Keith Lipscomb

  (3:01 PM)

Hi everyone! Another Thursday throwdown. Let's roll...

Happy (Waterbury, CT)

Would you drop Arroyo for Greg Smith, Adenhart or Duchscherererer?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:03 PM)

I know it's tough to hang onto Arroyo, but if you can be patient, I think I'd hang with him. He was pitiful in the first half last season before having a very solid second half. If forced to take one of the three you mentioned, I'd go with Smith, though.

Josh (IA)

How good is Soto? Can he finish the year as the top catcher?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:05 PM)

It's certainly not out of the question. I don't expect him to hit over .300, let alone .333, but I do think 18 HRs and 75 RBIs are very possible, and that would make him a top-5 catcher, if he can keep the average in the .280-.290 range.

Jeremy

What is your take on Rickie Weeks? He has a ton of runs.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:08 PM)

He sure does, Jeremy. Pretty impressive when you consider he's got 38 hits/walks and scored 24 times. I don't expect him to struggle like this in the BA department, but maybe he's going to be more of a .240-.250 hitter. He still has adjustments to make and is talented enough to do so for sure. My biggest concern with Weeks is always his health.

Jeff (Brooklyn, OH)

Who would you rather have this season: Matt Kemp or Carlos Quinten?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:10 PM)

Wow, I think you could ask me this question next week and I could have a totally different answer! Right now, I'd say Kemp, because he's still putting up numbers when he plays and I like the fact he steals bases as well. Quentin will hit more home runs, but Kemp is a much better hitter in terms of average. Very close, though. I like that question.

ethan (sf)

Keith - need some SS help! With Tulo out for a bit, do you plug in Keppinger or Crosby? Or deal from depth at OF? Who could I get in for guys like Bay, Quentin, Helton, Hermida, or Rolen?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:13 PM)

It's always hard to say what you can get in a deal, since every league and its owners are different, but you can certainly float those guys out there to see if you can get something worthwhile in return. I like Keppinger's steady bat and the high average, with runs scored over Crosby's power potential. Crosby is a BA-killer and I really prefer not to have one of those types on my roster unless they hit 40 homers, like Adam Dunn, if I can help it.

Josh (St. Paul, MN)

Keith - time to drop JR Towles? He was supposed to be a Soto-type hitter, but he hasn't shown me anything this year...

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:14 PM)

I guess it depends on who's still available in your league. In my leagues, there isn't anyone better available and while Towles has disappointed thus far, he's still playing regularly (which can be bad when he's struggling, but generally a positive in my mind). Lots of guys have bad months, and at least Towles has four bombs in the first month.

Matt (Chicago)

Gregg just blew the game, how long until Justin miller gets a shot?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:16 PM)

I know he's given up a run in consecutive outings, but I think he'll have to do a lot worse to lose the gig at this point. His overall numbers still aren't so shabby, so I'm not worried about him just yet.

Deuser (Chicago)

Scherzer's still on waivers and Bonderman just got dropped to waivers... I can only choose one. Which?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:19 PM)

Normally, I'm pretty conservative and go for the veteran who has been there, done that in the bigs. But in this case, I think the value Scherzer has right now can be used to keep or to trade for something even better. Bonderman's still not consistent enough for me and walks too many batters, so I'd give Scherzer a shot. Keep in mind, though, that Scherzer is likely a middle reliever at least until Lyon loses the closer's gig, and even then, Tony Pena or Chad Qualls could get the job. Doug Davis will be back, which means Scherzer may not start for very long.

barry (boston)

If Clement plays enough catcher to qualify where would you rank him, top 10? Should I try and deal Molina and pick up Clement as a replacement?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:21 PM)

I think that would be a good move. Clement should play against righties pretty regularly, and hit them. No one questions his ability to hit. And while it's hard to rank him before he even starts a game, I do think he's got a good shot of being a top-10 catcher from here on (provided he qualifies there in your league, of course).

Matt (Buffalo)

I have Scherzer and considering he may be used in middle relief should I trade him for Ankiel.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:23 PM)

One thing Scherzer will help you out in no matter what is strikeouts. The rest is up in the air, really. Remember, this is his first run through the majors, so there will be rough patches, most likely. If your team is in good shape in strikeouts already and you like the rest of your staff, Ankiel is definitely someone who could help upgrade your team in HRs. Act accordingly.

