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Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:03 AM)

Good morning everyone! Let's get right to your questions...

Chris (Hoboken)

Hey Tristan.. I'm feeling beef tacos for lunch.. you? Furcal and Cory Hart for Nick Markakis in a head to head league with batting average as a category.. which side you taking?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:04 AM)

I'm taking Markakis, but I know he's a monster second-half performer, and yes, I think that career trend of his is for real. I could see a .320-plus batting average and 15 homers coming after the break. Not as convinced the other two will match up. As for lunch? Boring day, sad to report. Turkey sandwich, as you get cold cuts one day, they last you a few. Yours sounds tasty though, enjoy!

dan (Hawaii)

quick question for you... rollins or tulo for the second half?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:05 AM)

I'm going to say Troy Tulowitzki, though it's close, and therefore a good debate. My reasoning is that I've begun watching Rollins more closely lately, and from what I've seen, he doesn't look like he's playing at peak effort. Not that I want to criticize the guy, saying he's taking it easy, but there's something visible that hints maybe he's lost a step for some reason.

Kevin (Toronto)

Any idea on when Quentin returns from AAA? How productive do you think he will be in the second half?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:06 AM)

I keep hearing a possible weekend return, but it seems smarter to me to hold him out the three additional days of the All-Star break. It's a very serious injury he had, therefore I think caution is advised. He's the kind of guy who could belt 20 second-half homers, but will come with about as much risk as anyone in the game. I'll say I'm not one of his bigger fans, if that helps your decision-making.

Matt (In the D)

Coby Rasmus... You buying???

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:08 AM)

That he's capable of holding down a regular big-league job without any more minor league time in his future, yes, absolutely. That he's a second-half All-Star? No, not so much. I still think he's got work to do, haven't been wild about his plate discipline but I believe the guy will be a capable fantasy option the rest of the year.

Zeke (Philliesadelphia)

Good morning....Is it time to pick up Smoak? Leftover Rigatoni Bolognese today!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:09 AM)

Leftover pasta, nice. And yes, if I'm in a league where stashing guys can pay off in a big way, I'd be adding Justin Smoak. I believe it was Monday's chat in which I said it, but I'm adjusting my initial projection for his debut from Sept. 1 to closer to Aug. 1. I think it's pretty clear we're going to see him in Texas this season now.

Mike (New York)

What's the deal with Choo's military requirment? Is it something we need to factor in when we consider keeping him? He looks like he could be a 100r 25HR 25SB and 100RBI guy.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:11 AM)

To be perfectly honest with you, Mike, I haven't heard anything official on that front since the WBC, when all the speculation was his team's advancing to the finals might earn him a waiver. He'll have to serve his term by age 30 and he's 27, so it's not like Choo's 2010 is being threatened here. I'd say he's a fine keeper if you retain enough players to make it worthwhile (think eight or more, unless you're 12-plus teams).

Tim (DC)

Any reason to be optimistic about Milton Bradley in the second half? I expected he'd be hurt a fair amount, ornery a fair amount, but productive when he was healthy...boy have I been wrong.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:13 AM)

But he's hitting better than people think in his home games and maybe some of the missed time in the first half will keep him fresher for the second, and more likely to be in the lineup somewhat regularly (at least as often as he has been thus far). That said I don't want to offer you any glowing recommendation; I'm a Bradley fan because of his past per-game potential but even I have my doubts about him. I'd be hesitant to toss him more than a matchups-play recommendation.

John (Boston)

Should I drop Derosa? What your take on his wrist?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:13 AM)

I think it's odd that the Cardinals are saying one thing and he's saying something else. That makes it sound to me like more than a 15-day thing, so by all means, if you're in a situation where you can't afford to retain him, I wouldn't be terrified to let him go.

