Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:12 PM)

Hey folks! Matthew's stuck at an airport right now, so I'm happy to pinch hit for you this fine afternoon ... let's get to your questions!

P(Boston)

MJD ankle injury serious or no? I haven't heard anything about it.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:13 PM)

I have, and what I've heard seems to suggest that his preseason is done but Week 1 shouldn't be in serious jeopardy. Of course this might mean he's on the Week 1 injury report, and iffy leading into the weekend, but teams are generally pretty conservative about pushing such guys. I'd say don't be too worried.

L)

I have the 5th pick in which Addai, AP and Brady are keepers in a PPR...Who is the pick at 5 between Jackson, Barber, Gore, LJ, Lynch or Portis? Thanks.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:14 PM)

Given those choices and the point-per-reception scoring system, it's Steven Jackson all the way. Better pass-catcher this year than you think.

Ryan(NJ)

Gut feeling on Ricky Williams' value this year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:15 PM)

Sell-high candidate by, say, Week 5. I bet this is all an act to just work Ronnie Brown back into the starting lineup slowly, no more. So that means don't trust the guy as one of your definite weekly starters. He's bench fodder for fantasy.

Joe(Cape Cod)

Do you know anything about MJD? I heard he hurt his knee.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:15 PM)

Ankle injury, addressed above.

P(Boston)

Same question about Braylon Edwards? Just read Mass' column saying he might not be available for week 1?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:16 PM)

It is a possibility, sure, but I can't see how a cut on his foot is going to cost him significant regular-season action. I could see Edwards being on the injury report and a game-time decision for Week 1, but then he's fine after that and you love him as a top-tier receiver.

Adam (Toronto)

2nd overall pick PPR league...AP or Westbrook?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:17 PM)

PPR designation makes the decision. For me, it's Brian Westbrook No. 2 in PPR, ADP in non-PPR.

Steve (NY)

Can Rivers parlay his playoff performance into a Pro Bowl caliber year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:18 PM)

Pro Bowl? Nah, don't think he'll be that good. I think of him as a respectable game-managing type, which isn't exciting for fantasy but isn't a terrible choice if your options aren't overwhelming at the position. Think league-average to slightly above.

Dan (Wisconsin )

Who's your #1 RB

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:19 PM)

LT. Consistency (and history) counts.

Tom (NY)

12th pick in a non ppr 14 team league, dont want a qb, who should I target? thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:20 PM)

I'm seeing a lot of teams in the No. 12 spot taking back-to-back receivers, though in PPR, I wouldn't do that. I'd probably grab Randy Moss, and only Randy Moss, if he's there, otherwise probably go for a Marion Barber or Ryan Grant if they last that long.

Jeff (CA)

How about some love out west? How likely is Rudi to be traded by Cinci? Thus, who becomes the RB to own - Perry or Watson, and where would you rank (e.g. against Julius Jones, R. Williams, Rice, Fargas)?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:23 PM)

I think you need to understand how hard it is to trade a guy in-season (or close to it), which diminishes the chances of a Rudi Johnson deal. His stock is way down besides. I'd try to steer clear. Chris Perry is the kid to get in that backfield. Not that I see big things coming from him, but he could be matchups-capable. I'd probably go Jones, Perry, Ricky Williams, Justin Fargas, Ray Rice, of those choices. All close in value.

Dan (Wisconsin )

Will charlie frye get any regular season snaps

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:23 PM)

Boy, Seahawks fans sure hope not.

John: HI

Is #20 too soon to take Reggie Wayne? Thanks.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:24 PM)

Nope. In fact, I could see him going higher than that, especially in PPR leagues. What I said before about the No. 12 draft spot, by the way, I could see Wayne making a case to be picked by that team.

Brad (Denver)

Big year out of Thomas Jones this year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:25 PM)

Big? No. Better? Yes. I think he's a good 1,000-yard back, scores, say, 6-8 TDs, and has more good than bad matchups. But this isn't a No. 1 back, and I'd say he's about your average No. 2. I'd be a lot happier if he were my No. 3, to be honest, but I still give him an absolute thumbs-up if he's in that role for me.

larry (Philly)

Phils or Mets?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:26 PM)

Phils. But that's a call from the gut.

Jeff (Houston)

After LT & Westy, who are your next 3 picks(in order) in a PPR league?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:27 PM)

My top five picks overall in a PPR league would probably be LaDainian Tomlinson, Brian Westbrook, Adrian Peterson, Steven Jackson, Randy Moss. Actually, let's say "definitely."

