Christopher Harris

  (11:02 AM)

Good morning, all. Baseball is here, and it should be a great day of TV...three games on the family of networks, and the last Opening Day ever at Yankee Stadium. Anyway, let's get right to the questions.....

Marc (Philly)

The word on Chad Cordero is... ?

Christopher Harris

  (11:04 AM)

The Nationals kept it quiet, but evidently their closer Cordero has "shoulder tendonitis," which of course could mean just about anything. They say he's day-to-day, but it's unclear whether this is something that suddenly cropped up because of the cold weather last night. Jon Rauch is certainly the favorite for saves in the meantime, though he didn't look good at all last night.

Trey (VA)

Got an NL only draft tonight. Is it crazy to take either Holliday or Wright instead of Hanley? Thanks.

Christopher Harris

  (11:06 AM)

Hi, Trey. Actually, I don't think it's crazy at all. In fact, in our final mixed mock draft a couple weeks ago, I drafted second and took Holliday. Wright is also a defensible pick. Then again, so is Hanley. Honestly, as I've said before, picking second is the *last* place I want to be this year, because I don't see a ton of difference between No. 2 and No. 7. Hanley obviously gives you the steals upside with more power upside than Wright, but the argument for Holliday is his crazy consistency the past two years, his home stadium, the fact that he doesn't blank you in SB (he'll get you double digit), and the fact that he seems about the safest pick on the board.

John (NY)

I bought into the Billy Butler hype machine. What can I realistically expect out of him?

Christopher Harris

  (11:08 AM)

Hi, John. It's funny, I was talking to my buddy Andy Behrens from Yahoo yesterday, and he remarked how everyone at Yahoo had fallen in love with Butler and they'd hyped him mercilessly, to the point where he was probably going to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer this year. I like Butler a lot, but he's 21, so we need a little perspective. I think he'll hit a little under .300 with 15 HR, 80 RBI. Still eminently ownable, of course.

Josh (NY)

What to do with Juan Pierre?

Christopher Harris

  (11:10 AM)

Don't draft him. Well, actually, since you're asking, Josh, I have to believe you probably already *did* draft him (which means you weren't listening to me...for shame). If you've got him in a shallow league, and there are a lot of other outfielders available, I'd go get one. Pierre might still steal 30 bases, but he doesn't do *anything* else, so I have to believe there are more valuable properties on your waiver wire. In deeper leagues? You just have to grin and bear it.

Jim (Albany NY)

Hey Chris, Can i win my 17 team league with a young rotation of Gallardo Hill Cueto Ian Kennedy Scott Baker Clay Bucholz with John Danks on my bech? thanks

Christopher Harris

  (11:12 AM)

Hi, Jim. Youth is good, though too much youth, especially starters, can really hurt your ratios (especially WHIP). Gallardo and Hill are rock-solid, in my mind. Baker won't hurt you much, because he's a control guy. Buchholz has very nice upside, obviously. Kennedy, Cueto, Danks...well, we're venturing into unknown territory. I have to believe you're going to wind up liking a few of these names, but really hating a few others. Cueto is a legit prospect, but it's a rough ballpark, and he's very young. Kennedy has a good team around him, but doesn't project as a dominant guy in terms of Ks. And Danks is a WHIP problem waiting to happen. I think you're a little young here, but I guess we'll see.....

Johnny

In a vacuum do you like Pena or Guillen?

Christopher Harris

  (11:13 AM)

Hi, Johnny. Assuming you mean the Carloses (Pena and Guillen), I like Guillen just a little more, because of his shortstop-eligibility. They're both top 50 players, in my mind.

Alan (NYC)

Baker or Westbrook for my last pitching spot this year?

Christopher Harris

  (11:14 AM)

Hi, Alan. Incredibly close. I probably say Westbrook by a hair. They're literally three spots away from one another, with Clay Buchholz and Shaun Marcum between them, on my list.

Mike (Boston)

Chris, Im predicting a breakout year for Maine and Im not especially high on Berkman, but I cant say no to a swap of these 2 if Im gettin berkman right?

