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.

Tout Wars FAAB Report: Week of September 3

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
AMcCutchen, NYY Rob Leibowitz 455 Jeff Erickson 246 Seth Trachtman 165
Mike Podhorzer 149 Vlad Sedler 101
Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 47 Lawr Michaels 46
Larry Schechter 1
FValdez, Hou Jeff Erickson 246 Vlad Sedler 19 Seth Trachtman 5
IHamilton, CWS Jason Collette 20
DCastillo, TB Doug Dennis 15
DLugo, Det Vlad Sedler 13
AHechavarria, NYY Lawr Michaels 11
JMateo, Oak Patrick Davitt 1
DHess, Bal Seth Trachtman 1
HSantiago, CWS Vlad Sedler 1

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
JrgLopez, KC Vlad Sedler 7
JAndreoli, Bal Vlad Sedler 6
BGuyer, Cle Vlad Sedler 2
RBuchter, Oak Vlad Sedler 1
BValera, Bal Lawr Michaels 1

Todd’s Take

A combination of FAAB rebates for DL players in addition to a paucity of difference-making crossover players left a couple AL Toutians with deep pockets. Rob Leibowitz is glad Andrew McCutchen switched leagues as he tries to climb closer to the threshold to lose FAAB for next season. Cutch has a job now, we’ll see how much he pays once Aaron Judge returns.

Jeff Erickson was also able to lighten the wallet, grabbing Astros starter Framber Valdez. Valdez is working in Lance McCullers Jr.’s spot, allowing just two earned runs in his 14.1 innings, albeit with only 10 whiffs and seven walks. Still, starters, especially for contending teams are hard to come by.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER WINNING BID
LDuda, Atl Brian Walton 60
TToussaint, Atl Brian Walton 25 Todd Zola 17 Grey Albright 11
DPoncedeleon, StL Mike Gianella 23 Todd Zola 17 Andy Behrens 2
Tristan H. Cockcroft 0
ZDavies, Mil Mike Gianella 22
CGranderson, Mil Steve Gardner 14
BWilson, Atl Grey Albright 11
BMitchell, SD Todd Zola 7
AGarcia, SF Craig Mish 4
BMorrow, ChC Steve Gardner 2
JBrigham, Mia Craig Mish 1

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
KWright, Atl Grey Albright 11
AChafin, Ari Craig Mish 0

Todd’s Take

Lucas Duda was the big-ticket item, but with Freddie Freeman in two, Duda will likely be relegated to pinch-hitting duties, perhaps seeing some outfield time after a double-switch.

Starting pitching was the next order of business with five arms scheduled to work this week added to Tout rosters. My personal rank matches that of the bids with the Braves Touki Toussaint leading the way as he’s been announced to open the interleague series with Boston on Labor Day. Daniel Poncedeleon may lose his spot once Adam Wainwright and/or Michael Wacha return, but he has a nice matchup with Detroit this week. Zach Davies makes his return from the DL on Monday, the first of a double -dip. Without a lot of FAAB, I landed on Bryan Mitchell, someone I was expecting to transition to a usable starter after the Yankees dealt him to San Diego.

MIXED LEAGUE AUCTION

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER WINNING BID
RRay, Ari Zach Steinhorn 82 Bret Sayre 61 Scott Swanay 48
Tim Heaney 4 Jeff Zimmerman 1
LUrias, SD Scott Engel 19 Tim Heaney 4 Jeff Zimmerman 0
JCave, Min Scott Engel 5
BMcCann, Hou Fred Zinkie 5 Jeff Zimmerman 0
JFry, CWS Tim McLeod 4 Jeff Zimmerman 1
TJankowski, SD Fred Zinkie 4
FPena, LAA Al Melchior 3 Zach Steinhorn 22
AJackson, NYM Scott Engel 2
RYarbrough, TB Tim McLeod 1
JRodriguez, Was Tim McLeod 1
FValdez, Hou Jeff Zimmerman 1 Al Melchior 0
JUrena, Mia Tim Heaney 1
SCishek, ChC Fred Zinkie 0
DRobertson, NYY Fred Zinkie 0
CReed, Cin Al Melchior 0
VCaratini, ChC Jeff Zimmerman 0

