Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:01 PM)

Good afternoon everyone! Let's get right to your questions...

Jimmy (DC)

Lets kick it off. Keeper league, Sizemore and Oswalt or Beltran and Sheets? Thanks.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:01 PM)

Well, I'm a big Grady Sizemore fan, especially in keeper leagues. I don't see either pitcher as too different long-term, either, I'm taking Grady's side. Good long-term 25/25 potential.

Dan (DC)

All the experts tell me to deal harden. Ok, I give...on a team that is in dire need of a consistent SP, who should I target to acquire in a 1 for 1?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:03 PM)

Hmmm. First name that pops to mind is Shaun Marcum, I'd deal Rich Harden for him in a second. Would for most of those Blue Jays, A.J. Burnett, too, for instance. And Ervin Santana, among top-of-my-head examples. And by the way, I know I'm in the group that says deal Harden, but it's all my questioning his health. Guy can't stay healthy, that's all the doubt is. And it's a BIG doubt.

Chuck (Hartford)

Kershaw, Liriano, Bailey, Masterson, Volquez. Pick two to keep for next year.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:04 PM)

Can't let Edinson Volquez go, not the way he's looking, and I'd probably retain Clayton Kershaw next, knowing his raw talent and the year's experience under his belt. Might go Justin Masterson third.

James (Caldwell, NJ)

Thoughts on Manny Parra pitching at Houston tomorrow?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:04 PM)

Pitched well against the Astros two starts ago and has been faring nicely recently, so I'd say go ahead, use him.

Wolf, Hill NC

Hi. Do I keep Greinke for the season in a H2H 10-man 'points' league, he's stumbled a bit. Or do I pick up Masterson, Galarraga, Litsch: all are available on the wire?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:05 PM)

I still believe most in Zack Greinke of that crop long-term. Problem is, you need to sit him right now in this rocky stretch, part of which has been driven by tough matchups. It'll get better.

scott, chicago

would you sell high on b. molina?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:06 PM)

Well, if you know my take on catchers, I probably would read most offers as good sell-high opportunities. Honestly, I'd probably stand pat on Bengie Molina, though, if I was unbiased about it. He didn't cost you much and he's capable of top-10 catcher numbers easy, and I think those are value picks you need to hold onto.

Dave (VA)

Drop Ankiel for Hawpe or Headley? Who of those has the best power numbers the rest of the way?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:07 PM)

I wouldn't. Best power numbers? Have to think it's Rick Ankiel.

Marissa (New York City)

Do you think Theriot is a good sell-high guy? I'm worried his OBP will take a hit the rest of the way, if it's going to regress towards his career average. Of course, maybe he's young enough to be getting better. Please help!!!!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:09 PM)

Yes I do. Good player, but I can't see him hitting for this high a batting average all year. For instance, his BABIP right now is .352. For his career, it's .313 (and that includes this year's return). He'll cool, and perhaps enough that you should be shopping him.

Adam (Boston)

Setting my lineup for tonight... Which injured outfielder is more likely to play tonight, Ankiel or Holliday?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:11 PM)

Both, at least from all reports. So I'm going with the better raw talent, and that's Matt Holliday. Interestingly enough, they'll both play at hitter-friendly values, Holliday at Coors, Rick Ankiel at Great American. Both useful options.

JJ (Albuquerque)

Skip Schumaker, 206 at bats with split playing time, .306 avg, 27 runs scored, do you hang onto him as a spot starter in the OF?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:12 PM)

No real power, not a ton of speed. Good matchups play, sure, but I'd limit that endorsement to NL-only leagues.

Trisha (Wilmington)

Who will get more saves this year, Hinshaw or Casilla?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:13 PM)

Considering there's a better chance the closer ahead of him might get traded, I'd say Santiago Casilla. But you're digging very deep, and saves for either one are far from assured. We're talking deep saves sleepers.

