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.
SUCCESSFUL BIDS
| PLAYER | WINNING BID | ||
| JVillar, Bal | Patrick Davitt 1007 | Doug Dennis 754 | Mike Podhorzer 439 |
| Rob Leibowitz 278 | Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 243 | ||
| Vlad Sedler 129 | Larry Schechter 80 | ||
| Seth Trachtman 50 | |||
| CMaybin, Sea | Doug Dennis 754 | Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 243 | Larry Schechter 80 |
| Vlad Sedler 23 | |||
| TPham, TB | Rob Leibowitz 145 | Mike Podhorzer 133 | Larry Schechter 80 |
| Seth Trachtman 15 | Vlad Sedler 8 | ||
| TGlasnow, TB | Mike Podhorzer 116 | Jason Collette 76 | Vlad Sedler 24 |
| Lawr Michaels 17 | |||
| LForsythe, Min | Larry Schechter 80 | Mike Podhorzer 76 | Doug Dennis 55 |
| Seth Trachtman 35 | Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 10 | ||
| TWhite, Hou | Jason Collette 56 | Doug Dennis 55 | |
| JBeeks, TB | Mike Podhorzer 42 | Vlad Sedler 24 | |
| BLowe, TB | Mike Podhorzer 28 | Jason Collette 6 | Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 0 |
| RLaureano, Oak | Seth Trachtman 25 | Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 6 | |
| AMejia, Min | Seth Trachtman 25 | Jason Collette 5 | |
| BreAnderson, Oak | Vlad Sedler 24 | Larry Schechter 10 | Seth Trachtman 5 |
| Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 1 | |||
| KCowart, LAA | Seth Trachtman 18 | Mike Podhorzer 12 | Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 2 |
| JAdduci, Det | Vlad Sedler 6 | ||
| EYoung, LAA | Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 6 | ||
| TVieira, CWS | Jason Collette 6 | ||
| JAlvarado, TB | Larry Schechter 5 | ||
| AEscobar, KC | Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 2 | Mike Podhorzer 12 | |
| DRobinson, Tex | Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 0 |
UNAWARDED BIDS
| PLAYER | |||
| ROHearn, KC | Larry Schechter 32 | ||
| AJurado, Tex | Seth Trachtman 4 | ||
| RPressly, Hou | Jason Collette 4 | ||
| LAvilan, CWS | Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 2 | ||
| AMeadows, TB | Seth Trachtman 1 | Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 1 | |
| HSantiago, CWS | Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 1 | ||
| TRenda, Bos | Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 0 |
Todd’s Take
What was gearing up to be a boring deadline period in the American League picked up a bit with four hitters and a pitcher adding some meat to the pickings. Though, the injury to Tommy Pham dampened things a bit as he would likely be the top pick in most AL formats, unless you need the speed Jonathan Villar or Cameron Maybin can offer.
Baseball HQ’s Patrick Davitt confirmed his intent was to pick up Pham but swerved to Villar to insure maximum playing time. Davitt expressed concern how much running Villar will do with Baltimore, a club that traditionally is more station to station. Hopefully, they’ll let him utilize his skill set and add some swipes before season’s end.
Maybin could actually be the better option if steals are the priority. Seattle does run, especially at the bottom of the order. Expect Maybin to play every day.
While it’s not a surprise Pham drew the third most FAAB, the low number it took to get him is certainly a head-scratcher. Larry Schechter agrees, expressing similar dismay, “I can’t believe Pham only went for $145. He may be back in as little as two weeks and was batting clean-up for the Rays. He’s a very valuable HR/SB combo.” Even more curious is several Touts have ample money left to have outbid Rob Leibowitz. In fact, Leibowitz still has the third most FAAB so depending on what happens with waiver deals and callups, he may be able to funnel the discount on Pham into more help.
Schechter acquired Logan Forsythe, saying, “Beggars can’t be choosers. With 3rd least FAAB remaining, I’m happy to get Forsythe. (I’m assuming he plays full time).” I agree, Forsythe should play nearly every day. The Twins still have the likes of Eddie Rosario, Max Kepler and (don’t laugh) Joe Mauer, so Forsythe should generate reasonable run production.
