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Jason Grey

  (3:00 PM)

Hey everyone - let's get right to it... First question: Hey Jason, in a 20-team league would you drop Pedro Feliz or Chase Headley? Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (3:01 PM)

It's probably closer than you might think, but it's Headley. Yes, there's the upside, but the bigger factor is Headley's batting average advantage outweighing Feliz's likely small advantage in power.

Jake (Philadelphia)

Someone has dropped Wang in my keeper league. Is he worth picking up and stashing on my DL? Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (3:02 PM)

In a keeper league? Sure. As for this season, you'll be lucky to get 3-4 start if you're holding out hope.

Nick (Scottsdale)

Hello Jason. What pitcher would you rather have, Scott Kazmir or Big Z?

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

Kazmir, but I've always had an admittedly irrational bias against Big Z. When both are at their peak, Kazmir puts up the better numbers. Both pitchers are going to come back to Earth a bit.

Mark (MA)

Has Jon Lester finally turned the corner?

Jason Grey

  (3:06 PM)

Close, but not quite. His K/BB ratio isn't much different this season, but what's been the difference has been he's getting a lot of more grounder, keeping the ball in the park, and down in the strike zone. So while there are some very real improvements, he's not quite there yet, and is a bit over his head at the moment.

Evan (NYC)

Who do you like better for this year: Mike Aviles or Alexi Ramirez? Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

Ramirez. Aviles is a capable player on a hot run right now, but he's not Ramirez.

Alex (MO)

What does the future hold for Bryan Anderson (catcher in the Cardinals' system)? Do you think the Cardinals may bring him and Anthony Reyes up to show them off before the trade deadline?

Jason Grey

  (3:11 PM)

Reyes is already back up - it's possible they could bring Anderson up, but there is really no need to at this point, and it would be a mistake. The 21-year-old profiles as a very good offensive catcher some day, but his power hasn't developed yet and he just needs more experience against upper levels of pitching. It was certainly odd Molina got the big deal, because it blocks Anderson, much like Johjima's deal was odd. He doesn't need to be showcased, he'll be a desried commodity in the trade market.

Tyler (Burlington, VT)

Jason,Any inside info on Rich Hill? Do you see him as a fantasy contributer later this year?

Jason Grey

  (3:12 PM)

He's walked seven and six in his last two minor league outings. At this rate his big league contributions the rest of the year are slim and none.

Steve (Dallas)

With Barmes and Tulo coming back this week do you think Ian Stewart will get to 20 games at second this season to qualify at the position in 2009?

Jason Grey

  (3:13 PM)

He needs, what, eight more games? That's a pretty safe bet.

Alan (NY, NY)

Always a pleasure to read your chats, Jason...would you drop Jonathan Sanchez or Andrew Miller to pick up Jorge Campillo?

Jason Grey

  (3:13 PM)

No, unless your league doesn't count strikeouts.

Josh (Las Vegas, NV)

Outlandish to think Mike Jacob's finishes with .255-30-100 ?

Jason Grey

  (3:14 PM)

Too many RBI, but can he hit .250 and get close to 30 dingers? Yes.

Mike (Cincy)

Any chance that Buchholz can make 12-14 more starts this year?

Jason Grey

  (3:16 PM)

I've been thinking a lot about that lately. Charlie Zink, the knucklerballer, has been ridiculous lately, and with Masterson establishing himself there are a lot of cooks in the kitchen. Clay would have to be back in the rotation by August, and that's certainly possible, a lot can happen in that time, but it's no guarantee.

John (MO)

Does Morrow finish the year as the closer? What role will he have next year?

Jason Grey

  (3:17 PM)

With a new regime all bets are off, but I don't think he does. I think Putz is out longer than most expect, but without a more serious issue, I think he'll come back to his job. Ride Morrow for the next month or so though.

Jason Grey

  (3:18 PM)

Oh, and I still think the plan is to make him a starter next year, but the Red Sox said that about Papelbon, too.

Jason Grey

  (3:19 PM)

Church questions: I'm always wary of guys with post-concussion syndrome coming back, so if there's any way I could avoid him or deal him for good value I would do it to be on the safe side. I also dropped Aaron Hill in the one mixed league where I owned him, but I have Tulo coming back so that decision was a little easier.

