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Eric Karabell

  (3:00 PM)

Hello all. I am honored to be hosting the final chat of 2008... we're talkin' fantasy football, baseball and hoops here, not necessarily in that order, so let's get going... and of course, Happy New Year to all...

Anthony (Cali)

Eric, I have an offer on the table, Jeff Green for Nene ..... who wins that trade? Happy New Year!!

Eric Karabell

  (3:02 PM)

For someone to get that many blocks and steals together, it's pretty good. Remember when Ben Wallace was playable? Nene is a lot better, because he scores.

matt (Waco,TX)

Mr. Karabell, do you think it would be safe to have faith in Tony Romo and take him early next year or leave him for the later rounds?

Eric Karabell

  (3:03 PM)

He's a top-5 quarterback, but we have to have concerns. For one, he doesn't play well when we need it most, in December. But if you look at his season numbers on a per-game basis, how many were really better? Two or three, that's it. I won't be taking him in round 3, but I bet most will.

BJ (NY)

Bigger sunday, Turner or Peterson?

Eric Karabell

  (3:04 PM)

I'd say Turner. His team is the one that will win. Shouldn't be too tough for the Eagles to force the Vikings to pass. Arizona can't stop a thing.

Monty (Beer Capitol Wisconsin)

How good could Calvin Johnson be with the changes that are comming to Detroit

Eric Karabell

  (3:05 PM)

Look how good he is now. Case can be made he's the No. 1 WR off the board in 2009, and that's before we know who the QB is. He's that good. I'd safely call him top-3.

K (philly)

Eagles are in. Do you believe E? Crabtree < Calvin in his rookie year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:07 PM)

I still can't believe the Iggles made it in. Talk about lucky, what happened in Tampa is amazing. Thanks, Garcia and Gruden! Anyway, I think Giants-Eagles in two weeks will be terrific. I take Calvin, what he did. I know Crabtree has skills, but most rookies you really have to be careful with. With him it does matter where he goes.

Jarred (Kansas)

Larry Johnson will play for the _______ in 2009?

Eric Karabell

  (3:07 PM)

Broncos! But I don't think the Chiefs are gonna have such an easy time moving this malcontent.

Bobbo (NY)

Is Manny automatically a top keeper or does it matter where he ends up?

Eric Karabell

  (3:09 PM)

I don't think it matters. Wherever he goes, he's gonna hit and knock in runs. It has to be the Dodgers, and for less money than he expects. Regardless, I wouldn't call Manny a top keeper. If drafting today, tomorrow, March, he's not in my top 20.

Tom (River North)

Eric, I know it's probably too early to tell, but would you keep Boldin or Steve Smith (CAR)?

Eric Karabell

  (3:09 PM)

Probably Boldin, but only if he stays in Arizona and Kurt Warner stays with him.

Andy (Little Rock)

Eric, please pick one keeper for next year for a 10-team, 2 QB league: Cutler (5th round), Marshall (6th round), or Marshall (8th round). Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (3:10 PM)

Well, if I could choose to lose a 6 or an 8 for the same player, I take the 8! No really, I'd say Marshall in round 8 over Cutler in 5.

Eric (GA)

Fantasy playoffs.AP, LT, LMcClain, McGahee, Edge.Concerned about LT's groin.Pick 3

Eric Karabell

  (3:11 PM)

I'd be more concerned his team is losing this weekend. But he makes the 3. Edge is losing as well, and McGahee doesn't touch the ball enough.

Jon (La Crosse, WI)

What's your take on Monta Ellis? Does he eventually play like he did last season? I've been waiting and waiting on him. Lastly, is Westbrook a decent play now? I mean, he could put up 30 one night, but the turnovers... eeesh..

Eric Karabell

  (3:13 PM)

I wrote in Tuesday's column Monta is one of the injured players I would wait for. He should return in January, and could score 25 a night if he wishes. And Westbrook isn't doing badly at all. Not the prototype point guard, but he's young.

Monty (Beer Capitol Wisconsin)

I have a trade offer D.Willams and R.Moss comming to me for B.Westbrook and A.Boldin do you pull the trigger on that deal or not

Eric Karabell

  (3:15 PM)

I'd take DeAngelo and Moss in that one. No question. I like Westbrook, we all have to, but I don't see him ever playing a 16-game season. Williams is a top-5 player for me next season.

