Live Chat With Shawn Childs Tuesday, Feb. 15th, 7 PM ET

[CC's Desperados]

Originally posted by JohnP:





Preperation.....how has your prep changed over the years? What do you do differently today than say five years ago?



Congrats on all your success and thanks for being so willing to share your thoughts over the years. Well this year it has because I’ve written about four hundred players and done 320+ plus five minute videos on the player pool. In the past, I’ve started with the Ron Shandler book. I have it, but it is sitting under my laptop. I’ll take a look at it in a couple of weeks to get a feel where we disagree. I’ll have my Baseball America’s Handbook today. It’s pretty much the same routine except this year I’m doing all my own research.

[CC's Desperados]

Originally posted by Cornhusker:

How would you construct your roster for a dc league? Whatare the main differences in how you would approach a dc league draft compared to a faab league draft? In a DC, I think it is important to get enough pitching inventory due to the number of injuries during the year. I think 50 rounds is better than 45 for sure. I would shooit for something like this as a team structure:



4 Catchers

2 First basemen

2 Second basemen

2 Shortstops

2 Third basemen

2 Middle infielders

2 Corner Infielders

10 Outfielders

3 Misc/DH

15 starters

8 Closers/relievers



Depending on your team structure, it might be important to backup your starting catchers and closers if possible. When DC were 45 rounds, it was tough to own enough catching depth. I would want to be balance in my depth in the infield (if I draft 1B, 1B, and 3B, I would want to own another third basemen before adding a third first basemen. I would use the same theory at 2B and SS). It will help your depth if a couple of outfielders can play an infield position. I wouldn’t over draft multiple position players, but I’d use it as tie breaker.



I think in the DC the main core of your offense will be similar to a main event. During a DC draft, the offensive players will move up. In rounds 24-30, you will see more hitter taken. In the main event, I think players are looking for pitching depth in those rounds. Also, in the main, you will find some backend starters that will help during the year in the free agent pool. The chances of finding a plus bat is very thin in 15 team leagues.



[ February 15, 2011, 06:15 PM: Message edited by: CC's Desperados ]

[CC's Desperados]

Originally posted by Gekko:

how often do you sleep with cindy? A couple of year’s back I remember lying in bed thinking about Cindy. I thought it was nice to have another female presence in the game. Deep down I think I was attracted to her. She had a sweet way of asking questions. I feel asleep that night with her on my mind and then I woke up in a cold sweat. I was aroused and raped in one setting. I went to bed with a visual of Ms. Cindy. As soon as I closed my eye, I could see the hatchet man behind the curtain. I remember looking into the moonlight saying, Cindy? As my eyes opened, I felt violated with my thoughts. It was the villain – Gordon Gekko dressed in women’s clothing. As I approached him, he ran out the door. When I looked on the floor, I saw a business card. It read “The King of Misinformation and the Master of Illusion”. The phone number of the back was 1-800-IOWNYOU.



I remember waking up in the morning thinking, did I really just dream about Gordon Gekko and Cindy? I asked myself, are they really the same person? After years of sleepless nights, Cindy is Gordon’s alter ego. I think deep down he’s in denial.



As you can see in this thread, Gordon used Cindy in small caps. If you look at last year’s chat, he identified her in the same way. If you search ID #513, you will find Miss Cindy listed as user “cindy” in small caps. CASE CLOSED.



P.S. Cindy….I still waiting to see you in Vegas. I’m longing for a “Story that Stays in Vegas”.



[ February 15, 2011, 06:17 PM: Message edited by: CC's Desperados ]

[CC's Desperados]

Originally posted by no-you-won't:

Have you ever been a shill for WCOFF/WCOFB? Or NFBC/NFFC?



MEH…

[CC's Desperados]

Originally posted by no-you-won't:

If yes to the former and/or latter, then are you still currently? I’ll defer to my lawyer; he remains Skeptical.

[CC's Desperados]

Originally posted by King of Queens:

Why bother doing a chat when people ask ridiculous and/or insulting questions? I guess it’s similar to a heckler watching a comedian. If you want to look like an a$$, it’s easier to see when the spotlight is shined your way.

