TOUT WARS!

This week’s ToutTable features four sets of outfielders, all performing at similar levels through this point of the season.

Which from each pair of top-40 outfielders to date do you want for the rest of the season: Michael Brantley or Nick Markakis? Mitch Haniger or Odubel Herrera? Shin-Soo Choo or Matt Kemp? Toescar Hernandez or Mallex Smith?

Doug Dennis (BaseballHQ, @dougdennis41): Brantley v. Markakis is strictly a health question as Brantley is offensively superior. As risk averse as I often am, I’d still go Brantley because he is projected to be vastly superior for the balance of the year–for example, a .354 wOBA over Markakis’s .324 per Steamer ROS.

Haniger versus Odubel Herrera is much much closer, with Haniger getting the slight offensive nod. But I’d go Herrera. His playing time seems more certain, he has an incremental steals advantage (per projections) and that outweighs the tiny offensive advantage that Haniger has. But this one is within rounding error and I wouldn’t fight back too much against folks going with Haniger.

Kemp v. Choo.  I have long long long been a Kemp buyer and he is performing for LA. But ROS, I’d still want Choo’s OBP and offensive superiority to Kemp’s bursts. Also, I don’t trust Kemp’s health as much, or his PT as a Dodger as much ROS.

Teoscar v. Mallex.  Both are not great OB guys.  Mallex is steals which *might* end up worth more. I don’t have a PT crystal ball for either guy. Depends completely on how badly I need steals, but I’ll pretend I don’t and go with the better offensive guy and that is Teoscar. But even that isn’t all that great.

Mike Podhorzer (Fangraphs, @MikePodhorzer): Brantley vs Markakis – at age 34, we know what Markakis is and even a stronger offensive year from him lacks excitement, whereas we know what Brantley can do when healthy, it’s just been that health that’s been elusive. He’s clearly a far superior option for as long as he remains off the DL.

Haniger vs Herrera – I prefer the upside of Haniger due to the power advantage and the occasional steal (he actually has one more steal than Herrera), plus his RBI+R total is likely to be greater.

Choo vs Kemp – Kemp won’t maintain a .400+ BABIP and that’s what has been driving his performance so far. Choo is doing what he always does and that’s as good as or better than a fortunate Kemp. Choo is the pick.

Rudy Gamble (Razzball, @RudyGamble): I thought I’d take our Razzball Trade Analyzer on a test drive to see on this one to see if I disagreed. I will use 15-team mixed $ value since that’s the Tout Mixed format. Here it goes. 1) Brantley ($22) over Markakis ($7). No-brainer. Brantley a little better in every way even with a slight injury discount b/c of his history. 2) Odubel ($13) over Haniger ($11). Much closer and could see deciding based on team balance. In vacuum, taking Odubel’s AVG + SB advantages over Haniger’s HRs, 3) Choo ($9) over Kemp (-$6). Maybe my system is too bearish on Kemp’s playing time. Still, I’m taking Choo without a doubt. 4) Teoscar ($4.90) over Mallex ($4.70). Wow, almost identical. I am taking Teoscar unless my team is absolutely desperate for speed as Teoscar comes with a heaping helping of upside.

Ray Flowers (Fantasy Guru Elite, @BaseballGuys): (1) Brantley. His body could wear down, and the power stroke will slow, but Markakis hasn’t really been an all-star caliber hitter in a decade. (2) I’ll favor Herrera. A bit more speed as well as a likely average gain. Also feel better about the health factor. (3) I’ll go with Kemp, but tough since he could pull up lame at any moment, and because logic dictates he has further to drop than Choo. (4) Smith for the speed. Hernandez hits it hard, but I could see him losing playing time due to his poor work of late.

Al Melchior (FNTSY Radio, @almelchiorbb): No question that I want Teoscar over Mallex. They rank similarly in Roto value as of now, but whereas Mallex looks pretty close to his ceiling, Teoscar could be performing much better. He’s top 5 in barrel rate and exit velocity on flies and liners and has a reasonable strikeout rate (22.3 percent), yet he’s batting just .247. I’m not surprised his xAvg is .269, and xStats says he should have three additional homers, too. His actual .259 Iso is more than legit.

Jeff Zimmerman (Fangraphs and Fantrax, @jeffwzimmerman): Brantley and it’s not even close for me. Brantley has more raw talent and historically better seasons. Even though he has a major injury history, I’ll always take the upside with hitters. Mitch Haniger or Odubel Herrera? This one is tough but in a vacuum, I like Herrera with the speed and nice home park. If my team really needed power, I lean Haniger. Shin-Soo Choo or Matt Kemp? As good as Choo has been this year, the Mariners always find a way to sit him. I’ll take Kemp unless I was in desperate need of OBP. Toescar Hernandez or Mallex Smith? This decision is straight up a power versus speed decision at this point in the season. Both have fantasy value but may have shaky playing time issues.

Phil Hertz (BaseballHQ, @prhz50): Markakis – don’t trust Brantley’s health; Odubel – better overall game; Kemp – I think being back in LA will keep him going all year; Teoscar – better upside methinks

Todd Zola (Mastersball, @toddzola): Brantley for higher upside, Markakis for steady production. I know, it’s a cop out. Brantley is really surprising me, more with power then health since he’s over the shoulder woes. Haniger’s batting average with runners on is abnormally high, but the rest is in line with skills, I’ll take him. Kemp’s a great story, but a BABIP north of .400 isn’t happening much longer. Give me Choo in what should be an improving Rangers lineup. Here’s another hedge – I think both Hernandez and Smith can keep up their current level, so it comes down to needs.

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
FMontas, Oak	Lawr Michaels 237	Vlad Sedler 79	Jeff Erickson 77
		Jason Collette 60	Chris Liss 54
		Rob Leibowitz 33	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 2
RRodriguez, Det	Chris Liss 193	Seth Trachtman 25
RLaMarre, Min	Chris Liss 44	Seth Trachtman 20
MSkole, CWS	Jason Collette 31	Chris Liss 29	Seth Trachtman 0
LGiolito, CWS	Vlad Sedler 12
TFederowicz, Hou	Rob Leibowitz 0
JSucre, TB	Seth Trachtman 0	Rob Leibowitz 0
JAlvarez, LAA	Seth Trachtman 0
LTrivino, Oak	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 0
SWright, Bos	Chris Liss 0
CBYoung, LAA	Seth Trachtman 0	Chris Liss 0

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
BHardy, Det	Vlad Sedler 12
ACole, NYY	Vlad Sedler 7
RElias, Sea	Vlad Sedler 3
RoPerez, Cle	Seth Trachtman 0	Rob Leibowitz 0
AAlmonte, KC	Seth Trachtman 0	Chris Liss 0
JBriceno, LAA	Seth Trachtman 0
JChavez, Tex	Seth Trachtman 0
TraThompson, CWS	Seth Trachtman 0
KCowart, LAA	Chris Liss 0

Todd’s Take

Despite exhibiting decent control on the farm, when Montas pitches from an MLB mound, the walks have piled up – until this season. It’s only two starts, but with the dearth of available starters and Montas’ favorable home park and sneakily productive offense, two starts was enough for over half the league to place a bid on the A’s 25-year old righty. Trust me, getting more than half of a league to agree on anything is a chore. Lawr Michaels read the room correctly in terms of interest so an aggressive bid is understandable. Perhaps it’s rationalization, but whenever I overbid on a player, my Pavlovian response is my bid was proper, everyone else underbid.

