Eric Karabell

  (3:01 PM)

Hello there and welcome to the first fantasy chat of the season being done while spring training games are being played! Yes, I am excited. Full disclosure: I listened to a few innings of the Phils-Pirates on the radio. Yeah, I miss baseball. Maybe you do, too! Let's get going with another fine chat session....any questions?

adam (ny)

good afternoon erik. what's your take on bedard for 2009? should I keep him over chris young?

Eric Karabell

  (3:03 PM)

Hello, Adam. I'd probably keep Bedard over Young, assuming it's the really tall Padres starter and not the about-to-emerge Arizona center fielder. Bedard threw Tuesday, which made big news. I'm not a big Bedard fan, because to me if you're generally injury prone it's a skill you're unlikely to suddenly learn, but even in 25 starts, he could strike out a whole lotta hitters. And it's not like Young is durable.

Charles (Seattle, WA)

Eric, you know whats frustrating about these chats? 90% of the time is wasted on top tier talent discussion, when it's the mid-season pickups, the Nolasco's and Cliff Lee's, and Stephen Drew's of the world that win championships at the end of the season. Who are the late round, $1 buck/$2 buck sleepers this year that might sneak up on people?

Eric Karabell

  (3:08 PM)

OK, fair enough. But I can only answer the questions I am asked, and that I see. As for late picks, I have many. Sometimes I'm in a draft and I think, can we just skip five rounds because I have so many players I can get cheap, and it's embarrassing to take them this early. Anyway, among pitchers, how about Kuroda (still going cheap), Anibal Sanchez, Volstad, Wellemyer, Arroyo, Carpenter, Hochevar, Hughes, Gallagher and Litsch? Among bats, I like Baker and Ramon Hernandez at catcher, Sandoval and Konerko at first, F.Lopez, Frandsen and Callapso at second, LaRoche at third, Brandon Wood at short...I should stop now.

Sean (Hoboken)

Eric Byrnes poised for a bounceback? Would you rather have Byrnes or Fred Lewis ?

Eric Karabell

  (3:09 PM)

I have a draft tonight and Lewis is one of the top available outfielders, and I'm not really impressed. Byrnes because he can swipe 40 bases remains the guy with higher upside, and who thinks Chad Tracy will stay healthy?

Collin (Tulsa)

EK, I always follow the rules and go straight hitting in my drafts. Maybe 2 pitchers in the first 10 picks. Can you explain your latest Mock Draft picks? Johan at 10?

Eric Karabell

  (3:10 PM)

Absolutely. There is so much hitting out there that if I can secure the best in the biz, I can go bats for the next 10 picks and totally justify it. Had I not taken Santana, it would have been some first baseman, and hey, I got that later. Johan is the best there is, and I see a huge season ahead.

Matt (Milwaukee)

EK - What's your take on Emilio Bonifacio this year? Does he earn the starting job at 3B? Can he get on-base enough to make his speed valuable for a deep NL-only league? Thanks in Advance!

Eric Karabell

  (3:11 PM)

I suppose it's possible, but I think Bonafacio being dealt around like a utility player says something. The Marlins aren't gonna sit Uggla, and I think Gaby Sanchez will hit at first and keep Cantu at third. Emilio has some speed, but not Figgins speed.

Not juicing in NYC

Hello Eric, Thanks for the great work on the chats. Any insight as to who gets the closer role in Balt. or Texas?

Eric Karabell

  (3:12 PM)

I think it's Chris Ray, if healthy in Baltimore, and for the Rangers an underrated Frank Francisco. FF did a nice job after the break, though few noticed. If Ray is not healthy, George Sherrill closes.

Chase (via Mobile)

Whats your thoughts on having a lot of SP's coming off of injuries? For example, would having Liriano, Gallardo and Kazmir as your top 3 SP's being the equivalent of driving while intoxicated?

Eric Karabell

  (3:13 PM)

No, nothing you can do in fantasy is as bad as that. That's my public service announcement for the day, I guess. I'm not too concerned with the health of who you mentioned, except for Kazmir. Gallardo blew out a knee in a fluky collision. Liriano is fine now. Kazmir isn't Ben Sheets; he'll make his 27 starts. These guys are fine, and offer nice upside.

