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Brendan Roberts

  (3:01 PM)

Good afternoon, everyone! I'm back after a couple weeks off while tending to other fantasy-related emergencies (mostly FB stuff)! I'm going to make this a Favre-free edition, since there's a deluge of Favre stuff all over ESPN.com. ... In fact, I'm going to stick with all baseball, to this point. I've been told Christopher Harris' Monday chat is now all FB, and Berry's and Karabell's chats are now mixed. With that, let's get to the questions!

Alan (Kentucky)

Any realistic chance Strasburg pitches for the Nats this year

Brendan Roberts

  (3:03 PM)

Just read interesting stuff about Strasburg, saying the team doesn't expect him up this year, and in a Twitter blog, USA Today quotes Boras as saying he may or may not pitch in the big leagues next year. That second part is highly unlikely. I see him early, if not from the get-go, next year, but I highly doubt it does much good to bring him up this season. Single-year leagues can move on without him.

Theodore (San Dimas)

Stephen Strasburg questions! Stephen Strasburg questions! Stephen Strasburg questions! Stephen Strasburg questions! Stephen Strasburg questions! Stephen Strasburg questions! Stephen Strasburg questions! I'm just going to assume this is flooding your inbox.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:03 PM)

They are, but hopefully the last answers most of them. On to other things ...

Jake (ATL)

What are your thoughts on Hunter and Holland from the Rangers? Both have been pitching well since the break but are their performances sustainable? If so, who do you like better?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:06 PM)

I definitely like Holland much more, and I think his success is more sustainable. He simply has better stuff, and from the left side. He'll have typical rookie inconsistency, but I'd definitely pick him up at least as a spot starter in mixed leagues this season. Still not sold on Hunter, who pitches to contact and seems to lack stamina. Interesting to see if the newly traded for Ivan Rodriguez can help these young pitchers more than Salty and Teagarden, two relative youngsters.

Mike (NYC)

Is Justin Upton a top 20 pick next year? top 30? Gotta be higher than his bro either way...

Brendan Roberts

  (3:07 PM)

Yes he is. This oblique strain, I'm told, is likely not something to be considered chronic, and if Upton is this good at 20, just wait till he gets to his prime years. And yes, definitely higher than his brother, who never had the same upside to begin with.

Dino (from the Bar )

Hi Brendan - thoughts on Alcides Escobra? Would you rather have him or Erick Aybar?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:08 PM)

Definitely Alcides. I really like the kid. Not sure his average will be all that, but he can run (something Aybar really doesn't), and will provide a nice all-around game. People might balk on this cause the Angels are good and Brewers haven't been, but with Braun and Fielder nearby in the lineup, the youngster will have support. Will be even better once Corey Hart returns.

Derek (Chicago)

Look at Reynolds stats. He has 38 HR and 21 SB with a decent average. isn't he a top 5 player going off stats?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:11 PM)

Not Top 5. If you look at the Top 5 and even Top 10, those guys have numbers like that, and a much longer track record at providing them. Like Teixeira, and Miguel Cabrera ... There's just not as much safety in those numbers from Reynolds. Don't know why this keeps coming to mind for me, but I remember just two years ago when .286-21-83-103-50 numbers, and I still didn't consider him a first-rounder. Maybe mid-second round is what I'm thinking for him.

Derek (Chicago)

Is Aaron Hill legit? If so, is he a keeper in a 8 keeper league?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:14 PM)

He is, and I've to eat some crow to come to that conclusion. I worried about injury and a lack of raw power, but have realized I'm wrong. First of all, he plays a fairly "low-maintenance" defense, in that he takes good care of his body and avoids reckless plays. Seems to even avoid runners sliding into second pretty well. I realize now his past injuries were freakish, and seem to have healed appropriately. Also, he has filled out and can really turn on the ball better than I thought, so the power is for real too. Keeper? Depends upon how many keepers you have and who you have, but if it's, say, 4 or more keepers, then probably.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:14 PM)

He is, and I've to eat some crow to come to that conclusion. I worried about injury and a lack of raw power, but have realized I'm wrong. First of all, he plays a fairly "low-maintenance" defense, in that he takes good care of his body and avoids reckless plays. Seems to even avoid runners sliding into second pretty well. I realize now his past injuries were freakish, and seem to have healed appropriately. Also, he has filled out and can really turn on the ball better than I thought, so the power is for real too. Keeper? Depends upon how many keepers you have and who you have, but if it's, say, 4 or more keepers, then probably.

sean (Boston)

Who do you see taking over the Cubs closer job?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:16 PM)

Boy, they really don't have many options to throw in there. I see Ol' Lou giving Gregg another chance before turning it over to a committee, which can include Gregg, Angel Guzman and John Grabow, based on the splits. I still think Gregg is the guy to own, if you're desperate for saves in a deep league, I'd pick up Guzman. Marmol is just not safe because of his lack of control, and Grabow is way more ideal as a lefty specialist.

Susana (NYC)

Good Afternoon Brendan. Please play the name game between Doumit (my *beloved* catcher), Baker or Suzuki...

