Fantasy sports articles written by Brad Johnson
January 27, 2015
Endgame Odyssey: Closer Roles In Flux
Yet again, the Mets have uncertainty with their closer role heading into spring training. Brad Johnson breaks down the unsettled ninth-inning situations around the league.
September 25, 2014
Mound Musings: Kids on Parade Watchlist
Noah Syndergaard struggled most of this year with nagging minor injuries, but he needs to be on every fantasy owner's radar.
September 18, 2014
Mound Musings: Looking Back, Looking Ahead, Part II
Prospect pitcher Kevin Gausman is up to stay and is built to be a workhorse for the Orioles.
September 11, 2014
Mound Musings: Looking Back, Looking Ahead
Nathan Eovaldi can handcuff hitters with both velocity and movement and should be ready next season to help owners from the get-go.
September 4, 2014
Mound Musings: 2015 Draft Day Aces
Clayton Kershaw is, of course, the top fantasy pitcher heading into 2015, but who else should be on your short list of starters to watch?
August 28, 2014
Mound Musings: State of the Staff Overviews
The Nationals have solidified their position atop the division thanks to pitching, and Stephen Strasburg hasn't even hit his stride yet.
August 21, 2014
Mound Musings: Working Around Trouble
The best pitchers know how to work around trouble, and few are better at it than Felix Hernandez, who has allowed a mere two home runs with runners on this year.
August 14, 2014
Mound Musings: Poor Man's Darvish
The Padres' Odrisamer Despaigne made it out of Cuba with marginal stuff, but he's hard to hit because he has a wide aresnal of offerings.
August 7, 2014
Mound Musings: Two-Strike Studs
Putting hitters away in two-strike counts is one of the most important factors when evaluating pitchers, and no starter does it better than Felix Hernandez.
July 31, 2014
Mound Musings: The Tradewinds Continue to Blow
Do the Cardinals have the magic to help Justin Masterson turn around his season?
July 24, 2014
Mound Musings: Playing for Keeps
For many owners, it's time to look toward next season, and that means identifying arms, like Nathan Eovaldi, who are the real deal.
July 17, 2014
Mound Musings: Looking into the Future
Noah Syndergaard is one of many prospects who impressed at the Futures Game, but as a closer?
July 10, 2014
Mound Musings: Tradewinds are Blowing
The Phillies are said to be quietly checking for potential trade partners, and Cole Hamels is likely available.
July 3, 2014
Mound Musings: Second-Half Arms in the Spotlight
If R.A. Dickey can harness his knuckleball a bit better, his home-run tate could drop in the second half of the season.
June 26, 2014
Mound Musings: Do Ya Feel Lucky?
Head-to-Head leagues often especially prone to luck, but are some pitchers, like Chris Sale, who have skills to overcome it?
June 19, 2014
Mound Musings: Super 2 To You Too
With Super 2 status passed, more prospect hurlers could be promoted soon, joining the likes of Baltimore's Kevin Gausman.
June 12, 2014
Mound Musings: How to Improve the Game
The slow torture of high pitch counts is making the great game of baseball about as fun as watching grass grow. Even the command savvy Masahiro Tanaka lasted only six innings against the ultra-patient A's.
June 5, 2014
Mound Musings: Draft Day Pitching Preview
LSU's Aaron Nola is considered the most MLB-ready pitcher this year in a draft class that is rich in pitching prospects.
May 29, 2014
Mound Musings: Fraud Alert
Is it easier to spot the future star or the flavor of the month? And where does that leave Dallas Keuchel?
May 22, 2014
Mound Musings: Dealing with the Pain
As more and more pitchers, like Miami's Jose Fernandez, go under knife, fantasy owners have to learn how to deal with injuries.
May 15, 2014
Mound Musings: The Frustration Rotation
Like a number of frustrating pitchers, Yovani Gallardo can dismantle the best bats in the game when he's on, and get battered by mediocre ones when he's not.
May 8, 2014
Mound Musings: Prospects Watch - National League
Noah Syndergaard is getting his feet wet at Triple-A, but the day is coming soon when he will join the Mets rotation.
