Official Fantasy Baseball Advice Thread

[FantasyNewb]

That's what I would do.

 

I've read that Skenes is the best pitching prospect since Strasburg. Is Langford just that good to pass up on, or does Skenes have any red flags?

[Spanky__99]

I've read that Skenes is the best pitching prospect since Strasburg. Is Langford just that good to pass up on, or does Skenes have any red flags?

 

He likely is but tinstaap man, the bats are more valuable imo. Go with what you want/prefer it's that close.

 

Here's the write up on the players... Langford seems to be a tier above.

 

Organization Prospect Rankings

 

Team Logo of Pittsburgh Pirates

Ranked Pittsburgh Pirates #1 prospect in 2024

BA Grade/Risk: 65/High.

 

Track Record: For two seasons at Air Force, Skenes was a talented two-way prospect with upside on the mound and in the batter’s box. He also spent summers in the Cape Cod League and also with USA Baseball’s Collegiate National Team. He transferred to Louisiana State before the 2023 season, ditched the lumber and entered his draft year as one of the best pitchers in his class. Five months later, he had helped lead LSU to a College World Series championship while cementing himself as the best arm on the board and one of a handful of serious candidates—along with LSU teammate Dylan Crews—to go No. 1 overall. The Pirates called Skenes’ name first on draft day, then signed him for a draft-record $9.2 million. A pick later, the Nationals chose Crews, marking the first time two teammates had gone off the board with the first two selections. Skenes moved quickly in pro ball, reaching Double-A on Aug. 26. He was shut down just before a scheduled start with Altoona against Harrisburg, which could have led to his first showdown with Crews as a professional.

 

Scouting Report: One of the biggest keys to Skenes’ success in pro ball will revolve around the quality of his fastball. Questions arose about the pitch’s shape and whether—even if he can maintain its upper-90s velocity on a professional schedule—it would play against better hitters. If it becomes an issue, there are multiple avenues to explore, including changing the grip or the emphasis of a two-seamer as a way to continue the east-west profile created by his sweeping slider. In pro ball, Skenes threw his two-seamer at a 44% clip, far more often than his four-seamer. His sweeper was an adjustment that came about through work at LSU, where pitching coach Wes Johnson helped him alter the pitch’s shape from its former, shorter-breaking iteration. As an amateur, scouts projected Skenes’ changeup as a potentially plus pitch. To reach that upside, he’ll need to throw the pitch more often. At LSU, Skenes threw the changeup just 7% of the time. In his brief pro experience, that jumped to 17%. At its best, the pitch is thrown in the upper 80s and features sharp fade and drop, but there’s work to do in order to get it consistently to that ceiling. The Pirates have already worked with Skenes to find a grip that works most consistently. Skenes also has size, athleticism and an outstanding work ethic that should allow him to get the most out of his ability, while also keeping himself open to attacking new challenges as he develops.

 

The Future: Between college and pro ball, Skenes threw 129.1 innings in 2023, well beyond the 89.1 he threw in 2022 between Air Force and summer ball. After an offseason of rest, he will return poised to begin climbing toward his ceiling as a No. 2 or 3 starter who could make his MLB debut in 2024.

 

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 70 | Slider: 70 | Changeup: 60 | Control: 60.

 

Team Logo of Toronto Blue Jays

Ranked Toronto Blue Jays #1 prospect in 2024

BA Grade/Risk:65/Very High.

 

Track Record: Teams likely regret passing on Tiedemann out of Lakewood (Calif.) High in the five-round 2020 draft. In pro ball, the lefthander has quickly developed one of the highest ceilings among pitching prospects. Tiedemann showed progress at Golden West (Calif.) JC in 2021, prompting the Blue Jays to draft him in the third round and sign him for a below-slot $644,800. He debuted with Low-A Dunedin in 2022, showing a jump in velocity and stuff across his arsenal. On the back of his elite stuff and strong performance, he climbed to Double-A that August. Tiedemann entered 2023 spring training with an opportunity to pitch his way to Toronto. He instead was shut down with left shoulder soreness and got a late start to his season. After four dominant but truncated Double-A starts, Tiedemann returned to the injured list with a left biceps sprain on May 5. He did not return to Double-A New Hampshire until Aug. 11. He made seven appearances there and one for Triple-A Buffalo before finishing with four starts in the Arizona Fall League, where he was league pitcher of the year. More critically, Tiedemann exceeded 70 pitches and five innings three times in the AFL, something he had not done since July 1, 2022.

