ESPN

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:00 PM)

Hi kids. Just a heads up that myself, Eric Karabell, Stephania and Molly Qerim will all be out in Las Vegas this Friday night, March 7 at 7pm. Free admission, free food and drinks.... there will be celebs and former players there too.... should be a good time.

Steve (NY)

3:00 PM and 10 seconds and he's not here? SLACKER

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:01 PM)

been called so much worse...

Adam (Chicago, IL)

This is pretty close to an impossible question to answer, but who better to take a shot at it then the man that answered the question, "What would happen in Mick Dundee went to L.A.?". In a keeper league vacuum, who is the better value in the 9th round : C. Guillen, J.Papelbon or J. Lackey?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:02 PM)

If it's an AL only league, I say Lackey because pitching is scarce in the AL. If it's a mix league, I say Guillen because you can find pitching quality in a mix.

Adam (NYC)

2 weeks into spring training and Josh Hamilton is "resting his legs"? uggh... love or hate Josh this year?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:03 PM)

love him. He's playing every day and that ballpark is made for him. He'll probably only play 125 games but I still like him quite a bit

Steve (NY)

Is the fact that you did not give a location within Las Vegas intentional?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:03 PM)

The ESPN Zone at NY, NY casino. Sorry

Lee

TMR, your boy Nate said he like Manny Parra to have "ace" potential...he is a FA in my 12 team keeper league - snatch him up?...also, would you trade michael young for felix hernandez?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:04 PM)

he said that because he heard me say that. Nate always steals my good stuff. So clearly, I feel the same way. I'd rather have MY than Felix

Corey (Boston)

I've noticed in a lot of my mock drafts that while many first round players go more or less in the same spots, Matt Holiday seems to get chosen everywhere from 3rd to 10th. Where do you have him slotted? Do you think he'll do better or worse than last year?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:06 PM)

I have him 7th....

Ben (Chicago, IL)

The answer to the "What would happen in Mick Dundee went to L.A.?" question is..."Mick Dundee goes to L.A. - hilarity ensues".

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:11 PM)

Actually, the story is sort of a funny one. We (my writing partner at the time) get a call from our agent. He says... you know who Paul Hogan is? We say... of course. He says, you ever seen Crocodile Dundee... we say of course. He says Paul is a client of the agency, Paul wants to do a third installment of the series, (our agent) is one of the guys in charge of putting writers in a room with Paul... if we want, he'll put us on the list. So we say sure, that'll be a funny story. Let's meet paul hogan.... we go there and literally all we say is... look, you did NY.. the movies are what they are - just you reacting to stuff - so why don't you do Beverly Hills Croc? You come to LA, you get a job at a movie studio as an animal trainer because you can talk to animals and there's some bad guys there. Hilarity ensues. And he said.... "Ay, you two are the only writers who get me." And then they offered us crazy money and we said sure.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:12 PM)

Apparently, a bunch of writers had pithced him "Croc saves the word" "Croc in space" all this insane stuff and we were the only one who just said "you see normal stuff in LA and you don't get it."

Brett (omah)

12 team keeper league - Maybin is on waivers, do I drop Davis from S.F. to pick him up?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:12 PM)

Since it's akeepr league, yes. I lie Davis more than Maybin this year - think maybin will hurt your avg and Davis steals at least 30 but long term, no brainer.

Nate (St. Louis)

Best overall pitching this year - NL or AL??

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:12 PM)

NL and it's not close.

