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  (2:59 PM)

Two days in a row of...ME! Can you stand it?

Richard,TX

Would you Drop Yates or will he get some opportunities in Pitt?

Jason Grey

  (3:01 PM)

I think he still can. I asked manager John Russell earlier in the week, and he wouldn't commit to anybody -except who had the freshest arm, so Grabow, Yates, maybe even Craig Hansen could get a chance until Capps come back. The uncertainty might be enough to consider dropping him.

adam (work)

please answer, or is my question so obvious that its not worth it?! ellsbury a keeper in an 11 team AL-only league with max of four keepers? my other keeper options are arod, krod and hamilton. THANK YOU

Jason Grey

  (3:01 PM)

Yes.

Ben (Fairhope,AL)

Hey Jason, Could you discuss the mess that is the St. Louis bullpen? Perez has been called the "closer of the future", is that time now? I know he has great strikeout numbers in the minors, but I believe control has been an issue as well. From your scouting perspective, do you think he worked it out in Triple-A, or will he relapse? Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (3:02 PM)

He's been making improvements in his control, though I still foresee a bad outing here and there. I do think he's the man for now, I think LaRussa has had enough of his other two options for the time being, and will give Perez a chance to take the ball and run with it. He probably hasn't been "anointed" as the closer to take some of the pressure off.

Eric(Boston)

Yo Jason, my roto league only keeps 5 players and we dont use salaries or anything like that. Could you pass along some ideas on how we can help curb some of these insulting dump trades that keep taking place?

Jason Grey

  (3:03 PM)

One thing I've seen done is a 2/3 vote among the owners can overturn a trade. I've also seen provisions where both owners are required to keep some or all of the players in a dump deal on their protected lists for the following season....

Aditya (Iowa City, IA)

Oviously Joba's stock has fallen. Would know be a good time to grab him cheap and hope he gets better later.

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

It's possible he could make some starts in Sept., so in re-draft leagues if you have the room I'd consider stashing him away.

Richard,TX

Name Game: Fausto Carmona, Scott Baker

Jason Grey

  (3:05 PM)

Baker - I'm not trusting Carmona to throw consistent strikes at the moment and Baker has been better than his stats have looked even though he's scuffled in his last few outings.

Lance (Memphis)

I need a spot starter for Sunday. Is Gil Meche or Mike Pelfrey (or other pitcher likely available in a 10 team mixed league) a better option?

Jason Grey

  (3:06 PM)

My first thought is that Meche is a no-brainer the way he's been pitching lately, but if I remember correctly, Pelfrey is starting at homee and he has a crazy home/road split - something like 2.20 at home and six on the road, so with the better team behind him, I might go that route.

Adam (Toronto)

anywhere we can find your positional rankings ? and should we be concerned about Joba's health as far as his mechanics go ?

Jason Grey

  (3:09 PM)

I didn't do a set for the last round, so I don't have updated ones - will see what i can do when we do them again. If Joba doesn't eventually need surgery I wouldn't worry too much about it.

LONG-GLORIUS!

Hey Brother, what do you expect out of Longoria once he settles in (2010-2011).

Jason Grey

  (3:10 PM)

A guy that can consistently hit .270+ with 35 homers

Jon (DC)

Your thoughts on Volstad? He is pitching great today, and is available in my league. Get him for next week?

Jason Grey

  (3:11 PM)

Allowing only one homer in the bigs as helped...definite sleeper play...I was looking more at him for '09 but he's pretty legit right now.

Tony (SD, CA)

Kinsler or Pedroia better down the final stretch?

Jason Grey

  (3:12 PM)

kinsler...still...though pedroia is more valuable than most realize.

J (NYC)

Did you know that in the chat archive it says: "Fantasy BB w/Andy Grey, 3 p.m. " So Andy, with Lowell injured and slumping, would you pick up Votto as a replacement for the rest of the year?

Jason Grey

  (3:14 PM)

I dunno let me ask him....

Jason Grey

  (3:14 PM)

...he says he wouldn't argue with that.

Carlo (Omaha,NE)

Jason,BIG NEWS: the St. Louis Dispatch is reporting Wainwright comes back as a closer. If true, what do you see him posting for numbers down the stretch and do you think there is any chance that Wainwright gets put back into the roto this season (if Perez is good perhaps)? Keep it up!

