Tout Table: Would You Rather, Hitting Version

Last week we featured some pitching pairs; this week we’re running it back with batters.

Rest of season, would you rather roster: Elly De La Cruz, Bobby Witt Jr. or Gunnar Henderson? Freddie Freeman or Bryce Harper? Alec Bohm or Jose Ramirez? Jeremy Pena or Francisco Lindor? Teoscar Hernandez of Randy Arozarena?

Derek Carty (RotoGrinders, @DerekCarty): Witt, Freeman, Ramirez, Lindor, Teoscar

Fred Zinkie (Yahoo/Rotowire, @FredZinkieMLB): Witt, Freeman, Ramirez, Lindor, Teoscar. Witt was the only one of the five that I really debated.

Howard Bender (Fantasy Alarm, @RotoBuzzGuy): Witt, Harper, Ramirez, Lindor, Teoscar

Grey Albright (RazzBall, @razzball): Witt, Harper, Ramirez, Lindor, Teoscar

Chris Clegg (Pitcher List, @RotoClegg): Witt, Freeman, Ramirez, Lindor, Teoscar

Tristan H. Cockcroft (ESPN, @SultanofStat): Witt, Freeman, Ramirez, Lindor, Arozarena, with the first basemen and the outfielders the closest for me. This question does get tricky with the different scoring formats, but for here, I’m taking a standard roto 5×5 approach.

Mike Podhorzer (Fangraphs, @MikePodhorzer): Elly, Freeman, Ramirez, Lindor, Arozarena

Brian Walton (CreativeSports2, @B_Walton): Witt, Harper, Bohm, Pena, Teoscar. In the three middle cases, I go with the younger player. Witt is oldest in his group, but not by much. Randy seems to have hit the wall hard, while Teoscar is right on his career norm.

Eric Samulski (Rotoballer, @SamskiNYC): Bobby Witt, Bryce Harper, Jose Ramirez, Francisco Lindor, Randy Arozarena. Elly is great, but he’s striking out over 31% of the time, is hitting .222 in May and has real splits issues. I can’t choose him over Witt.

Rick Graham (Pitcher List, @IAmRickGraham): Witt, Freeman, Ramirez, Lindor, Arozarena. I’ll take Witt with his higher floor over Elly and his slightly higher ceiling. Leaning towards Freeman over Harper but it depends on team need (Harper for better power numbers, Freeman for everything else). Also leaning Arozarena as he’s trending the right way.

Michael A. Stein (Fantasy Judgment, @FantasyJudgment): Witt, Freeman, Ramirez, Lindor, Teoscar. Lindor can’t be this bad, right? Right?????

Jeff Boggis (Fantasy Football Empire, @JeffBoggis): Witt as he is on a recent tear and was a top 5 draft pick to start the season. Freeman as Harper can go through prolonged slumps. Ramirez, Lindor, Teoscar.

Dr. Roto (DrRoto.com, @DrRoto): Witt (I regret not taking him #2 overall in LABR), Harper, Ramirez, Lindor, Teoscar

Doug Dennis (BaseballHQ, @dougdennis41): EDLC, Freeman, Ramirez, Lindor, Arozarena

Frank Stampfl (SportsGrid, RotoExperts, @Roto_Frank): Witt, Freeman, Ramirez, Lindor, Hernandez… Harper has significantly closed the gap with Freeman. It’s basically a coin flip but I’ll take the batting average upside with Freeman. Arozarena’s plate discipline has me a touch worried and Teoscar Hernandez has looked great so far in that Dodgers lineup.

Patrick Davitt (BaseballHQ, @patrickdavitt): Gunnar, for added positional flex over Witt; Freeman, a bit less injury risk; J-Ram for more counting stats; Lindor, ditto plus like someone said, he can’t keep being this bad; Teo for BA but Arozarena for speed.

Mike Gianella (Baseball Prospectus, @MikeGianella): Witt, Freeman, Ramirez, Lindor, Arozarena

Ryan Boyer (Rotowire, Baseball Prospectus, @RyanPBoyer): Witt, Freeman, Ramirez, Lindor, Hernandez.

Sky Dombroske (Fantistics Insider Baseball, @SkyDombroske): Witt, Harper, Ramirez, Lindor, Arozarena. When in doubt with these pairings, I’m going with speed.

Erik Halterman (Rotowire, @erik_halterman): Witt, Freeman, Ramirez, Lindor, Arozarena. Witt: others have closed the gap on him, but no more than that. Freeman: basically tied since he isn’t running like last year, but his durability keeps him slightly ahead. Ramirez: Bohm is having a career year, but I wouldn’t put him in this conversation yet. Lindor: Pena is doing a nice Lindor impression, but Lindor should be mostly fine. Arozarena: still have him ahead here for his speed and because he hasn’t started losing at-bats yet, but I’m nervous.

Bret Sayre (Baseball Prospectus, @BretSayreBP): Witt, Harper, Ramirez, Lindor, Arozarena.

Matt Cederholm (Baseball HQ, @TheBigHurtHQ): Gunnar, Freeman, J-Ram, Lindor, Teoscar

Vlad Sedler (FTN Fantasy, @rotogut): Witt, Harper, JRam, Lindor, Teoscar

Jeff Zimmerman (Fangraphs, @jeffwzimmerman): Witt, Freeman, Bohm and Ramirez are split. In most point formats it’s Bohm. Ramirez’s SB push him up in roto. Lindor (closer than expected). Hernandez with the blowout.

Paul Sporer (Fangraphs, @sporer): Elly v. Witt is really tough, and Gunnar isn’t far behind either… I think I’d lean Elly just for the endless # of SBs, from there it’s Freeman, Ramirez, Lindor, & Teoscar

Joe Orrico (Fantasy Pros, @JoeOrrico99): Witt pretty easily for me here. I think there’s a good chance he ends up as the #1 overall player in 5X5. I’d take Harper over Freeman but it’s essentially a coin flip for me. Jose Ramirez very easily over Alec Bohm, regardless of format. Still riding with Lindor over Pena. It’s only a matter of time before he picks things up. Randy’s struggles coinciding with the resurgence of Teoscar makes this a lot closer than it probably should be, but my gut says to stick it out with Arozarena here.

Dave Adler (Baseball HQ, @daveadler01): Witt over De La Cruz or Henderson; combo of BA/HR/SB puts him a bit above the other two. Freeman/Harper pretty close; I’ll go with Freeman due to a more likely better BA/OBP moving forward. J. Ramirez big over Bohm; J-Ram’s low BABIP should correct, and higher OBP and speed give him the edge. Lindor over Pena; his .220 BABIP should get better while Pena’s .350 BABIP should ergress. J-Ram also projects for more SB. Arozarena big over Teoscar; again, big difference in BABIP, and Randy with much more speed.

Corbin Young (Baseball HQ, Rotowire, @corbin_young21): Bobby Witt and Gunnar Henderson for the safety and upside, but Elly De La Cruz is doing something special in 2024. Prefer Bryce Harper over Freddie Freeman since I don’t expect Freeman to run like last year. Jose Ramirez slightly but Alec Bohm plays well in OBP and points leagues. Francisco Lindor over Jeremy Peña because hasn’t shown the ceiling of Lindor yet. My gut says Randy Arozarena over Teoscar Hernandez, but Arozarena’s plate discipline struggles of lower contact rates in 2024 looks concerning, so maybe it’s smarter to stick with Hernandez instead of buying low on Arozarena.

