Jason Grey

  (2:58 PM)

Apparently, the TMR actually got Anne Hathaway to return one of his calls, so you're stuck with me today.

Jason Grey

  (2:58 PM)

I'm noticing a lot of Tulowitzki questions, so let's clear this up right away: I am still fully on the Tulo bandwagon and if I can get him cheap I would do so. Food for thought: at this time last year, he was hitting .193 with no homers. On April 27th, he began a 10-game hitting streak that brought his average to .259, and he was off and running from there. Patience.

Jason Grey

  (2:58 PM)

While I'm at it - J.J. Hardy, less enthused than Tulo, but I think he'll be fine as well. I'm not actively seeking to acquire him, but I wouldn't drop him either.

Justin (St Paul)

Easy question I think just want some reassurance. Drop Parra and I Kennedy for Wolf and E Santana?

Jason Grey

  (2:58 PM)

I'm not convinced Wolf out-pitches Parra over the balance of the season, especially as it looks as if Parra will stick in the rotation - middling outing today notwithstanding. Santana is an easy call.

George (Coram NY)

Jason, who would you start over Sheffield, C. Jackson, Kotchman, or Hall, and would you take said player over Sheffield even when he is healthy?

Jason Grey

  (2:59 PM)

Jackson, and yes - I wasn't a Sheff fan at the beginning of the season, and am still not.

Steve Portland, OR

You have any info on Bedard? I've checked all over and can't seem to find anything.

Jason Grey

  (2:59 PM)

He hopes to start Thursday when he's eligible.

Mike, Charlotte

Jason, I thought i had a great pitching staff with J Santana, Myers, Shields, Francis. I am falling behind in pitching but have Kazmir and Lackey waiting in the wings and also picked up owings. Is it time to panic about my staff?

Jason Grey

  (2:59 PM)

Easy question. No.

Zoolander, I mean Verlander

Start Verlander tonight or demote him to the pine? In today's AM chat, AJ was selling Verlander. Your thoughts for the rest of the season?

Jason Grey

  (3:00 PM)

I'm not selling Verlander, he's working through some issues with his mechanics, esp. with his breaking ball, but if you want him to ride the pine a bit until he figures it out, that could work.

Chad PA

Would you start sabathia agaisnt the royals?

Jason Grey

  (3:00 PM)

I think we need to see at least one good start first, instead if playing a hunch that today is the day he puts up his first good one. You don't always have to be ahead of the curve. You may miss one good outing, but in the long run if you stay consistent with that philosophy I think you will come out ahead.

Bill Denver, CO

Is it time to let go of Andruw Jones yet? My outfield/DH lineup is Beltran, Vlad, Hermida, Billy Butler, with Andruw, Teahen and Adam Jones in reserve. I hesitate to give up on Andruw's potential but I hate to use him at this point even as an occasional fill-in and could use the position for a more productive backup of some type. And his trade value is virtually nil. It it too big a risk just to waive him and pick up a guy like Luke Scott or Bobby Crosby?

Jason Grey

  (3:00 PM)

I've written it several times in my clipboards dating back to the first week of the season, but Jones is out of shape with terrible bat speed right now. He can be beaten up and in and down and away - not a good combo. I'm not betting on a big turnaround.

Sam (Oakland, CA)

HI, Jason - Long-term - Scherzer or Porcello? Will either be up in 2008?

Jason Grey

  (3:01 PM)

Porcello has the biggest upside for dynasty leagues but a lot can happen (i.e. injury) in a player's development. Scherzer is the short-term play and will likely be up by the second half.

Nick (MN)

Drop Orlando Cabrera for Polanco???

Jason Grey

  (3:01 PM)

No. I think Cabrera will be fine over the long haul.

Jake (Madison,Wi)

Is Ted Lilly worth a pickup? You think he will turn it around?

Jason Grey

  (3:02 PM)

Not a bad "buy low" play - there are some signs he's starting to come around, namely that his velocity was much better in his most recent outing.

Dan (FL)

Trade Owings and Reynolds for Chris Young (SD)?

Jason Grey

  (3:03 PM)

No.

brad (harrisburg, pa)

plain and simple: your top 3 favorite "closers in waiting"?

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

I'll give you 5 off of the top of my head.... Bell, Broxton, Okajima, Nunez, maybe Morrow.

