Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:06 PM)

I'm here. Sorry I'm late. Was busy letting folks know about our Free Fantasy Football with Free Live Scoring on ESPN.com. It's what I do. All subjects answered... let's get it on...

Kevin (Bloomington)

TMR,I'm anti-cancer!! BOO CANCER!! I concur with your tutelage about Frank Gore - way down on him. However, I took over a keeper team this year and guess who I'm stuck with? Frank "I'll never be Marshall Faulk" Gore... Am I crazy for thinking about keeping Reggie Wayne over him? There's a solid chance that I will get Portis or Moss in the first round because they've been tossed back into the pool and I have the 4th pick. Keep up the good work!!!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:09 PM)

You're not crazy but no, I keep Gore. And then grab Wayne or Moss or Portis at #4. As much as I like Wayne and as much as I am down on Gore, I gotta stick with the back here

Tommy (Chicago, IL)

You say to wait to draft TEs, Def, and kickers. How do you deal with fools that want to draft their 2nd TEs and Def before you've selected your first. I realize this helps me to a point, but I don't want to be stuck with Jim Kleinsasser and the Houston D.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:13 PM)

Crap. Just had a whole answer deleted. You let them. If you have to take a small hit at TE or D, so be it. They're all pretty much the same at that point. But while those guys are loading up their rosters with dumb picks, you grab surplus at the skill positions. If they are dumb enough to draft a second TE then they will be easy to rip off.

Terry (SF)

Baseball NAME GAME (5x5): Garret Anderson or Mike Cameron?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:14 PM)

Anderson for avg, Cameron for speed... I'll probably take GA slightly overall.

Slow Typer (Slowville)

Always enjoy your chats, but can't wait 5 minutes between posts.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:14 PM)

gotcha

Jenny (NYC)

Would you start Ubaldo tonight?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:14 PM)

no

Mike (NJ)

You seem to love Portis? Do you have any concerns about his durability?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:15 PM)

Not really... Second in the NFL in touches last year and was fine... he's a workhorse and won't run as much in a west coast (but still be a big part of offense)

Bob, AZ

Draft tonight. What to do about SJax? Are you worried yet?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:17 PM)

No. Not yet. but ask me in next week's chat. I still have him at 5 - after the big 4 RB and before Brady. If you wanted to take Brady or Portis before him, I'd be fine with it, but if I had the 5th pick tonight, I'd still take S Jax. He's not stupid. It will get done.

Markus (NYC)

U starting James Shields tonight? Tough matchup...

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:17 PM)

I am. He's at home where he pitches much better

Kyle, STL

Matt, can you please tell me why Ryan Torain is not yet eiligible for IR. And in a league where we have two IR spots, why do we have to drop a player from our roster in order to add an injured player to put in our IR spot. I imagine other leagues are seeing this same problem. Thanks for your help, you are the one expert that answers questions directly about your product.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:21 PM)

Aw, shucks. Well, I don't run the games here, but am happy to answer whatever I can. The official answer I was just told is that Torain has not officially been put on IR yet. Sorry for delay - had to go out of my office to find out

Sean (Chicago)

I've got Brandon Marshall as a 4th WR. It was a value pick and I am looking to trade him. What value does he have for a RB? or QB?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:22 PM)

He's worth a #2 RB or any QB after the big 4

Jim (VA)

Hi Matt- I lost Smoltz and got Duchscherrer. Lost Wells and got Nady. Both were at your recomendation. Now I'm in the money so just a simple thank you. Let's see if you publish compliments!!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:23 PM)

Don't worry. It won't go to my head

Chris Henry (Cincinatti, OH)

Have I just become fantasy relevant again?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:24 PM)

In a deeper league (12 team or more) yes.... a little bit.

Vol ( Kansas)

I took Ricky Williams late as a sleeper. Is there a chance now I'll be starting him in week 1 over guys like L. White, Stewart, and Forte?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:25 PM)

Very possibly. He's been working with first team offense and there's the Ronnie Brown will be traded rumor... Especially if Forte or Stewart doesn't win job outright

Mark (Akron)

90210 Name Game Brenda or Kelly, and Valerie or Gina...Which position in fantasy has the biggest dropoff in talent, warranting an early selection. QB,RB,WR,TE?...Thanks!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:26 PM)

Gina, Val, Kelly, Brenda in that order. RB has the biggest dropoff.

Dan Harpaz (NYC)

What is your stance on Canadian geese?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:29 PM)

Buy American! USA!

