Scott Engel

  (2:58 PM)

Good afternoon everyone! Fire off with those fantasy questions - not just baseball, but offseason football, Arena Football Pick 'Em and fantasy racing too!

Kyle (Buffalo, NY)

Scott, Should I be concerned with having only these starters in a 14 team league: Carmona, Shields, Gallardo, Maddoux, and Francis? I'm worried that my staff is lacking an ace.

Scott Engel

  (2:59 PM)

Kyle, I pretty much think you have answered your own question there. I would not be comfortable with that current group heading into the season.

Jay CT

12 team H2H league- My pitching is really weak. I was offered Hafner (1b eligible) and Bedard for Prince. Whats your take Scott? Thanks

Scott Engel

  (3:00 PM)

It really depends on how badly you really need a pitcher like Bedard. If you aren't desperate, I would much rather keep Fielder.

Charlie (syracuse, ny)

My draft is this weekend so I was wondering if you had any advice on who has looked either really bad or really good so far this spring. I've heard good things about Butler, Milledge, and Hamilton. Any others?

Scott Engel

  (3:02 PM)

Butler can be a strong hitter for a long time, and Milledge can really blossom now given the chance to play more often. Hmailton has a lot of uside, so I really like all three, especially if you don't play in a mixed league.

Jason (Atlanta)

Scott, I have $100 to spend at my auction with a pretty solid hitting core, as well as Verlander, Beckett & Sabathia. Pitching is very thin after about 8 guys, and inflation is prevalent in our league. Should I blow $50-$60 on two studs (say, Smoltz and Zambrano, for example) supplementing my offense and relief pitchers with $1-$5 plays?

Scott Engel

  (3:04 PM)

You already have three starters I really like - I would target at least one more ace but don;t be afriad to spend a little on a guy who is at least dependable, but not a superstar closer to anchor the reliever corps

Rich (Richmond)

By definition, wouldn't the fact that Charlie is looking at Butler, Hamilton AND Milledge implied that he is in a mixed league?

Scott Engel

  (3:06 PM)

Yes, but I am trying to broad for all involved - if he has a bench, he's certainly in a good position to stash these guys rather than rely heavily on them right away

Amy (Blaine, MN)

h2h 12 team league, am I ok with a pitching staff of CC, Webb, Okajima, Pena, Capps, Soria, Neshek, Owings, Villenueva, Wang? I feel like it's weak on paper, or am I paranoid here? Thanks for the advice : )

Scott Engel

  (3:08 PM)

I think this is yet another case of where you realize you need to improve, and I can only confirm it for you.

Brad (South Boston, VA)

Better overall year? Jason Bay or Paul Konerko? Position doesn't matter.

Scott Engel

  (3:10 PM)

Konerko's best days are behind him but he will still produce quality totals, and Bay was very disappointing last year. I'd go with Konerko, even though he is starting to decline

Jon (Amsterdam)

How do pitchers' draft values change for leagues that have to set weekly lineups? This is the first year we're trying this format (H2H, points, 10 teams). Thanks.

Scott Engel

  (3:12 PM)

Head to head with daily lineups really adds some major twists. You can depend much more heavily on hitters, but you may want to bench certain starters more often based on matchups, so getting aces early and building quality depth is essential

Moe

Who do you like in this week's race?

Scott Engel

  (3:13 PM)

There is no Sprint Cup race this week. The guys are off until next week at Martinsville.

Eric (Denver, CO)

Who do you like at Wrestlemania in the Floyd Mayweather vs. The Big Show matchup?

Scott Engel

  (3:15 PM)

This is a sports chat - and wrestling is not a sport. Although I did like it back in the days of the Apter Mags and Superstar Billy Graham

Eric (Denver, CO)

What are your dynasty league thoughts on Ginn and Cincy's Chris Henry?

Scott Engel

  (3:16 PM)

I think Ginn will eventually become a No. 2 guy, who posts boom-or-bust numbers, while I don't see Henry gaining more of a significant role in the offense any time soon.

Kate (LA)

Are you petrified of Pujols? The only offer I can get for him right now is Garko, Francoeur, and Jenks. Is that enough or should I just get what I can out of Pujols for as long as I can? Thanks!