Jeff (Ottawa)

Would you drop Matt Cain or Randy Johnson for Eric Gagne or Troy Percival in an ESPN standard 10 team league?

Jason Grey

  (3:05 PM)

I'd drop Unit if you really needed some saves.

Jennifer (NYC)

Hey Jason, I'm feeling a little better about my Lyon ownership now than I did a few weeks ago but I gotta be ready for when he loses the job. Who's next in line: Pena, Qualls or that Max kid? Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (3:06 PM)

I think "officially" it's Pena, but my gut tells me they might go Qualls if it came to that.

KC (St. Pete)

Is Justin Upton a sell high guy or should I keep him and be pleased with the draft value (granted I know hes not hitting 380 all season)

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

I want Upton in as many leagues as I can get him, and then join more leagues so I can get him there as well.

Mike, NC

Projected final numbers for Towles?

Jason Grey

  (3:09 PM)

.270 - 15-17 HR?

Jason (OKC)

It seems most "experts" are pretty big on Billy Butler, and I would have to agree that he is a very promising young hitter. But, Do you not think he offers some empty stats that may enhance the perception of his value? With a sub .800 OPS last year and hovering around that number this year? How would you rank his total value in a 5X5 league with the likes of Kemp, Hawpe, and Sheffield?

Jason Grey

  (3:11 PM)

I think he's a 22 year old already having success against major league pitching with further upside to come this year. He's clearly ahead of Sheff on my list. Patience, the rest of the package will come.

Gersh (NYC)

Do you think Corpas will hold the closer spot all season? I only have him and Percival and saves is my worst category.

Jason Grey

  (3:11 PM)

Yes.

Jason Grey

  (3:11 PM)

Assuming he stays healthy of course...

Will (Seattle, WA)

Hey Jason, name game: Mike Jacobs or Carlos Pena?

Jason Grey

  (3:11 PM)

Pena

Bryan-MA

Jason, please help me out. I need pitching and I have an offer of Carlos Lee for Lincecum. My remaining OF would be Holiday, Markakis, Francoeur and C.Gomez. Should I make the deal? Thanks....

Jason Grey

  (3:13 PM)

Considering you have depth at OF, this deal wouldn't be bad for you.

Bryan, MA

Hey Jason, Name game: Ankiel or Kotchman for UT spot?

Jason Grey

  (3:14 PM)

Kotchman, again assuming health.

Mark (NYC)

Okajima as a closer in the waiting? Ummm, isn't he blocked by (arguably) the best closer in MLB?

Jason Grey

  (3:16 PM)

...I took the question as "best set-up men", without worrying too much about who was in front of him. The way the Sox use Papelbon, Oki will get a few saves here and there.

Manny (Las Vegas)

I know some of you guys at the "Worldwide Leader" can have access to more info, so -- any idea when we see Salty? Ruiz is killing me at my 2nd C spot, and there's NOTHING on waivers, other than Salty.

Jason Grey

  (3:17 PM)

With Laird hitting in the .220's and Salty doing well at AAA, it could be sooner rather than later, but defense is a factor. I know we hate that, but it is.

Shimojes (NYC)

Jason -- Any thoughts on E Aybar? I have no depth at 2B/SS and he seems like a potentially good pickup. The guy was a pretty touted prospect (if I recall correctly) and he's still quite young.

Jason Grey

  (3:18 PM)

I've always been a fan of his ability, was just waiting for him to get F/T at-bats.

Neil Armstrong (The Moon)

Jason, Crosby or Theriot? Crosby's playing out of his mind right now, but I sure could use the steals. Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (3:19 PM)

Over the balance of the season, Theriot will earn more value.

Vinny (Elmont, LI)

Can you please rank the speed merchants in terms of overall value: Bourn, Gomez, Victorino and Patterson. Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (3:19 PM)

The way you did.

Ethan (Memphis)

Carlos Beltran... Has been so-so thus far, but do you see him turning it on or coasting like this most of the year?

Jason Grey

  (3:22 PM)

A lot of Beltran questions...I give a cautious "buy low" on him, because he still look solid at the plate. My one concern is the off-season surgery on both of his knees may gave affected him more than people think.

Brad (Philly)

Do you think Chase Utley can become the "natural" home run king and hit 62 homers? Vote Utley for MVP in '08! YES WE CAN!!!

Jason Grey

  (3:22 PM)

Shouldn't you be at the polls right now?

