Eric Karabell

  (3:00 PM)

Hello all and welcome to the latest fantasy baseball/football chat session! I am Eric, and while there's plenty to discuss in the baseball world, like Mark Melancon getting demoted today and Chris Young going on the DL, the NFL draft is approaching as well... so thanks for showing up and let's get it going!

Ryan (Tennessee)

Drop Greg Holland for Henry Rodriguez or wait a bit longer for him to turn it around and Broxton to implode?

Eric Karabell

  (3:01 PM)

I am surprised that Holland is not pitching well for KC, but then again, this seems to happen every season in the topsy turvy world of relief pitching. I still think Broxton will lose the job and Holland will get it, but Holland has to pitch better. H-Rod looks terrific and is getting the occasional save now. Gotta go with him.

Joe (CO)

Any word on Chris Young's condition? He was my best player!

Eric Karabell

  (3:03 PM)

Well, that's not really a good thing, is it? I like Young, and he's a nice player, but not exactly a top 50 overall option. He went in the 11th round of ESPN drafts! Anyway, it appears his shoulder injury suffered Tuesday was serious enough to warrant a few weeks off. I don't think it will be a long-term problem. You can overcome a few weeks away from Young; sign someone that hits for average.

Mike (Cincy)

Trout is killing it in AAA. When do you feel he will get the call?

Eric Karabell

  (3:05 PM)

It has more to do with how Kendrys Morales and Vernon Wells, and perhaps Bourjos in center, perform. Wells has hit a few homers. Morales looks fine. For now there is just no room for Trout, no matter how awesome he is in the minors. And let's be clear, while many think Trout is a future star and I agree, many Angels have killed it in Triple-A (Sean Rodriguez, Brandon Wood)...so the numbers Trout produces don't mean much. Angels know he's good.

Ben (Toronto)

Hi Eric! Missed you on Baseball Today today. I am in a 16-team dynasty where I am stuck with G. Beckham in my 2B/SS slot. Is he really this bad? I am considering either dropping him and leaving the slot empty to add an extra RP (we count holds) or picking up Nunez or Ellis. Would you advise patience, Nunez, Ellis, or RP (McGee in this case). Thanks Eric. Appreciate all that you do.

Eric Karabell

  (3:06 PM)

Thanks, Ben. Just a scheduling issue today, that's all. I'll be back Thursday! I don't think Beckham looks anything like he did as a rookie, so yeah, I would move on. But I also don't think Nunez or Ellis is much of an upgrade. I'd probably wait on Beckham in this case, perhaps you can trade him at some point.

A.C. (Kingsville)

Just traded Lince for Haren feeling pretty good about it , should I?

Eric Karabell

  (3:07 PM)

I think Lincecum will be just fine, but of course there is some risk that the reason he's pitching this way is he's hiding an injury. Dealing him for Haren is fine. Not too much risk that one of them will be like Verlander.

Shawn (St. Louis)

Can you discuss Reimold a little, for real or just a hot streak?

Eric Karabell

  (3:08 PM)

Durability has been the problem in the past. He's a good player with moderate power and a bit of speed, and I like him leading off. But can he do this for more than a few weeks... hard to tell. He's rarely on the field consistently enough.

Ricky (Toronto)

Hi Eric! How are you? Your thoughts on Manuels latest comments about your boy Juan Pierre?

Eric Karabell

  (3:09 PM)

Not exactly sure what you are referring to, but the possibility exists Pierre will see more playing time. I'm relatively ok with that because John Mayberry is a mess at the plate. It's not like Pierre and Mayberry are playing over Brandon Belt. Oh wait, they kinda are since Dom Brown is in Triple-A. Ultimately for fantasy, Pierre can steal 25 bases. And the Phillies can make the playoffs no matter who plays left field and leads off. I just think there's a better way...

Dave (Wolcott, CT)

Not exactly a great evening last night as I started Lester, Liriano and Johan. I think Lester will be ok, but I am concerned about the other two. Thoughts?

