Nate Ravitz

  (11:00 AM)

Lots to talk about with spring baseball news, and even some football stuff.

Gav, New Paltz, NY

Nate - Keep 2 of the 3: Holliday, Ramirez and Santana. What do you think?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:00 AM)

I would let Santana go, tough as that may be to do.

brad (harrisburg, pa)

plain and simple: the 1st rounders you feel most confident about (i.e. non-busts)

Nate Ravitz

  (11:01 AM)

Safest first rounders are Wright, A-Rod, Holliday

Matt (Des Moines, IA)

Hey Nate, how long do you think before Yovani Gallardo makes any meaningful fantasy impact this season? I'm debating whether to hang onto him in an 8 team, H2H league. Thanks.

Nate Ravitz

  (11:02 AM)

I'd hang onto him. I think he'll be an impact pitcher by May 1.

Adam (NY)

Nate, 12 team 5x5 mixed league. Need to keep 5, keeping Hanley, Grady, Teix and Bedard...need to decide between Webb and Atkins, leaning towards Webb, thoughts?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:03 AM)

Yes, definitely Webb. Actually, I'd rater him higher than Bedard.

Greg (DC)

Drafting tomorrow, who are your late-round sleepers we should pick up in the last couple rounds?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:03 AM)

What type of league?

Mike (NJ)

Please rank the following potentials 20-20 OF's in the order you would draft them in a 12-Team 5x5 Roto League...Markakis, Hart, Pence and Byrnes.

Nate Ravitz

  (11:04 AM)

1. Markakis. Those other guys aren't in his class. Then 1. Byrnes 2. Hart 3. Pence in that order.

Reggie (Orlando)

Which two would you rather have and please tell me why: 1) Teixera and B.J. Upton, or 2)Ryan Howard and Brandon Phillips...Thanks

Nate Ravitz

  (11:04 AM)

Howard and Phillips. Better ballparks is a good tiebreaker, and the BA difference isn't as big as you think.

chauncey (teaneck)

how do you think Aaron Rogers will do as a first time starter?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:05 AM)

I'm reasonably optimistic. Thinking 3,300 yards, 22 TDs.

Joe (Billings, MT)

Nate, the following trade was vetoed in a public 10-team roto league and wanted your opinion. I send Kazmir and Rowand for Corey Hart. I have tons of pitching and wanted a stats filling OF.

Nate Ravitz

  (11:05 AM)

I would have vetoed it, too.

Jason (NYC)

James Loney prediction for 2008? He had a terrific 2nd half last year.

Nate Ravitz

  (11:06 AM)

.300-24-90 sounds about right.

Joe (Billings, MT)

Now that the Reds have signed Corey Patterson, does he get the opportunity to start in CF and how much does this delay Jay Bruce?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:07 AM)

Ugh. It was a minor league deal, so they can still get away from it, and Dusty wasn't necessarily a Patterson fan when both were in Chicago. I'm not too worried about Bruce.

Jason (NJ)

HI NATE!!! I am in a 5x5 roto league where we get to keep 5 players. I am definitely keeping Wright, Utley, Santana and Ortiz. I am deciding between Markakis and Tejada for my last spot. I know Markakis is rated higher but I must admit I am worried about that "lineup". Plus, 6 shortstops are already being kept by other owners. Thoughts?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:08 AM)

I think it's Markakis and I don't think it's close. Especially since Tejada is only marginally better than shortstops No. 8, 9 or 10

Mike (NJ)

Are you worried at all about Vlad Guerrero this year? I think he's 31 but he looked very old and beat up last year, so you think he can play 150 games (assuming he's the DH for around 50 games or so) and still put up big numbers?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:09 AM)

I'm not worried about him, but I think he's done as a base stealer

Adam (Chicago, IL)

How does an outfield of Hart, Kemp and Bay sound? Do I need to find an upgrade?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:10 AM)

It sounds high upside with a lot of risk. I'd be sure to get a good No. 4.

Lee

Hey Nate, you are going pretty fast today!...how high are you about Felix Hernandez?...I really need pitching and I was offered him for my keeper SS Michael Young...I have Tejada and Peralta as my backups...

Nate Ravitz

  (11:10 AM)

I'm not extremely high on him, but that's not a bad deal.

Todd (Fargo)

I waited on drafting a shortstop last night but ended up with Furcal and Renteria. Will either of these two be a legit number one for me? Furcal already has hamstring issues which is shocking...

