Eric Karabell

  (3:01 PM)

Hello everyone and welcome to another fantasy baseball chat session.... just came off ESPNEWS talking relief pitchers, now I am here and watching the World Champion Phillies get their rings.... so, let's go. Any questions?

Jon (Boston, MA)

What is the Cardinals plan at 3B? I thought it was Freese? Are any of these guys own-able in a 20 team league?

Eric Karabell

  (3:04 PM)

Well, I am reminded that a year ago this time Ryan Ludwick was playing sporadically, and we saw what type of season he had. I think Freese is starting today, and if he just hits a bit he should come out of the wreckage and officially claim the job. I think he can hit 20 home runs if Troy Glaus doesn't return soon.

kelley (FL)

saw u on espnnews talking about bonificio, how about dropping melvin mora for bonifacio (also have derosa who is eligible at 3b in my league) .thanks

Eric Karabell

  (3:06 PM)

If you need stolen bases I think it's clear Bonifacio is going to get them. Lest anyone think I'm just jumping on a three-day bandwagon, I've been touting Emilio all offseason once it was clear Gaby Sanchez couldn't win the 1B job. Bonifacio won't hit .600 all year; he can't face solely the Nationals. But .275 with a lot of runs and 30 stolen bases? From a second base eligible? Why not? Mora can't do this.

Scott (Newport Beach)

Better 2009...Anthony Reyes or Brett Anderson?

Eric Karabell

  (3:08 PM)

I still go with the veteran guy over the unproven rookie. We saw Oakland's Trevor Cahill allow 5 hits and 5 walks in his debut in 5 innings. He escaped trouble, but still, he's a rookie. Same with Anderson. I think Reyes wins 12 games.

Nick (Burlington)

Isn't Emilio Bonaficio a career .167 from the left side of the plate, though?

Eric Karabell

  (3:09 PM)

My point on Bonifacio is he has never played enough for anyone to assume anything about him at the major league level. Not enough of a sample size. Maybe he can't hit RHP, we shall see. But I think he's better than Michael Bourn, and he's 2B eligible.

Joe (DC)

Eric, what are your thoughts on Adam Lind? Legit 25-90 guy or should I look to sell high?

Eric Karabell

  (3:10 PM)

Another fella I touted all winter long as exactly that, a 25-homer guy. He's batting fifth, apparently, so 90 RBIs should be reachable. And Lind is further along than rookie Travis Snider, too.

Collin (Tulsa)

EK!!!! I will fully be on chat after I watch Lindstrom blow this game....

Eric Karabell

  (3:11 PM)

Yeah, everyone else here in the office is watching Matt Lindstrom implode. I scarfed up Leo Nunez while watching the Phillies get their rings!

Dan (NY)

Thoughts on Fred Lewis? Can he go 18/28/.290? Do you take him over Gomez?

Eric Karabell

  (3:12 PM)

Yes, I have heard some lofty projections for Mr. Lewis, who hits third for the Giants. I've heard 20-30, which isn't far from 18-28. I still don't see that much power from him, but he can run. Could be a 15-90 season with 25 steals I suppose.

Jonathan (california)

will brandon morrow bounce back from his blown save to be a dominant closer? how bout motte

Eric Karabell

  (3:14 PM)

Morrow's probably was his command, and he knows it. He said as much after the game, that he tried as hard as he could to find the plate, but just couldn't. I would have liked to see Morrow stay in that game, rather than Miguel Batista serve it up. Morrow, when healthy, will be a good closer. Motte will, too. Just one bad pitch. If Motte strikes out Jack Wilson, instead of giving up a 3-run double with 2 outs and 2 strikes in the ninth, nobody's at all worried.

Josh Gettysburg, PA

Ziegler worth consideration?

Eric Karabell

  (3:16 PM)

If you want saves, sure. Ziegler scares me because a season ago when he was so dominant his OPS against lefties was .790, and it was .490 against right-handed batters. He hasn't proven he can handle lefties, and in a setup role the A's could use him however they wanted, based on situations. As a closer, they cannot. We shall see.

Geoff (Ottawa, Ontario)

Is Chris Dickerson a full-time player? I dropped him for Francoeur after he didn't play opening day... was that the right move?

