ESPN

Eric Karabell

  (11:00 AM)

Hello there and welcome to another fantasy baseball chat session. Thanks for joining us, let's get to the questions...

Brent (Opelika, AL)

rest of the year: Todd Helton or Conor Jackson?

Eric Karabell

  (11:14 AM)

Sorry about that, of all times for us to have our first FIRE DRILL like ever... OK...let's go.

Alex (Gloversville, NY)

With the Jay Bruce hype at an all time high, would you look to deal him? If so, what would be an outfielder that would be reasonable to ask for in return?

Eric Karabell

  (11:15 AM)

I think Jay Bruce is for real, for a few reasons. He can take walks, he has speed, he hits lefties. This guy doesn't have the raw power Ryan Braun has, but he could make that kind of impact in 4 months this year. I'm seeing people trade really good players to get him, and I kind of agree. Top 50 players.

Tom (SF, CA)

Fire drill? Josh Hamilton must be in the building...

Eric Karabell

  (11:16 AM)

It's true, and yes, hard to believe. Speaking of Hamilton, he's got 58 RBIs in 54 games. That's hard to believe. And really, his other numbers look fine in comparison, which means he's not a true sell-high guy to me. He's legit, too. Might be like the Miggy Tejada 150-RBI season. Good overall stats, but didn't need to swat 50 homers to get there.

RJ (NY)

Is Bengie Molina in your Top 5 at Catcher now?

Eric Karabell

  (11:17 AM)

No, not quite there yet, but he was always top 10 and it's not like that many catchers are so valuable. When I wrote the Geo Soto lovefest blog a month ago, people laughed at me. He's clearly top 5 now, right? Mauer still hasn't homered, Posada is a big question mark, I'd say Molina is right around 6-7 at the position.

Steve (Midland Park, NJ)

Is Snell going to turn it around or would you rather have Bergmann, Cabrera, Mussina or Dushererer?

Eric Karabell

  (11:19 AM)

I'm quickly losing patience in Snell, and I've seen him dropped in a few leagues of mine, and nobody seems too interested in getting him. Walk rate is exploding, to me it means he's hiding an injury and this isn't going to suddenly get better. I'd take my chances with Daniel Cabrera over him. Duchscherer is good right now, but I'd worry when he tops 150 innings. When has he ever done this?

Jay (ATL)

Percival to the DL?

Eric Karabell

  (11:20 AM)

Hasn't happened yet, and I don't want to assume it will. He apparently had a hammy problem for a week, and pitched through it. This could be a tweak, and he needs the weekend to heal. Or he could be out a month. I think Dan Wheeler is next, by the way, not Al Reyes. Wheeler has pitched better. I hope for Tampa's sake, and this magical tale so far, losing Percival doesn't wreck the whole bullpen structure and ruin the hot start.

Zach (Lockport, NY)

If Joba does indeed make his first start Tuesday night at home, what should be expected from him fantasy wise?

Eric Karabell

  (11:22 AM)

I don't think the Yankees have stretched Joba Chamberlain out enough for him to throw more than 70 or 75 pitches next week. Last night was supposed to be a 50-pitch outing, but because of game circumstances, he didn't get to 30. So I would expect Joba does indeed start Tuesday, but doesn't top 60 or so pitches. Tough to win that way, but certainly he is much more valuable to both the Yankees and fantasy owners as a starting pitcher.

Clyde (Long Island)

Alexi Casilla: Can he keep up the hot start? What do you project for him?

Eric Karabell

  (11:23 AM)

I had a shot to get Casilla in a really deep league over the weekend, and it had to be a second baseman, and I blew it. Waited too long, someone else got in there. Then I found Jerry Hairston sitting there, went to plan B and so far, so good. Casilla should be a 25-steal guy who hits for a decent average, but he hasn't done it in past chances. He is now. I'm cautious on him, but so far so good.

Rick (Houston)

could you please answer the first question? rest of the year CoJack or Helton?

