Brendan Roberts

  (3:01 PM)

Hi guys. Hope all is well. Happy to be chatting again!

Mike (Cumberland, RI)

What kind of impact do you think Clayton Kershaw can have this season?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:03 PM)

I have my doubts about Kershaw's value this season. Very talented pitcher, but I've seen enough pitchers struggle over the years to be suspect about any rookie pitcher. Seems the pitcher who actually matches expectations is few and far between. NL-only value, but I have doubts about him having for-sure mixed value.

Mark Chicago

Hi Brendan I just picked up Chris Snyder (good move bad) move would you drop Posada and fill another spot. I have to drop a pitcher when Lackey comes back Johnson or Rodriguez?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:04 PM)

I'm not a Snyder fan, but in two-catcher leagues, I suppose he has value. I'd do my best to keep Posada, though. ... Wandy Rodriguez versus Randy Johnson, I'm assuming. I'd probably keep Unit, just for his upside.

James (Staten Island)

Maybe its just me...but I think Miguel Cabrera should be batting in the 3 hole. He has enjoyed success there his whole career and having Maggs protecting him could be just the jump start he needs. Not to mention the fact that they should be trying to get him more ABs than Carlos Guillen. Your thoughts?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:06 PM)

I'd probably be inclined to agree with you, and heck, Leyland might be on board in another week or so. The deal there, though, is that the Tigers have such a deep lineup that you can kind of throw out the prototype for each spot. No. 5 isn't too much different than No. 3 if all is going well, as it could, for them.

Ben (CT)

i get matt kemp and erik eybar i give michael youn and randy johnson fair? and when is miguel cabrera gonna turn it on?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:08 PM)

Boy, that's pretty close, but I think it leans your way. I really like Aybar and think his SB capability has even been shown as much as it could. Miggy is no normally a hot starter ... but maybe he's adjusting to a new league. He'll pick it up the second time through -- and once interleague play is hot and heavy (June).

Joe (Cinci)

Would you trade Oswalt and Loney for a struggling Prince Fielder? No brainer, right?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:09 PM)

Not a no-brainer, but if you have pitching depth, I'd do it. Ya know, here's another example, though, in which you can probably get a throw-in player in that deal. Never underestimate the value of a throw-in player, preferably one with upside. I think maybe you could get an above-fringe starting pitcher from him thrown in. Might as well try!

(Gerry (Atric)

Do you see better times ahead for Francoeur and Konerko?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:10 PM)

Definitely -- for both. Seems Konerko always does this to us (although don't have stat splits handy to back that up). And Francoeur, from what I hear, is hitting into a lot of hard-luck outs.

Mike (Springfield)

Do I trade Jenks OR Soria for Brad Hawpe? Do you see him staying hot? I can use the hitting help with Wells on the DL.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:12 PM)

I'll mention this in my Hit Parade tomorrow about Hawpe. Interesting note about him. He's normally a slow starter, so his warm-up is legit. However, I noticed his division has more lefty starters right now than he faced last year, and he struggles versus lefties. Also, the pitching is better in it with Haren and Scherzer in there. Not that division is everything, but I have my doubts as to whether Hawpe can match last year's numbers. As such, I probably wouldn't trade either of those closers for him.

Ben (CT)

u said about miguel cabrera turning it on second time through..do you mean second half of the season?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:13 PM)

No, second time through the league, as in facing teams a second time, as in ... right about now. Miggy is a good guy to own right now.

Scott (NY)

Brendan, would you drop Snell for Danks in a 10 team mixed?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:14 PM)

Nah, I'd probably hang on to Snell a little longer. Stil has great K potential, he's healthy ... and, of course, not sold on Danks yet.

Mike (Long Island)

Quickie... should I start R. Wolf AT Wrigley tonight? Quality innings this week shouldn't be a problem for my team. Thanks mang!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:15 PM)

You're welcome, Albert Pujols, I mean, mang. The way Wolf has pitched, and the way the Cubs hit lefties, I'd sit him, if I could. And at Wrigley, too. No thanks.

John (Hills of Ohio)

I know today is a big day for A-Rod owners, hope the MRI comes out positive. If that happens and he comes back next week,do you see him being one of the top fantasy players again this year?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:16 PM)

Yes, definitely. Unlike most of my fellow owners, I still had him ranked in the top 10, like No. 8. A-Rod has shown he can still be a stud even when he's not 100 percent, which might not be the case initially. And from what I hear, the Yanks are not expecting any bad news from the MRI.

