Buzzmaster

  (2:54 PM)

Brendan Roberts will be here at 3pm ET to take all your fantasy questions!

Buzzmaster

  (3:01 PM)

What's up, all? Let's get this party started.

(Joe, Sacramento CA)

Hey Brendan, Is there anything behind King Felix's recent hot streak that indicate he is ready to be an elite starter? or is it just a hot streak?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:03 PM)

There's a lot behind it, but the problem with King Felix has always been sustained consistency. I also was looking the other day, and he has a cycle I'm not really comfortable, in which he pitches well, gets bombed, then reports a minor arm injury. Could be overwork during the good starts.

Martin (Philly)

Stats for Mike Gonzalez this year? Brian Banister worth a speculation pick-up?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:04 PM)

I think Mike Gonzalez struggles a tad, as many TJ recoverees do at first. I think he's given a chance to close, but then slides back to being a part of a committee. In the end, I think he gets maybe 12 saves. That's less than many project for him. ... As for Bannister, I still wouldn't trust him in a start by start basis.

Adam (Jersey)

Keeper league trade: Portis/Barber or Westbrook/Jacobs?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:05 PM)

Wow, that's about as close as it gets. Considering I still have questions about Westbrook's long-term health (and Jacbs' for that matter), I'd probably go with the first two guys.

Steve (NY)

Is Izzy going to regain his closer job?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:05 PM)

Yes, I think so, and I think it'll happen by the end of this month (not right away, but soon).

Jon (Columbus)

If I told you at the begining of the season that in a 12 team H2H league you would put a lineup of V. Martinez,Berkman,Phillips,A-Rod,Tulo,Dunn,Markakis,Granderson,Hart, CB Young, and starters of Peavey,Bedard,Sabathia,Young wouldn't you imagine running away with the league instead of losing three straight weeks!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:06 PM)

Yeah, my Tout team looked kinda like that. It has picked up of late, though. You've nailed most of the underperfomers there.

mike (destruction island, wa)

BRob - in a 3 year keeper league, who is more valuable....ichiro or ellsbury? are they they same player stat-wise... thanks.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:08 PM)

You know, I've never really thought about it, but they are closer than I thought. I'd still probably take Ichiro from here on out this season, but in a 3-year league, I'd stick with Ellsbury, as strange as it sounds. Better lineup (and it ain't getting soft anytime soon). Also, did y'all know Ichiro turns 35 in October?

brian (nyc)

i'd like to know how jon from columbus got that many top players in a 12 team league.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:09 PM)

Maybe it's a keeper league, although I suspect he was maybe just putting together a facetious all-underperformer team.

Rob (Boston)

Is Tulowitzki ever coming back?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:10 PM)

Yes, and sooner than expected. He's already rehabbing, and it sounds like the team is shooting for this weekend. Wow, as a Tulo owner myself, I expected him to be out till the ASB.

JOHN (NY)

Is John Lannan going to be a future ace?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:11 PM)

Nah, I don't think so. I like the guy, but the most comparison I've heard referred to him is "Jamie Moyer." That's not ace stuff. It could be effective, but he's puffing a lot of smoke and angling a lotta mirrors.

Brendan (New Jersey)

Hey Brendan, love the name! (work's so-so). I feel sick seeing Soriano go down after giving up CC, Kinsler and Ludwick for him, Morneau and Uggla. Tell me I made the right trade!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:12 PM)

Yeah, nice name! I'm an "older" Brendan; it was so uncommon when I was a kid that everybody just called me Brandon. Anyway, I feel like you originally made the right trade ... but that doesn't matter now. With Soriano's injury, it could eventually work in his favor. At least Soriano as an outfielder should be semi-easy to replace.

Joe (Baltimore)

Did Ozzie forget Uribe kinda stinks? Whats happening with Ramirez now that hes losing playing time?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:14 PM)

Oh, as much as Ozzie has criticized Uribe before, I think he knows full well about his "faults." But he's giving him a chance to keep fresh. I've also heard some rumblings that the Sox don't want to wear out Ramirez. Have you seen him? He's like 160 pounds soakin' wet. Very skinny.

aaron

better remainder of this year and next 3 years. markakis, rios and frenchy.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:14 PM)

It's close, but I say Rios.

