ESPN

Brendan Roberts

  (11:00 AM)

Good morning, everyone! And so we begin Week 27, just 14 days left. Let's get to your baseball(-only) questions.

Dave from Staunton,Va

Any word on the status of BJ Uptin this week? And who would you start this week between G.Floyd and Pettite? Thanks

Brendan Roberts

  (11:03 AM)

The Rays have been eerily quiet regarding Upton's quad, which leads me to believe he's not close to returning. That said, considering it was supposed to be only a day-to-day injury, and the Rays are fighting for playoff positioning, I gotta believe he'll be back at some point this week. I just don't think it['ll be till mid-week. Seems these things go in cycles, and there's a buzz shortly before a player returns. Haven't seen that yet. ... I was originally going to say Pettitte, then I looked at the numbers. Given how Floyd and Pettitte have pitched of late, and Floyd's start against KC offsetting his start at NYY, I'd take him, believe it or not. Of course, I sense this was how you were leaning too.

Dave (Tampa)

Hey Brendan, H2H Roto League, I'm thinking of starting Adam LaRoche (home, RHP) over Big Papi (road, v. Kazmir) today. Your thoughts?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:04 AM)

I watched LaRoche a few games over the weekend (against my Cardinals), and the guy really looks locked in right now. For this day alone, sure I'd do that. Big Papi is missing the "lift" on his ball that we're used to seeing.

Mike (NYC,NY)

What's your take on low end closers like Ayala, Hanrahan, Rodney and Lewis at this point in the season? Is it worth using them even though they DESTROY era and whip?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:05 AM)

A good question, Mike. It all depends upon where you are in the categories themselves. If you're in a pack in saves, you HAVE to use those guys. If you're in a pack in ERA and WHIP, you wouldn't. But do remember that the most these guys usually allow is 3-4 runs, and that won't change your cumulative ERA (and WHIP) as much as you think. It's not like when a SP has a bad start.

Marc (Toronto, Canada)

Brendan, how many points is it realistic to make up, or lose, within the next 2 weeks in ERA and WHIP? If I need some W's does it make sense to just throw all my pitchers out to start, regardless of matchup like I've been doing all year?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:07 AM)

Piggybacking on my last question, I find it's tough to change ERA and WHIP at this point in the season, while you can get lucky and pick up, say, 7 wins in a week. You figure as long as all the guys don't get crushed, they'll even out your percentages ... so yes, if you're in a pack in wins, I'd throw as many SPs against the ball and see which ones stick (win).

Shane (Edison, NJ)

When is the last time a widely owned SP threw a NO-NO in the fantasy playoffs?? And on a Sunday??? I think about 11,789 teams across the country are now in the World Series because of Big Z yesterday... just awesome.

Brendan Roberts

  (11:08 AM)

Yeah, but here's my question: How many folks in shallow leagues actually had Big Z on the bench???!!! I did in one shallow league because of the arm questions and the way he'd been pitching. Plus, that matchup wasn't exactly favorable. I doubt H2H leaguers left him on the bench, but I bet some Roto leaguers with deep staffs did.

Joe (DC)

Is Adam Jones a keeper in a deep 14 team league with 10 keepers per team? Would you rather keep someone like Pelfrey, Milledge, or Jeff Clement?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:09 AM)

I just don't see Adam Jones becoming a consistent option anytime soon. He has intermittent power, but he goes on power outages, too. And I think he's a .260-.270 hitter, at best. I like probably all three of those guys better. Clement would be my favorite keeper option among them, though.

Dave from Staunton,Va

OK, with Upton out, These are my unfortunate choices to replace him, Iwamura, Polanco or Scutaro. This is a points league, if it matters. Thanks

Brendan Roberts

  (11:10 AM)

I'd probably say Polanco. He's just the safest bet to be consistent and get on base. Simple as that.

Joe (Billings, MT)

If you are in a pack in WHIP, would you start DiceK tonight?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:11 AM)

I'd start Dice-K. His possibility of a win and good Ks more than offset his high WHIP. He's one of your aces, and you have to put your marbles in his basket, so to speak. Go with him. (I did look at his stat splits against TB, and typical Dice-K -- good ERA and K's, but bad WHIP ... but no matter).