Eric Karabell

  (3:17 PM)

Don't panic. It's one game. Dickerson will still play quite a bit. Makes no sense to throw him out there against Johan Santana, does it? Francouer homered on his first pitch, but I still take the under on 20 homers for the season. Right move? Depends what you want, average and steals or more RBIs.

Mike (Syracuse)

Eric,is it just me or is Hawpe gonna be a top 10 OF this year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:17 PM)

It's you. I like Hawpe to approach 30 and 100, but that in itself isn't top 10.

Joe San Fran, CA

Lindstrom gets the save after all... is that run earned? it got walked in, but after Zimmerman reached on an error, so the run would not have been forceable...

Eric Karabell

  (3:19 PM)

The run was earned. Lindstrom did not look good at all, and a great defensive play saved him. But he's the closer, fantasy owners should not assume he loses the job. He could keep it. He just needs to perform better than this. Todd Worrell once saved 30-plus games with an ERA over 6. Shawn Chacon one year in Colorado had a 7.11 ERA! I think Leo Nunez is next, but others in the office think it might be Kiko Calero. Whatever the case, it's Lindstrom's role.

Will (STL)

Aviles was highly touted this offseason. Is he gonna bat 9th everyday in a "stacked" Royals line up or just against lefties?

Eric Karabell

  (3:20 PM)

I think it's too early to tell. Regardless, Aviles can do damage batting ninth. It will affect how many runs he scores, but he's still got 15-homer potential, and he can run. And he could easily play well enough to force his way to the top of the lineup.

Chris (Corona del Mar)

I know its only 2 games in the books, but is Milledge gonna get caught up in this Dukes/Kearns mess and do you still see him as a breakout candidate this year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:22 PM)

Milledge has to hit better than he did this spring or yes, he will lose playing time. Didn't Milledge have like a 4-for-34 streak or something like that? He has to hit, because Willingham and Kearns could hit, and Dukes has just as much potential as Milledge does. Very interesting situation. I still see Milledge - and Dukes - getting better.

Matt (Columbia)

It's just one game. How can Lindstrom need to be careful about his job after one game. If you hadn't noticed, alot of good pitchers have pitched poorly so far.

Eric Karabell

  (3:24 PM)

Because, Matt, managers are people too and sometimes they judge players off short sample sizes. Lindstrom had a sore shoulder and missed much of the spring. If he's not right, and this outing could be a harbinger he's hurt, then he could be replaced. You're kidding yourself if you think all managers on contending teams are so patient they'd let someone who had a 1.45 WHIP a year ago keep the job. Lindstrom was sketchy as closer even before the WBC.

Eagles Fan (MD)

Eric, I'm trying to repeat this year. Do I dish Bonifacio while he's hot - I've got Utley, Young and Furcal as MI already.

Eric Karabell

  (3:25 PM)

Well, I'm not a huge Young fan, and if Bonifacio were to steal 30 bases, score runs and have a decent batting average he would be more valuable than Young going 10-80-10-.290. But I also agree it's wise to move Bonifacio while he's this hot. It can't continue.

raynard (cleveland)

should we push the panic button on CC and Linceum performance on monday and tuesday

Eric Karabell

  (3:26 PM)

This was a test, right? C'mon, people. There's a big difference in Cy Young winners and an average RHP in Lindstrom.

Anthony (Raleigh)

Can you figure out a reason why Volstad isn't owned in more leagues? He's got some great stuff.

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

Not a big strikeout guy, for one. Also, a lot of owners draft off the previous year's cumulative numbers, and Volstad made only 14 starts. I think he breaks out a bit, but he's not a Cy Young candidate.

dan (vermont)

ubaldo jimenez going to pitch well this season?

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

His ERA was under 4 last year and he had 180 K's. I'd say what he did Tuesday is not a big surprise to me. Plus, he does better at Coors Field.

Edwin Jackson

Pick me up, dump Webb.

Eric Karabell

  (3:28 PM)

Yes. People in my leagues, please do exactly that. Let's see Brandon Webb on free agency! By the way, that's sarcasm, and Webb is going to miss his start this weekend with a sore shoulder. Something to think about....

Rob (NJ)

Just announced that Webb will miss start due to shoulder stiffness? Red Alert?

