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Jason Grey

  (3:22 PM)

Hey guys, sorry I am late....covering for Brendan today and completely lost track of time...will stay late to make up for it...let's get to it...

Har (Vancouver, BC)

Is Derek Lowe done for this year??? He gets Zero run support and his Sinker Ball ways have been very innefective?? Do I Trade him away ASAP....??

Jason Grey

  (3:26 PM)

First off...I don't use run support as any type of evaluation for deciding on my pitchers, so don't worry about that part. With neutral luck he's probably still been a sub-four ERA pitcher, but the dip in the strikeout rate under five per nine is a bit troublesome, as is slight dip in velocity. I don't think ASAP is necessary, but I'm definitely exploring my options.

kevin (san jose, ca)

do i start baker and zimmerman today?

Jason Grey

  (3:26 PM)

I'm generally starting both of those guys each time out if I have them on my roster.

Todd (Pasadena)

Does Heyward get a Sept. call up? Do I hold a good waiver position in a keeper league for him?

Jason Grey

  (3:28 PM)

It's possible but that's tough to bet on. It also depends on how long-term a keeper league it is. Although he could be the starting center fielder in 2010, it also may take another year or two after that for him to really grow into being the impact bat he can be.

Todd (Pasadena)

Is there going to be fire where there is Smoak this year?

Jason Grey

  (3:30 PM)

He's advanced enough of a hitter that he can do some damage right away, yes. Just look at what Davis did last year, and Smoak handles the strike zone far better. Talked to him last week and he mentioned that he's still not dialed in with his swing from the right side, which given the numbers he's put up is hard to believe.

Thanasi (Brooklyn, NY)

What is up with Carlos Lee? I already have David Wright killing me in the power department. He seems to be late on a lot of fastballs when I watch him. Do you see anything wrong with him?

Jason Grey

  (3:32 PM)

Nothing that has me really concerned. I think he's hit a few more groundballs and has a lower HR/FB% than usual and that probably explains a lot of it, and they are small enough differences that it's not a huge deal, and could just be a half-season statistical anomaly. I'm not that worried about him.

Jason Grey

  (3:33 PM)

Cueto questions..

Jason Grey

  (3:34 PM)

If I had to venture a guess, I would speculate that it was likely due to the stiff back he's been battling recently. He supposedly had nothing in the 'pen warming up, but gave it a go anyway. His velocity was a touch down as well, lending credence to the back issue perhaps being the root cause. Doesn't appear to be anything long-term and he'll have the break to rest.

Dave (Iowa)

Whats the outlook for Ian Stewart? Would Andrus be any better of an option?

Jason Grey

  (3:37 PM)

It all comes down to category context. How badly do you need the speed? Do you need it more power. The answer may be different in each league. There's room for the average to move with Stewart significantly, not so much room for Andrus (but a little) so it's how badly you need the extra speed.

JoJo (Richmond)

Are you a believer in Washburn? Would you drop Maholm for him in a 10 team mixed league?

Jason Grey

  (3:38 PM)

I mentioned in spring training that Washburn was going to be severely underrated this season with his new sinker, improved cutter, and better OF defense. There's regression coming but he's still well worth owning compared to Maholm.

joe (pgh)

what do u make of the possibility of halladay being dealt? the NL would be nice I think.

Jason Grey

  (3:39 PM)

It would, as would getting out of the AL East but he also has a no-trade clause so they still have to get past that. Ask the Padres about that.

Tim (New Orleans)

Everyone has been talking about Andrus. But would you still rather have Theriot? Fewer steals but more of everything else.

Jason Grey

  (3:41 PM)

Agreed, but Andrus is available in 30% more of ESPN leagues so some don't have that option.

Ethan (Berkshire County)

Next impact prospect to get the call is ________?

Jason Grey

  (3:42 PM)

I don't necessarily look at it in terms of "next" because one injury can change that. In my Minor Achievements column each week I list the top 10 prospects for 2009 that are still in the minors. Names like Eric Young Jr (for the speed), Chris Tillman, Bud Norris, and Justin Smoak are on the list, for example.

Tom (Boston)

Ultra deep dynasty league question - people love the Sox system with Anderson and Buchholz, etc, but what about Hissey and Middlebrooks and Almanzar? Are they not prospects or do they just suffer in comparisons to guys like Kalish and Westmoreland?

Jason Grey

  (3:44 PM)

I think a large part of it is that none of the three (Hissey, Middlebrooks, Almanzar) have hit at all as a pro thus far. This year or last year.

Steve (Milwaukee)

Hey Jason, really appreciate your prospect advice. What your take on ETA/ceiling for these 'under-the-radar' pitchers in AA; Esmil Rogers, Dan Hudson and Jenrry Mejia? Thnx Much.

