Keith Lipscomb

  (3:00 PM)

Good afternoon. Let's get the show on the road!

Suzanne (Oak Park, IL)

How long will Quentin hold onto the three spot in the ChiSox lineup?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:01 PM)

Well, he leads the AL in home runs, so he should continue to hit in a favorable spot for as long as he stays hot. I don't see him leaving the middle of that lineup anytime soon, that's for sure.

Ryan (NYC)

Keith! Ankiel or McLouth for the rest of the season in an OPS league? Wang or Halladay?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:03 PM)

The rest of the way, I think Ankiel will have the better OPS, but it should be close in my opinion. And I really think Wang and Halladay are too close to call and you'll be getting similar production from them. If I had to pick, I'd go with Halladay, though.

K (Pasadena, CA)

Will Chris Young ever steal another base?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:05 PM)

I can see why you're antsy, but to give you something positive to chew on, Young stole 19 of his 27 bases last season from July through September. Does that make you feel better? I still think he gets 25 of 'em, at least.

barry (boston)

Do you think Colon will get the call for Boston? Is he a better pick up that Claudio Vargas?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:07 PM)

It's hard for me to have confidence in Colon, just because I felt he reached the end of the line last season. I would rather have Vargas, because I think there's a better chance that he makes more starts this season.

Got Steak? (MIL)

I am really starting to get worried about Prince Vegan these days. What is up with the lack of production? He's not even hitting for average. Is he this years version of Ryan Howard 2007?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:08 PM)

If he is, then all of his owners will be quite happy at season's end. It's not like you can drop him, so I think you've just got to hang through these lean times and wait for him to go on a binge.

Monica (New York City)

Is Garland worth hanging onto in a deeper mixed league?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:10 PM)

Garland's one of those guys I almost never own in any league, because I value pitchers who can strike out more than one batter every 3-4 innings, but he ERA is usually manageable and he should win games with LA, because he goes deep into games. So if the lack of K's doesn't bother you, he's definitely worth hanging onto. He won 18 games in back-to-back years and could definitely win 15 or so this year.

Shannon (Franklin, TN)

Should I trade Chipper for Wright?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:11 PM)

Yes. If for no other reason than you would feel good about Wright's durability. And that Chipper can't be this hot all year.

Mike (Boston)

Hey Keith, is Reyes ever gonna play like a Top 10 player or should I trade him for Jeter and Brian Wilson on a team that needs saves? Thanks

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:13 PM)

My problem with the deal is that you're not getting great value in return. Jeter is not a 20-20 threat to me anymore and even 15-15 may not happen. And Wilson, while off to a decent start, is not a shoo-in to keep it up all year. If I'm trading Reyes, I need more certainty in return and a stud, which neither Jeter nor Wilson are.

David (Frisco, Texas)

I hear that Scherzer is going to lose his spot in the rotation when Davis returns. And, Lyon is looking better than ever. Is Scherzer headed to AAA? If this is true, does he really have any value now? Should I look for uninformed trading partners or drop him? It sure will be a waste of my #1 waiver claim but I'm not one to cry over spilled milk. What would you do if you owned Sherzer?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:17 PM)

I would be shocked if the team sent him back down now that he's shown he belongs in the bigs. He can pitch out of the pen, which I expected him to do anyway. Now, if you don't want a pitcher who will pitch in the 7th inning and rack up big K's, because you need a starter, then I think you'd be able to find a taker somewhere. But acting now would help you. I'm keeping him on my team that I own him, even as a reliever.

Ryan (PA)

Hey Keith, I didnt have any luck with Erik this morning and need to decide tonight. 13 team dynasty league. I have been offered Hanley for Utley. I start Utley 2B, Tulo/Escobar SS and Kendrick DH. After the deal I would go with Kendrick 2B, Hanley SS and Tulo/Escobar ar DH. Thoughts?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:19 PM)

Well, Utley's 29 and Ramirez is 24. That's enough for me to make that deal, because that's really all you're changing with your lineup in the grand scheme of things. Both players are studs. One's just much younger.

Victor (Texas)

I have to drop one pitcher from my staff, drop duchscherer or chamberlain?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:21 PM)

If it's just for this season and you need someone who can have a greater positive impact on your ERA and WHIP, Duchscherer's the guy as long as Joba's working out of the pen. I really think Duchscherer's the real deal in Oakland -- arguably the best starter in that rotation. I'm not sure what your team needs, but knowing very little, that's what I'd do.

