ESPN

Jason Grey

  (10:59 AM)

Two days in a row of...ME! Can you stand it? Wait, don't answer that.

David (Philly)

What's the status of Beau Mills in Cleveland now that LaPorta's there. I also keep hearing about Wes Hodges at 3rd base. Is Mills out of the picture. I thought he was the future at 3rd for the Tribe.

Jason Grey

  (11:02 AM)

He doesn't have to worry about LaPorta - he's a first baseman now. Both Mills and Hodges are headed to the AFL, which will be interesting to see the competition up close - Hodges is slightly ahead of Mills right now because he played at Double-A this past season, but Mills may have the better long-term upside. They will apparently battle it out. Hodges was a 2nd rounder in '06 so he has some pedigree to match up with '07 first rounder Mills.

Dan (Fantasy Football Land)

Why so many fantasy baseball chats when football is right around the corner? This is like the 9th chat out of 10 fantasy chats that is "MLB Fantasy".

Jason Grey

  (11:03 AM)

Couldn't tell you - I'm just a baseball guy. I do what they tell me. Keith this afternoon will undoubtedly be handling football questions, and he knows his stuff.

Big Foot (Pacific NW)

Why is Jose Lopez flying under the radar? He's been very productive lately. Your thoughts.

Jason Grey

  (11:05 AM)

I've been talking about him all season. I even mentioned him on my underrated fantasy all-star team right around the break. Talking about how the difference between him and Dan Uggla in terms of value wasn't as huge as people think. Since the break: Lopez .297-7-27 ; Uggla .202 -5 -14

Scott, Groton CT

I've got the #1 draft pick for my new dynasty league's entry draft (for players with no MLB experience/ this year's sept. callups) Is there any reason not to go pick Wieters #1 overall?

Jason Grey

  (11:06 AM)

No. Best hitting prospect in the minors right now at a premium position to boot.

John NY

Is there anyone in the mets system who can step in and bolster the bullpen for the playoff push? Assuming Niese will come up and start

Jason Grey

  (11:07 AM)

Keith Law mentioned Bobby Parnell in his article yesterday, and I would agree with that.

Scott, Groton CT

Colorado Opening day closer '09: Fuentes, Corpas, Weathers? Is it Weathers by the end of '09?

Jason Grey

  (11:08 AM)

Corpas, maybe not Weathers by the end of the year if Corpas pitches like he's capable of, because Corpas is locked up in a long-term deal, but I think Weathers will be the chief setup man.

Josh (DC)

I wish there was a way to make the return on deep draft preparation for fantasy football anywhere near the return you get in fantasy baseball. Sure there are sleepers in fantasy football, but they are nowhere near the lottery tickets you can find in baseball. It's so depressing to be 5 rounds deep in a fantasy football draft only to see just about any player you could feasibly get excited about picking already gone.

Jason Grey

  (11:09 AM)

I play in one football league (yes, one) and I am deciding now if I have to draft Ahman Green. Depressing, indeed.

K

Huston Streets role in 2009?

Jason Grey

  (11:10 AM)

Closing for a team other than the A's.

Barney (Frisco)

Is D. Wright's injury going to affect his bat?

Jason Grey

  (11:11 AM)

Finger injuries are always tricky, but the fact he stayed in the game was a good sign. We'll have to see.

Steve (Ann Arbor)

Jason, I think you addressed this in a chat earlier this year, but I am very interested in becoming a major league scout. How do I go about this?

Jason Grey

  (11:12 AM)

Play in the big leagues first. OK, if that option is not available to you, try to meet a scout or two at a local minor league park. That's really about the only way to go about it if you don't already have a connection. Wish I had a better answer for you.

Jordan (Toronto)

Please rank Broxton, Ziegler, Hanrahan, Putz and Lewis. As well do you think Harang is worth taking a chance on? I would have to drop Greinke, Lowe or Lester for him.

Jason Grey

  (11:13 AM)

Harang I like for more as a rebound play for next season at this point. Move Lewis ahead of Hanrahan and that's my list.

Scott, Groton CT

Who's the best hitting 2nd base prospect within a year or two of the majors right now?

Jason Grey

  (11:16 AM)

It is a very, very thin crop compared to other positions. My bet is it winds up being a converted shortstop of some sort. I will say I like Chris Coghlan as a sleeoer for fantasy purposes, and I'd watch if Gordon Beckham starts playing some 2nd at the AFL.

