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Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:01 AM)

Good morning everyone! Let's get right to your questions...

Erik (MT)

Looking for advice for 2nd half productivity. Have Rolen -- keep or replace with Weeks, Werth, or Francisco? Thanks.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:01 AM)

I'd probably stick with Scott Rolen, but I did rank Rickie Weeks higher. It's the upside. And the steals. Just depends if you can stomach a potentially awful batting average.

kc oakland

when does Francisco Liriano get called up?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:02 AM)

As soon as someone gets hurt. Kevin Slowey is hurt, but supposed to start on Tuesday. So it probably won't be him. Otherwise, whenever the Twins wise up and realize Livan Hernandez no longer belongs in a major league rotation. That's the kind of thing that can take longer than you think, though. Like at least two more turns through. I'm guessing Aug. 1 is a good over/under date.

Taylor (NY)

What can we expect from Carmona going forward when he returns?Is it a steal to get Carmona for Morrow?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:04 AM)

A steal? No. Good trade? Yes, probably, if only because you're talking about a solid starting pitcher when healthy, compared to a guy whose value might be only in handcuff status in about a week. I'd take this chance. Of course, I'm a big Fausto Carmona fan, so that has a lot to do with it. My only worry with him is that he's suffering frequent setbacks. There's risk, but I like the potential reward.

Dan/Madison WI

Good morning, with Saito out I need a reliever STAT!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:05 AM)

Jonathan Broxton, Damaso Marte, Octavio Dotel? Probably in that order? Just throwing some names out there. I'm not on the side of the fence that believes that saves are ultra-easy to find the deeper you get into the season. Fact is, they're not. They're not impossible, but they're not close to as easy as in April or May, when things change more quickly.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:06 AM)

So anyone else actually stick around for that whole All-Star Game last night? Just curious. Boy, I'm glad I got the extra-large coffee today...

Scott, Groton CT

if losses are a negative category in your league, streaming starters is less advisable and the value of stud starters goes up significantly, agree?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:06 AM)

Absolutely. Also, pitchers on better teams get a bump in value.

Arian (Gainesville)

Should I start Uggla or Upton for this week? I need HRs and BA

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:07 AM)

I'd probably go Dan Uggla, if only because he has three games at home and two are against left-handers.

Kyle (Chicago, IL)

Better chance for saves in the next week...Wheeler or Linebrink?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:08 AM)

Probably Dan Wheeler. And I know I just tossed Octavio Dotel's name out there a question or two ago, and admit, Scott Linebrink is right there as an option. But last I checked, Bobby Jenks shouldn't be out for long. He could be ready by Friday. Or out for another week. Too risky, not knowing whether the closer role will even be there for the Sox.

Mike (boston)

Tristan, yes I watched the whole game and paying for it today...how about those classless Yankee's fans getting on Papelbon and threatening his pregant wife? I know they can't say "well Boston would've done the same" - see 99' that did not happen....Are you going anywhere near Nolasco vs Phillies in this short week(h2h league)?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:10 AM)

I can't say I'd have heckled him like that. He's an American Leaguer, I'm a fan of an AL team, hard to say I'd be anti-Papelbon. Especially since the game was on the line. I'd have booed him when he served up the run, though! But anyway, you're from Boston, me New York, let's be honest here, are we not both a little bit biased? As for Ricky Nolasco, no, doubt I would. I know his opponent is Jamie Moyer, but Moyer has a phenomenal track record at Florida.

Vaughn (St. Louis, MO)

I'm a sucker who bought into Porcello before the season and I'm now ready to drop him since I need the bench spot. Should I hold onto him as a keeper for 2009? Also, who is more likely to be a keeper for 2009 - Porcello or Scherzer?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:12 AM)

I don't think you were being a sucker, Rick Porcello is a very good prospect. The problem is that most everyone was saying there was none to none chance he'd see the majors this season. He's simply way too young. We might see him for part of 2009, but I'd even say today that Max Scherzer has the far greater chance at more significant time in the bigs in 2009. It's as simple as that.

Charlie (Syracuse, NY)

Another pitching stat that kills streamers is including HR's allowed. In ours we use both losses and homers and the few experiments in streaming ended quickly.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:13 AM)

Fact is, any negative, quantitative statistic (losses, homers, hits or walks allowed, earned runs allowed) is going to rein in streaming. I have a league that includes some of these. Granted, it's a weekly-transaction league, but I'm less apt to go for just any pitcher to win the wins and K's categories.

