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Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:00 AM)

Good morning everyone! What fun last night, that Josh Hamilton show, wasn't it? Wait, what, he didn't win?! Well, that's a bit surprising ... and that's my thought heading into today's chat. Who's your surprise first-half MVP? Got an unsung hero on your team? Tell me about him. I'll toss a few of the best write-ups in, sprinkled among the questions. And away we go!

John (Canada)

Any news on Saito? Do you think he's done?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:01 AM)

When I hear things like hearing a "pop," and that a DL stint is an inevitability, and that the team's own Web site said that he'd be lucky to avoid surgery, yes, I panic. "Done"? Could be a harsh word. But it won't surprise me. I'm better than 50/50 on thinking he's out months, not days. Grab Jonathan Broxton right now!

Chris (Phoenix)

TC- What's the word on McGowan? Gammons said he's done for the year...

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:02 AM)

I think he is, too. Why would the Blue Jays push back a guy with health problems, knowing they're not contenders? One month is the minimum timetable, but that puts Dustin McGowan's return sometime around mid-August. If he suffers even one setback, why bother rushing him back for maybe a couple September starts?

David (NYC)

How soon till David Price hits the big leagues? After I saw those highlights on ESPN, I can't wait to use my #1 waiver spot on this guy.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:05 AM)

Yup, David Price is the popular question of the day. And let me be quite clear on my feelings about him, because I'm asked this a lot in chats, by friends, league mates, etc. I'm not at all, not one bit, a David Price fan for 2008. That's no knock on the kid's talent. He's going to be great, but I think it'll be next year, not this. Where's the rotation spot he'll nab in Tampa? I don't see one. And besides, he had health issues early in the year, and he's still only brand new to Double-A ball. Frankly, I think it's unwise of the Rays to rush him up here and into a pennant race. Play it safe, keep him a strong bet for next Opening Day's rotation. I'm not saying he can't help you this year, if I'm wrong and injuries strike that team a lot and he's summoned, but I'm serving today as the voice of reason against all this buzz that Price is going to be a second-half monster. Just be careful, please don't go nuts.

John (Canada)

Thank you sir. I have done just that. I value your opinion. Keep up the good work.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:06 AM)

Well done John, and thanks! Sadly, Broxton was gone in all of my leagues. You're fortunate!

Scott Baker for MIP

Here's a shocker for you, Tristan - the member of the 2007 Minnesota Twins staff that is having the best '08 is not Liriano, not Santana, but SCOTT BAKER! The young baby-faced right-hander is proving that the Twins can churn out both left-handers AND right-handers. Baker's 68:14 K:BB ratio is other-worldly, and his quality start percentage is ace-caliber. Without the injury that sided him for a month, Baker, yes Baker, would be on the AL All Star roster. Don't be shocked if Scott finished with more than a Baker's dozen of wins. And be aware - he is for real. He'll finish at 14-7 with a 3.53 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 127 strikeouts and only 35 walks in 158 IP this year. Your AL Most Improved Player.

Zach (columbus)

Overall thoughts on Chris Davis. How Blalock figures in and is Chris Davis is a keeper? (20 team league with 10 keepers)

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:08 AM)

I like Davis a lot. I think I had him around 175th overall in my second-half rankings, which is a very nice spot in my mind. He belongs in the bigs, even after Hank Blalock returns, and who knows, maybe this means Blalock gets more DH time and Milton Bradley sneaks in the occasional outfield start? Blalock's presence does hurt Davis' value, and vice versa, I'd think, but let's not go calling Blalock Mr. Healthy now. He's a huge risk to get hurt again or suffer a setback. Davis, whom I like to call "Adam Dunn lite," might very well make the keeper cut in your league. It'll be close, but he's got that kind of potential if he finishes strong. And I think he will.

Spyder Monkey (CA)

Are Joe Saunders and Ervin Santana in you top 20 SP rankings?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:08 AM)

I think so, but I will check for you to be absolutely certain. More in a few...

Comic Book Guy (Springfield)

Yeah, two guys who aren't even on the team not having the best year is REAL surprising.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:10 AM)

Well, to be fair, everyone in the world thought Francisco Liriano was going to be spectacular. (Not me, you can go back and check.)

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:10 AM)

Back to Ervin Santana and Joe Saunders' rankings ... Santana 16th among starters, Saunders 35th. The latter is still a good ranking, but I do think he slows down a little.

