Eric Karabell

  (3:02 PM)

Hello all and welcome to another fantasy baseball chat session. Thanks for joining us, let's get right to the questions...

Rob (Frankfort, IL)

Can Ryan Zimmerman keep producing at a high level???

Eric Karabell

  (3:03 PM)

Why not? He was the subject of my Tuesday Out of the Box and this is pretty much what we expected of him a year ago, right? He's not going to knock in 130 runs, but a 25-100 season is within his reach.

Tim (Boston, MA)

hey Eric, is Broxton a stud and here to stay for the rest of the season, or potential sell-high candidate?

Eric Karabell

  (3:07 PM)

Well, can't he be both? I think top closers almost by definition are always sell-high candidates, and Broxton is the top closer on our Player Rater right now. I think he can end up a top-3 guy, yes.

Frank (Atlanta)

Please rank the following 2B: Uggla, Sanchez, Kendrick, Weeks, Orlando, Alexie, and Chone.

Eric Karabell

  (3:08 PM)

Wow! Well, Chone really isn't a 2B, but for our purposes I'll rank him anyway. If you need steals, he's first. If you need power, Uggla is first. I still think Alexei will end up the best of this bunch, but he's sure taking his time. Overall ranks in a vaccuum: Alexei, Uggla, Figgins, Hudson, Weeks, Kendrick and Sanchez.

Erik (Eugene, Or)

Learn to spell your name correctly EK! Would you drop Shin-Soo Choo or Jim Thome for Justin Upton?

Eric Karabell

  (3:08 PM)

No, I don't think I would. Maybe Thome. But Choo really is this good and he runs. Upton will not. And I'm starting to think this isn't going to be his year ... again.

Josh (DC)

What do you expect from Holliday from here on out?

Eric Karabell

  (3:09 PM)

I think he gets over 20 homers for the season, probably knocks in 80 and hits about .280. So I think it will get a lot better. But he's not running, and if he does poorly it actually helps the A's to think about dealing him, which is odd, but will only help him.

Larry (Philadelphia)

Pretty simple question; giving up lilly and ibanez for sizemore; worth it or too much?

Eric Karabell

  (3:10 PM)

Depends on the pitcher you'd put in there. Sizemore is the best player in the deal, and if it's a 10-team league you can probably pick up a decent starter like Wandy. Ibanez shouldn't continue running. Sizemore will get 30. That's the big difference, plus Ibanez will knock in 110 runs at least. I don't know, this might be too much.

me (here)

hey EK, can't wait for Relief Efforts! would you target Webb in a trade, and what do you think is fair value (and I'm not asking what would my leaguemates give up! what do YOU think is fair?)

Eric Karabell

  (3:12 PM)

Relief Efforts should be up any minute, I'm told. I had fun with this one! Anyway, Webb should warrant a top-20 hitter, consistent with his pre-season value as a top-5 starting pitcher. Would I pay that? No. Would someone else desperate for SP? They could.

Austin (B/CS)

What do you make of Abreu's start? Is there any power left? Final SB total?

Eric Karabell

  (3:13 PM)

I think it's just bad luck Abreu has zero homers. Like I've said with Adrian Beltre, if the guy had one home run, there's no story here. Abreu will get his 15 or so homers, just what we expected. I like that it appears he'll swipe 30 bases. Still a very valuable player he is.

dkg (ny)

EK...Should I trade jenks for lind? I already have lindstrom and downs.

Eric Karabell

  (3:14 PM)

Not so sure I would. I still have doubts that Lindstrom can make it through an entire season healthy, while Downs could lose his job - through no fault of his own, really - just because BJ Ryan gets his job back. The world, it's not always a fair place. Lind is a 25-90 guy who could hit .300 though. Depends on need. I'd take Lind and try to find a closer off waivers. They are out there.

Howard ( Boston, MA)

I can trade Morrow for either Wandy or Baker, which pitcher would you rather have?

Eric Karabell

  (3:15 PM)

I think I'd rather have Baker still, but obviously I keep recommending Wandy so I like him, too. Baker just feels safer to me, and it's not like he can't get strikeouts. Also a better team.

