Flags Fly Forever Fantasy Baseball

George Bissell, Bret Sayre and Mike Gianella of Baseball Prospectus discuss Eric Thames ridiculous hot streak (2:00), realistic expectations for Cody Bellinger and Dan Vogelbach (7:00), and analyze the latest FAAB acquisitions in the Tout Wars and LABR expert leagues (14:00).LABR MixedTrevor RosenthalJordan MontgomeryBud NorrisKolten Wong (Tout Wars Mixed)Tim BeckhamCody ReedChad KuhlTaylor MotterJesse Chavez (Why is he so underrated?)Tout Wars NLEnrique HernandezPhil ErvinMatt CainAllen CordobaZach EflinT.J. RiveraTout Wars ALJorge BonifacioBrad PeacockIntro: That Fleeting World, “The Alchemist”Outro: Silent Partner, “Chances”

Razzball founder Grey Albright joins the show to discuss a myriad of relevant (and irrelevant) topics. Then George Bissell and Mike Gianella answer listener questions in the first-ever mailbag segment.

George Bissell, Mike Gianella and Greg Wellemeyer of Baseball Prospectus break down the big-ticket FAAB acquisitions in the Tout Wars and LABR expert leagues, take a deep dive into current events, discuss Yoan Moncada’s blazing hot start in Triple-A, and finally answer a plethora of Twitter questions.LABR MixedMark ReynoldsKendall GravemanSantiago CasillaJoaquin BenoitJoe JimenezWily PeraltaJames ShieldsAmir GarrettTout Wars NLKyle FreelandNick FranklinStephen DrewAntonio SenzatelaLABR ALJesse HahnAbraham AlmonteMarco HernandezJordan Montgomery

George Bissell, Mike Gianella and Bret Sayre of Baseball Prospectus break down the first cycle of FAAB bidding in the Tout Wars and LABR expert leagues before taking an in-depth look at April lineup setting strategies.LABR MixedBlake TreinenDelino DeShieldsGerardo ParraJarrett ParkerMichael LorenzenCharlie MortonBrett AndersonKendall GravemanLABR ALDerek NorrisJacob MayYandy DiazTyler ClippardLABR NLChris Marrero

George Bissell, Mike Gianella and Bret Sayre of Baseball Prospectus recap the Tout Wars Mixed (3:00) and NL-only (40:00) auctions from New York City last weekend.

George Bissell, Mike Gianella and Jeff Quinton of Baseball Prospectus discuss general auction strategies including the importance of establishing bid limits (3:00), the most common mistakes and biases to avoid (10:00), how to deal with inflation in keeper and dynasty leagues (27:00), the ideal time to nominate a low-priced targets (33:00), nominating with intent in the early rounds (42:00), and reveal their biggest piece of auction strategy advice (52:00).

George Bissell and Alex Chamberlain of Baseball Prospectus discuss the most polarizing starting pitcher in fantasy baseball, James Paxton (9:30). Late round targets Francisco Liriano (14:45), Robert Gsellman (19:00), Mike Montgomery (21:30), Ivan Nova (23:00) and Zach Davies (28:00). The wide range of outcomes and volatility associated with Lance McCullers (32:00), Steven Matz (38:00), David Price (40:00), Danny Duffy (44:00), Kevin Gausman (48:45), Sean Manaea (51:00), Jharel Cotton (56:00) and Rich Hill (1:00:00). Their favorite hitter value targets in Justin Turner and Billy Hamilton (1:09:00). Finally, they highlight the impact of the home run surge and stolen base scarcity trends on draft strategy this spring (1:14:00).

George Bissell and Mike Gianella of Baseball Prospectus bring on special guest Steve Gardner of USA Today to recap the action-packed NL LABR auction.

