Eric Karabell

  (11:02 AM)

Hello and welcome to another fantasy chat session... we're talking football and baseball today, so let's get going.... any questions?

Gray (Chicago)

Eric, who is Oakland's #5 starter or at least who do you think is in the running?

Eric Karabell

  (11:05 AM)

Good question! Really, the A's could have some problems with rotation depth. Do they have depth at all? Joe Blanton is the ace, but he's also been in trade talks. Rich Harden can't be counted on for health. Chad Gaudin just had hip surgery. I would assume newcomer Dana Eveland gets a shot, maybe Dan Meyer. Oakland's rotation is far from done at this point, and fantasy owners might want to be wary of this team.

Preston(Sheboygan,Wi)

I'm in a keeper league and we can keep two players. Just wondering if these two players are good choices of keeping Torry Holt and Andre Johnson

Eric Karabell

  (11:06 AM)

These are two top-10 wide receivers, and there's nothing wrong with keeping them, but you do want to try to select running backs as keepers if you can. There are always plenty of sleeper wide receivers to get late, but RB is more risky. Holt and Johnson were productive this season.

Brady (Colorado)

Football Question: Drew Brees started out rough this year. Will he be beginning of the season Brees, awesome, mid-season Brees, or end of the year Brees? Hi I'm Eric Karabell (waves arms). Man I love that.

Eric Karabell

  (11:09 AM)

Thanks. I'm waving my arms right now. (Pause). Now I'm typing. Brees is a top-10 quarterback next season, without question, but is he top-5? I think the top-3 QBs are set with Brady, Manning and Romo, and then Brees goes into the class with Roethlisberger, McNabb, Palmer, Anderson and Favre. At this point I might actually pick Brees to be No. 4 overall at QB.

Brad(NYC)

Eric, It seems to me that 2B has become deeper than the past, which posistions do you think go under the heading of scarcity now?

Eric Karabell

  (11:12 AM)

I do think 2B is kinda deep this season, at least it goes about 12-15 deep, so it's not really different than SS in that respect. A year ago SS was clearly stronger than 2B. The weakest position remains catcher, without question, but even there it goes about 10 deep with players you can trust. Bottom line is if you don't draft a balanced team for stats and positions in the first 10 rounds, you might be looking at Bobby Crosby as a starter.

KaraFan (Toronto)

Yo, Kara-man! Who do you think will be the better kara-ceiver for Big Ben? Holmes or Ward?

Eric Karabell

  (11:16 AM)

Wow, I got a friend in Canada! I think Big Ben is gonna have some issues against the Jaguars, personally. I would go with Hines Ward over Santonio Holmes if the value was equal in a playoff type game, based on the experience.

Peyton(Bill's nightmares)

Hey Eric..where do you think Julius Jones ends up in free agency. I have him in a keeper and was wondering what I could expect out of him

Eric Karabell

  (11:17 AM)

I don't think he returns to Dallas, but when discussing Marion Barber we do have to raise the possibility of the Cowboys bringing someone else in to share carries. As for Jones, who knows? Do teams even view him as a feature back capable of 1,200 yards anymore?

Brad(NYC)

What do you think are reasonable expectations for Tim Lincecum, when I've seen this guy pitch his stuff has been electric, not to mention his breif minor league stats are ridiculous.

Eric Karabell

  (11:19 AM)

I think a reasonable expectation is 30 starts, and with his K rate that would mean 200 Ks. With his ballpark he should keep his ERA in the low-3s, assuming he doesn't walk people. I might like Lincecum more than most, but I could see 12 wins, 3.30 ERA and 200 Ks.

Mark (Kearny, NJ)

Eric, I asked AJ this question yesterday and his response was ridiculous, so I figured I'd try again. After A-Rod, Hanley, and Pujols, does it seem like you can make a case for about 8 different players (Utley, Wright, Miggy, Holliday, Howard, Fielder, Reyes, Rollins) for the #4 pick?

Eric Karabell

  (11:21 AM)

I don't think it's ridiculous to say that many players could go early. In fact, in the drafts I've already done, those weren't even the top-3 picks. Pujols went first in a draft, and in another went No. 4. I could see Reyes and Wright each over Pujols, actually. Taking positions into account, Utley, Rollins, Cabrera and I suppose even Ryan Braun could be top-5 players. Bottom line is, no answers are ridiculous. Nobody has to make a certain pick in a draft.

Mike (Boston)

Who do you think the top 5 picks will be next year? is Tomlinson still the first player off the board?

Eric Karabell

  (11:22 AM)

Check out today's KaraBlog, already posted, for my top-20. LT is No. 1, and for the first time in my fantasy career a QB infiltrates my top-5. What have I done?

Mark (Kearny, NJ)

Eric, I agree 100% with you on Lincecum. That being said, is he the best draft pick of all the young arms (Joba, Hughes, Garza, Billingsley, Gollardo, etc.)?