[751542]

Originally posted by CC's Desperados:

quote:Originally posted by Gekko:

how often do you sleep with cindy? A couple of year’s back I remember lying in bed thinking about Cindy. I thought it was nice to have another female presence in the game. Deep down I think I was attracted to her. She had a sweet way of asking questions. I feel asleep that night with her on my mind and then I woke up in a cold sweat. I was aroused and raped in one setting. I went to bed with a visual of Ms. Cindy. As soon as I closed my eye, I could see the hatchet man behind the curtain. I remember looking into the moonlight saying, Cindy? As my eyes opened, I felt violated with my thoughts. It was the villain – Gordon Gekko dressed in women’s clothing. As I approached him, he ran out the door. When I looked on the floor, I saw a business card. It read “The King of Misinformation and the Master of Illusion”. The phone number of the back was 1-800-IOWNYOU.



I remember waking up in the morning thinking, did I really just dream about Gordon Gekko and Cindy? I asked myself, are they really the same person? After years of sleepless nights, Cindy is Gordon’s alter ego. I think deep down he’s in denial.



As you can see in this thread, Gordon used Cindy in small caps. If you look at last year’s chat, he identified her in the same way. If you search ID #513, you will find Miss Cindy listed as user “cindy” in small caps. CASE CLOSED.



P.S. Cindy….I still waiting to see you in Vegas. I’m longing for a “Story that Stays in Vegas”. [/QUOTE]i assume this is the post that you said would have me laughing my ass off...u were right!!! funny stuff

[CC's Desperados]

Originally posted by rockitsauce:

which team improved their roster the most after the live auction in MLBC2 ? who did you think got the best bargain in auction?

I think of it as old news. That draft has no future value to any other format. I haven’t look at it once. Without looking at any pickups, it would be a small market team that added a couple of key players to make them a contender for manager of the year. The top few teams are loaded so they only have downside. The mid range teams need everything to go right to come in first, second, or third.



It wasn’t an elite player. They all went full price. My first thought was my boy Jeff Francoeur. I’m debating 30 or 40 homeruns for him this year. Either way, for $20, it was a steal for a mountain of a man. The best buy could be Joba Chamberlain if they let him start this year. Isn’t he a post Shandler hype guy? What do you think 15 wins and 150 K’s? It sounds like a Round Tripper to me.

[CC's Desperados]

Originally posted by rockitsauce:

which Pirate will give you the most bang for yer buck ?



McCutchen-Walker-Tabata-Alvarez

Tough call….based on draft position, Alvarez. McCutchen is going full price in some drafts. He has more value if he could be the next Carl Crawford. Walker and Tabata have value, but there is no guarantee of success. Alvarez has the power. His batting average will be the deciding factor.

[751542]

Originally posted by CC's Desperados:

quote:Originally posted by rockitsauce:

which team improved their roster the most after the live auction in MLBC2 ? who did you think got the best bargain in auction?

I think of it as old news. That draft has no future value to any other format. I haven’t look at it once. Without looking at any pickups, it would be a small market team that added a couple of key players to make them a contender for manager of the year. The top few teams are loaded so they only have downside. The mid range teams need everything to go right to come in first, second, or third.



It wasn’t an elite player. They all went full price. My first thought was my boy Jeff Francoeur. I’m debating 30 or 40 homeruns for him this year. Either way, for $20, it was a steal for a mountain of a man. The best buy could be Joba Chamberlain if they let him start this year. Isn’t he a post Shandler hype guy? What do you think 15 wins and 150 K’s? It sounds like a Round Tripper to me. [/QUOTE]

[CC's Desperados]

Originally posted by rockitsauce:

which OF has the better yr? Stubbs - Stanton

Stanton, Stubbs may regress this year.

[CC's Desperados]

Originally posted by rockitsauce:

(best) JUDY - Bourn - Rajai - Pierre - Gardner

There’s no better Judy than Judy. She goes by the name of Judy Pierre. If you want to talk about draft value, you should have asked that question.