Curt: (Luverne, Minn.)

Since Furcal is out until after the AllStar break, I need a replacement for MI.What about Casilla if I'm looking foraverage and SB's? Thanks, Jason!

Jason Grey

  (3:20 PM)

You're really looking to replace the SB more, so Casilla can do that. Any batting average is a bonus.

Matt (CT)

Hi Jason: what do I expect from Jeff Clement? Top-15 catcher from here on out? I'm a V-Mart owner in a 12-team mixed and need help.

Jason Grey

  (3:21 PM)

If Clement is out there in 12-team mixed and you're trying to replace V-Mart, it's a no-brainer.

Travis Hafner (Cleveland)

What is WRONG with me???

Jason Grey

  (3:23 PM)

As I've been saying since shortly after it happened, your shoulder issue has been more serious from the get go than has been let on. You could tell from the swing plane, that it was different with not as much loft. A visit to Dr. Andrews is never a good sign.

Carlos Quentin (Chicago)

whats wrong with me???

Jason Grey

  (3:25 PM)

You were a little over your head to start the season, and now you're coming back down to earth as expected. Now you'll settle somewhere in between early April and early June's performances.

Jeff Francoeur (Atlanta)

What happened to 40 HRs this season for me? Will I blow up in the 2nd half?

Jason Grey

  (3:27 PM)

I was never on the 40 HR bandwagon. Can you hit 25? Sure, I won't put that past you, there can be a little surge here.

Michael (Tucson, AZ):

Justin Duchscherer's outrageous ERA and WHIP seem to make him an obvious sell-high, but what do you think of him for the next few years? No. 2 starter in mixed leagues or worse, as he doesn't strike out a ton of guys?

Jason Grey

  (3:30 PM)

I'm going to do a write-up on him for next Monday, but he's certainly capable of being a fourth starter if his health and stamina hold out in the future. We all know the numbers for this year are coming back a bit, but he can still keep his ERA in the mid-three range.

Aaron Harang (Cincy)

Do you really see good things for me in the near future? I keep hearing that it's just bad luck, but this is getting ridiculous.

Jason Grey

  (3:32 PM)

His ERA is 4.10 compared to the 3.7's and 3.8's of recent years, the peripheral numbers indicate he's pretty much the same pitcher as always - his walks are down, and his K/BB ratio is actually up. I don't see it as being ridiculous at all, just a little ERA fluctuation. I'm happy to take him off of people's hands.

Ichiro (Seattle)

Will I be the Ichiro of old or am I done?

Jason Grey

  (3:34 PM)

You're going to hit over .300 again and are on pace for a career-high in stolen bases. You tell me.

Erik Bedard (Seattle)

And what about me? Will I finish the season as a top 5-10 SP?

Jason Grey

  (3:35 PM)

I don't think so. The walks are up, and I think the hip injury is affecting the torque you need in your delivery. Top 10 starter is stretching it at the moment. Still useful to own? Yes.

Jeremy (NJ)

You must be pretty popular, Jason. You've got a ton of MLB players sitting in on your fantasy chat.

Ryan , Philly

Jason, do you think Webb is headed to the DL soon??

Jason Grey

  (3:39 PM)

Nope....word I got is the hip checked out fine, velocity was just fine last night, just a bump in the road. Barring Webb saying something to the contrary when he gets to the park today, that doesn't appear to be in his future. Command was off last night, stuff looked OK.

Johan (The place where the toal collapse happened)

Am i going to start pitching like everyone thought I should any time soon?

Jason Grey

  (3:42 PM)

Well, if you look at the deeper numbers there's really not a lot that's off from your full-season ones last year. You're even getting 10% less flyballs but have been unlucky on homers per flyball. K/BB off a bit but not a huge deal. You've also historically been a second half guy. I'm pretty comfortable having you on my roster - you're probably the least of my worries.

Francisco Liriano (Rochester)

When can I get in the rotation?

Jason Grey

  (3:45 PM)

You've really only had one bad outing in your last nine starts at Triple-A, and it looks like first or second week of July.

