Shuffle Up: Manny Machado, ahead of schedule

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

Here are your Shuffle Up corners for the month of May. Dig into them, think about them, disagree with them. I'll be back with commentary later tonight.

Normal rules apply, of course. We're trying to project 5x5 value to come; what's happened to this point is an audition, not a mandate. Players at the same price are considered even. Don't worry about the prices in a vacuum - what matters is how the players relate to one another. Your intelligent and respectful disagreement is always welcome.

Please remember the golden rule of shuffling: a player doesn't gain (or lose) 15-20 percent of value simply because he's on your roster.

Courtesy injury ranks are at the bottom. I won't debate those (I'm generally not as

Draft Day Challenge, May 16

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

 

BaseballGuys.com has partnered with DraftDay.com to give all my wonderful followers, that’s you, the chance to play the game on a daily basis. On Tuesday and Thursday’s every week, I’ll share some insight into a few of the better

Shuffle Up: Checking in with Josh Rutledge; more words about Didi Gregorius

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

Today's Shuffle Up assignment is the middle infielders, everyone who covers the second base or shortstop area for your fake juggernaut. Settle in, settlers, and let's try to figure it all out. (Where's Braun and Miggy? Sorry kids, they're not middle infielders.)

Play to this point matters as an audition, but that's it. The goal is to figure out who will play the best (and collect the juiciest stats) from this point forward, 2013-only. Pretend we're starting from scratch with a fresh draft tonight. Don't worry about the dollar value in a vacuum; they're merely used as tools to compare. And players at the same price tag are considered even.

I'll add extensive comments as the day goes along and I may tweak a

Waiting in the Wings: Kolten Wong

Source: Fake Teams by Craig Goldstein

What if I told you that a prospect was going to be Marco Scutaro? Would that be something you're interested in? Obviously it's not like hearing that a prospect will be the next Brandon Phillips or Jeff Kent or pick some other all-star second baseman, but...it has value right? Well that's where I've landed on Kolten Wong. He's not necessarily the same style player as Scutaro, so I don't mean to comp him (I hate comparisons). What I mean is the type of fantasy season he

Shuffle Up: Michael Cuddyer gets his groove back

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

Today's ranking assignment takes us down on the corner, the first basemen and the third basemen. Settle in, settlers.

What you'll see below are prices for most of the Yahoo-eligible cornermen going forward. There are a few rules here: if you're in the minors or on the DL, you don't make this list. Too variable in worth, league to league. If you're catcher-eligible, you don't make the list – everyone's probably going to use you at catcher anyway. Don't obsess over the actual dollar amounts – what matters is how the players relate to one another. When players are at the same number, they're considered even.

The games to this point are merely an audition. We're trying to figure out who's worth the

ADP Analysis of the Mock Draft Army's First Draft -- Part 2

Source: RotoSynthesis

For those of you just joining our program, allow me to re-direct you to the article from Wednesday where we introduced you to the Mock Draft Army, a rotating group of fantasy baseball writers looking to provide you with legitimate mock drafts to help you in your draft prep. The Army had its first draft last Tuesday, a 28-round, standard 5x5 mixed league draft consisting of seven writers and five readers and we started to bring you some ADP analysis as a way to understand some of the rising and falling trends we’ve been witnessing over the last several weeks.

In that piece, we covered most of the first half of the draft – two four-round blocks to be exact. We compared those draft numbers with the ADP

Starting Nine: Giancarlo Stanton, beaned but unbroken

Source: Roto Arcade by Andy Behrens

Giancarlo Stanton, unrivaled star of a dreadful Marlins roster, was hit in the helmet on Wednesday by a Jose Fernandez fastball, but there's no obvious reason for anyone to panic — Fernandez included. This from the AP...

Giancarlo Stanton spotted downcast teammate Jose Fernandez in the Miami Marlins' clubhouse Thursday and flashed him a grin.

''Relax,'' Stanton said. ''Relax.''

[...]

X-rays were negative, there was no sign of a concussion, and Stanton said his vision returned to normal after a few hours.