Dan - San Jose

Betancourt's a real drag. I dumped him for Borowski, put him on the DL and then grabbed Izzy. Those guys should be closing soon again, right?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:23 PM)

Yes, on both accounts. I think at the latest, they'll both be closing again by the end of the month. And Betancourt has struggled most of the season as it is, but I think he's just a really good 8th-inning guy and doesn't have the mentality to be a closer. At least that's how it looks to me watching them every day.

Corey (Philadelphia, PA)

Max Scherzer: Keep 'em, or Sell High for whatever you can get?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:25 PM)

I don't think it's sell high for 'whatever you can get', because that makes it sound like you're just ridding your team of him, which I wouldn't agree with. With possible health issues on the staff in Big Unit and Doug Davis, he would be placed right back into the rotation should one of them go down. If you get a great offer, definitely consider it because he IS still a rookie and will have his ups and downs, but don't just give him away.

Mike CT

Dushscherer, Danks,Lilly or Dempster what order

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:26 PM)

I'll go Lilly, Duchscherer, Danks and Dempster.

Michael-Iraq

Ok I have a trade on the table. I will be giving up P. Planco and H. Rameriz for D. Uggla, Ichro, and G. Soto Should I pull the trigger???

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:27 PM)

I think the clincher in that deal is getting that third player in Soto. The 2-for-2 would be interesting in its own way, but you'll come out on top in everything except BA in that deal, at least on the surface.

C (Omaha)

Keith, the question no one else will answer. Hunter Pence: Sell high or expect more of this? Thanks and keep it up man!

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:30 PM)

I don't really think you'd be selling high if you dealt Pence right now. Expectations may have just been too high after last season's debut. I'd hang onto him right now.

John, nyc

Are you worried by Francisco Cordero's poor K/BB rate this year?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:33 PM)

No, not yet, John. He's seemed to have conquered that issue from earlier in his career the past few seasons, so I'm going to need to see him struggle more before I get concerned.

jorge, nyc

Kobayashi got another save after Betancourt loaded the bases. Is he the new closer in Cleveland?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:35 PM)

'New closer' with the caveat that Borowski will get his job back when he returns from the DL, which will be in the next week or so. But yes, I do think it's worth adding him in case Wedge decides to hand him the ball in the 9th in the meantime. Wedge usually doesn't like to waffle on relief roles, but Betancourt's not giving him much choice right now.

Joey (St. Louis)

Desperately trying to improve at 3B. Is giving up Zimmerman, Lilly and Lidge too much for C. Guillen and Wang??

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:37 PM)

I know that deal looks pretty good (at least at 3B and SP) right now, but I'm not convinced you'll get the upgrade you want OVERALL. I think Zimmerman will come around (he's a much better player in the second half so far during his career), Lilly is looking better and Lidge has been lights out.

David (Frisco, Texas)

What do you think about Snell? He has pitched one, maybe two good games this year. I could get Cueto, Lilly, Lowe, Blanton, S. Hill, AAA Hill, or Wellemeyer right now on waivers. Should I stick with the potential ace or grab one of these free agents? If I'm going to stick with Scherzer (earlier question)then that places a premium on my existing starters. What do you think?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:38 PM)

I can't say Snell gives me much confidence from what I've seen either, David. I like Lilly the best out of those availables, personally.

mom, warwicl ri

mussina is on the wire...is he worth a pick up for spot starting...

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:39 PM)

Definitely for spot starting. He still doesn't walk anyone and although he doesn't strike guys out anymore, he's winning games and has been pretty consistent. Not bad at all for a spot-starter type.

Michael (Tucson, AZ):

Keith, why are you guys (maybe not you) so down on prospects so quickly? Tristan called Homer Bailey a 'possible lifetime bust' after less than one poor season in the books, and someone else said that Adam Lind might be a 'lifetime quadruple A hitter' after 30 or so unsuccessful at-bats in the bigs. Don't you think you should calm it down? After all, you preach patience with veterans who seem to be on the downswing. I know that if I were a minor league prospect, my confidence would be shattered by the things said by fantasy experts.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:42 PM)

It's a good thing they don't read these chats, huh? I don't get down on prospects all that fast, but I also temper my expectations with most of them at the start. It's not common for a guy to come up and do what Ryan Braun did last season. I still think Bailey has a good chance to be a solid major league starter. I'm just now starting to sour on Lind, but we all have different perspectives on the prospects. I just try not to get to hyped on a guy, so I'm not let down if they struggle the first time or so through the league.

