Keith Lipscomb

  (3:00 PM)

Good afternoon, loyal chatters! I hope y'all can pick me up on this rainy Thursday in Bristol.

mike (redondo beach , CA)

True or False.. CC will be the #1 pitcher post all-star break?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:02 PM)

I think he's probably one of the top 5 pitchers in ball right now, so being No. 1 in the second half would be no surprise. I expect Johan Santana to have something to say about that.

Chris (NJ)

Am I crazy to want to trade Ichiro for bullpen help? I'm in a shallow league and could mostly replace his AVG while doing better in all power categories. What sort of closer should I target? Wagner? Rivera? Soria? Thanks.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:05 PM)

Ichiro hasn't been running for over a month now and history says he won't go on a tear at any point the rest of the way, either. If you think you can replace the BA, then go for it. It's hard to pick who to target, because saves are so fickle, but see if you can find someone who needs/wants Ichiro, and you'll likely find a save man on their team you'll like.

Alec (Boston)

Hey Keith- Great stuff my man. I was just wondering what your thoughts were on Renteria/Konerko for the rest of the year. Do you think they will break these slumps or is it time to start Stephen Drew/ Tulo and Laroche over them. Thanks!

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:06 PM)

Alec, I'm assuming this is a daily league, so playing someone like LaRoche who always tears it up this time of year is a must, until he proves otherwise. And you've got such solid depth at short, you can just stick with the hottest hitter, it would seem. Tulowitzki has looked good since returning, which I'm sure you're excited about.

Zach(ohio)

Keith, has Alex Rios's impressive SB's made up for his lack of power this year or is he still a huge bust in fantasy ?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:09 PM)

I don't think he's a huge bust, but his lack of homers has been disappointing. No question the steals make up for some of it, but the level of disappointment from owner to owner would likely depend on which categories you were banking on him for the most. If you already had strong numbers elsewhere in HRs and RBIs, you're probably still happy with what he's given you, for example.

Jim (erie,pa)

Any news on Jimmy Rollins leaving the game this afternoon?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:10 PM)

He actually was a late scratch from the lineup, but the team hasn't disclosed why just yet. He pinch-hit in the 9th, though, so it doesn't appear to be a huge deal.

Lee ny

Sup Keith, in a keeper league, would you drop Francoeur for Lind?...would you drop helton for Votto?...drop rauch for Corpas?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:14 PM)

As much as I've been waiting for Lind to show up from a fantasy perspective, I can't let a few weeks of solid play like him more than Francoeur in a keeper format just yet. But I would rather have Votto than Helton, and I can see why you'd want Corpas over Rauch, although playing the saves guessing game is never very easy. If Rauch eventually takes over for Lyon as Arizona's closer, that question can be answered differently.

Bill (Florida)

Keith, do you think that I should drop C.J. Wilson or Francisco Cordero for Salomon Torres?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:16 PM)

I still think it's possible the Brewers will look to acquire a closer as the deadline approaches, so I would wait before making such a move. Wilson would be the guy you'd drop if you did so, but I'd hang tight until we know that the Crew is going with Torres the rest of the way for sure. Cordero has the longest leash of the three for sure, so I'd hang with him.

Tom (DC)

Should I drop Jesus Flores for Gerald Laird?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:18 PM)

I wouldn't. Laird doesn't play everyday as it is and Flores has been driving in runs and still hitting for a solid average. I see no need to make any change at this point.

jared (westerville,oh)

how long adam dunn keeps this up?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:20 PM)

It's just a hot streak, Jared. He always hits bombs, but rarely will these stretches with a high average last for more than 10 days, ya know? You know what you're getting with Dunn: low BA, high HR. Don't expect him to hit any higher than .250 this season, even if he continues to hit well the rest of the way. He's at .237 right now, so I'm not banking on that.

