James Quintong

  (3:00 PM)

Hey guys. Hope your Friday is going well. I'm going to be taking a lot more football questions this week with lots of drafts coming up (I know I've got a handful this week). But I'll get in some baseball questions as well.

Brett(San Diego)

I keep hearing 6th is the worst pick to have this year but isn't 7th much worse? The top 6 being LT, ap, westbrook, addai, s-jax, and brady are all proven fantasy studs. At pick 7 you gotta pick between some guys who have much more question marks then the 6 infront of them. And on the way back the difference between pick 14 and 15 is practically nothing considering there's no way to predict who from picks 12-20 will still be on the board. Am i right or just over thinking the situation?

James Quintong

  (3:02 PM)

Well No. 6 is tough because you may be forced to consider Brady in that spot, and in many leagues, it's tough to consider a quarterback that high up. Seven isn't better, you're right, but I suppose if those six go off the board, you've got a handful of guys you could go with and not feel terrible about. Plus, depending on the size of your league, someone you considered at 7 could be around on the way back.

Peter (Boston, MA)

I have the 5th pick in my draft and I'm sure Addai will fall to me (figuring it will go L.T, Peterson, Westbrook, Brady). And this will be our first season as a keeper league. Is Addai a good player to take as a keeper or should I try to draft a good WR to keep for next season?

James Quintong

  (3:03 PM)

I like Addai there, especially in a keeper league. Even though it's a keeper league, you still have to consider this year, and Addai appears solid to me at 5. Besides, some of the top wideouts you might consider this high (Moss, T.O., for example) are a little older and might not be the most optimal keeper material.

Blake Abilene Tx

Who is a better pick Aaron Rodgers or David Garrard

James Quintong

  (3:05 PM)

I'd lean Rodgers because of the weapons around him, although his inexperience is a question mark. A lot of people around here like Garrard, but I can't trust any of their receivers. Although, Garrard could be like Donovan McNabb in some years where he puts up numbers despite a lackluster receiving corps.

Alan (Chicago, IL)

Is Joey Galloway worth a 9th round keeper in 12 team league? Thanks!

James Quintong

  (3:07 PM)

Ninth-round, that's not bad. I kept Galloway a couple of rounds earlier in one league I'm in. He's getting older but he seems to produce, although sometimes he's a feast or famine guy.

Steven (NJ0

Is getting Matt Forte for Deuce mcAllister as good deal?

James Quintong

  (3:08 PM)

I think so. Forte looks to be the guy in Chicago, while McAllister's health is still a question mark. Forte obviously has more upside, which would be the reason to do the deal.

Red, Appleton, WI

Is Ryan Grant a safe pick in the late 1st/early 2nd of a 12 team draft? He came into camp late and hasn't practiced much or seen game action yet. Are the Packers just being conservative or should I move Grant down and B Jackson up the draftboard?

James Quintong

  (3:10 PM)

I'd probably let Grant slip a little later in the second round. I guess I'm not as sold on his big season as others, but he should be decent. I don't think I move Jackson up a whole lot, though, because I think it's still Grant's job to lose.

Darren, Lagrange GA

with all the conflict between boldin and arizona should i try and trade him or sit him and hope he goes to the eagles or play him in my fantasy league?

James Quintong

  (3:11 PM)

Sure, there's conflict, but I try not to let that affect where I'd rank/play Boldin. He'll produce no matter where he goes. If it's the Eagles, he gets a little bump. If not, he's still a fine guy to have and play.

Mike (Nashville)

Is Kevin Jones a must-handcuff with Forte right now? Any chance he takes the starting job at some point this year (non-injury situation)?

James Quintong

  (3:13 PM)

I don't think he's a must-handcuff to Forte, but he's definitely a guy to watch and possibly take as your fourth or fifth running back. Jones has some talent, so it wouldn't be a surprise if he does get the starting job, but the Bears are more invested in Forte and will give him the chance to succeed.

Peter (Boston, MA)

Do you see Donte Stallworth as a good starter this year? I figure he is on a new team and could see a lot of balls his way.

James Quintong

  (3:15 PM)

Don't we say this about Stallworth every time he joins a new team? He's a fine complementary receiver on a real team, but can be frustrating for fantasy purposes. He's at best the No. 3 option for passes in Cleveland behind Edwards and Winslow, so it'll be tough for him to be a weekly fantasy contributor.

Steve (MA via East Hartford)

In a league with 2QBs and 6 pts for a passing TD, would it be crazy to go QB QB in the first two rounds if I was picking towards the end of the first round, and try to get two of the top 3-4 QBs?

James Quintong

  (3:17 PM)

Actually, I don't think it's crazy at all. In 2 QB leagues, it seems like the top guys will go early because of the scarcity (much like the RB-RB strategy in other leagues). It's an interesting strategy to try, although when you do that, other owners will be plucking the RBs behind you and it'll be a while before you get a back or a receiver to go with the QBs.

Mark, MI

I dont know if its just me, but the consensus top 2 WR's (Moss and T.O.) scare me this year. I have a feeling their bodies do not hold up again. Would it be crazy to take Wayne, Edwards, Johnson over them?

