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Brendan Roberts

  (3:00 PM)

Hi, all! Back for another week. Once again, I'm talking baseball, per my marching orders. Christopher Harris will be focusing on fantasy football in his chats. Eric Karabell and Matthew Berry have been tasked with hitting all subjects, and someday soon I will too. But for now, I'm talking baseball. Let's get to the questions.

Mark (Canada)

I noticed Butler did not make your Hit Parade rankings. What do you not see there?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:03 PM)

Well, I don't see the steals, and when I ranked last week, he actually had been in a mini-slump, so wasn't sure going forward. Also didn't like the matchups going forward. He's very close, but first base is even deeper than normal ... he'll get in some weeks, others not, since he's right there.

rob (sc)

Hey BR,hope ya having a good day.Would you pick Wolf over Kuroda rest of the year? Playoffs start in 4 weeks.thanks.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:04 PM)

I am, thank you. Was just talking some football plans for 2009, and I'm really excited about a couple things we're working on ... I'd say Wolf, based on the K's. He's given you plenty of reasons to like him already.

Steve (ND)

Drop Hank Blalock for Sandra Bullock? Or even Matt LaPorta?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:07 PM)

Ha, ha. Yeah, ol' Hank is having his once-typical second-half collapse, and now getting "some rest" on the bench. And Chris Davis will be called up soon, and the team is talking about having Andruw Jones play a little at 1B ... the writing is on the wall. I think LaPorta is a good bench option, though. He clearly hasn't figured it out yet, but the Indians likely will let him try. And he does have the upside that, with playing time, he could quickly emerge into an option. If you have a decent-sized bench, keep him. If you don't, sayonara.

greg (los angeles)

i want to pick up scott feldman for my playoff run. who would you drop from mclouth, rajai davis, or casey blake?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:08 PM)

Yeah, how 'bout Scott Feldman. He's even striking guys out. I can't believe it ... but what the heck, you might as well pick him up. I'd cut Blake. Plays a deeper position than the other two, and doesn't offer anything unique. Also, I hear McLouth might return shortly after he's eligible to.

Bill (Oak Park, MI)

I've had enough of Alfonso Soriano and want to drop him, but I'm afraid once I do, someone will pick him up and he'll catch fire. Should I just hold on? Is there any hope for this bum?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:10 PM)

I thought there was, and have been advocating for people to hang on to him. But then I read something in the past week that that knee still isn't right, and it's bothering him. With Jake Fox hitting, and currently no place to play him as long as Lee and Aramis are healthy, I think the Cubs will find opportunities to "rest Soriano's knee" plenty in the past six weeks. I never thought I'd say this, but in a shallow mixed league, yes, it's time to cut Alfie. There's no guarantee of a bounce-back as long as he's not right.

Dan (VT)

Pretend you're on PTI, and you're playing 'Oddsmakers'. How would you answer this one: Chance that Ryan Perry is the closer for Detroit in 2010 is __?__ % And feel free to elaborate on your answer as Tony and Michael do! [In other words, should I keep him in my AL Only League for a measley buck???] Thanks for chatting!!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:14 PM)

Well phrased question ... I'd say 15 percent chance at the most. I haven't liked the way the Tigers have used him necessarily, but he has walked 26 batters in 44 innings and still has to reign in his control. He has a 1.52 WHIP. That's OK, he's 22. Plus, Rodney has been surprisingly good, and Brandon Lyon is on fire right now. I think they get the first shot at the job, and with Perry being third in line, I don't see him nailing down the role at all in 2010. If he were pitching better, maybe. But Leyland is an old-school manager (like Lou Piniella) who despises walks from closers. Rodney isn't Mr. Control, but he's better than Perry. Perry in 2011, at the earliest.

Nick (Milwaukee)

Does Steven Drew have any value left this year?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:16 PM)

Yes he does, but maybe in a selective nature. He's been away for a family emergency this week, but he hits righties well and MUCH better at home than on the road. So I'd platoon him with someone, if it's possible. Maybe you don't start him next week on the road (although he does play at COLO), but the week after.

rick (nj)

buster posey starting at catcher next year for giants

Brendan Roberts

  (3:19 PM)

Ya know, he just might be. My gut says he pulls a Wieters and comes up in May, but Molina is a free agent to be (I think) and might be gone, and Posey is the future of the team at catcher. If he's not starting right away in 2010, I expect him to by the All-Star break. The Giants have been careful about moving him up the chain, but he's ready, if you ask me.

Cursed Player (OHIO)

Hey Brenden. I drafted David Wright in the 1st round, Johan in the 2nd, and Webb in the 3rd. WOO HOO!!!!!

Brendan Roberts

  (3:20 PM)

Oh, yuck. And looked like a winner on draft day. For the most part, though, there haven't been many flops in the first 30-40 picks, as I look it.