Eric Karabell

  (11:25 AM)

Oh, sorry, forgot about that one. The fire drill just has me all bent outta shape. I'm going to take Conor Jackson actually. I saw a lot of Helton recently, watching the Phillies series, and all he is is a walker and occasional gap guy. There is no power there, home or road. Maybe Helton hits .310 with 75 RBIs, 15 homers. Jackson can top that in each case, and has upside.

Rob (DC)

Another Bruce question, sorry! What do you think final stat line will be. Would you deal him for Maggs or (if i can get away with it) J Ham or Carlos Lee

Eric Karabell

  (11:27 AM)

I don't think I would deal any of those outfielders to get Bruce. I expect maybe 20 homers, maybe 15 steals for Bruce, and a .275 average. Might look a bit like what Hunter Pence did a year ago, though I think Bruce is better. Ordonez is still safer, though, and Hamilton and Lee definitely are at this point.

Eric (Fort Collins CO)

Hey Eric, do you expect Quentin to keep producing like this? I really need pitching and was considering trading him for Sabathia. Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (11:28 AM)

I do expect Quentin to keep this up, and go for maybe 32 and 110, but that doesn't mean he's not worth Sabathia. C.C. is pitching fine now, and if that's your need, you make the deal. It's certainly a fine time to move Quentin while he's among the leaders in power. Overall, the AL kinda stinks for fantasy stats, though. It's not just me, look at the proof. A .330 average gets you a batting title, and other than Hamilton and Quentin what hitters are going off?

Martin (Philly)

Projections for Dan Wheeler, please???

Eric Karabell

  (11:29 AM)

Impossible to say. If Percival goes on the DL, Wheeler gets saves. If not, he doesn't. In a vacuum say Wheeler is a 75-inning guy with a 3.00 ERA and 25 holds, and he could get save opps if things go his way.

Danny (Erie, PA)

Hey, Eric, who wins this keeper league trade: A-Rod/Ellsbury for Hamilton/Bruce/Longoria. Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (11:30 AM)

Wow, three keepers for two, and all good options. A-Rod is the best player in the game, though, so I have to say that side of the deal. Plus, Ellsbury can swipe 40 bags if he wants.

Thitiphong (Quincy, MA)

Should I drop Travis Hafner and add Jason Giambi?

Eric Karabell

  (11:31 AM)

I have very little confidence in Hafner moving forward. Even if he does avoid the DL stint, his shoulder, his elbow, you name it, his body is acting a lot older than it really is. Last year was the new baseline for his stats, and that makes him overrated. Be careful. Giambi is better now, but again, he's not exactly safe. Could hit 30 homers I suppose, but with a .250 average.

Andrew (OH)

A guy in my league is offering me Kazmir for Guerrero. I needs W's, is this a good deal for me?

Eric Karabell

  (11:32 AM)

It's no surprise that Vladimir is struggling a bit, but don't assume this lasts all year. He should hit .300 and get the RBI total up there. But he can't steal bases, and health is a concern. If you really need pitching, Kazmir can help you. The Rays aren't going to go away.

Mike in Florida

Should I use a top waiver on a recently dropped Justin Upton?

Eric Karabell

  (11:33 AM)

He just hasn't made the proper adjustments after hitting .400 for the first few weeks. His double on Wednesday was his first since the first game of May. He hasn't stolen a base yet, and he might strike out 150 times. There's great talent lurking, though, so it depends who you drop to get him. I think he will get hot soon and figure this slump out.

Dan (Iowa)

Should I trade Ryan Theriot for Alex Rios? I could use the SS, but this is too good to pass up. Isn't it?

Eric Karabell

  (11:35 AM)

Yeah, it probably is too good to pass up, though Rios is a bit of a disappointment so far. Where's the power? Is this all there is? Still, Theriot isn't hitting .320 all season, so make the deal.

Jason (Long Beach, CA)

Name game...Bruce, Ludwick, and Church. Have to pick two.

