Eric Karabell

  (2:55 PM)

Hello all and welcome to the latest fantasy sports chat session... starting a bit early, but can't wait to get going! Thanks for showing up and here we go!

Brian (Portland)

When Kemp, Young and Cespedes come off the DL who would you drop of Dirks, Ibanez, Morneau and Dee Gordon or would you drop Cespedes? Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (2:56 PM)

I doubt Dirks can come close to keeping up his performance, and he's not a big power or speed guy. Also, expecting Morneau to stay healthy is folly. Keep Cespedes around.

RotoHalfWhit (Reno)

Hello! In a HTH, 5X5 10-team league. Overloaded with OF - Thoughts on JD Martinez? Dropable for Aviles, J. Montero? Thanks.

Eric Karabell

  (2:57 PM)

Yeah, I'd let Martinez go. Huge slump and not a great player to start with.

Jack Swanson (Washington, DC)

Is it time to buy low on Ryan Zimmerman?I am in a head-to-head keeper league with extended stat categories (total bases, strike-outs, walks). I have been offered the following trade:Ryan Zimmerman and Mike Aviles for Michael Cuddyer and Jordan ZimmermanWhat do you think? Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (2:57 PM)

Ryan Zimmerman is not only brittle, but largely overrated. I'd stick with Cuddyer/Jordan Z.

Tim (Mass)

Got offered Tulowitzki and De Aza for Aviles and McCutchen. Do the deal?

Eric Karabell

  (2:58 PM)

Yeah, that one I would do. McCutchen is terrific, but Tulo is the top shortstop and De Aza is usable. More staying power than Aviles.

D-CO (Philly)

Colby Lewis, Scherzer, Billingsly. All have control issues. Stay the course with them and hope thinsg get better or try to move any or all of them.Thanks EK

Eric Karabell

  (2:58 PM)

Not sure you can really get anything for any of them on the open market. If you have 3 better pitchers, then these 3 are fine for filler. They get Ks.

Matt (Boston)

Eric, is Robertson droppable in a 12 team, 5x5, if I already have Soriano and my only DL spot is filled?

Eric Karabell

  (2:59 PM)

Yeah, that's reasonable. At this point I could see Soriano just keeping the closer role. It's not like Robertson was an obvious choice by Girardi in the first place, even if he was to us.

Tommy (FL)

What is the deal with Colby Rasmus? Is he a bust?

Eric Karabell

  (2:59 PM)

Certainly running out of time to believe in him.

Shaun (Charlotte)

Should I have dropped Cishek for other needs? Just think Bell's the man no matter what he does in Miami. At least that's what I've seen so far.

Eric Karabell

  (3:00 PM)

I think the Marlins will give Bell many chances to close. Including the next chance.

Ted (Fla.)

Eric when Jurrjens returns where would you rank him(SP4 orSP5) and would he be usable at all in NL only 10 team?

Eric Karabell

  (3:00 PM)

He's been doing better at Triple-A, so I expect he'll be back to the Braves in June. Not in my top 60 starters, but close. Yes, usable in NL.

David (Louisville )

I keep holding on to Brandon Belt hoping that SF will eventually make him an everyday player. I have Joey Votto and Chris Davis so he's droppable. Keep or Waive?

Eric Karabell

  (3:01 PM)

I like Belt more than Davis at this point. Belt shouldn't hurt your batting average.

Gene (Baltimore)

EK Would you be hesitant to start any of these this weekend in NL only: Dempster,Cueto,Kennedy,Bass? Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (3:01 PM)

No, I'm OK with all of them, though Bass is more matchups for me. And his matchup is fine.

EJ (NC)

When C.Young(arizona) returns who should I drop : Parra,Bernadina or Lomo? Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (3:02 PM)

I think LoMo is better than the other two. I'd cut Parra. He will stop playing when Young returns.

Will (Plato's Realm)

Matt Harrison and Christian Friedrich - Who is better for their start this week? ROS?

