In this lively Sunday Night Fantasy Baseball chat, Jeff Zimmerman addresses a myriad of questions, offering insights and recommendations for waiver wire pickups and FAAB (Free Agent Acquisition Budget) bids. He navigates through a variety of player scenarios, providing his expert analysis and opinions. Here's a breakdown of some key points and his commentary:
Player Evaluations and Recommendations:
- Noah Schultz: Zimmerman suggests a 10-20% FAAB bid, highlighting his potential impact in a deep league. He acknowledges the risk but believes Schultz could be a game-changer.
- Bibee: Zimmerman projects Bibee with a 4.00 ERA, indicating a potential drop in performance. He advises moving on if possible.
- L. Gurriel: Zimmerman advises patience, expecting Gurriel to maintain his usual performance until proven otherwise.
- Jeremiah Jackson: Zimmerman believes Jackson and Holliday will split playing time, making both players less relevant in fantasy.
- Varland: Zimmerman recommends a 5-10% FAAB bid for Varland, considering his potential value in a saves+holds league.
- Keller, Thielbar, and Varland: Zimmerman ranks these relievers highly, suggesting Keller, Thielbar, and Varland as top targets for saves and holds.
- Dollander: Zimmerman suggests adding Dollander for his potential in a NL-only league, despite some initial skepticism.
Strategic Moves:
- Leiter vs. Lugo/Mayer: Zimmerman advises benching Leiter and opting for a two-start pitcher.
- Frelick vs. Doyle: Zimmerman prefers Frelick over Doyle for his potential improvement.
- Buehler: Zimmerman recommends acquiring Buehler despite a Coors start, suggesting it might make him cheaper.
- Keller vs. Vesia: Zimmerman leans towards Keller, expressing concerns about Vesia and Diaz splitting time at DH.
Player Comparisons and Decisions:
- Schultz vs. Arrighetti: Zimmerman ranks Arrighetti higher, suggesting a higher FAAB bid for Arrighetti.
- Keller vs. Thielbar: Zimmerman confirms Keller's higher value.
- Nelson vs. Varland/Scott: Zimmerman advises dropping Nelson in a 12-team league.
- Castillo vs. Roupp: Zimmerman favors Roupp for better performance.
- Benge: Zimmerman advises holding Benge, citing positive underlying traits.
Overall Commentary:
Zimmerman's approach is characterized by a blend of analytical insights, strategic recommendations, and personal opinions. He emphasizes the importance of patience, risk assessment, and adapting strategies based on player performance and league dynamics. His commentary often includes phrases like 'In my opinion' and 'What I think,' showcasing his willingness to share his perspective while encouraging readers to form their own judgments.