Jack (SD)

I am sitting on Daniel Murphy in a dynasty league hoping he becomes a 2B someday where his bat would be far more useful than as a corner outfielder. Am I wasting my time? I hear he will play 2B in the AFL...

Jason Grey

  (11:19 AM)

Murphy can hit in the big leagues, but the issue is he really is a guy without a position. He can play all over the place, but not really play well anywhere. He is listed as an infielder on the AFL roster, so he will be getting a chance at 2B, so you're not wasting your time.

K

Keep waiting on Brandon Wood in my dynasty league...or do I give up now?

Jason Grey

  (11:20 AM)

I still think the upside is such that you give it one more year, unless there is a good trade offer.

Vern (SF)

Do you think Pablo Sandoval (Big Pabi) can be a long-term option at 3B? With 1B reserved for Villalona, and C reserved for Posey...3B has got to be Big Pabi's, right? He appears to be the best home grown bat the Giants have produced in years....please don't tell me he doesn't have a position!

Jason Grey

  (11:21 AM)

Absolutely not. He grew out of that position. He's a 1B in a pinch. But I'd relax though, Villalona's still a few years away (which would still put him in the bigs at about 21) so it's not a concern at this point. He can play first when Posey is ready.

Alan (New York City)

Is it safe to send McClouth to waivers? Is it true that he will be rested a bit in Sept.?

Jason Grey

  (11:22 AM)

Between the slowdown in production and the rumors of rest in favor of some PT for McCutchen, I wouldn't have a problem with sending him out.

Dan (Philadelphia)

Is Troy Tulowitzki's quad still bothering him or is he just mired in a season-long slump? Will he be back next year?

Jason Grey

  (11:22 AM)

Still bothering him, but mostly only on defense. Like Harang, he's a guy I'm going to target on the cheap next year.

Steve (Ann Arbor)

A follow-up to the scout question: Is it a lack of interest in becoming a scout or the fact that most scouts are firmly entrenched in their jobs that leaves such little options for those interested? What happened to the scouting school?

Jason Grey

  (11:25 AM)

I think it's partially because baseball is mostly an insular community. Scout school still goes on; they do a fantastic job, but in order to get in you have to be sponsored by a big league team. Again, wish I had a better answer for you.

Smelvin (Palo Alto)

Alderson and Bumgarner....future #1's? When is their ETA? (dreaming of a Timmy Linc, Cain, Bumgarner, Alderson, Sanchez rotation)

Jason Grey

  (11:26 AM)

You're not the only one. Yes, potential 1/2 guys at the top.

matt ny

jensen lewis role in 2009

Jason Grey

  (11:27 AM)

Setup man. GM Mark Shapiro has already indicated that he thinks there will be 7-8 free agent closers with experience and that it's a priority for his team to get one.

Frank Drebbin

Jayson Werth? Werthless or has Werth?

Jason Grey

  (11:27 AM)

The latter. Had has Werth all year, just kind of hidden in platooning until recently.

jo, trenton tn

matt harrison or david price which one is the better pick-up?

Jason Grey

  (11:28 AM)

I still think Harrison is going to get knocked around down the stretch, so even in a bullpen role I prefer Price.

Fernando (Pembroke Pines)

GM Jason, whats up with Figgins sore toe? is that going to factor into to his already plagued 2008 season?

Jason Grey

  (11:29 AM)

Yes, because he can't push off the toe very well because of the irritation and that will affect his steals. Plus, there's no reason for the club not to be careful to rest both him and Kendrick to make sure they are healthy for the playoffs.

Chris New Orleans

Is Chris Perez going to lock the closers spot for next year? Does he have good enough to be their closer for the near future...

Jason Grey

  (11:30 AM)

Yes, he has enough stuff if he keeps throwing enough strikes. That's the only question. I think the team would like him to have the job going into '09

Bobby A (NYC)

Can you pretty please list the five (5) best keepers of this group?AlexieRam, Ellsbury, CBYoung, Mauer, Conor Jackson, Ian Stewart, Theriot, and Cust, in an OBP league??

Jason Grey

  (11:31 AM)

Ellsbury, Mauer, CJ, A-Ram (grudgingly), Cust

Alex, florida

Can Josh Johnson keep this up? what do you expect from him going forward?

