Eric Karabell

  (3:01 PM)

Hello all and welcome to the latest fantasy baseball chat session! I am Eric, and thanks for joining in today. Lots of questions here so let's get started and I will answer as many as I can in the next hour!

Jason Bay (NY NY)

Drop me? Or just bench me for a few weeks and then revaluate then?

Eric Karabell

  (3:02 PM)

Well, can't say I was a big fan at all for this season, even when he hit in the days coming off the DL. How deep is the league? In a standard 10-team mixed, I can't say he's one of the top 50 outfielders, no.

Ryan (WA)

Doumit is starting 3 nights in a row. Snyder hurt or are they trying to boost his value and trade him again?

Eric Karabell

  (3:03 PM)

I think it's partly because they want him to have value and getting him a few starts per week is worth it when he's hitting. But also, he's really hitting, and the Bucs are over .500. I say good for them. Play your best guys. If Alvarez is really that bad, then bench him for someone better. Try to win. Doumit isn't a top 10 catcher anymore, but in deep leagues ride this out.

Jake (Iowa)

Desmond Jennings....How long til he is up?

Eric Karabell

  (3:05 PM)

Probably another month. Unlike what the Royals just did by recalling Hosmer against financial advice, the Rays will almost 100 percent wait until it makes fiscal sense to call him up, which means early June. The Sam Fuld era is running out of steam; shame, too, because Fuld is such an interesting story. Google him...he's not just a baseball player, but well rounded. Anyway, Jennings is no lock to star upon his recall, but he will run.

Justin (Iowa)

Hart dropped in my league, slow start but am i missing somethign? gotta be must own in 12 team right? predictions rest of year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:06 PM)

Yes, I would say Corey Hart should be owned in all leagues, and eventually he will hit. Obviously it's easy to panic when a fellow is hitting .176 with no RBIs and no steals in 10 games... but be patient. Add him.

marty (nj)

What do I do with Latos? D. Hudson is on the waiver wire. Should I make a change or wait for him to turn around?

Eric Karabell

  (3:07 PM)

Latos hasn't been THAT bad... I mean, plenty of pitchers have a WHIP worse than 1.35, you know. And he's still a big strikeout guy, isn't walking people, and gets to pitch half the time at Petco Park. I'd buy low on Latos; I think he will be better than Daniel Hudson the rest of the way.

Sam Fuld (Tampa)

Do I have any value left even in a deep league? Not much out there, is Gerardo Parra an upgrade?

Eric Karabell

  (3:07 PM)

It's a bad stretch but I would still rather own Fuld than Parra. At least Fuld can run when he's on base. He must be hurt.

Pete (Litchfield, CT)

How are ya, EK? Is it time to cut and run on Brett Myers? Successive poor outings on a bad time = cut and run in my book. Would you grab Bumgarner if he was available? Thanks.

Eric Karabell

  (3:08 PM)

Hey Pete! I'd wait on Myers. Nearly every one of his outings last season was quality, and again, I can't get too worked up about a rough outing in Cincy. Bumgarner has been worse!

Daniel (Georgia)

EK when do you see Belt returning in SF and is he a good add when he does return? Would he be better than a Morse,Gomez ,Gomes or Byrd type of production player?

Eric Karabell

  (3:09 PM)

I could see Belt back in the big leagues any day, really. The Giants say they will be patient, and as long as Burrell and Cody Ross are somewhat productive, they should be, but Belt is an upgrade on those guys and Huff. He will hit more than all the guys you named.

Tyler (New Hampshire )

Joe Mauer hurt, then I pick up Nick Hundley then he gets hurt? I picked up Yadier Molina. Any chance I could trade for a catcher or is such a less depth position that it isn't likely you could trade for a top tier catcher?

