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Jason Grey

  (3:02 PM)

Hey everyone...let's get right to it. Will try to get to as many as I can - thanks for stopping by.

Norm (NYC)

Will Jeff Clement be recalled eventually and how well will he do if he does return? I heard his previous struggle in the majors was due to a hole in his swing.

Jason Grey

  (3:02 PM)

No reason he should not be playing every day at DH for the Mariners right now. None. What. So. Ever. No hole in his swing, the M's just didn't give him enough time to settle in. He did get away from what had been working for him a little bit, trying to be a bit more aggressive, but he's fixed it at Triple-A and he'll hit the next time around.

Alex (MO)

Buster Olney mentioned on today's Fantasy Focus Podcast how Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera's problems stem from their lack of conditioning. With that in mind, what kind of numbers do you see Cabrera putting up from here on out? I have been offered him for Mark Teixeira.

Jason Grey

  (3:03 PM)

There's some truth to that in Willis' case, but Cabrera has had a lack of conditioning in previous seasons with no ill effects. I do like Cabrera in the 2nd half, but I'd stil with Tex as the safer bet.

Liz (Ann Arbor)

I've been starting DeWitt at 3B for a while now, but with the call ups of LaRoche and Headley imminent, I need to upgrade; I want to pick up Headley, but who would you drop? Jacobs or Konerko? (the other starts at CI), or a Pitcher (I am hovering around the innings limit already): Myers or Cain? I want to act fast, and pick up Headley now!

Jason Grey

  (3:03 PM)

I think we have to be concerned about Myers going forward, so among those choices, if you really want to pick up Headley, I'd probably drop Myers.

Roddy (San Fran)

What is the significance of D. Willis being sent all the way down to single A, versus AA or AAA?

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

Just a place he can work on mechanics without being concerned with outcome/results, and build some confidence. The Jays did the same thing with Roy Halladay in 2000 while he re-constructed his delivery. You want to talk about someone who is a complete mechanical mess right no, even more than usual, it's Willis. He is so out of sync, and his front sider is so wide open he couldn't hit water if he ......

mack(columbus,oh)

pick-up from the dl, furcal or tulowizki. thanks.

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

Tulo -the concerns about Furcal's back keep growing, but I'd like Tulo anyway. I think he can have a big second half.

MIKE (SAN DIAAG0)

Do I trade Rafael Furcal for Scott Kazmir if I already have christian Guzman?The offer I got was furcal and E. Santana for Renteria and Kazmir, but I think I can do furcal for Kazmir Straight up

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

Given the latest news on Furcal (out at least 3 more weeks) I'd hurry up before someone changes their mind.

Brad:(Cincinnati,OH)

why is everyone so much higher on Alexei Ramirez than Alexi Casilla?Ramirez(130ABs 17R 4HR 17RBI 3SB .300) plays in a sub-par WhiteSox offense and Casilla(88ABs 14R 3HR 18RBI 2SB .330) has outplayed him in all categories in less ABs....whats the deal??

Jason Grey

  (3:05 PM)

Probably because Casilla hit .222 last year in the big league, .269 with just 3 homers in 320 games at Triple-A, and was hitting .219 with no homers when he was called up. He's hitting way over his head at the moment. I do like Casilla for steals, and his average shouldn't kill you, but the three homers so far is a fluke and the average is coming down. I'd prefer Ramirez.The White Sox have scored more runs than the Twins so the "sub-par offense" thing is irrelevant for the question.

Shelley (Bham, AL)

With Papi on the shelf, I need a short term 1B. Who should I take out of LaRoche, Cantu, Jacobs, and Connor Jackson? Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (3:06 PM)

I prefer Co-Jack out of that group.

Al (Wisconsin)

What's appropriate value for someone like Masterson or Kershaw in a keeper league if you aren't going to be able to keep them, though the other owner's don't share that knowledge?

Jason Grey

  (3:06 PM)

First of all, it might be too early to definitively say you won't keep someone, but you just see what the market will bear, right up to the point where you have to submit your keeper list, and if you haven't had a decent offer, then you dump the player for anything you can get at that last moment. Something is better than nothing at that point. You don't know a player's value until you float him out there to each owner and see what the best offer is coming back. Each league is different

Chad (Ames,IA)

Charlie Morton, Manny Parra, or Justin Masterson?? Base it on performance for the time they are up, as Masterson and Morton may not stick all year. Thanks Jason!!

