Eric Karabell

  (11:02 AM)

Hello all and welcome to another fantasy sports chat session. It's Friday, finally! Let's get going!

Kevin (Miami)

Hanley should be in the starting line up tonight, yes? Do you think it would be wise to keep a back up SS just in case, because I'm hearing he might land on the DL.

Eric Karabell

  (11:03 AM)

It's still possible Ramirez could end up on the DL, or he could play tonight. Neither would surprise me. At least in Utley's case, we have some clarity. It's not good news, but it could have been worse.

Chris (Prague, CZ)

What's the fantasy prognosis on Utley? I've got him on 2 teams and I'm feeling like I'm screwed.

Eric Karabell

  (11:05 AM)

Today's blog discusses the situation in depth. He might miss only three weeks, which sounds worse than it is. I added Aaron Hill in one league to replace him, and I can tell you I don't expect that team to simply fall out of the race in those three weeks. There's no point whining; just find another second baseman, and hope for the best.

Scott, IA

Big hole to fill with Utley going down. Who is the best replacement Weeks, Belliard, F. Lopez, Pedroia, Derosa, or someone else maybe whoever will play for him in real life?

Eric Karabell

  (11:06 AM)

Philly is going to use Abraham Nunez to replace Utley, and he's not much of a fantasy option. If Greg Dobbs played more, he could be, as he has power and hits RHP. Weeks looks like he's playing OK now, so he'd be the option of the above names.

Alex (Philadelphia)

Your fantasy team might survive those weeks, but what about the Phillies?

Eric Karabell

  (11:07 AM)

Let's just say I am concerned. Then again, if the team had lost Brett Myers indefinitely, I have to admit, with what's going on, that might be worse.

brad (harrisburg, pa)

Joaquin Benoit? Worth a speculative add? 10 team, H2H, mixed.

Eric Karabell

  (11:08 AM)

Yeah, I think so. With Akinori Otsuka on the DL, and Eric Gagne realistic trade bait, I'd think Benoit would be next in line. But in a 10-team league, it's a bit of a stretch.

Tim (Edgewater, NJ)

Eric, this LJ news is killing me! Do I pass on him at 3 and go for Gore?

Eric Karabell

  (11:09 AM)

Yes, this is a baseball AND football chat! Larry Johnson is still my No. 3, but I think that's a tough pick to have right now. In the next few weeks, if he doesn't report to camp and if Priest Holmes looks good, I'll move Johnson down a few spots.

Dave (Arlington, VA)

Please give me some good news about Tejada. Will he be 100% the rest of the season?

Eric Karabell

  (11:10 AM)

He is going to play tonight, supposedly, and I expect he'll be much like he was before the injury. He should hit for average, knock in some runs, but I don't know why the power would come back now, when it wasn't there before.

Matt (SC)

Who do you like better, Bonds or Frank the rest of the way. Thanks and have a great weekend.

Eric Karabell

  (11:12 AM)

I have to say Frank Thomas over Bonds. What stinks is that Bonds might not even play next week, unless he breaks the record this weekend. This whole chase thing is a shame on so many levels. Thomas at least plays every day, and he's hitting. Bonds has an RBI in one game since July 3rd!

Kyle (Chicago, IL)

How do you think the loss of Utley will affect the guys around him in the lineup, namely Victorino and Howard?

Eric Karabell

  (11:13 AM)

That is something I actually did not address in the blog, because I think the change will be negligible on others. I'd guess Philly moves Howard, Rowand and Burrell up in the order, and all of them should continue to hit. I do not think Rollins, for example, will be moved to No. 3 in the order, but then again, who knows what Charlie Manuel is thinking.

Nick (Boston )

Mr. Karabell, advice needed: I have Carlos Pena, Hafner, and Teix. My pitching staff is CY, CC, Verlander, Rich Hill, Shields, Gorze. I can trade Teix and Verlander and get back Pujols, right now. It would give me an offense featuring Reyes, Pujols, and Hafner. Do I do the deal?

