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Brendan Roberts

  (11:00 AM)

Good morning, gentlemen! We prepare for the FINAL week of the season (that time already!). I do want to say, before I begin, my apologies to those of you I DIDN'T help last week. Looking back, I made what turned out to be several bad calls. They were calculated and thought-out, but things obviously didn't work out like I expected. Just one of those weeks. But I will take a little more time to research each question this week -- there should be a couple fewer to research -- and vow to be right close to 100 percent of the time this week. Uh, I hope anyway.

Malph, Boston

There is football all around me -- someone help!!! I'm playing for the Championship this week and I needs me some Hanley Ramirez information. I can't find anything anywhere!

Brendan Roberts

  (11:02 AM)

Ha! Yeah, football all around me, too, but we have money and bragging rights to earn. Let's do it! Good news about Hanley. I was looking around for info this morning and saw a report in the South Florida Sun Sentinel saying Hanley looks like a go TONIGHT. He took batting practice for the first time Wednesday, and reportedly looked sharp. He was all smiles in the clubhouse, and the team is saying he's ready to return. Soooo, start him!

Chris (Boston, MA)

Yo B-Rob!!! Big fan of yours since you worked at that "other" fantasy sports site, glad to see you made it up to the Big Time!!- need a little help here with keepers in an obp/ops heavy league- pick 2 from Colby Rasmus, Adam Jones, and Money Earnin' Vernon Wells? Thanks!!!

Brendan Roberts

  (11:04 AM)

Thanks, Chris. Happy I made it, too! Well, I'm not as high on Rasmus and Jones as money others, at least not for next year. So Wells would be one of 'em. He has rebounded a bit these last few months. And since it's OBP/OPS-heavy, I'd probably take Rasmus in this keeper league. Those two categories happen to be his specialties, and even though he might not start the season with the Cardinals, he should be up soon in 2009 and post a good OBP right away. He'd be my second.

MATT,MPLS

Morning Brendan...so are you starting Meche tonight? I am tied in ERA and tied overall with ERA being the tiebreaker for the championship.

Brendan Roberts

  (11:06 AM)

Morning! Yup, I'm starting Meche. He has been very good the past couple months and now even has a winning record. Plus, the Tigers look rather punchless these days. It's like they've begun to pack up their belongings. Yeah, I'd go for it.

Steve (Napa, California)

Why doesn't Derek Lowe ever get any love! He is money fro 15 wins 1.25 WHIP, 3.50 ERA, 150 SO, and 200 Innings. He is never drafted high (often in the late 20-25 rounds) and he can even be found on the waiver wire. No other SP gives his kind of value, and every year ESPN fantasy gurus ignore him and rank him as a bottom tier pitcher.

Brendan Roberts

  (11:08 AM)

I don't know that all fantasy gurus feel that way -- I sure don't -- but you're right, he doesn't get the attention he deserves. He has been lights-out this season, even if he has had a couple of tough losses/no-decisions (like Sunday against the Giants). Normally he's not liked because of a "mediocre" K rate and what's perceived to be limited upside, but his K rate has improved the past two seasons, and he is playing for a winner. And I think he carries it right over into next season.

Steve (NY)

Brendan, kudos to you for focusing on championship baseball! I need to get as many pts as possible: Would you consider benching Kazmir and/or Matsuzaka for Scott Olsen and/or Dave Bush with the uncertainty of playoff clinching and whatnot?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:11 AM)

Nah, I wouldn't bench those guys. Managers, especially the old-school guys, tend to believe that they want their starting pitcher sharp come playoff time. The only starts that are skipped are aces on Sunday and sometimes Saturday. Dice-K pitches on Friday and was amazing in his last start, and Kazmir needs work and pitches on Thursday. I think you're safe to start them both.

Steve (NY)

Meche is a top ten pitcher since the break. How do people not know this!

