Buzzmaster

  (2:52 PM)

James will be here at 3 p.m. ET to take your fantasy questions!

James Quintong

  (3:03 PM)

Good afternoon, everyone! I'm here to take your questions, and just like last time, I'll try to open up the floor for a while for football questions.

Kevin (Louisville)

Hello Mr. Quintong, I love your Fantasy All-Star articles. I was recently offered a trade where I was offered Manny Ramirez for Nate McLouth. What are your thoughts? Is McLouth for real, or should I ship him before it gets to late? Thanks.

James Quintong

  (3:04 PM)

I think I'd pull off that deal. I'm not sure how much longer McLouth can keep things up (at least in the power department), and Manny seems to be in good shape this year.

Skeeter {Baltimore)

Is Dustin Mcgowan worth holding onto? Would you hold onto him or pick up a bat off the waiver wire? Im in need of steals and Runs?

James Quintong

  (3:05 PM)

Honestly, I don't think he'll offer much the rest of the way. There's a chance he might need surgery and be shut down for the year. If you need the roster spot, it wouldn't be a bad idea to drop him.

ryan miami, fl

James, can the Twins really keep Liriano in the minors any longer? He looks like he's back. Are you grabbing him now? He's absolutely dominant over the last mongh.

James Quintong

  (3:08 PM)

Liriano should be back sooner rather than later. He'd be worth picking up ahead of time.

Carlo (Omaha)

James, several outlets have reported that Corpas would get the nod over Buchholz if Fuentes is dealt. Should fantasy owners be buying this? Which of the two would you stash? Thanks and keep it up!

James Quintong

  (3:10 PM)

I think the Rockies may go back to Corpas if Fuentes got dealt, but Buchholz is the guy to have if you're not desperate for saves (i.e. he'll help you even if he's not closing).

Adam (Chicago)

James, Eric Bedard is consitently getting pushed back and is clearly not right. With that being said, would you trade him and M. Young to get Peavy (I have Hardy to take Young's spot)? Thanks.

James Quintong

  (3:11 PM)

If I could do it right now, absolutely. I don't have much faith in Bedard the rest of the way.

Steve (Mass)

You say liriano is going to be back soon, but will the Twns allow him to throw over 200 innings in his first year back from TJ surgery? hes at 112 now.

James Quintong

  (3:12 PM)

No, they'll still limit his innings, but he could have a few good starts in him. It will get dicey come September, I think.

Clay Buchholz (Red Sox Nation)

If fantasy owners don't pick me up this afternoon, will they regret not doing so?

James Quintong

  (3:13 PM)

Yeah, they'll regret it. Nice to be drawing a team you no-hit in your return from the minors.

Scott (the Burgh)

Better second half stats, Adam LaRoche or Hunter Pence?

James Quintong

  (3:13 PM)

I go with Pence, but LaRoche's stats will be much better than his first half.

Sam (Houston)

What does Blalock offer in the 2nd half? Would you rather have him or Konerko?

James Quintong

  (3:15 PM)

I'd rather take Konerko since he's back healthy. Blalock's return keeps on getting pushed back, which makes me wonder about his health.

Walter S (N. Hollywood Ca)

More saves the rest of the way: Zumaya, Linebrink, Izzy?

James Quintong

  (3:16 PM)

Will be Izzy. He should get his closer's job later in the year. Zumaya will get some stray saves here and there, and Linebrink is in the mix only for a couple of weeks.

Andy (Charlotte)

Is JJ Hardy a better utility player than Justin Upton for the 2nd Half? I think I'm done with Upton for this year...

James Quintong

  (3:18 PM)

I'd take Hardy over Upton this year. In a keeper league, it's Upton.

Mike (Chicago)

What's your take on Mike Gonzalez? He looks good but is not getting a ton of saves yet.

James Quintong

  (3:19 PM)

The Braves just haven't been playing all that well lately, which will limit save chances. He's still the best bet there, but like just about everyone else in that bullpen, health is an issue.

Chet (LA)

Does Chris Davis get sent back down when Blalock comes off the DL? How do you feel about Davis in a keeper league format? He could hit 15 HR in the second half (and bat .200) if allowed everyday at bats.

James Quintong

  (3:20 PM)

See, that's the one thing sort of complicating Blalock's value. I guess if Davis keeps on hitting around the Mendoza Line, he might get sent down, even if he's clubbing a bunch of homers. I think he's got a nice future, though, and maybe he'll turn things around once he knows Blalock is closer to returning (and possibly taking his job).

