Buy or Sell: 10 Popular Sleepers in YOUR Fantasy Drafts (2024 Fantasy Baseball)

Fantasy Baseball Advice
9 Feb 202448:37
EducationalLearning
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TLDRThe 'Fantasy Pros' podcast dives into the world of fantasy baseball, discussing the concept of 'sleepers'β€”players who may be undervalued by the community. Host Joey P, alongside expert Vlad Sedler, scrutinize a list of 10 players, exploring their potential as valuable picks for fantasy teams. They analyze each player's stats, strengths, and areas of concern, providing insights to help listeners make informed decisions for their drafts. The conversation balances expert analysis with humor, making complex topics accessible to a broad audience of fantasy baseball enthusiasts.

Takeaways
  • πŸŽ™οΈ The podcast features Joey P, Joe P Zia, and Vlad Sedler discussing sleepers and trendy picks in fantasy baseball.
  • πŸ† Vlad Sedler is a 72-time NF FBC n FFC League winner and is recognized as one of the best in the business.
  • πŸ€” The discussion revolves around whether to buy into the hype of certain players being labeled as sleepers and if the current price or ranking is worth it.
  • 🚨 The importance of patience with certain players, like Kyle Bradish, who may not perform well initially but could improve, is highlighted.
  • πŸ” The need to differentiate between high-stakes leagues and casual leagues when evaluating players and their potential value is emphasized.
  • πŸ“ˆ The value of research and strategy in fantasy baseball to identify undervalued players and make informed decisions during the draft.
  • 🌟 O'Neal Cruz is mentioned as a player with high upside but also significant risk due to his past injuries and performance inconsistency.
  • πŸ”„ The conversation discusses the potential of various players, including Bobby Miller, Evan Carter, and others, evaluating their current market value against their expected performance.
  • πŸ’° The price or ADP (Average Draft Position) of players in fantasy baseball drafts is a critical factor in determining whether they are worth selecting as sleepers.
  • πŸ“Š The script references specific statistics like strikeout rates, batting averages, and expected ERA to support the analysis of each player's potential.
  • πŸ“š Resources like FantasyPros.com are recommended for mock drafts, draft strategy, and managing fantasy baseball teams throughout the season.
Q & A
  • Who are the hosts of the fantasy baseball podcast on Fantasy Pros?

    -The hosts are Joey P and Welsh, with special guest Vlad Sedler for this episode.

  • What is Vlad Sedler's role at FTN Fantasy?

    -Vlad Sedler is the head of MLB content at FTN Fantasy.

  • How many times has Vlad Sedler won the NFBC, FBC, and FFC leagues?

    -Vlad Sedler has won these leagues a total of 72 times.

  • What is the importance of discussing trendy picks in fantasy baseball?

    -Trendy picks are important because they can sometimes work out well, like Kyle Bradish did later in the season, showing that patience and understanding these picks can be valuable in fantasy baseball.

  • Why is it beneficial to attach feelings to trendy names in fantasy baseball?

    -Attaching feelings to trendy names helps to gauge whether the price is too high or too low for a player, which is crucial for making strategic decisions in drafts.

  • What is the significance of the work put into fantasy baseball compared to fantasy football?

    -Fantasy baseball requires more work due to the nature of the sport, and this investment can lead to a more significant payoff, making it special for those who put in the effort.

  • How does the process of identifying sleepers or undervalued players in fantasy baseball benefit a draft strategy?

    -Identifying sleepers allows for pre-work to be done, enabling fantasy players to dig deeper into research or focus on specific players mentioned, which can refine their draft strategy.

  • What is the general strategy for high-stakes leagues according to Vlad Sedler?

    -Vlad Sedler's strategy includes taking a rest after the World Series, starting research and projections, and maintaining a regimented schedule for different types of leagues and draft times.

  • Why is it important to understand the differences between high stakes and consumer leagues in fantasy baseball?

    -Understanding the differences is crucial because the player pools and values can vary greatly between the two, affecting strategies and draft decisions.

  • What is the significance of the six-man rotation in the context of the Dodgers' pitchers?

    -A six-man rotation can be a concern for pitchers like Bobby Miller as it may limit their starts and could lead to a tapering back of their usage towards the end of the season if the team is healthy.

  • What are the general thoughts on O'Neal Cruz as a sleeper pick in the podcast?

    -O'Neal Cruz is considered a tantalizing player with high upside but also significant risk due to potential slumps and injuries. Both Vlad and Welsh believe in his potential and would buy him at his current price.

Outlines
00:00
πŸŽ™οΈ Introduction to the Fantasy Baseball Podcast

The script opens with the host, Joey P, welcoming listeners to the Fantasy Pros fantasy baseball podcast. He introduces his guest, Vlad Sedler, who is a prominent figure in the MLB content creation space at FTN Fantasy, a host of another podcast, and a multiple league winner. The host and Vlad discuss the topic of 'sleepers' in fantasy baseballβ€”players who are not widely recognized as top picks but have the potential to perform exceptionally well. They also touch on the importance of patience and strategy in fantasy baseball, especially when dealing with trendy picks that may or may not pan out as expected.

