Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (2:59 PM)

Hi Gang! Great day today... our draft kit is launching (FREE!), you can sign up to play Fantasy Football for Free (with Free Live Scoring) as well.... and we'll be doing a special on our rankings tonight on ESPN at 8:30 ET. I'm going to focus on more football questions today but as always, all subjects answered.

Kevin, CT

Brian Westbrook is unhappy with his contract. Do you think that means he'll work his butt off this year since the Eagles said they want to talk about it towards the end of the season?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:01 PM)

Probably. I actually have Westbrook as my #2.. (LT, West, Addai and then AP)... avg basically 2,000 yd each of the last 2 years and has played 15 games both years as well

MAC (NY)

Do you still not like IDP fantasy football leagues? C'mon, it's much more fun...

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:02 PM)

No, actually, it isn't. But we offer that option on ESPN.com and I do know many people who like them

Kevin Templeton Ca

Should I gamble and start Wolf tonight against the Yankees? He's been pitching well.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:02 PM)

Not on the road, no. He's terrible away from Petco

Steve (Detroit)

Brady and Moss ran away as the leading QB/WR combo last year - do they repeat again this season? Can Manning and Wayne step it up? Who would be your next best combo after those two?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:03 PM)

Yes ; Yes ; and Romo / TO

Steve, Erie PA

Just read John Clayton's take on the Buffalo Bills this year. He thinks the Bills will do more downfield passing. Does this move Lee Evans into a top ten fantasy receiver?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:04 PM)

No. They still have Trent Edwards throwing it. No way is Evans a top 10. I don't even think he's top 20

Kobe Bryant (The Garden)

I was just fooling around for the first five games. Tonight, I turn it on big time. Right, YOU BELIEVE ME DON'T YOU?!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:04 PM)

Man I hope so.... We need it.

Steve (Winchendon, MA)

Who has the bigger bounce back - Sheffield or Byrnes?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:05 PM)

I say Byrnes. I'm not convionce Shedf stays healthy... I was high on Byrnes pre-season... and it's a much more favorable park. Plus Byrnes will run some

scott, chicago

what is your take on headley?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:06 PM)

I like him but he's not ready for a ten team mix league.... more for NL Only or deeper mix league. We compared him to jason Kubel on the podcast and i think that's right

Steve (MI)

Rank these pitchers please??? Kershaw, Wolf, Duchscherer, Danks.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:08 PM)

Danks, Dukes, Wolf (but only at home), Kershaw

Brian (Michigan)

Hathaway Dumps Follieri? WENN - 17 June 2008 9:13 AM, PDT Actress Anne Hathaway has reportedly dumped her longterm boyfriend Raffaello Follieri. Dude are you in the mix as a replacement? Or are you the cause of this?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:08 PM)

Both.

Anne Hathaway

I want you so bad.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:08 PM)

See?

Chris (NY)

Speaking of Kubel...i know you love you some ryan garko(recently hitting like a major leaguer!). who do you like more now, and over the whole season.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:09 PM)

Garko.... Like both of them but it'll be Garko in the end

Michael Berry (rockville, md)

Do you have a filter or something? Boo BERRY

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:11 PM)

Well, ESPN is owned by Disney....

Dan (San Jose)

Back off, Anne.

Micho (Lansing, MI)

Brandon Morrow or Mike Gonzalez?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:11 PM)

Morrow

Ryan (OK)

Good to have you back, missed you last week. Galarraga for the Tigers a mainstay in the roatation?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:12 PM)

Thanks. Yes on Armando

Phil (Syracuse, NY)

Is Larry Johnson the potential steal of the 1st round this year?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:16 PM)

No, he's the first round bust. Still a abd O line, he's got kolby smith and charles there... even though he missed half of the season last year, he's STILL 3rd in touches among RB in the NFl last 3... he's done

Josh, Cincinnati

How do you feel about D. Garrard this year? Also, where do we draft Ocho Cinco cuz we have no idea what he'll do next? Do we treat him like TO with the Eagles?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:17 PM)

LOVE Garrad. Think he's top 10. And I'm not worried about Chad. Chad wants to get paid and you get paid by playing

Mike Aviles (KC)

Am I any good?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:18 PM)

Yeah, you are. You hit well in the minors and now KC is giving you some PT. You're legit

rudy , chicago, IL

you mentioned on monday's podcast that you would address the situation at the laker's game on tuesday's podcast and you didnt. bur!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:19 PM)

Sorry - we mentioned it on today's that we will discuss tomorrow.

The mayor in Parraville, Parra

I really want to start Parra tonight...give me the go ahead and I'll make you Vice Mayor.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:19 PM)

Go for it. A 2.90 ERA at home this year and TOR has been struggling

andrew (Charlotte)

Are you going to draft RB-RB the first two rounds this year or would you alter that strategy since there's such a dearth of full-time stud RBs this year?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:19 PM)

No, this year it's best available... too many time shares for RB

Andrew (Washington, D.C.)

