Eric Karabell

  (11:01 AM)

Hello all and welcome to another fantasy baseball chat session. I'm told it's baseball, but I might answer football if you have comments. Anyway, let's go...

Charles (FL)

What do you expect from Masa Kobayashi the rest of the way? I could trade him straight up for Guthrie.

Eric Karabell

  (11:03 AM)

I think Masa will keep on closing, and unless there are special reasons, I assume every closer could get 6-8 saves per month. So, if you need saves, I would keep him. He might not be the Cleveland closer in 2009, but for now he is safe. Guthrie is average, and might not win double digits.

Matt (Campbell, Ca)

What can we tell from Brett Myers' outing last night? I picked him up for upside but it doesn't look like he's figured anything out.

Eric Karabell

  (11:05 AM)

I disagree. He didn't allow any home runs, so that's a great sign. Then again, he walked four straight hitters in the first inning. I am not on this bandwagon one bit, by the way. I watched him pitch in the minors and he was merely OK. His velocity is still not up to 2006 levels, or what he did in bursts while closing. Ultimately, not this season, he'll be a reliever.

Mark (CT)

Do you see Buchholz getting better as he keeps pitching or do you think this could be a lost year for him?

Eric Karabell

  (11:07 AM)

I am a bit shocked by Clay Buchholz, because he has better stuff than this, and he shouldn't be walking people either. The Sox will stick with him, as Masterson is clearly in the bullpen and thrived Wednesday, but don't be stunned if Bartolo Colon knocks on the door to replace Buchholz. From a fantasy aspect, I'm not as high on Buchholz as I was.

Gerry Lipscomb - Miami, FL

I have too many RP?s, Franklin, Zumaya, Corpas, Soriano, Putz, Morrow and Broxton. NO ONE is willing to deal so I gotta cut one maybe two guy, who is the 2 weakest in your opinion?

Eric Karabell

  (11:08 AM)

Wow! Are you related to our own Keith Lipscomb, the vastly underrated editor who will be chatting here later today? Anyway, I'm not sure who would deal for any of those guys, after Broxton, who is safe. If you have to cut two, it's Soriano and Zumaya. They won't be getting saves. Someone in Seattle will, and Corpas could any day, and Franklin remains a closer.

JB: (Egrestic, Ca)

Is Masterson worth a roster spot on speculation that he may get some starts?

Eric Karabell

  (11:09 AM)

He's a setup man now, he will not be moved back and forth. It's bad for young arms.

Bob (Williamsburg, VA)

How do you rank these free agents (in my league) Hanrahan, Velez, Hafner or U Jiminez?

Eric Karabell

  (11:11 AM)

Depends on need, really. Hanrahan is going to close, so ultimately he has the most value, but I do like Ubaldo Jimenez. His current streak is impressive, especially for strikeouts. Velez will probably hit .250 but run a lot, which means you don't care what he hits. I have no faith in Hafner returning soon, and doing much. Lost season.

Chris (Miami, Fl)

Who do I use Tulo or O.Cabrera?

Eric Karabell

  (11:13 AM)

Cabrera is safe, steals a few bases and scores runs, but Tulowitzki is going to have a big second half, I think. He can't bat second because Jeff Baker is hitting .400 in that spot, and might not stop, but I see power and average for Tulo ahead.

Donald: (Tulsa, OK)

What's the latest w/ Liriano? Is he going to get called up or what?

Eric Karabell

  (11:14 AM)

Perkins did not pitch well Wednesday, and I do expect Liriano to be up sometime this weekend. Too much pressure on the Twins to not do this.

Ryan (Boston)

Am I wasting a Roster spot stashing Duaner Sanchez for saves? Is Wagner's shoulder going to flare back up?

Eric Karabell

  (11:14 AM)

Yeah, that's wasting a roster spot, because Wagner looked fine Wednesday, and even if he isn't, I would expect the Mets to make some wild desperate trade.

Jason (Atlanta)

EK, I desperately need Figgins and Rollins to start running. Do you think they will once they start appearing on the basepaths a bit more?

Eric Karabell

  (11:16 AM)

Rollins is 25-for-25 this season, and on pace for 45, which would be one off his career high. I'd say he's running plenty! He will have a bigger second half than first, and probably run even more. Figgins can steal 10 a month whenever he wants. I wouldn't worry about these fellas. Lance Berkman running a lot, I'd worry about that.