Nate Ravitz

  (11:11 AM)

I'd say you're in fine shape at SS.

Jim (Albany NY)

Hey nate, In a standard 5X5 league with a $260 budget,How would you normally distribute your money? (% towards pitching and hitting) thanks

Nate Ravitz

  (11:14 AM)

I typically shoot for spending about $75 on pitching, and I usually end up around $80-$85

Tifany (NYC)

Do you think Andruw Jones will rebound this year or will last years numbers repeat?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:14 AM)

Somewhere in between. Call it .260-35-110

Dan (NYC)

Nate, do you think we can expect an improvement from Hawpe this year, especially against lefties? Or do you feel that he was close to his ceiling last year?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:15 AM)

I think he was at or above his ceiling last year.

Bob, AZ

Who at ESPN was in the LABR drafts. Will there be a write-up. I Love them!!

Nate Ravitz

  (11:15 AM)

Tristan Cockcroft and Christopher Harris represented us, but results won't be released for another week or two, I think.

Brick (Brooklyn)

How can someone play above their ceiling?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:16 AM)

It requires great concentration.

al (dc)

what does farve's retirement do to Ryan Grant? I have him and Michael Turner in the 12th round...

Nate Ravitz

  (11:16 AM)

I don't think the retirement means a whole lot for Grant. The offense will be a bit more run oriented, but they'll probably score fewer points, so it may be a wash.

Ted (Philly)

Do you think the Eagles will trade for Larry Fitzgerald? We missed out on Randy Moss, plan B has got be Fitz, right?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:17 AM)

You'll probably try.

Brick (Brooklyn)

But, when someone plays above their ceiling, don't they "raise the roof"? *makes requisite hand gesture*

Nate Ravitz

  (11:17 AM)

Nice.

Josh (Denver)

Is #2 overall too early to take Santana. It's a keeper league and I'm really not crazy about anyone other than David Wright at #2

Nate Ravitz

  (11:17 AM)

OK, but Wright will be there, so why not take him? He has No. 1 player upside and is as safe as they come.

Brick (Brooklyn)

Daily podcasts begin on _______

Nate Ravitz

  (11:18 AM)

Next week.

John, Denver

13-team NL only league. Who are you favorite $1-$2 pitchers? What about $1-$2 hitters?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:20 AM)

Pitchers: Justin Miller, Joe Thatcher. Hitters: Jeff Davanon, Cody Ross, Tony Gwynn

Ryan (PA)

Hey Nate, I need some trade advice in my dynasty baseball league. I was offered Arod for Utley and Alex Gordon. Right now I have Kendrick as my DH who I could move into my 2B hole and redraft a DH. What would you do?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:21 AM)

I would make the deal.

Phil (Syracuse, NY)

Nate, would it be crazy to draft pitching early instead of hitting? With everyone else focusing on batters seems like one could nab more difference making hurlers.

Nate Ravitz

  (11:22 AM)

I've seen the strategy employed, but I've never seen it work. The problem is the attrition rate is so high with pitchers that you usually end up with one or more busts with early picks.

Matt,mpls

Thoughts on Votto? You think he will be starting? I need a back up 1B and he is avail.

Nate Ravitz

  (11:22 AM)

I think he's a good player but overrated for fantasy. No lock to play every day and only modest power potential.

Adam (Chicago, IL)

I have the opportunity to keep Teixeira, Hafner and Ad. Gonzalez. Is keeping 3 1b's too much? Even if they are all in the top ten 1b?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:23 AM)

Depends on who you're passing up to keep them, but I'd have no problem keeping all three. It's a nice base of 90-120 homers

Jack (Pitt)

Most likely pitcher to emerge as a fantasy ace, drafted after round 7 this year - _______

Nate Ravitz

  (11:26 AM)

Chad Billingsley, Clay Buccholz, Manny Parra

Dan (RI)

I have never heard of Joe Thatcher, did you make that name up?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:26 AM)

lefty reliever for the Pads with a great K rate

Justin (Queens, NY)

Due to his back injuries last year Chris Young is ranked pretty low and as a result is still hanging around in my draft (8th round). I'm goin to try and grab him, do you have any concerns with his back issues?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:28 AM)

No. I have issues with him working deep into games, but he's a good value there.

Corey (Syracuse NY)

Nate, at the risk of sounding stupid, I need to be prepared, so, what is the difference between saves and net saves?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:28 AM)

net saves = (saves minus blown saves)

Chris(Columbia, MO)

I'm in a mixed H2H total points league. What are your thought's on starting pitching in that format?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:29 AM)

I think it's more important than in regular roto leagues, but to be honest I don't play that format. I plan to this year.

