ESPN

Brendan Roberts

  (3:00 PM)

Good afternoon, everyone. Hopefully the chat process goes a little smoother (for us both) this week. I like the changes our fine SportsNation team has made. Let's get to your questions ...

Jamie (Savannah, GA)

Wieters is going to live up to some of the hype isn't he?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:02 PM)

Yes, he is. He's just trying to tread water a little till his brain can catch up. Been hearing from sources in Baltimore that he has been hitting the video room pretty heavy to learn pitchers and tendencies. And remember, once he's up to speed offensively, the O's likely will DH him often when he's not catching. He'll pick it up, probably in his second time around the league. Will he outproduce a stud outfielder? No. But will he outproduce all but maybe 5-6 catchers from here on out. I believe he will.

Kevin (Meyerstown)

What's going on with Nick Markakis? Will he get out of this slump and be the top player that he is or has he dropped in rankings? He only has 1 SB this year. Do you see that pace increasing?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:04 PM)

I'm not concerned. Seems he always has a first-half slump (usually earlier than this) before turning it on in the second half. Teams have been pitching around him more and more, and he goes in stretches where he chases too many pitchers' pitches, but it takes him just a game to get his confidence back and stop trying to do too much. Will he steal more bases? Probably not. As he has filled out, he's running less, dropping from 18 steals to 10 last year. Wouldn't be surprised if he ends up with 6-7 this year ... but that's not why you own him anyway.

CB (Virginia)

In keeper leagues, when should owners that are preparing for the stretch run sell their prospects to rebuilding teams?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:06 PM)

I think right about now. At least for those of you in the bottom third of the league and with no shot at a money spot. That said, I made a trade in an NL-only league in which I'm rebuilding, unloading cost and getting solid, cheap options, and I got in trouble with it from the league. The guy I was trading with was in 2nd place. So many consider this a bit early. Keep that in mind before you pull off an obviously-helping-the-guy-for-this-year deal.

john (mass)

What's up w/Miggy Cabrera? think he's really hurt, or just a slump? Not giving us his 1st rd production....

Brendan Roberts

  (3:09 PM)

He isn't right now, but he has for much of the year. Yeah, I think he's a bit dinged cause of that hamstring, but he doesn't put much stress on it and will be fine soon. Remember, at least recently, he has been a second-half hitter.

The Conductor (Aboard the CHOO-Choo Train)

Hey B-Rob, should I pull the train over and trade it? Does Choo continue this performance over the rest of the season, specifically in the steals department?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:10 PM)

Not only do I think he continues it, I think he'll even improve, across the board. He's only 26, and in at-bats I've seen from him of late, he's really showing good patience and not chasing. I'm really impressed with the way he plays the game, and I think he continues to get better and better.

Jimmy (Heaven)

Brendan, many "Experts" are still recommending Colby Rasmus, although his OBP has dropped to 287 in the past 30 days. What are your thoughts?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:12 PM)

Not sure which "experts" you're referring to, or what kind of league, but I don't think Rasmus does much this year. He still looks a bit overwhelmed at the plate to me, and often, and we should chalk this up to the learning process. Remember how he did the past few years when he jumped levels? He struggled mightily, so what we're getting already is a surprise to me. He's a talented player, but unfortunately, I think the most recent Rasmus is the best representation of who he'll be this season.

Grant (Chicago)

Is this the first reporting sighting of a buy low opportunity on Johan Santana?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:14 PM)

Lot of negative pub about Johan of late, huh? With the blister, and the knee ... guy can't have a couple subpar starts and then get shelled at Yankee Stadium (as many have)? I did inquire about Johan in one league, but he was still untouchable, which sounds about right. No way owners will (or should) react to this latest stuff and sell their guy. He has been way too good this season to do so. Sure, get him if you can, cause he'll be fine, but good luck doing that.

Jim (Stow, Ohio)

Hey Brendan, What's up with Joba? Will he stay in the rotation or go to the bullpen? Where do you think he has more value and should I hang on to him as a starter? Thanks

Brendan Roberts

  (3:16 PM)

This bullpen talk I think was more the media reacting to Joba's latest pitch inefficiencies and team needs. Not sure the Yanks are even considering it, nor should they. He's a starting pitcher, and he belongs there. Sure, he throws too many pitches and does lack stamina too, but he's also still young and needs time to build/improve, just like anybody else. Seems like we've been hearing about him forever, but he's only 23.

Pablo Sandoval (SF)

Is 330 sustainable for me? (BA not LBS)........ Where do you see me finishing the season?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:19 PM)

Ready for this? He's one of the few guys I think .330 IS sustainable. I mean, he's a switch hitter who hits both LHPs and RHPs well (especially LHPs since right-handed hitting is his natural side), and he has one of the best batting eyes in the game. What I like best, at least in terms of his BA, is he's a bad-ball hitter. Like Vlad, he can knock pitchers' pitches for hits, so opposing managers aren't sure how to pitch him. .330 might be a bit high, but I see him settling in at about .320 -- for years to come.