Lauren Auerbach (Fantrax, @lkauerbach): Witt, Freeman, Ramirez, Lindor, Arozarena

Joe Gallina (Fantasy Alarm, @joegallina): Bobby Witt Jr., Bryce Harper, Jose Ramirez, Francisco Lindor, Teoscar Hernandez

Summary (including the results of social media polls.)

Tout Wars FAB Report: Week of May 27

Here are the results of this week’s FAB bidding. Remember, if you want to check out the standings, rosters and full transactions for particular league, just click in the section heading.

American League

PLAYER TEAM MANAGER BID
JoRodriguez, Cle Jason Collette 144
CPovich, Bal Andy Andres 111
NLoftin, KC Jeff Erickson 13
GHampson, KC Eric Samulski 13
LGarcia, LAA Eric Samulski 9
JLeclerc, Tex Patrick Davitt 4
AFrazier, KC Patrick Davitt 4
JSlaten, Bos Mike Podhorzer 3
TKahnle, NYY Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 2
DCameron, Oak Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 2
DHill, Tex Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 2
CBooser, Bos Mike Podhorzer 1
GWeissert, Bos Larry Schechter 1
THerrin, Cle Doug Dennis 0

National League

PLAYER TEAM MANAGER BID
HGoodman, Col Brendan Tuma 88
JBae, Pit Scott Pianowski 81
JHurtubise, Cin Grey Albright 56
CTromp, Atl Scott Pianowski 55
MWaldron, SD Ian Kahn 33
DMyers, Mia Wilderman/Prior 29
DPeralta, SD Ian Kahn 12
ABender, Mia Phil Hertz 6
ANardi, Mia Phil Hertz 2
RKerr, Atl Derek Carty 2
BWalston, Ari Brendan Tuma 1
AGomber, Col Brian Walton 1
BWisely, SF Rick Graham 1
DSolano, SD Rick Graham 1
ODunn, Mil Rick Graham 1
TMyers, Mil Derek Carty 0

Mixed Auction

PLAYER TEAM MANAGER BID
BBuxton, Min Dave Adler 87
MVientos, NYM Dave Adler 64
SWoodsRichardson, Min Justin Mason 47
JBae, Pit Brent Hershey 39
MWaldron, SD Jeff Zimmerman 33
AlSuarez, Bal Brent Hershey 33
TMegill, NYM Brent Hershey 33
BBrown, ChC Scott Swanay 30
JEstrada, SD Kev Mahserejian 22
AMcCutchen, Pit Scott Swanay 20
HBader, NYM Scott Engel 19
JTrevino, NYY Scott Chu 11
NSenzel, Was Scott Swanay 10
LWeaver, NYY Doug Anderson – Mike Carter 9
ESosa, Phi Scott Engel 7
JKelenic, Atl Justin Mason 7
BHudson, Mil Doug Anderson – Mike Carter 7
BWilson, Mil Scott Engel 6
JMeneses, Was Jeff Zimmerman 5
EOlivares, Pit Doug Anderson – Mike Carter 5
PDeJong, CWS Justin Mason 4
IKinerFalefa, Tor Frank Stampfl 3
JStallings, Col Scott Engel 2

Mixed Draft

PLAYER TEAM MANAGER BID
JBae, Pit Tim McLeod 41
AMcCutchen, Pit Garion Thorne 31
CPovich, Bal Tim McLeod 27
ADuvall, Atl Seth Trachtman 26
CJulks, CWS Tim McLeod 21
HBrown, Hou Ray Murphy 20
KLee, CWS Ryan Bloomfield 19
FFermin, KC Dr. Roto 15
JMateo, Bal Anthony Aniano 15
WMerrifield, Phi Seth Trachtman 13
HelRamos, SF Adam Ronis 12
ESosa, Phi Adam Ronis 12
SBrown, Oak Ray Murphy 11
HDavis, Pit Dr. Roto 10
JLeasure, CWS Rudy Gamble 8
AlSuarez, Bal Scott White 6
JTrevino, NYY Adam Ronis 2
PDeJong, CWS Brian Entrekin 2
OLopez, Mia Shelly Verougstraete 1
JRomero, StL Mike Gianella 0

Head to Head

PLAYER TEAM MANAGER BID
BBrown, ChC Michael Govier 17
CJulks, CWS Michael Govier 21
DMoore, Sea Blake Meyer 12
ESosa, Phi Blake Meyer 9
JMeyers, Hou Ariel Cohen 54
AGomber, Col Ariel Cohen 34
MWaldron, SD Frank Ammirante 18
SWoodsRichardson, Min Joe Gallina 49
CPovich, Bal Joe Gallina 7
CKeith, Det Sky Dombroske 29
AlSuarez, Bal Sky Dombroske 12

Mixed Draft with Alternate Categories

PLAYER TEAM MANAGER BID
MKing, SD Sara Sanchez 136
WCastro, Min Zach Steinhorn 72
JMeyers, Hou Carlos Marcano 55
MVierling, Det Carlos Marcano 55
CIrvin, Bal Ray Flowers 47
HelRamos, SF John Laghezza 36
ESosa, Phi Sara Sanchez 24
PBailey, SF John Laghezza 21
DHamilton, Bos John Laghezza 17
SWoodsRichardson, Min Joe Orrico 5
RFeltner, Col John Laghezza 5
NGonzales, Pit Jeff Boggis 4
JAranda, TB John Laghezza 2

Tout Table: Would you Rather, Pitcher Edition

This week, the Touts were asked to choose between two arms who were ranked closely (at the time) using earnings to date.

Rest of season, would you rather roster: Yoshinobu Yamamoto or Shota Imanaga? Tanner Houck or Ranger Suarez? Tyler Glasnow or Chris Sale? Bailey Ober or Joe Ryan? Cole Ragans or Mitch Keller?

Grey Albright (RazzBall, @razzball): Yamamoto, Ranger, Glasnow, Ryan, Ragans

Derek Carty (RotoGrinders, @DerekCarty): Yamamoto, Ranger, Glasnow, Ryan, Ragans

Doug Dennis (BaseballHQ, @dougdennis41): At this point, I want the higher floor. IMO, those are Imanaga, Houck, Glasnow, Ryan, Ragans.

Ryan Boyer (Rotowire, Baseball Prospectus, @RyanPBoyer): I’ve got Yamamoto, Suarez, Glasnow, Ryan and Ragans. Ober and Ryan was the toughest call for me. Similar pitchers, but Ryan has more durability. Ragans and Keller aren’t all that close to me. Perhaps you could argue Keller is safer, but I struggle to find anything he does better than Ragans.

Fred Zinkie (Yahoo/Rotowire, @FredZinkieMLB): Yamamoto, Ranger, Glasnow, Ryan, Ragans. For me, the easiest pick was Glasnow over Sale and the hardest pick was Ryan over Ober.

Eric Samulski (Rotoballer, @SamskiNYC): It would take way too long to break down WHY I’m answering how I am, but I’ll basically be looking for strikeouts and upside here. I’ll go: Yamamoto, Houck, Glasnow, Ryan, Ragans. For me, Ragans and Keller was the easiest. Keller is a streamer at best right now and I can’t wait for Nick Pollack to see that it was a choice between these two.

