Tout Wars FAAB Report: Week of August 24

Each week, we’ll share the winning bids for the five Tout Wars league using FAAB, along with providing the links so you can see the full report and standings for each league.

American League

TMcKenzie, CleRob Leibowitz 378
SHaggerty, SeaLarry Schechter 350
IParedes, DetJeff Erickson 183
LCessa, NYYPatrick Davitt 99
SHeineman, TexMike Podhorzer 96
TJones, HouRick Wolf/Glenn Colton 56
TanScott, BalMike Gianella 50
JCisnero, DetMike Gianella 50
AVelazquez, BalMike Podhorzer 48
JBonifacio, DetMike Podhorzer 48
TMilone, BalRyan Bloomfield 47
JTrevino, TexJeff Erickson 37
JCurtiss, TBMike Gianella 25
CGallagher, KCRyan Bloomfield 24
RJeffers, MinMike Gianella 23
PFairbanks, TBJason Collette 14
JMerryweather, TorJason Collette 13
IVargas, MinRick Wolf/Glenn Colton 11
BTaylor, ClePatrick Davitt 9
AScrubb, HouChris Liss 9
JRodriguez, TexJeff Erickson 7
DAltavilla, SeaChris Liss 3
TMcFarland, OakHoward Bender 2
ALoup, TBLarry Schechter 2
ZGodley, BosRick Wolf/Glenn Colton 2
MFreeman, ClePatrick Davitt 0
PMaton, ClePatrick Davitt 0
SEspinal, TorRob Leibowitz 0
BBishop, SeaDoug Dennis 0
Full report available here

National League

BWorkman, PhiBrian Walton 734
SSanchez, MiaTristan H. Cockcroft 285
JSanchez, MiaTristan H. Cockcroft 105
MBeaty, LADPeter Kreutzer 63
TCahill, SFTodd Zola 33
AMorejon, SDPeter Kreutzer 33
LTorrens, SDJustin Mason 14
CStammen, SDGrey Albright 12
HMejia, MiaScott Wilderman 12
KCron, AriJustin Mason 12
MPayton, CinBrian Walton 11
NWalker, PhiTodd Zola 7
TAntone, CinFred Zinkie 2
TMatzek, AtlPeter Kreutzer 0
Full report available here

Mixed Auction

EPagan, SDBret Sayre 213
TMcKenzie, CleDerek VanRiper 177
JBart, SFBrent Hershey 147
RMountcastle, BalBrent Hershey 131
MBarnes, BosJake Ciely 98
TSkubal, DetDerek VanRiper 77
BMiller, StLDerek VanRiper 69
JProfar, SDBrent Hershey 67
BReynolds, PitScott Engel 48
LWebb, SFScott Swanay 45
CMullins, BalJeff Zimmerman 42
TAnderson, SFAl Melchior 42
DHudson, StLZach Steinhorn 39
KPillar, BosZach Steinhorn 33
DBard, ColEric Karabell 31
FGalvis, CinAl Melchior 27
MPerez, BosBret Sayre 26
CSisco, BalDerek VanRiper 22
JTrevino, TexScott Engel 22
MagSierra, MiaAl Melchior 22
JBeeks, TBAl Melchior 22
AAvila, MinAl Melchior 21
JNaylor, SDScott Engel 20
AMorejon, SDRon Shandler 19
BreAnderson, MilJeff Zimmerman 18
DFowler, StLZach Steinhorn 12
CAnderson, TorJeff Zimmerman 12
MZunino, TBTim Heaney 11
RTellez, TorJeff Zimmerman 11
AFrazier, PitScott Swanay 5
RRodriguez, PitJeff Zimmerman 2
TAntone, CinScott Swanay 0
BCrawford, SFJeff Zimmerman 0
AHedges, SDTim Heaney 0
Full report available here

Mixed Draft

EPagan, SDRay Murphy 265
TMcKenzie, CleAnthony Perri 245
SSanchez, MiaGreg Ambrosius 129
JBart, SFScott White 117
TSkubal, DetAdam Ronis 88
RTapia, ColTom Kessenich 87
JUpton, LAAAnthony Perri 76
MBarnes, BosAnthony Perri 75
JMcGee, LADTom Kessenich 73
MMoreland, BosD.J. Short 70
BreAnderson, MilCharlie Wiegert 62
CMullins, BalAdam Ronis 58
CPache, AtlScott White 37
SHilliard, ColD.J. Short 35
NMazara, CWSRay Murphy 24
MRojas, MiaGreg Ambrosius 19
AHedges, SDGreg Ambrosius 17
JRomano, TorTim McLeod 12
CSisco, BalAdam Ronis 9
ESogard, MilRudy Gamble 6
JJeffress, ChCTom Kessenich 4
LGarcia, WasAdam Ronis 4
RQuinn, PhiTim McCullough 3
SBrault, PitTim McCullough 2
MPerez, BosTom Kessenich 1
DMendick, CWSTim McLeod 1
JReddick, HouTom Kessenich 1
SBarlow, KCTom Kessenich 1
CRoe, TBTim McCullough 0
MShoemaker, TorScott White 0
DBard, ColScott White 0
JStallings, PitTim McLeod 0
Full available here

