Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:02 PM)

What's up kids? As always, All subjects answered. And a quick reminder... Fantasy Football is 100% FREE this year on ESPN, with FREE LIVE SCORING... plus auction draft capabilities, fully customizeable, etc etc... and our draft kit is free.... let's get it on.

Jon (Baltimore, MD)

Chone Figgins seems to be heating up. Do you think he has another post-DL hot streak in him like last year, when he hit around .400 over a two-month stretch? Or should I trade him now while he's hot?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:03 PM)

The entire Angels line-up is going to stay hot.... GA, Hunter's a second half guy, Vlad is coming around... plus they get to beat up on OAK and TEX pitching...

Jay (NYC)

Are you starting Carpenter tonight?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:03 PM)

Yes

Random Dude Andrew

Stop being a crazy chick Matt -- put Zito/Bush on the board, man-up and find a way to beat Nate.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:04 PM)

Has nothing to do with "man-ing up"... I'm gonna beat him regardless. But I am a man of principle. Nate has no principles. And he may or may not be a man.

Mike (boston)

Sup Berry, saw you on the podcast, good job on finally getting a haircut...crazy how a hair cut can change your whole look-a-like from David Letterman back to Mike Bacsik....thoughts on any available closer targets - mike gonzalez isn't exactly racking up the saves for my team...perez in cleveland worth the swap?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:05 PM)

Thanks. It's never easy with what little hair I have. Yeah, I like Perez. Save ops will be a bit dicey, but at least he won't pitch poorly like a Tyler yates. Yeesh. Grabow and Hanrahan are around of course, but Perez has an ERA under 3, a low WHIP and good K numbers...

mike (age 8) new york

would you take bret farve?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:07 PM)

Depends on how deep a draft... Yes, but only as a back-up. He's not a top 10 QB unless he is starting for GB. And right now that's looking highly unlikely. If he plays anywhere else, his stock is down. Whoever his WR are, they will be worse than Driver / Jennings. Plus a new system, etc etc...

Bryan (Tolland, CT)

Hey Matt when are your football rankings coming out? I thought they were coming out today but they still aren't up. I am bored at work and need something to read! I can keep two keepers out of Larry Johnson, Willie Parker, Thomas Jones, Selvin Young, or your boy, Brandon Marshall. Which one? PS. Go Bulldogs!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:08 PM)

They're should be being posted while we are in this chat. I turned in a top 200 this morning.... I'd probably keep FWP and LJ. I'm high on TJ and down on LJ, but it'll be easier to get Thomas back than LJ.

Linda Kozlowski (Hello Cabana Boy)

In NL Only need a bat for the home stretch. Who has the most potential to deliver good numbers: Andy LaRoche, Bonifacio, Tatis, Dukes, Pearce.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:09 PM)

Tatis for avg and power, Bonifacio for runs and SB. Dukes for a little bit of everything,

Frank (Lexington, KY)

Rookie RB name game: McFadden, Stewart, Forte, Smith

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:10 PM)

You have them ranked correctly.

Jay (Lake Havasu, AZ)

Wagner is down - do you take a flier on Perez or Ziegler, guys who might get some saves but will def keep your ratios down and Ks up, or do you go after 'the next in line', the Kunz/Sanchezs of the world.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:11 PM)

Sweet, sweet lake Havasu.... Depends what you need.... I like heilman more than Duaner for Mets... if you need saves, you grab a psuedo closer. If you're pretty much set no matter what, stay put...

Graeme, Toronto

Hey Matt Berry, whats up with your boy Lackey. He had a bad July era was way up but the k's and walks were still ok. thinking of trading for him what do you think

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:11 PM)

think he's a nice buy low

Megan Fox

Are you going to see Jennifer's Body so you can see me topless?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:11 PM)

it's a body suit.

