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Jason Grey

  (3:01 PM)

I can confirm that I am not one of the prospects being offered in a Roy Halladay deal. With that clarified, let's get to it...

Mike (San Francisco)

Jason - Napoli or Doumit for rest of the year?

Jason Grey

  (3:03 PM)

Napoli, partially because I think he has a better chance of staying in one piece.

Jay (Florida)

Who takes over as closer in AZ, SD and BAL if Qualls, Bell and Sherrill get traded?

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

Rauch, Jim Johnson, and if I had to guess in SD I'd say Mike Adams.

MIKE (TAMPA, FL)

So last night didn't go all that well, but what are your thoughts on Tillman going forward in a keeper league??? Thanks Jason!

Jason Grey

  (3:06 PM)

The one caveat I had on Tillman in the short-term, was command. As I wrote earlier in the year: "The biggest thing for Tillman is continuing to sharpen his command, as he has a tendency to leave balls up in the zone. It hasn't been a problem against minor league hitters because of the quality of his stuff, but it will be an issue against big league hitters." Being in the AL East will also do him no favors. However, I think he can still have some impact in AL leagues down the stretch, and mixed leagues next season.

Sam (SF)

Does Bumgarner really have ace stuff? What current SP does he compare to?

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

Yes, he does. We'll have to see if his on-field meltdown earlier this week and reported velocity drop are an issue in his next start, but that aside, as I mentioned in my profile of him earlier this season: "You may have heard about the sequence in which he went right after Manny Ramirez and struck him out on three pitches, causing Manny to say, "He's great. He's nasty. Nineteen? Wow. That's unbelievable. He's great.""http://insider.espn.go.com/fantasy/baseball/flb/story?page=greyminorachievements090429

Richard (Chicago)

Is it safe to drop Bedard? What is your take on Beltre's return?

Jason Grey

  (3:08 PM)

Yes, I've already dropped him in several leagues. Even if he pitches again I'm not counting on him to do too much. Beltre could finish well, activated next week and reportedly hitting bombs in BP already.

Gordon Beckham (chicago)

Am I for real? Do I make for a good keeper for next year?

Jason Grey

  (3:08 PM)

Yes, and yes.

Al (NJ)

Is ben sheets worth stashing away in a keeper league foir 2010

Jason Grey

  (3:10 PM)

Depends on how much room you have to stash guys away. Recovery from flexor tendon surgery can take up to a year and a half (Jason Jennings), and Sheets had surgery in February, so conceivably he's not ready for Opening Day next year. Depends on on the space you're allowed for your league's roster requirements.

Al (NJ)

What are your thoughts of Sean Rodrigues, Tyler Flowers, Chris Heisey and Eric Young Jr. helping me in the future?

Jason Grey

  (3:11 PM)

Well, the Reds show no inclination to call up either Stubbs or Heisey because you can't cut into Laynce Nix's playing time, that's for sure.Young Jr. is the best option for help this season, and he and Flowers for next year.

TJ (Houston)

Is there a Mets SP, not named Santana, worth owning in NL Only Roto League?

Jason Grey

  (3:11 PM)

In NL-only play, I have no problems taking a shot on Niese.

Mike (New York)

Is Chris Tillman on the same level as Tommy Hanson?

Jason Grey

  (3:11 PM)

Below, I like Tillman, but prefer Hanson now and beyond.

Ray (Boston, MA)

When will Derek Holland be ready to make a real fantasy impact? What number starter is he projected to be?

Jason Grey

  (3:13 PM)

No. 2 (ideally behind Neftali Feliz's No. 1 as the Rangers are hoping), and I think he can have an impact next season. The stuff is there, just needs to find consistent command, especially of his fastball. He's shown command in the minors so it's definitely projectable.

Rob (NJ)

How does Latos compare to Tillman and Hanson?

Jason Grey

  (3:13 PM)

Behind Hanson, ahead of Tillman.

Kelly (IL)

Choose 6 keepers for next yearM. Reynolds, Holliday, Crawford, Zobrist, J. Santana, Verlander, Gallardo, Hanson, Oswalt

Jason Grey

  (3:14 PM)

Reynolds, Crawford, Santana, Verlander,Gallardo, Hanson.And I do realize I am leaving Holliday off there. I don't usually like to go so pitching-heavy in keeper lists, but it is what it is.

