Buzzmaster

  (11:14 AM)

Hang in there folks, we are tracking down Stephania right now!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:34 AM)

Good morning folks! Sorry for our delay, today, but I'm happy to hop in and help you with your fantasy sports questions! Any topic's fair game, with baseball on the way, hockey in full gear and, oh yeah, a Super Bowl this Sunday. Let's get rolling!

Chris (NY)

Why wouldn't Johan sign with the Mets?? The Mets are 1 of the best teams in the NL, it's an easier league to pitch in and with his signing they would be the favorite by far to represent the NL in the World Series

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:35 AM)

Hey, Johan wants to be paid like one of the game's best, and I can't blame him too much, since he IS the game's best. But the Mets really need to get that deal done. No matter the cost.

Michael (Palm Harbor, FL)

Maybe I'm showing my age but the worst Super Bowl in my recollections was Super Bowl XX where the Bears team obliterated (no pun intended) these very Patriots, 46-10. It wasn't even that close.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:36 AM)

I remember that one, too, Michael, and it was indeed a pretty painful one. Heck of a Bears team, that one was.

SprungOnSports (Long Island)

Do you think Johan Santana will be able to stay healthy this coming season, or will he be a bit of a risk?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:37 AM)

I don't have the data Stephania does, but as a frequent Johan owner, I do a lot of research about his usage, and the Twins are very smart, and very regulated, with their pitching usage. I think he's been properly protected, and probably will be in New York, too. Nothing that has me troubled, at least not more than the typical "any pitcher is a small injury risk" thing.

Nate, Wa

What's your thoughts on Pujols this year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:39 AM)

I still like the guy, but there are absolutely concerns that his elbow could resume barking, and that's not a loaded lineup, you know. Granted, with a guy like Albert Pujols, you don't fret too much, but if you wait until outside the top five overall, I don't think you're being silly. The reports I read have him still being unable to straighten his elbow without pain. So, to me, he's a first-rounder on ability, definitely, but I'd see about 6-8 guys who are comparably productive but a little safer.

Jim (Cambridge, MA)

Will Corey Hart bat second and how valuable do you think he'll be?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:40 AM)

It'd be an interesting thought, Jim, though the Brewers might find he's better in a run-producing lineup spot. Check the spring training lineups, which, of course, we'll be helping you with. As for Hart's value overall, I'm a big fan. Sneaky power/steal stud, and a guy you get about a round or two later than you should. Might really surprise you.

Nick (Omaha)

Is this the year Hermida puts together a complete season? I think he's a big sleeper. Any thoughts/projections?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:42 AM)

Well, he had a massive second half of 2007, and I think it was an indication he was finally getting acclimated to MLB competition. In other words, yes, I'm a believer, but then I tend to love those keen-batting-eye types. Don't go nuts, but I've said this before, and will say it again, the Marlins' offense won't be as bad as you think, and Hermida is a huge reason why. Say, .290-20-80 is not unrealistic, and there is clearly upside from that.

Nick (Omaha)

I hear Hanley may bat third this year. How does that affect his numbers...rbi's up, SB down? Would you still consider him the second overall pick according to ADP's I've seen?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:44 AM)

Pretty much, yes, the data says if you bat third, what you lose in runs scored you'll gain in RBIs, EXCEPT if the two men batting ahead of you are horrible in OBP (like the White Sox were last year). Hint, Marlins: Bat Jeremy Hermida second! But I don't think Ramirez's lineup spot is really going to matter. He's the franchise there, and any loss will be offset by the gains. And he's not going to stop running. I still call him No. 3 on my list, and that's because I have David Wright No. 2.

Michael (Palm Harbor, FL)

IS Johan really the game's best? I hear a lot of accolades but I don't recall that great of a season last year. Are the Mets placing too much bank on him? How did Pedro work out? Wasn't HE going to be the one that pushed the Mets over the hump?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:45 AM)

I don't think we can really knock Johan Santana's 2007. For a year that was disappointing by his standards, he was still one of the best in the game. Plus, he did it for a not-so-great team. I think he's every bit worthy of being called baseball's best entering 2008. From 2004-07, in total, there has been no one close!

Pete (( Canada ))

what do you think about Johnny Cueto?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:47 AM)

Good prospect, and one I do think we will see this year, perhaps in the 10-15-start range. I wouldn't go nuts for fantasy this year, though. After all, Homer Bailey taught us a lot in 2007, and in Cueto's case, I do believe he's the kind who will need an adjustment period in the majors. Long-term, I'm thinking No. 2/3 starter, but one with some durability risks.