Ryan (Livonia, MI)

Who do you like more this year for a keeper league, Ronnie Brown or Thomas Jones

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:15 PM)

For a keeper league, it's Brown... but I have Jones ranked ahead of brown this year. I am very high on Jones this season

Jim (NYC)

Thoughts on any guys that are taking over the closer role with this latest wave of injuries?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:16 PM)

it's all fairly ugly. Guardado in Texas could be interesting with Wilson's "arm fatigue"

Mitchell (Fargo)

How much does S.Jackson's hold out affect his draft status

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:16 PM)

I still have him at five overall...

Roger (Tampa)

Have you noticed that Matt Garza mysteriously looks like Count von Count from Sesame Street?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:17 PM)

Now that you mention it... Good call!

Frank (Worcester)

Ludwick or McLouth next year? Both came out of nowhere this year. Do they continue being awesome next season?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:17 PM)

Gimme Nate... I like the double digit speed

ryan, SF

what do you think of IDP? you never talk about it on the podcast

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:17 PM)

That's because I hate it.

Brian (NYC)

Should I drop Bedard and pick up a ham sandwich?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:18 PM)

Depends. How hungry are you?

Wilson (The Chan Chan Man) Chan

From one asian to another what is up with Ichiro and his lack of steals..since I don't like spending money..buy low?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:18 PM)

No, I don't think he's stealing that much more.... I think he only had one steal in July... Only two since June 23 or something.... Less than ten the rest of the way, easy. Runs and average he will get but that's it

Joe (NYC)

Do you rank Hart over Mclouth for next year? They are the same type of player!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:22 PM)

yes, they are... and it's always hard to do that type of stuff now... so much can change...but I'd say Hart over Nate because of offense around him...

Brian (NYC)

Is Longoria for Dunn an even trade?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:23 PM)

yes. I like Dunn more actually

Mark (Akron)

What would be your Draft Strategy in a 2QB league for the first 6 rounds??? It is PPR league we start 2QB,TE,K,DEF and Flex 6 RB/WR/TE. NO keeper. 6pts. for all on TD League has 10 teams and 18 rounds... We are drafting 8th then 13th and so on Most mock Drafts are for 1QB leagues?Please help!!! Thanks, HS Nickname...WARRIORS

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:28 PM)

I'd want a QB in the first three rounds of a two QB league... I'd probably grab TO or Moss at 8 if available then a RB or if Romo or Brees is there at 13... if not, go RB at 13 and then grab a QB in the next two rounds

eno (Jersey City)

Which RBs get the biggest downticks in PPR leagues?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:30 PM)

MichaMcGahee, Willie Parker, Michael Turner. LJ.

Rod(Reading Pa)

Name game, Parra or Nate in a girly sucker punch contest.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:31 PM)

Parra. Always go with the lefty.

Mike (Charlotte)

So who is closing in Detroit? Who would you pick for your team?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:31 PM)

No one you want though I'd give Zumaya a shot if I had to pick...

Shaun(NYC)

Do you think Reggie Bush repeats his 2006 or his 2007?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:31 PM)

2007

James (Palo Alto, CA)

You said the other day that Tatis is legit. How legit? More legit than Votto, Butler or Mora?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:32 PM)

Yes, he's legit. But no, I'd rather have those other three...

Dave(vt)

Word on the street is that some revealing pictures of Anne Hathaway may show up on the web sometime soon.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:33 PM)

Yeah, I got sent the story link by a lot of readers. Hard to believe the scummy ex might let them loose... that said, there are already LOTS of photos of Anne online, some not suitable for children.

Rod(Reading Pa)

Randy Johnson or Gil Meche?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:34 PM)

Unit. But closer than folks realize... good question.

Rebecca (St Louis)

Thoughts on Joba's injury? Serious or not?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:34 PM)

Not that serious.

John (Seattle)

If Joba goes to the DL, is it Ian Kennedy that replaces him or do they stick Ras back in there? Your thoughs please...

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:34 PM)

Doesn't matter. You want neither guy

Scott (Albany NY)

More words on the street are that pictures of Dan from San Jose may show up on the web sometime soon.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:35 PM)

Well played.

