ESPN

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:06 PM)

Hi gang: I'll stay later... As always, all subjects answered! Let's get to it.

Travis (Nashville)

TMR, what's up with Juan Rivera? Drop him for Franklin Gutierrez in a ESPN standard league?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:07 PM)

He was supposed to be back yesterday - his injury is not serious - he'll be back very soon. As hot as Gutierrez has been - and he's been ridiculous - I like Juan more.

Dave (MI)

Hey, I'm having Sushi as I chat on my iPhone. What's better the iPhone, sushi, or fantasy? Also, I lost Slowey---Pineiro, JA Happ, or Kuroda to replace him?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:08 PM)

iPhone and it's not close. LOVE my iphone.Pineiro if you don't need strikeouts, otherwise it's Happ

Garrett (IA)

Always late. What better way to start a FBB chat than a FFB question. MJD or Forte this season? Long-term?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:08 PM)

I have Forte ahead of MJD. And it's all subjects, not just baseball.

mark (denver)

for saves, who do you think is going to make a bigger impact for the rest of 09, jim johnson or john rauch

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:09 PM)

Rauch

Ben R. (NYC)

When will Fantasy Focus Football podcasts begin??

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:10 PM)

Still to be determined. If it was up to me we'd already be doing them. But resources are an issue and discussons continue. Hopefully next week.

Mark (Nashua)

Do you think Downs is done as a closer or last week was just one REALLY bad one for him?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:10 PM)

I think he gets the next shot but I picked up Jason Frasor in about three leagues and from today forward, I say Frasor ends up with more saves than Downs.

Matt (Seattle)

has any chick ever become more ugly for talking than Megan Fox?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:11 PM)

Who listens to what she says? She speaks?

Preston (VA)

Do you see Adrian Gonzalez getting moved? Please tell me yes!

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:12 PM)

No, I don't. Padres actually came out and said it's unlikely him or Bell get dealt. If Kyle Blanks can handle the outfield it will further underscore.

ET (Outerspace)

Mr. Berry made love to my wife and I LOVE HIM FOR IT!

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:13 PM)

With apoligies to Bill, yep... these are my chatters.

Peter (Seattle)

Hasn't it become a cliche for fantasy analysts, when making a choice, to qualify it with "and it's not close." I even see people using that phrase on the message board TRYING to make him/herself sound like an authority. Stop this madness!

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:17 PM)

Maybe. I don't know. I don't spend a ton of time on message boards. I have used it a lot but not because anyone else has. I HAVE seen, over the years, a number of phrases / column styles / etc that I started, whatever being copied by others. Comes with the territory. It is hard for a fantasy analyst to stand out, especially if all they do is rip others off. Who knows?

Thad (RI)

I like "and it's not close". It lets me know its a clear cut opinion

Bill (Detroit)

After Gates, Gonzalez, Witten who are your top tight ends this season? Do you see Ben Watson having a strong season?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:19 PM)

No on Watson. Dallas Clrk obviously.. I like Owen Daniels a lot, Chris Cooley, Greg Olsen,Zach Miller

Matt (CA)

Josh Johnson or Nolasco the rest of the way?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:20 PM)

Nolasco

Mango (Chicago)

who is more valuable in terms of fantasy for the rest of the year: Lincey or King Felix?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:21 PM)

I say Lincecum

Eric (Oak Ridge, NJ)

Matthew - Why is Chris Tillman not in the player pool?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:23 PM)

My guess - and this is just a guess because I having nothing to do with the tech stuff - is that it's because he is not on the 40 man roster yet. Our player pool is based on the official 40 man rosters of each team. So when he gets called up on Wednesday, he'll be added and, in standard leagues, placed on waivers. I'll see if I can get a definitive answer but generally, that's the reason. I like Tillman a lot, incidentally. 2.70 ERA, 99/26 K/BB in 96 innings

Bob (Chicago)

If I believe Brady will throw 40 tds, give or take a few, is it crazy for me to take him in the first round?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:25 PM)

No, especially after top 5. Once you get past Turner, AD, Forte, MJD there's question marks with everyone else so no problem taking him in the second part of round 1 if that's your belief. I say 35 by the way... worried about timing and loss of McDaniels early on.

