ESPN

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:01 PM)

Good afternoon everyone! Baseball's postseason resumes tonight with NLCS Game 1, so what better time for a fantasy baseball chat? I know, I know, prime fantasy football season, and maybe we'll get to some of those in a little bit, I hear you asking, but baseball gets top priority to kick things off. So fire away those baseball questions! Here we go...

Al (Seattle)

Hey Tristan, would you consider Ricky Nolasco a keeper for next year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:03 PM)

Al, I look at Nolasco's numbers and don't see steep splits between left/right, home/road and first/second half, and those are very encouraging indicators. His only split weakness: Lefties took him deep a ton. I think Nolasco is very much for real. Future Cy Young? No, probably not, but if I have doubts about the guy, it's in the health department. He only seemed to get better as the year progressed, so I'd say he'll make a strong case for top-25 starter status. You can make a good case he's a keeper, in a deeper league.

Mike - Houston TX

Hi Tristan,Two quick questions...Why did Prince Fielder have a sub par year and my second question is how good is Alexi Ramriez going to be ?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:06 PM)

Well, a poor April didn't help, but I look closer at his splits and admit he seemed to give back any of the gains he appeared to have against lefties in his breakout 2007. Fielder is better than that 2008 stat line, probably closer to his 2007 numbers. I can't worry too much, but a big guy like that, I think his numbers might fluctuate a little more from year to year than your typical star. As for Ramirez, I've heard a lot of people make Alfonso Soriano comparisons, and I don't think it's crazy talk. He's quick, he's got pop, he's a free swinger, and he's entering his prime. I'd say maybe he's a "lite" Alfonso Soriano in his prime, and that's a very good player. Not first-rounder, but could crack the top 25 once or twice.

Pete (NY, NY)

Tristan -Love to see the fantasy baseball chats beyond the end of the season. Can us ardent fantasy baseball fans find solace in weekly chats throughout the offseason?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:08 PM)

Pete, I think it really would depend on the level of interest. Like, for instance, how many questions we get today, that factors in. Good news for you: I'll be helping ESPN.com with live chats during LCS games in the next week. I'll be chatting with you in NLCS Game 2 tomorrow afternoon, so there's another spot for you to check in!

Joe (Baltimore)

If you had Ianetta and Wieters in a keeper would you deal Soto for Felix Hernandez?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:09 PM)

Yes I would. But that's no knock on Geovany Soto, a very, very good fantasy player in his own right. It's that I do see Matt Wieters developing into a top-five fantasy catcher with time. I think it's a chance you can take.

Michael (Toronto, Ontario)

Hi Tristan. AL-only 12-team Ultra Rotisserie league, in last five years two firsts, one second, two out of the money results. I'm already feeling the effects of fantasy baseball withdrawal: sleeplessness, incessant tinkering with my winter protected keeper list and projected spring freeze roster, calculating average dollars per open auction roster spot etc.The biggest worry at this time of year is which players are free agents and which will be in the final year of a contract in 2009 and therefore are at greater risk of being traded. I have a great winter keeper list but that can get blown apart with a couple of moves to the NL.Will ESPN be publishing lists of free agents and final contract year players? Your thoughts about the possibility that two of my keepers, A. Huff and R. Halladay, get traded before the end of the 2009 season?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:10 PM)

Michael, we'll surely have some lists of contract-year players for 2009 in our Draft Kit once we release it. With those two players, I could see Aubrey Huff being shopped at the deadline, but if memory serves, Roy Halladay is locked up for big money through 2010. I see no way he's dealt.

Richard (Mexico City)

Hi... whou would you rather have for the next season?- Shin Soo Choo and Alfredo Aceves- Johnny Damon and Alfredo Aceves- Derek Lowe and one out of Chris Dickerson, Travis Buck and Felix PieThanks in advance.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:11 PM)

I think of that bunch, I'd rather have Derek Lowe and Chris Dickerson. I just see Lowe as the safest bet for 2009 of that bunch.