John (Dallas)

Nelson Cruz going to keep raking all the way to 35 HR? Over/under .280 for the season? Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (3:16 PM)

He's gonna keep on raking. I don't think he'll hit better than .275, but the 35 homers is a legit possibility. It's about time!

peter (quohag)

so you see Webb coming back to form whenever he makes it back?

Eric Karabell

  (3:16 PM)

No, not really, but based on trade possibilities that's how a Webb owner should sell it. I'm not trading for Webb.

Scott (Philly)

Do I pull the trigger on Victor Martinez for John Baker, Dye, and Scutaro? I have Phillips at 2B and Rios, Bruce, and Damon in the OF.

Eric Karabell

  (3:17 PM)

No. I would surely keep Victor there. Baker can hit .300, but there's no power there. Phillips and your entire OF will all be fine. Panicking is a bad idea.

Ray St. Louis Mo.

E.K. Love the show.Need a little advice, 2 deep at 2B, Who if had to would you deal O.dog, Brian Roberts, Brandon Phillips? Thanks.

Eric Karabell

  (3:18 PM)

Thanks. Reminder to everyone I host the daily Baseball Today podcast with airport-living, heavy-breathing Peter Pascarelli. It's a good time. Anyway, I think O.Hudson would be the sell-high guy, though I think he can keep his fine play up. He's not a 40-steal guy like B-Rob and not a 25/25 threat like Phillips though, and he needs to show he can play in 150 games.

Jason ( FL)

EK...Adrian Beltre or Mark Reynolds from here on out?

Eric Karabell

  (3:19 PM)

Beltre. It's five weeks. I have no worries about him.

Scott (NH)

Tony Sipp is getting a nice long sipp of coffee (har, har) with the Indians. Fantasy Baseball podcasters Nate and Matthew mentioned yesterday that they thought Sipp could be the Tribe's closer of the future. Do you agree, and if so, what future...2010? Not this year, surely... Thanks for chatting!

Eric Karabell

  (3:21 PM)

Yes, that reminds me I should plug the Fantasy Focus podcast with Nate and Matthew, another fine show and good time. I think it's possible Sipp is a future closer, especially knowing Kerry Wood could get hurt at any time, but I think the Tribe would find a RHP to do the job. I still think Jon Meloan has upside.

Drex (rhode island)

Was last night the best that we" get from Scherzer this season? & if so, would Hughes, or even stashing Hanson be a wiser move?

Eric Karabell

  (3:22 PM)

I think Max Scherzer remains the best of this bunch, and at some point Arizona will let him win a game. He's still winless in his career, 0-7 in 21 games and 12 starts. Ouch! But with a 3.38 ERA. Just unlucky.

Ricky (Boston)

Could you please help me with this trade. I'd be trading Manny for Aaron Hill and Adam Jones. What you do it?

Eric Karabell

  (3:24 PM)

Probably not. I'm almost always going for the top player in the deal, and dealing for two players likely to see their batting average decrease quite a bit is not wise. Manny is Manny.

Dan (VT)

Eeeerrriiiiiiccccc, I traded Ludwick for Wright last week, good move for the rest of the year? And is Alexei Rameriz a good buy low candidate?

Eric Karabell

  (3:26 PM)

Great move, Dan. Wright is the better fantasy player. Ludwick is still good, a 30-100 guy, but Wright offers more balance, and he'll be just fine. And yes, I'm sticking with Alexei, but i would no longer deal a top player to get him.

Christan ( Stony Brook, NY)

Would you trade Haren for Teixeira? If no why not?

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

Depends on need. Haren is a top-5 hitter, Teix potentially a top-10 (though I doubt it) bat. Teix will be fine. Always a slow starter. Haren seems better in relation to what he does well.

Chesapeake Bay Closers (MD-DC)

The Nats and O's bullpens are a mess. Please rank these relievers in order of saves potential-- Chris Ray, Joey Beimel, Joel Hanrahan, Jim Johnson. Thanx!

