ESPN

Jason Grey

  (11:00 AM)

Hey folks, subbing for Stephania today...will try and get to as many as possible so let's get to it.

Chris (Prague, CZ)

As a prospects guy, what are your comments on Cockcroft's 'All-2012' team. What changes would you make?

Jason Grey

  (11:02 AM)

I thought Tristan did a great job. I haven't sat down and really analyzed it but off the top of my head, 1B Angel Villalona could be emerging at that time, and I think David Price is probably on that list....and Colby Rasmus is a sleeper - but I thought Tristan did a great job.

Jeremy (Idaho)

Which young Twin hurler do you like the most going forward? Slowey or Perkins?

Jason Grey

  (11:03 AM)

Ever so slight edge to Slowey, but I like them both.

Travis (Atl)

I was hoping to ask Ms. Bell cause she's the injury guru but it looks like you took her place, which is fine. Perhaps you can answer this one JG, whats the latest on Figgins' hammy/tendon and do you think this will have an impact on his steals once he actually is healthy

Jason Grey

  (11:05 AM)

There's still a chance he goes right back on the DL this weekend, although he is still hoping to avoid that. Once healthy, I think he will be fine...on a more positive note, Kendrick could be back by Monday if there are no setbacks.

Patrick (marina del rey)

Will David Price be in the Rays rotation anytime soon?

Jason Grey

  (11:06 AM)

I don't see any reason they need to rush him, given the quality of pitchers they have ahead of him in the system. They are loaded with pitching prospects, so they can give him time. So my gut says no, but stranger things have happened.

John Locke, The Casket

Any pitching going to be called up soon that we should know about that would help struggling teams?

Jason Grey

  (11:09 AM)

Some of the usual suspects: Masterson, Bailey, Happ, Charie Morton, the twins AAA starters (if they need them), Volstad

Steve(Boston)

Jason when Headley gets the call should I drop Kouz and start Headley? Thnaks

Jason Grey

  (11:10 AM)

No, because if Headley gets the call, Kouz is still going to be playing and his bat is heating up lately.

Smoky the Bear

Is Sean Gallagher a legit starter or is he place holder and back in the minors by ASB?

Jason Grey

  (11:11 AM)

He's a legit 3rd starter in the big leagues - a 55 on the 20-80 scouting scale.

Michael (Portland, ME)

How far away is Angel Villalona? Would he be called up in September so I can nab him in my keeper league?

Jason Grey

  (11:12 AM)

He's still a ways away, and I don't see him called up this September...however, no hitter in the minors may have bigger upside. The issue is that he has a few years of development ahead of him.

Tom (SoCal)

Jason,Latest news on Howie Kendrick and Smoltz, Will they both be active this weekend?

Jason Grey

  (11:12 AM)

I think both teams are targeting Monday, but maybe this weekend for Kendrick, we'll see.

Jason Grey

  (11:17 AM)

Kershaw questions: The one league I own him in with daily transactions I am starting him tonight, for what that's worth. Jason Schmidt is pitching in the low minors on a rehabd assignment, so even though i don't have a lot of faith in Schmidt, Kershaw's spot is not guaranteed. However, a lot can happen in a few weeks (someone else gets hurt, etc.) - we'll see.

Jason Grey

  (11:17 AM)

Eveland questions: I'm not getting too worried about it. He had poor command last night, and has really had just two bad starts out of eleven. I'm not panicking.

NL Only Help!

Some new names cropping up with potential contributions to be made. Can you tell us a little about some guys like Andy Laroche and Jorge Campillo? Are they worth grabbing? Where does Charlie Morton rate on the scale?

Jason Grey

  (11:20 AM)

LaRoche is getting on-base at a ridiculous pace at Triple-A, but DeWitt is still hitting so there is no urgency for LA to make a move. Campillo's changeup is nasty, but I still prefer Morton now that he finally has found mechanics that work for him and maximize his pitches. I do like Campillo in the rotation, though. He's legit.

John (KC)

Trade question: Which side is better in a vacuum--hamilton and grienke for Brandon webb.Thanks

Jason Grey

  (11:20 AM)

FIrst side.

Danny (Miami)

Eric Byrnes somehow hurt both of his hamstrings. Before I ask how that is possible, why is he on the DL? He had been hitting better befor they shut him down and he said that he felt fine. Will he return after the 15 days like he was quoted as was his plan or will this be an extended trip?

