Eric Karabell

  (3:01 PM)

Hello all and welcome to another fantasy baseball chat session... lots to get to today, so let's start. Any questions?

Justin (New York)

Who would you rather have for the rest of the season, B. Molina or Iannetta (Disregarding current DL stint)?

Eric Karabell

  (3:03 PM)

Well, how can you disregard the current DL stint? It counts! I'd say until we know Iannetta is healthy then I'd pick Bengie, but it's closer than one might think.

Mike (Boston)

can Ziegler be dropped if I only want him for saves?

Eric Karabell

  (3:03 PM)

I think it's safe to say even if Ziegler picks up the occasional save, he's not a closer anymore. He's allowing lefties to pummel him, so it's more likely he's a Chad Bradford type of situational righty. Andrew Bailey is the closer.

JC (Raleigh, NC)

Eric...know in Relief Efforts you noted that JC Romero is back in Philly. Do you think he will be a good pick-up for holds??? Struggling here and hoping you can help out...

Eric Karabell

  (3:04 PM)

Yes, Relief Efforts is posted on the fantasy baseball page and Mr. Romero is mentioned in there. He's going to get plenty of holds on a team likely to win 90 games.

Al (Philly)

Are you in the Rollins-will-recover camp? Does he hit .280, 15HR, 20SB from here?

Eric Karabell

  (3:05 PM)

I think he recovers somewhat, and his overall numbers will be similar to last season, with a lot fewer steals. How about 10 homers, 30 steals, .275. At this point what Rollins owner wouldn't take that?

Brad (MA)

How about one FOOTBALL question. Keeper league - trade Peyton/Housh to get Brady, then Brady would join Westbrook and Megatron as keepers instead of B.Jacobs??? Im torn!

Eric Karabell

  (3:07 PM)

It is football time! The ESPN Magazine fantasy issue is out, and you can check out profiles and projections for more than 500 players on our fantasy football page, and sign up for the game. Anyway, if it's a keeper thing and you can't keep Houshmandzadeh anyway, it makes more sense, but personally I think the difference between that Manning and Brady is smaller... in fact, until I see more I would prefer to draft Manning.

GIfford Ocean NJ

Rank these outfielders for when Manny returns: Manny, Sizemore, Hamilton, Soriano.

Eric Karabell

  (3:09 PM)

Well, only one of those guys is actually playing these days, with one suspended and two on the DL. Without knowing whether Sizemore will be OK this is tough, but with what I know, Manny first, then Grady, Josh and the slower Alfonso.

Brian (Orlando)

Can you imagine Matt Hollidays stats if he gets traded and calls New Yankee Stadium home? Almost like being back at Coors!

Eric Karabell

  (3:10 PM)

Don't bet on it happening. I don't know if the Yankees have what it takes to get Holliday from Oakland by July 31. I think Holliday gets traded, but the Red Sox and their young pitching would be more desirable. And don't get too ahead of yourself on the stats: Nothing is Coors Field, even the new Yankee Stadium.

Terrence (NYC)

EK is tulo still worth holding onto in 10 team h2h?

Eric Karabell

  (3:10 PM)

No, I have pretty much given up on major numbers for that shallow of a lead. I'd like to see the Rox move Barmes to SS and let speedster Eric Young Jr. get a chance to run wild!

Dan (Roselle)

Do you think BJ Upton is finally on the up and up? His average is slowly, but steadily, climbing into the mid-.200's...

Eric Karabell

  (3:12 PM)

Slowly he's over .200, but if you watch his at-bats it's not like he's scorching the ball. Still, this beats the alternative. I'm not sure I regard Upton as a buy low guy, not if the power doesn't show up. There's no indication it will.

Jon (tel-aviv)

Please help calm me down! I just traded Oswalt for Ludwick in my desperation for HR and RBIs. Have I just made a critical error in judgement?

Eric Karabell

  (3:13 PM)

Not necessarily. We all know Oswalt gets started every year around June 1, so he's a wise buy low, which you didn't do, but Ludwick is going to hit home runs as well. He's just struggling since coming off the DL. I wouldn't call that a bad trade for your needs.

