ESPN

Jason Grey

  (3:01 PM)

Dispensing with the pleasantries, let's get right to it...

Chris (Brooklyn)

Sans a major injury in TB, how many starts a week do you think Maddon finds for W. Aybar?

Jason Grey

  (3:01 PM)

Anything beyond two starts a week is probably a bonus.

Andy (Boston)

More value as a (hopefully temporary) sub for Upton: Rivera or McCutchen?

Jason Grey

  (3:02 PM)

McCutchen, who has been a top 25 outfielder over the last 30 days.

jeff ((NY))

Is Venable for real?

Jason Grey

  (3:03 PM)

I don't think the power is that legit - 4th/5th outfielder at best that's just on a hot run right now.

Mike (DC)

Alcides Escobar coming up this year? Potential of 2010?

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

J.J, Hardy continues to slump, but I haven't heard any indications they are planning on replacing him anytime soon. As for 2010, Escobar's value will be solely in his steals (a la Andrus this season) for fantasy leagues (unless you're using some sort of defensive metrics)

Chase (Toronto)

Jason, big fan. Pablo Sandoval and Matt Wieters. Will either be a top 5 player at their respective positions (3B and C) next season? Is this power from Sandoval for real in the sense that he can be a .300 , 20-25 HR guy?

Jason Grey

  (3:06 PM)

Considering Sandoval is already 5th on the Player Rater based on his stats this season, both being there next year is entirely plausible. And yes, Sandoval is legit, and one of the better bad ball hitters you're going to see (in the fashion of vintage Garciaparra and Vlad)

Andy (Boston)

A friend is offering me Brandon Phillips in exchange for Jake Peavy. I have Uggla. Is this a no brainer?

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

Assuming the latest time table for Peavy is able to be maintained, which puts him back during the Yankees series Aug. 28-30, two months of Phillips is probably worth more than one month of Peavy.

Derek (Baltimore)

Who is the better spot start this week Buchholz @NYY or Sowers @CWS? Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (3:08 PM)

When in doubt, I go with the better stuff/better pitcher even if the opponent is tougher. I'd rather take a chance on stuff than opposing bats. So for me it's Buchholz who at least has a chance to dazzle than Sowers, who is not very good.

Greg (Maine)

How bad is Justin Upton's injury? Would you trade him for C. Kershaw in a keeper league?

Jason Grey

  (3:10 PM)

I'm very concerned for '09 because it's a strained oblique muscle, which is a notoriously tricky healer. The last time he did this, he missed 43 games last year and with the D-backs out of it, there's no incentive to get him back quickly. But I still take Upton in a keeper league.

Norman (San Jose)

what is your opinion on Josh Reddick?

Jason Grey

  (3:11 PM)

Still developing hitter that needs to show a little more patience at the plate, but has a chance to develop into a decent regular someday.

Osvaldo (PR)

Would you spot-start tomorrow Norris vs Brewers or Saunders vs Rangers? Would you start both or none?

Jason Grey

  (3:12 PM)

I would spot Norris and avoid Saunders, who is showing that a lot of last year's performance was indeed luck-related.

Henry (Birmingham)

Hey Jason, 2 quick ones (12-team, standard scoring): Denard Span or Rajai Davis for steals/avg and Barmes or Prado (disregarding pos. eligibility)?

Jason Grey

  (3:13 PM)

Just a hot run for Davis helped by spotting him against lefties, I'll still take Span. Considering Barmes is in a severe slump and the Rox having some other options, I'd probably go Prado as the safer bet for continued playing time.

MC (CA)

Is Scott Baker a good pickup for the rest of the season?

Jason Grey

  (3:13 PM)

Yes.

john (ny)

hi jason, is t. everidge of the a's worth rostering hxd.do you know anything about him.thanks

Jason Grey

  (3:14 PM)

It's interesting the A's have deliberately waited on activating a healthy Giambi, as it seems they may be committed to giving Everidge a long look down the stretch. I'm not that high on him, even as he stopped trying to pull everything and use the whole field this year which led to good minor league numbers. AL-only leagues at best if you need help down the stretch. That's about as far as I go at the moment.

