James Quintong

  (3:01 PM)

Good afternoon, everyone! Hope all is well. Let's get to your questions. But first, Joe Mauer just tied his single-season high in homers with 13, and he's been back for less than a month and a half. Wow.

Dr. Chris (KC, MO)

what has been the deal with greinke in his last few starts?

James Quintong

  (3:03 PM)

Greinke has just gotten back to more mortal levels. It was expecting a bit much for him to be great every time out, and it's not like Thursday's start was all that bad (last Friday's was, though). He's still one of the better pitchers this year. I wouldn't worry all that much.

Fred (Harlem)

I tried to sell high on O-Dog and buy low on Atkins. Now this lack of PT has me regretting the deal. is this benching short term and is Atkins going to heat up and give me the bombs i desperately need to make a push for first place ?

James Quintong

  (3:04 PM)

I'm not sure about that just yet. The Rockies will have a bunch more games at home coming up, but Atkins is struggling to crack the lineup with Ian Stewart and Clint Barmes playing well. I suppose both Stewart and Barmes will cool off, giving Atkins his at-bats, but maybe not right away.

Marc (New Jersey)

David Price has been walking a ton of people lately and his lack of control causes him to pitch less than 5 innings. Should I keep him or try and trade him? Also, who could I get for David Price? I need offense (RBI, HR, R).

James Quintong

  (3:06 PM)

Price's control concerns me, that's for sure. A trade will be dicey at this point, although if you can get someone who's trading for his name value (and potential for bigger things), you can get a decent bat. I seem him struggling for a bit longer, though, so you may want to deal him sooner rather than later.

Jay (Chicago)

Liriano appears to be slowly turning it around. Is this a good "Buy-Low" situation?

James Quintong

  (3:08 PM)

Yeah, this would be the time to buy low. I still have some faith in Liriano, and I don't think he'll continue to be this bad all year. If you have the space and cane eat the still inconsistent starts, it might be worth the risk.

Vlad (the former impaler) (CA)

James do you see my power of fantasy relevance ever coming back?

James Quintong

  (3:09 PM)

It looks like age is catching up with you. There will be some flashes here and there, but nothing on a really consistent level. I still think the average will be there, but the power not as much.

Ryan (Pacello)

With respect to Jay Bruce being a potential keeper, will he ever hit for average or is he the next Adam Dunn?

James Quintong

  (3:11 PM)

Got a few questions about Bruce today. I like the power, but obviously the average needs some help. I don't think he'll stay in the low .200s the rest of the way, but it might not be much better than the mid .200s. As for being the next Adam Dunn, it's possible, although he needs to walk more if he's going to be like Dunn.

sam (indy)

what do you expect from pat burel now that he corrected his swing and feels healthy?

James Quintong

  (3:12 PM)

If everything is fine with him, he's a guy with decent power who will still hurt your average. I'm not really trusting him all that much right now, though. On the other hand, it's good to have him back in the lineup to see if he can get over his early woes.

Ryan (Milwaukee)

Hey James, what are the chances Ian Stewart gets at least four more games at leftfield or at least seven more games in right? That would really help boost his value in my league but he hasn't gotten a single OF start all month.

James Quintong

  (3:14 PM)

While Carlos Gonzalez hasn't done a whole lot since coming up, he's taking up one of the slots in the outfield, so there's one place Stewart can't go. Right now, with Stewart playing so well lately at third, they might as well keep him there. If anything, he may get more shots at second if/when Clint Barmes slows down.

MJ (Chicago)

Derrek Lee home runs: over/under 22

James Quintong

  (3:14 PM)

I'm taking the under.

Glenn (Providence)

Gordon Beckham, currently has a .100 BABIP (granted only 27 plate appearences). Is this a product of just bad luck, or that he is overmatched and is not getting good solid contact?

James Quintong

  (3:16 PM)

Probably a little of both. It probably was a bit much to expect huge things right away.

Anthony (Raleigh, NC)

Does Valverde immediately take over for LaTroy Hawkins @ closer or will it take some time?

James Quintong

  (3:16 PM)

Valverde should be back as the closer whenever he's ready to go.

Ben (Chicago)

James, Are you starting Nolasco tonight, or do you wait one more solid start before activating him?

James Quintong

  (3:18 PM)

It would depend on who else I've got. I think he's due for a rebound, and last Sunday's start provided a glimmer of hope.

Erik (Cleveland)

Hey James, can you answer Ryan's question from above regarding Jay Bruce becoming the next Adam Dunn...there was no answer.

James Quintong

  (3:19 PM)

I did post it earlier, but there have been some issues with the new chat software we're using. Here's my response: Got a few questions about Bruce today. I like the power, but obviously the average needs some help. I don't think he'll stay in the low .200s the rest of the way, but it might not be much better than the mid .200s. As for being the next Adam Dunn, it's possible, although he needs to walk more if he's going to be like Dunn.

Mark (here)

What are your thoughts on Nolan Reimold? Because of injuries, he's starting for me and doing well. Can this last? Should I trade for a more proven outfielder?

