Brendan Roberts

  (2:59 PM)

Hello, everyone! Let's get this fantasy baseball chat started. Only five weeks left in the season, counting this one. Thus, the season is almost 81 percent complete.

Jeremy T (Canadaigua, NY)

AN URGENT QUESTION RIGHT AWAY!!! PLayoffs and I need to pick one OF...Lind or McLouth? I haven't seen much on Mclouth's illness...thanks!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:00 PM)

McLouth should be back soon; it wasn't a dreadful illness. He pinch-hit last night. Stick with him.

Grog (Columbus, IN)

Drop Navarro for Pablo Sandoval?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:01 PM)

Nah, I'd stick with Dioner. Nice homstand for the Rays this week, and I have my doubts about Sandoval's value for this season (and beyond, but that's another story). Dioner is the best and safest bet.

Brian (Chicago)

Hey Brendan, I've got a lineup question for my first week of my league's playoffs. Which 2 of the following guys would you start this week; Bradley, Mora, McClouth, Wigginton, and Lind? Thanks!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:02 PM)

Just based on recent play/potential, I'd have to say Mora and McLouth. As an aside, Texas has a rotten sked this week (for hitters).

Steve (DC)

Broxton or Lewis for saves going forward? Broxton has been tough to own lately. Thanks.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:04 PM)

Indeed he has, but you figure the Dodgers are going all out for a playoff run, tend to have low-scoring games, and Broxton is simply the better pitcher (in general). And Saito is still nowhere in sight. I'd still have to say Broxton (though I do like Lewis as a mid-range guy).

Bob, Newton, NJ

0 fer '08! w/ my questions: Who is closing in AZ? Is Rauch worth using a #1 waiver pick?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:05 PM)

Always happy to break a hitless streak (if you're being honest ...). It's still Lyon. Rauch has just filled in. I'd bet Lyon keeps it despite his struggles.

Bob Ma

Milledge or Winn over the final month ?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:06 PM)

Definitely Winn. Great second-half/September splits.

Anthony (Dixon)

How's Cueto? Can I feel safe picking him up?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:08 PM)

I don't think you can trust him. I was going to pick him up in a shallow league but chose not to myself. The Reds haven't announced eval results today, but he's a young pitcher with a sore arm after a lot of innings, on a bad team ... this is just me talking here, but I think they'll be VERY cautious with him and maybe even shut him down if there's sign of trouble there.

vince (portland)

Wandy a good bet for two home starts?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:09 PM)

Funny, I just was trying to determine that myself in a money league. I chose no. Wandy normally pitches better at home, but he, like everyone else, is subject to hot and cold streaks. And he has been downright awful of late. The Reds matchup doesn't bother me, but the Cardinals' does, and I just didn't have the guts to try him, home splits or no.

suzanne

Drop C Blake or McLouth for M Cameron? I?d lose Blake?s multi-position eligibility (which is nice), McLouth may be getting a lot of rest in Sept, pick-up help in SB and OPS from Cameron, which I need, but would have to bench McLouth to play Cameron (if I drop Blake). Make the move, drop who? (12 team 6x6 mixed ROTO)

Brendan Roberts

  (3:11 PM)

Well, I was going to say to drop Blake, but since you'd sit McLouth, essentially it comes down to McLouth or Cameron. And I'd still take McLouth. Just has more five-category potential, and I haven't heard anything about the Bucs resting him more than normal in Sept.

Bob (Boston)

Any news on Scherzer? He was supposed to pitch in AAA last Thursday with a promotion on the horizon. He didn't pitch last Thursday and there isn't any news. Is he hurt? Thanks!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:13 PM)

I've spent some time this morning trying to determine that, and I found nothing myself, which usually means there's no injury. It also tends to mean the D-backs don't have him slotted anywhere in the next 4-5 guys in the rotation. My guess is we're looking at a typical September call-up for him.

Barry (Bethesda, MD)

Is Maine officially being shut down? If so, which of these guys do you think has the most value across 4 categories (all standard but saves): Jose Arredondo, Brandon Morrow, Anthony Reyes, or Joey Devine?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:15 PM)

It's not official, but it might as well be. I'd hang on if there's nothing intriguing, and in your case, I think that qualifiies. But when it's official, probably Arredondo. He's the safest.

