Al and DVR discuss several news items from the White Sox including surgery for Nick Madrigal, an encouraging update on Garrett Crochet, Michael Kopech's 2021 outlook, and their observations of a handful of rookie pitchers. Rundown 0:46 A Quick Tommy Pham Update 1:32 A Look Back at Adam Duvall's 2020 Resurgence 4:13 Nick Madrigal Undergoes Shoulder Surgery 5:48 Checking In on Garrett Crochet 7:23 Expectations for Andrew Vaughn in 2021 8:31 Michael Kopech and 2020 Opt-Outs 10:42 Looking Back at So...
Oct 13, 2020•17 min
Al and DVR discuss Charlie Morton's future, a few potential bounceback bats for 2021, and try to set their expectations for several rookie hitters who flashed their potential during brief 2020 debuts. Rundown 1:03 Charlie Morton's Uncertain Future 4:38 Andrew Benintendi's Disappointing (and brief) 2020 7:00 Bobby Dalbec's Power-Heavy Debut 8:27 Ke'Bryan Hayes & Randy Arozarena's Added Power 10:26 Ryan Mountcastle & Alec Bohm 14:27 Edwin Rios' Paths to Playing Time in 2021 Follow Al on Tw...
Oct 12, 2020•17 min
Al and DVR are joined by Mike Robbins, author of 'We're All in This Together' to discuss failure, team chemistry in uncertain times. Rundown 1:16 Mike's Consulting Work with MLB Teams 5:20 How Teams Sought Help in a Year of Uncertainty 8:09 How Do Teams Work with Players to Cope with Failure? 10:58 What Can You Look For to Determine if a Team has Good Chemistry? 14:18 How Did the Padres Become This Cohesive, This Quickly? Follow Al on Twitter: @almelchiorBB Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper ...
Oct 09, 2020•18 min
Al and DVR discuss Mike Clevinger’s early exit with further elbow trouble, Ryan Weathers’ impressive debut, Zack Greinke’s recent absence, and the unusual shape of the outfield in 2021. Rundown 0:47 Mike Clevinger's Elbow Woes & Ryan Weathers' Debut 5:50 Zack Greinke's Absence From the Astros' Rotation 8:20 Early 2021 Observation: Outfield Thins Out Quickly 11:07 Lourdes Gurriel Jr. vs. Kyle Lewis for 2021 Follow Al on Twitter: @almelchiorBB Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Subscribe to...
Oct 08, 2020•16 min
Al and DVR examine Starling Marte's underlying skills loss in 2020, consider Francisco Lindor vs. Bo Bichette in a battle of early shortstops, and the debate for who the first pitcher off the board should be in 2021. Rundown 0:47 Updating Rhys Hoskins’ Injury Status 1:31 Making Sense of Starling Marte’s 2020 6:18 Francisco Lindor v. Bo Bichette 10:27 Which Pitcher Should Be First Off the Board? Follow Al on Twitter: @almelchiorBB Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Subscribe to The Athletic fo...
Oct 07, 2020•16 min
Al and DVR discuss Rhys Hoskins undergoing Tommy John surgery, how the Astros' depth starters might stack up going forward, and a few early-round surprises in DVR's first 2021 draft. Rundown 0:48 Rhys Hoskins Undergoes Tommy John Surgery 5:17 Comparing Houston's Depth Starters Going Forward 8:29 Does DJ LeMahieu Have a Case for First-Round Status? 13:00 Where Should Luis Robert Go in 2021 Drafts? Follow Al on Twitter: @almelchiorBB Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Subscribe to The Athletic ...
Oct 06, 2020•17 min
Al and DVR discuss several hitters whose strikeout rate changed significantly in 2020 in hopes of determining expectations going forward. Rundown 1:48 Whit Merrifield Joins Second-Base Elite 5:14 Looking for Keystone Bounce-Back Candidates 7:55 Bryce Harper’s Surprisingly Low K% 10:40 Rafael Devers' Spike in Strikeouts 13:12 What Was Going on with Christian Yelich? Follow Al on Twitter: @almelchiorBB Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Subscribe to The Athletic for just $1/month: theathletic.c...
Oct 05, 2020•18 min
Al and DVR discuss Garrett Crochet's exit from Thursday's playoff game with the A's, Edwin Díaz's outlook for 2021, potential top-five closers, and the impact of bad defensive teams. Rundown 1:17 Verlander, Giles Undergo Tommy John surgery 1:39 Garrett Crochet Leaves with Forearm Tightness 4:23 Edwin Díaz in 2021 6:12 Top-Five Relievers 9:43 Team Defense Observations From 2020 Subscribe to The Athletic for just $1/month: theathletic.com/baseballin15 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mor...
