Buzzmaster

  (3:01 PM)

Jason will be here soon!

Jason Grey

  (3:01 PM)

Hey everyone. Thank for tuning in and taking some time out of your day. Busy queue of questions already so let's dispense with the pleasantries and get right to it...

Curt Schilling Beantown

Hey Grey Matter! Greetings from Fenway! While i'm on the shelf i've been trying to win my league - Just how high are you on my teammate Justin Masterson? Please compare him to Garrett Olson, Aaron Laffey, Mark Buehrle and Dana Eveland for the rest of the season. Schill

Jason Grey

  (3:02 PM)

I like him a lot, but it's tough to put him ahead of Laffey and Eveland, only because he's not staying in the rotation when Dice-K returns, and the amount of future starts he's going to get in uncertain.

Fast Eddie (Ames,Iowa)

Jason: Hamilton & McGowan for Vernon Wells & Roy Halladay. Which side do you prefer?Stand pat?

Jason Grey

  (3:02 PM)

Stand pat.

Bob (TB)

Talk to me about Justin Upton. Is he worthy of being a keeper in a league that keeps 5? I have Kemp, Markakis, Hamilton, and Ellsbury in my OF as well. Please rank them for me since I can't decide. Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (3:02 PM)

I address Upton in my clipboard today. I'm sticking with him, perhaps reserving him on the road for the present. For keeper leagues, no question I hang on.

Brendan (Philly)

Jason, I am pleading for some input from you. I am torn at 3B...so what is your input on this: Glaus or Crede for the remainder of the season?

Jason Grey

  (3:02 PM)

Probably Crede, but it's close.

Danny (Athens, GA)

Hey Jason - I'm in desperate need of steals, thus the reason why Joey G from KC is on my roster. Randy Winn is available in my league. He has fewer steals but much better overall stats. Should I drop Gaithright and pick up Wynn?

Jason Grey

  (3:03 PM)

If we're talking desperation you need the highest amount of SB potential on your roster, so that means Gathright.

ddd

ddddddd

Jason Grey

  (3:03 PM)

eeeeeeee

Austin (Boston, MA)

Could you talk about Kuroda, was his outing last week a fluke or a sign of this to come? Worth dropping Owings for? Thank you.

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

He's flashed this kid of ability in more than one outing; when he has his splitter working and command of it, he can get an awful lot of hitters chasing in the dirt. He doesn't always have it though. Dropping Owings? Hmm, tough call. Six of one, half a dozen of the other. Owings will get more K's but Kuroda will have a better ERA. Depends on what your category needs are.

Dave (Raleigh)

Please help settle an argument...Wolf or Snell the rest of the way this season?

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

Snell. I don't trust Randy Wolf at all.

Barry Bonds

What team do you think is going to call me this season? When do you think I will play? I am really bored sitting home with no friends...

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

Nobody is going to call you. You're done.

Dan, Boston, MA

Jason: We can always depend on you for a different slant. What do you see Grienke and Burnett doing the remainder of the season? Both are killing my WHIP/ERA. Would some combination of Danks or A. MIller be along with a top middle reliever (Kuo? Bucholz?) produce better results?

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

Will cover Greinke in the next question. Burnett's hit rate is high, so that's not helping him and should correct a bit, and he's slowly making progress at getting the feel for his curveball again, so I am optimistic. I'd probably stay the course.

kevin plymouth ma

drop greinke for cook must keep rest of year

Jason Grey

  (3:05 PM)

No, I'd stick with Greinke for the balance of the season. Greinke's had a couple of bumps in the road lately, but he's still the better pitcher going forward

Mike (Washington DC)

I just read the great writeup in "Out of the Box" on Justin Masterson. How real is he?

Jason Grey

  (3:06 PM)

He's legit. His sinker is a real heavy ball and he can get grounders at a 3:1 ratio. There are some comparisons to Derek Lowe. But again, he's the odd man out in the rotation soon unless something else happens.

richard(brentwood)

who would you rather grab, josh banks, or manny parra?

Jason Grey

  (3:06 PM)

Parra, Banks is a mirage that will soon get exposed.

Brian, Spokane, WA

Is Cody Ross a Legit 30 homer 100 RBI guy and should he be owned in a 10 team mixed league?

Jason Grey

  (3:06 PM)

No, he's having a little success opening up his swing in a David Ross-type fashion, but he' not that kind of hitter, nor really even Ryan Ludwick. 10-team mixes is too shallow to consider him.