Pressing Questions: The San Francisco Giants

Source: Roto Arcade by Dalton Del Don

The Giants improbably won their second World Series over the past three years in 2012, once again riding strong pitching and terrific defense in the postseason. They did so despite being down 2-0 against the Reds while heading to play the next three games in Cincinnati and then down 3-1 against the Cardinals in the NLCS, only to outscore their opponents 36-7 over the next seven games – all wins. San Francisco became champs while hitting by far the fewest home runs in major league baseball, although that had plenty to do with AT&T Park, which had the lowest HR Park Factor (0.522) of any stadium since 2002.

The Giants somehow won the World Series despite Tim Lincecum finishing with a 5.18 ERA,

Mock Draft: Talking Pitching Early

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

In fantasy baseball circles I’m known as the ‘anti-pitcher’ guy. I tell people all the time that in re-draft leagues there is no reason to take a pitcher at the top of a draft, and I practice what I preach (see how my staff turned out in the recent FSTA Experts Draft where I waited until the 8th round to take my first hurler). I know though that many others disagree with that line of thought. So for the sake

2013 Rankings: Third Basemen

Source: Fantasy Baseball 365

The hot corner is a bit top heavy, but sprinkled in the middle are some hitters that are flawed but bring a carrying fantasy stat to the table. There are also some young players that have breakout potential beyond the upper tier. 

Rank First Name Last

2013 Rankings: Shortstops

Source: Fantasy Baseball 365

Like second base, shortstop lacks depth. Scraping the bottom of the barrell is a scary thought and will yield players that should only be started in AL-only and NL-only leagues. 

Rank First Name Last Name Organization 1 Troy Tulowitzki Rockies 2 Jose Reyes Blue

2013 Rankings: Second Basemen

Source: Fantasy Baseball 365

Unlike first base, second base lacks impact bat depth. In mixed leagues without a middle infielder, few players outside the top-15 will be rostered heavily. In larger leagues, sorting through the dregs is a necessity that adds to the appeal and nuance of stepping out of kiddie pool leagues.

Rank First Name Last Name Organization 1 Robinson Cano Yankees 2 Dustin Pedroia Red

Top 20 3rd Basemen for 2013 Fantasy Baseball

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

Yesterday, we went over the top 20 shortstops for 2013 fantasy baseball and today we (hint: it's in the title) go over the top 20 3rd basemen for 2013 fantasy baseball. We should call all the 2013 fantasy baseball rankings where in the world is Marco Scutaro and Martin Prado? Marco...Prado! It's like the Italian guy who went to Asia and brought back knockoff designer handbags. Now, this is not that we like them, and by "we" I mean me, but due to their flexibility on the chart of

Player Profile: Hunter Pence

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

The San Francisco Giants, for the second time in three years, won the World Championship. Marco Scutaro was amazing throughout, and Barry

Player Profile: Marco Scutaro

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

The world found out what anyone who has been watching baseball for the past half decade could tell you – Marco Scutaro is a “professional hitter” and a very good baseball player. However, what Scutaro did in the playoffs may have pushed his fantasy outlook up to the point that he will be a

Scutaro gets 3-year, $20M deal from Giants - Marco Scutaro | SF

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

According to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal, Marco Scutaro has re-signed with the Giants on a three-year, $20 million deal.

Scutaro to Giants 50/50, Cardinals lurking - Marco Scutaro | SF

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

ESPN's Buster Olney hears that the chances of Marco Scutaro re-signing with the Giants are 50/50, with the Cardinals representing the most likely alternative.

Giants have made three-year offer to Scutaro - Marco Scutaro | SF

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Andrew Baggarly of CSNBayArea.com reports that the Giants have made a three-year offer to Marco Scutaro.

Bidding on Scutaro going three years, $24M - Marco Scutaro | SF

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

ESPN's Buster Olney reports that the bidding on free agent infielder Marco Scutaro has reached something in the range of three years and $24 million.

Marco Scutaro and Perils of Playoff Performance

Source: Fake Teams by Paul Rice

For anyone who believes that Marco Scutaro will carry his torrid late-season hitting on into 2013 and remain a plus fantasy contributor, I have two words for you: Shane Spencer. Remember that guy?

