Eric Karabell

  (3:02 PM)

Hello all and welcome to the latest fantasy sports chat session! Lots going on, with baseball a few weeks away from games counting and many football moves recently. SO, thanks for showing up and let's get things started... any questions?

David Wright (Flushing (career down the toilet))

Now I have a torn rectus (tee hee!) abdominus muscle?! When are people going to learn to stop drafting me? I'm a paragon of brittle!

Eric Karabell

  (3:04 PM)

Yeah, I'm not really buying that notion. Two seasons ago Wright played in 157 games and hit 29 home runs, stole 19 bases, hit .283. Now he's brittle? People tear muscles from time to time. I think he's a bargain if he slips into the fourth round. I've moved him out of my second round, but don't just forget about him.

greg (tampa)

what are reasonable expectations for tommy hanson this season?

Eric Karabell

  (3:05 PM)

I'm just hoping he makes 30 starts, to be honest. With a new delivery I'm concerned. But I'll play along: 15 wins and a 3.00 ERA if healthy.

Tom (Bend, OR)

Go Phils! Bautista and Votto as keepers in a H2H points league. Next pick: Dread Pirate McCutcheon, Fielder, or Longoria?

Eric Karabell

  (3:05 PM)

I'd say Longoria is next there. Should have a monster season. Nothing wrong with McCutch or Prince, but even though you've 2 corner guys, why not fill the corner position?

Salvador Perez (KC)

How worried should my owners be?

Eric Karabell

  (3:06 PM)

For those that haven't heard, Perez tore a ligament in his knee and will need surgery. He might not miss much time; hasn't been announced yet. But it's tough to view him as a top 15 catcher with this news. Before he got hurt, I would have considered him borderline draftable in a 12-teamer.

Andrew (Atlanta)

what should we expect from rp to sp guys like feliz, bard, aceves, chapman, crow and sale?

Eric Karabell

  (3:10 PM)

Growing pains. I wouldn't draft any of them in a standard league. I think Feliz can be good, and Bard and Sale do intrigue me. Chapman is one of the most overrated fantasy options around; no wins, no saves.

Mike (NJ)

EK: I have second pick in our dynasty league (round 19). For this year and beyond Darvish or Cespedes?

Eric Karabell

  (3:11 PM)

Well, for this year it's Darvish, though I think he's being overrated as well. I think Cespedes spends time in the minors. Long term I take the hitter. Almost always. And Cespedes should hit.

Karl (Orillia)

Chances that Cashner becomes relevant in a 10 team mixer this year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:12 PM)

Not a big fan of Huston Street, but it's a crowded bullpen and who knows if Cashner can stay healthy. Probably a 5 percent chance he gets saves.

JT (Dallas)

Halladay got shelled by the Twins - the sky is falling!

Eric Karabell

  (3:12 PM)

Yeah, no point in drafting Halladay anymore. He's terrible!

Andrew (WI)

Listen to the fantasy focus today....you may have made a grave error....anyways, doing an e-mail draft, prefer Kubel or Reimold as a OF5?

Eric Karabell

  (3:13 PM)

I heard. I laughed. I moved on. I'd take Kubel. I don't think Reimold is guaranteed playing time, or to hit for average, or to stay healthy. I could see Kubel hitting 20 home runs, though.

Lou (The King of Queens)

What can we expect from Wright with this injury? Will his power take a big hit?

Eric Karabell

  (3:14 PM)

I don't think so. Muscle just has to heal, so I hope he does sit out the next two weeks. Even if he misses a week or two in April, good! Most top players don't need the entire six months to get their stats. People in New York seem to hate Wright, but he's really a very good player.

Stephen (Idaho )

More likely to dissapoint: Lawrie or Moore?

Eric Karabell

  (3:15 PM)

I think both are locks for stardom, but the pitcher is almost always more risky.

Brian (NY)

What are your thoughts on guys like Fowler and De Aza? Are they guaranteed f/t jobs as of now?

Eric Karabell

  (3:15 PM)

It sure seems like each is leading off and playing regularly. Nobody is thinking about De Aza, except Robin Ventura! He's leading him off. And De Aza can steal bases. Fowler can too, but he just doesn't try to run enough. This is his year!

James (NY)

Worried about Heyward's spring. Are you?

