Jason Grey

  (3:01 PM)

Hey everyone - swamped already with questions so I'll get right to them. Just a heads up that I'm generating about 8000 words of scouting information a week for insider, if you're not a member already. (cheap plug)

Derek (Dutchess)

Start Buchholz against the Yanks tonight?

Jason Grey

  (3:09 PM)

If I own Buchholz, he's a start every time out until proven otherwise

Chris, Toronto

Is Chad Cordero worth a roster spot?

Jason Grey

  (3:12 PM)

In 12-team, as long as they keep running him out for the ninth, yes.

Jason Grey

  (3:14 PM)

I accidentally deleted a question about Mark Reynolds...I wrote a full scouting report in a clipboard last week, it was positive. 150 whiffs, but maybe .260 w/30 HR

Donnie(Columbia, MO)

Which side do you like better in a Sizemore/Aramis for Braun/Carlos Lee trade?

Jason Grey

  (3:16 PM)

It's close enough to be pretty even for me. Sizemore/Aramis is the "safer" side with production that is more guaranteed, for what that's worth.

Kevin (Louisville)

Can Casey Kotchman stay healthy this year and put up a .320, 90, 28, 90 line? How would you rank Loney, Kotchman, and C. Jackson? Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (3:16 PM)

That line might be a reach, but he'll still be solid, and he's second to Jackson on that list for me.

Justin (Windsor, Conn.)

J.R. Towles or Mike Napoli? Predictions for both?

Jason Grey

  (3:17 PM)

I said Towles at the beginning of the season, so I'm going to stick by that.

Dan (Philadelphia, PA)

I have a bit of a situation here and would very much appreciate if you could help out. I have been offered K-Rod and Rafael Soriano for Zimmerman and Gallardo. I do like that I can upgrade my RP substantially, but I am worried about 1) Will Soriano be that good and healthy soon enough? 2) Crede (who is my bench 3B) be a good enough replacement over the entire season for Zimmerman?

Jason Grey

  (3:17 PM)

I think the health concerns of all three of the players (K-Rod, Soriano, Crede) make it a worrisome play. I would likely stick with what you have.

Daryl (NYC)

What are your thoughts on Zack Greinke's fantastic start. Obvioulsy he can't maintain these numbers but where do you project his numbers will be by season's end?

Jason Grey

  (3:17 PM)

Great - a chance to plug my next scouting clipboard, which will prominently feature Greinke! Sign up for insider now! My clipboards are 2000 words of in-depth hand-on scouting information to get you the scoop behind the numbers, often straight from the clubhouse and the players themselves. I know Matthew and Nate weren't as high on Greinke as I am in a recent Fantasy Focus podcast (man, I'm a plug machine today), but I think Greinke winds up being a double-digit earner in any format.

Drake (Austin)

I neglected my outfield on draft day. Who are some decent buy-low outfielders? I've kinda stocked up on 1B and C with a. gonzalez, loney, kotchman, martin, towles, and napoli. which ones of those should i keep?

Jason Grey

  (3:17 PM)

Brad Hawpe comes to mind. So does Jeremy Hermida. Try and sell-off Napoli with his hot start, and maybe Loney. I am a Kotchman fan this season.

Blake: Sioux City, IA

What do you think of this huge trade? Receiving - H Ramirez, G Soto, J Smoltz, and J Loney Giving - R Furcal, J Thome, T Hunter, J Posada, and M Reynolds

Jason Grey

  (3:18 PM)

I don't have a big issue with it. Works for me if you think it works for you.

Dan (NJ)

Between Swisher, Butler and N Johnson which two are best going forward? My league counts R, H, RBI, SB, K, E, OPS and EBH Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (3:18 PM)

I like Swisher and Butler.

kevin ( plymouth ma )

would you drop josh hamilton for nate mclouth must keep mclouth for year if i do points league also drop kinsler for hill

Jason Grey

  (3:18 PM)

No and no.

Steve (Lakerland, CA)

Drop Garko to pickup Conor Jackson? Or is it a wash? 10 team H2H

Jason Grey

  (3:18 PM)

Leaning toward it being a wash

James (philly)

looking for some helpful advice on these two decisions. should i sell high on mike jacobs? pick up jeff keppinger or aaron hill? this is for a 12 team mixed league? thanks.

Jason Grey

  (3:19 PM)

I love me some Aaron Hill, and selling high always depends on what the offer is, but yeah I would explore it.