Scott Engel

  (3:18 PM)

I'm personally not comfortable with the situation, but I'd rather keep him than get one of those quantity for quality trades that usually don't help you enough

Keith (Columbus)

This is a sports chat, yet you answered a racing question... That's not a sport either.

Scott Engel

  (3:20 PM)

In your opinion. NASCAR is second only to the NFL right now. Wrestling is entertainment. As for Martinsville, Kyle Busch performed well in both races there last year and I expect him to rebound and win again in the next race,

Andrew (Long Island)

Reyes or HanRam?

Scott Engel

  (3:21 PM)

Although I expect Reyes to settle down and swing for the fences less this year, which should make for a better overall season, I would still take Ramirez in the close call

Eric (Denver, CO)

Keith in Columbus is right. Plus, far more athleticism and skill in the WWE than racing. Big show can crush a Formula One car with his bare hands.

Scott Engel

  (3:23 PM)

Keith and youa re merely giving your opinions. Wrestling does take being in shape, but it's not real, and if you think racing takes no skill, then I've wasted my time with you and won;t take any more questions on it. You know not what you speak of.

Andrew (Long Island)

Now that Joba is in the pen, is he worth any value? Thanks

Scott Engel

  (3:24 PM)

Considering he can still give you terrific numbers even as a setup guy, I would still use him, and you never know when he might start, so you have to hold onto him, and might help you more than you think

Jimbo (Indy)

I have SPs Peavy, Verlander, Smoltz, Blanton, Maine & Oliver Perez and RPs Papelbon, Percival & Tony Pena. I've offered Percival & Smoltz for Putz. Thoughts on the possible trade?

Scott Engel

  (3:27 PM)

I think you should obviously do it if you can get it done, but I wonder if the other owner will want a bit more than that, in terms of an upgrade on either player, so be ready for that - Smoltz alone, though, can still get youa very good reliever if you can;t nail Putz

Xander (Sunnydale, CA)

Ok, got offered ARod for Cordero and Braun. Ive got no relievers and do love Braun but I feel like theres no trade for ARod I could take. Am I crazy?

Scott Engel

  (3:28 PM)

I think you can fill your needs by looking elsewhere - I am no fan of improving your closers by giving up your best player.

Andrew (Long Island)

Do u think Pedro will have a bounce back year?

Scott Engel

  (3:29 PM)

I think he has done agood job in his receovery and is comfortable no longer being an ace, and that will lead to a good year that certainly won't disppoint you. I think he can win 15 games.

Scott (Los Angeles)

What is your opnion on keeping a guy in a keeper league when he will use your utility spot? I have Utley and Phillips on my team. Debating whether to keep Phillips or Markakis. Thanks for the help

Scott Engel

  (3:31 PM)

As much as I like Phillips, since you already have Utley, I would go with Markakis and you can always fill in that utility spot with another good player in your draft.

Mike (Marietta, GA)

You are drafting 5th. A-Rod, H. Ram, Holliday, and Wright are off the board. Is Reyes the given option considering his post All star break numbers last year? Can the case be made for Cabrera instead?

Scott Engel

  (3:34 PM)

I don;t think you can get into the minds of other woners in your draft and assume he will be there. I think Reyes learned some valuable lessons last year and will rebound to play great over a full year and may not last until that spot. Cabrera will be very worthy at that spot.

Marcus (SD)

Got a trade in my league of Francoeur, Smoltz, and Hughes for Adrian Gonzalez, Polanco, and Lilly, can I veto or is it more even then it seems right now?

Scott Engel

  (3:38 PM)

I think if you are questioning it, you need to put it to a vote.

Joe (Chicago)

Better source of waiver wire steals: Nate McClouth or Corey Patterson?

Scott Engel

  (3:39 PM)

I like McLouth and think he can be a good bargain. Patetrson can be as well, but McLouth has some sleeper potential this year in my estimation

Jason (Atlanta)

Thoughts on Mark Buhrle this year? Obvously he's not an ace but can he be a servicable option to steady a rotation?

Scott Engel

  (3:41 PM)

I don;t think you can lean on him for any sort of consistency, plus you have to take into account that his defensive support may let him down at times as well

Joe (Green Bay)

Thanks Scott. In our football dynasty league, we have a rookie draft prior to our auction. Outside of injury, is there any way you would pick Mendenhall over McFadden? Thanks.

