Eric Karabell

  (3:00 PM)

Hello there and welcome to the latest fantasy sports chat... lots going on today, from baseball to football, so let's get going... Any questions?

Dan (Chicago)

Brett Favre. There, I said it. Let's move on.

Eric Karabell

  (3:02 PM)

Thank you. Totally agree. On a personal level, man does he make me mad. Make a decision, stick with it! From a fantasy aspect, I actually like him this season more than most. Not as a fantasy starter, per se, but in the 15-18 range. Note that 10 of those interceptions last season came the final 6 weeks when his arm was clearly hurt. He might get hurt again, but there is upside here. And I like Bernard Berrian a lot more now.

Jonathan (Syracuse)

EK...Do you see the Cardinals passing enough to make Breaston a worthy Fantasy player this year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:04 PM)

Absolutely! The Cardinals are not going to start running a lot, no matter what Beanie Wells does. And really, we're going to rely on a rookie? Warner throws for another 4,300 yards and Breaston approaches 1,000 yards. Remember, he needed a Boldin injury to get some of that attention. But he's still worth drafting, more of a No. 4 WR.

scooter (chicago)

aramis ramirez or gordon beckham for next year? one of them will be my 6th and last keeper

Eric Karabell

  (3:05 PM)

I think it's still Aramis. Maybe we can't count on 150 games from him again, but he hits when he plays. And I could see another 30-100 season. Beckham is a fine player, a 15-HR, 15-SB type, but it sure would be nice if he had that SS eligibility next year.

Joel (Michigan)

EK, With Marshall acting like such a knucklehead, how much (if any) does Royal's value increase ? PPR

Eric Karabell

  (3:06 PM)

Unless Marshall gets his butt suspended or dealt, I don't see a major upgrade for Royal. I do think Kyle Orton will be good enough to make Royal worth being a No. 3 WR, but I don't know about a safe 1,000 yards. He's going to get his catches. We can't assume Marshall will miss games.

Mugatu (Malaysia)

EK, tell me something good about Julio Borbon.

Eric Karabell

  (3:07 PM)

I don't think there's any question about his speed. He can swipe bases in bunches. I don't know how much playing time he gets after Nelson Cruz returns, and that could be very soon.

CB (Virginia)

Where's Rafael Soriano????

Eric Karabell

  (3:08 PM)

Probably in the trainer's room right now. It's a shame. Man, what a season Soriano was having until - and it was obvious in his performance - his shoulder became a problem. Wouldn't surprise me if the Braves have to DL him.

Mike (NYC)

FOOTBALL trade help: just got offered Donnie Avery and Jonathan Stewart for Wes Welker in a keeper league. Should I jump on this? What do you expect from those 3 guys this year and beyond?

Eric Karabell

  (3:10 PM)

I would have jumped on the chance to get Avery before he broke his foot, but now... I'd stick with Welker. You know Brady is healthy and Welker will get his 100 catches, 1,000 yards, maybe 7 TDs. Avery could be hit or miss. And I'm starting to think Stewart is too brittle to make DeAngelo owners worry.

Brad (Philly)

Would you rather own Lastings Milledge or Adam LaRoche for the rest of the season?

Eric Karabell

  (3:11 PM)

Definitely LaRoche. Always been a second-half player, with an OPS far higher after the All-Star break, and he's really knocking in runs now that he's back with Atlanta. Milledge needs to run more to be valuable. I can't say that he will do that.

ziti (harrisburg, pa)

thoughts on mauer as a keeper? can he do this again next year at a premium position? tryin to choose between him, kinsler, wright and j.upton...

Eric Karabell

  (3:13 PM)

Sure, Mauer seems like he can do whatever he pleases. He's that good. He's going to win the AL MVP with 30 homers and a .360 average. Wow. From a catcher! That's Piazza-like. That said, I'd still keep Wright. I don't think we can assume Wright won't hit for power in 2010. He can still go 30/30. I'd also keep Kinsler over Mauer. He might go 30/30 this season, and in 10-team leagues, since there are enough starting catchers, one can argue 2B is more scarce.