Scott White (CBS Fantasy Sports, @CBSScottWhite): Yamamoto, Suarez, Glasnow, Ryan, Ragans. The closest call was between Tanner Houck and Ranger Suarez. I’m genuinely confused why an ace like Cole Ragans is mentioned in the same breath as Mitch Keller, and I say that as one of the loudest Keller apologists.

Tim McLeod ( Prospect361, @RunTMcP361): Yamamoto, Suarez (either one), Sale, Ober, Ragans.

Patrick Davitt (BaseballHQ, @patrickdavitt): Imanaga, Houck, Glasnow, Ryan, Ragans.

Nick Pollack (Pitcher List, @PitcherList): Yamamoto (high four-seamers, PLEASE), Suárez and his improved changeup, Glasnow since he’s the #1 SP, Joe Ryan for his better fastball, and Ragans because you can’t spell Ragans without AGA (Aces Gonna Ace).

Phil Hertz (Baseball HQ, @prhz50): Yamamoto, Houck, Glasnow, Ryan, Keller

Michael A. Stein (Fantasy Judgment, @FantasyJudgment): Yamamoto, Suarez, Glasnow, Ryan, Ragans.

Bret Sayre (Baseball Prospectus, @BretSayreBP): Yamamoto, Suarez, Glasnow, Ryan, Ragans.

Matt Truss (Razzball, @MattTruss): Yamamoto, Houck, Glasnow, Ryan, Ragans (Houck/Ranger is the closest call, and while pitching in Fenway is terrifying, Houck is a beast)

Jeff Boggis (Fantasy Football Empire, @JeffBoggis): Yamamoto, Suarez, Glasnow, Ryan, Ragans.

Frank Ammirante (The GameDayHQ, @FAmmiranteTFJ): Yamamoto, Houck, Glasnow, Ryan, Ragans

Chris Clegg (Pitcher List, @RotoClegg): Yamamoto, Suarez, Glasnow, Ryan, Ragans

Jeff Zimmerman (Fangraphs, @jeffwzimmerman): According to my valuation Imanaga (close), Houck (tie), Sale, Ryan (not close at all), Ragans (again, not close at all)

Glenn Colton (SiriusXM Fantasy, @GlennColton1): Sometimes keeping it simple is best. M.Keller v. Ragans is simple. Keller (below avg 8.8 swinging strike and a 4.63 xERA) v. Ragans (14.5 swinging strike and a 3.59 xERA). I just chose one example to illustrate it often is best not to overthink.

Dave Adler (Baseball HQ, @daveadler01): Looking at hit and strand rates to get a sense of likely regression; also expected ERA and K-BB% rates. So, my selections: Yamamoto (Imanaga has a 95% strand rate; expected ERA over ROS slightly higher than Yamamoto). Suarez by a very slight edge over Houck (projections over ROS virtually identical). Glasnow (two injury risks, but Glasnow expected ERA a bit better). Ryan (better K-BB% than Ober, better xERA). Ragans (big K-BB% difference, despite xERA being similar. Plus, I wouldn’t want Nick P to get on my case!)

Howard Bender (Fantasy Alarm, @RotoBuzzGuy): Yamamoto, Suarez, Glasnow, Ryan and Ragans

Anthony Aniano (Rotoballer, @AAnianoFantasy): Yamamoto..Imanaga will come back to the pack, I believe in the Lone Ranger, Glasnow is a no brainer, Joe Ryan and Ragans

Mike Podhorzer (Fangraphs, @MikePodhorzer): I’m solely looking at SIERA/xERA, along with K%/SwStk%/CSW%. Actual results are pretty meaningless to me at this point. Yamamoto, Houck, Glasnow, Ryan, Ragans.

Matt Cederholm (Baseball HQ, @TheBigHurtHQ): Yamamoto, Houck, Glasnow, Ruan, Ragans

Erik Halterman (Rotowire, @erik_halterman): Imanaga (basically tied), Suarez (pretty close), Glasnow (kinda close), Ryan (not particularly close), Ragans (not close at all)

Corbin Young (Baseball HQ, Rotowire, @corbin_young21): Imanaga (elite control, elite four-seamer), Suarez, Glasnow, Ober, Ragans for strikeout upside, but Keller xERA have hinted at better numbers (no bias here)

Steve Gardner (USA TODAY Sports, @SteveAGardner): Yamamoto (no one can be as great as Imanaga has been in his first 9 starts), though Suarez has been close! I’ll take him over Houck and his injury history. Glasnow over Sale, but it’s a matter of who breaks first. Ober and Ryan are both four-letter pitchers to me, so I can’t pick one over the other. Ragans will be the man over the long haul by a good margin.

John Laghezza (The Athletic, @JohnLaghezza): Imanaga, Houck, Glasnow, Ober, Ragans

Rob Leibowitz (Rotoheaven, @rob_leibowitz): Yamamoto (expecting more of a correction/regression on Imanaga as we go along, but I like them both regardless), Houck over Suarez though again I still like them both. Blitheringly happy Houck is finally having a breakthrough after getting shares of him year after year. Glasnow over Sale. Ryan over Ober – His stuff is just less hittable. Not even close on Ragans vs Keller for me.

Scott Swanay (FantasyBaseballSherpa, @fantasy_sherpa): Going with the guys who I perceive to have higher ROS “upside” (technical term): Yamamoto (team context), Suarez (team context), Glasnow (toughest call), Ryan (can’t use team context for this one), Ragans

Vlad Sedler (FTN Fantasy, @rotogut): Imanaga, Houck, Glasnow, Ryan, Ragans (last one was the easiest). Put Sale up against almost anyone else and I would have said Sale.

Ryan Bloomfield (BaseballHQ, @RyanBHQ): Yamamoto (BaseballHQ’s monthly park factors peg Wrigley as a much more hitter-friendly track over the summer, much better run support from LA); Suarez (I’m a sucker for all those groundballs); Glasnow (better chance this lasts through the second half); Ryan (great name); and Ragans.

Adam Ronis (SiriusXM Fantasy, @AdamRonis): Yamamoto, Suarez, Glasnow, Ryan and Ragans

Jason Collette (Rotowire, @): Yamamoto, Houck, Glasnow, Ober, Ragans (still don’t like, him as much as Nick Pollack)

Todd Zola (Mastersball, @toddzola): Yamamoto, Houck, Sale, Ober, Ragans (but closer than most are indicating).

Each pairing was posted on social media with the following results:

Pitchers Tout% Poll%
Yoshinobu Yamamoto 79.4% 46.9%
Shota Imanaga 20.6% 53.1%
Tanner Houck 41.2% 38.2%
Ranger Suarez 58.8% 61.8%
Tyler Glasnow 91.2% 77.5%
Chris Sale 8.8% 22.5%
Bailey Ober 17.1% 35.9%
Joe Ryan 82.9% 64.1%
Cole Ragans 97.1% 91.0%
Mitch Keller 2.9% 9.0%

Tout Wars FAB Report: Week of May 20 – 26

Here are the results of this week’s FAB bidding. Remember, if you want to check out the standings, rosters and full transactions for particular league, just click in the section heading.