Jason Grey

  (3:06 PM)

Parra's still walking to many for my liking, so with just performance when they start a criteria, probably Masterson.

John (NYC)

Jason my man. I have Billy Wagner and Mariano but Im looking for a third save genrator to keep me in the upper half of the league in saves. I just picked up Raf Soriano. Who do think is next in line?

Jason Grey

  (3:06 PM)

Well, it may not be Soriano after his elbow acted up again. Mike Gonzalez is due to return soon, and it wouldn't shock me if he starts picking up saves in the ATL pen.

Aaron Cook

Will I win another 9 games and keep my ERA below.400 and keep this up?

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

I doubt the wins keep coming with that team, but yes, you have a shot at keepng your ERA under four.

Luke(NYC)

Can you speak about Jonathon Sanchez and ted lilly?

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

I've been saying for a while Sanchez should be owned in more mixed leagues, and I like him better than Lilly going forward.

Luke(NYC)

Any sleepers out there that can potentially snag me some saves or SB's?

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

Saves sleepers -- Mike Gonzalez, Taylor Buchholz (Fuentes will be on the trade block)Steals sleepers - Freddie Bynum, Josh Anderson

Greg (TX)

With Glavine going down I need some quality innings. In a keeper league with some of the bottom feeders already dropping established talent for young guys. Snell, G. Smith, and Blanton all recently hit the waiver wires. Any of them worth a pick up to get some QUALITY innings?

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

Sounds likes you're looking for safer bets, so probably Blanton

C (Omaha,NE)

Jason, big news is Tom Glavine going down. With TG on the DL, do you think we get to see the dominant force of Charlie Morton? What SHOULD owners expect for the minor league stud...enlighten us oh mighty prospect sage!! Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (3:08 PM)

Yeah, I think Morton gets the start on Sunday, and after overhauling his mechanics last season, he's a legitimate #3 starter. There might be some short-term bumps in the road though, but he's a must grab in NL leagues, and I'd at least stash him in mixed if I could. I might run him out there for his debut. I've been on him ever since he turned his career around back at the Fall League and wrote him up extensively in a "minor achievements" column with a complete scouting report all the way back in April before he started getting notice.

Yoni (Sharon, MA)

jason should i cut ryan ludwick for jose guillen?

Jason Grey

  (3:08 PM)

If you're asking me if I think Guillen out-performs Ludwick for the balance of the season, I'd probably say yes. Is that the only player for cut consideration?

luca rome

derek lowe or max scherzer? I have weeks on my roster, how long he'll be out? grab castillo iwamura casilla o alexi ramirez for him? thanks.

Jason Grey

  (3:08 PM)

I would guess Weeks is gone about three week, and I like Ramirez. Lowe, because Scherzer doesn't look like he'll have a rotation slot soon.

Omaha, NE

Am going to game 3 of the CWS (Rice v. Fresno). Any major league prospects worth watching here (saw these teams had a few pitchers drafted relatively high)??? Thanks Jason!

Jason Grey

  (3:08 PM)

Pitchers Bryan Price, Cole St. Clair and Tanner Scheppers

michael (Kailua, HI)

What am I supposed to do with Joe "HR? What's a HR?!" Mauer?

Jason Grey

  (3:09 PM)

When the loft in your swing generates 50% grounders, your power potential isn't going to be that great. He certainly has the raw strength, but this is who he is for now.

bob(new york)

whod u rather have beltran or vlad for this year

Jason Grey

  (3:09 PM)

Beltran. Guerrero's six-year decline in HR per Flyball and his rising K rate are concerning.

jim(philadelphia)

is bedard going to turn it around or would u trade him and bruce for a better starter like peavy hamels or beckett

Jason Grey

  (3:09 PM)

I think you hang on to Bedard and Bruce

jim(boston)

wht starter would u target in a package for bruce and wells

Jason Grey

  (3:10 PM)

You have to get a legitimate #1 ace if that's the deal.

Michael (Tucson, AZ):

Jason, Adam Jones was pretty much the centerpiece in the Bedard deal and had a lot of hype in the minors, but I literally haven't heard anything about his future prospectus this year. After seeing him in the bigs for 2 months, what do you think of him long term?