Brendan Roberts

  (11:12 AM)

Because he's a Royal. People tend to ignore pitchers on bad teams in this "wins-heavy" community. Plus, there's probably an owner in each league, maybe two, who gave up on Meche in May. Admittedly, I did in a shallow league -- he was pretty awful. But the talent is there, and he's beaten good teams, so he deserves full props for turning around his season.

eric (boston)

would you start broxton or ziggy this week. dodger website speculates saito gets his job back (altho he lsot ystrday) and devine got the save. im starting qualls over ziggy

Brendan Roberts

  (11:15 AM)

I'd start Broxton. Yup, I believe Brad Ziegler has lost his closer job in Oakland. Or not really lost it, more like moved back to the role he's best at -- multi-inning middle-relief role. Speculation is that the A's consider Devine the closer of the future, and they want to set things up for next year. So he's the guy for this last week, and the A's have some winnable games. Meanwhile, I've heard the same about Saito, but it might not be till mid-week ... seems Broxton still could get another save. I like Qualls this final week.

Steve (NY)

Sorry, to ask again, but did you account for Bush/Olsen starting twice? I forgot to mention that.

Brendan Roberts

  (11:16 AM)

Yup, I did. I like Bush OK, but Olsen scares me. Even in a dogfight for a title, I don't think you can justify sitting Kazmir and Dice-K, who both fall on my "start regardless" list.

eric (boston)

would you start double start javy? (altho he may be skipped sunday) or one start kershaw vs. SD. wins are paramount

Brendan Roberts

  (11:19 AM)

Oooh, a tough one, Eric. I'd probably go with Vazquez, for a few reasons. First of all, the two starts, and there's already talk of him being moved up to start on three days' rest Saturday. The Sox face Minnesota on Tuesday, and I think he (and Javy) win that game. And secondly, even though Kershaw is at home against SD, the Dodgers are really trying to cut back his pitch count, and really only 5 or 6 innings should be expected from him. As we know, 5-inning pitchers aren't guaranteed of wins even if they do pitch well and the team eventually wins. I'd stick with Javy.

Chuck (NYC)

what is this the eric and steve show? haha...seriously, pick two for saves...qualls, devine, percival or wheeler...thanks.

Brendan Roberts

  (11:20 AM)

Hey, enough of the insults! Ha, ha. I'd definitely take the first two. That's how much I believe in Devine.

Ben (Houston)

Hi Brendan, the decisions all seem pretty huge this week (with good reason, I'm 6 points off of the lead). I'm deciding between Shoppach and Bengie Mo behind the plate and Hawpe and V. Wells in the outfield. Any thoughts on either? Thanks!

Brendan Roberts

  (11:23 AM)

Hmm, kinda comes down to recent play and matchups/schedules. Looking at that, Molina would be my catcher and Wells my outfielder. Matchups this week for Hawpe and the Rockies include Lincecum, Jon Sanchez, Zito (who has pitched well against COL), Haren (even though he hasn't), Webb and Unit. No thanks on him.

Kentucky Joe Blanton (Philly)

What about me? Would you start me vs. the Nats?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:24 AM)

I most definitely would. He has quietly done well for the Phils, and what's with the K's? A nice bonus to get from Blanton. These days, the Nats are good for a win or two per wekk -- I determined that when deciding to drop Hanrahan in a shallow league -- and this won't be one of them.

Brendan Roberts

  (11:25 AM)

Which brings me to another point: In single-season leagues in which you're battling for wins and K's, feel free to drop mediocre closers on bad teams if you see a two-start (or one-start) pitcher you like. In most weeks, closers are automatic, but it's unlikely those guys can help as much as a great starting pitcher over a one-week span.

Joe (NY)

Is Hamels a two start pitcher this week?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:28 AM)

Unfortunately, I don't think so. I think he's tentatively scheduled to pitch Sunday, but I think the Phils will clinch at least a playoff spot (and maybe the East) by then, and they'd want Hamels starting Game 1 of the playoffs. This is a case in which I think the team goes with someone else. That said, his one start is at home versus Atlanta ... his replacement better be pretty darned good to sit him.

Bob (DC)

Would you sit Derrek Lee this week with the Cubs close to clinching home field (and therefore playing their reserves)?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:30 AM)

Good question, Bob. Obviously, depends upon who your replacement is, but if it's anything close to Lee, I can endorse that move. The Cubs have young depth at 1B they wouldn't mind starting, and I could see Lee sitting a few games. Plus, he hasn't shown to have the week-to-week upside he had in past seasons. As in, I doubt he'll hit five homers this week on your bench.

