back) out of Jays' lineup on Mon. - Jose Bautista | TOR

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Jose Bautista is not in the Blue Jays' lineup on Monday night against the White Sox due to back spasms.

Joey Bats (back) out of Jays' lineup Monday - Jose Bautista | TOR

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Jose Bautista is not in the Blue Jays' lineup on Monday night against the White Sox due to back spasms.

Jose Bautista: Back Flared Up

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Jose Bautista: Bautista will be held out of the lineup Monday against the White Sox, as his back has flared up, the National Post reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Jose Bautista: Not In Lineup Monday

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Jose Bautista: Bautista is not in Monday's lineup. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Wheel Play: Brett Lawrie gets a look at second in minors, Jose Bautista shifts to third

Source: Roto Arcade by Andy Behrens

You guys, Brett Lawrie is playing second base for the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays right this minute, as I write this post. Check the box score if you don't believe me.

For those of us who have Lawrie stashed on fantasy DLs (and who have bums at second base), this is good news.

Lawrie is just beginning a minor league rehab assignment, recovering from a rib issue, and the organization has decided to give him a trial at second, no doubt seeking ways to keep the everyday lineup as potent as possible

Wheel Play: Brett Lawrie gets look at second, Jose Bautista shifts to third

Source: Roto Arcade by Andy Behrens

You guys, Brett Lawrie is playing second base for the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays right this minute, as I write this post. Check the box score if you don't believe me.

For those of us who have Lawrie stashed on fantasy DLs (and who have bums at second base), this is good news.

Lawrie is just beginning a minor league rehab assignment, recovering from a rib issue, and the organization has decided to give him a trial at second, no doubt seeking ways to keep the everyday lineup as potent as possible

Jose Bautista: (Ankle) Back in Action Tuesday

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Jose Bautista: Bautista (ankle) will return to the lineup Tuesday at Detroit, taking over as Toronto's DH, Sportsnet reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Bautista (ankle) back in Tuesday's lineup - Jose Bautista | TOR

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Jose Bautista (ankle) is back in the starting lineup Tuesday against the Tigers as the designated hitter.

Jose Bautista: Out Sunday, Plans To Return Tuesday

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Jose Bautista: Bautista (ankle) is not in the starting lineup Sunday but is available to pinch-hit, Blue Jays radio broadcaster Mike Wilner reports. The team hopes to have him back in right field Tuesday against the Tigers. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Jose Bautista (ankle) not in lineup Sunday - Jose Bautista | TOR

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Jose Bautista (ankle) is out of the lineup again Sunday.

Bautista (ankle) misses second straight game - Jose Bautista | TOR

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Jose Bautista (ankle) is not in Saturday's lineup against the Red Sox.

Jose Bautista: (Ankle) Won't Start Saturday

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Jose Bautista: Bautista (ankle) will not play Saturday against the Red Sox, Barry Davis of Sportsnet reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Jose Bautista: (Ankle) Not In Friday's Lineup

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Jose Bautista: Bautista (ankle) is not in the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Red Sox. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Jose Bautista (ankle) out of Friday's lineup - Jose Bautista | TOR

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Jose Bautista (ankle) is not in the Blue Jays' lineup Friday.

Jose Bautista: Twisted Ankle

Source: RotoWire.com MLB

Jose Bautista: Bautista left Thursday's win over the Indians late in the game with a twisted ankle, Sportsnet's Barry Davis reports. Manager John Gibbons said after the game that he didn't believe it was a big deal, and Bautista said that he doesn't think he'll miss any time. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Bautista (ankle) doesn't expect to miss time - Jose Bautista | TOR

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Jose Bautista (ankle) said after Thursday's game that he doesn't expect to miss any time.

Jose Bautista exits game with twisted ankle - Jose Bautista | TOR

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Jose Bautista left Thursday's game after the eighth inning with a twisted ankle.

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,

Fantasy Baseball: Top Outfielders – 1 To 15

Source: Fantasy Baseball Dugout by BeeZee

Whether you play fantasy baseball for free, or participate in a fantasy baseball money league, you need to find great outfielders. Here is our list of the top 15 picks:

1. Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers

Braun had over 30 HR, 100 RBI and a .300 BA for the fifth time each in six seasons, and also stole over 30 bases for the second straight year.

2. Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Trout was one steal short of becoming the third player in MLB history to have 30 homers and 50 steals in a season. He also hit .326 and his 129 runs scored were

Top 20 Players for 2013: ESPN Poll

Source: Fake Teams by Ray Guilfoyle

I am one of the few fantasy writers who is down on a few of the top fantasy players in baseball in 2013: Albert Pujols and Jose Bautista. I have advocated avoiding both in the first round of fantasy drafts, as I think they aren't deserving of being drafted there. Second round, sure. Just not the first round.

On Wednesday, in reading Dave Cameron's chat over at Fangraphs, he stated he expects continued regression from Pujols this season, but actually voted for Bautista as his 2013 AL MVP.

Yesterday, ESPN's Buster Olney published the results of his poll of 21 talent evaluators, including

Player Profile: Dayan Viciedo

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

Last season Dayan Viciedo of the White Sox had 25 homers, one more than Hunter Pence,

Fantasy Beat – Baseball is Back & NBA Sticks Around

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

 

Justin Fensterman and Trevor Ray discuss their Fantasy Hoops disappoints this season. They talk about the players that ruined their seasons and guys that under performed. They also get back to the baseball diamond talking about a few guys they have been wondering about heading into their drafts.

NBA: Dwight Howard, Reggie Evans, Gerald Wallace, Brook Lopez, Al Harrignton, Harrison Barnes, Clay Thompson, DeMarcus Cousins, Meta World

Five to Avoid

Source: Fake Teams by Kevin Nielsen

An important part of drafting well is to nail your picks early on. Having a pick within the top 5 rounds perform terribly can cost any GM their league. There are other reasons to avoid a player other than a possible poor season, such as inappropriate value at their ADP and/or the likelihood of acquiring similar production later in the draft. Here are the 5 players in the top 75 ADP (according to Mock Draft Central) that I won't be drafting in ANY of my mixed 10-15 team leagues, barring a drastic slip during the draft from their respective ADP's.

Jose Bautista 9.91

Bautista's power could be affected by his wrist surgery. His projected production is just too

Tip Drill: Mythbusting with Jose Bautista

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

You might like Jose Bautista for his home-run bat, his attack mentality at the plate, or his cool sunglasses.

Me, I dig the guy because he's a one-man wrecking crew when it comes to Fantasy Myth Busting. Heck, the first three bullet points in this article will come straight from the Joey Bats file.

If you've played fantasy baseball for even a modest amount of time, you've surely come across scores of rules and tips. Some are wise and useful, while others fall under the fortune-cookie logic umbrella. And we'll never stop searching for the wisdom to tell the difference.

Settle in, settler, and let's offer up some well-regarded fantasy concepts that need to be re-examined, if not thrown into

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

Fantasy Baseball 2013 AL Only Rankings: Outfield

Source: Fake Teams by smokeymcpots

Mike Trout - Jersey's finest thing since the cranberry and the tomato. Historic season will be impossible to duplicate, a down year for him would be a 6-7 WAR season...yikes.

Jose Bautista - Missed a good chucnk of last year with wrist injuries. I have been monitoring his progress throughout the winter and it sounds like its all systems go. The guys hitting ahead of him are going to make all the difference.

Josh Hamilton - Is a per game monster, problem is he doesn't play everyday. Expect a 15 day DL stint. Still

Pressing Questions: The Toronto Blue Jays

Source: Roto Arcade by Andy Behrens

The Blue Jays won just 73 games last season, finishing fourth in a division where the top three teams all reached 90 victories. It's been 13 years since any team claimed an AL East flag with fewer than 95 wins. Thus, Toronto's front office entered the offseason knowing that it wouldn't be enough to make only small changes at the margins.

With this fact in mind, general manager Alex Anthopoulos has spent the past three months overhauling and upgrading the Jays' roster, completing a transformation that would be difficult to pull off in, say, a 10-team dynasty league. Toronto completed a 12-player deal with the Marlins in November — adding Jose Reyes, Josh Johnson, Mark Buehrle and Emilio Bonifacio — then pulled off a

Positional Eligibility Matters

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

 

The Tigers announced, through GM Dave Dombrowski, that Victor Martinez will not catch in 2013 as the Tigers plan to let Alex