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Jason Grey

  (3:01 PM)

Hey everyone, let's dispense with the pleasantries and get right to it... Preview of my next clipboard (insider) - full reports on Bourn and Pence with commentary from the players themselves....will be up on Monday.

Brett (St. Pete, FL)

Better for the rest of the year Votto or Loney?

Jason Grey

  (3:01 PM)

I still am unsure how much power Loney is going to produce, so Votto.

Jim (erie,pa)

Has the Dodgers outfield become more clear? Is Either worth a pick up in a 12 team league?

Jason Grey

  (3:01 PM)

I think so, and yes.

Joey (MD)

What is the deal with AJ Burnett? K's are down but velocity seems fine. What do you expect from here on out?

Jason Grey

  (3:01 PM)

Still having some issues throwing his curve, which is his money K pitch, but long-term, if he stays healthy I think the K's start coming around.

Joe (Vegas)

Lincecum and Wainwright, sell high? What about Oswalt, a decline or will he be ok?

Jason Grey

  (3:01 PM)

No and no. And Ok.

Jeff Clement Seattle Washington

Is it my time to shine? Where will I play: DH, C or 1B? What do you predict for me for the rest of the year?

Jason Grey

  (3:02 PM)

Don't care, your bat needs to be in there. You have 30 homer pop over a full season.

Steve (Binghamton, NY)

Jason - J.R. Towles swings a great bat, but is hitting below the mendoza, do I get rid of him? Would Jeff Clement be a better option over the long haul once he gets called up and solidifies C eligibility?

Jason Grey

  (3:02 PM)

Solidifying that might take longer than we think, so Towles may still be the catcher play for the moment.

Ryan Younstown Ohio

Do u think Josh Willingham's back is going to be an on going problem and hurt his power and should I bench him for Gary Sheffield or Mike Cameron

Jason Grey

  (3:02 PM)

Back issues can always be tricky, but I'm not sure I bench him for either of those players. Cameron is borderline

Bill Brasky

I've got plenty of depth and want to make a 2 for 1 trade. Is offering Mclouth (on my bench) and Atkins for Braun worth it?

Jason Grey

  (3:02 PM)

You're giving up too much.

Paul (Washington, DC)

If I don't use my waiver on Scherzer, who else could I be looking forward to? My concern is that Scherzer stays in the bullpen, and I'd rather not waste my waiver on a reliever...

Jason Grey

  (3:03 PM)

It would SHOCK me if Scherzer doesn't start in 6 days.

Mike (PDX)

Hi Jason - I'm putting in a waiver claim for the phenom of the week, Max Scherzer (and hoping the 5 guys ahead of me are asleep). Do I drop Accosta, Pena or Neshek to get him?

Jason Grey

  (3:03 PM)

Yes. Pick one. Doesn't matter much.

Jason (NYC)

Grab Scherzer? My only droppable optionas are Brett Myers, Cueto, McGowan, Jared Weaver, Rick Ankiel, Alex Gordon (10 team 5x5 obp, 6 player keeper league). And somehow I have to make room for Harden when he comes off DL. Pick up the rookie or stay put?

Jason Grey

  (3:03 PM)

Tough to find a drop there. Not sure I even do ankiel, not knowing the rest of your roster.

Mike (Endicott, NY)

Hey...I got offered Robbie Cano for Cliff Lee...do I take it? Buy low sell high right?

Jason Grey

  (3:03 PM)

I like the boldness! I'm not sure Cano is my right "buy low" guy, but that's the kind of thinking we're talking about.

Shuyler (Seattle)

Hey Jason, Do you think Chris Young is in any danger of losing his leadoff gig with that unsightly batting average? While he is walking more this year, his game seems like it might be better lower in the order. And why do they bat Orlando Hudson 3rd? I am pretty sure he's sucky.

Jason Grey

  (3:03 PM)

No. And Hudson has had an OPS over .800 the last couple of seasons. He's not sucky. I wouldn't get caught up too much with where they hit in the order. You get a few more RBI and a few less SB if Young moves down, but its really a non-consideration for me.