Eric Karabell

  (3:11 PM)

I have a league in which I've kept Mauer for years, and when he got hurt I added Carlos Ruiz, then he got hurt, and then I got Hundley, and he's hurt. So I added ... John Buck. If he gets hurt I might feel responsible. I wouldn't trade for a catcher; Mauer might be back in a week. Might be a month, too, but things at least sound promising now. And how many top-tier catchers are there?

Brent (San Francisco)

Alexi Ogando or Brandon Beachy going forward?

Eric Karabell

  (3:11 PM)

I will take Beachy. He's legit. Nice strikeout guy, in the easier league, strong back end of the bullpen to hold his wins. Ogando hasn't been a regular starter for years, could wear down. Beachy shouldn't.

Javy's (Sad Face)

Is it just me, or does Vazquez look like he is about to cry out on the mound? It just saddens me to see a grown man look so down in the dumps (but then I think about the $$$). That is all.

Eric Karabell

  (3:12 PM)

Vazquez isn't even hitting 90 on the gun, and obviously hitters have noticed. They're enjoying facing him. There is no need to own Javy Vazquez in any league. The Marlins might cut bait soon, too.

Jordon (Chicago)

Gordon Beckham is on the waiver wire....pick him up? I currently own Sizemore. But I also Have Alexei... what do I do EK?!?!!?

Eric Karabell

  (3:13 PM)

Not trying to jump ship early here, but Beckham has struggled for more than a calendar year now. I'm not buying. I'd keep Alexei and Sizemore around.

Alex (Seattle)

Is Snider going to fill in for Adam Lind?

Eric Karabell

  (3:14 PM)

I'm hearing the Jays do not want to promote Snider so soon, though it's possible they change their mind today. I think they have enough depth to wait. If Snider comes up, I do think he will hit. He was doing very well in the minors last I checked.

Mike (San Diego)

What do you expect from LoMo when he comes back? The reason I ask is because I have a chance to get Halladay for Ethier and Lowrie and LoMo would replace Ethier in my lineup.

Eric Karabell

  (3:15 PM)

Wow. Do it... I'd make that deal even if I didn't have Logan Morrison sitting around. Halladay is kinda good. Ethier over LoMo, but it's not as glaring as one thinks because Morrison looks like he could hit 15-plus home runs.

Roger (Fargo, ND)

Domonic Brown -- seems like he will be up soon. What kinds of numbers do you predict for him this season?

Eric Karabell

  (3:16 PM)

I agree we should see him later this month, but I want to actually see him hit MLB pitching before trusting him in a standard league. Surely Brown will get a chance to play over Ben Francisco, but he still has to prove himself at this high level.

Douglas (Pittsburgh, PA)

Would you have Beachy over A Sanchez, Baker, Lilly, or G Floyd?

Eric Karabell

  (3:16 PM)

I'd go Anibal first there, but then Beachy, Lilly, Floyd and Baker.

Adam (LA)

Hey EK! Is it worth holding onto Bourgeois in a 12-team mixed h2h? He needs 4 more starts for 2B elig. and I'm starting Barney. Thanks and go Phils!

Eric Karabell

  (3:17 PM)

What awful timing the Bourgeois injury was, because he was stealing many bases. I think it's worth holding him; how many 2B eligible players can steal 40 bases? Bourgeois might be better than Figgins, too. I'd wait.

Joe Nathan (MN)

Am I still worth rostering on a 10-team standard ESPN league (3 bench, 1 DL)?

Eric Karabell

  (3:18 PM)

Depends how desperate for saves. I do think Nathan will get back into the closer role this summer, perhaps by mid-June, and that means he could get at least 15 saves. In some standard leagues those 15 saves are worth a ton.

Jack (Chicago)

Is Liriano worth starting today? I feel like I should wait until the K's return...

Eric Karabell

  (3:19 PM)

I worry, too. I thought he would have been torched Monday at Fenway, but today at home against the beleaguered Tigers is a better matchup for him. Own Liriano, as the upside is immense.

Kelly (Brooklyn)

Mark Reynolds or Aramis Ramirez for the season?

