Keith Lipscomb

  (3:01 PM)

It's another Thursday chat. Looking forward to hearing what you all have to say. Let's get to it.

Sal (CT)

Kinsler has started off extremly slow after a strong spring. Do you believe he will have 20-30 hr this year?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:03 PM)

It's too early to be concerned, and I never thought Kinsler would go for 30 homers anyway. But 20 is more likely and still quite attainable, of course.

Adam (Chicago)

Whose going to get the saves in Atlanta while Soriano is out?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:05 PM)

Bobby Cox never tips his hand publicly, but Manny Acosta would've closed things out Monday night had Boyer not blown things in the 8th. So, while many are picking up Peter Moylan since he's the guy that would make the most sense in many people's minds, maybe Cox prefers Moylan to hold it down in the 8th and the fact he was all set to use Acosta the other night certainly got my attention. They've been snowed out today, so we'll have to wait another day to see who gets the first shot for sure.

Chaz, York, PA

Hey Keith, great job so far, but who do you like better, Ervin Santana or Joe Saunders for over the course of the season?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:07 PM)

I like Santana more each time I see him. I know he's been an absolute nightmare on the road, but hopefully he's going to build on his first road start when he was sharp vs. the Twins and show he's matured away from Angel Stadium. I definitely like him more than Saunders, although that's not an indictment of Saunders at all.

Mike (St. Louis)

Keith, Edwin Jackson just finished up a gem. Had a strong spring and first start. Is he a post hype guy hitting his stride? Him or R. Betancourt?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:11 PM)

Mike, I was just talking with someone in the office about Jackson an hour ago and think that he might just be figuring it out. Now, I don't expect him to pitch the way he has so far all season long, but if he can limit the walks (he walked 4 today in 8 innings, so that's not great), I think that will be the key going forward. But he's been awful tough to hit in his first two starts, and he's worth grabbing if you have a spot on your roster that you like to rotate with a hot player. It's hard to compare him to Betancourt, since I don't know what kind of setup guys are available in your league, but if you need a starting pitcher and feel there are setup men at least CLOSE in value to Raffy, then it might not be such a huge gamble after all. It's a risk/reward type of move, if you are in a position to make one.

Brad (Nanuet, NY)

Speaking of home specialists (Santana), what do you think of the NL equivalent, Wandy Rodriguez?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:13 PM)

I can't figure Wandy out, to be honest. I'm not nearly as high on him as I am Santana. Maybe it's because last year was the only year he's been good at home OR on the road. But when I watch him pitch, I just don't feel comfortable that he's going to hold onto the lead when he gets it. I'd definitely rather have Santana.

Billy (NJ)

Someone dropped Edwin E. in my league...do I drop Mora for him? he's got to be better than the first week stats show, right?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:15 PM)

Well, I know he's better than what he's shown thus far this season and he did homer today to put the Reds up. I would expect Dusty to give him a fair shot at getting back on track, although the way Jeff Keppinger has played could make it tougher when Alex Gonzalez returns. Keppinger could steal some starts at 3B occasionally if Dusty so chooses. I like Encarnacion better than Mora overall, but that's because I expect him to bounce back from his early struggles.

Ray (Dayton, NJ)

Would you recommend dropping Pedroia for Aaron Hill?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:17 PM)

You're chatting with someone who likes Aaron Hill, so maybe I'm a little biased. But yes, I would rather have Hill than Pedroia, because even if Pedroia hits .317 again, he's still not going to match what Hill can do in HRs and RBIs, and he doesn't run much. Go get Hill.

Jack (NC)

Weeks- is he just off to slow start or do you expect struggles again this year? Prefer Weeks or Orlando Hudson or Yunel Escobar?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:19 PM)

The biggest concern I have about Weeks is how many games he plays. He's so talented, I wouldn't take him over Hudson or Escobar. But when you own him, you're smart to be keeping an eye on what's available up the middle when (and I do mean WHEN) Weeks hits the DL again.

Bryan-MA

I need your help, Keith. I need pitching badly, and I have an offer that gets me Sheets and Gallardo for Morneau and Francoeur. Should I pull the trigger?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:22 PM)

That's a lot of proven, quality hitting numbers to give up for a pitcher who you can't count on for more than 22-23 starts and a youngster coming off of knee surgery. I really like Gallardo, but not in this deal, because you're giving up way too much for the uncertainty you're receiving.

