Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:00 AM)

Good morning everyone! Let's get right to your chat questions, whatever sport you like today...

MJ: (Manassas, VA)

Do you think fantasy sports, specifically in football is playing or will play a role in diminishing attendance at actual games?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:01 AM)

No, but I'm no expert on the subject. I've always felt fantasy was good for the on-field games! Gets your mind on every team instead of just one. And if you're referring to sitting home and stat-searching all football Sunday, well, that's why it's nice to have a hand-held device at the game, right?

Shaun(NYC)

Where would you feel comfortable drafting Ian Kinsler this year? Think he'll put up similar stats to last year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:03 AM)

I think it was last week's chat in which the topic came up, and I've since taken a closer look and think Kinsler will be in the Nos. 25-30 range overall in the draft. There's enough health risk with him to keep him from going much higher, but let me say I'm a fan, and I'll have him my No. 2 second baseman on the draft board this year. Let's say a batting average near .300, 25/25 numbers.

Brandon (Minnesota)

is justin Morneau a first round pick

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:05 AM)

No, but I wouldn't wait too far beyond the third/fourth round. The only reason I'm not so big on Morneau is not that I don't think he's a good player, it's that he plays a position easier to fill than most.

Andy (Mt.Airy, NC)

I would like to keep 2 of these 3 QB's Warner (retirement?) Quinn and Flacco...give your thoughts on who you like best Thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:06 AM)

I like Brady Quinn, and think there's a career to be had with the guy. But frankly, with your alternatives, he's the one I'm leaving off the list. Quinn was a bit less skilled than I expected when I watched him play, there's the health risk and his team. Joe Flacco impressed me more. And Kurt Warner -- whom I doubt retires -- is a must-keep.

dave (nj)

hey tristan,do you think brees will be one of the top qb's taken in next year's drafts?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:07 AM)

Certainly. If he's not No. 1 at his position, he'll pretty much be picked within a couple spots of Peyton Manning. I'd actually prefer Brees, as I look at things today. Think early-second round, ballpark guess as things stand on my board on Jan. 8.

Hammer, Canton, Ma.

Who do you like as your #1 and #2 RB in GridIron Playoff Challenge? DeAngelo and Brandon?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:08 AM)

The top two priced guys, unfortunately, Brian Westbrook and then DeAngelo Williams. Workhorses, can rise above the matchups. I do like Brandon Jacobs as well, he'd be my No. 3.

Joe (Mahwah, NJ)

I heard a rumor that the real reason Tynes is inactive is because Plaxico shot him in his kicking foot? Have you heard anything about this?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:10 AM)

Very funny, Joe, and no, I think you're trying to create crazy rumors! The real reason Lawrence Tynes is inactive is John Carney had a great season ... but I'll say this: I bet Tynes is kicking for the Giants come Week 1 of 2009!

Steiny (NYC)

What second baseman do you think is going to put up the biggest number in 2009?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:10 AM)

Chase Utley. But I just talked up Kinsler a few questions ago. It's close, and this really comes down to how you feel about the guys health-wise. I do believe Utley when he says he plans to return on Opening Day, if not shortly thereafter.

Joe (MD)

What do you think of keeping Chase Headley (16th), Nate McLouth (22nd), Jair Jurrjens (19th), Max Scherzer (26th) for next year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:12 AM)

All have keeper value, and I'm taking this at face value, but I see Nate McLouth a standout keeper at that price, and yes, I would take the shot on Scherzer, too, since that's usually the final round or so of most drafts. Jurrjens would be my next-preferred keeper, but I bet he doesn't go that much sooner in 2009 drafts, frankly. Headley, I'd be shocked if he goes earlier than the 16th.

Jmerms (NYC)

First Pick in next years fantasy NFL DRAFT?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:13 AM)

Adrian Peterson.

dave (nj)

where do you see LT going in drafts next year? top 10? top 15?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:14 AM)

I think he will crack the top 10, but he shouldn't. I can say this: I sincerely doubt LaDainian Tomlinson will be on any of my 2009 fantasy teams. Big-time bust potential; he'll be 30 and coming off a really disappointing year.

MJ: (Manassas, VA)

What's the most obscure fantasy sport you've participated in? Any strange ones you haven't but know exist, something like fantasy putt-putt or caber toss?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:15 AM)

I've played fantasy soccer before, that's about as obscure as it gets, off the top of my head at least! Got roped in by a friend of mine, who is a soccer die-hard.