JB - Memphis

I have to Soria activated, but am unsure of who to drop. I have Percello, Richmond, Bush, and Doug Davis. Or, I could drop Atkins, but that leaves me no bench players and Reynolds my only 3B. I?ve tried offering Zambrano and Hanson as a package, but I guess I?m asking too much. What would you do?

Eric Karabell

  (3:14 PM)

I'd probably cut either Davis or Richmond and be done with it. It's tough to make trades like that when everyone in the league knows what you're trying to do. And there's little chance Davis' WHIP stays remotely where it is now, or Richmond for that matter.

Jordan (Peoria)

What is the best way to respond to a ridiculous trade? A guy just offered me Ichiro, Salty, Dice K for Mauer and Beltran. Should I reject and say nothing, reject and put him down, or just not do anything with the trade?

Eric Karabell

  (3:17 PM)

I get ridiculous trade offers every day, and I try to do the right thing and respond respectfully. Sometimes the offending owner really thinks the deal is fair. Maybe in your case the guy thinks you need pitching, and you like Dice-K. Who knows? Reject and respond, either with a counter offer or by saying Mauer is off limits. It's a long season and at some point you might need this owner for a trade that saves your team.

Gossip Girl

Spotted: Red Sox shopping Brad Penny? I'd love to get my hands on Clay Buchholz!

Eric Karabell

  (3:17 PM)

Honestly, I can't imagine why another team would have interest in trading something of value for Brad Penny. But the Red Sox find a way, good for them. And by the way, Smoltz gets priority over Clay, before you get too excited.

Rob (NJ)

Better option at catcher...Ramon Hernandez or Napoli?

Eric Karabell

  (3:19 PM)

I almost always choose the catcher who can hit for average and stay healthy over the one who hits more home runs. Napoli is having a better season and if he can hit .270. I'd choose him. I just don't know if he will.

John (Vegas)

Dan Haren is a top __ starter the rest of the season.

Eric Karabell

  (3:20 PM)

Top 10. He was in March, he is now. But I can name 5 pitchers I'd rather have, though it might be only 5: Halladay, CC, Johan, LIncecum and ... Zack.

Evan Longoria

Please tell me I'm going to be ok and that my Hammy issue is not serious.

Eric Karabell

  (3:21 PM)

We all hope so. It's not like the Rays have anyone else lurking like a Zobrist or Joyce who would get sudden playing time. But let's not panic yet. It could be he misses a game or two.

Yonny (AZ)

What do you think about Randy Wells? Take him over Porcello? Or the ever minored Hanson? Thx!

Eric Karabell

  (3:21 PM)

No, no, no. Porcello is still an emerging stud, despite some poor location in the Red Sox outing last night. And Hanson should be good, but still hasn't shown it. I'd rank these guys Porcello, Hanson and then Wells. What Wells is doing is very nice, but I need to see more.

Juan Pierre (LA)

While it has been a fun ride for my fantasy owners, we all know that I'm done producing on July 3rd. So who should a savvy fantasy owner stash to take my place for the second half? Reimold, Joyce, Rowand, Gardner, Dan Murphy?

Eric Karabell

  (3:24 PM)

If Andre Ethier doesn't get his act together then the Pierre run might not end. Consider that Furcal is doing nothing, and the Dodgers need someone at the top of the order getting on base. I'm just saying Ethier and Kemp need to hit or Torre will give them more days off than fantasy owners would like. As for the other names, I still like Reimold there. Joyce has 20-homer pop against right-handed pitching, but he might end up getting overrated. He's good, but not a 30-homer guy yet.

Eric (PA)

Would you give up Jeter for Wieters? Availabe on the waiver wire is Zobrist and I'm stuck with Ramon Hernandez behind the plate currently

Eric Karabell

  (3:25 PM)

What's wrong with Ramon Hernandez? He's fine. I'd give up Jeter if I could get the legit Zobrist, because I think Wieters will be special this season and for another 15 years.

Fletch

Andy LaRoche - do you believe?

Eric Karabell

  (3:26 PM)

I believe he can hit for average because he knows the strike zone, but will he hit 15 home runs this season while he's still developing. I take the under. But you can do worse; he looks durable now, seems to get a hit each night, can knock in runs.

the faceless man

simple. would you move Sizemore for Ibanez if you were going for it in a keeper league this year. yes or no.