The next two players were batters, both now on the roster of Chris Liss. Ronny Rodriguez is a stealth pick-up, not only because the Tigers have eight games this week, but also due to his slashing .318/.341/.540 for Triple-A Toledo. The rebuilding Tigers have nothing to lose by giving Rodriguez a long look, having  spent the first two months watching Dixon Machado. Rodriguez is exactly the type of player you want to go after if you aren’t going to have the hammer at the July 31 trade deadline. Ryan LaMarre is a journeyman fly-chaser, currently getting the majority of the playing time while Byron Buxton’s toe heals. Liss has Buxton, helping to explain the aggressive bid.

The under-the-radar pick-up goes to Seth Trachtman with veteran Chris Young. Kole Calhoun and his .374 OPS are on the DL, clearing some extra playing time for Young.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER	WINNING BID
BValera, LAD	Todd Zola 43	Mike Gianella 0
HRamirez, FA	Andy Behrens 26
MLorenzen, Cin	Todd Zola 17
DRodriguez, SF	Todd Zola 13
DSantana, LAD	Grey Albright 11
DCozens, Phi	Andy Behrens 4	Tristan H. Cockcroft 4
ESogard, Mil	Mike Gianella 4	Todd Zola 33
VArano, Phi	Lenny Melnick 2
GHolland, StL	Lenny Melnick 2
CCasali, Cin	Andy Behrens 1	Steve Gardner 0	Scott Wilderman 0
ADean, Mia	Craig Mish 1
SCishek, ChC	Andy Behrens 0	Grey Albright 2
LGuillorme, NYM	Derek Carty 0	Mike Gianella 0
EDiaz, Pit	Scott Wilderman 0	Steve Gardner 0
ACimber, SD	Scott Wilderman 0	Todd Zola 13
JVargas, NYM	Derek Carty 0

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
YRivera, Mia	Todd Zola 17
JBarnes, Mil	Todd Zola 13
JCastillo, SD	Todd Zola 13
JusMiller, Was	Todd Zola 13
MStrahm, SD	Todd Zola 13
PSewald, NYM	Todd Zola 13
RRosario, ChC	Todd Zola 13
TWilliams, Mil	Todd Zola 13
ESantana, Pit	Todd Zola 7
SRodriguez, Pit	Mike Gianella 4	Andy Behrens 1
ABlandio, Cin	Mike Gianella 2
BRodgers, Col	Andy Behrens 1
JMathis, Ari	Andy Behrens 1
ASanchez, Was	Mike Gianella 0
JLobaton, NYM	Andy Behrens 0
JValentin, Phi	Mike Gianella 0
MAlbers, Mil	Lenny Melnick 0
MSzczur, SD	Andy Behrens 0
SKieboom, Was	Andy Behrens 0
YHirano, Ari	Andy Behrens 0

Todd’s Commentary and Take

I submitted the high bid this week, looking to upgrade the anemic Daniel Castro. There’s nothing special about Valera other than I need at bats and he’s playing a little, forcing Logan Forsythe to the bench.

Andy Behrens from Yahoo! took advantage of a rules proviso allowing bidding on anyone not on the 40-man roster of the American League, making a player for free agent Hanley Ramirez. Most feel Ramirez will land in the AL, but perhaps the Rockies will turn to a Ryan McMahon/Ramirez platoon at first. Andy needs to keep Ramirez active this week, getting his stats if he signs in the NL. If he signs in the AL, Ramirez is an immediate drop. It’s a chance worth taking if rules allow.

I made a trade this week, dealing one of my three closers, Brandon Morrow, for the under-producing Gregory Polanco. I lost David Dahl, so Polanco ostensibly replaces him. I still have Brad Boxberger and Arodys Vizcaino and desperately need starting pitching with Taijuan Walker out for the season and Robbie Ray and Kyle Davies both out. The current plan is to rack up a few more saves, then put them both on the market, perhaps dealing both to the same team so they can make a real move in the category. The risk is one, or both losing their job, more of a concern with Vizcaino than Boxberger.

MIXED LEAGUE AUCTION 

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER	WINNING BID
NWilliams, Phi	Bret Sayre 67	Tim Heaney 46	Derek VanRiper 33
		Al Melchior 23	Fred Zinkie 7
		Zach Steinhorn 3
YMunoz, StL	Bret Sayre 63	Fred Zinkie 23
DDescalso, Ari	Al Melchior 55	Bret Sayre 45	Derek VanRiper 22
		Scott Engel 5
HBader, StL	Scott Engel 55	Zach Steinhorn 18	Al Melchior 13
		Fred Zinkie 7
BHardy, Det	Al Melchior 41	Scott Engel 12
FMontas, Oak	Tim McLeod 37	Brent Hershey 31	Fred Zinkie 22
		Scott Engel 22	Jeff Zimmerman 14
		Derek VanRiper 3
TMahle, Cin	Brent Hershey 32
JJones, Det	Al Melchior 23
MMontgomery, ChC	Scott Engel 22	Derek VanRiper 22
GoHernandez, SF	Fred Zinkie 21
JField, TB	Zach Steinhorn 18	Al Melchior 23
KCrick, Pit	Jeff Zimmerman 4	Al Melchior 0
CBuchholz, Ari	Scott Engel 4	Scott Engel 3	Fred Zinkie 2
		Tim McLeod 1
JJimenez, Det	Al Melchior 0	Tim McLeod 3	Fred Zinkie 0
CMcHugh, Hou	Fred Zinkie 0
JKelly, Bos	Fred Zinkie 0

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
GAllen, Cle	Al Melchior 13
JJay, KC	Al Melchior 13
SPiscotty, Oak	Zach Steinhorn 13	Al Melchior 13
TKemp, Hou	Al Melchior 13
RGsellman, NYM	Scott Engel 7	Scott Engel 4	Tim McLeod 2
DCozens, Phi	Scott Engel 5
KMarte, Ari	Bret Sayre 5
JPirela, SD	Jeff Zimmerman 4
BGamel, Sea	Zach Steinhorn 3
RGrossman, Min	Zach Steinhorn 3
DSteckenrider, Mia	Scott Engel 2
JJeffress, Mil	Scott Engel 0
JLeclerc, Tex	Al Melchior 0
KYates, SD	Fred Zinkie 0
MAndriese, TB	Fred Zinkie 0
MBarnes, Bos	Fred Zinkie 0
PTucker, Atl	Al Melchior 0
SGaviglio, Tor	Al Melchior 0
TScott, Bal	Al Melchior 0

Jeff Zimmerman’s Commentary

The overall available waiver options were weak this week. Usually, just two player types cause heavy bidding, new closers and unexpected rookie call-ups, and neither happened this week. Additionally, the available two-start pitchers’ group was headlined by Frankie Montas who went to Tim McLeod for just $37. The highest bid was $67 by Bret Sayre for Nick Williams. Last week, four players went over $67.

