Matthew Berry

  (3:03 PM)

Hiya kids... coming to you live from the ESPN.com Fantasy Football rankings meeting... we are all here, using the NFL draft results to finalize our initial rankings. A note about FF... The game is now open and FREE

Brad (St. Louis)

Do you see Adam Jones as a top 20 OF THIS year?

Matthew Berry

  (3:03 PM)

No. Like him a lot - he was a pre-season "Love" but think the average will ultimately keep him out of top 20

Jim (denver)

I know this isn't your specialty, but is there anyway that Broncos season ticket holders can band together and sue McDaniels for gross incompetance?

Matthew Berry

  (3:04 PM)

Why? You don't like having 18 running backs? Sounds like a class action lawsuit is what you are looking for.

Kevin

TMR, would you rather have Andy Pettite or Randy Johnson?

Matthew Berry

  (3:05 PM)

Big Unit. As weather gets warmer, so will Randy and I'd rather a pitcher in SF than Coors East.

Keith (Levittown, PA)

Need some trade advice. Should I deal Mauer and Ziegler for your boy Sexy Alexi and Kerry Wood? I have Sandoval catching...

Matthew Berry

  (3:06 PM)

Yes. it's a fair trade... and I like Alexei more than Mauer

Dan (Washington, DC)

TMR, I used to listen to your podcast all the time at work and then they changed the firewall settings and I can't get it. Anyway you can throw your weight around and get the podcast streamed in Windows Media Player (maybe you could team up with Simmons if I promised to download the BS Report)?

Matthew Berry

  (3:08 PM)

I just asked Podvader. We'll look into it. But can't you get it from iTunes? Or just listen to it from ESPN.com? Or Espnradio.com?

john, nyc

Liriano or Cole Hamels?

Matthew Berry

  (3:09 PM)

I'll say Liriano but I like both to rebound. Liriano started slow last year and getting Mauer back will help the Twins pitching.

Bill (DC)

Keeper question. I usually keep the best players I have, but Larry Johnson is my only "decent" (used loosely) RB. My concern is that all the other decent RB's will be kept. So....throw a decent player back to keep LJ, or stick to my guns? You da man.

Matthew Berry

  (3:10 PM)

Stick to your guns and throw LJ back

Matthew Berry

  (3:10 PM)

Much love for Brent Celek as a #2 TE sleeper, by the way. We are in the TE section, obviously...

Justin (NY, NY)`

Who do I start this week; Hampton @ Atl or Scherzer @Mil?

Matthew Berry

  (3:11 PM)

I'd rather Mad Max. Not crazy about either guy, but I believe in him more than Hampton going back to ATL

Drew (Buffalo)

Pick one RB to keep for this upcoming season, Westbrook, Turner, DeAngelo Williams, Portis, Derrick Ward. Really need some help on this, Thanks!

Matthew Berry

  (3:12 PM)

Turner. He's my #1 overall. I hope you won last year with that squad - that's crazy

Fellow Narcissist

Chris Harris says we should keep our expectations in check on B.J. Upton and Liriano. What do you think?

Matthew Berry

  (3:12 PM)

Chris is a really smart guy ... I'm a bit more optimistic on both than Chris...

Brett (Houston, TX)

Isn't this a football chat? Anyway, Turner is your number one? Even with Peterson being the rushing winner, only being in his third year, and the Vikings now adding Harvin to take pressure off of him?

Matthew Berry

  (3:14 PM)

This is an all sport all subject chat. And I answer the Turner vs AP reasoning here: http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/football/ffl/story?page=tmrtop200090423

Scott (Chicago)

Start this week: 2 start Baker 1 start Wainwright?

Matthew Berry

  (3:15 PM)

Go with Adam until Baker proves himself and Mauer gets back.

Brett (Houston, TX)

Ah, got ya. I was confused because it said "Fantasy Football" at the top. Ha.

Matthew Berry

  (3:16 PM)

Sorry.... As you know, I'm wide open.

Mr. Redlegs

While we're talking Scott Baker, would you start him over Verlander tonight?

Matthew Berry

  (3:20 PM)

Sorry. Got pulled into an argument about the NYG D. Anyways, I would, but oly because I hate Verlander. Baker is at home vs Niemann, so my guess is he's got a shot at a win, but not crazy about either guy

Ryan (MD)

Hey, TMR, what do you think of Pablo Sandoval? He's catcher-eligible in my league, and I'm hoping last night's 4-4 performance means he's finally getting back to last year's form. Is he worth starting over some of the big name catchers now? Thanks!

Matthew Berry

  (3:22 PM)

Depends on the other catchers. I don't think he's a top 10 guy which means in ESPN standard 1 catcher leagues, he's not a starter. He's only startable right now as a catcher or in a NL Only league or deep 14 team or more league

PJ (NY)

What are your thoughts on Jered Weaver and his hot start? I have an offer of Weaver for Hanson on the table (non keeper league). Pull the trigger?

