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Brendan Roberts

  (3:01 PM)

What's up, all? Week 7 of the baseball season is in the books. On to Week 8 we go!

Keith (Baltimore, MD)

What are your expectations for A-Rod for the rest of the way after he comes off the disabled list tomorrow?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:02 PM)

Good question. I expect big things of A-Rod the rest of the way. He has proven he can be productive even if it's not 100 percent. But by all accounts, he is. I see him picking it up -- along with the Yankees' lineup, in unison. In fact, I could see A-Rod being the No. 1 overall fantasy producer the rest of the way.

Rob (Grand Rapids, MI)

Would you trade McGowan or Shields for McLouth? I have SP and need runs/sbs. thanks.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:03 PM)

Yes, I would. Definitely McGowan, although not sure your trade partner would take that. Shields is closer, but I still like McLouth more.

John (Philly, PA)

Drop Rich Hill for either Snell or Jimenez?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:04 PM)

Yeah, what's wrong with Snell? I say nothing. He's had stretches like this before, but always seems to pull out of them. Meanwhile, Hill still hasn't fixed his walks problems. I think Snell is the safer bet to bounce back than Hill -- or Ubaldo, for that matter.

Joe

Which side would you rather have: Stephen Drew (leaving J. Peralta as the SS) or Maine (who would be the most consistent starter on a staff of as-of-yet disappointments (ie Myers, D-Mac, etc)

Brendan Roberts

  (3:05 PM)

I'd rather have Maine in that deal (even though a trade out of the two based on team needs is at least justified).

Gary(Brooklyn)

Would you trade Ortiz and Crawford for Pujols and Webb. I need SP and have alot of SBs. thank you

Brendan Roberts

  (3:06 PM)

Wow, a blockbuster there. You're taking a slight risk with Pujols, but given your team needs, I think it's worth it. Yeah, I'd make that deal.

George, Philly

Name game: Which aging starter would you want the rest of the way, Maddux or Johsnon?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:07 PM)

Good question. Kinda depends upon what you need. If you need wins and WHIP, then Maddux (yes, he'll win plenty). He's also much safer, and you don't want too many risks on your team. If you need K's and ERA (Unit's will come down), then Johnson. All told, I probably feel better about Maddux.

Adam (NY)

Traded Howie Kendrick for Percival, have Pedroia to play 2b, good move?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:08 PM)

Would seem ridiculous to say this in the preseason, but yeah, I think it's a good move. I'm not the critic against Percival's health that many other owners are.

Dan (Nutley, NJ)

Any cause to worry with Oswalt? I was flush with pitching, so traded away some guys (Billingsley and Scherzer), and now I'm hearing that Oswalt could be hurt.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:10 PM)

No reason to worry yet. Oswalt's power delivery from a small frame leaves him susceptible to both groin (and maybe shoulder, in the future) injuries, but I've been given no indication this one is serious.

Greg (Chicago)

Would you drop Hafner for either Ankiel or Quentin?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:11 PM)

You know what? I would. I've about had it with Hafner. He already has one strike against him because he's only a DH, and the second strike would be that he still doesn't get good pitches to hit just 'cause of his name. I like Ankiel more, although I'd wait to see what they say about his shoulder. I hear he might have to go on the DL. But don't worry about the injury long-term -- it was an impact (he ran into the wall) injury, not an overuse one.

Jon (Queens)

Will the following guys turn it around? Lowe, Buerhle.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:13 PM)

Lowe is and always has been a second-half pitcher, even if recent numbers don't fully indicate that. Takes him awhile to get that sinker in the groove. I say hang on to him. Buehrle I'm not sure about. He still allows too many balls to be put in play, and seems to have lost 1-2 mph on his fastball, which is a big deal for a guy who doesn't throw hard to begin with.

Mike (NC)

Better start this week, Ethier or L.Scott?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:14 PM)

Definitely Ethier. I like him a bit more, but he has much better matchups against SPs this week.

Mike C (Long Island)

HEAD vs. HEART.... i've just been offered Posada and Tejada for McCann. My head says yes... but my heart says no. This is the 3rd year in a row that McCann has been on my team and he is THE MAN!!!! What should a guy do? p.s. I would pick up Napoli off of waivers to help my C position for the time being. Thanks!!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:16 PM)

But aren't you an NYC guy? So your heart should tell you how good Posada can be, too. I'd DEFINITELY do it. Posada can match or even out-produce McCann the rest of the way, and you get Tejada too! And Napoli is hot and a great "fill-in."

