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Brendan Roberts

  (11:00 AM)

Hi there, guys! Hope everyone is well s'morning. I've swapped with Chris for today, and maybe the long-term, so I can hit more BB lineup questions just before deadlines. So note that this is a baseball chat, but because of the late switch, I'll sure hit some football questions, too.

BOKUNNU

WHOULD IT BE WISE 2 PICK BRETT FARVE AS MY STARTING QB THOUGH HE GETS CONFUSED WITH THE OFFENSIVE SCHEME...EVEN THOUGH HE DIDNT SHOW IT IN THE JETS LAST PRESESON GAME

Brendan Roberts

  (11:03 AM)

WHY ARE WE SHOUTING (ALL CAPS)?! Ha, ha. Ya know, I think Brett will pick up the offense just fine ... but I think I'm the only guy who is still nervous to have him as my starting QB. To me, he's still 38, was pretty the few seasons before last, IS learning a new system, and I worry about him wearing down right around the playoff weeks. He ALREADY has a hectic season mentally, and I foresee problems. Maybe it's just me, but I probably won't get him because I'd draft him lower than most folks.

Austin Stevens Point, WI

Hey how better of a fantasy player is Nate Burleson now that Engram is out for 2 months.

Brendan Roberts

  (11:04 AM)

That's a good question. I think Burleson's catches/yards upside is limited, but let's not forget he scored nine TDs last seson. I'd have no problems nabbing him as a No. 3 WR or even borderline No. 2.

Mark: (Jacksonville, FL)

Brenden. Need help in a hurry. Deadline is 30 minutes from now. Need a replacement at 3B for the week, or more for Longoria. Any ideas on an under the radar guy you might like? 20 game qualification. Thank you

Brendan Roberts

  (11:06 AM)

Gulp! Better get going, I'd have no way of knowing who's out there, But what about Ian Stewart. Really coming around. Also, Chad Tracy has a VERY favorable schedule and is a good spot start. Maybe one of those guys is available?

Jeff (Atlanta):

What's the deal with Milton Bradley? First he's sick, now's he hurt himself sneezing. Does this guy really care about playing? It's so hard to decide whether to start him or not.

Brendan Roberts

  (11:07 AM)

I like to call it Milton being Milton. He does this at every stop, every season. He starts hot, wears down, gets hurt ... and his production suffers after that. I'm not expecting much from here on out.

Derek (Lansing, MI)

Scott Baker seems to have lost it. Would you replace him with Randy Johnson or Gil Meche?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:08 AM)

Yeah, I'd replace him. He has done well, but there are so many similarly valued players. I'd probably replce him with Unit until the big guy gives you a reason not to.

B (Philly)

File under the "Insane-question-that-might-not-be-that-insane" category: More valuable down the stretch...Lance Berkman, or Carlos Quentin?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:08 AM)

Not insane at all. How about that Carlos Quentin? Great offense, great opposite field power ... but I'd still say Berkman outproduces him down the stretch.

Matt,MPLS

I read a stat that talked about rookie RB's who get 1000 yards rarely repeating those stats in their second year. Think that happens with Lynch?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:10 AM)

Yeah, I've seen things like that, too. Pretty interesting. But I think Lynch will be fine -- to an extent. He'll get enough carries to have first RB value, but I don't see him carrying a team. Kind of reminds me of Willis McGahee in his second year of starting in BUF.

Juan (Atlanta)

Brendan, quick help! Campillo vs SF or Guthrie vs BOS? need to pick one by noon? Thanks!

Brendan Roberts

  (11:10 AM)

Love me the Guthrie, but can't disregard Campillo. He's my pick.

John (NYC)

What's your opinion on Chris Dickerson?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:11 AM)

I think he'll cool down eventually and be a fringe mixed-league OF -- but not this week. With games at Wrigley and Coors, I think the Reds will score enough runs, with him scoring and running plenty, to be a sure-fire start this week.

Mike (SD)

What type of value do you see from guys like Phil Hughes or Max Scherzer from here on out?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:12 AM)

Hughes? Not much. I could see him being rusty when he returns, and then having plenty of five-inning starts. Scherzer, on the other hand, I love. I'm hearing he could return to the D-backs rotation later this week, and I think he'll hit the ground running. What a great investment he is right now, even in shallow leagues.