Jason Grey

  (11:31 AM)

Profiled the entire Marlins rotation extensively on Monday. JJ can be a horse at the top of that rotation.

matt ny

who closes next yr for the nationals and indians?

Jason Grey

  (11:32 AM)

Hanrahan and a free agent - Cordero will not be tendered a contract by the Nats.

Danny (Detroit)

Does Tejada's decline continue? and would you recommend Barmes or Weeks for him?

Jason Grey

  (11:33 AM)

Probably, but I'd still likely stick with him given your other options.

Dan (Las Vegas)

I'm think it's time to drop Jurrjens who should I pick up out of these three: Pelfrey, Galarraga, or Jimenez?

Jason Grey

  (11:33 AM)

AG

Todd (NYC)

Setting the playoff roster, pick two: Fukudome, D. Young, Cameron, V.Wells. Speed would be nice since I lost Crawford; OPS is a category. Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (11:34 AM)

Wells, Cameron

Matt (SF)

I enjoyed your article about the Giants minor league players. If Pablo Sandoval and Posey are both catchers, what should the Giants do to get their bats in the lineup? Also what numbers do you project for Sandoval and Emmanuel Burris in the future?

Jason Grey

  (11:35 AM)

Not trying to be mean-spirited, but I addressed this already in the chat.

matt ny

does carlos santana of the indians who is having a great yr in the minors does that talent make him a good player in the majors?

Jason Grey

  (11:37 AM)

Santana can be an above-average offensive catcher in the majors. He's a converted 3B, so the glove still needs some work.

Ian Kinsler (Tex)

PLEASE tell me I'll be back in 10 days or so!

Jason Grey

  (11:39 AM)

He wants to be back by Sept. 5, but admitted that is he's not able to take batting practice by this weekend, he's likely to shut it down for the season. Watch the reports this weekend.

Ian

What's Ben Revere's ceiling?

Jason Grey

  (11:40 AM)

Empty batting average stolen base guy at the #1 or #9 spots. In the Twins org, they have no problems making a guy like that a full-time starter.

Erik (Atlanta, GA)

Jason, I'm a big fan of your chats. I know you had to follow the Olympic baseball team's last season. Thoughts on Jake Arrieta? Does he have talent enough to get a Sept. call up? Also, while I'm talking about TCU Alum, what about Lance Broadway? I don't think he got a fair shake in his first call up this season when Contreras went down. First he was put in the bullpen, then he started one game and did well but didn't get another chance at starting until last night (and he got knocked around). How much of an impact do you see him making this year?

Jason Grey

  (11:41 AM)

It's possible in Arrieta, but the club has other pitchers slightly ahead of him at the momemt they may want to look at, so they may just shut him down. He's a #3 starter for me. As far as Broadway, never seen why he was so highly rated. Triple-A pitcher or big league swingman for me at best.

K

Is Gallardo an elite SP within the next 3 years and forward?

Jason Grey

  (11:42 AM)

The potential is certainly there if he recovers fine from his injury.

E.T.

Who's the most legit Relief K guy i can get for the rest of the year b/c im nearing the start limit and need k's bad. How about a couple?

Jason Grey

  (11:43 AM)

Kuo and Chad Qualls come to mind - sure I'm missing quite a few, but that's who popped in there.

John (NF)

Cust over Ian Stewart??? Reasons??

Jason Grey

  (11:46 AM)

Fair point...I could go with Stewart in an OBP league. In fact his PT is probably a little safer next season. Yeah, I can go with that.

Jeremy (Waterville)

What does ETA stand for?

Jason Grey

  (11:46 AM)

Estimated Time of Arrival

Steve (NYC)

David Purcey had some great AAA numbers this year. Was last night a sign of things to come?

Jason Grey

  (11:47 AM)

I don't think so. I did think he had made some improvements when I saw him at the AFL, but he's a #5 for me. Useful big league pitcher, but not a huge fantasy option.

Fantasy dud (NY)

Please Rank deep league long term keeper: Hanrahan, Parra, Nolasco, scherzer

Jason Grey

  (11:48 AM)

Nolasco, Scherzer, Parra, Hanrahan

Drewster (Jersey)

ETA on Furcal's return? And will he help our playoff causes?

Jason Grey

  (11:49 AM)

He's going to try it in Sept, but I don't imagine he'll have a big impact. Anyone else notice the Rox are within six of the lead right now and playing the best ball in that division?

