We are back with another weekly reports, summarizing the top free agent bids in each of the five Tout Wars leagues, with links to the detailed bidding action following our 8 p.m. ET deadline each Sunday evening. All prices are on a $1000 base.
After you scan the detail below, please join our live chat, starting at 9 p.m. ET Sunday evening, to discuss these results with Todd Zola of Mastersball and other Touts.
American League
I guess it was post-trade deadline blues across AL Tout, as just 14 free agents were purchased.
It was oldies but goodies week, as Byron Buxton was acquired by Rob Leibowitz for the top sum of $56. The Twins outfielder is on the injured list with a shoulder problem, so it appears Rob is willing to take a week of zeros in hopes that Buxton can return strongly later in the season.
Howard Bender was busy, spending $90 on two injury infielder fill-ins – Ryan Goins of the White Sox ($52) and Dawel Lugo of the Tigers ($38). Goins has been producing at third while Yoan Moncada is out and Lugo is covering the hot corner for Jeimer Candelario.
Colton and the Wolfman dropped $50 on infielder/outfielder Tim Lopes of the Mariners. Fresh off a concussion-driven time out, the 25-year old had a pair of two-RBI outings in his four appearances this past week.
National League
17 free agents were acquired in the National League, the most spent on any player being $20.
That is the amount of my winning bid on new Cubs catcher Jonathan Lucroy. I am not expecting miracles from the well-traveled former Brewers star, but I will get more at-bats from him and a batter contribution than from OBP-drain Yan Gomes.
The Braves have no shortage of former closers in the pen, with veteran Mark Melancon declared “the man” on Friday. He proceeded to give up four runs in the ninth on Saturday, with the help of Shane Greene, who blew the save. Pre-trade deadline closer Luke Jackson converted on Sunday. Still, Grey Albright spent $12 on Melancon, who I dropped last week thinking he would not get any saves with Atlanta. I might still be right.
St. Louis prospect outfielder Lane Thomas was called up 10 games ago and got just five plate appearances and no starts while infielder Tommy Edman made four starts in right, the latter’s first professional games in the outfield. Finally given a start on Sunday, Thomas hit a grand slam and an RBI triple, plus threw out a Pirate at home. Still, with Tyler O’Neill soon coming back from injury, Thomas’ chances for playing time remain with Mike Shildt – not a good thing. Craig Mish was willing to invest $9 in Thomas.
Mixed Auction
Finally, a normal week, with 23 free agents acquired in the Mixed Auction league.
Leading the way at $77 was Jeff Zimmerman’s purchase of rookie right-hander Aaron Civale of the Indians. In two starts totaling 12 innings, the 25-year old has yielded just one earned run on five hits and four walks with 13 punchouts. Not bad at all…
Ron Shandler took a shot at Melancon for $73.
Derek Law of Toronto went for $61 to Scott Engel. The right-hander has logged 11 straight scoreless appearances and even if Ken Giles wasn’t iffy, he has earned a shot at the ninth. All three of Law’s saves have come in August, with two this past week.
Mitch Keller of the Pirates joined the roster of Zach Steinhorn for $54. The 23-year old prospect was sent down two months ago after three rough starts, but is getting another shot for the reeling Bucs on Monday against the Angels.
Review all 8/11 Mixed Auction bids here.
Mixed Draft
It was a busy Sunday night in Mixed Draft, as 27 players joined team rosters.
Leading the way at $164 is “The Punisher”, Aristedes Aquino, who homered in four straight games, including three long balls on Saturday. The Reds outfielder has 14 RBI in his last eight games, though Adam Ronis will get none of those impressive numbers.
Mike Foltynewicz is back from Triple-A and the Braves’ right-hander drew $70 of D.J. Short’s FAAB. The 27-year old fanned seven in 5 1/3 innings in his return, but was charged with three earned runs at Minnesota. On Sunday, Folty yielded four runs in six frames against the Marlins. A tough home showdown against the Dodgers is next.
With the Pirates’ season going nowhere, Jose Osuna is back from the minors and the infielder/outfielder is starting regularly. For good reason, as the right-handed hitter is batting .412 over the last two weeks with 10 RBI in 12 games. His new owner is Perry Van Hook ($49).
Review all 8/11 Mixed Draft bids here.
Head to Head
19 players were added via FAAB in the Head-to-Head League this Sunday.
Dan Strafford, a name I almost never mention here, spent big, placing $300 in total on two players – Aquino for $200 and Yankee Mike Tauchman for an even $100. The New York outfielder has been on fire, with five home runs and 12 RBI over his last seven games.
Nick Anderson of Tampa Bay joined the roster of A.J. Mass for $75. The former Marlin has 11 strikeouts in just five innings since joining the Rays. Anderson has a win and a hold, but no saves yet with his new club.
Overall spending was down, as no other Head-to-Head player cost more than $12 to purchase this week.