Scott Engel

  (3:00 PM)

Good afternoon everyone and welcome to the Monday fantasy sports chat! Thanks for stopping by and I will gladly taek your questions on offseason football, AFL, NASCAR and of course, baseball!

Steve (chicago,il)

you look like a serial killer...

Scott Engel

  (3:00 PM)

You sound like one ....

Mark (Birmingham, AL)

Would you drop Chad Cordero for BJ Ryan? Both walking wounded, but Blue Jays upside should get me more saves, right?

Scott Engel

  (3:02 PM)

I would hold onto Cordero, because both are risks, but there is always the possibility Cordero could get traded adn I think a change of scenery would work well for him. You don't help yourself too much by getting Ryan, it's not much of an upgrade.

La Cosa Nostra (Palermo)

I have CC, MC, Papi and Pence on my team. I know I shouldn't but I'd like to leave them sleeping with the fishes. I just wait right? They'll sratr earning their keep soon.

Scott Engel

  (3:03 PM)

It's way too early to panic on any of those guys, especially Sabathia and Ortiz. There is no official word that there is anything wrong with Ortiz's knee and he has denied it.

Ryan (Boston)

Can you help me out? Need to drop an OF. Ankeil, Fukudome, or Andruw Jones?

Scott Engel

  (3:05 PM)

Sounds like you are in a mixed league, but soemone will surely snap up any of those three, and if you need to make a roster move, I would consider dropping someone else.

Brett (omaha)

I need a 2B/SS. Who are some guys I should target using Carlos Pena as bait?

Scott Engel

  (3:06 PM)

That's kind of general, Brett. You just cannot target who you want, it's more detailed than that. You need to scout the rosters in you rleague and see who has a definite need fior Pena and then start talks.

Scott (Reno)

Help me out with a temp replacement for Victarino, Kapler, Gaithright, or Pagan?

Scott Engel

  (3:07 PM)

Kapler will have limited value, because Cameron will return, but Gathright is a nice brgain and i like him better than Pagan over the long haul.

Jim (MO)

What's latest from the Mets re: Reyes?

Scott Engel

  (3:08 PM)

I have no insider info, but I know the Mets want to take it slow with him and he should eb out a few more days. If you have good depth in a league with weekly lineups, you can play it safe and reserve him just for this week

Joe (West Hempstead, NY)

Hey Scott! I know this sounds crazy, but I'm hesitant to trade Soto and C-Patterson for Halladay(which was proposed to me) with Russell Martin as my starting C...Am I putting too much stock in Soto and not enough in Martin? Thanks!

Scott Engel

  (3:10 PM)

It all depends on how desperately you need the pitching and whether you can afford to part with Patterson also - you may be able to get another good starter for Soto straight up.

Jonathan (Bloomington, IN)

Trade Wang for CB Young? Leftover rotation would be Santana, Bedard, Shields, and Prior (sometime... maybe... hopefully?)

Scott Engel

  (3:12 PM)

Do you really have th eneed for Young, or is it justa luxury? Wang fits your staff well and I would rather you keep him

Jim (Pittsburgh)

Robinson Ca-know-when-this-slump-ends? He's killing me. Bench him for Asdrubal?

Scott Engel

  (3:13 PM)

I would keep him active, especially since I am not big on Cabrera. Cano can break out at any time and you should be patient with him

McLovin (NJ)

What should I do about my beaten up 3B situation where I have Lowell and Rolen? For now, I am starting Hall in their place (shifted from OF). Either of those 2 worth plugging in after they come off the DL? I can shift Hall back to the OF then.

Scott Engel

  (3:15 PM)

If you can move Hall back to the OF, that is a luxury and pretty much an obvious move to me.

Smooth (Columbia, SC)

Are you drinking the Cliff Lee kool-aid?

Scott Engel

  (3:15 PM)

Not yet. He has padded his numbers against Oakland and I'm still not fully sold.

Quincy (Cemetery, ND)

What do you think about the Jets possibly drafting Matt Ryan? Will he be a clipboard caddy the first year or a starter right out of the gate?

Scott Engel

  (3:17 PM)

I really don;t think they will be looking at a QB there, and he may be gone to Atlanta already. I could see them going for McFadden if he falls to them, but Clemens is the QB of the future for now and a good fantasy dynasty player.

Joe (Squarejaw, NY)

MLB 08: The Show or MLB 2K8?

Scott Engel

  (3:18 PM)

The Show is the most realistic baseball game I have ever played and completely addictive. 2k8 is very good, too, and I also really like All Pro Football. But the Show is amazing, just incredible, in all phases.

Wes (OH)

Is it worth it to keep either Romo and lose a 7th Round pick or Roethlisberger for a 10th Round pick? I am protecting Gore (2) and Fitz (3) but am not sure on the QB or Grant (14).

