Scott Engel

  (3:00 PM)

Good afternoon everyone - welcome to the Friday fantasy sports chat - I will gladly take your questions now on offseason fantasy football, NASCAR, AFL, and of course, baseball

Joel (Ellensburg, WA)

I am skipping my college class so I can view this chat! So help me out! Will Ortiz turn it around? I got offered Ortiz for Sheffield and Mike Jacobs. Fair deal?

Scott Engel

  (3:01 PM)

I havew full confidence Ortiz will be fine, and rf you get that offer, it really can't be overturned because the other guy sis simply panicking.

Matt (LA, CA)

Should I trade CC for Kemp and Rivera?

Scott Engel

  (3:02 PM)

Only if you have a surplus of starting pitching and desperately need the saves -you have to be patient with Sabathia

Steve (Iowa)

I have Ortiz, Morneau and C Pena for 2 spots and need help at SS. I proposed Morneau for Jeter to a guy who has him and M Young. He countered with Ortiz for Jeter. What do you think?

Scott Engel

  (3:03 PM)

I think you should keep Ortiz and possibly look to another team for a trading partner

Matt (Philly)

Nice 1st response!! Are you doing this chat wasted?????

Scott Engel

  (3:05 PM)

Thanks Matt - you sound like a Phillies fan. :)

Matt (LA, CA)

I got Keppinger at SS. See any long term solution I know he has the job at least till June/July?

Scott Engel

  (3:07 PM)

I think Keppinger is locked in until further notice and you are going to get good numbers and shouldn't worry about his situation until a change actually happens, not now - plus, Cincy will likely find a way to keep him in the lineup

Damon Berryhill (Linkin Park, IL)

I'm scared; in my bif pocaroba league i am told that i am not fun to trade with - when will i man up?

Scott Engel

  (3:08 PM)

Why are you no fun? Because you don;t give in? In the name of Onix Concepcion, do what is best for you. Razor Shines would be proud.

JM (philly)

Should I be worried about Ryan Zimmerman and Tulu not hitting? Thanks

Scott Engel

  (3:09 PM)

Not this early - especially with Zimmerman, who is a real professional hitter

josh (eugene, or)

I've been offered Gavin Floyd for Hideki Matsui. I'm deep in the outfield and hardly ever play Matsui and could use some depth at starting pitching. I'm relatively sure about the commodity of Matsui (barring injuries) and know that Floyd may be off to a fast start only to revert to his gopher-ball serving days with the phillies, but is this the year Floyd finally cashes in on his potential and #4 draft pick?

Scott Engel

  (3:11 PM)

You may be able to get someone else who is less impressive than Floyd so far, but will give you more peace of mind as a reliable guy overall. I would keep shopping. I'm not sold on Floyd yet.

Jimmy (Providence, RI)

Reynolds or Longoria for the rest of the season? Now that Longoria has long term stability I think he might relax at the plate...

Scott Engel

  (3:12 PM)

As much as I like Longoria, I ama big Reynolds fan and think he will provide more solid numbers over the long haul

bob (NY)

Verlander a buy low candidate or is something really wrong with him?

Scott Engel

  (3:14 PM)

I have no inside info that something is wrong, but I would take a hot on him - I simply belive he is too good to keep these type of performances coming for long

Logan (Hattiesburg, MS)

Should I sit Gorzellany vs. the cubs tomorrow? He got shelled his last time against the cubbies.

Scott Engel

  (3:15 PM)

It all depends on who your other options are, of course, but I could see sitting him in a daily lineup league

Football Nation (NY)

Football, single year keeper: Welker, Santonio Holmes, Kellen Winslow, Justin Fargas. Which one do you like for the best season next year?

Scott Engel

  (3:16 PM)

Winslow - one of the best players at his position, a tough guy who posts fine numbers and plasy through pain

moe (watsonville, ca)

I have Alex Gordon in a H2H points league and have been offered Corey Hart and Geovanny Soto in a trade? My catcher right now is Johjima, who hasn't impressed thus far. Would you accept the trade or bank on Gordon's rise to stardom?

Scott Engel

  (3:17 PM)

It would be very hard or me to turn that deal down - I like Soto as much as Eric Karabell does

Nate (Minneapolis)

Seriously, are going to take football keeper questions a week before the draft? What is the raiders take McFadden!

Scott Engel

  (3:19 PM)

Sure, this is a fantasy sports chat, not just baseball,. I would like him better initially with the Jets, but in either case, I think he will share some carries and be a very good No. 2 fantasy RB.

brad (new york)

I have oswalt, dice-k, francis, oliver perez, shields, and pettite. Do I need to still trade for pitching or do you think this is a solid staff

Scott Engel

  (3:20 PM)

I think you know that you would be much more comfortable with a real solid ace.

Baseball Fan (Detroit)

Sean Alexander will cost me a 3rd next year. Is there anything left in that body?

