ESPN

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:05 PM)

Hi kids. Good to see everyone. As always, all subjects answered. Let's get into it. And remember... Fantasy Football for Free, with free live scoring and auction drafts available... plus Streak for the Cash... 1 million up for grabs for free.

Leah (Winnipeg, Canada)

What are your predictions for Shockey this year in New Orleans?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:05 PM)

Love him this season. I think 1000 yards and 8 touchdowns

Mike (Northern VA)

Do you bother updating your rankings after drafting is complete? I know that I look back on my drafts and realize that I chose to overdraft Calvin Johnson above Chad J and others quite often and I realize that I must have him rated higher if I keep picking him over some of his similar tiered peers.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:06 PM)

No, I don't. I sent in an adjustment to Rudi Johnson this morning based on the DET news, but otherwsie,,, no, looking ahead. Got my week 1 rankings to do later today.

Andrew (Tipp City, OH)

I was just offered Michael Turner for Chris Perry. No brainer?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:07 PM)

No, not necessarily. I like Turner more but not that much more. Perry wioll be better than you htink and Norwodd will get more work than you think as well. That said, I like Watson in Cincy more and I'd do the deal.

Josh (Boston)

Dave Bush vs. the Mets tomorrow? He's been hot, but...do you worry about NY bats?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:08 PM)

I believe it's Manny Parra at home tonight, actually. And I like him.

Tom (Boston,MA)

Do you think Courtney Taylor is worth a start this week? My alternatives are Driver and Evans.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:09 PM)

I'll have Driver above those others.

Chris (CA)

Are Selvin Young or Ray Rice good Week 1 starters, all things considered in each situation?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:10 PM)

Yes on Selvin, no on Rice. You can run on OAK... but I think McGahee will actually play a decent amount

Josh (Boston) - again

I really did mean Bush TOMORROW - trying to set that lineup today...

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:11 PM)

Which means you play elsewhere and not ESPN, where you can set your line-up on the DAY OF - and pick up free agents. Boo on you. No second question for you.

Michelle (Boston, MA)

What draft format is the Chicks League you mentioned on the podcast today?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:11 PM)

Snake draft - not auction. email fantasyfocus@espnradio.com if you want to be in...

Keith (Cle, OH)

hey i read your chats everyday and havent had as important of a question of this all year. i've been in first for about the last month and have just dropped to second. i have kind of been riding the hot streak of my pitching staff who are starting to cool off: Billingsly, cain, liriano, baker, felix, and meche. i only have four moves left, should i stick it out with these guys or change it up. or should i pick up 4 relievers, since i am over the inning limit by 15 innings? Thanks

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:12 PM)

I'd pick up 4 relivers. Like all those guys

Moe

Who do your prefer to have on your roster, Ray Rice or Steve Slaton?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:12 PM)

Slaton

Yasmine (PR)

Hasselbeck or Garrard for week 1? Hasselbeck's lack of receivers scares me.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:13 PM)

I'd still go Hasselbeck... Garrard's got TEN - they're really strong against the pass

John (NY)

TMR - I got drunk before my football draft and forgot about McGahee's knee problems so I took him in the 2nd round. Will boozing be my downfall or was that pick ok?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:14 PM)

Why can't the answer be yes to both questions? I believe Willis will actually be okay - he's practicing.... i recently drafted him in the third round of a 12 team expert draft

Dan (stl Mo)

Start Warner or D. Anderson in week 1?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:15 PM)

Warner and it's not close

Marco

My backup RB's are Chris Perry, Mendenhall and Jonathan Stewart. You dont think Perry keeps the starting job (or has a year as good as Watson), but do Stewart or Mendenhall gain the starting job? Why didnt you ask Joe E Tata for his fantasy sleepers?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:17 PM)

Don't think any of those guys gets the "starting gig" but all will be productive - like Stewart the most, then Mendehall and Perry. Because we only had 8 minutes with Joe and i don't care about his fantasy sleepers. I care about 90210 baby!