Batman

When you have all of your "Starts" in for the year at a time like now do you drop your studs and get RP? or do i just stash them so no one else can get their last starts?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:32 AM)

Another great strategy question ... it's obvious I'm talking to a sharp bunch here. Depends upon your waiver setup, of course ... if you drop a Tuesday starter today, he might not clear waivers till Wednesday. But in general, I'd keep the studs (which is maybe 1-2 guys on your team) and keep the mid-range guys. Even better, the mid-range guys you think might struggle. Maybe you can coax a fellow owner into taking on a bad matchup. But yeah, you kinda have to pick and choose by player and matchup. Also make sure you don't grab a fringe middle reliever who has unfavorable matchups.

Big Dog (NYC)

Scratching and clawing for every win and have limited innings left. Use some of them on Price tonight? All that matters is the W! Thanks.

Brendan Roberts

  (11:33 AM)

I'd DEFINITELY grab Price and start him tonight. I feel good about the Rays beating the O's (although I hope Price pitches long enough to earn the W).

Joe (NY)

Baker at home for two starts or Hamels for one?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:34 AM)

I'd still say Hamels there. He's the safer bet.

Mark (Philly)

So going back to your earlier comment, would you drop Broxton for Devine? I am in the finals and need the most saves I can get.

Brendan Roberts

  (11:34 AM)

Oh, sorry, Mark. Yes, believe or not, I would drop Broxton for Devine.

Joe (Boston)

I am scrambling for wins. Is it a worth while risk picking J.A. Happ and Freddy Garcia for there possible 2 start weeks?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:36 AM)

A good call on both players. Neither have been impressive overall, but those pitchers are worth using this week in your situations. And readers, you might look at them, too. Happ has the Braves today and most likely the Nats on Sunday (both at home). And Garcia gets the Royals at home and a playing-bench-players Rays squad at home the final game of the season.

Rick (SD)

Thoughts on Harang today vs the Fish - continued dominance?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:38 AM)

Yes, continued dominance. I watched Harange in his last start, and I think Harang even looks better mechanically. It appeared he was bending his back more and getting more bite on his curveball. I think he pitches well versus the Marlins, although his final start at St. Louis is only so-so.

Ryu

Price over/under 7 k's?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:39 AM)

Against the mighty O's swingers -- OVER, baby! I say: 6 innings, four hits, two walks, 2 ER, 8 K's, W. Yup, that sounds right.

Strategy 101

For next years draft could you give an outline of how to draft a balanced team....this was my 1st year of fantasy baseball and i felt i was unprepared...

Brendan Roberts

  (11:43 AM)

I don't know that there is one tried-and-true strategy, other than taking the best player available early on. I strongly suggest you do your rankings, then draw tiers in at each position -- about five lines in each. That can prevent you from reaching for a player at a position that you can get a few rounds later. Also, I'd highlight/star/circle players down low in your rankings that you consider sleepers and wouldn't mind having. That way, if you can't decide between, say, a second baseman and a starting pitcher but see several second basemen circled down below, you go for the pitcher. It's very important to know what to expect from each position instead of just each player.

Philly

Hey B-Rob...which one to sit?Kershaw v. SD, Scherzer @ STL, Dice-K v. NYY.

Brendan Roberts

  (11:44 AM)

Whew, probably Scherzer. I could see him "pitching jittery" since he's a young guy pitching in his hometown versus his beloved Cardinals for the first time.

Freddy (NY, NY)

Moose two starts at Toronto and Boston. Will he get to 20?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:44 AM)

Not sure, but I think Moose is in line for just one start --WED at Toronto.

Matt (DC)

Weeks or Velez this week? Must-win. Thanks.

Brendan Roberts

  (11:46 AM)

Velez is the better bet for playing time, and I think you have to go with that. He has some favorable matchups to run, too.

D Lee Help

All of these 1B are available. Please rank for this week:Votto, Chris Davis, Blalock

Brendan Roberts

  (11:48 AM)

I see benefits to all three, but in general, I like Votto the best among those guys, and he doesn't give you any reason to sit him. He's been hitting well/fine, and he has seven games this week, six against RHPs. I'd go with him.

