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Eric Karabell

  (3:00 PM)

Hello to all, and welcome to another fantasy sports chat session. It's a beautiful Wednesday in Connecticut today... we can talk baseball, football, even hoops if you so desire ... let's get to it...

Andrew (RI)

Good chat! Someone in my league wants my Lincecum, should I trade him for Derek Lee, Tulo, and Hill?

Eric Karabell

  (3:02 PM)

If I was drafting today, the first pitcher off my board would be Lincecum. Lee, Tulowitzki and Hill in one package is nice, but do you even have the room for all three? Not worth it if you're dumping usable offense pieces.

Ethan (Memphis)

Football Name Game, _____ is someone that will be on a lot of my teams.

Eric Karabell

  (3:03 PM)

I fear that Derrick Ward of the Bucs will be that guy. Fear in that I seem to be alone in thinking he'll be really good, which doesn't mean he will disappoint, but I do wonder why that is.

Eric K (Connecticut)

But really I'd prefer just baseball... Ha HA.

Eric Karabell

  (3:03 PM)

Wait, now I'm sending myself questions? Wow!

Lastings Milledge (Pitts)

I know I'm nuts but can I become a second half stud? Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (3:04 PM)

It's all in your head there Lastings. I've been saying since the trade that Milledge still has 25/25 ability. I expect he'll be back in the bigs by the end of July.

Nate (Boston)

Any predictions on when Seth Smith and Matt Diaz finally get to everyday playing ops?

Eric Karabell

  (3:06 PM)

So you're the one who read my Monday column! Thanks for coming aboard! I will venture to say there will not be everyday duty for either guy anytime soon, though. It's pretty clear how Bobby Cox feels about Diaz, that he's a platoon guy, and at some point they'll either deal Francoeur or play him. Smith is also viewed as a platoon option. Certainly if the Rox fall out of the race it doesn't help Smith.

Leo (Southern Cal)

PLEASE HELP: Paul Janish or Sowers from this point on?

Eric Karabell

  (3:06 PM)

The fact that a shortstop who has been lit up twice can be compared to Sowers at all is enough said.

Todd (Philly)

Eric - can you expand on why you think Frasor keeps the closer role when Downs returns - because you seem to be a huge advocate of Downs earlier this year - and he is "expected" back later this week.

Eric Karabell

  (3:08 PM)

Didn't say keeps the closer role, but that I could see Downs worked back slowly and Frasor stays in the picture for a possible timeshare. But I still think it's Downs' job most of the final months. And this week's Relief Efforts is up and posted, I believe... http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/baseball/flb/story?page=re090708

JJ (Maine)

EK, what do you think of this deal. I give up Burnett and Branyan and get Carlos Lee and Nolasco?

Eric Karabell

  (3:09 PM)

I like it a lot, but I also seem to be a very big Nolasco fan. Have him on many teams, some that I added him when he was sent to the minors, and am enjoying his resurgence. It won't stop, either. And Lee is fine, certainly no worse than Branyan even if he doesn't run.

Craig G. (Fairfield, CA)

Hey Eric, I enjoy the Baseball Today podcast and your articles. Can you rank the following rookies for my keeper league: Beckham, Weiters, Reimold, or McGehee. Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (3:10 PM)

Thank you! I still think Weiters will be the king of this group, then Beckham, Reimold and unfortunately McGehee last. But all should be good enough to use.

Tom (Florida)

Enjoyed your relief efforts article this week. McDougal over Meyers..why?

Eric Karabell

  (3:11 PM)

One guy unquestionably has the closer role, and Meyer has to share it. Plus, Lindstrom could, in theory, return in a month. Meyer will be a good pitcher with some saves, while MacDougal is not a good pitcher, but will accrue more saves. Such is the world of closers in fantasy.

cal (cal)

Corey Hart or Jayson Werth or Adam Jones, this year only, and is it close?