Head to Head

TMcKenzie, CleRyan Hallam 136
CMize, DetPaul Sporer 121
JCronenworth, SDIan Kahn 108
JBart, SFRyan Hallam 73
SSanchez, MiaClay Link 67
RRay, AriRyan Hallam 66
MBoyd, DetAndrea LaMont 65
BreAnderson, MilAriel Cohen 44
MCarpenter, StLRyan Hallam 44
CFrazier, NYYRyan Hallam 32
ABohm, PhiFrank Stampfl 32
MFranco, KCAriel Cohen 23
MMoreland, BosAndrea LaMont 22
HRobles, LAAAndrea LaMont 22
JSheffield, SeaFrank Stampfl 22
EPagan, SDAriel Cohen 18
CAnderson, TorAndrea LaMont 14
NAhmed, AriAriel Cohen 8
LGurriel, TorPaul Sporer 8
TRoark, TorIan Kahn 8
JHapp, NYYFrank Stampfl 7
TWilliams, SeaFrank Stampfl 7
JProfar, SDIan Kahn 5
AlYoung, AriRalph Lifshitz 4
YGomes, WasPaul Sporer 3
VCaratini, ChCAlex Chamberlain 3
CSisco, BalFrank Stampfl 2
ESogard, MilAndy Behrens 2
DHolland, PitRalph Lifshitz 1
Full report available here

Full report for Draft and Hold League available here.

Tout Wars FAAB Report: Week of August 17

Each week, we’ll share the winning bids for the five Tout Wars league using FAAB, along with providing the links so you can see the full report and standings for each league.

American League

DDietrich, TexMike Gianella 150
CSchmidt, NYYChris Liss 88
CMullins, BalMike Podhorzer 79
BStarling, KCJason Collette 74
JPanik, TorPatrick Davitt 59
AWojciechowski, BalRyan Bloomfield 52
TEstrada, NYYRick Wolf/Glenn Colton 51
HCastro, DetRob Leibowitz 46
JLuplow, CleMike Podhorzer 46
JArauz, BosJeff Erickson 35
MFoster, CWSDoug Dennis 7
AKay, TorJason Collette 3
JMathis, TexLarry Schechter 2
CCuthbert, CWSJason Collette 2
CKluber, TexMike Gianella 1
JLeclerc, TexMike Gianella 1
SBarlow, KCJeff Erickson 1
JFraley, SeaDoug Dennis 1
JDiekman, OakMike Gianella 0
Full report available here

National League

KRuiz, LADTodd Zola 417
LGarcia, WasTodd Zola 217
MBumgarner, AriLenny Melnick  135
LSims, CinSteve Gardner 51
EAlvarez, MiaPeter Kreutzer 48
LDiaz, MiaTristan H. Cockcroft 45
TNido, NYMPeter Kreutzer 42
DBard, ColTristan H. Cockcroft 35
RErlin, AtlLenny Melnick  25
JNogowski, StLPeter Kreutzer 18
EFedde, WasLenny Melnick  15
AlexReyes, StLBrian Walton 12
DWilliams, MilPhil Hertz 12
RGsellman, NYMDerek Carty 11
YAlmonte, ColPeter Kreutzer 11
CFerguson, LADPeter Kreutzer 11
DCastano, MiaGrey Albright 11
AKnizner, StLTristan H. Cockcroft 5
DPhelps, MilPhil Hertz 5
KFarmer, CinTodd Zola 2
LGuillorme, NYMScott Wilderman 2
Full report available here

Mixed Auction

ABohm, PhiEric Karabell 205
CFrazier, NYYEric Karabell 201
RGrossman, OakScott Pianowski 181
AMiller, StLDerek VanRiper 88
KGibson, TexEric Karabell 81
JLyles, TexDerek VanRiper 77
TGonsolin, LADScott Swanay 76
ASlater, SFScott Pianowski 73
DDuffy, KCScott Pianowski 73
JTomlin, AtlAl Melchior 57
NMarkakis, AtlZach Steinhorn 52
ASenzatela, ColTim Heaney 47
SRomo, MinScott Pianowski 44
TWilliams, SeaJeff Zimmerman 42
KRuiz, LADAl Melchior 37
DDeShields, CleScott Engel 37
LGarcia, WasJake Ciely 35
JMcCann, CWSDerek VanRiper 33
JDunn, SeaMichael Rathburn 31
DCastano, MiaMichael Rathburn 31
DSmeltzer, MinMichael Rathburn 31
CKuhl, PitScott Engel 26
DDietrich, TexBrent Hershey 23
NAhmed, AriBrent Hershey 20
CQuantrill, SDZach Steinhorn 18
ADuvall, AtlAl Melchior 17
AlYoung, AriJake Ciely 15
APlutko, CleMichael Rathburn 14
RGrichuk, TorJeff Zimmerman 12
PSandoval, LAABrent Hershey 9
TWebb, StLTim Heaney 6
ESogard, MilScott Pianowski 4
TONeill, StLScott Engel 4
SMurphy, OakScott Swanay 3
JCandelario, DetScott Engel 2
TCahill, SFRon Shandler 2
JCamargo, AtlJeff Zimmerman 2
ABarnes, LADJeff Zimmerman 2
Full report available here