Jay (PA)

There is absolutely no reason to have Aaron Harang on my roster is there?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:13 AM)

Unless you have a deep bench, I'd have to agree with you. Harang has looked downright awful his past few starts (I've seen 'em both), and I think his numbers could have looked even worse than they are. He's leaving pitches in the middle, and he's not fooling anyone. Unless you have a deep bench, I say you have to -- sigh -- cut him.

Sean (Hoboken)

Any chance that the Mariners will shut down Felix Hernandez? They have ZERO to play for. Have you heard anything?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:14 AM)

I haven't heard anything like that, and I don't think the M's will do it. He's now to the point in his career he doesn't need to do that, and I think the M's want him out there to "set the tone" and show leadership for next year. I think you're OK with him.

Shawn (MN)

Lilly vs. Cincy or Kazmir vs. CWS this week? Have to start Myers vs. Wash also right?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:15 AM)

Yes on Myers. In fact, right now , yes even on you, Shawn, if you started against WAS. I say Kazmir in the other slot. He looked pretty good in his last start, and he's one of those guys who transcends the matchup. If he's on, no team can hit him. And he looked on Sunday.

Tim, DC

Carlos Guillen was out of the lineup on Sunday. I have hairston on the bench. Is he ok to start this week? Also, need one out of this group for this week: Damon, Victorino or Wells in a ten team mixed.

Brendan Roberts

  (11:17 AM)

I think Guillen is OK to start. Just a routine day off after returning from injury. You wouldn't want to leave his potential production on the bench in a VERY favorable week for hitters. Believe it or not, I say Wells for the other slot. Damon is hurting again, and Wells has a nice schedule at home this week. He hits well at home and has a season to salvage.

John (Beantown)

Following on Mike in SD: is Kershaw a safe play from this point forward? What're your thoughts on Bedard? I'd given up on him, but now he might start this week?!?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:19 AM)

Yup, John, I think Kershaw is fine. Some bad swings against him in his last start. Bedard? See: rusty and five-inning starts. I'd give him a start or two to get back in shape, but I definitely wouldn't give up on him. Those five-inning starts could be Harden-like. (Speaking of which, what's with Harden being protected THAT much by Lou?!)

Jim, Indiana

To follow up the Guillen question , do you start him over Tulowitzki?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:20 AM)

Hmm, that's closer. But I would. At Texas and at KC ... that's too good to pass up. Unless COLO was at home all week, which they're not, Guillen is my choice.

Dave(Frisco)

My fastball tops out a 75 mph. I have no breaking pitches. But, I have a mean 55 mph changeup. Safe to start me against Washington? Anyways, is it time to cut Aviles? I've been riding his hot streak but it looks like it's about over. What are your thoughts on him?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:21 AM)

Hey, 75 is pretty good for the group here! I still play baseball in an over-30 mens league, and I top out at about 80 mph these days, and I used to have a good arm. Most of us are throwing ONLY 55 mph changeups. Yeah, I'd cut Aviles. Never believed in him much in the first place, and pitchers seem to have made an adjustment.

Nolen (NYC)

I know this might sound crazy, but how worried are you about the incoming storm ruining a lot of the LAA @ TB series? Also, does it make sense to bench Atkins (3 @ LAD, all 6 against rights) in favor of Beltre?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:22 AM)

I'm not worried yet about that. This time of year, teams will do just about anything to play the games, unless the team is within their division (ensuring a September matchup). I'd still pick Atkins. He's looked fine since his nick a few weeks back, and I think he'll have a good final 6 weeks.

Mike (Boston)

Sup Brendan, could you rank the following from today going forward - Guardado,Putz,M Gonzalez,Lewis, Hanrahan, Rodney?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:23 AM)

Yes, a lot of similar options. I'd probably say Putz. At least he has potential for three-category production, even if he's not getting saves. That said, he's as assured of saves as anybody in that group.

Ryan (Chicago)

Brendan, your hot monthly hitters articles have helped me into first. Can you recommend some hot september guys for the stretch run?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:25 AM)

Glad to hear, Ryan! Honestly, I can't right now. I haven't looked at it yet. I could wing, but I wouldn't want to steer you wrong. In tomorrow's Hit Parade column, though, I will do the MOST and LEAST favorable schedules for hitters going forward. Seeing as matchups are as key as anything, that should help you.

Mike (Boston)

Sup Brendan, could you rank the following from today going forward - Guardado,Putz,M Gonzalez,Lewis,Hanrahan,Rodney?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:25 AM)

Whoops, my bad, Mike. I'd say Gonzo is next, followed by Hanrahan, Guardado, Lewis and Rodney. Obviously don't think Rodney keeps the job.

