The start of August, the Boys of Summer or the dog days of summer. Whatever you call it baseball is in full swing. If you’re into seasonal and/or deep dynasty fantasy baseball then this series is for you! Or MLB fanatic KJ Baker will be giving us his top-30 prospect from each team! Right down the list! Grab a pen and paper and take notes. This is going to get good!
9. Brent Honeywell 10. Josh Lowe 11. Joe Ryan 12. JJ Goss 13. Nick Schnell 14. Randy Arozerana 15. Ronaldo Hernandez 16. Alika Williams 17. Jhon Diaz 18. Taylor Walls 19. Graeme Stinson 20. John Doxakis 21. Seth Johnson 22. Taj Bradley 23. Kevin Padlo
The Braves have gotten off to a hot start this season, but with every year there are highs and lows. Atlanta hit a low point this past week losing second year ace Mike Soroka to an Achilles tear. This puts Atlanta’s already young pitching staff in a very tough situation very early on this shortened season. Atlanta isn’t facing just pitching woes, the bottom third of their lineup is literately hit or miss with Riley, Ender,and Camargo all batting around .200 and late in games and it’s haunting them. Let’s look into some possible roster moves!
PITCHING
#1 Marco Gonzalez (28)
SEA SP Marco Gonzales
Seattle signed through 2024 with 25 Option 2019 stats 3.99 ERA 16-13 34 starts 200 plus innings Whip 1.31 9 Ks per 9.
#2 Trevor Bauer (29)
CIN SP Trevor Bauer
Cincinnati FA season end 2019 stats 4.48 ERA 11-13 34 starts 213 innings Whip 1.25 10.7 Ks per 9
#3 Jeff Samardzija (35)
SFG SP Jeff Samardzija
San Francisco FA season End 2019 stats 3.52 ERA 11-12 32 starts 181 innings Whip 1.11 6.7 Ks per 9
#4 Robbie Ray (28)
ARZ SP Robbie Ray
Arizona FA season end 2019 stats 4.34 ERA 12-8 33 starts 174 innings Whip 1.34 12.1 Ks per 9
#5 Mike Clevinger (29)
CLE SP Mike Clevinger
Cleveland under control until 2023 2019 stats 2.71 13-4 21 starts 126 Inngs Whip 1.55 12.1 Ks per 9 Cleveland has been trying to cut salary while saving up to keep Francisco Lindor. Best way to do that is to move the more expensive players on the roster. Cleveland’s rotation is going to be fine with Bebier, Carrasco and Plesac.
#6 Joe Musgrove (27)
PIT SP Joe Musgrove
Pittsburgh under control until 2023 27 2019 Stats 4.44 ERA 11-12 31 Starts 170 innings Whip 1.22 8.3 Ks per 9
#7 Mike Minor (32)
TEX SP Mike Minor
Texas FA season end 2019 Stats 3.59 ERA 32 starts 208 inngs Whip 1.24 8.6 Ks per 9
Smaller moves that would pack a punch!
Wade LeBlanc BAL Julio Teheran LAA Martin Perez BOS Ivan Nova CHW Mike Fiers OAK Zach Davies SDP Tanner Roark TOR
HITTING
NYY 3B Miguel Andujar
Miguel Andujar R (25) NYY designated Andujar for assigment during this article.
New York under team control through 2024 3B/LF NYY New York sending Andujar to their Covid-19 taxi squad tells you one thing, they’re more then happy with Urshella playing 3B.
Eduardo Escobar S (31)
ARZ 3B/SS Eduardo Escobar
Arizona INF/OF under team control through 2021 season
Jose Ramirez S (27)
CLE 3B Jose Ramirez
Cleveland 3B/2B under team control through 2022 with a option for 23. Why would the Indians move Ramirez? They need the salary relief if they want to resign or keep Francisco Lindor long term.
Tommy La Stella L (31)
LAA 2B/3B Tommy La Stella
Angels 3B/2B FA at seasons end. A reunion? I personally think one is in order here and almost a perfect match.
Justin Turner R (35)
LAD 3B Justin Turner
Dodgers 3B/1B FA at seasons end. The Dodgers can afford to make moves like sending Turner out if they choose.
Brian Anderson R (27)
MIA 3B/RF Brian Anderson
Miami 3B/RF under control through 2024 It wouldn’t be a good trade deadline if the Marlins weren’t trying to move their top offensive player.