Joe paris

do you think its worth picking up barry zito

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:24 PM)

Sorry to say, Joe, but no I don't. I'd have to see signs of major improvement before I touch him. I do think he'll be starting again, though. You don't pay a middle/long reliever that much money.

Jon (San Diego)

What's your take on bench strategy in a standard mixed league: Do you minimize your offensive bench in favor of loading up on pitching?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:26 PM)

Yes, I do, because with just 10 teams in the league, there's always plenty of hitting to be had out there, while pitching situations always change. Provided you've got a very strong offense and don't feel the need to back up your star players, since there's lots left on the wire, I like to have backup on my staff. Good strikeout guys like Marmol are valuable to me in such a format.

Walter (Boston, MA)

I picked up Jeff Clement and dropped Tony Pena, who I had hoped would step in to the closer role in AZ by now. Looks like Lyon will hold on for a bit longer. Thoughts on this move? I need saves badly but couldn't justify Pena on my roster...

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:27 PM)

Can't argue with that move at all, Walter. Hey, there's no guarantee that if Lyon were to lose the job that Pena would be next in line for sure anyway. And besides, like you said, Lyon's been outstanding since his struggles in the opening week.

Xavier (Seattle)

Great stuff Keith! What do you think about Hafner? Will this benching set him right, or is he toast? I can get Kotchman or K-Rod (I already have 4 closers) for him - do either or stand pat?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:29 PM)

Well, Xavier, you should know that I was bullish on Pronk this season and expected him to bounce back nicely from last season's disappointment. So one month isn't going to change my mind on him just yet. He's a very hard worker who should be able to make the adjustments necessary to turn things around and I still expect him to hit more HRs and drive in more runs than Kotchman this season. Since you've got four closers, you don't need K-Rod anyway. Hang with him for a while longer.

Fred (Rochester, NY)

I have Broxton but am considering dropping him for Casilla. Good move?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:31 PM)

It's easy to want to jump on the hot setup man, which Casilla definitely is. But Broxton is one of the top strikeout artists among setup men and is definitely next in line for saves should Saito go down. You know Casilla's due to give up his first run and have a rough outing, so picking him up now would only guarantee that you get that outing on your stats! I like Broxton, much like Marmol.

Pat, NY

All else being equal, which side would you rather be on: Franceour and Berkman, or JHamilton, CJackson, and YoGa?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:33 PM)

Well, it's hard to call it equal with a 3-for-2, but I'll take the Gallardo side, because you've got two hitters that are at least capable of putting up numbers close to those of Francoeur and Berkman. Doubtful they'd outperform them overall, but throwing in a stud like Gallardo makes a big difference to me.

Rufus (san diego)

What do You expect out of nick adenhart? For may and does he stick when Lackey gets back? Thanks for your input.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:36 PM)

Adenhart is a solid pitcher who pitches to contact, but isn't a big strikeout guy, and it is hard to see him sticking when Lackey comes back. I don't see how the Angels could take Saunders, Weaver, Santana or Garland out of the mix. Very doubtful. I don't expect a lot, but he's good enough to roster up while he's in the bigs.

Tony (Tampa)

This exact question was asked in the 11 AM chat "Xavier (Seattle): Great stuff Keith! What do you think about Hafner? Will this benching set him right, or is he toast? I can get Kotchman or K-Rod (I already have 4 closers) for him - do either or stand pat? " and got a completely different answer... funny stuff

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:37 PM)

Sorry about that, y'all. I don't get to look at the questions asked in the earlier chat usually. And hey, that's why fantasy is so fun. We can all think very different things. Sometimes we're right, sometimes we're not. It's why we play.

louie lipps - pittsburgh

joba or scherzer for the loooong term? thanks Lipps

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:39 PM)

Nice! Haven't heard from you in a while Louie. I like Joba long term because I think he'll be a better starting pitcher than Scherzer, who I still think will be better as a future closer for the D'backs.

Kyle, Seattle

With the Smoltz news, should I still hold onto Mike Gonzalez in my spare DL spot? Plus... any chance FLA decides they need McPherson in the bigs soon or will Cantu hold him down? Thanks much

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:41 PM)

Well, if you have a spare DL spot, you might as well use it to keep Gonzalez there. If you need it for Smoltz, then I think it's obvious you put him there. As far as McPherson goes, Cantu has swung the bat too well for McPherson to take his job at this point. It does bear watching, though. If Mike Jacobs were to miss extended time in the future, it might be more of a possibility, since they could use a 3-man system with Helms, Cantu and McPherson between the two corner spots.