Jmerms (NYC)

Is Brandon Jacobs good for the top 5 in a fantasy draft?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:16 AM)

He won't be in my top five, but absolutely in my top 10.

K (philly)

I know this is probably overboard but say I get 1st pick, Im already thinking APet 1st rd and grabbing Brees with the 2nd pick--sounds like you back that no?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:17 AM)

Uh, yes. That'd be a steal, I think, if you can pull it off. You won't. I'm pretty confident in saying that too.

Rob (Annapolis, MD)

Tristan - Given what you said above about corner infield being easier to fill, would you go with Nick Markakis at $21 or Chris Davis at $8? Rob

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:18 AM)

I actually like Davis quite a bit, and in terms of comparative value to auction-day price, he's probably a tad better bargain. That said, what I said about depth of first base is relevant, as is the fact that Davis has a steeper downside, because he strikes out a good share. Markakis will be more consistent, even if he lacks Davis' power potential, and I'd prefer the more talented overall batsman here.

Blaine (Richmond)

Is Pierre Thomas worthy of keeping?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:20 AM)

Well, I think he's going to "start" next season, or at least assume the kind of role he occupied the final month of the season. So yes, he'd be keeper-worthy, at least in a deep enough league to make it worthwhile. Right now, let's say at least 10 teams, four players kept per team.

Stuart (Brooklyn, NY)

A better RB question is: Who produces the most the rest of the playoffs between McClain, CJ, White, Sproles, Parker, Moore, Ward or Stewart? Please pick two. Thanks for all your help Tristan this past football season.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:22 AM)

You're welcome, Stuart! Le'Ron McClain is an easy one, to me. I think the Ravens win this week, and he's a goal-line back getting double-digit carries each week. For the second, I'm going Derrick Ward. I don't believe Brandon Jacobs is quite 100 percent, and even if he is, the Giants are going to run, run and run some more. I have them reaching the Super Bowl, so you'll have the most opportunities to get points with him.

dave (nj)

do you see deangelo williams a top 10 rb seeing how he had a breakout year with 20 total td's?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:23 AM)

No, but I've also said -- I believe in my 2009 predictions -- that I have a lot of respect for Jonathan Stewart, and that's the primary reason. All that said, Williams is a solid second-rounder to me, with late-first potential.

Steve (ohio)

Would you keep Miggy over Utley given his injury and whick rookie will have a bigger impact in 09 Maybin, Span, or Scherzer?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:25 AM)

Depends when you have to make this decision, Steve. If it's close to spring training, you'll probably know enough about Chase Utley's rehab to decide for sure. I'd say if he's going to play by even April 15, he's the better keeper because of the position scarcity issue. Today? It's a close call, absolutely. I'd go Utley because of my confidence in his health, but I can't fault the "safer" pick of Cabrera. As for the rooks, Max Scherzer for me. Highest ceiling, that's all it is. That said, Denard Span is an underappreciated performer; think .280-hitting capability, good speed, 30-plus bags. That guy gets on base more efficiently than you think; I doubt he goes away.

Matthew (Sterling Hts, MI)

tristan, why do you answer all the east coast questions first?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:26 AM)

To be totally honest, Matthew, I don't really look at where the questions are coming from.

MJ: (Manassas, VA)

Slaton or Bush? I can only keep 1.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:27 AM)

If I could trust that Reggie Bush will ever stay healthy for an entire season, I'd say him. But I've seen enough to begin doubting him career-wise, and while I don't want this call to be construed as an "I love Steve Slaton" call, I'd take Slaton. I do think he takes a small step backwards as a sophomore, but I see more safety in him as a keeper.

Mike (San Diego)

Speaking of second baseman, how do you think Brandon Phillips will do this year? Number 3 at the position?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:28 AM)

Nah, Dustin Pedroia belongs at No. 3, but I'd go Brandon Phillips at No. 4. Brian Roberts makes a push as well. That's probably your top five. I see it being the top two, then a Pedroia-Phillips-Roberts battle, then Dan Uggla right behind.

