Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:05 PM)

Hey kids

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:05 PM)

Let's get started. As always - all subjects answered. And yes, I have seen the Megan Fox pictures. I stand by my original assesment.

Lucha Libre fans everywhere

Steel-cage death match...who wins? Renteria or O Cabrera.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:06 PM)

Renteria.... as much as I like the OC - Edgar is more solid all around. OC for steals tho

Kerry (NJ)

Hey Matt, Instead of getting attacked for every 'question' I have a real question for you: Is it ever a good idea to drop a category that you are going to lose every week anyway (i.e. saves)?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:08 PM)

yeah, actually. In a head to head league, if you know you're already gonna lose a category and see no hope of winning it, bail and use those roster spots to win elsewhere. That said - saves always come into the league (Franklin, Mota) and there often are so few in a week you sometime win with one or two

Mike (Long Beach, CA)

Who will be co-hosting the podcast with you tomorrow? I am hurting for a 3b--Should I trade Y. Escobar for K. Youkilis?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:09 PM)

Stephania will be in I believe and possibly another mystery guest

Jack (SF)

Hey Matt, I read your column and picked up Clayton Kershaw. But he got rocked yesterday, should i hold onto him?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:09 PM)

Yes, if you can afford the roster space. One start does not define a pitcher

Men Everywhere

What are these Megan Fox pictures you speak of?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:10 PM)

Hmmm. If only there were some sort of website where you could put someone's name in and it would return a list of links about that subject

Shaggy

Speaking of mysteries, what in the world is wrong with Erik Bedard? Yoinks!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:12 PM)

It's still early and he's a notoriously slow starter. That said, the biggest porblem is he's not getting any run support. That said, he'ss till got a 3.48 ERA and decent WHIP... needs to K more guys but I am not worried. Good buy low.

Bernard (Princeton, NJ)

How excited are you about the new 'Sex and the City' movie? Surprised you werent in London for the premier.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:13 PM)

Dude, I think you're looking for a chat room on TheView.com. Could. Not. Care. Less.

Barry Zito

Dave Bush is the greatest fantasy analyst of all time.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:13 PM)

Well played, sir. Well played.

ESPN HR

Mr. Berry do we need to send you a list of "appropriate" web sites again?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:14 PM)

(hangs head) yes, please

Don (Richmond, VA)

You ranked Jurrjens well below Cueto and Scherzer. Drafting today, would you still pick them in that same order?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:14 PM)

I'd probably put Jair ahead of Cueto... but I like all 3, obviously.

Billy Butler (KC)

Why am I ranked so high on your Top 340 when I have no power?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:16 PM)

Well, I guess I feel the power will come. Still think you wind up the year with 20 HR, a very high average and 100 RBI

JB (Newark, NJ)

Who gets more save going forward, G. Moto or S. Torres?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:16 PM)

Mota

PJ (NY)

Will King Felix ever be consistent enough to be considered an Ace?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:17 PM)

Ever? Sure. This year? No. He will get rocked tonight as well, I bet. 7.71 ERA at Texas the last 3 years

Ari (Miami)

Hey Mr. Matthew, It's impossible to move Eric Byrnes, will he turn it around? I only have him because of you!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:17 PM)

Yes, he will. Pateince w/ Byrnes. He's hitting in the middle of the best offense in baseball, he's stolen 75 bases the last two years.... he'll be fine.

Carlos Gomez (Minnesota)

Will I be a better fantasy Outfielder in '09 than Balentien?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:18 PM)

You already are

Rental Car Agent

Mr. Berry, we found your reservation. We're sending a car to pick you up now.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:18 PM)

Oh sure. NOW you do it...

Cousin Eddy

Who ends up with better numbers, Corey Hart or Fukudome?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:19 PM)

Hart of course.

Bilbo (Seattle, WA)

Did I miss you telling the story about the Hollywood producer that screwed you over? If not, please... tell!!!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:20 PM)

You did not. It will take time to write and I have not started it yet.

Jeff (Milwaukee, WI)

Do you think the Rays young pitching prospects (Wade Davis and David Price) will make an impact on fantasy this year?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:20 PM)

Not really, no. They don't need them and even if they do, not sure they are ready yet.

Mitch (Lansing, MI)

Joey Votto, you said during the preseason that you are blotto for votto...care to expland on that thought? Thanks!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:21 PM)

Yes. It meant I like him. That his power and avg last year were legit. So far, so good...

Hal (NYC)

so you think Mota keeps the job? Butler, Ad Laroche from now forward?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:21 PM)

Not really but I think he winds up with the most of a bad lot. Butler.

Brad (Philly)

If you need a podcast guest, I haved starred in this chat in such roles as "Barry Zito" and the "Rental Car Agent." It's an impressive resume, I know.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:22 PM)

Well done, brad.

