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Jason Grey

  (3:00 PM)

What's up everyone - two days in a row with me - can you stand it? Hope all is well, let's get right to it...

Jason Grey

  (3:00 PM)

Messed up a few questions, so re-posting them myself....

Jason Grey

  (3:00 PM)

What do you think of JJ Hardy? Will he keep up this great hitting?

Jason Grey

  (3:01 PM)

Wrote about him extensively on Monday, of course not at this pace, but he wasn't healthy the first two months either. Could still do .270 with 10-12 homers rest of the way.

Jason Grey

  (3:01 PM)

Whats up Jason Thanks for the chat. What are your thoughts/predictions for Bobby Abreu the rest of the year? Is he worth trading for a pitching upgrade with pence on the bench behind him?

Jason Grey

  (3:02 PM)

Yes, I like Pence and would explore Abreu for a pitcher, Pence should at least be able to equal Abreu's expected contributions for the balance of the year.

Gip, Bloomingdale, NJ

I need some Grey matter insights!Should I be worried now about Dustin McGowan after last night?And with Matt Capps on the shelf, who's the best from this bargain bin for saves:Gagne, Rauch, CJ Wilson, Marte,Torres or Brandon Marrow?

Jason Grey

  (3:03 PM)

Torres, Wilson, Rauch and then Morrow (only because his future role is still a bit uncertain) - on that note...

Alex (Miami)

Jason ... Do you think Brandon Morrow will hang on to the closer role once JJ Putz comes off the DL? He's been unhitable!

Jason Grey

  (3:05 PM)

Manager Jim Riggleman has said Putz won't close initially, but could work into the role. He's left the door open slightly for Morrow to potentially keep it. We'll have to see.

James (Findlay, Ohio)

Hey Jason - love the chats man! Do you want C. Ross or J. Bruce for the 2nd half?

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

Good question....it's real tempting to go with the hot hand in Ross, but I'm going to against the grain and say Bruce heats up in the second half

Jon (Indy)

Jason - hurting for average etc. in 10 team std. rotiss. Worth keeping J. Cantu and Jose Guillen and their spongy bats for post-ASB turnaround? Do you see any trade value? Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (3:09 PM)

Well, it's not like their averages are really in the tank. I'd probably hang on to Guillen and explore Cantu, as I don't see him as holding up as well.

Tim (KC)

Hey Jason... when will we see Laporta in the majors?

Jason Grey

  (3:09 PM)

I would be surprised if it was before September of this season.

Suzanne (Oak Park, IL)

You starting Owings tonight @ Was?

Jason Grey

  (3:11 PM)

Doesn't seem like a bad play, even coming off the injuries. Could be a good matchup for him, if his health is good.

Steve, Ohio

Really need your help! Who can I expect in return for Lincecum in a trade. I need hitting badly. Is top ten too much? How about a Braun type player? Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (3:12 PM)

I don't think those are unreasonable expectations considering Lincecum's first-half performance.

John (14)

Colby Rasmus in a keeper league, top 5 prospect?

Jason Grey

  (3:12 PM)

He's in my Top 5.

Aaron Harang (Bumsville)

How come every Fantasy "Expert" continues to advise my owners that I have just been a case of bad luck? I look horrible and don't see light at the end of this tunnel....Updated thoughts?

Jason Grey

  (3:16 PM)

Well , you probably weren't 100 % last night after the forearm strain, even though you were pushed back, so that does complicate things...as far as the bad luck factor, consider the .330 batting average on balls in play, slightly elevated HR/FB rate and expected ERA based on his periplerhals of more than half run lower. K/BB rate is down, but not alarmingly slow. If healthy, I want to own him going forward. All these things I'm talking about were even more positive before his last injury-plagued start. We'll have to watch the health reports.

Charlie (Syracuse, NY)

There was a lot of love for Danks in this mornings chat. Is he too much to give up for Giambi in an OBP league?

Jason Grey

  (3:17 PM)

I've been a big fan of Danks since Spring Training. As I wrote last week, mproved control, repeating his delivery better so he wasn't flying open and leaving the ball up in the zone, showing feel for a new cut fastball and improved action in his changeup have all contributed to his first-half success. I don't think that's an unreasonable trade in that format.

Mike (Cincy)

When can we expect Carl Crawford to start playing better?

Jason Grey

  (3:19 PM)

Well he's been pretty hot the last week, and is on pace to pretty much be fairly close to his numbers in recent years, so I'm not sure where the concern is.

Hunter Pence (Doghouse)

Thanks for saying you like me earlier, but I have been pretty bad so far... any reason why, and what kind of numbers do you expect from me in the second half?

Jason Grey

  (3:21 PM)

.265, 11 homers, 5 steals - not necessarily "pretty bad", but it simply comes down to he's too talented a hitter not to improve and go on a good run at some point. Sometimes it's just as simple as that.

