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Jason Grey

  (3:01 PM)

Hey everyone - a lot of questions in already so let's get right to it.

Jason Grey

  (3:01 PM)

Ross (Minneapolis, MN): I took a risk by drafting Kazmir and Lackey, and after a tense first 5 weeks of the season, it looks to be paying off. What do you see for final numbers for each of them?

Jason Grey

  (3:01 PM)

Exactly what we all expected at the beginning of the season, minus a month or so of their stats in the counting categories.

Jem (Westchester)

It?s apparent now the Twins have the opposite problem of most teams?a glut of productive pitching and dearth of hitting. Wouldn?t it make sense, especially with Delmon struggling, to see if they could get Murton from Cubs for a Perkins or Slowey type and move Cuddyer back to third?

Jason Grey

  (3:02 PM)

That's thinking quite a lot of Murton. I wouldn't deal from their pitching depth for him.

Jennifer (S.F.)

In a non-keeper, time to drop either Slowey or Garza for Bergmann?

Jason Grey

  (3:03 PM)

I like Bergmann, but not sure I make either of those moves.

Steve; Long Island, NY

Jason, any word on Felix Hernandez and an injury? He has had 3 straight sub par starts. I benched him last week and this week; should he be back starting for my team next week or should I keep him out until he pitches a good game?

Jason Grey

  (3:03 PM)

He's had a calf strain, but I still think he's in your lineup every start. He reportedly played golf on Monday, so it can't be hindering him too much.

Pat (Davenport, IA)

What should we expect from Sheffield the rest of the year?

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

I projected him to be a .260 hitter with teens power at best at the beginning of the season, so you can infer from that.

Sparky (Cincinnati)

Does Barmes keep this up? In a 12-team mixed H2H, I have Kelly Johnson -- who's showing signs of life -- but Barmes and Iwamura are on the wire. Do I make a switch? I think I'll be ok in steals, looking for best BA/power balance for rest of the season. Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

I think Barmes can keep it up, and I'd rather have either of those players than Johnson, Barmes if you're focusing on power.

Dan, Boston, MA

Jason: You're my go-to guy, especially for pitching help. Cain seems to have two good months--August and September. Sit and wait or turn him in for Contreras, R. Johnson or more interestingly, Cueto or Jurrjens?

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

I'm still hanging on to Cain for all of the season.

Winston (NYC)

Carlson (Tor) or Perez (STL) in a 6 x 6 with holds

Jason Grey

  (3:05 PM)

I go with Perez, partially due to the Jays starters generally working deeper into games.

John (Atlanta)

What do you think of Mark Kotsay? is he worth owning?

Jason Grey

  (3:05 PM)

There's just not enough upside going forward in mixed leagues - NL only.

Zach (Newport Beach)

Hey jason,Is Teixera a good guy to try to buy lower right now? How does furcal for teixera sound? Thanks

Jason Grey

  (3:05 PM)

Yes, and that sounds great - but I doubt it gets him.

Dave G, PA

How about Shawn Chacon this year? 9 starts, averaging 6 IP per start. 0 wins. 0 losses. Seems pretty unique...

Jason Grey

  (3:05 PM)

Not as unique as him pitching well enough to even merit a chat question, which won't continue.

Jay (LA)

Hafner and Hawpe are really killing my team...I'm considering dumping both for Loney and Hermida...no bench slots available...less upside, I think...but I'm thinking the numbers will end up a little better (and will end this continuing frustration)..your thoughts?

Jason Grey

  (3:05 PM)

I like Hawpe and Hermida in that equation. Yes, even more than Hafner right now. It appears at best Hafner puts up numbers similar to last year's, given his peripherals.

Matt (Baltimore MD)

Bobby Abreu- can I count on him for 20 steals and 100 RBI?

Jason Grey

  (3:05 PM)

No.

Tea Drinker (no sugar, I'm sweet enough)

Better stash option; Masterson or Liriano?(Deep keeper counts L)Thanks

Jason Grey

  (3:05 PM)

Liriano.

