Author: Todd Zola

Yes, we play DFS football too! While not an official Tout Wars sponsored entity, I’ll be writing about our Tout Daily Football contest since the majority of participants are Touts or friends of Touts, most in the industry.

Unlike the baseball version where we segmented the scoring into five periods, we’ll recognize the top-three finishers each week as well as crowning the overall champion by virtue of most points over the 17- week regular NFL season.

Robert Spiegelberg, aka Kingpin54321 (does anyone else find it odd there are 54320 other Kingpins?) is off to a great start, leading the way in each of the first two weeks. Finishing behind Kingpin54321 in Week 1 were Derek Carty and Reid Kashmanian while Jake Ciely and Jeff Erickson trailed the leader in Week 2.

Overall, Spiegelberg of course leads with Carty in second followed by Sammy Reid.

The overall standings can be found on the Leaderboard.

Welcome to the weekly Tout Wars FAAB report, on its new home right here on the Tout Wars site. Each week, we’ll review the free agent acquisitions from all five leagues, with commentary from a league member, as well as yours truly.

We changed the timing of the weekly run to 1 PM ET every Sunday, with the report posted later that afternoon so you’ll have time to digest and apply to your own leagues. In addition, I’ll be joining Lawr Michaels and Justin Mason on the Tout Wars Hour on the FNTSY Network every Sunday at 3:20 PM ET to discuss the results.

You can find the complete list of Tout Warriors here. Everyone starts with 1000 FAAB units, less any penalty incurred by finishing below a designated point in the standings. This is a means of keeping everyone motivated to keep playing all season long. The minimum bid is $0. FAAB units can be traded as well as rebated for players released off the DL. The report will list all winning bids along with unsuccessful tries and contingencies. This provides the maximum level of information to help gauge interest on the players.

The American and National League only formats are 12-team leagues, as is the new points-based head to head league, The Mixed Auction and Draft each have 15 clubs. All the leagues have four reserves with an unlimited DL, expect the head to head league, which allows six reserves. The headings above each league are links to publicly accessible sites where you can see standings, roster and a complete review of transactions. The initial auctions and drafts can be found here.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER	WINNING BID
CStewart, Det	Mike Podhorzer 92	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 23
MShoemaker, LAA	Mike Podhorzer 46	Larry Schechter 0
WAstudillo, Min	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 6
DanNorris, Det	Larry Schechter 0
WHarris, Hou	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 0

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
NVincent, Sea	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 0
JJimenez, Det	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 0

Todd’s Take

It took Detroit longer than most expected, but Christin Stewart was finally given the keys to left field for the rest of the season. His plate skills for Triple-A Toledo were fine, fanning at an acceptable 21 percent rate while walking a healthy 13 percent. He swatted 23 homers for the Mudhens.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER	WINNING BID
JJeffress, Mil	Mike Gianella 38	Phil Hertz 33	Steve Gardner 1
MLorenzen, Cin	Phil Hertz 17
DomSmith, NYM	Phil Hertz 5	Mike Gianella 35
AVizcaino, Atl	Phil Hertz 3	Steve Gardner 1
CReed, Cin	Phil Hertz 0

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
JLuplow, Pit	Phil Hertz 33
JUrias, LAD	Phil Hertz 1
CFerguson, LAD	Phil Hertz 0
JVenters, Atl	Phil Hertz 0

Todd’s Take

So, I’ve got one of the worst pitching staffs in the league, yet three of this week’s pick-ups were recently released off my sorry squad, including Lorenzen and Jeffress last week. I made the calculated decision I could gain more points in wins and whiffs than I’d lose in saves, while remaining in the cellar in ratios. I won’t see the wins and K’s points until the last week, if at all.

Mike Gianella benefited from my ply, grabbing Jeffress. None of the points Mike stands to gain in saves (including leapfrogging me) will influence the three-horse race for the title between Steve Gardner, Grey Albright and Tristan Cockcroft, though Jeffress could also help Mike in ratios, possibly costing Grey and Tristan a point. Selfishly, my concern is trying to minimize my loss of FAAB. I’d feel bad if my strategy contributed to the championship for someone, but that’s OK. There have been numerous other FAAB releases affecting things, like some bozo dropping Kyle Freeland in April. Just not my year… again.

MIXED LEAGUE AUCTION

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER	WINNING BID
JMFernandez, LAA	Ron Shandler 18
JBruce, NYM	Zach Steinhorn 9	Ron Shandler 18	Ray Flowers 6
		Fred Zinkie 5	Tim Heaney 0
CStratton, SF	Ray Flowers 8	Tim Heaney 0
GHolland, Was	Ray Flowers 7	Ray Flowers 4
YHirano, Ari	Scott Swanay 7
JChoi, TB	Ray Flowers 6	Zach Steinhorn 3
FValdez, Hou	Jeff Zimmerman 3
JAlvarado, TB	Fred Zinkie 3	Ray Flowers 4
WAstudillo, Min	Jeff Zimmerman 2	Al Melchior 0
MDuffy, TB	Jeff Zimmerman 2
RStripling, LAD	Al Melchior 1	Ray Flowers 7	Jeff Zimmerman 3
RGrossman, Min	Scott Swanay 0	Al Melchior 0
KPlawecki, NYM	Al Melchior 0	Jeff Zimmerman 0
NMartini, Oak	Al Melchior 0
SKieboom, Was	Al Melchior 0

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
LBrinson, Mia	Ron Shandler 18
ZDavies, Mil	Ray Flowers 7	Ray Flowers 5
YMunoz, StL	Ray Flowers 5	Scott Swanay 0	Jeff Zimmerman 0
HDozier, KC	Ray Flowers 5
TWard, LAA	Ray Flowers 5
DFletcher, LAA	Jeff Zimmerman 2
ARomine, NYY	Jeff Zimmerman 0
CaJoseph, Bal	Jeff Zimmerman 0
DanNorris, Det	Jeff Zimmerman 0
WDifo, Was	Jeff Zimmerman 0
AConley, Mia	Al Melchior 0
JChavez, ChC	Al Melchior 0

Todd’s Take

I usually insert a photo of the player garnering the top bid atop the header, but in this case I opted to make an exception. Try to tell me Willians Astudillo isn’t the love child of former Tout Eno Sarris and Bartolo Colon. You can’t. Admit it, you can’t.

