Will Carroll

  (11:01 AM)

Greetings all -- sorry to have missed you the last couple weeks due to travel, but let's make this one count. You know the rules ... let's get to it:

Tom (Fairfield CT)

Love the injury insights! Got a couple questions, I'll try to be concise. Is Rickie Weeks hurt? I've been starting Theriot at 2B and dealt Franceour for Weeks and I'm hoping he's not about to hit the DL again. Josh Hamilton, done for the year? Carpenter, is he out all next season?

Will Carroll

  (11:02 AM)

Yes, the wrist just hasn't gotten back to a stage where he's comfortable. He's not "hurt", he's got a chronic condition that he's going to have to adjust for ... something that's hard for any player and harder for a guy like Weeks that has always relied on natural talent. Hamilton should be back, but Carpenter's done for 07 and much of 08 after Tommy John.

Paul (DC)

What is going on with Dontrelle Willis? Is he injuried?

Will Carroll

  (11:03 AM)

No. Remember that not pitching well does not always indicate injury. Sometimes, these guys are just having a bad week, month, or year. Willis is simply hittable, which I think is a result of his previous workload.

Eric (Chicago)

I guess those couple of days Bonds got off helped huh? Do you see him taking 2 or 3 days off a week from now on to keep him fresh or will he play fairly regularly like he has in the 1st half of the season?

Will Carroll

  (11:04 AM)

I think we'll see more rest, but I'm not sure how much. Once he breaks the record, I think his greatest value to the Giants is playing more at home, so we could see a Craig Biggio style home/road split.

Scott (MI)

Any news on L. Maroney for this upcoming football season? Most experts are kinda down on him this year because of his shoulder problems and lack of experience.

Will Carroll

  (11:06 AM)

He's a big wild card. We won't know until we see whether he can take the big, bad-intention hits in the pre-season which makes him very risky if you're in an early drafting league. I put him in the third-tier of a very deep RB class rather than the upper part of the second. Let someone else take the risk.

Rob (State College, PA)

Morning Will - Careful not to damage the ulnar nerve hoisting your coffee! Any thoughts on whether I should activate Al Reyes against the Yankees tonight, or should I see how he looks in a couple of games first. Also, considering injuries, how do you like my trade of Bengie Molina and Torii Hunter (strained hammy) for Joe Mauer (recovered quad)? Catcher was my only weak position in a roto league that uses BA, OBP, and OPS, and I can put Corey Hart in for Torii Hunter. Thanks and have a great weekend!!

Will Carroll

  (11:08 AM)

My ulnar nerve is fine, but thanks for the concern. I'm actually not drinking coffee today ... I've been working with a company on an energy drink specifically designed for pitchers so I'm sipping that. I like Reyes, esp with four games. He's likely to get used in a couple (not all four) and should get at least a save, I'd think. No need to wait. Like that trade a lot in context. Mauer's special and you have a solid player to slot in the empty one. Good on you.

Jim (Philly)

Will, please answer my question and save me from getting carpal tunnel and annoying you with repetition! Do you see Phil Hughes contributing soon and having good value as a 4th starter in a 12 team, mixed league? Do you think Brett Myers returns to closing and posts numbers similar to pre-injury? Thanks!!

Will Carroll

  (11:09 AM)

Yes, Hughes looked great in his second rehab outing and has one or two more. There's more on him in today's UTK over at Baseball Prospectus. I love him down the stretch for a Yankees team that's putting up runs. I'm very worried on Myers. If you have him, you have to hold him and hope he's healthy. I wouldn't count on him, but there's few better options in most leagues.

Joe (statan Island)

How badly do you think Thomas Jones's feelings are hurt(major injury) when his backup Benson is being picked higher then him in drafts?

Will Carroll

  (11:10 AM)

I think he'll get over it when the Jets are in the playoffs and the Bears aren't.

Goose (Chicago)

Is there any update on Hank Blalock? Is he a player that will be useful in September or wait until 2008?