James Quintong

  (3:19 PM)

Wayne or Edwards could be considered ahead of Moss and T.O. if you're thinking younger. I guess I'd let the other guys in my league take Moss and T.O. and then get better value with the younger guys in later rounds.

Jim (erie,pa)

Who do you think has the most breakout upside for this season? Chris Johnson, Ray Rice, Chris Perry, or Kenny Watson?

James Quintong

  (3:20 PM)

With the way Rudi Johnson's hammy has been bothering him, I could see Perry doing some damage this year. I'm also high on Rice, especially with McGahee's knee injury such a question mark.

Ryan (New Rock)

Hey James I could really use your insight. Im in a PPR and drafted both Witten and Winslow with the intention of trading one. Do you think Mcgahee for Winslow is fair or are you worried about his knee?

James Quintong

  (3:22 PM)

As mentioned before, I think McGahee is a big risk at this point, otherwise, I might've pulled the trigger. But you could really shop around for a good back with both of those TEs.

Ross (Baton Rouge)

What are your thoughts on Reggie Bush this year? Is he a good enough #2 RB in a 12 team .25 per catch leauge?

James Quintong

  (3:23 PM)

I still really want to like him, but I wonder if Bush is just going to keep running the way he does. He's still decent for PPR leagues, although the .25 per catch limits his value compared to a full point per catch.

JP (NY)

What are your thoughts on Carson Palmer this season? Johnson and Housh are both injured, Henry is out for a few games and the running game will likely be inconsistent all year.

James Quintong

  (3:26 PM)

I wouldn't be in a rush to draft Palmer because of the injury issues around him as you mentioned. However, when the wideouts are healthy, he's still a top guy. I think the injuries in the receiving corps will shake themselves out, though. But given the early problems, I wonder if Palmer might end up with a Drew Brees 2007 season where he was awful early but turned it around late -- which might be possible with Chris Henry coming back by midseason.

SprungOnSports (Long Island)

How much value does Alge Crumpler have this year considering the Titans lack of WR depth?

James Quintong

  (3:27 PM)

He's taken a lot of punishment over the years, so I don't know if he'll be healthy enough to rank among the elite TEs, but he probably will end up being Vince Young's safety valve, which will be helpful.

Cody Philly

James, there seems to be two trains of though in the first rounds of drafts this year. One go RBs early because of the RBBCs out there and the substitution of one of the RB slots with a stud QB or WR because it seems the league is heading towards a more pass happy mentality, which camp do you belong in? thanks

James Quintong

  (3:29 PM)

I guess I still subscribe to getting the top RBs because there are even fewer stud backs out there. But the dropoff in tiers of wideouts might force me to think WR depending on what's available in each position when I draft.

Brodie (Detroit)

I just took Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson as my top 2 WRs...have any issues with that?

James Quintong

  (3:31 PM)

You really like those Lions, don't you? I think they both have the potential to put up big numbers, but it's hard to put so much faith in Detroit's offense.

Jennifer (Florida)

Do you think F Taylor is good enough for a #3/flex player in a 12 team league?

James Quintong

  (3:32 PM)

I think so. He still produces enough to get value there. Taylor is one guy who often ends up in that spot on my teams.

JP (NY)

Colston or Fitz in ppr?

James Quintong

  (3:33 PM)

I'd lean toward Fitz. I think Shockey could take some of Colston's catches.

James Quintong

  (3:34 PM)

OK, I'll shift to some baseball for a bit since I've got a bunch of questions saved up.

Scott (St. Paul)

Mike Jacobs or Chris Davis: more HR the rest of the season?

James Quintong

  (3:35 PM)

Even with his recent cold streak, I'm still going to lean toward Davis.

Matt (UCSB)

V. Martinez's slow call up is frustrating. Now maybe not until Sept? Do you see him playing more than 20 games the rest of the season? Currently have Ianetta (platoon) and R. Hernandez on waivers, but I can't take another hit in AVG, and I think V-Mart is a much better player. Thanks

James Quintong

  (3:36 PM)

With the Indians out of it, I'm not sure they're in any hurry to get V-Mart up. I think your catchers are fine given the circumstances, and Hernandez has been playing much better since the All-Star break.

Rob (Frankfort, IL)

Ian Stewart has been on fire lately...What will the Rockies do with him next season and is he worth keeping???

James Quintong

  (3:38 PM)

I think Stewart is worth keeping if he stays in Colorado, which the Rockies will try as best as they can. Unfortunately, Todd Helton is still under contract for a few more years, but if the Rockies can deal him, that could open up the Atkins/Stewart corners. The Rockies will try to find a place for Stewart if he keeps hitting like he does.

Spencer (MA)

Of all these relatively new closers (Fernando Rodney, Jensen Lewis, Chris Perez). Who do you like down the stretch. Thanks James.

James Quintong

  (3:39 PM)

I like Perez the best out of those three. I've been watching him for a couple of years, and now he's got the closer's job, which could be his for a long time.