James Quintong

  (3:21 PM)

I like Reimold and his power, although he may not have crazy upside. I think the run can last, so I wouldn't go out of my way to find a more "proven" guy just yet. Although if you get a good deal, I wouldn't turn it down either.

Adam (Colorado)

Darn trying to get one simple question answered for weeks now! Who's more valuable from here on out Randy Johnson or Nolasco?

James Quintong

  (3:21 PM)

Nolasco, barely.

Skyler (Boston)

What's up with Miguel Cabrera? Is this a slump or is he not 100%?

James Quintong

  (3:22 PM)

Part of it could be just a slump (even the best of them can struggle), but I'm also a bit leery that the hamstring issues may be affecting him.

Travis (Nashville)

What am I supposed to do with Quentin? I can't get anything for him in a trade, and no one knows if he's going to struggle with this all season... Help please!

James Quintong

  (3:24 PM)

You may just have to keep him on your DL/bench if you can. He's probably not coming back until after the All-Star break. Unfortunately, his trade value is low, so you may just have to bite the bullet for now since you know what he can do when he's on.

Matt (DC)

Hey James, what do you see from Way-Rod for the rest of the season??? . . . people were talking about his being a sell-high guy, and he got dropped in my league.

James Quintong

  (3:26 PM)

I think he's a good, not great, pitcher, although his start on Wednesday does help his cause after a bunch of stinkers in a row. I'd pick him up at this point, if he's available, but I'd also keep my expectations reasonable (an ERA in the mid-3 range, for instance).

glihon (Clemson)

Tulo is 8/17 in his 5 game hitting streak, is he finally going to start producing like we thought we would?

James Quintong

  (3:29 PM)

I don't think he's as great as that rookie season, but he's not as awful as recently. The Rockies have nine straight at home starting tonight, so hopefully a homestand will help his numbers even more.

Brick (Athens)

Do you think JJ Hardy is injured, or is he just in a funk? I picked him up expecting a turnaround and haven't seen much yet.

James Quintong

  (3:30 PM)

Hardy can be a very streaky guy, so I'd stay patient with him. It'd be nice if he put everything together for a consistent period of time, though.

Lincoln (CA)

Is it realistic to expect 30 HRs out of Mauer this year? He is at 13 now.

James Quintong

  (3:32 PM)

At this rate, it's possible, although I'm wondering when he's going to cool off. He's not going to be hitting over .400 all season, that's for sure. When that happens, the power could tail off a bit. I still think he should reach 20-25, but 30 may be pushing it.

Bob (Portland)

For those of us in keeper leagues, when can we expect to see Strasburg added to the player pool?

James Quintong

  (3:32 PM)

I believe it will be when he officially signs with the Nationals.

rex (h-town)

Will Jarrod Washburn be this good all season? Or is it time to sell high?

James Quintong

  (3:34 PM)

This question seems to pop up all year long, but for now, I think I believe in Washburn. He's helping in ERA and WHIP, although the wins aren't there (but it's not always his fault).

don (San Francisco)

Jordan Zimmerman tomorrow, roll him out or wait and see with that elbow?

James Quintong

  (3:35 PM)

I'd be hesitant because of the elbow. Might as well be cautious with a young guy like that.

Chipper (Atlanta)

Am I too much a health risk to realistically get my due worth in a trade offer? His numbers are solid but most folks seem to ASSUME he's going down at some point. I get the logic, but does that mean he's untradeable?

James Quintong

  (3:37 PM)

Definitely not untradeable, but I suppose you won't get full value for him in most cases. Package him with some other pieces and you might get the value you're looking for.

KJ (Chicago)

H2H - better value this point on - Meche or Hughes

James Quintong

  (3:37 PM)

I'll go with Meche. Hughes' role is still up in the air.

Jason (Ellicott City, MD)

Jumping on the Zobrilla bandwagon?

James Quintong

  (3:38 PM)

I had been for a couple of weeks already. I like the power, and the Rays are finding ways to get him in the lineup.

Inquiring Mind (Cranium)

What is Dice-K's value at this point??

James Quintong

  (3:39 PM)

Unfortunately, pretty low. I'd say even the most die-hard Dice-K supporters wouldn't give up a lot for him. The control and pitch count issues worry me.

Timothy (NYC)

J! Is it possible that Javy Vasquez is a top ten SP?? My league-mates seems to think so.

James Quintong

  (3:41 PM)

He's close. I've always thought he was a bit underrated in recent years. He gets you strikeouts and innings, although the ERA numbers were just so-so. Now the ERA/WHIP look great but he can't seem to get wins.

Eric (Houston)

you starting Tommy Hanson tonight?

James Quintong

  (3:42 PM)

I'd take the gamble on him. He had his moments on Sunday before fading late. With a little less pressure on him this time around, I think he'll be fine.

Ted Lilly (Chicago)

Where's this correction in my stats everyone keeps talking about? This fella I know traded me away and he's been regretting it. I'm not this good am I?

James Quintong

  (3:44 PM)

I've always liked Lilly, so I'm not terribly surprised by the stats. Still, though, with a BABIP in the .250 range (normal is .290-.300), there could be a slight correction in ERA. But it wouldn't be a huge change.

