Buzzmaster

  (2:51 PM)

Brendan will be by at the top of the hour to take your questions!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:01 PM)

What's up, everyone? Thanks for stopping by. Let's get this shootin' match started.

Scott, Groton CT

Big shot B-Rob! Edinson Volquez: time to trade him for whatever we can get? I just proposed he and Cantu for Carlos Pena and Lester.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:02 PM)

I might be the only guy (at ESPN) still backing Volquez as an elite starter. I say you hang on to him. As a guy who doesn't expect much from C.Pena, I wouldn't do that deal. I think you can do better. Surely someone is still enamored with Volquez, using his numbers as a base.

Parker (Jacksonville, FL)

Hey thanks for taking my questions (and if you dont, well thanks for NOTHING!) So this will be my first year of what will be a 16 team keeper league in football. Any great basic advise before I get too far into formulating my strategy? What really changes a draft strategy in a deeper league? Thanks!!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:05 PM)

Well, here goes nothing! (Ha, ha.) Ya know, I don't think much changes with the deeper leagues, except maybe even more emphasis on RBs early. They'll thin out even more, whereas there still is some depth at QB and WR. I'd think, long and hard about taking a QB and WR in the first two rounds, unless someone like Brady or Moss fall further than they should. Also, I'd try to get a top-seven tight end ... they drop steadily after that, and you don't want the No. 15 TE.

Shannon (Knoxville)

Are you worried about Utley?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:07 PM)

Nah. The Phillies say his hip is sore, but he doesn't. I don't think it's serious because if it was, a) The Phils wouldn't be trotting him out there; and b) He'd be limping or running differently. No sign of that. Utley is still money.

Joe (Philly)

Marvin Harrison... mini sleeper, or potential bust?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:08 PM)

I think mini-sleeper considering how well he can produce when healthy and how little people regard him now. I've been getting him in the middle rounds of mock drafts.

Lee (NY)

Hey Brendan, do you think Kinsler will keep pace and play like this next year?...in my 12 team keeper, i just trade Miguel Cabrera, Cano, Dempster, and Scherzer for Pujols and Kinsler...

Brendan Roberts

  (3:10 PM)

I think that was a nice trade. Quite a blockbuster. Kinsler will play this way for years to come. I think he's one of those gritty players, kinda like a Brian Roberts type, who could suffer an injury (elbow on a slide, shoulder on a dive) down the road, but you/I can't prepare for that. But when he's healthy, he'll remain solid and productive. And looking at his body type, I think he'll continue to steal a lot of bases for years to come (some guys bulk up and stop stealing).

Conor Jackson

Is there a hotter player on the planet right now?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:11 PM)

I don't think so, unless you maybe include Ryan Braun. C-Jax has shown a hint of consistency (read: streakiness), though, so don't discount a slump to follow.

Mike (Los Angeles)

Brendan, got Roy Oswalt coming back tonight... Who to drop for him in a deep dynasty/keeper league: Gallagher, Wellemeyer, or Sonnanstine?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:12 PM)

Oddly enough, Mike, I had the same scenario in one of my leagues, and the pitcher I dropped was Sonnanstine. He burned me yesterday versus the Royals. Grr. If he struck out more guys, he'd be keepable, but he really doesn't. I'd drop him.

Kevin (VA)

John Danks, does he perform well in the second half?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:14 PM)

I think he keeps up what he's done so far. He's not really a "fatigue" pitcher, in that he's not really maximum-effort like a Burnett. So I don't see him wearing down. Plus, he's a smart kid, and I'm told he really studies hard and is learning quickly. That's good to hear.

Fred (East Lansing)

Brendan, Is Lance "Big Puma" just in a summer daze, or is already on the post season golf course?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:15 PM)

Just a summer daze. His first few months were a little better than normal, and now he's doing a little worse ...but normal to him is pretty darned good .320-35-115. He'll settle right in as long as he stays healthy (he is now).

Wisebeard

Good bye Todd Jones.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:18 PM)

Yup, he was pulled from the closer job today. But ya know what, I think, unless he's released or something, he might be back in the role at some point. As in, I don't think Rodney will lock down the job. Rodney is just the opposite as Jones as a high-K, high-walk pitcher. Those walks I think will irk Leyland even more than Jones' propensity for giving up hits/homers. We haven't seen the last of Todd Jones.