Jason Grey

  (11:22 AM)

He actually tweaked one as far back as right before ST, and then while trying to compensate for it, he tweaked the other one. He could play right now if he had to, but considering he's been battling it all year, the team wanted to give him enough rest to calm things down once and for all....I would bet he's back as soon as he's eligible.

Josh (Philly)

Who closes for Oakland after Street is traded? Devine or Casilla?

Jason Grey

  (11:23 AM)

Casilla was next in line before getting hurt, though he just got clearance to start throwing again. Until he shows he's back, it's Devine.

Josh (VA)

Jason, love your stuff. If you needed offensive help and had pretty good pitching depth would you trade Lackey for Rios? Rios is a pretty solid buy low guy right?

Jason Grey

  (11:25 AM)

I think he's a buy low guy, but I don't know about pretty solid. His K rate is up sharply and he's hitting a ton more grounders, which have limited his power. It would seem to me you can do slightly better for giving up Lackey.

Billy the Marlin

What do you think of Andrew Miller? Is he getting better and worth starting or is he overratted? If Galagher's a 55, what's Miller?

Jason Grey

  (11:27 AM)

Well, there's a difference...Miller's probably a 60, but that's a future grade. I said at the beginning of the season the Marlins were rushing him just like the Tigers did, and that turned out to be the case. There's been improvement recently, but I still have my doubts. The difference is that Gallagher is ready now, while Miller isn't quite there, despite the bigger long-term upside.

David (Tampa)

Are there any big callups on the horizon? Where is the next Braun at??

Jason Grey

  (11:29 AM)

Just came up...guy by the name of Bruce. The next Brauns are rare; we've been spoiled the last couple of years. Headley is probably the potential impact bat that is closest, with Snider, Rasmus, and LaPorta further away (likely next year)

Hal (Detroit)

What do you think are Butler's chances are for turning things around after being sent down? WIll he be back soon and offer some good output?

Jason Grey

  (11:31 AM)

It was a puzzling move. I realize they want him to find his power stroke, but he wasn't overmatched at the big league level, posting a low K total. I can't imagine him being down for that long, and I do think he'll return and hit well. He's too good of a hitter not to.

Chad (High Point, NC)

How far away do you think Cameron Maybin is from actually being a viable major leaguer? He seems to have very poor plate discipline in the minors. Can his talent pull him through to the majors for the long haul?

Jason Grey

  (11:34 AM)

Well, there's the rub. I see why everyone is so high on Maybin. His physical tools are amazing and he can be a five-category roto guy, and at least the Marlins did the right thing by not rushing him, but he's strike out 200 times at the big league level right now, without the compensating power. He's still a work in progress. I think he's two years away from really making an impact, though he could steal bases right away.

Mike(Indy)

Hey Jason. I'm in need of Catcher HELP. I am growing tired of I-Rod's low power production. Would Barajas or D. Navvaro(TB) be a good option. Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (11:36 AM)

I'm not sure either of those other options is providing you what you're looking for.

Dr. Peter Venkman (Paranormal Pschology)

And the flowers are still standing! How about Carlos Gomez, he has taken some more walks in the past week and he seems to be swinging well. Is he a sell high guy; or do you see him maintaing or improving his current pace?

Jason Grey

  (11:37 AM)

I'm hanging on to Gomez wherever I own him. I don't own him any OBP leagues, so all I care about is the steals and a BA that won't kill me. The rest is just a bonus.

Dennis, Boston Ma

Jason,The phillies haven't used a sixth starter all year but will likely a need to.. You mentioned Happ earlier is he worthy of a roster spot in a deep NL only... Where would you rate him in comparison to Volstad and Morton? or even carrasco?

Jason Grey

  (11:38 AM)

For just this year, I rate them: Morton, Happ, Carrasco, Volstad. Carrasco has looked good at Double-A, so you never know if Philly might want to jump him to the bigs directly, but I guess they would likely go for Happ first.

Tim (MD)

Other ESPN analysts dont seem to trust Justin Duchscherer for the long hall. In your opinion, is he a sell high?

Jason Grey

  (11:39 AM)

I don't think you get enough in return to make it worth your while. I would just ride it out for as long as it lasts.

Alex (Jefferson City, MO)

Which player in the upcoming draft are you most looking forward to watching play professionally?

Jason Grey

  (11:42 AM)

He's not my #1 prospect ion the draft, but I'm anxious to see how Buster Posey adjusts to professional pitching.

Tom (new york)

but the phillies also have kris benson waiting in the wings. could he have any impact?

Jason Grey

  (11:43 AM)

I don't see that happening. He'll get a chance, maybe sometime in July, but I don't think he'll do anything with it.

