James Quintong

  (3:00 PM)

Good afternoon, everyone! It's finally looking like great weather here in the Northeast. I've already got a bunch of questions ready to go, so let's have at it. And while I'll be talking a lot of baseball, I'll try to field a few football questions if you want with the draft coming up tomorrow.

Bruce Wayne(Gotham City)

What are your thoughts on Zack Greinke? Hot start or is he due for a break out this year? The guy always seemed to have a lot of talent so I really hope he's finally putting it all together.

James Quintong

  (3:02 PM)

Greinke has all the talent in the world, and it was just a matter of time before he finally broke out. I took him in a handful of leagues this year, and I think he'll finally turn that corner -- at least as long as the Royals can keep Kyle Farnsworth away from his games.

Eric (Boston)

Good afternoon JQ. In regards to Baker's shaky start, would you rather replace him with his brethren Slowey, or even Cueto or Davies? The injury looks to be lingering and might ride the fantasy bench for too long.

James Quintong

  (3:03 PM)

I've never been a big Baker fan, so yeah, I probably would take Slowey in his place. I might even consider Cueto or Davies, who have decent upside as well.

Talentless Mr. Roto

I didn't pay for saves, so my relievers are a rag-tag band of misfits. Drop Marmol for Downs in hopes of scraping together some saves (H2H)?

James Quintong

  (3:04 PM)

I'd definitely pick up Downs if he's available, but I wouldn't drop Marmol for him. I think Marmol contributes enough in other areas to be useful even if he doesn't get saves. Surely, there's got to be a fringe starter that could be dropped for Downs.

Billy: houston, tex

Have to decide by Sunday nite for my move for the week. Do I go with Cueto or Nolassco where each has 2 starts. Thanks

James Quintong

  (3:05 PM)

Well, according to my colleague Tristan H. Cockcroft's rankings of the two-start pitchers that's currently available on the site, he's got Cueto over Nolasco for the week. Cueto has a slightly better pair of matchups.

Jim (Houston, TX)

Aviles is off to a brutal start and just lost his spot at the top of the Royals lineup. Meanwhile, Kendrick was dropped in my league. Trade one disappointment for another?

James Quintong

  (3:06 PM)

That's not a bad idea. I think Kendrick has more upside, and at this point, it's probably worth the trade-off.

Jay: (Feeding Hills, MA)

Hey James, 2 questions....#1 I'm in desperate need of steals and Nyjer Morgan is on the waiver wire and i figure i must pick him up. But where does he fit in my OF with Markakis, Eithier, McClouth, Ludwick, and Church on my team. Figure I have to drop Church right? #2 If in a moment of insanity I descide to trade one of my big 3 OF's Markakis, Ethier, or McClouth, which should I throw out on the market? Thanks!!

James Quintong

  (3:08 PM)

I'll take that first question for sure: it's definitely worth dropping Morgan for Church if you need the speed. I'm still kicking myself for not keeping Morgan in one of my leagues right now. As for the second question, I guess all three will net you decent return in trade, with Markakis likely getting you the most stuff.

Dave E

Scherzer or Wandy? Like the guys with the high K upside, but will Wandy be a little more consistent throughout the season?

James Quintong

  (3:09 PM)

Obviously, Scherzer has the upside, but I do like Wandy a bit and he's developed enough consistency to be useful all season long. I'd lean Scherzer for the K's, but if you go Wandy, I wouldn't fault you.

Scott (Hartford, CT)

James, I desperately need help. With Doumit out, I can pick up Shoppach, Baker, or Suzuki. Which would you recommend? Should I drop Doumit, Peralta (I have Furcal), or Hawpe (I have Bay, Bruce, Markakis, Kemp, and Cruz and only play 4)? Thanks for your help.

James Quintong

  (3:11 PM)

Well, I had Doumit in one of my leagues and picked up Baker in his place, although I stashed Doumit on the DL. If you have to drop someone, I might go with Doumit or Peralta. Hawpe could get better as the Rockies actually start playing games at home.

Chris Davis (Texas)

I am striking out in almost half of my ABs, and batting below .200. Was my rookie season a fluke or am I a legitimate power hitter and just in a sophomore slump.

James Quintong

  (3:12 PM)

I think he'll eventually be legit, although he also had a very slow stretch when he first came up last year. Maybe we overrated him a tad heading into the year, but in that ballpark, he really should do something in due time.

Danny (Tulsa)

James, My pitching staff has been decimated by injury - Lackey, Carpenter, and now BJ Ryan. Obviously Lackey needs to be owned in all leagues, but what about Carp and Ryan? My league has a 3 man bench with 1 DL spot. Thanks!

James Quintong

  (3:14 PM)

I'm a tad hesitant on Lackey, although I guess he'd be the one to take that DL slot. I would have no problem dropping Carp or Ryan right now. Ryan had his issues before going on the DL, and I'm intrigued to see what Scott Downs does as the closer for the Jays.

Brad (Tulsa, OK)

Quickie - 10 team H2H 5x5 - who would you rather have from May until the end of the season - Aramis Ramirez or Alex Rodriguez?