Eric (Fort COllins CO)

I have Sherrill and am reading that he may go to the Cardinals or Brewers. If he does, will he become their closer and who closes in Baltimore?

Eric Karabell

  (11:18 AM)

I do think the Orioles will move their closer at some point, if the right offer comes along, but I don't think it's assured Sherrill closes wherever he goes. I would think Jim Johnson is next in line to close, though he doesn't really have "closer" stuff.

Kyle (Athens, GA)

How about a fast question? Bourn, Pierre or Gomez, who ya got? Any of them have significant value?

Eric Karabell

  (11:20 AM)

They all have value because they all run. You know, early in the year when I said Bourn wasn't that good, and that he would lose playing time, I was all alone. He might swipe 50 bases, but he's not a 500-at bat guy yet. I think Juan Pierre will have the most value here. He will be back in a week, will play over Andruw Jones, and he should run a lot.

Kiko (Miami)

What's up with Uggla? Was the All-Star game a bad omen for the second half? He looks terrible...

Eric Karabell

  (11:21 AM)

He sure does. I don't think it has a thing to do with the All-Star game, but Uggla was due to revert to his mean a bit. He is not a high average hitter. That said, stick with him, he's probably playing through some nagging injury.

Jorge (Orlando)

Peter Pasquerelli can't fool me I know he's a Red Sox fan. Also for today do I start Gil Meche against the Rays, Jamie Moyer against the Mets, or do I start both.

Eric Karabell

  (11:22 AM)

You're probably right. Or he might really be a fan of nothing. Hard to tell with him! Anyway, Moyer has been good for 2 months, and the strikeouts are better than you think.

St. Louis, MO

E to the K, I am very weak at SS. I have the chance to get Hanley but would have to give up Hamilton. It would leave me with Ichiro, Ankiel, DeJesus and Doumit as my OF?s. This is a non keeper 5X5 league. Do I pull the trigger??

Eric Karabell

  (11:23 AM)

For Hanley, yeah, I think it's him and A-Rod at the top and then everyone else. Hamilton is fantastic, but he's not a 40/40 threat who plays SS. You're not strong in the OF, especially since Doumit should be your catcher, but you can find help elsehwere. Hanley is a top-2 player.

David (LA, CA)

Eric, should I be looking to trade Marte and Torres before they become setup men? And who would close for the Pirates if that were the case? Thanks.

Eric Karabell

  (11:26 AM)

I would say Marte is likely to be moved, but I don't know if the Brewers will do anything. Torres has pitched well, and they have depth there. For the Buccos, I think John Grabow is next.

Steve(Boston)

FOOTBALL keeper? 2Rb's, 2 WR's, and a flex league. 1/2 ppr. Can keep 1 and lose that rounds pick. Wayne 3rd, Brees 3rd, Jacobs 4th, Andre Johnson 5th, or Burner Turner 8th. Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (11:27 AM)

For the best player, probably Wayne. Third round is fine for him. For value it's Turner. I might be alone on him, but I see a big season coming. I don't know why people are down on him, he has opportunity, and they will run. Stay away from Jacobs; the Giants might go committee at running back. Yuck!

Jay (Lake Havasu, AZ)

John Lackey. I just traded for him, so obviously I'm thrilled with his last three outings. /Peter dose of sarcasm/ Is the guy hurt? Any kind words you can offer a nervous owner would be great.

Eric Karabell

  (11:29 AM)

Well, he's not walking people, so that's always nice. I think Lackey is fine, just a few bad outings, and bad timing for you since he's had a monster season.

MAX SCHERZER

dude, am I a waste of a bench spot in a non keeper league, or do I have Fantasy Impact possibly taking over for Owings?

Eric Karabell

  (11:30 AM)

You know, Max, - can I call you that? - I don't think you're being groomed to start this season. Owings is out of the rotation, but Scherzer pitched in relief the past few weeks. Why not stretch him out? Maybe Arizona is making a trade instead? Anyway, no, I don't see much 2008 impact for Max.

Stephanie (Hartford)

Rest of the way at 1B/3B, could you PLEASE rank Gordon, Zimmerman, Kouzmanoff, and Konerko?

Eric Karabell

  (11:31 AM)

Man, Gordon has been disappointing. All these guys have, but especially him. I see an opportunity for Zimmerman to be first here, then Kouz, Konerko and finally the average Gordon.