Jason Grey

  (3:49 PM)

All three can be big league starters, but all of them are a couple of years away from big league impact, even if they arrive earlier. I haven't seen Mejia yet (something I need to rectify) but have seen the other two, including Rogers last week. From what I've heard, Mejia may have the highest ceiling, but I need to see him first before committing to that.

Gabe (Davis)

Which SF prospect (Alderson or Bumgarner) will make it to the bigs first? Which one will have a better career?

Jason Grey

  (3:50 PM)

Bumgarner..and Bumgarner.

Thurston (Dayton)

Which 1B prospect will a) get called up first and b) produce more- Gaby Sanchez or Justin Smoak

Jason Grey

  (3:51 PM)

Sanchez most likely (how long can they go with the Bonifacio experiment) because the Rangers have some more options so they don't have to rush Smoak, but Smoak is by far, by far the better producer all else being equal. Just my speculation.

Josh (NYC)

Where would Mike Stanton rank among hitting prospects in terms of value in a long-term keeper league (not worried about immediate impact)?

Jason Grey

  (3:52 PM)

Top 10 - though he's struggled a bit since moving to Double-A. But he's 19 and it's early so it's not a big deal.

Pat (Brooklyn)

John Smoltz... is he done?

Jason Grey

  (3:53 PM)

I don't think he's done, I'm just not putting him on my roster outside of AL-only leagues.

Albert (PA)

Will Lindstrom even close when he's back, or is it safe to cut ties with him?

Jason Grey

  (3:54 PM)

Even if he does, he may not last in the role again, so I think it's safe.

Rick (Boulder)

Eric Young a top 10 2B in 2010?

Jason Grey

  (3:56 PM)

Possible if he were to get 500 at-bats, but as of now that seems a bit unlikely, if he's just in a UT role, which is more likely, he probably won't play enough to do that. He can contend for a SB title out of the gate if he plays.

John (NYC)

Who do you think are the Top 5 Shortstops?

Jason Grey

  (3:58 PM)

Well, Player Rater right now has them as Hanley, Bartlett, Jeter, Zobrist, Tejada.Though I think Rollins, Reyes (if he comes back early enough) and Tulowitzki can crash that list if we're just talkin in the second half

mike (bluejays fan)

whats your thoughts on ricky romero?

Jason Grey

  (4:01 PM)

I'll be the first to admit it took me a long time to come around on Romero, simply because I saw him be so unimpressive for such a long period of time and multiple outings, but that new changeup of his is legit, and sometimes a new pitch makes all the difference. I'm on board.

Steve (Boston)

Have Halladay, Verlander, and Lester as my big 3. Kershaw, Hamels, and T. Hanson my other 3 starters. Drop either for Kuroda, Romero, or Wolf? QS league. Thanks

Jason Grey

  (4:02 PM)

I have no problem sticking with what you have.

ret (rhode island)

which catcher would you put in your fantasy line up...weiters, ianetta, or olivio thanks

Jason Grey

  (4:02 PM)

Wieters

Chris (oak bay)

jemile weeks best 2b prospect in the minors?

Jason Grey

  (4:04 PM)

I'd still take Young for fantasy purposes - the question is if he can not get pigeonholed as a UT guy and get 450-500 ABs.

Grant (Chicago)

Any chance you've actually got a top 10 list for hitting prospects long term (You just mentioned Stanton's on it)?Would Aaron Hicks make it yet, or is it too early?

Jason Grey

  (4:05 PM)

Hicks is not on it.

matt (seattle)

What's with the excess of prospect questions? I mean Jason, if you had a nickel for every AAA prospect who was "raking" and had the masses (us) clamoring for a callup, would you be a billionaire? Agree or disagree: 95% of AAA call-ups are less than or as effective as what is probably on your league's waivers. If McCutcheon, Fowler, Beckham, LaPorta, Gamel or any other heralded prospect is helping you into the playoffs, please raise your hand.

Jason Grey

  (4:07 PM)

Well considering I do a prospect column each week and am the minor league guys when it comes to fantasy, I get a lot of them.oh, *raises hand multiple times* - Hanson, Fowler, Wieters, McCutchen, Beckham etc. Not everyone plays shallow mixed.

Jason Grey

  (4:08 PM)

The key to winning is often being ahead of the curve, and one step ahead of your opponents.

Frank (Columbus, OH)

Russell Martin is having a disappointing year... would any of these catchers be an upgrade in the second half: K. Suzuki, B. Molina, Y. Molina, M. Olivo?

Jason Grey

  (4:10 PM)

I think I'd stick with Martin, I debated pretty much this exact same question a week ago in one of my leagues, but I decided to stick with Martin.