May 1, 2014
Mound Musings: Prospects Watch - American League
The Orioles likely will wait until June to call up prospect Kevin Gausman, but when he finally arrives he should stick in the O's rotation for a long time.
April 24, 2014
Mound Musings: WHIP it Good
Mike Minor is close to returning to the Braves, and a solid defense behind him should help keep his WHIP low.
April 17, 2014
Mound Musings: Swing and a Miss
Brad "Bogfella" Johnson talks about why strikeout potential is an important part in evaluating fantasy relevance of starting pitchers
April 10, 2014
Mound Musings: How to Find the Next Closer
Jim Johnson is already out in Oakland, but what should owners look for in closers-in-waiting?
April 3, 2014
Mound Musings: The Time to Sell High
Is it too early to sell a pitcher like Justin Masterson? How soon should you considering selling high?
March 27, 2014
Mound Musings: Pitching Depth as a Fantasy Tactic
You're better off stashing high-upside arms like Derek Holland rather than wasting roster spots on generic utility players barely above replacement level.
March 20, 2014
Mound Musings: NL West Spotlight
Tim Lincecum's star has fallen, but does that offer a profit-making opportunity on draft day?
March 13, 2014
Mound Musings: AL West Spotlight
Is Yu Darvish a top-five pitcher? Should fantasy owners treat him as such in drafts? Do the walks matter?
March 6, 2014
Mound Musings: NL Central Spotlight
There's value to be had with Shelby Miller, whose draft-day value has been driven down by bad memories of last year.
February 27, 2014
Mound Musings: AL Central Spotlight
Even a modest draft-day discount on Justin Verlander will prove valuable for fantasy owners this season.
February 20, 2014
Mound Musings: NL East Spotlight
If durability concerns provide a slight discount for Stephen Strasburg this year, it's time to pounce.
February 13, 2014
Mound Musings: AL East Spotlight
Matt Moore is definitely an arm to watch in the AL East this season, but has he reached his ceiling yet?
February 6, 2014
Mound Musings: Getting a Hold on the 2014 Season
If Kevin Gausman doesn't make the O's rotation this spring, he could end up a decent sources of holds for fantasy owners.
February 3, 2014
Baseball Draft Kit: Endgame Odyssey
Unstable closer situations can create excellent buying opportunities. Brad
September 26, 2013
Mound Musings: Kids on Parade Watch List
Taijuan Walker is one of the younger arms on this year's list of pitchers who made their marks in 2013, but he's also one of the best.
September 19, 2013
Mound Musings: Looking Back, and Looking Ahead, Part II
Jarred Cosart has plenty of upside, but fantasy owners, and the Astros too, must remember to have ample patience.
September 12, 2013
Mound Musings: Looking Back, and Looking Ahead
Jose Fernandez is not smoke and mirros - he's for real. This week we look at a number of
September 5, 2013
Mound Musings: Playing for Keeps
Back from his recent injury trouble, Matt Moore is an easy keeper for next year, provided he's at a reasonable price.
August 29, 2013
Mound Musings: 2014 Cream of the Crop
Yu Darvish might not be the top starting pitcher entering 2014, but he'll be one of the top hurlers off the board.
August 22, 2013
Mound Musings: The Trials of Innings Limits
Matt Harvey's is quickly approaching his innings limit this season, creating havoc for fantasy owners.
August 14, 2013
Mound Musings: Bullpens and Crystal Balls
LaTroy Hawkins is filling in as closer after David Aardsma predictably flopped, but the New York bullpen is a mess.
August 8, 2013
Mound Musings: Observations A La Carte
Patrick Corbin has been a fantasy surprise in Arizona this year, but how likely is he to continue to perform at his current level?
August 1, 2013
Mound Musings: Trade Deadline Fallout
Ian Kennedy might be the biggest winner in this year's trade deadline, going from a hitter's haven where he watched his mistakes fly out of the yard to a pitcher's paradise that should help him right the ship.
July 25, 2013
Mound Musings: State of the Staffs
Stephen Strasburg is young, but this is his time to step up and be a leader for the Nationals, who could be poised for a second-half push.
July 18, 2013
Mound Musings: Futures Game Fallout
Noah Syndergaard pitches older than his young age and, as he showed at the Futures Game, gives the Mets a lot to like.