Mixed Draft

AMiller, StLSeth Trachtman 150
ZDavies, SDTim McLeod 137
CFrazier, NYYPerry Van Hook 123
RRuiz, BalGreg Ambrosius 113
WCastro, DetTom Kessenich 109
JStaumont, KCGreg Ambrosius 89
TGonsolin, LADTim McLeod 78
KKiermaier, TBGreg Ambrosius 71
MGonzalez, MinTom Kessenich 68
NMarkakis, AtlTim McCullough 51
ZEflin, PhiCharlie Wiegert 47
ASlater, SFCharlie Wiegert 43
KRuiz, LADTim McLeod 38
CKuhl, PitRay Murphy 21
EHernandez, MiaRay Murphy 21
PSandoval, LAAAdam Ronis 14
EFedde, WasPerry Van Hook 11
EThames, WasSeth Trachtman 10
MFoster, CWSScott White 7
JGant, StLRudy Gamble 6
JKipnis, ChCPerry Van Hook 6
APlutko, CleCharlie Wiegert 5
TKemp, OakAdam Ronis 4
MPina, MilTim McCullough 3
ELongoria, SFSeth Trachtman 2
KAllard, TexTim McCullough 2
YGomes, WasRay Murphy 0
DVarsho, AriRay Murphy 0
JTomlin, AtlScott White 0
MBumgarner, AriScott White 0
JSoria, OakPerry Van Hook 0
Full available here

Head to Head

JWinker, CinFrank Stampfl 103
ZDavies, SDAndy Behrens 101
DMoore, SeaIan Kahn 83
DCarlson, StLFrank Stampfl 83
FPeralta, MilAlex Chamberlain 78
KRuiz, LADAlex Chamberlain 50
MMaldonado, HouAndy Behrens 46
TMilone, BalAlex Chamberlain 35
CTaylor, LADAriel Cohen 34
CQuantrill, SDAndrea LaMont 31
ACabrera, WasAndrea LaMont 29
DPeterson, NYMAriel Cohen 24
ASenzatela, ColAriel Cohen 22
KKela, PitFrank Stampfl 22
RGrossman, OakAriel Cohen 22
CSulser, BalAndrea LaMont 21
DPoncedeleon, StLIan Kahn 18
HKendrick, WasAndrea LaMont 15
PSandoval, LAAAlex Chamberlain 13
CKuhl, PitPaul Sporer 7
JLyles, TexIan Kahn 5
DJansen, TorIan Kahn 3
Full report available here

Full report for Draft and Hold League available here.

Tout Daily Picks for August 11

The first two Golden Tickets will be awarded at the conclusion of tonight’s action. It sure looks like it will come down to the wire. Here are the Top-8 heading onto the Tuesday slate.

RankNameTotal Period 1
1Mike Gianella219.95
2Rob Leibowitz219.7
3Justin Mason217.25
4Jeff Erickson197.3
5Rick Wolf192.1
6Jeff Zimmerman184.75
7Andy Behrens183.95
8Derek Carty171.1

Here are some of the players the Touts are using to try to secure a trip to the 2020 Tout Daily Championship.

Phil Hertz (BaseballHQ, @prhz50)

Pitcher: Ross Stripling – Not really enamored with any of the choices tonight, but I’ll go with Stripling and hope the Dodgers let him go long enough for the win.

Hitter: Bryce Harper – Harper’s always been a hitter who can go on big streaks – he’s been on a roll, and I think he’ll keep it up for awhile.

Todd Zola (Mastersball, @toddzola)

Pitcher: Brandon Bielak – Went five innings last time, albeit with just one strikeout. Giants more productive than expected, but for the price I’ll use Bielak as SP2.

Hitter: Travis d’Arnaud – He hasn’t showed it this season, but d’Arnaud is plug and play with a lefty (Montgomery) on the hill. Plus, stacking Braves big time.

Jeff Boggis (Fantasy Football Empire, @JeffBoggis)

Pitcher: Dylan Bundy – Apparently Bundy only needed a change in scenery to from the east coast to the west coast to salvage his career. I’ll take him at a decent price tonight at $9,700. He’s averaging over a strikeout per inning, to go along with his 2.08 WRA and 0.60 WHIP.

Hitter: Fernando Tatis Jr. – Tatis Jr. has 6 home runs in the last 7 games. Time for him to start a new streak tonight! Salaried at $5,800, he does not come cheap, but he’s averaging 14.1 fantasy points per contest.

Jeff Erickson (Rotowire, @Jeff_Erickson)

Pitcher: Zack Wheeler – I figure most people will be on either Scherzer or Stripling – I’m hoping to be a little different with Wheeler and Plutko.

Hitter: Jose Martinez – Martinez’s $4,000 salary helps me afford Trout, Harper and Realmuto, and is against LHP Martin Perez with the wind blowing out in Fenway.

Tout Table: Smooth Saleing or reason for concern?