Ginny (NC)

Hi Jason! Enjoyed all your articles from testerday, can you help a lady out today please? What's your take on Schumaker, Quentin, and Kubel?Span in MN going foward? H2H Points league, and need to make a few adjustments. Thanks for your time, Ginny

Jason Grey

  (3:15 PM)

Kubel and Span are the two I start for now. Quentin still doesn't look good out there just yet.

Matt (NY)

Am I nuts to consider dropping Harang for Latos or Lannon? What would you do?

Jason Grey

  (3:18 PM)

I'm probably sticking with Harang. Lannan's strikeout rate still remains an issue, and as we saw with Scott Feldman last night, things can get ugly quickly when you don't miss bats. Latos' workload for the rest of the season is also a big unknown.

Jason Grey

  (3:19 PM)

Just a hint: sending the same question 50 times in a row is a sure way to NOT get it answered. A couple of times is OK if you're trying to catch my eye in the queue, but let's not overdo it.

Steve (PA)

Help: Trade proposed to me:He is trading Han Ram

Jason Grey

  (3:20 PM)

And apparently you give up nothing. Hmmm, I'd accept that. Good deal for you.

Jason Grey

  (3:22 PM)

Looks like Sherill to the Dodgers...still saying Jim Johnson over Baez

Logan (Virginia)

What are your thoughts on Scott Feldman thanks so much

Jason Grey

  (3:24 PM)

Still think he needs to be owned in more than the 7% he was owned in before yesterday's outing, which may have just been a blip on the radar. Prior to yesterday, he had posted a 3.04 ERA and 1.07 WHIP with nine wins in 17 starts this year. New cutter, new delivery makes the diff. Like Lannan, problems with strikeouts but better stuff than Lannan so I'd prefer him.

Jason Grey

  (3:24 PM)

Still think he needs to be owned in more than the 7% he was owned in before yesterday's outing, which may have just been a blip on the radar. Prior to yesterday, he had posted a 3.04 ERA and 1.07 WHIP with nine wins in 17 starts this year. New cutter, new delivery makes the diff. Like Lannan, problems with strikeouts but better stuff than Lannan so I'd prefer him.

James (Toledo)

F.Carmona have any value?

Jason Grey

  (3:26 PM)

Supposedly re-tooled his delivery at Triple-A, but that could be right up there with "Homer Bailey has a new split, he's going to rock now", when it really means he's just going to be less of a stat-killer. Not for the faint of heart, but sometimes you have to take a risk and hope to get lucky.

Barry (Newington, CT)

I read Terry Franconca is staying patient w/ Smoltz. Are you?

Jason Grey

  (3:27 PM)

I never had him rostered in anything more than an AL-only league to begin with so, in that context, yes, given what is out there in the free agent pool for starting pitchers in most AL-only leagues.

Dan (MA)

Do you think Brandon Webb is going to return to old form next year? I have an offer on the table asking me for Haren, Kemp and K Wood and in exchange I get Webb, Holliday and Wieters. this is a keeper league too.

Jason Grey

  (3:28 PM)

I think given the fact surgery is still very much a potential option for Webb, all bets are off for next year.

Todd (Tempe)

Is Cueto done after another poor outing today?

Jason Grey

  (3:29 PM)

I'm moving him to reserve in the one mixed league I own him in, which is a 15-teamer, but not dropping him yet. Infer from that what you will.

Rick (Chicago)

Smoak, Heyward. Will they be called up this year? Both future allstars?

Jason Grey

  (3:31 PM)

Two of the top hitting prospects in baseball, so yes future All-Stars. Smoak's slow start at Triple-A is cooling talk of his promotion, while Heyward is hitting as if he's trying to force the clb to call him up before Sept. Heyward is the better bet of the two, but entirely possible we don't see either of them.

Jason Grey

  (3:33 PM)

For the hundred people sending me the breaking news (still) of Sherill to the Dodgers, it helps to read the rest of the chat before sending a question. (Yes, I'm in a sort of prickly mood today, thanks for asking :-) )

Joe (NYC)

Name Game: McCutcheon / Delwyn

Jason Grey

  (3:33 PM)

McCutchen and it's not close.

