James Quintong

  (2:59 PM)

Good afternoon, everyone. Happy Wieters Day! Let's get right to your questions.

David (New York)

I just dropped Bengie for Wieters. Please tell me this is a move I won't regret later on. Also, Mr. Porcello is available in free agency, but I'll have to drop either Petitte, Joba, or Bannister. Should I drop one of the 3 for Rick, or just stay with my current pitchers.

James Quintong

  (3:01 PM)

Ah, two rookie questions in one fell swoop: Well, I don't know if I would've dropped Molina completely to get Wieters, but we all have our high hopes that Wieters will be this huge fantasy guy right away. Wieters' upside is obivously through the roof, but Molina is no slouch (the lack of walks notwithstanding). As for Porcello, he's a good short-term add for now, and I might drop Bannister for him.

Jay (Chicago)

Happy Wieters Day. Will Nick Markakis always be a step behind Braun and Sizemore? Would love to have any of them, but it seems that Nick is great, but not elite. Thanks.

James Quintong

  (3:03 PM)

Markakis is close to elite; he was already in the top-25 range or so entering the year. Right now, he hasn't shown the huge power to put him in Braun's or Sizemore's class just yet, but all the other numbers are pretty solid. On the other hand, with the lineup that seems to be building around him, there could be lots of runs scored and RBI chances in the near future.

Jorge Posada (Flying to Cleveland)

Why am I not in the elite catching status like Martin, McCann, Victor, Mauer, and even Wieters? I can definately rake just like these guys easily, so why do I not get any love?

James Quintong

  (3:04 PM)

It's about age and upside with Jorge. Yes, he can hit with the best of him, and he was doing so before he got hurt, but the injuries are already slowing him down. With that said, it looks like he's coming back tonight, so I'd try to get him in my lineup ASAP.

Maz (ATL)

Huge trade. I'd really appreciate an answer to a very simple question. Strong staff. I give up Lincecum/Fielder for Pujols/Harden. Do you hit accept?

James Quintong

  (3:06 PM)

Tough call, but I think I'd do it, especially if your pitching staff can take the hit of the Harden injuries. I'd take Pujols over Lincecum, and the Fielder vs. Harden debate will depend on what else you've got on your staff to cushion the injury blow.

Frustrated Trader (Just about any league)

Is it me... or do people not understand that players drop and rise in value as the year progresses??? Just because I drafted Votto in the 14th round hes not a top 50 hitter?? And stop trying to trade me BJ and Rollins like theyre 1st or 2nd Round Picks!!!

James Quintong

  (3:08 PM)

Well, there's "real" value and "perceived" value, so a lot more people deal with the perception instead of the reality. And attaching too much value to draft slot can affect trading.

Pedro (NJ)

Do you think Adam Jones keeps this up for the rest ot the year? Top 10 player stats?

James Quintong

  (3:10 PM)

I don't think Jones stays a top-10 player the rest of the way; I think there's going to be a bit of a slowdown . However, he's playing himself to be a pretty special outfielder. I'm starting to like a potential O's outfield of Markakis, Jones and Nolan Reimold.

Nick M. (Palo Alto)

Does Dice-K turn it around or was last year a fluke?

James Quintong

  (3:13 PM)

I've been pretty bullish about Dice-K for a while, but I've started to come around that he's probably not as good as I'd like him to be. Last year's winning percentage was a huge fluke, especially given his control issues. He won't have an ERA over 8 the rest of the way, but I'd be hesitant to think he's going to be ace material.

Bryan (Chicago, IL)

Do you believe in Ben Zobrist? Would you drop Nick Johnson for him?

James Quintong

  (3:14 PM)

I've liked Zobrist for a while, even going back to last year. He's got decent power and it appears he'll have plenty of playing time opportunities, especially in the short-term with Bartlett out in addition to Iwamura being done for the year.

Phil (SF, Ca)

I just traded Ibanez for Verlander. My thinking is it's a good time to sell high on Ibanez plus I just snagged Quentin off the waiver wire (he's gotta start hitting soon, right?) Smart move? Verlander joins Lincecum, Halladay, Slowey and Duke in my rotation.