Josh (IA)

Another stat that reduces streaming is Total Bases allowed.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:13 AM)

There's another!

tc (toronto)

Ugh! Start Joe Blanton against the Yanks - he's killing me this year!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:13 AM)

I wouldn't. Cold spell, road start, Yankee lineup. Bad mix. On paper, says no way.

Will (The OC)

I dropped Fuentes for Broxton - good move to keep getting saves through August?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:14 AM)

Sure, but I'd probably have found someone else to cut first. Brian Fuentes will get quickly scooped up by one of your competitors, as he should.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:15 AM)

Incidentally, with the second half upon us, if you've got a neat little sleeper tucked up your sleeve you'd like to share (with a brief little explanation), I'd love to hear it. I'll post a few as I see some good ones.

Ron (NYC)

Traded Wagner for J Vazquez... good buy low on JV?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:16 AM)

All depends on the impact of saves in your league. I know so many formats that would depress the value enough that that would be a steal. I know others where you'd have gotten absolutely taken (usually shallow mixed and require relief pitcher active spots). I'd say it's about fair, sure. White Sox are contenders.

Greg (NYC)

David Price vs. Gio Gonzalez...Compare their fantasy values this season.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:16 AM)

Didn't I do that yesterday?

Ron (NYC)

What are your thoughts on trading players to last place team and keeping away from competition instead of dropping them?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:17 AM)

It's a strategy. Of course, I know some last-place teams in leagues I've been in over the years where the reason they're there is because the owner isn't smart enough to keep those players around themselves. So don't assume those players won't get cut by that last-place team after you deal 'em there!

Mark (Boston)

Jorge Posada or Dioner Navarro?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:18 AM)

I know Navarro is the fun play, coming off the nicer first half. But I simply cannot bet against Posada. Close enough in first-half value and with a far higher HR/RBI ceiling to not pick him.

Matthew (Titletown = Beantown)

I hate to say it, but should I trade Youkilis while his value is so high? All you analysts out there aren't projecting a good second half.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:19 AM)

I don't think he's going to go in the tank, meaning squeeze out a good deal, but yes, I'd be shopping him. I don't see elite-player skills in the Youkilis package. Merely very good player skills.

Scott, Groton CT

You're often on the high side in the top 340 ratings for starting pitchers. Do you value pitching more than the other experts? Do you believe like me that there's really only about 10-15 dependable starters, so they need to be valued more highly?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:22 AM)

I want to note for a second here that when you look at top-340 rankings like the ones we're running this week, remember that differing player-valuing philosophies totally come into play. I'll give you an example: I loathe catchers, and therefore I ranked them as a whole very, very low. I think I had six or seven in my top 200, which is incredibly conservative. As for starting pitchers, in the preseason I do rank them lower. I think it's a bad draft strategy to rate them too highly. But I'm also of the mind that you do that to build a good, reliable offense, wait and scout which arms are succeeding early, and then make deals for those guys. Values for pitchers become more stable in-season, I think. Probably because so much can happen to them health-wise in the spring. Remember all those injuries? (Lackey, Kazmir, to name two.) Not so devastating with hitters, I'd say. So that's why when it comes to midseason rankings, I put pitchers higher than I would in the preseason. These are more trade-based now, not draft-based. Just my philosophy. So I need to give you my sense of true trade value.

Drew (Mpls)

Should I get Liriano STAT? Over Scott Baker or another one of my sort of good pitchers?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:23 AM)

Well, I got asked about call-up date on Francisco Liriano, so now, why not a question about his actual talent? Not a huge fan. Thought he was overrated in the preseason, still think so now. He's a lottery ticket, no doubt. Love his 2009 potential, but there's no way I'm letting Scott Baker go. That said, I bet there's someone lesser on your team you could let go. I do think Liriano should be scooped up and reserved in most leagues right now. There's absolutely some potential reward in him.

Scott, Groton CT

Nice little sleeper: Juan Rivera, he's healthy and has taken the starting job from Gary Matthews Jr., and not too far removed from that .310/.362/.525 line with 23 dingers and 85 rbis in 2006.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:24 AM)

I like that choice, Scott, and you were actually not the only guy to pick him (Will from the OC did as well).