Sean (ATL)

Afternoon Brendan. I've been offered A-Rod and Billingsly for Beckett, Papelbon, and A-Ram. What do you think?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:18 PM)

No way I take that. A-Rod is nice, but you can do way better. At least get a third guy into the deal (coming your way).

Dan (MI)

Any word on Harang? Think he's in for a big finish?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:19 PM)

I wouldn't say big finish, but I think he'll return soon and post a handful of good starts and wins. I wouldn't be shocked, though, to see the Reds curtail his innings, though. A trainer once told me forearm injuries often are caused by simple overuse.

Pierre (Montreal)

Good day...time to give up on Jeff "Frenchy" Franceour? Replace him with the red hot Jeff Baker? Matt Joyce?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:21 PM)

It's tempting to cut him, but look at his game log ... he has been warming up slightly. I'd hang on to him over those guys, who still aren't guaranteed of everyday playing time long-term.

Steve (NY)

Is Jair Jurrgens going to break down in the 2nd half?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:23 PM)

I don't know about breaking down, but I think the Braves will try to avoid that by cutting him back. He's a big guy who is definitely into uncharted territory in terms of innings here, and if the Braves fall completely out of the race (with Chipper out, they may), I could see them outright shutting him down in September. Mind you those are my thoughts, nothing official.

Joe (MA)

Greinke @ OAK, Guthrie @ NYY, Slowey V. CHW - which do you start?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:23 PM)

Greinke for sure. I have Guthrie in a number of leagues, even deep ones, and am deathly afraid of his start tonight.

KillJoy, The Hamptons

I have been offered Johan Santana for Ichiro. I have Linceum, Volquez, C. Buchholz, Jurrjens, Pelfrey and Baker as my SP?s. If I give up Ichiro it leaves me with Hamilton, Ankiel and Doumit (Mauer is my catcher) as my 3 OF?s. DeJesus, Lind and Hermida are on the WW too. Would you say I am ok with the pitchers I have or should I grab Johan and run? And should I pick up one of the WW guys to add to my OF? Normal H2H/5x5 non keeper league.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:25 PM)

I say you grab Johan and run. When it comes to trading, my philosphy has always been to "win" the deal outright unless you can reason taking a slight hit (based on categories/positions). Here you don't have to worry about that since I think you won it outright.

Jimmy (Help, Draft is tomorrow)

Brendan, PPR league. Scoring goes. TD=6 pts (no matter what position), Rec=.5 per rec, rush yds =.125 pts per yard. I have the #2 pick in the draft. Assuming LDT goes #1, who would you take #2?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:26 PM)

I'd be tempted to take A-Pete (my typical No. 2), but In a PPR league I'd probably have to go for Westbrook. Those catches make the difference.

John (Philly)

Is Danny Haren going to have his annual 2nd half slump or is the fact he's playing w/a better team benefit him?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:28 PM)

I heard Haren talk about those past slumps in the off-season, and he said he worked out differently to avoid them this year. I didn't believe him then -- you hear statements like that all the time -- but I'm starting to believe it now. He can't keep up that sub-1.00 WHIP, but I think he remains strong. It also helps having Brandon Webb and Big Unit, meaning he's not having to carry the pitching staff.

John (Seattle)

My season is on the line, please save it! Broxton or Glendon Rusch(two start pitcher @PIT,@FLA with RP elig) for this week? Also pick two from Cojack, Longoria and Soriano???

Brendan Roberts

  (3:30 PM)

Da da da da daaa, help his here! Kidding. I don't usually see Rusch and saving in the same graf -- I choose Broxton, and I'd go with C-Jax and Sori for the other spot. Don't like Longoria's pitching matchups.

Trade Rumors (the planet earth)

Is there any reason to think Teix WON'T be traded?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:31 PM)

I think it's more than likely he won't be traded. Like 60 percent. Sounds like Atlanta is asking for an awful lot, and they should. Still can't my finger on what team could buck up to get him.

Matt (Title Town)

Does Gio Gonzalez get the call up this week and if so, is he going to be worthy of a pickup in mixed 12 team league? Thanks!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:32 PM)

If not this week, he'll be called up soon. I think it will be late this week, though. That said, I still am on the fence about him long-term and even moreso short-term. I wouldn't jump at him right away.

Pete

Any new on weaver? Do you think he is a safe play this week? Thanks

Brendan Roberts

  (3:33 PM)

Sounds like he is fine. He checked out OK over the weekend, and we haven't heard anything differently. That said, the shoulder pain gives you another reason to sit him this week. The two bigger reasons are @BOS and @NYY. I'm sitting him.

