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Eric Karabell

  (3:00 PM)

Hello all and welcome to another fantasy sports chat session. Glad to be here. Lots to get to today, including breaking news on a baseball trade... let's go!

Ryan (Hartsville, SC)

Who gets Adam LaRoche's PT? It makes sense that Garrett Jones would move to 1B and Lastings Milledge would get the call-up to replace Jones in the OF. But then again, it is the Pirates, and common sense doesn't always rule. What say you? Is Milledge finally going to get the call up?

Eric Karabell

  (3:02 PM)

Yes, I think that has to be something that happens, and soon. I'm not sure Milledge wouldn't have gotten the call anyway, though. Garrett Jones homered again today, he's a monster! Honestly, I don't think he'll hit 30 home runs, but don't you have to take a look at someone in pretty much every league who has hit 9 home runs in what, 16 games? And I like Milledge for fantasy.

Lue (Philadelphia)

Should I drop Bengie Molina for Ryan Doumit? I'm in 4th place in a rotisserie league, so I think I need to roll the dice on somebody with maybe for upside.

Eric Karabell

  (3:04 PM)

Doumit has hit a pair of home runs today, and yes, he has more upside than Bengie does. Bengie really hasn't done a whole lot the past month or so. Roll those dice!

Jason (Ellicott City, MD)

Will the Orioles trade Sherrill for Brandon Wood?

Eric Karabell

  (3:07 PM)

Anything's possible. Wood hasn't done much - again - with his at-bats and it's clear the Angels aren't enamored with him. The Orioles should move Sherrill, and getting Wood back wouldn't be a bad move.

Brandon (Fayetteville, Arkansas)

What do you think Pedro will be like this year? Is he worth picking up?

Eric Karabell

  (3:10 PM)

I wouldn't bother in a standard league, but in NL formats and deeper ones, I view him the way I do others who either come from the minors as non-top prospects or old veterans making one last whirl: Stash him away and see if he's worth it, but don't drop anyone great to get him.

Jon (There)

Adam LaRoche's fantasy value just hit rock bottom, yeah?

Eric Karabell

  (3:11 PM)

If you tell me Mike Lowell is going back on the DL, then no, LaRoche's value went up. As long as LaRoche and Lowell split at-bats, which seems the only logical thing to do under the current situation, then neither are worth much. Not like LaRoche was having a great year anyway, though.

CB (Virginia)

Sit Porcello until he shows us a QS? Him or Bucholz for the future?

Eric Karabell

  (3:14 PM)

Regular readers/listeners know I am clearly on the Porcello bandwagon, but the way he's been pitching and knowing how his innings will be regulated carefully, I think Buchholz is more valuable. Plus, I think this Wakefield "injury" is a reason to keep the kid around. In future weeks maybe Penny and Smoltz suffer the same type of "injury!" Buchholz looks nothing like he did in 2008, when he got lit. He got a dose of reality, has much better command of his fastball, and is tough to hit. He's legit.

John (Dallas)

How much stock do you put in fluke fantasy closers? I got offered Justin Upton for Ryan Franklin, but Franklin is an all star, and the young Upton is struggling again.

Eric Karabell

  (3:15 PM)

I don't think Franklin is necessarily a fluke. He might do this all season. But he could have a Blutarsky-like ERA of 0.00 and I'd still take a 30-100 hitter like J-Up. Depends on need, I suppose, but no closer is worth a top-25 hitter, and I think Upton is there already.

Joe (Washington DC)

Has anyone asked Joe Torre why Matt Kemp is still batting 8th? It is seriously ridiculous that a hitter that good it batting 8th. I haven't heard any reasonable explanations from anyone as to why that arrangement makes sense.

Eric Karabell

  (3:17 PM)

I don't know the reasoning either, but so what? I mean, Kemp is putting up terrific numbers. Fantasy owners look at him and assume if he was hitting fifth his stats would be so much better that it's worth complaining about? I don't really see it. Sure, he might have more RBIs, and if he hit 2nd in the order more steals, but this is still a tremendous fantasy option. Why Torre does what he does I can't fathom.

Craig G. (Fairfield, CA)

Hey E.K., love the Baseball Today podcasts with Peter. I picked up Garrett Jones before he started smashing my Giants last weekend and have been reaping the rewards! What's wrong with the Giants? Are they just awful if Lincecum or Cain isn't pitching?

