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Brendan Roberts

  (2:59 PM)

All-Star Game Day, baby! I love the All-Star game. We're here to talk fantasy baseball, but I can slip in a few ASG questions if I see 'em. Let's get it on!

Dan (Silva)

Will Torre play Pujols the whole game? How great would it be if he hits for the cycle?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:00 PM)

Much of the game, but I can't see the whole game. Maybe 5-6 innings ... first base is deep position in the NL, after all.

Taylor (Portland)

Tejada or Furcal going forward? I've got em both, who should I look to trade?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:03 PM)

Well, I think I like Tejada going forward. I think Furcal will pick up his average mightily, but I'm concerned with the lack of steals. He plays for an aggressive manager, too. Without the extra steals, he can't be any better than Miguel, especially since he doesn't drive in a lot of runs. But trade-wise, it depends upon their name value. I'd trade either of them, Tejada if people think he'll keep hitting .329, and Furcal if you find a believer in a bounce-back. Dangle 'em both.

Taylor (Portland)

Is Joba droppable? I've already got Haren, Felix, Beckett, Lackey, and Danks. I'm finding it harder and harder to justify a roster spot for him, and no one seems to want him in a trade. Please (and thanks) help

Brendan Roberts

  (3:03 PM)

Whoops, two from the same guy ... real quick, I'd say you probably won't find the upside on the FA wire that Joba has.

Ryan (NJ)

Thoughts on Wieters for the 2nd half and beyond? Does he fulfill the promise of a Texiera type slugger at a scarce position? Or is he an overhyped Brian McCann?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:05 PM)

Overhyped Brian McCann? That sounds pretty good to me, and I think he will be a McCann type as soon as next year. In the second half? Not necessarily. He still looks a bit lost at the plate in at least 1-2 at-bats in the few games I see him. I think he'll pick it up the second time through the league, but not enough to be a top-5 catcher.

Eddie (Hoboken, NJ)

Only asking 1 question! Nolasco going forward. Must start, matchups, or not at all? He seemed like he had it together until the last start...

Brendan Roberts

  (3:06 PM)

The confusing thing is that game was against the D-backs (albeit at Arizona), not exactly a stellar offense. He pitched well at Boston and Toronto several starts ago ... and has been consistently good. I say must-start, except for maybe at Colorado or something like that.

Mike (Pitt.)

any info on Matt Latos (just brought up by the Pads)?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:09 PM)

Definitely someone to grab in a deep league, but I think he's too raw to help mixed leaguers right now (except in maybe 2-start weeks, which we're not sure he's going to get). He started the year in Single-A, and he's still only 21. Wasn't considered a big-time prospect, but he's been pitching lights-out, and the Pads are just seeing if maybe it'll translate to the bigs. I doubt it will consistently. His innings will be limited, and he plays for the Pads, so not many wins. And can't guarantee he'll provide the K and percentage numbers to justify a pickup.

Scott (Chicago)

Need to ask, how is Heath Bell rated so high in the new 250? Excellent closer, but will probably not see many opportunities (i.e. Lidge, Street, Francisco)???

Brendan Roberts

  (3:11 PM)

I beg to differ; he already has 23 saves. I think the impression is that bad teams don't produce high-saves closers, but that's true for really only AWFUL teams. The Pads are a light-hitting team, and when they do win, it's by a low score. They won't score more than 5 runs in a game very often, meaning if they get a good pitching performance, Bell can close it out. I think he's in line for another 18-20 saves.

Joe (Mets' world of Hurt)

Who do you like better for the second half Dan Uggla or Brandon Inge?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:12 PM)

Hmm, they're such similar players, and it's almost a toss-up ... We have Uggla higher in our Top 250, but I'd say Inge, simply because of the C qualification.