Brian (IN)

Can I expect Jake Fox to get regular enough playing time to be worth starting at third base over someone like wiggingon, or maybe Chris Davis when he gets the call?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:21 PM)

Unfortunately not. Not the way things look right now. He just isn't assured of regular PT. He hits when he plays, but ... I'm thinking Davis might actually be the best of the group. I was slow to warm to him, but I hear he looks like a completely different hitter, mostly because the Rangers changed his swing, making him ... a completely different hitter. I have optimism he might finish strong.

Chris (LA, CA)

BR, Keeper league question. A team out of contention traded essentially it's entire roster short of ARod and Manny to aquire Chase Utley. I'm worried that the beneficiaries of these "keeper dumps" skew the balance of a league. Do I just need to suck it up? Is there a way to govern this type of owner behaviour? Thanks.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:23 PM)

You govern it by setting a veto system, but really, there's not much you can do. Keeper-league vetoes are even more rare because as long as the owner has next year as his focus, just about all trades can go. That's one of the few downsides to a keeper league. Then again, it can happen in real baseball too.

Jim (NYC)

Now that the trade deadline has passed, what would you do with good-to-marginally-good players sitting on your bench? Keep 'em -- and hope no one picks them (and makes you look stupid)? Or just drop 'em -- and go after player with more current value? I overloaded on OFs: Kubel, Guiterrez, and Willingham are sitting on my bench.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:25 PM)

In September, I always feel someone must have a defined role. If I don't know what that role is -- start him in heavy-home weeks, start him in heavy-vs.-lefty weeks, etc. -- then I don't see a reason to keep an otherwise marginal player. I'd rather be able to make lineup decisions on things that make sense rather than just gut reactions or a simple pick. If you can see a guy on the FA wire who you know you can count on when the situation is right, you move for him.

James (Sioux City, IA)

If the White Sox give Peavy the call this Sat at Yankee Stadium, are you starting him? Or is it best to wait and see?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:27 PM)

Yeah, I've been tossing that one around. All reports about Peavy have been fairly positive. It has taken him awhile to return, but his arm is fine. Here's how I see it: If he were returning to a team he has played for and facing a team he has faced several times, I don't start him because of the rust and injury factor. But since he's returning to possibly pitch against a team he has never faced, I start him. He has great stuff, and you figure the lack of familiarity alone will get him by.

Peter (North Carolina)

Do you see Nolan Reimold breaking out in 2010 or at least becoming a 20-25 HR guy annually?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:30 PM)

That's a good one, and I've been trying to determine his long-term upside. I'd probably have to say yes, considering he's in the prime of his career, and he does have 20-homer potentially. I see maybe a .283-21-85 season from him next year.

Eric (SF)

Is Manny going to break out? Who do you prefer for Sept--Votto or LaRoche?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:33 PM)

Manny is slumping a bit, but he's still having a good, well, post-suspension return. He'll maybe hit for a little better average, but not like he did last year at this time. So yeah, he'll get better, but not by much. Which first baseman? Oh, that's close; LaRoche is on fire. But I think I'd still rather have Votto because I see him hitting for a higher average, and it's a big difference. He's hitting .312 for the season, and I foresee .320 capabilities.

LT (CA)

Where do you see Cliff Lee in the pitcher hierarchy for next year? Top 5? Top 10? Top 1?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:35 PM)

Great question. I really thought the move in ballparks would hurt him since Philly is much worse than Cleveland for pitchers. But he is lights-out. NL hitters will adjust, but because a) he plays for a good team; b) pitches long enough to win games while being backed by a good offense; c) K's a good number; and d) doesn't have to face his own team, I think he'll slot in about No. 4 ofr 5.

Eric (ON)

How 'bout some love for Brian Roberts! Been out of his mind the past 3 weeks. Would you put him in your top 3 2B for next year, with Utley and Kinsler?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:37 PM)

Hey, I'm always up for giving love to a guy named Roberts. I'd probably put Hill and his breakout season slightly ahead of Roberts, but he's right in there at No. 4. If he only he still stole 50-plus bases, but he's more in the mid-30s range now. Good numbers, but not top-3.

Hank (Austin)

Am I crazy for thinking about picking up Barry Zito for the rest of the season as a replacement for Harang over Pettitte, Kawakami and E. Santana?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:40 PM)

You're not crazy; he has been very good. And it's a longstanding trend with him. Now is the time to own Zito. The other guys are tempting, but Santana hasn't really pitched well (and the K's have been down), Pettitte same deal, and Kawakami just hasn't been striking out enough guys. Wow, Zito it is -- with a short leash.

Clay Buchholz (Boston)

Flash in the pan or pan in the flash? Not really sure what that means, but you catch my drift, right?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:43 PM)

Hey, I like the saying. I'm just not sold on Buchholz for this year, and really never was. I still love his upside, but he allows too many leadoff batters to reach base, and simply has too many guys on. In fact, hitters are batting .322 against him with no runners on. He gets better after they're on, but he has to attack more and get more strikeouts with no runners on. It's just not happening right now.

