Brendan Roberts

  (3:00 PM)

Hello everyone! Welcome to Week 15 of the baseball season. Let's get this started, shall we?

Ruby (Seattle)

Brendan--why does the fantasy expert community continue to back Hunter Pence? He was good his rookie year, but has shown little the half season since.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:02 PM)

Well, the term "community" doesn't necessarily mean all of the experts within it. Although I'd agree a majority of "experts" still believe in Pence, I don't. He's too much of a free swinger to hit for a high average, and has too quick of a swing (and is maybe even too skinny) to rack up a lot of homers. He could make adjustments, but there's a reason I don't own Pence in ANY of my eight leagues. Not one.

Tom (Princeton, NJ)

Hey Brendan, Strange twist on the CC issue. How likely do you think it is that Sabathia signs with an NL team at the end of the year? I'm in the process of trying to acquire the rights to him for this and next year in an NL-only keeper league and I don't want to mortgage the rest of the year on a rental. Thanks for your thoughts.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:03 PM)

Boy, tough to answer right now, Tom. He'll go where the money is, and I could see, honestly, more teams in the AL being buyers at the end of the season. Plus, I'm scared to think of him swinging the bat and running the bases. No way to tell, but my crystal ball would glimmer an AL team over an NL team right now.

Dave(Frisco)

As we move from the CC trade to other possible scenarios, do you see any other big name players changing teams? The rumor mill is churning out two potential trades: 1) Bedard to the Phils. Does Lidge's contract signal a major play on the seemingly broken Bedard? 2) Harden to the Cubs. If (big if) Harden and the Cubs (bigger if)stays healthy, this trade could lock it up for the NL. What are your thoughts on the two rumors and do you know of anymore scenarios not yet reported?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:05 PM)

That's a good question. First of all, I can't think of any other key players off the top of my head (unless you include Griffey, who I think could be headed to an AL team) right now, but I have this gut feeling Bedard stays put. Just don't think the M's want to mortgage their future, and teams don't want to pay him big given some of the negative press he's gotten. Meanwhile, I think Harden IS traded, and the Cubs seem like a good fit for him.

Mike (Chicago)

Hi Brendan... I'm looking at outfielders and I need some pop. David Murhpy or Cody Ross the rest of the way?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:06 PM)

Ross, definitely, if you need pop. I don't see Ross maintaining his homer pace, but he did hit a bunch of long balls in limited time last year. He's proven he can do it, and now he's just getting more at-bats. In other words, he's semi-for-real. (Huh?)

kc oakland

why'd the Indians trade CC so early? Seems like they didn't get much back compared to the Haren deal or others

Brendan Roberts

  (3:07 PM)

They got plenty back. They got a potential cornerstone corner infielder, and that Zach Jackson could be good, too. That's pretty good for three months of a starting pitcher.

sparks( san marcos, tx)

what kind of stats do you think Longoria puts up after the break? Brauny #'s...i say enough to win the Rookie of the year honors...

Brendan Roberts

  (3:09 PM)

I was not sold on Longoria (for this year) two months ago, but I am now. He has made a lot of adjustments (which aren't evident) and has settled in. I say he finishes with 29 homers and around 90 RBIs. Maybe a .280 average. Yup, that's about as close to Brauny numbers as you can get. And yes, the ROY is his to lose.

Jake (VA Beach)

Is (gasp) Oliver Perez worth grabbing again?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:10 PM)

Depends upon your league setup, but I'm remaining quite wary. We've seen outings like the last two he had, and then he flops for several others. The new pitching coach is doing wonders, but it's tough to make lack-of-control pitchers throw strikes. I think he (Perez) falls off the wagon at some point.

Dan (san fran)

stephen drew or renteria for the rest of the year? thanks!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:11 PM)

I know this makes no sense, but I'd still say Renteria. He's a streaky hitter who has yet to have his prolonged streak. He's been very consistent year to year, and I say he pulls up his numbers significantly from here on out. ... and becomes a five-category producer (at least for a SS).

