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Eric Karabell

  (11:00 AM)

Hello there and welcome to another fantasy baseball chat session. Thanks for joining me, let's get right to the many questions...

Dan (DC)

Has Josh Hamilton made himself a top ten pick next season?

Eric Karabell

  (11:02 AM)

I don't think that's assured, and even if Hamilton keeps up with his RBI per game pace, I don't think I would go top 10. For one, he's an outfielder. The only OF I had top 10 for this year was Matt Holliday. I think Hamilton is a mid-second rounder, kind of how I felt about Prince Fielder for this season.

Ross (Baton Rouge, LA)

I know most everyone thinks that Milton Bradley will get injured agian, but the fact that he is a DH makes me optimistic that he could keep this up. Am I crazy? Do you think I should be trying to sell high on him now?

Eric Karabell

  (11:03 AM)

I would sell high, because I just don't trust he can stay healthy, whether he is a DH or not. I think it makes only a minor difference. The track record of injuries and off-field problems is well documented with him, but he hasn't played this week, so your time is running out.

Casey (Norfolk)

What's your strategy in points league as far as selecting keepers for an auction draft? Keep the best players you can, or the best value? Thanks EK

Eric Karabell

  (11:06 AM)

In any league, all things equal, it's important to keep your best players, not the best values. In some cases they will be one in the same. In an auction, I would consider throwing an A-Rod or Johan back into the draft if I thought I could get them back. If they are at a good price, I'd keep them. I think in auctions people overrate having money for the draft. It's big, yes, but if your keepers are guys like Raul Ibanez, then so what? Is there enough to even bid on?

Mike (NYC)

Your thoughts on Sheffield? Finally some production! Does it last?

Eric Karabell

  (11:07 AM)

I want to believe he is 100 percent healthy and can stay that way the rest of the season, but there is so much evidence to the contrary, he's a huge risk. How can I say sell-high on Bradley, for example, when Sheffield is older and has been healthy and active for 2 days? I really need Sheffield in this one league to be good, but I have to have doubts.

Erick (Denver)

How much are the Rockies regretting giving Tulo that contract? Can he even hit .200 the rest of the way? 10 HR? 30 RBI? What are the realistic goals for the rest of the year?

Eric Karabell

  (11:09 AM)

I don't think they're regretting it at all. In fact, it's a lost season for them, if Tulowitzki was ever going to have a bad year, might as well be now when the team isn't in it. I don't think 2007 was a total fluke. He might have problems playing consistently at that level, but I still regard him as a decent buy low. He could hit 10 homers and bat .300 when he gets his swing going.

Steve (Blacksburg, VA)

Follow up to the Tulo question... name game Tulo or Cano for the rest of the year? Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (11:10 AM)

I take Cano, but then again, I really liked him in the preseason and do believe a big second half is coming, with power and average. And it's not like Tulo runs.

Sam (Lake Bluff)

Football question: I have done a few mock drafts on ESPN and have noticed Willie Parker plummeting into the abyss. I snatched him up in the 5th round! What are your thoughts on Fast Willie for the upcoming season?

Eric Karabell

  (11:11 AM)

We can do football here, right? Guess I'll find out! Anyway, you might have noticed I am the guy consistently getting Parker in the third round, since nobody seems to want him. I think people put way too much importance in 2007 stats. Yes, Parker did not score TDs in 2007. I think that has no bearing on 2008, and it was a simple broken leg, not a recovery from an ACL. I think Parker, who was leading the league in rushing when he got hurt, is a huge bargain.,

Terrence (Queens, NY)

Name game: Eric Byrnes or Gary Sheffield?

Eric Karabell

  (11:12 AM)

I still have to take Byrnes, because he can steal a whole lotta bases, and I trust his health more than the far older Sheffield. I do think both will be productive, though.

Young Jedi

Master Karabell please solve this league dispute: keeper league (6 guys) Pierre for Granderson? More than half the league are protesting the trade. Both teams are in the bottom half of the league. Is this trade something the league should really get worked up about?

Eric Karabell

  (11:14 AM)

I would prefer the Granderson side, of course, but I wouldn't veto it. Then again, I never veto a trade. It's your team, we shouldn't have to protect you from it. The case for Pierre can absolutely be made, even though he has no power and is much older. He steals 50-plus bases. He does it every year. He'll do it 2008. He'll do it in 2009. Book it. Granderson seems a bit overrated to me, and last year seems like a distant memory. He could go 20/20 again, and he's valuable, but he's not stealing 60 bases. I wouldn't get too worked up about 2 bad teams making this deal.

Sean (Philly)

Salty or Clement for this year and long term?

