ESPN

Jason Grey:

  (2:56 PM)

We'll get started in a few...going to try and focus on some prospect stuff today, so those questions will get some priority.

Bob (Ohio)

Yesterday you said to bring some prospect questions, Jeff Clement is tearing up AAA, when does he get the call. He has to be a better DH than Vidro, right?

Jason Grey:

  (3:01 PM)

My minor league column last Wednesday led off with Clement. How a guy that good a potential hitter can still be relatively overlooked is interesting, and yeah, I think that's a move they eventually make, but who knows what's going on over there. I would argue for making the move now. Clement has 25-30 homer pop with regular PT. Read my column last week for more, including comments from Clement himself.

Willy (ATL)

Does Kershaw make an impact in the bigs this year?

Jason Grey:

  (3:01 PM)

Yes, potential impact similar to Gallardo's rookie season. It just depends on when he gets called up. My guess at the beginning of the seaso was sometime in June, and I'd probably stick with that.

Jon (Milwaukee)

I recently picked up Steve Pearce in an NL only trade. What are your thoughts on (1) when he could be called up, and (2) what kind of production we could expect? Thanks and keep up the good work.

Jason Grey:

  (3:01 PM)

Adam LaRoche is starting off slow again, which helps Pearce's case. I think Pearce is up by the second half, but I'm not expecting impactful production until 2009. An injury could change things, though.

Greg (Cleveland, Ohio)

Leo Nunez or Kobayashi?

Jason Grey:

  (3:01 PM)

Nunez, and it's not that close in my mind.

Jason (VT)

Hey Grey couple quick questions? Who would you stash away for a rainy day Prior or Scherzer? What your outlook on Kazmir when he returns? Is Ian Kennedy worth holding on to?

Jason Grey:

  (3:02 PM)

Scherzer. I think Kazmir will be just fine, and Kennedy can probably be safely dropped in mixed league play at the moment, until he re-establishes his command.

Connie Mack (Hall of Fame)

Need to make room for Putz. Drop one: Wilson, Pena, Accosta, Neshek, Rauch.

Jason Grey:

  (3:02 PM)

Pena - no guarantee that he gets the closer role (could be Qualls) even if Lyon starts pitching poorly.

Timmay (CT)

Would you trade Prince for Teixeira and Snell? How about for Teixeira and Owings?

Jason Grey:

  (3:02 PM)

Either works for me and I would do it before the other owner changes his mind.

Eric (Chicago)

Would you be worried about Hafner's slow start? In looking at his past April splits, he is usually a pretty fast starter. I was expecting a big bounce back year, but now I'm not so sure.

Jason Grey:

  (3:02 PM)

Touched on this a bit yesterday. His FB% is up 7% this year, which is a good sign, but the shoulder trouble is a mild concern. I'm cautiously optimistic.

Greg (Cleveland, Ohio)

Dennis Sarfate: Next in line behind George "the bill of my hat is as flat as my fastball" Sherrill?

Jason Grey:

  (3:02 PM)

Probably, but I don't think Sherrill is losing this job. I have him on pretty much all my AL teams because he was such a value play as a closer on draft day, and I think he sticks

Fredo (Phoenix)

When does Scherzer get the call up?

Jason Grey

  (3:03 PM)

Depends on Randy's health, Davis' return, and Edgar's consistency. In other words, a lot of factors could make it sooner rather than later.

Mike: (Clarion, PA)

Any chance that Matt Herges gets to be the closer for Colorado? Corpas has been inconsistant and Fuentes has been hittable as well

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

I think he still has to be 3rd on the list, and I think Corpas can get through this rough patch and hang on to the job. Stranger things have happened though

John Austin, TX

Who comes up first? Wood, Balentin or Maybin? I say Maybin.

Jason Grey

  (3:06 PM)

Agreed, but only because Balentien hurt his knee this week. Wilkerson has been awful so an opportunity was looming.

John L. (San Francisco, CA)

Jason: Please answer this question as it can mean the difference bewteen months of ridicule and months of unabashed gloating.Just been offered Verlander for Bay and Jenks. Bay is on my bench and I have 3 other solid closers. Good deal?

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

Yes.

Ryan(EL)

Another Kershaw question. Pick him up and drop Shawn Hill? Don't really need Hill. Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

Upside is too good not to do that.

Todd (minneapolis)

Which of these youngsters has the most fantasy value the rest of the year? Greg Smith, Andy Sonnanstine, Nick Blackburn?

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

Blackburn

Robbie (Miami, FL)

When does fernando Martinez come up to the Bigs?

