Kevin Rounce

  (3:01 PM)

Good afternoon everyone! It's time for fantasy discussion, but I do want to send my thoughts and prayers to Minneapolis and that horrible tragedy. Let's get going!

Cody Philly

Will Justin Upton stay up and what numbers can we expect.Thanks

Kevin Rounce

  (3:03 PM)

The D-Backs would not bring him up unless they intend to keep him up. That would be just bad organizational management. I think he'll play mostly versus lefties. This is about getting him into the majors and getting a feel for it. I don't think we can expect much more then a .260-.270 average with a handful of home runs (6) and a couple steals. He's a definite keeper league pick up, but in single-season leagues, I'll leave him be.

J Shaky (MI)

If I don't get Gates at TE in the 5th-ish, then I tend to wait on TE, and just take whoever is left out of the Witten, Heath, McMichael type crowd. Good strategy, or do you think Shock or Alge is THAT much better than those guys to look at them a few rounds sooner?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:04 PM)

I think that if you don't Gates (and I generally don't overpay to get him like many do), wait. Sure, you can take chances on Agle, Shock, Gonzo, etc. but I think TE is deep enough that even if you don't get the best, you can get adequate production later on in your draft.

Barry (boston)

Ok, so we're not talking about another Ryan Braun type performance with Upton, right?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:05 PM)

I just don't see it. He's not even 20 yet and I don't believe he'll be handed the everyday job. Now, would it shock me? Not really, but I'm betting against it. Ryan Braun was a MUCH more polished hitter when he got called up.

Lee (Cincinnati)

Kevin, draft this weekend and I have the dreaded 3rd pick. Do I pass the headache that is LJ and take Gore or Addai instead?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:07 PM)

And this is why I don't draft this early. ;) No, I think the 3rd pick is the hardest. I'll probably take LJ until any definitive word on his holdout. I worry about Gore's health just because he was so injury prone in college and now has his first major injury in the NFL. I'll still go with LJ

Fresno California

Will Iguchi keep this up? What kind of numbers can we expect?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:09 PM)

Well, no, he won't keep it up. He'll be moved to third base soon and I think his offense will suffer as he adjusts to a new position. I look for him to finish up around .280 for his Philly part of the season and around 8 home runs, maybe 10 due to his park. He'll also steal 10 bases or so.

Jacob (Mt. Pleasant, MI)

I have Prince, Tex, and Carlos Pena on my team. Ideally, I'd like to trade one, but I'm in first place and NOBODY will make a fair trade with me. Do I overpay to upgrade another position (2nd base or pitching) or just let Pena or Tex chill on my bench depending on the matchup?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:11 PM)

I think you do have to "overpay" if the players are just wasting on your bench. What you can do is find a team that is no threat to you in the power department and find an upgrade for your team. In fantasy, it's not always "good to be the king"

Mike (DC)

Lincecum or Hughes - who do you prefer for the rest of the season?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:12 PM)

I am starting to hear rumblings, unconfirmed though, that Lincecum will be shut down at some point. I haven't had a chance to do a real deep investigation on it, but it wouldn't shock me. You can't overwork him. Hughes could be back this weekend, so I'll take him from this date forward. Both carry a decent amount of risk.

Bob(Claremont,NH)

If I trade Bonds for Bay ,am I making out any better in the deal?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:14 PM)

Bay is red hot right right now, hitting better than .400 in the last week. I think he'll maintain a much higher pace than Barry for the rest of the year. I think once Barry does hit the home run (and please just do it already) he'll be sat a whole lot more.

Greg (RI)

Why can't anyone pick up Justin Upton yet?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:14 PM)

Justin Upton will be available on waivers after he makes his major league debut.

Cody Philly

With injuries to TO and Glenn is it safe to say Crayton will have a big year.

Kevin Rounce

  (3:15 PM)

I think you will see way too much TO and Glenn for Crayton to make a huge impact. That said, the offense will be built around setting up the passing game and as No. 3 receivers go, there aren't too many better.

JOel (mD)

What about Jones in Seattle? What will his impact be?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:16 PM)

His impact will mostly be the lack of at-bats for Ibanez and Vidro. He's got double-digit home run power and double-digit stolen base speed. He still needs to work on his plate discipline, so expect him to strike out a lot. I've heard Mike Cameron comparisons, and for this year, I would expect similar production to Cameron with a lower batting average.

