Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:00 PM)

Good afternoon everyone! It's no-holds-barred today, baseball, football, whatever your preference on sport, ask away! Let's get things rolling...

Ken ( NJ)

Should we expect to see a drop in Adam Dunn's numbers with his trade to the D-Backs?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:03 PM)

Yes, this is the big news, Dunn has just been traded to Arizona for a couple of prospects. How he slipped through waivers, I'll never understand, though Arizona didn't exactly rank that far down the waiver order. Or, at least, not as far down as you might assume. We'll have a full trade spin for you soon, but suffice to say that I don't think Dunn's value changes all that much, despite his .150 BA and .594 OPS in 16 career games at Chase Field. Small sample size, folks. It's not that much less a hitters' park than Cincinnati's, and besides, Dunn is actually a better road hitter this year (.238 BA, .964 OPS) than home (.229/.847). If anything, the only guys whose values change are Conor Jackson, Chad Tracy and Justin Upton (rehabbing), who will probably each see a few more games riding the pine with Dunn around. Such a matchups team though. Tracy probably hurt the most.

Austin (College Station, TX)

You think Danks is safe after a couple of rough outings?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:04 PM)

I don't know that the "rough outings" concern me as much as that he wore down a fair share late last season, and the White Sox could be somewhat comparably concerned about his workload as they were last year. They need to keep him fresh, preserve some of his innings for the postseason, after all. Or, at least, possibly they do. So that'll limit his value, though I still think the world of this kid long-term.

Joe (St. Louis)

I have the first pick in our football draft this week that is one point per reception. Am I crazy for wanting to take Brian Westbrook?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:05 PM)

Crazy, no, because you can't ask for a better PPR-league running back than Brian Westbrook. That said, I wouldn't do it. And it's not that I think you're nuts, it's that Westbrook brings a tad more health risk than LaDainian Tomlinson. Besides, with Antonio Gates not 100 percent to begin the season, the Chargers will need to drop a heavy workload on LT, I'd think. It's enough to make him the clear No. 1 across the board.

David (Los Angeles)

Hey Tristan! Worth holding Harang through another start or ditch him now? Thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:06 PM)

Definitely hold him. One start for a guy with his raw talent is too itchy a trigger finger.

Eric(Boston)

I take it you think Carlos Quentin has been a bit of a fluke this season considering his low ranking in your keeper list yesterday.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:07 PM)

A bit, yes, but ranking among my top 100 keeper players means I think very highly of you. It means that in a league of at least 10 teams, 10 keepers per team, which is most of mine, he's a slam-dunk keeper. But yes, I do think this is about the best you should expect from him in 2009. Pitchers will be more prepared to handle him with time.

Darrell, (Hartford, CT)

Tristan, will Stephen Jackson be this year's Larry Johnson? And should either guy still be drafted in the top 5 this year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:09 PM)

I think S-Jack is going to have a fine season. The Rams, the way I see it on paper, should funnel a lot more of their offense through him than people think they might. So yes, he's top-five to me, without a doubt. As for LJ, I think he rebounds to a point, but that's an awful team with a brutal O-line and a weak quarterback. There's a definite cap on what he can do. Ranking him No. 10 overall, or thereabouts, is generous enough!

Jim (The Office)

Read your Huston Street article, what's your gut? Is he hurt? Should he be held onto with the hope that he recovers his closer role back?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:11 PM)

Remember that my gut does a lot of speaking, and it can be wrong. And right now, besides the fact that it's screaming for a mid-afternoon cookie, it says that Brad Ziegler is the go-to man there for as long as this hot streak lasts. And considering the way the guy throws, I have a feeling that it's going to take at least through the end of this season. May I draw you back to how hard it was for the scouts to evaluate Dontrelle Willis' funky delivery? Odd release points make it increasingly tough to "figure out" a pitcher, so if you want the gut call, it's that Ziegler is the, and I mean the only, man the rest of the way. Could be wrong, of course. But I like that kid.

Tim

Whats your take on closers this time oy year? Grey man talks like this late into the season they may only get you 7-10 saves for the rest of the year. Almost looks like I should dump Wagner and pick up another starter. Your thoughts?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:13 PM)

To a point I agree with Jason. We're about three-quarters through a season, so a 40-save closer should get about 10 more, mathematically speaking. I'm going to leave it in all of your hands to figure out how that impacts your standings, but it's simple math. If you have two closers and your next-highest opponent has three and you're 10 saves back of that team, well, you must buy a closer just to have a chance to catch that team. And that also means it's going to take the entire remainder of the season for you to get there at all, which is a factor a lot of people forget about. Simple mathematics, saves this late in a year.