Brendan Roberts

  (3:18 PM)

The name game (cue Pod Vader's lead-in): He's ice-cold, but here on out, I'd still take Doumit. He provides the best guarantee for all-around upside, he has fresh legs, and his playing time is still guaranteed. He'd be my pick.

Brian (Chi-town)

So based on what you answered on Upton and Reynolds, do I keep those two guys along with Pujols next year and sacrifice my first three picks? The only other keeper I would consider is Josh Johnson.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:19 PM)

Oh, Josh Johnson is very close to that ... but yeah, those three hitters warrant making that decision.

Nick (VA)

Drop Jim Johnson for Mike MacDougal?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:20 PM)

Drop Johnson. Little-known fact, Normy (from "Cheers," in case you didn't get that): MacDougal is leading the majors in saves in August. At least I think. He's either leading or tied. Been hotter than billed.

Larry (Syracuse, NY)

Thanks for the baseball chat Brendan. Has his inconsistency cost David Price some of his luster, or is he still a stud-to-be? Him or Kershaw for the next 3 yrs?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:22 PM)

He has lost some of his luster, but not his upside, which is still considerable. He's a solid pick for next year, but he's just not ready to anchor your staff. Kershaw, on the other hand, can be. In my mind, this guy will contend for the Cy Young Award by 2011. He can be that dominant; now he just needs to be more efficient and pitch deeper into games to get more wins.

Jeff (NYC)

Has Rollins lost keeper status going into next year? Would you consider Ubaldo a top 25 starter for next year?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:25 PM)

As always, depends on whom you have, but ... Rollins has gotten a bad rap because of his extended slumps and low batting average. Do you realize he's still on pace for 21 homers, 33 steals and 43 doubles, not to mention 104 runs and 81 RBIs. That's pretty incredible, and it's only going to get better since he's erasing poor months. Everyone seems to ga-ga over Brandon Phillips, but Rollins' numbers should be similar or better, and he has a better track record. So he still ranks high in my keeper rankings. Ubaldo does too, although I'd have to see what the Rox do over the winter to ensure he can win enough games.

Daniel (NYC)

What are your thoughts on streaming pitchers at the end of the year? I'm in a battle for first, W's and Ks, we have an innings limit, the other guys in the battle are streaming like crazy right now, my worst pitcher is Blanton... would you drop him to stream guys like Feldman, Romero, De La Rosa, Pettite, Richmond, Kuroda... Thanks, Brendan!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:27 PM)

Blanton your worst pitcher? The guy is on fire right now! I'm all for streaming pitchers; in fact, I recommend it. And those are some good options to choose. But when you have a hot pitcher, you stick with him. Surely you can find someone besides Blanton to drop. If you can't, I'd stand pat.

Ruby (Seattle)

I'm starting to think I've been waiting on Votto and Zobrist too long. Do you think E Aybar and Butler are upgrades?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:30 PM)

Yeah, Zobrist has really slowed down, and though this is not always a popular argument, I really think all the extra work he has been getting this season, and moving all over the diamond, might have worn him down a bit. But I still can't take Aybar over him. Again, Aybar doesn't run as much as you'd think, and he doesn't hit homers or drive in runs. He just looks good because of his average, but Zobrist is still the better all-around player. And as hot as Butler has been, Votto is still one of my faves. I'd keep with the two you have.

Mike (San Jose)

Dropped O Cabrera for Erik Aybar at short.... been struggling there all year; good move? just need consistent production from any category (also available: Andrus, Everth Cabrera, Renteria, St L committee, and the new guy in MIL) Any of those more attractive?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:31 PM)

Now THAT Aybar move I can endorse ... although I like Everth Cabrera more thanks to those wheels. Everth is playing everyday and already has an amazing 17 steals in 61 games. I'd go after him.

Mark (State College, PA)

Do you envision Lidge losing the closer's role? I have this feeling the Phillies are waiting until Brett Myers gets healthy and they'll make him the closer.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:33 PM)

I don't get that feeling at all. In fact, I get the feeling the Phils would rather be cautious with Myers, but he's the one who wants to rush back (when he's not injuring his eye doing whatever he was doing anyway). Not saying he can't earn the closer role (back), but I don't think that's in the Phillies' plans at all. If anything, Madson gets a shot, but they'll stick with Lidge awhile longer. He has earned a long leash, and right now it's only about halfway drawn in.

JD (DC)

I'm sorry, I'm in a league without an innings limit and I like it that way. What's "streaming?"

Brendan Roberts

  (3:35 PM)

Streaming is just picking up starting pitchers with good matchups, etc., and then turning them over for different pitchers the next week. Like "spot starters." Even with an innings limit, you might still be able to do that for a couple weeks to get yourself to that innings pace (if you're below it). I love that sites show "projected innings," because it allows you to stream NOW if you want to.

Cliff Claven (Mail Room, MA)

dude, don't give my boy Normy credit - little known fact was mine!!! Andrus or Yunel for the rest of '09?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:37 PM)

I'd have to say Andrus. Developing more power than I thought he would, and can run like the win. It's a WELL-known fact that Yunel has just three steals. As impressive as homers and batting average is, 30-steal (or even 40-steal-potential) guys just don't grow on trees. Andrus' value has jumped for next year.