John (Portland, ME)

Is McGowan going to be annoyingly hot and cold all year?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:22 PM)

No, he'll get it together.... especially in the second half.

Alan (Orlando)

My patience is wearing thin with B. Molina. Drop him for Navarro?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:23 PM)

Yes for AVG, no if you need power

Psychologist

Why are you projecting your fear of psychologists on to female psych majors?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:23 PM)

Because I've dated one

Tom (The Big Easy)

On your podcast, you recommended Vizquel as a Furcal replacement. Over the likes of Theriot?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:24 PM)

No, not over The Riot

John (NY)

Lackey's backey! (feel free to use that in your column tomorrow)

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:24 PM)

SOLD!

matt (Boston)

You a believer in Jorge Cantu, I really need a 1st baseman?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:25 PM)

yes, I am.

Barry (WV)

How for real is Shaun Marcum? Should I be selling high and if so a can you name a few players I could target? Either hitters or pitchers is fine!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:25 PM)

He's very legitimate. Looks at the K's...

Guy asking lots of questions

What percentage of questions that you are asked do you actually answer?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:26 PM)

I get betwwen 4,000 and 5,000 a chat for MLB.... no idea how many I answer. I try to answer as many as possible. I'm sure someone can tell me the %

Brad (Denver)

Why aren't you wearing a tie in your picture?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:27 PM)

Because it's fantasy sports. It's fun, it;s casual. I wear a tie on ESPN TV because it's protocol. But given my druthers I wouldn't

Dan - San Jose

I almost asked you "How often are you recognized in public, asked for pics, autographs, etc?", but I figured that would sound creepy. So I didn't ask.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:28 PM)

Maybe once or twice a week. Not that much. If I walk into a bar, usually one person will come up and say hi or something. If I go to an event, like the Super Bowl, where folks are looking for ESPN and other personalities, it increases. But not nearly as much as I would like. I'm an ego driven narcissist.

C (omaha)

Druthers? Cmon Berry, the only other person I've heard say that is my 65 year old property law prof. who likes to quote Latin for everything. Vino en Veritas Berry!

Ben K. (Lee, NH)

Should I rally up the fantasy owners of Prince Fielder and slap him with a class-action lawsuit?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:29 PM)

Not yet. Give him another month. He'll break down and eat a steak soon.

Bill (Chicago)

Name Game: Cust, Balentin, or Adam Jones

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:30 PM)

Jones, baletin, Cust

John, DC

I just traded Cliff Lee and a cheap reliever for Johan Santana. I thought I got a steal but with the way Lee has been pitching did I make a bad move?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:31 PM)

Depends on the reliever but no, not a mistake. not a steal either though. A fair deal. There's no way Lee keeps it up this much, but he is very legit.

Chaz (Scranton, PA)

Is Brady the #1 pick this year, or do you still go with LDT?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:32 PM)

I have LDT, Westbrook, Addai, AP as my top 4

Joker (Nam)

How is Marcum ranked 49 on the rankings list "going forward" and Johnny "ain't so" Cueto no more is ahead of him?! blasphemer!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:32 PM)

Fantasy value changes every day. Those rankings are over a week old!

Al Gore

I think I will invent a Megan Fox finder. The world is in need.

Ryan (Salt Lake City)

You think the Jazz-Lakers series "shouldn't have gone this far." Since they're only at game 5, this means that you think that the Lakers shouldn't have even lost a game to a 54-win Jazz team with a top 4 point guard, an All-Star forward, and the best home record in the league. You can say what you want about the end result (I picked the Lakers in 6), but acting as if Kobe and his extras should have swept an obviously talented Jazz team is just stupid. I'll add this to the growing list of reasons that I ignore you in favor of your more-talented colleagues. And how exactly are they "your" Lakers? You live in Connecticut.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:34 PM)

I lived in LA for over 12 years and am a season ticket holder (still) of the Lakers for a decade - before Phil ever coached them. And correct, I thought they should have swept Utah. Utah has no player that can guard a healthy Kobe. AK is soft. I'll give you Williams. But Boozer's not even as good as Gasol.

Still Angry

I hate Brian Westbrook. Cost me a championship by being the one unselfish player in all of professional sports when he decided to kneel in front of the endzone & run clock as opposed to scoring the T.D. Give me Ocho Jerko any day of the week. At least I know he cares more about my fantasy team than his actual team. Yes, still angry!!

Paul (Boston)

Thoughts on Garza for the rest of the year? Would be a 5th starter on my team. Worth owning?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:36 PM)

Not buying it.... concerned about the lack of K's... AL only, sure. But otherwise....

