ESPN

Jason Grey

  (3:00 PM)

Hey guys - a lot of questions already so let's get to it.

Jason Grey

  (3:01 PM)

Accidentally deleted a questions about multiple guys from the same team in the lineup - production is production as far as I'm concerned, and the only time I have a mild issue with it is in a daily H2H format against a strong starter. Question also asked about Nolasco - he'll be fine.

Jason Grey

  (3:02 PM)

Expect a lot of answers along the linesof "it's not even the end of April yet" because that applies in most cases. The season is a marathon, not a sprint. A slow two weeks in say, June, just gets lost in the rest of the numbers but are magnified more in April.

Roddy (Los Angeles)

Jason, I want to cut Bonafacio but I just have the feeling that I'm cutting 50+ SB this year if I do. Will this guy figure out the strike zone and learn to get on base more?

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

I'm not a fan, but the bottom line is you can steal a ton of bases despite a low OBP due to bunt hits, infield hits, etc. Willy Taveras posted a couple of seasons of good BA largely derived from that factor. A .310-.330 OBP is not limiting for 30-40 steals. It doesn't help it, but the Marlins certainly seem committed to playing him.

Mike (Indy)

Ok we all want to know so let's get this out of the way. When do you think Price and Hanson will be called up? Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (3:06 PM)

The smart money is still on June so their teams' can retain another year of control...the braves do have questions at the #5, but have other options (Charlie Morton, etc) they could use in the short term if they don't want to start the clock.

Ben (SF)

Scott Bake gave had problems with the long ball again yesterday, does he turn it around?

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

We thought he started to get it under control last year - as that had been his main issue in the past; he dropped his homer rate fro, 1.8 to 1.0 last year, but the question is how much the spring shoulder trouble is playing into it. I have him stashed on reserve in two mixed leagues for now, and we'll see if he can get back up to speed. The injury makes it a bit of an unknown.

chris( st. paul, MN)

what are your thoughts on liriano going forward? he was nasty, but his control seems to be the big issue. is it time to realize his 06 self is gone?? should i be looking to deal?

Jason Grey

  (3:10 PM)

We had an internal discussion about this this very morning, he was supposed to be throwing less sliders in favor of changeups, which would be OK because it's improved. (It's a conscious choice for less strain on his arm) Instead, he's throwing less sliders in favor of more fastballs in his first few starts, which is odd. It may just be an issue of pitch selection. We'll see. He can still be his late '08 self again, which you'll certainly take.

Ed (PA)

What do you know and think of Baltimore's OF prospect Nick Reimhold?

Jason Grey

  (3:11 PM)

Nolan Reimold....legit fourth outfielder/potential platoon player with power caught in a numbers game in Baltimore right now. For some reason he repeated Double-A last year which made no sense after he hit the league well the season before. I understand the O's calling up Montanez ahead of him, that was the right move, but Reimold can hit in the bigs if given the chance.

Mark (LA)

Adam LaRoche is bucking his bad April trend. Big year on the way?

Jason Grey

  (3:14 PM)

Obviously, he's notoriously streaky. But consider this - over his last three Aprils, again, three season's worth - he's batted .164 and slugged .311. Contrast that with his start now, and it's certainly plausible to foresee a big year. Of course, he could just be flipflopping his usual trend and will have the cold streak later, but it's encouraging thus far.

Tom (PA)

Oswalt - buying or selling?

Jason Grey

  (3:16 PM)

Buying. Started slow last year too and that worked out well.

Will (STL)

As someone who endorsed Howie Kendrick during the preseason, can you defend his recent slump and assure me I shouldn't have dropped him for Derosa when I had the chance?

Jason Grey

  (3:19 PM)

Sure - we're still just a few weeks in to the season, and Kendrick is a career .300 hitter in the big leagues. Simple as that. Don't overreact -it's a long season. Last I checked DeRosa was hitting .226 so it's not like you missed out on something huge. Both players will be fine and worth owning.

andrew (L.A.)

what are your thoughts on felix hernandez this year? and considering lincecum's last start are the mechanical issues behind him and should we expect him to perform like last year? thanks, you help a lot.

Jason Grey

  (3:21 PM)

Granted, the D-backs can make any pitcher look good lately, but yeah, the mechanical issue looks like it was figured out. He had a problem staying on line with the plate, but fixed it. And I love Felix, stuff is still as good as ever, but he's still going to be a bit streaky and give up the big inning now and then because he falls in love with his fastball early in games.

Steve (MA)

Laroche or Cantu

Jason Grey

  (3:22 PM)

LaRoche. Be wary of the Cantu BA - he's a .270-.280 hitter not a .340 one.

Rob(NY)

What are your thoughts on Ethier this year? He is have a great April. Is he a sell high Candidate?

Jason Grey

  (3:23 PM)

The insder part of my clipboard this week had a complete breakdown on ethier: http://insider.espn.go.com/fantasy/baseball/flb/story?page=clipboard090420Bottom line is no, especially as it appears he's starting to hit lefties better.

