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Scott Engel

  (2:59 PM)

Good afternoon everyone! Welcome to the Monday fantasy sports chat. I will be glad to take your questions of offseason football, NASCAR, and of course, fantasy baseball.

Scotty!

I just got done reading EK's article on Joba. If I wanted to trade him for a current SP or power hitter, who would I target for comparable value? Thanks!

Scott Engel

  (3:00 PM)

Why trade him if you are looking for comparable value? There's too much upside - only deal him if you have a dire need to fill.

Matt (Los Angeles, CA)

I have been working Keppinger at shortstop for awhile. It seems like his hot streak will be running cold shortly. Should I swap him for Crosby or Theriot (SS eligible), both of which are pretty caliente as of late?

Scott Engel

  (3:01 PM)

No player will stay hot the whole season - you will be just fine if you stick with Keppinger

david (seattle)

I got offered Verlander and Penny for Rollins, my pitching isnt great, would you do this trade? Crosby would be my every day SS.

Scott Engel

  (3:03 PM)

I think you can get better value for Rollins, especially when he is healthy. I would stand pat

Rodney (Chicago)

Is Hanley for Furcal and Vlad a laugher for a trade? I really need depth...

Scott Engel

  (3:04 PM)

Not a laugher, but you should be able to build depth without giving up your best player

Mike - Boston

Whats up with the Pit hitting are they worth keeping being mcclouth and nady or do i trade them now

Scott Engel

  (3:05 PM)

I would hold onto McLouth for sure - he is for real. Nady is streaky, though, and I would see what I could get for him

Jeff: (Long Beach, CA)

Hi,John Maine is going up against a hot Cubs team tonight. I'm thinking about benching him, what do you think?

Scott Engel

  (3:06 PM)

I think you keep him active - you can't assume Maine won't give you a quality start

CJ (Georgia)

Hi Scott! Many of us had intentions of dropping Acosta this week for a decent starter. With R. Soriano's return pushed back, should we now hang onto him and pass on a dropped pitchers like Lilly or Billingsley? Thanks!

Scott Engel

  (3:07 PM)

If you really need saves, I think you have to hold onto Acosta

Todd (minneapolis)

Mr. Engel - Just got offered Rios+McGowan for my Markakis+Sabathia? I'm thinking no... your thoughts? (10 team AL only Roto 5x5)

Scott Engel

  (3:09 PM)

I am also thinking no - you don't fill any obvious needs and I like your side better over the full season

Ed (CT)

Which side of a CC/Ethier for Delmon/McLouth trade would you want? What about CC alone for Delmon/Ethier? Thanks Scott.

Scott Engel

  (3:09 PM)

I would rather trade CC straight up for a more established outfielder

Mike (Cleveland)

Pence and Cj Wilson for CC? Good deal or no?

Scott Engel

  (3:11 PM)

Not something I would do - many Sabathia owners should stand firm and won't get proper return on him right now

Jay

With Frank Thomas gone it is only a matter of time until Adam Lind gets the call. What can we expect?

Scott Engel

  (3:12 PM)

With a sore neck, he won't be called up right away, and he will only be initially worth adding in AL-only leagues

Marco (Boston)

Should I drop one of the following {Bill Hall or Raul Ibanez} in favor of one of the following {Ryan Ludwick, Ryan Church or Carlos Quintin}?

Scott Engel

  (3:14 PM)

I would stick with who you have, even though I like Quentin. I believe in Hall and Ibanez will be solid most of the year

Doc (Cleveland)

Good Afternoon Scott! Chris Harris suggested that we hang onto Hughes this morning. His ownership is now in the 40%s! Do you agree? Or are we better with a more experienced cast off like Lilly, Marcum and Billingsley? Thanks!

Scott Engel

  (3:16 PM)

It all depends on what format you play in. I had no choice but to drop him in a 10-team mixed league. Personally, you have to weigh Mr. Harris' input heavily, but I would rather have Marcum myself

Steve Massachusetts

I just picked up Verlander off the Waiver Wire with the last pick. Whats wrong with these people Engel??

Scott Engel

  (3:18 PM)

If you play in a mixed league, especially, say 10 teams, this is no shock with the way he has been performing

Guy (Philadelphia, Pa)

What would you say is a fair deal for Ryan Howard right now. I am a hometown fan looking to buy low from a disgruntled owner in my leauge. Is Morneau and either Sabathia or Gallardo worth it?