Jared (Philly)

I've heard trade rumors of Eric Bedard or AJ Burnett to the Phillies. Any truth in these rumors and how will this effect their fantasy value playing in a such a hitters friendly ballpark?

James Quintong

  (3:21 PM)

I can't attest to the validity of those rumors, other than the Phillies could use another starter, especially with Brett Myers still in the minors. But, I wouldn't be bullish on either of them because of the ballpark, that's for sure.

Brian (LA)

George Sherill wants me to finish last in ERA and WHIP. Is he going to turn it around or is he cooked? What about Jim Johnson - he hasn't exactly been lights out lately.

James Quintong

  (3:23 PM)

I wonder if he's been a bit overworked early on. Sherrill is good, but nothing great, but he was at least racking up saves. And if he gets dealt by the deadline, he might end up going to a team that will use him as a setup guy and not the closer.

Rick (NY)

Who do you like more this year and long term: Garza or Verlander?

James Quintong

  (3:24 PM)

I still like Verlander going forward, both this year and long-term. However, Garza is creeping up the list, especially on a long-term basis.

Tube (DC)

Thoughts on Francoeur?

James Quintong

  (3:26 PM)

I'm still a big fan of his, although that stint in the minors had to be a slap in the face. I think he'll get the average back up in the second half, but I wouldn't count on a ton of homers.

Kevin (VA)

James, what's goin on with Lackey? Two horrible starts in a row...

James Quintong

  (3:29 PM)

It seems like even the best of pitchers will go through rough patches, and giving up 15 hits in a game will do that. He's still getting strikeouts, so I think this is just a temporary blip. He'll get things turned around soon.

Shilo (Seattle)

Hi James, Please help here because I was offered Harden for Lackey and turned it down before Lackey had another poor outing! Did I make a mistake? Thanks!

James Quintong

  (3:30 PM)

No, as I just mentioned, I think Lackey's woes are temporary. Harden and Lackey are both pretty much even the rest of the way.

Joe (MI)

If you only had one DL spot would you drop Capps or Furcal? who has the better chance to contribute this year?

James Quintong

  (3:32 PM)

I guess I'd go with Furcal, although I don't think either of them contributes much the rest of the way.

Chet (LA)

Is Manny Parra the most overlooked starter in fantasy this season? Ok, that might be overexagerrating, but he's been lights out so far this season and now he's got CC and Sheets ahead of him. Do you think he'll keep it up all season long? It's tough to sell high on the guy because no one seems to believe in him. Your thoughts?

James Quintong

  (3:34 PM)

A number of my colleagues here at ESPN were hyping Parra early on, but he disappointed at first. I don't know think being the No. 3 guy will affect him one way or another, but I think Parra has found his groove and could be a good guy to have in the second half.

Nick (Tulsa, OK)

All this talk about Barry coming back, what about some of the other guys looking for work? Kenny Lofton hit .296 last year with 23 stolen bases and a .989 fielding percentage.

James Quintong

  (3:36 PM)

I don't think Barry is coming back because of all the baggage. However, I'm stunned no one has picked up Lofton yet. Both Eric Karabell and I have talked about Lofton's current unemployment status earlier in the season. I guess Lofton is looking for the right situation. If he signs, he'd be a great guy to pick up for the speed and average boost.

James Quintong

  (3:38 PM)

OK, I'm going to take some football questions for a bit. I'll try to leave some time at the end of the chat for a few baseball questions, thought.

Doug (New Haven, CT)

With Turner in Atlanta, who do you see as being the guy to grab as a handcuff to LT this season?

James Quintong

  (3:39 PM)

Darren Sproles is the guy, but I might take the flyer on rookie Jacob Hester, who could do a little bit of everything.

Cody Philly

James, who are you drafting first, deangelo or stewart? Thanks

James Quintong

  (3:40 PM)

I'd go with Jonathan Stewart over DeAngelo Williams. There had to be a reason why the Panthers took Stewart in the first round, even though Williams is still there (and would've been the main guy with DeShaun Foster gone).

Chad (Ontario)

Hey Mr.Quintong, Here's a football question. In a PPR league what does your top 5 look like?

James Quintong

  (3:41 PM)

LT, Westbrook, Jackson, Peterson, Addai

Matt (Raleigh, NC)

James - in a PPR Keeper league where you lose a pick from the previous year's draft - who's a better value: SHolmes as a 7th rounder or AGonzalez as a 14th?

