ESPN

Eric Karabell

  (3:00 PM)

Hello all and welcome to another fantasy sports chat session. I'm Eric, I'll get to as many questions as I can, so let's have some fun... any questions?

Patton (San Francisco, CA)

sorry the boring lakers parade knocked you out of your tv spot on espnnews......... need help at 1B - pick one, kendry morales, casey blake, konerko- thanks.

Eric Karabell

  (3:02 PM)

Ha! Someone noticed! It's all good... more time to prep for the chat, right? Anyway, I see that few want to own Casey Blake, but he's solid in power and average, so I don't see the problem. I'd just take him and not worry.

Simon (MD)

Hi Eric,Trade possibilities - who is better from here on out Kubel, Ludwick, C. Hart? Also, Clif Lee or Oswalt?Thank you!

Eric Karabell

  (3:03 PM)

I'm really losing patience with the Ludwick situation, as it appears he's the odd man out, and even when he does play, he's not doing much. Forget about a 30-homer season. I like Kubel, but Hart could probably match the power and then steal 20 bases, even though he's off to a slow start. And I take Lee over Oswalt. Looks to me like Lee might be dominant from here on out.

John ((New Jersey))

Would have liked to seen a Phillies win last night, but oh well. Here is my question EK - I need SP advice. I have Hanson and Floyd. Danks and Smoltz are out there. Should I hold tight or go and get one of these guys?

Eric Karabell

  (3:05 PM)

Yeah, I was at the Bank last night and saw Madson blow the save, then it was obvious Condrey wasn't right. Oh well. I don't get too disappointed at losses to good teams because, well, the Mets aren't doing any better. This race comes down to September anyway. Rollins has two more months to get going... though in fantasy his owners have lost patience. Anyway, Smoltz is not going to get lit. He's going to win games, get strikeouts, be really good. I'd take Danks first, then Hanson, then Smoltz though. There's still that injury risk factor.

Tod (Sedona, AZ)

Football Question!!! Knowshon. How good can he be this year? Probably to many unknowns to take him early but round six maybe?

Eric Karabell

  (3:06 PM)

Round six? Please. The drafts I've seen he's going more like round 3 and 4. There are many unknowns, but I think Moreno in Denver could really work out.

Joe (Richmond)

I know your Podcast buddy Peter Pascarelli hates AJ Burnett, but .would you drop Wandy Rodrigues for him in a 10 team league?

Eric Karabell

  (3:08 PM)

Yes, listen to the Baseball Today podcast, as it's been a pretty interesting past week of shows I'd say. And now there's a photo of Pascarelli on the Baseball Today show page... I just re-sent the link to the show out. Of course, when you see it, you might be disappointed at all the buildup. Anyway, Burnett in fantasy is a lot different than in real life. We expect the occasional pounding from most pitchers, and don't differentiate from "important" rivalry games and those against average teams. Burnett is fine. With Wandy's recent problems, and even before that, I would still take AJ.

Andrew (NYC)

What's your take on Sean Rodriguez? Is he worth taking a flier on in a 12 team mixed or will he just get toyed around with like Big Mike has been known to do before *cough*Brandon Wood*cough*?

Eric Karabell

  (3:09 PM)

I would like to think he gets more of a chance to play than Wood has, but who really knows? They are similar players in terms of power and strikeout potential and the low batting average, but maybe Scioscia is willing to play S-Rod at 2B, and not Wood, or not move Figgins. It's still premature from a fantasy aspect though.

chris (toronto)

my bench is hamilton sizemore manny...i know, it hurts to say it. who do you like from this point out considering the unknown return time of hamilton and sizemore

Eric Karabell

  (3:11 PM)

I think Sizemore will be back soon enough to say he is the choice over Manny, but both should be very good. Manny might hit .350 with power the rest of the way. Sizemore can hit for power and run when healthy. I have concerns about Hamilton, and he's got at least another month out, anyway.

Mike (MA)

Franky Fransisco at #32 in Relief Efforts, Eric? That's MacDougal territory. I understand he's on the DL right now, but Really? Hes been a stud since the All-Star break last year. Do you know something about his injury that we don't?

