Baseball Prospectus - Chat with George Bissell

Chat: George Bissell

Welcome to Baseball Prospectus' Thursday July 16, 2015 8:00 PM ET chat session with George Bissell.

George Bissell: Hey everyone! There's no baseball on tonight, so i'll get to as many of your fantasy baseball questions as possible. We are going to start up in about five minutes, so go ahead and submit your questions like RIGHT NOW!

kiper90 (Rochester, NY): Hey George. I know these prospects are very far away and may never make it but what would your order be of Travis Demeritte, Jhoan Urena, Miguel Andujar, and Victor Robles for a Dynasty League? Any thoughts on them?

George Bissell: Victor Robles is getting a ton of love lately and for good reason. Our prospect staff loves him. He's still light years away at just 18 but he's a plus, plus runner with above average pop...He's a definite sleeper...If Demeritte ever figures out the strikeout problems which have plagued him, there's a ton of power there at 2B to like.

Mandy (Rhode Island ): Do you think Mike Trout is actually the best player in the MLB right now? If so why?

George Bissell: Hey Mandy! YES...He's second in WAR behind Bryce Harper, but I think by the end of the season he will pass Harper. From a fantasy standpoint, Harper has put together a vintage Ted Williams season so far...I still think given the fact that Trout has been this good every single year, he gets the edge in drafts next year. I'm excited to see what Harper does in the second half...

Craig (NJ): Yoan Moncada is the number 1 prospect next season?

George Bissell: It's going to depend who debuts in September, but right now only prospects not in the Majors I have over Moncada would be Corey Seager, Kyle Schwarber, Joey Gallo and Nomar Mazara. If you want to make the case for Giolito or Urias, I can see that too...That entire Greenville Drive infield is just a plethora of awesomeness right now.

John (Toronto): Hi George, I'm in a keeper league and want to know if you would keep Matz over Arieta or Salazar?

George Bissell: I wouldn't. Matz is a bit older than you think bc of all the injuries that delayed his development. Arrieta is a no-doubt top 20 starter and I'm a sucker for Salazar. I wrote about him for our Flash Forward day (ducks chair being thrown) as a future Cy Young contender. cFIP <3's Salazar

Eric (Philly): JP Crawford - A fantasy superstar?

George Bissell: I don't see fantasy superstar, but I do see a no-doubt, above league-average everyday player, which is nothing to sneeze at. He doesn't have the elite power or speed to be a superstar, but when you can hit .300 that's no small feat. Our resident fantasy overlord Bret Sayre has Crawford #13 on his Top 50 list and I agree thats right about where I would have him. He's the guy to look forward to in Philly, no doubt.

ColeWhittier (Pasadena): Can you give us your opinion on Colin Rea? What's his future look like?

George Bissell: TINSTAAPP is at the core of my philosophy when it comes to MILB pitchers. If he gets a shot in San Diego, he's worth owning, but the odds of that happening are slim. I have no idea whats going to happen, but Preller is a virtual lock to make some moves in the next two weeks. On Rea specifically, it depends on the size of your league, in shallower formats pitching is so deep it's not even funny.

Matt (Cambridge): I've lost both Stanton and Springer, but my team is still in 1st place thanks to Donaldson and Martinez killing it....and my continued faith in Cameron Maybin being rewarded. Steven Souza should be back soon, I picked up Sano, and I'm hoping the Marlins act sensibly and bring Ozuna back up. But should I try to trade either Stanton or Springer? Maybe target Puig or CarGo/Braun? Maybe Yelich. Or just hold on for H2H playoffs? Thanks.

George Bissell: Miguel Sano is a huge add for you Matt. I would consider moving Stanton/Springer for Ryan Braun...We talked about him on the latest Flags Fly Forever podcast last night, he's basically producing at a 1st Round level right now, he's the name to target if you're going to make a move.

Casey (Columbia, MO): Any chance John Lamb gets to KC this year and your thoughts on the year he's having.