Mike (DC)

Just bought a beautiful new tv, make this day even better!! Guthrie good the rest of the way despite his schedule? Drop him for Looper or Meche?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:28 PM)

I probably would drop him for Gil Meche. Meche has pitched great of late, he gets to avoid that brutal schedule and I like the bullpen backing him up more.

Greg (Long Island)

I don't get why people think the Rams' line woes are going to be a problem for SJax. Didn't he put up monster numbers the last few weeks of last season running (and catching) behind the backups? And now he's got all the starters back... Anyhow, my real question is: Jamal Lewis (2nd rd) or Calvin Johnson (5th rd) in a keeper league where you can only keep picks made in the 4th round or later?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:30 PM)

Well, Greg, I don't think that. I side with you on Steven Jackson. As for your question, you didn't say if it's a PPR league or if this is your only keeper. That matters. I think Johnson is the better value as a keeper. Fifth round? Seems very fair. Lewis? He's a late-second round pick, I'd think. Maybe early third, even, depending on the scoring system. But I generally like to keep a good, starting running back over a receiver who's not clearly one of the game's top-10.

Alex (LA)

Is Cano a keeper?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:31 PM)

Because second base is not going to be an especially deep position for the prime-year chunk of his career, I'm going to say yes, Robinson Cano is a guy you should plan to keep. Unless your league is ultra shallow and you're stocked with great alternatives.

Rob (DC)

Are Saito, Wagner or a ham sandwich, which one would you prefer for the rest of the year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:32 PM)

I admit I'm not much of a ham fan, but I bet there's bread and cheese on that sandwich, and if the condiments are good enough, boy, it's tempting. But I'll say Billy Wagner, by a nose over the sandwich.

Rizzo ( WI )

AP and Moss over Addai in PPR ???

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:33 PM)

You read that right. Of course, Joseph Addai is right behind those guys.

Glenn (Arlington, MA)

any chance LaMont Jordan moves into a platoon with the hot and cold Maroney to add some consistency to the Patriots running game, how much value would you say Jordan has?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:34 PM)

Well, Jordan had a chance of that, but then he got hurt and hurt those prospects. I still see Sammy Morris as the handcuff option to Laurence Maroney, and a probable goal-line consideration. Jordan, if he doesn't get back on the field soon, I suppose could be a cut candidate. I wouldn't go nuts for him.

Bill (NJ)

Just finished a ham sandwhich you chose poorly in wagner. Obomanu or Perry who would you rather own.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:35 PM)

Hey Bill, all a personal preference on food. If that's a chicken parm sandwich, um, yeah, that's a slam dunk. Sandwich all the way. And I'd say Chris Perry all the way.

Tim "(chicago)

Dude...Tristan...dude...which combo do you like better? LJ and S. Holmes or Colston and E. Graham? PPR league. Thanks.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:36 PM)

I really love both of those receivers. On paper the first pair probably looks better, but the gut tells me there's quite a bit more upside in the latter duo. I really think Marques Colston can make a run at top-three receiver numbers. Love that offense.

Steven (Hoboken)

I took Brady #7 in a ppr, 4pt throwing td league. Too early?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:37 PM)

Nah, that's about right. I might not take him that early but I can't fault those who do.

Vick (Pasadena,)

By the end of the year, who'd you rather have on your fantasy team: Andre Johnson, Chad Johnson, Calvin Johnson, or that Chicken Parm Sandwich?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:38 PM)

Man, I do like that sandwich. But let's face it, Andre Johnson gives you a much better chance at winning. I can go buy myself a sandwich some other time. Love that Texans offense, great sleeper potential and Johnson rebounds nicely.

Buckets (Tulsa)

Tulowitzki seems to have a favorable home schedule for the stretch run. Should we still be tempted by guys like Harris, Renteria or Weeks?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:39 PM)

Buckets, eh? Reminds me of college, when there was a restaurant simply called "Buckets," and all it was was you got a bucket, filled it with food, priced it by weight. Weird. Anyway, I like Troy Tulowitzki's schedule, and he absolutely has a higher ceiling than those alternatives looking forward.

Kevin (Memphis)

Drop Chris Johnson for Chris Perry?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:40 PM)

Well, I like Chris Johnson a lot. He might have the lesser chance to start, but since Chris Perry could easily settle into a year-long committee, I'd prefer the higher-ceiling player, which Johnson is.