Eric Karabell

  (3:28 PM)

Ouch. I'd say Beimel, Ray, Sherrill, Danys Baez, Hanrahan, Kip Wells. But it changes almost every day.

Jon (Boston)

Whats the time table on Tim Hudson and what can we expect when he comes back?

Eric Karabell

  (3:28 PM)

I'm hoping Hudson returns in July, but always skeptical about TJ surgery. I set his original over/under at 10 starts, so hopefully they will be good ones.

John Lackey (LA)

Since I'm coming off the DL next week...who should be released to make room for me? Kershaw,Oswalt, or Gallaraga?

Eric Karabell

  (3:29 PM)

None, really. I like Lackey and would make room for him, but not these guys... I guess Galarraga, but I think he's legit.

Craig Stuart (Victoria, BC)

How many closers would your recommend I start in a standard roto league?

Eric Karabell

  (3:29 PM)

With nine active pitchers, I generally have 6 starters and 3 closers.

Alex (new orleans)

Do you see Motte or Perez getting that closer job back in St Louis?

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

I see Motte eventually, but it could be a while before Ryan Franklin falters. I have doubts Perez gets his chance this season.

Matthew Berry (TMRLand)

Looking to trade Corey Hart, what kind of value can I look to get out of him?

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

Sorry, but I don't believe you would trade Corey Hart. You love him. And for everyone else, always try to get a lot in a deal for 25/25 types. Value? Search high and work backward.

John, NYC

Is the 7-spot hurting Matt Kemp's value? Shouldn't Torre swap him and Orlando Hudson, since he's more of an all-around good hitter, whereas O-Dog is more one (or two) dimensional?

Eric Karabell

  (3:32 PM)

No, I don't believe Kemp's problem is where he hits. And why move Hudson? Best team in baseball has a No. 2 hitter batting .333, taking walks, a good runner. Don't change a thing. Kemp is hitting .289, so why is everyone whining about him? He's on pace for 18 homers, 101 RBIs and 42 steals. Who wouldn't take that?

Alissa (St. Paul, MN)

Would you trade Magglio Ordonez for either Randy Johnson or Max Scherzer? I've been offered that and I'm tempted...

Eric Karabell

  (3:34 PM)

I might do that for either guy if I had an outfielder I could plug in there. Magglio isn't going to hit .360, and his power is merely average at this point, a 20-homer guy. Scherzer is the most tempting; when he finally wins, watch out, if he stays healthy.

RJ - OHIO

When will Hochevar land in the KC rotation?

Eric Karabell

  (3:35 PM)

Next week. I feel it. The guy is 5-0 with a 1.13 ERA in the minors, and Sidney Ponson is awful. Tonight could be the final outing for the fat, Aruban knight. Just be careful on Hochevar: I owned him last year, and the minor league numbers tell us nothing on what he'd do at the big league level.

Joe (Somewhere Out There)

EK: Baseball today > fantasy focus . . . TMR and Nate got nada on you!! Who do you deal Crawford for if you could use some CI help and are loaded in OF??

Eric Karabell

  (3:36 PM)

Both shows are very, very good, and I recommend them each. It's not a competition. And I don't know if I deal Crawford, because if he really is trying to steal 100 bases, there are few hitters who would be worth that. Just Pujols, Hanley the left side of the Mets infield and... not sure anything else if he keeps this up.

Tony ( Baltimore )

What's up E! I'm intrigued by your Haren/Texeira answer you gave before - Wouldnt you agree that Haren's value will significantly decrease in the 2nd half as he has shown inconsistencies in the past. And Texeira can only get better?

Eric Karabell

  (3:37 PM)

Of course. But it's apples for oranges. I don't think Haren will be necessarily bad, nor do I think Teix will be among the top-5 hitters the rest of the way. One's a pitcher, the other a batter. It's a fair trade, really.

Mike (NYC)

What do you project Fowler's number will be at the end of this year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:38 PM)

Number? I think he can steal 25-30 bases. Even after the big night when he torched Chris Young - and everyone runs on him - I didn't think Fowler was a 50-steal guy. He's good, will develop power, but let's not go overboard. I'll say 12 homers and 30 steals.

