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Jason Grey

  (3:01 PM)

Hey everyone, glad to be here - let's get right to it...

Jason Grey

  (3:01 PM)

Quick tidbits:Keppinger info is in my "out of the box" column todayColon's pitch count will move up to 75 on Thursday, he probably has to make at least one more start after that at Triple-A. Buchholz should only miss 2-3 weeks tops, but we will have to see what happens when he's ready to return.

Chris (Philly)

It is anticipated that J. Werth will get 3 consecutive starts v. 3 left-handed pitchers, and given the way he's been playing, would an outstanding performance increase his role to allow him time against right-handers? And what was he doing in center field last night? Everyone raves about Victorino's defense, and he's proven he is a pretty darn good center-fielder.

Jason Grey

  (3:01 PM)

I wrote on Monday that I would play Werth over Jenkins every day right now, and the way Jenkins has been hitting that's a plausible scenario going forward.

Todd (New York, N.Y.)

Jason: Good work on the recent columns and chats. Jered Weaver pitched one-hit ball for seven innings last night; after allowing eight runs in 3 1/3 innings the previous Wednesday (the worst outing of his career). His ERA (even after last night) is 4.86, with a WHIP of 1.34, a K9 of 6.2 and a 37:16 K:BB ratio. While he isn't awful, he seems to be regressing a bit. I had him pegged for a 3.8 ERA; a WHIP close to 1.2; along with 7.4 K9 ratio. Do you think I should give up these notions and perceive him as more of a league-average starter?

Jason Grey

  (3:02 PM)

I think your projections might have been a tad optimistic, and I have never been as high on him as most others seem to be. So I think that perception might be more helpful in evaluating your team. If you get more out of him, think of it as a bonus.

Gip, Bloomingdale, NJ

Given the sorry state of the Yanks starting rotation, is there any chance Joba moves in there soon? I'm holding on to him now in a non-keeper league, but it is really a wasted roster spot and I could use an extra starter from the waiver wire. Time to cut bait?

Jason Grey

  (3:02 PM)

If you've held on this long, no reason not to keep doing so. Dodgers did the same thing with Chad Billingsley last season.If you want to keep his regular-season innings around 150, then he moves into the rotation sometime in late June, so it might not happen right away.

Scott (Reno)

Can't wait until Scherzer hits the pen! Don't know what everyone's worried about.

Jason Grey

  (3:02 PM)

I'm not saying that it isn't possible Scherzer sticks in the pen, but I'm hearing the D-backs may only go with 11 pitchers, so if they keep Scherzer around it would mean exposing Edgar Gonzalez or Brandon Medders to waivers, and either of them would be claimed. You can send down Robby Hammock to keep Scherzer's arm in the 'pen for a bit, but things get trickier when Chad Tracy returns, and you need to make a spot for him. it's not necessarily a bad idea to have Scherzer continue to start at Triple-A every fifth day until he's needed again. One injury could change things, but that is a potential scenario right now. It's not a slam dunk Scherzer's still with the club when Davis and Tracy return later this month.

Nick (Glendale, AZ)

I need to pick up a C with Doumit out. Here are my options: Clement (assuming C eligibility), C. Snyder, Navarro, B. Molina, R. Hernandez. Can you rank them for me please?

Jason Grey

  (3:02 PM)

As you did.

luca rome

kuroda or edwin jackson? thank you

Jason Grey

  (3:02 PM)

Jackson is riskier, but I choose him for the better upside.

Wolf, Hill NC

3 players I NEED to address: C Guzman (SS), Suzuki (C), M Reynolds (3B) .. can I expect production from these all season in a H2H points league? Thank you.

Jason Grey

  (3:03 PM)

I'd worry about Guzman, and have some small concerns about Reynolds with Tracy due back fairly soon and Reynolds' average dropping lately.

