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Jason Grey

  (3:03 PM)

Hey everyone - nope, I don't do football. Let's get right to it.

Carlos (Los Angeles)

Chris Davis or Andy Marte the rest of the way? H2H Points. Thanks

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

Davis, with the better upside and better lineup to do some runs and RBI damage with.

Gavin (County Ct.)

What type of rookie stats could you see a guy like Smoak delivering in 2010 over the full season?

Jason Grey

  (3:05 PM)

Always have to be careful with the first season predictions and not get carried away, and I'm as guilty as anyone in that regard sometimes, but he has the chance to hit for average and power right out of the gate. .270, 25 bombs not out of line if he has an Opening Day job.

Jay (Alex, VA)

Hi Jason. D. Hudson just got called up. What are your thoughts on him this year and beyond?

Jason Grey

  (3:06 PM)

Ceiling is as a solid back of the rotation guy, as he's not overpowering but succeeds with a lot of movement on a low-90s fastball. That movement and his good slider have propelled him through the minors, but he won't get as many swings and misses in the majors. (Note: He's a player I've only seen on good video, so he's someone I need to get a good look at during the spring and that might change my opinion a bit.) But, he's definitely a sleeper for next season.

Kenny (Cali)

John Smoltz is pitching well so far vs. the Brewers. Is he worth a pickup for a fantasy playoff race? Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (3:08 PM)

I think the combination of the NL, some luck correction, changing position on the rubber, and the fact that he and the Cards think he was tipping his pitches and made an adjustment can make him a playoff option, yes.

Anthony (Cali)

which pitcher do you want for next week? Garland, Buchholz, or J. Sanchez?

Jason Grey

  (3:08 PM)

Buchholz

Anthony (Cali)

Is Kendrick a good pickup for the rest of the year?

Jason Grey

  (3:10 PM)

Generally in mixed leagues you want guys that play most every day, and even though Howie has been producing when he plays, the timeshare with him and Izturis and Aybar doesn't help. I've been playing Mark Ellis over him in a mixed league for that reason.

Goose (Chicago)

How will Sean Rodriguez fit into the Rays' plans in 2010?

Jason Grey

  (3:12 PM)

Depends on what the Rays do with Iwamura and his $4.25 mil option (or 250 K buyout). If they don't pick it up, they could also move Zobrist to second permanently to create room for Desmond Jennings. So it really depends on how they handle Iwamura first before we can see how it shakes out. The option seems relatively cheap to pick up, but the Rays are likely already over budget for next year even with Kazmir traded.

Kevin (LA)

Are you holding onto Domonic Brown in longterm keeper leagues? Potential 5 category contributor?

Jason Grey

  (3:13 PM)

Definitely. The problem in the short-term is the Phils OF is set for next season, so right now it's hard to see any 2010 playing time for Brown or Michael Taylor unless someone gets hurt.

Doug (Duluth, MN)

What is your feeling for Julio Borbon going into next year? I read where you wrote about his 80 speed, but does he have the other tools to be a significant contributor to a fantasy team? Where would he compare with Dexter Fowler?

Jason Grey

  (3:14 PM)

Fowler is the better player with more potential across the board. Borbon doesn't have much pop and is just a pure speed play

Steve (Ma)

Drop Adam Jones and pickup either Seth Smith or Reimold? I am waiting for Beltran and Fowler to come off the DL. Thanks

Jason Grey

  (3:15 PM)

Weighing this same decision myself, and given he was already slumping in the second half, I'd say it's safe to drop Jones at this juncture for Reimold. I can't see the O's pushing him to come back, no point to it.

Doug (Duluth, MN)

Do you see Brett Anderson getting shut down before the end of the season?

Jason Grey

  (3:16 PM)

The A's are going to a six-man rotation to extend him out a little further, but it wouldn't surprise me to see him shut down with a week or two to go. He's safe for now, though.

Jason Grey

  (3:17 PM)

For what it's worth, the Jays have shut down Rzepczynski, with Cecil also being shut down after two more starts.

George (San Francisco, CA)

Are you starting Ricky Nolasco tonight at ATL if you're trying to protect ERA/WHIP? He's got a 4.77 ERA and .348 BAA in two starts against the Braves this year.

Jason Grey

  (3:18 PM)

Sample size. I'd probably still run him out there if you need to.

Jay (Alex, VA)

Can you tell me more about Alex Avila. I picked him up in a keeper league to pair up with Teagarden. Are both viable long term options? Thanks Jason!