Scott Engel

  (3:20 PM)

I would not protect Gore for the second rounder, especially with Martz coming into SF. I love Roethlisberger for a 10th-rounder even though I like Romo, too, and I would keep Grant over Gore, especially considering it's a 14th-rounder in the sacrifice.

Mike (Dallas)

How many good years does Terrell Owens have left. I am in a keeper league and can sign him for up to 4 more years. What are you thoughts?

Scott Engel

  (3:21 PM)

I would sign him for about another two. That should work out perfectly if it's allowed. I would rather toss him back than commit for four years.

Fred (bedrock)

what do you name your fantasy teams? do you use references to movies? ironical team names? or do you try and intimidate your friends with names like 'The Destroyers' or 'Speed Kills.'

Scott Engel

  (3:23 PM)

I name my baseball teams after my son and my favorite team, like "Sean at Shea." I will also combine him with my favorite football team, the Seahawks, and add one letter for "Seanhawks." I try not to keep the same name sin more than one league, so I will use references to my favorite band too, Kiss - "Shea it out Loud."

Scott (Reno)

My team's called "The Good, The Bad, and D. Uggla." I'm quite proud of myself.

Scott Engel

  (3:24 PM)

As well you should be - nice!

Brian (Chicago)

How are you a fan of the Mets and Seahawks? Seems like a weird combo

Scott Engel

  (3:26 PM)

Grew up in Flushinga nd still live in Queens. Personally, I don;t see a football team in the NY (Buffalo is not a borough) , so I am free to choose and loved Curt Warner and Steev Largent growing up. But I also root for the Knicks and the NY Dragons

Scott (Chicago)

...I get to keep three for next year (PPR league) and am set on Larry Johnson and Reggie Wayne, but have a tough choice for the third between Michael Turner, Ronnie Brown and Brandon Jacobs. What do you think?

Scott Engel

  (3:28 PM)

I would keep Turner and Borwn over Johnson with Wayne - th eChiefs have passing troubles, a line in decline, and Turner now gets his chance to start and Borwn will only get better, as a pass-catcher too.

Bill (Chicago)

What does the Den RB sit look like going into next year? I have S Young at $2 to keep or an $18 Portis. Thoughts?

Scott Engel

  (3:28 PM)

Henry will return, so you can't bank on Young, and Portis is certainly worth 18 dollars

Mike (Hoboken, NJ)

Start the Big Unit tonight against the pathetic Giants?

Scott Engel

  (3:30 PM)

Yes, the Giants are certainly not the formidable opponent, but I would wait one turn to see just how Johnson looks before activating him

Mitch (seatle)

Scotty your typin' sucks today. You need spell check?

Scott Engel

  (3:30 PM)

You misspelled Seattle.

Chris (Philly)

Is Romo and FWP for Portis fair?

Scott Engel

  (3:31 PM)

Sure, especially if the other team is hot on getting a QB.

complaint department

Scott, I love my fantasy football more than the next guy, but it's BASEBALL season bro. There's plenty of relevant football information on other pages or even other sites, so please, try to keep hour long chat to baseball.

Scott Engel

  (3:32 PM)

Sorry, unnamed friend. This is a fantasy SPORT schat and I'll even take racing questions.

Johnny(Orange Count)

What is exactly wrong with Rich Hill? I chose him over Dustin McGowan and Tim Lincecum.

Scott Engel

  (3:34 PM)

I think you have to exhibit some patience with him, although skipped turns will frustrate you as well. I love Lincecum, personally. Even more than Cueto. :)

John (Bayside, NY)

Scott, were in Flushing are you from? QUEENS REPRESENTING BABY!!! Would you trade Andruw Jones for Corey Patterson straight up?

Scott Engel

  (3:36 PM)

John, I live in Bayside now, that's where I am chatting from! Should I open my window and wave? LOL! I grew up not too far from Main St. I would hold onto Jones, even though Patterson's good start does not surprise me.

scott (dc)

Guy offering me CC Sabathia for James Shields. Love Shields--but do I buy low here on CC?

Scott Engel

  (3:37 PM)

Read Jason Grey's latest column - and then go for it.

Billy (CA)

Kuroda, for realsies? Start him tonight?

Scott Engel

  (3:38 PM)

I would certainly keep him active for tonight and most of the first half of the season - but I think he will certainly be open to getting hit harder int he second half, when the league has more of a "book" on him

Paul (Boston)

Why is no one concerned about Reyes? Guys leads the league in SBs (by a ton) and now has hammy issues? Deal him for Crawford and Felix if you already have Tejada?

Scott Engel

  (3:40 PM)

I am certainly concerned about him, strictly as a fantasy player. He is now considered damaged goods, though, at least for the next few days,a nd you may have difficulty executing such a deal.

keith (ok city, ok)

trade Fielder for Pujols in a keeper league? Pujol's elbow looks fine...