Steiny (NYC)

Eric, I do not have any questions today. Just wanted to say thanks for all the advice this year, and Happy New Year!!!!

Eric Karabell

  (3:15 PM)

Thank you, Steiny. Same to you and yours...

Eric (Yakima)

Do you think one of the Giant's receivers will step up and make them not miss Plexico?

Eric Karabell

  (3:16 PM)

No, not really. I think if the Giants are going to get by the Eagles and Panthers they'd better hope Brandon Jacobs is healthy, and Eli makes a big play or two per week. Everyone loved Domenik Hixon went Plax went down... and then he did nothing.

George (commack ,ny)

are kevin smith and jay cutler keepes next year it would cost me and 3rd and 6th round pick keep in mind many of the top running backs in my league will be off the board as keepers such as turner , forte ,c johnson, steve slaton , d angello willims ,felix jones.piere thomas

Eric Karabell

  (3:19 PM)

Both are keepers. Depends on how many you keep. Valuewise Cutler is the better play here, but if you're worried about getting a RB, Smith should improve. And he was pretty good this December.

Andy (little rock)

Oops, I meant Calvin Johnson in 8th round (versus Cutler in 5th and Marshall in 6). Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (3:19 PM)

Well, that makes more sense then! Calvin is the call, easily.

Graham (columbia, mo)

Eric thanks for all your fantasy advice in 2008. Got one final question, I'm in a 10 team keeper league and trying to decide my last keeper: Alex Gordon, Vernon Wells, or Nate McClouth?

Eric Karabell

  (3:22 PM)

I'd be careful with McLouth moving forward. I think the choice is Gordon. Emerging power, can run a bit, I really think year 3 could be the one he breaks out. Wells has topped out, and gets hurt too much. McLouth scares me a bit, and there a million outfielders.

Gray (Chicago)

Jason Kubel or Nelson Cruz?

Eric Karabell

  (3:25 PM)

Kind of depends if you want to take the shot on high upside, or want a safe 20-75. Kubel can no longer run, and I think even the Twins realize he's just not going to suddenly go 30-100. Cruz could be a monster. The Rangers should play him. I wouldn't expect his 2008 Rangers production over 150 games, but he's the one who could hit 30 homers. Or he could hit 5 and get demoted. I'd probably go upside here.

bill anderson medford ny

is gates and stewart worth picking up in the playoffs,does ravens and philly advance on and should i pick up any of there players

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

I think the Ravens and Eagles will win this week, and be a tough out in round two as well. Thing is, they'll do it with defense. Westbrook doesn't have to go off for Philly to beat the Vikings. Flacco and McClain don't have to be great to top Miami. But if you're looking for a wildcard entry that could be dangerous, sure. As for Gates and Stewart, sure, they're worth it, depends on who else you can get.

PJ Charlotte, NC

EK - Thoughts on Baron Davis's value in a h2h 9 cat league? thinking of trying to move him for say Devin Harris?

Eric Karabell

  (3:28 PM)

The field goal percentage is a killer, but certainly less so in a h2h league. I'd still prefer Davis to Harris, but I could also see injury playing a factor. Harris might do this all season. Any baseball questions today? C'mon, six weeks for pitchers and catchers!

Jake (LA)

NL-only sleeper: James McDonald?

Eric Karabell

  (3:29 PM)

Absolutely. I've been thinking that since I saw him go 3 innings against the Phillies in October. Dodgers have to give him a rotation spot, though, and I don't think it is assured. But could he win 12 with a 3.50, you betcha.

Wes (Fargo)

OK Eric I have all three of Atlanta's "triplets" but it would cost me the highest draft pick (14th round) to keep Ryan. Keep Turner, lose a third, keep White, lose a fourth. Is it a no brainer that I keep Ryan?

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

Tough call. To me, Turner is a top-5 pick, maybe top 2. Would it be worth it to lose a third rounder for that? I'd say it would be. Is Ryan a safe top-10 QB? I'd say he's close, but not a lock. Surely you won't miss your 14th pick though. I don't know who will make it into your draft, but I'd be tempted to keep Turner anyway. He'll get a lot more points than the average RB, and Ryan might not.