Will Carroll

  (11:11 AM)

He's not hitting yet and September is looking iffy, more because of the Rangers being out of it and having no real need. I think he'll be back for a couple weeks, if only to prove he's healthy and get him some off-season trade value.

Dan (NY,NY)

Is Josh Hamilton coming back soon? Also, how about Bill Hall?

Will Carroll

  (11:11 AM)

Hall should be back early next week. Hamilton will be back, but soon? Depends on your definition. He's a Rule 5 guy on a bad team ... there's no need to rush.

Sal (Las Vegas)

Do you think Eddie Guardado will return to the Reds bullpen as their closer? David Weathers has actually been pretty good in his place this year. It's true that the Reds aren't going anywhere but why mess with something that's actually been working?

Will Carroll

  (11:12 AM)

I don't think he's immediately the closer precisely because of Weathers and the Reds lack of save opps. Assuming the Reds don't trade Weathers, Guardado has very little fantasy value.

Ryan (St. Louis)

Please Will, answer a question for all us depressed Cardinals. How could it take over three month for the Cards medical staff to find out Carpenter needed Tommy John surgery.

Will Carroll

  (11:13 AM)

Because three months ago he didn't need it. Let's end this idea that the torn ligament was "missed" -- it tore during the rehab, which is unfortunate. It was also not a complete tear, which is why so many doctors were consulted.

Matt,mpls

Quick question about some RB's. Any worry about Addai not having shouldered a full load in the NFL before? Will he wear down? Also, any worry about Gore's past knee problems?

Will Carroll

  (11:15 AM)

You always worry about something someone hasn't done, especially with Addai having no credible backup. (I fully expect that Bill Polian is watching the waiver wire closely.) That said, I think he's the type of player in the type of offense that will handle the load. He's not going to be getting 30-35 carries each game. Some worries about Gore, but when healthy, he could be as good as anyone. Pro Football Prospectus 2007 has him as the leading yardage RB.

Bob (DC)

What kind of performance do you expect from Huston Street upon his return?

Will Carroll

  (11:16 AM)

Pretty strong. He's looked good since returning from Toronto and could be back in the bullpen soon. Save opps are down for him, but I don't see any reason to think he won't be getting them when they come up. He's a guy who you might look to steal.

peter(columbus)

can you be more specific about josh hamilton? when would you peg a return for him?

Will Carroll

  (11:16 AM)

Absent the context (Rule 5 on a bad team), I'd say a month, but I think six weeks is safe.

Shane

Hey Will, What do you think about Homer Bailey in a keeper... is the injury make him toast for being helpful in '07? Also do you like P.Rivers this year?

Will Carroll

  (11:17 AM)

I'm not a big Homer Bailey guy even when he was healthy. Bad team, overrated pitcher. I do like Rivers in a big second-tier of QBs.

Rob (NJ)

What can we expect from Schilling and Hughes upon their return?

Will Carroll

  (11:18 AM)

I'm a bit more worried about Schilling, though he's smart enough to adjust if he's not 100%. Expect normal production from them once they return in a couple weeks.

Jason (detroit)

Will, can you tell us anything about the progess that Joel Zumaya is making? We still need him back!

Will Carroll

  (11:19 AM)

He's playing catch and should start throwing - really throwing - in the next week. It's progress, but he's behind where I expected him.

Jon (Boston, MA)

I know what Karabell and the other guys think - but do YOU think Harden starts another game this year?

Will Carroll

  (11:20 AM)

Yeah, I think that he'll get another shot sometime in September. I don't think I'd want that start counting for my team though. Harden is apparently Canadian for Prior.

Josephine (New York)

Is B.J. Upton 100% Can we expect first half numbers from him in the second half?

Will Carroll

  (11:20 AM)

He's ready. Not sure about 100, but close enough. As for the first half numbers, I'd expect some regression, but he's so talented that I'm not sure that wasn't his true level.

Ira (LA)

Don't you know anything besides inuries?