John ( NY )

What do you think of Nelson Cruz? I've heard good and bad. I have him in a auction league at $3 and I think I want to keep him. What kind of numbers do you think he will have this year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:14 PM)

I'm not one who thinks Cruz takes his brief MLB tenure in 2008 and turns it into MVP numbers, but Texas intends to hit him cleanup against lefties, probably sixth against right-handers, so opportunity is his. At $3 I'd keep most anyone with 25-homer upside, which Cruz has and could realize. I'm just not projecting monster numbers.

Johan Lopez (NYC)

What type of players are you looking for late?

Eric Karabell

  (3:16 PM)

Depends on the league. If it's a shallow 10-teamer, I'll take more chances and see what sticks in April. You know, like a backup closer or Colby Rasmus type. In shallow leagues, you can always drop players and find Garret Anderson or Kyle Lohse sitting on free agency, so why draft them up front, take a risk and add 'em later. In deep leagues or NL/AL-only formats I'm more likely to make sure I have guys who play, guys like Anderson and Lohse. What you don't do late is take a guy who can hurt you, average or ERA.

Birdman (Boston)

Which one takes the biggest step this year.... J Upton, Gordan or Bruce?

Eric Karabell

  (3:17 PM)

I think all do, but I'd expect Justin Upton to really make immediate strides, like possibly to 30 homers. Gordon should improve - hitting lefties would be a start - and Bruce is solid. Upton could be a monster power hitter though.

Cory (Philadelphia, PA)

I have been in many fantasy leagues, but never had an auction draft. Of course with how lazy my friends are, I must make the league. Any suggestions on total money for the draft, and anything else i should know to make a decent auction?

Eric Karabell

  (3:19 PM)

Auctions are terrific, I really recommend them. Much more strategy, and you can get whomever you want if you can afford them. The general money is $260 per team. That seems to work. I do a few auctions each season and try strategies out there. In drafts, while still fun, if you pick 10th you know you're not getting the top 9 players. In an auction you can get 3 first-rounders if you want, and still do well if you spend wisely on dollar guys.

Ethan (SF)

Burrell had a woeful second half in '08, but his overall #'s were solid. What do you see from him in Tampa?

Eric Karabell

  (3:20 PM)

He's very streaky, but in the end his numbers are there. I'd expect a 30-90 season, maybe a .260 average. If anything his numbers get worse, not better, but he's not exactly old.

Jairo (Soledad,Ca)

hey ERIC, do you think the eagles come free agency will sign t.j. housh so the eagles can satisfy ansd lock up mcnabb on a contract extension?

Eric Karabell

  (3:21 PM)

Football! No, I do not think the Eagles are the type of team that A) Will cower down to McNabb or B) Will spend tons of money on an unhappy wide receiver like Houshmandzadeh or Boldin. I just don't see it. And really, people, the Eagles made it to the NFC title game without a top-20 wide receiver and that's not how they lost to Arizona. They led late. As an Eagles fan I get tired of all the complaining about the wide receivers. Curtis and DeSean Jax are fine. McNabb needs a better running game, better blocking, not WRs.

Catfish (DC)

Bouce back year for the Harang-atang? He burned me pretty good last year.

Eric Karabell

  (3:22 PM)

Absolutely. I've been snagging Harang in a bunch of leagues because people are scared of him. As long as Dusty doesn't use him in the bullpen, all will be well.

Collin (Tulsa)

EK, Lincecum just K'ed Grady Sizemore... your should have taken Timmy at #10!!!!

Eric Karabell

  (3:23 PM)

Well then, if it happens on Feb. 25, it's surely a harbinger of the season! Spring training is awesome...

Peter Walden (Baltimore, MD)

Votto or Price for a long-term keeper?

Eric Karabell

  (3:23 PM)

Votto. I'd like to see Price make more than a few starts before I anoint him a top starting pitcher. Plus, in general I'd almost always take the 30-100 hitter first.

Jimmy (Oakland)

Early spring training updates are saying that Chase Utley should be ready for opening day, barring any setbacks. He was tearing it up in the first two months last season, so my question to you is, does a healthy Chase have a shot at 40+ homers?

Eric Karabell

  (3:24 PM)

I think Utley plays opening day. I take the under on 40 homers, though. I think Utley will make fantasy owners wish they hadn't let him slip past the top 20 in the leagues that avoid him. Let's say .300, 32-100-10, shall we? I'm not worried.

Jason (Bmore)

Gavin Floyd exceeded expectations ($5) for my squad last year. With a year left on his contract, would you extend him another year to ($10)?

