Tout Wars FAB Report: Week of June 19

Welcome to the weekly FAB report. All of the winning bids are included below. If you want to see the standings, rosters and all the moves, just click on the league header.

American League

Player Team Bid
JWebb, LAA Jeff Erickson 5
AAbreu, NYY Andy Andres 4
SArmstrong, TB Jason Collette 2
HHarris, Oak Jason Collette 16
DBlanco, KC Larry Schechter 176
CIrvin, Bal Larry Schechter 36
JFoley, Det Larry Schechter 23
STaylor, KC Patrick Davitt 89
ZRemillard, CWS Patrick Davitt 79
PBlackburn, Oak Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 9
AIbanez, Det Andy Andres 27
JCordero, NYY Andy Andres 0
TWade, Oak Jason Collette 1
AVelazquez, LAA Jeff Erickson 11
KolWong, Sea Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 0
PReyes, Bos Eric Samulski 4

National League

Player Team Bid
LMatos, SF Todd Zola 417
ESheehan, LAD Erik Halterman 312
HDavis, Pit Phil Hertz 104
JHicks, StL Ian Kahn 104
EMontero, Col Todd Zola 47
MMoustakas, Col Peter Kreutzer 43
JAmaya, Mia Wilderman/Prior 29
BPerkins, Mil Wilderman/Prior 29
OBido, Pit Peter Kreutzer 23
RTapia, Mil Grey Albright 23
CSanchez, Phi Phil Hertz 22
JAlfaro, Col Grey Albright 12
MTonkin, Atl Grey Albright 7
KYates, Atl Steve Gardner 3
BHoeing, Mia Rick Graham 2
SOkert, Mia Derek Carty 1
AMonasterio, Mil Tristan H. Cockcroft 0
BHoneywell, SD Tristan H. Cockcroft 0
ANardi, Mia Phil Hertz 0

Mixed Salary Cap

Player Team Bid
ESheehan, LAD Nick Pollack 95
LMatos, SF Garion Thorne 75
JHicks, StL Scott Pianowski 55
JTeheran, Mil Scott Pianowski 55
CEncStrand, Cin Scott Swanay 49
JPeterson, Oak Scott Pianowski 44
SMcGough, Ari Scott Pianowski 33
STaylor, KC Scott Engel 26
ARendon, LAA Kev Mahserejian 16
JBaez, Det Jeff Zimmerman 13
MTauchman, ChC Kev Mahserejian 11
MBoyd, Det Garion Thorne 11
HDavis, Pit Kev Mahserejian 8
JBarria, LAA Jeff Zimmerman 6
MVierling, Det Nick Pollack 5
TyAnderson, LAA Nick Pollack 5
LOrtiz, Pit Scott Engel 4
SManaea, SF Kev Mahserejian 3
CIrvin, Bal Jeff Zimmerman 1

Mixed Draft

Player Team Bid
JHicks, StL D.J. Short 155
ESheehan, LAD Dr, Roto 154
LMatos, SF D.J. Short 125
STaylor, KC Dr, Roto 56
YDiaz, Hou Shelly Verougstraete 53
JFoley, Det Tim McLeod 53
HDavis, Pit Scott White 46
PBailey, SF Shelly Verougstraete 35
DKremer, Bal D.J. Short 30
MBoyd, Det Ryan Bloomfield 14
DSolano, Min Ray Murphy 13
WBenson, Cin Shelly Verougstraete 10
PSmith, Ari Ryan Bloomfield 10
SFrelick, Mil Tim McLeod 4
LGarcia, Was Mike Gianella 4
CDevenski, LAA Anthony Aniano 3
ROHearn, Bal Adam Ronis 1
MBusch, LAD Scott White 1
YChirinos, TB Adam Ronis 1
DBard, Col Mike Gianella 0
ESwanson, Tor Shelly Verougstraete 0

Head to Head

Player Team Bid
ESheehan, LAD Geoff Pontes 223
LMatos, SF Geoff Pontes 79
STorkelson, Det Geoff Pontes 46
HDavis, Pit Frank Stampfl 27
DLynch, KC Michael Govier 21
JMcCarthy, Ari Clay Link 21
TFriedl, Cin Michael Govier 16
JHicks, StL Frank Stampfl 13
MBoyd, Det Lauren Auerbach 11
BNaylor, Cle Sky Dombroske 11
CRea, Mil Lauren Auerbach 9
KFinnegan, Was Michael Govier 9
MCanha, NYM Lauren Auerbach 4
KCarpenter, Det Greg Jewett 3
NFortes, Mia Greg Jewett 2

Mixed with IP & Saves+Holds

Player Team Bid
ESheehan, LAD John Laghezza 129
LTaveras, Tex Dylan White 41
DBlanco, KC Andy Behrens 37
PBlackburn, Oak Jennifer Piacenti 31
HDavis, Pit Andy Behrens 22
CJulks, Hou Sara Sanchez 18
DSolano, Min Carlos Marcano 11
RSuarez, Phi Carlos Marcano 11
OArcia, Atl Jeff Boggis 11
BDoyle, Col John Laghezza 9
TWalker, Phi Chris Towers 3
YKikuchi, Tor Jeff Boggis 2
STaylor, KC Dylan White 0

Tout Daily: Halfway Home

This is the third week of Period 3, so not are we at the halfway point of the period, we’re halfway through the 20-week Tout Daily regular season. So far, six different Touts have claimed an invite to the Championship Tournament. Will some earn their second Golden Ticket, or will there be three more first-timers? Tonight’s 14-game slate will go a long way toward determining the next three entrants. Here are some of the picks.