Pat (Chicago)

Do you still like Scheffler even though he is not starting?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:17 PM)

yes

Dave (Frisco, Texas )

Does Zambrano have your roto stamp of approval for tonight? How about Wainright, Danks, and Lester? Obviously, Lester is a no-brainer but the others are kinda shaky. What say you?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:18 PM)

I'm good on all of them, actually. Esp Wainwright

Max (Ankeny, IA)

Brandon Marshall or Brandon Jacobs for my flex spot?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:18 PM)

You know Marshall ain't playing, right?

Joe (San Diego)

I took Warner as Mr. Irrelevant in a 14 team league, with my other QBs being Delhomme and Kitna. Crazy, huh? I feel nervous starting a guy who was taken with the absolute last pick in the draft, especially at such an important position. But how far ahead of Delhomme and Kitna do you have Warner ranked this week?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:20 PM)

He's playing SF! I'm doing my rankings this afternoon but my guess is Warner will be top 7. Don't like Jake on road at SD w/out Smith... Kitna should be okay at ATL

Tim (Oregon)

Bill Simmons owns you.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:20 PM)

Very possibly but any particular reason? not his Celtic homerisim, that's for sure.

Nick (Greenwich, CT)

Are you really going to pick an assistant from the e-mails that were sent to your e-mail? Have you even looked? lol

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:21 PM)

Yes and yes.

Bob(Ma)

D. ANDERSON safe to start this week or should I pick up Schaub or Rivers? Ty

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:21 PM)

I'd try and get Schaub... Anderson still a bit banged up and Dallas was top 6 in INT's last year... w/out Pacman.

joe (york)

tough call, LJ (terrible o-line) or brandon jacobs (time share)

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:22 PM)

Jacobs. LJ on the road at NE? Bleah

Sam (Lake Bluff)

Is Pod Vader as fat as he makes himself out to be?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:22 PM)

No. He's short so it's more like he is stocky.

Joe (GR, MI)

Don't you like that Simmons does a 400,000 column on how KG should be MVP and all the sudden he says Chris Paul should have been? Way to stick to your guns Billy boy...

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:23 PM)

Exactly! I tried to call him on it a bit in the last podcast but he changed the subject on me and it's his podcast. I'm sure we'll do one pre-NBA and I'll yell at him about that again.

Random Dude Andrew

THANK YOU!!! I used on your rankings during a draft last night and definitely felt that I had a leg up on the rest of the league. More importantly, is Brady really worth pick #6 over Portis in a 10-team standard league? I know that RB-RB rule is out, but I fear having Reggie Bush and Dr. Ricky as my backs.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:24 PM)

Interesting you should ask that. I actually JUST did a ten team draft earlier today with the MVP winner we had on the podcast. I had pick 8 and both Brady and Portis were there for me... and i took Brady. I ended up with Ryan grant and Thomas Jones as my two RB...

Dave (Frisco, Texas )

I think the PC phrase is "husky." Anyways..Do you know anything further about Mora's condition? Since the rosters expanded, we really don't know how hurt he is since he doesn't have to go on the DL. Drop him or wait until Friday? I play in a league o' morons so other decent bats should still be there by then. But, I don't want to chance a random moron epithany between now and then. Mora is a bright and shiny object to them with his high rank so I'm certain he would be snatched up. Hold'em or fold'em?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:25 PM)

Wait until Friday.... doesn't sound serious and he's been too good to drop

Jon (School)

You know what, Berry? I've decided that I like you.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:26 PM)

Aw shucks, Thanks. I'm still on the fence abut me.

Kyle (Minneapolis, MN)

Tim from Oregon...its a well established fact Bill Simmons owns everyone. Well except for Brian A, but that is a totally different story.

