Eric Karabell

  (3:01 PM)

Hello all and welcome to another fantasy sports chat session! Thanks for showing up and let's have some fun... baseball, football, what is on your mind? Here we go...

Eric (Philly)

It's my 21st bday so please answer my question! I have Daniel Murphy as my starting 2b. Would you drop him for Mike Aviles to start every day?

Eric Karabell

  (3:03 PM)

Happy Birthday! No, I would keep Murphy around. He hits for average and offers enough pop - maybe 10 - home runs to matter. I don't trust Aviles in batting average or job security.

CNP (NYC)

with both Pujols and Stanton on my team, when can I expect the high draft picks I gave to both those players to start paying off?

Eric Karabell

  (3:04 PM)

Honestly, this is part of the reason I don't even look at fantasy standings in April. Players get off to aberrant starts both good and bad. Any day now Pujols and Stanton will be fine. And if you don't have them, trade for them with confidence.

edubya (Wrigleyville)

Any new news on Crawford's chicken wing?

Eric Karabell

  (3:05 PM)

It doesn't look good. Now Crawford's elbow is a problem. And who knows if his wrist feels good. I don't want to say another lost and perhaps worse season is coming, but I wouldn't trade anything of value to get him.

david (trujillo, peru)

hey eric, you take youkilis for balfour, right? especially when you dont have enough active roster spots for hector santiago?

Eric Karabell

  (3:06 PM)

Youkilis is going to be fine. I always trade saves for good hitters, and even though Balfour is fine, should get 25 saves, Youkilis is a far better fantasy option. But I would try to move Santiago soon as well... his closer gig is not gonna last.

James (San Antonio)

Altuve is currently 3/3 and is batting something like .370. I love the little guy, but is he a legit starter for a 12 team league or is he a sell high candidate? THANKS!!

Eric Karabell

  (3:09 PM)

I would sell high, personally. He can hit a bit, singles that is, but no power potential, ridiculously high BABIP so far and the walks are probably related to him batting eighth, in front of the pitcher. I'd be surprised if Altuve hit .300 all season.

Chuck (Daivs County)

How much better is Gonzo than Hosmer? I was offered Hosmer and Beachy for Gonzo I need SP help?

Eric Karabell

  (3:09 PM)

I like it. Gonzalez is better and safer and Hosmer is oddly not off to a good start, but Beachy is a big K guy. It's not that much of a dropoff.

Adam (Newtown, PA)

Hi Eric...Thoughts on Luebke? He sure looked good Sat vs. the Phils (although sadly, that's not saying much nowadays). Would you deal Morse & Danks for him?

Eric Karabell

  (3:10 PM)

I watched that performance and yeah, to some degree, you have to realize the competition. But no, I wouldn't deal Danks and a potential 6-homer-per-month bat to get him. Danks is fine. Not the same ERA as a guy in Petco, but I expect Morse to hit when he eventually and mercifully returns.

Rocky (Ill)

Trevor Bauer, what about him is so special and will make him a good fantasy option? His control worries me, should it?

Eric Karabell

  (3:11 PM)

It should, but he misses a lot of bats, will pile on the whiffs, and is hard to hit. He could be an ace.

Caldwell (Old Miami)

H2H, who ya got- Freeman or Bonafacio?thanks

Eric Karabell

  (3:12 PM)

Two different players here... a 25-homer first baseman for a 50-steal guy. Depends on the makeup of your roster. Bonifacio will be more valuable because he's shortstop eligible and the steals are really valuable, but still...

Tim (ATL)

How do you evaluate the value of guys on the DL in trades - in particular i'm thinking of drew storen. is storen/victorino for papelbon/trout a fair trade, ceteris paribus?

Eric Karabell

  (3:13 PM)

I just look at the numbers they are likely to produce from the point they return onward. I don't know for sure when Storen will be back, and frankly Henry Rodriguez might have a stranglehold on the closer role by then. The problem with Trout is obvious; might get called up next week or in July. For now Victorino is the best player in this deal.

Seabass (())

I realize this is a baseball chat, but who you got tonight? Bruins or Caps?

Eric Karabell

  (3:14 PM)

Road teams do well in Game 7s... just sayin'

Lucky Man (Fantasy World)

I rejected a trade earlier in the year that was offering me Car-Go and Crawford for Matty Kemp. Crawford's injury was the main reason I rejected. Sigh of relief.