Dan (Minnesota):

would u trade volquez while his stock is high?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:17 PM)

I would, even though I'm not in agreement with my fellow writers here. Young pitcher, pitches for the Reds, pitches home games at GABP ... I think the book will get out on him, and the hit rate will rise. Still will K plenty, but can see his success continuing.

Thomas (LA)

Do you see Roby Cano doing anything differently? "The Next Rod Carew" shouldn't be hitting 185...

Brendan Roberts

  (3:18 PM)

The "next Carew" was hitting something similar to that at this time last year, and was one of the top hitters in baseball in the second half last year. And that was a repeat from the year before. I keep him and just wait for the breakout.

Steven (Toronto)

Is Marcum or McGowan a good sell high canidate?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:20 PM)

Well, D-Mac's numbers actually are pretty low, so he's more of a buy-low. That said, I think he overachieved last season and also threw a lot of innings. I don't see him matching last year's numbers. As for Marcum, two things: 1) Not a sell-high because I think his hot start is for real; and 2) I doubt many owners out there would give you premium talent for him. His name just isn't to that level yet.

Matt (NY)

Hal McCoy of the Dayton Daily News said that dusty baker said that jay bruce would be called up "soon". How should owners take this news?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:21 PM)

Hmm, didn't read that news, but I believe it. Dusty has a way of giving cryptic short answers to questions that need more detail. I'd track it a little and then be ready to make a move. Then again, I'm not one who feels Bruce is in for a "Braun-like" season. Not sure the power is there yet.

Rick (Houston)

Somebody just dropped Hawpe in my league, should I drop Cueto for him? Also what's your take on Cueto?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:23 PM)

Cueto is really fighting some demons right now, and he's young enough that it could take him awhile to recover. In fact, too much more of this and the Reds could send him down just to save his psyche. I could see the Reds flip-flop him with Homer Bailey if things continue on. I'd take the more proven commodity in Hawpe.

Celly (Miami)

Who ends up with better numbers at the end of the season, Nady or Hawpe?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:24 PM)

I really like Nady, but he has homered just once since April 13. He also got off to a quick start last year before cooling. I'll take Hawpe's end-of-season numbers.

Michael (Boston)

Wandy Wandy Wandy... worth a roster spot in a 14 team mixed league?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:25 PM)

Way-Rod (love that nickname) is definitely worth a roster spot in that setup, if for only his home starts. As long as you have a bench and/or a DL slot.

Nick (Sioux Falls)

Can you rank these guys for me, F. Thomas, Cust, Butler, Glaus, Bruce and Chris Duncan???

Brendan Roberts

  (3:27 PM)

Hmm, I'd probably go Butler (the power will be there soon), Glaus (will breakout soon), Thomas, Duncan, Cust and Bruce. Everybody but Butler I have ranked pretty close, though.

Timmy (Raleigh NC)

Daniel Cabrera. You buying this run he is on?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:29 PM)

Not in the slightest. I've never been a believer in high-walk pitchers suddenly showing decent control. Not only do the walks eventually show up again, but they also tend to have high pitch counts, which catch up to them by the second half.

Corey Hart (Milwaukee)

I wear my sunglasses at night

Brendan Roberts

  (3:29 PM)

And we're glad you do. ESPN Fantasy hearts Hart.

Chris (NY)

Sheffield...discuss...

Brendan Roberts

  (3:31 PM)

OK, will do. From what I know about Gary Sheffield, he's not exactly the most durable guy in the league, given his history (even though the games have been there). What I'm saying is that he wouldn't be out there unless he felt he was close enough to 100 percent to help the team. He's a total perfectionist and wouldn't stand for mediocrity (or worse). I think he's goes on a terror and ends up with fine numbers at end-of-season.

Matt (D.C.)

Acosta only has two saves since taking over for Soriano. Is he worth holding or should I drop him for Mota or (shiver) Borowski or another young starter like Duchscherer or Eveland?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:32 PM)

Coincidentally, I just dropped him today in a no-bench, 12-team mixed league. The fact that Acosta is getting pulled mid-inning suggests that he's part of a committee, not the guy. That doesn't work in mixed leagues. He's gotta go, and I'd probably grab one of starters (JD) for him for now.

Fred (East Lansing)

Do you drop a Milton Bradley to pickup a Sheffield...who just hit my WW?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:33 PM)

I would. I mean, maybe you can get someone to bite on Bradley, but on face value, I'd take Sheffield or MIlton Bradley in a heartbeat.

Shannon (Nashville, TN)

What stat line do you have for Uggla for end of year?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:35 PM)

The power is already coming back, but not sure the RBIs will fully come. I see the typical .250 average, with 20 homers and 55 RBIs from here on out. Adjust accordingly.

