Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:02 AM)

Good morning everyone! Opening Night is three days away ... can't wait! Let's get right to your questions...

Boomer (STL)

What kind of numbers do you see Hank Blalock having this year? Is he worth stashing on my bench?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:03 AM)

Probably somewhere in the ballpark of a .280 batting average, 15-20 homers ... and 100-110 games played. I actually like Blalock for what he is, and he probably belongs on most benches except in the most shallow mixed formats, but his best value to fantasy is as a matchups type.

Brad, NJ [via mobile]

Why does Alexi Ramirez not have eligibility at SS and Sandoval not have eligibility at C on espn.com?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:05 AM)

Because a player needs to play a certain minimum number of games in order to qualify at a new position, and neither of them has reached that threshold yet. Twenty games is a long-time fantasy staple for position qualification. I've got no problem with it, nor would I have any problem picking either of those guys since Ramirez should become eligible at short by the end of April. By the way, with Pablo Sandoval, no matter what case you want to make about using him at catcher, fact is he fell short of the minimum there in 2008, and he's a third baseman for the Giants. He really shouldn't be a catcher for fantasy until he shows he's going to play there enough.

Jon (Boston, MA)

Why is Sean Gallagher not starting in Oakland and who will take his place in rotation?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:06 AM)

My answer to the first part is "beats me," as I've never been a Dallas Braden (or Josh Outman) fan. My answer to the second part is Outman. And Trevor Cahill and Brett Anderson remain the Oakland starters with upside I'm looking at. The rest? Eh.

Lee (Chitown)

Closers - blah. I have Lyon...should I pick up Rodney or just stop caring and pick up Daniel Murphy instead?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:07 AM)

Well, I don't like Fernando Rodney in fantasy and I like Daniel Murphy as a sleeper, so...

Billy (NY)

Sandoval is a 1B in my espn league...

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:08 AM)

That is correct. That is where he played the most in 2008, which is how positions are decided for guys who didn't log 20 games at any one position. He'll qualify quickly at third, though.

Gil (NC)

Hey Tristan- Who do you prefer (this year only): Porcello, B.Anderson, Cahill, or Jordan Zimmerman...

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:09 AM)

Probably Zimmermann, followed by Cahill, and then the other two are only slightly behind Cahill, going Porcello then Anderson. I'd be cautious trusting any of these guys regularly; they're merely sleepers to round out a staff or a bench.

Steve (NY)

Over/under: Buchholz, 25 starts.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:09 AM)

Under, but it's not right.

Steve (NY)

TMR predicted 15 W 3.30 ERA 175 K for Wandy Rodriguez. Crazy or attainable?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:10 AM)

I won't be shocked if he's right, as we're sitting right next to each other on that bandwagon. They've got good coffee on this thing, and an HDTV. You should hop aboard.

Bob (Madison, WI)

Javier Vazquez will be a Top ___ pitcher this year.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:11 AM)

Eh, 25? That's pretty much where I have had him all spring. I don't know what all the hulabaloo is about with that guy. He's good, but I keep looking at Vazquez and think "he is what he is." Not like he's going to become an instant Cy Young candidate, but sure, I admit his chances get at least slightly better in Atlanta than they were in Chicago or Arizona. Remember, though, he was pretty darned good two seasons ago. I'd say that's his ceiling.

Ryan Spilborghs (Colorado)

Why isn't anyone talking about me? I'm starting and whenever I'm given time I do nothing but hit. What are your projections for me?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:11 AM)

I'm offended, Ryan. You apparently have not been attending my chats all spring.

Todd (Philly)

Bonafacio or Andrus for more steals this year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:12 AM)

I think Elvis Andrus is ultimately going to lead in steals, and steals alone, but Emilio Bonifacio's stock has risen considerably this week. He's probably the smarter choice of the two, if you can make the positions work.

Henry (Atlanta)

With Lyon's uncertain status, would you rather have Ray with at least a promising one? Thank you Tristan.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:13 AM)

Yes. One of the angles to the "don't pay for saves" strategy is that you hold no loyalty to so-so guys who lose their gigs. I did say I saw some cheap, cheap value in Brandon Lyon at the onset of spring training, but now that his stock is down, I wouldn't be afraid to let him go for a more promising choice.