Eric Karabell

  (11:23 AM)

I would say of the pitchers you mention, yes, Lincecum goes first. I also think Yovani Gallardo is for real. I bet the Yankees starters get overrated in drafts, and Garza scares me for two reasons:That WHIP, and that new team.

Selvin(mile high)

Eric...Do you think that I start in the Denver backfield week 1 of next season

Eric Karabell

  (11:24 AM)

If I had to pick right now I would say Travis Henry starts for Denver, and Selvin Young is the backup. Henry has the big contract, and if Denver sticks with him on the team, then he plays.

Cory(DC)

How do we explain Pronk's decline in 07'? We cant blame it on injuries. Might the league finally have the book on him?

Eric Karabell

  (11:26 AM)

I don't think we can assume Travis Hafner is in decline, it might have been just one average season. And even then, he still took walks, which is a good sign. I think the injury did affect his power. I don't project 40 homers, but I do think he bounces back to a near-1.000 OPS and is a nice fantasy sleeper. He went after the third round in the drafts I've done.

John (NY)

Eric...do you think Kenny Watson starts for Cincy next season or that Rudi takes the job back..thanks

Eric Karabell

  (11:28 AM)

If Rudi is healthy, it's his job. Teams feel loyalty to players who have performed well in the past, and Rudi is the one with the contract and the 12-TD seasons to his credit. Watson would be a decent handcuff, but for now, I'd assume Rudi comes back and gets a chance to run for 1,200 yards again. Should be a nice third-round fantasy sleeper.

Chris (Philly)

I need one rb to keep with FWP from DeAngelo Williams, Norwood, Benson, Michael Bush, and Selvin Young...which one has the most potential for next year?

Eric Karabell

  (11:29 AM)

Fast Willie Parker should heal just fine and be a solid keeper, and I guess the other choice would seem to be DeAngelo Williams, though it's a bit early to assume he's a keeper who will play. He played a lot in what, one game? Week 17? Of this group I'd select him, but that doesn't imply I think he's safe, yet. Benson will likely come back as Chicago's starter, and while I'm not a fan, that team has to give him another chance.

Brad(NYC)

How much stock do you put into BABIP? Chris Young (pitcher) was some where around .240, is he someone to steer clear of?

Eric Karabell

  (11:31 AM)

I put some stock into peripheral stats like batting average on balls in play, and yes, Young did seem to be a bit fortunate there. You know what? He might be again. These things don't always even out. You have to love the ballpark Young pitches in, and that's not changing. I'd be a bit concerned about durability, but when he's out there for 28 or so starts, Young looks OK.

Jay (Hartford)

Eric, got to quibble with you on your "young" pitcher rankings. Billingsly has more experience than anyone on the list, just as much skill as any of them, and a better team than Garza or Lincecum. Don't you think he's the best bet of the pitchers listed in that previous question?

Eric Karabell

  (11:33 AM)

I would still take Lincecum over him. That wasn't a ranking in my answer. I'd certainly take Billingsley over Garza based on the team they pitch for, but Billingsley still hasn't made 30 starts in a season. His WHIP in 2007 was 1.327, which isn't bad, but it didn't help teams. Yeah, he could be a top-20 pitcher, but I didn't rank him there yet.

Joe (Billings, MT)

Mark comments about AJ stems from him saying that he believes Juan Pierre is a top-10 pick.

Eric Karabell

  (11:34 AM)

Oh. Well, he's entitled to that opinion. Stolen bases are valuable. I personally wouldn't do that.

Jeff (Rochester NY)

Is Santana still the number one Pitcher selected with all of the turmoil?

Eric Karabell

  (11:35 AM)

Turmoil? I don't think Johan cares about it, to be honest. If he's on the Twins, so be it. If it's the Yankees, fine. Johan is still the No. 1 pitcher to me, and a fine second-rounder, maybe a first if you so desire.

Cory(DC)

Do you think Josh Hamilton might have value come draft season with people concerned about his durability. He's not a top 20 OF for you is he?

Eric Karabell

  (11:36 AM)

I think he has to prove his durability before we rank him that well. Certainly based on the numbers he put up you can see the potential for 30 home runs, and going to Texas won't hurt him one bit. He just has to prove health.

Billy (Philly)

Who will be the Phillies 1, 2, and 3 starting pitchers?

Eric Karabell

  (11:38 AM)

Hamels and Myers are the clear 1-2, and the ones you want in fantasy. After that, I'd shy away from Moyer and Kendrick in fantasy. Their K rates aren't very good, and each could get lit at any time. For now Adam Eaton is the fifth starter, but I think we all know how that's gonna go.

Stu (Toronto)

Happy New Year. Whats your take on David Price - Late 2008 or 2009. Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (11:39 AM)

My take is this is not the year to draft him in fantasy. Tampa Bay certainly doesn't need to rush the guy, they have nice depth in the rotation. I would wait until 2009, at least, to draft in fantasy.

