Answer Guys' Dave Hunter

  (3:01 PM)

Good Afternoon Everyone! I'll try to get to as many questions as I can today...

Steiny (NYC)

Will Jose Reyes have the most stolen bases in the majors this season?

Answer Guys' Dave Hunter

  (3:03 PM)

Reyes will certainly be at the top of the list as far as stolen bases this season, at least top-3. He's got the best shot in my mind of topping out, but I really like Carl Crawford to bounce back this season.

Dominick - Long Island

Oswalt or E Santana this year only?

Answer Guys' Dave Hunter

  (3:05 PM)

Just when we expect Oswalt to start fading away a little, the guy comes back to have an incredible second half in 2008. I'm still a big Oswalt guy, but I think Santana is too good to pass up, especially with his K potential now in 5x5 leagues.

Greg (Park City, Utah)

Hello Dave, enjoy you chats. Who's the better keeper at the Starting pitcher position? Halladay $27, Haren $18, or Lirano $13. I need to pick one. Thanks...

Answer Guys' Dave Hunter

  (3:08 PM)

If we're looking at straight value and the "safe" pick, it would be Haren. But, if you're a gambling man, like I am, and are willing to take the extra chance that Liriano's arm problems are behind him, hold Liriano. You really can't beat the $13 tag and I still think he's got the best stuff out of the three. I'd let Halladay over the others with his $27 tag.

Scott (NJ)

TGIFBS! Thank goodness its fantasy baseball season!!! Name one top prospect for dynasty leagues you're targeting not named Wieters.

Answer Guys' Dave Hunter

  (3:10 PM)

Actually, I'll give you a few that I really like this year: Rasmus, LaPorta, Snider, Adam Miller, McCutchen...those are some of my faves coming into this season. I think Snider will make the biggest splash this season...

davis (WY)

In a standard 5x5, what are your thoughts on keeping pitcher over a batter? Specifically, deciding between CC and Kemp. Usually I would take the batter but I?m enticed by CC in pinstripes?

Answer Guys' Dave Hunter

  (3:12 PM)

I usually don't keep pitching over hitting unless there is a significant upgrade. Sabathia is one of the best in the league, but I also think Matt Kemp will be one of the best in 2009. I absolutely love Kemp and think he's going to have an incredible season. I'd hold the young Dodgers outfielder. I don't think Sabathia can have a better year than he had in 2008 anyway.

Shaun(NYC)

People seem to be flying off the Rollins bandwagon after an injury plagued year. Think he still has 20HR potential? If so, do you still consider him a mid 1st rounder due to position scarcity?

Answer Guys' Dave Hunter

  (3:15 PM)

It's not that people are flying off the Rollins bandwagon, it's that they realize that Rollins had a career year in 2007. The injury didn't help his case last year, but he's still a top-5 fantasy SS. I don't ever expect him to hit 30 HR again, but 15-20 HR is what I'm targeting him at. And, his steals will be amongst league leaders again. I would consider Rollins a late first rounder, early second rounder.

Rob: Minneapolis

I play in an 8-Team HxH league and I was wondering if your draft strategy would be different in a smaller league? Example: Going very pitcher heavy in the first 8 rounds. Thanks.

Answer Guys' Dave Hunter

  (3:18 PM)

I still like to load up on offense early and often, even in a head to head league. But, I don't pass up value. Getting top end pitching is important in any league, and I do think there the emphasis is increased slightly in H2H. Also, the stolen base gets devalued some in a standard H2H league. But to answer your question more directly, no, my strategy doesn't really change much. I'll lessen steals, increase pitching slightly, moreso on closers than starters.

Joel (KC)

Keeper Q: Roto 5x5, no round bonus but players can be kept forever, keeping Utley, BJ Upton, Kemp. Pick 2 more out of Aramis, Jay Bruce, Ellsbury, Carlos Pena?

Answer Guys' Dave Hunter

  (3:19 PM)

I would hold Bruce and Ellsbury long-term in a forever keep league.

Joel (KC)

THANKS DAVE!

Candy Moldanado (San Diego, CA)

Keep Damon or K-Rod for this season only?

Answer Guys' Dave Hunter

  (3:21 PM)

Used to love Candy back in the day with the Dodgers! I would hold KRod over Damon, although normally I shy away from closers, but KRod is dominant.