One player who has caught my attention, especially in deeper leagues, is the Cardinals Yairo Munoz. The 23-year-old infielder was hitting .287/.330/.436 with 11 home runs in Triple-A. He’s continued the hot streak and is clobbering MLB’s juice ball for a .296/.345/.444 triple slash helped by a .412 BABIP. Owners aren’t buying him for his AVG/OBP, even though it helps, but for his power and speed (22 stolen bases last year). It’ll be interesting to see how his playing adjusts once Paul DeJong returns from the DL.

My only addition was the Pirates setup man Kyle Crick. I’m the Felipe Vazquez owner and can’t afford to lose a Save source since I’m down at 13th place in the category. My other two Save options, Hunter Strickland and Ryan Tepera, don’t have their roles secured. Crick is insurance if Vazquez continues to struggle.

Todd’s Take

Felipe Vazquez presents a conundrum for his fantasy managers. A week ago, he left a game with soreness, going so far as to say he heard a pop. Vazquez then pitched Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The first two appearances went fine, with Vazquez snaring a save in the second. The last outing was a disaster, prompting a mad rush to pick up Edgar Santana and Kyle Crick, with Crick being the preferred option. Of course, Vazquez has been given a vote of confidence by management. If this were just a blip, I’d be less concerned but I’m not convinced there isn’t an injury in play.

MIXED LEAGUE DRAFT

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER	WINNING BID
JJimenez, Det	Gene McCaffrey 173
RTepera, Tor	Ray Murphy 98
ARosario, NYM	Ray Murphy 32	Adam Ronis 8	D.J. Short 5
MMuncy, LAD	D.J. Short 25	Perry Van Hook 11	Charlie Wiegert 7
		Adam Ronis 3
IKinerFalefa, Tex	Anthony Perri 23
FMontas, Oak	Anthony Perri 23	Tim McCullough 22	Charlie Wiegert 14
		Tom Kessenich 7
JUrena, Mia	Perry Van Hook 17
YMunoz, StL	Adam Ronis 17	Charlie Wiegert 7
MMontgomery, ChC	Jeff Boggis 16	Tim McCullough 16	Tom Kessenich 7
		Scott White 0
DDietrich, Mia	Charlie Wiegert 14	Perry Van Hook 7
JMurphy, Ari	Adam Ronis 13
SPiscotty, Oak	Ray Murphy 12
NEovaldi, TB	Charlie Wiegert 12	Tim McCullough 12	Anthony Perri 9
BHolt, Bos	Perry Van Hook 7
WAdames, TB	Scott White 6
BKeller, KC	Tom Kessenich 5
CBuchholz, Ari	Charlie Wiegert 5	Tim McCullough 1
JSoria, CWS	Perry Van Hook 2
BMcCarthy, Atl	Greg Ambrosius 2	Charlie Wiegert 3

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
HBader, StL	D.J. Short 25	Adam Ronis 8
JPirela, SD	Anthony Perri 12
CMoran, Pit	Charlie Wiegert 7
MLeake, Sea	Charlie Wiegert 7	Perry Van Hook 2
BHardy, Det	Charlie Wiegert 5
CStratton, SF	Charlie Wiegert 5
DHess, Bal	Charlie Wiegert 5
JHammel, KC	Charlie Wiegert 5
DGerman, NYY	Charlie Wiegert 3
JAlfaro, Phi	Adam Ronis 3
KMarte, Ari	Anthony Perri 2	Scott White 0
SLugo, NYM	Perry Van Hook 2
JField, TB	Charlie Wiegert 1
JShields, CWS	Tom Kessenich 1
AGarrett, Cin	Scott White 0

Perry Van Hooks’ Commentary

While others spent far more for new closers du jour – Joe Jimenez, DET for $173 to Gene McCaffrey, and $98 for Ryan Tepera, TOR by Ray Murphy, my low budget option, Joakim Soria, CWS may get as many saves for $2. My objective was to add depth this week with low budget choices. IF Brock Holt gets half of the Pedroia at bats at second base, that will have been $7 well spent. And while I admit there were sexier pitchers to add this week, at least Jose Urena, MIA for $17 gets me two starts (hopefully).

Todd’s Take

Last season, it was Chris Taylor. This time around, there’s no way Max Muncy is for real, right? Maybe, but it looks like the Dodgers are intent on seeing if they’ve found gold twice. Muncy and Taylor are different type players with Taylor being more toolsy and Muncy having good plate skills with some latent power. The Dodgers have been playing Cody Bellinger in center, clearing first for Muncy. There’s no guarantee Muncy sticks, but that’s what we said about Taylor last season.

HEAD-TO-HEAD MIXED AUCTION

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER	WINNING BID
VGuerreroJr, Tor	Clay Link 83
IKinsler, LAA	Paul Sporer 77	Howard Bender 12
KMorales, Tor	Justin Mason 37
NEovaldi, TB	Justin Mason 33	Dr. Roto 14	Peter Kreutzer 13
		Michael Rathburn 6
NWilliams, Phi	Dr. Roto 33
HStrickland, SF	Justin Mason 17
NTropeano, LAA	Dr. Roto 14	Justin Mason 11	Howard Bender 8
		Peter Kreutzer 0
AnSuarez, SF	Clay Link 13
MFiers, Det	Peter Kreutzer 13
FMontas, Oak	Howard Bender 12	Dr. Roto 14	Michael Rathburn 6
		Peter Kreutzer 3
GParra, Col	Michael Rathburn 8
BAnderson, Mia	Howard Bender 8
JUrena, Mia	Justin Mason 8	Michael Rathburn 5	Peter Kreutzer 0
MMontgomery, ChC	Michael Rathburn 7
DMesoraco, NYM	Stephania Bell 7
JLyles, SD	Peter Kreutzer 7	Justin Mason 0
BKeller, KC	Michael Rathburn 5
WLeBlanc, Sea	Peter Kreutzer 5
ADeSclafani, Cin	Michael Rathburn 4
MStassi, Hou	Michael Rathburn 3