Oct 02, 2020•16 min
Al and DVR discuss Alex Kirilloff's surprising promotion to the Twins for Game 2 of their AL Wild Card Series with the Astros, Devin Williams' 2021 outlook, and pitchers who successfully avoided allowing hard contact this season. Rundown 1:14 Alex Kirilloff's Surprising Playoff Promotion 4:35 Devin Williams' 2021 Fantasy Outlook 7:52 Pitchers Who Avoided Hard Contact in 2020 12:50 Chris Paddack and Problems with Hard Contact 15:00 Digging Into Sweet Spot% Leaders Follow Al on Twitter: @almelchio...
Oct 01, 2020•17 min
Britt Ghiroli joins Al and DVR to discuss the unique challenges of covering a team beat in 2020, and several key storylines from the 2020 Nationals. Rundown 1:29 The Unique Challenges of Team Coverage in 2020 4:26 What Went Wrong for Victor Robles This Season? 6:52 Instructional Leagues & Winter Ball Plans 12:01 Andrew Stevenson, 2021 Sleeper? 14:02 Carter Kieboom's 2020 Struggles Follow Britt on Twitter: @Britt_Ghiroli Follow Al on Twitter: @almelchiorBB Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRipe...
Sep 30, 2020•18 min
Al and DVR discuss their LCS and World Series picks, and several hitters who surprised with their hard-hit rate and sweet-spot percentages in 2020. Rundown 1:01 LCS & World Series Selections 5:33 Surprises on the Hard-Hit Leaderboard 8:54 Sweet-Spot Percentage Leaders 13:17 Sweet-Spot Percentage Laggards Follow Al on Twitter: @almelchiorBB Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Subscribe to The Athletic for just $1/month: theathletic.com/baseballin15 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...
Sep 29, 2020•16 min
Al and DVR discuss the possibility of Trevor Bauer starting every fourth day in 2021, Michael Lorenzen's chances of becoming a starter next season, and cases for several players with the first overall pick. Rundown 2:59 Could Trevor Bauer Really Start Every Fourth Day in 2021? 6:15 Michael Lorenzen's Chances of Starting Next Season 8:45 Dakota Hudson To Undergo Tommy John Surgery 9:19 What Things From 2020 Might Carry Over Into 2021? 12:59 Potential Options at 1.1 Follow Al on Twitter: @almelchi...
Sep 28, 2020•16 min
Al and DVR discuss Michael Conforto's big 2020, Randy Arozarena's power surge in Tampa Bay, and a few good hitters that have helped propel DVR into contention for a Tout Wars championship this season. Rundown 1:33 Making Sense of Michael Conforto's Big 2020 Season 4:25 Other Notable Injuries 5:27 Franchy Cordero's Extreme K% Improvement 7:24 Randy Arozarena's Power Surge in Tampa Bay 10:17 What Went Right for DVR's Tout Wars Mixed Auction Squad? Follow Al on Twitter: @almelchiorBB Follow DVR on ...
Sep 25, 2020•19 min
There are four days left in the MLB regular season, and that means fantasy baseball is all about finding the right players on the stream. Al Melchior and Michael Beller highlight hitters and pitchers who can help you in your stretch run on this episode of Fantasy Baseball in 15. Rundown 1:56 Max Fried's draft stock in 2021 4:41 Injury updates for the weekend 6:08 A whole lot of Giants updates 9:29 Hitters to stream on Thursday 12:24 Pitchers to stream on Thursday 13:11 The teams you want to stre...
Sep 24, 2020•17 min•Ep. 166
Al and DVR discuss the return of Ketel Marte, Dylan Moore's impressive 2020 season and expected 2021 ADP, another stolen base for Roman Quinn, and streamers for Wednesday and Sunday on the heels of a few strong Tuesday pitching performances. Rundown 1:31 Andrelton Simmons Opts Out 1:47 Ketel Marte Returns; Is He A Must-Start? 3:57 Justin Turner Scratched with Hamstring Injury 4:13 Dylan Moore's Season is Over; Setting 2021 ADP Expectations 9:17 Tuesday's Standout Performances (and Potential Sund...