Drew (Memphis, TN)

Just got offered Jeter and Fukodome for Tejada... I'm already more than set in OF but need another SS, so I don't want to give up Tejada... Thinking about offering 3 OF's for Jeter and M. Ramirez... Can you please rank McLouth, Hamilton, Granderson and Church and tell me who would get the better end of that trade. Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (3:03 PM)

Sounds to me like your counter is worse than the original offer.

Dave (Lincoln Park, NJ)

Jason, thanks for the help. Can you please rank these pitchers for this year in a 10 team, AL only, 5x5:Marcum, Kazmir and Ervin Santana. Do you think Abreu is enough to get one of them? I would replace Abreu with Swisher.

Jason Grey

  (3:03 PM)

If I could use Abreu to get one of those guys, I would do it in a heartbeat. Kazmir, Santana, Marcum, in that order.

Jeremy (orlando)

Replacement for Keppinger? I can also add a 2B and move Theriot to SS. Barmes, O. Cabrera, Guzman, K. Matsui

Jason Grey

  (3:03 PM)

I address this in my "out of the box" column today. I probably lean towards Barmes for the short-term, unless you really need speed, in which case I go with Matsui.

Bob (Chino Hills CA)

Jason, some thought this would be a breakout year for Nick Swisher, what is your opinion? What kind of numbers do you see for him?

Jason Grey

  (3:03 PM)

The guys has already posted a 35-homer season, so I'm not sure how anyone could pick a "breakout" season for him. He's a .260 hitter with 25-30 homer pop and a good OBP. I expect him to remain that way.

Steve (China)

Do you prefer Volquez or Cueto for rest of this year? How about for longer term?

Jason Grey

  (3:03 PM)

I do prefer Volquez for this season, but I think Cueto is the better pitcher in future seasons after he gets his feet under him. His raw stuff and better ability to throw strikes make him the better bet in dynasty leagues.

ryan, bloomington

i could really use your advice for a deep 12 team mixed: rest of year - bourn, patterson, or taveras? this would be for my bench, btw.

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

I choose Bourn out of those three, the average will come around.

Guy (Viking Village NJ)

Drop Clint Barmes for C Guzman?Drop Troy Glaus for Garrett Anderson?comments on all?

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

I would stick with what you have in both cases. Barmes does have some upside now that's he playing and has seeimingly found his stroke again, and Glaus's power will come around.

Clayton Kershaw (not LA yet, apparently)

It was just one bad start! Haven't I done well enough otherwise to merit a call-up? I can learn on the job!

Jason Grey

  (3:05 PM)

That worked out well for Nick Adenhart, didn't it? Can't fault the Dodgers for being a little extra cautious. You want a guy on a good roll when he comes up to face the best hitters in the world, no?

Jason Grey

  (3:05 PM)

No.

Mr. Brenner (Norco)

OK, I'm at work (i'm a teacher) and I have 42 students waiting on an answer from you. Is the following trade vetoable in a standard h2h 5x5 league? Brandon Phillips for McClouth, Helton, and Hawpe? The argument is that MCClouth can't keep up his pace and Helton and Hawpe were just sitting on the other team's bench.

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

I'm always a person that likes to let the free market rule, but that one might be stretching it a bit. Still, I likely wouldn't overrule. This also might explain some of the issues we have with education in this country.

Michael (Atlanta)

Jason, love your column especially the insight into pitchers. Can you give me a brief outlook on McGowan and also discuss King Felix a little deeper than you did today in your Out of the Box report. Thanks

Jason Grey

  (3:08 PM)

McGowan will be fine, and I wrote about Hernandez this past week that I think he's using his fastball way too much, and not establishing his secondary stuff early. Both will be fine, and if someone panics, I'd be happy to take advantage.

Alan (Orlando)

So in this morning's chat Tristan said to bench Myers tonight, while Sean Allen in the daily notes for today's game says to start Myers. What do you think?

Jason Grey

  (3:10 PM)

I think the safest bet is to keep Myers on the bench until his velocity returns or a reason for the drop is found. We may miss a good start, but I think we have sound reasoning to make that decision. If we keep using sound reasoning to decide rather than make hunches, in the long run we'll be right more often than wrong.

