Buzzmaster

  (2:56 PM)

Brendan Roberts will be by at the top of the hour to take your fantasy questions!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:00 PM)

Hello, everyone! Fantasy baseball begins Week 13 (the halway point is Sunday), and fantasy football is getting going -- our Draft Kit is on the site.

Dan(Waynesboro,Ga)

Got to replace Chipper at 3rd this week. Right now my best options are Branyan and Headley, do you think they are now everyday players.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:01 PM)

Branyan is ... until his has one of 3-for-41 stretches (probably with two homers). He's not safe. Headley will play most of the time, and he's actually the safer pick to me.

Chris (Philly)

TRADE VETO!!! Dunn and M. Rivera for Harden and J. Loney. I normally don't veto trades, but this seems questionable. Is it 'noble' to veto a trade that isn't blatantly unfair, but significatly impacts the balance of power within a league?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:02 PM)

It's not noble, especially when you know the people you play with. The trade above does seem fair, but it can be argued for both sides. In fact, if Loney has a second half like he did last year, and Harden stays healthy, it might even be advantage second guy. I wouldn't veto it; it's just not quite to that point.

Joel H (Stanwood, WA)

Should I sell high on Edinson Volquez?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:04 PM)

Well, we've all been expecting him to slip, and he hasn't yet. He even pitches well in tough matchups. Yeah, sell high, but only if you have a category/position imbalance (which you might, since Volquez was a late-round pick and is bolstering your stuff), don't do it just to get rid of Volquez. Also, be sure you get a VERY good player in return.

Jeremy (DC)

What is the latest word on Shaun Marcum?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:06 PM)

There really isn't much, just that he has elbow pain. Kind of came out of the "blue." But I think that if he pitched, and pitched decently, in pain previously, then it probably isn't serious, and he probably won't be bothered by some discomfort again. I think he spends a little more than minimum 15 days on the DL and comes back strong. I'm not worried yet.

Jason (Atlanta)

Brendan, love your work. I need help in runs and sb. I am top dog in hrs, rbis and avg. do i trade Adrian Gonzalez and Carlos Guillen for Jose Reyes and Aubrey Huff?? and its a keeper league. Thanks a million!!!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:08 PM)

Yeah, I'd do that. Huff looks like a mismatch in that offer, but he DOES have 14 homers (or something like that). Meanwhile, you're getting the best player in the deal and immediately becoming viable in steals. Do it up.

Josh (Lincoln, NE)

Is it time to cut my losses with Gagme (intentional)? Now I read he's going to set-up when he comes back? Waste of $10M.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:09 PM)

In a standard league, yes it is. If Torres were struggling, which he's not, then Gagne would be at least keepable. But there's no guarantee he'd do any better, given his recent track record. The combination of that means cut him.

Mark (Chicago)

Any comments on Clint Barmes? Will he stay above 0.300 BA? Thanks!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:10 PM)

I don't think he will. He's a streaky hitter who hasn't had a real slump yet. He also seems to wear down late in the season because of his rough play, as evidenced by his hot start a few years and rather pedestrian finish. He's intriguing on that FA wire (for me too), but no thanks.

Jon (Buffalo, NY)

I think now is the time to get Cano but I don't want to pay too much. Is this a good deal for me if Cano turns it around like he has in the past? I get Cano and Swisher, I give Abreu and Brian Wilson. Good or bad?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:11 PM)

Yeah, I think that's too much, Jon. You are valuing Cano as if he'll be a stud in the second half, and he could/should be. But you don't have to value him that way in a trade. You are taking a great chance in getting two early underperformers. I'd try to avoid giving up Abreu, if possible.

Alex(Chicago)

I just got offered Johan for Miggy Cabrera straight up...In a vacuum, who do you want from here on out and what do you expect from both of them?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:13 PM)

That's a very interesting deal, but you know what: I'd take the Johan side (assuming you need pitching, not hitting). Cabrera will pick it up and have a fine year, but I don't think he'll do it enough versus the average mixed third baseman/corner to make up for Santana's typically money second half. A bit unconventional, but I'd take Johan.

Mark

Before my question, an interesting stat. Almost halfway through the season Jose Guillen has 27 doubles while a healthy all year Adam Dunn has only 24 SINGLES. Question is, how much should we be knocking Webb down in trade value after his recent struglles and injury rumors swirling...I want to deal for him but am very hesitant.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:14 PM)

Love that stat! Take a look at Brandon Webb's last three years' worth of numbers and you'll feel better about him. He's about the most consistent pitcher in baseball season to season, and he has a better team around him that in the past. This is just a little market correction is all.