Eric Karabell

  (11:15 AM)

I think I'd be more inclined to trade Teixeira and get pitching, in your situation. Shields has struggled, Gorzellany is hurt. And by the way, Pena is a legit power guy with more homers than anyone you mentioned! I wouldn't make that deal, even if you'd have the big offensive names. Get a pitcher.

Barry (boston)

Time to drop Alfonseca or wait until Myers is back for sure? I'm already starting to regret dropping Embree early.

Eric Karabell

  (11:16 AM)

I think Myers could be the closer as soon as tonight. Embree would have closed last night had the lead been one run, but when it became four runs, Street got the call. By this time next week, chances are both Alfonseca and Embree have lost their fantasy value fully.

Mike (NYC,NY)

Huston Street has a sore elbow???

Eric Karabell

  (11:16 AM)

Yeah, but that's not exactly breaking news, either.

Chris (Philly)

Only start 2 Rb's and have been offered LJ for Deuce and Benson...giving me LJ and Parker....is this deal too risky to make considering LJ's holdout?

Eric Karabell

  (11:17 AM)

I like the deal. I still think Larry Johnson will report to the Chiefs and have a big season.

Nathan (Minneapolis)

After reading deconsructiong Upton; do you anticipate a drop in Upton's numbers from here out as well?

Eric Karabell

  (11:17 AM)

I think his batting average will drop some, but the rest of what he's doing, assuming he remains healthy, I have few concerns. The article made good points, but I don't think it implies Upton has no value.

RC (Dayton)

Eric, LT has a brutal schedule vs run def. this year (Chi, @N.E., Oak, @Minn, @Jack, Balt). Plus, he obviously had career numbers last year. Do you expect him to still be the best RB in the fantasy game at the end of year, albeit with worse numbers than last year or do you expect some other RB to take his place?

Eric Karabell

  (11:18 AM)

I think Tomlinson is the No. 1 player in fantasy, and while he'll have some dropoff in the numbers, he will still finish No. 1 in the end.

brad (harrisburg, pa)

Follow up on J.Benoit...any other "out of the box" type thinking speculative moves for closers?

Eric Karabell

  (11:19 AM)

Well, Saul Rivera in Washington. Jon Rauch is on the trade block as well as Cordero. And pick a name out of a hat in Cincy, it could be anyone.

Jay (Cleveland, OH)

Will Travis Heny finish as a top 12 Fantasy Back in '07? I can see him getting "Shannahaned" and losing reps and TD's to Mike Bell realistically making him no better than a RB3 in most leagues.

Eric Karabell

  (11:20 AM)

I think that's a possibility as well. Travis Henry looks like a nice sleeper, because everyone assumes a Denver RB will be awesome, and Tatum Bell failed because of who he is. I could see Mike Bell playing a role like last year again.

Scott (MI)

Is B. Jackson projected as the starter for the Pack? I think he can have a pretty solid year this year getting play in the NFC Norris Division...

Eric Karabell

  (11:21 AM)

I think he could become the starter, but be wary of rookies in fantasy. We have little insight to how he'll perform, whether he'll be consistent, and if he'll wear down.

Ryan (Maine)

With Dunn questionable to start the season how high would you reach on Norwood? I'm thinking he'll be gone by the 4th

Eric Karabell

  (11:22 AM)

I would assume Norwood is the starter for Atlanta now, but I also think he'll be overrated in fantasy drafts. Remember, Dunn is still going to play, and Joey Harrington won't exactly scare defenses. This is not going to be a fun season for the Falcons. Norwood in round three sounds early to me.

Mac (Florida)

Pick one for saves Hennessey or Walker? Am I safe to drop ray with my dl already taken?