Eric Karabell

  (3:02 PM)

I'm not buying on the young Friedrich yet. Has to face a better offense soon. I'd trust Harrison.

Alex (Florida)

EK do you think E.Herrera can stick with Dodgers if given the chance? If he does what can we expect from him!

Eric Karabell

  (3:03 PM)

I don't see a ton of hope here with Herrera. His stats were at Albuquerque, where everyone hits. Dodgers will use him as utility guy for a few weeks.

Shawn (Santa Barbara)

Your rank of MIKE TROUT was 116 - the highest among your fellow rankers. IMO he'll even outplay that rank. What's the BEST case scenario you see for his end of the year stats? Thanks.

Eric Karabell

  (3:04 PM)

Yeah, I wanted to rank him considerably better, but I thought 12th round sounded right. Then last night he went off. Best case is he's a 20-30 guy THIS year. He has that ability, but I expect some troubles, too.

Michelle Steele (ATL)

We have great chemistry. Now answer my question. What's the cutoff for deciding whether to use waiver priority on a player? Alexi Ramirez was just dropped...

Eric Karabell

  (3:05 PM)

Wow! (She is correct, though). Most often it depends on what your team needs are, and who you would be parting with. Ramirez is a notable slow starter, and now is a great time to get him. But don't cut a great player to do it. As for waiver priority, it's tied to team needs.

Dan (Vermont)

Is darvish due for a backslide later in the year as he faces opponents for a 2nd or 3rd time?

Eric Karabell

  (3:06 PM)

Nah, I don't really believe that. If anything I thought he might start slowly. Perhaps fatigue is a factor in September, but he looks special. This is not Dice-K.

Nate (Andover)

How long can I hold onto Hosmer?? Is the first 2 hit game in a month finally a sign of things to come?? Also thoughts on gallardo and latos ros if you wouldn't mind. Thanks EK

Eric Karabell

  (3:07 PM)

I think Hosmer can still add 100 points to his batting average, and I'll wait another month. And I think Gallardo will be fine; K rate is there, just more walks than normal. Latos was going to regress some, but he's looking better.

Thor (SF)

In a keeper league, would you deal Justin Upton and Jon Lester for Cliff Lee, Jesus Montero and Shin-soo Choo?

Eric Karabell

  (3:08 PM)

No, I don't believe I would. Upton is a potential top-5 overall pick looming. Lester is younger than Lee. I like Montero a lot, but ... no.

a (florida)

hosmer or lahair ROS

Eric Karabell

  (3:08 PM)

Still Hosmer. But LaHair is totally legit, at least power wise.

Jeff (Clearwater)

Pick up Scott Diamond?

Eric Karabell

  (3:08 PM)

Absolutely not.

AK (Milwaukee)

ROS: Brett Gardner or Desmond Jennings? And is it close?

Eric Karabell

  (3:09 PM)

This elbow thing with Gardner is a concern, but based on steals I'd go with him.

Derick (OH)

Hey EK, thoughts on Harper's fantasy value....think its worth trading Adam Jones or Jason Heyward to aquire his services?

Eric Karabell

  (3:09 PM)

In a redraft league, no way. I'd take Jones and Heyward easily.

Chris (Richmond)

What's wrong with Lind? Drop him for Moreland or Duda (in a separate league)?

Eric Karabell

  (3:10 PM)

He's just not a great hitter. Can't touch lefties, struggling against RHP. I take Duda over him, but it's not like he's been awesome.

jay (Brooklyn)

Putz or Downs need saves ASAP

Eric Karabell

  (3:10 PM)

C'mon, Putz is available in your league? He's a 40-save closer.

Jason ( Long Island)

Pick up Daniel Nava?

Eric Karabell

  (3:10 PM)

For about a week or two until the magic runs out.

Ray (NY)

is francouer just off to a slow start or should i be concerned? still keep frenchy over dirks?

Eric Karabell

  (3:10 PM)

Yeah, I would, but as I blogged today, I don't have a ton of hope for Francoeur this season.

