ESPN

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:03 PM)

Hi Gang: Good to see eyeryone.... One game in the books... it's here, baby! Let's get it on... As always, all subjects answered

Jake, Arizona

Why is Dan Haren ranked so low in your rankings?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:07 PM)

A number of reasons..... His second ERA last year was 4.15. His batting average against was .298. He moves from Oakland's park, which was 29th in run scored (2nd best) to Arizona, which allowed the 5th most runs. He moves from AL West (poor hitting teams like SEA and TEX) to NL West (good teams like LA, COL, SD)... and he has an unproven closer in lyon. Movng from AL to NL doesn't automatically mean sucess - see Zito, Barry.

Bernard (Princeton, NJ)

Apparently the rest of the ESPN Fantasy gurus dont have the knowledge to answer my question, but is Euegenio Velez now a good source of SBs with the rest of the Giants infield hurt?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:08 PM)

Trust me when I tell you everyone here could answer the question, but yes, he is a decent option in deep NL Only leagues. He's one of those can't hit but can run guys. And beware - he had a good, but not great, steal % in the minors.... so temper expectations if you play in a league with Caught Stealing as a cat. But yeah, certainly worth a flier. he can fly.

Frank (Boston)

TMR - Love your bold predictions. You are the only one in the business who goes out on a limb, and for that I salute you. Settle a bet between friends though, better staff in 2008: Zambo, Billingsley, Hughes, Harden, Lester OR DiceK, Liriano, Lincecum, Snell, Gorzo? Thanks!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:09 PM)

Thanks, Frank. The first group, though I am not high on Billingsley. I hear Chad is more hurt than they are letting on.

Ivanka Trump New York

Sitting here naked in my bed thinking of you and wondering what is the status on the individual dollar amounts for AL only leagues? You said they would be up weeks ago.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:12 PM)

They are. And were. http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/baseball/flb/story?page=mlbdk2k8top340

Buck (LA)

How does it feel to be doing the regular chat while EK does the big baseball chat? Where is EK, he's late.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:13 PM)

I love Fantasy and am always happy to talk Fantasy. Have no interest in talking anything other (at least sports related) Glad EK is getting the shot - he'll do well.

Kevin (Whoville)

Is Josh Fields worth keeping?? What about Longoria?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:15 PM)

Yes - more than Longoria. There's no timetable for his return to the majorsa (Evan that is).... Fields will get over 400 at bats this year - his bat is too good to keep out. I think they don't want to start Longoria's clock unless they think they have a shot, like Brewers did last year w/ Braun. So I don't keep Longoria unless you have an open roster slot you need

Jake (Rochester, NY)

SO, scince you went to SU do you feel they sould have gone to the tournement? GO ORANGE

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:16 PM)

Yes, but they got jobbed last year even worse. They had their chances to get in but were just too inconsistent. But playing against great competition should count a little more. Of course, I'm biased.

Frank (Boston)

Can you elaborate on C-Bills injury? Is it just a tight groin or somethign wtih more long term implications like a shoulder or elbow??

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:17 PM)

Long term stuff - like this year. Was told off the record, so can't elaborate but there's a reason I have him listed as a bust

Jim (Albany NY)

Clay Bucholz rookie of the year?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:17 PM)

I say Johnny Cueto

Andy(NY)

Does your Hart man love make u take him over ur Kempitutde or Delmoneyness? What about CBYlicious...

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:18 PM)

Yes on both. In terms of production and nicknames. Those are awful. Look at Hart's #'s from last year and compare him to Sizemore. And realize Hart had about 120 less at bats

Luke (Pittsburgh)

Manny Parra - what's his story? Take a late flyer on him or a safer pick like Maddux?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:19 PM)

Take the flyer. I always take fliers late. You can always get safe guys like Maddux on the waiver wire. Late rounds are for sleepers you hope pan out.