Xavier (Seattle)

KL! Do you think Villanueva's subpar outing today ensures Parra sticks in the rotation once Gallardo comes back?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:24 PM)

I don't think his outing was subpar, actually. He was fine until that 7th inning. That being said, I think Dave Bush could be one strong outing by Parra on Friday from becoming a member of the bullpen when Gallardo returns. Let's see how Parra fares tomorrow in NYC (if the weather cooperates).

Rob (MS)

2 beat downs in a week and Ryan on the verge of coming back, do i need to get off the Accardo bandwagon yet? Maybe drop and pick up Sherrill from Baltimore?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:25 PM)

Well, Accardo had been playing with fire almost each time out before last night's blown save. But it's not his results as much as the pending return of B.J. Ryan that would have me going and getting a guy who has the closer's gig for sure in Baltimore in Sherrill. If you need saves, Sherrill is definitely the better option right now.

Ross (Aliso Viejo, CA)

Jose Reyes (No steals and batting .200) a cause for major concern or will he rebound and put up the numbers he was projected to have this season.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:28 PM)

Ross, there are a couple factors here: 1.) It's WAY too early to worry about Reyes on the basepaths. He'll get his steals, even if it's ONLY 60-65, and 2.) There's no way you'd drop him and you may not be able to get full value from another owner in a trade if you tried. Just hang in there. Things will be cool.

Kevin (L.A.)

Sherill or Soria: Who gets more saves this year?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:30 PM)

I still like Soria more. I liked him coming into the season and have him on a couple teams. Just because the Royals aren't expected to win a ton of games doesn't mean that most of the games they win won't be close. I think Soria could save 30 this season.

Jimmy (Cleveland, OH)

AL only question: better chances at getting saves this season, Dan Wheeler if Percival goes down or Fukamori if CJ Wilson goes down?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:32 PM)

I'd say Fukumori simply because I think Tampa would definitely turn to Al Reyes first before turning to Wheeler. While Benoit is an option in Texas, I think it's more possible that Fukumori jumps over Benoit than it is that Wheeler leapfrogs Reyes.

Lee

Hey Keith, drop artest and pick up salmons or garcia?...also, who would you rather pick up? - hawes or frye?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:35 PM)

The Hawes or Frye isn't easy, since it's so tough to tell what the plans of coaches are at this point of the season. Twisting my arm, I'd take Frye since I think he's a better player at this point in time, but I'd rather have neither! And if Artest is going to sit out, then you have to do something if you're going to win your title. If you need scoring and 3s, Garcia is a solid option and he's been getting consistent minutes lately, even when Artest has played.

Beastie (Brooklyn)

With Soriano's DL status, if Acosta was already gone in your League, would you grab Moylan?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:36 PM)

No question. You never know what Bobby Cox will do, and Moylan is a good reliever even if he doesn't save games for you.

Reggie (Glassboro, NJ)

Keith, what is the scoop with Ichiro? He just is not looking elite right now. Is he poised for a fall off year?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:37 PM)

There were some that felt Ichiro could start falling off, but I wasn't one of them. I still think McLaren is going to get Ichiro running soon, and we know he can still hit. You've just got to stick with him.

John (Phoenix)

Better 5th OF...C Patterson, Cameron (when he gets back) or Kemp...have Kemp, would drop for one of the other 2.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:39 PM)

Man, I really like what Kemp can do, and if you're patient enough for Joe Torre to figure out what he wants to do, then you could be rewarded. However, it's obvious that Dusty Baker loves Patterson and he's batting at the top of a decent lineup in a very friendly ballpark. Considering that his only 20/20 season came with Baker as his manager, I can see him doing it again this season.

Bill (Kansas)

who's the best short term replacements for Jeter (keppinger, o. cabrera, theriot, greene, lugo) and Posada (hernandez, doumit, varitek, napoli, laird, towles)? H2H league with lots of categories, so consistent everyday stats help.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:40 PM)

Well, if you're seeking consistency, I like Keppinger, who gets on base just about everyday (although he think he got shut out today, oddly enough) and Hernandez, who has yet to get going, so now's a good time to get him before he gets hot. But you've got some very good options on your wire, so even if these pickups don't work out, you've got plenty of other viable options.

Ryan (SanFran)

Why no love for Jonathan Sanchez. He has a better outing than Cueto and no one is talking about him. Is he for real? He had monster K numbers in the minors.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:41 PM)

You know what I think it is, Ryan? He plays for a team that can't score. Because you're right, Sanchez has been outstanding the first two times out, just blowing hitters away.

curtis (philadelphia, pa)

Whatever happened to Justin Morneau of 2006? I was hoping for a .300 batting average and a slight bounce back from last season. What are the chances!