John (los angeles, CA)

Hey Tristan, where do you think Billingsley and Kershaw get drafted next year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:13 PM)

I think Chad Billingsley will be without question a top-20 pitcher, and it might be a noticeable margin. And a guy like that is going within the first 10 rounds of your draft. I have this feeling he'll be, say, an eighth rounder? As for Clayton Kershaw, huge upside, breakout candidate, but he might get overrated depending on the buzz entering spring training. I think of him as more of, say, a 15th-rounder type. Good player, not a top guy, because he needs to show me he's durable enough to throw 180-plus innings, 30 starts and a good six innings a night.

Garth (Towson, MD)

Tristian, I have to decide to keep Gallardo or Lirano. Who would you choose? Also, would you pick up Torain (Broncos) right now or wait?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:14 PM)

I love Yovani Gallardo, but I'm sorry, there's no way I'm keeping him over Francisco Liriano. Liriano is a bona fide Cy Young candidate in any season he is healthy, and he certainly looked healthy down the stretch. And speaking of health questions, wow, Ryan Torain. Based on Denver's tendency to be unpredictable, I'm saying roster him. At least if you have a deep bench and can afford to.

Joe, Kansas

Do you see Zach Greinke or Matt Cain making the jump from "young promising starter" to "top 10 arm" next season?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:15 PM)

Honestly, Joe? No. Not with either. I have more faith Cain is going to figure it out, but I really think Zack Greinke is the kind of pitcher he seemed to be through the course of the 2008 season. Now, on a stronger team, he'd have had better numbers and more exposure. But I really think he's this type of guy, a 3.25-3.50 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 180-200 K guy. That's a very good pitcher. It's not a top-10 type.

Matt, Palm Beach

What prospects are you most excited about for 2009? Got some early ROY picks for us?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:17 PM)

David Price is going to be gooooooood. Believe me. I know I stressed to you all to steer clear of the hype on him this year, but now that 2008 is in the rearview mirror, it's time to address the future. And the future is gonna be great. Price is the real deal, and I buy all in now. Think a rookie year very much what Tim Lincecum's and Yovani Gallardo's were.

Alan (San Diego, CA)

Hey Tristan, what do you think about Padres 1st baseman Adrian Gonzalez? Top player?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:18 PM)

Very good player, but painful splits. Ballpark kills his numbers, he's a stud away from Petco. And he struggles against lefties. Honestly, I think his 2008 was legit, but I can't see him getting better than that unless he leaves San Diego. Or they knock down the ballpark and build one even close to neutral.

Shawn (MN)

Tristan, what are you expecting from McLouth next year? I get 5 keepers for next year and am planning on keeping Wright and McCann for sure. The next 3 have to come from a group consisting of McLouth, Quentin, Votto, Hart, Markakis, Billingsley and E. Santana. Who would you pick if you were picking today?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:20 PM)

I'd actually keep Brian McCann, too, because he's a definite top-five catcher and catcher is actually tough to fill. And remember, this is a guy talking to you who loathes paying out the nose for catchers, so it's a big endorsement. Out of that group you have: Nick Markakis is an absolute no-brainer. I really think he's a franchise-caliber ballplayer. You'll kick yourself if you let him go. Two more? Well, I believe in Ervin Santana. He's a special talent, at least as good as the 2008 numbers. Seriously. And the finale: I'd go Carlos Quentin. I think what he offers is just a little bit to tough to replace.

Jeff (Dayton)

Tristan, David DeJesus had a strong 2008. What do you expect from him next year? Similar numbers? Dropoff? Increase?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:22 PM)

I think DeJesus is what he is. He'll never be Carlos Beltran, the man he used to be compared to, but a safe, consistent, .290-.300 hitting type who can crack double-digit homers, double-digit steals and 100 runs (when healthy) is a decent little player to have. I say good, not great, mind you.