Davison (World Series)

Denard Span, Kelly Johnson, Overbay, Choo, Crisp, Giles, Mora, Wiggington, Asdrubal Cabrera... do any of these names excite you for a 2 week championship run starting today? I have guys like M.Young, Figgins and Hart that just aren't getting it done when I need them.

Brendan Roberts

  (11:13 AM)

I actually like the way Giles is swinging it, and I think it'll continue. That said, it'd take some guts to start him over any of those three proven stars. If you're OK in steals (from other guys), I might take him over Figgins, though. Love that Coors Field trip the Pads have right now.

Mark (Boston, MA)

Brendan - just made my Finals and need some help! Is Vlad a viable play this week and do you think Floyd will get 2 starts? Thanks!

Brendan Roberts

  (11:15 AM)

Yes, looking like Floyd will get two starts. One thing is for sure: As many games as the Sox have beginning yesterday to next week and as tight as they are in the race, they don't exactly have many other choices. Yeah, I'd start Vlad. You'd hate to see him have a typical Vlad week on your bench. He just has too much upside, even if he misses a few games.

Carlo (Omaha,NE)

Brendan, got eliminated in a tight semis match, give a brother a break and take my Q,PLEASE. In a 12 team 5 man keeper (2 offense, 2 P 1 choice) standard 5x5 H2H, who do you take from these keeper caliber players and would you trade the excess away for picks/upgrades? Utley, Ortiz, Braun, Alexi Ramirez, Hart, Pence, Lincecum, Johan, Hamels, Scherzer, Price, Grienke, Pbon, Soria, Josh Johnson, Wainwright....Thanks so much man for a very productive season!

Brendan Roberts

  (11:17 AM)

Tough break, Carlo (or Carl). Man you're loaded. I'd definitely keep Lincecum, Utley, Braun and hmm, probably Johan. The rest can be for sale, and you have some big names there. But you have to pick the four guys you think will help you win next year, and unfortunately, I'm not sure you can upgrade those four much more, unless maybe you're talking Han-Ram or somebody like that.

Eric (Milwaukee)

Time to bench the entire Milwaukee Brewers roster? (in fantasy and reality)

Brendan Roberts

  (11:19 AM)

Ha, ha. Yeah, they, uh, haven't responded of late ... and now they go to Chicago to face Lilly, Harden and maybe Big Z on Thursday. I think you have to stick with your studs -- yes, even Corey Hart -- unless you have similar options available.

Dave (Frisco, Texas )

Would you drop Bradley for Span or Choo? I thought because he needed some more AB's to get eligible for the batting title that he would make a big push here at the end but it looks like it's not happening. He's more of a sub for me right now so I'm not dependant on the position. But, I might as well go with the hot bat that actually plays than the potential that sits, right? Or, do you think the potential for production in a limited role is worth more than a unproven hot hitter?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:20 AM)

I think Bradley's potential for production is just too much to replace, especially in a homestand. Bradley is hitting .363 at home this season, 69 points better than on the road. He'd still be my guy.

P(Boston)

Can you go over your thoughts on Price's start vs the Yanks?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:22 AM)

I thought he looked very good. One of the runs he allowed was after he left. He needs to work on keeping his pitch count down, but he was probably geeked up and trying to do too much. I'm very encouraged by it, especially since it did come against the Yanks. I'd want him for future years AND this year, right now if he happens to still be available.

Jim (Houston, TX)

Is Pablo Sandoval legit? His positional flexibility (C, 1B, 3B) is tempting, but I'm concerned his numbers so far are an illusion.

Brendan Roberts

  (11:24 AM)

I think his numbers are an illusion, but as long as he keeps putting them up, I'd stick with it. But no, he's not an early-rounder for next year. No way. Also, not sure how your league does position eligibility. A few of my leagues have 20-game minimum or the most played at any position. Right now Sandoval has 13 games at 1B, 11 at C and 7 at 3B. In those leagues, he might be only a 1B.