JD Davis R (27)
NYM 3B/LF JD Davis
New York Mets 3B/LF Under control until 2025 Another perfect match, unfortunately he plays for a division rival so he won’t come cheap.
Matt Chapman R (27)
OAK 3B Matt Chapman
Oakland 3B under control until 2024
Billy Bean is the definition of cheap wife who refuses to spend money. Bean has a long history of trading off his best players before they get pricey. Aka Every good player over the last 20 years in Oakland.
Evan Longoria R (34)
SFG 3B Evan Longoria
San Francisco 3B under control through 2022 with a option for 23 Playoff record is strong and is a real professional, but can he stay healthy?
Kyle Seager L (32)
SEA 3B Kyle Seager
Seattle 3B under team control through 2021 with a option for 22 In the midst of a career year, Seattle would be wise to drop him like he’s hot.
Joey Gallo L (26)
TEX 1B/3B Joey Gallo
Texas OF/3B under team control through 2022 People hate on Gallo due to his hot and cold bat. While the last few seasons he’s been working on making more contact, that’s exactly what’s he’s been doing hitting .253 in 2019 and so far in 2020 his batting .270 I’ll take that with 40 homers
With the Major League baseball season drawing close each and every day, the only thing we know for a fact, is there is supposed to be a 60 game schedule. I want to discuss the top five prospects that could dominate while helping their club to the playoffs and turn a 60 stretch into a summer they’ll never forget.
#1 Nathan Pearson
Toronto Blue Jays SP prospect Nate Peterson
The Blue Jays Intrigue me in this format, they’re loaded full of youngsters (Vlad Jr, Biggio, and Bichette) that if they get hot at the right time their offense could make some noise. Now the issue is they can’t pitch, but if they give Pearson a call-up and he’s able to pitch like the number 8 prospect in baseball like he is watch out AL east.
#2 Ian Anderson
Atlanta Braves pitcher Ian Anderson
The Braves are in a completely different class then the Blue Jays as they’re already out of their rebuild and have won back to back NL east championships. However, with that said Atlanta has lost Felix Hernandez (Opt-out COVID-19) and potentially Cole Hamels (shoulder/elbow). Anderson has Filthy stuff and could be a force once he gets called up.
#3 MacKenzie Gore
San Diego Padres pitching prospect MacKenzie Gore
Much like the Toronto Blue Jays, the San Diego Padres offense is in a position to win now, but they lack starting pitching. Now if McKenzie Gore wins a job out of camp or even coming up in two weeks after the season starts and he looks good the San Diego Padres should make thing s very interesting come playoff time.
#4 Seattle and their big 5
Seattle Mariners OF prospect Julio Rodriguez
Yes I am aware Seattle is a big mess, but if ownership decides to say screw it, it’s only 60 games and play all their young players ( Kelenic, Rodriguez, Gibert, White, and Kirby ) look out the Mariners.
Seattle Mariners OF prospect Jarred Kelenic
#5 Wander Franco
Tampa Bay Rays stud SS prospect Wander Franco
Tampa is already one of the favorites to win the World Series in this short format, so what else could they do, yep you guessed it call up the best prospect in baseball. What could be more exciting than watching a guy who could give you 15 and 20 in a 60 game season come out and dominate in a short period time?
So in 60 games a lot can happen, a lot of good, bad, and a whole lot of controversy, but one thing we can all agree on is we’re ready, but are they?
With the season paused and all of us left holding our hats we still need baseball content! It keeps us sane!
What sets fantasy baseball aside for me is all the strategy that goes in. Some owners like crafty veterans while other want young prospects. There is no right way! It’s your team! You’re able to build it how you want!
Most people in fantasy baseball leagues know me as the RP guy! I’m a sucker for stud relief pitcher!
Few years ago I came across the all RP approach. Be mindful of your leagues scoring status. Is it a rotisserie (roto) scoring or Head to head points? Quick refresher on the difference! Roto scoring is just focused on a small number of statistical categories while ignoring others. Head to head point leagues use specific categories to accumulate scoring.
Roto fantasy baseball is the most common. While H2H category leagues can differ depending on the commissioner and rules set by the league. A 5×5 category scoring format is my favorite way to play. Which means, batting average, home runs, RBI, stolen bases and runs for hitters. Wins, saves, ERA, strikeouts and WHIP for pitchers.