STEVE (ca)

Do you see Heyward getting called up at the end of the year?

Jason Grey

  (3:16 PM)

He's been so ridiculous since moving to Double-A, it's hard to not see him getting a Sept. callup. How much he plays and if he's up before then are the questions. They weren't planning on Heyward, but he may have played his way into the picture. Their director of player development didn't rule it out saying they "were keeping their options open" which may be telling.

STEVE (ca)

Would you rather have Hughes or Bret Wallace in a keeper league?

Jason Grey

  (3:17 PM)

Wallace

Tom (Amsterdam)

Jason,Do you have any update on Jose Ceda?Thanks!Tom

Jason Grey

  (3:18 PM)

He's had a torn labrum and hasn't pitched since the second day of spring training, so he's toast until 2010, when he will start from square one and try to earn a spot in the Marlins' 'pen.

Steve (Here)

How good is Gordon Beckham? Is keeping him for $8 a steal?

Jason Grey

  (3:18 PM)

He's good, and I'll take him at that price in most any league, especially given the likely inflation in most keeper leagues.

Chris (St. Louis)

Any word on why Howie Kendrick hasn't played since August 2 (after playing pretty much every day since July 21)? I know there's a three man platoon between him, Izturis, and Aybar, but Kendrick has been on fire since being recalled from AAA. Any thoughts?

Jason Grey

  (3:20 PM)

In the lineup today. Kendrick had the second-highest batting average in the AL in July...unfortunately for his PT, Aybar was #1. so it's basically been a three-man rotation kind of thing, and I expect it to continue to be over the balance of the season, now that the DH spot is filled again.

Dan (UT)

Hey Jason, love your chats and insights on the prospects. Who do you feel has the highest ceiling out of Feliz, Holland, and Matusz? ...and do Gio Gonzalez and Rzepczynski come anywhere near that group? Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (3:21 PM)

Feliz has the highest ceiling, but Matusz is the safer bet due to his secondary pitches. Holland is third. I don't put the other two in that group long-term. I think Gio is best-suited in the 'pen, and Rzepczynski is better than Gio.

Jason Grey

  (3:22 PM)

Considering he still struck out seven (and 11 in the start before that), I'm not that concerned. If there's big leakage in the strikeout rate, that's where I'd start getting worried in the absence of any reports of health issues.

Taylor (Powell Butte, Oregon)

Hey there. Many experts are saying Inge is done for this year. Would you rather have Ianetta?

Jason Grey

  (3:24 PM)

I think the issue with Inge is that you just can't count on him continuing to play every day until the end of the season with how severe his knee issues are. I think the power is affected because he can't push off the knee and he could be shut down at any time if the pain gets worse. If you wanted to hedge your bets, and drop him for someone like Iannetta, I wouldn't argue - the PT and the power are concerns for Inge over the final two months.

Al (Seattle)

Hi there Jason... Which catcher would you rather have for the stretch? Iannetta or Montero?

Jason Grey

  (3:27 PM)

Montero, who has actually been the most productive fantasy catcher over the last month...

Mike (Tampa, FL)

Feelings on Sean O'Sullivan for the rest of the year and in the future?

Jason Grey

  (3:28 PM)

Here's what I wrote about him right around the All-Star break:O'Sullivan doesn't have great velocity, as he struggles to get it over 90 mph consistently, but he can throw strikes and gets the most out of his stuff. He's throwing more two-seamers this year to try to get more grounders, and his slider is slightly better, but the fact he struggled mightily at Triple-A before being called up as an emergency starter, and the lack of a strikeout offering leads me to believe that his four-start run is a bit of a mirage that's going to be exposed if he continues to see time in the big league rotation in the second half. Soft-tossing command righties have to be extra fine in order to succeed consistently at the big league level, and I don't think he's ready to do that."Still pretty much my thoughts. 5th starter ceiling at best.