Eric Karabell

  (3:13 PM)

That's similar ranking territory to others who go on the DL, and let's be clear, he might be back this week, but who knows how healthy he is? It's his second DL stint already. If I see him thrive again, he goes back to the teens, like Soria quickly did. I've been consistent on the ranking of injured closers, and he'll go back to a good spot when active. I've seen too many times some supposed "minor" injury turns into 2 months.

BJ Ryan (Toronto)

Love you generally, but today I take issue with your Relief Efforts effort, Mr. Karabell. I admit I still can't throw a fastball faster than 88 mph, but Brandon League? The dude's ERA is only .01 better than mine! What about my boy Jason Frasor?

Eric Karabell

  (3:14 PM)

BJ Ryan isn't even throwing 88 mph, so honestly, I think if Downs has to miss time it would be a committee, and by all accounts right now Cito Gaston would likely choose League over Frasor to retire the right-handed hitters. That's what he's shown. Blue Jays better hope Downs is ok. Ryan looks awful.

Ignatz Rockyoberson (Town of Bedrock)

Eric. Love your relief efforts column. In our fantasy points league there is high risk/high reward for saves. An owner frustrated with blown saves just dumped Andrew Bailey. I want to grab him. Would you get rid of either of these guys to get Bailey? Joel Zumaya, who I have handcuffed to Fernando Rodney? Or Leo Nunez who I have as a vulture circling over Matt Lindstrom?

Eric Karabell

  (3:15 PM)

Bailey is legit, so go get him. I am losing hope that Nunez will get a chance to close. The Marlins aren't committed to Lindstrom, but he still has the job as poorly as he's pitched. I'd probably cut Zumaya first though. It's Rodney's job. I don't see that changing this season. Zumaya is the AL Marmol.

Anthony (Los Angeles)

Who is better the rest of the year: Adam Lind or Nate McLouth?

Eric Karabell

  (3:17 PM)

Depends on need, I suppose. McLouth can be a 20/20 player, maybe hit .270. I think Lind is on his way to 30-100 though, and could hit .300. Overall McLouth would be more valuable because of the steals, but I also see potential for him to flop that I don't see in Lind.

Greg (DC)

To follow up on your Lee comment, I was offered Lee for Sandoval and have Wieters on my bench, I have to take that deal right?

Eric Karabell

  (3:18 PM)

The reason why anyone offered Lee has to take most offers is because of last season. If Lee's recent start is a harbinger of that, consider the possibilities! And Wieters will definitely hit. He's just taking his time.

Eric ((Va))

Sell high on Branyan? Thoughts on Jose Lopez?

Eric Karabell

  (3:19 PM)

Branyan can hit 30 home runs, but that .300 batting average, no way. In essence yeah, you'd be selling high, but he can remain productive. And I'd casually try to get Lopez on the buy low, but I don't expect more than 20-80 or so. That's good for a 2B.

Connor (NJ)

Can Clayton Kershaw find the 6th inning? QS is a category for me and he really hurts there because he throws like 15 pitches to get a strikeout.

Eric Karabell

  (3:20 PM)

I don't see that changing anytime soon. The guy throws way too many pitches because he's looking for strikeouts all the time, and he walks people. But there is upside.

James (NY, NY)

If Wang loses his job, should I drop Volstad for Hughes? Also, should I drop Peavy in a keeper league if I can keep 2 pitchers of Carp, Gallardo, Kershaw

Eric Karabell

  (3:22 PM)

Hughes could get a start as soon as this weekend, in theory. But no, I do not drop Volstad for him. I'd rather have Volstad. Yeah, so he wasn't great last night. He'll be fine. Extreme groundballer, gets Ks, he's good. Hughes is hardly a guarantee even if he gets a rotation spot back. And I doubt Peavy helps any fantasy owners the rest of this season, but he should be just fine for the Cubs in 2010. I can justify keeping all three of those others you named over him, though. I'd probably go Gallardo and Peavy though.

Alan (New York)

Do I take your guy, Bush, or Pavano for the rest of the season?

Eric Karabell

  (3:23 PM)

Ha! Since I am a responsible person, I should mention neither are going to be great and help much, but I'd take Bush definitely. How can anyone trust Pavano? He has a great May and - voila - look at his last outings. Nice. At least Bush will have a nice WHIP.

Herby (Flint)

Which side you likey, Lincecum/Kubel or NCruz/Ibanez?