Andrew (RI)

Will drafting CC finally pay off in the second half?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:14 PM)

Many of our Top 250 rankers seemed to think it will, and I am inclined to side with 'em. He's such a strong second half pitcher, and the Yanks have done a relatively good job of preserving him for the occasion (and not overworking him, like the Brewers did -- and had to -- in the second half of 2008). I think he'll be a top-6 SP in the second half.

Bob (DC)

Hamels and Werth are rated 80 and 82 in the new rankings. I'm contemplating moving Hamels for Werth, but my gut says I'm selling low and buying high. Your thoughts?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:15 PM)

I'd probably agree with you on that. That said, this is the time for "category trades," and if you have K's to offer and need RBIs/Runs/some steals, then you can justify it that way.

Andy (York, PA)

Is Josh Hamilton worth keeping? What are your thoughts on him for the second half...thinking about trading him for a decent pitcher which I am in need of ???

Brendan Roberts

  (3:18 PM)

I doubt you can get fair value for him until he gets a few weeks in, but I'd keep him anyway. He's back, and he's already hitting, plus I heard from a reporter earlier today that he was itching to be in that Derby last night, and is looking forward to proving himself again after his injury. He's motivated -- and he's good! Keep him.

Help Me! Somebody Help Me! (Tampa Bay, Fl)

JP Howell? Will he be getting the saves? Is he worth a pickup in a mixed league?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:19 PM)

As far as I know, he's still the undisputed closer, and he deserves to be. Even after the weekend's mishap, he's still pitching well, and what I like is that he has been almost unhittable against righties. As a lefty, that's huge (since he's also good against LHBs). Not like CJ Wilson ... this guy can't stick in the role.

James (KnoxVegas)

Yo brendan- i'm thinking of trading Crawford for the second half bc most people seem to think he may drop off, and also bc i have Jacoby and a few other guys that can get me SB. What are your thoughts on that, and what player or group of players do you think i could target? Thanks man!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:22 PM)

I love your thinking, James. This is EXACTLY the kind of trade you make right about now, trading a stud who helps in a category you have excess in, and bolstering another category or two. And I'm seeing in my leagues that the high-SB guys are treated like premiums in trades right now. You know what? Unless you're loaded, I'd trade him for two good players, shoring up two positions. If you're loaded, don't hold out for anything below a top-20 option. He deserves that. But like I said, someone of his ilk can warrant asking for two great players.

Sum Guy (Lost Island)

Hey B-Rob how come Zorilla didn't get much love in the updated rankings?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:25 PM)

If you're talking Zobrist, which I assume you are ... well, 109th ain't nothing. It's above Bobby Jenks, Corey Hart, Vernon Wells ... I initially felt the same way, but then looking at the guys above him, I felt they mostly had a better track record of success. As good as he has been, he did slip and hit .271 in June. I'm still not sold he can maintain his first two months for a whole season, and obviously my colleagues agree.

John (Rye, NY)

Do you like Mike Lowell in the second half? Right now I have Ian Stewart playing third with him on the DL and have an abundance of pitching, are these guys good enough to help me make the playoffs or should I try to trade for someone moe reliable? 14 team h2h league btw.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:27 PM)

Hmm, 14-team h2h league? Yeah, I think they're good enough to justify. The thing I like about 'em both is they hit much better at home (or at least Stewart should, Lowell already does). So you can always rotate 'em in based on sked. And the Rox have a lot of home games over the next little bit here.

Ryan (NY)

Ludwick's recent surge: sign of things to come or fluke? Would you start him over Dunn, (-1 for k's)

Brendan Roberts

  (3:29 PM)

Definitely sign of things to come. I live in St. Louis, and watch a lot of Cards game both live and on the tele', and I could see a change in him weeks before the hits started to show up again. He's on again, and he's confident. I think he'll have a huge second half. Heck, you might trade for him in leagues you don't have him. Start over Dunn? Boy, that's close in a points league because of all Dunn's walks. I'd say most weeks I probably wouldn't, but you have to make room for both of them.

