Mlb.com Fantasy Baseball 411

The Cleveland Indians have become the talk of baseball after reeling off 22 consecutive wins. MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie break down how Cleveland's hot-hitting duo of Jose Ramirez and Francisco Lindor should be used in the remaining weeks of this season as well as where they rank in 2018 fantasy drafts. The guys also discuss rookie sensation Rhys Hoskins' future home-run potential (9:40), big-name players that should be drop candidates (18:40), if Arizona's Robbie Ray has reached ace-level status (21:45) and the ever-changing Angels bullpen. (35:20)

Arizona's J.D. Martinez became just the 18th player in Major League history to hit four home runs in a single game. MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie explain why Martinez is a perfect player to hit in the confines of Chase Field and where he ranks on draft boards for 2018. (:44) Matt Olson and Jorge Polanco are riding hot streaks, should they be picked up in all leagues for the last few weeks of the season? (8:35) Ian Happ and Delino DeShields are a pair speedy players that are available that can help any team in steals. (15:18) Starting pitchers discussed this week include White Sox prospect Lucas Giolito, inconsistent Orioles starters Dylan Bundy and Kevin Gausman along with Red Sox ace Chris Sale. (21:13) The crew also weigh in on closers Blake Parker, Kelvin Herrera and Aroldis Chapman. (35:45)

MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie are back this week to discuss if picking up a versatile player like Kevin Kiermaier late in the year is better than hanging onto him throughout the season (:15), what lineups are good targets to stream your starting pitchers against (4:20), if Aaron Judge's sore shoulder is a major red flag (12:50), and the expectations for possible September callups Ronald Acuna, Willie Calhoun and J.P. Crawford. (19:45) Need another starting pitcher for the stretch run? Leach and Zinkie compare and contrast highly-rated prospect Lucas Giolito, Phillies rookie Mark Leiter and Rays left-hander Blake Snell. (26:35) Is Blake Parker the answer to the Angels season-long question at closer? The crew talks closers in L.A. and Colorado along with explaining the merits of dropping Aroldis Chapman for the rest of the season. (42:58)

The Twins are still very alive in the playoff race and they also have some of the most interesting players when it comes to fantasy baseball. MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie break down how you should play the power-hitting Miguel Sano and speedy outfielder Byron Buxton. Manny Machado and Josh Donaldson have rebounded from a couple of bad first halves, but where do they rank when thinking about the 2018 season? (5:05) Curtis Granderson has moved from the Mets to a contending team, but how much playing time should he expect to get in the Dodgers outfield? (10:50) Leach and Zinkie also discuss what to do with some big name starting pitchers (12:50) and playoff-contending bullpens in St. Louis, Los Angeles, Kansas City and Colorado. (23:52) Later, Yahoo Sports fantasy writer Scott Pianowski joins Fred Zinkie on the show to break down if rookie Rhys Hoskins is worth a pickup as an outfielder, what ace will be drafted first in 2018 and who has better fantasy value between Nolan Arenado and Ch

How do you handle an injured superstar? MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie weigh the pros and cons of dropping Bryce Harper now that he is out indefinitely with a knee injury. Giancarlo Stanton is on one of the biggest power surges of all-time, but where does he rank when thinking about drafting for 2018? (5:21) Is it the right time to drop Miguel Cabrera and Dustin Pedroia after down years at the plate? (10:53) Eddie Rosario is having a nice breakout season and could be picked up off waiver wires as a good all-around player. (14:40) Leach and Zinkie also discuss what top prospects they are most excited about (25:28), if starters Parker Bridwell or Trevor Bauer are worth taking a chance on (28:40) and whether Aroldis Chapman should be benched after some shaky performances. (41:20)

Where does Jay Bruce fit into the Indians' outfield? MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie discuss if Bruce can continue his power-hitting ways at Progressive Field and if he will stay in the lineup when others return from the disabled list. (:15) Should Mets prospect Dominic Smith or Phillies prospect Rhys Hoskins be added to your lineup over some struggling veteran first basemen? (2:00) Other prospects discussed that were promoted include Amed Rosario, Ozzie Albies (12:22), Brandon Woodruff and Reynaldo Lopez (27:10). Joey Gallo is crushing home runs this season but hitting for a low average. How should he be handled when trying to balance production? (20:30) Trying to find an ace pitcher without paying an ace price? Leach and Zinkie breakdown Luis Severino, James Paxton and Zack Godley as inexpensive options. (29:06) They also give the latest updates on the closing situations in Atlanta, Minnesota, Oakland and Washington. (32:50)