Tom D. (NY)

Jason - Love the minor league scouting columns but a couple major league questions: 1)What are the odds Garret Atkins gets 9 more starts/games at 2B and gains eligibility there with the Rockies unfortunate string of injuries? 2)IF that happens, am I crazy for thinking of trading Brian Roberts, punting SBs and getting back another power bat to play 3rd?

Jason Grey

  (3:03 PM)

1) Not a chance. 2) Moot point.

Jim Clancy (Exhibition Stadium, Ontario)

In a keeper league, what type of CF could I get for Verlander?

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

Too vague a question to answer properly. The short answer is "whatever the market will bear." You don't know that until you start sending out emails saying Verlander is available.

Barry, CA

Been offered the following trade in a keeper league. I give Delmon Young for Tim Lincecum. Do you make the deal?

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

Get Linceum? In a heartbeat.

Jon Meloan, CA

Will I get called up before Clayton Kershaw?

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

Probably not likely, as you still have some work to do as a starter first, commanding the fastball, and throwing secondary pitches for strikes consistently deep in the game.

Nicky T, NJ

What kind of production can we expect from Delmon Young for the rest of the season. Does he go 20/20?

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

I talk about him in today's Out of the Box feature.

Mike (Philly)

Worth it to deal Oliver Perez or E. Santana (4th/5th SP's right now) for Scherzer in H2H league?

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

I would consider Perez, not Santana.

Kerry (NJ)

Should I hold on to Shawn Hill or pick up Kershaw or Adenhart? What numbers do you think Hill will put up? Thanks a lot!

Jason Grey

  (3:05 PM)

While I do kind of like Hill as a sleeper, he's not in the class of either of those players.

Brian (Minneapolis)

Hi, Jason. Trade veto question for you -- shallow mixed league. Team A has Posada, LoDuca and outfield depth. He wants to send to Cuddyer to Team B for Josh Bard. Seems like a stinker to me and I'm inclined to veto. Agree/disagree?

Jason Grey

  (3:05 PM)

I'm a big "free markets rule" guy. Without clear evidence of collusion, I rarely overturn a trade, and this one isn't egregious enough to consider vetoing in my opinion.

Scott (Reno)

Would you drop any of these guys doe Quintin? Bourne, Fukudome, Jacobs? I'm thinking Jacobs, my other 1B are Berkman, Hafner and Jackson

Jason Grey

  (3:05 PM)

With that many other options, sure Jacobs might be expendable

Steve, Long Island, NY

Hey Jason, do you think tulo is going to have a major sophomore slump? i have him as my middle inf and he is hurting my avg right now. should i sit him and start a guy like pedroia for a week or just keep him in my lineup and expect him to bounce back from his horrible april?

Jason Grey

  (3:05 PM)

We have to about the strained quad first, but Tulo was under .200 until April 27 last year as well and it turned out fine. If healthy, I'm still buying.

Dallas (Austin, TX)

Am I crazy to go through with this? i need SBs and Rs: I get Ichiro, Gomez, McGowan and I give up Guerrero, Kendrick, Vazquez

Jason Grey

  (3:06 PM)

Do you really need BOTH Gomez and Ichiro?

Cliff Claven, Cheers in Boston

Normy and I want to know why ellsbury is not playing every day! The sox offense seems run much more smoothly like the US Postal Service when he is batting leadoff. when his groin is 100% will he be an everyday player?

Jason Grey

  (3:06 PM)

When healthy, I think he'll get more and more AB's as the season goes on.

Larry; Appleton, WI

Would you trade ichiro for cory hart or am i selling low? is ichiro going to turn it on and hit .330 this season?

Jason Grey

  (3:06 PM)

I'd probably hang on to Ichiro, especially as McLaren is going to keep pushing him to run.

Andy, MN

Hey Jason. A guy offered me A-Rod for David Wright. He would also do A-Rod for Verlander, Carl Crawford, and Mark Reynolds. If I accept the latter, I'd put A-rod in my utility spot, and I have a solid outfield. Which trade do you like more? (Do you like either?) Thanks

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

I do kind of like the second deal. Risky, but tantalizing, not knowing the rest of the composition of your roster and what stats you need, etc.