Jason Grey

  (3:15 PM)

I think this is just prep in case Perez falters....here's the word:

Jason Grey

  (3:15 PM)

We moved him up since he's probably going to come back as a reliever," general manager John Mozeliak said. "It's not set. There's a chance before he comes back that we have a solution and it's not a need. Then he'll come back as a starter. We want to be prepared. Right now, everything is on the table."

Jason Grey

  (3:16 PM)

again..post-dispatch report....make of that what you will.

suzanne

Trade deadline is Sunday and I can?t get any interest in Ortiz in a 6x6 roto-keeper. Any advice? What should I be targeting (looking for a mid-level SP and a closer)?

Jason Grey

  (3:17 PM)

Well, if you can't get any interest then targeting does no good....send the blanket email to the league and see who comes back with the best offer, best you can do at this point.

Jim: (Palmer MA):

Is Chris Perez the long term choice for the Cards as a closer?

Jason Grey

  (3:17 PM)

Long-term in a keeper league - yes, that's who they eventually want to earn the role.

Lance (Chicago)

When is Harang getting called up?

Jason Grey

  (3:20 PM)

Could be as soon as next week, threw another bullpen yesterday and is progressing well - last rehab start at AAA was great.

Nick (Syracuse, NY)

Why would the Red Sox want Giles...aren't they loaded in the OF?

Jason Grey

  (3:21 PM)

Probably insurance given the shaky health of Ortiz and Lowell, but also, and perhaps more likely, to block him from going to TB or somewhere. Some claims are procedural blocks

Luke (Canada)

Hardy or the red hot Peralta

Jason Grey

  (3:22 PM)

peralta, hardy is notoriously streaky and in one of his swoons

Carey (Toledo, OH)

Please rank (for this year): Francis, Slowey, Cueto

Jason Grey

  (3:22 PM)

slowey, cueto, francis

Josh (Boston)

Jason, which side would you want - Pujols, A Gallaraga, Victorino or B Phillips, Atkins, Billingsley? Some leaguemates have a problem with the latter half of this trade, is this fair or vetoable? Thanks

Jason Grey

  (3:23 PM)

I prefer the first half, but it;s not something I can see warranting a veto.

Ryan (Rochester, NY)

Mets bulpen blew another lead today, do they have a closer?

Jason Grey

  (3:25 PM)

probably heilman until the 18th after today...they don't want to put pressure on Kunz yet.

Rick (NJ)

I just droped Swisher and Gordon and picked up Zimmerman and Hermida. Did I do the right thing regardless of positional need?

Jason Grey

  (3:25 PM)

I could get behind that move.

Brad (Jackson)

Thoughts on Luis Montanez in Baltimore? Guy had 26 homers in triple-A this year. Worth a roster spot when he comes off waivers... or even a waver at this point in the season?

Jason Grey

  (3:26 PM)

Maybe, maybe in deep AL only, but not in mixed. just a good minor league hitter, nothing more.

Brandon (Nashville)

Who do you want next year out of these 3 at SS on your team? Jeter, Ecobar, Ramirez

Jason Grey

  (3:27 PM)

Ramirez. Take that all of you east-coast bias believers!

Ryan (Rochester, NY)

How far has Cueto dropped? is Gallaraga a better option for the rest of the year?? Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (3:27 PM)

I wrote A-Gal up extensively on Monday...yes.

Jay (DC)

What on Earth is going on in Cleveland's bullpen? Does Wedge like Perez THAT much in earlier situations that he still won't give him the ball in the 9th? I have both Perez and Kobayashi, but my patience is wearing thin with hotdog man.

Jason Grey

  (3:28 PM)

I'm not going near any of 'em.....sorry. Perez if I had to.

Marc (Albany, NY)

Thoughts on Mussina tonight in Arlington and Duchscherer in Toronto?

Jason Grey

  (3:29 PM)

Mussina's been money in six of his last seven starts...duke's starting to slide a little bit...prefer moose

Matt (Little Rock)

Now that Brandon Morrow is getting stretched out as a starter, is he worth a draft pick in '09?

Jason Grey

  (3:29 PM)

yes.

Pauley (Modesto)

Help me replace Joba- Campillo, Jimenez, Baker or Johnson here on out?