Eric Karabell

  (3:14 PM)

That is lucky, because in March everyone thought Crawford would be back in late-April. Now, not so much. But CarGo is a really good player, too. Kemp is just unreal.

Dave (Parma, OH)

Albert Pujols.....bona fide or Bonifacio. Ironically I have both of them on my team, and currently Bonifacio is ranked higher.I know we have to wait this out with Pujols, but did anyone honestly expect this (.232, 0 HR, 4 RBI)?

Eric Karabell

  (3:15 PM)

I'm honestly not paying much attention to Pujols... every year a big hitter or two does this. There is nothing wrong with his swing or his health... it's just a few weeks.

Matt (CT)

Drabek a safe play against the O's tonight?

Eric Karabell

  (3:16 PM)

I don't think the word safe is appropriate there, but I'd keep Drabek owned. It's the walks. They reared their ugly head last outing. I'm hoping he gets past it tonight, and suspect he will.

Ryan (WA)

Over the next 2 weeks, which recent call-up will have the bigger impact? Tony Campana or Lars Anderson?

Eric Karabell

  (3:16 PM)

Campana is not a great baseball player, but he steals bases in bunches, as if you haven't noticed. He's been up only a few days and runs wild! I doubt Anderson will play much, or be on the roster much longer. So it's Campana.

Jim (Albany)

Next Podcast with KLaw can you ask for some snark lessons to spice up your chats?

Eric Karabell

  (3:17 PM)

Nah, I think you know where to go for snark... I'm fine just like this!

Pablo Diablo (Hades)

Ryan Roberts is stinking up the joint. Will a healthy Allen Craig make me smile again?

Eric Karabell

  (3:18 PM)

I wouldn't panic on Roberts. Maybe if he was outfield only, but he can play 2B and 3B in fantasy. And he can hit 15 homers and steal 15 bases. Craig has more natural power, but health is an issue even when he returns. I'd stick with RR.

LeAnne (Seattle)

Hockey, but no football? I only ask about Brees because Ive owned him for 7 years now in my keeper league and am thinking I should get value for him before he gets to old. Any thoughts?

Eric Karabell

  (3:19 PM)

Hey, I hadn't seen any football questions! I don't think Brees is close to too old, frankly. And the way the Saints play football, even without their coaches, I wouldn't worry about Brees having another big season. I'm sure others would.

Robert (Texas)

Better "lightning in a bottle" candidate for the next 2-3 weeks...Kubel, Schierholtz, Parra, or L. Cain?

Eric Karabell

  (3:19 PM)

I'd say Parra and Kubel, but since Parra can run, I choose him. It's a shame for him, he had a nice 2011 season and now he's only a fill-in. And he's a good one.

James (Oxford, OH)

What kind of asking price would you put on Heyward? Can he keep up the speed?

Eric Karabell

  (3:20 PM)

Absolutely. I would be trading for Heyward... top 20 outfielder, just like he was supposed to be last year. And I could see 20 stolen bases.

Eric (Boise, ID)

Ervin Santana...not a good start towards that ESPN projected 14 wins. You see a rebound coming soon?

Eric Karabell

  (3:20 PM)

He's made what, four starts? No concerns one bit about him winning 14. That's roughly half his remaining starts... and the Angels will get better soon.

Matt (CA)

RE: Santiago at Closer...who do you feel takes over?

Eric Karabell

  (3:21 PM)

I still think Addison Reed will lead the White Sox in saves. But for now it's Santiago and then Thornton.

Chris (AZ)

For Robert in Texas, don't pick Cain as your "lightning in a bottle" he's had a rehab setback and will not come off the DL this week.

Eric Karabell

  (3:21 PM)

Yes, that too....

Rob (Philly)

I think my new favorite time of year might be when fantasy experts say, "Yes, panic. Panic like crazy!"

Eric Karabell

  (3:22 PM)

Yeah, this is the wrong chat for that...

Macho Man (Randy Savage)

Let's say in a vacuum, regardless of team needs...A: Votto, CJ Wislon, AybarB: Hanley, Butler, D HudsonWhich side ya got?