Ben (Columbus)

I'm stoned. Please tell me about Laffey so I can go eat something.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:38 PM)

I like him. Solid spot starter, especially in deeper leagues. And don't do drugs, kids, mmkay?

Jon (Seattle)

I'm not even a Jazz fan, nor a Lakers one for that matter, but I have to agree with Ryan--to think the Lakers would sweep the Jazz is pretty stupid.

Justin Verlander (Detroit)

Hey, I just wanted to thank you for ruining my young career with your prediction. Your awful pop culture quips are more awful than Perez Hilton's blog. I hate you. Burn in hell.

Nicky T (NJ)

Name game (assuming C eligibility): Jeff Clement, Ramon Hernandez, Chris Ianetta

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:40 PM)

You have them ranked correctly.

Artie Lange (Hoboken, NJ)

What happens first - I top 350 lbs, I finally get fired or I expire at a NJ diner, face down in a plate of baked ziti.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:41 PM)

350 pounds

Curious (not bi-curious)

Are you related to Franken Berry? So where was the Sunday morning ESPN fantasy show last week?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:41 PM)

No. It's on hiatus.

Ronan (Athlone, Ireland)

Forget facebook and myspace. The official "Fantasy Focus Podcast Fan Group" can be found here http://sportsnation.espn.go.com/groups/721 (on ESPN fan profile "Beta!!"....I'm a company man)

Jason (Cleveland)

Thoughts on Barmes as a spot replacement for Kendrick/Furcal?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:42 PM)

I like him - have said so for a while. Depends who else is out there

Josh (Lincoln, NE)

Think Uggs can get to 35+ homers or is he a sell-high guy?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:43 PM)

I beleive in him - he's shown legit power before

John (Portland, ME)

Besides Simmons, which ESPN personality bugs you the most for fantasy advice?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:43 PM)

Hmmm. Probably Nate.

What's up with that?

How do you go from an Emmy to hiatus?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:44 PM)

The Emmy was for Fantasy Football Now - which is the online show we do during FB season. The question was about the ESPNEWS Fantasy Insider.

Ryan Franklin

Will i keep my job as closer?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:45 PM)

No, but only because they will let Izzy back in, not becuase you'll be horrible

bill420

johjima coming out of the funk?....should i snap him up? I'm running with bako right now..

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:45 PM)

yes and yes

Delmon Young (Minneapolis, MN)

Over Under, my home runs for this season. 14.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:45 PM)

under

Mike (K City, MO)

True or false - you asked Ms. Bell out and she shot you down.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:46 PM)

False.

Craig (PA)

Quick one: Hafner for Eric Byrnes and Helton?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:47 PM)

Bynes and helton

don(ny)

Same question as Mike, replace Bell with Qerim.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:48 PM)

Also False. They frown upon romance between co-workers here.

Shocked Guy!

You went on a date with Ms. Bell?!?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:49 PM)

Not at all. She's a good friend. As is Molly. Nothing romantic there at all with either. Both are important members of the team.

Peter Marshall

T or F- you asked Nate out and he didn't say yes, he didn't say no?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:49 PM)

This is true

Dan (San Jose)

I don't work for ESPN.

steve st louis

schezer or kershaw this yr and next

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:49 PM)

Max for both

Psychologist

For a guy who dislikes psych majors you seem to really thrive on self-dsiclosure

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:50 PM)

I am an ego drivern narcissist. Thought we went over this.

Lance Berkman (Houston, TX)

What will my final line look like this year? Will I hit 40+?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:50 PM)

Yes

Concerned Citizen

Is it time to move on ryan Howard, stock has bottomed-out. Time to send trade proposals???

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:50 PM)

Yep - buy low on Howard

Steve(Boston)

BENCH OR START? Danks and Volquez. Thanks

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:50 PM)

Start both

Scott Olsen

Am I for real?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:51 PM)

No. Your K/BB is terrible

Bob, AZ

Dukes or Wily Mo for NL-only?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:51 PM)

Wily Mo is my fantasy kryptonite... I', sticking with him...

Jeff Keppinger (Cincinnati, OH)

Thank you for being the only one in the "340" to give me the mass props I deserve. Pardon me while I rank in the top ten in average by the end of the season.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:52 PM)

You are welcome.

Matt (Fredericksburg, TX)

Jay Bruce. Thoughts?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:52 PM)

Obviously. Just worried about PT when you get recalled.

Jason (NY)

Start Kuroda at LAA and Eveland at ATL this week?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:52 PM)

Yes on Dana, no on Hiroki

Clayton Kershaw

Worth a #1 waiver?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:52 PM)

I think so, yeah

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:53 PM)

Scholtzy in CT. I did get Chris' email; but I can't help you, you know? Conflict. Good luck!