Jonathan (Bloomington, IN)

As a Cards fan, I finally decided to drop Izzy thinking that the Cards will have to make a trade to help the pitiful bullpen if we have a shot against the Cubs/Brewers. With only one roster spot and a need for speculative saves, who does EK pick up off of waivers: Casilla, Grabow, or Jim Johnson? Loyal reader for many years now, appreciate your work and the baseball titles & riches your insights have brought me.

Eric Karabell

  (11:33 AM)

Thank you very much, I do appreciate it. I seem to be alone on this, but I would say Grabow. I am hearing that everyone wants Marte, and his trade is imminent. I have not heard that with Sherrill, though he could be moved. As for Street, if he gets moved I wonder if Ziegler is ahead of Casilla now, and both behind Alan Embree until he's dealt.

To'rain ( Worcester, Ma)

Adam Lind, should he be on a 12 team keeper roster ? Does he keep up this pace?

Eric Karabell

  (11:34 AM)

Lind was supposed to be this good, it just took him a bit longer to get there. He should be hitting for average and be on pace for 5 homers a month. He has that ability. I am not surprised, except that Toronto refuses to bat him higher in the order.

Ron (NYC)

EK... Thoughts on David Purcey.. the recent call-up for the Blue Jays? He has good Triple-A numbers.

Eric Karabell

  (11:35 AM)

A bit better version of Josh Banks , how about that for confidence? Hittable guy, but Jesse Litsch was, too, so why not look at Purcey. Fantasy owners should be wary.

carlos (bx, ny)

better keeper for 2009 and next three years; b. roberts or h. kendrick?

Eric Karabell

  (11:37 AM)

They are different players. Roberts will still be running, and he has enough average and power to matter, but Kendrick will eventually be a batting champ. Probably not 2009, but Kendrick hitting loads of doubles is a very good sign. Better keeper is Roberts, but Kendrick is gaining...

Brian (Chicago)

Are you worried about Hudson's early departure last night? It was great that the Marlins' telecast was talking about how durable he has been two innings before he has to leave after less than 70 pitches.

Eric Karabell

  (11:38 AM)

What I am hearing is that both Hudson and Chipper leaving is no big deal, and they will be fine.

Brent (Tallahassee)

What about Jorge's question about whether to start Meche today vs. the Rays?

Eric Karabell

  (11:39 AM)

Meche does not have strong numbers against the Rays, but then again Garza has sputtered on the road. Seems like a 6-5 type game to me. Meche can get a win, but don't expect 6 shutout innings either.

Mike (boston)

Prediction - who's in their respected rotation first -CYoung or Liriano?

Eric Karabell

  (11:39 AM)

I bet Liriano is up this weekend. Young of the Padres is not.

The Stu (Philly)

My main man Eric, is it possible I get anything from Blalock, V-Mart, or Pronk the rest of the year or does The Stu need to stop thinking like it's 2004?

Eric Karabell

  (11:40 AM)

The Stu! It's been a long time, pal! I think Blalock will help you out, but the Indians need to be forgotten. Lost season. I do think, eventually, we will see the No. 1 catcher in fantasy from March hit a home run, but not enough to matter.

John S (Baldwin, NY)

what are your thoughts on denard span? I recently added him after trading carl crawford for cliff lee. I think he can provide similar numbers to crawford except for Hr's and to a lesser extent rbi's

Eric Karabell

  (11:43 AM)

I can't believe you just wrote that, and I just posted it. Crawford is a mild disappointment, but Denard Span? Really? I have no issue with Lee for Crawford if you need pitching. Span has no power, mild speed. Cuddyer takes his job when healthy.

Willis (Reiding, VT)

Casey Blake or Melvin Mora

Eric Karabell

  (11:43 AM)

I'm hearing Casey Blake will be protecting Delgado in the Mets order and playing left field next week. For that reason, gotta take him.

Marc (Toronto, Canada)

EK, what are your thoughts on Harang? Do you think he returns to form?

Eric Karabell

  (11:44 AM)

Which form? The one with the 1.40 WHIP, or the good one? I actually think this rest will really help him, and he has the walk-K rate, so I would keep Harang around, he will help you.

Jeff (Ottawa)

Hey EK, Better year from here on out Jorge Cantu or Troy Glaus(he cant stay this hot, can he?)

Eric Karabell

  (11:45 AM)

It's natural to go with Glaus over Cantu, but there's nothing fluky about what Cantu is doing. Both will have nice seasons.

Todd (Fargo)

Expectations on Carmona when he returns?

Eric Karabell

  (11:46 AM)

Impossible to know. I wouldn't use him the first start or two, but I do think he will stop walking people, assuming he is healthy.

