Take 10 with Tim – April 17, 2026 @ 9:15 am
Microsoft Teams:

1.We’ve had some impressive early-season pitching performances, which might be showing a new baseline, and which are going to correct?
1)Jeffrey Springs (LHP, ATH) – 24.2 IP, 20K/8BB, 1.46 ERA, 3 wins
i.Tim: Concerned about the park
2)Emerson Hancock (RHP, Sea) – 23.2 IP, 25K/4BB, 2.38 ERA, 2 wins
i.New baseline for Tim.
3)Parker Messick (RHP, Cle) – 25.2 IP, 25K/7BB, 1.05 ERA, 3 wins
i.Tim sees him as a #2/#3
4)Sandy Alcantara (RHP, Mia) – 30.1 IP, 22K/6BB, 2.67 ERA, 2 wins
i.Tim: The rust has been knocked off and he’s back to being a fantasy ace
5)Drew Rasmussen (RHP, TB) – 16.0 IP, 17K/1BB, 1.13 ERA, 1 win
i.Tim: He’s been pretty good to-date and that continues. K-Rate will normalize. Needs to stay healthy.
6)Randy Vazquez (RHP, SD) – 21.2 IP, 25K/8BB, 2.49 ERA, 1 win
i.Tim: Correction coming.
7)Braxton Ashcraft (RHP, Pit) – 17 IP, 20K/XBB, 2.12 ERA, 1 win
i.Tim likes him.
8)Bryce Elder (RHP, Atl) – 23.1 IP, 23K/7BB, 0.77 ERA, 2 wins
i.Tim: Sell high – now.
9)Justin Wrobleski (LHP, LAD) – 17.0 IP, 6K/5BB, 2.12 ERA, 2 wins
i.Tim: He’s ok, more of a 4.00 ERA
10)Tomoyuki Sugano (RHP, Col) – 16.2 IP, 12K/3BB, 2.16 ERA, 1 win
i.Tim: Only one game at home. He’s an innings eater and will eat into your ERA. Big time correction coming.

2.Long-time Angels’ prospect Jeremiah Jackson is getting a chance to play for the Orioles as Jackson Holliday is rehabbing. In fact, the Orioles have slowed Holiday’s arrival to Baltimore – not sure if it’s related to how well JJ has been playing. He hit his fifth home run of the season on Wednesday. He’s always swung at everything, and 2026 is no different, as he hasn’t walked yet. What happens with Jackson Holliday is ready to return?
1)Holliday gets sent down?
2)Jeremiah Jacksion gets sent down?
3)Coby Mayo gets sent down?
4)The Orioles keep all three on the roster.

3.What did you think of Noah Schultz’s start on Tuesday – 4.1 IP, 4 hits, 3 ER, 4K/4BB
1)In case you’re wondering, all the damage in his start was done by RHB. .883 OPS vs. .200 OPS. Of course, it was a tiny sample size

4.Kevin McGonigle continues the trend my signing a massive contract at 8 years and $150 million. Rank these young players on who you would like to own for the next five years.
1)Kevin McGonigle
2)Samuel Basallo
3)Roman Anthony
4)Konnor Griffin
5)Jackson Chourio

5.With the Cubs and Astros pitching staffs decimated with injuries, why is Lucas Giolito still not signed?
1)Is it time for fantasy managers to put him on their rosters?

6.The mediocrity at the start of the season among MLB teams is pretty stark. I’m writing this on Wednesday afternoon, and over half the teams are at or near .500, either even or one game over or under. Is this just a weird start to the season, and will the better teams start to accelerate?
1)The three best records in the league belong to the Dodgers, Braves, and Twins. I think we all assumed the Dodgers would be good, but you weren’t all that bullish on the Braves. Thoughts on their start – without Ronald Acuna doing anything.
2)What about the Twins? Can they keep this up?

7.What hitter will you be targeting for this weekend’s FAAB?

8.What pitcher will you be targeting for this weekend’s FAAB?

2317 - Are these pitchers for real?