Keith Lipscomb

  (3:04 PM)

Hey everyone...still having technical difficulties here, so I apologize in advance for the slow posting. Let's get to it.

Steve(Boston)

TRADE!. I get Vlad he gets Volquez. 5x5 league with OPS. Remaing startes are Danks, Lincecum, C. Young, Scherzer, and McGowan. Can pickup Bonderman or Eveland . Make the trade? Thanks

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:07 PM)

Yes, while I like Volquez overall, you know he can't do this all season and will come back to the pack some. Vlad isn't what he used to be, but he's still pretty good and is worth it, especially in a non-keeper format.

Derek (St. Louis, MO)

Lance Berkman....sell high, or keeper?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:10 PM)

I don't sell Berkman at all, Derek. I've always liked what he can do for your team and even though it's unlikely he steals 20 bases, as his pace would suggest, he's a very solid producer. I hang onto him.

Dan - San Jose

Been offered Alfonso Soriano for Ervin Santana. My other pitchers are solid, but we have a games-started limit for the season, and I am on pace to go way past it. I am sick of sitting pitchers to try and slow down the pace, and want value. Thoughts?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:10 PM)

I'm sold. Do that deal, if you like your pitching depth without Santana.

Vinny (nyc)

Who do you like between Greinke and Burnett? I need a SP and have been offered one or the other.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:13 PM)

I think I'd still go with Burnett for this season. No question Greinke in a keeper format, though. Burnett's Ks help his cause and it's not like either guy ever makes 34 starts, so no major advantage in the dependability department. Might want to wait until after Burnett faces the Indians this weekend, though. He's been horrendous against them in recent years.

Matt (LA, CA)

Hey Keith... I have Nady, McLouth, Hunter, Hart, Ellsbury in my OF....Should I keep it as is or let go of Nady to grab Votto, D. Young, J Upto, or M. Bourn?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:15 PM)

Wow...shallow league, huh? Since you've got plenty of speed in that OF, I'd go with a high-average type with the ability to drive in runs. And I think that's Votto over Young right now. But yes, I think trading Nady would be a good idea while his value is at its highest.

Spotty (Bluchip, MT)

What is J. Jurrjens upside in a keeper league format?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:16 PM)

I think it's extremely high. Don't forget that this guy's only 22 years old. To me, he's a No. 1 or No. 2 major league starter in the very near future. Not right now, but he's pretty solid, and being in Atlanta where pitchers always seem to blossom doesn't hurt his cause.

John (Concord, NH)

Which 2 RB's should be kept out of Portis, MJD, Ronnie Brown? (no cost to keep and no points for receptions, 1 pt for every 20 yards receiving or rushing)

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:19 PM)

If you have to decide now, I'm going with the touchdown makers and that's Portis and Jones-Drew. I'm sure Brown will come back and be healthy, but since there are more question marks with him, I'll side with the other two.

Amos (NYC)

Was just offered Tex for Roy Oswalt. Other pitchers are Bedard, Harang, Hudson, E. Santana, and Cueto. Do the deal? Tex would be in my utility slot.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:21 PM)

While I was encouraged by Oswalt's outing last night, getting an elite power bat like Teixeira's is quite nice, especially since your pitching is still in pretty good shape.

Xavier (Seattle)

Do you still have faith in Ryan Howard's customary torrid 2nd half? Is Byrnes+Hafner too much to give for him, or is that a quality buy low/sell lower?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:30 PM)

Sorry about the slowness, everyone...big problems...I'm not sure you'll be able to get much for Hafner right now, so it's possible you might not even be able to pull that one off. The Indians need his bat badly, so they are hoping the time off can help him correct what's wrong. I definitely have faith that Howard will bounce back and still hit 45 homers. I really do.

Dave (boston)

what is up with Delmon is he going to turn it around?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:31 PM)

I believe he will, Dave, but his home run power just isn't there yet (obviously). I think he's a 12-15 homer guy at this stage in his career, but I'd be shocked if he hit in the .250s all season, so now's a good buy-low time for him. And the steals are legit, too. He can get 16-18 this year, in my opinion.

Mike (Leaving the Country)

Won't have access for 4 weeks. Trade Wigginton, Acosta, and Parra for Zimmerman? NL only

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:34 PM)

If it's just for this season, I don't have a problem giving up Parra. He just can't throw strikes consistently enough to hang around for a win. And Acosta's losing the save chances that he does get when Smoltz comes back. I like Zimmerman to catch fire here soon.

Ray, Hacienda Hts, CA

I've been eyeing him for awhile, but is now the time to pick-up Votto and drop Konerko? I already have Morneau. Thanks.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:36 PM)

Konerko will still hit more homers for sure and may even drive in more runs, but Votto will hit for a higher average and has the potential to outperform Konerko in every category except homers. Worth the pickup, yes.

joe pgh

would u play brett myers today? thanks

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:37 PM)

Yes, I would. I assume you're asking partly because he's facing Webb, which is a non-factor for me. Wins are hard to predict, so I'm looking for a solid performance and he's capable of giving you one.

Jonesy, Arvada, CO

I need power badly, Vlad, Beltran, Alex Gordon and the Big Hurt aren't producing. Would trading Peavy and Conor Jackson be too much to get Texiera in return? Remaining SPs are Marcum, Burnett, Wainwright, Snell and Greg Smith

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:39 PM)

I think Peavy for Teixeira would be enough to get that deal done. No need to throw in a quality hitter like CoJack, too.