Matthew Berry

  (3:24 PM)

I'd rather Weaver this year than Hanson only because we are not sure when Tommy comes up and rookies will struggle. Weaver tends to start solid, then hit a lull andbe awesome in June/July. So, at age 26, feel Weaver is finlly hitting his stride a bit. He won't keep up this level, but an ERA under 4 and double digit wins are a lock.

Ryan (jersey)

Just dropped pat burrell for fowler after reading greys clipboard. Are you drinking the kool aid?

Matthew Berry

  (3:26 PM)

Jason is terrific and I like Fowler as well. But not as much as Burrell who is 30 HR in the bank. Depends on your power needs and how many OF you play, but in a vacuum, I like Pat more. So... yes on the kool-aid to an extent...but not that much

Marc (Toronto, Canada)

TMR, thoughts on Manny Parra going forward? I kept him in my keeper league thinking he was going to be a huge sleeper this year, but every time I watch him pitch I get frustrated because he can't throw strikes! Keep him for a couple more times through the rotation?

Matthew Berry

  (3:27 PM)

Right there with you, brother. Felt the same way... he's too good a pitcher to struggle this much. That aid, something isn't right right now. I'd bench but not drop

Bret Michaels

Did I make the right choice?

Matthew Berry

  (3:27 PM)

I don't know. I'm behind this season. But, if past history is any indication, my guess is no.

Steve Drew (Training Room)

I suck AND I'm hurt. Why did you pick me as the NL West MVP?

Matthew Berry

  (3:29 PM)

You're terriic and will be back healthy soon. Great buy low

Nathan (MN)

Does Oprah follow you on Twitter yet?

Matthew Berry

  (3:29 PM)

No, dammit and she should. @therealtmr on twitter.com

Randy Wolf (LA, LA)

How am I looking for my 2 starts this week? Am I better choice then Liriano or young Zimmermann?

Matthew Berry

  (3:32 PM)

Really like Wolf ... two great pitcher parks (SF and LAD)...Zimm is not pitching till Thurs vs STL and Liriano will only pitch once b/c MINN is off Thurs.

Chris (Boston)

Rafael Soriano or Kevin Gregg?

Matthew Berry

  (3:32 PM)

Soriano

Wandy (Houston)

Hey, TMR...thanks for the preseason love. You are definitely loving me right now. How about after a start at Cincy this week?

Matthew Berry

  (3:33 PM)

Of course

Dan - San Jose

I miss you TMR. You really are the best!

Matthew Berry

  (3:33 PM)

Still funny

Chaz (Scranton, PA)

Better keeper value: Roddy White for a 7th round pick or Tim Hightower for a 16th round pick? Should I be concerned about Beanie Wells?

Matthew Berry

  (3:34 PM)

Yes, you should be concerned... I say you keep Roddy

Ravi, DC

How many steals will Nyjer Morgan finish the season with? And will he stay near .300?

Matthew Berry

  (3:34 PM)

.280, 38 steals

Ben (Charlotte)

Aaron Laffey. Yes, no, man-crush?

Matthew Berry

  (3:35 PM)

Yes to an extent... doesn't strike guys out and hasn't beaten anyone great yet but I do like him... so no man crush

Mike (Indy)

What rookie who was just drafted will be the highest ranked in the new FF rankings?

Matthew Berry

  (3:36 PM)

Not there yet but probably Moreno

Drew (Buffalo)

You going to try to break the chat-length record any time soon?

Matthew Berry

  (3:37 PM)

Not any time soon, no...

Peter (Mpls. Mn)

And reason to be worried about Soto? Thanks, dawg.

Matthew Berry

  (3:37 PM)

No prob dawg. I'm not worried yet.

Jason (St Louis)

When can we expect the draft kit?

Matthew Berry

  (3:39 PM)

You can not expect it... it will take you by surprise!

Mike (DC)

speaking of dawgs, hows Macy?

Matthew Berry

  (3:39 PM)

She is great, thanks. Just got a new summer haircut.

Nathan (Bemidji, MN)

When are you and Simmons going to settle up on your fantasy basketball wager?

Matthew Berry

  (3:40 PM)

That's a great question. I need to get on that....Maybe I will make him do it for the ESPY's

Goose (two N's in Zimmermann)

Got a chance to watch Zimmermann yesterday. He was consistent 95, with movement, nice slider and curve. Minor league stats are very impressive. All of that said, is the fact that he plays for the Nationals the reason that he didn't get the same pub as Hanson?

Matthew Berry

  (3:41 PM)

Yes, he's also younger and folks didn't think he would make rotation until his amazing spring. That said, you are correct - he is legit.

Mr. Redlegs

Edwin Encarnacion is having such a weird season. High OBP (considering his average) and no hitting at all, much less for power. What's the deal?

Matthew Berry

  (3:45 PM)

Yeah. I agree. He's walking a lot which is nice but consiering he hit 7 HR last April it's a bit odd. That said, April is one of his lighted power months over tha last three years so I would just be patient....

J.L. (Bangkok)

Sitting in a bar sipping an adult beverage ... a fight starts and you see that it's Mel Gibson against Paul Hogan. Who do you root for?