Mike (STL)

Everyone seems to over look Laird in Texas, but he has been playing very decent....that said, who do you like better the rest of the year? Laird or Ianetta?! Thanks.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:35 PM)

Laird... I agree. No love. I like Ianetta as well though... said it before the year... catcher is deep

Vick, Beverly 02745

Is there any hate mail material in the upincoming Berry rankings?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:36 PM)

Actually in it? No. Will it generate a lot? Yes

Tim (ATL)

any advice on bigger leagues? Just joined a 16-team league, does a league of that size make any particularly more/less valuable than standard 10/12 team leagues?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:36 PM)

it makes RB more valuable because there's less of them to go ahround... much more plentiful WR that will get you a few points

Donny (OKC)

What do you think of this as a fantasy football team name - Osama Bin Lions.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:37 PM)

It's okay, not bad but not great.

Jason (Pitt)

So much is being written this year regarding drafting a QB or WR first as opposed to an RB, because of so many RB by committee situations. However, why is this so different this year, hasn't the basic strategy always been to draft the best player available? (PS you never answer my questions)

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:37 PM)

Read my Draft Day manifesto...

Mike (Boston)

Catcher follow up...Laird or Shoppach?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:38 PM)

Shoppach

Rob (Santa Monica)

Wait, ESPN is doing auction leagues now!?! Is that going to be for Basketball and Baseball too? Are there keeper league functions??? OK, I'm getting too excited - your turn to type.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:39 PM)

Yes, yes, yes... Keeper league, everything. The works. All free.

Artie Lange (Hoboken)

Do you think Howard will re-up in a couple of years?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:40 PM)

Yes. He needs the radio show... it's his outlet. he'll go nuts without it

Local Grifter

I can smell a shill a mile away...and Rob is a shill.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:40 PM)

Yeah, because I'm usually so shy about pimping stuff.

RJ(pittsburgh)

Will Nolasco and Guthrie keep this up or should I expect a big drop-off?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:40 PM)

I believe

Dan Harris, Naptown, IN

Which are the two better pitchers to pick up, Cueto, or Buherle?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:40 PM)

Cueto over Buerhle

Don (Chicago, IL)

Name game: Butler or Votto?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:41 PM)

Butler

TJ (Thousand Oaks, CA)

Hey Matthew, I love your input. I have 2nd pick in a 10-man standard scoring league and i dont know what to do in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. By my estimation, MJD, Jamal Lewis, and Ryan Grant will round out the best RBs. All WRs and QBs will be there except Moss, T.O., Brady, Romo, and Manning. Who should i get with those 2 picks?? Thanks (PLEASE ANSWER)

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:41 PM)

I would probably get one WR and another RB there

Anita Help (Brookyln)

Clay Bucholz: drop or stash?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:42 PM)

drop

Big Joe (Hamilton, NJ)

Best fantasy name is my first place squad right now "Drakes Coffee Cakes" with a picture of Newman as my logo!!!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:42 PM)

Eh.

Mike (CO)

Would "Travis Henry's Posterity" be a somewhat clever name? I mean he has like what 25 kids?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:43 PM)

slightly better

Mike (NJ)

Your top 10-15 baseball keepers are:

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:43 PM)

not going to be decided until the start of nest year. That said, we're gonna have Tristan do some keeper rankings this week

Big Joe (Hamilton, NJ)

Berry! What does "eh" mean. I thought it was witty without being crude!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:44 PM)

it means so so.

Rod(Reading Pa)

Last time I played the free football league at ESPN, they didn't have live scoring which really ruined the experience. Has that changed so I can follow my team as they are playing?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:45 PM)

yes, that has changed. It's a much improved product that has not had any issues or problems for a few years now - the only big media Football LM service that can say that,

Mike (Nashville)

Simply: "The Bastardmakers" with Travis Henry as your logo...you could also go the Tom Brady route with that one since he is currently an NFL player and all...

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:45 PM)

I kind of like that one..

The Mayor of Parraville, PA

Lets just say that Prince is lucky Parra wasn't able to punch with his throwing hand...he was always smart and able to use his level head, but I did see him lose his temper once...beat a Oregon Bred mountain lion into a small meercat.