Ryan , Philly, PA

i never get answers, but here we go again.... i already have a claim in for max.. but already have dice-k, sheets, felix, jenks, lidge... i'm nervous about using my #1 waiver spot .. make me feel better?? PLEASE!!!

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

Peanut Butter Jelly Time! Peanut Butter Jelly Time!(for those that don't get the reference, it's all good)

Shane (LA)

Hey Jason, since you won't get this question, I guess I'll ask. Bench or dump Johnny Cueto? I was lucky enough to have him starting yesterday in a number of formats...

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

I address this in today's Out of the Box column. If someone drops him, I am likely picking him up.

Gersh (NYC)

Hey Jason, I am trying to move Pat Burrell and got offered Carlos Silva. I got plenty of big bats (Ortiz, Hunter, Miggy Cabrera) to cover the power but could use a solid starter. This owner also has Volquez and Maine. Pull the trigger or wait it out and try to do better?

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

I think you have to try to do better in this case.

Roddy (San Fran)

You really wouldn't drop B. Meyers for Scherzer? Meyers volicity is down and has really struggled.

Jason Grey

  (3:10 PM)

Yeah, and his velocity is down as well. That's the one guy I would consider and it's a toss-up, not a slam dunk. He was at 88-89 in his last start. Could be a dead arm , could be something more, but Scherzer's upside is what Myers already did in '05 and 06 as a starter.

Kevin (York, PA)

Who do you like for the next month or two - especially in HR category.Mark Reynolds or Ken Griffey

Jason Grey

  (3:10 PM)

I still go with Reynolds for the time being.

The One Who Disagrees (Here and Now)

How can you equate dumping Acosta with dumping either Neshek or Pena. One of them is racking up saves, no?

Jason Grey

  (3:12 PM)

Um, he has 2. That's not racking them up. He's also had control issues and I'm not sold on him. He's closer by default, so that does have some value. I was more making the point that I don't think he;s anything special, but yeah there's a little more saves upside.

John (Charlottesville)

Corey Hart still has power, right?

Jason Grey

  (3:13 PM)

It's hiding behind the couch.

Dave (Lincoln Park, NJ)

Jason, thanks for taking my question. 10 team, AL only, 5x5 keeper. Been offered Carlos Pena $2 for my Joba $10. Is Pena just in a slump, or is this what to expect the rest of the year? Should I do the deal?

Jason Grey

  (3:13 PM)

I think I probably go with Joba, even though I think Pena shoud be OK over the long haul.

Ty (Pa)

What do you think about Nick Markakis this year? He has no protection in the lineup and appears to get nothing to hit as he seems to walk and strike out frequently.

Jason Grey

  (3:13 PM)

Lineup protection is vastly overrated. Miguel Cabrera did just fine in FLA. Jason Bay had somne great seasons in PIT with nobody around him. Markakis talking more walks is a bad thing? I don't buy that logic. His K rate is a bit elevated, but all the other numbers are right there on pace. I have no worries about him at all.

Gil (Portsmouth, NH)

I'm in a mixed keeper league, pretty competitive, and have the number 5 waiver spot. I'd like to hold out for Kershaw, but I think the guys above me are aware of him and are doing the same. Should I just go for Scherzer, or hold out for the chance (probably small) for Kershaw? How big is the difference between them, especially as keepers? Need to decide this tonight. Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (3:13 PM)

ake the bird in the hand, don't wait. Kershaw has better long-term upside, but Kershaw's major selling point over Max initially was potential playing time, and Max just won this round.

KT (NY)

I have Hughes on my team and he is killing me. I know he's supposed to be good, but at this point is it worth dropping him for someone like Cook or Silva who are still FAs in my league?

Jason Grey

  (3:14 PM)

Maybe Silva, who I sort of like this season, but I would probably just stash Hughes on my bench until he gets his release point and follow-through figured out.