Matt,MPLS

Rank this group of RB's please. Barber, Portis, Gore, Lynch. Thanks.

Brendan Roberts

  (11:26 AM)

I love Gore this season. He's 1, followed by Portis, Barber then Lynch. They're close, but I feel good about putting Gore and Portis first two.

Double Up

I am forced to start Vernon Wells and Alex Rios this week. I hate starting two players from the same team. Also with Hart and Braun, but easier to swallow. What are your thoughts?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:27 AM)

Why do you hate that? I love doing that, or at least don't mind it. They feed off each other, and when the week is favorable, as it is for both teams, you can have a great showing! Smile, my friend.

Steve NY

What do you think of the young guy John Lannan? Jerry Cransnick wrote something about him saying he has more Quality starts than Halladay or something like that.

Brendan Roberts

  (11:29 AM)

He's compared to Jamie Moyer, which to me means: "Small margin for error." I think he'll stick in the MLB rotation, but I think he's just a flash in the pan in fantasy. He still plays for WAS and he still tops out at 86 mph. I'm not buying.

Harry (Cabo Wabo)

Why does the link say fantasy football and then the page says fantasy baseball?Better 2008: MJD, Bush or McGahee?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:30 AM)

We changed things up this morning, and the SportsNation guys might not have hit all the changes. Probably be baseball at 11 a.m. going forward, though. They're all pretty close, but I still like McGahee the most among that group, even with recent knee surgery. The surgery was minor, and he's still the most assured of getting the touches to be the elite option in the group.

Jamie Moyer(Philly)

I'll be stopped for speeding if I played in your league, Hi Brendan, please Ubaldo or Scott Baker for the rest of the year, league where K-BB ratio is important, also rank them with Slowey too, if you can.

Brendan Roberts

  (11:32 AM)

As a lefty hitter, I'm relatively sure Moyer would baffle me. I'd put Slowey first in that group. People still lukewarm on him, but look at those numbers! Ya know, looking at his next scheduled starts, I'd probably say Ubaldo clips Baker for second, but it's very close.

Dan (KS)

I took Ronnie Brown with the 68th pick in our draft yesterday. I had to take him that low right? Am I going to be okay with him and Selvin Young as my 3rd and 4th rb's?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:34 AM)

Yeah, I've seen some detrimental stuff on Ronnie Brown of late, even on our site. But I'd love him as a 3rd of 4th RB. Talk about upside, as in that slot, you can take advantage when he slowly gets his groove back. Come fantasy playoff time, which is what matters most, he'll be very startable. I like Selvin, too. He's still a good back, yet owners are scared away by Shanny. Nice picks on your part.

Ryan (New Rock)

Hey Brendan, who do you like more for overall production for the rest of the season: Lastings or Andre Ethier? Thanks

Brendan Roberts

  (11:35 AM)

Ethier. The Dodgers are playing well, and Etheir is playing a lot. Fifteen homers for him. Never thought he had that in him.

Who's On First

Better option at first the rest of the way: Adam Laroche, Jason Giambi, or Paulie "Walnuts" Konerko? Giambi now gets more at bats with Sexson demoted. Thanks!

Brendan Roberts

  (11:36 AM)

And I've have to say him. I like Konerko, too, but Giambi just seems safer to me, as unbelievable as that sounds. Love that nickname, though.

Ron (NYC)

Brendan.. Any news on Furcal's return? Hitting leadoff in that lineup is fantasy goodness! Thanks!

Brendan Roberts

  (11:37 AM)

I'm still hearing late August, although the lack of updates on him does make me nervous. I've picked him up in even shallow leagues in preparation of his return, and I think he's one of those guys who can hit the ground running -- literally.

Steve (DC)

In a 14 team mixed h2h where our trade deadline has passed, I have to drop either Weeks or Zimmerman. I am leaning toward keeping Zimmerman because he provides some insurance for Chipper Jones. Plus, Sizemore is my only other speed option, so I usually lose the steals category, and Weeks sits the bench once or twice a week. But Weeks has been heating up a bit of late and Zimmerman is on an awful team, both of which give me pause. Could Weeks out produce Zimmerman down the stretch, even in non-steal categories?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:37 AM)

Weeks hurt his thumb and looks DL-bound or at least out a week. Definitely keep Zimm-Zam.