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:24 AM)

A sleeper from me: Chad Tracy, now playing fairly regularly in Arizona with Eric Byrnes out, and looking like the decent hitter he was a couple years back.

Drew (Memphis, TN)

I watched the game... It was way too long... I think they should look into a way to get the starters back in the game if it goes extra innings... Last night we got guys like A-Rod, Pujols, and Utley for like 4 innings and the guys who barely made the team for the other 11. But my question is, what should we expect from Prince for the rest of the year? Any chance he gets back to his old self?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:26 AM)

Frankly, Drew, and I'm sorry, Red Sox fans, I'm not really trying to bust on you here, but I think Terry Francona could've done a better job preserving his roster than he did. Three closers -- Mariano Rivera, George Sherrill and Joakim Soria -- all threw more pitches than any of the starters! And A-Rod left the game way too early, for a starter who deserved to be a starter. But hey, easy to nitpick after you see the result. Anyway, as for Prince Fielder, I think he'll be fine. Not quite to last year's level of production, but I bet he ranks among the league's leaders in homers from this point forward. Top 10 easy in the category.

Joe (MA)

I'm working on 3 hours of sleep cause of that game last night. can't say i didnt enjoy it though. anyway, thoughts on pence, vazquez, weaver and slowey for the rest of the season?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:28 AM)

It was a good game, though I was kind of bored through 5-6 innings. After that, it was great, but I wonder if many people tuned out by then, what was it, 11 p.m. ET around then? Anyway, Hunter Pence, I think he is what he is, .280-hitting, 20-25 homer type for a full year. Scale it down. Javier Vazquez, nice upside play, I'd say. Jered Weaver, again, is what he is. Good, not elite, not by any means. Kevin Slowey, nice sleeper. We talk about Scott Baker a lot, but I think Slowey is not much less the pitcher.

Greg (the wood)

Sleeper: Billy Butler. The guy raked during spring training, and played great in 250 Ab's last year. I think he could get hot with consistent playing time.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:29 AM)

Good choice as well, Greg. I'm throwing Sean Gallagher out as another sleeper. I'm sure a lot of people know why I like him, but to recap: Stronger team than you think it is, solid bullpen, very favorable pitchers' park for an AL team.

Bob (Mahwah)

Tristan, Instead of booing Papelbon for letting up the run, you should have booed Navarro for throwing the ball to no one when Tejada was stealing....

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:30 AM)

True true! I really wanted to boo when the umps blew both calls in what was it, the 12th? When there was that steal of second, Ian Kinsler, called out. He was safe. And so was the guy at the plate that same inning. He was safe. Game should've been over! I could've gotten some sleep!

JD (NJ)

"As for Ricky Nolasco, no, doubt I would. I know his opponent is Jamie Moyer, but Moyer has a phenomenal track record at Florida." Does that mean you would avoid him or start him?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:31 AM)

It means I would avoid him. Sorry, maybe I was a bit groggy then! Ah, good ol' reliable coffee...

Bert (NY)

Jamie Garcia starts on Sunday. Too soon or grab now in keeper leagues?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:31 AM)

I actually find him intriguing. I don't know what it is. He's not an elite prospect, but he's a decent prospect, even if no one seems to be buzzing about him. And that's a decent matchup, at home against the Padres. Doubt I'm being so creative as to use him, but if you've got a deep bench, I say yes, scoop him up.

Dave (Fredericton, Canada)

How do you feel about Price in TBay as a sleeper in the 2nd half?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:33 AM)

I kinda trashed him yesterday. And as momma always said, if you can't say anything nice... (Actually, the nice thing I can say is I see him being a great long-term prospect.)

Mike (ATL)

I want to defend Francona for a minute hear (not a Sox Fan, BTW). It's a lose-lose for him. If he plays the starters for 7 innings (and they play only 9 innings), he ruins the experience for guys who might only make one All-Star game in their lives (Navarro, for example). You can't have guys sitting on the bench the whole game in the off chance that it goes into extras. It's not fair.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:34 AM)

Yes, and I posted your question because the "devil's advocate" side of the debate has absolute merit. My only real gripe was that I thought it a little silly to be using starting pitchers for one inning apiece, and closers later in the game for one-plus. I think that could have been avoided, but I agree, it's minimal.

