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Jason Grey

  (2:58 PM)

Hey folks...warning in advance, my 'net access is sketchy at the moment; hopefully I won't be too slow.In addition...to do something fun during my last chat of the regular season, bonus points and consideration for questions asked in haiku. (I won't respond in haiku as that would take too long.) Let's get to it.

Mike (Cumberland, RI)

What round does Justin Upton go in a standard 5x5, 12 team draft in 2010? What are the odds that he matches this years production?

Jason Grey

  (2:59 PM)

Yes, and he has the ability to increase his production as well.. I expect he won't fall out of round two in most leagues.

paul (upstate ny)

nice. i thought you may have stopped the Q and A for the year. big time keeper question. pick two of the three. smoak, stanton or bumgarner?

Jason Grey

  (3:00 PM)

I almost always go with the hitters if it's reasonably close when determining keepers -it's a safer, stabler play, even with Bumgarner involved - thus, Smoak and Stanton

Jon (Boston)

Which three do I keep: Teixiera(1), Pedroia(2), Tulo(5), Wieters(12), Kershaw(14)? Thanks!

Jason Grey

  (3:00 PM)

Same concept with the hitters in choosing these keepers as well - Tex, Pedroia, Tulo

Johnny (nj)

J gray! 2 RB and a Wr/RB league, i start both rich and mcgahee, but need major WR help. The Baltimore platoon for steve smith or anquan boldin? Or am I giving up too much in either??? PPR League. Thanks bud!

Jason Grey

  (3:01 PM)

Wrong spelling of my name, and wrong sport. Way to go! That didn't take long.

Bill (Steveston)

K, I REALLY REALLY need your advice. I'm in first in a pts league but only by a slim margin. We have an innings cap and the other two guys have quite a few innings to make up over the next few days, so I can expect them to stream like crazy. Now is it incredibly d-bag-ish of me to add/drop all of the probable starters for Saturday and Sunday, thereby putting them on the 2-day waiver hold period, and thus making them ineligible to be used? I want to win, but I don't want to be hailed a major jerk.

Jason Grey

  (3:03 PM)

That's not the way to win. Longtime readers know that I always advocate "leveraging the rules" of your league to your advantage whenever possible while still playing within them, but I think this kind of action crosses the line, and would cheapen the victory even if you get it. It's more exploiting the system than anything.

Mike (Cumberland, RI)

Neftali Feliz - Does he stay in his current role in 2010?

Jason Grey

  (3:04 PM)

I think the plan all along has been to put him back in a starting role next season. The relief role was just an effort to accelerate him to the big leagues to help a little quicker to help a contending team.

Jordan D (Santa Barbara)

BASEBALL! Jason, I need to win stolen bases this week. Should i start Tony Gwynn or Eric Patterson?who will swipe more bags by sunday?

Jason Grey

  (3:06 PM)

I would say Gwynn..but I think you could flip a coin either way.

Mike (Cumberland, RI)

Carlos Gonzalez (COL) - He's been a great pickup for me. Does he build on or maintain this kind of production for 2010?

Jason Grey

  (3:07 PM)

I do...there's a reason he's been a coveted prospect in high-profile deals - just needed a little more maturity and learn that he didn't need to overswing every at-bat.

Scott (Rochester, NY)

Hanley, Kemp, and Ethier have been killing my championship run this week. All good plays for the final series of the season or use my backups (Uribe, Rajai Davis, Pence)?

Jason Grey

  (3:08 PM)

In the case of the latter two, I think you may have to be more worried about them getting a rest the final weekend. At least you know the other guys should be in there if you need to squeeze out every last at-bat that you can.

Dan (KY)

Would you keep Justin Upton instead of Kinsler as Mr. Roberts alludes to in his recent article?

Jason Grey

  (3:12 PM)

I think it depends how many of the other premium second basemen are projected to be protected. I always look at these things in relation to the player pool at each individual position. In a general sense, I don't have any problem with protecting Upton ahead of Kinsler, but it would depend on my league context which way I go. I have zero issue with how bold Brendan is being on Upton.

paul (upstate ny)

isnt streaming pitchers kind of toeing the line?

Jason Grey

  (3:13 PM)

That's a perfectly valid strategy and use of the rules in leagues with daily transactions. It's different, and I think the differences are somewhat obvious, but that might just be me.

Steve (ND)

Apparently in Yahoo leagues, as long as you have one inning below max going into the final day, you can start as many pitchers your roster allows, and get full credit for all results, regardless of how many innings over the "one" you may have banked. In an attempt to win the W and K catagories, would you also consider this manuver, or action, as crossing the line?

Jason Grey

  (3:14 PM)

What is this "Yahoo" you speak of? ;-)

Sydney (Greendale)

13 team 5x5 keeper league. Who do I keep for my 11th and final keeper...Rajai Davis, Rios or Heyward?

