ESPN

Matthew Berry

  (3:01 PM)

Hi guys... Let's get to it. As always, all subjects answered...

Ben (Boise) [via mobile]

Scott downs projections?

Matthew Berry

  (3:02 PM)

8 saves, very good ERA and Ratio. BJ Ryan is always bad when he comes in a non save situation. He's still getting mechanics strightened out - I believe Ryan ends up with most saves in TOR... Downs then Frasor would be next in line

Blake (Sioux City, IA)

I've had about enough of J. Upton, is he droppable for Fowler?

Matthew Berry

  (3:04 PM)

Yes, he is. Long term I like Upton more but assuming it's a ten team mix ESPN standard lg - non keeper - you can replace fowler easy if you lose Upton. Worried about Byrnes getting PT

Bezerker (Houston)

Lance Berkman - where's the beef?

Matthew Berry

  (3:04 PM)

It's been a week,

Sean (Brooklyn)

Can we talk about the farm for a minute? ESPN had news bits on both Mat Gamel and GBeckham. Thoughts on when these guys might join the big club? Numbers?

Matthew Berry

  (3:05 PM)

Think Beckham has more of a chance w/ Getz' struggles - Gamel not until after AS Break unless there is injury is my guess. But I like Gamel more for keeper lg purposes, etc

Every other city

ESPN Chicago webisite, give me a break!

Matthew Berry

  (3:06 PM)

Before you diss, try espnchicago.com...

Paul Morrissey Parkville Md.

In my Basketball Fantasy league 104475 for the B-More Celtics non of my stats counted for Saturday 4/11/09. What happened here????

Matthew Berry

  (3:08 PM)

Um, I have no idea. But if you call 1-888-549-ESPN you can talk to a real live human who will help you out. Another reason ESPN Fantasy is tops...

Matthew Berry

  (3:08 PM)

Quentin!!

Anibal (Florida)

Just three years ago I was a 21 year old phenom. I pitched a no hitter and went 10-3 on the season with an ERA under 3. Any chance I return to fantasy relevance this season?

Matthew Berry

  (3:09 PM)

Chance? Yes. Likely - not that much. He'll be better but he still walks way too many guys,

Derrek Lee

Worried about me?

Matthew Berry

  (3:10 PM)

No.

Rocky Mt High

Mr.Berry, yes, it has only been 1 week, but are you concerned with C.Iannetta? One hit, one homer, the end.

Matthew Berry

  (3:10 PM)

See my last answer

Chris (Waterbury)

Hey Berry, I know its only been 2 starts but ar there any underlying issues we should worry about with Lincecum? I heard something about blisters, is there anything to that or is he still trying to find his mojo early in the season?

Matthew Berry

  (3:12 PM)

I'm a bit concerned, yeah. A little mojo finding, sure... but also you have to wonder if he is 100% with the workload from last year. Hold tight if you have him but yes, I'm a little nervous.

Willy (Boston)

Berry, I gots me M.Young at SS, but I am salivating over Y.Escobar for the Braves. Should I make the switcheroo?

Matthew Berry

  (3:12 PM)

I would, yeah

Miki RWC, CA

Hey Matty,Still feeling a big season from Sexy Alexei? Also, I heard you say recently you've flip flopped on J. Shields over King Felix, does yesterday's game do anything to change your mind again?Thanks,Miki

Matthew Berry

  (3:14 PM)

Yes, not worried about Alexei and while the Shields start made me feel better, I'm still concerned about his inconsistency on the road overall - one start doesn't change that. I'd rather have Felix...

Dan (Champaign)

You probably get a lot of questions about Chris Davis but here goes: how does he hit tear up spring training, then come out and muster 1 hit in a 10 strikeout performance his first week? Surely his contact rate cannot be that bad...What should I expect?

Matthew Berry

  (3:15 PM)

Expect him to be fine. It happens. It's been a week. He can hit. We know this.

Tom (DC)

From a purely fantasy perspective, Julianne Hough, or Megan Fox?

Matthew Berry

  (3:15 PM)

Fox. Hough is a little too wholesome for me.

Chone Figgins (LA)

How many bases will I steal this year?

Matthew Berry

  (3:15 PM)

45

Sam (Boston)

Is it safe to say you guys at ESPN were a little bit too down on Quentin in your rankings?

Matthew Berry

  (3:16 PM)

It's been a week.

Willis (Dayton, OH)

Inge a fluke?

Matthew Berry

  (3:17 PM)

Sort of. I mean, he almost hit 30 in '06, but my guess is he winds up with less than 20.

Tom (Watertown, MA)

Time to consider Longoria among the elite corner infielders (Wright, Cabrera, Teixeira, et al) in a keeper format yet? Or should I deal him straight up for Utley?