Scott Engel

  (3:42 PM)

It really will ultimately depend on where they land, but I really can't envision a scenario in which I would not take McFadden first over Mendenhall

Dustin (Sioux Falls, SD)

I am wondering if you would rather go with joe mauer or jorge posada? Both consistent but do you think Jorge will play more this season than Joe and Redmond sharing time?

Scott Engel

  (3:44 PM)

TMR has already made good points on being careful with Mauer, and I think you can still get Posada later on in your draft and be satisfied with the output

Mike TR NJ

Do you think a Cup regular will win at Nashville in the Nationwide Series? And who will win?

Scott Engel

  (3:45 PM)

Edwards has won the last three races at the site, so if you play in any sort of fantasy game that involves the Nationwide series, he's the pick

Mike (CO)

What's the problem with the Francoeur, Smoltz and Hughes trade? Hughes and Lilly is a wash. Smoltz for Polanco is a little unfair but if he needs a 2B then it is okay. Gonzalez for Francoeur is a wash as well, especially if one team needs an OF or 1B.

Scott Engel

  (3:47 PM)

Thanks Mike. I think if it gets put up to a vote that would be the consensus in that league, I would believe. I am starting to lean more towards voting over commish vetos in leagues with experienced players.

Casey (Memphis)

Starting a keeper league and need some help. How many years should we allow players to be 'kept?'

Scott Engel

  (3:48 PM)

In the league I have played in, contracts usually run out after three years. And keepers increase in a slary cap each year by 20 percent over their previous season's value

Mike (Indy)

Oswalt, Halladay or Zambrano. Which one are you taking in a points only league and why? Thanks!

Scott Engel

  (3:51 PM)

I would go with Halladay - he performed well in the second half last year and while he won't ever rival his numbers of five years ago, I think he is going to be the most solid of the three over the full year, not by a long margin, though

Louis (DC)

Under the never pay for saves rule, is it justified to take Rafael Soriano in the 11th round in a 11 team mixed league? Or should I target a closer in the Soria, Isringhausen, etc. group around the 14th or 15th round as my first closer? Thanks.

Scott Engel

  (3:52 PM)

If you're not going to spend early, I'd rather wait until the 14th or 15th and then watch the fere agent list VERY closely during the season

Joe (Chicago)

Chris Snyder: Potential top 10 catcher, or fluke spring?

Scott Engel

  (3:55 PM)

He has to obviously build on that momentum, but he is proving that he certainly has some upside, and we saw some of the power promise last year. I don't get too hung up on spring numbers, but I like his upside, even if he doesn't crack the top 10.

Dan (Baltimore)

I disagree about keeping Markakis over Phillips... even if Phillips ties up the utility spot, the production that he would offer overall is greater than that of Markakis and his trade value is higher -- if this guy is so concerned about tying up his utility spot, then he can trade Phillips or Utley once the season starts.... otherwise, there's nothing wrong with holding on to arguably the top 2 2nd basemen.

Scott Engel

  (3:56 PM)

Thanks Dan, I can definitely see your point as valid. I see it as a close call and I really like Markakis, and my personal strategy is to start building at one position when another is filled. But I do see you point and its validity.

Kelly (Iowa)

I hate to focus on steals, but I also don't want to punt the category. In a 12-team 5x5, will Wright, O. Cabrera & Ellsbury keep me competitive, or should I look for more?

Scott Engel

  (3:58 PM)

I think you should certainly look for more, although I can see Wright being more aggressive on the basepaths this season.

Andrew (Toronto)

I love Adam Dunn and Travis Hafner but what are your thoughts on these guys?

Scott Engel

  (4:00 PM)

You gotta love Dunn's power, and I still like Hafner. I think Hafner can rebound from an off year and the good definitely outweighs the bad with Dunn

Jeff (Charlotte)

Scott, do i need another SP?? (10 team HTH), Oswalt, King Felix, McGowan and Myers...Thanks

Scott Engel

  (4:02 PM)

I think you would be more comfortable acquiring one more outstanding starter. Thanks a lot everyone!