Eric Karabell

  (3:19 PM)

I have no interest in owning a guy that might not hit .200. And Reynolds is that guy.

help (va)

Why is Encarnacion not hitting homeruns???

Eric Karabell

  (3:20 PM)

Why did the chicken cross the road? I think his wrist is a problem, but when he is healthy he hits the home runs in bunches. Not a great fantasy player.

Jerry (seattle, wa)

Do you like Rajai Davis? Worth trading him for Liriano or Ogando?

Eric Karabell

  (3:21 PM)

I think if I was naming 5 guys that could steal 50 bases, he would be one of them. And he could still do it. So it depends what you need. I certainly value Davis more than Ogando.

Keary (Gowanus)

Hosmer>Belt over 162?

Eric Karabell

  (3:21 PM)

Hosmer, definitely. Last week I ranked Hosmer 16th at 1B for the rest of the season, with Belt at 20. I might need to move Hosmer up some; such great plate discipline, and he can run.

Bob (Philadelphia)

Admit Chase Utley is the man.

Eric Karabell

  (3:22 PM)

Fingers crossed that he plays this month, and obviously not just for fantasy. Watching Wilson Valdez hit actually hurts sometimes. Especially with a man on first base and less than two outs.

Blake (Milwaukee)

Will Jake McGee provide any value this year or is it time to cut bait?

Eric Karabell

  (3:23 PM)

I'd call it time to look elsewhere. Farnsworth has been tremendous, and when JP Howell returns this month he could get some save chances from the left side. McGee might have to wait until 2012.

Patrick (Cambridge, MA)

assuming Furcal actually comes back in 2 weeks....Furcal or Jeter?

Eric Karabell

  (3:23 PM)

Jeter. People are way too hard on him. He's just not that bad. I'd take a season like 2010 again. Furcal can't stay on the field.

Mike (St. Paul)

Erick Aybar -- a legit 40 stolen base, 100 Run candidate? He's still available, while Alexei Ramirez continues to disappoint...

Eric Karabell

  (3:24 PM)

I'd say legit 30 and 90, but the point comes through. Aybar is good and largely undervalued... but Ramirez will hit, probably 15 home runs, and Aybar cannot do that.

Carl (ATL)

What's up with Casey McGehee? Is a hot streak ever coming or should I look for other options?

Eric Karabell

  (3:24 PM)

I would be patient. McGehee might not knock in 100 runs, but he'll have many chances to do so. I'll say he knocks in 95.

George (NYC)

Do you think Cliff Lee and Gaby is enough for Pujols? Thanks, EK.

Eric Karabell

  (3:25 PM)

The way they are all playing, absolutely. Sanchez looks pretty legit; I can make the case this is a fair deal.

Chris (NYC)

Pedro Alvarez was dropped in my league - worth a pickup or leave him be?

Eric Karabell

  (3:26 PM)

I find it hard to believe he will continue to be this bad, but it depends who you are cutting, too. Alvarez might need a DL or minors stint, so watch for that. For him to have a higher OBP than slugging is obviously a problem, and there must be a cause.

nando (Boston)

Who should I play in my utility slot tonight and tomorrow: Hosmer or Russell Martin?

Eric Karabell

  (3:26 PM)

I don't think I have ever used a catcher in the DH slot... but it's your team! I'd use Hosmer there every night, every matchup.

Jack (Charlotte)

EK! As bad as the Mariner's offense is...Smoak has been quietly putting up some good numbers. What's reasonable projections for him this season? .280-25-90?

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

Blogged about that today, and yes, I could see those numbers. Remember, a year ago Smoak was supposed to be really good. And he is.

Mike (Tampa, FL)

Does Murphy continue to get AB's once Hamilton returns?

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

Depends on Nellie Cruz, Borbon, etc. I'm thinking if Murphy hits, he plays. The Rangers would find a way.

jack (beanstalk)

is it worth keeping vernon wells? Who is good deep league outfielders to replace him?

