Eric Karabell

  (11:01 AM)

Hi there and welcome to another fantasy chat, this time we discuss football and baseball. Yeah, I know I chatted yesterday, but I'm back! Let's get moving...

Tyler (Delaware)

Wilson with the save last night? Will he close over Benoit?

Eric Karabell

  (11:03 AM)

I think there are similarities in the Texas situation and Baltimore. C.J. Wilson got the save, but Joaquin Benoit will get some as well. Just like the Orioles, where Jamie Walker is getting more saves than Chad Bradford, but it's just working out that way. In truth, unless you can really make a move in saves in these final 8 weeks, I don't know if it's worth owning any relievers on Texas or Baltimore.

Scott (MI)

Need a basketball question answered!! How this this trade yesterday affect KG's top 3 status this year?

Eric Karabell

  (11:04 AM)

Well, this is apparently football and baseball, not hoops, but we should discuss it. Garnett wasn't scoring 28 points a night anyway, so I do not think his fantasy value is harmed here. He's still a 20-10 guy, except I think he could get 15 boards a night if he wants, and 4 or 5 blocks. He can really concentrate on defense. I'd say if you had him ranked in the top 3 before this, I'd leave him there.

Mike (Lyon Mountain, NY)

Hi EK, When does Milwaulkee start Bush again after coming on for the win in the 13th last night.

Eric Karabell

  (11:05 AM)

Well, David Bush did pitch Tuesday night, so he will not start Wednesday, but I still expect to see Bush start later in the week. I doubt the Brewers adjust all the starting pitchers.

buckeroo,boston

EK Please answer my question, It will make my day. I got pulled over for blowing a stop sign to make it to my computer by 11. I have 11 and 14 in a 12 team h2h, who should I be eyeing. Pick 2, Edge, Maroney, Ronnie Brown, Mcgahee, Henry.....help

Eric Karabell

  (11:06 AM)

I can't tell you who to draft, but the top guys you mention on my list are probably Brown and McGahee.

Nick (FL)

Man Glavine just can't get # 300 out of the way. Start Perez against Milwaukee tonight?

Eric Karabell

  (11:07 AM)

if you ordinarily start Oliver Perez each time, then I don't see why you would stop now. Perez has pitched well. The Brewers do hit lefties well, but with pitchers you rely on, I don't play the spot starter game much.

Randy (Dayton, OH)

What do you make of the way Nelson Cruz has been hitting since getting recalled? Do you think he can keep it up?

Eric Karabell

  (11:08 AM)

I thought Cruz would be doing this back in April. He's a legit 20-HR guy, and he can even run a bit.

Scott (MI)

Over/under 1400 yards and 13 TD's for Addai...

Eric Karabell

  (11:09 AM)

Probably the under on both, because it's asking for a lot. I think if he goes over on either stat, it's the yards, not the scores. Too many things can happen.

Al (DC)

Who do you think will be in the majors first? Adam Jones or Evan Longoria?

Eric Karabell

  (11:09 AM)

I think Jones could be up any day now, so I take him. Longoria should be up in September, but Jones is further ahead.

justin (atlanta)

do you consider Prince Fielder a buy-low? he's got 3 homers in July. i need power and have excess pitching, which is what Fielder's owner needs. make him an offer or look elsewhere? thanks Eric.

Eric Karabell

  (11:11 AM)

I don't really consider Prince a buy-low. He did hit for average in July, just not power, and now he's a bit banged up.

Jojo (Tn)

Nelson Cruz 20h's from here on out?

Eric Karabell

  (11:12 AM)

Oh no, full season. It's very tough to predict what someone will do in two months, it's such a small sample size. The only guy I see hitting 20 HRs the rest of the way is Ryan Howard.

Daniel (Greenville, NC)

Football Q. Top 5 QB's other than Peyton and Palmer!

Eric Karabell

  (11:12 AM)

Probably Tom Brady, Marc Bulger and Drew Brees. I know some will put Vince Young there, but not me.

Dave (Pittsburgh)

My friend and I continue to have this battle over which is better, roto or head to head. I'm on the roto side because the best team ends up winning, what are you thoughts?

Eric Karabell

  (11:13 AM)

I think both have value, and I recommend people try both before they judge. There are some aspects of each style that are terrific.

Hank (GB)

Rickie Weeks got sent down. How does this affect his keeper value?