[CC's Desperados]

Originally posted by rockitsauce:

w/ 600 ab's (thinking positively) Colby Rasmus ends up w/.......

.281 with 110 runs, 28 HR’s, 87 RBI, and 23 SB’s…….with 550 AB’s

[CC's Desperados]

Originally posted by rockitsauce:

(outside of R2C2) more likely to win NL Cy Young? Greinke - Wainwright - Ubaldo - Johnson.

Who’s R2C2? Wainwright

[CC's Desperados]

Originally posted by rockitsauce:

Fav song of Michael Jackson's thriller? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8z6XrjrIgQ

Because I can do the moonwalk.

[CC's Desperados]

Originally posted by Gekko:

1. is this the year for bj upton to finally produce? If I draft him, then no. If I avoid him, then all signs say yes.



Did he produce last year? Give me 18 HR’s and 42 SB’s, I’ll take that to the bank. He scored 89 runs, check. He drove in 62 runs, he needs a bump here. Will he hit higher in the lineup? I would think so, but we should have a better idea by draft day. Now his batting average is the huge question mark. I’ll say it can’t get any worse. Damn he’s one ace away from a Full House. If he walks 85 times, he scores 100 runs and he hits .270. He’ll be free agent in 2013. How much is a monster season worth to him on his resume? He’ll hit free agency at the perfect age (27). If you want him, cover the batting average.

[CC's Desperados]

Originally posted by Gekko:

2. what player has the best chance at being this year's CarGo?

So you are looking for a 6th or 7th round pick with a chance at 30 HR’s and 20 SB’s? Rasmus fits the bill. He won’t hit .330 or drive in the runs. He should bat second and he has upside in speed and power.

[CC's Desperados]

Originally posted by Gekko:



3. can masterson solve the riddle of facing lefties?

With his present skill set, no. He’s basically a two pitcher – fastball/slider. His fastball rate is rising (78.1 %) and his slider rate (18.5 %) is declining. He looks like he belongs in the bullpen unless he adds another pitch. He could improve slightly. His price point is free. I’d say wait for spring training news. With no added pitch, he’s still worth a shot as bench player. If he adds something to improve his skill set, I’d move him up a round or two if you believe.

[CC's Desperados]

Originally posted by Gekko:

4. what nfbc leagues are you playing in this year?

I’m still waiting from my contract offer from my agent. I’m sure it won’t be as much as last year.

[CC's Desperados]

Originally posted by Gekko:



5. how many closers do you envision drafting in the first 10 rounds of the main event?

It can’t be more than one. I’m sure my plan is one, but I’ve been known to CHEAT. I’ll know more when I see how the inventory breaks out.

[CC's Desperados]

Originally posted by Ryan C:

Hey Shawn - I found your Baseball Mafia post on Chris Sale pretty interesting stuff. Can to elaborate how you are thinking about him and/or Thorton as you head into this year's drafts? Here’s my position on Sale as of today. I think he is very intriguing player. I have him listed in my fourth group of starters. He’s an upside player with no defined role. I’m following his draft value and I have to decide where he makes the best sense in my draft plan. I’d like to draft him as my 5th pitcher (2 SP’s and 2 CL’s), but I can’t be sure he’ll last that long. His value will move as his role on the team changes. If I feel I need to own him, I may move him up as my fourth pitcher. If I do that, I have to take a position as what role I believe he will have this season. If I think he will close, my next pitcher will be a starter for sure. If I think he starts, I have to add another closer. I think most teams are looking for an upside arm from the SP3 or SP4 position. I can never say how the inventory breaks. I can’t expect more than 150 innings, but he did throw 143 including college last year.



