Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:00 AM)

Good morning everyone! Let's get right to your questions...

Steve Philly

Need Help I need to choose 2 players to keep out of Nick Makakis (13th round) Clay Bucholtz (12th round) Phil HUghes (22nd round)

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:01 AM)

The thing that stands out here is that a 12th-round draft pick -- even in an AL-only league -- is a little steep a price for Mr. Buchholz. Not that I don't like him, but comparatively speaking in terms of value, Markakis and Hughes should be your men.

Deep Sleeper Guy (CA)

Thanks for the Sleepers for Deep Leagues. Parra was on my radar, he is already kept for $10... Your thoughs on this trade: NL Only Auction draft, $260 Salary. Parra $10 + S Drew $7 for Kemp $10. If Pierre is traded, I am tempted to keep Kemp, but I need pitching. And Drew plays a premium postion... What to do, What to Do! Thanks Again

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:02 AM)

Not a problem, Deep Sleeper Guy! As for that trade, it's a no-brainer. A $10 price isn't what I'd call "deep sleeper" territory, and I love Matt Kemp at that price. He'll go for a lot more than that in any NL-only draft I know.

Mike(CT)

Did you read the article in Buster's blog this morning about Rodney's bum shoulder? Any idea who would close in Detroit if Rodney can't go? Do they have the prospects to get Street from Oakland?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:03 AM)

Uh, Todd Jones? Really, the Tigers lack any alternatives, so I can't see Jones losing that job, at least in the first half of the season while Joel Zumaya is out, unless he's unbelievably awful. I just don't see any other alternative. In a real desperate circumstance, could Yorman Bazardo get a look?

Kurt (NYC)

can you give me your top 5 picks in a roto 10 team league? thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:04 AM)

My top five picks are Alex Rodriguez, David Wright, Hanley Ramirez, Jose Reyes and Matt Holliday.

Craig (NY)

What round should Longoria go in, in a 5x5 mixed?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:04 AM)

Hmmm ... In the 15th-18th round range? And that's presuming he's the Opening Day starter, which I think it's worth banking on happening.

Kurt (NYC)

im torn between wright and reyes at #2.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:05 AM)

I'm not. David Wright could get better, really he could. One of the best bets for 30/30 of anyone, and the other categories are similarly strong. Jose Reyes, sorry to say, has a mild tendency to be streaky, and I pay for the elite power/speed combo over the 15/70 option any day.

Steve (Denver)

It sounds like Carmona has been valued pretty highly in drafts thus far. He is available in my upcoming keeper league draft, over/under 17W, 3.30 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 160Ks? Thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:07 AM)

Well, I love the sinker-throwing, ground-ball inducers, so put me on the Fausto Carmona bandwagon. Of course, I'm also the guy who has loved Brandon Webb and Chien-Ming Wang quite a bit the past few years, and I also throw a very, very deep sleeper out there, perhaps not for this year but more on a keeper angle, Justin Masterson of the Red Sox. Would I predict the over there? No, not necessarily. But you've picked pretty decent projections right there, except that maybe he falls a tad short in K's.

Grant (STL)

Hey T - I need to pick up a couple MIs in my upcomming auction. What are your thoughts on Aaron Hill this year? .285/18/85/80/9. That doesn't seem too far-fetched.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:08 AM)

He's one of the underrated second basemen I have on my list who make the position deeper than you think it is. Freddy Sanchez (watch his health though) and Mark Ellis are two other sneaky bargains there, so don't just write off the position as thin. Your projection seems somewhat reasonable enough, though I'd bank on a few more steals than that. You don't draft Hill for that category, so I don't think you price him on a projection like that. I have him at 4 steals.

Mark (NJ)

Is Cano a top 30 player?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:09 AM)

Everyone has an opinion; I have him 32nd. So short answer is, no, I don't think so, but that might be splitting hairs.