Andy (St. Louis)

Another keeper question: better keeper for next year, Sheets or Gallardo? Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (11:47 AM)

Sheets. Gallardo and his wrecked knee should recover fine, but missing most of a year takes getting used to for many pitchers. Plus, Sheets will probably be a Yankee by 2009.

Joey (Hudson, WI)

Why you hating on Span, Erik? He's hitting over .300 and has now taken over at the leadoff spot

Eric Karabell

  (11:48 AM)

I doubt he keeps it though. Span hasn't knocked in a run nor stolen a base in 10 games. He's a fourth outfielder type, a Jason Tyner. Could easily be back in the minors in a few weeks. Use players like this when they are hot, sure, but chances are good they won't stay hot.

Jennifer (S.F.)

Who do you want in your lineup the rest of the way - Jeff Baker or Billy Butler?

Eric Karabell

  (11:49 AM)

I really think both these guys will play well the rest of the way. Baker gets the nod for the 2B elig, the fact he's hitting .522 since the break and he can run. He's really playing well. Butler will hit home runs, but Baker can do more.

Bob (GA)

Eric - you have been touting Velez what kind of #'s do you see?

Eric Karabell

  (11:51 AM)

I think he is a cheap source of speed out of your middle infield. He still has way too many bad at-bats, and he might not hit as high as .250, but he's an exciting player with gap power, and can run whenever on base. But he is still really raw.

Bryan (NY)

Who do you like Konerko or Francour for the rest of the year?

Eric Karabell

  (11:51 AM)

Konerko. We have seen nothing from Francouer since the demotion to think he's going to turn things around.

Craig (York, PA)

Let's say you're in a league with Eric Karabell and you have JJ Putz coming back but you don't have an obvious candidate to drop to make room. Who do you drop? The usually predictable Tim Wakefield who has been pitching way over his head for the last month-and-a-half? Or the under-the-radar Gil Meche who has been decent-to-good since his rocky start to the season? Remember, it's very important to beat Eric Karabell when you can because that doesn't happen very often.

Eric Karabell

  (11:54 AM)

I fear this is a true e-mail from one of my leagues. How are ya enjoying Wakefield buddy? I never should have dropped him. Ugh. I think, personally, that you should keep them both and trade me Kazmir for Jeff Keppinger. Fair deal, no? OK, time to be objective and help someone IN MY LEAGUE! I'd cut Meche. Putz will probably be closing by next week. Man, you're getting all the breaks!

Jeff (NY)

Eric-your answer regarding Scherzer is contrary to your "Relief Efforts" column yesterday where you said that Scherzer was being groomed to take the rotation spot of Owings/Petit. What caused this change in your thinking in the past 24 hours? Is Scherzer still hurt? Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (11:56 AM)

You are absolutely correct, and I appreciate you pointing it out. Things did change. The Diamondbacks aren't starting him, which I thought was a temporary blip, not a permanent thing. They'd have to stretch his arm out to let him throw 70 pitches an outing, and that can't happen for a few weeks. I'm starting to think Petit makes one more start, but the Diamondbacks trade for another starter, like Paul Byrd.

bob,detroit

Help E.K. Big trade offer Im first in a head to head league 10 teams and I have been offered CC.Sabathia for Hamilton pull the trigger on this?,...

Eric Karabell

  (11:57 AM)

I've been saying this for two weeks, and people aren't looking at me like I have two heads anymore: Sabathia will win the NL Cy Young award. Look up Rick Sutcliffe from 1984 with the Cubs. Sabathia is 4-0, and it won't stop. He's the terminator. He's going to be awesome, and he won't let his bullpen blow leads for him, ala that Johan guy. So pay what it takes for the guy who could be fantasy's top player the final 3 months, CC.

John (WI)

Trade Question: Josh Hamilton for Zambrano and Ervin Santana; good value for Hamilton if I need a pitching boost.

Eric Karabell

  (11:59 AM)

Yes, it is good value. Seeing a lot of Hamilton trade questions today. People shouldn't panic, he's going to knock in 150 runs and hit .300. No big dropoff ahead, he's becoming a great player. But everyone is tradable in fantasy, because the goal is to win.

Eric Karabell

  (11:59 AM)

And with that, our time is unfortunately up. Coming up later today the underrated Keith Lipscomb will be chatting, so be nice to him. I am outta here. Thanks for the questions, best of luck in your leagues.