John, Columbia

Dive right in with Carmona on Saturday or hold off?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:22 PM)

Depends how badly you need pitching help. If you're hopeful for a win, he could at least pitch deep enough to qualify for a win, but it'll likely take a few outings before he's back to the Carmona you've come to know. I don't think he'll get battered around, if that's what you're asking, though, John.

John, ny

Drop Harang or Broxton for Liriano?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:23 PM)

Harang for sure. Still no sure comeback date for him, and Liriano HAS to come up soon, doesn't he?

Cody Philly

Keith, I really enjoy your chats, is Chris Paul the number one pick this year? Thanks

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:25 PM)

You could definitely argue that, Cody, with the season he just had. I still like LeBron and Kobe better, personally, but with the numbers Paul put up, especially his crazy steal and assist numbers, he's definitely in the conversation.

Fred (East Lansing)

Keith, Do you seeing Fuentes being traded as a foregone conclusion? If he gets dealt to FLA, can you see him taking over as closer?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:26 PM)

As we get closer to the deadline, I'm actually LESS sure that Fuentes gets dealt. But if he does go to Florida, as you asked, I still think they stick with Gregg, and just add Fuentes to the late-inning mix.

Steve (Ann Arbor)

Keith, real quick: Chris B. Young or Pence for the rest of this season?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:27 PM)

I gotta go with Pence, Steve, as disappointed as many are in both players. Young hasn't shown much progress, and isn't running, either, which is what surprises me most. Pence shouldn't put a hurt on your BA like Young can, so I side with him.

Sean (LA)

Keith, with Chipper likely headed to the DL, I'm needing help to fill my corner IF slot. Is Baker gonna help?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:32 PM)

Well, unfortunately, when injuries happen at this time of year, you're left with few options. At least the red-hot Baker is available. But beware of his home/road splits. He's been great at home and nothing close to that on the road. If you're in a daily league and can spot start, he's more valuable in those formats.

john (philly)

KEITH!!!!!!!!!!!!Last week you gave me the green light to trade away ellsbury for conor jackson--THANK YOU! Now, my question: what role will Micah Owings have down the stretch?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:33 PM)

That still remains to be seen, John. I really don't like what I've seen out of him at all, and can't see recommending him the rest of the way at this point, regardless. It's actually possible the D'backs could bring Scherzer back to fill that final rotation spot, if they're unhappy with Petit and/or Owings.

Steve (Austin, TX)

Keith, is David Price still worth a roster spot? Seems as though less and less is being made of a potential call-up. Thanks

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:37 PM)

Well, the longer the Rays still in the pennant race, the less likely the team is to want to promote him, most likely. If you're speaking of a one-year league, and you badly need the roster spot to help you improve, it's hard to argue with dropping him. I don't think he'll be up before September, unless the rotation gets hit with injuries. But if you're talking keeper format, you've got no choice but to hang with him. You'll be rewarded in due time.

Dave (Los Angeles)

Keith, is this a good trade if i trade Votto and CJ Wilson for George Sherrill?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:38 PM)

I don't see how that benefits you, Dave. It's possible Sherrill could be a trade target in the next week, as well, which would make it an even worse deal, since he'd likely be setup guy if he's traded to a contender.

Tony (Tulsa, OK)

Keith, can you give me a pure power recommendation for the second half that'll jumpstart my HR category and is either a) waiver wire possible or b) slumping and may be acquireable from another owner? Thanks boss!

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:42 PM)

I'll give you someone you should be able to get cheap, since he's played so poorly this season: Paul Konerko. He's not showing any signs of coming around, but if you don't have to give up much to get him, it could be quite a payoff. He's been known during his career as a strong post-All-Star contributor and at least has some history to go on, in terms of acquiring him. I'm not sure how deep your league is, but he's at least capable of a nice power boost and won't cost much at all.

James (Austin)

I'm in 6th place with a decent shot at 2nd or 3rd, if I acquire pitching. I've tried to trade Utley and Papi to teams that are also in the mix, but with no luck. Is it scummy to seek trades from teams in the bottom three, if they have no chance at placing? It is a non keeper league.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:43 PM)

First scummy reference I've heard in a couple decades! Love it. It's never out of question to inquire with any team, because if you don't, someone else will. And most leagues have checks and balances in place to avoid one-sided trades anyway. Good luck finding a partner!