Erik Halterman (Rotowire, @erik_halterman)

Pitcher: Joe Musgrove – Musgrove has pitched well on American soil this season. Take out his disaster in Mexico City and his ERA drops from 4.35 to 3.08 ERA. A matchup against the Guardians (ranked 27th by team wRC+) makes him my preferred inexpensive option.

Hitter: Anthony Rendon – Rendon has just one homer in 35 games, but he’s also underperforming his xSLG by 99 points, so more power should be on the way. Meanwhile, he’s cut his strikeout rate to a career-low 11.3%, so the version of him we’ve seen so far is already enough to justify his cheap price ($3,200) against unimposing lefty Cody Bradford.

Jeff Boggis (Fantasy Football Empire, @JeffBoggis)

Pitcher: Max Scherzer – Max Scherzer (NYM – SP) – ($9,800) – Big time game for a big-time player. Scherzer loves the spotlight and tonight’s subway series with the Yankees is about as big as it gets. I’ll take his 9.8 K/9 tonight at home against the Yankees.

Hitter: Elly De La Cruz – Elly De La Cruz (CIN – SS) – ($4,700) – This top prospect is fun to watch and can carry your team on any given night. He has 4 stolen bases in 7 games this season.

Todd Zola (Mastersball, @toddzola)

Pitcher: Edward Cabrera – The blister from the last start is a bigger concern that the Mariners lineup

Hitter: Rafael Devers – Just feelin’ it. Barely missed depositing one into the bullpen last night. Well, it would have made it, if not for a fine play by Nolan Jones.

Sara Sanchez (bleedcubbieblue.com, @BCB_Sara)

Pitcher: Pablo Lopez – Lopez has been sneaky good this year and the Brewers aren’t exactly a fearsome offense.

Hitter: JD Martinez – Has been doing damage against righties this year and Lance Lynn has not been great. Factor in the time zone change and I think the Dodgers should have a good night tonight and Martinez looks to be in the middle of it.

Tout Wars FAB Report: Week of June 12

Welcome to the weekly FAB report. All of the winning bids are included below. If you want to see the standings, rosters and all the moves, just click on the league header.

American League

Player Team Bid
WCalhoun, NYY Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 29
YChirinos, TB Rob Leibowitz 23
KSmith, Oak Jason Collette 22
TClarke, KC Patrick Davitt 19
JSborz, Tex Andy Andres 13
TSoderStrom, Oak Rob Leibowitz 11
BMcKinney, NYY Chris Blessing 11
SEspinal, Tor Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 9
RLopez, CWS Jason Collette 6
RBlanco, Hou Jeff Erickson 5
VBrujan, TB Joe Sheehan 3
DCoulombe, Bal Rob Leibowitz 1
SLong, Oak Doug Dennis 0

National League

Player Team Bid
CMontes, Col Steve Gardner 85
WBenson, Cin Wilderman/Prior 40
NMadrigal, ChC Phil Hertz 32
ESosa, Phi Peter Kreutzer 14
APainter, Phi Phil Hertz 14
MFulmer, ChC Phil Hertz 4
SMuzziotti, Phi Todd Zola 3
AKnizner, StL Phil Hertz 2
JMerryweather, ChC Rick Graham 1
LGuillorme, NYM Erik Halterman 1
JChavez, Atl Peter Kreutzer 0
BHand, Col Peter Kreutzer 0

Mixed Salary Cap

Player Team Bid
JWiemer, Mil Scott Swanay 58
AHicks, Bal Scott Pianowski 55
JRogers, Det Scott Pianowski 55
TPham, NYM Scott Pianowski 51
TMay, Oak Scott Chu 26
BWoo, Sea Brent Hershey 23
RBlanco, Hou Garion Thorne 22
CRea, Mil Kev Mahserejian 19
DPeralta, LAD Scott Chu 19
KCrawford, Bos Jeff Zimmerman 16
DSolano, Min Scott Chu 16
DCarlson, StL Brent Hershey 13
MGarcia, KC Jeff Zimmerman 13
BAnderson, Mil Kev Mahserejian 11
KHendricks, ChC Nick Pollack 8
AMinter, Atl Scott Engel 6
PBlackburn, Oak Kev Mahserejian 4
ERivera, Ari Scott Engel 3
JSegura, Mia Jeff Zimmerman 2

Mixed Draft

Player Team Bid
WBrennan, Cle Tim McLeod 39
BWoo, Sea Rudy Gamble 37
TPham, NYM D.J. Short 35
BRooker, Oak Dr, Roto 24
ERivera, Ari Dr, Roto 22
ROlson, Det Scott White 17
CMcCormick, Hou Anthony Perri 12
KCrawford, Bos Adam Ronis 12
GUrshela, LAA Mike Gianella 10
MCanha, NYM Mike Gianella 10
JCaballero, Sea Anthony Aniano 7
SMcGough, Ari Tim McLeod 7
JWestburg, Bal Dr, Roto 6
JBauers, NYY Anthony Perri 3
BJoyce, LAA Anthony Aniano 2
MAmaya, ChC Shelly Verougstraete 1
DLynch, KC Seth Trachtman 1
TGrisham, SD Mike Gianella 1
KHendricks, ChC Scott White 0

Head to Head

Player Team Bid
NJones, Col Ryan Hallam 73
KHendricks, ChC Clay Link 46
KCrawford, Bos Frank Ammirante 41
JSanchez, Mia Frank Ammirante 33
TCasas, Bos Frank Ammirante 32
ROlson, Det Paul Sporer 26
YChirinos, TB Lauren Auerbach 24
ADeSclafani, SF Ariel Cohen 23
JWiemer, Mil Michael Govier 18
ZDavies, Ari Clay Link 12
LRaley, TB Paul Sporer 7
HHarris, Oak Michael Govier 7
LOrtiz, Pit Michael Govier 7
EJulien, Min Frank Stampfl 7
ERosario, Atl Sky Dombroske 3
SMcGough, Ari Greg Jewett 3