Eric Karabell

  (3:16 PM)

Starting to worry a bit, yes. It's not about the stats, it's about how he looks, his approach, how he's hitting the ball. If he was hitting line drives to right field, it wouldn't matter if they were outs. But he's not. Still, patience... it's not even mid-March yet!

Dan (Vermont)

I was all set to keep A.Ogando for a lousy buck, and now he's not even in the starting rotation? He was great last year as a starter, wasn't he? What explanation could there be for this? What are your thoughts? Should I still hold him for a buck in case Texas comes to their senses? Thanks for chatting!

Eric Karabell

  (3:17 PM)

Well, I wouldn't say he was great. But the Rangers did the right thing, building depth. And they'll need Ogando to make some starts, book it. But no real reason to keep him, even at a lousy buck, unless it's AL-only.

Adam D (LA)

March 14 isn't mid-March?

Eric Karabell

  (3:17 PM)

Nope. March 15 is! It's the ides of March!

Asher (Hawkville)

Who is the closer going to be in Oakland?

Eric Karabell

  (3:18 PM)

Looking like Fuentes, which doesn't inspire me much. I would like to see what Grant Balfour could do, or Fautino de los Santos!

Mike Baldwin (Ny)

Please play "the name game" on the next baseball today - I want to see Berrys head explode. Erik Aybar a safe SS pick if I have plenty of power and need steals?

Eric Karabell

  (3:19 PM)

Trust me, there's no rivalry here. Two vastly different shows. I like Aybar as a base stealer, and he should keep improving.

Tim (New Yawk)

Hi Eric. Doug Fister is getting absolutely no love this year. Look at his stats and peripherals from last year. HE WAS GREAT! Doesnt walk anyone, decent K's, good stuff. Hes going so late in drafts. Higher WAR than Cain, Greinke, Lincecum and other fantasy "aces"

Eric Karabell

  (3:20 PM)

It was very unexpected, and you don't win fantasy leagues with the previous season stats. I'd be careful here. I do like Fister more than most, it seems, but forget about those stats.

Asher (Hawkville)

Who is the closer going to be in Baltimore?

Eric Karabell

  (3:20 PM)

Jim Johnson should be the guy and keep the job. Not a big strikeout guy, but gets grounders.

Matt (Medford )

Has Michael Bourn proven to be more than just a 1 category player?

Eric Karabell

  (3:21 PM)

Not really. Could easily hit .260 this season, and looking at that Braves lineup, he's no lock to score 90 runs. Sorry.

Sean (New Haven, CT)

Oakland closer at end of season is Joey Devine...Book it.

Eric Karabell

  (3:22 PM)

Love the arm, but not the health. Devine would need to actually still be pitching at the end of the season to do this.

Dave (NJ)

Boston's set up guy? Melacon? I play holds.

Eric Karabell

  (3:22 PM)

Today it is, but it wouldn't surprise me if Bard is the eighth inning guy by April. And with Bailey's annual lack of health, the setup guy in Boston really matters for potential saves.

Justin (DSM)

Why is Scutaro so far down the SS charts when his projected numbers are almost identical to Alexi Ramirez?

Eric Karabell

  (3:23 PM)

Yeah, it seems odd to me as well. I have Scutaro ranked a few rounds better than where he's going in drafts. I like Ramirez, though.

Rob (Philly)

There were a lot of positive reports about Carlos Marmol going into ST. A couple games and he's been awful. Just working things out, or should I queue up Kerry Wood?

Eric Karabell

  (3:25 PM)

How could there be positive reports before spring training? Marmol's a ticking time bomb... I'd be careful. And it's not like Kerry Wood is the bastian of health. Kind of a shame Samardzija is starting, and he could make the rotation, but I'd be tempted to make him a sleeper closer.

Mike (Corus)

Last keeper Jennings or Berkman?

Eric Karabell

  (3:25 PM)

I might rank Berkman better, but considering age and potential, have to go with Jennings. Could be a terrific player.

Carl Crawford (Boston)

Will I rebound this year, if the wrist holds up?

Eric Karabell

  (3:26 PM)

Let's just say he's not someone I'm targeting.

Marshall (Saint Louis)

I know you like Gamel, and he's looking great this spring. How about compared to another late-round, high-upside 3B in Moustakas? Especially if I'm looking for home runs? Thanks, Eric.

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

Gamel is quickly rising in my rankings... I like Moustakas some, but to me these guys are about even. And Gamel is gonna pass him. I could see each hitting 20 home runs.

