Brendan Roberts

  (3:00 PM)

Hi, everyone! Let's get started.

Mitch( NY)

Morrow is one of my closer, Should I be worried? HOw much longer will he be usefull?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:01 PM)

That's a good question. It was supposed to have happened by now but Putz hasn't shown he deserves it yet (nor does Morrow show he doesn't). I think Morrow keeps it for another week, loses it back to Putz and then gets spot saves remainder of the season. In other words, he's still valuable in a deep league, but prepare to replace him in shallow one.

Joe (NY)

Please help. Is Cano safe to start this week or should I play it safe with the O-Dog? Thanks!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:03 PM)

Safe to start him. It's looking like he'll return to the lineup today or tomorrow, and you can't miss that four-gamer at Texas.

Ron (MD)

Drop Derosa for Jerry Hairston?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:03 PM)

Nah, I wouldn't. DeRosa has been solid all-around and is playing in a better lineup, meaning he'll get a lot of runs/RBI chances.

suzanne

I give Ortiz/Sonanstine for Billingsley/Billy Butler, in a league where I?m in first and leading HR/RBI enough that everyone knows Ortiz isn?t doing anything for me. Make the move?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:05 PM)

Hmm, close, but considering your circumstance (and cause I don't like Sonnanstine), I'd probably do that. I just traded Ortiz in a blockbuster in a big-money league, and I have to admit I feel a little "liberated" now that he's out of my DH/UTIL slot.

Tom (Baltimore)

Hey Brob. Our league had 2 simultaneous trades between the same owners today. An 8th place team still in the playoff hunt gave up Peavy for Wakefield and Guthrie. Not sure what the thought was here by 8th place since they had good SP depth to begin with. Then minutes later the 8th place team gave up Pujols for Atkins and Gregg. 8th is in need of saves but for Pujols I would think he could have pulled Rivera or K-Rod away from the guy loaded at RP. Overall it seems very unfair and almost collusive. Am I just jealous or does this smell bad?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:07 PM)

I'm not sure I'd strike those down as blatantly bad deals. At least not enough to veto. Whether you like it or not, that's really all that matters. Like most eighth-place teams, he probably needed more useable good players and had to give up talent to do it. Makes sense. I think you have to let this one go, although I expect more of these questions.

Bill (Nebraska)

Ziegler or Samardijzan to pull down WHIP and ERA the rest of the way?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:08 PM)

Heck, why not Ziggy? He's doing both, and the Cubs rookie (don't feel like looking up spelling for his name) is bound to walk his way to a high WHIP. Plus, Ziggy might get you a few saves in the process.

Tom (Boston)

Is Hairston headed back to the DL for good? My MI spot in my NL-only league needs to know!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:10 PM)

If he's not, he won't be himself anytime soon. I mean, dude was carried off the field with a major hamstring injury and bounces right back? No way. He's hurt, he's just trying to play through it. Simple as that. I wouldn't trust him.

Dan (Jersey City)

Kemp vs. Ichiro for the rest of the year in a 5x5 roto league.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:12 PM)

Ya know? Great question. I never would have thought that question would actually give me pause. I still like Ichiro more because I think he picks up his average, and his steals are truly unique, but Kemp has worked his way close to him. Doesn't help that the team has, like 14 outfielders now, though.

Bryan (Cleveland)

When David Price gets called up, is he gonna be used as a starter or a middle reliever (aka Joba)? Thanks

Brendan Roberts

  (3:14 PM)

I've heard both speculations, but I've heard more of the starter slant. The team can always be careful with his pitch count and protect him that way, but it makes sense to me that if they want him to be a future starter, why not keep him there? This "eighth inning is more valuable than the first six" thing the broadcasters keep saying about Joba is bogus, in my opinion.

Jeff: Canandaiuga, NY

Will Shaun Marcum ever get back around to his early season form? Or should I consider dropping him for Kershaw or Bush?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:14 PM)

I think you have to hold on to him for awhile longer. He still has great season numbers, and he was bound to be rusty. Maybe bench him for this week, but hang on to him.

jim (Dallas)

Aviles is on fire (and available in my league)! Drop Peralta for him?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:16 PM)

Kinda depends on what you need. Peralta won't hit for average, but he's still on pace for 26 homers and 90 RBIs, and that's great for a SS. If he's killing your average and you can replace his power numbers, go for it. But short of that, I'd hang on Jhonny.

Joe (West Hempstead, NY)

Jason Grey has faith in Ricky Nolasco. Do you?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:18 PM)

Not as much as he has. I just don't see the stuff from him that explains the domination. Changing pitches and making adjustments lasts only so long, in my mind.

Bryan (AZ)

Brendan: Any chance we get to see MLB keeper rankings prior to the fantasy trade deadline? Thanks!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:19 PM)

Good news, everyone! ("Futurama" quote.) We'll have a preliminary keeper rankings list FRIDAY. Mark your calendars!

