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Jason Grey

  (2:57 PM)

Hey everyone, no witty opening, just getting right to it...

Bartlett (Boston)

Should I bench B.J. Upton permanently?

Jason Grey

  (2:58 PM)

His OBP is still over .380 and he's stolen four bases in his last nine games. Why?

steve

I had Morrow I need saves whose the best saves guy on the wire?

Jason Grey

  (2:59 PM)

Probably Zumaya.

Adam (SF, CA)

I can only keep one, Dunn or Corey Hart?

Jason Grey

  (2:59 PM)

Hart has been and will continue to be the more valuable player, as I showed in my Grey Mater column this past weekend.

Tom(Philadelphia)

Is Ubaldo Jimenez a sell high?

Jason Grey

  (3:00 PM)

No. This is what he's been capable of, it just took him a while to get dialed in this season. There are actually a lot of similarities to him and Felix, believe it or not. (I am not the first to point this out.)

Adam (SF, CA)

What's up with David Wright?

Jason Grey

  (3:01 PM)

On pace for about the same number of runs, homers, and RBI - BA is down but still useful, and SB rate is down, but still helpful. What's the problem?

Travis Snider (NewHampshire/Toronto)

How far away am I from contributing, and what do you expect from me?

Jason Grey

  (3:03 PM)

Wrote about him extensively a week ago...The stops and starts of Lind's development don't give me the warm fuzzies, but mid-09 is a fair guess, and he's a middle of the order four-category producer that's going to rake.

Jon (Elkhart, Ind)

With some strong outings this year, is Iowa Cubs SP Mitch Atkins someone to keep an eye on?

Jason Grey

  (3:05 PM)

Eh. A big flyball pitcher for a guy that supposedly has a good sinker, below average changeup really hurts him because lefties can hit him, and his delivery doesn't always allow him to stay on top of his breaking ball. He's made strides this year, but he strikes me as the kind if pitcher that's going to get hit at the big league level.

Kerry (NY)

David Price, when will he get called up? Will it be as a starter? and How will he do?

Jason Grey

  (3:06 PM)

If Sonannstine keeps pitching well, it might be in the bullpen...but I would expect him up by the end of the month regardless. Role TBD.

Mr Joba Chamberlin

James Andrews? I'm in trouble.

Jason Grey

  (3:06 PM)

I wrote about this in Out of the Box today. Last Yank that went to see Andrews about his shoulder had surgery.

Tom (Danbury,CT)

Is Alexei Ramirez worth a fill-in spot while I have a couple players injured?

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

He's worth a starting spot in most every league regardless.

Rick (Seattle)

Hey Jason. Who do you pick between two of yesterday's disasters: Fausto or J. Sanchez for the rest of the season. Also, please rank the following for the rest of the year (I need power and speed)Rios, Kemp, Victorino, Hawpe, Bruce, Hermida, Huff, JD Drew. Thanks Jason.

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

Sanchez and Kemp

Mike (boston)

Thoughts on Carlos Guillen the rest of the way...his numbers seem pretty down but would like a versatile bench player/

Jason Grey

  (3:08 PM)

.290 - five homers, five steals? If that sounds doable for you, then go for it.

Cory Carter (ILLINOIS)

What happened to Andruw Jones? What do you think the dodgers will do with him?

Jason Grey

  (3:09 PM)

When you don't keep your body in shape, it's hard to keep things going when your bat speed starts to slow and you can't rely on other things to compensate. He can be beaten up and in and down and away on pitches he used to get to. He's toast as a fantasy player.

Rob (Arizona)

Who do you have for the rest of the season:Liriano or Kazmir?

Jason Grey

  (3:10 PM)

Good question. I have concerns about the last two Kazmir starts (including today, although Country Joe West squeezed the hell out of him with his strike zone). I'm not sure I'm taking Kaz in this one, but I could argue the case the other way, and I might feel differently tomorrow. Kaz got off to a great start, but note the progression of his numbers in the wrong direction as the season has gone on.

Dave(Frisco)

This closer carousel is about to drive me crazy. After losing Rauch and Marte, I've had to scramble for saves. I own Street, Wilson, Fuentes, and Wagner. My DL spot is full with Maine and Wainright competing for one spot. Wagner's injury and Street's "issues" have me once forced to make some tough choices. Do you think Wagner makes it back by the 18th? Should I believe Geren's threat to replace Street? The good news is that Ziegler, Zumaya, Hanrahn, and Gonzalez among other part-timers are all available on the waiver wire. I just can't figure out if I should cut Wagner or Street for anyone else. I almost cut Wagner for Ziegler but I just can't bring myself to cut an established closer on a winning team who might return in a week or so. I know you can't predict the future...or can you? Anyways, if this was your team would you hold on or go after one of the above listed players? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (3:14 PM)

Cut Wilson, and I might think about cutting Maine if you really need some saves, and grab a couple of saves. I expect Wagner back shortly after he is eligible , so move him to Maine's DL slot, depening on the categories and how much you need SP.

Dexter (LV)

Earlier today Cockcroft compared Kemp to Winfield ? are you buying what he is laying down?

