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Jason Grey

  (11:02 AM)

No A.J. today as they finish up the big football rankings summit. I'm a baseball guy so you get me for the chat ...and yes, I am feeling pretty good about yesterday's Fowler clipboard article and Verlander recommendation in the chat after last night's games....let's see if I can keep it up today...

Zack

Should i move Webb, if so, what can i expect in return?

Jason Grey

  (11:04 AM)

I don't think Webb will get you the kind of value you're looking for at this point. I think what he can give you when he returns in 6-8 weeks will be better than the value you get in return at this point in most leagues.

Grant (Chicago)

Is Ryan Perry worth a look in a deep keeper even if he likely wouldn't crack my keepers?

Jason Grey

  (11:05 AM)

He is, because he could be closing for this team in 2010, or maybe even September of this year (esp. given Zumaya's health history...so he would still have decent trade value in a deep keeper. Prototypical closer stuff.

nick (bos)

jason, jordan zimmermann is unowned in my league. do i drop kyle davies for him?

Jason Grey

  (11:06 AM)

I think over the balance of the season, Davies will have more value, even though I do like Zimmermann.

annoyed (everywhere)

so those that drafted Tulo, and those that traded for him as a "buy low" are SOL now or what? how long do you hold onto this guy?

Jason Grey

  (11:07 AM)

You keep hanging on. He showed is 2007 form and power at the end of last year and he'll get back there again. Too good of a hitter to stay this way for long, though it's clear over the last two seasons that he'll be prone to some anxiety-producing slumps.

Tom (SoCal)

Pick up Jordan Zimmerman and drop either Nolasco, Volquez or Lester?

Jason Grey

  (11:08 AM)

I take all three of those pitchers over JZ. I like him, he can have use in mixed leagues this year, but let's not go crazy yet. It's been just two good starts, and the league will start making some adjustments.

Jason Grey

  (11:11 AM)

Lots of Harden questions: bottom line is that everyone is always worried about when he is going to get hurt, so it makes it really tough for you to "sell high" and get a decent value. My recommendation on Harden is the same as last year -- you're probably better just hanging on to him and enjoying what you get until the next DL stint

Jason Grey

  (11:12 AM)

Lots of Nolasco questions: be patient - he started last year slow too (although that was also due to his elbow not being at full strength yet) His velocity is still fine, so that's a good sign.

Mike (Cleveland, OH)

What are your thoughts on the Washington's closer situation? Does Hanrahan still hold on to the job despite the 3 blown saves?

Jason Grey

  (11:15 AM)

Hanrahan's job is probab;y not safe, but the fact is I don't trust any of their other options either. Rivera, Mock, etc. wouldn't hang on to the job either. Heck, Julian Tavarez is the best pitcher in that 'pen right now, and that's scary.

JJ (CA)

What are the odds Scott Downs will be the closer the rest of the year?

Jason Grey

  (11:16 AM)

Very high in my opinion. He can get both lefties and righties out, throws strikes, and keeps the ball in the park. Even when Ryan comes back, if Downs is doing the job, I doubt they will make a change. If Downs stays healthy, he can have a nice run.

David (San Francisco, CA)

Hi Jason. My league vetoed this trade: Braun, Adam Wainwright and Manuel Corpas for Aramis Ramirez, Roy Halladay and Frank Francisco, for "lack of balance."Was that a legitimate veto? I obviously think not, and can't help but be pretty steamed about the entire thing.

Jason Grey

  (11:18 AM)

It's not horrible enough to warrant overturning. Note to all commissioners out there in the chat: you're better off just letting the free market rule as a trade policy unless there's obvious collusion involved.

Jason Grey

  (11:19 AM)

Lots of questions on when all kinds of prospects might get the call. For the most part, you're talking a lot about service time issues in the absence of injuries on the parent club, so June is the safe bet for most of them, and anything more than that is a bonus. Some (hanson) are closer than others, though.

Tim (DC)

Hey Jason - what are your thoughts on Kershaw? I'm planning on using my waiver priority on him (and dropping villanueva). I figure "if not kershaw, who am I waiting for"?

Jason Grey

  (11:21 AM)

I like the move - classic "buy low" play - sure, he had two rough starts due to some mechanical woes but also fanned 13 the start before those. It's a smart upside play.

david (toronto)

Is Peavy still a top 5 pitcher?

Jason Grey

  (11:22 AM)

I said yesterday that he is one pitcher I'm not ready to just say "it's still early" on due to last year's elbow trouble, and the fact that hitters are talking about the fact he's not as aggressive as he usually is and is nibbling. If Peavy's nibbling, it means he's not trusting his stuff for some reason. If someone wants to offer you the usual Peavy-worthy value in a trade as they try to the offer.

