Nate Ravitz

  (11:02 AM)

Hey guys. Fantasy baseball is here. Hope you're enjoying free mock drafts and all that good stuff. On to the questions.

Justin

What are your thoughts on Adam Dunn in a walks league?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:03 AM)

I'd assume he'd be really, really good. Dunn is underrated. I hate sub-.250 BA players as much as the next guy, but you can work around that with smart planning.

Marky (Wyendanch)

When will the Dodgers announce their OF?!?!? These spring numbers are making it very hard to draft.

Nate Ravitz

  (11:03 AM)

I don't think you should expect an announcement, and even if there is one, I don't think you should trust it.

Jordan (NJ)

Hey Nate, small quick and simple. 2 Catcher league and I'm not sure why I got Ianetta but it was only $1 and you can imagine what was left. Should I throw him away for Josh Bard?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:04 AM)

Ianetta has greater upside, but I'd rather start the season off with Bard.

Corey (Philadelphia)

Hey Nate, in a 14 team roto league, i had the third pick and selected David Wright (a rod and han ram went 1 2) Did I reach too far or was that a sound pick?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:05 AM)

No, I think he's a fine choice at No. 3. I think Hanley, Wright, Reyes and Utley are all legitimate No. 2 picks.

Jeff (Newton, NJ)

Nate, John Lackey, worth grabbing off of waivers or is he in for a lot of DL trips this year? I'd be using the #2 waiver and giving up Snell. Thanks

Nate Ravitz

  (11:06 AM)

Worth grabbing, but probably not at the cost of Snell and the No. 2 waiver pick. He'll make a maximum of 27 or so starts.

Eric (Fort Collins CO)

There are only three teams' closers left to be drafted in my league. With only one closer so far, I really need another. How would you rank Sherill, CJ Wilson, Wood/Marmol?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:07 AM)

Even though I love Marmol, I'd take Sherrill first among that group as of now. Then Marmol, Wilson, Wood.

Sally (SF)

Can you rank the following guys; Beltran, Guerrero, Suzuki, Lee, Teixeira, and Ordonez?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:07 AM)

1. Ichiro 2. Lee 3. Beltran 4. Vlad 5. Ordonez

Todd (NYC)

10 team draft last night, I had 10th pick...grabbed Rollins and Utley with 10 and 11...am I a closet Phillies fan?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:08 AM)

No. That's crazy good value. Both those guys are in my top 8.

Sam (Chicago)

Yo Nate, I have a problem at 3rd base. My starter in Edwin Encarnacion, with Ty Wigginton as my backup. Mark Reynolds is a free agent that I can add, and by adding him I would drop Bill Hall. Smart move?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:08 AM)

Nah. I'm not crazy about Mark Reynolds. He played over his head last year.

TiM (Pittsburgh)

Votto or Adam LaRoche for first base? LaRoche easily right?...right?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:09 AM)

Yes. I like Votto, but he doesn't have an every-day job or a ton of power right now.

Chad (DC)

Football question,,, Keeper league trade. I get Portis and Schaub and give up LJ/Rivers.

Nate Ravitz

  (11:09 AM)

I wouldn't do that.

Greg (NYC)

Which OF with upside should I go for: Delmon Young or Josh Hamilton?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:10 AM)

Tough. Hamilton's short-term upside is much greater, but when you factor in risk, I'd take Delmon.

Larry (Atlanta)

Nate, Manny Parra worth the last spot on the bench?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:10 AM)

Yes. I love him as a breakout candidate this year.

Charles (Weaverville NC)

Mr. Nate, We are alowed to keep 10 lifetime keepers in our league. That means 13 rounds of drafting. Should I try & steal Andy LaRoche & Kershaw in the middle rounds & hope they help me in the second half? thank you.

Nate Ravitz

  (11:11 AM)

Eh. I don't think Kershaw will be in the majors this year, and LaRoche probably isn't ready to help you yet.

Pete (FL)

Which side of the trade do you like: Carlos Lee and Brandon Phillips or Vlad Guerrero, Robinson Cano and Rich Hill?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:11 AM)

Probably the Vlad side, but it's very close.

Al(Morristown, NJ)

Chris Duncan or Billy Butler, 6x6 league, avg, hr, r, rbi, sb, ops, thanks!

Nate Ravitz

  (11:11 AM)

Butler.

Sean (Washington DC)

Nate, picked up Harden after the draft concluded. Smart idea or waste of space?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:12 AM)

Worth a shot. Whatever "steady" player you could have gotten instead will probably be available whenever you need him.

Peter

Oswalt or Gallardo this year?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:12 AM)

Oswalt. I think he has a very big year.

Marc (New York)

Nate, in a 12 team mixed league head to head, when is it "safe" to draft Pujols? Is he still a first round pick?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:12 AM)

It's never going to be "safe", but I'd take a shot on him late in round 2.

Sean (Florida)

Nate, I recently accepted a trade where I received Kinsler and Webb in exchange for BJ Upton. I had Weeks as my backup second baseman anyway, and now I have Kinsler and added Webb to my starting staff. Do I assume I won this trade?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:13 AM)

You won the trade outright, without even considering your strength at 2B.