Jason (New Orleans)

Hamilton has had a ridiculous first half, and the HR derby was out of this world. Should I shop him around, while his value is at an all time high. He can't keep up this pace the entire second half, can he? What type of value should I look for?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:34 AM)

I actually entirely believe in Josh Hamilton. Health is the only thing I'd question. And he has looked pretty darned healthy to date, so I am in no way hopping off this bandwagon.

Jason (Atlanta)

I know you're down on Zambrano as a whole, but discounting your injury concerns, would you trade $38 Zambrano for $3 Danks straight up (keeper league, but I'm trying to win this year)?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:36 AM)

Jason, you know, if I wanted to be entirely fair here, I would tell you that I ranked Carlos Zambrano higher than John Danks for the rest of the year, and our rankings in a sense are "in a vaccuum," that pesky phrase so many of the chatters bring up. So that might speak volumes. If I want to bring the keeper aspect in here, I think the Danks price is phenomenal. Way better than Zambrano's. And he's not worlds less in terms of talent. Sorry Zambrano lovers, he simply is not. He's less valuable for 2008, for sure, but not a massive step down. I want you to take that for what it's worth. Can you take that risk, to downgrade to get a far better keeper in my mind? Only you know that. I would be awfully tempted in my keeper league, I can tell you that. But when I run my team, my bias will absolutely come into play.

Michael (Portland, ME)

Sleeper closers in waiting on my roster: Chris Perez, Kuo, Corpas.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:37 AM)

All fair choices. But to be honest, I'm only on the Manny Corpas bandwagon right now. Chris Perez I get the impression only closes if the team falls out of the playoff race. And I can't see Hong Chih Kuo closing, good as he has been or not.

Rasmus( STL)

AM I a waste of a roster spot in a 1 year league or will I make an impact later on?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:38 AM)

Could link into the last question, only if the Cards fall out of the race. Their outfield seems fairly stable for now, and Colby's slow start probably hurt his chances for much more than a September call-up. Good 2009 sleeper, though.

Jim (Groton, CT)

Will Nick Swisher ever turn his season around or is it time to bail on him? I have a lot of OF/1B depth but have been waiting on him to turn it around. Is Franceour a better option?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:38 AM)

Swisher is sure hitting of late. I have the stats in my BBC preview running today. You can see 'em there. So I say stay the course.

John (White Plains, NY)

What about Alexei Ramirez as a sleeper? He continued to put up great numbers in all 5 roto categories and he's not even owned in 80 percent of ESPN leagues.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:39 AM)

Good choice. Don't know if he qualifies for "sleeper" status across the board, though. I know a lot of people pretty big on him. My next choice: Adam Lind. Playing regularly now, even against left-handers, with Vernon Wells out. And he raked in the minors. He's hitting so far in this recent stint with the Jays, so maybe he's figuring it out?

Mark Teixeira (Atlanta, GA)

You have innapropriate thoughts about me, don't you Tristan?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:41 AM)

HA! I only think appropriate, family-friendly thoughts, Mark. But I'm a fan. I admit it. Might be because you're the cornerstone of my favorite sim team. More likely, it's because I know you're a monster second-half player. Trust me.

Greg (Portland Maine)

In a vaccuum: Arod/Jeter or HanRam/Reynolds?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:42 AM)

Tough call. For straight power, I'm going the latter. Batting average, former, homers, latter, RBIs, close but former, steals, close, but latter, runs, hmmm, I'm saying former. So former barely takes it here. And that this was close shows how much I'm down on Derek Jeter for fantasy.

Mike (DC

BJ Ryan, Wandy, Wakefield - H2H league this week. Start 1.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:43 AM)

I don't like the idea of matchups at Tampa Bay. The Rays dominate at home, and that's an understatement. And knuckleballers, so unpredictable, so that's really more a fall-back choice if I have to. Wandy Rodriguez pitches at home. Ah, there you go. Makes me feel good and safe.

Steve (Blacksburg, VA)

Are you a fan of Chris Davis? What do you expect once Blalock returns to the squad?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:44 AM)

Chris Davis was the next sleeper whose name I was going to post. I talked a lot about him yesterday (you can check there for more). Fairly certain I used the phrase "lite Adam Dunn."

Maddux

Why was I rated so high for the 2nd half? Do you know something I don't know? I thought I was pretty bad.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:44 AM)

Yeah, a 3.90 ERA and 1.23 WHIP is so terribly bad. Yuck. Wouldn't want those! Plus, he might wind up dealt to a contender, like he was in 2006. And look what he did for the Dodgers when he hopped into a pennant race!

