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Jason Grey

  (3:18 PM)

Hey guys, sorry I'm running late...will stay late to make up for it...let's get right to it.

Jack (Petaluma, CA)

Hi Jason, will Chris Carter get a callup by the A's? If so, how do you think he will do this year and in 2010? Thanks...

Jason Grey

  (3:20 PM)

Last I heard about two weeks ago, it wasn't in the plans...things could have changed since then, I don't expect much for this year or next, even with AB's. 2011 is more likely for impact. He's simply not ready yet, and I think they don't want to rush him.

devon (brooklyn)

better keeper for the next 3 years. kemp or jup?

Jason Grey

  (3:20 PM)

J-Up.

Grant (Chicago)

I've a breakdown from you on Eric Younger please. I know PT will be an issue this and next year, but can we still expect a Bourn at 2B from him? And 2009 Bourn, not that 2008 model :)

Jason Grey

  (3:21 PM)

If he gets the AB's next season as the starting 2B, yes, he has that kind of speed. It's a question of whether he gets to start or is deployed as a UT guy.

Andrew (Ft Benning (GA))

What do you see from Smoak? He doesn't even have double digit homeruns this year.

Jason Grey

  (3:23 PM)

Actually he has 11....hitting .290 with an OBP of over .400 and sluggng .441 while reaching Triple-A in your first full season as a pro is nothing to sneeze at. The Tex comparisons are valid.

Dan (Detroit)

Any news as to why Nyjer Morgan left the game early today?

Jason Grey

  (3:24 PM)

Jammed his left hand, not sure how, and we won't know any more until postgame

Bryan (D-town)

JP Arencibia has let down many people this year, but I still read that the Blue Jays are committed to him with both their catchers becoming free agents. Will he get a call-up in September?

Jason Grey

  (3:26 PM)

I do think he will be one of the players they call up, and it's not like they have anyone else ready; it's a position they can go cheap at as they try to keep payroll down. That said, J.P. is a fringe-average big league catcher at best because of his propensity to swing at everything. I put a 50 on him on the 20-80 scouting scale at the AFL after much deliberation, but should have put him as a 45, which is a backup.

Elijah (Poland, ME)

Is there still any value left in galarraga for a dynasty league?

Jason Grey

  (3:27 PM)

No, last year was a luck-driven fluke, so it's not like he has anything to rebound to.

JIm (DC)

Would you say the odds of Heyward being called up thi syear are pretty slim? I've been sitting on my #1 waiver priority all year and it appears we may have seen the last of the major call ups.

Jason Grey

  (3:29 PM)

I think the odds were pretty good until he bruised his heel recently, and there is word they may just shut him down and let him heal before playing in the AFL. But he had a good shot prior to that.

Josh (VA)

Gordon Beckham - is he the next big thing in the style of Braun, Longoria before him?

Jason Grey

  (3:30 PM)

Not quite that level, especially in power, but a quality IF option for many years to come

Trent (Calgary)

There seems to be reams of young closers lying in wait this and every year. Who's the best of the lot for you? Motte? Perry? Weathers? Someone we've never heard of?

Jason Grey

  (3:33 PM)

I look at this more in the short-term, in terms of who has the chance to ascend to the role fairly quickly, so you'd be looking at.. Drew Storen, Ryan Perry, Chris Perez, maybe Daniel Bard (if they decide to trade Paps for whatever reason) off the top of my head. I'm also convinced Bud Norris would be a lights-out closer if they put him in that role.

Joe Saunders (CA)

What say you? Am I back and better than ever?

Jason Grey

  (3:34 PM)

Last year was also a luck-driven fluke for you. Your "better than ever" is a lot worse than people think it is.

Jack (Petaluma, CA)

Followup to your Chris Carter response. Haven't the A's shown that they are willing to get their young players out early? Look at Anderson, Cahill, Mezzaro.

Jason Grey

  (3:36 PM)

If it's warranted by their development - Carter still has work to do; I think it's also noteworthy all the players you mentioned are pitchers.

