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Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:01 PM)

Good afternoon everyone! Doing my best Matt Stairs impression, coming on to pinch-hit with you. Let's get right to your questions!

Josh Hamilton (Texas)

I was activated today. Are you playing me or giving me a few games to show I'm back?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:02 PM)

A few games, but that's just a traditional thing if the player has missed a fair share of time with a significant injury, not to mention that I'd fully expect that Hamilton is the kind of guy who could with one game earn my faith in him beginning on Tuesday. It's just common sense; don't take unnecessary risks.

Kerry (TN)

How many SS will rank ahead of Rollins next season?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:04 PM)

That is a very difficult answer to pinpoint for you today, Kerry. It's just so far away. Off the top of my head I'd say -- in no particular order -- that Jose Reyes, Stephen Drew, Troy Tulowitzki and Hanley Ramirez will all rank ahead of Jimmy Rollins heading into 2010. And for a real shocker, I think the case can be made Derek Jeter might be a better pick! Says a lot. Rollins could be low in the top 10, really. Wouldn't surprise me.

Kevin C (San Diego)

Start me tomorrow on the road vs. ARI?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:05 PM)

That's Kevin Correia to the many who still haven't paid enough attention to how well he has pitched lately, and based on how well he has pitched lately, Correia is a yes, yes, yes, yes, YES.

Joe (Jersey Shore,NJ)

Dallas Braden or Mike Pelfrey?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:06 PM)

Pelfrey might have that matchups limitation -- great start in all home games and on the road versus weaker opponents -- but it's him, no doubt.

Carlos (Orlando)

Who comes up first? Smoak or Davis?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:08 PM)

I like that question, Carlos. I'm wondering myself how the Rangers' Triple-A team will dole out the at-bats between those two first basemen. Justin Smoak could very easily beat Chris Davis to the majors. Based on his quick ascent up the ladder this year, it's very much what I see happening. And I'm moving up my timetable from Sept. 1 to Aug. 1 based on today's news.

Kevin (Sactown)

Trade Adrian Gonzales if you can now that even Hairston is gone? He's on an island out there.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:09 PM)

I'll say just as anyone else would that any player has a price, but if your point is that the Padres are a truly dreadful offense and that'll hurt Gonzalez's production, I don't think you're being unreasonable. I still say Gonzalez is a guy I'd be happier owning than trading, but again, he has his limitations thanks to his dreadful team.

Kelly (Buffalo, NY)

Scott Hairston or Reimold for the year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:11 PM)

I like both of these guys but I'm more of a fan of Hairston than I am Nolan Reimold. Both have a slight platoon limitation -- more that they'll sit on occasion against a tough righty than that they completely can't hit that side, because I sure believe they can. Hairston's value shouldn't change a lot in Oakland. The only knock I have on it is that the team has enough lefties to sit him when the A's face a John Lackey or Felix Hernandez, so he won't be an everyday player.

Glenn (Michigan)

Elvis Andrus seems to be figuring big league pitching out. Is it crazy to think of him as a potential top 10 SS by year's end?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:12 PM)

Certainly possible. The thought dawned upon me with the previous question about Jimmy Rollins' 2010 rank, which means I think there's a scenario in which it could happen. It means I'm optimistic, though if you pinned me to a final ranking, it wouldn't be within the top 10, not this year.

Frank (Land O' Lakes)

What are your thoughts on Ricky Romero, Toronto's pitcher? Is he this good? Especially against the Yakees today?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:13 PM)

Yes he is. Frankly I am not at all surprised by Romero's outing today. Underrated prospect whose success is entirely tied to his command, and everything I've seen of him this season says he's as sharp as ever in that department.

Glenn (Providence)

Hey Tristan, can you give me some insight on Derek Lowe's struggles lately? Admitedly I havent seen him play in the last month, but on the surface it seems that because he's such a ground ball pitcher he might be having some bad luck in the BABIP dept. but can you shed some light on the situation for me?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:16 PM)

His BABIP on ground balls is .194, and that's beneath the league average, so I wouldn't say it's a matter of bad luck. I think it's all tied to his stuff not being as good; his command numbers (K/9 and BB/9) are his worst since 2004 and he's giving up fly balls like at no other time in his career. Those are some serious warning signs, and best I can tell you is hope this is just a blip, maybe a dead-arm period, and he snaps out of it.

