Hacks & Jacks

Scott and Brett talk through the first half of the season from a fantasy perspective, including first-half fantasy MVP bats. Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cal Raleigh and Byron Buxton have each led their fantasy squads to success through the first half. The guys talk about some of the fantasy surprises so far this season, including the landscapes of different positions and how they are shaping up compared to how we drafted them.Scott's Top 150 Hitters ListThe Boston Red Sox are red hot, and Cedanne Rafaela is leading the charge. Isaac Paredes and pod-favorite Spencer Torkelson are also rising up the ranks this week. On the flip side, big name outfielders (or at least, outfield-eligible players) Julio Rodriguez, Jackson Merrill and Mookie Betts are all falling down the ranks this week. Hosts: Brett Ford | Scott ChuSubscribe: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube | RSSJoin: PL+ | PL ProProud member of the Pitcher List Podcast Network

News & NotesThere's a regime change on the way in the nation's capital. No, nobody got impeached. Dave Martinez and Mike Rizzo are out and the Nationals are looking for new leadership. Will they still run?Everybody and their mother is back from the IL this week, including names like Bryce Harper, Wyatt Langfordand Corbin Carroll. How will Ha-Seong Kim fit in Tampa Bay?A handful of guys end up on the IL, and Yordan Alvarez has a setback with his hand injury. Will he ever see the field this season?The Texas Rangers bats have finally woken up as Marcus Semien, Adolis García and Corey Seager are heating up at the same time. George Springer looks like a new man and is leading the Toronto Blue Jays to AL East contention while the New York Yankees supporting bats are starting to slip. Brett and Scott navigate what has been a fun and interesting first half of the season. Hosts: Brett Ford | Scott ChuSubscribe: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube | RSSJoin: PL+ | PL ProProud member of the Pitcher List Podcast Network

News & NotesArizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll and Texas Rangers outfielder Wyatt Langford are both headed to the injured list this week. Meanwhile Jake McCarthy and Chandler Simpson both return to the majors. Are you in a position where your team could benefit from a rabbit?Austin Hays, Mark Vientos and Matt Vierling are back from injuries. Scott talks about which of the three he would want on his team and which are just watch list guys for now.James Wood is breaking out in front of our eyes and it is oh so fun to watch happen. Scott and Brett dive into the success of the Washington Nationals outfielder as well as his rise to the upper echelon of Scott's rankings. Other young guns, such as Junior Caminero and Nick Kurtz are climbing the ranks as well. Meanwhile, a handful of guys our falling after some prolonged slumps. Has Tyler Soderstrom gone from fantasy darling to the cut list? Hosts: Brett Ford | Scott ChuSubscribe: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube | RSSJoin: PL+ | PL ProProud member of the Pitcher List Podcast Network

News & NotesSeattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh becomes the first catcher to reach 30 home runs before the All-Star Break with a massive weekend at Wrigley Field.Meanwhile two other top catchers – Adley Rutschman and Ivan Herrera – were sent to the IL while Francisco Alvarez was demoted to AAA. Where should fantasy managers look for production behind the plate?Boston Red Sox infielder Kristian Campbell also got demoted to AAA after a rough May and June, where he'll be working at first base. Scott tells listeners whether or not Campbell is worth stashing in fantasy formats.Scott's Top 150 Hitters ListShould fantasy managers be worried about Mookie Betts? Scott discusses why he dropped the Dodgers shortstop in his rankings this week. Meanwhile in the LA outfield, Andy Pages is looking better and better as the season progresses. Have we seen his ceiling already or could there be more to his game? Brett rolls solo and does his best to invoke Scott's sage wisdom as he navigates the risers and fallers of the Top 150 Hitters List this week. Hosts: Brett Ford | Scott ChuSubscribe: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube | RSSJoin: PL+ | PL ProProud member of the Pitcher List Podcast Network