James Quintong

  (3:15 PM)

I'll take A-Rod. I'll take my chances on that hip when he gets back.

Jason (Bmore)

Chris Getz...Fluke or solid guy the rest of the year?

James Quintong

  (3:16 PM)

I got a handful of questions on Getz, who's gotten steals the past couple of games. I think he's OK, but I don't know if he'll even have the starting job all year if Gordon Beckham does well in the minors.

Nick (Seattle)

Freak out on Derrek Lee and/or Ianetta yet? Word is Ianetta will heat up at home this weekend, but I'm just worried. Thanks!

James Quintong

  (3:18 PM)

I think Iannetta will eventually be fine. The Rockies have barely played at home this season but now they'll have a long stretch of games at Coors. As for Lee, I'm a bit worried about him, although he might've been overrated at the start of the year to begin with.

John, Harlem

Hey James! You look just like a roommate of mine from college, you're Jimmy Q and he was Danny Q! Anyway, please rank for the week and the year: Dan Uggla, Jose Lopez, and Aaron Hill. Thanks!

James Quintong

  (3:20 PM)

Geez, that's a tad scary if there's another one of me floating around. Anyways, I think I'd rank them Uggla, Hill, Lopez, although those final two are very close. I think Hill will turn things around after a disappointing '08.

St. Paul Slim

You worried about Brian McCann's eye problem?

James Quintong

  (3:21 PM)

A little bit. Obviously, vision problems are an issue, especially for a good hitter like McCann. I'm not sure you can do much long-term right now (i.e. making a trade), but I'd definitely find someone off the waiver wire for some backup help. Heck, even his real-life backup David Ross has a little pop in his bat.

Frank in Florida

James, I have no big name closers but have through the draft and waiver wire pu'd Qualls, Rodney, Franklin, Ziegler, and Frank Francisco. I like Downs and think he might keep closer job and Toronto is a hitting machine. Who would you drop to get him? Or should I stay pat? I'm thinking about trading some closers too.

James Quintong

  (3:24 PM)

Well you've got lots of saves chips to trade, so I'd go there to open some roster space. And I would try to get Downs, who was looking good even before Ryan officially went on the DL. Rodney and Franklin may be the iffy guys to move, for what it's worth.

Joe (StL)

James, I was looking to upgrade at catcher in the beginning of the season (Pierzynski), but now with injuries all around at the position and guys off to a slow start, AJ doesn't seem so bad. Do you think I still need an upgrade, or ride it out with Pierzynski?

James Quintong

  (3:25 PM)

I've always considered Pierzynski a cheap, safe option late in the draft and he usually doesn't disappoint (as long as your expectations are reasonable). So for now, I'd stick with him.

John

How's Matt Wieters hamstring and when is he going to be called up?

James Quintong

  (3:26 PM)

Let's continue the catcher run. Wieters played last night, and it looks like the hamstring isn't a big issue. I still think it'll be a few more weeks at least until he's called up, though.

Jocelyn (Seattle, WA)

James, can you help a girl out? I have Dice-K coming off the DL and Liriano on my bench. Do I keep either one or get someone like Wakefield or Davies?

James Quintong

  (3:28 PM)

I think you have to ride it out with both Dice-K and Liriano for the time being. I'm not sure Wakefield or Davies is a better long-term replacement.

Mat (DC)

Tell me something, ANYTHING really, about Liriano that will convince me not to touch the third rail after work.

James Quintong

  (3:29 PM)

To continue with the Liriano talk, I am concerned over his pitch selection and GB/FB rate. I can only hope that he can start using his other pitches a little more to start fooling hitters. I think Liriano eventually will be fine, and at least there may be some fixable things in his game.

Phil Hughes, NYC??

Do you think Hughes gets the call to replace Wang, and what would you expect out of him? Worth a claim in a shallow league?

James Quintong

  (3:31 PM)

I think he'd be the most logical choice to replace Wang, although I'm not sure I'd chase after him in a very shallow league just yet, although I think he can be a solid starter.

Jack

So whats been up with Ricky Nolasco? I see people worried about Liriano(whom I unfortunately have as well) but I'm also worried about Ricky. His K/BB isn't bad but were we thinking too high of him? He started slow last year so is he maybe just a slow starter?

James Quintong

  (3:33 PM)

I guess Nolasco might just be a slow starter, as you mentioned. He probably was a bit overhyped this spring based on his closing kick last year, but I think he should improve as the season goes on.

Mike (DC)

What's the deal with Holliday's slow start? Will he come out of it or should I look at deal options like Russell Martin (also a slow start)?

James Quintong

  (3:35 PM)

I'm not totally sure what's gotten into Holliday early on, but it'll be hard to trade him to get full value. I think Holliday will bounce back, though.

Max (Great Neck, NY)

James, I have Mike Napoli and I'm getting tired of his inconsistent playing time and lack of production. I am considering picking up Matt Wieters to sit o my bench, but I'd have to drop a pitcher (Chris Volstad or Eric Bedard). Do you think this is a move I should make?