Eric (Philly, PA)

Please tell everyone that Bill Hall is a good fantasy player.

Jason Grey

  (3:23 PM)

Bill Hall is a good fantasy player.

Jason Grey

  (3:24 PM)

Now...do I believe that? A 2 / 23 BB / K ratio is troublesome. He's swinging for the fences on every pitch. Homers, yes, average...no.

Erik (ATL)

Jason, love your work for ESPN. Berry made a smart move when he picked you up. I need some advice on Bourn. I'm a believer that steals come easier at the beginning of the season, than closer to the end. I don't know why, but I've seen a trend with Reyes, Pierre (in his prime), Ramirez, and even mid-range speedsters like Castillo (in his prime), Roberts, Freel, and Podsednik where they aren't as aggressive to stealing bases in August and September. Would it be wise to trade off Bourn in June or July with the impression that he won't swipe as many bases later?

Jason Grey

  (3:27 PM)

It's always been my impression that steals are much easier to trade around mid-season than early on, and you can get more value at that time. That doesn't hold for all leagues, but it's an even better argument for dealing a speed guy at mid-season.

Rob (DC)

What's the story with this Ludwick kid in St. Louis?

Jason Grey

  (3:28 PM)

Search the archives and you'll find him on "sleeper" list that the staff made right before Opening Day. He was a prime $1 outfielder in NL leagues for just this reason.

Jason Grey

  (3:29 PM)

I should say, he was on "my" sleeper list - look at his stats last year - he was very under the radar.

brandon phillips (cincinatti oh)

whats the deal with me?

Jason Grey

  (3:29 PM)

Well, you're no Bill Hall.

Jason Grey

  (3:29 PM)

...but that's a good thing. I think you'll be just fine over the last five months.

Nick

What can we expect from Adam Lind when he gets called up? He's racking in AAA

Jason Grey

  (3:31 PM)

Always been a fan..but Jays jerked him aroung like they did McGowan for a few years. Is this a call-up where they stick him in the lineup 5-6 days a week and keep him there til he finds a groove, or another sporadic PT thing? If he gets time, he'll hit.

Jeff (Dallas)

Hey Jason- I love the unique content that you bring to the ESPN expert staff. I made a blockbuster deal and I'm wondering what your thoughts are on Burnett and Snell. I'm getting those two and Holliday and I'm giving away Cueto, Hamels and Shef.

Jason Grey

  (3:32 PM)

I like the Holliday/ Sheff part of it - other part not so much. But what's done is done, no?

Roopie (Fayetteville)

Hey Hey Mr. Grey! I need some help, my team...well, it SUCKS. Tell you what, co-manage my team, and I'll give you free legal advice for life. What do you say?

Jason Grey

  (3:33 PM)

My experience in life is often you get what you pay for......which is why most of my stuff is Insider only! (rim shot)

Scott (IL)

Jason, like Berry, do you have any long-term concerns about Sabathia? Would you trade him now for another underperformer like Tulowitzki?

Jason Grey

  (3:34 PM)

I wrote a free "Out of the Box" column last Wednesday that addressed Sabathia in detail at the top - that does my opinion more justice than what I can type here.

Avril Lavigne (Canada)

Hey, hey, Jason Grey, I don't like your girlfriend! Hey, hey, you, you, what do you think about this trade: Conor Jackson for Justin Upton?

Jason Grey

  (3:36 PM)

No way, no way...think you need a new one. Yeah, I'm embarassed I knew the next line to that one. Seriously it depends on who fills the slots. Upton has the bigger upside, no question, Jackson may put up the surer short-term numbers.

Rick (DC)

Hey Grey, I love getting advice from a scout's perspective. Weeks for Francouer a fair trade?

Jason Grey

  (3:38 PM)

If you don't really need Weeks' speed then I would do that.

Jason Grey

  (3:40 PM)

Hang on to what you have...there are always holds guys out there if you nee help - situational lefty-types, etc. With Springer back, McClellan's holds might drop.

Jimbones (Nevada)

What do you expect from Hochevar the rest of the year?

Jason Grey

  (3:40 PM)

Serviceable play in AL leagues - not touching him in mixed.

Jason Grey

  (3:40 PM)

Serviceable play in AL leagues - not touching him in mixed.

Craig (NY)

Any thoughts on Danks?

