ESPN

Jason Grey

  (3:01 PM)

I insisted on not doing this chat until my contract was renegotiated in my best Pedro Alvarez imitation, but unfortunately my agent isn't Scott Boras

Jeremy (Lancaster, PA)

Who's a better #5 OF for the rest of the year: Milledge, Werth or Winn? Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (3:03 PM)

Can we give it up for Randy Winn? In one of my first columns for ESPN back in March, a couple of people ripped me to shreds for suggesting Winn was a Top 200 player - Results: Winn is hitting .310 with 25 SB.. That said, I want Werth for the all-around game, especially now that he's playing every day.

Scott (Rochester)

Are you starting Verlander tonight?

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

Two straight starts of no earned runs mean I'd try to ride the hot hand.

Joey P

What type of impact will the Kotsay to Boston deal have?

Jason Grey

  (3:06 PM)

Fantasy-wise? Virtually none, except for Coco Crisp owners, as he's going to lose some PT. Kotsay is owned in 2% of ESPN leagues, and that's 2% too many.

Michael (DC)

Starting Danks tonight?

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

Is there any reason not to? Four straight quality starts, better on the road by an earned run - I haven't benched him all season in the 12-team mixed I have him in.

Wayne (Manhattan)

Does Nelson Cruz have enough upside for me to drop Lind for him if I need slightly more home runs?

Jason Grey

  (3:10 PM)

I probably stick with Lind, simply because it's probably a safer bet, Cruz has had good minor league numbers only to fall flat before. I wouldn't argue it very hard if you wanted to make the move, but I would probably stick with what I have.

Steve (STL)

Predictions on Duchscherer? Should I drop him and try to improve my team elsewhere?

Jason Grey

  (3:11 PM)

Hasn't started throwing yet, and even when he does return I'm not optimistic, so I'd consider that.

Henry (Atlanta)

What to do with Fuentes??? Are any of Francisco, Marmol, Corpas, or Percival better options? Thank you.

Jason Grey

  (3:12 PM)

He can only be out a maxiumum of seven days so don't overreact. Overreact if he's involved in a waiver deal to a team where he won't close and grab Corpas quickly.

Frank (FL)

In a non keeper league who's a better bet for the rest of the year: Ellsbury or Victorino?

Jason Grey

  (3:12 PM)

I go with Victorino.

Ben (Denver, Col)

Who's the better longterm NL keeper @ Catcher? Please rank, comments? someone else? JR Towles, Pablo Sandoval, Jamie D'Antona or Angel Solome? Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (3:14 PM)

Sandoval has made huge leaps forward this season and is legit. After that Salome, and then Towles. D'Antona doesn't have the swing to hit big league pitching or the ability defensively to handle the plate well. The other three are legit big leaguers.

Clyde (Berwyn, IL)

I've got the whole Ranger OF (except Hamilton) on my team: Byrd, Murphy, Cruz, and Boggs. I need to drop two. Who?

Jason Grey

  (3:15 PM)

Boggs, Murphy.

Jonathon (napa valley)

on Fantasy baseball Knowledge rank the following in a vacuum (cory schwartz, you, TMR, Tristan, Buster o, mike siano, joe sheehan, kieth law

Jason Grey

  (3:15 PM)

In a vacuum? Whoever could hold their breath the longest before dying from asphyxiation.

Jim NY

How excited are you about Petit?Also - Chances on a Wagner return?

Jason Grey

  (3:17 PM)

I'm still not convinced long-term. Topping out at 86-87 is always worrisome, and Max Scherzer's return looms so there's a threat to his job. Wagner's out at least three weeks, so maybe 25%?

Jack (Palo Alto, CA)

Any thoughts on the impact Nate Schierholtz might have when rosters expand?

Jason Grey

  (3:18 PM)

Eh.

Jason Grey

  (3:18 PM)

Seriously. Eh.

Jason Grey

  (3:18 PM)

Decent fourth outfielder with some pop for me, that's about it.

Jeff (C'Town)

Jason,Whats up with Hermida, he has only appeared as a pinch hitter over the last couple of games, replace with Josh Anderson now that he is back up?

Jason Grey

  (3:21 PM)

The fact Gonzo is playing over him the last few games is kind of hard for me to fathom. I don't know Anderson is the answer unless you really need steals, but yeah, a couple of more games of this and I will start to worry.

Jon (Elkhart, Ind)

What current minor league position players do you project to spend significant time in the majors next year? Wieters, LaPorta, Alcides Escobar, Gamels, Coghlan, etc.?

