ESPN

Brendan Roberts

  (3:00 PM)

Good afternoon, everyone! Just five more days! Let's get to your questions ...

Brett

How far is the drop off between Doumit and Shoppach and if I have a chance to get Doumit should I take it?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:02 PM)

Honestly, I don't think there's much of a dropoff there. Looking at his peripherals, I can't guarantee Doumit will hit .300, and Shoppach is right there with him in the other categories. I think Shoppach's PT is safe enough (at least compared with other catchers). I think you hang on to Shoppach and give him a shot before trying to upgrade. That said, if it's a simple FA wire swap, then I do have Doumit rated higher.

Trey (VA)

Should Mark Lowe be dropped now? If so, is Cahill, Hanson, or Anderson worth a pick up in a deep mixed league? Thanks.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:04 PM)

Mark Lowe can be dropped, Tyler Walker can be dropped (and was by the M's), Batista can be dropped ... Who should you pick up? I like Cahill, and of course I like Hanson's upside, but Anderson has really impressed me and has locked in a top-four spot in the A's rotation. He'd be my guy, and mixed leaguers should seriously look at this guy. He's all the rage on the FA wire right now.

Colin (Toronto)

Thoughts on Chris Young (SP)? Velocitys has been down and he's had a rough spring, could he be hiding an injury?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:05 PM)

I think he is. I've been as impressed with his numbers as anybody else, but I've always felt of him as an injury risk because of his awkward delivery. Lower velocity and getting shelled in the spring, in my mind, is just the first sign of there being something wrong. I wouldn't advise chasing him.

Mike (Indy)

Should we be concerned with Berkman's injury? Do you think he'll be ready for opening day?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:06 PM)

I think he'll be ready. Reportedly, his range of motion is getting a little better each day, and he still has six days. The fact that he plays first base helps, and the team doesn't seem at all concerned. You're fine here.

Paul (Chicago)

Is Spilborghs worth owning in a 12-team mixed league?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:08 PM)

Very good question. It seems he'll start regularly for the Rox and might even lead off. He's right at the borderline of ownership. I'd say if you have a decent-sized (four-man or more) bench, yes. If you don't, I'd wait to see how his PT plays out.

RS (Boston)

Name game - Motte or Devine?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:09 PM)

Hmm, I'd wait to hear back on Devine's slight arm problem. If he's going to close from the get-go, then he'd be my guy. If not, then go with Motte and don't look back.

Pedro (venezuela)

Chris Volstad, how good he really is?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:11 PM)

Good question, Pedro. I am actually trying to work out a trade regarding him (or at least looking at ... I don't like to trade too much early). I like his percentage numbers because his control is impeccable and he can avoid extra-base hits, but I also don't like his K's or potential wins. I consider him something sort of a No. 4 or 5 fantasy starter whom you grab if you get a few high-K guys on your team before him.

Erik (ATL)

Brendan, good to have you back on the chat. How do you rank Silly Willy Taveres for this year? I think you ESPN folks are a little bearish on a guy who lead the league in steals while playing most of the year hobbled. Do you think its realistic that Silly Willy hits .280 and swipes 50 this year, in front of guys like Phillips, Bruce, and Votto?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:14 PM)

I've never really gone away ... I've been here more or less every week since last year at this time. But thanks! Anyway, I think absolutely he has a good chance at getting the 42 steals we have him projected for. He stole 68 bases last year despite getting just 479 at-bats and playing home games in an also-mighty favorable ballpark. Dusty likes to run, Willy's job is safe ... I don't see how with 500 at-bats he'd drop that many steals.

Ryan (East Lansing)

Am I crazy like a fox or just plain crazy to think that a platoon of Salty and Teagarden will produce top 10 catchers stats for me this year? 14 team daily league with a deep bench.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:16 PM)

You're not crazy ... but I hope you got both for a tremendous bargain. As in, I don't think you'll get top-10 catcher numbers, but you probably will match the catching duo of a few of your league mates. I think eventually Teagarden takes a majority of the job and makes it his own.

m

I trust your advice. I could drop a $2 Kawakami to free up room and have enough cap to pick up a $14 Derek Lowe in a $260 in-season salary capped 12 team roto league. Worth it?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:17 PM)

I like Kawakami for that price, and I think he'll exceed that, but if you're looking to win now, and Lowe is available, that's where you have to go.