Christian (New Hampshire)

Hey THC what was for lunch today? When/if Jose Reyes comes back from the DL do you see him outperforming Tulo?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:18 PM)

Stromboli, and for those of you concerned about the healthy eating, it was a veggie stromboli. Pretty good one, in fact. I don't think there's anyone out there who would pick Troy Tulowitzki over a healthy Jose Reyes, but I'll tell you this -- I can't guarantee you anything with Reyes. When I hear that a guy is afraid to test his legs and the majority of his value is tied to his legs, I get worried. I can absolutely see Tulo being the better player from today, July 6, through the final day of the 2009 season. Probably fairly close in value though.

Chris (Tampa, FL)

...and boom goes the Hinske. Is he useable in AL only leagues?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:18 PM)

Matchups guy for daily-league owners and little to nothing else. I just don't see the at-bats coming regularly.

Tony (Boston, MA)

With Davis getting demoted and Blalock heading to first base, is it a safe bet that Josh Hamilton DH's this week? Longer?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:20 PM)

I'd call that a fairly safe bet, but either way, they're both going to be in the lineup this week with Chris Davis gone. It's how I'd break Hamilton back in, at least. Remember all the preseason talk about shifting him to right field? The Rangers obviously do think about limiting the physical strain on Hamilton.

Jesse (Toronto)

Logic Question: Tim Lincecum's 2007 season is to Clayton Kershaw's 2009 season. Therefore, Kershaw's 2010 season will be equal to Lincecum's 2008 (breakout) season. True or False?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:21 PM)

I'll say false, but a lot of that has to do with it being an awkward comparison. They're not exactly the same type of pitcher. If you're asking me whether Clayton Kershaw could break out in a significant way in 2010, well sure, I'd agree with that. He'll be a year older with a year more experience and much more likely to work deeper into games, without any innings caps. I'd liken his ascent a little more to fellow Dodger Chad Billingsley. He's a bit like a lefty version of that, at least in the long haul I feel.

Matt (Denver)

Hey THC...I wanted to get your take on this...every year a bunch of people whine about who deserves to be on the All-Star team. It is called the All-Star Game not the Who-Is-Doing-The-Best-The-First-Half-Of-The-Season-Game. Aren't the proven "stars" the ones who deserve to go to the game?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:25 PM)

I'll probably draw the ire of All-Star Game fans by saying it, but I've never fretted much about the event or the rosters. They're too small, the rule about a rep for each team creates problems, and it's only an exhibition besides. I just can't get into a game where great players get what, three innings of action or so? And for everyone who leans towards your side, I can find you one who argues the exact opposite. If I had to make a call, I'd probably say the best All-Star team picks the best players stat-wise between each All-Star Game, i.e. mid-July 2008 to mid-July 2009.

Derek (Baltimore)

Who takes Wang's spot in rotation?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:27 PM)

Sounds like Sergio Mitre, a guy I actually have tracked fairly closely over the years. He's quite the platoon type, almost a "ROOGY" if you will, as he's great against righties but struggles mightily against lefties. I have to think that plays poorly at new Yankee Stadium. AL-only owners can track the guy, because he'll be a matchups consideration if it's him for awhile, but I'm not jumping to sign him.

Michael (Milwaukee)

they should cancel the all star game, and just name people to the "all star team". That's all the players want anyway, recognition

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:28 PM)

Really? I don't get the impression the fans would like that very much. Especially not after all the complaints in the tie All-Star Game in, what was it, 2002?