 

Scouting Report: Tiedemann is a tall, strong-bodied lefthander with the build prototypical of workhorse starters. Despite his physical appearance, his health and durability have been major question marks. When healthy, Tiedemann has an outlier combination of velocity, movement and deception, delivering the ball from a low three-quarters slot. His fastball sits 94-97 mph and touches 98 mph. He generates below-average ride but heavy armside run that plays up due to his low slot and ability to hide the ball. While Tiedemann’s best pitch historically has been his changeup, that pitch backed up in 2023 as concerns about the difference in release height and arm slot compared with his fastball became a larger issue. His changeup features heavy tumble and fade as he kills lift and generates a heavy dose of armside run. His slider became his primary secondary in 2023. It’s a low-80s pitch with sweep and ride. Tiedemann shows an uncanny ability to manipulate his slider and land it in the zone. The pitch generated whiffs at a rate of 39% in-zone in 2023 as well as a 49% rate of called-plus-swinging strikes. As the Blue Jays continue to refine Tiedemann’s arsenal it should continue to improve, giving him three plus or better pitches, including one secondary pitch to neutralize hitters of either handedness. Tiedemann’s command can come and go, but it’s reasonable to think a large chunk of the season was impacted by injury.

 

The Future: No one questions that Tiedemann has the tools and attributes to develop into a No. 2 or 3 starter. It’s only a matter of whether his body will cooperate. A strong season at Triple-A in 2024 will land him in Toronto.

 

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 65 | Slider: 60 | Changeup: 60 | Control: 55.

 

 

2. Wyatt Langford

OF

 

Ht: 6'1" | Wt: 225 | B-T: R-R

 

Age: null

 

BA Grade/Risk: 65/High

 

Track Record: Langford went undrafted out of Trenton (Fla.) High, then spent his sophomore and junior seasons at Florida building himself into one of the best players in the country. He spent the summer after his sophomore season with USA Baseball’s College National Team. In 2023 he helped propel the Gators to College World Series finals. The Rangers drafted Langford fourth overall and signed him to an over-slot deal of $8 million, then watched as he had the loudest pro debut of any 2023 draftee, hitting .360/.480/.677 in 44 games and reaching Triple-A.

 

Scouting Report: Pound for pound, Langford is one of the best prospects in the sport. He was unchallenged at any of his minor league stops and was the only player on the Rangers’ postseason taxi squad who was not part of the 40-man roster. The righthanded hitter has a simple, powerful swing that keeps the barrel in the zone long enough to hit for a high average and with enough strength and loft to eventually achieve double-plus power. Langford also makes stellar swing decisions. He doesn’t chase often, and he rarely misses pitches in the zone. He should be an offensive force in Texas in short order. Defensively, Langford has a bit more work to do. He needs to improve his reads, routes and jumps in order to grade near average on an outfield corner. His fringe-average arm makes him fit best in left field, where his bat would certainly profile. Scouts saw a fringe-average runner in his turn as a professional, though he might be a little quicker in 2024, when his legs will be fresher after getting some time to rest after a long season.

 

The Future: Langford finished the season on the precipice of the big leagues. In 2024, he should make the final leap. He has the skills and the pedigree to be a cornerstone of the Rangers’ mix of young talent and established all-stars.

 

Scouting Grades: Hit: 60 | Power: 70 | Run: 50 | Field: 45 | Arm: 45.

 

 

Ranked Washington Nationals #2 prospect in 2024

BA Grade/Risk: 65/High.

