Keith Lipscomb

  (3:00 PM)

Good afternoon everyone! I'm sure you're all giddy about Johnny Cueto's outstanding debut today, but try to keep it in check if you can. What do you have today?

Jay-LA

Got the #1 Waiver...Gallardo and Cueto are available...convince me I shouldn't choose Cueto over the current DL'd Gallardo

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:02 PM)

Well, there's no question Cueto's going to be a hot item in all leagues now, if he wasn't before. But remember, this is only one start, albeit a dazzling one. Rookies, even the best ones, have rough patches, too. I would still take Gallardo, because he's shown over a greater number of major league starts that he can handle his business, and he did it in the minors as well, so I still go with Gallardo.

Jason (Atlanta)

Keith, I know patience is key early in the season, but it's hard to not get carried away with the highs and lows...any tips to get through this period?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:05 PM)

Jason, the reason I preach patience is because baseball is such a long season, players almost always come back to earth when they start of scorching or get their act together eventually after a sluggish start. I know, it's not easy. But it doesn't mean you can't be active on the waiver wire. This is when you can possibly get that Albert Pujols before he blows up completely. So, if you've got a player on your roster you're not all that high on to start with, then most certainly look to upgrade with an emerging talent like a Cueto. I just don't think you go and drop a strong starting pitcher for him straight up all because of one outing.

Jake (Long Beach)

Talk me down - I've got Morneau and Soriano just killing my Avg. Will it be okay? Also, start McGowan tonight (might have flu and against yankees)?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:07 PM)

Just a couple games, man. Those are two great options and it'll be cool. As far as McGowan goes, though, we have yet to see anything cross the wires updating his condition, but if I do during this chat, I'll make sure to get it to you, OK?

Lee

do you think al thornton will maintain his value even with brand back?...

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:08 PM)

I do think he'll maintain his value, although you know he can be streaky, so 20-10 won't be a regular occurrence anyway. But as long as the Clips remain banged up, Thornton is one of their top 3 offensive options.

Bill (Miami)

After today's lights out Cueto performance, how do you think his fellow rookie Edison Volquez will fare. Should I have one over the other or stockpile both these talents?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:11 PM)

Well, it's funny because last week I was asked which Reds youngster I'd rather have for this season and I went with Volquez, mainly because of the fact that he took his lumps last season and might be able to handle the inevitable failure that begets young pitchers. I'm not willing to let one outing change my thought, because I want to see how Cueto handles adversity and when he actually has to pitch with runners on base, etc. I usually like to give it at least a handful of starts before I change my mind.

Marsh (St. Louis)

Brad Thompson throwing a gem today, should he be picked up in deeper leagues?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:15 PM)

He's not known for missing bats, and I don't think the Cards will be great this season, but he could be worth a late-round pick. Just don't expect a great WHIP or strikeout total...and an ERA in the upper 4s.

Sean (LA)

Hey Keith- I picked up Ethier when I heard he had the starting gig. Milledge and Nady are available. With Grady, Wells and Hamilton in my OF, who of those three will help my h2h team. Thanks

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:17 PM)

Well, I wouldn't play any of those three over Sizemore, Wells or Hamilton, but if you're looking for a 4th outfielder, I think Milledge is worth taking over the Ethier and Nady, because of the possible reward. He's going to play everyday in Washington and bat at the top of the lineup.

Bill (Hilton Head)

Is Ankiel for real?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:19 PM)

I really think he is. He's a really good athlete, who I think is going to grow into a mature hitter quickly. He's got undeniable power and I don't think that .285 from last year is all that far off from what he'll hit this season...I think .275 is more likely, but he's a threat to hit 30 homers.

Bryan (TX)

Keith, please pick 1 out of: Marcum, Blackburn, Joe Saunders, or Brian Bannister?? 12 team keeper league, based on points.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:21 PM)

I'll take Marcum, with Saunders next. I think the back end of the Angels' rotation is a bit underrated and will keep them afloat as long as Lackey isn't out any longer than expected. But I think Marcum is a better option overall, because I like his strikeout potential more and the Jays should give him enough support as well.

