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Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:00 AM)

Good morning everyone! It's the stretch run in baseball (football, what's that?), and those of you still in the hunt must have pressing questions as you seek a championship. Let's get right to 'em, shall we?

jim (MILWAUKEE,WI)

who is going to be the closer now that Lidge has imploded?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:02 AM)

Well, Ryan Madson got the save yesterday, a clear sign Brad Lidge is probably done as closer. I'm picking Brett Myers as the higher-upside stand-in, though. He has looked great since his return from the DL, fairly unhittable, and does have experience in the role. Sure, grab both of them, that strategy makes sense, but I do think Myers is the one you want first.

Larz (Somewhere in Iowa)

I'm streaming pitchers this week. Rowland-Smith a good choice tomorrow?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:03 AM)

I don't think so. He'll be facing the Angels, which is a top-five offense, and his opponent, John Lackey, is the one with the far better matchup.

Ethan (County Ct.)

Have you watched any of the recent performances by Clay Buchholz and do you agree that his progression still gives him a better than 50% chance of becoming a legit #1 starter for a championship club?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:06 AM)

Ethan, to be honest, the only one in the past couple of months I've watched extensively was the one at Yankee Stadium, and I admit I was impressed. I've seen the highlights otherwise; I've seen enough to think he's a big-time sleeper for 2010. But I've long believed Buchholz would make it, if not as a No. 1 for a title-winning club, then surely a No. 2 or 3. That's a pretty high ceiling if you ask me.

todd (philly)

what is your level of concern for Lincecum?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:06 AM)

Medium to low, if that makes any sense. And it's not zero because of how hard he was worked late last year. In terms of performance Tim Lincecum hasn't shown me a lot to get overly worried about, but I do think it's possible he could use the winter's rest.

Matt (Indianapolis)

Who would you pick up for the next two weeks Matt Diaz or Carlos Gonzalez, who has the higher upside and do they get consistent at bats?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:08 AM)

A buddy of mine just asked me this very question yesterday, and as I explained to him, in a daily league I'd be mixing and matching, exploiting Gonzalez's matchup strengths at Coors, and Diaz's versus left-handers. In weekly formats I'd play the one with the greater number of positive matchups accounting for those things. Diaz is probably the safer batting average/runs/RBIs option, if that helps, but Gonzalez easily has the higher ceiling.

Keith (Danbury CT)

Franklin Morales has been nasty. Street still on track? Can I drop Morales for Myers?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:10 AM)

The prognosis on Huston Street has him targeting a weekend return, probably on Friday, though I'm not convinced that he'll be his usual self and available for every game the rest of the way. Until I see something to prove Street is fine I'm not letting go of Morales; I'm that faithful in his talent. But if Street gets the go-ahead, pitches Friday and closes that game without incident, yeah, that move makes sense. Which means I'd advise you find someone else to cut for now.

Tyler (VT)

Next year Jose Lopez will be your #___ 2B

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:11 AM)

Good question. Probably six-seven, and that's just a rough estimate. I like him, and by all means might have him higher when I check the specifics. The only thing I'll be cautioning Lopez's prospective owners is that he's traditionally a slow starter, so drafting him means needing to be patient.

Jason (Ellicott City, MD)

I would kill for David Price run support. Just saying. And Price reminds me of an AL Scherzer.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:12 AM)

He's going to be better than Scherzer. Trust me. The command improvements in his recent starts have me thinking big-time breakout candidate in 2010. Like top-25 starter upside, but you'll get him after the 25th starter is picked.

Frank (NYC)

Do you like Jason Hammels as a stream option tonight against Cin?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:13 AM)

Only in an NL-only league or if you lack an innings/starts cap, and mainly because the Reds' offense stinks. Hammel has a six-plus ERA at home; there's some risk involved.

