Scott Engel

  (2:59 PM)

Welcome to the Friday fantasy sports chat! I will gladly answer your questions today on offseason fantasy football, NASCAR, AFL Pick em, and of course, baseball!

Tom (St. Louis)

Who is the best speedster for me to pick up? Pierre, Gomez, Tavarez, and Gaithright are all available in my league as are most of the other pure SB guys (H2H league). Thanks

Scott Engel

  (3:00 PM)

I certainly like Gomez the best - he is making a quick impact in Minnesota nd contribute more than just steals - he'll pad another category for you or two nicely

Matt (Chicago)

Who gets the saves in Atlanta, Moylan or Acosta?

Scott Engel

  (3:02 PM)

I like Moylan early, but Acosta gettingt he saves if he falters is very possible. Check out Thursday's Out of the Box for a full examination of the situation

Scott Engel

  (3:02 PM)

I like Moylan early, but Acosta gettingt he saves if he falters is very possible. Check out Thursday's Out of the Box for a full examination of the situation

Jason (OH)

I just traded Mark Reynolds and Jacoby Ellsbury for Hunter Pence. I already have Wright playing 3B. Good sell high buy low or mistake?

Scott Engel

  (3:03 PM)

I think that is a little much to give up, personally. I am pretty high on Renolds and think he will keep it up

Matt (Houston, TX)

Some punk in my league just offered me Rafael Betancourt and Jack Cust for Erik Bedard. How many 4-letter words can I use as I reject his trade?

Scott Engel

  (3:05 PM)

How about just two - in caps - NO. Obviously this guy is new in your league and doesn't know your reputation as a fantasy player

lee (tuscumbia,alabama)

do you think i should keep Fransico Liriano or try to trade him with his injury problems?

Scott Engel

  (3:07 PM)

I wouldn't balk at trading him for sure, but I would wait, as you likely won't get proper value in return right now

Ian (DC)

Scott, I was just offered this trade: Kouzmanoff and Cueot for Chipper. I think Kouz will be solid-maybe not Chipper numbers, but solid- but with the hype around Cueto, what is your opinion of this trade? Thanks

Scott Engel

  (3:07 PM)

I say do it if you have a need for starting pitchinga nd need to catch up in striekouts, but otherwise, I would stand pat.

cleo (chicagp)

If you could only stash one on your bench... Maybin or headley?

Scott Engel

  (3:08 PM)

Probably Headley - I think he will make a quicker impact at the majopr league level than Maybin, who could struggle at first

Mark (AK)

I have Ortiz and ARod on my team. I also have Adrian Gonzalez, Loney, and just got M. Cabrera through a trade. Who would you look to trade to help boost my OF?

Scott Engel

  (3:09 PM)

I really wouldn't mess with that lineup - everything else can fall into place around those guys

John (White Plains, NY)

I have both Pedro and Harden...should I drop either?

Scott Engel

  (3:11 PM)

Only if you have a dire need to clear roster room - Harden shouldn't be out too long but who knows with Pedro, so he would be the one to cut if you have to.

Jen (jersey)

What do you think about austin kearns? Is this the year he puts it together? I know hes not hitting but hes not striking out much either.

Scott Engel

  (3:12 PM)

I think the power and RBI numbers will still be quite good despite the slow start, comparable to last year - I think maybe a little more. My expectations on him are not raised too high

The Dish (Elgin, IL)

I have to choose between one of these four for my pizza tonight. Which one would you pick? Pizza Hut, Papa Johns, Dominos, or Little Caesars?

Scott Engel

  (3:14 PM)

If I had to, Little Caesar's, because of the extar breadsticks, but living in NY, I never eat at the chains when the local places are so good

Mitch (Lansing, MI)

I've been offered Edison Volquez and Jason Bay for Corey Hart...I have an empty roster spot that just opened up when Lowell hit the Dl...should I take it?

