Keith Lipscomb

  (3:00 PM)

What's up, everyone? I'm ready for your questions.

Tom (Belmar, NJ)

Buchholz or Liriano for the 2nd half?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:02 PM)

I like Liriano more, but obviously the Twins still have to make room for him in the rotation. Liriano's actually considered filing a grievance, saying he should be up with the big boys. Keep an eye on all those developments.

Brendan (Philly)

Quick easy one, if you had a spot that you could store someone...would it be Liriano or Wainwright?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:03 PM)

I'd go with Liriano and the possible great upside if he's as good as he's pitched recently in the minors and has his control back.

Ben (chicago, il)

is rick ankiel a safe start tonight? any word yet?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:04 PM)

I haven't seen any updates on his condition and since he pinch-hit on Sunday, I tend to believe he'll be in there after the rest.

Steve(Boston)

Keith, HOLDS" as well as saves is a stat. When Putz comes off the DL who should I drop? Morrow, Duaner Sanchez, S Casilla, or Durbin? My other closers are Street and Sherrill. TY

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:07 PM)

Well, I definitely wouldn't drop Morrow. And since Durbin is most likely to see his role change, I'd probably let him go over the other three.

John (KC)

Keeper question--Better value this year and next. Chris Davis (mini-Dunn?), CHeadley, Carlos Gomez, and Colby Rasmus? Thanks.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:08 PM)

For me, it's easy. I really like Headley, definitely for this season, but also going forward.

Patrick, (Arlington, VA)

Hey Keith I got a baseball question to start things off: I was recently offered a trade: I would give up Chase Headley (whom I just got off waivesr) for my choice of Brian Fuentes or Salomon Torres. I am in a 4x4 NL only Roto league where I am behind in saves and I'm ok in HR/RBI- does it sound like a good deal?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:10 PM)

I'd prefer to get a save guy who's essentially guaranteed to keep the closer's job, but in this case, you should target Torres over Fuentes. Fuentes just seems unlikely to remain a closer for much longer. It's not a great deal, but if you're in such good shape offensively, you'd still be helping yourself out with Torres.

Punleu (Boston, MA)

What is your gauge on Johan Santana's value for the rest of the season? He's been decidedly average for Santana.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:12 PM)

Decidedly average is a little strong. He's still been pretty good, but we expect more from Johan. In the second half, though, don't mess with the Johan ... I think he turns in another great second half and he should be one of the top starters from here forward.

Hank (Michigan)

Whose a better pick-up for getting holds for the 2nd half: Kuo, Dotel, Castilla, or Bell?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:14 PM)

I like Bell the most, because they always seem to go to him with a lead and he's outstanding. But Kuo is definitely a nice option to step up in the second half now that he'll be replacing Broxton to some extent.

John (Boston)

Can these guys keep it up: Slowey, Nolasco, Edmonds?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:15 PM)

I'd say Slowey has the best chance of keeping it up, although I don't think Nolasco is a total fluke. Edmonds, on the other hand, is a threat to break down at any time, so I'm not so high on him, John.

Will (St. Louis)

Just dealt Bedard to get Cano - solid move? Also, any word on how Matsui is doing?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:17 PM)

Will, I do like that move, because I'm just not convinced that Bedard is going to get healthy all season long. It's been a rough one for him. And you get Cano, who I just have a hard time seeing batting so poorly all season. I think of him as a .300 hitter, so even if he doesn't get there for the season, I think he does it from here forward.

Andy (Cleveland)

Hey Keith -- I'm in a 10-game eligibility league with a DH spot. With Matsui's prognosis getting worse, who do you like of this group: Kubel, Jose Guillen, Huff, Stairs, Millar, or Cust? I am considering Kubel, but don't like how he sits against lefties. It doesn't look good, I know.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:20 PM)

I like Guillen among that group, because I feel he's the safest option to be a solid BA, HR, RBI option the rest of the way. I can see why you like Kubel against righties, no doubt, but I'll take Guillen.

Matt (Raleigh)

I have both Romo and Big Ben in a deep keeper league. It is wise to shop Romo for a top RB (Adai maybe) and go with Ben this season? Will the difference between Romo and Big Ben be that big? Thanks.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:24 PM)

Well, it really depends on the scoring system for me. I don't think Roethlisberger is going to throw that many TDs again, but he will throw fewer picks. However, if your league rewards for yardage, Romo should throw for lots more yardage and more TDs (maybe not mid-30s again, but I think 29-30 can be expected). That being said, Ben and Addai isn't too shabby, compared to Romo and some No. 2-3 back, assuming that's what you're dealing with on your roster. It doesn't do you much good to have two great QBs if you're deficient at RB.

JD (NJ)

So Nolasco isn't a total fluke - would you start him tomorrow against PHI?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:26 PM)

Well, he's pitched well against them twice and has been outstanding for the past couple months, so I think you have to ride him right now. But just so you know, Jamie Moyer has won all 4 of his starts at Dolphin Stadium with a 1.33 ERA, so he IS up against that.

Jasper (FL)

KEITH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Trade away Ellsbury for Connor Jackson if steals are a non-factor? Thanks a bunch!

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:27 PM)

Yeah, I think I would, but Jackson hasn't been driving in runs like I thought he would, to be honest. But without steals, advantage Jackson.

john, nyc

Start Buchholz tomorrow against LA?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:29 PM)

I'm starting him in one league in hopes it starts to click for him. But there's no reserve in that league, so I don't have any choice. I'm not terribly confident in him right now. Gotta stop walking guys.

vince (portland)

Start Cueto tonight against Santana?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:30 PM)

I don't love him tonight, even though he's been much better at home than on the road. The Mets hit him well the only time Cueto's faced them, and I don't think he gets a win against Johan. You never know, but I'm staying away from him tonight.