Doug (San Francisco)

Bryan LaHair has the job... the power... the I can't hit a spring baseball. Is he a safe sleeper? Is there such a thing as a safe sleeper?

Eric Karabell

  (3:28 PM)

Not really safe at all. Could easily be in the minors in 2 weeks if they go with Rizzo. I think LaHair can hit...but he has to prove it. He's not someone that can have a bad spring. Safe sleeper? Nope.

Tim (Colorado)

Your predicted World Series matchup please....

Eric Karabell

  (3:28 PM)

Rematch of 2008... same result...

Matt (NY)

For a phillies fan you sure are a Wright apologist. Tip for all fantasy owners: Let all Mets be somebody else's fantasy headache. It's bad enough they have to by some ours in real life.

Eric Karabell

  (3:29 PM)

My fandom has absolutely no impact on my judgement for statistical purposes. I like quite a few Mets, actually... Duda, Murphy, Niese. Doesn't mean I have to root for the team. And again, I think people just hate Wright, even when he is putting up nice numbers. Makes no sense to me. If he played in Kansas City, there wouldn't be hate.

Justin (Queens)

Do you worry about having too many guys on the same team ie I have Hosmer/Gordon and consideing Mousakis

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

In baseball, no. In football, yes.

Dave (NJ)

hahahah the mets season will be over on April 6

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

Well, they are a last place team.

Alex (Tacoma)

What are reasonable expectations for Johan this season?

Eric Karabell

  (3:31 PM)

I don't see why he can't make 32 good starts, be the comeback player of the year. I have him in my top 50 starter rankings now.

Chris (San Jose)

We've reached the halfway point of the chat and I'm starting to worry you won't get to my question! Really need your help. Trying to do a keeper league trade. 14 team mixed roto league. Keep players forever. Which set of three do you like more: Adrian Gonzalez/Papelbon/League or Lincecum/Jennings/Nelson Cruz? 1-10, how strongly to you favor this side?

Eric Karabell

  (3:32 PM)

I like the Lincecum side 100 percent. Don't keep closers. Ever. Even in deep leagues.

Dan (LA)

Eric, the fantasy flame is dying. Remind me why we love this stuff?

Eric Karabell

  (3:33 PM)

I love baseball and football... if you lose interest in the sport, the fantasy side of it will surely follow...

Mike (St Pete)

What is Vincent Jackson's upside if any going to the Bucs?

Eric Karabell

  (3:33 PM)

It's not great, that's for sure. He'll get paid, but if he wanted stats - or to win - he should have stayed with Philip Rivers in SD.

Matt (NY)

I love David Wright as a person and a player. One of the finest Mets in a long time. However, the I strongly dislike the Mets medical, conditioning and training staff, and as such categorically refuse to draft any Mets players for anything other than a major bargain. I've never heard any hate in NY towards him. Our expectations for a full, healthy and productive season are just necessarily low.

Eric Karabell

  (3:34 PM)

I think the Mets medical staff having a major impact on individuals is great overstated.

Chris (NY)

Am i crazy to keep Lawrie instead of verlander for my 3rd rd pick? Just so much pitching out there...

Eric Karabell

  (3:35 PM)

Not crazy at all. Lawrie is gonna have a huge season...and I doubt Verlander wins as many games.

Staff of a Senator (DC)

Which Nat do you like more for this season, Zimmerman or Morse?

Eric Karabell

  (3:35 PM)

It's Zimmerman, but I do think Morse can hit 30 homers again. I just don't like his potential in batting average.

Artie (Des Moines)

Nathan worth keeping for 2 bucks? Deep league, not planning on spending more than $5 on any closer. Rest of my team is miserable and/or overpriced.

Eric Karabell

  (3:36 PM)

Well, if your team stinks then keeping an old closer seems like the wrong move. Rebuild with young hitters or starting pitching.

Aaron (Tucson)

why hasn't espn projected growth for Starlin Castro? All his projections are the same if not lower. Any reason to expect he regresses or is it digresses?

Eric Karabell

  (3:36 PM)

I don't know what others think. I think he'll keep adding power and get to 20 in about 2 seasons.

Stephen (Nebraska)

Any chance Stubbs can bring his average closer to 270 or does he continue to kill you there?

Eric Karabell

  (3:38 PM)

It's unlikely a player that strikes out to his degree can hit .270. Rare. It's a shame, too, because Stubbs has power and speed.

