Eric Karabell

  (11:01 AM)

Hello all and welcome to another fantasy sports chat. We're taking fantasy baseball and football questions in this one now, so fire away.

Steve (Boston, MA)

Lets get right down to it Eric. Mike Vick, moral dilemma aside, what's your immediate reaction from a fantasy perspective?

Eric Karabell

  (11:03 AM)

Thanks, I did want to get this out of the way first and foremost. You're right, we have to keep the moral dilemma out of this. I'm sure there are plenty of athletes who do bad things, but this is fantasy sports, and you're looking for value and statistics. My personal feeling is Vick will not end up in jail anytime soon, or at all, so this really doesn't affect him in fantasy. Could it affect his play, the potential for a trial and the fan backlash? Could he be suspended? I suppose so, but I'm not adjusting my draft ranking for the guy. I probably don't rank him as high as others do anyway.

John (dallas)

Whatd you make of garza's start last night, does he have value in a 15 team mixed league? thanks

Eric Karabell

  (11:04 AM)

Matt Garza absolutely has value in a 15-team mixed league, and probably 10-team ones as well. Good pitching is good pitching, no? Too many fantasy owners view what Garza did last year in the majors as who he is, but he has much more talent than that. So far he's got 15 scoreless innings with the Twins in '07, and that's what counts. Go get him.

Gordon (Nashville,TN)

I'm a huge Brewers fan! Drafted Rickie Weeks (in a keeper league) and he's killing me....what should I do Eric?? please help me out

Eric Karabell

  (11:05 AM)

Punt. Weeks got benched by the Brewers, for Tony Graffanino of all people, and I think Weeks' wrist problem is the reason he played so poorly, going 2-for-37 over the last few weeks. He just can't stay healthy.

pat (hartford)

ive asked this question on a bunch of chats and have yet to be answered: Big Ben or Cutler? both have week six buys so it makes no sense to keep both when i could trade one for another solid QB without that week off

Eric Karabell

  (11:08 AM)

Depends if you want the safe option or the one with the upside. I think Jay Cutler could be better. The Broncos have a very nice schedule, prompting some to predict a 12-13 win season, and Cutler should top 20 touchdown passes. Roethlisberger should as well, and I don't view all the interceptions from 2006 as a harbinger. I'd probably go the safe route and trade Cutler.

barry (Detroit)

Any update on Hillenbrand? Lester?

Eric Karabell

  (11:11 AM)

The Yankees must really think Shea Hillenbrand is toast, because I haven't heard anything on this situation. Hillenbrand is just sitting there without a job. Lester is still pitching in the minors, but it doesn't appear the Red Sox are in any hurry to promote him with Kason Gabbard doing so well and Curt Schilling close.

Barron (Boston)

Looking to drop Dotel. Who is the better option over the second half: Chuck James or Nate Robertson? Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (11:12 AM)

Be careful here, because it's not a definite that Octavio Dotel gets traded. He's pitching well as the KC closer. Between James and Robertson, I choose Robertson.

Alex (Miami, FL)

Hey Eric, In the long run do you like Andrew Miller or Yovani Gallardo?

Eric Karabell

  (11:13 AM)

Today I have to say Gallardo, but both have bright futures. Miller still walks more hitters than I'd like, but he's on a solid team, he should be owned in most leagues. Gallardo just looks special.

Derek (Kalamazoo, MI)

Hey Eric - Will either Fuentes or Reyes regain their closer roles when they come back?

Eric Karabell

  (11:14 AM)

I think both Brian Fuentes and Al Reyes will be closing again soon, possibly by later this week in Reyes' case. I don't think either injury was that serious. Reyes clearly gets the job back, since the Rays have nothing else, while Fuentes will close over Manny Corpas.

Brendan (DC)

How high are you on Marshawn Lynch. Is he a good guy to have as a RB2 or RB3 in a PPR keeper league?

Eric Karabell

  (11:15 AM)

He's a rookie running back, and I'm normally skeptical about relying on them for much. Chances are in all my leagues someone will reach on the rookie before I am ready to pounce. I think Lynch makes sense as a RB3, but I'd make sure I have depth.

Zach (Orlando, FL)

I need to pick up a pitcher; who do you like best from here on out: Billingsly, Bush, Garza, or Hughes.

