ESPN

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:04 PM)

Hi kids: Good to see everyone... As always, all subjects answered... Bring it on

Cheeseburger (Paradise)

I'm listening to you on a podcast AND chatting with you. Can you please answer so I don't go nuts from Berry overload? Trade Weaver for Bourn, Hoffman if I need the steals/saves? Pretty deep 12 team league, saves are a hot commodity.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:05 PM)

You're already nuts. I have no problem with that trade if that's what you need. Bourn is very underrated tis year

Dave Dameshek's Cousin (Harrisburg, PA)

Ok, I'm a name dropper. At the season's end, which pitcher of the four is the best keeper? Kershaw, Josh Johnson, Gallardo, or Lester. I'm thinking it Kershaw, right?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:08 PM)

Really? You consider Dave a "name?" I love Dameshek but if you're gonna drop a name, aim higher. Actually, I say it's Gallardo. Like Kershaw - all 4 are studs - but YoGa is yong and healthy. He'd be my pick today.

J (Arkansas)

Hey Matt, I saved your bold preseason predictions from 2008 because I was curious to see how you'd fare. I forgot all about it when I stumbled onto it last week. I have to say, they were definitely BOLD predictions. I think you only got about 15% right. You definitely know about fantasy sports, but I'd get a new crystal ball. And, Megan Fox is way hotter than Anne Hathaway. But, there was still one prediction I couldn't answer; did you date a sane woman in 2008?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:10 PM)

See, here's what's weird. Getting 15% right on really out there, bold predictions is a pretty good rate in my opinion. And photos of Megan at the Transformers premiere help your case quite a bit. Yes, I did date a sane woman in 2008, but just barely...(end of '08). Actually dating someone normal now. (Fingers crossed)

Kyle (Chicago)

Hey Matthew, couple of days ago I bet my friend whose in my league 20 bucks that Smotlz will win at least 10 games. Am I going to be 20 dollars richer or 20 dollars poorer come late September?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:12 PM)

20 bucks richer. I'm really high on Smoltz this year... good team, good offense, skill set still intact. Stephania and I discussed him on last Wednesday's podcast and she is very bullish on him from a health standpoint.

Bill (OB)

Football ? Three Keepers from Turner, Calvin Johnson, LT, Roddy White, Kevin Smith, Kurt Warner, Brandon Marshall.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:15 PM)

As always, I HATE keeper questions until you absolutely have to make the call. Too much can change. Warner's value depends on Boldin... what if Marshall gets traded? But I took the question to get some football in here too....So as of today, I'll say Turner, LT and Calvin over Roddy

Tim ((Philly))

Better second half: Aramis or Grady?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:15 PM)

Grady. He's back tomorrow and says (according to Cleveland Plain Dealer) that he feels fine.

Christopher (Long Island, NY)

Who's the one working in ESPN??? - YOU ARE! I'll waste my time following your advise rather than proving you wrong - - speaking of time - how much time does Joba have b/f going back to the bull pen?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:18 PM)

Haha. Thanks but I'm not perfect. I don't think he is going there. Coke has pitched well in the bullpen and with the struggles of Hughes, Wang etc plus Burnett and CC being somewhat injury risks... they need him in the rtation.

Jeremy (NJ)

What do you make of Scott Podsednik's career resurrection? Do you think he is worth having in your lineup going forward? I need SB's

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:18 PM)

Yes, I do. He's hiting for average and stealing. What more do you want?

Shannon Elizabeth (Vegas)

When are you going to join the ranks of a fantasy poker analyst? At least join! I'd be willing to throw you a bone.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:21 PM)

I am truly a terrible poker player. I played for years with a group of buddies in LA and we played the poker equivalent of girl drinks. Like, wild cards, the whole bit. I suggest you check out ESPN.com's Poker coverage and Andrew Feldman's solid work. He's literally standing in my office now as I write this. Very awkward.

Kobe Doin Work ((LAKERTOWN!))

Shin Soo Choo or Ryan Ludwick the rest of the way?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:21 PM)

Choo if you need some speed, Ludwick if power is where you are hurting. But I do love me some Choo...