Barrett (boston)

Rest of the way Mark Reynolds, Jorge Cantu, or Evan Longoria?

Jason Grey

  (3:06 PM)

Longoria

Mike SAn fran

What do you think of Juan Pierre Vs. The padres pitching staff. Lots of SB?

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

Running against Michael Barrett and a staff that generally doesn't worry a whole lot about holding runners? That's a good matchup.

Mike (SAN DIAAAGO)

Hey Jason, I had an interesting question for you. If you have 4-5 capable players that could be moved around, are you in the camp that recommends moving your fantasy roster around based on match-up or keeping most of the players starting the whole week

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

For the most part, I try and keep a set lineup and let things play out as much as possible, unless there is a really overwhelming matchup scenario (two series against poor rotations, an extra game on the schedule, etc.)

Brett (Chicago)

Is Alexei Ramirez legit? Maybe 15 hrs 15 sbs from here on out.

Jason Grey

  (3:08 PM)

Lots of Ramirez questions..Yes, he's legit - Wrote about him as legit right after his first spring training game. Have another piece on him today that just got posted (Chien-Ming Wang article) - You are high on the SB's, but he can hit 20 homers given 500 at-bats.

Monroe, Wa

Rios or Wells?

Jason Grey

  (3:08 PM)

Wells, but it's close, and if you could really use steals, I'd go Rios.

John (Tuscaloosa, AL)

Harang- its going to get better...isn't it!? His opponents AVG, HR Rate, and flyball rate are all up!

Jason Grey

  (3:08 PM)

But only slightly, except for opponents average, which is being driven by a high BABIP...BB/K ratio is steady. I'm not incredibly worried. His stuff looks fine.

dan (cincinnati)

Good morning Jason, Do you like Danks today? His only poor start this season was against the Twins at home (7 ER).

Jason Grey

  (3:09 PM)

We're already well into that game, but for reference, in the 12 team mixed that I own Danks in, he's starting for me every time out.

Jake, Viroqua WI

Is there any talk of Jeff Clement getting another shot any time soon? Any word on why SD is not calling up Headley?

Jason Grey

  (3:10 PM)

There's no reason either should still be in the minors. Clement leads all of the minors in OBP and slugging - it's ridiculous the M's are still wedded to Jose Vidro. I'm sure they didn't want to start Headley's clock yet, and the word is they want him to continue to work on his outfield defense, but the bat is ready. Frustrating for fantasy owners.

Chris (Prague, CZ)

Hi Jason! Who's your pick for Euro 08? Also, 2 3B questions: 1) Which is the 'real' Mark Reynolds? The one who can hit or the one who stinks?; 2) Where the heck is Chase Headley?!

Jason Grey

  (3:10 PM)

I'm going with Spain. Reynolds is a .240-.250 hitter. That's what he is, but there is pop there. His PT could be squeezed going forward though. Already addressed Headley, wish I had a better answer for you.

Steve (Boston)

Jason, you seem a wiz with the minor leaguers, so here goes. Who do you think is the next impact minor leaguer to get the call this year?

Jason Grey

  (3:10 PM)

Assuming guys like Clement who have already been up don't count, Headley. (sensing a theme here?) For pitchers, maybe Charlie Morton. I'm not sure David Price makes the big leagues this year, but I could be wrong.

JT (orlando)

I thought I made a decent trade of C.Young and Dempster for Harang and Kendrick. Unfortunately, this no longer appears to be the case. Thoughts and reassurance?

Jason Grey

  (3:11 PM)

Reassurance given... I think you'll be fine by the time it all plays out.

Doug (Boston)

name game: kent or polanco for ret of season and why?

Jason Grey

  (3:11 PM)

Kent, because he can provide a bit more than an empty batting average, and his ending batting average should be just fine. Close call (of course, that's why you asked the question in the first place)

Jimmy (Troy Hills,NJ)

WHat kind of bat can i get back for Linecum? He is the a great sell high candidate?

Jason Grey

  (3:12 PM)

I wouldn't be looking to deal Lincecum, unless you get a top-tier bat in return. A stud player across the board. What kind of deal you can get for him depends on what the market will bear. Float his name around and see what the best offer is and go from there.

Russ (SAV, GA)

Will Cain or McGowan ever turn the corner? Should I drop one of them for Floyd, Contreras, Rasner or Campillo who are on the wire?