Aaron (Des Moines, IA)

Fastest way to a career like yours? (Serious question)

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:30 PM)

Be good and original. I'm serious. Look, there's no conspiracy to keep talented people out. If you're a good writer / commentator and have a unique, entertaining and interesting way of doing analysis someone will hire you. I've hired tons of guys over the years - not just here but guys at my old TMR site that have since gone on to write for a number of big sites. I'd get in the door at a place with traffic as opposed to starting your own site - concentrate on your work and let someone else worry about traffic, etc... Quickest way to establish a name brand. Offer to write / work for free to get in the door. And don't suck. Too many copy cats / folks already doing it ... the wolrd doesn't need another guy quoting stats. Or just doing lame pop culture. Some of us got there first ;)

Lance (Boston)

I had the 6th pick in a 10 team league. Took Brady (never took a QB 1st round before) and still ended up with Grant and Lynch at RB. Followed your advice about taking the player you like. I actually hate the Pats, but I figure it's win-win for me. Either Brady is awesome and I clean up in Fantasy, or he stinks and I enjoy adding another dig to 18-1.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:31 PM)

there ya go

Mike (Boston)

Wow this must be a lot to type about how to create a career like you as it is taking 20 minutes for the essay - Pleas rank the following - Fred Taylor, Chris Perry, Ricky Williams

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:31 PM)

Ricky, Fred, Perry believe it or not

Sarah (French Lick, Indiana)

For September pick 4 from this group, Rios, V. Wells, Ibanez, Kemp, Markakis. Thanks.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:33 PM)

I'd lose Wells actually

Joel ( Roscommon MI)

Thoughts on Bernard Berrian for the season. Love him or hate him ?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:33 PM)

Ehhh. If I have to pick one, it's hate, but it's not strong. He'll be okay but not a consistent every week guy. McKinnie's suspension hurts Tarvaris

Rob (State College)

Matt - Can't you copy your reply to the "I want a career like yours" question and put it somewhere permanent? That way, you don't have to use up our precious time with you typing out what your regular readers know by heart. I say this in true love...

Kyle (Minneapolis, MN)

Get a degree in journalism Aaron, then apply to ESPN.com. Being a company guy, I'll point out Fantasy Football is free on ESPN.com.

Jerk (Fantasyland)

Did you just shoot yourself because someone asked that question AGAIN? Work for free. Be original. Be creative. Give people something new. Next!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:35 PM)

I know. I just always feel bad. So many people want to get in and every time I go to wirte the definitive "How to Be A..." article something else comes up. It's something I'm very proud of. Even the people that really hate me begrudingly admit I've discovered and given a ton of people their shot...

Muffin (Everywhere)

Banana nut or blueberry? Mmmm...

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:35 PM)

Blueberry and it's not close

Tom (Hackensack)

you think highly of shockey...does this negatively affect colston? i have both and was thinking of getting heath miller at TE so i wouldnt have too many eggs in the basket..

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:36 PM)

Nope. Think it's helps Coltson.

James (LA)

Welcome to The Show! On Tuesday afternoon, Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto - will drop by to take your questions and analyze all the latest sporting news from a fantasy perspective - MLB, NFL, NBA. You ask it and he'll answer. OK when did this become career day?

DJ (Grand Cayman)

My girlfriend is hotter than even Anne Hathaway, so I'm not really concerned if my fantasy team sucks this season... Just sayin'

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:36 PM)

Don't blame you

Rebecca (St Louis)

What are you thoughts on Vernon Davis? Will he become an elite TE this year? Would you rather have him or Owen Daniels? Thanks!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:36 PM)

Hate Davis - esp. in a Martz system. Owen

joe (york)

You dont think the time share in NY will affect jacobs numbers significantly? i cant see him getting more than 15 carries...

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:37 PM)

I think he gets at least 20 touches. And majority of goal line touches

ESPN Execs

If we required something new and original we wouldn't have hired Berry, hahahaha, now that is funny!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:37 PM)

well played, sir. well played.

Everyone (Everywhere)

Do Hart and Sproles have any fantasy value this season?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:38 PM)

Not unless someone gets injured...