Will Carroll

  (11:23 AM)

Yes, but they pay me to talk about injuries. I try not to get too far off topic, though the occasional fantasy question is too good not to take. I mean, I guess I could talk about the new Editors album or my new driver, but that wouldn't make ESPN too happy.

Wes (Columbus, OH)

Question on Wolf and Burnett. Which one is closer to returning and will they provide any help in mixed leagues? Thanks!

Will Carroll

  (11:24 AM)

Wolf's probably closer, but both should be back. I'm worried more about Wolf's ability to stay healthy than I am about his ability to come back. Burnett ...who knows. I'm hearing that he's really in his own head over the Ricciardi comments.

John (Ft. Myers, FL)

Will, after seeing a normally mobile QB hampered by a torn ACL kill my Dolphins last year (he will not be named), why are so many experts projecting McNabb so high?

Will Carroll

  (11:25 AM)

Same injury? No, and that's the difference. Culpepper tore his ACL as well as several other structures. McNabb tore JUST his ACL and has a good history of returning from injuries. I like McNabb for coming back, but I also think he's being ranked a bit too high on most lists I've seen.

Robbie Miami, FL

When can we expect Ben Sheets back and what can we expect from him when he gets back?

Will Carroll

  (11:26 AM)

Six weeks and I'm not sure. I'm relatively positive on him, but finger injuries can be a mess, especially the middle finger. The Brewers are lucky that they have someone as good as Gallardo filling in.

max (New York, NY)

What's your take on Kerry Wood's last week of pitching? Try not to be too negative.

Will Carroll

  (11:27 AM)

Negative? he's been unbelievable! He's throwing the bleep out of the ball and if he can do it one or two more times, there's no reason that the Cubs shouldn't get him up and into the bullpen. Don't underestimate the power of myth.

Talk is cheap (NJ)

So Will, The Bears won't make the playoffs? Care to back that up?

Will Carroll

  (11:28 AM)

Tougher schedule, Benson's overrated, and Grossman's still at QB. The points several made on their terrible division hold, but I see them as an 8-8 team. If they make the playoffs on that, then they're lucky, not good.

Mike (San Diego)

Can you elaborate a bit on Schilling? You think he'll be less than 100% in terms of endurance, or arm strength, or the extra rest will help him be more productive than before the DL trip? thanks.

Will Carroll

  (11:29 AM)

All of the above. Schilling doesn't need to be 100% to be useful, but I do think they'll need to be careful with him.

Baker (Hershey Pa)

What is going on with Rolen? Will he be productive this year?

Will Carroll

  (11:29 AM)

Shoulder inflammation. He was scheduled to get a cortisone injection, but I can't get a confirmation that it occurred.

Josh (Lincoln, NE)

Are you kidding? Bonds is the Giant's best player. If they sit him as much as you suggest, then they're going to lose as many games as the Royals.

Will Carroll

  (11:30 AM)

I agree, but at this point, does winning 75 mean much more than winning 70? I say you start Bonds as much as you can, but only when he feels good with a bias to home starts.

Kenny (Bronx, NY)

Many people have written with concerns on Joba Chamberlain regarding his knees and not his arms. Do you agree and if so, isn't Clemens the perfect mentor for him as they have similar body types?

Will Carroll

  (11:32 AM)

Joba The Hut? He's having a breakout season, but I don't think you can compare him and Clemens. Chamberlain is bigger than his listed weight and while Clemens has grown, I don't think you can say that he's ever had a weight problem.

Justin (Wheaton)

Is dempster a must pick-up/start when he returns today? With the cubs winning the close ones and all...

Will Carroll

  (11:33 AM)

Must? No. Good? Sure, though I honestly believe that Kerry Wood could get some saves.

Jake (NH)

Any word on Jon Lester? He seems to be pitching well in Triple A, I don't understand why the Sox are keeping him down there, unless they're worried about his stamina and strength after the treatments, when Julian Tavares is stinking up the mound for the past two months.

Will Carroll

  (11:33 AM)

Bingo, plus Buchholz is a little bit ahead of him. Add in the return of Schilling and there's simply no need to rush Lester. Yet.