Eric Karabell

  (11:14 AM)

I wouldn't want him the rest of this season, or in keeper leagues. He can't stay healthy, and he can't hit for average, and maybe the two are related. I can't believe he's in the minors. That's how bad things got. I wouldn't keep him, even in deep leagues, but I will draft him next year later than he should go.

Weeney (Dallas, TX)

How many steals for Jerry Owens from here on out? Would you rather own Owens over Podsednik?

Eric Karabell

  (11:15 AM)

I would definitely say Owens if I knew he would keep playing. He is playing, and he's playing reasonably well for what he does, though he needs to take walks and get on base more. He does run, that's for sure. The misguided return of Darin Erstad has to affect Owens or Pods, though.

matt (sac)

Will Plaxico be a steady fantasy WR this year or will he join Eli in a mid game whimpering session over on the sidelines every other week? Thanks.

Eric Karabell

  (11:16 AM)

I'm expecting Plaxico and Eli to have similar seasons to last year, which means a lot of inconsistency, some good games, some zeroes. That's why they are frustrating, but they are productive anyway.

Tim (Boulder)

The answer to Daves question is: Roto for Baseball, H2H for Football.

Eric Karabell

  (11:17 AM)

I tend to agree, but I like both formats for each. Really, my favorite leagues are the ones with a different scoring system, or adjusted rules, something out of the ordinary.

J Shaky (MI)

I know receivers are hard to predict, but if I'm looking at these guys as a 4th-ish type receiver, who do you like best: Devery, D.J. Hacket, Kevin Curtis, or Drew Bennett?

Eric Karabell

  (11:18 AM)

Probably Devery Henderson in New Orleans. I think Curtis will be overrated, because a good year for a Philly receiver is like 50 catches. Hackett is more a sleeper, but can't be truly relied on. I think Devery can be.

Cole(Ut)

We just completed our draft, I had 2 options for my first 3 picks(trades). Which would you rather have? Addai,McGahee, and Bulger or Addai,Palmer, and Edge.

Eric Karabell

  (11:19 AM)

I'll take the first one, with Addai and McGahee. I think McGahee will be good this year, and the difference in Bulger and Palmer, to me, is small.

Dave (Pittsburgh)

But I look at it as the object of the game is to pick the best team, and in roto the best team usually wins, right? Thanks Eric.

Eric Karabell

  (11:20 AM)

Crazy things happen in head to head, that's for sure. I think the best teams wins there in football maybe half the time, which I do not like at all. I don't know how many times I have seen a 7-6 wildcard team win a fantasy football league, while my 12-1 team gets upset by a Billy Volek performance. But it happens, the great equalizer.

Lee (Charlotte)

I have seen many fantasy experts state that Ryan Braun is a top 20 pick next year, or the next David Wright. I have him in a dynasty league and am not so sure he isn't the next Garrett Atkins. Care to give me your take and explanation of why he is the next big thing rather than the next first year wonder who drops off the face of the planet.

Eric Karabell

  (11:22 AM)

The only flaws I can see in Braun are his defense, which doesn't matter if the Brewers don't care, and the fact he's merely average against right-handed pitching. He destroys lefties. If he continues to run - and there's no telling if he will long term - then he's close to Wright. I could see Braun making it into the top 20 because he is showing no signs at all of a slump, and even when he does, he gets to face a lefty and/or runs. I don't think he's Atkins. I think even the Rockies were surprised what Atkins did last season.

Babz (Aiken, SC)

What kind of fantasy impact will the Pirate acquisition of Matt Morris ha... damn, I just couldn't do it without laughing, then crying...

Eric Karabell

  (11:24 AM)

Yeah, I just don't get that deal. Makes no sense. Give a kid a chance to pitch, and pay him half a mil. Why deal for this bad contract? Ugh. I will say this about Morris: He is 6-0 lifetime at PNC Park with a 2.-something ERA. He has been good there. Run, fantasy owners, run.

Mark (Scranton)

Noticed Accuscore by the Daily Notes. Do you use AccuScore in making choices of who to start? Can we get more predicted info?

Eric Karabell

  (11:25 AM)

Accuscore is very good, and so are the Daily Notes we publish on the fantasy pages. I think owners should read as much as they can, but do their own research, make their own decisions. That's what I do. It's not Accuscore's team, it's mine!