Ron (NYC)

Red Sox or Yanks this series?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:41 PM)

Yankees. I'm allowed to be biased and want a better playoff race, aren't I?

larry (Philly)

do you like Kenny Watson now that the Bengals are trying to trade Rudi?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:42 PM)

I think Watson is a bit underappreciated for what he does, but the fact remains that his role is probably as a player in a committee, and that's limited fantasy appeal. Don't ignore the guy, but he's bench fodder, period. Maybe he sneaks in a start or two and the matchup makes him a flex play.

Zippy

Would you rather hold onton Lackey or Lester in a keeper league?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:42 PM)

John Lackey, but I think both make great keeper candidates.

David (Cincinnati)

6th round approaches...Cotchery or Roy Williams?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:43 PM)

Wow, did Williams slip. He's my choice, but to be fair, I do like Jerricho Cotchery for a pretty decent season.

Scott, Groton CT

Tristan- please give me some thoughts for any of these slightly tarnished baseball prospects for a dynasty format league: Andy LaRoche, Billy Butler, Elijah Dukes, Delmon Young, Josh Fields, Kendry Morales...

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:45 PM)

LaRoche, his health history bugs me, though he does have top-10 third baseman potential long term. Butler, I do like that kid. Second-best bet of this bunch. Dukes, not a fan. Too streaky. Young, still my No. 1 dynasty pick, though to be fair, he's taking time to get there. Be patient. Fields, great, great power, and I hope he gets an opportunity in 2009. I actually like him a tad more than LaRoche. Morales, could start for the Angels if Teixeira leaves, but I don't see big things. Maybe he has a year like Kotchman has had in 2008, but that's not too exciting.

Tom (Hackensack)

I made the mistake (maybe not a mistake) of drafting colston and shockey. Should i trade shockey for dallas clark? or stand pat and laugh as i collect a ton of points from the saints O?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:46 PM)

I'd stand pat if only because I think a little more of Jeremy Shockey than I do Dallas Clark, but it might be worth seeking a decent backup to protect yourself. Like Randy McMichael.

Rudolfo (PA)

Got Kurt Warner in the 13th round of a 2 QB league before the report that he'll be named a starter. Huge steal, no?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:47 PM)

Yup. But then I love Kurt Warner. Huge per-game stat potential.

Dave (Frisco, Texas )

Would you start Pettitte, Zambrano and Shields tonight?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:48 PM)

Andy Pettitte against the Red Sox doesn't scare me. Good big-game pitcher, decent track record against Boston. Carlos Zambrano at Pittsburgh? Yes, please. And James Shields is a must-start at home. I'd likely rank 'em "Z," Shields, Pettitte.

David (Fairborn, OH)

Do you see fantasy sports being a trend like poker, or is it here to stay? If it went away, what would you do for a job?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:49 PM)

It's here to stay, David! As for if it went away? Hmmm. Sell chicken parm sandwiches?

Joel (Roscommon MI)

Does TJ's stock rise or fall with Chad's bum shoulder ?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:50 PM)

Well, T.J. Houshmandzadeh has had some health problems of his own this preseason, but to be fair, his are less troubling from a long-term perspective than Chad Johnson's. I actually think Housh's stock stays the same. I had him in the back end of my top-10 receivers, and haven't moved him at all.

Mark (MD)

Who are the receivers to get in MIA, OAK, and ATL?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:51 PM)

Ted Ginn, ham sandwich, Roddy White. Seriously, though, I had a draft where Javon Walker didn't get picked. I was in it, so you can see, I agreed with it. Ronald Curry, maybe, from that offense, if you must pick someone.

Brian (Chicago)

More Chad questions, how far does this torn labrum push Johnson, into #3 receiver territory?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:52 PM)

Nah, but I wouldn't want him as more than my No. 2 now and I'd want to build some good wide receiver depth behind him if I got him. Fortunately it's a season with a fair share of sleepers at the position.

Me

Here's my RB situation in a 10 team league: Gore, Parker, Jones-Drew, and Deangelo Williams. AM I good to go?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:53 PM)

Yup. Though I'd probably look to sell Willie Parker if he gets off to a hot start, and Williams looks respectable enough as a flex play.

Mad Dog

Why does Bill Simmons always own you in podcasts?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:54 PM)

I've never done a podcast with Bill.

Matt (Philly)

DJ Hackett. He doesn't even deserve his own question, yet I am stuck with him on my roster and have zero idea what he will bring to the table this year. What do you think?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:55 PM)

I think he's a short-term stopgap. He steps in there while Steve Smith sits, and then he returns to the bench, getting work out of the slot on occasion. So grab him now, sure, and consider him maybe as a No. 3/4 in the first two weeks, but don't get cozy.