Kelly (Boston)

Kevin, you are the BEST! Will Melky Cabrera will help me beat all the guys in my 10-team 5X5 mixed roto who told me I was a dumb girl for picking him up?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:18 PM)

well, if you're gonna complement me and feed the ego.... I don't see Melky making too big an impact in such a shallow league. He's okay, but he'll maybe get to double-digit homers this year. That just doesn't hack it. Not in fantasy.

Ruby (seattle)

12 team mixed. OK to drop the "Rockette" after his blow-up today?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:19 PM)

One game. I don't think anyone thought he would be as good as last year, but he's better than that. You drop him, he won't be available by his next start. Keep him for now unless there is an absolute can't miss on the wire.

Jesse (NJ)

I've never seen a female fantasy expert on ESPN. Are men better at fantasy sports than women?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:19 PM)

There are women fantasy experts out there for sure. Just not as many. Men are the only ones who dedicate themselves to a game like fantasy. We must be bored.

Ari (Miami)

Start YUSMEIRO PETiT today at SD or nothin special?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:20 PM)

I think that's a good start for him and I would do it. The Padres are nothing special, it's a ridiculous pitcher's park. And Petit was once highly thought of as a prospect, so he has the goods. Start him.

MJ (edmonton)

Is Jon Sanchez a nice sleeper for the last 2 months if the Giants put him in the rotation?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:21 PM)

I'd like to see them do it just to see what he can do. If they do, he could absolutely be a nice sleeper. A good start 2 out of every 3. Especially in NL-only leagues.

Joe (NY)

Nelson Cruz has been hot... what kind of prospect is he? does he compare to adam jones? and if not will adam jones be good?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:23 PM)

good home runs, good steals, very bad strikeout hitter. I think he will be awfully prone to slumps in the majors. He's a streaky guy, so ride the streak for now. Adam Jones is the more complete player, but Cruz may have a bigger impact this year in fantasy, so long as you know to get him out during the cold times.

peter(columbus)

who is the better pickup jones or upton for the rest of the year for a playoff team in a dynasty keeper?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:23 PM)

I think Jones will be better since he's had more time to develop. Upton has the bigger upside though.

Gil (Vegas)

Must drop one of Cuddyer or Delmon Young?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:24 PM)

Cuddyer, but barely. Delmon looks like he's about to put it all together.

Greg (RI)

Who's the better keeper, Granderson or Pence?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:24 PM)

I like Pence a little bit more. Granderson just strikes out too dang much.

Michael (Portland, ME)

When will Joey Votto be called up? I just traded Hennessey for him. How good will he be in 2008?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:25 PM)

When they have a spot for him. If Adam Dunn can get through waivers and they can deal him, then Votto will be called up right away. He'll be a solid option in '08, but won't realize his true power for a couple of years.

Elliott (Cali)

Hey Kevin, can you rank these pitchers based on your expectations the rest of the way out? James Shields, Scott Baker, Dave Bush, Marcum, Mcgowan, Phil Hughes, thank you!

Kevin Rounce

  (3:26 PM)

Baker has been stellar, but I'll take Bush first. Then Baker, Hughes, Shields, McGowan and finally Marcum.

Tarr (Orlando)

Please rank these first round RBs: Addai, Gore, Alexander, Rudi, Maroney, and Parker.

Kevin Rounce

  (3:26 PM)

well, assuming no points for receptions, I like Gore, Alexander, Addai, Rudy, Parker and Maroney.

Kelly (Boston)

WHAT?!? Kevin, I said you were the BEST and now you tell me Melky was a bad pickup? He's scoring a ton lately and the Yanks, as much as I HATE them, are on a hot streak. I thought I knew you, Kevin. Now I have to re-evaluate our relationship...

Kevin Rounce

  (3:27 PM)

our first fight.

Brian (NYC)

Am I crazy to use a bench spot stashing Longoria for next year in a keeper league?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:27 PM)

not at all. He IS their 3rd baseman next year with Iwamura moving over. And he will be good.

Scott (Vail)

Hey Kevin, I have asked this question w/o anserw for about 6 chats now, Granderson for Billingsley in a keeper league, fair value?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:28 PM)

Fair value. Especially if you're filling a need.

carlos (SF)

hows my starter marc bulger or phillip rivers?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:29 PM)

With the weaker defenses of the NFC West, I think Bulger will be the better option for the season. I am not too worried about his health, though it is in my mind. I just Rivers had one more weapon to throw too.

