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Rex (Chicago)

Chris Perez, closer by the end of June?

Jason Grey

  (11:02 AM)

No, I still think Franklin has this job for a while, though Perez is the proverbial "future closer" for this club.

Willy (ATL)

Quick one: Bradley for Parra? Are you buying Parra after the last start? He has had a relatively tough schedule.

  (11:02 AM)

Hanging on to Bradley.

Red (Tulsa)

Follow-up on yesterdays chat. If the rangers are smart and let Milton Bradley stay at DH for most of the season, what numbers do you expect at the end of the year?

Jason Grey

  (11:03 AM)

.295 - 25 HR if he gets 475 AB

Anna (Pittsfield, Ma)

Is Mark DeRosa goign to keep hitting and getting AB? I need to add a CI in a deep league and he has 4 positions he can play. So I could use him as a supper sub. Worth a pick up?

Jason Grey

  (11:04 AM)

No reason he can't keep hitting, he'll get AB's and his position flexibility , as you mentioned, is very useful.

Lance from Abilene, Texas

What's wrong with Victor Martinez? I drafted him in the third round thinking I would get the best catcher in the game. Instead I got a top 10 at best. What should I do with him? Also, do you think Armando Galaragga Get sent back to the minors when D. Willis come off the DL?

Jason Grey

  (11:04 AM)

Willis will start in the bullpen to work on his control issues, so Galarraga is safe for now - as for V-Mart, he's been much more aggrssive this season, hitting balls that he can merely make contact with and not waiting for ones he can drive - it's also caused him to put a lot less balls in the air, hindering his power numbers. He can still hit 10-15 HR, the rest of the way. You're unlikely to get one of the other top catchers at this point, so just stick with him.

Bailey (nj)

Do you still think Delmon Youngs' power will come?

Jason Grey

  (11:04 AM)

The raw strength to hit for power is still there, but hitting 62% of his balls on the ground isn't going to get it done. That's up 16% over last season, when his power was less than expected. He's going to have to change his swing plane to hit for more loft in order to tap into his power. He'll be lucky to get 10 without some adjustments.

Colby (Boulder, CO)

Which of these "not for the faint of heart" pitchers do you recommend?Bartolo, D. Cabrera or Contreras?

Jason Grey

  (11:04 AM)

Cabrera

Dennis, Melrose, MA

Jason, love your stuff... you had mentioned Andrew Miller in your chat yesterday. What do you expect from him the remainder of the year? Miller is on my reserve. Should I trade Miller for Rich Hill?

Jason Grey

  (11:04 AM)

I think realistically we have to expect an ERA in the 4.30 range with a strikeout per inning, but there is enough upside I'd probably hang on to him.

cinco, El Paso

scouting question, if you pick up one guy and then keep him for free FOREVER, would you pick up Bruce, Blackburn, or Rasner? Could use pitching this year but not a desperate need. Also would you cut Longoria or Fields for any?

Jason Grey

  (11:04 AM)

I always take the hitter over the pitcher, all else being equal. In this case, it's not equal, it's very clearly Bruce.

Craig (Denver)

I'm in an OBP league, i trade Youklis(have Zimmerman on bench waiting)/DMac/Garza for Beckett/Scherzer. He needs a 1B and has decent SP depth while i need to upgrade SP and have an extra 1B. This fits needs, but is it fairly even?

Jason Grey

  (11:05 AM)

I kind of like what you have already.

Dan (Parts Unknown, SD)

Hi Jason - any enlightenment from the shutdown of Gagne? So you see any of the possible replacements as a clear "must grab"? Or will this be a repeat of the Mariners situation a few weeks back?

Jason Grey

  (11:07 AM)

It's serious enough that he's left the team to get examined by other doctors. Torres is the clear pickup out of the other options they have, and Yost has said that's probably their guy.

Neit (Stony Brook, NY)

Jason, With only one closer (Valverde) and in need of saves - should I trade Hermida for Ryan Franklin? my other OF are Lee, Kemp, Markakis and Guillen. Any chance Izzy get his job back?? Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (11:08 AM)

I don't think that's enough value for Hermida. I would think you could do better if trading Hermida for a closer.