Jim (Memphis)

Of your bold predictions. Which are you most and least confident in?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:20 PM)

Most: FrancouerLeast: I date a sane woman this year

Chris (Baltimore, MD)

Harden stays healthy all year? And Blaylock and Tejada each hit over 30 HRs?!?! Talented, schmalented....you're nuts!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:24 PM)

Wouldn't be the first time I'm accused of this, but wouldn't be the last, either. If I had said 30+ HR for Carlos Pena last year, Todd Jones has more saves than Joe Nathan and Pujols hits under 33 HR.... you'd have also said that

Brick (Brooklyn)

Which ESPN personality is the best basketball player?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:24 PM)

Keith Lipscomb in the fantasy group.

very sorry (Bristol, CT)

TMR, enough with the endless Drama commercials, they're terrible. Shouldn't you be spending more time on actual Fantasy analysis?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:24 PM)

Why start now?

Podvader

he's not as nuts as i am!

Adam (Chicago)

How many saves can I expect to squeze out of Tom Gordon until Lidge is back?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:25 PM)

2

Bob (Chicago)

Why do you have Halladay ranked much lower than his ESPN ranking?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:25 PM)

k/9 trending down, history of injuries, pitching in AL East

Jay (Sterling, MA)

Why so down on Mike Lowell? I'd agree with you if he played away from Fendway but his swing is Tailor Made for that park. Also, who you like better this year, Kemp or Hermida?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:28 PM)

Not that I am down on him so much as I think he had a carerr year last year and one of my rules is never pay for a career year. He hit .350 in the second half - he's a career .280 hitter or so. Last time he had over 100 RBI (prior to last year) was 2003

Matt (Indy)

Saw the FLB commercials. You could stand to drop a few pounds.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:28 PM)

Camera adds ten!

Wally (Seattle)

Hey Jerk, I want my 90 minutes back for watching Croc 3. I'm sure it was "your decision" to leave Hollywood and do fantasy sports.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:30 PM)

Really? Most people want their money back. And serves you right for sitting though the whole thing. I got paid for it - what's your excuse? For what it's worth, I "left" HWY 5 years after Croc 3, while re-writting a Tim Allen movie

Brick (Brooklyn)

Hey Jerk, loved you work on Married with Children. Totally makes up for Croc 3.

John(Ohio)

Hi. Do you know where I can find the ESPN special you guys did yesterday?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:31 PM)

We are hoiping to have it online. But in the meantime, there's a ton of great video content - we do a daily fantasy show "Fantasy Focus" - every day and we did a whole spring preview show as well.

Jason (Atlanta)

Then you could stand to drop a few cameras....

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:32 PM)

old joke, but still funny. well played, sir. well played

Kelly (Buffalo, NY)

Hey jerk. Thanks for not mentioning the Chad Bills injury sooner. Now you owe me 10 bucks and I owe you a kick in the crotch!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:33 PM)

I have been very consistent on my hate of Chad. Your fault for not reading the draft kit. Or my Love Hate column from February

Robert (Poughkeepsie)

Could you explain your being lower on Kazmir than the other experts?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:34 PM)

injury prone, only pitched 200+ innings once in last 3 years, bad bullpen, plays against AL East, has yet to put together a full consistent season

Brick (Brooklyn)

TMR- there is no podcast of the Sunday Fantasy Focus online. Can you fix that for us?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:36 PM)

no. We discussed. But the Sunday Radio show airs from 9 to 10 pm ET. We do our regular podcast at 8:30 am ET on Monday morning. Most people aren't working on Sunday night, so by the time we could get the Sunday night show archived and posted, the new monday one would already be up. The Sunday one would be stale....

Richie (San Francisco)

Please rank in terms of upside for this year only: Frank Thomas, Todd Helton, Billy Butler, Conor Jackson

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:37 PM)

In terms of upside? Butler, jackson, Thomas, Helton. But I would rank them Thomas, Helton, Butler, Jackson

Jason Va

So what about the 7am- 9am espnradio Fantasy Focus show?Crisp or Votto in a vaccum?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:38 PM)

That has been replaced by the Sun eve show from 9 to 10 pm ET. ESPN Radio wanted to go in a different direction on Sunday mornings

Craig (PA)

Based on your Bills hate, was givin up the D-train for him a poor decision?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:39 PM)

No, because at least Chad has upside. D Train is terrible

Cody Philly

First off its good to have you in the bald brotherhood, but you have to commit and shave your head, that little hair island you got is scary in HD. Plus it could increase your madden time

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:39 PM)

I can't pull off bald. it's just not me. But yes, HD does not do me any favors.