Mat (DC)

Jason - What do you think of starting Parra @ STL in a 12 team mixed league?

Jason Grey

  (3:19 PM)

It's not a bad play.

Greg (Philly)

All things considered (especially playing time) which of these guys will put up better numbers by the end of the year: Juan Pierre or Eugenio Velez

Jason Grey

  (3:19 PM)

Great question...still going to go with Pierre, but I had to really consider that one carefully.

Patrick (Cle, OH)

I have Kent and Pedroia and have been offered my choice of Maddux, Robertson, Cliff Lee, Gorzelanny, Wellemeyer or Kyle Kendrick for Pedroia. To whom do I hitch my wagon?

Jason Grey

  (3:19 PM)

Perhaps too early to make any sort of move? Especially if those are the options? Might a better deal present itself down the road?

Andrew (Boston)

Sabathia - start him tonight?

Jason Grey

  (3:19 PM)

Passing on him until further notice. I think the 260+ innings last season are a real concern.

Jon (CA)

Is Wellemeyer mixed-league worthy? spot-start worthy? Worthless?!?

Jason Grey

  (3:20 PM)

I don't trust him for mixed leagues. His control wanders too much. For NL leagues he's fine.

Paul (Greensboro, NC)

If you could have two out of three of the following, which would it be? Shawn Hill, Cliff Lee, Ervin Santana...

Jason Grey

  (3:20 PM)

Santana and Lee, by a fairly comfortable margin.

Nick (UT)

SUBMITTING EARLY BUT NEED HELP! Jason, would you rather have Napoli for the season or a solid, steady vet like Kendall or Varitek? I'm not looking for one area of production, just overall contribution. Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (3:20 PM)

Given those choices, Napoli.

Travis Houston Tx

Is it time to hit the panic button on Hunter Pence? I paid a lot of money $33 for him in my NL only auction and I'm losing my mind!

Jason Grey

  (3:20 PM)

Well, that was quite a bit to pay, but I still think he'll be fine

G.Miller (Montreal, Canada)

Hey Jason, I'm in a 12 team, NL only league. I have Derrick Lee and Randy Wolf on my team, both of which are off to great starts. I made the decision to sell high on them and make the trade for Teixeira and Saito. Good move?

Jason Grey

  (3:20 PM)

Yep, but you knew that already and just wanted to gloat to the millions of readers of this chat. I see right through you.

Mike (philly)

who do i pick up? Parra, Billingsly, Wandy for one SP/RP slot in a 12 team H2H nonkeeper league (whip,era,k's,bb,etc).

Jason Grey

  (3:21 PM)

Not trusting Chad's health for the moment, so Parra.

Matt (New Jersey)

Acosta's still available in my league. Who should I drop to make room for him- Carlos Marmol or Heath Bell? (The only guys getting me saves right now are Lidge and Betancourt in a 12 team mixed league.)

Jason Grey

  (3:21 PM)

Call me crazy, but neither. I'm not sold on Acosta yet.

James (DC)

Who has more fantasy upside ...Hermida, Willingham or Luke Scott?

Jason Grey

  (3:21 PM)

Hermida has the biggest upside, followed by Scott.

Travis Houston Tx

Who do you think will have a bigger fantasy impact this year Brian Barton or John Bowker?

Jason Grey

  (3:21 PM)

Good question - I might have to go with Bowker simply because of a better shot at playing time.

Johnson (DC)

Have you had a chance to watch Scott Olsen pitch this season? I know he has long been a favorite of yours. Will 2008 be the year he turns the corner?

Jason Grey

  (3:21 PM)

I don't know if "turn the corner" is the right phrase, he was pretty solid in 2006, but yeah, I like him for this season. Wished I owned him somewhere. Inexplicably, I don't.

Matt (New Jersey)

I have both Sexson and Delgado on my roster right now, but need to make room to add another pitcher. Who's the better bet to stick with for the season?

Jason Grey

  (3:21 PM)

Delgado. Sexson has a really slow bat right now.

JD (East Fishkill)

In a shallow mixed-league where saves look like they will be tightly contested. I have Joba to help with ratios and possibly wins/Ks down the road. Should I drop him and pick-up Betancourt to try to get a leg up in saves?

Jason Grey

  (3:22 PM)

In this circumstance, I'd take the chance on Betancourt.