Henry (Columbus)

Any chance to get a fantasy basketball question? It is still going on you know... Smaller league (10 team), someone dropped Boozer, and my only option to pick him up would be to drop Horford. Who do you rate higher for the rest of the season?

Answer Guys' Dave Hunter

  (3:24 PM)

Of course, glad to help with B-Ball! I would hang onto Horford, especially if you need the active stats right now. Boozer isn't expected back until February, if that. I could see things getting delayed further on him and I could even see him missing the rest of the season. The only way I'd make that switch is if I didn't need the active stats and could stash Boozer.

mike (chicago)

Why are so many "experts" down on Alexei Ramirez this season? Everyone seems to point out his aversion to taking walks, but ignoring that he rarely strikes out. He seems to have a bit of Vlad in him - he's rarely going to end an at bat without putting the ball in play, plus he's got good power and good speed. So why are whiff-happy guys like Chris Davis getting more love?

Answer Guys' Dave Hunter

  (3:28 PM)

I'm not down on Alexei at all this season. Actually, he's one of my favorite players this year..one that I'll be pumping up for drafts. I love the fact that he's going to have SS, 2B and OF position eligibility. Love that he is an all-around player, can steal bases, hit the home run...he's just a stud in the making. Chris Davis is getting more love from others because of his straight up power...he'll be dominant, hitting in a hitter's park...sky is the limit on Davis. So, I guess you can say I love both players.

Ben (UT)

Shanahan worth picking up in my FHL?

Answer Guys' Dave Hunter

  (3:30 PM)

Absolutely...I'd grab him if you have the room. He's not a first line player anymore, but he's still going to contribute as he gets more ice time. Plus, if you're league scores power play goals as a category, the value on Shanahan increases. I like the fact that he's rested himself up until this point, so that should cut back on injury risk...

larry (chicago)

Having trouble with this decision. Would you keep Kemp or Prince? Thanks,

Answer Guys' Dave Hunter

  (3:31 PM)

As much as I love Kemp, I'd still have to hold Fielder here. Not many players I'd hold ahead of Kemp, but Fielder is one of them.

Ross (LA)

10 mixed leauge, 3 keepers per team. Already keepin Hanley, Miggy. Who should I take as my third: Teix(loose 3rd round pick), Lincecum (14th round), Longoria (22nd round).

Answer Guys' Dave Hunter

  (3:33 PM)

You have to hold Longoria...that's incredible value on him as a 22nd rounder. Very, very difficult to let Lincecum go as a 14th rounder since he's arguably the best pitcher in the league right now, but you have to here to keep Longoria. Makes me wonder what round you're being penalized to hold Miggy.

Brian (Charlotte, NC)

Should I trade Josh Hamilton in a no penalty keeper league or hold on to him? I am nervous about his injury history. I am out thinking myself here?

Answer Guys' Dave Hunter

  (3:34 PM)

Yeah, I think you're out thinking yourself here, unless you can lock up an upgrade of course. I wouldn't trade Hamilton just to trade him because I think he might get injured.

Greg (Boston)

Give up R. Martin for Markakis in a 10 player keeper league? I got Iannetta, Crawford, Granderson, and Hart

Answer Guys' Dave Hunter

  (3:36 PM)

I like Markakis more than Martin straight up, so if you can get that deal done, I'd make it happen. Markakis has more power potential and will drive in more runs and in general is just a better run producer. I know position plays part here, since Martin is one of the best catchers in the game, but I still want Markakis.

David (Houston, TX)

Brenden Shannahan worth a roster spot?

Answer Guys' Dave Hunter

  (3:37 PM)

Just answered that question a few minutes ago..

David Fairborn, OH

You are the only decent chat available right now, even though I don't do much fantasy sports outside of football, so it's irrelevent. But I'm enjoying reading so far. Just thought I'd let you know.

Peter (NY)

Hey Dave. Pick my final keeper between Lester and E. Santana for a dynasty league. Net wins count. Thanks.

Answer Guys' Dave Hunter

  (3:41 PM)

Tough call because I like both pitchers for obvious reasons. The net wins category would favor Lester here, but I love what Santana can do via his K potential. And, that K/BB rate of Santana's...wow. I would hold Santana.

Tony (CA)

Hi Dave - Longoria or Morneau for 2009 only. And then beyond...!