05:00
πŸ” Discussing Sleepers and High Stakes Strategy

In this paragraph, the conversation delves into the nuances of drafting sleepers in fantasy baseball, especially in high stakes leagues. The host emphasizes the importance of not getting too attached to trendy names and understanding the value of the players being discussed. Vlad shares his approach to drafting, mentioning his regimented schedule and how he prepares for the season. The paragraph also highlights the difference in player valuation between high stakes and casual leagues, with a focus on the importance of identifying undervalued players.

10:02
🚲 Analyzing O'Neal Cruz's Potential and Risk

The discussion shifts to a specific player, O'Neal Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Vlad and the host debate Cruz's viability as a sleeper pick, considering his injury history, potential for a low batting average, and high strikeout rate. While Vlad is intrigued by Cruz's power-speed combo, he expresses concerns about his risk profile. The host, on the other hand, argues that Cruz's potential upside makes him a valuable addition to any team, despite the risks.

15:04
πŸ€” Bobby Miller's Value and Dodgers' Rotation

The conversation moves to Bobby Miller, a young pitcher for the Dodgers. The host and Vlad discuss Miller's potential as a sleeper pick, considering his performance in the previous season and his place in the Dodgers' rotation. They consider factors such as the team's depth, the potential for a six-man rotation, and the impact of veterans on Miller's development. Both participants express optimism about Miller's prospects, despite some concerns about the crowded Dodgers' pitching staff.

20:04
🏏 Evan Carter's Prospects and Frame Concerns

The focus turns to Evan Carter, an outfielder for the Texas Rangers. Vlad and the host discuss Carter's skill set, his impressive performance at the end of the previous season, and concerns about his ability to maintain his performance over a full season due to his frame. They debate whether Carter's current draft position is worth the risk, with Vlad expressing reservations about drafting him over more established players.

25:05
🚫 Passing on Sleeper Picks: Cole Ragin and Beyond

The script continues with a discussion about Cole Ragin, a starting pitcher for the Kansas City Royals. The host and Vlad consider Ragin's potential as a sleeper pick, acknowledging his high walk rate but also recognizing the upside demonstrated at the end of the previous season. The conversation reflects on the balance between excitement for a player's potential and skepticism about their current value in the draft.

30:07
πŸ₯Š Bailey Ober's Performance and Future Potential

Vlad shares his thoughts on Bailey Ober, another pitcher under discussion. Ober's impressive control rate and the potential for further development are highlighted as reasons for optimism. The host and Vlad agree that Ober represents a good value pick in the draft, with a strong command of the strike zone and a promising future, making him an attractive choice for fantasy baseball teams.

35:09
πŸ† Edward Julian's Potential as a Steady Player

The conversation introduces Edward Julian, a player for the Minnesota Twins. The host and Vlad discuss Julian's potential to become a consistent, steady player similar to Jose Vro, based on his performance in spring training and the minor leagues. They consider his high on-base percentage and strikeout rate, debating whether these factors will impact his fantasy value.

40:11
🌲 Ezekiel Tovar's Plate Discipline and Splits

The discussion turns to Ezekiel Tovar, a shortstop for the Colorado Rockies. Vlad and the host consider Tovar's potential as a sleeper pick, taking into account his performance in the minor leagues and his splits between home and away games. They express concerns about his plate discipline and the impact of playing for the Rockies, ultimately agreeing that Tovar might not be the best investment in the draft.

45:12
🀝 Evaluating Pitchers: Brian Woo, Michael King, and Brandon Fought

The final part of the script focuses on three pitchers: Brian Woo, Michael King, and Brandon Fought. The host and Vlad evaluate each pitcher's potential as a sleeper pick, discussing their performance, the teams they play for, and their projected contributions. They share their personal preferences and reasoning, providing insight into which players they believe offer the best value in the draft.

🌟 Michael King as a Top Pitcher Prospect

In the concluding remarks, Vlad and the host highlight Michael King as a particularly promising pitcher, discussing his potential to excel in the San Diego Padres' rotation. They consider his performance in relief and as a starter, and Vlad expresses strong confidence in King's abilities. The conversation wraps up with a reflection on the value of these players in the context of a fantasy baseball draft.