Tyler (Calgary)

TMR, I need your help. We need to stop people from saying the following in regards to rookies: "Ryan Braun-like impact" and "this year's Ryan Braun". How many "Ryan-Braun like" season's has a rookie had in the last 20 years? To expect any rookie to have an impact comparable to Ryan Braun this year, or indeed any year, is crazy. HELP TMR.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:41 PM)

I'm with you.

Matt (Philly)

Name game: Feliz or Drew

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:42 PM)

Feliz. He's this year's Ryan Braun

Paul Hogan, Down Under

There you are you b#@$%andd, you killed my career!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:43 PM)

Pretty sure "Flipper" did that, mate

Trey (VA)

Explanation for The Riot's impending success?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:44 PM)

From my "Love / Hate" this year in the draft kit (free!): The second base position gets shallow quickly, and it's important to note a few things here: Ryan had 28 steals last year, he struck out less than 12 percent of the time, he qualifies at both middle-infield positions, his BB/K ratio has gone up each of the last three seasons, and his nickname is "The Riot."

Dan - San Jose

Why don't you return my calls...or my emails...or my web videos...or my friend requests...or my affection?

Chris (Southington)

Hey TMR, saw you and nate at Sliders on Saturday for the UCLA game, great game. I was going to say something but didn't want to be "that guy" you write about in your columns. Anyway, keep up the good work as always.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:45 PM)

Aw, shucks. Thanks. You should have said hi.

Craig, NY

Is Manny going to be the Manny of old this year? I got him in the 4th round and it seems like a huge steal.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:46 PM)

I just don't think he stays healthy and I'm down on him. That said, I am in the minority. A lot of people think he's motivated by the contract, etc etc.... 4th round is about right for him - that's where he's been going mostly

Ed( San Diego,CA)

You really like the big hurt this year? He's had a pretty bad spring.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:47 PM)

Like? No. Like over the other 3 guys mentioned? Yes

Charlie (Los Angeles)

Alright, enough with the gimme questions. Who ends up with more value, Carlos Gomez or Barry Bonds?

Dwight (SF):

I can do $122 ... but cannot make another offer or counter as I have reached the limit. CO at $122 and I will pay today! Thanks, Ethan

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:47 PM)

Due, you're in the wrong chat

Aaron (Raleigh)

Paul Hogan must really hate you to flame you in a fantasy baseball chat. Though I guess he has the time.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:48 PM)

LOL

Brian (Boston)

Why was the last of the fantasy commercials titled "In hot water" cancelled?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:51 PM)

Didn't get approved by everyone necessary.

Jason (San Jose)

In a lifetime keeper league where you keep 8 players each season, what round are you drafting Justin Upton in?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:54 PM)

Probably third or fourth... assuming you are starting with every team keeping 8

Dan (San Jose)

I thought the jokes consisting of acting like me as a stalker to TMR got old last week.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:55 PM)

Not to me.

Brian (Knoxville, TN)

Could you elaborate a little more on Billingsly? I'm conflicted, "Long term stuff - like this year...there's a reason I have him listed as a bust" but then you write "at least Chad has upside. D Train is terrible" How do you feel about Chad B. THIS year?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:56 PM)

I don't like him. Post AS Break last year, he had the 5th most walks. He's a WHIP disaster

Jim, Chicago

Over/under 3 years as to how long you last at ESPN? I'll take the over, barely.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:01 PM)

Hmm. Depends on how you think ESPN Fantasy has done in the past year. I'm fairly proud of all the things we've accomplished here. Fantasy is much more prevalent on all channels and platforms, we've added some great writers to the terrific team that was here and our technology team has made some cool innovations in the games.... That said, most people take the under.

Mr. Coffee

Over/under 3 years as to how old that picture of you is at the top of the chat. I'll take way over.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:01 PM)

under a year. It was taken when I first got here

Mark NY NY

Do you feel bad that Krabel took you down with his commonn sense column?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:02 PM)

I did, but then you spelled his name and everything else wrong and now I feel better about my fans.