Scott Engel

  (3:20 PM)

Only trade for Howard if you really need him, not just because you root for the Phillies. If you're not filling a need, and you have to cut into your top starters, stand pat. And don't cheer when opposing players get injured, either. :)

Dan (west pittston, pa)

What are your thoughts on Beltran for the rest of the season? Is the offseason knee surgery affecting him now and in the future? Should I try to deal him for an Abreu type now or stick it out? He's been brutal so far. Thanks.

Scott Engel

  (3:21 PM)

It's going to take some time for his full strength to return, but he will get there. I don't think you'll get proper value in return for what he can provide later this season

CD (Canton)

You think Braun will suffer through a sophomore slump all season...or will he turn it around at some point??

Scott Engel

  (3:22 PM)

He may have been a tad overrated to begin the season, but I think he will inevitably turn it around very soon

Roderick(methuen, ma)

What happens to the value of TJ Housh if Chad Johnson does get traded?

Scott Engel

  (3:24 PM)

I thiink he drops out of the top 10 fantasy WRs - he'll get double-teamed more as a No. 1 guy - he benefits greatly from all the defensive attention Johnson commands

Guy (Philadelphia Pa)

Hey, I was NOT one of those guys cheering when Reyes went down....But I will openly admit I wasn't shedding tears for the guy. I mean seriously, they talk, talk, talk...But we are "the team to beat!" Anyway, back to Howard... How much will he outperform Morneau from here on out?

Scott Engel

  (3:27 PM)

Rollins was the first one to talk in that rivalry. I never, ever hope for a player to get injured no matter who he is and always cheer when he gets up. I simply don;t think you need to make the deal when you have Morneau and must give up a top starter, too. Think with your head, not your heart, and good luck

brad (new york)

I just got offerred cc, mark reynolds and okajima for d. wright in my head to head league that counts holds. I was thinking about it but my staff is harang, zamrano, sheets, young, gallardo, broxton, joba, neshek. Wouldn't this trade just be a downgrade everywhere for me?

Scott Engel

  (3:28 PM)

There is no way I trade a top 5 player without getting another top-shelf guy in return

Jay (NJ)

Corpas for Chris Young(OF)? Am I getting enough value for my closer?

Scott Engel

  (3:29 PM)

Personally, if I had Young, I would turn the deal down

Craig (ATL)

Scott, Who do YOU think is the team to beat in the NL East? And do you think Carlos Quentin is worth a pickup in a 13 team roto mixed?thanks

Scott Engel

  (3:30 PM)

It's not Florida. There is no clear team ot beat, as the Mets and Phils will fight it out, with Atlanta a notch behind. Yes, I like Quentin, and get him now

Scott Engel

  (3:30 PM)

Chris (Philly)

Do you expect Portis's numbers to goup or down in Jim Zorn's offense? Where do you rank him?

Scott Engel

  (3:31 PM)

I expect less yardage and more TDs - he is still young, will finish off more scoring drives and will be in the backof my top 10 RBs

Bill (New Jersey)

Cuerto - Can you please give me an idea of what kind of hitter he is worth? Thome? Butler?

Scott Engel

  (3:33 PM)

Bill, it's really not about targeting players YOu want. It's about taking a good, hard look at the rosters in your league, seeing who has a need for starting pitching, and then asking them who they are willing to move

Steve (NY)

Which team that could get him do you think would maximize McFadden's rookie value?

Scott Engel

  (3:35 PM)

You are obviously asking about the Jets, and I think he goes to them if Oakland passes. I like him more initially with the Jets, more with Oakland over the longer term

DJ (Charlotte NC)

Scott - Now that just about everyone seems to be going with the 2 RB philosophy in the NFL, does that make it more important than ever in fantasy to get a top tier QB? Thanks!

Scott Engel

  (3:36 PM)

Not every team does it and I think that makes guys like Tomlinson and StevenJackson even more valuable - but you also cannot pass on Brady or Manning in the first round

Jamie (Il)

Do you think Larry Johnson can have a better season this year.

Scott Engel

  (3:39 PM)

I'm not too confident in LJ being dependable - the passing game won't help him and th eline is in a rebuilding/patchwork mode

Kev (NYC)

How far have LJ and Alexander fallen in your projections? Once top 5 picks, now not even top 5 rounders?