BoB (Philly)

TMR - Let me gloat and praise you simultaneously!! I used your advice and my own winning judgement exclusively in my draft. Here's my starting squad (10 team league): Romo, Addai, Jones-Drew, Santonio, Cotchery, Dallas Clark, Thomas Jones, some kicker schmuck, Chicago D. My backups? Kurt Warner, Kevin Smith, Donald Driver, Anthony Gonzalez, Kenny Watson, Devin Hester. I think I kicked it. My league mates think I'm so-so at best. What say you, my orange headed guru??

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:38 PM)

Obviously, I like the team quite a bit

Kyle (Chicago, IL)

Keeper deadline today: Cooley for the 87th overall pick or Bowe for the 127th overall pick?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:38 PM)

Bowe. TE is very deep this year

Steve(Boston)

Draft last night. We start 3 Rb's. Got McFadden, Kevin Smith, Forte, Slaton, C Johnson, and Turner. Am I in trouble? Ty

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:39 PM)

Trouble? No. In need of some guys to come through? Yes. Love the upside of some of those but first few weeks might be rough

Ryan (Michigan)

I know you've been getting a lot of questions about Warner, but what's your prediction for him for the whole season? Is he a reliable no.1 fantasy QB?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:40 PM)

yes

Brian, MA

Kevin Curtis cut ties or save on bench? I can do either.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:41 PM)

Depends on who else is available... I'd drop him if someone solid was available - like Deion branch, who is coming back a lot sooner than folks thought

Adam. STL

Matt, I took MB III with the 4th pick last night over Westbrook, lunacy or genius?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:42 PM)

At the moment? Lunacy. But we won;t know for sure until 17 weeks from now. But hey - if he's the guy you want, grab him. He wasn't coming back to you.

Kyle (Minneapolis, MN)

Alright Berry enough jokes. Two questions. First where is Dan from San Jose at? Second thoughts on Dustin Keller. I'm grabbed him late in all my drafts. Think he is worth it?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:43 PM)

Well, yeah, a sa flier. Favre uses his TE a lot so that's nice - i'm just worried about rookie and Bubba Franks also being there. Wouldn't want him as my #1 TE but def worth a late flier

Dave (Frisco, Texas )

How about this: Branch or Courtney Taylor for the year?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:43 PM)

Branch, but I do like Taylor too. Remember, SEA had the 6th most rush TD's last year

Ryan (PA)

Pick one for my PPR flex: Kevin Smith, Perry, Eddie Royal, Dwayne Bowe? Thanks

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:44 PM)

Perry

Frustrated Draft Guy

Dude, I hate people who don't prepare for drafts, I planned everything out to get Garrard in the middle of the draft, and this guy who has no idea finds your rankings and picks him in the second round! What the heck... plus I got suckered in to getting a TE cause one person picks one and so everyone else starts doing it as well!!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:45 PM)

Welcome to Fantasy Football.

vince (portland)

Edwin Jackson or Anthony Reyes?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:45 PM)

Reyes unless you need wins.

Joel ( Roscommon MI)

Who will be Mike Furrey version 2008 in Mike Martz's offense this year ?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:45 PM)

Josh Morgan

Ron (NYC)

Drop Hackett for Rudi if he is your 6th WR?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:46 PM)

in a heartbeat

Tim (Detroit)

TMR,Beleive it or not I acually met Anne Hathaway at the DNC in Denver and she has heard of you!!!!! (Your Welcome). Who's the better option at flex this week: McGahee,K.Smith,Driver,Fargas

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:47 PM)

I do NOT believe it. Anyone else? You'll need to email me more details for me to believe it. But you're getting your question answered ,so kudos to you there. Kevin Smith

Curious...

If you guys really get "thousands" of questions each hour, why is it so common for the same posters to get multiple answers across chats or even within the same chat. I'll admit it, I'm jealous of Dave in Frisco.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:49 PM)

Because they probably hit submit 50 times an hour. I rarely look at who is submitting.... Just for common themes / player names... Every time I hit submit, it jumps to a new page that is about 200 questions ahead of where it was.... hard to explain...

