Pierre Becquey

  (3:02 PM)

Hi everyone, it's a beautiful sunny afternoon here in Bristol, for the first time in a week. Makes me think of baseball. Let's get started!

Nick (Sioux Falls, SD)

Do you think Matt Holiday is a good buy low guy? You would think the A's would deal him away if they keep playing like they are. I am low on offense and strong on pitching, and i could trade francisco liriano for him?

Pierre Becquey

  (3:05 PM)

Yes, I think Holliday's a good buy-low. He's scarring people who thought he was simply a Coors product, thinking they were right. Pshaw. It'll take more than a month before I believe Matt Holliday's forgotten how to hit a home run. If you can get him for a price you can live with, I say he's a great buy right now. However, I'm still very much on the Francisco Liriano bandwagon and I'd hope you have some solid pitching in place before you traded him away for an outfielder. If you drafted him as your No. 1 or No. 2 starter, you may want to hold on.

Austin (B/CS)

Can you please give us your thoughts on whether Cueto will drop off like last year? Gallardo end the year as a top 5 SP?

Pierre Becquey

  (3:07 PM)

No, I don't think Cueto will drop off. His fantastic early success last season gave some unreasonable expectations, but I think he showed some nice games at the end of last season that make me think we're seeing the real thing this season; a good young pitcher that's better in fantasy than in real life due to his ability to strike out players. As for Gallardo? I love him, but no, I don't think he cracks the top 5. That's got to be Santana, Sabathia (yes, Sabathia), Halladay, Lincecum and, well, Greinke would be my leading contender to join that group.

Nick (Sioux Falls, SD)

Well I also have Lincecum, Greinke, gallardo, and harang...

Pierre Becquey

  (3:08 PM)

Oh.... then, yeah, with a staff like that, I'd trade Liriano for Holliday.

Dan (Champaign)

Thoughts on Jose Reyes rough patch? I just traded Hanley for him and Pena. Is he still a top 10 player/was the trade worth it?

Pierre Becquey

  (3:09 PM)

Yes, I think Jose Reyes will be just fine. He's had rough patches before, he'll play out of it. Hanley's a lot to give up, but I bet you end up ahead of the game when you compare Reyes + Pena versus Hanley and whomever you were playing that Pena now replaces. In the end, that's what matters.

Josh (VA)

Can we get Janet in here to answer questions? She's much more entertaining than you are (I kid, I kid. Sort of...). Anyway, since Janet isn't here, can I get your thoughts on what to expect from Carl Crawford from here out? I'm thinking he's a lock for 50+ SB (maybe 60?), but can we hope for 15+ HR, 80+ RBI out of him? What about AVG/OBP?

Pierre Becquey

  (3:13 PM)

Check out Josh, showing off his old TMR roots. Well done, Josh, you caught my attention. Crawford is running, yeah, I think he's a lock, if only because he faces the limp arms of Jorge Posada, Jason Varitek so often and the Rays love to run, run, run. The power? Well, we've been waiting for so long on that, I think we know exactly what to expect: a HR ceiling in the low teens, 70 RBIs if we're lucky, and a shot at a .300 average with an OBP about .350.

John, NYC

Are you starting A-Rod and/or Brian McCann today if you have them? How about John Lackey when he comes back?

Pierre Becquey

  (3:15 PM)

Absolutely, yes on the hitters, because I'm willing to bet what you'd start instead of them just isn't all that appetizing. As for Lackey? Last season, he came off the DL in mid-May and put up back-to-back quality starts with 10 Ks in 14 innings, giving up just two runs. So, yeah, I take my chances with a guy who's shown he can do it in the past.

mendel (fl)

would you reccomend not starting any of the following, bedard,lohse, and wandy? i have a slim lead in w's,era, and whip but losing badly in ks

Pierre Becquey

  (3:17 PM)

I've come off my dire hatred of Kyle Lohse, but not to the point that I'd put him in Bedard or even Wandy's class. He's the one that would scare me the most. Bedard, I don't bat an eye, and Wandy, I wouldn't want to miss his Ks.

Marcus (Northlake,Illinois)

Do the Blackhawks have shot to beat these Canuckers??? This is a hockey chat right???

Pierre Becquey

  (3:18 PM)

Technically, it's a fantasy sports chat, so even your hockey question is off-topic. But I can't resist. Of course they have a SHOT. I just think that, in the end, Luongo will be the difference-maker and the Canucks will go on to lose to the Red Wings.

wes

Baker, to start or not to start?