Mike (Boston)

Keith, better bench warmer (12-team mixed): Either, Kearns, or Cameron? Along with Cuddyer, they'd be my 4th/5th OF.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:23 PM)

If you can wait for Cameron to return from suspension, I like the steals he can bring you, provided you can take the hit on the average.

Buckets - Chicago

Is there an Outfielder out there that you are surprised is not more widely owned and should be?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:26 PM)

I noticed the other day that Carlos Gomez was owned in only 7 percent of ESPN leagues, and while that's likely increased after his 2 steals on Opening Day, I'm sure his ownership still isn't where it should be. He's really fast, but raw offensively. If he can hold onto the job, I can't see how he doesn't steal at least 30 bags.

Paul T. (Cincinnati)

Keith, I was disappointed in Gorzelanny and grabbed Greinke this morning and plugged him into my lineup. Not a bad 1st start for him this year against a tough Tigers lineup. Is this a sign of things to come or just one good outing? Is he a regular starter or should I just spot start him from here on out?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:28 PM)

Greinke has always had the talent, but it's just been other factors that have kept him from succeeding at this level. He did look sharp today and I expect him to build on last season. I'm not sure about the rest of your rotation, but I'd ride him until he gives you pause.

Jake (Long Beach)

Do you consider Parra a safe pickup (especially for Saturday against Giants)?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:29 PM)

I like Parra and against a soft Giants lineup, he should fare well. But it's the first start of the season, so you never know what's going to happen. But I definitely think he's worth grabbing for Saturday's start.

Jack (Chicago)

Roster Management question for you: Would you rather have a backup for all you position players on the bench, or guys with a lot of upside hoping for a breakout. Right now I have Conor Jackson on my bench(he and blalock share time at IF) as well as 2/3 of ethier, pierre, and j upton. Smart move to get Bengie molina, mark derosa and stephen drew or stick with upside? thanks

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:32 PM)

I'm not sure how deep your league is, but if there are players comparable to Molina, DeRosa and Drew available on your waiver wire, then why not shoot for the upside and/or category helpers then, if you need to grab one of the aforementioned guys due to injury, they'll still be there.

Brian (Chicago)

Jeff Keppinger looks really good... Is he good enough to drop Johnny Peralta for?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:33 PM)

Keppinger will hit for a better average than Peralta, but Peralta will hit for more power, drive in more runs and has an everyday job for sure. It's possible Keppinger won't have a starting gig when Alex Gonzalez returns, so I'd hang onto Peralta.

Jack (Pitt)

Innings limit - keep maddux as my 5th pitcher or pick up ervin and only start him at home? Thanks!

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:36 PM)

That's a good question, Jack...and hey, did you see how Santana pitched today on the road? That's progress, my man. OK, it's one start, but good to see. While some would go with the veteran, I'd go with Santana and hope that he's finding his way...and even if he's only good at home, you've still got use for him, especially as good as he's been at home.

Joe (Billings, MT)

Will Pierre get enough ABs to be valuable or should I drop him for Carlos Gomez?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:39 PM)

This is an interesting question, too, Joe. I think Joe Torre will find ways to get his 4 OFs enough playing time to keep them happy. That being said, since Pierre's main value is in stolen bases, he's not as valuable if he's only going to get 400-450 at-bats instead of the 650-700 he's used to getting. It's so early that I'd be inclined to hold off for now, just to see how things shake out in the Dodgers outfield. All it takes is a trade or injury for Pierre to become a definite everyday option again.

Stace (Clev.)

Who would you select to Spot start, with the possibility of hanging onto? Volquez, Parra, or Villenueva? Thanks!

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:41 PM)

For me, it would be between the Brewers' starters. Villanueva has the most experience, but Parra is the better prospect, so if you're just spot-starting them, why not go with upside and take Parra? Then, if he bombs out, it was worth the gamble and you can move on. But if he pulls a Cueto-like performance, you'll be fielding trade offers like mad, at the very least.