Joe (york)

i got brandon marshall in the 5th round to go with colston and greg jennings...what can i expect when he returns?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:56 PM)

I think if anyone is downgrading Marshall in drafts because he'll miss two games, he (or she) is crazy. He's going to be fine when he returns, extremely productive.

Mike (WI)

"It's a season with a fair share of sleepers at the position". Who are they so-called sleepers?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:57 PM)

Jerry Porter, Eddie Royal, Josh Morgan, DeSean Jackson, the aforementioned Ted Ginn, Robert Meachem, Sidney Rice...

Mike (WI)

Buzzer beater Better late round #1 qb option-Delhomme, E. Manning or Warner?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:57 PM)

Well, for me it's Eli Manning, but a Manning/Kurt Warner combination would be exceptional, I'd think.

Erik (MN)

Brandon Morrow the rest of the way...worth the add for a fantasy playoff run??

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:58 PM)

I wouldn't expect a whole lot, as he's working into his new role and might not offer the length of outing of a typical starter. Plus, his team is horrible. Think AL-only appeal, that's it really.

P(Boston)

do you like Marshall better than Santonio?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:58 PM)

Well, I love Santonio Holmes. I have them ranked almost identically, in the No. 15 range at their position. But it's Holmes for me slightly.

Dave (Frisco, Texas )

O.Cabrera or Hardy for the rest of the season?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:59 PM)

I think I'd prefer J.J. Hardy. But I usually want the guy with more pop, especially late in the year when a guy's legs can be worn down a tad.

joe (NY)

Tristan, name game rest of season: Luke Scott or Jayson Werth?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:59 PM)

Scott.

robert, turlock ca

name game, j. stewart or k. smith?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:00 PM)

Kevin Smith, though I'm not as excited about him as some are.

Hank (Michigan)

You starting Greinke tonight?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:00 PM)

Only in an AL-only league. I own him in a mixed points league with 14 teams, and I'm sitting him. Weekly lineups, and you can start either five or six starters. Take that for what it's worth.

eno (Jersey City)

Andrew Miller, Carl Pavano or Brandon Morrow for my last spot in my 20-teamer?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:01 PM)

Bah, I just cannot bring myself to recommend Carl Pavano. He got himself into trouble and magically worked out of it on Saturday. Sure, Sidney Ponson started his Yankee run like that and he has been fine, but I just can't see lightning striking twice. No way. It's Morrow. At least there's upside there.

Josh (mpls, MN)

Pick 1: LenDale, Ronnie Brown, Norwood, Forte.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:02 PM)

Matt Forte.

John: (Boston)

If Willis McGahee is my keeper in a 12 team 1/2 point ppr league, is the 8th pick in the first round too early to select McFadden or will he make it back to me in the 2nd round??

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:02 PM)

I don't know the depth of your keeper league, but Darren McFadden was the No. 3 pick in my keeper league. He's going to go quickly, so if you want him, you cannot afford to wait.

Dave (Frisco, Texas )

Pelfrey, real good or real lucky?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:03 PM)

Eh, don't know that I'd say either. He's a matchups guy. Pitches great at home. Doing nicely with the Mets' new coaching staff, as opposed to the one under Willie Randolph. I think he can stay about like this, a guy you must use at Shea and pick and choose on the road.

Jeff (Brooklyn, OH)

Start Cliff Lee vs Detroit tonight?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:03 PM)

Cliff Lee doesn't sit for me. You don't sit the Cy Young award winner.

E (OK City)

Name game: Nelson Cruz or Rick Ankiel for the remainder of the year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:04 PM)

Ankiel, but Cruz is a nice little sleeper in the power department. It's just that I think he's high-risk in batting average.

J

D. Anderson or Farve

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:04 PM)

Derek Anderson, though I realize I'm taking a chance with his concussion.

Tim (AL)

TC-This is for parm sandwich. How many games will Warner start at qb this year? Is he a safe pick as a #1?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:06 PM)

I still see that as an even split, maybe eight and eight, though I do really believe Kurt Warner deserves to start all season (if healthy). So I'm saying I wouldn't be too comfortable with him as my No. 1 guy. You need a good back-up plan if you pick him. He's just a very, very good No. 2 option, I'd think.

Dave (Frisco, Texas )

Thanks for filling in today.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:06 PM)

No problem, Dave, it's been my pleasure. Happy to chat with you all, and the good news is that I'll be right back here to chat with you again in the morning! Take care, and I'll see you then...