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  • OTW 246 - Shopping At The Save-A-Lot; Drafting Saves

    OTW 246 - Shopping At The Save-A-Lot; Drafting Saves
    2026/03/08
    On The Wire - In this episode of On The Wire, hosts Kevin Hasting and I break down the Saves category and how to approach closers in 2026 fantasy baseball drafts. We discuss draft strategy, bullpen volatility, and how to identify which closers are worth paying for versus targeting value later in drafts. We also look at several bullpens that could produce surprise saves and highlight relievers who could emerge during the season. Whether you prefer paying up for elite closers or waiting and building a bullpen through value picks and waiver wire churn, this episode will help you navigate one of fantasy baseball’s most unpredictable categories. Episode Breakdown 0:00 – Intro and episode overview We open the show discussing the volatility of the saves category and why bullpen roles change so frequently in fantasy baseball. Players discussed: Edwin Diaz, Devin Williams, Josh Hader 3:00 – Draft philosophy for saves Kevin and Adam discuss whether fantasy managers should draft elite closers early or take a “save-a-lot” approach by targeting multiple value arms later in drafts. Players discussed: Edwin Diaz, Devin Williams, Josh Hader, Mason Miller, Ryan Helsley 11:30 – The elite closer tier Discussion of the top-tier closers who provide strong strikeout rates, stable roles, and league-leading save potential. Players discussed: Edwin Diaz, Devin Williams, Josh Hader, Ryan Helsley, Mason Miller, Félix Bautista 23:00 – Mid-tier closers with strong job security Relievers who may not go in the early rounds but still project to deliver reliable saves totals with strong skills. Players discussed: Tanner Scott, Robert Suarez, Kenley Jansen, David Bednar, Yohan Duran 36:30 – Riskier closers and uncertain bullpens Teams where the closer role could shift during the season and relievers whose job security may not be stable. Players discussed: Luke Weaver, Andrew Kittredge, Jeremiah Estrada, Matt Brash, Cade Smith 50:00 – Late-round saves targets Relievers going later in drafts who could still provide meaningful saves or emerge as their team’s closer. Players discussed: Matt Brash, Hunter Gaddis, Cade Smith, Garrett Whitlock 1:02:00 – Speculative relievers and potential breakout arms Setup men and high-skill bullpen arms who could move into the closer role if situations change. Players discussed: Jeremiah Estrada, Dylan Lee, Aroldis Chapman, Matt Brash, Hunter Gaddis 1:11:30 – Final saves strategy thoughts We wrap up with key takeaways for approaching the saves category and how to manage bullpen volatility during the fantasy season. Players discussed: Edwin Diaz, Devin Williams, Ryan Helsley, Mason Miller, Tanner Scott Join Our Discord & Support The Show: PL+ | PL Pro - Get 15% off Yearly with code PODCAST Proud member of the Pitcher List Fantasy Baseball Podcast Network 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.
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    1 時間 15 分
  • OTW 245 - Targeting Ratios; Drafting ERA and WHIP

    OTW 245 - Targeting Ratios; Drafting ERA and WHIP
    2026/03/01
    On The Wire - Adam and Kevin continue their 2026 fantasy baseball category preview series with a deep dive into ERA and WHIP, examining how fantasy managers should approach ratio protection in modern drafts. The discussion covers early-round aces, workload considerations, command-driven breakouts, and how to balance strikeout upside with ratio stability. They also explore how bullpen arms, mid-rotation starters, and late-round targets can quietly influence ratio outcomes over a full season. Episode Topics and Timestamps 0:00 – Intro and ratio category overview How ERA and WHIP differ from counting stats, why ratios are often won or lost early in drafts, and the importance of minimizing volatility. 6:30 – Elite ace foundations Players discussed:Gerrit Cole, Corbin Burnes, Zack Wheeler, Spencer Strider, George Kirby Discussion focuses on command profiles, workload reliability, and which aces provide the strongest WHIP floors entering 2026 drafts. 20:00 – Strikeout aces vs ratio risk Players discussed:Dylan Cease, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Pablo López Adam and Kevin debate pitchers with elite strikeout upside but varying WHIP and ERA volatility, and when risk becomes acceptable depending on roster construction. 34:00 – Mid-round ratio stabilizers Players discussed:Logan Webb, Framber Valdez, Joe Ryan, Sonny Gray, Justin Steele Focus on pitchers who may lack elite strikeout totals but consistently support strong ratios through command, ground balls, or efficiency. 48:00 – Breakout candidates and skills growth Players discussed:Grayson Rodriguez, Bryan Woo, Tanner Bibee, Cole Ragans Evaluation of pitchers showing improving command metrics, pitch mix development, and potential ERA/WHIP growth entering 2026. 59:00 – Bullpen impact on ratios Players discussed:Andrés Muñoz, Devin Williams, Emmanuel Clase, A.J. Puk Discussion on using elite relievers to stabilize ratios, protect WHIP, and offset volatile starting pitchers. 1:07:00 – Draft strategy recap and closing thoughts Key takeaways include building a ratio foundation early, avoiding stacking high-WHIP arms, and strategically mixing innings volume with efficiency-focused pitchers. Join Our Discord & Support The Show: PL+ | PL Pro - Get 15% off Yearly with code PODCAST Proud member of the Pitcher List Fantasy Baseball Podcast Network 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.
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    1 時間 14 分
  • OTW 244 - Chasing Wins (and K's); Drafting Wins and Strikeouts