American League

PLAYER TEAM MANAGER BID
PMaton, TB Howard Bender 18
TyScott, Hou Howard Bender 18
CJulks, CWS Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 14
SArrighetti, Hou Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 14
DHamilton, Bos Jason Collette 13
KMuller, Oak Jeff Erickson 13
AZerpa, KC Howard Bender 9
ACimber, LAA Howard Bender 9
KStowers, Bal Rob Leibowitz 9
KKelly, TB Jason Collette 6
RRefsnyder, Bos Patrick Davitt 4
BBernardino, Bos Eric Samulski 1
AFaedo, Det Doug Dennis 0
THolton, Det Doug Dennis 0

National League

PLAYER TEAM MANAGER BID
RWeathers, Mia Scott Pianowski 79
KClemens, Phi Brian Walton 66
TRogers, Mia Ian Kahn 31
MMastrobuoni, ChC Grey Albright 13
ZShort, Atl Wilderman/Prior 8
RFeltner, Col Derek Carty 8
EDeLosSantos, SD Wilderman/Prior 7
JStallings, Col Steve Gardner 6
LAllen, Ari Brian Walton 5
AMorejon, SD Phil Hertz 4
CCavalli, Was Peter Kreutzer 3
JMartinez, Ari Grey Albright 2
CQuantrill, Col Steve Gardner 2
LVazquez, ChC Rick Graham 2
AMonasterio, Mil Rick Graham 1
SFairchild, Cin Rick Graham 1
CCasali, SF Steve Gardner 0

Mixed Auction

PLAYER TEAM MANAGER BID
SFrelick, Mil Brent Hershey 58
JBauers, Mil Dave Adler 46
AOttavino, NYM Scott Chu 37
HelRamos, SF Dave Adler 35
WBenson, Cin Scott Swanay 28
JMeyers, Hou Brent Hershey 24
MStroman, NYY Frank Stampfl 23
NGonzales, Pit Bret Sayre 23
DMoore, Sea Scott Chu 17
JHeyward, LAD Bret Sayre 14
LRaley, Sea Andy Behrens 12
SArrighetti, Hou Jeff Zimmerman 10
KIsbel, KC Doug Anderson – Mike Carter 7
WCalhoun, LAA Scott Engel 7
BSabol, SF Scott Chu 2
GCleavinger, TB Kev Mahserejian 1
ChMartin, Bos Andy Behrens 0

Mixed Draft

PLAYER TEAM MANAGER BID
LMatos, SF Adam Ronis 48
JSuwinski, Pit Tim McLeod 43
HBader, NYM Tim McLeod 27
JMeyers, Hou Dr. Roto 26
MLorenzen, Tex Tim McLeod 22
ABurleson, StL Adam Ronis 22
JBeeks, Col Dr. Roto 16
YGarcia, Tor Tim McLeod 14
ERosario, Was Rudy Gamble 14
NGonzales, Pit Shelly Verougstraete 12
MVientos, NYM Anthony Aniano 10
DPeterson, NYM Dr. Roto 8
MVierling, Det Seth Trachtman 6
JHeyward, LAD Seth Trachtman 6
LRaley, Sea Rudy Gamble 3
MRojas, LAD Kyle Soppe 2
GLux, LAD Kyle Soppe 2
GSheets, CWS Kyle Soppe 2
JEstes, Oak Rudy Gamble 1
CKeith, Det Scott White 0

Head to Head

PLAYER TEAM MANAGER BID
TMegill, NYM Ryan Hallam 22
LMatos, SF Michael Govier 52
NGorman, StL Ryan Hallam 49
JOrtiz, Mil Sky Dombroske 46
MChapman, SF Greg Jewett 45
CJavier, Hou Ariel Cohen 33
CQuantrill, Col Blake Meyer 23
BBuxton, Min Ryan Hallam 21
AMarsh, KC Lauren Auerbach 17
RWeathers, Mia Ariel Cohen 13
WBenson, Cin Ariel Cohen 13
ABurleson, StL Blake Meyer 12
WPerez, Det Lauren Auerbach 11
AVaughn, CWS Greg Jewett 11
KLee, CWS Joe Gallina 7
JRoss, Mil Michael Govier 4
MCanha, Det Frank Ammirante 1
DFry, Cle Lauren Auerbach 1

Mixed Draft with Alternate Categories

PLAYER TEAM MANAGER BID
OCabrera, NYY Jeff Boggis 42
LMatos, SF Matt Cederholm 97
CQuantrill, Col Jeff Boggis 41
AGomber, Col Jeff Boggis 36
JRoss, Mil Ray Flowers 32
TFreeman, Cle Jeff Boggis 31
SFrelick, Mil Zach Steinhorn 28
MHaniger, Sea Matt Trussell 15
BAbreu, Hou Chris Clegg 15
LRaley, Sea John Laghezza 14
TFitzgerald, SF John Laghezza 12
JMeneses, Was Chris Clegg 2
TSoderStrom, Oak John Laghezza 1
DFry, Cle Matt Trussell 1

Tout Wars FAB Report: Week 0f May 13 – 19

Here are the results of this week’s FAB bidding. Remember, if you want to check out the standings, rosters and full transactions for particular league, just click on the section heading.

American League

PLAYER TEAM MANAGER BID
BRamos, CWS Doug Dennis 77
CFlexen, CWS Jason Collette 32
ABaddoo, Det Jason Collette 25
RGonzalez, Bos Andy Andres 24
BAbreu, Hou Larry Schechter 22
TThornton, Sea Andy Andres 12
KPillar, LAA Chris Blessing 11
CThielbar, Min Eric Samulski 11
KMcCann, Oak Eric Samulski 9
NGoodrum, LAA Rob Leibowitz 4
AKnizner, Tex Patrick Davitt 0

National League

PLAYER TEAM MANAGER BID
RGasser, Mil Erik Halterman 222
HelRamos, SF Scott Pianowski 77
LMatos, SF Erik Halterman 73
NGonzales, Pit Rick Graham 67
BTreinen, LAD Wilderman/Prior 59
JBeeks, Col Peter Kreutzer 33
MCarpenter, StL Wilderman/Prior 29
OLopez, Mia Peter Kreutzer 24
MFord, Cin Rick Graham 17
RVasquez, SD Derek Carty 16
CHorton, ChC Brian Walton 12
CSchmitt, SF Rick Graham 12
TBarnhart, Ari Ian Kahn 11
SReidFoley, NYM Phil Hertz 8
SHjelle, SF Scott Pianowski 8
JMantiply, Ari Phil Hertz 5
ABarnes, LAD Scott Pianowski 5
MLiberatore, StL Rick Graham 2
HMilner, Mil Phil Hertz 2
TNido, NYM Derek Carty 0

Mixed Auction

PLAYER TEAM MANAGER BID
RGasser, Mil Todd Zola 113
JBeeks, Col Scott Engel 49
TSoderStrom, Oak Bret Sayre 45
ERosario, Was Todd Zola 43
MSchuemann, Oak Doug Anderson – Mike Carter 31
DBlanco, KC Dave Adler 26
GJax, Min Doug Anderson – Mike Carter 26
AToro, Oak Jeff Zimmerman 25
MLiberatore, StL Jeff Zimmerman 16
LLynn, StL Andy Behrens 16
AIbanez, Det Scott Chu 15
LMatos, SF Brent Hershey 11
TWalker, Phi Tristan Cockcroft 10
TLipscomb, Was Alex Chamberlain 9
JIrvin, Was Kev Mahserejian 5
ABurleson, StL Kev Mahserejian 5
GSanchez, Mil Kev Mahserejian 5
EDuran, Tex Scott Engel 4
LErceg, Oak Justin Mason 3
JSchreiber, KC Brent Hershey 3
AChafin, Det Justin Mason 3

