If you somehow missed it, hacking is in the news this week. And, unfortunately, it's not concerning a return to the ring for the legendary, Hacksaw Jim Duggan.
The St. Louis Cardinals organization is currently in the middle of an FBI investigation. The Bureau has conducted interviews and seized computers as they try to follow leads about a possible hack emanating from the Cardinals and targeted at the Houston Astros. According to what we know, information related to trade talks, player thoughts, and even individual medical backgrounds, was compromised. Was it used for anything? It doesn't really matter. Breaking into computers is cut-and-dry, illegal.
While we await the findings, I got to thinking about how this all applies to our world of fantasy baseball. Frankly, in 2015, we're on the edge of a scary day and time when just about anyone can get into just about anything with a few hours (or less) of work. Admittedly, there are bigger concerns for the computer security people, but our little corner of the world is not immune from emerging problems.
Just think if you could check out everyone's FAAB bid on a certain player before you placed your own bid? What if you could back-time your starting lineup and make start'em, sit'em decisions at 10:05 ET, instead of 7:05 ET? What if you could bust into your opponents' lineup each week and bench his ace pitcher who was set for two starts?
Would you do it???
This may all sound fanciful and distant, but as we see more and more money flow into the industry (I'm looking at you, Mr. DFS), it's worth understanding. If there's money to be made or stolen, you can bet that nefarious folks will find a way to do it. And, that nefarious folk might be in your league. As they do in the movies ... Da, Da, Dummm!
As a regular Joe, there's probably little you can do. You're at the mercy of your provider and their security apparatus. So, use this as a pocket reminder for July of 2019 ... double-check that winnings account, that lineup set, and that waiver bid, just to make sure you're not getting Snowden-ed.
(Note: To make the list, I'll apply a loose definition that says you have to likely be unowned in a vast majority of 12-team mixed leagues. At the end of each player note, I'll also provide a suggested bid for those that use FAAB (Free Agent Acquisition Budget) for their waiver process (based on a $100 budget). Understand that this is only a suggestion ... if you just lost you're a starting outfielder to injury and you have an immediate need or gaping hole in your lineup, you will find it necessary to bid more in order to get that week's top available outfielder.)
Hitters
Brock Holt, everywhere, Boston
As predicted, things are in the process of unraveling in Boston. By late-July, expect a near mutiny in Bean Town. You'll likely see vets pouting, a lengthy list of DL arrivals, and probably a new manager. All of this will create a vacuum for SUPER BROCK HOLT (it should be trademarked) to emerge, play every day at a different spot on the diamond, and garner what few cheers are left in the Fenway stands. He'll pop up with a good run and should get exposed by August. His ability to fit in almost everywhere in most formats is most attractive. He should be a decent add for the next month, especially with the Sox currently batting him at the top of the order
Suggested FAAB bid - $4
Chris Parmalee, 1B/OF, Baltimore
The Orioles take outfielders in and out of their starting lineup like most of us change socks. Parmalee is in the flow, right now, and providing some good pop (which he's always had) while the O's wait on Adam Jones' health to come around. If you're power deficient, he should give you a mid-year bump, but I just don't see him holding onto regular playing time through the remainder of the summer.
Suggested FAAB bid - $3
Domingo Santana, OF, Houston
It's remarkable how many times I'll think to myself, 'Well, he's a fine player and probably deserves a shot, but there's no playing time for him.' That was Santiago's status before the Astros were handed divine intervention and somehow, someway, Jake Marisnick landed on the DL with a hamstring issue. That leaves Santana with a spot on the 25 even after the return of Colby Rasmus (bereavement). Santana was fast-forwarded to the majors a year ago and failed miserably (14 Ks in 17 ABs). His second time around has gone slightly better in his first five at-bats with as many homers (1) as whiffs. He's going to be more of same that Houston offers throughout their lineup ... a two-outcome (strike out or home run) hitter. He'll have hot runs, but many cold ones, as well. Foreseeing a starting job a month from now is a real stretch.
Suggested FAAB bid - $3
Kyle Schwarber, C, Chicago
What did I just say about playing time just, well, seeming to work out somehow? I take that back in this case! The Cubs are still sticking to their guns when it comes to Schwarber's status. Even before Friday's game, manager Joe Maddon, reiterated that the young backstop was only up to DH and would be back at Triple-A Iowa City by early next week when the Cubs are back into regular NL play. That makes any add a long-term 2015 play. As of now, Schwarber doesn't have a regular role (Miguel Montero and David Ross are still hanging around) and as a very young professional hitter (he was drafted just 12 months ago), he needs regular at-bat's night after night. I haven't even gotten to his defensive deficiencies that still need to be ironed out. Schwarber can absolutely hit and he will return later this summer, but it's always hard to stash a catcher in any league. Right now, an add would be done with little hope of seeing him back in the bigs until mid-July.
Suggested FAAB bid - $7
Corey Seager, 3B/SS, LA Dodgers
In 2015, St. Louis has been the place to go for an on-going run of replacements moving into starting roles. Los Angeles has been the place to go for an ever-growing list of options that can't all start because of, hmmm, mathematical improbabilities! Major League Baseball will have to alter all their rules before we get to a place where all these Dodgers are worthy of being owned in all leagues. Seriously, just ask an Alex Guerrero owner is handling things right now (6 starts in 18 June games). Seager has done everything you could ask for in the minors, posting a .324/.370/.533-slash in 61 games between Double and Triple-A. Right now, Jimmy Rollins is still lost at sea and is getting by on defense alone. The Dodgers will probably let him try to pull out of the tailspin up until the All-Star break. If it's not happening by then, Seager will be up. If you can afford the roster spot, make the move now ... don't wait for the hype to catch up later.