Bobby, Lynn

What do I do with Tony Pena? Hang onto him thinking the closer role is still a possibility or is Scherzer going to get it? I'm thinking after last night, the rotation would be a nicer place for Max and the D-backs.

Jason Grey

  (3:14 PM)

I've said fairly consistently, that we can't just assume Pena is next in line. If something happened to Lyon, my money would be on Qualls. Max is going in the rotation, and by the way, Lyon has been light-out lately after a rough first week.

Ryan (Rochester, NY)

I'm off to go see one of my "Top" pitchers pitch! One problem he pitching in Rochester! Is there any hope for Liraino this year??

Jason Grey

  (3:14 PM)

Sure, I've said all along I was more interested in Liriano for the second half than early in the season. It takes time. Finding mechanics again, or getting comfortable with slightly newer mechanics, is a process.

Jayson (Amherst, MA)

Is Hafner hurt, or is this what we can now expect? Coupled with last year, this seems to be more than an early slump, no?

Jason Grey

  (3:14 PM)

His flyball percentage is down again, as are his homers per flyball. I think his shoulder problems may be affecting him more than people think, as it appears his swing plane is slightly changed. This could indeed be who he is now, but it's still too early to say for sure.

Paul (Boston)

Buy low on SMOLTZ? I have Dye rotting on my bench, and will not see the light of day in my stacked OF. Can stash him on my DL spot. Worth taking the flyer or is his arm shredded??!

Jason Grey

  (3:14 PM)

He might go back to closing if/when he returns, so although his arm might be shredded, it's worth a shot until we know for sure.

John (Boston)

What is wrong with Meche? Looked like a decent 3rd or 4th starter in my AL-only league but is killing me. Wait it out or drop for E. Jackson or Blackburn?

Jason Grey

  (3:15 PM)

Really battling his mechanics and his release point right now. With those options I think you probably stick with him for the moment in AL leagues, but maybe only for another start or two.

Tommy (Houston)

With close to a month of the season already played, who are some Great Buy Low NL OFs right now?Also equally important who are some Great Sell High NL OFs right now?

Jason Grey

  (3:15 PM)

Off the top of my head: Buy low: Pence, Kearns, Dukes Sell high: Schumaker

Tommy (Houston)

I am in a NL Only 5x5 Roto League. Should I give up on Jiminez if pitches poorly tonight? Besides Francis is there another Colorado starter that is worth owning?

Jason Grey

  (3:15 PM)

If he pitches poorly tonight, he's on notice that the Rox may give up on him and send him back down for a bit, so the decision might be made for you.

Gabriel (Teaneck, NJ)

I have Borowski on the DL. Is he going to be closing when he comes off? If so, I can trade a closer.

Jason Grey

  (3:15 PM)

As of now, the indications are he will resume his duties when he returns. Whether or not he will be any good is the question, but yes, the plan appears to be for him to close again.

John (NY)

Hey Jason...I just picked up Mike Cameron and would like to get him into my lineup, but my current outfielders are Manny, Matsui, Justin Upton, and McLouth. What would you do?

Jason Grey

  (3:15 PM)

Keep Cameron on the bench as insurance.

jim(boston)

need to drop for kazmir when he comes back: thome kotchman victorino cueto cain or francis

Jason Grey

  (3:16 PM)

Probably Francis out of that group.

Brian

A guy in my league just dropped Johjima. Should I drop Napoli and pick him up?

bob(new york)

start billingsley tonight

Jason Grey

  (3:16 PM)

That's not a bad play. He can get some K's against that offense.

Carlo (Omaha)

Jason,please take this, been trying for a week!!! Got offered Lincecum, Gallardo, and Bay for Grienke, Longoria, and Pence. My OF is good without Pence, Escobar and Gordon can play 3rd. Not too sure I "need" the pitching, have Smoltz, Santana, Hamels, Wainwright, as my other top pitchers. It's a 12 team H2H with 5 keepers at the end. Your thoughts would be much appreciated!