Well, if you don't, Spencer was an organizational soldier for the Yankees in the late-90's who finally got something resembling major league playing time in September of 1998 (the year the Yanks won 114 games), and proceeded to hit eight home runs in 42 plate appearances down the stretch. No one could get him out, and he became a sort of folk hero in the Bronx. He hit two more home runs in the first round

Marco Scutaro (2B/SS-FA)

Source: TG Fantasy Baseball

Scutaro, Pagan among Winter Meetings priorities. Hoping to keep the championship club as intact as possible, two of the Giantsand#39; key free agents -- Marco Scutaro and Angel Pagan -- remained unsigned with less than a week to go before the Winter Meetings. Source: http://mlb.mlb.com

Angel Pagan (OF-FA)

Source: TG Fantasy Baseball

Scutaro, Pagan among Winter Meetings priorities - Hoping to keep the championship club as intact as possible, two of the Giantsand#39; key free agents -- Marco Scutaro and Angel Pagan -- remained unsigned with less than a week to go before the Winter Meetings. Source: http://mlb.mlb.com

OPS Fantasy Leagues: 2012 Second Basemen Review

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

Here is a look at the value of second basemen over the past season in OPS fantasy leagues. This is not meant to be a ranking so much as adding a lens to illustrate their relative value with OPS as a component. They are listed from highest to lowest OPS. Note that I only included players with at least 300 plate appearances in 2012. For reference, here’s my review of catchers and first basemen.

Top Ten

Robinson Cano – Here’s to you, Mr. Robinson. Fantasy owners love you more than you will know…

Player Profile: Freddie Freeman

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

Freddie Freeman, the Braves’ first baseman, had a solid second season. In fact, “solid” may not quite be the correct adjective to use when describing his 2012 efforts. Some will see the drop in batting average and the nearly identical OPS and worry that he didn’t take a step forward in Year II. Some will remember the constant physical issues that hindered him included a couple of week span where his vision became an issue. I on the other hand think the seeds are

Mostly NFL Notes: Week 8 Recap

Source: Roto Arcade by deldon

Throw Robert Griffin's stat line completely out the window, as Washington receivers committed at least 10 drops, and that's no exaggeration. In a week full of an abnormally high amount of them, the Redskins were the worst, highlighted by this gem. It's not often you see a quarterback commit pass interference, but so was the case with RG3 on Sunday…Heath Miller is on pace to finish with fewer than 800 yards, but thanks to nine targets inside the 10-yard line (more than any other receiver in football), he has six touchdowns and has been the No. 3 fantasy tight end so far this year…Did you see Antonio Brown run backward for the final 20

Nirvana… Again

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nearly two years ago to the day I wrote the first Nirvana piece. That piece started out… “In the grand scheme of things a championship in sports means nothing, and the life of one person is also rendered insignificant when placed in the context of the world. But I gotta tell you, in this corner of the sphere that we all inhabit, there have been few things that can rival what has occurred over the last 24 hours.” And it happened,

Scutaro leads Giants to World Series sweep - Marco Scutaro | SF

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Marco Scutaro drove in the game-winning run as the Giants topped the Tigers 4-3 in extra-innings Sunday to finish off a four-game World Series sweep.

Giants blow out Cardinals en route to pennant - Marco Scutaro | SF

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Marco Scutaro went 3-for-4 and scored a run in Monday's NLCS Game 7 victory over the Cardinals.

Sctuaro (hip) in lineup for Game 3 vs. Cards - Marco Scutaro | SF

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Marco Scutaro (hip) is in the lineup for Game 3 of the NLCS against the Cardinals on Wednesday.

Scutaro has 'good chance' to play in Game 3 - Marco Scutaro | SF

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Giants manager Bruce Bochy said there's a "good chance" Marco Scutaro (hip) will play in NLCS Game 3.

Scutaro diagnosed with left hip muscle strain - Marco Scutaro | SF

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Marco Scutaro (hip) traveled to St. Louis with the Giants but his status for Game 3 of the NLCS is unclear.

Scutaro getting an MRI after negative X-rays - Marco Scutaro | SF

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

X-rays on Marco Scutaro's left hip came back negative.

Marco Scutaro to undergo X-rays on hip - Marco Scutaro | SF

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Marco Scutaro has been diagnosed with a left hip injury and will undergo X-rays.

Marco Scutaro departs game after hard slide - Marco Scutaro | SF

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Marco Scutaro left Monday's NLCS Game 2 against the Cardinals with an apparent left leg injury.