Jeff Clement (back in freaking Tacoma???)

True or false: The Ms would be better off with me at DH instead of Jose Vidro?Better yet - The Ms would be better off with a wax statue at DH instead of Jose Vidro (the wax statue can't ground into double plays).

Jason Grey

  (3:06 PM)

True.

Jason Grey

  (3:06 PM)

Colin Boston,MA: Jason, Big Fan.. I need a call on a trade. Beltran for Big Tex.. Your take?

Jason Grey

  (3:06 PM)

I like Tex unless your team really needs steals.

Shane (LA)

Buy low on Peavy or is he done?

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

I don't think he's done but I guess he misses 4-5 weeks and comes back out firing like Kazmir did, so yeah, buy low.

Dan (NYC)

Is it time to drop Kendrick?

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

Absolutely not - there is still a ton of seasons left for him to make a big impact when he returns.

Rob (Seattle)

Who are some good replacements for Peavy in a 13 team mixed league (fairly deep)?

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

n that format, Glen Perkins and Darrell Rasner and I would take chances on Jason Bergmann, and maybe Andrew Miller

Mikle (Texas)

Ubaldo Jimenez has pitched well his last two outings are you buying the improved control?

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

And he made small improvements in his starts prior to that as well...I think there's something to it, but I'm not ready to add him in mixed yet. I do want to own him in NL play.

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

And he made small improvements in his starts prior to that as well...I think there's something to it, but I'm not ready to add him in mixed yet. I do want to own him in NL play.

Dave (San Diego, CA)

Is it time to give up on Gagne?

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

I think he needs to be reserved until we find out what's up with his shoulder, but we're pretty close to cutting bait, closer role or not.

Hank B (arlington)

What are your thoughts on Blalock the rest of the year?

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

Blalock was a player I targeted in drafts due to his expected performance for a relatively cheaper price, and I don't expect that to have changed because of his injury, so I'm bullish on him going forward.

Jerome (Mt. Clemens, MI)

Assuming Scherzer is headed back to the pen when Davis returns, who is the better choice going onward, he or Kuo?

Jason Grey

  (3:08 PM)

Still Scherzer, but I do like Kuo.

Ryan , Philly

D-Train should be off DL soon, reports are he looks good in AAA... drop dempster to make a spot for him, or drop D-Train until he proves he's back to ML caliber?

Jason Grey

  (3:08 PM)

I'm not even sure I want to own Willis in AL formats, much less mixed league ones, and he hasn't looked that great in his rehab outings.

Noah Beaver Dam WI

Would you hold on to Jeff Clement with the hope he will find his stroke soon. In my league he is only two starts away from gaining catcher eligiblity.

Jason Grey

  (3:08 PM)

Yes, I thought it was a bit short-sighted of the M's to send him down so quickly, but the reasons he was brought up in the in the first place (lack of punch in the lineup, etc.) haven't gone away, so I think he should get another chance down the road. Despite the K numbers, he wasn't overmatched.

Noah Beaver Dam WI

Seeing Luke Hochevar was a first pick a few years back, do you see him being an ace any time soon? Or does he not have the stuff?

Jason Grey

  (3:08 PM)

I still think his fastball command and lack ond lack of consistency on his breaking ball mean he won't ever be an ace, but he can be a solid middle of the rotation guy down the road.

Tom (Amsterdam, NY)

Jason,Why doesn't Justin Upton steal more bases (0/2)? Is he hurt? Not trusted? He certainly has the speed potential!Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (3:09 PM)

The entire D-backs team is showing a lack of aggressiveness on the bases this season, especially compared to last year. Upton has the speed to steal bases, but hitting higher in the order he's just not running.

Rick

Eveland at home?

Jason Grey

  (3:09 PM)

Yep, I'm starting him.

Andy Bernard (Scranton, PA)

Would you trade Lincecum for Teixeira? Could use a bump in HR/RBI and am in first in W's/K's. I know Tex is a perfect buy-low candidate, but what is your take on Lincecum and his upside/risk for the rest of the year? Is he a legitimate ace that could anchor a fantasy pitching staff? Always tough to trade those as they don't grow on trees.And I went to Cornell....ever heard of it?

