Brendan Roberts

  (2:59 PM)

Good afternoon, everyone! Y'all ready for interleague play? That's the theme of the week here. It makes fantasy decisions tougher, but I really love interleague play. On that note, let's get to your questions.

Dan (Champaign)

Hey BR, with Weeks out for the season, do you see a position switch for Bill Hall to second base with Gamel eating up most of the time at third base? I only ask because I don't have a deep bench and I'm thinking about making an investment in Gamel. I think he is legit!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:02 PM)

Well, the Brewers haven't indicated they will do that, at least as far as I can see. But I have the same thought, and with Gamel already adjusting at the plate, I suspect that either they will try that, or just have Counsell play there, and have Hall play 3B against LHPs. Either way, I fully endorse your Gamel pickup. In fact, I think I might do the same in a standard mixed league ...

Vinny (Sacramento)

WIll Dan Uggla turn it around this season? And is he worth hanging onto in a fairly deep 10 team mixed league? He is riding my bench currently because i have alexi, andrus, theroit, and callaspo.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:04 PM)

In analyzing his stats today, I see nothing that indicates he'll turn it around. He's normally a fast starter, and he normally gets his hits with home runs and gap shots, and he's just not driving the ball. Wonder if something is wrong with him? Either way, I think you should drop in your 10-team mixed league, especially because you do have depth there. Go get you a starting pitcher to stream or something.

John (Queens)

What's with St. Louis's bullpen? I'm in a holds league and have Motte, but not sure if I should drop him or not as he's been pitching well. I could go with Okajima.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:05 PM)

St. Louis' bullpen is actually more set than it has been in awhile, and Motte should get plenty of holds (with Perez still as more of a close-game mopup guy). But if it holds you're looking for, I think Okajima beats anybody the Cardinals have. Go with him.

Brad (MA)

Yo BR! - AJ Mass said this morning that Wieters isnt going to be making an impact until 2010... Tell me he's COMPLETELY wrong and Wieters will be up soon. I just traded away VMart/Teix for Arod/Jacoby hoping that day is coming soon...

Brendan Roberts

  (3:06 PM)

I respect AJ's opinion in the utmost, but I politely disagree here. I think Wieters hits immediately. If anything, he hits immediately, and then wears down a bit in September (or maybe is almost shut down if the O's are out of it). But I think he DEFINITELY has 2009 value.

Bham Baron

Kazmir & LaPorta...FENCE...Rollins Which side do you like??

Brendan Roberts

  (3:07 PM)

I like the Rollins side here, but I did want to mention that I still believe in Kazmir. The velocity isn't there, but I think he has the stuff and the know-how to make adjustments and still be successful (albeit with fewer K's). When that will be, though, is anybody's guess.

Jem (Westchester)

The Giants steal __ bases against Chris Young tonight? And trade for Chris B. Young at 2 cents on the dollar or pick up Parra for some speed upside?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:10 PM)

Three bases. Just three. Young will pitch only six innings, after all. As for CBY, I guess if it's two cents on the dollar and doesn't cost you anything, but I wouldn't take up two bench spots with those two (now-) platoon outfielders. I'd just pick one or the other, and then be ready to adjust. This is my way of saying I don't foresee a turnaround from Young. It took me awhile to get there, but I'm there now.

James, Ca

Brendan, i discovered Adam Jones as a FA in my league, do i drop Either or Maggs for him?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:11 PM)

Yeah, probably so. I'm not as high on him as others, but he deserves to be owned now for his all-around play, and this little hammy gives you the chance. If he's still available, then chances are someone else who's hot will still be available if Jones tanks. Who to drop? Hmm, probably Mags, believe it or not. His power seems to have been sapped.

Joel (MN)

Is it crazy that I would rather have ubaldo over anyone outside the 60feet top 50 except maybe carp and price?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:13 PM)

Not crazy at all. Ubaldo is red-hot, and the most encouraging thing is he's following the same cycle (awful in April, good beyond) as he did last year. And those K's ... And I'm with you on Carp, too. My concern with Price is that his innings are so limited he doesn't get the chance to add a lot of innings, K's and wins to your aggregate pool.

Jared (Waco)

What's the latest on Carlos Quentin's foot? Do you think I'd be better off with him or Ortiz here on out?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:14 PM)

White Sox haven't been giving a lot of info on him, but I think he's getting more tests done today. The fact that he's still (or has been) trying to play through it indicates it's probably nothing serious. And I think Ortiz is done. Well, not done, but not near an upper-tier player like Q can be. I take Q in that choice.