Christopher Harris

  (11:14 AM)

Hi, Mike. Yeah, I think you have to take that. Berkman seems healthy, and that's all you really need to know. I like Maine in the first half a lot, but no way I like him near as much as Berkman.

Jake (VA Beach)

Ethier, Kemp, Longoria - who has the biggest break out year?

Christopher Harris

  (11:15 AM)

Hi, Jake. Kemp, no question. Longoria isn't in the majors and won't be for two months. I like Ethier fine, but he doesn't have Kemp's skill set. All the playing time worries for Kemp appear to be so much hot air. Ride him.

Pete

Do you like Cueto or Volquez better this year?

Christopher Harris

  (11:17 AM)

Hi, Pete. Maybe I'll be wrong about this in a huge way, but I just don't believe in Volquez, and I continue to think that was a bad trade, giving up Josh Hamilton for him. Listen, I've *seen* Volquez pitch in a bad pitcher's park before, and I've seen the results. Cueto has a similar pedigree, but hasn't shown me bad major-league outings yet. I'm not damning Volquez forever, but for the moment, give me Cueto.

brian (Orlando (fl))

When do you think Fields reclaimes a spot on the big league roster?

Christopher Harris

  (11:17 AM)

Hi, Brian. I don't think it happens until they trade Joe Crede, or Crede gets hurt. The latter of those two circumstances is honestly more likely to happen sooner than the former. So get our your Joe Crede voodoo doll and stab him in the back.

Alex New Orleans

What do you expect from Podsenik this year? Also, does Kershaw get called up, and what kind of impact does he have?

Christopher Harris

  (11:18 AM)

Hi, Alex. I don't expect anything from Podsednik except him being a fifth outfielder who gets some pinch running done. As for Kershaw, he was such a great story this spring. I think he'll be up before the All-Star Break, to be honest. In deeper leagues, if I have a bench, I wouldn't mind investing in him right now. He looked ready to me yesterday against the Red Sox.

Mike (Aliso Viejo, CA)

Start Gil Meche today against Detroit? H2H points league where pitchers are valuable (10pts/W, 3pts/IP, 1pts/K, -5pts/L, -1pts/Hit, -1pts/walk). Basically can't have negative points.

Christopher Harris

  (11:20 AM)

Hi, Mike. I'm probably starting him. It'll be cold, and heck, it's Opening Day. I believe there's some to be said for giving your guys (especially your No. 1 starters) a shot in the first week. Don't second-guess yourself for drafting Meche *already*. I guess in ultra-shallow leagues, you could sit him (then again, in ultra-shallow leagues, you probably shouldn't *own* him). Otherwise, take your chances.

Nick (Greenwich, CT)

Good Morning Chris! Baseball is finally here! What a great feeling I have right now! Who should be my starting DH: Giambi or Thome. I love Giambi's potential cause he's healthy right now and should get a lot of playing time. What do u think? Should I trade the other guy away?

Christopher Harris

  (11:21 AM)

Hi, Nick. Thome is still a much better bet than Giambi in my book. They're both old and injury-prone, but one is coming off a truly putrid season. I'm not saying it's impossible Giambi bounces back, and clearly you'd get more for Thome in a trade. But if you're asking me who I like more, it's Thome.

Jason (CT)

Hey Chris, how do you think both Pedro Feliz and Austin Kearns will do this year? I'm thinking Feliz is a sleeper as he played for the Giants and now is going to be in a more hitter friendly ballpark with the Phillies and batting lower in their lineup than with the Giants. With Kearns, I'm thinkin the new ballpark will help inflate his numbers a little. Your thoughts? Any stat predictions for those 2?

Christopher Harris

  (11:23 AM)

Hi, Jason. Boy, I've sure heard a lot of people get excited about Feliz this year. I don't know, I'm just not one of them. It's obviously a far better ballpark, but my concern is that he undoes whatever power goodness he gives you by hitting for a bad average. I've stayed away from him in leagues this spring, but I definitely understand the logic. As for Kearns, yes, I think he was a little undervalued in drafts this spring. He hated RFK, and should be better in the new park. I have him just outside my top 100 hitters.