July 11, 2013
Mound Musings: Ticking Time Bombs
Is Dan Haren a ticking time bomb? Here's a look at pitchers to avoid in the second half.
July 4, 2013
Mound Musings: Digging For Buried Treasure
R.A. Dickey is just one of several arms for the Blue Jays who could have a resurgent second half and provide fantasy owners with a nice payoff.
June 27, 2013
Mound Musings: Wheeling Into A Rotation Spot
Zack Wheeler's had two starts for the Mets, but what he has showed thus far bodes well for his fantasy future.
June 20, 2013
Mound Musings: Captain Greybeard
Despite their woes this season, the Marlins boast a trio of impressive pitchers, headlined by greybeard Nathan Eovaldi.
June 14, 2013
Mound Musings: The Changing Landscape
Teams are increasingly using the draft to find players who are nearly major-league ready. Such is the case with the Astros' first-overall selection of Mark Appel, who could be in Houston later this year.
June 6, 2013
Mound Musings: Kids on the Rise
Arguably the Astros' best pitching prospect, Jarred Cosart is waiting patiently for his callup to the big-league club.
May 31, 2013
Mound Musings: More Arms Arriving
Michael Wacha turned in a sterling major-league debut, but long term, what should we expect from him and other prospect pitchers set to be called up?
May 23, 2013
Mound Musings: New Arms Arriving Daily
Jake Odorizzi finally got an opportunity with the Rays, and other prospect pitchers are about to get theirs as teams reach into the minors for callups.
May 16, 2013
Mound Musings: Making the Crystal Ball Less Cloudy
High ceiling, low ceiling or no ceiling. When it comes to pitchers, which is easier to spot? And What does that mean for a pitcher like Derek Holland?
May 9, 2013
Mound Musings: The Days of Whine and Closers
Addison Reed has been one of the reliable closers in a season that has seen seemingly more volatility than most years.
May 2, 2013
Mound Musings: Location, Location, Location
What do restaurants and pitchers have in common? Location, location, location. Matt Cain's recent struggles can be blamed on inconsistent location.
April 25, 2013
Mound Musings: Chicks Dig Strikeouts
Few things in baseball compare to the K, especially these days with so many pitch-to-contact hurlers. Stephen Strasburg might be aiming for too much of the latter.
April 19, 2013
Mound Musings: In the Zone
Does Cliff Lee throw too many strikes? Brad Johnson takes a closer look at the importance of pitch location, and setting up opposing hitters.
April 11, 2013
Mound Musings: Avoid Time Bombs
Josh Collmenter's over-the-top delivery initially fooled hitters. When hitters adjusted, Collmenter imploded. Here's how to avoid those ticking time bombs.
April 4, 2013
Mound Musings: Pitching Insanity
Cleveland "ace" Justin Masterson still lacks an effective pitch to get out lefties, so why should you expect different results?
March 28, 2013
Mound Musings: The Dream Staff
Stephen Strasburg is any easy pick, but who else makes the Dream Team of pitching?
March 22, 2013
Mound Musings: NL West Spotlight
After a nightmare year last season, Tim Lincecum should come at a healthy discount this season.
March 14, 2013
Mound Musings: AL West Spotlight
Like many southpaws at this stage of their careers, Derek Holland is still finding, or at least looking for, consistency.
March 7, 2013
Mound Musings: NL Central Spotlight
Adam Wainwright is high on the list for potential draft-day value this season as he is now healthy.
February 28, 2013
Mound Musings: AL Central Spotlight
It would be hard to imagine Chis Sale having a better year than he had in 2012, but it's not beyond the realm of possibility.
February 21, 2013
Mound Musings: NL East Spotlight
This week's installment of the season-opening pitching series turns to the NL East.
February 14, 2013
Mound Musings: AL East Spotlight
Mounds Musings opens the 2013 season with a new look and with its spotlight on the AL East.
February 1, 2013
End Game Odyssey: Closer Carousel in Chicago?
Carlos Marmol has been the Cubs' closer for the past few seasons, but a new addition could compete for the role. Brad Johnson examines that, and some of the more intriguing closer situations, in 2013.
September 25, 2012
Bogfella's Notebook: Kids on Parade
Trevor Bauer makes Bogfella's list of young pitchers to watch.