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

Probably not. Not in a keeper.

Erik (MN)

Follow up on Holliday: I own him in an AL only keeper. Do I see what I can get for him now or ride the wave and hope he sticks in the AL somewhere?

Eric Karabell

  (3:28 PM)

I'd probably try to move him while he's hot. But there's no telling where he ends up, and by the way, everyone knows he's on the trade block, so good luck getting market value in an AL league.

Frank (Columbus, OH)

Will the Rockies ever stop messing around w/ Ian Stewart and give him full time ABs at a set position? Would you rather have him or Fontenot at MI?

Eric Karabell

  (3:29 PM)

He's batting .180 and has played quite a bit, really. If he'd hit he'd play more. But he's not a 2B and the team still has starters at 1B and 3B, so I don't know how Stewart can make the case to play more.

AC (CT)

If you have 1B and C covered (Dunn and McCann) and have plenty of hitting, but need pitching, Would it be a mistake to trade away V-Mart for Heath Bell?

Eric Karabell

  (3:31 PM)

Well, anyone who is the top player at their position is worth more than any closer. Bottom line. Martinez should get you a closer and a hitter or starting pitcher back. They aren't worth 4-category hitters. If you need saves deal someone lesser for a less flashy reliever, one who isn't off to a career start.

Andrew (Ft Stewart, Ga)

Mr. Karabell: Will Brett Wallace or Buster Posley be called up at any point in time this year? What is their long term potential?

Eric Karabell

  (3:32 PM)

I think Wallace has a shot to get the call this season, but I don't expect he'll save fantasy owners. I do not expect to see Posey play a legit role until 2010. Both have very good potential, Posey as a top-10 catcher, and Wallace as a 30-homer 3B.

Splinter (mind's eye)

So, you think Zobrist is "legit". What are you projections for him the rest of the season? Dare I say, 20-20?

Eric Karabell

  (3:32 PM)

I could see 25 homers actually, but not more than 10 or 12 steals. He's not a basestealer. He has pop though.

Howie Kendrick (LA)

Whats going on with my batting average? Will I turn it around or should I be dropped for Jose Lopez?

Eric Karabell

  (3:34 PM)

There's a reason I've never owned Kendrick. So frustrating. I don't know if Lopez is a much better choice, and I'd probably wait in that case, but I'm not expecting health and huge production from Kendrick.

Eric Karabell (CT)

I have _________ on my team from TB for saves.

Eric Karabell

  (3:34 PM)

I don't recall having anyone on the Rays anywhere, but I'd say Wheeler is the guy Maddon is choosing. It should be JP Howell, but it hasn't happened yet. I would not bother with Randy Choate.

Tad (LA)

You said you'd drop Tulo in 10 team H2H...what about 12 team Roto...is he cut-loss everywhere?

Eric Karabell

  (3:36 PM)

If someone better is available, absolutely. The guy isn't the same player he was as a rookie. I'm not saying he's toast, but does anyone expect him to all of a sudden hit 25 home runs again?

Fact Check (Peoria)

"They aren't worth 4-category hitters." There you go again . . . elite closers can contribute in 5 categories (yes - they get Ws here and there). I don't understand the mentality you've got that they only contribute in 1 category. They're ratios and K rates (ELITE closers, mind you) absolutely have an impact on a teams overall ratios and Ks.

Eric Karabell

  (3:37 PM)

Do the math on a 60-inning closer and tell me that, over the course of an entire season, the difference in a 2.75 ERA and 3.25 ERA makes a huge difference. Plus, tell me you know which closers will win games. Nobody does. But we know hitters hit. Broxton has 5 wins, and last I looked all the other closers in double digits for saves had like 6. It's random. It's not a mentality; it's fact that a power hitter, even without the steals, has more impact on a fantasy team than a closer.

ESPN Keeper League

Hi Eric, I was offered David Wright for Arod. Ordinarily I would accept this, but Wright's power outage has me slightly concerned. Not usually one to let 2 months color my perception, but really? Can you weigh in please?