Pierre Becquey

  (3:19 PM)

I've got one league where I have a lot of pitching, a GS limit and am over quota. I swore to myself I wouldn't start Baker again until he showed me back-to-back good starts. But... I lied. I'm starting him, because if you're not willing to start a guy against the Mariners, you may as well dump him. Go for it, we'll live or die with him together.

Horton (whoville)

Would you start Nolasco today??

Pierre Becquey

  (3:21 PM)

No way. When you weigh the best-case scenario of a win and, say, 10 Ks against the risk you run with a struggling pitcher at Coors? It's not worth it.

Rhys (St. Louis)

David Price has struggled his last 2 AAA starts...time to drop him in a 14 team keeper league? Any word on Wieters call up either?

Pierre Becquey

  (3:23 PM)

No, no, no, no, NO! Come on, people. Since when do you give up on a guy with MONTHS of historical success because of two bad starts. Seriously, this is a pet peeve of mine. As for Wieters, the answer hasn't changed. When the Orioles are sure he won't be a Super 2 after his second season, they'll call him up. No earlier. That date is determined by other callups, so it's floating, but you can estimate mid-June.

Mo (Linyam, WV)

What are your thoughts on Dontrelle Willis? He's set to join the rotation next week.

Pierre Becquey

  (3:24 PM)

I wouldn't start Dontrelle Willis even if you promised me he'd win his first five starts. I don't think he's going to strike out very many guys, I think he's going to give up way too many hits, and I don't think the count stats are going to outweigh the damage he'll do to your ERA and, especially, your WHIP. I'll be happy to see anyone I'm playing against pick him up.

rock and a hard place

I just traded Ludwick for David Wright, is that a big steal? or will they both finish pretty even?

Pierre Becquey

  (3:25 PM)

You just wanted the whole room to see how smart you are, didn't you? Of course it's a big steal, you show-off.

Justin Verlander (Detroit Rock City)

Would you start me today against the Indians that I dominated my last start?

Pierre Becquey

  (3:26 PM)

No, but I would start the real Justin Verlander.

Jason (Ellicott City, MD)

What kind of moron would trade Wright for Ludwick?

Pierre Becquey

  (3:27 PM)

I know, eh? Seriously, people. I only posted it as an illustration of how silly you can end up looking when you panic over April numbers (or two Triple-A starts) that don't meet your expectations.

Jenny (NYC)

Some of us have real problems...what are your thoughts as of today on the closing situations in DC and Baltimore?

Pierre Becquey

  (3:29 PM)

Everyone always think their question is the most important. OK, Jenny, you narcisist,here's my take: George Sherril will lead the O's in saves, but Ray will be worth owning. As for DC... I think Hanrahan ends up getting that job back. But that's a hunch, based mostly on the fact that I don't trust Kip Wells or Joe Biemel to be major league closers.

Dan (Bridgewater, NJ)

I may have just traded Bay and Franklin for Pujols and Sherill. I would say that's a bigger steal than Wright for Ludwick

Pierre Becquey

  (3:30 PM)

Yes. Yes it is. Albert Pujols is going to cream everyone in the Player Rater this season. I'm in awe of the man.

Will (STL)

Ludwick is legit, and just cuz the ESPN "expert" brain trust failed to rank him properly this preseason doesn't mean that guy actually traded a 10th rounder for a first rounder. I could see all cats except steals being close with only a marginal difference in average.

Pierre Becquey

  (3:34 PM)

I was part of those rankings meetings, Will, and let me tell you, Ludwick was polarizing. And as someone who was early in the Ludwick bandwagon (I drafted him in every mixed and NL-only league I was in last season) even I think his April was one of his GOOD months, not the norm. The point isn't that a 10th rounder was traded for a first rounder, the point was that an outfielder was traded for an infielder capable of exactly the same numbers the rest of the way, PLUS 20 stolen bases. Would you just give away 20 stolen bases, willy-nilly like that?

Steve (NY)

Can you answer a real question instead of just allowing people to brag about the morons they rip off in trades? Better FA pickup - Asdrubal Cabrera or Alberto Callaspo?

Pierre Becquey

  (3:34 PM)

Yes. But only one question per customer, and you wasted yours.

Vance

Is it me or should i be worried about Sizemore. He's looked awful lately -- how bout trading him and Beckett for Grienke and Holliday in a keeper league?

Pierre Becquey

  (3:35 PM)

Thing about Sizemore is... he's actually been OK versus lefties and his batting average against righties is terrible. He's way too good to think that'll continue, so, no, I wouldn't trade him away. Even for Greinke, whom I'd rather have than Beckett. In a keeper league, Sizemore is untoucheable. I much prefer keeping hitters than pitchers in those formats. They stay more consistant year to year.