Jason Grey

  (3:12 PM)

Although I do like Rasner, I still think you're probably better off sticking with the two guys you have and being patient. If you really want to make a move, I'd do Rasner for Cain. McGowan is a safer bet to turn it around. There are concerns in Cain's walk and homer rates, but he's also been known to go on prolonged hot streaks.

Kevin E. (Brunswick GA)

Hey man! For my final 3 pitching spots in my league that is head to head W,ERA,S,WHIP,K for points. Who should I start? Verlander,Cliff Lee,Pettitte,Contreras,Alex Hinshaw,Borowski or Oswalt?

Jason Grey

  (3:13 PM)

I'd lean Verlander, Lee, Borowski (if you really need extra saves, otherwise Oswalt)

Jake, Viroqua WI

Who will have stronger numbers by year's end, Kendrick or Weeks if Weeks' knee checks out fine?

Jason Grey

  (3:13 PM)

Kendrick..simply the better player

Jason Grey

  (3:14 PM)

Accidentally deleted a queston about Torres vs. Franklin or picking up Tulo...

Jason Grey

  (3:14 PM)

Torres would be the better closer option, though I like the idea of stashing Tulo away for the stretch run. I think he can have a big second half.

Ethan (SF)

You guys should provide keeper league rankings. What can you tell about Dayan Viciedo who just defected from Cuba. Where would he fall on your top 100 prospects list?

Jason Grey

  (3:16 PM)

I will pass that along. I don't know anything about Viciedo, as I haven't seen him yet. I will say that Ramirez aside (so far), the crop of Cuban defector hitting in recent years hasn't panned out to much. Where is Andy Morales these days? Viciedo is a long ways away from big league duty - that much we know for sure.

Deep League Player

Who has the better upside for the rest of this year? Perkins, Davies or Charlie Morton?

Jason Grey

  (3:18 PM)

Well, I'll eliminate Davies easily. Perkins, if only because he has a job at the moment. I do love Morton though. I had a 55 on the 20/80 scouting scale on him back in November.

Mitch (Beachwood)

I noticed you mentioned Price and whether not he'll make it to the majors, but what about Jake McGee. Would he get called up before Price?

Jason Grey

  (3:21 PM)

Well, that's the point. Niemann, Talbot, McGee, Davis - the Rays have other options they can look at if they don't feel like rushing Price - Price may pitch his way on to the roster, though, you never know. It's more likely than it was just a couple of weeks ago.

Ryan (Circleiville, OH):

J. Kent or R. Cano the rest of the way? You think V-Mart turns it around this year??

Jason Grey

  (3:22 PM)

To a point...his homers per flyball have decreased six years in a row, indicating 25-30 homers may be out of reach.

Deepest League Player

Jason, in my league we can sign minor leaguers once they've signed a contract and been assigned to a minor legue team. Will you guys have any updates once guys like Alvarez, Beckham, etc sign?

Jason Grey

  (3:23 PM)

Yep, I'm sure Keith will be on top of that, and I'll be addressing some of them as I see them in rookie league ball.

Bob

Why does Pedroia get ranked ahead of K. Johnson. The numbers look very similar. Am I crazy?

Jason Grey

  (3:24 PM)

If we're talking about the balance of the season, Johnson is right about where he should be, while Pedroia has a lot of batting average upside, and will take some of his other numbers along with it.

John (White Plains, NY)

Projections for Bruce now that he has come back to earth ever so slightly?

Jason Grey

  (3:27 PM)

Are you kidding me? He's the greatest player since WIllie Mays! .743 - 89 homers and 20 bajillion RBI.... or more likely how about .290 , 15 homers the rest of the way?

James (NY)

Please tell people Quentin for Mig.Cabrera is a fair deal!!!

Jason Grey

  (3:28 PM)

It's nothing I would overturn in any league if I were a commish, but I tend to be a "let the free market rule" kind of guy.

Marc (Toronto, Canada)

After reading your Grey Matter and seeing him play, I'm totally sold on Alexei Ramirez. OK to drop Adam Laroche for him in a 12 team keeper?

Jason Grey

  (3:29 PM)

I would, especially in a keeper.

John (Akron)

Jason, we have a trade that is causing owners to complain. Is Cueto for Vlad to unfair? Has Vlad fallen so far?

Jason Grey

  (3:29 PM)

See post from two questions ago.