Jason Grey

  (3:11 PM)

I think Lincecum is a staff anchor but that's a pretty big bat to land in a trade. How's the anger management going?

Jerry (Houston)

Chris Perez- next closer in STL?

Jason Grey

  (3:11 PM)

Eventually, maybe not this season though, but one injury can changes things.

Franklin

Play some pepper: Hamilton or Crawford?

Jason Grey

  (3:13 PM)

Still has to be Crawford unless you're set in steals. He'll earn more value over the course of the season, but I do want to own Hamilton everywhere I can.

Dwight ( Scranton PA)

Question: 12 team 5 keeper league would you move E. Jackson, Grienke, and Gordon or Longoria for Papi and Francis? Have a staff headed by Lincecum, Johan, Hamels, and Wainwright.Note: I am typing this on my phone from my sweet new Xterra, can be yours for $9,000. Thanks and I will tip you as I cannot do this task myself.

Jason Grey

  (3:15 PM)

Seems like a tad too much to give up, and I'm not sure I want Francis in return.

Rick

Will Owings finish with a sub-4 ERA?

Jason Grey

  (3:16 PM)

I think it's going to be real close - somewhere between 3.90 and 4.10.

Ryan C. (Chicago, Ill.):

Jason, thanks for the chat. Can you give an update on all of the players in the Angels IF? Lots of news updates with new, sustaining, passing injuries, etc. I ultimately need to decide between waiving Maicer Izturis or Felipe Lopez to activate Furcal (hopefully) later this week. What do you say?

Jason Grey

  (3:17 PM)

Figgins returns hopefully today, Aybar seeing a hand specialist this morning, Kendrick's not close. I'm guessing he's probably two more weeks out.

Andy

Ankiel over/under 38 homers

Jason Grey

  (3:18 PM)

under

Mark(Denver)

Do you think Street and Gregg get dealt? Who would their 9th inning replacements be?

Jason Grey

  (3:20 PM)

I don't think either of them get moved, but if they are Lindstrom, and Santiago Casilla if he's back next month, if not then back to Embree.

Bob

Ankiel, Pierre, Ellsbury - pick two the rest of the way.

Jason Grey

  (3:21 PM)

You probably don't need both speedsters, so Ankiel and Ellsbury for balance.

Charlie (MN)

Any Verlander questions? Just a random good start or glimpse of more to come?

Jason Grey

  (3:22 PM)

I wrote 2300 words on him and Bonderman for Insider on Monday that sort of predicted the good start and more to come.

Josh (Brooklyn, NY)

How much longer does Manny Acosta last for the Braves?

Jason Grey

  (3:23 PM)

Soriano could be back by beginning of next week, and Smoltz is back in early June....thus, not long.

Tyler (augusta ME)

better play at 2B Polanco or jose lopez?

Jason Grey

  (3:23 PM)

Lopez.

Mike (Los Angeles)

Jason, I'm not happy with Milledge's performance so far after investing in numerous keeper leagues. Will the potential ever translate to the stats?

Jason Grey

  (3:24 PM)

Yes, if he ever realizes he's not a start and hasn't done anything in the big leagues yet.

Dan (DC)

Ellsbury's draft spot in next years fantasy drafts will be: ??

Jason Grey

  (3:25 PM)

At this rate? Late first round.

Calvin (MPLS)

Strategy question: I'm first overall in my league. I'm in first in all offensive categories with a loaded team and good in Saves/ERA/WHIP with 1 ace (harang) and lots of good mid relief/closers. I'm dead last in K's and Wins. Do I keep dominating the batting categories and stay competetive in the three pitching categories (essentially punting k's and wins), or do I trade to improve my pitching by accepting a Corey Hart for Dan Haren offer? (10 team NL only roto).