Jason Grey

  (3:42 PM)

I've written extensively about him since March in insider. The improvement is not a mirage. He should be fairly solid this year. You would have been ahead of the curve.

Craig (PA)

Nobody answers Hold questions. Our Commish put holds as a stat, currently no one has jumped out to any large margin. For RP i have Pappelbon, Hoffman, Lidge, and Neshek. Should i just wait it out and not worry about holds or drop one of these for a guy like mcClellan?

Jason Grey

  (3:42 PM)

Hang on to what you have...there are always holds guys out there if you nee help - situational lefty-types, etc. With Springer back, McClellan's holds might drop.

Justin ( Boston )

Danks or Eveland for a breakout season?

Jason Grey

  (3:43 PM)

How about both? I pegged them as such in March in my spring columns, so far so good. We'll see.

Craig (ATL)

Jason, please answer!!!! would you sell high on Jason Bay (hey, your names ryhme!!) thanks

Jason Grey

  (3:44 PM)

I dispute the premise that selling Bay is "selling high" outside of an OBP league. If someone is giving you a good Bay offer I would seriously consider it.

Brent (Los Angeles)

Jason love your notebook. What's wrong with Zimmerman? Rather have him Glaus, Cantu, or Lowell for this season?

Jason Grey

  (3:45 PM)

A little early-season slump, nothing more. I'd rather have Zim.

Matt, Raleigh

Sell high on Ellsbury or keep him around for the long haul?

Jason Grey

  (3:45 PM)

Keep.

John (Portland, ME)

Should I be concerned by Longoria's slow start?

Jason Grey

  (3:46 PM)

No...not every rookie starts out like Ryan Braun or Hunter Pence did last season.

Luke (Baltimore)

Grey man, I'm thinking about buying Hafner low. But his rising groundball rates really scare me, what should i do?

Jason Grey

  (3:48 PM)

Well, they are down 7% this season to more in line with his 2006 numbers, but his shoulder concerns me a bit more than the GB numbers. Still, a "buy low" on Hafner is not a bad percentage play.

Super Frog (Ft. Worth, TX)

I'm a TCU Horned Frog Alumnus. Any word on Lance Broadway in the minors? Does he have a chance of being called up this year?

Jason Grey

  (3:49 PM)

I know he's off to a great start at Triple-A, but he's no more than a spot starter/long man for me in the big leagues.

Ryan (Philly)

In honor of the TMR, can you take a Corey Hart question? I'm a Trevor owner and was offered Bell and Hart for Carlos Guillen? Good deal for me? Hart would be my #4 OF.

Jason Grey

  (3:50 PM)

Good deal for you.

Jim (Albany NY)

does Colby Rasmus get called up anytime soon? Projections thanks?

Jason Grey

  (3:51 PM)

He's not off to a good start at Triple-A, and the team has no need to promote him with four OF performing reasonable well. He needs to wait for someone to get hurt, at best. Long-term, he can be the NL Nick Markakis, but PT will determine his production this season, and that PT is murky at best

Nate( Center Field, Pittsburg)

Who do you like better me or the Flying Hawaiin Shane Victorino?

Jason Grey

  (3:52 PM)

You.

Jake (Augusta)

J-Grey! Help me out... is Hunter Pence starting to turn it around finally? The K/BB is still a fair bit worse than normal.

Jason Grey

  (3:52 PM)

I'm still hanging in there.

Steve (LA)

Grey, how do you think Lackey will be? Is Mclouth for him a good/fair deal? By the way I am starting to grow a man crush on Mclouth.

Jason Grey

  (3:54 PM)

I think Lackey will put up his usual numbers, just in a smaller amount of innings on a prorated basis. I'd rather have McLouth unless my starters were really thin.

Paul T. (Cincinnati)

David Wright is locked in at 3B. How would you arrange the 1B and CI positions with Big Papi, James Loney, and Conor Jackson (and Kouzmanoff)? Bench Loney and Kouz?

Jason Grey

  (3:54 PM)

That works for me.

Magical Talking Ferret (College Station, Texas)

Is Pudge having a renaissance year or is the last week a mirage? Pudge or Soto?

Jason Grey

  (3:55 PM)

I don't work with animals or kids. I don't do windows, either.

Jason Grey

  (3:56 PM)

Fine, I'd rather have Soto.

Greg (Indy)

Real quick: E. Encarnacion or the Kouz?