Rortiz (albuquerque)

this one is for skip bayless why does he hate the lakers and kobe so much. you always pick against them you never give them a chance

Jason Grey

  (11:08 AM)

Award for my strangest chat question of the day. (and please, don't try to top it)

Will (Youngstown, OH)

Morning, Jason. Could you suggest a couple of starting pitchers who are under the radar right now that you would pick up?

Jason Grey

  (11:09 AM)

Yesterday, I said Rasner , but that cat might be out of the bag. Glen Perkins?

Jason Grey

  (11:13 AM)

Answering the Joba-as-starter questions: stats could be somewhat like John Lackey, but we have to be aware that he's never thrown more than I think 117 innings in a season, so we'll have to see how he handles 100 IP and up - given his injury history

Scott (St. Paul)

Assuming health, do you trust randy johnson on a nearly every-start basis? I need era help and have been sitting him but he owned the tigers and the braves dont hit lefties (courtesy of tristan) in the short term.

Jason Grey

  (11:15 AM)

I don't trust him on an every start basis, and would prefer to spot him for good matchups.

Ryan (Indianapolis,IN)

I am in the unfortunate position of having both Travis Hafner and Gary Sheffield on my fantasy team. These guys are handicapping me...they have no trade value and I cannot just drop them. Do you think either of these guys will post typical Pronk and Sheff numbers by the end of the season? Also, who are some under the radar guys I could target in a trade to help rescue my sinking offensive numbers?

Jason Grey

  (11:17 AM)

Hafner will put numbers similar to last season, due to his shoulder woes and increased GB tendencies. I wasn't a fun of Sheff from the get-go and he could be just about toast. If you need pop, guys like Jack Cust might be targets.

clayton (jax beach, fl)

Jason - Would you trade Dice K for either Sabathia or Peavy? I just don't trust Dice K and his value is peaking right now. Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (11:18 AM)

I'd consider Sabathia, but not Peavy. He could be gone 4-6 weeks.

Alan (New York City)

What exactly is Joba's injury history you speak of?

Jason Grey

  (11:20 AM)

Knee surgery, Triceps tendinits, and weight problems that hindered his recovery from the knee surgery. The only reason the Yankess were able to draft him was because he fell out of the top 10 due to the injury issues.

Big Joe (Hamilton, NJ)

Jason, in response to your Salomon Torres answer. Ned Yost HAS came out and said that Torres is the man? Because I've heard either Riske or Mota from other sources.

Jason Grey

  (11:21 AM)

The Brewers will again go to a closer-by-committee situation, although Salomon Torres will get most of the chance , according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Craig (PA)

When is howie kendrick coming back? Is he worth a buy low?

Jason Grey

  (11:22 AM)

My guess is 2-3 weeks, and...yes.

Ben San Diego, CA

Whats up with Ian Snell Ofer in his last 7 starts? Panic button?

Jason Grey

  (11:25 AM)

I don't think so - he's a guy I might try to get on the cheap right now - he's trying to fond his mechanics and I would bet he does.

Jason Grey

  (11:27 AM)

Swisher questions: projections for end numbers: .245 - 25 HR

Joe V (Taylor Springs)

Is Colon worth a pickup in 12 team mixed leagues?

Jason Grey

  (11:28 AM)

I'm limiting it to AL only league on my Colon ownership for the moment. I'd rather have Rasner, who is owned in just 25% of ESPN leagues

Ryan Howard

Over Under .250 40 HR 130 RBI

Jason Grey

  (11:29 AM)

Over only on the HR, barely.

HB(Philly)

Ur the perfect guy for this question. Who would u want over the next 5 yrs, AL only 5x5: A.Jones,Butler,Fields, Wieters, Travis Snider? Thx Jason

Jason Grey

  (11:30 AM)

Adam Jones for the all-category production, then probably Butler.

Paisan (NY, NY)

Does Garko have the skill set to hit 25-30 hrs this year? Do the Indians have enough patience with him to let him rise out his early season slump? Does Aubrey project to be a better 1B? Thanks for your insight.