Adam (Detroit)

Hey EK, I was just wondering what your thoughts are on Greg Jennings this year, do you take him over someone like Steve Smith or Reggie Wayne?

Eric Karabell

  (3:13 PM)

I think they all go in the same range. In a recent mock draft this week I had my choice of the three and went with Smith. But I could have gone Jennings. I think I rank Wayne third of this group.

Hank (FL )

Cantu or Barmes?

Eric Karabell

  (3:14 PM)

Whatever Barmes is doing to become a 25-homer hitter, it's hard to believe, but he's the pick. Enjoy the power. And he's not just doing this at Coors, and not just against lefties. He's not hitting any singles, thus the low batting average, and he never walked, but this power is great.

Andy (NH)

Will Marmol stay the closer long or should I hang onto Guzman just in case?

Eric Karabell

  (3:15 PM)

I wrote in my Relief Efforts column today that I don't see Marmol keeping the job for long if he keeps walking people, and is there any reason for us to believe he will stop? I'd hang onto Guzman.

Marc (Jersey City)

Does Roddy white catch more or less TDs with Gonzalez there?

Eric Karabell

  (3:16 PM)

I don't think it changes much. One one hand we should expect Matt Ryan to develop more, an Turner to carry the ball less, but then there's another prime receiving option, one who gets open at the goal line. I think it all works out similarly for Roddy.

Ben (SF)

Smoltz to the Cards. Does the NL treat him any better?

Eric Karabell

  (3:17 PM)

He should be better off in the NL, but I wouldn't break the FAAB bank to get him. I think, like Pedro Martinez, he can be effective for a few innings at a time, but expecting 6 strong innings is out there. Cardinals might use him as a setup man. Seems to me that's a need.

Vincente P. (Unknown)

Do the Dodgers grab me and do I become relevant?

Eric Karabell

  (3:19 PM)

I think the Dodgers have to take a look at Vicente Padilla, and yes, due to the league change and much larger home ballpark, I think he could win some games. Padilla wasn't having that awful a season. His road ERA was 3.88 and he can get strikeouts.

Josh (Tampa)

In today's Relief Efforts, you've got Gonzalez and Lindstrom back to back. Who's more likely to get saves down the stretch?

Eric Karabell

  (3:20 PM)

Definitely Gonzalez. I don't think the Marlins are in a hurry to replace Leo Nunez, but if Soriano struggles again, that job changes.

Sean (Providence)

Keeper question and need your advice. Weiters in the 11th round or Tex in the 3rd. I'm already keeping Morneau. Thanks Eric.

Eric Karabell

  (3:21 PM)

Well, I don't know how deep your draft will be, but consider if you leave Teixeira out there, he's one of the top picks. Weiters wouldn't be. I think I'd keep the better player, and it's Teix.

Matt (Wausau)

Who is the best Johnny Peralta,Placido Polonco, Magglio Ordonez, or Russell Branyen.Thank you EK.

Eric Karabell

  (3:22 PM)

Depends on need, and that's most important this time of year. You're not starting a draft, so it's not best available player. Branyan has the power. I think Peralta might be the best bet overall.

Mike (Los Angeles)

Better for speed in a dynasty league: Rajai Davis or Drew Stubbs?

Eric Karabell

  (3:23 PM)

Davis is the one for now, and probably next year. No guarantees on Stubbs, a Cincy CF prospect who we have no idea if he can hit at the big league level. Minor leaguers with big SB numbers always entice it, but then most get to the bigs and can't get on base. At least we know Davis can steal 30 bases with sporadic playing time and a nothing bat.

Hank (FL )

So are you saying you prefer somebody like Feldman or Brett Anderson over Pedro?

Eric Karabell

  (3:24 PM)

Not a big fan of any of them the rest of the way, but yes and yes.

Matt (NY)

Bush or Mcfadden

Eric Karabell

  (3:25 PM)

McFadden is going to be a star, this season. He'll get more than 1,000 yards. Whether it's Michael or Reggie Bush you ask about, doesn't matter.

Birdman (Boston)

You taking the Over/Under on 16 TD's for R Moss this year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:26 PM)

I don't have anyone scoring more than 16 TDs this season. That's quite a bit. I think Moss and Andre Johnson could do that, though.