Jason (Amherst, MA)

Jason, Great to see you at ESPN. Which side of this trade do you prefer (this year only): Liriano / Hafner for Joba / M. Cabrera?

Jason Grey

  (3:22 PM)

Joba/Cabrera side -I'm not certain we see the real good Liriano for a little bit.

Craig, NYC

I've got Pierre and Kemp and it's killing me! I sit one and the other plays! What do you expect of the two of them and do they have any good value anymore?

Jason Grey

  (3:22 PM)

I never expected as much out of Pierre to begin with as others did. Stick with Kemp, he'll eventually win out.

Matt (San Diego)

I dropped Kenji and picked up Napoli and have been happy since, but Kenji is heating up and has a track record. Kenji is still available. Do I pick him back up? Thanks

Jason Grey

  (3:22 PM)

I think Kenji outperforms Napoli for the balance of the season

James (Grand Forks, ND)

I am in a 14-team 5X5 league. I didn't pay for saves and ended up with none. I was able to snag Manny Acosta off the wire and have other potential closers in waiting on my roster. An owner has offered me Billy Wagner for Kinsler. Is Wagner gonna be worth it for just one category?

Jason Grey

  (3:23 PM)

With others in waiting, I hang on to Kinsler.

Josh (Dexter,NY)

Should I Trade Justin Morneau for David Ortiz?

Jason Grey

  (3:23 PM)

Yes.

Josh Hilton Head, SC

Need a closer and can't decide between 1. Jose Valverde 2.Matt Capps 3.Joakim Soria 4.Rafeal Betancourt Which One?

Jason Grey

  (3:23 PM)

Soria, and it's not close.

Gil (Portsmouth, NH)

I see that Luke Hochevar is doing well in Triple A. When do you think he'll be up? Is he worth stashing now in a keeper league if you have the room? Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (3:23 PM)

Not in mixed leagues, but yes in AL-only.

Remy (Seattle, WA)

Garko or Jocobs? I've got Berkman, but playing him at OF.

Jason Grey

  (3:24 PM)

I prefer Garko over the balance of the season. He's still the better hitter despite Jacobs' hotter start.

Mike (Columbus OH)

Is Bonds worth keeping or is he just taking up bench room? What chances do you give for him to play this year?Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (3:24 PM)

The latter, I don't see him playing. The chances of that and the upside are not enough to tie up the bench spot.

Steve (MA via E. Hartford)

Did the number of pitches that Sabathia threw last year increase in proportion to the number of innings he threw? It seems like pitches thrown would be a better indicator of how much more he threw last year, since low pitch counts give a pitcher the opportunity to throw more innings without wearing out the arm anymore.

Jason Grey

  (3:26 PM)

To bump to 260 when you don't throw over 200 for four straight years is a concern anyway you look at it. I don't have the exact data in front of me, but as I recall there was no sharp decrease in the proportion, which would be a different story.

Jason Grey

  (3:27 PM)

As a follow-up his batters faced per game has risen three straight seasons as well.

Matt (Washington, DC)

Love your work, Jason! Is Francoer and Wood too much to give up for Tulowitzky? I have outfield depth, and would move Sheffield into the starting lineup.

Jason Grey

  (3:27 PM)

Yes, too much. I like keeping your guys, and keeping Sheff on the bench.

Joel from RI

I'm in a 20-team H-to-H league. I'm considering trading McGowan for Tulowitzki. A few things to consider - I have Theriot at SS. We start 5 starters each week and I have Smoltz, King Felix, Cuerto and Shields. I also have Gallardo coming off the DL. SP's carry a lot of value in a 20-team league, so that is why I'm hesitant. What would you do?

Jason Grey

  (3:27 PM)

Make the deal.

Brian (LA)

Is Wlad the next Vlad? Wilkerson's hitting a buck fifty and Vidro's not much better...when will Seattle finally call him up?

Jason Grey

  (3:28 PM)

More like a slightly better Wily Mo Pena. Jeff Clement may get a call to DH before Balentien. That's just my speculation. We'll see.

Jeff (SF, Ca)

Unfair trade? Howard and Markakis for Chipper and Maine

Jason Grey

  (3:28 PM)

Unbalanced, but not unfair. A small but important distinction.

Ryan, Missouri

Is it worth riding out the cold start for Cano or should I be looking to deal him?