Bart (HI)

Joey Votto: Sell high?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:17 PM)

No, no, no. You have yet to see what this guy can do. The Reds have a long home stretch coming up (after this week's trip out west), and Votto will tear it up.

Scott (Chicago, IL)

Is Rios ever going to turn it around? .250 with limited power isn't what I was looking for when I took him early. Should I bid him Ad(R)ios in a trade for Dice-K?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:19 PM)

The Jays in general are slumping, and Rios has a bit too much on his shoulders right now. I think he bounces back, but he's just not getting much to hit. I do like Rios a little more, but if you need DIce-K, I say go for it. I love Dice-K and say he keeps it up all year. Sure, he walks guys, but the high-K totals more than equal that, and I think he's in line for 19-plus wins this season. I like him that much.

Ryan (Philly)

Hi, Brendan! First time/long time. I just traded Marcum and Quentin for Hamilton and Sheff. Did I shoot myself in the foot?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:20 PM)

No, I really that deal. As readers of my HIt Parade know, I think Josh Hamilton is the real deal -- right man, right lineup, right ballpark. And I think Sheff will bounce back; he's simply too good not to, and there was nothing in his 2007 stats to indicate this sharp of a decline was coming.

Tim (DC)

Why isn't anyone talking about Kaz Matsui? His average stats are better than both Figgins and Roberts.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:21 PM)

Because it's Kaz Matsui ... a lot of people have been burned by him over the years. And just when you get to like him, he gets hurt. Figgins, although hurt, and Roberts are much safer bets to keep it up ... although it's duly noted that they cost a lot more.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:22 PM)

I missed it on the queue, but I saw a note about David Price striking out A-Rod twice. A-Rod also took him deep. I'm hearing Price is all the Rays could have hoped, but he's also a little more raw than they expected. Don't expect to see him "right away," as some thought. September cup of coffee, at best.

Rick (Houston)

What's up C. Guillen? Sell high?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:23 PM)

I think the knee is bothering him, as well as the Tigers' again-struggling offense. If you can get a good deal for him, I say take it. But do keep in mind he's still in a good lineup and now qualifies at three positions. Those are nice to have.

Frustrated M. Teixeira Owner (NY)

Brendan, chat after chat after chat and nobody is talking about the horrendous start for Mark Teixeira. I know he's a notorious "slow starter" but c'mon. What's his deal?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:27 PM)

Nobody is talking about because nobody can explain it. And he seems to be doing just enough to stay off our crap list entirely. But it's worth noting that his hit rate is much lower than in recent years, and his K/AB rate is actually much better. So he's making contact, the balls just aren't falling. Also, he's on pace for 42 doubles after having 33 last season. That shows that he's hitting the ball hard; they just aren't going over the wall. Once the weather warms and the ball flies further, those'll be home runs. Stick with him with confidence.

Justin (Queens, NY)

Is Dempster a must-sell? I haven't found anyone (expert or amateur) who believes in him. The only guy I can get is Snell. Ride the Demp or Dump the Demp?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:28 PM)

If nobody else believes in him (but you, of course), then you have no choice: Ride the Demp. A player's trade value is determined by the market even more than it's determined by his actual performance.

Fred (East Lansing)

Brendan,Two quick questions. Start or sit the eratic D-Mac this week?Will Swisher turn it around to be a top 100 player as rated?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:30 PM)

I'd start McGowan, espeically given he has two starts, both at home. Now is about the time last year he started to really pick it up. Top 100 player? Unfortunately, I don't think so. Then again, I feel he's barely that even when he's going well because of a low average, lack of steals and depending upon his spot in the lineup, a lack of runs or RBIs.

Mark (Philly)

V-Mart still hasn't hit a HR!! Where is his power hiding?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:31 PM)

Yeah, what's with that? Honestly, I'm a bit worried. Ya know, most people don't realize that The Jake (or whatever they call it now) has been slanting toward "pitchers' park status" in recent years, and several top Indians hitters have been affected by this. Think about that: If V-Mart played for San Diego, would he be your No. 1 catcher? The ballpark splits over the last five years are closer to Petco than you think.

Paul (Chicago)

Start Justin Masterson tomorrow vs KC?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:32 PM)

Definitely. My opinion hasn't changed on KC much, even after the good games, and it's at Fenway. Cha-ching!

DT(MI)

Is Josh Hamilton injured?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:34 PM)

Nope, just fatigue. The team was going to give him a day off Sunday anyway ... they just moved it up and gave him a day and a half off. The only concern I have going forward is that Hamilton is feeling fatigue in May, and Texas is one of the hottest (if not THE hottest) places in the MLB to play at home. Get that boy some bananas!