Jason Grey

  (3:23 PM)

Wieters, Rasmus, Maybin, and McCutchen are pretty close to the top of the list.

Matt (DE)

Nice article today, any chance of Dallas McPherson getting the call?

Jason Grey

  (3:23 PM)

I should have mentioned him. Yes. But if the Marlins were going to give him some playing time, they would have done it already, I bet.

Tom (NY,NY)

What is you prediction for Jon Sanchez going forward? Should I drop the Duke for him?

Jason Grey

  (3:24 PM)

I much prefer Sanchez to the Duke for the last month.

Brandon (OC, CA)

What major league position will Brett Wallace play? What's his ETA? He's been absolutely RAKING in the minors (small sample size, I know, but WOW!). Thanks and keep up the good work!

Jason Grey

  (3:25 PM)

Wallace can stick at third, and yes, he's going to rake. Late callup next season, starter by 2010 - BUT Glaus' contract is up so you never know.

suzanne

Please rank for rest of the season (6x6 12 team mixed roto): Crede, Wigginton, Blake. Also, rank Cook, Litsch, Moehler, P Byrd, A Reyes

Jason Grey

  (3:26 PM)

Crede, Blake, Wigginton Reyes and Litsch

Jair Jurrjens (Atlanta)

Time to drop me?

Jason Grey

  (3:27 PM)

I'll give you the benefit of one more outing first.

Jack (Dallas)

Dynasty league, you know anything about Derek Holland? I want to grab him before his success becomes comon knowledge...

Jason Grey

  (3:31 PM)

Losing one game in your first 25 pro starts will get you some attention, as will better than a strikeout per inning and your stats getting better as you move up the ladder. Power lefty that looks like an absolute steal for the Rangers, second only to Feliz in that system and that 1-2 punch is pretty darn good.

Rob Boston

If David Price gets called up in a relief role will he have better value in a league that counts "HOLDS" Thanks

Jason Grey

  (3:32 PM)

Yes, he can get a few of those, but for most leagues, his value won't be much in a relief role.

Mike (displaced Indians fan in DC)

No love for LaPorta? After giving CC up for him, I'd like to think we got a 3b for the future. I've heard him compared to Dunn - can't he walk and strike out (with some HRs) next season?

Jason Grey

  (3:33 PM)

Well, he's not a 3B anymore. He's a first baseman, and Mark Shapiro is on record that both he and Wes Hodges (your future 3B) will likely start the year in the minors, and be options in June/July if they start well and there is a big league need.

Chris (Philly)

Is Headley a keeper for next year in a deep mixed league where my keepers stink?

Jason Grey

  (3:34 PM)

Yes. He's going to hit and hit more next season. Prime sleeper keeper

Rick (FL)

Is Shoppach a one year wonder? Will he find a place as a starter next year?I'd love to keep a catcher that hits 16 HR for $1 next year.

Jason Grey

  (3:34 PM)

Legitimate pop so not necessarily a one year wonder, so it all comes down to playing time. You can't really go wrong speculating for a buck though.

Nick, Chicago

Is there anyone in the White Sox farm system that I can get remotely excited about?

Jason Grey

  (3:35 PM)

Gordon Beckham, Aaron Poreda

John (NY)

Jason, you're the perfect guy for this question...I can only keep 1 between Kershaw and D. Price in keeper league. Who will be better from 2009-2012?

Jason Grey

  (3:36 PM)

Price.

David (SD)

eed to cut back on some prospects before the callups on the 1st...which of these guys do you think will make a contribution in 2009: James McDonald, Derek Holland, Brett Cecil, James Simmons...if I have to drop one is Simmons the clearcut choice?

Jason Grey

  (3:37 PM)

Not necessarily a clearcut choice, but the one I would make.

Marc (Toronto, Canada)

I know you're big on Alexei Ramirez. Would you compare him to Alfonso Soriano from when he first cracked the big leagues? He looks and swings just like him! Sleeper top 5 SS next season or just top 10?

Jason Grey

  (3:39 PM)

The difference between Ramirez and Soriano is Ramirez hits a ton more grounders than Soriano, although he' been getting a bit more loft lately. That limits his power ceiling to 20-25 and he doesn't have Soriano's speed. I do like him in fantasy, where I could care less about his OBP, and am proud to say I was on this bandwagon from his first spring training game, in my first spring clipboard.