JJ (BOSTON, MA)

Keith, Will Cliff Lee win the Cy Young or should I sell high for Teixeira? Thanks

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:40 PM)

While I don't think Lee pitching well is a fluke, him pitching THIS well can't last much longer. Law of Averages, ya know? I would trade him for Teixeira if you need some power. Lee's only had an ERA below 4.00 once in a full season in his career, remember.

Jason (SF, CA)

Love the chats. When if ever does a team punt saves? I ask b/c I am last in saves with Hoffman & Fuentes and got an offer of Big Z & Broxton for them. Our league counts Quality starts and K/9 as well. Should I make this deal?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:42 PM)

I personally would only punt a category, saves in this case, if I still think I can win the league without them. If you think you can still win it -- it's obvious you help yourself in the QS and K/9 categories with the deal -- I'd do it.

Ichiro Suzuki (Seattle)

Why am I only batting .280 on the season?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:43 PM)

You know you entered this season as a .370 hitter in May. I know you're not concerned.

Gene (MI)

Keith sell high on Volquez for Hamilton or Hart? Thanks

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:44 PM)

Yes. I'm assuming you need the offense, so yes!

Joel ( Roscommon MI)

I am stacked at pitching and want to offer Harang or Hamels for Co-Jack or Markakis. Am I nuts or does this sound reasonable ?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:46 PM)

It's reasonable, but I think you might be able to get more for those pitchers. Aim high and see if you can't get even more back.

JP (Toronto)

joe blanton or aj burnett?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:47 PM)

Even though he always misses starts during the season, I'd rather have Burnett, JP. You know what you're getting from Blanton, but I like strikeouts from my starters and Burnett supplies them and he could win more games, too.

Andrew (NYC)

Cueto versus Scherzer. Which one is better to keep for the remainder of the season? Non-Keeper situation.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:48 PM)

I'd say Cueto because I think Scherzer winds up pitching out of the bullpen. It seems there's a difference in opinion on what Scherzer will do this season, but I don't see him remaining in the rotation once Doug Davis returns.

Francisco Cordero (Cincinnati)

I have 5 saves so far. Will I improve?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:49 PM)

Saves can be streaky, as you know, so things will be fine.

Jake (VA Beach)

Are you avoiding Verlander's start tonight?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:51 PM)

As much as I don't like to avoid those I felt were No. 1 or 2 fantasy starters, I think I'd like to see him pitch well against a good lineup before I throw him back in there.

Josh (VA)

KEITH! Please answer this before you end the chat! I am thinking of trading Soriano and Cain for Peavy. I need SP bad, is that a good move? Thanks in adavance.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:53 PM)

Soriano's struggled thus far, so you won't get value for him, so you'll probably have to do that in order to get Peavy at this juncture. If you can wait for Soriano to get hot, you may not have to give up Cain in the deal.

Steve(Ma)

Great chats Keith. 12 team AL/NL league. Bonderman available. Worthy as a 5th starter? Thanks

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:55 PM)

He's on the fringe, but he's on rosters in the 12-team leagues I'm in. The walks at times concern me, as well as his lack of Ks, but if he's your fifth starter, you can always drop him if he struggles.

John (White Plains, NY)

Someone in my league dropped Smoltz...would you drop Burnett, Billingsley or Harden for him?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:57 PM)

Well, as much as I love Harden's arm, I think we all know it's unlikely he'll make more than a handful of consecutive starts. He'll have to prove to me that he can, so I'd drop him if you need the saves going forward.

Dave (Va)

Griffey is really frustrating me and i have enough outfield depth and not enough pitching depth... of free agents Pettitte, Eveland, Danks, Bonser, Rasner, Wolf, or Burress...who would you take, if any?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:59 PM)

I think Griffey gets going here soon. He should hit 25-30 homers and drive in 80-90 as long as he stays on the field. None of those pitchers get me excited, but the best two are Pettitte and Danks, in my mind.

Jack (Pa)

Hi Keith. Need a "BAT". Vlad, Hart, or Hamilton? Thanks

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:02 PM)

I'm sure this isn't the popular answer, but I really think Hamilton is the real deal. I know Vlad's track record is amazing and he really should get rolling here soon, but I can see Hamilton maintaining his average and going 30-115 this season. Hart should get going, too, but I like the power potential Hamilton has.

Craig (Denver)

In an OBP\SLG league...i have to chose between either Youk or Zimmerman for 3B. I have Pena at 1B and C.Lee at Util, so unless i put Youk at 1B and bench Pena, either Youk or Zimm has to sit. What do i do?

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:05 PM)

The way Pena's playing right now warrants you sitting him. So that's what you should do until he starts to hit/get on base again. Zimmerman's also cold, but not quite as bad.

Ceon, NY

This season only...Billingsley or Cueto?

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:06 PM)

Billingsley for me. Not all that close.

Pickles (LA)

Great chat Keith THANKS! Is Scott Rolen worth a shot for those of us waiting on A-Rod & Figgins, or should there be better options that you would suggest? Thanks again!

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:07 PM)

I'm not sure who else is left in your league, but there isn't much left at the corners in my leagues, so Rolen would have to do. It's not for very long anyway, so maybe you catch lightning in a bottle.

tim, nyc

Ervin Santana or Cliff Lee rest of the season?

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:11 PM)

That's a really tough one, because it's so easy to get caught up in the amazing historical start Lee is experiencing. I liked Santana coming into the season and since I think he's conquered (or on his way to conquering) the road woes of the past, I'll go with Santana the rest of the way. I just don't think Lee will keep the strikeout rate as high as it is, nor will he be so unhittable all year. Both are solid, in my mind, though.

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:11 PM)

All right, well I apologize for the slow answers. Hopefully, we'll be cool next week at this same time. Thanks for all the questions!