Mike (Anaheim)

How good is Cano going to be in the second half? I traded Kazmir and Morrow for him and Burnett - good deal?

Jason Grey

  (3:23 PM)

Don't like that deal myself, but it's defensible.. I might take where his numbers are right now, double them and give him a slight uptick in batting average and that should be right around where he finishes. That does give him some slight upside in the second half. The .264 average on balls in play can correct a little bit and drive some BA gains.

Jason Grey

I just dropped Dustin McGowan to pick up Scott Baker. Good move?

Jason Grey

  (3:24 PM)

Given the uncertain state of McGowan's shoulder and today's MRI, as well as Baker's second-half potential, I like the move.

Guy (DC)

Hunter Pence is on the Jeff Francoeur career path.

Jason Grey

  (3:26 PM)

This has so many things wrong with it in respect to both players I don't know where to begin.

Jon (SF)

Time to give up on Morton yet? How much leash does he have in that rotation?

Jason Grey

  (3:27 PM)

He probably gets another couple of starts, but he needs to fight through this "dead arm" stuff quickly. He's not a mixed consideration right now, but I'm hanging on in the NL.

PLEAS ANSWER

SO JASON,I got murdered by your fellow analysts for trading for Justin Verlander about 2 weeks ago. I traded him for Christian Guzman and Jonathan Sanchez. I think I will have the last laugh. Your Thoughts?

Jason Grey

  (3:29 PM)

I was trying to buy low on Verlander back in early May, to hang on to him. I think he's gradually getting there, slowly but surely.

Matt (Madison)

Do you think Torres job is safe as the closer with Gagne's recent impressive performances? Or do you think the Brewers might make a move and move Torres back to a setup role?

Jason Grey

  (3:31 PM)

Torres has blown one save since getting the job, so I don't think they would consider rocking the boat until Torres has a couple of blown saves in a row. So I think Torres might be safe...for the time being.

Ryan (New Orleans)

Given the choice....would you rather have Baker or Slowey on your fantasy staff?

Jason Grey

  (3:32 PM)

Baker, but I like them both.

Luke(CT)

Grab Gallagher in mixed?

Jason Grey

  (3:32 PM)

Good defense, good park, if I had the room I'd stash him and see what happens. I'm all over him in AL leagues.

Bocci, NJ

This is the 100th time i posted this!!! Do you think Jonathan Sanchez's numbers take a hit in the 2nd half, since its his first year starting? I have been offered Adam Dunn for him, should i do it?

Jason Grey

  (3:36 PM)

That's a fair point about staming holding up past the 180 inning mark or so , I discuss that quite a bit with pitchers at times, but often the effects of workload aren't seen until the next season. I'm not automatically assuming he's fading in August and Sept. Wthout knowing context of your league, I probably stick with Sanchez.

Matt Gamel (milwauke)

Do I make a big splash? What our your projections for me this year if the brewers can put up with my d?

Jason Grey

  (3:37 PM)

I'm among those that think we don't see Gamel until rosters expand. Injuries can obviously change things, but I just don't see this move happening anytime soon. Stranger things have happened though.

Celly (LA)

Name game: Casilla or Ramirez at 2B?

Jason Grey

  (3:38 PM)

Ramirez, unless you're really desperate for steals. The added position flexibility can come in handy as well.

Jason Grey

  (3:38 PM)

Hey, Jason. Please, please rank these 2009 keepers: Volquez, Cueto, Volstad, Price, Scherzer, Porcello. Thanks, I greatly appreciate it.

Jason Grey

  (3:39 PM)

For 2009 only: Volquez, Cueto, Price, Scherzer, Volstad, Porcello. I could be convinced the other way on Cueto/Price.

Dave (Philly)

Cueto was to be the next stud in April, then he crashed and now seems to have learned how to pitch. Stuff-wise he would seem to be a top 2nd half sleeper. Agree?

Jason Grey

  (3:41 PM)

Had a long discussion about this with another scout last week, and we agreed that yes he was.... A slight drop in the homer rate, and a little better control (which he's capable of right now) could go a long way.

Rickey Henderson (Everywhere)

Rank these: Rickey Henderson, Rickey Henderson or Rickey Henderson

Jason Grey

  (3:41 PM)

Rickey says to pick Rickey.

Mike (Cincy)

Why does everyone keep saying that Chris Davis can't hit for average? In 111 AAA ABS he hit 310 vs LHP and 341 vs RHP.

Jason Grey

  (3:43 PM)

I think from a fantasy perspective, his batting average isn't going to be a big consideration as a plus factor, which I think is probably what a lot of people mean. Won't hurt you, won't necessarily help you kind of thing. But yeah, he can hit 30+ bombs with regular PT

Jack (Hartford, CT)

Jason, I need your scout's eye for this Clay Buccholz question. Will he have a good outing against BAL on Friday and will he be a good mixed-league option for the second-half?