Brian (PA)

Your are the only expert I have seen that rates Rudi over Parker, please explain?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:30 PM)

Consistency. Rudi has done it longer. And it's not a great difference. All of those guys are pretty close together and fault no one if they differ.

Eric (LA, CA)

Okay Mr. Rounce, time to blow your mind with two tough questions. 10 team mixed league, drop Celemns after todays start and his terrible K rate? Even tougher: I have the 4th pick, who do I take? LJ and Shaun Alexander scare the crap out of me.

Kevin Rounce

  (3:31 PM)

I'm not ready to drop Clemens. He could just turn it on, but we've seen, now, the difference between pitching in the AL and pitching in the NL. (btw, that new commercial for whatever cell company it is. HILARIOUS). Also, LJ is only going to hold out at worse. And I'm not that worried (says a Hawks fan) about Alexander. He came into camp in great shape and he's the kind player whose personal pride was hurt that he was hurt last year. He could come back with one more huge season.

Alan (Richmond, VA)

I am in a PPR league. Top-10 RB's with that in mind... how high does Bush get? That wasn't meant to sound funny.

Kevin Rounce

  (3:32 PM)

I'd put Bush in around 5th or 6th. He's gonna be a monster this year.

tim (little rock, ar)

Would you trade D. Wright for M. Cabrera if it means you get passed up in Sbs by your closest competitor?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:32 PM)

If it helps you more in HR and RBI than it hurts you in stolen bases.

Aaron (Philly, PA)

What are your projections for "Big Ben" this year? Any chance he can be a Top-10 sleeper at QB?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:33 PM)

He could be. But that offense doesn't have to just open up. It has to OPEN up. You can't be a top-10 QB handing the ball off 75% of the time. I think they do open it up, but he just misses the top 10

Sean (Boulder, CO)

Kevin, who should I keep for this year, Steve Smith or Addai?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:34 PM)

I really like Addai and would almost always keep the RB over the receiver.

Teresa (Seattle)

Drop Helton for Butler, Garko, or Kotchman?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:35 PM)

Not for Kotchman, but maybe Garko. But first, I'd try to deal Helton around and see if I can get an upgrade somewhere else.

Jeremiah (Dublin)

Kinsler or BJ here on out? Upton's k/bb ratio has improved over the last few weeks...

Kevin Rounce

  (3:35 PM)

I'll take the chance on BJ. It's harder to get his speed I think.

Jimmy(NC)

Football question for you Mr. Rounce - Scoring only league where passing TDs are worth six points, where would Manning and Palmer fall in your Top 10?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:37 PM)

Scoring only? Well, QBs have the most touchdowns. If every TD is worth the same, then your first round is almost entirely QBs. If other TDs are worth 10, then you start looking at LT and then probably Peyton. 6 points per gets you 200 points or so for Peyton's TDs.

Mike (SA)

Numbers for Burrell the rest of the way? Thanks!

Kevin Rounce

  (3:37 PM)

.300, 8 and 35

Lizzy (South Beach)

Will Johan get a start this week?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:37 PM)

He will start Friday.

Jennifer (St. Petersburg, FL)

You stated "Men are the only ones who dedicate themselves to a game like fantasy. We must be bored." I am a very dedicated fantasy player and was the only girl in a 12 team league and won!!! Do you draft with a set strategy or does it just depends how the draft goes?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:39 PM)

Awesome. I'm just stating that fantasy is predominantly men. I welcome women (mostly because they're smarter than I am). I don't get with one set strategy, but you have to know what you are looking for. In our first mock draft for our draft magazine, I went against my usual belief in taking a running back in the first round since I drafted so late and Peyton was the highest point scorer available. Have an idea, but don't be set in stone.

Billy (NY)

Would you take a chance on Salty and drop Pudgy?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:40 PM)

If you can't deal Pudge, then yeah. i'll take Salty the rest of the way.

Jerry (AR)

Gore? He just broke his hand. I took him out of my top 10 down to #34

Kevin Rounce

  (3:40 PM)

But he'll be back for the final preseason game. My concern is that this is the start of a bad injury year for him.