Brian (Wrigleyville)

Will Chris Davis be back anytime soon? Keep on my bench or drop for Rolen?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:27 PM)

He's actually been hitting in the minors... .370 or so since being demoted (like 7 games or something)... and texas is saying he will be back, so yes - def. Sept if not before. That said - I'd grab Rolen,

Garrett (IA)

What do you think about Ward for the Bucs as a FFB sleeper this year? Do you see a possible back up to star, a la Turner from last year?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:28 PM)

I lik him but no, he won't have the kind of impact that Turner did last year because there are still a lot of RB in TB, mainly Earnest Graham... I like him a lot as a #3 RB / Flex in 10 team leagues

Jeremy (Phoenix)

Where does Halladay end up?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:29 PM)

Who cares? He's a stud no matter what. If I had to guess - Philly. They will figure it out.

Troy (Atlanta)

Matt Ryan or Tony Romo?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:30 PM)

Romo

Dave (MA)

Will Ankiel continue to play over Rasmus if he keeps this up?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:30 PM)

Did you seriously just try to get me to predict what Tony LaRussa will do?

Steve (ND)

You mentioned you like Tillman. Enough so to roster him, and if so, how would you use him?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:32 PM)

Spot starter in 10 team mix - grab in 12 or 14 team or AL Only

tc (toronto)

Wandy this week?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:32 PM)

Always Wandy

BORING (CHAT)

today's chat sucks.. Chris Tillman questions.. Ward questions. Halladay questions. boring!!

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:33 PM)

Another satifisfied customer!

Rob (Duo)

Isn't part of your job to make tough predictions?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:35 PM)

I was fairly certain it was to be blamed for everything that goes wrong with folks teams. But um... the answer is no. I think Ankiel and Rasmus continue to get inconsistent playing time.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

A better answer to tc might have been, "Everyone knows it's Wandy."

mark (denver)

rox over mets today for streak for the cash right?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:35 PM)

Yes

Mike (Boston)

I know we've all been burned by him in the past, but does Howie Kendrick continue seeing regular at-bats and hit .300 the rest of the way?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:36 PM)

No, I don't think so... you'll see him get 3/4 of the 2b AB and if he does hit that high, it'll be with no power or speed...

Garrett Jones (Petco Park)

TMR, can I keep this up? Even my own mother says I won't be ownable in a couple weeks....

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:37 PM)

No, I don't believe anyone can keep that pace up.

Ashely (Denver)

Hey TMR- help a girl out! You said it was ok to drop Wieters, but what if the best replacement options are Suzuki or Montero?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:39 PM)

Montero has bee ridiculous lately 5 HR / 15 RBI in last 12 games. Hitting .378 in July... No problem dropping Wieters for Montero in a 10 team non keeper. Suzuki has also played well recently.

Dave (MA)

More guess what LaRussa's thinking questions:Does Lugo get consistent playing time?Now with Holliday, does he let them run more?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:39 PM)

I think he has to - STL is 25 in SB so far... but I expect Lugo to get 3 to 4 starts a week.

Brad (Calgary)

Prado is really hot. I can move him or Lowell for a mid level pitcher.. Who do you keep?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:40 PM)

I actually move Lowell, who is banged up and will lose some PT to LaRoche. (and Youk moves to 3b)

Norman (Brooklyn NY)

Let me get this straight, you're saying I can get the same production out of much less owned Prado than I can get from Kendrick except with multi-position eligibility?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:41 PM)

Uh, yes..

Mike (Michigan)

I saw in your article that you'd trade Bay for Holliday. For real?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:45 PM)

Yes... Bay's hitting .190 this month... Holliday will be energized with move to STL and hitting behind Albert. He'll also run more than Bay with similar power

Swiggs (IA)

Thoughts on Torii Hunter when he returns from the DL? Back to form or reason to be concerned?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:45 PM)

Back to form

Tim (DC)

Name that outfielder - 62 Runs, 19 HR, 60 RBIs, 8 SB, 1.04 OPS - nope thats not Ryan Braun (68/19/66/9/.936) - its what you get if you play Jason Kubel against righties and Denard Span against lefties.

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:45 PM)

Nice!

Kerry (New York)

Bedard...time to drop him with ANOTHER injury? he was only pitching 4-5 innings BEFORE the injury...I'm in a league where Quality Starts are a category....what to do?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:46 PM)

Assuming a 10 team league? Drop him

Chase (Holland, MI)

BJ or Justin for the rest of the year?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:46 PM)

Justin

Mango (Chicago)

Nate Ravitz is scared of Mondays. That is all.

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:46 PM)

True that

Michael (Charlotte)

Does Wandy's lifetime stats at Wrigley - 24 innings pitched, 1-3, 8.25 era, 1.92 whip and .340 BAA affect whether you start him tonight.

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:48 PM)

No... it's 3 starts - one of the starts was in '05. Wandy is a different pitcher on the road this year. Cubs HAVE been playing better and WayRod IS better at home, but I'm still starting him.