September 17, 2012
Bogfella's Notebook: More Targets For Next Year
Adam Wainwright represents a class of pitchers that Bogfella likes to go after - established pitchers a full year removed from a significant injury.
September 11, 2012
Bogfella's Notebook: Keeper Decisions
Bogfella will bid adieu to Tim Lincecum after this season.
September 4, 2012
Bogfella's Notebook: September Viewing Tips
Andrew Bailey is finally giving us reason to find a picture with him in a Red Sox uniform.
August 28, 2012
Bogfella's Notebook: Wait Until Next Year
Bogfella looks at potential callups for September and beyond.
August 21, 2012
Bogfella's Notebook: Collection of Random Thoughts
Bogfella weighs in on a handful of different pitching topics.
August 14, 2012
Bogfella's Notebook: NL Bullpen Review
Chaos in Milwaukee, excellence in Cincinnati.
August 7, 2012
Bogfella's Notebook: AL Bullpen Review
Joakim Soria's spring training injury was the start of a chaotic spring for AL closers.
August 1, 2012
Bogfella's Notebook: More Traded Pitchers
Francisco Liriano now calls the South Side of Chicago his new home.
July 24, 2012
Bogfella's Notebook: Chips Beginning to Fall
Monday brought a flurry of trade activity, but is the Rays' James Shields one of the next big names on the move?
July 17, 2012
Bogfella's Notebook: Arms to Avoid
A.J. Burnett has found greener pastures in Pittsburgh, but Bogfella warns that it may not last.
July 10, 2012
Bogfella's Notebook: Futures Game Pitchers
Bogfella reviews the top pitching prospects that appeared in the Futures Game.
July 3, 2012
Bogfella's Notebook: The Bogfella Nine
Derek Holland is on his rehab assignment now and has caught Bogfella's attention.
June 26, 2012
Bogfella's Notebook: Pitchers on the Move?
Jair Jurrjens was frequently mentioned in trade rumors this offseason. Will the Braves still offer him around prior to the trade deadline?
June 19, 2012
Bogfella's Notebook: The King Remains the King
Bogfella took a good look at Felix Hernandez's recent start over the weekend and came away impressed.
June 12, 2012
Bogfella's Notebook: Is Liriano's Resurgence For Real?
Francisco Liriano has had a couple of good outings after a miserable start to the season. Is he viable going forward? His fastball command is the key.
June 5, 2012
Bogfella's Notebook: Two Pitchers Coming Off Great Games
What did Bogfella see in watching Johan Santana's no-hitter?
May 28, 2012
Bogfella's Notebook: A Matter of Trust
Phil Hughes got knocked around by the Angels on Monday night. What are Bogfella's thoughts on Hughes?
May 23, 2012
Bogfella's Notebook: Which Season is the Outlier?
Justin Masterson is still lacking an out-pitch against lefties.
May 8, 2012
Bogfella's Notebook: Hochevar Out of Synch
Luke Hochevar killed a lot of lineups last week with two disaster starts.
May 1, 2012
Bogfella's Notebook: Beware the Blowups
Examining Chad Billingsley's early results.
April 24, 2012
Bogfella's Notebook: April Performances
Bogfella is worried about Tommy Hanson's new delivery and the velocity that he's generating.
April 17, 2012
Bogfella's Notebook: Taking Notice
Tim Lincecum has started poorly - what can we learn?
April 11, 2012
Bogfella's Notebook: Early Closer Review
Bogfella takes a tour of the bullpens.
April 3, 2012
Bogfella's Notebook: What the Formulas Won't Tell You
James Shields' mechanical adjustments made a huge difference last season.
March 27, 2012
Bogfella's Notebook: Spring Training Eye-Openers
Bogfella is skeptical about Francisco Liriano's spring training rebirth.
March 20, 2012
Bogfella's Notebook: Bogfella's $1 Pitching Staff
Are you looking to compose a staff chock-full of $1 pitchers? Bogfella has some names in mind for you.
February 29, 2012
Bogfella's Notebook: Eight NL Central Arms to Watch
Even in seasons where he wasn't returning from injury, Adam Wainwright has been consistently undervalued.