Jim, Chicago

You've done a great job, but you're at your best when you do the censoring, they're killing the funny TMR!

Frank (Boston)

Kinsler or Weeks?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:03 PM)

Kinsler

Tyler (Calgary)

Not to be the new Dan from San Jose, but what you guys have done for ESPN fantasy is the last year has been monumental. One year ago I didn't even look on ESPN for anything fantasy, today it is by far the best place to go.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:04 PM)

Thanks. Many guys have wroked very hard to make that happen and much more is on the way

Leonard (Wisconsin City, Minnesota)

My dad thinks you have the smile of a serial killer when you are on television.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:06 PM)

You're on 5th and Main in Wisconsin City, Minnesota, right? Thrid house down? Your dad is 5'9, thinning brown hair? Goes out to get the paper at 7:34am every morning? Tell him I have no idea what he is talking about

Sarah (greenville, sc)

I am playing fantasy baseball for the first time this year. Just because of the Fantasy Focus podcast. And my roommate (who hates sports) stops on ESPN whenever she sees you there since she thinks you are funny.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:07 PM)

Note to self: Hop flight to Greenville

Hurricane Jeff (Byesville, OH)

Hey Matthew, Hurricane here. Why Kinsler over Weeks?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:08 PM)

Worried about health and batting average with Weeks. Both will go 20/20 - have the same concerns w/ Ian, but less so.

Frank (Chicago)

She's probably crazy Matthew...

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:09 PM)

Note to self: MUST hop flight to Greenville

Rick (Detroit)

1st Rule of Chats in '08: can't use the phrase "Ryan Braun type impact" 2nd Rule of Chats in '08: You can't self nickname. You listening Hurricane Jeff?

Bernard (Princeton, NJ)

Did you just say you had fans????

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:10 PM)

Yes, Like JKlipp

JKlipp (Milwaukee, WI)

I hate baseball, and I don't play fantasy baseball, but ur funny, and this is still a great chat. FYI - keep up the good work.

Scott (PA)

Also "Note to self" Norm McDonald circa 1996 called he wants his joke back, and also have you seen his career he seems to have lost it.

Tornado Tim (Batesville, OH)

Hey Matthew, Tornado here. Votto or Crisp? for UTIL

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:11 PM)

Crisp... I say he gets more at bats this year than Votto

Norm McDonald (Eating out of a dumpster somewhere)

TMR hope that "note to self" joke gets you as far as it got me

Adam (NY)

Can you and Simmons do a weekly podcast? You guys are awesome together? With the brownosing completed, who would you rather start the season with as your 2nd OF, Pence, Hart or Chris B Young?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:13 PM)

Thanks. We enjoyed it. We're talking about doing some more stuff together... he was a big supporter of mine behind the scenes when they were trying to decide to cast me on The Fantasy Show last year w/ Jaws... he pushed hard for me and that led to all this, so I owe him. And obviously, I think he's very funny

Tsunami Tedd (Ocean City)

Hey Matthew, Tsunami here. Tulo or Jeter..who ends up higher on PR?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:13 PM)

Jeter but it's closer than folks realize. These names are hilarious. Can't... stop... chatting....

Monsoon Mary (Phucket, Thailand)

Hey Matthew, Monsoon Mary here. Francoeur and Rich Hill too much for Hart, McGowan?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:14 PM)

No, D Mca and Hill a wash and I like Hart more than Franc... failry even deal tho

TMR (Bristol)

If only Bill Simmons liked me the way Dan (San Jose) does....

Stan (NH)

Scott in PA: David Spade circa 1994 called; he wants his "so-and-so called and wants his such-and-such back" joke back.

Matt (Chicago)

Why so high on Feliz??? I don't get it. How can you mention him with Braun?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:15 PM)

Someone explain humor to Matt in Chicago.