Johnny (Harlem)

Tristan, you're such an easygoing guy, but isn't the whole "what's for lunch" gimmick getting a bit old to you? I feel like you've GOTTA be getting sick of it by now... Anyway, can we talk about Johnny Cueto's value going forward? And are you as shocked as I am that he wasn't selected to the ASG?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:30 PM)

I don't mind. If people really want to know the answer, I'll give it to them. I readily admit I can be a boring lunch guy, since I've almost got a rotation of favorite lunches. But anyway, Re: Cueto ... Surprised? A little, but again, I don't get all that worked up over it. What I find frustrating about All-Star teams is that it seems like there are all these complaints about deserving guys absent from the list, and then the voted starters end up hurt and those guys get added to the team late. It seems a bit silly to me. And I'm a believer in Cueto. Great stuff. Won't stay this dominant, but he'll be very useful looking forward, I'd think.

Kevin Millwood (Texas)

Not only do I get no love for the ASG, but I don't even get the love by having my questions answered...Let's give it one more try: Do you start me tonight @LAA, and what's my value going forward?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:31 PM)

Man, a lot of people losing sleep over All-Star snubs today! Yes, Kevin, I'd start you. And while I see no chance you remain a contender for the ERA crown, I'd absolutely be happy to roster you in an AL-only or deep mixed league, though I'll be a little cautious about some of your late-summer matchups, when the heat is at its peak.

Dan (Roselle)

Hey THC, admit it: even YOU didn't have Nick Blackburn as the ace of the Twins staff in the preseason...

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:32 PM)

I admit it. I thought he was a start-at-home, fear-on-the-road guy. But that's still better than almost everyone on the planet I talked to thought of him. I remember advising a buddy of mine to deal for him in the preseason in a deep keeper league, in fact, and he didn't. Sigh.

Dave (Boston)

Tristan, who you taking the rest of the way Aaron Cook in the thin air or Jose Contreras?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:33 PM)

Cook for the long haul, though I'm enjoying this little Jose Contreras hot streak right now. I'm just cautioning you, Contreras owners, enjoy it now, but don't you get cozy and expect it continues until October.

josh (las vegas)

Hey Tristan, in a bubble do you trade Ricky Nolasco for Nelson Cruz straight up? Is there a clear winner in this trade?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:34 PM)

I think the team that gets Nolasco wins that deal. Fair trade, but I've completely warmed again to Ricky. I liked him a lot in the preseason, tried to remain as patient as I could afford in the leagues in which I had him, and now I'm happy I stuck with him.

Justin (Dallas)

Do you believe Matt Cain can maintain this type of production? What kind of second half do you envision?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:35 PM)

Nope, Cain fooled me this year. None of his peripheral numbers suggested this breakthrough was coming this quickly, though I should've known, as I did like him for years. I just expected something closer to his 2008, though with more luck in the win column. That said, I do think he's going to remain a top-20 starter with ease. He's got the talent, no question.

Johnny (Harlem)

Aaron Hill: Over/Under 38 HRs by year's end?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:36 PM)

Under. But in no way does that mean I no longer believe in the guy.

wright (NJ)

over under 20 HR and over under 30 steals

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:37 PM)

Under 20 homers, though I bet he's close. Like 19. But I'd say without a doubt over 30 steals.

Kevin (DC)

When did Texeira forget how to hit?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:38 PM)

When A-Rod stopped hitting in mid-June. These things will go in cycles, with those two. And don't worry, Teixeira is a great second-half player historically. Might be a smart opportunity for you to swoop in and steal him from his owner in your league.

Dirk (Oakland)

Contreras, Bergesen, Hammel, Blackburn, Braden, Bannister, Marquis, A.Miller, Blanton... do any of these guys make you go "OMG, how is he a FA in your 12 team mixed league??"

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:39 PM)

Nick Blackburn does. Shame on owners who have left him available in this format. I'd also advise scooping up Jose Contreras and Andrew Miller if I could. Even Jason Marquis has some value.

Liam (Boston)

Should Chris Davis be stashed in a 12-team mixed league and hope he pulls a Nolasco-like resurgence after a stint in the minors? Despite the atrocious average, he does have 15 homers and qualifies at 3B, which isn't as deep as it has been in past years.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:41 PM)

I'm going to say no. If Rudy Jaramillo's that talented a hitting coach and can't get you straightened out, I can't imagine a demotion to the minors is a guarantee to get you straightened out. It's not like luck is a driving force in Davis' numbers this year, like it was in the case of Ricky Nolasco. Davis has a long swing chock full of holes, and that makes him a project for the next few weeks. I wouldn't be afraid to let him go.