The ALL RP approach is best suited for category leagues. With wins, saves, ERA, strikeouts and WHIP counting for pitchers I’ve found you can really sway the pitching categories in your favor with a good set of stud relief pitchers!
To be clear this is my favorite approach when it comes to pitchers. Not in every league either. I find it most fun when given a challenge and trying a different way. With a dynasty team you’re afforded those luxuries.
I’m asking you all now to please get involved in a dynasty start up. I’m not trying to push my ideals on anyone but I promise you’ll thank me later! We all find our own way in terms of fantasy sports. There is no wrong way! Build how you want and build to maximize your enjoyment.
What sets fantasy baseball aside for me is all the strategy that goes in. Some owners like crafty veterans while other want young prospects. There is no right way! It’s your team! You’re able to build it how you want!
I’m asking you all now to please get involved in a dynasty start up. I’m not trying to push my ideals on anyone but I promise you’ll thank me later! The excitement that builds inside of me this time of year can only be explained as Christmas 1989 and getting my first Nintendo. Only this time you get to relive that excitement over and over.
We all find our own way in terms of fantasy sports. There is no wrong way! Build how you want and build to maximize your enjoyment.
What I’m going to bring you this time around is a 14 team mixed league mock draft. 5×5 rotisserie scoring format. Which means, batting average, home runs, RBI’s, stolen bases and runs for hitters. Wins, saves, ERA, strikeouts and WHIP for pitchers.
ROUND 7
85. Josh Donaldson 3B-Minesota Twins
Now with the Twins, Josh could have his best season yet. Age and injury history aside take the risk here!
86. Michael Conforto OF-New York Mets
I think he’s finally a legit source of power! Topped 30 HR’s last season.
87. Jose Abreu 1B-Chicago White Sox
We all know his age but Jose has a high floor. In this line up, mixed with all this new young talent, Abreu is as safe as it gets.
88. Andrew Benintendi OF-Boston Red Sox
Beni had a ton of injuries last year and still produced. I’m excited for him this season. Another personal favorite of mine!
89. Tim Anderson SS-Chicago White Sox
Has a phenomenal power-speed combo! The White Sox lineup is going to be scary this season. I want as many pieces of it as I can!
90. Jesus Luzardo SP-Oakland Athletics
Kid showed us his stuff in a relief role last season. Draft him and never let him go!
91. Zac Gallen SP-Arizona Diamondbacks
Zac has all the tools to pay off this season. I was shocked Jeter traded him.
92. DJ LeMahieu 2B-New York Yankees
DJ was the golden goose last season! Well, he was for my team! Expect the power to come down a touch but in that NYY lineup the counting stats will come in droves!
93. Ramon Laureano OF-Oakland Athletics
Has a sneaky power/speed combo and if he stays healthy could be a top 25 guy.
94. Danny Santana 1B-Texas Rangers
Danny played out of his mind last season. A lot of you are staying away aren’t you? I get it, the regression fairy has to come. Will she though? I see 30-20 potential here!
95. Corey Kluber SP-Texas Rangers
Are people giving up on Corey? Former CY Young winner who had a freak broken arm injury. CLE shipped him to Texas and sorry but I’m sucked into the profit potential here!
96. Kirby Yates RP-San Diego Padres
I’m a sucker for relief pitching! He’s as safe as it gets! Which is saying something at an unsafe position!
97. Jorge Polanco SS-Minnesota Twins
Another guy no one is paying attention to. Polanco had an underrated season for a middle infielder. Short-stop is a premium position, not to mention part of the powerful Twins lineup. Massive upside here!
98. Oscar Mercado OF-Cleveland Indians
I’ll be honest, top 100 for Oscar is a slight reach. He offers a ton of speed and steals dry up quick. Oscar batted second 97 times last season. If that carries over into this season then watch out! The runs and counting stats will add up FAST!
Thank you for reading! Any questions or comments?
Did I miss someone? Let’s talk about it!
Find me on Twitter @DetroitBeastie
Or on DFScheatsheet.com
Hang here for Round 8 later tonight! What would your round 8 look like?
How about round 9? Who are some players who think should wind up in round 9? Let me know in the comments!