Josh, CA

Tristan, any chance Kuo will get a look at closer? He has been the Dodgers best reliever...

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:12 AM)

I suppose it's possible. Great year for Hong Chih Kuo. Problem is, the Dodgers aren't using him close to in the ninth inning, and as a swingman type, I'd think they don't want to mess with his role. Maybe Kuo gets a situational look should Broxton struggle, but I'm not counting on it. Sadly, he's only an ERA/WHIP helper for you, though that's valuable to an extent.

Mike (NJ)

Where do Longoria, Braun, Kinsler, and Rollins rank as far as keeper value?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:14 AM)

All keeper worthy. No doubt in my mind they all are. I have a hunch when the winter arrives and we're making our choices, you'll be going Ryan Braun, Ian Kinsler, Evan Longoria and Jimmy Rollins, in that order. And I think you'll be rather upset letting any of the first three go.

Max Patkin (Know who I am?)

In NL only and own Big Tex. What are the odds he gets dealt to AL? Do you think Braves deal him? Don't they get two draft picks if he leaves?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:15 AM)

Of course! Clown Prince of Baseball. I'm not convinced Mark Teixeira will be dealt. I think that Red Sox thing was just a big rumor, and ridiculous. He's not going to clear waivers after July 31, so there's 16 more days for him to be moved, which isn't a lot. So I wouldn't panic.

Jason (Atlanta)

Are you a Danks believer like your boy Jason Grey?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:16 AM)

Heck yes!!!

Bryan (Montclair, NJ)

What do you think about the newly crowned NL player of the week, Mike Pelfrey?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:16 AM)

I like that he's not walking the world and thus his WHIP is going down. Maybe this means he's figuring it all out. I still don't see him being ace-caliber at any point, but if he can maintain a mid-to-high threes ERA, on that team, he's going to be a second-half sleeper.

Lance (Chicago)

Buchholz wasn't the sharpest knife in the drawer in his first outing back. Is he going to turn it around his next outing and become as good as you ESPN boys say he will be, or is he still going to be that old butter knife with the stains on it that never come out?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:18 AM)

For the record, I said I didn't think Justin Masterson deserved to lose his rotation spot, period. I stand by that. Masterson is the safer, more consistent one, I'd think, Clay Buchholz the risk/reward option. Long term, you want Buchholz, but with guys like this, it's no surprise it takes them time. I really think we'd have been better off for fantasy with it being Masterson in that spot. Really think so.

Justin O'Brien

12 team mixed league, is Joe Blanton worth a roster spot over Ian snell or Brian Bannister?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:18 AM)

I'd rather own him than Brian Bannister. More spot-start potential at the very least.

Matt (Delaware)

How did you order the following: Cueto, Slowey, Wainwright in the new rankings?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:19 AM)

Well let's see, Matt. Johnny Cueto 45th, Kevin Slowey 52nd, Adam Wainwright 57th.

Bob(IN)

For the rest of this year do you want Chipper of Longoria?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:20 AM)

I would so love to pick Evan Longoria there, and I believe in him and wouldn't hesitate to pick him in a keeper format. But I think Chipper Jones is the safer choice, and the stronger bet to lead you to a 2008 title.

Jason (Fairfax, VA)

How do Ian Kinsler and David Wright finish the season out? Does Wright break out huge?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:21 AM)

I think so. But then I'm a huge David Wright fan. Big second half last year, for one. And Kinsler, he'll probably cool a bit, but still be about as productive as anyone other than the very elite.

Mike (Boston)

Hey Tristan, In a vacuum - Hart and Maine or Zambrano and Victorino?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:21 AM)

Corey Hart and John Maine. Nope, still just don't trust Carlos Zambrano. His health terrifies me, I admit that's all it is.

Admiral A (East Coast)

The infatuation with Evan Longoria from you fantasy guys is sickening. Kinda hope he fails in the 2nd half just so you'll all calm down. I saw him ranked ahead of Ryan Braun, the evidence isn't there to say that yet...

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:22 AM)

Where did you see that? Because frankly, I think that's nuts. I like the guy, but am realistic. It's the long-haul package I admire most. Great keeper-league player.

Todd (Fargo)

Who is the better lifetime keeper as of right now? Granderson, Markakis, Longoria, or Uggla?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:23 AM)

I'd have a very difficult time choosing between Nick Markakis and Evan Longoria. Longoria buzz might make me pick him, but I'm just such a huge Markakis fan. I'm going the O.