Jason Grey

  (3:27 PM)

You can keep piling on the offense for now, and build up a bit more of a cushion, depending how far back, you are in K's and wins. Never trade to try to pick up wins, it's too risky. Strikeouts are another matter. Treat Wins as merely a bonus by-product of having good pitchers.

barry (boston)

Do you think Vargas has a chance to stick in the Mets rotation? Is he a better pick up than Arroyo or Mussina?

Jason Grey

  (3:27 PM)

No and No.

Bob (New Mexico)

Drop willingham?

Jason Grey

  (3:29 PM)

Depends on who you are picking up for him, just know he's likely out another 3-4 weeks, and the problem may not go away completely, so I would lean towards yes.

Sven O. Haagerstrom (Oslo, Norway)

How long into a season before you start offering closers in trades if you are strong in saves?

Jason Grey

  (3:30 PM)

June 15 is a usual rule of thumb for me depending on the standings in the category, but there's nothing wrong with floating names out there and seeing if you get an offer too good to pass up.

joe pgh

Alex Rios? is he gonna be this bad all season?

Jason Grey

  (3:31 PM)

No, and at least he's running while we wait for the bat to come around.

Joe (NY)

Chase Headley...are you picking him up as soon as he's available? With 3B eligibility, I could pick him up, drop Butler, and move Youkilis back to 1B

Jason Grey

  (3:34 PM)

I'm not sure I drop Butler for Headley, but I would try to make some room for him wherever I could. I think Butler's power is going to come.

Hank (Kansas City)

Your GM has just told you to go out and scout for a first baseman. Do you pick Kotchman, A. Gonzalez or James Loney?

Jason Grey

  (3:35 PM)

I get some variation of this question each week, usually with Conor Jackson in there as well: so Gonzalez, Jackson, Kotchman , Loney

Jon (San Diego)

Jason, need a scout?s perspective on Adrian Gonzalez: Will he ever see a good pitch to hit again this season? How much will the severe lack of offense around him sap his numbers?

Jason Grey

  (3:37 PM)

Never seemed to bother the old Jason Bay in Pittsburgh or Miguel Cabrera in Florida. I think that kind of stuff is generally overrated Gonzlez hit two more homers this weekend, so he's obviously still seeing good pitches.

Gahiji(Boston)

Who is more valuable Greinke or Cain the rest of the way?

Jason Grey

  (3:38 PM)

I think I have to go with Greinke because of the more consistent control, even though both pitchers will regress to the mean in different directions a bit.

Jim (NYC)

Best pickup next week with 2 starts... Blackburn, Bannister, Olson, or Jimenez? Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (3:39 PM)

Blackburn, Olson

Desperate (md)

hurry i need help webb for saunders and guillen?

Jason Grey

  (3:39 PM)

You don't need that kind of help.

Watson (Chattanooga, TN)

Jason - Do you see the return of ARod helping other yankees see more fastballs and heat up ... in particular Bobby Abreu?

Jason Grey

  (3:41 PM)

See my post above, that kind of stuff gets overblown. The concept of "lineup protection" is by and large a myth.

Michael (STL)

Which slumping hitter do you like better going forward: Hawpe or Hafner?

Jason Grey

  (3:42 PM)

Hawpe.

Bob Ma

Is Milton Bradley back ?

Jason Grey

  (3:43 PM)

As long as they keep sticking him at DH, and not try to give him too much time in the outfield, he could be. The talent has never been in question - it's been staying on the field. Keep him out of the field as much as you can.

Jeff (STl)

Duchscherer vs. AJ Burnett

Jason Grey

  (3:43 PM)

Burnett.

Ryan (FL)

What do you think of Rasner? Is he for real?

Jason Grey

  (3:45 PM)

Yeah, I think that new cutter was just what he needed. He can work both sides of the plate wit his good control and have pitches break in differing directions. I think that's going to be a big pitch for him.

Rebecca (St Louis)

What's going on with Uggla....surely he can't keep this up....can he?

Jason Grey

  (3:46 PM)

No, the average will be coming down a lot, but he'll still hit 30. He's not going to be markedly different than what we've seen before, just a little bit better.

