Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:01 PM)

Ah, if I could only get the great Bob Sheppard to make the announcement ... "Your attention please, ladies and gentlemen, pinch hitting for Brendan Roberts, Tristan H. Cockcroft!" Let's get right to your questions, though, shall we?

Adam: (Denver)

Choose one for the rest of the year: Billy Butler, Chase Headley, Matt Kemp.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:02 PM)

Well, Kemp's playing time is threatened by Andruw Jones' impending return after the All-Star break, but you know, I still trust the talent more. He's my choice, I'm taking the chance that either Jones or Juan Pierre sits often enough to get Kemp in there fairly regularly.

Mike (San Antonio, TX)

Kuroda just got waived in my league by a guy needing to make room. Does he know something I don't, or is he gonna be worth the claim in a 5x5 after he comes back?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:03 PM)

Hey, a lot of people can't afford to wait on injured players. I've got leagues with limits on DL spots, and Hiroki Kuroda isn't what I'd call an elite type (certainly not a top-100 talent by any means). That said, he's due back Wednesday, so the timing is curious. I'd scoop him up, take a shot.

dan rm

start bush tonight? thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:05 PM)

You know what Dan? I own Dave Bush in a couple leagues, added him in one more, and I went ahead and tossed him right in there. The Diamondbacks haven't been at all a scary offense lately, and Bush has been pitching great of late. Not that I'd do it in a starts-cap type league, or shallow, shallow mixed, but that means he gets my OK in a good, healthy share of leagues.

Jim (MI)

Rank for the rest of the season: Kemp, Ludwick or Bradley

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:06 PM)

Well, I love Milton Bradley. The only question in my mind is health. If he stays in there for another what, 85 games or so? I see him batting .290ish, hitting another 10-15 homers. Very underappreciated. Of course, to be fair, I'd say asking more than another 70 is putting you at extreme risk. I'm big on the "great-when-healthy" type, let me say that first, and then I'll say I rank them Matt Kemp, Bradley, Ryan Ludwick.

Reece: (Detroit)

Do you think giving up Nate McClouth for Verlander is a good call. My OF would then be C Lee, C Hart, J ellsbury, and R Braun with J bruce and C gomez on my bench.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:06 PM)

Yes. I can't say it better than that.

alex (Chicago)

If you take two Bedard starts away (9ER and 6ER) his ERA is 2.19. Looks like he's not having as bad of a year as everyone thinks. With that said, do you want him or Longoria for the rest of the year (in a vacuum)?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:08 PM)

I like how casually people can toss around the phrase "if you take out two starts" or the like. Like this: If you take out all of Ian Kennedy's season and DL stint, he's been great! Sorry, not to bust on you, just kidding around, but I do think those Erik Bedard starts absolutely matter to evaluating his overall potential. He has been nicked up a decent share and very inconsistent. Those things absolutely matter! Fairly even to me looking at those two, but you know, I'll almost always take the hitter all else equal. Evan Longoria is the real deal.

Brett Myers (Philly)

Do I have a job? If so will I be this bad in the second half?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:10 PM)

Phillies are seriously rumored to be considering skipping Mr. Myers this week, folks. Doesn't sound good to me. He has looked awful all year, and I'll tell you, I feel no better about him looking forward than I did Ian Snell a few weeks ago, and I was pretty skeptical on Mr. Snell a few weeks ago. Could they be similar types looking forward? Sure could. To me, only reserve-worthy in most mixed leagues, as a flier they turn it around. And that's not at all exciting to me.

Chris (Saratoga, NY)

More saves for the rest of '08 - Izzy or Gagne?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:11 PM)

Wow is that rough, as I'm a skeptic on both of them, too. Gut says Jason Isringhausen. But that's all gut, and it's not like I see either getting many saves (think like a 11-9 race). Not like I'm saying I think the winner here gets 25 more, not at all.

Dave (Boston)

Pick one: S. Drew or Tulo the rest of the season?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:12 PM)

Aw, you know, I want to get real positive on a player today! Ha ... Seriously though, I'm on the skeptic's bandwagon so far this afternoon, with Troy Tulowitzki on for the ride. I've said it before, will repeat, not a big believer. I thought he was due for a step down from a year ago, and if that's the case, I'll take Stephen Drew, the safer guy in the short term.