Eric Karabell

  (3:22 PM)

The Votto/Wilson side for sure. Wilson could literally have a 2.50 ERA all season.

tc (toronto)

Wins are stupid! I had both Nicasio and McDonald pitching against each other - both pitch great - neither gets wins - and I'm still LAST in Wins... grrr....

Eric Karabell

  (3:23 PM)

You should be in a league that counts quality starts instead!

Bill (Pittsburgh)

Please rank these lowly 3B guys. Pedro Alvarez/Ian Stewart/Wilson Betemit.

Eric Karabell

  (3:23 PM)

Wow. Don't even know where to begin. Alvarez should be in the minors. Has 3 home runs, but only 2 other hits all year. Betemit doesn't play. I'd rank it Stewart, Betemit, Alvarez.

James (Pittsburgh)

In a league that counts both holds and saves, would you rather have Pestano or A. Reed?

Eric Karabell

  (3:24 PM)

Reed. I'm a big fan of Vinnie's but he didn't get lefties out last season, and it remains an issue.

andy (ohio)

How many at bats does Juan Pierre have this season?

Eric Karabell

  (3:25 PM)

I don't see any end in sight, frankly. And while I've been vocal about Pierre playing regularly, he is not the problem for the Phillies. He's not a 30-steal guy, though... either with instincts or speed he is not the same basestealer. But he's gonna get 500 at-bats.

Charlie (Philly)

are you buying Lynn? obviously wont keep this up but what do u see from him? Thank you

Eric Karabell

  (3:25 PM)

Well, why can't he make 30 starts and have a 3.25 ERA? He looks really good and I'm guessing the Cardinals will leave him in the rotation.

Fletch (LBC)

Nefali Feliz.....looks like he's surviving with smoke and mirors...no Ks, no groundballs, no popups. 196 BHIP%!!!!!!! Are you as skeptical as me?

Eric Karabell

  (3:26 PM)

A little bit... of the Rangers starters I'd call him the obvious sell high over Darvish and Holland.

Mack (Philly)

So...how many games per week does Chipper Jones play in his farewell season? Will he be sitting too much to consider an every weekly H2H starter?

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

I think he can play in roughly 120 games this season, but per week... he'll have the occasional week when he needs multiple days off. But he'll hit. Probably 15 home runs, .275.

Matt (NC)

Has Tommy Milone gotten lucky (low BABIP, not great opponents) or does he have the talent to be relevant?

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

Little of both, but I still see him as a guy with a 4.25 ERA, not half that mark.

Chili (Big Bowl)

Bard - in two weeks, SP or new Sox CL?

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

I hope for his development he is a starter. Sox shouldn't mess around with an arm like that. But we know Aaron Cook will be in the rotation in a week, so it wouldn't surprise me if Valentine takes the easy and wrong way out and Bard is setting Aceves up.

Jon (Bmore)

I traded Chris Sale for Yu Darvish. Thoughts?

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

The right move. But Sale is an interesting strikeout guy as well, isn't he?

Eric (NY)

EK, when should we stash Bauer? Roster spots are scarce to hold onto him for 6+ weeks without being called up...

Eric Karabell

  (3:31 PM)

I doubt he's up before June.

Skeeter (Boston)

Who would you take: S.Marcum or L.Lynn?

Eric Karabell

  (3:31 PM)

Hmmm... close one now. Marcum was bad today. Lynn is consistently good. I'll change my mind and go with Lynn. He looks legit to me.

Jeff (Tampa)

Is Chris Parmelee worth a bench spot?

Eric Karabell

  (3:32 PM)

Not anymore. I liked him 3 weeks ago, but look, he had a chance to play regularly if he hit, and he has not. By mid-May Brandon Belt will be in the same boat. He has to hit. Not everyone gets a long leash.

Joe (Ann Arbor)

Quick Eric! Start Parker today against chicago??

Eric Karabell

  (3:33 PM)

I don't expect he's going to get shelled, so why not..

Jack (Chicago)

As a prospect, Smoak was supposed to turn out to be the next Tex. Still early in his career, but what kind of long-term upside to you think he has now?

Eric Karabell

  (3:34 PM)

I don't think Smoak will be the next Teixeira anymore. With some players they just can't reach expectations. With Smoak, and he has time, I'm not sure he's even in the majors in 3 years. He has to hit. And he hasn't... He's hitting .203 with 3 walks, 17 Ks. He's lucky they play him.

Mike (NYC)

Do you expect more nights like last night from Johan Santana?

