The Padres broke out in 2020, then won the offseason by trading for Yu Darvish and Blake Snell, and signing Fernando Tatís Jr. to a 14-year deal. Now among the World Series favorites, the Padres are one of the most interesting teams in the league from a fantasy perspective, as well. Padres beat writer Dennis Lin joins Al and Beller on this episode of Fantasy Baseball in 15. The guys discuss Jake Cronenworth and Ha-seong Kim at second base, the possibility that Blake Snell will go deeper into gam...
Mar 09, 2021•14 min
Maria Torres joins Al and DVR to discuss the Nationals! Can Victor Robles return to his 2019 form? How will playing time shake out at second and third base? Is Stephen Strasburg completely healthy? Can we expect a rebound from Patrick Corbin? 1:32 Victor Robles’ Offseason Adjustments 3:15 The Nats’ Infield Logjam 4:41 Stephen Strasburg’s Progress Following Surgery 6:14 Patrick Corbin’s Bid for a Bounce Back 8:43 Competition for the No. 5 Starter 10:50 Is Brad Hand the Clear-Cut Closer? 12:40 Pro...
Mar 08, 2021•15 min
The Astros squeaked into the 2020 Postseason and nearly made a run to the World Series. Astros beat writer Jake Kaplan joins Al and DVR to discuss the recent finger injury for Framber Valdez, Jose Altuve's chances of a rebound, and how playing time in center field might shake out following the offseason departure of George Springer. 1:41 Will Myles Straw Win the Starting CF Job? 3:25 Jose Altuve’s Chances of a Rebound 4:35 Framber Valdez’s Timetable for a Return 5:50 Luis Garcia vs. Forrest Whit...
Mar 05, 2021•14 min
It's been a contentious offseason on the North Side of Chicago, but the Cubs still have a dangerous offense featuring a number of fantasy mainstays, many of whom are looking for a rebound season in 2021. Cubs beat writer Sahadev Sharma joins Al and Beller on this episode of Fantasy Baseball in 15 to consider whether Kris Bryant, Javier Báez and Anthony Rizzo can bounce back this year. The guys also discuss Ian Happ as the leadoff man, Adbert Alzolay on the inside track for the rotation, and Crai...
Mar 04, 2021•15 min
Twins beat writer Dan Hayes joins Al and DVR on this episode of Fantasy Baseball in 15, breaking down a team that should once again contend in the AL Central. Dan discuss the battle for playing time behind the plate, expectations for Byron Buxton following his 2020 power surge, the back of the Twins' rotation and closer situation, and Alex Kirilloff's chances of making the Opening Day roster. Rundown 1:34 The Twins' Catching Situation 3:14 Finding Playing Time for Jorge Polanco & Luis Arraez...
Mar 03, 2021•15 min
Orioles beat writer Dan Connolly joins Al and Beller on this episode of Fantasy Baseball in 15, breaking down a team that may not have legitimate playoff aspirations, but does have some fantasy goodness. Dan details Trey Mancini's return to the field, D.J. Stewart's and Ryan Mountcastle's places in the everyday lineup, the rotation beyond John Means, cases for the team's top prospects to debut this season, and more. Baseball, cancer, recovery: Trey Mancini—and those closest to him—tell his story...
Mar 02, 2021•15 min
Next up in our fantasy baseball team preview series is the Red Sox, a team with a lot of fantasy goodness trying to rebound from an ugly 2020. Red Sox beat reporter Jen McCaffrey joins Al and Beller on this episode of Fantasy Baseball in 15 to discuss J.D. Martinez's potential rebound, Christian Vazquez's playing time, the returns of Chris Sale and Eduardo Rodriguez, the battle for the closer's job, and more. Follow Al on Twitter: @almelchiorBB Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBeller Follow Jen on Tw...
Mar 01, 2021•14 min
Phillies beat writer Matt Gelb joins Al and DVR to discuss expectations for Alec Bohm's power, the development of Spencer Howard, the potential impact of Matt Moore in the back of the Philadelphia rotation, how the closer situation might play out, and more. 1:57 J.T. Realmuto’s Progress From His Thumb Injury 3:15 Alec Bohm’s 2021 Power Outlook 4:29 Scott Kingery’s Bounce Back Bid 6:00 Any Restrictions for Rhys Hoskins This Spring? 6:40 Looking for Zack Wheeler’s Missing Strikeouts 8:12 Expectati...