James NYC

I have to cut one of Duscherer, Todd Jones or Saito. I don't have the DL spots for all three. Who has the least impact remainder of this year?

James Quintong

  (3:41 PM)

Least impact probably would be Todd Jones. Duchscherer and Saito still can be useful if they return. I don't get that in Jones.

Brian, MA

I have the option of picking up Jim Johnson or Aaron Heilman in a 12 team league. I'm currently in need of saves but don't want to crush my other pitching stats since I'm trying to hold onto leads there. I'm leaning toward Johnson, but I'd prefer the guy who closes for the rest of the year. Your thoughts?

James Quintong

  (3:42 PM)

I think Johnson is the guy for Baltimore, despite a pretty mediocre K/BB ratio. It's also unclear how long Sherrill will be out, so the job could be short-lived. Still, I'd take him over Heilman, because that Mets situation could change a lot over the next few weeks.

marc - los angeles

J to the Q...pls rank keeper wise for next season... you are my only hope.. bay, mclouth, ichiro and granderson. thanks.

James Quintong

  (3:43 PM)

Let's see -- how about: Bay, Ichiro, McLouth, Granderson

Mike (Arlington, VA)

Would you start the big unit or oswalt tonight?

James Quintong

  (3:44 PM)

I'd go with the Big Unit. He hasn't been as dominating as in recent starts, but he's still pitching relatively well.

Chris (philly)

Drop Votto or G. Anderson for Lind??? Offense took a big hit with loss of C. Lee

James Quintong

  (3:47 PM)

I like Lind, but he's cooled off a bit lately, and I don't think it's worth dropping who you have for him.

Paul (Chicago)

Where do you see Alexei Ramirez ranking among 2b for 2009?

James Quintong

  (3:49 PM)

He's played his way into a top-10 second baseman for next year after being putrid in April. If he could improve that stolen-base percentage, he'd be held in even higher esteem. Second base isn't a very deep position, fantasy-wise, so Ramirez has lots of room to move.

tom New York

Rasmus or Andrew McCutchen ever gonna be called up?

James Quintong

  (3:51 PM)

At this point, you'll have to wait for the September callups. Rasmus has been a relative disappointment in Triple-A this year, which is why the Cardinals haven't been in a rush to call him up. I'm not sure what's holding back McCutchen, who has 30 steals this year, but he'll be up soon.

James Quintong

  (3:52 PM)

OK, switching back to football to finish things off ...

Aaron (Texas)

A lot of experts are projecting Chargers to have the top fantasy defense, but I personally think it will be the Vikings. Any thoughts on that?

James Quintong

  (3:54 PM)

The Vikings have plenty of playmakers on defense, especially with the addition of Jared Allen. They're definitely in the mix among the top D's. Plus, Shawne Merriman's injury can't help things for the Chargers.

Bobby, NY

Are you done with football? I took Shockey in the 9th round then was able to get Owen Daniels on my second to last pick because of Shockey's health concerns. Should I drop him for someone like Hightower to handcuff Edgerin? Or is two TEs a good move in the case of Shockey - recovering from injury, new team, etc.

James Quintong

  (3:55 PM)

I usually draft two TEs, although I'm not sure why, other than for some insurance. Plus, that second guy is usually one of the first guys I'd drop for the "next big thing" on the waiver wire. In this case, you've got decent insurance in Daniels, and would rather keep him then go for a handcuff type.

James (Tampa,Florida)

Whats your take on Hines Ward this year? Is he a #2 or a #3 WR?

James Quintong

  (3:56 PM)

I've always been a Ward fan, but he'll provide better value as a No. 3 wideout given his age and recent health issues.

chitster

whats your take on lendale white? it seems like chris johnson has all the hype to replace him as the #1 back.

James Quintong

  (3:58 PM)

I think White is a capable back and can be useful at the goal line. He's not going to be a major stud, but just useful enough as a No. 2/3 guy. Johnson has a lot of speed, but I still need to see more to consider drafting him beyond a No. 3/4 RB. Then again, the Titans should run a lot and Johnson probably will get his share of carries, but I'm not necessarily convinced just yet.

Ryan, Denver

I took LT with the #1 overall pick in a snake draft and picked Edwards and Fitzgerald with my next two picks. Michael Turner was the best option left for pick 4 - is he a legit #2?

James Quintong

  (4:00 PM)

I think he's fine as a No. 2 fantasy RB since it looks like he'll be the primary ball carrier in Atlanta. With the way your draft seems to have shaken out, I'd be happy with what you've got.

Greg (Boston)

James, what's your take on the RB situations in Houston & Seattle. Are there any RBs worth starting in the entire bunch?!?!

James Quintong

  (4:01 PM)

I'm staying away from both situations until very late in the draft. The Texans are a bit of a mess, although Chris Brown and possibly Steve Slaton are worth watching. I don't like Julius Jones a whole lot, and seeing how the Seahawks ran last year, I'm not high on Jones doing any better.

James Quintong

  (4:02 PM)

OK folks, that's all the time I've got for the day. Thanks for the questions and have a good weekend!