    OTW 244 - Chasing Wins (and K's); Drafting Wins and Strikeouts
    2026/03/01

    On The Wire - Adam Howe and Kevin Hasting continue their 2026 fantasy baseball draft preview series by shifting focus to pitching volume categories — Wins and Strikeouts.

    The discussion centers on why fantasy managers must actively chase volume, how innings pitched drive both categories, and which late-round starters and speculative arms can help managers compete without paying early-round pitching prices. The hosts also explore streaming strategy, team context, bullpen support, and how draft construction impacts in-season flexibility.

    Below is a breakdown of the episode with estimated timestamps and players discussed.

    00:00 – 09:00 | Intro + Draft Season Philosophy

    Topics

    Draft season approach and league activity

    Why Wins remain a category you must intentionally target

    Relationship between innings pitched, team quality, and fantasy success

    Players Mentioned

    Tarik Skubal

    Paul Skenes

    Garrett Crochet

    09:00 – 22:00 | Why Volume Matters for Wins & Strikeouts

    Topics

    Correlation between workload and strikeouts

    Importance of pitching deep into games

    Team offense and bullpen effects on wins

    Drafting SP tiers vs elite aces

    Players Mentioned

    Yusei Kikuchi

    José Soriano

    Reid Detmers

    Luis Severino

    Mitch Keller

    Brandon Pfaadt

    22:00 – 38:00 | Mid-Round Targets for Strikeout Volume

    Topics

    Targeting pitchers projected for stable rotation roles

    Using projections vs role certainty

    Drafting innings over pure ratios in this build

    Players Mentioned

    David Peterson

    Clay Holmes

    Will Warren

    38:00 – 52:00 | Late-Round Wins & Strikeout Targets

    Topics

    Endgame starters who stick in rotations

    Opportunity-driven pitching value

    Accepting ratio risk when chasing volume

    Players Mentioned

    Will Warren

    David Peterson

    Cade Cavalli

    52:00 – 1:05:00 | Streaming Strategy & Roster Management

    Topics

    Streaming pitchers to capture breakout arms early

    Building ratio cushions to allow aggressive streaming

    Managing roster churn early in season

    Players Mentioned

    Justin Verlander

    Seth Lugo

    Michael Wacha

    1:05:00 – 1:11:29 | Final Targets + Draft Takeaways

    Topics

    Early-season matchup plays

    Why reserve-round pitchers matter

    Maximizing roster flexibility for volume accumulation

    Players Mentioned

    Cade Cavalli

    Justin Verlander

    Hosts: Adam Howe | Kevin Hasting

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    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    1 時間 11 分
  • OTW 243 - Opportunity is Knocking; Drafting AVG and Playing Time

    OTW 243 - Opportunity is Knocking; Drafting AVG and Playing Time
    2026/02/15

    On The Wire - Adam and Kevin continue their 2026 fantasy baseball draft prep with a deep dive into the batting average category and how it interacts with roster construction. They discuss stabilizers versus risk bats, early-round foundations, and where drafters can find hidden average upside without sacrificing power or speed.

    The episode focuses on balancing category floors with ceiling plays, identifying players who can buoy team batting average, and highlighting potential landmines that could drag teams down in 2026 drafts.

    0:00 – Intro and category framing
    Overview of batting average landscape in 2026 drafts, league-wide trends, and how average scarcity shapes roster construction.