MIXED LEAGUE DRAFT

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER	WINNING BID
BKeller, KC	Charlie Wiegert 123	D.J. Short 35
SSchebler, Cin	Adam Ronis 47
BLowe, TB	Adam Ronis 13	Adam Ronis 37

Todd’s Take

At the time of this writing, Adam Ronis is nine points behind Rudy Gamble. Adam is looking at gaining 5 points in R, RBI and SB, one of which passes Rudy for a net six. He’ll still need a few more, but here’s why you keep grinding. To his credit, Rudy has been making consistent moves all season, he just didn’t see anything to help this week. Good luck, gents.

HEAD-TO-HEAD MIXED AUCTION

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER	WINNING BID
JRoss, Was	Dr. Roto 27	Jake Ciely 7
JrgLopez, KC	Jake Ciely 0

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
RStripling, LAD	Dr. Roto 27

Todd’s Take

Clay Link needed to sweep his match with Jake Ciely being swept to have a chance to set up a chance to pass current leader Jake in the season’s final two-week period. Clay is doing his part. It appears Jake will take at least four of the six points, leaving him with an insurmountable eight game lead.

Welcome to the weekly Tout Wars FAAB report, on its new home right here on the Tout Wars site. Each week, we’ll review the free agent acquisitions from all five leagues, with commentary from a league member, as well as yours truly.

We changed the timing of the weekly run to 1 PM ET every Sunday, with the report posted later that afternoon so you’ll have time to digest and apply to your own leagues. In addition, I’ll be joining Lawr Michaels and Justin Mason on the Tout Wars Hour on the FNTSY Network every Sunday at 3:20 PM ET to discuss the results.

You can find the complete list of Tout Warriors here. Everyone starts with 1000 FAAB units, less any penalty incurred by finishing below a designated point in the standings. This is a means of keeping everyone motivated to keep playing all season long. The minimum bid is $0. FAAB units can be traded as well as rebated for players released off the DL. The report will list all winning bids along with unsuccessful tries and contingencies. This provides the maximum level of information to help gauge interest on the players.

The American and National League only formats are 12-team leagues, as is the new points-based head to head league, The Mixed Auction and Draft each have 15 clubs. All the leagues have four reserves with an unlimited DL, expect the head to head league, which allows six reserves. The headings above each league are links to publicly accessible sites where you can see standings, roster and a complete review of transactions. The initial auctions and drafts can be found here.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER	WINNING BID
JrgLopez, KC	Doug Dennis 100	Seth Trachtman 45
ADiaz, Tor	Doug Dennis 83	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 11
YMendez, Tex	Seth Trachtman 45
JMFernandez, LAA	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 11
BGuyer, Cle	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 1	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 6
JRickard, Bal	Larry Schechter 1
TButtrey, LAA	Larry Schechter 0

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
DCovey, CWS	Seth Trachtman 11
RTellez, Tor	Larry Schechter 1
TScott, Bal	Doug Dennis 0

Todd’s Take

Geez, what does a guy have to do to get noticed, carry a perfect game into the ninth? Jorge Lopez followed up a seven inning, one run outing versus the Orioles, fanning eight with no walks with his gem versus the Twins. The former Brewers prospect spent much of the 2018 campaign working as a reliever. With 15 innings allowing just two runs this last two efforts, Lopez is making a strong case to be in the Royals rotation next season.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER	WINNING BID
FMejia, SD	Mike Gianella 65	Todd Zola 29	Steve Gardner 15
		Craig Mish 3	Tristan H. Cockcroft 0
PWisdom, StL	Mike Gianella 65	Todd Zola 29
JRoss, Was	Mike Gianella 65	Phil Hertz 60
JOsuna, Pit	Todd Zola 29
TGore, ChC	Phil Hertz 25	Phil Hertz 4
TomHunter, Phi	Steve Gardner 15
SKieboom, Was	Mike Gianella 0	Steve Gardner 0
AAvila, Ari	Steve Gardner 0	Mike Gianella 0
JHicks, StL	Tristan H. Cockcroft 0	Steve Gardner 4

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
FPena, StL	Mike Gianella 0
PSeverino, Was	Mike Gianella 0
TNido, NYM	Mike Gianella 0
DHudson, StL	Tristan H. Cockcroft 0
KGlover, Was	Tristan H. Cockcroft 0
KWright, Atl	Tristan H. Cockcroft 0

Todd’s Take

In a bit of a switch, hitters dominated the NL bidding with Francisco Mejia paving the way. The jury is still out with respect to his defense; his stick is MLB ready.

Next up is Cardinals third-sacker Patrick Wisdom, called up to help an injury-riddled infield. As an example of how thin the hitting ranks are, Wisdom is just 6-for-31, albeit with half of his knocks leaving the yard. But, playing time is currency and he’s seeing regular run.

Without the budget to compete with Mike Gianella, I settled for Jose Osuna, hoping he plays down the stretch. Not-so-ironically, he’s replacing the same guy he’s replacing in Pittsburgh, Gregory Polanco.

MIXED LEAGUE AUCTION

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER	WINNING BID
JCandelario, Det	Scott Swanay 81	Ron Shandler 27
FMejia, SD	Jeff Zimmerman 32	Tim Heaney 3	Al Melchior 0
SAlcantara, Mia	Ron Shandler 27	Scott Swanay 81	Fred Zinkie 4
KYates, SD	Jeff Zimmerman 24	Zach Steinhorn 6	Al Melchior 1
RTellez, Tor	Jeff Zimmerman 24
JGray, Col	Jeff Zimmerman 24	Ray Flowers 21	Al Melchior 1
BKeller, KC	Ray Flowers 20
AFrazier, Pit	Ray Flowers 19	Al Melchior 0
YGurriel, Hou	Ron Shandler 19	Jeff Zimmerman 24	Zach Steinhorn 2
JRoss, Was	Ron Shandler 5
VRobles, Was	Tim Heaney 3
CStewart, Det	Jeff Zimmerman 2

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
CStratton, SF	Ray Flowers 19
LBrinson, Mia	Ray Flowers 19
MMahtook, Det	Ray Flowers 19
HDozier, KC	Ron Shandler 11	Jeff Zimmerman 0
WDifo, Was	Ron Shandler 5
TomHunter, Phi	Jeff Zimmerman 4
DFletcher, LAA	Jeff Zimmerman 0
DTravis, Tor	Jeff Zimmerman 0
JChoi, TB	Jeff Zimmerman 0
YMunoz, StL	Jeff Zimmerman 0

Todd’s Take

Frequent helper Jeff Zimmerman was a busy man, reacquiring Jon Gray among several other moves. The two I want to focus on are Rowdy Tellez and Christin Stewart, both options to provide some late season pop. Tellez has replaced the slumping Justin Smoak at first base. After hitting safely in his first four games, Tellez was 0-for-4 om Sunday but still should receive a good look the next three weeks. Stewart will be the Tigers everyday left fielder down the stretch, after hitting 23 homers for Triple-A Toledo this season.