Eric Karabell

  (11:24 AM)

Ray has bone spurs in the elbow, and I think he might be out awhile. His replacement is not Jamie Walker, by the way. Walker could get a random save or two, but he also pitched in the seventh inning last night. I think Chad Bradford and - gulp - Danys Baez are the guys who will see more save opps. I'd take SF's Brad Hennessey over Walker in fantasy. He is the closer.

Brian (NY, NY)

When do you think Andy LaRoche is the Dodgers f/t 3B?

Eric Karabell

  (11:25 AM)

I don't think it will happen this season.

Robbie, Miami, FL

Eric how many more starts for Sheets this year and what type of number's do you expect to see?

Eric Karabell

  (11:25 AM)

I think the best scenario has him back by September. By then the Brewers are in second place, and he's rushed back. Say he makes 5 starts and they are good ones.

RC (Dayton)

Eric, do you see Vince Young being a top 8 fantasy QB? I think what he lacks throwing the ball will be made up with his feet (maybe 700 rushing yds, 6-8TD's).

Eric Karabell

  (11:27 AM)

I have him outside my top 10 at QB. I don't think we can assume he's Mike Vick yet, and I'd prefer a safer passing option, like Hasselbeck. But that's just me.

Rob (VA)

Hey Eric I'm in need of a shortstop. I can trade either Clemens or Petitte for Guillen Who do I deal?

Eric Karabell

  (11:28 AM)

I'd rather have Clemens down the stretch, so I would deal Pettitte. Carlos Guillen is a nice fantasy player, that would be a smart deal.

Tarr (Orlando)

I have picks 5 and 8. who would you want at those spots? I am hoping Addai and Maroney.

Eric Karabell

  (11:29 AM)

I could see Addai at 5, but I would not take Maroney that high at 8. Again, it's your team, but I think he's a bit of a risk.

Gil (Vegas)

I have picks 7 and 14, I was hoping for Addai and Maroney too. Uh oh, hope Tarr isn't in my league.

Eric Karabell

  (11:29 AM)

Those are about the spots I'd rank those guys.

Ricardo (Porto, Portugal)

How badly is Turnbow's value affected in holds leagues (he's the current MLB leader) by Linebrink's addition in Milwaukee?

Eric Karabell

  (11:30 AM)

Too early to tell. Turnbow certainly got a wakeup call with the trade, though. He pitched the eighth inning last night. Linebrink could be ticketed for the seventh. Both can get holds, really. It's all up to Turnbow, and how he pitches.

Joe (Boston)

quick one: Hart or Kemp for the rest of the season?

Eric Karabell

  (11:32 AM)

I have to say Corey Hart. He plays every day. Kemp, despite hitting for power, doesn't. Hart also runs a lot more.

Seth (Hartford, CT)

In a PPR league how would you rank the following RBs? Addai, Parker, Westbrook, Bush, Alexander. I have the 6th pick and I'm assuming it will be one of these guys. (And no, I'm not taking Manning)

Eric Karabell

  (11:33 AM)

I'd say what you have works fine there. I do have concerns about Alexander's health. I might go Parker over Addai, but they're even, really. Bush is a fantastic receiver, and should be better on the ground as well, but I rank him fourth here.

Kurt (Culver City, CA)

Do you think Lastings Milledge is an everyday player now?

Eric Karabell

  (11:33 AM)

Not unless Moises Alou and Shawn Green are going to platoon, which I doubt. But Milledge will still play quite a bit, and retain value.

David (toronto)

Do you project a bounceback year for Bay in 2008?

Eric Karabell

  (11:34 AM)

Bounce back to what, really? He's a solid 25-100 guy, and everyone should stop expecting him to steal bases. This is an off-year, but not by all that much.

dave (ontario)

if dotel gets traded, do you see him keeping his role as a closer?

Eric Karabell

  (11:35 AM)

I do not. The teams that seem interesting in him have closers, like the Dodgers and Red Sox.

