Eric Karabell

  (3:02 PM)

Hello all and welcome to the latest fantasy sports chat session. I am Eric. We've got an hour to talk fantasy baseball or football so let's get it started!

Kyle (Lock Haven PA)

CC Sabathia had a rough spring and got hit early in his first start. How worried should I be if this happens tonight?

Eric Karabell

  (3:02 PM)

I don't think I could be less worried. He's about as safe as can be. Patience.

Bob (ATL)

Joe Wieland (SD) - replacing Moseley? Worth a pickup?

Eric Karabell

  (3:03 PM)

Absolutely! I blogged about Wieland today; anyone in San Diego is worth a look at. No Padres pitchers get lit long-term. Wieland has nice upside, too. I'd use him on Saturday as well.

Jay (D.C.)

What are you hearing about Morse's injury? Any concerns?

Eric Karabell

  (3:04 PM)

Trying not to get too concerned yet. He can hit, but the throwing is the problem. Apparently he had tests and Dr. James Andrews will take a look. I remain hopeful Morse can return next week, but I feel like this could be a long-term thing.

Scott (Syracuse)

Safe to drop Brantley for R Davis? Davis seems to be getting regular playing time as Rasmus struggles again

Eric Karabell

  (3:05 PM)

Davis is just a better fantasy option, because he steals a lot of bases. I don't think Toronto is giving up on Rasmus, but he and Thames sit against lefties like Jon Lester. Makes sense to me.

Andrew (SF)

What's your best guess on Trevor Bauer's ETA?

Eric Karabell

  (3:05 PM)

He should be up already, to be honest, but I'll say sometime in June when Super2 status shakes out. It's a money thing.

Aaron Rodriguez (Buffalo, NY)

How likely is it that Kendry Morales stays healthy?

Eric Karabell

  (3:07 PM)

I don't think it's likely he gets hurt, if that's what you mean. He had an ankle injury, it's apparently healed, but it's certainly possible at some point he pulls a hammy or something. I am optimistic he can get 450 at-bats.

Max (Ga)

How much security does Jonathan Broxton have in KC? He can still throw some heat, even if it's 97!

Eric Karabell

  (3:07 PM)

I think he has little security. He can obviously throw hard, but the Royals do have options. Own Broxton but don't be shocked if and when things go awry.

Janet (San Antonio)

Edwin Encarnacion is on fire, season projections?

Eric Karabell

  (3:08 PM)

I think he can hit 25 home runs. I don't think he will steal more than 10 bases.

Matt (NYC)

How soon can we expect Eric Hosmer to reach .300 25 100 status? Is this year too early?

Eric Karabell

  (3:08 PM)

This year is not at all too early. He's gonna be awesome.

Cowboy Joe (Omaha)

Grant Balfour or Javy Guerra?

Eric Karabell

  (3:09 PM)

I'd take Guerra; a bit more proven, which isn't saying much, as a closer. I know people think Jansen will simply take the job at some point, but I think Oakland could do other things as well.

Anthony (KC)

Hey Eric! I have Andrus and Reyes as my 2 SS, so I'm majorly lacking pop. Would you trade away Reyes to get Beltre in this instance?

Eric Karabell

  (3:09 PM)

Well, it doesn't matter where you get your power from. I'd try to keep Reyes and get power elsewhere, but yeah, there's nothing wrong with that trade.

Russell (Quebec )

Are you concerned about Joey Bats strikeout rate over the first week... not for power but should be expect a return closer to .270 thus year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:10 PM)

No. Very little in 5 games concerns me. Especially with a proven player.

Franklin (South Side)

De Aza with another homer today!? What do you see from him realistically going forward? Trade high?

Eric Karabell

  (3:12 PM)

I don't think he's going to hit many home runs, but he's the leadoff guy and will run, will score runs. I've liked the White Sox more than most for a month. De Aza is kinda underrated, but perhaps 10 homers for the season, that's about it.

Bob (Fort Lauderdale)

There was talk in spring training of Davey Johnson loving Lombardozzi and possibly moving him to the outfield. Even with all the banged up Nats, has that ship sailed?