Eric Karabell

  (3:25 PM)

Well, the best player in the deal, the one who can help fantasy owners the most in '09, remains Lincecum. Kubel seems decent enough in power to make the move, though Cruz might go 30-110-15 and Ibanez, while he will slow down some, is legit due to the ballpark change. Check out Jayson Stark's article on Ibanez, very good info there about how he's not a fluke.

Greg (CT)

I'd like to sell Juan Pierre high now, but what do you think I could get for him?

Eric Karabell

  (3:26 PM)

Well, unless the guy you deal Pierre to has been living in a cave and never heard of Manny Ramirez, not much. Juan has done juanderful work, but it's going to end soon. Fact of life. I have no idea what someone would pay for him, but look for the owners in your league who aren't the brightest bulbs in the bunch.

Steve (NC)

If Haren and Billingsly cost the same in a trade, which should I grab?

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

I'd take Haren, but that's me. Billingsley isn't quite a top-10 pitcher to me yet.

Jimmy (Brooklyn)

Votto Replacement - Nick Johnson, Casey Blake, Adam Laroche?

Eric Karabell

  (3:28 PM)

You're just getting to replacing Votto now? Yikes. I'd say LaRoche over Blake, just a bit more power potential. There's not much power coming from Nick this season.

Pat (My Steakhouse in Philly)

What numbers do you see ARod finishing with...will he get healthy enough in the offseason to merit being back to a top 5 pick next year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

I could see Rodriguez hitting 30 home runs this season, knocking in maybe 90 or so, but the problem is he won't run much. Maybe 10 steals if we're lucky. And that .220 batting average will end up around .270. Still a very nice season. Top-5 next year? Right now I'd say yes, right around 4 or 5.

Brandon (KC)

Waiver wire pickup - Mazzaro, Blanton, or Nolasco?

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

Well, I still think Nolasco needs to be watched closely after the performance last season. Blanton can't do that, and you don't rely on rookies.

Todd (Toledo, OH)

E-with a 5 year window to keep drafted prospects, which of these guys makes the biggest impact in that time...A. Escobar, Heyward, Wallace?

Eric Karabell

  (3:32 PM)

I say it's Wallace, because he is the closest to the bigs. Wallace has 30-homer power. Heyward might as well, but need to see more. And Escobar can run, but power? I don't see it.

Brian (Houston, TX)

Speaking of rookie pitching, would you pick up Baker if you had to drop Porcello?

Eric Karabell

  (3:32 PM)

I really, really wouldn't want to do that. It might make sense, and if I was drafting today I can't say I wouldn't go Baker first, but I think Porcello could be special, really soon.

Jason (queens)

Eric, thanks for taking away 60 mins of my time every WED afternoon...love the chats! Would really appreciate your expert opinion on this trade: BJ Upton/Wright for Cueto/Beltran.

Eric Karabell

  (3:33 PM)

Well, that's what I am here for, to waste everyone's time! Glad I can help! Depends if you need pitching. Cueto is a legit K guy, no concerns there. Beltran will be fine. And it's not like Wright is hitting for power or Upton hitting at all. I take the Cueto side.

Rob (San Diego)

Hey, EK-Pitch Garza at Mile High tomorrow? He's been a great surprise, but I always fear a blow-up?Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (3:34 PM)

Blow-ups happen everywhere, not just at Coors. Some pitchers do just fine there. If I own Garza, I don't care about the schedule, he's always active.

Fake Name (Fake Location)

What kind of projections do you have for Zobrist? A cat in my league is offering him and Dempster for Lester. Would you do this deal?

Eric Karabell

  (3:35 PM)

Um yeah, I do that in a second. I also believe that Dempster can have a good season. Maybe not as good as Lester, but Dempster gets a bad rap from people who remember him closing. He's fine, better than fine recently. Zobrist is a monster. He's not going away. Thirty homers! 15 steals! Eligible everywhere. Totally legit!

chris (toronto)

you say your the most concerned about hamilton but starphania bell said that hamiltons pushing to be back at the all star break and his injury will be fully healded with no lingering issues...

Eric Karabell

  (3:36 PM)

And I have no reason to doubt what Stephania said. She's awesome. But of three of those outfielders mentioned, certainly he's the biggest risk. He wasn't hitting even when healthy, and there's no guarantee some minor injury doesn't trip him up again.

john (glenside, pa)

Hey EK. Many analysts say Andrus will near thirty steals this season. Agree or Disagree.