MIXED LEAGUE DRAFT

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER	WINNING BID
FMejia, SD	Perry Van Hook 123
RDavis, Cle	Anthony Perri 60
DFletcher, LAA	Anthony Perri 60	Rudy Gamble 27
AFrazier, Pit	Rudy Gamble 42	Adam Ronis 28
AGomber, StL	Charlie Wiegert 37	D.J. Short 15
RLaureano, Oak	Charlie Wiegert 37	Adam Ronis 28
LVoit, NYY	Adam Ronis 28
WChen, Mia	D.J. Short 20
SAlcantara, Mia	Perry Van Hook 3	D.J. Short 8
JAlvarado, TB	Gene McCaffrey 1
RTellez, Tor	Gene McCaffrey 0	Adam Ronis 28
CIannetta, Col	Gene McCaffrey 0

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
SSchebler, Cin	Adam Ronis 28
ENunez, Bos	Rudy Gamble 22
FPena, LAA	D.J. Short 15
BLowe, TB	Adam Ronis 13
BMcKinney, Tor	Adam Ronis 4	Gene McCaffrey 0
JRoss, Was	Perry Van Hook 3	D.J. Short 1
FValdez, Hou	Perry Van Hook 3
JBeeks, TB	Perry Van Hook 3
JrgLopez, KC	Perry Van Hook 3
YHirano, Ari	Perry Van Hook 3
TRichards, Mia	D.J. Short 1
AGordon, KC	Gene McCaffrey 0
DDeShields, Tex	Gene McCaffrey 0
MAdams, StL	Gene McCaffrey 0
NCiuffo, TB	Gene McCaffrey 0
VRobles, Was	Gene McCaffrey 0
WCastillo, CWS	Gene McCaffrey 0
YSanchez, CWS	Gene McCaffrey 0

Todd’s Take

Kudos to Ray Flowers in the Mixed Auction and Rudy Gamble in the Mixed Draft for recognizing what Adam Frazier has done over the second half. How does .360/.413/.623 since the break grab you?

HEAD-TO-HEAD MIXED AUCTION

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER	WINNING BID
SAlcantara, Mia	Justin Mason 100	Dr. Roto 15	Jake Ciely 7
BKeller, KC	Peter Kreutzer 36	Dr. Roto 15	Andrea LaMont 1
FValdez, Hou	Dr. Roto 31	Jake Ciely 7
FPena, LAA	Dr. Roto 15	Jake Ciely 7
KBryant, ChC	Andrea LaMont 6
FReyes, SD	Andrea LaMont 3
AHedges, SD	Jake Ciely 2
SReidFoley, Tor	Jake Ciely 2
KMaeda, LAD	Andrea LaMont 1
RLaureano, Oak	Jake Ciely 1
ASimmons, LAA	Andrea LaMont 0
AGordon, KC	Andrea LaMont 0
MMahtook, Det	Andrea LaMont 0
WMiley, Mil	Justin Mason 0
JVargas, NYM	Justin Mason 0

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
JRoss, Was	Dr. Roto 15
JUrena, Mia	Dr. Roto 15
DMengden, Oak	Peter Kreutzer 13
TWhite, Hou	Jake Ciely 1
CReed, Cin	Justin Mason 0
KSmith, CWS	Jake Ciely 0
MDavidson, CWS	Andrea LaMont 0

Todd’s Take

There’s no better way to demonstrate context is everything than Kris Bryant drawing one bid while four pitchers drew multiple – and higher – bids. This format is all about unearthing pitching, hopefully with two starts.

Sandy Alcantara leads the way, though he only has one outing on the docket. His strikeout potential is the major allure.

Brad Keller also has just one, but it’s against the White Sox and their generous strikeout potential.

Framber Valdez is a sneaky pick-up since he lines up for two decent starts next week after facing the Tigers this week.

Francisco Pena is also looking at a double-dip in a week, though it lines up as more difficult that what Valdez will encounter.

Welcome to the weekly Tout Wars FAAB report, on its new home right here on the Tout Wars site. Each week, we’ll review the free agent acquisitions from all five leagues, with commentary from a league member, as well as yours truly.

We changed the timing of the weekly run to 1 PM ET every Sunday, with the report posted later that afternoon so you’ll have time to digest and apply to your own leagues. In addition, I’ll be joining Lawr Michaels and Justin Mason on the Tout Wars Hour on the FNTSY Network every Sunday at 3:20 PM ET to discuss the results.

You can find the complete list of Tout Warriors here. Everyone starts with 1000 FAAB units, less any penalty incurred by finishing below a designated point in the standings. This is a means of keeping everyone motivated to keep playing all season long. The minimum bid is $0. FAAB units can be traded as well as rebated for players released off the DL. The report will list all winning bids along with unsuccessful tries and contingencies. This provides the maximum level of information to help gauge interest on the players.

The American and National League only formats are 12-team leagues, as is the new points-based head to head league, The Mixed Auction and Draft each have 15 clubs. All the leagues have four reserves with an unlimited DL, expect the head to head league, which allows six reserves. The headings above each league are links to publicly accessible sites where you can see standings, roster and a complete review of transactions. The initial auctions and drafts can be found here.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER	WINNING BID
AMcCutchen, NYY	Rob Leibowitz 455	Jeff Erickson 246	Seth Trachtman 165
		Mike Podhorzer 149	Vlad Sedler 101
		Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 47	Lawr Michaels 46
		Larry Schechter 1
FValdez, Hou	Jeff Erickson 246	Vlad Sedler 19	Seth Trachtman 5
IHamilton, CWS	Jason Collette 20
DCastillo, TB	Doug Dennis 15
DLugo, Det	Vlad Sedler 13
AHechavarria, NYY	Lawr Michaels 11
JMateo, Oak	Patrick Davitt 1
DHess, Bal	Seth Trachtman 1
HSantiago, CWS	Vlad Sedler 1

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
JrgLopez, KC	Vlad Sedler 7
JAndreoli, Bal	Vlad Sedler 6
BGuyer, Cle	Vlad Sedler 2
RBuchter, Oak	Vlad Sedler 1
BValera, Bal	Lawr Michaels 1

Todd’s Take

A combination of FAAB rebates for DL players in addition to a paucity of difference-making crossover players left a couple AL Toutians with deep pockets. Rob Leibowitz is glad Andrew McCutchen switched leagues as he tries to climb closer to the threshold to lose FAAB for next season. Cutch has a job now, we’ll see how much he pays once Aaron Judge returns.