Erik (Papillion, NE)

Which White Sox pitcher would you most like to have for the 2nd half?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:12 PM)

I have concerns about Floyd and Danks wearing down, if that's what you're really asking. Call me a conservative old-schooler, but I'll take the steady Javy Vazquez and enjoy his low WHIP, high K's and chances at wins because he can go deep in games.

Pickles (LA)

Better OF for the balance of this season C.B. Young or Francour? Thanks!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:13 PM)

CB Young. I think Francouer bounces back, but not to the four-category level Young will produce.

Fred (East Lansing)

Brendan, Reports have Frenchy coming back up to the parent club. He was just dropped in my 10 tem ML. Is he worth a pick-up?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:14 PM)

Yup, Frenchy called up today. Hmm, pick him up in a 10-team league. I'd be inclined to say yes, but it's pretty close. All other leagues, definitely, assuming there are bench slots (I have one league in which I don't have any).

Nick (Sioux Falls)

Josh Johnson threw 111 pitches in 8 innings of shutout ball, with only 2 walks and 7 strikeouts, apparently he may be ready to pitch wednesday or thursday for florida as well. Can we expect anything close to numbers from his 2006 campaign if he is indeed healthy?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:16 PM)

Ya know, I'm normally pretty cautious with TJ surgery pitchers, but ... I am trying to get Johnson right now, considering his 2006-like upside and that he comes straight off the FA wire. If were highly-anticipated like Liriano, maybe not. But you know he'll get you K's and probably a decent ERA, so why not? 2006? Probably not, but it's worth noting that he didn't have much stamina even before injury, so that shouldn't be a major factor.

Justin (Orwigsburg PA)

Hey Brendan, How much will Chris Davis help my fantasy squad this season?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:17 PM)

Sorry, but I think Chris Davis is just a flavor of the week/month. He strikes out a ton, and it won't take long before the book is out on him. He'll have to have an adjustment period, and it might not be complete till next year or beyond.

Sam (Houston)

Brendan--what do you think of Swisher? Batting 7th in the order is discouraging for fantasy, and Konerko's return may drop him to 8th!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:18 PM)

But when all the pieces are in place, that's a pretty good lineup top to bottom. I wouldn't overthink that. Now is a good time to have Swisher, and you won't see but a small difference in runs out of that slot. It'll hardly be noticeable.

Brad (Hartford)

Why is Figgins not running? How long do I tolerate his decling average and total lack of power before I cut bait?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:19 PM)

Not sure why he's not running, but I do suspect he's not 100 percent. But given his upside and respectable average (and that' he's still on pace for 26 steals despite missing time), I think he's still worth hanging on to.

Joe (Davis, CA)

Ture or False, Sizemore is a 1st round draft pick in 09?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:20 PM)

Great question. You know, I'd probably have to say true, at least in a 12-owner league. I think he slips in there based on his homer-steal combo. He's kinda like Soriano from a few years ago, back when people couldn't speak to his BA but loved his other numbers and durability (at least he was durable then).

Mike (nj)

Please rank for the rest of the season: Hamels, Kazmir, Lincecum

Brendan Roberts

  (3:22 PM)

You know what: I'm about as big a fan of Lincecum as anybody on our staff. I had like a 15-minute diatribe at our rankings summit in January as to why this kid will win a Cy Young -- and soon. From a scouting perspective, he's unhittable. The kid is for real, and I can't think of too many other pitchers I'd want more than him, including those two. Hamels is second on my list.

Andrew (Marysville, CA)

Has the Nate McLouth ship sailed? Can we expect him to keep hitting as badly as he has been lately, or will his April-May awesomeness return?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:24 PM)

Not to be wishy-washy, but somewhere in between. Unfortunately, closer to the recent McLouth than the start-of-the-season McLouth. Don't forget he's on pace to have a workload that his body hasn't seen before. I think a high-intensity player like him wears down.

Tom (SoCal)

Any concerns on Padilla's struggles last few games? Drop him for Baker or Pelfrey?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:25 PM)

I never was a believer in Padilla in the first place. I've always felt his pitches all stay on a "level plane" from a hitters' perspective, making him too easy to hit if he's not locating it. I say you drop him for Baker.