Sean (LA)

Tristan, I am grappling with a tough decision to make-keeping Howard or Lincecum? He's gonna be regarded as one of the top pitchers, no doubt, I just don't know which would hurt more not to have next year. Plus, I'm also keeping Grady and HanRam.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:24 PM)

This is probably going to label me a certain way, or it might be the beginning of a very bad buzz we'll deal with heading into 2009 ... but I worry about Tim Lincecum's ridiculous usage down the stretch this season. No, I do not in any way think it kills him next season. But it was foolish, bottom line. Those are two extremely comparable keeper talents, and when I look at the factors that could break this "virtual tie," I see Ryan Howard's batting-average risk, and Lincecum's workload in September. You know, the workload is the bigger deal, because pitchers are inherently riskier. Bottom line.

Karl (Chicago)

Tristan, how do you rate Ellsbury, Bruce, and Pence for next year and beyond?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:26 PM)

Well, I personally love Jacoby Ellsbury. He's going to be an exciting player. Everything people thought Johnny Damon could become, and to be fair, Damon has been a very, very good baseball player. I see Ellsbury probably becoming better. I think he hits in the .280s, steals oodles of bases -- 50 easy -- and the power begins to grow. One of the few speedsters I'd build around. Jay Bruce, big fan, going to be a nice Paul O'Neill-esque player, I think. And in that park, the power could be better than O'Neill's in his prime. Hunter Pence, good player, but I see him locking in around a .280 hitter, 25-to-30 homer type. Solid, solid bat. But I don't see any MVPs in his future. To me, keeper wise, it's in the very order you listed them.

Dave, Toronto

Hey Tristan, thanks for the chat! How much better can Quentin get? Is he an annual +30HR/+100 RBI threat for the next 5 years?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:27 PM)

I don't think much better, but what he was in 2008 was extremely good, to be fair. I bet he regresses just a little bit, is more a .280-hitting, 30-homer, 100-RBI type. It's not by much, and it's a little bit better than Hunter Pence from the last question. But it's not Nick Markakis, I'll say that.

Erich (San Francisco, CA)

Hey Tristen, would lovve to hear who your CY and MVP votes would go to? Real life and Fantasy?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:32 PM)

Hmmm. Fantasy first. I'll say the MVP was Dustin Pedroia. He was the man this season, in terms of position scarcity, comparative to draft value, etc. Cy Young? It's Tim Lincecum. Those workloads I mentioned, they helped you win championships in times where others (Brandon Webb) wore down. Real life? I think the Cy Youngs are Cliff Lee in a landslide in the AL, and Lincecum in the NL. The Giants wanted him to win the award, and he delivered. Johan Santana is a very, very, very close second. The win total hurts him. AL MVP? I really think it's K-Rod. I'm going by the true definition of the award here, understand. NL? Silly as it sounds, it's Manny Ramirez. He was hands down the most valuable player, by definition. No question about it. If you must have a full-year pick from me, though, I'll say it's Hanley Ramirez. I know, out of nowhere, but he almost single-handedly kept that team into the race inexplicably.

Dan (NY)

Where do you rank Ryan Doumit among catchers next year? Is he keeper worthy in 16 team league (6 Keepers)?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:34 PM)

I've never played in a format specifically to those guidelines, but doing the math, that's 96 keepers, or 10 per team in a 10-team league. I play in a 12-team, 12-player keeper league, and Ryan Doumit would unquestionably be a keeper. I'd say if the top 96 is your cut-off, he's still keeper-worthy, absolutely. He's a top-five capable catcher, with the only knock I have on him his injury track record. But I'll take his great stats when healthy from that position. I bet he'll be like fifth for me at catcher, but that's off the top of my head.

Alex (NY)

I can keep 2 of Johan, Hamels, and Lincecum. Is Hamels the odd man out? Thanks.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:34 PM)

Sigh, yeah. Tough to say that though.