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:43 PM)

Well, I think that 2006 BA was quite the mirage, Curtis. He's probably more of a .270 hitter, but it doesn't mean he can't still put up 30 and 110 every year, though...and you'd take that, I'm sure.

Andy (Huntington Beach, CA)

Would you drop Dan Uggla, with Aaron Hill floating around as a FA? thanks

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:44 PM)

I think Uggla gets the short end of the stick from many fantasy owners. Sure, that BA last year was a killer, but if he can bounce back into the .260 range and still hit 30 HRs and drive in 90, he's gotta be high on your list of 2Bs.

Jack (MI)

If you trade for Cueto today, who would you offer?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:46 PM)

It's impossible to say what I'd offer for any player, since it all depends on team needs, among other factors. But I will say this: You're going to have to overpay to get him right now, so you're better off waiting for him to have a bad outing or two before pursuing him via trade if you want to get more reasonable value.

James, ca

Keith, Do i pick up Napoli and drop either Soto or R Hernandez??

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:46 PM)

I wouldn't. Napoli has power, yes...but he'll hurt your BA. Meanwhile, Soto and Hernandez have enough pop to compete with Napoli and definitely hit for a better average. Hang with what you've got.

Need SP Advice (LA)

Yes, I realize it's early on in the season, but... I thought that I drafted an ace staff (Verlander, Harang, Oswalt, Gallardo, McGowan and picked up Owings).. but so far I've been struggling. Any suggestions? Start Oswalt tomorrow against the 1st place Marlins?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:49 PM)

That's a great rotation you've got there. No need to overthink it. The fact that pitchers go every five days will make you do that. And definitely start Oswalt every time out. Don't hesitate.

Justin (Queens, NY)

when do we start including Harang in the top 5 SP discussion? the guy is consistant every outing.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:52 PM)

I thought he already was in the discussion. Now, of course, there are probably 10-11 guys in that discussion, but it's not important to pin down a definitive Top 5 anyway. I prefer to put guys in tiers, because I can easily change my mind between two equal guys from day to day.

Alan (Houston, TX)

What about Oswalt's declining K rates? Over the past few years, down down down!

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:52 PM)

Oh, I feel you there, Alan...but it doesn't mean you take him out of your rotation. He's still a must-start.

Rod(Reading Pa)

Who would you rather own at MI, F. Lopez or Wigginton?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:53 PM)

Wigginton is a little beat up right now with that finger, but all things being equal, I like Wigginton. He's better in fantasy than he gets credit for.

Alan (NYC)

I dropped Kenny Rogers for Cliff Lee. Bright or dull move on my part?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:55 PM)

I don't have a problem with that move, really. After all, the Gambler is 43 years old now and although he should have an offense that supports him, will his body continue to do so? Lee is looking to bounce back and has looked decent so far, and also has an offense that should support him. That could work out just fine.

Bryan (Montclair, NJ)

Greinke for real? Would you rather have him or Volquez?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:56 PM)

For this year, I'd rather have Greinke, because he's a more finished product and seems to be over his many issues he's encountered in recent years.

ruby (seattle)

I have Pence and Victorino. Are they due to break out soon?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:57 PM)

I think that's a rhetorical question, but I'll answer it quickly, with a yes. They play every day and are very talented. Just give up hope on them two weeks into the season.

brian (nyc)

doumit or chris snyder?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:58 PM)

That's a tough one for me. I'll say Doumit since he appears to be getting his ABs. That was a big question for me entering the season. He should hit for a better average than Snyder as well.

Bill (Harford, CT)

Stacked rotation! Who is my best trading chip to get saves? Harang, Oswalt, Smoltz, Gallardo, Volquez, Cueto, Meche?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:59 PM)

Harang's the best of that group, but you might try dangling one of the others to see if you can get cheaper sources of saves. You don't have to get the big names to win or compete in the saves category.

Jay (NC)

Sanchez outstanding in his first start? He racked up the K's, but got lit up.

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:01 PM)

Yes, he did get lit up, but he's missing a lot of bats, which is a very good sign in deeper leagues where you need that one final starter. I wouldn't necessarily want him in a shallow league. Way to keep me honest, Jay!

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:02 PM)

And with that, I'll be calling it a day. Lots of good stuff again this week. Thanks to you all and we'll do it again some time next week. Take care!