Keith Lipscomb

  (3:01 PM)

Good afternoon. This time next week, we'll have real games to chat about. But for now, we'll have to continue our projecting. And if you're still in your hoops playoffs, feel free to fire off some questions as well. Let's do this.

Rob (Miami)

Did I dodge a bullet with John Lackey?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:02 PM)

Well, you're not out of the woods, but for now, the fact it's being called a strain is better news than you could've gotten. He'll be on the DL to start the season for sure, though.

Jamie (Denver,CO)

Kevin Gregg is available in my league and I need saves. The rest of my roster is set, should I drop Joey Devine for Gregg?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:04 PM)

I would, because Gregg's got better upside for saves this season, Jamie. Good luck!

Todd (Philly)

Gardner or Maybin? Both seem like big steal potential, but what else factors into your decision?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:07 PM)

I'm taking Maybin because of the potential he's got. All things being equal, he won't steal as many bases as Gardner, but Maybin should outperform him everywhere else, except maybe BA. Very little will be expected from Gardner offensively, outside of the running game.

John (Vegas)

In a league that counts Wins, Ks, ERA, WHIP, Win%, and QS, would you rather have Wainwright or J. Vasquez?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:10 PM)

I like Wainwright, for the combination of all categories. And remember, he made just 20 starts last year, yet got a QS 60% of the time, too.

Mike (Seattle)

Keeper league: Greinke or Gallardo?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:12 PM)

Gallardo for me, but I'm a pretty big Gallardo guy. I think he'll just keep getting better, whereas I think Greinke is at/near his peak in terms of the numbers he'll provide. It's very close for this year, but I like Gallardo more in 2-3 years.

Cody Philly

Keith, semi final week in Hoops, Lou Williams or Pryzbilla, overall value. Thanks

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:15 PM)

All things aren't equal here, because you get totally different things from each guy, Cody. Przybilla can have a greater impact on specific categories (rebs/blks) than Williams can. And Williams has struggled with his shot recently. If you don't need the help in boards or blocks, Williams is your guy. Otherwise, I'd go with Przybilla and use him to help me win those two cats.

Hal (Detroit)

Scott Lewis looked pretty good this spring. Would you take him over Dave Bush in a non-keeper?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:17 PM)

Bush has more job security, as far as No. 5 starters go, and since there's plenty of history here, you know what you're getting. I'd probably side with Bush, but if you're willing to take a mini-gamble on a more unknown quantity, Lewis shouldn't embarrass himself.

Jay (Ohio)

Hey Keith. Need some immediate advice. H2H draft tonight. 10 team keeper league where most of the top closers have been kept. How do you feel about punting the saves category and loading up with middle relievers late to help in whip, era, and wins? Doesn't seem worth the early picks to grab closers. Your help is appreciated!

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:20 PM)

I don't think that's a bad strategy for starters, especially in a 10-team league, since you know plenty of saves will come into the league and you can use the waiver wire to get them. That being said, I usually try to get at least one save guy, just so I don't fall too far behind, though. I wouldn't punt saves for the season. That's for sure.

Otis (providence!)

What about CoJack this year? Forget the HR totals, will he be a cleanup hitter still and is there enough value to command an OF position (have Maybin, Soriano, Quentin, Lind, Fowler [teix at 1B])?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:23 PM)

Hey Otis, I still think he'll drive in runs and am not worried about his unimpressive spring at the plate. As much as I like Fowler's potential, there's no question in my mind Jackson will have more value this season, so he could play OF for your team.

Frank (Columbus, OH)

Thoughts on Jordan Schafer now in the aftermath of the Josh Anderson trade? Better upside than Colby Rasmus this season?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:26 PM)

What a difference a year makes for Schafer, huh? It's good to see him bounce back from the suspension and look like the player many thought he was beforehand. I like him better than Rasmus this season, just because he's got a greater opportunity. Rasmus will need an injury to get major ABs, whereas Schafer could get regular ABs all season long. There will be bumps in the road, at such a young age, but he won't be asked to do too much, hitting down in the lineup.

Jim (NYC)

Pick 2 for my fantasy hoops playoffs... Iverson, Nocioni, M Miller, and Jack. Thanks!

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:28 PM)

I don't feel great about Iverson, just because there's always a chance that back acts up again, and he'll likely get only 25 minutes or so a night, it appears, at least for the next few games. I can't let one good game from Miller change my thoughts on him. McHale is fiddling with that lineup too much. I actually think I'd go with Nocioni and Jack for this week, Jim. Safer bets. Good luck!

Will (St. Louis)

Should I lose sleep tonight for taking Ichiro over Holliday in my draft. I did pick up some power sources later like Dunn and Carlos Pena.

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:30 PM)

As long as you feel you've got solid balance, and can compete in all categories, that's what's most important. And it sounds like you got some pop to cover for the lack of that from Ichiro. I hope you have other players on your team to cover for Dunn's and Pena's low BAs, though.

