Scott Engel

  (3:02 PM)

Good afternoon everyone, and welcome to the Monday fantays sports chat! Bring on those baseball, NASCAR and football questions!

Roger (Boston)

What's the chance that Jonathan Sanchez will be reliable all year? He's been solid and less wild the past few outings.

Scott Engel

  (3:03 PM)

I think there will certainly be some bumps in the road. He'll finish with good overall numbers but I think the league will start catching up to him soon.

Edward (Malvern, PA)

Hey Scott, is Delgado breaking out of his slump, or just a lucky day?

Scott Engel

  (3:05 PM)

I think his two-HR game is a clear sign he is not done and both Mets fans and fantasy players need to eb patient. Delgado was bound to start slow considering his hip issues and now we'll see better results in the weeks ahead.

Michael (Portland, ME)

I need a pitcher: I give Willingham for Lilly or Snell. Classic sell high/buy low?

Scott Engel

  (3:06 PM)

I like Willingham and personally would not deal him for Lilly or Snell - if you need pitching, set your targets a bit higher, maybe in a two-for-two deal

Tom (St. Louis)

Which player from the 2008 NFL draft will have the biggest fantasy impact?

Scott Engel

  (3:08 PM)

At running back, I like Jonathan Stewart a lot in his rookie year, Hardy at WR and no QBs. Matt Forte and Dexter Jackson can be big sleepers

Alan (Alabama)

Scherzer in Arizona to start or to start in the bullpen?

Scott Engel

  (3:09 PM)

Initially he should be a setup guy but can move into the rotation if injuries become an issue. No matter what his role, you have to add him and take the shot

Joe (West Hempstead, NY)

hey Scott! What kind of numbers do you expect Dustin Keller to put up for our Jets this year? Thanks!

Scott Engel

  (3:10 PM)

Well, Joe, I am not a Jets fan, but I like Keller to have a good second half and catch about five to six TD passes.

Andrew (San Antonio TX)

If I need steals, is M Bourn a good pickup, even with his BA issues? Thanks!

Scott Engel

  (3:12 PM)

It really depends on the rest of your roster. I have Bourn on my team nd the rest of the hitting is so good he doesn't drag me down in batting average.

Steve (Kansas)

When Cueto came out people could not talk enough about him - Volquez has been dominating and it seems nobody's buying it - thoughts?

Scott Engel

  (3:13 PM)

The strikeouts are there, but so is the potential to hurt your WHIP - I think most savvy fantasy leaguers know what he is about

MJ, Ohio

Scott, thanks for your response last week about fantasy keeper leagues. One addendum: how do you handle keepers who were picked up as free agents during the year? Thanks, Scott!

Scott Engel

  (3:13 PM)

Sure, NP. They are held over in return for final-round picks

Ben (CT)

is this a fair trade? rolen for lackey? i think lackey will produce more then rolen will.

Scott Engel

  (3:14 PM)

I would not overturn it if the deal fills needs on both sides, although I do not disagree with you.

Tom (NC)

Hey Scott: Will Matt Ryan start Game 1 for the Falcons??

Scott Engel

  (3:15 PM)

I think he is ready for the NFL and can win the job, but that doesn't mean I would use him on my fantasy team.

Justin (Groton,CT)

Just picked up Pedro Martinez and dropped Suppan. What do you think about Pedro after he gets off the DL?

Scott Engel

  (3:17 PM)

He could be headed back tot he DL at any time. He did look good in spring training and still has a great mind for the game, but his body just won't cooperate any more. He is a going to eb one heck of a pitching coach.

James (Staten Island)

Delmon Young's power outage...sign of what to expect or just a slow power start?

Scott Engel

  (3:18 PM)

I think it is still too early to have major concerns, but he had better start showing more by mid-May

Jay (NJ)

I keep reading mixed opinions on Oswalt (bounce back/decline), and I was wondering what your take is. Also, if he were to get traded to the AL, would it be an automatic downgrade in value? Thanks.

Scott Engel

  (3:20 PM)

I think he will still be solid overall, and if he gets moved, it dpends where he ends up - he could end up with more shots at wins but I wouldn't be crazy about the peripherals

Shannon (Knoxville, TN)

Have to make a compliment to get an answer. You are a moderately attractive balding male. Now to my question, I have Utley, Rollins, and Howard. Should I trade one so that I do not have all my eggs in one basket?