Sparky (Ca)

i don't think Jon's team from Columbus is all that bad. With the exception of Tulo, V-Mart, and pitcher Young, they could all perform very well for rest of season no?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:15 PM)

I agree. A number of those guys have already turned around or are due to. That's the same deal with my Tout team. I started May in last place. Dead last. All slow starters. I about gave myself an ulcer wanting to make changes, but I just couldn't.

Steiny (NYC)

I am thinking about picking up three of the following player, OF, Lastings Milledge (Washington Nationals), SS Maicer Izturis, (Los Angeles Angels), SP Armando Galarraga, (Detroit Tigers). Which one of those players do you think would be the best pick up?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:16 PM)

It depends, of course, on what you need. But I am starting to sing Galarraga's praises and probably would go after him. Milledge is so blah -- and I say that as an onwer of him. And Izturis will lose PT when Aybar returns, probably this week.

samantha fox (even naughty girls need fantasy love too)

your thoughts on Headley? will he be in the OF or will they move Kouz?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:17 PM)

I think Headley stays in the outfield. The team clearly has or will start building toward the future, and both youngsters can be the centerpiece of that. To be honest, I think OF is weaker than 3B in a standard mixed league, so I'm fine with that.

Steve (NY)

Is Fukodome going to be the same player he was earlier in the year? His BA dipped below 300 now

Brendan Roberts

  (3:19 PM)

I say no. I ran an interesting stat in my Hit Parade than I worked up that noted Kosuke was hitting .328 the first series against new opponents, and then .242 in future series against them. Teams are figuring him out, in other words.

Shawn (The Bean)

If you never answer any other of my questions PLEASE TAKE THIS ONE! Do I start Jair Jurgens this week on a bum ankle? And it is rumored Bartolo Colon will lose his 2nd start because Dice-K is comeing back into the rotation is this true?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:21 PM)

Wow, yelling at me!? Ha, ha. (That's what ALL CAPS means.) I say you start Jurrjens. As long as the Braves think he's OK, then you should. The start in Colorado isn't as scary as originally thought, but that one later this week at home against SEA as Borat would say, "eez niiice!" I think Boston keeps Daisuke back till next week, but I can't know that for sure.

John (Seattle)

Who would you start between the matchup of the Moose and Volquez in the Bronx later in the week? I can only start one.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:22 PM)

What a great matchup, huh? Well, I like using matchups just as much as the next guy, but talent and performance still wins out. It's Volquez over Moose, and it's not close, in my mind.

tyger (davenport, IA)

is nick markakis a 20-20 or even 30-30 guy? good replacement for soriano?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:24 PM)

Hey, Davenport, Iowa. I know that area well! Maybe 20-20, but I don't see him returning to his normally lofty levels. He's a good replacement, sure, as long as you don't give up a top-flight pitcher to get him.

Frustrated (Fantasy Land)

Oh, good grief, what the hell are the D-backs doing with Scherzer? Is he worth holding onto in a standard 10 team mixed league?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:25 PM)

Good grief is right. THis is one of those cases in which a team is veteran-heavy and playing to win now. If there's any hint of a youngster hurting the team's division title chances, he gets pulled. Unfortunately, I don't see Scherzer as roster-worthy in shallow mixed leagues. Sigh.

Rob (State of Confusion)

Brendan - Please cast a tiebreaking trade vote!! I've been offered Arod for Utley, straight up. I'm in a shallow roto league and have a sizeable lead. I have Phillips to play 2B (he's at UTIL now) and currently play Atkins at 3B. What do you think?? Thanks for the help, always!!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:27 PM)

Hmm, that's close. Really, positions don't matter because, it sounds, instead of starting Utley, Phillips and Atkins, you'll be starting A-Rod, Phillips and Atkins (at utility). That said, with that much depth at 2B, and cause I REALLY like A-Rod from here on out, I say go for the gusto! "Like in Ben Stiller version of Starsky and Hutch: "Just do it."