Mixed with IP & Saves+Holds

Player Team Bid
EDeLaCruz, Cin Matt Trussell 531
CEncStrand, Cin Andy Behrens 172
AAbbott, Cin Chris Towers 74
MOzuna, Atl Jennifer Piacenti 36
WBrennan, Cle Sara Sanchez 32
JPeterson, Oak Jennifer Piacenti 28
BWoo, Sea Chris Clegg 16
BDoyle, Col John Laghezza 8
ERosario, Atl Chris Towers 7
BRaley, NYM Matt Trussell 4
GCanning, LAA Chris Towers 4
MThaiss, LAA Jeff Boggis 1
BAnderson, Mil Jeff Boggis 1
SMcGough, Ari Matt Trussell 1
PStrzelecki, Mil Matt Trussell 0

Tout Table: How to Improve Batting Average

Let’s mix a little game theory with roster management and player analysis.

How do you go about improving in the batting average (OBP) category?

Jeff Zimmerman (Fangraphs, @jeffwzimmerman): Trades. While it sounds simple, move extreme contributors in power and speed but low OBP for hitters who provide OBP. The only other option is seeing if your team’s lowest OBP can be upgraded. Otherwise, it’s nearly impossible to improve on it.

Brad Johnson (Patreon BaseballATeam, @BaseballATeam): The main thing is to actually do the math. Say you see you have a .260 AVG and want to be at .268. What does that actually mean in terms of the average you need to get there? Converting AVG into H/AB can help you visualize matters. It’s one thing to say “I need someone with a .325 AVG.” But you might need to spread that over several someones and figure out some platoons. That’s when seeing it as H/AB is most helpful.

Fred Zinkie (Yahoo/Rotowire, @FredZinkieMLB): Addition by subtraction. Either via trade or the waiver wire, try to get rid of the players who are killing your BA/OBP (assuming that you have reason to believe that those players will continue to have low averages from this point forward).

Rick Wolf (SiriusXM, @RickWolf1): Colton & The Wolfman use addition by subtraction. This does mean dropping players who hit for a low average or have a low OBP if that is your league’s format but only if they are not providing anything else. If the players have power or speed, find a trading partner. Trade that player in a package to get a need, usually pitching. Rely on BABIP to tell you if your player or a targeted player will improve his batting average. Low BABIP means the player has been unlucky. Expect a player’s average to go up if they are below their average BABIP.

Matt Williams (The Game Day, @MattWi77iams): I think the best route to improve AVG/OBP is by either working the trade market in order to improve any glaring deficiencies in your lineup, or by trying to take advantage of batting platoons. Platoons require the proper time & research to be successful, but it is a tried-and-true method to improve those categories.

Scott Swanay (FantasyBaseballSherpa, @fantasy_sherpa): If I’m prioritizing AVG or OBP to gain ground in the standings, then I’ll prioritize it when I look at rest-of-season projections for waiver wire players and/or players I’m considering trading for. Then again, since AVG/OBP are subject to quite a bit of random variation and can move down as well as up, it’s rare I’ll prioritize either in a vacuum. Also, given that in a 5×5 league there are typically 2 average-based pitching categories, but only 1 average-based hitting category, I generally focus less on the average-based hitting category than the pitching ones.

Scott Engel (The Game Day, @ScottETheKing): You really aren’t going to find much of anything on waivers. So my focus would be on the trade market. In a league with very experienced players, such as Tout Wars, it’s not difficult to make a fair deal. There isn’t much salesmanship involved, which can be annoying in other leagues. Each side knows what the other needs and what the other is willing to give up. You’re not going to rip anyone off, but you should always be able to fill a need.

Ray Murphy (BaseballHQ, @RayHQ): First step is excising your biggest BA/OBP offenders. You probably have someone on your roster, maybe not even a catcher, who’s got a .210 BA or worse. Stop playing them. Even finding a relatively empty .250 replacement is a meaningful improvement. From there, you can take the suggestions of others above: do the math to see what gains are possible, what regression candidates you have on your roster. Target trades, etc.

Vlad Sedler (FTN Fantasy, @rotogut): Folks on here have covered many of the important ways to do so, the most helpful recommending trades and to cut the hitters with subpar plate discipline who are damaging and dragging down your OBP. Worth noting that we must still be cognizant of the fact that there are nine other categories to be mindful of. In case we’re considering a full overhaul.

Doug Dennis (BaseballHQ, @dougdennis41): Agree with above comments about math. I think typically it is a constant effort to improve the roster through PAs, but here we are saying that BA or OBP is where a larger number of standings points can be gained. What can I do to add 3 or 4 points in the standings without subtracting 3 or 4 somewhere else? In these competitive leagues, runs, RBIs, HRs and to some extent SBs are bought through PAs, so even when subtracting someone, you have to make sure it isn’t harming your other categories. Trade-wise, if I am trading to help one category, I look to only give up one other category if at all possible. So perhaps a team that has excess BA or OBP needs steals and I have a surplus of steals from a guy who is otherwise not helping me (runs, RBIs, HRs, BA or OBP). Or maybe it is saves that I can trade. Point is–it is one category for one category with a trade partner who has the need where my surplus can help. That is who I want to trade and the trade partner I want to target. Hypothetically speaking.

Jeff Erickson (Rotowire, @Jeff_Erickson): Step 1 – excise Javy Baez. Step 2 …. Step 3 – Profit!