Scott Engel

  (3:22 PM)

Thanks, but all it takes is a good question, and I am sure "moderately attractive" is not a compliment. :) I think you should stick with who you have. In fantasy baseball, having a few players from the same team isn;t an issue when you have a roster of 20-plus guys

Ryan (NYC)

Scott, I could get Gallardo for Hafner. What do you think?

Scott Engel

  (3:23 PM)

I would certainly do it, no question, especially if you need the pitching

Ricky (Houston)

Someone offered me Tulowitzki for Hoffman, deal or no deal?

Scott Engel

  (3:24 PM)

As long a syou have other guys who can step in and give you saves, I would go for it

Rob (Mississippi)

I think it may be bad to have 3 marlins on my team because i'm not sure how long they will hit. Should I try and get rid of Jacobs, Willingham or Uggla if possible?

Scott Engel

  (3:25 PM)

The only one I might try to sell high on is Jacobs - I think you will get solid production from the other two for the rest of this season

Izzy (N.C.)

Scott, why don't you smile in your mug -- I mean, head -- shot? How concerned should I be about Cano/R. Zimmerman? You mentioned Rolen. Would he be a 3B upgrade?

Scott Engel

  (3:26 PM)

Fantays sports is serious business, my friend. I would not be worried about Cano, or especially Zimmerman.

Rick, DC

Best "5 tool value" for the rest of the season in a head-to-head league? Max Scherzer or Matt Kemp?

Scott Engel

  (3:30 PM)

Depend son what your need are, but I would rather have Scerzer, because I always put a high emphasis on good pitching

John (NYC)

Why am I still not getting fair value for Pujols? Need pitching and got rejected on 3 offers: Pujols straight up for Santana, Webb or Peavy. Are the offers unfair? Which other pitcher should I target.

Scott Engel

  (3:32 PM)

I think you made fair offers, but some people may still be scared off by potential injury issues. Keep Pujols and his great production and deal another player for lesser pitching. You don't need to deal your top player to improve your outlook.

Matt (DC)

Hey Scott, how about a football question? In a keeper league that starts 2rbs, 2wrs, 1te + 2flex, I'm definitely keeping Addai and Portis. Which two of these remaining guys would you hang onto: Steve Smith, Earnest Graham, Witten, Jennings? Thanks!

Scott Engel

  (3:33 PM)

Since youa re already keeping two RBs, you anchor two other positions by holding onto Smith and Witten

John, nyc

Someone just dropped Tulo in my league (he's REALLY getting desperate). Should I drop Dustin McGowan for him?

Scott Engel

  (3:34 PM)

Only if your starting pitching is really deep and you have a dire need for Tulo.

Josh (VA)

Scott...do you think that Jason Campbell now has top 10 QB potential with the new offensive weapons he just got plus a switch to the West Coast offense? Before the draft I was thinking top 15 or so for him, but now I think he could make the jump.

Scott Engel

  (3:36 PM)

Not yet - the new WRS will take time to develop and mesh and the new offense won;t instantly be explosive - I still say top 15 for Campbell.

Brink (Williamsburg)

I'm trying to trade for chase utley in my league but the other owner turned down a-rod and torii hunter for him, should i raise the bar higher or just wait to buy low?

Scott Engel

  (3:37 PM)

If he is not going to give him up for A-Rod, I would just forget it. Target another second baseman and keep A-Rod

Ryan(madison,wi)

Would you trade R1.3 pick for Roy Williams? We keep 20 players and my WR are Berrian/R.Moss. McFadden and Stewart are going to go 1,2 in the draft. Is there a better option at 1.3 or should I take Williams? Thanks for the info.

Scott Engel

  (3:38 PM)

I think that is too much to give up for Williams in a keeper or dynasty league. I would only trade one draft choice for him, and it would likely be a second-rounder

Eric, Portland

Will Hardy contribute enough in fantasy to help his real life team into the playoffs? I'm a Bills fan, sue me if this is cheating!

Scott Engel

  (3:40 PM)

I'm not thinking playoffs with Buffalo, but Hardy has the ability and opportunity to eb a quality fantasy starter in his first NFL season

Yohnny (Silver City)

Does Cueto and Weeks for Mo Rivera sound about right?

Scott Engel

  (3:41 PM)

If I had Rivera, I would not laugh at the offer, but I wouldn't take it either.