Greg (Pittsburgh)

If he goes to Philly, I can see Halladay being this year's Sabathia... Is he worth giving up whatever it takes in an AL-Only league?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:15 AM)

First of all, I don't see Roy Halladay going to Philadelphia, or anywhere for that matter, unless the Blue Jays do something incredibly stupid. The trade price should be way too high, is what I'm saying. But with regard to your question, I think Roy Halladay even as a Blue Jay could be "this year's Sabathia" in the second half, so yes, by all means go get him.

Steve (Miami)

I give Sandoval. I get Johan. Should I pull the trigger?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:15 AM)

Yes. And I'm a Pablo Sandoval fan.

Joe (Jersey)

is Hairston worth a pick up since he went to oakland. I am debating what to do with a struggling Jay Bruce and Chris Davis and may dump one

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:15 AM)

I would dump Chris Davis for Scott Hairston. In a heartbeat, if I could.

Kevin (Stamford, CT)

I hate Johnny Cueto

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:16 AM)

One of my worst calls on Monday. I don't think anyone saw that coming, and if you did, you're lying through your teeth. I don't know a person out there who was that terrified to start him.

JDK (ATL)

Trusty Tristy: Talk Tillman. Alliteration is fun.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:17 AM)

Good prospect, but I've seen many good prospects come through the Orioles' system and fail to amount to much as big leaguers. What I'm saying is I won't offer you any guarantees with Chris Tillman. But I do like that the team seems to be doing better on the scouting front with young pitchers, and it's not a foolish move for them to keep the kid in the minors all year, as I've been hearing. He'll be a candidate for the 2010 rotation. And a good one. Maybe he's next year's Jordan Zimmermann? I could see that.

Robert (Gilbert,AZ)

What's the deal with Joba? He hasn't had more than 6 strikeouts since Cinco De Mayo.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:19 AM)

I was at his last start and he looked dreadful. All of the bad things people say about Joba Chamberlain were right there for everyone to see. His command was shaky, his velocity was down, he had trouble putting hitters away and his fourth inning unraveled when Cody Ransom committed an error. I consider it an ominous sign that something's not right with him ... I won't forecast an injury, that's not what I'm saying, but the outing tells me you have to approach him with caution for the next couple turns.

GT (Asheville,NC)

You worried about Hanley? I can pick up Furcal or Elvis as a backup...which one would you want???

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:20 AM)

Not really, because if I was I should have been all season. Hanley Ramirez has missed games with various bumps and bruises all year and come back on a tear quite a few times. I think that might keep happening, though the decrease in his steals is frustrating. As for the other two, for those considering them, I'd probably still prefer Rafael Furcal.

Rob (Ohio)

Medium deep league, I have enough position flexibility that I'm choosing one from C.Guzman, Beckham, Polanco, Kouzmanoff, M.Izturis for my last spot. I can roster a couple of them. Mix and match, or do you like one? (also, I sat Cueto, not that I suppose I was expecting that bad a start!)

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:22 AM)

And there you go, the point being that using Johnny Cueto was a viable question seeing the matchup and the road assignment, but I won't believe for a second anyone expected such a miserable outing. Besides, I will always pick talent over the matchup. And of those players, I've got this feeling Placido Polanco is going to be in for a pretty decent second half. That'd be my guy.

Gary (St. Louis)

Drop Unit at this point for Blackburn or Washburn?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:23 AM)

Yeah, I would. At his age, Randy Johnson is probably not going to have the swiftest of recovery times. And of those two I'd pick Nick Blackburn, if only because I'm confident that I could more accurately pick the right matchups with him. (Mostly the home ones and the roadies against weaker offenses.) I very much like "easy matchups" guys; it's why I've liked Wandy Rodriguez for a very long time.

C (Houston)

How dynamic do you see Milledge being when he works his way up to Pitt's OF in the second half? Would you drop Randy Winn for him if you could afford to wait for him?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:25 AM)

I've got these very two outfielders on one of my key NL-only teams and I wasn't about to let Winn go, but I also felt it very important to roster Milledge. I think he's going to get an opportunity with the Pirates, who made a nice move there getting him so cheap. I'd ask you if you have a lesser option than Winn to keep, because the alternative would be I'd advise you to closely track Milledge's minor league performance and the news on a potential promotion.