Rob (KY)

What do you think of Jair is he for real?

Jason Grey

  (3:47 PM)

With the understanding there will be the occasional bump in the road because there are some nights where he just doesn't show up - yes. That's some nasty raw stuff.

Derek (Michigan)

Jay Bruce went 2 for 4 today with a pair of singles... Just how good is he?

Jason Grey

  (3:48 PM)

He's the best hitting prospect in the minors, which should be pretty self-explanatory. That is usually someone you want to have on your roster in all formats.

Josh (Lincoln, NE)

You don't think Uggs' RBIs will stay up now that he was moved to mid-lineup?

Jason Grey

  (3:49 PM)

He's driven in 88 and 90 before, so if he drives in 100 that's pretty much in line with what I said.

RWH (TN)

exactly how good is Soto? Will he fade?

Jason Grey

  (3:50 PM)

He's going to make a run at being the top fantasy catcher when it's all said and done, and no worse than top 3.

Tom (NY)

Does Josh Hamilton keep this up all year? I mean right now he's in triple crown territory I know he supposed to be good, but this good?

Jason Grey

  (3:52 PM)

Considering what his talent was before he started running into trouble, his unique career path, and how he was able to just step right into the majors and rake, I think Vegas has taken all bets off of the board. Nothing he could do would surprise me at this point.

Sixto, New Jersey

Hi, my fantasy team is stacked with good pitchers and i wan't to trade one for a good hitter. I want to trade Johan Santana. What hitter should i look for in a trade for Santana?

Jason Grey

  (3:53 PM)

No simple answer- depends on the league. Send out an email saying Santana is available in a one-for-one, and see what the best offer is coming back. Simple, yet the most effective way of maximizing your return.

Sean (LA)

I have both Church and Escobar. Concerned about their availability going forward.

Jason Grey

  (3:54 PM)

I'd be more worried about Church after the 2nd concussion. Escobar is sore but I would be surprised if had to hit the DL.

Steven (Toronto)

Lets say Hamilton never went through any of the off field problems he had and came to the majors 3-4 years ago. What type of player would he be by know?

Jason Grey

  (3:57 PM)

I can't even begin to speculate, but let me just say this....to this day I have not had a prospect blow me away like Hamilton did when I saw him as a 19-year-old in 2000.

Carlos Pena (TB)

Over Under 35 HRs 110 RBIs

Jason Grey

  (3:59 PM)

Under - he's doing too much chasing outside of the zone and not being patient enough.

Jason Grey

  (3:59 PM)

A lot of Jason Isringhausen questions:

Jason Grey

  (4:01 PM)

I am concerned because before the hand laceration gave the Cards an excuse, he was receiving treatment on his surgically repaired hip and there was talk the team would designate him for assignment. It's possible he doesn't see another save situation for the Cards all season.

Jason Grey

  (4:01 PM)

Time for three more....

Joe Maddon (TB)

Jason, if you were the Rays drafting at 1, who would you take?

Jason Grey

  (4:04 PM)

I'm a Pedro Alvarez fan...my draft sleeper is Arizona high-schooler Kyle Lobstein - there's a lot of Pettitte/Glavine in him.

Adam Dunn

Over Under 40 HRs and 110 RBIs

Jason Grey

  (4:06 PM)

35 / 100 is what I was thinking

Ryan Howard (DC)

Why am I so bad?

Jason Grey

  (4:07 PM)

Because you've gotten away from whatt made you successful - going the other way, and have become a dead pull hitter. When you hit 58, 16 of your first 18 homers went to the opposite field. However, you have shown small signs that you are starting to work to left field again so that's a positive.

Jim (NY)

Will Ichiro turn it around and hit over 3.30?

Jason Grey

  (4:08 PM)

Who cares when the team wants him to steal 65 bases, as I wrote about a few weeks ago? The rest is gravy.

Jason Grey

  (4:09 PM)

That said, he'll be over .300 again at the end of the year. Thanks for all the questions, everyone, I am chatting again tomorrow, early edition.