Jeff Erickson was also able to lighten the wallet, grabbing Astros starter Framber Valdez. Valdez is working in Lance McCullers Jr.’s spot, allowing just two earned runs in his 14.1 innings, albeit with only 10 whiffs and seven walks. Still, starters, especially for contending teams are hard to come by.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER	WINNING BID
LDuda, Atl	Brian Walton 60
TToussaint, Atl	Brian Walton 25	Todd Zola 17	Grey Albright 11
DPoncedeleon, StL	Mike Gianella 23	Todd Zola 17	Andy Behrens 2
	Tristan H. Cockcroft 0
ZDavies, Mil	Mike Gianella 22
CGranderson, Mil	Steve Gardner 14
BWilson, Atl	Grey Albright 11
BMitchell, SD	Todd Zola 7
AGarcia, SF	Craig Mish 4
BMorrow, ChC	Steve Gardner 2
JBrigham, Mia	Craig Mish 1

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
KWright, Atl	Grey Albright 11
AChafin, Ari	Craig Mish 0

Todd’s Take

Lucas Duda was the big-ticket item, but with Freddie Freeman in two, Duda will likely be relegated to pinch-hitting duties, perhaps seeing some outfield time after a double-switch.

Starting pitching was the next order of business with five arms scheduled to work this week added to Tout rosters. My personal rank matches that of the bids with the Braves Touki Toussaint leading the way as he’s been announced to open the interleague series with Boston on Labor Day. Daniel Poncedeleon may lose his spot once Adam Wainwright and/or Michael Wacha return, but he has a nice matchup with Detroit this week. Zach Davies makes his return from the DL on Monday, the first of a double -dip. Without a lot of FAAB, I landed on Bryan Mitchell, someone I was expecting to transition to a usable starter after the Yankees dealt him to San Diego.

MIXED LEAGUE AUCTION

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER	WINNING BID
RRay, Ari	Zach Steinhorn 82	Bret Sayre 61	Scott Swanay 48
		Tim Heaney 4	Jeff Zimmerman 1
LUrias, SD	Scott Engel 19	Tim Heaney 4	Jeff Zimmerman 0
JCave, Min	Scott Engel 5
BMcCann, Hou	Fred Zinkie 5	Jeff Zimmerman 0
JFry, CWS	Tim McLeod 4	Jeff Zimmerman 1
TJankowski, SD	Fred Zinkie 4
FPena, LAA	Al Melchior 3	Zach Steinhorn 22
AJackson, NYM	Scott Engel 2
RYarbrough, TB	Tim McLeod 1
JRodriguez, Was	Tim McLeod 1
FValdez, Hou	Jeff Zimmerman 1	Al Melchior 0
JUrena, Mia	Tim Heaney 1
SCishek, ChC	Fred Zinkie 0
DRobertson, NYY	Fred Zinkie 0
CReed, Cin	Al Melchior 0
VCaratini, ChC	Jeff Zimmerman 0

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
DStraily, Mia	Zach Steinhorn 22
JAlvarado, TB	Tim McLeod 3	Fred Zinkie 0
AFrazier, Pit	Scott Engel 3	Tim Heaney 0
FHernandez, Sea	Al Melchior 3
MMahtook, Det	Scott Engel 2
ZDavies, Mil	Tim Heaney 1
DHess, Bal	Tim McLeod 0
HFillmyer, KC	Tim McLeod 0
HDozier, KC	Tim Heaney 0
JBruce, NYM	Tim Heaney 0
NWalker, NYY	Tim Heaney 0
WDifo, Was	Tim Heaney 0
JBriceno, LAA	Jeff Zimmerman 0
JSucre, TB	Jeff Zimmerman 0

Todd’s Take

Robbie Ray’s 11.6 K/9 is excellent, but he’s only pitched more than 5.1 innings once in his last 10 outing so his raw strikeout total isn’t especially high.

I’m a little surprised there wasn’t more interest on David Robertson. Yeah, it’s still a committee but my money is on Robertson to get the bulk of the saves in Aroldis Chapman’s absence.

MIXED LEAGUE DRAFT

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER	WINNING BID
TWhite, Hou	Adam Ronis 37	Ray Murphy 30	Charlie Wiegert 20
SMatz, NYM	Ray Murphy 24	Charlie Wiegert 18	Adam Ronis 3
ABeltre, Tex	Ray Murphy 24
TAustin, Min	Adam Ronis 23	Charlie Wiegert 12
JUrena, Mia	Charlie Wiegert 18
APlutko, Cle	Charlie Wiegert 18
YChirinos, TB	Charlie Wiegert 18
MShoemaker, LAA	Charlie Wiegert 18
MMahtook, Det	Ray Murphy 14	Adam Ronis 1
ROHearn, KC	Charlie Wiegert 12	Adam Ronis 23
JShields, CWS	Jeff Boggis 12

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
AGomber, StL	Charlie Wiegert 18
RLaureano, Oak	Adam Ronis 17
AGordon, KC	Ray Murphy 14
WChen, Mia	Charlie Wiegert 12	Adam Ronis 3
ASenzatela, Col	Charlie Wiegert 12
BJohnson, Bos	Charlie Wiegert 12
FPena, LAA	Charlie Wiegert 12
BMcKinney, Tor	Adam Ronis 12

Todd’s Take

If you’ve been using Evan Gattis for your catcher, you understand why Tyler White topped the bidding in the mixed Draft league. White has usurped primary DH duties, posting a 1.097 OPS with nine homers over the past month.

HEAD-TO-HEAD MIXED AUCTION

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER	WINNING BID
MFulmer, Det	Dr. Roto 29
JBeeks, TB	Dr. Roto 18
SOhtaniP, LAA	Dr. Roto 16
DSpan, Sea	Peter Kreutzer 13
MShoemaker, LAA	Peter Kreutzer 11

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
JGant, StL	Peter Kreutzer 10	Dr. Roto 9
APlutko, Cle	Peter Kreutzer 8
FValdez, Hou	Dr. Roto 7
WMiley, Mil	Peter Kreutzer 7
NGoodrum, Det	Peter Kreutzer 4
RErlin, SD	Peter Kreutzer 3
MGonzalez, Hou	Peter Kreutzer 1

Todd’s Take

The competitors are looking for any help down the stretch in an effort to track down league leader Jake Ciely. Dr. Roto fortified his pitching staff, hoping the struggling Michael Fulmer returns to form. The righty has two starts next week, facing the White Sox and Cardinals.