Jason Grey

  (3:16 PM)

Hmmm....if it's just a one year keeper then Davis...I have some concerns about Rios after watching how he's tanked in the second half, even knowing he's streaky, and I still believe Davis is over his head, but still.. Davis. Long-term keepers or dynasty leagues, it's Heyward.

Chuck (Tampa, FLA)

In Brendan's article, he's unsure about Ethier, placing him at #50. Do you doubt his prospects of a 2010 return to 30-100-90 with a .270 avg?

Jason Grey

  (3:19 PM)

I am a little more optimistic than he is about Ethier, but I think there are some definite concerns when Ethier's production comes entirely by mashing righties like there's no tomorrow. Check the decline in his lefty splits the last four years, it's not pretty. Now, of course, that doesn't mean he still can't be as productive, it would just be a little more reassuring if the platoon splits weren't so extreme.

John (Trenton, NJ)

Drew Stubbs of the RedsDexter Fowler of the RoxWhich do you prefer?

Jason Grey

  (3:20 PM)

Fowler, and I didn't need to think hard about it. Stubbs is a little over his head at the moment.

Poet (Dont know it)

Easier stat tomake up ground in would be which?average or steals(and who should i pick up for either...sorry i couldnt fit this in my haiku!)

Jason Grey

  (3:22 PM)

Points for effort...It's generally steals, because it's tough to impact a season's worth of AB's in just one week. You may get a full point or two at best if guys really hit well.

Haiku (Japan)

Kevin CorreiaNeed to get Ks and WsGood pitcher to stream?

Jason Grey

  (3:22 PM)

Well played, sir..... Yes, excellent for streaming purposes.

Jason Grey

  (3:23 PM)

And as for your second haiku on Gio...no, not a player I want.

Josh (MA)

I'm having trouble selecting my pitching keepers. I can keep 3 from: Bumgarner, Homer Bailey, Porcello, Burnett, and Phil Hughes.My other two are no brainers with Cliff Lee and Jon Lester.

Jason Grey

  (3:23 PM)

Still have to go Burnett there, even with the upside of some of the other options.

Nick (NJ)

Do you like the idea of starting Brett Anderson tonight vs. Seattle. The M's are starting a guy named Doug Fister, who I don't know much about. What's his story?

Jason Grey

  (3:25 PM)

Check out how well Anderson has improved over the course of the season; he's a good start tonight. That said, I really, really need him to get blasted to have a chance of winning a league, so I am rooting against him. Fister is just a command and control guy that likely won't be in their rotation next year.

John (Trenton, NJ)

haikus don't format correctly with the chat.

Jason Grey

  (3:26 PM)

I can figure it out - using the "/" can work as well

Jordan (Oh)

Better spot start...Zito @SD, Cueto vs. Pit, or any other suggestions? Smoltz last start killed me and I need wins in a tightly contested whip and era race.

Jason Grey

  (3:28 PM)

Cueto has pitched well since coming off the DL, even if his control has wandered at times. With both having concerns, I'd probably go with Cueto against Pit. People don't realize how good San Diego has been late this season, so Cueto has the better matchup.

Jason Grey

  (3:29 PM)

Cueto has pitched well since coming off the DL, even if his control has wandered at times. With both having concerns, I'd probably go with Cueto against Pit. People don't realize how good San Diego has been late this season, so Cueto has the better matchup.

Jason Grey

  (3:29 PM)

Cueto has pitched well since coming off the DL, even if his control has wandered at times. With both having concerns, I'd probably go with Cueto against Pit. People don't realize how good San Diego has been late this season, so Cueto has the better matchup.

Jason Grey

  (3:29 PM)

Sorry, chat software issue..

Steve (ND)

I don't even have to ask if I should keep Lind from the 19th round, do I?

Jason Grey

  (3:30 PM)

No.. To me, it's where among the top 10 outfielder Lind winds up going next year that's the interesting question. Will people take him ahead of the pure speed plays, for example, in most leagues?

Bill (Parts Unknown)

What are your thoughts on the Jose Reyes developments?

Jason Grey

  (3:33 PM)

Well, hamstring surgery for someone who relies on his speed is never a good thing, and I would expect that is probably coming given that there's a new tear. I would be very cautious for next season as of now. People forget how much trouble Reyes had with his legs his first two big league seasons because he's been so durable the last few, but I'm not treating this lightly.

Jordan (Oh)

For next year...Ellsbury or BJ Upton?

Jason Grey

  (3:34 PM)

Ellsbury

John (STL)

Saturday,Sunday / In which day will more starters / dominate others? (Very tight W/ERA/K - shallow league so I can put a bunch either day. I'm thinking the games are more likely to be "real" Saturday (not scrubs).)

Jason Grey

  (3:34 PM)

Safe assumption that Sunday will be scrub day for a lot of teams, and perhaps favor the pitching a bit more.

Jason Grey

  (3:35 PM)

There are also a bunch of good starters going that day. (Off the top of my head because I have them in an AL league, I know Felix, Buchholz, Davis, and Feldman are all set to go that day)

Evan (NY)

Keeping Wright, Lincecum, and Moreneau. Which two do I keep out of these four: Tulo, Gallardo, Lind, Kershaw?