Scott Engel

  (3:15 PM)

I wouldn;t take that for Hart - I am not quite sold on Volquez yet, even though i like his stuff

Josh (Detroit)

I am loaded at 3B and can't start them all (Wright, Cabrera, Chipper and Atkins), but don't have anything by the way of closers. Who should I trade and for what. I keep get offers like Brandon Lyon for Atkins and other ridiculous trades like that! Thanks

Scott Engel

  (3:16 PM)

Make Chipper readily available, and eventually, someone will bite - after the lowbqall offers should come the more serious ones

rocco (florida)

Jorge cantu is hot! just a flash these last four games or is he going to comeback player of the year it? he has 1st and 3rd eligibility so itd be sweet. (i know mcpherson lurks in the shadows)

Scott Engel

  (3:18 PM)

I think he has a good shot to keep the job, but he is going to cool off and I only really like him in NL-only leagues

Todd (minneapolis)

Sabathia/Matsui/Accardo for Rios/McGowan/Joba... who do you like?

Scott Engel

  (3:20 PM)

I liek the Rios side better unless the team getting Sabathia is desperate for pitching, and I still don't like giving up McGowan

Monty Deer Park, NY

Should I keep Encarnarcion or try to get Crede, Reynolds or perhaps Hall for 3b. Do keep in mind that K's are -1.5 Tonite is waiver nite. Thanks

Scott Engel

  (3:21 PM)

I would get Hall - Encarnacion is starting to scare me, especially when you consider the Reds will have to find a way to keep Keppinger in the lineup when Gonzalez returns

janice (california)

Do you think claudio vargas can thrive at shea stadium since he is a high k / flyball pitcher? could he be a sleeper tighr now?

Scott Engel

  (3:22 PM)

He had a good springa nd might end up being a decent pickup for NL-only leagues - believe me, Figueroa scares me even though he made the team

Stephanie (VA)

Who would you recommend as a reliable fifth outfielder from Hall, Hermida, and Kearns? Thanks!

Scott Engel

  (3:23 PM)

I wouldn't call hermida reliable, of course, but I would use him while he is active and get the most out of it.

Tim (TN)

How good is Marcum the rest of the year? I just picked him up and am drooling over the comparisons to Shields last year.

Scott Engel

  (3:24 PM)

I like him and think he will be good overall even if he cools off some later in the year, but I do like Shields better myself

Ryan (Champaign Illinois)

Hey Scott, I have Cueto, and I'm looking to dump him while he is high. I really am looking for a good starting pitcher or 3B. Who do you think I could grab?

Scott Engel

  (3:26 PM)

That's kind of general, Ryan, so all I can say is check the rosters in your league, so who needs starting pitching and what 3B they may have to offer. I wouldn;t deal Cueto for another starting pitcher, though, only to fill a need. He's sort of reminding me of Dwight Gooden early in his career

Joe (Middleburgh, NY)

I fear that my conviction that Giambi will have a good year is going to be horribly misguided. But he is in a contract year, looking svelte and playing 1B again (always hits better when playing the field). What kind of year do you think he'll have? And can I live with him as my 1B in an 18 team mixed? Thanks.

Scott Engel

  (3:28 PM)

In that large of a league, I think you do stick with him, and I think it's too early to panic, even though there will be stretches of frustration like now

matt (DC)

Love the Chats Scott... Im loaded at SP right now, and while it is too early to actually commit to a trade, ive looked at some of the weaker pitching staffs and thought about doing some upgrading. Would a guy like Carmona, Halladay, Mcgowan, or Snell be enough to snag me a top 2 round player at SS, 3rd, or Catcher, if i were to include Tejada, Chipper, or Posada in the deal?

Scott Engel

  (3:30 PM)

If you include Halladay or McGowan, I like your chances, but it styill may be challenging. I would think about filling needs right now.

Chris (Saratoga, NY)

Will Kevin Gregg hold on to the closer's role this year or will he lose the role to Josh Willingham?