Feb 26, 2021•15 min
Next up in the team preview series on Fantasy Baseball in 15 is the Miami Marlins. Al and Beller tackle this one, breaking down the Marlins' lineup and rotation from a fantasy perspective. Will there be at-bats for Garrett Cooper and Jon Berti? Can Elieser Hernandez lock down a rotation spot? Is the closer's job Anthony Bass' to lose? Could Monte Harrison bully his way into the lineup? The guys talk about all that and more. Follow Al on Twitter: @almelchiorBB Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBeller H...
Feb 25, 2021•14 min
Angels beat writer Fabian Ardaya joins Al and DVR on this episode of Fantasy Baseball in 15 to discuss Jared Walsh's path to a big-side platoon role, Shohei Ohtani's offseason adjustments, back-end starters of interest, and how Jo Adell and Brandon Marsh fit into the team's 2021 plans. 1:20 Jared Walsh’s Role 2:25 Expectations for David Fletcher’s Playing Time 4:45 What Will Shohei Ohtani Do as a Pitcher in 2021? 6:30 Back-End Starters 8:45 The Bullpen w/Raisel Iglesias 10:26 2021 Plans for Jo A...
Feb 24, 2021•14 min
The defending World Series Champions are as deep as ever, making the Dodgers one of the premier teams in the fantasy baseball world. Dodgers beat writer Pedro Moura joins Al and Beller on this episode of Fantasy Baseball in 15 to discuss Cody Bellinger bouncing back, Gavin Lux's 2021 role, the league's deepest rotation, potential help for Kenley Jansen in the ninth, and more. Follow Al on Twitter: @almelchiorBB Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBeller Follow Pedro on Twitter: @pedromoura Hosted on Aca...
Feb 23, 2021•13 min
James Fegan joins Al and DVR continue the team preview series with a look at the Chicago White Sox. Can Yoán Moncada bounce back from a disappointing 2020 campaign? How will the White Sox manage Michael Kopech's innings? When will Andrew Vaughn become a fixture in the White Sox's lineup? 1:34 Can Yoán Moncada Bounce Back? 4:08 How Aggressive Will the La Russa White Sox Be in the Running Game? 5:55 Who are the Favorites for the Last Two Rotation Spots? 8:16 Is This Bullpen Underrated? 10:36 Garre...
Feb 22, 2021•14 min
Al and DVR continue the team preview series with a look at the Tampa Bay Rays. What will 2021 bring for Randy Arozarena? Can Brandon Lowe sustain his improved plate skills from the shortened seasons? Is Manuel Margot a viable option primed to contribute a mix of power and speed? Which Tampa Bay starters are viable fantasy options? When will we see Wander Franco? 1:05 What's Next for Randy Arozarena? 2:45 Brandon Lowe's Encore 4:41 Manuel Margot as a Late Steals Target 6:04 After Tyler Glasnow &a...
Feb 19, 2021•15 min
The three-time defending NL East Champions are once again among the most packed fantasy baseball teams in the league. The Athletic's Braves beat writer David O'Brien joined Al Melchior and Michael Beller to pack all they could into 15 minutes on this episode of Fantasy Baseball in 15. Among the topics discussed: Was Travis D'Arnaud's 2020 season for real? What about Max Fried's? Will the team limit Ian Anderson's usage this season? Cristian Pache's glove will keep him on the field, but can his b...
Feb 18, 2021•15 min
Our team preview series rolls on with Rockies beat reporter Nick Groke joining Al Melchior and Derek VanRiper on this episode of Fantasy Baseball in 15. The guys discuss who benefits most with the trade of Nolan Arenado to St. Louis, Raimel Tapia's chances of staying atop the batting order, Sam Hilliard's role, and how the battle for saves is expected to play out in the Colorado bullpen. 1:47 Plans For Garrett Hampson & Brendan Rodgers 3:53 C.J. Cron, Greg Bird and the First Base Plan 5:53 R...