Frank (Paddy's Pub)

Who wins this trade: Mauer, Ackley and Schaeffer for Saltalamacchia, Andino and Craig?

Eric Karabell

  (3:11 PM)

Yikes. I'd still take the Mauer side, but Craig is perhaps the best player in the trade.

Steve (IL)

You a Josh Reddick believer, or just a fun streak to ride?

Eric Karabell

  (3:12 PM)

I don't think he'll hit his pace of 30 homers, but a 23-homer, 12-steal season with a decent average? Sure.

Bill ((IA))

Dozier or E. Johnson worth picking up?

Eric Karabell

  (3:12 PM)

Has to be a deep league. Dozier has more upside. Both can run.

Ray (NY)

should i start madison bumgarner tonight against STL? I cant afford a loss.

Eric Karabell

  (3:12 PM)

Well, if that's the case... yes, always start Mad Bum.

Pod Cast Police (Podcast Studio)

Homser or Allen Craig?

Eric Karabell

  (3:13 PM)

Still Hosmer. I'm not giving up yet. And I have Craig in multiple leagues and ranked him well.

Kevin (Baltimore)

ROS: Kyle Seager or Alexei Ramirez? Alexei notoriously slow starter, but still concerned he may not turn it around.

Eric Karabell

  (3:13 PM)

Alexei, easily. Not really buying Seager yet.

Dan (Queens)

Two of my aces - Weaver & Peavy - got shelled this week. Any real reason for concern with either? What kind of regression from their near-perfect starts can I expect?

Eric Karabell

  (3:14 PM)

Weaver is a top-10 guy... Peavy was going to regress some, and he's got more regression coming. But he is worth counting on.

Nate (FL)

Is HRod injured? Suddenly walking everyone

Eric Karabell

  (3:14 PM)

Nah, that's pretty much what he does. He did it last year.

Livan (Miami)

Okay to cut Jaime Garcia and Vance Worley to free up room for a middle reliever and a spot to stream from?

Eric Karabell

  (3:14 PM)

Worley sure, but I think Jaime is worth keeping around. What do you need a middle reliever for?

Danny (Ronkonkoma NY)

Need help streaming - better start tonight - Bud Norris (MIL) or Erik Bedard (@Was)? Either worth hanging onto? Thanks EK!

Eric Karabell

  (3:15 PM)

I'd go Bedard, but his next injury is always an inning away....

Mike (San Diego)

Adam Dunn has been an awesome value for me this year. Got him after round 20 in two leagues. Where do you think his numbers end up?

Eric Karabell

  (3:15 PM)

Yeah, I have Dunn on a few of my teams. I felt good about the value. I think he hits .240 with 30 homers at this point. He's back.

stan (ny)

Brandon McCarthy has been great lately but does he warrant "start" status at Texas tomorrow? I mean, look what they did to Weaver?

Eric Karabell

  (3:15 PM)

Sure, but look how Vin Mazzaro did last night. If you count on McCarthy, then leave him active.

Ted (The Cubicle)

I'd be interested to know why Huston Street made your top 250 (at 185) but not Storen or Santos.

Eric Karabell

  (3:16 PM)

I think Street returns to closing in a few weeks, but I don't think the other guys will.

John D. (Birmingham, AL)

Eric- your take on Haren? Is he hurt? Average fastball is down to 88 mph...

Eric Karabell

  (3:16 PM)

More likely a dead arm period, and he's had them before. He should get better.

Porky (the Little Apple)

Roger Bernandina...

Eric Karabell

  (3:17 PM)

Shouldn't be playing regularly. Not for a team that is contending.

bobby (hill)

Cano/castro too much for reyes/zobrist?

Eric Karabell

  (3:17 PM)

Yes, too much IMO. Castro is getting better and running. Probably top 30 guy in 2013 drafts.