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
MMuncy, LAD	Justin Mason 37
GAllen, Cle	Dr. Roto 12
DPomeranz, Bos	Justin Mason 7
SRomano, Cin	Justin Mason 7
BSuter, Mil	Dr. Roto 4
SGaviglio, Tor	Peter Kreutzer 3
MEstrada, Tor	Michael Rathburn 3
FRodney, Min	Clay Link 2	Justin Mason 0
LValbuena, LAA	Justin Mason 2
DDietrich, Mia	Howard Bender 2
LMaile, Tor	Stephania Bell 1
CMoran, Pit	Justin Mason 1
DWinkler, Atl	Justin Mason 1
ZBritton, Bal	Howard Bender 1
NJones, CWS	Clay Link 1
BMiller, TB	Justin Mason 0
JDDavis, Hou	Justin Mason 0
PSandoval, SF	Justin Mason 0

Todd’s Take

Rotowire’s Clay Link is hoping the Jays give the fans what they want and call up Vlad Jr. It’s a risk, especially since Clay is in first, but he must have the confidence be can compete this week down a roster spot. Justin Mason, his opponent this period is aware and hopes to take advantage. It should be an interesting cat and mouse game this week.

Don’t look now but early season disappointment Ian Kinsler is on a heater, posting a 1.324 OPS the past week, featuring three homers. On a personal note, I’d like to apologize to my niece for suggesting she drop Kinsler last weekend. My Uncle of the Year status is in serious jeopardy.

Period 3 of Tout Daily kicked off Tuesday night with Gene McCaffrey from Wiseguy Baseball narrowly folding off a late surge from Mike Gianella from Baseball Prospectus. Bret Sayre, also from BP came in third.

McCaffrey’s winning lineup was lead by Kyle Gibson, a sage pick no one else used. Gene also deployed a mini-stack on both sides of Coors Field with Evan Longoria’s two-homer night the difference.

McCaffrey, Gianella and Sayre have the early lead for the next trio of Golden Tickets, awarded to the top scorers of each of the five Tout Daily Periods. A wild card ticket is awarded to the overall points leader, currently Todd Zola. See where your favorite Tout stands on the Leaderboard.

Here’s Gene’s entire squad:

It’s the first week of a brand new Put Daily Period, the third of five. That means everyone has a clean slate and is tied for first. Here’s a few players we’re looking at to get this period off strongly.

Lawr Michaels (CreativeSports2, @lawrmichaels)

Kenta Maeda: Maeda has upped his K per nine to 11.7 and faces the Phillies, who have the third-worst strikeout rate in the majors facing right-handers.

Brandon Nimmo: The Mets outfielder comes off a week where he hit .276 with three homers and faces the eminently hittable Anibal Sanchez (1.324 career WHIP).

Jeff Boggis (Fantasy Football Empire, @JeffBoggis)

Tyson Ross: Tyson Ross has pitched a quality start (QS) in 4 out of his last 5 games. He’s really inducing a lot of strikes this month and is a solid alternative at $9,200.

Alex Bregman: In his last 10 games, Bregman has hit safely in all but 1 game. His salary of $4,000 has dropped by $200 this week. I’ll take his discounted price tonight.

Ray Murphy (BaseballHQ, @RayHQ)

Tyson Ross: He’s been pitching well in general, but especially at home… and faces the Marlins at Petco tonight.

Jose Altuve: Altuve’s hot, the weather in NY is hot, and this might be your last chance all year to play Altuve for under 5k. (He’s 4900 tonight.)

Todd Zola (Mastersball, @toddzola)

Danny Duffy: I usually go for the top pitchers, especially the first week of the period, but Duffy is showing signs of getting on track and the Twins are mediocre vs. LHP with a 25% strikeout rate. This may be a trap, but at 4K, it feels like a free square.

Andrew Benintendi: I also don’t usually stack in Tout Daily, at least I don’t force one, but saving with Duffy, Benintendi and JD Martinez against Estrada and his 1.96 HR/9 screams “play me”.

Clay Link (Rotowire, @claywlink)

Danny Duffy: Echo everything Todd said…seems almost too obvious but I can’t pass him up at that price.

Ryan McMahon: With Duffy as my SP2 and McMahon at $2,700 at Coors, I was able to load up the rest of my lineup with high-end talent.

Doug Dennis (BaseballHQ, @dougdennis41): I do not believe in position scarcity. Year-to-year there may be a very tiny minor effect swallowed easily by acceptable variance. There is absolutely no reason to pay a premium at a given position unless you are in a very weird and unique league.

Rudy Gamble (Razzball, @RudyGamble): I feel like most fantasy baseball ‘conventional wisdom’ has moved closer to my line of thinking. While there was never unanimity on position scarcity, ‘don’t pay for saves’, and ‘don’t invest top picks in SPs’, I feel they are no longer even popular opinion. The two things in fantasy writing that make me cringe is overconfidence in one’s opinion and circular blathering. The only thing that could be more humbling than predicting fantasy baseball performance is hitting on women at a supermodel conference. Overconfidence tells me that one does not self-reflect much. Other times, I read whole articles or paragraphs that I feel could be condensed down to 100 characters if you remove all the hedges and caveats. Net-net, I’m all for humble terseness!

Todd Zola (Mastersball, @toddzola): Always acquire the best player in a trade! HOGWASH! Always look to improve your roster. If you roster is better by dealing the 1st and 4th best players for the 2nd and 3rd, DO IT! The key is looking at your roster before and after the deal, not simply grading on the players involved. That said, the shallower the league, the more I’ll lean to the best player mantra, but it isn’t absolute. The reason for this is in shallower leagues, there’s a better chance of upgrading players and you can’t upgrade the best.

Mike Gianella (Baseball Prospectus, @MikeGianella): Any advice that says “you should avoid this player at all costs.” There is always a price point/draft slot where 99 percent of players are worth taking and to simply write someone off because he’s being drafted higher than he “should” be drafted is such a huge mistake.

Larry Schechter (Winning Fantasy Baseball, @LarrySchechter): Most all conventional wisdom makes me cringe. It’s impossible to pick just one. This is one of my favorite sections of my book, where I debunk most conventional wisdom. A lot of it isn’t a question of whether or not you “believe” in it. A lot can be either proven to be true or debunked. Position scarcity is one such item. With a good value formula, you can prove whether or not there is scarcity at a position, and if so, quantify it in terms of dollar values. There is almost always scarcity for catchers…but rarely for other positions.