Tom ( Denver)

What do you think of Ian Stewart for the next year and a half.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:28 PM)

Good question, Tom. When I first saw Stewart play, I thought he was the best thing since sliced bread. I don't think so any longer, and his slipping minor league numbers indicates that he's on some sort of decline. Not sure why, but I'm not expecting much from in the next year-plus.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:29 PM)

Good question, Tom. When I first saw Stewart play, I thought he was the best thing since sliced bread. I don't think so any longer, and his slipping minor league numbers indicates that he's on some sort of decline. Not sure why, but I'm not expecting much from in the next year-plus.

Carlos Quentin (Chicago)

Will I recover from this recent wall that I have hit?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:30 PM)

Hi, "Carlos." You know, I'm starting to believe this hot start isn't the real thing. I could Quentin maintaining his power, but I could see him hitting about .250 for the season. Seriously.

Jake (Minn)

Better product this and next year: Colby Rasmus or Billy Butler

Brendan Roberts

  (3:31 PM)

Good question. Better hitter? Butler by a nose. The choice, though: Rasmus, because of the outfield position qualification and because he'll have a better lineup around him.

Andrew (San Antonio TX)

Hey Brendan, I need your help big time! Who do you side with? D-Mac for Dye and Helton. Thanks!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:32 PM)

Well, people don't make a trade like this unless they're in dire need for hitting. Thus, I'd probably take the "hitters" portion of it.

Grant (Baltimore)

Headley or Ankiel?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:33 PM)

Ankiel. Honestly, I'm not as high on Headley for this season as my colleagues are. To me, he's just a good hitter who hasn't fully developed his power, will hit in a dreadful park for homers and don't have much lineup support.

Matt,mpls

Would you trade Sherrill before he ends up a set up man somewhere?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:35 PM)

Ya know, I wonder that myself. But here's the thing: The Orioles obviously highly value Sherrill, and I suspect when they go to the trade market, they're going to find teams don't value him near as highly. So they'll keep him. Really, they need him about as much as anybody else on that right now anyway. Maybe that's an exageration, but he is holding up their bullpen.

Bobby (Denver, CO)

J-Roll or Tejada the rest of the way?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:35 PM)

J-Roll. I like Tejada more than most, but not as much as last year's MVP.

Steiny (NYC)

Is Brian Barton (OF) (STL) a good pickup?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:36 PM)

Only in an NL league. Still has too many holes in his swing to be considered an everyday option for the Cardinals or you.

Borat (Kazakhstan)

Will Mike Pelfrey and Garrett Olson be "great success" this week?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:37 PM)

Points for the quote gets you my answer ... I thought about starting Olson, too, in a mixed league. While researching, I noticed the 'Stros don't hit well on the road. Pelfrey I'd be scared of. Then again, I'd be scared of him no matter where he was pitching (he pitches at LAA and at COL).

Steve(Boston)

FOOTBALL Keeeper? 1 keeper and lose the round he was drafted yeatr before. Turner 8th rd, Wayne 3rd, Jacobs, 4th, or Selvin 7th? Thanks

Brendan Roberts

  (3:39 PM)

I've played in league s like this before, and I've noticed there's actually really good talent at the top of the draft since people keep the bargains. I think you should do the same and keep Turner.

tim, nyc

Tulo or Orlando Cabrera rest of the season.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:39 PM)

Ya know what, I say Tulo! I think he comes back, struggles for a week, and then rakes from here on out. Love his power/production upside.

Bob(NY)

J. Vazquez was dropped. He worth my #2 waiver priority. I am in need of pitching. Thanks

Brendan Roberts

  (3:40 PM)

Definitely, assuming this league incorporates K's (ie. it's 5x5 and not 4x4).

Hot spot, AZ

Need a first baseman now that Konerko might be out. Better pick up Loney or Helton?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:40 PM)

I think Helton.

SteveFitz (Cicero, IL)

Is Ricky Nolasco really this good as of late? I'm ready to dump The Big Unit. Nolasco is there, Josh Banks, Jered Weaver and Jonathan Sanchez are there as well.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:41 PM)

No, don't drop Unit for Nolasco. No way he keeps this up. That said, I have (and have always had) a thing for Jered Weaver. I'd pick him up for Unit. I noticed he pitches well against divisional teams.

