ESPN

Jason Grey

  (3:03 PM)

Hey everyone, let's get right to it...

Chuck (Hershey, PA)

When Boroski comes back who do you keep him or T. Jones

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

If death is not an option, Jones.

Andy (Boston)

[Insert silly joke to get you to read this here]My team has tons of power (Fielder, Teixeira, Tejada, Cabrera, Dunn, Carlos Lee, Hamilton, etc) and tons of saves (Wagner, Fuentes, Wood, BJ Ryan, Rauch). Also, I have Harden coming back soon and will need to drop someone (probably Wood). I could use steals. I've been offered Ichiro Suzuki for Carlos Lee and Wagner. Should I take it? I really like Wagner and feel Lee and Ichiro are closely ranked, so it seems like I am giving up a lot. Then again, I could use the steals and I was thinking of dropping a closer anyways. Help!

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

Does seem like a lot in a vacuum, but it's doable in your team context. We don't operate our teams in a vacuum. I would try to donwgrade the closer a bit if I could.

Hakeem (Toronto)

Best 1B in LaLa Land will be Kotchman or Loney for the rest of the season?

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

Kotchman, still not sure how much power Loney is going to hit for.

Dale (Madison)

I have a glut of 3B (Crede, Mora, Ramirez, C.Guillen-3b eligible) and am looking to upgrade my pitching. Would you trade Crede and Wang for Inge and Webb?

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

Is that really the best deal on the table? It's OK, not great. I love getting Webb any chance I can get, but Wang should be pretty darn good this season.

John (Bentonville)

What is wrong with Brian Bannister? He was awesome first 2 weeks, now he cant buy an out without giving up a run.

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

It's he natural correction in his numbers we've all been warning you about.

JDK

Will Alex Gordon ever bust out? I'm literally salivating (my keyboard is wet) over his upside-

Jason Grey

  (3:05 PM)

He's 24, let's be a little patient. He went 15/14 last years and will do at lest the same with a solid BA this season. I'll take that.

Wolf Chapel Hill NC

Jason, Great work on ESPN! REALLY need yr help here. Not a match-ups guy, and need you to rank these for me: Sanchez, Scherzer, Wellemeyer, G Floyd, Jurrjens, Hendrikson, Sonnanstine, Lester, Smith and Eveland. H2H Points league, wins, K's, saves. Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (3:05 PM)

Jurrjens, Sanchez, Lester, Floyd, Smith, Scherzer, Eveland, Wellemeyer Sonnanstine, Hendrickson. A few of those are really close. Scherzer may not start when Davis comes back.

James (Findlay, Ohio)

Hey Jason - love the info man! I need help evaluating a trade offer. I've been offered Howard straight up for Papi (qualifies at 1B) in a H2H league that scores OPS and BA. On one hand, Papi is hot and Howard's K-rate is ridiculous. On the other, Papi's knee is obviously a concern and Howard started slow last year. Do I do this? HELP!

Brett (St. Pete, FL)

Who's better for the rest of the year, Ankiel, Ethier, Loney, or Cust?

Jason Grey

  (3:05 PM)

Ankiel, unless you really need batting average

Joel, Detroit, MI

Matt Kemp or Chris Young as starting OF the rest of the year. Yes, according to the Top 340. No takers on Young yet. Just drop him outright for Kemp? Your input is appreciated.

Jason Grey

  (3:06 PM)

It HAS to be an outright drop? Young has no trade value? I do like Kemp better, though. Take anything instead of the drop, even if it doesn't seem like fair value.

Reed (NYU)

Are you a believer in Volquez? He has good stuff and the control was better last time.

Jason Grey

  (3:06 PM)

I've always been a believer in his raw stuff. The question has always been throwing enough strikes. He's getting by right now (largely because he's allowed just one home and struck out 10 per inning), but the 4 1/2 walks per nine may start coming back to bite him. I'm not looking to sell high, though.Fun fact - he has a 9-0 lead right now and Dusty is still leaving him in there at 114 pitches with a rested 'pen. Way to go Dusty! How the heck do you send him back out there for the 7th? Even the Cubs broadcasters pointed this out.

Ed (Tulsa)

Burnett looked better last night except for the one bad inning. What numbers do you expect from here on out?

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

He's throwing his curve again, which is a good sign. His walk rate is still up and his strikeout rate is still down, so he's not there yet, but there are at least some encouraging signs. I might be trying to buy low.