Sep 23, 2020•18 min•Ep. 165
There are just six days left in the MLB regular season, and the remainder of the fantasy season is about finding the right players to stream and start. Al Melchior and Michael Beller dig into that on the mound and at the plate for Tuesday's slate on this episode of Fantasy Baseball in 15. Rundown 0:46 Kris Bryant Leaves Monday's Game with an Oblique Injury 4:26 Bryse Wilson on the Stream Radar 8:13 J.T. Brubaker and Jon Lester Deal on Monday 11:48 Nick Pivetta's Red Sox Debut on Tap 12:52 Tuesda...
Sep 22, 2020•17 min•Ep. 164
Al and DVR discuss Justin Verlander having to undergo Tommy John surgery, Nolan Arenado's ongoing shoulder issues, and a few potential helpers available on the waiver wire. Rundown 0:52 Justin Verlander Set to Undergo Tommy John Surgery; Out for 2021 2:10 Playing Bryce Harper Despite Back Injury? 3:07 Nolan Arenado’s Shoulder Woes 4:48 Waiver-Wire Help at Third Base 5:48 Concern About Tim Anderson's Early Exit? 6:15 Trusting Sonny Gray in Return from Back Injury? 8:13 Streamable Starting Pitcher...
Sep 21, 2020•18 min•Ep. 163
The Dodgers, White Sox and Rays all clinched postseason berths on Thursday, and many teams will soon follow. As they do, fantasy mangers will be left in the lurch as real-life managers give their regulars some time off before the postseason begins. Al Melchior and Michael Beller explore that conundrum, and set up the final 10 days of the regular season, on this episode of Fantasy Baseball in 15. Rundown 1:14 A.J. Pollock's (Hamstring) Playing Time Outlook 3:40 Austin Meadows (Oblique) Could Be D...
Sep 18, 2020•20 min•Ep. 162
Al and DVR discuss an early exit for Jacob deGrom on Wednesday, a surprising three-homer game, Mickey Moniak's promotion, and an impressive pair of pitching performance in a matchup of intriguing rookies. Rundown 1:08 Jacob deGrom Leaves After Two Innings 2:06 Aaron Judge & Teoscar Hernandez Return; Ken Giles Out Again 4:47 Kyle Higashioka's Big Night 6:45 Mickey Moniak Gets the Call to Philadelphia 12:25 Caleb Ferguson's Elbow Injury & Nats' Bullpen Woes 17:15 Potential Two-Start Option...
Sep 17, 2020•20 min•Ep. 161
Al and DVR discuss a round of injury updates -- including a few players returning to the mix for the Yankees, a poor outing for Jack Flaherty against the Brewers, and questions about Mike Clevinger's overall body of work to this point in 2020. Rundown 1:05 Jack Flaherty Gets Hit in Milwaukee 2:13 Yankees Getting Healthy 3:21 Do You Trust Kevin Gausman in His Weekend Start? 5:16 Wong, Schoop & Goodrum Updates 6:56 Are You Turning to Shogo Akiyama For Steals? 11:39 Another Pitching Prospect De...
Sep 16, 2020•20 min•Ep. 160
Trevor Bauer had another dominant outing on Monday, and he could be among the biggest risers from 2020 to 2021. Kwang-hyun Kim has the right schedule to be a fantasy baseball hero over the next two weeks. Meanwhile, Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton could be getting back into the Yankees' lineup just in time to make one final push for their fantasy mangers. Al Melchior and Michael Beller discuss all that, and more, on this episode of Fantasy Baseball in 15. Rundown 1:17 Rhys Hoskins (Elbow) on t...
Sep 15, 2020•17 min•Ep. 159
Al and DVR discuss Alec Mills' no-hitter, Brad Keller's impressive Sunday outing, a rash of injuries -- including a season-ending hip ailment for Matt Chapman -- and difficult start-sit dilemmas for the upcoming week. Rundown 1:00 Trust Level Following Alec Mills’ No-Hitter & Brad Keller’s Shutout 4:13 Injuries to Matt Chapman & Nolan Arenado 6:47 J.T. Realmuto, Rhys Hoskins & Zack Wheeler Dinged Up 8:31 Interest in Drew Smyly? 12:50 Braxton Garrett & Jonathan Stiever Make Debuts...
Sep 14, 2020•19 min•Ep. 158
Al Melchior and Michael Beller catch you up on the news from across the MLB on Thursday on this episode of Fantasy Baseball in 15. The guys discuss injuries to Chris Paddack and Giovanny Gallegos, Brady Singer's flirtation with a no-hitter, Mookie Betts getting a start at second base, and more. Rundown 1:23 Chris Paddack Exits after Two Innings 2:53 Brady Singer No-Hits Cleveland for 7 2/3 Innings 4:44 Mookie Betts Gets a Start at Second Base 6:30 A Few More Quick Injury Updates 7:38 Giovanny Ga...