Eric Karabell

  (3:13 PM)

We'll find out soon if Morse really is out for a long time. That would be a shame. I really wanted to see if Morse could do his 2011 again, especially in batting average.

Manny where are you? (Boston)

Red Sox look pathetic - just wanted to vent some of my misery. Do You think Bard ends up the closer?

Eric Karabell

  (3:13 PM)

Nope. Bard looked better than the stats showed Tuesday. Red Sox have to leave him in rotation and see how he does long-term. The Red Sox aren't bad. They were like 2-12 last year in April and still needed an historic collapse just to miss the playoffs. They're fine.

Eric (Boise, ID)

Is Hunter Pence really a must sit against Josh Johnson tonight? "Daily Notes" seems to think so. One ok start and people are already tossing 10's for Johnson's matchups?

Eric Karabell

  (3:14 PM)

I don't sit proven vets like Pence, no matter what.

Jeff (Seattle)

Chris Sale a sell-high candidate considering he might have an innings limit? Not thinking about dumping him yet but perhaps in a month or two?

Eric Karabell

  (3:15 PM)

I think those 170 innings, if they stop him there, will be very, very good.

Ben (NH)

Jacoby Ellsbury. Got his what, 2nd hit today? Whats going on with him??

Eric Karabell

  (3:16 PM)

Clearly he's awful. Must drop him now. (C'mon!)

Pete (Brooklyn)

Who gets the second most wins behind CC for the Yanks this year? So many choices, so little clarity.

Eric Karabell

  (3:17 PM)

I think it will be Kuroda with around 14 or 15 wins, but certainly Pettitte and Hughes could...nah, that's too many. I say Kuroda.

Douglas (Pittsburgh)

Eric, your thoughts on Jordan Schafer? How long does he maintain this output? Are he and Brantley interchangeable?

Eric Karabell

  (3:18 PM)

I'm not a huge fan of Brantley. Schafer isn't special either but he can and will run. He stole 22 bases in half a season last year, and 3 last night.

tyler (paper st.)

liriano or neise for the long haul in standard H2H?

Eric Karabell

  (3:18 PM)

I had Niese on most of my sleeper lists for this season. I did not buy into Liriano's spring, though it's certainly possible he's fine. I take Niese.

Remain (Calm)

PEOPLE! We are 6 games into the season! Stay patient! Tx EK!

Eric Karabell

  (3:19 PM)

No way! Alex Gordon still doesn't have a hit! Just drop him if you're in a league with me, but wait until I'm done chatting so I can go add him.

The Whaler (Erie, PA)

Santos settled down today and had his slider back. Think he thrives or just barely survives in the AL East?

Eric Karabell

  (3:19 PM)

No concerns. Everyone is going to blow a few saves, even Mr. Valverde.

Frank (Maryland)

Over/Under 20 HRs for Goldschmidt?

Eric Karabell

  (3:20 PM)

Definitely over. But with batting average, be worried.

Jim Wheeler (Philadelphia, PA)

Eric, What are the chances that our best buddy Lidge falters enough to allow Clippard to take over the closer role in WAS?

Eric Karabell

  (3:20 PM)

I think the chances are excellent that Lidge doesn't get more than 10 saves... but Henry Rodriguez does. I do not see Clippard getting saves, mainly because Davey Johnson keeps saying so and in this case, I believe him.

Andrew (Atlanta)

280/20/85 reasonable for Freese?

Eric Karabell

  (3:21 PM)

Yes, I suppose, but nothing that happens in April means he's all of a sudden become a durable player and will finally play more than half a season.

Pat (Bronx)

Eric, what is Bryan LaHair's upside for the season - Morse from last year? What are your thoughts on the early returns?

Eric Karabell

  (3:22 PM)

Certainly has enough power to reach 25 home runs, at least. And Rizzo could stay in the minors all year, so he'll play. Morse isn't a great comp for a lot of reasons, but for power, sure.

Matt (NY, NY)

What do you think of Bonifacio this year? Legit?

Eric Karabell

  (3:22 PM)

Always thought he was way too underrated in drafts. I had him in like round 12. Will steal 40 bases and perhaps 50.