Michel Beller from SI.com is the 2018 Tout Daily Champion, winning the Survivor Tournament Championship by a slim 4.05 points. Todd Zola (pretend I’m not writing this) came in second followed by Clay Link and Bret Sayre.

This season, Tout Daily used a 3-day tournament to crown it’s champion, with the cumulative score determining the winner. Beller had just under a 10-point lead over Link and Zola heading into the final night, needing almost every bit of it to grab the title and have a menu item named in his honor at the annual Tout Wars party at Foley’s in New York City.

Leading Beller’s team was Carlos Carrasco and his 7.2 innings of scoreless ball, fanning 11 Twins, allowing only four hits. As strong as that performance was, it took a late, meaningless, insignificant and downright stat-padding, selfish homer from Nelson Cruz to push Beller ahead of Zola (again, pretend I’m not writing this).

Congratulations to Michael, Tout Wars is anxiously awaiting your selection for the party at Foley’s.

Stay tuned as we’ll be announcing details for the football version of Tout Daily soon.

 

Welcome to the weekly Tout Wars FAAB report, on its new home right here on the Tout Wars site. Each week, we’ll review the free agent acquisitions from all five leagues, with commentary from a league member, as well as yours truly. We changed the timing of the weekly run to 1 PM ET every Sunday, with the report posted later that afternoon so you’ll have time to digest and apply to your own leagues. In addition, I’ll be joining Lawr Michaels and Justin Mason on the Tout Wars Hour on the FNTSY Network every Sunday at 3:20 PM ET to discuss the results.

You can find the complete list of Tout Warriors here. Everyone starts with 1000 FAAB units, less any penalty incurred by finishing below a designated point in the standings. This is a means of keeping everyone motivated to keep playing all season long. The minimum bid is $0. FAAB units can be traded as well as rebated for players released off the DL.

The report will list all winning bids along with unsuccessful tries and contingencies. This provides the maximum level of information to help gauge interest on the players.

The American and National League only formats are 12-team leagues, as is the new points-based head to head league, The Mixed Auction and Draft each have 15 clubs. All the leagues have four reserves with an unlimited DL, expect the head to head league, which allows six reserves.

The headings above each league are links to publicly accessible sites where you can see standings, roster and a complete review of transactions. The initial auctions and drafts can be found here.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER	WINNING BID
CGomez, TB	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 166	Larry Schechter 0
SGonsalves, Min	Jason Collette 49	Seth Trachtman 0
LVoit, NYY	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 11	Larry Schechter 1
FHernandez, Sea	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 11
RTorreyes, NYY	Doug Dennis 4	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 2
JGarcia, Tor	Doug Dennis 4
AColome, Sea	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 2	Larry Schechter 0
BGamel, Sea	Larry Schechter 1	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 2
LTrivino, Oak	Larry Schechter 0	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 1

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
DCastillo, TB	Doug Dennis 4	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 1
SKelley, Oak	Doug Dennis 4
JRondon, CWS	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 3
AMeadows, TB	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 2
BGuyer, Cle	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 2
CTocci, Tex	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 2
JAndreoli, Bal	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 2
JMinaya, CWS	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 1
TKahnle, NYY	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 1
WAstudillo, Min	Larry Schechter 1
XCedeno, CWS	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 1
RLaMarre, CWS	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 0	Larry Schechter 0
MGerber, Det	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 0

Todd’s Take

After losing his regular gig lead to Mike Podhorzer dropping Gomez, Glenn Colton and Rick Wolf jumped on the free agent, perhaps because some of the lost playing time would be recaptured with Mallex Smith on the DL.

Colton and the Wolfman also grabbed Yankees first-sacker Luke Voit who is garnering most of the at bats at the position with Neil Walker covering second (Gleyber Torres filling in for the injured Did Gregorius) and Greg Bird a non-factor.

Jason Collette is rolling the dice Stephen Gonsalves figures something out after first two outings where he allowed eight runs in a combined 6.1 frames. His minor league track record suggests better days lie ahead.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER	WINNING BID
CStratton, SF	Steve Gardner 39	Todd Zola 13	Andy Behrens 1
		Phil Hertz 0
JPirela, SD	Mike Gianella 36	Scott Wilderman 0
TWolters, Col	Mike Gianella 10
MHolliday, Col	Craig Mish 7	Steve Gardner 37	Andy Behrens 4
JRodriguez, Was	Todd Zola 3	Andy Behrens 1
JVargas, NYM	Todd Zola 3
KNewman, Pit	Scott Wilderman 1	Mike Gianella 0
CReed, Cin	Phil Hertz 0

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
AEllis, SD	Mike Gianella 0
FPena, StL	Mike Gianella 0
JMathis, Ari	Mike Gianella 0
SKieboom, Was	Mike Gianella 0
CFerguson, LAD	Phil Hertz 0
DiHerrera, Cin	Scott Wilderman 0

Todd’s Take

Despite the Giants not yet officially confirming Chris Stratton will remain in their rotation, likely grabbing two starts, Steve Gardner took the chance with the week’s highest NL Tout bid. Stratton began the season on a roll, before slowing down and eventually being demoted. He tossed six innings of four-hit ball against the Mets earlier in the week, allowing just two runs.

My personal quest for wins and strikeouts landed me on Jason Vargas and Jefry Rodriguez.

When’s next year’s draft?