Jimmy X (Bristol)

Will the new FFB have all my favorite ESPN writers so I can enjoy their witty and informative articles?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:46 PM)

of course.

Joey (NY)

My team name is "Talented Mr. Suck on my..." you know.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:47 PM)

that's pretty funny...

Sid (Brooklyn, NY)

How about you take your team name biblical and go McCown of Thorns?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:48 PM)

That's awesome

Nate Ravitz

"The Talented Mr. Dil.."

Local Grifter

Jimmy X...come on Berry!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:50 PM)

Dude, I answer them as they come in! I swear!

Rebecca (St. Louis)

I want to have Dan in San Jose's babies. Just sayin'

Dave (Winnipeg, MB)

Will ESPN do keeper fantasy hockey this season?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:50 PM)

yes

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:51 PM)

Pat in Chicago - I can't print that one but that's a great team slogan

Fritz

Is Willie Parker a great #2/#3? Or should I be worried?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:52 PM)

I think he's a strong #2. I'd be worried a little, yeah, about Mendenhall. But if he's just a #2 or 3... I'm okay with it.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:52 PM)

Matt in WI - another very funny one i can't print

Chris (Brooklyn)

"The Good, The Bad, and D. Uggla" was proposed as a team name in one of these early chats. Pretty good I thought.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:52 PM)

Agreed.

Rod(Reading Pa)

Why doesn't your video podcast play all the way through in Firefox 3? It plays about half way and cuts out.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:54 PM)

No idea. I'll aks the tech / video guys. Thanks for the heads up.

Chris, New York City

if you are talking great team names... my team The Statutory Grapes are in 3rd place!

Ryan (Circleville, OH):

Jay Bruce has cought fire again... Do you think he keeps it up??

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:55 PM)

yes... to an extent. I said when he was recalled that he;'d hit 15 HR.... He's got 10 so far... And I think that's about right... he finishes with 15-17...

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:55 PM)

Mike in NJ... ya think?

Kevin (NYC)

Great FB teamname..."It Byrnes when I Peavy"

Buzzer Beater

Tulo or O.Cabrera

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:56 PM)

O Cab foir avg and SB, TT for everythign else

Chuck (Wyoming)

The questions your picking seem almost random to me, how do you pick which ones you answer?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:57 PM)

Topics that i think are on the minds of others plus one that make me laugh / that I think will be interesting to others. Try to keep a mixture of baseball / football / funny and random...

PJ (NY)

What are your favorite draft positions for football this season? Our league picks out of a hat for drafting where you pick. I have the fifth pick in a ten team league.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:57 PM)

1-5 or something at the end of the round. pick 6 is the worst this year

Kameron (Hyattsville, MD)

Do you like Michael Turner as a starter?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:58 PM)

as a #2 in a ten team league, sure. But not more than that

Bob MA

Your O.K Berry

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:58 PM)

aw, shucks.

Matt (DC)

Jewish Okoye. My best football team name ever.

Jeff (ME)

It Byrnes when I Peavy... FANTASTIC!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:59 PM)

I always liked Giles Gone Wild for baseball

Jason (Pitt)

Biased or not, seems like Santonio is getting overrated this year, no?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:59 PM)

no, he's that good

JT (Dallas)

GOin along with your pick 6 thread, don't u need to do something radical there like Brady or Moss to compensate?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:00 PM)

AJ Mass wrote a column on this very subject - pick 6 - in our FB Draft Kit....it's very good and I agree with his conclusion.

Mike (austion)

The Ellsbury Doughboy

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:01 PM)

not bad...

Team Name

Grab your Ankiels

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:02 PM)

Winner winner chicken dinner

Mike (NJ)

I am so sick of hearing about Farve!!! Thoughts on Verlander the rest of the year? Also, Meche or Campillo?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:03 PM)

Campillo over Meche, think Verlander is fine. Okay kids... that's all I got. Gotta run - thanks as always for stopping by. Remmeber to download (we don't care if you listen) our FB AND our BB Podcast...