After a brief hiatus, the Tout Table is back! This week’s question:

What is your level of Chris Sale concern? Who from this list do you prefer rest-of-season over Sale: Blake Snell, Jameson Taillon, Luis Severino, Carlos Carrasco, Walker Buehler, Trevor Bauer, Clayton Kershaw, Mike Clevinger, Jack Flaherty and Patrick Corbin?

Larry Schechter (Winning Fantasy Baseball, @LarrySchechter): I took Sale at pick #9 in the first round of my NFBC Platinum league, so I have been extremely concerned about the lack of velocity. When I log on to answer these “tout table” questions I always write my answer before looking at others answers. But tonight I wanted to read what everyone else had to say first, looking for reassurance. It does make sense to think that they wouldn’t sign him to that contract without knowing for sure that he’s healthy, and his lack of spring innings, etc., so I am feeling a little better after reading everyone’s answers…but until I see the velocity come back, won’t be relieved. For the record, my pre-season projections for him were 180IP, 2.86, 0.96, 14.5 Wins, 245K

Brad Johnson (Patreon/BaseballATeam, @BaseballATeam): I’m definitely worried, but I wouldn’t say I’m ready to call him a non-ace yet. I valued him around pick 20 to 25 entering the season. Now I have him slightly after pick 30. In other words, two rough starts have barely affected my valuation despite elevated concern. As for pitchers I prefer, I’d definitely take Bauer over him. Probably Snell too. In other ace news, I’ve moved deGrom ahead of Scherzer on my personal pref-list.

Ray Murphy (BaseballHQ, @RayHQ): We ran a survey of HQ staff a couple of weeks ago, and I was surprised at how pessimistic we were as a group… very disconnected from our pretty optimistic projection. But, big picture: there was nothing structurally wrong with him after last season. Boston just gave him a giant extension, and I don’t think he’d be getting paid like that, or pitching right now, if there were a health concern. I think Boston is just playing the long game and managing his workload, thus making his first two starts were the equivalent of mid/late March starts for another pitcher. Just in case I’m wrong, I might consider taking Bauer or Snell from the above list instead of him. But nobody beyond that.

Gene McCaffrey (The Athletic, @WiseGuyGene): I was worried before the season started because the Sox babied him in the World Series, showing that surely they will baby him in the regular season. I’m a little more worried by the velocity loss but it’s hardly conclusive. That said, I would prefer ALL the above listed pitchers to Sale with the exception of Severino. I just don’t see ace IP to match the ace price, even if Sale turns it around.

Derek Carty (RotoGrinders, @DerekCarty): I called Sale the top pitcher in fantasy before the season, and I still stand by a healthy, no-concerns Sale being the top option. He’s the best pitcher in baseball with the best run support of any ace. Losing 2-4 mph of velocity is a big deal if it sticks around, but his velocity through April last season was low, and he finished the year with one of his highest average velocities in years. The velocity paired with the late-season shoulder injury last year is what has people freaking out, but I’m not ready to lose my cool yet. It’s entirely possible Sale is just easing himself into the season. Yes, there’s concern that an injury does exist, but the extent of that concern is what matters. A no-concerns Sale is a $45-50 player. Most of the guys on this list are in the $20-30 range, some are more like $10-15. If you’re really scared, MAYBE you can think about Snell or Bauer. But you’re banking on either 1) Sale losing substantial value or 2) those guys repeating their career-best 2018 seasons. That’s risk in and of itself, and after two starts, this is a lot of value to give up if you’re not really sure that Sale isn’t going to be the same guy we’ve come to expect for the majority of this season.

Charlie Wiegert (CDM Sports, @GFFantasySports): I’m not worried at all. He missed most of Spring Training and is just now catching up. Give him 2-3 more starts and he’ll be back to normal. I still think he’s the number 3 starter, behind Mad Max and Degrom.

Todd Zola (Mastersball, @toddzola): Maybe I’m blinded by too many duck boat parades, but I’m not concerned about health. I am a liitle worried short-term we may not see as many whiffs, but if the trade-off is September punchies, I’ll take that exchange. I’d be looking to acquire him, even dealing someone like Gerrit Cole or Aaron Nola for Sale if I can also get a decent stick as well, especially if I lost someone like Trea Turner, Daniel Murphy, Miguel Andujar or perhaps Marcell Ozuna.

Doug Dennis (BaseballHQ, @dougdennis41): I was all-in on Sale this year, rostering him in 3 leagues and taking the discount on what I perceived as his value. My worries are more about players on the IL right now–not Sale.  I don’t prefer any of those list pitchers over Sale, ROS.

Tim McCullough (Baseball Prospectus, @TimsTenz): If there was a true medical issue with Sale’s shoulder, I doubt the Red Sox would have extended his contract earlier this spring. In addition, it appears they have a plan to ease Sale into the season. After giving him just nine innings in spring training, it wouldn’t surprise me to see him limited to a max of six innings per start through April and perhaps into early May with the goal being to preserve him for September and beyond. If the Sale owner in my leagues is panicking, I’m buying.