Jason Grey

  (3:11 PM)

I still think he's eventually going to be a five-category fantasy player, but the breakout may not be until 2009. I do have him on a 12-team mixed roster now, though, in case he shows some signs of going on a hot streak in the second half.

Jason Grey

  (3:14 PM)

Apparently Putz has left today's game...will get some info.

Jason Grey

  (3:14 PM)

I will say this though...For the Insiders, this is what I wrote just nine days ago:

Jason Grey

  (3:14 PM)

J.J. Putz is struggling, His WHIP is 1.93 and he was already walked as many batters as he did all of last season, and there is renewed speculation as to whether or not he is pitching at 100 percent. Putz maintains that he is fine, but he's been a different pitcher this year, throwing a fewer fastballs and more of his secondary pitches. You usually don't veer away from a plan on the mound that had previously proven very effective unless there's a reason to. Additionally, his velocity is consistently down on all of his offerings. Clearly, something is not right at the moment.

Jason Grey

  (3:15 PM)

I followed that up with an immediate recommendation to stash Morrow.

Jason Grey

  (3:15 PM)

Putz definitely hurt his arm. Grab Morrow now, then come back. I'll still be here :-)

PJ (NY)

Hey, Jason. Can you gives us some analysis on Doumit and Ludwick? What do you expect from them going forward?

Jason Grey

  (3:19 PM)

I love Doumit, even though he's not a great defensive catcher, right up to the point where he gets hurt again. Make sure you have a viable backup, because he and the DL always seem to be very familiar. Ludwick is going to continue to slow down and come back to earth, but should still be a useful player in deep mixed play.

John (CA)

Who will provide better fantasy stats this year: Clement or Rasmus?

Jason Grey

  (3:19 PM)

Clement

immaa - Dallas

What about Adam Lind? He seems similar to Jeff Clement... Team is playing Wilkerson and Mench, and they gave Lind a 5 game tryout earlier in the year and sent him back down. Seems like he should be up for the Jays..??..

Jason Grey

  (3:20 PM)

Wow, don't get me started. I've been writing about the Jays' mishandling of Lind for a couple of years. Put him in there, play him 5-6 games a week and leave him alone.

Jason Grey

  (3:21 PM)

All the Morrow questions that have just popped up: More from June 2 article, in which I was apparently very prescient about Putz (to be fair, we don't know the extent of things yet, but we pick up Morrow just in case):

Jason Grey

  (3:22 PM)

From 9 days ago: "Meanwhile, Morrow is bringing the filth with his fastball/slider/splitter combination. He's struck out 18 and allowed just one run in his past 11 innings of work, with five walks. This season, his breaking balls are now actually strikes, instead of pitches that have late break, but hitters knew would ultimately be out of the zone like they were in 2007. Hitters are waiting for him to be wild, but Morrow's getting the ball over, getting ahead in the count, and it's over. It's still a work in progress, but he's moving in the right direction as far as consistency. Even if Morrow doesn't see many saves this season, he should still be worthy to own, racking up the strikeouts in a setup role"

Jason Grey

  (3:23 PM)

As far as the shoulder goes...he's had to bouts of shoulder stiffness, the most recent this past weekend, but worked on back-to-back days the last two, pitched well, and apparently has had no issues, sho it looks like he's good.

Jason Grey

  (3:24 PM)

So, in sum, we'll have to see how serious it is with Putz, but we pick up Morrow and see if we get lucky...moving on to other topics....

J-Dub (505)

Can you sheed any light on Manny Corpas? With Fuentes on the block and an 8.5 mill number on Manny does he turn it around and will he be the closer next year?

Jason Grey

  (3:25 PM)

He's not showing many signs of doing so right now, and if there were no Fuentes on the roster, Taylor Buchholz would likely be next in line, now that it seems he's found his niche in the 'pen with that great curve.

Joe (NY)

Charlie Morton is not on the player list in my ESPN league, what gives????

Jason Grey

  (3:26 PM)

Dunno...not my department :-) My guess it's because he was so off the radar screen for most people at the beginning of the season, and they didn't see the changes he made in the offseason.

Elijah (DC)

When is somebody gonna notice all the walks I been taking lately and start throwing me pitches to hit?

Jason Grey

  (3:27 PM)

I would love to see Dukes get more pitches to hit, because I think he can take advantage of them going forward.