Shaun(NYC)

Was this just an off year for Rollins? His 06 #'s indicate that 07 was no fluke. Where do you think he goes in drafts next year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:36 PM)

Well, he had his typical great September and I think he's better than he looked in 2008, but not quite what he was in 2007. I bet he's undervalued in 2009 drafts. Let's say he goes in the No. 40 overall range, probably. Maybe a little higher. And performs like a 20-25 overall type. I think he's a good .280-hitting, 15-to-20-homer, 40-steal, 110-run guy. But might be only one more year of those superb numbers.

Birdman (Boston)

Keeper Q, I can keep one out of Oswalt and Billingsley, who's the guy?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:36 PM)

I'd keep Chad Billingsley. Safer over the long haul.

Phil (NJ)

I'm in a league w/ 8 keepers. My first 7 are McCann, Mi. Cabrera, Reyes, Beltran, Hart, Lincecum, and J. Santana. Trying to choose between Bradley, Dukes, Cano, and Snider for my 8th. Your thoughts?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:37 PM)

Of that bunch I'd probably keep Robinson Cano accounting for position scarcity and that 2008 represents the basement statistical expectation for him. Keep him, because he has the highest upside of the bunch for 2009, and then send a nice note to the Yankees to beg Larry Bowa -- or a similar in-Cano's-face coach -- to come back.

Danny (Chicago)

With your apparent love of Ellsbury, should I be wary of dealing him along with James Shields (wont keep regardless) for Ryan Braun?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:40 PM)

I'm all about upgrading your keeper list. Get the most elite studs you possibly can, even if the final man on your list take a step down slightly as a result. So yes, I can make a case for that deal. Braun is a future MVP bet, a huge slugging stud. And that's always a safer long-term keeper in my mind than the speedster.

Rob (Frankfort, IL)

Is 2009 the year Matt Kemp boosts his power numbers and posts a 30-30 season???

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:42 PM)

Ehhhhh, I could see it, but to be honest, I see Kemp's power being more of a gradual-incline kind of thing. I bet he locks into the 20-25 range in 2009, not 30. It could happen, that was a lot of doubles, but I think he must improve against righties before I could call for a huge step forward in the power department.

Eric (Lindberg VA)

What do I do with players like Crede and Sheets? They are FA and I can keep them sorta cheap. Do I hope they go to good team and stay healthy or to much of a risk?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:44 PM)

I think Joe Crede is a huge risk, because even at his best, he's a .280-hitting, 30-homer type, and a lot of that was a product of the ballpark. Ben Sheets is a little safer keeper, but he brings so much risk in the health department. I'd try to steer clear, but if I could stash Sheets and make the decision once camps open, when I get a sense of whether this elbow thing was a big deal, I'd wait. Fact is, no one's going to sign him to a monster deal if he has injury risk. So we should know in the next couple months, I'd think.

Frank (Boulder)

I just overheard the new girl in my office giving her DOB as '86, and it occurred to me that this full-grown woman has no recollection of Reagan as president or the Berlin Wall coming down. I'm not quite 32 but feel ancient. Can you help me?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:44 PM)

Now you're making me feel old, Frank, I'm a couple years ahead of you!

Chris (New York, NY):

Tristan, need 5 keepers to defend my title in my $255 budget Roto league- off. categories are AVG, SB, RP, TB+W; pitching categories are ERA, K, S, WPCT. Pick 5 from: Hanley $46, D. Wright $43, Holliday $39, Hamilton $4, Soto $8, Kemp $10, Ludwick ($15 because he was a FA), Quentin $15, Encarnacion $4, Zimmerman $13, Lackey $1, Greinke $1, Lester $2, Marmol $3, Ankiel $2. THANKS FOR MAKING ME A WINNER THIS YEAR!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:46 PM)

Congrats, Chris! Glad to hear you won. Let's get you five here ... Josh Hamilton, Geovany Soto, Matt Kemp, no doubt about it. And I'd have a very, very hard time letting go: Hanley Ramirez and Jon Lester. I would really keep just one of those pricey guys, between H-Ram (my choice) and David Wright, those three dirt-cheap hitters, and either Lester or John Lackey (I'm a real Lester believer). And then what I would advise you is I would pour a lot of my draft-day budget into bringing back David Wright or Matt Holliday, whichever is more affordable.