Chris (Saratoga, NY)

Pierre (not you) or Taveras?

Pierre Becquey

  (3:36 PM)

Taveras. Pierre is out of a job again on July 3.

Greg (Blythe, CA)

Completely agree with Will from the STL. Ludwick can play and fantasy experts always hold these "1st rounders" in such high esteem but sometimes a fantasy manager can just no longer take another David Wright strikeout. He looks terrible and fantasy is for fun anyways, so just do what makes you happy. Teach David Wright a lesson by shipping him out. We control these SOB's!

Pierre Becquey

  (3:37 PM)

Your delusions of grandeur are entertaining, but there's a hidden point in there that I don't want to miss out on. That you can't take another Wright strikeout... well, why not? If he busts out of his slump and does what he's supposed to, you can trade him for a player better than Ludwick. I mean, let's not lose perspective here. Ludwick is very good, but he's not elite.

Alan (New York City)

I need to drop one--Polanco, Andrus, or Fontenot. Your advice?

Pierre Becquey

  (3:38 PM)

Andrus. He's underwhelmed me so far, and a rookie is the most dangerous, erratic kind of player to own. Unless his name is Evan Longoria.

Mr. Redlegs, Cincy

Pierre, mon frere d'un autre mere! Combien de semaines est-ce que Scott Downs va garder le role de <> pour Toronto apres le retour de BJ Ryan?? Merci!

Pierre Becquey

  (3:40 PM)

Mr. Redlegs is asking how long Scott Downs will hold the closer role in Toronto once BJ comes back. I think Cito will put Ryan back in there within a few weeks. Why? For the same reason Marmol is pitching the eight in Chicago and everyone in New York wants Joba back in the 'pen; sometimes, the game is saved in the 7th or the 8th, not the 9th. Downs has proven to be a very valuable asset, and I think the Jays will want to have him at their disposal to get out of jams, rather than having him come on with nobody on and nobody out.

Steve (NY)

come on! i asked a real question and now its just hanging out there! Unless its too touch for you, in which case you can go back to debating Wright v. Ludwick

Pierre Becquey

  (3:41 PM)

Whine whine whine. Wait a while, and maybe I'll answer it.

Jason (Ellicott City, MD)

Will Delmon Young ever be worth the price he was drafted at? Amateur draft not fantasy.

Pierre Becquey

  (3:42 PM)

Nope. The Rays recouped their investment by trading for Garza, so in that aspect, it was worth it for them... but I think Minny overpaid. The power should have been here by now.

Josh (Vacationing in Mexico)

I need to set my line-up for next week right now so I need your professional advice. How long will Justin Masterson stick around the rotation? It looks like he is a probable 2 starter next week. Thanks man

Pierre Becquey

  (3:43 PM)

Yeah, I think Masterson sticks around at least next week. And beyond. I don't even think he goes down when Smoltz (if?) comes back.

Michael, (Milwaukee, WI)

I traded a half eaten sloppy joe for a philly cheesesteak at lunch today. Steal?

Pierre Becquey

  (3:43 PM)

Heck yeah! I had two pulled pork sandwiches, though, so I win.

jasper (PA)

Hi Pierre. I'm having a tough time gauging Granderson's true value. Someone has offered me Atkins for him and I'm in static-mode. What's your take? Thanks.

Pierre Becquey

  (3:45 PM)

You know, that's a common theme with my colleagues. Granderson is one of those guys that seems to get traded a lot because you have those who LOVE him and those who just aren't blown away by him. I think he's more valuable to a real team than to fantasy... that said, versus Atkins? I value them about the same, so if you want to come out ahead in average, power and RBIs, you take Atkins, if you'd rather the runs and Steals, you take Granderson. I think they even out quite nicely.

Brent (Cussty)

Should I play Shields tonight?

Pierre Becquey

  (3:47 PM)

No, I think I'd sit him. He'll probably be in line for a win, 'cause Penny is terrible, but all the good Sox hitters have really batted him around. Check it out: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/bvsp?playerId=28474

James Brown(Denver, CO)

I was offered Adam Lind for Nate McClouth and i was wondering if you thing this trade was worth it.(I would have Hank BlaLock at DH if i traded lind

Pierre Becquey

  (3:49 PM)

Yuck. Any deal in which you end up playing Hank Blalock in a prominent position is... OK, my irrational hate of Blalock aside (he cost me a league a few years ago when he was, like, 1-for-August), McLouth is a better fantasy play than Lind. Love Lind, and the Jays offense is terrific, but McLouth is a five-category threat. That's fantasy gold, James. GOLD!