Ian Snell! Can we let him out of the doghouse? 2 ER and 15Ks vs. 6 walks in last two starts combined. Start him against the Pale Hose tonight?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:20 PM)

Not yet and no, I wouldn't risk it

Jay (MA)

I'm trying to make a killer 80's CD for my girlfriend, do you have any suggestions of songs I should include? I want some up beat songs not sappy slow love songs. Thanks.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:21 PM)

Gotta have Safety Dance, One Night in Bangkok and an underrated personal favorite... Dance Hall Days

Joe (ia)

who gets the bulk of the carries.. stewert or williams? mendenhall on the goal line over parker?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:21 PM)

Stewart and Mendy

Ronnie Brown, Miami FL

Will I be good this year? Will I keep my starting job? Will I give my owners enough points to beat brady?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:21 PM)

No, no, no

Jon (Boston, MA)

What is the closer situation in St. Louis?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:23 PM)

Franklin for now.... I say him and Izzy get the same amount the rest of the way... but I'd rather have Franklin

Jon (Boston)

You're a weird guy Matthew Berry.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:25 PM)

True that

80's music dude

Two Up-beat 80's classics: Save it for Later - English Beat & The Heat is On - Glenn Frey (great kareoke song!)

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:25 PM)

No and No

Tim (MD)

You starting McGowan tonight against the Brew Crew?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:25 PM)

Yes. think it's low scoring

Will (NY)

Isnt it true dat?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:26 PM)

Probably.

Rick Astley, Rickrollville

Don't forget about me!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:26 PM)

Oh, but I have

Mike (ATL)

What do you think of Michael Turner this year? I bought him for $3 in last year's draft and am hoping he has a great season.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:27 PM)

At that price, I love him. But I'm not that excited overall. Did you know he only has 11 receptions in his entire career? He'll be off the field on 3rd down, Norwood will get more time than you think and they got QB questions - D's will focus on the run. Like him as a #3 RB, not as a #2

Pat from North Andover, MA

Hi, Matt! If you really are there today, your many fans can breathe a gigantic sigh of relief. If you are not there, this is one of the great disappearing acts in the history of sports. Where have you been? And why all the mystery around your not been there? The only plausible explanation is that Anne Hathaway has finally agreed to run away with you.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:27 PM)

I was on vacation. Thanks for the kind words.

Arnold Slick from Turtle Creek, PA

Please settle an arguement. Rank these speedsters on overall stats, from today to the future....Crawford, Victorino, Ellsbury

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:28 PM)

Ellsbury ahead of Shane. Crawford gets it together.

Eric (Topeka)

No Huey Lewis love on the 80's mix?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:28 PM)

No, gotta have I want a new drug

Dan (San Jose)

"Hold Me Now" (Thompson Twins). Pun intended. I missed you.

Thunderpuss (ATL)

What kind of numbers do you see from Jeff Clement for the rest of the year? Is he a better pickup than Headley?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:31 PM)

Yes, if for no other reason than C eligibility.... Clement was raking in AAA and Mariners are in fre sale mode or will be soon

Brandon (OKC)

Jurrjens or Weaver from here on out??? Thanks!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:31 PM)

Jair

D.L. Roth (Parts Unknown)

Hot for Teacher? Panama? Cumon, gotta give VH some love.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:31 PM)

Done and done

Matt (Grand Rapids)

Any crazy stories from your vacation or was it the typical women and parties that a fantasy expert experiences on a daily basis?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:32 PM)

Well I went to a party at the Playboy Mansion one night. That was fun.

Scott (Albany NY)

any .38 Special on there?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:33 PM)

NO

Steve (LA)

Can you please rank your top 5 rb's and wr's as of now? Thanks amigo.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:34 PM)

RB: LT, West, Addai, AP, S Jax. WR: Moss, Owens, Wayne, Edwards, Colston

Corey Hart (Somewhere at night)

Sunglasses! You love me.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:35 PM)

of course...

larry (ny)

Was really hoping espn got rid of you after your Lugo and Scherzer rankings.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:35 PM)

Sorry. But thanks for reading ESPN! And coming to my chat.

mike: chicago il

King of Wishful Thinking by Go West and Heat of the moment by Asia. perfect cheesy 80's music.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:35 PM)

NICE pulls!

Suzanne (Oak Park, IL)

Have both Lackey and Santana, start both and hope for low scoring and lots of K's?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:36 PM)

yes and yes

Tony (NYC)

Start Tim Hudson @ Tx tonight?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:36 PM)

No

Jon Bon Jovi (NJ)

C'mon, TMR! Ya gotta have Livin' on a Prayer. It's one of your theme songs!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:37 PM)

Good point. Love me the Super Rock God

B (Philly)

Name game: Rasner or Liriano, rest of the way?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:38 PM)

I'll actually say Liriano. Think he comes up and has a big second half.

Retired fantasy playing Brett Farve

Where should I draft Ryan Grant?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:38 PM)

End of the first round, early second

Mike (Indy)

What do we do with Chad Johnson this year? P.S. - You're insane if you're not starting Hudson tonight!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:39 PM)

Hudson's career ERA at Texas is over 6. Draft Chad a little later and enjoy

Uten gleebon globbon globin (UK)

No Leppard?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:39 PM)

Nice

Brick (Brooklyn)

TMR, when does the fantasy focus football start up again? And, by the way, the focus kind of sucked last week without you...who knew you were the glue holding that podcast together?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:39 PM)

Soon for football. And I knew. I'm above the law!

