Clay Link’s Head to Head Season Recap

My second year in Tout Wars H2H was a big improvement on the first.

The move to a points-based scoring system (from categories), with every out recorded being worth a point, played into my strengths as a player. I’ve found that I am better at finding an edge on the pitching side, and in this format, I was rewarded greatly (more so than in standard 5×5 leagues) for my pitching finds. I finished second, and while it’s sometimes said that second place is “first loser,” I consider this a great accomplishment given the quality of the field.

I won six consecutive matchups to close out the season and felt like I really had the league down from a roster-construction standpoint late in the year. Unfortunately for me, by the time I had the pieces in place, it was too late to catch Jake Ciely. I emerged from the auction and reserve draft with a poorly constructed roster — four hitters on my bench. By the end of the season, I did not have a single hitter on my bench, and I think that’s the way you have to play this 12-team points format. With two lineup periods per week — Monday and Friday lineup submissions — it’s important to just have a slew of arms to rotate into your lineup to maximize points. I learned to treat the waiver wire as my bench for hitters, picking up hitters only when there was a need in my starting lineup.

 

My highest scorers:

    • Justin Verlander – 732 points
    • Aaron Nola – 665 points
    • Blake Snell – 639 points
    • Carlos Santana – 466.5 points
    • Xander Bogaerts – 461 points
    • Dallas Keuchel – 440 points
    • Jesus Aguilar – 439.5 points
    • Lorenzo Cain – 430 points
    • Stephen Piscotty – 423 points
    • George Springer – 420 points
    • Tyler Anderson – 387 points

Notable pickups:

  • Steven Matz ($1)
  • Tyler Skaggs ($61)
  • Tyler Glasnow ($0)
  • Hyun-Jin Ryu ($57)
  • Willy Adames ($0)

Interestingly, James Shields, who I streamed for only one week, would have ranked 12th on my team in points had I left him in for all of his starts (384 points), highlighting the importance of innings.

Busts: Willson Contreras ($11), Nomar Mazara ($11) — not a terrible year for Mazara in standard roto leagues, but he finished with fewer points than Kyle Seager in this format — Luke Weaver ($10), Dinelson Lamet ($5), Scott Kingery ($5).

–Clay

We’ve Got Doubt Wars Winners Here!

Yes, with the end of the Tout Wars season comes the end of Doubt Wars, the game where people buy the players bought in Tout Wars (+$1) and try to put together better teams.

Only one team, The Good Doctor in the Mixed League, was able to beat the Tout Champ this year. The Good Doctor did it with a pitching staff that included Trevor Bauer, Gerrit Cole, Patrick Corbin, Justin Verlander, Blake Snell, Charlie Morton, Blake Treinen, Brad Boxberger, and Sean Doolittle. Wow!

The Good Doctor is Robert Mirshak, and he edged Tout Champ Tim Heaney’s team, which finished second.

In Doubt NL the top three teams beat the top civilian, Splinters. Steve Gardner, Tristan Cockcroft and Grey Albright repeating their order of finish, with the Splinters just behind Albright. The Splinters is Warner Lewis.

Rick Wolf and Glenn Colton, Tout AL champs, trounced the AJ Puks, who finished second with the top civilian score.  The AJ Puks were played by Mark Fass.

Robert Mirshak, Warner Lewis and Mark Fass will be receiving a collection of baseball annuals and online memberships this winter to help their preparation for 2019. But that isn’t why we play, is it?

You can see final standings and point totals for all three leagues by clicking here.

Congratulations to all the winners.

 

 

Steve Gardner Wins Tout Wars NL 2018!

In an up and down race, which saw 2017 champ Grey Albright take an early lead, lose it in May to eventual champ Steve Gardner, take it back again and open it up again through August, only to be pushed aside by Gardner in early September, and then be passed by Tristan Cockcroft, too. Whew.

Here are the final standings.

Gardner may have been challenged by three-time champ Cockcroft in the end, but he was able to hold on. And his victory was foretold by the draft day standings. He had the best auction in the league.

The closeness of the final standings may be because Gardner had a comfortable hand all season. he made no trades, and only one big FAAB pickup. That would be 707 samoleons for Eduardo Escobar, which helped, it may have made the difference, but wasn’t a difference maker.

Steve Gardner last won Tout Wars NL in 2011.

Colton and the Wolfman Win Tout Wars AL!

Colton and the Wolfman, with Stacie Stern

It wasn’t until the first week of June that Rick Wolf and Glenn Colton passed Seth Trachtman for the lead in Tout Wars AL, but once ahead they never looked back.

One week later they had a 17 point lead, by the end of June it was a 29 point lead, and they eventually won by 21.

Lawr Michaels, Seth Trachtman and Jeff Erickson round out the top four, but none threatened the famed radio duo the rest of the way.

Glenn and Rick won the AL title in 2014, too.

They didn’t win it on auction day. Here is the Draft Day Stadings for Tout Wars AL. (These are the stats the team’s opening day roster put up, as if they made no moves all season.)

It wasn’t trades that made the difference either. They made two, acquiring Eduardo Rodriguez in May and Melky Cabrera in June. So we have to look at their FA adds.

The big ones: Brad Hand, Jake Cave, Wily Peralta.

Big, but not huge. It is hard to see how this squad swung from 77.5 points to 100 in season. You can check out the standings and rosters here. I think we’re going to have hear from about how this title came about.

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.

Tout Daily Football: Robert Spiegelberg is King for Two Days

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.

Tout Wars FAAB Report: Week of September 17

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.

Tout Wars FAAB Report: Week of September 10

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.