Jason Grey

  (3:57 PM)

Double-E

Joe (Memphis)

Matt Stairs? Please explain.

Jason Grey

  (3:59 PM)

What's to explain? Have you seen what he does with 400 at-bats every season since 2000? That's not a commentary on letting Thomas go...just saying that Stairs always seems to bring some decent production.

John Everyman (USA)

Is it time for me to start paying attention to Jonathan Sanchez?

Jason Grey

  (4:01 PM)

I love his arm, but perhaps still a bit too erratic with both command and control to do anything other than spot start/fill-in in mixed leagues at the moment. That could certainly change.

Detective Wisniewski (NM)

Is it time to bail on Khalil Greene for Jeff Keppinger?

Jason Grey

  (4:02 PM)

Unless you are sorely in need of pop.

I Heart Matthew Berry

Will the TMR be chatting it up with us tomorrow??

Jason Grey

  (4:03 PM)

Nope, you get me again. Aren't you lucky?

Todd (Boston)

Is Jed Lowrie worth a pickup? Will he qualify at MI before all is said and done?

Jason Grey

  (4:04 PM)

Yes, and to stash away on the bench he is...although Lugo is doing just enough to keep a job.

John (Sacramento, CA)

Who's better and why: Chad Gaudin or Dana Eveland?

Jason Grey

  (4:05 PM)

Well, my Tout Wars team has them both and I bid $1 more for Eveland so there you go. I have written probably 1000 words about Eveland since spring, it's in the archives. Better upside.

Jared, Charleson, SC

need to use one as trade bait. hold on to Bannister or Jerred Weaver?

Jason Grey

  (4:06 PM)

Whichever one gives you the most trade value is the one I'd deal, but I prefer hanging on to Weaver.

Jason Grey

  (4:08 PM)

Lots of Wellemeyer questions....the biggest thing with Wellemeyer has always been throwing strikes, and instead of walking 5 or 6 per nine, last year he was down to 4 and this year he's down to 3, so there is some reason to believe he can continue to be useful.

Catcher Conundrum

Can I trade AJ if I have JR?

Jason Grey

  (4:08 PM)

I think so.

Dan(Minn)

You mentioned Hafner earlier... What type of starting pitcher do you think would be good value for him in a deal? Thanks

Jason Grey

  (4:10 PM)

Hmm...what I think and what you could get might be two different things....Brett Myers might be doable, though I might aim higher.

Rob (Grand Rapids, MI)

Would you trade Quentin for Kotchman if I need a CI?

Jason Grey

  (4:10 PM)

Yes.

Alan (New York City)

AJ Miles recommends to stay away from Eveland in his column today. Your thoughts?

Jason Grey

  (4:11 PM)

I've written enough about Eveland since March that it should be clear where I stand. So we disagree on this one, it happens. I may be wrong.

Jason Grey

  (4:11 PM)

Time for 3 more....and I'll be back again same time tomorrow...

Jason Grey

  (4:13 PM)

For what it's worth I agree with AJ on the other three pitchers he grouped Eveland in with...Chacon, Redding, Dempster - I don't agree with the fourth.

james (philly)

encarnacion or kouzmanoff?

Jason Grey

  (4:14 PM)

First rule of chat participation..make sure your question hasn't already been answered first.

Rob (Boston)

Chad Billingsley or Delmon Young/ Jeremy Hermida?

Jason Grey

  (4:14 PM)

The hitting side.

Joe (Squarejaw, NY)

Should I be keeping Phil Hughes on the bench for the foreseeable future?

Jason Grey

  (4:15 PM)

Yes, but I'm not dropping him yet.

scott, ia

Jason welcome I love what you have brought to ESPN so far. Can you rank these OF's Sizemore, Braun, Hamilton, Francoeur, and J. Upton? I think that is the right order but can I possibly sit Upton right now for Francoeur? Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (4:15 PM)

I have Upton in there every day until he proves otherwise, which he may not do.

Frank (Atlanta)

Is Xavier Nady and Nate McLouth for real?

Jason Grey

  (4:16 PM)

McLouth sort of did this last year in his limited AB's. I sell high on Nady.

Jason Grey

  (4:17 PM)

Thanks everyone, I will be back same time tomorrow. I'm going to try and focus a tad more on some prospect questions, so if you have those fire away at that time.