Suzanne (Oak Park, IL)

Long, but intruiging 6x6 12-team ROTO Keeper Question. We can only keep 4 players, 2 hitters, 2 pitchers. My only real keeper worthy hitters are Holliday, Kinsler, Quentin, Ortiz. Obviously leaning towards Kinsler, Holliday at this point. Pitching is where I?m pretty stacked keeper wise, with Johan, Lackey, Verlander, Vazquez, Ervin, Danks, Mariano, Soria. Leaning towards Johan, Lackey. My question is, with our fantasy trade deadline within a month, I?m thinking about perhaps packaging one of my other keeper-level pitchers with Holliday or Kinsler for a A-Rod, Han-Ram type. Holliday or Kinsler/Verlander or Vazquez for Han-Ram? Is this worth moving on or do should I stand pat at the trade deadline from a keeper perspective?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:26 PM)

I wouldn't make Kinsler part of the deal. He could be a Han-Ram-like option for years to come. And I think you can get a helpful player in return for Han Ram/A-Rod even if you don't include Kinsler.

brad (new york)

do you think konerko will come back strong off of the dl and the rest of the year?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:27 PM)

Yes, I think he does. It's a good time to get a hold of him, no matter the setup. But give him more than just a few games ... he might be rusty.

Mike (Chicago)

Please, I beg of you, help me understand Shane Victorino.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:28 PM)

What's to understand? He's doing about what you can expect from him. He's hitting .269, which is a little low but will come up, is on pace for 36 steals, doesn't have much power ... I did note in my last column that the Phils finally have all the pieces in place offensively (including the slow starts out of the way for some big hitters) to have a HUGE second half. He will be helped there.

Gersh (NYC)

I went a different route and filled my team with fill in closers and middle relievers. Who is most droppable of the following if I need to pick up a bat? Kuo, Morrow, Franklin, Balfour, and Shields (also have Fuentes and Percival).

Brendan Roberts

  (3:29 PM)

Balfour. I think Wheeler ends up with more save chances.

Sid (Brooklyn, NY)

Weeks or Polanco for the 2nd half?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:30 PM)

Polanco, for sure. I barf anymore when I hear Weeks' name (no offense since he IS on your team).

Doug (Chicago)

Why am I so intrigued by Grant Balfour and his awesome numbers?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:31 PM)

You said it yourself ... because of his awesome numbers. But he doesn't have closing experience, and the Rays haven't committed to him being the guy in place of Percy. I still have my doubts Balfour can maintain his performance.

tim, nyc

Swisher or Loney rest of the season?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:31 PM)

That's pretty close, but I'd lean toward Swisher. More power, and better lineup. (Woe is the Dodgers!)

brad (new york)

how long do you see morrow closing once putz is back? His numbers are unbelievable!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:32 PM)

Yup, always been a big fan of Morrow. But Putz is the guy, and he should be. He'll get his job almost immediately once he returns, assuming he's healthy, and that renders Morrow near worthless in shallow leagues.

Callie (CA)

Hey Brendan, Please discuss Jonathan Sanchez. Is he worth a spot in a 12 team mixed league?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:33 PM)

Yeah, I think so, Golden Stater, more because of his K's than anything else. The Giants actually have protected him pretty well (pitch count-wise) this year, and I could see him having a fine second half.

Matt (Philly)

When does Buchholz come back up? Him or Blackburn for the rest of the year?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:34 PM)

I think Buchholz will be back soon (not going out on a limb there), as in the next two weeks. And though it sounds odd, I'm taking him over Blackburn the rest of the way. I play in a Tout Mixed league with a small bench, and I've kept Buchholz there all along. I still believe!

Steve Fla.

Buerhle or Garza?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:35 PM)

Garza. Way more upside (as in, he'll strike out more guys).

James (NY)

When are the July rankings?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:35 PM)

We'll be posting a mid-season Top 340 next week, right around the All-Star game (appropriately). I'm looking forward to diving in and seeing what we have ... always more change in those than you realize.

ty (dport, IA)

is this trade fair? tex and vazquez for santana (NYM) & wagner (NYM)? im a mets fan so am i blinded by my loyalty to all things orange & blue? which side you prefer?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:37 PM)

Obviously the Wagner buyer is looking for saves. I'd probably endorse that from both ends, to be honest.

