Fantasy Baseball brain trust: who Brian Cashman, Theo Epstein and Billy Bean think you should draft

SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio has taken fantasy baseball players closer to the game over the past few weeks by chatting with Major League Baseball general managers and team presidents about players you will be drafting this season. From Billy Beane to Mike Rizzo to Dave Stewart, they all chatted with former Major League Baseball general manager Jim Bowden and Craig Mish on SiriusXM Fantasy Baseball. While Opening Day is still a torturous few days away, take a break and catch up with who Theo Epstein and Brian Cashman –no literally, we had Theo and Brian on-air– think you should be drafting.

 

CHICAGO CUBS PRESIDENT OF BASEBALL OPERATIONS, THEO EPSTEIN

Coming off a surprising run to the 2015 NLCS, Cubs boss, Theo Epstein sat down to discuss the development of young studs Jorge Soler,  Kyle Schwarber and Javier Baez.

Theo’s take? He says there is still untapped potential when it comes to Soler and his success in the postseason was just the beginning for the outfielder. In terms of Schwarber, a player who has been a hot name throughout the month of March, the Cubs President couldn’t stop raving about the youngster and believes he is primed for a big season for fantasy owners.

 

WASHINGTON NATIONALS GENERAL MANAGER, MIKE RIZZO

 Mike Rizzo talked with Jim and Craig about the offseason acquisitions of Daniel Murphy from the Mets and Ben Revere from Philly and what fantasy owners should expect from both hitters this season. The duo have proven to be guys who can get on base which sets up for a big season in terms of scoring runs with reigning National League MVP Bryce Harper hitting behind them.

Rizzo also updated the health of third baseman Anthony Rendon, who battled injuries for most of last year and let down fantasy owners in a big way. The general manager thinks the third baseman is as good as anyone in the league when he is healthy and is one of the top bounce back candidates in fantasy circles.

NEW YORK YANKEES GENERAL MANAGER, BRIAN CASHMAN

The Yankees General Manager stopped by to give his thoughts on a few Yankee sleepers which included infielder Didi Gregorius and outfielder Aaron Hicks, who was acquired in the offseason. Gregorious has yet to reach his potential, but at the age of only 26, there is still upside for fantasy owners to take a chance on him in later drafts.

Cashman also gave a health update on Masahiro Tanaka and Michael Pineda, both pitchers who have proven to be strong fantasy options in their career, but have also battled injuries throughout.

TEXAS RANGERS PRESIDENT OF BASEBALL OPERATIONS JON DANIELS

Jon Daniels checked in to talk about the signing of Ian Desmond and moving the shortstop to left field for the upcoming season. Jon doesn’t believe there will be much of a learning curve for Desmond when it comes to switching positions and as a guy who has the power to swat 20 homers, his offensive game should translate well. Desmond let fantasy owners down last year, but he still remains shortstop-eligible which makes his fantasy value skyrocket in 2016.

Jon also informed fantasy owners on the potential of outfielder Shin-Soo Choo stealing more bases and says it would not surprise him if he finishes this season with 10-15 stolen bases. Choo hasn’t stolen more than four bases in the last two years so it would be a huge jump if he finishes where the general manager predicted.

If you want even more of Jon Daniels, be sure to check out MLB Network Radio’s “Deep In the Heart of Texas.”

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS GENERAL MANAGER, JOHN MOZELIAK

Jim and Craig talked with John Mozeliak who provided an update on many of the pitchers in the Cardinals’ rotation and let fantasy owners know what player to target this year in their drafts.

John says outfielder Randal Grichuk could explode on the fantasy scene this year if given the chance to play everyday. The 24-year-old has been on many sleeper lists throughout the month of March as many believe he could hit at least 25 home runs in 2016.

OAKLAND ATHLETICS EXCECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF BASEBALL OPERATIONS BILLY BEANE

Craig and Jim continue to bring fantasy owners closer to the game by talking with Billy Beane about outfielder Billy Burns and what fantasy owners should expect from the speedster this season. The General Manager says the outfielder has the potential to steal over 50 bases which is music to the ears of fantasy owners.

Burns battled a leg injury in 2015 and still finished the year with 26 stolen bases, so it’s very encouraging to find out there is more in tank for the 26-year-old.

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS GENERAL MANAGER DAVE STEWART

Arizona’s General Manager helped fantasy owners out in a big way by telling Jim and Craig the players they need to draft from the Diamondbacks this year in fantasy baseball.

Dave says shortstop Jean Segura is a sleeper pick that owners need to watch out for and believes he can return to the player that was an All-Star in 2013 with the Milwaukee Brewers. Despite struggling in recent seasons, Segura has still helped fantasy owners in the stolen base category, so any kind of bounce back would be a nice bonus.