ESPN

Jason Grey

  (3:00 PM)

Hey guys, hope all is well, lots of questions already - will get to as many as I can - If I don't get to yours, just remember it's because I don't like you and don't care about helping you out at all...

Travis (Atlanta)

JG, you are the f-ing mandingo! Ben Revere will be in the majors by the year ______

Jason Grey

  (3:02 PM)

2012, maybe end of 2011

Ray (St. Louis)

You are starting Ian Snell tonight?

Jason Grey

  (3:02 PM)

No.

Craig, NY

VERY DEEP AL only league - Jojihma is my ONLY catcher - do I target Varitek as an EXTREME buy low candidate and hope he turns it on? He isn't in danger of losing his job, so he plays almost every day, right?

Jason Grey

  (3:03 PM)

No danger of losing his job, but boy does that bat look Slooooow right now, and his offensive potential for the 2nd half isn't very positive - I;'m not sure how much of an upgrade it is.

Joe (Detroit)

AJ Mass said this morning "Baker puts up better numbers than Ben Sheets from this point forward and is a top-10 starter." What are your thoughts on Baker? In June's top 340, you had Wellemeyer at 171, and Baker somewhere below 241 (AJ's high rank). I know you guys are coming out with your All-Star Break rankings soon, but do you still stand by the June rankings in this case? Or would dropping Wellemeyer for Baker be a good call now?

Jason Grey

  (3:05 PM)

Well, the Wellemeyer ranking was submitted before he hurt his elbow the first week of June, so all bets were off at that point. Baker's health outlook was still a bit murky, but i had him just behind AJ at the time. I would absolutely, positively grab Baker for Wellemeyer ASAP.

Chuck (Hershey, PA)

Jason, Please rank Nolasco, Floyd, Baker, Buchholz, Mussina, rest of the way, thanks!

Jason Grey

  (3:06 PM)

Baker, Buchholz, Floyd, Mussina, Nolasco....really close on Buchholz and Floyd

jeff nj

Your the only one I trust I've been waiting since last Wed. I have Berkman,Howard and Teixeira I can only keep 2 for next yr I would like to make a trade with the 3rd one for a top starter who would you trade and what level starter would you target?

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

I am probably targeting Tex, and I think you need to get an ace. Ideally, maybe a Lincecum - could settle for a Shields type

JTW, San Diego

Which SP do you like better long-term?Danks, Garza, Cain, Banks?

Jason Grey

  (3:08 PM)

If by long-term we mean the next few years - I still think Cain has the biggest upside of all of those pitchers, but he could also continue to underwhelm us. If we're talking 2nd half of this season, it's hard to argue with the way Danks is hurling right now, so I put him slightly ahead of Garza.

Tommy John Los Angeles, CA

Which pitchers who are currently on the dl will put up good numbers in the second half (Marcum, Wainwright, Felix Hernandez, Ian Snell, Chris Young, Fauston Carmona)

Jason Grey

  (3:09 PM)

All of those except Snell and Young.

Ron (NYC)

Jason... Iwamura or Kendrick the rest of the way?

Jason Grey

  (3:10 PM)

Kendrick - other category production will start coming with the batting average.

JB (Zaire)

Answer a question for a displaced Bostonian - what are your thoughts on Youk for the second half? Can he keep up the torrid pace he's on or are we due for another 07 implosion?

Jason Grey

  (3:11 PM)

I wrote about this earlier this past weekend. He's consciously tried to take a bit more aggressive approach at the plate, sacrificing a few walks for a few more cuts at drivable pitches early in the count, and he's on pace for career highs across the board. Sometimes the explanation is fairly simple, and with this new plan at the plate, the increased power numbers are sustainable.

Rob (Boston)

Whatever happened to that guy...what's his name? Oh, Donyelle Willits, or something... is he still alive?

Jason Grey

  (3:13 PM)

Gave up three walks in two innings at High-A in last outing but has not pitched for a week and is headed back to Detroit for a knee examination. There is no value here this season. However, unless you really hate the Tigers, Willis is one of the truly good guys in the game, and is worth pulling for in hopes he gets past all of this stuff.

Jose Lima

Please give me a couple of pitchers that currently have a 5.00 + ERA that you expect to have a strong second half of the season.

Jason Grey

  (3:13 PM)

Off the top of my head: Clay Buchholz, maybe Micah Owings.