Jason Grey

  (3:09 PM)

He's in today's minor league column...if the question is really, when does he come up and be productive: longer than you probably think. '09-'10

Dan (Boston, MA)

What's your take on Justin Maxwell? I just drafted him in the fourth round of my minor league draft. He seemed to show some upside with the Nationals during spring training.

Jason Grey

  (3:11 PM)

I saw him a lot at the AFL. Definite tools, but long swing with holes and he's suspect against big leaguer pitching. He's not a regular for me, but I've been wrong before. I think I graded him as a 45 at the Fall League, which isn't a regular

eric(pittsburgh)

sell high on cueto, tejada and chipper?

Jason Grey

  (3:11 PM)

No, Yes, No.

JT (NY)

Kershaw or Scherzer....who has more fantasy value this season?

Jason Grey

  (3:12 PM)

Good question. Might be Scherzer just because he has the chance to pitch more innings. There is a slightly clearer path for him. Long-term I take Kershaw, and given the same amount of innings this season. I'd take Kershaw.

Jeff (Cleveland)

There has been an Adam Miller sighting in Buffalo!!! He starts tonight, but I have a hunch he is the next Jonathan Papelbon. Agree?

Jason Grey

  (3:13 PM)

A very interesting point. His stuff is certainly tantalizing in a one-inning max effort role, but I don't think it necessarily makes him any less injury-prone, and his full repertoire is such that I think you have to let him fail as a starter first.

Parker (St, Paul, MN)

When does Greg Smith or Dana Eveland falter allowing Gio Gonzalez to come up? Does Brett Anderson get a shot also this year?

Jason Grey

  (3:15 PM)

If I pick one to falter, it's Smith before Eveland. That said, I have long said I think Gonzalez is overrated..some Casey Fossum comparisons. I think Gio winds up being a bullpen arm instead of a consistent starter.

Tyler (Delaware)

I know you like a few of these guys but which one do you like the most: Blackburn, Danks, Eveland, Baker? And take Scherzer right now before any of them (weekly waivers based on inverse standings so I won't get him if I wait until he get called up). Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (3:16 PM)

Yeah, I like them all. I think Baker is the safest bet out of all of those.

John (Providence)

JasonDynasty League - Adenhart or Porcello?

Jason Grey

  (3:17 PM)

Great question. In dynasty leagues I go for the home run (hence my love for Angel Villalona), so Porcello.

Brian (Colorado)

On the Matt Herges point, you forget Casey Weathers, the 4th pick of last year's draft as a potential closer. In other Rockies prospect issues... should they trade Atkins or Ian Stewart?

Jason Grey

  (3:19 PM)

Not forgetting him, and he's off to a great start, but weren't David Aardsma, Joey Devine and Bill Bray supposed to be first-round closers as well? Weathers is better than all of them, but it is food for thought.

Shane (SF)

What are your predictions for Angel Villalona? Whoe does he currently compare to?

Jason Grey

  (3:21 PM)

With the understanding that he is 17 years old and a lot can happen, I watched him a lot in instructionals and went on record at the AFL that he has a 40% chance to be Albert Pujols.

Dom (Boston)

Who are some AL-only prospects/minor leaguers who will make an impact this year?

Jason Grey

  (3:23 PM)

Clement, Adenhart, Masterson, Wade Davis, Carlos Gonzalez, Nolan Reimold if an Orioles OF gets hurt. Not an exhaustive list, just first names to come to mind.

Dave (Mechanicsburg, Pa)

What are your thoughts on Jed Lowrie? Will he stick and get enough PT when Lowell is back?

Jason Grey

  (3:24 PM)

Depends on what Julio Lugo is doing. With Alex Cora hurt he'll stick as the UT, but his PT is greatly dependent on how well Lugo does in the next few weeks.

Scott (Chicago)

Chris Davis is just mashing right now...when do you see a call up and do you like him long-term? Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (3:26 PM)

I think he's at least a year off, and his strkeout/walk ratio is a little disconcerting, but yeah there's a lot to like. We're not talking Brad Eldred or Joe Koshansky here.

Craig (ATL)

Jason, would you buy low on Brad Hawpe? ESPN has him projected for 27 HR with 106 RBI. Is Hermida and Gange enough or too much for Hawpe in a 13 team roto?thanks

Jason Grey

  (3:27 PM)

I'm not dealing away Hermida to get Hawpe, even though I do love Hawpe to rebound.

joe (NY)

Jason, you are a great addition to the espn team. My middles right now are Kendrick, Ellis, Drew and Keppinger(filling in for Kendrick). With F.Lopez now starting, would you drop any of these guys to get him?

Jason Grey

  (3:27 PM)

Thank you, and hell no.

Jason - Boston

Hey, Jason. What do you think about Boof Bonser this year in 5X5, 11 team, keeper roto league? Would you prefer Guthrie or Pelfrey?