Brad (WI)

Sounds like Eddie G is getting traded to the Twins. Who closes for Texas? Frank Francisco?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:16 PM)

You got it. Dallas Morning News reporting that Guardado has been waiver-traded to MIN. And yes, Frank Francisco is the favorite (albeit a shaky option) for saves. Still, in a deep 5x5 league, you need to pick him up now.

sam

rest of the season, c blake or Kouz?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:16 PM)

Hmm, I'd probably say Kouzmanoff. Then again, I'm not a Blake fan.

Will (TX)

Spot Start: Meche tonight vs. TEX or Kershaw thursady @ WAS?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:17 PM)

So if it's Meche, do you get two starts this week. Ah heck ... either way, I'd say him. Just not sure about Kershaw on the road, even in that matchup, and Meche has been on fire.

barry (bethesda, md)

Joaquin Arias worth an add if you have Mark Ellis as your 2b?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:18 PM)

Nah, I think he's little more than a punch-and-judy middle infielder. Surely there must be someone else ... or maybe just ride out Ellis' injury.

joe: Baltimore

Why is Jeff Francis in my starting lineup tonight?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:19 PM)

Ha, ha. I asked myself the same question ... because I picked him up (and had to drop Pedro) in a money league in which I've fighting for a big payday. Francis has pitched much better of late and has matchups at San Fran and San Diego. I looked back at his '07 numbers and saw a strong finish, and I read something in which his pitching coach said he finally has his mechanics squared. That was enough for me ... but I'm still a little nervous. (Fingers crossed.)

Tim (San Francisco)

I'm on the playoff bubble here, so every roster change is crucial. Who do you pick to have a bigger week and/or a bigger finish down the final month, Carlos Pena or Adam LaRoche?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:21 PM)

I'd probably have to say Pena. Better sked this week (which accounts for something), and better offense around him, at least the way the Buccos have hit. Pena would be my guy.

richard,TX

Would you consider dropping Sherrill for Francisco?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:22 PM)

Yes. I'd do that, in fact. This Sherrill at the end of the month thing seems pretty generous of an estimate to me. Besides, if Jim Johnson does well, he could even steal the job and move Sherrill (appropriately) back to the lefty setup role. Do it up.

Cliff (Bayside, NY)

Garza or Wainwright?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:23 PM)

Ya know, I'd probably say Wainwright. He really looks good, and he has a fresh arm for the stretch run. I'm told the only reason it took the Cards so long to get him back was they couldn't decide what to do with him.

Pelc, NY

Show some love for Mike Cameron!! The guy is on FIRE!!!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:24 PM)

Ha, ha, well put, Pelc. But Cameron is still hitting .257 for the season.

Dad, NY

Maybe Jamey Wright has chance to pick up some saves?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:26 PM)

I would doubt that. Maybe a spot save or two, sure. But he just doesn't have closer stuff, as Francisco does. As an aside, I once got an e-mail from Wright after I bashed him in a player update. He said he welcomed it because it fires him up ... he tanked it from then on.

Gray (Chicago)

Do you start Luis Ayala this week?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:27 PM)

Nah, I wouldn't. I just am not buying that Luis stinkin' Ayala would be the regular closer for the Mets. Could it happen? Sure, but sheesh, it'd take more than a week for me to believe it.

Dad again, NY

Should I drop Sherril to pick up Wright? Holds also count...

Brendan Roberts

  (3:28 PM)

If you really need Sherrill's roster spot, sure. But neither guy is going to make a major difference for you. I guess I'm saying I like Sherrill a bit more, but if he must go on behalf of a tight race, just cut him.

Pedro Martinez

Worth a pickup?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:29 PM)

Worth a pickup for next week -- when he has two starts. I cut him for this week in that shallow league because I didn't want him pitching at Philly. But he has pitched decently of late, even pitched into the eighth inning the other day. Wait for your league deadline to pass for this week, then grab him up for next week. Even better: Wait till he comes out of his start Tuesday OK.

Billi (SF)

Carpenter worth hanging on to. vs. possible Sept. callups like Scherzer?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:30 PM)

I'm hearing Carpenter should be back soon, so I'd stick with him. He'll be on a pitch count at first, but should be effective as long as he's on the mound.