Will (PA)

Coco Crisp is currently batting only .245 but over his past ten games he has been stealing bases like he thinks his name is Carl Crawford or something. Do you think he gets his average up and keeps running like this?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:17 PM)

I definitely think he keeps running like this. It hasn't been publicized much, but he's really a super-fast player, as Red Sox fans ought to know. The guy can steal bases, and will easily get 30-40 if he plays a full season (which he should). As for his average, I saw a competing site projected him to hit like .275 from here on out, and I think that's way low. Forgive me, but I think Crisp is a .290-.300 hitter, and I think he'll finish in that range. So his best days are still ahead, in my mind. You got a winner there, Will.

YD (Philly)

Votto owner here. Is the growing feeling of dread justified? Please say "no".

Brendan Roberts

  (3:18 PM)

Ha, ha. You are right to be concerned. In and out of the lineup. I'm no doc, but wondering if maybe he has an inner-ear infection or something. I'm thinking if he does, he gets placed on the DL, takes his meds, gets healed up, and then goes back to raking. You might lose him for a few weeks, but it's a long season, and he's still worth having. Hold off the trade talk for now.

Nick (Lorado)

I hear the Braves will start Medlen Thursday. Is he worth a pick up for a pitching starved owner? How good do you think he will be? Top 75 going forward?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:20 PM)

He's worth a pickup this week, but not for long-term purposes. He's hot right now, and the Braves are just hoping to capitalize on that. But he's just up for a few starts. If his rotation spot were to turn into a long-term one, Hanson would be called up to fill it.

Dan (Roselle)

I seem to recall a Milwaukee third baseman getting called up two years ago. He hit 34 HR and sported a pretty average on his way to the NL ROY. A position change followed soon thereafter. Does history repeat itself this year?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:21 PM)

Ha, ha. Yeah, I remember that happening. Some guy named Brian. Or maybe it was Ryan. Can't remember. ... Well, if Gamel fares well in the next week or two, I think he's here to stay. Where he plays, I don't know. The Brewers might try to keep him there, but we get to enjoy the ride for now.

Ben (NY)

What do you think, Kemp or McLouth for keeper league. Who has a brighter future?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:22 PM)

It's close, but I think Kemp does. Better batting-average upside, and he's younger now, which gives you a few more years. Also, just not sure McLouth can maintain his 2008 play (although he pretty much has so far in '09).

Joao Gomes (Brazil)

Nolasco has mental issues. It's amazing how he blows an at bat with poor pitch selection, and bad command when he has 2 strikes. And the Marlin's swiss cheese defense is also to blame.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:24 PM)

Yes, good observations -- on both counts. I watched a Nolasco start recently, too, and it seems he's just lacking that go-to pitch to get hitters out or force a weak ground ball. I think his command has to be perfect to have success, and it's not. With such little margin for error, in my mind, he's only 50-50 to bounce back.

Vivian (vermont)

Hi Brendan. Jorge Cantu's hand has REALLY hurt his production. With dealing damaged goods being bad for business, would you drop him for a Rollen, Atkins or the upside of a Gamel? Thanks!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:26 PM)

Oh, I think dealing damaged goods in this case might get the guy a player with a lot of power upside. I still think he'll snap out of it eventually and hit like he did in April. Some of his struggles mighty be simple market correction/law of averages, too. Therefore, I still like him slightly more than those other three.

Milan (Chi-town)

I am trading away Ryan Franklin for Jon Lester. I have Brian Wilson and Matt Lindstrom. Is there any situation where another closer around the league may lose his job, either due to injury or just under performing? And is it worth adding one? I play in a deep 14 team league.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:31 PM)

Great trade! Closer turnover happens all the time, if it's sleeper closers you're looking for. Here are the situations I have jotted down on my current watch list: Seattle (I think Morrow will return to the closer job eventually), Texas' (will Francisco be back, and will it be a committee until then?), Houston (LaTroy Hawkins is dinged), Washington (ugh), the Cubs (Gregg is on shaky ground, regardless of what Lou says), Pittsburgh (Capps has been awful, but they don't really have anyone else). I think that's it. The situations I'm monitoring. I have two leagues that are very deep, and two mono-leagues (AL or NL), so I'm in the same boat as you.