Felix Hernandez (Seattle, WA / Toronto, ON)

after what i did today i now have thrown 21 consecutive scoreless innings over 3 starts and given up 2 runs or fewer in 5 of my last 6 starts...and im going to keep it up or should people be selling high on me right now?

Jason Grey

  (3:28 PM)

Nope. I've said since spring this is his year. Enjoy the ride.

Nick (Sioux Falls)

Hey jason, i could really use your advice. Im in first, but am pretty low in home runs, Nick Swisher and Adrian Beltre are available, would they be better options then jack cust and troy glaus in terms of power and overall value? Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (3:29 PM)

I'd take Beltre over Glaus on overall value...the rest might be a wash.

Matt (ATL)

Once Keppinger returns next week, which 2 produce the most for the remainder of the season: Keppinger, Pedroia, Lugo?

Jason Grey

  (3:30 PM)

1st two.

Sean (LA)

Ludwick or Pena for Dice-K?

Jason Grey

  (3:30 PM)

Either.

Eric (DC)

Street to the DL? If so Foulke over Embree? What about Casilla? I hear he could be back Saturday.

Jason Grey

  (3:32 PM)

Still undetermined. He may just sit out a few games. They will see where they are at game time. Foulke, but thats just my speculation. They might want to see a few outings from Casilla first. It's really up in the air.

Brendan, NY

Could Clement outproduce Napoli in the second half?

Jason Grey

  (3:32 PM)

Yes.

Neit ( Stony Brook , NY )

Who is Ryan Tucker?

Jason Grey

  (3:33 PM)

First-round pick from 2005 that lacks a breakin ball, and without developing it, he will end up in the bullpen. Legit big leaguer, though.

Gary - Arizona

Hernandez for J. Upton, who wins?

Jason Grey

  (3:33 PM)

Gimme Felix. If it's Livan, then Upton :-)

Alex (MO)

COJACK IS PLAYING LEFT FIELD TONIGHT?!!?

Jason Grey

  (3:35 PM)

Gets Tracy's bat in the lineup, and Jackson has played left both in the minors and in college. He's not great, but he might be passable enough to spot start there while Byrnes is out.

Zach (PA)

Travis Snider - Elite prospect? How good?

Jason Grey

  (3:36 PM)

Elite. One of the better hitting prospects in the minors. In my Top 20.

Mike

Should I drop Wheeler for Morrow or Hinshaw?

Jason Grey

  (3:36 PM)

I'd dump Wheeler for Morrow.

eno (Jersey City)

I HATE CHIEN MING WANG. But in my 20 teamer, I am desperate for starting pitching. Would you take Wang for Lyon? Or would you rather get Cain for Lyon, or J Sanchez for Isringhausen? Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (3:37 PM)

If you can get Sanchez for Izzy that sounds like a steal.

Bob Ma

Myers or Bergmann or there has to be something better in a 10 team mixed ?

Jason Grey

  (3:37 PM)

Has to be something better. Rasner?

Shaun Marcum

Someone notice me...I pitched great again even though it was my 7th start of 2 runs or less with no win this year...era below 2.5, whip below 1, and a K per inning....why do I get no love?

Jason Grey

  (3:40 PM)

I've been giving you love, but your .227 average against on balls in play means your ERA should be close to four instead of where it is with "normal" luck, so let's not go overboard.

john la, ca

tucker doesnt have a breaking ball how does that happen i am confused how does a starting pitcher get to the biggies without it?is he a better pick up or charlie morton?

Jason Grey

  (3:41 PM)

Good fastball, good changeup.... He does have a slider, it's just not very consistent at all. I like Morton better.

Micah (Ames,IA)

Carlos Guillen and Rasner too much to give up to get King Feli"Ks"??

Jason Grey

  (3:43 PM)

Seems like a tad much, perhaps Guillen and a dfferent pitcher?

Mike (NY)

I just traded Votto and Cain for Harang, how did i do?

Jason Grey

  (3:44 PM)

Seems like a little too much for me, and I do like both Cain and Harang going forward.

B (Philly)

Better numbers here on out: Morrow or Mike Gonzalez?

Jason Grey

  (3:45 PM)

Well, we have to see what is up with Putz first, and see Gonzalez back on the big leaguer roster first. For now, Morrow.