George Bissell, Mike Gianella and Bret Sayre of Baseball Prospectus discuss the fantasy impact of recent injuries to David Price and David Dahl (3:30) and recap Mike’s AL LABR auction from Arizona last weekend (10:00), including a strategic approach to drafting starting pitchers and closers (14:00), a trio of $17 pickups in Masahiro Tanaka, Rick Porcello and Jackie Bradley Jr. (19:30), the importance of waiting for value (23:00), nomination and bid strategies (35:00), and finally highlight noticeable trends that emerged in the LABR auctions (40:00). Check out the links below for the complete AL LABR results and Mike's recap:AL LABR Expert League Auction RecapAL LABR - Draft Board

George Bissell, Mike Gianella and Bret Sayre of Baseball Prospectus discuss the importance of drafting an ace-caliber starting pitcher (3:00), Clayton Kershaw’s status as an undisputed first-round selection (6:45), if there are any reasons for concern regarding Max Scherzer (10:30), why Yu Darvish is still an ace (12:00), if Carlos Carrasco or Stephen Strasburg can stay healthy (16:00), the Cubs “big three” in Jake Arrieta, Jon Lester and Kyle Hendricks (21:30), the legitimacy of Justin Verlander’s mid-career renaissance (26:00), realistic expectations for Chris Archer, Cole Hamels, Gerrit Cole, Jacob deGrom and Rich Hill (28:00), a pair of starters in Danny Duffy and Felix Hernandez trending in opposite directions (36:00), breakout potential for southpaws Sean Manaea, James Paxton and Carlos Rodon (42:00), a massive three-star tier lighting round (50:00), and finally reveal their late-round targets in Robert Gsellman, Daniel Norris, Jordan Zimmerman, Zach Davies, Ivan Nova, Jon Gray, Jharel Cotton, Francisco

George Bissell, Mike Gianella and Bret Sayre of Baseball Prospectus provide a comprehensive breakdown of fantasy outfielders including Charlie Blackmon and Starling Marte as elite options (3:00), Ian Desmond in Colorado (6:00), defending Andrew McCutchen (8:00), bounce-back potential for A.J. Pollock and Giancarlo Stanton (12:00), if Ryan Braun and Gregory Polanco are being underappreciated (14:30), rookie sensations David Dahl and Andrew Benintendi (18:00), Odubel Herrera is excellent (24:00), how to approach gambles like Carlos Gomez, Yasiel Puig, Rajai Davis and Keon Broxton (28:00), and finally reveal their favorite late round targets.

George Bissell, Mike Gianella and Bret Sayre of Baseball Prospectus provide an in-depth recap of the 2017 LABR Mixed Draft.

George Bissell, Mike Gianella and Bret Sayre of Baseball Prospectus discuss the incredible depth at shortstop, including the meteoric rise of Jonathan Villar (3:00), influx of young fantasy superstar-caliber talent in Manny Machado, Carlos Correa, Corey Seager, Francisco Lindor and Xander Bogaerts (8:00), realistic expectations for Trevor Story (13:30), overall draft strategy at the position (18:00), the plethora of solid options in the three star tier like Addison Russell, Troy Tulowitzki, Eduardo Nunez, Tim Anderson and Asdrubal Cabrera (21:00), the risks associated with Javier Baez and Brad Miller (32:30), why Dansby Swanson is underrated (35:00), how to properly value Aledmys Diaz and Jose Peraza (38:00), and reveal their late round targets (44:00).

George Bissell, Mike Gianella and Bret Sayre of Baseball Prospectus discuss the state of the position at third base including the #BigThree elite options Kris Bryant, Nolan Arenado and Josh Donaldson (3:00), who is more likely to hit 30 home runs this season: Kyle Seager or Evan Longoria (8:00), the potential ceiling for Anthony Rendon (10:00), should fantasy owners worry about Adrian Beltre’s age (13:00), why is Justin Turner being grossly undervalued (15:00), the major warning signs in Todd Frazier’s profile (17:00), reasons to invest in Yulieski Gurriel, Jose Ramirez and Alex Bregman (25:00), assess the breakout potential of Miguel Sano (34:00), and reveal their late round targets: Hernan Perez, Pablo Sandoval and Danny Valencia (43:00).

