ESPN

Saint Louie

Which Card OF is the better keeper for next year Ludwick or Ankiel? Mike Cameron ranked over either?

Jason Grey

  (11:01 AM)

Good question, even though his numbers regress slightly, I still think Ludwick has the edge on Ankiel, and I would take both over Cameron, despite Cameron's hot run as of late.

Ryan, Milwaukee

Last keep comes down BJ Upton or Kemp, who you taking?

Jason Grey

  (11:02 AM)

Probably Kemp. The news about Upton's shoulder injury helps tip it in his favor. Shoulder injuries are tricky one that affect different hitters in different ways. For example, Shawn Green was never the same after a serious shoulder problem.

suzanne

Rank for rest of season: McLouth, M Cameron, M Byrd, Lind (need OPS, want SB)

Jason Grey

  (11:04 AM)

Cameron, McLouth, Lind, Byrd

Ryan (DC)

do you like nolasco (at STL) or galarraga (at MIN) tomorrow? worth dropping bush for either?

Jason Grey

  (11:04 AM)

I like both. Would consider dropping him to add Nolasco.

Steve (LA)

Jason, it's playoff time, and the person I'm playing has 5 more starters going this week is it unethical to be streaming pitchers to catch up on stats? It is within the rules and other teams have set precedent and done it as well. I would like to hear your thoughts. Thanks

Jason Grey

  (11:05 AM)

If it's allowed in the rules, it's fair game as far as I'm concerned. That's just smart play to leverage your league rules to your advantage.

Chris (Revere MA)

Any serious chance either Takashi Saito, Ian Kinsler, and now Melvin Mora will have any fantasy impact over the next 2.5 weeks? And If so how much?

Jason Grey

  (11:08 AM)

I would say no in all cases, even though Kinsler is trying to return. He's running out of time, and they may just shut him down as a precaution.

Hal (Detroit)

Any reason to hold onto Carlos Guillen at this point? I could get Headley, Aybar or Dukes. Position doesn't matter.

Jason Grey

  (11:08 AM)

No...he's battling multiple back issues and the production was underwhelming to begin with.

Tim (Windsor)

Sean Marshall is pitching in C-Zam's spot on Sunday. Also, with the potential of another Harden injury, does it look like Marshall will get regular starts? Thanks Jason.

Jason Grey

  (11:10 AM)

Definitely possible, as I'm sure the Cubs are going to be very cautious with those other two.

Dave (Frisco, Texas )

Do you think either Kinsler or Furcal has a chance of having any value for the rest of the season? The word out of Arlington yesterday makes it sound like Kinsler is going to be shut down. Do you think Furcal returns as a everyday player since LA is in a race? I can't see him having much value if he is just going to be a pinch hitter. What do you think?

Jason Grey

  (11:11 AM)

I really don't see wither being a fantasy factor at all. It would really surprise me if Kinsler returned, as I alluded to earlier.

Andrew (Louisville)

Where does Pedroia go in the draft next year? Is he next in line after Utley and Kinsler with Upton moving to the OF?

Jason Grey

  (11:12 AM)

He would be for me.

Scott, Groton CT

accept this trade proposal? I've been offered Webb for Wieters in my dynasty league. I've already got Mauer at Catcher.

Jason Grey

  (11:12 AM)

Although Wieters is the best hitting prospect in the minors, you do have sort of a logjam so I don't have an issue with that.

Pete (NJ)

Kevin Gregg or Frank Fransisco the rest of the way?

Jason Grey

  (11:15 AM)

Francisco.

Joe (NYC)

Is the honeymoon over for Ian Stewart?

Jason Grey

  (11:16 AM)

No, but for some reason they are gving Jeff Baker some AB's against lefties despite the fact Stewart is hitting them well. Doesn't make a ton of sense.

Erich (San Francisco, CA)

Who puts up the best '09 from this group? Rank if you are so inclined:Milledge, Lind, I. Stewart, T. Snider, Dukes, P. Sandoval

Jason Grey

  (11:17 AM)

I'd probably have Milledge at the top of that list.