Nick (SLC)

If LT, AP and BWest go 1 2 3, who do you pick at 4?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:13 PM)

The aforementioned Steven Jackson.

Zack ( Texas)

Who is more likely to play again this season... Carlos lee or Yovani Gallardo?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:14 PM)

"More likely"? Yovani Gallardo. His team is in the hunt, more likely to press him, plus he has offered some glimmers of hope. But that said, I don't believe we're going to see either one the rest of the year. If I may answer neither, I will.

Mike (Jersey City)

I just read your column on the best keepers for 2009 - interesting stuff, but it left me with one question. If I am down to keeping only one of Matt Kemp or Justin Upton (Upton is cheaper) in a league with a 10-year cap on keepers, who would you go with?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:16 PM)

Depends on the rest of your keeper roster, and how you see your chances at competing in 2009. If it's a 10-year cap and you can afford to go boom or bust, Justin Upton is going to be a stud. A potential top-five overall player. Not sure Matt Kemp gets quite that high, but I want him for the next five years. And if you know me at all, I want the shorter term. I would rather win closer to now than have to wait until later. So much changes so fast!

Stan Whibble (Oakland, CA)

Are BJ Upton and Jason Bay in the same class of keepers?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:16 PM)

No, I think Upton is a little better, because he has a higher ceiling.

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. 6 pts. For all TDa??s League has 10 teams and 18 rounds... We are drafting 8th then 13th and so.. on Most mock Drafts are for 1QB leaguesa?¦Please help!!! Thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:19 PM)

Mark, we had a 2-QB mock draft not too long ago, that you can find in our draft kit, and I am sure we will have another at some point. And I do play in a 2-QB league, and have for years, so I've got a decent sense of the values. Quarterbacks go way earlier in those formats. Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are certain first-rounders, and I wouldn't be shocked to see both Drew Brees and Tony Romo go, as well. In fact, if I'm you in your spot, if Manning slips, I'd be all over him. To me it's the top two QBs, those five studly RBs, and then it's a toughie, a guy like Clinton Portis or Romo/Brees. One tidbit: I would ask your league's commish for the previous year's draft results, if they're at all available. That might reveal how QB-heavy your league drafts. Could tell you whether you could wait until No. 13 for your top guy. But by that point I would try to make sure all four of those QBs have gone. Otherwise, you're certain to reach for one, and probably both of yours, before the fifth/sixth round.

Shaun(NYC)

Please rank the rookies.....Forte, Smith, Stewart?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:21 PM)

Well, I think Matt Forte is going to start, so he's my top guy. And John Fox's tendency to trust veterans leads me to be a bit hesitant on ranking Jonathan Stewart No. 2. I'm going Forte, Kevin Smith, Stewart. And by the way, big-time sleeper Chris Johnson. Don't be shocked if he actually gives Smith a run for No. 2 on this list. I think the ceiling for 2008 is that high.

Ruth........Fredericksburg, VA

(I'm not sure I sent my question before)...I'm a mother of 4, age 52 and am , for the very first time, in a Fantasy Football League with my kids and hubby. Our Draft is tonight and I have the 3rd pick...out of 8 people participating. WHO should I pick?...I'd love to show my boys that I know more than they think I know...ha,ha.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:23 PM)

Well, I'm taking ADP No. 2, so that leaves either Brian Westbrook or Steven Jackson for No. 3. I don't think you can go wrong with either, but my personal preference is Jackson. Don't reach beneath those two, though. And take Adrian Peterson if he slides to your spot! More advice: I'd go either RB or elite WR in the second round. Then the opposite in the third round. Then make sure you get at least five RB/WR total before you start thinking QB or TE. Good QB values: Eli Manning, Matt Schaub, Jason Campbell, if you waited awhile that is.

Jake (VA Beach)

How excited for the 24 movie are you?! I've seen Marvin Harrison everywhere from top 10 WR to outside the top 20. He looked good this past weekend. What are your thoughts?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:25 PM)

Oh, I can't wait. I still have not forgotten my beloved 24, Jake. You happen to have any further details on it? E-mail me, I'm dying to hear. As for Harrison, you're right, he's the big enigma for 2008 as receivers go. I'm more hesitant accounting for his age and his health issues of a year ago. Unfortunately my gut says that a guy like this looking so good and with the name value he brings, his value is increasing a little bit too much too early for me to want him. I can't possibly see taking him much higher than the Nos. 18-20 range at his position, and even then, if I sat down to rank them right here, I might have him lower than that. Too risky for my tastes.