Jason Grey

  (3:16 PM)

If you think your pitching is already deep enough, it's close enough that I would probably stick with what you have

MJ (Durham)

Need an SP to replace Smoltz. Take a flyer on Scherzer, Floyd, or Jurrjens, or do I go with Garland, Silva, or Bonser?

Jason Grey

  (3:16 PM)

In mixed leagues, you have to look at biggest upside first, because there are always other options if it doesn't pan out. So go Scherzer. Bonser would be my 2nd choice.

Brian (Bordentown, NJ)

PLEASE HELP!!! I'm in a 12 team head to head league and I was just offered Ryan Howard for Lance Berkman. Berkman's off to a hot start and I know he'll hit all year. Should I accept the trade because of Howard's potential to break out of his funk or should I hold onto the sure thing in Berkman?

Jason Grey

  (3:16 PM)

Although I do think Howard will get back on track, I still probably stick with Berkman.

Spencer (Fishers, IN)

Drop Marcum and add Max Scherzer? I also have 4 closers, Betancourt and CJ Wilson are my worst..drop one of them?

Jason Grey

  (3:16 PM)

I'd keep Marcum and drop Betancourt for Scherzer. Or Wilson if you prefer, I wouldn't argue either way.

Tom D Amsterdam, NY

Jason,I couldn't find an e-mail address for you, so I'm sending you a compliment in this manner.I play in 4 money leagues, so I try to find the best information available. Therefore, I subscribe to Shandler and his guys AND to ESPN (the latter ONLY because that's where you are!). Grey and Shandler--that's my A-Team!Regards,Tom D.

Jason Grey

  (3:17 PM)

Posted explicitly in case my bosses check in on my chat. Moving on.

Ben (Knox, IN)

Is Corpas done as the CL or this there a chance he may close again? Would you drop him for Scherzer?

Jason Grey

  (3:18 PM)

For now, I would drop him for Scherzer. Much like Corpas got the job in the first place last season and how he lost it, all it will take is one bad week, and 2-3 blown saves in a row for Fuentes to be back in setup, so it's possible Corpas gets it back at some point, never say never, but I still take Scherzer.

Jason (Berkeley, CA)

Jason, love the work. Seven BBs from the DMac his last start. Is fatigue setting in and should owners be worried???

Jason Grey

  (3:18 PM)

I don't think fatigue would set in during April, regardless of past usage. I think it was just a momentary blip and absent any health issues, he should be fine.

Jason Grey

  (3:18 PM)

Hunter Pence questions:

Jason Grey

  (3:18 PM)

I'll be covering Pence extensively in my clipboard next Monday, but the bottom line is I'm sticking with him. Upside is better than Cameron's. Right now he is just battling his hitting mechanics a little bit, having his front side fly open and not staying through the ball. He's not being overmatched. I think ultimately he will be fine.

clayton (jax beach, fl)

More 5X5 value for the rest of the year - Kendrick or Aaron Hill? Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (3:20 PM)

Great questions. I still say Kendrick if he can stay out of the trainer's room.

John (LA)

Do I have a problem when I get mad that half of these people have never heard of Max Scherzer before yesterday, or if their All-Star leagues they play in have him available on the WW? Do I need professional help?

Jason Grey

  (3:23 PM)

I'm getting all these questions asking "what's the scoop on scherzer" , when I covered him extensively in a column a couple of weeks ago. So I'm with you a little bit.

Chris (NY)

How long do i hang onto Butler and Milledge hoping that they produce

Jason Grey

  (3:25 PM)

I feel better about Butler than Milledge at this point.

Jim (littleton, CO)

Some leagues don't have players available until after they have played their first game in the majors. Then the player gets put on waviers. I'm thinking that is why everyone is wondering about the wavier position.

Jason Grey

  (3:27 PM)

That wasn't the point. The "should I drop Player X for Scherzer" questions aren't an issue. I've answered a ton of those. It's the people that want me to provide a complete scouting report on Scherzer, or want to know who he is, when all you have to do is check the archives. Minor pet peeve. No biggie, it's what I'm here for.

JDK

Conor Jackson: final line please...

Jason Grey

  (3:28 PM)

.301 20 HR

chris SC

Victorino a platooner now?