Steve(Chigago)

Are stolen bases overrated in h2h?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:10 AM)

Depends on the scoring system. I know tons of leagues that really devalue steals, so be careful, especially if it's points-based. In Roto H2H, from my experience, the elite speedsters, they're no less valuable than in regular Roto, and I'd argue perhaps a little but MORE valuable. It's the middle-to-lesser speedsters that I think tend to get overrated.

brad (harrisburg, pa)

plain and simple: top 10 H2H hitters. and thanks for the "kings of command", it'll be useful for targeting mid-late round RP's.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:12 AM)

You're quite welcome, Brad, I have lots of fun writing that piece each year. Plus, a lot of people requested it, and I keep saying, I'm more than happy to hear your suggestions on topics if you're looking for something in particular! As for the hitters question, my top 10 is A-Rod, Wright, Hanley, Reyes, Holliday, then Jimmy Rollins, Albert Pujols, Miguel Cabrera, Chase Utley and Carl Crawford.

Kent(Dallas)

Headley or Hairston?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:13 AM)

Well, the answer there is clearly going to change based on spring performance, but I have no problem with either one as an NL-only or deep-mixed sleeper. Scott Hairston is probably going to be the weaker batting average option with more power, while Chase Headley is the more complete hitter even if the power doesn't rival Hairston's (for 2008, that is). Given the choice today, I think Hairston's going to be a tad bit more rewarding a choice, because I'm not convinced Headley is quite ready to adjust to a new position while breaking into the bigs. Good prospect, though.

John (Austin)

Our league is unique we keep three before and three after round 12. Is the 12th to early for Longoria

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:14 AM)

That really depends on how he's priced for future seasons. Can you keep him at around that for 2009, too? Or is this a one-shot deal? Honestly, if it's a one-shot deal, I have a feeling that's too high a price. If he's, say, a 12th this year, 10th next, then I would roll the dice. I'm that much a believer in Evan Longoria.

Craig (ATL, GA)

where would you draft "Joba the Hut"?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:16 AM)

Ah, my boy Joba Chamberlain. To think, one year ago today he and Dellin Betances weren't considered much different prospects. How things change! As for your question, I do believe with Joba's role up in the air, he's a riskier pick than you think, with way too much hype. I'm advising somewhere in the 12th-round range, maybe even a couple later than that. And I'll say this: If it's clear he'll be a starter, I bump him up a couple rounds.

Leo (NY, NY)

Last keeper...Josh Hamilton or Matt Kemp? Thanks.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:18 AM)

This is again a question of long-term rules in your league. Can you keep them forever? Then there's pretty much no question in my mind it's Kemp. If it's for 2008 alone, one-and-done keepers, I actually do think Hamilton has a bit clearer path to regular at-bats, thought they're awfully comparable in value to me as things stand today. Again, very well this could change depending on their springs. I'd love to see Kemp guaranteed everyday at-bats, because he'd be the clear choice if so.

Shaun(NYC)

Would you rather have the upside of Delmon Young as your 3rd outfielder or rely on the bounceback possibilities of a Jason Bay or Vernon Wells?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:19 AM)

I'd rather have Young, but again, that's probably splitting hairs. I have Bay ranked right -- RIGHT -- behind him, and Wells within range. So that says to me that if Bay's knee looks good in the spring, he'll likely leapfrog Young. Today, it's Young, especially if you can keep him for 2009, too.

Ari G (305)

Hey Tristan, what do you think Frank Thomas' final line will look like? And can I rely on him as a Util in a 12-team mixed 5x5? Thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:20 AM)

I'm going to advise you don't expect much more than 130 games from Mr. Thomas, and I do have him in the ballpark of .260-25-75 type numbers. That's good enough for a utility spot, especially considering in the games he misses (presumably while on the DL), you can slot someone else in and build on those numbers.

Chad (DC)

What do you think of Jack Egbert for the White Sox, will we see him in the majors this year or should we wait a year on him?.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:21 AM)

I covered our White Sox preview recently, actually, and noted I think Egbert had a shot at perhaps a half-season in the bigs. The team's starting pitching depth is that thin. And to note, while I think Lance Broadway has a better shot at breaking camp with the team, I'm a bigger believer in Egbert for the short term. Not that either warrants more than late, late AL-only consideration. Think 2009 for a noticeable Egbert breakthrough.

mark (seattle)

better rockies pitcher for the next 3 years - Ubaldo or Morales?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:22 AM)

I believe more in Franklin Morales, but that's just a gut instinct. I didn't like Ubaldo Jimenez's up-and-down numbers in the minors, they just scare me.