Ben (NYC)

Will Sheffield get enough starts in OF to qualify as eligible in that position this year in standard ESPN leagues?

Christopher Harris

  (11:24 AM)

Hi, Ben. I honestly don't think so. They've got a lot of outfield depth, and they're looking to keep Sheff healthy. He'd like to play the field, but I don't think it'll happen much.

John (Portland, ME)

Kuroda or Burnett?

Christopher Harris

  (11:26 AM)

Hi, John. I'm *tempted* to say Kuroda. He, too, looked terrific yesterday, and has been good most of the spring, and I like him a lot. Plus I'm a detractor of Burnett's, simply because I worry he won't ever be healthy. Still, if I'm drafting one or the other, I'm still taking Burnett first. The lure of all those strikeouts is strong, indeed.

Evan (New York)

Chris, Better Waiver Wire Pickup-Micah Owings or Scott Baker? Thanks!

Christopher Harris

  (11:27 AM)

Hi, Evan. The standard joke here, of course, is "Depends on if you get to count Owings's at-bats!" Har har har. As pitchers, I have to say I like Baker a little more. Neither is without warts, but I trust Baker not to kill my WHIP a little more.

Brad (Philly)

Chris, no one is talking about Luis Castillo. I think he could have a very good season hitting No. 2 in the potent Mets lineup. If you look at his stats after his trade from the Twins last year, he put up nice stats in his two months in New York. Do you think 100 R, 30 SB, and a .300 average are realistic?

Christopher Harris

  (11:29 AM)

Hi, Brad. Honestly, I think Castillo's days of 30 steals might be behind him. 20 seems more realistic to me. Nor do I think it's likely he scores 100 runs out of the two-hole. But .300? Sure. I'll put him down for 80 R, 20 SB and .300. Still pretty good. Worth owning.

Geddy (Toronto ON)

Hey Chris - Need some speed - when does Kaz return 'fissures' and what sort of SB numbers should I expect? Thanks!

Christopher Harris

  (11:31 AM)

Matsui should only miss a couple weeks, maybe three. And he'll get you somewhere between 20 and 30 steals. Unfortunately, I worry he could head back to the land of .310 OBP (where he dwelled his entire career before last season), which might bump him out of the two-hole in Houston's lineup. I have to admit, I'm not super-high on Matsui, even as a SB-only type of option.

Brad (Philly)

Chris, how are YOU going to celebrate today's afternoon delight? Perhaps a meal of steak, waffles, and of course scotch?

Christopher Harris

  (11:32 AM)

Hi, Brad. I'm a vegetarian (which totally goes with my image, don't you think), so the steak is right out. So double my order of waffles. Um, I take that back. Double my order of scotch.

Lee (Stl)

Rotation help! Have Owings & Lester, with guys like El Duque, D-Cab, Maddux & Bannister available. No WHIP, but count losses. Any moves?

Christopher Harris

  (11:33 AM)

Hi, Lee. Without WHIP, huh? Hm. I certainly wouldn't mess with El Duque, Cabrera or Bannister. Maddux is much more tempting, but of course, much of his value comes from WHIP (no walks, that is). I guess I might consider Owings for Maddux. But I might also consider standing pat. I haven't to admit, I haven't done a close statistical analysis of pitchers in a WHIP-less league.

Bob Ma

I picked up Joba Chamberlain for the Holds strike outs era/whip - how do you see him in that role vs others

Christopher Harris

  (11:34 AM)

Hi, Bob. He stacks up great. I mean, he's going to be the man for holds in NY, at least until June. It's possible the Yanks put him in the rotation, at which time, well, he won't be getting you many holds. But yeah, I mean, he should be one of the first middle relievers taken in a Holds league.

Ed (Mission Viejo, CA)

Christopher, generally speaking do pitchers or hitters have an advantage early in the season? Who takes longer to get up to speed?