Larry Tampa Bay Fl

Buehrle or Ubaldo in the second half?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:45 AM)

Mark Buehrle. That said, Ubaldo Jimenez is beginning to sneak up on people, has great home stats (surprisingly) and should at least be a matchups play. Don't discard him outright!

Jon (Elkhart, IN)

Does A.J. Burnett's value go up with a trade to the NL? No DL, energized by the change?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:46 AM)

I think so. But then I get the impression from his recent comments and actions that he might be happy to get out of Toronto. Not that I really know the truth with that, I just feel like it might be the case. Besides, pitchers' league. Has to help.

Chad (Hattiesburg, MS)

Kinsler for Orlando Cabrera, Granderson, and Wagner. What are your thoughts on that one.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:47 AM)

Depends on who you're replacing at shortstop, in your outfield and your saves situation. Who gets bumped absolutely has an impact on a trade's value. I'd say it's probably going to be pretty fair in most cases. Might prefer the latter half, in fact. But I like Curtis Granderson, and Billy Wagner is fairly safe saves. That said, Ian Kinsler is the best player in the deal.

JJ (Big Tex)

Heard Ortiz was hitting a ton of HR's in BP at Yankee Stadium. What do you think of him for the 2nd half?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:48 AM)

I am a believer. If memory serves, I had him 51st in our recent rankings, and that was the highest. And I even thought that might be conservative!

Max (Denver)

Last night was a perfect example of why the NY Fans lover Jeter. He was there to the very end of the game. And A-Rod? Looks like he took off the moment he was pulled. Great game last night, I watched until the end.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:49 AM)

So did I, and I think now I'm finally fully awake from it! (Ha.) Interesting story I read the other day, though, how the Yankees will face a dilemma what to do about Derek Jeter once his contract expires after 2010. He's obviously beginning his career decline. I'm starting to get really worried here.

Brad (Philly)

Ben Francisco as a second half sleeper. Batting in the heart of the Cleveland order, you gotta love the kid's talent.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:50 AM)

Very underappreciated in AL-only formats. Don't know that I'd go nuts for mixed, though. In mixed, I'd go nuts for another sleeper of mine: Jason Kubel. Great hitter, been hitting rather nicely of late.

Aaron Harang, Cincinnatti

I am a fantasy FA. Should I be picked up and stashed on a roster.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:50 AM)

Absolutely no question about it.

Erik (ATL)

THC, I've got a sleeper for you: Jeff Francouer. It looks like he's hammered out his hitting mechanics in Mississippi. Small sample size from his game at San Diego, but he was all over Bell in his final at bat and looks locked in, ready to put up good stats for the final half of the season. If anyone has room on their bench or can buy low on Frenchy, do it!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:51 AM)

I could absolutely see that. In fact, though I just traded Jeff Francoeur in my key keeper league (and got trashed for doing it, since after all, everyone noted he's a "Double-A player"), I do see him finishing pretty decently. No stud, but the guy hacks at everything, so the quantitative categories (HRs, RBIs, R's) should be good.

Brian (Chicago Cubs)

I was so pissed off at Uggla last night that I dropped him from my fantasy team

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:52 AM)

Kiss your league's title goodbye then! You can't go being that brash.

Garko( Clev)

AM I a sleeper or a bench player now?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:53 AM)

I likened him to Chris Shelton in the past, and he's unfortunately starting to live up to that, including the bad parts. I do think Ryan Garko has better things ahead, but I'm sorry, he's AL-only worthy. One has to wonder whether Victor Martinez might steal a good chunk of his playing time once healthy.

Ben (SF)

Everyone seems to love Clay Buccholz's potential for the second half, but would you rather have him over a struggling former ace like Harang?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:53 AM)

Nope. Keeper league maybe, not not a redraft format.

Nate McLouth (Bathing in Starness)

Am I going to cool off?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:54 AM)

No more than you have recently. Maybe a batting average in the .275-.280 range is coming, but I see an easy double-digit homers and steals looking forward. And that's still a very good player. Not a stud, but very good.

mike(chi)

Any news on Shawn Marcum?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:55 AM)

Last I heard he was slated to return on Monday, and then he got pushed back to about a week from this weekend (i.e. the July 26-27 weekend). I like the kid, but the Blue Jays really should be as patient with him as necessary. I wouldn't count on him contributing for fantasy before, say, Aug. 1. Safest way to play it.