Rayshawn (Kentucky)

More K's on the season... M Moore or B Beachy?

Eric Karabell

  (3:23 PM)

Moore. He can go more than 5 innings per start. Beachy still cannot.

Andrew (Atlanta)

Follow up on Freese, are injury concerns a little overblown with him? Getting hit by a pitch and breaking your hand is not his fault. He also had surgery to correct the ankle issues and has had no issues since.

Eric Karabell

  (3:24 PM)

It's possible, but when things keep on happening, it's cause for concern. Plus, who knows if fatigue plays a role in August. He's never done it before. Everyone was tired in the World Series except him...

Hamilton (United Kingdom)

Does Furcal continue to be productive for the rest of the season? Rather have Furcal or Desmond for the rest of the year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:25 PM)

I have reservations about Furcal staying healthy and hitting... and Desmond just can't hit for average. Still, would take Desmond.

Brandon Beachy (ATL)

Can't go past 5 inn? I went 6 or more innings 16 times last year.

Eric Karabell

  (3:26 PM)

Please. Do the math on 25 starts and 141 innings... it's not good and it's precisely why he has won only 7 of his 29 career starts. It's not a fluke.

Pat (Bronx)

Who is more likely to settle in and produce 10HRs 30Stl .270 avg - Bourjos or Pagan?

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

I'd say Bourjos overall, but it's no lock the Angels give him the chance. They should, though.

Ryan (NYc)

Ike Davis. Too soon to drop?

Eric Karabell

  (3:28 PM)

Why would you drop him? Because he went 4 games without a hit... you guys make me laugh! If he went hitless in 4 games in July would you... eh, you probably would!

Nick (Owego)

Have a bad feeling Wright will be hitting the DL, just pickup ed Chipper, can I get a fearless forecast including games played, thanks.

Eric Karabell

  (3:29 PM)

Still hoping beleaguered Wright - who was really hitting - can avoid the DL. Chipper seems like 125 games, but productive when he's playing. Should hit 15 homers, knock in 70.

Rob (Philly)

What's the biggest factor going to be in the Nats promoting Harper: The team struggling, the play of the current CF, or how Harper does in AAA?

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

Harper needs at least 6 weeks in center field in the minors. I don't think we see him until at least June. Whether Werth hits or the team is under .500 is irrelevant.

Mozzer (Seattle, WA)

I think it's pretty clear that Tyler Greene brings a larger skill set than Descalso, but it has been a timeshare thus far. Do you see Green taking the job outright?

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

I know, right? I've been saying this for months! I still think Greene will have a nice season, enough for power and speed to matter.

Eric Karabell

  (3:32 PM)

There goes another win for Verlander... bad managing. Again.

Chris (San Diego)

Austin Jackson off to a hot start. Legit or sell high candidate?

Eric Karabell

  (3:33 PM)

Well, he's not going to hit .600, if that's what you mean. I think if he keeps with his newfound approach of avoiding strikeouts, he can hit .275. He can steal 30 if he wants.

Joe (Philadelphia, PA)

Danny Duffy looked pretty good for his first start. How much do you like Duffy this year? Any predictions?

Eric Karabell

  (3:34 PM)

I'm still avoiding him. Need to see a few more starts and against some legit lineups first. Duffy's velo was a bit all over the place last night, too. Hey, on any given night... Zito threw a shutout at Coors!

Rob (Couch)

Staying in DET, was Jacob Turner considered to replace Fister? If not, what's his ETA?

Eric Karabell

  (3:34 PM)

I don't think Turner is an option for now. I'd say a few more months until the Tigers rummage through their average lefties in the No. 5 rotation spot...

Don Von Handburger (Boston, MA)

Re: Beachy going deep into games, were you the guy saying the same thing about Kershaw 2 years ago? Don't you realize that managers stop yanking young pitchers early after they get more experience?

Eric Karabell

  (3:36 PM)

That wasn't Kershaw's manager, it was Kershaw trying to strike out every single hitter and getting to 100 pitches in the fifth inning. Can't blame the manager. Fredy Gonzalez is doing odd things in Atlanta but when Beachy is at 100 pitches in the 5th, he has no choice. The pitcher has to adjust.