Dan (Atlanta)

The Braves starting CF at the All-star break is ______?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:30 AM)

Barry Bonds? Just kidding. If I had to hazard a guess, I'd say Josh Anderson

Anthony (Hoboken, NJ)

Can you please tell me why I should take Miguel Cabrera over Pujols, Utley, or Santana.

Nate Ravitz

  (11:30 AM)

No, because I wouldn't take him over Utley

Brian (Maryland)

2008. Rasmus or Bruce? One word is ok.

Nate Ravitz

  (11:30 AM)

Bruce.

Rich (Philly)

hey nate.. has any players wow'ed u so far in Spring Training.. or any players to target heavily more now?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:31 AM)

Unfortunately I haven't seen a lot that's jumped out at me yet. But we have a great piece running this afternoon from Jason Grey all about things he's observed in Arizona.

Reggie (Orlando)

Who has the better year this year, Burnett or Billingsley?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:31 AM)

Chad

Jon (Boston)

Carlos Lee or Berkman?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:32 AM)

Lee

Ray (NC)

Johjima or Soto

Nate Ravitz

  (11:32 AM)

Johjima

Todd (Fargo)

I kept Liriano over Billingsley, Hughes, and Halladay, smart move?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:33 AM)

I would not have kept him over Halladay

Chris(Columbia, MO)

Do you have problems with playing in a H2H total points league or are you just more of a roto fan? I've played both and love the H2H total points

Nate Ravitz

  (11:34 AM)

I don't have a problem with it, just never felt compelled to try it. With more people playing that way these days, I recognize that I should.

Jack (Richmond Hill, NY)

Zimmerman over/under .280/30/100

Nate Ravitz

  (11:34 AM)

over/under/under

Mark (CT)

I'm not trying to sound like a jerk, because I like everyone on ESPN's fantasy team's work, but how did you become a fantasy expert? Just by playing fantasy sports year after year (and studying stats for hours on end) or do you have some scouting work before coming into this field? Again I appreciate the work you and everyone else does here on ESPN, keep up the good work.

Nate Ravitz

  (11:36 AM)

Everyone has their own path. When I started 10 years ago I was a sports nut with limited fantasy experience. Now I have 10 years experience writing/analyzing, with a short stint as amateur scout for an MLB team thrown in.

Christian (Houston)

I need to drop one. Who do I drop between Beltran, Dye, and Hunter.

Nate Ravitz

  (11:36 AM)

Dye

Scott (AZ)

Mark, in order to become a fantasy expert, you must get knighted by Chris Berman.

Nate Ravitz

  (11:36 AM)

That also helps

Chet (LA)

Would you feel comfortable with Joey Votto being your starting 1st baseman this year?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:37 AM)

Nope, for the reasons stated previously.

Clark (SC)

Is Delmon going to make progress this year?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:37 AM)

Yes. Significant progress, though not a superstar yet

Marcus ( NY)

Nathaniel, ( I assume this is yor real 1st name). Would a 15 team league change your opinion on a top 7 due to position scarcity? Please rank your top 7 for me.

Nate Ravitz

  (11:38 AM)

It is in fact, NOT my real name. The size of the league *can* affect rankings, but not a top 7. My top 7 would be 1. ARod 2. Hanley 3. Wright 4. Reyes 5. Utley 6. Rollins 7. Cabrera

Rob (Mississippi)

Comfortable with James Loney at 1B? Also would you choose Rafael Betancourt compared to someone like Jeff Suppan?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:38 AM)

Yes and Yes.

John, Denver

Back to NL only. I know its ugly but please rank Aurilia, Ortmeier, Frandsen, Vizquel and Durham for this year....

Nate Ravitz

  (11:39 AM)

That's BEYOND ugly. I guess 1. Aurilia 2. Durham 3. Vizquel 4. Ort 5. Frand

Joe (everywhere)

Nate, need help on a trade. Would you trade Prince ($23)and BJ Upton (7) for Utley (20), Martin (7) and Rich Hill (6)? I don't know if its enough.

Nate Ravitz

  (11:39 AM)

I think it's enough

Kevin (MA)

So you're taking Miggy over Pujols? What can we expect from Pujols this year given his injury concern?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:40 AM)

I can't in good conscience make a Pujols projection. I just know there are 8-10 guys I'd take ahead of him, given the risk.