Jeff (NY)

Nate, keeper question, NL only, 5x5, Prince at $34 or R. Hill at $17, need both pitching and power, can only keep 1. Thanks

Nate Ravitz

  (11:14 AM)

Well, neither one is a tremendous value, so with that being the case, I'd rather put my dollars into hitting.

TiM (Pittsburgh)

How does Hermida look as a fourth OF for a fantasy team?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:14 AM)

Very good.

Kenny

Can you punt era and whip?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:15 AM)

It's possible, but chances are if you rack up a lot of pitchers who are bad in ERA and WHIP, you're not going to finish all that high in wins.

Pete (Columbus)

ESPN has BJ Upton at 80ish RBIs. Where do you put his stats now that he's batting 4th in that lineup?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:17 AM)

Not a lot different. There's no guarantee he stays in that spot. I might bump him up to 90 or so.

Kenny

Do you think Pettitte or Blanton should be owned in a 10 team mixed?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:18 AM)

Yes. But Pettitte especially is droppable on a weekly basis if a comparable guy with a better matchup is available.

Alex (NJ)

Justin Upton has look comfortable at the plate this spring. Do you think he exceeds soem expectations and becomesa solid 3rd OF this year?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:19 AM)

Well, I don't think he'll be a top 30 outfielder, so he's not a No. 3 in a 10-team league. When all is said and done his numbers might put him in the top 50, but I wouldn't bet on it.

Rich (Richmond)

Sorry if you already got this question. Saltalamacchia is available in my league -- drop Ramon Hernandez for him?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:20 AM)

No. Not a Salty fan at all, at least for 2008.

Matt (Des Moines)

Is Jermaine Dye solid for a 3rd OF in a 12-team, H2H league?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:20 AM)

He's definitely worth picking in the first 24-36 outfielders.

Oswaldo, Hoboken, NJ

Nasty Nate... Chase Headley! Could he be a late round steal considering potential and 3B eligiblity??

Nate Ravitz

  (11:21 AM)

I suppose, but most people seem to know about him. I like the guy, but even in a best-case scenario he's probably Xavier Nady right now.

Shaun(NYC)

I keep hearing conflicting reports on Brandon Lyon. One says he is getting rocked and is going to lose his closer job. The other says he is just tinkering and hasn't thrown his curve all spring. Your thoughts? Drop him for Brian Wilson?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:22 AM)

Brandon Lyon cannot be trusted, but neither can Brian Wilson.

John (LA)

Nate, Matt Kemp or Chris B. Young in a keeper league? Thanks.

Nate Ravitz

  (11:22 AM)

Kemp. Possibly less value this year, but a lot more value going forward.

joe memphis

do u see a bounce back for bonderman?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:24 AM)

I really don't have a lot of confidence in any Bonderman projection, to be honest. He could throw 200 innings at Cy Young level or make 10 starts. I just don't know.

Nick (Sioux Falls)

Who are a couple of guys you expect to break out? What about a few who you are gonna steer clear of?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:25 AM)

I like Manny Parra as a deep sleeper. I like Hermida and Billingsley and perhaps Delmon to take the next step and break out. I'm wary of Bedard, Braun, Byrnes.

Sean - Johnstown, PA

Nate, Parra or Edinson Volquez for my last roster spot?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:26 AM)

Parra. And it's not close.

Mark: Dallas TX

Nate, Guys drafted saves way early in my league. I ended up only with Brian Wilson. Should I just punt saves or try to get lucky during the season?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:27 AM)

You should be on the lookout. My guess is at least 4 guys who will save 20+ this year are currently available in your league. Can't tell you who they are, though

Ian (LA)

When do teams place players on the DL?? I grabbed Carpenter late and want to move him to the DL slot but the Cardinals haven't made it "official".

Nate Ravitz

  (11:31 AM)

When they set their 25 man rosters. DL moves usually start 10 days before the start of the season.

Nick (Greenwich, CT)

Just a curious ?, How early do u guys do the daily podcast for Baseball and Football season?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:32 AM)

We started the daily podcast last week. Check it out at the podcenter page: http://espnradio.espn.go.com/espnradio/podcast/index Daily football will probably begin a month before the season.

Andrew (Youngstown,OH)

Is Cole Hamels a #1 Fantasy pitcher?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:32 AM)

Not for me, though he does have that upside.

Tom (Montana)

Whats the word on Carlos Gonzalez, is he gonna get an OF spot in oakland? Does he have any value?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:33 AM)

He's going to begin the year in the minors. My guess is 300 or so big league at-bats this year.

Paul, NY, NY

On the clock at 12/13! Take two anchors from the following in a 12 team H2H 6x6 league: B Phillips, Braun, Fielder, Sizemore. Thanks

Nate Ravitz

  (11:33 AM)

Fielder and Sizemore.

Ed(Hackensack, NJ)

Will Ivan Rodriguez keep his incredible spring going or wait till July to hit 6 homers?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:36 AM)

He might not hit six homers all season.

Willy (Boston)

Do you see any Ryan Braun or Hunter Pence types being called up this year?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:36 AM)

Types? Yes. Guys that perform like they did immediately? No.