Eric Karabell

  (3:37 PM)

I take the under, way under. He's not hitting at all this month. He's what, 20? I would have sold in May.

Fact Check (NY)

. . . and I think you're undercutting the value of Matt Thornton in mixed leagues. He's been phenomenal and, if Jenks gets moved at the deadline (i.e., if the Sox decide to blow up that team), I think he has a legit shot at closing over Linebrink.

Eric Karabell

  (3:38 PM)

I ranked Thornton, so I'd say right there he's not being undercutted. He's fine. But if Jenks is dealt, which I find really unlikely to happen, Ozzie would go with Dotel. Because he's Ozzie.

Chris (Beantown)

Would you drop Wheeler for Smoltz?

Eric Karabell

  (3:39 PM)

Yes. There's no indication Wheeler has a save in his future. It's Howell's role.

Joe (New Jersey)

What's your take on Andres Torres of the Giants? Is he for real?

Eric Karabell

  (3:40 PM)

He doesn't have power, nor a starting role, so it's premature to think about him. He's similar to Fred Lewis, so I don't expect a change to be made.

Matty (Harrisburg)

I just dropped Wandy for Baker--did I trade up? Porcello is on the WW, so your earlier post implies maybe I should now make that switch, correct? Isn't Baker's K-potential higher?

Eric Karabell

  (3:40 PM)

Porcello's everything potential is highest. Really, if you want K's, you'd want Wandy. All three of these guys should be owned. If two of them are not in your league, start dealing overrated starters to make room!

lyle (austin)

Is there any reason to think asdrubal will be a different player when he returns?

Eric Karabell

  (3:41 PM)

Not really. I'd have to assume the shoulder is ready to go and he can hit his singles and steal the occasional base. He's not a bad player.

Tom (NJ)

Do you think Furcal can get back to being a top 10 SS? Will Manny coming back help then forcing Pierre out of the lineup and Furcal back to the leadoff spot.

Eric Karabell

  (3:42 PM)

I think Torre will be wishing Juan could play SS. Furcal is showing very little at the plate, but he's worth playing for his defense. Really, I think Furcal might end up hitting eighth when Manny returns. Unless Torre dumps Kemp there, which is totally ridiculous.

Jeffrey (Edison)

Is Andrew Bailey a sell-high candidate right now? He has RP/SP eligibility which in my league, means he can be put in a SP slot and get you saves. I have him and wonder if now's the time to move him and get the most back for him. Your thoughts?

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

I see no reason why he can't continue to pitch well and accrue 25 saves.

Ryan (Philly)

Did you just say "undercutted"?

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

Only in response! I don't think it's a word, but hey, my 6th grade teacher isn't reading this chat.

Michael (Milwaukee)

zobrist or Reyes for the year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:44 PM)

Man, you know what I should say ... but we can't assume Reyes plays poorly when he returns. He can be dynamic. But suffice to say, Zobrist is a legit power guy eligible at 2B and SS. Wow. And I have been saying I don't think Reyes swipes 30... but I can't take Ben there.

Justin (The Beach)

EK - Dempster is going through a horrible personal situation at home. So far, it seems like he is dealing with it really well on the mound (maybe a haven for him). Where so you see him going from here? Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (3:45 PM)

Right, that's what is so impressive about him pitching well. I see him continuing to do this. And we wish he and his family well. Nobody should have to suffer with a child like that.

Andy (Los Angeles)

Erico! After Gil Meche's recent domination, is now the time to trade him? I actually was about to release him only about a month ago so I'm not a total believer that he'll keep even half of this up and his value is as high as it'll ever be presumably. What would you do?

Eric Karabell

  (3:46 PM)

Meche is the type of pitcher you steal late in the draft, and don't deal with the ebb and flow of his season. In the end you look up and whoa, there's 180 strikeouts and a good ERA! That's Gil Meche as a Royal, which is amazing. Sure, I'd sell anyone high after a 4-hit shutout, but overall the guy should have a nice season.

Kyle (Omaha)

Don't feel bad Eric, I dangled Zobrist out there and got Reyes AND Hanson back for him. If you were sitting there without any production from your middle infield slots, you might just be tempted enough by the mancrush to take it. You wouldn't be the only one.