Anthony Perri (Fantistics, @Anthony_Perri): Seeing him only averaging 89.6 MPH on his fastball in last start is alarming, until you look back to last year and see that his fastball was also less than his norm in April. In fact last April 15th, he averaged 89.5. So when you combine that with the extension that Boston gave him this offseason….there is optimisim that he will rebound.

Dan Strafford (FNTSY Radio, @DanStrafford): I think a healthy amount of concern is worth while any time a pitcher isn’t hitting the velocity levels we’ve seen them consistently at. With no context, I’d be more concerned about Sale, but we’ve seen this story before. Sale is someone who has intentionally dialed things back in the past and been just fine. In a fantasy context, you’d need to best understand your league mates to consider what to do next. Sale’s value is clearly down from where we were to start the year and bailing on him now isn’t advisable without massive returns. It’s close, but I still would rank Sale first out of the pitchers listed.

Alex Chamberlain (Rotofraphs, @DolphHauldhagen): The odd part about looking at Sale’s game logs… many of his lowest velocity readings occur in the months of April and September. They account for 11 of his 18 worst starts by fastball velo, including his April 15 start last year. Don’t know if it’s a mental thing, just mailing it in a couple of times a year, especially early on. I’m hardly a scout, but it looked to me he wasn’t going 100% the other day. That doesn’t preclude an injury — he could be half-assing it because he’s injury — but I’d like to think it was more a conscious decision than one induced by injury. I’d definitely wait one more start to move him, if that decision is on the table. His value is already relatively low after the last start; waiting one more probably can’t make things any worse, only better. Assuming he is broken, I still might only place Snell, Bauer, Carrasco, maybe Clevinger and Flaherty above him (keeping the injured Severino and Kershaw below him for now). Lots of hypotheticals, though. Wouldn’t sound the alarms just yet.

Scott Engel (Rotoballer, @scotteTheKing): The entire Boston staff has not started the season well. But I am not ranking any one of those guys over Sale yet. I have seen aces like Corey Kuber start slow before and turn it around. I dont panic after two April starts. I just want him to stay healthy

Chris Liss (Rotowire, @Chris_Liss): Moderately concerned. Would take Snell and Bauer over him without a second thought. The others except for Kershaw and Severino would be closer calls.

Michael Stein (Fantasy Judgment, @FantasyJudgment): I am very concerned about Sale because of his injury history from 2018 as well as his unconventional throwing motion. The drop in velocity is not cause for panic in a vacuum, but coupled with his previous injuries there is good reason to be worried. It is understandable that he would want to hold back in order to prevent any re-aggravation. The idea is for him to pitch the entire year and avoid any time on the injured list so starting the season throwing softer does make sense. That being said, his fantasy value is partially premised on high strikeout totals so his decrease in velocity diminishes his fantasy value. I prefer Snell and Bauer over Sale for the rest of the season based on health and track record.

Seth Trachtman (Rotoworld, @sethroto): I’m a bit more concerned than I was entering the year, but the fact his velocity was very similar last April (including one sub-90 mph start, like he had in his second start this year) is more reassuring. He was my second ranked pitcher behind Max Scherzer entering the year. I’ve dropped him a few spots, but I’d only put Trevor Bauer and Walker Buehler ahead of him at this point.

Dr. Roto (Scout Fantasy, @DrRoto): Watch Sale become more of a pitcher than a thrower this season. It doesn’t mean that he won’t be good–it just means that I don’t anticipate him striking out 300 batters anymore. Snell and Bauer will have more Ks for sure than Sale by season’s end.

Phil Hertz (BaseballHQ, @prhz50): I’m not overly concerned after all the Sox just gave him oodles of money. That said, I’d probably take Snell and Bauer over him and if I can have another week, I migh5 also take Kershaw.

Lenny Melnick (LennyMelnickFantasySports, @LennyMelnick): Did Sox extend an injured pitcher for 5 years? Relax Sale and Bauer over all

Howard Bender (Fantasy Alarm, @RotobuzzGuy): Not worried about Sale at all. Alex Cora deliberately held back his starters so they were all in line for full work in October. Sale threw fewer than 10 innings of Grapefruit League ball and he’s supposed to be in midseason form? Nah. Not to mention, do we really thing the Red Sox are going to give a guy a five-year extension without checking the medicals real thoroughly? I’m super bullish on both Clevinger and Flaherty, but you just can’t deny what Sale has done over the years. If you believe he’s healthy, and I do, then he’s got to be your top arm.

Ariel Cohen (CBS Sports, @ATCNY): It is a 2.5. I am not concerned … but it does register as something to thing about. Sale is a PITCHER first and foremost. He will battle and be effective even if his velocity isn’t as high as it was in the past … and this could just be an April ramp-up. In either case, you aren’t dropping him, you are still playing him each and every week, and no one is trading you any pitcher close to him at this time anyways – so there isn’t anything for fantasy owners to do. As far as who I would rather have over him – the only one I would consider would be Snell.

Vlad Sedler (Fantasy Guru Elite, @rotogut): Very little concern about Sale but after these first two outings, it’s the perfect time to field some buy-low offers in case his current owner is panicked. From the list, the only guy I prefer to Sale rest-of-season is Bauer, and that’s because he’s going to be the best pitcher in baseball this year.