George Bissell, Mike Gianella and Bret Sayre of Baseball Prospectus discuss Jose Altuve cementing his elite status (3:00), whether Trea Turner is worthy of a first round investment (6:00), the long-term fantasy outlook at second base (12:30), realistic expectations for Brian Dozier (14:30) and Robinson Cano (18:00), are Dee Gordon (20:00) and DJ LeMahieu (22:30) being undervalued, why fantasy owners should invest in Daniel Murphy with confidence (24:45), balancing risk with Rougned Odor (27:00), are there any reasons for concern with Ian Kinsler (30:00), Jason Kipnis (32:30) or Dustin Pedroia (34:30), the increased value of Logan Forsythe in Los Angeles (39:30), using Javier Baez or Jose Peraza at second base (43:30), and finally reveal their late round “sleeper" picks at the position (46:00).

George Bissell, Mike Gianella and Bret Sayre of Baseball Prospectus discuss the state of the position at first base. Which is more likely for Paul Goldschmidt: a rebound in home runs or stolen base regression (5:00), is Joey Votto being undervalued (9:00), Miguel Cabrera or Anthony Rizzo (15:00), the compelling case against Freddie Freeman in the second round (16:00), Edwin Encarnacion in Cleveland (21:50), a Hanley Ramirez hot take (23:00), the value of steals and realistic expectations for Wil Myers (27:30), is the best of Jose Abreu still ahead (32:00), three star options Carlos Santana, Victor Martinez, Eric Hosmer and Chris Davis (34:00), why Tommy Joseph has a realistic shot at 30 home runs (46:00), and finally potential impacts from prospects Dan Vogelbach, Josh Bell, and Cody Bellinger (51:00).

George Bissell, Mike Gianella and Bret Sayre of Baseball Prospectus kick off the 2017 position preview series with a comprehensive breakdown of fantasy catchers. They discuss the staggering lack of depth and it’s impact on draft strategy (2:00), whether Buster Posey, Jonathan Lucroy and Gary Sanchez are worth the investment at their current average draft position (5:00), reasons for targeting Yasmani Grandal (13:00), realistic expectations for Willson Contreras (17:00), playing time concerns with Evan Gattis (19:00), why Travis d’Arnaud is an incredible value (24:00), the health of Wilson Ramos (28:00), and finally make their one star speculative picks (30:00).

George Bissell and Tim Finnegan of Baseball Prospectus discuss how fantasy owners can use Statcast data like contact quality (2:00) and spin rate (11:00) to improve their player evaluations. Then senior prospect writer Jeff Paternostro stops by to provide an exclusive look at the process behind constructing BP’s Top 101 prospect list (25:00), make a compelling case for Robert Gsellman (43:00), and give his take on the future value of Gary Sanchez and Trea Turner (52:00).

George Bissell and Mike Gianella of Baseball Prospectus take a retrospective look at last year’s mixed league player valuations to analyze the importance of minimizing risk and targeting players with a broad base of skills in the first round (6:00), the impact of declining stolen base totals and the recent home run surge on valuations (9:00), newfound power and depth at middle infield (16:00), undervalued late-round veteran hitters (21:00), why drafting an elite starting pitcher is less of a risk in mixed leagues (26:00), and debate whether relievers are becoming more reliable (35:00).This episode of Flags Fly Forever is brought to you by Pennant Wars. Pennant Wars is an online baseball simulation game where you call the shots as the GM of your own baseball franchise. Can you build a dynasty? Try for free today at pennantwars.com.

George Bissell of Baseball Prospectus and Alex Chamberlain of RotoGraphs break down the fantasy implications of recent deals involving Chris Sale/Yoan Moncada (4:00), Adam Eaton/Lucas Giolito (13:00), Wade Davis/Jorge Soler (24:00) and discuss a flurry of free agent signings including closers Aroldis Chapman and Mark Melancon (32:00), Ian Desmond (34:00) and Rich Hill (41:00). Finally, Jake Devereux of BP Boston joins the show to discuss the avalanche of deals involving the Red Sox (50:00), and the top dynasty prospects in fantasy baseball (1:10:00).This episode of Flags Fly Forever is brought to you by Pennant Wars. Pennant Wars is an online baseball simulation game where you call the shots as the GM of your own baseball franchise. Can you build a dynasty? Try for free today at pennantwars.com.