Eric Karabell

  (3:02 PM)

Hello all and welcome to another fantasy baseball chat session.... thanks for joining us. Let's get to the questions...

jack (LA)

Lance berkman is 2 for his last 25, what is going on? He finished last season with a rough september, is he getting old faster than gasp derek lee?

Eric Karabell

  (3:03 PM)

No, I think Lee is getting older faster, actually. Berkman was one of baseball's top players in the first half last season, but I don't think his current struggles are related to last September. As for Lee, the power is gone. Be careful if you expect 20 homers.

Ryan (Boston)

Eric, Wandy Rodriguez is sitting out on our free agent list right now. He's looked really good so far this year, but would you drop Slowey, Liriano, Nolasco, or Shields for him? Thanks in advance!

Eric Karabell

  (3:05 PM)

Wandy is good, but I'm not sure I could cut any of those other names to get him. I might try to trade Liriano, though. He is not the same guy of a few years ago, and his fastball is getting hammered. We have to lower expectations for him, so if you find someone who truly believes, see what you can get. I'm angry I turned down Carlos Zambrano for Liriano a month ago. Wandy ranks a close fifth here.

Ramsay (Fullerton, CA)

EK, solid work on the Relief Effort today. Name game: Hanrahan or Zumaya? Pat's or Geno's?

Eric Karabell

  (3:06 PM)

Who doesn't love the name game! I think Zumaya at this point. Hanrahan doesn't seem to be liked by Manny Acta. Kip Wells might actually get a save before Hanrahan. I think it's Joe Beimel in D.C. next week, but I doubt he keeps the job. And Tony Luke's in Philly!

David (LA, CA)

Hey EK! What is UP with future MVP Miggy not hitting for the past 2 weeks?

Eric Karabell

  (3:07 PM)

Nothing. It's what, a 25-week season? In roto leagues I don't even look at players like Miggy. They're always fine. In h2h they can sway the standings, but there still isn't a thing you can do about it.

Dan, NJ

Jason Motte: still a chance to become closer this year or next? I'm at the bottom in Saves. Take a chance on Kiki Calero (best available prospect) or package Motte w/a hitter to get a real closer. 12-team, NL, 5x5 league.

Eric Karabell

  (3:09 PM)

I think you might want to package for a safe closer, or just be first on the waiver wire when you know someone gets the job. I don't see Ryan Franklin losing the job anytime soon, but I do think Motte is next there. And I still think Leo Nunez is next if Lindstrom loses the role, but I think he can hold on for another month or two.

matt, (plantation ,fl.)

Who would you rather have for the rest of the season, Phil Hughes or Jordan Zimmermann?

Eric Karabell

  (3:10 PM)

Nice question! I think it's Zimmermann actually. I think his ERA will rise, but he's never really struggled at any level. He might not win much in D.C., but I think we can count on him for consistency. As for Hughes, I'm torn. If I had him and had pitching depth, I'd try to move him before his next start. They're not going to all be that good. He was awful in 2008. Also, he might lose the rotation spot to Wang no matter what.

Matt (Charlotte)

Any concerns in Phillie-land about Jimmy Rollins spending this much time south of the mendoza line? Is he a buy-low guy and, if so, who would you trade: Carlos Lee, Raul Ibanez, Andre Ethier? Thanks a ton.

Eric Karabell

  (3:11 PM)

Absolutely a great buy low. He will be fine, get his 15 homers and 35 steals. You watch. I'd probably deal Ethier first among that outfield crew.

Bingo Long (Louisville KY)

Quick one: Teahen or Ian Stewart? Need a temp replacement for Aramis. Thanks!!

Eric Karabell

  (3:12 PM)

For batting average and guaranteed playing time, it's Teahen. But Stewart clearly has more power potential, and he'll get his second base eligibility.

Matty (Harrisburg)

Best numbers from a COL OF rest of this year: Hawpe or Fowler?

Eric Karabell

  (3:14 PM)

Different numbers. Fowler is not a 60-steal guy, so the comparisons to even Willy Taveras or Jacoby Ellsbury are a bit off. He's more of a 15-homer, 25-steal guy. Sell high. He'll be good, but not 5 steals in a game good. He did that because Chris Young continues to embarrass himself by ignoring baserunners. He's about the worst in the game at it. Fowler could steal 35, but I take the under. Hawpe is a legit 25-90 guy. He should be more valuable.

Mikey ( CA )

Stay with Guthrie and Jimenez...best FA left are Bannister, Laffy, Boggs, and Looper ?