Eric Karabell

  (3:13 PM)

Most people would say Jones is first here, but I say it's Werth. Just look at the numbers. Very underrated. Then Jones, and Hart is third.

Matt (Denver)

I get Liriano, I give Cueto...is this s no-brainer or should I keep Cueto?

Eric Karabell

  (3:14 PM)

I wrote the Tuesday Out of the Box, and there were actually some people who contacted me to say they were sitting Cueto in Philly for that game, that we all should known. Ridiculous. Easy to say it after the fact, eh? Nobody could have known that would happen, with nine runs in 2/3 of an inning. It's bad luck. It happens. He had an off night. I still take Cueto over Liriano the rest of this season. Buy low.

John (Tampa)

Don't understand why you always rank bailey so high. In terms of just saves and era, is he really better than howell who i have now, even though he hardly ever gets a save opportunity in oakland?

Eric Karabell

  (3:15 PM)

Yeah, Bailey is a monster, and on pace for 114 strikeouts. Plus, don't look at his season saves total. He didn't get the job in April.

Sammy (NM)

EK, without sounding like I'm blowing smoke..., this has been the best chat in weeks. Can you give me your thoughts on Kinsler and Longoria. Both are elite talents that are struggling mightily. Are you concerned

Eric Karabell

  (3:16 PM)

Thank you, I do appreciate it. I have no concerns about Kinsler. He's not hurt, so it's just a slump. Longoria has been battling a sore hamstring for awhile now, but no, I have no concerns there either.

Shaun (NYC)

Do you see Chris Johnson this year similar to Tiki Barber those last few years where he did everything but get carries at the goal or do you think Lendale still gets 25% of the workload?

Eric Karabell

  (3:17 PM)

I don't see how LenDale scores double digit touchdowns again. Johnson is about to have a very nice season...

Matt (NY)

Werth or Ibanez the rest of the year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:18 PM)

Still Ibanez. Even with Werth stealing another 10 or so bases. You know, he could make a run at 30/30. But Ibanez hits for a better average and knocks in more runs.

Kevin (Stamford, CT)

Ive pretty much been punting saves considering I only have sherrill and mike gonzalez, should I just completely give up the category and trade these guys or stick with them just for those rare weeks i play the teams that are in the same boat as me (probably only like 3 out of 14)? BTW its a h2h league with 20 categories.

Eric Karabell

  (3:19 PM)

Sometimes having only one closer is enough to beat a team in h2h, so I wouldn't punt the category. I could really make a difference for the weeks you not only play a team with few saves, but why can't Sherrill out-save Papelbon in a given week? He absolutely can.

Mike (IA)

Is there any reason to hold onto Ryan Madson? Do you see him getting a significant amount of saves the rest of the season?

Eric Karabell

  (3:19 PM)

Significant? No. But I also don't see Mr. Lidge having a smooth final three months. Chan Ho Closer!

Bob (NY)

FOOTBALL keeper question. 1/2 ppr. Keep Forte in 5th round or Chris Johnson in the 8th? Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (3:20 PM)

I still trust Forte more, and I always want to keep the best running back regardless of draft pick lost.

Scott (Phoenix)

What's your feeling on Harden the rest of the way? Nowhere near the pitcher we expect.

Eric Karabell

  (3:20 PM)

Not at all. I figured he'd be really good in the 20 starts he'd make. Not this. Yuck.

Zed (Van Nuys)

Who's the better stash candidate: Bucholz, Tillman, or N. Feliz?

Eric Karabell

  (3:21 PM)

I think Baltimore's Tillman will make a nice impact. I don't see Boston's Buchholz coming to the bigs anytime soon. And Feliz might be in the bullpen.

Walt (LA)

Eric, can you rank these shortstops for the second half: Rollins, Tulo, Alexei.

Eric Karabell

  (3:22 PM)

Honestly, I think it goes Alexei, Rollins and then Tulo... but I'm not high on Rollins having a big second half.

Concerned and Scared :( (Not so Mighty Mets)

DROP Beltran??? The news ain't so good.