Alex (Portland)

Torii Hunter. Can the world ignore him any worse? Top 10 overall numbers and the only dude with 10 HRs and SBS and a .300 avg. Where's the love?

James Quintong

  (3:46 PM)

Yeah, he's been overlooked lately, but I've got him in a couple of leagues and reaping the benefits. The high average is what's putting him over the top this year, so we'll see if he can keep that up. (He's a career .273 hitter.)

Jon (Orlando)

Kinsler has 15 HR this season. He hasn't hit more than 20 since hes been in the Show. Will he keep this power up?

James Quintong

  (3:47 PM)

Yeah, I believe in the power. Remember, he was well on his way to maybe 25 homers last year but he missed the last six weeks of the season.

Saucy Jack (London)

Do you think Ortiz gets at least one start this weekend? His bat is pretty hot to just have him sit for three straight.

James Quintong

  (3:49 PM)

I'd be hesitant putting him out there because he hasn't played much in the field in years. Yeah, it's tough to sit him, but those are the breaks of interleague play. Obviously, he'll get his pinch-hitting appearance in there, though.

Bobby Cox (Atlanta)

Do you think it's fair the way I'm treating fantasy owners of the world with my bullpen? I mean, going off who's due up in the 8th/9th to determine my closer. That's no fun for anyone, right?

James Quintong

  (3:51 PM)

Ah, the differences between "real" baseball and "fantasy" baseball. Yeah, it's frustrating as a fantasy owner, but as a baseball fan, it's actually smart managing. I guess that's why both Gonzalez and Soriano have fantasy value, just not as much as owners would like.

Marco (NYC)

Who ends the years with better all-around numbers: Aubrey Huff or Luke Scott?

James Quintong

  (3:52 PM)

I'll go with Scott.

Tom (Omaha, NE)

Which catcher has more value the rest of the season: Geo Soto or Russ Martin?

James Quintong

  (3:54 PM)

Ugh. I guess the little extra speed will help Martin.

Joe Torre (Looney bin)

Why am I hitting Matt Kemp 8th?

James Quintong

  (3:55 PM)

Honestly, I have no idea. That's a big hurt to his fantasy value, that's for sure. But I guess at least he's hitting ahead of the pitcher. Torre did have a few instances of batting the pitcher eighth and Juan Pierre ninth earlier this season.

damien (canada)

hmmm maybe if i rephrase my question to a style you seem to be answering more of. who will be better long term rasmus or fmart

James Quintong

  (3:56 PM)

Better long-term player -- Rasmus. F-Mart is still a big question mark in my mind.

James Quintong

  (3:58 PM)

I'm reposting the Quentin answer from earlier: You may just have to keep him on your DL/bench if you can. He's probably not coming back until after the All-Star break. Unfortunately, his trade value is low, so you may just have to bite the bullet for now since you know what he can do when he's on.

Eric (Lewiston, ME)

Is Carpenter going to last the entire season at this level?

James Quintong

  (3:59 PM)

This dominant all year? Probably not, but you know what he can do when he's healthy, so I think he's quickly moving up the charts as one of the best starting pitchers this season. I'm still buying on Carpenter.

Chung Yan Chan (NYC)

I am seriously trying to put together an all Asian team in a mid-season league... I'm thinking K. Suzuki, Ishikawa, Iwamura, Choo, Ichiro, Matsui, K. Matsui, anyone else?? Pitching is Dice-K, Wang, Kawakami, Uehara, Park, Saito..... Any chance of sucess?

James Quintong

  (4:00 PM)

Well you don't want Iwamura, that's for sure. If you want to expand things out, Tim Lincecum and Johnny Damon are both half-Asian.

Slim (Minneapolis)

Just picked Mikc MacDougal. Am I going to get burned?

James Quintong

  (4:01 PM)

I guess it's worth the roll of the dice. He has closing experience before. I'd say it's worth a short-term risk that you shouldn't feel too bad about cutting in a couple of weeks when another guy closes.

Jamie (Savannah, GA)

Did I make a big mistake trading Bailey for fellow rookie Wieters?

James Quintong

  (4:02 PM)

I think Wieters eventually will hit, even if it takes longer than expected. But Bailey is doing his best in getting strikeouts and now saves.

TickTock (Bainbridge Island)

Why are all the questions the same? How about a real question? It seems like many teams push their starters to pitch one extra inning and lose the game (CC and Greinke from last night) Why are teams afraid to go to their BP?

James Quintong

  (4:04 PM)

Well, this is a fantasy chat, so people are asking questions in that realm. But to answer your question, if you saw what the bullpens did when asked to relieve their starters, that's a reason why there's a lack of trust in the pen. I suppose it's different asking a pitcher to come in with runners on instead of the beginning of an inning. And of course with guys like Sabathia and Greinke, you're hoping they go far and not worry about the bullpen.

James Quintong

  (4:04 PM)

OK folks, that's all the time I've got for today. Sorry I couldn't get to all of your questions. Have a great weekend!