Sep 11, 2020•17 min•Ep. 157
Al Melchior and Derek VanRiper discuss the progress of Justin Verlander toward a return to the Astros' rotation, Daz Cameron's big-league debut, and Corbin Burnes' 2020 breakout. Rundown 2:19 Justin Verlander Progressing Toward a Return 4:32 Daz Cameron's Debut & Future Outlook 7:25 Corbin Burnes Continues His 2020 Breakout 8:42 Matthew Boyd's Struggles 11:18 Ketel Marte Goes to the IL; Who Plays In His Absence? 13:18 Tommy Pham & Justin Turner Nearing Returns 14:39 Interest in Joe Panik...
Sep 10, 2020•17 min•Ep. 156
Michael Beller and Derek VanRiper discuss another round of injuries -- including Max Fried's move to the IL -- a new possible closer in Toronto, Victor Robles' move to the top of the order, and another gem from Sixto Sánchez. Rundown 2:10 Max Fried to the IL; Atlanta’s Depth Starters 4:50 Jorge Soler Goes Down with Oblique Injury 6:16 Eric Hosmer Fractures Finger; Out 2-6 Weeks 7:40 A New Closer in Toronto? 9:34 Victor Robles in Leadoff Role 12:01 Interest in Randy Arozarena 13:48 Sixto Sánchez ...
Sep 09, 2020•17 min•Ep. 155
Monday was another injury-filled day across MLB, with José Ramírez's thumb injury taking center stage. Al and Beller discuss that on this episode of Fantasy Baseball in 15. They also get into Derek Fisher's value with Teoscar Hernandez out, Brandon Kintzler's recent struggles, Rowdy Tellez's stubbornly low roster rate, and more. Rundown 1:21 José Ramírez's Thumb Injury 2:56 Derek Fisher's Value with Teoscar Hernandez Out 4:04 The Latest on Jason Heyward and Alex Bregman 4:44 Jorge Oña Makes His ...
Sep 08, 2020•16 min•Ep. 154
Al and DVR discuss another injury to a member of the Houston rotation, corner-infield help as Matt Chapman is scheduled for an MRI, and another rough start from Patrick Corbin. Rundown 1:52 Lance McCullers to the IL; Luis Garcia as a Replacement? 3:38 Dallas Keuchel's Quietly Strong Season on the South Side 5:35 Carlos Martinez Moves Back Into St. Louis Rotation 7:03 Teoscar Hernandez Suffers a Rib Injury 8:29 Opportunity for Adam Haseley in Philly? 9:35 Matt Chapman (Hip) Scheduled for MRI; Pot...
Sep 07, 2020•17 min•Ep. 153
Al and DVR discuss Jose Altuve's knee injury, the state of the second base position and another strong outing from Martín Pérez, before Al is joined by Kavitha Davidson and Jessica Luther, co-authors of 'Loving Sports When They Don't Love You Back' to discuss inspiration for their book, how they find enjoyment in sports despite internal conflict, ethical dilemmas while playing fantasy sports, and more. Rundown 2:22 Jose Altuve Scheduled for MRI 4:05 Second Base Has Been Full of Surprises in 2020...
Sep 04, 2020•33 min•Ep. 152
Aroldis Chapman faces a three-game suspension for throwing at Mike Brousseau, Wil Myers and José Quintana are on the IL, and Cody Bellinger, Jorge Soler and Max Kepler are all dealing with nagging injuries. Derek VanRiper and Michael Beller discuss all the fantasy fallout, plus look at some in-zone contact laggards they'd bet on improving, on this episode of Fantasy Baseball in 15. Rundown 1:44 Aroldis Chapman Suspended for Three Games 3:24 Wil Myers to the IL; Buying His Hot Start? 6:47 José Qu...
Sep 03, 2020•17 min•Ep. 151
Al Melchior and Derek VanRiper discuss the arrival of another top prospect in Miami, Michael Pineda's impressive 2020 debut, Nate Lowe's return to the big leagues, Z-Contact% for starting pitchers, and Tuesday's standout performers. Rundown 1:48 Marlins Promote Jazz Chisholm; Jon Berti Impact? 4:23 Interest in Michael Pineda 6:11 Will Nate Lowe Find Playing Time in Tampa Bay? 7:46 Making Sense of the Cincinnati Closer Situation 10:13 Looking at Z-Contact% for Pitchers 13:33 Concerns About Patric...
Sep 02, 2020•18 min•Ep. 150