Eric Karabell

  (11:16 AM)

I rank them Garza, Bush, Billingsley and then Hughes. I really think Garza is legit, and Bush has pitched well the last six weeks. Billingsley might be on par with Garza, but I still need to see more. Hughes is fourth.

Jason (NY)

Gaudin hasn't been very good over the past month. Should I drop him for El Duque, Washburn, or Garza?

Eric Karabell

  (11:17 AM)

I'd drop Gaudin for all three of them, frankly. Way too many walks to keep his success going. Garza would be the choice of the three.

Adam (Northville, MI)

Preseason rankings aside, who is a better keeper Ronnie Brown or Reggie Bush.

Eric Karabell

  (11:18 AM)

I'll go against the grain and say Brown is. He's the more proven running back when it comes to actually gaining rushing yards. Bush could be better in time, but for now, I rank Brown higher, and it's not like he's old.

Barry (Boston)

Which catcher do you want for the second half: R. Hernandez, Barrett, Molina, Napoli, or Piazza?

Eric Karabell

  (11:20 AM)

I want Ramon Hernandez over the others, then Barrett, Bengie Molina, Piazza and Napoli, who is currently hurt as well. Hernandez was terrific last season, and he does have legit power.

Tim (Cincinnati)

Do you still believe LJ is a top three back or has Alexander or Gore passed him in your mind?

Eric Karabell

  (11:20 AM)

I rank Tomlinson first, then Larry Johnson, then Steven Jackson, so that's my answer! I do have concerns about Alexander's foot, and his age. Gore is my No. 4.

Dave (NJ)

Eric, would love your opinion. Is there any reason to keep Harden around if I need the space in a 14 teamer? I'm in a keeper league but not about to waste a 6th round pick next year on him...thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (11:21 AM)

I wouldn't wait for Harden. I think there has to be some kind of surgery in his future. It's a shame, because he is so talented, but then again, so were Kerry Wood and Mark Prior.

jason (s.portland, me)

Good Morning Eric. How do you feel about a Manny for Braun trade? Is that giving up too much for Braun? Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (11:22 AM)

I don't think that's giving up too much for Braun. Manny is not the same Manny, I don't think, and Braun already has more home runs in far fewer at-bats, and he steals bases. Plus, Braun plays third base.

Dillon (San Diego)

Hey Eric. Over/Under 15 HR for the 2nd half. Derek Lee, Berkman, Beltran, Holliday and Frank Thomas. Thanks.

Eric Karabell

  (11:26 AM)

I take the over on 15 home runs for maybe Beltran, and that's it. Berkman could do it, but remember, there are only 10 weeks left, and these guys aren't over 15 home runs as it is! Beltran only has 16, and there is less than half a season left. Lee is the key here, because it looks like he's hitting for power again. Could be a 12-homer, 10-steal second half?

Pete (NY)

Richie Sexson, I know he turns it around every second half, but it is beginning to scare me. What would you do? Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (11:27 AM)

If you waited this long, I think you have to keep being patient and wait longer. Check out the Baseball HQ story about Sexson on the fantasy pages, it also predicts a good second half for Sexson.

Kevin (FL)

News on Bailey? Also, will we see Justin Upton this year, and would he have a Pence-like impact? Thanks.

Eric Karabell

  (11:29 AM)

Homer Bailey is the subject of my blog today, how I think fantasy owners should not rely on him. He'll be back with Cincy soon, but can you trust the stats? Upton could be up later in the season, but I think the Diamondbacks are more likely to promote a suddenly hot Carlos Quentin to play right field.

Scott (Chicago)

I have been dealing with Barrett and Buck all year. Is it time to drop one of them for Salty?

Eric Karabell

  (11:31 AM)

No, I think I would stick with Barrett and Buck. They each have power, and are knocking in runs. Saltalamacchia might be the new everyday first baseman in Atlanta, and it's nice to have the catcher eligibilty, but I don't think he'll be initially more productive than those guys.

John(NYC)

Ervin Santana. What happened to Mini-Pedro? Worth keeping him around and starting him during home games or pick up McGowan (who is Jekyl and Hyde of his own). Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (11:32 AM)

Also, in today's blog. Why anyone would start Santana in a road game is beyond me. I'd start him at home, though. I can't believe the Angels don't react to this and stop using Santana on the road.

