Keith Lipscomb

  (3:01 PM)

What's up, everyone? Hope you're ready for 60 more minutes of fantasy.

DNQ (Seattle)

Hows it going Keith! I wanted your opinion on who you think will perform better for the rest of the year: Votto or Conor Jackson. I am looking to trade one of them for pitching but I am really torn. Would love your insight....Keep up the good work bud!

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:03 PM)

I can see why you're torn. I think they are similar players, but at least Votto's playing time isn't in question. Jackson will probably have to at least share a little with Tracy occasionally. I'd go with Votto the rest of the way.

Richard (Mittelos, MA)

Is Aaron Harang a buy low pitcher right now? Him for Adrian Beltre straight up, who wins?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:05 PM)

I think he is, just because the record looks so unattractive. But we know he's not that bad and he won't be that bad going forward. I think if you trade Beltre to get Harang, you'd be doing quite well.

Ruby (Seattle)

I traded for Wang 4 starts ago and he has been horrible. Should I cut my losses and waive him, bench him, or continue to start him?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:06 PM)

Well, if you traded for him, I think you owe it to yourself not to simply waive him. You know the kind of pitcher he normally is, so he's going through his roughest of patches. You could just bench him until you see positive signs again, but I definitely wouldn't cut him.

Nick (Greenwich, CT)

Hey Keith! I need to upgrade my offense, so I'm willing to deal a good pitcher. Please rank these 3 for the rest of the year: Kershaw, Owings, and Lee!? Which one would give me the best value.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:08 PM)

I think Lee's your safest bet, even if he's not nearly the pitcher he was the first couple of months. He'll still win games and be effective. Owings is second and I think he and Lee aren't too far apart in reality. Kershaw is third because the Dodgers will watch his innings and if he's not going deep into games, he's not as much use to you ... and he's still got lots to learn to pitch at this level.

Moe

Any idea why Jimmy Rollins left today's game?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:10 PM)

There's been no injury announced, unless I missed it... and I saw him on the bench after he left, too. Maybe he's just not feeling up to par. If I see something before the chat is over, I'll definitely update you.

Joel ( Roscommon MI)

Keith, I am dealing Litsch and getting Ankiel. Which side do you like ?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:13 PM)

Well, I'll say this: It's definitely a buy-low time on Ankiel. He's a little banged up and hasn't been tearing it up lately. At the beginning of the season, I went out and said Ankiel would hit 32-35 homers, so I'll take the Ankiel side. Litsch is a steady guy, but doesn't dazzle in the win department or Ks, so it's worth the trade in my opinion.

B0b(Philly)

Rollins didn't run out a flyball so he was benched.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:14 PM)

Thank you, Bob. I was away from the desk when it all went down, so I appreciate the update. I saw Bruntlett's great play to end the 8th, so they haven't missed J-Roll today.

Jeff (Lansing)

Fukudome or Francoeur?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:14 PM)

That's easy for me. I like Francoeur to really pick things up here soon. I think he'll get hot with the weather.

Mike (Indy)

Pujols has been out the past couple games with a sore calf.....any cause for concern? Thanks!

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:16 PM)

I'd be much more concerned if it was his elbow. And since he hit a pinch-hit homer in Game 1 of the double-dip, I think he'll be just fine.

Suzanne (Oak Park, IL)

Ibanez for Helton. Who wins?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:18 PM)

From here forward, I think the Ibanez side wins. That may not be the popular answer, but I've felt Ibanez has been underappreciated in fantasy for quite a while and he is due to get that average up and start driving in some runs here soon. Helton is at .293, which is much closer to what I think he'll hit than Ibanez is.

Mike (Boston,MA)

Keith, your prognostication for David Ortiz the rest of this season? Something like .280 15 50 out of the question...a solid buy low guy?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:20 PM)

It's so hard to guess at this point, so early since Ortiz got hurt. Wrist injuries concern me with power guys like Papi, because even if he's able to return and play, he may not have as quick a bat. Wrists can be delicate and I want to wait to see if he actually returns after a month first. I wouldn't bank on those numbers, personally.

