ESPN

Brendan Roberts

  (2:59 PM)

Good afternoon, everyone! Back for another week of talkin' baseball as we approach the midway point of the season. Let's get to the questions.

Confused Chris (MI)

Pretty please with sugar on top! JP Howell or Scott Downs for the year?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:00 PM)

I gotta say Howell. I have a sneaking suspicion he keeps the job for the rest of the season. Don't see Percival coming back, or at least not staying back, and Howell has been about as effective as anybody they have.

Dave (MI)

Nolasco? Are you as big of a believer as your ESPN colleagues?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:03 PM)

Nah, I wouldn't say as much as them ... but I'm getting close. The thing I like most about Nolasco is that he has just been pounding the strike zone and getting ahead of hitters. His confidence is back, as his control. That's a good sign. I still see a few doozie starts coming, but I think he'll have plenty enough good ones to warrant starting him nearly every week in any league setup.

wagonjumper (wagon land)

Looking to trade away early season darlings Nelson Cruz / Adam Jones / Ethier before the sky completely falls in over one or all of them. Who do you prefer for the rest of the season in a 5 cat plus TB league? What kind of production do you see for the rest of the year? Really appreciate your insight in all matters fantasy baseball.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:06 PM)

Well, it's as much about their perceived value in your league as anything else. And my guess is Cruz's perceived value isn't near what Jones' is right now. If you want to improve your team elsewhere -- which is why you should be trading -- then it's Jones who will get you the better players in return. And I think they're both sell-high guys. So it's Jones I'd dangle. He tends to make fantasy owners drool still.

Michael (charlotte)

Two quick ones, Peralta or Alexei Ramirez and do you consider Nolasco a top 20 pitcher going forward??

Brendan Roberts

  (3:08 PM)

Hmm, I'd probably put him right outside that top 20, maybe 27th or so. Still high. And definitely Alexei for the other question. He got off to an awful start and is still on pace for a 22-homer, 24-steal season, with 83 RBIs. He's still money.

TJ (Indiana)

Is Jose Reyes going to be a top 20 player when he comes back?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:10 PM)

I don't think he will. I think he'll be tentative and not as aggressive on the basepaths, which is the primary reason you have him. He probably won't be 100 percent until next season, especially given his history of hammy troubles. People tend to forget he missed a ton of games early in his career with major hamstring problems. He had a run of good health then, and people forgot. I didn't. I fear these hamstring pulls might become recurring and/or more serious in nature when they do happen.

Chris Davis Hater (Arlington, TX)

I have cut ties with Davis in 2 leagues and picked up Huff and D Lee instead. Which one will I regret most?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:11 PM)

Neither. Cutting Davis made perfect sense, especially when you looked at your aggregate team batting average. But Derrek Lee is healthy again and producing, and Huff is a renowned second-half hitter. Good moves.

Chris (Philly)

What is the impact of the Pitts / Wash deal - will Burnett close in DC? Will Milledge get called up when healthy?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:16 PM)

It sounds good, but Milledge is the only guy who gets a boost, in my mind. And I suppose Willingham is rendered moot once again. Morgan heads to a similar ballpark, and will now play for a similarly aggressive manager, so little impact there. Sean Burnett is a lefty specialist or setup man, at the very best (he won't close) ... but it's Milledge, who I think will head to the Pirates once he's healthy, that gains the most value. He might have his detractors, but I see Milledge as a big-league-level talent right now; he shouldn't be in the minors. And his attitude ... I've talked to him a few times and have a few sources close to the Nats, and they find him to be a pretty good guy. Just very (over-)confident and unconventional. I really could see him using this fresh start to take off. Once he's healthy, of course. I now like him a whole lot better, and might even go after him in deep leagues.

