Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:04 PM)

Hi gang. Let's dig in. As always... all subjects answered

Joe (Boston)

TMR you'll be happy to know I picked up Mike Napoli in an ESPN league today AND am on your Anne Hathaway bandwagon! So help a guy out with a tough call for the rest of the year: Corey Patterson or Delmon Young?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:05 PM)

Excellent suck up work, Joe. I say Patterson... Delmon did not show tons of power or speed last year considering he had over 600 at bats. And he's still young

Matt (Oak Lawn, IL)

I know Bedard is known for having slow starts, but when will he be healthy and turn it around? What kind of numbers do you expect from him this year?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:06 PM)

I still really like him and from what I understand, Seattle would not be being this cauctious with him if it were later in the year - it's just because it's the start of the season

C (Omaha, NE)

Berry, who's Wedge go with to replace Borowski (and how soon)? Betancourt or the hot dog man, Kobayashi?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:08 PM)

I think it has to be Betancourt. I know he hasn't been perfect htis year, but he basically had one bad outing. His k/9 is still 9 this year, which is right in line with last year and he has a very good k/BB rate this year as well

Kevin (whoville)

If Betancourt doesn't get the job done, who is CLE's backup plan??

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:09 PM)

I actually think Rafale Perez and Jensen Lewis ahead of Kobayashi, but keep in mind they may bring Borowoski back if he comes back healthy.

Tim (ATL)

what's your take on the Toronto closer situation? I have accardo and ryan - should I be starting ryan every day and only hanging onto accardo for a few more weeks in case ryan isn't healthy?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:09 PM)

Ryan is the guy I would be starting

Anne H (NY)

You're cute, and you're right, I'm a classy brunette dimepiece, a great change from the stupid blonde types, I want to cook you dinner at my loft overlooking Central Park.

Andrew (Philly)

anne hathaway bandwagon?? what's that all about? (i'm married to her cousin)...obviously edwin jackson can't keep this up, but will he revert back to his old useless form?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:11 PM)

If you were a true fan and this were true, you would reach out and arrange a blind date, dammit. Free fantasy advice for life. I actually like Edwin Jackson ... I expect 175 K and a 3.50 ERA to go with double digit wins. So no. The underlying numbers look good. Tonight will be a very good test as he gets the Yankees for a second time so early this year

Ted ( Atlanta)

Berry, name game: Marcum or McGowan?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:12 PM)

D Mac

FYI

I don't know what creepier, the fact that some guy wrote the Anne Hathaway comment which included him cooking you dinner, or the fact that you displayed it.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:13 PM)

Neither. I can get much creepier.

tc (toronto)

Just stop with all the anne hathaway stuff - I've had my eye on her for a while - she's MINE I TELL YOU! ALL MINE! Now, what do you think about Jeter for the rest of the way, I just traded for him (Ethier for Jeter) Thanks!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:13 PM)

See? Nice buy low on DJ

Mike (Philly)

Who gets the call firts, Chase Headly or Steve Pearce

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:14 PM)

Headley

Bryan-MA

Do you or any of the other fantasy guys play Strat-O-Matic?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:14 PM)

I do not. Others do, yes.

Brad (Cinci, OH)

dont you think Kobayashi would make more sense as the closer in Cleveland as opposed to Betancourt? For one, Betancourt hasnt been all that great. but i wouldnt think Wedge would want to tinker with his established setup men. What about Julio even?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:16 PM)

Yeah, it's a mess. And frankly, I could make an argument for any of them. They've been fairly closed lipped so far but I feel the rlectance has been about loyalty to Borowski than anything else. I shudder to think about Julio, but it's certainly got to be in the discussion. All that said, if I'm picking up one guy, I say Bentancourt

Charlie, Spring Grove, PA

Hey wanted to make sure you saw this... Player A- .300, 24 HR, 82 RBI, 22 Steals Player B- .300, 22 HR, 84 RBI, 29 Steals Player A- B.J. Upton in his 2nd year, Player B is A-Rod in his 2nd year, I don't know if we can expect 50 HR from Upton anytime soon, but isn't it scary how close they are?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:16 PM)

VERY NICE NAME GAME. I'll definitely use that

Jeff (NY)

Hi TMR, still drinking the kool-aid on Rajai Davis? Know you were really high on him, and 4 SBs is nice, but Giants hardly playing him in spite of Roberts injury.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:18 PM)

and he's hitting .071. And yet... even with all that he still has four steals.

