Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:02 PM)

Hi kids.... Play Ball. Let's get going... as always, all subjects answered

Mike (Los Angeles)

Do you think you were one year early on calling Francoeur's 30 HR season? The new swing looked good last night!

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:03 PM)

I know, I know... I think I might be. 30 home runs is a bit optimistic,, but certainly, he has shown major league power before, he's still young and he has his confidence back... 20-25 is more real tho.

don new jersey

hey blood, i may need a little speed early in the season. Can Brett Gardner be the answer?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:04 PM)

Absolutely. 30 steals, easy

People (Everywhere)

We JUST finished the stupid "You Heard Me" article, and now we have to read another hour of your gibberish in a chat?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:05 PM)

yes, but on the plus side the podcast was short today, so that's only 25 minutes of gibberish you have to have to listen to.

Craig Washington DC

Now that Joey Devine is out, what are some under the radar RP pickups?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:06 PM)

Santiago Casilla is the handcuff to Ziegler; Scott Downs in TOR; Brandon Lyon in DET (Brandon Lyon is no sure thing), Mike DiFilice in MIL for super deep leagues and Jepsen in ANA if you don't get Arrendondo are all guys I like

Chuck (Detroit)

Matt, Which Ranger is going to have a better year and put up big numbers Chris Davis or Nelson Cruz?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:08 PM)

I say Davis but I love both guys

Lee

okay, i read your "you heard me" article and i picked up and stashed away kelvim escobar...but josh fields again???

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:08 PM)

Hey, i was a year early on Francouer... why not Fields??

Jon (Boston, MA)

Dude - you should just stop posting all that negative crap that people say. Anyone with an IQ over 80 knows that noone can accurately predict the future, so why do so many people expect you guys to?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:09 PM)

It makes me laugh, my audience enjoys it and sadly, that is some of the audience... not just for me - you see it all over the internet

Jason (Pittsburgh)

Whats up with ESPN dropping the ball on opening day. Not a single game on TV. I took off for this? Howie Kendricks batting average + or - .320.

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:10 PM)

What are you talking about? Mets-CIN is on right now. ESPN can't help it when game's are rained out...

mark (Vancouver)

What are your thoughts on Koji Uehara

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:10 PM)

I like him. He looked good in his last spring outing, the Orioles are going to be better than folks think and the league won't have a book on him first time around. Solid guy for AL only.

Leo (Boston MA)

How do the Lakers win a game in Clevland to win the title this year?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:11 PM)

Probably the same way they did the last time the played there.

kc oakland

Napoli had 20Hrs as a PT starter last season..is he good enough full-time for a roto league? Or will someone like Yadier, Suzuki or Pudge be better b/c of playing time.

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:12 PM)

I like Napoli more than any of those guys. He's a risk to your batting average but power is legit and he'll even run a little.

Dixon (Beverly Hills)

I sense a distaste for Burnett in your "You Heard Me" article. However, would you rather have him than Big Z? (got offered him in a trade).

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:12 PM)

Yes, Burnett over Zambrano

Stinky Pete (FL)

TMR, not trying to suck up to you but just wanted to say thanks for the work you do in the ESPN fantasy section. I know it's the 'in' thing to do to knock you but I think you do an excellent job you're my favorite columnist at ESPN right now (because Simmons stopped writing and all). Seriously thanks.

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:13 PM)

Thanks, obvious plant.

Frank (NYC)

Looking for a second baseman, Matsui,Weeks,Iwamura and Schumacher available. Thanks

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:14 PM)

Kaz for SB, Skip for power (without killing your BA like Weeks)

Alan (NYC)

Armando Galarraga's numbers at the end of the year will be...

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:14 PM)

14-9, 3.96 ERA, 145 k

Matt (NJ)

Name game: John Smoltz or Kelvim Escobar?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:14 PM)

Escobar but like Smoltz a lot

Jeremy Guthrie (Baltimore)

TMR! Start me against the Yankees today?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:15 PM)

NO! you haven't had nearly enough work in the spring...

