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Buzzmaster

  (11:15 AM)

Jason is on his way, so keep the questions coming. Thank you!

Jason Grey

  (11:29 AM)

Hey guys, sorry I was late today...

Jason Grey

  (11:29 AM)

I completely spaced on my new chat time...um, even though this is my third week on it. So, um, yeah. I'll stay late to make up for it - let's get right to it.

Bob Easton Ma

Hi Jason , Need some dependable pitching this weekend, do you trust Wolf against the Cubs or should I pick up Byrd against Toronto ?

Jason Grey

  (11:30 AM)

Suprisingly, Wolf has a 3.69 ERA in his last six starts, but at the end of the day, it comes down to who I trust more. I'm not wild about either of them, but I probably prefer Byrd.

Scott (chi)

Hey Jason, I have Kendrick in a dynasty league. I'm starting Utley, so he's not playing for me anyways, and all these injuries are killing his value. Time to cut him? Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (11:31 AM)

I'm not cutting him in a dynasty league. I think (hope) he will be less DL-prone in the future, and there's a future batting title in that bat.

When Ja Grey making his grand entrance?

Need help bad and no one is here to answer. Well here goes anyway....I have my RBI,HR and Runs categories covered...need steals do i drop a guy like ludwick or ibanez to get steals or do i just hoard em and hope i get steals from my guys? It's pretty tight race.

Jason Grey

  (11:34 AM)

Not so grand as much as sneaking in the back door....value is relative. By that I mean, if you are comfortable in HR, RBI, etc. and you really have no room to move up or down, then the value of someone like Ibanez to your team is severely diminished. All that matters is points. It may seem crazy to drop a guy like that, but if that is the circumstance, you'll be crazy like a fox.

Scott (Vermont)

I'm sure you were spending the last half hour gathering all kinds of late-breaking news on Konerko, right? So, will he or will he not play this weekend, do you think? Thanks for chatting!

Jason Grey

  (11:35 AM)

I don't expect him to play this weekend. Ozzie Guillen went so far as to use the phrase "week to week" even though it's listed as a mild strain.

Brick (Brooklyn)

Jason, how far do you think you can throw a baseball (on the fly)?

Jason Grey

  (11:37 AM)

I actually was a pitcher until I blew out my shoulder, so it used to be a lot farther

Bob (DC)

How would you handicap the chances of Broxton, Lindstrom, and T. Pena owning the closer role for their respective teams in 2009?

Jason Grey

  (11:38 AM)

Lindstrom - 50%, Broxton - depends if they re-sign Saito, which they might do. Pena - 75% chance.

Matt (St. Louis)

If I have seven closers and no two start options next week (head to head playoff finals) is it wise to just start the closers and hope for the best?

Jason Grey

  (11:39 AM)

Yes, because I assume even the one-start options remaining aren't always that appealing. I was faced with a similar sort of dilemna this week with five closers against a squad with nine starting pitchers. You start the closers and hope to take 3 of the 5 H2H pitching categories.

Matt (St. Louis)

Start Morrow against the angels today?

Jason Grey

  (11:40 AM)

Risky, but the upside is worth the chance for me.

Tom (Denver)

what about hanaharan's 2009 chances of being closer?

Jason Grey

  (11:41 AM)

This is actually a better bet then you might think. Cordero is going to be non-tendered which means the job will still be open, and Hanrahan certainly has the stuff if he can throw consistent strikes. I don't expect the Nats to throw money at a free agent closer, but there may be 8-9 retread stoppers with experience out there so they may grab one off the scrap heap.

Jenny (NYC)

Lyon or Ayala the rest of the way?

Jason Grey

  (11:42 AM)

Ayala....Lyon's limping to the finish.

K

Dukes a 25-25 guy next year assuming he isn't behind bars?

Jason Grey

  (11:42 AM)

That's why he's stuck around in organized ball this long -- that kind of potential if he can shake the nagging injuries.

Matt Foley "Motivational Speaker"

Hey there J. Grey! Glad to see you could make it! How many starts do pitchers have? I have 4 starters and see there is only 2 weeks left in the season. Need 12 more starts will i make it?

