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Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:00 AM)

Good morning everyone! Let's get right to your questions...

Kyle (Ogden, UT)

One of the guys in my office is telling me he heard that Clay Buchholz tweaked a hammy, do you know if this is true??Is Masterson the man to take over for Dice?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:02 AM)

That is true, Buchholz did tweak his hamstring in his most recent minor league start, and is in jeopardy of missing a turn. I haven't heard a worse report that that, though. Also, interestingly, the Red Sox aren't saying for sure that Daisuke Matsuzaka will take his next turn next Monday -- not that they're saying he won't -- so if I'm in a deep league with extra bench room, I'd snatch Justin Masterson up, yes. He looked good yesterday for sure, and my chat fans know my affinity for him!

Jason (New York, NY)

What do you think of Carpenter's recent injury? Should i take the opportunity to unload him in this recent trade offer: Dan Uggla + Chris Carpenter for Emilio Bonifacio + Zach Duke?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:03 AM)

I think it's a bad sign, and it sounds listening to Tony La Russa's words like Chris Carpenter is DL bound, even if this isn't a season-long thing. That in mind, I'd never offer around a guy almost certainly DL bound. Never. It irks your fellow league mates, and they might never trade with you again. And besides, I wouldn't make that trade if Carpenter wasn't even in it!

Steve(Bklyn,NY)

Would you drop Pelfrey for A.Galaragga who is a two start pitcher next week.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:04 AM)

Yes, but I'm not a Mike Pelfrey fan. And I don't like any of the health reports I'm hearing on him besides.

Adam (Newtown, PA)

Hi Tristan, I made a blockbuster yesterday...just wanted your opinion. I dealt David Wright and Roy Oswalt for Kevin Youlilis and Jake Peavy. How'd I do?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:05 AM)

Another thing I'm not a fan of: Evaluating a trade after-the-fact. Not sure what purpose it serves, especially this example, where I'd have stood pat. I think you downgraded at both positions, unfortunately, and I hate being the bearer of bad news in these cases.

Pete (NJ)

Does Ichiro get back in the lineup today?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:06 AM)

Sure sounds like it!

Jason (Boston)

Hi Tristan. I noticed in your Daily Notes yesterday that you have Scott Baker ranked behind the likes oh Tim Wakefield and Joe Blanton. Some hesitation against thr Jays?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:07 AM)

I discussed this in Notes, but the Blue Jays are off to a hot start and Baker's home numbers in 2008 didn't back up a massive home-field advantage for him. Plus, I know the Blue Jays' initial plan was today's turn was to be a rehab one in the minors, but he advanced the timetable. So I'd probably be patient, give him this one evaluation start, and be ready to use him immediately next time out, barring some disaster today.

Jim (NJ)

3 words....Glavine, retire, Hanson. Discuss

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:09 AM)

I agree, Jim, Tom Glavine should retire. I'm shocked he wants to tarnish his legacy at all, or deal with a lengthy rehab at his age. I think the Braves have a lot of better options, like Tommy Hanson, whom everyone seems to be asking about this morning. Now, Hanson isn't going to be the guy this Saturday in what was to be Glavine's spot, but I think if Glavine does call it quits, then it's Hanson time. I'm going to estimate mid-May to June 1 for Hanson's MLB debut. So yes, go get him now.

Mike (San Diego)

3 words...Niemann, sucks, Price. Discuss

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:10 AM)

Ha! Well said, Mike. I don't think I'd use that harsh a word to describe Jeff Niemann, but David Price is worlds better. Problem is the Rays are looking for cost-cutting angles with the kid, so I say he's up probably around the same time as Hanson. Maybe later than Hanson, even.

Ricky Romero (Minny)

Am I legit?? A good number 4 for fantasy purposes?? You know, I was drafted right in between Braun and Tulo....so I must be some kind of awesome right?? Oh and I didn't walk ANYONE last night...NO WALKS!!!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:12 AM)

A topic I covered in today's Out of the Box, so check that out, but "legit"? I'd use the phrase "ride the hot streak" more, and you never know with those guys, sometimes they actually do keep it up all year. Romero just has to keep his command as sharp as it has been, but I will say this: He will be fantasy-worthy for the long haul if he does that. Problem is that has been such his undoing as a pro it's asking a lot for him to do it.