Max (Los Angeles)

Aviles - for real? Can he be a serviceable SS along the lines of Michael Young?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:32 PM)

I really don't see why he can't come close in many categories, and you can get him later, as well, at least from the drafts I've taken part in. I think Young will win the BA battle between the two, but Aviles could drive in more runs.

Thews (Fritanga Monimbo)

Thoughts on Clay Buchholz this year? Should I stash him on my bench?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:34 PM)

I actually like Buchholz. It's just a matter of opportunity. He's had a good spring and apprears to have worked out many of the command issues he had last year. Definitely someone to stash, if you have the ability to do so.

Eric (Indy)

Who should I put as my utility player? Votto, DeRosa, or Ludwick?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:35 PM)

I like Votto the most, not only because I think he's the best of the three right now, but because he's also got the most potential to get even better this season.

Andrew (Bridgeport CT)

Should I drop Percival or Francisco in favor of Gregg?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:37 PM)

I know Percival is closing now, but I can't help but worry that he'll wind up on the DL at some point, so I'd drop him in favor of Gregg.

Kyle (PA)

Who is my toxic asset? I drafted tons of youth in pitching. In other words which pitcher should I trade before the bubble bursts. Nolasco, Liriano, Gallardo, Greinke, Baker or Slowley?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:38 PM)

I actually like all of those guys to have nice seasons. If you really want to get rid of one, throw a flier out to your leaguemates to see which one would bring the most value back and maybe you'll wind up with a sweet deal you can't refuse.

Miki RWC, CA

hey keith, i'm completely confused on alexei ram's value, i've been offered all sorts of trades for him. what do you see as his 09 #'s? thanks, miki

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:42 PM)

It seems like Alexei has projections that range a bit, from what I've seen/heard. I really think he's a legit 25-20 guy, as he continues to learn more. Remember, he's not your normal sophomore at 27 years old. I think he's mature enough that he won't suffer a slump. I think he shows even more this year, although I still don't see him walking much.

Michael (St. Louis)

Better end-game SP this year: Kawakami or Kuroda?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:44 PM)

For me, it's easy to go with Kuroda. He really pitched well the final two months of the season last year, and I expect him to be more consistent this season in a friendly ballpark.

George (GA)

Does Slowey have a better year than Baker?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:46 PM)

I've thought a little bit more of Slowey than Baker, watching them come up through the Minnesota system, but it's pretty close. But since you're asking, I like Slowey to have a slightly better season, yes.

Shane (Edison, NJ)

Keith, can you tell us a bit about Trevor Cahill and Brett Anderson? A lot of sites treat them like the same person. How does that situation shake out?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:51 PM)

Shane, unfortunately I haven't seen these kids pitch, except for an inning or two in spring training, but our Jason Grey has, and he's said that while Cahill has the greater upside, Anderson is likely more ready right now. I still can't get a read on how that's going to shake out, and am anxiously awaiting a decision.

Dino (from the Bar & Grill)

Any concerns about Ryan Braun's rib injury? Would it affect where you'd draft him compared with Miggy?

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:53 PM)

Braun actually homered in a minor-league game the other day and has now been cleared to play in a spring training game, which is a good sign. Obliques can't be tricky, so it could always come back and bite him, but I'm not budging on him on my draft board at the moment. I'm still taking him before Cabrera.

Daniel (NYC)

Alfonso Soriano stat predictions? 30/30??

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:56 PM)

I'd like to think he's got one more 30/30 in him, Daniel, but I drafted him thinking more like .285/35/25, if he can just stay healthy. At least he reported in great shape and has stayed healthy to this point. So far, so good.

Nate (Moscw, ID)

In a H2H points league, who you like? Peralta or M. Young? Thanks!

Keith Lipscomb

  (3:58 PM)

Neither guy walks a ton, and both should score close to 100 runs again. The difference for me is that, while Young will have more hits, Peralta could have 15-20 more extra-base hits, and at least as many RBIs, so I'd actually give him the edge.

Jay (NYC)

What is the best we can expect from Billy Butler this year?

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:00 PM)

I actually like Butler this season, but as far as best-case scenario, I'd say .305-20-85 is a fair best-case. I expect a bit less than that, but I really think he'll bounce back nicely. Remember, he's not even 23 yet. He's a professional hitter.

Douglas (Pittsburgh)

Give me a Closer, any closer that no one knows about... any... really.

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:02 PM)

I'm not sure NO ONE knows about him, but keep an eye on Jared Burton in Cincy, just in case Cordero can't get it straightened out.

Keith Lipscomb

  (4:03 PM)

All right, everyone. I've gotta go, but thank you for the questions. Look forward to Sunday night and Opening Day next week. We'll chat soon!