Eric Karabell

  (3:15 PM)

Ubaldo really scares me because even when he usable a year ago, he walked 100 hitters. Very dangerous. He can do too much damage to be trusted at all times. Of course, I don't really trust anyone you named there. I might give Aaron Laffey a shot, but remember, Ubaldo has major strikeout upside.

Mr. Redlegs (Cincy)

Does Pascarelli cover up his hatred of everyone when asked about them by simply saying "I don't DISLIKE them" ?? Anyway, which of these guys do you DISLIKE the LEAST? Wandy Rodriguez, Gil Meche, Brett Myers, Gavin Floyd?

Eric Karabell

  (3:17 PM)

Well, at least Peter is consistent. Check out the Baseball Today podcast off the ESPNradio.com link. Good daily show and much of what we discuss can be interpreted for fantasy. Anyway, I like, not dislike. So I rank these pitchers Meche (assuming he's healthy), Myers, Wandy and way down Floyd.

Josh (Las Vegas, NV)

Conor Jackson - 1 year anomoly or will he come around and produce?

Eric Karabell

  (3:18 PM)

I think all his years have been relatively similar, no? He hits for average, doesn't have 20-home run power, and you know what you'll get. I don't expect a breakout, or a major dropoff.

Mike (MN)

Is it time to bench Chris Davis for a steadier veteran at 3B? Melvin Mora and Casey Blake are available...

Eric Karabell

  (3:19 PM)

I normally wait a month on young strugglers and at this point I'd bench Davis, but not cut him. He can still hit 30 homers in a hurry. Mora would be the option when he's playing. Note he had those really nice numbers last season and still missed 27 games.

Pedro Feliz

Can I hit 25 HR and 90 RBI or am I a streaky player with a hot hand?

Eric Karabell

  (3:21 PM)

I think even Pedro knows it will be very tough, no matter the home ballpark, to reach those numbers. I can see 15 and 70 though. Remember, he often hit much higher in the order in San Francisco, and that does make a difference.

Stacy Sioux City, IA

Should I dump J.Hermida for Fowler, Weeks or C.Duncan?

Eric Karabell

  (3:22 PM)

Sorry, but I've been burned before by Hermida, and I'd prefer to not let it happen again. Duncan could match him in power. I'd take Fowler; 15 homers and 25 steals, probably more if he gets to face Chris Young! As for Weeks, look at his five homers... and check his batting average. And it's going to go down!

jamie (levittown NY)

gallardo is the man

Eric Karabell

  (3:23 PM)

As of this moment Gallardo has allowed one hit over seven innings. Man, he looks dominant. Glad I have him in so many leagues! He's legit, a 17-game winner with 175 Ks.

Josh (Philly)

Diamond Debate Redux: Matt Kemp vs Matt Holliday

Eric Karabell

  (3:24 PM)

Absolutely going with Kemp. I'm surprised at Holliday, but it is hard to deal with what he's doing. He should bounce back, but he hasn't even tried to steal a base, and who knows when he will.

Ben (Tempe, AZ)

Yovani also hit a home run. Only run of the game so far!

Eric Karabell

  (3:25 PM)

Yes he did! Might be the third best hitting pitcher after Micah Owings and Carlos Zambrano. Not that it counts for us though!

John, Harlem

What do you think of Brett Myers tonight? He typically OWNS the Nats, but he's been prone to the gopherball and the Nats have Zimm, Johnson, Dukes, Dunn, Hermida, and even Flores who can go deep.

Eric Karabell

  (3:26 PM)

Myers normally does well against this team, so I project he allows three home runs but wins like 6-4. How about that? I thought Myers would have a big season, and I still think he can, but he has to locate better and avoid giving up a Blyleven-like 40 home runs.

Rob (Miami)

Forget about 2006. Do you think Liriano can get back to how he was in late 2008? I'll take that. Wouldn't you?

Eric Karabell

  (3:26 PM)

He's going to get his strikeouts, but I doubt more than one per inning. I could see a 3.50 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and good K rate. I'd take that.

Mike CT

HELP Liriano.Peavy and Nolasco killing me Slowey,Verlander and E Jackson available. Stay Put?

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

Yeah, I would. But like I wrote before, if I could move Liriano to someone expecting a Cy Young season and then add Verlander, I'd do that.

Frustrated Alexei owner (Everywhere)

Ozzie has Lillibridge leading off today and Alexei hitting ninth! NINTH! I realize Alexei hasn't been very good yet, but whats the deal here? Shouldn't he at least be hitting ahead of Betemit?