Michael (Boston)

I need a backup catcher off the FA list. Can you rank a top 3 of these guys for the rest of the way? Flores Inge Barajas Hernandez Napoli Mathis Thanks in advance.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:26 PM)

I'd probably go Ramon Hernandez, Mike Napoli and Brandon Inge in that order, but it's really not a ton of difference for the three. Play matchups/exploit hot streaks if you can, but it's the guys I excluded who I think come with the most risk.

Rob (Frankfort, IL)

With Adam Dunn going to Arizona, how does that effect the value of Brandon Phillips and Jay Bruce in keeper leagues???

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:28 PM)

I don't think it does all that much. The Reds could always just bring in another outfielder during the winter. Dunn himself is a free agent, if memory serves.

Diesel (TROLL, Phoenix)

I once killed a man because he dared to impugn Justin Upton as a viable mixed-league OF in '08. Is it safe to say I was wrong to do so? I think Upton can still be a real impact player down the stretch.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:31 PM)

OK Johnny Cash wannabe, pretty harsh words there! I bet you weren't so rough on the guy, though if you were, for shame! As for Upton, I don't think you were wrong, but I also don't think he could've been expected to be much more than fringe mixed-league worthy for 2008 alone. It's the long-term package you kept him for (or at least I would hope that's the case). And if you saw my Dunn question from earlier, you know I'm a tad more skeptical about Upton's remaining 2008.

Justin ( Boston )

Will Matsui be a factor later in the season?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:32 PM)

I wouldn't count on it. The Yankees might be holding out hope but I never was enamored with the reports I read on his health. If you get anything consider it gravy, and about one month's worth of production. Besides, if the Yanks fall out of the race, there'll be no reason to rush the guy back.

jose ( valencia ,venezuela)

hello tristan, can u tell me the reason of why Evan Longoria is sooooo high on your ranking?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:33 PM)

Because he's a fantasy megastud in the making, and I cannot say it better than that. Seriously. Total believer.

Bryan (Ann Arbor)

Is Billy Wagner worth keeping on my roster?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:34 PM)

Last I heard he was nearing a rehab stint, and with the Mets' closer issues -- sorry, Aaron Heilman will not cut it long term -- I would say he needs to be retained.

Mike (NJ)

Von Hayes. decent pick up or would you recommend more power ala Candy Maldonado?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:35 PM)

Von Hayes was a pretty good fantasy player back in the day!

Fernando (Pembroke Pines)

Hey Tristan, dire need of your help. I have John Maine coming off the DL, and i need to get rid of either Liriano, Verlander, Nolasco, F. Hernandez, or Carpenter. Im leaning towards either Nolasco or Verlander? What is your opinion

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:36 PM)

Well, this might be decided for you if Chris Carpenter's health is as bad as some of the preliminary reports seemed to suggest. Not trying to create a panic, but he's no lock to stay in rotation this week. The Cardinals will not risk this guy, I'm sure. And besides, I just don't think his ceiling for this year is high enough to keep him from topping your cut list, seeing those alternatives.

jim

Is Carlos Lee still a pretty good keeper?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:36 PM)

Um, yes. Great? No. Good? Yes.

James (NYC)

please rank Plax, Chad, Holt, Boldin, Smith, and Marshall

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:37 PM)

I would probably go Chad Johnson, Torry Holt, Steve Smith, Plaxico Burress, Anquan Boldin, Brandon Marshall. Not that there's a huge differential between these guys.

Michael (Boston)

What do you think Moyer has left in the tank for the rest of the year? He's like 57 years old isn't he?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:38 PM)

Four hundred and fifty years old (give or take dividing that number by 10) and still going strong! Or, at least, when he faces the Marlins he is. Matchups guy, and a good one. Just don't expect a lot of K's, and don't count on him being in there every single start, that's all. But he's really no different a pitcher than he was even two years ago. Same dude.

