ESPN

Brendan Roberts

  (2:59 PM)

Good afternoon, everyone! Back for another week to talk baseball. Getting close to the midway point now. Let's get to your questions ...

Chad (Richmond (VA))

Kazmir had a very good outing for Durham this week, the best stat line was he allowed 0 walks!!! What can we expect from Kazmir and is he a top 50 starter once he returns?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:02 PM)

Hmm, Top 50? Not right away once he returns, but I do think he gets there eventually in the second half. As in, I think from about late July through the end of the season, making now a good time to get him. His troubles in the past (other than the struggles this season) has been stamina and lack of control. He needs to build up the stamina, but he'll take a fresh arm into the second half, and addressing the leg issue appears to have helped his control. I definitely like him again, although I'd be timid at first.

Ted (DC)

who do you like for the rest of the year? Kemp or BJ Upton?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:04 PM)

Well, kinda depends what you need, since Upton steals so many bases. But in general, I'd say Kemp. I like his all-around upside, especially once Manny returns.

Frank (College World Series, Go Tigers!)

Brendan, what is Pujols' trade value? (Not specific players, but some general formula you'd use for how many players of what tier(s) would be needed to equal his value) I want to make a decent offer and get the other owner's attention, not be dismissed as just another lowball offer.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:07 PM)

My experience when it deals with trading for someone of Pujols' ilk is that they're completely untradeable in about 85 percent of cases. The best way to approach this is by asking him what it'd take. My guess is either he says "No way I'd trade him," or "It would take him and him and him." And then you take it from there. But guys like him are traded in so few cases that really you have to go to the owner first before you even offer. He'll choke on his soup when he reads it otherwise. I'd bet it'd take two elite/upper-tier players to get him, and probably more.

Matt (Miami)

What's Beltrans value for the rest of the year? What numbers do you see him putting up when he comes back around the all-star break?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:10 PM)

It's not looking good for him. His injury is expected to linger well beyond the 15 days, and when he returns, there's no guarantee he can a) play everday; b) not re-suffer the injury. I'm probably going to dump him maybe into the low 40s for now in my hitter rankings.

Bernard (Princeton, NJ)

You starting Wang tonight against a dreadful Braves offense?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:12 PM)

I don't start Wang against my Little League team right now. And though Girardi is sticking with him, I wouldn't. Hughes is clearly the better starter to me, and I think Wang has either lost his feel or is banged up. He had such little margin for error anyway, and that margin appears to be gone now. Sorry to bash him, but I'd be concerned.

Steve (NY)

Russell Martin claims he's found and corrected the problem with his swing that was responsible for his awful slump...you buying it? Start Martin or Wieters this week?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:13 PM)

Yeah, I read that. You know what, I do kinda believe it. I hear from sources that he has been working hard to correct his problems and working hard on his hitting ... it just hadn't translated to games just yet. I think eventually it will. This week? Probably Wieters, given the matchups.

Coop (Orlando)

Brendan, I have the chance to scoop Russ Ortiz for an extra start tonight at home against KC. Worth the gamble?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:14 PM)

Only if it's a one-time scenario. Never know when he'll put up a triple-bogey on ya, and with veteran pitchers such as Ortiz, managers have a tendency to leave them in to expose them to more of a beating without it affecting the pysche ... needless to say, he'd scare me. But I think you're OK tonight.

Marshall (St. Louis)

Will Matt Holliday ever hit? I traded Aaron Hill for him a few weeks ago and thought I got a great deal, I'm not so sure anymore.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:16 PM)

Yeah, I woulda thought that'd be a stroke of genius, too -- but I think it still will be. Holliday isn't doing terribly, and you shouldn't have expected Colorado numbers anyway. But he will starting, probably once his team situation is decided. If he is traded, he heads to a better scenario for offense (most likely), and if he's not, he knows he better lock it down and focus on a new contract. Either way, I see a fine second half from him.

Andy (Vegas)

What kind of hitter is Greinke worth now that he has come back to earth a bit?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:18 PM)

Well, if you're trading him, I'd definitely wait for the right timing with him. If he can get in one more gem for you, deal him then. But right now, he's probably worth a "lower" top 25 hitter. Great stuff, great pitcher, but the downside is he pitches for the Royals.

Matt (Atlantic City, NJ)

Thanks for the time Brendan. Want to sell high on Zobrist. Who do you think are some good trade targets? Or should I ride out the Zorilla for the rest of the year? (Non-keeper league)

Brendan Roberts

  (3:20 PM)

Unless you have a need for, say, a high-K starter or mid-range closer, I'd probably keep him. He should remain semi-productive, and you'll find his versatility helps him so much. If you suffer an injury at a position he can play, you now can look at FAs from two different positions. I'd keep him unless you have glaring needs that he could help fill via trade.