Joe (Morris Plains, NJ)

Could S. Strasburg be as good as Lincecum?

Jason Grey

  (11:23 AM)

Sorry - have to make you wait for tomorrow's Minor Achievements column for that one :-)

dbfan [via mobile]

i have jeter on my team should i let him go

Jason Grey

  (11:24 AM)

.296 4 hr 3 SB , and it was a weak shortstop pool this year, relatively speaking, so it begs the question - in favor of which player? I don't see a need to worry about Jeter.

Todd (Philly)

Fowler or Morgan for overall stats at the end of the year?

Jason Grey

  (11:25 AM)

Fowler has much more upside and power potential than Morgan, so I'd go with him.

Scott (Charelston)

I have the #1 Waiver Priority in a dynasty league. Do I wait on Strasburg (Assuming he gets called up) or will there be someone else I should use it on?

Jason Grey

  (11:27 AM)

I actually have gotten variations of this question quite a bit, so I'll address this part without getting into too much Strasburg detail: It's a risky play, because that assumes a quick signing and a quick promotion, both of which are plausible but perhaps unlikely, especially given that it's a Boras client. I'd hang on to it as long as I could though.

JImmy (VA)

Are you concerned about Lidge and Soria?

Jason Grey

  (11:28 AM)

MRI showed no structural damage or tears on Lidge's knee, and Soria's was clean as well - so pending any new health data, I wouldn't worry about either.

Seth (St. Louis)

How long is Brett Anderson's leash right now? He's had a tough schedule, incuding tonight's opponent. Do you think he gets back on track and avoids a demotion?

Jason Grey

  (11:31 AM)

I think he has a longer leash than Cahill, because he's pitched better, and I do think he gets back on track. The A's do have some options at Triple-A, but I think when they committed to Anderson and Cahill it was to give them extended looks. That's just my speculation.

Kevin (Sicklerville, NJ)

Jason, are you buying or selling Javier Vazquez? Great start so far and the move to the NL sure could help his peripherals. Does he finish a top 15 SP?

Jason Grey

  (11:32 AM)

I'm still buying on Vazquez, who will be one of the more underrated starting pitchers this season. You are correct, the move helps him in many ways, and there's a ton to like about him for this season.

JJ Hardy and Drew

Hmmm....what happend to the shortstops this year....they are doing miserable or hurt!

Jason Grey

  (11:33 AM)

We had the same problem last year as well, when mixed leaguers were resorting to picking up Y. Betancourt at midseason because the shortstop pool was very weak in terms of depth. Seems that way this season as well. However, as far as those two players - don't worry - Drew will be fine, and Hardy's streakiness has been well-documented.

Jason Grey

  (11:35 AM)

Verlander questions: I addressed it yesterday and in a previous Clipboard column. His high ERA was a mirage driven by very, very poor luck and some untimely hits. The stuff is back, the mechanics are back, and they were even before last night's outing turned heads. Get him while you can.

Mike (MInneapolis, MN)

I'm encouraged by Scott Baker's start last night -- he gave up 4 runs in 6, which isn't terrible, and left with a 1.17 WHIP. Is this the harbinger of things to come or should I still be skeptical?

Jason Grey

  (11:36 AM)

I'm encouraged more by the zero homers. What made Baker into a top pitcher last year was the drop in homer rate, and whether or not it was due to the spring shoulder stiffness, he issued a ton of gopher balls the first two starts. If he's back to keeping the ball down in the zone, we're going to enjoy the ride.

Ty (Atlanta)

Is Gordon Beckham worth stashing for $1 in a 14-team league with a deepish bench?

Jason Grey

  (11:38 AM)

Might be pushing it a bit - for example, I have Mark Ellis stashed in a 15-team with a seven-man bench as opposed to Beckham. There are enough viable mixed league options playing right now still out there that I'd probably stash first, although I obviously like Beckham.

Rishi (Miami, FL)

Jason...Don't days like yesterday make you smile about The Dexter Fowler?

Jason Grey

  (11:40 AM)

Just using this comment to mentioning something I didn't have space for in the piece. If you're a baseball fan you want to root for Fowler. One of the nicest kids you'll find, intelligent, great personality, and busts his tail all the time. Always nice to see a guy like that have success because he deserves it. Ok, back to fantasy stuff :-)

Mayor McCheese

Which currently injured starter would you target in trade talks?

Jason Grey

  (11:41 AM)

Although I have concerns that six weeks may turn into 8-12, I'd still see how panicked a Webb owner is if you want to try and acquire him at a bargain.