AJ Mass (ESPN, @AJMass): Let’s put it this way. Last season, on April 17, Jacob deGrom had a 3.24 ERA and a .312 slugging percentage against. Some people may have asked, “What’s the matter with Jake?” All he did the rest of the season was post a 1.50 ERA and a .272 slugging percentage against. Sure, Sale *could* be hurt. He also may win the Cy Young. Small sample sizes are sometimes bad. Remember Sale’s back-to-back starts at the end of May/beginning of June last year where he had an 8.71 ERA (.452 SLG)? Did that mean to sell? Until the IL becomes his home, you stick with him.

Michael Rathburn (Rotowire, @FantasyRath): As a Sox fan, I am concerned a little. I watched both starts and the power RHB on the Mariners took the outside FB and crushed it. It also happened vs. the A’s but not as much. I can see him trying to avoid that pitch until his velocity comes back. I wouldnt take any of the other pitchers over him with the exception of Blake Snell.

Andy Behrens (Yahoo! Fantasy Sports, @andybehrens): I don’t want to appear as if I’m completely dismissing Sale’s opening week issues, but this isn’t the first time we’ve seen him dial back velocity. There were no serious warning flares this spring. For me, he’s a strong buy. I don’t see a name on this list of pitchers (other than Snell) who belongs in the conversation with Sale.

Patrick Davitt (BaseballHQ, @patrickdavitt): I’m confident that it’s OK because I trust the team. I can’t see them signing Sale to an extension with salary-cap implications if they had any concerns with Sale’s long-term health. And as someone noted upthread, the team seems to be orienting its pitcher management to an extended run into October. I also think that Sale and the team might be trying to manage the long-term transition from Sale being a power pitcher to being more of a “smart” pitcher who gets guys out without maxing his delivery. That will likely have implications for his strikeout totals, which is why I’d probably lean to Bauer and Snell over Sale, but I’m not super-concerned about Sale.

Jeff Boggis (Fantasy Football Empire, @JeffBoggis): Sale owners don’t need to be in panic mode. Even if they are, they won’t be able to get full trade value right now. His fastball is in the high 80’s, but I feel it’s more related to a slow spring training rather than pitching mechanics or injury. Blake Snell would be the only pitcher that I would consider in a trade for Sale.

Ray Flowers (Fantasy Guru Elite, @BaseballGuys): There has to be some level of concern. That said, sheer panic is taking things way too far. If you’re not going to give an elite performer like Sale some rope, then it brings me back to the position I’ve always held – don’t take pitchers as foundational blocks of your team. Why people would spend a top-15 pick on a guy who didn’t qualify for the ERA title last year and on a guy who threw all of nine innings in spring, and then express concern when he starts slowly is a bit beyond me. He will find his groove eventually. He’s too talented not to.

Scott Swanay (FantasyBaseballSherpa, @fantasy_sherpa): Selfishly, I’m not concerned because I don’t have him on any of my teams this year. Keith Law and others have had concerns about his delivery for years, but so far those haven’t been borne out. He’s no Max Fried, but what we’re dealing with here is likely nothing more than a small sample size issue. Snell and Bauer are the only pitchers Todd listed who I think have the potential to produce similar value to Sale over the course of the entire season, but neither have the track record of sustained excellence that Sale does. I’d be buying low on him if the opportunity presented itself.

Derek VanRiper (Rotowire, @DerekVanRiper): Maybe it’s naive, but I’m trusting that the medical staff in Boston was confident in Sale’s health before green lighting the five-year, $145 million extension he just signed. I know we saw Luis Severino go on the shelf soon after signing an extension with the Yankees, so that logic isn’t bulletproof, but when you factor in his past history of reduced early-season velocity and his slow-played progress through the spring, I’m not ready to drop Sale’s projections beneath any of the pitchers included in this question. I think it’s easy to justify Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole, or Aaron Nola ahead of Sale if you wanted to reduce risk, but ultimately, that could be a costly error based on two starts.

Michael Florio (NFL Network, @MichaelFFlorio): I am worried about Chris Sale. I get the reports that this is by design and watching video comparing him this year to last year, it is hard to argue that he is fully exerting himself. But velo is down across the Red Sox rotation. Either this is by design or their spring plan was attrocious. Still, Sale sitting at 88 MPH is concerning. He had just one strikeout and barely drew any swinging strikes. Of the pitchers listed I would take Bauer, Snell and Walker Buehler if I could in a trade. Other than that, I would take a shot on Sale returning to form.

Mike Gianella (Baseball Prospectus, @MikeGianella): I’m moderately worried about Sale, which is saying something, since I think people tend to overreact to reduced velocity in March/early April. But there’s a difference between being 1-2 MPH below your noirmal velocity and 3-4 MPH below. There’s usually an injury lurking when there’s that much of a drop and even when there isn’t it takes a while for pitchers to adjust to their new, diminished “normal”. I’m grabbing Snell, Bauer or Carrasco over Sale right now if I can, and I’d consider Buehler under the right circumstances.