Eric Karabell

  (3:35 PM)

I certainly do. But at some point the Mets will score a run for him. So far they haven't scored ANY runs when he's been in the game, which is just sad.

Kenny (ny)

would you start phil hughes against texas tonight?

Eric Karabell

  (3:35 PM)

Not a chance. No way.

Matt (Philadelphia)

Claude Giroux ros?

Eric Karabell

  (3:35 PM)

Twelve more wins... 12 more wins...

Tomáš (Czech Republic)

Justin Morneau or Adam Dunn ?

Eric Karabell

  (3:36 PM)

Morneau, because he can still hit for average, but Dunn is going to hit 25 home runs.

Howard (Indiana)

If you needed a 2B (espinosa is my starter), would you deal J.Upton for Pedroia?

Eric Karabell

  (3:37 PM)

Why do you need a 2B? The goal is to have a good offense in total, even if a spot or two is not strong. I wouldn't make a trade because my 2B is Espinosa, but that said Upton for Pedroia is fair.

Phil (Reading, PA)

You a Zambrano guy now that he is with a decent team or is he still a stay-away?

Eric Karabell

  (3:38 PM)

The walks still scare me.. .and the team hasn't been that decent. The ballpark is extremely helpful for pitchers, and that matters. But still, there will be blowups, statistically and emotionally...

Craig (OH)

Trout, killing it in the minors, worth a roster spot right now? What is his immediate impact when he gets to the bigs?

Eric Karabell

  (3:39 PM)

Batting average, patience, stolen bases and great defense. One would think the Angels have to ponder promoting him soon. He's hitting a legit .419!

Splinter (the sewer)

Asante Samuel to Falcons. Is their defense now fantasy relevant?

Eric Karabell

  (3:39 PM)

No, but they'll have a few more interceptions and a lot more missed tackles.

Pip (Niles, MI)

I've had as many AB's in the last couple days as Kendrys Morales. Will this pattern of sitting every couple games continue all season?

Eric Karabell

  (3:41 PM)

You should want him sitting occasionally so he's strong when he does play... but yes. Also, even though he switch-hits, the Angels will look to sit him against lefties, since it's his weaker side.

Michael (Atlanta)

You sound bitter about Asante, you really don't think that was a good move for the Falcons? 3 year $18 million sounds great to me.

Eric Karabell

  (3:42 PM)

He's a capable player, but was overpaid the past few seasons and an inconsistent player. Ultimately the Falcons will win or lose based on Matt Ryan, the running game, etc...

Pete (Hartford, CT)

Pedro Alvarez - Not ready? Or not able?

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

Clearly not able. Will have to adjust his approach, his swing, his patience to stick in the majors. He's had plenty of time...

Matt (CO)

Selling high on Kyle Lohse, or is this semi legit?

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

I think it's legit... but 16 wins, ERA of 3.00... not exactly what he's doing now.

M (Auburn, Ala.)

So if you are a flyers fan, how do you view Pitt because I think the rest of the world sees the flyers as thugs and matt cooke as the only villain

Eric Karabell

  (3:44 PM)

Honestly, I don't know why any team's fans would care what other team's fans think of them. Penguins are insanely talented... goalie play and discipline got them in an 0-3 hole. And then they didn't show up in Game 6. Pittsburgh is a great city, I love it there. I wish the Pirates would compete.

Eric (Miami)

Would you drop Kendrys or Boesch for Campana if you needed steals?

Eric Karabell

  (3:45 PM)

Well, I think that's a bit extreme. Even if Campana runs wild the Cubs know he's not part of their future, so Brett Jackson could replace him at any time.

Andrew (SF)

Are you concerned about Ike Davis?

Eric Karabell

  (3:46 PM)

I'm starting to think there's something physically holding him back from hitting, because he is a good hitter. And we know what the ailment is. It's a shame.

Tim (DC)

Frustrated Pujols owner in my league. How low do you think I could get for him?

Eric Karabell

  (3:46 PM)

I'd trade him for Yuni Betancourt. Great deal for you.

Donnie (NYC)

Speaking of Brett Jackson... why didn't we see him this week? Do you think it will be soon or maybe not until later in the summer?

Eric Karabell

  (3:47 PM)

He hasn't proven that he's ready. Plate discipline is an issue, but let's see one more month. And there are financial considerations keeping him in the minors.