Cody Ross (Florida)

Where's the love for me? 10 HRs last month! Am I a legit power hitter?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:15 PM)

Very nice matchups play, and he brings the power that the aforementioned Skip Schumaker does not. I'll even say shallow-mixed owners need to be aware, but if you're in a daily league and can sub Ross in, he's a great option in road games against left-handers, and sometimes in other matchups if he has a strong track record against the opponent's starter.

Paul (Boston)

Thoughts on Mike Gonzalez and the chances he seizes some save chances from the BAD that has been Acosta, Soriano, and Boyer? Over/Under 10 saves?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:16 PM)

I really didn't think Gonzalez would become that fantasy-relevant that fast, but hey, I can be wrong, that's how rough the Braves' bullpen has had it the past couple of weeks (and I mean accounting for health, not just performance). I'm going to take the under here, but it's more because I think the Braves are going to need to make a move for some more bullpen experience.

Alex Rios (Toronto)

This current stolen base pace is ridiculous for me. Do I keep it up? Also, I've been packaged with Utley and Rich Hill in a deal for Braun, Kendrick and Haren. Who gets the better end?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:18 PM)

How is a 38-steal pace for Alex Rios ridiculous? Can't agree with that. He's always been capable of swiping 30 bags, and it's nice to see him finally doing it. Seems a decent trade on either side, but I'll take the first half. Just a big Utley fan, I'm a believer.

Steve (Ann Arbor)

Tristan, I am really getting tired of waiting on Robinson Cano. I know he's a second half player, but if I can move him, M-Cab and Ichiro for Hanley and A-Ram in a keeper league and then pick up Howie Kendrick off free agency am I OK?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:19 PM)

I think so. Hanley Ramirez is an exceptional keeper. He's pretty good for this year, too. By the way, keeper-league owners, sorry to report this to you but Miguel Cabrera is likely not qualifying anywhere but first base in 20-game leagues. And first base is deeeeeeep. He'll be overrated.

Barnum and Bailey (Every Minute, USA)

Hill and Liriano still on my roster. Am I a sucker or will my patience pay off?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:22 PM)

I don't see promotions as imminent for either one, so take that for what it's worth. I do think anyone who believes Francisco Liriano is going to have a huge finish to this year, though, is to a degree a sucker. I've told a few people this, and will say again, but I really believe if Liriano offers you two useful months' production -- and I said useful, not GREAT -- I think you should be happy. It's a long road back for him, and he might not be fully himself until 2009. As for Hill? Needs better command in the minors to get a recall. Probably needs to be regarded about the same, though I see his 2008 ceiling as higher once he gets recalled.

Dillon (San Diego)

Help! My league just vetoed a trade where I would give McLouth, Milton Bradley, Fuentes and Dan Haren for BJ Upton and Holliday. They claim I am packaging waiver wire pickups with Haren to get 2 studs. Do you think the trade is unfair?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:23 PM)

Thus explains my distaste for veto processes. I understand the need in certain leagues, but who's to say Nate McLouth and Milton Bradley can't retain a fair share of value the remainder of the year?

John (kansas city)

Josh Hamilton for Brandon Webb? Which side is better?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:24 PM)

Better? Depends on your needs, I'd say. Overall value I believe Hamilton gets the nod from today forward, but I really don't think that's a big debate.

Suzanne (Oak Park, IL)

Would you deal Helton for Wang, given Wang?s current issues? I could then pick up Ryan Garko by dropping Andy Sonnanstine. So basically I could get Wang and Garko for Helton and Sonnanstine. What are your thoughts on this deal?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:25 PM)

Well, I believe in Chien-Ming Wang. Seems like every time he hits a little bit of a funk, he shakes it rather quickly and does a heck of a lot better than anyone expected. I see more consistency in him looking forward than Andy Sonnanstine, and while I like Todd Helton, it's not like he's an elite first baseman. Not a huge loss there. I'd make the deal.