Eric Karabell

  (3:25 PM)

No. Floyd's on my list of starting pitchers unlikely to approach his 2008 stats, and since he gets drafted as if he'll repeat, I'll never get him.

Eek(Chicago)

Is Josh Johnson the third best pitcher in the NL East behind Santana and Hamels?

Eric Karabell

  (3:26 PM)

If you're talking pure fantasy numbers for 2009, I'd probably Nolasco and Javy Vazquez first. But JJ is right there. I bet contract-year Brett Myers finds the motivation for a big season, too.

Scott (NJ)

Earlier you mentioned the "soon-to-emerge Arizona CF" Chris B Young. Could you elaborate on that a bit?

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

People are scared to draft CB Young because of the batting average. His underlying numbers showed some growth last season. I really think he can hit .270 someday, hopefully now, and go 25/25, which would make for a really nice bargain.

Cassity Jones (College Station, Texas)

Carlos Beltran went early 3rd in the mock and seems to fall every draft I do. He's one of the best 5 tool players in baseball and with the Mets' offense, why is he not 1st round worthy?

Eric Karabell

  (3:28 PM)

Tools aren't the thing in fantasy. Beltran is a terrific talent, and very good in fantasy, but because he's an outfielder he's not going to be top-20 in most fantasy leagues unless he hits 35 homers, or runs more.

Rick (TX)

What do you think of keeping two catchers if they can both be kept very cheap?

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

Assuming you can play them both at the same time, I'd consider it, but we're not talking about Suzuki and Doumit I hope. I'm all for position scarcity, but people make the mistake of filling roster spots with guys who don't produce enough numbers, even if it leaves them with money to spend.

Mike (New York)

Settle this argument for me, better fantasy outfield, Dunn Milledge and Dukes or Markakis Jones and Pie? Real life outfield?

Eric Karabell

  (3:31 PM)

Washington. I have little optimism for Pie, and Jones wouldn't outproduce those Nats for fantasy yet. Milledge is going 20/20, and Dukes has some legit 25-homer pop if he harnesses his swing and ... attytude.

Dan, NY

Should I be adding Tommy Hansen in a dynasty league? I would need to drop Buerhle or Litsch.

Eric Karabell

  (3:32 PM)

Yeah, I would say Hanson is going to be very nice by 2010, and it's not like Litsch is gonna win 15 games or fan 150 anytime soon. Just redraft him. Starting pitching grows on trees in dynasty leagues; the goal is to get someone who could be an ace.

Jason (WI)

Who has the inside track for the Mariners' CL spot?

Eric Karabell

  (3:33 PM)

I suppose Mark Lowe does, but I still think Tyler Walker ends up getting the saves in April. He has experience. I'm not saying he'll be Mariano Rivera, but if we're talking about opportunity, I think he'll earn it. Worse pitchers than he have saved 25 games in the past few seasons. Also, keep an eye on Joshua Fields down the line. Could be up this season, and that's why they didn't care about keeping Putz around.

Susan Orman (NY)

I want to spend $45 on Hanley Ramirez. Have i been DENIED?

Eric Karabell

  (3:35 PM)

I'll say this about auctions: It never, ever bothers me to go the extra buck or two - or five - to get someone I have to have. Hanley, Pujols and probably A-Rod fit that bill. But I feel like I can always steal dollar players late, so I don't mind spending more than I should. But $45 on Hanley, why not? He's that good.

Fred (Gainesville, FL)

Above you mentioned you thought Brett Myers could be in for a big season in his contract year. Does something along the lines of 15 Wins, 3.50 ERA, 180Ks sound realistic to you for him in 2009?

Eric Karabell

  (3:35 PM)

I never project wins, because way too much luck goes into it, but yes, those other numbers are certainly attainable. He's done it before.

Zac (Tucson)

Who would you rather have: Scott Baker or Ricky Nolasco? ESPN has Scott Baker ranked 110 and Nolasco at 137, yet every other website I check the rankings at has Nolasco way above Baker. Why is Baker higher than Nolasco at ESPN (even in the mock draft, nolasco was taken higher than baker).

Eric Karabell

  (3:36 PM)

I'd rather have Nolasco. I can't speak for the staff rankings, as I was just 1-12th of the decision makers. But I do like Baker, too. Nolasco gets more K's, and you have to like the ballpark.

Andrew(NJ)

Trying to pick between Nelson Cruz and Chris Davis for a 5x5 roto league, who would you take?