Chris (NY, NY)

Do you keep Clayton Kershaw? What do you project him to do next year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:33 PM)

I could find 50 players I'd rather keep. Young pitching brings with it upside, but Kershaw might not be ready for more than 25 starts either. Definite strikeout potential though, and a nice ballpark. I'd project ERA of 4, 10 wins, 130 K.

Luke(DC)

.280-30-90 for Ibanez in 09?

Eric Karabell

  (3:34 PM)

I'd take the under on the HR and RBI, but he should hit for average. I'm not worried about his production, but what people don't realize is that Utley and Ryan Howard will knock in the runs. Burrell had a good year, how many RBIs chances were left for him? I'd say 24-85.

justin (atlanta)

Carlos Boozer owners? screwed or not?

Eric Karabell

  (3:35 PM)

Yeah, with the news he's having surgery, I'd forget him. Maybe he returns at the All-Star break, but clearly he knows he'll get his next big contract whether he plays or not.

Kyle (Seattle)

What do you think of Denard Span? I realize he is not as good as 2007, but solid regular?

Eric Karabell

  (3:36 PM)

Yeah, I could see solid numbers, decent average, steal a few bases, but let's also remember, someone has to sit if Gomez, Kubel, Cuddyer and Delmon are there. And Span's minor league stats weren't this good.

Joe(NY)

Will Brandon Wood be a factor in mixed leagues next season?

Eric Karabell

  (3:38 PM)

I think by 2011 he's Troy Glaus. Too talented to be this average, and he does hit for power in the minors. I'd set his over/under on power with the Angels in 2009 at 15 homers. So yeah, a factor.

Bryan (Dayton)

What do you think taveras will do in Cincinnati?

Eric Karabell

  (3:40 PM)

I'll say 130 games, .290 average, 50 steals. I received plenty of feedback on the Taveras blog I wrote. Look all over the net, it's tough to find someone who thinks Taveras is a good signing. But for fantasy, sure, he'll steal bases. Watch Joey Votto go 30-85 though.

PJ Charlotte, NC

Ryan Braun - top 10? top 3 3rd baseman? thoughts on him?

Eric Karabell

  (3:40 PM)

No longer a third baseman, but an overall first-round pick, sure. I'd slot him in the 12-15 range overall. And really, outfield is not nearly as deep as people think, not if you need 5 of them. He's probably better off there for you in fantasy.

Kent(Boston)

Joba 09 predictions?

Eric Karabell

  (3:42 PM)

I'd say 25 starts, 12 wins, ERA around 3.25, K per inning. I just don't think he can stay healthy for an entire season. I'd certainly try, but the Yankees might have enough rotation depth, with Hughes maybe the fifth starter, to move Joba back to the eighth inning.

Gray (Chicago)

Does Matt Garza become a Top 30 starter this season?

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

I hope so! I took him early in a recent sim draft that favors under-6 players! I could see 15 wins in 32 starts, 160 K, 3.25. That's top 30.

Burns (NY, NY)

Pick one SS - Tulo, Furcal, Young

Eric Karabell

  (3:44 PM)

Tulowitzki should return to his rookie level of 25-90, with a good average. I'd take him.

Matt (Pub)

Ok..Derek Lee or Ryan Howard...I'd choose Howard but he got off to a slow start last year and i can't afford that this year...

Eric Karabell

  (3:44 PM)

I think in fantasy you have to take Howard, even if his batting average is a drain, and it should continue to be. But man, the power is so legit. And Lee hitting 20 homers with a .280 average doesn't cut it like a 45-homer guy.

Walter (New York, New York)

Eric, earlier in the season you guys did a combination article where you evaluated the keeper league value of the young QBs in the league. With Philip Rivers performance this year would you rank him higher. I think you were one of the only ones to rank him at all if I remember correctly? Will you guys be doing a ranking of keeper league list of players.

Eric Karabell

  (3:45 PM)

I would assume we will be doing keeper rankings soon, and Rivers would be a top-5 QB for me. I think I was on an island when we ranked before, but I don't know why people don't like Rivers. He had a terrific season.

Joe(NY)

Have you done any mocks yet? Thoughts? There doesn't seem to be much speed in the later rounds.

Eric Karabell

  (3:47 PM)

I have already drafted twice for baseball 2009, and there is always plenty of late speed. Guys like Michael Bourn are always out there.