Tim(Atlanta,GA)

I heard that Kinsler left yesterday's game with a "sore groin". Is he a safe play this week or should I sit him in favor of a hot Jed Lowrie?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:38 AM)

Glad you asked. As great as he's been, I would seriously consider sitting him. Reading this morning that he'll be out "at least a few days," and I'm not sure you could afford bogies all week. It's risky sitting him, but this thing doesn't sound good.

Todd (MPLS)

Desperate for steals as we come in to the home stretch, but don't want to kill my Average to get em. Choose an IF and an OF who can help me out:Punto, Bartlett, or Erick Aybar? Soo-Choo, Gardner, or Rajai Davis?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:40 AM)

Hmm, that "not killing my average" thing made me think. Ya know, I'd probably say Soo-Choo, given his matchups et al. Bartlett would be second, followed by Gardner and Aybar.

Ron (NYC)

Figgins or Kendrick the rest of the year? Figgins hits in front of Tex, Vlad, and Hunter!

Brendan Roberts

  (11:41 AM)

Yeah, they're pretty close because of Kendrick's ability to hit for a high average. But I'd say Chone; the potential for steals is simply too great.

Dan (Brooklyn, NY)

Hey Brendan. Quick question: While Melvin Mora is this hot, should I start him tonight over Prince Fielder or Justin Morneau? I also have David Wright who I refuse to sit. I can only play three of them. Thanks, my man!

Brendan Roberts

  (11:42 AM)

No way I'd start Mora, no matter how hot he is (and how favorable the sked is). You're lineup-locked with greatness at corner infield -- and that's a good thing. Unless you start him at UTIL, there's not much use for Mora on your team, unfortunately.

Scott (Reno)

Hinske a good at now that he's getting regular PT?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:44 AM)

He got plenty of PT earlier this season and showed what he can do, which is show 25-homer power, 10-steal speed and a .250s average. In mixed leagues, I'd probably start him based on matchups, looking for 1) upcoming matchups versus righty pitchers; and 2) games at home. If it applies, which it does this week, I'd start him.

B (Philly)

Waiver Wire Pitcher question: safest bet to not kill the ERA and WHIP numbers while picking up a few wins... Dave Bush, Paul Byrd or Chad Gaudin?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:45 AM)

Bush. Even when he was allowing all those runs early in the season, his WHIP still wasn't bad. Plus, the Brewers are going all out right now and should back him.

Mark: (Jacksonville, FL)

Back to that 3B question. Tracy was a great idea, but doesn't qualify under our rules. That leaves me with the fine choices of Inge, Scutaro or Ramon Vazquez...Yuck, but I need help! Thoughts?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:46 AM)

Darn. Was afraid of that (didn't check Games Played). Not sure who your original starter was, but of those three, I'd definitely select Vazquez. Better home matchups and has more upside. Plus, I'm hearing Blalock will play 1B when he returns (Davis will get starts at 3B).

Chris, NJ

Lester or Santana as a two start pitcher this week?! Thanks. You are awesome!!!

Brendan Roberts

  (11:48 AM)

Why thank you, Chris! Um, given his overall numbers and that I like his matchups a little better, I'd say Ervin. Can you guys believe what BAL has done offensively in the second half? Surprisingly impressive.

Dave(Frisco)

Is Wiggington worth a pickup? How about a subcompact? Seriously, what do you think of his value for the rest of the year?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:49 AM)

Ha, ha. Nice one. Wiggy is what he is .. his recent years' numbers give you a good idea of what you can expect. So should you start him? When the matchups are right -- and they're definitely not right this week. He'll face Sabathia, Sheets, Parra, Johan, Maine and Oliver Perez, and all on the road. That's mighty unfavorable, so I'd leave him be for another week. If he makes it out of this one still sailing, then ...

Wayne (New Orleans)

Who earns the most saves the rest of the way? Chris Perez, F. Cordero, or Ziegler?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:52 AM)

I still think it's Cordero, just cause I think La Russa still could "platoon" that closer role now and then (although not with Adam Wainwright ... he's returning as a starter). Plus, I think Street re-enters the saves situation in OAK -- when they win, that is.

Matt,MPLS

Better WR, Curry or Porter? And does the value of the Zona WR's change depending on the QB? Thanks Brendan.

