Jerry Crasnick

  (12:00 PM)

Hey guys, Let's talk some ball for an hour. Looking forward to the Futures Game Sunday, followed by the Rocks and Jocks softball game at Yankee Stadium. There's nothing more exciting than watching Meat Loaf (or whomever) play softball.

Justin (MN)

who are your top 3 canidates for AL and NL MVP so far? Does a player deserve the MVP if there team doesnt make the playoffs?

Jerry Crasnick

  (12:03 PM)

Justin, It's wide open right now, but I'll go with Josh Hamilton, Ian Kinsler and Joe Mauer in the AL (with Carlos Quentin in the discussion) and Hanley Ramirez, Chipper Jones and Lance Berkman in the NL at the midpoint. As history shows, it clearly helps when your team makes the playoffs.

Kyle ( Bath PA)

Do you think the Mets are for real or is this just a easy strech for them?

Jerry Crasnick

  (12:04 PM)

Kyle, I kind of like the way the Mets' starting pitching is shaping up, and Jerry Manuel, with his low key style, seems to be a nice fit in the manager's office. But Omar Minaya really has to do something to shore up the corner outfield situation if they're planning to win the NL East.

Brandon Phillips (Cincy)

Jerry - How come no one mentions my name when talking about All-Star snubs? I'm hitting .287 15hr 58rbi 19sb and am arguably the best fielding 2nd baseman in baseball!

Jerry Crasnick

  (12:05 PM)

Brandon, Thanks for weighing in. You're in an awfully tough spot, given that no one is going to suggest that Chase Utley or Dan Uggla shouldn't be in the All-Star Game. It's a darned good year for second basemen.

Ben St. Louis, MO

Will the Cards make the playoffs if they don't make a move by the Trade Deadline?

Jerry Crasnick

  (12:07 PM)

Ben, I know Tony La Russa is agitating for a move, but I'm not even sure what the Cardinals need at this point other than bullpen help. With Wainwright and Carpenter getting closer, does Mozeliak trade away young talent for a starter? And considering what they've gotten from Ludwick, Ankiel, Schumaker and Duncan, I'm not certain they need an outfielder. It's almost as if Mozeliak is trying to hit a moving target.

Jared (NY, NY)

With the Mets now losing Alou for the rest of the season, how is Barry Bonds not on the radar for Omar.

Jerry Crasnick

  (12:09 PM)

Jared, Aside from all the other baggage, can Barry Bonds really play left field at this point? He was bad last year. Now that he's had nine months away from the game, I think he'd be a defensive disaster out there. Wouldn't the Mets be better off trying to land Austin Kearns or bring back Xavier Nady? That seems much more realistic to me.

Dan (DC)

How come no one mentions Redding, Perez or Bergmann in deadline deals? All three are having solid seasons -- and would be much more visible if it weren't for one of the worst offenses...ever!!

Jerry Crasnick

  (12:11 PM)

Dan, Once everybody stops obsessing about Erik Bedard and AJ Burnett, I think it's more likely that those are the kind of guys you'll see moved. Tim Redding might be an under the radar guy who helps a team in the way Kyle Lohse helped the Phillies in 2007.

SprungOnSports (Long Island)

Jerry, what are the chances that the Mariners are able to move pieces like Bedard, Ibanez, Washburn or Silva before the deadline?

Jerry Crasnick

  (12:12 PM)

Sprung, Erik Bedard is on the DL, so he's not going anywhere until this winter, at the earliest. Washburn and Silva make enough money that it's an issue in a trade. And the word is that Seattle isn't looking to trade Ibanez. That's what I'm hearing, anyway.

Ray (MN)

How is Mauer more of an MVP candidate than Morneau? Also any chance the Twins make any moves? (Atkins possibly?), maybe move Cuddyer?

Jerry Crasnick

  (12:15 PM)

Ray, I just think a catcher who produces the way Mauer does is a more valuable commodity than a run-producing first baseman. How many catchers hit .330? As for the trade buzz, there have been rumblings that the Twins are looking at Adrian Beltre. But I talked to GM Bill Smith the other day for a story, and my sense is they'd like to address their RH-hitting third base issue from within. The Twins, as I'm sure you know, don't have much of a history of dealing prospects for established players.

anthony allentown,pa

Shouldn't Ned Colletti be fired at this point? Schmidt, Mueller, Loaiza, Jones...I mean he has a knack for signing guys who are DONE. His only claim to fame is that he hasn't broke up the nucleus of young players that White and Depodesta drafted/signed...