James Quintong

  (3:43 PM)

Holmes in the seventh. Anthony Gonzalez should do more this year, but not at the level of Holmes (and not enough to make up the difference in rounds).

Cecil (SC)

How well do you think David Garrard can do this year? Seems like the folks at ESPN are down on him, even though he put up great stats in only 12 games last year.

James Quintong

  (3:46 PM)

He did put up solid numbers the second half of last year, and that's with a ragtag bunch of receivers. I suppose, it's his weapons that make us doubt Garrard, not Garrard himself. We'll see how Jerry Porter does, though, with Garrard throwing to him.

Eric (Mpls)

James, Darren McFadden is skyrocketing up my board to the tune of mid- 2nd rounder in a 12 man league. Am I high?

James Quintong

  (3:48 PM)

I don't think I'd go that high on him. I'd rather have more "proven" guys to form the base of my team. I'd still wait until late 3rd, early 4th round for him.

Stan (Vermont)

Yeah, Matt Jones blows - literally

James Quintong

  (3:49 PM)

As if I needed any more reasons to ignore him in my drafts.

Jason (Parker, CO)

Brandon Marshall or Calvin Johnson as a WR in a keeper league? I have both, but can keep only one. Thanks!

James Quintong

  (3:50 PM)

At this point, I'd take Johnson. With a number of injury and other off-field injuries surrounding Marshall right now, Johnson seems like a "safer" bet.

John: (Boston)

In need of some serious help! Keeper question: I'm stuck in a tough situation with S. Alexander as my first round pick last year . .who should I keep in a PPR league, W. McGahee or P. Burress??

James Quintong

  (3:51 PM)

I'd take McGahee. He'll be carrying the load in that offense for sure.

James Quintong

  (3:51 PM)

OK, back to baseball.

Gordon (Fairbanks)

Liriano or Cueto the better option for the second half of this season only?

James Quintong

  (3:52 PM)

Cueto since he'll probably get more innings.

Lee (New Orleans)

James, quick q. I don't necessarily need pitching, but I've heard Andy Sonnanstine has been quietly putting up a good season. Do you think he'll continue and is it worth dropping someone like Aaron Cook for him?

James Quintong

  (3:54 PM)

I've liked Sonnanstine for a bit this year, but his K rate is a bit troubling. I wouldn't necessarily drop Cook for him, but if you had more questionable pitchers, I'd take a chance on him.

John (WV)

Is Josh Johnson worth a look for the second half? He pitched fairly well last night.

James Quintong

  (3:55 PM)

Definitely worth a look since he was pretty solid in 2006. However, he's less than a year removed from Tommy John surgery, so tread carefully.

Marc (Toronto, Canada)

James, what does the future hold for Masterson one or two years down the road? Starting or in the pen? I've got him in a keeper for $1 but don't know what to do with him right now.

James Quintong

  (3:57 PM)

I think he'll eventually be a starter again, but the Red Sox want to have him contributing this year in some way. At $1, he's a great keeper candidate. Even as a setup man, he'll be worth it, and he's obviously a bargain if he's a starter.

Mike (NJ)

Is it time to give up on Snell or hold and see what he can do?

James Quintong

  (3:58 PM)

I think it's best to drop Snell at this point. You can do better finding other options on the waiver wire. I've been doing that in a bunch of my leagues.

Timmy (San Antone)

Time's running out and I have to pick one soon! 10 team mixed, last roster spot. Rank em please: Ankiel, Gordon, LaRoche, Votto

James Quintong

  (3:58 PM)

Votto, Ankiel, Gordon, LaRoche

Bryan (AZ)

Trying to guage keepers for next year. All things being equal: Headley or Zimmerman? Kendrick or Alexi Ramirez? Conor Jackson over either of those winners?

James Quintong

  (3:59 PM)

Zimmerman over Headley; Kendrick over Ramirez; but Jackson over Kendrick

Ben (N.J.)

James - thoughts on Fukudome? Lou is sitting him today and said he thought Kosuke had a tired bat. Waht's his fantasy value in the second half?

James Quintong

  (4:01 PM)

Fukudome has been good but not great this year, and that'll stay the same the rest of the way. I think hits about 5-6 more homers and steals 6-7 more bases the rest of the way while hitting in the .280 range. Nothing to get too excited about.

James Quintong

  (4:02 PM)

OK, that's all the time I've got for today. Thanks for the questions and have a great weekend.