CB (Virginia)

Chris Davis has shown both sides of himself today....a HR and 2 Ks. Which will we see more of?

Jason Grey

  (3:36 PM)

You'll still see plenty of K's - but he's a lot better than he showed the first time around.

Jason Grey

  (3:38 PM)

For those asking about Heyward for next year - has a very good chance to be the Opening Day RF

Mike (DC)

Coghlan has 2 HRs already today, but do you like him better than EY Jr. for next year?

Jason Grey

  (3:39 PM)

Different fantasy skill set. If EY gets the AB's he'll be the better fantasy player for the speed value (see where Morgan, Bourn etc.) are on Player Rater, so it depends on the rest of your roster and the context. Coghlan's the better player, but that doesn't necessarily equate to the best fantasy value.

Ben (Baltimore)

Who would you rather have right now in a non keeper league? Chris Davis or Matt LaPorta?

Jason Grey

  (3:39 PM)

Davis, especially with that lineup - more run and RBI opportunities

Brian (Charlotte, NC)

Is Hanley for real or just a fluke?

Jason Grey

  (3:41 PM)

Tough to please. Four years in a row of kick-butt production? Self-explanatory.

Jordan (OH)

Better keeper...Stephen Drew or Elvis Andrus?

Jason Grey

  (3:42 PM)

Similar to the EY/Coghlan question. The better hitter is Drew, but given his speed Andrus will have more fantasy value. However, if you have Ellsbury and Figgins, for example, then Drew becomes more valuable to you in context.

Drone (Hive)

Will the Cubs limit Randy Wells' innings in Sept? Would you suggest I drop him for Pavano or Meche for the fantasy playoffs? Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (3:43 PM)

There are many pitchers I suspect will get limited in September, but Wells is not one of them. Hang on.

Raul Ibanez (Philly)

I have stopped raking. Please advise.

Jason Grey

  (3:44 PM)

Is anyone surprised? There's no way he could have kept up that pace even if he stayed healthy, which he didn't. Are we surprised a 37 year old OF is limping to the finish?

Jason (Ellicott City, MD)

Am I annoying? Wainwright for Cy young. There I said it.

Jason Grey

  (3:45 PM)

I could care less about those awards, what's more important is how money and undervalued Wainwright has been the last three seasons. I'd prefer he didn't win the award because that will likely still keep him slightly undervalued by many next season.

Jeff (SF)

J. Hamilton or A. Jones (Balt) for the rest of this year?

Jason Grey

  (3:46 PM)

Hamilton, especially with Jones banged up with knee and back problems that have been a part of his post-ASG decline.

Jason (Ellicott City, MD)

Beckham or Zobrist for the rest of 2009?

Jason Grey

  (3:46 PM)

Beckham '09 and beyond

Ben (Baltimore)

So you skip my Davis/LaPorta question to take an easy one like whether Hanley is for real? C'mon man!

Ben (Baltimore)

Oh, thanks. For some reason your answer didn't load until I refreshed again. Sorry about that!

Jason Grey

  (3:47 PM)

For anyone else with the same problem.

Jason (Ellicott City, MD)

Way to not answer Raul's question.

Jason Grey

  (3:47 PM)

Like that guy.

SS (Massachusetts)

Any chance Desmond Jennings gets called up by the Rays?

Jason Grey

  (3:48 PM)

I'd say it's 50/50 - wouldn't surprise me, could have use as a bench bat in Sept.

Dave (NB, CA)

Does Hamilton find any power down the stretch? Keep this average up? You were high on him no?

Jason Grey

  (3:49 PM)

He's hit .310 since the break...I'm betting he has a good power month in Sept.

Greg (Huntsville, TX)

Adam Dunn is hitting in the .280s right now along with the usual assortment of HRs, BBs, and Ks. Have you noticed anything fundamentally different about his swing or approach this year that would lead to the higher AVG? Or is this largely luck driven?