Eric Karabell

  (3:20 PM)

Thank you. We have a good time on that podcast. Jones looks pretty good again today, and he just mashed a double off a lefty, Mitch Stetter. Anyway, the Giants' problem is the offense, not the back of the rotation. Score some runs, Pablo!

Brian (Vancouver, WA)

Eric, Follow up to your Jones comment. Please rank for 2010 for deep keeper leagues: Span, Milledge, McCutchen, Garrett Jones. Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (3:21 PM)

I can't put Jones in that class yet. He could be Shane Spencer for all we know. Just own him and see what happens. And he's not young. Among this crew for keepers, I think McCutchen, then Milledge, Span and Jones... for now.

P (Boston)

Is Garret Jones more of Nelson Cruz or a Chris Shelton?

Eric Karabell

  (3:22 PM)

That's the problem, it's still too early to tell. I remember that Shelton April, everyone loved him. Now look at him.

David (Atlanta, GA)

Fantasy points in WHIP and ERA can be gained or lost just as easily as home runs and RBIs. It's a fallacy to undervalue pitchers and that's why your own player rater uses a MATHEMATICAL formula to unbiasedly rank players.

Eric Karabell

  (3:23 PM)

I agree. In fact, I would argue it's much easier to move up or down in ERA and WHIP so late in the season than it is the counting stats, except maybe stolen bases.

Eric (Fort Collins CO)

Eric...How about some football!! Would you pick two straight stud WR in PPR leagues if you had the last pick in the first round?

Eric Karabell

  (3:24 PM)

Yes, for the first time playing fantasy football I would this season. There is a clear top tier of wide receivers this season, making it look like running backs normally do. And really, I didn't like my own options in the rankings at RB late in round one. I'd take Andre Johnson there in a PPR.

Adam (Chicago)

Is Aramis Ramirez dead? Doing OK today, but has looked terrible since coming back. No one in the chats is bringing this up.

Eric Karabell

  (3:25 PM)

More than OK today. I think his shoulder really hurts, but he homered over the weekend, he'll knock in runs regardless.

Noman (DC)

Hey come on Chris Shelton is a big-time backup for the Mariners, sitting behind Mike Sweeney. Dont say he never beame anything!

Eric Karabell

  (3:25 PM)

Hey, he is a major leaguer... I am jealous.

Noman (DC)

Start Buchholz tonight in Texas? He's looked good, but its Texas.

Eric Karabell

  (3:26 PM)

Why not? It's not like a ton of runs have been scored so far in that series. Over the course of an entire season places like Arlington and Coors and Philly are more likely to allow oodles of runs, but on a game to game basis, people get too scared...

Chris Tillman (Baltimore)

I'm getting no love in this chat.

Eric Karabell

  (3:28 PM)

You'll be getting a whole lotta love next week when the Orioles call you up... get him now in fantasy, people.

Brian (Vancouver, WA)

Morrow was drafted before Lincecum (thanks again Bavasi), is there a reasonable chance Morrow becomes fantasy relevant? Starter or closer?

Eric Karabell

  (3:28 PM)

There's a very good chance Morrow becomes relevant in some role. He has a great arm. We just don't know when that will be. Probably next season in the rotation.

im (Boston)

Eric..love your work....10 team keeper, where we keep all 33 players.......I need a catcher....trade Starsburg

Eric Karabell

  (3:29 PM)

I do hope the Nationals sign him. I don't think they will. But in that deep a league it might be worth it to wait for Strasburg to get redrafted next season.

Frank (Baltimore)

Time to cut bait on Wieters for 2009? I know he has just started to face pitchers for the second time, but he has been slumping big time since the ASB.

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

Definitely do not cut bait. He might not be a top-5 catcher the rest of the year, but he will be very good. Just need more patience.

John (STL)

Is Gregg ranked above Bailey more for save chances or because he'll be able to keep the ERA/WHIP down as he has lately?

Eric Karabell

  (3:31 PM)

Gregg is a legit veteran closer who should get more than 30 saves. Bailey is a rookie. The rookie might have better peripheral stats this season, but I'd still rather have the safety of Gregg. And Gregg's on a decent team.

Mike (San Diego)

The answer to this varies among analysts, but what are your thoughts on owning multiple guys on one team? For example, I own Rollins, Utley, Ibanez, and Victorino and they all start. I just feel like you want to throw out your best guys no matter what, especially in H2H leagues.