Jeff (Cuse)

What in the world do I do with Jimmy Rollins? He's horrible, and I have decent backups with Christian Guzman and Rafeal Furcal. My head says "It's Jimmy Rollins, .300 and lots of homers". His stats and week long benching make me want to drop him. Help?!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:18 PM)

Unfortunately, the "fantasy rules" of not trading a player when he has bottomed out and not giving up on a former stud apply here. You have to keep him; you're lucky you can bench him. View his temporary lineup exile with the Phils as a good thing; anything that helps him shake out of his slump has to be perceived as a positive. He won't help this week, but if he can help for the entire second half ...

Michael (Phoenix)

Two quick questions, when is Howie Kendrick coming back to the majors, and any new news on Edinson Volquez?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:22 PM)

Volquez won't be back anytime soon. He has inflammation in the elbow, and has been shut down. When a starter is shut down, when you count his rehab, long toss, bullpens, extended spring training games, rehab games ... it takes about 2 1/2 to 3 weeks to get back. Wouldn't look for him till at least the end of July. Kendrick, however, might be up around the ASB. That's just my speculation, but Sean Rodriguez isn't exactly lighting the world afire, nor is really anybody the Angels are putting at 2B. They sent Howie down more to get him right, and he's batting .311 and making good contact. I could see him back soon; then again, there's no telling whether he'll actually live up to expectations.

Paul (Madison)

Is there a ghost in the machine? Lots of questions, no answers. How about another question (maybe an answer...?) I have a semi for McCutchen. How good is he, REALLY (this year)!? Will G Becks have a better 2nd half than my man-crush?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:24 PM)

No ghost ... I actually have a tan right now. I still have doubts as to McCutch's 2009 value, but he really has impressed me. At the very least, he'll continue to run, and he should remain in the lineup following the (alleged) trade of Morgan and Hinske. G.Beckham? Yes, better second half. He's the real deal. He's learning quickly, and is much better than his stats suggest.

Drew (Hudson Valley, NY)

Manny is coming, Manny is coming! I think he's in for a big rest of this year. Thoughts?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:25 PM)

I think so too. As he has shown throughout his career, few things are more dangerous than a motivated Manny. It's "go time," and he knows it. He has a reputation to (attempt to) save. I rank him in my top 15 hitters.

Jonathan (Tulsa)

Possibly a completely pointless question BR, but I have both Juan Rivera and Scott Hairston. I know, I know, be jealous. But I get Manny back on Friday and will dump one. Which one should I keep?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:26 PM)

Keep Rivera. Nice all-around numbers and better lineup, meaning more RBIs/runs.

Dan (Cleveland)

2 questions - Drop Gil Meche for Jordan Zimmermann? Will Derek Lowe turn it around?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:27 PM)

Look at the splits: Derek Lowe is a renowned second-half pitcher, so much so that I was actually surprised he started so well. And no, I take Meche over Z-Mann. He's usually nothing special, but you'll appreciate his consistency much more than the occasional good game from Z-mann.

Andy (New York)

Have to trade Napoli for Soriano right? Even though my backup is soto and Soriano wont start in my OF?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:28 PM)

Yeah, I think you have to do that. As much as he has disappointed, this is a good time to get Alfonso. You could easily address your problems later ... but making that trade now does give you a better overall team.

Joe (Bx, NY)

Do you seel any potential for Ankiel to turn his season around? I thought I was drafting a cheap power source of power. Thanks.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:30 PM)

Ha, ha, so did everyone. And you still did. As a St. Louisan, I've learned two things about Ankiel: 1) He's a bad-ball hitter (can hit pitchers' pitches); and 2) He's very streaky. This season he has gotten going in a few occasions, only to see his hot play get interrupted by injuries or something. He'll pick it up again soon, maybe in July (he hit .353 last July).

Matt (Chicago, IL)

I'm driving up tomorrow to watch Mike Pelfrey and my Mets battle the Brewers and Yovani Gallardo. Please tell me there's a chance I won't leave Miller Park disgusted in the 6th inning...and make a sizable donation to the Potawatomi Nation?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:31 PM)

Yovani at home against a banged-up Mets offense? Momma always said if you can't say something nice ... good luck, but my money is definitely on the Crew.