Eric Karabell

  (3:10 PM)

I'm not too concerned about Johan Santana, actually. Just a bad night, and I saw the bad inning and his defense was just awful. I think Santana can still make 30 starts with a 3.50 ERA. I do not think Liriano can do this. Velocity is down, slider is too hittable, I'd move on from Liriano. Lester is fine. Just a bad night.

Bill Clay (Nakatomi Tower)

Thoughts on Bonafacio? Is he gonna see 140+ games? And where do you think his SB total ends up?

Eric Karabell

  (3:11 PM)

I've always been a fan of his since we saw him break out last year. Great speed, can take a walk, usable in numerous defensive spots. He's not a great center fielder instincts wise, but certainly better than Coghlan. I think he can be Bourn, actually, stealing more than 50 bases. And you can use him at shortstop!

Greg (Holland)

EK to follow-up on the question from before. In a deep league where saves are hard to come by are you holding on to me?

Eric Karabell

  (3:12 PM)

Yes, but if Holland does not pitch well then Broxton gets a longer leash... or Crow gets the shot first.

Phil (DC)

I have Ellsbury in my DL spot but I also have Drew Storen sitting injured on my bench. Many guys in my 12-team keeper league like to load up on relief pitchers so there are not many saves available in free agency. Do I keep Storen on my bench hoping for saves from him in the second half, drop him, or try to get something out of him in a trade?

Eric Karabell

  (3:13 PM)

I think Storen should be back in July and will probably go right into the closer role, so you'd need to keep him. Tough spot there... could also trade him since there's risk, but you can't simply cut a potential 20-save closer.

Matt (Indy)

Hi Eric. Appreciate your advice. Going forward who do you like more Niese or Drabek?

Eric Karabell

  (3:14 PM)

I like Niese more, but then again, he was on my sleeper list in February. He looks really good. So does Drabek, but these guys have different approaches, too... and while I hope Drabek keeps his command, he's in a far tougher division for offense, too. And ballpark. I like 'em both, but Niese more.

Michael (Denver)

Youk?Think about sitting him until he warms up?

Eric Karabell

  (3:15 PM)

Certainly one of the stories from the 18-3 game last night was Youk struggling at the plate. I might blog about this, if permitted. I vehemently disagree with the way Bobby Valentine dealt with the situation, but it's possible something is wrong with Youk physically. I think he is trying. Yes, I'd be ok sitting him but not cutting him.

Dan (Detroit)

Your preference on Bard or Nova. 60'6" has them back to back. Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (3:16 PM)

I think Bard has more upside, especially in strikeouts. I love the fact the Red Sox moved Bard to starting, and I think he will remain there and eventually break out. I could see 175 innings this year and 150 strikeouts...hopefully fewer than 70 walks! Nova is what he is... occasional groundballer, gets run support, but shouldn't get much better IMO.

Matt (CT)

Thoughts on Stanton? .300 avg following his 0-8 start. Will the knee effect his power at all?

Eric Karabell

  (3:16 PM)

Too small a sample for me. Gotta watch him closely, see how he looks. I think the knee will affect batting average/strikeouts/walks more than the power.

Roger Dorn (Cleveland)

Hi Eric, Please rank the following terrible middle infield choices: Pastornicky, Pennington, Beckham, Ellis, Bloomquist. Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (3:17 PM)

I still like Pastornicky the most there. I think he will run, certainly will play, maybe hits .260. Pennington is similar, just sans upside. Then Beckham, Ellis, Fast Willie.

Jimmy (Detroit)

Same question as Phil (DC) but with Bailey instead of Storen? Do you think Bailey comes back and saves enough games to be worth holding onto?

Eric Karabell

  (3:18 PM)

Yeah, it's reasonable to think he saves 20 games in the second half. It's still a contending Red Sox team. Seems to me Valentine could stick with a thriving Aceves, if he's thriving, but in a deep league you should wait on Bailey.

Lou (Tampa)

Do you think Infante can be a top 10 2nd Baseman this season? Does his power remind you of what Asdrubal Cabrera did last season?

Eric Karabell

  (3:19 PM)

Well, according to hitting coach and former ESPNer Eduardo Perez Infante has changed his approach, how he holds his hands, and I'm starting to think Infante could hit 15 or so home runs with 35 doubles. I don't think that will be enough to be a top-10 2B unless he bats .300, which I don't, and he doesn't steal bases. But am I buying some form of big season for Infante, yes!