Anthony Aniano (Rotoballer, @AAnianoFantasy): On a 1-10 scale my concern for Sale is a 3. The velocity is low but it’s early April, if he is still hovering at 90 mph after 5 starts or 6 starts my concern will grow. His secondary stuff is still good enough to get batters out. Of that list Snell, Bauer, are a preference over Sale. Younger arm with less wear and tear. Buehler still has to prove he can perform over a full season at the major league level.

Jon Hegglund (Baseball Prospectus, @JonHegglund): I’m not a Sale owner in any leagues, so this is a purely theoretical question for me, but I’d be moderately alarmed. That said, Snell would be the only name on this list that I would elevate above Sale at the moment. That the velocity issues from late last season and in the playoffs have continued is a big concern for me. Also, while he may well become vintage Sale eventually, how many sub-par starts will you be booking while you wait for him to ramp up? And finally, I’m not fully comforted by the idea that the Red Sox wouldn’t have extended him if they had even the slightest worries about his health. Hey, this logic holds true until it doesn’t. Teams make bad decisions sometimes. If you are a Sale owner, I think you have to hold, but you drafted him knowing full well about the red flags from last season, so you have to keep the faith.

Mike Sheets (ESPN, @MikeASheets): I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t concerned. Maybe it’s true that Sale is simply taking it easy early and will ramp up his velocity in the coming weeks. However, the fact that he was pounded by the Mariners in his first start and recorded only one strikeout in his second doesn’t make that explanation easy to swallow. Ultimately, Sale’s secondary stuff is good enough to compensate for diminished velocity, but I don’t want to be having these questions and discussions about a first-round player. At this point, I’d feel better with Snell or Bauer.

Justin Mason (Friends with Fantasy Benefits, Fangraphs, Fantasy Alarm, @JustinMasonFWFB): I think it is naive to not have any concern, but ultimately the Red Sox are a smart organization and I don’t think they would be running out Chris Sale every fifth day or have given him a long term contract if they had any concern about the structural integrity of his arm or his health. In my most recent starting pitching ranks over at Fantasy Alarm, I ranked Sale either among starting pitchers behind Scherzer, deGrom, Verlander, Bauer, Cole, Snell, and Nola.

Ian Kahn (Rotowire, @IanKahn4): I would take Trevor Bauer over Sale at this point, but that has as much to do with Bauer as it does with my concern for Sale. Sale looked like he was throwing batting practice the other day. He was far from giving full effort. That seemed to be a choice on Sale’s part. One would think that the Red Sox know exactly where he stands physically, and that contract shows great faith in his present and future. I just think the Sox didn’t have a great Spring Training plan with their pitchers, and they are paying the price in the early going. I expect to see vintage Sale coming our way in the next few starts.

Mike Podhorzer (Fangraphs, @MikePodhorzer): Level of concern: high. However, it’s only been two starts and nine innings! I projected Sale to earn significantly more than any of the other pitchers listed, so it’s still a bit too early to prefer any of those names.

Steve Gardner (USAToday Fantasy Sports, @SteveAGardner): Many pitchers go through the dead-arm period coming out of spring training. I’m not going to worry unless his reduced velocity and effectiveness last for a couple more weeks. The Red Sox gave him a full exam before signing him to his contract extension this spring so that’s the most important piece of info for me.

Clay Link (Rotowire, @claywlink): I’m concerned about Sale, as I have been since the end of last season. The fastball velocity was down to 92 and then 90 in his final two regular-season starts, and it was down around 90 in the ALCS. Now that concern is hightened, as he’s had close to a full offseason and the velocity hasn’t returned. The silver lining is that he was at least able to work around the diminished velo in his second start, and that lends hope to the idea that he can still be successfull without the velocity, just with fewer strikeouts. Pitchers I would definitely take over Sale: Blake Snell, Carlos Carrasco, Trevor Bauer and Mike Clevinger. I wouldn’t take Severino or Kershaw over him since they’re hurt and we don’t quite know what we’re getting from either when they come back. Jameson Taillon, Walker Buehler and Jack Flaherty aren’t far off from Sale, but I’d still lean Sale. For now.

Tout Wars FAAB Report: Week of September 24

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
AMeadows, TB Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 29 Mike Podhorzer 8
MStraw, Hou Patrick Davitt 5
DCovey, CWS Mike Podhorzer 3
RTellez, Tor Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 0

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
DStewart, Bal Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 29
RHerrera, KC Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 29
RLaMarre, CWS Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 29
VReyes, Det Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 29
WCalhoun, Tex Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 29
HRondon, Hou Patrick Davitt 5
RBrasier, Bos Patrick Davitt 5
SRomo, TB Patrick Davitt 5

Todd’s Take

It was surprising that the Rays did not call up Meadows sooner, especially after he performed decently with the Pirates for a stretch earlier in the summer. He’s up now, and after a three-hit game Friday night, Meadows could get a few starts the last week of the season.