Prue (Boston)

My fantasy team is 0 for 18 so far today - I am putting them all on waivers.

Eric Karabell

  (3:36 PM)

I think that's the only logical move to make.

Mase (Harlem World)

Jed Lowrie's coming off the DL on Friday. How do you feel about him? Sleeper? Better backup 3B than Trumbo?

Eric Karabell

  (3:37 PM)

Poor guy cannot stay healthy. I think Lowrie can hit, but ... apples/oranges with Trumbo. He can hit 25 home runs...though I doubt it.

Steve (FL)

Better DL stash - Brett Anderson or De La Rosa?

Eric Karabell

  (3:38 PM)

I like them both, actually. I'll say De la Rosa has more upside, notably in Ks. Obviously Anderson has the better ballpark, though.

Keith (VA)

Have you seen enough of Johan yet to say he is back?

Eric Karabell

  (3:40 PM)

Absolutely. With him it was always about health, not performance. He doesn't get lit. But I do think we're not going to see a ton of innings for him. Mets know they're not contenders, and no point in ruining Johan again.

Pat (Bronx)

Not saying cut him, but do you have a problem with benching Gordon in daily leagues given the slow start? Especially with quality bats in his stead?

Eric Karabell

  (3:41 PM)

Well, I don't have a problem with anyone doing anything to their fantasy teams, if you know what I mean... but for me, I don't sit him. It's overmanaging. If we find something is wrong with him healthwise, that's different. But half your team will have an 0-for-17 streak at some point this year...

Don Von Handburger (Boston, MA)

Ok, its not the manager but the pitcher. But don't you think it's likely that Beachy, like Kershaw, will improve in that area?

Eric Karabell

  (3:41 PM)

I think he will, yes, but I'm surprised he has shown no inclination in this regard yet. Should be a 200-K guy... but can't do it in 141 innings.

Travis (Nashville)

EK - Hold on to Matusz in a 14 team mixed league? Someone dropped Lily, pick him up, right?

Eric Karabell

  (3:42 PM)

I would rather have Ted Lilly than Matusz. It's foolish that people draft Lilly in 100 percent of leagues, but because he misses literally ONE start in April they drop him. He's pitching Saturday. I've got him in multiple leagues.

Mase (Harlem World)

Looking at Heyward's swing it looks like he's made no adjustments since last year. Do you agree?

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

I think it was more about shoulder strength, lack thereof, than his swing. I think he'll be ok.

Chris (NY)

As a proud Thornton and Farnsworth owner, I'm very interested to know how much slack Valverde has left, and who's next in line behind him.

Eric Karabell

  (3:45 PM)

Few managers are as loyal as Leyland. Valverde is not losing his job...especially in a game like today when he inherits runners. But trust me, Valverde was not close to as good last year as most people thought...this was not difficult to predict because everyone said Valverde was a potential bust.

Jessica (Philly )

How come Braun isnt playing today??

Eric Karabell

  (3:45 PM)

Just a day off... you know, playing five games in a week makes you very tired!

Matt (Philadelphia)

Are the Phillies this bad on offense?

Eric Karabell

  (3:46 PM)

No, but they're not going to lead the NL in runs, that's for sure. They led the NL in runs from July on last season. This group is incapable of that. But Pence and Victorino will hit. And I rip Wigginton all the time, but he will hit for some power. So will Mayberry.

Matt (ATL)

Can Tyler Colvin hit 20 HR again now that he's in COL?

Eric Karabell

  (3:47 PM)

If he was given 400 at-bats he could...but I don't see that happening.

Chris (San Diego)

How confident do you feel about Fernando Rodney's "hold" of the closer role in TB? Think he finishes with more saves than Peralta or Farnsworth?

Eric Karabell

  (3:48 PM)

No. I think he finishes third among that crew in saves. But don't drop him because I said that...he's the guy for now. But he's not very good. He makes Valverde look like Eckersley circa 1990.

Kev (NYC)

.280 25/85 Realistic for Yoenis?