James Quintong

  (3:16 PM)

Well, unfortunately, Quentin just landed on the DL, so you really could use Ibanez's bat now. Otherwise, that's a nice staff you've got, but I've got to wonder now what your offense is looking like minus Ibanez and Quentin.

Joshua P (Dracut, MA)

My goodness, do we have a timetable for the beast that is Juan Pierre to slow down? Realistically, he's not going to bat over .400 the rest of the way, but what do you see as a reasonable projection at years end?

James Quintong

  (3:18 PM)

Well, he's had a knack of hitting in the .290-.300 range for most of his career, although his OBP has only been in the .330ish range in recent years. He probably should finish in that .300-.310 range, although that means a major slump could be in the cards at some point.

Aaron (NY NY)

What do you expect out of Kelvim Escobar for the rest of the season? Looks like he might be back next week.

James Quintong

  (3:21 PM)

I'm hoping the injury doesn't derail his progress over the past few years, where he's developed into a solid No. 2 or 3 fantasy starter. I think it may take a couple of starts for him to get into the groove, but by the middle or the end of June, he could be close to the guy we saw last year.

Scott (Dover)

Speaking of Kelvim, can you be more specific? would you rather have him over Washburn, Meche, Baker or Lester?

James Quintong

  (3:22 PM)

I'd be cautious right now with him, but I might have him over Washburn and maybe Meche in due time.

Kevin (Newport, RI)

You heard it here first: The Rays will take Kazmir and make him their closer ala Papelbon. Seriously, why wouldn't they consider this?

James Quintong

  (3:24 PM)

Not a terrible idea, given Kazmir's stuff and his lack of durability (he could go full out in short bursts). I'm not sure the Rays are thinking that right now, but with their bullpen issues and the glut of young starters in their farm system, why not.

Brandon (Garden Grove, CA)

Do you think Josh Johnson will keep up his numbers in the second half? He is good trade bait right now.

James Quintong

  (3:26 PM)

I think he will. He probably is the most talented starter on that staff. Unfortunately, we haven't been able to see him really put it together for a full year. And it would be nice if he got some wins, although obviously a lot of that hasn't been his fault.

Rob (NJ)

Why do you say Porcello is good in the short term? Will there be a league adjustment?

James Quintong

  (3:29 PM)

Yeah, I think the league will eventually adjust to him and I wonder if the relative lack of strikeouts will come back to haunt him. Plus, there's the question of how many innings the Tigers will give him this year. It may be asking a lot to give a 20-year-old 200-plus innings. You have to wonder if they may curtail his workload later in the season.

Johnny (Harlem)

If Matt Holliday doesn't do much tonight in a doubleheader at a hitter's park against unproven/mediocre pitching, is it officially panic time?

James Quintong

  (3:31 PM)

I don't know if I'd say panic. Holliday has hit a lot better in May (.300 average, 5 HRs). With that said, it would be nice to get two nice games out of him in such a great park.

Walter (Boston)

What do you think of rostering non-closer relievers in ESPN standard leagues? Especially ones with high innings limits?

James Quintong

  (3:33 PM)

I don't mind it at all, especially if they can pile up a bunch of strikeouts. If they're good and get a bunch of K's in a few games per week, they can be just as useful as a marginal starter.

Kerry (NY)

Scott Baker and Gavin Floyd: Think these two can turn it around

James Quintong

  (3:34 PM)

I have more faith in Baker than Floyd. I think Floyd's season last year was a fluke and now the league is catching up to him.

Zach Duke (Pitt)

Can I honestly keep this up?

James Quintong

  (3:36 PM)

I don't think he keeps his ERA under 3, but he's got good enough stuff to remain a serviceable starter the rest of the way. He doesn't strike out a lot of guys, but his walk rate has improved, so there is some hope for him.

Mike (Washington D.C.)

Your thoughts on Greinke for Miguel Cabrera straight up? I'm last in home runs in my league and have Slowey, Carpenter, J. Johnson, Liriano, Porcello, D. Bush, with Hanson & Escobar in the wings.

James Quintong

  (3:40 PM)

Well, that's a type of deal you can pursue with Greinke. There are a lot of question marks in that rotation minus Greinke. Let's hope that the potential offensive boost Cabrera can give offsets the potential losses in pitching points minus Greinke. But that's an example of how you sell high.