Steve (Chicago)

Carlos Pena. Sell High?

Eric Karabell

  (11:33 AM)

Depends what you can get, I guess, but I don't think Pena is the typical sell-high option. He's legit, and certainly could end up with close to 40 home runs. I know that shocks people, but look at his OPS. Look what he does to right-handed pitching. Pena's not going away.

Fresno, CA

Who is a better keeper, Thomas Jones in the 9th or Cedric Benson in the 11th? 2 RB league.

Eric Karabell

  (11:34 AM)

I view these guys similarly, as options someone can draft late second round, but Benson is certainly younger, and costs you a lesser pick, so he's the choice.

Bob (Boston)

Should I drop Cust when Piazza comes off the DL for me? How do you suspect the A's handle that? Also, as a Dan Johnson owner, I'm praying they ship him to the Yanks. Any truth to that rumor? Thanks Eric!!

Eric Karabell

  (11:35 AM)

I wouldn't drop Cust until we see how the A's handle this. Cust deserves to play, and he can play left field. Piazza can, in theory, play catcher. And Dan Johnson could get dealt or benched. Keep Cust around until you know, because his skill set is pretty obvious, and he remains productive.

RC (Dayton)

Eric, who do you like more this year, J.P. Losman (killer schedule) or Vince Young (no supporting cast)?

Eric Karabell

  (11:36 AM)

I don't view either as a safe starting quarterback in a 12-team league. I'd probably take Young as a backup first, on the premise he's got the upside.

Sana(Chicago)

Is Ryan Freel worth keeping around?

Eric Karabell

  (11:37 AM)

If you need stolen bases, absolutely. He's going to find his way into the lineup, that's for sure, and his two steals the other day shows he can still run. He does nothing else, as you know, but at least he could steal another 15 bases.

Marc (Albany, NY)

Hey Eric. Big fan. Can you please bless us all with your expertise? Garza or Carmona in the second half?

Eric Karabell

  (11:39 AM)

I know there are a lot of Carmona fans out there, and sure, his numbers look good, but based on the strikeouts, and the fact Carmona is so hittable, I take Garza.

John (WI)

What are your thoughts on J. Addai this year? I think he could end up scoring more TD's than Gore and end up being a better pick than him. Plus he seems like less of an injury concern than Gore/Alexander.

Eric Karabell

  (11:40 AM)

I don't view Gore as an injury risk at all. I agree Addai should score plenty of touchdowns, and I'd prefer him to Alexander, but not Gore.

Jay (NYC)

What do expect out of Clemens for the 2nd half?

Eric Karabell

  (11:41 AM)

More consistency, for one. I think most outings will be six innings, two runs, six or seven K's, and he'll get wins in less than half of his starts, which is consistent with the league average.

Derek (Boston)

Have you heard anything on Chris Carpenter?

Eric Karabell

  (11:43 AM)

Yeah, I heard he had a setback over the weekend and he won't be back in July. I think the Cardinals are rushing this guy, and it could hurt them in the long run. I'm a bit surprised he hasn't been shut down so he can prepare for 2008. I'd like Carpenter to come back soon and pitch well, but I have doubts.

Marcus (Lafayette)

Erik, Okay to drop Sheets in shallow leagues with the length of his injury?

Eric Karabell

  (11:44 AM)

Depends on your other options, what else is available on free agency, and where you are in the standings, really. Sheets should miss at least a month, meaning the most time you'd get from him is the final six weeks. That's enough for him to make a big impact, though. Tough call. I'd probably stick him in my DL slot and wait.

Brian (NY, NY)

Who closes for the Nats if Cordero's traded?

Eric Karabell

  (11:46 AM)

I'd think it's Jon Rauch, with Saul Rivera as the stealth option. There's no guarantee Chad Cordero gets dealt. Major league teams that can't get proper value at the deadline just hold their guys and take the draft picks the following season, as we saw on Alfonso Soriano last year.

Quinn (NY)

Anything new on the Adam Jones call up? Is it on hold with Vidro on a tear?