Jason Grey

  (3:15 PM)

I hesitate to compare any second-year player to a HOF, but not having read what Tristan said, I assume he was talking about their freakish athletic ability that they have in common.

Joe (MA)

I was banking on a big second half from encarnacion (kinda like last year). was i way off, or is he gonna get back on track soon?

Jason Grey

  (3:16 PM)

No avg, but at least some pop since the break. It's not a bad play, but the 3B pool is pretty deep this season, and I might see what options are in the free agent pool and give them a thorough checking out.

David (Los Angeles, CA)

Gotta drop one: Carmona or Baker? Who sucks more from here out. Thanks, J!

Jason Grey

  (3:17 PM)

I still like Baker better. Scuffled last few starts but it hasn't been as bad as the stats make it appear. I don't trust Carmona to find the strike zone right now.

Peter (Bronx)

When will Jimmy Rollins wake up ? or is he going to be Rip Van Winkle for the rest of the year?

Jason Grey

  (3:18 PM)

At least he's still bringing the speed. Last year was a bit of a fluke and there was bound to be some regression. It could have been worse. No big leaps forward, but solid over the last two months.

daniel-memphis

I need a bat.... Hermida, Lind, or Butler Who provides the best overall numbers for the rest of this season.

Jason Grey

  (3:20 PM)

Good question. Hard to argue with how Butler has hit since the break, finally showing pop, but Hermida is swinging a hot bat as well. I might go with Hermida with the better track record.

John (Chula Vista, CA)

Your thoughts on starting Francis tonight? for the rest of the year?

Jason Grey

  (3:21 PM)

He hasn't shown a thing all season, so to me he's got to prove something first. I'm sure there are a dozen better options in your mixed league free agent pool, at least.

Adam Lind (Toronto)

I get no love, screw you and Riccardi.

Jason Grey

  (3:22 PM)

I'm a fan, and the Jays have jerked you around - I just like the other hitters mentioned better.

jim

How about El Caballo? He is on FIRE. Another HR today! Don't you think he is one of the more underrated fantasy players? He's very consistent year to year, and even hits for average now!

Jason Grey

  (3:23 PM)

Well, it's not like he gets passed up in drafts every season - he's usually going pretty early.

Hugo

Who should I start tonight: Kendrick or Anibal Sanchez?

Jason Grey

  (3:24 PM)

Kendrick is not, has not been, and will not be a mixed league consideration for me.

Pelc, NY

Why does mike Cameron never get any fantasy love??? I'm in a league where avg. doesn't even count (OPS instead) and other managers still hate him!! What gives?

Jason Grey

  (3:26 PM)

Checks numbers to confirm first thoughts...

Jason Grey

  (3:28 PM)

Well, let's see he doesn't steal as much anymore, and by my quick calculation is not in the Top 100 in OPS. So he hits a few homers, that's about it. Perhaps your other owners are on to something.

Jon Rauch

They ain't treatin me right!

Jason Grey

  (3:30 PM)

With the exception of two one-week stretches, Lyon has been pretty solid for the D-backs this year, including 25 straight scoreless at one point. They're not going to pull him out of the role, just because they got a guy that was closing in Washington and not setting up only because of injury.

Max Scherzer

Are they treatin' me right?

Jason Grey

  (3:31 PM)

Check today's Out of the Box. Fortified with 100% more Scherzer info in the On the Farm section.

Eddie Kunz

After that near debacle last night, any chance Manuel reconsiders me as a potential last inning guy?

Jason Grey

  (3:32 PM)

You've been groomed as one, and while Manuel acknowledged that, he also mentioned he didn't want to thrust that responsibility on you right away. Regardless, I really do think this is just a short-term thing with Wags.

Troy Tulowitzki

Have I salvaged any value?

Jason Grey

  (3:33 PM)

You're starting for me in mixed leagues for the final two months. All that matters now is what you do going forward.

Mike (CO)

Jason, love your stuff. My question is do you think Bruce will be a top 5-7 round pick next year? He is heating up and seeing him finish with 20+ HRs would not be a shock to me at all. Thoughts?

Jason Grey

  (3:35 PM)

Hmmm....I think he will be. In 10-team leagues, Hunter Pence averaged around a 7th-round pick in drafts this season, and given the Bruce hype, I could see you having to go to round 5 to get him next year.

Gray (Chicago)

John Manuel just gushed over Dan Murphy some in his chat. What are your thoughts on Murphy in a keeper/dynasty league?

Jason Grey

  (3:37 PM)

Gap hitter without a position - not a huge fan. I have not seen him since winter ball though, so I will reserve complete judgement until I get a chance to watch him again.

Jim (Phoenix)

But wouldn't the D-Backs just be inclined to keep Petit in their rotation since he's doing well, and put Scherzer in the bullpen?

Jason Grey

  (3:39 PM)

That's always possible, but that's not what I'm hearing from them. Without Rauch, maybe they'd want another power arm down there, but the plan is for him to start again, and not switch his role again.

Kyle (PA)

Clay Buscholz' last outing against KC wasn't bad right?