News & NotesA blockbuster trade shook things up just before recording on Sunday evening – and we're not talking about Andrew Vaughn to the Brewers. Rafael Devers was sent from the Boston Red Sox to the San Francisco Giants. Should fantasy managers be worried about the change of scenery?Giancarlo Stanton is among several relevant fantasy names returning from the IL this coming week. What does that mean for Ben Rice and how much might catcher eligibility boost his value?Roman Anthony and Christian Moore highlighted a big week of prospect call-ups. Scott and Brett take a look at which prospects might matter most in the second half of the season. Hosts: Brett Ford | Scott ChuScott's Top 150 Hitters ListJacob Wilson just keeps climbing the ranks with an outstanding rookie season. The Cubs bats stay hot and finally something positive is happening for the Baltimore Orioles  offense. Meanwhile, Scott and Brett sort through this week's fallers and do their best to identify any buy-low targets for fantasy managers as we near the halfway point of the season. Hosts: Brett Ford | Scott ChuSubscribe: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube | RSSJoin: PL+ | PL ProProud member of the Pitcher List Podcast Network

News & NotesWith so many pitchers headed to the IL this week, it's been a relief for most fantasy managers to see so many big names return from injury recently. Scott and Brett discuss the returns of Mike Trout, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Byron Buxton and more.Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers, Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper and Colorado Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar all headed to the IL this week. And don't look now, but Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez may end up on the IL too.It was a big week for prospect call-ups as Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel, Kansas City Royals infielder Jac Caglianone and New York Mets infielder Ronny Mauricio each made their debuts.Scott's Top 150 Hitters ListCan anything stop the meteoric rise of Cal Raleigh? Should fantasy managers hold or sell high? Scott dives into what has been one of the biggest fantasy stories of the past few weeks. Jacob Wilson has made a pretty solid case for AL Rookie of the Year so far. Meanwhile, Vinnie Pasquantino and Max Muncy are rebounding from slow starts. Elite shortstops Gunnar Henderson and Corey Seager are both looking pretty pedestrian to begin the season. And Spencer Torkelsondropped in Scott's rankings – that must've been a mistake, right? Hosts: Brett Ford | Scott ChuSubscribe: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube | RSSJoin: PL+ | PL ProProud member of the Pitcher List Podcast Network

Trevor Hooth joins Scott Chu and they take over Hacks & Jacks, analyzing the best bats in baseball. The duo dives into a wide range of hitting topics, including stolen base leaders, Jac Caglianone, and Riley Greene.  Hosts: Brett Ford | Scott ChuSubscribe: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube | RSSJoin: PL+ | PL ProProud member of the Pitcher List Podcast Network

News & NotesBoston Red Sox infielder Alex Bregman goes to the IL, and one of the most exciting prospects of the year is called up to replace him in Marcelo Mayer.Fantasy managers got to experience the much-anticipated return of Ronald Acuna Jr. from the injured list. Detroit Tigers utility man Matt Vierling came back from the IL too.Joining Mayer as call-ups this week were Chicago Cubs infielder Matt Shaw, who was recalled early in the week, and Washington Nationals outfielder Robert Hassell III. A handful of other prospects are hitting in the bigs this week as well.It seems like teams are more willing to option the veterans on their team that aren't meeting expectations this season. The Chicago White Sox demoted first baseman Andrew Vaughn and the Athletics sent down outfielder JJ Bleday. Is this a trend of MLB teams moving to younger bats quicker or is it just a couple of coincidentally under-producing vets?Scott's Top 150 Hitters ListWhat are fantasy managers supposed to do with an underproducing star like Jackson Chourio? What about the other slumping stars? How long can your fantasy team hold onto those unproductive bats before cutting ties and starting fresh? Maybe there's a surprising bat still available on your waiver wire that managers are discounting due to lack of name brand. Is that you, Geraldo Perdomo? Hosts: Brett Ford | Scott ChuSubscribe: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube | RSSJoin: PL+ | PL ProProud member of the Pitcher List Podcast Network