Kevin (Boston)

Tell me why Soriano is ranked above Victorino? I have both of them and can tell you Shane doesn't make me pull my hair out every week trying to decide whether I should let him put up another 7 days of crap for my team.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:32 PM)

Very good points, and the stats bear it out. But I think you might be guilty of comparing Soriano to himself rather than the rest of the fantasy community. Sure, he has been awful, relatively speaking, but he's still on pace for 27 homers and 98 runs. And he has been playing hurt. There's hope that his knee will eventually heal enough for him to be himself again. Plus, he's streaky. Owners shouldn't bail on him just yet.

Mike (NJ)

What kind of bat should I ask for if I'm offering Josh Johnson?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:34 PM)

Ya know, I could see trading Johnson in a Crawford-like deal (which I discussed earlier). He does already have name value, and I could see him wearing down a bit in the second half. I'm with ya there, and I think you target either two good players or directly attack a category you're week. Like if you need steals, grab a Victorino or Chone Figgins for JJ. Definitely should get a top-75 talent for him.

tyger (davenport, IA)

Doumit, Weiters, or Ianetta? carry 3 catchers because im -24 @ that position

Brendan Roberts

  (3:36 PM)

Hmm, I guess I could see that, starting Doumit when Iannetta has road weeks or Wieters is facing a particularly tough batch of starting pitching. Might lead to some (lineup) frustration, and I'd rather you plug and play, but those three guys all deserve to be on a roster, and you have 'em, so you have to adjust to that.

John (Tampa)

Speaking of Soriano...how soon does he get back on track (if ever), and until then who should I pick up to fill in for him: Dye, Ethier, Choo, Cruz? The new rankings say cruz, but dye has been very good for me the past couple weeks...

Brendan Roberts

  (3:38 PM)

I like all four of those guys, but I'd have to say Cruz, too. Should pick up again now that Hamilton is back ... As for Soriano, I'm seeing signs that his knee is getting better. In his series versus the Cardinals, he looked "lower" in his stance and seemed to load/lean back a bit more than in recent weeks, which is sign the knee "hinge" is feeling better. I think he could break out again soon.

Tom (MN)

What should we expect out of Sizemore and Aramis in the 2nd half after dealing with injuries?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:39 PM)

Far as I know, neither have lingering problems as a result of the injuries, so I'd expect good things from them.

Tony (Pittsburgh)

Hey Brendan. I see the new rankings and how some experts are split on Johan. Do you think he is big in the second half as he usually is or have his best years come and gone?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:42 PM)

Big second half (and I wasn't one of the voters). We can break down numbers all we want -- after all, that IS what we do -- but I pare this back to simple facts: His mechanics and velocity look exactly the same to me, he should have a little better defense with Frenchy in RF over Church, he pitches home games at a distinct pitchers park, he has a great track record (especially in the second half) ... and he's still Johan. Forget the wins, I think he'll pitch great. Go look at some of his second halves over the years and you'll see what I mean.

Ross (Vegas)

Brendan, Gordon or Lowell for the 2nd half?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:42 PM)

Lowell. I have doubts about Gordon's effectiveness still. Still hasn't addressed his problems hitting LHPs, and since he's an everyday player, that'll show in his average.

Justin (IA)

Cain for a-rod?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:44 PM)

A-Rod, for sure. I was a little surprised to see some of our rankers put him so low. 36th? 28th? I just don't get it. I think he'll have an A-Rod-like second half, and I'd put him probably in the top 10 overall.

Henry (STL)

What will be bigger? Derosa's real impact for the Cards in the 2nd half vs. Derosa's fantasy impact with Pujols in the lineup? Considering of course that he comes back from the torn sheath.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:47 PM)

And I have doubts he will come back even as soon as the Cards are saying. I don't think he'll be back until well in August, at the earliest. I'm no doctor, but that's the feel I'm getting from here. ... DeRosa is a fine player and a good fantasy option thanks to his versatility, but in my mind, he doesn't really "change a lineup" like many middle-of-the-order sluggers. He won't impact Albert, or vice versa, and I don't see the move to St. Louis raising his value at all.