Brian (San Diego)

How much do you factor in minor league BABIP? Alex Gordon has like a .380 BABIP in about 1000 ABs in the high minors including .391 in his half season at AAA in 2010, so why is a a .358 in the majors last year so crazy?

Eric Karabell

  (3:38 PM)

It's not crazy. It's just too early to tell if Gordon will be like Ichiro and benefit from a high BABIP annually. I think Gordon can hit .300 again. I don't really look at minor league BABIP at all. It's irrelevant to me.

Andrew (Toronto)

Thoughts on drafting Liriano? Looked pretty good yesterday at the beginning...

Eric Karabell

  (3:40 PM)

It's all about consistency. Stuff is there. Expecting him to have a consistent monster season is dangerous, but certainly worth the risk on upside alone. Didn't make my top 30 SP though.

Ryan (Chattanooga, TN)

Wainwright and Kimbrel for Lawrie? Which side do you like better? Thanks EK!

Eric Karabell

  (3:41 PM)

Lawrie, easily. Top 5 third baseman eventually. Kimbrel is being overdrafted. Could easily lose 10 saves through no fault of his own.

c (orlando)

"Rematch of 2008... same result..." as a rays fan, i don't like you much right now Eric.

Eric Karabell

  (3:41 PM)

What, you wouldn't take a return trip to the Series? You would. I would.

Adam (Madison, WI)

Can E5 hit 30 homeruns with regular playing time this year and not worrying about fielding?

Eric Karabell

  (3:42 PM)

Edwin Encarnacion has enough power to hit 30, but I don't really buy the "not worried about fielding" angle at all. He in particular seems like someone that wouldn't let errors affect him.

Jill (Maryland)

Hello Eric, who would you take, R. Weeks, Utley, Zobrist or Kendrick? Is the gap between them big?

Eric Karabell

  (3:44 PM)

I probably have Zobrist ranked the best, then Utley, and both in my top 50, and I do not have Kendrick or Weeks in my top 100. So yeah, that's a gap. And the more Utley does NOT play it concerns me. He'll be out of my top 50 by the weekend. Zobrist is safe and can also play outfield.

Dan (LA)

NEWS FLASH! Jennings and Upton carted off after outfield collision. Who gets a temporary bump in rankings if a job opens up?

Eric Karabell

  (3:44 PM)

Wow, the bodies are still warm..that's mean. I won't speculate yet. I mean, the Rays would probably play Fuld, and he's awesome in his own way, but not much for fantasy.

Chris (Boston)

Hi Eric. I've got five bench spots. Think grabbing Oswalt late and stashing him is foolish?

Eric Karabell

  (3:45 PM)

Not at all. Could be a Red Sox or Cardinal any day now. Literally.

E (California)

Thoughts on Ryan Raburn? Great spring but is he worth picking up over a guy like Danny Espinosa?

Eric Karabell

  (3:45 PM)

Raburn is a prime example of how a good spring gets overrated. I'll take Espinosa.

Bob (Boise)

Bottom of the closer barrel, how do you rank: Thornton, Reed, Balfour, Fuentes, Johnson. If you could get 2 of the above, would gamble on 2 different teams, or try to lock up 2 guys on the same team for 1 "safe" closer.

Eric Karabell

  (3:47 PM)

I don't like handcuffing closers, wasting an extra spot on a backup. I mean, Oakland is going to win SO many games that we want 2 of their relievers? I think Baltimore's Johnson is safe. Then I'd rank Fuentes (unfortunately), Reed, Thornton, Balfour.

Joe (NJ)

I know you get lots of Lawrie questions but this guys spring numbers are off the chart. 13/22, 6 doubles , 1 triple, 3 steals. Could this guy make a run as a top 25 player this year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:47 PM)

I thought that 2 weeks ago, not because of anything he's doing against rotten pitching.

Andy (Pittsburgh)

What are your thoughts on Brian Matusz? How deep of a league for him to be draftable?

Eric Karabell

  (3:47 PM)

Would need a bench, that's for sure. But the upside is there. Oh how quickly people forget how they liked him, when he had velocity, a year ago.

Jason (Bmore)

Manny Acta will probably go with Perez to begn the season, but is it all but assumed that Pestano will get the job sometime during the season?