K-Dog

What are your thoughts on Pelfrey? Good enough to start week in and week out or just waiver wire fodder? Thanks

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:44 PM)

I think you have to throw him out there every time right now, until he comes back to earth. It could happen any time, but he's pitched very well of late, and against some good pitchers this season as well, so it's good to see him fulfilling some of that potential.

Tim (MD)

Would you drop Marcum or Buchholz for Liriano. I feel like people are expecting his minor league numbers.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:47 PM)

You're probably right, Tim, that others see those gaudy stats of late and think Liriano won't allow more than a run in any start. But we know better than that, right? I definitely like him better than Buchholz, because he just hasn't been able to show consistent command as a starter overall. With the exception of a couple amazing starts in his young career, he hasn't been able to last very long in most starts. Marcum, I'd still like to see pitch a couple more times to see if his arm bounces back.

Steve (NY)

Edwin Encarncion is on a tear! Time to sell High or what? thanks

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:49 PM)

I'm not sure you'll be able to get a great deal for him and since many have been waiting for him to break out the past few years, maybe this is the beginning and you can just enjoy the returns. He's not driving in runs, because he's been poor with RISP, but I've been encouraged by a better walk rate this season.

Watson (Chattanooga, TN)

What are you thoughts on Tristan's article yesterday about omitting the category wins and replacing it with "winnable starts?"

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:51 PM)

Since it's always the category I finish worst in year and year out, sign me up. That was a great piece, wasn't it? If nothing else, it makes all the owners of those unlucky pitchers feel better and give them a reason to use the word snakebitten with the other owners in their league.

Steve (Boston)

I never hear about BJ Upton in these chats...What are your thoughts on him? Will the power come around soon?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:55 PM)

I was just talking about him in the office yesterday, and it's my observation that he seems to be taking a step backwards in order to take two steps forward in 2009, in terms of power. What I mean by that is, I've been very happy with his willingness to walk more and he doesn't strike out nearly as much, either. Both great signs for his future, in terms of getting pitches to drive. I'm not sure he'll suddenly go off in homers this season, but I think the steps he's taken in his approach this year will help him for the rest of his career. I know he owners this season probably don't want to hear that, though. Those are my observations, but I'm sure others may see it very differently.

Rod(Reading Pa)

Rollins was benched for being late to the ballpark. Too much time spent staring at his MVP trophy, I guess.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:55 PM)

Thank you, Rod! Always good to get answers within the hour we've got together.

Adam (NY)

Can I trust Ollie week in and week out again?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:59 PM)

I'm not sure you can ever fully trust him, because of his propensity for walks, but he should be owned in more ESPN leagues than he was last I checked last week, which was about 50%. He'll be hot-and-cold, but with a good offense behind him and his strikeout ability, he's still a decent guy to have toward the back end of your rotation.

Jay (LA)

BREAKING NEWS ON ESPN!!!!!!!! Hank said his "think tank" will at least discuss Barry...worth your last bench spot as speculation?

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:01 PM)

If you've got a dead spot on your bench, why not, right? I have a hard time seeing him signing anywhere, since I feel that he'd have already done so if he was going to. But like I said, if you've got a dead spot, it couldn't hurt until you hear more definitive news on that front.

Hector (Chicago, IL)

Lips, can you rank these setup men from most likely to least likely to see significant saves this season: Jim Johnson, John Grabow, Joey Devine, Manny Corpas?

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:03 PM)

Some serious speculation here, huh? Of those you mention, I'd say Corpas is most likely, but I'd follow with Johnson and Grabow. Devine's gotta get healthy first, then work his way back into the mix, so he's last on the list at this point in time.

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:04 PM)

That's all the time I've got today, unfortunately. Thanks once again for the questions. See you all next week!