Jim (Albany NY)

Josh Hamilton going to be a stud this year, 290 30 hr's 80 rbis 80 runs attainable? thanks

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:13 PM)

more like 25 and 15 steals. other #'s yeah

Scott Bloomington Illinois

20 team league mixed, 36 on each roster.Is Willy Aybar worth a pick up? Also, thoughts on Thatcher with the padres (we count holds)..Or any DEEP sleepers who could contrbute this year..Love the chats

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:14 PM)

Yes on Aybar and in a 20 team league, I guess anyone has value.... Deep sleeper I like is Chris Denorfia in Oakland

Don Philadelphia, PA

Matthew, I can retain one of the following players, who would you retain? Hanley Ramirez, Matt Holliday, David Ortiz, Prince Fielder

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:14 PM)

And from 20 team leagues we go to this... Hanley's your guy. Age, position... no brainer

Alex (SLC, UT)

TMR, the new Fantasy Focus Sunday show isn't on radio insider for download. What gives?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:16 PM)

it just debuted last week (sunday nights, 9pm, new timeslot)... I'll ask. But they may feel that since it's Sunday night and Nate and I will do the daily Fantasy podcast Monday morning that by the time it gor posted it'd be obsolete. I'll look into it

Dave (NYC)

Who would you rather have? Yovani Gallardo or Francisco Liriano?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:16 PM)

YoGa. Liriano is injury risk and the Twins will be terrible this year

Steve (NY)

Well, maybe Don was just an amazing drafter. Easily could've gotten Ortiz 1, Holliday 2, Hanley 3, and Prince 5 or later in a lot of leagues last year.

Bob (Kansas)

I am already pumped about podcast season. Joakim Soria seems to fit with the "never pay for saves" motto. What round do you think he goes in a 12 team mixed? 15th/16th?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:17 PM)

Yes, sounds right. You can always check out the "Live Draft Results" from the fantasy baseball page on ESPN.com to see exactly where players are going in all the drafts we do,,,

Jeff (NY)

TMR, your baseball draft guide is great, only thing missing is a NL/AL auction draft. Any chance of either happening?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:18 PM)

thanks. Working on it...

Norman (NY)

Do you think Prince Fielder's motivation to get a huge contract next year raises his fantasy value to being a top 10 pick?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:18 PM)

think he already is a top 10 pick

Jim (MA)

Hey TMR-Any idea when AL and NL auction values are going up? Auction dates are fast approaching.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:19 PM)

i will ask the editors...

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:19 PM)

but very soon I am told.

Caleb (Macon, GA)

What's your preferred drafting strategy? I wasn't sure after reading your Draft Manifesto (great work, by the way, and thank you!)

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:20 PM)

Depends on league, rules and who I am playing against. Generally, I do MRI / Zima - two big K starters, lotta middle guys with high save upsaude and tons of offense, concentrating on position scarcity and speed.

Dave (Buffalo)

Adam Jones = Torri Hunter, Carlos Beltran or Randy Winn in 5 years?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:21 PM)

Hunter

Norman (NY)

Over/under 50 HR's for Fielder this year?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:21 PM)

just under. 47

John (Charlottesville)

Are there any other Manny Parra-esque SPs you like that no one's talking about?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:22 PM)

Really like Shawn Hill of the Nationals.

RJ (Hartoford)

Jokkinen is in a slump, Forsberg is set to make his debut back in Denver... Are you rolling the dice? Which do you ride tonight? Or, are you still scared of hockey questions?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:22 PM)

Scared? No. Interested? Not at all.

Erik (NYC)

The Other Boleyn Girl or The Sisters Ravitz: which movie sells more tickets if you write and direct the latter?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:23 PM)

Tought call, but only because my movie would be NC 17.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:23 PM)

thus limiting the potential audience, you see....

Patrick Swayze ( Double Deuce )

RANK EM- Red Dawn, Outsiders , or Roadhouse RIP JEFF

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:23 PM)

It's Roadhouse. Come on, this one's not fair.

kg (boston)

Byrnes versus Delmon - Vet vs. UpandComer, and Speed vs. Run Producer - which would you take?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:24 PM)

Byrnes.... Throw out 2005 when he played for 3 different teams and Byrnes has had at least 20 HR the last 3 years. And 75 steals the last two. Not a fluke. He's 25/35 this year I believe

Frank: (Medford, MA)

Which ESPN Fantasy Expert is the best athlete?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:26 PM)

Keith Lipscomb is a terrific basketball player... Brendan used to play minor league baseball... I'm a pretty good tennis player.... My guess would be Keith, who is an editor here and does a bunch of fantasy hoops stuff for us. Nate's decent too

Steamer (Cleveland)

Roadhouse fans, please, a moment of silence for Jeff Healy. He never saw it coming.