Will St. Louis

Replace Lyon with Francisco?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:32 PM)

Oh boy, that's a tough one. I'd probably have to say no because even Guardado wasn't getting many save chances in Texas even when he was the closer. They're a high-scoring albeit inconsistent team that tends to offer few chances.

Carl (az)

Did Milton Bradley tweak something last night? I can't find an update anywhere. Man, this dude is a headache every monday when my roster locks for the week.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:34 PM)

Bradley is day to day after leaving with that leg that has been bothering him. Because of that injury and his rotten sked, I'd bench him this week if you have even a remotely similar option. But he has been so good this season, and even yesterday, that you have to leave him on your roster.

Jim (Chicago)

Another question about the great Jamey Wright. Holds count in my league too, and getting them from an SP spot that gives me nothing if someone's not starting there is huge. With the Texas' bullpen losing Guardado, is Wright in line for more holds or just more garbage time? Is he too risky for my ratios to handle?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:35 PM)

Wow, more Wright questions than I've gotten in years, maybe ever. Ha, ha. No problems, though. I just can't recommend him in ANY scenario. Surely there must be someone else who doesn't have a 51/28 K/BB ratio. Will he get holds? Yeah, probably, but I could see the Rangers slipping, and like I said, they seem to either win big or lose.

samuel (Venezuela)

Start D Haren Tonight Vs Peavy??

Brendan Roberts

  (3:36 PM)

Yes. Because you're starting Haren against a bottom-three-ranked San Diego offense. Yahtzee!

Jim (Atlanta)

If I need a closer, is Jason Johnson a good pickup right now?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:37 PM)

I'd say no ... are you sure you don't mean O's reliever Jim Johnson? If that's the case, I'd say yes, at least for the interim. I really like Johnson's stuff; I think he's a future (mid-level) closer.

Brian (Newmarket, NH)

Start Haren? In the words of Charles Barkley, "That's Terrible"

Brendan Roberts

  (3:38 PM)

No, it's "Turr-bull" But not my call! Ha!

JD Drew

Can I be dropped?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:39 PM)

This won't be the popular answer, but I'd have to say yes in a standard mixed league with a light roster. I just did so last week when I heard his back was hurting. I think he milks this, and he wasn't hitting too well before that anyway. If you're desperate, I think it's safe to cut Drew. I think we've seen the signs he's in for a bad month ahead.

Tony (NY)

Are you kidding me. You answer an obvious "start Haren" question, but I cant get any utility help! Rest of the year, in Carlos Lee's absence (at utlity), Cruz, Chris Davis, Hafner, or Byrd? Thanks,

Brendan Roberts

  (3:41 PM)

Easy, Tony. I'm here with ya. I think Davis is the call there; I think Byrd is (again) just a flash in the pan. Davis' 3B qualificiation might help, too.

ro (NYC)

Start Byrd or Church this week? (OPS league)

Brendan Roberts

  (3:41 PM)

I think Church can have a good month as long as he stays in the lineup. And I like him this week. Meanwhile, given Texas' schedule, I don't like Byrd.

Zach Greinke (Arlington, Texas)

Can someone please tell ME if I'm pitching Tuesday AND Sunday?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:43 PM)

All indications are that Greinke is not a two-start pitcher this week. They're not skipping a guy, and I doubt they stray from that. Enjoy him (at home) versus Texas and then next week for two starts.

Tony(NY)

Thanks! But as a followup- your not feelin a healthy Hafner comeback?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:45 PM)

Nope, not really. I think it'll take a bit for him to get his hands and legs back, and I just didn't see much from him previously to suggest he was the hitter we thought he was.

Neit ( Stony Brook , NY)

Anthony Reyes finally got my vote of confidence - his facing Seattle next - gotta start him - right?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:46 PM)

Yup, I think so.

Shelley (Bham, AL)

With saves being the primary consideration, would you rather have Jim Johnson or Broxton? Broxton has been blowing up lately. Thanks!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:46 PM)

I'd still say Broxton. Despite his struggles, I'd still say his job is pretty safe.

Edinson Volquez

Any chance I get shut down this season?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:47 PM)

By Dusty Baker and Co.?! Maybe, but not anytime soon. I really haven't heard anything about Volquez being shut down. I still love him.