Sal (Norwalk CT)

Whats wrong with H.Street? Should I kick him to the curb?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:43 PM)

I'm not concerned with Street, Sal. Closers' struggles are magnified because of the small set we have to analyze them. He's never allowed more than 5 homers in any season, so I'm not about to let the two he's allowed so far scare me away. And I haven't heard of any physical issues, so I'll stick with him.

Craig (PA)

Is Y. Betancourt just on a hot streak or can he keep this up? Is he a better MI than Ellis?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:45 PM)

It's just a few days, so yeah, Betancourt is hot right now. I like Ellis more fantasy-wise. More pop, which makes up for the slight difference they'll have in BA.

Chris (Orlando)

Someone dropped Joba, and now I have to decide between him and Cueto for my waiver, who do you like?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:47 PM)

How patient can you be, Chris? I like Joba a great deal, but he obviously doesn't have a starting gig. Let's not lose sight that Cueto may not have a better outing this season and that he has to pitch in that ballpark many more times. If you can wait until one of the older Yankee starters goes down and Joba gets inserted into the rotation, I like Joba more.

Lee

wow, now marion is out for the year too...who is a good pick up at pf/c in miami?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:49 PM)

Do you REALLY have to have someone from Miami's frontcourt? I really don't recommend anyone, but if you had to pick a guy they might try to see more of it's Joel Anthony, who has rebounded well and has 10 blocks in his past two games.

Chris (Orlando)

I just offered Jim Thome for Felix Hernandez. It would help my pitching and allow me to get Fukudome into a starting spot in my lineup. Is this a good deal for me?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:51 PM)

Well, I certainly like Felix this season and while Thome still has some bullets left in the gun, if you can handle losing his homer/RBI contributions to upgrade your staff, I think that could be a very good deal for you. Just don't expect Fukudome to be a huge run producer like Thome. He's more of a 15-18 homer guy by most accounts.

Rob (State College)

Keith - Thanks for helping throughout the hoops season!! Winning a couple of leagues with your chat help! As for baseball, who would you nominate as your top 5 holds guys? Our league uses holds as a category and I'd like to bury the opposition first while they try and sort out the options...

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:56 PM)

Holds aren't necessarily as easy to predict as they may seem, since some regular holds guys could be called upon to close if the big man goes down. Heath Bell was a monster last season and he should continue to do that this season. Rafael Betancourt is obviously a strong option in Cleveland's solid pen. Guys like Jon Rauch and Jonathan Broxton would be great options, but they are next in line for saves (in fact, Rauch already has been pressed into duty, of course). Others I like real quick would be Okajima, Shields, Pena (ARI). That's just a quickie list. Good luck!

Pete (ny)

Quick question, Nady or McLouth. 12 Team 6 player Keeper league. Thanks Keith.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:57 PM)

Definitely McLouth for me. I think we all know what Nady can do, and while he has value, I don't expect him to do anymore than he has before. McLouth, on the other hand, can help in more categories and has plenty of room to grow.

Dan (baltimore)

If you had to drop a RP, would you drop neshek, turnbow or qualls? Holds is a stat category in our league.

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:00 PM)

Qualls, if I had to pick one, just because there are so many other options in the D-backs' pen...How could I forget Neshek, by the way, in the earlier holds question? A stud.

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:01 PM)

By the way, still no update from our news desk on the McGowan-Marcum possible switch tonight. I'm sure ESPN.com and ESPNEWS will have you covered if something breaks in the next hour or two, though.

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:02 PM)

I'll grab one more before I run.

mike (DC)

greinke or jered weaver?

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:04 PM)

I still like Weaver more than Greinke for this season, although it's very close for me. Greinke will strikeout more hitters, but I think Weaver should win more games.

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:05 PM)

All right everyone, lots of questions this week and I'm sorry I couldn't get to more. We'll do it again next week!