Dave (PA)

Hey jason how come my question never gets posted on here? Can you please answer my question. What do you think of christian friedrich and derek norris?

Jason Grey

  (3:32 PM)

Big Friedrich fan: wrote about him here: http://insider.espn.go.com/fantasy/baseball/flb/story?page=greyminorachievements090610 ...one scout who covers the NL West farm systems said Friedrich is the best pitcher he's seen this year.As for Norris, I have not seen him play yet so can't really tell you much other than he's putting up ridiculous numbers in the Sally League at age 20 and has started to grow into his power. If he keeps it up we're going to be talking about him as one of the best fantasy catching prospects.

Brian (IN)

Yo JG. At pick 4 who are you taking if Forte, AP, and MJD are gone? I know that Turner is the obvious, but the carries last year and schedul make me think about taking Slaton. Any thoughts?

Jason Grey

  (3:33 PM)

Is Lincecum still on the board?

brandon (arkansas)

Is Jess Todd's callup a good sign that he could be the closer soon?

Jason Grey

  (3:36 PM)

The move from starting to the bullpen was a good one for him, but I don't see him getting any saves this season. He'll be in middle relief. Chris Perez is also still around to give Todd a run for that job in the future, and has better stuff..just no clue where it's going. That hasn't stopped other closers though.

Birdman (Boston)

Better keeper. J Upton or Mccann?

Jason Grey

  (3:36 PM)

Upton

Mike (Toronto)

As an ex-Blue Jays company man, where do you see Halladay signing when he becomes an FA?

Jason Grey

  (3:37 PM)

Wrong chat.

Erik Bedard (Seattle)

Am I done?

Jason Grey

  (3:38 PM)

I dumped you the second you hit the DL again. I didn't wait around this time. I've seen this movie before, I know how it ends.

Jason Grey

  (3:39 PM)

As usual, hit refresh if some questions and/or answers are not showing up. Happens occasionally with the new system

Johnny Cueto (cincy)

do i have any gas left?

Jason Grey

  (3:39 PM)

You're on reserve on my mixed league teams until further notice.

Derek (Dallas)

Alex Avila?

Jason Grey

  (3:40 PM)

Decent defensive catcher, good idea at the plate, line-drive hitter with gap power. May get overmatched for now as he'll back up Laird, but decent keeper in AL dynasty leagues. Doesn't have a big ceiling, though.

matt (ct)

better keeper for next year hart or bruce?

Jason Grey

  (3:41 PM)

Bruce

A VERY GOOD QUESTION (Atlanta)

After last night's short performance, any truth that the Braves have Tommy Hanson on a strict pitch count, ala Latos? Will he be demoted as the season dwindles to save his arm and make room for Tim Hudson?

Jason Grey

  (3:42 PM)

I don't think so. Hanson had just come off losing 12 pounds due to illness so I'd bet they were just being cautious.

Beer (Mmmm)

Got your attention? Are you buying Tom Gorzelanny or staying away?

Jason Grey

  (3:43 PM)

Staying away for now.

rlk679 (saskatchewan, canada)

what value does volquez have in a keeper league? is there any point in hanging on to him if the league has a dL spot?

Jason Grey

  (3:44 PM)

Depends how long the keeper is. No value for 2010. Regardless, having him take up a DL spot for a year for 2011 value doesn't seem like the wisest use of the slot.

Ross (Vegas)

Is Hamilton showing signs of breaking out or are the doldrums going to continue?

Jason Grey

  (3:44 PM)

Still think he's going to finish the season strong, swing mechanics seem to be back in order, but really just going with my gut on this one.

CB (Virginia)

Heyward or Stanton? Either up this year?

Jason Grey

  (3:45 PM)

Heyward is a potential five-category player, Stanton just a premium power hitter, so Heyward. Addressed the Heyward callup earlier in the chat...