Eric Karabell

  (3:32 PM)

I don't think owning a lot of players from the same team is a problem in baseball. You get a few rainouts in a row and maybe you get a problem in a h2h league, but still, own the best players, good things happen. It's not like fantasy football when one bad game kills your week.

Eric Palmer (Rockwall, Texas)

Hey Eric, which preseason can't miss OF do you think will be better down the stretch? Josh Hamilton or Grady Sizemore?

Eric Karabell

  (3:33 PM)

I would take Hamilton. I think he's about to get going and show off the power. Sizemore still has a balky elbow that needs surgery. I can't imagine the Indians play him every day in September.

Adam (ESPN Fantasy Land)

Someone offered me Brad Hawpe for JP Howell. Would you consider this a steal for me? I saw you preferred hitters over closers anyway.

Eric Karabell

  (3:34 PM)

Depends totally on need. Of course it would be better to get a four-category hitter than a one-category pitcher. But if you can move up a few spots in saves and there's no obvious outfielder to sit... then no.

Jordan (Peoria)

Sizemore follow up please! In a keeper league would you sell him or keep him? I have Kemp and Hamilton and Sizemore for one keeper slot, so I am considering trading him if the elbow is a concern!

Eric Karabell

  (3:35 PM)

Sizemore should be healthy for next year, but the case can be made Kemp is a better keeper.

Jay (Hollywood)

If you had to speculate on one relief pitcher inheriting a closer job as the result of a current closer being traded who would it be?

Eric Karabell

  (3:38 PM)

Probably Jim Johnson. But the Orioles do have options. I just don't get why they'd keep Sherrill around. Also Jon Rauch in Arizona... Qualls is out there on the market.

Bawb (Fairview, UT)

Everyone wants Pujols in my league.....does that mean I don't trade him under any circumstance?

Eric Karabell

  (3:41 PM)

Everyone is available in any league. Honestly, Pujols is the best, but if someone offers you a package that would help you win the league, it's worth trading him. The object is to win it all, not own the best player!

Jacob (NC)

How do you adjust your strategy when your league has an IP cap? or do you do everything the same and then firesell when you close in on the cap?

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

Well, if you're gonna go over the limit then you didn't have a balanced staff, so that's the problem. If you're going to go over, then start trade talks with your starters now, not in a month. And search for top middle relievers like, believe it or not, Phil Hughes. Starters numbers really, except the wins.

Pete (Wisconsin)

Thoughts on Elvis Andrus? Looks like he's regressing.

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

That was obvious. Yet he will keep playing because he's a great fielder. Andrus will not help the ol' batting average.

Jordan (OH)

Sherrill in for the 8th...are they show casing him as a setup guy elsewhere...indicator of things to come... or are we reading too much into this?

Eric Karabell

  (3:44 PM)

Just getting some work in, that's all. I wouldn't read into it. And hey, it is possible the O's keep him around. There are no guarantees.

Dave (Frisco,TX)

I really don't understand how you've handled Francisco this year in terms of your rank. You were slow to raise him when he was on fire and quick to drop him when he got nicked up. Currently, you have him below CJ Wilson even though he is slated to return on Saturday. Since we are talking about walking pneumonia, and a mild case at that, I'm not sure how you could treat this like a true baseball injury. He still has similiar stats to Soria and better than Qualls. Since he is on a team that looks like a contender, one could conclude that he will continue to see opportunities that the others might not get. Out of all the closers, you seem to have a more difficult time determining his actual value than anyone else. I understand you have some injury concerns but doesn't he have a much greater upside than his current rank suggests? There's really no other health concerns other than the infection...right? I'm getting the feeling that your frustrated with ranking him and have decided to just dump him at the bottom. I'm not sure I agree with his rank as per what to expect from him from this point out but I would like to hear why you think he deserves one of the lowest ranks for all closers? It just seems a bit harsh.

Eric Karabell

  (3:46 PM)

Sorry for the long post here folks, but I like the question. My problem with Francisco is he's been on the DL 3 times this season. Statistically he is fine. And yes, this current DL stint isn't like the others, but ... three DL stints! Is it not reasonable to wonder when the next one is coming? That's my only concern with him.

Bawb (Fairview, UT)

How well will Johann perform the rest of the season with the Mets being such a wreck? Where would you rank him for starters in the 2nd half?