Gray (Chicago)

Year after year you fear for Zambrano, why not the same fear for CC?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:24 AM)

You're onto something there Gray, and I will have some fear for CC Sabathia in a little while. Not now, but you're right, he's being pretty heavily used. It's that Zambrano has done this for so long. Sabathia, the hefty workloads have mostly been the past couple years.

Ryan (Toledo, OH)

Broxton is available in my league, would you drop Jenks, Capps, or Morrow to pick him up? Thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:25 AM)

I'd drop Matt Capps, absolutely. I think he's done. Eight weeks? C'mon, even after he returns was it worth waiting until around Sept. 1 on the chance he'd be close to his old self? I'm impatient when I want to win. Now now NOW!

Chet (LA)

What kind of value does Rickie Weeks hold in a keeper league? he's been awful this season, and I've been offered Milton Bradley for him. I'm hesitant, because I continue to think Weeks will have a breakout year and I probably won't keep Bradley. What would THC do in this situation? Keep Weeks or trade him for Bradley and worry about next year, next year. Thank you!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:28 AM)

Chet, I've got a buddy in a sim keeper league mulling a Rickie Weeks-for-Jeff Kent offer (he can win now and I cannot), and we keep talking it over day after day. So I guess I'm saying, I've looked very closely at Mr. Weeks of late. I'm not a huge fan, but hey, at least he walks, steals bases. So runs and steals should be fine. I'm a huge Milton Bradley fan, though. If that's the kind of move that can win it for you, I'd be making it. I already dealt Weeks for Tim Hudson in one of my keeper leagues, I could've dealt him for Dan Uggla in February if my salary cap wasn't so prohibitive (but I'd have loved to) and honestly (in case he's reading), I find it amazing that contender in my sim league doesn't want Kent for Weeks. But that's me. I want to win now when I can. That guy even says to me, "flags fly forever," and he's right!

Eric (fort collins CO)

Can you answer any football questions? Who do you like better for 1/2 PPR leagues this year? Lynch or Portis. Thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:28 AM)

I'll sneak one in with a quick answer: Clinton Portis.

Charlie (Syracuse, NY)

My first half MVP? Definitely would have to be Duchschere. I drafted what I thought was a solid trio in Hamels, Smoltz, and Felix. Little did I know that the best pitcher I had would be a guy I picked up off of waivers two weeks in. I'm wondering what the guy who drafted him and dropped him is thinking.

Brip (KC)

Where do you see Damon finishing this year? is he looking like a sell guy, or a wait and see?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:29 AM)

It's hard to evaluate what an injury like that is going to do to his level of production once he returns, but I'm not that worried. I believe last report I saw said a Sunday return is possible, and the Damon I've watched this year looks great. I see no reason to sell.

Drew (Memphis, TN)

Who are your top-5 shortstops for the rest of the season? Thanks for the help!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:30 AM)

Hanley Ramirez, Jose Reyes, Jimmy Rollins, Miguel Tejada and Michael Young.

matt (peoria)

Better second half...Brett Myers or Sean Gallagher?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:31 AM)

Wow is that an interesting one. Very tough. Myers is risk/reward, and I won't call Gallagher Mr. Consistency, just that he has a fantasy-friendly situation. Much as I love Gallagher, I'm going for the upside, because if Myers figures it out, he's going to be a nice second-half value.

Josh (DC)

It's mind boggling to me that anyone even considers Rickie Weeks a rosterable player in any format, let alone a keeper!!!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:31 AM)

Hence why I sold him off for Tim Hudson when I could. I'm starting to get very worried he might never make it.

Scott, Groton CT

Over/Under: 10 saves for Brandon Morrow the rest of the way?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:32 AM)

Scott, I'd really need to check again on J.J. Putz's health. Last I heard I think he was due back in a week or so, and if that's the case, I'd have to think the under is the smarter bet.

Mike (NJ)

Staying with the keeper topic- Where does Josh Hamilton rank?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:32 AM)

He was in my second-half top 10, there wasn't any hesitation in my mind in doing that, and therefore is a must-keep.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:33 AM)

Sounds like Putz indeed could be back in about a week from now, incidentally. He worries me, meaning Brandon Morrow is worth keeping as a handcuff, but I think it's Putz's job when healthy.