Mike NYC

What we need to know for the week: Is Morrow ready to go tonight? Is he at least in New York?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:16 PM)

From what I'm reading, Morrow is with the team and should be available in the next two days.

Eric: New York, N Y

What do you think of Daryl Thompson?? Decent first outing against the Yankees. Can he stick and provide value going forward?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:17 PM)

Nah, looking at his track record, I don't see how he can. He made some big pitches at a tough setting, but he'll put too many guys on base for my taste, and I don't like that home ballpark. I'm leaving him alone.

Tony (Saint Paul, MN)

Deep 18-team mixed league that counts W, L, K, ERA, WHIP, SV, and Hlds. Would you start Felix and Haren tonight vs. the Mets and Red Sox respectively? My opponent only has Peavy as a SP, and low ratio relievers, so I could wait out this start and get another from Felix and Haren later this week.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:19 PM)

We get a lot of these questions ... you know, I'd start Haren and Felix in every start they pitch. They're of that level. And especially in a deep league like this. Don't overthink matchups with stud pitchers; they've proven they can overcome them.

Jarrod (New orleans)

Brendan, is Eric Patterson from the Cubs worth a pickup in a mixed league?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:19 PM)

Good question. I picked him up in an NL-only league and enjoyed his game Sunday. But he's not a pickup yet in a mixed league. In fact, the team might send him down soon when they do some roster shuffling.

Steve (STL)

What is going on with Wainwright?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:21 PM)

Stephania Bell, I am not. (See that picture?!) Wainwright's progress is reportedly coming along, but no quicker or slower than they expected. He'll still miss a couple weeks, but the team doesn't expect him to miss significant time, which at one time looked like it could be the case.

Chris (Philly)

Thanks Brendan; you're saving friendships one chat at a time.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:22 PM)

Ha, ha. Happy to help, Chris. There are subtle ways to dig friends, though. I offer full endorsement to trash-talk him.

Mike (Avondale, AZ)

I've been waiting all year for Rickie Weeks to produce offensively...is it time to give up?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:23 PM)

Sigh. I am and never was a Weeks fan. Low batting average, injuries ... I don't care how many homers he hits or how many steals he gets, it doesn't matter to me. That said, there's sure to be some guy in your league who loves 'em (there are a lot of those guys out there), so you might be surprised if you put him on the trade market.

Jeff (STL)

I have Lackey, J.Santana & Beckett as my first tier starters. Which one will likely fall off, or is better to move in a trade? Do you think Santana for Chase Utley is a good move? Will the Mets contend, and if not will his performance fall off?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:24 PM)

Actually, I see all three pitchers doing well from here on out. Who's trade bait, or more likely to slip? Probably Beckett. But I'd trade any of those guys for Chase Utley. You can't buy that kind of sure production from a second baseman.

Jared (Philly)

Any news on Furcal? Is it realistic to expect him back the week after the All star break?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:25 PM)

Well, the team said All-Star break ... maybe just to get reporters from giving them the "you guys really need Furcal ... when is he coming back?" bit. Then Furcal said he won't be out that long. Reportedly he's making progress with his back again, but my guess is he's out till around the ASB.

Josiah(MA)

With Daisuke haveing a terrible outing off his stint from the dl,do you see the sox calling up bucholtz who has been lights out in pawtucket

Brendan Roberts

  (3:27 PM)

Nope, not yet. I wouldn't watch Dice-K, I'd watch Masterson. He's the guy, in my mind, who could struggle and get Buchholz back up there. Also, Buchholz did have a good last start, but he wasn't lights out previously. He still had struggles prior to that.

Josh, CA

What's the word with Pujols? Is he back this week & do I start him over Barmes or Thome for my final U spot?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:28 PM)

Pujols back Thursday, and yes, I'd go ahead and start him. It sounds like he's rarin' to go, in fact.

Jon (Buffalo, NY)

Hey Mike from Az, I just traded Rickie Weeks for Matt Cain and I think that is a pretty good deal to give you an idea what you might be able to get for him.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:28 PM)

Good suggestion, Jon. That sounds about right for me. Lotta Weeks lovers out there. Then again, I realize if you own him at this point, then you probably are too.

Andy (Providence)

Jonny Cueto looked great yesterday before the rain came. Good buy low for the rest of the year?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:29 PM)

I think so. The amazing stuff is still there, and the kid is just learning. If it's a youngster without fantastic stuff, maybe not. But I see him learning how to use it more consistently. Plus, the Reds haven't "overworked" him like I thought they would.