Andy (Boston)

You think Liriano comes back from the DL with a vengeance or a whimper? Rather have Porcello or Anderson instead?

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

I think we've seen the last of a relevant Liriano for this season. The Twins need to build him back up next spring. He was a mess Monday, very wild. Let him go. Porcello would be my choice.

Hank (Austin)

Question for keeper league draft: how do you rank LDT, Stephen Jackson and DeAngelo Williams?

Eric Karabell

  (3:28 PM)

Probably Williams, Jackson and then LT. But all make my top 8 for this season as well.

Charlie (New Jersey)

EK, please help me...With the possibility of Soriano going to the DL who is the best replacement....Frasor, Johnson, or Nunez

Eric Karabell

  (3:29 PM)

I think Jim Johnson in Baltimore is the only one safe for saves the rest of the way. Poor Frasor has had a better year than Scott Downs, but could still lose the job.

Ryan (Newark, NJ)

EK. Please Rank these rookie RB's. McCoy, Brown, Wells.

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

I think fantasy owners are overrating Beanie. The Cardinals are not going to run. That said, at least Wells should play. On the chance he busts out, he ranks first here. Westbrook is healthy and Addai hasn't lost the job yet. He'll probably share it with Brown.

Sean (Providence)

Hey Eric - this posted without a response. I need your opinion. Thanks, Keeper question and need your advice. Weiters in the 11th round or Tex in the 3rd. I'm already keeping Morneau. Thanks Eric.

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

It showed up on mine, but here it was: Well, I don't know how deep your draft will be, but consider if you leave Teixeira out there, he's one of the top picks. Weiters wouldn't be. I think I'd keep the better player, and it's Teix.

Adam (Philly)

LaPorta just got called up. 12-team mixed play relevant?

Eric Karabell

  (3:31 PM)

Yes. I'm assuming he will play. He and Travis Snider are going to be very helpful the rest of the way.

Jesse (Miami)

What is your "fantasy bye philosophy?" Load up on one week; or stagger your byes?

Eric Karabell

  (3:32 PM)

I like the off-the-wall question! I don't think about byes on draft day. I don't. Best available players. Maybe if 2 RBs are even and one shares a bye with my best back it would break a tie for me, but still, if I already have Kurt Warner, and McNabb is sitting around in the 10th round, I take him. Worry about my Week 4 QB later.

Cliff Lee (Philly)

Yo Eric, you coming to the game tonight?

Eric Karabell

  (3:33 PM)

I wish! Stuck in Bristol!

Jason (Nashua, NH)

Any sneaky good quarterbacks out there? I feel like Orton could have a surprisingly productive year in that system... thoughts?

Eric Karabell

  (3:34 PM)

Totally agree. I don't see the same numbers Cutler put up in Denver, but why can't Orton succeed with those weapons? He's not Cutler-talented, but he has ability. I could see 22 TDs, 3,800 yards at best.

Lars (Oslo)

EK, pick 2 keepers--->McFadden, Boldin, P.Thomas? Thanks.

Eric Karabell

  (3:34 PM)

I think I would take Boldin and Thomas here. But I don't know what kind of keeper format it is. Don't know if you can afford to keep McFadden and not get immediate numbers.

John (NY)

EK - Nice article about top 10 for next year. Keeping Mark Reynolds as a 10th rounder is a no-brainer right?

Eric Karabell

  (3:35 PM)

Thank you! Some of the hidden numbers in Reynolds' monster season are so scary, they are historic, but that said the power and speed aren't fluky. He can hit 40 homers. He can steal 25 bases. I don't see how he can hit .280 longterm, but he's doing it!

Grant (Chicago)

Is Cueto droppable in a 12 team keeper league, or is his upside still sky high?

Eric Karabell

  (3:36 PM)

Definitely droppable. He's been hurt for months, and should have been DLed already. Nobody can be so good for two months and then so bad without something hurting them.

Train (Cbus)

Over/Under Steven Jackson touches this year - 350

Eric Karabell

  (3:37 PM)

Over, easily. He will be abused. And from a fantasy aspect, this is a good thing. Just not in 2012.