Lonesome Dave (Foghat, NJ)

So Mr. TMR - If you like Josh Morgan that much, should I be starting him this weekend over Nate The Great Burleson or Reggie Williams as my #3 WR?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:50 PM)

No, I wouldn;t... like his potential over the season but not week one against a better than you realize AZ D

Bobby (Chicago)

Your thoughts on people in the consolation bracket dropping Pat Burrell and Javy Vazquez: WE PLAY TO WIN THE GAME or mail it in?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:50 PM)

You play it out. Only excuse is if it's a keeper lg and they are dropping to get cheap keepers.

Chuck Norris

BAM! POW! Got your attnetion? Is Chris Johnson the next Adrian Peterson? I see their situations as similar. AP had Chester Taylor in the mix and dominated as a homerun threat. Same has been said about CJ. Your thoughts on my "bold" prediction.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:52 PM)

I'm not THAT high on him, but yes, I have been very high on both CJ;'s this year for quite some time - both were in my LOVE section in Love / hate in June

Chris (Philly)

Perry over K.Smith? Even though CIN plays BAL week 1?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:53 PM)

Because the question was for a PPR league - Perry is a very good pass catcher.

Tim(Detroit)

Anne said her publicist told her about an ESPN guy who was writing about her in his columns. I told her it was TMR and she sais she would check it out....

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:53 PM)

Well done Tim. You can come to the wedding.

JIMMY JOHN (KY)

Tim Hightower or Lamont Jordan off claimer and start Matt Forte or Run DMC wk 1?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:54 PM)

Hightower and go Run DMC on MNF

Bill (Philly)

I met Anne last week also. She knows about your "big shoes."

Bob(NY)

Desean Jackson, Rashied Davis, or Josh Morgan? Ty

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:55 PM)

Jackson at home vs STL

Dennis, NY

How did you and Eric come up with the idea to go tieless on your Fantasy show? And do you guys now believe you are cooler with the kids?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:57 PM)

If it was up to me I would always be without a tie. I mean, it's Fantasy sports, not Wolf Blitzer in front of the White House. But it's ESPN policy for TV... but for the Sunday morning Fantasy Football Now show we have a little more leeway. Plus, winning the EMMY gives up a little cred...

Vol ( Kansas)

Run DMC goes for 1,200 yds and 10 TD's. Take it to the bank...

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:59 PM)

Dude, I've already said he gets over 1600 total yards and double digit TD in my You Heard Me....grow a pair.

Peter (Baltimore)

I like how Tim(Detroit) meets Anne Hathaway but cannot find anything to talk about except the TMR...I think that means it is time to quit the TMR for a little and go back to meeting girls...

Sneaky Joe (trying to get my Old NES working)

TMR, are you for or against shirtless chest bumps between two fairly obese, slightly hairy males?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:59 PM)

Against

Geoff (NY)

Everyone seems to like Calvin Johnson this year, but I'm not sure if I'd bet against Roy Williams in a CONTRACT YEAR

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:00 PM)

I agree... I am high on both guys actually, which is why I have Kitna as a sleeper this year

Wendy(Jackson,MI)

Why do you always talk about your girlfriends?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:01 PM)

I always talk about my life, actually. Always have. People seem to find it interesting and I'm a total narcissist, so it works well. And as a single guy living in hell, er, Bristol, dating is a large part of my life.

Gene O (IN)

Can you explain why you would take Hghtower over Jordan?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:02 PM)

Like his upside a lot more. I am down on Edge and I like Sammy Morris more than Jordan for the vulture from Maroney role.

James (So Cal)

I understand it might be difficult, but I've always wondered why ESPN doesn't move to somewhere (read: ANYWHERE) more metropolitan.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:03 PM)

We open a new studio in Los Angeles next spring

B (Philly)

Jorge De La Rosa... believe? Or no...

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:04 PM)

Yes, I do. 2.90 ERA since the All-Star break... 47 K in 49 ip...

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:04 PM)

Okay guys... gotta run. Thanks for stopping by. My week 1 rankings will be up tomorrow and my Love / Hate will be up Thursday