Fantasy411: Zinkie answers key second-half Q's
MLB.com fantasy expert Zinkie fielded questions from fans during a live Twitter chat (at @fantasy411) on Monday. Read through the best of the Q&A below. Questions and answers have been edited for clarity.
@Jtrup22: Should I drop Carlos Gonzalez?
Fred Zinkie: Gonzalez can be dropped in 10-team leagues and most 12-team formats.
@MarkAPier: Do you believe that Alex Claudio is the new closer in Texas?
Zinkie: No, it is still a fluid situation. He pitched the eighth inning yesterday. Keone Kela could still take their closer's role at some point.
@dese44: Should I grab Sean Doolittle or Ryan Madson? Or should I own both until there's more clarity?
Zinkie: Owning both is ideal. But Madson is first choice for fantasy owners.
@al9x1: Should I stash Rafael Devers in a 12-team league?
Zinkie: I'm not ready to stash him in mixed leagues. Boston could use a trade to solidify third base.
@JosephC74359195: Would you drop Jose Berrios?
Zinkie: No, it's too soon to drop Berrios in most formats.
@MarkyMalz: Should I stick with Trevor Cahill and Mike Clevinger? Also, please rank Aaron Judge, Nelson Cruz, Eric Thames, Starling Marte and Kyle Schwarber.
Zinkie: Yes to both pitchers, especially Cahill. Judge, Cruz, Marte, Thames, Schwarber.
@speej63: Do you prefer Ronald Acuna or Yoan Moncada in a dynasty league?
Zinkie: Moncada. I'm definitely still a believer in his skill set.
@JustGelz: Should I drop you drop Carlos Gonzalez for David Dahl, Todd Frazier, Justin Bour, Addison Russell or Joc Pederson?
Zinkie: Drop him for Pederson. Then, ride the hot players the rest of the way.
@MarkAPier: Should I drop Brad Brach for Sam Dyson?
Zinkie: Don't drop Brach until Zach Britton is healthy and still a member of the Orioles on August 1.
@jmlauenroth410: Should I drop Salvador Perez for Kyle Schwarber or Jonathan Lucroy?
Zinkie: No, you should stick with Perez.
@SslaydenMlb: Do you prefer Andrelton Simmons or Troy Tulowitzki at shortstop?
Zinkie: Simmons. I know that's a surprising answer.
@VincentElisar: Do you prefer Seunghwan Oh, Mark Melancon or Keone Kela?
Zinkie: I'll take Melancon. I don't have a lot of faith in any of them.
@j_mendwin: Do you prefer Michael Wacha or Brandon McCarthy for the rest of the season?
Zinkie: McCarthy is my pick.
@JRHooty: Please rank Trevor Cahill, Zack Godley, Charlie Morton and Brad Peacock.
Zinkie: Cahill, Peacock, Morton, Godley.
@PG3Phil: Should I add Trevor Rosenthal?
Zinkie: Yes, he should be added in most leagues.
@Z_Nelsy: Should I pick up Melky Cabrera or Yuli Gurriel?
Zinkie: Gurriel. Lineup support is the difference here.
@Manu_Noriega20: Should I drop Dansby Swanson for one of Hernan Perez, Troy Tulowitzki, Paul DeJong or Jose Peraza?
Zinkie: Pick up Perez and send Swanson to waivers.
@Jtrup22: If I were to drop Carlos Gonzalez, who are some outfielders to target?
Zinkie: Tommy Pham, Joc Pederson, Cameron Maybin, Mallex Smith and Bradley Zimmer.
@Bilalipops: Would Todd Frazier be a good fantasy trade target since he's in rumors to be traded to a contender?
Zinkie: Yes, this is the time to add him at a discount.
@jjthorn17: Should I deal Lance McCullers for Chris Archer? I'm worried about McCullers' injury history and innings limit?
Zinkie: I would rather own McCullers for the rest of the season.
@sritsema11: Who is the better closer to target out of Trevor Rosenthal, Ryan Madson, Sean Doolittle or Alex Claudio?
Zinkie: Madson. Rosenthal is my second choice.
Zinkie is the lead fantasy baseball writer for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter at @FredZinkieMLB.