2016 Fantasy Baseball Tiered Shortstop Rankings (March)
Welcome to our final round of rankings. We've been guiding you throughout the offseason and it has all culminated to this. These rankings will be your guide in fantasy drafts, and while they shouldn't be seen as an end-all, be-all assessment, it's wise to have an understanding of where the market values the players you... Read More
2016 Fantasy Baseball Tiered Rankings: Second Base (March)
It seems like only yesterday that we kicked off our preseason coverage back in December with the first round of our RotoBaller staff rankings. Just kidding – it feels like an eternity whenever we’re waiting for baseball to return. But the weather is warming, the days are getting longer, and spring training is in full... Read More
2016 Fantasy Baseball Tiered First Base Rankings (March)
Many fantasy baseball drafts have already been held, and there are more on the way. I finally have a drafted team to look over every single day and check for injuries (so far, so good), so all is right in the world. But for those of you who have yet to draft, we've got the rankings and... Read More
2016 Fantasy Baseball Tiered Catcher Rankings (March)
Welcome to our final round of rankings. We've been guiding you throughout the offseason and it's all culminated to this. These rankings will be your guide in fantasy drafts, and while they shouldn't be seen as an end-all, be-all assessment, it's wise to have an understanding of where the market values the players you seek.... Read More
Raisel Iglesias (SP, CIN) - 2016 Fantasy Baseball Sleepers
BALLER MOVE: Target ~130 CURRENT ADP: 145 ANALYSIS: The hard throwing Raisel Iglesias came onto the scene in Cincinnati last season and turned a lot of heads, and he has quickly become one of the most popular sleepers in 2016 drafts. Even though Iglesias went 3-7 in 16 starts last season with a 4.15 ERA,... Read More
2016 Outfield Prospects and Dynasty Rankings
This is an outfield prospects omnibus, a one stop clearinghouse for all of the profiles I created in the last month. With this post finished, I'll have just enough time to whip through starting pitching before we're too deep into dynasty draft season. You can also read about catchers, first base, second base, shortstop, and third base. Mostly,... Read More
Industry Mock Draft Reactions: Most Regrettable Pick?
Back again with more insight into the industry mock draft that took place last Thursday. This time we’re looking at the picks that each of us wished we could give the ol’ Men in Black memory wipe to everyone else. Again, I’ll be following everyone’s thoughts with a brief commentary of my own because it’s... Read More
RotoBaller Rankings vs. ADP: Undervalued Shortstops
If you’re a regular reader of RotoBaller (and how could someone as smart, funny, and handsome as you not be?), you’ve doubtless already checked out our rankings assistant tool. We'll be releasing our final update next week. With draft season ramping up now, though, it seems like a good time to check our expert opinions... Read More
2016 Fantasy Baseball Draft Values: Raisel Iglesias
Fresh off an impressive first stint in the majors, Raisel Iglesias of the Cincinnati Reds looks ready to put together a very strong 2016 campaign. With a projected ADP of 137 (per fantasypros.com), Iglesias is undervalued and is a strong breakout candidate among starting pitchers this upcoming season. Editor's note: Be sure to check out our 2016 fantasy... Read More
RotoBaller Rankings vs. ADP: Undervalued First Basemen
If you’re a regular reader of RotoBaller (and how could someone as smart, funny, and handsome as you not be?), you’ve doubtless already checked out our rankings assistant tool. We recently finished rolling out the February update, and we’ll have one final revision for you later in March. With draft season ramping up now, though,... Read More
Raisel Iglesias (CIN, SP) - 2016 Fantasy Baseball Sleepers
BALLER MOVE: Target ~130 CURRENT ADP: 145 ANALYSIS: Raisel Iglesias blew batters away in an abbreviated 2015 MLB stint, evidenced by his 9.82 K/9 ratio. That figure was good for sixth in the National League among qualified starting pitchers. The 26-year-old Cuban rookie posted a 4.15 ERA last year, which might be a daunting figure for... Read More
2016 Bust Candidates: NL Outfielders to Avoid
The wait is finally over – spring training is in full swing. And what better way to celebrate the advent of draft season than to profile potential breakouts and busts? If you've been following my ongoing series, I've been taking a look at both NL and AL players who may breakout, bounce back, bust or regress in... Read More
2016 Breakout Candidates: NL Starting Pitchers
The wait is finally over – pitchers and catchers have reported to spring training this week. Of course, here at RotoBaller we’ve been cranking out tons of preseason content for some time now. We might be a little obsessed with baseball ‘round these parts. But that’s okay, because so are you! And what better way... Read More
2016 Outfield Prospects and Dynasty Rankings - NL Central Edition
Our division-by-division run down of outfield prospects continues. We've already hit the NL East, AL East, and AL Central (also catchers, first base, second base, shortstop, and third base). The NL Central is loaded with outfield prospects - 38 by my count. If you're looking to load up on future talent, this is a good place to start. To... Read More
2016 Fantasy Baseball Draft Values? Raisel Iglesias
The hard throwing Iglesias came on the scene in Cincinnati last season and turned a lot of heads within the organization. He also made believers of the rest of the league of his true talent. Now he's one of the most popular "sleepers" in 2016 drafts. Will he turn in a big-time 2016 season for... Read More