Dan (Vermont)

Deep AL only rookie-slash-keeper question. I could keep T.Flowers for a lousy $1 for next year. Will he see much playing time in 2010? In other words, will Flowers 'bloom' next year? (couldn't resist)

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:16 AM)

Ugh, terrible. But a good question nevertheless. Here's the problem with Tyler Flowers: A.J. Pierzynski is under contract for 2010, and he's a capable enough backstop that it's unlikely he'd lose the job outright to a rookie. He's no Gregg Zaun, just keeping the seat warm for Matt Wieters. That said, Flowers might get a long look as a DH candidate, and at $1 in an AL-only league, it's a risk I probably would take today. It's not like it's blowing your budget and he's got a lot of offensive upside.

Harry (Settle)

Thanks for still talking baseball. HRs and BA only concerns: Votto vs Adam Laroche, Beckham vs Zobrist?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:17 AM)

On raw talent alone it has to be Joey Votto. None of these guys has been tearing it up of late -- Adam LaRoche is closest -- so I'm going with talent here.

Mike (Tampa, FL)

Who do you see closing for the Rangers NEXT season?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:19 AM)

I'm sure you're fishing for me to say Neftali Feliz, a pick I'd love to make except that I think the Rangers might toy with him as a starter in the spring. If they ultimately decide his future is as a reliever, he'd be a no-brainer. But I have a feeling Frank Francisco will get another chance, entering camp with the job his to lose.

Scott (SC)

Since it appears that Strasburg and Heyward are not going to get called up, is Madison Bumgarner worthy of my #1 waiver priority in a dynasty league? What do you project of him next year and beyond?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:21 AM)

Certainly worth it, if you can only spend that position on a player actually in the majors. Now, I admit I think Bumgarner might be overrated in 2010; his Double-A numbers weren't dominant (check the K's) and I think he could use another half-to-full season of minor league seasoning. But the kid has a bright future and has ace-caliber potential down the road. Think 2011, a huge breakthrough, which makes him dynasty-worthy for sure.

Tim (ABQ, NM)

What happened to JP Howell?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:23 AM)

Has to be tired. He threw a ton of innings last year, is on pace for a similar number this season and the Rays have even said they plan to rest him a little down the stretch. Why push him when the playoffs are looking increasingly less likely by the day? As for who steps in, I bet it's another committee. Dan Wheeler, Grant Balfour, Randy Choate ... there isn't one clear guy I'd leap to add.

Mike (Tampa, FL)

Is Brett Wallace going to get the call up from the A's this fall?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:26 AM)

Triple-A Sacramento is in the playoffs, which is obviously the reason Wallace has yet to be promoted. As to whether he will be promoted this month, I'm skeptical. There's a story on the Athletics' Web site talking about how he's looking forward to being mentored by Eric Chavez, but two problems with that: One, Chavez won't be ready to do that until next spring, and two, the article in no way hints at Wallace seeing time with the big club this month. Don't get your hopes up, though I think he'll get a loooooooong look come March.

Hank (FL)

Given your response as per Howell, drop him for Lindstrom?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:27 AM)

Why? Leo Nunez is Florida's closer.

Joel (WA)

Should I start Jeff Niemann against NYY tonight?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:27 AM)

I wouldn't, but there aren't all that many pitchers I'd choose to start as a visitor to Yankee Stadium if I could possibly afford to play matchups.

Paul (Louisville)

Today is my "make or break" day. 3 of my starters go tonight in Nolasco, Way-Rod and T. Hanson. Start them all, or sit one and try to stream later in the week if I need additional innings? My H2H playoffs hang in the balance!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:29 AM)

The main problem with your strategy is that Hanson and Rodriguez go head-to-head today, so only one of them is getting the win, if either does. Forced to pick I'd take Way-Rod at home, but since I don't play for wins, I'd take both pitchers in what should be a fairly low-scoring game. Nolasco at the Mets is a no-brainer.

Bald Commissioner (New York)

Yesterday an owner in my league (on an inferior competing site) started an extra 3B in his lineup. The default league setting is that "illegal rosters score zero points in the standings". This morning all his stats from yesterday were automatically removed. I feel bad for him, but I think rules are rules. What do you think? Should i use my commish powers to retroactively adjust his lineup?Note that 3 months ago someone dropped Joe Mauer by mistake and I gave him back in exchange for a $12 FAAB fine. That may have been the wrong decision, but I still don't think it warrants making another wrong decision now. Thoughts?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:31 AM)

Rules are rules. When all else fails, follow letter of the law, and be consistent. Don't set new precedents. Trust me, they come back to bite you in the future. Besides, if it's the setup I think it is, you get a big warning sign that says you have an illegal lineup. Hard to make excuses that you didn't know.