Scotty Kazmir(TB)

Start me tonight against the Cubs?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:39 PM)

Of course

Matthew Berry (The Heavens)

Who would I pick as my four keepers out of these 6: Romo, Moss, LJ, Wayne, Bush, Lynch

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:41 PM)

I'd throw back bush and LJ, honestly.

tyger (dport, IA)

better pick up...marmol or mike gonzalez?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:41 PM)

Gonz

Daniel (please answer my question instead of non-fantasy!)

Where do you see Zumaya and Isringhausen at the end of the year.....if i have them too along with sherril, b wilson, and torres...can i afford to trade wilson for hawpe? thanks!!!!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:42 PM)

Don't think Zumaya gets many saves and Izzy is a question mark... that said, between all that, yeah, you can do that deal

Alex M. (NYC, NY)

Name game: Sports Guy, TMR, Reilly

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:43 PM)

I just know that I'm last

SHOCKED (KC)

C'mon, thats just insane. Keep LJ even if its just to trade him if you don't believe in him. He'll go earlier than at least 2 of those 4 in most drafts.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:43 PM)

I know. And that's a very fair point. The question is... what do you get for him? I'm assuming he's tried to trade otherwise he wouldn't be asking.

Jay (Bruce)

Hudson's career verse Texas 4.01. And what does that stat matter anyway, he hasn't ever faced this Texas team?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:46 PM)

AT Arlington, not vs Tex

Dave (Va)

They read my post for the guest host on Monday's PodCast and I wanted to know what your thoughts were. I compared PodVader to Daniel Cabrera (high expectations but always fails. You to WayRod (great at home (ESPN) awful on the road (women)). And Negative Nate to John Kruk, he hates fun. Your thoughts?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:47 PM)

You got jobbed. you should have won

Larry (Philly)

Lightning Round: Grant or Ronnie Brown?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:48 PM)

Grant

Felix Jones, Dallas, TX

Am I going to get more TD's than Marion this year?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:49 PM)

No

Ashamed (TN)

Is it a sign of the Apocalypse that my first instinct when I see an injury on the ESPN ticker (Javon Walker last night), my immediate concern is their fantasy value instead of their health?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:49 PM)

No, it's a sign that all is right with the world

Kevin Youkilis, Ryan Braun, Ian Kinsler

Aren't we the best jewish infield ever? Any thoughts on a jewish ss to complete our infield?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:50 PM)

No, but I like where you are headed. Walt Weiss is all I got...

Mike (Indy)

What happened to the rule of "You always start your aces" 2.76 ERA 1.14 WHIP this year. Dan from San Jose please set TMR straight during your pillow talk tonight.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:51 PM)

Well, Hudson's very good but he's not a no brainer no matter what start for me

Adam: (Denver)

Girl coming over tonight. Do I hide all my fantasy sports magazines and resist checkin any of my teams tonight or should I just tell her i'm a fantasy nerd?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:53 PM)

Just own up to it.... After a few drinks, of course.

Jeff (Philly)

Where's Derek Anderson rank in qb ratings?

Chris, Memphis

The Outfield - Your Love The Church - Under the Milky Way

Mike (Boston)

Is there such thing as a fantasy nerd these days? everyone is in to it

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:55 PM)

Nope

Lou Boudreau (Cleveland)

I was a pretty impressive Jewish Shortstop... 106 RBIs in 1948.

Buckets (Tulsa)

Rest of the way Galarraga or Wolf? Thanks.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:55 PM)

Galarraga

Hank Greenberg (Detroit)

How dare you leave me out of the best Jewish infield ever!

Andrew Miller

Take me over Jorge Campillo?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:57 PM)

No, I actually like Campillo a bit more

Eric (PA)

Been offered Harden for Lidge - have two other closers - pull the trigger?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:58 PM)

yes

John (STL)

Buzzer Beater! Start Duchsherer tonight?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:58 PM)

yes

Chris (Philly)

Name Game: Danks or Lowe?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:59 PM)

Danks

Don (Miami)

Quick Bruce or Murphy?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:01 PM)

Bruce

Matt (DC)

So I took a look at your Bold Predictions column from the beginning of the baseball season today. Not looking so good, especially the one about "75% coming true." What say you now?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:02 PM)

That the season hasn't ended yet. Let's see how we look at the end of the year

Dave (earth)

super fast... how good is brandon jones ???

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:02 PM)

he's a legit prospect w/ power and speed. Only 24 and strikes out too much, so the avg is a fluke... but I like him

Alex (MO)

Why don't you end the podcast with "Catch you on the flipside"? It's classy.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:05 PM)

Not sure about that, but I will end my chat with it. ZThanks everyone for stopping by. Be sure to check out ESPN tonight at 8:30, read the draft kit and download the podcast every day!