Xavier (Seattle)

Gmornin' T! We always hear about lunch, but what was for breakfast? Thoughts on whether Ryan Dempster should be dropped or not in a 10 team mixed? Supposedly two weeks until he even gets an x-ray so it could be a while before he's back. Drop him for Kuroda?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:27 AM)

I actually rarely eat breakfast, and that's partly because the usual staples for that meal are generally so unhealthy, and too much fruit means too much acidic content. But the key question here is Dempster. It's a shocking piece of news to me, as a fellow colleague and mine raised our eyebrows to word of that, essentially saying, "Boy, I didn't even know he was hurt!" You can read in "Out of the Box" the details of what happened, but I do believe the team's coaching staff more than Dempster himself. I think he's done for July, but could be fine come around Aug. 1. Does that mean he's droppable? Probably not, but I don't know the depth of your league. Hiroki Kuroda would be a respectable replacement for now if you're in one of those uber-shallow leagues.

The Antagonist (Center Stage)

My patience with Magglio is growing thin - tell me why he will bounce back this year!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:28 AM)

I can't. He's hitting a ton of ground balls which has me believing he's got a lot of work to do to snap out of his season-long funk. Even the most optimistic turnaround I could see from him wouldn't get him close to the top 20 fantasy outfielders.

Tom (NJ)

Hi Tristan. I need help in the SB category and I don't want to sacrifice average. I think I can get Gardner in a trade or I can pick up Milledge from waivers. What do you think?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:30 AM)

Well, that depends on your league because I think the Yankees would be the first to admit that you don't roster Brett Gardner because you expect him to do much for you with the bat. What he offers is 30-steal potential; he's a quick dude. There are leagues where he's easily the better pickup of these two right now, but the more shallow your format, the more I'd advise you grab Lastings Milledge because of the upside.

Julio (NY)

What do you expect from Alfredo Aceves tomorrow @Minn? Also, his long-term value.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:31 AM)

Nada. Or, at least, nothing that would make me say "go get 'im, folks, he's gonna win your day!" I can't see Aceves being on much more than a 70-pitch count, meaning this is an opportunity to lock down that rotation spot on a more permanent basis, and nothing more. That doesn't mean I don't like what Aceves has brought to the table thus far or could looking forward, but this is an evaluation start, period. AL-only owners should scoop him up, and the rest of you should monitor him and see if he's as effective as he was in relief to begin this year.

John (Mpls)

I give Cueto and I get Verlander. I leave here and take this offer before it's rescinded, right?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:32 AM)

Yup, and yet I like Johnny Cueto. I just like Justin Verlander more.

Fact Check (NY)

Luke Scott - discuss why he's still sitting against certain lefties when he's mashing them this year. He's been one of the top hitters in MLB on per game basis.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:34 AM)

I don't have enough time during a chat to examine closely the specific starts Scott has gotten against left-handers, but when you tell me something like that the first thing that comes to mind is that the Orioles must be doing a smart job picking and choosing which games he starts against southpaws. He's probably not playing against the CC Sabathias of the world, I'd imagine, but rather the Jeremy Sowers types, so it'd make sense. And that's just my speculating. The bottom line is that Scott mashes righties, and is underrated for his skills, and I do think he'd be capable of playing every day but the truth is that his use isn't really hurting his value as much as you'd think.

Phil (Yonkers, NY)

I heard Tim Hudson is doing well in rehab. Thoughts on him for this year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:35 AM)

Last I heard there was talk of bringing him back as a reliever. Ultimately Hudson had Tommy John surgery the first week or so of August last season, so there's no way I'm expecting much from him in 2009. I do think with a strong rehab and a few good outings down the stretch that he'll be a 2010 sleeper/bargain bet.