Brick (Brooklyn)

Since you didn't answer Adam's question about baseball, i will. Hart is the better #2, then Pence, then CBY.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:16 PM)

Oops. Sorry. Agree w/ Brick

McLovin (Hawaii)

How big of a deal is John Lackeys injury? Besides the time he'll miss.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:16 PM)

Not that big... he's pitched 200 or so each of the last 3 yrs... normally a horse

Humidity Jon (Boston)

Humidity here. Tell people to look at your rankings if they want you to rank players. The chat is to defend WHY you have them ranked where they are.

Tyler (Calgary)

Farthest off you've been on a "love guy". Farthest off for a "hate guy" (besides Stephen Jackson)

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:18 PM)

Hmmm... I really really loved Bobby Abreu and Andruw Jones last year....

Bart (New Mexico)

Why does ESPN continue to put non-fantasy guys on fantasy shows? I thought it was hilarious yesterday when you were trying to make a point about big name players being overvalued (by comparing Markakis to Manny) and Buster Olney just didn't get it.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:23 PM)

No, that's not true. Buster absolutely got it. He totally understands Fantasy and thought he gave some great info. He was saying that Manny's stats from last year aren't a true reflection of his value - he's on the side of those who think he is in for a big year. He's been in the Fantasy Baseball commercials the last two years, he was on the podcast with Nate yesterday ... Seriously, among "non Fantasy" folks at ESPN, Buster among the MOST Fantasy Friendly...

Dan (San Jose)

In case you're wondering what the delay is, I'm currently holding both of Matthew's adorable hands.

Morpheus (Greenville):

I agree w/Humidity. Defend the Brandon Phillips ranking and I'll play your wingman for Sarah and her roommate when you get here. and trust me, you need a wingman

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:26 PM)

Only 3 players last year were 30/30. Wright, Rollins, Phillips. He plays second base. He's consistenly put up that production since being in Cincy. What's to defend?

Slap (Reality)

Sara is a dude.

Tyler (Phoenix)

Bart-Buster was great. Loved it that he didn't even have to name drop, even though Nate tried valiantly to make the joke.Good luck getting TT to give you some time.

Scott (PA)

Just ate a Cadbury Creme Egg. Thoughts?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:27 PM)

A little early.

Big Brandon (Vegas)

I have the best comments but they never get posted. I am the A-rod of this chat.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:27 PM)

This is actually true

Tyler (Phoenix, AZ)

Morpheus in Greenville-Berry doesn't do as bad as he pretends to with the ladies. Give him a good wingman and he holds his own.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:27 PM)

LOL. Private joke.

Kevin (Chapel Hill, NC )

I like that AL Tout Wars team you drafted. Looks like a stars and scrubs strategy taken to the extreme. Did your stomach get just a little queasy when you bid on (and received) Big Fat Bartolo Colon?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:31 PM)

Yeah, it's exactly what that was. You have to nail the end game in that strategy and hopefully I did that. Tried it last year, got Carlos Pena for a buck at the end and finished second. As for Big Fat Bartolo Colon, yes... But if I can get 8-10 wins out of him for a buck, all will be forgiven. And speaking of Buster, he is who told me the Red Sox are VERY high on him....

Dan - San Jose

(with sledgehammer in hand) TMR, why do you make me do this to you?

Chris (Saratoga, NY)

Lyon loses the closer role by _________ and is replaced by ___________ who gets ________ saves.

pete (columbus)

How can you preach balance and then rank Reyes ahead of rollins? Rollins beats him in every single category (by a lot) other then stolen bases... granted its 30+.. but the RBI and HR diff...

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:33 PM)

What are you talking about? I ranked Rollins ahead of Reyes. http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/baseball/flb/story?page=mlbdk2k8rankingstmranddd

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:34 PM)

Pena replaces Lyon and gets 19 saves

Dan (NJ)

Which Fantasy persons chats get the most questions asked? Im sure yours has to be up there. Do the suits monitor that sort of stuff?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:34 PM)

I believe they do monitor that stuff, yes.

Sarah (Greenville, SC)

TMR does not need a wingman in order to _________ with me and/or my roommate because ____________.

BOSS

GET BACK TO WORK!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:35 PM)

Hmmm, gonna listen to the boss folks. Thanks for stopping by!