Jason Grey

  (3:28 PM)

I was not as big a Cano fan this season as most, especially for the cost it took to get him, so if someone is offering you a deal based on his pre-season worth or close to it, I would jump at it

dave (canada)

just traded utley for upton and halladay-good move?

Jason Grey

  (3:28 PM)

Not good, not great, but not bad. I'm an Upton believer.

Chris (Boston, MA)

I paid the price for sitting Wang last Friday night against the Sox at Fenway. Should I sit him again tonight in the Bronx or throw him out there?

Jason Grey

  (3:28 PM)

See Buchholz post at the top.

Kevin (York, PA)

I traded J. Upton and C Gomez for Markakis in a non-keeper league. Was this a good move?

Jason Grey

  (3:28 PM)

Can't argue with it - understand why you did it - wouldn't have done it myself.

Bill (Austin, Texas)

What's up with Phil Hughes? He's available in my league. Should I pick Hughes up or watch a couple more starts before I add him?

Jason Grey

  (3:29 PM)

I wrote about him extensively with a complete scouting breakdown on Monday...bottom line I'd take a chance if he was out there. High risk/High reward

bryan, denver

Would you get rid of Manny Ramirez for Jhonny Peralta and Xavier Nady? I already have Jeter, Edgar Renteria, and Yuni Escobar at SS, so I'm having a hard time deciding what to do...

Jason Grey

  (3:29 PM)

No, I think Manny's going to have great season, and you have no need for Peralta. I'd clearly stick with Manny given the other options you have at SS.

Jim (New York)

I drafted Ramon Hernandez but later picked up Nate McLouth from free agency. Should I drop Hernandez to pick up Casey Kotchman? (It's a one catcher 5x5 league).

Jason Grey

  (3:29 PM)

No need to carry two catchers in that format, grab someone later off the waiver wire if you need to.

Ray (Pittsburgh, PA)

I have a suspicion that an owner in my league is trying to make a move for someone on waivers without using his top waiver spot. He's telling everyone how he's going to pick the guy up and everyone is assuming this is a guarantee because he has the #1 waiver spot, which obviously would be the case if the owner actually claims him off waivers. However, the player comes off waivers and into the free agent pool tomorrow and I have a feeling that the owner is just telling everyone he will pick him up off waiver to make other owners believe it would be pointless to put in a waiver request for him. He would then wait for him to hit the free agent pool, and pick him up without losing his #1 waiver spot. My question is that my roster is pretty set and I have no one that I would like to drop to pick the player up right now, but I also don't want my fellow owner to get away without using his waiver spot. Do I risk trying to pick him up and the expense of losing another player; almost out of spite alone? Can I relay my thoughts to other owners and hope one of them will take these steps? Keep in mind that if this owner gets away with this, his smugness about it will be unbearable.

Jason Grey

  (3:30 PM)

Talent is talent...if he's worth the pick, try and pick him up and worry about how he fits in later. Don't buy into the noise, and you might be able to even deal him to that other team if you get him. I find it hard to believe that player would slide through everyone, even without you telling others, which I wouldn't do.

John (Hopewell)

Tulowitski is killing my BA. Bench him and pick up either Keppinger or Renteria who are currently on the wire?

Jason Grey

  (3:30 PM)

Patience - he started slow last season as well, and that turned out well. He'll be fine.

Rob D New York

Whats your view on Sheffield, think he can produce deep into the season without missing much time. Think Prior has an impact this season and which would be better-Bourn or Taveras?

Jason Grey

  (3:30 PM)

I wasn't a Sheff fan at the beginning of the season, and am not now. I could totally see under 20 homers and a 260 batting average. Prior, his mechanics haven't changed so I don't know why we expect things to be different this time. Pick your poison on Bourn/Taveras. Taveras is the safer bet, but Bourn has the bigger upside.

Lute Tucson AZ

Drop one: Villanueva, Wandy, Ervin Santana, Blackburn Drop one: Qualls, Pena (AZ), Neshek, Kobayashi (Cleveland) Holds and K/9 and K/BB are stats in our 14 man league

Jason Grey

  (3:30 PM)

Villanueva, Kobayashi

Colby (Boise, ID)

First Base Needs from the Young Guys! Better everyday: Loney, Kotchman, C. Jackson?