Scott Engel

  (3:31 PM)

LOL - good one! Like Keith Hernandez said, the Marlins are th enew Montreal Expos

Jeff (Baltimore)

What happened to off season FNFL questions? i know that chat is supposed to be on Mondays but your Monday chat was 80% baseball. Weak sauce Scott.

Scott Engel

  (3:32 PM)

Relax, Jeff - I am taking questions in all sports today, just no one ha sposted one about football or NASCAR yet. Fire away!

Aaron (Olympia)

HOW ABOUT FOOTBALL!!! With FWP as one of my keepers, does his leg injury make him tradeable for a Lynch-type guy? If so, can you name a few to target? His status is questionable for training camp, down from probable. THANKS!

Scott Engel

  (3:34 PM)

H ewill be ready for the regular season, but I don;t think, even when healthy, you can get a guy like Lynch for him in a keeper league. If he worries you, toss Parker back into the player pool and reload at RB in the draft

lee (tuscumbia,alabama)

I think chipper jones could win NL MVP of course im a braves fan though but what is wrong with Mark texiera he is killing me right now.

Scott Engel

  (3:35 PM)

Tex has started slow before, and it shouldn't worry you this early. Hey, I am a Mets fan, so I like Wright better for MVP :)

JD, NYC

Hi! Just a quick one...is it the right time to trade for Miggy? or are his injury and new league concerns too overwhelming?

Scott Engel

  (3:36 PM)

If I could buy low on Cabrera right now I would strongly consider it.

Joel (Roscommon MI)

How about Wes Welker ? What kind of ADP do you see from him in a 12 team PPR ?

Scott Engel

  (3:37 PM)

Gotta love him in a PPR league - I think he will be an early third-rounder in that format

Paul T. (Cincinnati)

Would you bench Ortiz and Tulowitzki during their slumps for Loney and Y. Escobar or ride it out and hope they wake up one day?

Scott Engel

  (3:38 PM)

I would never bench Ortiz - but if you are streaming, I could see getting Escobar in there

Kev (NYC)

Is Eli a top 7 Fantasy QB?

Scott Engel

  (3:39 PM)

I think he goes more towards the end of the top 10 now - he'll finally be a good, dependable fantasy starter in 2008, and that is what really matters

Jordan (Peoria)

Markakis for Wagner which side do you like?

Scott Engel

  (3:40 PM)

I like both sides as long as it fills needs on both ends and the Wagner owner can afford to surrender him without taking a big hit in saves

Lonesome Dave (Foghat NJ)

Oh Wise One... Can Scott Baker be a reliable #6 SP in a 14-team mixed league???

Scott Engel

  (3:41 PM)

Thank you, sir. I think in a mixed league, you still may be able to come up with better options

Taylor (Ca)

Will anyone sign Barry Bonds this year?

Scott Engel

  (3:42 PM)

Maybe an independent team? The Globetrotters? Pros vs. Joes? Ringling Bros?

Johnny (Madison)

I am looking to trade either Soto or Martin for Gallardo...Good trade? We play one catcher roto with Utility spot as well

Scott Engel

  (3:43 PM)

I think you can get better for either one of those guys.

Tod (Sedona, Az)

I've got Johan Santana and Dan Haren but behind them I have Petite, McGowan, and Randy Johnson. Good enough or I do I need to package someone and pick up more starting pitching?

Scott Engel

  (3:44 PM)

I think you should be comfortable with McGowan, but you could use one more solid starter.

Steve Massachusetts

Why are people dropping POSADA he led the league in avg. last year for awhile. Yo Peeps it's a marathon not a sprint COME ON!!

Scott Engel

  (3:45 PM)

Gotta agree with you - people wait so long for the season and then overreact to early results, and this certainly is not fantasy football.

Kev (NYC)

ADP for B. Edwards next year?

Scott Engel

  (3:46 PM)

I think he'll be a third-rounder in standard leagues - he has clearly arrived as a top 5 fantasy WR - and like I said last week, he's a beats on Madden 08 - oh, that reminds me, I have to play Rock Band again after this chat ...