Steve (MN)

Is Stephen Drew about to take off in the 2nd half as he did last year? Would A. Cabrera and Harden be a fair offer for him?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:48 PM)

I think he will take off, but you don't have to pay as if he will. I think that is a bit too much. Harden isn't pitching well, but his K's are still tremendous ... you should be able to get a throw-in there, at least.

Roger (Jacksonville)

In the new rankings Danks and Liriano are exactly back-to-back and I want to pick up only one of them. Should I go with pretty reliable or frustrating with huge upside? Thanks.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:49 PM)

As Matthew Berry says in today's "Called Out!" you either love Liriano or you don't. Depends on what side you're on. Funny thing is Danks is actually a very consistent pitcher, and Liriano is just the opposite, a boom-or-bust type. So what I'd say is if you're in a top-2 spot and want to protect yourself while shoring up positions, then you take Danks. If you are in a position to take more chances, go with Francisco. Personally, I'd say Liriano.

Chris (Boston)

Why isn't Beckham rated in the top 250? He's not better than Guzman or any of the others listed?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:51 PM)

Well, he'd probably be right there. If you look at the last 15 or so guys of that Top 250, there are a lot of NRs, meaning that if somebody liked 'em, they got onto the list. So even though you don't see anybody the Top 250, you can bet there are another 15 guys on THAT side of the list who are pretty close to the 235-250 group.

Chris (Denver)

Was surpised Andrus wasn't ranked higher, Doesn't his upside in steals make him more valuable than many of the "middle-of -the road" shortstops?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:54 PM)

Yeah, you're probably right, but then again, these are as much about perceived value as actual expected dollar value, and players like Andrus don't have much perceived value. Kinda like Willy Taveras and Nyjer Morgan (who is actually ranked LOWER than Andrus). They're one-trick ponies, although, like I said, now is the time to trade for those guys, and there's no doubt a team out there that is destined to want them badly.

Kelvin (Richmond)

Happ or Blanton going forward?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:55 PM)

Since coming to the NL, really, Blanton has posted a pretty decent K rate, and that was supposed to be his weakness. I am getting more and more sold on him all the time, and he should be a lot more consistent.

Eric (Orlando)

Brendan, I have a trade offer on the table that I want to take which involves me dealing a RP. Which RP do you trust to get more saves for the rest of the season, Kerry Wood or Chad Qualls (keeping in mind trade deadline).

Brendan Roberts

  (3:57 PM)

Your trade deadline is a good reminder, but I don't know that Qualls is on the block because I don't think he has a big contract for the D-backs to unload. I dunno, maybe he is. I'd still say him, but just barely. More because I've soured on K.Wood.

John (Pensacola)

Is Bartlett a good sell high now because of steals? What group could I target for him?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:58 PM)

I think he is. I shake my head on how unlikely this 2009 performance has been for him ... I get a lot of heat for that, but I think now is a great time to deal him for somebody good. Go after a stud starting pitcher or closer, I'd say, or maybe an outfielder. The best thing about him is that he's also a shortstop.

Bob (GA)

is Derrek Lee going to continue his power surge in 2nd half?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:59 PM)

I think he will. We've seen over time that his streaks can last for months ... and I don't see any signs of it slowing now. A great 1B option to own. One more question ...

All-Star Game (St. Louis)

Who do you have winning in the ASG Tonight? Who is your MVP? I got the NL and David Wright.

Brendan Roberts

  (4:01 PM)

Great one to end on. I like the NL as well, and Albert Pujols. I know, how boring, right! Well, I think the NL is deeper, and that Albert will get more at-bats than most others, so by just playing the odds ...

Brendan Roberts

  (4:01 PM)

And that'll do it. Enjoy the All-Star game, folks. And thanks for stopping by on a Tuesday. I'll be here again next week, same time, same place. Good luck in Week 15!