Mark (OKC)

Pablo Sandoval has been raking, now has a quad issue relegated to pinch-hitting. Any word on whether he'll be full time this week?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:48 AM)

The Giants expect to have him back today or tomorrow, so no worries. He was OK to play Sunday, but the team decided to hold him out for one more.

Ian...Virginia

Need two of these for points league. Dukes, Shealy, Holliday, Konerko

Brendan Roberts

  (11:49 AM)

Gotta go safe and double-down on Holliday and Konerko.

Brian (Kalamazoo, MI)

Title on the line. Need saves -Perez or Motte in St.Louis/Ziegler or Devine in Oak? Please Help!!

Brendan Roberts

  (11:50 AM)

Perez and Devine.

Not Eric (boston)

even with hollidays bad back?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:51 AM)

Yup, he's set to return Tuesday, and the two days off over the weekend should help you feel better about starting him. He's rested and ready.

Brennan (Brooklyn)

wow... is my question that bad? Not getting any love from the B-Dog. It seems like Ethier is cooling off and Burrell continues to slump. Is it worth benching them for guys like E. Dukes and R. Davis? (5x5 OBP league where I need runs more than power).

Brendan Roberts

  (11:54 AM)

Hmm, I still think you're looking for one-week upside instead of overthinking the past few weeks. So Burrell at home all week in a playoff push sounds pretty upside-worthy. However, Ethier does have six games, and two of them are against lefties, and the other two are against Peavy and Lincecum. Ya know, I'd probably start Dukes over him.

Gersh (NYC)

I could use a few steals in the last week which is asking a lot. Who's an under the radar kind of guy who is probably sitting on my waiver wire waiting to fill my need?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:55 AM)

Take a look at Fernando Perez in TB. He has major speed upside and should get decent playing time late this week in the Rays' outfield.

Mike (NYC)

Back to 1st base question, what about Votto vs. Laroche? Thanks

Brendan Roberts

  (11:56 AM)

The way LaRoche has been hitting, probably him ... by a nose.

Gersh (NYC)

Speaking of R. Davis, any reason he hasn't been playing over the last week? He was a nice pickup for steals.

Brendan Roberts

  (11:58 AM)

Seems the team is choosing Ryan Sweeney, essentially, over him and getting a look at other positions. It does lead me to believe, however, that the A's view him as a fourth outfielder in their future, rather than as a starter.

Steve(Jefferson City, MO)

Do you like Nolasco for his two starts this week?

Brendan Roberts

  (11:59 AM)

They aren't exactly favorable starts, especially Saturday at Shea, but Nolasco has earned the right to start for you, especially in a two-start week.

Mark (Atlanta)

Non-Keeper - Do we drop Chipper?

Brendan Roberts

  (12:00 PM)

Nah. He pinch-hit Sunday and should be back in the lineup this week. He didn't hit as well as you'd expect last week, but he's still batting .429 or something over the past 14 days. As long as he's playing, you start him.

James (Cedear Rapids Iowa)

Walk off...BJ Upton of Jose Guillen this week? Michael Young or Asdrubal Cabrera this week?

Brendan Roberts

  (12:02 PM)

Upton for the first one. With eight games this week, we'll see a lot more of him, and Guillen has some tough matchups in MN late in the week. As for the second question, Young just doesn't sound right (he's hurt), and he too has some tough matchups late in the week. Appalling, but I'd take Asdrubal. One more ...

Steve (chicago)

another smart move this week, if you have weekly lineups and tranny limits...i picked up, then dropped about 7 players so that my competition wouldnt get a chance to pick them up for hte week bc they're on waivers until tommorow.

Brendan Roberts

  (12:05 PM)

Yeah, it's probably not against the league rules, so it's allowed. But I think that's a bit below the ethical line and really wouldn't want to win that way. I still think it's important to be "in good standing" in your league; it's more beneficial in the long run when it comes to commish decisions and trading. You did what you felt you had to, but I don't like maneuver. I'd rather win it fair and square. Just my two cents.

Brendan Roberts

  (12:06 PM)

OK, guys, I gotta run. Plenty to do today. Sorry to those I didn't answer. (A few of you were unhappy, and I feel bad about that.) I just get 'em and go, rarely looking at the poster's name. Nevetheless, go get 'em in Week 26, and enjoy the relaxation that next Monday will bring. Good luck!