Jeff (NYC)

Regarding Hosmer, isn't the belief that he'll bounce back more about the coaching staff in KC than his ability? I mean, why didn't Gordon Beckham ever bounce back? Do you think KC has the ability to get Hosmer back on track?

Eric Karabell

  (3:18 PM)

I just trust Hosmer more. Sweet swing, always hit in the minors. Low BABIP now. Beckham not the same prospect.

Anthony (Cali)

what the heck is up with Brandon Phillips? He's irritating me.

Eric Karabell

  (3:18 PM)

Word is he is healthier now and should start running.

Paul (PA)

Tulo and Pedroia too much for CarGo and Uggla?

Eric Karabell

  (3:18 PM)

I think so.

Andrew (West Chester, PA)

Thoughts on Jon Jay?

Eric Karabell

  (3:19 PM)

Nice little player, but keep an eye on the shoulder progress. Hopefully he's back in 3 weeks and keeps hitting. Cards can NOT use Beltran regularly in CF.

Todd (CA)

My 2B and SS are Dee Gordon and Jemille Weeks. Hold onto them and hope they start stealing more bases?

Eric Karabell

  (3:20 PM)

Their problem is getting on base. Both run plenty. Hold.

Jeff (Rochester, NY)

I assume your mid-May rankings reflect everything, including current DL stints - with that in mind, Dan Hudson is a top _____ SP upon his RETURN?

Eric Karabell

  (3:20 PM)

Probably outside my top 25, but not far off. Have to assume his skills shine through when healthy.

sam (DC)

Why do people underrate Hunter Pence. Every year he is in the top 35 players..and every year people rank him around 60-75? please do tell?

Eric Karabell

  (3:21 PM)

Can't explain it. I ranked him very well in March and again this week. Not always pretty, but stays healthy and produces. Wish he'd be better defensively though!

Brian (NY)

Your latest take on Ike?

Eric Karabell

  (3:22 PM)

Will give him a few more weeks. Last I saw he was hitting like .050 at home. Hard to do. Hope he's not this year's Adam Dunn.

John (SEATown)

JJ Hardy a top 75 player by end of season?

Eric Karabell

  (3:23 PM)

30 homers from a shortstop, I say yes.

Prince (KC)

Jimmy Rollins top 10 SS?

Eric Karabell

  (3:23 PM)

Borderline. He really looks awful this season. Awful.

Don Diego (RI)

You're killing me worse than Pujols by not answering my question! Pujols final numbers???

Eric Karabell

  (3:23 PM)

30 and 100 and .290. Sorry, I think it will get a lot better. I know most people don't believe it.

The Dude (Abiding)

Speaking of Mets, what's your take on Duda? Think he can hit 20 more HR's the rest of the season?

Eric Karabell

  (3:24 PM)

Absolutely.

Dave (Boise)

Will A. Chapman ever be promoted to a role with more fantasy value?

Eric Karabell

  (3:24 PM)

This year, I don't think it will be before July that he's starting. And I like Sean Marshall... I don't think that change is happening.

Tom (De)

Why so low on Andre Ethier? You have him behind Kipnis, Hosmer, Bonafacio, to name a few. I know the injury risk is present, but he seems primed for a big year.

Eric Karabell

  (3:25 PM)

I like him, just not more than those guys. And those guys haven't had injury problems.

John (NY)

EK..pick one for saves...Walden, Rauch, Fuentes, Cook

Eric Karabell

  (3:25 PM)

Tempted to say Cook, but hard to know when the A's make that change. So it's Fuentes.

Raymond (MI)

please answer. will middlebrooks, chipper, or dirks. ROS in 1,2,3 order.

Eric Karabell

  (3:26 PM)

Chipper 1, ... Middlebrooks 2 and then Dirks. But it wouldn't surprise me if Middlebrooks has a slump this month and goes back to Triple-A. He's overachieving currently.

Jake (ND)

I've lost track of how many questions I've asked.....Who is more legit, Smyly or Lynn? I'm leaning toward the former.....

Eric Karabell

  (3:26 PM)

Definitely Lynn. Smyly I need to see more.