Christopher Harris

  (11:36 AM)

Hi, Ed. I haven't done the hard statistical analysis, but in cold weather, hitters typically suffer more than pitchers. They also typically say (at least the old maxim goes) that pitchers start spring training ahead of hitters, but we're a month into workouts, so I don't think that applies as much. I think in today's cold-weather games, you're more apt to see more good pitching performances than usual.

greg (toronto)

Any idea about Kazmir's situation? I got him in the 10th round of a mixed 10 team 5x5 league.

Christopher Harris

  (11:37 AM)

Hi, Greg. Scared, scared, scared. I don't know why, but I'm getting a funky vibe off the whole Kaz situation. I mean, the team just doesn't sound...honest to me. He threw this weekend and said he felt good. That's good. But this all seems like a lot for what the team still maintains was a simple hyperextension. Best-case scenarios sounds like the end of April or beginning of May, and let's just hope there's nothing more to the story.

Chris (NY)

Matt Capps finish the year as a top 10 closer?

Christopher Harris

  (11:38 AM)

Hi, Chris. Actually, I think so. I like Capps a ton this year. Obviously his team might not be very good, but Capps is someone I bought in a heck of a lot of leagues this spring.

Steve (VA)

Deep league (28 man, 10 team)..someone dropped Thomas. Pick him up?

Christopher Harris

  (11:40 AM)

Hi, Steve. Yeah, absolutely. In deeper leagues, Big Frank is a must-own. Of course, you need to make sure you're not dropping someone you like more than him. But I have Thomas down for 25 HR and 100 RBI. In deep leagues, that makes him good.

Big Joe (Hamilton, NJ)

Who has a better season: Jermaine Dye or Michael Cuddyer?

Christopher Harris

  (11:41 AM)

Hi, Big Joe. I like them both, but I like Dye a lot more. Folks seem to think he had a terrible 2007 overall, but really it was only his first half that was bad; he picked his power numbers right back up in the second half. He's two years removed from 44 dingers, and I think he's a relatively inexpensive 35 this year. Cuddyer is good, but he's not the kind of power threat Dye is.

Michael (Portland ME)

Does Chase Headley get called up this year? He's stashed on my bench.

Christopher Harris

  (11:42 AM)

Yeah, Michael, he'll get called up. A lot may depend on Jim Edmonds's health. The fact that the Padres sent down Headley to start the year sounds to me like an indication that the team thinks Edmonds will be okay pretty soon. But if Edmonds gets hurt longer-term (never a bad bet), I can't believe they'd let Headley's bat languish in Triple-A. I expect to see him up by June.

Eric (Fort Collins CO)

How much do you pay attention to BAA when deciding which hitters to start on a given day or do you just always play the best player. For example, Kubel has a .200 BAA against Jered Weaver while Dave Roberts BAA is .355 with Penny?

Christopher Harris

  (11:43 AM)

Hi, Eric. Honestly, I don't pay *that* much attention to it, unless it's a marginal case, or if it's a lefty hitter going against a super-tough lefty starter. I'm going to play the guys I drafted to be starters in most other cases.

Chris (City Riverside, State Excited)

Can I get a projection on Francouer? You da man.

Christopher Harris

  (11:44 AM)

Hi, Chris. Something like .280, 20 HR, 100 RBI sounds right to me for Frenchy this year.

Dave (Syracuse, NY)

Better bounce-back year in '08 - Damon or Wells?

Christopher Harris

  (11:45 AM)

Hi, Dave. Definitely Vernon Wells. Johnny Damon is breaking down, in my mind...he's something who can't play his regular position anymore, won't hit for as much power as he's done in the past, and he continues to be a big injury risk. Hate those leg injuries, especially for fast guys. Wells, well, that was a shoulder, and he had it repaired. I think he bounces back in a major way this year.

Big Joe (Hamilton, NJ)

Thoughts on Delmon Young...better season that last or you get what you get?

Christopher Harris

  (11:46 AM)

Hi, Joe. I think Young will be a bit better this year. He still wasn't all *that* bad in '07; he just wasn't the super-stud we all hoped he'd be right away. At the top end, I think he's a 20/20 guy already this year, with 100 RBI.