Tim (ABQ, NM)

Is it just me or do you see a huge collapse by the Yankees in the playoffs coming? No pressure right now but when they don't hit Verlander game one...things will unravel

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:32 AM)

Says who? The Yankees have lost Game 1 of a Division Series at home in the past and rebounded to take the series. I do think you've got a point that Detroit's pitching gives the team a better chance than most believe in a short series (five games, bleagh), but frankly, I don't think the Yankees match up that poorly with the Tigers.

JohnnyCakes (NJ)

The 1st Drafted starter next year should be?................______

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:32 AM)

Tim Lincecum.

KO (Pittsfield, MA)

Who are a few established pitchers that you would rank behind Strasburg for 2010?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:34 AM)

Not many. He won't be in my top 25, that is for sure, and I wouldn't be surprised if I could find you 50 pitchers I'd pick before him. But to answer your question, let's see, I'd sure take him over Jason Marquis, Joel Pineiro and Jarrod Washburn.

Dip (NYC)

Can't decide who to keep - Ubaldo or McCutcheon??

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:34 AM)

Just based on the notion of keeping hitters over pitchers, Andrew McCutchen might seem to make sense here, but I'm going Ubaldo Jimenez. Huge leap forward this year, talent transcends the Coors factor and I think it only gets better from here.

ralph (chicago)

Zambrano.....who show's up today? The nut job or a future Cy young winner?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:36 AM)

"Nut job," really? Even I'm not that rough on Z. It's a road game at Pittsburgh, if there's any matchup I like for Carlos Zambrano, this is it. He's a big-time risk in my mind, but let's not forget that in the middle of a dreadful final two months of 2008, he popped in a no-hitter facing a cakewalk matchup. I won't predict for you a no-no, but I bet you'll be pleased.

Jay (Chicago)

Would you stream Feldman out tonight against Cleveland?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:37 AM)

Scott Feldman is a must-start on the road. Especially against a lineup like Cleveland's!

Pete (NC)

Aaron Hill back tonight?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:37 AM)

Last I heard he was due back on Friday.

Lee (NOLA)

Baseball today? Do you see Wainwright regressing any next year? I read that he has the third highest strand rate among starters this year. That has to be cause for some worry, right?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:39 AM)

If that fact is accurate, sure, there's a little worry, but that I haven't really checked the specifics tells you a lot about how much stock I put into it. It's a measuring factor, one that demonstrates how remarkably good (and fortunate) his year has been, but the guy is quite a talent, too. I don't see why he wouldn't at minimum be a top-25 starting pitcher in 2010. I wouldn't pick him as a top-10 option, most likely, but he's just outside that group.

RPF (MD)

I've noticed that a number of excellent base stealers seem to go dormant near season's end (eg., Figgins, Crawford, Rollins, etc.). Why do you think that's the case?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:41 AM)

Best I can tell you is long season, legs wear down a bit. Though if memory serves, Carl Crawford tended to be a better base stealer after the All-Star break than before it in years past. It's just a streaky category sometimes.

Peter (From my cubicle)

Player that has yet to get called up that you feel willl have the biggest fantasy impact in 2010?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:43 AM)

Jason Heyward. I think he'll be in the Opening Day lineup and an instant star. Not MVP-caliber, but surely one most fantasy owners will want in their lineups.

Steve (ND)

I know wins are a crap-shoot, so is that why you don't play for them?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:44 AM)

Bingo. What's depressing is that it's the wins category that is ultimately going to decide my biggest, long-term keeper league's champion. Ten wins separate first place from last.

Jason (Ellicott City, MD)

What are your thoughts on Matt Cain for next year and what's for lunch? I am having orange chicken.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:47 AM)

What's odd about Cain's breakout 2009 is that his strikeout rate is actually down, and coming into the year I was skeptical he'd do this because he hadn't shown any real development in the command categories in his first few big-league seasons. He still hasn't, really, so I think a slight regression is in order. That said, he's top-25 capable on raw talent alone. I bet he makes my top 20. Lunch? Hmmmm, I'm thinking it's a Moe's day.