Nick(Boston)

If the season ended today who would you draft first in 09 Phillips or Kinsler?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:37 PM)

Kinsler. I really would. I think Phillips settles in and becomes a .270 hitter, which lowers his value a bit. I think Kinsler is capable of hitting higher, and still doing the other things too.

Bill (Florida)

Should i trade Edinson Volquez for Ben Sheets and Ryan Church?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:38 PM)

No. Just reading that Church could be out awhile with the headaches. That scares me.

Garrett (Reno)

What are your thoughts on Slugger for Starters trades? I generally go hitter, but I'm thinking about dealing Quentin/Greinke for Drew/Johan. Also, would you rather have Drew, Chipper, or Pedroia as the second position player? Thoughts? Thanks!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:40 PM)

Yeah, normally I like the hitter side of it, but I believe so much in Johan and his boost in four categories that I'd do that deal. Second position player? It's close, but I'd still probably rather have Chipper. You kinda know you're getting something good there, and remember that Drew is still injury-prone.

Marco (AZ)

Will Ianetta get the starting role in Colorado? He is crushing the ball right now.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:40 PM)

Um, I think he already has it. He's starting more than Yorvit, last I checked. He has slipped into No. 2 catcher-worthy in mixed leagues, in my mind. As in, I'd pick him up if he was available.

Mark (Raleigh)

Hinske or Votto?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:41 PM)

Votto, Votto, Votto (obviously, I'm a fan).

Mike (Nashville)

What are your thoughts on Jayson Werth for the 2nd half? Is he going to get enough PT to be useful?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:42 PM)

He might get decent PT, but I just don't think he hits righties well enough to count on in mixed leagues.

Matt (Syracuse)

When Buchholz comes back who loses their job masterson? also what about bartolo colon what happens when he returns.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:43 PM)

Unfortunately, I think it'll have to be Masterson. And not because he deserves to, just because the Sawx can't keep Buchholz away any longer. I don't see Colon being in their plans at all. In fact, I could see them dealing him for a fill-in player at another position in the next month.

Robbie Q (Arlington TX)

Safe to trade for Sheets in general?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:44 PM)

Yeah, I think so. Many would disagree, but most of previous DL trips have not been for arm problems, just freakish things. He might cool down, but he's definitely on a drive right now and will rack up plenty of K's regardless.

Richard (Idaho)

Votto or Konerko?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:45 PM)

Ohhhh, very close. You know what? I still say Votto. I think he gets even better in the second half than the first. He's maturing quickly.

Barry (Chicago)

Votto or Morneau?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:45 PM)

OK, we've found the line. Morneau, definitely.

Ryan (Phillie Country)

Why after having Mark Prior would the Cubs ever trade for the AL 'Mark Prior' in Rich Harden!?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:46 PM)

Good question, but Prior was considered a long-term investment, whereas Harden wouldn't be. He'd be a rented player, and he'll be motivated to stay healthy.

Kevin (Virginia)

Adam Laroche..are you a fan? Thanks.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:47 PM)

Not really. OK, so he's turning it around, but really only in the homers dept. That's it.

Mike (nj)

Morneau or Teix?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:47 PM)

Teixeira, and I feel strongly about that one. I think Tex is a first-round (or at least early-second-round) talent from here on out.

Sara (Pittsburgh, PA)

Rasmus in 2008? fantasy-wise?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:49 PM)

I think he'll be up with the big club, but I think it'll take awhile for his skills to develop. It's not like he has the prototype of a hit-right-away slugger, and he's still inconsistent to hit for average. He'll post a nice OBP, though.

DJ Quiksilver (Ibiza)

Whats up with Matty Cain?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:49 PM)

He's just had a few rough starts, just like he has the past few years. I wouldn't think any less of him now than I did two weeks ago.

Gerry (cuse)

Is jimmy rollins going to give me anything this year?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:50 PM)

Yeah, he will. Look at his second-half splits for some of his previous seasons and you'll feel better about him.