One last note in the Twins before switching to pitching. I’m very surprised Tyler Austin was only a contingency. Sure, he’s starting in the minors, but he’s a natural platoon partner for both Joe Mauer and Logan Morrison. It shouldn’t be long before Austin is with the big club.
Tyler Glasnow joins the Rays staff, eventually as a starter but he may also be the follower for a few weeks. Credit to Jeff Passan on Twitter, this is a great landing spot for Glasnow. Tampa’s pitching coach is 6-foot-8 Kyle Snyder with expertise in honing the mechanics of tall hurlers. Glasnow, of course, is 6-foot-8.
SUCCESSFUL BIDS
| PLAYER | WINNING BID | ||
| BDozier, LAD | Andy Behrens 444 | Brian Walton 329 | Craig Mish 311 |
| Scott Wilderman 245 | Mike Gianella 244 | ||
| Tristan H. Cockcroft 187 | Grey Albright 97 | ||
| Tristan H. Cockcroft 0 | |||
| CArcher, Pit | Brian Walton 329 | Andy Behrens 444 | Craig Mish 311 |
| Scott Wilderman 245 | Mike Gianella 244 | ||
| Tristan H. Cockcroft 187 | Andy Behrens 133 | ||
| Grey Albright 97 | Phil Hertz 36 | ||
| JSchoop, Mil | Craig Mish 311 | Brian Walton 329 | Scott Wilderman 245 |
| Mike Gianella 244 | Tristan H. Cockcroft 187 | ||
| Grey Albright 97 | Phil Hertz 35 | ||
| Tristan H. Cockcroft 0 | |||
| WRamos, Phi | Scott Wilderman 245 | Tristan H. Cockcroft 125 | Grey Albright 97 |
| Phil Hertz 33 | Tristan H. Cockcroft 0 | ||
| KGausman, Atl | Tristan H. Cockcroft 187 | Andy Behrens 444 | Mike Gianella 111 |
| Grey Albright 97 | Phil Hertz 25 | ||
| Tristan H. Cockcroft 0 | |||
| HBailey, Cin | Phil Hertz 27 | Todd Zola 0 | |
| KKela, Pit | Brian Walton 15 | Grey Albright 11 | Mike Gianella 5 |
| Scott Wilderman 4 | |||
| AGomber, StL | Grey Albright 11 | Todd Zola 0 | |
| SOh, Col | Scott Wilderman 5 | Grey Albright 11 | Brian Walton 6 |
| PTucker, Cin | Craig Mish 2 | Tristan H. Cockcroft 8 | |
| JMurphy, Ari | Craig Mish 0 | ||
| RErlin, SD | Todd Zola 0 | Phil Hertz 27 | Tristan H. Cockcroft 11 |
| SRomano, Cin | Todd Zola 0 |
UNAWARDED BIDS
| PLAYER | |||
| CFerguson, LAD | Phil Hertz 8 | Grey Albright 2 | |
| BWahl, NYM | Grey Albright 6 | ||
| BDixon, Cin | Grey Albright 1 | ||
| MHolliday, Col | Craig Mish 1 | ||
| CShreve, StL | Brian Walton 1 | ||
| BBrach, Atl | Todd Zola 0 | Scott Wilderman 0 | |
| RMoronta, SF | Todd Zola 0 | Scott Wilderman 0 | |
| AWainwright, StL | Todd Zola 0 | ||
| BKintzler, ChC | Todd Zola 0 | ||
| COswalt, NYM | Todd Zola 0 | ||
| DSmyly, ChC | Todd Zola 0 | ||
| JDiekman, Ari | Todd Zola 0 | ||
| RStock, SD | Todd Zola 0 | ||
| SCarle, Atl | Todd Zola 0 | ||
| TWebb, StL | Todd Zola 0 | ||
| WMiley, Mil | Todd Zola 0 | ||
| EKratz, Mil | Craig Mish 0 |
Todd’s Take
With Manny Machado, Eduardo Escobar and Cole Hamels part of previous FAAB runs, this week comes down to needs with Brian Dozier and Chris Archer the primary targets.
Interestingly, Andy Behrens had the hammer yet bid on three players – he listed Dozier first so he won him for $1 more than Brian Walton could bid. In turn, Walton bid $1 more than Craig Mish could bid, with Behrens, Walton and Mish holding the most FAAB heading into the festivities.
