ESPN

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:03 PM)

Hi gang: Let's get to it. As always, all subjects answered.

Commish (GGW)

TMR, 2 weeks ago you told me the draft kit would be up in 10 days. You're killing me! When can we expect the best draft kit and TMR's Love/Hate column? Give the people what they want!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:04 PM)

I've actually been working on Love Hate this weekend and today between baseball stuff... It will be up very very soon I am told....

nick (chicago)

i just traded away slowey for dunn. who should i grab from the wire... blanton, meche, zimmerman, or correia?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:05 PM)

I like all those guys. Meche is banged up right now, so frankly, I'd stream if I could. I'd rank them Blanton, Zimmerman, Correia. Blanton will get more wins, which pushes him over the top.

Brian (San Antonio)

So, I have a request... If I pass away, and write in my will that all my fantasy keeper leagues be entrusted to one Matthew Berry, would you take them? Second question, worried about Jose Reyes in a keeper league? Should I trade him, or stick out this injury?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:07 PM)

No, I wouldn't want to get into a messy estate battle with your family. And yes, very worried about Reyes. As for if you should trade him... depends on where you are in the standngs and what you could get for him. If I could geta top 50 player for him, I do it, assuming it's not a keeper league

kevin (san jose, ca)

Hey Matthew! In a 12 team h2h league do you think its a good strategy to have no offensive bench players and focus completely on pitching? my offense right now is one of the best in the league

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:08 PM)

Yes. I do the same thing in every ten or 12 team mix league I am in. No offense on bench, just pitching and stream them in and out.

Joe Mauer (Minnesota)

Me or Hall of Famer, Matt Weiters in a keeper?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:08 PM)

You

Frank (LA, CA)

Any buy low reccomendations for a SP?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:10 PM)

Liriano. 3 ER or less in 4 of last 5 starts. Last 5: 3.77 ERA; 30/14 K/BB in 31 ip. A 2.74 ERA over second half last year.

Rick (LA)

NBA champion LA Lakers still feels good to say doesn't it? Time to cut bait on Peavy and/or volquez? Do either have any trade value and will either pitch again this year??

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:12 PM)

It also feels good to read it. Yes and yes. I don't think Peavy pitches again this year and if he does, it'll be maybe 5 starts and he won't be getting wins, your ERA and Ratio will be set by then... his effect will be negligible and even then you don't know if he'll be good. In a 10 team mix, both are droppable if you need the space.

Jason (Ellicott City, MD)

Is Lackey a good buy low?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:12 PM)

If you still can, yes, very much so.

Tom (PA)

Cuse alum....is Scott Hairston worth adding in a 12 team mixed league? Thanks

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:14 PM)

Yes... He's on pace for close to a 20/20 season with a good average..

Brian (Spokane, WA)

JP Howell...over under 20 saves

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:16 PM)

Slightly over. He has 5 now. I could see him getting 15 the rest of the way. But the gig is clearly his... I discussed him this morning on the Fantasy Focus video show... Over the last 30 days, only Joe Nathan and Huston Street have been higher on the player rater for RP.

Billy (NY)

Any interest in John Lannan? Besides pitching for the Nats he's posting good numbers recently...

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:17 PM)

Somewhat... He's been ridiculous at home. Not a great K/BB rate, which makes me slightly nervous... right now, he's a spot starter at home in 10 team leagues.

Jason (Ellicott City, MD)

Fact or fiction. TMR has one of the best chats.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:17 PM)

And the great debate continues...

Jon (Fl)

Football question...tough choice for 1 keeper with a draft round penalty. Picked up both Marshall and Cutler late last year, would you keep Witten (7th round), B Marsh (9th) or Cutler (10th)? Thanks TMR!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:18 PM)

Keep Witten. He's arguably the best guy at his position whereas I don't have Cutler in my top 10 of QB and Marshall has a new QB to adjust to...

Dan (San Jose)

Fact.

Bryan (Waco)

Really want to pick up Hanson. Considering dropping either Weiters (I already have B. Molina), Scherzer or the injured Volquez. Is Hanson worth it and if so, who would you drop?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:19 PM)

Yes. Drop Volquez.