Dan (San Jose)

I found both Volquez and E. Santana on waivers, turned them into Justin Upton and Alfonso Soriano, respectively. Whaddya think?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:36 PM)

Love it! I'm not a Justin Upton guy quite yet, but let's just say his upside is tougher to find than Santana's and Volquez's (given my expectations for both).

Corey (Philadelphia)

While both are putting up better fantasy numbers this year: Who do you think got the better of the Edison Volquez and Josh Hamilton trade?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:37 PM)

Tough call there. It's early, and the plaeyrs themselves are likes apples and oranges. But I think in the end the Rangers win the deal.

PJ (NY)

I just got offered and accepted M. Cabrera, A. Rios, and F. Hernandez and gave A-Rod, J. Damon, and E. Santana. How did I do?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:38 PM)

I heartily approve. Even compared man to man (A-Rod versus Cabrera, Rios versus Damon, Felix versus Santana), you win the deal.

Mike CA

please talk about Kinsler for a second. This guy is hot and could be a 30-30. Keeper league stud?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:40 PM)

Keeper league stud. Not sure about the 30 homers. He's a skinny 182 pounds. But 25 homers and 25 steals ... definitely. And from what I hear, few players in the game work as hard as Kinsler.

Eric (Johnson City, TN)

Hey Brendan . How do you like Harrang's chances against the team with the best record in baseball ? Does he go another game without a win?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:42 PM)

Yeah, Florida with the best record in baseball ... ain't that grand? Ya know, I think he wins tonight. He's pitching at home (where the Reds can actually hit), and he faces Badenhop. This is his day!

Phil (Edison, NJ)

just traded volquez for verlander. good move?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:43 PM)

I think so. Many would say no, but I think big picture Verlander is a much safer bet to do well from here on out.

Jack (LA)

Better keeper, Longoria or Gordon?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:44 PM)

Longoria. Alex Gordon has some holes in his swing (namely, he can't hit lefties) that has me doubting his long-term upside.

Jack (LA)

For the record, I meant Eva Lonogoria or Dana Gordon (Entourage)...

Brendan Roberts

  (3:44 PM)

... And I'd still say Longoria!

Peter (Seattle)

Better upside- brandon phillips or bj upton

Brendan Roberts

  (3:46 PM)

Phillips. I ranked him No. 13 or so in my "May rankings" because of his homer-speed combo. I know Upton has those skills, too, but not sure he has the homer upside.

ian (ma)

i just traded manny and got texiera. good trade? how do you see both doing for the rest of the year?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:47 PM)

I like 'em both, but I like Teixeira more. Proven slow starter that Teixeira, but when he's on, few players are as dangerous in a home run way than Teixeira. Manny is devastating when he's on, too, but not with the homer numbers Big Mark can produce.

Will (PA)

So torres got yanked, shouse got the save, mota, and riske are options; what is going on in the brewers bullpen, do you think it will remain a comittee affair, or will somebody rise up and take the closer role?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:48 PM)

I think it remains a committee affair, and I intentionally stayed away from it in all my mixed leagues. If I were to pick one, I'd say Torres, both because he is the favorite right now and because he has at least had some success closing (with PIT).

Matt (SC)

Tex left the game early today?? Update?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:49 PM)

Being told it's back spasms, very minor. He might even be able to play second half of today's doubleheader.

Mike (PDX)

Best replacement for Neshek's holds and K's: Shields, Boyer, Mclellan, Carlson, Pinto, Linebrink, Ayala. Is Devine an option? I know, lots of names, but I'm really grasping here - I need holds.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:50 PM)

Lot of decent name on that list, but if you're looking for holds, I think Shields is far and away the best option. Good pitcher, good team, better track record, good Ks ...

David (Frisco, Texas)

Kinsler, Hamilton, and Big Tex are three of the best hitters I have seen in a long time in Texas. And believe me, we see our fair share of hitters at The Ballpark. The wind hasn't even started to heat up and blow everything out. Volquez did similiar things here at Texas. He looked good for awhile, then he blew up. I would watch his control issues. It's always a sign that trouble is near. But, I digress. Who do you like for better overall numbers: Cameron,Ludwick, Bradley, Gomez, Garko or Hermida? Berry loves him some Cameron but I just don't see it. I picked up Gomez out of this litter but would like to hear a non-Berryfied ESPN opinion. Thanks.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:53 PM)

Carlos Gomez, I"m assuming? If this is a 5x5 league, definitely Gomez. Dude will steal 50 bases. And yes, I'm with you on Cameron. Just don't see why people (including the great TMR) are ga-ga over a guy who hits .260 with 25-homer power, some steals ... I saw one stat saying he has hit at least 18 homers in each of the last xxx seasons, and I thought to myself: "So what, it's only 18 homers, which is not that much for today's game/outfielders." I'm not a Cameron buyer at all.