Mango (Chicago)

Whats going on the iPod right now?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:49 PM)

Actually nothing. I have Van Pelt / Rusellio on ESPN2 in the background. Ryen is a friend and I haven't had a chance to catch it. Check it out - Ryen is really good.

Justin (Toronto)

Did you pick Nolasco over Josh Johnson for the rest of this year?? Any reason?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:50 PM)

Strikeouts - feel Rickly will get more. That's all - both are studs.

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:52 PM)

Nolasco - 35 K in last 26.1 ip.Johnson - 19 K in last 24 ip.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Ryen is a 3rd round sleeper in the ESPN Fantasy Radio Personalities League.

James (Pittsburg, KS)

12 team league- Should I draft Vick in a later round now that he is conditionally reinstated?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:54 PM)

See him get a team first... but he's a sort of interesting late, late round flyer in a 12 team league - certainly, he has more upside than any other back-up QB save for maybe Tyler Thigpen.

Ross (Vegas)

Losr Berkman to the DL. 1)I can put Butler in at 1st 2) move Sandoval to first and put Doumit at catcher 3) Pick up Garrett Jones off Wire which move do you like? (Pick a number)

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:54 PM)

3

Ben (Newport Beach)

We're taking Vick questions now?! This chat is really all over the map. About 1 out of every 4 posts is helpful. The rest is you stroking your bald ego. Get it in check, Matt.

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:57 PM)

Really? I'm batting .250? That's better than normal. Look at me, I'm like Nate McLouth!

The Follower (Newport Beach)

Have to agree with Ben

Mr. What If (Your Head)

Which is more likely: 1)Favre starts the season for MN, 2)Mike Vick plays a single down this year, or 3) Matt Forte blows out his knee, Pick a number

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:58 PM)

You have them ranked correctly.

Eric (Oak Ridge, NJ)

Buzzbeater - ESPN Standard H2H - Rest of the Way - Cueto, Piniero, De La Rosa, Happ, Stream?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (3:59 PM)

Since K's matter less in h2h... Piniero, Happ, Cueto, DeLaRosa

Dan (San Jose)

I will stroke your ego for you matt

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (4:00 PM)

NICE! In Scott Van Pelt's "One Big Thing" final thought on his radio show he managed to get in a shot about how much he hates Fantasy Football. Ah, good times.

Steve (Halifax, NS)

Final shot at the horn: Drop Peavy, add Kuroda?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (4:01 PM)

Yes. Peavy is very droppable in non keeper.

Mike (Los Angeles)

Tim Stauffer - For Real or another Petco Product?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (4:04 PM)

Can I take somewhere in the middle? Look, he has skills - he was a former #1 pick who has pitched well in the minors this year - but I'm not convinced he's a consistent major league pitcher yet. That said - does it matter? He's pitching in Petco

Rob (NJ)

Tillman or Latos?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (4:05 PM)

I like Tillman more but for fantasy, give me the guy in Petco that is NOT pitching vs AL East

David (Little Boxes)

Jovi Trilogy is my new team name - that is all

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (4:05 PM)

Nice!

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (4:05 PM)

Nice!

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (4:05 PM)

Nice!

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (4:05 PM)

Nice!

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (4:06 PM)

Nice!

Shaka (Khan)

you're dum

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (4:06 PM)

Well put.

Jon (Minny)

What do you think about Portis this year?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (4:07 PM)

I'm worried about the Redskins O Line depth - that's what killed them last year - and Portis wearing down in the 2nd half. That said - the Redskins will still run first and in the red zone a lot.Top 12 guy.

DC (INDY)

If Jeffrey Chadiha thinks the Colts are the 10th best team in the NFL, doesn't he lose all credibility as an NFL Analyst? Wouldn't that be the equivalent of you saying Peyton Manning is the 8th best QB in Fantasy Football?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (4:11 PM)

I love comments like this. Folks can't win. If a columnist says The Steelers are #1 and the Lions are last... they're playing it safe and just stating the obvious. If they give an interesting opinion and go out on a limb, they're crazy and should be fired. DC, I say this with love, but you're a moron.Power rankings for teams are not my thing, but off the top of my head... first year without Dungy, tough division... no issue with it.Chadiha knows his stuff.

Daniel (NY)

You could reasonably pick The Steelers, Pats, Titans, NFC East, Cards ahead of Indy.

Tom (Orange County)

Alex Gordon droppable, or better than Reimold, D Murphy or Aybar?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (4:13 PM)

Droppable. Have you SEEN what Aybar has done recently? He's hitting .446 in July

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

DC is the 25th best chatter in this chat.