Ben (SF)

Best keeper for next year: Haren, Howard, Rollins, Felix?

Eric Karabell

  (3:38 PM)

I think it's Howard. Nothing against the others, but you know Howard hits 40 homers. You know he knocks in the runs. The batting average can hurt from time to time, but he's pretty reliable. Second-round pick.

Anthony (Cali)

Joseph Addai .... please tell me he'll be a decent RB2 .... and mean it!

Eric Karabell

  (3:38 PM)

Can't really do it. If you have to have him as a No. 2 RB then make sure you have help. I do think people have given up on Addai a bit prematurely, but I don't think a 1,000-yard season is assured.

James (Futuresville)

What are your thoughts on Heyward. He is supposed to be great, but do you think it is crazy to keep him over Sizemore in a 5X5 roto league with no restrictions on 5 keepers ? Also, do you see him getting a call this year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:40 PM)

Yes, I think that's crazy. Sizemore will get his elbow fixed and to some he's a top-10 player in 2010. I have him in round 2. Heyward is what, 19? We think he'll be a great talent, but there are never guarantees until they play. I mean, Alex Gordon just got sent to the minors. He was supposed to be guaranteed, too.

Jim (Baltimore)

Ray Rice... tell me the 3-headed monster will not last.

Eric Karabell

  (3:41 PM)

Can't do it. And why should the Ravens do it? If they can get good production from multiple backs there's no reason to abuse one player. The goal is to win games, not produce Pro Bowlers. I see Rice being good, but take the under on 1,000 yards due to touches.

Tom (California)

Any RBs who will suffer this season from being overworked in '08?

Eric Karabell

  (3:42 PM)

Certainly the poster boy for this, most believe, is Michael Turner. I could see Portis getting more rest than normal as well.

Gabe (NJ)

Eric, you hit it right on the head in you "relief efforts" column - Guzman should be given 1st chance to fill in for Gregg. Marmol my not have been the closer this year but he has cost the Cubs more games then Gregg - Marmol just happens to implode in the 8th inning instead of the 9th.

Eric Karabell

  (3:44 PM)

Totally agree! Lou Piniella had little choice in terms of public perception to make a move, and this was the "expected" move. Going with an untested Guzman would really put Piniella on the line, and be controversial. Of course, it rarely matters who the best pitcher is. I do see Guzman getting a chance. Marmol is just too wild.

Jason (NY)

Convince me why I shouldn't take LDT at number 3

Eric Karabell

  (3:45 PM)

Well, it's not hard to convince you, but I don't want to. I can make a strong case for LT at No. 3, and about 5 or 6 other running backs. LT could, in theory, share touches with Sproles. He could get hurt. He is 30, after all. But I think he'll be fine.

Adam (Philly)

You mentioned Travis Snider earlier...you like him better than Fowler?

Eric Karabell

  (3:45 PM)

Yes, but they do different things. Fowler just isn't much of a hitter at this point, but he can run and defend. Snider has 30-100 potential soon.

Rocky (Maine)

Drop either H. Matsui or Thome for LaPorta?

Eric Karabell

  (3:46 PM)

No, I don't think I would. Matsui is having a nice power season, and we just cross our fingers he can finish it. Thome has power. LaPorta still has a lot to prove.

Jason (NY)

OK, EK, then I'm taking LDT at 3! And please pay respect to Lawrence Taylor and preserve his nickname.

Eric Karabell

  (3:48 PM)

Everyone knows how good the first LT was... no shame in a RB LT... if we refer to Lawrence Tynes as LT, then that's not good...

scooter (chicago)

i still can't believe your prediction for orton this year.

Eric Karabell

  (3:48 PM)

That's best case. But I do think he will be worth owning. Plenty of QBs throw for 3,800 yards.

Jason (Bmore)

Are you a believer in a bounceback year for ochocinco, and would you feel comfortable to have him as your WR 2?

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

No, I absolutely would not feel comfortable. I don't think even Ocho is comfortable. He knows.

Dave (Dallas)

Felix Jones .... go!

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

Still a backup for now. Marion Barber can play well and get 75 percent of the touches. Or he can play poorly and lose them to Felix.