Jason (Ellicott City, MD)

Is John Smoltz the Carmen Electra of fantasy? Kind've old, but still sexy.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:19 PM)

Nice call!

David (Kansas City)

What's with everyone being from Ellicott City, MD? Please explain to a chat newbie!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:19 PM)

Dude is asking good questions.

Brad (Philly)

Give us a love/hate sneak peak on LDT.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:20 PM)

Actually not gonna have him on either list. Premise this year is guys going two rounds or more higher or lower than they should. LT is a late first rounder with upside. I'm on the side that he's not done yet...

Jason (Ellicott City, MD)

I have naked pictures of TMR.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:21 PM)

And the winner of this week's "You poor bastard" award is...

John (Marysville)

Will there be another ESPN rerank for baseball? I missed it in June.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:21 PM)

Yes

John (PA)

Are the two new guys on the block Nieve/Hanson worth adding for the veteran Buehrle

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:23 PM)

No, I don't think so. If i had to pick one, it'd be Hanson, but as great as he's been, his WHIP is still 1.41... He's not striking guys out like he did in the minors and Buehrle has been very solid.

John (Boston)

Your thoughts on Kazmir

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:24 PM)

Better than he was at start of seaosn but not totally buying it. Look, he's very inconsistent. Always has been - that's why I never bought into the whole "he's a stud" argument. There will be six weekes between now and the end of the year where he will be rdiculous. But other than that...eh.

Chris (Hoboken, NJ)

Fernando Nieve is the 2009 version of Jorge Sosa.. take it from a mets fan.. it's smoke and mirros. Meche or Blackburn?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:25 PM)

I agree. Blackburn

Ken (DC)

Over/Under 30HR's/100 RBI's for Aaron Hill ? Is he a sell high ?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:25 PM)

Over. No, don't think he is a sell high. Think he is very legit.

Dave (DC)

UBALDO... must start tonight?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:26 PM)

NO! Ubaldo is brutal against Dodgers... 10.80 ERA against them in 3 starts. BENCH him for tonight.

Commish (GGW)

Do you have Fred Jackson on your Love list? It'd be a lot cooler if you did...

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:26 PM)

yes, I do...

gary (pitsburgh)

are my questions ever going to get answered

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:27 PM)

Probably not.

Brian (Vancouver, WA USA)

Its now 6 minutes past noon Pacific time. We are awaiting your wisdom. Is Nieve for real? Keeper for next year?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:28 PM)

Only six minutes? I've been waiting my whole life for it to show up. No, I don't believe in Nieve. K/BB numbers not good enough.

Alex (AZ)

Can Gary stop whining and spell his own city correctly?

Brian (San Antonio)

So be honest, when all you fantasy experts have your company Christmas party, which of you is the one that has a little too much to drink? My money is on you.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:29 PM)

Actually, it's usually whoever is stuck talking to me.

Q (Queens)

I must say that this chat is one of the worst ever, posting the dumbest questions and wasting everyone's time while I am sure there are relevant questions that people would like answered. Give us a break dude.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:29 PM)

I'm guessing that's a vote for "fiction."

Mike (Los Angeles)

Like most fantasy owners I'm looking for diamonds in the rough. With that in mind how do you rank these guys from here on out: Ortiz, Atkins, Chris Young, Magglio, Chris Davis?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:31 PM)

I like, in order, Mags, Ortiz, Davis and CY (the hitter).

The "Don" (Rochester)

Barlett or Zobrist very simply.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:31 PM)

Zobrist

Jason (queens)

To the whiners...it's not the end of the world if a question doesn't get answered. 'Tis fun just reading/talking about our hobby...

JV (Cbus)

Q, seriously? Berry is the funniest, talented analysist ESPN has. Give the dude a break. Even Ernie Banks couldn't do an hour chat with some of the questions I've seen posted!