Mike (Tampa, FL)

Who is going to get the majority of AB's for Texas catchers now that rosters have expanded?

Jason Grey

  (11:18 AM)

It appears the Rangers will give Teagarden a shot as Salty is done for the year.

Frank (Phila, Pa)

Pablo Sandoval And Chris Dickerson, Are they really as good as the numbers they're putting up.

Jason Grey

  (11:19 AM)

Dickerson - no, but I did predict he'd have short-term success til the league figured him out. - Sandoval - yes, he's made big strides this season and is a legit hitter.

John (Concord, NH)

In a keeper league, drop Furcal for DeJesus?

Jason Grey

  (11:20 AM)

I think Furcal is probably the better play for next season, so no.

Dennis Boston, MA

Jason, Do I drop Jesus Flores? Of these choices, who do I pick up for HRs? Hanigan, Montero or Nieves...

Jason Grey

  (11:22 AM)

Probably, there's not a ton of time left for a severe ankle sprain to heal enough to give him a ton of P/T. I'd go Montero even though it's just P/T play.

Rennie (Mystic CT)

Do you figure Jed Lowrie to be as productive next season as he has been in the last 1.5 months if so would he be a viable utility/spot starter, plus can the Red Sox fit him in then?

Jason Grey

  (11:23 AM)

Yes, he's a player I've always liked....and I would expect the Red Sox to work to try to possibly extricate themselves from the last two years of Lugo's deal.

Ryan (MI)

Can you tell us anything about Joe Nelson(FLA)? Is he saving games now? K, WHIP and ERA numbers are impressive. Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (11:24 AM)

Yes, it appears he's the closer for now. Wicked changeup, legit out pitch even though he doesn't throw that hard.

James (Orlando FL)

After a Dissapointing year for Saltalamachia what do you think next year and beyond has in store for him?

Jason Grey

  (11:25 AM)

Never been as high on him as many others, as I've always had some issues with his spring. A lot depends on how the Rangers clear their logjam of four catchers this offseason.

Nick (Philly,PA)

Is Big Z worth holding on to right now?

Jason Grey

  (11:28 AM)

I'm not dropping him just yet until we find out about the results of the MRI he's supposed to have today. I figure we can wait another day or two before making that decision, but I'd be leaning toward doing so at this point.

Mark (Canada)

Is Reyes worth a start against KC tomorrow?

Jason Grey

  (11:30 AM)

Doing an article today talking about Reyes, and how there are a few pitchers like him that could be worthy of spot starts down the stretch. That's a decent matchup for him.

Ty (Chicago Il)

Geovani Soto is having an amazing year where do you think he will rank among ctachers next year in draft potitioning and will he be able to produce like this again and consistently?

Jason Grey

  (11:34 AM)

He's not over his head, and I expect him to be the third catcher off the board next year.

Ron (Dothan, Alabama)

The postponement of the LSU-Troy game... Why didn't they just move it to Troy under the circumstances? Other teams have changed venues, swapped days, etc. Does LSU not want to take a chance on playing Troy without the benefits of Tiger Stadium?

Jason Grey

  (11:35 AM)

Thanks for playing! We have parting gifts!

Ted, Brooklyn, NY

Any idea as to when Price gets called up?

Jason Grey

  (11:35 AM)

Not until Durham is eliminated from the playoffs. He started game 1 last night.

Stan (Bronx)

Are Wellemeyer or Duchscherer trustworthy starters during our playoffs?

Jason Grey

  (11:37 AM)

Duchscherer just got a hip injection so not really, considering he's trying to gut it out. Wellemeyer scares me a little bit, but if it seemed like a good matchup, I might.

Jon (Orland, FL)

Start Santana today @ Detroit?

Jason Grey

  (11:38 AM)

I can't think of a reason not to.

Dave (Philly)

Who is the orioles closer until Sherrill returns?