Greg (Boston)

Why would the Nationals send Milledge down to the minors and keep giving Kearns playing time? Do they really think that this is going to help them in the future?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:13 AM)

Beats me. My immediate reaction was "too harsh." You move a kid like that into the leadoff spot, inflate his expectations, you need to be doing it for more than a one-week trial with a huge penalty for failure. Unless, of course, this is just a very brief wake-up call they were planning to send. But even then, I think it was foolish.

Joe

Can you elaborate on your statement that Roy Oswalt is better than Jake Peavy? I've seen Oswalt pitch this year an think his days as a top notch SP in this league are over. But no one seems to agree w/ me.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:15 AM)

I'm not a fan of either one comparative to his draft-day price tag. And I'm not fond of the Padres, and if Peavy gets traded, he might lose a bit in ERA and WHIP. Just a little too much risk to me. And every time someone writes off Roy Oswalt, he puts forth some sort of ridiculous unhittable streak. I've seen it happen so many times. That said, my biggest problem with that aforementioned trade was downgrading Wright to Youkilis.

Pete (NJ)

Pick 'em. Weeks or Bartlett?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:15 AM)

Rickie Weeks. There's an upside there. Not that Jason Bartlett is trash, but I look at him as a steals source, not much with the bat.

Keith (New York or Boston, whichever will get your attention)

I'm asking you to dig deep:Of GPerkins, SMarshall, AnMiller, DBraden, and BMcCarthy, do you see any of those guys breaking out and becoming solid starters this year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:16 AM)

I've been huge on Sean Marshall since camps opened, and I actually think Andrew Miller belongs on most reserve lists (all but the shallowest of mixed leagues). Some real upside with each of those two. Perkins' value I see being matchups, use him at home especially against the weaker offenses.

Frank

Chone Figgins for chipper is a no brainer, right? (in a point based league)

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:18 AM)

I'd say yes but I always want the bat over the legs in a points league -- steals are generally overrated in those -- and I'll also take the per-game performer with health risk over the safer guy in the health department with more ordinary numbers. Just how I play.

Jon (MI)

How do you feel about Kyle Lohse? He was great last season and is off to a fantastic start this year.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:18 AM)

Matchups guy. Use him at home practically every start. Never use him on the road at a hitters' park or against a loaded offense. It's as simple as that. And it has value.

Tristan Shout (NYC)

Chad Billingsley: Over/Under 15 Wins, 180 K

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:19 AM)

Over on both. Huge Billingsley fan.

nick (princeton, nj)

tristan, is andy pettite a 15 game winner this year? he was stellar in his first start. wondering if i should try to 'sell high' or hang onto him and hopefully enjoy a 2008-mike mussina-like year.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:21 AM)

Andy Pettitte 2009 does not equal Mike Mussina 2008. Let me say that right upfront. But I've watched Pettitte, and I do think he's better than the Pettitte of 2008, who battled injury issues. He wasn't pitching at 100 percent during that miserable second half. I think Pettitte is worth using for now, for sure, especially since I think he has more value to you in the long haul than what you could get in trade.

Jason Motte (St Louis)

Did I completely blow my shot as closer or can I still be valuable this year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:21 AM)

I think so, but then I also think there are several other perfectly adequate options to handle the job. I still say Chris Perez concludes the year as St. Louis' closer.

Tony (Cedar Falls, IA)

Relief Pitcher Question: Ardsma or Franklin to pick up more saves down the line?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:22 AM)

Going with the theme of the previous question, I'd go Ryan Franklin, because I think he's the guy right now and I'll always take the "right-now" closer over the "maybe-later" one, if they're comparably valued like this.

Chaz (trenton)

How long do I wait for Wang to figure out his issues.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:24 AM)

Couple more weeks for sure, because the Yankees are going to give him as many chances as they can possibly afford, believe me. One thing I can say in defense of Wang: His success is entirely based upon the effectiveness of his sinking fastball, which generally isn't as sharp when he's pumped up. Having missed all that time last year and wanting to prove himself again, and perhaps because it's early in the year when his tank is nearly full, I think maybe he's just too juiced up right now. With a few more starts I bet he gets into his groove and becomes a steal of a buy-low candidate. I'd buy if you offered.