Eric Karabell

  (3:37 PM)

Davis, and I wouldn't hesitate. Not that I think he's a lock for 30-90, but I'd say he's more likely to get there than Cruz is.

Scott (CT)

Why does everyone seem to be so high on Mclouth? I keep seeing him ranked higher than similar players such as Granderson, C.Hart and H.Pence.

Eric Karabell

  (3:38 PM)

I think the Pirates are really going to regret that contract extension. I'd take Granderson over him, easily, and consider Pence. I'm not real high on Hart taking that next step. Check McLouth's second half numbers. They don't lie.

Lance (Baltimore)

I also feel that I can get some good outfielders in the middle to late rounds - so is it suicidal to pay for two first basemen, like both Miguel Cabrera AND Teixiera?

Eric Karabell

  (3:39 PM)

No, I don't think so. I wouldn't do it, because I think first base is deeper than outfield, but I'm a proponent of getting the best hitters you can and worrying about where to use them later, to a degree.

BK Boston, MA

Name Game: who would you rather have, Hunter Pence or Maglio Ordonez?

Eric Karabell

  (3:39 PM)

Pence. He's not a good basestealer, but he'll run more, and the power might not be much lower than Magglio.

Adam (Boston)

Thoughts on Shoppach in 2 Catcher league?

Eric Karabell

  (3:40 PM)

I think he starts 120 games behind the Cleveland plate. Vic Martinez plays first. Shoppach hit 21 homers, and I think he'll do it again. So in a one-catcher league Shoppach is top-10.

Sammy(LA)

EK, what's the situation on Ian Stewart? Where's he going to play and how many AB's you think he's going to get this season?

Eric Karabell

  (3:41 PM)

I'd cautiously say 400 at-bats. I have little faith - and this sucks, because he was a great player - that Todd Helton is healthy enough to get regular at-bats. Stewart will play third and Atkins first at least half the season.

Ben (Bellflower, Ca)

Which pitcher do you like best for this season: Jair Jurrjens, Manny Parra, or Johnny Cueto?

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

Jurrjens probably. Safe enough peripherals, should win 12 at least. Looks durable. Parra still walks way too many, and Cueto scares me a bit with the homers in his ballpark. It's just a hunch I guess. It's not like anyone knows for sure what young pitchers will do, when they'll 'figure it out." I trust Jair more.

Greg Hooper (Boston, MA)

Even w/ the shoulder surgery, can I still expect 20 homers and 25 steals out of BJ Upton?

Eric Karabell

  (3:44 PM)

I think he can go 20-40 personally.

Robert Nesta (Kingstown, RI)

Why didnt Justin Upton steal any bases last year? Will he run more in '09?

Eric Karabell

  (3:45 PM)

He's not his brother. More natural talent, a typical right field arm and skill set, more power, and he doesn't want to steal bases. He's a different player, and probably has more upside.

Simon (NY)

I love Alexei Ramirez as much as the next guy. Word out of Chicago is that hes going to bat 6th, maybe even 7th in the lineup. Right now hes going 5th/6th round in mocks. Does the potential drop in SB opportunities and lack of protection drop him down on draft boards?

Eric Karabell

  (3:47 PM)

Well, for one we can't assume he won't run batting sixth or seventh. Also, it's Feb. 25. He could still bat second, or even first, in the order. The White Sox have questions. I think Ramirez is being a bit overloved, but he does have legit power, and reminds me of Alfonso Soriano with less stolen base speed.

Jeff (AR)

Straight up, I give up Braun and Hoffman and get Berkman and Lidge. Currently he has 2 1Bs and I have 2 OFs. Deal or no deal?

Eric Karabell

  (3:47 PM)

I'd take the Berkman-Lidge side.

Andrew (TO)

Hey Eric, My keepers are Arod,Soriano,Bay & Jeter. Should I trade Cano for Derek Lee?

Eric Karabell

  (3:48 PM)

I wouldn't. Cano has upside and plays a premium position. Lee is a lot more average than people think at a deep, powerful position.

Jesse(Portland, OR)

Who has better value? Gallardo (15$), Scherzer (10$), Furcal (9$). Can keep two of the three.

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

Well, it's a bit much for Gallardo, who might go cheaper in an auction. But I'd probably leave Max Scherzer out. Furcal is way cheap, and Max strikes me as an injury concern.