Jon (Chicago)

In a league where middle relievers are worthless and with Morrow likely to lose his job when Putz comes back should i trade Morrow and Headley for Huston Street and Delmon Young?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:32 PM)

I'm not convinced that Morrow will simply lose that closer's job, because I want to see Putz come back and be effective. He hasn't looked like himself all season, so I'd wait before I cut Morrow lose, Jon.

Lorf (Providence, RI)

Is Alexei Ramirez worth playing in the outfield over, say, Jose Guillen and Adam Jones?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:34 PM)

I'm not totally convinced he is, actually. Jones is really showing what all the fuss was about recently and there's much more for him to show. And Guillen simply provides much more in the power categories and doesn't hurt you in BA.

Bill ,nj

What about Maholm @ col tonight start or sit?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:35 PM)

I know it's a short week, but I'm staying far away from him. I try to minimize Coors Field starts from pedestrian pitchers when I can, by rule.

Nate (Hotlanta)

A lot of talk this morning with AJ about Jair Jurrjens. Does he keep it up? Do you think he's more valuable than someone like Jered Weaver?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:37 PM)

I think he's capable of keeping it up, just because I think he's very talented and he's going to get even better. I still like Weaver more for this season, but not by much. By 2009-10, I'll be leaning Jurrjens' way.

Steve (INDY)

What are your thoughts on McGowan? Will essentially be worthless the rest of the way...I'm looking to scoop up Jered Weaver off waivers instead.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:39 PM)

Yeah, the reports are pretty dicey on McGowan and if someone like Weaver is available, he's as good an option even if McGowan were healthy and giving you the numbers he already was.

Nick (Philly)

Does C. Billingsley keep it up in the 2nd half, or is he a trade-high candidate? He's never thrown 200 major league innings.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:40 PM)

I hear you about the innings, but man, he's awful good when he's pitching the way many projected he would at some point. I have him in a couple leagues and I'm not giving him up.

Scott (Reno)

LaRoche or Thome rest of the year? Sit on Hafner instead? Trying to hold on to a 15 pt lead in a 12 team 5x5 league.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:41 PM)

I do like LaRoche to stay hot for the next couple months, like he seemingly always does, but I think in trying to hold onto a big lead, Thome still has enough in the tank to hit more homers and drive in more runs than LaRoche the rest of the way, even if he continues to hit .250.

Flipper (LA)

Great chat as usual KL! Do you like Gordon in the second half? Or would pull the trigger on a Keeper deal for Votto or even Headley?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:45 PM)

I do like Gordon, and he's taken a little longer to shine than I hoped, but I'm hanging with him. That being said, I can see trading him for Headley, whom I like a little bit more overall. Very close. But I wouldn't trade Gordon for Votto. Just my opinion.

Joe (MA)

greinke @ CHW, Guthrie vs. DET, Slowey vs. TEX - which would you sit/start?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:47 PM)

Well, I do know this much: Greinke has been horrendous at U.S. Cellular ... 0-5, 6.62 ERA ... so I think the other two are better options.

Will (St. Louis)

Whoa, Headley over Gordon? Please explain reasoning. Not arguing, just want to here your thought process.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:50 PM)

I just like Headley more because of his power potential, which I feel is higher. I think Gordon should be a better average hitter when it's all said and done, but I really like what Headley could do in HRs and RBIs. Like I said, it's pretty close, so it's not an easy deal to make. And hey, Will, it's OK to "argue". You all treat me well and it's fun to disagree, among sports fans.

Jeff (Chicago, IL)

Hey keith, can you throw out a few names who traditionally "slow down" in the second half of the season. Thanks!

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:52 PM)

The biggest one worth noting in my mind is Kevin Youkilis. His splits are pretty brutal, pre and post-All Star. And until he has a semi-decent second half, we'll hear about it every year.

Bill(NY)

5x5 league with OPS. Is giving up Volquez and C Guillen too much for Rollins? I have bad on WHIP and ERA anyways. TY

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:56 PM)

That's not outrageous, if you are in dead last in those categories or if you see yourself gaining more points by grabbing Rollins than you do by hanging onto Volquez. Rollins is another of those 2nd-half studs (take a look at his splits), but I'd still like to see you get SOME pitcher in return.

What do I have to Say to find this out?

Whats the deal with Dan Uggla, everyone I hear talk about him says he just going to slow down, should I hold or trade?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:59 PM)

You just said it...lots of questions, so I appreciate all of your understanding. Well, I think everyone feels he'll slow down because he's never been on this kind of pace before. 30 homers in a season is expected, but not nearly 30 in a half, ya know? Because of that prevailing attitude, I think he's hard to get value for in a trade. I know I've had a hard time drumming up proper interest in him in one league I'm in. I think if you hold him, he'll still put up good numbers, but I think the BA comes down some and think that 10-12 homers is more likely the rest of the way.

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:00 PM)

OK, one last shot before I run ...

tony

I have the 3rd pick in my fantasy football draft. Assuming LT and peterson go 1 and 2. Who should I pick w/ the 3rd pick??? Addai is a keeper and isn't an option by the way.

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:02 PM)

I have to go with our rankings on this one and say Brian Westbrook. He simply is and has been the Philly offense, and although that possibly could catch up with him at any time, he's the man for me at No. 3, with or without Addai in the pool. And even moreso in point-per-reception formats.

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:03 PM)

Thanks to you all again for the questions. We'll do it again next week!