    8:00 – Early-round batting average anchors
    Players discussed: Luis Arraez, Freddie Freeman, Juan Soto, Bobby Witt Jr., Mookie Betts, Julio Rodríguez

    Discussion centers on foundational hitters who provide strong average without sacrificing counting stats, and how early picks set the tone for category flexibility later in drafts.

    23:00 – Power bats with average risk
    Players discussed: Kyle Schwarber, Matt Olson, Pete Alonso, Elly De La Cruz, Oneil Cruz

    Conversation around batting average volatility, strikeout rate concerns, and how much risk managers can absorb depending on early roster builds.

    40:00 – Mid-round average stabilizers
    Players discussed: Steven Kwan, Nico Hoerner, Bryson Stott, Jeff McNeil, Xander Bogaerts

    Focus on contact skills, lineup role, and identifying players who can quietly support average while contributing across categories.

    58:00 – Bounce-back and growth candidates
    Players discussed: CJ Abrams, Corbin Carroll, Fernando Tatis Jr., Bo Bichette

    Evaluating BABIP regression, age curves, and approach adjustments that could lead to batting average improvements in 2026.

    1:10:00 – Late-round average targets and fades
    Players discussed: Luis Rengifo, Thairo Estrada, Brice Turang, Jake McCarthy

    How to approach batting average late in drafts, when to chase category protection, and when to accept volatility.

    1:20:00 – Draft strategy recap and closing thoughts
    Key takeaways on balancing floor and ceiling in batting average builds, understanding roster synergy, and planning category targets before draft day.

    Hosts: Adam Howe | Kevin Hasting

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    1 時間 26 分
  • OTW 242 - Top Speed Preview; Drafting R and SB

    OTW 242 - Top Speed Preview; Drafting R and SB
    2026/02/08

    On The Wire - Adam and Kevin continue their 2026 fantasy baseball category preview series by focusing on the speed categories — Runs and Stolen Bases. They discuss how stolen bases remain scarce across player pools, how lineup context influences runs scored, and how to balance early-round five-category stars with mid- and late-round speed options. The episode highlights reliable contributors, category specialists, and draft strategy considerations to help managers build competitive speed totals without sacrificing roster balance.

    They break down elite speed anchors, mid-round stabilizers, and late-draft specialists while emphasizing the importance of playing time, lineup position, and category targets when constructing fantasy rosters.

    Episode Topics and Timestamps

    0:00 – Intro and category strategy overview
    Speed scarcity in modern drafts and roster construction goals.

    6:30 – Early-round speed anchors
    Players discussed: Bobby Witt Jr., Ronald Acuña Jr., Corbin Carroll, Julio Rodríguez, Elly De La Cruz, Trea Turner, Mookie Betts

    24:00 – Mid-round speed contributors
    Players discussed: Oneil Cruz, CJ Abrams, Nico Hoerner, Bryson Stott, Andrés Giménez, Tommy Edman, Ha-Seong Kim

    49:00 – Late-round speed targets and specialists
    Players discussed: Esteury Ruiz, Jon Berti, Victor Scott II, Brice Turang, Garrett Hampson, Jake McCarthy

    1:13:00 – Runs category deep dive
    Players discussed: Kyle Schwarber, Marcus Semien, Steven Kwan, Juan Soto, Freddie Freeman

    1:28:00 – Draft strategy recap and closing thoughts
    Final takeaways on balancing stolen bases and runs in 2026 fantasy drafts.

    Hosts: Adam Howe | Kevin Hasting

    Subscribe: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube | RSS

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    Proud 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.
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    1 時間 38 分
  • OTW 241 - We Have The Power Preview; Drafting HR and RBI