Eric Karabell

  (3:28 PM)

Well, on tv today I discussed his teammate Peter Bourjos. He's available, and competent, with nice upside. I'd try to keep Wells owned; he's not nearly as bad as people think, and he wasn't going to hit .170 all year. How about .270?

will (chicago)

steals -- pierre or borbon?

Eric Karabell

  (3:29 PM)

I realize only Borbon is playing well, but you have to go Pierre there. Just a slow start.

Brandon (IN)

Mike Minor - What do you think is the plan with him and the Braves? In a deep dynasty league and he is taking up a roster spot. Initially traded Stephen Drew for him and a prospect pick in our league. Feeling hozed!!!!

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

At this point there's no reason to believe Minor will make more than 5 starts this season for the Braves. Beachy is terrific, the others are established and healthy, and Teheran might get the call over Minor anyway if there was an opening.

Chuck (Delaware)

I need saves, would you trade Liriano for Putz?

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

Well, only one of those fellows is going to get saves. So yeah. But in a vaccuum Liriano is more valuable if he pitches well.

Neit (Bronx NY)

Porcello has been solid recently - thoughts on him? and would you start him tonight?

Eric Karabell

  (3:31 PM)

Against the worst offense in baseball in one of the largest parks (Twins), if you don't start Porcello today, then don't bother owning him. It's a nice matchup for him.

James (LA)

Any chance trout gets called up soon?

Eric Karabell

  (3:32 PM)

The Angels say no, and since teams never lie... but really, I doubt it.

nando (Boston)

At this point, what would be some reasonable numbers for Jayson Werth finishing the year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:33 PM)

At this point? Ah, you want to give up on the man. I will say he hits .270 with 22 home runs, 81 RBIs and 12 steals. Kinda disappointing if you think about it, though.

Paul (Chicago)

Twins have had the worst offense in baseball SO FAR, but you answered that as if you expect it to stay that way. That team can hit, and they will eventually.

Eric Karabell

  (3:33 PM)

Of course, but why would tonight be different? Morneau is struggling, Mauer isn't there, I have no reason to expect Porcello to get lit up.

John (NY)

What do you think the best possible trade destination is for Jose Reyes?( Fantasy Wise)

Eric Karabell

  (3:34 PM)

Coors Field and he plays 2B, adding eligibility. But that ain't gonna happen. Seriously, almost anywhere but Citi Field is a trend up. How about St. Louis where he can hit ahead of the big 4 (Colby, Albert, Matt and Lance)!

Bob (GA)

need a Lind replacement..Belt, JD Drew, or LaPorta?

Eric Karabell

  (3:35 PM)

Belt is in Fresno, so can't go with him in the short term. I'd say LaPorta.

Mike (Minneapolis)

Am I giving away too much if I offer Uggla or Zobrist for H. Bell?

Eric Karabell

  (3:35 PM)

Probably, because no closer is worth a top 50 player, and those are likely top 50 players. But if you need saves, do what you need to do. I wouldn't.

joe (bronx)

what will mitch moreland's role be when hamilton and cruz return? thanks.

Eric Karabell

  (3:36 PM)

Everyday first baseman. Hey, Moreland now has OF elig, so be happy. And he's a 20-80 player.

Joe (Portland, OR)

You starting Lilly tonight?

Eric Karabell

  (3:36 PM)

If I own Ted Lilly, I don't sit him. And the Pirates just don't scare me much.

Scott (Boston, MA)

do you think Luke Scott's Labrum injury will ruin his fantasy value? I know he's going to play through it, but it's hard to believe it won't hurt his ability to hit the ball

Eric Karabell

  (3:37 PM)

I concur. I'd lose him and look elsewhere.

John (MA)

Any hope left for Pavano? I'm in an AL only league and he's really depressing me right now.

Eric Karabell

  (3:38 PM)

In AL-only, you have no choice but to wait it out. And he will get better.

Shaun (Boston)

Is Halladay worth giving up to get Bautista if I need power?