Jason Grey

  (3:51 PM)

BABIP is fifty points higher than his career mark, thus I'd say it's largely luck driven. Same approach as always.

Craig G. (Fairfield, California)

Do you think Reid Brignac will become a permanent fixture in the Rays lineup any time soon?

Jason Grey

  (3:51 PM)

No, and I think he's been overrated as a prospect.

Brian (Vancouver, WA)

Is Lincecum for real? (Kidding). You have a couple of SS names for 2010 unlikely to be rostered in very deep keeper leagues? I will need to draft one. Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (3:53 PM)

How about J.J. Hardy these days? It's almost certain he gets dealt somewhere to start next season, and he's likely been dropped or will be in many leagues. Otherwise, you try and get lucky with the Everth Cabrera's of the world.

Rick (USA Stats) (Chicago)

Hi Jason. Is Josh Outman worth hanging onto for next year?

Jason Grey

  (3:54 PM)

No, he'll likely miss most of next year.

CB (Virginia)

Is Ubaldo Jimenez a top 10 NL pitcher next year? Is he over his control issues?

Jason Grey

  (3:56 PM)

Very well could be - the fact the walks are headed in the right direction is a good sign, though there's still some work to do. His repertoire is as nasty as anyone's in the game, a full five pitches of filth when he knows where the ball is going.

Sam (Saint Paul)

Hey Jason, Who do you think is a better keeper Feliz or Hanson?

Jason Grey

  (3:56 PM)

Hanson

Josh Hamilton (Texas)

Apparently I can't hit HRs any more?

Jason Grey

  (3:56 PM)

Or read earlier questions in the chat...

JB (CT)

Tim Beckham debuts in ____ and starts in ____?

Jason Grey

  (3:57 PM)

Barely holding his own in the Sally League, we're talking a few years

Josh Hamilton (Texas)

I wasn't the one who was late today, Jason.

Jason Grey

  (3:58 PM)

Teaches me to try and match wits with Josh Hamilton.

CB (Virginia)

Will James Loney EVER develop power?

Jason Grey

  (3:59 PM)

He is what he is, and it's been a concern ever since he was a prospect.

Jake (CA)

If Trevor Hoffman gets traded, who takes over the closer role in Milwaukee?

Jason Grey

  (4:01 PM)

I would have said Coffey until the Brewers acquired Weathers, so I'd say probably Weathers.

Patrick (Los Angeles )

Would rather have for rest of 09'-Huff, LaRoche, Konerko?

Jason Grey

  (4:02 PM)

I'd say LaRoche in a close call over Konerko. We all know how streaky LaRoche has been in his career, and he seems to be dialed in right now.

Rick (Chicago)

#1 Waiver pick. If Heyward doesn't get the call, who would be the next one to grab?

Jason Grey

  (4:03 PM)

If Desmond Jennings gets the call, he might be No. 2. Doesn't look like Posey may get a look, but could be No. 2 as well if he does because he has better chance at starting next season.

Jason Grey

  (4:05 PM)

Bumgarner...would not shock me if he just got shut down. Giants have other pitchers to call on if they need SP (Pucetas, for example) and want to limit Madison's innings. We'll see how they want to balance wild card race with pushing Madison's innings (123 right now)

Jason Grey ((Bristol, CT))

I'd say the best prospect that nobody has heard of is ________?

Jason Grey

  (4:10 PM)

As opposed to the best nobody has heard of because it's a bit broad, let me give you some new names worth attention. Here's three players in the low minors that I've scouted personally and like, and who are under everyone's radar right now.Dodgers SP Carl Webster (although he wants to be known now as Allen Webster)Angels SP Fabio Martinez Mesa (also known as Fabio Martinez)A's OF Grant Desme (will play at AFL)

Jeff ((NYC))

Could Andre Ethier be having the quietest breakout season ever? His minor league track record doesn't seem to support this level of power but is there something he changed this year to support the surge? Is he a top 20 OF next year?