Monk ( CA )

Why did they make Meatballs II and why does Comedy Central show it ?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:26 PM)

So many unanswered questins from the first one and it might be the only movie cheaper to air than Croc 3

adam(randolph,nj)

hey tmr- i am alot higher on john maine then espn seems to be, i feel he tired out but will be better conditioned this year and bust out, why so low on the predictions?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:28 PM)

It's not me, it's the ESPN Formula we use (same one we did at TMR)... I said in my manifesto that I thin maine is a top 15 NL pitcher this year so U'm with you. It's a very good offense and he gets to pitch back of the rotation.

Tifany (NYC)

Who do you think is a sleeper in many leagues this year?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:29 PM)

having a girl named Tifany in it.

Norman (NY)

Remember all the talk last year of Yovani Gallardo being the second coming of God? Is a healthy YoGa a top 10 pitcher?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:29 PM)

yes

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:29 PM)

Showers.... no, I won't tell him that, but it made me laugh.

Kris (Lexington, KY)

Rank: Rich Hill, James Shields, Matt Cain, Tim Lincecum, Dustin McGowan

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:31 PM)

D Mac, Hill, Shields, Lincecum, Cain. Understand that I am abnormally high on McGowan however... I just really love him

Brad (Philly)

TMR, should Mets fans be worried that Johan and Pedro are hitting off so well they're supposedly "playing Madden together?" I think yes.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:31 PM)

well played, sir. Well played

BILLY ( RI )

RANK EM CUST, WILLINGHAM, MATHEWS JR

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:31 PM)

Josh, GM Jr, Cust

John (Charlottesville)

Are there any players that you've completely changed your mind about in the last couple of weeks? Who and why?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:33 PM)

Good question. Jeff Francouer. Originally I was donw on him because of the lack of power but upon looking closer... 40 doubles last year compared to 24 in '06, he had 14 balls hit the wall last year as doubles, he improved his BA from .260 to .293, he played all 162 games the last two years, he added 20 pounds of muscle in the off season.

WAYNE ( OR)

Rank: Marissa Miller, Adriana Lima , Alesandra Ambrosio

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:33 PM)

After Marissa, it doesn't matter. Class by herself.

Steve (Ann Abor)

Worth holding onto Mike Cameron until his suspension is up? If not, any sleeper OF's to pick up?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:35 PM)

Yeah, it's just a month. He'll still play 125 games or so. And he's usually right around 20/20.... I like him as a sleeper precisely becuase folks will forget about him

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:36 PM)

Matthew in Philadelphia - very very close. Can't say it publicly, but very close.

Dicky V ( ESPN U)

I got Adriana Lima BABY ! In an UPSET !

Nick (Greenwich, CT)

I want in the Man's league and tell Jay Soda that I will destroy him! :) haha, oh btw, Ivanka Trump..I know now y u love her!!! haha.. BEAUTIFUL!

brad (harrisburg, pa)

plain and simple: does your man-love for Braun warrant a #6 pick? crazy?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:36 PM)

a little crazy, yeah

coop (nyc)

You're answering a lot of questions today...what's the highest $ you'd ever spend on a single player in a $260 mixed league (12 team)? This year is that Arod, Holliday, Santana or other?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:37 PM)

assuming it's a non keeper league (so no inflation?)... I wouldn't spend more than 40. A Rod is worth the most but I won't pony up to get him.

Kevin (Omaha)

Who do you think wins the closer job in Texas? Chicago?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:38 PM)

CJ Wilson and Marmol will end up with the most saves in CHI

Mr. Unhappy (unnamed company)

So on Friday when I'm slaving away at work, you'll be running around Vegas with free alcohol AND Molly Qerim??? You are officially the luckiest man alive.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:39 PM)

Pretty much, yes. Of course, if you come, you too can be in Vegas with free booze and Molly. And Karabell. And Me. And Stephania. Whatever you're into.