Matt (PA)

Manny or Seizmore for the rest of the season?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:22 PM)

Manny. Everyday report I'm hearing is that Manny kept himself in great shape, he's absolutely roping the ball in BP, and he feels he definitely has something to prove. Grady, meanwhile, is itching to get back, and might not be physically ready for it. Yet here is. I worry his elbow still isn't right, and if the Tribe falls apart, there's always the option they'd shut him down. Not that I'm predicting that, but I think Manny seems "safer," if there is such a thing, cause he's just coming back from suspension (on July 3).

TJ (Chicago)

Which was the better draft pick? Verlander in the 12 round or Jered Weaver in the 21st?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:23 PM)

Weaver.

Gray (Chicago)

I have been riding the Fernando Nieve hot streak, any chance he sticks in the NYM rotation?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:25 PM)

I can't see it, not necessarily because he won't have the chances, but because he hasn't been able to build up his stamina to succeed as a starter over a decent period of time. Guys like him are either moved back or lose their effectiveness.

O.V. (DC)

How do you think Bartlett will pan out the rest of the year for TB? Should I be able to get top 20 pitching in return for him?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:27 PM)

You can try, but Bartlett still seems to have a pretty low market value because of both his track record before 2009 and his recent injury. I for one think his first three months have been a mirage, so I wouldn't deal much to get him.

Matt (Philly)

Michael Bourn is hitting .300 for the year. Is he lucky or has he started to figure it out? Do you like him or Bobby Abreu here on out?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:29 PM)

I was just looking at him. He appears to be way more patient at the plate this season, and really has developed a savvy about reading pitchers. He's learning which pitches he can drive instead of trying to just make contact. Basically, before he just figured putting the ball in play was OK with his speed. Now he has learned he actually has to hit his way on, and he's doing it. You ready for this? I think he maintains that average, or hits at least .290. Real deal to me.

Micah (Boston)

Your expectations for A Ramirez once he come back? Top 50?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:31 PM)

Nope. In fact, I'm hearing some pretty negative reports, from Stephania Bell and others, about his status. The Cubs have kept saying he will return around the ASB, but he hasn't been progressing in his workouts, and I think this shoulder thing could prove more serious. And when he returns, just one bad swing sets him back down ... I'm saying maybe 50 among hitters, but not overall.

Brody (TX)

Is Chris Davis in jeopardy of losing his starting job?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:33 PM)

Yes, I believe there has been some talk about that, but not as much as you'd think. Actually, if anything, the way franchises do it now is send him back to Triple-A until he finds it. That way he doesn't burn a precious starting spot.

Jon (NY)

I picked Scott Rolen off waivers and he's been great but has lost his power stroke. Is the power completely gone or is he capable of another 15-20 HR season?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:35 PM)

It's gone. Has been for awhile. He never had a ton of it, but his bat speed was good enough with the Cards there for a bit his liners could clear fences. But I'm telling you from watching him many, many times, he's a line-drive hitter, and his homers were either liners down the left-field line or opposite-field gappers that barely cleared the fence. At least I think he could maintain his .300 average. But can't vouch for his power (or his health, for that matter).

Justin Smoak (Texas)

When am I getting the call to the bigs?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:37 PM)

Still doesn't sound like it'll be soon. I see a cup of coffee starting about mid-August. Seems anymore teams decide that is the time to either "go for it" or "look to next year." He can help in both scenarios. I'd love to think the team could send down a struggling Davis and bring up Smoak, but I don't think they want to make him a temporary call-up. When they bring him up, it should be for good.

Jason (Ellicott City, MD)

You think Alexei Ramirez stays hot?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:38 PM)

I do. That horribly slow start wasn't him. This is who he really is. The thing I really like about this guy is that he's one of those few guys who can hit pitchers' pitches well, like a Vlad (in his prime). So pitchers aren't quite sure how to pitch him. Granted, that means he'll be streaky, but I love his plate-coverage skills and think he keeps hitting.

Steve (Denver)

Brett Wallace has been tearing it up in the minors, does he open next year as the cards starting 3B? Also who would you rather have Wallace or Pedro Alvarez? Thanks

Brendan Roberts

  (3:41 PM)

The second one is a tough one. Yes, I think even the Cardinals view him now as their 2010 starter at third base, if not right away then early in the season (like in Longoria's case). But whom would I rather have? I'd probably have to say Wallace, only because he's closer and I think he has a better shot at hitting right away. I think Alvarez will show power but maybe "Jay Bruce it" initially, whereas I could see Wallace having the total package. I put a lot of weight into what they'll do initially and not necessarily "at their best," because I have little patience for a young hitter killing my team average.

jon (must have power)

mauer or miggy

Brendan Roberts

  (3:43 PM)

Miggy, especially if you must have power. I know Mauer is tearing it up and all, but Miggy just seems safer. Just think about what he did in the second half last season; I foresee the same this season.