Bernard (Princeton, NJ)

What kind of expectations do you have for David Freese in St Louis?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:14 AM)

Based on what he did in the minors I'd expect a batting average in the .260s with maybe 15 homers, so long as he gets the at-bats, 350 or more. Problem is, while he's an NL-only sleeper, I see that Cardinals third-base spot being a mish-mosh in 2009. Some of this guy, some of that guy, and no one does much better than 300 at-bats. So don't go nuts.

Marc (Philly)

Is it safe to say Brad Ziegler is the solid closer in Oakland?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:17 AM)

Dr. James Andrews will have your answer soon, but anytime a pitcher deals with injury issues for the entire spring and then takes a trip to Alabama, you need to start panicking. At this point the best you can hand Joey Devine is one-half of Oakland's saves in 2009. And even that might be generous.

GT (NC)

Need some serious help at 2B. Who do you go with out of R.Weeks, Fontenot, Bonifacio? Any other sleepers come to mind?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:18 AM)

Chris Getz is another sleeper, and there's some talk of him hitting second in Chicago. But out of that bunch, even though he terrifies me because of his low batting average, Rickie Weeks needs be your choice. Followed fairly closely by Mike Fontenot.

Marv NYC

The first pick ups are soon. I need some depth for my rotation. Who should I add? Wolf, Litsch, Snell or Parra. thanks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:20 AM)

It'd be either Randy Wolf or Manny Parra, and considering I was big on Parra in the preseason, he's the one I'd probably add. Kind of a case of safe-right-now (Wolf) versus risk/reward (Parra), if that helps with your decision between them.

Gil - Florida

Is it possible that Jorge Cantu gets *better* this year? He is only 27.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:21 AM)

It is not impossible. Does that help? And for the record, I think it's silly to say Cantu cannot repeat his 2008. He's sneaking in as a bit of a bargain in most of my drafts. Even if he takes a step backward, it'd be small, I'd say.

Impatient Pete (KC)

When does Lackey and Escobar get DL'd by the Angels?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:22 AM)

Don't you hate the irregularity of DL moves? I know I do. It's a frustration, I know, but it can be entirely random as to when they are made the final week of the spring.

Dave, RI

Why is JJ Hardy slipping in most drafts? Anything to be afraid of here?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:23 AM)

Beats me, because I like him quite a bit. He's in my top 10 shortstops, and a guy I target a lot.

Joe (Morris Plains, NJ)

B. Phillips over/under 30-30?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:24 AM)

Under. But he's capable, and will get in the ballpark in both categories.

Travis (Rochester, MN)

Can we talk some catchers? Snyder or K. Suzuki and what do you expect out of both?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:25 AM)

I think that I respect Miguel Montero as a backup more than I do Landon Powell has me thinking Kurt Suzuki here, barely. Besides, he's young, might have a little more room for growth.

Frank (NYC)

Should I be worried about Scott Baker? He's on the DL now. Thanks THC!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:26 AM)

I'd be a little worried now, yes, as this shoulder issue seemed to come out of nowhere after he endured a brutal spring. But I wouldn't cut the guy outright; just prepare for a lost April for now. Guess I better update my pitchers chart for the Forecaster (which is on the way!)

Ron (Tampa)

Markakis-McLouth-D. Lowe or Sizemore-V. Wells-Kuroda?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:27 AM)

First half. For as much as I like Grady Sizemore, there isn't anything bad I could say about any of the players on the other side of that deal. Very good values.

Daniel (NYC)

Who do you like more this year Mclouth, Eithier or Hart? Can I get some stat projections for all 3?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:29 AM)

Nate McLouth. Got him around a .280-25-90-25 stat line. As for Andre Ethier, .305-22-95-5, and Corey Hart, .275-25-95-20.

John (Decatur,IL)

Who is the better pitcher this year Maholm or Snell?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:30 AM)

Tough one, as again, it's a case of safety versus risk/reward. And I feel much more comfortable picking the "safe" guy, Paul Maholm, as I don't think his true talent is worlds off his 2008 performance.

Josh (Denver,CO)

Stat projections are available on the site! Can we go deep and talk about my boy D. Purce

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:32 AM)

Sure are, and in most cases, I can tell you mine probably aren't way off ours. As for the question, I can't tell if that's David Price misspelled or David Purcey missing the "Y." Price, well, I think he's up in June (not that it's smart), and an immediate impact fantasy player. Purcey, he's more a matchups type and I hate that he pitches in that division, but I'd toss a buck on him in a very deep mixed or AL-only league.