Doug Dennis (BaseballHQ, @dougdennis41): Ha! *checks to see if I have Javy Baez active anywhere*

Chris Clegg (Pitcher List, @RotoClegg): I think improving your batting average or OBP is always easier said than done. It does take work and effort. As many have mentioned, doing the math is important. See what you actually need rest of season and make moves that push you toward that goal. If your ratios seem bad right now, know it’s not to late to make moves to help your team via trade or waiver wire.

Michael A. Stein (Fantasy Judgment, @FantasyJudgment): I am disappointed I missed the dumping on Javier Baez by a few minutes, but I swear I was going throw him under the bus. Javier Baez makes Rob Deer look like Tony Gwynn. Batting average or OBP are difficult to significantly improve for all the reasons stated before. Trades are definitely the best way to go about improving. You could also make a conscious choice to bench everyday players who have low BA or OBP and opt for a part-time player who may not hurt you as much. This only works if you are solid in the other categories.

Mike Podhorzer (Fangraphs, @MikePodhorzer): Either by exercising excruciating patience if your roster is filled with unlucky BABIPers, or by trading for Luis Arraez.

Ariel Cohen (CBS Sports, @ATCNY): I think that it is obvious to everyone that if you stopped playing the lowest OBP players on your roster, in favor of the higher OBP players – you would theoretically improve your OBP going forward. There isn’t much wisdom in telling you that. I think the question becomes – which is it is the more efficient approach to make up points in the category by A) Using your own roster alone B) By looking on the waiver wire, or by C) Trading. And by efficient, I mean which compromises your other categories the least, and is the better use of fantasy capital (FAAB, player capital, etc.) for the largest potential improvement? Now, the answer is inherently roster and format dependent. However, I will say that I believe that the waiver wire option will be the least efficient of the three. The players capable of altering your ratios off the wire may be a larger drain on your team’s overall value than using options within (small gain for medium loss). And a for trading – although this option costs the most fantasy capital – it also tends to have the best chance at team improvement (medium gain at a cost). So the bottom line of what I’m saying here for advice – is that it is roster and format dependent, but trading or managing your active roster more closely may be more efficient than heading to the waiver wire in June for OBP improvement.

Andy Behrens (Yahoo Fantasy Sports, @andybehrens): Well, I’m giving Ryan Noda a test drive. Here’s hoping it works. It would be great if I could just stop using Jorge Mateo, but someone has to steal these bases.

Brent Hershey (Baseball HQ, @BrentHQ): The random fluctuation thing is what makes improving BA/OBP challenging IMO. Trading/lopping off offenders is a great way to do it, but if you’re stuck with picking up a free agent to try and help, I stick to skills and cross my fingers. BB/K for BA (especially combined with a poor BABIP; and double-digit BB% (either historical or projected) for OBP.

Ryan Bloomfield (BaseballHQ, @RyanBHQ): Lots of goodies so far, I’ll throw in Park Factors as something else you might use to gain an edge. We usually think of ballpark (dis)advantages in terms of home runs, but each track can play differently for batting average as well. BaseballHQ’s Park Factors, for example, has Wrigley Field boosting batting average for LHB by 11% despite it being a tough park for homers. To nobody’s surprise, Coors Field is MLB’s best batting average park with +13% and +19% BA gains for LHB and RHB, respectively. Play guys hitting in good parks!

Mike Gianella (Baseball Prospectus, @MikeGianella): I hate echoing everyone else but unless you’re in a shallower league, trades are the way to go here. Focus on another team that’s also low in the category and see if you can get them to give up in AVG/OBP in exchange for more power or speed. If it’s a team lower in the standings than you that needs to make a Hail Mary to contend, all the better.

Todd Zola (Mastersball, @toddzola): For me, the first step is identifying the reason for the deficiency. Keep in mind, batting average (OBP) is the most tightly bunched category. Plus, you can gain points if those above you drop in average. The point being, you may not have to do anything if you have a few players hitting into bad luck, with regression likely. If the shortfall won’t take care of itself, the first place I look is catchers. Sometimes replacing a batting average crusher with a guy who doesn’t play much, but hits for a reasonable average can help the category without hurting counting stats. Past that, looking for unlucky players on the waiver wire, or an opponent’s roster is a nice pathway, since cost of acquisition may be reasonable. Players with a big delta between their xBA and BA are clear targets, though xBA can be misleading since it is essentially a park neutral stat and may be different per home venue. Still, it’s a good place to start. I’ll also look for players hitting the ball harder, or fanning less, without commensurate results.

Grey Albright (RazzBall, @razzball): Trade for players who have been unlucky on BABIP, or trade for Javier Baez and pay him not to play.

Dylan White (Baseball America, @the__arrival): It’s extremely difficult to make up ground – especially at this point in the season. For example, my Tout team, as currently constructed, is projected to end up with a .330 OBP. I drafted a number of counting stats guys who weren’t the greatest from an OBP standpoint: players like Willy Adames, Nick Castellanos, and Austin Hays. At this point in the season, taking currently accrued stats, if I replaced Nick Castellanos (ROS projection of .321 OBP) with, say, Christian Yelich’s projected ROS OBP of .363, my overall team’s OBP would only be projected to rise to .332. An improvement no doubt (+0.002). But there is certainly not a player of Yelich’s caliber on the wire. Looking at the best OBP projections available: Brandon Belt (.331), DJ LeMahieu (.344), or, for this Castellanos-replacement example, Jesse Winker (.348), my team’s overall projected seasonal OBP only goes up by +0.001…and that doesn’t even consider the loss in other categories. All this to say: the math isn’t in your favor to make up ground in OBP (or BA). You need to set an appropriate foundation during the draft (in my experience) or make sure all of your waiver wire transactions incrementally move upward in OBP/BA.