Eric Karabell

  (3:47 PM)

Santana is fine. He doesn't give up runs. His offense stinks, and he won't win 20 games, but Santana remains in my top 5 starting pitchers...easily.

Franklin (Millinocket Maine)

What do you think about Gordon Beckham's longterm upside? I'm debating on keeping him in in a keeper league.

Eric Karabell

  (3:47 PM)

i don't think he's got a ton of power or speed, but he can hit for average. Probably not a great keeper, especially when he loses shortstop eligibility, but should have a productive career and certainly could develop power.

Bill (Portland)

Dr. Karabell - I have a blemish on my team. I call it JJ Hardy. Would you recommend I wait and see if it improves...or, is it time to have it removed?

Eric Karabell

  (3:48 PM)

Funny... But Hardy is still a 25-homer shortstop, capable of turning his season around, so be careful who you dump him for.

Smith (Brooklyn NY)

We all want to grab Tillman, ESPN just hasn't made him available yet. What gives?

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

The morning after he makes his MLB debut... can't avoid it...

Michael (NYC)

A lot people seem to be down on David Wright in the second half. How do you feel about him?

Eric Karabell

  (3:50 PM)

I think he can hit for more power if he wants to, and maybe as his average drops he will. I wouldn't give him away. Even if he ends at 15 homers, 30-35 steals and a .300 average, that's strong.

Eliot (KC)

who do you like better as a keeper Matt Kemp? or Justin Upton? you are very high on both.

Eric Karabell

  (3:51 PM)

Probably Kemp, because his ability is 30/30. But Upton could be hitting 40 homers by next season.

Liam (Philly)

Help me Eric Karabell, you're my only hope. Keeper league...Freddy Sanchez or Casey McGehee?? Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (3:52 PM)

Well, the best advice would be to keep someone else. Sanchez doesn't have power, McGehee remains unproven and without a ton of upside. If choosing, I'd still say Sanchez. He's guaranteed to play.

Andy (Ann Arbor)

AP or Turner for the first pick in a new keeper draft? I am worried about AP's workload shortening his shelf-life.

Eric Karabell

  (3:52 PM)

As am I. I would take Turner in a one-year league, but in a keeper, probably not.

Nick (CT)

I just traded H. Ramierz for Rollins

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

Then you're a little late for my advice...

Drew (Hudson Valley)

Eric, the numbers you quoted on Wright (15 homers, 30-35 steals and a .300 average) are Derek Jeter or Brian Roberts numbers . I think you should say Wright has been down this year and leave it at that.

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

People treat Wright as if he's this year's Magglio. He's not. He's still a very good fantasy option, just different than what you expected. Doesn't mean he's bad.

Whitney Goldstein (NYC)

Does my question suck that much? Trade Gregg for Harden? I'd have to put Wood in his spot.

Eric Karabell

  (3:54 PM)

I'm not a big fan of Rich Harden. Maybe Lou can manipulate things so he never starts during the day, but a potential top starter is always better than a closer. And you have another closer, a similar one!

Michael (NYC)

Adam Jones just homered ... Is he a better keeper now??

Eric Karabell

  (3:55 PM)

Just because he homered today? Um, no. But he is a solid keeper...

Dave (Frisco,TX)

As a Dallas fan, this question hurts. But, aren't McNabb, Desean Jackson, and McCoy ranked a little low? McNabb has more weapons at his disposal than ever before. ESPN has him behind Ryan? Jackson returns kicks and should learn how to catch the ball better this year. Finally, McCoy could have a monster season if Westbrook goes down. Aren't these guys steals at their current average draft position? I thought I'd give the K-man some Philly time.

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

I think McNabb is a bit of a steal where he's going, but Jackson and McCoy are fine. I don't expect Jackson to be better this year than last, but similar. And I think Westbrook is going to have a nice season.

Bryan (the OH)

What do you project for Milledge for the rest of the season if he gets the call and starts?

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

He's got power and speed, and now a mighty chip on his shoulder. He could hit 5 homers and/or steal 5 bases in any month.

Anthony (Cali)

Turner over AP? Really? Care to elaborate, please?

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

Not buying the 370-carry thing, not with a 27-year-old with young legs. And Peterson has all of 23 TDs in 2 years. He's good, but not SO good he's a can't miss first overall pick. There's room for debate at No. 1.

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

OK, thanks to everyone for the strong questions, and have a terrific afternoon.