Jennie (NYC)

Start 2 tonight: Greinke, Maine, Harang

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:13 PM)

Oh boy. You know, I hate to sit any of those three. I'll make it John Maine. I think he stands the least chance of the monstrously good outing. I'm going for high ceilings here, love Aaron Harang's matchup inspiring a bounce-back outing, and Zack Greinke, he can be reeeeeeal good when he wants to be.

Anthony (Ridgewood, NY)

Tristan - Need a replacement for Maggs while he's out. Who's your pick from among these dregs: Clete Thomas, Jose Vidro, Willie Bloomquist, Max Ramirez? Could use speed most, but also need to try to make up a little of what Maggs brings to the table.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:15 PM)

Ridgewood, N.Y., eh? I know of the one in N.J. Anyway, to the question, digging that deep usually results in a crapshoot decision, though in these cases I almost always go for the highest-ceiling player, playing time there for him or not. And I do like Max Ramirez. That kid can hit. I think he's probably roster-worthy in your format, guessing by how deep you're digging, and the best part is that once Magglio Ordonez comes back, you'll be able to shift Ramirez to catcher should he stick in the bigs. Granted, I like Ramirez better for a year or two from now than for now, but that's a high ceiling. You just never know.

Felix Hernandez (Seattle)

Should my weekly owners use me this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:16 PM)

I wouldn't. I really think a DL stint through the All-Star break is smartest for a pitcher of Felix's age and development level. Too risky.

Jeremy (NJ)

I'm in a deep league and need to add a SP...how would you rank Campillo, Wakefield, and Guthrie? Thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:17 PM)

You know what, Jeremy? Your namesake, Mr. Guthrie, is being ridiculously underrated this season, especially in the matchup-pitcher bracket, as I tend to see these three pitchers sitting in. He's the "one of these things is not like the others" type I see of the group.

Mike (calgary)

Tristan, good to read your stuff again, it's always insightful and has helped propel me to #1 in my league for more than a month straight now. I just acquired Morneau in a trade and was hoping you could give me a little more of your magical insight, what do you see for him going forward?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:20 PM)

Thank you Mike! And I've actually gotten a couple people here today posting up Justin Morneau questions, so we'll address the dude overall here. I'm imagining you're worried about what has been a terrible second-half history (2005 and 2007)? I understand that's a concern, but be forewarned that Morneau did battle some unexpected, hidden injuries that we found out about shortly thereafter. It wasn't like he was just underperforming, I really think he was merely hurt and trying to play through things. Could it happen again? Sure could, but I tend to take the chance it won't when I see a guy today performing a-OK. And when I think of Morneau, I think of the kind of guy who can easily bat, say, .285 with 15 homers, 50 RBIs in a half-season? Very good player. Not a first-round talent, but very good, top-25 capable.

Dawson (milwaukee, wi)

name game: rios or damon?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:21 PM)

I really wish I could promise that Johnny Damon is 100 percent healthy and that I expect that he'll remain that way, so I want to say I'm taking some risks assuming that he's going to stay that way first. But he's my pick. I like what I've seen of him to date, he looks very much the form he showed in his first year in pinstripes. I'd keep believing.

Jasper (Winter Haven)

Darrell Rasner: time to part-ways or give him a few more starts?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:23 PM)

Matchups guy at best, and I want to let you know as a person who follows the Yankees closely that he is regarded on a start-to-start basis by the team in terms of his rotation spot. In other words, there are no guarantees he's in that rotation all year. If I'm in a shallow mixed league, I have a feeling he's being cut by me, and without any issue. In deep AL-only? Keep him on your bench and slot in based on the matchups. But that's about all you should expect from Rasner.

Big Z (Chicago)

Should my weekly owners use me this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:23 PM)

In St. Louis? Coming off a DL stint? Nah, I'd probably say no. Then again, I'm in a lot of leagues where it's to your benefit to keep a DL guy on your DL for as long as you possibly can, even if only for analysis' sake.

Mike (Harrisburg PA)

Football question...commissioner to league participant...where do you stand on finding out draft order? Weeks in advance to plan accordingly, generate trades, etc or right before draft time? Just curious, thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:25 PM)

Depends on your league. I actually had a league that for a very long time had a "draft-order selection party," seriously, it was a 30-minute session, we'd stop by, pick the order, catch the game, have some beverages of a creative sort, etc. Fun with friends, and I kind of miss them now that they're gone. But it's really up to your level of enjoyment. I'd probably say that's something I'd put to your league's ownership at a whole, majority rules. Because I can see the fun in not knowing until the last second, and I can also see the fun in being able to speculate in advance, make trades.