Scott Chu (Pitcher List, @ifthechufits): This is tough, because streaming batting average is really difficult outside attacking the 81 games in Coors field. If I was going to stream AVG, my approach would be to exploit platoons to the extreme. Guys like Gabriel Moreno and Rob Refsnyder aren’t appealing most of the time, but finding a spot for them when they’ll see 3+ lefties in a week can make an impact. Against righties, Kevin Kiermaier and Mauricio Dubon can do some damage. It’s not sexy, but at this point of the season you’re likely streaming a position or two anyway. Of course, in head-to-head formats, the easier play is to ignore the category entirely – your roster’s weekly batting average is impossible to predict. Even the streaming options won’t do much for you week-to-week as it’s their season-long cumulative impact than you’re chasing.

Paul Sporer (Fangraphs, @Sporer): Cutting the chaff with the guys who are hurting you most as many have mentioned is a major piece as well as patience on the hitters you believe in. You can stream hitters, but they won’t fix it in a week, so make sure you’re not expecting instant results with your pickups.

Anthony Aniano (Rotoballer, @AAnianoFantasy): Sometimes the best way to improve batting average is not by adding player but by subtraction. Case in point this season is Kyle Schwarber, if you need to make up point in BA and have enough power just replacing him with a .265 hitter will help your team gain a few points.

Frank Ammirante (The GameDayHQ, @FAmmiranteTFJ): You can improve your OBP by targeting a hitter with a high walk rate who has gotten off to a slow start this season. The perfect example of this is Triston Casas, who has a 15.7 BB%, but his OBP is only .318 due to his .194 batting average. Casas will eventually start performing more like a .230 to .240 hitter, which would make his OBP much better. There’s a good chance that he’s widely available due to his struggles so far.

Patrick Davitt (BaseballHQ, @patrickdavitt): Project your whole league’s standings using a couple of stats sources to see how much gain you can make with the various tactics discussed above. It might be that someone ahead of you in the cat will move past you going backwards, if they’ve had an unsustainably hot BA start.

Jason Collette (Rotowire, @jasoncollette): It honestly depends on league context. In LABR, we can’t just bench guys so if you didn’t properly account for OBP risks, it’s an uphill slog. At least in Tout, we can cycle slumps out of our lineup to help manage the OBP risks. I do work to look at expected stats and look to take chances on trades or pickups while look to proactively bench folks over their skis. For example, I benched Brandon Lowe in another league before this current slump (even before the injury) got too bad. I wish I would have done the same with a slumping Taylor Walls.

Ian Kahn (, @IanKahn4): Baseball is a game of talent, skill, and most importantly confidence. I am looking at the guys on the wire who have been hot over the last 7 days. They will continue getting at-bats and might at least help a bit. Also, just sit Gallo some weeks. I know I do.

Tout Daily: Mitching and Matching

It’s Period 3, Week 2 of Tout Daily. Here are some of the picks on the night Elly De La Cruz makes his long-awaited debut.

Pitcher: Kevin Gausman – Rolling with Kevin Gausman (TOR – P) tonight at $11,000. He’s the gasman and he’s bringing the heat. Gausman already has 100 strikeouts this season and fanned 11 in his last outing.

Hitter: Tucupita Marcano – Tucupita Marcano (PIT – SS) is grossly undervalued tonight at on $2,100. He’s averaging 5 fantasy points per game. I’ll take it.

Sara Sanchez (bleedcubbieblue.com, @BCB_Sara)

Pitcher: Mitch Keller – He’s struck out at least 8 in his last 10 starts and the outliers are 10 and 13. Sign me up.

Hitter: Mookie Betts – That 2B eligibility is amazing and he’s playing at Great American Smallpark

Erik Halterman (Rotowire, @erik_halterman)

Pitcher: Clarke Schmidt – Schmidt has extreme splits this year, as we’re seeing with many pitchers who’ve adopted a sweeper. Lefties have hit .330/.403/.569 against him this year, but righties are hitting .248/.286/.393. That makes the White Sox a great matchup, their four best hitters by wRC+ all bat right-handed.

Hitter: Patrick Wisdom – I want to load up on right-handed Cubs against Tyler Anderson and his 5.47 ERA (5.83 SIERA) and I’m not picky about which ones. Wisdom is slumping, but a pitcher who can’t miss bats (13.8 K%) is a great matchup for a hitter with huge pop but major contact concerns.

Todd Zola (Mastersball, @toddzola)

Pitcher: Joe Musgrove – The FUNGO likes Musgrove tonight, mainly because he’s at home, and the Mariners fan a bunch vs. RHP

Hitter: Will Smith – I like the Marcano call above since the chalk will be Elly De La Cruz at 2K. SFG in Coors also chalky, so I’ll stack LAD vs. Weaver

Ray Murphy (BaseballHQ, @RayHQ)

Pitcher: Clarke Schmidt – I agree with Erik above re: Clarke Schmidt. His L/R splits are pronounced, and the CHW lineup doesn’t have the lefty thump to hurt him.

Hitter: Elly de la Cruz – Elly making his debut batting cleanup at $2000 is too good to pass up, even if it’s chalky. I’ll fade Coors instead. Hey, this is supposed to be fun, right?

Tout Wars FAB Report: Week of June 5

Welcome to the weekly FAB report. The NL only wallets were opened this week with three triple-digit winning bids.

The headings to each league are direct links where you can see the rosters, standings and transactions.