Joe (NJ)

Hey Jason!Two questions.First....how do you feel about Davies....I dropped Cuento for him.Second....Alexi Ramirez was dropped in both my leagues. I picked him up in one. He will be available Friday for the 2nd. I can drop Andrus, Bonifacio, or Scutaro for him.....what do you think?thanks

Jason Grey

  (3:25 PM)

I drop Scutaro for Alexei.I don't know how much you gained by dropping Cueto for Davies - I think both will have good years. I wrote about Davies during the spring, saying I think he has turned the corner after watching him during spring training, and nothing I've seen in his first few starts has changed that.

Dan (VT)

I see that Tony Sipp had a cup of coffee...or a 'sipp' of coffee, if you will (har, har) last night with the Tribe! I wasn't expecting to see him til the end of the year, or next year, really. What are your thoughts about him for 2009 and 2010? Thanks for chatting!

Jason Grey

  (3:26 PM)

potential K per innings middleman if your team needs one, but I don't ever see him in the ninth inning.

Mike Ct

Jason please don't leave this chat without something good or bad on Nolasco

Jason Grey

  (3:27 PM)

Look up at the top. I think he's going to be fine. Velocity is fine, peripherals OK, just hasn't shown up in WHIP and ERA yet

Steve (LA)

Dave Bush currently has a no-no through 7. Sleeper this year?

Jason Grey

  (3:29 PM)

Nope. No-hitter or not, I still see the ERA in high fours by the end of the year. Just because a few balls go right at fielders in a row doesn't change who he fundamentally is as a a pitcher.

Kevin (denver)

Brandon Wood was recalled by the Angels recently. Do you see regular at bats for him in that lineup? lots of power and strike out potential.

Jason Grey

  (3:30 PM)

Scioscia said it might just be temporary until they need another arm. Figgins or another OF (Opening up DH time) would have to get hurt in order for him to see some ABs I would expect. I do think he's ready to hit if given the chance.

joe (chicago)

What do you expect to see out of Hunter Pence this year? Any chance for a rebound to his rookie season?

Jason Grey

  (3:31 PM)

Well some aspects of last year were even better than his rookie season, but yes, I'm a big fan of Pence this year and he's already on track. For more, look at a spring 30 questions piece I did on him in the arhcives.

Michael (Brooklyn)

Any chance we see Flowers for the White Sox this season? He's killing the ball in the minors.

Jason Grey

  (3:32 PM)

Well, as long as Pierzynski is healthy, no, because they don't want Flowers to come up just to be a backup. He's also at Double-A to work on his defense, which is sketchy. He's a legit big league bat though, Have to see if he can stay behind the plate.

John, Harlem

What are your thoughts on Justin Verlander? He's throwing high 90s meatballs right down the middle and killing my fantasy rotation (along with Liriano). What gives?

Jason Grey

  (3:34 PM)

Patience. There's been a lot of bad luck in his ERA (Morales HR last night aside), and his velo and mechanics are back. Perfect buy low right now. I suggested that after his second start, and am still on board with that. The rest of the numbers will come around.

John (Atlanta)

Kinsler is off to a blistering start but I'm worried about my team's lack of speed. He's already gotten 7 of ESPN's projected 23 SB's (roughly 1/3). What do you see his final line looking like? Think he's headed for 30/30? Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (3:35 PM)

He's always had that potential - the real question is staying on the field for more than 130 games, as he really hasn't done that yet.

Bobby Cox (ATL)

You should own _________ if you want saves?

Jason Grey

  (3:37 PM)

If I had to speculate, I would guess Soriano, only because they used Gonzalez as a situational lefty to face Dunn, and that could be something they do again if a tough lefty(s) are up in the 8th. It may just be a matchup thing we'll see. That said, anyone expecting Soriano to stay healthy all year?

john (ma)

Jason! DHAREN? Wins heavy h2h, do you think Ariz will score enough for him to get 15W's? or should I try to deal him? your thoughts would be great? THX

Jason Grey

  (3:38 PM)

Give me the pitchers with talent and I'll let the W's fall where they may. Trying to chase W's only gets you into trouble. Stick with the skills, and in the long run you'll come out ahead.

Steve (Miami)

Derek Lee- is he done, sell now before his stock plummets?

Jason Grey

  (3:40 PM)

Hasn't his stock already plummeted the last couple of seasons? He just hasn't been the same hitter since the wrist surgery after '05, and that old pop just isn't coming back.

Scott, Chicago

Sure Kendrick is a .300 hitter, but he does not score alot of runs, hits for no power not even doubles, and steals no bases. Looks like a very empty .300 average! Why the love?

Jason Grey

  (3:42 PM)

http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/baseball/flb/story?page=mlbdk2k9_30qangels

Steven (Kewaskum, WI)

What is your opinion of Red Sox pitching prospect Junichi Tazawa (after spring and a few AA starts)? What do you see for a ceiling and ETA to the majors?

Jason Grey

  (3:44 PM)

I have not seen him personally yet, so I don't have anything to go on. Scouts that have seen him like his secondary stuff and think he could come quickly as a reliever. As a starter, he may be two years away. Again, that's just what I've heard and all I can go on until I see him myself this summer.

