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Stephania Bell

  (11:04 AM)

Happy Friday Sports Nation!!! and here we are with another Friday, another batch of injuries to update. Never a dull moment people...and with football just around the corner it is crazy busy...so here we go...

Rob (State College)

Stephania! First question to Happy Valley gets you a free coffee! I'm a bit concerned with both Kinsler and Alexei Ramirez. Either one anything major to worry about going forward?

Stephania Bell

  (11:05 AM)

OK Rob: Where's my coffee? I need it today! Kinsler is supposedly a possible start tonight after doing some drills to test the hamstring before yesterday's game. Problem is we may not know for sure until game time.

Stephania Bell

  (11:06 AM)

OOPS - and as far as Alexei, indications so far are that the sprain itself is not serious, but even with the mild sprains (especially since they did have him go non-weight bearing on crutches) it's usually a few days before they're back in the lineup. Right now- too hard to tell what the team plan is - but I would estimate a few days minimum.

John (MA)

How's Peavy doing - last we heard he was chugging along. Any updates?

Stephania Bell

  (11:09 AM)

Hi John: Funny you should ask - was just checking on his status. San Diego is saying all the right things "rehab coming along", "continuing to progress" - but it's very general. I still think if he makes it back at all, it's September - and right now there seems to be a reasonable chance of that - but they will not press him - and there's a lot of progression between now and then. Remember - if the ankle is not 100% and he comes back too soon, it increases the chance that he develops a problem with his throwing arm.

Shaun (Bahston)

Stephania, I traded a young prospect for Brandon Webb in a dynasty league...now he might need surgery. I have 15 keepers for next year, is Webb worth keeping if he has this surgery?

Stephania Bell

  (11:12 AM)

Shaun: I have Webb in a keeper league too - b/c there was never really anything definitively wrong with his shoulder - and I felt like he should be able to progress back through rehab - which is what 3 specialists said when they evaluated him recently. BUT -he continues to be unable to progress - and when all else fails, they reluctantly will usually do a scope, in case there is some pathology that they just can't see on imaging. Problem is -we don't know what they'll find, how much they'll do, and surgery in the absence of a definite problem is a red flag to me. So it's a gamble. He's still young and I'm keeping him for now...

Dave (nj)

I have K. Slowey in a keeper league where I can keep 5 SPs. I had him targeted as a keeper until he got hurt. What is your take on the surgery he will have and how do you think he will be by the time next season rolls around? Still keeper worthy? Thanks. I miss you on Fantasy Focus with Matthew and Nate. Come on the podcast soon!

Stephania Bell

  (11:13 AM)

Dave: It's so nice to be missed! I wonder if they miss me??? As far as Slowey, obviously the surgery became necessary sooner rather than later - but knowing there was a bone chip that was causing trouble means you know what they're targeting when they go in - and it's not major reconstruction. With a full offseason plus a little extra time, I think he should be in good shape by spring training.

Justin (NYC)

I put my faith in Smoltz after your endorsements...what's the deal?

Stephania Bell

  (11:15 AM)

Justi: So did I - and I think this is just a matter of him working out some kinks. Look - his velocity is good, his mechanics are solid and his arm feels fine - those would be the red flags to me. But he is making some mistakes, esp with the fastball, and I think part of it is relearning to use the arm after a year off and reconstruction. It's not helping our fantasy ERA, I get it, but I also think it turns around - soon - b/c of who he is.

Eliot (Tempe)

What's happening with Branyan? Will he be back in the lineup soon or is there a DL stint coming?

Stephania Bell

  (11:17 AM)

Eliot: Good question. Originally after Monday's "back stiffness" he was expected to be in the lineup Tuesday...and yet he hasn't re-appeared. This is the trouble with back problems - very finicky and minor things can quickly become major. I would say that if he's not out there this weekend, DL looks likely.

Bruce (NYC)

Read your piece on Oswalt yesterday and realize he is in for more than just pains and aches ......... apparently he got an injection and may not miss his next turn. Would you trust him next time he takes the mound? Does this have a good chance of being a performance hindrance for the rest of the season? THANKS!

Stephania Bell

  (11:20 AM)

Bruce: Thanks for reading -and the injection didn't surprise me - as it's a direct means of inserting anti-inflammatory into the region - but again, especially with disc problems it's a wait and see. It would be foolish of me to predict b/c it all depends how he responds to the injection and rest over next few days. It will be important to check team updates and see when he starts light throwing to get an idea of whether it's one miss or more.

Chris (Lynchburg, VA)

The Angels have been awfully quiet about Hunter. From what you know, is he really coming back this weekend? Is it worrisome that an organization has put out nearly nothing about a player's injury?