As for Thornton, he has an elite skill set and he should be able to do the job. My mind doesn’t have a good handle on the flow of closers at this time. I like him, but I need more information from spring training. Here’s my write up on both players:

[CC's Desperados]

Originally posted by Ryan C:

Hey Shawn - I found your Baseball Mafia post on Chris Sale pretty interesting stuff. Can to elaborate how you are thinking about him and/or Thorton as you head into this year's drafts? Matt Thornton (CWS) – He’s really improved after age 30. His BB/9 rate (3.0) was lower than his past two years, but his K/9 rate (12.0) increased. If it wasn’t for two bad outings (9 base runners and 9 runs in 0.2 innings), his stats would look more attractive. He had elite command against LH batters (7.33 K:BB) and they hit .175 against him. Righties have hit under .225 the past three years against him, but his command did take a slight step back against them (3.88 K:BB in 2008, 3.38 in 2009, and 2.64 in 2010). He threw 66 % strikes and 60 % first pitch strikes. His first pitch strike % was a decline from his past three seasons (66, 63, and 63). His GB rate (39.6 %) was a career low. He allowed a career high 23.1 % LD rate. His AFB (96.1) was the hardest of his career and he threw it a career high 90.1 % of the time. His other pitch is a slider. He has a solid skill set which would translate into saves on most teams. The problem for him is a player named Chris Sale. His role is unclear and he would be the only reason Thornton wouldn’t have the job all year.



Insurance: Chris Sale (CWS) – He came out of nowhere to have success in Chicago’s bullpen last year. It sounds like he might start the year in the bullpen, but you can’t dismiss that he has a chance to start. His average fastball was 96.3 when he reached the majors. He has a plus changeup, but he relied on his slider more in the bullpen (29.7 % ). He had similar command as Steven Strasburg in his last year in college. In 23.1 innings in the majors, his BB/9 rate was 3.9. His K/9 rate (12.3) was elite. He dominated RH batters (.120 and 3.83 K:BB). Here’s his minor league resume – 10.1 innings, 6 H, 3 R, 6 BB, and 19 K’s. He threw 60 % strikes and 55 % first pitch strikes. He had a high GB rate (51 %). He’s 6’5” 170 Lbs. He has a unique throwing motion which many scouts believe could lead to an injury down the road. He has an exciting skill set, but he has plenty of question marks about his role. I can’t really expect more than 150 innings, but he could still deliver over 150 K’s. In the high stakes market, he will attract a lot of attention. He has the talent you want to gamble on, but the price has to be right. His lowest value would be as a set up man. His highest would be closer or starter. I think he starts the year in the rotation until Peavy returns. He then takes over the closer role. It’s a win win. He helps the team in two areas and they control his innings this year. I’m ranking him this high based on him starting or closing.

[la Jolla]

I know you're down on big CC a bit. He fixed the knee, dropped 25lbs, and has an opt out clause at the end of the season. Speculation is he will use it to join his pal Lee in Philly in 2012. With him motivated where do you see his upside?

On a side note...I checked out your new site vufantasybaseball, and love what i'm seeing so far....After all these years what finally got you up and running and what do you expect to offer over there? best of luck with it.

[CC's Desperados]

Originally posted by Trust In Bill:

Shawn,



I am in the final round of one 50 round DC Slow Draft and am about to start another. Can you give me a few names near the end of draft of players who may be off of most people's radar screens, but who may make a meaningful contribution before the end of the year? This is a tough question to answer. I have no idea how your team is structured. I’ll guess you are looking for a couple of players not on the radar. I’ll go with Shelby Miller, St. Louis. He’ll start the year at AA. If Lohse has a problem, he won’t be far away midseason. Jenrry Mejia may have some value this year. The Mets rotation is brutal and the bullpen is weak. Bobby Parnell could have a chance to close late in the year if New York decide to limit Rodriguez’s appearances based his contact guarantees. If you are looking for a flash base stealer, Devaris Gordon may get a chance to play when/if Furcal goes on the DL. He stole 73 at single A in 2008 and 53 at AA last year. After I looked at the Royals roster, I thought a player like Aaron Crow could be changed to the bullpen based on the Royals starting pitching depth and his skill set (only two plus pitches). If they decided to move Soria, he may get a chance to close.

[CC's Desperados]

Originally posted by headhunters:

shawn is actually a shill for jeff francour. It’s pretty bad when you like a player and his value goes down. Jeff called today. He said I’m fired as his Shiller. Rickie Weeks is a post shill hype player.