Eric Karabell

  (3:29 PM)

No. Something to consider if you're dealing for him, but no reason to panic yet.

Kevin (Charlotte)

What do I do with Dukes? I have him for $14 and can go get Span for $14 or Chad Tracy for $4 and spend the $10 elsewhere? Thanks.

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

Don't do anything. It's 3 games. Dukes was on base three times today. If that continues, he will play, and he can still go 20/20. WAY too early to panic.

Shawn (NJ)

James Loney or Carlos Pena? I could use Pena's power but I'm worried his whiffs will destroy my avg in a 12 team H2H.

Eric Karabell

  (3:32 PM)

Whiffs do not destroy batting average. They don't help, but they are still just outs. And I don't really worry about average in h2h formats. I'd still much rather have Pena in any format. Loney has no power. Can't afford that at 1B.

Charlie (IA)

Relief efforts coming soon? And would you give up Nelson Cruz for Bell or Gonzalez if you are set at OF?

Eric Karabell

  (3:34 PM)

Relief Efforts should be up already, but I don't know. I just write it! If anyone ever has thoughts on Relief Efforts or anything else I do, you know I want to see them. As for Cruz, if you need a closer, I think Heath Bell is legit, and underrated. But I also think Cruz could hit 30 homers.

max ny

how about answer a tough question .should i do carlos lee, and utley for Hamilton, cano, wigginton, and hamels

Eric Karabell

  (3:35 PM)

Yeah, about time I get to a "tough" question, right? After 34 minutes of chatting! Anyway, impossible to answer. If you are getting Lee and Utley and there are good free agents out there, I do that. If you are in a deep league and need depth, I want the other side. Hamels will be fine. Wiggy will hit his 25 homers.

Craig (MI)

You talked briefly about Alexei Ramirez in the 8 spot. Any way of knowing if this lasts? If so, just how much does it hurt his value?

Eric Karabell

  (3:37 PM)

I wouldn't assume it's going to be a long-term thing for Alexei, but yes, if he doesn't hit and doesn't move up in the lineup, he would score fewer runs. Might run less. Might lose motivation. But it's one game. He could be batting second by the weekend, or fifth. Impossible to know. I don't react to much in April when it comes to dealing away players I really liked in March. Unless I'm sure they will stink.

Brad (St. Louis, MO)

EK, I think it would be easier if you just set up an automated response of "It's the first week, don't panic." That should answer most questions.

Eric Karabell

  (3:38 PM)

Yes, Brad, thank you. Let's focus on some other questions other than panicking and Emilio B!!!

Kramer (NYC)

Eric, are you as down on A-Rod as Berry? I mean, if the reports are true he should be back relatively soon and still put up great numbers.

Eric Karabell

  (3:40 PM)

No. On the Baseball Tonight Fantasy show we did together, I said A-Rod was a late second-round pick, Matthew said fifth rounder. It's possible neither of us will be correct. I think Rodriguez is back this month, and he hits. And I make picks and trades and reactions based on what I think generally, though I am always open to be being swayed by what I read or hear. I'm usually the cautious one, Matthew is usually not.

Mike, Oakland CA

Emilio Bonaficio is going to win the NL MVP.

Eric Karabell

  (3:40 PM)

He is awesome, isn't he?

Mike, Oakland CA

Emilio Bonaficio is going to steal 100 bases and score 200 runs.

Eric Karabell

  (3:40 PM)

Nah, he can do better than that! C'mon!

Scooter (Tenafly, NJ)

Should a Motte owner, such as myself, pick up ryan franklin as a handcuff, or do you think it won't matter much once, and if, Perez gets called back up?

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

I think Motte will keep his job awhile, but yeah, if he struggles, I would think Franklin or Kinney are next, and Perez will get at least a month in Memphis.

Dan(San Jose)

Can we please stop talking about Bonaficio and start talking about how hot Matthew Berry is!

Eric Karabell

  (3:44 PM)

Yes. Exactly what we need.

Conor Jackson's mother (Phoenix, AZ)

I have a question related to my son's play. Would dropping my son to play the hot hand or temporary closer (Villaneuva) in a 12-team mixed H2H league constitute as a panic move?

Eric Karabell

  (3:45 PM)

Yes, that would be panicking. Villanueva will close for about a week, then Hoffman returns. And even if Jackson does not hit more than 15 home runs, he does other things.