Charlotte (Kansas)

Hi Brendan, I am having a difficult time getting an expert to answer whether a 10 Team League owner can afford to carry David Price on their bench utill he returns to the majors? Please share your thoughts...Thank You.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:18 PM)

We get a lot of questions and don't even see a third of them ... but here I am! I say no, he's not worth it, unless the bench is, say, more than five players per team. There's no definitive word when he'll return, and when he does, he figures to have bad starts just like any young pitcher (Gallardo most comes to mind). I say you unfortunately have to cut him.

Somebody Should Ask (Boston, MA)

Any word yet on where Sheffield ends up?Also, the new kid in Atlanta. I just read the article on espn.com how he might not do much, but a starting CF in MLB...gotta be decent right? Your thoughts?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:21 PM)

Good question on Big Sheff, and was just looking at that. Rumor is he wants to go back to TB, and if they can eat his D in right field and still believe in him, he would fit there. But really there's no way to tell. I do have to believe he'll sign somewhere fairly soon, and the fact that he doesn't have to make much from his new team helps. And I doubt he'd sign for anything less than a platoon role. I'm keeping him right now on the two teams I have him on. As for Schafer, yes, he's very raw, and there's no definitive word yet that he's even going to start in the majors. Blanco had a ton of at-bats in CF last year for the team, and he could well start this year.

Grant (Baltimore)

With the news of Shoppach only getting 2 or 3 days playing time out of 5 as catcher, do you drop him for Napoli or B. Molina??

Brendan Roberts

  (3:23 PM)

I'm not sure if I believe that plan will last the entire season, and heck, most catchers catch only 4 out of 5 anyway, which isn't so much more. I think Napoli, for instance, will split time with Jeff Mathis. I do like Molina a bit more than Shoppach, though.

Jericho (The Moon)

Brandon Wood looks like he's made strides into a legit Major League hitter and the Angels always seem like they need offense. After two years of AAA, do they give Wood a job on a crowded Angels roster? He could play SS, even though they don't want him there. He's also got to be better than Figgins at 3B. Shouldn't they be making room for him?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:24 PM)

Good question. Wood figures to make the roster, but the team isn't sure how they'll use him yet. You might think he's better than Chone, but Figgins is a Scioscia-like player, scrappy and aggressive. I think his job is safe, and I think Wood fill probably slot him as a 250-AB utility man, and that's all.

Vito (Canarsie)

Hey B! I own Armando Galarraga...Was he just lucky last year or is he actually a decent fantasy pitcher? Thanks!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:26 PM)

Boy, everybody seems to think he was lucky, and the BABIP numbers and the fact that lefties did slug .505 against him is worrisome. Then again, he's only 27, and it's not like he's devoid of big-league talent. I like him as a late-round (2th or 21st) mixed grab, which is a lot more than many of my comrades would say.

Martin (Austin, TX)

Devine is scheduled to visit Dr. Andrews next week. That's never a good sign. With this news, what are your thoughts on the closer situation in Oakland? If nothing else, it will give Ziegler a couple of weeks to solidify his position as the closer, or for that matter, show that he has no business closing.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:28 PM)

Yeah, you rarely come away from Dr. Andrews with little more than a smiley-faced band aid and a lollipop. It's usually at least a "shutdown" or a recommended surgery. I think Ziegler would be the undisputed closer. Unfortunately, I have doubts as to whether he can handle the role. I worry about "gimmicky" pitchers like him the longer they're in the league.