Chris (Tampa, FL)

Is my patience with Sexy Alexei and BJ Upton finally paying off?????? I've actually become giddy with there recent performances.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:22 PM)

Yes, indeedy. Both have been stealing fine all year - it's the power and average that are coming up. I expect big second halves from both of them

C-dub (Portland, Maine)

Glad to here you back on the show this morning. Karabell has no idea what he's talking about.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:25 PM)

First, the actual C-Dub (of Answer Guys fame) does not live in Portland. Second, go to a Karabell chat and you'll find guys who say "Berry hasno idea what he's talking about." Nature of the gig... I don't know of one fantasy sports analyst - ESPN or elsewhere - that is universally agreed upon as being great. Everyone I know has fans and detractors. Eric and I don't always see eye to eye on players and we have different stles, but trust me, he's very good at what he does and knows his stuff.

Mark (Omaha)

Gabe Kapler is on a tear, and set to face a lot of LH the next few weeks...worth starting over Hermida this week?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:26 PM)

Yes he is and yes, he is.

Jesse (New York)

Hey, Fred Lewis has lost a ton of playing time recently. Do you see him being a consistent starter/ decent fantasy producer in an NL only league?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:27 PM)

I am amazed that Lewis is available in a NL only league. I've always liked him.

Matt (Chicago)

Real quick - THome or LInd

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:27 PM)

Thome ends with more home runs, Lind better overall.

Johnny (Work Release)

Who are some pickups that will make me look like a genious?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:30 PM)

Other than a spell check?Khalil Greene has 3 HR in 3 days and should be healthy (left after fouling off a kneecap)...The previously mentioned Scott Podsednik ; Kevin Kouzmanoff, Juan Rivera, any OAK SP other than Brett Anderson

Richard (Frederick, MD)

Artie or Joe Buck? Are you starting to believe in Big Papi?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:31 PM)

Artie, no question. A little on Ortiz...He has yet to hit a home run away from Fenway. He needs to be owned but I'm not ready to declare him all the way back...

Tom Selleck's Mustache (T.C.'s Helicopter)

Is Justin Smoak gonna get the call before September?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:31 PM)

The way Chris Davis keeps whiffing I think you could see him a lot sooner, yeah

Eric (Philly, PA)

Not to bust your chops but so far ESPN has done a terrible job with Fantasy Football. The season is not far away and there are no Mock Drafts, few guys mentioning it in chats and no draft kit. I know you are probably told to push the magazine but this is a disgrace...

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:35 PM)

Ok, well, the season starts in 3 months, but I disagree. Lots of stuff is available right now including ALL of our projections and rankings. http://games.espn.go.com/frontpage/footballDraft kit is coming soon and mock drafts done right now are really of no use, turthfully. That said, you can practice drafting yourself (instead of reading about it) for FREE in our mock draft lobby, where you can pick your draft positions. http://games.espn.go.com/ffl/mockdraftlobby

Tyler (VT)

Time to buy low on Ibanez? Do you believe?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:36 PM)

Yes and yes

Misty (Vero Beach)

I hate you AND Karabell.

Moe (RI)

Eric (Philly) I think you are in the minority if you are thinking football on June 22. TMR, what do you think of Berkman going forward?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:39 PM)

I like him a lot. He's starting to steal recently, which was where a lot of his value last year came from. he has three now I believe... A career .300 hitter, his average will continue to climb as well...

Dan (San Jose)

Misty, I will crush you!

John (St. Louis)

Obligatory Carlos Beltran MRI question. Any update? Would you start him this week if you had Luke Scott on the bench?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:40 PM)

Seems to be fine from what I have heard... But if you want to play it safe go for it with Scott.

Ben (Camden)

Why is it that people seem to ask you more than any other "expert" about non-fantasy matters? Do you think you just bring out the weirdos? So as not to be a hypocrite: Vlad or Bruce?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:42 PM)

I suspect it's because they know I'll answer them. Part of my personality - I'm a different sort of fantasy analyst and folks that are fans (or even haters) know that about me. I'll say Bruce.... As much as I am an Angels fan, Vlad is a shell of his former self, sadly

Victor (USA)

Yeah seriously, you waste your time answering questions that have no relevance to fantasy baseball. We don't sign on to be your friend....we ask your opinion.Anyways.....all the hype about Bailey going to keep up?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:43 PM)

but why, Victor... why can't we be friends? Dan in San Jose, please talk to Victor.I assume you are talking about Andrew Bailey and yes, he's legit

Amber (LA)

Who would you rather go on a date with, Grady Sizemore, David Wright, or Joe Mauer?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:45 PM)

Hmmm. I'll say Joe Mauer because I hear ladies talk all the time about how good looking Grady and Wright are, not so much with Mauer. If I am out with Joe, maybe I stand a chance with other ladies...

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:45 PM)

Is that the kind of question you were talking about, Victor?