Paul (Chicago)

Hawp, Butler, or Adam Jones for the rest of the season?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:41 PM)

I'd probably go with Hawpe. Butler for next year and Jones long-term.

Chris (madison)

Kevin, what are your expectations from Jay Cutler this season? How about his future in a dynasty league?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:41 PM)

Give him one more year. I think he will be erratic this year, but by the following season, once the offense is part of his base knowledge, he'll be much better.

Mike (Auburn, MA)

Kevin, pick my 2 keepers! Chester Taylor in the 4th rd, Housh in the 6th, or Rivers in the 10th. We get .5 PPR

Kevin Rounce

  (3:42 PM)

I worry about Taylor's role in Minny, but he's worth more than a fourth rounder. After that, probably Housh. I think you can replace Rivers pretty easily.

Sean (Bethesda, MD)

Hi Kevin! I am being offered Verlander and either Corpas or Todd Jones for Carl Crawford. I could use the pitching help. What do you think of that trade?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:43 PM)

I think Corpas will lose his job when Fuentes comes back. At least for a while. So if you want the more sure saves option, you take Jones. That said, Crawford is a top-10 overall option and would be wary of dealing him. Verlander and Jones would not be a bad haul though.

Sandy Williams (Oakland, CA)

Travis Hafner is killing me. not my fantasy team, he's actually at my house tightening a noose around my neck.

Kevin Rounce

  (3:44 PM)

He's killing me too. ever since I traded for him on my simulation team (and yes I know this makes me extremely geeky) I've had a man crush on him. I count this as just an off season.

Jessica(Bristol, CT)

Kevin, you're so cute. Wanna go out after work? Also, would you start Buerhle tomorrow against the Tigers?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:46 PM)

Oh, you're sweet Jessica (or the 45-year old man pretending to be). I'd start Buehrle because he's pitched well this year. Though, note that the Tigers hit him well. I think he overcomes.

Shaun(NYC)

Does Colston have a softmore slump? Also, Benson or Jacobs?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:47 PM)

I think Colston does because the Saints didn't upgrade opposite him. He becomes the focus of the defense, at least for passing defense. And I'd take Benson. I think he'll have the better year, and I don't buy into Jacobs.

Mike (Hoboken, NJ)

Kevin, do you compete in leagues against any other ESPN fantasy writers? Which of those guys (TMR, Karabell, Tristan, Ron Shandler,etc.) is the MOST competitive when it comes to fantasy teams?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:48 PM)

We do all have leagues and we are all just as competitive. Of course, I haven't met anyone who knows more about baseball than Eric and Tristan.

Chris (Detroit)

How many TDs for Calvin Johnson?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:48 PM)

I'll go with 8.

Dan (Herndon, VA)

Who would you rather have longterm, justin upton, maybin, bruce or jones?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:48 PM)

Upton. A 40/20 guy waiting to happen.

Crusher (Detroit)

pick 3 of for as 2008 keepers, Verlander, Webb, Bedard, or Harang?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:48 PM)

Let Harang go. I'll take the other three.

Dave (springfield)

Kevin - I want to pick up Burrell for a util spot while hes on a tear (dropped b/c other owner needed space due to injuries), I have first priority so hes mine if i want. Who do you drop for him: Adam LaRoche, Matt Kemp, Teahen, or Alex Gordon. Thanks, enjoying the chat!

Kevin Rounce

  (3:49 PM)

I'm enjoying the chat too. I'd drop Kemp or Teahen. LaRoche is a second-half player and Gordon looks like he's figuring it out.

kyle (boston)

Thoughts on J. Norwood for the year?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:49 PM)

Shows flashes. Gets fantasy owners to clamor for his taking over the starting job officially, but is a year away. 750 yards and 6 TDs.

Matt (Charlotte)

Kev, can I expect a return to form for my injured pitchers A.J. Burnett and Chris Young when they come off the DL mid-month?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:50 PM)

I think you can expect what you were seeing beforehand. Young sure looks like Greg Maddux's influence is truly magnified his abilities. And Burnett is what Burnett is. anyone want a box of chocolates?

Jones (rock)

Does Jackson take over the starting gig now that Morency is hurt?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:51 PM)

At least for now. That whole situation is a mess. I don't think Favre came back for this.

josh (ny)

Is Hafner still considered a keeper?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:51 PM)

Yes.

