Liberatore Breakout, Hitters to Drop & Ranking Pitchers! (5/7 Fantasy Baseball Podcast)
May 7, 2025
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Chris Sale makes a triumphant return, while Matthew Liberatore emerges as a potential breakout star. Byron Buxton shines, and the Yankees deliver a stunning 10-run inning. The hosts highlight bullpen meltdowns and discuss recent injuries, like Teoscar Hernandez's IL stint. Josh Smith's impressive .330 batting average raises eyebrows while they ponder dropping struggling hitters. They wrap up by ranking starting pitchers and sharing valuable insights on managing fantasy rosters amid performance fluctuations.
01:13:57
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Quick takeaways
Chris Sale has dramatically improved his performance, lowering his ERA and achieving double-digit strikeouts in recent outings.
Matthew Liberatore's potential breakout is notable, showcasing improved command and increased pitch velocity in his latest game.
Recent bullpen meltdowns emphasize the unpredictable nature of relief pitching, urging fantasy managers to closely monitor closer roles.
Deep dives
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Chris Sale's Resurgence
Chris Sale has shown signs of a comeback after a rocky start to the season, dropping his ERA significantly over his last three outings. Following a rough beginning, where he posted a 540 ERA, Sale's recent performances have highlighted a return to form with two consecutive games featuring double-digit strikeouts. The team's continued confidence in him is evident, as he has been given the freedom to pitch longer into games, reflecting a positive trajectory. However, there remains a concern regarding his fastball performance, which he will need to improve for long-term success.
Matthew Liberatore's Impressive Start
Matthew Liberatore has made a strong case for his potential as a breakout pitcher, evidenced by his recent performance against the Pirates. In this outing, he managed seven innings with only one run allowed, showcasing an improved command and an increase in pitch velocity. His ability to adapt to opposing hitters, relying less on his slider, demonstrates a maturation in his approach on the mound. Given these developments, he is becoming an interesting candidate for fantasy managers looking to bolster their pitching staff.
The Impact of Bullpen Performances
Recent bullpen performances have highlighted the volatility and unpredictability associated with relief pitching in the league. For instance, Ryan Presley faced a disastrous outing where he allowed eight earned runs without recording an out, raising significant concerns about his current effectiveness. Similarly, situations like those involving Ryan Walker and Jimmy Garcia stress the importance of monitoring bullpen roles closely. Over the course of the season, such meltdowns can lead to shifting closer roles, impacting both team dynamics and fantasy league strategies.
Chris Sale is back (2:19)! ... Matthew Liberatore might be breaking out (5:25)! ... Add Liberatore or Andrew Abbott (9:30)? ... Byron Buxton is on a tear and the Yankees had a 10-run inning (13:15)! ... We had bullpen meltdowns for the Cubs, Giants and Blue Jays (18:34). ... News (24:00): Teoscar Hernandez went on the IL. ... Any interest in Clarke Schmidt or Tyler Anderson (28:40)? ... Josh Smith is hitting .330 (35:33)! ... Is it time to drop these five hitters (38:39)? ... How do we rank these starting pitchers rest of season (47:50)? ... We wrap up with leftovers, bullpens and streamers (58:00).
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