Eric Karabell

  (3:39 PM)

Best pitcher and the best power hitter. In theory, yes, it works. And I love Halladay. But really I could see Jose hitting 50 home runs again. I could.

Plaxico (Agrees)

In your opinion is Erik Bedard ownable in a 10 team mixed?

Eric Karabell

  (3:39 PM)

Borderline. I would spot start him mainly.

Dan (NY)

How do you think Peavy does tomorrow?

Eric Karabell

  (3:40 PM)

I wouldn't activate him yet, that's for sure. If I miss out on a no-hitter, so be it. I doubt that's what will happen.

Ted (Baltimore)

Eric help me out with the Nat's OF! Would you rather have Morse or Bernadina for rest of year? Is either a starter on my roster as utility or backuo OF?

Eric Karabell

  (3:41 PM)

I liked Morse in March, but no more. Maybe he's hurt, maybe pitchers figured him out, whatever the case I can't see that big season anymore. Maybe he hits 15 home runs. That's still more than Bernadina, but then again, Bernadina can steal bases. I just don't know if the Nats are committed to him. Neither are starters now.

Joe (Chicago)

You ready to trust Dempster again?

Eric Karabell

  (3:41 PM)

I never sat him. I realize most people probably did, but the K rate is good, and he's established. If you want to enjoy a resurgent player, use him when he's bad because otherwise you miss the beginning of the good stats.

Jeremy (Indy)

Who gets the call to close the next time around for the Cardinals?

Eric Karabell

  (3:42 PM)

Bruce Sutter. (OK, I say it's Sanchez.)

Jeff (Philly)

Pls rank for rest of year... Moreland, Belt, and Wallace?

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

Just like that. I'm not buying Wallace yet. But this is predicated on Belt coming back to the big relatively soon.

Will (The OC)

Trade one for hitting: Farnsworth, Valverde, Nunez.

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

Farnsworth first, because he has the nicest numbers and you can sell high, but he's also the least safe for opportunity. I could see the Rays going to Howell soon. I could also see Farnsworth saving 30.

Matt (Orlando)

Who do you see closing out games for the A's come mid-june?

Eric Karabell

  (3:44 PM)

Mr. Bailey will be closing this month.

Jericho (The Moon)

Hosmer over Belt? Does that still hold if Belt returns AND gets OF eligibility?

Eric Karabell

  (3:44 PM)

Yes it does. Hosmer is legit. I like Belt, too, but Hosmer might be special.

Dave (CT)

Saw the name AL ALBURQUERQUE and I was about to laugh but then I realized...maybe I should pick this guy up...22 k in 12 ip

Eric Karabell

  (3:46 PM)

Right-handed power arm not likely to see save chances, but could be this season's Joaquin Benoit. Legit strikeout guy.

Joe (PA)

Anibal Sanchez is a FA in my league. Should I drop Kuroda for him?

Eric Karabell

  (3:46 PM)

No, but both should be owned at this point.

ben [via mobile]

Hey Eric! Nelson Cruz and Corey Hart for Martin Prado and Alex Gordon. Which side do you like better?

Eric Karabell

  (3:46 PM)

The Cruz/Hart side, definitely.

Keith (New York,NY)

Why do you hate Ogando? Admit it. You HATE him....what would you rather have? Ogando or a fried slug sandwich??

Eric Karabell

  (3:47 PM)

That's ridiculous. I've got Ogando on multiple teams. But clearly there is inherent risk with him. There's far more risk with a fried slug sandwich though. Wouldn't you agree?

Jake (Raleigh)

Do you think Cuddyer will play two more games at 2nd base when Delmon Young is healthy?

Eric Karabell

  (3:47 PM)

Has nothing to do with Delmon. Depends on when Nishioka returns. And yes, he will get there.

Mike (Boston)

Ryan Roberts? You buying?

