Keith Lipscomb

  (3:00 PM)

What's goin' on, everyone? Let's get down to it.

John (NY)

Hey Keith, would you drop Wheeler for Mike Gonzalez or hang onto DW to see how Percival looks over the next few games?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:02 PM)

Hi John, I'd hang onto Wheeler right now, because Percival's not the youngest cat and could have a setback. You never know. I do think Gonzalez will get some save chances at some point in Atlanta, but it's really hard to say how the Soriano thing will play out right now, with very little meaningful information coming out of Atlanta.

Suzanne (Oak Park, IL)

Should I stick with Napoli or pick up one of Barajas, Olivo, Coste?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:06 PM)

I definitely think that dropping Napoli is a good idea with these options on the wire. As much as I like players that are in the lineup everyday, with catchers, that's not always the best policy. Napoli kills your BA, while someone like Coste not only won't hurt you, but he can help you in the ABs he gets. And he's getting close to a split with Ruiz anyway. I don't expect Olivo and Barajas to keep their averages where they are, but I still like them better than Napoli from here forward.

Pete (WI)

What's the word on Josh Fields being called-up? How likely will it that Crede be traded with the White Sox playing well? Also who's one to have between Clement and Headley? Who's better this year between both?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:09 PM)

it's a bit slow today...my apologies...I can't see where Fields would play right now if he came up, so I don't see it unless Crede is dealt. The way Crede is playing would make it a sell-high time for the team, but they're in first place so can't see them doing that. I like Headley more than Clement this year. I know he hasn't come up yet, but when he does, I think he'll contribute right away. And I do think Clement will be back up again soon, too. The M's are out of it and they might as well give him a shot to show what he can do (again).

John (Louisville, KY)

Keith, is Elijah Dukes finally putting it together? His walk rate is up and he's been heating up over the past month or so. Worth a pickup in a 12-team mixed?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:11 PM)

Only if you've got big benches, John. While he has shown some improvement, he still hasn't shown that he won't kill your BA and do anything else consistently. Good guy to keep an eye on, but not yet in a 12-team league, pickup-wise.

Joey: (Gilroy, CA)

Should I be jumping on the Mat Gamel bandwagon?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:13 PM)

Well, by all accounts, he is a professional hitter. Not great defensively (sound familiar for Brewers 3Bs?) ... but he can flat-out hit and is definitely worth paying attention to. Depending on how the season plays out, maybe he'll even get a look-see in September.

James, CA

Keith, With Soriano going down, who would be a better temporary fix? Jose Guillen Dave Murphy or Emil Brown?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:14 PM)

Guillen for me, and it's not even close. I think Guillen gets the short end of the fantasy stick sometimes. He's a decent average hitter and drives in runs and has done it for quite a while now. He obviously won't cover the steals Sori was getting you, but he's a decent patch elsewhere.

Mike (Indy)

Can Jorge Cantu Keep this up? Would you rather have him or Atkins for the rest of the season?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:16 PM)

I'd still rather have Atkins, but I do think Cantu can have a productive season in Miami. Remember, he's not too far removed from 28-117 with the Rays in '05, so while he won't drive in that many runs, he could hit 25 homers and provide a good enough average.

Alex (MO)

Hey Keith. Nice work on the Fantasy Focus podcast this week. Yesterday (on the podcast), Buster Olney mentioned that Miguel Cabrera's lack of conditioning was finally catching up to him. With that in mind, what do you expect of him for the rest of the season? I have been offered him for Mark Teixeira.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:18 PM)

You know, Alex, I still like Cabrera to have a nice season numbers-wise, but Teixeira has been quite a monster in the second half the past few years and I don't know if that trade would make much of a dent. And since both guys are putting up relatively similar numbers, I would just hang with Tex the rest of the way, even if Cabrera's BA is slightly higher.

Eddy (NH)

What are your thoughts on Adam Wainwright. Is he going to continue pitching this well or should I try to sell while his value is high?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:20 PM)

Well, this finger injury gives me some pause, Eddy, but for now, I have to believe the Cards will make sure he's OK when he returns. And if Wainwright comes back 100%, I see no reason why he can't continue to pitch this well. However, if you're getting really good offers for him, despite the injury, that's a different story.