Eric Karabell

  (11:35 AM)

I leave Church out. Solid player, nice complimentary option for the Mets and you, but Ludwick is a 30-homer guy and Bruce a 20/20 threat.

Delmon(Young)

Am I a total bust or will I catch fire shortly??

Eric Karabell

  (11:38 AM)

You tell us, Delmon? Man, what a disappointment. I admit, I got roped in on this guy. I thought a 20-25 homer season coming, that all he needed was a change of scenery. Garza fans 10 last night and it sure looks like Tampa won this trade. Young is slugging .328. That's Omar Vizquel territory. There's talent here, no question, but at this point, I don't expect 20 HR. If you've waited 2 months, keep waiting on him.

Suzanne (Oak Park, IL)

Encarnacion is enfuriating. Drop him for Kouzmanoff? Wait for Blalock to come of DL? or stick with Edwina?

Eric Karabell

  (11:40 AM)

He sure is frustrating to own. I'd probably let him go at this point. Don't be shocked if Jeff Keppinger is playing 3B for the Reds in a few weeks, and Encarnacion is not. I'd take Kouzmanoff and Blalock over him at this point.

Danny (Chula Vista, CA)

Jon Rauch - discuss, please.

Eric Karabell

  (11:41 AM)

Safe closer for now, but the Nats have to get something from Chad Cordero in trade, so if he gets healthy, he has to pitch some important innings. I'd like to see Rauch keep the job all year, and I'd expect around 30 saves. I'll stick with that.

Joe (Waterloo)

Ian Stewart.... What do you project for him if he stays at 2b regularly?

Eric Karabell

  (11:42 AM)

As a multiple Stewart owner, I'm hoping he can hit at this level. It's too early to tell. The fact he could get 2B elig in a week is so enticing though. I would wait for him, even if he does not hit this week. Give him a few series at Coors and see what he does. He should hit, but let's not assume he's a 20-homer bat yet.

Joel (Roscommon, MI)

Do you see Chris B Young swiping more bases this year

Eric Karabell

  (11:43 AM)

He hasn't run much so far, but I still think he's got more than 20 in him. And so far my preseason projection of a .260 average isn't looking good, but give him time. He is taking walks, so that's a start.

Jimmy (Northport, NY)

Great stuff Eric. Over/Under 16 Wins for Harang

Eric Karabell

  (11:44 AM)

Under. Good pitcher, 200 innings, say 180 Ks, but under on those wins. Even though the Reds do have a bright future and should win half their games.

Clark (WV)

EK, I'm your biggest fan in all of the land. Now tell me please, would a strong start by Campillo today convince you that maybe we could be seeing a Francisco Liriano of 2006 type year out of Campillo, just with less K's? Their numbers outside of the K's and GB/FB ratio is staggeringly similiar, if not favors Campillo through his first 30 innings this year and Liriano's first 30 innings of 2006. Thoughts?

Eric Karabell

  (11:46 AM)

Can't go with you here. I will never, ever predict someone doing what Liriano did that season. It was improbable, and awesome. Campillo is off to a nice start, but the minor league numbers don't add up. Plus, I'm not sure he's even a starter long-term. Not a bad spot start today, but be careful.

Karabell Fans (Worldwide)

Were you supposed to post your out-of-the-box column before or after this chat?

Eric Karabell

  (11:46 AM)

I sent it in, the editors post. And by the way, thanks to everyone who wished me well on my vacation last week. I needed it. Of course, I wouldn't mind another one soon... but glad to be back and writing. Blog coming tomorrow.

don (china Grove, NC)

do you think smoltz be effective in bullpen

Eric Karabell

  (11:47 AM)

I think he will return in the next 10 days and be effective, but long-term, meaning the final four months, I have serious doubts he can stay on the mound. I think Soriano ends up getting double digit saves as well.

Lee (NY)

would u trade Braun and Tejada for HanRam?...i already have Arod and Miguel Cabrera...