Jim (Cambridge, MA)

Staying with the Brewers, any thoughts on Keith Law's .305/.400/.500 projection for Weeks this year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:49 AM)

As I always say, I'm not out to knock the other guy. I think it's good, after all, we each have our big likes/dislikes. I'm a Rickie Weeks owner in one keeper league, and I'd love it if that projection came true, but I'm realistic. And my realism is based in the idea I think a 25/25 season is a very real possibility, but I don't really trust the kid in batting average. That's probably the one thing I wouldn't agree with. Then again, I think of Keith's predictions in the past and remember him being big on Gil Meche a year ago, and I wasn't at all. So take it for what it's worth.

Nick (Omaha)

Does Kershaw have any fantasy relevance this year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:50 AM)

He shouldn't. And that's probably all I should say on that, so that no buzz gets generated to the contrary. He really would be best having one last year of seasoning in the high minors.

jason (nebraska)

do you think nfl should have a team lottery every 5 years to switch up the divisions and conferences

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:51 AM)

Like I've heard some fantasy leagues propose? Interesting idea for fantasy. For pro sports? Nah, not really a fan of that. Then again, I'm a bit a traditionalist, myself. Something about the continuity, and the rivalries, they'd be lost. And I don't like that.

Jake (NY)

Tristan, do you agree that if the Mets don't sign Johan then they as a team are going to need to move to a different state because everyone will so mad

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:51 AM)

Yup. Well, that's an extreme statement, but yup, this one's gonna sting. Perhaps as much or more than their September 2007.

Sam (( Canada ))

do you think there is going to be any more major trades ?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:52 AM)

I truly believe Erik Bedard is going to be traded. And perhaps soon. The worst thing for a team, I think, is heading into spring training with all sorts of trade rumors hanging over your head. And, by the way, it's less than two weeks now to pitchers and catchers.

JW (nh)

Tristan, quick thoughts on second half numbers for established players (say Berkman), good indicator for health/projection/etc? Put more stock in improved numbers or decreaed 2nd halves?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:54 AM)

I think of second-half performance as a very important tool to exploit, but not one that should drive all your decisions. I always take notes on such things, but it's comparing those numbers to the player's career trend, then trying to determine the reason for it, that's key in your analysis. For me, with Lance Berkman, I seem to remember him being a much better second-half than first-half player. So that probably explains his situation.

Mike (PA)

Which Cimcy Reds prospect will be the best fantasy player? Bruce, Votto, Bailey, or Cueto

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:55 AM)

Hey Mike, don't you know that Dusty Baker isn't rookie-friendly? Seriously, though, if I'm putting the Baker thing aside for a moment, it's Joey Votto for 2008. And it's Jay Bruce for the long haul. But Baker's presence should mean you exercise caution with the Cincy kids.

John (NY)

10 team 6x6 keeper league (OPS and IP). What round do I go for Longoria? I have Chipper currently but probably won't keep him after this year. Seems like a good time to take a flyer on my 3B of the future.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:57 AM)

Smart move to build for the future. If it's a keeper league it's going to be very hard for me to estimate a round for you. But since I think Evan Longoria has a better-than-50/50 chance at being in the Opening Day lineup, let's take this from an overall mixed league standpoint, drafting from scratch. By Round 10, you had better be thinking about him. So that means if it's a 10-player keeper league, then he's going to be among the first guys picked.

Dave (Youngstown Ohio)

With Alex ovechkin streaking like a comet, why do people still hold on to the idea that Sidney Crosby is the second coming of Gretzky?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:58 AM)

I think it's because it's trendy to say Crosby is Wayne Gretzky, and Alexander Ovechkin is Mario Lemieux, even if that sounds like you're knocking the latter. Really, my opinion is that when a player reaches a certain level of performance, he exceeds the ability to be compared to names of the past. They're both special players. I think of each as a 100-goal guy, but Ovechkin's going to be an annual 50-goal monster. Crosby's going to make up a lot of that in assists over the years, though, in terms of fantasy value. Boy are those guys incredible, though.

