On The Wire – A jam-packed early-season episode breaks down a wave of MLB injuries and their fantasy ripple effects, with a heavy focus on actionable FAAB targets. The hosts analyze playing time shifts, category-specific pickups, and strategy for both standard leagues and special formats like Razzslam/Cutline
0:00 – Intro and News
- Heavy early-season injury/news dump replaces traditional mid-show topic
- Key players discussed:
- Mookie Betts (injury, Dodgers replacements: Miguel Rojas, Alex Freeland)
- Juan Soto (calf injury; Mets fill-ins: Tyrone Taylor, Jared Young)
- Alejandro Kirk (thumb fracture; catching fallout)
- Byron Buxton (minor injury update)
- Sal Frelick (Brewers OF shuffle: Luis Matos, Garrett Mitchell, Brandon Lockridge)
- Jordan Lawlar (fractured wrist)
- Pavin Smith (IL) → opens door for José Fernández, Adrian Del Castillo
- Mickey Moniak return (Rockies playing time outlook)
- Justin Verlander (IL; Tigers rotation implications)
- Cade Horton (IL; Cubs replacement candidates: Colin Rea, Ben Brown)
- Cody Ponce (ACL) + Patrick Corbin signing
- Johan Oviedo (IL; drop discussion)
- Zach Eflin (elbow concern; Dean Kremer vs Cade Povich speculation)
- José Buttó (IL; Blade Tidwell opportunity)
- Prospect extensions/debuts: Konnor Griffin, Colt Emerson, Cooper Pratt
~33:00 – Razzslam / Cutline FAAB #1
- Strategy for first FAAB run in best ball formats
- Aggressive spending encouraged (up to ~60–75%)
- Focus on replacing injured/non-playing assets
- Importance of long waterfall bids
- Roster construction discussion (pitcher/hitter balance, positional coverage)
~47:00 – Power Categories (HR, RBI)
Targets discussed:
Focus on platoon advantages and favorable weekly matchups
~54:00 – Speed Categories (R, SB)
Targets discussed:
- Troy Johnston (leadoff opportunity emerging)
- Mickey Moniak (volume + Coors effect)
Emphasis on lineup position + matchup-based streaming
~59:00 – Opportunity (AB, AVG)
Teams with 7-game weeks highlighted
Targets discussed:
- Lenyn Sosa (White Sox vs LHP-heavy schedule)
- Jerar Encarnacion (Giants 1B opportunity)
- José Fernández / Alex Freeland (injury-driven playing time)
~1:05:00 – Pitching Volume (W, K)
Targets discussed:
- Dean Kremer / Cade Povich (Orioles rotation opening)
- Martín Pérez (matchup-based streamer)
- Jansen Junk (two-start week)
- Colin Rea (Cubs replacement option)
~1:10:00 – Pitching Ratios (ERA, WHIP)
Targets discussed:
- Keaton Winn (Giants high-leverage reliever, ratios + upside)
Strategy: early-season ratio stabilization via relievers
~1:12:00 – Closers (Saves)
Bullpens discussed:
- Royals: Lucas Erceg, Matt Strahm, John Schreiber (Carlos Estévez injury context)
- Rays: Brian Baker vs Griffin Jax situation
- Diamondbacks: unstable; long-term AJ Puk stash
- Angels: Jordan Romano vs Kirby Yates
Focus on role clarity, usage patterns, and speculative adds
~1:18:00 – Wild Card (Stashes)
Targets discussed:
- Max Muncy (Athletics everyday role, balanced production)
- Leo De Vries (future stash; elite prospect watch)
Additional discussion: Dodgers pitching usage (six-man rotation, spot starts)
~1:22:00 – Closing Comments
- Reminder to submit FAAB early (holiday weekend)
- Don’t overreact to slow starts—bench stars if needed, don’t drop them
- Importance of maintaining full active lineups in all formats
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