Jason Grey

  (3:20 PM)

Avila: Good bat control, good idea at the plate, line-drive hitter with gap power. This sounds like an AL keeper, so in that context, yeah. Teagarden is better than this, but needs to do a better job of not getting beaten on the inner half.

Oscar (Wilmington)

Is it time to trust Homer Bailey?

Jason Grey

  (3:21 PM)

Three decent starts in a row, but not quite yet for me. I might speculate on him on reserve next year, but not trusting him in a playoff race right now.

Brian (NYC)

Are Adam Jones and Michael Young going to be put on the DL??? I need to make roster moves to fill their spots before playoffs start, but will be screwed if they stay off the DL...

Jason Grey

  (3:22 PM)

Teams rarely put players on the DL in September, so it's not hopeful.

Matt (CT)

Would you start Tomko and Snell tonight

Jason Grey

  (3:22 PM)

Neither.

John (LA)

Is Eric Young worth owning in an NL only league? He isn't playing much, nor is he running. Trying to decide between him, Freddy Sanchez and Casey MeGehee

Jason Grey

  (3:23 PM)

Out of those three, even in limited playing time, EY Jr. has a chance at more value. I expect him to play a bit more, hopefully.

Matthew (Tysons Corner)

Mat Gamel or Buster Posey in a keeper league?

Jason Grey

  (3:23 PM)

Posey

Dave (Portland, Maine)

When's Buchholz pitching again? Does he have 2 starts next week?

Jason Grey

  (3:25 PM)

He's going tonight, but will only get one start next week b/c the Sox have an off-day on Thursday.

Tom (NJ)

You taking Randy Wells for Jeff Niemann next season? What can we expect?

Jason Grey

  (3:28 PM)

I think Niemann has been a bit over his head this season, and if it's close, I'd take the NL pitcher not facing AL East offenses. Wells has been over his head as well, but he's a legit big league starter.

Daniel (NY)

So who do you think is picking up the Saves in Colorado?

Jason Grey

  (3:28 PM)

It's Morales until Street is healthy again. It's possible he's not out for very long.

Bri (NY)

EY Jr isn't gonna play for the Rox in a tight race, even with Fowler out!

Jason Grey

  (3:29 PM)

Well, he already has, starting five in a row until getting in just one of the last three due to matchups. Even a few steals outweighs the contributions of the other options presented, esp. when steals are tight in many leagues

George (San Francisco, CA)

Does Alcides Escobar have the red light on the basepaths?

Jason Grey

  (3:30 PM)

I think it's been partly situational and partly a poor OBP.

Brian ((KC))

Russell Martin or Miguel Montero in a keeper league?

Jason Grey

  (3:33 PM)

Now that it looks like MM has the starting job locked up for 2010, he's my pick, regardless of the name value Martin has. MArtin will get picked before MM in most drafts and I'll get the better value later.

rob (sc)

Hey Jason.Is Duensing a safe play rest of the year?

Jason Grey

  (3:34 PM)

Little margin for error, has to have excellent command, so definitely not safe. Could he continue to get the job done? Sure in the short-term, but not the definition of "safe"

Michael (Portland, ME)

More steals in September: EY Jr or Stubbs?

jeff (NY)

Can Stubbs continue to hit for power or is it a fluke?

Jason Grey

  (3:34 PM)

Power is a fluke, and probably more steals for Stubbs just for more opportunity. Given equal at-bats it's EY

bob (detroit)

nl only - do you see any callups making significant power contributions down the stretch - i.e. maybin, allen, posey, stubbs?

Jason Grey

  (3:35 PM)

Allen has the best power of those options, and probably of anyone else that may come up after minor league seasons are done.

Frank (Pa.)

Can I trust B. Molina for the playoffs in a H2H league or do I replace him with brother Yadier, Montero, or Baker?

Jason Grey

  (3:35 PM)

I'd have Montero in there.

Carlos (Bx,NY)

Where do you rank Josh Johnson for next year and the next three years? Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (3:36 PM)

Johnson has been a Top 10 starter this season, and he's capable of staying in that 10-15 range if he stays healthy. He is this good.

Bob (DC)

Will Berkman's power come back soon? I need power help big time and with Carlos Pena at 1B, I'm thinking about dropping Lance if he's not going to get me many more HR. Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (3:38 PM)

Wrote a big article on hat on Monday; I think the calf muscle was a bigger issue than people think and it's affected his stroke, so tough to project a big power month in September.

Markus (NYC)

Looking for a Catcher for this year only who will not hurt my average.For this year only can you please rank:Brayan Pena, Alex Avila, Buster Posey.

Jason Grey

  (3:40 PM)

Given the limited playing time and the fact average is the one thing he can do, for your circumstances I might actually say Pena, even though there's more upside in the other two.