Terence (Union, NY)

Ichiro and A-Ram for Webb and A.Gordon. PLEASE give me your opinion on which side wins.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:21 PM)

I'm assuming you need some sticks, so that's definitely a good deal for you. Ichiro's average has to go up still, doesn't it? You get more steals, more HR pop and even though you give up a stud pitcher, I'm assuming you're in decent shape or you wouldn't be trading him. Big upgrade on offense.

Dan - San Jose

Cole Hamels is back to his usual self, apparently.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:23 PM)

I'm never one to get too bent out of shape about a couple of bad starts by a guy we know is nasty. And Hamels can be that on any night, as we know. He's been kind of hit or miss this season, but he was efficient today, even if it meant fewer Ks.

P(Boston)

Better long term 2b prospect Ian Stewart or Alexei Ramirez?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:25 PM)

The key to me is "long term", so my answer is Ramirez. He's got a lot of room to get better still and to grow (literally). I think he'll fill out and be the starting 2B for the Sox in 2009 for sure, if he hasn't already clinched it at some point this season. No knock on Stewart. He can flat-out hit and is the better guy to have for the next year or two.

Sam (Chicago)

Need a fill-in for Ortiz at 1B. Can get Helton or Giambi via trade. Would you deal Church for Giambi hoping he can fill in the power #'s I'm losing from Ortiz.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:27 PM)

I think I'd try to wait if I could, because I'm not a huge Giambi guy. Sure, he could hit 25 homers, but at a cost in BA and he won't score many runs, either. Church probably comes down some, but I think he's a quality player to have.

Danny (Miami)

Miguel Cabrera or Ryan Braun?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:29 PM)

From here forward, I assume? I don't think Cabrera is toast or anything like that, but Braun's close enough in all categories and has the ability to steal double-digit bases, so I'd take Braun.

Mike (San Jose)

Bruce is 0 for his last 8, time to drop him?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:29 PM)

Yes, clearly the team should've sent him down when they promoted Homer Bailey. Someday, they'll learn.

Steve (Chicago)

Can you answer a question about a player who wasn't picked in the first round? How do you feel about Scott Baker here on out?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:32 PM)

I'm still unsure how the Rockies are going to handle their infield, and while I think they are likely to trade some players to shake things up, I am not all that optimistic about Baker this season. He's striking out way too much for my liking and simply hasn't taken advantage of the opportunities that he has been given yet.

Josh (Boston)

Alex Rios hasn't hit a homer in a month. Any chance he'll finish with 20? Thanks

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:33 PM)

Any chance? Of course. There are still four months left and just by averaging 4 per month, he'd be close. I'm not convinced he's a home run hitter as it is...but I do think he hits between 17 and 20 when all is said and done.

Miller (Atlanta)

My ERA and WHIP are hurting, which 2 help me the most for the rest of the season: Litsch, Jered Weaver, Gavin Floyd.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:36 PM)

Floyd is the wild card here, since it's hard to get a good read on whether he's turned the corner or not in his career. Litsch simply doesn't walk anyone and is a safe, if not sexy, option. I'm willing to say that Floyd outperforms Weaver the rest of the way.

Friendly edit!!!

Keith, Steve in Chicago asked about SCOTT Baker....not Jeff. Scott Baker of the TWINS. So your thoughts on Scott Baker (who pitched pretty well today according to the box)

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:37 PM)

See, that's why I love y'all....keeping me honest and in a friendly way, which is much appreciated. Sorry, Steve in Chicago... Now, on SCOTT Baker...

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:39 PM)

I think he's a decent guy to have at the back end of your rotation in a 5x5, 12-team league, because I don't think he'll hurt you. He may not blow you away, but he's smart and doesn't walk anyone, so he's WHIP-friendly. I like him a lot better than Jeff, too!