Mindmap
Keywords
πŸ’‘Sleepers
In the context of fantasy baseball, 'sleepers' refer to players who may be undervalued or overlooked by many but have the potential to outperform their draft position or current ranking. The video's theme revolves around evaluating such players and determining if they are indeed valuable picks for a fantasy team. An example from the script is the discussion around O'Neal Cruz, who despite an underwhelming 2023 season, is considered a potential sleeper for the upcoming season.
πŸ’‘MLB
MLB stands for Major League Baseball, which is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada. The script is from a fantasy baseball podcast, and MLB content is central to the discussion as the hosts analyze players' performance in this league. Vlad Sedler, one of the hosts, is introduced as the head of MLB content at ftn Fantasy, indicating the importance of MLB expertise in fantasy baseball analysis.
πŸ’‘NFBC
NFBC stands for National Fantasy Baseball Championship, which is a prominent fantasy baseball platform where experts and enthusiasts participate in high-stakes leagues. In the script, Vlad Sedler is mentioned as a 72-time NFBC League winner, showcasing his experience and success in the fantasy baseball domain.
πŸ’‘Projections
Projections in fantasy baseball are predictive statistics that forecast a player's performance over the upcoming season. They are essential for drafting strategies and player evaluation. The script discusses how projections might value players like Ellie de La Cruz, and how they can influence a player's perceived value and their drafting position.
πŸ’‘Risk Aversion
Risk aversion in the context of fantasy baseball refers to the strategy of avoiding players with unpredictable or volatile performance, opting for more consistent performers instead. The script mentions that some players, like O'Neal Cruz, come with a certain level of risk due to their potential for injury or performance slumps, and how risk aversion can affect whether a fantasy player decides to draft them.
πŸ’‘Strikeouts
Strikeouts are a statistic in baseball that measures the number of times a batter is put out by the pitcher without hitting the ball into play. In fantasy baseball, a high strikeout rate for a player can be a concern as it may affect their batting average and overall contribution to a fantasy team. The script discusses the potential risk of drafting players like O'Neal Cruz who might have a high strikeout rate.
πŸ’‘Launch Angle
Launch angle in baseball is the angle at which the ball is hit by the batter, affecting the distance and type of hit (single, double, home run). It has become a significant analytical tool in recent years. The script refers to launch angle in the context of player performance analysis, noting that improvements in a player's launch angle can lead to better offensive outcomes.
πŸ’‘Barrel Rate
Barrel rate is a baseball statistic that measures the percentage of batted balls with the highest probability of resulting in extra-base hits. It is an indicator of a player's power potential. In the script, the improvement in O'Neal Cruz's barrel rate is highlighted as a positive sign for his potential performance in the upcoming season.
πŸ’‘High-Stakes Leagues
High-stakes leagues in fantasy baseball are characterized by higher entry fees and potential payouts, attracting more experienced and competitive players. The script discusses strategies for participating in these leagues, emphasizing the importance of early preparation, research, and understanding the differences between high-stakes and casual leagues.
πŸ’‘ADP
ADP stands for Average Draft Position, which is the average round in which a player is drafted in fantasy baseball leagues. It is a crucial metric for understanding a player's perceived value and can influence drafting strategies. The script mentions ADP in the context of discussing whether certain players are being drafted too early or too late compared to their expert rankings.
πŸ’‘Batting Average
Batting average in baseball is calculated by dividing the number of hits by official at-bats. It is one of the primary statistics used to evaluate a hitter's performance. The script discusses the potential risk associated with drafting players like O'Neal Cruz, who might have a low batting average due to factors such as a high strikeout rate.
Highlights

Discussion on the importance of not just buying into every trendy fantasy baseball pick and the need for strategy.

Introduction of Vlad Sedler, a 72-time NF FBC n FFC League winner, as a guest to help identify potential sleepers in fantasy baseball.

Vlad's perspective on the excitement of winning leagues and his approach to being a guest on the show.

The significance of patience when dealing with sleeper picks in fantasy baseball, illustrated by the example of Kyle Bradish.

The role of research in identifying undervalued players and the strategy of pinpointing potential sleepers.

Vlad's approach to drafting, including his preparation and the importance of understanding player pools.

The difference between high stakes leagues and consumer leagues in fantasy baseball and its impact on player valuation.

Vlad's strategy for high stakes leagues, including his thoughts on drafting time and the importance of early values.

The importance of understanding the differences in player value between draft and hold leagues and FAB leagues.

A detailed analysis of O'Neal Cruz's potential as a sleeper pick, including his power-speed combo and batting average risk.

Bobby Miller's potential as a sleeper pick, with a focus on his pitching skills and the Dodgers' rotation.

Evan Carter's skill set and the concerns regarding his frame and ability to hold up over a full season.

Cole Ragin's performance and the debate over his potential as a sleeper pick considering his walk rate.

Bailey Ober's impressive strikeout-to-walk ratio and his potential as a sleeper pick for fantasy baseball.

Edward Julian's profile, including his on-base percentage and potential impact in the Minnesota Twins lineup.

Ezekiel Tovar's potential and the concerns about his approach at the plate and his value as a sleeper pick.

Analysis of Brian Woo, Michael King, and Brandon Fought as potential sleeper picks, with a focus on their pitching abilities and team situations.

Vlad's final thoughts on the sleepers discussed and his strategy for selecting players in the draft.

Transcripts
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