News & NotesThe Orioles have fired manager Brandon Hyde and will move forward with Tony Mansolino as the interim head coach... Mike Elias still has a job though. And the Orioles got swept for the second-straight series extending their losing streak to six games. Brett is sad.Ian Happ, Tyler O'Neill, Evan Carter, Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa headed to the IL this week. Scott takes a look at the impact of each injury and how fantasy managers can pivot.A handful of very interesting prospects were called up this week, with Dalton Rushing, Moises Ballesteros and Jordan Lawlar each making their MLB debut. Oh, and don't forget Ryan Fitzgerald in Minnesota. Which one(s) will make an impact for fantasy managers this season?So many prospects, but how many are more than just a lottery ticket? Playing time is key when making decisions on who to spend which hyped prospect is worth spending a roster spot on.There are some hitters that we spent high draft capital on that just aren't producing. Some of those guys are droppable – some, not so much. Who should you hold out hope for and who should you drop and look elsewhere? Scott and Brett dive into a handful of players who are forcing fantasy managers into some tough decisions.  Hosts: Brett Ford | Scott ChuSubscribe: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube | RSSJoin: PL+ | PL ProProud member of the Pitcher List Podcast Network

News & NotesIt was a tough week for a couple of fantasy managers as Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández and Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez led the list of names sent to the injured list. Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras broke his finger, but is just going to play through it.San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill highlights the list of players returning from the IL this week.A handful of prospects earned their MLB debuts this week, while Texas Rangers outfielder Evan Carter returned to the big leagues after starting the season in AAA.The Texas Rangers have made a change at their hitting coach while the Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates are moving on from their managers.Scott's Top 150 Hitters ListPlate discipline and decision-making take center stage as both Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Oneil Cruz and Chicago White Sox Luis Robert Jr. have showed marked improvement at the plate, maintaining their incredibly high ceilings while bringing up their floors – and their rankings. Get Torked, nerds! Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelsonalong with position rivals Tyler Soderstrom and Ben Rice rise in the ranks as they display that even their cold streaks are palatable. How good can Maikel Garcia be? And if Scott says Michael Busch is falling, that should probably be a red flag. Hosts: Brett Ford | Scott ChuSubscribe: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube | RSSJoin: PL+ | PL ProProud member of the Pitcher List Podcast Network

News & NotesA handful of hitters were placed on the injured list this week: Dylan Moore, Austin Hays, Tommy Edman, Mike Trout, Triston Casas and Jazz Chisholm all found themselves on the IL.San Diego Padres infielder Luis Arraez returned from the seven-day concussion IL while Tyler Stephenson and Daulton Varsho each made their debuts after beginning the season on the IL.The Seattle Mariners called up Samad Taylor while the Baltimore Orioles added Coby Mayo to their major league roster and the Dodgers replaced the injured Edman by calling up Hyeseong Kim.Meanwhile, the Texas Rangers demoted Jake Burger to AAA. Do we stash him or do we move on?Scott's Top 150 Hitters ListIs Pete Crow-Armstrong the best hitter not named Kyle Tucker on the Cubs? Are we actually starting to see some sort of development from Luis Robert? Is Jorge Polanco back to his all-star caliber form from a few years ago and is Noelvi Marte for real? Willy Adames was looking pretty bleak until his big day on Sunday afternoon, but does that get him off the hook and back into Scott's good graces or will he continue tumbling down the list? Oh, and Spencer Torkelson is still good at baseball. Get Torked, nerds! Hosts: Brett Ford | Scott ChuSubscribe: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube | RSSJoin: PL+ | PL ProProud member of the Pitcher List Podcast Network