James Quintong

  (3:36 PM)

While I think Wieters should be a star when he finally comes up, I don't think it's worth dropping Volstad or Bedard for him right now. There's got to be other pitchers on your staff that can be dropped instead.

Ken (Morgantown, WV)

DUDE!!! I've been askin' everyone the same question for the last 2 weeks. When is ESPN gonna show me some love? I have the #1 waiver priority in a keeper league. Should I hold onto it and hope for Pedro Alvarez comes up sometime this season? If not, who else might be a potential keeper that may get added to the fantasy world this year?

James Quintong

  (3:38 PM)

Given how badly Andy LaRoche has been playing, I wonder if the Pirates will call up Alvarez sooner rather than later. However, if you're looking for another potential keeper to enter the fantasy world, Steven Strasburg could make an impact in the majors as soon as he gets drafted in June.

Chris (Durham, NC)

What do you expect from Samardzija for th season now that he was called up the other day?

James Quintong

  (3:40 PM)

Right now, the Cubs want him back in that seventh-inning role he had a bit last year. It's odd, since he was being stretched out as a starter in the minors. So his fantasy value is a little muted with the move back up. But he's ready to jump into the rotation whenever there's an injury.

Tom Tuttle (Tacoma)

Swisher for Gallardo: a good sell-high, buy-low opportunity?

James Quintong

  (3:41 PM)

Sounds about right to me. I think Swisher has been a nice revelation for the Yankees, but I wonder when he'll slow down -- at least average-wise.

Alexei Ramirez (ChiTown)

Will I right this ship or sink like the Titanic?

James Quintong

  (3:43 PM)

I'm a bit concerned, but on the other hand, he's not striking out a ton, either, so there is hope. Remember that last year, he got off to a horrendous start last year (although he wasn't always in the lineup) and finished just fine.

Drew (LA)

I managed to pick up Bonifacio on day 2 so I actually benefited from some of his killer week-long career. Any bounce back there or should I drop him for Ian Stewart?

James Quintong

  (3:44 PM)

It depends on what you need. Bonifacio should steal more bases and will get playing time, so I might still have him over Ian Stewart, whose PT is still a question mark.

Jon (SD)

Ben Francisco stinks and Trevor Crowe eats...crowe. Laporta is raking in AAA. When do you suppose the Tribe calls this stud up?

James Quintong

  (3:46 PM)

If Francisco continues to struggle, I wouldn't be surprised if the Indians consider LaPorta sooner rather than later. I don't think LaPorta is in their short-term plans, but those could always change.

Jim (Houston, TX)

Pablo Sandoval: are you preaching patience or should I start pondering Plan B behind the plate (he already qualifies at C in my league)?

James Quintong

  (3:48 PM)

I'll preach a little patience with him, although it obviously might have been asking him a lot to duplicate his line from last September. And if he already qualifies at catcher, it's probably even more useful to wait on him.

Josh (boston)

Are you a believer in Jose Lopez/ do you think he's worth holding on to? I have 2nd base set with Brian Roberts, so Lopez is just a utility man. Am i better off picking up someone like Carlos Guillen, Fowler or Justin Upton? Thanks!

James Quintong

  (3:50 PM)

I do like Lopez a bit. He produces enough to be a useful utility player, and while he may not have the upside of Fowler or Upton, he's still worth having in the space now.

Scooter (Bellevue, WA)

Q! Got any hot new Bond gadgets in the laboratory? Need to drop one of these injured aces - Smoltz or Carpenter. Which one & why?

James Quintong

  (3:52 PM)

I think Carpenter may return first, and this injury isn't arm-related, so I guess I'd keep him.

Cinder (LA, CA)

Out of context for sure but: Bay for Lackey?

James Quintong

  (3:54 PM)

I'd rather have Bay. I don't know if Lackey will bounce back as well as he did last year.

Andrew (Honolulu, HI)

Everyone keeps saying Iannetta will bounce back once he gets to play at home, but if you look at his career splits he's actually been a better hitter on the road across the board by a pretty significant margin (.260/.380/.463 road, .238/.358/.417 home). With that track record, why should we expect him to break out of his funk?

James Quintong

  (3:57 PM)

Good point. However, last year, his OPS was very similar at home and the road (.893 home/.897 road) and he had more homers at home (11 vs. 7) in nearly similar number of at-bats. I'll pay a bit more attention to those numbers from last year compared to earlier in his career.

Josh (St Paul)

Please tell me Tulowitzki will recover from his less then mediocre start to the season. Do you think Elvis Andrus will cool off or would it be worth it to pick him up?

James Quintong

  (3:59 PM)

Well, as mentioned before, the Rockies have only played three games at home all season long. But they finally have a reasonably long homestand starting this weekend, so we'll have a better idea of what to expect from Colorado players by then.

James Quintong

  (4:01 PM)

OK folks. That's all the time I've got for today. Sorry I couldn't get to any football questions. Enjoy the weekend (it's actually going to be in the 80s here in Bristol), enjoy the NFL Draft and best of luck.