Dave(Frisco)

Bradley and Hamilton are about to experience their first Texas summer. Do you think that their production will be adversely affected? If so, how much? This heat has a way of sapping stamina and players with health concerns become a huge concern. I own both and wonder if this is the time to start shopping both around. But, I still want to enjoy watching my Rangers and would absolutely hate myself for trading one of them if their production and health holds up. Your thoughts?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:52 PM)

Love that point, Dave, and the thought process behind it. However, I think if a player is to wear down, he's just as likely to do it in Minnesota than Texas. Just maybe it's a slight tick worse in Texas (did y'all know they play more night games in Texas every year than any other franchise). Anyway, I think Hamilton stays durable and maintains his play, to a degree, but Bradley doesn't.

v (nyc)

brendan, i have been told by espn they only add players (rookies called up) into the player pool once they are on a major league roster. i lost out on chris davis after following him all year and am worried the same thing is going to happen with laporta and gamel. you'd think the people you guys talk about in minor achievements would atleast be added. its not cool when weeks or months of analyzing minor leaguers goes to $hit b/c in the end it's a footrace to the computer at 5am.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:53 PM)

Yes, V, this will be addressed. Maybe not for this year, but I can assure it will for next. We know it needs fixing. And for the record, it's not EVERY call-up, just the guys we couldn't foresee being for sure called up at the beginning of the season.

Mike (Nashville)

Is Dan Uggla coming back this week? My line up is reeling with him out.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:54 PM)

I think the Marlins will hold him out till the end of the week, at the earliest. Not for sure, but I think you have to sit him.

Luke(CT)

Is Chone a 4th-5th round talent from here on out?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:55 PM)

Nope, not that high. If were to get 2B qualification, maybe. But doesn't seem like that's going to happen.

PJ (ATL)

Any word on Oswalt's hip injury? Is it serious?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:56 PM)

Doesn't appear serious yet. He's back with the team and is still working on preparing for his start this week. I'm no Stephania Bell, but I could see the 'Stros skipping him again this week and then brining him back the first game following the break.

Alex (Greenville, SC)

Whos your fantasy league MVP so far?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:57 PM)

It just might be Kinsler. Edinson Volquez would be in the voting, too. Hmm, don't think I'm missing any others. To me, an MVP isn't the guy you drafted early and he did well, but the guy you drafted in the middle or later, and he combined with the early-round guys on his fantasy teams to win leagues. Leagues are won in the middle rounds of their drafts, probably even more than the late rounds.

Dan (INDY)

Is Mat Gamels going to the OF now??

Brendan Roberts

  (3:58 PM)

The Crew haven't indicated yet, and if they were moving that way, you'd think they'd have at least tried him there previously. I think he stays at third base for now, but I've heard him rumored to be dealt, too. Love Mat Gamels, by the way. You deep(er) league owners need to look at him.

Brian (Detroit)

Do you think LaPorta gets the call any time soon - it's not as if the Tribe has anything to lose? And can he contribute?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:59 PM)

Yeah, I think he gets the call soon. Maybe not immediately, but soon. And you know what, I could see him doing fairly well right now. No super-power numbers well, but respectable enough to make you interested in him for next year.

Anderson (Norton VA)

Ehat's the word on Chris Young? (the Pitcher)

Brendan Roberts

  (4:01 PM)

Supposedly preparing to return after the All-Star break. (As an aside, just think about what that one game against Albert Pujols did to the Pads. Bard is out till the end of this month, at the earliest, and the Pads have had a lot of trouble finding offense in his place.)

JD (NJ)

Chris Davis or Frenchy?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:01 PM)

Frenchy.

Gus - NJ

Better second half on Torii Hunter? Thoughts on Torii Hunter?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:02 PM)

Yeah, not sure what's wrong with him, but I did go back and look and saw some extrended slumps from him prior to 2007. I think he's just streaky, and he hasn't had his "good month" yet. I think he gets better. At least I haven't heard of any indication of an injury, which is what would bother me the most.

Brendan Roberts

  (4:03 PM)

OK, all. Have to run. Sorry I can't hang around longer. Preparing my Hit Parade for tomorrow (I'm working on second-half split charts now).

Brendan Roberts

  (4:03 PM)

Be well, and enjoy Week 15. Go get 'em!