Barry ((Detroit))

Are those really "diamonds in the rough?" All of those guys are owned. How about guys that are waivers that you'd have to add speculatively?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:32 PM)

I like Ian Stewart, Casey McGehee and Kevin Kouzmanoff at 3b if you are looking for Beltre replacements. In super deep leagues, Everth in SD (he's a SS) and Mike Carp for SEA (more PT if they move Branyan to 3b) are worth flyers...

RoyBoy (LA)

Matthew Berry has the BEST CHATS ever: IF HE ANSWERS ONE OF MY QUESTIONS ABOUT HIS TEAM. Then he has the best CHATS. Had to have a qualifier, right?

Jason (queens)

Grady Sizmore...how's his elbow been after a few games? Would you deal the A-Rod to acquire his services?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:35 PM)

Elbow seems to be okay and I'd rather have him than A Rod the rest of the way. Grady will at least steal - A Rod won't. Power will be in A Rod's favor... both ar injury risks, obviously.

larry (minnesota)

Berry you're usually the best, but you're never as good when football season comes around. Come on! Finish the baseball season up strong.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:36 PM)

I know. I get so sucked up in football - both the pre-season prep and all the promotion / appearancs (it's free to play! on ESPN.com! with free live scoring! Just saying!)... I'll try but honestly, it gets tough. I DO keep doing the fantasy focus podcast with Nate, however. I highly recommend that one.

Marc (NJ)

PUT IT ON THE BOARD.....always want to say that

Joao Gomes (Brazil)

DeAngelo Williams or Steven Jackson for 2009?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:38 PM)

Steve Jackson. D'Angelo will be in my Hate section. Look at his numbers when Stewart was healthy and getting double digit carries... good but not great

Billy Mays (Heaven)

TMR, THE ESPN FANTASY FOOTBALL DRAFT KIT WILL BE UNBELIEVABLE AND ITS TOTALLY FREE!!!!!! TELL EVERYONE TO CHECK IT OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:38 PM)

RIP, Billy.

Josh (FL)

Over/Under 40 HR for Mark Reynolds?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:38 PM)

Over

John (NY)

Any updates on Simmons's Fu Manchu?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:39 PM)

Gonna make him do some sort of facial hair for start of football season.

Tony (Everett, WA)

Is Mark DeRosa worth a number 1 waiver in NL only leagues?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:40 PM)

YES. We discussed this on the podcast this morning. There may not be someone better coming over and even if there is, you might have to wait until July 31. Rather have DeRosa's production now.

John (OC)

If I learned to copy/paste news from espn.com can I be an analyst just like you and never write anything original?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:41 PM)

Depends. How much hair do you have?

Ryan (Tampa)

Jake Fox or McCutchen for the rest of this season?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:42 PM)

McCutcheon. Not sure Fox gets consistent playing time.

Billy B (Waterloo, Ontario, CANADA)

Porcello at Oakland tonight???

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:42 PM)

Yes

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:42 PM)

Yes

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:42 PM)

Yes

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:42 PM)

Yes

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:43 PM)

Yes

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:43 PM)

Yes

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:43 PM)

Yes

Ryan (Illinois)

Why the heck are people here if they don't respect you whatsoever

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:43 PM)

Yes on Porcello. And that's the secret of my career...

Suzy (LA)

C'mon and post a question from a hot chick!!! Okay, I admit it, I'm a dude. Rowand or Morales?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:44 PM)

Well played. Morales

Eric (MA)

Are you regretting your "I believe in J-Ro and Maggs?" call yet?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:45 PM)

No, actually, I don't. Rollins has always been a good second half player and Mags is gettibng back in the swing of things. Plus, he cut his hair. He's aerodynamic!

Richard (KC)

Should I buy a Chris Johnson jersey or a Maurice Jones Drew Jersey? I know you are the king of pop tarts and fashion so give me some advice please!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:45 PM)

Love both of them, but I have MJD higher on my board

Renee (Albany)

I AM a chick (really). but I'm asking for my dude boyfriend. Randy Johnson or Joe Blanton?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:47 PM)

unless you need wins, I say Big Unit

Matt (WI)

Seriously a chick that asks fantasy questions for her boyfriend? That's hot!