Eric Karabell

  (3:38 PM)

Yeah, but A-Rod isn't going to steal bases, so I think it evens out. Plus, Wright is capable of a 15-homer second half. He's still getting used to the ballpark, but otherwise his numbers are OK. It's a fair deal, but I choose Wright.

Jon (San Diego)

Eric, your thoughts, please. My shallow mixed league has a very high (1750) innings limit. Better to hang onto Carlos Marmol, the WHIP killer, or audition some free agent SPs who could help me compete in wins and Ks?

Eric Karabell

  (3:40 PM)

That is a lot of innings. Depends on who the pitchers are. I don't dump a 80-inning reliever to get Manny Parra, you know.

Jonathan (Tulsa)

EK, really hoping you can answer this. Rich Harden got dropped in my league and even though my WORST pitchers statistically are Burnett and Edwin Jackson, I'm kind of itching to grab him. Am I stupid for this?

Eric Karabell

  (3:41 PM)

I wouldn't cut Burnett to get Harden... it would seem obvious to cut Jackson to get him, but let me say I am not a big Harden fan. Injuries, people, and they aren't a fluke. They always happen. But now is clearly time to sell high on Jackson, so I wouldn't call you stupid for this... I wouldn't call anything in fantasy baseball stupid, per se.

Matt (New Jersey)

Over the rest of the season, Vlad or Granderson?

Eric Karabell

  (3:41 PM)

Granderson. Even if he doesn't steal.

B (Philly)

GO PHILS! EK, time to start hedging bets with Votto and sell now before this gets worse? Seems like no one has any idea how long the dizziness/stress issues could last...

Eric Karabell

  (3:42 PM)

Yeah, but good luck getting proper value for someone who might not return for awhile. Plus, he could be back in 2 weeks and really burn you. I'd try to wait this one out.

Gil (jackson, ms)

Whats up with Garrett Atkins? Someone just dropped him. Is he worth taking a flier in a 10 man mixed?

Eric Karabell

  (3:42 PM)

Not really. Depends on whether you need corner infield help, but there's little indication he can provide it.

Ben Sheets (Arlington)

Should I be stashed in a 12 team league?

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

I have no expectations of Sheets contributing in fantasy this season.

nick (t-town al)

tommy hanson or dicek here on out in a h2h which side do you like?

Eric Karabell

  (3:44 PM)

Dice-K. Look, there are no guarantees Hanson either comes up soon, or dominates when he does. Minor league numbers mean very little, but Hanson has been in the minors for so long fantasy owners have built him up to be a monster.

Guy who should be working...(VT)

Name Game - Davies or Tallet?

Eric Karabell

  (3:44 PM)

Oh, definitely Tallet. Not even close. I can't figure out why he's owned in only 2 percent of leagues. His May was fine, he strikes people out, people need to stop viewing him as a journeyman.

Jake (SanFran)

Corners are a little bear and theres no hope for Atkins huh? What about Nick Johnson or Casey Blake?

Eric Karabell

  (3:45 PM)

I'd take them both over Atkins currently. Johnson could win a batting title, by the way.

Rod (Reading, Pa)

Your logic isn't correct in your answer to Fact Check. If you are trading VMart and you have McCann on the bench, it absolutely makes sense to trade VMart for a closer if that is what you need to win your league. It's not about getting the most value, it's about getting what you need to win. What good is it to get a better hitter if what your really need is to move up in saves?

Eric Karabell

  (3:47 PM)

I agree with your point except it's the first week of June, and value is very important. You make a trade like that in late-August. You have to get more for the top catcher in fantasy than just a closer, or at least try before settling. Sure, the goal is to win and not win the value battles, and I'll get beat in a trade if I see the big picture, but at least try to do better.

AC Slater

Closer trade value follow up: What are some of the best hitters I can expect to recieve in exchange for Joe Nathan?

Eric Karabell

  (3:47 PM)

Impossible to know. In every league there's someone who overrates the closers, so maybe you can get ... Victor Martinez!

Garrett (IA)

Give me a date certain on when Wieters actually hits. Does he hit out of the 7 hole all year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:48 PM)

Today. Wieters hits today. Please tell me you haven't given up on Wieters after what, five days?