Matthew Berry

  (3:18 PM)

Yes, it is. My guess is Evan is the #1 AL 3B next year, ahead of A Rod. I'd probably rather have Utley because of pos scarcity and average (not convinced Evan hits better than .280) but it's close.

Tommy Hanson, Hot-Lanta

What has two thumbs and makes Triple A hitters look like kindergartners swinging a bat.....THIS GUY! Do I get the call to replace grandpa Glavine?

Matthew Berry

  (3:19 PM)

Yes, you will. I say by June.

Paul (Indy)

Any concern about David Wright's power? That new Citi Park looks perfectly suited for him to hit about 60 doubles and 20 HR's. Over analyzing?

Matthew Berry

  (3:19 PM)

yes

Emilio Bonifacio (Flo-rida)

TMR am I another Chone Figgins or just a dude with a supercool name?

Matthew Berry

  (3:21 PM)

You're another Chone. The speed is legit - it was just the playing time that was in question - he stole like crazy in the minors

Somms (My Cubicle)

Rank 'em: Spilborghs, Hermida, Dukes, Kubel.

Matthew Berry

  (3:22 PM)

I still believe in Dukes even w/ the benching. I say Spill, Dukes, Hermida, Kubel

Matts number 1 fan (NYC)

Heyy matt...should i grab BJ ryan while hes on the FA market...do you see him being effective again?

Matthew Berry

  (3:23 PM)

Yes! I would totally grab him - he will get the next save chance -

Luke (Evansville, Indiana)

The REAL TMR! What do you see Nyjer Morgan doing this year?

Matthew Berry

  (3:23 PM)

35 steals... really like him

Beej (Wheaton)

Can you try answering these questions with anything other than "yes"? It seems like all these other people are doing the work for you and you're just agreeing with them. Man up!

Matthew Berry

  (3:23 PM)

Yes!

John (NY)

I've been searching for news on Joey Devine for a week and can't seem to find an update on his visit to Dr. Andrews. Is there any?

Matthew Berry

  (3:24 PM)

Just that he's going to be out for a long time. Casilla is the Ziegler handcuff you want, not Devine.

Mike (Phoenix)

Was Aviles a fluke last year? Who do you like to have the best year Aviles, Theriot, Y. Escobar, or Tejada?

Matthew Berry

  (3:25 PM)

No, I don;t believe he was. It was in line with what he was doing in the minors.... I like Theriot and Escobar a little more but Aviles over Tejada.,

Fawn Delmajunk

Quit dodgin the easy one's berry....rank 'em: Arredondo, Shields (LAA), Kuo, Balfour.Thanks

Matthew Berry

  (3:26 PM)

Arrendondo, Balfour, Kuo, Shields. I ranked them in order of bets chances for saves plus ERA / Ratio / K.

Lastings (Washington DC)

Do you believe in me?? At all?? Look, both me and Dukes are starting....maybe we can co-exist afterall?? Would you move me now in a keeper league??

Matthew Berry

  (3:26 PM)

I do believe in you, yes... I liked Dukes more in pre-season because he was more undervalued but no question, you are legit... we've been waiting

Jack White (Nashville)

Is Scherzer going to have any value when he comes off the DL?

Matthew Berry

  (3:27 PM)

Absolutely. I like him a lot... Lotta K's, decent ERA and Ratio and double digit wins

Clark (Kansas)

Do you like Nyjer Morgan over C. Gomez this year?

Matthew Berry

  (3:28 PM)

Yes, I do. Worried more about Gomez PT and his drop off in 2nd half last year over McCutcheon coming up and taking PT away for Nyjer.

Kit (Fort Fun, IN)

We all know Karabell is a Philly fanatic. Which teams do you root for in a non-fantasy capacity?

Matthew Berry

  (3:29 PM)

I've been pretty open about the fact that I'm a Redskins guy for football (lived in Virgina till I was 12), Lakers and Angels for NBA/MLB.... Root for Texas AandM (where I grew up) and Syracuse (where I went) for college. I have no hickey team because i hate hockey.

Joe (NJ)

What do you think about Paul Konerko? He is available but would cost Lastings.

Matthew Berry

  (3:30 PM)

Depends on need. Konerko is legit - I liked him to have a bonce back this year. If you need pure power, Paul is the guy. But if you need some speed, Lastings. Would NOT do the deal if it's a keeper lg

Steve (NY)

Zach Duke, one hitter going today. Is he a guy to grab?

Matthew Berry

  (3:33 PM)

I've never been a huge Duke guy - never struck out enough guys for me. And he won't get a lot of run support... so no, not for 10 team mix leagues

Shin-Soo (CLE)

Yes, Matthew! I will marry you!

Matthew Berry

  (3:33 PM)

Thanks for watching ESPN!