Will (WV)

Are you a believer of Heyward going forward?

Eric Karabell

  (3:20 PM)

Somewhat. I love that he's running, but need to see him drive the ball a bit more, and consistently. Haven't seen it yet. Also love that he is batting second in the lineup. Hopefully he keeps hitting. Even doubles would suffice.

Mike (NYC)

Any more insight on Reimold? I know you answered a question about him already but any detail as to what you truly project ROS ?

Eric Karabell

  (3:21 PM)

Yes sir. Let's get right to the point! Say 120 games, 18 home runs, 9 steals. I just can't project full health for six months. Hasn't done it yet.

KT (Charleston, SC)

thoughts on a struggling Drew Stubbs ROS? drafted him for some speed but he doesn't seem to know how to get on base

Eric Karabell

  (3:22 PM)

Looks like the same player he's been for two years, but is making even less contact than normal. I'd buy low; very capable of 15 home runs and 30 steals to go with a .250 batting average, which means things will only get better.

Gary (Simi Valley)

Juan Cruz or E. Mujica the better bet for speculative saves? Also - Discuss Jake Arrieta. Like him more then Drabek?

Eric Karabell

  (3:23 PM)

I don't think Joel Hanrahan will miss too many games with the groin injury, so I'll say Heath Bell struggles more and Mujica gets more saves. Hanrahan is good. And Drabek over Arrieta; I know Jake is off to a nice start, but I can't buy in. Not a big K guy, not big upside. Drabek has more and what happened in 2011 is kind of irrelevant now in his case.

Mike (Maryland)

Walden ever going to get a save opportunity?!

Eric Karabell

  (3:24 PM)

I think it's a bit silly that Scioscia refuses to use Walden in a game like last night, with an eighth-inning lead, but you know how managers are with the foolish save rule. Walden will be fine for 35 saves.

Ross (Daniel Island)

BJ Upton coming off DL. Need to drop Dunn or Morneau. Thoughts??

Eric Karabell

  (3:25 PM)

Wow. I have to say cut Dunn, but I think both Dunn and Morneau will ok, not superstars like a few years ago, but helpful. But Dunn brings the greater batting average risk.

Craig Stuart (Victoria, BC)

What are your thoughts on Bartolo Colon?

Eric Karabell

  (3:26 PM)

I think he could do something similar to 2011, when his All-Star break ERA was around 3.20, and then he fatigued and it wasn't. Calling Oakland home for a pitcher is a beautiful thing. Just note Colon has made 3 starts so far, ALL against Seattle. Not exactly the '27 Yankees there...

Will (Texas)

How long does Hector Santiago hold the closer role in Chicago and do you think they replace him with Thornton or the other guy

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

I don't think Santiago is the closer after April. Just my opinion. I still think stashing Addison Reed for later in the year is wise, but at this point Thornton is likely next in line.

John (NY)

Lance Lynn has been cool, but alexei ramirez and reimold are sitting out there. I don't really need either but should I make the swap?

Eric Karabell

  (3:28 PM)

Lance Lynn could certainly do this for another month or so until Wainwright returns, and even then, Lynn could remain in the rotation. But yes, I'd rather have Alexei Ramirez. Always starts slowly, always hits in May-June-July.

Ryan ((Work))

Eric, is Dee Gordon going to be an anchor that drags down my BA all season? Are the steals worth it or should I try to move him and get SBs elsewhere? Thx!

Eric Karabell

  (3:28 PM)

I don't think he'll hit .205 much longer, but he's not going to hit .305, either. Probably around .260 with many steals. A Bourn type at shortstop.

Jake (PHL)

Three little pigs or Schmitter? Boesch or De Aza?

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

Without question, I go with the 3 Little Pigs. What a sandwich that was. Schmitter is fine... but wow. And Boesch over De Aza, but De Aza should steal 20 bases. Boesch won't. But more power.