Joe (DC)

Is Benson really starting in the NFL? And does he have any fantasy value?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (4:14 PM)

Yes. And yes. He was very good last year and he's the starting RB on an offense that WILL be better this year

Jake (Long Beach)

Aybar or TheRiot?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (4:14 PM)

Riot for SB, Aybar for everything else

Mike (Los Angeles)

Michael Saunders just got added to the player pool. Do I drop either Garko or Hairston for him in a keeper?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (4:16 PM)

I like Saunders - 13/32 and .310 in AAA this year w/ 6 SB. Chris Harris and I discussed on this morning's podcast.... Not sure I'd drop ether of those guys for him though. Maybe Garko

John (Miami)

So is Benson a number 2 in a PPR league?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (4:16 PM)

A #3 - he doesn't catch very many passes.

Paul Hogan (Hollywood)

I found you.

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (4:17 PM)

(shudders)

DC (No longer a TMR chatter)

Do you really think the way to build a fan base is by calling people morons for asking a legit question?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (4:19 PM)

Asking if someone shold be fired for giving an opinion in... an opinion piece... is a legit question? THIS question is better. And to answer it... Yes, I do think that is a way to build a fan base.

Garrett (IA)

DC - I guess you don't understand the appeal of Berry....even if you hate him, you read him.

DC (Hater)

Poor DC is getting his feelings hurt. Maybe his mommy should do his chats for him.

Everyone else (in here)

DC obviously doesn't get the nature of this chat.

Mango (Chicago)

Would you stab Pod Vader (non-mortal wound) for a one night stand with Anne Hattheway?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (4:20 PM)

Dude, I'd do it for a drink with her. For standing next to her in a movie line. For no reason other than Pod Vader is annoying.

Tony Bernazard (USA)

Go get him TMR!

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (4:20 PM)

HaHa

Guy who hates DC (Beach)

No one cares DC! Get lost. That means more posts for us guys who are always here.

Ray (VA)

Okay, let's talk baseball Matthew. Vernon wells or Denard Span if I'm searching for SB's?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (4:20 PM)

Span. Not close.

BS (OK)

Crappy Capps...I am dropping him for Hughes

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (4:21 PM)

Ok. Capps might get dealt, too... they've traded every thing else that's not nailed down. My guess is Hanrahan over Grabow gets shot if that happens, by the way

Frank (Virginia)

I gotta give you credit for posting the critical comments of your chats as well as the compliments. Shows you are a real man.

ET (Outerspace)

Mr. Berry can take a shot gun blast standing.

Homer (Springfield)

Name Game: Crab Juice or Mountain Dew?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (4:22 PM)

Dew.

Jerry (Mass.)

Maholm or Arroyo...who's the better second half pitcher?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (4:26 PM)

I'm going with Maholm. It's close - Arroy's career 2nd half ERA is 3.90... in the NL, he's had a 3.47, 3.55, and 3.50.. in 2 starts this year Post AS break he's 3.65... So I like him... but Maholm hs been so good this year, especially at home - he's the slightly safer pitcher (even though he's been inconsistent recently)... I reserve right to change my mind if he gets rocked tonight, but I'm starting him vs. SF

Brody (MN)

Monster, RockStar, or 5 Hour Energy?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (4:26 PM)

Diet Coke.

charlie (huntsvegas)

uggla or big papi?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (4:26 PM)

Uggla

Horton (Whoville)

Any way you are starting Homer Bailey and/or Joe Saunders tonight in H2H?? bad pitchers, good mathcups.

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (4:27 PM)

No on Bailey, yes on Saunders.

Charlie (Syracuse, NY)

pants or no pants

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (4:27 PM)

When I'm chatting? No pants. Duh.

Eliot (suffering Royals fan)

are we seeing Royal Ace 2: the Rise of Hochevar appearing in select AL cities every five days.

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (4:29 PM)

He's certainly gotten folks attention... I don't think the strikeouts are real and he's no gonna win a ton of games, but yes... spot starter in 10 team

Brian (St Pete)

Any faith in Jenks rebounding from an awful week?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (4:31 PM)

Somewhat. I talked about why I was lowest on Jenks in Tristan's "Called Out" column after our All-Star rankings BEFORE his recent struggles - so I'm not a huge fan - but I think Guillen is loyal guy and it will take a few more Blown Saves for Jenks to get removed.

Eric Patterson (Oak)

will I play most days?

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (4:31 PM)

Yes, you're going to get a long look in CF

The Talented Mr. Roto - Matthew Berry

  (4:32 PM)

Ok gang... gotta run. Thanks for stopping by! Follow me on Twitter - @therealtmr