Sally (Los Angeles)

Can you share your thoughts on Callaspo? Is he someone who should be grabbed in a 16 team league or is this start a fluke?

Eric Karabell

  (3:39 PM)

On TV this morning I compared him to Emilio Bonifacio. Except Callaspo doesn't steal bases. He's no more likely to make the proper adjustments and succeed when pitchers figure him out than Bonifacio, who hasn't. Watch out.

Mort (WV)

Your thoughts on Josh Anderson?

Eric Karabell

  (3:40 PM)

Think he's a good pickup now, especially if Leyland lets him lead off. No guarantees he does, but Anderson is more of a basestealer than Granderson is. And Granderson has a ton more power. Granderson might hit 30 homers, really. I would hit him fifth, too. Anderson has 35 steals in him if he plays regularly. He's probably better than Carlos Guillen now when taking into account speed and defense.

Steve (MA)

Would you drop R.Martin for Y.Molina or Sandoval with eligibility?

Eric Karabell

  (3:40 PM)

No and no. Martin will be fine. Way too early to panic.

AJ (MA)

Tulo or Soto? Who turns it around quicker and who has the better season?

Eric Karabell

  (3:41 PM)

I think Tulo does, but in relation to their weak fantasy positions, Soto will finish ranked higher. Both will be ok, good buy lows.

Keith (Cleveland)

ceiling on PAlvarez? Do you see a RBraunish .280 hitter / 35+ HRs, MCabrera .310+ / 30+ HRs, or something lower?

Eric Karabell

  (3:42 PM)

I could see 30 homers, but until I see him play in the bigs, I reserve some comment. We all thought Alex Gordon would be a monster, too. I don't think Pedro is Braun or Cabrera.

Steve (ND)

Bringing Fowler back into the picture, why would Hurdle platoon Spilborghs when his numbers across the board are quite impressive?

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

Fowler has the higher ceiling. Spilborghs is more of a platooner, and if he played every day, we'd see that. I think he could be Jayson Werth, and should be the everyday left fielder, but his April earned him little.

Brett (NYC)

You mentioned you had Ray ahead of Sherrill. Is that true?

Eric Karabell

  (3:44 PM)

I think Sherrill eventually gets dealt and won't be in the picture for saves wherever he goes. My sleeper in Balt is Danys Baez. He's closed before.

Brad (NJ) [via mobile]

I have to be honest, you over value pitching by a rediculous amount. I know Maggz is no stud, but Randy Johson???? At least go after a respectable pitcher.

Eric Karabell

  (3:45 PM)

What's so special about Ordonez? Still living off his monster season, and if I think I can get an outfielder off free agency similar to him - which we all probably could in a 10-teamer - why not get a big strikeout guy? Randy Johnson isn't respectable? C'mon!

Dan (Irvine, CA)

Everyone says that Weiters is a guaranteed stud. Is it possible he pulls an Alex Gordon for a few years? Their minor league numbers look pretty similar.

Eric Karabell

  (3:46 PM)

Anything is possible, but I think Wieters is a sure thing, this season. Gordon just never developed more power, or the ability to hit lefties. Not sure why. But he's not done yet. And it's never wise to compare minor league numbers. Each league, each park, even the way the guys are used, is different.

Ted (Houston)

Sneak peak at relief efforts -- add someone like Beimel or take a chance on Grabow?

Eric Karabell

  (3:47 PM)

Probably Beimel. Even if he's bad, he should get chances. Capps might return this weekend, and for some reason the Bucs might use Tyler Yates. Not sure why.

David (toronto)

Please tell me Rollins is still a fantasy stud...

Eric Karabell

  (3:47 PM)

I take the under on 15 home runs, but he'll steal 30. Look for something a bit better than 2008.

DJ - CAL

Any chance that Brandon Wood produces in the majors THIS year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:48 PM)

Always a chance, but based on what Scioscia appears to think, no. They just don't like him. He needs a trade. Fast. Future Troy Glaus just wasting time in the minors!

Eric (Boston)

What type of starting pitcher would you ask for in a Jimmy Rollins trade? Am I crazy to want to get rid of him?