Curtis Granderson (Rasheed's City)

Am I just hot right now or am I back? projected numbers for the rest of the year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:25 PM)

I think that you are back, and I think that the Detroit Tigers are very much for real. Oh, except for their pitching, They need a little help there.

Frank (NY)

How would you rank these Rookies in a Touchdown Only League: McFadden, Mendenhall, & Forte?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:26 PM)

Touchdown-only! I like, Frank, I like. Be aware, everyone, with this ranking you must consider the format. And I'd go Mendenhall, McFadden, Forte.

Sean (Tampa)

Do you think Kazmir is a top-3 AL pitcher? what could you get in return for him? Thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:28 PM)

I love Scott Kazmir. In fact, had he not gotten healthy when and how he did in the preseason, I would have had a piece in our Draft Kit something to the effect of "Scott Kazmir is a top 10 starting pitcher, and you're crazy if you disagree." Seriously, I liked the talent and his 2007 second half that much. So, guess I'm saying, I absolutely think so. I'd only be parting with him for an impact hitter, if I needed that. Like Carlos Lee. Or Manny Ramirez. Like that.

sparks( san marcos, tx)

Masterson tonight against the Rays?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:29 PM)

I'm still a believer. And I'm riding that hot streak until he totally burns me. Rookie pitcher who induces ground balls and handles righties nicely, yes, I will take that type anytime.

RANK 'EM, PLEASE

Danks, Slowey, Baker, Parra.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:30 PM)

Toughie, I see solid in value in all four. I'm going John Danks (remember my motto: "I don't play for wins:), Manny Parra, Scott Baker (just like Parra's team situation better than Baker's, but they're oh-so-close), then Kevin Slowey.

Frank

What are your thoughts on Minn pitcher Kevin Slowey? He's looking real good.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:30 PM)

Shameless plug: Check my Out of the Box today. Sums up my feelings on him pretty well.

Nick (Chicago,IL)

Who will the starter be at 2B for Colorado the rest of the way?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:31 PM)

I think streaks, matchups and the like will determine this the rest of the year. Jeff Baker, Clint Barmes, whoever is hot will play. And I don't think Ian Stewart is out of the late-season mix, either, as the team starts to think about how to address the position for 2009. So I'm saying, in effect, that I don't believe you can stand pat on any of these guys the whole rest of the year. Overall value? I'll take Baker.

Evan, San Diego

Someone just dropped Fuentes in my league, I need a closer, should I pick him up?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:32 PM)

Yup. Though if there's any current closer I could see being dealt into a no-doubt-about-it setup role, he's your man. Pick him up, but be ever mindful that you'll need more saves help once that happens.

Pete

Name game at catcher: Iannetta, Clement, Y.Molina? Why?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:33 PM)

Jeff Clement, but it's mainly because he was a batting-average specialist in the minors, and I like to build off that category with my prospects, and the Mariners really would be wise to play him almost every day the rest of the year to figure out how and where he best fits for 2009.

Jason May

How long do you think until Buchholz is back. Time to stash him on the bench?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:35 PM)

Folks, did you know that Clay Buchholz has a 1.05 ERA and .228 BAA in five starts for Triple-A Pawtucket in the month of June? Don't forget about this guy. He's next in line for a rotation spot once one opens, which probably means whenever Justin Masterson cools off or a guy gets hurt. I am still very much a believer that Buchholz has an exceptional career. Higher ceiling than Masterson, even if I think Masterson is a safe, consistent middle-of-a-rotation guy in his own right.

Paul (LA)

Please help Tristan, I ask for so little. Who do you want this year and next out of Marcum and Duscherer?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:37 PM)

Well, while I'd say on raw talent alone, it's Shaun Marcum and Shaun Marcum, I have a very hard time going with a guy currently on the DL with an elbow injury, and with no specific return date (no, "after the All-Star break" isn't specific enough for my tastes). So, as things stand today, I'd say Justin Duchscherer for this year, Marcum for next. And if I may break this down further, I'd prefer Duchscherer for July and perhaps half of August, then Marcum after that and into 2009.

PJ (NY)

Co-Jack for Harang - good buy low or overpaying?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:37 PM)

That sounds about right to me.

Jay (Newport Beach, CA)

So based on your answer above, you would start Maine if you had him?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:38 PM)

Sure!

