ESPN

Jason Grey

  (3:03 PM)

Hey guys, a lot of questions already - let's get to it...

Bill (Austin, Texas)

My outfielders are Justin Upton, Jeremy Hermida, Delmon Young, Fukudome, Brad Hawpe and Matt Kemp. Are any of these guys worth dropping for Corey Patterson? I own Ryan Howard and Jose Reyes so I should have homers and steals covered but I'm always looking to improve. Thanks and I enjoy your columns

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

The name that jumps out to me is Kemp, only because who knows what Torre is up to as far as playing time? They are both power/speed combos, but one is playing every day and the other is not. However, that said, I think Patterson is more valuable than Fukudome over the balance of the season, so if you want to hang on to Kemp's potential - that is the way to go.

Dan (Brooklyn, NY)

Quick one for you - for my utility slot, drop Andruw Jones for Mark Reynolds?? Is his break out for real?

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

I'll write more about it later this week, but I am NOT an Andruw Jones fan right now, so crazy as it sounds to some, yeah, I'm on the Reynolds bandwagon for the moment.

john

Should i start Kyle kendrick against an unpredictable mets offense?

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

I'm not a Kendrick fan this year, so I probably don't use him unless I have to. If I miss lightning in a bottle for one start, so be it.

Matt (CT)

What are your thoughts on Justin Upton? I'm in a 12 team head-to-head, and also have Victorino, Billy Butler, Kearns, Corey Hart for OFs. Should I drop Upton for pitching depth?

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

I'm pretty sure I keep Upton as some insurance, and I'd be playing him over Kearsn at the moment.

Hasan (Bath, NY)

Would you trade jose reyes and andy pettitte for miggy cabrera and howie kendrick.

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

Yes.

John(Kalamazoo, MI)

I am in a league with a bunch of White Sox fans who are constantly offering me trades for Nick Swisher. My lineup is great, but my pitching staff is weak. What level of pitcher is worth acceping a trade for swisher?

Jason Grey

  (3:05 PM)

Expect him to hit around .260 with 30 HR. That's worth around $10 in 12-team mixed league. If someone is offering James Shields or something like that, I'd take it.

Mike (NYC)

Unless a top C slips, I always fill that position at the end of the draft. This year, in a limited moves league (20 for the year), I have R. Hernandez, but Doumit is available--worth the pickup, considering I can't do much rotating in this league?

Jason Grey

  (3:05 PM)

Hernandez has more certain playing time, and it's probably not enough of a difference between the two to warrant a move. You would probably want to save a lot of those moves for rotating pitchers in and out.

Matt (Houston,TX)

Two injured closers - Putz and Rodriguez. Which one would you try to trade for now that their value has gone down?

Jason Grey

  (3:06 PM)

Probably Putz, only because I worry when pitchers talk about having to change their deliveries to compensate for other injuries, as K-Rod has, and the drop in velocity is a concern.

Brian (Michigan)

Hey Jason, I know it's apples and oranges but for a utility/bench spot please rank the following: Keppinger, Broussard, Mike Jacobs. Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (3:06 PM)

Keppinger, Jacobs, Broussard.

Rochester, ny

Do I drop Danks/cuddyer when he comes off dl, FA include Hermida, McClouth

Jason Grey

  (3:06 PM)

Can't say about Danks b/c I don't know the rest of your pitching staff, but dropping Cuddyer for McLouth is a move I would do. Roughly ame power potential, more speed with McLouth.

Chad: Albertville, MN

is this a good trade? Brandon Phillips and Corey Hart for Ryan Zimmerman and Uggla.

Jason Grey

  (3:06 PM)

For the team getting Phillips and Hart, sure is. In 12-team mixed, Zimmerman and Uggla project to earn $20-$25 between the two of them, Hart and Phillips could earn $15-$20 more. It's not that close.

Colby (Boise, ID)

Please Catcher help. Do I stick with Snyder of AZ, or go Doumit, Napoli, Yads Molina, B. Molina?