New & NotesSome fantasy relevant bats were placed on the IL this week, including Minnesota Twins infielders Luke Keaschalland Willi Castro, Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager, Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Jake Mangum, Baltimore Orioles outfielder Tyler O'Neill, Cleveland Guardians outfielder Lane Thomas, Chicago White Sox infielder Chase Meidroth and Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Garrett Mitchell.A couple of fantasy relevant bats came back from the IL to rejoin their teams, including New York Mets utility man Jeff McNeil and catcher Francisco Alvarez, Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams and St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn.New York Mets infielder Brett Baty got sent down to AAA while Pittsburgh outfielder Matt Gorski, Chicago White Sox infielder Bobby Dalbec, Minnesota Twins infielder Mickey Gasper, Detroit Tigers infielder Jace Jungall got called up to the bigs.Highly-touted prospect Nick Kurtz was called up to the Athletics to take over at first base, shifting the defense in West Sacramento. What can fantasy managers expect from the big first baseman?Scott's Top 150 Hitters ListWhat the heck are we supposed to do with Eugenio Suárez? Scott and Brett talk over some of the biggest risers and fallers on the Top 150 Hitters List, including the cover star of this week's article, Washington Nationals outfielder Dylan Crews. And at the rate he's climbing, Spencer Torkelson is going to be ranked as the top hitter by the end of the season. Get Torked, nerds! Hosts: Brett Ford | Scott ChuSubscribe: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube | RSSJoin: PL+ | PL ProProud member of the Pitcher List Podcast Network

New & NotesA handful of hitters have been placed on the IL this week. Griffin Conine, Brandon Marsh, Ezequiel Tovar, Connor Wong, Ben Rice and Luis Arraez are all expected to miss some time.A handful of hitters are back from injuries, including Freddie Freeman, Gleyber Torres, Josh Jung, Sean Murphy, Zack Neto and Nolan Gorman.Due to some of the aforementioned injuries, some teams are calling up prospects, including Chicago White Sox infielder Chase Meidroth, Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Henry Davis, Miami Marlins infielder Ronny Simon, Milwaukee Brewers infielder Caleb Durbin, Cincinnati Reds infielder Noelvi Marte, Minnesota Twins infielders Brooks Lee and Luke Keaschall, Colorado Rockies infielder Adael Amador, Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Chandler Simpson, Miami Marlins catcher Agustin Ramirez and Chicago White Sox catcher Edgar Quero. Scott's Top 150 Hitters ListIs Kyren Paris season over already? Scott and Brett talk over some of the biggest risers and fallers on the Top 150 Hitters List, including Jung Hoo Lee and Tyler Soderstrom. And of course, it's not an episode of Hacks and Jacks without a Spencer Torkelson mention. Get Torked, nerds! Hosts: Brett Ford | Scott ChuSubscribe: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube | RSSJoin: PL+ | PL ProProud member of the Pitcher List Podcast Network

Brett Ford (@FadeThatMan) and Scott Chu (@IfTheChuFits) discuss all the biggest stories from across the MLB since Opening Day, and Scott's most recent updates to the Top 150 Hitters List.New & NotesJurickson Profar has been issued an 80-day suspension after testing positive for PEDsFreddie Freeman has been placed on the 10-day ILKetel Marte suffered a strained hamtring and has been placed on the 10-day ILGunnar Henderson is back in action, but Colton Cowser will miss 6-8 weeks with a broken thumbThe Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Esteury Ruiz and sent him to AAAScott's Top 150 Hitters List"GET TORKED, NERDS!" Scott and Brett take their respective victory laps on Spencer Torkelson and Tommy Edman after their hot starts. Though Scott reminds all of us not to throw away the draft preparation that we spent months on just because of 10 days of the season. Don't let 5% of the year completely discredit all the work you've done to build your rosters. You can churn and burn the back end of your roster, but for the stars off to slow starts: Let them Cook! Hosts: Brett Ford | Scott ChuSubscribe: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube | RSSJoin: PL+ | PL ProProud member of the Pitcher List Podcast Network

Brett Ford (@FadeThatMan) joins Scott Chu (@IfTheChuFits) talk about the shifts in playing time around the league, some surprising names on Opening Day rosters and if they matter for fantasy purposes. Scott and Brett add a handful of their favorite late-round targets and Scott crushes the dreams – or tempers the expectations – of those hoping for big things out of young prospects.  Hosts: Brett Ford | Scott ChuSubscribe: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube | RSSJoin: PL+ | PL ProProud member of the Pitcher List Podcast Network