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

Not at all. In fact, I expect Perez, if healthy, to keep this job. He's not a great closer, not with that K rate, but most managers don't change closers unless they are forced to. Perez was overrated last season, but generally did the job. And hey, often the eighth inning is more important than the ninth.

Justin (Boston)

So where WOULD you buy Crawford...pick 70???

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

Nope. I think last time I did rankings he was at No. 100. Haven't seen any reason to move him up, have you?

Eric (CO)

Is Pence a top 12 OF? Will he start running more? He only had 1 SB once in Philly last year.

Eric Karabell

  (3:50 PM)

I think he might go 30-100, but no, I don't see many stolen bases. Less than 10.

Will (MA)

Please tell me where Brennen Boesh will bat Eric. He will get regular ABs and just has to stay healthy to eclipse 80 runs and will approach 20 HRs but nobody is drafting him that way! HELP!

Eric Karabell

  (3:50 PM)

Sure appears that he will be hitting second. Don't buy into lineup protection, but he should score more runs (and knock in fewer).

Cody (PA)

Who should i trade for Berkman? I dont think he is gonna have a year like last year

Eric Karabell

  (3:51 PM)

I don't either, but he's still going to be good enough to own!

mike (nh)

how many days into the season for jesus montero to get catcher eligibility? Where do you rank him among catchers if he does?

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

I don't think Montero plays enough behind the plate in April to qualify. Sorry. They have other options and really need him hitting every day. This might be like Billy Butler at first base... it could take a while! And he'd be sure top 10 catcher for me, but not top 5.

Jason (Bmore)

Is Vernon Wells an under the radar guy worth $17 in an AL only league?

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

Under the radar, yes. But at that price, not a chance.

Eric (Boise, ID)

Does your "offense, offense, offense" strategy work as well in a league that caps innings pitched? Would not being able to stream pitchers warrant trying to have at least one of the high-ends or do you think you can still make a staff that does well enough in pitching cats that your offense can hopefully run high on offensive cats?

Eric Karabell

  (3:54 PM)

Nothing changes. I don't use more than 6 or 7 active starting pitchers at a time anyway. You still can't win without a big offense.

Sean (New Haven, CT)

Bret Anderson worth a buck or two in a mixed keeper?

Eric Karabell

  (3:55 PM)

Absolutely. Returns in July.

Matt (NY)

All I'm saying with Mets players is that you're playing with fire. Before you hit "draft," think about Ike Davis' 2011. Make sure you're willing to take the risk that any small injury could end their season. Fantasy baseball is about using all available knowledge. The mets medical staff have inserted themselves in to the conversation, like it or not.

Eric Karabell

  (3:55 PM)

I disagree. David Wright would be hurt right now even if he played on the Angels. And Ike Davis' Valley Fever...can't really blame that on them.

Jesus Montero (Florida)

What five catchers would you rate over me? Ima be playing every day! You obviously don't play points leagues.

Eric Karabell

  (3:56 PM)

I do, but there is some risk here, you know. He's young. It's Safeco. Let's not go overboard over Napoli, Santana, McCann, Wieters and 3-time batting champ Mauer. C'mon!

Adam (Durham, NC)

Rank these 3: Liriano/Holland/Minor

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

That works.

Eric Karabell From the Future (June 4, 2012)

Eric......DON'T....DRAFT......BRIAN....FUENTES!

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

I agree.

Patrick (Hawaii )

What are your thoughts on Alex Rios this season? Do you like him better than say, a guy like Peter Bourjos?

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

I think there is a wise time to pick Rios. Clearly has ability, when he wants to show it, and could return to 2010 numbers. Can't simply disregard players based on one bad season.

Jeff (San Diego)

Hi Eric, can you explain your "offense, offense, offense" strategy again? Also would you be in favor of at least drafting one Ace (CC, Lincecum, Felix) to at least anchor your rotation?

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

Of my first 10 picks in a normal draft, at least 9 are hitters. Sometimes I take an ace if there's great value. It's not about having anchors...it's overall stats.

Chris (Boston)

Who's the top fantasy scorer at the end of the year? Batter and pitcher.

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

Braun and Halladay.

Eric Karabell

  (4:00 PM)

Well, that is about all the time I have been given for today's fine chat, so I thank you for showing up and asking questions. We couldn't do this without you. Have a great day and watch baseball on TV if you can't be there in person... best way to judge for yourself who can play and who cannot. Adios!