Tyler (VT)

Mr. Grey, what happened to the power that Khalil Greene showed in '07? Have you noticed a different approach at the plate, or is something else going on?

Jason Grey

  (11:43 AM)

Nothing too different, and his HR/FB rate is pretty much the same as it's always been. His 27 homer season was largely at-bat driven with a slightly elevated HR/FB rate, but if he stays healthy he could hit 20 again even with just 2 in his first 18 games.

Ryan (PA)

Any future closers I could pick up and stash in my dynasty league? Even if it might not be until 2010.

Jason Grey

  (11:45 AM)

Ryan Perry, outside chance for Houston's Bud Norris, in other organizations (i.e. if they get traded) Seattle's Josh Fields and Phillipe Aumont

Kyle (LA)

Better young reliever - Mijares or Sipp?

Jason Grey

  (11:46 AM)

Mijares

melancon (New York)

Am I not a future closer?

Jason Grey

  (11:47 AM)

Sure, you have the stuff to eventually do the job, but Mariano is signed through 2010 last I checked, so there would be a wait.

Sean (Brooklyn)

Last attempt - i know you're good for it. Just want your thoughts on Ian Kennedy. EK dropped his name as a possible callup in OotB. Seems odd with Hughes going tonight, but maybe Joba finally goes back to the 'pen where he belongs? Jose Ceda for closer in FLA on that 2010 and beyond closer list?

Jason Grey

  (11:50 AM)

Good call on Ceda, as I undoubtedly miss a name or two off the top of my head - However, I am concerned that he still hasn't pitched in a game in the minors yet due to a sore shoulder. Kennedy has been kind of forgotten, but I do think he can be a successful big league starter. Regardless of whatever side you're on in the great Joba debate, it doesn't appear a move is happening anytime soon from his current role.

Tommy Hanson

Did you just call me? I was out back throwing at empty beer cans and thought I heard the phone.

Jason Grey

  (11:51 AM)

Ok, that was funny.

Erik (ATL)

JG, I'm in a bit of a jam. I drafted speed guys (Andrus, Taveras, CBY, Schafer) that aren't stealing. Nyjer Morgan and Josh Anderson are on FA list. Are either worth owning over my guys in a 12 team 5x5 weekly H2H keeper league?

Jason Grey

  (11:54 AM)

Morgan as the priority due to more certain playing time. If you have enough SS depth, Andrus might be the drop. Not sure I want to give up on the others just yet (though Schafer won't be a good steals guy, so he might be the play if you want to preserve your SS options)

Bob(Ma)

JASON,THANKS for the heads up on FOWLER. NOLASCO, bench him vs Mets today? I am over on my innings and I am starting Wandy today. Also drop Cueto for Baker or Floyd? Thanks

Jason Grey

  (11:55 AM)

It's not a bad play if your innings limits are being pushed. Let's see him be his old self for at least one start first. I'm hanging on to Cueto.

Jay (Boston)

Daniel Bard - future Sox closer after Papelbon? When does Bard come up this year?

Jason Grey

  (11:57 AM)

I was looking more at teams with relatively unsettled situations in the next year or two, but Bard certainly fits the mold. However, I think Sox have two more years of control over Papelbon.

Me (Me-Town)

Mike Lowell or Aaron Hill for the rest of the year?

Jason Grey

  (11:58 AM)

Lowell

John (Atlanta)

Drop Swisher or Choo to pick up Fowler? Stats?

Jason Grey

  (11:58 AM)

I would drop Swisher - my projected Fowler stat line is in yesterday's article for the most part.

Jake (Atl)

Hey Jason! What's up with Miggy? He didn't like hitting anymore? He just stopped dead!

Jason Grey

  (12:00 PM)

This is why I keep saying "it's early" . He's homered in two of his last 3 games. If he went through a rough three week stretch in July, most people wouldn't notice - it just gets more attention in April.

Confused Marlins Fan

HERMIDA!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just let me know your thoughts. PLEASE MAN!

Jason Grey

  (12:01 PM)

I've always had an unhealthy affection for Hermida that has been well-documented the last few years. The fact he's drawing walks again and striking out less 14/14 BB/K is a good sign for me. Sure it's .258, but also a .403 OBP. Hopefully, he's found the eye he showed in the minors and the stats will follow.

Jason Grey

  (12:03 PM)

Ok guys, gotta run and finish up tomorrow's minors column - went to see San Jose this past weekend so I'll be talking about Bumgarner and Alderson, and Strasburg too. Thanks to everyone, sorry I couldn't get to all of your questions, but I do read and respond to the comments in my articles as well. Thanks!