Mark NY

Is Jeter hurt? I never seen him hit so many grounders to short.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:21 PM)

I've wondered the same thing and actually went on a quest to figure out what was wrong with him. Everyone told me he's still hitting the ball, he just isn't centering it. And no injuries. Keep the faith is the only choice you have.

Bob(IN)

What do you think of a commish who won't let me trade because I am in first and too far ahead in a 6x6 roto league?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:22 PM)

I think you need to win the league -- and then get out of it. Unless there's more to the story, hmmmm? Perhaps you're trying to trade with the No. 11 team? Short of that, you have the right to improve, too.

Justin (Metamora, IL)

5x5 stats...Does Laird outperform Flores the rest of the way?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:23 PM)

Neither will carry your team, but I like Flores more, especially now that Estrada and Lo Duca are gone.

Joe (NYC)

Hi Brendan, big fan. I'm getting sick of platooning Votto and Gordon in my CI slot. Especially because I always seem to play the wrong one! Would you drop either one for Josh Fields, Ian Stewart, Edwin Encarnacion, or one of the LaRoches? Thanks.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:25 PM)

Yeah, I can relate. I was just lamenting my lineup decisions regarding Ken Griffey Jr. this season (he's been very inconsistent week to week). Anyway, why not just leave one in and let 'em play? Votto should give you overall good numbers the last two months. That said, once there's a hint he's out of his current slump, I do like Encarn. even more for this season.

Bill (Bronx, NY)

Jeter's swing got messed up earlier in the year when he played through a hand injury (after a couple of days off) rather than go on the DL.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:26 PM)

Thanks for passing along, Bill. Yes, that sounds very believable. Jeter is a very durable player, so playing through injuries is no surprise, and that definitely would affect his hitting. Unfortunately, it's killed his numbers so much that there's no way he matches previous years. But he's still a decent own from here on out.

Bob(Ny)

Carlos Guillen hasn't been playing to good. You see a better August and Sept or should I try and trade him and Bruce for a better 3rd baseman? Ty

Brendan Roberts

  (3:27 PM)

"Carlos Guillen hasn't been playing to good." ... The Tigers haven't been playing too good. Have you seen a more inconsistent group of superstars? Guillen will be fine in the end, though. Hang on to him.

Jeremy (Lancaster)

Better play for this week at DH: Loney or Bruce? Thanks.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:28 PM)

Bruce. Nice homestand there and has more upside.

Mitch (Philly)

What is your opinion on Zack Greinke?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:30 PM)

I'm a little bothered by his recent outings, but his stuff reportedly is still there. Perhaps he's tiring and losing command a bit. Either way, I think he'll be fine and pitch like a solid, oh, No. 3 or 4 mixed-league starter from here on out. He'll probably have a couple more bogeys but toss in a gem or two to offset that.

Al (Wisconsin)

What's the deal with Crawford?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:31 PM)

Actually, he's starting to pick it up a bit. I still have hope for him these last few months, honestly. Not sure he'll pick up the steals, but he should hit for a better average and have a little more pop.

Ben (Fairhope,AL)

Hey Brendan, I need saves. Heilman and Guardado are available. With reports D. Sanchez has a decrease in velocity is Heilman the man in New York or will someone else step up? Also, what's the deal in Texas? Thanks and great job.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:33 PM)

I think Wilson is safe in Texas. I read how Guardado was going to come in, too, but it seemed like a random occurence. Heilman, on the other hand, might be a good pickup right now. I really wish he hadn't gotten bombed last week, but he has as much of a shot at Wagner's closing gig as anyone.

jose ( valencia ,venezuela)

FRANCISCO RODRIGUEZ he got a real shot for break the record for saves in a season, do you think he will deserve the cy young award beacuse of that? and what team can sign him for next season?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:35 PM)

If he were to break the record and do so in dominant fashion (as in with incredible WHIP and ERA), a la The Eck or Mariano, then I could justify it. But a 1.22 WHIP isn't dominant for a closer. What team will sign him? No way we can tell that right now.

scott (nome, alaska)

1-start Sabathia or a 2-start Parra? Thanks.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:36 PM)

I'd start Sabathia against almost anybody right now, regardless of start number. Sure you can't bench someone else for Parra?

Brandon (Nashville)

What do you think Anibal Sanchez can do this season?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:37 PM)

I think he'll eventually struggle. I was fairly impressed to see him throwing 94 mph in his last start -- did he throw that hard before? -- but I think he still lacks the strikeout pitch to post a good WHIP.

Mike (Albany NY)

Brendan: Your take on Jeff Francis. Can he help in any categories??

Brendan Roberts

  (3:38 PM)

I think Francis is definitely a good pickup right now. Of course, I said that a mont-plus ago, and he went down with an arm injury. So there is risk there (at least as much as a FA pickup can have), but I think his splits show how good he can be this time of year.