Rob (DC)

For speed guys, you have an opinion between Gregor Blanco or Campana?

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

Campana could swipe 60 if he played regularly. Neither of these guys should be playing much. Take the under on 350 at-bats for both. I'd take Campana today.

Rob (Philly)

Berkman going to be a regular in the line-up moving forward (health permitting) or is Craig going to start eating away at his AB's?

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

I think Craig plays a day per week in each outfield corner and against lefties at first base. And maybe it's 4 games per week. That's enough.

Tom (Minor Leagues)

I cant believe they would DEMOTE Middlebrooks for Youk. He has done nothing but rake. If he gets demoted would you still hold onto him???

Eric Karabell

  (3:28 PM)

I know Red Sox fans don't like it, but if Youk is healthy, they don't keep Will around on the bench. And Youk is not being traded. It's foolish to think the Red Sox (or Phillies) are selling in May.

Tap ((PA))

I traded Butler and Infante for Lincecum...good trade?

Eric Karabell

  (3:28 PM)

Awesome trade.

Tom (NJ)

Would you give up Jansen and Hart for J.Upton?

Eric Karabell

  (3:29 PM)

In a minute.

Nix (MI)

what should i do about Dee Gordon? Drop him, try and trade him low asap, or hold on to him until he is out of his slump? do you think he will even get past the horrible .210 BA and .250 OBS

Eric Karabell

  (3:29 PM)

Yes, hold him and enjoy him getting better. But he's not a guy that will hit .300.

Jeff (NYC)

Am I crazy to think the Royals could legitimately take 2nd place in the Central?

Eric Karabell

  (3:29 PM)

Nope. There's one good team in that division.

Keith (Philly)

Any news on Valverde?

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

Not yet. But in a deep league add Benoit now.

John (Office)

Did they name Niemanns replacement? Should I jsut grab Cobb now just in case???

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

Rays have said it's not Wade Davis. Could be Archer, I suppose. More upside with him than Cobb.

Karabell Klapper (Seattle)

Do you see anything from Lincecum to be encouraged about?

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

Yeah, the fact he's on pace for 200 Ks.

Jeff (Rochester, NY)

Is the new hitting coach in Anaheim going to get Kendry going again?

Eric Karabell

  (3:31 PM)

Can't hurt, but no, I doubt a coaching change matters to Kendrys or Albert or Vernon...

Steve (WI)

Best guess on Lawrie penalty?

Eric Karabell

  (3:31 PM)

Probably 5 games. Should be more. Hard to believe he acted that way.

Ace (NY)

What do you like more--Ishikawa's name, sunglasses or power prospects?

Eric Karabell

  (3:31 PM)

Can't say any of that means much to me. He just isn't a power hitter or even close.

Walter (Bowling)

In the proverbial vacuum, Scherzer or Tim Hudson ROS?

Eric Karabell

  (3:32 PM)

Hudson. Fewer Ks, but far safer for other stuff.

Paul (PA)

Need a SP - go with Lilly or James McDonald?

Eric Karabell

  (3:32 PM)

No question it's Lilly. I do not trust McDonald.

Eric (CO)

Scutaro or Alexi?

Eric Karabell

  (3:33 PM)

Alexi. Didn't Scutaro have 1 RBI on the season until Sunday? Wow.

Mike (San Diego)

Dale Thayer: Will his closer skills come close to the awesomeness of his mustache?

Eric Karabell

  (3:33 PM)

He's legit. It's all about Street and the opportunity. Thayer had 6 seasons in the minors with 20 or more saves. He's experienced.

Mike Moustakas (KC)

Am I a sell high?

Eric Karabell

  (3:34 PM)

For batting average, absolutely. Power is legit.

Todd (Cleveland)

Will Gonzo ever hit another home run?

Eric Karabell

  (3:34 PM)

Nope. He's probably done. What a shame. (Yes.)