Andrew (NJ)

What is the difference between Hamilton and Braun in a keeper league? What do you see from them the next 5 years or so?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:24 PM)

The biggest difference really is age, because otherwise, they are both studs. I'm a little concerned about Hamilton health-wise, just because he hasn't played a full season yet. But for the next five years, you can't go wrong, production-wise, with more steals for Braun.

bob(new york)

whod u rather have vlad or beltran for this season

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:25 PM)

Definitely Beltran, because I'm concerned that Vlad's best days are behind him and I'm generally worried about him breaking down physically.

Josh (NC)

Oswalt or Shields? Who you you rather target if you were trading Glaus?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:27 PM)

I can't imagine you'd be able to get either pitcher straight up for Glaus, but if you can, I'd target Shields. I like his upside more and I like him now more, too.

Help in Chicago!

Hi Keith, GREAT PODCAST TODAY! I dropped Saito since basically the Dodgers suck and he's had little chances to close. I picked up Torres but I can have Fuentes, Percival or Rauch also. Thoughts and rankings?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:31 PM)

Well, I personally think Saito is the best option, so I'd pick him back up. Saves can be streaky and it doesn't necessarily have to do with how good/bad a team is. They just have to be ahead in close games. I think he'll still get his chances. But if you're not big on Saito (which is apparently the case), Rauch seems to be the sturdiest options that isn't in danger of losing his job or getting hurt, so I'd take him next.

Mark (Denver)

How about a little foosball talk, Keith! What's the early top 5 RB list look like? Well, 2-5 I guess!

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:34 PM)

I loves me some foosball, Mark. And yeah, LT's No. 1 for me ... and I'll round out my Top 5 on the spot with Westbrook, Peterson, S. Jackson and Addai over LJ. I could wake up tomorrow and give you a different order, of course.

John (NJ)

I've been offered Johan and Atkins for Volquez and Bruce in a keeper league (can't keep Johan though). My 3B are Gordon/Beltre. Pull the trigger and go for it this year, or will Volquez match (exceed?) Johan this year?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:36 PM)

While Atkins is an upgrade and Johan is obviously starting his annual warm-up to ridiculous levels, the key is whether or not you're willing to mortgage your future to win now. If you are, I think it's an upgrade, but you'll only have Atkins to show for it once the season is over and I like Volquez and Bruce enough where I think I'd hold off on that one. And you can hope Beltre comes around while you're at it, too.

Ward (Stoneham)

1 through 5 at RB? I can even answer that one. I think 6-10 is a lot tougher a question. What's your thoughts?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:39 PM)

Well Ward, it may appear that it's easy to go 1-5, but things never are as they seem each year. But since I have LJ at No. 6, I'd go Gore, Portis, Lynch (if he isn't in trouble) and I like Maroney as a sleeper this season, so I'll give him some love at No. 10. So much time between now and draft day, though.

Perry (Boston)

Please help!!! Doumit or V-Mart in a 10 team, h2h, non-keeper?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:42 PM)

Well, between the bum elbow and Doumit being out of his mind, I'll go with Doumit. I think he can hit .290-.300 the rest of the way and he's hitting for power, which is something Martinez just hasn't done this season. Maybe that elbow really has been affecting his power stroke all season long.

Mark (Boston, MA)

Hi Keith--I was offered Cody Ross for Fred Lewis in a deep NL-only league. I am way ahead in steals and 3rd in avg, but lack power and RBI. Ross could address those needs, but will he keep it up/play regularly? He's been hot, but I don't want to buy high. Thanks.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:44 PM)

I think you're right not to buy-high on Ross. He has nice power, sure, but he still barely has more RBIs than Lewis does. So, between that and the better BA and SB numbers Lewis provides, I'd stick with Lewis.

