Very deep league: Pick up Starling

by nseaton on Jul 18, 2025 9:33 PM EDT

I know he might not pan out, but if he reaches his potential he can be a major difference maker.

20 team league

We have 10 position players and 9 pitchers with 8 bench players. I am pretty set on my starting line-up day in and day out, being as it is such a deep league, there are not very many players who can produce now as free agents.

An important key is that we have 18 keeper selections.

The people that I could possibly drop would be Jon Jay or Ben Revere. My 3 OF's are Josh Hamilton, Ellsbury, and Aoki, with Prado as my Utility.

I could possibly drop a pitcher, those up for consideration are: Joe Saunders, Jerome Williams and Rick Porcello.

I also have Taveras (the Outfield prosepect for the Cardinals), Bundy, and Taillon all of whom I am wanting to keep.

I am currently sitting middle of the pack and there are 16 playoff teams, so I feel as if I am likely to make it there.

Any advice/opinions would be greatly appreciated.

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Read More: Ben Revere (LF - MIN), Jon Jay (CF - STL), Josh Hamilton (CF - TEX), St. Louis Cardinals

Comments

Starling

If you are looking to gamble on a high risk, high reward prospect to bolster your future prospects, Starling is a pretty good option. I’m not sure which prospects are available, but guys like Bogaerts and Yelich may be available if Bubba is available. They may be safer plays and are closer to the bigs.

Keep Jay and keep Revere. I don’t see why you would really even bother with Saunders, Williams and Porcello. There are probably better options available. Dan Straily is a guy that might be available that might be up soon. We also might see Jake Odorizzi up later in the year too. And, you can always gamble on Ben Sheets. These guys are probably better options than Saunders, Williams and Porcello. Hope this helps.

by LoveThePa on Jul 18, 2025 11:24 PM EDT reply actions

Bogaerts and Yelich are available, as is Bubba. I don’t expect Bubba to even sniff the majors until 2014 which is a long time to keep a roster spot occupied, but again the risk/reward factor. I have almost added Bogaerts on several occasions, but have yet to pull the trigger. IMO he is the 3rd best SS in the Minors that could get a serious look at a big league ball club this season.

I have not done a lot of looking a Yelich, but might look into it. But I do have Prince at 1B so he would have to be utility but a move to the OF might be in the works, but I have also looked at Olt for an open spot, but not to sure on that one either.

Straily is not even listed by ESPN in the fantasy pool. Odorizzi is long gone, as to is Sheets. So as far as pitching that is available, there is not a lot of talent. I have done a fair amount of research, but if you have any other names, I would appreciate hearing them.

by nseaton on Jul 19, 2025 1:12 AM EDT up reply actions

Forget Starling

I would not pick up Starling. 2014 is an extremely optimistic guess for hus timeframe, and I think it’s likely 2015 or even 2016 (the guy is raw and hasn’t played full season ball yet). Bogaerts would be the guy for me if you’re going to stash a hitter (unless someone like Mike Olt or Nick Castellanos are available - they’ll be up sooner). As far as pitchers, a few other guys I’d look at would be Carlos Martinez, Casey Kelly and Jose Fernandez.

Follow me on Twitter: @tfw_bret

by bretsayre on Jul 19, 2025 1:33 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions

All 3 of the names you put out there for hitters are available, and am very tempted on Olt but Castellanos is also tempting. The issue is I see both moving to the OF with what both teams have at 3rd on the major league roster. So, that might put Bogaerts ahead of those two as SS could be a position of need for the future.

As for the pitchers you mentioned, Martinez is available (and was previously on my watch list) Kelly is taken and Fernandez is not listed on ESPN (just like Straily).

Thanks for the input.

by nseaton on Jul 19, 2025 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions

For the record, I think it’s just as likely (or maybe even more so) that Bogaerts moves off SS as the other guys moving off their current positions - and eventhough 3B is what his skill set might dictate, Middlebrooks may be occupying that spot in Boston - which could push Bogaerts to RF. Of the three, Olt is the best defensively of the group at his current position - not that it really matters with Beltre there anyway.

But all three are great targets, and better options than Starling.

Follow me on Twitter: @tfw_bret

by bretsayre on Jul 19, 2025 6:43 PM EDT up reply actions

Casey Kelly

He’s one of the few guys in your prospects list still on my wire.

Do you think he comes back from the injury and becomes a fantasy asset next year?

I don't know, but the guy quotes himself in his own signature - CaptnAmerca

by CaptnAmerca on Jul 19, 2025 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes, depending on league size

I’m very curious to see Kelly the rest of the season, as I want to see whether he’s able to keep the strides he was making in the spring. If he is, he’s got the home park to make him an asset in 12/14 team leagues next year. He could be Clayton Richard with more strikeouts, and upside on top of that.

Follow me on Twitter: @tfw_bret

by bretsayre on Jul 19, 2025 6:51 PM EDT reply actions