Nick, CA

Tristan, very long time fan! I REALLY need help on this: Tex/S.Drew or Rollins/Youk for keeper league h2h. Count 2b, 3b, BB, and OBP too.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:56 AM)

First half. Shortstop is only going to get increasingly weak looking forward a few years, I think, and if I'm keeping a first baseman, I want the absolute best one that I can get.

Eric (Fort Collins CO)

Who do you like better for the rest of the season between Chris Davis and Chad Tracy? I need BA with decent power.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:56 AM)

Well, if batting average is important to you, you want Chad Tracy.

sparks( san marcos, tx)

sleeper...give me Trevor Cahill!!!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:57 AM)

That guy is going to be one great pitcher with time, I think. Looking a lot like the Brandon Webb-Chien-Ming Wang-Justin Masterson type prospect. Big-time ground-ball type, good command. But I don't see him making an impact this year. Check back in 2009.

Soria's Unibrow (Kansas City, MO)

Who are the front runners as potential new closers in OAK, WSH, COL, etc.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:58 AM)

If changes happen, and I'd think Colorado is most likely, then Oakland, then Washington, I'd say Manny Corpas is actually the favorite now for the Rockies. If only because the Rox aren't serious contenders and if they're playing for the future, might as well go with the guy they believe is their future ninth-inning man. Santiago Casilla in Oakland. And I don't see any change from Jon Rauch in Washington. It's his gig.

dan(Minn)

what are your thought on Arrandondo for middle relief help?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:59 AM)

Nice sleeper if you can use an ERA/WHIP helper, I'd say. Could be a future closer, in fact, if K-Rod eventually bolts. Of course, ERA/WHIP types generally are only useful in AL-only formats.

Billy Joe (Houston)

Kinsler/Youkilis/Weaver or A-Rod/Uggla/Litsch in a vacuum

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:59 AM)

Second half. Get the best player in the deal. Besides, not like Dan Uggla is much of a drop-off from Ian Kinsler at second base.

Jason (seattle)

Quickie! AL only trade overturned: Dotel/Pettite/Jose Guillen/Morneau for Quentin/Bannister/Harris. Fair or unfair?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:00 PM)

Unfair, sorry to say. You have to get more than one impact player on that Carlos Quentin side, I'd say.

Bob (NY)

Haren/Crawford or Sizemore/Liriano

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:00 PM)

First half. Not much doubt about it, either.

Kyle (PA)

Has Teix really been that good of a 2nd half player over his career or just last year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:01 PM)

It's career wise. Don't really have the time to check the stats, but take my word for it, I've owned him many a time and remember his history. I do recall him going on a monster tear the very first week leading out of the All-Star break, in fact, once.

Michael (Portland, ME)

Any 2nd NL sleepers for hitting and pitching? Trying to trade in my league is like pulling teeth.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:01 PM)

The first three guys who pop into my mind are Jeremy Hermida, Kevin Kouzmanoff and Manny Parra.

Dave Bush

Tell me the job is mine.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:02 PM)

Wish I could guarantee that, but it's either you or Seth McClung going to the bullpen. Which is a darned shame. I really think Dave Bush deserves to stay in the rotation, as well as he has pitched of late.

Marc (IN)

Is Saito droppable?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:03 PM)

Not far off it. I'm not big on keeping closers missing at least one month this deep into a season, if you have a limited number of DL spots. (See: Capps, Matt.)

Vinny (Elmont, LI)

You like Kouzmanoff, eh? More than either Gordon or Encarnacion, my current guys?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:03 PM)

Nah, not really, but he's an NL-only sleeper. Any of those three could easily surprise. I'd probably go Alex Gordon first.

Jeremy Hermida (FLA)

You really think I'll turn it around?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:04 PM)

I have faith. And I know I keep waiting on Mr. Hermida. But that 2007 second half was phenomenal, and his numbers so far this year aren't dreadful. Might merely be a second-half player. There are such types as that.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:04 PM)

Well, that's all for today. Thanks for all your questions, and sorry if I didn't get a chance to tackle yours ... at any rate, we're back in the afternoon to chat with you again. Take care!