Mike (Toronto)

But you are giving Atkins value because of position, right? Would seem that if they were both utility guys Granderson would have more all around upside.

Pierre Becquey

  (3:52 PM)

I do give additional value to infielders over outfielders on draft day, but after that, I assume that the person asking the question has legitimate guys to offset the positions. But really, what is Granderson's upside? Think he'll ever hit 30 homers or drive in 100? Naw... he's just off to a big April start, and his batting average has suffered for it. And for all his speed, he's never gotten close to 30. So, no, I don't think he has 30/30 in him this season. If I'm wrong and he does hit 30 homers, I bet he gets no more than 15 steals, and his average stays down in the .250s/.260s.

Mike (OKC)

The first baseball fantay limerick?.... There once was a critic, Pierre Who ordered pork sandwiches, rare. He said, "Pull them? Heck yeah!" Put 'em down over theah. That's enough of the sloppy Joe fare..."

Pierre Becquey

  (3:53 PM)

Certainly not the first fantasy baseball limerick, but easily my favorite.

Danny (Erie, PA)

If your offense was slacking would you give Grienke to get Crawford?

Pierre Becquey

  (3:54 PM)

No. I'd dangle Grienke to get a hitter with power, average and some steals. Crawford's a sparkplug for the Rays offense, but that doesn't translate to giving your fantasy offense a boost. Gotta get a 5-cat guy for that.

wes (LA)

So you dont think Pierre is worthy of a pick up? In need of speed badly

Pierre Becquey

  (3:55 PM)

Didn't say that. Said I'd rather have Taveras. Pierre is absolutely worth a short-term pickup for speed.

Jacque (France)

Seriously, why are you pretending to be French?

Pierre Becquey

  (3:55 PM)

Because it adds to my fantasy baseball credibility and nobody is ever small-minded enough to make French jokes at my expense.

Steve (NY)

Dear Mr. Becquey, I have waited patiently for almost an hour, reading inane comments and enduring insults, all in the hope that you may decide to enlighten me with your vast wealth of fantasy wisdom. Who is the better FA pickup in a H2H league Asdrubal Cabrera or Alberto Callaspo? Thank you so very much and good day

Pierre Becquey

  (3:56 PM)

Oh, Steve... do you really think simple flattery will work on me? Especially when you front-load the sarcasm? Try again.

Jake

Does Aaron Hill finish the season as a top 5 second baseman? I'm thinking Kinsler, Utley, Pedroria, Cano...and then our favorite neighbor to the north.

Pierre Becquey

  (3:57 PM)

Yes. I'd actually put him ahead of Cano, but behind the other three, of course. Hill's power might seem surprising, but he's been using a heavier bat this season, choking up on it ever so slightly. He says it gives him more whip through the strike zone. I'll buy that.

TJ (OH)

What is your take on D. Lee? Can he turn it around or would you drop him for somebody like Hawpe, Konerko, or J. Upton at utility?

Pierre Becquey

  (3:59 PM)

Yeah, I think Lee can turn it around. In fact, he showed some of that already with those three homers in four games. Patience. That said, don't you have anyone you can drop for Hawpe?

John (St. Paul)

Why isnt Morneau a top tier 1B every year? He will get you 30 HR 120 RBI and a consistent .300 Avg

Pierre Becquey

  (4:01 PM)

Where was he listed as NOT a top-tier first baseman? I'm calling up my rankings file from preseason.... hold on....

Nick (Philly)

Name game.."Go-Yardo" or Lester in a keeper league?

Pierre Becquey

  (4:01 PM)

Gallardo

Petit le Frit (BMX Circuit)

Okay...wait...how does being French (or prenting to be) lend credibility to your being a fantasy baseball "expert"?

Pierre Becquey

  (4:01 PM)

It doesn't. See, gentle readers, I too can be sarcastic.

Pierre Becquey

  (4:03 PM)

OK, here was our top 10 for first basemen as of the last update: Albert Pujols Miguel Cabrera Mark Teixeira Lance Berkman Ryan Howard Prince Fielder Justin Morneau Kevin Youkilis Derrek Lee Adrian Gonzalez. Whom would you put Morneau ahead of? All those guys are studs.

Keith (Cleveland)

re: Scott Downs vs. BJRyan...I see what you're saying, but don't managers and FO people always say 'the bullpen came together once we got stability at the back end'? In which case, isn't it more important to have an arm you can trust in the 9th?

Pierre Becquey

  (4:04 PM)

True... but Cito's long been used to having a reliable arm to get the lead to his closer. Even when Duane Ward was clearly a better pitcher than Tom Henke, it wasn't until Henke was let go that Ward got to do his studly closer thing. Cito will trust Ryan, he's loyal to a fault. That's why players play for him.