Mark (Chicago)

Will you talk about Matt Holliday? He is in his contract year. If the A's can't contend who are the likely teams to trade for him?

Eric Karabell

  (3:46 PM)

I'd think the normal suspects, Yankees, Red Sox - yes, even them; they could make room - the Cubs. But I think the A's will be in that race for more than 4 months. The Angels are not winning 100 games this time.

Sam (Boston, MA)

Hey Eric, I just activated Rick Porcello for his start tomorrow and now have a free spot in my minor league roster. Should I add the Marlins power-hitting prospect Michael Stanton?

Eric Karabell

  (3:47 PM)

Sure. Stanton is one of the top power hitting prospects in the minors, but I do not think he will play in the majors this season. And I am going with Porcello as well.

brad (harrisburg, pa)

clay buchholz: are you treating him the same as david price?

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

Um, a little bit. But I think Buchholz would do better if each made 20 starts. I like Price, but people are making him out to be a potential Cy Young guy for 2009.

Nick (Bos)

Speaking of Matthew Berry, lets talk about him "being bold". Do Smoltz and Penny really start more games this year than Wakefield and Beckett? I have a hard time believing that, unless they both take over the 4th and 5th starting spots.

Eric Karabell

  (3:51 PM)

Hey, he certainly was bold, wasn't he? No, I don't think it happens, notably with Beckett. I see Penny making around 15 starts, and Smoltz about the same. They are the fifth starters. The diff is Smoltz could be dominant in his starts, and in the postseason. Red Sox are going all the way. Sorry, Phils fans.

Clip(Boston)

Chipper is out of the starting lineup today for the Braves - thoughts on this?

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

As a multiple Chipper owner, I am fine with this. I do not want Chipper forcing himself into the lineup every day, then getting hurt and missing 2 months. Take the occasional day and stay healthy. We want a high average, and even if he did get into 150 games, would that mean 40 homers? No. Take the .330 average with 25 and 90. I will.

Bill, Boston

Tommy Hansen or David Price. Who's your choice for 2009?

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

I still choose Hanson. Little faith in Mr. Hall of Fame Glavine. Hanson has awesome stuff and he's ready. Price is just about ready.

Andrew (Baltimore)

I have both Raul Ibanez (just homered) and Javier Vazquez, who gave it up. Who do you root for when "your" pitchers and batters square off?

Eric Karabell

  (3:55 PM)

Always the pitchers. The earned runs and potential for lost victory always hurts more than any one at-bat. For me personally, I always root for the Phillies, even if I had Vazquez on every last fantasy team of mine. I always deal with fantasy after the real life game.

Kevin (charlotte)

Dexter Fowler just went deep, what do you see for him this year? Is he going to get enough playing time? Thanks.

Eric Karabell

  (3:56 PM)

If he keeps hitting then yes, Spilborghs and Smith will be fighting for one spot. But let's not assume Fowler homers each time he starts yet. I see 400 at-bats, 25 steals, maybe 10 homers.

Jared (Philly)

Would you start Kazmir vs Boston or Greinke vs White Sox or neither?

Eric Karabell

  (3:56 PM)

Both. If I had to choose, I choose Greinke.

James, Ca

Ibanez or Pence who would you rather have?

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

Yeah, amazing how that works. Doesn't hit in two games, then all of a sudden Ibanez homers and now people ask about him! I still take Pence. He runs, with no drop in homers.

John Boston

Quick! Start Pelfrey @ CIN today?

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

Why wouldn't you? I don't remove starters from their first start of the season unless there's a really good reason. Pelfrey is capable.

Gary - AZ

2009 predictions for Edwin Encarnacion?

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

I could see 30-85 for him. And .270. Could be his best season yet!

Joe (Lexington, MA)

Drop Delmon Young for Lind or Cruz?

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

Sure. I would have drafted both Lind and Cruz ahead of Delmon anyway.

Bill Brashky

Emilio Bonafacio once climbed to the top of Mt Everest in under one hour with nothing more than his mitt and juice box

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

And I think that is where we should stop, don't you?

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

Thanks to everyone for the great questions and banter. Hope you're enjoying the first week of the season, and your teams do well. Adios!