Tom (NY)

ERIC - Draft next Monday, would you take SJax or LT with the #1 pick in a newly forming keeper league? i can't decide because LT is 28 entering his 7th full season and SJax is only 24 and entering his 3rd full season. bail me out here please.....

Eric Karabell

  (11:36 AM)

I would stick with LT. He's not showing signs of age or getting hurt. Even in a new league, he's my No. 1.

Mike (NYC,NY)

In your blog you mentioned Chad Cordero possibly being traded to the Mets, will that make Rauch the Nat's closer?

Eric Karabell

  (11:37 AM)

I think it would, but Rauch is also on the trade block. The Nats were seen scouting the Mets Double-A team, so I think something's going on.

matt (bellevue)

Willie Parker finishes as a top-5 back this year? Your Steelers preview would suggest more lanes for him. He had a great year last year, rather quietly.

Eric Karabell

  (11:37 AM)

I think he can. I have Parker and Addai rated evenly, and each over Alexander at this point.

Peter (Albany)

Eric, do you have any idea how much I hate John Lannan?

Eric Karabell

  (11:38 AM)

It's a shame, really. At this time Wednesday, nobody knew who he was. I do not think he was trying to hit or hurt Utley. He just didn't have great control.

Adam (Dallas, TX)

Ryan Raburn, Franklin Gutierrez or Lastings Milledge in a keeper league?

Eric Karabell

  (11:39 AM)

Tough call, really. Milledge appears the best prospect of the three. Raburn had a nice game the other day, with 2 HR and 7 RBIs, but most people are overrating it. He is not going to play much when Sheffield is back tonight, and then Marcus Thames returns.

mark (chi)

I am not at all impressed w/ the projected available RBs in the 2nd round (12 teams). Is Palmer worth a pick at #17 in place of guys like Drew, Henry or Maroney who are boom or bust?

Eric Karabell

  (11:41 AM)

You know, I kind of agree with you on this, but I don't know if I could justify taking Palmer that early. Those boom or bust guys are still worth quite a bit in relation to quarterbacks not named Peyton.

Jeremy (Los Angeles)

How many SB's for Jerry Owens going forward? Do you think he will eclipse 20? 25? 30?

Eric Karabell

  (11:42 AM)

I have to take the under do to the uncertainty on how much he will play. Would he swipe 20 for the season if he played every day the final two months? I think so. But the White Sox will foolishly bench him when Erstad comes back, probably. Who knows?

Miguel (Caracas, Venezuela)

Ryan Garko or James Loney in a Keeper League for next year?

Eric Karabell

  (11:44 AM)

Most people would say Loney here, and I'm leaning that way, but Garko is totally legit as well. He's a 20-homer guy right now who hits for average, but gets little notice.

Matt (Medina, Ohio)

Do Travis Hafner's peripherals suggest what is wrong with him?

Eric Karabell

  (11:46 AM)

No, I don't think they do. He's just not hitting for power. His walk and K rates look the same. If he was hitting doubles, I'd feel better about his final two months, but like Lance Berkman, there's little to explain the lack of power.

Steve (Boulder, CO)

2 Rookie Stat lines: 41 Runs 14 HR 40 RBI 6 SB .293 Avg. vs. 46 Runs 17 HR 45 RBI 9 SB .352 Avg. in 47 less at bats - 1st one is David Wright, 2nd is Ryan Braun - Will Braun surpass Wright next year on draft day?

Eric Karabell

  (11:47 AM)

I've been comparing Braun to Wright for two months now. Braun is really that good, right now, as long as he's running. I don't know if I can make Braun a top 10 guy next year, but second round, he's rising by the week.

Don(NYC)

Hey Eric - Is it too much to ask to rank maybe 8 or 10 second basement as replacements for Utley. Really, this might be the biggest thing to happen all season no? Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (11:48 AM)

Well, it could be if he doesn't play again, but I think that is unlikely. Really, this is not a major break. The team thinks it's about three weeks or so. I signed Aaron Hill in a league, but that was a shallow league. I can't know who is out there in your league. Ryan Theriot seems available in too many leagues.