Conor (philly)

I have gagne and just picked up torres and mota. who can i drop?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:53 PM)

Not Gagne. He still has the most upside in that group. I'd drop Mota.

Jeff (Brooklyn, OH)

How long til' Izzy is closing games again?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:55 PM)

I'd give it about two weeks. Seriously, he's had bad spells before and bounced back. And I don't think Franklin will do well in the role, actually. Just doesn't miss enough bats and is susceptible to lefty hitters. The ninth inning is when managers love to use their lefty-pinch-hitting specialists.

Lee (NY)

okay, then drop mota for rich hill?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:56 PM)

Yup, I would. Obviously, I don't believe in Mota ... and I actually think Hill could do well in the final four months. The lack of control kinda came out of nowhere wit him, but he's healthy.

Baseball Fan (Detroit)

Duscherer. Any good?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:57 PM)

Yeah, I think so. Great upside and stuff (esp. breaking stuff). Not sure about his stamina or durability as a starter, but when you get to that level of SPs, you're thinking upside and striking gold. He's as good a bet as any to do that.

Jason (Atlanta)

I made a huge trade this week, and now kind of think it got too big and I'm regretting it. What do you think of sending Sizemore, Harang, Zimmerman, Melky, I. Kennedy, Wellemeyer, Iwamura, R. Hernandez and Gio Gonzalez (minors) for Johan, Rollins, Guillen, B. Myers, Willingham, Gaudin, Pierzynski, Bill Hall and Hochevar (minors) in a keeper league?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:58 PM)

Wow, that's a big one, but as long as there are no tranny fees involved with it, why not? On the surface, I say you win the deal, if you're the second guy. (Although not sure exactly which Guillen you speak of).

Jacob (pittsburgh)

Which pitcher would have the most trade value, Wainwright, Shields or Wang?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:00 PM)

A very good question, Jacob, and very thoughtful in that you are looking beyond the numbers. Cause numbers might show Wang, but his trade value name still isn't high, I'd say Shields probably has the most name value, but I like Wainwright just as much as him. I'd deal Sheilds if that's on your mind.

Todd (San Diego, CA)

Glaus or Reynolds at the hot corner?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:01 PM)

I'd still say Glaus. He's really pressing right now, but he'll go on one of his patented hot streaks soon. And Reynolds has hit bottom a mere days/weeks before Chad Tracy is set to return.

dave (nj)

Taking that Texas heat into consideration, would trading Hamilton for Howard be a risk?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:02 PM)

Good point, Dave. Hey, did you know the Rangers play more night games each season than any team in baseball because of said heat? True story. I like Howard for Hamitlon, and that seems like a good deal to make right now.

Andy (Lafayette)

I'm an Astros fan and a disgruntled Andre Either owner. This past weekend I watched Andruw Jones swing the most horrible bat ever at so-so pitches. When will the Dodgers wake up and bite the 10 mil so they can start winning?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:04 PM)

I think they kinda already have, to an extent. Andruw seems to just be "part of the rotation" now, and that could be even lessened if things don't change soon. The Dodgers are in a race to keep up with the D-backs, and they can't afford to "experiment" much longer.

Miguel Tejeda (33 years old now)

Is my hot start just a coincidance? Hitting ahead of Carlos Lee and Berkman should have its perks right?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:05 PM)

It should, and so should the short porch in left, and new pitchers facing Miguel Tejada's quirky (bad-ball hitter, free swinger) approach. I say he keeps hitting well.

Jay (LA)

Name game...Reynold or Lowell?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:05 PM)

Lowell, times two.

Joe (DC)

Real quick: Which side do you want, Rickie Weeks or Fukodome?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:06 PM)

Close, but Fukudome.

Xavier (Seattle)

I heart Hart as well, but where are his HRs? Do you have faith his power will come around once it warms up?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:07 PM)

I do, for sure.

Steve (CHI)

Ludwick? How good is he. Pence, Ludwick or Looney?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:08 PM)

Looney? (Chuckle). I think Ludwick cools down; I'm not sold yet, and I'm a Cards fan. I'd still keep Pence or Loney over him.

Ed (Miami)

Name game...Andruw Jones or empty OF spot?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:08 PM)

He beats an empty spot, simply for his upside, but it's close.

Brendan Roberts

  (4:09 PM)

OK, guys. I gotta run. It's been real. Good luck with your teams this week. Go get 'em!