Puma (detroit)

People must be reading 60'6"! I've received separate offers of Scherzer, Price, and Wainwright for my struggling Nolasco! Do you like any more than the others?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:32 PM)

Well, Chris (and the staff) are happy to har that! I like all three better, actually, ranked this way: 1) Wainwright; 2) Scherzer; 3) Price.

Mannino (Tampa, FL)

Brendan ? I?m a Commissioner losing control . . . . . SAVE OUR LEAGUE!!!! Very Deep 18 team league. I?m considering a veto on two trades: 1. Bourn for Tommy Hanson (The Bourn owner already has Crawford) 2. D. Lee for Choo, Billy Butler and Ian Stewart. Is either of these veto-worthy??? Which is worse???

Brendan Roberts

  (3:35 PM)

I don't think either of those is veto-worthy. You can't understate how valuable Bourn has been. In fact, he's 69th overall in our Player Rater, ahead of such guys as Prince Fielder. And Hanson has a lot of upside, making that a wild-card trade that's really tough to veto. The other one is an owner rolling the dice on D.Lee and giving up useable players in return. The second is less ideal, but either are bad, and I'd let 'em thru.

Ken (Rahway, NJ)

Cecil's success a mirage, or is he legit #2?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:37 PM)

I think it's a total mirage. He was struggling in Triple-A, I haven't been overly impressed with his stuff, and as Jason Gray noted yesterday, he was good against an Indians lineup surprised by him (and playing him the day game after a night game, I believe), and then two good starts against teams ranked in the bottom four in runs scored. Once he gets to the Yankees, the Rod Sox, even the O's, things will be different.

My Boss (Over my shoulder)

Delgado droppable in a 11 team mixed? Ad Laroche, Morales, Loney, N. Johnson available

Brendan Roberts

  (3:38 PM)

Hello from ESPN, Boss! Yes, I think Delgado is droppable. At his age, you can't expect him to bounce back as quickly as A-Rod. I'm saying 10 weeks at the least. Who to pick up? Hmm, I'd probably say Adam LaRoche. Comparitive to his past years' splits, he's off to a great start this season.

Ryan (East Lansing, MI)

What are your thoughts on Felipe and Jose Lopez? I've been platooning the two in a 14 team league but have BJ Ryan and Kuroda on the DL and need to make room.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:40 PM)

I've been ridin' Felipe, but unfortunately I think he settles in and is nothing more than, say, a .290-12-75-15 guy, and nothing more. And Jose not even that. But I don't see a need to chase Ryan or Kuroda. Ryan is a setup man, at best, right now, and with decreased velocity. And Kuroda has had setbacks and troubles bouncing back from his oblique strain, and I have doubts as to how effective he'll be (or how much stamina he'll have) initially.

Splinter (Mind's Eye)

You seem to like Cantu. Rest of the season: Cantu or Chris Davis?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:41 PM)

Oh, Davis in that one. He out-Cantus Cantu with the homer and RBI potential.

Will (STL)

B-Rob, is it safe to say the buy low window for J-roll is closing? Will he at least halt his precipitous fall in your HP rankings this week? Thanks, man.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:43 PM)

Yes, it has been precipitous, hasn't it? But I still have him ranked in the 20s, I believe, which isn't exile. I always felt he'd turn it around, I just was concerned it wouldn't be to "Player of the Month" levels. Yes, the window is closing, he's going to be typical J-Roll soon, and you'll be a happy Rollins owner once again.

Carlos (mexico)

Would selling high on Markakis and buying low on Quentin be wise?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:46 PM)

No to the first one, yes to the second. Buying Quentin low definitely makes sense. He has been playing hurt of late, which has negatively impacted his stats. But thinking Markakis is going to do much less than what he has isn't wise. The guy is quietly one of the best players in baseball, and a legit all-around player. He's better than last year, but I think he's only 25 and is just now entering his peak years. Keep him around.

Matt (WI)

While we're talking about SS, Will Furcal turn it around? I put him on my bench and replaced him with F. Lopez. Is he droppable or do I just sit and wait or try to trade him?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:47 PM)

I think you have no choice but to wait it out with Furcal. The Dodgers are winning, so it's not like he's going to be dropped to 8th or something. Plus, even though this doesn't help you now, I think Furcal could have a huge second half once Manny returns.