Zach (PA)

Please answer this, I can't get any work done thinking about it. Who is more expendable in a keeper league: Chris B Young at $10 or Justin Upton at $6?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:27 PM)

Both are good keepers for those prices, but if you read my "All-2012 Team," you know I'm all over Justin Upton in a keeper league. And at that cheap a price, I think you have to lock him in now.

Tyler (Delaware)

Safe to dump Pudge now with him entering a platoon? Is Navarro a better bet for the rest of the year? Where does Inge fall in all of this now that he will be catching and also seeing some time at 3B?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:28 PM)

I don't like Ivan Rodriguez for fantasy at all. Didn't last year, didn't in the preseason, don't now. And you know, I REALLY don't now. At least Dioner Navarro has a chance at being better, I can say that for him. Might also consider Brandon Inge over both, so long as I felt my team could stomach his hurting the team batting average.

Ashley (NYC)

I have Garrett Atkins and Eric Chavez. Atkins is really struggling lately. Do you think Chavez returns to his old form?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:29 PM)

I do not, but then I don't trust him in the health department, I don't like the offense and I don't like the ballpark. It's no comparison, these two. Atkins all the way.

Ty (MD)

Salty or Ianetta at C? Barrett is a free agent also.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:30 PM)

This might get a few groans, but you know, I really feel pretty good about Chris Iannetta, and if the Rockies continue to slide further from the playoff race, I think his at-bats will only increase looking forward. Safest all-around option of the three, I'd say.

Rafael Furcal (LA)

Does the month plus time I have off keep me playing all year at 100%

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:31 PM)

I hope so, but this injury has lingered on for so long, I can't help but be a bit worried. As a Furcal owner, I can tell you that if he comes back and rattles off a two-week hot streak comparable to what he did before hitting the DL, I'll surely be shopping him. Of course, I'd be asking a top-75 overall player, nothing less, but it shows I worry a bit about him staying 100 percent all year, even after his return.

Dave (Raleigh)

Please settle this bet for me: Snell or Wolf for the rest of the season?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:33 PM)

You know, I actually worry a lot about Ian Snell. I don't like his shaky command numbers, not at all. Makes me wonder whether something's wrong with him. Since both pitch for teams that won't lead them to many wins, I'd actually call Randy Wolf the safer pick of the two. Gut says go high-upside with Snell, but somehow I really see Wolf being a lot safer.

New York, NY

There's not even a 10% chance that Bonds gets signed? A .400 OBA and 20 dingers while giving up no prospects doesn't appeal to teams (while putting fans in the seats)?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:34 PM)

You know, it's awfully curious, isn't it? He'd absolutely help a team like the Tigers, or the Mariners, or heck, even the Red Sox (right now). About all I can say, but says a lot that there's seemingly no interest in him right now.

Mike

SNELL IS GOING TO BE THE #1 PITCHER THIS YEAR...now that I have your attention... Should I drop Pierre for Cantu?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:36 PM)

Mike is crazy. (OK, I knew you were kidding.) By the way, not a crazy move, dropping Juan Pierre for Jorge Cantu, though it's tough to let a good share of steals go for nada. He'll get scooped up immediately, so I'd probably first try to swap him off if I could.

Scott (Philly)

Chone Figgins for George Sherrill?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:36 PM)

Rather have Figgins. What if Sherrill gets traded in July? Also, the Orioles don't exactly have a stellar track record the second half of seasons this decade. In fact, I seem to remember it being pretty awful, which could limit his save chances.

Andy (St. Louis)

Do you think Brandon Morrow will be a starter next year, and if so is he worth holding onto in a keeper league?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:37 PM)

Interesting, and that could go really any way, like the Joba Chamberlain thing did coming in to this year. Watch: Morrow will be next year's Chamberlain. My feeling, though, is that Morrow's future is in the bullpen. I'm sticking with that.