A Fellow Matt (Los Angeles)

Matthew - GO LAKERS!!! Love the work you do with the site, the podcast, etc. I have a suggestion though. I think you should pay someone to follow all your preseason predictions for all the players in the league and then add them up. I will bet my signed Kobe #8 jersey, that all the homers, rbis, run, sb, etc added up would set the record for an offensive season in the majors by at least double. The hype from all you analysts is sort of absurd. I know you want to stay positive, but the number of players each year who exceed analyst expectations is miniscule compared to the number that dont...and that happens every year, yet no one learns. Thoughts?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:17 PM)

Who cares? Seriously, projections are all ridiculous. I discuss this at length in Love Hate and Manifesto. If I say Shin-Soo Choo (currently going in 19th round) hits 25 home runs, you grab him in the 17th as a result, and he only hits 21... am I wrong? or did I do my job, which was to alert you to potential break-out guy you grabbed early.

Hank (Pittsburgh)

I got nothing but espn news too....all espn channels... what a bummer... is jose lopez legit?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:18 PM)

Huh. Look for the game locally then I guess. I know we have games all day and on ESPN2, etc etc

Ryan (Boston)

Matt - based on your love/hate this year Elijah Dukes seems like a man crush. Jim Thome for some reason sits out there on the FA list in my league. Drop Dukes for Thome??

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:18 PM)

Yes, I would unless you need the speed. But with Kearns starting for the moment I'd do that

Michael (AZ):

Matt, I certainly hope your 'You Heard Me' article is correct because it appears that you and I like the same players this year. I also did my first ever NL only auction yesterday on ESPN-with free live scoring and custom settings!-and it was unbelievable. Will you have a board or something to follow your bold predictions throughout the season?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:19 PM)

Yes. It's called every fantasy blog and message board everywhere. I'm sure they'll keep close track, just like they always do.

tony larussa(st louie)

Did you just use Skip and power in the same sentence?! I think I need a drink...

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:21 PM)

Well, yeah... it's all relative, but compared to Kaz, Iwamura and Weeks, he's the only guy with double digit home run potential that won't kill your avg, which is what I said. He'll hit 10 this year I bet

Atlanta, GA!

Who do I start this week? Kyle Davies, Oliver Perez or Jose Contreras.

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:22 PM)

Davies

John (NY)

Did Keith Law take your place today? You seem kind of snarky.

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:23 PM)

Haha. No, just answering what comes my way. I'm usually a little snarky though, aren't I?

Todd (Pittsburgh)

Jason and Hank - apparently Pittsburgh is a secondary market for Cinci - makes no sense. MLB needs to fix this black-out rules asap.

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:23 PM)

See? Not ESPN's fault. Write your Congressman. Or call Bud Selig

Anne Hathaway

Matt, if I've got Mark Teahen on FAs in my league should I pick him up and stash him on my bench?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:24 PM)

Depends on who you have to give up but I like him a lot, esp w/ 2b eligibility

Dan (San Jose)

Can I be the crazy "chick" before your relationship? I'll wear a wig...

Wayne (Atlanta)

OK, so I HEARD YOU about Sean Marshall. Do you prefer him or Chris Volstad to round out my staff?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:25 PM)

I like Marshall more than most and Volstad less than others...

Ed, Philly, PA

I'm not an A-rod fan but there's no way he plays less than 82 games. You do realize he has a lot to prove after the roids scandal and he can't afford to let Texiera be the new stud in town by himself?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:26 PM)

Yes, he can. If he can't play at 100% - and he won't - he'd rather not play than go out there and struggle and get booed. Especially with the book, his personal life, etc... having the injury "re-occur" is the perfect way to get out of town. Look, it's a bold prediction but it's not a crazy one.

Todd (Pittsburgh)

For Hank, Jason and other PA people: http://casey.senate.gov/contact/, http://specter.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.ContactForm Be sure to mention MLB's Anti-Trust exemption

Ryan frontz (jacksonville, FL)

speaking of clippers... how many calls did simmons give you during the game last night when your lakers started to collapse to the clips?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:27 PM)

None. He knows better than to talk smack about the Clippers.

Jordan Schafer (Atlanta)

I'm on pace for 162 homers. I know that's not realistic. But any chance I accelerate on predictions and become a 20/20 guy this season?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:29 PM)

A chance? Sure. But you strike out way too much, you're only 21 and you've played half a season at double a... Adam Jones last year with less BA is a good benchmark for you.

brad (harrisburg, pa)

name game: asdrubal cabrera or felipe lopez?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:29 PM)

believe it or not, I'm gonna say Asdrubal

Nate (Nashville)

Myers for Wolf and Marshall. Which side? Myers home run tendencies scare me...