MIXED LEAGUE AUCTION

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER	WINNING BID
RLaureano, Oak	Zach Steinhorn 58	Fred Zinkie 26
MMaldonado, Hou	Zach Steinhorn 28	Scott Pianowski 3	Jeff Zimmerman 0
JBruce, NYM	Scott Engel 21
MMelancon, SF	Scott Engel 21
CMartinez, StL	Bret Sayre 21
SGaviglio, Tor	Jeff Zimmerman 13
ASenzatela, Col	Ray Flowers 7	Tim Heaney 0
PNeshek, Phi	Jeff Zimmerman 7	Al Melchior 1
ROHearn, KC	Al Melchior 6
BMcKinney, Tor	Al Melchior 6	Scott Engel 14
IKinsler, Bos	Tim Heaney 3	Jeff Zimmerman 1
WLeBlanc, Sea	Scott Pianowski 3	Ray Flowers 7
BLowe, TB	Scott Swanay 2
LVoit, NYY	Scott Swanay 2	Scott Engel 15
CaJoseph, Bal	Jeff Zimmerman 0
KWong, StL	Derek VanRiper 0

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
NWalker, NYY	Zach Steinhorn 28	Tim Heaney 0
MPerez, TB	Zach Steinhorn 12
ERamirez, Sea	Scott Engel 9	Ray Flowers 7
EDiaz, Pit	Zach Steinhorn 8
JFry, CWS	Jeff Zimmerman 7
FPena, LAA	Ray Flowers 4
SLeon, Bos	Zach Steinhorn 2
FHernandez, Sea	Tim Heaney 2
TPannone, Tor	Scott Swanay 2
FValdez, Hou	Al Melchior 1
CStratton, SF	Tim Heaney 0
DRobertson, NYY	Tim Heaney 0
MEstrada, Tor	Tim Heaney 0
BMcCann, Hou	Jeff Zimmerman 0
BSwihart, Bos	Jeff Zimmerman 0
EKratz, Mil	Jeff Zimmerman 0
VCaratini, ChC	Jeff Zimmerman 0

Jeff Zimmerman’s Commentary

Todd’s Take

I like Jeff’s Gaviglio gambit as the Jays righty has pitched well as of late, drawing a couple of beatable offenses, though the Orioles have quietly hit righthanders hard since the break.

On the surface, the Carlos Martinez pickup may seem curious since he’s been moved to the bullpen. But, would it be that surprising if he becomes the Cardinals closer down the stretch?

MIXED LEAGUE DRAFT

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER	WINNING BID
LGiolito, CWS	Tim McCullough 100
JJunis, KC	Tim McCullough 100
MKopech, CWS	D.J. Short 72	Adam Ronis 24	Gene McCaffrey 1
CMullins, Bal	D.J. Short 25	Adam Ronis 13
CStratton, SF	Perry Van Hook 21
ERamirez, Sea	Ray Murphy 18
MCabrera, Cle	Adam Ronis 17	D.J. Short 3
ONarvaez, CWS	Charlie Wiegert 12
BreAnderson, Oak	Adam Ronis 12	D.J. Short 45
RQuinn, Phi	Ray Murphy 8
THildenberger, Min	Gene McCaffrey 0	D.J. Short 5

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
AGomber, StL	D.J. Short 15	Perry Van Hook 0
RNunez, Bal	Adam Ronis 13
TAustin, Min	Adam Ronis 13
RErlin, SD	Perry Van Hook 11
ASlater, SF	D.J. Short 10
CCasali, Cin	Charlie Wiegert 8
GAllen, Cle	Adam Ronis 8	D.J. Short 1
ROrtega, Mia	Ray Murphy 8
ROHearn, KC	Adam Ronis 4
AJackson, NYM	D.J. Short 3
CIannetta, Col	Charlie Wiegert 2
MMelancon, SF	Gene McCaffrey 0
TPannone, Tor	Perry Van Hook 0

Todd’s Take

Speaking of curious moves, I’m bit sure why Tim McCullough didn’t bid on Michael Kopech while spending an even hundred on Jake Junis and Lucas Giolito. I understand those bids, especially Giolito as he’s throwing better since the break, but Kopech is the difference maker.

Keep in mind, if you’re picking up pitchers with the plan on keeping them for the final month, an impending two-start week is nice, but they’re not likely to have another the rest of the season. A full season for a starter is usually 32 outings. That’s six weeks with a double dip, or one every four or five weeks.

HEAD-TO-HEAD MIXED AUCTION

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER	WINNING BID
MKopech, CWS	Jake Ciely 118	Dr. Roto 77	Michael Rathburn 8
BBichette, Tor	Justin Mason 41
BJohnson, Bos	Peter Kreutzer 28	Jake Ciely 18	Michael Rathburn 8
CStratton, SF	Peter Kreutzer 22
KGiles, Tor	Dr. Roto 11
KSuzuki, Atl	Dr. Roto 5	Michael Rathburn 1
PErvin, Cin	Dr. Roto 5
FLiriano, Det	Stephania Bell 4
ASenzatela, Col	Michael Rathburn 3
DStraily, Mia	Michael Rathburn 3
WChen, Mia	Michael Rathburn 2
MMaldonado, Hou	Michael Rathburn 1
DJansen, Tor	Michael Rathburn 1

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
AHays, Bal	Justin Mason 15
TPannone, Tor	Peter Kreutzer 11
MGonzalez, Hou	Dr. Roto 5
RChirinos, Tex	Dr. Roto 4
AHedges, SD	Dr. Roto 3
FHernandez, Sea	Michael Rathburn 2
JGant, StL	Michael Rathburn 2

Todd’s Take

The rich get richer as league leader Jake Ciely snagged Kopech. Keep in mind that unlike most H2H leagues, Tout Wars version doesn’t break off into playoffs. There’s no indication if Kopech will be shut down, hurting teams in leagues where he’d be unavailable for the playoffs.

In the spirit of keeping in mind this is supposed to be fun, this week’s question is:

What’s your off-the-wall prediction for the rest of the season?

Todd Zola (Mastersball, @toddzola): Brandon Phillips will come up in September for the Red Sox and hit a walk-off homer as well as being a late defensive replacement

Fred Zinkie (Rotoworld, Baseball HQ, @FredZinkieMLB): On September 26, Roberto Osuna will pick up a save — in Toronto — to clinch a division title for the Astros. Fans will debate whether it counts as one of the best or worst moments of the 2018 season.

Michael Rathburn (Rotowire, @FantasyRath): Felix Hernandez becomes the Mariners closer after Edwin Diaz suffers an injury

Michael Beller (Sports Illustrated, @MBeller): Matt Olson hits three homers in the Bronx, the first two off Luis Severino, to power the A’s past the 101-win Yankees in the AL Wild Card Game.

Jeff Boggis (Fantasy Football Empire, @JeffBoggis):
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Odubel Herrera will break out of his 30 day slump and become fantasy relevant for the rest of the season.

Bret Sayre (Baseball Prospectus, @BretSayreBP): Jon Gray and German Marquez both ride killer second halves and shockingly end the season as top-50 starting pitchers.

Larry Schechter (Winning Fantasy Baseball, @LarrySchechter): The Texas Rangers will get a triple play in which the batter was not retired. Oh wait, that already happened? Okay, I’ll go with a MLB team will get two triple plays in the same game, which has only happened once, on July 17, 1990, and I was there in Fenway Park when the Twins got two 5-4-3 triple plays. A season ticket holder was sitting behind me with his friend who had never been to a game. After the first triple play, he explained to his friend how rare they were, and he said “You could come to games the rest of your life and probably never see one again.”