Nate (Nola)

Any SS call ups of interest?

Jason Grey

  (3:43 PM)

None outside of J.J. Hardy

Daniel (NY)

Sorry I checked out for a minute there (work, jeez), you think its definately Morales over Betancourt in Colorado?

Jason Grey

  (3:43 PM)

"Franklin wants to be out there, and that's part of it," manager Jim Tracy said Thursday. "Did you see his emotion out there? He's going to get the ball until we get Huston back.Tracy to the Denver Post

Matt (Fort Collins)

Thoughts on the future of Adsrubal?

Jason Grey

  (3:45 PM)

This is what he's capable of, perhaps lower average and more pop going forward. Those that read my stuff in March know he's been no surprise for me, and I owned him everywhere I could because of how cheap he was going.

Adrian Beltre (Seattle)

Hey Jason, my owner picked up C Gonzalez, Coghlan, and Milledge whiile me and McLouth were on the DL. Should he drop me to keep the kids in a keeper league or hope for something from me the rest of the way. Thanks!!!

Jason Grey

  (3:45 PM)

I'd hang on to the kids.

Mike (Boston)

Who is a better long term prospect, Jason Heyward or Buster Posey?

Jason Grey

  (3:45 PM)

Heyward is the best hitting prospect in baseball.

Steve (ND)

Who is this Thole guy catching for the Mets today? Even stole a base.

Jason Grey

  (3:47 PM)

Saw him quite a bit at the past AFL - handles the bat well and can hit for average. Worth paying attention to, just 22.

Joe (DC)

But does Heyward get a September call up?

Jason Grey

  (3:49 PM)

Even though he's playing the final few games after suffering a bruised heel that kept him out for a bit, it wouldn't surprise me if they decided to shut him down until the AFL, so I'd say the odds are against it. But you never know.

Anthony (Brockport NY)

Every analyst on ESPN has repeatedly said that Heyward probably will not get called up this year. Can we stop asking this question please people???

Jason Grey

  (3:50 PM)

Well, nobody thought Buster Posey was getting called up either. Things can change. It was thought that Heyward wasn't going to play any more in the minor leagues as well, but yet he's back playing after the heel injury, so it's still a valid question as far as I'm concerned.

Jason (Ottawa)

#1 waiver in dynasty league....take posey or risk waiting for Heyward????

Jason Grey

  (3:52 PM)

I do and don't envy that decision. Bird in the hand, right? If the choice is the difference between Posey and Heyward or getting nothing, I'd make sure I got at least some value here, but that's just my philosophy. Posey wouldn't be a bad consolation prize, so to speak.

Nuke Laloosh (Durham)

From a scouting perspective, what exactly are the reasons The Great Matt Wieters has struggled this year? Tougher overall competition? Something more specific?

Jason Grey

  (3:57 PM)

Just making the adjustments, nothing specific as far as I can tell and have heard. He'll be taking a big leap forward next year. Joe Mauer didn't set the world on fire in 2005 either. It does surprise me he's not doing better, but no worries at all.

cleveland fans (ohio)

laporta or brantley for help this year?

Jason Grey

  (3:57 PM)

LaPorta unless you really need steals.

Matt (Fort Collins)

Do you think Montero gets the full-time gig next year and would you rather keep him (for the next 1-2 yrs) over Posey? Thanks.

Jason Grey

  (3:58 PM)

Yes, I think it's fairly safe to say that Montero/Hester will be the catching tandem next year and Snyder will be headed elsewhere this offseason due to financial considerations.

Chad (STL)

Is anyone arguing that Pujols is first overall next year Jason? Hanley edged him out this year in a lot of leagues.

Jason Grey

  (3:59 PM)

Sure, you can make the case for Hanley. My preference was and is for Albert, though. Either way, you're good if you draw No. 1 or No. 2 next year.

Ryan (Philly)

Jason, just lost Young for h2h playoffs. Should I stick with A.Escobar or pickup Alex Gonzalez, Cliff Pennington, or Jasyon Nix?

Jason Grey

  (4:01 PM)

Hmmm....given those options, I might go with Alex G. unless you're light on speed. He's hit in his last seven so you might try and catch lightning in a bottle.

Caleb (Philly)

Is Billingsley waiver wire fodder now?

Jason Grey

  (4:01 PM)

No.

Jason Grey

  (4:03 PM)

That's it for me today. Thanks again - if I missed your question about prospects we're having a good discussion in the comments of my latest Minor Achievements columm, so post something there. Thanks as always for taking the time. I do appreciate it.