Fantasy Baseball Live – February 15, 2025 – 12 noon

Segments 1 – News and Notes

1.Hamate surgery has struck early and often, with three prominent players, Corbin Carroll, Francisco Lindor, and Jackson Holliday, going down in the first week of Spring Training. Each has already been downshifted in drafts. Too much, not enough, or just right? Also, should we draft their backup in drafts?
a.Corbin Carroll – Moved from 8.08 to 13.20
b.Francisco Lindor – Move from 16.66 to 27.80
c.Jackson Holliday – Moved from 136.36 to 162.40

2.The Blue Jays and Astros exchange outfielders with the Astros receiving Joey Loperfido and the Blue Jays getting Jesus Sanchez
a.Any uptick or downtick in playing time for either player?
b.Are you interested?

3.In an ugly release the Phillies DFA Nick Castellanos. He can be signed for a minimum by anyone.
a.There was a free-for-all article on the Athletic that was not very complimentary of Castellanos. He’s already been discounted for fantasy managers, going in the 26th round.

4.The Tigers sign Justin Verlander. He’s going as the 205 pitcher off the board. Where do you have him going after the trade?

5.Nathaniel Lowe signs a minor league deal with the Reds, putting pressure on Sal Stewart to hit out of spring training.
a.What is the level of worry with this signing if you decide to draft Stewart?

6.Other random early injuries
a.Shane Bieber will start the season on the IL to slowly build him up for the season.
b.Jordan Westburg has an oblique injury with no timetable for a return

Segment 2 – Pitcher Preview – We will go until time expires or we get tired and potentially, wrap it up next week.
1.How are you approaching this position for your upcoming drafts?
2.We will break down the top 60 in detail. Then, go through the next 30 in less detail. We will end by jumping around the remaining ranked players.
3.Which player not in the Top 15 has a chance to emerge there next season?
4.Which Top 15 player will not be there next season?
5.Give me a couple of sleepers
6.Give me one, maybe two guys you are just going to avoid drafting?