Mixed Draft

PLAYER TEAM MANAGER BID
RGasser, Mil Dr. Roto 79
CIrvin, Bal Tim McLeod 37
GJax, Min Scott White 28
EDuran, Tex Seth Trachtman 25
TSoderStrom, Oak Dr. Roto 25
AToro, Oak Dr. Roto 20
TWilliams, Was Shelly Verougstraete 16
JSchreiber, KC Scott White 13
JRogers, Det Ryan Bloomfield 12
JBauers, Mil Tim McLeod 9
JQuintana, NYM Mike Gianella 8
WMerrifield, Phi Adam Ronis 8
JRoss, Mil Seth Trachtman 8
JMcCarthy, Ari Scott White 6
JOrtiz, Mil Scott White 4
RVasquez, SD Rudy Gamble 3
MManning, Det Mike Gianella 2
RMcGuire, Bos Brian Entrekin 1
CQuantrill, Col Mike Gianella 0

Head to Head

PLAYER TEAM MANAGER BID
RGasser, Mil Blake Meyer 57
CPaddack, Min Clay Link 54
MGarver, Sea JB Branson 51
TBradley, TB Lauren Auerbach 51
LTaveras, Tex JB Branson 41
DSchneider, Tor Greg Jewett 36
LGurriel, Ari Ariel Cohen 34
CFlexen, CWS Nick Pollack 27
AManoah, Tor Michael Govier 24
WAbreu, Bos Michael Govier 23
JDeLuca, TB Frank Ammirante 22
ERosario, Was Joe Gallina 21
ZNeto, LAA Frank Ammirante 15
BHarris, Oak Sky Dombroske 11
CSantana, Min Greg Jewett 9
IHerrera, StL Sky Dombroske 8
SSanchez, Mia Michael Govier 3
GSanchez, Mil Clay Link 0

Mixed Draft with Alternate Categories

PLAYER TEAM MANAGER BID
RGasser, Mil Derek VanRiper 127
IHerrera, StL Chris Towers 97
TMegill, Mil Geoff Pontes 89
LTaveras, Tex Chris Clegg 65
CSantana, Min Zach Steinhorn 53
DMoore, Sea Geoff Pontes 49
EDuran, Tex Ray Flowers 41
AToro, Oak Ray Flowers 38
JMiranda, Min Zach Steinhorn 32
CBlackmon, Col Zach Steinhorn 32
KMcCann, Oak Carlos Marcano 27
JPaxton, LAD Sara Sanchez 23
RVasquez, SD Carlos Marcano 18
KLee, CWS Matt Cederholm 11
ERosario, Was Ray Flowers 7
SBouchard, Col John Laghezza 6
JSingleton, Hou John Laghezza 6
VRobles, Was Derek VanRiper 1
PDeJong, CWS Matt Trussell 1
BHarris, Oak Matt Trussell 0

Tout Table: Trading Faux Pas

It’s tradition to pose a trade-related question in early May. This year, the Touts were asked

What are some of the common mistakes made during trade negotiations?

Sky Dombroske (Fantistics Insider Baseball, @SkyDombroske): The obvious one is merely focusing on your own needs. There has to be something in it to entice the other person to deal, so looking at their roster and determining what they’re trying to do is a must.

Tristan H. Cockcroft (ESPN, @SultanofStat): Sky nailed it on the first reply: Failing to even consider your counterpart’s roster needs. If that’s how you begin your trade talks, it’s going to be a short conversation.

Chris Clegg (Pitcher List, @RotoClegg): The most frustrating thing when trading is getting a blind offer that isn’t remotely close. Some people will say they send a bad offer to start the conversation, but for me, it does not make me want to trade with that person. Considering the needs of your trade partner is important. Obviously, the goal is to make your team better, but if you consider the other teams needs as well, it make negotiations much easier.

Frank Ammirante (The GameDayHQ, @FAmmiranteTFJ): Trade negotiations must immediately consider the other team’s needs. You don’t want to start off negotiations on a sour note by offering a player that doesn’t fit that team’s category need or meet market value.

Fred Zinkie (Yahoo/Rotowire, @FredZinkieMLB): Lacking creatively. Becoming set on Player X for Y. Or position A for B. Or thinking this is the last trade they’ll make all year, so they need to leave it with a balanced roster.

Grey Albright (RazzBall, @razzball): When people begin trade negotiations, they forget the most important thing: The person you’re trading with also has the internet. You might want to trade your player who is on the Struggle Bus dropping turds in the back bus toilet for the other team’s good player, but it’s not going to work. So, aside from starting each trade negotiation with hypnotism you learned at a community college night course, look at the other team’s needs and try to give them a player they might actually want. You can try our Fantasy Baseball Trade Analyzer if you like: https://razzball.com/trade_analyzer_mlb/

Mike Alexander (Razzball, @Roto_Wan): The best way to make a trade is to be willing to “lose” the trade. Too many managers feel the need to win or squeeze as much value from a trade partner as they can. If you give up a little extra but still fill a need of your own it’s still a win for your team.

Matt Cederholm (Baseball HQ, @TheBigHurtHQ): +1 for “consider the other team’s needs,” but I’ll add to that. First mistake is being too rigid and rejecting offers out of hand. Find out what the other GM is trying to accomplish; you may find a trade that wasn’t obvious at the outset. Second, trying to “win” every trade, You win a trade by getting a fair price and improving your team.

Ryan Hallam (Fighting Chance Fantasy, @FightingChance): The most obvious answer and I’m not the first to say it is to find a partner who needs what you are trying to trade away or has an abundance of the position you need. That is the easiest way to have trade negotiations go nowhere. My other one is the “used car salesperson approach” (apologies to the good used car salespeople out there) but I can’t stand the person who comes to you with a trade offer that tells you why your player that they want are trash and/or why the guys they want to trade you are awesome. Hmmmm, if you believed that, why make the deal. Long story short, find a trade partner that benefits too and don’t be a pushy trade salesperson

Ariel Cohen (CBS Sports, @ATCNY): Trading is a lot harder these days. Everyone has a higher level of sophistication, and fear of making a bad trade. One mistake made often is focusing on your end of the trade. Your partner will focus on their end – so the best mindset is also to come from their point of view. Another mistake is “telling” the other team what they “need” instead of listening to them.

D.J. Short (NBC Sports, @djshort): Not properly reading the room. Familiarize yourself with your trade partner’s roster and where they stand right now. Maybe they are lacking in one particular category and have excess in another. Maybe they recently lost a significant player due to injury. Being attentive to that means something at a time where a manager might be searching for alternatives. Lastly, it varies by situation — sometimes these negotiations are straight-forward — but don’t necessarily always give your best offer first.

Brian Walton (CreativeSports2, @B_Walton): Nothing is worse that a prospective trade partner who insists on THEIR preferred method of communication – whether phone, text or email. Instead, you need to work with the other owner to have a dialogue in the manner most agreeable to THEM.