Paul (Lock Haven)

Ira in LA - don't YOU have anything better to do than waste precious chat time with stupid comments? Will's injury knowledge ROCKS and has been incredibly useful in my leagues! Will - is a lat injury gonna be a drag on Fuentes once he returns? Also, do you think Kendrick is worth holding on to or picking up? I can't help but feels he's pretty useless the rest of the way!

Will Carroll

  (11:34 AM)

Thanks. No, it looks like he's going to be able to come back and explains what happened. There's some question if he'll slot right back in with the Rox bullpen performing well. Kendrick? Depends on if you're in a keeper league. I think he should help in September.

Barry (London UK)

YOu didn't answer the Rolen question - we know he's getting a cortisone shot, but is he worth holding onto or will he be bad all season?

Will Carroll

  (11:35 AM)

I think he'll play similarly to how he's played this year.

Adam (Chicago)

Do you think that Kerry Woods, can be the next John Smoltz? Be a dominant closer for a few seasons, and then become a valuable starting pitcher.

Will Carroll

  (11:36 AM)

I think he has the potential to be a valuable guy in the pen if his arm holds together -- and that's a big if. He's a time bomb. I don't think he'll ever start again.

Guy Pretending to Be Girl to get Question Answered (Boston)

Please help Oh Great Domed one. Even with Bonds "sore Legs" is this trade vetoable. My league thinks it is. Bonds and Wigginton for Hamels. 14 teams 5x5 Roto. Thanks for your help

Will Carroll

  (11:37 AM)

Sounds fair to me. I wouldn't have done it, but it's not horrible if a guy really needs flexibility and power.

Dan, NY

Are you not answering questions on Unit based on the fact that you dont know what will happen with his back?

Will Carroll

  (11:38 AM)

No, I just haven't seen one honestly. (I only see 10 questions at a time unless I go searching and I tend to just take the best one I see quickly so I can get more Q's in.) I don't know what Johnson's going to be able to do, but I like his chances of getting some starting in and if so, he should be good not great. He's dealt with this before.

Dr. Manhattan (NY, NY)

Did you see today's front-page story in the NYT about healthy teenagers who beg for TJ surgery, thinking it will help their careers? (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/20/sports/baseball/20surgery.html?_r=1&oref=slogin)

Will Carroll

  (11:39 AM)

I did and it's chilling. Great, must read article. The parents in baseball scare me.

Angry Dude complaining about fake girl

Fake Girl had that question answered in yesterdays chat!

Will Carroll

  (11:39 AM)

I must have missed that chat. Take it up with the ombudsman.

Rob (atlanta)

How careful are the Giants going to be with Lincecum for the rest of the year? He has to be getting close to a new high in IP for him. From a fantasy perspective, do you think it is a good idea to move him now while his value is at its peak? Thanks!

Will Carroll

  (11:40 AM)

I think they'll watch him, but he's such a freak that I'm not sure any of the normal rules apply to him. No, you'd have to blow me away to deal Lincecum. There's not many pitchers I want more ... assuming a keeper league. This year his wins will be limited.

Brian (Philly)

Will come on man all of Philadelphia is dying to know when will Myers be ready to come back and do you think he will be as effective as a closer as he was before the shoulder injury?

Will Carroll

  (11:42 AM)

He's beginning a rehab assignment tonight and should be back in about a week. I'm unsure on his effetiveness, so I'll be watching these rehab outings to see how he looks.

Kyle (Omaha)

Love the advice as always, Will. What is your take on Otsuka's "inflammation in the forearm" DL trip? At first it sounded minor but now it may be a bit longer before he's back...

Will Carroll

  (11:43 AM)

It's going to be a couple weeks, throwing off the thoughts of some teams of trading for him or for Gagne. Nothing serious in the long term.

eno (jersey city)

Can you comment on the injury risk v upside in Jered Weaver, Tom Gorzelanny and Ian Snell?