Woody (Orlando)

Mr. Rounce - Could you post your top seventy-three RB's for 1975? But first, please advise which two keepers between Willie Parker, Laurence Kool Aid Maroney, Chester Taylor, and Ronnie Brown. Thanks.

Kevin Rounce

  (3:52 PM)

How did you know what my next column was going to be about? I'll take Parker and Brown as keepers. Taylor will split time and Maroney...there's just something there that worries me.

Ben (Baton Rouge, LA)

I'm hearing and seeing great things from Bears TE Greg Olsen so far in camp. Where does he rate among tight ends right now? At the end of the season? Thanks!

Kevin Rounce

  (3:53 PM)

He's still a rookie playing for a crazy, erratic quarterback. Not a top ten, but a sleeper option that you can get late. Maybe 12th.

Mike (STL)

Wow you are ugly - start Snell and James Shields tomorrow?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:53 PM)

Well, we did have an ugly tree I liked to climb at my childhood home. Yes, I'll start them both.

Bryan (Orange County)

I have a chance to pick up Longoria, you said he will be good....can you tell me how good?!? I need a 3B in the future!!! Please help!

Kevin Rounce

  (3:54 PM)

Like .300 with good power.

Jack (nc)

Shold i be worried about Carmona down the stretch. Only 100 innings last year in relief role and already 130+ this year... sell high?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:55 PM)

I'm more worried about him for next year if he keeps up this workload. The numbers say such an increase is bad news. If you can get what you perceive is more than value, do it.

Shaun(NYC)

Thanks for the earlier answer.....Better breakout this year, Lynch or Brandon Jackson?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:55 PM)

Lynch. He's in a slightly better situation and looking like he'll get more carries.

nate (indiana)

miggy and arroyo for oliver perez? i have rollins at SS and need some P...good move?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:56 PM)

I would think you could do better than Perez for Tejada, but it's not an unfair deal.

Amare Stoudemire (AZ)

Will I get help at center this season?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:56 PM)

Nope. You are the man in the middle.

Eli (OH)

Better keeper--Phil Hughes or Justin Upton?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:57 PM)

Upton long-term, but for next year, I'll take Hughes.

Brent (Atlanta, GA)

Which guy do you have rated higher this year at QB? Eli or Rivers?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:57 PM)

Rivers. Eli is a mess.

Phil (NYC)

better keeper; CC or Oswalt?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:57 PM)

So very close. I'll take CC, but barely.

Steve(Revere,Ma)

Need a relief pitcher. Lincecum and the Big Hurt for Putz or Nathan. Think its enough?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:58 PM)

Probably not. Someone bite on pure speculation on Lincecum, but I wouldn't take it.

Eli (OH)

The Talented Adrian Peterson already has his first injury leaving with a hip pointer. It appears to be minor but shall we expect an injury prone season?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:58 PM)

He was injured a lot in college. I think they'll protect him with Taylor. I'd rather have Taylor this year.

Michael (Portland, ME)

One of your exteemed colleagues is callling Justin Upton the best hitter since Miguel Cabrera? Agree?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:59 PM)

Right now? I doubt it. Severely. In five years? I could see it.

Paul (Mesa, AZ)

Do you see the suns getting P.J. Brown?

Kevin Rounce

  (3:59 PM)

I think they're trying, but does he really fit in with their style? He's not so quick anymore.

Scott (Mi)

How good can Bush be this year? Also your thougths on Maroney...

Kevin Rounce

  (4:00 PM)

Bush can be REALLY good, but Deuce will still get the bulk of the work as a running running back. They want to get Bush the ball in space and watch the highlight happen.

Paul (Mesa, AZ)

Do you see the DBacks in the playoffs this year?

Kevin Rounce

  (4:00 PM)

Not this year, but next. One more.

Harry Potter (Hogwarts Castle)

Kevin, hope you enjoyed the last book about me and hopefully you can answer a question... would you trade A-Rod for H. Ramirez and Hoffman in a non-keeper league if you were looking to upgrade SB's and saves? Cheers!

Kevin Rounce

  (4:01 PM)

The last book was fine. Answered all the questions. A-Rod is an awful lot to give up, but if you can afford to lose the power, it isn't a horrible deal. Not one I'd do, but not horrible.

Kevin Rounce

  (4:01 PM)

Thanks everyone. Have a wonderful day!