Perry (Boston)

How important is it to keep a starting pitcher? In my league (H2H points) we keep 6, and I have great pitchers (like Haren, C. Lee, Lackey) but even better hitters. Is it OK to keep all hitters, or do I need to keep an ace?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:48 PM)

I don't think it's a bad idea at all to keep nothing but hitters, so long as the hitters are at least as valuable as the pitchers you're letting go. I'll rank yours: John Lackey, Dan Haren, Cliff Lee. Is your worst hitter better than Lackey? I wouldn't hesitate to go all-hitting if so.

Ryan Washington DC

I need to keep 1 of these 2 Furcal or Cruz. How good do you think Nelson Cruz numbers will be next year.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:49 PM)

Well, Cruz should start on Opening Day, and there's sleeper potential in him, but I still think he's a bit of a free swinger. Don't forecast any Ryan Ludwicks here, not just yet, because the guy could go into the tank if pitchers prepare better for him and make him go fishing. I'd keep Rafael Furcal; harder to replace.

Mark (Santa Barbara, CA)

So we go from a supposed TMR chat to a baseball chat, when the season is over and we're in the heart of FFL? Ouch. Nothing personal, man, but still. Can't we have both?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:50 PM)

Well, Mark, everyone has been really patient, so I will squeeze in a handful of football questions before we close up, and I'll try to run a little extra too to help you out for your patience. I'm still taking your baseball questions as they come, though.

QB Perquackery!!!

Do I really have to go out and pick up Orton on waivers and start him right away!?!?! I have Garrard and Hasselbeck and so far, so bad...

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:50 PM)

In your case I probably would. Schedule is good, and Kyle Orton looks for real. And Matt Hasselbeck is nicked up. And David Garrard has limited upside.

DGA

Who would you rather have as a roster flyer? Benson or Torain?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:52 PM)

Cedric Benson, because I'll always take the guy closer to getting a decent role in his team's backfield. I can't believe I'm saying that. Don't like him at all, but he's obviously going to be used, and soon.

Hondo (Toronto)

Greetings from Leafs country Tristan,With the puck set to drop tonight around the league, my question is: Who in this years crop of uber rookies is going to perform in Fantasy? Stamkos and Okposo look like locks, but who else?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:53 PM)

Heh, I'll even take a fantasy hockey question, why not? Opening night. OK, well, technically is, except for those overseas games. I'm going to say my list would go Bobby Ryan, Steve Stamkos, Kyle Turris, Kyle Okposo. Then maybe Brunnstrom in Dallas.

Steve (Chicago)

Tristan, please help! I can only pick two keepers out of: Soto, Berkman, Rollins, Hart, Hamilton, Kemp, or Webb. I'm leaning towards Hamilton and Rollins, am I making the right call?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:54 PM)

I don't think that's a foolish decision. You fill shortstop, not an easy position to lock up, and you get a decent balance of categories.

Pete (Okla)

Ethics question. I am going up against a guy who is 1-5 and is not starting a DST because they can lose points. Is that right?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:55 PM)

I don't think so, but that is just my personal opinion. Everyone should make every effort to field a complete, active, healthy roster, every week of the season. To me, that's kind of skirting the rules.