Clint Hurdle (Denver)

Ubaldo Jimenez...an Edison Volquez like breakout this year?

Matthew Berry

  (3:34 PM)

Clearly not watching ESPN.

Stack (NJ)

That Longoria/A-Rod prediction is bold. Bold and silly...

Matthew Berry

  (3:34 PM)

It's what I do. But I don't think it's outrageous at all.

Cliff Lee

Worried about me?

Matthew Berry

  (3:35 PM)

A little, sure. But not totally. I say you finsih with 14 wins and an ERA around 3.50.

Ike (Denver)

Will Tehan not be playing 2B at all while Guillen is out? He only needs 2 more starts for elegibility in my league?

Matthew Berry

  (3:36 PM)

Probably not... Guillen's injury means more PT for Callapso and Bloomquist

Dan (Champaign)

Which Verlander do you expect to see more of: first start (3.2 IP, 8 ER) or second start (5 IP, 1 ER, 8 K)?

Matthew Berry

  (3:37 PM)

The first start. He still needed almost 100 pitches to get through 5 innings in the second start and walked 4...

Andrew (IN)

Nyjer Morgan or Jacoby Ellsbury more steals this season?

Matthew Berry

  (3:38 PM)

Ellsbury

David (LA, CA)

Better FA pickup: Hanson for later or Lohse or Wandy for now?

Matthew Berry

  (3:38 PM)

Wandy. Lohse has turned a bit of a corner in STL, but Wandy is legit. I like Hanson long tem but rookie pitchers always make me nervous

Chad (Omaha)

Get R. Martin for Adrian Gonzalez..do it?

Matthew Berry

  (3:40 PM)

I wouldn't. Depends who else you have at C and 1b, but as much as I like Martin, AGozn will hit 40 this year

Adam (San Diego)

Non-Fantasy ESPN baseball analyst who's insight and opinions I should most listen with regard to managing my team...rank em...Law, Olney, Stark, Gammons, Kurkijan? In other words, when they speak who do you listen to?

Matthew Berry

  (3:43 PM)

All of them are terrific and it depends what you are looking for. For me, I'd probably say Buster because he blogs every day and he plays fanatsy. He always throws stuff in there for fantasy players. But all of them have provided me and other ESPN Fantasy folks with insight, tidbits, etc. They are really good and nice. And of course, when it comes to prospects, keith Law rocks. So does our Jason grey, incidentally.

John (Boston)

Colon - worth a flier or stay away?

Matthew Berry

  (3:44 PM)

Actually worth a flier.

Francisco Liriano (Minnesota)

Worried about me?

Matthew Berry

  (3:44 PM)

Not yet. If he struggles at home this week, then yeah... I'll worry a bit.

Dan (Roselle)

When Matt Wieters is finally called up, do you expect Evan Longoria-type production from a year ago? Similar situation, that's all...

Matthew Berry

  (3:46 PM)

Same power, better average actually.

Kevin Bacon (LA, CA)

K. Morales projection?

Matthew Berry

  (3:47 PM)

.275, 22 HR, 85 RBI

Zak (NY)

Jimmy Rollins is now officially batting .100. I'm panicking. Talk me down, or show me a relatively unowned alternative that can tide me over until Rollins gets rollin.

Matthew Berry

  (3:48 PM)

It's been a week. One. Week. You are not allowed to panic on Rollins or any other guy for at least one month.

Jason (Atlanta)

What are your thoughts on Porcello? I thought his start the other day was better than the final line indicated.

Matthew Berry

  (3:49 PM)

I agree and I like him. The concern is he is so young and he will be prone to inconsistency. Comerica is NOT a great pitcher's park, contrary to belief... check the stats

Randy Johnson (LA)

Are you starting me today?

Matthew Berry

  (3:50 PM)

Yes

Rob (State College)

I have a unique question that I need expert help on. However, I'm willing to take your advice as well!! I won my matchup in a stealer league this week, so I get to take an unprotected guy off my opponent's roster in exchange for a guy of mine who met certain statistical requirements. Basically, I'm trying to decide whether to take Matt Holliday or McClouth in exchange for Daniel Murphy (the Met) or whether I should take Hamels or Cliff Lee in exchange for Cahill. I can only choose one of the four options. I'm leaning towards taking Holliday, what say you?? PS. We love you here in Happy Valley - come out and I'll take you to a Spikes game!

Matthew Berry

  (3:51 PM)

Love the idea of that league. Hilarious. Go with Holliday. He's by far the safest of all the players. Easier to find pitching in that league and there are more ?'s about Hamels health and Lee's legit-ness, which is sort of a word

Post Oak Mall (College Station, TX)

Hey MB, Help a College Station guy out, Elijah Dukes was dropped in my league. My droppable players are Fowler, Bonifacio, Felipe Lopez, Choo and Edwin Encarnacion. Should I drop any of them for Dukes or stick with what I have?

