2320 - JR Ritchie and Payton Tolle - Who to grab?
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In this episode of Fantasy Baseball Live, hosts Rich Willis and Tim McLeod dive into the early-season performance of MLB teams, focusing on the struggles of the Mets and Phillies, the surprising starts of the Marlins and Pirates, and the potential of young pitchers like J.R. Ritchie and Peyton Tolley. They analyze the implications of recent call-ups, injury concerns, and roster decisions, particularly around the Braves' pitching depth and the Yankees' strong rotation. The hosts debate the sustainability of early-season success, highlight under-the-radar performers like Eldemar Vargas and Robbie Snelling, and discuss the fantasy implications of players like Spencer Strider returning from injury. The episode concludes with an over-under game and a forward-looking discussion on potential deadline moves and sleeper picks across the league.
J.R. Ritchie and Peyton Tolley's strong debuts make them high-value waiver wire pickups, especially in deeper leagues.
The Mets and Phillies are struggling with poor run differentials and clubhouse issues, making them risky long-term bets.
The Pirates and Marlins are showing surprising promise despite early-season adversity, with potential for late-season breakout.
Spencer Strider’s return from injury is promising but comes with tempered expectations; he may not regain his former ace status.
Young pitchers like Robbie Snelling and Elmer Rodriguez offer long-term value and should be monitored for future roster moves.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Opening Thoughts and Early Season Team Assessments
The hosts kick off the episode with reflections on early-season team performances, focusing on the Mets' struggles and the positive impact of young pitchers like J.R. Ritchie and Peyton Tolley. They discuss the importance of small wins and the emotional highs of a good game after a rough start.
Mets and Phillies: Struggles and Clubhouse Concerns
“I don't know what's going on with the Mets. There's... Hey, the Phillies have a worse record. They've got a minus 51 run differential. Like, wow. They've given up 100. It's enough already.”
Surprising Starts: Pirates, Cardinals, and the NL Central
“The Pirates have a plus 20 run differential, and they're three games over 500. Yeah, I'll go with the Cardinals. So you would argue the Reds? Because the Reds shouldn't be where they are.”
Yankees and Red Sox: Contrasting Early Performances
The episode shifts to the Yankees' strong pitching and the Red Sox's disappointing start despite health. The hosts debate whether the Red Sox's struggles are due to poor play or unmet expectations, and discuss the potential of young players like Franklin Wise.
The Role of Young Pitchers: Ritchie, Tolley, and Snelling
“Tolley, I think, is up forever. I'm going to ask you this question and then I'm going to pivot to something else that she just kind of nudged me on. Out of the two on the waiver wire, who are you going to spend more?”
“If you can find somebody who believes there isn't a better time in the world than selling high right now on Jose Soriano. I agree. If you're able to sell high on Jose Soriano, please send the trade to Tim and I.”
“I don't know what's going on with the Mets. There's... Hey, the Phillies have a worse record. They've got a minus 51 run differential. Like, wow. They've given up 100. It's enough already.”
“I mean, the class of the league is the Dodgers and the Yankees and that Yankee team looks awfully scary as long as Aaron Judge stays healthy.”
Hosts
Guests
J.R. Ritchie
person
Peyton Tolley
person
Tim McLeod
person
New York Yankees
other
Spencer Strider
person
Rich Willis
person
New York Mets
other
Miami Marlins
other
Philadelphia Phillies
other
Los Angeles Dodgers
other
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