Norman (NY)

Better at his profession: You or Lebron?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:40 PM)

LeBron of course. There's no debate about how good he is. There is regarding me. Of course, one could argue generating debate is exactly what I am paid to do....

John (Charlottesville)

Have you ever seen Jenny Finch in person? How bout Erin Andrews?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:41 PM)

I have seen and met both women. They are both really nice, really bright, very unassuming and I have no doubt you would enjoy meeting either of them immensely.

Dave (Reading, MA)

How's it going TMR? I'm in the middle of an expansion draft for a 20 team keeper and am trying to pick 2 of 3 from Figgins, Pence, and Chris Young (OF). Who would you go with. Thanks.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:42 PM)

Figgins and Pence.... Like CY a lot but he'll hurt your avg and I love Figgy's 3b eligibility

Ryan (PA)

My wife went to U of A when Finch was there. She said she is beautiful but bigger then she looks on tv

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:44 PM)

Well, she's basically a professional athlete. She's 6ft tall, so... yeah... but turst me, you know?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:44 PM)

or trust me

Trey (Chicago)

With Dusty's love of awful vets and the CPat signing, 400 PAs by Bruce in 2008, do you take the over or under?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:44 PM)

gimme the under, sadly

Dave (Alaska)

So, once again, no Fantasy Iditarod. Thanks, jerks.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:45 PM)

this made me laugh really hard.

Moe

When's your date with Ivanka?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:45 PM)

No idea. Dammit, someone get me to her publicist!

Saul (chicago, IL)

What players are you targeting at the end of the draft?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:46 PM)

depends on the size of league and howmy draft has gone... but all my sleepers are in my LOVE HATE column in the draft kit for free... generally, I tend to go for high upside relievers though because i rarely grab saves guys

Carole (Santa Fe, MX)

Please. I would love your opinion - I have to decide in the next 45 minutes whether I want Markakis or Felix. Thanks very much!!!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:47 PM)

I say Nick. Much safer

Ryan (PA)

Oh I didnt mean she was a bad big. She said Jennie is drop dead gorgeous(which is hot coming from my wife) but alot of people dont think she is 6 ft tall

Roger (Dover)

TMR, any words of wisdom for all the Packer fans that are on suicide watch?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:47 PM)

you could be a Redskins fan like me.

Nick (Greenwich, CT)

Ivanka was on Reggis and Kelly and said that she likes hard-working dorky kind of guys who are somewhat taller then her.. I think u got a chance man.. good luck trying to get the nod from Donald though!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:48 PM)

Excellent!!!!!

Ryan's Wife (PA)

Ryan, why do I have to wear this Jennie Finch jersey again???

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:48 PM)

lol

Rob (Newark)

Most likely first rounder to not end up in the top 10 at the end of the year is...

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:49 PM)

pujols. If the cards are out of it in mid june and the elbow's bothering him... why wouldn't they shut him down?

Zach (Cincinnati)

Come on Berry, this is a legitimate question that I need help with!.... I am intrigued by the MRI strategy, but do you think its success translates over to a 5x5 head-to-head league? I was debating going with it, but I worry that the positive Win, ERA, and WHIP results won't translate week to week. Thoughts?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:51 PM)

well, the W's won't, but the ERA and WHIP sure will... you're minimizing risk there and won't be getting a lot of ip per week, so unless someone gets lit up, you should win those every week...

Ryan (PA)

haha, nah but it is hot when she puts on one of my Dodger jerseys

Jeff (NY)

Rich Hill, 14 Ws/180 Ks/1.2 WHIP/3.5 ERA? Over/Under on the above??

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:52 PM)

over

Josh: (Denver)

Where is this MRI draft strategy article?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:52 PM)

my Draft Day Manifesto in the free draft kit

Jennie Finch

Am I going to write fantasy baseball columns for ESPN again? Tell Ryan's wife I said hi ;-)

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:53 PM)

you're too busy these days...