American League

Player Team Bid
BWoo, Sea Eric Samulski 96
GAnderson, Tex Patrick Davitt 65
KCalhoun, FA Patrick Davitt 39
JBride, Oak Rob Leibowitz 38
ROlson, Det Eric Samulski 37
RJeffers, Min Eric Samulski 29
JMarisnick, Det Eric Samulski 21
ZShort, Det Andy Andres 16
RStephenson, TB Rick Wolf/Glenn Colton 9
MFord, Sea Eric Samulski 7
JKaprielian, Oak Larry Schechter 1
TRichards, Tor Chris Blessing 1
TKemp, Oak Joe Sheehan 1
PMaton, Hou Patrick Davitt 0

National League

Player Team Bid
GSanchez, SD Ian Kahn 142
JLawrence, Col Wilderman/Prior 129
LBaker, StL Brian Walton 129
JDeLuca, LAD Grey Albright 74
BDixon, SD Steve Gardner 42
AMonasterio, Mil Todd Zola 37
EMontero, Col Phil Hertz 37
JSingleton, Mil Ian Kahn 24
AToro, Mil Grey Albright 23
JPalacios, Pit Wilderman/Prior 19
MAmaya, ChC Grey Albright 12
JJunis, SF Phil Hertz 7
IVargas, Was Phil Hertz 7
ASmithShawver, Atl Steve Gardner 6
LMaile, Cin Steve Gardner 5
KNelson, Ari Peter Kreutzer 3
AAdams, Ari Erik Halterman 2
DEllis, Phi Erik Halterman 1
SWilson, SD Derek Carty 0
CHolderman, Pit Todd Zola 0

Mixed Salary Cap

Player Team Bid
JWalker, StL Justin Mason 333
JSanchez, Mia Brent Hershey 89
ASmithShawver, Atl Brent Hershey 81
JLawrence, Col Nick Pollack 67
TGrisham, SD Scott Swanay 45
EDeLaCruz, Cin Zach Steinhorn 38
AAbbott, Cin Scott Swanay 28
ROlson, Det Jeff Zimmerman 23
THenry, Ari Scott Engel 22
GSanchez, SD Justin Mason 19
HHarvey, Was Scott Chu 17
YGurriel, Mia Alex Chamberlain 10
RContreras, Pit Kev Mahserejian 9
GAnderson, Tex Nick Pollack 5
JBauers, NYY Scott Chu 4
RCastro, Pit Kev Mahserejian 3
JBleday, Oak Jeff Zimmerman 3
ZGreinke, KC Jeff Zimmerman 2
NFortes, Mia Kev Mahserejian 1

Mixed Draft

Player Team Bid
THenry, Ari AJ Mass 150
LBaker, StL Tim McLeod 71
MDubon, Hou Tim McCullough 42
DHall, Phi Dr, Roto 34
JLawrence, Col Scott White 27
JTaillon, ChC D.J. Short 25
MThaiss, LAA Tim McCullough 22
NJones, Col Adam Ronis 14
MMassey, KC Shelly Verougstraete 10
JBarria, LAA Adam Ronis 8
HWesneski, ChC Dr, Roto 6
SFairchild, Cin AJ Mass 1
RBlanco, Hou Mike Gianella 1
ASmithShawver, Atl Shelly Verougstraete 0
GSanchez, SD Ryan Bloomfield 0

Head to Head

Player Team Bid
AAbbott, Cin Frank Stampfl 182
THenry, Ari Geoff Pontes 69
JTaillon, ChC Geoff Pontes 68
JNaylor, Cle Ariel Cohen 45
HWesneski, ChC Michael Govier 32
JBae, Pit Ryan Hallam 27
WBrennan, Cle Joe Gallina 23
BLively, Cin Lauren Auerbach 21
JTeheran, Mil Ariel Cohen 18
LBaker, StL Sky Dombroske 16
GSanchez, SD Sky Dombroske 14
BDoyle, Col Michael Govier 12
BWoo, Sea Sky Dombroske 12
RGrichuk, Col Lauren Auerbach 11
RContreras, Pit Lauren Auerbach 9
ASmithShawver, Atl Greg Jewett 9
EDeLaCruz, Cin Frank Stampfl 4
OMiller, Mil Greg Jewett 3
BAbreu, Hou Clay Link 0

Mixed with IP & Saves+Holds

Player Team Bid
JWalker, StL Chris Clegg 57
HWesneski, ChC Chris Clegg 37
JSears, Oak Andy Behrens 21
MVientos, NYM Carlos Marcano 15
NJones, Col Brian Entrekin 12
OMiller, Mil Matt Trussell 11
RNoda, Oak Andy Behrens 11
ROlson, Det Sara Sanchez 10
JSanchez, Mia Brian Entrekin 6
JDonaldson, NYY Chris Clegg 5
LWade, SF Brian Entrekin 4
KGibson, Bal Jeff Boggis 1
ZGreinke, KC Jeff Boggis 1
ASmithShawver, Atl Matt Trussell 1
CTaylor, LAD Dylan White 0
CWong, Bos Dylan White 0

Tout Table: Hitting Speculations

This week’s question is question is a four-parter, multiple choice style.