 

Track Record: Wood’s large stature made him easy to spot on the summer circuit, but that physicality made him one of the most impressive players in the 2021 draft class. The Padres selected him 62nd overall in the second round and went over slot to sign him for $2.6 million. Wood got off to a hot start in the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League in 2021 and continued the success during his first full season with Low-A Lake Elsinore. The Nationals acquired Wood, along with four other young talents, at the 2022 trade deadline in a blockbuster trade for Juan Soto. In 2023, Wood split time between High-A Wilmington and Double-A Harrisburg, where he continued to showcase his power with 26 home runs. He earned a Futures Game nod before finishing strong with an .881 OPS and 10 homers in August and September.

 

Scouting Report: There is no doubting Wood’s plus-plus raw power. He crushes the ball to all fields and does a good job resisting pitches off the plate. Power hitters tend to have higher strikeout rates, which is the case with Wood at nearly 32%. He has more difficulty seeing spin well and will need to adjust. Wood adjusted his batting stance to keep his arms closer to his body to have a shorter swing he can manipulate better. He has a chance to stick in center field and is an above-average runner, but he will likely move to a corner as his body matures. His above-average arm will play there. Wood has above-average speed and was successful on 18 of 21 stolen base attempts in 2023.

 

The Future: Wood will add a massive power bat to the Nationals’ lineup for many years to come. If he can lower his strikeout rate, he has the upside to hit 30-35 home runs. Nationals fans should start getting looks at Wood in Washington in 2024.

 

Scouting Grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 65 | Speed: 55 | Fielding: 50 | Arm: 55.

 

That should narrow it down for you, hahaha.

[FantasyNewb]

Thanks for all the help. I'm now leaning on keeping Wood and grabbing Langford.

[Laika]

I've read that Skenes is the best pitching prospect since Strasburg. Is Langford just that good to pass up on, or does Skenes have any red flags?

 

Skenes is not that good

[Spanky__99]

Thanks for all the help. I'm now leaning on keeping Wood and grabbing Langford.

 

I'd do it that way myself.

[Spanky__99]

Skenes is not that good

 

You're not that good.

[Laika]

You're not that good.

 

I don't mean he's not good

But the strasburg comparisons are insane

 

Skenes doesn't even have good fastball shape (apparently)

[Laika]

I was thinking about that but I already have these OFs: J. Rod, Harris II, Jimenez, Yoshida, and Wood.

 

And P: Gilbert, Cease, Baz, Eury Perez, Lodolo, Bradley, Berrios, and Kyle Harrison.

 

I think my rotation needs to be improved the most?

 

Yoshida is kind of whatever

Eloy might be a dump in a year or two. Dude is made of glass

[L54]

Keep Wood and draft Langford. Langford would be my #1 target in first year player drafts IMO

 

Trade from your surplus of OF for pitching. Skenes and Tiedemann are both a tier below those guys

[Spanky__99]

Keep Wood and draft Langford. Langford would be my #1 target in first year player drafts IMO

 

Trade from your surplus of OF for pitching. Skenes and Tiedemann are both a tier below those guys

 

Fantasy wise for sure.

[Carlos Danger]

I have 1.2 in a league.. It will def net me either Langford or Yamomoto. I think the 1.1 is going to pick Yamomoto, but not sure.. I know he wants Langford, but doesn't want to let Yamomoto fall..

 

I have received a number of solid offers for 1.2.

 

What do y'all think of this one-

 

Adael Amador

Taj Bradley

Sal Frelick

 

for pick 1.2

[Jimcanuck]

I have 1.2 in a league.. It will def net me either Langford or Yamomoto. I think the 1.1 is going to pick Yamomoto, but not sure.. I know he wants Langford, but doesn't want to let Yamomoto fall..

 

I have received a number of solid offers for 1.2.

 

What do y'all think of this one-

 

Adael Amador

Taj Bradley

Sal Frelick

 

for pick 1.2

 

I'd take those 3 over Yamamoto, but not over Langford.

[Jimcanuck]

I have no frigging idea where to put Yuki Matsui on my draft board. Mid 2nd round in a 20 teamer??

[Laika]

Nah

[Laika]

Annual tradition, going to make a new draft n hold league so I can do a draft.

 

I'm thinking this year...

 

- Draft and Hold with no adds, drops, or trades

- Roto

- basic 5x5 stats

- weekly lineups!