Josh (FLA)

Should Kurt Suzuki be my starting C in a 14 team mixed league, or can I do better?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:54 PM)

in a 14 team... yeah, but I really like him. others are not as high, but I'm ok with it.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:54 PM)

ben in SF - well played, sir. Well played.

Rick (NY)

MVP: Kobe or Lebron?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:54 PM)

KOBE

Jennifer Love Huge$@%*

AM I BIG TOO ?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:54 PM)

Yes, but in all the right places.

Joe (st. louis)

What has a better chance of happening this year...Gary Matthews going 20-20 or Garret Anderson continuing his hot second half and going .300-20-95

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:55 PM)

GM Jr. Don't think GA gets 20 bombs

Jordan (Toledo, OH)

You have made it clear in the past that you love Corey Hart. Tell me why I should take him as my final keeper instead of Pence, A. Gonzalez and Mauer. Thanks!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:56 PM)

From June 1 on, he was top 30 in HR, RBI, SB, Runs. And hit .295. Pence might be injury prone and we know Mauer is.

Carl (Sunny Redondo Beach, CA)

So I took your don't pay for saves a bit too extreme during my draft. I waited til the 15th for Carlos Marmol, then Joba. But Marmol still has some competition from kerry wood. So I picked up troy percival so I wouldn't be punting saves altogether. Should i be looking to trade Joba or Marmol for someone who'll get some SV's or sit tight for now and not worry about it? Guys on the wire include Brian Wilson, and Gagne. Help TMR! Down with Pod Vader

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:57 PM)

see? This is why I say don't pay for saves.... there's closer on your wire. Tory, Wilson and Gagne? I'd say gangem Wilson and Troy, in that order... don't trade Joba... you'll be fine.

Mathew Berry (Gainesville, FL)

Honestly, this is my name... What are the chances Wladamir Balentien breaks camp with the Mariners this year? He is crushing it at a .571 clip this spring.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:58 PM)

you poor bastard. A decent chance on Balentin - like him a lot in deep leagues

Buffalo, NY

Mr Roto, you starting a dating service?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:59 PM)

Yes. Client #1? M. Berry, CT

Joe (San Diego)

I'm currently in second place in my basketball league. I've used nothing but ESPN advice. Just saying...

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:59 PM)

aw, shucks.

Brick (Brooklyn)

Mr. Berry. If you were a lunchmeat, which type of lunchmeat would you be?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:00 PM)

Clearly, a high quality turkey

Joe (San Diego)

Can you create specific rules for keepers in the ESPN league? You can just say "no" without posting this if you dont want to scare people away. I want to set our league to lose draft picks in exchange for keepers in the draft position you originally drafted them.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:00 PM)

yes, you can

Brad (Philly)

For the love of God, tell me whether you'd rather have Pujols and T.Hunter or Webb and Magglio!!!! AGGGGHHHHH!!!! Sigh... Okay, I'm done. Thanks.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:00 PM)

Give me Albert and Hunter

Not Matthew Berry (Mattberrville, IL)

Matthew Berry, tell Matthew Berry that spring stats are for suckers.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:01 PM)

agree, but Balentin is legit

Joe (San Diego)

I meant to add that I know nothing about basketball, either. Thanks again.

Adam(Chicago)

I'm in Joes league too, 1st place, INSIDER!

Joe (San Diego)

Re: keepers Where? The answer guys site isnt working for me and I dont see how to do it. Will it just appear as an option next year?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:02 PM)

call 1-800-SAY-ESPN to talk to a human being that can help you with specifics....

Big Bear (Parts Unknown)

Is Haren gonna be better than your boy Maine this year, taking his new park into consideration?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:04 PM)

I'm a bit down on Haren but still like him more than Maine. Gotta run guys... thanks for stopping by. Hope to see some of you in Vegas.... we'll be picking some folks for the podcast man's league there!