Ben (SF)

So your big 4 are (in order): LT, Westbrook, AP, Addai?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:30 PM)

I actually have Addai at 3. My updated rankings will be posted very soon, along with a love / hate update

Greg (Orlando, FL)

Why do you have David Garrard ranked above Brett Favre?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:32 PM)

Garrard was the 8th best QB last year on a per game average. Only threw 3 interceptions. Improved his WR corp in off season and goes into camp knowing he is #1 - unlike last year. Favre has new system, new teammates, is always turnover prone in the best of circumstances and has a very tough division. Plus, the Madden Curse. Still like Favre but not as much as Garrard

B (Philly)

Andre Johnson behind Colston and Housh in the new rankings? That just the injury concerns talking? Oh, and how come Revitson never has to do any chats? He not man enough?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:33 PM)

Yes, injury concerns on him and Schaub. Love him, just not as much as those guys. Revitson is more behind the scenes these days

Dave (Frisco, Texas )

Do you think any of your exes read this chat? Have you ever wondered if they were the person asking a question or sending an insult? You seem to be very stalker friendly. lol. Anyways, Pelfrey, Buchholz, or Parra for a spot start tomorrow?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:34 PM)

No, I don't think so... My guess is the folks sending the insults don't know me personally. The exes usually save the insutls for texts or emails. Go Pelfrey

Matt (Boston)

How do you see Chris Johnson shaking out this year? I am pretty excited after watching him in these preseason games.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:35 PM)

Yeah, I'm high on him... TEN is a great run team and I am not a LenDale White guy. I could see 800 yards and 6 TD for Johnson even IF Lendale stays healthy

Dan (San Jose)

We are all of TMR's exes.

Lorf (Providence, RI)

Update: I love yet utterly hate you.

DL Question

Better bet to help off the DL this year: Furcal, Joba or Wagner.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:36 PM)

Wagner

BC (Austin)

Have you ever been confused for Matthew Perry?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:36 PM)

Only by phone when I give my name

Seamus (Albany, CA)

btw what do you recommend i do if i wanna look in to a career in sports media?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:37 PM)

Develop a thick skin

Terry Illes, Salt Lake City, Utah

Dear TMR; On March 24th, you posted an article entitled "You Heard Me: Bold Predictions from the TMR". A friend read the article with great interest and planned on relying on it in the upcoming draft. I counseled my buddy that you were little more than a loud-mouthed blowhard and to erase your "bold predictions" from his memory. I recently read the article again to determine your "hit" rate. As of now, I estimate that you are on pace to be correct on approximately seven of sixty predictions for an accuracy rate of about 12%. Nice job, oh sage of FLB. Yes, we "heard" you, TMR, but let's just hope that nobody was listening. As usual, you seem to believe that the more noise you make the more important you are. I don't know how you got your job, but I'm at a complete loss to understand how you keep it.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:42 PM)

Well, the season is not over yet, is it? Let's see where I am when the season ends. But you got me. The jig is up. I can't tell the future. I keep the job because people like you spend an hour in my chat posting stuff like this. As for a real answer on that stuff... I actually disagree with you. I mean, the idea of predictions is to influence drafting, right? So I said Rick Ankiel will hit 40 hr this year. And barring a miracle that won't happen. He'll probably finish somewhere in the 30's. Now, Ankiel was going in the 18th round. If you went ahead and drafted him n the 16th or 17th based on that bold prediction, are you mad you didn't get 40? Or happy that you were able to get 30+ out of a guy in the 16th round? What's the number where it's a terrible prediction? 39? 35? 30? You're right - that one will be "wrong" but did it do what it was supposed to? I would argue it did. And that's the point with any analysis. Lucky for you Terry, we have a great many talented analysts here at ESPN - you are bound to find one to your liking.

Sean (Chicago)

12% on an article meant to be entirely over the top and daring predictions. TMR I think you did well and those who don't understand are probably the same people who can't appreciate 90210

scott (Philly)

Terry Illes is a school psychologist based near Salt Lake City, Utah. He specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of AD/HD and has written two manuals

Stupid Girl (CT)

You are not sensitive to my dog's needs!!!

Scott (Philly, PA)

8th pick in a 10 team league...Portis or M. Barber? Colston or Edwards or Wayne on the way back? Love your hair!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:44 PM)

Portis and Edwards. And check out my rankings.

Joey (NYC)

Hey TMR, love the podcasts. Read a report about Travis Hafner and VMart close to returning. You buying these guys the same way you were Franciso Liriano earlier this year?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:45 PM)

No, not at all. Like V Mart a little more than Hafner - V Mart was hitting well, just no power. I think pronk is done. Liriano was just a rust and mechanics thing.