Jason Grey

  (3:27 PM)

Bonser is still my pick.

Jason (Atlanta)

speaking of Carlos Gonzalez, what are your thoughts on him? What's his ceiling?

Jason Grey

  (3:28 PM)

I've come around on him in the last year. Alexis Rios.

Austin (Lowell, MA)

Who makes it to the bigs faster? Jacob McGee or Elvis Andrus? Which guy has the most upside?

Jason Grey

  (3:29 PM)

McGee on both counts, though I like Andrus and he'll be a solid Major League regular. McGee has a chance to be a special pitcher. In general though, everything else being fairly equal, I usually take the hitter.

Jack

Adam Lind..know you're a fan..projections once he is called?

Jason Grey

  (3:30 PM)

Given 350 AB's? .270, 15 homers?

Scott (Chicago)

Is Matt Wieters the Orioles starting catcher next year?

Jason Grey

  (3:32 PM)

I could see that. I could also see the Orioles giving him one more year. If he's in Double-A by midseason, 2009 becomes more realistic.

Mike (Boston)

How did you get in to being a scout? I know obviously there are huge number of scouts that weren't past players so how do you get in that business?

Jason Grey

  (3:33 PM)

I wish I had a better answer for you. Your best bet is to get to know scouts at local minor league parks and go from there.

Kevin (CA)

What's the status on Humberto Sanchez, and what does he project to be? Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (3:36 PM)

Progressing normally from TJ, though he hasn't pitched in a game yet. Potential bullpen help in the 2nd half with Joba in the rotation, even though he's capable of being a middle of the rotation guy down the road.

Drew (FL)

Jason, Sean Gallagher struck out 12 last night in 7 innings. With his name being bantered about in O's trades and the Cubs rotation always leaving room open is Gallagher a guy to keep an eye on?

Jason Grey

  (3:36 PM)

Always been a fan, wrote him up very positively in my preseason prospect rankings.

Kyle

With the success of the Reds rotation what are the chances Homer Bailey gets called up? I heard he was tearing it up in the minors.

Jason Grey

  (3:37 PM)

Yep, he's starting to throw strikes. I bet June at the latest after Matt Belisle stays Matt Belisle.

Patrick (Cambridge, MA)

You think Masterson makes a fantasy impact this year!? What do you expect, and at who's expense?

Jason Grey

  (3:38 PM)

The way he's pitching, sure he could make an impact in the second half. You never know with pitching injuries. I don't think the Red Sox will go the David Pauley or Abe Alvarez route again when they need a starter as the season wears on.

Joe F (Waterloo)

I just heard that Hopper is on the DL. Any chance we see Bruce soon?

Jason Grey

  (3:40 PM)

Hey, what about Jerry Hairston! He's a gamer! They already made a move for Davis Ross, so hold the Bruce thoughts for the moment.

Big Dog

Gagne - done? Next in line for saves in Mil?

Jason Grey

  (3:41 PM)

Not yet. And Pete Vuckovich.Seriously, could be anybody. Too crazy to speculate.

Danny (NY)

Jason, Will your boy Clement play a position you think or DH the whole year?

Jason Grey

  (3:41 PM)

I think he'd probably squeeze in 5 games eventually to get his qualification at catcher.

Pat (FL)

3B Glaus' final stats?

Jason Grey

  (3:42 PM)

.248 - 19 HR

Ryan (Ohio)

Dan Haren - does he worry you in the second half considering he has dropped off after the all-star break each of the last two year? I am in need of an ace and I can get Haren for Markakis. Pull the trigger or put the gun down?

Jason Grey

  (3:43 PM)

I like Haren, but I wouldn't give Markakis for him.

Mike (Atlanta GA)

I'm in need of stolen bases - Ellsbury or Carlos Gomez?

Jason Grey

  (3:43 PM)

Ellsbury if he keeps getting the same PT.

Molly (Portland)

Better option: Brian Bannister or Ted Lilly?

Jason Grey

  (3:43 PM)

Lilly.

Jeff (NJ)

What are your thoughts on Ervin Santana? Is he finally gonna live up to his promise?

Jason Grey

  (3:44 PM)

Read my Out of the Box column from Sunday. It's there.

Zack Greinke

Am I legit?

Jason Grey

  (3:44 PM)

Yes.

Brent (Los Angeles)

Love the Minor Achievements piece on Burriss among others. Who would you rather have this year Longoria or Glaus?

Jason Grey

  (3:44 PM)

Longoria.

Jason (Atlanta)

Your thoughts on Alex Gordon? He appears to have turned a corner this season.