    OTW 241 - We Have The Power Preview; Drafting HR and RBI
    2026/01/31
    On The Wire - Adam Howe and Kevin Hasting kick off their 2026 fantasy baseball category previews by breaking down power (HR & RBI) and why it has quietly become harder to replace later in drafts. They discuss draft targets, late-round power bats, platoon plays, and roster construction strategies to hit modern home run benchmarks.0:00–8:30 — Episode Intro & Why Power Matters More in 2026Category-preview format explanationImpact of PitchCon and offseason prepWhy managers are falling behind in HR/RBIEstablishing modern power targets (24–25 HR per hitter)8:30–20:00 — Power vs Speed Tradeoffs in Early DraftsPlayers discussed:Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, Cal Raleigh, Bobby Witt Jr., Jackson Chourio, Trea TurnerHow few true 35+ HR bats existWhy early speed-first picks create downstream power pressureCorner infield power vs middle-infield scarcity20:00–30:30 — Power Benchmarks & Draft MathTargeting ~350 HR and ~1,100 RBI in 15-team leaguesWhy “15 HR + speed” profiles create long-term problemsEmphasizing lineup quality over RBI projections30:30–44:00 — Corner Infield Power TargetsPlayers discussed:Nolan Arenado, Nolan Gorman, Paul Goldschmidt, Bryce Eldridge, Chase DeLauter, Josh Bell, Tristan CasasArenado vs Gorman risk profilesPlaying-time certainty vs batting average damageEldridge stash upside vs prospect riskJosh Bell as a boring but reliable power source44:00–57:00 — Middle Infield Power OptionsPlayers discussed:Jake Cronenworth, Anthony Volpe, José Caballero, Brooks LeeCronenworth as a “glue guy” with sneaky volume powerVolpe’s rebound potential and ADP windowMulti-position flexibility as power insuranceMinnesota infield playing-time outlook57:00–1:11:00 — Outfield Power TargetsPlayers discussed:Jesus Sanchez, Andrew Benintendi, Austin Hays, Cody ClemensSanchez as a platoon-friendly power bat in HoustonBenintendi’s power resurgence vs lineup qualityHays as a free-agent ADP value playClemens as a flexible, low-cost power streamer1:11:00–1:18:00 — Power Streamers & Rate-Based TargetsPlayers discussed:Jemai Jones, Dominic Canzone, Tyler O’Neill, Matt Wallner, Zach Dezenzo, Colby Thomas, Christopher Morel, Joey Wiemer, David SchneiderHR per 600 PA as a late-draft toolShort-side platoon exploitationStreaming power via matchups and schedules1:18:00–1:21:00 — Catchers & Utility-Only PowerPlayers discussed:Carson Kelly, Marcell Ozuna, Jonathan IndiaKelly as a streaming catcher with popOzuna’s ADP volatility if he signsIndia benefiting from KC fence changes and lineup role1:21:00–1:23:00 — Final Thoughts & Power Draft TakeawaysDon’t underestimate power scarcityLate-round power always carries risk — embrace flexibilityTrust your draft instincts and plan for in-season maintenance 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.
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    1 時間 24 分
  • OTW 240 - Respect Your Elders; Drafting Players 35 & Older

    OTW 240 - Respect Your Elders; Drafting Players 35 & Older
    2026/01/21

    Adam Howe and Kevin Hasting break down fantasy-relevant MLB veterans who will be 35 or older in 2026, discussing why age-based discounts often go too far in drafts. Position by position, they evaluate starters, relievers, and hitters who still provide stable volume, category juice, or late-draft value—especially in NFBC-style formats. The episode emphasizes trusting skills, roles, and projections over age bias while building balanced fantasy rosters.

    0:00–6:30 — Episode Setup & Draft Philosophy
    Why veteran players are often overdocked due to age
    Can you build a competitive roster leaning heavily on 35+ players?
    Format considerations (NFBC, draft-and-hold, redraft)
    Setting criteria: age 35+ entering 2026 season

    6:30–32:00 — Veteran Starting Pitchers
    Core discussion around innings, risk, and projection value

    Players discussed:

    Chris Sale, Jacob deGrom. Cole Ragans, Hunter Greene, Max Fried, Brian Woo, Merrill Kelly, Matthew Boyd, Kyle Hendricks (historical comp), Seth Lugo, Yusei Kikuchi, Shota Imanaga Sugano

    Key themes:

    Sale and deGrom as high-impact SP1/SP2 options despite capped innings
    Trusting elite ratios over raw innings totals
    Backfilling innings rather than chasing 200-IP arms early
    “Old and boring” starters stabilizing WHIP and ERA late

    32:00–48:00 — Veteran Relievers & Closers

    Evaluating save security vs ADP cost

    Players discussed:
    Aroldis Chapman, Raisel Iglesias, Kenley Jansen, Robert Suarez, David Bednar, Josh Hader, Devin Williams, Ryan Helsley, Emilio Pagán, Sean Armstrong

    Key themes:

    Iglesias vs Chapman at cost
    Concerns about Chapman’s WHIP and role volatility
    Jansen as a discount saves source
    Drafting proven closers over speculative youth

    48:00–1:05:00 — Infield Veterans (2B, 3B, MI)