Manny (Las Vegas)

I NEVER get my questions answered, so I wanted to see if posting WAY early would help--In a 5x5 mixed, where I'm 1st in RBI and 3rd in HR, but last in WHIP and next-to-last in ERA, I was offered Matt Cain for Pat Burrell... What's the call? The guy also has AJ Burnett and Ben Sheets... Should I try to get one of those two?

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

Not knowing your pitching staff, a lot can change in WHIP and ERA in a hurry, even at this point in the season. It depends on how far you are in last. As a general rule, one pitcher rarely makes a huge difference unless you've been throwing a lot of relievers. You don't have to necessarily pull the trigger just yet , sometimes patience is enough to get you out of the cellar, especially in those categories.

Willy (ATL)

What is wrong with Hafner? BABIP says he is a little unlucky but that does not explain the power outage. What numbers do you expect from here on out?

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

His HR/FB rate is way down, and looking at the loft in his swing, I think his shoulder issues might have been a little more serious than were let on. I think 2007 is what we can expect again.

Zach (Newport Beach, CA)

Hey Jason I need some help. I have been offered Justin Upton and Mark Teixera for C. Zambrano and C. Jackson. I need offense badly. Is this good value? Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

I don't have a problem with that.

Master Shake (Jersey Shore)

Couple quickies- Bill Hall or Adam Dunn, who sucks more? I have had Dunn on my bench for another crappy average in Michael Bourn. Is he going to steal again?

Jason Grey

  (3:08 PM)

Is Bourn going to steal again? Absolutely - I'm a Bourn fan going forward. Is Hall going to steal again? Over the last three seasons, Hall has stolen 13 bases and been caught 16 times. Thats like a...not good percentage. Stick with Dunn over Hall.

Jason (Berkeley, CA)

Jason, please impart some scouting wisdom on this poor soul. OK enough of the brown-nosing. 12 team mixed 5x5 if u had to stash one of these pitchers, who would it be? Rich Hill or Liriano?

Jason Grey

  (3:08 PM)

When I stash players, I look for who has the biggest upside - that's Liriano.

Greg Smith

Am i this good or am i just hot right now?

Jason Grey

  (3:08 PM)

A little bit of both. I had you rated as a 50 on the 20-80 scouting scale at the Fall League and Spring Training, which means you can be a successful fifth starter in the big leagues, but your stuff isn't good enough to maintain this strikeout rate. You're a good pitcher, though.

David (LA, CA)

Would you trade Wright and Hamilton for Aramis Ramirez and Prince Fielder? I can afford to give up some steals with Wright.

Jason Grey

  (3:08 PM)

Nope. I prefer the first two for the balance of the season.

Steve Fla.

Is Cueto worth the #2 waiver? Someone dropped him prior to his start yesterday.

Jason Grey

  (3:08 PM)

Probably, if people that expected Cueto to be a Hall of Famer every time out have now panicked and dropped him, I'm perfectly happy to take advantage.

Alex (Reno)

Is this as bad as it gets? I've been struggling to fill my 2B all season in a 16 team NL-only league. I have Chris Burke and Jeff Baker, who it seems are being beaten out by Augie Ojeda and Omar Quintanilla respectively. Which of these four should I roll with, or should I just leave my 2B slot blank? Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (3:09 PM)

Baker has the most upside if they play him, but Omar could hit for an empty batting average, and also play some short. I expect Omar to get more PT in the short-term, so maybe him, but they've only given Baker 38 at-bats, so it's not like he got a fair shot.

Seth (South Korea)

Hey Jason! Is Ervin Santana the real deal? Or should I try to sell him high? Please Help!

Jason Grey

  (3:09 PM)

I've been calling for the big rebound year since March. Enjoy the ride.

Jason (Hburg)

Would you trade Scherzer for Granderson?

Jason Grey

  (3:10 PM)

Yes, Scherzer may not have a rotation spot when Davis returns...we'll see.

Jason Grey

  (3:10 PM)

As opposed to may take on what? I prefer Greinke now.

Mike (NYC)

Sheffield is now playing LF and the ESPN rankings put him around the top 100...does this mean his bat comes alive?

Jason Grey

  (3:12 PM)

If you'll notice the list, I had Sheffield ranked the lowest, so that should tell you where I stand.