Jason Grey

  (11:43 AM)

McGowan questions: yes, starting him tonight.

Gray (Chicago)

Any word on Chone Figgins?

Jason Grey

  (11:44 AM)

I addressed this earlier in the chat.

Jake (Austin)

Jason, any word on the Matt Clement's status? He was supposed to start a rehab assignment in April, but I haven't seen any news on him in ages.

Jason Grey

  (11:45 AM)

Hasn't pitched in a game yet, and even when starts to, is a non-fantasy factor.

Jack (Phoenix)

Brett Myers starts tonight against the Marlins. In your opinion, do you think he'll turn it around this season, or is he as bad as his numbers indicate?

Jason Grey

  (11:46 AM)

It depends if he is just going through a dead arm period or if there is something else that hasn't been diagnosed yet. His inconsistent velocity is troubling and makes it tough to project a rebound until that is not an issue anymore.

Jack (Chicago)

Someone in one of these chats said they rank Votto ahead of Prince, Crazy talk? What do you think of Votto? Better than Jackson and Loney? Thanks

Jason Grey

  (11:49 AM)

Not necessarily crazy talk, but I do still rank Fielder ahead of Votto. I might put Jackson slightly ahead of Votto for the balance of the season, but I wouldn't argue it hard. Loney brings up the rear on that list.

Jason Grey

  (11:51 AM)

Ian Stewart questions - I think the Rox have found their second baseman. Enough said. With all the wrist issues he's had, I'm not certain is power ceiling is what others think it is, but he can certainly hit.

Steve (MA via East Hartford)

Any word on Hafner's shoulder and/or his general loss of talent?

Jason Grey

  (11:53 AM)

He's hitting more LD , less FB, and his HR per Flyball rate is sharply down - both potential indicators that his shoulder has been a bigger issue than first thought. It's tough to expect a huge bounce back right now.

Brad (Philly)

Please rate Jamie Moyer on the 20-80 scouting scale.

Jason Grey

  (11:54 AM)

What's his age again? There you go :-)

Zach (PA)

Any word on Furcal's return from the DL?

Jason Grey

  (11:55 AM)

Potentially Tuesday or Wednesday was the last word I heard.

Holds Guy (MLB)

Who should I target for HOLDS to name a few?

Jason Grey

  (11:58 AM)

Besides the obvious answer of primary setup guys, and not knowing who is available in your league, look at two categories of players: Situational lefties, and relieves on teams where the starters don't always go deep into the ball game - (cards, KC, off the top of my head, though I haven't looked at any numbers on that front)

John (NY)

Callis and KLaw say Kershaw > Hamels. From a fantasy perspective, do you agree?

Jason Grey

  (11:58 AM)

Long term - Kershaw's upside and raw stuff is better than Hamels. Hamels probably has him for the next year or two, though.

John (PVD)

Jason,Will Seattle recall Jeff Clement within the next month. He's hitting a ton in AAA...

Jason Grey

  (11:59 AM)

Perhaps my biggest fantasy pet peeve right now. No way he should have been sent down in the first place. I'd like to say yes, but who knows what's going on with that team. I mean Jose Vidro is hitting 3rd.

Brad (Philly)

Jason, when you're asked to evaluate players in a vacuum, isn't the correct answer that, in a vacuum, both players would die of suffocation and therefore they would provide equal fantasy value?

Jason Grey

  (12:00 PM)

I had to post that. Well played, sir.

Jason Grey

  (12:01 PM)

I have time for three more, thanks for all the interest, I appreciate it - sorry I couldn't get to more.

Sean (MPLS)

Are you getting so few or such bad questions that you really need to answer with "I answered that earlier in the chat"?

Jason Grey

  (12:02 PM)

I still had a ton of Figgins questions coming up in the queue, so was trying to head off any more.

Dan (NY)

Is Justin Upton out of his slump after homering last night and going 1 for 2 the night before?

Jason Grey

  (12:03 PM)

That was such a pretty bad slump (0-for-26, 17 K's) - that I didn't expect it to continue much longer, so I would think so.

Jason Grey

  (12:05 PM)

Accidetnlly deleted a question about Dye, Votto, and Pena: I go Votto, Pena, Dye.

Justin ( Boston )

Quick one: Garza, Campillo or Eveland best second half?

Jason Grey

  (12:06 PM)

Close, but Garza.

Jason Grey

  (12:06 PM)

Thanks everyone, I will be chatting again next Wednesday.