Mike (CA)

Is kinsler top 20 next year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:40 PM)

I think he will make an extremely strong case. He'll be 27 next June, and at worst a candidate to bat .300 with 25/25 numbers. Oh, and a second baseman, in a season where B.J. Upton will have lost second-base eligibility, further depleting the talent pool.

Todd (MPLS)

What do you think of dropping Garko to add Chris Davis. Garko's only given us 2 good weeks all year and is awful again... (10 team AL only)

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:41 PM)

I'd do my best to drop someone else less valuable first, but in your format, I do believe Chris Davis needs to be owned, and very likely will at least match Garko in production for as long as he's in the bigs. The question, really, is whether he'll STAY in the bigs the whole rest of the year. That's about the only difference I see in the two.

Rick (Toledo)

Would you rather have LT & Fitz or LJ & Randy Moss?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:42 PM)

LT and Fitz! But I am not a guy who buys big into wide receivers. Pour your money into running backs.

AJ Mass (Bristol)

"I'm in a lot of leagues where it's to your benefit to keep a DL guy on your DL for as long as you possibly can, even if only for analysis' sake." THAT'S AGAINST MY RULES!~~

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:43 PM)

For AJ's sake, because I agree with him, follow your league's rules, folks! I have a league where a guy must be activated by the second Monday after his activation from an MLB DL. I have others where it's the first Monday. But if Zambrano is activated this coming Friday, I'm waiting until one week from today to activate him, bottom line. That's within the rules I believe in every single league in which I play.

Evan (New York)

Would you drop Kershaw to pick up Manny Parra? How about to pick up Slowey? Thanks.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:43 PM)

If it's not a keeper league, yes and yes. And I did rank Parra over Slowey in an earlier question.

Gus (Sewell, NJ)

Is it possible that Danny Haren could be the best Dback SP option the rest of the way over Brandon Webb?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:44 PM)

Could, absolutely. Now, this is the fun of pitching, that it could happen. I don't think it will, I see Webb a little more valuable, but this will be a closer race than you think it will be.

JD (NJ)

Derek Lowe is looking better. Thoughts on him going forward?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:45 PM)

That's just Derek Lowe being Derek Lowe. I can say that, right? He is what he is, a solid winner, in the ballpark of what, 15ish each year? And a mid-threes ERA? I'm game with that. Solid, not elite, but I'd be happy to own him.

Tom (SoCal)

Someone dropped Garza. Pick him up and drop Mastersons?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:46 PM)

Yes. But please don't take that in any way that I'm down on Justin Masterson. It's a matter of Player A versus Player B, and I like both.

Sid (Brooklyn, NY)

Is Dustin McGowan going to have as good a 2nd half this year as he did last year or was he a 1 year wonder?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:47 PM)

I admire McGowan's talent greatly, and think he remains underrated. Good buy low. Only thing he needs to do is get a little more consistent, carry over what he's doing to be successful at home into his road outings. Kind of like how Ervin Santana has bettered himself this year. I could see that happening, in the best-case scenario.

Gus - NJ

Hey Tristan, I was wondering who you think the Top 5 home run hitters will be for this second half (not including the first half)

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:49 PM)

Oh boy, toughie off the top of my head, Gus, because I don't have the specific, exact date I think David Ortiz is returning. Let's say he plays within the first give games after the break, never sits, OK? If so, he's in my top five. So are A-Rod, Ryan Braun, Ryan Howard and ... hmmm ... Mark Teixeira! And I do have a feeling I'm missing a very strong candidate.

Fletch, Los Angeles

You mentioned Clay coming back soon, how about Max Scherzer? He got passed up this weekend for Petit (i think!). Who is pitching in the bigs first?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:50 PM)

Well, yes, Fletch, but that's because the Diamondbacks wanted Yusmeiro Petit up as bullpen depth, not because he's the top choice to start. I do think we'll see Scherzer up again this year, but I'm setting the over/under on starts at 10, and I'm currently thinking the under the smart play. Good talent, nice sleeper, but be cautious.

Rod(Reading Pa)

I think you missed Fielder.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:51 PM)

I'm actually very, very tempted, Rod. How about if we pick him as No. 6, really pushing Big Teix for a spot, and we mail him a cheeseburger to help bulk him up for a big power second half?

Dave (NJ)

Is Soriano the guy you missed on your top-5 list?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:52 PM)

Nah, didn't really feel Alfonso Soriano as a top-five, home run speaking that is. I do believe he'll be a solid overall fantasy player for the second half, though.