Al Melchior (FNTSY Radio, @almelchiorbb): Nick Pivetta will no-hit the Marlins on Sept. 5.

Craig Mish (SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio, @CraigMish): One year after the Houston Astros trade with the Tigers and convince Justin Verlander to join the team on August 31st, they do the same thing with the Cincinnati Reds Joey Votto and add him for the postseason push.

Patrick Davitt (BaseballHQ, @patrickdavitt): Ha! A guy I used to work with saw one MLB game live in his life, and it was that Red Sox game with the two 5-4-3 TPs! At least 20 hitters have more 2H SBs than Dee Gordon.

Tim McLeod (PattonandCo, @TimothyLMc): The Marlins and Braves play a four-game set at the end of August and there won’t be a single HBP.

Phil Hertz (BaseballHQ, @prhz50): The A’s catch The Astros, setting up a win or go home play-in game between two of the so-called monster AL teams.

Andrea LaMont (LennyMelnickFantasySports, @RotoLady): byron buxton

Vlad Sedler (Fantasy Guru Elite, @Rotogut): Khris Davis mashes 12 homers in September — his best mark in any month of his career, topping the 11 he hit in May of 2016.

Ron Shandler (RonShandler.com, @RonShandler): The Colorado Rockies hit their way into the NL LCS behind the bat of Ryan McMahon. Please.

Glenn Colton (Fantasy Alarm, @glenncolton1): The Yankees make two big moves in the next 12 days to get a 1b for the playoffs and a veteran bat for the bench

Ray Flowers (Fantasy Guru Elite, @BaseballGuys): Brett Gardner has more homers than Aaron Judge.

Howard Bender (Fantasy Alarm, @RotobuzzGuy): The New York Yankees miss the playoffs

Seth Trachtman (Rotoworld, @sethroto): Alex Cobb will finish with a sub-2.00 ERA during the second half.

Jeff Zimmerman (Fangraphs and Fantrax, @jeffwzimmerman): Fantasy owners will no longer go crazy over small samples.

Adam Ronis (Scout Fantasy, @AdamRonis): The Nationals win the NL East.

Stephania Bell (ESPN Fantasy Sports, @Stephania_ESPN): Ryan Hoskins – inspired by meeting Big Al – leads all of baseball in slugging percentage for rest of season and leads Phillies to division title.

_________________

What about you? What’s your off-the-wall prediction? Feel free to share in the comments.

Welcome to the weekly Tout Wars FAAB report, on its new home right here on the Tout Wars site. Each week, we’ll review the free agent acquisitions from all five leagues, with commentary from a league member, as well as yours truly. We changed the timing of the weekly run to 1 PM ET every Sunday, with the report posted later that afternoon so you’ll have time to digest and apply to your own leagues. In addition, I’ll be joining Lawr Michaels and Justin Mason on the Tout Wars Hour on the FNTSY Network every Sunday at 3:20 PM ET to discuss the results.

You can find the complete list of Tout Warriors here. Everyone starts with 1000 FAAB units, less any penalty incurred by finishing below a designated point in the standings. This is a means of keeping everyone motivated to keep playing all season long. The minimum bid is $0. FAAB units can be traded as well as rebated for players released off the DL.

The report will list all winning bids along with unsuccessful tries and contingencies. This provides the maximum level of information to help gauge interest on the players.

The American and National League only formats are 12-team leagues, as is the new points-based head to head league, The Mixed Auction and Draft each have 15 clubs. All the leagues have four reserves with an unlimited DL, expect the head to head league, which allows six reserves.

The headings above each league are links to publicly accessible sites where you can see standings, roster and a complete review of transactions. The initial auctions and drafts can be found here.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER	WINNING BID
TWard, LAA	Mike Podhorzer 455	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 171	Vlad Sedler 53
		Larry Schechter 2
EYoung, LAA	Jason Collette 74
MMahtook, Det	Mike Podhorzer 56	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 26
BWorkman, Bos	Jason Collette 51
RPressly, Hou	Rob Leibowitz 35
TRogers, Min	Patrick Davitt 25	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 2
RRivera, LAA	Vlad Sedler 6	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 0
JRickard, Bal	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 6
APlutko, Cle	Seth Trachtman 5	Jason Collette 51
LAvilan, CWS	Larry Schechter 1	Chris Liss 0
AEngel, CWS	Chris Liss 0	Jason Collette 33
FArcia, LAA	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 0	Vlad Sedler 6
HFillmyer, KC	Chris Liss 0

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
RStanek, TB	Rob Leibowitz 15	Jason Collette 11	Chris Liss 0
DHutchison, Tex	Seth Trachtman 3	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 2
JAlvarez, LAA	Rob Leibowitz 8	Larry Schechter 0
XCedeno, CWS	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 2
BWilson, Min	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 0
DButera, KC	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 0
JPhegley, Oak	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 0
JSucre, TB	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 0
RoPerez, Cle	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 0

Todd’s Take

Know thy rules. Taylor Ward is an interesting player. In 2017, he spent the season behind the plate, finishing with Double-A Mobile. Ward began this season Double-A before being advanced to Triple-A Salt Lake. The catch is, Ward ha spent the entire year at the hot corner. Had someone been prescient enough to draft him in March, Ward would be eligible at catcher. However, since he wasn’t rostered, he’s eligible at the spot he played most in the minors – third base. In season, you can throw scarcity out the window, it’s all about the upgrade over the player being replaced. That said, chances are the weakest player on most teams is a backstop so in leagues where Ward has catcher eligibility, he could be a bigger upgrade than replacing a 3B or CI. Regardless, his power/speed combo with full time action is in play for all formats.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER	WINNING BID
TChatwood, ChC	Andy Behrens 33
JHicks, StL	Mike Gianella 20	Grey Albright 12	Andy Behrens 3
		Phil Hertz 0	Tristan H. Cockcroft 0
KGlover, Was	Grey Albright 17	Mike Gianella 20	Steve Gardner 11
		Andy Behrens 3	Tristan H. Cockcroft 0
JChavez, ChC	Andy Behrens 3	Phil Hertz 0
AWainwright, StL	Todd Zola 3
AHechavarria, Pit	Derek Carty 3
EKratz, Mil	Phil Hertz 0
HNeris, Phi	Phil Hertz 0

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
DPoncedeleon, StL	Grey Albright 12
DHudson, StL	Mike Gianella 0
GGarcia, StL	Derek Carty 0
PMaton, SD	Phil Hertz 0
RStock, SD	Phil Hertz 0
TWolters, Col	Phil Hertz 0

Todd’s Take

Andy Behrens is one of the unsung heroes of the industry for the work he does with the Fantasy Sports Writers Association. However, with all due respect, the long-time Yahoo! Sports stalwart’s $33 bid on Tyler Chatwood was about $53 too high. Admittedly, I’m looking at my second straight year finishing second to last in this league, so maybe it’s not my place to comment.