Matt (Philly)

Why would anyone call Vince Young a top 5 qb?? he had a game last year where he got credit for the win but his defense scored 21 of the 24 points!

Eric Karabell

  (11:26 AM)

I have seen a magazine in which Young is the No. 4 QB. Hey, I cannot say for certainty that he's not worthy, he might be. I can say I don't rank him there, but it's my choice. What others do, they could be right, or not. Who knows? That's why we play the games. If we knew the results, that really wouldn't be much fun.

Todd (Fargo)

Does Gore's injury move him down a few spots or would you still take him ahead Addai?

Eric Karabell

  (11:26 AM)

I am watching this closely, but for now I still rank Gore ahead of Addai. I'm considering moving each of them ahead of Larry Johnson, though.

Erik (Cleveland)

Eric, I'm a tad worried about Utley for 08'. Look at what's happened to D Lee and Hafner since coming back from similar injuries. Matsui is the only one who's actually come back nearly 100%. Tristan yesterday said Utley would be fine, but I'm nervous!!!

Eric Karabell

  (11:27 AM)

I agree with Tristan. I don't think we can simply throw a blanket over EVERY hitter to suffer a broken hand or wrist and say the power will be gone. They are all different cases. Matsui just hit 13 home runs in July. 13!!!

Marco (CT)

Matt Morris might have nice career numbers at PNC, but don't you think that has a lot to do with the fact that he was pitching AGAINST the Pirates and not FOR them (like he will be)?

Eric Karabell

  (11:28 AM)

Excellent point, Marco, excellent point.

Goose (Chicago)

Eric, so if you pick today with the third pick in your fantasy football draft, you take.....

Eric Karabell

  (11:29 AM)

I don't want that pick. I suppose it's still Johnson, but I might change that at any time. It's intuition, really. I don't follow my own rankings in actual drafts half the time. I know who I like, and sometimes it changes from day to day. Johnson today, but possibly Gore or Addai or Parker eventually. Or I deal down.

Antonio (Miami,FL)

Eric, What do you expect out of Todd Helton? he has been struggling and C Duncan and Cuddyer are on my bench?

Eric Karabell

  (11:31 AM)

Look at Helton's month by month numbers, they are not impressive. Duncan clearly has more power. Depends on need. Helton could hit .330 this month, I suppose, but I doubt it.

Jon (Boston, MA)

What do you think of Norwood this year?

Eric Karabell

  (11:32 AM)

I think he's the starter in Atlanta, and I might add, I don't think the Falcons are in real trouble on the field. I don't want Joey Harrington in fantasy, but I think (potentially, probably) losing Vick will mean they throw a lot, and Norwood steps in to start over injured Warrick Dunn and should be a 1,200-yard back. It's his job if he plays well.

Marc (Toronto, Canada)

Why is Greg Dobbs leading off for the Phils now?! Wouldn't they be better off moving Rollins back to the leadoff spot and hitting a hot swinging Burrel higher in the order? Also, who is this Roberson guy who was playing RF last night?

Eric Karabell

  (11:34 AM)

I actually like Rollins, who is not a big on-base guy, hitting third, because I love the middle of the order. I want Ryan Howard cleanup, followed by Rowand and Burrell. For whatever reason, this is working. Don't upset things. Burrell just had a .345 July with 22 RBIs. Dobbs does have power vs. RHP, but I'd expect we see Roberson, a contact type guy who can run, leading off soon, or Jayson Werth against lefties.

Bob(Pittsburgh)

Have you ever tried to do something out of the box like taking a kicker in the first round?

Eric Karabell

  (11:34 AM)

I'd say taking Peyton Manning in round one is out of the box. Taking a kicker before the last round makes no sense.

Rudy (Cleveland)

Aaron Cook a solid buy right now?...even at Coors he has been doing OK..or is he a pure match ups type.

Eric Karabell

  (11:35 AM)

I've been using him in one league as a spot, and then in a weekly league I picked him because he had two starts this week. He's actually pitched well, but he doesn't strike people out.

rob (ny)

Is Daunte culpepper going to be able to get me some early season points (before Jamarcus comes in)?

Eric Karabell

  (11:36 AM)

I would not assume Jamarcus Russell plays much this season at all. Culpepper will be a late pick at best for me, after I have 2 QBs already.

Joe (Bronx)

Do you see Wilson Betemit getting enough at bats to be a fantasy contributor?