Jason (OH)

SNELL WILL WIN THE CY YOUNG!....it worked for Mike. Soto and Putz were just dropped in my league, should I drop Alex Gordon and R. Soriano to pick them up? Dropping Alex Gordon would leave me witout a backup 1st baseman. I already have McCann at C.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:39 PM)

Lots of people drinking the crazy juice today. (OK, I know you're kidding too.) I don't know if you're talking Geovany Soto as a backup or a No. 2 starting catcher there, so that's a little tough a call. In terms of raw value, I would make both of those moves, yes. Big Soto fan, and J.J. Putz is no less a health risk long-term than Rafael Soriano. I think he's less so, in fact.

BJ (Chicago)

what do you think of a trade of Ryan Howard and Joba Chamberlain for Derrek Lee and Scott Kazmir? If Kazmir had to be replaced with Javier Vazquez, do you still do it?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:41 PM)

I'd take either deal in a heartbeat. It's as simple as this: There's a workload cap on Joba Chamberlain, who isn't even close to a "no-leash" starter yet, and there isn't on Scott Kazmir or Javier Vazquez. Kazmir in that deal would make it highway robbery, I'd say.

Tim (nyc)

MYERS Throw a NO-Hitter, well almost, What do u see him doing tonite? start or still waiting?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:42 PM)

Start! The Marlins are awfully K-prone, Brett Myers had a season-best 11 K's against them in their last meeting and the game is in that pitching-friendly park in Florida. All point to good matchup.

Dave (NY)

Not a Fanto question, but who do you like tonight in the finals?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:43 PM)

Lakers back home.

Josh Barfield (Cleveland, Ohio)

Am I ever going to live up to the potential I had a couple of years ago?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:44 PM)

I really don't think Josh Barfield got a fair shake last year, and he deserves another chance, so I'm glad he's getting it. That said, he didn't overwhelm in the minors, so don't go nuts here. AL-only or very deep mixed worthy, that's it. And I'd keep him benched if I could. Long term? I do think he can be a serviceable second baseman, though probably not a star. So I guess I'm saying no.

Don, NY

Who is better SS to have when they come back from injury - Keppinger or Barmes?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:45 PM)

I still trust Jeff Keppinger's hitting skills more than I do Clint Barmes'. Let's leave it at that.

JD (NYC)

T-Money! Would you start Oswalt, McGowan and Owings tonight?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:46 PM)

Roy Oswalt at home against the Brewers, yup, that's a good matchup. Dustin McGowan in a home game against the anemic-against-righties Mariners, oh yes, definitely. Micah Owings, road against the Mets, a decent offense and with him shaky lately. I'd pass on him.

Manny Acosta (ATL)

Do I have ANY chance at all in earning 10 saves this year? Am I worth rostering?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:48 PM)

ANY chance? Sure, of course. Maybe 10 saves is a fair estimation. Could be 10 Acosta, Rafael Soriano 10, Mike Gonzalez 10. Could be less for all three, maybe eight apiece. Seriously, I see that bullpen as a mess. You want to chance it? Be my guest, but to me, those are the reasonable expectations. I really think the Braves need to make another midseason deal, like they did for Bob Wickman a couple years back. As for rostering, I'd say Acosta should be owned in all NL-only, and probably very deep mixed (think eight-plus bench spots).

Scott (Boston, MA)

How does anyone drop Soto? last time i checked he was top 3 at catcher....more importantly, Give me some pitchers that i can reasonably expect to get if I trade Matt Kemp, Abreu or Corey Hart..

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:49 PM)

I dunno, Scott, I dunno. I'd never do that. As for pitchers to target, maybe an Aaron Harang, James Shields, Scott Kazmir (if anyone is still worried about his health) ...

Danny (NY)

Tristan, long time asker, never been answered. Trade J. Vasquez, and K-Rod for Vlad and Todd JOnes in an AL Only league? Thanks.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:50 PM)

I wouldn't. I see that as a huge closer drop-off, and not enough an upgrade from pitcher to hitter to be worth it.