Vinny ( CHi-town)

Who walks the plank, E. Jax or Eveland so I can add Morrow?

Jason Grey

  (3:46 PM)

I'm as big an Eveland fan as anyone, but he's been getting back into some bad nibbling habits, and the walks are very troubling right now.

Mike (Chicago)

BONDERMAN FOR CY YOUNG! Did I get your attention yet? Albert is out, and Kotchman is on waivers...claim him for EEncar or Longoria or Leave Atkins at first and play one of those two...also have Swisher for 1B eligibility.

Jason Grey

  (3:47 PM)

If Kotchman is on waivers, I play him over Double-E

Jason Grey

  (3:48 PM)

Word I'm getting on Putz is an elbow injury. Not good.

Nick Swisher (Chicago, IL)

Should I get overly excited about my 2-HR game, or will I just go back to sucking?

Jason Grey

  (3:49 PM)

No you can hit 15 homers the rest of the way with a crappy BA

Artie (CA)

Will Howie Kendrick pull it together this year? He was supposed to be awesome!

Jason Grey

  (3:49 PM)

He is, and he will be. I'm the wrong person to ask this question.

Jason Grey

  (3:49 PM)

Man Love!

Jason (Boston)

As a loyal reader (one that stashed Morrow a week ago), can you help me out? Does Rich Hill get it together this year or do I drop him to stash Headley?

Jason Grey

  (3:50 PM)

Walked seven in his last outing at Triple-A...doesn't look promising for Hill.

Tito (Austin)

Are we talking elbow injury that makes Putz droppable?

Jason Grey

  (3:51 PM)

Don't know yet. Trying not to get ahead of ourselves til we know more. We pick up Morrow and try to get lucky, that's about it at this point until we know more.

Chris (Kansas)

Are you a Billy Butler fan, or is he just overrated?

Jason Grey

  (3:52 PM)

I am. He's a legit big league middle of the order hitter. He's still very young and the power will come. He wasn't overmtatched in the bigs.

steve (queens)

A week ago, would you have rather stashed Liriano or Morrow?

Jason Grey

  (3:53 PM)

It would have been Liriano, unless I was already a Putz owner.

Luke (Tampa)

Can you tell us anything about Francisco Liriano? Another solid start.....stashable?

Jason Grey

  (3:55 PM)

I address this in today's out of the box column. Definitely stashable. If you aren't insider yet, today 2100 words of scouting info on Mat Gamel, Trevor Cahill, Mitch Boggs, and David Huff. I'll also be in the Royals clubhouse and scotuing them this weekend for a Monday column.

Alex (MO)

Name Games: Jeff Clement vs Victor Martinez; Brian Roberts vs Ian Kinsler vs Brandon Phillips

Jason Grey

  (3:58 PM)

Victor, Kinsler. Kinsler could go 20/30 this year.

Josh (phx)

General/Fantasy question...whats the deal with the cubs CF prospects? Are/were Pie and Patterson overrated, or misused?

Jason Grey

  (3:59 PM)

Both were overrated. Their lack of patience and free-swinging ways were/are big problems. I've never been a Pie fan.

adam (work)

and phillips can go 30/30?!

Jason Grey

  (4:01 PM)

Fair point, but I don't think he does again, and Kinsler's likely advantage in BA over Phillips is a bigger impact than you might think, so that gives Kinsler the edge for me.

Steve (Ann Arbor)

Alexei Ramirez over Polanco and Kelly Johnson as a short term Cano replacement???PS: Tell Ravitz to choose IPOHov as the winner of the FF Podcast contest. I'll namedrop you as the true greatest fantasy analyst alive!

Jason Grey

  (4:02 PM)

I think I have to give the slight edge to Johnson.....as for part 2, you assume Nate ever listens to me.

Steven (Dallas)

Who ends with the most saves. Huston Street, Jon Rauch, or Kevin Gregg?

Jason Grey

  (4:03 PM)

Gregg....I could be wrong, but I don't buy into all the talk of him losing the closer's role, outside of being traded to a team that already has an established closer.

Markus (NYC)

Verlander has been KILLING me!Start him tonight, or wait for him to turn it around?

Jason Grey

  (4:04 PM)

I'm still being patient on Verlander. I think we'll be rewarded. Got to run, guys.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 next Wednesday at 3 PM.