Eric (Boston)

Is Jayson Werth slated to start this year? What are your thoughts on him?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:31 AM)

I'd be stunned if he wasn't projected as an everyday player, especially in light of the fact that the Phillies are lefty-heavy in the outfield now with Raul Ibanez and Geoff Jenkins at the corners. I bet Werth plays over Jenkins except against the toughest righties, and is a .280-hitting, 20-to-25-homer guy. About what he was this past year.

John Boy (Cincinnati)

Tristan, keeper question here. Pick two out of R. Moss (5th), Gore (6th), Ryan (9th), Chris Johnson (18th).

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:31 AM)

Frank Gore and Chris Johnson, but I always advise keeping the running backs, especially when the prices are as nice as these.

Eric (MA)

Tristan, Should I be looking to scoop up Travis Hafner this year? He is available in my right now in my redraft?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:33 AM)

I could see Hafner bouncing back, staying relatively healthy and batting, say, .260 with 25 home runs. That's not a great player, but it's a good one.

Eric (Chicago)

Tristan, do you like Victorino ($16), Harden ($8) and Yunel Escobar ($6) as keeper options? I also have John Danks, Brad Ziegler who I can also keep who are $1.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:34 AM)

Sure! No complaints about any of those guys at the prices. Love the Danks keeper at his price; that's your best bargain of the bunch.

CJ (Michigan)

Which two would you keep for next season? Fitzgerald, Romo & DeAngelo

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:35 AM)

I'd keep DeAngelo Williams and Tony Romo, but then I almost never keep the wide receiver if the players are comparable in value. It's when the receiver is so noticeably ahead of the quarterback or running back that I'd keep him first.

Tony, East Hanover

Longoria or Morneau for 2009, which do you prefer?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:37 AM)

Good question. Gut says Evan Longoria, but go back and check, loved the guy on Day 1 and still do today. I will say this: He's more risk/reward than Justin Morneau when you're talking elite sluggers. Morneau is going to beat him in batting average, but I think Longoria will in home runs. And I'll go for the higher ceiling with comparably valued hitters. Give me the potential .275-35-110 guy over the safe, .290-25-100 one any day.

Jimmy Gibas (Manitowoc Wisconsin)

Hoffman Milwaukee bound sounds good to me if he does not pitch like gagne.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:39 AM)

I am positively terrified about a 41-year-old closer who is homer-prone and struggles against left-handed hitters leaving Petco Park. Saying it for the record. On the bright side, Milwaukee is one team that can afford to be patient with Trevor Hoffman in the closer's role, and he's not trash, I'm not saying that. He's a low-second tier closer in my ranks, but that's not a terrible thing to be at his age.

Chris: (LA,CA)

Do you like Alexei Ramirez this year? What kind of numbers do you project? SS or 2B?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:42 AM)

Not really, but then I worry about a guy who has already reached the age you'd expect he's at his physical peak, and who has the kind of plate discipline that he does. Now, Ramirez could be the next Alfonso Soriano. It's possible. But he's older now than Soriano was when he got his career started. It's probably smartest to draft Ramirez around where he finished 2008 on the Player Rater -- 106th -- but there's a downside to him. If there's a sophomore slump to be found, he could be the prime candidate. Let's say .275 hitter, 21 homers, 16 steals. Slumps aplenty.

John Boy (Cincinnati)

What kind of value does Jerry Hairston have as the Reds new #2 hitter behind Tavares?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:44 AM)

Spot-start potential, NL-only round-out-your-lineup guy because he qualifies at shortstop. But I don't think Hairston repeats his 2008. Watch him bat, say, .280, hit 12 homers, steal 16 bases, this year.

Dave (Tampa)

Hey TC, Do you think that Pat Burrell playing mostly DH this year will keep his second half numbers from sliding? Is .260/35/115 realistic?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:45 AM)

I don't think it'll make much of a difference in his numbers. What will: Leaving Citizens Bank Park, getting into a division with some pretty solid pitching staffs (Yankees, Red Sox, even the Blue Jays). Burrell should be capable of a .250 batting average and 30 homers at least. I won't go quite to your levels, though.

AL(INDY)

We are debating giving QBs bonus points for winning games.Afterall winning is the QBs greatest stat isn't it.Your thoughts on something like this?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:46 AM)

Does the quarterback always win the game? My reaction: It would probably continue to elevate quarterback and running back significantly ahead of wide receiver and tight end. I just think it'd skew the values too much.