John (DC)

Roy Oswalt is all over the place. Have his innings finally caught up with him? I know he's traditionally better after the break, but what does he do for the rest of the season?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:42 PM)

I think he returns to form. As in, good form. I've been burned right along with everybody else in a couple leagues, but I'm definitely keeping the faith. As long as he says he's healthy and his velocity is up, and it is, I am hangin' on to him.

Matt,mpls

What do you see for Rudi Johnson this year? Hasn't hit the 30 year old wall yet. Could he have a decent bounce back year as a RB2?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:43 PM)

I think so. I like him as a third back in the third round, and I think he'll provide starting numbers. Even if he loses carries, he's the mauler the team would use in the red zone.

John (MO)

Can you please give me your final line predictions for Alexei Ramirez and Ryan Howard? Thanks.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:47 PM)

All righty then. I say Howard finishes at .253-41-133. That's pretty good. Note he's still on pace for 132 RBIs. And Alexei: .293-8-54, with 18 steals. Picks up the steals, but still doesn't hit for power.

Mike (Cincy)

Marniers just fired Bavasi (finally) - do we see Clement recalled in the next few days and Bedard dealt in the next month?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:48 PM)

I don't think Bedard gets dealt, honestly. I think the M's will consider him a guy to build around (and keep Ichiro semi-happy). But I do see Clement being recalled in the next few weeks (but not days).

Steve (Ny)

Billy Hall has been disgusting. Do i drop him? or will he get traded to a new place for a fresh start?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:49 PM)

I hit on Hall in a recent Hit Parade. I honestly don't know where he'd go right now that could give him full-time playing time and a legit opportunity to turn it around. I'd drop him.

James - Phoenix

Trot Nixon, Reed Johnson or Mark Teahen. Pick one for a deep league fill in. Thanks

Brendan Roberts

  (3:50 PM)

I'd probably say Teahen. He's the most assured of playing time, and this is about the time he usually starts hitting.

MAC (NY)

Kevin Slowey or Jered Weaver? I don't care about wins, but I do care about WHIP and K/BB.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:51 PM)

Weaver, definitely. I'm telling you, he has about as much potential as any young pitcher I've seen, and once he gets on a roll ...

Matthew (Philadelphia, PA)

Would you start Bartolo Colon tonight?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:52 PM)

No way. The Phils can rake, and Citizens' Bank is no place for a flyball pitcher.

Frank (Boston, MA)

I'm loving the number of Saves from K-Rod any chance he keeps this up or should I trade him while his value is high?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:53 PM)

I see him keeping this up. The Angels aren't a high-scoring team, and they have good starting pitching. The combination means K-Rod should get plenty of 4-2 leads to protect.

Tike (KA)

Hocheaver - Royals. Legit?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:54 PM)

Not this season, he's not. I do see him eventually rounding into form, a la Greinke. But all depends upon how his psyche deals with getting knocked around this season. He could go the way of Greinke, or the way of Bonderman. Right now I'd vote Greinke.

Paul (Chicago)

So is Chase Headley really going to be like 10 Jay Bruces? Or more like 1 Scott Hairston?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:54 PM)

Not exactly Scott Hairston, but I see him falling closer to Hairston than Bruce, believe it or not.

tim, nyc

Please rank Mike Jacobs, Cantu, Swisher, Garko, Adam Laroche rest of the season.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:55 PM)

1) Swisher (he's back!); 2) Garko; 3) Jacobs; 4) Cantu; 5) LaRoche.

Bill(NY)

Is VOLQUEZ to much to give for TEJADA? I can move Guillen to 3rd and drop Crede. T

Brendan Roberts

  (3:56 PM)

No, I don't think so. As long as you have SP to fill replace Volquez.

James - Phoenix

You starting Dice K this week or waiting to see rehab? Barmes' and Tulo's return sends stewart to the bench?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:56 PM)

I wanna see how his rehab start goes. Not really the performance, but how many pitches he can throw and the reports of his arm following it.