Ron (NYC)

Berry... Do you think Young or Carpenter come back this season?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:45 PM)

I think Carp does, but not Young

larry (philly)

over/under 7 saves for wheeler the rest of the way?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:45 PM)

Under

Robert (Monrovia, Ca0

I had my first draft today and I got Joseph Addai with the 8th pick and Marshawn Lynch with the 13th pick. Did I do good?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:45 PM)

That's ridiculous. Did great

chit-ster

hey matt! should i trade my romo and alge crumpler for drew brees and chris cooley? would the other guy even consider it?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:46 PM)

he might... but i probably wouldn't do the deal. Diff between Romo and Brees is larger than Cooley and Crumpler

Todd (NYC)

Could you pleas ask Mr. Illes which Matt Garza will show up tomorrow?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:47 PM)

The good one - he plays much better at home

Ronan (Ireland)

Did the guy who won the "Jimmy V" auction to get the TMR's advice for his football draft get in contact with you ? How did it go ?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:48 PM)

talking to him this Friday

Larry (NJ)

time to give up on Ronnie Brown?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:48 PM)

not yet, but he's already low on my draft board...

Brett (ATL)

Robert from Monrovia knew he did well. Was it really necessary for him to hear it from you? Must be one of those Generation Y types who grew up being told they were great and now need constant compliments in the real world.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:49 PM)

probably. But it just goes to show how insane some leagues are

Richie (SF)

If you had the #4 pick in two different leagues would you recommend switching it up (Addai in one, SJax in the other which is ppr) or would you double down?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:50 PM)

I'd double down in your situation

Dave (Frisco, Texas )

Any Kinsler news? Drop him or wait until further notice?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:50 PM)

wait until further notice.

Mitchell F (fargo, ND)

I really enjoyed your 50 things to know article, just wondering how much you factor in how a player finished the previous season when looking to draft that player. you seem to address that alot but with injuries and roster changes from year to year is that really a big indication of how that player performs moving forward?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:52 PM)

In the cases where I note it, yes, I think it is. Sometimes it's becauyse they didn';t get their current role until a certain point in the season. Or a young player like Anthony Gonzalez gets more comfortable with the offense.... The truth is you can dissect stats eight million ways till Sunday - i chose the ones that highlighted the guys I like or dislike...

Dave(KC)

Why are you not concerned about Steven Jackson's holdout?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:53 PM)

Because he wants to get paid and you get paid by playing. Contract year for him.

Fred (East Lansing)

TMR, Not sure if you were the "Master mind" who installed "The Answer Guys" as part of the ESPN Fantasy Sports program, but feel free to take the credit if you weren't. Dave Hunter and Shaun have been remarkable all season long! Responsive, knowledgeabel, etc. Don't know how much you pay them but it's not enough. Shout out to Dave and C-dub!!!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:54 PM)

It was my idea and it was implemented with a bunch of folks helping out. It's a version of what we did at my old TMR website and both Dave and C-Dub wokred with me there as well. I agree - they're great. And it's a real nice benefit of being an Insider.

larry (Philly)

Who's your ROY in NFL upcoming year?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:54 PM)

McFadden

scott (Philly)

By the constant yawning on the podcasts I guess you had a late night with the 3 ladies you were out with. Anything you want to share with the guys.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:55 PM)

yes and no

Rob (State College)

TMR - need your help!! I'm in second place playing the first place team in my H2H money league, with half the pot to the regular season winner!! I'm starting Slowey tonight of course (I'd start my mama against the A's). However, what do you think about King Felix against the Pale Sox? And why you no love the Jimenez tonight against Manny's Men?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:56 PM)

yes on Felxi, and because Ubaldo has struggled recently and Dodgers have been on fire.

Jim

How could anyone not be an insider? I pay like 50 cents an issue for the magazine and get the insider status for free - ultimate no brainer.

larry (philly)

haha which 3 ladies?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:57 PM)

listen to the podcast my friend. It's my favorite thing we do, it's funny and filled with tons of info - fantasy and life

Erik (Philly)

In a PPR league with .5 pt per carry who would you take at 5 after LT, AP, LJ, BW? I'm think Portis am I insane?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:57 PM)

No, still S Jax, And Gore has a lot of value in a PPR league, though I like Portis a little more.

Josh(boston)

Please rank the following closers - Gonzalez, Guardado, Hanrahan, and Lewis?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:58 PM)

Eddie, Gonz (I assume Mike), Lewis, Hanrahan

Tim (NY)

Erik stole my question!!!!!! Except I have the 7th pick. TMR give me your thoughts on taking Moss there.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:59 PM)

yes, I'm fine with Moss there

Mel Kiper Jr. (ESPN)

Matthew, another stellar performance today. You've really moved up the board these last few months. I like your upside, and that's why I have you as a solid first rounder in my ESPN Chat Host mock draft. Check back on ESPN.com later when I unveil my entire first round!