Eric Karabell

  (11:16 AM)

I think Saltalamacchia has been vastly overrated. It's way too early to give up on him, but note the Rangers have 2 better, younger catchers just about ready. Max Ramirez can rake. He homered last night, and had 17 in 50 games at Double-A. Taylor Teagarden is a huge prospect. I just think the Braves convinced Texas that they were getting a long-time, front-line catcher, and they weren't. I don't think Jeff Clement is a top 10 catcher the rest of the way, but I pick him.

John (louisville)

Hey Eric! Better bet for saves...Zumaya or Wheeler?

Eric Karabell

  (11:17 AM)

I think it's Wheeler in Tampa Bay. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if saves come his way very soon. Troy Percival is struggling to throw strikes, probably because he's not 100 percent healthy. Al Reyes is not next in line, even if he wasn't on the DL. Plus, I don't see Todd Jones losing his job at all. Zumaya is a setup man, not a closer.

Brendan-Boston

Have to disagree on your auction answer. Its all about the value. Lincecum at $5 is WAY better then Santana at, say, $35. This is what allows you to go out and get the Santanas and ARODs of the world.

Eric Karabell

  (11:20 AM)

Oh, don't get me wrong, in that instance, of course I keep Lincecum. But I see people keeping Bronson Arroyo types because they're $2, and that's just wrong. Money is nice to have to get Johan back, but too often people keep low salaries and have all this money to spend, and then you see Arizona's Chris Young going for $35 because everyone has to buy something. I'm just saying I don't automatically throw the Johans and A-Rods back in, unless I think I can get them back.

Brian: (Bedford, NH)

Hey Eric, do you think Pujols will be playing today, maybe at least in the DH spot?

Eric Karabell

  (11:20 AM)

I think he will play today and go back to raking. No concerns about future injuries, this was kind of a fluke.

MD (KC)

What happened to Sunday morning Fantasy Focus on ESPN Radio? I'm having a hard time placing a value on Jose Guillen, who I've been shopping. I'm looking for SPs and my best offer so far has been Gavin Floyd. Does someone like Shields or Greinke make a closer match in value with the resurgent Guillen?

Eric Karabell

  (11:22 AM)

The Fantasy Focus on ESPN Radio was moved to Sunday nights from 9-10 p.m. ET about two months ago. I'm the host. Check it out! As for Guillen, I think he's a safe 25-90 guy, and I wouldn't deal him for Floyd unless you have extra hitting. I'd definitely take James Shields first here.

john (philly)

You once commented that Jay Bruce is a "monster" and to sell-high would be a mistake. What are your thoughts on Bruce today? Will he still be the monster you envisioned?

Eric Karabell

  (11:23 AM)

He needs to make adjustments, and recently he has shown signs that he will. I don't have Bruce as a top 20 outfielder currently, but a few bad weeks has not changed my mind that much,

Tyler (Lansing, MI)

Scraping the bottom, need a starter?thoughts on Eric Stults? Would you prefer Joel Piniero, David Bush or Jorge De La Rosa instead? Thank you!

Eric Karabell

  (11:24 AM)

I just want to point out that Dave Bush has a 1.24 WHIP this season. All the other fantasy numbers are bad, but he's teasing us again. And of this group, I'd clearly take him first. Stults had a big Wednesday, but I'd be careful there.

Evan (New York)

Eric, I need your help for today's afternoon games. Need help in ERA, Wins, and Strikeouts this week. Would you start Wellemeyer @ Det or Kershaw vs. CHW today or both? Thanks.

Eric Karabell

  (11:25 AM)

I would stay away from both of them, frankly, and either look elsewhere (Baker, for example) or skip the day. Kershaw is averaging fewer than 5 innings per start, and he faces Danks today, the same Danks with a 1.69 road ERA. And Wellemeyer is hurt, and Detroit is playing better. No way.

Greg (MA)

Although Ben Sheets is having a fantastic season, I am still concerned about how injury prone he is. Should I hold on to him and hope for the best, or sell him high?

Eric Karabell

  (11:26 AM)

He's done this before, you know. I have a hard time believing he'll stay healthy the rest of the season, him and his AL partner in injury crime Rich Harden.

Mike (Cleveland)

Harang continues to disappoint (now 3-11 on the year) I know he's on pace for 200 K's but the losses are killing me. Bench him until after the break??

Eric Karabell

  (11:28 AM)

The losses only hurt if they are a category. In the big picture, they are meaningless, and hardly indicative of how he has pitched. He's in a bad stretch, and maybe he ends up with an ERA around 4, but with that walk-K rate, you have to buy low.

Luke (MS)

What is your outlook for Bedard for the rest of the season, should I try and cut my losses now or stick with him...I could get Matt Cain in trade for him, good idea?

Eric Karabell

  (11:29 AM)

You know what, I would seriously consider making that deal. In fact, do it! What is Bedard all about? The strikeouts, right? He's not winning much, his peripherals are so-so. Well, Cain can do that. He's also on pace for 191 Ks, and he's healthy. I would cut my losses if you can get Cain, yes.