Evan, NY

What are your thoughts on Stephen Drew at SS this year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:48 AM)

I like him a lot, actually. It's about the time in his career for him to finally make his move. Can't see him cracking what is a pretty sound top five at the position, but if he squeaks in, I won't be shocked. Most will rank him outside the top 10 shortstops; I most certainly will not. I'm thinking seventh, eighth, at the position.

The White Lobster (Charlotte, NC)

You said that you keep RBs over comparable wide receivers. Which 4 would you keep -- Lynch, Pierre, Marshall, Steve Smith, Roddy?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:50 AM)

Marshawn Lynch for sure, because of the running back thing, and I'd then go with all three receivers, Brandon Marshall, Steve Smith and Roddy White. Way too talented to let them go on the chance -- right now it's just a chance -- that Pierre Thomas can be a reliable weekly No. 2 running back.

Jason (Knoxville, TN)

Who do you have for catcher this year? Is Soto worth taking over someone like Doumit?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:54 AM)

Now, I'm a Ryan Doumit fan, let's say that first, but there's a lot more safety in Geovany Soto for 2009. Far, far better chance at staying healthy the entire season, and they're comparable sluggers when healthy besides. Among other catchers I like quite a bit: Chris Iannetta, Ramon Hernandez, Max Ramirez (deep, deep sleeper).

Josh (Canton, MI)

Is Miguel Cabrera a top-10 pick this year? He tore it up the last couple months.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:54 AM)

Yes.

Tom Ato (The Vine)

Is Ryan Grant going to be a dissapointment next year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:56 AM)

I actually think he might be a bargain candidate for 2009. Grant is a capable enough NFL starter, and with a full, healthy training camp next season, I bet he bounces back. By the way, for all the "problems" he had this past year, his numbers were not that bad at all. He'll go third round or later for sure, and I'll be happy to nab him.

Dave (Tampa)

What about Salty? I kept him on the bench thinking "he can't be this bad", but he tanked. With Teagarden and Ramirez looking more promising, is it time to just cut him?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:57 AM)

I think the Rangers will ultimately choose to deal Jarrod Saltalamacchia of their catcher surplus. Just a gut feeling. A lot of catchers take several seasons to get their careers going; I have this feeling he's going to be one of those. As in, check back in, say, 2010, 2011.

Chet (LA)

You would put Max Ramirez as a sleeper over Taylor Teagarden? All reports say Ramirez is behind Teagarden and Salty on the Rangers depth chart. I had Teagarden as my deep C sleeper. Should I look to Ramirez instead? Thanks.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:58 AM)

Chet, I'm tempted by Teagarden, too, but I've always looked at things like he's more the defensive guy, and Ramirez more the hitter. Ramirez is a deep, deep sleeper, to repeat. Just a guy to watch. Teagarden, today at least, is the smarter pick.

Jake (VA Beach)

Prediction for 24's new season? and for the games this weekend? Just for fun.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:59 AM)

We see Kim again and cringe, but the cougar is gone for good. I do think Season 7 is well ahead of Season 6 in quality, ultimately; but it's not up there with Seasons 1 or 5. As for the games, from my Gridiron Playoff Challenge column -- sign up folks! -- Ravens, Panthers, Giants, Steelers.

Jimmy (NC)

AL-Only Auction League - Better option to hang onto at 1B, Carlos Pena or the young Billy Butler? Salary is the same, but Pena's in his last year and I'd have Butler for two more. Thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:00 PM)

Jimmy, win now. (So long as you're not clearly in rebuilding mode.) Two things make this worthwhile to go Pena: Much more power potential, and Butler, young or not, profiles as more of a DH candidate in the long haul. I think that limits his keeper potential, at least a little.

John Boy (Cincinnati)

Does Rocco have decent sleeper potential on the Red Sox?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:01 PM)

He's another spot-start guy. Use him against the lefties, and in daily formats, and other than that I don't think you can trust him too much. Fact is, he has shown he wears down quicker than most players, so there's little chance he's getting 450 plate appearances.

Ryan Massey (Wilmington, DE)

Which one do you keep, losing the round chosen? (Portis 1, C. Johnson 13, D. Williams 8)

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:01 PM)

One? Chris Johnson.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:02 PM)

OK folks, time to wrap things up for the day. Thanks for all your questions, and enjoy the NFL playoffs this weekend! Take care...