Feb 17, 2021•15 min
Our team preview series rolls on with Giants beat reporter Grant Brisbee joining Al Melchior and Michael Beller on this episode of Fantasy Baseball in 15. The guys discuss all the potential platoons at Gabe Kapler's disposal, Donovan Solano's freakish ability to get hits on balls in play, the grab-bag rotation, the wide open closer's race, and more. Follow Al on Twitter: @almelchiorBB Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBeller Follow Grant on Twitter: @GrantBrisbee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...
Feb 16, 2021•12 min
The Blue Jays were one of the few teams that made significant investments this offseason, most notably adding George Springer and Marcus Semien to what was already one of the league's ascending offenses. That makes them an incredibly fun team from a fantasy perspective. The Athletic's Blue Jays beat writer Katilyn McGrath joins Al Melchior and Michael Beller to discuss all the fantasy baseball fun to be had with the team on this episode of Fantasy Football in 15. Can Teoscar Hernandez stick in t...
Feb 15, 2021•15 min
Alec Lewis joins Al Melchior and Derek VanRiper to discuss the increasingly interesting Royals, who recently added Andrew Benintendi to their outfield and who boast an intriguing mix of young pitchers. Can we expected rebounds from Jorge Soler and Hunter Dozier? How does Brad Keller make it work while yielding so much contact? Could we see Daniel Lynch and Jackson Kowar in Kansas City by season's end? 1:51 Andrew Benintendi in Kansas City 2:49 Rebounds from Jorge Soler & Hunter Dozier? 4:53 ...
Feb 12, 2021•14 min
C. Trent Rosecrans joins Al Melchior and Michael Beller to break down the Reds, who may be down from last offseason's heights, but certainly aren't out. What's left in the tank for Joey Votto? Can a group of hitters that mostly disappointed last year bounce back? Where's Tyler Mahle's place in the fantasy game? How will David Bell handle the ninth inning? The guys get into all those questions on this episode of Fantasy Baseball in 15. Follow Al on Twitter: @almelchiorBB Follow Beller on Twitter:...
Feb 11, 2021•14 min
D-backs beat writer Zach Buchanan joins Al Melchior and Derek VanRiper to discuss several key questions in Arizona. Will Ketel Marte and David Peralta bounce back from disappointing 2020 seasons? How will the pieces in the rotation come together? Who closes for the D-backs? Is Daulton Varsho a lock for the Opening Day roster? Rundown 2:36 Reasons for Optimism w/Ketel Marte & David Peralta 3:59 Merrill Kelly Status Update 5:28 Where Is Caleb Smith Entering Spring? 6:58 Luke Weaver’s 2019 vs. ...
Feb 10, 2021•14 min
Pirates beat writer Rob Biertempfel joins Al Melchior and Michael Beller to hunt for fantasy value in Pittsburgh. The guys discuss Colin Moran, Ke'Bryan Hayes, Mitch Keller and Steven Brault, plus take a look at the bullpen and the farm system on what could be fantasy baseball's least impactful team. Follow Al on Twitter: @almelchiorBB Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBeller Follow Rob on Twitter: @RobBiertempfel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Feb 09, 2021•14 min
Seattle Mariners beat writer Corey Brock joins Al Melchior and Derek VanRiper on this episode of Fantasy Baseball in 15 to preview the team for the upcoming season. What should we expect from Mitch Haniger? Are there values to be had in the Seattle rotation? When will Jarred Kelenic, Julio Rodriguez and Logan Gilbert get the call? Rundown 1:18 Is Mitch Haniger On Track for the Start of 2021? 2:19 What's Next for Dylan Moore? 4:11 Expectations for Marco Gonzales, Yusei Kikuchi & Justus Sheffi...