Jason Grey

  (11:44 AM)

Most teams have 17 or so games left.. so on normal rotation, your four starters should see a minimum of three games each, so yes, you should, barely.

Anthony (Ridgewood, NY)

Jason - kind of a follow up to Matt's question regarding Morrow. If you are pretty comfortably ahead in Wins and K's and have the possibility of making up a few points in ERA/WHIP, do you still start Morrow today? I benched him against the Yanks and he could have helped, but still a little trigger-shy against the Halos...

Jason Grey

  (11:45 AM)

Fair point. The Angels may rest a few guys today though after clinching, so that may help - might be a tipping point for me. Of course, we won't know until we see the actual lineup an hour or so before the game starts, but it certainly seems plausible.

Malik (Tucson, AZ)

Travis Snider or Nelson Cruz in 2009?

Jason Grey

  (11:47 AM)

Good question. I still don't think Cruz is guaranteed playing time, but I might give the edge his way for '09 only. I might say something different next week. I'm a huge Snider fan.

Alan (NY, NY)

Start the rejuvenated Francis against the Dodgers tomorrow?

Jason Grey

  (11:48 AM)

Have to finish up this week's 60 feet column after this chat, and this is one of the questions I'm working with - where to rank Francis. His 2.51 ERA over his last five starts is in the Top 20 in that time span. Nothing wrong with trying to ride the hot hand.

Henry (Atlanta)

Hang onto Figgins for needed H2H SBs down the stretch? Or grab some overall production from a Headley, Blake, or Blalock?

Jason Grey

  (11:49 AM)

H2H SB production can be maddening. I might lose a playoff matchup by a couple of SB because Mike Frickin' Napoli is swiping bags. ....ok, back on point - stick with Chone.

jim in indy

who's your hottest young call up prospect that would have an immediate fantasy impact?

Jason Grey

  (11:50 AM)

For this season? They're all up already, Price is going to be a bullpen guy when Durham's playoffs are over, but for next season, that's the guy.

Will (St. Louis)

Better keeper: Cano or Howie? Lester or YoGa? And any thoughts on CBY for the future?

Jason Grey

  (11:51 AM)

Howie, Lester ; CBY - his plate discipline and strike zone judgment have gone backwards this season, but he has the potential for better performance in those departments - he can rebound slightly in '09

Brick (Brooklyn)

Can lastings milledge be a 25/25 guy? Do you see any improvement in the average?

Jason Grey

  (11:52 AM)

Yes, and he can be a .275 guy

Jason Grey

  (11:53 AM)

..love the bat speed - that's the bat speed of a player that can hit for a higher BA

Dianne (Pathetic State)

O.K., for those of us grasping at straws, wins and SOs...Rowland-Smith versus the depleted Angels tomorrow? Any better lesser owned suggestions? Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (11:53 AM)

I've actually been recommending RRS in deep AL leagues, so I'm not arguing that one very hard.

Marty McFly

Look into the future...Who will be the first pitcher and the first hitter drafted next season?

Jason Grey

  (11:55 AM)

As long as I don't create some type of paradox, my best guesses would be Pujols and...maybe Sabathia finally edges ahead of Santana. That's my estimation of who will be taken in most leagues, I might chose differently.

Big Red ( Cincy)

Are Dickerson and Bruce and Votto the foundation for the Reds next year and can any YOUNG Reds player have consistent fantasy value under Dusty Baker?

Jason Grey

  (11:58 AM)

The latter two...yes. The first one, I said from the minute he was brought up that I thought Dickerson would have good short-term value until pitchers started figuring out his weaknesses, so I'm not sure about next season. That said, I have not seen him live since AFL last season, and I'll be scouting him for three games this weekend, so I'm anxious to see what, if anything, may be different, and I'll write it up in a future clipboard.

John (KC)

REALLY??? Lester over Gallardo?? So where does that put Buchholz on the radar? Can you also rank Billingsly with those guys. Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (12:01 PM)

Yes, and I didn't think too hard about it. The Lester we saw last season was a Lester not operating at 100% after his recovery. This version throws about 3 MPH faster and is touching the mid-90s while severely dropping his walk rate. Don't get me wrong, I'm a Gallardo fan....but you have to appreciate the power of a fully armed and operational Lester. I probably rate Billingsley a touch ahead of both.