Jerry Crasnick

  (12:17 PM)

Anthony, This question comes up every week, so we might as well get it out of the way. Yes, Ned Colletti has made some bad free agent signings. But he's not going to get fired with the Dodgers one game out of first place in the NL West. The disappointing Diamondbacks have given LA a legit chance to win the division.

Matt,MPLS

Pleas settle an arguement here. Who is a better fielder, Nick Punto or Adam Everett? Thanks.

Jerry Crasnick

  (12:20 PM)

Matt, I think that John Dewan and the other defensive authorites would tell you that when Adam Everett is healthy, no one is better in the field. That said, my understanding is that Ron Gardenhire and his staff love the job Punto does at shortstop. And unless Everett figures out a way to stay healthy and be more productive at the plate, it's hard for a team to carry him strictly for his glove.

Chioke Hassan Baltimore,Md

Dear Jerry Could you see Jamie Moyer retireing after this season?

Jerry Crasnick

  (12:21 PM)

Chioke, Not unless he wants to spend more time with his family. Heck, right now, Jamie Moyer is the second or third best pitcher in the Phillies rotation.

Jr (Boston)

With Harden now gone from Oakland, do you see Street being the next one to leave?

Jerry Crasnick

  (12:21 PM)

Jr., I think Billy Beane is more intent on trying to move Joe Blanton and Alan Embree.

Peter (Boston)

Jerry, Baseball Prospectus did a very thorough, convincing study about Barry Bonds and concluded that his defense would likely be below-average, but far from the worst in the game. And wouldn't nine months off actually *help* his knees? Really, how much of a difference is there between Moises Alou and Barry Bonds? (Except the fact that Barry is better...)

Jerry Crasnick

  (12:24 PM)

Peter, I respect the BB Prospectus guys a ton, but I'm not sure I buy that argument. Regardless, it's not gonna happen. I could see the Mets bringing Kenny Lofton out of retirement before they'd sign Bonds.

Ben (Sacramento, CA.)

Always love your chats Jerry. If the Braves become sellers what can us fans expect for Texeira? A solid player like Kotchman or Loney? Or maybe someone with a higher ceiling like how the Indians nabbed Laporta?

Jerry Crasnick

  (12:25 PM)

Ben, Thanks for the note. I've thought all along that the Angels are the best fit for Teixeira. With that starting pitching, they just need one impact bat in the middle of the order to go deep into October. And they have enough prospects to package with Kotchman to get it done. That doesn't mean Tony Reagins and Co. share my opinion, though.

Joey (SC)

I know everyone has there own opinion on Pete Rose, but I have an idea. Shouldn't the HOF designate a seperate place in the HOF for players who did wrong but had good numbers? You could place him, Barry and others there

Jerry Crasnick

  (12:27 PM)

Joey, I'll suggest that to the Hall of Fame people when I go there to cover Goose Gossage's induction in a couple of weeks. The "Reprobates' Wing." I like it.

Cosmo (Anytown, USA)

What is your opinion of the Braves' handling of the Francoeur situation?

Jerry Crasnick

  (12:28 PM)

Cosmo, It struck me as odd and very un-Braves like. Francoeur isn't the kind of kid who needs a kick in the behind -- he always plays hard. Yet I'm not sure what three days in the minor leagues were supposed to do to help him relax or change his approach. Something went on there that doesn't compute.

steve (San Diego,CA)

Are the Padres buyers or sellers? I ask this because they are in a weak division and they have the players to make a run like the rockies last year.

Jerry Crasnick

  (12:30 PM)

Steve, If they take a good look in the mirror, they really have to be sellers. Randy Wolf and Greg Maddux's names have been out there for a while, and now the word is that Tony Clark is on the block. Rather than hang their hopes on winning the division with 79 victories, they should start backing up the truck.