B (Philly)

Hiya Brendan. Better bet, rest of the way: the aforementioned Anthony Reyes, or Braden Looper?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:48 PM)

Oy. Probably Looper. Ya know, his stats are pretty good for the season. Had to think about that for a moment, though.

felix (st louis)

do you think that the cardinals will make the playoffs this year

Brendan Roberts

  (3:50 PM)

Unfortunately, no. Just too many teams in the same bunch (including MIlwaukee above them), and I just can't see the Cards hanging on. And I'm a St. Louisan. But it was a much better run than I could have expected. La Russa has done a fantastic job.

Ian Snell

Start me tonight?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:51 PM)

Actually Tuesday ... against the Cubs? No way.

Dan (Syracuse)

Keeper league question for those of us done for the year and looking to deal. Best chance to close in 2009 - Jensen Lewis, Joey Devine, Joel Zumaya, or Frankie Francisco?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:52 PM)

Always tough to tell, but Zumaya really intrigues me. At least you know with him that he has the highest upside so he has the best shot to turn into a stud closer. Sometimes when it comes to keepers, you just have to take the guy with the most upside and just hope he pans out.

Lyell (New York)

IS TAKASHI SAITO DONE? ITS MAKING ME MAD!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:55 PM)

I see that by the ALL-CAPS. Saito reportedly is ready to throw again, but it doesn't sound good. I'm no trainer, but it seems the team expects he needed (or will need) surgery, and they're just seeing if rehab worked. Seems in most cases with pitchers, that just delays surgery (usually to set if a guy can contribute to a playoff race). Thus, I'd place it at, oh, 70 percent we don't see Saito anymore. But like I said, that's me, not a doctor's call.

Jason (Cleveland, OH)

Who is the better keeper for next year, Hart or Dye?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:56 PM)

Ya know, that's a good question because I'm careful not to undervalue old fogeys I think could still do well. But I'd still say Hart. It's close enough that the age does make a difference. But in general, guys, remember to play for NEXT year when deciding your keepers.

Paul (Canada)

Whats with the make up game right now between CWS and Balt? What week was it from and will that affect past standings/stats? Thanks

Brendan Roberts

  (3:57 PM)

I'm not 100 percent on this, but I think it counts for this week. As if the two teams played a doubleheader. At least that's what I think MLB has done in the past. Then again, commissioner services could always handle it a little differently.

Jason (San Jose)

Rosters lock for the rest of the season when games start today. Please help me pick between Taylor Buchholtz and Jose Arrendondo at Relief Pitcher, where saves and wins are a plus. Also, on offense, who between Juan Rivera, Jeff Francouer or Jeff Clement? Position eligibility not a factor. Thanks!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:58 PM)

Gotta go with the good Angels middle reliever over the Colorado guy. Hey, maybe he'll get a few vulture wins? Position eligibility not a factor? Then probably Francoeur. At least he plays everyday and still will drive in runs. I was surprised myself to see today that he has driven in something like 57 runs.

Neit (Stony Brook, Ny)

FYI - on Scherzer - he did start - according to the Arizona Daily Star. Max Scherzer (1-1) suffered his first loss of the season, allowing four runs and seven hits in 5 1/3 innings. He struck out seven and walked two

Brendan Roberts

  (3:59 PM)

Thanks for that, Neit and others. Good info. I hadn't seen that, but at least it shows he's still in the AAA rotation.

Drop Tulo for Burriss?

I need steals! Is that as crazy as it sounds?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:01 PM)

Yeah, I think that is a bit crazy, even with Tulo slumping. Even Burriss were running more, maybe. But I just don't see it. In times of desperation, I admit just about any move makes sense. But I think you should hold off on that one.

Jason (NYC)

Buzzer beater...rest of season who do you like...Tulo, Drew or Hardy?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:02 PM)

Now THOSE guys I could see replacing Tulo. I'd take either over Tulo right now. Both are pretty close, but I think I like Hardy best. He's hot right now, too.

Brendan Roberts

  (4:03 PM)

All right, guys. I gotta get going on my Hit Parade column for tomorrow. Thanks for stopping by, and good luck in Week 22!