Jason Grey

  (3:06 PM)

I still like Snyder over the long haul, given Doumit's injury history and the fact they have a capable backup. I'm sticking with Snyder in all the leagues where I have him.

Matt (Lewes, DE)

What are your thoughts on starting Dave Bush against the Reds and Josh Fogg?

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

Trying to get a snapshot of one game is always tricky, but I generally like my chances when Josh Fogg is on the other side.

Gil (Portsmouth, NH)

I'm in a 9x9 keeper league, and my pitching staff is a mess (Gallardo my ace, Snell, McGowan, Wainwright and Buchholz are the others). Would it make sense to punt saves (only one category out of nine) so I can get more starters and fill up the other categories (Wins, Innings, ERA, WHIP, Ks, TB, K/BB, CG)?

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

The more categories, the easier it is to punt one, so in a 9x9 with those categories, I wouldn't hesitate to punt saves and load up on nothing but starting pitchers.

Red, Point Place, WI

am i set at SP with Dice-K, Felix Hernandez, shields, and either lincecum, gallardo, mcgowan or owings as my 4th, or should i try to package 2 of the above for a guy like webb or sabathia?

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

I'd wait a bit before doing a move like that, that pitching staff should shape up to be quite nice, with some good depth. I might see what a McGowan and Owings package might fetch.

Larry; Appleton, WI

hey Jason need your advice here... which of the following would you start at DH in a qo man 5x5 league? fukudome, mclouth, conor jackson, or johnny damon? should i base it on matchups or stick with one of the above? thanks

Jason Grey

  (3:08 PM)

Hard to go against McLouth at the moment, perhaps spotting Conor Jackson at times.

Steve, Long Island, NY

Hey Jason, would you trade miguel cabrera straight up for a pitcher like peavy or webb if you had the opportunity to?

Jason Grey

  (3:08 PM)

Not this early in the season. I wait and see how my pitching shapes up first, and then if I need to start managing my pitching categories around midseason I'll start dealing offense. You never know which pitchers might come through to make your staff stronger than you thought, but top bats are gold. I do it if I need to later in the season, but it's too early to make that call in my opinion.

Kevin (Louisville)

Jason, Great to see you at ESPN. How would you rank these waiver wire pitchers in a standard 12 team mixed league: Bonser, Blackburn, Villanueva, Jurrjens, W. Rodriquez.

Jason Grey

  (3:08 PM)

Blackburn (if Slowey is out he will stick in the rotation even when Liriano returns -- otherwise his spot might have been in jeopardy, so check the Slowey news after he throws today -- he might go on the DL), and then the rest in your order. I like Blackburn the most out of that entire group, but he has the most tenuous hold on a rotation job out of all of them, for what that's worth.

James (CO)

Is Ellsbury a player to stick with? I was offered Melky Cabrera for him is it a trade to accept?

Jason Grey

  (3:08 PM)

I stick with Jacoby.

Jason

Will Howard turn it around?

Jason Grey

  (3:09 PM)

Yes. If he hit like this for two weeks in July nobody would notice.

Kyle (PA)

Can you ellaborate on the statement 'I am on the Reynolds bandwagon for the moment'. Do you not expect him to remain starter worthy? Understandibly he wont keep up this pace.

Jason Grey

  (3:10 PM)

Just tempering expectations. Do I think he will lead the NL in homers? No. Do I want him on my team? Yes. This isn't Chris Shelton all over again.

Brad (Philly)

Hey Jason, nice work so far in the AL-only Tout Wars league. I was wondering, how does someone get into the Major League Baseball Scouting Bureau's Scout Development program?

Jason Grey

  (3:12 PM)

I don't even really start to look at the standings of any non-head to head league until May....I wish I had a better answer for you, but the bottom line is you have to have a major league team sponsor you, so you need to have a connection with a team. However, you try to make that happen is up to you. Try catching up with a scout at a minor league game and go from there.

Nate

Soria is top 10 RP!