Ray Flowers (Fantasy Guru Elite, @BaseballGuys): You can easily find saves on the waiver-wire. This one needs some nuance as it depends the kind of league you’re in, and the level of competition, but I think the average fantasy player thinks that they can pass on saves at the draft an easily find them on waivers. Truth is – you can’t. EVERYONE is searching for saves in competitive leagues, so when that closer comes up, five, six, nine people are in on the bidding. You’re not guaranteed to get the closer whether you’re in a FAAB setup or waiver priority league, and even if you do in a FAAB setup you’re spending 25 percent of your budget to get that arm (often even more). So that idea, often espoused, that you can easily find closers once the season begins – nah brah.

Todd Zola: It’s a too early to really hammer away on this, but come August/September, ignore those suggesting you can’t gain/lose points in ratios. It’s actually easier as the categories are more bunched and you can gain points by having your opponents drop below you – you can’t lose counting stats, the only way to gain is earning them yourself.

Gene McCaffrey (Wise Guy Baseball, @WiseGuyGene): To this day, almost every day, I see someone saying or implying that groundball pitchers are good and flyball pitchers are bad. This is baloney. GBers have lower ERA’s and get a Win or two more, but FBers have lower WHIP’s and get more K’s. Many of the best pitchters are not only flyballers but extreme flyballers, such as Scherzer, Verlander and Cole.

Patrick Davitt (BaseballHQ, @patrickdavitt): Experts like Ron Shandler have been trying to debunk this myth for years, but a lot of my non-expert fantasy player friends still seem to believe too much in the accuracy of experts’ stat and valuation forecasts, both before drafts and in-season.

Todd Zola: OK, here’s another one. I shake my head every time I see “Who wins this trade?” It’s not about winning a trade, at least it shouldn’t be. The best trades are mutually beneficial. Sure, you make a deal because you feel it helps your team, but so did the other party.

Scott Pianowski (Yahoo! Fantasy Sports, @Scott_Pianowski): Long-winded pieces that are filled with every hedge imaginable make me cringe. One, it’s not helping anyone. Two, it’s dreadful to read. “A good pickup for NL-only leagues” is the cheapest currency when a new player emerges; how about for a mixed league? We shouldn’t invent or fake specific takes just to have them, but at least learn how to write concisely. I also think “universal and constant patience” is overrated as a fantasy concept, when “selective aggression” wins the compeititve leagues I observe. No, don’t do somehting rash when your first-rounder slumps. But always be looking for plausible upside you can add to the bottom of your roster, at the expense of once-interesting players who now could be disposable. An informed June choice is my preference to stubbornly clinging to “my February opinions.” I know, I know, everyone comes around or regresses – except when they don’t. And no, this was not concise, so I will now dodge your tomatoes.

Scott Pianowski: And since the esteemed TZ went with multiple entries, I’ll also pound the table and insist that “Regression!” should always be the start of the conversation, not the end of it. It’s too convenient to point out that some unlikely hot hitter “isn’t Mike Trout all of a sudden.” Simply identifying an outlier (and then framing it with a Grand Canyon-wide landing strip) is not enough; let’s make a rational guess as to where the puck is headed.

Scott Swanay (FantasyBaseballSherpa, @fantasy_sherpa): Position scarcity is a myth is a myth (call me Mr. Meta). Position scarcity is about the relative drop-off in fantasy values as you move down tiers at the different positions, and that drop-off is never the same for all positions. Sure, you’ll always be able to find options at any position that will allow you to field a legal lineup, but there’s a point at most positions below which you can’t go if you want your overall team to be competitive. At certain positions you’ll have to pay more for the same set of stats than you would at another position – Catcher seems to be the one position where the number of quality options is always small, while other positions move on/off the list from year to year based on relative talent levels. Some will say that “stats are stats”, and you shouldn’t pay more for them at one position than you would at another, but that argument ignores opportunity costs.

Todd Zola: Me again. Yes, you can chase wins. There’s more variance than the other stats, but wins are predictable. Vegas lines are a great place to start.

There’s some of ours. Is there any conventional wisdom you question?

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
APlutko, Cle	Larry Schechter 312	Jeff Erickson 107	Chris Liss 79
		Jason Collette 60	Lawr Michaels 37
		Vlad Sedler 23	Doug Dennis 9
		Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 1
DCovey, CWS	Larry Schechter 75	Seth Trachtman 5	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 1
DHess, Bal	Lawr Michaels 37	Larry Schechter 75
CTilson, CWS	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 26	Vlad Sedler 23	Chris Liss 11
BSwihart, Bos	Chris Liss 22	Rob Leibowitz 15	Vlad Sedler 14
		Larry Schechter 1
DVogelbach, Sea	Rob Leibowitz 21	Seth Trachtman 0
JRondon, CWS	Vlad Sedler 16	Rob Leibowitz 14	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 0
GPetit, Min	Rob Leibowitz 7
CRoe, TB	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 6	Larry Schechter 74	Doug Dennis 0
SLeon, Bos	Vlad Sedler 4	Larry Schechter 2
TKahnle, NYY	Vlad Sedler 3	Chris Liss 2	Doug Dennis 0
NRamirez, LAA	Rob Leibowitz 2
BKeller, KC	Seth Trachtman 0
JVenters, TB	Doug Dennis 0	Rob Leibowitz 3
ARomine, NYY	Larry Schechter 0

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
RGoins, KC	Rob Leibowitz 5	Vlad Sedler 2
RTorres, KC	Vlad Sedler 4
CBYoung, LAA	Rob Leibowitz 3	Chris Liss 0
RTellez, Tor	Vlad Sedler 2
DSmithJr, Tor	Rob Leibowitz 1	Chris Liss 0
RStanek, TB	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 0
TraThompson, CWS	Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 0
CPerez, Tex	Larry Schechter 0
GGreiner, Det	Larry Schechter 0
JSucre, TB	Larry Schechter 0
RoPerez, Cle	Larry Schechter 0
AClaudio, Tex	Doug Dennis 0

Todd’s Commentary and Take

Larry Schechter lead the way this week with the top two bids, each on a starting pitcher. Adam Plutko was the big fish as he has two starts this week. The Indians right-hander takes the spot of Josh Tomlin, banished to the bullpen. Plutko’s had two solid outings with the Tribe, wrapped around three with Triple-A Columbus. In the pitching-starved AL Tout, he’s worth a dice roll for those needing whiffs with a chance at a win.

I’m less optimistic about Dylan Covey, though his velocity has increased so there’s something tangible to hang your speculative hat on.

Lawr Michaels also went for an arm, landing David Hess. I like Hess more than Covey but not as much as Plutko – granted, that’s not saying much.