Jason Grey

  (11:38 AM)

Committee. First name: Bullpen Middle Name: By

Prof. (Vermont)

Are Martin and McCann your first two catchers gone before Soto? And does position scarcity value all three over a player like Kemp who might not be in the Top 10 outfielders?

Jason Grey

  (11:43 AM)

Probably. Mauer's in there too, but I expect Soto to be in the top 3 in most leagues, and 4th at worst. And without having run the calculations, I don't think the replacement level value at the catching position next season is going to be bad enough to necessarily push those guys above Kemp. The concept of position scarcity is not always applied correctly in drafts. The value of a player over the replacement level player at the position is the key concept, which isn't always the same thing.

Dan (DC)

ESPN should focus more on FFL. Baseball is a waste of time right now.

Jason Grey

  (11:44 AM)

Yeah, there's absolutely no content at all in the fantasy football section is there? Oh, wait! ...and I have about 1000 chatters out there that would disagree with you. Just because YOU didn't make the playoffs or are in contention in your league......

Chris (Hartford, CT)

Aaron Cunningham...How much playing time do you see him getting, and will that time be productive? Thanks Jason.

Jason Grey

  (11:45 AM)

I think he'll get some P/T, and I don't see him being all that productive.

tim (fl)

jason i know what brad ziegler has done was phenomenal but another under the rad guy not getting to much attention is joe nelson on the fish.since being called up 3 months ago he has pitched 50 innings witha 1.70 era and has been the steadiest pitcher in there bullpen (hes 31)

Jason Grey

  (11:46 AM)

I know...he's been so under the radar you missed when I talked about him earlier in the chat! (kidding)

Ryan (New Orleans)

Jason... Your thoughts on Verlander and Danks? Both have tough matchups coming up and I am consider dropping them.

Jason Grey

  (11:48 AM)

Danks' ERA over five since the break, and though he says he's not tired, break on his stuff hasn't been as crisp lately even though velo has been good...as for Verlander, I've pretty much thrown up my hands at this point. Just when i think he has things fixed with his mechanics, his front side flies open again consistently in his last start.

Jason Grey

  (11:48 AM)

In sum, I can't argue vehemently against your position.

Will (The OC)

I can't wait for you spot starter article, I need help to stay in first! Any hint as to who is on the list, so I can beat my opponents to the waiver wire?

Jason Grey

  (11:50 AM)

I'm still finishing the final draft, and it's geared more for deeper leagues, but under-the-radar names depending on matchups I'm consdidering Reyes, Wellemeyer, Nippert, Volstad, McCarthy, Miner, Rowland-Smith, Eveland. Some I don't like long-term at all, but we're trying to catch lightning in a bottle.

Brandon (NY)

Has Austin Jackson progressed enough to claim a starting OF spot for the Yankees next season?

Jason Grey

  (11:51 AM)

More like '10 for me.

a.j. (hollywood)

jason please qualm my fears and give me good news! is cameron maybin ever going to make an impact on the marlins.with speed and power whats wrong with him?

Jason Grey

  (11:52 AM)

Yes, but there will be a lot of strikeouts and a low batting average in the short-term.

JOSE MARTINEZ (VENEZUELA)

HELLO MR. GREY,PLS, Rank for rest of season: MCLOUTH, WERTH, MILLEGE... TKS

Jason Grey

  (11:52 AM)

Reverse the order.

11:45 CLASS YOU MADE ME LATE

Two out of these three for '09 and '10:Sizemore, A. Soriano, and Berkman.

Jason Grey

  (11:53 AM)

Grady and Soriano

Ron (FL)

What do you think of spotting Cris Waters tomorrow v. Oak?

Jason Grey

  (11:54 AM)

I appreciate the out of the box thinking, but that's not a move I can endorse. I'm not a fan of Waters at all.

Chris (Revere MA)

The day before playoffs our rosters lock for playoffs so I chose Josh Johnson over Volstad as my last starter was it the right choice for the playoffs ?

Jason Grey

  (11:54 AM)

You're good to go as far as I'm concerned.