Edinson Volquez (Cin.)

Glad somebody still thinks I'm elite! trade me for Alex Rios?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:34 PM)

Hmm, now THAT I could buy into. It's close, but I think Rios has a fine last two months to finish with fine numbers. If you have pitching and need offense (esp. steals), I say go for that. I traded Harden for Rios recently.

Blake (Hope Mills NC)

Hey Brenden im running out of time before playoffs start, who is a hot catcher to pick up for an injured McCann? could Kurt Suzuki work?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:36 PM)

Ah, glad you came in with a specific option, Blake. I really didn't know who might be available to you. Ya know, as long as tranny fees aren't exorbitant there, I'd probably play the hot hand and/or matchups to fill in for McCann. That said, it sounds like McCann could be good to go for you for next week's lineup.

Markeith Bazemore (Greenville, NC)

Will USC RB Joe Mcknight have a breakout year?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:37 PM)

Good year, maybe not breakout. He'll share touches, which is typical of USC.

Ryan, Wisconsin

Johnny Cueto or John Maine this week, both are scheduled for 2 road starts

Brendan Roberts

  (3:38 PM)

The way the Mets are playing, and just cause I like him more (at least this season), I'd say Maine.

Joe (MA)

Am I in for a shellacking tonight?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:39 PM)

I'm not sure who you're talking about, Joe, unless you're planning on doing some varnishing.

Rick(CA)

Hey Brenden: Safe to drop Isringhausen in an NL only league? Need saves(no one else is available), but if there is no hope in him getting some I might as well get a hitter.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:41 PM)

If there's a useable hitter available, go for him. I don't see Izzy getting a chance anytime soon, and if he does, there's no indication he'll do anything with it. I can tell you by seeing it first-hand, he looks awful. He's having command/control problems because he's so afraid to throw certain pitches for strikes (for fear they'll be hit hard).

Joe

HAHAHAHA I meant to write slowey, now i feel dumb.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:43 PM)

No problem, Joe! How will I think Slowey struggles tonight. In two earlier starts against the Sox this season, he has allowed 11 earned runs in eight innings. Not a good sign.

John, ny

With Posada going down, who's a better replacement between Chris Ianetta or Bengie Molina?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:43 PM)

I love Iannetta, but he's starting to split time evenly at backstop again. I'd say Molina.

paulie Boston

Hey BR! Need to drop Clement as my C for my 2 C league. The dregs on the FA wire include Kendall & Laird. Help?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:45 PM)

Dregs is right, Paulie (and good choice of words). I'd probably say Kendall because at least he's hitting in a hot lineup and getting a lot of guys on base when he comes up. Plus, he plays darned near everyday.

Matt (SF)

I was offered Vlad and zombrano for crawford in 10 team H2H should I accept?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:45 PM)

Absolutely! Wow, somebody still believes in Crawford. I did till about a week ago. 23 steals? What is that!?

Fausto Carmona (Clev)

I thought I was supposed to be the ace now with CC gone?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:47 PM)

Yeah, so did "your" teammates. I think it's obvious now Fausto overachieved last season. Sure, he's made just one start since returning, but he simply allows too many balls to be put into play to keep his ERA/WHIP down. Good sinkerballers like Derek Lowe and Brandon Webb can strike out people.

Ryan (Boston)

Snag Teagarden now in a keeper league?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:48 PM)

Well, depends how many keepers you get, but he's a good grab for sure. He's nearly big-league-ready and has rare hitting skills for a catcher. He's my No. 1 prospect in an AL-only keeper league, and I'm pleased as punch.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:48 PM)

Well, depends how many keepers you get, but he's a good grab for sure. He's nearly big-league-ready and has rare hitting skills for a catcher. He's my No. 1 prospect in an AL-only keeper league, and I'm pleased as punch.

Donald (tulsa, ok)

What's the deal w/ Liriano? The twins waited and waited and now he finally has a sub-par start on sunday. is this going to affect him getting called up this week, if he even is?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:49 PM)

I'm still hearing anything definitive that he'll be called up this week. I think as long as the Twins are still in the race, they might leave him down. I wouldn't count on him helping you soon.

Mark (Seattle)

Hey Brendan, you're the man. Who should I start this week Jason Bay or Vlad Guerrero? Bay's been hot, but Vlad plays seven games. What do you think?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:50 PM)

Don't know about THE man, but I am A man ... Have to choose between those two? Either you're loaded or it's a shallow league. I'd probably say Bay.