JoJo (Richmond)

Should I trade Alfonso Soriano or hold tight? What could I expect in return?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:40 PM)

As far as value is concerned, I think you have to hold on to Soriano, because nobody will give you close to what he could do. Then again, if you have needs elsewhere, he'd be the guy to pull a 2-for-1 deal with, getting two good players for just him. I still believe in Alfie, though. He looks healthier than he did in the first half, and he's always been very streaky. I'm just afraid you could lose a massive tear.

kris (st louis)

You said Josh Johnson is close to that... you mean a top tier keeper? No concerns about his Tommy John arm? I have Vazquez and was trying to decide between the two.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:43 PM)

Not concerned ... and trust me, I had to be convinced of that. But I've tried to watch as many of his starts as I can, and I see no evidence of improper mechanics, or him holding back or protecting himself. He's just a big kid with good mechanics, and am wondering if maybe just overuse led to the TJ surgery in the first place. In essence, he reminds me so much of former Marlin AJ Burnett, but with better control in his early years. Burnett also had Tommy John surgery, but you wouldn't know it by looking at it now, and the TJ surgery was 5-6 years ago (I think). Johnson is the real deal, and I'd choose him over the 33-year-old Javy.

Jake Fox (CHI)

Thoughts on using me in a 10 team H2H this year?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:44 PM)

Well, it would have been much more likely if Aramis Ramirez hadn't bounced back. I like Fox -- a lot -- but I can't warrant starting him in that setup unless everyday playing time is assured.

Pablo Escobar (Colombia)

B-Rob, love your chats dude, ManRam or Ethier, who piles up more stats the rest of the way?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:45 PM)

Ha, nice moniker. I love the movie "Blow," so I caught it immediately. A good question there, but I still have to say Manny. They do much the same things, but Manny should hit for a higher average.

Michael (Portland, ME)

What's up with K-Rod? No one seems to care that he is stinking up the joint. Is he even a keeper any more?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:48 PM)

I don't know that his peripherals are that much different than they were last year, honestly. He is what he is. His WHIP is better than last year, and opposing hitters are hitting just .195 off him. He just has allowed a few more homers, and he hasn't gotten as many save opps. I don't think he's a top closer, sure, but I wouldn't have said he was before this season either because his ERA/WHIP aren't dominant. I'd knock his keeper value down only slightly compared with last year.

Cindy (Maimi)

Brendan, please help me with my starting pitching !!! I have Wandy, Lilly, CC, Nolassco, Hamels, Peavy on DL ready to soon activate. Would you drop any of them for Baker, Washburn, or Piniero? Thank you Brendan!!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:50 PM)

Hi, Cindy. If that's Scott Baker, then yes. I'd probably say to cut Wandy, who can have hot streaks but throws awful starts in favorable matchups in there just enough to frustrate his owners.

Neftali Feliz (TX)

So you discussed my teammates Hunter and Holland but no mention of me? Am I the future ace of this much improved staff or the shut down closer?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:52 PM)

Yes, can't forget young Neftali. ... This is me drooling. The kid is incredible. He'll have his share of bumps, and won't have much stamina to begin with, but I see him as a future No. 2 fantasy starting pitcher. I'd say ace if not for his ballpark and the fact that I still don't see him being a future eight-inning guy. I just keep thinking of Joba Chamberlain and his bumps while moving to the rotation, but Neftali has similar potential.

Sunny (NY)

Time to jump off the Matt Weiters bandwagon and jump on Montero?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:53 PM)

For this season alone, yes. Montero is hot, and he actually has always had this kind of potential, so I believe it.

John (Denver)

So you would honestly drop Wandy for Baker? I'm not sure if I understand the rationale there...

Brendan Roberts

  (3:58 PM)

Yup, I got a coupla comments on this. Good points, all! When it comes to Baker, I'm tempted to throw out the first month of the season since he's a completely different pitcher right now. Even with that, he has an amazing 1.14 WHIP, and hitters are hitting .246 against him. And better home ballpark, and I think his team will win more for him. Wandy's WHIP sits at 1.27, and I don't think he pitches as deep into games as Baker to get more wins.

Geoff (Cal)

Need on of my questions answered, will Brayan Pena be fantasy relevant if he gets full starting time this year?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:59 PM)

I just don't see it, Geoff. He might be worth starting in the majors, but won't hit enough to be a fantasy hero. Two more questions ...

Tough Question (Stick Your Neck Out)

Nobody wants to answer whether Nolasco should be started tonight @HOU - I know he looked like crap in his game there last week but we should keep the faith, right?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:00 PM)

I think you keep the faith. Yes, rough start against HOU his last time out, but he had decent splits againt HOU before that game.

Charlie (Houston)

Start Billingsley against St. Louis's offense?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:02 PM)

I'd start Billingsley against anyone, even if he's banged up, struggling, whatever ... he's too good to bench.

Brendan Roberts

  (4:03 PM)

And that oughta do it; I gotta run, folks. Back again next week, likely talking more baseball. Thanks for stopping by, and you stay classy. Catch ya same time next week.