Andrew (Long Island)

Is Pedro Martinez worth picking up? Thanks

Nate Ravitz

  (11:40 AM)

Yes. I think he makes 20-25 very good starts this year.

Sam (Hartford, CT)

So Matt Holliday's not in your top 7?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:42 AM)

He'd probably be 8

James (PA)

Justin Upton or Adam Jones. This season plus future seasons.

Nate Ravitz

  (11:42 AM)

Adam Jones by a nose this year, Upton long term.

aaron (springfield, MO)

How close is Justin Upton's ceiling to Griffey's?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:44 AM)

Probably the same, but that doesn't mean he reaches it.

Andrew (Long Island)

Tulo or Jeter?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:45 AM)

Jeter, but I wouldn't argue the point.

Angelo (Cleveland)

How high would you take Grady Siezmore

Nate Ravitz

  (11:46 AM)

early second round in a 10-team league

Andrew (Long Island)

Where do u rank Ryan Braun? Thanks

Nate Ravitz

  (11:47 AM)

About 18-19 overall

Cody Philly

Nate, glad to see the podcasts are going daily soon, Would you trade Carlos Lee and Lincecum for Braun, fair deal? Thanks

Nate Ravitz

  (11:47 AM)

No, I think that's giving up way too much.

Brick (Brooklyn)

Is your real first name NATETRON?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:47 AM)

You got it.

Charlie (ATL)

R Soriano going to be a good closer for us? Where does he rank among relievers?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:48 AM)

I think he'll be solid, but I think there are more good closers this year than in recent years, and wouldn't put Soriano in the top 12

Kevin, Boston

Does Favre retiring hurt Greg Jennings? How much.

Nate Ravitz

  (11:48 AM)

Quite a bit, I think, especially since his value was so TD dependent and Favre really had fallen in love with him as a target

Aaron (springfield, mo)

Of current major leaguers-who will be the best hitter over the next 10 years?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:49 AM)

David Wright

Gray (Chicago)

Did the overused term "gunslinger" retire with Favre today?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:50 AM)

let's hope so

Scott (Fort Wayne)

Break down the Nats OF situation. Who's your favorite? Does Wily Mo play every day?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:51 AM)

My favorite is Kearns, which is funny because I've been anti-Kearns my entire career. Wily Mo gets about 500 ABs

Lee

Manny Parra?...really?...he is avialable in my keeper league but he is just 1% owned...jump on that?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:52 AM)

Depends on how shallow the league is. But I was asked for a pitcher who had ace potential, and he has it.

Brick (Brooklyn)

Nate, Lastings Milledge could end up being the ____ ranked outfielder this year.

Nate Ravitz

  (11:52 AM)

75th. Not high on his short-term upside.

Kevin (Des Moines)

How much fantasy impact do you think Jared Saltalamacchia will have this season?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:53 AM)

Tremendous.... in a Triple-A league. I'd bet on fewer than 350 big league ABs

Jack (Chicago)

This CPat signing scares me. I have to choose between Bruce and Hamilton in a keeper. Will Bruce really be head and shoulders above Hamilton longterm?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:53 AM)

Not necessarily, because Hamilton's talent is the equal of anyone. But I'd keep Bruce given the total picture.

Brick (Brooklyn)

You finally posted one of my non-ridiculous comment/questions!

Nate Ravitz

  (11:54 AM)

Sorry, that was an accident

Fred (DC)

Over under for Kearns: 20-84-5 ?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:54 AM)

under on all counts, but not much

James - Phoenix

Of these pitchers, who is your best bet for a breakout this season? Garza, Greinke or Lowen?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:55 AM)

I guess Greinke, but I don't love any of them

Jason (NYC)

Clay Buccholz... no doubt he'll be solid... but for THIS season, is he a little overhyped. I can't see him having a better year than Burnett, Wainwright, Lilly.

Nate Ravitz

  (11:55 AM)

I think he's a little overhyped, but I bet he's better than Lilly and more durable than Burnett

aaron (springfield, MO)

working on the Hat-Trick... Miggy Cab not the best hitter over the next 10? What gives Wright the edge? SB?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:56 AM)

Not much. It's very close. But conditioning isn't a bad tiebreaker. You can't go wrong either way.

Nate Ravitz

  (11:56 AM)

Time for me to check out. Thanks for the questions. TMR chats at 3 today, so check that out.