Jarred (Kansas)

Hey what do you think of the Ryan Freel trade to Kansas City?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:41 PM)

I think it's a trade.

Brad (Philly)

Would you drop Randy Johnson to pick up Andrew Miller?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:42 PM)

I'd wait. A lot of the comments I'm hearing from beat reporters and the Giants players themselves suggest Johnson is DL-bound. Wait a day or so and you might be able to DL the guy instead of cutting him, while also getting Miller!

mark Teixera (bronx ny)

George is making me sit out of the hr derby. he said if I enter like pujols does my hr total on the season will be a not so good in the second half. you buying that??

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:43 PM)

The "Home Run Derby" jinx is a total hoax. You can pick and choose these "great" examples (Bobby Abreu, for one) and talk 'em up all you like, but I can give you about 10 who weren't affected for every one who fell prey to it. Sorry, not buying.

Horton (Whoville)

You starting Washburn and/or Bergesen tonight, against each other??

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:44 PM)

I actually prefer Brad Bergesen of the two!

B (Philly)

Papi hits _ more homers the rest of the way....

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:44 PM)

Probably about 15-17, somewhere in that ballpark.

Todd (Philly)

whom do you anticipate having a hotter second half for overall stats - Randy Winn or Colby Rasmus?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:45 PM)

Winn, but I'm a Winn fan who reminds people that while he's not extraordinary in every way, he can be awfully consistent, awfully surprising, especially down the stretch. A .300 batting average with, say, 5-7 homers and 10-12 steals is within reach, and it's nowhere near as bad as it sounds.

Brennan (Toronto)

I bet you dont believe in the Madden curse either but they are REAL (just like Adam Lind - vote him into the ASG)

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:46 PM)

The question was not about the Madden Curse. That's as real as the Boogedy-Man, whom I just had a cup of coffee with this fine morning. He says hi, and don't look under your bed before going to sleep tonight.

Dirk (Oakland)

I was all ready to drop Ramon Hernandez, and then he goes and hits .360 while I was away the last week... are any of these guys no-brainer swaps for rest of 09? Olivo, Suzuki, Pierzynski, Montero, Yadier?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:47 PM)

Not really. You could mix and match, but if I'm picking for the long haul I do like Hernandez. It's entirely possible the sluggish start was due to the league adjustment.

Lon (Cleveland)

Good piece by Grey on Andrus. Take his upside over the steadier Theriot this year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:48 PM)

I agree, I liked Jason's column too. And yes, I would prefer Elvis Andrus. I'm impressed at how steady he has been as a rookie, asked to step into a pennant race at his young age at a demanding position.

Amazed fantasy manager (*******)

Someone offered me Tex for Votto! Am I an idiot to even think twice before accepting?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:50 PM)

Joey Votto is a heck of a fantasy player, and I'm a huge fan. That said, I'd be all over that deal.

JD (Boston)

Your take on Wakefield as a Fantasy player- and how much would you trade to get him- (I am heavy at catcher)

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:51 PM)

Valuable, underrated fantasy option, but he has a penchant for streakiness and recently it seems like he's a safer play at home, and a guy to be careful with on the road. I wouldn't pay a ton, is what I'm saying. Certainly no top-50 hitter overall.

ryan howard (citizen's bank ballpark)

the HR derby has not affected me in any way. TAKE THAT!!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:51 PM)

Thanks, Ryan. And you've always been my favorite example.

Jeff (Tampa)

Love your BABIP analysis.So I understand that if a pitcher has a low BABIP and a high Strand %, we should expect an increase in the pitchers ERA.Does the opposite hold true? If a pitcher has a high BABIP and a low strand % should we expect their ERA to go down? At what point would this be a "buy-low" indictactor?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:53 PM)

Absolutely. It's when a pitcher's numbers in the categories vary wildly from both the league average and his track record that you've got a hint of a buy-low or sell-high candidate. For that reason, I can't just tell you that, say, a .260 BABIP and a 75.5% stand rate are the guidelines, because certain types of pitchers average different things. (Example: A ground-baller is naturally going to have a lower BABIP.)