Davis (South Carolina)

Follow up on Scherzer, given that he may not have a rotation spot, do I take the chance and drop him for Eveland?

Jason Grey

  (3:12 PM)

Well since Eveland is also at risk with Harden coming back this weekend, you might as well wait it out.

Jason Grey

  (3:13 PM)

All the Votto "Is he real" questions...He's a legit 20-25 homers hitter and that's still the expectation, along with a .290-.300 average.

Andy (Milwaukee)

No one is saying a thing about him so I wonder, do you think Greinke is the real deal? I have a lot of pitching and have been trying to deal him but no one believes, so what is you opinion, sell or ride him out?

Jason Grey

  (3:14 PM)

Well, I'VE been saying it ever since March. Hang on and have fun.

Derek (Michigan)

Regarding your writeup on the Fantasy Baseball study: If runs scored are a strong predictor of fantasy success, would you deem Carlos Quentin's fantasy value thus far to be consistent with what we will see the remainder of the season? His on-base skills are excellent and now he's hitting ahead of Thome, Konerko an Dye. Could be 100+ runs.

Jason Grey

  (3:16 PM)

I think that's the point they are making. He's not going to finish near the top in OBP though, so that will mean less chances for him to score a run. Last I checked he was 2nd only to Cust in the AL (that was a couple of days ago) , and he won't keep that up, but he's a legit hitter. Always was - an injury didn't change that last season.

Michael (Portland, ME)

Jason, help a guy out who had BOTH Rich Hill and Gallardo on one team. Please rank these possible replacements: Shawn Hill, Olsen, Lieber and Jojo Reyes. Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (3:16 PM)

Olsen and Hill the clear two.

Kyle (Indy)

Hey Jason, back to Volquez. If Dusty decides to give him the Mark Prior treatment all season does he break down? Do I reach a point where I sell high?

Jason Grey

  (3:17 PM)

No, it's too difficult to predict things like that. It may be next season that problems occur. Even Prior stayed healthy once.

Charlie (Syracuse, NY)

Hey, Jason. I'm looking for a little insight in to some of your rankings from yesterday. You were the highest on 4 guys I have who are really slumping: Guerrero, Hart, Polanco, and Johjima. Could you explain to me why you rank them the way you do? Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (3:20 PM)

Because what a lot of people seem to have missed from the comments (Where's Chipper? Why isn't Utley #1), is that it was solely based on numbers from this point on. April stats don't count. There will be some regression to the mean, and some solid hitters will start getting things turned around and hot starters will cool off. That's it in a nutshell.

James nyc

Is this question to hard for analysts?If I package Zambrano and Marcum in a trade, what kind of offensive weapon should I target?

Jason Grey

  (3:21 PM)

No, it's just too general for people to try and answer easily. The real answer is : whatever the market will bear. Float around a general trade offer and see what the best hitter is that comes back. That's the smart way to go about it.

Jason Grey

  (3:25 PM)

BTW, San Francisco Chronicle reports Gaudin heads to the pen, preserving Eveland's spot. I still think they would be better off putting Duke there, but with Harden's history, Gaudin could be back sooner rather than later.

Mark (Columbia, SC)

Jason, love your work. You dont hear many experts use phrases like: "staying back" and "not flying open". As a former collegiate player, coach, and now high school coach it is nice to read fantasy analysis from someone who knows more that just stats. Keep up the excellent work. Also a quick question for you. 14 team mixed keeper league. Gordon and Longoria are my 3B. Would you recommend trading one? If so, who are some guys you would recommend that are not from the obvious name dept. Guys like maybe Crede, Zimm, etc... Thanks

Jason Grey

  (3:26 PM)

If you get a good offer in Longoria, sure. I like Zim a lot going forward. Hopefully, I'm right about that.

William (Denver)

Now that the Dodgers have made the Kershaw decree, how long do you think it will be until he is up?

Jason Grey

  (3:28 PM)

I said at the beginning of the season that it was June, and I still think somewhere around that time. That's just my own speculation.

Scott (Chicago)

Jason, who do you see reaching the bigs first...LaPorta, Pearce or Chris Davis? Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (3:28 PM)

Pearce, but LaPorta ultimately has the biggest upside.

tyger (davenport, IA)

HELP ME OUT BUDDY! rickie weeks or howie kendrick for the remainder of year? will posada contribute at all this year?