Eric Karabell

  (3:23 PM)

On the Fantasy Focus online show today I advocated giving up on Beltran and Reyes in a 10-team league. I mean, we're talking mid-August, at best, and would either of them run? I doubt it.

Reggie (Tucson)

In a league where Pablo is C-eligible, where does he fall in your rest-of-the-way C rankings?

Eric Karabell

  (3:24 PM)

I would take Mauer, Victor and McCann over him. That's it.

Cory (Dallas)

No speculation on Halladay's destination? With you being a pitching enthusiast AND a Phillies fan? I'm shocked! Great work, BTW.

Eric Karabell

  (3:25 PM)

I don't see how Philly can get him. They have prospects, and I would move Carrasco to get him, but I'd assume the Jays want a major league ready player. Like the Dodgers could move Kemp, who clearly Torre is not enamored with no matter spin he puts on it. LA could move Kemp, McDonald, they could make it worth while for Toronto. Angels could as well. Let Brandon Wood play, Jays!

Derek (CA)

Does Joba figure it out anytime soon?

Eric Karabell

  (3:26 PM)

This is Joba. Makes 30 starts, wins 10 of them, ERA around 3.50, good K rate. I didn't understand why people thought he was a top-20 starting pitcher right away.

Pat (TX)

Paul Konerko: is he a phoenix or a phluke?

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

He's a legit 30-100 guy, but I don't see how he keeps his batting average at .300. It's not him. Konerko hit .245 in June, but I don't see anyone talking about that today after he had a 3-homer game! Not saying sell high, but be careful here. He's not Adam Lind, after all!

Joe (NY)

you said you would get rid of (you mean trade, right?) reyes in a 10 team or lower, should i try trading reyes for rollins, tulo, or maybe even cano?

Eric Karabell

  (3:28 PM)

I know it sounds silly, but those other guys are all playing. Reyes is not. And there's no telling when he will play, or if he can steal bases.

Jason (Mass)

Pablo? The Panda? Does he keep this up?

Eric Karabell

  (3:29 PM)

Kung Fu Panda is fun to watch, isn't he? I would like to see him in the All-Star game... yeah, he can hit .320 all season with decent power. Totally legit. I've got him and Nolasco on so many teams...

James (KY)

EK,Enjoy the relief efforts every week. What to do with Lidge? Will things get any better? Also VMart for AJ Burnett in a H2H points one and done league? I still would have Soto and Wieters, good enough return or shop around more??

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

Thank you. I don't see how Lidge owners can move him for a top-10 closer at this point, so you just hope he saves 30 games and gets his ERA below 5 or so. Moving V-Mart is risky; rumor has it G.Soto is heading to the DL with an oblique pull, though Wieters is good enough to start. I'm just leery of dealing for pitching in h2h formats. Get your pitchers off the wire.

Pat's Cheesesteaks (Philly)

You don't think JA Happ, Kyle Drabek, Jason Donald and Dominic Brown gets it done for the Fightins?And who do you like better rest of the way, Jay Bruce or Ryan Ludwick?

Eric Karabell

  (3:32 PM)

ALL those guys for Halladay? C'mon. Philly wouldn't do it. Plus, Happ is totally legit. The Phillies need to get a starter to replace Rodrigo Lopez, not one of their current safe guys. They'd move Jason Donald easily. The others, I don't think so. I think they want to move Carrasco; they would have called him up already if they really liked him.

Nick (LA)

Ever since the Hairston trade, it seems like owners are trying to trade Gonzo because he has no "protection". Assure me that I should still hold onto him.

Eric Karabell

  (3:34 PM)

I can assure you that Scott Hairston was never thought of as Adrian Gonzalez "protection." Gonzo might not hit 40 homers, but there's no reason to be worried.

Michael (Atlanta)

I'm running out of healthy bodies and have to drop either Smoltz, Danks, or Harden. What say you? 10 team, roto, non-keeper.