Me (Here)

Is Grady Sizemore going to be placed on the DL? Or am I S.O.L in my keeper league the rest of the season?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:47 AM)

One of the frustrations of MLB's rules. Once rosters expand to 40 players there isn't much of a reason for teams to actually place players on the DL.

Mike (CT)

For or against. Leagues with QS instead of W's. Do they have that on ESPN leagues? I'm not a commish.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:49 AM)

It's one step better than wins, I think, and yes, we do allow quality starts as a category if you choose to use it. My main issue with quality starts is that it's not quite restrictive enough to separate the truly great pitchers from the so-so-to-mediocre ones.

todd (philly)

Tristan - in a weekly league, say you have a chance to lose one point in saves (if you remove closers from your starting lineup - you are five saves ahead) or gain one point in wins (if you keep starters in your lineup - you are 3 wins away from another point) - even though wins are a crapshoot, do you go the aggressive route or play it safe?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:52 AM)

A little confused by the question, because it sounds like a choice of losing one point or gaining one, which would have an obvious answer. I assume you're just asking strategically whether to risk losing the point to gain one in wins, and what I can say is that saves is a category a little easier to make up ground in of the two. I probably wouldn't take the chance unless I was confident in the starters I was using.

Charlie (New Jersey)

Tristan....WELCOME TO MOE'S!!! Where do you see Andre Ethier in your OF ranks next year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:53 AM)

Top 20 for sure, though the gut says hesitate to push him quite into the top 10 at the position.

Will (Taiwan)

5th keeper, J. Vazquez or J. Hamilton?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:54 AM)

I almost always keep the hitter, all else being equal. I know Josh Hamilton has created a lot of questions for himself this season, but on talent alone I think he's worth the risk.

Jake (VA Beach)

Garland *at* Arizona (sort of home game) or Zito today?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:56 AM)

Barry Zito versus the Padres (and Wade LeBlanc) or Jon Garland at the Diamondbacks (and Dan Haren). That has to be Zito.

Jason (In a Pickle)

HUGE COMMISH PROBLEM: On 8/28 our commissioner decided to implement a cant cut list after we hadn't had one all season. It put me in a bind because now I cant cut David Wright who hasnt been that great this season and who I didn't expect much from after coming off the DL. What would you do if you were in my position? Thanks THC!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:57 AM)

Never change rules in-season. Your commish was foolish to do that. Though, as advice to you, I wouldn't be too hasty to cut David Wright. Can't possibly be the worst player on your roster?

Tim (ABQ, NM)

On ESPN with the innings cap if you start 3 pitchers in a day but only have 1 inning left...it counts that day's stats. Seems like a good day to load up with 5 or 6 starters from the FA list

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:58 AM)

Yes, that is absolutely a strategy to keep in mind in these critical weeks!

Michael (Portland, ME)

Is Buster Posey a worthy keeper in a one catcher NL-only league for 2010?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:59 AM)

As things stand today, I'd say yes. Posey deserves a chance to play regularly in 2010, at the big-league level, and Bengie Molina is a free agent at the end of this season. I wouldn't be surprised if Posey is 2010's Matt Wieters, where the Giants sign a short-term option to begin the year and then bring Posey up on Memorial Day. But that's plenty to make him keeper-worthy.

Mike (Tampa, FL)

Scott Hairston's future with the A's is...?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:01 PM)

Probably a regular to begin 2010, though having watched him play and tracked his stats when I haven't, it seems like he's not a great fit for Oakland, especially the ballpark. It wouldn't surprise me if he starts the year there, struggles and winds up a fourth outfielder by midseason. I don't know that I'd be a buyer come the spring.

Tugboat Magoon (Boston, MA)

Start Blanton @ washington tomorrow?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:01 PM)

Absolutely.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (12:02 PM)

OK, time to wrap things up for today. Thanks for all your questions, and sorry if I didn't get to yours. Take care everyone, and best of luck to you in your playoff matchups!