- deep rosters but fairly standard active lineup size

 

So it's draft and hold but you need to make a weekly lineup setting decision every Sunday or Monday

 

Like the post if you would join

 

Maybe a slow draft?

[L54]

Not boosting Laika’s like counter

 

I’m in

[Spanky__99]

Wow!

[L54]

I have 1.2 in a league.. It will def net me either Langford or Yamomoto. I think the 1.1 is going to pick Yamomoto, but not sure.. I know he wants Langford, but doesn't want to let Yamomoto fall..

 

I have received a number of solid offers for 1.2.

 

What do y'all think of this one-

 

Adael Amador

Taj Bradley

Sal Frelick

 

for pick 1.2

 

I don’t think I’d do it

 

Although BA gave AA a 70 hit tool in Denver

 

But I still wouldn’t

[Daniel Labude]

I have 1.2 in a league.. It will def net me either Langford or Yamomoto. I think the 1.1 is going to pick Yamomoto, but not sure.. I know he wants Langford, but doesn't want to let Yamomoto fall..

 

I have received a number of solid offers for 1.2.

 

What do y'all think of this one-

 

Adael Amador

Taj Bradley

Sal Frelick

 

for pick 1.2

 

Langford i have as the #1 prospect and Yamamoto #4. I dont think I'd do that for either. Not close really for me

[Daniel Labude]

Annual tradition, going to make a new draft n hold league so I can do a draft.

 

I'm thinking this year...

 

- Draft and Hold with no adds, drops, or trades

- Roto

- basic 5x5 stats

- weekly lineups!

- deep rosters but fairly standard active lineup size

 

So it's draft and hold but you need to make a weekly lineup setting decision every Sunday or Monday

 

Like the post if you would join

 

Maybe a slow draft?

 

If its free I'd probably do it just to get another draft in

[jaysblue]

Annual tradition, going to make a new draft n hold league so I can do a draft.

 

I'm thinking this year...

 

- Draft and Hold with no adds, drops, or trades

- Roto

- basic 5x5 stats

- weekly lineups!

- deep rosters but fairly standard active lineup size

 

So it's draft and hold but you need to make a weekly lineup setting decision every Sunday or Monday

 

Like the post if you would join

 

Maybe a slow draft?

 

Count me in. Will be fun to have a couple of beers and do a draft. Can't do that in dynasty leagues anymore haha.

[Laika]

If its free I'd probably do it just to get another draft in

 

Definitely free

[Stangstag]

Annual tradition, going to make a new draft n hold league so I can do a draft.

 

I'm thinking this year...

 

- Draft and Hold with no adds, drops, or trades

- Roto

- basic 5x5 stats

- weekly lineups!

- deep rosters but fairly standard active lineup size

 

So it's draft and hold but you need to make a weekly lineup setting decision every Sunday or Monday

 

Like the post if you would join

 

Maybe a slow draft?

 

Im in.

[Brian Labude]

Annual tradition, going to make a new draft n hold league so I can do a draft.

 

I'm thinking this year...

 

- Draft and Hold with no adds, drops, or trades

- Roto

- basic 5x5 stats

- weekly lineups!

- deep rosters but fairly standard active lineup size

 

So it's draft and hold but you need to make a weekly lineup setting decision every Sunday or Monday

 

Like the post if you would join

 

Maybe a slow draft?

 

I'm in

[Daniel Labude]

Definitely free

 

I'm in

[Frenchsoup]

I'm in if you can trade....

[L54]

I'm in if you can trade....

 

Sorry no trades. We’ll count you as a no

[L54]

Langford i have as the #1 prospect and Yamamoto #4. I dont think I'd do that for either. Not close really for me

 

Ya I think Langford is the obvious choice between the two

[Frenchsoup]

Let's play some ball yo

[Carlos Danger]

Langford i have as the #1 prospect and Yamamoto #4. I dont think I'd do that for either. Not close really for me

 

If I am reading most of the leagues I am in correct, based on comments and general feel, I think Langford and Yamamoto are the clear #1 & #2.