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
DStraily, Mia Zach Steinhorn 22
JAlvarado, TB Tim McLeod 3 Fred Zinkie 0
AFrazier, Pit Scott Engel 3 Tim Heaney 0
FHernandez, Sea Al Melchior 3
MMahtook, Det Scott Engel 2
ZDavies, Mil Tim Heaney 1
DHess, Bal Tim McLeod 0
HFillmyer, KC Tim McLeod 0
HDozier, KC Tim Heaney 0
JBruce, NYM Tim Heaney 0
NWalker, NYY Tim Heaney 0
WDifo, Was Tim Heaney 0
JBriceno, LAA Jeff Zimmerman 0
JSucre, TB Jeff Zimmerman 0

Todd’s Take

Robbie Ray’s 11.6 K/9 is excellent, but he’s only pitched more than 5.1 innings once in his last 10 outing so his raw strikeout total isn’t especially high.

I’m a little surprised there wasn’t more interest on David Robertson. Yeah, it’s still a committee but my money is on Robertson to get the bulk of the saves in Aroldis Chapman’s absence.

MIXED LEAGUE DRAFT

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER WINNING BID
TWhite, Hou Adam Ronis 37 Ray Murphy 30 Charlie Wiegert 20
SMatz, NYM Ray Murphy 24 Charlie Wiegert 18 Adam Ronis 3
ABeltre, Tex Ray Murphy 24
TAustin, Min Adam Ronis 23 Charlie Wiegert 12
JUrena, Mia Charlie Wiegert 18
APlutko, Cle Charlie Wiegert 18
YChirinos, TB Charlie Wiegert 18
MShoemaker, LAA Charlie Wiegert 18
MMahtook, Det Ray Murphy 14 Adam Ronis 1
ROHearn, KC Charlie Wiegert 12 Adam Ronis 23
JShields, CWS Jeff Boggis 12

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
AGomber, StL Charlie Wiegert 18
RLaureano, Oak Adam Ronis 17
AGordon, KC Ray Murphy 14
WChen, Mia Charlie Wiegert 12 Adam Ronis 3
ASenzatela, Col Charlie Wiegert 12
BJohnson, Bos Charlie Wiegert 12
FPena, LAA Charlie Wiegert 12
BMcKinney, Tor Adam Ronis 12

Todd’s Take

If you’ve been using Evan Gattis for your catcher, you understand why Tyler White topped the bidding in the mixed Draft league. White has usurped primary DH duties, posting a 1.097 OPS with nine homers over the past month.

HEAD-TO-HEAD MIXED AUCTION

SUCCESSFUL BIDS

PLAYER WINNING BID
MFulmer, Det Dr. Roto 29
JBeeks, TB Dr. Roto 18
SOhtaniP, LAA Dr. Roto 16
DSpan, Sea Peter Kreutzer 13
MShoemaker, LAA Peter Kreutzer 11

UNAWARDED BIDS

PLAYER
JGant, StL Peter Kreutzer 10 Dr. Roto 9
APlutko, Cle Peter Kreutzer 8
FValdez, Hou Dr. Roto 7
WMiley, Mil Peter Kreutzer 7
NGoodrum, Det Peter Kreutzer 4
RErlin, SD Peter Kreutzer 3
MGonzalez, Hou Peter Kreutzer 1

Todd’s Take

The competitors are looking for any help down the stretch in an effort to track down league leader Jake Ciely. Dr. Roto fortified his pitching staff, hoping the struggling Michael Fulmer returns to form. The righty has two starts next week, facing the White Sox and Cardinals.