Vince (Shelby Twp. MI)

I have Michael Turner in a fantasy playoff league your thoughts on Atlanta in the playoffs?

Eric Karabell

  (3:48 PM)

I think Turner has a big game against the Cardinals, then would get the Panthers if Philly wins. He can run on them. The playoffs should be a blast. Really, in each conference after this weekend, assuming the road teams win (all are favored), anyone can win.

Shawn (WI)

Eric, who would you keep out of this group. Votto, E. Santana or Billingsley? Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

Probably Billingsley. I know people are worried about his WHIP, but I think he's made it. Votto is very good, but first base is very deep.

joe (iowa)

Paul Millsap-- sell high once he returns because of the Boozer injury, or a legit PF to keep for the season?

Eric Karabell

  (3:50 PM)

I don't expect Boozer back anytime soon, and Millsap should return in a week. I wouldn't sell high. Millsap has game.

John (Nyc)

Do you think the redsox are going to still be a Threat in the east even though the yankess have all these high payed players

Eric Karabell

  (3:51 PM)

Ha! Right now I'd predict the Red Sox for first place, and the best team in the AL. Maybe I'd take the Yanks over the Rays, but I doubt it. Not yet. Those salaries don't mean a thing to me.

Walter (New York, New York)

Hey Eric, I saw that you answered two from PJ so I figured I would go for a second. You say that you like DeAngelo as a top 5 pick. Someone offered me DeAngelo for Fitzgerald straight up. Would you do that deal in a Keeper league? I feel like elite wrs have more value than elite rbs in a keeper league because they last longer. What do you think?

Eric Karabell

  (3:52 PM)

I don't really look at who sends the questions by the way... but I would rather keep DeAngelo than Fitz, personally. I think it's crazy to assume J.Stewart all of a sudden supplants Williams. The guy just scored 20 touchdowns. He can do it again. And I think elite RBs are more valuable than WRs.

Otto (CA)

Hello Eric. I like to have a solid catcher every year but I don't want to draft someone high as Martin, McCann, Maurer...How long can I wait before Napoli and Iannetta are gone? Thanks.

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

I don't think Napoli is in that class quite yet. And I rarely take a catcher in the first 10 rounds. Just not enough production and not enough difference in the good ones and the average ones. Iannetta is a top-10 catcher, maybe round 7?

Luke(DC)

Tulo or S Drew?

Eric Karabell

  (3:54 PM)

I'd still take Tulo. If Drew would just run...

Kent(Boston)

Is J.A. Happ worthy of a look in mixed?

Eric Karabell

  (3:54 PM)

I'd be very surprised if he makes more than a few starts for the Phils. They've got Carrasco, Kendrick, Park and it's not like Happ is a power pitcher. More of a crafty lefty, and probably trade bait.

joe (iowa)

My front court is pretty weak-- I've got Dalembert and R. Wallace as my centers, Hawes and Millsap to back up-- but my guard play is pretty strong with Iverson, Calderon, and Terry. Of the those three guards, who would you look to trade for an upgrade at center?

Eric Karabell

  (3:55 PM)

Well, Iverson has the most value because he's viewed as a buy low. He's really not going to get much better this season, not on that team. But it's not like Terry is a star, not with those assists. In a trade I'd think Iverson gets you the most.

Joe(NY)

Rank em' for 09: Doumit, Ianneta, V-Mart, Weiters, Benji Molina?

Eric Karabell

  (3:56 PM)

Hmmmm.... I'd switch V-Mart and Wieters and that's the order. The Orioles rookie really should be very good right away.

josh (north carolina)

do u think the panthers have a good chance to win the super bowl

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

Everyone assumes it will be Panthers at Giants to decide the Super Bowl trip. Could be, and I'd take the Giants there, but remember last year... Cowboys and Packers lost to a wildcard team... just saying... My top odds would be on the Titans.

Mike(Dallas)

Who are you AL-NL rookie of the year picks for 09?

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

Wieters in the AL, and ... I'd like to say Rasmus of the Cardinals... Did Sandoval bat too much for the Giants. The guy is a monster, will hit right away.

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

OK, I want to thank everyone for the great questions not just today, but all season long. We never stop in the fantasy department, so look for chats in January as well. Happy New Year to everyone...