On The Wire Podcast By Adam Howe Kevin Hasting cover art

On The Wire

On The Wire

By: Adam Howe Kevin Hasting
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Join Adam Howe (@EightyGrade) and Kevin Hasting (@HastingKevin) every Sunday with insights and updates on how to use your fantasy baseball FAAB before your bid deadlines hit.2022 Pitcher List Baseball & Softball
Episodes
  • OTW 247 - Born To Draft Wild; First FAAB Run
    Mar 22 2026

    Episode Breakdown

    0:00 – Intro, NFBC weekend, and episode setup
    Discussion of draft season activity, NFBC Main Event context, and defining “wild card” players in fantasy baseball drafts.

    Players discussed: none

    8:00 – FAAB rules, roster strategy, and stashing players
    Breakdown of NFBC rules around undrafted players, debut timelines, and why early FAAB periods are critical for securing upside.

    Players discussed: Jared Jones, Zack Wheeler, Carlos Rodon, Konnor Griffin

    20:00 – Early-season strategy: avoiding zeros and bullpen value
    Exploration of why avoiding zeroes in lineups is critical early in the season and how speculative relievers can provide value in saves and ratios.

    Players discussed: Brad Keller, Jeremiah Estrada, Garrett Clevenger, Taylor Rogers, JoJo Romero

    32:00 – ASK Game (Rookie Catchers)
    Evaluation of rookie catchers based on playing time, opportunity, and stash viability.

    Players discussed: Harry Ford, Carter Jensen, Samuel Basallo, Freddy Fermin, Keibert Ruiz

    45:00 – ASK Game (Rookie Outfielders)
    Breakdown of rookie outfielders with uncertain roles but significant upside.

    Players discussed: Justin Crawford, Carson Benge, Dylan Beavers, Johan Rojas, Luis Robert Jr., Juan Soto, Mark Vientos, Brett Baty, Jorge Polanco, Mike Tauchman, Tyrone Taylor, Colton Cowser, Tyler O’Neill, Taylor Ward

    1:02:00 – ASK Game (Rookie Starting Pitchers)
    Discussion of stash-worthy rookie pitchers, weighing early-season opportunity versus long-term upside.

    Players discussed: A.J. Blubaugh, Robbie Snelling, J.R. Ritchie, Konnor Griffin, Sal Stewart

    1:15:00 – Wild card stashes and speculative adds
    Identification of players worth stashing or adding before they become high-demand FAAB targets.

    Players discussed: Anthony Volpe, Kirby Yates, Reid Detmers, Robert Stephenson

    1:24:00 – Final strategy thoughts and roster construction
    Summary of key takeaways on managing stash spots, balancing risk, and optimizing roster flexibility heading into Opening Day.

    Hosts: Adam Howe | Kevin Hasting

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    1 hr and 30 mins
  • OTW 246 - Shopping At The Save-A-Lot; Drafting Saves
    Mar 8 2026
    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 hr and 15 mins
  • OTW 245 - Targeting Ratios; Drafting ERA and WHIP
    Mar 1 2026
    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 hr and 14 mins
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