Jason Grey

  (3:45 PM)

He was quietly effective last season, so it's not a surprise. The expectations were perhaps a little out of whack. (guilty as charged here as well)

bob (houston)

jason, do you think adam miller makes it to the bigs this year? you didn't mention him as a top AL prospect

Jason Grey

  (3:46 PM)

He has to stop single-handedly raising insurance premiums in the country first, but I had him in my top 20 for '08 in the preseason rankings.

Steve (Chicago)

What can you tell us about Angel Guzman? is he still rehabbing from injury?

Jason Grey

  (3:47 PM)

Yep, likely not to pitch this season after Tommy John.

Brett (NZ)

Long term: gordon or longoria

Jason Grey

  (3:47 PM)

Very, very good question. Probably Gordon - the swipes help.

Nicky T (NJ)

What do you think of John Bowker? Does he hit another 20-25 HRs this season?

Jason Grey

  (3:48 PM)

Not even close. I'm not buying it at all.

Jim (Pittsburgh)

Colby Rasmus - run like Hayes, hit like...? Will we see him before the next solstice?

Jason Grey

  (3:48 PM)

Markakis. Tough to crack that STL OF at the moment.

Mike (DC)

How is Neil Walker looking with the position change? When do you think we'll see him in the bigs?

Jason Grey

  (3:50 PM)

Passable, and the Pirates have Doug Mientkiewcz playing 3B, so the opportunity is there right now, but he's hitting under the Mendoza Line so he'll have to get it going first. I think as soon as he starts getting on a good run he'll be up.

Scott (NH)

Any thoughts on Nolan Reimold? Big league contributor in 2009? 2010?

Jason Grey

  (3:50 PM)

I'm a Reimold fan - legitimate starting OF - could contribute this year if they can find a spot for him, definitely for '09

Trey(Simi Valley, Ca)

Hey Jason what do you think about Wellemeyer?

Jason Grey

  (3:51 PM)

I did a long answer in yesterday's chat. Short answer, check the walk rates.

Dan (Lancaster, PA)

You all say the Mendoza line...it being?

Jason Grey

  (3:51 PM)

.200

Luke (Miami)

Will Andrew Miller snap out of his funk or does he really need to get sent back down to the minors?

Jason Grey

  (3:52 PM)

I thought the Tigers rushed him an I think the Marklins are rushing him. The K's are great, but he needs consistency and polish, and it's hard to work that out in the big leagues.

Brent (Los Angeles)

Is Mike Jacobs this years Shelton? Does he have 30 HR power?

Jason Grey

  (3:53 PM)

Legit power, low batting average, better than Shelton.

Nolen (NYC)

Maybin or Lind for this season?

Jason Grey

  (3:53 PM)

Lind unless you need steals badly.

ethan (sf)

Who does Greg Reynolds compare to in a best-case scenario?

Jason Grey

  (3:54 PM)

Adam Wainwright.

Brandon, Boston

Will Aybar have any PT threats from Brandon Wood this season?

Jason Grey

  (3:55 PM)

Nope, not the way Wood is hacking away at Triple-A

Jeff (SD)

I love Blackburn but can get Randy Jackson. Would you drop Blackburn for Randy, also what chance do you think Blackburn will go to the minors when Slowey is ready?

Jason Grey

  (3:55 PM)

I wouldn't drop him for Randy Jackson, but would for Simon Cowell or Paula Abdul.

jim (KC)

What does good arm action even mean?

Jason Grey

  (4:01 PM)

It means there aren't a lot of mechanical flaws in what the arm does from taking the ball out of the glove to the release point that could cause injury or command concerns. For example, does the pitcher wrap or hook the ball on backside; is it effortless, easy and fluid? Is there extension and follow-thru? Is the hand inside the elbow, etc.

Jason Grey

  (4:02 PM)

Time for 3 more, thanks for all the questions, I have 1200 in the queue, sorry I couldn't get to more....

jj (pa)

jason, Miss you at FB, but love you here, Someone needs to tell TMR that he has only let you tap the surface of your knowledge so far. Keep up the great work!!

Jason Grey

  (4:03 PM)

Ok 3 questions and one suck-up.

Micheal LV

King Felix will stay a King? or get dethroned?

Jason Grey

  (4:03 PM)

All Hail the King!

Todd (minneapolis)

Earlier you gave the nod to Blackburn over Smith and Sonnanstine... who's the next best out of those two?

Jason Grey

  (4:04 PM)

Smith, but his rotation job is a bit shakier.

Mike (Boston MA)

Will Mark Reynolds keep his production up?Projections?

Jason Grey

  (4:06 PM)

Yes. .260, 25-30 HR 150 K's if they keep playing him for 500 AB's. Thanks everyone!