George Bissell: Can't remember if he's actually making a spot start tomorrow or not, but he's having a great year, for sure. That Royals rotation is so crowded I'm not sure how he gets a chance unless someone gets hurt. I love the gains he's made cutting his walk rate and the strikeouts are there. He's a sneaky name if you're in an insanely deep dynasty.

Carl (San Diego): When & where do you think Yadier Alvarez will start off pitching ?

George Bissell: Rancho Cucamonga just because it's the best city name besides Albuquerque. Period.

JJ (mountain top): I've been a huge Dom Brown fan, but I feel he needs a deal out of town to realize his potential. Have you had a chance to see him, and do you think there's hope? Thanks for the chat

George Bissell: I'm going to be completely honest, I bailed on Dom Brown YEARS ago...Your chance to sell was when he had that one ridiculous month like two years ago. A change of scenery could be just what he needs...look at Cameron Maybin...

baypunx (around): Do you see either Mac Williamson or Adam Duvall as impact players at the big league level? Both have swing and miss but seems like SF could use the power potential. Thanks!

George Bissell: I've always been a closet Adam Duvall fan...There's a reason SF wins championships because they have a small army of these types of guys ready to step in at a moments notice.

Jung-Ho Kang (Spurgh): Thanks for the love. Who do you like more ROS- me or Justin Turner?

George Bissell: Whats up JHK? I have to give it to Justin Turner, he's had an incredible year, but I'm going to be #bold here...If Hector Olivera and Corey Seager are going to come up, Turner is going to lose AB's especially against lefties (who he's hitting .122 against this year). Kang has everyday AB's locked up for the next two months with Harrison out, I think he's going to have a MONSTER second half.

DanDaMan (Sea Cliff): George, love the piece today on trade targets. You were limited to selecting only 1 player though. I'm sure there were more you liked. Can you give us a few? Thanks

George Bissell: Asking our fantasy staff to pick one player each is like herding cats. Impossible. I think Justin Upton is someone you can acquire on the cheap right now if his owner is panicking. He's hit .176/.281/.244 since June 1st...You have to remember he's just always been an incredibly streaky hitter. I know everyone is that way, but Upton gets blazing hot and ice cold more than anyone I can ever remember. He's playing for a new contract, he's going to hit. Invest. I also love some of the guys our staff picked like V-Mart, Carrasco, Hutchison (seriously look at his stats they're so odd) and Yelich...Totally on board with those. Also love me some Mookie Betts in the second half.

rpol (LA): How do you rate Mesoraco for next year in terms of catchers. Top 5?

George Bissell: I'm to low man on Mesoraco compared to everyone else. If he's healthy he's got to be. Same with Yan Gomes, but I like Grandal a lot, if I just had to pick a catcher I really like right now.

Graham (Richmond, VA): Steven Souza is on the waiver wire in my 12 team mixer, redraft. Pick him up? If so, who do I drop: Steven Matz, Jerrod Dyson, or Pedro Alvarez?

George Bissell: It depends what you need, if you can sacrifice speed then Dyson, if power than Alvarez. Souza does a little of both which is nice. I was writing about Souza all offseason, I'm 1,000 percent confident he's going to produce.

Alex (Anaheim): Am I the only one not on the daily fantasy bandwagon? I've even tried playing a few times. Maybe it's because I do better at the season format.

George Bissell: I haven't made up my mind. I like some elements of it, but baseball is more of a long-term process for me, limiting it to small samples that are greatly impacted by random variance is tough. If you're going to play DFS I've found you need to go after strikeouts no matter what and that targeting hitters based on LHP/RHP splits can pay off. I'm going to try playing every single day in the second half, I haven't been consistently doing it everyday to this point yet.

unbigote (Pluto): Thanks for taking the time to answer questions! I'm in a 12 team h2h league with 6 keepers (5x5). I've got a pretty decent selection to keep, but I'd like to acquire Kris Bryant if I can. Right now I can choose from Brantley, Freeman, Harper, Rendon, Donaldson Sano, Correa, Kluber, Sale, Cole, Darvish, Syndergaard and Matz. The team with Bryant is in first place, so he doesn't have a huge incentive to move him. I am considering trying to blow him away by offering Rendon, Brantley and Syndergaard (I don't know that I'll keep any of them). Too much to offer?