Steve (Boston)

BERRY IS THE MAN!!! Will that get my question answered? HELP!!!!!!!! I need to drop 1 and if you think I should pickup Nolasco then I need to drop 2. Kershaw, Price, and Hanson. (QS league). Thanks

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:46 PM)

I rank those pitches the rest of the way like this:Nolasco, Kershaw, Price, Hanson

Kurt B (michigan)

Did anyone know that John Lannan is dominating at home this year? ERA under 2.00 at home, in over 40 innings. Do you believe in starting pitchers based off of split stats Berry? Is this a legit strategy? I dont start him on the road, just at home

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:49 PM)

Yes, I do believe and yes, it's a legit strategy... as long as you are in a shallow enough league (say 10 team mix) where there are ample pitchers on the FA wire to stream like that.As for Lannan specifically, yes, he's been ridiculous at home. Wish his K/BB rate was better - I'm a bit nervous for long term success but so far, so good

Johnny (Harlem)

Steve in Boston asked that question in the morning chat. The new chat interface should have a filter for dirty chat hoggers like Steve. Anyway, Anne Hathaway asked me to get your hopefully non-biased opinion on John Lackey. Do you like him better than Gil Meche or Scott Baker from here on out?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:49 PM)

Haha. I like him better than Meche, about even with Baker....

You know what I HATE? (Angerville)

people who ask the same question in both chats!!!!!!! I just want someone to discuss Mr. Chris YOung of AZ....he has changed batting stances and has found a nice little groove....Worth keeping an eye on???

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:50 PM)

yes and yes - discussed CBY in my column last week

Chris (NY)

Over/under 28 HRs - 90 RBIs for Kendry Morales?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:52 PM)

Under but just slightly

Garrett (IA)

Greatest perk for being a company man is....

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:52 PM)

Access. To events, people and situations that otherwise you would never get

Adam (PA)

Over/under 24 HR's 300 avg for Aaron Hill?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:53 PM)

Over

Corey (Seattle)

I like what you're doing turning the chatters on one another, keeps the pressure off you. How long until Gordon Beckham is ownable in a 10 team mixed league?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:54 PM)

Thanks. I hear Chris from Hoboken can't stand you.Another week or two on Beckham - I'm not totally sold on him for 10 team yet

Kyle Blanks (San Diego)

I am the biggest thing in San Diego since Anchorman. My stats the rest of the way?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:56 PM)

Not convinced your power is fully developed yet. Good eye, bad park... I'll say 8-10 HR, .280

Jason (queens)

*In best Seinfeld voice*......"What's the deal with A-Rod?"

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:01 PM)

Well, he's hitting .153 in June. He's not stealing. He has some pop but I'd be shocked if he finishes with more than 30 HR. In short, he came back too soon and clearly the hip is bothering him. That or he's been forced to watch Bride Wars one too many times. If I could get "AROD value" for him, I'd do it in a heartbeat

Jay (Bristol)

Whats the best way to ask a question? It must get annoying when you get flooded with the same question over and over, but you can't possibly see all the questions if its not sent in? Advice? Also, Markakis for Ellsbury or ARod for BJ Upton? Too much to chase steals?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:03 PM)

Make it concise, make it about a topic that will appeal to a lot of people and, in the case of me, clever always helps. Submit multiple times, sure, but not once every second. If I see the same question like 10 times in a row I make it a point to ignore that guy

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:04 PM)

Oh and rather have Markakis and Upton

Mike (NY, NY)

Keeper League.. Pick 2... Peavy, Gallardo, Kershaw. Also, is Molly Qerim single and have you dated her?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:07 PM)

Actually, I want to see Peavy pitch again before answering that. Gallardo is the no brainer - then it's between the other two.... depends where/if he gets traded too...As for Molly, she is literally like my sister. We are very good friends, she's a great girl and no, we have never dated. As for whether she is single or not, you should ask her yourself. You can follow her on Twitter @ MollyQerim_ESPN

Me (Here)

Has anyone ever told you that you look and sound a lot like Rob Cordry formerly of the Daily Show? Are you actually the same person?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:08 PM)

That's a new one.

Tiburcio (NYC)

Thanks for the extra time on the chat! Will Nady be a solid fantasy contributor when he returns?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:09 PM)

In that park, he'd almost have to be.... Slightly worried about consistent playing time but should be added in all 12 team or more leagues

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:10 PM)

Okay gang, I gotta run. Thanks for stopping by. Remember to check out our daily fantasy focus podcast for free....