Doug Radar Arlington, Texas

Please rate these catchers for the second half of this season:Dioneer Navaro, Jeff Clement, Ramon Hernandez, Kelly Shoppach

Jason Grey

  (3:14 PM)

Clement -biggest upside, Navarro, Hernandez, Shoppach.

GUS (Bozeman, MT)

What do you think about jeff clement is he worth keeping on my bench or even a spot? he did hit 2 homers the other day.

Jason Grey

  (3:14 PM)

Yeah, he's worth a spot. I am rotating Navarro and Clement at a catcher spot in a 12-team mixed depending on matchups.

Eli (NY,NY)

Hello Jason, Thanks for taking my question! Very quietly Wes Bankston was called up and started playing. What are your long term thoughts, if any , on this former prospect?

Jason Grey

  (3:15 PM)

I think the bat is a bit too slow to sustain success against big league pitching. A lot of power, but is going to have some trouble.

Carter (Houston)

If Taveras or Holliday are traded, is Spilborghs an immediate pickup?

Jason Grey

  (3:16 PM)

I woudl think so, but there is always the possibility they decide to platoon Spilborghs and Seth Smith, who could hit if given the opportunity.

john, AZ

hey Jason, C. Lee for Fielder seem fair to you going forward? thnx

Jason Grey

  (3:16 PM)

Sure.

Steve

Lincecom for Holliday... Was vetoed! Top OF for top SP seems fair to me. Am I missing something here?!?!

Jason Grey

  (3:17 PM)

Um, sane owners in your league? Nothing wrong with that that it should be vetoed. That would be my last year in that league. I tend to be a "free market reigns" guy, but that is not nearly egregious enough to consider a veto.

Calvin (Florida)

Need some pitching. Use my #1 waiver priority on Bedard? What do you think?

Jason Grey

  (3:18 PM)

I don't get hung up on waiver priority as much as others seem to, but yeah, that seems a good use of it.

Kellis (San Diego, CA)

Who's the next pitcher to grab and wait for?

Jason Grey

  (3:18 PM)

David Price

Mike / Hermosa Beach

rank em rest of the year.. bedard, slowey, harang, j vazquez

Jason Grey

  (3:19 PM)

Harang, Bedard, Vazquez, Slowey

Adam

Care to speculate on any Closers in Waiting? Who's next in line...?

Jason Grey

  (3:19 PM)

Taylor Buchholz, Jim Johnson immediately come to mind

Will (The OC)

Is Alex Gordon worth the wait in 2008? Is Hairston the better payoff right now?

Jason Grey

  (3:20 PM)

I stick with Gordon over Hairston and be patient.

Paul (Boston, MA)

FRANCOEUR -- Would you drop sheffield for francoeur with the #1 waiver priority in a 13 team league?

Jason Grey

  (3:21 PM)

Yeah, I think Francoeur out-performs Sheff going forward.

Tree (New York)

Time to sell really high on Hamilton? I worry about maintaining (Brad Hawpe has better stats over the past month)and injury...

Jason Grey

  (3:22 PM)

I never rule anything out, because you could always gets bowled over with an offer, so float his name and see what happens, but I'd be just fine sticking with him.

K

Chris Ray closing next year?

Jason Grey

  (3:23 PM)

Depends if Sherrill is still around. If so, I bet Ray goes to setup.

Jon (SF)

Timetable on Rasmus? Any value in the second half?

Jason Grey

  (3:24 PM)

I don't think we see him before September unless there's an injury, even though he's heating up lately.

BOB(NY)

DROP PARRA PICKUP CAIN? TY

Jason Grey

  (3:24 PM)

No. Parra has given up one earned run or less in seven of his last ten starts. I want Cain but would give up someone different to try and get him.

Bob, AZ

What about Josh Anderson? Shouldn't he be able to beat out Gregor Blanco? His speed could be valuable in deep NL Only?

Jason Grey

  (3:25 PM)

Not as good as hitter, and Blanco can run too, so not necessarily.

Jason Grey

  (3:26 PM)

But yeah, if Anderson got F/T at-bats he could steal some bags.

Matt (St Paul)

Josh Johnson threww 111 pitches and hit 95mph in 8 innings of shutout ball. Are you picking him up for wednesdays start and hoping he is healthy enough to post similar numbers as his 2006 campaign

Jason Grey

  (3:27 PM)

I still think we need to wait and see in mixed, especially to see how his control and command are - oh, and that gun reading was high, not what they were getting behind the plate - more like 92-93

steve

Nolasco or Jurjens?