Jason Grey

  (4:12 PM)

I wouldn't say it's that quiet, because I would argue his breakout season was last year, which is not that much different. The power potential was there against RHP

Tim Hudson (Atlanta)

Anything new with me? Am I coming back soon?

Jason Grey

  (4:12 PM)

Should be back right after rosters expand...

Linc (CA)

Give me a sleeper running back on few people's radar with a chance to tear it up this year.

Jason Grey

  (4:13 PM)

Walter Payton.

Anthony (Cali)

Who has the most upside for this year? Chris Davis or Garrett Jones?

Jason Grey

  (4:13 PM)

Davis

Zach (NY)

Of Cecil, Mills and Rzepczynski, who has the most fantasy value next season ?

Jason Grey

  (4:14 PM)

Rzepczynski for next year - Cecil for the long-term.

Andre Ethier (LA)

How is .282, 20-77 my breakout Grey? I'm pacing .293, 35-110 this year. Get it together man!

Jason Grey

  (4:16 PM)

Breakout means a whole new level of performance..2007 : .284/.350/.4522008: .305/.375/.5102009: .290/.376./.544Which of those three years is not like the other two?

Steven Strasburt (WA DC)

With 200 players off the board in a keeper 2010 draft, do you spend the first pick on me?

Jason Grey

  (4:17 PM)

Yes.

Randy (Phoenix)

Where do you think Justin Upton will go in next year's drafts?

Jason Grey

  (4:17 PM)

I don't think he gets out of round 2.

Woody (Peckerland)

Will Tommy Hanson be shutdown soon, he is around 150 IP??

Jason Grey

  (4:19 PM)

Have not heard a peep that this is a plan in Atlanta, especially with the Braves 5.5 out of a playoff spot. Would surprise me if they did, but of course, it's possible.

Travis (Nashville)

C Gonzalez or Fowler in COL. Which has more upside for 2010 and beyond?

Jason Grey

  (4:20 PM)

Fowler has the most upside, esp. when his speed is taken into account

Nick (NY)

EY2 or Borbon the rest of 09?

Jason Grey

  (4:21 PM)

Borbon

Wynn (Rochester, NY)

Is it true that Choo has to serve a year in the South Jorean Army before he turns 30 (he's 28 now)? I'm thinking of keeping him as my 5th and final this year but don't want to pass over others if he may be gone for an entire season.

Jason Grey

  (4:23 PM)

Last I heard about it was here: http://blog.cleveland.com/sports/2008/07/indians_insider_military_servi.html.... but there have been rumblings that Choo's commitment will wind up being waived. I think he's safe for next season if I had to make a decision on it.

Mark (Boston)

In a vacuum --- who has more impact next season, Martin Prado or Brandon Morrow?

Jason Grey

  (4:24 PM)

Morrow

Phil (Grand Rapids)

Is Logan Morrison a James Loney, or is he more than that?

Jason Grey

  (4:24 PM)

More. much more.

Chris (LA,CA)

Jason, I'm 280 innings short of the MINIMUM! 7 starters now on my roster...can I make it???

Jason Grey

  (4:26 PM)

seven starters * 6 starts (roughly) * 6 inn per start (if lucky) = 252, likely coming up short

Civil Ian (Toronto)

V Padilla? Worth a chance since I have lost Johan?

Jason Grey

  (4:27 PM)

Death is not an option? Park or no park, NL or no NL, that K rate isn't good.

Jason Grey

  (4:27 PM)

Again, hit refresh if missing ?? or answers.

justin (ia)

drop rios and grab young jr?

Jason Grey

  (4:28 PM)

No, I still hang in to Rios.

Lars (Seattle)

You seem a Morrow believer! Would you keep him over Garza, Price or Hanson for 2010?

Jason Grey

  (4:28 PM)

No, no, and... no.

Jason Grey

  (4:28 PM)

Ok guys that's it for me today - thanks for sticking around, sorry for being late. See you next week.