February 20, 2012
Bogfella's Notebook: Eight AL Central Arms to Watch
Chris Sale has caught the Bogfella's eye.
February 6, 2012
Bogfella's Notebook: Eight AL East Arms To Watch
Clay Buchholz is on Bogfella's radar this draft season.
September 27, 2011
Bogfella's Notebook: Bridging the Gap
It's hard for any team to measure the Phillies' depth in starting pitching, given that Cole Hamels (pictured), Roy Oswalt and Vance Worley are their third, fourth and fifth starters.
September 20, 2011
Bogfella's Notebook: Value Reflections
Ian Kennedy is a pitcher whose value spiked in 2011.
September 14, 2011
Bogfella's Notebook: Pitchers on the Do Not Draft List
Bogfella's pitchers-to-avoid list.
August 30, 2011
Bogfella's Notebook: Pitchers of Note in 2011
Justin Verlander is the easy choice for most valuable AL pitcher. Who is Bogfellla's surprise pick for the NL?
August 22, 2011
Bogfella's Notebook: Top Arms for 2012
In this week's column, Brad shares what he looks for in an ace and sets the table for 2012.
August 16, 2011
Bogfella's Notebook: Pitching in Keeper Leagues
Stephen Strasburg is working his way back to the major leagues from Tommy John surgery.
August 8, 2011
Bogfella's Notebook: The Dynamics of Closing
What does Bogfella look for in a closer?
August 2, 2011
Bogfella's Notebook: Let's Make a Deal!
Beyond the movement of big names, sellers have to replace the pitchers they unloaded at the July 31 non-waiver deadline.
July 27, 2011
Mound Musings: Trade Deadline Fallout
Ubaldo Jimenez is among a number of pitchers whose trade deadline status will impact fantasy rotations and bullpens.
July 26, 2011
Bogfella's Notebook: Twelve Second Half Slippers
Jeff Karstens tops Bogfella's list of pitchers who could fall off over the second half.
July 19, 2011
Bogfella's Notebook: Twelve Arms For the Second Half
Derek Holland is a feast-or-famine pitcher currently on a roll.
July 13, 2011
Bogfella's Notebook: Fireballers At the Futures Game
Bogfella reviews some of the standout pitchers from the Futures Game.
July 10, 2011
FAAB Factor - AL: Fishing For Trout
Mike Trout surprisingly got the call by the Angels this week. How much should you bid?
July 4, 2011
Bogfella's Notebook: The Pitch Count Dilemma
Is the focus on limiting pitcher workloads making a difference?
June 28, 2011
Bogfella's Notebook: Adjust, Adjust, Then Adjust Again
Chris Carpenter has had to adjust his repertoire of pitches this season.
June 21, 2011
Bogfella's Notebook: The Double-A Report Card
Dillon Gee goes under the Bogfella's microscope.
June 7, 2011
Bogfella's Notebook: The Organizational Context
Luke Hochevar alternately tempts then frustrates his fantasy owners.
May 24, 2011
Bogfella's Notebook: Recognizing the Ticking Time Bomb
How to identify when a pitcher is about to go on a bad stretch.
May 17, 2011
Bogfella's Notebook: It's the Little Things
Minor mechanical adjustments have yielded great results for James Shields this year.
May 10, 2011
Bogfella's Notebook: Seeing is Believing
The benefits to seeing your guy pitch.
May 2, 2011
Bogfella's Notebook: Power vs. Finesse
Bogfella discusses the nuances in finding power pitchers for your fantasy staffs, and talks about the mess that is Francisco Liriano right now.
April 25, 2011
Bogfella's Notebook: Like Fine Wine ... Better With Age?
Bogfella discusses age-and-level when scouting pitching prospects, and talks about Mat Latos' early-season struggles.
April 17, 2011
Bogfella's Notebook: Which Pitch Can Make You Rich?
Breaking down the various pitches in a hurler's arsenal.
April 8, 2011
Bogfella's Notebook: It's Not All Hit or Miss
You can learn a lot about a pitcher from the batters, including by the type of foul balls they hit.
March 28, 2011
Bogfella's Notebook: Go to the WHIP!
Why you should target low-WHIP pitchers, all things being equal.