Lee (KY)

Will Choo start hitting HR's soon? You like him this year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

I think he's a 20/20 guy, just like he used to be. That means he can afford a month or two in which he hits only a few homers or steals a few bases. Invest.

Eric (Huntsville)

Name game: Reimold or Frenchy?

Eric Karabell

  (3:31 PM)

It's still Francouer; longer history of performance, health, power and he can run a bit.

Matt (Bloomfield)

is this the year that the Doubles King, Billy Butler turns some of those doubles into HRs?

Eric Karabell

  (3:31 PM)

I haven't seen anything yet to believe it will happen in 2012.

Kenny (Cleveland, OH)

Who will have better numbers by season end: Encarnacion or Goldschmidt?

Eric Karabell

  (3:32 PM)

Edwin "E5" Encarnacion. Not a fan of the potential batting average for Goldschmidt, and I'd been saying that all offseason.

Tom (West Palm)

Over/Under 23 saves for Aceves this year.

Eric Karabell

  (3:32 PM)

Still have to say under for now, because it's hard to tell what the Red Sox will do when Bailey returns.

Paul (Chicago)

Thoughts on the hit on Hossa yesterday?

Eric Karabell

  (3:33 PM)

Well, hockey IS in the news the past week, so I guess that's enough for them. But wow, these hits... I hope someone doesn't get seriously hurt. I will be watching Flyers-Pens tonight. You hate to see the cheap shots...

Todd (CA)

Dempster this good? Sell high candidate?

Eric Karabell

  (3:34 PM)

He's good enough to keep owning... big K guy the past few years, but ERA has been high.

Drew (CA)

Thoughts on Delmon Young? Thought he would be good source of RBI this season but is slow out of the gate.. Eric Thames worth a grab in general?

Eric Karabell

  (3:35 PM)

Nah, I'd stick with Delmon. He will get many chances for RBIs so be patient. I like Thames, too, but Snider is lurking. Young is safer and bats fifth every night.

Dave Whisenand (Missoula, MT)

sell high on freese?

Eric Karabell

  (3:36 PM)

Depends what you can get, but like Reimold, it's impossible to project them for 140 games when they have never proven they can stay healthy. Never. And it can't always be a fluky injury.

Jake (IL)

Great work love the columns you do. Would you deal Cespedes to get adam wainwright. Im worried that cespedes can not keep up what he is doing and wainwright will bounce back. My other OF would be Bautista, heyward, gordon, and crawford

Eric Karabell

  (3:37 PM)

Yes, I would do that. I think Cespedes will hit around .250 with 25 home runs, 12 steals and a WHOLE lotta strikeouts, like 175.

Joe (Chicago)

Chris Davis hitting over .350! Mirage (only has 1 walk) or change in mechanics. You buying??

Eric Karabell

  (3:37 PM)

No. Not buying at all. Run away.

Danny (Vermont)

R.Ibanez: does he keep his 7 year streak of 20HR, 80RBI alive this year? Over/Under 400ABs? Ibanez, E.Thames, or C.Rasmus? THANKS for chatting!

Eric Karabell

  (3:38 PM)

I think Ibanez falls just short in both HR and RBI, which means he's still got some value though. But I'd rather have Thames and Rasmus.

Brian (NY)

Sell JD Martinez high before he plummets?

Eric Karabell

  (3:39 PM)

I don't think he will plummet, but he's not going to hit .317 either. In that lineup where he hits third, I could see 20-80 and .275.

Bryan (Iowa)

How do you value Erick Aybar, I just got him in a trade to replace an outgoing Jimmy Rollins. Do you think they're pretty close in value?

Eric Karabell

  (3:39 PM)

Yes, they are similar. I think Rollins will have more home runs and steals, but case can be made either way, especially in a keeper format.

Dave (DC)

Ryan Zimmerman is killing me. Can you give me encouragement to hang in there with him or should I be shopping him?

Eric Karabell

  (3:40 PM)

Wait a month. At least. He's a proven player and he appears healthy. I mean, we've played like 8 percent of the season...