Brendan Roberts

  (11:53 AM)

Definitely Curry, in my mind. Then again, like many, it seems, I'm not a Porter guy. I haven't seen anything from the guy in the past few years, offseasons included, that indicates he can help us. No, I think Zona WRs are still pretty high if Leinart starts. Warner better, but Leinart should be better than he was last season.

jay (fort james, gemarny)

been trying all morning, please! i love you by the way. need to know for my keeper league deadline tomorrow. which prospects in the minors now, have the best chance of beginning next season as starters, and actually making an impact? thanks!

Brendan Roberts

  (11:56 AM)

Saying you "love me" is a good way ... hmm, always tough to tell with youngsters. But here are a few, obvious or otherwise: LaPorta, Travis Snider, Wieters (*), McCutcheon, Rasmus, Andrus, Mat Gamel, Alcides Escobar ... pitchers probably would be Wade Davis and Cahill in OAK.

Jeremy (PA)

Play Bradley this week and hope for the best?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:56 AM)

Given his schedule, yeah, I would still play him. If he played at a stronger position, no. But I doubt you'll find a fifth OF with more upside.

Alex (Coral Gables)

When does Matt Wieters come up? Hernandez does teh same thing every year.And is he the creme of the crop prospect wise, what do his big league stats project as down the road? thanks

Brendan Roberts

  (11:58 AM)

I could see Wieters beginning next season as the BAL starting catcher. As in Opening Day. Just a cup of coffee this year, methinks. How does he project? Hmm, drawing a blank on comparisons, but something like a .300 average with decent power for a catcher and good RBI production. Probably what we thought Johjima was going to be.

Dana (Boston)

Better for remainder...Span, Tavaras or Cameron?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:58 AM)

Assuming this is 5x5, still Taveras. If it's not, then Cameron.

Adam (NYC)

Will Votto play full time this week?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:59 AM)

Yup, just read Dusty will start him Tuesday. He said Votto needed to get his swing back after the layoff. Judging by the fact that he singled as a pinch hitter, I think it's back.

Matt Wieters (Bowie, MD)

Why did I get an *?

Brendan Roberts

  (12:00 PM)

Because you ... ahem, he is good. I really like him.

Emily (Boston)

I love you more than Jay! Who should get the nod this week between Garza and Saunders? Garza usually doesn't fair too well following a great outing.

Brendan Roberts

  (12:01 PM)

Aw, that's sweet! (And I'd rather have an Emily, if that is in fact your name, love me than a Jay ... not that there's anything wrong with it. Ha, ha). I'd take Saunders. At home versus the Twins beats Garza at home versus LAA.

brian (nyc)

which one of those youngters would you use a #1 waiver priority on for a keeper league?

Brendan Roberts

  (12:02 PM)

Probably LaPorta. Adam Dunn has been the closest comparison to him, and I'm a Dunn guy.

Hardley (New York)

Any news on Bedard?

Brendan Roberts

  (12:03 PM)

He's throwing off a mound, but the M's still aren't setting a timetable. Many are speculating he'll return mid-next week or so.

Ron (NYC)

Brendan... Who does Scherzer replace in the rotation? Petit is pitching very well and Davis seems locked in no matter what.

Brendan Roberts

  (12:05 PM)

Yup, that's the reason Sherzer isn't here already. I think the D-backs are giving it another week to see if someone falters. But I don't think Davis is locked by any means. The D-backs are fighting, and he still could do fine in the bullpen. It might be a tough sell to him, but I think he'd be the odd man out at least until/if Petit falters.

Emily (Boston)

Thanks...and I'm a dude...sorry.

Brendan Roberts

  (12:05 PM)

Figured. Darn.

scott (chicago)

ortiz, howard or morneau this week? Pick 2.

Brendan Roberts

  (12:06 PM)

Wow, tough call. Looking at skeds (and cause they're all close), probably Ortiz and Howard.

Greg (Ohio)

Who do you like more for the rest of the season - Garko or Headley?

Brendan Roberts

  (12:06 PM)

Probably Headley. Garko has lost a lot of luster.

Dave, Evanston

Buzzer beater: Cano or Stewart for rest of year (H2H)?

Brendan Roberts

  (12:07 PM)

Cano, definitely. Ias has been hot, but not Cano-like-second-half hot.

Brendan Roberts

  (12:08 PM)

And that, my friends, was indeed the buzzer beater. Good luck to all of you in Week 21 of the MLB season and in your upcoming FB drafts. I'll be back next week, probably at this time, to chat with you again. Later!