Rico (Danbury, CT)

Please rank these sucka SPs: Wolf, Pedro, Parra, Kershaw & Masterson.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:53 PM)

Hmmm. I want high ceilings, so unpredictable, these guys. Manny Parra, Randy Wolf, Justin Masterson, Pedro Martinez, Clayton Kershaw. I just don't trust Pedro. Just don't.

Ryan (Boston)

If you were drafting today for the remainder of this season...how does the draft board look?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:54 PM)

We'll have rankings addressing that in the near future, Ryan, and off the top of my head, not a huge difference in what we rolled out in June. Most notable leaps to me would be Ryan Braun, Mark Teixeira, Grady Sizemore ... Ben Sheets would be in the top 100 with ease.

joe

How about Grady Sizemore. Is 40/40 really possible? He has been underrated this year!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:55 PM)

Yes he has! Talk that his plate discipline concerns of a year ago might sap his 2008 numbers were greatly exaggerated. Those who know me know I'm a big Grady Sizemore fan. Folks, this is absolutely legit, he'll be a candidate!

Paulie (New Jersey)

Every Day Eddie in line for some saves?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:56 PM)

I really feel like if he were that strong a candidate to close in Texas, he'd have already done it by now. That said, he has pitched well, so I could see somewhere in the ballpark of 5-8 in the second half. Sleeper, but don't go nuts.

The 3rd Person (Everywhere)

Don't you find me a tiresome way to get a question answered?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:58 PM)

Whoa, whoa, wait ... are you trying to tell me that WASN'T Felix Hernandez I was talking to earlier? Sigh. And here I got my hopes up.

Dave (Austin, TX)

start james shields tonight??

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:58 PM)

James Shields is a must-start at home.

Dan (PA)

Any chance Heath Bell closes in SD this year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:59 PM)

The Padres kinda owe a lot to Trevor Hoffman for his contributions over the years, that so long as he's healthy, not completely disastrous and the games don't matter so incredibly much that a change must be made just to get the team into the playoffs, I think that's Hoffman's job, and that's that. I love Bell, great arm, deserves a chance, but sometimes, there's just a guy in the way who is not going to move. Health, to me, seems the only way that Hoffman loses his gig.

Josh, CA

Tristan!! Lightning round! Start Uggla in roto or bench for C.Davis or Branyan.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:00 PM)

Top of my head here, but I seem to remember (my Forecaster has the true answer) that the Brewers face a lot of lefties this week. So Russell Branyan is out. I'd probably take the chance with Dan Uggla.

Eric (fort Collins CO)

Should I hang onto Rasner and start him only for home games or stream his position as my 7th starter?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:01 PM)

I'd probably resort to the streaming idea, because I don't think Darrell Rasner the matchups type is as cut-and-dry as "start him at home." I think the opponent has a lot to do with it, too.

Eric (NYC)

Start Matt Garza tomorrow against the Sox?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:01 PM)

Between Shields, Garza and Kazmir, there is not a matchup at home for which I wouldn't use any of those three Rays.

James (Cleveland, OH)

Name Game: Kubel, Sheffield, or Blake

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:02 PM)

I like Jason Kubel's upside. Ride the hot streak. Gary Sheffield's frequent health issues scare me.

Fernando (Pembroke Pines)

What about Josh Hamilton for top 5 HR player he can do it in Texas

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:03 PM)

I think he makes a very strong case, too, but I like Hamilton as more of a complete batsman than a raw-power type. The question, after all, wasn't overall value, it was just homers. I do think of him as certain top-25 worthy, strong top-10 candidate, for the second half.

Josh (Boston)

Hermida - ready to bloom or bust?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:03 PM)

I just told a buddy of mine today that I was "going down with the ship" with Jeremy Hermida. Too good a 2007 second half not to believe it can happen again this year. He'll get better, I'm convinced of it.

James - NY

How about Pujols for top 5? He can do it if healthy

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:04 PM)

"If healthy." That's all it is. But I do feel pretty good about the guy. Again, he's another guy for whom I feel confident in the overall package, but home runs alone, I don't call him a lock for top five.

Shaun(NYC)

Can Jamal Lewis repeat last years performance?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:04 PM)

I think he's got another solid year left in those legs. Maybe a slight dip in numbers, but I stress the word "slight."

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:05 PM)

Well, that's all for today. Thanks for all your questions, had fun chatting with you, and sorry if I couldn't get to yours ... always so many to tackle! I will see you all again on Wednesday morning at my usual chat time, and don't forget, we're here for you tomorrow, too! Take care...