ESPN

Jason Grey

  (3:01 PM)

Yes, there's still baseball going on...

Marc (Office)

Do you see Carlos Lee declining next year? I'm considering keeping Werth or N. Cruz over him for the multiple categories.

Jason Grey

  (3:02 PM)

I do. You can't keep expanding the waistline as he is and not see the effects. His days of running are long gone. The guys has a serious gut now. Can still put the bat on the ball...but being out of shape will eventually catch up with you.

Kevin (Hegel)

Injury updates on Gage or J Stewart?

Jason Grey

  (3:02 PM)

That didn't take long.

Jason (Anchorage, AK)

Wieters or Posey for '10?

Jason Grey

  (3:02 PM)

Wieters for '10 and beyond - more power and just plain better overall hitter.

Ryan (Astoria, NY)

Jason - whats your take on Sizemore's value for next year? The last 4 years has seen his average drop consistently every year, and for a 27 year old, that's worth noting. I think he's a third rounder at best next year

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

I said something along those lines a few weeks ago when asked to give my top 5 outfielders for next year and I didn't put him in there. I just think in most leagues the "name" will get him drafetd higher than he should. If he falls, I'll take him, but I won't pay the going rate.

The Old New (Lonely in Iowa)

I'm streaming pitchers this week. Best bet for Friday, Kuroda @ SF or Blackburn vs Oak?

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

Kuroda

Andrew (WI)

For those in dynasty leagues holding onto their precious #1 waiver priority, Bumgarner is the one we need to spend it on, right?

Jason Grey

  (3:05 PM)

With no Heyward on the horizon, that would be the play.

Jon (Chicago)

Besides Weiters and Posey give us some Catching prospects for 2010.

Jason Grey

  (3:06 PM)

If I had to guess right now, I'd say the premium ones are still another year away. Talking about Carlos Santana, Derek Norris, Jason Castro, etc...of course, that change. Jesus Montero may not stay behind the plate, so that's a wild card. Angel Salome has a chance for '10.

Mike (Los Angeles)

I bought into a lot of the Chase Headley hype last year - do you still see him as a prospect who can grow into a stud or will Petco keep stifling his numbers?

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

Somewhere in the middle. Ceiling is a guy that can hit .300 and challenge 20 homers, just not there yet.

Richard (TX)

Name some guys that could get some saves down the stretch that might be on the wire in 10/12 team mixed

Jason Grey

  (3:08 PM)

Assuming Morales and Madson are gone...maybe Dan Wheeler in that unsettled Rays bullpen. Perhaps McClellan if the Cards want to keep Franklin fresh. Not a lot of options out there.

Rob (Pa.)

Jason, H2H playoffs, right now I have Theriot at SS But his production has really dropped. Should I stay with him or grab Aybar, Elvis, Beckham or Uribe who are avail?

Jason Grey

  (3:09 PM)

I'd take any of those not named Uribe over Theriot. Depends what categories you need help in the most as to who is the best fit for your specific situation. You can probably figure out the rest from there.

Butch (PA)

Jason, Carlos Gonz was once a cery hyped prospect. Is this what we can expect from him next year? Can he be a 25/25 hitter?

Jason Grey

  (3:11 PM)

May indeed be coming into his own - a little bit more maturity, a little less overswinging. There's a reason he was compared to Alex Rios coming up and why he's been desired in two separate trades. Steals might be a little high, though.BTW, can we give it up a bit for Seth Smith? One of my preseason favs continues to get it done.

Mike (Los Angeles)

Jarrod Washburn droppable in a keeper? Guy has been terrible recently and in the middle of another halfway-bad start.

Jason Grey

  (3:12 PM)

I dropped him the minute he left Seattle in an AL league. Well, not dropped, but traded him away...

Richard (TX)

Name Game: Seth Smith or Josh Willingham?

Jason Grey

  (3:12 PM)

Smith

Jason C. (NY)

Hey, Fellow Jason - I've got Bumgarner on an NL keeper league team. I'm psyched about his (somewhat unexpected) call-up and his future, but I have to ask: Is the drop in velo true? Is the declining K rate a result of that? Is this a concern going forward, or is he still (arguably) the top pitching prospect in baseball going into 2010?