Eric Karabell

  (11:48 AM)

I don't see the point in promoting Jones unless there's someone to sit. Vidro is hitting .300, and Raul Ibanez and Jose Guillen bat third and fourth.

Joe (NJ)

Do you start Cain (@ ChC) and/or Billingsley (Phi) tonight?

Eric Karabell

  (11:48 AM)

If these are guys you rely on, and there's no reason to think they aren't, then I don't sit them at all. Each could produce a terrific outing with strikeouts.

Larry (LA)

According to the New York Daily News, the Yankees are interested in making a trade for Wilson Betemit of the Dodgers. If that happens, what would that do for Betemit's value? He seems to have a ton of power potential but hasn't been used correctly by the Dodgers.

Eric Karabell

  (11:50 AM)

How would the Yankees use him better? As the starting first baseman? Convert him to outfield? Bench Cano? I still think Betemit can hit 20 home runs some day, and Yankee Stadium would be a nice fit, but he's gotta get the playing time.

Rudy (Cleveland)

What do you see for Billy Buter rest of the way? 10hr 40 rbi?

Eric Karabell

  (11:50 AM)

That seems reasonable. Butler clearly has power, and hitting in the middle of any lineup means RBI chances.

Michael (Portland, ME)

Barry Bonds. Still worth trading for?

Eric Karabell

  (11:51 AM)

Depends on what you have to spend, but I think a few days off should help him gain the leg strength back, thus help him hit for power again. I don't think he'll hit as much as he did the first half, or play as much, so be wary.

Michael (Halifax, Nova Scotia)

Eric - here's your chance to be the first ESPN guy to answer one of my questions! Dynasty League - who would you rather have: Owens/Alexander or Ronnie Brown/Calvin Johnson? Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (11:53 AM)

I want to win now, so I'd take the Owens/Alexander side, but certainly they aren't young, aren't locks to be durable, so you might be playing for this season. That's enough for me. A championship lasts forever. Rebuilding sometimes takes forever.

Jose Vidro, Seattle

I may be hitting .300, but I am slugging .366. Am I in fact the WORST .300 hitter and the majors? I would totally understand if I was benched to make room for Adam Jones or Wladimir Balentien. Which one will replace me first?

Eric Karabell

  (11:55 AM)

I don't think Vidro is that bad. Not everyone in a lineup needs to hit for power. He gets on base, he scores runs. His time is running out, of course, because the Mariners have top prospects, but I don't see why the Mariners have to panic. And Jones is closer to promotion than Balentien.

Eric (San Diego)

Butler or Hermida for the rest of the year?

Eric Karabell

  (11:56 AM)

I'm not a big fan of Hermida, as he just hasn't panned out. Butler hasn't proven anything yet, but I think he will be better.

eno (jersey city)

I'm building a five-keeper roster and have Addai, Benson, Chad Johnson, and Marc Bulger so far. Go RB (MBIII or Cadillac) or WR (Plax, D Jackson) next?

Eric Karabell

  (11:57 AM)

You can never have enough running back depth, let's put it that way. Take the best player, and it might be Barber in this case.

Lucas(Milwaukee)

Guthrie had a quality start yesterday, was his last start just a blip on the screen or will he be inconsistent the rest of the way in?

Eric Karabell

  (11:58 AM)

Hard to tell, but Guthrie did look fine on Tuesday, though he has walked three hitters in each of his last three outings. I think that bad outing was probably a blip, though.

Tom (Cleveland)

What do you expect out of Colon today? If he has another bad start should we start dropping him? Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (11:58 AM)

You probably should have let him go already.

Jarod (Nashville)

Where in the first round do you think R.Bush should go in PPR Leagues? Top 5?

Eric Karabell

  (11:58 AM)

I don't think he's top 5, but in that format I suppose I could see top 10.

Craig(Denver)

Laroche, Butler or Dmitri Young?

Eric Karabell

  (11:59 AM)

Probably Adam LaRoche. He's started to hit again, and he is proven. Butler is not at this level. Dmitri is hitting today, but if he gets dealt who knows if he starts.

Eric Karabell

  (11:59 AM)

OK, boys and girls, thanks for the great questions, we certainly got to plenty of them today. Enjoy your day.