Will Carroll

  (11:43 AM)

Lots of upside with all of them. In terms of risk, I'd say that Weaver is the riskiest. Gorzo and Snell have been healthy through their careers, Snell in particular.

Jeremy (Buffalo)

Is there any concern for Hunter's hamstring? Will this hurt his 5 catagory filling abilities?

Will Carroll

  (11:44 AM)

I think it hurts his speed in the short term, but overall, no, he's still good in a contract year.

Ross ((CA))

Your thoughts on Piazza when he returns to the A's? Will the shoulder issue linger, or is Jack Cust more of a threat?

Will Carroll

  (11:45 AM)

I'm not sure. Piazza doesn't seem to have a role but it's not like they're bringing him up to showcase him either. The A's are in full "building" mode as Beane called it. Everything could change and change quickly.

Sean (chicago)

How bad is Fuentes lingering arm tightness, is there an outside chance that he misses even more time?

Will Carroll

  (11:46 AM)

He's not ready and the Rox are holding him out through at least the weekend.

Tim (DC)

Will - could you give your opinion on Giambi? Will he really be back in early August?

Will Carroll

  (11:47 AM)

I'm doubtful, especially of early August. Mid-to-late August? That's possible, though he's going to have to have everything go right.

Matt,mpls

If Foster goes down this year, and he probably will, do you see DeAngelo Williams having good stats?

Will Carroll

  (11:48 AM)

Definitely. I'm not sure that Williams isn't the guy you want anyway.

William (MD)

Good name my friend. Is Caddy fully healthy, and what do yo see for him this year? Good 3rd starting RB with Shaun, T.Jones?

Will Carroll

  (11:48 AM)

Williams has *never* been fully healthy, has never carried a full feature load, but as a third behind those, he should be fine. He is what he is.

Jason (Chicago IL)

Wow...Grossman gets 1 year as the starter, and all of a sudden, that's who he is...no improvement possible? That's pretty short sighted Will. He needs to be more consistent, sure...having the same offensive system in place for another season may help with that. 10-6. Playoffs.

Will Carroll

  (11:50 AM)

I've seen him since his high school days, so I've got a pretty good long term view on him. I'm surprised he got this far and think he's another system guy in the wrong system.

Marty (Salem, VA)

What do you know about the Maddux injury/tightness. No missed starts right?

Will Carroll

  (11:51 AM)

Not a big deal, I'm hearing, and a push back at worst. I'm a BIT more worried about Peavy, though he came back well after the pushback.

Rumface McGee (Frederick)

What do you think Tejada will do upon his return? He seems to be ahead of schedule

Will Carroll

  (11:51 AM)

I think he'll come back fine. Bit down on bat control and maybe power, but fine.

Matt,mpls

You think Travis Henry can stay healthy and productive all year in Denver? Has he ever had a fully healthy season before?

Will Carroll

  (11:52 AM)

Dude, I am *not* drafting any RB from Denver. I'll let someone else have those mylanta moments, thank you. I'm tempted to not even acknowledge that Denver even exists from a fantasy perspective because it would make my life so much easier. I think the split there might help Henry, but I'm still not drafting him.

Dave (LA)

Will, you were wrong about Blalock (sorry, got here late). He's hitting, even jacked one in BP the other day, it's his throwing that's behind schedule.

Will Carroll

  (11:53 AM)

I just got a call from a Rangers source who told me that. Sorry -- had missed that. Doesn't alter my view though. We're still looking at September.

jason (tucson, az)

Do you think Felix Hernandez will remain healthy the rest of the year? I am offering him and Gordon for Ryan Braun and I need to know he's okay before it's reviewed.

Will Carroll

  (11:56 AM)

He's no bigger a risk now than he was on draft day. Hernandez could blow up on any given start or he could throw a no-hitter. That's what you get with him. And with that, I'm done. I appreciate all the questions over the last year and to ESPN and the Fantasy crew for the opportunity. I hope you'll catch up with me down the line and that you have the best fantasy year ever!