Bob (DC)

Tristan, you helped me turn around a team that I took over at the beginning of the year with 5 pretty bad keepers into a top 3 spot. You've given me some advice in past chats as to changing the keeper rules in the league and I appreciate that as well. Some of the old owners are reluctant to change, but most are on board with shaking things up. Would a simple majority vote be reasonable for changing the rules? Thanks!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:57 PM)

Yes, Bob, I would always recommend a simple majority, but as the commissioner of my keeper league, I almost always inquire individually with the owners who vote "no" on the issues just to make sure it's not a matter of being particularly upset about it passing if it does. And you know, they respect that a lot, and are almost always entirely understanding and OK with it being a majority call. So I'd advise that for you, with the one caveat that you must only hold votes during the winter, and not affecting anything that might alter a person's strategy that has already been put into action. For example: Changing the keeper criteria for 2009 if your owners have already rostered players under the assumption the rules to keep for next year were what they were. So maybe that means right now you vote for a change to take place a year from now, get the idea?

Justin (Queens, NY)

Of the following 4, which 1 rides the pine this week; Berrian, R.Williams, Driver and Cotchery? Thanks!!!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:58 PM)

Well, if Bernard Berrian's knee somehow becomes an issue, obviously it's him. I think he's playing, though, and am saying Roy Williams. I want no part of the Lions this week. Nada.

John (DC)

Buzzer beater question:I'm unsure whether I should play Lance Moore or Roy Williams this week as a no. 3 WR. Williams has QB issues and Moore's looks cut take a hit if Colston plays. Who would you go with?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:58 PM)

Again, Lions point.

Jack (Richmond Hill)

Hey Trist, I need 5 keepers in a 18 team, FP, H-H, league. I am keeping Ichiro, Markakis and Liriano...who else: Atkins, D.Lee, JDDrew, Hart

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:59 PM)

Well, it depends whether Garrett Atkins retains third-base eligibility, but even with that, I think I'd feel best with Derrek Lee and Corey Hart of those.

Ryan (Orlando,FL)

Flex spot...C.Perry, Benson, Felix, or Fargas??? THANKS!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:59 PM)

Justin Fargas. Best combination of matchup and probability of a decent number of touches.

Dale (St. Louis)

Tristan, how do you feel about McNabb? I have Hasselbeck, JTOS. I start 3: Wayne, Jennings, Coles, Welker, Berrian, Engram. Do I trade Berrian and Coles for Donovan? Bad timing with Westy injury and bye week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:01 PM)

Maybe bad timing, but that's a good trade for you, I'd think. I like McNabb this week! Good matchup. And he'll be the focus. At receiver I'd go Reggie Wayne, Greg Jennings, Laveranues Coles.

Goose (Chicago)

Who do you like more going forward, Jason Kubel or Nelson Cruz?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:01 PM)

Hi Goose! Long time no see. (Or else I just missed you in the floods of questions each week!) I actually do prefer Kubel. I see him as a safer, more reliable hitter with some room for growth, while Cruz very much is a boom-or-bust type. I just don't have a good feeling about him.

Sam (Ma)

trade - Gore for Desean and Jonathon Stewart

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:02 PM)

No way.

Joe (San Diego)

Who would you feel safer with behind Warner for the rest of the year: Delhomme or Palmer?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:02 PM)

Eh, I guess Carson Palmer, health risk or not, because I like to maximize my upside at the quarterback position when I'm worried one or both of my guys will go down. Play for the big game in your tandem, that's my angle.

steph (SoCal)

Who is the better play this week? Fargas or DMc?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:03 PM)

Justin Fargas is the one slated to start, and with the better health reports during the mid-week practices. But that's being spoken to you at Thursday 4 p.m. ET or so, so you know this must be monitored for sudden changes.

Jake (Dallas)

Tristan, it seems as if all of ESPN's rankings revolve around 5x5 leagues, but what about those of us in points leagues? Any chance we get a chance to customize statistics with our league point values in 2009?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:04 PM)

I will mention that for you, Jake, and be aware that I play in a few points leagues myself, including one of my favorite ones.