Hitters grabbed the next two spots. The tag-team of Rick Wolf and Glenn Colton snagged Charlie Tilson, the next White Sox center fielder, a position about as stable as Spinal tap’s drummer. Has things gone as planned last season, Tilson could have been the opening day center fielder, but he lost 2017 due to injury. He has some speed if you’re looking for some bags.

Chris Liss is hoping it isn’t just manager-speak when Alex Cora said he’ll be using Swihart more behind the plate as well as at first base. This playing time should be more than most backup receivers. Swihart’s development has been slowed bu injury, but coming up as a product he was thought to have a plus hit tool, which will come in handy in a deep Red Sox lineup.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER	WINNING BID
CBuchholz, Ari	Phil Hertz 124	Andy Behrens 43	Todd Zola 37
		Grey Albright 11	Steve Gardner 5
JBautista, NYM	Brian Walton 35	Steve Gardner 22	Lenny Melnick 9
		Phil Hertz 1	Derek Carty 1
		Tristan H. Cockcroft 0
EHernandez, Mia	Todd Zola 33
LGarcia, Phi	Brian Walton 12	Phil Hertz 17	Craig Mish 7
JRiddle, Mia	Grey Albright 11	Brian Walton 32	Phil Hertz 5
SBrito, Ari	Lenny Melnick 9	Phil Hertz 4	Brian Walton 2
BDixon, Cin	Phil Hertz 5	Brian Walton 2	Steve Gardner 1
KTomlinson, SF	Scott Wilderman 5	Derek Carty 0	Andy Behrens 0
VArano, Phi	Phil Hertz 5	Brian Walton 2	Phil Hertz 1
SBaron, StL	Andy Behrens 2
AAlzolay, ChC	Craig Mish 2
DHernandez, Cin	Brian Walton 2	Phil Hertz 3
JFields, LAD	Andy Behrens 0	Brian Walton 2	Phil Hertz 0
EKratz, Mil	Phil Hertz 0
PBaez, LAD	Andy Behrens 0
GGarcia, StL	Steve Gardner 0

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
ESogard, Mil	Brian Walton 2	Phil Hertz 1
RRosario, ChC	Brian Walton 2
TRainey, Cin	Brian Walton 2
TWilliams, Mil	Brian Walton 2
EFedde, Was	Phil Hertz 1
DFloro, Cin	Phil Hertz 0
MLorenzen, Cin	Phil Hertz 0
SCishek, ChC	Phil Hertz 0
STuivailala, StL	Phil Hertz 0
TLyons, StL	Phil Hertz 0
WSmith, SF	Phil Hertz 0
BHoladay, Mia	Andy Behrens 0
DanJennings, Mil	Andy Behrens 0
SKieboom, Was	Andy Behrens 0
TNido, NYM	Andy Behrens 0

Brian Walton’s Commentary

The holiday weekend edition of National League Tout Wars bidding was relatively quiet – especially compared to the prior period when nearly $2000 was spent by owners chasing Juan Soto and the like.

This time around, former Red Sox pitching disappointment Clay Buchholz is in the headline – back in the majors with Arizona after getting out of his minors deal with the Royals. Two starts – against the Mets and A’s – with just two runs yielded in 11 innings has raised the hopes of some. Others look at the modest five strikeouts and move past.

Phil Hertz of BaseballHQ jumped in with both feet with his winning bid of $124. That destroyed two other offers in the $30’s and $40’s and several other lower bids.

Being last in home runs and second to last in RBI means I have to take chances to improve. This week that meant going after Joey Bats, who is just about out of his nine lives. I paid $35 for what may be part-time at-bats in his latest role in the Mets outfield. Mike Gianella of Baseball Prospectus had dropped Bautista when he was released by Atlanta after a failed trial as a third baseman.

Like Buchholz, Miami Rule 5 pick Elieser Hernandez is not a strikeout master, but the 23-year old is off to a nice, though belated start to his 2018. He opened the season on the DL after an emergency dental procedure. With a 1.80 ERA through five starts, the right-hander joined Lord Zola’s roster for $33 in an uncontested bid.

Speaking of Hernandezes, David received more attention than Elieser this week, though for less money. At this point, who will be getting saves in Cincinnati while Raisel Iglesias is out is anyone’s guess. I spent $2 in hopes it might be David.

Perhaps even cloudier is the Philly ninth-inning situation. Gianella had previously tried to corner the market of reasonable alternatives, but I grabbed Luis Garcia for $12 and Hertz added Victor Arano for $5. With Gabe Kapler calling the shots, who is to tell?

Todd’s Take

I can specifically recall an Arizona First Pitch Forum discussion, debating which Clayton would be better, Kershaw or Buchholz. Good times.

Team Mastersball put it’s three closers on the market this week — getting some nibbles and perhaps even bites as I have until first pitch on Monday to consummate a deal. It’s an odd market for saves as four teams are still in single digits. If I’m going to make a move, I need my hitting to improve organically while converting saves to starters. of course, now all my competitors knows this — assuming they’re reading.

MIXED LEAGUE AUCTION 

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER	WINNING BID
JAlvarado, TB	Tim McLeod 260	Brent Hershey 112	Joe Pisapia 106
		Jeff Zimmerman 104	Al Melchior 38
		Ray Flowers 23
TONeill, StL	Al Melchior 226	Joe Pisapia 155	Scott Engel 99
		Jeff Zimmerman 14	Tim Heaney 13
MarkReynolds, Was	Brent Hershey 84	Ray Flowers 6	Tim Heaney 0
JHughes, Cin	Ron Shandler 78	Scott Engel 49	Tim McLeod 43
		Scott Pianowski 31	Ray Flowers 29
		Derek VanRiper 22	Tim Heaney 16
		Jeff Zimmerman 0
CRoe, TB	Al Melchior 64	Ray Flowers 17
YSanchez, CWS	Scott Engel 59	Zach Steinhorn 17	Tim Heaney 0
MMaldonado, LAA	Zach Steinhorn 57
WLeBlanc, Sea	Scott Swanay 54	Scott Engel 44	Ray Flowers 23
JBradley, Bos	Scott Swanay 48	Tim Heaney 5
AEngel, CWS	Ron Shandler 47
APlutko, Cle	Scott Engel 44	Fred Zinkie 22	Derek VanRiper 22
		Ray Flowers 13	Ron Shandler 1
RGuzman, Tex	Scott Engel 44	Joe Pisapia 22	Ray Flowers 6
FGalvis, SD	Zach Steinhorn 36
SBieber, Cle	Tim McLeod 29
RYarbrough, TB	Ray Flowers 26	Scott Swanay 54	Tim McLeod 46
		Zach Steinhorn 22	Scott Engel 22
		Ron Shandler 5	Al Melchior 0
TSaladino, Mil	Al Melchior 25	Scott Engel 23	Ron Shandler 21
		Tim Heaney 0	Fred Zinkie 0
MMuncy, LAD	Derek VanRiper 22	Scott Engel 31	Ray Flowers 6
GParra, Col	Fred Zinkie 21
BSuter, Mil	Zach Steinhorn 18	Scott Swanay 44	Tim Heaney 7
		Scott Pianowski 3
MDuffy, TB	Ray Flowers 17	Scott Swanay 28	Tim Heaney 1
TGlasnow, Pit	Ray Flowers 13
WAdames, TB	Tim Heaney 8
MKoch, Ari	Scott Pianowski 5	Scott Engel 35	Ron Shandler 1
JMurphy, Ari	Tim McLeod 4
ELauer, SD	Jeff Zimmerman 4
MTaylor, Was	Jeff Zimmerman 2
MCabrera, Cle	Joe Pisapia 2	Ron Shandler 5	Tim Heaney 0
JShields, CWS	Al Melchior 0
JBautista, NYM	Tim Heaney 0
SLugo, NYM	Tim Heaney 0