Jason Grey

  (11:31 AM)

Garko is better than Aubrey. Does Garko have the skill set? Yes, but he won't - more like 18-20

Jim (NYC)

Clayton Kershaw getting a callup soon?

Jason Grey

  (11:32 AM)

I said in early-April that I expected him sometime in June, so I am sticking with that.

Jason (Gaithersburg, MD)

Jason, Hoping to grab lightning in a bottle I made the speculative pick up of Alexi Ramirez. I have heard comparisons ranging from Y. Betancort to Alfosno Soriano. Please tell me your thoughts on Ramirez? Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (11:32 AM)

Closer to Soriano than Betancourt - ball jumps off of his bat. He definitely has some juice. He's going to have to be less of a free-swinger, but I've been high on him since spring training.

José Guillén or David Murphy

Which one of us will have the better numbers/playing time?

Jason Grey

  (11:34 AM)

Guillen, because I think Murphy's time is going to get squeezed a bit more as the season progresses.

Pete (SF)

The Giants called up Travis Denker. Do you like him?

Jason Grey

  (11:36 AM)

He's capable of being a slightly better version of Mark Grudzielanek, but I just don't see the PT in the short-term

Matt

Is Chase Headley getting called up anytime soon?

Jason Grey

  (11:37 AM)

It would shock me if he's not up by June 15, if not sooner.

FRED(MIAMI,FL)

Once Doumit is healthy would you take him or Snyder for the rest of the season?

Jason Grey

  (11:38 AM)

Snyder - especially because "Doumit" and "healthy" are rarely in the same sentence.

James (IA)

Do you prefer Rasner over Perkins, Parra, Padilla, and Ubaldo?

Jason Grey

  (11:39 AM)

All of the above. Perkins is close, but his rotation spot is also a little more tenuous with Liriano and Baker coming back eventually, so that's the reason I can't put him higher, even though I'm a big fan.

Bman, (Hawaii to D.C.)

Hello Mr. Grey, WHAT happened to Salty? Did his demotion to the minors at the begining of the year totally blow his confidence or was he just never that good to begin with?What's your opinion?

Jason Grey

  (11:41 AM)

We have to remember, he's just 23, and we're only looking at 13 games of big league sample size this year. Patience.

peter, dc

jason,here's a loaded question for you: which among gordon, pence or hughes will prove to be the most domiant fantasy option in 5 years, considering not just production but also position scarcity? as in, although say gordon might prove to hit for better numbers than pence (or whatever), would he be necessarily have the greater value once you take into account the fact that he plays 3b (which is loaded, especially with so many younger guys coming up -- all the top prospects seem to man the hot corner these days!) whereas pence plays rf (an increasingly thinning position, especially since rios is arguably the only young-ish rf right now)?thanks.

Jason Grey

  (11:42 AM)

Position or no position, I take Pence, as he's a better bet to maintain the SB down the road, which is the deciding factor.

John (Portland, ME)

Any news on Chris Young and his broken nose? Is he DL bound?

Jason Grey

  (11:44 AM)

Nothing yet, but I think he may wind up hitting the DL - Josh Bard is going to be out, and Michael Barrett is going to be activated as well.

Lee (NY)

Hey Jason, tried to get you to answer this yesterday, but here it goes...in a 12 team keepre, woud you drop rich hill for jay bruce?...would you trade braun and tejada for HanRam?...i have arod and miguel cabrera...

Jason Grey

  (11:45 AM)

Yes and Yes (given your other options)

Darren (Vacaville, CA)

Hey There Jason! Can you tell me this? Once Headley is called up would you take him over guys like Cust and Murphy? Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (11:45 AM)

Murphy, yes. Cust, no.

Mike (Detroit)

Jason, any minor league SS that are close to being called up or that could contribute to that woefully thin position sometime this year?

Jason Grey

  (11:47 AM)

Jed Lowrie, of course, if he gets a starting job, and then Reid Brignac in TB...most of the other good fantasy options at the position (such as Elvis Andrus) are a couple of seasons away.