Jason Grey

  (3:29 PM)

Howie. Posada could have a decent second half, but at his age there is a good chance of some low production.

Jason Grey

  (3:30 PM)

For all those asking, I stopped tuning into the Reds game when I started the chat - don't have anything on Phillips yet. I've contacted a couple of people, if they get back to me in the next half hour I'll post the word.

Winless (in every league)

Are their any metrics to try to forecast wins for the balance of the season? I would be winning all of my leagues if I was competitive in wins. Should I look at strength of hitting in division or strength of pitcher's offense?

Jason Grey

  (3:32 PM)

I've studied this off an on for a few years, and it's really just a crapshoot. So many thing have to happen for a pitcher to get a win. It reminds me of those days Roger Clemens was losing all those 1-0 and 2-1 games in Houston. The same metrics that have you choose any pitcher are the same one you should continue to use. Get good pitchers, and hope the wins come. Trite, but true.

Jack (Pitt)

I should feel ok selling verlander for ___ cents on the dollar?

Jason Grey

  (3:33 PM)

85-90, still early, and mechanical issues can be corrected.

JP (NY)

Hey Jason, whose next in line for saves behind Putz or would it be a committee?

Jason Grey

  (3:34 PM)

Likely Morrow. It would have been him ealrier if he hadn't hurt his shoulder.

Charlie, (Boston MA)

Is trading J. Upton for R. Cano a good idea?

Jason Grey

  (3:35 PM)

If you're trying to move down in the standings.

Mitch (Lansing, MI)

After Kershaw who do you see as the next minor leaguer worthy of a #1 waiver spot?

Jason Grey

  (3:35 PM)

Homer Bailey

Eric (Iron City, PA)

I know it's almost impossible to judge a trade without knowing the entire roster, but did I get fleeced here? I needed homers and OPS and had pitching and Theriot on the bench behind Tejada to spare - gave up Haren and Theriot, got Dunn and Greinke. Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (3:36 PM)

You didn't get fleeced.

TIM (MIAMI)

TEX for HARANG and KONERKOTEX for HARANG and HAFNEROR NONE OF THE ABOVE?

Jason Grey

  (3:37 PM)

The first one.

Jason Grey

  (3:37 PM)

..and for those that keep trying to let me know Phillips got pulled because it was a blow out, no, he had a leg injury.

Jason (Loserville)

Any thoughts on why Burrell is only the 27th ranked OF in your new rankings when he is in a contract year and a strong 2nd half slugger? Should I think about trading him now if his value is heading down?

Jason Grey

  (3:40 PM)

Can't speak for anyone else...I know I had him lower than anyone. I think his performance against RHP so far is a little unsustainable given his past history/ He's not posting a 1.100+ OPS

Jason Grey

  (3:42 PM)

Phillips had a calf bruise...doesn't look like anything too serious. Exhale, everyone.

Paul (Helena, MT)

Who would you rather have for the rest of the season. Billingsley or Wang?

Jason Grey

  (3:43 PM)

Wang

Ace (Boston, MA)

Would you take Mat Kemp over Fukudome or Hart and if so who do you drop?

Jason Grey

  (3:43 PM)

I'd take him over Fukudome in a heart beat.

Ethan (Memphis)

In a dynasty, who are a couple young arms that you say "man if i could get one or two guys, i get these guys"

Jason Grey

  (3:45 PM)

In dynast formats, I always want the most upside possible...so Kershaw and Porcello. If you want to limit to big leaguers.... Buchholz and Hamels

Jason Grey

  (3:46 PM)

Jurrjens: Looks absolutely nasty when he's on. Very very bad when he's not. We haven't seen that side yet, so may be the consistency is finally coming. The bottom line is he isn't pitching as over his head as some people think he is. The K potential is very real.

Karl PI tampa

bigger upside matt laporta or angel villalona?

Jason Grey

  (3:47 PM)

LaPorta is the safer bet, but there isn't a single hitter in the minors that has Villalona's upside. Not one.

Jason Grey

  (3:48 PM)

Got this one a few times. If I was a betting man, I'd say Bailey is up before Kershaw.

Ken (St. Louis, MO)

Is Blake DeWitt the real deal? What happens when Garciappara comes off the DL?