K

I'll follow that with Kendrick over Cano? Do you think Cano struggles again next year? His BA has been great in the past with signs of power...

Jason Grey

  (12:04 PM)

Cano's past BA's were driven by unusually high hit rates..I think he settles in as a .280 hitter with pop. Nice player. Kendrick could (if healhty) hit .320 with double-digit homers and steals - more value, albeit with more risk.

Dave (Frisco, Texas )

Alright, I finally have a worthy question: Hart and Markakis have been terrible as of lately. I have both and am considering a drop of one or the other in favor of some spot starters. Do you see any reason to keep the faith with them or is it time to just play the hot bat regardless of name and rank? Both are uber talented but for some reason they just haven't been hitting the ball lately. Milledge, Byrd, Lind, Dickerson and similiar type players are out there. Make a change or hope for the best? I'm just need HR's, AVG and steals if that helps your analysis. Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (12:06 PM)

Dropping proven players with longer track records in favor of hit bats can wind up burning you as often as it helps you. There is no valid statistical reason that a streak should stay a streak or a slump should stay a slump even though we all try and play the hot hand. In cases like this, I stick with the players I have as far as hitters go. Pitching is a different story - I'm much more likely to make moves there.

Steve (Ma)

CAN'T seen to make the right decision. LOWELL or C DAVIS going foward? 5x5 with OPS. Ty

Jason Grey

  (12:07 PM)

Davis. Lowell may get some extra rest down the stretch, which makes the decision easier.

Marc (Toronto, Canada)

Thoughts on Hafner's first game back? If we know he is playing every other day, are you playing him on those days? Also, for next year, who do you like better at C, Clement or Sandival?

Jason Grey

  (12:07 PM)

I'm still a Clement believer even though I like Sandoval. Hafner is probably not in my rotation at this point.

Ed( San Diego,CA)

Can you tell me what you think of the Padres farm system now. It seems some of the recent draftees have been playing really well. Things couldnt get much worse from what they were.

Jason Grey

  (12:10 PM)

Slightly better, but with Headley up there still is not a lot depth and light on impact guys. If Matt Bush stays healthy, that's a potential future closer.

Daniel Murphy

Odds I am the Mets everyday 2B next year and thus dynasty keeper worthy?

Jason Grey

  (12:12 PM)

Depends on how well he looks at 2B full-time in the AFL - The bat plays at the big league level, but he really is kind of without a position. I'm lookling forward to watching him play second day-in and day-out for a month to see if he can handle it well enough. In most keeper leagues you don't have to make that decision until we see how he does, and I'll be filing reports from there.

Jesus (Mexico City)

I'm out of the playoffs and looking for advice on my keepers. What catcher would you keep: Pablo Sandoval, Jeff Clement or Taylor Teagarden?? Teagarden has been a big surprise, is it possible that he starts the year as the Rangers catcher?

Jason Grey

  (12:14 PM)

When Clement was promoted, I said at the Futures Game that teagarden was second only to Wieters offensively among catchers for me. It is certainly possible, as I can't imagine the Rangers not dealing from their surplus of four catchers. I know the Red Sox want one badly. The biggest upside though is Clement - but I like all three.

Rich (Cambridge MA)

Hey Jason. Worried about King Felix? I'm wondering what his value might be in a non-keeper. Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (12:16 PM)

He has a vendetta against me and is single-handedly going to cost me a title. I make the right call and spot start Jeremy Sowers and he cruises. I go into Felix's game with 21 innings of a two ERA for the day....and of all people, Felix, my most bankable starter of the four that day, torches my numbers. I'm sorry, what was the question again?

Jason Grey

  (12:16 PM)

...oh, right - yeah it's concerning, but you can't NOT stick with him. Just stop throwing so many fastballs the first two innings please, thank you.

KC (NYC)

Do want any part of Alfredo Aceves for 2 starts next week?

Jason Grey

  (12:18 PM)

Because he has 2 starts, I might take the chance. Four pitches, throws them all for strikes, and can top out at 91 - vet of the Mexican League isn't a typical rookie, so there's some things to like.

Tim (IL)

David Purcey?

Jason Grey

  (12:18 PM)

More Hyde than Jekyll.