Cincinnati Reds Top MLB Prospects for 2016 Dynasty Leagues
There were a lot of ups and downs on the 2015 season for Reds’ fans. The positives: they hosted the All-Star Game, Todd Frazier won the Home Run Derby, and Joey Votto looked like an MVP again. The negatives: everything else. One could argue the Reds should have traded players like Frazier, Chapman, and Bruce... Read More
Five Hitters to Target in OBP Leagues
Not all leagues are created equal. What I mean is not all leagues abide by the same standards. Some owners have stuck by the traditional 5X5 roto leagues, while others have transitioned to 6X6 leagues with such exotic categories as OBP, K/9 and SLG. I’m not here to say which format is best, (though I... Read More
Five Undervalued NL Starting Pitcher Targets for 2016 Drafts
The National League is simply loaded with elite pitching. You could miss out on most of the top ranked guys and still find yourself with an abundance of options heading into the middle rounds. Still, it's important to know what you're looking for when those later rounds approach and there are holes to fill at... Read More
Early Fantasy Baseball Mock Draft: Third Round Breakdown
The lineup (in draft order): Jacob Bogardus, Brad Johnson, Alex Brock, Harris Yudin, Max Petrie, Josh Leonard, Ross Williamson, Andrew Miller (from The Fantasy Fix), Nick Mariano (myself), Tom Bellucco, Brian Dunshee (also from The Fantasy Fix), and Edward Suletan. Scroll to the bottom for an image of the draftboard. We put together a traditional 5x5... Read More
Fantasy Fallout: Who Will Close After the Yankees' Trade for Aroldis Chapman
Just a few weeks after the Cuban flamethrower was set to head out to Hollywood. Instead, Chapman is heading to Broadway. The Yankees traded for Chapman on Monday, giving themselves a belated Christmas gift and bolstering a bullpen that already featured Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller. The Bombers sent Caleb Cotham, Rookie Davis, Eric Jagielo,... Read More
Analyzing the Todd Frazier Deal
It was first reported early Wednesday morning by Jeff Passan that the Dodgers and White Sox were planning on making a major trade. Much speculation was made over Twitter as to whether the headline piece going from LA to Chicago was Joc Pederson or Yasiel Puig. Seemingly minutes after it was announced that a trade... Read More
2016 Top Five First Basemen Keeper Values
Now that we're past catcher, it is time to have some fun. In this article I rank the Top Five Keeper Values among First Basemen. These rankings are derived from my 15 step formula. The Keeper Valuation Formula uses the players’ age, draft round, number of teams in the league, current stats, projected stats, games... Read More
Frazier Could Be Traded To Indians, White Sox, Royals Or Dodgers
The Indians, White Sox, Royals, and Dodgers are all interested in a possible trade for Cincinnati Reds third baseman Todd Frazier, according to USA Today. It seems very likely that Frazier will likely be gone before the 2016 season begins. The two-time All-Star third baseman is quietly becoming one of the biggest trade pieces this... Read More
2016 Catcher Keeper Values: The Other Guys
We talked about the top keeper catchers earlier in the week. Now here are some of the most recognizable non-keepers. To see an explanation for my Keeper Valuation Formula, and the 2016 Top Five Catcher Keeper Values, click HERE! 2016 Catcher Keeper Values and Analysis Outside the Top Five Buster Posey SF, 28 - (Second... Read More
Reds Still Trying To Move Chapman
Even with the Los Angeles Dodgers trade apparently off the table, the Cincinnati Reds are still trying to move Aroldis Chapman. The closer was on his way to Hollywood until the deal was pulled off the table because news came out about a domestic dispute he had with his girlfriend. Chapman allegedly choked her and... Read More
Frazier Could Be Going To Cleveland
Todd Frazier may very well not be with the Cincinnati Reds by the end of the Winter Meetings, according to USA Today. All of the bigger names in Cincy have been rumored to be traded away at some point this off-season. The All-Star third baseman’s name has come up multiple times. The Cleveland Indians might... Read More
Who Ya Got: DeSclafani or Iglesias?
Back in 2010, the Phillies swept the Reds in the National League Division Series. As a fan of the former, I remember noting similarities between that Cincinnati team and the Phillies of 2007. Both teams ended 14-year playoff droughts on the strength of powerful lineups and found themselves bounced without a win. Each also owed... Read More
Orioles Discussing Trade For Jay Bruce
The Baltimore Orioles have talked to the Cincinnati Reds about acquiring Jay Bruce, according to Fox Sports. This is only preliminary talks between both teams although it shows that the Reds could be on their way of parting ways with the outfielder. Cincy is going through a rebuilding process and Bruce, Aroldis Chapman, Brandon Phillips... Read More
Reds and D-Backs Discussing Trade Involving Phillips For Hill
The Cincinnati Reds and Arizona Diamondbacks have discussed a trade involving Brandon Phillips and Aaron Hill, according to Fox Sports. Phillips has to sign off on any trade, which will make it difficult to move the second baseman. The 34-year-old is owed $27 million through 2017, which means the Reds would likely have to eat... Read More
Reds May Move Chapman, Phillips, Frazier And Bruce
The Cincinnati Reds are looking to move both Aroldis Chapman, Brandon Phillips, Todd Frazier and Jay Bruce before the start of the 2016 season, according to BaseballEssential.com. The shutdown closer and second baseman are more likely to go than the others but there's a chance that all four players are gone before Spring Training. The... Read More