Matt (Maplewood, NJ)

Will Victor Martinez find his power eventually or is he a mini bust?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:44 PM)

It's hard to imagine Victor not hitting 15-18 homers, still. He'd tell you he's not a power hitter anyway. But what does surprise me is the lack of doubles. Just seven extra-base hits this far into the season is surprising. He's still hitting for high average, so I think the homers will come. But I don't think he's a 25-homer guy anyway.

J (Chicago)

I'm new to fantasy baseball and was fortunate enough to pick up McClouth and Nady. My gut tells me to sell high on one or both of them. Do you have any suggestions for currently slumping OF's that you feel will turn around.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:45 PM)

Well, it's always hard to pick a trade in any given league, since I don't know who anyone has, but I do think Nady is the sell-high guy here. I like McLouth, actually, so hang onto him.

John (Concord, NH)

Julio Lugo or Jason Bartlett?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:47 PM)

Assuming these concussion symptoms don't ruin him this season, Lugo's the easy choice for me. Even if he plays fewer games than Bartlett, he'll help you as much or more, in my estimation.

Brent (Sac, CA)

Keith, is Ryan Howard still good for 40 HR and 120 RBIs?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:49 PM)

I know I'm not ready to count him out yet. Take a look at his post-All-Star numbers and you'll see why. He's hit at least .280 in each of his three full seasons after the break and has at least 19 homers, too. And those are the low-water marks. Take a look at the splits when you get the time and it'll make you smile.

JDK

Look ma, I'm on with Lipsy! Me and the ol' lady want to know: Do D-Mac and his muttonchops step into the elite this season? Does R-Hill return to form?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:50 PM)

Elite for McGowan? Not in my opinion. He's still got some work to do there, but I do like him, even if it's not as much as some of our other analysts. And I'd like to give you an answer on Hill, but he's gotta get called up first and the way the Cubs are playing games with him does worry me.

J (Chicago)

Do you have any suggestions for currently slumping OF's that you feel will turn around.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:53 PM)

Haven't thought too much about this, to be honest, but a couple guys that come to mind are Nick Swisher and Adam Dunn. Even though both guys are .250-type hitters, they're both in the .210 range now, and not mashing the ball yet, so now's a decent buy-low time for them if the price is right.

Jim (Mass)

Will Corey Hart bounce back and hit some HRs?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:55 PM)

Hard to imagine he won't hit at least 18 or so. I don't think he's a big power guy, but I expected him to go 20-20 at the start of the season, so I think he'll get it going. At least he's hitting the ball well so far.

Tom (NJ)

Current owner of a slumping Francis and Myers. Do I hold onto them? Do you think they will then it around?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:58 PM)

Sorry about your bad luck so far, Tom. I have more confidence that Myers will turn things around fantasy-wise because I think he's going to find a way to keep more balls in the park. Home runs are just killing him. I don't think Francis will be a total bust, but the fact that Myers can strike guys out to get out of jams can really help in tough times.

joe (iowa)

Brandon Phillips and Rick Ankiel for Joey Votto and Xavier Nady...fair deal? All-NL Central love, baby!

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:59 PM)

Maybe if you just take the numbers as of today, yes. But I'd be happy to be receiving Phillips and Ankiel in that deal. Let's just say that. Then again, I'm not a Nady believer.

Brad (LR)

Would you give up Capps for Dunn and Izzy? My OF already consists of Nate, Ankiel, Markakis, and Hart. But Howard at first may be all the low avg guys I can stand

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:01 PM)

Yes, I'd do it because I expect Izzy to get his job back eventually and you'd be getting an elite 40-homer guy (every year)...and he's only got 7 right now. Saves are fluid and you can help yourself out later on if that category becomes an issue. And you'll have that much more offensive firepower to trade.

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:01 PM)

Says the man who just watched Izzy give up a 3-run bomb to Jason Bay in the 8th inning. I'm sticking to my story! :-)

Brad (Tampa)

Need catcher help, who is better here on out between B. Molina, Johjima, Ianetta, Snyder?

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:03 PM)

It's really between Molina and Johjima, and I'm not all that concerned about Johjima overall. Although Molina won't score as many runs, I think I'd take him just barely over Johjima from here on.

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:04 PM)

OK, everyone. I have to call it a day, but thank you for the participation. See you next week!