Anthony (Clifton Park, NY)

Lost Harden and need to replace him. Bannister, Dempster, Parra and Garland are available.

Scott Engel

  (3:47 PM)

I love Bannister as a short-term replacement for Harden - go for it!

Bryan (TX)

Scott please help, I need to choose between McLouth or Cory Patterson? And Doumit or Snyder? 12 Team keeper league. Thanks.

Scott Engel

  (3:48 PM)

I would have to certainly go with McLouth and Snyder in a keeper league.

Jordan (Peoria)

In a 12 H2H league I have Markakis, Hart, CB Young, Wells as my OF...I have had Wells on my bench but with his fast start I am wondering what your opinion is as his sustainability and whether you would look to move him or one of the others or hold?

Scott Engel

  (3:49 PM)

Good production from Wells certainly does not surprise me at all - I would hold onto him and enjoy the numbers

Jeremy (New Orleans)

Most underrated/undervalued Madden pos. TE and it ain't close

Scott Engel

  (3:50 PM)

Right you are Jeremy - a good TE can make all the difference in online play. Heck, when I play with the Seahawks, I throw to Pollard and Heller, which not only works, but surprises many opponents

Kev (NYC)

Is LT a lock for 1st overall again next year? Or would you take Brady or AP instead?

Scott Engel

  (3:52 PM)

Peterson is not proven enough yet to take him over Tomlinson - and considering how shaky the RB position has become overall, I would rather have a safe guy there like Tomlinson over the elite QB

paul (minneapolis)

Brady? Never take a QB #1.

Scott Engel

  (3:52 PM)

After his 2007 season, and with Moss coming back, I fully endorse him as a top 5 pick

Gersh (NYC)

Hey Scott, with Cordero expected back over the weekend I dropped Rauch for Rowland-Smith. Good move?

Scott Engel

  (3:54 PM)

I think you took a chance there that will work out nicely, as Rowland-Smith looks to be the best of the Seattle closer candidates while Putz is out

aaron: (springfield, mo)

enough Football...seriously. I'd rather read about fantasy MLS and how much you love Beckham to lead the league in assists!

Scott Engel

  (3:55 PM)

Speak for yourself, Aaron - this is a fantays sports chat and for some people, football never ends. Let's show those people some respect - and I am glad you are playing fantasy MLS - we have a very good game this year

Joel (Roscommon MI)

Never enough Football NEVER !!!!!!!!

Scott Engel

  (3:56 PM)

Yes, Joel, I hear you. As much as I love baseball, you can never get enough football. Go NY Dragons!

Paul (Minneapolis)

He will be a great QB, but the production you rely on for him is not incrementally great enough over the next 2 QB's to draft top 3. If you miss out on an LdT or AP, you're stuck with someone like FWP who doesn't score as your top RB. Especially this yr when Gore plays for an awful team, LJ has no O-Line, Alexander may or may not have a pulse and so on.

Scott Engel

  (3:58 PM)

With Brady I am getting pretty certain monster production - there are no guarantees on Peterson to stay healthy and Brady is aproven championship fantasy player, while Peterson is not yet. I disagree.

Shawn (baltimore)

What do I do with Eric Gagne keep him drop him for a Kevin Gregg, Betacourt, Pena someone like that?

Scott Engel

  (3:59 PM)

If those are the avilable options, I would keep Gagne for now. I like Pena, but he may be available for awhile or you could drop someone else to pick him up.

Patrick (Cambridge, MA)

SJax will be a force this season. His injuries are behind him and he'll lead me to the title just like in '06!

Scott Engel

  (4:01 PM)

That would not surprise me at all, Patrick. I am a big Jackson backer - no runner in the league is tougher to tackle when he gets to the second level and I think he will post excellent TD totals over a full season in 2008. Thanks a lot everyone!