Matthew Berry

  (3:53 PM)

Spent a lot of days at the Post Oak Mall in my youth... they have a Chick-Fil-A there. Mmmmm/ If you were to drop anyone, I'd say Encarnacion but I'd probably stay put for now... As much as I like Dukes, all of those guys are better considering position scarcity, etc

Dan - San Jose

Everyone needs to goof on Rob now for the next 12 months. At least I didn't ask you out on a date like he just did.

Matthew Berry

  (3:54 PM)

Done. But Rob in State College, the answer is yes, go ahead

Paul (Indy)

Since you lazily responded with a yes to an either or question (which I respect the heck out of), I'll post the link:http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/insider/news/story?id=4064881Wright struggles to hit 30HR's or just over-analysis for the justification of an article?

Matthew Berry

  (3:54 PM)

I am not worried about Wright and think he hits over 30.

Jim (Los Angeles)

Zach Duke 1 hitter, what do you think? The next Cliff Lee?

Matthew Berry

  (3:55 PM)

No, he doesn't strike out enough guys to be Cliff Lee

Tom (CT)

If we could, just a few more about Nyjer Morgan... what kind of ice cream does he like? Does he watch Entourage? Does he have a sister that I could marry and take her last name?

Matthew Berry

  (3:55 PM)

He likes rocky road. Yes, he enjoys it very much. His favorite character is Turtle. Yes, but she has a boyfriend.

Terry (Grand Rapids, MI)

Ubaldo over Wandy?

Matthew Berry

  (3:56 PM)

Yes

Dexter (West Lafayette, IN)

Tuesday nights at the Chick-Fil-A here are all-you-can-eat chicken nuggets for $5, jealous?

Matthew Berry

  (3:56 PM)

You have no idea.

Meghan (Fox) Berry - (Dreamland)

Utility Rank'em: DeJesus, Snider, F. Lopez, Rolen.

Matthew Berry

  (3:56 PM)

Lopez, Snider, DeJesus, Rolen

Mark (NYC)

3 quick Q's - Millege or Spillborghs, Jacobs or Morales, Thome or O. Hudson

Matthew Berry

  (3:57 PM)

Spill, Jacobs, Thome

Mike (Home and bored)

Download everyday, listen until I fall asleep, is Carpenter a legit ace? I have Liriano and have been offered Ibanez for him. I ned the hitting, but am I selling short. Thanks for doing this today, I'm a teacher and have no school today.

Matthew Berry

  (3:59 PM)

Yes, you are selling short. LOVE Ibanez but he's not worth Liriano. But yes, Carp is back and a stud.

Ryan (Sacramento)

Is Dexter serious? I will move to West Lafayette immediately if that's legit.

Ben

Damon or Choo

Matthew Berry

  (3:59 PM)

Choo

Jon (Med School)

Quick question before I get back to studying...Thome or Hafner for this season only? Thinking about making the switch to Hafner...

Matthew Berry

  (4:00 PM)

I wouldn't. My guess is Hafner gets 20 HR and hits .250. Thome will hit 35 and hit .250

Dexter (West Lafayette, IN)

Follow up: If you were to attend the all-you-can-eat chicken nuggets night here, how many nuggets could you take down in a sitting?

Matthew Berry

  (4:00 PM)

I think I could do 35

Wandy (Houston)

You watching Ubaldo right now? Want to reconsider your assessment of him vs. me?

Matthew Berry

  (4:01 PM)

It's a long season. Love both guys but have Ubaldo slight ahead.

Matthew Berry

  (4:03 PM)

By the way, if you need cheap speed in a deeper league, the announcers just said DeWayne Wise has a seperated shoulder... Bet we see Jerry owens back up very soon.

Jim (Houston, TX)

While Teix is sitting, Swisher, Kendry or Jacobs to spell him?

Matthew Berry

  (4:03 PM)

Swisher

Ken (DC)

What would it take for you to join a fantasy hockey league?

Matthew Berry

  (4:03 PM)

A command from my boss. OR a date with Anne

David Wells (Camping out at Chick-Fil-A in West Lafayette)

I'm going to eat 200 tomorrow.

Matthew Berry

  (4:04 PM)

In one sitting? Crazy talk

Austin (B/CS)

Braun and C. Lee off to sllooowww starts. Any reason to worry?

Matthew Berry

  (4:04 PM)

No, especially on Braun who started slow last year too

Jason Bartlett

you a fan?

Matthew Berry

  (4:05 PM)

yes, especially if you need 20 steals from your MI.

Andruw Jones (TX)

I will eat 201.

Matthew Berry

  (4:05 PM)

Well played. And on that, I gotta run. Thanks for stopping by!