Bill(IN)

How come the top 340 is listed on the front page but can't be accessed?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:33 AM)

Because it's in the works. Very, very soon!

Kyle (Athens, GA)

Victorino or Abreu 2nd half? Rollins or Utley?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:34 AM)

Bobby Abreu, Chase Utley.

David (toronto)

Please talk about Jed Lowrie

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:34 AM)

Good prospect, AL-only value, so certainly pick him up there. I'd think better than Julio Lugo if given that role of Lugo's this past year-plus, though not an elite, top-10 guy.

Zac (MN)

What kind of #s do you see Jason Morneau putting up in the 2nd half of the season coming off his HRD victory?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:36 AM)

I pick this merely to say that the "Home Run Derby Jinx" is a total hoax. I can pick one or two great examples to prove almost any theory if I wanted to, and Eric Karabell had a great take on this in his blog lately, and I even ran the numbers on this in the past proving it's completely not true. Morneau should be fine if he can stay healthy, as I'll say straight out that the only reason he has struggled in the second half in the past is he wasn't quite right.

Bob (Boston MA)

McLouth or BJ Upton for this year and next year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:36 AM)

B.J. Upton. But I do like Nate McLouth in general!

Mark (Raleigh)

The Duke came out of LF in the 1st half. Any picks for a sleeper ace in the 2nd?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:38 AM)

Scott Baker, Kevin Slowey, Dave Bush, Sean Gallagher (yeah, he's got sleeper potential, despite my earlier answer).

Derrick (anywhere USA)

Trade sitting on my desk...I get AROD and HanRam and I give Wright, Rollins, Fielder. Should I pull the trigger? I still have Tex at 1st and will play Victorino or Figgins at Utility. Thanks!!!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:39 AM)

Wow, what a blockbuster! And you know, maybe that's a bit high a price to pay, but I'd probably do that. Sounds like you wouldn't lose much of anything in net value considering the five categories, realizing your plug-ins.

Justin ( Boston )

Who is the better handcuff for the second half, Morrow or Marmol?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:40 AM)

I'm suddenly starting to think it's Brandon Morrow, because his closer has already shown some real health issues, and Carlos Marmol has struggled of late, and I think it's because he was worked so very hard in the first half.

Alex (MO)

Final Line for Jeff Clement...

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:41 AM)

At this point he'd be lucky to bat even .250. Probably finishes around .240 with 12-14 homers? Hard for me to pick out the average without doing the math, but I'm thinking a .270 average, 8 homers in the second half probably.

Jon (Boston)

Do you think Miggy Cabrera is on for a big second half? Top 15 going forward?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:43 AM)

Sure do. .314-8-21 stat line, .928 OPS, in his past 30 games. He's heating up, and I expect that level of production to keep up.

Steve (Kansas)

Last keeper spot: Gallardo or Kershaw? And is Headley a good substitute for Zimmerman?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:44 AM)

I still love Yovani Gallardo's long-term potential, and remember, that wasn't an arm injury he suffered. That's a good thing. Chase Headley, yes, a fine sub for Ryan Zimmerman in the short term. Though to be fair, Zimmerman is due back in a couple weeks.

David (LA, CA)

Tristan, who to start at 1B the rest of the way: Votto, Delgado, Pena, or Huff? Thanks.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:45 AM)

I still see a lot of value in Carlos Pena. Big-time power. Finished last year strong. He was my highest-ranked first baseman of this bunch. Joey Votto was second.

Ed (TRENTON STATE)

Let's go Cockcroft...I remember you from your days writing for THE SIGNAL. Top 5 second tier hitters who will perform like a top bat for the 2nd half. Bring it on.TSC (or is it TCNJ?) rules.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:48 AM)

Trenton State in the house! Ah yes, college paper days, I remember the old baseball previews we used to do there. As for the question, let's see, and I admit I'm scrolling my ranks very quickly. Howie Kendrick, Matt Kemp, Jeremy Hermida, Shane Victorino, Brad Hawpe, Adam LaRoche, Kevin Kouzmanoff only get much better from here, I'd think. That's five and a bonus two extra just for you!

John (NF)

Hey Tristan. Salty is starting to make me wonder about his future. Your thoughts??