George Bissell: NO PROBLEM! No baseball on tonight. I think that would get it done, but you're asking him to take on a ton of risk in Rendon and Brantley. I would want more if I owned Bryant in a 12-team league like that where you can only keep 6. I wouldn't likely be keeping Rendon and Syndergaard is on the bubble in that shallow of a format. I'd try trading including someone like Donaldson and Brantley and see where that gets me.

jonraypyle (TX): Hey George, long time listner first time caller. I am in a really deep 4 team mixed league with 100 man rosters and 75 man minor league rosters. Would you trade my Trout, Kershaw, Correa, Donaldson, Rizzo, Bautista. For Goldschmidt, Harper, Machado, Scherzer, Buxton, and Keuchel. Thanks, ill hang up and listen.

George Bissell: Thank for calling in my friend. First time host...Um well I think you take the quantity over Trout/Kershaw combo...I love the return so yea I would do this deal. It's an insane deal in terms of the names, but yea, you take this like right now.

Mike (Cali): Thoughts on Eddy Julio Martinez? That good?

George Bissell: All I know is that he's a longggggggggg ways away.

Graham (Richmond, VA): Will Joc Pederson continue to slide or will he bounce back to what he was earlier in the season?

George Bissell: Joc is what he is. Not to go all Belichick on you there, but he's going to walk, he will hit home runs and he will strikeout. I'm shocked he hasn't stolen more bases to be honest. About two weeks ago on the TINO podcast there was an outstanding (and long) discussion about Pederson, highly recommend it.

thresh50 (Boston): Hi George. What are your short- and long-term takes on Jon Singleton? He seems to be having the same problem as last year translating his minor league performance to the majors, although this year is still a very small sample size. Thanks.

George Bissell: Quad-A. I'm sorry. There's still hope, but given the options Houston has on the roster already and guys like Conrad Gregor and AJ Reed (both of whom I love) he's running out of time from a bigger picture.

Chris (Baltimore): What can you tell us about Victor Robles ?

George Bissell: Victor Robles is going to make a Top 100 list at some point...Maybe even next year or two. Our scouting staff, especially Jeff Moore, love him. I haven't seen him yet, but he's a guy I'm going to make a point to watch video of in the second half.

rpolan (LA): For next year only, how would you rate the following: Mookie, Joc, Pence, Gallo?

George Bissell: Fantasy-wise: Pederson, Mookie, Pence, Gallo
3 years from now: Mookie, Gallo, Pederson, Pence

childgrambino (Richmond, VA): I'm holding onto the #1 spot for dear life. Should I trade Bryce Harper for Goldschmidt if I need points in the stolen bases category?

George Bissell: I'm a firm believer in a superstitious way that it's really bad karma to trade away someone having a breakout season like Harper. I'm confident that he's going to continue to hit and you just don't trade away a guy like that even for Goldy. I would look to make another deal to get SB's, I keep Harper. If you're going to win a title, he's going to carry you there.

John (Toronto): I got lucky and picked up Correa in my keeper league. You think he will challenge Trout and Harper as the top fantasy player in the next 2-3 years?

George Bissell: No. Will he be the #1 fantasy shortstop tho and a 1st Round pick? Absolutely.

Sam (Seattle): George, Thanks for the chat!! What's the story with Carson Smith?? Does he have the stuff to be our closer??