Jason Grey

  (3:36 PM)

Still sticking with the hitting theme, esp. with Lincecum alreadt in the fold...so Tulo and Lind.

Mitch (New York)

What do you know Cesar Ramos - good for a spot start on Sunday?

Jason Grey

  (3:37 PM)

Got away with some stuff against the Dodgers due to some double plays, but playing the Giants at home in Petco is certainly a good situation for a spot start.

Greg (Philadelphia)

Is Dom Brown a top 10 prospect when lists come out in the spring?

Jason Grey

  (3:40 PM)

I like him, but he won't be that high in mine. That's not a knock.

bob (chi)

better keeper...Montero or Soto?

Jason Grey

  (3:41 PM)

Montero...even with Snyder returning and Soto's hot finish.

Jordan (OH)

Thoughts on Brandon Webb and Roy Oswalt? Who's a better keeper option in the tenth rd, (can keep for three years)?

Jason Grey

  (3:42 PM)

With both battling injury issues, my guess is Webb.

Jon (Elkhart, Ind.)

One hundred and one.Hopeful signs? Castro and Lee and other prospects?

Jason Grey

  (3:45 PM)

Wow, that's a really bad, convoluted haiku.I do think Castro is a very underrated catching prospect in fantasy play, especiially in single league play, perhaps because there's quite a few good ones in the minors now.

Brian (NJ)

Fantasy championship week should never coincide with the last week of baseball!! I have check every major website, and there is no where near a consensus who is pitching Friday/Saturday/Sunday for the Angels. I have added/dropped Kazmir and Ervin Santana about 100 times this week. Obviously one is going to be left out. Who would be your bet to be this weekend's starters? Weaver/Kazmir/Saunders? Saunders/Ervin/Kazmir? Weaver/ Ervin/ Saunders? With the Kazmir and Weavers' days off Tuesday and Wednesday, Mike Scossia has me going nuts trying to pick the right player up today for Saturday/Sunday. Its either Kazmir or Ervin, but I have to be right!

Jason Grey

  (3:48 PM)

Looks like they are going Lackey tonight ( a few innings), then Weaver and Kazmir to setup their playoff rotation. Ervin may not start this weekend, as it looks like Saunders will go on Sunday. That's the best I have at this point, but seems like that's the plan.

matt (cle)

Will Buster Posey start the year in the big league?

Jason Grey

  (3:49 PM)

I would guess that with Molina a free agent, the door is open for Posey to be the starting catcher on Opening Day next year. Then again, the team keeps bringing back Rich Aurilia, so something crazy could happen. Still, I'd bet on Posey.

Tommy (Chicago)

Chalking up 2009 to rookie bumps in the road for Derek Holland? Look into your crystal ball and give me an idea of what to expect in 2010.

Jason Grey

  (3:50 PM)

I expect both him and Trevor Cahill to take leaps forward next year. The stuff is there, it's about learning to command it against big league hitting. They got away with pure stuff in the minors, but that doesn't play as well, obviously. It's also why Brett Anderson -- a pitcher with command to go with his raw stuff -- had so much success this year in comparison.

Jonathan (Los Angeles)

Kershaw and Wainwright; What's expected in 2010?; Which one should I keep? (Thanks, Jason!)

Jason Grey

  (3:51 PM)

More of the same, with Wainwright the better keeper. I'll take both if I can, though.

Len (Colorado)

What do you think about Jorge De La Rosa? Do you think he continues to improve next year or does he go back to what he was in previous years?

Jason Grey

  (3:53 PM)

He's teased us several times before, hasn't he? Still, he's sustained this run long enough, and showed the ability to bounce back from outings where his control has wandered and not let it become a continual problem, that I'm buying him continuing to pitch well next season. Still won't trust him entirely, though.

Gray (Chicago)

Tom Gorzelanny a sleeper in 2010?

Jason Grey

  (3:54 PM)

In deep NL play only. There is certainly a possibility 2007 may turn out to be his best season, but he's the kind of guy I take a flier on at the end of the draft if he has a rotation spot.

Rob (Alaska)

Deep league...lifetime keepers....which two catchers: Doumit, Iannetta, Montero?

Jason Grey

  (3:54 PM)

Montero, Iannetta

Jon (Elkhart, Ind.)

Actually, 101 is a Cubs reference. And Starlin Castro and Hak-Ju Lee.

Jason Grey

  (3:58 PM)

WOW...I am seriously upset I did not get that. Will have to turn in my former Illinois resident card for that one...Looking forward to seeing Castro at AFL...wondering if he's ever going to have any pop; same thing with Lee. Both will likely never be big fantasy assets, unless they get enough AB's to use their speed.On that sad note, I will close. Watch for my mostly-daily AFL blog starting Oct. 15th

Jason Grey

  (3:58 PM)

Thanks for all the interest. I appreciate it.