Eric Karabell

  (3:29 PM)

Alexei has an on base percentage of .247. No, he should not be leading off. Neither should Lillibridge for that matter, but Ozzie really doesn't have options. Ramirez will be OK, but I have lowered expectations now. The good thing: He's not striking out. When he gets hot he could make a month worth of struggling go away quickly.

Matt (St. Louis)

Will Valverde be back in a couple weeks or can we expect him out for a while after that?

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

I don't think he will need more than a few weeks to get back. I did drop him quite a bit in the Relief Efforts rankings, posted today, but I think he'll be back in the teens by mid-May. He's led the NL in saves the past two seasons. He won't in 2009, but he can still get to 35.

Mark (Houston)

I'm very weak at 2B and SP. Should I swap Braun for Uggla and Derek Lowe? Or should I hold out for a better SP?

Eric Karabell

  (3:31 PM)

If I owned Braun I wouldn't be trading him no matter the need. Trade someone else. Derek Lowe isn't a top-10 pitcher at all. Braun is a monster. You should get a monster starting pitcher.

Danny (Erie, PA)

What's Carmona's upside at this point? Sit him tonight against the Sox?

Eric Karabell

  (3:31 PM)

His upside is his golden 2007, but with his command issues I don't see that happening until he makes adjustments. It's not looking good. I'd sit him against good offenses, and maybe bad ones too.

Dan (Tulsa)

What's your gut feeling for the Toronto closer situation once Ryan returns in Mid May?

Eric Karabell

  (3:33 PM)

Gut says Cito Gaston will want to go back to Ryan, so it's important Scott Downs pitches really well. I think he will, and that he'll make Gaston's decision tough. I'll say this: Add Downs now in case he keeps the job and saves 30. I could absolutely see it.

Johnny D (Rocky Mountain High)

Can't anybody hold onto the closer gig in Colordao? What's your take on the latest comments from Clint Hurdle?

Eric Karabell

  (3:34 PM)

I think in deep leagues I'd get ready to add Jason Grilli. It looks like he could get his chance soon. Corpas hasn't looked much better than Street did. This is not Washington's bad bullpen, though.

B (Soufilly)

Any news on the David Price or Matt Wieters situations? Im holding them in an ESPN Standard and it limits my bench options for now

Eric Karabell

  (3:36 PM)

I hear June 1 at the earliest, but I have to think the Orioles will be tempted to make the move on Wieters earlier. As for Price, it's mainly dependent on him pitching better and Niemann struggling more. I'll say June for him as well. And yes, it is dangerous to own them both in a standard league. I'd probably let Price go, unless it's AL-only.

Brian(Detroit)

What is your analysis of this deal? Give up Adrian Gonz., Ludwick and receive Loney-Jeter. I would be replacing E.Andrus at SS and Dexter Fowler goes in for Ludwick. Thanks Eric.

Eric Karabell

  (3:37 PM)

I don't like it because you're not getting any power back. I mean, Loney plus Jeter might be 20 home runs. Gonzalez and Ludwick might be 70. And I think people are overreacting a bit on Fowler. He's good, but had that been 2 steals instead of 5, we wouldn't be discussing him. Don't get me wrong: I think 15 homers and 25 steals, probably a few more steals, is nice, but he's being treated like Ellsbury in fantasy off of one game.

John, Harlem

Whoa look at this cool symbol I found on the keyboard -- ∑! So, ∑ric, who's the odd man out in this strong outfield: Matt Kemp, Holliday, ∑thier, and Victorino? Gotta be Shane, right?

Eric Karabell

  (3:39 PM)

Gotta be Holliday until he hits. And congrats on the new symbol. Please share where you found it!

Johnny Tuttle (Battle Creek, Michigan)

Dunn for Ellsbury in a keeper?

Eric Karabell

  (3:39 PM)

Sure, but it's the classic power for speed. No idea what you need, but Ellsbury is the better fantasy player for sure.

Steve (boston)

Name Game-Gavin Floyd or Klye Davies

Eric Karabell

  (3:40 PM)

Another name. I take Davies still. That's how much confidence I have in Floyd.

Doug

What do you make of Laroches hot start?

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

I think he's finally found a way to have his best season yet, but I don't see him doing much better than 32-90-.285 (2006). The point on him isn't just slow starter, but streaky. Is he gonna go 35-100? I don't see that. I guess he's a bit of a sell high.

Tim

Do you expect Raul Ibanez to slow down? I mean he is like 37

Eric Karabell

  (3:44 PM)

Age means nothing in this case. He didn't start playing at 21, either. Ibanez will always have detractors, but that contract doesn't look so bad now. I don't see why he can't do this for three years. He's good. Pretend he's 32. And check out Pat Burrell; imagine the Phillies without Ibanez right now. Yikes.