Jason Grey

  (3:27 PM)

Jurrjens, better upside.

Mike(NJ)

give corey hart receive rich harden and brad hawpe...yes or no?

Jason Grey

  (3:28 PM)

I'd do that.

Ron (NYC)

Trade Pedro Martinez for Clay Buchholz? What say you Grey?

Jason Grey

  (3:28 PM)

I'd do that too.

Jason Grey

  (3:29 PM)

Those asking fantasy football questions, sorry no TMR today...not my department.

Brett (DC)

Hi Jason - How high is Longoria's ceiling? Do you think he is a future top 10 fantasy player? If you could move Hunter/Atkins for him in a mixed keeper would you make the trade? Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (3:31 PM)

Top 10 fantasy players are five category producers, and I don't see that from Longoria long-term, especially the steals. Batting average may not always be great as well, but merely good. I mean Atkins puts up .300-25-100 numbers and nobody thinks he's Top 10 - that seems like a bit much to give up.

Todd (CO)

You obvioulsy like Clay, so are you picking him up for his start this week? Drop Church for him?

Jason Grey

  (3:32 PM)

If that's your only option and you're full in your OF with Church on you bench, then sure.

phil (edison, nj)

any thoughts on renteria and if you think i should drop him for someone like escobar or aviles?

Jason Grey

  (3:33 PM)

I'd probably stick with Edgar, even though he's been underwhelming so far.

Joe (NYC)

so is Buchholz definitely pitching friday???

Jason Grey

  (3:34 PM)

Yes.

Hank (Michigan)

Thoughts on Garciaparra's return?

Jason Grey

  (3:35 PM)

Is he hurt again yet? Maybe by tying his shoes wrong?

Nomar (LA)

Should I be on a roster over Jerry Hairston Jr ?

Jason Grey

  (3:35 PM)

No.

K

Any reason to believe Loney ever developes power?

Jason Grey

  (3:37 PM)

That's always been the question with him, and one wonders how much the wrist injuries in his early pro career affected that. He's probably never more than a 15-17 guy from what we've seen right now.

Tom (SF)

2 part question: a) how many WPM do you type? seems faster than the other experts, b) What do you think of JJ Hardy? turned a corner or just streaky?

Jason Grey

  (3:38 PM)

Dunno, I guess I'm pretty fast. I wrote extensively about Hardy on Monday for insider, short answer is both.

Jason Grey

  (3:39 PM)

Questions on starting CC tonight - why not? If you have been before, why wouldn't you keep doing it? He's one of the hottest pitchers in baseball right now.

MD (KC)

Jim Johnson?

Jason Grey

  (3:41 PM)

Few seem to have noticed, but Johnson has functioned as the primary eighth-inning setup man to Sherrill this season, and Sarfate's walk rate continues to be in the stratosphere, so if Sherill is dealt this season, Johnson could see some 2nd half saves. Long term? No. 2nd half? Perhaps.

Doug (Chicago)

Jason, for us deep leagues, who would you target as the next group of SP prospects, Price not included?

Jason Grey

  (3:41 PM)

Almost any other starting prospect in the Twins or Rays systems, and Trevor Cahill.

Jeff (NY)

Should I start Morton in SD? If he can't pitch well in Petco, feel he's due to be sent back to minors.

Jason Grey

  (3:42 PM)

That's a fair point, and it's not a bad spot start to try and get lucky with.

Ari (Miami)

What do you think of Anibal Sanchez in August?

Jason Grey

  (3:43 PM)

Like him as a sleeper for '09 - don't see much value late this season.

Mark (Raleigh)

If Harden gets shipped, does Gaudin get his starting job back?

Jason Grey

  (3:43 PM)

I believe that's the plan.

AJ Burnett (Toronto)

Do I lower my EA substantially from here on?

Jason Grey

  (3:44 PM)

Your peripheral numbers suggest he's been more like a pitcher with an ERA in the mid-threes, so he should.

Cain, Mcgowan, Bedard and Verlander owner

I hate pitching!

Jason Grey

  (3:45 PM)

It's why I always advocate going hitting-heavy in auctions and drafts, though Travis Hafner, Victor Martinez, et al would argue otherwise.