Rip (Denver)

Do you like Meyer or Nunez going forward? Temp or long term?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:37 AM)

Long term it's unquestionably Nunez. I think he's got the makeup to close. And I'd probably pick him in the short term, though barely, if only because he's the righty and managers more often use them to close based on the nature of their being more righty players in baseball to match up against. Dan Meyer would be a great pick in games against the lefty-heavy Phillies; I do think he'll get continued work in the role on a matchups basis.

Petey Pete (BIG APPLE)

JAKE FOX. How does pinella keep him out of the lineup? Is he worth holding onto?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:38 AM)

It's all about defense, though it probably shouldn't be. Not like I think Milton Bradley is any awesome outfielder. To me, Fox offers way too much offensive potential to a team that sorely needs it not to give him five starts a week, be it at first base, third base, left field or right field. But I don't manage the Cubs, I just advise you about a sleeper who should get more chances looking forward.

justin (atlanta)

take a shot on Homer today? Phillies can't score another 22 runs ... right?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:38 AM)

Not a chance. He'll live up to his name.

Joshua (Albany)

Where do you predict Wright will finish (player rater wise) for the second half?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:39 AM)

Well, it'll be a top-10 number, and that's really what you're asking me. For the fun of something specific, let's pick his uniform number five.

Deriek (Eugene, OR)

Great K performance by Bedard, is he back and better than ever?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:40 AM)

That was a very impressive performance, and to those of you who might not have been aware, understand that he was only out of the game as early as he was because he was on a limited pitch count. He'll be on another one in his next turn on Sunday, but I do think he's 100 percent once again and should be fine for the second half. That said, with Erik Bedard, I'll never say "better than ever," because he's a risk, plain and simple. I just like the per-start potential, so I'll say "as good as usual."

Will (Richmond, VA)

Would you put Cueto in your lineup in his next start against the Mets, or do we need to see that he gets his control back?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:41 AM)

There are very few pitchers I would not start against the Mets right now.

Rob (Missouri)

Where did you hear that Hudson was coming back as a reliever? He is supposed to make his first rehab assignment on July 19th and, as long as he doesn't have any setbacks, he should be back by mid-August.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:44 AM)

There was an AP report back in April that suggested he himself was pitching the idea. I'm not saying that's a certainty as his role, and to be honest, that I answered the previous question as I did shows that I'm just not expecting very much. You said the key words: "As long as he doesn't have any setbacks." Well, he sure could. Even on your timetable that's maybe six weeks' production, and there's just no way I'd have him active for his first two starts if he's even a starter when he returns. I do like Hudson's chances at a full recovery in future seasons, but I'm just skeptical he's going to amount to much this season. That's been a historical trend with me; I don't like the big names who miss almost the whole year and then come back for maybe five September starts (Pedro a few years back!). There's way too much hype surrounding them, way more than is deserved.

Rick Porcello (Play Pen)

Tell Jim Leyland to stop babying me and let me pitch!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:44 AM)

That's just the way it is in baseball with young pitchers. I'm not saying it's right, just saying it's fact.

ed (nyc)

Based on his recent performance, shouldn't Wainwright be ranked higher on the Daily Notes pitching matchups going forward?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:46 AM)

It's up to each individual writer to rank his pitchers accordingly, and I don't say that as any knock on anyone's opinion. I do think Adam Wainwright is a guy for whom people do have a wide array of opinion; mine ranks among the higher of the people I talk to. I think he's very capable of contending for top-10 status looking forward, and would agree with you. But then I don't know the specific rank you're referring to; remember individual matchups very much come into play with our Daily Notes.

Brad (MA)

PHIL HUGHES - Tell me he gets back into the rotation sooner than later....