Travis Hafner (Cleveland, OH)

Am I completely worthless?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:54 PM)

No. You will finish the year hitting .250 with 27 HR and 90 RBI

Ian Kennedy

I'm back baby. But better than ever?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:54 PM)

NO. Not touching you with Nate's team

Garret Olson (B-More)

Worth picking up? K's look decent

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:55 PM)

Yes... I like him,

Sean (LA)

By the way, how was your dad's award ceremony? Really nice story.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:55 PM)

It was nice, thanks. really big, proud moment for him. They did it at graduation at Texas A&M... in front of about 5000 folks. It was cool.

Alex Rios

WIth Wells out I'm screwed?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:56 PM)

Nah, you'll be fine.

Bored.

Tell me you'll be here until 5

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:56 PM)

Sorry

Matt (Charlotte)

One 'Skins ticket to see Dallas in exchange for this: is an offer of Adrian Gonzalez about right for buying low on Howard, or are they pretty close for the rest of the year?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:57 PM)

I'd ask for A throw in from the Howard owner

Bishop (Pomona, CA)

Who is the hottest female celebrity you have seen in person? Or without make-up?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:58 PM)

Answer to both is the same. I was about 5 feet away from beyonce at the NBA All-Star game in Houston. We were shooting some Fantasy stuff for NBA TV and Destiny's Child came out to practice the Anthem. She walked right by me. Insane.

Name Game (Everywhere)

Choose 2 (for this week and rest of season): Brian Bannister, Shawn Hill, Tom Gorzelanny, Greg Smith? BRRRRR!!!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:59 PM)

Hill, Bannister, Smith, Gorzy

Suzi (AZ)

What about psych minors??

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:59 PM)

That I am okay with

Gerard

I was Ian Kennedy. I'm trying to confirm to my father I was in the chat. Hook a brother up?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:59 PM)

Your Dad must be so proud

Pat (brooklyn)

why is the bet board not online and how about interactive name games?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:00 PM)

Because it sounds like a lot of work for Jay. But I love that idea... I'll see what we can do

Joshua Jackson (actor, Dawson's Creek)

Which one of those Oakland pitchers should I pick up? I love fantasy sports!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:00 PM)

Dukes is my fave after Harden

Matthew Berry's Brain

What you really want is a woman who looks like Corey Hart.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:01 PM)

Don't we all?

Jesse L.A.

Erick Aybar or Ryan Theriot?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:01 PM)

Theriot

TONY (NYC)

Rank please: UGGLA, C. GUILLEN, M. KEMP??

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:01 PM)

Guillen, kemp, Uggla

Nicky T (NJ)

My friend and I started a board. Who'll win this one: Over/Under: 22.5 HRs for Geovany Soto

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:02 PM)

Over

Tony (San Diego)

Name game...Scott Baker, Matt Garza and Aaron Cook.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:03 PM)

Cook, Baker (even tho he is on DL) and Garza

Nevin (Chicago)

Quentin: O/U 30 HR's

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:03 PM)

Over

Mr.Envy

Do you ever wish you could play fantasy sports for a living?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:04 PM)

Ummmm

Two Firstnames (Minneapolis)

Please rank the following (in order of frequency asked) of questions you are not allowed to answer. 1) How hot is Stehpania Bell? 2) Who is your least favorite ESPN personality? 3) How far is your head up your [blank]?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:05 PM)

#3 ; #1 ; #2

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:05 PM)

I get asked about Molly more than any of them though

Tyler (Calgary)

Did Bill Simmons leave ESPN? He's no longer on the front page. Or am I being paranoid?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:06 PM)

You are being paranoid.

WHITE BOY WILSON

Who's your favorite rapper, dawg?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:06 PM)

Eminem, not even close

Ferd (MPLS)

Over/Under on saves for Putz: 35?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:06 PM)

under

joe pgh

ryan howard finishes with______ HRS!!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:07 PM)

45

Graig (NYC)

Even though Brendan ruined the OTHER site, now that he's gone, it only copies its updates from yet another site. Just FYI

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:08 PM)

Hmm. Interesting. I rarely look at any other sites, so I'll taske your word about it. We're just doing our best here at ESPN

Megan Fox (LA)

Buzzer Beater! Buehrle or Danks?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:10 PM)

Danks

Brian (Fairfield, CT)

did Graig spell his name wrong? or did his parents?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:10 PM)

His parents

Lots of People (Everywhere)

Kudos to ESPN's 2008 team. Great refreshing new insights from new hosts and entertainment and quailty insights from the veterans. It's so good, I'm gonna get fired for reading it all day!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:11 PM)

Aw, shucks. Thanks for all the support. Luckily, you'll see lots of great hate mail in tomorrow's TRUM. Thanks for stoppping by guys - gotta run. Thanks!