Scott Engel

  (3:40 PM)

I would go for LJ in the fourth as a second RB, and Alexander, it all depends where he lands if and when Seattle cuts him, but as of now, seventh-rounder

Simon (Columbia, SC)

Scott, I know it is way early, but who would make up your top 10 picks for next year's FF? Thanks

Scott Engel

  (3:43 PM)

1 - LT 2 - Brady 3 - Peterson 4- Addai 5 - Westbrook 6 - Steven Jackson 7 - Peyton 8 - Moss 9 - Lynch 10 -Portis

Patrick (Cambridge, MA)

What do you think of Marion Barber III next year? Top 10? In any case, it's about time he got the starting gig.

Scott Engel

  (3:45 PM)

Top 15 - more carries won;t mean simply an increase in the current numbers - he's not explosive when he gets to the second level and will be more o a workhorse than a dominant runner

Lonesome Dave (Foghat NJ)

Hey Scott - Does DJ Hackett's value in Carolina this fall totally depend on whether Jake comes back 'right' after his surgery??? Thanks!

Scott Engel

  (3:46 PM)

It also depends on Hackett staying healthy, but he is a fine sleeper if Delhomme returns

Paul (NY)

My two keepers are Willie Parker andClinton Portis would you feel comfortable with these two as your starting backs?

Scott Engel

  (3:47 PM)

I say you have to keep Portis, but I would gamble on tossing back Parker to see who else you can get in the next draft

Moe

Who wins this trade, Carlos Pena for John Maine?

Scott Engel

  (3:48 PM)

Both sides do fine if they fill needs. Fair deal

Kev (NYC)

Has Witten passed Gates as the top fantasy TE?

Scott Engel

  (3:49 PM)

No - but that does not mean he isn't very good. He doesn't have to be better than Gates to be high quality

Scott (White Plains, NY)

Strategy question! What's your opinion on keeping a utility guy who qualifies at numerous positions (like Yunel Escobar) just so you can fill slots on Mondays and Thursdays? Or is there better value in getting a better hitter and not worrying about the off days?

Scott Engel

  (3:50 PM)

I like Ecobar and I like streaming myself. Works for me.

Jon (Boston, MA)

I'm really torn with my football keeper choices. Luckily I have about 5 months to declare them, so I won't waste your time asking.

Scott Engel

  (3:52 PM)

Thanks Jon - I have decide next week. So does everyone in my league. Wow, you guys make keeper choices after the season begins? Interesting

Kev (NYC)

Howard/Smoltz for Holliday/Shields...fair?

Scott Engel

  (3:53 PM)

Would not overturn that, but I would prefer to keep Howard

Matt (Boston)

Does Rafael Betancourt hold on to the closer role all season? Berry seems to think Borowski will get it back

Scott Engel

  (3:54 PM)

I can't really argue with the TMR, and Betancourt has been a disappointment before

Jeff (West Chester,PA)

Boldin and Big Ben for FWP fair?

Scott Engel

  (3:55 PM)

I think that deal is lopsided, and I would not give up that much for Parker

Earl (Rogers, AR)

Scott, I need some advice! I'm fairly new to fantasy sports, and my team is getting killed right now. I'm getting offered Nate McClouth for Carl Crawford. I think it's fair, should I pull the trigger?

Scott Engel

  (3:56 PM)

I would rather have Crawford, as much as I like McLouth. I would rather have the more established player

John (Marietta, GA)

Best value on the wire out of Church, Hermida, Willingham, Ellsbury?

Scott Engel

  (3:58 PM)

I have to go with Hermida - if he is available, get him

tim (canton, oh)

scott, thanks for the chat. in a new dynasty league with ppr scoring would you take LT or Addai?

Scott Engel

  (3:59 PM)

As much as I like Tomlinson, LT is still the best pick in fantasy football.

Ethan (SF)

BUZZER BEATER!!! Thinking long-term and this year ... Atkins or Gordon in a 12-team H2H league?

Scott Engel

  (4:00 PM)

I take Atkins for this season, but like Gordon better over the long run

Brian Westbrook ((philly))

Addai is nowhere as good as me, plus Dungy uses Keith too much. Peterson is injury prone, and inconsistent. I'm the overall back after LT.

Scott Engel

  (4:03 PM)

Addai is better than you or fantasy, but that does not mean you are not good, and Keith mostly gets used as a change of pace guy. Peterson's upside is huge. Honestly, a player doesn't have to be the best or second-best at his position to be excellent, which Westbrook is. But Peterson hs more upside and Addai is only starting to tap into his full potential

stephen jackson (st. louis)

mr. westbrook (philly), you forgot to mention me!

Scott Engel

  (4:04 PM)

True - over a full year, Jackson can even outperform Peterson.Thanks a lot everyone! Appreciate the football questions and thanks for the baseball players' cooperation.