Jason Grey

  (3:30 PM)

Jackson, Kotchman, then Loney

Marc (Boston, MA)

Hi Jason. Should I use a high waiver on Jed Lowrie in a deep AL-Only league or hold it for potentially higher-upside prospects (like David Price/Adam Miller)? Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (3:31 PM)

I pretty much always fall on the side of getting a guy now while you can, because sometimes the waiting game burns you. Just ask anyone who waited for Adam Miller (no starts) or Clay Buchholz (4 starts) last year. With Cora hitting the DL, Lowrie's versatility will be useful in AL-only play.

Chet (Ann Arbor, MI)

Hey Jason. From here on out, which side would you rather have on your team: Hafner and Kinsler or Miguel Cabrera? Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (3:31 PM)

Who is Cabrera replacing? Don't forget that part. I want the former side of the equation not knowing anything else.

Tom (Los Angeles, CA)

What's the deal with Rich Hill? Do I hang on to the guy or try and deal him?

Jason Grey

  (3:31 PM)

He'll be fine, and back in the rotation this weekend. He really only had one bad start out of two and we shouldn't over-react.

C (Omaha,NE)

Jason, great article on Wolf. Please help, no other chat has taken it. In a 12 team keeper I've got Granderson,Hermida,Butler,Hart,Pence,Braun,Atkins,Gordon,Longoria, Y.Escobar and only 6 spots where I can start them. Who do you trade and what kind of value am I looking at? Thanks!!

Jason Grey

  (3:32 PM)

You don't need four third basemen, and I'd keep Escobar for the roster flexibility. Perhaps try and trade a third baseman in each of two separate deals? I don't have a problem with any of those players, so it becomes who is more highly sought after and provides the best return.

Jeff Weaver

Hey, I'm back!!! Are you thinking about picking me up?

Jason Grey

  (3:32 PM)

I'd just as soon pick up Earl Weaver.

John (NYC)

Jason, which side do you like better for this season? Big Papi or Teixeira/Owings. Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (3:32 PM)

Tex and Micah

Mike (NYC)

Tristan this morning preffered Parra over Volquez to fill my Bedard spot. Your thoughts? (I picked up Volquez by the way)

Jason Grey

  (3:33 PM)

Pretty even , but Parra has a better team and better home park.

Mark (San Diego, CA)

I don't follow on the Prior comments. I thought his mechanic were good and his problem wasn't mechanical anyway.

Jason Grey

  (3:35 PM)

Common misconception. Freeze frame his delivery sometime and watch his elbow go higher than his shoulder on the back side - that puts a TON of stress on the arm. It's not as noticeable at full speed. I'm not sure where the "great mechanics" bandwagon started, but I hate what he does in the back. It looks clean, but it really isn't.

Jason Grey

  (3:37 PM)

Lot of Oswalt questions. That's a long track record of success he has, including some slow starts. I'm not over-reacting to a couple of weeks in April.

Jason (NYC)

Ok, I'll try one more time and leave it be if you can't get to this...don't want to bombard you. Tough question for you. I have BJ Ryan/Accardo. I have to drop either Accardo or Rauch in order to activate BJ. Keep Accordo around for backup? or hold onto Rauch since Cordero's trade potential, short term health issue, and apparently now arm strength is in question.

Jason Grey

  (3:39 PM)

Good question, Rauch, especially as Scott Downs might get a situational save or two. The Jays will let Ryan work through any issues in the closer's role.

Andy

Do you think Owings is the real deal? 3.50ERA?

Jason Grey

  (3:40 PM)

I've said it multiple times since spring, yes.

Rex: Seattle, Wa

Where are you on the fantasy "patience" meter. I have Ty Wigginton at MI in my league, but if I drop him, I can only bring him back up at a corner spot. Buthe produced great numbers for a MI in just over 100 games played last season...make a move, or ride it out?

Jason Grey

  (3:41 PM)

Wigginton's the kind of guy I'm not worried about dropping early in a 12-team mixed if I see a better option.

Danny

Do you like Nick Blackburn in mixed leagues?

Jason Grey

  (3:42 PM)

Yes, I do as a sleeper. I have him on my active roster in a 12-team staff league right now in fact

Shannon (Knoxville,TN)

Cano and Hoffman or Upton? I have plenty of saves so won't cost me there.

Jason Grey

  (3:43 PM)

B.J.? No question.

John (Boston)

Blockbuster trade question. Manny Ramirez, Lance Berkman, and Miguel Tejada for Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran. Thoughts??