Paul T. (Cincinnati)

Start or sit - Aaron Cook at home against the Giants?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:50 PM)

Start. Giants hit lefties well. Last I checked, they're not extraordinary against righties.

Kyle (Morristown, NJ)

Which side do you like in Soto and Tejada for V. Martinez and Reyes?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:51 PM)

If I knew I'd be a-OK in the power categories taking the hit, I'd rather have the latter half of that deal.

Henry (Atlanta)

Is your recommendation to drop Gordon a knock on his pending superstardom? He's actually been slightly above league average! Would you rather have Swisher or Garko the rest of the way?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:53 PM)

No, it's not, it's just that people are hopping the bandwagon too early. I still think the George Brett comparisons are somewhat fair with Alex Gordon, and it did take time for Brett to become the hitter he eventually did. Let's be patient, but in a yearly league, Gordon is a tad overrated, I'd say. As for Question 2, I'd prefer Nick Swisher. Higher ceiling for a rebound.

Dave (Scranton, PA)

What do you think about James Shields in his first start since the beat-down in Beantown?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:54 PM)

Unfazed when the Yankees hammered him last year, which speaks volumes to me about his poise. I have no doubts he'll be fine for this one.

Kevin: (Louisville, Ky.)

What kind of trade value does Ryan Ludwick possess? I am looking to get an SP such as Aaron Harang or another outfielder.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:55 PM)

I don't think nearly enough to warrant actually dealing him. Seriously, to me, Ludwick is a ride-him-while-he's-hot type, because he's not going to fetch you good enough a pitcher in return. Certainly not a Harang, I'd think.

LAST MINUTE QUESTION

Swisher or Loney for the rest of the season? I need AVG, HR, and RBI more than anything else.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:56 PM)

If batting average is in the equation it's James Loney.

Mike (Boston)

Will Cameron Maybin contribute at all this year or is he just a Sept call up?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:57 PM)

I think he SHOULD be a September call-up, but teams don't always make decisions based on "shoulds." I'm not expecting any notable contributions from Maybin this year. I think he's keeper-worthy, that's it.

Teddy (San Diego, CA)

Pick 2 for rest of the year: Wellemeyer, Litsch, Kuroda

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:58 PM)

Todd Wellemeyer's health could easily make this decision for you, but let's say he's back by the weekend and looks a-OK. If so, him and Hiroki Kuroda. And I have a feeling he should be fine.

SNELL THE GLOVE (Stonehenge)

You starting Maine and Weaver tonight? Thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:59 PM)

I'm cranking this baby to 11 and absolutely using both!

Doug (LA)

Do you like Eveland tonight against the Yankees?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:00 PM)

Not really. I know the Yankees' numbers say they struggle against lefties, but they have A-Rod and Posada back now, and Eveland's command has been spotty at best recently. This could be a disaster in the making, and I'd sure be careful.

Sam (Chicago)

Sonnanstine or Edwin Jackson for the rest of the season and why?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:01 PM)

The gut always has me gravitating to Andy Sonnanstine because I think he's more polished in the command department. Seems a little safer to me in the matchups department.

Greg (Nasty Nati, OH)

Do you like my boy Homer Bailey tonight?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:01 PM)

No. In a home game against the Cardinals, who can bring the offense? No thanks, too risky, and no recent performances to suggest he's figured it out.

Craig (Denver)

Which side in an OBP no keeper league: Braun/Verlander or Soriano/Harang?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:02 PM)

First half.

Josh (NYC)

Which side do you rather have - Kemp/McGowan or Verlander/Victorino?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:02 PM)

Again, first half. So much upside there.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:03 PM)

Well, that's all for today. Thanks for all your questions, and sorry if I didn't get to yours. If I didn't, though, I've got some good news: I'll see you all again in the morning, and we can pick up there! Take care, and see you then...