Ron Burgundy (San Diego)

Tristan!!!! I don't know how to say this but I'm kind of a big deal in the fantasy sports world. People know me! Can you talk about Kevin Slowey? The WHIP man is getting crushed. You stay classy Tristan.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:26 AM)

Slowey's first start wasn't horrible, and the Blue Jays are on quite a role, so I can forgive him that stinker. Ultimately, two starts is not close to enough to evaluate a guy like this, especially not when his command numbers are right in line with his past stats. Be patient, and you stay classy, San Diego! I'll keep chugging my coffee from your mug, that a friend gave me so many years back.

Jeremy Guthrie (Balti-mo)

Why is everyone down on me? Would YOU pick me up, Tristan?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:27 AM)

I would, and I was the guy trashing you a week and a half ago. That said, I don't trust you any further than I can throw you, so you're being matched up and watched so carefully. I'm making you continue to prove yourself, but I will always ride a hot streak.

Sean (Trenton, NJ)

With Chris Carpenter inevitably headed to the DL, who makes the better replacement: Ubaldo Jimenez or Andy Sonnanstine? Thoughts on both?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:28 AM)

If I had Carpenter I want a comparable risk/reward type, and Ubaldo Jimenez is closer. I really think he could whiff 200 batters, even if he's at greater risk than Sonnanstine at blowing up in your face.

Douglas (Pittsburgh, PA)

Hey Tristan, after a good start, Villanueva has been pounded in his last two outings. Who gets the next chances in Milwaukee?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:30 AM)

Jeez, Douglass, beats me. It's probably Seth McClung, though he hasn't pitched all that much more effectively, really. If I were the Brewers and Carlos Villanueva struggles one or two more times, I'd probably look at either Mark DiFelice or Todd Coffey, both of whom are off to hot starts. I still think DiFelice belongs in a prominent role in that bullpen, at least until Trevor Hoffman's return.

Lastings (Was...I mean Syracuse)

Am I worth hanging on to? How long do you envision me being down??

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:32 AM)

Well, I'll hold onto you, but then I don't play in very many shallow mixed leagues. You're on my nine-team NL-only roster with eight reserves, so without a doubt I'm keeping you on hand. And I bet this is a one-month demotion, tops. It'd be silly to be any longer.

James (Philly)

Hey Tristan, Love your work. Quick question: Daily Changes league and I need to have my lineup in soon...SHould I start Brett Anderson today??? Need Wins but scared of the ERA/Whip it could cost. Thanks SO much.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:32 AM)

Not a chance, not against Boston. Way too high-risk.

Mike (indy)

Do you think that Cliff Lee is going to be the next Loaiza.....put up a monster year (Even though he had never done it before) and then never come close to doing it again.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:34 AM)

See: Cliff Lee's 2005. Eighteen wins, 3.79 ERA, 1.22 WHIP. So "never done it before" does not apply. I do think those stats are closer to the real Cliff Lee than his 2008 numbers, but that does say he's more likely to retain value than Loaiza was. I'd be patient.

mcclung (mil)

I've walked 7 guys in 7ip..you really think I could get the next shot at a save?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:35 AM)

Again, "he hasn't pitched all that much more effectively."

Marshall (Garnerville, NY)

Hey Tristan, quick question: Should I start Anibal Sanchez tomorrow? Thanks so much.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:36 AM)

Gut is telling me no, you probably shouldn't. I do like Sanchez, but I'm not wild about a matchup in Atlanta. If it were at home I'd be more optimistic.

Shalon (St. Cloud, Minnesota)

Would you let Matt Wieters sit on any of your benches in stead of say ...Joe Crede?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:37 AM)

I said it on my guest appearance on the podcast a week or two ago and I'll say it again, Matt Wieters should be owned on a bench even in 10-team ESPN league with three reserve spots. I think his potential is that great.