Dwight Schrute (Scranton, PA)

Question: Does Scott Kazmir 2008 = Eric Bedard 2007? Fact: Scott Kazmir's career path demonstrates the same ace-potential, inconsistency, and durability concerns as Erik Bedard had heading into 2007. Not to mention both were coming off great second halves the year before.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:23 AM)

I actually think Kazmir has less health concerns than Bedard did a year ago. Bedard had a checkered injury history, you know. Kazmir really doesn't. But for the comparison, sure, that's not an outrageous statement. They're not exactly the same; Bedard goes deeper into games. I do think of Kazmir as a top-10 capable starter for 2008, though. Big fan right here.

Joe (PA)

Would you keep James Shields or Brad Penny?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:24 AM)

Shields. Sorry, I just do not trust Penny. Last year was the one time he maintained that kind of performance a full season. Everything before that was a huge display of inconsistency.

Mike (Dallas, TX)

Tristan - I've got the first pick in a very shallow mixed league (6 teams). Would I be crazy to go with Hanley at #1 and then target Braun with my second?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:25 AM)

Nope, not crazy at all. Though at No. 1 overall, I'd probably go A-Rod and then hope maybe a Chase Utley or Johan Santana slips back to No. 12 overall. And if they don't, nothing wrong with a Carl Crawford or Prince Fielder, really.

Michael (Portland, ME)

Our founding commissioner has resigned and as a manager too. I've been asked to take over, but really reluctant to do so. Too worried about the time required, plus I'm on vacation for 3 weeks this summer. Thoughts?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:27 AM)

Michael, as a commissioner of many years, if you have lingering doubts about your ability to do the job well, you should take them very much to heart. It's a tough job with no love, and if you're away for that long with no ability to check in, the league could suffer as a result. It's quite a commitment to do it right, though it's an honor to be asked, I just think you have to be firmly committed if you opt to do it. People are counting on you!

Steve (NY)

We found the Kazmir fan! You need to make your ESPN co-workers see the light.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:27 AM)

Yes you did, Steve. And yes, I have been trying to, but to no avail. But that's what's fun about our group; we each have our own likes and dislikes among players.

Eric (Fort Collins CO)

Who are a few starters that warrant a pick with the 40-50th pick in the draft?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:28 AM)

I've got that back-end-elite bracket of guys like Erik Bedard, John Lackey, C.C. Sabathia, Josh Beckett and Justin Verlander going in there. Dan Haren right after them, and I'd probably pick them in that order.

Matt (CT)

If Shelley Duncan can win the 1B battle should he be drafted in a deep 12 team league?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:30 AM)

I really can't say much other than Duncan SHOULDN'T win that everyday job. He's an ideal platoon mate, and I'm not wild about his chances in batting average. For my money, I go Wilson Betemit in that battle before I go Duncan. Heck, I think Morgan Ensberg might be slightly better suited.

Kevin (Highlands Ranch, CO)

Hi Tristan, love your chats! I'm trying to cement my squad ahead of our keeper declaration. How do you feel about the following? 12 team keeper league, H2H, 5X5...get to keep four. I'm setup quite well with Howard, HanRam, Holliday & Miggy Cabrera. I was offered Braun for Miggy, straight up, with the following caveats: Braun can be kept this year and next for a 22nd round selection...and, by removing Cabrera from my keepers, I could replace him with either Hafner or Lackey. Does this make any sense for me? Or, would you, like me, prefer the consistent numbers from Miggy, and bet on the come a little in that his numbers likely get a kick up based on the Tiger's lineup? Thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:31 AM)

I'd actually prefer Miguel Cabrera to Ryan Braun if it's straight value and no strings attached. Just a call I'd make "in a vaccum." But strings are attached here, and that's a nice price tag for you, plus John Lackey would be a fine keeper choice for you to stabilize your staff. The deal probably makes perfect sense.