Jason Grey

  (3:28 PM)

I don't go quite that far. I think Geoff Jenkins' PT is in trouble.

Brad (Philly)

It would be a Jason Grey chat be without some humor from Brad from Philly! Name game: Ian Snell, Chad Billingsley, or a hole in the ground?

Jason Grey

  (3:29 PM)

Still waiting for the humor...

joe mem[his

what do u think of Danks. Does you like him or Marcum more for the season?

Jason Grey

  (3:31 PM)

I've probably written about 1200 word on Danks since mid spring training in the archives, including a complete scouting report. Just do a search....short form: it was all positive. I like them both pretty close to equally, leaning towards Marcum.

Brad (Philly)

I am a hack.

Jason Grey

  (3:31 PM)

Ok, now that was funny.

JDK

you forgot RBIs for Conor...

Jason Grey

  (3:32 PM)

He's hitting cleanup on a good offensive team. You can figure out the rest. Worry about the first two numbers and the rest will come.

Scott (Boston, MA)

Have A-rod...drop for Scherzer?

Jason Grey

  (3:33 PM)

This is what Brad in Philly should have done.

Meredith Grey (Seattle, WA)

Hey bro! In a 12-team H2H keeper league that penalizes K's, who should I count on to replace Tulo - Keppinger or Crosby?

Jason Grey

  (3:34 PM)

All Grey's Anatomy references are automatically disqualified....unless you call me McDreamy.

James (Middletown, NJ)

You gotta like Kershaw better long term than Scherzer right? i mean better secondary stuff and not to mention the delivery of Scherzer is more violent than a tarrantino film

Jason Grey

  (3:34 PM)

Long-term, yes.

Frankin(Beans)

Other than Berry, Karabell, Engel and mAss you are my favorite fantasy analyst. Thoughts on Kent for the rest of the year? Would you rather have him or Hill?

Jason Grey

  (3:35 PM)

You forgot Cockcroft. Hill.

Joe(NJ)

What would need to happen for Bruce to be up and playing everyday by June 15?

Jason Grey

  (3:38 PM)

He would need to board a flight on June 14 (rim shot). Ok, I'm in Brad from Philly mode, sorry. I think things just keep need to keep progressing as they are in Cincy. I'd be surprised if he wasn't up by then.

JDK

Favorite fantasy analyst? He wants a mindless sheep like me to figure out Conor's projected RBI totals.Make it up to me, Grey - what do you project for Conor?

Jason Grey

  (3:41 PM)

LOL, ok - I was trying to make a point, that I usually let runs and rbi take care of themselves by getting productive hitters. The over/under might be right at 100.

Buckets (Tulsa)

Hi Jason! Do you share Will Harris' opinion that Duchscherer is a "must add in all formats"? Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (3:41 PM)

I don't, but I can also be wrong, and I'm sure Will disagrees with stuff I've written.

Chris (Ashland, Ore)

¿Quien es mas macho? Howie Kendrick or José López?

Jason Grey

  (3:42 PM)

Kendrick. Unless you just asked me where the library is.

Scott (Boston, MA)

In general, how long do you stick with your guys if they're performing below expectations? how long do you suffer with guys like hafner, burnett, myers,cano, etc.

Jason Grey

  (3:43 PM)

I really start taking stock and evaluating where I'm at between May 1 and May 15.

Rick (Brooklyn)

Great job Jason - Even if Scherzer starts in 6 days like you say doesnt he STILL lose his spot once doug davis comes back?

Jason Grey

  (3:45 PM)

Good question. Let's worry about that when the time comes. A lot can happen between now and then.

Jason Grey

  (3:46 PM)

Someone can get hurt, etc....

Aaron, Oh

I just searched through ESPN, there really isn't much on Hochevar. Im really interested in this prospect and want to know your opinion in a fantasy role...

Jason Grey

  (3:47 PM)

Short answer: He's a play for me in AL only but I'm not ready to add him in mixed. Still inconsistent with command and his secondary stuff.

brad (harrisburg, pa)

lemme get this straight: if Kershaw were to come up today, you'd like him better than Scherzer for '08?