Jim (San Fran)

Name Game: Crosby, B. Harris, Janish or Guzman in a H2H league that penalizes KO?s.

Jason Grey

  (3:12 PM)

Given the other options, Guzman (ugh) in that type of format.

Matt (NC)

Trade Sheff for Verlander? Hawpe for him instead?

Jason Grey

  (3:12 PM)

I'd deal Sheff for him in a second.

Josh (VA)

Jason, love your stuff! I just wanted to know why everyone keeps throwing in the caveat that Hamilton is a top ?? guy if healthy? I mean does one season with an injury make someone injury prone? "If Hamilton can stay healthy" he will finish in the top (fill in the blank)? Is top 20 too high?

Jason Grey

  (3:14 PM)

It's certainly within the realm of possibility he's a top-20 player by the end of the season, especially as he's hitting lefties now. I think there are some other implications to the "if healthy", if you catch my drift.

Dave (RI)

Year end projections for Stephen Drew?

Jason Grey

  (3:16 PM)

.279 - 17 HR - 70

Jon (Cali)

You ranked both Ervin Santana and CC Sabathia (individually) higher than any other analyst... I'm curious how close in value you believe they are. A perspective based on scouting would be very helpful. Thank you.

Jason Grey

  (3:18 PM)

I've seen the command of Santana's fastball and the tight spin in his slider return this season, and while I am concerned about the innings wokload with Sabathia last year, I think it was just some early struggles he will get through. Nothing scouting-wise suggests any problem.

Justin (San Diego, CA)

Need advice Jason...Harden or Danks? Start Verlander tonight @KC?

Jason Grey

  (3:19 PM)

Danks, and I would start Verlander

Jim (Boston)

Classless dig at Hamilton's past struggles with addiction ...

Jason Grey

  (3:22 PM)

I'm not sure I follow. The poster was asking why everyone else was using the caveat "if healthy" so I was giving a potential explanation. I've never used it myself, and have been higher on Hamilton than almost anyone this season. I'm not the one making the dig. Please read the question that was asked next time before throwing around a word like that. The question was : "I just wanted to know why everyone keeps throwing in the caveat that Hamilton is a top guy "if healthy?"

Fletch, Los Angeles

Carlos Gomez - is he legit? He was drafted as my 5th OF, does his play mean i should try and trade Hunter, Franceuer or Delmon Young to play Gomez for the rest of the year? Thanks Grey - love your true insight.

Jason Grey

  (3:23 PM)

Yeah, I think he's legit, and as long as he plays every day and steals bases, we won't really care what his OBP is in standard leagues.

Will (OC)

Funny Gimmick Intro Line! What about Lackey? I found Tristan's article to be somewhat helpful, but another opinion doesn't hurt. Start him right away?

Jason Grey

  (3:26 PM)

Yeah, I'm probably sitting Lackey for his first start and then starting him regularly after that regardless of the first start outcome. It's what I generally do with pitchers coming off of the DL. I want to see one start under their belt first.

Tim (MD)

Better chance for saves this year: Casilla, Kobayashi, or Torres

Jason Grey

  (3:27 PM)

Interesting question, that depends on how well Oakland continues to do and if they decide to trade Street or not. I think Casilla is the one pitcher I want out of those three regardless, and if he happens to get saves, bonus.

Brad (Philly)

Jason, I just wanted to let you know that you're leading the league in all the key sabermetric chatting stats (questions per chat, value over replacement chatter, etc.). Nice work!

Jason Grey

  (3:28 PM)

I also have good arm action when I type, command my words well, good chat mechanics, and have feel and answerability when dealing with questions.

Pickles (LA)

Are you as optomistic about Hermida as Tristan was this morning? He seems little better than a 5th OF.

Jason Grey

  (3:29 PM)

I've always been a huge Hermida fan, and I want him in my outfield in 12-team mixed leagues.