Jason Grey

  (3:48 PM)

He's not this good, but I have him on two of my NL teams, not in mixed.What happens with Nomar? We wait a week for the next injury.

denzack (Pawtucket, RI)

Is Johnny Cueto worth holding onto?

Jason Grey

  (3:49 PM)

Yes.

javier (la, ca)

trade Atkins+Pence for Miguel Cabrera?

Jason Grey

  (3:50 PM)

No.

Matt (FL)

Jeremy Hellickson has awesome numbers in the minors. Sherzer had comparable numbers at a comparable levels late last year (Jeremy has a ERA in the low 1's and a 46 to 2 K/BB). Do you see him making a similar rise even though he came out of high school? What is his ceiling?

Jason Grey

  (3:52 PM)

Rays can afford to be patient with him, but he's not Max because he's just 6'1" 185 and his stamina is a question. They will take their time with him. He has a better feel for pitching than Max, but they really aren't very comparable other than numbers.

Jeff, Mountain View CA

Jason, I feel like you have your hand most on the pulse of the minors and was wondeirng if you had any updates on Chase Headley? I know he got off to a rough start in Portland. Timetable for his arrival given the Pads offensive struggles? Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (3:53 PM)

He'd be up already if he had a hot start. I think it's just a slow beginning and he's still a .300 - 20 HR hitters waiting to happen in the big leagues. I think as soon as his bat shows some life they'll reach down for him. At least, that's what I think they should do.

Rocky (Mountains)

Do you see the Rox giving Ian Stewart a shot somewhere soon? Isn't his offense worth it?

Jason Grey

  (3:54 PM)

Not when he just went 1-for-31 with 13 K's

John, nyc

Jeff Francouer or Fukudome?

Jason Grey

  (3:55 PM)

Depends on needs - BA - Kosuke, Pop - Jeff

Jason Grey

  (3:55 PM)

But mostly Francoeur unless you really really need the avg.

bill(NY)

Are you willing to put the tag of "good AAAA pitcher" on Ian Kennedy after his performance in the minors last nights? Thanks

Jason Grey

  (3:57 PM)

Nope, legitimte 4th Major league starter. Lots of young arms hit a bump in the road early in their big league careers. Read my out of the box column today, and see if the teams that gave up on Floyd, Eveland, Volquez might not want to have them back.

Josh (Brooklyn)

Is Howie Kendrick playing today? Not sure if he's with the team in KC.

Jason Grey

  (3:57 PM)

If not today, then tomorrow. He did fine in his rehab game last night.

Buzzer Beater

Thoughts on Matt Cain - He's still available in a 10 team mixed

Jason Grey

  (3:57 PM)

I'd buy low on Cain due to the upside.

Scooter (Minnesota)

What is your prediction on Jimmy Rollins coming off the DL? Does he rebound and return to MVP form?

Jason Grey

  (3:58 PM)

I don't see any issues going forward.

Jason Grey

  (3:59 PM)

BTW, I know Stewart has homered three times in the last two game, but that horrific slump might keep him on the back burner for a little bit. We'll see.

Jason (Cleveland)

SABR league, basically WHIP is the main factor on pitchers. Would you take a flyer on Homer Bailey over Gorzo, Hoffman, or Guthrie?

Jason Grey

  (4:00 PM)

Yes.

eno (Jersey City)

What do you think about Kuroda? Because he pitches on PST, I haven't seen him yet. At the bottom of my staff, I'm looking at picking 2: Kuroda, Sanchez, Eveland and Duchscherer. Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (4:01 PM)

I take Sanchez and Eveland first. Kuroda's ok, but I like the other two better.

Jason Grey

  (4:01 PM)

Time for three more...

Jason (Cleveland)

Clint Barmes projections with Tulo out. Worth owning?

Jason Grey

  (4:01 PM)

I think he's hard pressed to hang on to a starting job.

Cody Philly

Is Murphy for real

Jason Grey

  (4:02 PM)

Not a mixed league play for me. Decent AL option. I still think he's a 4th outfielder over the long haul.

Brent (Ashland, OR)

Please complete the sentence - if I were to pick up one closer-in-waiting this afternoon that I think has the most potential to be racking up saves going forward, it would be (blank).

Jason Grey

  (4:06 PM)

So much can change in an instant with an injury. The backup to Gagne is still relatively uncertain, but I might say Salomon Torres.

Jason Grey

  (4:06 PM)

Thanks everyone! See you next week.