On The Wire

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/Cutline0:00 – Intro and NewsHeavy early-season injury/news dump replaces traditional mid-show topicKey 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 CastilloMickey 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 signingJohan 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 #1Strategy for first FAAB run in best ball formatsAggressive spending encouraged (up to ~60–75%)Focus on replacing injured/non-playing assetsImportance of long waterfall bidsRoster construction discussion (pitcher/hitter balance, positional coverage)~47:00 – Power Categories (HR, RBI)Targets discussed:Austin HaysJordan WalkerJoey LoperfidoRhys HoskinsLuke RaleyMark VientosFocus 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 highlightedTargets 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 situationDiamondbacks: unstable; long-term AJ Puk stashAngels: Jordan Romano vs Kirby YatesFocus 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 CommentsReminder to submit FAAB early (holiday weekend)Don’t overreact to slow starts—bench stars if needed, don’t drop themImportance of maintaining full active lineups in all formats Hosts: Adam Howe | Kevin HastingSubscribe: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube | RSSJoin: PL+ | PL ProProud member of the Pitcher List Podcast Network Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On The Wire - Opening weekend chaos fuels the first true FAAB run of the season, with injuries, surprise playing time, and bullpen shakeups creating immediate waiver opportunities. Key targets across power, speed, and pitching are discussed, along with early-season strategy on how aggressive to be 1. Intro and News (0:00) Opening Day scheduling frustrations and early-season quirks FAAB season officially beginsJacob deGrom scratched; Jacob Latz opportunityTanner Bibee shoulder inflammation concernsMickey Moniak IL → impact on Jake McCarthy, Jordan Beck, Brenton DoyleTJ Rumfield early playing time in ColoradoChristopher Morel IL → Griffin Conine, Davidson De Los Santos Milwaukee injuries: Jackson Chourio, Andrew Vaughn Playing time shifts: Garrett Mitchell, Jake Bauers, Sal Frelick, David HamiltonTommy Pham signs with Mets (minor league deal) Rehab updates: Zack Wheeler Bullpen alert: Carlos Estévez struggles → KC closer speculation (Lucas Erceg, John Schreiber) 2. Power Categories (HR, RBI) (20:00) Rhys Hoskins – everyday role in Cleveland, undervalued powerMiguel Andujar – steady playing time in San DiegoMark Vientos – platoon-dependent valueMatt Wallner – power upside if playing time stabilizes 3. Speed Categories (R, SB) (32:00) David Hamilton – elite SB upside with newfound playing timeJake McCarthy – everyday leadoff vs RHPJake Meyers – underrated speed contributorNasim Nuñez – deep league SB target Bryce Matthews – speculative add with 40+ SB upside if role expands 4. Opportunity (AB, AVG) (45:00) Schedule notes: AZ, ATL, NYM, SF with 7-game weeksCasey Schmitt – everyday role + multi-position eligibilityNathan Lukes – hitting near top of TOR lineup vs RHPJoey Loperfido – emerging playing time in Houston Favor hitters with early-week volume advantages 5. Pitching Volume (W, K) (58:00) Two-start targets: Chris BassittZach Eflin Breakout watch: Joe Boyle (improved control) Deep streamers: Davis MartinJustin Verlander (widely available in 12s)Taijuan Walker (risky Coors start) Strategy: balancing early aggression vs ratio protection 6. Pitching Ratios (ERA, WHIP) (1:10:00) Reliever targets for ratio + strikeout boost: Erik Sabrowski – elite stuff, improving control Strategy: Prioritize multi-inning relievers Target teams with heavy bullpen usage Use relievers to stabilize early ratio volatility 7. Closers (Saves) (1:18:00) Philly bullpen uncertainty: Jordan Romano vs alternatives Angels speculation: Reid Detmers long-term closer upside Texas chaos: Robert Garcia, Chris Martin, committee risk Minnesota: Cole Sands emerging option Kansas City: post-Estévez meltdown watchlist 8. Wild Card (Stashes) (1:25:00) Bryce Eldridge – potential early call-upDylan Crews – stash if droppedAlex Freeland – short-term upside with path to more Strategy: prioritize upside over replacement-level veterans early 9. Closing Comments (1:28:00) Stay patient—don’t overreact to small samples Avoid unnecessary drops this early Build long FAAB waterfalls Focus on opportunity + upside without forcing moves Hosts: Adam Howe | Kevin HastingSubscribe: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube | RSSJoin: PL+ | PL ProProud member of the Pitcher List Podcast Network Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.