TODAY’S NEWS
I woke up to this video of Shohei Ohtani hitting a homer from his knee. Delightful, but the rest of the day went downhill. Tech issues mostly, with my various devices not speaking with each other the way they should. And can you explain to me why Microsoft thinks it’s a good idea to ruin the Windows experience by hyping Edge and all their cheapo paid services all the time?
In any case, all might be right now, so let’s dig in.
Jordan Walker is having a hot spring, and I’ve bumped his price up to $8. I still think he’s going to start the season in Triple-A, but if he keeps this up maybe not. He’s an exciting hitter with an ADP equal to $12 (12/4=3) and rising.
De La Soul’s music was freed on 3/3/23. What’s the magic number?
Justin Turner was hit in the face with a pitch Monday and took 16 stitches, but did not get a concussion. There aren’t many you would think less likely to react to such a beaning badly. Andre Dawson comes to mind.
The chatter was that Noah Syndergaard’s velocity was up this year, but so far it isn’t in games. Just a tick shy of 94 mph this spring, I think the better question than Will he regain his elite velocity? is Whether or not he can get guys out with what he has? He did okay last year, but striking out only 6 per nine makes the job tougher.
BARGAIN HUNTING
No, this is not my list of sleepers. If you’re looking for a fantasy baseball preparation deal now is the time to sign up for a paid subscription to Rotoman’s Guide. Click the green button to learn more:
The pitch right now is that for your $5 monthly subscription you’ll get access to all the lists, Rotoman’s Sheet (with prices, projections, and player comments for many), answers to your fantasy baseball questions, and access to two months of back issues.
I’ll be turning off the paid newsletter after the first week in April, so your total commitment is just $5, half of what the printed Fantasy Baseball Guide 2023 would have cost.
I know, it’s not the same thing, but for this year it’s the best we can do. Thanks for reading.
Also, if you pay $40 for the Annual package you’ll get access to the Pattonandco.com draft package at no extra charge. Notably in the pattonandco.com package are updated expert league prices as they come out. Last week, CBS, this week LABR, and in two weeks Tout Wars. Alex also includes batting order and prospect rankings for players, if you’d like a different angle, and both Alex and my prices are there, too.
CATCHERS
As we move into draft season, a look at draft lists is in order. Here’s my current catcher list:
TOP TIER
Photo: jenniferlinneaphotography
J.T. Realmuto is always in this group, but this year he’s joined by Daulton Varsho. Both of these guys run which is the real goose to their value, but Varsho is five years younger, which is why I give him a slight edge. On the other hand, Realmuto has been at the top or close to it for five years running, and Varsho didn’t come close to him last year. The shallower your league the more you need a top catcher. Or two.
THE TEENS
A case could be made for including Alejandro Kirk, Will Smith, Sal Perez, and Adley Rutschman in that top tier, too. I have each priced at $20 and above. We usually don’t have that many catchers ranked that highly. Let’s call these guys tweeners, they’re going to cost real scratch, they have real talent and opportunity, but they don’t have the footspeed that sets our Top Tier guys apart.
The real Teens are guys like MJ Melendez, Tyler Stephenson, Willson and William Contreras, and maybe even Sean Murphy, all of whom will be cheaper but who could perform at or above the $20 mark in any given year. No matter what sized league you’re in you have to have at least one of these guys.
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