Jason Grey

  (3:13 PM)

Actually, this is not news nor a surprise. Look at last year's numbers. They weren't a fluke.

Jason Grey

  (3:14 PM)

Francis slightly ahead of Owings.

William (Denver)

Which prospect to sit on my bench in a keeper league: Evan Longoria or Chase Headley?

Jason Grey

  (3:15 PM)

Longoria - better upside, potentially quicker route to playing time.

Matt

Do you think Snell's 10k performance is a sign of things to come?

Jason Grey

  (3:17 PM)

More of a sign of things already here - he did strike out 177 last year. The question is will he fade a bit in the second half again? Will his stamina stay strong? That's not a question for right now. Enjoy the ride.

Steve (Portland)

How will Tulowitzki turn out this season?

Jason Grey

  (3:17 PM)

As good a season as last year or better.

Cody Philly

Jason, would you drop Bay for Pence someone just dropped him? Thanks

Jason Grey

  (3:17 PM)

I take Pence over Bay.

Gary (NY)

Is it time to give up on Chris Snyder? He had a good second half last year and a good spring training. But he can't seem to get the ball out of the infield. Will he lose his job when Miguel Montero gets back?

Jason Grey

  (3:18 PM)

Patience. He'll be fine and Montero is a bit overrated.

Danny (Cleveland)

Is this Mclouth's break out year? Better numbers than Hart or Victorino going forward?

Jason Grey

  (3:18 PM)

No on Hart, potentially on Victorino - less speed but more power.

dave(ny)

Will johnny cueto be this good all year?

Jason Grey

  (3:19 PM)

I think he's fine for now, I might be a bit concerned about second half stamina, but that's about it. Skills are for real.

JR (Denver)

Luke Scott, think he keeps it up? Worth an add, drop Kuble for him?

Jason Grey

  (3:20 PM)

Addressed this in my last clipboard, I'd take him over Kubel, Scott is a viable mixed league option, at least for reserve.

Gary (sf, ca)

What's happened to Chad Billingsley?

Jason Grey

  (3:21 PM)

Have to save this one for the next clipboard, but a preview is in my "out of the box" free column this morning under "box score bits"

travis wallingford, CT

is rocco baldelli worth keeping?

Jason Grey

  (3:21 PM)

No.

matt (philly)

Help us put a value on Cueto. I got offered Atkins straight up. Worth it??

Jason Grey

  (3:22 PM)

Depends who Atkins replaces at third. What is the extent of the third base upgrade. You can't consider it in a vacuum.

Brad (Toledo)

Jason, You like Mark Reynolds enough to drop Troy Glaus?

Jason Grey

  (3:22 PM)

I take Reynolds over Glaus. Similar player, younger, better health history.

Adam (Maine)

How long do I hold on to Josh Fields? Could really use the spot and I've already got Salty wasting away on my bench in the minors.

Jason Grey

  (3:23 PM)

I'd hang on to Fields over Salty for this season.

Sal (CT)

Not getting a great vibe on Russell Martin this year. Do you think he will perform as well as last year?

Jason Grey

  (3:24 PM)

I think he'll be fine, but I was never expecting the same stolen base numbers - maybe .295 15 hr 12 sb, something like that.

Rick(CA)

Cueto and A.Hill for Cano? Fair deal?

Jason Grey

  (3:25 PM)

Hill is only worth a few bucks less than Cano, so no.

Xavier (Seattle)

I know its early to panic, but I'm worried about Gorzellany. Soreness at the ned of lasy year, and shoulder soreness this spring. Cause for panic given his terrible outing? Drop him for Westbrook, Parra or Villanueva?

Jason Grey

  (3:26 PM)

I share the concerns, and probably take any of those pitchers over him. We'll have to see how the Brewers rotation shakes out, but Parra has the most upside.

Chris (Chicopee, MA)

Quick Keeper League Advice:Kevin Kouzmanoff or Mark Reynolds in a league that counts OPS and K's?