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

Anyone is tradable, even Greinke and Crawford. But this is not a good time to try to move Rollins, not at all. Really, he'll be fine.

Daniel (NYC)

What's your take on Bengie Molina? Can he keep this up? In a 1-catcher 12-team mixed league, he should be starting, right?

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

Yeah, he's a top-12 catcher. I could see 20 homers and 85 RBIs. Don't go crazy on him.

Tyler (Knoxville)

I am going to trade Pujols to bolster my lineup. I have been offered Jose Reyes, Carlos Pena, and Beckett. Would you pull the trigger or hold on to the big guy?

Eric Karabell

  (3:50 PM)

That certainly seems like enough to pry Pujols away. Reyes is a top-5 player himself, and bound to get better. Pena has 40-homer potential. And Beckett is overrated, but still worth something.

John (Bradenton, FL)

Elvis Andrus is getting splinters on my bench. I have M Young and Alexei. Any reason to hang on to Elvis?

Eric Karabell

  (3:51 PM)

Not really. Andrus doesn't get on base enough to steal, and he has no power. I could see, literally, in 500 at-bats about 4 home runs and 15 steals, a .250 average.

J ( Seattle)

Keeper league - Porcello or Hughes?

Eric Karabell

  (3:52 PM)

I think Porcello. And I was saying that before Tuesday night, and before the season. He's going to be really good in about 2 years.

Ryan (not sure)

Mr. EK, you're the most logical fantasy analyst and I am in need of advice. My friend wants to offer me the "Hanley" for A-rod. The problem is I have a bigger need for power rather than speed. Is there any way I can turn this deal down?

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

Well, it's not like Hanley is missing power. He should hit 30 homers. A-Rod should, too. Based on the injury factor I don't see how you can turn this deal down. Get Hanley and if you need to, find more power elsewhere.

Steve (Raleigh)

Made the mistake of giving up on Longoria last year during his slow first half. How long do you expect it will take LaPorta to acclimate and be a fantasy contributor?

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

Totally different situation. LaPorta isn't playing regularly, more of a lefty killer. That could change, but I don't think LaPorta hits more than 25 homers this year like Longoria did.

Pat (MA)

Are you still a believer in Parra?

Eric Karabell

  (3:54 PM)

Can't say I'm too surprised. Expect his ERA to drop into the low 4s at some point, but he's a walker, and a high WHIP guy. He'll will his share of games.

Adam (Phoenix)

Do you think Trevor Hoffman ends the year with strong peripheral stats to supplement the saves? Should I keep him, or try to sell high based on his hot start and his name value?

Eric Karabell

  (3:55 PM)

I don't think he'll have a sub-2.00 ERA, but 30 saves are 30 saves. He'll get 'em. Figure a better WHIP than ERA because he won't walk anyone, but he'll be worth it.

Peter G. (Diamond Talk)

What is the statistical probably that Kinsler edges out Albert for Fantasy MVP 2009?

Eric Karabell

  (3:56 PM)

Considering Kinsler has 9 HR and 7 SB and still Pujols is beating him on the Rater, I'd say not a great chance. But Kinsler does look like a legit top-5 guy to me.

wes (LA)

Better for the rest of the season, Zimmerman or Chipper? Is Zimmerman a sell high guy now?

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

I have to say Chipper still, because he could hit .350. Zimmerman is a sell high guy only if you get a lot for him. He is a legit 25-100 fella.

Mike (San Diego)

Too early to stash Tommy Hanson in a 10 team mixed league? Drop B Meyers or Damon (5th OF) for him?

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

Never too early on Hanson. I think he'll be very good, maybe the top NL rookie this year. And I'm about to give up on Myers having a sub-4.00 ERA this season. Continues to give up homers, what a tease.

rob

whay would anyone want to give up albert?

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

It would have to take a lot... but three really good players, one of them top-5, should do it...

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

OK, that's about all the time we have for today's chat session. Thanks to everyone for the great questions and for showing up. I appreciate it. There are two more chats coming on Thursday, so get ready... have a great week.