Frank (Philly, PA)

Better player next year and beyond - Fowler or McCutchen?

Jason Grey

  (3:46 PM)

McCutchen, but I had to pause. There's a bit more pop there, but can I have both, please?

Chris (Peoria, AZ)

Brett Anderson. What's your take on him? He right up there with Matusz and Latos?

Jason Grey

  (3:48 PM)

I've liked him from the beginning of the season, and he's certainly up there among pitching prospects. Interesting stat: Over his last 13 starts: 3.56 ERA 1.226 WHIP 73 K's in 78 1/3 innings. Ownership in ESPN leagues: under ten percent.

Coop (Orlando)

Better OF keeper, Curtis Granderson or Adam Jones?

Jason Grey

  (3:49 PM)

Jones. Scary part is he's not running as much as he could due to knee issues. We haven't seen his best season yet.

Nick (NJ)

Brett Anderson or Jorge De La Rosa?

Jason Grey

  (3:49 PM)

Anderson seven days a week.

Norman (San Jose)

do you think Oakland will shut down Cahill and Anderson at a certain innings count?

Jason Grey

  (3:50 PM)

Cahill more likely....I could definitely see them shut down in mid-September, absolutely.

Bert (NY)

Jason Hammel or Tim Stauffer?

Jason Grey

  (3:51 PM)

Stauffer if fantasy football is not an option.

HEEEEEEEEELLLLLLP!!!!!!!!! (The Buckeye State)

Blanton or Joba off the waiver wire?

Jason Grey

  (3:52 PM)

Joba

Patrick (Queens)

Which Cabrera do you like better, Orlando or Asdrubal?

Jason Grey

  (3:53 PM)

A-Cab

Hank (FL)

Jorge Cantu or Jose Lopez?

Jason Grey

  (3:53 PM)

Lopez

Bob (Nashua, NH)

Nolasco vs the Phils...trying to keep my ERA and WHIP down.

Jason Grey

  (3:54 PM)

As I mentioned in the Buchholz vs. Sowers question, I'll go with the talent and let the chips fall where they may. I think sometime we can get overly concerned with matchups to the point we overthink it a bit.

Jim (Beantown)

Gordon or Lowell?

Jason Grey

  (3:54 PM)

Gordon, especially as Lowell will get more rest down the stretch.

James (Dallas)

Football Question: Cockroft says 4th pick and Karabell says 6th pick... If the first pick is taken in a 10 team standard football league, where is your optimal drafting spot and why?

Jason Grey

  (3:56 PM)

You've asked me eight times, and clearly are not sure which room you are in so I will say fifth and split the difference between the two so as not to offend either. Anyone tell me if that works? :-)

B (Philly)

Jason... do you dare start Smoltzie tonight?

Jason Grey

  (3:57 PM)

I haven't started him in a mixed league all season, so wouldn't start now.

Tyler ((KY))

I've asked you 70 times and have a relevant question. Why can't mine get answered? Kershaw or Verlander....who's the better keeper?

Jason Grey

  (3:58 PM)

Still have to give it to Verlander but it's close. The real question is why you can't find room for both.

Jack (DC)

More 2010 fantasy impact: Heyward or Bumgarner?

Jason Grey

  (3:59 PM)

Heyward

Barney (Sacramento, CA)

Danks is getting battered again vs. LAA, making this five straight starts that he's gotten knocked around. Any clues?

Jason Grey

  (4:00 PM)

Poor fastball command and lack of bite on his changeup compared to last year; it looks like he's going through a rough stretch with his mechanics. Be pessimistic for the finish.

James (Dallas)

Sorry about that, but whenever I ask just once, my question seems to get lost and nobody answers it. If you guys are getting thousands of these things, then I try to find a way to stand out. Didn't know it was annoying to post it several times, I won't do that in the future. So would you really pick 5th? Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (4:01 PM)

James...you kind of missed part of the point, but apology accepted.That's it for me today, heading off on a scouting trip. Thanks everyone, see you same time next week.