Pauly (NYC)

My best two pitchers are Garza and Lilly. Do you think that these two can be your fantasy aces or do i need to trade for a legit ace?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:54 PM)

I'm a Matt Garza fan, but even saying that I think you could get a better pitcher. Neither classifies as an "ace" to me; think more like a top-25 candidate but one more likely to rank, say, 28th in the end.

Brody (MN)

Better catching prospect - Carlos Santana or Jesus Montero?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:55 PM)

I really do like Santana. I think he's going to be something special. Maybe not "Matt Wieters" special, but an annual top-10 famtasy backstop.

Zero for 4 years (CT)

Is Wainwright considered an Ace?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:56 PM)

I think so. Not a certain top 10, but a candidate for it.

Nick (GA)

buzzer beater - Scot Baker or Jon Danks

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:57 PM)

I'll take Danks. To me he profiles a little higher on the rotation scale; like a 1/2 starter, whereas I think of Baker as your consistent 2/3 guy.

Kevin (Trenton, NJ)

I know you talked about Millwood earlier, so is he a good sell high?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:58 PM)

Maybe, depends on your league. Gut instinct is that if you peddle him, you're not going to generate the level of interest that'd make it worth dealing him. What I said about him earlier was actually pretty positive, I thought.

Horton (Whoville)

so would you start Washburn also tonight??

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (3:58 PM)

If I was in an AL-only league, sure. But let's just say I'm not overwhelmed by the prospect.

Alex (MD)

one last quick one: Hamels or Cueto tonight?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:00 PM)

That's a real toughie. I'd go Johnny Cueto. Something about the strikeout potential and the fact that the Phils do have some K candidates there.

Lee (Col)

J.Zimmerman for two starts this week (I need the K's)?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:01 PM)

Well, one's in Colorado, and that has me cautious. That said, in an NL-only league, absolutely.

Doug (NYC)

Jeter up, down 4, bases loaded...you buying?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:01 PM)

Ha! Not wild about the matchup, but of course, the heart says root for the guy.

Nick (Birdland)

You starting Aramis right away?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:02 PM)

Again, no, but that's another player I could see needing only a day or two to get his bearings. He performed decently during his rehab stint. I think his return actually boosts the value of Cubs hitters this week more than it does him initially.

Mike (RI)

Homer Bailey: Anything there?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:03 PM)

Good question, you should probably ask him. Because I wouldn't have much that's kind to say, and momma always said...

Matt (Cali)

does Weaver turn it around against the Rangers at home tonight?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:05 PM)

I know he doesn't have the best track record against his division rivals, but in a home game I do think he'll keep things close. I could very much see that being a 3-2 or 4-2 type of game where both pitchers were starter worthy.

Horton (Whoville)

NO WAY on jeter. Need the SAVE from Frasor!!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:05 PM)

Well, he walked, which isn't a great first impression from Jason Frasor...

nick (la)

what does your gut say about beltran? mine told me to sell him and i listened.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:06 PM)

If you did it before all those microfracture surgery rumors, then your gut is pretty dead on. Those things did frighten me a little, and the hint that his injury isn't a minor one has me thinking he's not going to come close to first-round value, even after his return.

Garrett (IA)

More likely to hit the game winning home run? Tex or Arod?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:07 PM)

Neither one, seeing as I think the way the lineup is stacked up, neither one could even represent the winning run. It'd have to go extras. Yanks don't look great this game.

Doc Brown (Hill Valley)

Great Scott, it's good to see you, Tristan. Quick, before the Libyans arrive, take a ride in the DeLorean with me. It's October, 2010. Who should I have owned in a keeper league for the past 15 months - Grady Sizemore or Justin Upton?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:08 PM)

Ah, Doc, you were one of my favorite characters ... I'd have wanted Grady Sizemore. More categories filled. I like Upton as much as the next guy, but I just see more overall value in the Indians center fielder.

boogedyman (behind you)

who you got in streak for the cash tonight?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:10 PM)

Pirates. Mike Hampton has a heck of a track record against Pittsburgh. And if the game ends quickly enough, I'd love to take the stab at the O's. And please, Mr. Boogedyman, let me sleep tonight?