Ricky (DC)

I'm considering picking up Gamel as a backup to A-rod. What are your thoughts rest-of-year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:41 PM)

Seems reasonable to me. Gamel should flirt with 20 home runs and 10 steals...most corner infielders can't do that. A-Rod is better and I'd buy low there.

Silky (Texas)

Mat Gamel is 3 for 3 in steal attempts. Any chance that isn't a fluke and he gets to the 15-20 range? Never really ran in minors but is very athletic.

Eric Karabell

  (3:41 PM)

Sure, steals are generally a function of opportunity and desire. Remember the year Berkman swiped like 18 bases? He was no faster that year... just felt like adding value in another area.

Bill (Pittsburgh)

Does Steve Lombardozzi get a chance to show the Nats that he is really a good hitter?

Eric Karabell

  (3:42 PM)

I think he can hit, and the Nats should really consider him in left field, where they have nothing. Lombardozzi would be an upgrade there and even if he's average on defense, it's not like DeRosa/Nady are Gold Glovers.

Lee (ABQ)

Pull the trigger on dropping Soto for Iannetta in a 1 catcher league?

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

Sure, in a one-catcher league I'd constantly play the waiver wire for the hot options unless I had a Mauer or Santana type.

Jared (NJ)

Come on Karabell...I don't know what to do with Beckett tonight...my gut says sit, but then he'll go out and throw 7 innings of 1 run ball

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

I think Beckett will pitch well, but that's just me. You're on your own there!

Ron (MO)

IKE DAVIS

Eric Karabell

  (3:44 PM)

Homered again today... the people who refused to draft him because of the Valley Fever thing erred. Davis is a good hitter, comparable statistically to Freddie Freeman.

dallas (san diego)

Is Arrencibia basically a younger Joe Buck? I hate Catchers..

Eric Karabell

  (3:44 PM)

I understand. And similar, with more power and less average, which I think is more painful.

Amelia (Ari)

I understand goldschmidt has some average risk but why is he being benched for Overbay?

Eric Karabell

  (3:45 PM)

Players get occasional days off... not likely a long-term thing, but also depends who is pitching.

The Whaler (Erie, PA)

Melancon the worst fantasy pitching stat line you can ever remember?

Eric Karabell

  (3:45 PM)

For a guy that didn't get an out, yeah. That line, with 6 earned, 3 home runs and 0 outs, had never been done before in history! And to think this guy was a usable closer not too long ago. Now he is in the minors.

Rich (CO)

Drop one MI. Ackley, Cozart, or Infante?

Eric Karabell

  (3:46 PM)

Wow, I'd like to keep them all. But I still don't think Cozart will be great for batting average, which means sell high.

David (Charlotte, NC)

How many ABs will Jesus Montero get? and final numbers?

Eric Karabell

  (3:47 PM)

I'll say 475 at-bats, 24 home runs, 78 RBI, .276, and 34 games behind the plate.

Scoop (Internet)

Farnsworth get his closing job back when he come off D/L?

Eric Karabell

  (3:47 PM)

Not if Ol' Sideways Hat keeps pitching well. Just has to avoid the walks, really. Maddon doesn't view anyone as his main guy if another guy is doing ok.

Richard (NY)

If you couldn't trade Cozart, would you drop him for Aaron Hill?

Eric Karabell

  (3:48 PM)

No, I don't think I'd do that. Hill should hit more homers, though.

Ron (MA)

Trade Jesus Montero and Rafael Betancourt for Brett Lawrie?

Eric Karabell

  (3:48 PM)

Yes, absolutely.

eric (baltimore)

over/under 25 saves for jim johnson

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

Over. He's a legit closer and the Orioles are not going to lose 100 games. Perhaps 95.

Jeff (AZ)

Trevor Bauer. Arbitration victim or call up soon to replace the awful Collmenter?

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

I doubt we see him until June, for financial reasons.

David (Charlotte, NC)

follow up on Montero? why only 475 ABs-he is playing everyday and batting 5th or 6th? shouldn't that equal out to around 550AB?

Eric Karabell

  (3:50 PM)

Well, we're assuming he never gets hurt, never slumps, and we know catchers fatigue as the season goes on. It's a cautious projection I admit, but he IS a rookie.