Henry (Atlanta)

When would you guess that Ray becomed the O's closer, and until then, might he still have value in a 10 Team league that does not count holds?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:30 PM)

Lotta closer questions, for good reason. I love Chris Ray, and I honestly think he'll be named closer within the first three weeks of the season. The pump is already primed; the O's mentioned it to Sherrill, and he seemed to be OK with the move back to a setup role. Hmm, tough to justify drafting him late in a 10-team league -- because we ARE talking about the O's closer here, not the Red Sox's. But if you have a bench in your league, he's the perfect guy to put on it.

John: (Astoria, N.Y.)

For my 3-year keeper league, what are your thoughts as to the chance Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish will be posted during that time frame? Thanks.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:31 PM)

I really have little or no idea; I don't follow such things closely. But he's good enough, and there's at least enough of a chance, in my mind, that he makes for a good guy to throw on your taxi squad.

Jay (Boston)

BRob give me some love with Porcello, im dying over here. Tell me he's gonna grab the 5th spot in the rotation

Brendan Roberts

  (3:35 PM)

Sorry, bud, can't do that for sure. But the losses of Bonderman and Dontrelle sure do make it more likely. That said, I don't think it's the best thing for him. Looks like the No. 5 role won't get much work for DET early, and Porcello really needs to go to the minors, start consistently every fifth day, and build up his arm strength. The Tigers haven't tipped their hand, and since they tend to be one of the more "loose-lipped" teams, I take that to mean he'll probably start in the minors initially.

Fred (Boston)

Any idea where Aviles and Gordon are going bat in the KC line-up? Same question for Kemp and Ethier in LA. Wondering if strong spring performances lift Kemp and Gordon to top half of the order status.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:37 PM)

Last I heard Aviles was hitting No. 2 and Gordon either 5th or 6th for KC (probably 5th). Both preserve their values. Kemp probably 3rd (with Manny 4th) and Ethier 5th. Same thing, there's not much news here in terms of their values.

DNQ (Seattle)

Hank Blalock? Todd Helton? Paul Konerko? These guys are on my bench. Are they worth the space? Can I expect a bounce back season from any of these 3?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:39 PM)

I wouldn't expect much from Blalock. It sounds like the Rangers will cut back his starts so much; they've given up on him staying healthy while starting everyday. Konerko should do about the same as he did last year, which is a lot more than most people project him for (in terms of draft value). And I actually like Helton this season. He's as hungry as in any recent season, and is tearing it up this spring. Definitely mid/late-round sleeper there.

frank - salt lake city

is carlos lee ok? he lost the last month of last season with a broken finger. he's been miserable in spring training. should i be concerned?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:40 PM)

Not at all. He'll be fine. One of the more consistent producers season-to-season in the game, and his injury was fluky (caused by an HBP). Also, don't know this for sure, but I think he's one of those guys who traditionally struggles in the spring.

Tom (San Francisco CA)

What are your thoughts on Pablo Sandoval? Excellent minor league numbers and still very young. Where you do see him in 2 years?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:41 PM)

Playing 1B for the Giants, and hitting .320-23-90. And I see him coming close to that this season. Definitely "breakout candidate."

Hal (San Diego)

Are you on the Adam Jones bandwagon?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:45 PM)

I'm not at all. I've been avoiding him (based on where he's usually taken). I just see nothing in his numbers that suggest actual growth. He doesn't walk, strikes out quite a bit, has a terrible OBP, is susceptible to righties' breaking stuff, was worse in the second half than the first in 2008, and even broke his foot and missed a month. I just can't be sure this is a breakout season, and I have my doubts as to whether he'll be the fantasy horse some project. He's a better "real" tools player than a fantasy target, in my mind. Not a fan.

jim (Calgary)

Hey Brendan, I'll try again. Do you expect a full rebound from Ortiz? He's healthy now and raking in spring. The projections seem based mostly off last year's numbers.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:47 PM)

Aren't most guys healthy in the spring? Was he healthy last spring? I don't think folks can use that as a precursor. He's still not in great shape, and he still has limitations (remember he won't do more than pinch-hit in NL parks). I think the homers could return -- he did have an uncharacteristic, probably injury-related, dryspell last year -- but I don't think we see a .300 or even .290 average from him again.