Daniel (The BX)

Is it wrong to root for your fantasy pitcher over your team?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:10 PM)

My opinion is absolutely. It should be the eighth deadly sin. My rationale: You'll always remember your favorite team's titles; how likely are you to remember yours, say, 10 years from now?

Larry (LA)

Appreciate the OT... What's with Adam Jones lately?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:12 PM)

No problem, Larry, figured if I'm watching the game, why not stick around and chat a bit longer! Glad you're enjoying it. As for Jones, he was a bit nicked up recently, maybe some lingering issues there. I bet the break will do him some good. Come back, refreshed, I still can't doubt the guy, talented as he is.

prince fielder (milwaukee)

i will eat the boogedy man, after all, he is a vegetarian too. just show me the way.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:12 PM)

Are you suggesting the Boogedy Man is made out of vegetables? Odd.

Jeff (Silver Spring, MD)

You know you're killing me here--E. Santana or Cook?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:13 PM)

I'm a huge Ervin Santana fan. Always have been, might always be. Problem is, I fear the type of injury he has. He's showing you with his performance the risk inherent with these kinds of things. It might sound like a crazy call, but Cook seems safer to me. I'd pick him for 2009.

mike hampton (astros)

you say i have an excellent track record against the pirates but you take them to win over me?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:14 PM)

Sorry, Mike, sorry, I must have made a typo. Wrote that quickly -- guess I was distracted by Nick Swisher's completely uncharacteristic impatience that last inning. I did mean I'm picking Mike Hampton and his Houston Astros.

Pat (NY)

About rooting for your fantasy team over your real team,My fantasy team winning makes my wallet fatter and it is an accomplishment BY ME!!! Granted if it was Sept. and the Yanks needed a win that is a different story.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:16 PM)

Your wallet cannot possibly contain the same contents on, say, May 13, 2015, as it will today. And for that very reason, what is in said wallet is inherently forgettable. A real team's championship is in no way forgettable. But I respect your opinion.

Daniel (BX)

When your team is the Yanks, your team's titles are more frequent that your (or at least my) fantasy titles. And its just one game. Seemingly more meaningful for my fantasy pitcher than my team.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:17 PM)

But if you're a Royals fan, let's say, and they somehow did win one of these seasons, can you tell me you would have preferred the fantasy championship over your championship in that season? I find that hard to believe.

Garrett Atkins (Colorodo Bench)

Should I be dropped in most leagues or what?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:18 PM)

I'm an Atkins owner who is going down with the ship on him, apparently. You should hear some of the lowball offers I've gotten on him. For that reason it makes no sense to just let him go, though it's a deep league. I'll say I'm concerned; Ian Stewart beckons. In shallow leagues I can build you a case he belongs on the free-agent list.

Gersh (NYC)

Does it make sense to sit starters who are not automatic when I have a league leading ERA and WHIP plus a solid number of wins?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:19 PM)

If you're already nicely locked into your spots in those categories, certainly. It greatly diminishes your need to take risks. I'd be much more picky in your shoes.

Daniel (BX)

But I'm not a Royals fan. And I would still prefer a Yankee Championship to a Ricky Bloasco championship, but I'm just talking about a game here, not the season...

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:21 PM)

One game can often change a season. Just ask Mets fans. (Not a dig as much as they really will tell you what I'm talking about. They'll tell you a lot of what I'm talking about.)

Pat (NY)

Thanks for staying later!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:22 PM)

No problem Pat, but it's time to wrap things up for the afternoon. It's been fun, and thanks for all your questions. Sorry if I couldn't get to yours -- always so many to tackle. Anyway, take care, and may your fantasy teams all enjoy great success, in no way whatsoever at the expense of poor results from your real-life teams!