Steve (NY)

Alright last try - Callaspo or Cabrera? I can't think of a simpler way to ask it. An answer would be much appreciated, but no hard feelings either way. Thanks for the chat

Pierre Becquey

  (4:06 PM)

You're way too easy, Steve. Thanks for the in-flight entertainment. I like Callaspo for head-to-head. He's consistant and is about as sure thing as it gets, at that level of player, to help you a little bit each week.

Pierre Becquey

  (4:07 PM)

OK, let's do a bit of extra innings to make up for all our non-question-related follies. Quick answers only, so make your questions simple.

Chris Coghlan, FLA

Pick me up or let me ride the pine?

Pierre Becquey

  (4:08 PM)

Pick up for bench only. Upside is what your bench is for.

Rick (VA)

Rank: Porcello, Cecil, Hochevar.

Pierre Becquey

  (4:08 PM)

Porcello, Hochevar, Cecil.

JOHN (Denver)

R. Braun or M. Kemp?

Pierre Becquey

  (4:08 PM)

Braun

Really?!?! (Brooklyn,NY)

Just answer's Steve's question. You're acting like a petulant little girl....

Pierre Becquey

  (4:09 PM)

Um, read much?

Roger (Portsmouth, NH)

Lowell or Atkins?

Pierre Becquey

  (4:09 PM)

Atkins.

John, NYC

Brett Myers is a top ___ SP?

Pierre Becquey

  (4:09 PM)

50

Jason (Ellicott City, MD)

Are you really French?

Pierre Becquey

  (4:09 PM)

Yes.

Nick (Philly)

"Go-Yardo" or Lester in a keeper league?

Pierre Becquey

  (4:10 PM)

Dude, stop asking, I already answered you!

Eric (FL)

Giving up Markakis for Hamels. Smart?

Pierre Becquey

  (4:10 PM)

No. Hamels is way too risky right now.

David (toronto)

Nolasco or Shields in a keeper league

Pierre Becquey

  (4:10 PM)

Shields.

john (PA)

Justin Upton or Pence

Pierre Becquey

  (4:10 PM)

Pence.

Keith (Cleveland)

long-term closer: RPerry, DBard, JFields?

Pierre Becquey

  (4:11 PM)

Fields. And add Dan Schlareth to that list.

BS (OK)

Drop The Unit to make space for Tommy Hanson?

Pierre Becquey

  (4:11 PM)

No. Unit still has some juice.

MC Welk (SLC)

Comment dit-on "Pedro Feliz" en francais?

Pierre Becquey

  (4:12 PM)

Mauvais joueur.

Ricky Nolasco

ERA at the end of the year over/under 4.00?

Pierre Becquey

  (4:12 PM)

Over.

James, LA

Konerko, Helton, Blalock, Morales.. Pick one!!

Pierre Becquey

  (4:12 PM)

Konerko.

Doug (NY)

Greinke for Reyes?

Pierre Becquey

  (4:13 PM)

No. Unless you mean Anthony Reyes. (Again, I'm being sarcastic.)

chris (tampa)

Meche? tonight?

Pierre Becquey

  (4:13 PM)

Start him.

S

Braun or Sizemore?

Pierre Becquey

  (4:14 PM)

Sizemore. I'd say Braun if you could guarantee me 100 percent he wasn't going on the DL, though. Sizemore is safer.

Jeff (NJ)

Rank for the rest of the season: A-Rod, Wright, Longoria. Thanks.

Pierre Becquey

  (4:14 PM)

Longoria, Wright, A-Rod. Think it'll take A-Rod a bit to get back to his elite level.

Wilson, NYC

Flyin Hawaiian or Andre the Giant Ethier?

Pierre Becquey

  (4:15 PM)

Victorino.

Cole Hamels (philly)

You like me pitching tonight?

Pierre Becquey

  (4:16 PM)

Nope. I'd say "Break a leg" but you might take me literally.

Tony(Ft. Lauderdale)

Evan Longoria likely to finish with 40 homers, 120 RBI, .300?

Pierre Becquey

  (4:18 PM)

Final question of the day. Consider this, Longoria played his 150th game yesterday. The results: .292 with 37 homers, 123 RBIs. And a few more than HALF his hits have been for extra bases. So, yeah, I think he can hit .300/40/120 this season pretty easy. Wouldn't have ranked him over Wright if I didn't.

Pierre Becquey

  (4:18 PM)

That's all, folks. Enjoy your weekends.