Rob Leibowitz (Rotoheaven, @rob_leibowitz): League context. If you’re new to a league, you need to get a sense of how the league approaches deals, especially in keeper leagues. How do they value veterans, veterans in last years of contracts, and prospects. What is the non-keepable veteran to prospect ratio typical in a league. Email and texting tone, try to ignore it or even better, don’t be a robot. Write it like a letter and set the tone before getting your email. Give them options to consider. Avoid “What do you want for X” emails. Instead make an offer. Try something novel and pick up the phone. Assume everyone knows exactly what you do. It’s not the 80s or 90s when information was difficult to come by. it is a click of the button. A non-active owner can go to a page, understand stats, and get a sense of the value of their player in seconds even if they haven’t been paying attention. In keeper leagues, target the players you want whether your dumping or going for it. You don’t’ have to announce your intentions. If you’re thinking long-term and want a key player, don’t be afraid to lock down the deal, even if it might feel like an overpay and trade away veterans if you’re not focused on the current season.

James Anderson (Rotowire, @RealJRAnderson): Cold calling someone with a trade offer that’s either lopsided or doesn’t make sense for the other team’s roster needs. Essentially, don’t waste my time. If you want to deal, either take the time to look at the other person’s roster or trade block and propose a realistic trade that makes sense for their needs or timeline (in dynasty), or send them a message gauging their interest in reaching a deal.

Todd Zola (Mastersball, @toddzola): Admittedly, this is more of a me thing, as I’m a bit of a luddite, but for me the on-site trade mechanism is for agreed upon deals, not as a means of negotiation. Heed Brian W.’s advice about finding a mutually agreeable means of communicating, hammer out a deal, then enter it on the site.

Alex Chamberlain (FanGraphs, @DolphHauldhagen): If you reject a trade offer, provide a counter-offer, or provide an explanation as to why you have rejected it. One of my biggest pet peeves is folks who solicit trade offers, receive them, then outright reject them with no explanation, and generally decline to have a conversation. This comes off as extremely lazy. If you want to swing a deal, both sides need to put in effort; just because you have solicited trade offers does not put the onus of effort on the other person and absolve you. (Also: everyone is saying “consider the other team’s needs,” and that’s fine, but also understand that other owners may not perceive their needs the same way you perceive them.)

Dr. Roto (DrRoto.com, @DrRoto): Looking at YOUR roster and not MY roster!

Mike Podhorzer (Fangraphs, @MikePodhorzer): This is easy — starting any negotiations with “I’m looking for X or I need to improve Y”. The negotiation should focus on the other team’s needs and how your proposal could benefit them. Why would I want to assist your team with X or to improve Y?!

Michael A. Stein (Fantasy Judgment, @FantasyJudgment): A common problem is when GMs over-value their own players and do not have realistic expectations about what they are worth. Trade negotiations do involve being a salesman, but you have to give the benefit of the doubt that your potential trade partner may not see things the same way you do. Another common problem is trying to “win” a trade. You shouldn’t engage in negotiations looking to win a trade because you will lose sight of the objective which is improving your own team. If you have a surplus at a certain position that fills a need for a trade partner, it shouldn’t factor into your equation whether your player may succeed on someone else’s roster. The focus should be acquiring a player that fills your own need, even if it means your counterpart also improves his/her roster.

Nick Pollack (Pitcher List, @PitcherList): The easiest trades are between hitters and pitchers – muddy the waters of perceived value by trading across the positions. A natural reaction is to reject any trade offered that features two players at the same position: “They must like my guy more, maybe I’m missing something.” By setting up a trade across the Hitter/Pitcher barrier, it makes it easier to make a swap.

Justin Mason (Friends With Fantasy Benefits, @JustinMasonFWFB): Trades are a lot like relationships, if you look to find ways to screw over your partner, you will find yourself all alone. Not only should you be looking at what your trade partner needs, but you should also be honesty about what you need so your partner knows that as well. Secondly, don’t be afraid to make the first offer. I think often people play coy but most deals are figured out around the first offer, so make sure you are getting in the deal what you want out of it.

JB Branson (Rotoballer, @RowdyRotoJB): I know its difficult in many leagues but I always think business should be done in conversation. Open up a dialogue. Explain what your thoughts are and how you think both sides can benefit from coming up with a move. If you are skilled enough you can even leave the talks with the other manager thinking it was their idea because you nudged them towards offering the deal you were wanting. I hate cold calls, and I typically don’t like cold trade requests. Take me to dinner first. Also, never open up the process by sending a low-ball offer “expecting a counter”. That shows you are only focusing on your team and your needs and there will be zero trust from the other side.

Chris Towers (CBS Fantasy, @CTowersCBS): Explaining to the other person why they should make the trade with you. They’re running their team, they’re going to do what they think is best for their team, and you’re more likely to come off as condescending and off-putting than to actually talk them into the trade.

Erik Halterman (Rotowire, @erik_halterman): I think the hardest part is proposing the first concrete offer to a trade partner you’re not familiar with. Some players are insulted by perceived lowball offers and want you to immediately come in with your best and final offer. Others seem to enjoy the back-and-forth for its own sake and expect the first offer on both sides to be rejected before a compromise is reached. If you don’t know your league mates well, it can be hard to know whether you should immediately offer 100 cents on the dollar or open at 90, knowing they’ll counter at 110 and you’ll settle at 100. (Not a true lowball like 50 cents on the dollar, of course, since that ends negotiations before they even start.) I default to letting my trade partner make the initial concrete offer in leagues where I don’t know my opponents very well, but that may be cowardice rather than sound advice.

Carlos Marcano (Triple Play Fantasy, @camarcano): Not replying back what you didn’t like about any trade offer you receive. Not meaning you have to like them, just some honest feedback can be very helpful to keep everyone in line regarding trade expectations.

Howard Bender (Fantasy Alarm, @RotoBuzzGuy): The worst mistake you can make is sending out garbage offers. I know that some people say that an initial offer is just the first step in negotiations, but a bad offer can/will immediately turn off the other person and you may not even hear back from them. Nothing worse than getting a rejection with no counter. Or, the negotiations become such a chore that both of you walk away unhappy. It’s ok to try and buy-low, but a really bad offer is insulting.

Tim McLeod (Prospect361, @RunTMcP361): There are many great points raised by this group. It could fill a chapter and should in any book about our game. For a trade to be successful it has to address the category needs of both yourself and your trading partner. If a trade offer doesn’t meet that standard, don’t make the offer in the first place.

Blake Meyer (Pitcher List, Fantasy Pros, @Buhhlockaye): Not understanding the needs of the other team as well. It’s always great to WANT a player, but in order for the trade to work you’re going to have to make it work for the trading partner as well. The ultimate goal is always to come away with a better team, but you’re going to have to “give” in order to get something of value you want in return

Ray Flowers (Fantasy Guru, @TheRayFlowers): Just like Blake stated… only thinking about your needs. Too many people see what they want/need, but they spend little time taking into consideration what the other team may need if a deal is to be worked out. You have to put yourself in the other persons shoes to see if they can afford to give what you need and if you have something to give that fits their needs as well.

Peter Kreutzer (Rotoman.substack.com, @kroyte): I’m on the side that wasting time is a faux pas. So broadcasting needs and what you’d pay seem to me good starting points if you don’t otherwise see a fit. Let league mates respond. But nothing works better than figuring out what someone else needs and making an appropriate offer.

Corbin Young (Baseball HQ, Rotowire, @corbin_young21): Throwing out offers without communicating first. Like anything in life, communication is important while developing rapport. Making sure each manager has a need in those areas seems obvious. Besides that, presuming competence in the other managers and not attempting to sell a player that might have obvious red flags.