Joe (Philly)

Is Stauffer worthy of 12 team mixed consideration?

Jason Grey

  (3:34 PM)

Not 12-team, deeper mixed as in 14 or above, I've been playing matchups with him rotating him in as I see fit, but 12-team seems a bit shallow.

jack (dc)

Jason, from a scout?s perspective what has happened to Adrian Gonzalez and will he revert to first-half form?

Jason Grey

  (3:35 PM)

He had some fatigue issues and was expanding the strike zone a bit, but three straight games with a homer make it seem like he's back on track.

Ross (Vegas)

Jason whats going on with Hamilton?

Jason Grey

  (3:35 PM)

Did a long piece on him right after the break. I still think being patient is going to pay off and he can have a big last two months after tinkering with his swing and getting back to his old stroke.

Craig G. (Fairfield, CA)

Is Pedro Alvarez getting called up any time soon?

Jason Grey

  (3:36 PM)

Don't see it, and don't see him producing in the short-term even if he does.

gavin (philly)

Will Desmond Jennings be in the Rays starting OF next year?

Jason Grey

  (3:39 PM)

Not sure he has the arm for right field, so he may have to wait a little bit.

Dana (Boston)

Quick one. Blanks or Beltre?

Jason Grey

  (3:39 PM)

I'll take Beltre for the rest of the year.

jeff (manhattan)

Jason, I own Posey and Carlos Santana in my keeper league. Think either will have a starting mlb job next april?

Jason Grey

  (3:40 PM)

Could be both, or both could have to wait until mid-season a la Wieters.

Steve (Denver)

Where does Wallace wind up playing in Oakland? Over/Under in his prime .285 25 100

Jason Grey

  (3:42 PM)

Well, first base is an option now, but he's not horrible at third if taken in context with the bat. He's never going to be above-average because he doesn't move well laterally, but he does have soft hands, can catch what is hit to him, a good arm, and go in and back on balls. More like .300 20

Bill (Trenton, NJ)

Please rank for 2010 - Holland, Matusz, Cecil, Parker, Feliz

Jason Grey

  (3:43 PM)

It all depends on what the team needs and who is in a rotation when, but assuming they all get equal chance for '10 only it would probably be: Feliz, Matusz, Holland, Cecil, Parker.

John (Albert)

Alex Gordon has a 7 game hit streak with 6 walks over that span is the power coming so he may be ownable?

Jason Grey

  (3:44 PM)

I think so.

Stephanie (Buffalo, NY)

You MUST have some Garrett Jones owners wondering how long this will last! Any chance that you defy just about every other expert and claim that he can maintain similar production for the rest of this season?

Jason Grey

  (3:44 PM)

http://insider.espn.go.com/fantasy/baseball/flb/story?page=clipboard090727Full Jones writeup. Kevin Maas, Chris Shelton ring a bell.

Hammer (The Bay)

When thinking about Justin Upton, what veteran/established player do you think he most closely resembles from a fanstasy perspective?

Jason Grey

  (3:47 PM)

I think what's more important is that we are looking at a player that' can be the total fantasy package. .300 30 homers, 30 steals, 100 runs 100 RBI, and he's just 21...does it matter who he compares to?

Joe (Portland, OR)

Is Howie Kendrick for real?

Jason Grey

  (3:48 PM)

Third straight chat pleading the fifth.

Ryan (Texas)

Do you stay with DeRosa since hes starting to pick it up or sell high?

Jason Grey

  (3:48 PM)

I do, I think he's established that he can produce even with the wrist injury, which was a very understandable concern a couple of weeks ago.

William (colts neck,nj)

Your thoughts on L. Hochevar and A Galarraga. Are they worth hanging on to or just stream guys.

Jason Grey

  (3:50 PM)

Stream guys at best. Hochevar isn't as good as many seem to think he is. (I was guilty of being one of them when he was a prospect.)

Dan (Flemington )

It's been reported that Dodgers have acquired George Sherrill for Josh Bell and righty Steve Johnson. New closer for Baltimore?

Jason Grey

  (3:50 PM)

Welcome to the chat.

B (Philly)

Odds that Qualls gets moved?