Billingsley (Los Angeles)

Am I this year's James Shields?

Eric Karabell

  (3:50 PM)

I really do not think so.

Eric Smith (Boston)

Is Pineda a good buy low candidate?

Eric Karabell

  (3:51 PM)

I'd certainly add him as a free agent to my bench, but would I trade a top-30 starting pitcher for him, no.

Brian (NY)

Thoughts on Joe Wieland going forward?

Eric Karabell

  (3:51 PM)

If you added him in an NL-only format or deep league and were saddened by his debut, give it a few more starts. I am.

Skip (Tebow's Closet)

Balfour hold the job all year? If so how many saves?

Eric Karabell

  (3:52 PM)

Unless he's hurt or traded, sure. I'll say 28.

Mac (Indiana)

Moustakas or Ryan Roberts ROS?

Eric Karabell

  (3:52 PM)

Roberts because he is eligible at 2B and he can steal 20 bases. And Moustakas refuses to walk... and he won't be hitting much higher if higher at all than Roberts with that approach.

Ryan (MI)

Just lost Young for a few weeks and am debating between Fowler or Stubbs in his place. OBP league. Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

Fowler is an OBP guy, easy call there.

Tim (Maryland)

You worried about Justin Upton long-term?

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

Nope. Even if he just needs a few weeks off to heal, it's better for his overall stats to play healthy than play hurt and struggle.

Jeff (Chicago, IL)

Hey Eric, one guy that's underperforming so far, that you're targeting because he'll still have a huge year???

Eric Karabell

  (3:54 PM)

Well, off the top of my head Lincecum. Still getting strikeouts. And CC.

Scarlett (Detroit)

Who will be off the boards first next season, Hosmer or Lawrie?

Eric Karabell

  (3:54 PM)

I think it's Lawrie because he plays 3B and he runs more. But both are likely top 40 players in 2013 drafts.

Chris (SF)

Would you start Holland tonight against BOS??

Eric Karabell

  (3:55 PM)

Yes, I would, but I don't play the daily game like that. If I have a starting pitcher I trust, I use him, no matter the matchup. People overthink things. Holland is good... and have you seen that Red Sox outfield? Doesn't mean Holland throws a gem, but I don't sit that guy anywhere.

Eric (Boise, ID)

Odds that Ryan Braun's numbers catch up for Matt Kemp's?

Eric Karabell

  (3:56 PM)

I think Braun will be similar to his 3-year averages, 30-plus homers, 20-plus steals. Kemp is in a different stratosphere right now.

Manny (Houston)

thoughts on Tabata? time to cut him loose?

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

I'm nearly there in a really deep league, but Tabata just looks awful and he's not running. Getting a few days off this week, let's see what he does this weekend.

Stan Nemesis (CO)

Hold onto Mayberry or drop him for Hafner?

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

I'd go Hafner. Poor Mayberry looks terrible and is about to get benched.

kip (bluffton)

Is Andy Pettitte worth adding in place of a guy like Humber?

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

That's reasonable, but I don't see why Humber can't be useful as well.

Eric (NY)

Would you mind if I told you how to do your job?

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

You wouldn't be alone. I can take it. Trust me.

Frank (The OH)

Thinking about trading for Kubel. Thoughts on him vs Alex Presley?

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

20-homer guy for a potential 20-steal guy. Depends on need. I'd likely go Kubel.

Rick (PA)

Pick 1 to cut: Pagan, Bourjos, Rios

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

Today it's Rios. Frustrating player to own.

Pablodiablo (Hades)

Buzzer beater: Samardzija, Dempster, or Niese?

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

Niese.

Rick (PA)

I dont get the knock on Billingsley. He has had success in the past. Why cant he be this years Shields?

Eric Karabell

  (4:00 PM)

That's not a knock, but let's not go overboard after a few starts. Shields completes his starts, gets many K... not the same.

Eric Karabell

  (4:00 PM)

OK, our time is up for today so I want to thank all of you for sending in questions and being polite. I enjoy the chats, I hope you do as well. And we at ESPN Fantasy do appreciate your time. So have a great day and enjoy your baseball tonight! Adios!