Greg (Detroit)

One of the Answer Guys told me that only 3% of Minor League closers end up saving more than 20 games in the Bigs. Is that right? If so is Chris Perez a useless deep dynasty keeper?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:32 AM)

You know, I don't have the exact data -- boy, what a project that would be -- but I'm in line with the idea minor league closers are overrated. That said, I think COLLEGE closers drafted into the "future closer" role -- think Chad Cordero -- are better choices than merely guys who did well in saves in the minors coming from nowhere. So Perez, there's value there. He's one of the few relief prospects I believe in.

Adam (Boston)

Dustin Mcgowan or Phil Hughes?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:33 AM)

I love making those tough, close calls, and those who know me well know I will tell you when it IS a close call. Which this one is. It's McGowan for 2008. I'm a believer.

Kent(Dallas)

Carmona or Billingsley ,5x5?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:34 AM)

This one, for 2008, actually isn't as close in my mind, and it's because of Chad Billingsley's higher WHIP. I go Fausto Carmona. He's more trustworthy; a solid No. 2 for mixed, I'd say.

Jim Halpert (Scranton, PA)

Question: Does Ian Snell 2008 = Dan Haren 2007? Fact: Snell's stats from his first 2 full seasons are nearly identical to Haren's (last year being his 3rd).

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:35 AM)

You know, Jim, that's a very interesting comparable, and I'd have to take a look more specifically at their command rates (better indicators than things like wins or ERA) to see how right on you are. Could Snell this year be Haren last? Sure. Snell is another guy I'm big on, while a lot of people are not. One of the very nice picks you can get a bit later if you didn't stock up on aces (which is partially why I don't). And I have Snell out there in the 10th-12th round range for mixed.

Mike (Carbondale, IL)

First year in a real deep league. Does drafting strategy change in an 18 team league vs a 10-12 team league?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:37 AM)

About the only thing that changes is that scarcer positions need to be bumped up a little bit. Case in point: Saves. There are 30 teams, and therefore 30 given closer's jobs at any time. Do the math. That's less than two per fantasy team, while in a 10-team league, that's three apiece. Also, the middle infield and catcher pools dry out quicker, so don't get left out to dry. Not that you should make panic moves and significantly overdraft, nor should you be fooled into position runs -- commonplace in the deeper leagues -- but it's something you need to be much more aware of in the format. Good luck!

Steve(Chigago)

Why is Adam Dunn rated so low?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:38 AM)

Bad batting average. He's a lot better if you count on-base percentage, to note. I actually have him in the No. 60 overall range, which is about a 5th/6th round pick.

Steve (NY)

Being commish sucks. All the crap, no respect. Don't do it. signed, annoyed Commish of my league.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:39 AM)

Well, there you go. I do know this feeling, and the only thing I can say is, be patient, be respectful, be as fair as you can, and over time people will occasionally stop to tell you how you're doing a good job. Best you can ask for.

Big Joe (Hamilton, NJ)

Important question Tristan. I am good with values and whom I like/dislike. But, I have difficulty figuring out when players should be drafted that have mild injuries: Escobar & Gallardo for example. Assuming the miss a month when is the right to grab them (12 team mixed H2H)?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:41 AM)

Well, Kelvim Escobar scares me a LOT more than Yovani Gallardo does. If the injury is related to the shoulder or pitching arm, it's a very bad thing, especially if it's the kind of thing that sounds like "lingering soreness." With Gallardo, it's knee surgery, which can often be a one-shot thing, and isn't arm-related. Still, drop 'em a bit; I covered Gallardo in Monday's notes, how to treat him. For me, he's now about, say, 25th among starting pitchers, but I note that I really, really liked him a week ago. Escobar, he actually just misses my top 50 starters as a result of the injury. That's probably something like an eighth-round pick for Gallardo, maybe as low as 20th for Escobar, making ballpark estimates.

Chris (Tallahassee, FL)

Do you see Kevin Kouzmanoff being a top 50 fantasy player in 2009? I love his potential.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:43 AM)

Top 50? Hmmm, I could see it happening. I am a pretty big Kouzmanoff fan, think there's great potential there. But the thing I can say with him is that the ballpark hurts his appeal, and his defense makes him perfectly suited to an AL DH role. Which he can't occupy right now. In other words, nice talent, not exactly a great role for him today. Real risk/reward from a keeper angle, if you're the gambling type hoping maybe he's shipped back to the AL before then.