Matt (Philly)

I just advanced to our championship game via a tie. Ours uses team ERA as the 1st tiebreaker. First of all, isn't that just flat our arbitrary? Secondly, what does ESPN use? Finally, it feels good to be in regardless - better lucky than good, right?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:27 AM)

Hmm, don't know for sure what ESPN's tiebreaker is, but I think it's head-to-head record during the season. ERA is arbitrary, but all the categories are, and that' and average would be the ones to go with. I like the season H2H record or playoff seed approach. The team that has played better going into the playoffs deserves that slight advantage.

David (New York, NY)

I'm in a dogfight in my roto league across all pitching categories. Can I trust Scherzer in Colorado, or should I play it "safe" and go with Vazquez or an iffy Lackey?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:28 AM)

Hmm, Vazquez at NYY (where he hasn't pitched well), an iffy Lackey ... I'd go with Scherzer, honestly. I see him being fine in COL as a power pitcher, and he's doing well. The Rockies haven't exactly been tearing it up there, even at home.

Jeff (Atlanta)

Just wanted to share my sob story. In my big keeper league, all I needed going into last night was 2 runs scored total from Fielder and Braun, or 7 or less strikeouts from Zambrano to win my match up and advance to the finals. Ouch! Well I guess there's next year....

Brendan Roberts

  (11:29 AM)

Ouch, Sorry to read that, Jeff. Yeah, the sob stories in H2H leagues could line up for blocks. (That's one reason I'm not crazy about them for baseball.)

Henry (Atlanta)

Are any of Percival, Saito, Zeigler, Quails, or Jenks better options for the final two weeks than BJ "run an outing" Ryan?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:31 AM)

Shoot, I think about all of them are better options. Ryan just isn't looking good. Seems like his fastball is topping out at 90 mph, and I think he's battling a little dead arm after bouncing back quickly from TJ surgery. I'd probably rank the remaining in this order: Jenks, Ziegler, Qualls, Ryan, Saito and Percy.

David (New York NY)

Isn't Vaz @ KC?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:33 AM)

That's a good question, and sorry if I missed this. He could well pitch at KC on Friday. The projected starters tool I'm using has him pitching Thursday on three days' rest after pitching the first game of Sunday's double-header. It's basically between him and Danks to come back quickly, and I do believe it'll be Javy. But you never know; the Sox could use a spot starter, too (although seems like they're already doing that in Broadway).

rick nj

is teagraden a keeper for next year...does he have serious power

Brendan Roberts

  (11:34 AM)

Yes, he is, and yes, he does. He's the real deal, and he's the starter. Funny reading a quote from Laird the other day that was basically like: "Well, I've enjoyed my time here in Texas ... looking forward to an opportunity elsewhere."

Matt (FL)

How confident are you in Dan Haren turning it around? I'm in a daily league, but I'm thinking about using both his starts (vSF,@Col) over Volquez v STL and OPerez @ ATL? Thoughts?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:35 AM)

Wow, yeah that's tight, but my guess is the reason he's so appealing to you is the two starts, and I don't think he'll hurt you as much as he can help you. I'd go with him (Haren).

Tim

Hey Brendan, Will Price possibly get a start this week after the showing yesterday?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:36 AM)

I think he will, although I'm not exactly sure where. I think Sonnanstine could struggle against BOS on Tuesday, and Price could be slid in late-week and basically replace that start. That's how I see things going down, although I have no factual proof that might be the case.

Mark (Raleigh)

I dropped Doumit for Teagarden, trying to take advantage of apathetic DET pitching. Dumb idea?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:37 AM)

Any way you can reverse that? Nah, it's OK, but I do like Teagarden at home, and it's not like the Pirates have been doing much hitting the past month-plus. But go with it, and have confidence.

Steve (Cincy)

Replace Ayala with Qualls?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:37 AM)

Yes, in a heartbeat.