Brent (TX)

Traded Rickie Weeks for Nova and Cozart and now starting Jemile in his place. Smart?

Eric Karabell

  (3:35 PM)

Not much of a fan of any of those fellas, frankly. Something's up with R.Weeks.

Rob (DC)

Since I'm punting saves but have Jansen, I'm looking to trade. What kind of value do you think he has relative to the other closers?

Eric Karabell

  (3:35 PM)

Top 10 closer value, so don't wait until he blows a save.

John (Cincinnati)

Will Albert ever hit another home run?

Eric Karabell

  (3:36 PM)

Nah, he's done too.

Eric Karabell

  (3:36 PM)

No he's not.

Mike (San Diego)

I'm sorry, but I have to laugh at your comment about Thayer having closer experience after all of your rants on the podcast.

Eric Karabell

  (3:36 PM)

I know, isn't that silly? I mean for the manager that doesn't know any better that's why Thayer was chosen to save games. Ability wise he's fine.

Fitzy (Mass)

Eric right now CPerez or Soriano?

Eric Karabell

  (3:37 PM)

Perez, surprisingly.

JJ (Boston)

Dealing with injuries to Kemp and Jennings. Safe to drop Middlebrooks for an outfielder?

Eric Karabell

  (3:37 PM)

Yep. But try and trade him... can't get any better.

Larry (NH)

EK, you must be a Yankeees fan. You don't likr the young guns in Boston. I'm telling you Middlebrooks is for real and Youk WAS a great player. Nava is going to be around a long time because Ellsbury is too brittle

Eric Karabell

  (3:38 PM)

Yep, I am a noted Yankees fan. From the Bucky Dent days. Please. You're right, Sox will probably just cut Youk and leave Ellsbury on the DL all year.

Lou (Down the block)

LaRoche or Morneau? Who finishes with better numbers?

Eric Karabell

  (3:38 PM)

LaRoche. Can't count on Morneau to play regularly.

Lou (Miami)

Buy low on Jhonny Peralta? Doesn't he always start slow?

Eric Karabell

  (3:39 PM)

Not really. Looks like the pre-2011 version.

Andy (NYC)

What current minor league bat has the most promise for MLB impact this year? Arenado?

Eric Karabell

  (3:39 PM)

Yeah, that works for me. I could see him up in July.

Ney (my bedroom)

Will Reyes bounce back and why?

Eric Karabell

  (3:40 PM)

He's a really good player with a good track record. And I find it odd he'll play poorly all year.

Fletch (The Forum)

Trout or Harper? ESPN loves them some Harper but come on....

Eric Karabell

  (3:40 PM)

I ranked Trout considerably better... no idea what the company thinks. :)

Matt (Jersey City)

What do you think of Jarrod Dyson?

Eric Karabell

  (3:40 PM)

If he's not running, he's not worth it. And he's not running enough.

Ronald (Over There)

Is it worth trading Cain straight up for Bautista?

Gary (Texas)

Work sucks. Thanks for killing this hour for me.

Eric Karabell

  (3:41 PM)

Well, it's got about 2 minutes left. Have an appointment. Sorry. Got to lots of questions... 2 more.

Stephen Drew (Arizona)

Should I be stashed away now?? Almost back, what do you see ROS???

Eric Karabell

  (3:42 PM)

Hard to be too excited or expect pre-2010 numbers. Not in my top 15 shortstops.

Teddy (Cleveland)

How come u think Benoit over Dotel if Valverde misses time?

Eric Karabell

  (3:42 PM)

Even Leyland must know that Dotel can't get lefties out. Benoit is a better pitcher.

Tom (LA)

Who is the closer for the White Sox ROS?

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

Definitely Reed. And he's gonna be good.

John (Philly)

Hey, Eric. Fantasy football keeper league. Keep Graham over Roddy?

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

No, I wouldn't.

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

OK, sorry folks but I went as fast as I could here and now have to bolt for something important. Have a great day and as far as I know I'll be back chatting next Wednesday! Adios!