Ryan, Sconie

Boo on the Liriano outlook! What about David Price?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:51 PM)

I could see Price up in the next two weeks (ie. before September roster expansion). It might be for only one start during a busy stint, but I think the Rays want to give him cup of coffee. I can hardly wait. I think he's the real deal from the get-go.

Joe (Baltimore)

Should I trade Quentin and J. Johnson for J.Upton and Oswalt in a deep Dynasty league?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:52 PM)

Yeah, I'd do that. We've set to see what Upton could do in his prime.

Mike (Nashville)

Somebody in my league dropped Carlos Gomez after that nasty collision this weekend? Is he a good speculative pick up for steals or do you think his slump continues for the rest of the year?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:54 PM)

I think he's a good pickup. I checked out his game logs recently (for a Hit Parade), and he does seem to be a little steals-streaky. I think he picks it up when he returns (tomorrow or Wednesday) and helps you.

Bevis

Tranny fees, heh, heh, heh

Brendan Roberts

  (3:54 PM)

Yeah, my car had tranny fees about six months ago. It stunk.

John (Boston)

Are the Twins insane? How does keeping Liriano down as long as their winning make any sense? Most teams still in the hunt would be dying to add a pitcher of his caliber to their rotation, and would make room for him. What do you think they Yankees would give to have him in their rotation.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:56 PM)

The Yanks would love it, as would a lot of other teams. I think the Twins just feel he's in line for a few "nervous" outings until he settles in. Ron Gardenhire hates walks, and he probably has made it known he'd rather have the guys he currently has in any given start than Liriano. Honestly, I can't say I blame him. You can't be sure you're getting the real deal right away. That said, they will see what he has before September, though.

Ron (NYC)

Tim Hudson... is he pitching this week? Any news?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:58 PM)

He's still in line to start, Ron. The Braves lightened his bullpen sessions, and he's been told to cut down on his splitter a little, which they/he believe might have caused that forearm pain. I think he's safe to start.

Dave(Frisco)

Yo Brenden, I have a 2b question: Jeff Baker or Alexi Ramirez for the remainder of the season? It's really my only weak position and I need some production out of it. Or, would you go another route like Kent, Harris, Casilla? I've had Alexi on my team for awhile bit it getting hard to ignore Baker's streak. What do you think? By the way, it's already 100 here in North Texas. It got to 104 yesterday. I can't imagine playing on a baseball field in this heat. Instant sauna. I'm just saying. Sorry, got off subject there. Baker or Ramirez? Thanks.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:58 PM)

Definitely Ramirez. He's assured of an everyday role, and I think he helps more all-around.

McAwesome

Who is the better closer from here on out: Soria or Percival?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:59 PM)

Soria, definitely. Maybe it's because he pitches for the Royals, but he hasn't gotten the respect as an upper-tier closer option that he deserves.

Joe (MN)

Real deal???.... Liriano in dominating Triple-A and not walking anybody. That is not an excuse. It is all about money and the Twins not having the courage to demote anyone.

Brendan Roberts

  (4:00 PM)

That absolutely is part of it, too. But what I'm saying is the last time Gardenhire saw him pitch live (unless he took in a Triple-A start) was in April, and that's what is on his mind. It ain't fair, but I think Gardenhire playing a role in this.

Rob (Boston, MA)

Grabow came in for the 8th last night and stunk up the joint. Does this mean Yates will be closer? NL-only league in need of saves...

Brendan Roberts

  (4:02 PM)

I still think Grabow is your safest bet. That said, neither of them are safe. I think Russell will play matchups with the lefty/righty combo, with Grabow getting a majority of them. Yates simply walks too many guys. So neither of them are good bets, but Grabow would be the guy to get in NL-only leagues.

Steve (CA)

If Manny ends up in trade talks what teams go after him and his two 20 million dollar options?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:04 PM)

Ends up? Sounds like he's already in 'em, and it sounds like several teams are interested. Our rumors page (http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/features/rumors) for Insiders mentions the Dodgers, D-backs, Mets and Phillies. Either way, I think he's going to have a good last couple months. He's certainly motivated to.

Brendan Roberts

  (4:05 PM)

OK, guys, gotta run. Enjoy another busy week of baseball, and be sure to assess your teams for trade possibilities. You're running out of time!

Brendan Roberts

  (4:05 PM)

Be well, and thanks again for stopping by.