Scott White (CBS Fantasy Sports, @CBSScottWhite): Trading is mostly an exercise in frustration these days, but I’ve found it’s far more successful if it begins with a text. That’s not always possible, of course, but when possible, it’s going to save you so much aggravation. The response will be almost immediate and might even begin a dialogue that allows you to find common ground in the most unexpected ways. Something about the spontaneity makes it even more likely to bear fruit than an email.

Matt Truss (Razzball, @MattTruss): Starting a trade by saying, “I’m interested in so and so, look at my team and see if anything works”. If you want the player, you do the work. I’m not going to take time to comb your roster and decide on a trade for you. That’s a surefire way for me to ignore the trade completely.

Bret Sayre (Baseball Prospectus, @BretSayreBP): A lot of these answers are great and are going to have common threads, but one additional mistake is either consciously or subconsciously pushing your personal valuations into the offer or conversation, especially when it comes to pitchers and prospects. Rather than say you think Pitcher X might be a good fit for another team, give them a tier of arms and let them get excited about the players they like most in that group. More initial excitement from both parties lead to more trading (and better values for the initiator).

Patrick Davitt (BaseballHQ, @patrickdavitt): There’s a fine balance between understanding your potential trade partner’s team needs and being too proscriptive about explaining those needs to that person. Save the ultra-detailed analysis for your own website or pod, and just lay out the value proposition in relatively abstract terms: “It looks like you could gain x points in Wins and Ks, and it doesn’t look your SBs are helping you very much” flies better than, “Eflin could give you 6.5 wins points, because according to an average of the Davenport league projections and the BaseballHQ projections, you’re going to finish with 66.5 wins for 4.5 points, and Eflin’s 9 pWins would boost you up past everybody but Hank into second place…” The thing is, it might all be exactly right and a perfect analysis of the situation, but people want to feel like they thought of at least some of it themselves. Help them feel like that and your chances of success are higher. Maybe casually say something like, “Run it through the trade analyzer” (if your Commish site has one; many do) “and see what you think.” If you do this, it need hardly be said, do so yourself first to make sure the analyzer agrees with you.

Patrick Davitt (BaseballHQ, @patrickdavitt): Further to what Matt Cederholm said and others alluded to, don’t get hung up on getting “value for value” in your deal, in the form of, “well, my guy was a third-rounder (or $18 player) and he’s offering a sixth rounder ($12), so this deal doesn’t work for me.” The draft is over. DPs and draft salaries don’t count any more. The only thing that matters is how the trade affects the categories. In fact, you can sometimes use a negative disparity that seems to be in the other person’s favour, if that person sees the disparity and automatically assumes he “won” the trade because he gained $x of auction value. Calculations have added dimensions in keeper leagues, of course.

Mike Gianella (Baseball Prospectus, @MikeGianella): I could (and have) write a whole article about this but 1) don’t “neg” someone about a player; if you didn’t want the player, you wouldn’t be asking about him. 2) In keeper/dynasty leagues, don’t assume someone has given up on this year this early unless they’ve told you as much. 3) Don’t start asking about the throw-in/sweetener, build your framework around a fair trade and see if your opponent will offer this at the end. To Matt’s point, the “make me an offer” type of email is pretty much going right into my trash folder; you reached out to me, don’t give me a homework assignment.

Sara Sanchez (bleedcubbieblue.com, @BCB_Sara): I think the most important thing in trade negotiations is understanding the needs of your trade partner and trying to come up with something that makes sense for both sides. It’s harder than it seems because people tend to know what they need, identify a guy they want to fill that need and go from there. However, you probably shouldn’t offer even the best corner prospect for a team that is set at 1B/3B and CI. This is going to sound weirdly qualitative, but I think empathy is the best tool for setting up great trades. I think of all of my trade partners as friends and want both of us to come away from the transaction feeling good about it. Also, throwback to the time Andy Behrens and I negotiated a trade in the Tout Table. Kershaw for Seiya in 2022 was a great trade in theory, even though both of them immediately (and predictably) got hurt.

Adam Ronis (SiriusXM Fantasy, @AdamRonis): Many people don’t look to see what the other team needs. I get endless trade offers giving me players that don’t fit my team needs. If I am near the top of the leagues in saves and have three closers, the likelihood of me being interested in a closer is really slim and indicates you didn’t look to see what I could use to improve my team. When making a trade, I look at rosters that could use something I can provide and have something I need to help my team. There will be teams that aren’t a fit to trade with.

Ryan Boyer (Rotowire, Baseball Prospectus, @RyanPBoyer): Stop trying to “win” trades. Particularly in Roto leagues, it’s all about finding the right fit for your roster and the other team’s roster. Sometimes that’s not going to be a “win” in a vacuum, but it can still make your team better, which is the whole point. It also usually makes negotiations much quicker/easier if that’s your focus and not worrying about “winning” the trade.

Dave Adler (Baseball HQ, @daveadler01): Biggest mistake is not checking the standings to see not only what you need, but also the other owner. Take a look at how a projected trade will affect the other team in the standings, and make sure to point that out. Ie, if they’re at the bottom of a clump of teams in HR, and are not in a cluster for saves, your slugger could help them gain points while dealing their closer won’t adversely affect their standings in that category.

Jeff Boggis (Fantasy Football Empire, @JeffBoggis): Some of the common mistakes that I have experienced during trade negotiations are as follows. I receive a trade that absolutely does nothing for my team and does everything to improve the other manager. Every trade should be analyzed by the sender to where it not only benefits their team but makes sense for the other team. I always used the notes feature in a trade on why I feel the trade offer benefits both teams, especially the team that is receiving the trade offer. When I receive a trade that is so one sided for the manager that sent the trade, I always respond in the comments on why I rejected the trade offer. Sometimes I simply tell them “I could not hit the reject trade button fast enough” so that they get the message.

Todd Zola (Mastersball, @toddzola): Here is something else point out, which may as well be a “note to self”, since I have been guilty as charged in the past. Take the time and make the effort to maximize your benefit. This is different from “winning the trade.” This entails giving the league ample time to respond and conduct negotiations, instead of taking the first reasonable offer, and moving on. OK, sometimes other priorities dictate a quick trade, but in general, exhaust all possibilities and choose what you feel is best for your squad.

Doug Dennis (BaseballHQ, @dougdennis41): I find it very hard to trade in redraft leagues unless I have a very lopsided surplus to draw from. I find it easier in dynasty where I can always find matches. I try to make every deal a win-win. I love working on deals and I love when my trade partner makes that effort as well. I will often talk to league mates about what they wish they had or what they think they need. They may not want to make a deal in May, but they may want to make it in June or July. Knowing how they see things always helps–helps me make an offer that they like, helps me fit their needs, helps find a deal that works for both.

Zach Steinhorn (Steinhorn’s Universe on Substack, @zachsteinhorn): I get annoyed when I receive a trade proposal on the league site with no accompanying note. It’s almost as if the other manager is testing me to see if I’ll accept a terrible offer. If my league mate can’t explain what their needs are and why they think I could be interested in the trade, I’ll be turned off and would prefer not to make any trade with that manager in the future.

Vlad Sedler (FTN Fantasy, @rotogut): The biggest mistake is not reviewing the other person’s roster thoroughly. Doing so allows one to create an offer that would be beneficial to both parties.

