Keith Lipscomb

  (3:00 PM)

Hi everyone. It's almost the weekend. Let's talk fantasy.

Sam (Chicago)

Thoughts on Sonnanstine after last night?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:03 PM)

My thoughts on Sonnanstine are the same as they were to start the season. He gives up hits and whether or not he can get double plays and pop ups to get him out of trouble makes a huge difference. He's about a 5.00 ERA guy in my mind. The fact he can work deep into games is what makes him fantasy worthy at all, because you know the lack of Ks don't do it for me.

Mike (NY)

Hey Keith, Okay i have held on to Joba so tell me what to expect when he finally gets to start.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:05 PM)

Nice job being patient, Mike. I think he'll be a good, not great starter. Let's say he makes 20 starts this season, I can see him winning 9-10 games with an ERA in the upper 3s and I'll say a WHIP in the 1.20 range with solid strikeout numbers. But it might take him some time to get his arm up to the point where he's able to pitch into the 8th.

John (Cherry Hill,NJ)

TRADE QUESTION - I give up SHERRILL and PENCE and get JOHAN. Im 2nd in saves and could use the wins,so,ratios

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:06 PM)

You win...More saves will come along at some point, pitchers like Johan don't.

Keith (Philly)

Keith, How do you feel about Torres taking over the closer job in MIL? I've been holding Chad Cordero and R. Soriano on my DL but was considering dropping for Torres, Marmol or Kuo. (Holds don't count in my league) Please help. Thanks for your time.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:08 PM)

I would drop Cordero before I dropped Soriano, first of all. I'm not all that optimistic that Yost will stick with one guy to close in Milwaukee, unless Torres just pitches lights out the first few chances he gets. Remember, when he took Gagne out of the gig earlier for that short stretch, Yost went situational big-time and Brian Shouse was the surprise beneficiary, not Torres or Mota. I still think he could go situational this time around, too. Not a huge fan of any of those arms, really. With Marmol available, though, I'd jump all over him. Look at the pace he's on for strikeouts this year. Just silly!

Brad (Chicago)

I'm in a 10 team head to head mixed league (no keepers). Got an offer to send Chipper, Ludwick, Halladay, and Dempster and get A-Rod and C.C. I need a solid pitcher, and I am deep in batters, should I do it?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:11 PM)

Thanks for pointing out that you're in a 10-team league, because that factors in here. I do the deal, because you're getting two absolute studs that are good in all categories that can contribute in. As much as I like Chipper, you never know if he'll have a more serious injury in the near future. And while Halladay is very effective, the fact that C.C. can give you Ks makes him better. Dempster's pitching over his head and as good as Ludwick has been, you said you had depth, so I say go for it. There will be filler material available on waivers since there are only 10 teams in the league.

Jason (St. Louis, MO)

I have Francoeur and got offered Carlos Quentin straight up... Talk to me.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:13 PM)

I'm not sure their numbers will look a whole lot different in traditional 5x5 leagues at season's end. And since Francoeur's off to a slower start, I think I'd hang onto him and enjoy the upcoming hot streak. Quentin may hit more homers, but I still like Francoeur to hit for a better average.

Ruby (Seattle)

Damon--steady production or inconsistency?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:16 PM)

Outside of a week in April that I can remember, he's been pretty bad so far, in my mind. He'll definitely get the average up soon, but I don't expect him to steal 27 bags again this season. I think 18-22 is more likely. He's one of those guys you have to own for the whole season to appreciate. Otherwise, you could catch a hot streak or miss it.

joe (iowa)

All-Cubs love right here...I was offered Fukudome for DeRosa. It seems like a good deal, the stats are comparable, but I'm very weak in the middle infield spots (Jose Lopez, DeRosa, Barmes) and have a couple of excess OF as it is. The guy really wants DeRosa and I need help in the power/speed departments. Any counter-offer ideas?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:17 PM)

Well, Joe. I don't know the rest of your roster, but you're right about being a little thin in the middle and while I like Fukudome better than DeRosa overall, it's close enough that with your depth in the OF, it's not worth doing at this point.

Matt (springfield, MO)

falling behind in holds and the only guys i can drop are garko, glaus, iwamura, peralta, or kendrick. i hate to drop any of them as it is a deep league. which one do you feel will produce the least from here on out? THanks and keep up the great work.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:20 PM)

Well, I'm not one of the Iwamura fans in fantasy, because he puts up pretty empty numbers overall. Now, he does play which is more than I can say for Kendrick. I think Kendrick could be a beast, but I'd like to see him stay healthy for once. I'm not huge on Peralta, either, but once again, he plays. If you can wait on Kendrick to get healthy, he can really help the BA, so I guess I'd drop Iwamura since he doesn't help you a lot in any one category.