Dan(FLA)

Hey Eric...This is my team in a keeper league going into next season...Do you think I have a chance?...Hasselbeck,Edge,J.Lewis,TO,Colston and Heath Miller

Eric Karabell

  (11:41 AM)

I think you have a chance, but there's something missing from this group: Upside. It's OK to have a team of solid veterans, and you have that, but your RBs aren't young, your WRs might not be healthy and the QB is top-10, but what's the best he could do?

Matt (Philly)

Will Ronnie Brown be healthy enough to justify keeping him with the last round pick because i picked him up off waivers after he got hurt

Eric Karabell

  (11:42 AM)

I think so. I wouldn't give up my first round pick to keep him, but Brown should return next season. The Dolphins seem to expect him back for preseason, but that might be premature. Could Brown do well in 12 games, gain 1,000 yards? Sure, why can't he?

Billy (Philly)

RE Phillies Pitchers - What's up with Garcia?

Eric Karabell

  (11:43 AM)

Freddy is lookin' for a team, and it's not Philly. He made his 11 starts, and he's gone. Last I heard Texas wanted him. That oughta work out great!

Mike (Boston)

How many good years do you think LT has in him?

Eric Karabell

  (11:45 AM)

The guy had more than 1,900 total yards this season, so I won't predict his doom anytime soon. LT is 28, so say three more solid seasons from him and then we worry?

Brian (NYC)

Pick two keepers for next year from: Romo, FWP, Reggie Wayne and TJ House... I am leaning towards Romo and Wayne.

Eric Karabell

  (11:48 AM)

If that was my team I'd be leaning toward Romo and Parker, each of whom I ranked as second-rounders.

Travis C. (Lake Highlands)

Are you guys ever going to do a hoops chat?

Eric Karabell

  (11:50 AM)

You're in luck! Today at 3 p.m. ET, and all Thursdays, our hoops editor expert Keith Lipscomb is chatting, and he knows his hoops!

David(LA)

Eric...do you think Chris Henry has more upside next season..esp if 85 leaves as is the rumor? Enough that he can be started on a weekly basis?

Eric Karabell

  (11:52 AM)

Yeah, I do think Cincy's Henry can be a No. 2 fantasy WR if he is guaranteed a starting spot. Who knows what Chad Johnson will do, though.

Frankie (Midtown)

Who are the biggest fantasy busts this year? Gore, S. Jackson, L. Johnson M. Harrison etc.

Eric Karabell

  (11:53 AM)

I think it has to be LJ, because he cost his owners the highest pick and delivered nothing the final half of the season, At least Gore and S.Jax played. As for Marvin, he was a second round pick, but I think it is much easier to find WR help.

Big Joe (Hamilton, NJ)

Eric, you are the best! With the scarcity at 2B how can Chase Utley not be a GUARANTEED top-5 pick? His stats are insane!!!

Eric Karabell

  (11:54 AM)

He's very good, and I ranked him 8 or 9 I think. The case can be made he's top-5, but be careful, 2B is not as weak as last season. I have Brandon Phillips as a second rounder.

Warning Track Power (Chicago)

Eric - I have a sim baseball league draft tonight. Who should I take? I need a pitcher. Is Kelvim Escobar a good choice?

Eric Karabell

  (11:54 AM)

What, a sim draft in January? That's just insane. (I pick ninth.)

Eric (CT)

ERIC, Are you guys going to put out a draft rankings list for fantasy football playoffs?

Eric Karabell

  (11:55 AM)

Yes, that Talented Mr. Roto is going to have a full set of rankings to get you ready for the playoffs. Also, don't forget to check out our Playoff Gridiron Challenge... take on the editors!

Cory(DC)

Better Keeper: BJ Upton or Bedard?

Eric Karabell

  (11:56 AM)

I always want the offense first. Nothing against Bedard, that's a lot of Ks, but I'll take the guy who can play 2B and threaten 30/30.

Big Joe (Hamilton, NJ)

A bust has to be people that actually played but under-performed. Harrison played three games ALL year.

Eric Karabell

  (11:57 AM)

A bust is based on draft value. Harrison is a bust, but LJ really hurt his owners. And SJax is not a big bust, to me.

Chad (Saint Paul)

Does Young breakout this year with the Twinks?

Eric Karabell

  (11:57 AM)

Sure, I could see 20 homers, maybe 15 steals and a .280 average from Delmon. And the upside is even greater.

James (Detroit)

Myers won't be the closer this year?

Eric Karabell

  (11:58 AM)

No, we've got Brad Lidge to blow the saves in 2008!

Jerry (Portland, OR)

Hey Eric, staying with the improving 2B position, where do you place Kinlser on that list?

Eric Karabell

  (11:59 AM)

Certainly can make the case for Kinsler in the top-5 at the position. For now he's after Utley, Phillips, Brian Roberts and Upton.

Eric Karabell

  (11:59 AM)

OK, thanks for the great questions and enjoy your Thursday. There's always another fantasy chat session just a few hours away... adios.