Eric Karabell

  (11:36 AM)

I think the Yankees will give him a chance at first base, and I think he can be a productive player. But I wouldn't drop a stud to get him.

Phil ( Vermont )

Eric please share your wisdom, Just lost Beltran and Victorino and I have one space to fill who would you take Markakis,Cory Patterson,Damon or Cameron and why?

Eric Karabell

  (11:37 AM)

If you need stolen bases, Patterson is your guy. He's stealing three or four bases a week now, and hitting for some power.

Jimmy (Raleigh, NC)

What do you think Saltalamacchia's numbers will be the rest of the season? And is he worth an add?

Eric Karabell

  (11:38 AM)

If your second catcher stinks, or you're in an AL-only league, Salty should be owned. He should hit some home runs from here on out, maybe one a week, but he is capable of much more.

Ross (CA)

Are you guys allowed to make roster adjustments to your personal teams at work? I would like to think that is the perks of your job?

Eric Karabell

  (11:38 AM)

We certainly can. But we're also busy most of the time doing actual work.

kevin (chicago)

Does Andy phillips have value in an AL Only league? Drop him for Adam Jones?

Eric Karabell

  (11:39 AM)

I would have dropped Phillips for Jones even before the Betemit trade. Phillips isn't that horrible, but he's not doing much, either. Not much power at all.

Adam (Chicago)

Follow up to the 3rd pick in a Football draft question...if it is a keeper league do you definitely take Addai or Gore over LJ?

Eric Karabell

  (11:40 AM)

There is a great deal of evidence that guys who carry the ball as much as Johnson has the last two years wear down fast. Add in the current situation, and yes, I would go Addai or Gore.

Bob (NYC)

Eric - forgive the repetitive posts, but I could use an expert take on this. Would you offer Sheffield to get Johan Santana? I'd still have Sizemore, Hideki Matsui, ManRam, and Damon in the OF. THanks!

Eric Karabell

  (11:41 AM)

I would still trade just about anything to get Johan. He can be the most dominant player in fantasy, if he wants to be.

Fred (East Lansing, MI)

Regarding the Wilson Betemit at 1B for the Yankees, would you drop a "stud" like Teahen for him?

Eric Karabell

  (11:41 AM)

Probably not. I'm just saying, if Betemit gets the chance, and he actually hits for power, don't be shocked. He actually has more home runs than Teahen this year.

AL (NY)

I am so tired of trying to get a question answered for the last 3 weeks and all I have seen are Saltalamacchia questions and who is the 3rd pick in the NFL draft over and over.

Eric Karabell

  (11:42 AM)

Was that a question?

Rex - MD

EK My man!Is Davies worth a look in an AL league?

Eric Karabell

  (11:42 AM)

No, not yet. He has shown nothing at the big level at this point, and he's not going to a fun place to pitch, or in a fun division. This probably will not go well. I'm shocked the Royals didn't make a smarter deal.

Sean (Boulder, CO)

Eric, which of these 3 players would you select as a keeper for this year? Steve smith, ronnie brown, or addai?

Eric Karabell

  (11:43 AM)

Probably Addai. Always running backs, by the way.

Joey (San Fran)

Eric, please help me out, would you try to trade Shaun Alexander brfore his stock drops?

Eric Karabell

  (11:44 AM)

Well, I don't know if we're going to see his stock take a big hit anytime soon. To me, it already has because he's saying his foot remains a problem. I still have him in round one, but I don't want to take him. I know that sounds odd, but to me there is major downside here that I don't see with the younger backs.

Wade (Nashville)

Just out of curiousity, what stats are out there to quantify relievers other than holds and ERA? Anything to measure inherited runners or something like that?

Eric Karabell

  (11:46 AM)

Inherited runners is a stat, and I still look at K rate and WHIP over ERA. A guy can come in and walk someone, and then someone else can allow the run. And holds are barely a better stat than saves. So many ways to interpret them.

Ross (CA)

Assuming you play in leagues with the other ESPN Fantasy guys, what is the most lopsided deal you have seen an expert make in the last year or so?

Eric Karabell

  (11:47 AM)

Oh, I have seen plenty. First of all, what is an expert? I study stats in football and baseball, then apply it to fantasy. In every league even the wisest, smartest people can be had in a trade. Maybe they really need one guy and have to overpay? Maybe they value the guy different than others? Hard to tell. I've made a bad deal or two this season knowing it would look bad, but I had to have the closer or the basestealer.