Eric Karabell

  (3:35 PM)

It's Smoltz. Not that I'm giving up on him, but there certainly is risk there. Harden has more upside, and Danks is really a lot better than people think. Good, young lefty with a low WHIP and good K's.

Ethan (VT)

Kung Fu Panda > Zimmerman?

Eric Karabell

  (3:36 PM)

Yes. Check out Zimmerman since the hitting streak ended. Like watching David Bell or Geoff Blum.

Jack (VA)

You didn't answer Bruce or Ludwick?

Eric Karabell

  (3:36 PM)

Oh, sorry! Ludwick. Neither makes contact enough, but I trust Ludwick's power more. What a shame, Bruce is such a disappointment.

Marc (Toronto)

Roberts or Rollins? I know different positions, but I can slide Alexei over to SS and play Roberts at 2B...

Eric Karabell

  (3:37 PM)

Definitely B-Rob....

Nick (California)

What's the deal with Bedard? Should I rely on him the rest of the season, or look to trade him at the first sign of a good offer?

Eric Karabell

  (3:37 PM)

You mean the AL version of Rich Harden? Move him. His next injury and slate of missed starts is only a few weeks away. Hate to be negative, but facts are facts.

tom (hackensack)

michael turner, matt forte or chris johnson?

Eric Karabell

  (3:38 PM)

I say Turner, but there's also evidence that nobody can flourish after having a 370-carry season. But I think Turner will be the best here...maybe he's the first overall pick, too.

CB (Virginia)

When do you think it's OK to punt BA from ahead? For example, I'm 1st in BA with a .292 average, while 2nd is .286. Is there enough of a difference to where you can sell an Ichiro-type without major loss in BA?

Eric Karabell

  (3:39 PM)

I don't think it's enough of a difference that you can deal for Adam Dunn, Branyan or someone else likely to hit about their own weight the rest of the way. Really, six points in batting average is tough to make up, but easy to lose when everyone slumps.

Gabe (Davis)

Do you like fantasy baseball or fantasy football more?

Eric Karabell

  (3:41 PM)

I love them both... like my children. OK, those who have followed me for years know the answer.. but it doesn't mean I don't like the one I wouldn't choose. I play base, foot, hoops, and enjoy it all.

Matt (CA)

One time EK :)...Follow up with the Mets fellas...I have Beltran, Ibanez, Reyes, and Peavy all on the DL...i'm in a 8 team H2H league where EVERYONE makes the playoffs...are this still worth holding on to in this situation?

Eric Karabell

  (3:41 PM)

In that situation, sure. Just make the playoffs, seeding doesn't matter. But I still don't expect Reyes to run.

Nick (LA)

Assuming Carlos Quentin returns, and is hot for a minute, would you advise selling at first chance?

Eric Karabell

  (3:42 PM)

I'd think Quentin owners are so desperate for pwower right now, why move a guy who was going to hit 40 last season and win AL MVP?

Re: CB and Batting Average (IL)

You could still lose 6 points in batting average in a week at this point in the season. My team AVG is 280 right now, and every night that I hit .333, up a point; .222, down a point. Am I just misreading that?

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

Nope. Batting average still moves in July. In September not as much, but again, it moves down all the time. Hard to move it up.

Nick (Princeton)

Hi Eric, can you please discuss the Rangers closer situation? Is FF healthy and do you see him holding the job the rest of the season?

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

Yes I can. And on the second question, yes he will.

Ryan (SF)

One word answer. If the Dbacks trade Qualls, who takes over for him now that Pena is with CWS?

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

Jon Rauch. Oh wait, that's two words! Sorry...

Chad (NC)

Will the BoSox make a move for Atkins, if not or if so, how will Lowell's hiop be the rest of the way.

Eric Karabell

  (3:45 PM)

I'm hearing the Red Sox expect a healthy Lowell after the break... so I wouldn't panic on him as much as people are. I don't know where Atkins is headed. Could be Boston, but Lowell is still a very good player.