Jason Grey

  (3:45 PM)

Talked about him a lot in my chat yesteday, and I'm a big believer in him for the 2nd half, and wish I had him in my weekly lineup for this week against BAL...His slightly altered release point and correction of a flaw where he collapsed his back leg a bit in his delivery should pay dividends in terms of staying on top of the ball and having more consistent command. I like him for the balance of the season.

John (Alexandria, VA)

Oswalt = Second Half Stud?

Jason Grey

  (3:47 PM)

I am cautiously optimistic, but the hip and sciatic nerve issues are still a tiny bit worrisome. After all , Bedard has been battling his hip all season, and Oswalt needed a cortisone injection to try and get through the balance of the season.

David (Middletown, CT)

Need your philosophical wisdom --- when you are trading a stud, do you want a stud back? I'm willing to trade Matt Holliday, someone's offered me Webb? Someone else will give me Ervin Santana/Cliff Lee/Duchscherer (pick 2). What do you think?

Jason Grey

  (3:48 PM)

I don't necessarily have to have one. It depends if I have a dead roster slot to fill, especially in single leagues. I generally prefer to get a stud back in mixed league play, but it's not necessarily a requirement if I'm trying to cover a significant injury or I'm getting a significant upgrade in two places.

Jason (Denver)

Jason, from a scout?s perspective, McLouth or Kemp in second half?

Jason Grey

  (3:49 PM)

For this season, still going with McLouth.

Mike (boston)

Normally a no-brainer but would you move Bay for Figgins and Harang? Figgins would be a swing man bench player for 3 positions(2b,3b,of) and wells would move to OF where bay was.

Jason Grey

  (3:51 PM)

I'm all ready to say yes, but the forearm thing for Harang does give me a little pause, but considering you have a decent replacement option for Bay, that's something I might do.

Ben (Boston)

who do you like better for next couple of years - Quentin or ellsbury? will both bounce back from recent struggles? or are the both more of under .290 hiters?

Jason Grey

  (3:52 PM)

From a fantasy perspective, there is no question Ellsbury is the more valuable player. Those steals are gold, and both players will be fine.

Dante (Oahu)

I'd appreciate your report on Rickie Weeks for the second half. I'm ready to drop him, but afraid he'll go on a tear over the summer as he did last year. Hold on or drop him for Alexei Ramirez? Mahalo, Jason!

Jason Grey

  (3:53 PM)

Well, there's nowhere to go really but up considering his BA right now. I wrote about him very extensive on Monday, but the upshot is only if I really need steals would I take him over Alexei at this point.

Nate (Madison)

With the addition of CC, Manny Parra will be going up against teams number 3 or 4 starter. Do you see big things from him from here on out?

Jason Grey

  (3:55 PM)

One earned run or less in seven of his last ten starts. Improved changeup he has more confidence in, moved over to the right sider of the rubber to open up the plate better for his sinker, and has stopped bringing his hands over his head to help get more consistency in his delivery. He's legit if his health and stamina hold up - there are legit reasons for his improved performance as of late.

Will (The OC)

Was I nuts to drop Wolf for Clay Buchholz?

Jason Grey

  (3:55 PM)

No.

Mike (Cincy)

Many have said that Liriano won't get called up until he passes the point where it will delay arbitration for another season, but nobody ever says what that date is. Do you know? Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (3:57 PM)

I don't know the exact date off the top of my head, but I believe it's within the next two weeks or so. Don't quote me on that.

Andrew (Washington, D.C.)

Jason, strategy question: In a shallow mixed league with lots of second and third-tier pitching options on the wire, it makes good sense to stock up on hitters and stream pitchers. Please discuss.

Jason Grey

  (3:58 PM)

That's the way I like to play in those kinds of leagues. There's enough quality pitching out there to try and play matchups. It's not necessarily the "right" way to do things, as the opposite can work just as well, it's just more of a personal preference. I tend to stick with my pitchers a bit longer than most people that stream them though.

Jason Grey

  (3:59 PM)

Time for three more guys....I appreciate all the interest, and I just can't get to all of them. I have a couple of thousand still sitting here. I do appreciate you taking the time, and I will try and get to yours next time.

Ron (NYC)

Your thoughts on Kuroda... Can he keep up the under 4 era?

Jason Grey

  (4:01 PM)

For all the nights that splitter is on, he has nights where he's not commanding it very well. I do think he can stay under four, but it's going to be close.

Kyle (SL)

Who are you drafting #1 next year?

Jason Grey

  (4:01 PM)

Still A-Rod.

Sebastian (Philly)

Mussina and G.Floyd for Bedard? I'm trying to consolidate pitching.

Jason Grey

  (4:02 PM)

That's not the way I would do it. Too many ? marks with Bedard right now, health-wise.

At the buzzer!!

Navarro or Suzuki as your #1 catcher? Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (4:02 PM)

Navarro...Thanks everyone, see you next week.