Todd Zola (Mastersball, @toddzola): One final comment from me before I post this bad boy. Many, myself included, have mentioned things that frustrate us, if not make us mad. Some have even suggested ignoring those who push our buttons. We all have a limited number of resources to help improve out rosters. Excluding one is a mistake.

Tout Wars FAB Report: Week of May 6 – 12

Here are the results of this week’s FAB bidding. Remember, if you want to check out the standings, rosters and full transactions for particular league, just click in the section heading.

American League

PLAYER TEAM MANAGER BID
JSingleton, Hou Howard Bender 153
JDeLuca, TB Eric Samulski 71
CBiggio, Tor Doug Dennis 68
BHarris, Oak Jason Collette 49
DomSmith, Bos Mike Podhorzer 28
WCalhoun, LAA Larry Schechter 23
JLeiter, Tex Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 19
EClement, Tor Jeff Erickson 13
CTucker, LAA Jeff Erickson 7
EAdrianza, LAA Chris Blessing 5
JWebb, Bal Jeff Erickson 3
MMaldonado, CWS Eric Samulski 3
TJankowski, Tex Andy Andres 2
TSoderStrom, Oak Mike Podhorzer 2
SBarlow, Cle Andy Andres 1
GHampson, KC Patrick Davitt 0

National League

PLAYER TEAM MANAGER BID
JBeck, Col Brendan Tuma 185
ESosa, Phi Steve Gardner 65
MBlack, SF Ian Kahn 53
BSabol, SF Rick Graham 38
MParker, Was Ian Kahn 33
KHernandez, LAD Peter Kreutzer 27
BHudson, Mil Peter Kreutzer 13
AMorejon, SD Peter Kreutzer 13
RMunoz, Mia Rick Graham 5
JEstrada, SD Brendan Tuma 3
MSiani, StL Brendan Tuma 3
TyRogers, SF Grey Albright 3
RLovelady, ChC Grey Albright 3
LMaile, Cin Steve Gardner 2
AWilliams, Pit Rick Graham 2
TayRogers, SF Wilderman/Prior 2
JDiekman, NYM Wilderman/Prior 2
YAlmonte, ChC Phil Hertz 1
DCronin, Mia Brian Walton 1
RFernandez, StL Brian Walton 1
ABummer, Atl Derek Carty 0
GStubbs, Phi Steve Gardner 0

Mixed Auction

PLAYER TEAM MANAGER BID
CScott, NYM Alex Chamberlain 275
KManzardo, Cle Kev Mahserejian 121
JBeck, Col Dave Adler 103
TBlack, Mil Scott Swanay 92
VBrujan, Mia Andy Behrens 86
AMaldonado, Mia Andy Behrens 86
HWesneski, ChC Scott Engel 75
DCarlson, StL Scott Swanay 60
TyAnderson, LAA Scott Swanay 60
JMateo, Bal Jeff Zimmerman 45
WPerez, Det Jeff Zimmerman 45
RPalacios, TB Kev Mahserejian 36
MBlack, SF Jeff Zimmerman 36
CCriswell, Bos Tristan Cockcroft 32
CIrvin, Bal Dave Adler 31
JSingleton, Hou Frank Stampfl 27
JBoyle, Oak Tristan Cockcroft 21
JBleday, Oak Mike Carter 16
NSchanuel, LAA Tristan Cockcroft 11
JDeLuca, TB Tristan Cockcroft 11
DMyers, Mia Scott Engel 11
BRamos, CWS Mike Carter 3
CSantana, Min Frank Stampfl 2

Mixed Draft

PLAYER TEAM MANAGER BID
TBlack, Mil Rudy Gamble 148
NSchanuel, LAA Anthony Aniano 115
JBeck, Col D.J. Short 75
WPerez, Det Scott White 54
TNevin, Oak Tim McLeod 43
MBlack, SF Ryan Bloomfield 42
ALange, Det Tim McLeod 37
VBrujan, Mia Ray Murphy 36
CCriswell, Bos D.J. Short 35
SWoodsRichardson, Min Brian Entrekin 22
HHarvey, Was Dr. Roto 19
AKirk, Tor Seth Trachtman 15
JLeiter, Tex Rudy Gamble 14
LTaveras, Tex Brian Entrekin 12
AWells, NYY Adam Ronis 8
JMiranda, Min Brian Entrekin 6
JDeLuca, TB Brian Entrekin 6
MYastrzemski, SF Shelly Verougstraete 5
DMyers, Mia Dr. Roto 4
PWisdom, ChC Seth Trachtman 3
JSingleton, Hou Seth Trachtman 3
AKittredge, StL Dr. Roto 3
RStripling, Oak Mike Gianella 1
FFermin, KC Dr. Roto 1

Head to Head

PLAYER TEAM MANAGER BID
CScott, NYM Clay Link 218
GCrochet, CWS Frank Ammirante 101
JMeans, Bal Greg Jewett 81
JChourio, Mil Ryan Hallam 61
KManzardo, Cle Michael Govier 52
TyAnderson, LAA Ariel Cohen 49
MBlack, SF Joe Gallina 47
MKepler, Min Greg Jewett 45
TBlack, Mil Michael Govier 42
BRooker, Oak Ryan Hallam 41
BLively, Cle Ryan Hallam 41
OCabrera, NYY Ryan Hallam 36
JRojas, Sea Greg Jewett 36
HWesneski, ChC Greg Jewett 36
SArrighetti, Hou Ryan Hallam 36
AToro, Oak Ryan Hallam 33
CRea, Mil Ariel Cohen 26
NSenzel, Was Nick Pollack 22
MLorenzen, Tex Blake Meyer 21
JBeck, Col Frank Ammirante 21
SFrelick, Mil Ariel Cohen 20
TNevin, Oak Joe Gallina 13
BWilson, Mil Michael Govier 13
VGrissom, Bos Clay Link 13
TStephenson, Cin Blake Meyer 11
CCriswell, Bos Joe Gallina 11
MYastrzemski, SF Nick Pollack 7
JBleday, Oak Sky Dombroske 5
BRamos, CWS Sky Dombroske 2
TLarnach, Min Lauren Auerbach 2

Mixed Draft with Alternate Categories

PLAYER TEAM MANAGER BID
TBlack, Mil Matt Cederholm 284
JHader, Hou Derek VanRiper 77
VBrujan, Mia Matt Cederholm 63
PCrowArmstrong, ChC Matt Trussell 47
JMateo, Bal Ryan Boyer 46
JBeck, Col Ray Flowers 43
JButto, NYM Sara Sanchez 42
BLively, Cle Carlos Marcano 37
WBrennan, Cle John Laghezza 36
DJansen, Tor Ryan Boyer 34
CCriswell, Bos Jeff Boggis 22
WPerez, Det Chris Clegg 21
HWesneski, ChC John Laghezza 15
MMassey, KC Chris Clegg 13
YCano, Bal Chris Clegg 7
JSchreiber, KC Chris Clegg 7
FAlvarez, NYM Chris Towers 5
MYastrzemski, SF Chris Clegg 4
JMcCarthy, Ari Matt Trussell 4
HRenfroe, KC Chris Towers 3
TAlexander, TB Matt Trussell 3
AAdams, Oak Geoff Pontes 2
BRortvedt, TB Chris Clegg 2
JDeLuca, TB Derek VanRiper 1