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:48 AM)

Sorry to break it to you, Brad, but I don't see it happening. I think the Yankees finally realize what Hughes can offer them in a setup role and they've got him locked in very nicely into what appears the eighth-inning role bridging to Mariano Rivera. It's a useful enough one for AL-only leagues, but yes, you're right, it limits his overall fantasy appeal. Funny how Hughes now seems to be in that very spot that people would prefer Joba Chamberlain in, and yes, I readily admit I was in that camp with Joba (and might still be, but as I've said before, that's a long discussion and we don't have the time or space for it here).

Tony (Manchester (Across the Pond))

Can we do some Rapid Fire, Tristan? Soriano revs it up in the 2nd half as usual? Also... good adds right now in a 12 team keeper: H.Matsui (interleague over, better than S.Hairston, Teahen, Diaz, Prado?)

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:49 AM)

Never opposed to rapid fire. I do think Alfonso Soriano rebounds a bit in the second half, as do the Cubs now that Aramis is back, though "as usual" might be stretching it. He's aging, after all. And among adds, I'd go Matsui barely over Hairston, but I like the ballpark and the lineup better, that's all.

Matty (Harrisburg)

Downs or Howell post-ASB?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:49 AM)

J.P. Howell. Filthy stuff.

Brandon (Albany)

Is Erik Bedard fair trade value for Matt Kemp?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:50 AM)

I'd rather have Kemp, but that's Bedard's level of injury risk leading to that decision.

Adam (Delaware)

One word answer please: Liriano or Lackey? I'll make it easy for you, just complete the word after L______

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:50 AM)

I'm going to keep hitching my wagon to Francisco Liriano and saying that I've got this sneaking suspicion he's just a guy who needs awhile in a season to get up to his full form. I bet he shapes up as a very good second-half player.

Jesse (Toronto)

The preseason knock on Adam Lind was that he couldn't hit against lefties. If Adam Lind continues at his present clip, he will finish the season as a .300 -35-110 guy (.309 avg vs lefties). I should have no second half concerns, right?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:52 AM)

Nope. Not really. Had a chat with a colleague of mine about Mr. Lind last night, and my comment to him was "his basement career expectation should be Raul Ibanez" (and understand that's career, not Ibanez's 2009 alone). I received no objection to the statement, and if you read into that enough, you'll understand how valuable Lind can be looking forward.

Greg (Albany, NY)

Marcum: same answer as Hudson? Good DL stash in a keeper (last rd cost for 2010 then)

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:53 AM)

Yes, though I think Tim Hudson has done more over the course of his career to earn your faith, as keepers go. He's also a ground-baller with good command ratios, and I think that provides him a bit of an advantage in what's really a long road back.

jack (Hi)

Mid-seasons rankings wil be posted__________?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:53 AM)

I choose not to spoil the surprise, but let's just say you will not be disappointed with the material we have on the horizon for you.

James (Scranton)

Better Dynasty Keeper: Adam Jones or Elvis Andrus? Why might you choose one over the other?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:54 AM)

I choose Jones because I think he offers more with the bat and is closer to his true long-term potential, even if Andrus has the position scarcity advantage.

Bill (TX)

Is Randy Wells legit, or is this smoke and mirrors? Another good game Monday night...

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:55 AM)

No, I think this is legit, at least to the point where he belongs on fantasy rosters and for the time being rarely warrants being reserved in fear of the matchup. Note that I'm not going to toss a massive long-term investment behind him but I'll toss a fair share of credit for his performance his way.

Jerry (BeanTown)

Better keeper with the same draft value, Lind or Adam Jones?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:55 AM)

Adam Lind. Might just be that I've been a fan for longer.

todd (philly)

whom would you stash given the choice - Peavy or Webb?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:56 AM)

Jake Peavy, but I've been saying since one of my "Out of the Box" columns a few weeks ago that I'm buying into the threats that Brandon Webb's season is over.

