AJ Smith-Shawver's Strong Start & Buy or Sell! (5/6 Fantasy Baseball Podcast)
May 6, 2025
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AJ Smith-Shawver's impressive outing is a hot topic, showcasing his potential impact in fantasy baseball. The struggles of Sandy Alcantara raise questions about roster decisions. J.P. Crawford's good performance adds another layer to team strategies. Recent injuries, including Yordan Alvarez, could shake up player dynamics. The changes in the strike zone this season are examined for their effects on gameplay and player stats. Plus, playful banter about quirky team names keeps the mood light!
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Quick takeaways
AJ Smith-Shawver's impressive eight-inning shutout performance highlights him as a speculative but powerful addition to fantasy teams.
Sandy Alcantara's struggles with command and high ERA suggest patience is required before deciding to drop him from rosters.
J.P. Crawford's resurgence as a fantasy asset is driven by improved swing mechanics, making him a valuable shortstop option this season.
Deep dives
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AJ Smith-Shauver's Performance Review
AJ Smith-Shauver delivered a standout performance with eight shutout innings against the Reds, showcasing remarkable potential with five strikeouts and a solid fastball that generated whiffs. Despite some hard contact allowed, he displayed an impressive era and is viewed as a potential must-add for fantasy teams, particularly given his high strikeout per inning rate. Despite this, concerns linger regarding his walk rate, which raises questions about his long-term viability in fantasy baseball. Analysts suggest a cautious approach to adding him, indicating he may still be considered more of a speculative pick rather than an obvious must-have.
Sandy Alcantara's Struggles
Sandy Alcantara continues to face significant challenges, evidenced by high earned runs allowed and an elevated ERA during recent games. Analysts note that while his fastball velocity remains intact, his command has faltered, leading to an increased walk rate that raises red flags about his ability to regain form. Despite struggles, there is a sentiment that he should not be dropped from fantasy rosters as he may eventually reclaim his pitching prowess. The general consensus is to remain patient, as the potential for improvement exists if he can address his command issues moving forward.
J.P. Crawford's Fantasy Potential
J.P. Crawford is emerging as a valuable fantasy option, highlighted by his recent notable performances and impressive statistics during the early season. His combination of a high batting average, power, and on-base percentage positions him as a potential fill-in for players facing injury or poor performance. Insights reveal that a renewed swing mechanics may be the driving force behind his success, suggesting a significant turnaround. As a result, he is increasingly being recognized as a viable option for fantasy rosters, particularly in leagues where finding reliable shortstops poses a challenge.
Team Name Tuesday Highlights
The episode showcased a variety of clever team names inspired by player puns and pop culture references, providing entertainment for fantasy baseball enthusiasts. Notable suggestions included playful twists on well-known songs, movie titles, and characters, which illustrate the creative culture within the fantasy sports community. This segment not only adds humor to the podcast but also fosters engagement from listeners who can contribute their ideas. The light-hearted nature of these names reflects the camaraderie among fantasy players while celebrating the sport's inherent fun.
AJ Smith-Shawver just had the best start of his young career (2:15). ... Drop Sandy Alcantara (8:10)? ... JP Crawford is doing some nice things (12:46). ... News (16:43): Yordan Alvarez went on the IL with hand inflammation. ... MLB is using a smaller strike zone this season (25:04). How is that affecting early-season trends? ... Who is Ben Casparius (32:28)? ... Is Trent Grisham a thing (37:46)? ... BUY OR SELL (45:57): should we sell-low on Bryce Miller? ... Why is Yelich's batting average so low (58:23)? ... We wrap up with leftovers, bullpens, streamers and Team Name Tuesday (1:00:45).
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