David (San Diego)

Who is at an advantage when a pitcher and a hitter have faced each other on multiple occasions? how much do you take into consideration a previous hitters susccess even when a pitcher is hotter than normal?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:35 PM)

A good question, David. I think after awhile the advantages fall to about even, meaning neither the hitter or pitcher have the advantage. Probably after about 12 at-bats. By then the hitter will know most/all of the pitchers' pitches, but the pitcher will know the hitters' holes. I've always felt the first 5-6 times a pitcher faces a hitter, the pitcher has the advantage. After about 5-6 times, then the hitter has the advantage (because a hitter's holes are tougher to expose than flat seeing a pitcher has). After that, it's about even. Just my take. I think a pitchers' recent starts are important, though.

Jay (NYC)

FYI I hit had to hit refresh a couple of times to see ur answers. Is Miguel Olivo for reals? Where does he rank in terms of catchers?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:37 PM)

Yeah, I've gotten a few notes like that. Sorry, guys, guess you have to hit refresh more than normal this week ... I wouldn't rank Olivo very high, even among catchers. He's way too free a swinger to hit much better than the .251 mark he's batting now. Guess how many walks he has this season? Two. Like single-digit -- 2. Hitters like that can be streaky and hit homers when the pitchers miss spots, but he can't maintain it, and his .276 OBP doesn't help him get runs either.

Jason (Philly)

Andre Ethier is a top _ hitter the rest of the way now that Manny is back?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:39 PM)

I think Ethier's hot and cold streaks have nothing to do with Manny, actually. It's just the way he is. Thus, I don't think Manny's return has much effect on his value, other than he'll get more RBIs because of more guys being on base. I maybe set him around No. 55 or so among hitters, but not much more.

Gina (Kansas)

Was Soto's recent homerun outburst a mirage or a sign of things to come?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:41 PM)

I'm seeing signs that it's for real. I felt earlier this year his shoulder injury "cut off" his swing and didn't allow him to get extension to pull pitches out of the park. He's not really pulling them now, but he's hitting them hard enough up the middle to leave the yard. So it's tough to tell whether it's for real. I'll keep watching and reporting, but I'm not ready to call him "2008 level" quite yet.

sparks (Texas)

is alex gordon a good 2nd half addition?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:42 PM)

Yes, I think he is. Ya know, I think the mental rest he got from being out so long actually might have done him some good. He was rushed up and chucked into a bad lineup and given a lot of responsibility. I've always felt his brain/mentality was a step behind where it needed to be. I think sitting back and watching the game without pressure might be just what he needed, a blessing in disguise. I think he could do well once he returns.

Jason (queens)

There have been rumblings about your Cards taking on an extended 'Holliday'. (As a Pujols owner, I drool at the thought.) It's all speculation of course, but were it to happen, where do you see Holliday skyrocketing to in your rankings, and would Pujols net some kind of "SUPER" number one ranking?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:45 PM)

Ha, ha. Pujols already DOES have a Super No. 1 ranking. On my Hit Parade, I should create two different tables -- Pujols, and then everyone else. But anywho, I haven't hard much around about Holliday since the team acquired DeRosa (and then put him in LF for his first game). So doubt Holliday is headed to STL, but he's likely headed somewhere, and he'll no doubt be gaining in value because of the better ballpark, lineup and greater importance on base-stealing. I see him dipping back into probably the top 23 or so among hitters.

Joe (LA)

Russ Martin or Jorge Posada moving forward?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:46 PM)

I love me the Russell Martin, but I'd have to say Posada. He's just so productive when he's healthy, and I still think he has a good couple years left.