Ben (SF)

J.A. Happ has been very solid, you buying?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:57 AM)

Yes, with the only possible knock on the kid that I wouldn't use him in a home start against a loaded lineup, especially one that is very righty-heavy. Accounting for that I haven't really excluded very many of his matchups.

Joe (Chicago)

Who has better stats for the rest of the season: Duke, Washburn, or Marquis?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:58 AM)

Darned good question, because it absolutely could be any one of the three. I'm terrified by the prospect that I believe in the Rockies, and therefore have to in Jason Marquis as well. I'm being totally honest with you. It's the very first thing that popped into my mind, and that means you cannot dismiss the guy. Who has the best stats? Gut says it's Zach Duke, but again, it could be any of these three and the previous point sticks very firmly in my mind.

Jim (Boston)

Beltran enough to get Youk?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:00 PM)

If I could make that trade I sure as heck would. And if I had Kevin Youkilis' side, I sure as heck would not. If Carlos Beltran's knee really isn't healed yet, and we did hear those recent nasty rumors about microfracture surgery, it's not so much that I think the guy's career is wrecked as much as I don't believe he has a chance to come back this month. And with the time we have left, the math makes it obvious it's Kevin Youkilis. By all means try, but I wouldn't be shocked if you get a chuckle in response.

Steve (ND)

McCutchen or S. Hairston, today only.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:01 PM)

Another question where I don't have the time available during the chat to examine what Scott Hairston's numbers are against a knuckleball, but I see Wandy Rodriguez as Andrew McCutchen's opponent and think that Hairston is probably the stronger choice.

Ryan (LA)

THC, please finish the following sentence. If I was in need of a multi-position guy, especially at 3rd, I would take________. a.) Reynolds b.)Branyan c.)Sandoval or d.) McGehee

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:02 PM)

Pablo Sandoval, but I love Pablo Sandoval, no matter what I said about who I'd trade Pablo Sandoval for earlier in the chat.

The Timekeeper (Watching the Clock)

Times up for today

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:02 PM)

Says who?

Damon (Boston)

Come on Tristan, help me out real quick! In a keeper would you prefer Berkman and Street or Votto?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:03 PM)

The gut tempts me so to take Joey Votto's side, but with the issues he had earlier in the season I think there's just enough risk evident, not to mention enough upside remaining in Lance Berkman's bat, that I'd prefer Berkman's side.

The Evaluator (Home)

Tristan Cockcroft is a top ______ fantasy owner

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:04 PM)

Sadly not the top one this year. But half a season is down and I don't give up, and I believe only one of my teams is clearly not going to be in the race.

dt (wantagh)

come on i need a quick question answered nelson cruz for real

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:05 PM)

If you mean to his current pace of 40 homers and 100 RBIs, probably not quite, but if the question is related as to whether he'll remain consistently valuable, then yes.

Ryan (Boston)

ONE MORE! Quick and easy: Volstad or B Anderson?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:06 PM)

I wouldn't want either one in my lineup for every remaining start, and when asked a question such as this I need to make that crystal clear. Overall I'd be picking Chris Volstad; I see a higher probability of useful matchups even if Brett Anderson's upside is a little higher. A bit more risk/reward in the Oakland rookie.

Jason (Ellicott City, MD)

So is Miggy the answer?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:08 PM)

Mistaken click, Jason, as I hit one question's button and yours posted, but if you really want to know about the teeter totter, I have no idea. Depends if you believe in the listed weights of players. What I do know is that what's listed on his player page would have me saying it's a flip of a coin.

Chet (Philly)

David Price tomorrow ... how does he fare?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:09 PM)

I don't think all that well, but I also was impressed enough by the Blue Jays' ability to work the count during the weekend Yankees series, and the team does know these are important games in the division race.

The Timekeeper (Watching the Clock)

It really is time to stop

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:09 PM)

OK, so it is. Lunch does call, after all. But thank you to all of you for your questions, and sorry if I didn't get to yours. Take care everyone!