Faced with the choice of Chatwood or Jason Vargas to fortify my pitching in an effort to leap to third to last, I eschewed both, hoping Carlos Martinez’s move to the bullpen clears the way for Adam Wainwright to return to the surging Cardinals rotation. I’ll be taking a zero, but he’ll ostensibly replace someone like Matt Strahm so it’s not a huge loss.

MIXED LEAGUE AUCTION

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER	WINNING BID
TWard, LAA	Fred Zinkie 56	Ray Flowers 37	Derek VanRiper 33
ROrtega, Mia	Scott Pianowski 49	Jeff Zimmerman 3
DBote, ChC	Derek VanRiper 33
KGlover, Was	Bret Sayre 28
AGomber, StL	Derek VanRiper 19	Ron Shandler 17	Tim McLeod 1
JJunis, KC	Ron Shandler 17	Tim Heaney 6	Al Melchior 2
TAustin, Min	Bret Sayre 12	Scott Engel 1
YSanchez, CWS	Zach Steinhorn 8
LForsythe, Min	Scott Engel 7
RMcMahon, Col	Tim Heaney 6
WMiley, Mil	Scott Engel 4
RYarbrough, TB	Jeff Zimmerman 4	Tim Heaney 1
TBlach, SF	Tim Heaney 4
TWilliams, Pit	Fred Zinkie 3	Tim McLeod 2
KPlawecki, NYM	Fred Zinkie 3
SGonsalves, Min	Al Melchior 2
BreAnderson, Oak	Tim McLeod 1	Tim Heaney 2
MMoore, Tex	Al Melchior 0
HNeris, Phi	Bret Sayre 0

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
MEstrada, Tor	Jeff Zimmerman 1	Tim Heaney 1	Tim McLeod 0
DRobertson, NYY	Fred Zinkie 1
HBailey, Cin	Tim Heaney 1
JChavez, ChC	Ron Shandler 1
RBrasier, Bos	Ron Shandler 1
RStock, SD	Ron Shandler 1
RNunez, Bal	Tim Heaney 0

Fred Zinkie’s Commentary

Todd’s Take

Call me crazy, but I like Tim Heaney’s pickup of Ty Blach. Yes, Ty Blach. He has a two-start week on the docket, the first against the Mets, one of the league’s most futile clubs versus lefties. The second is an interleague tilt with Texas visiting AT&T. Blach will enjoy the platoon edge on many of the Rangers top hitters, plus the visitors have to leave their DH on the bench.

MIXED LEAGUE DRAFT

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER	WINNING BID
TWard, LAA	Anthony Perri 45
NWalker, NYY	Anthony Perri 24
MWieters, Was	Anthony Perri 24
LForsythe, Min	Rudy Gamble 16
ELongoria, SF	Anthony Perri 15
ADeSclafani, Cin	Anthony Perri 14
JLucchesi, SD	Ray Murphy 10
BBrach, Atl	Gene McCaffrey 7
TBlach, SF	Perry Van Hook 1
RMcMahon, Col	Gene McCaffrey 0

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
JJunis, KC	Anthony Perri 17
ERamirez, Sea	Ray Murphy 10
JBeeks, TB	Ray Murphy 10
ADiaz, Tor	Gene McCaffrey 0
CSpangenberg, SD	Gene McCaffrey 0
DBote, ChC	Gene McCaffrey 0
JBautista, NYM	Gene McCaffrey 0

Todd’s Take

It hasn’t been the best season for Anthony Perri, who always grinds anyways. But, with the FAAB penalty incurred by those finishing below 75 points in this league, Anthony has additional incentive to keep plugging away, like he’s doing this week.

Hey look, another pickup of Blach, maybe I’m not so crazy after all.

Nah, I’m crazy.

HEAD-TO-HEAD MIXED AUCTION

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER	WINNING BID
BreAnderson, Oak	Dr. Roto 80	Justin Mason 19
ACobb, Bal	Andrea LaMont 32
JWendle, TB	Jake Ciely 30
AGomber, StL	Jake Ciely 25	Justin Mason 19
HRenfroe, SD	Andrea LaMont 21
WPeralta, KC	Andrea LaMont 16
CMcHugh, Hou	Jake Ciely 15	Dr. Roto 15
ARosario, NYM	Michael Rathburn 12	Andrea LaMont 16
RYarbrough, TB	Jeff Mans 11
PStrop, ChC	Dr. Roto 10	Andrea LaMont 7
JLeclerc, Tex	Dr. Roto 10	Andrea LaMont 7
FPena, LAA	Stephania Bell 6	Jake Ciely 15	Jeff Mans 10
FGalvis, SD	Michael Rathburn 6	Andrea LaMont 0
WFlores, NYM	Michael Rathburn 6	Andrea LaMont 1
FRodney, Oak	Andrea LaMont 3
KPlawecki, NYM	Andrea LaMont 2
JBautista, NYM	Andrea LaMont 2
THildenberger, Min	Andrea LaMont 1
RStephenson, Cin	Justin Mason 0
JNix, SD	Justin Mason 0
RErlin, SD	Justin Mason 0

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
ROsuna, Hou	Dr. Roto 20
MTrumbo, Bal	Andrea LaMont 17
HRondon, Hou	Andrea LaMont 11
ADiaz, Tor	Michael Rathburn 3
MGonzalez, Hou	Michael Rathburn 3
ARomine, NYY	Andrea LaMont 2
JShields, CWS	Andrea LaMont 1

Todd’s Take

We’ve talked a lot about fishing for the two-start option in this H2H league. I like what Jeff Mans did this week. Ryan Yarbrough won’t be listed as starter in some places as he’s been coming in as the follower. However, Yarbrough lines up to pitch the bulk of the middle innings against the Royals then Red Sox, a better setup than some two-start options. The Boston half is of course perilous, but at least it’s in The Trop and the Red Sox are less effective versus southpaws than they are facing righthanders.