Jim's (Philly)

Will Chris Perez close soon?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:35 PM)

You know, I just don't see it happening. La Russa traditionally has not been the type of manager to throw an unproven youngster in there right away. If he earns it, and I don't see him doing that anytime soon, he'll get a shot (a la Wainwright in 2006). But I think a lot of people have overrated Perez right now.

Jay (Lake Havasu, AZ)

Milton Bradley. Discuss.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:36 PM)

I think he's pretty productive (albeit without steals) when he plays, but I think there's no way he'll stay healthy for the duration. In other words, I think he's overrated. He deserves to be on a mixed-league team and probably starting right now, but he's also a sell-high guy.

J.Peavy (SD)

Think I'm toast?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:39 PM)

I realize this is a "bogus" post, but it does give me the opportunity to talk about Peavy a bit. I'm worried about him. When he first started making waves, I noticed he had a major recoil in his pitching motion, in that he brought his arm down on the pitch, then whipped it back upward. It almost looked like he was trying to bare-hand an imaginary ball at shoulder level with his right arm. I asked a scout about that, and they noticed the same thing and said his elbow was in danger if he didn't correct that. Now, I think he's corrected it somewhat this season, but here's the elbow pain. Not saying he's headed for TJ or anything, but I think he's at risk for further elbow injuries. I really do.

Ryan (Vegas)

Will Mark Teixera ever get it going?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:40 PM)

Hi, Ryan. I answered a Teixiera question earlier on. In summary: Yes, he'll get it going as the weather warms.

Perry (Boston)

I just traded Ellsbury and Ichiro for Furcal and Prince Fielder. I have a great outfield, I needed a SS, I have a lot of speed, and needed power, so do you think I made a good move?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:41 PM)

That's a lot of speed and average to give up, but I think, pound for pound, it's an equal deal. Looks like a good category-for-category, position-need trade for both sides.

Ben (NYC)

What's wrong with Matt Garza? He struck out 7.3/9 last year, and over a batter per inning in the minors, but only 3.65/9 this season. Elbow still bothering him?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:43 PM)

I think he's still learning how to pitch and pitch to contact more. I heard a lot about him in Minnesota and his lack of actual pitching savvy, that he tried to strike out everybody, which left him vulnerable to HRs, walks and high pitch counts. He's obviously trying to correct that ... but I don't see him having much success with that this season. He'll remain inconsistent.

Aubrey (Dallas)

fair trade.. Sabathia for Volquez?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:43 PM)

I like Sabathia much more in that deal. Volquez has been better, but Sabathia has the better track record, more stamina, better ballpark, better team ...

Alexandra, Seville

If you knew you weren't keeping Konerko and could trade him for Votto (20th round keeper) would you, if you had PRince and Teix also??

Brendan Roberts

  (3:45 PM)

Votto just gives you another first baseman, which it seems like you wouldn't need. But not knowing that, I'd DEFINITELY make that deal. I think Votto hits 40 homers in a season sometime within the next few years. Love him. Big fly-ball swing.

Nick (Boston)

Drop swisher?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:45 PM)

You know what? In a standard mixed league with a small (or no) bench, I really can't give you any reason not to drop him.

John (Detroit, MI)

Name game: Adam Dunn, Nick Markasis, Justin Upton

Brendan Roberts

  (3:47 PM)

Definitely Markakis is the highest there. Then I'd take Dunn, much to your chagrin, I suppose. I think Dunn has begun his heat-up and is the safer bet to remain productive. Also, since I'm assuming you're talking trade, he'd be the easiest to get right now via trade (while his value is at the bottom) than Upton.

Ben (NYC)

Are win totals in relief at this point in the season predictive of future win totals in relief for the rest of the season? I'm trying to decide between Blaine Boyer and Damaso Marte--does it tell us anything useful about their usage patterns that Marte has 3 wins and Boyer has 0, or is it just chance? Thanks.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:50 PM)

Excellent question, but I don't think so. I think it's just chance, although I've noticed a lot of each bullpen's "third reliever," usually a left-handed specialist or the seventh-inning guy, tends to get the chance at more wins, there's no telling who that guy is or how many opportunities he'll get. That role changes so often, and so does the effectiveness of the players pitching in it. If this is a 5x5 league, I'd look for the best shot at saves and just go from there. In that prerequisite, I'd say Boyer.

Dave (Pittsburgh)

I am loaded with outfield depth. Is Burrell for Oswalt a fair trade?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:51 PM)

I'd make sure Oswalt is OK first, maybe even waiting for another good start. But yes, even though it sounds unconventional, I'd probably make that deal if I felt safe about Roy.