Suggested FAAB bid - $8
Will Venable, OF, San Diego
We all know Venable. He's been with us for years. He teases us with good weeks and flattens us with nearly as many rough ones. He's always been a very good 4th outfield for a team and a never-good-enough 3rd option. Right now, the Padres are forced to turn to Venable with the 2-month set-back for Will Myers (wrist surgery). It's worth reminding that Melvin Upton, Jr., is hanging around here. That's actually a plus for Venable because it means that the Friars can spot him in only the good match-ups. But, that will limit his overall fantasy counting numbers. I'm a fan if you're looking to play him during hot stretches.
Suggested FAAB bid - $4
Pitchers
Matt Cain, SP, San Francisco
Remember him? It's quite remarkable how quickly guys can disappear from so many radars. Cain is the latest example. Just a couple of years ago, he was a given as a solid SP3. Now, he's just hoping to earn the tag 'streamer.' The veteran righty is coming off an elbow issue and his return is imminent. But, there's a catch ... San Francisco has too many pitchers. Jake Peavy is also nearing a return. This all probably means that Ryan Vogelsong is gone and Mr. No-Hitter, Chris Heston, might even be on the chopping block. I believe that Cain will be given a starters' gig no matter what. He's just been too much a part of what has made the Giants so good for the past six-to-seven years. If Cain is truly healthy, this could be a big time waiver steal. If he isn't, the cost isn't too brutal.
Suggested FAAB bid - $8
Cory Knebal, RP, Milwaukee
Knebal doesn't have numbers that jump out at you, but his role could eventually land him in the 8th or 9th innings. With Milwaukee going nowhere, you can bet that they are offering both Francisco Rodriguez and Jonathan Broxton to anyone with a thin relief corps. That won't be an easy sell, but all it takes is one or two desperate teams. The money here says Knebal would get the promotion in the event of any change in the Brew Crew's late frame workload. He's got a huge right arm that can touch 95+ and a plus curveball. In other words, it's the arsenal of a future closer.
Suggested FAAB bid - $1 (great for holds leagues and NL-only set-up's)
Tommy Milone, SP, Minnesota
Milone is in the midst of his annual appearance in columns such as this. After missing all of May, Milone has come back on the scene and reeled off three consecutive good outings. In them, he's totaled 19 innings, allowing a WHIP of exactly 1, with a decent K-rate and an ERA of 2.37. He's also set for a two-start week with against the White Sox and at Milwaukee. That's a dream of a slate, but I'm not even sure Milone can really take advantage of it. But, he's going well and the starts are there.
Suggested FAAB bid - $1
Ervin Santana, SP, Minnesota
Much like Cain up above (but, without the higher-end ceiling), Santana has become a forgotten man. Not that he shouldn't be. His PED suspension on the eve of the season mostly erased him from late-March draft boards. Anyone who drafted him before then moved on to another arm. Now, Santana is on the trail back and set to be back on the big league roster just after the All-Star break. Minnesota is paying him plenty of money and he should be able to find a regular turn in the rotation (Mike Pelfrey will eventually become Mike Pelfrey again, right?!?). But, if you had him and he was in the Twins' rotation, he's really still just another streamer in favorable settings. If you make the bid this weekend, there shouldn't be much competition to snag him.
Suggested FAAB bid - $2 (worth slightly more, but, again, no one's bringing him up)
Kevin Siegrist, RP, St. Louis
At this point, a DL-stint for current closer, Trevor Rosenthal, would be par for the course in St. Louis. Every other regular and critical piece to the puzzle has come up lame, so why not Rosenthal? Currently, the team says his sore biceps is not DL-worthy. We'll see. If he were to land on the rest-and-repair shelf, Siegrist would be everyone's grab. I think that would be the immediate answer, but I have high questions that it would be for more than 2 weeks. One of two things would happen ... either Rosenthal returns and has his job waiting for him or, the Cardinals make a move to add a better option. Simply put, Siegrist is a perfect middle reliever. I don't think anyone sees him as closer material. If you bid and win, I don't believe you'll be racking up saves a month from now ... even if Rosenthal is out. Ratios, though!
Suggested FAAB bid - $4
Matt Wisler, SP, Atlanta
Wisler was penciled in for a write-up before he caught the eyes of everyone on Friday night against the Mets. Making his MLB debut, the right-handed prospect clocked in 8 innings of six hit ball with just one run allowed. He only punched out 2 out of the 24 he retired and that works as a good reminder of what he is. I like him more than guys like Chi Chi Gonzalez, Vincent Valesquez, and even Eduardo Rodriguez. He can be a certifiable SP3 on a major league roster and more of a mid-level SP5 in fantasy circles, for now. I fear the bidding will reach unfortunate highlights after Friday's effort. Don't get carried away.
Suggested FAAB bid - $3
You can hear Kyle each weeknight on 'The SiriusXM Fantasy Drive' from 7-10 ET, Sirius 210, XM 87.
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