Jason Grey

  (3:14 PM)

Addressed this here: http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/baseball/flb/outOfTheBox?page=ootb090909. Still among the best for me for next season.

Jason (Anchorage, AK)

Does Elvis Andrus have projectable power?

Jason Grey

  (3:15 PM)

No, a few pull homers, gap power at best.

Phil (Dallas)

What's your opinion on Justin Smoak? How much will he play next year? Who's a better play for next year, Julio Borbon or Eric Young (either senior or junior)?

Jason Grey

  (3:17 PM)

I love Smoak - think he's going to be an impact middle of the order hitter in the big leagues, and if not there on Opening Day next year, won't take him too long. As for the other question, really depends on the offseason moves to see who may get the AB's. Borbon's chance at PT seems clearer at this point, especially with the club not expected to re-sign Marlon Byrd. EY Jr. has to be careful not to be pigeonholed as a UT guy. So Borbon for now but that could change depending on how the rosters look heading into next season.

Grant (Chicago)

Of the 3,450 catching prospects in the Cleveland, who's the one to own in a keeper?

Jason Grey

  (3:18 PM)

Santana

Jason Grey

  (3:18 PM)

...but not if it's just a one-year keeper, he may have to wait until '11 with Shoppach and Marson handling the duties next year.

Grant (Chicago)

If you joined a new keeper league today, who are the prospects you absolutely want first? Your top 5?

Jason Grey

  (3:19 PM)

Strasburg and Heyward are the first two names and it's not close.

Michael (Portland, ME)

Everth Cabrera a keeper in an NL-only league?

Jason Grey

  (3:20 PM)

Yes. He hasn't gotten the bat knocked out of his hands as much as I expected and he's keeping the average up with infield hits better than I thought.

Craig G. (Fairfield, California)

Brighter future: Pedro Alvarez or Tim Aldersen?

Jason Grey

  (3:20 PM)

Alvarez

Ryan (Astoria, NY)

On a scale of 1-10 how concerned should us Lincecum owners be who are counting on him down the stretch?

Jason Grey

  (3:20 PM)

The reports keep getting better, so maybe a 3 or 4 at this point.

Nate (New Orleans)

Lets worry about fantasy championships and Keepers later. Is Beltran a better play next week then McCutchen or Carlos Gonzalez?

Jason Grey

  (3:22 PM)

I don't think so, especially with the steals component, and with Beltran admitting he's still not 100 percent yet.

Brandon Morrow (TX)

Whats my value this year?

Jason Grey

  (3:22 PM)

Only if you're desperate for SP in deep AL-only play.

Carlos (Los Angeles)

Is Jake Peavy coming back?

Jason Grey

  (3:23 PM)

Assuming he feels fine today after yesterday's bullpen session, the plan is for him to return next week.

Jason (Ellicott City, MD)

Should I leave work 15 minutes early today>?

Jason Grey

  (3:23 PM)

No, don't slack.

Phil (Dallas)

So you don't think EYJ will play 2nd at all? That position seems to be a black hole in Colorado. BTW, I love your material.

Jason Grey

  (3:25 PM)

I think he should, and I think he should be platooning with Barmes right now, but the Rockies have some roster decisions this offseason, so like I said, depends on how things shake out, and if the Rox prefer EY in that Chone Figgins-type role that Figgins used to play for the Angels before becoming the everyday third baseman.

Shawn (Juneau)

For '10, Jason Heyward or Mike Stanton?

Jason Grey

  (3:26 PM)

Heyward - better chance at PT, better prospect. Heyward has a good chance at being the starting right fielder next year, while the Marlins may be a bit more patient with Stanton.

MIKE (TAMPA, FL)

Do you like Duensing? Does he get a shot in the rotation next year?