Bob(NYC)

Who to drop: Sheffield, Ankiel, Votto

Brendan Roberts

  (3:52 PM)

You gotta drop one of those guys? Well, it must be a shallow league, meaning you can almost pick and choose based on schedules and then adjust as you go. Based on this week's schedule, I'd say Votto would be the drop (without knowing the severity of Ankiel's shoulder injury).

dave (dc)

who would you rather have for the rest of the season? Matt Cain or Rich Harden? Kerry Wood vs Sherrill?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:54 PM)

Good questions, very close. But I think Harden stays semi-healthy and outproduces Cain the rest of the way. Cain still seems to be trying too hard to make up for his lack of offense, etc. ... And I'd say Sherrill. I think Wood could pitch better, but I also can't be sure he stays healthy. Yes, even as a closer, Wood still worries me.

Steven (Twin Cities)

Brendan, is Carlos Pena going to heat up in the second half like last year? Should I try to deal him? Does Brandon Webb cool off?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:56 PM)

Dealing him now wouldn't net you near as much as he should be worth. You have no choice but to hang on to him. But the bad news is I think his second half last season is the real anomaly here. He'll get better, but nothing near to that. Webb has to cool off some, but he's proven consistent over the last few years and probably will continue to be a top-10 pitcher.

Nick (Boston)

Who is the best closer pickup- betancourt, borowski or kobayashi?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:57 PM)

Ah, the dreaded Cleveland bullpen. From here on out, I'd say Borowski. But I still think Betancourt will get at least another shot and picks up another save or two before "Sweaty Joe" returns.

Scott (Crystal Lake, IL)

Votto or Loney?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:58 PM)

Most would say Loney ... but I say Votto, and I feel good saying that.

shawn (brooklyn)

Ive posted this a couple of times so please respond to this one. Michael Bourn has a horrible average, especially for a leadoff hitter. WHAT GIVES?!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:59 PM)

Well, he might not be a leadoff hitter anymore. He was moved to 8th over the weekend, which is where I think he belongs for now. That way he'll have less pressure to hit his way on base and can still run to his heart's content. It seemed to work -- he got two hits, even though he was gunned down stealing twice (I think the first two times of the season for him).

Gerry (cuse)

Ryan Braun? Man or Machine?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:01 PM)

Anybody who strikes out that much is not a machine. And you know what? I'm not sure he matches that .320 from last season. Right around .300 seems about right to me, but the homers -- va, va, va, voom! And he'll start running more, too.

Josh (Spokane)

Yes/No- Justin Upton for Dunn? Furcal for McCann?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:01 PM)

I'd take Dunn for Upton and Furcal for McCann.

Mark (Dallas, TX)

Given your Bourn answer, should I hold on to him or cut him for Pierre?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:02 PM)

They're pretty close, but I'd hang on to Bourn a little longer and see if this move to the No. 8 hole gets him going. Even as much SB potential as Pierre has, Bourn still has more, and his playing time is still safe.

pete (nyc)

ryan church over under - .310 30HR 110 RBI

Brendan Roberts

  (4:03 PM)

Under on the average and maybe RBIs, but about that for homers. In other words, now would be a time to "sell high" on him, if you have the guts to. He's been pretty good, and it would be hard to let him go.

Austin (Dallas, TX)

Bourn got gunned down for the first time on Saturday, then two more on Sunday. Courtesy of Gerald Laird. So, (3) CS on the season. Now answer my question about Corey Hart

Brendan Roberts

  (4:05 PM)

Ah yes, good correction. Not sure what your question was on Hart (only shows last 20 in my queue here), but I'm losing faith in him, especially his power. Watched him play a couple times in the last week, and it appears he's stabbing at the ball. Highly doubt those 25-25 expectations now.

Jerry (Houston)

Trade wright for daiske, furcal and markasis? i already have aramis.

Brendan Roberts

  (4:06 PM)

Yup, I'd do that. I'm not against trading elite talent like my brethren tend to me. If you have needs elsewhere, top-10 guys can be the best bait to offer.

Steve (St. Paul)

Gah! I've asked this five times now and I reallt just need an answer!Volquez for BJ Upton, good or bad?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:06 PM)

I like Upton more.

Brendan Roberts

  (4:07 PM)

OK, gotta go, guys. Thanks for joining me, and sorry if you didn't get your question(s) answered. I get to as many as I can but can't get 'em all.

Brendan Roberts

  (4:08 PM)

I believe I'm "off" (no chat) next week 'cause of Memorial Day, so in the meantime, good luck to you the next few weeks and I'll chat with you soon.