Rob (Boston, MA)

TMR, not to blow smoke up a certain part of your anatomy, but the guys you've brought in have been GREAT. Harris had a great piece today re: young guns and old hands. He said that Longoria owners should try to trade him now and get a #2 starter. Thoughts on that? How do you value Longoria today in a keeper league? Thanks TMR!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:22 PM)

Thanks, Rob. I'm very proud of the team we've assembled and Chris Harris is a stud, no doubt. I agree with Chris. Or Chris agrees with me. Not sure who said it first. I like Longoria a lot more in a keeper league.... I'd value him like you would Aramis Ramirez. A power hitting, high average 3b w no speed. 35-40 HR guy EVENTUALLY

Lee (Dallas)

TMR, have you seen that Hathaway is dating an Italian crook? Seems to deflate the image a little as she's viewed as so smart and classy. Look it up...

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:22 PM)

I hear they are on the rocks.

Patrick (Oklahoma)

WHo cares about Anne Hathaway, lets bring back the brunette girl from the commercials we talked about last year. What happened to her? And what is happening to Sabathia?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:24 PM)

Yeah, we definitely need to get Rachel Specter back into the mix. I'm concerned about CC. I've used this stat a lot: 256 IP last year - never over 200 the four previous years. Also a contract year so he may be pressing. Id sell and see if I could get close to full value

Brent (Los Angeles)

It's 85 degrees and sunny. The women are out and barely wearing any clothes. Hows the weather in Bristol?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:24 PM)

I hate you

robert, SF

what do you think of streaming? aj maas hates it!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:25 PM)

Think it is a legit and legal strategy

Ryan (Boston)

TMR- time to change your Manny projections? Is 40hr and 120 rbi out of reach? He looks locked in at the plate.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:25 PM)

He really does. But it's early. I'm holding tight for now.

Andrew (Philly)

Well, Mr. Roto, you may be in luck. Family rumors abound that she may be available sooner rather than later after her Italian beau's latest bad publicity.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:25 PM)

See? THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!

Ian (Florida)

Yo TMR! Does Roy Oswalt right himself, or is it time to sell while he still has his good name?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:26 PM)

Yes, he does. I say patience with Roy

Matt (Oak Lawn)

Hey you were saying in your podcast the other day your nickname for Xavier Nady. Whats the nickname!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:27 PM)

Sorry - gotta wait to have the guy on. It's pretty funny.

JC (NYC)

Would you give up all fantasy-related activities for the rest of your life for one night with Anne Hathaway?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:27 PM)

No, actually, I would not.

Johnny (CA)

matthew, you always said you love crazy girls. Megan Fox is a crazy girl. I think you are letting Brian Austin Green get to you!!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:28 PM)

No, I say crazy girls always find me. Big difference.

Steve (Washington, DC)

Hey Matthew, love your stuff. I'm real concerned about Phil Hughes and Rich Hill at this point, 2 guys that are an important part of my staff. Do you share this concern? What should I do?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:31 PM)

Hughes? Yes, I do. Hill I'm good with

Joel (MI)

Can you please explain what "streaming" is ?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:32 PM)

picking up and dropping pitchers every day based on match-ups and spot starts

joe memphis

Connor JAckson. Is he a breakout guy? predictions?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:32 PM)

yes. 25 / 110 / .305

Bill (Allentown, PA)

TMR, I have been trying to Cyberstalk you for about a week with no success. Technical issues that seem to be unrelated to my computer or ISP. Any other way to send you a long-winded note? No chance you'd print it in your chat...it is very self-serving and probably would bore your audience to tears. Thanks.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:33 PM)

I don't check it very often but you can send it to talentedmrroto@aol.com

Tim (ATL)

Hey TMR!! what's your take on grienke's excellent first 3 outings? i know not to expect a era under 1 all year - but is he a likely sell high guy, or someone to hang onto with the expectation of a very solid year?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:38 PM)

Both, actually. Sell high because you are correct - he is not THIS good. But will he have a solid, ERA in the 3's, double digit wins type year? Yes, very much so. But certainly, his value is very high right now.

Sweet (NYC)

Are Wang, Bannister, and Ervin for real?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:39 PM)

Are you seriously asking about Wang? But yes on Bannister and Ervin. Great stat from Elias: Since being traded to KC last year, only Wang and Webb have more wins than Bannister in all of MLB. Eriv - 3rd straight QS, 2 of which were on road.

J.J. (CT)

TMR, I love how you ripped Nate in Monday's podcast, you're my hero. Doesn't he know he's Robin and you're Batman, aka you're the boss and he should listen to you? Keep up the good work (and thanks for that Hathaway/Havoc google tip).

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:39 PM)

Thanks, JJ. I yelled at him some more today's - today's was pretty funny.

To Andrew in Philly:

Please be sure that you set it up as a BLIND DATE ... otherwise TMR won't get in the door.