Nick(Tampa)

Who do you draft first next season Phillips or Kinsler? Braun or Wright?

Jason Grey

  (3:45 PM)

Kinsler, Wright.

Jasen(Charleston)

How good is Ian Kinsler? What kind of caliber player are we talking about to acquire Kinsler?

Jason Grey

  (3:47 PM)

He's the second most valuable player in fantasy baseball right now in terms of earned value, but the cost to acquire him is likely a lot less than that. Can't accurately say what would get him, start low with the offer and work from there.

Kent(DC)

Should i do a price check on Clay Buchholz? Should we expect inconsistancy?

Jason Grey

  (3:49 PM)

Sure, there may be a bump or towo here and there, but he's fixed his mechanics (ball further out from his body in delivery, not collapsing his back leg), and I could make the case that we already saw the worst part of his inconsistency for this season. I like upside, and he's got it and then some. I want to give myself a chance to be lucky and catch some lightning.

Robinson Cano (NY)

I will hit .310, 18 HRs, 90 RBI by end of season...

Jason Grey

  (3:50 PM)

Maybe in some alternate universe...

Jason Grey

  (3:50 PM)

Maybe in some alternate universe...

Paisan (NY, NY)

Looking for vulture wins and peripheral help. You think Thornton keeps his current production up, or is Linebrink a better pickup/pitcher? Or do you like Ziegler over both? Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (3:52 PM)

I kind of like Ziegler because I think he will pitch more and in a role slightly more likely to pick up some vulture wins. It's close.

Danny (Chula Vista, CA)

Who do you like better for this year: DeJesus - the streaky guy playing really well - or Adam Jones - the young guy with upside?

Jason Grey

  (3:52 PM)

Jones. DeJesus is playing at his peak, and it may not be completely sustainable in the second half. Jones has definitely started to take it to another level.

C.C. The Hefty Lefty (WI)

Will I be the best SP in the second half? IF not then who tops me?

Jason Grey

  (3:54 PM)

Will he wear down after 240+ innings last season and then more in the playoffs? That's a fair devil's advocate point.

Shawn (Cleveland)

15 team roto. I'm in 2nd, and could really gain some points in K's and W's. I'm looking to deal either Bay, Quentin, or Miguel Cabrera. Quentin is currently on my bench. Who's the best option to send away, and what type of value should i look at in return. Been looking at Harang or Cain. Should i do Miggy and aim higher? Thanks for the advice.

Jason Grey

  (3:57 PM)

I'd try Miggy and aim higher, though I'm not sure his value at the moment will get it.

John, Columbia

Who will bring me the most value the rest of the way in a 5x5 roto league that counts OPS and SB: Joey Votto or Conor Jackson?

Jason Grey

  (3:58 PM)

Close, but probably Conor.

Jason Grey

  (3:59 PM)

Have time for three more, my queue is currently over 1200 questions, so sorry if I couldn't get to yours...remember, it's just because I have a grudge against you. I do appreciate you taking the tim, and appreciate all the interest.

Mat (DC)

Pick TWO for the rest of this year. nonkeeper: Liriano,C.Buchholz,Unit

Jason Grey

  (4:00 PM)

Buchholz, Unit.

Mike (Nashville)

Are you a Balfour man or a Wheeler man? Who gets TB's saves?

Jason Grey

  (4:02 PM)

I'm guessing Balfour, but it's anyone's guess, we're all speculating right now. Maddon isn't tipping his hand, and it might be mix and match

Steve(Boston)

100th time!!!PLEASE rank going foward.Crede, Encarcion, or Kouz going foward. 5x5 with OPS. Thanks

Jason Grey

  (4:03 PM)

Kouz, Encarnacion, and then Crede - reall close - you had me at 97

Gus ( Philly)

Doumit.....the truth?

Jason Grey

  (4:05 PM)

he tough thing about projecting Doumit's future value is that, in his career, standing in the batter's box is just something he's done between injuries. Last year it was ankle, hamstring and wrist issues. This season it's been a thumb injury and a concussion. When he's played this season, cutting his strikeout rate almost in half has been a key to his offensive surge, shortening his swing a bit without sacrificing pop. The batting average will come down a bit, but the power is for real. Staying on the field and out of the trainer's room is the only question going forward.

Jason Grey

  (4:05 PM)

Thanks everyone!