Ed (Chicago)

I've been holding on to Rich Hill in a 20 team mixed keeper league, Do you think he'll do anything this year or next?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:30 PM)

Hmm, I don't think he'll do anything anytime soon, but in a league like that, I think you gotta hang on to him. My guess is he's hurt, and that a simple time away from the game will get him corrected.

Steve (NY)

Is dempster having a lucky year?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:31 PM)

I thought so until I saw him pitch last night. He still doesn't have great control, which means his WHIP will be suspect. But he's "effectively wild" with that splitter and high fastball combo, and I can see him carrying on this hot start all year. I really can.

John (Seattle)

Brendan, please pick me. Would you recommend starting Francis as a two-start pitcher (@KC, @DET)? Other options would be playing Weaver(@LAD) or Harden(PHI).

Brendan Roberts

  (3:33 PM)

Pikachu, I choose you! (Sorry, I got kids.) I thought about Francis' two-start week, but I didn't like him at Detroit. Tigers are getting going now, and they HAMMER lefties. That scares me. Either way, I'd choose Harden until he gives you a reason not to (like, an injury).

Bernie (NYC)

Great chat Brendan. I can get Headley for Francour (Headley would be an outfielder). Good move? Also is Sonnanstine a good 2 start bet on the road this week?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:34 PM)

I'm not as high on Headley as many of my colleagues. I think Francouer is easily the more proven bet there, and I'd hang on to him. Sonnannstine? Well, the Rays are bad on the road, but Andy at Florida and at Pittsburgh ... why not? Yeah, I'd do that up and hold my breath.

Dan, Boston, MA

Hi Brendan: I'm in a public league that's yet to have a trade! I've offered Bruce around and offered one owner. Markakis and Maine for Kazmir and didn't even get a reply! When you're in this type of league do you just work the WW and hope for the best (I'll have to drop Bruce to pick up another pitcher!) Thanks for the much needed help...

Brendan Roberts

  (3:36 PM)

That's really all you can do, right? But you know, I think it's about time to call out your league mates on the message board. Sometimes if you call out a group of guys' "manhood," they'll gut up and do something. Be polite/slgithly annoyed about it, but a league message might do the trick.

Steve (NY)

What is the red birds plan for Izzy for the rest of the year?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:38 PM)

I think they want him to close, ultimately. Unfortunately, I have serious doubts as to whether he can do it effectively. I see more saves coming, maybe 10, but he'd definitely be in the "risky closer" status.

Ryan (OK)

You like it when I call ya B-Rob-erts. Sean Marshall worth a flier?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:39 PM)

Um, I guess. Ha, ha. In certain weeks, Marshall would be worth a flier. But I don't think that's this week.

BOB(NY)

Stuck with CREDE. Move Guillen to 3rd and pick up Lugo, Keppinger, or Vasquez?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:40 PM)

Stuck with Crede? So far that has been a good thing. I think the homers continue (even if his BA is so-so), and he's definitely better than those three guys.

Alex (MO)

Name Game: Dushcherer vs Harang... Thanks.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:40 PM)

For this week, Duke. For the rest of the season, Harang (although it's much closer than I would have ever thought possible).

John (Hartford)

Thoughts on Aviles? Will he put up better numbers than Y. Escobar the rest of the way?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:41 PM)

I think Aviles is just a little "flavor of the week." I didn't see this coming, nor do I see it continuing. I'd definitely stick with Yunel.

John (Omaha)

Hi Brendan, I need outfield help, is Ryan Church going to make it back this week or are there any other "under the radar" outfielders you would suggest as a stopgap? I am in a deep league. Thanks for the help.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:43 PM)

No Church this week, it seems. Under the radar guys? Not sure how deep, but I've fallen in love with the thought of owning Elijah Dukes, who is still unowned in, like, 90 percent (or more) of ESPN standard leagues.

Mike (Avondale, AZ)

Is this the beginning of the end for JJ Putz? For some reason I just keep having Gagne nightmares...

Brendan Roberts

  (3:44 PM)

You know what, Mike? I do too. I think the M's are handling him well in this injury, but he did throw a ton of innings in middle relief before dialing it up a notch in the closer role. From what I've seen of overworked middle relievers who become closers, they are at risk for injuries (I think of Chris Ray and B.J. Ryan, for some reason).

Pete

Any news on when bedard will start? Any way he gets pushed back to SD? Thanks

Brendan Roberts

  (3:45 PM)

Bedard is expected to make his next start Wednesday at the Mets. That's not too unfavorable.