Joe (east tx)

Pronk/C.J. Wilson for Markakis/flyin Hawaiian good trade for me or just a swap of cool nicknames

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:22 PM)

Both, Joe. I like Markakis, very steady. I'm officially concerned about Hafner and there's no guarantee Wilson hangs onto closer duties, so he's a good sell at this point. I like Victorino to pick it up, too.

Jamaal (Washington Twp, NJ)

Keith, what are your thoughts on Alex Gordon? He seems to be improving slowly but surely and I just aquired him along with J-Roll for David Wright? Can I expect his consistency to continue?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:23 PM)

I felt Gordon would take a nice step this season after the disappointment in '07, so I think he'll become more consistent. I think Rollins for Wright straight up is a pretty even deal, so getting Gordon as well is a win for you.

Eric (DC)

I was offered HanRam for Ortiz and BJ Upton in my 12 team league. Is that too much or should I go for it? I do have solid hitting depth.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:27 PM)

I don't know about other factors like positional need and such, but what I like to do when I'm analyzing a trade is project the numbers I'd be getting going forward and what I'd be giving away. You'd be giving away more HRs, RBIs and runs, while the BA won't be a major improvement, because Ortiz will keep improving in that category. I think it's too much, all things being equal.

Rick (SD)

Keith - you starting Oswalt tonight?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:28 PM)

I think I'd hold off, to be honest. If you have limits on starts, I definitely would hold off and save 'em for someone whom you feel more comfortable about their health. That's a pretty good lineup that can take advantage of Oswalt if he's not at 100 percent.

Pitchers (MLB)

Name game in order & why please: Cueto, Burnett, Cabrera?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:30 PM)

Tough one at the top, but I think Burnett can get things figured out and stop walking so many hitters. He edges out Cabrera, who I am buying, by the way. Not striking out as many guys, but I'll take it for the tradeoff of so many fewer walks. Cueto a distant third. Still has a lot to learn at this level.

Conan (Philly)

Need some cheap steals--is it worth dropping Gagne for Gathright, and playing Gathright over Francoeur or Zimmerman?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:34 PM)

I'd really have a tough time playing Gathright over either of those two, even knowing how badly I need steals, personally. He's just not an explosive enough base-stealer for me to do so.

Rob (MS)

Hudson and Santana tonight. I have both in separate leagues. Sit either one?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:35 PM)

No matter what, i wouldn't sit either one. They are must-start guys.

Tom (NY)

Are you buying Connor Jackson's start or sell high for a struggling starter like Oswalt?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:36 PM)

I think Jackson's sell-high period might have already come and gone, really. He's come back to earth some, but I do think he's a .300 hitter overall.

Suzanne (Oak Park, IL)

Francis worth buying low?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:38 PM)

Well, you're definitely not going to have to give up much to get him at this point. He'll be better going forward, but I'm not huge on Rockies pitchers overall and as long as your expectations are crazy, you might wind up happy with what you get from here forward. Just don't give up a lot and you'll be cool. He's definitely better than this.

ANSWER ME

Make me feel better, did I get the better of this trade? Eric Byrnes, Fukedome, Brad Penny for Vlad and Roy Halladay?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:39 PM)

If you got Vlad and Halladay, yes, you get the better of the deal. I'm worried about Byrnes' health and he definitely won't be running much until he heals up. And that was what made him so strong last season.

Chris (SC)

Hey Keith. Please help me sort out my OF in my NL only league (short and long term), as I keep playing the wrong guys on a weekly basis. Please rank: B. Giles, Victorino, Hermida & Hawpe. Thanks.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:42 PM)

Well, I prefer guys who can fill up the stat sheet on a given night. Giles, while he's really hit the ball well and is getting on base a lot, just isn't hitting for power, driving in runs, scoring runs or stealing bases. Does that help you with who I'd sit? I mean, his numbers are similar to Hawpe in all categories except BA and Hawpe's been pitiful so far. I think that will change and they are all pretty close overall, but I'd go Hermida, Victorino, Hawpe, Giles.

Paul (Lincoln, Neb.)

Keith! If you had outfielders to spare, would you trade one of these for A. Gonzalez: Kemp, Hart, McLouth?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:43 PM)

Gonzalez definitely seems to fly under the radar somehow. Not sure how, but yes I would. And since all three of those outfielders can do similar things, I'd deal the one you like least if you can.