Sergio (Moscow)

What do you take away from Homer Bailey's start? Better then expected no? What do you think of him for the remainder of the season?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:42 PM)

Definitely better than expected for me. He's just walked way too many guys the past couple of years and even though he walked four today, he did a nice job in a tough ballpark to pitch in (much like his home park). I'm not all that optimistic for him this season until he shows he can limit the walks, because they will really come back to bite you at this level, especially for a young pitcher. I want to see him progress this season, before I draft him in 2009.

RJ (pittsburgh)

Who would be the better 2B Alexie Ramirez or Iwamura?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:45 PM)

I may be the wrong guy to ask about Iwamura, because I seem to think less of him fantasy-wise than some others. He gives you pretty empty numbers, in my opinion, considering that he bats leadoff. Not a big run-scorer, base-stealer, and as expected, doesn't drive in a lot of runs. I'd take a shot on Ramirez and ride the hot streak and hope he keeps the job on the south side.

Matthew (Philly)

What should I do about with Putz and Oswalt? I just don't ever feel comfortable when they're in my lineup anymore.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:46 PM)

Can't say I blame you, Matthew, especially when it comes to Putz. He just doesn't look right, does he? Every time I watch him, I'm waiting for things to fall apart, which just feels so wrong! With Oswalt, I just can't seem to figure him out. As far as what to do with them, you could throw Putz out there and see what comes back in offers, but you probably won't get what you'd hope.

JB (Memphis)

I need to clear up a DL spot. Is Chris Young going to comeback this year? Is it safe to drop him?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:49 PM)

I'm not sure it's safe to drop him, because the team isn't giving a timetable, but I will say this: the fact that the team is guarding against an infection in his brain is pretty scary. I think it'll still be a while before he pitches again.

Bryan (Hartford, CT)

I don't know if you'll answer a football question but it's worth a shot. Have to choose two keepers from Willie Parker, Graham, LJ, or Selvin Young.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:53 PM)

LJ is the given here, of course, but with Parker not finding the end zone much in '07 and even the addition of Mewelde Moore, I'm a little worried about him this season. I'd hate to have to decide right now, with so much up in the air, but Selvin Young sure is intriguing. I think Graham is not keeper-worthy, even if he scores 10 times again. I'd rather have Parker at this point.

Rob (NY)

Zimmerman or Kouzmanoff once Zimmerman comes off the DL?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:53 PM)

Zimmerman over Kouzmanoff everyday when both are healthy.

Kelly (Buffalo, NY)

Who's a better long term keeper: Volquez or Joba? Thanks!

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:56 PM)

Wow...well, I think too much is being expected of Joba too soon, so it might not be until next season that we start to see consistently strong outings from Chamberlain. Very tough to say 3-4 years from now, and my emotions are getting carried away with Volquez walking fewer guys lately, so I'll have to say him in the next couple years.

Bob (Denver)

Not really a football question, but I bought Peterson for $14 in our keeper league auction last year. LT went for $71. I got laughed at for 'wasting' that money on an injury risk. Best $14 I'll ever spend.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:58 PM)

Yeah, I'd say so. We'll see if he can stay on the field during his career.

Jenkins (Delightsville, MS)

Beltran is killing me, time to trade him, what could I expect in return..1b wise?

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:01 PM)

Well, I still think Beltran will be OK. And while I know watching him everyday has been tough, since I've got him in one league, I expect the numbers to be there at the end like they always are. He was much better in BA after the break last year and the other numbers didn't fall off. It's always hard to say what you could get back in a league, because each league is totally different. All it takes is one owner to make you happy and accept your deal, ya know?

Travis (ATL)

Better draft pick in an AL only 35 keeper dynasty: Lomgoria, Cano, Kendrick

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:02 PM)

Longoria. He'll keep getting better and you'll have him at the hot corner for years to come!

Pete (DC)

Would you drop Max Scherzer in a 10 team mixed league?

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:03 PM)

Yes, I think I would, Pete. He's a middle reliever at this point and the D-backs aren't really pitching him in games in which they have the lead. I like him in the future, but in such a shallow league, there are likely other guys who can help you more.

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:03 PM)

Already...another 60 minutes down in fantasy land. Thanks a lot for the questions (and for the kind corrections, too). Have a great day!