Jason Grey

  (3:43 PM)

I'll take the Manny side unless you really need steals

Jeff - SD

Will Blackburn keep his major league digs when Slowey comes back?

Jason Grey

  (3:44 PM)

Well, that's the one caveat - but if he keeps pitching well, it's possible. If not, I stash him away because he'll be back.

Peter

Why is Howard so terrible now?

Jason Grey

  (3:45 PM)

He's not going to the opposite field as much as he used to and is trying to pull everything. In his breakout year 16 of his first 18 homers went the opposite way. That said, I think he can get back on track.

Bob MA

Help - low limited moves league need one pitcher from this bunch: Parra - Baker - Bonser - Wandy Rodriguez - Wolf - Greinke - Volquez

Jason Grey

  (3:45 PM)

Greinke by a nose.

eric (sf, ca)

Love your stuff. Final estimates for TheRiot? And would you drop TheRiot or Pena (AZ) or Borowski TO GRAB Acosta (when I need saves help, already have Betancourt & Rafael Soriano, and have Kent to start at MI though do like TheRiot's steal potential)?? THANKS!

Jason Grey

  (3:46 PM)

Keep Theriot, he'll swipe the bags before it's all said and done.

Tom (NY)

Trade Chris Young (SP) for Corey Hart and Phil Hughes?

Jason Grey

  (3:47 PM)

Every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

Jason Grey

  (3:48 PM)

Every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

John (Boston)

Any word on Howie Kendrick?

Jason Grey

  (3:49 PM)

Hopefully back by this weekend.

Dave (NYC)

You seem pretty high on Conor Jackson. What's his final line going to look like?

Jason Grey

  (3:49 PM)

.290-.300 with 20+ homers

Nate (VA)

Welcome to ESPN Jason! You said you are a BJ Upton guy, and I am trying to peg his value as my 2B and was wondering what does his final line look like? Is 100, 28, 115, 30, 285 too much to expect?

Jason Grey

  (3:50 PM)

.280-.290 and a 25/25 guy. Anything else is bonus.

Karl PI tampa

i just read that the cubs are calling up eric patterson or matt murton while soriano is out, is either one worth picking up in a deep league?

Jason Grey

  (3:51 PM)

Patterson has speed and might have 2B eligibility in your league.

Jose (Houston, TX)

So...any thoughts on Valverde? A bump in the road or cause for concern? He's never been that much of a shutdown guy, but he's rarely been terrible for long either. Any signs he won't bounce back.

Jason Grey

  (3:51 PM)

Never owned Valverde. Not once. Never trusted . him 47 save season or not. Yeah, I missed out last year but I slept well and saved money in aspirin.

ro (NYC)

Pick a Mariner Minor Leaguer for this year: Morrow or Clement? What are their respective ETAs? Thanks

Jason Grey

  (3:52 PM)

Clement leads off my minor league column which is being posted today. I have to think they will get him in there at some point.

Brad (Philly)

You're a scout - is it a bad sign that my co-worker keeps walking by my office door whispering, "It puts the lotion in the basket..." ???

Jason Grey

  (3:53 PM)

The scary part is this might be Brad from Philly's least crazy query he's sent today.

Phil (Denver)

commemt and projection on Johnny Damon...thanks

Jason Grey

  (3:54 PM)

.280, 10 HR, 19 SB

ro (NYC)

Thoughts on Max Scherzer? Is a Joba performance in his future? Thanks

Jason Grey

  (3:55 PM)

Yet another plug for today's minor league column...he's profiled extensively in there, with commentary from Max himself.

Brian (Chicago)

Lightning round! Jackson or Butler

Jason Grey

  (3:56 PM)

Hey! We're not there yet, but great question. Umm...ummm... Butler, no, Jackson, no wait. Umm, Jackson.

Mike (SF)

Hey Jason, got some closers issues (doesn't everyone?) Who to pick up? Gregg, Wilson or (dare I say it) Gagne? Also Johjima or Doumit? Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (3:58 PM)

Gregg, Johjima. I don't get the downers on Gregg. I've watched him this year and think he's fine.

Kevin Millwood (TX)

Am I an ace or was I just faking it in those first couple starts? Predicitons...

Jason Grey

  (3:58 PM)

You fake it like Meg Ryan in "When Harry Met Sally"

Alex (Chicago)

Should I drop Sexson for Casey Kotchman?