Top 20 Shortstops, 2012 Fantasy Baseball

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

Top 20 catchers, 1st basemen and 2nd basemen are in the books.  What a strange, glorious trip it’s been!  Though not really.  Today, the top 20 shortstops for 2012 fantasy baseball get to shine.  Hmm… Actually, most of these won’t shine.  They’re cloudy with a chance of crapballs.  To be a bit more specific, the top ten shortstops were about equal with the 2nd basemen through the top 10, then they fall off the map like a 12th century explorer.  For

Top 20 2nd Basemen, 2012 Fantasy Baseball

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

We already went over the top 20 catchers and the top 20 1st basemen for 2012 fantasy baseball.  Today, we dip our big toe into the top 20 2nd basemen.  It was a nice bounce back year for the 2nd basemen, in general.  In 2011, Darwin Barney was ranked 20th for 2nd basemen and 19th for shortstops, but this year guys like Mike Aviles ranked 18th for 2nd basemen, but 14th for shortstops, showing more depth at the keystone.  To recap, this final ranking for last year is from our Fantasy Baseball

Marco Scutaro (2B/SS-SF)

Source: TG Fantasy Baseball

Bailey shows command of Giants in Game 3 - Homer Bailey tossed 5 2/3 no-hit innings before Marco Scutaro singled in the sixth of Game 3 against the Giants at Great American Ball Park on Tuesday. Source: http://mlb.mlb.com

MLB: The Final Friday

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

The Dodgers gave Andre Ethier a 5-year, $85 million deal signaling that he is one of the building blocks of their offense. Then we get this. Manager Don Mattingly said the following about Ethier’s inability to hit left-handed pitching. “I can say all day long that I think he’s capable of hitting against lefties, but if the numbers keep telling us that maybe he can’t, then we have to go a different route,” he said. I’m not going to disagree with Mattingly because he’s right. Ethier is

One HR, Two HR, Reddick, Bluedick

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

The .245 AVG is going to look ugly next March but 31 HRs and 80+ R/RBI has been nirvana for anyone (like Rudy) who plucked Josh Reddick off free agency in shallow leagues this year.  The power is real and, unlike the last A’s power hitter (Jack Cust), he is an above average fielder.   So the A’s now have 2/3 of a phallic OF foundation with Reddick and Yoenis.  Where is Lance Johnson Jr or Dick Pole Jr when you need them?  For 2013, I imagine the only flavor missing from his Chick-o-Stick is average, i.e., it may never be anything to write home about.  But if you’re writing home about Reddick’s average, you need new material.  Here’s hoping he doesn’t become Ryan Ludwick Part II.  Ryan Ludwick, “I

Fantasy Beat – Batters Up

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

Justin Fensterman and Trevor Ray discuss some surprise hitters this season. Trevor calls out Ray Flowers on Mike Trout. They also discuss some key players to pick up this Sept to win your league. such as: Chris Nelson, Marco Scutaro, John Mayberry, Logan Forsythe, Josh Donaldson and Nate McLouth.

Editors Note: Mike Trout is hitting .280 with a .852 OPS

Scherzer’s Shouldzer Is Hurtzer

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

The Tigers playoffs hopes just took a shot in the lower extremities.  Now if they get to the playoffs, they’ll have to pitch Verlander 4 times in a 5 game series with Miggy pitching the other game.  That’s not our concern though, is it?  Of course, it isn’t.  Our concern is on the fantasy diamond, which is also what you proposed to your baby’s mama with.  ”Shizz is on layaway, baby, you know I got you when my checks come in.  Now let’s run off to City Hall, and make this thing official before your pops comes for my nuts.”  Max Scherzer left after 2 innings yesterday due to right shoulder fatigue.  Here’s what his left shoulder had to say, “I told that honkey-ass shoulder to take a damn

Cliff Gets Cheers Bar The Wins

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

Yesterday, Cliff Lee gave the line 8 IP, 1 ER, 8 baserunners, 10 Ks to move his record to 6-7 in 190 innings.  That’s to go with a 3.27 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP.  If you had 7 wins as his over/under for the year with a full season of starts and without him being traded midseason to the Astros, you might win yourself a lot of money.  If you doubled down with the bet, Roy Halladay’s ERA would be above 4.  You’re buying drinks for him and Norm.  This year, Lee’s Ks are a little off, but still well above 8 per nine and his xFIP is near 3.  The only thing he’s missing this year is just the slightest bit of luck with wins and his ratios.  For next year, he’s probably going to be drafted lower because of the

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 4, 2012

Source: Baseball Guys by Ray Flowers

(1) Kris Medlen, best pitcher in baseball?