JP (Boston)

Slowey or Garza?

Eric Karabell

  (11:30 AM)

I take the guy with the potential for the better WHIP over the bigger K guy, so I go Slowey. But I do realize Garza has bigger upside. For right now, this season, Slowey.

Nate (Santa Barbara, CA)

Hey dude! There was a lot of talk about putting Morrow in the rotation this spring, but I guess that's not happening this year. What do you think his value is for '09?

Eric Karabell

  (11:32 AM)

I think he should be starting, but apparently the Mariners do not agree. I really don't understand why. As for keeper value, J.J. Putz should get healthy and he is under contract, so if Morrow is not starting in 2009, he doesn't have much value, unless he becomes Carlos Marmol.

Shane (Lewisotn, ID)

Quick question on J.J. Putz; drop him like 3rd period French or ride out the wave?

Eric Karabell

  (11:32 AM)

Should be back in a month, no real reason to expect he struggles or this injury lasts all year. Drop French, not Putz.

Steve (NY)

Will Izzy ever regain his closer job?

Eric Karabell

  (11:34 AM)

I still think so, but certainly he's not pitching like he's in any hurry to get the job back. I realize a lot of people think Franklin keeps the job, or Perez gets it, but I do think Izzy just needs a week or two of good pitching and it's his job again. Whether he can pitch effectively is a different problem that Tony LaRussa can't control or influence.

Jeff (Richmond, VA)

In a vacuum, would you deal Dunn and C. Jackson/C. Headley for Beckett in a keeper league?

Eric Karabell

  (11:35 AM)

If I needed a top 10 starting pitcher I would. But let's not imply Headley is on par with Dunn at all. He's not that type of power guy yet. Good, but not 30 HR now, yet alone 40.

Ryan (New Orleans)

Any thouhgts on your Phillies ace, Brett Myers? Do you see a turnaround?

Eric Karabell

  (11:36 AM)

Yeah, my new thought is I would not buy low on Myers. He's not hurt, he's just throwing gopherballs. On any given day you could get a gem, but there are some outings he seems unfocused. I think he gets his 33 or more starts, and his final ERA actually ends up around 5. For a team that scores like the Phillies, they can handle that.

Gus - NJ

PREDICT: Top 5 Homerun hitters this season?

Eric Karabell

  (11:37 AM)

For the entire season, and not just from here on out, I say Ryan Howard hits the most homers in the bigs, with 46. Then Berkman, Braun, Dunn and Pujols. No second baseman will hit 40.

Jon ,Chicago

Will Max Ramirez take over the starting Catcher job this year?

Eric Karabell

  (11:40 AM)

If he hits he could. Then again, the Rangers could send him to the minors any day for more work, specifically on defense. He's not a gold glover back there. I think his long-term position is probably first base. Speaking of Texas 1B, Chris Davis either got the call already today or will soon, as he's torched minor league pitching this season. His promotion tells me Hank Blalock is still hurt. Until we see Davis hit at this level, we can't assume he will. Lots of guys hit in the minors, then do a Brad Eldred in the bigs. I think Adam Lind has turned some corner, though.

Joe (WV)

I'm getting the feeling that Hideki Matsui's injury is going to linger for the rest of the season...Is he drop worthy yet, or should I wait another few weeks?

Eric Karabell

  (11:41 AM)

I get that feeling, too, but I also think Matsui can hit even when he's hurt, and he'll bat .300 regardless. He might go only 20-75 though.

Tom (Philly)

Regarding the HR title...no Fielder, Tex? Where do you see them finishing in HRs and what about Holliday?

Eric Karabell

  (11:42 AM)

I don't think any of those guys hit 40. The ones I mentioned are it. Home runs are down across MLB, you know. Prince is fine, but to hit that many homers again, I don't see it. And Teixeira had all of 10 for the year when he had his 3-homer game. He might not even reach 30 homers, to be blunt.

Mike (Boston)

E-Rock..Are you worried about Kazmir and his last couple outings? I am in need of pitching and have Wells on my bench..move Bay for Kazmir?

Eric Karabell

  (11:44 AM)

Everyone seems worried about Kazmir, who still has yet to allow more than 3 runs in ANY start this season. Yes, in his last three starts he hasn't won, but he has 24 K's in those 16 innings. He's fine. Keep him.

nick (boston)

Volquez or Bruce? who would you rather have on a keeper league and why? thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (11:45 AM)

I always take the hitter in situations like these, unless we're totally sure the pitcher has a track record for success. In this case, we do not. It's amazing how fast everyone jumped off the Jay Bruce bandwagon. He wasn't going to hit .440 all year, but he's still pretty good.

Mike (boston)

I was asking if you would trade bay for kasmir if you had wells to take bay's spot

Eric Karabell

  (11:46 AM)

I would definitely take Kazmir over Bay, but I hardly trust Vernon Wells.

jim(ny)

for rest of season- unit or pedro?