Matt,mpls

You touched on Loney above. Who has the better second half out of Loney, Votto and Conor Jackson?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:47 PM)

I think Votto does. Love what I'm seeing of him right now. He's a very smart hitter with a big swing. If he can just center the ball more often ... I think he's a great guy to have right now.

Ryan (Philly)

Brendan - how do you approach improving your team's BA?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:50 PM)

Good strategy question. You know, a lot of owners attack it by looking for proven high-average hitters. That has been known to work, of course, but my philosophy is you have to fix what's causing the problem first. That means trading or cutting those guys killing your average. For instance, I just had to cut Jack Cust in a deep mixed league. Couldn't deal with him any longer. And there are better guys who do this, too. First things first: Trade your low-average guys to someone who can take it better than you, and get a high-average, productive guy in return (if you can).

Bobby A (NYC)

Brendan - same question as Ryan, but how do you go about improving on ERA and WHIP? I don't think the Free Agent wire has the same options as for improving on an offensive stat.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:51 PM)

You're right because pitchers are more inconsistent start to start. However, if you rotate pitchers and "cycle" them week to week, you can work down a high ERA and a high WHIP. I like to follow around certain bad-hitting teams (like Washington) and hope that a fringe pitcher gets two starts that includes one against them the following week.

Markakis vs. Huff (MLB)

Name game: Markakis or Huff and why besides playing time?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:52 PM)

Markakis because he's proven he'll hit for a higher average and also is position to score more runs (and not just get RBIs, like Huff).

Mike (Boston)

Hi Brendan, I was wondering how big of a drop off it will be from Bay to Wells...I am tempted to take Bay for Haren? but i am wary regarding wells and the wrist

Brendan Roberts

  (3:54 PM)

I don't think that's too big a dropoff. Wells' wrist is fine, I think. He's just a streaky player, and one who has had some big second halves. I don't think that's too big a drop that you shouldn't make that deal.

Quinn (NY)

Trade Markakis for Kazmir or Felix Hernandez?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:54 PM)

Yeah, if another owner would take that.

stu (quahog)

name game: guthrie or myers?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:55 PM)

That's VERY close, actually, but Guthrie's slide down the stretch last year points me to Myers for this one (despite their numbers).

Will (DC)

Danks vs LAD or Percival in a points league?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:56 PM)

Not sure how the poitns break down, but I'd go with Danks. The Rays are on the road, and they've struggled on the road. Percy might not get many saves.

(Joe, Sacramento CA)

Hey Brendan, Is markakis and Papelbon too much for Braun in a shallow points league?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:57 PM)

Well, since it's a points league, then Papelbon's straight point output can be replaced by a starting pitcher, I'm assuming. So not too much. Braun is quite the points-league option (uh, he's good in 5x5 leagues, too).

Arian (Gainesville)

Hey Brendan, need you to come to my savior, which 3 OFs do i start this week? BJ Upton, Fukudome, Quentin, Pence, Kemp or J. Guillen? (2B is Uggla, Utility is C. Guillen). Thanks

Brendan Roberts

  (3:59 PM)

Wow, close: Upton, Kemp and Quentin, probably. You need to trade one of those guys!

Red (boston)

Lowe or Billingsley this week?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:59 PM)

Lowe, he has two home starts, and I like how he's been looking. This is about the time of year he turns it on.

Huff vs. Reynolds (MLB)

Name Game: Huff vs. Reynolds who wins?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:00 PM)

Many like Reynolds, but I say Huff. They're similar players, but I think Huff finishes with 28-30 homers and is assured to stay healthy and play.

PJ (NY)

Will Alex Rios find his power stroke in the second half?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:01 PM)

I think he will eventually, but not enough to make up for almost three months of underperformance. Here's a case where you have to ignore his first-half stats and start him over again going forward.

Gary ( St. Louis)

Charlie Morton, Ian Stewart and Edison Volquez. Are they keepers for next year if they can be kept at the minimum price in our league?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:02 PM)

Volquez definitely is, but Morton and Stewart, I'm not sold on either of them. I wouldn't be assured enough that they'd do something next year to suggest you keep 'em.

Kev (NYC)

Brendan! What's your statistical outlook for Eli this year??

Brendan Roberts

  (4:04 PM)

A football question ... I don't have last year's right by me to compare to, but I would say that, in general, I like Eli MUCH more than my colleagues do. I think we have him ranked too low,. He's durable and puts up ton of yards, and should add more TDs. People just get caught up too much on the picks, which I think will come down. I think he's a great mid-round pick.

Brendan Roberts

  (4:04 PM)

OK, all. Have to run. Got a plane to catch. Thanks for joining me for the last hour-plus, and good luck to y'all this week.