Eric Karabell

  (3:48 PM)

Wow, you did that? Impressive. Zobrist cannot be stopped... he's the Terminator.

Joe ((NYC))

Ryan Ludwick or Sin Soo Choo?

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

Gotta say Choo. The little engine that could. Look, it's just not going well for Ludwick, and I don't see it changing. And I own that guy everywhere. I'd rather own Choo. He runs. He hits for average. He's pretty good.

Chris (Manchvegas)

Asdrubal Cabrera or Orlando Hudson when Cabrera returns from the DL?

Eric Karabell

  (3:50 PM)

O-dog wins that. Cabrera would have to be a 30-steal guy to offset the Hudson reliability and run production.

Jason (queens)

Follow-up to my trade inquiry, if I may. You don't think Wright gets to 20 HR's and that Beltran's AVG falls under the .300? Really just pulled the trigger b/c of the SB gain, had P to deal, and feel Cueto has been incredibly lucky...

Eric Karabell

  (3:50 PM)

Agree on all fronts.. Wright hits 21 homers overall, Beltran has an OK season... but why can't Cueto keep this up? I'd assume if you're acquiring Cueto it's because you need pitching, so getting him is a nice move.

Bob (Alaska)

Jay Bruce's BABIP is only .208, is there a problem in his approach or is he just getting ridiculously unlucky?

Eric Karabell

  (3:51 PM)

It could be both. The thing to remember is, a bad BAPIP doesn't always regress to the mean. But I would buy low on JB.

EY Jr (Denver)

I'll steal ___ bases for the Rockies in 2009.

Eric Karabell

  (3:52 PM)

How about ... 15? Most people would take the under because Barmes is playing so well.

Jake (Fresno)

Who goes 30/30 this year? It's gotta be a short list by the way things have played out thus far.

Eric Karabell

  (3:54 PM)

Right now I say nobody does it. I just can't see Mark Reynolds doing this all season ... or Wright hitting enough home runs... or Sizemore being healthy enough and having enough time.. ..This should be my next column. I don't see 30/30 happening this season. Maybe Kinsler could do it if he wanted to run more.

J. Baker (NYC)

Drop Madson for JP Howell?

Eric Karabell

  (3:55 PM)

Well, Howell should still be closing in July. Don't read into Madson from last night. He'll close today. But Lidge returns in what, a week or so? There's nobody in Tampa to worry about unless Percival comes back and Maddon panics.

diamond d (napa)

Gamel and Bastardo...outlook for the 2nd half?

Eric Karabell

  (3:56 PM)

Bastardo should be back in Triple-A in about 2 weeks, if that. Phillies rotation is very left-handed, so I think they make a deal soon, or summon Carpenter. Gamel is different. He started against a lefty last night, which is a nice sign. But he has to hit.

David (Roanoke)

ERIC! My newest facebook friend! Mass said yesterday that Matt Kemp was a sell high, do you agree?

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

You and many others! I don't rip colleagues, ever, but I think Kemp keeps doing what he's doing. If anything he's a bit overrated, and it certainly appears that Joe Torre is not a fan (hitting him ninth over the weekend? C'mon!) but Kemp is a 20/30 guy. Nothing wrong with him. When it comes to sell high and buy low, honestly, we can all make the case for most players on BOTH sides of it if we twist stats.

Eric (New York)

Whats it take to get a question answered? Go Phillies??? Cant believe I just said that! Jose Lopez or Ian Stewart for the rest of this year? Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

Well, it worked Mr. Mets fan! How did it feel? Anyway, gotta still go Lopez for now, but Stewart is gaining fast and should pass him by 2010. It's just the potential for low batting average that is a problem...

Pete (Tampa)

No mention of Ortiz thus far. By you or anyone else answering Qs lately. Are you and the rest of the ESPN gang ducking this one? You all tagged him as "fantasy irrelevant."

Eric Karabell

  (4:00 PM)

Please! You know how many questions are in here? I see like 5 at a time. Anyway, I said on the air a month ago Ortiz was a buy low to a degree, but for a season like what Sheffield did in 2008. Expect 20 homers, low average. And Ortiz is starting to do precisely this... We have many people here at ESPN Fantasy.. and trust me, we don't agree on everything!

Eric Karabell

  (4:00 PM)

OK, adios to all and thanks for the spirited questions today. Have a good day, see ya next time...