Erick (LA)

Your chat is moving real slow today. But I forgive you, as being in your office at 6am and showing up at 8:45am for the podcast would do this to you. FYI, I woke up 30 mins ago.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:40 PM)

Now this is my kind of fan.

Matt (St. Louis)

How many questions/comments do you get in your average chat session? Just wondering if you intentionally ignore my questions or you get way too many to even notice them.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:40 PM)

Specifically yours? Yes, I ignore them. Others? Just don't notice. I get in the thousands of questions.

Jack (Pitt)

Napoli was a great call on your part, but are you concerned at all about the amount of games he starts? Is picking up Mathis for the off days crazy if I have an empty bench spot?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:41 PM)

probably better options than Mathis out there for off days

Ryan (Baltimore, MD)

Listened to your podcast with Nate this afternoon and had to enlighten you...the Unit's runs were unearned because Reynolds booted what would have been the first out of the inning, and those runs scored with 2 outs when Drew couldn't catch that pop-up.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:42 PM)

ah, thanks. The point is... Drew makes the catch, the runs don't score.

Andrew (Indianapolis)

Why only 4 bench spots on the ESPN free league? No room for a backup position player, like catcher while Martin struggles. Encourages streaming pitching and doesn't allow for picking up prospective closers. Consider increasing for next year?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:45 PM)

It's not my decision - it's the decision of the Fantasy Technology team - they control all the standrad game settings, etc. But to clarify - ALL our games are free. You're just talking about the public ones. But I will say I like it. It makes folks have to make hard choices which, in a shallow league like a ten team mix, is important

Craig (Denver)

Thoughts on the Unit last night. A bit wild, but not too bad for his 1st start. Location isn't always there coming off an injury right?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:46 PM)

Correct - I like him this year

Ronan (Ireland)

Were you not even tempted to do a rough draft of "The Goonies 2" ?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:47 PM)

no. Thought it was a terrible idea and passed immeadiately. Thanks for listening to the podcast!

Larry (Lville)

I know who anne hathaway is...but what is Havoc?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:47 PM)

A movie where she did some excellent work

Steve (Boston)

Let's talk ratios. Player A- 36:3:10 Player B- 26:13:2 Player A is AJ Mass on this morning's chat, player B is you, and the stats are the content of your chat posts- Fantasy:Not-fantasy:Streaming. Admittedly, player B's stats are incomplete thus far, but kudos on keeping a low 'streaming' ratio.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:48 PM)

This made me laugh

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:50 PM)

For Mark in IN, I have seen that picture before but thanks for the link

Michael (Portland ME)

Who gets more saves: Moylan or Acosta?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:50 PM)

Moylan

Nugget O'Cass (LA)

Hey Matt, Could you tell me who my starting OF's are, I have a muddled group consisting of Justin Upton Abreu, Delmon Young, Torri Hunter, Sheffield, Fukudome and Granderson when he gets back. Thanks

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:51 PM)

Nice Croc 3 reference. Upton, Abreu and hunter would be my normal 3 w/ CG in for Abreu when he comes back. He is skedded to hit off a tee today

Jack (Pitt)

Think you can start waking up early again so I can get my podcasts before lunch?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:55 PM)

I have nothing to do with that. It's all podvader. He has all the other ESPN podcasts to deal with too... He got an extra one for Mel Kiper today so that probably set him back a bit

Becky (Hartford, CT)

Do you get asked out a lot on these things? I just realized I might not be alone.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:56 PM)

A lot? No. But more than you'd think.

Mike (CT)

If we buried Stephina Bell's jeresy at the new Yankee Stadium do you think the 'Curse of Stephina Bell' (da-da-da-da) will be lifted?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:56 PM)

Hilarious.

Jay (Chicago)

Kotchman hit another HR...your thoughts?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:56 PM)

I like him a lot. Yes, 4 on the year now, He's legit.

Becky (Hartford, CT)

Blah. Oh Well.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:58 PM)

Hey, send a picture. You never know. I'm not gonna lie. I'm not 100% confident in Andrew in Philly delivering Anne H.

Ryan (Chicago)

I am not from Texas, I am not writing a womens name down, nor am I an orangeman. That being said Should I trade Zambrano for CC? What is CC's value right now.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:59 PM)

I like Big Z more than CC, so no.

JSMz, NYC

Hey buddy, Rest of season Billy Hall or Jason sitting on the dock of the Bay?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:59 PM)

BAY

Jeff (Rochester NY)

with Russell Martin not playing well, is it better for me to sit him so he doesn't hurt average, or should I play him for the "volume" stats? I don't have another catcher and don't want to waste a spot right now.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:59 PM)

Keep Martin active

Ben (Lowell, MA)

Becky, will you go out with me?