Tony (Everett, WA)

OMG! Matthew Berry is for real. I've always thought he was like AIM's SmarterChild. And hes funny!

Chris (Seattle, WA)

I'm a dude, dressed like a chick....but I'm hot. Bartlett or A. Cabrera?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:47 PM)

Well done. Bartlett

Artie Lange (Hoboken)

Matt - let's assume you take over as producer of The Joe Buck Show, effective immediately. Are you booking me as a return guest for episode #2? Think risk/reward.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:48 PM)

No brainer. Of course.

Jason (Cuse '92)

this can't be the only Pierre/Manny question!!! do you hang onto Juan Pierre now that Manny's returning this week. dump Pierre for S.Smith, C.Davis, C.Young (OF)?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:49 PM)

I'd dump him for CY... wait a week but all indications ar he goes back to the bench

TMR Squared (NY)

Anna Faris or Elisha Cuthbert?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:51 PM)

Anna. I'm a sucker for girls with a sense of humor

Brad (Philly)

Are there any defenses this year in fantasy football you'd consider taking before the 10th round?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:52 PM)

Nope

dan (Budapest, Hungary)

you answer a lot more questions that the other hosts on ESPN

david (trujillo, peru)

but elisha cuthbert is actually hot.

Billy B (Waterloo, Ontario, Canada)

Shame on you TMR....have you seen the Girl Next Door????

Ari (Philadelphia)

Beckham, worth a roster spot on a 10 team mixed

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:53 PM)

I'm still not conviced... there's too many players who are better that are out there. Casey Blake is still available in like 50% of leagues, you know?

J. McEnroe (NYC)

Dude, I've seen your podcasts...you're pretty good. That notwithstanding, please CEASE

Dan (San Jose)

I'd take TMR over either of those gals...

Roy (Philly)

Come on TMR, one time! Doumit or Weiters?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:54 PM)

Weiters...

Garrett (IA)

It's called one word answers

Sum Guy (Stoughville, OH)

Hey TMR got an offer rookie ace Tommy Hanson for former ace John Lackey, would Mr. Berry do it???

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:55 PM)

Lackey over Hanson and it's not close.

Dan (San Jose)

I've got a one-word answer for you: Yes. Ask me anything. The answer is yes.

Anna Faris (NY)

I hate you go for Elisha Cuthbert

Matt (CA)

Quick 1 sentence thoughts on Beltran, Ibanez, Reyes, and Peavy...they're all on my BN or DL...need help with them

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:56 PM)

Beltran- nervous, get what you can.Ibanez - will be fine. patienceReyes - see BeltranPeavy - See Reyes

Matt (WI)

Encarnacion, Gordon, or Atkins from here on out?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:56 PM)

You have them ranked correctly.

guy with sense of humor (NY)

Does it just work for hot girls? Kemp and Wainwright for Baker and Crawford, who wins

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:57 PM)

Nope, this made me laugh. Baker / Crawford side does. LOVE Kemp and Crawford has slowed dow, but like Baker a lot.

Jason (queens)

Corey Hart has been such a disappointment this year. He's one of your guys...you think he turns it around, maybe with another team?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:58 PM)

I do, actually. He's raditionally a slow starter...

Paul (Madison)

Seriously? Beltran may be dead for the year in TMR's opinion? AAAAAHHH!!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:58 PM)

Not dead for the year, but IF/WHEN he comes back I'm not convinced he's the same guy and playing in Citi field isn't helping

Anna Farris (Ellicot City)

PLEASE TMR - Can you discuss D-Lowe? Just like Hart, he was one of your guys. Does he turn things around?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:00 PM)

Yes, I believe so. He's had two very bad starts with the last few weeks but now that he is out of interleague, feel he gets back on track.

elisha cuthbert (DC)

drop mike gonzalez for jp howell?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:00 PM)

Yes.

Taylor (San Francisco )

ok last time i'm asking: Rollins or Jeter from here on out?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:01 PM)

Jeter

Dan (San Jose)

Do you think you and I could go inter-league someday?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:01 PM)

And on that note, gang, I gotta run. Thanks for stopping by, as always!