Nate (NOLA)

Tell harris the Carpenter hate is unjust (really not in the top 5). I understood the lower rankings earlier due to injury concerns, but now come on every time he touches the ball he is lights out. tied for most wins and lowest ERA

Brendan Roberts

  (3:45 PM)

I respect my colleague in the utmost, but I'm with you. I've been watching Carpenter in recent starts, and he looks as back to me as he ever was. Was throwing mid-90s in the 6th or 7th in his last start, and hitting Molina's glove on the nose with every pitch. Just incredible. Maybe not top 5, but right there.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:47 PM)

Yeah, the Redbirds are hot, but Wandy has pitched very well against them this year, if I recall. I think you have to go with him.

J. Baker (NYC)

How can I possibly trust Cole Hamels right now? I know 60'60" has him ranked pretty high, but it seems we've been waiting to see last year's Hamels for months now. I've got Scott Downs itching to come off the DL - drop Hamels outright?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:48 PM)

Nah, he has too much upside, and plays for too good a team to be dropped outright. There has to be someone else you can drop instead. But I'm wondering if he's suffering some sort of dead arm. He didn't see to have as much velocity or bite on his breaking stuff to me in his last start. I think there's something wrong there; it's not just that he's getting knocked around.

Gabe (Jersey)

BR, Strategy question. Someone just dropped Wright. I already have Aramis and Reynolds. Do I pick him up so no one else can get him? (i got 1st dibs on waivers)

Brendan Roberts

  (3:50 PM)

Yes, yes and yes. If you can get David Wright, you do it. I actually think he'll do well upon his return. Things have been going well for him, and he wouldn't be returning if he wasn't able to contribute.

Kim (Philly)

What's the better 1-2 starting combo: Lincecum/Cain or Wainwright/Carpenter? (I know: not really fantasy related)

Brendan Roberts

  (3:50 PM)

It kinda is ... I'd take Wainwright and Carp.

Pat (Chicago)

Buster Posey or Colby Rasmus for next year and beyond?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:52 PM)

Hmm, good questions. I like Rasmus as much as the next guy, but Posey is an offensive-minded catcher who is expected to remain a catcher, and those guys are much tougher to find. I see a handful of Colby Rasmus types to choose from. Also, Colby maybe has more MLB value than fantasy value because he can play the D and draw walks, but not sure he'll be a fantasy horse anytime soon.

Mike (CA)

I need starts badly, do I dare start Joba tonight vs. Texas?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:52 PM)

Yes, I would. I'd start Joba in almost all settings.

Dino (Woodstock, NY)

For the sake of argument, let's assume Jose Reyes returns for the final four weeks of the season. Complete the following sentence - I, Brendan Roberts, would expect approx. (blank) SBs.

Brendan Roberts

  (3:54 PM)

If he were to return? maybe 5-6. But I have this gut feeling he won't return, or won't anytime soon. Jerry Manuel let it slip the other day that he was proceeding under the assumption that Reyes won't return, and I think that's a real possibility from what I've heard. If he does, he'll be gimpy.

Adam (Harrisburg)

I can't be the first one to ask about Johan can I? What do you see for his future as a fantasy ace?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:56 PM)

Honestly, I've been chatting here, so I don't know all the details on him, only that it appears he'll have a minor scope and be done for the season. I have no doubt he can achieve stud status again, but this whole picking him among the top hitters thing is over -- permanently.

Tim (Cincy)

Does Velez continue to to get this playing time and perform like he has been?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:57 PM)

I don't see it. First of all, he hasn't been hitting well; I think he's under .200 over the past 15 days. And secondly, I don't see how the Giants can continue to justify starting him. I say he turns back into a platoon player, and soon.

JoJo (Richmond)

Is Marlon Byrd a safer addition to my OF than Travis Snider, Dexter Fowler or Matt LaPorta?

Brendan Roberts

  (3:59 PM)

Originally, I was going to say Fowler. But a quick check of Byrd's status shows him to be the guy. He's just so hot right now, and he has continued to play everyday since Cruz returned. Ride the hot hand, and ride out his road trip. He'll be back home soon enough. ... On more question.

JoJo (Richmond)

Drop Jarrod Washburn if he doesn't perform tonight?

Brendan Roberts

  (4:00 PM)

I think you have to give him another chance. He has been mighty good this year, and probably is still acclimating to his new team.

Chet (Philly)

News is that Johan has bone chips ... done for the year.

Brendan Roberts

  (4:02 PM)

Except for this ... like I said, we're on the case with Stephania. Slowed me down in the second half of this chat, and I apologize for that if you noticed, but big news indeed. Thanks for stopping by, and I'll be back again next week. See ya then!