Jason Grey

  (3:29 PM)

Jimenez...check the trends in his numbers, stuff to back it up.

Kevin (CT)

Jason, I'd hate to break it to you but Ramirez is on the east-coast.

Jason Grey

  (3:30 PM)

Pretty sure he was asking about Alexei and not Hanley.

dave issaquah wa

keeper league question.....is francouer a buy low guy?....does he rebound next season

Jason Grey

  (3:31 PM)

good question...should probably write about a list of guys like this...i think so for 09

Swarley (Florida)

UMMMMM... is Florida NOT on the East Coast anymore?

Jason Grey

  (3:32 PM)

Do we really think he was asking me to compare Hanley to those two others? Like that wasn't a no-brainer?

Mike, VA

Have you heard anything about Jerry Hairston jr? Is he going to play anytime soon?????

Jason Grey

  (3:34 PM)

Last I heard a couple of days ago was that DL is still very much a possibility...

Gerard (IA)

Was hopimg for more steals from BRob and Bruce. Any leg issues with either?

Jason Grey

  (3:35 PM)

As far as I know, no...i checked on Roberts last week with those in the know and word was fine.

Chris (Santa Barbara)

when do you think a trade should be vetoed? if both sides are making an honest attempt to move players but it is entirely one sided, is it my duty to vote against it?

Jason Grey

  (3:37 PM)

I have always been a "free market rules" guys so I'm probably the wrong guy to ask this question to. Only in the most egregious circumstances and especially not in honest attempts, if that can be known.

JB - Memphis

Is Theriot hurt? Him or Aviles?

Jason Grey

  (3:38 PM)

Contusion on his left foot, so I might try to ride the hot bat of Aviles if Theriot isn't going to be running as much in the near future.

Patrick (NYC)

Is Ian Kennedy worth a look?

Jason Grey

  (3:39 PM)

yes.

Jason Grey

  (3:40 PM)

Just a helpful hint....sending in a question 10 times a minute doesn't help you...I understand you want to re-send a few times to try and catch my eye on a queue of more than 1000 questions, but let's not overdo it. Thanks.

Ted (Chicago)

Jason, pretty sure he did want you to compare Hanley. Alexi is not going to have an SS tag next year unless they start playing him at SS pronto.

Jason Grey

  (3:41 PM)

Sigh...do I even need to answer that question, then? Could be a MIF position for all I know, or he has diff. position eligibility.. there' no comparison between Hanley and those other two.

Anthony Reyes, cleveland

Am I worth a look?

Jason Grey

  (3:42 PM)

AL sleeper for 09 if you win the fifth starter job....that's about all I will commit to at this point.

Matt (Philly)

Jason, how much do you worry about guys who are "shut down" risks - young arms on non-contenders whose innings are creeping? Duscherer for example may be shut down right when the fantasy playoffs roll around. This happened to me last year with Jamie Shields!

Jason Grey

  (3:43 PM)

It's a very real consideration for the last few weeks of September, but I don't know if there is much you can do except trying to adjust on the fly. Playing that kind of guessing game and making moves preemptive moves based on it could burn you.

Pete (ny)

FYI - on the Chat Index it says this chat is with "Andy Grey". Haha, shows how much they appreciate you.

Jason Grey

  (3:43 PM)

Rub it in, why don't you?

Frank (Chicago)

Oh, I thought this was a chat with Andy Grey. Damn.

Jason Grey

  (3:43 PM)

He does fantasy lacrosse.

Dave (Tampa)

Hey Jason, Do you see Rocco Baldelli ever becoming fantasy relevant again?

Jason Grey

  (3:45 PM)

Could he have period of extended playing time where he stays healthy and does something? Of course it's possible...but I don't think he's ever going to hit my roster again. Too risky a proposition for me.

Matt (chicago)

King Felix today? Can we stop calling him King, by the way? At least until he's better than the Duke in Oakland and the Prince in Milwaukee?

Jason Grey

  (3:46 PM)

King Felix for all starts. By the way...he's 22. 22, and has already has a bunch of success at the big league level. We haven't seen his best yet.

Steve(Ma)

I dropped Casilla and picked up Perez. I have Street and Ziegler. Holds is also a stat. Did I do the right thing?

Jason Grey

  (3:46 PM)

Perez will get something in saves or holds in Cleveland, so yeah I don't have an issue with that.