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:30 PM)

Don't blame you and yeah, I'd probably do that deal. I'm not nearly as high on Myers as others. But realize you are taking on more risk

Greg Paulus (NC)

Trying to decide between Sexei Alexei Ramirez and Brandon "Redz Hot" Phillips at 2B. What do you think?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:30 PM)

I think you need to get in a deeper league. Or trade one of them - neither should be on your bench

JB (BKLYN)

You just said you like Teahen, but he's on your Hate List. What's the deal?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:31 PM)

When I wrote that it's because I frankly didn't think he'd get any PT at 2b. He's a lot more valuable as a starting 2b than as a 4th OF

Katy (Scottsdale, AZ)

Jeff Garcia to Oakland... good fit?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:32 PM)

No, it's terrible. That's a deep passing team with a guy who can't throw deep. And what's that do to JaMarcus? Hate the move unless he's gonna be the back-up. Never know with crazy Al

kyle

Thoughts on Harang today? Defense always that bad? 2:3 K:Bb worry you?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:33 PM)

No and that's a bit of a concern but it's early and it's cold. I'm not worried about himm, Cliff Lee, whoever...

Quinn (Toronto, ON)

Regret your bashing of millwood on the podcast this morning? And ouch, Cliff Lee looking like a big bust or just a bad game?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:34 PM)

No and No. I'd rather have Lee than Millwood and I'd make that trade right now, even if I had to take their opening day stats.

Will (STL)

Good point JB, are ESPN Fantasy experts trying to be as middle-of-the-road, non-commital as possible after having Jeff Francouer and Larry Johnson blow up in your face?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:35 PM)

I've been called a lot of things, but never non comittal. May I direct you to my "You Heard Me" column currently on ESPN.com

Josh Waco, TX

If you were a hot dog and you were really hungry, would you eat yourself?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:35 PM)

No, I hate hot dogs. And I know what I eat, so my insides are really disgusting.

Tim (Newark)

Last year, you loved your boy Rick Ankiel and predicted big things. Then he managed to get hurt. Do you have the same love for him this year?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:35 PM)

Yep

Eric the Midget (California)

Good afternoon TMR, name game. My favorite closer Huston Street, or his replacement on my A's, Brad Ziegler? P.S. Do you need a correspondent to interview players? I charge $30/hr, every hour, including sleep. Ack Ack.

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:36 PM)

Good reference. I say Brad Z. He has a longer leash

Nick (Monroe, NC)

Which would be bigger personally for you getting booked on Letterman or Stern?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:37 PM)

Personally, I'd say Stern. Obviously, I'm a huge fan of his. Letterman would impress my parents and bosses more though and I've always been a "Dave" guy as well.

Jack (Wisconsin)

I was just offered Kazmir for Werth. I like Werth a lot but I take this deal right?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:38 PM)

Gotta, yeah

Dave (Chicago)

Is it wrong that the first thing I thought when Frenchy went deep last night was, "TMR is not going to be happy."

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:38 PM)

I had the same thought. Then I thought... why am I thinking about myself in the third person?

Quinn (Toronto, ON)

Do I start Way-Rod this week? He's at home but facing the Cubs. I'm in a H2H and am able to get double starts out of Liriano and CC.

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:39 PM)

yes. I wouldn't bench CC or Liriano for him but I do like WayRod vs Cubs

Kevin (LA)

I haven't "heard you" on Chipper Jones yet. What say you?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:41 PM)

He's Chipper. he'll hit .315 and get injured ats ome point. What's there to say?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:41 PM)

I don't think he has as hig an avg as last year if you were wondering.

Ted (Vegas)

If you had a chance to have a "special evening" with Jessica Alba and Jessica Beil but it meant the rest of your life you'd never get any action, would you do it?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:43 PM)

If that night is when I am 80? Sure. But no, no one night is worth a lifetime

Cliff Lee (Cleveland)

Do I just chalk today up to Texas and get ready for my next start?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:43 PM)

Yes

Patrick, Seattle WA

TMR, congrats on the Jeff Francouer call. You were on that one before anyone! Now I know to draft Shin Soo Choo in 2010!

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:43 PM)

Well played

Response to Ted

No way. Doesn't quantity matter more than quality?