David(Frisco,TX)

I just got offered a no-brainer trade yet I'm a bit hesitant to pull the trigger. An obvious Royal's fan offered me his Papelbon for my Soria. I'm a huge Soria fan and believe he may be the best closer in the game right now. But, he's on a team that will not give him as many chances as a team like Boston. At least, that is the prevailing opinion. I am a bit concerned that Boston may not be as good as advertised this year and Soria's numbers just might exceed Papelbons except for # of saves. The only real question I'm asking myself is: "Does Papelbon's advantage in save opportunities make this a good trade for me?" This would be a laughable no-brainer before the start of the season but now I'm not so sure. Boston just might struggle in that killer division. What do you think?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:38 AM)

Don't get me wrong, I love Joakim Soria. Vastly underrated closer. But I ranked Jonathan Papelbon higher in the preseason with ease, and a week and half of action is not going to change my stance. Make the deal.

Jack(NJ)

Tristan, I need a little help with pitching and need a couple, who do you like, please rank, A. Sanchez, K.Davies, J.Garland, Kawakami, S Marshall, or Z Duke?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:39 AM)

I'd probably rank those Sean Marshall, Kenshin Kawakami, Anibal Sanchez, Kyle Davies, Jon Garland, Zach Duke.

Jeff (San Francisco)

Fukodome? Worth grabbing off FA or will he in/out of lineup depending on Bradley?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:40 AM)

Here's a thought: What if Kosuke Fukodome, a good first-half and terrible second-half performer in 2008, was just wearing down from the adaptation to the U.S. game as last season progressed? It's possible, and he might be more prepared this time around. That said, he could also be your classic first-half player, so sure, I would add him, but I'd probably be a seller by June 1.

MJ (Grand Island, NE)

Thanks for answering our questions, Tristan! In a 7x5 mixed 10-team league (OBP and SLG added), who do you like most for a fourth OF spot between Maybin, Ankiel, Spilboroghs, Daniel Murphy and Winn?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:42 AM)

You are most welcome, MJ, and it's always my pleasure! I would pick Ryan Spilborghs. I see the best combination of on-base and slugging potential of the bunch, and I've kept touting him for what, more than a month now?

Eddie (Hoboken, NJ)

Your thoughts on Nick Swisher?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:43 AM)

He needs to play. Daily. I was encouraged by all the reports early in the spring of how happy he was to be in pinstripes, and how adaptable he was to the clubhouse. Those are nice things to read, and make me believe he's enjoying himself and that his early-season performance is for real. No, no MVPs, but a big bounce-back year is possible.

Pete (NJ)

Burnett was dealing last night. Over/under 17 wins for A.J.?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:44 AM)

The health risk makes the under the smart play, but I am going to make my case for the over. I watch A.J. Burnett pitch -- and have closely since camps opened -- and I see a guy who, like the aforementioned Swisher, is thrilled to be in pinstripes. He looks pumped up to perform, and I think if he can make 30 starts, he'll get the over. Problem is I have a bad feeling that in going all-out like it seems he might, he might put himself at even greater health risk a year or two down the road.

Goose (Chicago)

AJ was dealing, but so was Garza...based on his two performances vs Boston and NYY, must start every week?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:45 AM)

Hey Goose! You've frequented my chats for years, so surely you know my affinity for Matt Garza. So yes, the answer is definitely yes.

Jim (tampa)

whos better,J. Shields or AJ Burnett in a 5x5?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:46 AM)

James Shields. I'm realistic. He lacks the health risk Burnett has, after all.

Teddy (Chicago)

Do you see Motte or Coffey picking up any saves this year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:48 AM)

I could see Todd Coffey getting one save. Jason Motte, at this point, I can't see getting much past 10, if he even gets there.

Matt (Bo-town)

Tristan, you said John Buck is a fluke, and I believe that. But if crappy Ramon Hernandez is my catcher, should I drop him for Buck, Pudge, Salty or Hundley?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:48 AM)

Again, harsh word! Wasn't everyone all over Ramon Hernandez in the preseason? Sheesh. Impatience. Kills so many fantasy owners. I'm sticking by Hernandez here; it takes a little time to readjust to a league switch.