Ryan (Temp Agency)

At what point do I start worrying about Josh Johnson's innings? I am just being paranoid about his previous break downs?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:22 PM)

Ya know, that's a good question, and something I haven't really thought of much yet. Johnson has thrown a lot of innings, and pressured innings since he has been asked to end losing streaks at least a few times. His pitch counts aren't ridiculous, but he hasn't been ultra-efficient either. But the Marlins were very cautious in bringing him back from surgery, and he didn't show even a bump of a setback last season once he returned. You're definitely right to be concerned, but I think he'll be fine and remain successful. Maybe not AS successful, but still successful.

Adam (Dallas)

Sandoval is C-eligible in my league, should I just drop Doumit if I need the roster spot?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:22 PM)

Yes, bonus!

Ian Stewart (Denver)

Can I hit 30 HR's this year? If so, then am I a top 5 2B? Or is top 10 more realistic?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:25 PM)

I think he can hit 30 homers, although I'm thinking more in the 26-28 range. One thing is for sure; the Rockies have made room for him. And he does have legit power. The average will climb and probably settle at about .270, and the homers will be there, though with a modest RBI count. If only he could three more games at 2B to get him qualified there in one league. He's at 17 now. Top-10 sounds realistic cause of the average, modest steals and modest RBIs, but definitely valued higher than he is right now.

Bill (Chicago)

What kind of return would you target if you traded B. Webb right now? Would you trade him or hold?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:26 PM)

I think a return date right around the All-Star break seems realistic. And as long as he has been out, and as well as he usually starts seasons with a semi-fresh arm, I could see a fine last 2 1/2 months. I think you definitely hold.

Carl (Chicago)

Please tell me Soriano has been a 2nd half player in his career. Will he finish even as a top 20 OF?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:29 PM)

I'd have to look it up, but I don't think he has been. He usually does his hitting right about now ... which is why this knee thing, I think, is causing a lot of problems. He admittedly doesn't feel right, and his average has been plummeting. And really all he needs is rest (although how much to make it right isn't really known). Almost hoping he complains about it a bit more, and the Cubs put him on the DL for 15 days, then he comes back and plays like himself again. Because right now he probably wouldn't produce top-20 OF numbers, especially if he's not running.

Justin (The Beach)

BR, any reason to have faith in R Martin turning in a better second half (other than "its so bad that it can only get better")? I'm thinking about writing him a motivating letter for. Thanks!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:31 PM)

Hey, he might appreciate that ... but from recent reports, he knows he's not hitting up to snuff. And unfortunately, he's normally a first-half hitter. I think he brings his average up, and maintains his steals, but his power reflects the down season. I mean, he might hit maybe 5-7 homers is all.

John (WA)

Lowe's bad outing. Should I be worried?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:32 PM)

Not at all. Take a look at his second-half splits from recent years, and you'll feel better. Not sure about that start against the Sawx, though.

Matt (IL)

Are there more questions in your chats this year than last? Don't know if that's the case or my questions just suck, but I never had problems getting a question a week or so between all the chats last year...

Brendan Roberts

  (3:33 PM)

Glad you asked ... I don't usually answer questions like these, first of all, but I'm almost getting a ton of questions (more than a thousand in an hour) and trying to take my time and answer each one more thoroughly. Back to business ...

Hank (Michigan)

Juan Rivera: continued production or flash in the pan? Thanks!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:34 PM)

Was just evaluating him today, and I went in with the theory that it was just a flash in the pan, but found no evidence that it is. His bat speed reportedly has increased, according to scouts, likely because he's in better shape than in past years. Perhaps playing more is the reason for that. But I think he continues to provide good cheap production.

Garrett (IA)

Should we cut bait on Sizemore for this season?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:36 PM)

What? No way. He should be back in about 10 days or so, and be fine. If anything, you look to acquire him.

ROBERT BRENDAN (TX)

WHAT GREAT NAMES WE HAVE....anyway...Bedard is a little banged up time to worry? or will he continue to produce?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:37 PM)

Yes, you must be smart and handsome and ... Not time to worry. I thought the same thing when I heard that, but the M's have gone out of their way to ease concerns about his shoulder inflammation. Until there's a bigger setback, you keep him and expect more good starts.

mona mondieu (chilling with the fish that saved pittsburgh)

should pavano be ownable in a 10 team H2H league?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:38 PM)

Nope, and not just cause he's been bombed of late. He's really inconsistent, and kinda inexplicably ... you won't know when to start him, and he could kill ya in that setup. He's close, but no cigar.

Frank (Columbus, OH)

What's up with Joey Votto? When can we expect him to return? And what kind of numbers do you expect?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:40 PM)

Being an Ohioan, you might hear more than I do, but the latest report is it's up to Votto when to return, and there's no word yet when that will be. I don't know many details surrounding the situation, but it sounds like we should brace for plenty more missed time. Remember, he still needs to get back into game shape, and then have a rehab assignment once he reports to the team. So the "buzz" will precede his actual return by a good two weeks. And right now there's no buzz at all.

skip (ga)

Hey B-dog. If Burrell is a free agent, should I rush to pick him up and wait for the hot streak that's a comin?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:42 PM)

I predicted in a recent column that he'd more or less be a bust. He looks lost to me right now, and the Rays have options (at least future ones) to play in his place. I wouldn't pick him up.