Keeping with the theme, Mish bid $1 more than the next in line, Scott Widerman, grabbing Jonathan Schoop. On paper, Dozier should out-produce Schoop, but who knows, there’s a good chance Mish gets similar stats for a lower cost.
While Wilson Ramos isn’t the same caliber hitter as Dozier and Schoop, the upgrade he offers at the catching position could be almost as much of a net upgrade, depending on your roster composition.
SUCCESSFUL BIDS
| PLAYER | WINNING BID | ||
| TONeill, StL | Brent Hershey 253 | Fred Zinkie 131 | Derek VanRiper 77 |
| Tim Heaney 20 | |||
| HBader, StL | Fred Zinkie 131 | Brent Hershey 174 | Ray Flowers 46 |
| Derek VanRiper 44 | Tim Heaney 20 | ||
| Jeff Zimmerman 14 | Al Melchior 8 | ||
| KGiles, Tor | Zach Steinhorn 103 | Ray Flowers 38 | Tim Heaney 1 |
| RGsellman, NYM | Zach Steinhorn 53 | Zach Steinhorn 93 | Tim Heaney 28 |
| BPhillips, KC | Derek VanRiper 44 | Brent Hershey 97 | |
| BPeacock, Hou | Brent Hershey 43 | ||
| AMejia, Min | Ron Shandler 27 | ||
| TGlasnow, TB | Brent Hershey 25 | Tim Heaney 14 | Ray Flowers 13 |
| Jeff Zimmerman 13 | |||
| PErvin, Cin | Fred Zinkie 15 | ||
| WAdames, TB | Tim McLeod 13 | Tim Heaney 13 | |
| EJackson, Oak | Ray Flowers 13 | ||
| BLowe, TB | Al Melchior 8 | ||
| TRichards, Mia | Al Melchior 6 | ||
| DFletcher, LAA | Tim Heaney 4 | Al Melchior 8 | Tim Heaney 1 |
| MPina, Mil | Al Melchior 2 | ||
| CBurnes, Mil | Tim Heaney 2 | ||
| DPalka, CWS | Jeff Zimmerman 1 | Derek VanRiper 11 | |
| GoHernandez, SF | Tim Heaney 1 |
UNAWARDED BIDS
| PLAYER | |||
| RErlin, SD | Ron Shandler 27 | Al Melchior 2 | Tim Heaney 1 |
| TWilliams, Pit | Ron Shandler 27 | ||
| MBarnes, Bos | Brent Hershey 21 | ||
| DRobertson, NYY | Zach Steinhorn 18 | ||
| JJeffress, Mil | Zach Steinhorn 18 | ||
| RBlack, SF | Brent Hershey 17 | ||
| WMiley, Mil | Ray Flowers 13 | ||
| RStanek, TB | Brent Hershey 12 | ||
| ASenzatela, Col | Ray Flowers 11 | ||
| ESantana, Pit | Brent Hershey 11 | ||
| SOh, Col | Al Melchior 2 | ||
| JIglesias, Det | Tim Heaney 1 | ||
| SKingery, Phi | Tim Heaney 1 | ||
| MHauschild, Tor | Al Melchior 0 | ||
| PLopez, Mia | Al Melchior 0 | ||
| RNunez, Bal | Al Melchior 0 |
Todd’s Take
Brent Hershey had his choice of either Tyler O’Neill or Harrison Bader, both in line for full-time run with Dexter Fowler sidelined with a fractured foot. It comes down to needs – Bader’s more all around production versus O’Neill’s power-heavy profile.
Zach Steinhorn is looking to make a late-season charge at saves with the pickup of Ken Giles and Robert Gsellman. Giles is expected to jump right into the back end of the Blue Jays bullpen. Giles story is well documented. Despite having a stellar 2017 campaign, he hit a rut at the wrong time (namely the ALDS) and was removed from the closer gig he rest of the playoffs. Even though he started the season saving games for the defending champs, there was never a feeling management was confident in Giles. Given a fresh start, it wouldn’t be shocking if Giles defeats the narrative and flourishes north of the border.
