Some of my dynasty leagues have had their first wave of FAAB bids. This goes live hours before the first FAAB run of the TGFBI season. Managers are almost done shaking off the rust and it’s time to see where you can gain the advantage. Here are some of the names that stick out that you should add if available.
Nick Burdi, RP - Give me Burdi over Kyle Crick. With Keone Kela dealing with coronavirus, the closing job is up for grabs. Crick allowed 4 ER and 2 BB in 0.1 innings in Saturday’s instraquad game. Burdi struck out two in an inning of work although he allowed an RBI single. Burdi has a fastball that averages 96.9 mph and in a microscopic 8.1 inning sample last season had an 18 SwStr%. On stuff alone it should be Burdi over Crick.
Rich Hill, LHP - This will be the big ticket item if he’s out there. Not much explanation needed. Hill’s per start numbers are fantastic. It’s a short season, less chance of injury, yadda yadda. Could be an SP4 for you in competitive leagues, traditionally a mid-draft pick. Get ready to shell out 30%+ of FAAB.
Zack Britton, LHP - Major shout out to Yanks manager Aaron Boone for not leaving us guessing here. He’s indicated Britton will close in Aroldis Chapman’s stead as he recovers from Coronavirus. Britton will cost you at least 10% of your FAAB, I’d imagine. Don’t expect great numbers though, he skated by on sheer luck last season.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa, C/3B - In two-catcher leagues, throw a dart to Kiner-Falefa. This is a pure volume play and nothing more. Your goals for your bats should be to have your lineup as full as possible at all times and if you can have someone in your second catcher spot that sees five+ games a week that’s a big win. In the offseason he eliminated his big leg kick and the results, according to the team, have been eye-opening. It’s worth a gamble.
Ryan Pressly, RP - Pressly should’ve been drafted but in case he wasn’t, get ready to go big. Roberto Osuna hasn’t made it back to the mound yet. Pressly was dealing with a blister returned yesterday. If you’re really hurting for saves, throw a few bucks in Bryan Abreu’s direction. He would have been my add if both Osuna and Pressly were out.
Eric Thames, 1B - Ryan Zimmerman opted out of the season and Thames is in line to be the everyday first baseman. Cheap pop, good lineup, potential for some solid counting stats. Type of player that prevents your CI from becoming a black hole.
Nate Pearson, RHP - Another guy who might’ve been drafted in your leagues in March. He was in my TGFBI league, at least. If he wasn’t, roster him for a week and see what Toronto does. Seven days is the arbitrary cut off date where teams can gain some extra control. If he’s not up, cut.
Ryan Helsley, RHP - I drafted Helsley in my TGFBI league thanks to a Matt Thompson tip. Not unlike Burdi, he’s got the goods. He owns a a fastball that averages 97.7 mph and a slider that often gets misclassified as a cutter because it comes in at 89 mph. Giovanny Gallegos (COVID-19 Recovery) is supposed to join the team today (July 19) for the first time all Summer Camp and can be a threat. But for now I’ll give the edge to Helsley because he can legitimately run away with the job all season.
Ryan McBroom, 1B - Royals anointed him starting first baseman. In deep leagues where you need some corner help, he’s worth a shot. Remember, volume!
Jarred Kelenic, OF - I’d maybe offer up 1-2% of your FAAB to Kelenic in the first week. He’s been stupendous in Summer Camp and is looking like the budding star we’ve expected. Mariners have no incentive, but it’s the type of gamble you make just to see what happens. Better to waste a little bit of FAAB now than spend 40 percent if he surprisingly gets the call.
Monte Harrison, OF - Monte spent all of 2019 at Triple-A and would have naturally debuted in 2020. He’s been turning online heads with his loud home runs in Marlins Park. But beat writer Joe Frisaro has mentioned the strike outs have abounded as well. With Lewis Brinson and Matt Joyce on the IL, Monte Harrison should at least earn a bench spot. Use him for your last spot and cross your fingers he hits two home runs in the first two weeks to carve out regular playing time.
Clarke Schmidt, RHP - Schmidt’s two seamers and sliders have impressed Boone and made veteran Yankees hitters look silly. If Masahiro Tanaka (injury to the head from Giancarlo Stanton line drive) can’t be ready, there’s a non-zero chance Schmidt could get the call. Ditto with Michael King, whom the team may want first for service time reasons.