Jason Grey

  (3:59 PM)

Yes. (I like the easy ones.)

Moe

If I can't hit the driver, am I ok with a 5 wood off the tee?

Jason Grey

  (3:59 PM)

No need to get that wussy, go 3-wood.

Brad (Philly)

Hi Jason, I read your recent entry on Andruw Jones, and it sounds like he's on the verge of becoming a hitter similar to Richie Sexson (if he's not there already). Unfortunately, there's not much of a trade market for Andruw, as well as no suitable free agents to replace him. In that case, I feel like I have no choice but to hold onto him and hope for the best... unless you (hopefully) have a better suggestion?

Jason Grey

  (4:00 PM)

Welcome back to the world of the sane Brad from Philly! I think your reasoning is sound, though I might scour that free agent pool a little deeper.

John (VA)

What are your thoughts on Kuo? Are you buying his recent success?

Jason Grey

  (4:01 PM)

Yes, as long his arm remains attached.

Mike (Boston)

staying in the lightning - granderson and putz or sheff and bonderman? Bonderman is worrying me

Jason Grey

  (4:02 PM)

Granderson and Putz

Rob (State College)

If you guys get thousands of questions, why keep answering Brad from Philly??Two leagues, two trade offers. Yes or no is fine, in a vacuum: 1. Give Ortiz, get Alfonso Soriano? 2. Give Mark Reynolds, get Ortiz?

Jason Grey

  (4:03 PM)

Every chat needs a little comic relief, and I think we have a burgeoning Brad from Philly running gag over my first few chats....That said, Take Soriano and then Ortiz.

Barry, (Niceville (FL)

Good afternoon. 5x5 mixed, non-keeper league. I've got pitchers coming back from the DL - Lackey, Gallardo, Kazmir. Can keep 1, possibly 2 of the following: Bannister, Owings, Cueto. Or do I keep all 3 and not pick up any of the DL returnees?

Jason Grey

  (4:04 PM)

I'd keep Owings and Cueto if I could, Cueto if it was just one.

John (Charlottesville)

Isn't Soriano hurt?

Jason Grey

  (4:05 PM)

So isn't Ortiz who's still playing with knee problems. Last I checked there were still 5 1/2 months left in the season. So Soriano missed a few games, doesn't mean he still might not be the better player when it's all said and done.

Bob, AZ

Your Minor League column isnt up yet?

Jason Grey

  (4:06 PM)

Should be up shortly, already filed.

JG (Newark, NJ)

To be fair, Ortiz says there's no knee issue, just a matter of mechanics from having HAD the knee issue. Soriano, on the other hand, is out for "a while" according to Sweet Lou.

Jason Grey

  (4:09 PM)

That explains the big ice packs he keeps wearing. But either way, it's stll a mild concern. That said, it's close enough I wouldn't argue it too much. A lot of it depends on your team needs.

Shane (SF)

I am a Giants fan. What is wrong with Barry Zito?

Jason Grey

  (4:10 PM)

Besides the fact he's Doug Davis with a bigger contract? (OK, much bigger) Check my archives, h a full scouting report is in there. The fact his fastball is in the mid-80s is an issue.

Jason Grey

  (4:12 PM)

OK, Ortiz/Soriano... having given it more careful consideration and considering the calf issue may affect his stealing when it comes back. I'll flip-flop and go Ortiz. Sue me.

Jason Grey

  (4:12 PM)

The point was they were both projected to earn roughly the same dollar value at the beginning of the season.

Jason Grey

  (4:13 PM)

Three more questions, I appreciate all the response today, I got to as many as I could - still have 1300 in the queue.

Drew (Mpls)

Why no love for Loney? It seems like he'd be a better bet than Jackson or Kotchmann. His numbers last year in extended time were outstaning.

Jason Grey

  (4:14 PM)

I definitely have love for Loney, I just think the other two are slightly better for this season. That's probably why I was asked the question, because they are that close.

Rodney (Chicago)

Marcum or Owings?

Jason Grey

  (4:15 PM)

Solid question....Marcum, but ask me agains tomorrow and I may answer differently

Pete (NY)

Think fast: Delmon Young or Howie Kendrick.

Jason Grey

  (4:16 PM)

Kendrick is he can stay out of the $%#^ trainer's room.

Jason Grey

  (4:16 PM)

Thanks again everyone, I'll be here again next Wednesday.