Tommy Glavine (Atlanta, Ga)

Why does everyone keep talking about that other Tommy? I don't plan on losing the 5th starting spot upon my return.

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

Well, I'm sure we're all rooting for you...

VMart (CLE)

Keep me and use me in your Util slot and as injury insurance for McCann. There are at least 3 soon-to-be closers on your waiver wire that will pick up 15 saves each the rest of the way.

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

Thank you.

Russell Branyan(Seattle)

I'm not going to hit like this the whole year am I?

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

Probably not in batting average - OK, definitely not - but the power has always been legit. It's also nice to see him stay healthy...

Neit (Long Island, NY)

Love your work with Relief Efforts EK! - Im dead last in saves! - I have no closers, and I have Wheeler, Madson, Zumaya - praying they get a shot - should I consider dropping Buchholz for J.P Howell?

Eric Karabell

  (3:50 PM)

There's still no indication Maddon will give Howell a chance, but then again, Buchholz might not be up for awhile. Check your standings; you might need more than one closer to actually move up in the standings, and you might not want to use roster spots for one category you can't move in.

Jordan (Peoria)

I used to not believe in the "dont pay for saves" strategy either but this year I went for the dont pay for saves in one and pay only for saves in another and in H2H it really makes sense.

Eric Karabell

  (3:51 PM)

It really makes sense in h2h if all you get is a win or loss for the week. Own offense and you can lose one pitching stat each week without it mattering. Beats owning a Rays reliever.

<4 ERA 13 straight

Smoltz 100 IP 8 wins 90 Ks.... Over or under?

Eric Karabell

  (3:52 PM)

Under on all because it might be a month, or longer until he pitches.

Jim (NYC)

Start JA HAPP at Petco tonight or steer clear?

Eric Karabell

  (3:52 PM)

I think Happ is totally legit and will win 12 games this season. Absolutely start him in the greatest pitching park of our era.

Sid (NYC)

About Tulo, in 07, he had 2 homers going into June and finished with 24. This year he has 5 going into June. So why can't he hit 25? He's clearly a 2nd half player.

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

He could, but he's showing no signs and worst of all he can't stay healthy. It's a shame when people compare him to Bobby Crosby. I'm not going that far yet, but how can we expect 25 homers when he can't hit his weight?

Fact Check (Peoria)

And what's with the "overrating" when it comes to RPs? By the gospel that is the Player Rater, there were 5 closers in the top 50 of overall players last year (not going to comment on this year b/c not enough time has passed) - are you saying they weren't actually worth what the Player Rater says they were?

Eric Karabell

  (3:56 PM)

Player rater isn't gospel to me, or anyone I know. It's a guide. Let's put it this way: Broxton is the No. 13 guy on the rater. So if you're drafting today, you're taking a closer at No. 13? It's a guide, and I enjoy studying it, but closers are still overrated. The do well on the rater because they are the only ones who can get saves. A hitter can get all five stats.

Chris (OH)

Over/Under - combined home runs for David Ortiz & Russell Martin: 10

Eric Karabell

  (3:56 PM)

Over. But not by a lot. Hey, I think Ortiz will start to hit at some point, mainly for power and not average. it might look like what Sheffield did in 2008. Not pretty. Martin ends up with like 5 homers. Wonderful. Thanks.

Jason (queens, ny)

From the "Stealth" column in your bullpen depth chart, which RP do you think ends up with the most saves this season? (My eyes keep turning toward the name BJ Ryan.)

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

Nice question! Percival will close if he returns. Ryan could. Perez could. Watch out for Sipp, too...

Clinton (Indianapolis)

Is trading Greinke for Hanley completely insane?

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

It's probably more wise than you realize...

Mike (W. Lafayette, IN)

Anyone giving up a top catcher for ANY closer is missing a few french fries in his happy meal!

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

Mmmmmm...french fries....

Jose Valverde (HOU)

I am a top __ closer going forward...

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

Top 12...

me (here)

Carlos Quentin - think he comes back to form in short time? buying low?

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

Not a short time.. .what a shame...

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

OK, that is all the time we have for today. Thank you for the good questions and strong debate today. More chats coming tomorrow... have a great day...