Joe (Billings, MT)

Jason, rank the following prospect keepers in a points league that penalizes hitter's Ks: Wieters, Rasmus, Maybin.

Jason Grey

  (11:49 AM)

As you did.

Steve(Ma)

LOST KINSLER! Kent, Aybar, K. Johnson, or Weeks. . PLEASE RANK! Gerut, C Davis, C Guillen, and Lind. OPS league and steals aren't important. Ty

Jason Grey

  (11:50 AM)

Davis at the top of the list for me.

Jason Grey

  (11:50 AM)

and Kent.

Simon (san francisco)

Lincicum is now #4 overall on the ESPN player rater behind Berkman, Pujols, Holliday, even thoug the Giants poor offense blew 5 early wins for him. Is Lincicum the best pitcher in baseball?

Jason Grey

  (11:51 AM)

That would be CC at the moment, but Lincecum should be in the top 3 starters drafted next season.

Imre (Missoula, MT)

UHHHHH!?!?!? A Relief K guy? I can think of two no-brainers on the same team... Marmol and Wood! Those two Rack 'Em Up!!!

Jason Grey

  (11:52 AM)

Well, Wood is a closer so that doesn't really count - I was assuming he wants MR/setup. ....and I was kind of assuming Marmol was already rostered for the same reason. But if Marmol is somehow out there, sure.

Philster (The Naw')

Garza? Is he the real deal?

Jason Grey

  (11:52 AM)

Si.

John (New York)

do you think Carlos Guillen will be back soon? if not, who would be a good replacement

Jason Grey

  (11:53 AM)

Might be back in a few days....Jed Lowrie?

Jeff (AZ)

Since Lyon has been struggling, would you bet on Tony Pena or Rauch closing games?

Jason Grey

  (11:53 AM)

If they make a move, I bet it would be for Pena, who has been the best in that 'pen as of late.

Howie Kendrick (Angels)

How long will I be out? Who should replace me for the stretch run if I need AVG and SB?

Jason Grey

  (11:54 AM)

Don't know at this point. Joaquin Arias might be a decent fill-in. I'm giving you a worst-case scenario not knowing who is in your FA pool.

David (Denver)

"We're going to monitor him carefully". So Bruce Bochy lets Lincecum throw 132 pitches last night in a game in which he had the lead after the seventh inning. Um, Bruce?? This has to be a concern despite Lincecum's mechanics as detailed elsewhere, right?

Jason Grey

  (11:55 AM)

If anyone can handle it, it might be him, but yeah, makes no sense.

Chris (NJ)

Lightening round: Yusimero Petit or Mike Gonzalez, who has more value the rest of the season? Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (11:55 AM)

Gonzalez

aaron harang reds

am i on the decline from all those innings pitch?

Jason Grey

  (11:56 AM)

No, I think the forearm injury will be fine next season and you'll bounce back in '09

John (Providence)

Do the Brewers have any thoughts on moving A.Escobar to 2nd Base for 2009?

Jason Grey

  (11:57 AM)

I think it's possible, but realistically they're probably looking him more at '10. And if you're moving something, you're moving Hardy to 2nd so as to have Escobar's Gold Glove-caliber D at short.

Jason Grey

  (11:58 AM)

Time for 3 more...As always, I appreciate the interest. Yesterday's 3 PM chat was my last on Wednesday. This is my new time slot for the balance of the season, 11 AM THU

Jeff (NYC)

Would you consider Rollins a keeper for 2009 considering his decline this season?

Jason Grey

  (11:58 AM)

Absolutely.

Steve (Los Angeles)

J Upton a low-round keeper in a limited keeper league?

Jason Grey

  (11:59 AM)

Without more details, yes, definite sleeper - I think he can surprise some people next year.

simon (SF)

Wow you can answer a lot of questions in a hour.last 30 daysSabathia: 4 wins 40 k's 1.37 era 1.12 whipLincicum: 4 wins 54 k's 1.27 era 0.94 whip

Jason Grey

  (12:00 PM)

Give me a sec to give you another stat...

Jason Grey

  (12:03 PM)

Since May 1- Lincecum 2.60 ERA 170 K's ; Sabathia 2.02 ERA 164 K's

Jason Grey

  (12:03 PM)

All depends on how you want to look at it....Thanks everyone, see you next week.