Jason Grey

  (3:27 PM)

Kouzmanoff in that format.

joe (dc)

Manny Parra worth a flyer? Or will he lose his spot?

Jason Grey

  (3:28 PM)

Yes, worth a flyer. He shouldn't, but teams do strange things sometimes.

Nick (Greenwich, CT)

Hey Jason! Welcome to the chats. Do u have any sleeper spot starts today...I like Germano against the Giants? Anyone else?

Jason Grey

  (3:29 PM)

Hmmm, Gabbard against the O's maybe? I'm not sure Greinke or Lester qualify as sleepers.

Sam (San Diego)

How long should this jammed finger keep Kendrick out of the lineup?

Jason Grey

  (3:30 PM)

It would shock me if he's not back in there by the weekend.

Daryl (NY, NY)

What do you think of Kenji Jojhima's early struggles? With the early play of Kurt Suzuki, would you advise on droping Kenji for Kurt?

Jason Grey

  (3:31 PM)

Johjima still has the better upside. Could still hit .280 with 15-17 homers.

Ubaldo (CO)

David Murphy, just added him. I know his average will come back to earth but how do you see his season shaping out?

Jason Grey

  (3:32 PM)

He's a fourth outfielder at best having a hot run. Ride it while you can.

Brian (Philadlephia, PA)

Hey Jason! Only 10 minutes to game time...start Kuroda vs. D-Backs today?

Jason Grey

  (3:33 PM)

Tough matchup and I want to err on the side of caution and see Kuroda do it again first. If I miss a great outing, so be it.

Mike (boston)

Hold or Sell Sheff? Final stat proj?

Jason Grey

  (3:34 PM)

I think Sheff's trade value is better than his value for your team. I could totally see .260 with 18 HR, which is not what most are expecting.

Sal (NJ)

In a league where I need speed, both Taveras and Pierre were dropped. Who is best to pickup for a 5th OF spot?

Jason Grey

  (3:34 PM)

Taveras. More certain PT

Jay

I just got offered Markakis for Aramis Rameriez. I have Zimmerman to fill in with Burrel Tavaras and Crawford in OF. What do you think?

Jason Grey

  (3:34 PM)

I take Markakis whenever I can get him.

Matt (philly)

Help.. I only have 7 minutes to decide! Start Bay or Loney today? I am already hopelessly behind in average, but competitive in other categories.

Jason Grey

  (3:35 PM)

Loney.

Rick (NY)

Jason, mi amigo! OF Bourn, Ellsbury and Victorino which one would you drop for Gallardo? I'm thinking Ellsbury. Can't find a trade partner.

Jason Grey

  (3:35 PM)

As long as Crisp is around and everyone is healthy there I can't argue.

John (Charlottesville)

Are you siding with caution when it comes to Owings as well?

Jason Grey

  (3:37 PM)

Good question. No. Owings has shown he can do it in the bigs. Kuroda has had one start. Let's see what happens. I may be wrong, but if I continue to use a sound reasoning process, in the long run I think I'll be right more often than wrong. MAke your decisions the same way every time, and hopefully the odds work out in your favor.

Aaron Hill

how good am I? My numbers have progressively gotten better through my career. Im do for at least 20 HR's and a 300+ average right?

Jason Grey

  (3:38 PM)

Well, you're no Russ Adams.Seriously, I'm a big fan.

Mike (Irvine, CA)

I have Lyon. Worth it to drop Fukudome or Andrew Jones to pick up Tony Pena? I have solid OFs and closers.

Jason Grey

  (3:38 PM)

Might not be Pena. Chad Qualls lurks as well.

Jason Grey

  (3:39 PM)

Might not be Pena. Chad Qualls lurks as well.

Erik (ATL)

Jason, tell John in Charlottesville that Owings is the real deal. He's not going to give you ace numbers every outing, but he's going to have a good season as the #3 or #4 in the D-Backs rotation.