    Why some aging infielders still matter

    Players discussed:

    Marcus Semien, José Altuve, Gleyber Torres, Jorge Polanco, Matt McLain, Nolan Arenado, Max Muncy, Josh Bell, Mauricio Dubón, Miguel Rojas, Munetaka Murakami, Kazuma Okamoto

    Key themes:

    No true veteran fallback at shortstop

    Semien as a volume-driven safety net at 2B

    Arenado as a last-round corner infielder target

    OBP vs AVG format differences for Muncy

    1:05:00–1:25:00 — Veteran Outfielders & DHs

    Discounted power and lineup context

    Players discussed:

    George Springer, Giancarlo Stanton, Randy Arozarena, Seiya Suzuki, Oneil Cruz, Michael Harris II, Tommy Pham, Aaron Judge (contextual)

    Key themes:

    Springer as a mispriced leadoff hitter

    Stanton’s power vs inconsistent playing time

    Using veterans as category specialists

    Streaming vs drafting fragile bats

    1:25:00–1:40:00 — Draft Strategy Wrap-Up

    Age bias creating consistent market inefficiencies

    Knowing when to push veterans above ADP

    Format-driven aggressiveness

    Trusting projections and roles over narrative

    1:40:00–1:45:00 — Closing Thoughts

    Spring training and draft season approach

    Position and category previews coming soon

    Final endorsement of balanced veteran usage

    Hosts: Adam Howe | Kevin Hasting

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    Proud 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.
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    1 時間 54 分
  • OTW 239 - Let's Play ASK, Draft Format Edition

    OTW 239 - Let's Play ASK, Draft Format Edition
    2026/01/01

    Adam Howe and Kevin Hasting return with a full ASK (Avoid, Stream, Keep) episode, using late-round ADP groupings to explore how fantasy managers should approach players across Gladiator, Draft & Hold, and FAAB formats. The discussion spans hitters, starters, relievers, prospects, and roster construction strategy, with a strong focus on risk management, playing time, and format-specific value.

    00:00 – Intro & ASK Format Breakdown

    Explanation of the ASK game and how format (Gladiator vs Draft & Hold vs FAAB) changes player value.

    03:10 – Outfield Prospects & Post-Hype Bats

    Players:
    Jordan Walker, Cam Smith, Chase DeLauter

    Discussion centers on health risk, strikeout concerns, platoon risk, and which format best absorbs uncertainty.

    09:40 – Starting Pitchers with Uncertain Roles

    Players:
    Jonah Tong, Yusei Kikuchi, Seth Lugo

    How rotation security, innings expectations, and replacement value differ dramatically by format.

    16:40 – Shortstop Prospects vs Injured Veterans

    Players:
    Kevin McGonigal, J.J. Weatherholt, Anthony Volpe

    Debate over stash value, opening-day roster odds, and trusting plate appearances over upside.

    24:00 – Multi-Position Eligibility Assets

    Players:
    Brooks Lee, Zach McKinstry, Josh Smith

    Why positional flexibility matters most in Draft & Hold formats and how lineup placement impacts value.

    31:30 – Catcher Tier Chaos

    Players:
    Freddie Fermin, Sean Murphy, Harry Ford (Kybert Ruiz discussed as comparison)

    How to approach C3 in Draft & Hold leagues and why name recognition can mislead drafters.

    38:40 – First Base Veterans vs Upside Plays

    Players:
    Josh Bell, Tristan Casas, Spencer Horwitz

    Balancing lineup quality, injury recovery, and production floors late in drafts.

    44:50 – Second Base Risk Profiles

    Players:
    Jake Cronenworth, Christian Campbell, Andrés Giménez
    (Christian Moore discussed contextually)

    Evaluating stash risk, opening-day certainty, and multi-category stability.

    50:30 – Third Base Uncertainty & Opportunity

    Players:
    Jordan Lawlar, Connor Norby, Josh Jung

    Playing time clarity vs injury history and why boring everyday roles still matter.

    55:00 – Relievers & Saves Speculation

    Players:
    Jeremiah Estrada, Tanner Scott, Robert Garcia

    How closer ambiguity changes draft strategy and why not all saves are created equal.

    58:20 – Final Thoughts & Spring Training Lookahead

    Why ASK is most useful in late-round decision-making and a plan to revisit these groupings later in the preseason.

    Hosts: Adam Howe | Kevin Hasting

    Subscribe: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube | RSS

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    Proud 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.
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    59 分