Aaron (Raleigh)

If you can't trust a random guy in a fantasy baseball chat room, who can you trust?

tirk (new orleans)

100 bucks says mark sent a picture which shows ms. hathaway rather, um, cold.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:00 PM)

Maaaaayyyybbbbbeeeee

Tom Tuttle (Tacoma)

Al "The Mad Hungarian" Hrabosky or Mitch "Wild Thing" Williams?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:00 PM)

Always Al. Not even close.

Jason (OH)

Alex "Flash" Gordon or Evan "Why won't Tony Parker quit calling my cell" Longoria?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:00 PM)

Gordon.

Jason Bay

Do I hit 30 HRs?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:00 PM)

NO. 25

Mike (San Diego)

Which Rockies starter has the best season?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:01 PM)

Ubaldo

Dave (Orlando)

Is now the time to sell high on Justin Upton? Or can we expect a .300, 30, 90 type season out of the 20 yr old?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:01 PM)

Sell high. but 20/20 .280 is definitely do able for him

Artie Lange (Amsterdam)

Am I employed come Monday morning?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:02 PM)

Yes, but you shouldn't be. That was fascinating, was it not? I'm a hugh fan of Artie's. But he attacked a co-worker physically. He should be done. End of story. But Howard is a softie and he's popular... so he will still be on the air.

Mike: (San Diego, CA)

There is another Mike in San Diego? I thought I was the only one!!! Cabrera or Braun the rest of the way???

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:03 PM)

You're the only one I care about. I'll say Cabrera but it is very very close.

Matt,MPLS

How do you keep your rosters, in regard to pitchers and batters. I keep one maybe two bench batters and the rest all pitchers. Is that the norm? Would you rather have Sherill or Ryan? Anne Hathaway isn't hot.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:04 PM)

That's what i do. I actually usually keep all pitchers and no offensive players, actually. Sherrill. And you are very wrong.

Becky (Hartford, CT)

Hmmm. Is it hypocritical that I am not really interested in giving Ben from Lowell a shot?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:05 PM)

No. It shows excellent taste and improves your chances with me.

Tim, Washington D.C.

I bet you it'll be Acosta, what with Moylan going to the DL and all.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:06 PM)

Hmm. I haven't seen that yet and I'm pretty up to date. if it's true, then of course. but failing health issues, it's Moylan

David (DC)

Am I nuts for considering Naploi over Posada for the long term?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:07 PM)

no, you aren't. AVG is the only concern for Posada over Napoli. If you can take the hit....

Verne Troy

Any interest in having a Mini TMR follow you around? I'll buy the wig and clothes. Seriously.... I need work bad.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:07 PM)

Done and done.

Matthew berry

Wow we have the same name thats crazy.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:07 PM)

I know, right?

Brad (Philly)

Moylan is on the DL: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080415&content_id=2530285&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:08 PM)

There you go. They beat us to it.

Tim's League Mate (DC)

Nice try, Timmy.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:09 PM)

LOL. But it's legit.

Adam (NY)

So its acosta right?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:12 PM)

YES

John

You know nothing...geez how did you not know Moylan was going on the DL... what do you get paid for?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:13 PM)

It hit the wires while I was in this chat. I can't follow every story every second or every day.

Chris (Providence)

Who becomes the better pickup now: acosta or betancourt?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:13 PM)

Acosta

Brian (Fairfield, CT)

so with this news... manny acosta or Mark lowe?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:14 PM)

Acosta

MagicMan

Does Lackey come back strong or return to the DL?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:15 PM)

STRONG.

Jack (Chicago)

Who do you like better, this year only, Blalock or Kotchman?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:15 PM)

CK

Finn (Seattle, WA)

Championship week in basketball... Any chance of ESPN posting some sort of list or relevant players that are probably going to be sitting out the last couple of games?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:16 PM)

I'll suggest. Good idea.

Michael H (NC)

Anne H is hot: Was ranked #85 on FHM's sexiest women in the world list 2006. One of People Magazine's 100 Most Beautiful People in the world. (2006). Named as one People Magazine's 100 Most Beautiful People in the world 2007. Ranked #63 on Askmen.com's 100 Most Desirable Women in the World. (2008).

john (chi-town)

I JUST PICKED UP ACOSTA!!!!!!!!!!!!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:16 PM)

There you go. Dropping knowledge all over the place.

Every Story (Every Second, Every Day)

Can't catch me! Can't catch me!!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:16 PM)

This also made me laugh

Hernan (weeki wachee,FL)

It hit the wires while I was in this chat. I can't follow every story every second or every day. you are a waste of our precious lunch time

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:17 PM)

Indeed I am.

Ronan (Ireland)

Wow...When does this chat end ?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:18 PM)

Right..... now. Thanks all!