Matthew Berry

  (3:45 PM)

A boulder to fall on both of them?

Dan (Vermont)

AL only need for speed. From here on out, Go-Go Gomez or Josh Anderson? Thanks for chatting!

Matthew Berry

  (3:46 PM)

Anderson, actually...

Sean (Chicago)

Buying the Fukudome start? Hitting a HR off a lefty yesterday really made me think his adjustments are legit.

Matthew Berry

  (3:46 PM)

Sort of. I think he's better than last year, so yes on the adjustments... but do I think he goes down each month like last year? Yes, just not as much.

Jordan (OH)

Please rank these Stephen Drew fillers...Lugo, Aviles, Theriot, Khalil Greene, A. Cabrera, or Bartlett/Zobrist? Thanks TMR!

Matthew Berry

  (3:48 PM)

Assuming you don't need a specific category? Theriot, Cabrera, Bartlett, Greene, Aviles, Lugo, Zobrist.

Matthew Berry

  (3:48 PM)

Assuming you don't need a specific category? Theriot, Cabrera, Bartlett, Greene, Aviles, Lugo, Zobrist.

Bennett (Indy)

Better for speed without hurting elsewhere this year: Nyjer Morgan or Dexy's midnight Fowler?

Matthew Berry

  (3:48 PM)

Morgan will steal more

BL (NY)

Fantasy football questions? Really? I love FFL as much as the next guy but are anyones keepers due in April??? Best pickup...Randy Johnson, Duke, Zimmermann or stash Hanson?

Matthew Berry

  (3:49 PM)

Zimm then Unit

Sean (Chicago)

Fukudome - .290/18hr/75rbi/20sb reasonable projection?

Matthew Berry

  (3:49 PM)

No, that's too high on HR / SB

Josh (DC)

Which 2 would you keep of the following: Westbrook, D. Williams, B. Jacobs?

Matthew Berry

  (3:50 PM)

I'd throw back Westbrook since it is a keeper league and he's the oldest

Everyone (Chat)

What did you and Simmons bet?

Matthew Berry

  (3:50 PM)

Loser of SimmonBerry league has to wear facial hair of winner's choice. I won.

Jason (Bmore)

Who is the DeSean Jackson relevant rookie wr for this upcoming year?

Matthew Berry

  (3:51 PM)

If there is one, I say Crabtree in SF

Paul (minneapolis)

Any rookies worth owning in football this year? Crabtree's an injury risk and WR's usually struggle, Knowshon is competing with roughly 4000 other RB's, Maclin can't run a route and Stafford's not going to play. Depressing draft for this season's fantasy, no?

Matthew Berry

  (3:54 PM)

Depends on how deep your league is. Moreno has most upside of DEN RB and if James leaves AZ, Beanie Wells is interesting.... Plus, couldn't you see a Matt Ryan type year out of Sanchez? They have a good O line, good run game...

Jason (Bmore)

Koji Uehera. Are you a believer?

Matthew Berry

  (3:57 PM)

I am, actually. Won't get a ton of strikeouts but I do like him...

Paul (minneapolis)

I do hope for Sanchez' success if only for the plethora of FFL team names he'll provide...

big baby (nj)

Kinsler/Josh Johnson or Hanley/Nolasco?

bob(chi)

Is Brady Quinn worth keeping for a late round pick?

Matthew Berry

  (3:59 PM)

No

Keith (Cleveland)

Jason (Bmore) a believer that he is a mediocre starting pitcher? yes, I am.

Matthew Berry

  (3:59 PM)

I think his upside is higher than that... def a must own in AL only and a spot starter in mix leagues

Kyle (KCMO)

Would you trade Mig Cab for Kinsler and Carlos Lee?

Matthew Berry

  (3:59 PM)

Yes

Jason Campbell

When do you think I should announce I'm holding out? I'm thinking tomorrow, just to stick it to Snyder...

Matthew Berry

  (4:00 PM)

HAHA

Jason (Bmore)

Eastbound and Down...Friend or foe?

Matthew Berry

  (4:01 PM)

It's very funny

Anthony (Raleigh)

J Upton - buying?

Matthew Berry

  (4:02 PM)

Not enitrely. I think he'll continue to be up and down

Jake (Chicago)

Keith (Cleveland) should try playing in a depp league where Uehara is a must start...he should probably stick to fantasy football where he only needs to know the names of 6 players per team...amateur hour.

Vinny (nyc)

Would you try to sell high on Josh Johnson or Volstad - or is this just a great year to have drafted them?

Matthew Berry

  (4:03 PM)

Both. If you get a greta offer, do it. But they are legit.

Johnny (San Diego)

Better replacement for McCann: John Baker, John Buck, Sandoval, or Shoppach?

Matthew Berry

  (4:04 PM)

Baker

Matthew Berry

  (4:04 PM)

Okay, gang.. gotta run. Thanks for stopping by! be sure to listen to the Fantasy Focus podcast tomorrow!