Answer Guys' Dave Hunter

  (3:42 PM)

For 2009 only, I like Morneau to put up better overall stats, but 2010 and beyond, Longoria is the man.

Anthony (Ridgewood, NY)

Dave - do you see Snider having a full-time job on the Jays to begin the year, or is he going to have to wait a while?

Answer Guys' Dave Hunter

  (3:45 PM)

Snider is going to be given the chance to win the everyday job this year in Toronto. I think he's got an excellent chance. He and Lind will be fighting things out, plus there's always plenty of DH at bats for Lind...and even Snider if need be. I'm banking on a good spring from Snider and a starting job out of the gate from him.

Joe (Akron)

Have to keep one! Alex Gordon for $6 or Ian Sewart for $3??? I already have C. Davis $11 and we need a 3B/CI who will put up best possible numbers in '09?

Answer Guys' Dave Hunter

  (3:48 PM)

I'm not giving up on Alex Gordon, and you shouldn't either. I still think the skills are tremendous and that he'll be one of the better values on draft day. I'd hold him over Iannetta, even at double the price. This will be Gordon's year to put things together. This will be his third full season and yet he's still only 25 years old in '09.

stan (detroit)

I need to choose 1 of these young arms as my final keeper in an auction league, all have a $10 price tag - John Danks, Clayton Kershaw, Brandon Morrow, Francisco Cordero.

Answer Guys' Dave Hunter

  (3:50 PM)

I would hold Kershaw with his keeper potential, but for this year I do expect Danks to have the better overall stats.

Matt (East Hartford via Albany)

This is more of a scheduling question, but when can we see the draft kit? Register for leagues? Mock Draft?

Answer Guys' Dave Hunter

  (3:51 PM)

No word on that yet, but early to mid February has been the release date previously.

Shane (NJ)

I need 8 keepers out of this bunch (barring any trades): V-Mart, CJax, Longoria, Tejada, Sizemore, Berkman, Hamilton, Dye, Hart, Kinsler, Carmona, E.Santana, Lincy, Harden, Cliff Lee, Peavy, Price... WHAT am I gonna do?

Answer Guys' Dave Hunter

  (3:53 PM)

Here's my 8: Longoria, Sizemore, Berkman, Hamilton, Kinsler, Lincecum, Peavy, Santana. Price is tempting, but to this point I'm going the safe route with this many good options. Hart was tough to drop too. Harden is a beast when healthy, but too risky in this situation.

Steve (St Paul)

Carl Crawford or Carlos Quentin for this year?

Answer Guys' Dave Hunter

  (3:55 PM)

It really just depends on how you want to build your fantasy team, but I favor players like Crawford that can hit for some power and steal crazy amounts of bases. Overall, I expect a big bounce back year from Crawford. Quentin is a power machine, but I still rank Crawford ahead of him.

Joe (Cleveland)

Thanks for the answer; although, I was asking about Ian Stewart (not Iannetta - my bad). Does that change your mind?

Answer Guys' Dave Hunter

  (3:57 PM)

Not sure if that was my error or yours,..if I wrote "Iannetta" I was thinking Stewart...nothing changes, I'd still rather have Gordon.

Kevin (Montreal, Canada)

Thoughts on Mat Gamel's status and performance this year and when expect the call up?

Answer Guys' Dave Hunter

  (3:59 PM)

Gamel is a great talent, one of my higher rated prospects, but I'm not expecting him to make much of an impact this season. He'll get a late season call, but that's it. I still think Gamel is at least a year away.

Jack(Chicago)

Please rank these players as keepers: Hart,Kemp,McLouth and would you rank differently for this year only? Thanks

Answer Guys' Dave Hunter

  (3:59 PM)

As keepers for this year and beyond I've got them ranked: Kemp, Hart and McLouth.

Kevin (Valdosta via my brother's friend's sister's cousin's best

Who are you picking first in this year's draft?

Answer Guys' Dave Hunter

  (4:01 PM)

I'm drafting Hanley Ramirez with the first pick in the draft. He's a five category contributor, playing SS...you can't go wrong with HanRam.

Answer Guys' Dave Hunter

  (4:02 PM)

Okay Guys, that's if for me today! Sorry I couldn't get to everone's questions. I'll be back tomorrow at the same bat time! Remember, if you can't reach me in chat, I'm always available through the Answer Guys service we offer through Insider. You're guaranteed to get an answer within 24hours!