PJ (NY)

Hey, Tristan. What is up with Alexei's knee? Haven't heard anything since the initial news broke.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:33 AM)

Alexei Ramirez played the very next day after that, so no concerns.

Steve (Brew City, WI)

Do you think the Giants are really going to let Sandoval catch when he has only played one game behind the plate this spring? Is he a top-5 catcher if he qualifies?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:35 AM)

If what Bruce Bochy says is true, that the Giants won't carry a backup catcher initially, then sure, I could see Pablo Sandoval getting enough time there to qualify. I think Bochy is nuts, though, not to carry Steve Holm.

John (LA)

Any reason to be concerned with Furcal's spring?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:36 AM)

Only if it's a product of his not being 100 percent, and I've gotten no indication that he is not. That said, I'm not ready to put Rafael Furcal in Jimmy Rollins territory, which is where I've seen some of the more optimistic folks rank him. Too much health risk.

Bill (St. Louis)

Better bet to bounce back, V-mart or Hafner?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:36 AM)

I think Victor Martinez is going to bounce back in a big way.

Steve (Toronto)

Are you concerned about BJ Ryan's lack of velocity? Would you rather have Ziegler, Hanrahan or Ray? Thanks.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:37 AM)

Yes, absolutely, as Ryan has logged a lot of innings over the years, and hasn't always been the healthiest fella. Not a guy I've been targeting this spring. I don't have him on a single team. And I'd go Joel Hanrahan, if only because of that strikeout rate and clear grip on the closer role.

Larry (Indiana)

Wieters was dropped in my league, is he worth the wait and my #3 waiver priority? I have Sandoval at catcher and could drop Choo (OF glut).

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:39 AM)

I said on the podcast last week that I would absolutely keep Matt Wieters on my bench in any league. I think his talent is that good, and his value relative to position immense. That said, in your particular situation I'd be a bit uncomfortable dropping Shin-Soo Choo if he's a clear starter for you. If he's obvious excess and the worst outfielder you have by far, then I think you can make a case. I bet you've got someone worse than that?

Chris ( Minn)

Everybody is so high on Matt Kemp, and predicting him to bat 3rd. Does anyone realize he is going to be batting 7th or 8th?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:41 AM)

I don't think he's batting third. I've heard he's batting seventh. Can't see him hitting eighth. And I bet he moves up from the seven hole, so I'm not all that concerned. You do make a good point, though, and it helps remind not to let your expectations get out of hand with Kemp.

David (LA, CA)

Tristan! Happy Baseball! I grabbed Ubaldo as a late SP...FAs Oliver Perez, Maholm, Volstad, Reyes, Kuroda any better?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:41 AM)

Hiroki Kuroda ranks higher on my list, but not by enough that I'd jump at that switch. I'm an Ubaldo Jimenez fan, so I'd probably sit back and see what he could do for me for a couple weeks.

Collin (Tulsa)

With Accardo getting sent down, is Scott Downs the player I should hawk off the wire??

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:42 AM)

Yup.

Dino (Denver)

Pick three: WayRod, Pettitte, Wolf, Meche, Sonnonstine, and A Cook.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:42 AM)

Wandy Rodriguez, Gil Meche and Andy Sonnanstine stand way out to me.

Doug (LA)

Keeper league, should I trade Johan and Choo for Kemp and Liriano?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:43 AM)

Yes. A thousand times yes.

Max (Denver)

Is there a chance Ubaldo throws opening day? If not when will be his first start of the season. Anyway he get 200ip and 200k's?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:45 AM)

He's scheduled for the second day of the season, next Tuesday, against Dan Haren and the Diamondbacks on the road. And while I won't go so far as to forecast 200 K's, I don't think it's an outrageous goal for him.

Matt, CO

Should I be worried about Francisco Cordero?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:46 AM)

Well, I am, but what's important to keep in mind with him is that his contract, track record and lack of alternatives behind him give him about as much job security as anyone in the game. So he still belongs in the second tier of closers, I just am not going out of my way to get him ahead of other save-getters.

Chris (Philly)

Hi Tristan. I saw you ranked Wandy Rodriguez ahead of Meche. Could you give me your reasons for that? Thanks.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:46 AM)

Not true, just answered in the order the pitchers in the question were listed.