Bob

You wouldn't overturn a trade, but what if you found out that there was cash involved?

Jason Grey

  (3:31 PM)

Then both parties get booted from the league immediately and their teams frozen if no new owners can be found. That's a different level. You can't deal with considerations outside the parameters of the league.

Tyler (Delaware)

Jason--the BVP stats are helpful, but have you guys ever thought about making other stats (home vs. away, rhp vs. lhp, etc.) more attainable from the fantasy team page? I know Yahoo does it and it is a great help...

Jason Grey

  (3:32 PM)

I usually just get the splits I need off of the player card page, just a couple of extra clicks. All I can do is just pass the suggestion along.

Mark (Chicago)

What is it with R. Soriano is he going to play or not? It seems like a waste of time to put him on the starting line up of any team... comments?

Jason Grey

  (3:34 PM)

Even if he does come back healthy and doesn't need more work on his elbow, he may not come back to a closer's job, so yes, it's probably a waste of time in a mixed league at the moment.

Nati (Cincy)

Word is LaRoche is close to a call up. What to expect from him once he starts playing?

Jason Grey

  (3:35 PM)

His PT may be difficult to read. He may be a backup/spot starter at 3 positions instead of being a lineup mainstay. He's certainly capable of holding down a F/T job offensively , but it's tough to read how many AB's he'll get.

Alex (MO)

We've talked a lot of second basemen thus far. What about Alexi Casilla of Minnesota. Where does he rank amongst the likes of Alexei Ramirez or Rickie Weeks? Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (3:36 PM)

Casilla's off to a hot run, but I think he will cool off. Weeks' knee injury is a concern, so maybe Casilla ahead of him for the moment. I do prefer Ramirez.

Gersh (NYC)

Hey Jason, Do you think it is better to use a couple of solid middle relievers or do the occasional spot starts with pitchers on the wire to accumulate stats (especially keeping ERA and WHIP down)?

Jason Grey

  (3:39 PM)

If the goal is to keep ERA and Ratio down, I generally stick with the relievers. In a high-stakes league I am using a staff of nothing but Santana , 2 closers, and middle guys. I've gotten a lot of mileage out of guys like Kuo, Renyel, Pinto, and Chad Durbin.

Dan (NYC)

Jose Guillen just hit ANOTHER! Should I be picking him up for crisp?

Jason Grey

  (3:40 PM)

Yes. Unless you are absolutely, positively desperate for stolen bases, and that category is really tight.

Shwin (The OC)

Mr. Grey, can you comment on Ryan Tucker's callup / performance for the Marlins yesterday. His Double-A numbers were worth the promotion, however what is his ceiling? Looking at more a keeper league perspective here.

Jason Grey

  (3:42 PM)

I still think he has better potential as a closer than as a starter. I worry about the fact he can't really throw a consistent breaking ball, and is just a two-pitch guy. I don't see a huge ceiling as a starter until he develops a third pitch.

Steve (NYC)

Any chance Wieters gets the call this year?

Jason Grey

  (3:43 PM)

I don't think so unless there is a rash of injuries. I think the hope is that he is ready by mid-season next year.

George, Philly

Is Zach Duke now worth a look? Another QS today.

Jason Grey

  (3:44 PM)

Not when he's walking almost as many as he's striking out. That usually never ends well.

John (Fayetteville, AR)

jason, yours' is pretty much the only opinion i trust, so quick question: What do you think will be the most shallow position the next couple of years?

Jason Grey

  (3:45 PM)

Still going to be catcher. I will note, that the last couple of seasons, strangely, the outfield pool has been getting shallower and shallower, and I don't think a ton of people realize it. Shortstop is also getting thin, comparatively, and there aren't a lot of high-level prospects in the minors. Some, but not a lot.

Homer Bailey

Geez, can there be any worse matchups for my two start week?

Jason Grey

  (3:46 PM)

You could be facing the Cubs and the Red Sox.

Carl (Miami)

Is there any news on Reid Brignac?

Jason Grey

  (3:48 PM)

Not ready.... .319 OBP and still just doubles power at Triple-A. He needs to get stronger. Still has good long-term upside, especially with shortstop not a position in the minors loaded with prospects.

Ron (NYC)

What should we expect from Dontrelle Willis? Has his stuff and control deteriorated that much?