Jake (Michigan)

Thoughts on the closer situation in Toronto? Does B.J. Ryan lose the job, and if so, does Downs get it?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:50 PM)

Glad you asked this, Jake, because I am starting to worry about ol' BJ Ryan. For those who haven't heard, he's been topping out at 84 mph, and his coaching staff is starting to get concerned. I think back to this time a year ago, and he was bouncing back from Tommy John surgery what I felt was a little too early, and then he went on to pitch in a whopping 60 games. He takes the offseason, and comes back flat. Surprised? I'm not. ... I think Accardo is the best bet should he be pulled.

Chis Dickerson (Cincy)

Am I a poor man's Chris Young?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:51 PM)

I don't think so. Not quite enough power. Maybe a poor man's Johnny Damon.

Jim (NJ)

Spils or Mets Murphy? Thanks!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:52 PM)

Murphy, Murphy, Murphy. Great hitter assured regular starts in a great lineup spot. One of my uber-sleepers for this season.

Trey (VA)

Does Elijah Dukes fit into your description of Adam Jones or does Dukes' talent transfer better to fantasy? Thanks.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:54 PM)

Ha, ha. Actually quite the opposite. He's not that great of a fielder despite his skills, he's not real durable (obviously), and he likely won't hit for a high average, which will reflect in his clutch-hitting and RBIs. But because he could connect well enough to hit 20-plus homers and run well enough to steal 20-plus bases, we're interested. That said, he's the next Milton Bradley, talented but frustrating to own.

jon

in need of steals brett gardner or michael bourn?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:54 PM)

Hmm, I'd probably say Gardner.

Jose Lopez (Mariners)

Brendan! Am I a better fantasy option than Alexie Ramirez?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:55 PM)

Nope, I still like Alexei better. BTW, still no word that Alexei's knee injury is anything more than a cut.

Bj upton (tampa bay) [via mobile]

Am i a power hitter or a stolen base supplier? Or both?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:57 PM)

A steals guy. Like I've said before, the natural progression of a young hitter is to try to turn from a free-swinging power hitter to one that makes more contact and gets better at-bats. It often comes at the expense of the power. So whereas I think his K rate will go down, and he'll maintain a decent average, I think those big-homer dreams are long gone. Plus, for what it's worth, the kid is super-lanky and doesn't even LOOK like much of a homer hitter. But it does look like a base-runner.

Eli (Charlestown, MA)

name game: Jurrjens or Gallaraga?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:57 PM)

I like Jurrjens to take a nice step forward this year; he's the pick.

Erik (ATL)

Who do you like to win the closer's job in Colorado, Street or Corpas? Do you think Street could struggle in the Rocky Mountain Air?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:58 PM)

I do, but not because of his stuff. He's pretty much a fastball/changeup pitcher, and that's fine, but I just don't think he's 100 percent right now. He's just not himself. I'd rather Corpas win the job; we know he can be effective.

Douglas (Omaha)

Should we let Weeks strong spring sucker us in AGAIN? + Tulo or Drew? Thank You, Thank You.

Brendan Roberts

  (4:01 PM)

I think you answered your own question, Doug! Weeks is just suckering you, that's all. And I'm not sure Tulo is ready to be that elite hitter many expect he'll be. Too free-swinging to hit above .275, for one. But I LOVE Drew for this year, and glad to see him back after a one- or two-day injury there. Funny that he's been pretty durable, but just cause that last name on his jersey, I am wary, and that's not fair. One more ...

Nats Fan

Zimmermann the real deal? pleas help, I somehow ended up without him, but the dude who owns him is charging a tooth..what is a fair trade?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:03 PM)

He's the real deal, as I noted in a Diamond Debate. But he's not a sure enough thing that you should pay an owner that's wanting to rip you off. You might have to press on without him.

Brendan Roberts

  (4:03 PM)

All right, guys, a lot of questions in a short time, great questions ... would the season just start already?! See ya here next week -- same time, same channel.