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

No, not anymore. He isn't a regular player. Give him 300 at-bats and he can produce. Play him more than that and he gets exposed. But having 3B elig and perhaps 2B in time changes things a bit, because he doesn't have to do as much. But still I'm not really buying.

Joe (Chicago)

My rule of thumb is to not start a pitcher ranked lower than 15 on the Daily Notes...they've got Danks at #17 today...you agree? Sit?

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

Seems like you wouldn't get enough starts that way, unless your team is stacked. And I'm starting Danks every time. He'll win tonight.

Ricardo (Toronto)

What info do you have to be so high on Hosmer?

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

Pretty much all the info says he will be a star right away.

Joel (Boston)

Can you briefly explain why you would not sit someone like Lilly or Dempster if they are not pitching well of late?

Eric Karabell

  (3:50 PM)

Becaues I don't generally play the matchups in early May. It's too early. These are established pitchers that WILL be fine and I don't want to miss any of the good starts. I've already dealt with the bad. Now I need the good.

Brad (Cincy)

The Blue Jays are the new New England Patriots after giving little information on Bautista and now Lind. That is all

Eric Karabell

  (3:52 PM)

Totally disagree. We knew what was going on with those hitters. It's unfortunate Lind took a turn for the worse, but can't blame the organization for misleading.

Dan (Boston)

Projections for Kendrys Morales this year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:52 PM)

Hoping he plays half the season. If he does, could hit 15 home runs, but right now there's no assurance he plays anytime soon.

Bob (Madison)

Projections for Delmon Young once he returns?

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

If healthy I don't see why he can't hit .300 and knock in runs, just like last season. He's not a bad player. He's just hurt.

Jon (Chicago)

What about Jed? Lowrie is almost 3b eligible. Top 10 3B?

Eric Karabell

  (3:54 PM)

No, not yet. And Jed hasn't done much hitting lately, either.

Craig (Denver)

Is Greinke going to be a top end fantasy player for the rest of the season barring injury?

Eric Karabell

  (3:54 PM)

Could be a top 10 starting pitcher the rest of the way, yes. And he will strike out a ton of hitters. Off to a great start there.

Justin (Iowa)

Aviles or Desmond tonite?

Eric Karabell

  (3:55 PM)

Don't stream shortstops. Pick one and cut the other. I'd pick Aviles.

Jeff (NY)

Thoughts on Yovani Gallardo's future performance?

Eric Karabell

  (3:56 PM)

Should pitch like the No. 3 fantasy starter he has been for years. The only problem is expectations are always too high. He's in the 25-30 range for SPs, and there's nothing wrong with that.

Hanley Hater (Miami)

EK, are you still, like everyone else, on the Hanley bandwagon? Look at his last 100 outs - almost all are grounders to short, dribbles to second, foul pop outs to third, strikeouts looking. He's not even hitting the ball hard nevermind looking on the verge of breaking out of a slump.

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

I don't give up on Hanley Ramirez on May 10. Sorry. I'm well aware of his struggles, and you're right, he's not hitting line drives... but still we wait.

Ronald (New Jersey)

Please ohhh Please rank for rest of year...C Bucholz, Cuerto and Hellickson?

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

Hellickson, Buchholz and then Cueto.

James (Cleveland)

Are the Indians for real or are they a fluke?

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

I'll take the under on the Tribe winning half their games this season.

Keith (VA)

Can you tell my roomates we are moving out??

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

I really think you should do it.

Mat (Los Angeles)

will Ubaldo turn it around?

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

Yes. Buy low, quickly.

James (MI)

Will Hughes or Braden start to be effective sometime in June?

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

Doubtful and doubtful. Or better yet, no and doubtful.

John (Atlanta)

No question for you, EK. Just want to say thank you for all the advice and love your work. You're the best of the bunch.

Eric Karabell

  (4:01 PM)

Thank you very much and have a great day! And to everyone, our time is up and it's time for me to write a Vernon Wells blog. Thanks for showing up, tons of questions today! Enjoy your day!