Tarr(Orlando)

What are your thoughts on Alex Rios? Where do you have him ranked?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:44 AM)

Always have liked Mr. Rios and have him ranked among my top 40 players overall. In fact, I have him 33th today. I won't be at all surprised if he's a 30/20 player in 2008.

mike(chicago,il)

Which 3 would you keep with $260 cap and 12 teams? Webb $17,Hamels $14, Lincecom $1, C.Pena $1,Atkins $12,B.Roberts $15, Side note: the top 4 3b are already kept...

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:46 AM)

Hmmm. OK, going value, you have to keep Tim Lincecum and Carlos Pena. They're steals at those prices. I'm going to whack Brian Roberts off the list; he'll likely be bought back for not much more. So given the choice between the other three, I think I'd go Garrett Atkins, if only because I think you're better off with three bats and an arm, not two arms and a bat. If this isn't your whole team, though, and you could use a second arm because the rest of your hitters are sound, Brandon Webb at $17 is very fair, too, and right in line with Atkins value-wise.

Patrick (Seattle, WA)

Tristan, I'm high on Matt Garza; the Twins misused him last year, and I think Tampa will be better offensively than people expect. At the same time, I don't want to reach on him. Is it reasonable to take him around #45 among starters, or should I wait longer?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:47 AM)

I have him a little lower ranked, in the 60s at his position, but I think you're on the right track regarding his sleeper potential. If it gets to the point where you're late in the draft and of the starting pitchers left, it's really a matter of opinion, I think it's a good thing for an owner to go with his gut. You're not way off-base.

Mike(CT)

do you read every question you get?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:47 AM)

I really do try to, but please do understand, there are lots to sift through in a quick time. I do my best!

Jay(OKC)

Does Soria have a long leash?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:48 AM)

I think so. He showed me enough last season to suggest he warrants a very, very long look in the closer role. Besides, who else in that bullpen really stands out as a better choice? Mark me down as a believer. And by the way, that middle tier of closers, say, the 11th-20th of their class (which Soria resides in), it's better than you think it is.

Brendan (DC)

Adding the OPS category, who are a few guys (off the top of your head) who get a significant boost in value? (this used to be Bonds)

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:50 AM)

I'm going to quickly scroll down my stats list and give you a few I see who bump up at least a couple spots: Mark Teixeira, Derrek Lee, Travis Hafner, Carlos Pena, Adam Dunn, Todd Helton, Jim Thome, Pat Burrell (grossly underrated in OPS), all of whom I have better than 50/50 bets to crack the .900s.

Mike(CT)

Are you a Grienke believer?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:51 AM)

Yes, but don't go overboard because the team is not that competitive. Absolutely a guy I put in that "round-out-your-staff-nicely" class, though. Higher in my rankings than Matt Garza, incidentally.

Andrew (CT)

How will Joe Girardi impact Yankees players fantasy wise? Will we see an increase in steals or something of that nature?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:52 AM)

Well, Joe Torre wasn't particularly limiting in stolen bases himself, so I don't see much impact there. The main worry people have in the Girardi regime is that his usage of Marlins pitchers in 2006 led to some very bad things in 2007, so watch out with the way he uses Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy. Beyond that, I don't see much reason to expect big changes.

Sam (Chicago)

Over/Under games played for Pujols this season: 100

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:52 AM)

Over. Or at least I think you need to draft that way. There's risk, but there's too much talent to scare yourself off him totally.

Pat (Boston)

Lighting Round...Keep 3... Webb, Shef, Manny, Phillips, Peavy

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:53 AM)

I hate to go so pitching-heavy but I think you absolutely must keep Jake Peavy and Brandon Webb, and Brandon Phillips is a no-brainer. Just draft heavy on offense, that's all.

Brian (NYC)

Tristan, please keep two: Kemp, Franceour, Hart, Fields, Votto. THANKS!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:53 AM)

Matt Kemp, Corey Hart. Pretty clear choices to me, Jeff Francouer a somewhat distant third.