Eric Karabell

  (11:49 AM)

Nothing against Hanley, but Braun and Tejada is a lot to trade. In that case I'll take the depth. I know you want all the stars you can get, but Braun is a first-round talent. Just wait, the numbers are going to get better, though I doubt he runs much.

Alan (Alabama)

Which Reds pitcher do you like for more Ks/Wins from here on: Volquez or Harang?

Eric Karabell

  (11:50 AM)

I'll still take Harang on both, but I am not of the mind Volquez all of a sudden falls apart. His ERA ends up around 3, but he's been consistent for two months. He's worth it.

Bill (Boston)

Eric, you da man...Tough trade decision. Which would you rather. Hanley, Longoria and Kemp or David Wright and Jeter?

Eric Karabell

  (11:50 AM)

The Hanley side would be my preference. Plus, Longoria hasn't even begun to hit for average or run a bit. It's going to get a lot better.

Joe : (NJ)

Braun and Soriano gonna ever start running??? Who u like the rest of the year Kendrick or Pedroia and in the SB department!?! thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (11:52 AM)

I take the under on 20 steals for all these players. Braun can swipe 15 if he wants. Soriano is afraid to get hurt, so he ends up near 20 or so. Kendrick is not a runner. He can't even stay healthy. Under 10 for him. And under 10 for spunky, helpful Pedroia. You need to find steals elsewhere.

Jeremy (DC)

Lance Berkman already has a career 10 SB's does he have 20-25 steal potential?

Eric Karabell

  (11:53 AM)

I believe just about anyone CAN steal 20 bases if they want to. There are always situations in which a guy, even one who isn't particularly spry like Berkman, can run if he chooses. Berkman is always on base, as well, and he wants to stay out of double plays, since Tejada, when he hit behind him, and Lee, who still does, are prime double play guys. Berkman can steal 20, but I say he gets tired of doing this soon and ends around 15 or so.

dave (dc)

who worries you more for the rest of the season; Kerry Wood's injury history or George Sherrill possibly being traded to set up/ Balt slowing down as a team? Which would you try to sell now?

Eric Karabell

  (11:54 AM)

I don't think Sherrill is going to be traded. I think the Orioles love the fact they are actually competitive, and it's not like Sherrill, being 31 years old, would bring a windfall of talent in return. He's a 35-save closer for the O's. Wood is too, but of course I always think an injury is coming. It's two months now, so far so good! What worried me more? It would be Kerry Wood.

Samer (Austin, TX)

Would you drop Kotchman for Votto?

Eric Karabell

  (11:56 AM)

Yeah, I would. One guy hit for power in April and has cooled off, the other is a 30-homer threat who can swipe a base. No question.

Matt (DC)

So whatever happened to that Corey Patterson prediction?

Eric Karabell

  (11:56 AM)

You got me. I was right that Patterson would be given plenty of chances, and that he would hit for power and run, but he just couldn't get on base. So it didn't work out.

Mark (St. Paul)

What's going on with Figgins? Will he get healthy and be productive?

Eric Karabell

  (11:58 AM)

I sure hope so. Thing is, as a Figgins owner, I want him sitting now so he can be 100 percent healthy and steal a lot of bases in the future. Sit this week, I'm for it, and avoid the DL, then steal 40 more bases. That's what we want.

pete (ny)

last question!!!do you hold on to manny acosta? Its not crazy to think smoltz and soriano both get hurt again.

Eric Karabell

  (11:59 AM)

It's not crazy, but then again, Acosta pitched the sixth-seventh innings in a recent game, and neither Soriano-Smoltz were active. So Acosta really isn't a closer, even now.

Eric Karabell

  (12:00 PM)

OK, that is all the time we have been given for today. Thanks for the thousands of questions, I did get to as many as I could, once I was permitted back in the building! Anyway, another chat comes up later with the very underrated Keith Lipscomb, so tune in then. Adios!