1. Who compiles the highest 5×5 earnings for the rest of the season
A. Ronald Acuna Jr.
B. Anyone else
2. Who ends the season with the most steals?
A. Jorge Mateo
B. Ji Hwan Bae
C. Starling Marte
3. Who ends the season with the most homers?
A. Matt Olson
B. Max Muncy
C. Jorge Soler
4. Who accrues more plate appearances for the rest of the season?
A. Mike Trout
B. Aaron Judge
C. Luis Robert

Doug Dennis (BaseballHQ, @dougdennis41): Crystal ball on health–I wish!! But! Nostradamus says (1) Acuna is just a force to behold this year and only injury can stop him from owning that top slot. I don’t even have a “close second” although I think Aaron Judge would probably be it. (2) Steals–who is going to get the PAs all season? Mateo–I hate his OBP and think he could (should!) lose PAs down the road. Marte seems to get hurt/wear down. I’ll guess Bae. But it is only a guess. Esteury Ruiz might end up with more than those three combined! (3) Olson should beat Muncy and Soler in HRs with a much more reliable bat and Muncy is nicked up already. (4) Judge will have more PAs than Trout or Robert, both of whom seem to lose PAs to injuries to a greater extent than Judge has, but really, this is just a question of health.

Matt Williams (The Game Day, @MattWi77iams): 1.) Ronald Acuña: He is playing on another level this season and picking anyone else would be contrarian for the sake of it. 2.) Starling Marte: I do not trust Mateo, and while Starling has injury concerns, I also believe the Mets will end up scoring significantly more runs than the Pirates. 3.)Matt Olson: He can go on a tear at a anytime and is protected in an elite lineup 4.) Aaron Judge: This question is a complete guess, I went with my gut.

Scott White (CBS Fantasy Sports, @CBSScottWhite): 1) Ronald Acuna. Even if Aaron Judge approaches 60 homers again (which is a very big if), Acuna is running way too much to be caught, I think. 2) Starling Marte. The “chalk” answer is probably Jorge Mateo, but he’s come crashing back down to earth as a hitter and may not have much job security. 3) Matt Olson. Easy call. He’s the best htiter of the three and the most likely to stay healthy, too, if history is any indication. 4) Aaron Judge. It’s mostly a health thing. I suspect Mike Trout’s back will require a stint on the IL at some point, and Luis Robert seems to be hurt as often as he’s healthy (if not more).

Andy Andres (BaseballHQ, @sabermetrics101): Here goes: 1) I think it is Judge for most value for the rest of the year, so I take the field against Acuna 2) The three are pretty equal, but I will go with Bae, bc he has the best road to the most playing time 3) Not Soler, due to playing time risk, I think it will be Olson — but I want it to be Muncy, bc it would return great value for all of the people who invested in him this year! (And I root for the Dodgers) 4) Trout, even with his injury risk, it looks like he is motivated to stay in the lineup this year bc it might be Ohtani’s last year with the Angels

Chris Blessing (BaseballHQ, @C_Blessing): 1. Acuña, with health, continues to run away for 5 by 5 earnings in the 2nd half. He’s on a mission to prove his doubters wrong. It’s Michael Jordon-esque motavation. Don’t bet against this man. 2. Marte’s bat looks shot. His legs look shot in the OF too. I’m not believing he can keep up his SB pace, even if the Mets play better in the 2nd half and he gets on base more. I hate Mateo’s profile but I’m betting on Mateo to outrun Marte and Bae. 3. I’m betting on the hit tool in this contest, leaning into Olson’s hit tool to outlast Soler and Muncy in the HR department this year. As a Muncy believer, it’s a stretch he can keep the HR total up with his BA failings. Soler gets traded at some point, right? He’ll lose ABs in the process. 4. I’m all-in on Aaron Judge with the most plate appearanced between these dudes. Robert is made of glass and Trout’s back is a big question mark holding up during the length of the season.

Michael Govier (FTN Fantasy, @mjgovier): Anyone else, Starling Marte, Matt Olson and Mike Trout. Brevity at its finest.

Phil Hertz (Baseball HQ, @prhz50): Same as Michael – my anyone else is Ohtani.

Shelly Verougstraete (NBC Sports EDGE Baseball, @ShellyV_643): 1) Ronald Acuña Jr. – He seems to be a man on a mission to get that 40/40 season. 2) Starling Marte – This one is a playing time bet. I think Mateo loses his spot in the O’s lineup soon because he has been as cold as ice for close to a month now. 3) Matt Olson – He was my pick to lead the NL in homers at the beginning of the season 4) Aaron Judge – This is a health bet. Luis Robert Jr. always misses time and Trout always has an IL stint or two during the year so I’ll go with the player who already took theirs.

Mike Sheets (ESPN, @MikeASheets): 1) The smart money is taking the field, but if pressed to pick one player, I’m still going with Acuna. 2) Give me Marte on the steals. Health is never a sure thing, but if he’s healthy, he’ll continue playing every day, which I can’t say confidently about Mateo or Bae. 3) Olson is the easy choice for me here. 4) I could go either way on Judge or Trout here, but I’ll take Judge over Trout, who likely still has an IL stint in him this year.

CJ Kaltenbach (Fantasy Guru, @TheSeigeDFS): 1) Given Acuna’s injury history I’m going to take the field but if he stays healthy he will be the #1 player 2) I trust Bae’s playing time the most of those three so I’ll go with him but I project them all within 1-2 steals of each other 3) Matt Olson hasn’t had the hot Atlanta summer to boost his HR total yet and that should be the difference 4) Aaron Judge is on the best team and has the best lineup slot so I’ll take him given all three players have equally checkered injury histories.

Fred Zinkie (Yahoo/Rotowire, @FredZinkieMLB): 1) Always smart to take the field over an individual. 2) I’ll take Marte. 3) Olson for sure. 4) I want to say Trout, but I’m picking Judge.

Adam Ronis (Fantasy Alarm, @AdamRonis): 1. It will be Acuna as long as he doesn’t miss a signicant amount of time. 2. Mateo had an awful May, but Marte hasn’t looked good and is likely to miss time with injury. 3. Olson is the pick. 4. Judge.