Steve(Ma)

DROP C DAVIS or ETHIER to activate LOWELL? 5x5 league with OPS. Also I. Stewart or Prado going foward? Ty

Jason Grey

  (11:55 AM)

Ethier's a hot bat lately - I'd stick with what you have.

Mike (Los Angeles)

Jason, I'm battling for a championship in my dynasty league, and what wondering what I should do about looking ahead at prospects for next season since there are some new FAs on the WW. What's your strategy here?

Jason Grey

  (11:56 AM)

Flags Fly Forever. Everything else is secondary at the moment.

Sean (LA)

Would you keep Lincecum over Howard? I just feel that I could find a 1B who doesn't K 180 times with a decent avg, who has some pop. With Timmy, I've got my stud SP, don't have to worry early in the draft about other pitchers.

Jason Grey

  (11:57 AM)

There are very, very few pitchers I would even consider doing that with. That's one of them.

johnny (mass)

jason i want to raid the marlins young staff for my keeper league but i only have 3 spots available wich 3 should i go with out of the 6 they have? (johnson,nolasco,miller,olsen,sanchez and volstad?)

Jason Grey

  (11:57 AM)

Johnson, Nolasco, Anibal. Miller's not quite there yet.

Dirk (DC)

I need saves--but is Jim Johnson a drop?

Jason Grey

  (11:58 AM)

Considering he couldn't even get a save chance before he started getting hurt, it certainly seems like you could do better with that roster spot. Joe Nelson out there (if it's mixed)

Dave (Frisco, Texas )

Could you elaborate on your opinion to cut Mora? I thought he was planning on returning next week. Is this incorrect? Is his injury more than a slight tweak? He has been far to productive to get this one wrong!

Jason Grey

  (11:59 AM)

He's going to try and get back sometime next week, but isn't it possible that the time off may have cooled his ridiculous run, and thus not give him nearly as much value down the stretch? I mean, it did have to end sometime.

Jeff (toronto, ontario)

pavano - worth starting in shallow mixed leagues?

Jason Grey

  (11:59 AM)

No, no, a thousand times no.

Jason Grey

  (12:00 PM)

Time for 3 more. I'm subbing for C. Harris on 60 ft 6 in. today, so I need to finish that up. Thanks for all the interest, and I'm back same time next week.

Ryan (Chattanooga,):

How 'bout Morrow @ home against the Yankees? Need K's. Is that to risky?

Jason Grey

  (12:01 PM)

I want to see one start first, but others may not mind a high-risk, high-uspide play as much.

jackson (cali)

in regards to johnny from mass's question i got to say volstad has the most upside out of them all.ive watched every game of his and for a 21 year old (take a note kershaw!) he has tremendous poise not to mention a filthy bender!

Jason Grey

  (12:04 PM)

I disagree - I profiled the entire Marlins staff with scouting reports in Insider last week, and don't get me wrong, I like him a lot, and gave him a 55 on the 20-80 scale which is a third starter, but Johnson has the best upside of all of them. Again, don't get me wrong, 55 is a great grade for a SP, but he doesn't have the biggest upside on that staff. Long-term, he's probably behind Miller as well, but the switch to a spike curveball last year really helped him.

Ron (FL)

I dont know Waters has faced only tough teams and Oak is not.

Jason Grey

  (12:05 PM)

I may be wrong, he may pull a good outing out of somwhere, but he's just not that good of a pitcher. That's the bottom line for me, even given the Oak offense.

Irene (Los Angeles, CA)

Uggla is killing me and just wondering if K. Matsui or Prado would be better options? At least they wouldn't be striking out 2-3 times a game.

Jason Grey

  (12:06 PM)

Struggling to keep above the Mendoza line above the break and getting way too aggressive trying to get out of it. I'm not sure either of those are better options, though I would go with Kaz if wanted to make the move. Thanks everyone!

Dave (Sherman Oaks, CA)

Jason --Andrew McClutchen ever coming up in Sept? I can use the SB's!!!

Jason Grey

  (12:06 PM)

One last one....they say the plan is for him not to come up. Could change, but it doesn't look likely.