Mike (NYC)

Back to Vaz - so would you go Nolasco, Scherzer or Nolasco? Thanks BR!!

Brendan Roberts

  (11:38 AM)

Nolasco, Scherzer or Vazquz. Honestly, I'd say Scherzer.

Jon (Ann Arbor)

I made it to the finals of my head to head league. The guy I'm playing is absolutely loaded with closers, and I'm stuck with closers like Gonzalez and Lewis. Do you think I am better off giving up on saves, dropping these guys and tryin to streamline starters for wins and k's?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:39 AM)

You know, Jon, this is a great idea, and I'm glad you're bringing it up. Guys, be sure to check your matchup and maybe think about punting a category if it's obvious you're going to lose it. But also beware not to pick BAD SPs who might kill your ERA and WHIP for the week and thus cost you three categories.

David (Los Angeles)

Starting Kazmir vs Boston? He did well last time, but it always freaks me out!

Brendan Roberts

  (11:40 AM)

I think you always start Kazmir when he's on the mound. Just has too much start-to-start upside, especially at home. He has great splits against BOS in his whole career.

Bob (Boston)

Expectations out of a Maybin call up?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:41 AM)

Yup, Maybin to be called up today ... but I don't have high expectations for these last few weeks. Lot of tough pitching matchups (including Oswalt and Myers), and I don't see the Marlins playing him everyday. Don't think the kid will be an option for this season.

Kevin (Redlands, CA)

Hey Brendan, in my leagues semi's this week and need a replacement for Glaus. Who is a better pick for this week and next: Kouzmanov, Reynolds, Iwamura?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:43 AM)

Probably the Kouz. He hasn't been tearing it up of late, but I like the trips to COL and WAS (and, in his case, simply being on the road). And yes, I agree you should replace Glaus. The Cards are still calling him day to day, but this has been a troublesome shoulder in his career, and I don't think he's close to returning.

Billy (Providence)

Can you speak to Cliff Lee's future as a keeper for next season?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:44 AM)

He looks like the real deal to me. I don't put him in the Johan class just yet, but I'd definitely have him in my top 8, and maybe top 5, going forward.

Joe (Hamilton, NJ)

Any chance you throw McCarthy tonight against the Tigers? I mean, I know this would typically be a NO start but he is facing Dontrelle Willis. Doesn't that equal an automatic win?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:46 AM)

Hmm, tough one. I probably wouldn't. That Tigers O still scares me, and it's in Texas. Sure, he faces Dontrelle, but it could also be 6-6 by the fifth inning. I'd leave him be.

Tim (DC)

Would you drop Ramon Hernandez for Teagarden in H2H league?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:47 AM)

Honestly, I would. Love Teagarden, and I don't like Balt's sked this week. Man, those Jays can pitch, esp. at home.

One last try

Hey there, hopefully you can help me. I made it to the finals of my FBL and it's a weekly H2H points league. Do I start GSoto over PSandoval? ELongoria for Utility over NCruz, ShinSoo Choo? 3-OFs (Mordonez, Alexie Ramirez, SChoo, NCruz, JBruce) and finally KJohnson at 2b? Or use ARamirez there? I know it is not cool to ask Start\Sit questions, but this is for all the marbles. Any help would be nice. THANKS!

Brendan Roberts

  (11:48 AM)

It's OK, my friend. I'd go Soto, Longoria, Mags, Cruz, Bruce and Alexei.

matt doe (canandaigua, NY)

Who do you think is going to get more attention in fre agency this year, Manny of K-Rod? I am a Red Sox fan and live Manny, he rules!

Brendan Roberts

  (11:49 AM)

Manny, in both MLB and fantasy. Just cause it's Manny, and there's really no clues as to where he's going. But an important note about K-Rod: Whereever he's going, he'll be the closer, and he'll be a solid one. So there's not much guesswork when it comes to his situation. I hope he stays in LA, though.

Eric (Indiana)

In my league's playoffs I noticed today when I checked it that I won, the score was 5-5-0 how did i win the tiebreaker, or what is the tiebreaker

Brendan Roberts

  (11:50 AM)

I think it's head-to-head record during the season in ESPN games, but check your "league settings" under "playoff tiebreaker" to see for sure.