Joe (NYC)

With Bobby Engram being out for 6-8 weeks and Branch still recovering from surgery, who becomes the #1 WR in Seattle?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:41 PM)

Yeesh. What a mess in the health department that receiving corps has become. I guess Mr. Inconsistency, Nate Burleson, is the leading guy now. Ben Obomanu gets a nice opportunity to step up here. He's the guy whose value stands to boost most, even if he's not No. 1. Courtney Taylor and Logan Payne could also get looks. But the concern I have is that Matt Hasselbeck seemed to have the strongest rapport with Engram last year, and now that Engram is sure to miss regular-season time, that offense might begin things a little out of whack. I'd try to look elsewhere if I could.

Joel ( Roscommon MI)

Tristan, You dont seem to be too concerned with Steven Jackson's holdout. At what point does this affect his conditioning and overall preperation for week one ?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:43 PM)

Don't take it as belittling the question, Joel, as it's a good inquiry, but I'm not concerned. Not at all. I see players do this all the time because of all the talk that they think the preseason is way too long. Well, I agree with them. Expand the regular season! I could see that. And as it pertains to Jackson, I'd only be worried if we got to, say, within 10-14 days of the kickoff and he hasn't reported. Seriously, a vet like this, he needs no more than a week or two's time to get fully acclimated.

Justin (Chicago)

Where do you have Eli ranked among QBs? Think he builds on the success or still falls into inconsistency?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:44 PM)

I have him 10th, Justin, but you'll have to read my "32 Questions" on the Giants to learn exactly why. It'd be too long to detail here.

Jason (Arizona)

any thoughts on emilio bonifacio?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:45 PM)

Hey Jason! Good NL-only add, matchups/ride-while-hot type. Hey, the kid's fleet of feet. Kind of like Eugenio Velez, though he's not quite as fast but handles the bat a heck of a lot better.

Nick (NYC)

Not a question, just a comment, is there any worse bullpen in baseball than the Mets? Thank you for letting me vent.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:45 PM)

Nick, I own Johan Santana. 'Nuff said.

Joe (Baltimore)

So who gets the ABs in Cinci? Inquiring deep league owners need to know...

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:47 PM)

Let's just say Dusty Baker is in paradise, because now he has an excuse to play the overrated Corey Patterson every single day the rest of the year. As for the other spot, I see Jerry Hairston Jr. benefiting most, with Jolbert Cabrera also possibly in line for a boost.

Kris (Ohio)

will cliff lee have the most wins as a p itcher

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:47 PM)

No, Brandon Webb will. Especially with Adam Dunn now getting his back.

Stu (Brew Crew, WI)

TC, Is Rickie Weeks hitting just enough HRs to make people draft him high again next year only to get killed by his awful batting average? What a tease he is!!!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:49 PM)

Yes, Stu, he's a total tease. I agree with you! I actually think it's that Weeks continues to get regular at-bats, instead of being given up on by his own big-league team, that makes him so tantalizing to fantasy owners year after year. He'll probably enter 2009 overrated, too, though his draft value continues to tumble closer to his actual value each successive season. I bet it's within range next year ... right in time for him to pull an Adrian Beltre on us!

Mike (Seattle)

No Delmon Young on the keeper list. Have you lost hope?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:51 PM)

Remember that the keeper list is 75-percent based on 2009, 25-percent years after that. And when I see that Delmon Young hasn't developed much of any power this year, still isn't walking all that much and won't turn 23 until next month, I think it's too early in his career curve to bank on a big breakthrough. One year from now he might be a comparative keeper-league bargain you need to go get.

Eric (Spingfield, MA)

I have the 12th pick in a first year keeper league. I'm thinking about taking McFadden with pick 13 if he's still there. I know that seems high, but I'm thinking he should be a automatic 1st rounder next year (baring injury). Thoughts?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:52 PM)

I do not think that's a crazy thought, Eric. Besides, he could by all means be this year's Adrian Peterson. It's not unthinkable. In my keeper league, I picked fourth and McFadden sadly went third. I was mucho disappointed. I do think that highly of him long term.

Tom (Tampa)

So if Carpenter is out for an extended period, do you think the Cards rething their plan with Wainwright?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:53 PM)

I suppose that's possible but it might not be a smart move to keep shifting Adam Wainwright's role. Besides, the Cardinals really need to ensure they can lock down their other starters' leads than worry about one open rotation spot. Hey, maybe a decent rotation filler sneaks through waivers (Jarrod Washburn, anyone?).