Brennan (Toronto)

Hill is better then Kinsler - is that my home town bias speaking or a possibility?

Eric Karabell

  (3:50 PM)

More natural power and doesn't have long hitless streaks, but both are very good.

Nate (NOLA)

Knowshon Moreno, Reggie Bush, Jamal Lewis, or Ray Rice as RB#3?

Eric Karabell

  (3:50 PM)

Probably Moreno. I think he wins the job sometime in September.

Adam (Detroit)

EK you say you think SJax will get over 350 touches, but what makes you think he won't be a huge injury risk THIS year with the amount of damage he'll be taking, was there that much improvement in the line?

Eric Karabell

  (3:51 PM)

Well, yeah, I think there was huge improvement. But I also think Jackson has something to prove after two tough seasons. Look at his 2006. Awesome numbers.

Ricky (Chattanooga)

I'm in a PPR League and have the 10th and 11th pick should i take Chris Johnson and Andre Johnson or Chris Johnson and Steve Slaton.

Eric Karabell

  (3:52 PM)

If it's PPR I'd probably go with Andre Johnson over Slaton. Tough to get a top-3 WR...

Jason (Bmore)

Roy Williams?? Does Tony find him at least for 10 tds this year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:52 PM)

No. I am not impressed with Roy Williams, and think Romo will spread the catches out after Witten leads the team with 95 receptions.

scooter (chicago)

sorry to keep bugging you, but rollins or beckham for next year? Am I right for not trusting him anymore even though he is putting up a pretty good 2nd half?

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

It's still Rollins. People get too excited about rookies. Rollins is going to go 20 homers, 30 steals this year and probably next.

Fred (Baltimore)

WAIT A SECOND! You said in your keeper league rankings article that you would take Jackson over DeAngelo. Why the change?

Eric Karabell

  (3:54 PM)

I don't trust J.Stewart one bit. Can't even stay healthy in the summer. I like them both. And it's your team! Do what you want with it!

Mark (Omaha)

PLEEEASE!!! What are the chances Sizemore finishes the season??? I am VERY worried about shutting it down early to get the elbow healed.

Eric Karabell

  (3:54 PM)

I actually have not heard much info on Sizemore being shut down, so maybe it won't happen. Then again,for all we know it happens tomorrow!

Greg (D-Town)

Pierre Thomas a top 10 back..do you agree with Berry? Would you trade B. Marshal for him in a PPR league?

Eric Karabell

  (3:56 PM)

I see the point, and it will be raised in a 32Questions article soon. Top-10 might be a bit high, but that's why he writes the column! You noticed it, didn't ya? I would rather have Thomas than Marshall in a PPR and non-PPR league.

David (Toronto)

Please talk to me about Hamilton vs Kemp

Eric Karabell

  (3:56 PM)

I think at this point it has to be Kemp. Enough power, good speed, and can still emerge. Hamilton certainly looked brittle this season, but even last year wasn't Kemp right there with him due to the stolen bases...

Kevin (SF, CA)

Keeper league...would you trade a 3rd round Fitzgeraled for an 8th round Forte?

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

Yeah, I would.

Tim (Boston)

Kyle Blanks or Jake Fox for the rest of the season?

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

Blanks is the one playing every day...

Jeff P (New Jersey)

Matt Ryan or Aaron Rodgers???

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

Rodgers, easily. He was the No. 2 QB last season!

Doug (NYC)

Tommy Hanson get shut down the last couple of weeks?

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

No. I don't think the Braves are going to do that.

Sunny (NY)

Keeper question. J. Upton or Kung Fu Panda? Westbrook or Colston?

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

Probably Upton. Bigger power and speed potential, more natural player. And Westbrook. For about one more year...

Daniel (NY)

The Beatles or The Rolling Stones?

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

Zeppelin... then Beatles...Floyd ... Stones make my top 10...

Tom (Pittsburgh)

Bye week QB, Farve or Eli Manniing?

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

Fav-ruh

Eric Karabell

  (4:00 PM)

OK, my time is up... hope you enjoyed the chat, and there are more coming up tomorrow. Have a great day, enjoy the end to baseball season and start mock drafting for football.... adios....