Jason Grey

  (3:51 PM)

Expect nothing and you won't be disappointed. Last season wasn't completely a fluke...I wasn't going anywhere near him ion draft day. I had to think long and hard about whether or not to offer Ross Gload for him in a deep AL league where I would have had to keep Willis in my lineup or drop him. I decided I liked my ERA and Ratio where they were. If you're already at or near the bottom of those categories anyway, I suppose you have nothing to lose.

David (Frisco, Texas)

So everyone is finally noticing that Bradley is playing out of his mind. It is about time. He already has 14 homers. His career high is only 19. He is on pace for 36! Where is this power coming from? I picked him up earlier this year and have enjoyed the ride. I figured that by hitting behind Kinsler, Young, and Hamilton that he would be a good source of rbi's. I never imagined he would produce his current numbers. I think he leads the American league in average and OBP. Unbelievable. Do you think he keeps this up at a realistic pace? I think the average will come down some but the other numbers might be legit. Is this a classic sell high scenario considering the injury factor or do you hold on in hopes of a career year? Oh yeah, fffffffffffff!

Jason Grey

  (3:54 PM)

I don't think it's a classic sell high scenario, because there are enough concerns about his injury history that you might not get enough value for him. His BA is unsustainable (very high BABIP) and the power rate will slow (very high HR/FB), but if DH'ing keeps him healthy and in the lineup, he' still going to a very good player even with the slowing. I think you have to hold on.

Alex (MO)

Which pitcher, who is NOT currently his team's closer, ends up with the most saves at season's end? gggggggggggggg

Jason Grey

  (3:54 PM)

Hmmmm....

Jason Grey

  (3:54 PM)

....still thinking...

Jason Grey

  (3:56 PM)

I want to say Morrow because I don't trust Putz...but I think I will go with Taylor Buchholz, because Fuentes is probably on the block.

Steven (Dallas)

please rank for the remainder of the year: Todd wellemeyer, John Danks, Darrell Rasner

Jason Grey

  (3:56 PM)

Rasner, Danks, Wellemeyer. But I really had to think about the first two. Ask me tomorrow and I might change my mind. I'm fickle like that.

Bob (Mahwah)

If Soriano isn't closing in Atlanta, then who will be??

Jason Grey

  (3:57 PM)

Mike Gonzalez is set to return later this week if all goes well. Hey, that could be an answer to the previous closer question!

Brian (Colorado)

Casey Weathers and Dexter Fowler. Your thoughts?

Jason Grey

  (3:59 PM)

Weathers deifnitely can be a future closer. I put a 45 on Fowler, which means 4th outfielder, but a couple of scouts that follow the Rox minors every day keep telling me I need to put him at a 50 (starting OF) because of his athletic ability. He's not a star, though.

Matt (Milwaukee)

Any reason at all to keep Mike Cameron on my roster?

Jason Grey

  (4:00 PM)

I didn't rank him in my Top 340 we just did, and it wasn't an oversight.

Anthony (Ridgewood, NY)

What do you think of the news of the M's firing Pentland as hitting coach? Ridiculous to blame him, I know, but do you think that means the beginning of wholesale changes and perhaps a callup for Clement in the next week or so?

Jason Grey

  (4:02 PM)

You can't make something that is like good, out of something that is crap, or something like the saying goes. Some of the guys the M's were trotting out there had nothing to do with the hitting coach. Their awful back of the rotation has nothing to do with the hitting coach. One can only hope on Clement.

Jason Grey

  (4:02 PM)

Time for a few more...

Steve (NYC)

What other current closers are likely to be dealt?

Jason Grey

  (4:03 PM)

I know some people are expecting Street and /or Gregg to be dealt, but I don't think either of those is a sure thing.

Ben(Boston)

Should i clean my room and hide all my fantasy baseball mags before my new girlfriend comes over to my house today for the first time or should i keep it trashed like it normally is?

Jason Grey

  (4:04 PM)

Wrong chat. Matthew's is later this week. He's the relationship expert.

Zach (PA)

How good is Rick Porcello?

Jason Grey

  (4:05 PM)

Potential staff ace. As a prospect, he's in my Top 25.

Jason Grey

  (4:05 PM)

Thank you for all the questions. There's 1500 of them, and I obviously can't get to them all, but I really appreciate you taking the time out of your day to ask, and I wish I could respond to everyone. I'll be doing another chat on Wednesday at 3 PM.

Jason Grey

  (4:06 PM)

and ..hhhhhhhhhhh