Scott (Boston)

Is Johnny Cueto a good late round sleepr in a mixed league? keeper?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:38 AM)

Yes and maybe.

TiM (Pittsburgh)

Is Posada ahead of Johjima?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:39 AM)

Yeah, but barely. And Kenji may be the better value.

Mike (CO)

Nate...can you explain why Utley is a legit #2 pick? I view him more as a guy to take around 11 or 12. I have the 8th pick and he will probably be there, I just think that 2B is probably the deepest position this year and wanted you to sell me on taking him. thanks

Nate Ravitz

  (11:40 AM)

Wow. I think you're alone on an island if you think 2B is the deepest position. I think it's ok 1-7 but awful after that. And Utley is by far the top guy. Put his numbers next to David Wright's.

Eric (Memphis)

Nate, I was among those unfortunate enough to draft Lackey right before the injury. I've been offered Roy Halladay for him. Should I bite?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:41 AM)

Yes. I don't like taking pitchers that are already hurt to start the season.

Dave J (Richmond, VA)

What are your thoughts on Kearns now that they are moving into a better ballpark?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:42 AM)

As much as I've hated him over the years, I think he's undervalued this year. Take him as your fifth outfielder and you may get No. 4 or even No. 3 numbers with a bit of luck.

Nick (Greenwich, CT)

lol I meant how early in the am? like 7, 8am?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:43 AM)

Ah. For the podcast. We record around 8:30 am.

Kyle (PA)

Will Ankiel hit 30+ HRs? In a HR derby league how would you rank Ankiel, Hawpe, Burrell and Dye?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:44 AM)

A LOT of things have to go right for that to happen. I'd rank 'em 1. Dye 2. Burrrell 3. Hawpe 4. Ankiel

John (Charlottesville)

I took Jeff Kent in the 19th round, and he will be my starting 2B. Is Aaron Hill a better option?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:45 AM)

I like Hill a tad better than Kent.

Hillary (D.C.)

Taking time off from the campaign for draft prep. I'm in a 10-team NL-only league. Bill told me to wait on a closer, but if I don't get one of the top guys, I'll be stuck with the Brian Wilsons and Brandon Lyons of the world heading into the season. Worth it? Or do you spend a pick on a Soriano or Corpas early?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:46 AM)

I would get at least one legitimate closer, I just wouldn't reach for Wagner, for instance. I think Chad Cordero is a decent value this year.

Andrew (Youngstown,OH)

How do you feel about Miguel Tejada this year?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:49 AM)

I think there's a chance he bounces back slightly, but I think the forces of decline are stronger than the benefits of moving to that ballpark.

James (South Bend)

WHat kind of numbers do u think mcann puts up this year for the atl?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:49 AM)

Similar to last year. I think that's the real McCann.

Kyle (Las Vegas NV)

After Jeff Francouer got hit in the face, is he still a good guy to pick up in my fantasy draft?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:52 AM)

Yes, I think he's a breakout candidate this year and could push for 30 homers.

Flemming (Copenhagen, Denmark)

As a fantasy advisor, I suspect man-crushes are supposed to be a huge no-no. I've had one on Dunn for years. Just can't quit him. How about you? Is someone out there you just keep picking again and again?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:53 AM)

No, we all have man-crushes. Mine include David Wright and Chad Billingsley. I had one on Melvin Mora for long time.

abe (new york)

assuming hes around, at what point in a draft would you take santana?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:53 AM)

12-15, but he won't be around.

Diego ((Chicago))

Will Daisuke put up massive strikeout numbers?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:54 AM)

Massive? No. I think right around 200 again.

John (Niagara Falls)

Longoria, starting for the Rays on opening day?

Nate Ravitz

  (11:55 AM)

I think probably.

Andrew (Springfield)

NL sleepers for K's are _________________.

Nate Ravitz

  (11:56 AM)

Parra, Chuck James, Matt Clement

Miller (San diego)

You like Kemp over CBY in a keeper league going forward?? Please explain...

Nate Ravitz

  (11:57 AM)

I think CBY will peak as a .270-30-30 player but have significant BA risk. I think Kemp peaks as a .320-35-20 player. Much more upside with Kemp.

Jay(OKC)

If i was the fantasy editor at ESPN id run a league with all my writers and fire who ever finished in the last two spots. Talk about being held accoutable.

Nate Ravitz

  (11:57 AM)

And what if you finished last?

Cody Philly

nate, you don't seem high on Braun, any particular reason or is it a matter of value? Thanks

Nate Ravitz

  (11:58 AM)

It's a matter of value. His inflated BA last year has inflated his draft stock. He's not a .324 hitter. .300 is more likely and .280 is not out of the realm of possibility

John (Charlottesville)

If you wait until the last round in a 12 team mixed league to pick a catcher, who are you looking for?

Nate Ravitz

  (12:01 PM)

He may not be there that late, but I like Chris Snyder late. Also Laird and Napoli.

Nate Ravitz

  (12:01 PM)

That's it for me, guys. Reminder. Fantasy chats every day at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. See you next week.