Jason Grey

  (3:52 PM)

I'd say 50/50. Part of it is that the D-backs think they can contend in '10 and they still have Qualls under control for another year, so they've reportedly had a large asking price on him, but you never know.

Mike (CLE)

Best pitcher for the rest of the season: Liriano, Scherzer, Latos or Buchholz?

Jason Grey

  (3:52 PM)

Scherzer

Ray (VA)

I think Dan was wondering who the new closer was. Let's not be too cold.

Jason Grey

  (3:53 PM)

And I answered it twice in the first part of this chat... :-)

Gray (Chicago)

KLaw isn't sure whether Hector Rondon will be a bullpen arm or starter, your thoughts?

Jason Grey

  (3:55 PM)

I think that's fair. Rondon needs more consistency with his secondary stuff to take that next step up and be a big league starter. I would speculate that he can, but it's a fair point.

Evan (Concord, CA)

Porcello still a must have for a keeper league? or drop him for Piniero since not like i'll be gettin much out of Ricky this year...

Jason Grey

  (3:57 PM)

It's Pineiro if you're still playing for this year, but absolutely Porcello is still a prime keeper for next year.

Mike (Denver, CO)

The best 2B prospect with fantasy value for 2010 is __?

Jason Grey

  (3:57 PM)

Fantasy Value? EY Jr. and his steals.

Negative Negative (Sadville, AR)

Dude, you need to quit sippin on da haterade and have fun - you get to discuss fantasy baseball and get paid for it!!!

Jason Grey

  (3:59 PM)

I am having fun, passing along some fun stuff in the queue is part of it so you can all share in it. Trying to inject a little entertainment value, that's all. :-)

Mike (San Diego)

Quick one- Bay, Liriano FENCE Hunter, Nolasco

Jason Grey

  (4:00 PM)

If the reports that Hunter may be back next week are true, I'll take that side.

Mike (Chicago)

Is randy johnson droppable at this point? More or less so in a keeper league? All i need is two words.

Jason Grey

  (4:00 PM)

Yes. (one word)

Jason Grey

  (4:02 PM)

Vernon Wells questions...

Jason Grey

  (4:03 PM)

I'm not optimistic the last two months are going to be any different.

Ian (Boulder)

Jason, I'm thinking of picking up Ian Snell. He has been lights out in the minors and has now been traded to a "pitcher-friendly" park. What are the chances he breaks the rotation this season and makes an impact? Thanks

Jason Grey

  (4:04 PM)

I still don't think I'm interested in 10 and 12 team mixed leagues, beyond that I'll start speculating in other formats.

sam (cleveland)

True or False. Kendry is gonna start playing against lefties on a regular basis.

Jason Grey

  (4:05 PM)

I think the current usage plan is working out well, so why mess with it?

tom (new york)

please tell me what you know of bud norris? is he a bullpen guy or will he be a starter? he have value in a 16 team dynasty with holds

Jason Grey

  (4:08 PM)

His role is till up in the air right now depending on the team's needs, and some think that his best role is a future closer rather than a starting pitcher. He's a very intriguing arm that I've profiled extensively at various points if you check my archives, and I want him in a dynasty league.

hank (brick city nj)

will Ben Francisco be must add if victorino's injury is longer than expected?

Jason Grey

  (4:09 PM)

12-team mixed and above yes....but I don't think it's an injury that's going to lead to the DL, so Victorino owners are probably OK

Jordan (OH)

Last try....BJ Upton or Jacoby Ellsbury for this year and next?

Jason Grey

  (4:10 PM)

Ellsbury for this year, Upton for next

Eliot (KC)

who do you like for next year more? Braun or Upton? playing for next year willing to sell the farm for that one last stud keeper.

Jason Grey

  (4:11 PM)

I'd still take Braun.

Jason Grey

  (4:14 PM)

Milledge questions... good upside power/speed play because he only has to beat out Brandon Moss to play and one hopes he's motivated this time. Might even take a chance in standard ESPN leagues if you need to try and get lucky.Ok, that's it for me today - stuck around a little extra to show you guys I was just having some fun. If you're not seeing some responses, hit refresh (new chat system) - I appreciate your interest and I'll try and arrange an extended session one of these days.