SUCCESSFUL BIDS
| PLAYER | WINNING BID | ||
| KGiles, Tor | Adam Ronis 173 | Ray Murphy 39 | Scott White 19 |
| JLeclerc, Tex | Adam Ronis 134 | Adam Ronis 133 | Michael Beller 104 |
| Ray Murphy 79 | Perry Van Hook 69 | ||
| Scott White 41 | |||
| PErvin, Cin | Perry Van Hook 23 | Ray Murphy 9 | |
| TKemp, Hou | D.J. Short 20 | ||
| TGlasnow, TB | Scott White 13 | ||
| RBorucki, Tor | D.J. Short 10 | ||
| SDuggar, SF | Ray Murphy 9 | ||
| ONarvaez, CWS | Perry Van Hook 0 | ||
| JGomez, CWS | Michael Beller 0 | ||
| EJackson, Oak | Perry Van Hook 0 |
UNAWARDED BIDS
| PLAYER | |||
| RDavis, Cle | Perry Van Hook 3 |
Todd’s Take
Like the Mixed Draft Auction league, the Draft League witnessed Giles being paired with another closer, this time Adam Ronis also acquiring Jose Leclerc. Leclerc is interesting since he’s still just 24 years old even though it feels like he’s older. “One skill away” is a common theme when looking at starters. Leclerc is a great example where this applies to a closer. If Leclerc can hone his control, he could be a top-ten closer.
SUCCESSFUL BIDS
| PLAYER | WINNING BID | ||
| TRichards, Mia | Clay Link 54 | Andrea LaMont 14 | Dr. Roto 10 |
| AMinter, Atl | Dr. Roto 24 | Andrea LaMont 3 | |
| JVillar, Bal | Stephania Bell 23 | Dr. Roto 22 | |
| SRomano, Cin | Stephania Bell 12 | Justin Mason 3 | |
| HBader, StL | Dr. Roto 8 | ||
| RLopez, CWS | Stephania Bell 7 | Clay Link 0 | |
| JBarria, LAA | Peter Kreutzer 7 | Michael Rathburn 4 | |
| JJunis, KC | Peter Kreutzer 7 | Michael Rathburn 4 | |
| IKinerFalefa, Tex | Stephania Bell 6 | ||
| NTropeano, LAA | Michael Rathburn 6 | Justin Mason 3 | |
| BHardy, Det | Michael Rathburn 4 | Peter Kreutzer 3 | |
| FArcia, LAA | Michael Rathburn 3 | ||
| AMejia, Min | Justin Mason 3 | Peter Kreutzer 7 | |
| RMartin, Tor | Michael Rathburn 1 | ||
| YAlonso, Cle | Justin Mason 1 | ||
| TGlasnow, TB | Clay Link 0 | ||
| ADeSclafani, Cin | Clay Link 0 | ||
| WChen, Mia | Justin Mason 0 | ||
| YGallardo, Tex | Justin Mason 0 |
UNAWARDED BIDS
| PLAYER | |||
| THernandez, Tor | Dr. Roto 8 | Justin Mason 1 | |
| TBeckham, Bal | Dr. Roto 5 | ||
| CAdams, NYY | Clay Link 4 | ||
| RErlin, SD | Peter Kreutzer 2 | ||
| BJohnson, Bos | Michael Rathburn 2 | ||
| TRoss, SD | Peter Kreutzer 1 | ||
| CaJoseph, Bal | Michael Rathburn 0 | ||
| KGiles, Tor | Clay Link 0 | ||
| YChirinos, TB | Clay Link 0 |
Todd’s Take
Like expected, the H2H competitors continue to treat the free agent look like an extra roster spot, churning pitching based on matchups. With one start against the Cardinals on his ledger, Trevor Richards was the most sought after hurler. Stephania Bell fortified her rotations with Sal Romano and Reynaldo Lopez, though neither has a double-dip on the docket. Justin Mason snagged the only two-start guy this week as Wei-Yin Chen lines up for two home efforts. This is relevant since he sports a 2.18 ERA at home as opposed to a 10.27 mark away from The Aquarium. Plus, the second game is with the Mets and their league-worst lineup versus lefties.