L. Henry Haggis (Gisawauk, WA)

Greetings! One more good fantasy year out of Vlad? or should I expect .290-20-80 ?

Eric Karabell

  (3:50 PM)

I think he can do better than that, but not much. The key is he doesn't run anymore, and he might start missing games. When he plays he should produce though. He's actually looked a bit underrated to me in drafts this season. He's still a top-40 player.

Carlo (Omaha,NE)

Eric, this might sound brash but would you keep Gallardo over Papelbon and Alexi Ramirez? Other keepers are Utley, Braun, Lincecum, Hamels. Thanks for the answer.

Eric Karabell

  (3:51 PM)

I'd probably go Alexei there. I don't keep closers, sorry, even the top ones when I can keep all-around hitters. And while I like Gallardo, he's still a pitcher. Alexei is a middle infielder who will be eligible at two premium spots who has power. Plus, you have two pitchers.

Ben (Tempe, AZ)

Can you answer a basketball question? Choose 2 out of Luke Ridnour, Mario Chalmers, and Aaron Brooks for the rest of the season...

Eric Karabell

  (3:52 PM)

Ridnour frustrates me. He doesn't make this cut.

Dierks (Down Souf)

Hey Karabell, What are you thinking at 12th/13th pick in a savvy 12-team league? Emphasis on MI in my league, so I expect Utley and Kinsler to be off the board.

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

Well, I wouldn't reach on Brandon Phillips or Mike Aviles there, that's for sure. I understand emphasis on middle infield, but I'll take the best players, even if they play first base.

Dan (NY)

AJ took Aubrey Huff at 44 in the mock draft. Do you believe in last year's numbers also? Should I actually consider keeping Huff over Adrian Gonzalez, Liriano and Ervin Santana?

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

I don't want to assume what Huff did was a fluke. He's got a shot at .300 and 30 homers again. I'd rather have Adrian though.

JSC (Boston)

Eric - I'm down to my last pick in my mini-keeper draft (taking over for a departed owner). I'm hedging between CQ and Beckett. I know both aren't sure things, but they are tough to compare. Any thoughts?

Eric Karabell

  (3:54 PM)

I'd keep Quentin. He was gonna win the AL MVP last season. Really, he would have. And while many question him, I don't see why he can't hit 35 homers again.

Joe: (Balitmore)

I have my keepers set but would like to keep at least one young guy. Who do you keep between Snider, Buchholz and Clement? Thanks EK.

Eric Karabell

  (3:55 PM)

Probably Snider. Only one we know will get significant playing time. Really, Buchholz probably goes to the minors, and Clement isn't a lock to hit. Plus, will he play everyday? Snider and Lind both will in Toronto.

Luke (Statesboro, Ga.)

Eric, thoughts on going pitching early (Santana, Lincicum, Brandon Webb) and then drafting hitters starting in round 4?

Eric Karabell

  (3:56 PM)

If your best hitter is Furcal or Huff, that's not a good thing. One of those aces, maybe two, is plenty.

Bob (Atlanta)

RE: position scarcity what position(s) are the most scarce this yr? 1B and SP strike me as the deepest.

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

Totally agree. In order, I'd say starting pitcher is deepest, then first base, third base, outfield, shortstop, second base and finally catcher.

Chris, NY, NY

Keeper Question roto.... I have Wright, Beltran, McCann, Markakis, BJ Upton...Need to drop one !! Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

Man, that stinks! I guess Markakis leaves that discussion first. I like Upton more than most.

dkg (ny)

projections on ryan ludwick?

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

30-100 again, and he hits .280. Few concerns from me.

Brad, MN

Greinke, Wainwright or Josh Johnson. Rank them please in a head to head league. Thanks!!

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

Zack, Josh and then Adam.

ryan(NJ)

Can an argument be made to taking Berkman early in the 2nd round? Eligeable at 1B and OF

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

Absolutely.

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

But I don't know how he's outfield elig...

Billy (Portland)

Assuming health and PT are there, who will have the better season Andruw Jones or Gary Sheffield?

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

Well, until we see more from Andruw, have to say Sheff... but I do see a way Andruw can play in Texas.

James(Philly)

Over/under on Jimmy Rollins: 20 HR, 40 SB...

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

Under on both, but still a worthy top-10 player...

Eric Karabell

  (4:00 PM)

OK, unfortunately time appears to be up. Thanks for the great questions, and enjoy spring training. Baseball doesn't stop now until November! Awesome!