(2) Jacoby Ellsbury struggling to produce.

(3) Chase Headley – out of control. Just killing it.

(4) Marco Scutaro strong pickup for Giants.

(5) Chris Iannetta surging at the dish.

(6) Wil Myers Minor League Player of the Year. Not getting called up Royals?

(7) Troy Tulowitzki nearing a return from groin injury?

 

By Ray Flowers

McDonald Grabs Win and He’s Lovin’ It

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

Old McDonald got a win, K, K, K, K, K! And in this win he struck out seven….Yes, James McDonald finally showed flashes of his first half form again last night, pitching 6.0 innings, surrendering just 2 hits, 0 ER, and striking out 7 for his 11th win.  It was a huge rebound for J-Mac, who’s been downright awful since the All-Star break. Pirates GM Neal Huntington decided to give McDonald a few extra days rest and well, give that GM a raise, sir! You know, his mother had been saying the same thing all along. “What are ya doing, Jimmy! Giving up  so many runs, destroying so many ratios, you’re just tired, sweetheart! Get some sleep, you stay up too late. You need rest, you’re a growing boy, Jimmy!” Mother

Scutaro, Giants slam Cards in 15-0 demolition - Marco Scutaro | SF

Source: Rotoworld Baseball

Marco Scutaro led the way in Wednesday's 15-0 demolition of the Cardinals, going 3-for-6 with a double, grand slam and seven RBI.

Closing Time: Josh Rutledge, hacking it in the majors

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

One of the tricky elements to writing this column is the understanding that it goes out to a wide audience of roto players, people competing in many different formats. There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to fantasy advice. A deep sleeper might not hold any value in a shallow mixer, and the hot property in a smaller league was likely drafted or picked up weeks ago (if not months ago) in the penetrating formats.

I try to vary the ownership levels on the players promoted, and hope that readers will understand how variable the landscape is. But there's no one right way to do it.

With that theme in mind, I was surprised when I glanced at

Veterans Stadium: Jim Tracy dashes the Tyler Colvin dream

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

I was on the Tyler Colvin bandwagon, sure. Heck, I might have been driving the vehicle, collecting tickets, barking out landmarks and instructions. I enjoyed his mad run in early July and I implored fantasy owners to grab him in most formats. By land and by sea, by all means of social media, I got the point across. (I even convinced one valued friend to pick up Colvin, making my pitch at the end of a phone call. That's so 1997.)

And I was there when the stock crashed in the second part of July, when Colvin hit a brief slump and eventually landed on the bench. I took the losses. I answered the inquiries. I shook my head and wondered what might have been. That wistful theme came back Wednesday night, when

Veteran’s Stadium: Jim Tracy dashes the Tyler Colvin dream

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

I was on the Tyler Colvin bandwagon, sure. Heck, I might have been driving the bandwagon, barking out landmarks and instructions. I enjoyed his mad run in early July and I implored fantasy owners to grab him in most formats. By land and by sea, by all means of social media, I got the point across.

And I was there when the stock crashed in the second part of July, when Colvin hit a brief slump and eventually landed on the bench. I took the losses. I answered the inquiries. I shook my head and wondered what might have been. That wistful theme came back Wednesday night, when Colvin stroked three hits (including a pair of triples) in Colorado's loss to St. Louis.

But at the end of it all, I don't

Fantasy Baseball: 7 Players That Will Be Better Options on New Teams

Source: Bleacher Report MLB

Fallout from the MLB trade deadline isn't limited to real life. Fantasy baseball general managers need to pay attention to the rapidly shifting landscape as well.

Some players lost value fantasy value by swapping real-life teams.

Former Philadelphia Phillies outfielders Hunter Pence and Shane Victorino probably won't like their new digs on the west coast with the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants. Hitting in Dodger Stadium and AT&T Park in a division that also features San Diego's PETCO Park will be much tougher than life in Citizens Bank Park.

Marco Scutaro not only moves