Mike (Niles, IL)

What kind of information do teams keep on individual umpires? Scouting reports and statistics on strikes zones, or particular pitches (e.g. slider low and away) for which they are likely to expand the zone? Might this have fantasy relevance for what pitchers to spot start? Thanks

Jason Grey

  (4:11 PM)

I think the emergence of Questec and Pitch F/X has probably made it into a non-issue, with little to no significant impact, so it wouldn't mater for fantasy purposes who is calling the game.

Chris (Tampa, FL)

#1 waiver priority on Scott Hairston in AL only leagues?

Jason Grey

  (4:14 PM)

I think so. I made the decision to spend the bulk of my FAAB on him in one league where I had the second most to spend. I'd rather try to get the extra month of production than hoping some really good players move the AL way in a month. Kind of a "bird in the hand" thing...

Chris (Marlton, NJ)

Do you think Ryan Sadowski is legit?

Jason Grey

  (4:14 PM)

Wrote about him in my Hardcore column last Sunday...no.

B (Philly)

Has Brian Anderson turned the corner?

Jason Grey

  (4:16 PM)

Actually, he's been retired for several years, so I would hope so by now.If we're talking Brett Anderson, I've been kind of waiting for this. It's there, but given his age we have to continue to expect some inconsistency. Let's just say he's finally peeking around it.

Jason Grey

  (4:16 PM)

Ok, jokes aside - I know there's another Brian Anderson so my take on him is....

Jason Grey

  (4:17 PM)

..he's just not a major league hitter, legit defense, but can't hit.

Nate (MD)

Was Anderson>Cahill prior to the season?

Jason Grey

  (4:18 PM)

The prevailing wisdom at the beginning of the season was that Anderson was a bit more polished and major-league ready, but Cahill had the bigger long-term upside. If you choose one fot eh long haul, it's Cahill.

gregg (cleveland)

When do you think Tillman finally gets the call? Beat writer speculated over the weekend that he's one Hill or Berken implosion/injury away. You agree?

Jason Grey

  (4:19 PM)

I could totally see that happening... I mean they've called up everyone else form Triple-A to avoid rushing Tillman, who continues to dominate there.

rob (ma)

Jason, what does your scout?s eye tell you about Alexei Ramirez vs Stephen Drew?

Jason Grey

  (4:20 PM)

Although I do like Drew to turn it on in the second half, Ramirez is likely the better fantasy player thanks to the added speed dimension

Adam (Philly)

Prado worth a look in a 12 team mixed?

Jason Grey

  (4:21 PM)

I don't think so, it's an empty average at best, and he's likely one cold streak from being right out of the starting lineup again.

Beethoven (NY)

Should I start Maholm tonight and why/why not?

Jason Grey

  (4:22 PM)

Not my cup of tea. His stats aren't that good, and he's battling knee and groin injuries. Not something I want to sign up for.

mike (Beantown)

Sir Grey, do you like Bedard over Nolasco for the rest of the season? Doumit going to be a top 5 Catcher when he returns?

Jason Grey

  (4:23 PM)

Nolasco, and you'd have to convince me Doumit would stay healthy over the second half first. That's not been his strong suit.

Dwayne (Voodoo, MO)

B Anderson over Kuroda or Porcello?

Jason Grey

  (4:23 PM)

I'll take Kuroda as the safer bet

Terry (Grand Rapids, MI)

I have both Gallardo/Wainwright and Sabathia/Baker facing off against each other tonight, would you start all four pitchers?

Jason Grey

  (4:25 PM)

I generally don't worry about who the opposing pitcher is, because the you're trying to predict wins and that usually doesn't get you anywhere. I run the best pitchers I can out there regardless if they are facing someone else on my staff.

Mark (new york)

Shierholtz or Swisher?

Jason Grey

  (4:26 PM)

Swisher, until I see more of Schierholtz's raw power translate into game production.

Brad (Toledo)

Casey McGehee worth a look in 10 team mixed leagues?

Jason Grey

  (4:27 PM)

Too shallow for my liking, borderline 12-team, solid player for 14 and beyond.

Ben (Missouri)

Ichiro for Verlander? Have the like of Ross, Werth, Rowand and Hamilton back in the outfield. Middle of league in K's.

Jason Grey

  (4:28 PM)

Still seems like you may be running a bit thin in the OF, depends how many K points are in play (and ERA AND WHIP if apllicable) vs. how many AVG and SB points you could lose.

Jake (NY)

Any word on the Lefty the Jays are calling up for todays game vs the Rays ?

Jason Grey

  (4:32 PM)

Marc Rzepcynski - gave up a lot of baserunner despite a good ERA at Double-A and should have both command and control issues at the big league level now. Tough division to be thrust into, ask Cecil and Mills, both better prospects

Jason Grey

  (4:33 PM)

That's it for me today, thanks for being patient. I'll be back oin Thursday at 3 ET. I appreciate all the interest.