Scott Engel

  (3:41 PM)

I'd love to have either guy - but why deal Fielder? Not that I don't prefer Pujols, but you really aren;t filling a need there

Frankie (NY, NY)

I'm keeping Lynch and P. Manning already. Stick RB with Parker or go WR with Fitzgerald?

Scott Engel

  (3:44 PM)

I would definitely keep Fitzgerald, especially since youa lready have Lynch as a No. 1 RB

Dan (NY)

You said to wait and see with the Big Unit. What about leagues with weekly roster freezes? Activate him for a two start week?

Scott Engel

  (3:45 PM)

Hopefully, you have good depth - it all dpends on who you can replace him with - if its another quality starter, I would still wait

Drew(boston)

Trade Zambrano for Markakis? Mark takes over for Tavares while big Z isnt missed too much with a rotation of haren/harden/gallardo/cueto/kazmir. Too much to give?

Scott Engel

  (3:46 PM)

No, I like Markakis a lot and if you can afford to give up Zambrano, I would do it

Josh, DC

I traded Swisher for Cano and felt good about it until I watched him this weekend. Would you have made that trade? (I am loaded in the outfield, not so much in the middle infield.)Thanks.

Scott Engel

  (3:48 PM)

Don't second-guess yourself early in the season. You'll feel very good when cano picks his play up.

Paul (Toledo, OH)

I just bought a Mudhens hat. What should I buy next.. gear from the Indians teamshop which also comes with free tickets? Or should I buy a laptop. It's your call Scott...

Scott Engel

  (3:48 PM)

I ould buy a PS3, get MLB 08 the Show and Rock Band.

Dan (Genoa, OH)

What is your opinion on Evan Longoria? Do you see him breaking out with the Rays, or do you see him getting sent back down when Willy Ayabar is back?

Scott Engel

  (3:49 PM)

I think he will stay with the Rays, but you need to be patient with him and expect better numbers during the second half

Jerry (St. Louis, MO)

Who starts getting saves first? Pena, Lindstrom, or Betancourt?

Scott Engel

  (3:50 PM)

I'm going with Pena. I'm not trusting Lyon at all. And for those who have him, I am still scared about Gagne, too.

Butch (NY)

Top 5 back for 08...Tomlinson, Westbrook, Addai, Peterson, and Portis?

Scott Engel

  (3:51 PM)

My top 5 looks like this - Tomlinson, Peterson, Westbrook, Addai, Steven Jackson

Matt (Long Island)

I can't decide whether or not to accept this trade- I get Reyes+Bay and give up Sizemore+Loney. Whaddya think?

Scott Engel

  (3:52 PM)

Only if you are really desperate for steals - I would not want to deal Sizemore

Dan (Genoa, OH)

How can I get paid to sit on a computer and talk about sports?

Scott Engel

  (3:54 PM)

I'm not actually sitting ON my computer, so you tell me! LOL Seriously, if you are a good writer who also knows sports, you should start at a local newspaper or small web site.Taking writing classes or having a journalism degree is a big plus, trust me.

Rebecca (St Louis)

Is it ever ok to like a sports team when you are not from that area and really have no ties to the team or city they play in?

Scott Engel

  (3:55 PM)

No one else should tell you how to live your life. And go Seahawks!

Mike (Los Angeles)

Do you like picking a full owner's team for Talladega since teamwork and drafting is so important? If so, which do I pick - Hendrick (more $) or RCR?

Scott Engel

  (3:56 PM)

No, I go more with recent trends and past performances at the site over teams - I am not liking Gordon much right now in a game like the Stock Car Challenge and I don;t want Mears at all.

Franky (the Bronx)

Francoeur/Sheets or Braun/C.C. moving forward?

Scott Engel

  (3:57 PM)

I would LOVE to have Braun or CC! Do I have to come over the bridge and talk you into that?

Craig (PA)

Hey sling blade, have you ever gone as a clown for halloween or would too many people think you were john gacy? I'm guessing this won't get in, because the only negative comments you let in, are illiterate people, so you can make fun of how they mis-spelled something.

Scott Engel

  (3:59 PM)

I'll take some of that potted meat if you have any extry, mmm, hmmm ....

Andy (Cleveland)

People are so hostile. Geez.

Scott Engel

  (3:59 PM)

Especially behind a keyboard, Andy. But it's all in good fun! I appreciate being here and thank you all for the opportunity to do this.

mike (ny)

jeter/bonderman for reyes?

Scott Engel

  (4:01 PM)

Seems like a godo time to do that if you can get the Reyes owner to act on being scared about his injury.

Chuggies: Warsaw, IN

You don't sound concerned about Andruw Jones. Why not? I hope you're right.

Scott Engel

  (4:02 PM)

I think he is declining for sure, but not quite as bad as he has looked so far. I still think the overall numbers will be pretty good and it's too early to panic. Thanks a lot everyone! Don't you say nuthin about that boy, mmm, hmm ...