Tom (MA)

Who is best from here on out to replace Myers? Kuroda, Arroyo, or Hughes

James Quintong

  (3:42 PM)

I'd probably rank them in that order, at least once Kuroda returns, which seems to be pretty soon. Kuroda is solid if unspectacular, Arroyo can have some really good and some really horrific stats, and Hughes is a major wild card (he does need to keep pitching well to keep a rotation spot).

Justin (The Beach)

Bannister - his bad cholesterol is sure to rise with time but do you think he will have enough good stuff to stick a spot on a 10 team mixed roster? Thanks!

James Quintong

  (3:44 PM)

As much as I like Bannister for a number of reasons, I don't think he's a great long-term bet in that size of a league. He's found ways to win, but the lack of strikeouts could catch up with him. You can play the hot hand with him now, though, but don't be hesitant to drop him if things go awry.

Johnny (Harlem)

Speaking of those non-closer relievers w/high K's, can you throw out a couple names that are worthy of aforementioned roster spots?

James Quintong

  (3:47 PM)

I guess you can start with Carlos Marmol, but others with decent K/9 rates among non-closer relievers include Kiko Calero, Jose Arredondo and Edward Mujica.

JJ (boston)

Ok James, is it safe to say with Glavine close to returning and performing well in the minors that Hanson will NOT be a June 1st call up? He is an elite talent, but taking valuable roster space right now.

James Quintong

  (3:50 PM)

Given that June 1 is Monday, and there's no talk of him coming up by then ... he probably won't be up this week. I don't know how much longer he'll stay in the minors, though. I think another injury or a potential struggle by Glavine when he comes up could pave the way for Hanson to come up before July 1.

Columbus, Ohio

H2H Keeper League: Who would you rather have; Nolan Reimold or Jordan Shafer? Why?

James Quintong

  (3:51 PM)

Reimold has already shown what he can do in a short period of time, while Schafer has done very little since the first couple of games of the season. Plus, if Schafer was supposed to show some speed, he's got just one stolen base all year.

Bob(Ma)

PLEASE, James, should I start C. DAVIS today in a doubleheader and bench either ZOBRIST or REYNOLDS? 5x5 w/OPS. Also start CUETO tonight? Thank

James Quintong

  (3:52 PM)

It's probably worth the risk to get Davis in for two games (if he does play both games). He's got the power even if he's hitting right around the Mendoza Line.

barsk

is it time to give Tulu the axe? i have asdrubal Cabrera and alexi who is starting to hit?

James Quintong

  (3:54 PM)

I'm worried about Tulowitzki myself, and I don't think I'd have a problem dropping him given your other options. I like Asdrubal a lot, and it looks Alexi is a really slow starter who needs time to warm up.

John (Oklahoma)

James, wanna see if I can get an answer here on Brandon Webb. Think he returns to old form post-injury? I could use another bat if you think he's not worth keeping

James Quintong

  (3:57 PM)

I'm hoping that the D-backs are just being very cautious with Webb, and that he'll be fine after the All-Star break. If so, I think he'll be a good guy to have later in the year. I'd still stash him away because he should produce when he's back, whenever that is.

Chaz (Windy City)

someone just dropped JoshJohnson, pick him up with waver #1 before someone else does right?

James Quintong

  (3:57 PM)

Most definitely.

Mike Milwaukee, WI

There's a maximum of 12 games started per week in my baseball league. I have 11 games started by end of play Saturday and then start 4 on Sunday, putting me at 15 games started every week. Is this cheating?

James Quintong

  (4:00 PM)

It's taking advantage of how the game is designed. Not really cheating, just knowing how to beat the system.

George (WA)

Drop Tulo for Y. Escobar?

James Quintong

  (4:01 PM)

No, Escobar has some injury issues of his own right now.

Mike (Cincy)

No analyst will answer this question! Perhaps you can't figure it out either - why the heck isn't Andruw Jones starting over the terrible Murphy every day?

James Quintong

  (4:03 PM)

I guess they're just comfortable with Andruw being part of the platoon. Murphy hasn't done a whole lot, but I guess the Rangers feel they have more invested him over Jones.

James Quintong

  (4:03 PM)

OK, that's all the time I've got for the chat. Thanks for the questions and have a great weekend!