Lonesome Dave (Foghat NJ)

Got Marmol & Accardo way late in the draft. Will I be a happy owner having them this season?

Christopher Harris

  (11:47 AM)

Hi, L.D. I like Marmol more than Accardo, simply because I think he's a better pitcher. If and when Kerry Wood gets hurt (and let's face it: it's *going* to happen), I think Marmol wins the closer's job. And he's good. In deeper leagues, he'll absolutely be worth holding onto. As for Accardo, he's a fine gamble right now. He's a closer for a few weeks, and who knows what happens with B.J. Ryan? If I had to pick only one, it would probably be Marmol to have the most value by the end of the year. But they're both nice gambles.

Mark (CT)

Hey Chris, I'm in a 10 team mixed H2H league, I have two spots open for three guys (Thome, Butler, Ibanez), which guy should I cut loose? Thanks.

Christopher Harris

  (11:49 AM)

Hi, Mark. Despite the fact that he's the biggest injury risk of the three, Thome is the one who's most valuable here, just because he's got such high power potential. I have Ibanez and Butler *literally* next to one another in my hitting rankings, so I can understand why you'd have a tough time choosing between the two. I have Butler one notch higher, if that helps.

Kevin (whoville)

Got Griffey Jr. way late in a draft this year....does he have anything left? What are your projections on him?

Christopher Harris

  (11:50 AM)

Hi, Kevin. Griffey's fine if he's healthy. .280/20/80-ish? The biggest worry you have is that he'll break down.....

dethoramous (Beaumont, Ca)

so even in the closer role you expect wood to get hurt?

Christopher Harris

  (11:50 AM)

I do, I do.

Tom (Trenton, NJ)

Hello Chris - I took Delgado over Swisher as my CI. Please tell me I made the right move.

Christopher Harris

  (11:51 AM)

Hi, Tom. Don't hate me. I like Swisher more. And I'm *not* a huge Swisher lover. I just worry about Delgado ossifying before our very eyes. Swisher's average probably won't be scads better than Delgado's, but I think he'll have more pop this year. Sorry.

Scott (NH)

AL-only happy feet? Ellsbury, C. Gomes, or J. Owens. Please rank! Many thanks!

Christopher Harris

  (11:53 AM)

OK, time to make Red Sox fans hate me. I'm picking Gomez out of that group. Ellsbury should be a really interesting story this year; I'm just not a huge believer in his bat yet. I don't think his fantasy owners are going to get their wish: I don't think he's hitting leadoff. And the Twins say Gomez is. Owens is third in this horse race....

Joe (Chicago)

Would you rather have Varitek or Chris Snyder?

Christopher Harris

  (11:54 AM)

Hi, Joe. I'd take Snyder, though I don't love either. I've been saying all spring that Varitek is one of the most overrated guys in fantasy right now...he's *not* a top 10 fantasy catcher, even if he *is* a top 10 real-life catcher because of his receiving and pitch-calling skills. (I know, I sound like a Boston basher. I'm a Sox fan, I swear.)

Chris (NJ)

Hi Chris: Great name you have!!! I dropped Pierre of Andrew Jones in a shallow league. Good pickup?

Christopher Harris

  (11:54 AM)

Very good, Chris.

Gary (sf, ca)

Ramon Hernandez or Dioner Navarro?

Christopher Harris

  (11:55 AM)

Hi, Gary. It's gotta be Hernandez. He's certainly injury-prone, and his team is probably worse than Navarro's, but he's done it before. Navarro isn't really a fantasy option except in deep AL-only leagues.

greg (toronto)

I know you just said that Accardo is a worse bet than Marmol, but the Jays have handled injuries very poorly and usually try to rush their guys back and it rarely has good results.

Christopher Harris

  (11:56 AM)

Yeah, I hear you, Greg. I guess we won't know until we know. Y'know? I'm saying that right now, I still think Ryan will eventually wind up being the closer, but that's based more on feel than anything. You're absolutely right that Ryan having a setback isn't good news for him. (Which is why in any league where I drafted one of those Jays relievers, I made sure to draft the other.) I guess what I really mean is that I think Marmol is the superior pitcher.