Jason Grey

  (3:40 PM)

He is testing my patience,but I am really still on Buchholz for the final weeks. The stuff has looked good, and it makes me want to take a chance to that he could surprise, especially in AL only leagues.

Justin (Vancouver)

Just heard Joba the Hurt is hittin' the DL.....

Jason Grey

  (3:41 PM)

If true, not unexpected given the Andrews visit. Anytime you're expected to miss at least one starts, it generally takes only one more expected missed turn to cause a DL stint.

Jon (San Diego)

Jason, what would a scout say about Verlander's history against the White Sox: 6.03 ERA and 1.38 WHIP. Are you starting him tonight?

Jason Grey

  (3:43 PM)

I really don't try to put a lot of stock into historical team numbers like that. This White Sox team is different than the one he faced last season etc. If I own verlander, I'm starting him and not trying to cherry pick.

joe pgh

chris carpenter next year? fantasy ace? thanks

Jason Grey

  (3:44 PM)

What I like about Carp for '09 is he's going to be undervalued in many drafts. Even if he's not an ace, it's still a good expected return for a smaller investment.

Doug Mientkiewicz (Pittsburgh, PA)

Two things, one, my name is pronounced Men-Ka-Witz not Man-Cave-Itch for the last time. Also, do I have any fantasy value? Im trying my best

Jason Grey

  (3:47 PM)

Surprisingly, you do. I;m as shocked as anyone. Hit .375 in June, .321 in July, .316 this month with multi-pos eligibility. As a short-term fill-in? Yeah, I could see spotting him if you have power and speed elsewhere. Crazy as it sounds.

John Danks

I'm starting against Verlander and don't forget I've sucked lately too.

Jason Grey

  (3:49 PM)

I will differ slightly. You're not spotting your changeup as well lately and have been victimized by a couple of hangers. Although you haven't had a QS in four outings, at least you haven't been getting killed.

JP(Boston)

Can Wieters be a top 10 catcher next year?

Jason Grey

  (3:50 PM)

Yes. If given the at-bats, that is definitely possible.

Jack (Hartford, CT)

Another reason to start Verlander: He's gold for Ks and this late in the season, one bad start would not be enough to screw with your ratios, right?

Jason Grey

  (3:51 PM)

Ask Scott Kazmir owners how they feel about that right now. And don't forget head-to-head leagues.

Norman (Eureka)

Most underrated player in fantasy right now? ? Matt Kemp that guy serious rakes? Whats your take?

Jason Grey

  (3:53 PM)

I wouldn't go that far, the power is down because of all the GB's he's hitting, and his BA is driven by a BABIP that's been around .400 for much of the year, compensating for the K's. He' not "seriously raking" in my eyes, but hey, fantasy owners will take all the good luck they can get.I'd have to think about it more, but I'm pretty sure the answer wouldn't be Kemp.

Mike (Toronto)

Jason, care to list the names of a few starters you feel Mad Max will be more valueable than down the stretch?? PLEASEEE!!! Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (3:56 PM)

Livan Hernandez, Carlos Silva, and Nate Roberrtson.Thanks, I'm here all week!I'd love to help more, but that question is a bit too open-ended. Depends on league size, context, who else is out there, etc. I always go for the pitchers with upside though, and he has it. We have to see when he comes up again.

Mike (Tampa, FL)

Better for the rest of the year...A. Rios or T. Hunter? I need SB and HR equally. Thanks Jason.

Jason Grey

  (3:57 PM)

Hard to argue with the way Hunter is hitting the ball and the lineup around him helping R and RBI chances right now, and SB rates can start dwindling as the season enters its dog days.

Vance (Sacramento)

Long term keeper (rank them) Beckett, King Felix, E. Santana, Lackey, Liriano?

Jason Grey

  (3:58 PM)

Felix has the raw ability to be the best pitcher in baseball, and is still just 22. That's the guy for me for long term and dynasty leagues.

Ted (Londonderry)

Jason, cmon this is a great question, you get to talk about two of your man crushes! Chris Volstad or Mad Max for the rest of the season? Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (4:00 PM)

All else being equal, it's Max, but the extra starts while Max is still streching out may push it to Volstad. It's a question of # of starts for the balance of the season.

Jason Grey

  (4:00 PM)

Time for a couple more. I have 1800 still sitting in my queue, sorry if I didn't get to yours. Remember, it's just because I don't like you and not a random thing.

Mike (Colorado)

When is Upton going to eat his spinach and gain his power back?

Jason Grey

  (4:03 PM)

Aside: Dave....don't cut Brian Wilson..His homer per flyball rate was way out of whack last years and just corrected this season. It's not a matter of spinach, it's a fact of 50% of the balls he hits going on the ground. Hard to get balls out of the park with that kind of loft in your swing.

Bob(Ma)

5x5 WITH OPS.. C. Guillen, Kouz, Tracy, and Ian Stewart. Please rank.Thanks

Jason Grey

  (4:06 PM)

I'm actually going to go against the grain a bit and try to ride Stewart's hot bat right now. Thanks everyone. Remember, if it's on topic, I respond to all comments in my columns, so you can converse with me that way as well. See you next week.