Jason Grey

  (3:26 PM)

Fringe back of the rotation guy for me; and only if injuries hit again.

todd (philly)

would you drop Carlos Quentin for the latest hot player on the waiver wire: examples Seth Smith, JD Drew, Chris Coghlan? I just feel like at this point Quentin isn't going to get hot this year, and I need points in a tight league - your thoughts?

Jason Grey

  (3:27 PM)

I'd take either Smith or Coghlan over Q at this juncture. Q hasn't been playing healthy all season

Tony (Ohio)

Does Heyward beast like Braun did his rookie year? What do you think Heyward does next year?

Jason Grey

  (3:29 PM)

I'm going to be cautious with him. While he has the talent to just burst right out of the gate, he also may struggle to make adjustments next season The reason I'd rank him No. 2 for impact next season behind Strasburg is the potential for playing time, and the fact that he's so talented, being a best would not shock me. It also wouldn't shock me if he struggled it. It's basically taking a chance on the upside, because he is the best hitting prospect in baseball.

John (Trenton, NJ)

Jason, what are your thoughts on Cameron Maybin's recent play? What do you expect out of him in 2010?

Jason Grey

  (3:31 PM)

I like the way he improved at Triple-A but I'm still wondering where the wheels are. His power is still in development so his main asset is speed right now and he's not using it. Hopefully that makes him a little bit of a bargain next season but I'd still like to see him run.

Shayne (Rockport, ME)

JGrey, Desmond Jennings ROY in 2010 or what? What are your expectations?

Jason Grey

  (3:34 PM)

Again, depends on the PT situation. The gave him a few games in right field, even though his arm is fringe there, and I would guess that's in case they wanted to use him there next season, and move Zobrist to second. That depends if they pick up Iwamura's $4.25 million option (which they may not given their finances). You can't rule out them trading Upton either or keeping Zobrist as a super UT guy either. I do think Jennings has the chance to be another Crawford-type, but we have to see how the offseason shakes out.

paul (new york)

jason - what is the deal with andrew miller? is he droppable in a keeper league if i need to make roster space for the playoffs? thanks

Jason Grey

  (3:35 PM)

He didn't really pitch much better at Triple-A and he's totally expendable for a playoff run. Worry about keeper stuff later. Flags fly forever.

Bob (DC)

What do you think Strasburg does next year then?

Jason Grey

  (3:36 PM)

It would shock me if he wasn't in the Nats Opening Day rotation, and further shock if he doesn't win ROY.

Jason Grey

  (3:36 PM)

..not that I care about those awards (I don't), but you get the idea.

Kevin (Stamford, CT)

You think Strasburg will transition that well to the majors?

Jason Grey

  (3:40 PM)

Yes. The stuff is filthy, fastball command will be the key. Here's the thing about him, he has a quality changeup that he rarely threw in games because he didn't need to. Batters couldn't touch his other two pitches. But he would throw it in warmups and bullpens, and it had good sink and fade action. That's one of the things that impressed me, is having another pitch ready to bust out.

Keith (Bethel CT)

Alex Rios looks no better than me at the plate. No brainer to drop him for DeJesus? Or Chris Young maybe?

Jason Grey

  (3:42 PM)

How frustrating has he been this season? But that's the thing about him... he's streaky, can look awful for weeks and then carry your team for the next two weeks. Given those other options, I hang on, but I'm not that confident. Might just be wishful thinking, but his swing has looked bad and lazy lately.

Nate (New Orleans)

Am I crazy to think about benching the slumping Billingsley for the red hot Bucholz for next week? Am I just overmanaging?

Jason Grey

  (3:44 PM)

Not at all...Billingsley did have a good August, but still up and down enough since the break that I have no problem trying to ride a hot hand.

Bill (Philadelphia, PA)

Has John Danks peaked or is there still room for improvement in 2010? I was expecting more out of him this year.

Jason Grey

  (3:44 PM)

I think what we've seen last year and this year is what he is, and that's just fine.

Paul (Buffalo)

The rest of the way Scherzer or J. Sanchez

Jason Grey

  (3:45 PM)

Sanchez, because a shutdown for Scherzer is looming.