Steve (NY)

2007 numbers for Abreu stay steady? Possibly higher BA w/a better start?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:54 AM)

"Stay steady" is pretty well put. I think that's your best estimate, and you shouldn't expect much deviation from his 2007 stats. Just the way I'm treating him heading into the draft.

Sam (Chicago)

Settle this eternal debate: Hanley, Jimmy, or Jose

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:55 AM)

Well, I think it's Hanley Ramirez, but, and I keep saying this, it's like splitting hairs. I have Jose Reyes the very next spot overall in the draft, and Jimmy Rollins two back from that.

Jeff (NY, NY)

In the first year of a keeper league is Ryan Braun bumped up to a definite 1st round pick?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:56 AM)

"Definite"? Hmmm, not necessarily, as I see the first-rounders all as equally strong long-term keepers. So that's an opinion issue, and I really don't think it's nuts for anyone to treat Braun as as much as a No. 10 player overall. I wouldn't go higher than that, but it's fringe first round. I'm surely picking him over David Ortiz or Alfonso Soriano!

Jack (Chicago)

Fukudome or Hamilton over the next 3 years?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:57 AM)

I'm just not sold on Kosuke Fukudome. Just not. He's not quite Ichiro, and not quite Hideki Matsui, I think. Though he's an on-base specialist; Cubs should hit him second. I'd go the risk/reward guy, Josh Hamilton.

Joe(NY)

Does Cashman have final say over innings pitched for the young guys or does Girardi?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:58 AM)

I'm not in their clubhouse so I wouldn't know, but I think the "Joba Rules," which were absolutely not Joe Torre's, tell you an awful lot about who calls the shots on pitcher usage in Yankee-land. But regarding that earlier question, this is the one aspect of the Girardi regime that is going to require our close attention. We need to be sure he's not going to abuse these kids, and I have a hunch the call on that will indeed come from upstairs.

Josh (NY)

Vernon Wells or Andrew Jones?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:59 AM)

Jones. Again splitting hairs, but I simply think he's a little more trustworthy power source.

Jim (Ill)

Follow up to the 5 Keepers... Morneau or Webb

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:59 AM)

It's still Brandon Webb.

Cody Philly

Chris Duncan or The Bourn Theivery

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:00 PM)

I'd rather roll the dice on the steals, so it's Michael Bourn.

Jack Bauer (LA, CA)

Too bad you won't be seeing me till '09. Please rank McGowan, Shields, Snell, Francis, Wainwright.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:01 PM)

Jack, I am really upset about that. I really am. Waiting two years?! C'mon. Anyway, to the rankings, I believe, off the top of my head, I went James Shields, Adam Wainwright, Ian Snell, Dustin McGowan and Jeff Francis, and they're all so very close in the ranks.

Jay(OKC)

Will you be drafting one of the top 5 catchers this year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:01 PM)

Probably not. I historically have shied away from catchers. Though, I will admit, Victor Martinez, Russell Martin and Brian McCann are absolutely worth close to their average draft position right now.

Eric G (Woodcliff Lake, NJ)

Do you see Kevin Frandsen winning a starting job in SF? If so, what are your projections for this season? Thanks!!!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:02 PM)

If he's going to it'll probably be at third base. Not that I'm excited about Frandsen, I have him at around .270-10-50-8 numbers if he plays pretty regularly (think 550ish PAs).

Joe (CA)

Matt Garza or Homer Bailey?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:03 PM)

Garza, if only because I just trust his circumstances a little better.

Adam (NY)

I believe the Joba Rules were actually written by a Yankee Minor League pitching instructor, but I could be wrong.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:03 PM)

But I can't say a person in that position would have been able to ENFORCE them. That's the real issue. The front office did that.

Mike Pittsburgh

Pie or Fukudome and when do I draft them?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:04 PM)

OK, I'll take Fukudome there. Think around the 15th round, I'd say. Ballparking that one.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:04 PM)

Well, that's all for today. Thank you for all your questions, and sorry if I didn't get to yours, as noted before, I give it my best shot! Don't forget, we're back here this afternoon to chat with you again. See you then!