Scott Engel

  (3:21 PM)

It's justa matter of time now before the Seahawks cut him loose, and it all depends where he signs next, but he is not worth the third-rounder.

Fred (Columbus, OHIO)

NASCAR question! Why aren't there more road courses on the circuit? I get tired watching them race in circles sometime.

Scott Engel

  (3:23 PM)

I personally don;t care about configurations - there's much more strategy going on than meets the eye if you really pay attention. We can simplify any sport negatively if we want to. All I can say is, the limit on how many courses there are make them unique and demand drivers be versatile and makes playing fantasy racing challenging.

Russ (Savannah)

Any idea of who will be the starting RB in Denver this year?

Scott Engel

  (3:24 PM)

Henry is expected to return and should get a shot to start again, but anything will be possible in camp.

mike- norwalk CT

Should i drop rich hill for greinke??

Scott Engel

  (3:25 PM)

I would - if Greinke is available in just about any league I would snatch him up

Don (CAL)

Who will the starting rb be in ariz?

Scott Engel

  (3:25 PM)

I expect it to be James until further notice.

Charlie (MN)

hermida, beltre, garko, or mclouth at UTIL?

Scott Engel

  (3:26 PM)

I have ot go with Hermida when eh is avilable, and if you can stream him and McLouth, I would do it in a daily lineups league

CALVIN (IDAHO)

FOOTBALL! WHAT ABOUT INDOOR SOCCER? IT'S BASEBALL SEASON. ANSWER THE BASEBALL QUESTIONS OR MOVE OVER AND LET SOMEONE ELES DO IT SCOTTY!

Scott Engel

  (3:28 PM)

Calvin- this is a fantasy sports chat, not just baseball. Now you move over and stop yelling. Thanks. BTW, you SHOULD check out our MLS game!

Jack (Chicago)

Dynasty League trade question for you: Zimmerman for Reynolds and CJ Wilson. I think Reynolds is about equal to Zimmerman, Z's reputation is inflated, IMO, b/c he is so good in the field which is meaningless in fantasy. I also need Saves. Thanks

Scott Engel

  (3:29 PM)

I really like Zimmerman better over th elong hual and would not want to move him in a trade to get a guy like Wilson in a longer-term league

Derek (Kalamazoo, MI)

I have Matt Kemp, and could spend my #1 waiver priority on Andruw Jones, giving me the ability to start one or the other based on Joe T's whims... But will he Jones turn his season around, or should I save the top waiver spot for somebody better?

Scott Engel

  (3:31 PM)

I would get Jones on my roster, and I have a lot of confidence in Kemp over the full season. Jones is still well worth a free agent pickup

Mary Ann, (Boston)

I'm leading in most pitching roto cats, I stink in batting. Have Varitek,A.Gonzalez,Reyes, C. Jones, Hawpe, Sizemore, Hermida, Zimmerman. Stay patient or look for a trade?

Scott Engel

  (3:32 PM)

Stay patient - I like the names you just threw at me and we are not even through April yet.

Henry (Baltimore)

Would you drop Acosta for Raunch?

Scott Engel

  (3:34 PM)

I'm not fully confident in Acosta yet, but I don't see Rauch as an upgrade either- for now. I would try to have both on my roster if possible

Marco (Boston)

I was offered Billy Butler for Brandon Lyon. I currently have Jones, Jenks and Okajima....do I make the trade?

Scott Engel

  (3:34 PM)

I would log out fio thsi chat right now and get the deal done

Christian (Boston)

Can you please tell me what is wrong with Robinson Cano? Or is this really who he is..

Scott Engel

  (3:35 PM)

This is another example of a guy who will be just fine, and we're only slightly past mid-April.

Bob (Dallas)

Honey Nut Ichiros.....great team name!

Scott Engel

  (3:36 PM)

I like it! Being a fan of the Mets and Kiss, my team name is "Shea it Out Loud."

Baseball Fan (Detroit)

4 guys for 3 spots. Hermida, Francouer, Kemp, and Hall. Which 3?

Scott Engel

  (3:38 PM)

I would stream them if I could, otherwise, in a tough call, Hall would be out for now, but you have to keep him around, because you never know with Hermida

J (NYC)

Hey Scott, what part of Bayside are ya at...im near QCC & Cardozo. Which side would you rather have: Morneau & Marcum or Pence & Owings?

Scott Engel

  (3:40 PM)

Bay Terrace, my friend. I would much rather have Morneau and Marcum - Pence has created worries and I'm not fully sold on Owings yet

Dave (CT)

I need help filling in my bench, which I stream in the players based on matchups. I have Teahen and Bradley on my bench but would drop either for Carlos Quentin, Ryan Ludwick or Randy Wolf, or Scott Olsen(regardless if I need pitching or hitting)?

Scott Engel

  (3:42 PM)

I would get Quentin on my team, I like hima lot, and I would cut Bradley loose.

Bryan-MA

Scott, I need pitching in the worst way, what should I be looking for in return for C.Lee?