Jon (Chicago)

Neftali or Howell as a RP for the play off run?? Holds count!

Jason Grey

  (3:46 PM)

Neftali, because Howell may be worn out from overuse the last two seasons. His arm slot has dropped, and he's not getting on top of his curve, which could be a result of fatigue.

Pat (Long Island)

Best pitcher for 2010, Tillman, Porcello, B Anderson???

Jason Grey

  (3:47 PM)

Anderson

Berislav (Phoenix)

Where do see Montero ranked among catchers next season?

Jason Grey

  (3:47 PM)

Top 10, because the D-backs will try to trade Snyder and go with Montero and Hester, which removes any questions about Montero losing AB's next year.

c (here)

have you noticed that the chat is screwy. might want to work on that.

Jason Grey

  (3:48 PM)

Hit refresh if you're missing stuff, still some bugs since they moved to the new software so I apologize.

tim (ny)

Fowler, Beltran, C hart- most productive the rest of the way

Jason Grey

  (3:49 PM)

Have to say Beltran largely because the other two aren't guaranteed regular AB's down the stretch and will be rotated out more.

Brian (Minneapolis)

Hey Jason,Do you think either Gamel or Fox are going to get any regular playing time from here on out?

Jason Grey

  (3:50 PM)

Fox has the better chance, but likely not going to be too regular.

Frank (NY)

NL only keeper league. Which of my prospects see time next year prior to Sept 1; Heyward, Stanton, Freeman, Morrison, Alonso, Parker, Vitters, Villalona.

Jason Grey

  (3:51 PM)

The first four are the best bets. I'd say Parker as well, but still not clear he's going to avoid surgery yet.

Shaun (Boston)

JGrey, rank these 3 dynasty prospects: Poreda, Friedrich, and Rondon. Who will make the most immediate impact and who has the best upside?

Jason Grey

  (3:51 PM)

Rondon is closest, but Friedrich's upside is the best and it's not close.

Hank (Austin)

I'm concerned about PT for Hamilton, B.J. Upton and Beckham the rest of the way and I need stats! Should i dump any of them for Corey Hart or Alex Gordon?

Jason Grey

  (3:53 PM)

I still think your best bet is probably to stick with what you have.

Joey (DC)

Eddie Royal Vs. Knowshon Moreno this weekend in my flex spot?Whats your gut tell you?

Jason Grey

  (3:54 PM)

My gut tells me you're in the wrong chat.

Craig G. (Fairfield, California)

2 of the 3 for a keeper league: Pablo Sandoval, Kemp and Cano.

Jason Grey

  (3:56 PM)

Kemp, Cano, although I love Sandoval. Position and lineup tilts to Cano.

Ryan (Astoria, NY)

Jason - Do you think Reyes and/or Wright will fall out of the first round for next year? If Wright's lost his ability to hit the long ball and Reyes' leg could effect his speed, I'm not wasting a top pick on either

Jason Grey

  (3:58 PM)

I agree, I think both should...but I doubt they will, especially Wright. If I had to guess right now, I wouldn't let them fall out of round two, but too maany more stable plays on the board in the first.

Jon (Chicago)

Will have a stockpile at 3B next year with Sandoval losing C eligibility. Who should I keep Sandoval or G. Beckham? Do you foresee Beckham playing anywhere other than 3B?

Jason Grey

  (3:59 PM)

Sandoval is the keeper, but yes, there's at least a chance Becks moves off of third next season. Small chance, but it's there.

Jason Grey

  (3:59 PM)

Sandoval is the keeper, but yes, there's at least a chance Becks moves off of third next season. Small chance, but it's there.

Eric (Maryland)

Hey Jason, value your opinion most! Please pick 4 for next year - Sabathia, Jiminez, Danks, Harden, Chamberlain, Kazmir. Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (4:00 PM)

Sabathia, Danks, Jimenez, Harden

Jason Grey

  (4:01 PM)

Sorry guys, that's it for me. On a tight schedule today so can't stick around. Lots of good questions, but I'll be back next week. I really appreciate you taking the time out of your day.