Johnny (Baltimore)

What do you think about rudi Johnson? Solid #2 or worse?

Eric Karabell

  (11:48 AM)

Solid No. 2, possibly a No. 1 RB. He's in my top 12 RBs.

Jesse (NJ)

Whats the ettiquitte (spelled incorrectly, sorry) to trading away all your non keepers to playoff and fringe teams for draft picks.

Eric Karabell

  (11:49 AM)

If that makes your team stronger for next season, then do it. Who cares what others think? It's not their team. I dealt away non-keepers in a league already that I knew I couldn't win, and because I was first to do this, I got all the best picks. I'm in great shape next year. Not every season can be yours, especially if your AL-only team has Tejada, Abreu, Giambi, Barfield, well, you know.

Ryan, Milwaukee

What do you think about Clinton Portis this year? Everyone is really worried about Betts but I just don't see it. If Portis is healthy he plays with Betts being a glorified 3rd down back. Do you see it this way?

Eric Karabell

  (11:50 AM)

I kinda do see it that way, not the normal platoon, but at any time Portis could lose the carries to Betts. Sure, Portis is the No. 1 guy, but only until that first slump or minor injury.

Zach (Denver)

Can I bribe you? Please help: can keep 3 out of LT, Gore, Addai, Bush and Steve Smith? I can start three RBs...thanks Eric, even if you do keep ignoring my questions

Eric Karabell

  (11:52 AM)

Well, then I am ignoring thousands of questions... doing my best here! I would keep LT, Gore and Addai, but don't just throw Bush back in there. Maybe deal Gore for a ton and keep Bush? That's way too much talent you have.

chris (tampa)

what are your thoughts on thomas jones? i feel like he should be drafted much earlier. he's the main back, good, young, improving o-line, pennington can't throw downfield, so there should be lots of dump offs. what's not to like?

Eric Karabell

  (11:52 AM)

I don't disagree, but he's still a second-rounder.

Ed (Pittsburgh)

Give us a predicted line for Willie Parker...would something like 1300 yds, 12 tds be too high?

Eric Karabell

  (11:53 AM)

Sounds about right, maybe a bit low. He's going to catch passes as well this season.

Jhonny (Philly)

I hate Tony Romo, but I'm stuck with him as my #1 QB. I think he will be a major bust this year.

Eric Karabell

  (11:54 AM)

I think if he's your No. 1 then that might be true. I have Romo at the back end of the top 10 at the position.

Reggie Willits (Diamondville)

Tell the people why I'm a better pick than Corey Patterson, Eric. Tell the world.

Eric Karabell

  (11:55 AM)

Can't do it. Patterson has power, he's hot now, and he actually runs more than Willits, who has not been great the last six weeks.

Ryan (Rochester)

follow up on thomas jones - you don't feel he is safer than mcgahee, r. brown, edge, and other backs among that tier?

Eric Karabell

  (11:55 AM)

Maybe Edge, but not McGahee and Brown. Who knows for sure? I think it's about value. I would draft Jones, for sure, but over McGahee and Brown, no.

Eric (Cincy)

Sell Godzilla while he's high?

Eric Karabell

  (11:56 AM)

Hideki Matsui is on fire. He just hit 13 home runs in July. I would sell high if it's a crazy offer, but he might keep this going.

Luke (nc)

Enough about Football! Would you rather have Chris B. Young or Burrell? BA really doesnt matter.

Eric Karabell

  (11:57 AM)

Young might go 25/25 this season, so he's the guy. But Burrell has more power.

Chuck (Hershey, PA)

For a f-ball scoring only league, does it still make sense to wait to the last two rounds for to take a kicker?

Eric Karabell

  (11:58 AM)

It always makes sense to take a kicker in the last round, without fail. Not only are they worth little, but the top names change every year, and you never know who the next Robbie Gould will be.

brad (new york)

i heard a lot of talk about piazza going elsewhere. still a shot now that the deadline has passed?

Eric Karabell

  (11:59 AM)

Yes. The trade deadline has passed, but there are always waiver trades, and Piazza, who is not exactly young, could get dealt.

Eric Karabell

  (11:59 AM)

OK, thanks for all the fine questions. Phew, we got to a lot of them today, eh? There's another chat session later today, I would assume, and who knows, I might be back chatting later in the week! Adios!