Jason Grey

  (3:39 PM)

Arizona is where I live, so I've seen a lot of Owings and I agree. Solid.

joe (philly)

is yunel escobar a good pickup?

Jason Grey

  (3:40 PM)

Compared to who? Dropping who? These are the types of things I need to know to provide an intelligent answer. If you're asking me if I like Escobar this season, the answer is yes.

Kev

Did you just tell Mike from Irvine to drop Fukudome for a middle releif pitcher who's not gauranteed saves?

Jason Grey

  (3:42 PM)

No, in fact the opposite. He was dropping someone assuming Pena was next in line, and I was telling him that might not be the case. The conclusion should be obvious.

Mu Mu

Hey Jason, love the chat. What should I do with Kelvim Escobar? Should I drop him for a FA, or hold him? He is taking up a needed spot on my DL right now.

Jason Grey

  (3:43 PM)

To Mu Mu: Drop Drop

matt (philly)

I got offered Bedard for Webb.. is that just a crap shoot or does Bedard have a little more value?

Jason Grey

  (3:43 PM)

Stick with the safer bet and don't chase the potential for a tiny bit more upside.

joe (philly)

ok then, is yunel escobar a good pickup COMPARED TO players like troy glaus and orlando hudson?

Jason Grey

  (3:45 PM)

Glaus yes. If Escobar's season goes the way it should he's a version of Orlando Hudson so why not stick with the actual Orlando Hudson. (Insert Three Amigos "El Guapo" joke here... "For some...fear may be their El Guapo. Your own El Guapo happens to be the actual El Guapo.") Yeah, I reached. Sorry.

Scott (Roc City)

Dude, do i start Baker vs. the White Sox? Need a quick answer!!!

Jason Grey

  (3:46 PM)

My gut leans toward no.

Michael (Davis, CA)

Who has more trade value now and who will have more trade value halfway through the season, Andruw Jones or Fukudome?

Jason Grey

  (3:48 PM)

Great question. I would guess Jones now, Fukudome later.

Dave (NYC)

Tell Joe from Philly that being a smartass in an ESPN chat is entirely inappropriate. Can't believe you answered his question.

Jason Grey

  (3:49 PM)

Right, leave being a smartass to the person answering the chat questions please.Then again, I couldn't have worked in an El Guapo reference. I need all the material I can get.

Jason Grey

  (3:51 PM)

I'm just joking. I asked him to clarify and he did. I posted the question as an example that I need this kind of information to help give you the best answer.

Brad (Philly)

Jason, it appears you have a plethora of pinatas. That being said, what are your thoughts on Jered Weaver?

Jason Grey

  (3:52 PM)

Way to catch my eye and bypass the queue. Now as far as answering the question, I have others to answer first, but kudos for the effort!

Jason Grey

  (3:53 PM)

Ok, seriously....4.00 ERA 1.30 Ratio 12-15 wins is a reasonable Weaver expectation.

Joe (Boston)

Cmon now Jason, no WAY Rich Garces has any fantasy relevance this year...*snicker*which UTIL-only guy should I stick with for the long haul, Sheff or Billy Butler?

Jason Grey

  (3:53 PM)

Butler, and it's not that close for me.

Noah Charlotte, NC

I don't know if it was a mistake but I took a chance and drafted Randy Johnson and Pedro late in a 12 Team H2H league. I need one to clean out his locker . Which one do you think will have the better year?

Jason Grey

  (3:55 PM)

I would have said Pedro before the injury. How long can you wait?

Leon, DC

Jason, should I pickup Blackburn, Ervin Santana, or Jeff Francis.

Jason Grey

  (3:56 PM)

Without knowing who the drop is, I think Santana rebounds this season.

Hideki Kuroda (LA)

1 hitter, 1 strike out. Take THAT.

Jason Grey

  (3:57 PM)

I stand corrected.

Andrew (San Antonio TX)

Jason! I need your help at shortstop. I've got Crosby and Betancourt. Should I stand pat or should I look to upgrade? Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (3:58 PM)

Yeah, that concerns me over the balance of the season. I'd make it a priority.