Andy (NY)

Clemet & Balentien!!! Better stats this year? Worth picking up both?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:43 PM)

If he's eligible at catcher, I think Clement is worth picking up in most leagues. Balentien is more for deeper leagues, in my opinion. He's got some power, but he won't hit for a high average and will likely have some big slumps to contend with. Clement should put up better overall stats, because his average should be higher to go with the other numbers.

Seegz (Texas)

Hi Keith, I just traded for BJ Upton over the weekend and now he's injured! Is there any word on the extent of his injury?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:45 PM)

We still haven't received anything definitive, but the way he crumpled to the ground when he swung wasn't a good sign at all. I haven't heard an official injury just yet, but the way it looked, a DL stint could be in his future. I just hope it's not a tear or anything like that in his shoulder.

Drew (Chicago)

Previous stats this season not included, who is a better UTIL for me going forward: Sheffield or Mclouth

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:49 PM)

I love that question, Drew. I'm going with McLouth for the following reason: Even if Sheffield were to wind up with the same stats he did last season (25 HR, 22 SB, 107 R, .265 BA), I can see McLouth approaching those figures this season. And I'm not sure Sheffield will be able to stay healthy enough to hit 25 HR again and he won't steal 22.

Drew (NYC)***

Should I drop eith AJ Burnett or Jeff Francis for Adenhart

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:50 PM)

No, I wouldn't. Those are two pitchers with solid rotation spots, while Adenhart doesn't have one ... nor does he have the track record those two do.

Rollie (finland)

What do u expect of Manny Para? W l k era whip for remainder? thank u so much because i really dont know what to do with him!

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:53 PM)

Parra is a mystery man for me right now. He doesn't go deep enough into games to win a lot and he's walking too many guys to be a help in WHIP. I'm concerned about him remaining in the rotation, although the injuries the Brewers staff always has helps his cause. I don't see how he wins more than 10 games, maybe a 4.50 ERA, but he's someone you'll want to own in 2010 more so than now. He's still learning how to pitch at this level.

Keith P. (Utica, NY)

What do you expect from Hunter Pence the rest of the way? Thanks for any input because I think he's a buy low guy right now?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:56 PM)

I like him as a buy-low guy, too, but maybe not as much as some others. I think his numbers last year were a bit over his head on the whole. But could he hit .280 the rest of the way and wind up with 18 and 70? Yes, and you'd probably take that in a buy-low situation.

Derrick (Seattle)

Someone dropped Cano. Is he a must own?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:58 PM)

I think he is, yes. One thing to keep in mind with Cano is that he started poorly last season as well. Just not this poorly. He hit .342 in '06 and .306 in '07, so he can definitely hit. And remember that he hit .343 after the All-Star break last season. There's nowhere to go but up and I like him a lot from here forward.

Mike (Boston)

I still can't believe no chatter in either chat today about Bonderman..Encouraged by Bonderman last night? Will I finally see the results of holding on to Bonderman going forward?

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:00 PM)

Well, I think if you've held onto him this long, you should be happy with what you got last night, even though he still didn't give you Ks. That being said, I need to see more than one good start to get excited about a turnaround for Bonderman. Gotta see those walks stay down and then I'll start getting more excited about him.

john, nyc

Should I drop Bannister for Scherzer or Tulo?

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:01 PM)

Yes and Yes....If you mean Tulowitzki, I know he's injured now, but if you've got DL spots in your league, that's a no-brainer. Wow. But I'd rather have Scherzer, just because of the possibilities, whether it be for production or current trade value.

Eric , Johnson City

ut oh .... Gallardo is hurt.

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:03 PM)

Yeah, we'll end on this. Didn't look good when his knee buckled. Was surprised to see him stay in after coming back from surgery. It'll be interesting to see how it feels after it stiffens up. Keep your eyes open for the latest should he have to miss a start if that occurs. Hopefully it will be no more than that, though.

Steve(Boston)

Drop Salty for Clement? Also Lincecum, Volquez, McGowan, C. Young, and Danks are my starters. I know i have no stud but I just got Scherzer. Trade for a pitcher? Thanks

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:04 PM)

OK, I'll end with this one...I would drop Salty for Clement for sure. Clement is more likely to get regular ABs the way things look. And I'm not sure what you could get for Scherzer, but if you can upgrade and it's not a keeper league, it could be worth your time to listen! Good luck.

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:05 PM)

Thanks for all the questions today. Some really good ones. I'll chat with you again next week!