Stephania Bell

  (11:22 AM)

Chris: The Angels are usually pretty good about updating info on their players. ORiginally Hunter looked to be coming back this weekend, but the latest I've heard is that there is concern about the artificial turf at Minnesota and that they're considering keeping him out through the weekend. His injury has been called an oblique and a groin strain, so my suspicion is it's in the lower abdominal, pelvis area and a few extra days is not a bad idea. Sounds like it could be next week.

Shawn (Boston)

What's the deal with Conor Jackson...any chance he comes back this year?

Stephania Bell

  (11:23 AM)

Shawn: Probably not - very, very slow recovery from Valley Fever and pneumonia - look towards next season.

Jake (VA Beach)

There's news that Beltran could miss 2010?! Can you give some insight on the bone bruise, and if it results in microfracture surgery, what it could really mean for him?

Stephania Bell

  (11:27 AM)

Jake: I haven't heard that. Last Newsday report that I saw had Beltran declaring he'd be back in 2-2.5 weeks. Although I never believe a player's timeline and he has a ways to go to test the knee (and the bruise is being very slow to heal), the fact that he's feeling positive on it is a good sign...but if it were the case that he were to get worse vs better, it could mean microfracture eventually - he's not there though.

dan (ks)

How is Lance Berkman's calf. Will he be back at the end of his 15 days?

Stephania Bell

  (11:29 AM)

Hi Dan in Kansas: It sounds like he's making progress but listening to those around him who've had similar injuries and is wary of returning too soon. This is one of those injuries where a guy feels fine and thinks it's better...until he tries to push off hard to sprint out of batter's box, etc and then it's like...oh, not so good. I think he's not going to be like Reyes, but it seems he might go beyond the 15 days...

Bob (NJ)

Stephania, the inevitable question. What is the latest on the return of Jose Reyes and how effective will he be when he does return?

Stephania Bell

  (11:34 AM)

Bob- Since I mentioned Reyes, I suppose I should address the hundreds of requests for a Reyes update. As far as I know he has not run the bases, although he was supposed to test that on Thursday. This is really the key step - b/c until he can do that - and go near full speed - he cannot participate in rehab games. I believe we'll see him back this season - in 2 weeks, 3 weeks maybe? Presuming no setbacks as we always say. But I think he'll still be apprehensive, he won't be running at 100% consistently and he won't be nearly as productive in stolen bases at least not for another month.

Sean (Dallas)

Is Tim Hudson worth stashing away in a non Keeper league?

Stephania Bell

  (11:35 AM)

Sean: I think so -especially if you're a contender and looking for a spot guy who could potentially pick you up a couple of wins.

Mike (Rock Hill, SC)

The Tigers are in a heated division race but Brandon Inge is not looking healthy. What's the latest news on him and is the prognosis good?

Stephania Bell

  (11:38 AM)

Mike: Well - even by his own admission, he's not healthy - and it's really just a matter of what he can produce - and that's a big unknown. While it's admirable that he vows to try to play through pain, I think what you're seeing is that his knee can't function normally as a result of the injury and it's affecting his performance. Jim Leland is trying to give him some intermittent rest, but I would imagine that his performance will be up and down depending how the knee is from day to day.

Rob (LA)

Is Vlad going to do anything at all? When is he coming back? Value there?

Stephania Bell

  (11:40 AM)

Rob: Latest from L.A. is that it looks like Vlad is still a couple of weeks away. He's been testing the leg, but not yet ready to return. And we know he's only coming back to DH. I think his power will be there - so he's still got fantasy value, but obviously he'll be utilized differently by the team.

Logan (Chicago)

Bedard was supposed to throw in the bullpen yesterday, but didn't. The M's are saying his arm is getting better and might only miss two more starts, but this is Bedard we're talking about, so I'm skeptical. Thoughts?

Stephania Bell

  (11:44 AM)

Logan: I'm right there with you...as in skeptical. I never thought he would throw Weds since early in the week he couldn't lift his arm over his head. Supposedly the arm feels better, but of course it does, he's not doing anything. Let's see what happens when he picks up a ball again. And yes, this is the shoulder he had surgery on before the season. I dropped him from my keeper league prior to this season...and remain glad that I did.

Ross (Vegas)

It sounds like Duscherer is coming off the DL. What is your take on him?

Stephania Bell

  (11:46 AM)

Ross: Might get some decent starts out of him. I like that he has less than a full season ahead of him. I like that they didn't report anything major in his elbow from surgery. I don't like that he had that much pain before surgery but no definitive cause (or none that was revealed). So - remains to be seen how the elbow holds up. But with the uneventful rehab back, I'm encouraged about how he'll start.

Kevin (Chicago)

What do you think of Carlos Quentin? Do you think he can return to last year's numbers or will his foot be holding him back?