Bruce (Ottawa)

Are the Phillies really desperate enough to trade for Burnett? Would they actually trade Carrasco for him? Why not just bring up Carrasco and see how he does

Jerry Crasnick

  (12:32 PM)

Bruce, The Phillies are desperate for a starter, but they have the same concerns (contractual and performance-wise) as everybody else about Burnett. Right now they're kicking the tires on Burnett, Blanton and a bunch of other options out there. I think a lot hinges on Brett Myers and how he pitches once he returns from his exile to Lehigh Valley.

Ray (College Park, MD)

Jerry, do you think Ryan Church will be able to return as a valuable contributor to the Mets outfield? The selfish part of me wants him to play, but man, these concussions are pesky...

Jerry Crasnick

  (12:33 PM)

Ray, I've written a couple of stories about Corey Koskie for the Web site, and to be perfectly honest, I'm not very optimistic about Ryan Church coming back and making a contribution this season.

Casey, LA, CA

Please settle an arguement here. Better career? Joe Morgan or Robby Alomar?

Jerry Crasnick

  (12:34 PM)

Casey, Off the top of my head, I'll go with Joe Morgan. Hope you collect.

Andy (Denver)

How realistic is Holliday to the Yankees?

Jerry Crasnick

  (12:36 PM)

Andy, I don't think it's very realistic. Matt Holliday isn't a free agent until after the 2009 season, so Dan O'Dowd can easily wait until this winter to move him. And maybe I'm wrong here, but don't the Yankees have to be more concerned about their starting pitching depth in the second half? If a lineup that still has Jeter, A-Rod, Abreu, Giambi, Cano and Posada can't score enough runs to make the playoffs, something is wrong.

K.C. (NYC)

Is Liriano going to force his way back into the Twins rotation after the break?

Jerry Crasnick

  (12:37 PM)

K.C., I think so. Liriano just won the International League Pitcher of the Week award with 13 shutout innings (and 16 strikeouts) over two starts. There doesn't seem to be much point in keeping him in Rochester the rest of the summer.

Todd (Philly)

There is a big article in the Boston Globe about Marvin Miller's snub for the HOF - what is your take on this - both why it has happened and should he belong?

Jerry Crasnick

  (12:39 PM)

Todd, I think it's a travesty that Marvin Miller isn't in the Hall of Fame. Like him or not, he was the most influential figure in baseball (economically, at least) in the 20th century. He's not in because the makeup of the Veterans Committee has been stacked against him. Hopefully he gets in while he's still alive to give an induction speech.

Kyle (Cincy)

Do you see the Reds dealing Griffey or Dunn?

Jerry Crasnick

  (12:41 PM)

Kyle, Griffey no, Dunn unlikely. I just think teams feel that Junior is pretty close to finished, and he does have that $16.5 million option next year. Agree or disagree, but most clubs regard Dunn as a DH-waiting-to happen. That really limits the list of potential suitors.

Mike (Amityville, NY)

Mr Crasnick, Quick one... Who replaces Soriano on the NL squad?

Jerry Crasnick

  (12:41 PM)

Mike, Pat Burrell would be a fine choice.

Zac (MN)

Who does Liriano replace in the rotation?

Jerry Crasnick

  (12:42 PM)

Zac, Most Twins fans would probably say Livan Hernandez. But the innings are piling up for the young guys, so I'm sure Gardy can find a way to make it work out.

Jeff, DC

Hi Jerry- love the chats! What's your view on Justin Duscherer- his first half probably is somewhat overachieving, but he was an all-star a few years back as a really solid middle relief guy. What would you project his numbers as a starter to look like the next 2-3 years?

Jerry Crasnick

  (12:44 PM)

Jeff, Beats me. He's not a big strikeout guy, but it's tough to argue with a sub-2.00 ERA. The A's reportedly are looking to sign him to an extension, so I'm sure they see him as a nice, 13-15 game winner type who'll fit in great with Smith, Eveland, Gallagher and all the other young kids they're stockpiling.

Jason (Scarsdale NY)

Jerry, I was the blogger who interviewed Matt Sosnick recently. He noted that your book (License to Deal) was actually being used against him. Did you know this? Thoughts?

Jerry Crasnick

  (12:46 PM)

Jason, Yes, I did. Other agents photocopied passages that they felt weren't flattering to Matt and sent them anonymously to players he was recruiting. It's a great business, isn't it?