Randy (Medford OR)

How do you think Matt Schaub does in Houston this year? Is it time to trade Tony Gonzo and try to get some value out of him, I have Ben Watson on my keeper team to fill the TE spot.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:47 PM)

I'm not as high as some on Schaub bouncing back with a 20-TD season. I think he's a 16-17 TD guy with 3,400-yard potential. But that's in a full season, and if Andre Johnson is healthy, which is always a big concern. And as far as Gonzalez goes, the clock is ticking on his future value, so if you can upgrade elsewhere, it's not a bad idea. He should still be strong this season, but you've got Ben Watson and might be able to fill a big hole in your backfield or something if you have another owner willing to work with you.

Joe (Detroit)

Maroney at #10? It seemed last year the only time the Patriots offense was stoppable was when they tried to run the ball. Why do you think Maroney is going to have a better season this year?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:50 PM)

I knew that would draw some response. It's definitely possible No. 10 is too high, but I wanted to get his name out there for a better season ... definitely in my Top 12-13, though. I like the Pats to run the ball a little more than last season (could they run it less?) and think that he'll get 10 TDs. Just a gut feeling from what I saw late last season from him when he finished strong. Other than that mini-stretch, I don't have hard numbers to sway you otherwise. Going with a gut on him at the moment.

Aaron (Seattle)

Is Jered Weaver going to find some consistency and possibly return to his rookie year form?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:53 PM)

I think Weaver got the expectations up with the strikeouts, so that doesn't help. But I think he'll become a more consistent pitcher as the years go on. He just won't blow you away in any one area, in my mind.

Shaun(NYC)

No MB3 in your top 10? Do you think Felix Jones hinders him that much?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:55 PM)

...and I'm someone who loves Marion Barber, too. I just think the 'Boys drafted Jones for a reason and if Barber doesn't get many more carries than he has the past couple of seasons, then his value won't be any higher. He still is a good 10-TD possibility, but I'm not sure he will rush for more than 1,000 yards if Dallas plans to use Jones like the early pick he was.

Greg (SoCal)

A suggestion to improve the chats: read the chats from the previous two days before hosting a chat. Alex's question about Teixeira/Cabrera and the podcast has been answered in at least 3 of the last 4 chats this week...two advised Teixeira by the way.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:56 PM)

Thanks, Greg...I've heard about that from a bunch of you and I apologize.

Chris, Pembroke Pines

Buzzard -- How much value do you see Mike Gonzalez, Max Scherzer and Brandon Morrow having the rest of the year?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:58 PM)

I am getting old! I'm very concerned about Putz, just from what I've seen all season long, so I think I'd put Morrow at the top, hoping the M's are smart enough to make sure Putz gets himself right before he pitches again. And while I do think Gonzalez factors in the save picture, he's coming back from surgery, so I think Morrow is safer. Scherzer obviously doesn't have the confidence of the braintrust in Arizona to pitch in games with the team ahead, so he finishes third here.

Jay (Long Beach, CA)

I JUST NEED TO VENT...I don't know what's more frustrating Furcal's back or Verlander's inconsistency. Your thoughts?

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:00 PM)

Furcal's back for me, easy on that one. Just when you think he's right, something goes wrong. Verlander's coming around just fine recently, although the lack of K's is a concern.

Cal (RI)

Quentin has cooled off big time, is he a sell high candidate?

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:01 PM)

I think the sell-high time has passed and you have to wait for him to get hot again before you can truly sell high on him. And I think he will get hot again, so you'll have your chance.

more value

alex hinshaw or scott downs?

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:02 PM)

Hinshaw's strikeouts are silly early on, aren't they? But Downs did it last season and is doing it again this season, so he's the safer option as well as a more likely option to get a spare save or two the rest of the way, at least at this juncture.

Kyle (Minneapolis, MN)

Buzzer Beater... Thoughts on Snell?

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:04 PM)

OK, Kyle...you beat the buzzer...I need to see more than a couple decent outings -- and that's all they were is decent, because he's only pitched 11 innings in them -- before I think he's what we hoped he'd be entering the season. Color me cautious with him. I'm going to let someone else jump on him. It's amazing the Bucs are so close to .500 without much help from Gorzo and Snell, isn't it?

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:05 PM)

All right, y'all. I'm done for the day, but we'll do it again next week. And I'll try not to repeat questions. But it isn't as easy as it may seem to take the time to read all the chats every day. Lots of work to do 'round here, ya know? See you next week! Thanks for the questions.