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:49 AM)

Catchers take time to develop as hitters sometimes, that's the bottom line. Jarrod Saltalamacchia does worry me too, and I don't know that I'll call him a big breakout bet for 2009, either, at this rate. Let's be realistic, some guys just don't pan out quite as well as others, so it's a possibility here. I won't trash the guy, but I'm not going nuts over him, not at all.

Joe (MA)

shields or bedard and votto? is bedard worth the risk for an 8th place team?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:51 AM)

Remember that if you're in eighth place, sometimes you need to take bigger chances than you might otherwise, because you have more ground to make up. At his best, Erik Bedard is better than James Shields. That's the bottom line. So yes, in your shoes, that's a fair gamble to take.

Nick (NY)

will sherrill be traded at the break?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:51 AM)

I only continue to feel like he won't, the more time that passes. And the more he gets hit around a bit, which probably drops his trade appeal.

Joey (Bronx)

Does Abreu have a strong second half? Is he keeper worthy?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:52 AM)

Always seems to! Keeper worthy? I don't know your format, but I'd say he's borderline in your typical keeper league, if only because he might be on a different team next year, and in a less appealing situation for fantasy.

Steve (Cincy)

Jason Bay slumps in the 2nd half. You heard it here first.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:52 AM)

Don't know if I agree, but Steve's got the scoop for you!

Alex (Miami)

Where does Jeff Clement rank in regard to other prospect catchers like Weiter, Teagarden, Ramirex and Saltalamacchia? Who is the best option long term ?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:53 AM)

Matt Wieters is the franchise pick here. Long term, I'm probably going Max Ramirez second, then Jarrod Saltalamacchia, then Jeff Clement, then Taylor Teagarden (who is more defensively minded).

david (seattle)

need offense, trade Saunders for Ankiel?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:54 AM)

That sounds about right. I'd probably look to sell right now, if I'm a Joe Saunders owner. He'll remain good, so no give-aways here, but I bet he's hard-pressed to come close to his first-half numbers.

DJ (MN)

Keep IRod or AJ?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:54 AM)

Not an Ivan Rodriguez fan, not at his age. So that provides your answer, though I wouldn't be wild to keep either catcher, to be honest.

Wayne (NYC)

Ortiz or Pena for the remainder of the season?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:55 AM)

David Ortiz. Too strong a history.

Steve (NYC)

Does Wieters get the call-up in 2008? He's mashing at AA...

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:55 AM)

Doubt it. Though he's a strong bet to break camp as the Orioles' starter in 2009.

Jason (FL)

Keeper leauge who do I drop, Volquez, Danks or CC?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:56 AM)

I'd be looking to trade one. No doubt about it, they're all keeper-worthy, I'd think. If you must cut one, it's going to be John Danks. But I'd certainly shop these guys first, and probably deal CC Sabathia if I could. He'd fetch you a great hitter.

Randy (Omaha)

Would you trade Webb and Markakis for Wright if you could pick up Baker or Liriano off the FA wire?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:57 AM)

Probably not, though I don't think it's crazy. If I did that I'd want to pick up both of the pitchers, merely to be safe. If you can't, I think you put yourself at too much risk.

Ron Shandler

Zambrano owns health and a history of lots of innings. CC does not.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:57 AM)

I don't entirely believe that's you, Ron!

Leck (TX)

Does Gio Gonzalez get the call up in 2008?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:58 AM)

I'd say yes. Much stronger bet of breaking into the bigs with a noticeable workload than the aforementioned David Price. Lower ceiling for 2008, sure, if they're both up, but I think he has the better opportunity and is therefore the smarter pickup.

Brad (Columbus)

Tristan Cockcroft knows how to rock a sweater!!!! Need to drop one of these injured players Capps,Mcgowan,Saito?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:59 AM)

Ha! Ah yes, the classic gray sweater from my pic. I think I might still have that one somewhere, among the collection. As for those arms, I'd probably let Dustin McGowan go. Unless, of course, we hear in the next couple days that Takashi Saito needs season-ending surgery.

Michael (Portland, ME)

Please rank for the rest of the season: Scott Hairston, Chase Headley, Tatis.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:00 PM)

Tempted to go in that very order, but Headley's upside says bump him up one spot.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:01 PM)

OK folks, sorry to have to run, but a busy day with the All-Star Game tonight! Thanks for all of your questions, and do enjoy the game tonight. Besides, we've got James Quintong's afternoon chat for you, and then I'll be back to talk with you again tomorrow morning! Take care, and hope to see you then...