Steve (ny, ny)

Just some wishful thinking, What would it cost the Yankees to land Zach Grienke I love his stuff and with KC never going anywhere fast they don't need him. Thanks

Jerry Crasnick

  (12:47 PM)

Steve, The Yankees would undoubtely have to give up Hughes or one of the other young pitchers they refused to part with in the Johan Santana trade, so I don't see how this could work.

Vinny (NY)

Jerry, Possible this year for Mariano to win that Cy Young he just missed out on a few years ago?

Jerry Crasnick

  (12:48 PM)

Vinny, I'm usually averse to picking a closer over a starter, but Mariano definitely has to be in the conversation. 50 strikeouts and 4 walks -- is that a misprint?

Chris (San Francisco)

What should be done about Barry Zito? Should the Giants trade him, or continue to hope he can pull out of his slump?

Jerry Crasnick

  (12:50 PM)

Chris, Unless they're willing to pick up about 80 percent (or more) of the $100 million or so they still owe them, I think Zito will be residing in the Bay Area for the next six years.

Paul (Atlanta)

hey jerry, i cant believe no one's asked this but do you see boston making any moves?

Jerry Crasnick

  (12:51 PM)

Paul, I can definitely see them adding a reliever. But with Ortiz coming back and the depth of the starting pitching, that's about it.

Connor (Waupun, WI)

Do you think the Brewers are possibly favored in the NL Central, or do you think there best shot would be the wild card?

Jerry Crasnick

  (12:51 PM)

Connor, I'll still take the Cubs -- especially if Harden is healthy -- but the door is wide open for the Brewers to make the postseason as a wild card.

Ray (College Park, MD)

Hey Jerry, do you think Matt LaPorta plays OF or goes back to 1B as he did for the Florida Gators? And how high do you think his ceiling is?

Jerry Crasnick

  (12:54 PM)

Ray, The Indians are playing LaPorta in the outfield in Akron and having him take groundballs at first base on the side. Given Cleveland's need for production just about everywhere, the Indians have the luxury of keeping 2 or 3 options open for him. As far as his hitting, I don't know if he's Ryan Braun-caliber good, but the Cleveland people think he'll be a consistent middle of the order force. I'm assuming that means a 30-homer, 100-RBI type of guy.

Tyler (Ca)

Do you think David Price makes a substantial impact in the fall this season, or is the Rays rotation over full with young pitchers right now

Jerry Crasnick

  (12:56 PM)

Tyler, The Rays would just as soon keep Price in the minors a while longer, but he's 7-0 with a 1.68 ERA in two stops, so I don't think they'd have any problem calling him up after the break if the need arises.

Silv (NY, NY)

Is Burnett really going to bring back that much to the Jays if they do end up dealing him? His player option seems to be a poison pill for whatever team would acquire him - if he's mediocre, hurt or worse, he'll exercise and you're stuck with him for another year. If he's a monster, he's gone like dust in the wind.

Jerry Crasnick

  (12:57 PM)

Silv, You just articulated the quandary as well as I ever could. Maybe next week, you can conduct the chat and I can take the day off. (Actually, it's not a player option. It's an opt out clause, so it kind of works opposite the way you stated it).

John NY NY

Since Ritchie Sexson was released, what would a team have to do to get him?

Jerry Crasnick

  (12:59 PM)

John, I think he just has to clear waivers, and you can pick him up for the pro-rated portion of the minimum salary. The Mariners are stuck with the rest of the bill.

Mike (London, England)

Any chance the yankees can pull off a deal for a lefty reliever - say Damaso Marte?

Jerry Crasnick

  (1:01 PM)

Mike, I think that might have been likely earlier, but with Matt Capps on the DL, Damaso Marte is now doing some closing for Pittsburgh. Still, there are lots of other lefty relievers available -- Fuentes, Embree, maybe Eddie Guardado and Wil Ohman, Jamie Walker and possibly Ron Mahay. Brian Cashman should be able to find someone.

Jerry Crasnick

  (1:01 PM)

Thanks for the great questions, everyone. Sorry I couldn't get to more. Enjoy the All Star Game.