Brent (Tempe, AZ)

Brandon Phillips's at-bat song is "Stanky Legg" by none other than the GS Boyz. It's terrible. What's the worst at-bat song you've ever heard?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:44 PM)

I wish I could remember the player but I swear I heard a Dodger player use Spadau Ballet once

Eddy (AR)

Based on your bold prediction, would you pick up Josh Anderson as a FA and drop Mike Cameron if one is in need of speed?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:45 PM)

Yes

Hot Corner Sleepers?

Following up on CJones q: 3B is weak this year. Any sleeper picks?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:46 PM)

Reynolds, Encarnacion, Fields.

John Smoltz

I once came out of the bullpen to "Dancing Queen" after telling the staff that I didn't care which closer music I wanted. I cared after that.

Kyle (Philly)

Please rank: Way-Rod, J.Sanchez, Sean Marshall

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:46 PM)

You have them ranked correctly

Spandau Ballet

Are you saying we're not manly enough to be an at bat song? We were big in Sixteen Candles in case you've forgotton.

Jack Cust (Oakland)

Am I worth owning in an OBP and SLG league (no Average)?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:47 PM)

yes

Freddy (New York)

Can you name two player who's slow and hot springs are indicitave of what they will do this year?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:49 PM)

HOT: Chris Carpenter and Kendry Morales

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:53 PM)

COLD: Mike Pelfrey and Trevor Cahill

Mike (Boston)

You've got to call out Bill Simmons continually this year on his Daisuke prediction. Daisuke hasn't changed at all, same guy this year as last. 100 pitches by the 5th inning.

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:54 PM)

I know. Easiest 10 bucks I ever made

Miller (Charlotte, NC)

Just got offered Christopher Harris for you in our ESPN fantasy analyst fantasy league...gotta pull the trigger right?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:54 PM)

Harris is an up and comer and I've clearly peaked. No upside, so yeah, do the deal.

Chris (NYC)

Earlier in the chat did you mean to say Brandon Lyon is no sure thing or that Rodney was no sure thing?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:55 PM)

Both... but that Rodney is no sure thing as the closer

Sam (Dallas)

I love how people are praising you over Francoeur after 1 game!

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:55 PM)

I think it's more ironic than actual cheering - he screwed a lot of guys last year and I was the ringleader.

Daisuke Matsuzaka (Bos)

(Through translator)Papelbon wants to know if you would trade him for Alexei Ramirez if your team had 4 other closers?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:56 PM)

in a heartbeat. I'd do it even if I had no other closers. Easier to find a closer than an elite 2b/SS

Justin (DC)

Felipe Lopez (who just went yard)...you don't hear much about him, but he was great in the 2nd half last year. Do you like him as a sleeper this year?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:56 PM)

Not bad - there are other guys I like more - but he's solid, yes

Nathan (Fayetteville, AR)

What are the chances that Maholm has a great outing for the Pirates in St. Louis?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:57 PM)

I like them

Capt. Jenks

So you'd drop Weeks for Teahen, I assume?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:57 PM)

yes, assuming Teahen qualifes at 2b already in your league

Tom (Colorado)

Start Ubaldo tomorrow?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:57 PM)

yes

Chuck Knoblauch (Minneapolis, MN)

From a fantasy perspective, the Twins outfield is like a rusty steak knife cutting through a well aged steak, do you have any thoughts on which guy is going to get the shaft on at bats?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:58 PM)

I think it's Delmon Yonug

Brian (Halafax)

Stephen Drew crack top 5 this year or not enough speed?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:58 PM)

yes, him and TT both

Scott (NYC)

Daniel Murphy goes 15-15...true or false?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:58 PM)

false

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:59 PM)

i like him but 12/12 is more likely

Jem (Westchester)

Skip Bayless totally lost the "fantsy" vs. "reality" debate! Anyway, would you rather have Yunel Escobar and Greinke OR Tulo and Volstad/Arrendondo (playing matchups until Phil Hughes or Bucholtz comes up) in a 12-team, standard roto league?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:00 PM)

The Troy side. And thanks - it was fun

Andrew (NY)

Does Shoppach finish as a top 10 catcher?

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:00 PM)

yes

Matthew Berry - Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:00 PM)

ok, gang... gotta run. Thanks for stopping by!!