Stephania Bell

  (11:48 AM)

Kevin: Lots of posts with the not-too-kind quotes about how Quentin looked running. I think though that his inability to run normally tells you all you need to know. I've said all along that this plantar fasciitis is very hard to recover from and really requires a long time off - like an offseason, so no, I don't think he returns to normal this year...hopefully nest.

Pete (NC)

Is Randy Johnson worth holding onto? I have my DL spots taken, so I really don't want to waste a roster spot on him if I don't have to.

Stephania Bell

  (11:49 AM)

Pete: Risky. It makes sense that he's not having surgery and is hopeful to try to return in September, but his age and the wear and tear on his shoulder are a big hurdle. And if he doesn't come back, then I would bet that he won't be back - as on this will be the end...

Mark (Boston)

What's the latest on Carlos Delgado? Any chance he can contribute again in the next couple of weeks?

Stephania Bell

  (11:51 AM)

Mark: Not a lot of definitive info about his workouts although the team continues to suggest that he's progressing. I think his earliest return is mid-August - and even then, just as you've seen with others with the hip procedure, he will ease back into his play. Also, his hip was arthritic, so I expect he'll need a little more rest.

Ryan (Dayton, Ohio)

Hey Stephania! Any word on Volquez's return? I heard he was supposed to throw a simulated game the other day. Can we expect him back before the end of August?

Stephania Bell

  (11:53 AM)

Ryan: He's been moving through the rehab throwing progression - and could start a rehab assignment next week. It sounds as if he's not had any numbness so assuming the rehab assignment goes well, I think you could expect to see him between 2nd, 3rd week of August.

Rob (NJ)

What are your thoughts on Beltre? Supposedly he has been hitting bombs in BP.

Stephania Bell

  (11:55 AM)

Rob: I think that if it's anything like last time, he will jump right back into form. The spurs themselves created stiffness, limitation and pain in his shoulder - without them he's no doubt swinging much more freely. So I expect him next week (you'll have to check daily lineups but it sounds like midweek) and the team's only challenge will be to make sure he doesn't overdo when he gets back in the mix.

Ryan (Texas)

lets talk DeRosa! do you think he can continue this all season with the wrist injury?

Stephania Bell

  (11:56 AM)

Ryan: He's surprised me! Especially when you consider the nature of the injury (especially since he looks to have offseason surgery) and the fact he was having so much pain...it's been amazing what he's been able to do. Don't see any reason for it to stop now -

Jon (Chicago)

Frank Fransico? Any updates?

Stephania Bell

  (11:58 AM)

Jon: He says he feels good - last I heard there was some question as to whether he'd play in a rehab game or not. If you have a daily lineup, you'll want to check today - but it sounds like he'll be back within the next 1-3 days.

Bill (Philadelphia)

Morning Stephania - thanks for the always useful chats! Do you think Doumit is healthy enough that you'd use Victor Martinez as a trade chip? Also, are you hearing any whispers about Billingsley? His performance has been very underwhelming lately!

Stephania Bell

  (12:00 PM)

Hi Bill: GLad you're here! and thank you...based on what Doumit's been doing so far, I would say he certainly does appear healthy enough.

Stephania Bell

  (12:00 PM)

Oh - and nothing on Billingsley specifically...will keep my eye out.

Tanya Dawson (Morgan Hill, California)

I have several questions so I will make them short 1) How durable will Michael Vick be after missing two years of football 2) realistically how durable will Reggie Bush's knee be 3) doesn't or didn't Kurt Warner have a problem with concussions a few years back 4) we would be honored to have you play in our fantasy league 'Every Team needs a Woman Owner' 20 teams with def players (sorry couldn't resist) 5) what is the latest on Percy Harvin's injuries and finally 6) what is the status on Antonio Gate's toe and ramification for the season... lol I have drafted all of these players in several leaguesTanya

Stephania Bell

  (12:04 PM)

Hi Tanya: Saved football for the end. The chat today was extremely baseball heavy - but we want to throw some love to football since it's coming so here we go. Unfortunately I can't answer all your questions given the time but...1) Vick should be MORE durable, assuming he's been staying in decent physical shape. Sure, he'll have to get in "football" shape and catch up to the speed of the game, but not taking contact for a couple probably helped extend his football life.2) Bush's knee - see my fantasy draft kit comments, I have concerns about how it will affect him throughout the season3) have to check on Warner and concussions- - maybe, but can't recall off the top of my head4) would love to play in your league...send me the info!!Will get to more next time

Stephania Bell

  (12:04 PM)

OK gang: I have to exit the chat room. Thanks so much, as always, for coming. Excellent, excellent questions from Sports Nation. We'll do it again next Friday. Have a great weekend and stay healthy!