Kurt (NYC)

Any shot at Matt Gamel being brought up before September? Does it all hinge on whether Hall gets traded?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:58 PM)

Yes, I think he does get called up before September, even if Hall doesn't get traded. He's a horrible fielder, but then again, platoon mate Russell Branyan is no Mike Schmidt, either. I think Gamel gets called up in August or before and gets a chance to play every other day.

Rick(MA)

Ronnie Brown will be__?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:59 PM)

Good. The Dolphins will cut down his workload, but that's a good thing. I won't provide elite numbers, but I think he's a great borderline second or solid third RB.

Joe (Philly)

Do you do Fanasty Hockey?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:00 PM)

Yes I do. Didn't like it at first, but it has grown on me. As long as the league is deep enough in which you can't just play matchups to have good weeks. That's where I'm in trouble because I don't know the fringe players as well as others.

Steve(Boston)

Just want to say I think you are the best on here. Thanks

Brendan Roberts

  (4:00 PM)

Hey, thanks, Steve. I needed that!

Joe (NY, NY)

BUZEER BEATER - I am getting tired of Markakis. Is Nick and Pierre for McClouth fair?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:01 PM)

Assuming this is a 5x5 league (or you wouldn't value Pierre), I would say you could get another decent throw-in player in return. I wouldn't do that otherwise.

Tony (BK)

What do you think of Carl Crawford here on in? What do you think of trading Brandon Phillips for him?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:02 PM)

I think Crawford turns it around and ends up with elite numbers, but so will Phillips. I'm a huge Phillips fan, and his position is harder to replace than Crawford's. I wouldn't make that trade unless you say you have a good second base to fill in.

Rick (NY)

Who is better in a TD Only Keeper league: Matt Forte or Rashard Mendenhall?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:03 PM)

With Benson gone, definitely Forte. I know the Bears won't exactly hand him the reins, but he's assured of more work.

Andy (NJ)

James from Phoenix had an interesting question that you missed: Does Barmes' and Tulo's return send Stewart to the bench?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:03 PM)

Whoops, my bad. Yes, I think it does -- or even back to Triple-A.

Larry (CA)

I have depth at first and need help at second base. Is CoJack for Figgins fair?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:04 PM)

Even without the preface, I think it's a good deal for you.

Richard,TX

Wang is Hurt!!!!!!!!!! Do I drop him?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:05 PM)

They're now saying he could be done for the season. Either way, it'll be a long time. Assuming you can't just stuff him into an otherwise-unused DL slot, I think you have to drop him.

Ryan (PA)

Brendan, kind of long but I could use some advice. It is a 13 team dynasty league. Would you trade Rios, Verlander and Tulo for Howard? Right now I have Bruce, Rios, BJ, Kemp and Burrell as my OF and DH. I have Tex at 1B so Howard would be my DH and Bruce would go from my DH to the OF. I have Hanley as my SS and would still start 5 SP a week from Lincecum, CC, McGowan, Cain, Kershaw, Parra, Wakefield and Moyer with Hughes on my DL. I could use some power, do it or am I giving to much?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:05 PM)

Unfortunately, I think you are, Ryan, in a keeper league. But you're close. Just see if he'll throw in a useable player in return.

John (NY)

Keeper league - got offered Manny for Crawford - thoughts?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:06 PM)

Crawford, Crawford, Crawford.

Harold (Reno)

Hi Brendan. What are your thoughts on Marcus Thames?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:07 PM)

Well, he's playing more, but I think he's still a low-average hitter who hits the occasional HR. That's all. Wasn't a fan of Craig Monroe, who was similar, and not a fan of Thames. Plus, Sheffield will be back eventually.

Bobby C (Oak Lawn,Il)

Its been 52,560,000 minutes since the last Cubs world series win. Is this the season of love.

Brendan Roberts

  (4:08 PM)

Nope. Sorry, man. I'm a product of Cubs country myself, but I'm a Cardinals fan. I admit the Cubs are good, but I don't think they line up well in a grueling playoff series.

Brendan Roberts

  (4:09 PM)

On that (warm) note, it's time for me to run, y'all. It's been fun. As always, thanks for stopping by, and good luck this week. And happy belated Father's Day to all you dads out there. B-Rob. Out!