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
NWilliams, Phi	Al Melchior 41
TKemp, Hou	Al Melchior 41	Derek VanRiper 22	Scott Engel 21
TAustin, NYY	Brent Hershey 35
JWendle, TB	Scott Engel 34
NHundley, SF	Zach Steinhorn 28	Tim McLeod 3
GoHernandez, SF	Ron Shandler 27
JMercer, Pit	Zach Steinhorn 21
HPerez, Mil	Ray Flowers 17
KMorales, Tor	Ray Flowers 17	Tim Heaney 1
AEscobar, KC	Zach Steinhorn 13
JFields, LAD	Ray Flowers 13
JKelly, Bos	Ray Flowers 13
PSeverino, Was	Zach Steinhorn 13
CVazquez, Bos	Zach Steinhorn 12
LBrinson, Mia	Tim Heaney 8
ONarvaez, CWS	Zach Steinhorn 7
AdGonzalez, NYM	Ray Flowers 6
DValencia, Bal	Ray Flowers 6
DCovey, CWS	Ron Shandler 5
HDozier, KC	Ron Shandler 5
SGaviglio, Tor	Ron Shandler 5
BMcCarthy, Atl	Scott Pianowski 4
RRodriguez, Pit	Scott Swanay 2
CBuchholz, Ari	Ron Shandler 1
BHolt, Bos	Scott Engel 0
BKeller, KC	Al Melchior 0
EGonzalez, Cle	Scott Engel 0

Todd’s Commentary and Take

The eternal quest for saves. This week, the targets are the Rays and Reds as Alex Colome is now with the Mariners while Raisel Iglesias is on the DL. Jose Alvarado is the Tout’s leading candidate to get the job done in the ninth with Jared Hughes the secondary choice. Chaz Roe is also in the mix with Tampa.

Tyler O’Neill was the top stick, perhaps buoyed by the chance Dexter Fowler lands on the DL.

Ryan Yarbrough drew a lot of attention, deservedly so. Not only has he been pitching well, he’s in a better position to grab a win as the follower and not the opener.

MIXED LEAGUE DRAFT

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER	WINNING BID
TONeill, StL	Perry Van Hook 123
RGuzman, Tex	Gene McCaffrey 68	Adam Ronis 12
ZWheeler, NYM	Ray Murphy 48
DDuffy, KC	Ray Murphy 38
JAlvarado, TB	Adam Ronis 23	Tom Kessenich 11	Perry Van Hook 2
NTropeano, LAA	Perry Van Hook 11	Tom Kessenich 1
DMesoraco, NYM	Adam Ronis 3
EHernandez, LAD	Greg Ambrosius 1
CKuhl, Pit	Tom Kessenich 1

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
MarkReynolds, Was	Gene McCaffrey 48
NEovaldi, TB	Ray Murphy 8
ARosario, NYM	Adam Ronis 8
JHughes, Cin	Adam Ronis 8
LBrinson, Mia	Gene McCaffrey 3
RRodriguez, Pit	Tom Kessenich 1
DDietrich, Mia	Perry Van Hook 0	Gene McCaffrey 0
AEngel, CWS	Perry Van Hook 0
RDavis, Cle	Perry Van Hook 0

Perry Van Hook’s Commentary

Who Knew? That only six of the fifteen teams would be bidding this weekend? That none of the other five thought Tyler O’Neill was even worth a bid? That I could have saved $122 of my $123 winning bid on O’Neill? The next highest bid will be challenged on instant replay but Gene McCaffrey won Texas 1B Ronald Guzman for $68. I didn’t think there was a lot of pitching help available this week, so I added Nick Tropeano of the Angels for $11 and had also bid on potential Tampa closer Jose Alvarado. Of course I wasn’t looking at pitchers formerly on my team but Ray Murphy was and added Zack Wheeler for $48 and Danny Duffy for $38.

Todd’s Take

The calm after the storm. As Perry suggests, it was a quiet period for the Mixed Drafters. Even the closer of the week, Alvarado, drew just four tries.

Guzman had a heck of a month this past week. Of course, he did it the week after I jettisoned him in Mixed LABR, but that’s a sort for a different report. He’s bought himself a longer leash as the Rangers are moving parts around, using Joey Gallo in left and Isiah Kiner-Falefa at third.

HEAD-TO-HEAD MIXED AUCTION

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER	WINNING BID
MGonzales, Sea	Kyle Elfrink 79	Clay Link 58	Dr. Roto 12
		Howard Bender 8
DMengden, Oak	Andrea LaMont 59	Michael Rathburn 21
RGuzman, Tex	Andrea LaMont 49	Dr. Roto 32	Michael Rathburn 3
JCandelario, Det	Dr. Roto 41
MAdams, Was	Clay Link 35	Dr. Roto 22
MWilliamson, SF	Dr. Roto 32
APlutko, Cle	Peter Kreutzer 23	Dr. Roto 4	Michael Rathburn 3
MBoyd, Det	Peter Kreutzer 23	Clay Link 22	Michael Rathburn 3
		Justin Mason 1
JMercer, Pit	Peter Kreutzer 14
BNimmo, NYM	Andrea LaMont 13	Clay Link 26	Michael Rathburn 4
		Peter Kreutzer 0
RYarbrough, TB	Dr. Roto 11
MMaldonado, LAA	Michael Rathburn 6
BMcCarthy, Atl	Howard Bender 4	Peter Kreutzer 17	Michael Rathburn 3
		Clay Link 3
SMatz, NYM	Michael Rathburn 3	Peter Kreutzer 7
HBailey, Cin	Michael Rathburn 3
BParker, LAA	Clay Link 2
GoHernandez, SF	Michael Rathburn 1
BZobrist, ChC	Peter Kreutzer 0
DFister, Tex	Justin Mason 0

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
TONeill, StL	Dr. Roto 22	Clay Link 17
ELauer, SD	Kyle Elfrink 15
WLeBlanc, Sea	Andrea LaMont 12
FBarreto, Oak	Peter Kreutzer 8
MRojas, Mia	Peter Kreutzer 7
JAlvarado, TB	Dr. Roto 4	Clay Link 1
NWilliams, Phi	Dr. Roto 3
DMesoraco, NYM	Michael Rathburn 1
BAnderson, Mia	Peter Kreutzer 0
NEovaldi, TB	Justin Mason 0

Todd’s Take and Commentary

As opposed to the other leagues, there’s a lot of action in the Head to Head league. Of course, there’s only 12 teams which explains why some of these players are available.