Dave (Frisco, Texas )

Ed's question got me thinking about my Rangers. Nolan has really made a push to promote pitching talent within the farm system instead of the usual retread strategy. Do you see any hope for them next year in terms of starting pitching? Any names to watch? I hope(more than believe) that we will try to go after CC and be agressive in the winter meetings this year. Cruz, Blaylock, Millwood, Laird, and Padilla might lure in some talent. Are the Rangers a contender next year or is it farther away? Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (12:21 PM)

Two things to watch for me:1) What they do with the catcher surplus and how they can add a different piece with it.2) The development of Feliz and Holland who both look like future rotation mainstays.I am heistant to say next year, but it's certainly possible, but if their players (including Andrus) develop as they should they'll have some nice pieces to add - they could do the Rays/Marlins thing of building pitching from within.

Dave (ATL)

"More Hyde than Jekyll"? For those of us who aren't that samrt and don't feel like doing a search, can you tell us what that means?

Jason Grey

  (12:23 PM)

The story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Loosely summed up - Jekyll = good, Hyde = bad. At times Purcey looks great, at times he looks awful. More bad than good I think over the long haul.

Noah (City by the Bay)

Fumble! My bad, looked too quickly, and didn't see it was fantasy baseball, sorry!

Jason Grey

  (12:24 PM)

Out of the 50 or so football questions I got today, you are the only one that took the time to do that - so an acknowledgment and a thank you.... as opposed to Joe from Carolina who is getting increasingly agitated I don't give a Matt Cassel projection for this weekend.

Big Bird

Buzzer beater....What's your take on Josh Anderson?

Jason Grey

  (12:25 PM)

4th outfielder with speed. One of those sleeper types that can squeeze 15-20 bags out of limited playing time.

Nick, CA

Snider or Kershaw in a 10x10 league, first year calls ups can be kept for free for 2 years.

Jason Grey

  (12:27 PM)

My kind of league! 10x10, baby!As much as I love Kershaw, I generally always go with the hitter if thing are close enough to make it a tough decision, just because so many things can go wrong with young arms (the injury factor, etc) - sure, I miss out at times, but I sleep better at night. Jesse Foppert haunted me for a couple of years.

Michael (Portland, ME)

Better keeper: Headley or Schierholtz?

Jason Grey

  (12:28 PM)

Headley, and it's not close.

Aaron (Philly)

Will Phil Hughes ever be anything more than a NO. 3 starter?

Jason Grey

  (12:28 PM)

I think if he is even that, his owners will be fine with it. I'd just be patient here.

Steve (NYC)

Maybin or Snider next year?

Jason Grey

  (12:29 PM)

I'm going to say Maybin - for '09 only, and only because of the steals, assuming both have jobs on Opening Day.

Sam (Boston, MA)

I HAVE to keep one pitcher - Josh Johnson, Danks or Scherzer? THANKS.

Jason Grey

  (12:32 PM)

I have an unhealthy affection for Double-J so I'm the wrong person to ask. Scherzer will open next year as the No. 5 so the upside is there too. I might go JJ as the best combination of being a safe pick with best upside.

Jason Grey

  (12:32 PM)

OK, time for 3 more - have to finish my column for today. Apologies again for being late.

Steve (NYC)

Best comeback next year? I'm thinking Cano, Harang or Konerko...

Jason Grey

  (12:32 PM)

My column today is on five rebound pitching plays for '09 - Harang is one of them.

Brad (Gadsden,Alabama)

Justin Upton or Andre Ethier?

Jason Grey

  (12:33 PM)

Not making it easy on me today. Ethier for '09, Upton beyond that, assuming they don't mess with Ethier's PT next season.

Steve (NYC)

J Upton or Maybin next year?

Jason Grey

  (12:33 PM)

Upton in this case.

Mike (Miami)

JASON PLEASE!Philosophy question: In a league where you only keep 5, are you for or against trading other keeper caliber players for draft picks/player upgrades?? Thanks

Jason Grey

  (12:35 PM)

Absolutely for - I leverage anyone that might be a keeper for another team into try and improving my own. I'll often try to deal two keepers for one better one if it makes sense. Thanks everyone, see you next week. No, seriously, I'll be here on time.