Danielle (Detroit)

Last Keeper spot, fill it with Kemp, McCann, Headley, or Manny? Thank You.

Jason Grey

  (3:42 PM)

I'd probably go Kemp because of the speed.

Scott, Groton CT

Thoughts on Jeff Niemann, and an ETA on him sticking in the big leage rotation?

Jason Grey

  (3:43 PM)

I've always seen him as kind of a 5th starter type since he returned from his many injuries. The lack of movement on his fastball concerns me and big league hitters get a long look at it. He may need another organization in order to really get a chance to stick given the other arms in the system.

Joe (San Fran)

Keep Alexei Ramirez or Roberts for 2B next year?

Jason Grey

  (3:45 PM)

Still going to be Roberts, the extra stolen bases make a big difference.

John, ny

So after the last outing (@ Coors, I might add), do you think Harang is maybe bouncing back? Do you see a good season next year?

Jason Grey

  (3:46 PM)

I'm not going to bet on him heavily in September, but yeah, he's going to be a guy I'm really going to target on the cheap next season, given health.

Tony, Chicago

Nick can also get remotely excited about Kent Gerst. The WSox keep turning down trade offers for him for a reason.

Jason Grey

  (3:49 PM)

LONG way to go, small body, no pop, above average speed. Remotely excited, I suppose so, but he doesn't look like a big league starter to me, but he's 20 and we can give him some time. Just because you turn down a trade offer for some other team's veteran junk, it doesn't really tell you a whole lot.

Steve (Toronto)

Jason, I'm pretty much done for this year and would appreciate you ranking these potential keepers for next year (we keep 4): M. Cabrera, Kinsler, Alexei Ramirez, Tejada, Liriano and Gallardo. Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (3:50 PM)

Kinsler, Alexei, Cabrerea are no-brainers, and then probably Liriano.

Ron (NYC)

Jason... Best option from this pt on... Suppan, Gio G., Litsch, or Campillo?

Jason Grey

  (3:52 PM)

Campillo and then Litsch. You can leave the other two. If you want to switch the top two I wouldn't argue it hard.

Scott, Groton CT

Is Emilio Bonifacio going to hit enough to be a starter or will he eventually just be a speedy utility guy at the MLB level?

Jason Grey

  (3:53 PM)

I'd say the latter is more likely, but the team is going to give him the job in 09 it looks like, so even poor OBP guys can still utilize their speed somewhat. He has to make contact and be much more selective, though.

Jesus (Mexico City)

Will Alcides Escobar be in Milwaukee in 09, or is he forever blocked by JJ Hardy? Thanks

Jason Grey

  (3:54 PM)

I think '10 may be more likely, and no, not forever. I'm not planning on him for next season though unless injuries hit.

Jordan (Hartford, CT)

Are you buying a strong finish for Brett Myers definite starter against all competition?

Jason Grey

  (3:54 PM)

He looked horrible for me in his first start back and I dismissed him. I made a mistake.

Steve (SD)

I have first pick amongst the most recent MLB draftees...how do you rank the top 3 fantasy-wise?

Jason Grey

  (3:57 PM)

Assuming quicker path to the majors is a factor, Wallace, G Beckham and Posey. T Beckham has the best chance to turn into a superstar, though he'll be in the minors quite a while.

Will (TX)

WITH ALMOST NO TIME LEFT!!!...Do I start Verlander tonight or Slowey vs. OAK on Friday?

Jason Grey

  (3:59 PM)

probably slowey

Steve (NYC)

Does Marcum have a strong September?

Jason Grey

  (3:59 PM)

I want to see how the elbow responds first, but I'd lean towards no.Time for 3 more. I'll be back at 8 AM tomorrow morning ET.

Phil (NY)

how about alexei or cano in a keeper?

Jason Grey

  (4:00 PM)

Alexei - more offensive upside.

John, ny

Hey Jason, what do you see from Jay Bruce next year? Mainstay in a 10 team mixed or will he fall the way of Alex Gordon (their stats are kinda similar already)?

Jason Grey

  (4:00 PM)

I don't think Bruce goes the way of Gordon, Different hitter, different result. I think he starts busting out next season.

Doug (SD)

Wow, Wallace? What about Smoak?

Jason Grey

  (4:03 PM)

I am a big, big fan of Smoak, but he's going to come a bit slower, and Wallace could see PT as soon as next season, which is a factor. Long-term Smoak has the higher ceiling. In my original draft review back in June I had Smoak one place higher than Wallace. Thanks everyone!