Pat (Denver, CO)

Which starter to round out my pitching staff? Kiroda, D-Train, or Garland?

Christopher Harris

  (11:57 AM)

Hi, Pat. I've seen a bunch of Dontrelle Willis questions, just haven't been able to get to any of them yet, so let me use this question to talk about him. I'm down on the D-Train. He was never the same after throwing 236 innings in his age 23 season, and he's been awful this spring. The ballpark isn't going to help him; he was already in a good pitcher's park. His control has gotten a lot worse over the last couple years, and he walked 15 in 16 2/3 IP this spring. Yikes. I like Kuroda best of the three guys you mention, by the way.

Nick (Sioux Falls)

Do you like Hill or Theriot better for a middle infielder spot?

Christopher Harris

  (11:58 AM)

Hi, Nick. I like Hill more.

Tom Redmond,Williamsburg,VA

What do you think about Joey Galright as a sleeper.

Christopher Harris

  (11:58 AM)

I think in AL-only leagues, he's a good sleeper, but in mixed, there are better options out there.

Tom Tuttle (Tacoma)

What's your take on Brian Wilson? 28-30 saves with decent peripherals or struggle to hold the job?

Christopher Harris

  (11:59 AM)

Hi, Tom. Maybe a little bit of both? I think he'll save 25 to 30, but I think his WHIP is always going to be a problem. 1.4 maybe?

Nate (Minneapolis)

North Carolina or Kansas?

Christopher Harris

  (11:59 AM)

I picked Carolina in that game a couple weeks ago, so I guess I have to stick with 'em here.

Chuck Cedar (Library)

My Best Freind Hates me!

Christopher Harris

  (11:59 AM)

I'm very sorry to hear that.

Dave (CT)

What do you think of Corey Patterson as a sleeper?

Christopher Harris

  (12:01 PM)

I think he's fine, especially in NL-only leagues. Let's face it, when he plays, he runs. That's all we really need out of him, and right now he's the Reds' starting center fielder, at least against righties. Still, there are a lot of people out there who've been fooled by this guy's bat. I'm not investing heavily, but as a sleeper, sure.

Wilson (LA)

Over/under 22 starts for Harden?

Christopher Harris

  (12:01 PM)

Eesh. I guess I'm going to say under. I hope it's not the case, but let's face it, he's never exactly given us cause for confidence.

al (DC)

are you drinking the kool aid on lester?

Christopher Harris

  (12:02 PM)

Hi, Al. Absolutely not. He's a nibbler of the highest order, facing a ton of hitters per IP. His command just isn't there, and he looks like a guy who'll still average about a walk every two IP. His WHIP will be a killer: 1.50. Great story health-wise, but honestly, for this year, I wouldn't put him anywhere near my top 60. Closer to 100.

Brad(NM)

Do you see another disgusting year out of the most overpaid pitcher, Barry Zito?

Christopher Harris

  (12:03 PM)

ERA around 4, WHIP around 1.4, 12 wins, 200 innings, 140 K. Yeah, that's Zito. Pretty disgusting.

Kevin (whoville)

Jorge Cantu...thoughts? projections?

Christopher Harris

  (12:04 PM)

If he lasts as a regular, he can hit you 20 dingers, but I don't think he'll last as a regular. He's just so defensively challenged. Eventually, I think he splits time with Amezaga at third for Florida.

Ben (DC)

Snell's second start or Rich Hill this week?

Christopher Harris

  (12:04 PM)

Hi, Ben. Does it have to be one or the other? Bummer. I like them both a ton. I guess give me Snell. But gr. I want both.

mike(chi)

what is your take on alexi ramirez? Thanks

Christopher Harris

  (12:05 PM)

Well, it looks like he's starting in center with Jerry Owens out, so he'll have some short-term value. But the fact that he didn't win the starting 2B job certainly hurts his value. I'm in wait-and-see mode on him.