Marco Gonzales was the prize as he’s lined up with a pair of decent starts this week coming off a couple of solid efforts. The Mariners didn’t acquire Gonzales as a throw in – he’s expected to be a rotation piece. Maybe he’s finally beginning to show why.

Jeimer Candelario and Mac Williamson are both recently activated from the DL. Both are full time players thus viable for leagues as shallow as ten-team mixed.

I like the pickups of Matt Adams and Brandon Nimmo for a stealth reason. By rule, both have to be active for the full week, but after that, they can be spotted on and out mid-week as the H2H league has Friday moves. Lefty platoon hitters are nice when a team has a series facing all righty throwers.

Baseball HQ’s Ray Murphy trounced the field in this week’s Tout Daily contest, outpacing second place finisher Rick Wolf by 23 points with ESPN’s Tristan Cockcroft coming in third. Not only did Ray shine Tuesday night, his effort propelled him to the top of the heap in Period 2, earning the BBHQ co-General Manager a Golden Ticket to the Tout Daily Final along with a free t-shirt from Rotowear.

Murphy’s lineup was lead by a pair of AL East arms as Chris Sale and Kevin Gausman were among the top scorers for the contest. However, the real difference makers were mike Zunino and Ehire Adrianza. Ray was the only Tout to click in Zunino and his 2-run HR while only one other chose Adrianza and his pair of two-baggers with a couple of runs and a duo of RBI.

Ray’s Golden Ticket into the Survivor Tournament finals was his first. The other two are awarded to Rotowire’s Clay Link and Mastersball’s Todd Zola, the second for each as they both earned a spot in the finals in Period 1.

Zola continues to sit atop the pack in overall scoring with Link and Fantasy Alarm’s Rick Wolf in the place and show spots. Check to see where your favorite Tout stands on the Leaderboard.

Here’s Ray’s week-leading lineup, also winning him a T-Shirt courtesy of @Rotowear.

It’s the final night of Period 2 so some will be playing it safe while others let their hand down and try to jump up the standings. Here’s some of the picks we’ll be clicking in.

Lawr Michaels (CreativeSports2, @lawrmichaels)

Jeremy Hellickson: The somehow resurrected Hellickson (2.20 over 32.6 frames with 26 whiffs with 0.857 WHIP) faces the Padres, inept when hitting (.227, MLB low 24 homers off righties) against right-handers.

Evan Gattis: The Astros backstop  has broken out of his slump somewhat, hitting .276-3-7 over his last 10 games, and batting against lefty Andrew Suarez, who has allowed a .338 average and six homers to right-handers.

Charlie Wiegert (CDM Sports, @GFFantasySports)

Kevin Gausman: If you cant use Gausman against the White Sox, when can you use him!?! He’s had flashes of brillance,usually against lower teir teams, so hopefully this is one of them

Nolan Arenado:

Jeff Boggis (Fantasy Football Empire, @JeffBoggis)

Gerrit Cole: Despite his last outing, Gerrit Cole is one of the top starting pitchers in major league baseball. His ERA (1.75), WHIP (0.79), and strikeouts (93) are top notch.

Corey Dickerson: Dickerson is facing Matt Harvey tonight. Do you need any more incentive?

Gene McCaffrey (Wise Guy Baseball, @WiseGuyGene)

Gerrit Cole: Few SPs are ever odds-on to post 30+ points; Cole tonight is one of them.

Cory Spangenberg: I don’t know if Cory Spangenberg is going to play, but he owns Hellickson (1.767 OPS with 2 SBs), and he costs $2700.

Todd Zola (Mastersball, @toddzola)

Chris Sale: I have a preliminary lineup with both Sale and Gerrit Cole. I’m leaning double ace to protect my overall lead and hope to backdoor into a Golden Ticket this period

Pedro Severino: He’s been playing, enjoys the platoon edge and doesn’t hit in the bottom third of the lineup — and is cheap.

Derek VanRiper (Rotowire, @DerekVanRiper)

Gerrit Cole: There are enough cheap pitchers in good spots to pay up for at least one of Cole or Chris Sale. The matchups are similar in difficulty, but Cole being at home is the tie-breaker.

Anthony Rendon: Rendon faces rookie lefty Eric Lauer — at a very affordable price…and there are plenty of good pivots at the ready of the rain in the forecast becomes an issue.

Howard Bender (Fantasy Alarm, @RotobuzzGuy)

Caleb Smith: Allows me to pay up for Cole or Sale, great K potential against the Mets who rely heavily on their lefty bats which Smith can neutralize

David Peralta: Great price on DK which will allow you some bigger bats elsewhere. Great numbers against RHPs and come on…it’s Jhoulys Chacin for crying out loud!

Scott Pianowski (Yahoo! Fantasy Sports, @Scott_Pianowski)

Gerrit Cole: I’ll probably play Gerrit Cole, just to flip off the Regression Police. Players can improve? J.D. Martinez isn’t going to get cut again?

Patrick Davitt (BaseballHQ, @patrickdavitt)

Luke Weaver: As my second guy. He’s pitching at home. Against KC. Need I say more?

Cody Bellinger: I liked Justin Bour at $3500 against Zack Wheeler, but I don’t trust the weather. I’ll take Bellinger’s favlourable L/R matchup vs COL RHP Chad Bettis.

Clay Link (Rotowire, @claywlink)

Caleb Smith: Coming off a poor start, and with weather concerns in NYC, Smith figures to see his ownership rate driven down. Gets plenty of whiffs in the strike zone…strikeout upside is there against middling offense.

Carlos Correa: The Astros have been bad at home, Correa included (.183/.281/.415), but at $4,200 against a soft-tossing lefty in Andrew Suarez, he’s quite appealing.

Jeff Erickson (Rotowire, @Jeff_Erickson)

Jhoulys Chacin: This might seem spooky, macabre or downright ghoulish, but Chacin is far better at home than the road and shut down Arizona last week.

Travis Shaw: Can you smell what Koch is cooking? The Brewers sure can.