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

Not the batting average... I wrote about this yesterday and since then have found out more stats... he is literally swinging and missing at half the pitches he sees. He's striking out too much... he is not going to hit .280.

Mike (Tulsa)

Chapman has two saves where he has gone more than one inning at the end of a game-is he starting a new way of closing?

Eric Karabell

  (3:50 PM)

You mean wins. Chapman will win some games in relief. But I don't see saves coming his way.

dallas (san diego)

I need steals. Panda for Bonifacio seem fair? Or should I be able to get more for Pablo? Thanks !

Eric Karabell

  (3:51 PM)

You should be getting more for Sandoval than Bonifacio. Both are legit, but power is worth more than speed.

Linda Richman (Coffee Talk)

Here's another topic. Who is the next closer to lose his job through ineffectiveness or injury? Discuss.

Eric Karabell

  (3:51 PM)

Well, I certainly wouldn't trade for Marmol right now.

Nick (Atlanta)

Braun is sitting for minor tightness in his chest/ribs. The manager does not think it is anything serious.

Eric Karabell

  (3:52 PM)

Nor do I. Buy low if you can.. .still a top-10 overall player, and easily. I can't wait to see all the people that ripped him and expected a poor season to see his numbers in September...

Jeff (East Bay, CA)

Thoughts on Delgado as a streamer tonight against Houston?

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

Wouldn't go near him. Even the Astros can score runs on occasion.

Bob (Madison, WI)

Patience is for losers. I just dealt Mark Teixeira for Cliff Lee. GIVE ME YOUR THOUGHTS. Now.

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

That has nothing to do with patience. That's a legit trade in March.

Jeremy (Computer)

Did you hear about Hellickson.??!?! Talk about a fluke and bad bad luck....hope he is OK :(

Eric Karabell

  (3:54 PM)

Agreed. Doesn't appear to be something that will cause him to miss a start.

Mitch (Georgia)

If I can acquire Braun for Hosmer, do I pull the trigger?

Eric Karabell

  (3:54 PM)

Yep. And I think everyone knows how I feel about Hosmer.

Daniel (NY)

The Astros have been scoring quite a few runs so far.

Eric Karabell

  (3:55 PM)

It's not a good offense, but the point is that I don't trust Delgado yet.

Jake (Chicago)

How many steals for Castro this year? 35 over/under?

Eric Karabell

  (3:56 PM)

Under. He does have 4 steals already, but maybe he just likes embarrassing Wilson Ramos. Need to see more. If he has 10 steals in April, then sure, he can steal 35.

Eric (Boise, ID)

Are people seriously trading a top 5 pick (Braun) for a guy that people used to say you're reaching for if he was chosen in round 3 so early in the season? Not saying that Hosmer has no chance to be worth it but seriously, this early?

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

Seriously, you have no idea what we see every day. You should see these questions/postings. People are reactive.

David (Miami)

Rodney just got the save. retired miggy, fielder, and pehralta. what say you?

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

It clearly means he's the best relief pitcher ... oh wait, best pitcher ... in baseball.

Scott (Irvington, NY)

What are your thoughts on Brandon Belt? Is he going to show something or do you think that maybe he is a AAAA guy?

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

I think he can hit enough to be a big league regular, but I don't believe for a minute that the Giants will be patient. Doesn't mean that he's a 4-A guy.

Nuke LaLoosh (Durham)

Bigger fantasy impact in 2012--Trevor Bauer OR Shelby Miller? Either prospect crack the Top 75 SPs in 2012?

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

I take Bauer. He's closer to the majors, but we're talking 15 starts. Top 75? Borderline.

Matt (Oakland)

Avila struck out twice today... worst catcher ever right?

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

See, anyone can be an analyst here...

Sam (SF)

Matusz, Nicasio or Drabek?

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

Nicasio.

Matt (Philly)

What does losing David Wright do to the Mets offense?

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

Well, Ronny Cedeno is just as good, so it shouldn't matter...

Eric Karabell

  (4:00 PM)

(Sarcasm.)

Eric Karabell

  (4:00 PM)

Oh wow, look at the time! OK, I need to go, so I thank you for the questions and your time and hope you have a very good day! Adios!