Big Joe (Hamilton, NJ)

B-Rob. My team has been decimated with injuries so far and I really need every roster space I can get. What is the deal with the Texas closer situation? I'm tired of holding onto both C.J. Wilson AND Frank Francisco. Can I cut bait with Wilson yet or could he realistically keep the job?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:48 PM)

Yeah, no sense keeping them both in your case. You have to pick one, and I'd pick Francisco. The Rangers are just making sure he's healthy before putting him out for the 9th. (When a closer gets hurt, it could be especially harmful, as usually a closer doesn't have anybody warming behind him.) But he'll be back there soon, and he's flat the better pitcher anyway.

mark (canada)

speaking of DeRosa, does he impact Wallace coming up this year?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:50 PM)

I think he does. Assuming the Cards stay in the Central/wild-card race, they won't turn the 3B job over to a young rookie, DeRosa or not. It's just not Tony La Russa's way. If it were, then David Frese would have gotten more of a shot to start over Joe Thurston. I see Wallace getting a September call-up and a little work this year, then being a toss-up for starting the year with the team next year.

Drew (Hudson Valley, NY)

This is to your point hitter-pitcher matchups, I think there are too many variables. Good hitters can hit about anyone, T. Gwynn, W. Boggs, P. Molitor, Ichiro - even good pitching. However, some pitchers good or bad just have someone?s "number", those good hitters struggle. Same with pitchers, they can own the whole lineup, have a sick ERA - but one guy usually has good career numbers off him. I used to talk to batters in college (when I did the sports report) who have had success off good pitchers - they said they saw the ball better from his delivery. All big league hitters can hit the fastball. However, other types of pitches are important, slider, knuckle, splitter, etc. Some people can?t hit those particular pitches ? some people crush the ball.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:52 PM)

Very good points, and I love the discussion. I was going to mention too that some hitters just hit certain pitchers well, and vice versa, probably more because of their repertoire and delivery (as you mention) than anything else. So after those 12-15 matchups, if the hitter has a very good average, I could see it continuing unless the pitcher drastically improves overall.

Akbar (India)

The Cardinals play the Giants tonight. Do I start Chris Carpenter, Randy Johnson, or both?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:53 PM)

I'd say both. Carp is money, and I've noticed Unit tends to step up in a good old-fashioned pitchers' duel.

Paul (Madison)

Can anyone tell me why the back of Russell MArtin's jersey reads "J Martin"? It's been confusing me all year.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:55 PM)

I noticed that, too, so I checked on it. Word I got is it stands for Jeanson, one of his middle names, in honor of his mother.

Dr. Evil (Virtucon Industries)

Drew in New York, "Enough of this technilogical mumbo-jumbo.. Let's get down to business..." Will Rafael Furcal start stealing bases again before he retires?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:57 PM)

I think he will. I saw him round the bases on a run scored the other day, and the guy can still move. And Joe Torre is still very aggressive as a manager. And Furcal isn't exactly OLD at 31. Hard to believe he still has only four steals, but I think he finishes with at least 20.

Derek (KC)

I noticed the yankees ranking very high in the al in steals, this because al doesnt steal alot or does girardi move them alot?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:58 PM)

Girardi is an aggressive manager, and he also has good team speed. The difference between this year and last year is Brett Gardner's presence. That's really all, though.

rios (toronto)

will i continue to be mediocre or will i give my owners something to cheer about in the second half?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:59 PM)

Rios, another streaky hitter. He has a way of going on lengthy streaks and making people realize how good he is. I see another one of those coming soon. Stick with him. One more question ...

Andy (NH)

Talk to me about Taveras, is he turning it around finally?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:02 PM)

It's tough to tell, but his splits/peripherals indicate he shouldn't have been hitting what he is. As in, it was inexplicable. Wonder if he was just banged up or something. Anyway, I think he'll turn it around, and as long as Dusty Baker agrees and keeps playing him (which he seems to want to do), then he still should get 35-plus steals, in my book.

Brendan Roberts

  (4:03 PM)

And that oughta do it. My apologies for those of you who had trouble viewing my questions. Our SportsNation staff is fantastic, and they're no doubt working on any updates that need to be made. Until then, catch ya next time. I won't be here next week, but I'll return the week after. Good luck!