Paul's Brother( NY)

Help him out he's driving me crazy.Is Brandon Lyon worth trading for or do you think Rauch will take over with in the next 2 months?

Jason Grey

  (3:47 PM)

I said at the beginning of the season I thought Lyon would be fine all year, and I'm sticking with that.

John (Atlanta)

Bonifacio of the Nats - what do you think we can expect to see from him the rest of this season?

Jason Grey

  (3:48 PM)

One-dimensional speed guy that may not make enough contact right now against big league pitching. if you are desperate for NL steals, maybe. That Rauch deal was done specifically because Mike Rizzo (now with the Nats) drafted him while with the D-backs and believes he's an everyday 2B. He may be, but not yet.

Steve (Ithaca)

FYI, there really is an Andy Grey who's a football (soccer) commentator. He worked for ESPN during Euros and did a few chats. As good as you are, being confused with him is a compliment!

Jason Grey

  (3:49 PM)

Oh, thats right- that guy. Yeah, I like his commentary. Forgot about that.

Tom (Danbury,CT)

I picked up Adam Jones and he went straight to the DL. I picked up David Murphy and he went straigh to the DL. Now I just picked up Brad Hawpe, I apologize to his owners but he will be a sure bet to go on the dl by Sunday.

Jason Grey

  (3:50 PM)

Important note for all owners. Some seasons you are just snakebit. For some it's getting all the DL guys. For me, it seems like I can't buy a win in multiple leagues this year.

BOB(nNY)

ZIMMERMAN OR C. GUILLEN? 5X5 WITH OPS. TY

Jason Grey

  (3:50 PM)

Zim.

Wyatt (DC)

Denard Span is mixed-league worthy-- true or false?

Jason Grey

  (3:51 PM)

As long as he is playing everyday and you need stolen bases. Yes, especially at the top of the order

John from Kansis City

Greinke/Hart for Haren. Would ya?

Jason Grey

  (3:52 PM)

You must really have a surplus of OF to want to pull that one off. Without knowing your roster context, no, but there are sometimes when it's right to overpay as I wrote about a couple of weeks ago.

Batman (Gotham)

You look kinda like the Joker in your picture.

Jason Grey

  (3:53 PM)

Why so serious?

Jason Grey

  (3:54 PM)

Seriously, I get way too many comments about that pic each chat. It was my scout school picture and the only one I had around when they needed me to send them one. Just haven't bothered to get a new one taken...probably should.

Earl Grey (U.K.)

I'll be doing a chat about tea later.

Jason Grey

  (3:54 PM)

Well played, sir.

Patrick (Ohio)

I hope I am not the post a million times guy. I think I wrote once every 10-15 minutes. Sorry if it was me. I just wanted to know what you see in Crawford and if you think he will have a good last few weeks. Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (3:55 PM)

Nope, wasn't you. It all depends on the hammy, but moving down in the order hasn't helped his steals production any to start with. I do like him for the stretch, but only cautiously optimistic.

Joe (RI)

Cliff Lee for Carlos Quentin.. Which player helps the teams needing their respective stats more the rest of the year?

Jason Grey

  (3:56 PM)

Quentin

Luke (Canada)

You like Ubaldo, where does he fit in with Liriano, Verlander, Danks and Duke?

Jason Grey

  (3:57 PM)

Hmmmmm....given that there is still some risk there... Danks, Liriano, Ubaldo, Verlander, Duke...I might change my mind tomorrow.

Jason Grey

  (4:00 PM)

Sorry, PC problem, not done yet, time for a couple more...

eno (Jersey City)

Do you like Carlos Carrasco? In fantasy terms, is he worse than a fantasy SP3 down the line?

Jason Grey

  (4:02 PM)

Yes, I'm not as big a Carrasco fan as some...back of the rotation big league starter, but not a SP3 for fantasy.

Nelson Cruz

Am I worth a pickup in a deep AL only league w/ Murphy out?

Jason Grey

  (4:02 PM)

Perhaps, but Boggs gets PT as well, but deep AL I imagine you're looking for AB's from anywhere.

Jason Grey

  (4:03 PM)

Thanks everyone, I appreciate all the interest - I respond to comments in my comment section of columns so if you need more help, try there. Talk to you next week.