Jamey (PA)

Feast or famine this week for Michael Turner? Thanks.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:05 PM)

Why must it be one or the other? Might not an 85-yard game with a 50/50 bet at a touchdown be useful, and not fitting to either definition? I get what you're saying, and if I need to deliver you my feel, it's that I'm not all warm and cozy with the matchup. But that just means I knock him to clear No. 2 back status, and still, that's a definite fantasy starter.

Ted:IA

Do you ever keep a back up TE on your team. I have Cooley and H.Miller. Should I drop Miller to pick up a Defense for this week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:06 PM)

I have one league where I have to. (And I hate it.) So no, I generally don't. Maybe you should peddle Heath Miller in trade, coming off that decent game? It's a thought. Otherwise, if you really need the roster spot, I wouldn't be terrified to let him go. Cooley will treat you a-OK, with the Redskins' O-line shaping up in recent weeks.

Matt (Houston)

Come on, I named my dog Tristant...doesn't that get me something? Reggie Bush, Anthony Fasano, and Roy Williams for Marques Colston, Dallas Clark, and Kevin Smith? I think I could use Bush more than Colston...

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:08 PM)

Suddenly the final scene of "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" comes to mind -- "Indy" was the dog's name! Anyway, I like the Bush side just a little bit more on this trade.

Ted:IA

I could also drop Schaub or Hasselbeck. Would you over H.Miller?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:08 PM)

No I would not. And I'm saying right now, going on record, that Matt Schaub is a big-time sleeper for Weeks 6-8.

Brian (Chicago)

Would you trade Thomas Jones for Steve Smith? PPR league.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:08 PM)

The Panther? Yes. Absolutely.

Will, MA

Tristan. Quick one for you...8 keepers...the last one is Kemp or Markakis? Thanks.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:09 PM)

I have to seriously question whether you have the right seven men ahead of these guys, Will. Both are absolute keepers in my mind. Forced to pick, I'll go Matt Kemp. More versatile for fantasy. But I would take a very close look at your eight.

fred (denver)

Do I really sit Addai because of the matchup? He did score on the Ravens in the last meeting. Other options are Edge or S. Morris

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:10 PM)

Yes he did, but different Colts team, stronger O-line and the Ravens were a tad shakier on defense back then. And what was it, a 2.5-yard per carry average for Addai that game? I'm not optimistic one bit, though I admit, in your shoes, it's a hard sell for me to sit him for those alternatives. Stick with the guy, and keep your fingers crossed. Hard.

Joe (NYC)

Wow Tristan. I used to look to you for sage advice in fantasy baseball and football (plus you're a Yankee and Giants fan). But now, you've given me doubts. Picking K-Rod as AL MVP is ridiculous on it's own merits, but, in the same breath, to say that Cliff Lee deserves the CY is completely contradictory. If the MVP goes to the best player and the Cy Young goes to the best pitcher, and pitchers are a subset of players, shouldn't K-Rod get the Cy if you truly think he is MVP?? Come on, man.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:13 PM)

Joe, frankly, I think the MVP award is a joke. Voters pick it based on different things in different seasons. So in 1986, it was OK to say that a pitcher can win the MVP (Roger Clemens), but what was it, 1999, it was taboo to make Pedro Martinez the MVP? C'mon. That's ridiculous. I made my earlier pick because that is the way that the definition of the award seems to be, "most valuable." K-Rod was most valuable. Cliff Lee was a better pitcher. I see your point, totally, but to me, this debate comes down to this: Who was the best pitcher, well, that was Lee, I say. And the MVP, it should be the "best hitter" award, and to me, that's Josh Hamilton or Justin Morneau. That's the way I prefer it. But the numbers for K-Rod, what he did for that team and percentage of wins saved, it really was Eckersley-like. That's all I'm seeing.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:14 PM)

OK folks, time to wrap things up, and thank you for all your questions! Sorry if I didn't get to yours, but remember, feel free to check in with me tomorrow for my NLCS Game 2 chat -- who knows, I might sneak in some fantasy inquiries for you then, too! (Hint hint.) For now, take care...