Mike (CO)

Zimmerman, the over/under on 30 HRs and why. Thanks!

Christopher Harris

  (12:07 PM)

Hi, Mike. I like Zimmerman, but I'd have to say 25 is more likely. I know the new park helps, and clearly, he's got one after last night. But the wrist injury? Will it linger? 30 could be close. I'm going just under.

Cole (GA)

Hank Blalock...thoughts/projections?

Christopher Harris

  (12:08 PM)

Hi, Cole. I'm a sucker, I'm buying Blalock. He's a tease, but if the rib surgery helped his medical problems, he's a really undervalued guy. He's owned in about three-quarters of ESPN leagues, but he's the cleanup hitter for the Texas Rangers, even against lefties. He could drive in 100 from that spot. I'd buy.

greg (toronto)

How likely is it for Dunn to hit in the .260s or better this season?

Christopher Harris

  (12:09 PM)

Mm. Not very. I think .250 is his ceiling.

Ron (Toronto, ON)

Projections for Mclouth this season? Over 20 HR?

Christopher Harris

  (12:10 PM)

No, I don't think so, Ron. If you're owning McLouth it's a lot more likely you're owning him for speed. 20 SB is a lot more likely in my mind.

Brad (Philly)

Chris, you should continue chatting throughout the day. Live, during all the afternoon delight games. I'm begging you, I have NOTHING to do at work!

Christopher Harris

  (12:11 PM)

Alas, Brad, the way they have these chat rooms set up, they evaporate in like seven minutes (at about 12:15 ET). I'm assuming someone somewhere has the ability to set up a room that doesn't go away time-sensitively, but I'm at home in Massachusetts, not down in Bristol, so I don't have anyone I can ask. Sorry.....

Christopher Harris

  (12:11 PM)

(But I appreciate the sentiment.)

Mike (CO)

So do you like Rauch or Pena better in terms of save potential this year?

Christopher Harris

  (12:12 PM)

Hi, Mike. I'd have to say probably Pena by a smidge. I trust Cordero (if he's healthy) more than Brandon Lyon. Of course, that could change if the trade market for Cordero winds up being hot this summer, because Rauch would be the guy no questions asked in that case.

Homer (Sector 7G)

Actually, my afternoon is open also, if you wouldn't mind hanging around for another 4 or 5 hours

Christopher Harris

  (12:12 PM)

Doh!

Harris(NYC)

Scott Moore or Morgan Ensberg in depp AL only 5x5?

Christopher Harris

  (12:13 PM)

With Gibbons gone in Baltimore, I think Moore is your guy.

Bob, NJ

Bottom line: Haren or Verlander

Christopher Harris

  (12:13 PM)

Verlander's No. 6 on my list, and Haren is No. 9. Both are great; I like Verlander just a little more this year.

Brad (Philly)

Well, then at least give me something to do this afternoon at work. Perhaps research the Joey Votto's BABIP and whether it is statistically significant in comparison to his VORP?

Christopher Harris

  (12:14 PM)

Heh. I have to write the Big Rotowski this afternoon. And I think I just found my topic!

Rick (NYC)

Projections for Greinke? Is he going to meet the hype from early on in his career?

Christopher Harris

  (12:15 PM)

I like Greinke a lot this year even in mixed leagues. He's only owned in about half of ESPN.com leagues right now. I think his ERA will be below 4, and his WHIP will skirt near 1.2. Of course, his wins are likely to be limited, and he's not going to strike out more than 150, but he's way more good than bad.

Brad (Philly)

How about I write the Big Rotowski and you sit at my desk and stare blankly at the wall until 5 pm. Deal?

Christopher Harris

  (12:15 PM)

No deal. I love my job.

Christopher Harris

  (12:16 PM)

All right, gang. Unfortunately, at 12:15 this interface disappears for me, so I'm going to have to call it a chat. I'm really greatful, as always, for the interest, and I promise I go as fast as I can...there are just way more questions than I can answer. But I promise to try and do better the next time, and as always, I'm really thankful for your time. I wouldn't get to do this job without your interest, so thank you very much. Have a great week.