Feb 08, 2021•15 min
Cleveland Indians beat writer Zack Meisel joins Al Melchior and Derek VanRiper on this episode of Fantasy Baseball in 15 to preview the team for the upcoming season. How will Amed Rosario and Andrés Giménez fit in Cleveland? Can we trust Zach Plesac's leap forward from the shortened 2020 season? How will the bullpen hierarchy work with save opportunities? Rundown 1:05 Setting Expectations for Amed Rosario & Andrés Giménez 3:12 Is Oscar Mercado a Strong Rebound Candidate? 5:24 How Much Can We...
Feb 05, 2021•13 min
Rangers beat writer Levi Weaver joins Al Melchior and Michael Beller on this episode of Fantasy Baseball in 15 to preview the team for the upcoming season. What's the plan for new Rangers David Dahl and Nate Lowe? What can we expect from Kohei Arihara? Is the closer's job José Leclerc's to lose? The guys get into all that, and more. Follow Al on Twitter: @almelchiorBB Follow Beller on Twitter: @MBeller Follow Levi on Twitter: @ThreeTwoEephus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform...
Feb 04, 2021•13 min
The Fantasy Baseball in 15 team preview series continues with the New York Mets. The Athletic's Mets beat reporter Tim Britton joins Al Melchior and Derek VanRiper to break down where the team stands from a fantasy perspective. How does Dominic Smith fit into the Mets' lineup, when will Noah Syndergaard be ready to rejoin the rotation, how will the final spots in the rotation shake out, and is Edwin Díaz locked in as the team's closer. Rundown 1:25 How Does Dominic Smith Fit Into the Mets’ 2021 ...
Feb 03, 2021•12 min
The Fantasy Baseball in 15 team preview series kicks off with the Milwaukee Brewers. The Athletic's Brewers beat reporter Will Sammon joins Al Melchior and Michael Beller to break down where the team stands from a fantasy perspective. Can the team's key hitters, most notably Christian Yelich, Keston Hiura and Avisaíl García bounce back? Can Josh Lindblom find the strike zone more regularly. Is Corbin Burnes ready to repeat. Are there any save chances in Devin Williams' immediate future? The guys...
Feb 02, 2021•13 min
It's a new year and a new season, so it's time for us to fire up the Fantasy Baseball in 15 machine every weekday morning to cover all the pertinent news in the fantasy baseball world in 15 tidy minutes. The whole crew is here for the first episode of the 2021 MLB season. Al Melchior, Derek VanRiper and Michael Beller go over their favorite moves of the offseason to date, and how those moves will affect what they do in their fantasy baseball drafts. Follow Al on Twitter: @almelchiorBB Follow DVR...
Feb 01, 2021•13 min
Al and DVR discuss potential buy-low starting pitchers and reaching for players in early drafts. Rundown 1:12 Making Sense of Frankie Montas' 2020 2:52 A Rebound Coming From Corbin? 4:46 Madison Bumgarner's Decline 8:09 What's Next for Matthew Boyd? 10:10 Interest Level in Robbie Ray? 11:59 Reaching for Players on Draft Day Follow Al on Twitter: @almelchiorBB Follow DVR on Twitter: @DerekVanRiper Subscribe to The Athletic for just $1/month at theathletic.com/baseballin15 Hosted on Acast. See aca...
Oct 16, 2020•17 min
Al and DVR discuss continue examining buy-low targets for the 2021 season. Rundown 1:02 Seeking More Buy-Low Players Than Usual in 2021? 3:52 Making Sense of Jose Altuve's Disappointing 2020 Regular Season 7:44 Marcus Semien's Step Back 10:27 Josh Bell & Eduardo Escobar 14:44 J.D. Martinez & Joey Gallo 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 f...
Oct 15, 2020•19 min
Al and DVR discuss expectations for Clayton Kershaw in 2021 in the wake of a setback with his back during the NLCS, the future role of Tony Gonsolin, disappointing early-round hitters from 2020 and whether they are interested in targeting those players at a discount for next season. Rundown 1:05 Clayton Kershaw's Impressive 2020; What Might 2021 Bring? 2:56 Will Tony Gonsolin Have a Rotation Spot of His Own? 5:26 Interest in Randy Dobnak? 7:12 Chasing Keegan Akin in Baltimore? 8:49 Deivi Garcia ...
Oct 14, 2020•17 min