Help a fellow Jason

Desperate for pitching help in NL Only! Who do you like for success going forward: Bergmann, Volstad, Campillo, Gallagher, S. Marshall, Hendrickson, Jimenez or a good RP like Heath Bell or T. Buchholz?

Jason Grey

  (11:48 AM)

Out of that group - Bergmann, Gallagher (if he sticks in the rotation), Jimenez and Volstad, in that order.

Mike (Montvale, NJ)

What's your take on Troy Glaus? 30/ 100 realistic?

Jason Grey

  (11:49 AM)

Try 20/80 at best, and that might even be pushing it.

Tim (Puyallup,WA)

Is it time to cut Sheff? I have Ichiro,Bay,KempC Young and Hunter. I keep thinking as soon as I drop him he would catch fire.

Jason Grey

  (11:49 AM)

In mixed leagues I'm not owning Sheff.

Dan (Dallas)

Is Wheeler going to take over as closer any time soon, or would you drop him for Rasner (need my ERA and WHIP to come down more than anything)

Jason Grey

  (11:51 AM)

I go with Rasner. That new cutter is exactly the pitch he needed to get over the hump, as I mentioned when he first came up.

David (Athens, GA)

Hey Jason -- do you think Yunel Escobar is heading for the DL?

Jason Grey

  (11:52 AM)

My gut says no, if they can be patient for a few days...Escobar himself says he doesn't think he needs a DL stint.

Iceman (the big blue)

JaSoN, How long before Clement comes back up or is he destined to be a journeyman Tripple A Player? Love me some Soto!

Jason Grey

  (11:53 AM)

He never should have been sent down in the first place. He'll be back. Far from a Triple-A player, he' a legit 25-30 homer threat in the big leagues.

Mike (Chicago)

What do you think of Garza for the remainder of the year? Serviceable starter?

Jason Grey

  (11:55 AM)

I do, we needed to give him a little time to get up to speed after the nerve irritation in his arm, but he's going to end up being serviceable over the balance of the season.

Ben

Why is everyone so high on Bruce(besides him being top rated minor league hitter), what do you see his stats to be once he's called up?

Jason Grey

  (11:56 AM)

We need another reason? He could put up 15-20 homers and a solid batting average from June on...

Chris (Alabama)

Fuentes has 3 blown saves in 9 opportunities and Corpas has allowed 1 ER in his last 6 IP. Any chance Corpas can get his job back soon?

Jason Grey

  (11:57 AM)

Corpas got the job in the first place and then lost it in the second place because Hurdle has a relatively quick hook with his closers, so it's possible Corpas could get a look in the third place, unless he goes with Taylor Buchholz and his lights-out curveball in the fourth place.

Ron (NYC)

Who is this year's Lincecum? (Mid-season pitcher call up of the year)

Jason Grey

  (12:00 PM)

Kershaw.

Ed - Cranford, NJ

Hi Jason Would you give up either Austin Kearns or Josh Willingham for Juan Pierre? Thanks for your input.

Jason Grey

  (12:00 PM)

Considering both of the guys you mentioned are hurt, and may not be playing for a while, sure!

Jason Grey

  (12:02 PM)

Jason Bay questions: Projected numbers: .270 - 28 HR - 80 RBI - 10 steals... roughly... his HR per FB is back to its previous levels.

Jason Grey

  (12:03 PM)

Time for 3 quick ones... I appreciate all the questions today....

Eric (DC)

Positions aside, who do you like better: Ellsbury or Kinsler?

Jason Grey

  (12:05 PM)

Ellsbury earns more value over the balance of the season.

Moe

What do you think of Jose Contreras going forward?

Jason Grey

  (12:05 PM)

I'm steering clear. I think the bottom is going to fall out eventually.

Rich (Denver)

Brett Myers... bad mechanics, bad pitching, or bad luck?

Jason Grey

  (12:07 PM)

A little bit of bad luck, but his velocity is way down, and that's a concern right now. He says the arm is fine, but we'll see. I'd keep him reserved for now in mixed leagues if I could. Thanks everyone!