Eric Karabell

  (11:46 AM)

Randy Johnson, without hesitation.

Tom (NY)

Is it safe to have Jonathan Sanchez/Kyle Lohse/Jair Jurjjens on the same team?

Eric Karabell

  (11:47 AM)

It's quite a bit of risk, but they're each pitching well enough. Sanchez is the big K guy, and he's not a fluke.

Marc (Malden, MA)

Most espn guys think Duchscherer is a sell high...agree?

Eric Karabell

  (11:48 AM)

Yes. I'd sell high just about anyone with a sub-2.00 ERA this late in June, though. Especially someone who is already at a career high for innings.

Eric Karabell

  (11:48 AM)

Check that, Duchscherer will have his career high in innings in a few weeks. But still, point made.

James (UT)

So Utley doesn't have a shot to get to 40 anymore? He only needs to average 6 HRs a month to get there.

Eric Karabell

  (11:50 AM)

He has a shot, of course. But in my opinion, he won't get there. I'm not saying he ends with 29, but just because he needs 6 per month, it sounds easier than it is. Utley has three this month. Last season he managed as many as 6 in ONE month. I figure he ends up around 35 or so.

Dan (NYC)

Final batting average for Howard will be ___.

Eric Karabell

  (11:50 AM)

I'll say .257. Still totally worth it.

kyle (Athens, GA)

If you could move Vernon Wells and Matt Kemp for someone like Mags and have Willingham to plug in would u?

Eric Karabell

  (11:51 AM)

Other than the SB potential, I would.

Mike (Nashville)

Another football question??? I'm considering swapping keepers. Right now my keepers are Brady and S-Jax (not bad right?). But do you think it would be wise to try to deal Brady for say...LT? I have a hard time seeing Brady even coming close to what he did last year, and this would be the time to sell high on him. I feel more confident that I can pick up a solid QB in the draft than I would trying to draft a good RB2. Your thoughts?

Eric Karabell

  (11:52 AM)

I agree. I would take LT over Brady, no question.

Zach (PA)

Now that its official that Davis will be called up in Texas, how would you rank these players for the rest of the season: Pena, Giambi, and Davis?

Eric Karabell

  (11:52 AM)

I would go Giambi then Pena and then Davis. You watch, Davis could easily be up for a week, until Hank Blalock is ready, and then be gone. And I'm buying on Giambi.

Xavier (Seattle)

Liriano had another bad minor league outing - stay patient or drop him for someone like Meche, Garza, Buehrle, Stults or Bush? Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (11:54 AM)

The Twins don't seem in any hurry to bring Liriano back. I'm not saying I cut him, because he should be up eventually, but it's not going to be this month. A few of the guys you mention, if you intend to use them, are worth changing out for. If Buerhle is simply gonna sit on your bench, with all the others available, I wouldn't bother.

Chris (montgomery, AL)

Eric, if Howard's .257 is totally worth it, is CBY's sub .250 worth keeping him? Or do I pick up someone like Hermida or Loney, who are in the FA pool?

Eric Karabell

  (11:55 AM)

Because Chris Young of Arizona is showing no inclination to steal bases, I wouldn't wait for him. I thought he'd go 20/20 at least. Now I think he'll go 25/10, which is not the same. I'd go Hermida.

Andy (Cleveland)

Eric--Thoughts on Elijah Dukes? Thanks.

Eric Karabell

  (11:56 AM)

Reminds me of Milton Bradley. Can't question the ability, but let's see him stay on the field consistently.

Huck (Baltimore)

As commish, should I have the power to override a league veto if it's done simply to prevent the 1st place team from improving?

Eric Karabell

  (11:57 AM)

That's a league I would not want to be in, personally. As for your power, you need to work that out with others, but if you're asking it like this, then I think you know the answer.

James (Cleveland, OH)

Buzzer Beater: Clement or Snyder?

Eric Karabell

  (11:57 AM)

For 2008: Snyder

Andy LaRoche(Los Angeles)

Will Torre ever give me a chance to play regularly?

Eric Karabell

  (11:57 AM)

Probably not this year.

al (DC)

buzzer beater: ichiro or ellsbury?

Eric Karabell

  (11:58 AM)

Wow, is it wrong to say Ellsbury? Yes, just a tad too early.

Wally (Walla Walla, WA)

Is Brandon Wood done as a prospect?

Eric Karabell

  (11:58 AM)

I think he's at a critical stage, and running out of time. I wouldn't wait for him in 2008. Maybe he blooms at age 26.

Eric Karabell

  (11:59 AM)

OK, our time is unfortunately up for today, but thanks for the fine questions, and look for another chat session later today with the underrated Keith Lipscomb. Be nice to him. Thanks again, and have a great day.