Erik (ATL)

As a Braves fan, I must say the Teixeira trade broke my heart. I understood why it happened, I just don't like it. Putting those feelings aside, I've proposed two trades to owners that would like to aquire Mark T. Are either fair? And which trade to do you like better for me (keep in mind I have offense to spare and need pitching help only)? Burnett and Broxton for Teixeira or Lincecum and Lyon for Teixeira 5x5 10-team keeper league (no penalty for keepers).

Brendan Roberts

  (3:41 PM)

Yeah, I liked seeing the G-Tech boy playing in Atlanta, too. But he seems like a better fit to his owners (except the NL ones) in Cali. I like your idea of trading him now while he's in the news and getting pitching back, and I definitely like the second offer better. I think Lincecum is in for a future Cy Young Award (and soon).

John (Seattle)

Yo, Bre-Rob. Touch choice this week, Longoria or Conor Jackson this week?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:42 PM)

Conor Jackson. Great home schedule. Then again, I might be drinking the Fantasy Forecaster Kool Aid (tastes like cherry!).

Jamie (Ithaca NY)

Who will swipe more bags for the rest of the season, Taveras or Ellsbury?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:44 PM)

Ellsbury. Isn't Taveras due for another hand injury or something? Seems like that always happens this time of year. Either way, I think Ellsbury plays more and steals more.

PJ (NY)

Hey, Brendan. Are you ready to trust Chris Young in a two start week?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:45 PM)

Not this week. It's a good chance to sit him. Starting at Shea isn't fantastic, and starting at Coors in a day game doesn't sound great either.

Josh (Pontiac, MI)

Hi Brendan... used to read you all the time at TSN, enjoying you at ESPN as well. My pitching staff is decimated. This is a deep (52-man rosters) mixed league. I need help with pitching. Anyone you can think of coming or who might be so far under the radar to slip through a deep mixed? A. Sanchez was already picked up if that means anything. Y. Petit is available, D. Purcey... guys like that. Thanks!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:48 PM)

Good to hear, Josh. ... I like Petit's upside. I'm not sure he has a long leash with ARI, but he'd be a good pickup.

Tim, Iowa

Who has a better fantasy career, Ellsbury or Delmon Young?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:49 PM)

You ready for this? Ellsbury. Because you said fantasy career, I think Jacob's high-average, high-steals game grades out higher in the end.

Mitch (Philly)

I'm confused by the answer you gave me for Zach Greinke. You say you are bothered by his recent outings, except his recent outings (last 2 starts) have been great! What do you really think about Greinke?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:51 PM)

Whoops, my bad. Yup, forgot about those last outings (and remembering his bad stretch there earlier last month). I think he has plenty of great outings with a few bogeys mixed in, meaning he won't quite be what he was in the first half, but still pretty good.

RJ (Oakland, CA)

Buzzer beater--Better catcher for the rest of the year--Doumit or McCann?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:52 PM)

(Sorry guys, my computer has slowed to a crawl here at work while loading these pages.) ... I'd say McCann, even with concussion.

Nick (Sioux Falls)

Seattle times is reporting that when putz is ready to close, which should be soon, morrow will go to aaa to strech out, and then would be back in september as a starter. If that is the case, would you hold onto him and hope his lights out stuff transitions into a starting role?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:54 PM)

Yeah, I've read that, too, and it is somewhat believable, even though I have my doubts as to whether it's the right call right now. I wouldn't hold on to him if that does happen. He's bound to struggle at first, and he'll be playing for a team that is just playing out the string.

Scott (Antigua)

I'm sitting on the beach on vacation reading this chat! Please answer a question!! Is the Jonathan Sanchez train over? Did I miss my chance to sell high?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:57 PM)

Wow, that's awesome! I should either be really honored ... or really ashamed of you (for spending your time that way). Ha, ha. Just kidding. Yup, I think you missed the train.

Shawn (San Antonio, TX)

Easy one... Name game for the rest of this season. Joba or Beckett?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:58 PM)

I'd have to say Joba. Both will get wins, but I think Joba does it with a better ERA and WHIP.

Mike (FL)

In a weekly 5x5 league and need some advice in category management. How much do you pay attention to how many starts the other teams you are competing with have? I am one win and two saves from someone who has 11 starts (with two RP) this week to my 7 starts (with 3 RP). We have 8 pitching slots that can be used for either SP or RP at our discretion. Would you keep your extra reliever in and try to gain ground in saves? Or replace a RP with an extra SP to try to tighten the margin of starts?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:00 PM)

This is excellent perception on your part, Mike. As long as it isn't a major hindrance to your roster, I like your idea of trying to get/keep pace in wins and adding another SP.

Brendan Roberts

  (4:02 PM)

All right, guys. I have to run. Kind of a light one this week, but this computer slowdown has me off my game. But I'll be back again and ready to answer more BB questions next week. See ya then!