Confused (Distress)

Rank order these outstanding bills for one month: Cable (with high speed internet), ex's car payment, credit card.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:59 PM)

Credit Card first. You can put off everythign else with the card

Pete(NJ)

Any thoughts on Ray Rice?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:00 PM)

A must own for McGahee owners but only a bit of upside beyond that

Andy (Phoenix)

Hey TMR, just watched your webisodes with the Geico Caveman, and I gotta say....you have a very large and abnormally shaped head. I mean, I had never seen you in profile before. It creeped me out a bit.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:01 PM)

my lack of hair doesn't help it either.

Vick B. (Pasadena, CA)

Berr, you think Matt Schaub will have a breakout year?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:01 PM)

I do, yeah

Scott (Reno)

If you were a Kinsler owner, which side of this deal would you want? Uggla and Ianetta, or Soto and Stewert?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:02 PM)

Uggla side

Doug (CT)

Pick up ladell betts if i'm a portis owner (dropping bryant johnson)?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:02 PM)

yes

scott (Philly)

Those commercials were hilarous, but I do have to agree with Andy

Brian (ATL)

Yo TMR! Strategy Q: I lead in SO, ERA, WHIP. Ws are gonna be down to the wire, and I've got a solid rotation. Is it time to drop Marmol and start streaming the best match-up or 2 available daily or is it too soon? Thanks.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:02 PM)

wait till Sept

A 13 year old kid (far away from 90210)

Although you are pro-cancer, it seems to me you are not pro-children like I previously believed. By using 90210 as an entrance requirement to the man's league you are barring the entry for entrance by the younger generations. Not only do I know nothing about 90210, but how could I ever make a joke about it to gain entry to the mans league? Thank you for crushing my dreams... The 13 year old kid you showed support for last year would be very disappointed that no one could follow in his footsteps...

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:04 PM)

do some research on the show! The internet is a wonderful thing

Frank (Medford, MA)

Any consideration of plugs or a piece? It works for some dudes. Fortunately I have a Kiper lid

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:04 PM)

LOL. No... not my style. It makes me recognizable....

Ryan (Rochester, NY)

chad for a 3rd or calvin for a 5th?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:05 PM)

Chad

larry (philly)

Jurrjens safe start tonight?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:05 PM)

yes

Maddux being Maddux (LA)

Now that I'm on a contending team (albeit one with little offensive fire-power) do you like me more than Scott Baker for the duration??

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:06 PM)

Baker over Maddux

Ron (Clarks Summit, PA)

Plugs or a piece? Are you serious? If it comes down to that, you just shave it all off. It's not even an option. Yikes.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:06 PM)

yep

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:06 PM)

besides, it provides great fodder

Chris (TN)

How come everybody always says, "Be nice to the underrated Keith Lipscomb?" Is Keith overly sensitive to criticism? If somebody's mean to him, does he curl up in a fetal position under his desk with his blankie and suck his thumb?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:07 PM)

Not everybody. I say to hell with Keith Lipscomb.

Sean (Chicago)

Does the selection of Orton as the Bears starter affect your feelings on Hester at all?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:07 PM)

nope

Todd (NYC)

But you are also starting E.Santana vs TB tonight, yes?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:08 PM)

yes

Frank (Medford, MA)

Frank Sinatra work a piece and he pulled the honeys. Some guys look AWFUL with a shaved dome. The only option that should never be considered is the comb-over.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:08 PM)

Sinatra could have worn a bag

Pete (NJ)

With Favre in town, will Dustin Keller be a force?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:08 PM)

Force? No. Deep sleeper? Yes

jared (westerville ohio )

will troy smith have a good year?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:09 PM)

Good? Let's say he has nice upside

joe pgh

jurrjens goes tomorrow

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:09 PM)

still safe to start

Marc (NYC)

Kelly Bundy or Brenda Walsh

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:09 PM)

kelly

Frank (Medford, MA)

Of course Mr Walsh (aka James Eckhouse) rocked the receding hairline just fine. There is hope for you yet TMR

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:10 PM)

Excellent point

Bill (Tampa)

Is Donald Driver a sleeper

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:12 PM)

yes, I am high on him this year for a bounce back. Ok, thnaks guys... that's all I got...See you next week. If you live in the NYC area, come to Brother Jimmy's on Thursday - 6:30pm - 31st and Lex for the ESPN Magazine Draft Party. If you're near Chicagp, I'll be there Fri and Sat. www.espnradio1000.com for details.