Blake (Buffalo)

Should Randy Wolf have a rotation spot on a 10 Team League, or is he strictly Home Only waiver material? Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (3:47 PM)

I don't trust Randy Wolf at all, especially in that shallow of a league format, He's home material at best, and I'm still not sure I want to do even that in a 10 team mixed.

eric (albany)

now that we have seen headley, bruce and schezner. when do you see rasmus coming?

Jason Grey

  (3:47 PM)

It's been better, but he's still not hitting great at Triple-A. More importantly, there is no need for him on the big club right now. It's going to take some guys getting hurt.

Suzanne (Oak Park, IL)

What is Kouz?s status? In light of his injury, would you drop him for Blanton?

Jason Grey

  (3:50 PM)

A late scratch on Tuesdy due to a sore back, he was reportedly walking "very gingerly" in the clubhouse, and at least one report said he could miss a bunch of time/ He's had back issues in the past in the Cleveland organization, so it's a big concern. If Blanton is the option, I don't think he's droppable yet, because they are holding out hope it's a day to day thing.

tim, nyc

Izzy or Morrow, Swisher or Hank Blalock rest of the season?

Jason Grey

  (3:51 PM)

Morrow, Swisher.

Ryan (Vegas)

Final #s for Evan Longoria this year?

Jason Grey

  (3:51 PM)

.260-.265, between 25-30 homers.

Matt,mpls

Jeff Clement or Barajas rest of season?

Jason Grey

  (3:52 PM)

Clement.

Samantha (Portland, ME)

Maicer Izturis or Howie Kendrick?

Jason Grey

  (3:52 PM)

Kendrick. I expect a big 2nd half out of him.

Barbi (Ken's Playhouse)

Would you drop Kenji Johjima for Jeff Clement?

Jason Grey

  (3:53 PM)

Yes. Clement is going to eat into a lot of his PT and should be the primary catcher. Johima should see some time at DH as well, but Clement's ceiling is higher and for now it appears he will play more.

Jason Grey

  (3:55 PM)

Lots of Clement questions. We are talking about a catcher with 25-30 homer pop. How many of those are there? Is he a risky play? Absolutely. Youn can go with a safer play or shoot for the big upside, depending on the makeup of the rest of your roster. Clement will eventually hit, hopefully sooner rather than later, and looks as if he's going to play regularly. Give yourself a chance to get lucky, and see if his time to produce good power numbers is right now and not next season.

Alex Rios (Toronto)

Will I even get to 15 HR's this year? What happened to my power?

Jason Grey

  (3:57 PM)

You can, but the fact you're hitting a ton more grounders this season, as opposed to flyballs. The power numbers of the last couple of seasons were driven by more flyballs, but that has regressed. 15 homers is still doable, but barely at this rate.

Lee

Hey Jason,...would you trade Miguel Cabrera/Braun, Scherzer, and Dempster for HanRam in a keeper league?

Jason Grey

  (3:58 PM)

Seems like you're giving up a bit much.

Matt (Raleigh)

Any reason to think Alex Gordon will start playing better any time soon?

Jason Grey

  (3:59 PM)

I addressed this in my clipboard this week. By better, I'm assuming you mean power growth, and I just don't see it right now. Doesn't mean he isn't a useful fantasy player.

Jason Grey

  (4:00 PM)

I have time for 3 more, which means I'm leaving 1500 of you out in the cold. Sorry about that. I really appreciate you taking the time out of your day to ask, and I wish I could respond to everyone.

John (Akron Ohio)

Would you drop Iannetta or Navarro for Clement?

Jason Grey

  (4:01 PM)

Yes.

Paisan (NY, NY)

I know people have said Snell has lost confidence, he's not pitching inside (and his velocity seems a bit down this year)...what's your take? Is he ownable in a 14 team mixed?

Jason Grey

  (4:01 PM)

That was me. I wrote it in Out of the Box this morning. Not ownable right now.

Edison Volquez (CIncy)

Do you think I can keep performing like this through the rest of this year and the next?

Jason Grey

  (4:02 PM)

With a little natural regression in the numbers? Sure. That changeup is nasty right now.

Jason Grey

  (4:03 PM)

Thanks everyone, back next Wed at 3. ET