Matt (DC)

So who is better then as a 4th OF: Rivera or Hermida?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:42 PM)

Believe it or not, Rivera. Then again, I think Hermida is a vastly overrated fantasy option, and always have.

Logan (Chicago)

Starting Jair tonight @ Cincy? He's a groundball pitcher, but with that stadium, you never know...

Brendan Roberts

  (3:43 PM)

Jurrjens has like a 2.8-something ERA this season ... until he gives you reason not to, you start him for every start.

James Joyce (Bloomsday)

Garrett Atkins worth anything anymore? Or is 3 straight years of declining RBI, HR, BBs, and increasing Ks too significant an indicator? Why didn't that tip people off that he wasn't top-100 talent?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:45 PM)

Good question ... but the last to realize this seems to have been the Rockies. And besides, decline or not, he still finished with decent numbers in '08. So fantasy owners had to stick by him as long as the numbers were good by season's end. But Jim Tracy, to his credit, has come in guns blazing and changed the lineup order and starters, and Atkins is on the outs, for sure. It's now to the point that I hope he DOES get traded from Colorado just to get a fresh start. I think he's no longer rosterable in a 10-team league, and he's getting close to that qualification in a 12-team league with a small bench. Bummer.

Chieng Ming Wang (The Bronx)

What happens to me after I stink it up against the Nationals????

Brendan Roberts

  (3:47 PM)

I think he heads back to the bullpen, changing places with Hughes. At least he shows he can be effective in the bullpen, and as I watched him, I realized he's actually a good fit for it. He can come into games when the team needs a groundball/double play, and because he doesn't need to conserve, he can even throw the ball by a few people now and then. And unfortunately, the Nats have a better offense than most realize, so I think we could be looking at Wang's last SP hurrah for now.

James (Cleveland, OH)

My problem with Rivera is that he doesn't get enough runs. The bottom of that lineup is horrible.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:49 PM)

A very good point, and reason enough for him not to be considered among the upper tier. But the homers and RBIs are good enough for him to be reliable.

Jason (Boston)

Sandoval over Soto the rest of the way (with C eligibility)?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:50 PM)

Hmm ... yes. Just because of the average. I think Soto hits about .275 from here on out, and Sandoval about .315, and Soto doesn't hit enough homers to make up the difference. I'm down with that.

Jay (Alex, VA)

Brad Bergeson, O's best pitcher?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:52 PM)

He has been of late, and he has been in control of late. But he really has such a small margin for error, and his many of his best starts of late have come against either struggling or subpar offenses (Atlanta, Seattle twice). I think once the wear and tear of being worked fairly hard of late sets in, his command slacks a little, and opponents make up that margin for error.

Eric (LA)

IS TULOWITZKI BACK?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:54 PM)

He has looked that way of late, and it started even before the team returned home. But I'm just not buying it yet. I've never really liked his approach at the plate in terms of hitting for average, and he doesn't run ... I still think he's overrated, but is ownable as a MI in standard mixed leagues.

Matt (Charlotte)

Hey Brendan, what's the Red Sox plan for John Smoltz? Would you drop any of these guys to get him active: Nolasco, Tommy Hanson, Volstad? Thanks.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:56 PM)

I've been hearing he's in line to start, as well he should. And I think he'll do OK. Reports of his rehab work have been very complimentary. To get him active, I'd start him over Volstad, and maybe even Nolasco. That's how good I feel about Smoltz. Here is one case in which I think not hitting will help him preserve his stamina, and a lot of these AL hitters haven't faced him.

Anthony (SF)

I really can't believe how little attention Kinsler's slump has gotten, what's the deal? Is he going to hit barely over .200 the rest of the year?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:59 PM)

You're absolutely right, Anthony. He has absolutely tanked, and most people don't realize he's hitting like .260 for the season. But he's a streaky hitter, and he still can do enough to have value despite a batting-average slump. He could just as easily hit .320 in the next month like he did in April. I'm not concerned, and I think he hits right above .300 this season.

Interested Party ((N.C.))

Why do ESPN experts only focus on Top 100 players? Is there anyone on the waiver wire better than Tulo? Probably not, so advice is really not needed. U guys need need to start focusing on the marginal players for pickups, which is where you win. So, now that rant is done, thoughts on C. McGehee?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:00 PM)

A good question, SC. We try to find the mix, but we've also heard plenty of "Why are you writing about so-and-so ... nobody cares!" So with my rebuttal done, I say that I still need to see more from McGehee to think he could help a mixed team. He can hit for average, but does he really do much besides that. Still not sure. One more Q.

Craig Stuart (Victoria, BC)

Will there be a June Re-ranking of the Top 250?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:01 PM)

Not player-related, but something I should answer anyway. We don't do monthly Top 250 rankings anymore, more like every six weeks or so. Thus, I believe the plan is to post a new Top 250 right before the All-Star break.

Brendan Roberts

  (4:02 PM)

And that oughta do it, folks. One thousand questions on the nose, and I got what I could, with as much thought as I could. See y'all next week!