Jon (SF)

Do you think Brett Cecil gets the call with Romero headed to the DL? What would you project for him if so?

Jason Grey

  (3:46 PM)

I wrote about him in minor achievements a week ago. Don't think he's ready yet- knocked around a bit so far, and not stretched out yet - I'm betting if any of their prospects get the call it's Mills. The problem with Cecil right now is he's a 4-5 inning pitcher.

Austin (B/CS)

Abreu going to steal 50? HR total for him?

Jason Grey

  (3:47 PM)

When it's all said and done, I expect him to be right around last year's #'s. Maybe 25 bags and 15-19 homers.

B (Philly)

Romero worth hanging onto, even with the injury?

Jason Grey

  (3:48 PM)

Depends on the league format and how you can use your DL/reserve slots. Oblique strains can be six weeks. In an AL only probably, in mixed - no.

Eric (Orlando)

ETA for Royals first pick Eric Hosmer?

Jason Grey

  (3:49 PM)

I tend to be conservative with high school hitters to begin with - 3-4 years.

John(Concord, NH)

Encarnacion a buy low candidate?

Jason Grey

  (3:50 PM)

Sure, depending on your format, especially given the depth of the corner infield slots (relatively speaking) this year.

Chris, Toronto

I didn't watch the game -- what's the news on Hamels injury?

Jason Grey

  (3:52 PM)

left shoulder contusion after taking a line drive off of it. Doesn't sound that serious, but anytime we're talking about the pitching arm we need to be cautious. Still, preliminary indications are that it may not be anything major. You have to make sure it feels normal again before he can throw so you don't mess up his mechanics, so the contusion will likely have to heal.

Jason Grey

  (3:52 PM)

But again, that's all just speculation at this point until the postgame reports.

Wolfy Chapel Hill NC

Afternoon Jason - Do I keep Asdrubal Cabrera for SS in a 10-man H2H points league, or pickup Theriot, Tejada, Greene, or Barlett? Great work ESPN. My thanks!

Jason Grey

  (3:55 PM)

I'm the wrong person to ask - AsCab was one of my sleepers this preseason, and given the multi-position eligibility I drafted him late almost everywhere. 260-10-10 very possible with a touch more upside. Only if you really need more speed would I go for one of the other guys ahead of him. I also think he'll eventually get out of the nine hole if he keeps hitting.

John, Harlem

What do think of Adam Rosales, currently hitting the SOCKS off the ball for the Reds' AAA team. With their current hitting woes, why don't they call him up? Personally, I thought he should've made the team out of camp, but hey, I'm not the manager.

Jason Grey

  (3:56 PM)

I got to see a lot of Rosales at the AFL, and he's a solid UT for me given his versatility, but he's not a regular.

Chris (Taiwan)

08:Milton Bradley 09:Elijah Dukes?

Jason Grey

  (3:58 PM)

Dunnot about that, but I have said for a few years now that if Dukes can stay on the field (and avoid the injuries and off field stuff), and get regular AB's, he would be a good fantasy producer across the board in all categories.

Mike (Chicago)

Quick pick, Angel Villalona or Kyle Blanks

Jason Grey

  (4:00 PM)

GREAT question. The classic "closer to the majors vs. the long-term upside play". I have to go with AnVill, because the upside is so tantalizing, though I like Banks as well.

Jorge Cantu

Earlier you mentioned I'm more of a .260-.270 hitter. Wouldn't my owners be happy with that if it comes with 30 HRs?

Jason Grey

  (4:02 PM)

Absolutely, I was just referring to the fact that he was asked about in reference to LaRoche, that Cantu's BA has a lot farther to come down than LaRoche's does. it's the old pick up the guy when he's htiting .340, and wonder why he hit's .240 the minute he goes on your roster.

Jason Grey

  (4:04 PM)

Ok, time for 3 more. More than 1500 I didn't get to, so I appreciate all the interest. Sorry I can't get to everyone. I always respond to all comments in my columns so you can reach me there. I'm also chatting Mon and Tue of next week, and hey, find me on Facebook if you want.

Jeff (Guam, soon to be PGH)

With Ben Francisco off to a poor start combined with LaPorta's hot start at AAA, do you see LaPorta being called up as early as June?

Jason Grey

  (4:05 PM)

GM Mark Shapiro has said for a while he wants LaPorta to start off hot at AAA and give them decisions to make come June (specifically mentioning that timeframe) so it's a plausible scenario.

jack philly

what are your thoughts on maholm, drop lowe for him?

Jason Grey

  (4:05 PM)

I trust Lowe more than Maholm

Steve(Ma)

ANDRUS OR PERALTA? PERALTA LOOKS BAD. 5X5 OPS LEAGUE

Jason Grey

  (4:07 PM)

I think Peralta will be fine, just depends on the rest of your roster and needs. Do you need the SB of the pop? That's the real deciding factor.Ok guys...heading out for a scouting trip - Seeing strasburg on Friday and then following the Cal League for a few days. I'll be on the podcast on Monday and chatting afterwards if you're interested. Thanks again!