Nick (Omaha)

Mark Prior sure loves Dusty for letting him pitch all of those innings in 2003!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:59 AM)

Yup. And let that serve as a heads-up to Aaron Harang's keeper-league owners. He's been worked hard enough already as it is, and he's going to continue to be so by Dusty. Not that I'm saying Harang breaks down this year, but the warning flags are starting to surface, or will at some point late this year.

Brad(NM)

Can the Oakland AAA's compete this year or are they doomed for the AL West cellar?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:00 PM)

I don't doubt Billy Beane's ability to comprise a competitive team, but this is probably the worst one I've ever seen him field. If they're not in last this year, it's going to be because the Rangers were just oh-so-bad. My feeling is 70 wins would be a lot for the A's.

jason (nebraska)

do you read all questions

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:01 PM)

Depends how many there are but remember, it's time-based and it requires a quick eye to scan what's in there. I do my best!

Zach (Montezuma, IA)

Who's the favorite to win the very deep NL West?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:01 PM)

Has to be Arizona. That one-two pitching punch is exceptional, among the game's best, and the lineup is young and improving.

Frank (Boston)

Brady is going to beqat the giants down and the score will be 42-30 patriots!!!!!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:02 PM)

Can't deny it, Frank. It just feels like destiny that the Pats pull off the undefeated season. They are a great team. Best I've ever seen. All I ask is a competitive game, one worth watching.

Becky (NYC)

What team will surprise us this year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:02 PM)

The first name that popped into my head is the Rays. Not that I see them in the playoffs, not in that division, but people think of them as a last-place squad, but I see no reason they couldn't finish third. There's more talent there than you think.

Chris (LA CA)

If Andruw Jones comes back decent, i think the dodgers depth makes them better than AZ. your thoughts?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:03 PM)

Well, they've got the playoff-experienced Joe Torre at the helm, too, so I'm not saying the Dodgers aren't in the race. But as favorites, you have to go with the NL's best team, especially one that actually improved itself during the winter.

Steiny (NYC)

Assuming that the Mets will sign Sanatana who do you think we will see in the World Sereis this year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:04 PM)

I see the Mets, Red Sox and Angels as pretty strong favorites. If I'm picking, I'll go Mets, Angels. Not that you can go wrong with either AL team.

Jason (PA)

Win or lose..eli has some of the pressure off of him and can now be the quaterback giants fans, like myself, have been waiting for

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:05 PM)

That'll go double if he wins Sunday.

Brad(NM)

Speaking of 1-2 punches, which one is better...Haren-Webb or Santana-Martinez?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:06 PM)

Well, Johan Santana is the clear best pitcher of all four of those. But you know what? Give me Arizona's two. I see more durability, and when it comes to pitching, that is a very important factor to consider. Pedro's health does worry me a tad; he's not a 200-inning, or 6+ inning per night pitcher anymore.

Mike (San Diego)

Every year different NL West teams get hyped up, and the Padres still end up in 1st or 2nd.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:06 PM)

Of course, but don't you just wish they'd spend to get a big bopper in that lineup for once? As an Adrian Gonzalez keeper-league owner, I know I sure feel that way. The offense just doesn't have enough to carry the team over the top.

Frank (Boston)

Up to my 9th pick in a 5X5 draft that uses SLG% and OBP instead of BA and HR. Already have a nice core with Howard, Braun, Upton, Weeks, Verlander, Oswalt, Sheets, K-rod. Thinking an old steady bat here since the 5-tool guys are off the board - Sheff, Thome, Griffey, Konerko are the options. Where would you go with the pick?? thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:08 PM)

Of that bunch it's clearly Paul Konerko and Jim Thome. And if it's slugging and on-base percentage, I'm sorry, but while both are even in slugging, Thome is the better OBP choice. Old or not, health risk or not, I'd likely have to go him.

Adam (San Diego)

Tristan, what's your stance on Kelly Johnson? I think he can hit 20 HR's this year, and I can get him in round 12. If I don't end up with Utley or Phillips early, I think he's a great plan B. Thoughts?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:09 PM)

Good Plan B. Great? I don't know that I'd call it great, necessarily, but I'd be happy with it. To me, Johnson is about what he was a year ago. A very respectable fantasy option, albeit one I don't see taking a noticeable leap forward. I've got him down for virtually identical numbers that he had a year ago.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:10 PM)

Well, that's all for now. Sorry for our delays in getting going this morning, and sorry if I didn't get to your question ... Thanks for being so patient! We're back in the afternoon, though, so see you then ... And enjoy that Super Bowl!