Scott Engel

  (3:43 PM)

That's kind of general - I think you just need to let your league know he is on the block and what youa re looking for, and take it from there

Jake (NJ)

Olsen and Pelfry are off to good starts but seem under the radar. Are they worth a flier, or will they be inconsistent this year? Thanks.

Scott Engel

  (3:44 PM)

Sure, they are both worth a flier. I really like Pelfrey, too. He now finally has the confidence to go with his stuff.

Mike (Niles, IL)

Hi Scott. I've been offered Sizemore & Teixeria for Arod should I do it?

Scott Engel

  (3:45 PM)

As much as I love Sizemore, I wouldn't trade the best player in fantasy baseball unless i desperately needed to fill a need

Darren (Alpharetta, GA)

Mets and Kiss? Something about you I liked, it's all clear now. You think Family Jewels is all staged? Scooter McGavin peeing on his leg, Carrot Top driving him around, thingamadoogie glued to his hand, seems a bit much but still great.

Scott Engel

  (3:48 PM)

Thanks Darren, I like you too. I can see some of FJ is staged - I am glad Gene is having success because he has been an inspiration to me in my own career. But I prefer him in Kiss as opposed to his outside projects. I do greatly admire hsi efforts, though. Great work ethic, the best.

Jamey (NJ)

If I could trade away Cueto and get back C.C., should I do it? Thanks.

Scott Engel

  (3:49 PM)

I would do that, yes. As much as I like Cueto, Sabathia will outperform him for sure over the full season.

Ward ( Stoneham)

Trade went down in my league. Worth a veto? Beltran and O. Hudson for Pujols?

Scott Engel

  (3:50 PM)

Not something I would do if I had pujols, and I can see why you would exercise veto power, but you must also consider if both teams are filling needs and have to think about more than just players involved - get the full story from both owners

Matt, Raleigh

I have Webb, Santana, and Myers as my top 3 pitchers...should I look to move one of them for a closer? Right now I pretty much just have K-Rod thanks to injuries...

Scott Engel

  (3:51 PM)

I certainly would not move Santana or Webb, but you should at least see who you could get in return for Myers

Bryan-MA

Scott, are you a fan of trade veto's? I can't stand them, they always get vetoed when a person towards the top of the standings is making his team better.

Scott Engel

  (3:53 PM)

I think you need to consider many factors involved - I would not veto based on the top team getting better, though. That doesn;t come off well in addition to carrying little weight to veto.

Jason (Orlando FL)

Erik Bedard for Mark Reynolds and Todd Jones. Who got the better deal?

Scott Engel

  (3:54 PM)

I would rather have Bedard - even considering his current condition.

James - Phoenix

FOOTBALL Q. Is the broncos signing of jackson and parker an idication that marshall may be hurt more than they are letting on or just them trying to get some depth?

Scott Engel

  (3:55 PM)

Signing Parkr means nothing for Marshall. Adding Jckson shows they wantt o get him a solid complement. I absolutely love Jackson as a rebound player in Denver and he will ensure Marshall will not face regular double-teaming

Ben (DC)

Hey Scott, my team is strong on starting pitching, weak on steals and saves--with the injury concerns surrounding Bedard, should I trade him and Kelly Johnson for Brian Roberts and Joakim Soria? Have to make a decision today. Thanks.

Scott Engel

  (3:57 PM)

Even with Bedard's concerns, I don;t think that is quite enough to deal him.

Bryan-MA

Scott, do you ever play Strat-O-Matic?

Scott Engel

  (3:58 PM)

GREAT question Bryan! I grw up playing the baseball, basketball, and absolutely loved the super advanced football, where I could move my defensive players around and change backfield formations. Nowadays I play Madden and NLB2k8 and MLB 08 the Show. My son is the king of NASCAR games.

Dan (NY)

Scott, I'm in a head to head 5x5 league. Rollins and Ichiro are my only speed guys so I don't see myself winning SBs many weeks. Should I trade both for power hitters and punt SBs?

Scott Engel

  (4:00 PM)

I certainly would not punt the category,a nd I would keep Rollins and Ichiro and make other moves to acquire power production.

Omar-NY

Uh, why would you consider vetoing the Pujols trade, both Pujols and Beltran were second round picks and you've got Hudson to even it out a little more. Its not like Pujol's elbow issues have disappeared just because he is starting off well. I would take the Pujols side for sure, but don't see why you would consider vetoing it.

Scott Engel

  (4:02 PM)

Maybe you misunderstood or I was not clear Omar - I said you need to weigh other factors than just the players involved before vetoing - but I wouldn't consider draft position after the season ahs started and Pujols' health is not a major concern at this time.

Bob(NY)

C Young, Lincecum, McGowan, Hughes, and Volquez for starters. Loaded in hitting. Trade D Lee or Pat the Bat Burrell?

Scott Engel

  (4:03 PM)

I would try to move Burrell, but neither may get you the true ace you really need. Thanks a lot everyone!