Vernon Wells (DL)

Someone dropped me in my fantasy league - is there any undisclosed reason I shouldn't pick me up and stash myself on my DL?Tired of speaking in 1st and 3rd person at the same time,Vern

Jason Grey

  (3:31 PM)

If I were the Jason Grey giving answers then he / I would definitely say that I should recommend stashing Vernon.

Rick (Houston)

Is it time to sell high on Youk?

Jason Grey

  (3:31 PM)

No. I think Youk finally adds consistent power to go with the rest of his game this season and hits 20-25.

Dan (Baltimore)

I thought you were making a comment about Hamilton's addiction too... your second explanation made even less sense.

Jason Grey

  (3:33 PM)

(Sigh) I was not making any comments myself about Hamilton's addiction. I own him in almost any leagues where I can, and was merely trying to offer a potential explanation as to why some OTHER people continue to use the phrase "if healhty" in regards to Hamilton, something I have never done. Please, you know, actually read the words and don't read things into them that aren't there.

BRAD PENNY, LA

True or False: I don't really suck this much and will return to respectable form the rest of the year.

Jason Grey

  (3:35 PM)

True.

Bill (Dallas)

I understood your Hamilton comment the first time around...as would most people with a 4th grade level reading comprehension. (Which, apparently, several people on this chat don't possess). More importantly, how many SBs from Rollins from here on out?

Jason Grey

  (3:38 PM)

Sprained ankles can be tricky things for base stealers (obviously), but I think he stll swipe 25-30 bags the rest of the way

Joe Schwan (Twins Territory)

Jason you think Michael Cuddyer is worth a spot start in Colorado this weekend, have an open UTIL spot.

Jason Grey

  (3:38 PM)

Definitely.

eno (Jersey City)

From a stats standpoint (BABIP allowed, K/9, BB/9, HR/9), Danks' start looks sustainable. How might a scout build upon those stats and speculate about his future development? In other words, sell-high in my dynasty league, or enjoy the ride?

Jason Grey

  (3:40 PM)

Enjoy the ride, I wrote in spring training how some of the scouting on Danks was positive before it started showing up in his perofmance - throwing all of his pitches for consistent strikes, changeup developing into an out pitch, getting the ball down in the zone. Ken Williams got some guff for the McCarthy deal when it first went down, but it sure looks good right now.

Ben (Beverly Hills CA)

I want to win my fantasy league. Will LaPorta or Pearce get called up in time this year to help me do that?

Jason Grey

  (3:41 PM)

Pearce has a better shot than LaPorta, even though LaPorta's the better long-term player. I bet we see Pearce in at least a part-time role by the second half.

Nate (Newport News)

I like Hermida too and he's available in my league but would you play him over Kemp, Fukudome, Markakis or Carlos Pena (Util)???

Jason Grey

  (3:42 PM)

Over Fukudome and maybe Pena for the time being, yes.

Mike (Indy)

Ok, I've heard a lot of people say wait on Liriano until the 2nd half. I read Brendan Roberts article on Liriano (Pub. April 25th) and he was saying that Liriano now has a different delivery which could be causing his bad numbers. He said in 2006 liriano threw from a 3/4 arm angle which made him unpredictable to hitters.....now he has an over the top motion and hitters are able to see whaich pitches he is throwing a lot quicker. He said in this article that he probably changed his mechanics to avoid injury....which I can see. But if he stays with this over the top motion do you think he will ever be close to what he once was in 2006? Or was that just a special year that we will never see from him again? Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (3:44 PM)

The change in his mechanics is a correct observation. He has to be given some time to get comfortable with the mechanics and find consistency. It's too early to tell, but we really can't count out his raw ability. However even 80% of that Liriano is still pretty darn good.

Jake (Long Beach)

Last few days Soriano, Zimmerman, and Hafner have seemed to find their swing. Is all okay now?

Jason Grey

  (3:45 PM)

I still have some concerns about Hafner's power production.

Chris (Saratoga, NY)

Prognosis for "Doc" Halladay? Do the innings pitched catch up with him this year?