David (Sacramento)

better catcher the rest of the year, Brandon Inge or matt wieters? does wieters go on a tear in the majors an show us all why he was one of the most hyped prospects?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:44 PM)

Yes, I know there are plenty of disenchanted Wieters owners, but I'm telling ya, you have to give him a trip around the league and a few more times working with his own pitching staff before he settles down and starts hitting. But it's gonna happen. Inge will continue to hit homers, but his average will slide, and eventually pull your team average down.

John (Wisconsin)

Have you heard anything on Strasburg? Do you think he'll get a deal done and pitch this year or is next year more likely?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:46 PM)

I haven't heard anything besides the two sides still being a ways away. I don't see this being settled in time for him to pitch this season, although I think they will get it together eventually, so next year is definitely doable. I'm also not one of those who thinks he's dominant from the get-go. Few pitchers are.

Manny (Seattle)

What do you think of Morrow for the rest of tyhe year, now that my team is finally finished playing ridiculous games with him?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:48 PM)

I think he'll be fine. He needs to build back his stamina, but he has the stuff to succeed as a starter, and as long as neither he nor team mess with him by moving him around between starting and the bullpen, I think he makes it through without injury. Not quite to pickup status in 10- or 12-team mixed leagues just yet, but he's close to that.

Digger (Detroit)

I am dropping Wang based on your lack of confidence in him. Should I start his oposition, Hanson, tonight?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:48 PM)

Uh, yes! Ding, ding. I like that.

Will (The OC)

Gavin Floyd: an improvement over Harang?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:50 PM)

Hmm, they're pretty close ... but I think I still like Harang a little more. The good thing about Harang is he averages a few more pitches and thus innings per start, which will help him earn his wins and get a few more K's. Until he proves me otherwise, I am ready to wipe out 2008 and like him again.

J. Baker (NYC)

How did Curtis Granderson suddenly become one of the most extreme FB% hitters in baseball this year? Would you prefer him or J. Werth for the rest of 2009?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:54 PM)

Yeah, I've noticed that, too. Although I've heard the Tigers wouldn't mind seeing how he fares in the middle of the lineup and actually consider him a decent option there. He has batted fifth 56 times this year, and is hitting .321 there with good power. Some players, either in an attempt to prove they deserve to hit in the middle or because they already do, tend to try to drive the ball too much. I mean, Granderson does have 17 homers, so who's to knock him, but I'm guessing that's the reason why: He's trying to prove he's a middle-of-lineup hitter.

Mike (Seattle)

Over/Under on whether Vlad hits 10 or more HRs this season?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:54 PM)

Under. He's not the same hitter, and I think he hasn't homered since like April 12 or something.

Ryan ( Tejas (HELP!!!))

whats wolfes trade value? and would you be opposed to having 3 closers in your lineup say b wilson, street, and franky fransico when he resumes the closer role

Brendan Roberts

  (3:56 PM)

What helps Wolf is playing for the Dodgers. And his K's, of course. I think he could have decent trade value for a K/Win-starved team, and I think now is also a good time to deal him. As for having three closers, I say no problem. You take the closers when you get 'em. You could always grab two-start pitchers to make up for wins/K's later on.

Stephen (Canton)

Some non-ESPN experts are saying its time to sell slumping Pedroia. You agree? Personally I think that's a bit hasty.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:57 PM)

I agree with you, Stephen. Not sure my compadres are saying that, but Pedroia still looks good to me, and I foresee him getting that average back up again soon.

Sean (Ohio)

How much of analyst projection are based on stats vs actually watching a player play?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:59 PM)

Well, it depends on the analyst. Being a former college player and teacher at baseball camps and such, I think watching a player is semi-important. Sometimes all it takes is an at-bat or two to learn something. I never like looking at only stats as an indication of future performance. But on the flip side, this game is about stats, so I'd still weight them more. I'm like a 60-stats, 40-scouting guy. Others sway one or the other, but that's my case. One more question, guys.

jon (san diego)

Love the chats in Mr. Roberts' Neighborhood! Abreu's home/road splits are ridiculous. In a 10-team mixed, might it be better to have Juan Rivera or even Michael Bourn?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:01 PM)

Hey, thanks, Jon! Ya know, I might say Bourn (given that I think he's for real). I think his brand of stats (well, the SBs) are tougher to find on the waiver wire, whereas I think Rivera's aren't unique. Just my two cents as a guy who likes Bourn.

The Antagonist (Center Stage)

Time's Up for today

Brendan Roberts

  (4:01 PM)

Yup! Another quick hour, another 1,300-plus questions. But it was fun. Thanks for tuning in, and I'll catch ya again next week at this time. Have a batting-average and wins-heavy week!