Dave Adler (BaseballHQ, @daveadler01): 1. Acuna going nuts, but…take the field. ALWAYS take the field in bets like this. 2. Mateo – he won’t be an Oriole much longer, and still won’t hit, but ends up running frequently wherever he goes. 3. Olson, by a hair; 4. Trout finds a way to stay healthy…

Rob Leibowitz (Rotoheaven, @rob_leibowitz): 1. Acuna has too much up and down playing time history issues to not take the field in that kind of bet. 2. Marte – Best bet at playing time. Baltimore has too many middle infield type prospects to let a sub .300 OBP guy keep the job for too long. 3. Olson is my guy. 4. Judge. He has less of a spector hanging over him than do Robert and Trout.

Scott Swanay (FantasyBaseballSherpa, @fantasy_sherpa): 1) I’ll go with the field (Judge again?) just to be a contrarian, but immense respect for Acuna and the trajectory he’s currently on – glad he’s been able to stay healthy. 2) I’ll go with Marte over Bae and Mateo just because I think his ROS playing time is a little more certain than it is for the other two – the adage about not being able to steal first base comes to mind. 3) Among these 3 I’ll go w/ Olson among these three, but still think it’s likely that Judge ends up lapping the field again in terms of who leads the league. 4) I’ll go with Judge over Robert (because NYY should have better offense than CWS ROS) and Trout (like Kershaw, he’s gotten to the point where I don’t really trust him to stay healthy for prolonged periods of time).

Dylan White (Baseball America, @the__arrival): (1) I mean, it’s gotta be ‘the field’. Looks like BATX (per my calcs) have FTJ and RAJ with the same ROS projection (under Main Event format). So, that’s enough for me to say the field. (2) I think Mateo’s playing time situation is the most up in the air (with Bae 2nd). Marte – if healthy (obviously a big if) – has the safest playing time situation. Marte for me. (3) my initial gut feel was Soler but BATX has Olson with 28 ROS and Muncy and Soler with 23 ROS. That’s a big enough difference for me to pick Olson. (4) Since 2021, Judge has accrued 1500+ PAs and Robert and Trout have both been below 1000 PAs. Judge for me for ROS.

Kev Mahserejian (Fox Sports, @RotoSurgeon): 1) Acuna has legitimately no flaws in his fantasy profile and after a torrid start like this, my bet is he remains #1 outside of injury. 2) Bae for the simple fact that he has an everyday role on an average team that will continue to allow him opportunities. Marte has his history of injury woes and Mateo is a play-time risk. 3) Olson because he will likely finish with the most plate appearances among this trio thanks to playing in the best offense. 4) Aaron Judge. His injury history is nowhwere near as severe as Trout or Robert’s where surgeries to correct major hip and foot issues came into play.

Jeff Boggis (Fantasy Football Empire, @JeffBoggis): 1. Acuna, but Freddie Freeman and Aaron Judge will give him competition. 2. Ji Hwan Bae as he has a higher on base percentage than Jorge Mateo. 3. Matt Olson as he will heat up even more like a summer in Atlanta. 4. Aaron Judge. All three have suffered injuries, but Judge’s injury is less prone to repeat.

Todd Zola (Mastersball, @toddzola): I agree with those saying if the question is Acuna or anyone else, it’s always right to take the field. That said, I suspect Acuna would be the near consensus top ranked player for the rest of the season. As for the rest, I’ll say Bae, Olson and Trout. I wish I included Buxton and not Robert Jr. as the third option. Anyway, Trout has been relatively healthy, but there have been seasons where he’s been hurt late, so he’s not out of the woods, not even close. That said, maybe I’m wish casting, or perhaps there is some recency bias after watching Aaron Judge survive his Bump Bailey moment.

Tout Daily: Respect Thy Elder

It’s the first week of Period 3, and we’re all tied for first (and last).

Here are some players the Touts hope will break the tie.

Howard Bender (Fantasy Alarm, @RotoBuzzGuy)

Pitcher: Zac Gallen – If the 0.77 home ERA and the strikeout potential don’t lure you in, how about the fact that the Rockies suck, especially on the road?

Hitter: Eloy Jimenez – He’s been hot since coming back from his appendectomy, he’s facing a tomato can in Tyler Anderson and over his last 10 games played, Jimenez is hitting .425 with a 1.189 OPS.

Todd Zola (Mastersball, @toddzola)

Pitcher: Shane McClanahan – Only one blight on an otherwise stellar campaign. The Cubs will not make it two. At least I hope not.

Hitter: Emmanuel Rivera – Stacking Snakes against Kyle Freeland, Rivera batting second for 2.9 K. That works.

Rick Wolf (SiriusXM, @RickWolf1)

Pitcher: Bryce Elder – Facing Oakland. Been consistently getting better in each start. With a LHP facing him, the Braves should clean up.

Hitter: Royce Lewis – Almost a free square at $2000. Tough to pass up after 2-5 with a homer and 4 RBI yesterday. Stacking Braves, Mets and Twins.

Jeff Boggis (Fantasy Football Empire, @JeffBoggis)

Pitcher: Bryce Elder – The Elder Wand was one of three magical objects that made up the fabled Deathly Hallows, along with the Resurrection Stone and the Cloak of Invisibility. Tonight, I am recommending Bryce Elder and his cloak of invisibility against the Oakland Athletics tonight. I like his $9,300 slary compared to other higher priced options.

Hitter: Will Smith – Staying with the price theme, I’m going with the fresh price (Will Smith) as my top hitter tonight. I typically do not like to spend a $5,400 salary on a catcher, but I love the matchup against Washington’s Irvin.