Brian (NY, NY)

If the Yanks get Wigginton he becomes a platoon candidate, right, and his fant. value plummets?

Eric Karabell

  (11:49 AM)

Not necessarily. He might be the everyday first baseman for the Yankees. Someone is going to be in the next week, and I don't think it will be Shelley Duncan.

Jack (Pitt)

My team has a 4.27 era and the next guy has a 3.9. Worth trying to catch up this late in the season?

Eric Karabell

  (11:50 AM)

Yes, I think ERA and WHIP still change tremendously, even in August.

Ron (Clarks Summit, PA)

I don't understand how so many people can have such a high opinion of Vince Young and such a low opinion of Jon Kitna, fantasy-wise. Kitna threw for over 2000 more yards and 9 more TD's last year. They both threw one more INT than TD last year. And Kitna gained Calvin Johnson while Young lost Drew Bennett (and others). Please explain why Kitna should (or should not) be taken way before Young in a fantasy draft.

Eric Karabell

  (11:51 AM)

I don't have either QB in my top 10, but I do rank Young higher. Kitna put up big cumulative stats, but also threw many interceptions. I think Young can only improve, and Kitna is more likely to be stagnant. Kitna is a fine backup fantasy QB; I think I am higher on him than most. But I would take Young first.

Robert (Sterling, Va)

(sigh) - If Peyton is available at #8, (assuming all the appropriate RBs are off the board), should I suck it up and take him? I hate drafting QBs early

Eric Karabell

  (11:52 AM)

I don't like to take QBs in round 1 either, but I think Peyton is the exception now. You know what you're getting, and it's terrific. I would take him at 8, assuming the running backs I like more are gone.

Babz (Aiken, SC)

Eric, please enlighten me - why is Philly not going with Flash Gordon as their closer at this time?

Eric Karabell

  (11:53 AM)

His shoulder is toast. Really, they're lucky he is back at all. He can't pitch back to back days, and he's on fumes. Brett Myers gets the job back, probably today.

Craig (Denver)

What are your thoughts on Manny Parra?

Eric Karabell

  (11:54 AM)

Young Brewers lefty won't make a fantasy impact in middle relief, but if he gets a chance to start, there's something there. Nice minor league rates, very under the radar.

Josh (Proctorville, OH)

What are your projections for Gaudin for the rest of the year in an AL-only league?

Eric Karabell

  (11:54 AM)

A lot of walks. Really, I wouldn't want Gaudin in any format from here on out, unless he stops walking a batter per inning.

Shawn (MN)

Really Theriot? Would you take him over these options; Vidro, Pedroia, Belliard, Lopez, Keppinger, Fontenot?

Eric Karabell

  (11:55 AM)

If I wanted stolen bases, yes I would.

Jack (Pitt)

Thanks - as a follow-up... Is eating innings for the rest of the year with low-era relievers an effective way of getting down the era if K's and wins are not a problem?

Eric Karabell

  (11:56 AM)

I think the best way to lower an ERA is to dump the bad pitchers. You'd be shocked what that does to a team ERA. Getting solid Neshek types makes a big difference as well.

Tony (Toledo, OH)

Does Corpas still lose the closing job when Fuentes comes back?

Eric Karabell

  (11:57 AM)

It sure looks like the Rox are not rushing Fuentes back, doesn't it? Maybe Corpas is the reason.

Jason (Atlanta)

If Salty does get traded to texas, do you see him staying at C? If so, how much does this help his value going into next season?

Eric Karabell

  (11:58 AM)

I think he'll be eligible there, but I don't know if teams see that position as his future. I'd assume if he gets dealt he will play a lot more.

Eric Karabell

  (11:58 AM)

OK, thanks for the fine questions and have a great weekend! Adios!