John (NY)

Two Commish's court questions. Knocked out of the playoffs Sunday and picked up David Price today. Immoral? Also, what are your thoughts on playoff tiebreakers? I lost one yesterday on ERA. How do yours work?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:53 AM)

Is it a keeper league ... I'd say it's immoral if your season is done, and you don't get Price next year. Once the season ends, you basically wrap up your belongings and leave out. But if it's a keeper league ... They can't take him from you if it's not in the league rules, though. They just might not like for it. Ha, ha. Playoff tiebreakers? I like bringing in something from the regular season to decide, whether it's total points or head-to-head records or playoff seeding. I think teams should have "home-field advantage" going into matchups.

lke(dc)

Scherzer - any worries they lift him out of the rotation if they fall out of the race this week?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:55 AM)

I suppose that's a possibility, but I don't see it happening. Believe it or not, he has pitched only 88 innings this season, and the D-backs want to get a better look at him for next year's rotation.

Rob(Myrtle Beach)

Is that why the experts don't answer questions sometimes? Is it bad protocol to ask for your expert advice in fantasy for start/sit situations?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:56 AM)

I don't know about the FB guys, but I consider that to be one of the purposes of the Monday morning chat -- to help start/sit questions. Sometimes experts want to go deeper and figure the broader questions help more people, but I've tried to answer as many as I can, Rob.

Andy (MO)

Will Colby Rasmus be playing for the Cardinals next year or will he start in AAA?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:57 AM)

Honestly, I think he'll be starting at Triple-A, and he might be there into May or June. The Cards now do have some depth in the OF, and Rasmus doesn't look near ready to be a major leaguer. Plus, I just read that he won't be going to winter ball, and the Cards GM didn't sound too happy about that.

Mike(DC)

Is Shoppach the everyday guy or go with Sandooval?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:57 AM)

I think Shoppach will play as much as you can expect any other catcher to be playing right now. I'd keep starting him.

Joe (NY)

Is Lowe a safe start this week? He left his last start after getting hit in the knee.

Brendan Roberts

  (11:58 AM)

Sounds like he's OK, Joe. And the way he's pitching ... yeah, I'd go with him given his very-favorable matchups ahead.

Mike (Belvidere, IL)

Carlos Zambrano is done. He just doesn't have anything left this year. Ma as well cut him loose....

Brendan Roberts

  (11:59 AM)

Ha, ha. Um, yeah (clearing throat).

Dan (MI)

Closer help. Drop Lewis or Hoffman for Qualls for our 2 week final?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:59 AM)

Tough to predict saves ... but I'd probably stick with the two you have.

Joe (West Palm Beach)

Opening Day 2009 - Matt Wieters will be playing in ___?

Brendan Roberts

  (12:00 PM)

Baltimore, baby! Starting for your Baltimore Orioles ... and on his way to, say, a .288-19-77 season. Just a guess.

Aaron (Buffalo, NY)

If you had to choose one catcher for 2009, Teagarden, Wieters or Doumit?

Brendan Roberts

  (12:01 PM)

Definitely like the first two ... probably Wieters, though. I think he has the most five- (or at least four-) category upside.

DJ (Minneapolis)

Does the "dont pay for saves" rule change now hat KRod got me to the playoffs?

Brendan Roberts

  (12:03 PM)

Last one ... I am not one of those guys who buy into that theory like my ESPN colleagues do. That's why I have guys like K-Rod, and Nathan, and Rivera doing wonders for my team. I believe you have to get at least one good, relilable closer because the first several usually stay good. It's that mid-level you don't pay for. That's just me; I'm in the minority here. But I think you K-Rod owners (obviously) done good!

Brendan Roberts

  (12:03 PM)

OK, guys, I gotta run. Good luck in Week 27. Finish strong, my friends. I'm hanging on in two big-money leagues (one of them NL) and will be watching closely. Go get 'em!