Jim (Montana)

Am i a HUGE sleeper? Batting 3rd? Me or the Mets Murphy?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:47 AM)

Well, I don't know you, but, no.

Tom (NJ)

Who would you rather have Parra or Galarraga?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:48 AM)

Manny Parra. I do think Armando Galarraga is capable of sticking in that rotation and making 30 starts, but I don't think he's going to excite you at all. More a streaks/matchups type than anything. And the thing I think people need to keep in mind is that he was worked extremely hard in the WBC, and is coming off a career year. Just a lot of downside there.

BJ (Chicago)

I need some bullpen help (SV,HLD), I've been offered Brett Myers, Kevin Gregg and Grant Balfour for Felix Hernandez. Do I pull the trigger?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:49 AM)

Sure, that seems like a fair offer. Not like Myers is all that much of a downgrade from "King Felix."

JAB (NYC)

Who do you see as this year's Cliff Lee and Carlos Quentin?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:52 AM)

News flash: There won't be a "Cliff Lee" this season, and no, I'm not saying Cliff Lee will cease to exist. I'm saying cases like his 2008 are so rare, and so special, you can't just expect them every season. You want the comeback guy who might dominate to close to that level? It's Chris Carpenter. I'm a believer. That's his upside if he's truly healthy. As for Quentin, hmmm. Maybe Ryan Spilborghs, or Lastings Milledge, or Stephen Drew.

ryan(NJ)

JAB (NYC): Who do you see as this year's Cliff Lee and Carlos Quentin? Almost by definition, the true answer to this question is a player that no one would give as the answer

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:53 AM)

Well said, Ryan. In which case it's Joel Pineiro and Andruw Jones, because no one at all is targeting either of them!

Trevor Cahill, Oakland, CA

Compare me to Brandon Webb.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:54 AM)

You generate a lot of ground balls, and that's about as far as I'm willing to go right now. But I like the creative thinking. I still liken Cahill of 2009 more to Justin Masterson of 2008.

Joe (NJ)

Would you trade Nelson Cruz for Greinke?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:54 AM)

I'd make that trade, and then I'd try to make it again.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:55 AM)

And come to think of it, that sounds like I'm saying I would trade the players back, which wasn't my intention. Just my way of being as enthusiastic about getting Zack Greinke for Nelson Cruz as humanly possible.

Lee (NY)

why are poeple laughing at my OF of Markakis, Dye, Ibanez, Milledge, and Dukes?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:56 AM)

Because if they didn't, when they compare it to their own they might cry. Seriously though, I think you've got some very nice upside potential in that bunch. It's a very workable outfield.

Tom (PA)

Tristan! In a keeper league: Cueto, Ubaldo, Anderson, Porcello, or J Zimmerman?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:57 AM)

I want to win now, so long as it's not at the immense expense of future seasons, so this boils down to Johnny Cueto versus Ubaldo Jimenez. And I feel a little better about Cueto's future, so that's my choice.

Joe (Philly)

Jayson Werth - are you a believer? Full time ABs!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:58 AM)

Absolutely. Great offensive gains in 2008, favorable home ballpark, efficient base stealer. The only thing not to like is his track record in the health department, but hey, for guys picked outside the top 100, can you expect them to be perfect?

frank - salt lake city

Gallardo's stats 2009?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:00 PM)

I'm thinking an ERA around 3.25, 1.25 WHIP, 13 wins, 185 K's in about 28-30 starts.

Shane (NJ)

Dexter Fowler. You syked like I am? In my keeper I have Hawpe & Spilborghs on the bench too, should be a fun summer, no?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:00 PM)

I like Fowler, and think he's a decent sleeper choice now that he has cracked the Opening Day roster. Especially attractive choice in keeper leagues. But he's still late-round material only in deeper formats for 2009.

Twin City Tears (MN)

Baker to DL?! Drop him for Sonnanstine? No DL in my league.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:01 PM)

I don't know if you have bench spots and could cut someone less valuable, but there are worse guys to let Scott Baker go than Andy Sonnanstine, if you positively must. I admit that I don't play in leagues that lack benches or DL spots.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:02 PM)

OK, time to wrap things up for today. Thanks for all of your questions, and sorry if I didn't get to yours. Take care everyone, enjoy Opening Day and good luck to those of you with drafts upcoming this weekend!