Joel ( Roscommon MI)

Is Chris Cooley to be avoided now that he is in this new offense ?

Scott Engel

  (3:42 PM)

NOOOOO - the TE is very important in the hybrid West Coast Offense Zorn will employ - he will still be a top fantasy TE

Big Bear (Parts Unknown)

Hiya Scott! Do you start Phil Hughes in either one of his two starts this week?

Scott Engel

  (3:43 PM)

Right now, I am only starting Hughes if I have no other quality options, but I am not cutting him, either.

Dan (Boston, MA)

Hey, Scott: assuming standard rules, who would you take, heads up, Edinson Volquez or Chad Billingsley?

Scott Engel

  (3:45 PM)

Wow, close call, but I like Billingsley for better final numbers across the board

Steve (Raleigh)

Why won't anyone from ESPN recommend Volquez? He has pitched lights out in 5 starts, yet it seems you guys think it's a fluke. Why?

Scott Engel

  (3:46 PM)

I don;t think it's a fluke and we don;t all have the same opinions - saying I prefer a certain guy over him doesn;t mean I don;t like Volquez.

Simon (Columbia, SC)

Scott, does the drafting of Jonathan Stewart make DeAngelo Williams next to worthless?

Scott Engel

  (3:47 PM)

The Panthers don't appear confident in him being capable of carrying the ball regularly, and now Williams ' production may be much like Julius Jones' was in Dallas

Derek (Minneapolis, MN)

PLEASE ANSWER ME THIS: Trade giving up: Pujols, Crede, CC, & Beckett - FOR - Rollins, Griff, Swisher & Cain? Thanks.

Scott Engel

  (3:49 PM)

I think the Pujols side is certainly giving up too much.

prophet (tampa)

eagles are the best

Scott Engel

  (3:49 PM)

The best what?

STEVE (LA)

Harang or Lincecum for the season? Would you trade CBY for either?

Scott Engel

  (3:50 PM)

As much as I like Lincecum, I prefer Harang, and if you need pitching and can afford to make the deal, I would try to get Harang first

John (Herndon, VA)

I read some experts ranking A. Peterson above LT this year. For real? Thanks man!

Scott Engel

  (3:51 PM)

I personally do not agree - Tomlinson is more established and consistent

Jeff (CA)

If I could get Carl Pavano for Barry Zito, no brainer, right? Thanks.

Scott Engel

  (3:53 PM)

I would not give up my Anthony Young baseball card for Zito right now

Richard (Zebulon, NC)

Who will be the starting QC in Miami this year? Who will be starting three years from now?

Scott Engel

  (3:54 PM)

Does ist matter for fantasy now or later? No, sorry, my friend. The best QB in South Florida is still the Dan Marion statue outside Dolphins Stadium

David (Frisco, Texas)

Would you trade Smoltz right now for lesser value or keep him with the knowledge that he might not be worth anything if he is done for the year?

Scott Engel

  (3:55 PM)

I don;t think you will find more than one or two, if any trad epartners for him right now. Other owners are well aware of his condition and don;t want to take on your issues. I am sure you could get Pedro for him, though.

Justin(Worcester, MA)

Ive been struggling at the catcher position most of the year in a 14 team league, and was able to pick up Johjima and have Doumit as well, do you think johjima will come around and put up decent numbers or am I was ting a spot on my roster right now?

Scott Engel

  (3:57 PM)

I personally will have more patience with Johjima - I am not quite ready to write him off just yet.

David (Frisco, Texas)

I've got an offer for Wang or Wainright right now. Do I jump on it?

Scott Engel

  (3:58 PM)

I would not move Wang, but I would trade Wainright if it fills a need.

dan(Minn)

Would you deal Hafner for Andy Pettitte?

Scott Engel

  (3:59 PM)

If you are looking to upgrade your pitching, Pettitte certainly isn't bad, but I would look to deal a better player to get more

Ben (TX)

Drop Ankiel for Taveras is I need speed?

Scott Engel

  (4:00 PM)

I wouldn't do that - not liking Taveras at all right now

Chris (Saratoga, NY)

as a loyal Mets fans, records are hard to come by even the bad ones...Will Zito break Anthony Young's 23 consecutive loss record?

Scott Engel

  (4:01 PM)

I don;t think so - and as a Mets fan, there have been a lot of good times, too. Thanks a lot everyone!