Aaron (NYC)

Is it wrong of me to have a man crush on Markakis in a keeper league? what do you see from him next 3 yrs?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:54 PM)

Nope. Man-crush away, Aaron! Big Nick Markakis fan right here, but then I love those pure hitters who know how to steal a base too.

John (NJ)

I have to drop one of these guys: Sherrill, Hanrahan, or Rauch. Who goes?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:54 PM)

If you must, I think you must let Jon Rauch go, because he's the one not getting saves. And I have to assume that's a big factor in the question.

Michael (Woburn, MA)

Backwards name game... drop Tatis or Schumaker?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:55 PM)

I'd drop Skip Schumaker, who is a matchups type at best, and not one with the power potential Fernando Tatis provides.

James (Carrboro, NC)

Name game: Cano or Kendrick if I need Runs and AVG?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:55 PM)

It's the latter part of your question that has me picking Howie Kendrick. I like both guys quite a bit, though.

Dan (Daygo)

Ryan Braun update please

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:57 PM)

Back spasms, day to day, and those things are completely in the realm of the unknown, sadly. Though, one thing I can say is that back injuries are not a good thing for a power hitter. They can sap the guy's power, especially if he pushes the ailment. I have a feeling we haven't seen Ryan's final day off, let's put it that way.

Kwame (Detroit)

Name Game: Ward, Driver or Coles?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:58 PM)

I'd probably go Hines Ward by a nose.

Nate (Madison)

Dave Bush, another strong showing so far today.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:58 PM)

Red-hot, underrated pitcher. Just saying.

Andrew (DC)

Top 100 excludes Dempster and the Duke... what gives? They've been outstanding!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:59 PM)

They absolutely have. But long term, we haven't seen much in the careers of either to say they're any guarantee to sustain their successes throughout the winter and into the 2009 season. I'm not trashing either, but that's a bold call to build around two potential one-year wonders.

Mike (Big Fork)

Whats the deal with Michael Cuddyer

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:00 PM)

Probably out for the season after he suffered a broken foot during his rehab stint.

Tim(Atlanta,GA)

Name game buzzer beater-Blanton, Wellemeyer or Colon??????

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:00 PM)

I won't touch Bartolo Colon. No thank you! As for the other two, both matchups types, but I see a handful more of them (or potential ones) in Joe Blanton.

Ricky (Houston)

Do you believe the Madden Curse? If so wouldn't it be wise to stay away from MJD this season?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:01 PM)

YES! But wasn't it Brett Favre on the cover? That's the last I heard.

Brian (Colorado)

In a keeper league, is a cheap Carpenter for a fairly priced Hermida a good swap?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:01 PM)

I'd rather have Jeremy Hermida but then I don't think that's an overturnable trade. I think he's simply safer, and a better help this year, too.

Earl (Tenn)

Do you think the Titans wil be a strong playoff contender?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:02 PM)

Strong? No, but I have a lot of respect for what Jeff Fisher can do with a team. They'll hang in there.

Mike(NYC)

Masterson in the mix again with Colon and Bucholz struggling?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:03 PM)

One can only hope, Mike, though I say that as a little biased since I have Justin Masterson in a league where him getting a 10th start really would matter for his value to me. Putting that aside I still think he's a smarter stand-in, next-in-line guy. And if not him, then I'm going knuckleballer Charlie Zink next.

Tom (NYC)

In auction leagues, do you usually go expensive on LT or try to land Portis and Grant? do you ever nominate guys that you're not really interested in to get some money off the board early

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:04 PM)

Certainly. That's what auctions are all about, money management and seeking bargains! You'll usually find me targeting guys with first-round value, two of them, and both at a fairly high price, yet not going for a top-three-overall type. I mix it up, though. Depends on the flow of the auction. Big fan of Ryan Grant's, for the record.

B (Minneapolis)

Even though he's not injured (yet), the Brett Favre soap opera already qualifies as Madden Curse. A year ago if you could pick ONE franchise guy that was "most likely to never play for a different team," it would've been Favre hands down. Now the freakin' cover is already out of date!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:05 PM)

Good point, B. But wouldn't it be so much more fitting to the "Madden Curse" if Brett's streak snapped this year? I'm not rooting for it but I admit I'm worried. That thing's legit, like the age-30 RB thing.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:05 PM)

Well, that's all for today. Thanks for all your questions, it's been fun! Don't forget, we'll be back again tomorrow to chat, and I know I'll see you all Wednesday morning! Can't wait, you take care now!