Monkey Man (Quahog, RI)

Please tell me that you are buying Nick Johnson. This cat is purring.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:49 PM)

Purring, he is. Granted, the cat is old, and has scars from that mishap with a motor scooter or something, but Johnson will hit if he's in the lineup. He's one of those guys who is fantasy gold off the free-agent wire, but the first sign of trouble (injury) and he's back on it.

Dan (Roselle)

Should I be worried about Jose Reyes? This injury affects his most important asset: his legs! Also, Gamel or Reynolds the rest of the way?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:50 PM)

Yes, I'm trying to find some more info on Reyes to write about him in Hit Parade, but suffice to say I'm worried about him too. The fact that he has missed five games and is normally a very durable player raises red flags to me. Still love him, but he drops out of my top 5, for sure. I like Gamels; I think he'll give you a better average.

Scott Baker (Metrodome)

Am I a safe(ish) start tonight? The Sox don't hit me often, but they hit me well...

Brendan Roberts

  (3:51 PM)

Yeah, I'm still ridin' the Baker Train (hey, that sounds like a dog food or meat casserole). If Baker could just avoid the big inning ... his WHIP has been OK, and I think he's safe to start at home (but wouldn't do that in Fenway).

Kev (NYC)

I used my waiver claim on Soria...Am I missing something as to length of injruy causing him to be dropped? or do you see him remaining a top 5 closer when he comes back?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:53 PM)

I don't say Top 5, only because I wouldn't have even before his injury. But I think you made a great pickup, Kevin. From everything I hear, he'll return close to his eligibility date, and should be ready to close right away.

Andrew (New Jersey)

Hey Brendan do you think Aaron Hill will keep up his hot hitting?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:54 PM)

To an extent. No way he keeps up what he's been doing, but I think he maintains somewhat of a power stroke and hits well enough for his average to settle in at about .305-.310 for the season.

Mike (New York)

Most likely to still be a closer at the end of the season, A Bailey, R Franklin or D Aardsma?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:56 PM)

Probably Franklin, although none of the three are safe. Like I said, I think Morrow ends up back in the closer role for Seattle, as bad as he's been. Also, I'm not sold on Aardsma long-term.

FYI....

Twins are playing White Sox, not Red Sox

Brendan Roberts

  (3:57 PM)

Oh, good catch. Yes, spaced there ... Sawx play Seattle maybe? Either way, Baker is a must-start!

Dan (Philadelphia)

What's Bartlett going to be doing in a month? He's been great as my Drew replacement but I don't even want to start Drew now.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:58 PM)

The guy has been hitting everything, running, even hitting a few homers. Ah, he's just this month's Marco Scutaro. Yes, better than people realize, but I think he'll come back to earth eventually. If you're asking who I like from here on out, I say Stephen Drew, and it's not even close.

Pablo Sandoval (SF)

Are you my biggest fan and do you believe me when i say I will hit 20 Hrs?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:59 PM)

I'm not sure about 20 homers given Pablo's home park, but I do see 15 and a good (.315?) average. Even better, if he could just get a few more starts at catcher (he has only 3 now) .. he already has 1B and 3B, and adding catcher would jump his value ten-fold. Great to get before that.

Mike (Minneapolis, MN)(

I'm with you on CoCo, and then confounded why he hasn't made the Hit Parade when the projections are identical to Victorino's, who's ranked 100 spots ahead of him: 100-12-60-35SBs. .280 avg. Am I missing something?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:01 PM)

A good question, but I think Victorino has more overall upside in terms of runs and RBIs thanks to his lineup, and he's proven he can be what I'm saying Crisp could be. I just think he's a lot safer? Even though Victorino is really struggling right now, I still like him from here on out, and I'd take him over Crisp by a long shot.

Brendan Roberts

  (4:02 PM)

Red Sox versus Toronto. Now I remember! Man, too much player analysis reading and not enough team! Sorry, guys. One more more question ...

Tiff (Toledo)

Would you consider playing V-Mart at 1B/3B in a standard ESPN 1 catcher league, if you could buy Low on Soto? Thanks Brendan & GREAT chat!

Brendan Roberts

  (4:03 PM)

Yes, definitely. V-Mart is one of the few who can hit well enough to justify that, and I think Soto is a good grab right now, since he's showing signs of life. And thank you!

Brendan Roberts

  (4:03 PM)

And that ought to do it. Again, the quickest hour of my workweek, and great to do these chats and mingle with y'all. See ya again next week.