George Bissell: Why did you trade Carter Capps? Seriously, I love that guy. I was at Fenway when he came into the game for the Marlins to face Xander with the bases loaded a few weeks back and I lost it. People around me were looking at me funny wondering why I was so excited until they saw him pitch. So...Carson Smith...Yes he can close it's that simple. Rodney is done no matter what you have to figure at the end of the year so long-term, he's the guy. I liked Dominic Leone last year, but he just completely lost it.

Craig (Dallas): How long do you think before we see Brett Phillips in CF ? Do you see a comparison to Springer ?

George Bissell: He has an insane hitting streak going right now. Evan Drellich had a good piece on him today. If you look at what the Astros need (pitching) and where they have depth (outfield) with guys like Santana, Fisher and Phillips, I see him as a guy they potentially trade in the next two weeks if I'm being honest. If you could get Cueto for Phillips, Kemp, Santana, McHugh and McCullers, don't you do it if you're the Astros?

Geoff (Milwaukee): I just lost Montero for 6 weeks apparently. Should I pick up Avila? Cervelli? Pierzynski?Deep league. OBP counts. Please don't say Pierzynski.

George Bissell: Cervelli for me. It's scary how much he's become Russell Martin personality-wise since he arrived in Pittsburgh. Like really scary...

Cole (Brookline, Mass): Haven't heard much about Andserson Espinoza but he's put up nothing but zero's. Thoughts on him ?

George Bissell: I don't sadly...I like Pat Light if you're looking for an obscure Red Sox relief prospect.

Curt (Stockton, Cal): Do you think Chad Pinder get the next shot at SS in Oakland the way Semien has kicked the ball around ? Pinder himself has 15 errors already so do you think he has to move off SS ?

George Bissell: I don't think Billy Beane knows what his roster is going to look like in a week, much less next season. Franklin Barreto is the guy long-term at short in Oakland for my money.

Charlie (Duluth, MN): Have you seen or heard of Chih-Wei Hu ? Seems to have gotten off to a great start at Fort Myers.

George Bissell: He's a Cistuli Guy. So...No (but you knew that)

unbigote (Pluto): I'm looking for pitching in a roto re-draft league. I've got good SB and HR totals. Should I trade Teixeira, Ellsbury and Gregerson for Vmart, Gray and Pineda?

George Bissell: Yes. Sonny Gray = Awesome

Eric (LA): Is Joe Panik a taller slightly less toolsy Dustin Pedroia? They seem remarkably similar to me.

George Bissell: Oh man. Player comps...Ahhhhhh...I really like Joe Panik. Pedroia had more power I feel like at a younger age. Different hitters but I see the same guy defensively, I do.

Pete (IL): How soon does Javy Baez return to the show and start hitting lots of home runs? Next year?

George Bissell: YES...I hate the phrase "buy low" but Baez is the most obvious trade target ever in a dynasty league. INVEST.

John (Toronto): Any light at the end of the tunnel for Cano or is he done as a top 3 fantasy 2B?

George Bissell: He's done as a top three option right now, but I don't think he's done, done...You know? Give me Dozier, Altuve and Gordon right now (and probably next year too)

rpo (CHI): Which of the following do you foresee having the most impact (if any) come September and into next year: Mazara, Conforto, JP Crawford, Trea Turner and Aaron Judge?

George Bissell: Nomar Mazara and it's not even close for me. He's a potential superstar. He's been discussed internally among BP staff (as a prospect we like) more than almost anyone not named Schwarber in the last six months.

Ron (New York ): Do you think that Prince Fielder will make a come back since his season last year was shortened due to his injury? Is he healed completely now because he had neck surgery? Or is it possible that something will happen with that again if he goes too hard.

George Bissell: I feel like this question is from the past, not the future for once.

Eric (Portland): Ryan Lavarnway or Tucker Barnhart ROS in deep NL Only OBP league?

George Bissell: How deep is this league?????????????? These are my readers. I finally feel at home here at BP.

George Bissell: Thanks for chatting tonight everyone! Excellent questions! it's been a real pleasure, lets do it again real soon.