Jason Grey

  (3:48 PM)

Probably. Close, but probably, and I've seen a lot of both of them up close.

PJ (NY)

Is this a Kershaw/Scherzer chat?

Jason Grey

  (3:49 PM)

It's a big waiver wire question now. I just answer what comes in.

Ben (SF)

I have to drop one: God, Jesus, '27 Babe Ruth or Scherzer. Also, should I trade Braun/Hafner for Ortiz/Magglio?

Jason Grey

  (3:51 PM)

I do kind of like Ortiz/Magglio in that equation. Not by a lot, but yes.

Rob (DC)

Am I the only one worried about Bobby Abreu? His strikeout rate suggests something is amiss. Your thoughts?

Jason Grey

  (3:52 PM)

No, I wasn't going near him on draft day based on what it would have cost to acquire him. He's on the decline.

James (Middletown, NJ)

what seperates hochevar from scherzer? i know Max throws harder,and has a better team around him, but is that it?

Jason Grey

  (3:53 PM)

Better stuff, better movement, better control, better command, better tastes in music...

Mike, Gaylord, MI

Small sample size, but what are your thoughts on Jonathan Sanchez? Could he produce Tim Lincecums numbers from last year?

Jason Grey

  (3:55 PM)

I wouldn't go that far, but I've always been a Sanchez fan. That's a premium arm that the Giants jerked around between starting and relieving much like the Jays did with McGowan for a few years before they finally stuck him in the rotation. I like Sanchez quite a bit, always have.

Joey (MD)

Do you see mechanical flaws with Ryan Howard or is it simply a matter of him not letting the ball get deep enough when he makes contact? Will he be the same Howard we've seen the last 2 years...40+ HRs?

Jason Grey

  (3:56 PM)

He clearly doesn't go to the opposite field like he used to, so you're not far off base, but 30-40 is still doable.

Jason Grey

  (3:58 PM)

Confirmed Scherzer is staring n Monday...in today's out of the box column you'll note what Melvin said to us at the post-game press conference last night - it was obvious even then.

Jason Grey

  (3:58 PM)

Accidentally deleted a question about who are the most exciting players for me to watch from a scouting perspective.....

Jason Grey

  (3:59 PM)

Pitching: Felix Hernandez and Brandon Webb Hitting: Josh Hamilton and Justin Upton

Matt (SC)

What are your thoughts on Brandon Morrow? Any other potential closers in waiting I could stash?

Jason Grey

  (4:01 PM)

Still has to throw more consistent strikes, but the talent is tantalizing. Leo Nunez is a sleeper for me (if Soria gets hurt).

Jason Grey

  (4:02 PM)

I have time for three more today...I tried to get to as many as I could. I appreciate all the interest. Seriously, and I do try and keep these fun while still trying to be informative...

Fukodome (RF - CHC)

Do I have power? What are my final stats like?

Jason Grey

  (4:03 PM)

I said at the beginning of the season he maxes out at 12-15 and there's nothing he's done to change that. he can hit .300 with a good OBP and ten steals though.

Jason Grey

  (4:03 PM)

Erick Aybar...

Jason Grey

  (4:05 PM)

...another guy I have long been a fan of from a scouting perspective. He can hit for average and steal 20 bases. He also has more pop than he's shown so far.. he could hit 10 at the big league level.

Jason Grey

  (4:05 PM)

Adenhart...

Jason Grey

  (4:06 PM)

I did a complete write-up on him in spring training.. so if you want more check my archives. Lackey is probably not up mid- May at the earliest so Adenhart has some time to show he bleongs. His first outing is only on three days rest, so be aware of that, but he's the top pitching prospect for this season in the AL.

Joe(NJ)

Duchscherer or Eveland?

Jason Grey

  (4:09 PM)

I prefer Eveland, but the A's might not. Someone gets bumped when Harden returns, so we'll have to see. Eveland, Duchscherer and Smith are piching for two spots. Thanks everyone, see you next week.