Glavine Fan (Atlanta, GA)

Tristan, why do you criticize a future Hall of Famer like Glavine by saying he should retire and not risk tarnishing his legacy because you think there's a potential fantasy aspect that it is affecting. Glavine has earned the right to retire when he feels like retiring and if he wants to end his career with a good year, let him do it and stop complaining. He's still effective at his age because he knows how to get outs and his presence as a veteran pitcher on a very NEW rotation will be important to the team's success in the future. I love fantasy baseball, but there needs to be a certain amount of respect given to those players that have earned it when Hall of Fame type careers, such as Glavine's.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:50 AM)

To each his own, but my comments had nothing to do with fantasy, and had everything to do with Glavine. I really think he's done, and it'd be a shame if he rode off into the sunset on a down note. After all, he had a 5.54 ERA, so I'm not sure I agree with you that "he knows how to get outs."

David (DC)

LaRoche your thoughts? Legit?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:52 AM)

Which one? Neither has performed all that well thus far. Adam, the vet, is a notorious slow starter. He's fun to own once mid-June arrives, but not until then. Andy, he'll be lucky to keep his job at this rate!

Mike (Chicago)

Who has a better year Fowler or Rasmus?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:53 AM)

Want a bold call? Dexter Fowler. I think Colby Rasmus will take more time to realize his potential.

Adam Jones

You buying my hot start?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:54 AM)

Absolutely. I hopped that bandwagon around the midway point of the spring. Come to think of it, I was on the bandwagon last August.

Brett (NZ)

THC- What're your thoughts on Jason Kubel? Will he get a chance to play every day, or just against righties? Can he hit 25+ HRs?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:55 AM)

That's another deep outfield where I could see some matching up, and therefore not a ton of playing time for Kubel against the southpaws. But it's in his best interest; he hits righties better. I think 25 homers is a tad optimistic, but not outrageous at all.

PLEASE ANSWERRRRR

Lightning Round....Give up Cain and Marmol for Chris Davis.....if you have pitching depth and Beltre at 3B.....Davis' power is tempting

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:56 AM)

I'd stand pat. I like Chris Davis quite a bit, but is he really all that much of an upgrade over Adrian Beltre? I'm not convinced.

Mark (Kansas City)

Do you think Kyle Davies is a breakout player and get rack up 14+ wins

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:57 AM)

No, but I do think he's the sleeper no one wanted to talk about on draft day. For the price he'll cost you I like what he might offer.

John (New Orleans)

How can you say that you would feel better about Wang and Burnett if you saw them "going all out" less often. Personally, there's nothing I hate more than seeing one of the players on my fantasy team loafing or acting like he doesn't care.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:59 AM)

OK, I think we're taking that statement in very different ways. I'm not suggesting they "loaf" by any means, and I actually like that A.J. Burnett is bringing the intensity that he is to games. But as they say, the baseball season is a marathon, so pacing comes into play. Good example of how intensity can put you at risk later in a career: Eric Gagne. So intense, and so short a peak of his career.

Scott Downs (Toronto)

Please rank me against the Cards' relievers...

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:00 PM)

Right now I'd probably say Ryan Franklin, Jason Motte, Scott Downs, Chris Perez. And that's going to change. You have to be prepared in cases where the closer gigs might be up in the air, like in St. Louis.

Kyle (PA)

Sustainable trend or short streak... Hafner HRs, Hudson .300+ average, Furcal looking old, Liriano hitable.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:01 PM)

I'm starting to believe in Travis Hafner ... I like Orlando Hudson for what he costs but I don't see him finishing at .300-plus (in no way is this intended to suggest I don't like him, it's just answering that question) ... Rafael Furcal was not my kind of pick in the preseason, so I'd be worried, yes ... and Francisco Liriano, total short-term thing. He'll be fine.

Seth (Denver, CO)

If Glavine retires now, isn't he sort of retiring on a down note after that awful postseason start last year? Maybe he's conscience of this and trying to end on a high note?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:02 PM)

Sure, maybe. I just play the "don't press your luck" game. Look at how Jim Palmer finished. You don't want to do that.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:03 PM)

OK, time to wrap things up for the day. Thanks for all of your questions, and sorry if I didn't get to yours ... so many today! Take care, and don't forget, we're back again in the afternoon with another chat!