MLB fantasy expert Fred Zinkie is joined this week by FanRag Sports baseball fantasy writer Al Melchior as they discuss recent prospects promoted to the big leagues and players that were moved before the Trade Deadline. A pair of top middle infielders were called up this week as Amed Rosario joined the Mets and Ozzie Albies will now be playing with the Braves. (:35) Next, Zinkie and Melchior break down the players that were moved at the Deadline and how it should affect their status in fantasy leagues. (5:22) Topics include Yu Darvish moving to the Dodgers, who grabs the closer's role for the Padres, Mets, Nationals and Twins (7:40), Jonathan Lucroy being traded to Colorado (16:10), Sonny Gray now pitching for the Yankees (20:40) and Lucas Duda's power potential in the American League. (23:40) What should you do with your injured players? Zinkie and Melchior discuss who should be kept and who should be dropped. (36:48)

The Red Sox made a trade for Eduardo Nunez in an attempt to plug a hole at third base as they chase the AL pennant. MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie take a closer look at Boston's hot-corner options now that Nunez and top prospect Rafael Devers have been added to the team. (:40) Whit Merrifield seems to be an undervalued second baseman that is available in most leagues, should he be picked up over more established players? (11:54) What should you do with Clayton Kershaw now that he is out for several weeks with another back injury and should he be the first pitcher picked in 2018 fantasy drafts? (17:45) Will Stephen Strasburg miss multiple starts after heading to the disabled list due to a nerve impingement? (23:05) Who are some ace options that could be picked up with Kershaw and Strasburg out? (26:30) Finally, Yahoo! fantasy sports writer Dalton Del Don joins Fred Zinkie on the show to discuss strategy for leagues with an innings cap (37:20), where Sale, Scherzer and Kershaw should be

The second half of the 2017 MLB season is underway and teams have wasted little time trying to improve through the trade market. MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie take a look at some big boppers that have changed teams. The Yankees have brought in Todd Frazier to man the hot corner, hoping he can take advantage of the dimensions at Yankee Stadium (:45). J.D. Martinez moves from Detroit to the National League as the D-backs try to infuse more right-handed power into their lineup (3:15). A few stars have been bit by the injury bug post All-Star Break, Zinkie and Leach discuss how long Kris Bryant (7:30) and Carlos Correa (9:15) could be out of their team's lineup. Other topics touched on this week include surprising sluggers that are on pace for 40 homers (13:00), where Wilson Ramos ranks among catchers (19:07), Yoan Moncada's promotion to the Majors (22:30), Jose Quintana's move to the National League (25:17), starting pitcher must haves and buy-low options (26:10), and updates on the clos

Kyle Schwarber is making his way back to the big leagues after tearing the cover off the ball during a brief stint in the Minors. MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie break down Schwarber's potential as an outfielder vs. a catcher in fantasy leagues (:37), how to replace Trea Turner's numbers while he misses time with a wrist injury (3:00), the emergence of Indians third baseman Jose Ramirez (5:33) and prospects that can make an impact during the second half of the season. (7:50) Next, Leach and Zinkie talk about sluggers that have not been hitting well lately in Eric Thames (12:30), Manny Machado and Josh Donaldson. (14:55) Pitching performances from the first half discussed by Leach and Zinke include Jimmy Nelson (19:18), Ervin Santana (20:45), Justin Verlander (23:28), Kevin Gausman (25:15), Sam Dyson (28:06) and Matt Bush. (31:35)

MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie start the show by discussing players that are still available in some leagues that have enough talent and skill to help your lineup. Oakland's top prospect Franklin Barreto has been called up to the Majors but what is he worth hitting low in the batting order? (:25) Michael Taylor, Ian Happ, Scooter Gennett are players that are playing well enough that they can add value to almost any lineup. (2:10) Leach and Zinkie break down the injury news of Carlos Gonzalez heading to the DL and Madison Bumgarner starting his rehab. (10:25) Starting pitchers Luis Castillo, Alex Cobb, Sean Newcomb, John Lackey and Mike and Jordan Montgomery are discussed and compared if owners are still looking to find the right fit for their rotation. (19:00) They also provide updates to the bullpen situations in San Francisco and St. Louis. (26:55) Yahoo Sports fantasy writer Scott Pianowski joins Zinkie on the show to talk about the different ways some leagues handle injuries and fr