Matt (NH)

C'mon EK.....you okay with dealing Pujols and Reyes for Kemp in a keeper league?

Eric Karabell

  (3:48 PM)

I think it's too much to trade, but it's your team. Honestly, it took 3 weeks for you to give up on Pujols? C'mon!

Phil (Kankakee)

What value do you see from Kirk N.?

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

Not a ton. But the Bay injury should keep him playing regularly for another month, even when Torres returns. But don't get carried away.

Dave (CT)

LAHAIR!!! Literally just went yard again!

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

Yes he LADID! Hey, I wrote fondly about LaHair back in March, and have him on a few teams. I'm enjoying this while people complain about Rizzo being in the minors. This is not a surprise at all.

Edward (NY)

Stanton: What's his end line going to look like and are you REALLY not concerned???

Eric Karabell

  (3:50 PM)

Not concerned one bit. I'll say 32 homers (not 40), and .255.

Josh (Philly)

I'm big into SABR stats and super scared that Hellickson is about to fall off a cliff. What do you think?

Eric Karabell

  (3:51 PM)

There is ample evidence that last season's numbers were a bit fluky, but I don't think he'll be awful, either. I just see a 3.75 ERA as opposed to his 2011 numbers.

Rob (Philly)

Phils! Mounting some offense.

Eric Karabell

  (3:52 PM)

I have to say I really enjoy the people ripping/hating on the Phillies so far... Go ahead, proclaim the Nationals the team to beat. Who cares? Phillies will be fine... enjoy them being .500 while it lasts.

Eric (Col)

Over under 1/2 wins for bedard? He could always get hurt any moment.

Eric Karabell

  (3:52 PM)

Anyone could get hurt at any moment. That said, 25 starts, 8 wins?

Gilbert N. (asheville, nc)

Time to cut bait on Goldschmidt?

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

Wasn't a fan at all last month... why didn't anyone listen back then? Depends what else is out there. I don't cut him for Parmelee.. but the 20 home runs, which I doubt he reaches, were always going to come with a bad batting average.

Kyle Drebek (Toronto)

What do you expect out of me tonight against the O's?

Eric Karabell

  (3:54 PM)

6 1/3 innings, 5 hits, 3 runs, 4 walks, 5 Ks. No decision.

Matt (Dallas)

What do you think of Luke Scott?

Eric Karabell

  (3:55 PM)

On the field I could see 25 home runs, .260 average. Pretty underrated. Off the field, well...

Bill (Athens, GA)

Hughes or new call up Jarrod Parker?

Eric Karabell

  (3:55 PM)

Parker. Says a lot about Hughes, eh?

Andrew (NJ)

Thoughts on Victorino? He's on pace for 36 HRs and 54 SBs... chances he goes 20/40?

Eric Karabell

  (3:55 PM)

Very slim. How about 15 and 30. At best.

Matt (Astoria)

Buzzer beater, any reason to not believe in JD Martinez? .280/20/80 from the waiver wire seems pretty awesome, or is a major slump looming?

Eric Karabell

  (3:56 PM)

I don't think a big slump is coming, but he has played well. Looks legit enough to own.

Fred (NY)

I think you are in denial about the phillies. Orr Galvis Nix are not comprable to Utley Howard Rollins.

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

OK. Perhaps. But I don't think Orr, Galvis, Nix is really what they're using regularly, either. Hey, we'll see, and I doubt anyone will remember in October what I said in April about them... it's easy to hate the teams that spend money. I get that.

Houston (Georgia)

Alexei Ramirez or Cozart ROS?

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

Ramirez, definitely. Cozart is a sell-high.

Jeff S. (Vermont)

How bout if I use his real name, does Jeff Francoeur's slow start bother you? Was last year a fluke?

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

I think the entire Royals offense is about to get hot and really help everyone. Including Frenchy. But the steals, don't bet on a repeat there.

Tyler (VT)

I am thinking of trading FOR Pujols. Stanton and Sandoval too much to give in non keeper? Would probably add Ross

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

Seems like a legit offer to me. The Pujols owner will probably take it, considering how awesome Sandoval has been.

Eric Karabell

  (4:00 PM)

I want to thank everyone for the questions today and wish you well in your leagues, and more importantly in life! Have a great day...