Aside from being fodder for “stirs the drink” or “broke the back” puns, Myles Straw is up to do one thing – steal bases as a pinch runner.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER WINNING BID
AAltherr, Phi Phil Hertz 15 Tristan H. Cockcroft 0
MKoch, Ari Steve Gardner 1 Tristan H. Cockcroft 0
COswalt, NYM Tristan H. Cockcroft 0 Phil Hertz 5 Steve Gardner 1
EDiaz, Pit Tristan H. Cockcroft 0 Steve Gardner 0
POBrien, Mia Mike Gianella 0
AConley, Mia Tristan H. Cockcroft 0
PReyes, Pit Tristan H. Cockcroft 0

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
RRodriguez, Pit Phil Hertz 15 Tristan H. Cockcroft 0
CFerguson, LAD Phil Hertz 15
MAndriese, Ari Phil Hertz 5
GParra, Col Tristan H. Cockcroft 0
HPence, SF Tristan H. Cockcroft 0
JBrebbia, StL Tristan H. Cockcroft 0
KCrick, Pit Tristan H. Cockcroft 0

Todd’s Take

Much more was expected from Aaron Altherr, at minimum he was thought to be a solid contributor to the Phillies outfield, garnering a $9 bid in March from an unsuspecting owner (cough, cough). Well, he couldn’t even deliver in a platoon role and was sent to Triple-A. Altherr was recalled in September, seeing regular playing time with Nick Williams sidelined. He hasn’t played as much lately, but is still capable of a couple swipes the final week.

Tristan Cockcroft is doing all he can to catch Steve Gardner, who currently holds five point lead. Both combatants made bids, with Tristan aiming to maintain his overall lead in strikeouts while using solid relievers to capture some ratio points still in play.

MIXED LEAGUE AUCTION

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER WINNING BID
JShields, CWS Scott Pianowski 55
WDifo, Was Fred Zinkie 23
TCahill, Oak Ron Shandler 8
ZDavies, Mil Fred Zinkie 4 Fred Zinkie 23 Ray Flowers 1
POBrien, Mia Ray Flowers 2 Jeff Zimmerman 0
TButtrey, LAA Jeff Zimmerman 2
KSeager, Sea Zach Steinhorn 1 Ray Flowers 2 Scott Swanay 0
TFlowers, Atl Ray Flowers 1
JVargas, NYM Al Melchior 0 Jeff Zimmerman 2
BHolt, Bos Scott Swanay 0 Ray Flowers 0
EAdrianza, Min Ray Flowers 0
AGarcia, SF Al Melchior 0
MMahtook, Det Fred Zinkie 0

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
JJames, Hou Ron Shandler 8 Al Melchior 0
TPannone, Tor Ron Shandler 8
AConley, Mia Jeff Zimmerman 2 Al Melchior 0
EHernandez, LAD Ray Flowers 0
MPina, Mil Ray Flowers 0
JJones, Det Fred Zinkie 0

Todd’s Take

While this can be construed as a backhanded dig at the other leagues, it isn’t. It’s just that nine of 15 participants still making bids despite leader Tim Heaney enjoying a over a 20-point lead is exemplary.

Most of the acquired names are familiar with a few exceptions. Ray Flowers grabbed journeyman slugger Pete O’Brien, who despite showing pop on the farm, has get to latch onto an MLB roster as he continues to exhibit defensive deficiencies along with a proclivity for punching out.

Jeff Zimmerman sees the Angels with an early week series against the Rangers, envisioning a save or two for Ty Buttrey, author of four ninth-inning conversions in five tries since being handed the closer gig in early September.

Al Melchior noticed Aramis Garcia is spitting time behind the plate and at first base, essentially filling in for Buster Posey. Garcia has an OPS of 1.000 with three homers since his promotion.

MIXED LEAGUE DRAFT

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER WINNING BID
GAllen, Cle Charlie Wiegert 300
BreAnderson, Oak D.J. Short 100
LVoit, NYY Adam Ronis 16
WAstudillo, Min Adam Ronis 1
TButtrey, LAA Gene McCaffrey 0

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
TAnderson, Col D.J. Short 100
CStewart, Det Adam Ronis 16
LGurriel, Tor Adam Ronis 16
VRobles, Was Adam Ronis 16

Todd’s Take

With Josh Donaldson back pushing Jose Ramirez to second, Greg Allen is losing playing time to Jason Kipnis. However, the Indians are likely to give everyone some rest this week as they’re locked into the three-seed, availing more action for Allen, even if it is coming into games in the mid innings. His asset, other than excellent defense is running, so if you need bags this week, consider Allen.

 

HEAD-TO-HEAD MIXED AUCTION

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER WINNING BID
TToussaint, Atl Peter Kreutzer 101
DPalka, CWS Peter Kreutzer 57 Andrea LaMont 0
ROsuna, Hou Andrea LaMont 1
AMondesi, KC Andrea LaMont 1
LVoit, NYY Andrea LaMont 1
JJames, Hou Andrea LaMont 0

Todd’s Take

As mentioned last week, Jake Ciely is your 2018 Head to Head champion. Peter and Andrea continue to grind, looking to finish as high as possible, perhaps conserving FAAB for next season as all the leagues are penalized for finishes below a threshold contextual to the respective leagues.