Jason Grey

  (4:00 PM)

For those interested I did an extensive breakdown of Kuroda's first start in one of my previous clipboards, if you want more info.

Steve (Washington, DC)

Jason - I'm in a competitive 12-team head-to-head mixed league, with Carlos Delgado sitting on waivers. Should I pick him up?

Jason Grey

  (4:01 PM)

It all depends on who he replaces - he earns $5-$7 in 12 team mixed.

Jason (Va)

Do catchy names get your attention? Just luck to get answered? Anyway, Is Smoltz, Blanton too much for Verlander? or Blanton, Kotchman (both marginal starters/bench for me)

Jason Grey

  (4:03 PM)

I can't let you see how the great and powerful Oz works! Don't look behind that curtain! I'd do Blanton/Kotchman for Verlander if I could.

Steve (Playa Del Rey, CA)

Hey Jason. I was offered Sheffield for Bourn. I'm loaded on SB already and could still compete for the category without him. I could use RBI's but Sheff's injury history scares me. Should I even consider this?

Jason Grey

  (4:04 PM)

I still take Bourn. Could steal 50-60 and Sheff worries me.

Matt in OR

Every year I seem to let one position slide during the draft, this yr it was at 2B where I have Pedroia...would you drop him for Jose Lopez, Grudzielanek, Theriot, Sanchez or a Castillo?

Jason Grey

  (4:05 PM)

Maybe Theriot if you were light on steals. Otherwise, no.

Dennis Melrose, Ma

Who makes their debut first? Best bet for this year? Headley, Stwart, Schafer and Maybin.

Jason Grey

  (4:06 PM)

First - Maybin. Best bet - Headley, BUT Maybin will at least run if nothing else while he piles up strikeouts, so if you need steals...

bambino (nyc)

who's the best short-term replacement for jeter - keppinger, o. cabrera, or theriot? what about for posada - varitek, towles, kendal, doumit, laird?

Jason Grey

  (4:07 PM)

O Cab - Laird (close call)

Jeff, LA

Jason, I need average. Drop Pedro Feliz for Carlos Quentin?

Jason Grey

  (4:08 PM)

I'm not sure that winds up accomplishing they type of BA upgrade you might be looking for.

chad

bourn hamilton or ankiel for over all rank?

Jason Grey

  (4:09 PM)

hamilton, bourn, ankiel. You can flip-flop the last two depending on the rest of your team makeup and what yo need and I wouldn't argue.

Bob, AZ

What about Max Scherzer for Arizona? what are the chances of him coming up as a SP this year?

Jason Grey

  (4:09 PM)

Not as good as him coming up as a reliever.

Jason Grey

  (4:10 PM)

Three more questions, and I have to get back to Owings/Kuroda. My next clipboard will have stuff on Andruw Jones, Billingsley and Reynolds among others....

Evan: San Diego CA

What do you expected out of Liriano when he returns?

Jason Grey

  (4:12 PM)

Should still be at least a $10 player in mixed leagues over the balance of the season - K per inning , elevated walk rate, but I think he will have a good 2nd half.

Jack (Pitt)

Grand Slam Napoli - you really still like Snyder over him after this start?

Jason Grey

  (4:14 PM)

I had their projected stats fairly close in the preseason, with Snyder having slightly more upside. I don't see two weeks changing it all that much. Napoli has a hot couple of weeks right now, but could have a cold two weeks in May where Snyder gets hot and even things out. It's a marathon, not a sprint.

Rishi: (Miami, FL):

Hey Jason,McLouth or Delmon Young for this season only? Do you see McLouth sustaining the power he showed last season? I'm just trying to get a reference point for expectations--a la Corey Hart--or you think Young puts up better numbers?

Jason Grey

  (4:17 PM)

If I had to choose for this year only it would be McLouth. Young doesn't look like he's changed much as a hitter thus far. Thanks everyone!