Lou (Valley Forge, PA)

Hey EK - Could you talk about Elvis? Not getting the steals I was hoping for. Should I remain patient?

Eric Karabell

  (3:45 PM)

I wouldn't. I see Andrus continuing to struggle at the plate, have trouble getting on base and he ends up hitting .240 with 20 steals. It's like owning Cesar Izturis, except this kid is 20. He'll get better eventually, but right now the Rangers have him active due to his defense, not the potential for steals.

Jay(NYC)

Again Johan gets robbed of another beauty against Johnson!

Eric Karabell

  (3:46 PM)

This time it's JJ Putz imploding in the eighth inning. I wouldn't panic on the Mets, though. I still expect the Mets and Phillies to be leading in September. And Putz will be fine in the long haul. Nobody should have expected a 1.75 ERA from him. Looks like 2008 for Johan!

B (Philly)

Crappy Closer Prospect name game: Beimel or Grilli?

Eric Karabell

  (3:47 PM)

Ugh. I suppose it's Beimel for now, or the now being when he gets activated off the DL. For Grilli it's more speculation on my part.

Barney (Sacramento, CA)

Thanks for your time, EK! Start Joba tonite vs Det, or bench him a start and see if he straightens things out first?

Eric Karabell

  (3:50 PM)

If I own Joba I don't sit him at all. He's been more inconsistent than we'd expect, but he's still a big strikeout pitcher. I don't overmanage my pitching staffs based on matchups, unless it's Coors Field.

Adam (Phoenix)

The symbol is a capital sigma from the Greek alphabet. In math, it represents a summation. Who do you think has the greater summation of saves from this point on- Gregg or Gonzalez?

Eric Karabell

  (3:50 PM)

And every day we learn a bit more... I'll say Gregg here. I still think he gets around 31 saves, and Gonzalez 25.

Matt (Tampa, FL)

Drop Dave Bush or Randy Wolf for Edwin Jackson and/or Scott Richmond?

Eric Karabell

  (3:52 PM)

No, no and no. We know what Bush and Wolf will do, and while it's not awesome, it's good enough. Glad to see Bush follow up his near no-hitter with predictable dreck. Anyway, I'm not really buying on Edwin or Richmond.

Lance Berkman

Ive got 3 HR the last 10 days. My buy low time is ending...

Eric Karabell

  (3:52 PM)

I doubt too many Berkman owners are panicking and selling low on him. He'll be fine.

Nick (Bos)

Need some help! Drop Volstad, Davies, Downs, or Baker to get Hoffman off my DL?

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

Of that crew probably Kyle Davies. But I think KC's No. 3 starter will have value this season. I'd prefer Baker and definitely Volstad to him, and the others are save guys.

Birdman (Boston)

Can you elaborate on your thoughts on Weeks? I for one think he is underappreciated. Look at his 162 game avg's & he puts up 112 runs, 20 Hr's, 28 sbs & yes the low avg of .250 but those are pretty solid #'s from someone who's been considered a dissapointment & there is still upside with him. Would you roster him over Kendrick, I stewart & Figgins?

Eric Karabell

  (3:56 PM)

I just don't enjoy owning someone who you know won't hit for average. I still own Dunn and Chris Young, and I'd rank Weeks over all the players you named. There is cumulative stat upside here in power and speed, but not really in average.

Steve(Bklyn)

Eric - Do you think Burrell hits his usual 30 HRs this year? What do you project his final numbers to be?

Eric Karabell

  (3:56 PM)

For now I say yes, but I'm perplexed as to why he's started so slowly. I'll say 30 and 80.

Michael (Milwaukee)

Sandoval or Wieters if Sandoval manages to get C eligibility?

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

Wieters. But Sandoval is a top-10 catcher if he gets the eligibility. If he really is Zito's personal catcher, then he should get it.

Billy (CHicago, IL)

Why is Villaneuva in the game with a 1-0 in the 9th instead of Hoffman?

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

Because Hoffman pitched Monday and Tuesday. But I don't know why it's Villa over Todd Coffey. That's a changeup based on how they've pitched so far. Don't lose this lead for Yovani!

Rob (Frankfort, IL)

When will Matt Laporta get the call??? He is raking right now...

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

I don't see the Indians in much of a hurry. Their problem is not left field, but four-fifths of the rotation.

Eric Karabell

  (4:00 PM)

Well, I want to thank everyone for the questions and tuning in to this chat. We owe it to you, the fans, who read, watch and listen to us. So have a great day, and look for more chats on Thursday. Adios!