Cody Bellinger has become one of the young breakout stars of 2017. MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie discuss Bellinger's incredible accomplishments through his first few months in the Majors and how he compares to Yankees slugger Aaron Judge. (:15) Guys heading in seemingly two different directions so far this season are Mike Zunino and Michael Brantley. Zunino has been a good hitter so far in a shallow catcher's market whereas Michael Brantley has struggled after missing most of last season with injuries. (6:09) Logan Morrison and Matt Adams are a couple of first basemen that have surprised with their power through the first half of the season. (10:30) Players like Trey Mancini and Keon Broxton are having good production at the plate but their numbers are hard to project for a full season. (18:10) Toronto's Troy Tulowitzki has not had the season that most had hoped for but is he someone that should be dropped in all leagues? (24:20) Leach and Zinkie also give their best advice on startin

Fantasy expert Fred Zinkie and MLB.com's Matthew Leach begin the show by taking a closer look at Rays speedster Mallex Smith and how he compares to Royals center fielder Lorenzo Cain. (:27) They also break down what to do with outfielders Jose Pirela, Jacoby Ellsbury and Aaron Hicks. (3:50) Gary Sanchez has returned to last year's form and now should be the No. 1 catcher in fantasy baseball over Buster Posey. (10:18) Lewis Brinson is an intriguing prospect that could add value if he receives regular playing time. (16:19) Rougned Odor and Kyle Seager are established players that are starting to come around and play well. (18:17) Mitch Haniger is a player that keeps collecting hits and should be picked up if he is available. (21:38) Next, Leach and Zinkie run down a long list of starting pitchers consisting of Buck Farmer (22:45), Sean Newcomb 24:24), Joe and Tyson Ross (26:31), Masahiro Tanaka (30:53) and the Rockies' starting staff (33:06). Need a closer? The crew takes a look at the numbers from Corey Knebel

MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie take an in-depth look at the numbers being put up by Elvis Andrus this season and how it compares to some of the other shortstops in the league. (:34) Next, they review the guys that are playing well at first and discuss if they are worth playing over some more established stars. (5:38) Reigning National League MVP Kris Bryant is not putting up the fantastic numbers he did last season but is he a buy-low candidate right now? (13:55) Aaron Judge has been one of the biggest stories in 2017, should owners sell high now to take advantage? (15:46) Scooter Gennett just hit four home runs in one game but is he worth picking up for your team? (18:51) Edinson Volquez tossed a no-hitter his last time on the mound, is this the beginning of a turnaround to a disappointing season? (22:10) What's the outlook for David Price's 2017 season now that he is back on the mound? (25:46) Jeff Hoffman has looked good his last couple times out but should a Coors Field pitcher be

MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie discuss Mike Trout being forced out of action with a torn ligament in his left thumb, what it means to fantasy owners and how it affects the rest of the Angels lineup. Former MVP Dustin Pedroia is back on the disabled list, is he a guy that could be dropped in some leagues? (9:39) Rough starts from Todd Frazier, Addison Russell and Kyle Schwarber have been a cause for concern to many owners and they have been dropped in smaller leagues. (12:30) Next, the guys take a closer look at intriguing fantasy hitters like Trea Turner (18:30), Jonathan Villar (20:27) and Buster Posey (22:25). Starting pitchers that are discussed are the injured Danny Duffy (25:47), Danny Salazar being moved to the bullpen (27:05), strikeout machine Robbie Ray (28:00), Houston's Lance McCullers (29:28) and the Mets' Matt Harvey (32:34). Finally, the crew chat about the Padres closer candidates (36:30), relievers Tony Watson (38:00), Santiago Casilla and Raisel Iglesias. (38:52)

MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie begin this week by taking a closer look at the rough starts from Miguel Cabrera (:40) and Manny Machado this season. (3:10) On the other end of the spectrum, guys like Corey Dickerson (6:20) and Jake Lamb (10:35) are off to great starts. Should owners sell high on these outfielders? Devon Travis has been on a bit of a hot streak lately, is he someone that should be picked up? (12:00) Along the same lines Dansby Swanson has also been playing well this month. Is he ready to be a consistent hitter? (14:20) Zack Greinke is back to dominating on the mound and he is the top trade target in the league if you need starting pitching help. (20:45) They also give their opinions on starters Eduardo Rodriguez (24:08), Mike Clevinger (25:05), Jeff Samardzija (26:10), and Joe Ross (27:20). Closers are always a hot topic in any fantasy league, Matthew and Fred discuss Koda Glover in Washington (29:50), the Angels' Bud Norris (31:30) and Padres pitcher Brad Hand. (33:23)

MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie discuss the merits of picking up Aaron Altherr and Mark Reynolds especially if you own Freddie Freeman who is going to miss significant time with an injury. (:26) Xander Bogaerts has not added the power stroke to his game yet and that lowers his rank below some of the higher level shortstops around the league. (16:30) Indians outfield prospect Bradley Zimmer has been called up to the big leagues, Zinkie discusses what kind of player he is. (19:30) Masahiro Tanaka has struggled through the first few weeks of the season, is he a buy low candidate or can he turn it around? (22:49) Could Jose Berrios or Eddie Butler be a difference maker for the Twins and Cubs? (27:21) With Aroldis Chapman heading to the DL, is Dellin Betances an acceptable replacement? (32:50) The guys also break down the struggling bullpens of the Mets, Nationals and Mariners. (35:45) Matthew Leach sat down with Blue Jays reporter Gregor Chisholm to find out about Joe Biagini in the startin

MLB fantasy expert Fred Zinkie is joined again this week by FanRag Sports baseball fantasy writer Al Melchior and the pair take a deeper look at Yonder Alonso, who has already surpassed his home run total from last season. (:35) On the other end of the spectrum, Carlos Gonzalez and Jose Bautista have struggled so far this year. Should owners be looking to drop these players? (4:30) Ryan Braun has been in and out of the lineup recently, should he be dropped or bought low and hope for the best? (11:40) Adrian Gonzalez is set to come off the disabled list soon, should he be picked up to play first base? (15:25) Next the crew takes a look at starting pitchers including Chris Sale, Chris Tillman, Joe Biagini, Trevor Cahill and Alex Wood. (21:00) Zinkie and Melchior next tackle the topic of closers and discuss what to do with Francisco Rodriguez, Justin Wilson, Derek Law and Brad Brach. (36:04) Finally the guys discuss what two-start pitchers look good this upcoming week. (49:05)

MLB fantasy expert Fred Zinkie is joined this week by FanRag Sports baseball fantasy writer Al Melchior to take a closer look at the numbers for Nationals hitters Bryce Harper, Anthony Rendon, Daniel Murphy and Ryan Zimmerman and why you should avoid starting a pitcher that is going to face that stacked lineup. (:40) Miguel Sano led the American League in RBIs during the month of April but can he sustain this success throughout the season? (9:25) How will the Rockies playing-time situation change now that Ian Desmond is back and ready to play? (12:20) The crew also discuss if Michael Conforto and Jedd Gyorko should be owned in all leagues. (17:00) Zinkie and Melchior then break down which hot starting pitchers need to be picked up and who you still need to wait on to see if they can keep up their success. (25:15) Finally the guys discuss closers and if Bud Norris and Greg Holland can keep racking up the saves. (37:50)

MLB.com's Matthew Leach and fantasy expert Fred Zinkie discuss the potential of top prospect Cody Bellinger and how often he should play with the Dodgers, if Joey Gallo has a chance to lead the league in home runs (6:15) and if Jason Heyward is worth the risk of owning after having a down year last season. (8:55) Eric Thames has been the talk of the early season, the guys break down what players would be a fair trade for him as it stands right now. (11:13) Are the recent injuries to aces Noah Syndergaard and Felix Hernandez serious enough to drop them off your roster? (15:50) Leach and Zinkie weigh in on starting pitchers and their performance through the month of April. (18:40) Later, Fred Zinkie is joined on the show by Brandon Funston, the Managing Editor of Yahoo Fantasy Sports, to discuss a variety of topics including his drafting of Xander Bogaerts ahead of Corey Seager and Francisco Lindor (44:38), Carlos Martinez getting back on track (46:04) and if Michael Pineda is a sell-high candidate after a stro