Jason Grey

  (3:46 PM)

This is one case where I don't worry about the innings because Halladay is so efficient with his pitches. It's when innings AND numbers of pitches are both high that you start getting concerned.

Charle, Boston MA

I know you're never supposed to pay for Catchers, but i was kinda hoping V Mart would have at the very least ONE homer by now. How many does he hit here on out?

Jason Grey

  (3:48 PM)

I still think he winds up with 15-20

Ben (Boston)

Name game - Jeter / Y. Escobar the rest of the year?

Jason Grey

  (3:48 PM)

For balance of the season, Jeter.

Danny (Sacramento, CA)

What is going on with Eric Byrnes? Do you thing his hamstring is serious? Is he a buy low?

Jason Grey

  (3:50 PM)

Temporary slump - swing looks Ok, still making contact .240 average on balls in play isn't helping

George (long island)

A nice easy Q for you...Could you please rank these pitchers for me? Snell, Buchholz, Lester, and Jackson.

Jason Grey

  (3:50 PM)

Assuming Buchholz returns to the rotation inside of 3 weeks, about where you have them.

Ferd (MPLS)

You're OOTB wasnt kind on orlando cabrera. Is o-cab toast? 13BB:18K is pretty good. Seems ridiculously unlucky so far.

Jason Grey

  (3:52 PM)

I like Cabrera, I own him in multiple leagues, specifically for a decent aveage and 20 steals. I'm not sure I was that unkind to him, it just depends on what the other options are. I'd rather have Stephen Drew right now.

Mark (Fort Worth, TX)

Please tell me about Iannetta. Will he keep up his hot hitting and get at least 50% play time?

Jason Grey

  (3:53 PM)

Just because he didn't hit last year in his first season in the bigs doesn't mean Iannetta isn't a legitimate offensive catcher. This is kind of what i was expecting to happen last year - it just took a little bit more time. J.R. Towles is going through a similar thing right now.

Raul Ibanez (Seattle)

Is my relatively hot start a fluke? Will my numbers soon drop back down to earth?

Jason Grey

  (3:54 PM)

You've been money for .280 -20 each season, and I don't expect your end numbers to be far off of that.

JT (Syosset)

Based on your concern with Hafner's power, do you see him as a .260-30-90 guy? Do you like Ankiel more?

Jason Grey

  (3:55 PM)

Right now I think a repeat of last season is more likely, and I do like Ankiel more at the moment.

Andrew (Springfield)

Why are you still so high on Verlander?

Jason Grey

  (3:57 PM)

Because there's nothing wrong with his arm, as far as we can tell. There are some mechanical issues he's working through, and those can be fixed. We still have a lot of season to play for his numbers to get turned around, and if you acquired him now, you get all of the upside.

Ben (Boston, MA)

Please Jason. Last rotation spot, drop Nate Robertson for Scott Feldman, Glen Perkins or Justin Masterson?

Jason Grey

  (3:58 PM)

I think you have to stick with Nate in AL-only, given Perkins (who I like better) may be headed back to the bullpen when Scott Baker returns.

Jason Grey

  (3:59 PM)

Have time for three more...have a couple of thousand in the queue, so sorry as always that I can't get to everyone...

Scott Feldman (TX)

Hey, I'm pitching well today!

Jason Grey

  (3:59 PM)

Good for you. Still not interested, except in the deepest of AL-only leagues if I was desperate for a starter.

Tim (Rochester, NY)

Was Broxton's implosion over the weekend an abnormal thing? Will he go back to his usual self, or do you think he might be injured?

Jason Grey

  (4:01 PM)

a .414 average on balls in play shows and extreme level of poor luck; his blowup was due to balls just out of reach of fielder's gloves. I think he's fine going forward. Could be a a chance to get him cheap.

Jason Grey

  (4:03 PM)

To answer all the Bruce questions: With so many people asking if they should pick him up now, that's probably a good sign that you can't wait to pull the trigger, and then hope we see him (and Bailey) by June. Give yourself a chance to catch some lightning in a bottle. Thanks, everyone - see you next Wednesday.