Don (SF)

Mark Reynolds, does he rake and run in 2nd half and keep the AVG over .250? Soriano, any hope ?

Eric Karabell

  (3:46 PM)

Remember when Howard Johnson went 30/30 and hit like .265 or something? Reynolds can do this. He clearly wants to run. I believe. And yes, there is hope on Soriano. He's streaky. Can still hit 30 homers... but don't expect steals.

B (Philly)

So at this point, EK, getting even .40 cents on the dollar for Beltran would be a good deal, right? 'Cause I think I'd actually be happy with that, as painful as it would be.

Eric Karabell

  (3:48 PM)

It sucks, but yeah. Remember, the Mets might not get him back at all. But they can't tell the fans that, or nobody would come to see them play. And other MLB teams would hold them hostage. You guys don't think MLB teams tell the truth, do ya? Sell Beltran if you still can, sad as that is.

President Barack Obama (1600 Pennsylvania Avenue)

I hold the power to veto any trade deemed unjust! I'm the commish (among other things) in a 12 team, mixed H-2-H league. I'm very lenient when it comes to passing trades but I have come across one that seems very fishy. The last place team who has not checked his team since May 7th suddenly made a trade with a contending team by shipping Hanley and Cain for Derrek Lee and Jimmy Rollins. I need to know, is this thing vetoable or what?

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

You'd better be sure there are hijinx going on before vetoing a trade. The way Lee is hitting of late, and Rollins' potential to hit and run, I can't veto that trade.

David (SoCal)

Same idea as the BA question. I am dominating in ERA and Whip(2.89 and 1.12) with half of my 200 starts gone. Should I fire sell a SP (Berdard, Haren, Cain, JJohnson, Vasquez, Oswalt, Kershaw) for a reliever?

Eric Karabell

  (3:50 PM)

If you need saves, or to stop your pace of starts, absolutely. But again, an ERA can be blown up quickly. Just ask Johnny Cueto. Good thing for you is Bedard won't make all his starts.. helps the pace!

B.J. Ryan (Toronto?)

Did I just get released? Where do I go?

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

BJ Ryan was released by the Blue Jays today. Hey, I've been telling people for two months not to own him, even when Scott Downs went on the DL. And now Downs is back. Ryan should find work somewhere.

Jake Fox (Chicago)

Will I get any regular playing time with A-Ram back?

Eric Karabell

  (3:54 PM)

Fox is starting in left field today, which is a good sign. IF he hits consistently, it's possible Milton Bradley plays less. Plus, could Fox catch?

Horton (Whoville)

LAST TRY: Sandoval or Aramis? Jenks or Howell?

Eric Karabell

  (3:55 PM)

Aramis over Sandoval... (more power) .... and Jenks. More chances.

Matt (NY)

EK, Dunn, Huff or Youk. Who would you want of the 3 for the second half

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

Easily Youk.... lightning round for 3 minutes here!

Bobby D (Boston)

Derosa? Finite!?!

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

Holding out hope he's back in 3 weeks...

JDK (ATL)

Is a pitcher named Homer destined for failure, or is Bailey finally bucking the odds?

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

Ha... but I'm not trusting him quite yet.

El Buzzer Beater-O (Que?)

Tony Romo .... what round should I take him in a 12 team league? 4th? 5th? 23rd?

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

Thought there would be more football talk today, what with our draft kit up... . anyway, Romo is clearly underrated in drafts so far, I think. Round 4 or 5 is about right... I've seen him go later. They'll be fine sans T.O....

Horton (Whoville)

Brees or Brady??

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

Brees... and I have Peyton second at QB...

Eric Karabell

  (4:00 PM)

OK, that's about all the time I have been given...wow, that was a lot of questions answered! Anyway, couldn't have done it without you, so thanks for the questions and have a great day... two more chats coming up tomorrow, and every day.... Adios.