Hot Momma

Drop Cuddyer or Jose Guillen to stash Jay Bruce?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:45 PM)

First time being asked a question by Hot Momma. Pretty sure about that...I think I'd drop Cuddyer to do so. I'm sure he'll get it together and put up his normal digits, but I really think Bruce should be able to contribute right away and put up better numbers if given the opportunity. I still think Guillen puts up his 23 HR, 90 RBI and solid average when all is said and done. He can just hit.

Brad (Wichita)

Hey Keith love the chat... Football Keeper Question: (Only 2) Lynch, Turner, Jacobs and Braylon?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:47 PM)

I'm not sure how many teams you've got and what others are keeping, but I think I'd find a way to keep Edwards, since he's higher on my board than either Jacobs or Turner. So, I'd go Lynch and Edwards...if you feel that RBs will be hard to come by in your league and that you can get other high-quality receivers in the draft, then keep Jacobs as your No. 2.

Dave (Fairfield, CT)

Start ESantana tonight?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:48 PM)

For me, Ervin Santana is a must-start at this point. I like him, so I'm a little biased.

Jon (San Diego)

Keith! Does McLouth's plummeting average (.330 last month, 229 in May) portend bad things or no cause for concern?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:50 PM)

I can see why you're concerned, but I think he's probably right in between those figures. No way he's a .300 hitter at this point, so I think .270-.275 is about where he belongs. His power/speed combo makes it easier to tolerate his cold streaks.

Ethan (SF)

Hey Keith - if you had to deal one in a keeper league, who would it be out of Bay, Burrell, Quentin & Fukudome - league penalizes KO's. Thanks!

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:53 PM)

Well, Fukudome is only better than the others in BA and is worse in everything else. Sure, the Bay's and Burrell's may only hit .260, but I think Bay may have already seen his best years and since I have to pick one, I think I'd deal him because you might be able to get more for him than you would for Fukudome.

Pitchers (MLB)

Back to your answer on Burnett, he's got a tough schedule though? Can he get past the NY & Cubs of the MLB world?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:54 PM)

I think Burnett's talented enough to shut down any lineup, so that doesn't concern me with him, really. He was pretty strong against a good Red Sox team a few weeks ago, as a quick example.

Ari (Toronto)

Sheesh, what do you have to do to get a question answered round here? I would have thought "Insider"s get priority...6x6 (OPS + L), and my only non dominant offensive category is SB, and I my closers are Ryan Lyon Rauch Franklin (Smoltz)...I was offered DWright, VGuerrero, and SMarcum for RBraun, JHamilton, and BLyon, and would love your insight. Thanks

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:58 PM)

Lots of questions in here, so sorry that I can't get to as many as I'd like, Ari. Your deal really seems even on the surface, even though you're getting help pitching-wise with the Marcum-Lyon swap. You only need so many saves. I'm just a little concerned that Vlad's body's giving out on him, while Braun and Hamilton are in the prime years. I think it's tough to give up Braun and Hamilton at this point without being totally blown away.

pete (dc)

help me out, let me sneak in for the last question....Are you more worried about Kerry Wood's possible injuries or Sherill possibly being traded to be a set up guy and Balt slowing down? Which one would you deal, which would you keep for the rest of the season?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:59 PM)

It's hard to be concerned about Sherrill being dealt here in May, but I may feel differently in July. And there will always be cause for concern with Wood's health. But if I had to pick which one I'd keep, it would be Wood.

Will (Alabama)

12 team mixed. Drop Gagne for Hawpe?

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:00 PM)

Yes. I don't see Hawpe struggling like this all season and there's no guarantee that Gagne gets his job back, because he hasn't show he can do it very well.

Danny (Miami)

What will happen to Scherzer?

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:01 PM)

I haven't heard the team say anything yet, but I think he's proven he belongs in the majors and could really help the team out of the pen. Maybe the team will feel he's better served continuing to start regularly and send him down, but if I had to guess, I think he stays up and works in relief.

Danny (Miami)

What would you do if you owned Travis Hafner?

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:03 PM)

Besides cry? He doesn't give me a lot of confidence that he's going to put up the big numbers he has in the past, because he's not taking the ball the other way with power like when he's going well. I'm not sure if he's lost bat speed or what, but it's hard to be optimistic in him returning to 30-100 territory right now. You don't have much choice but to play the waiting game. Can't drop him, can't trade him.

Fernando (Pembroke Pines)

Josh Hamilton had a SB yesterday and one today. Is 10-15 SB a possibility for him?

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:05 PM)

He's a good enough athlete that he could run if he wanted to, but I think asking for more than 10 would be getting greedy.

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:05 PM)

Well, that's all the time I've got for this week. Thanks for the many, many questions.