Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:04 PM)

Hi gang! Thanks for dropping by!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:04 PM)

As always, all subjects answered. I'll stay a few minutes late.

The Truth (Celtic's Hall of fame )

Do you think Jose Altuve will remain a reliable fantasy option all year?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:05 PM)

I'm a believer, yes. Underlying numbers support it...

Bob (Boston)

I just picked up Will Middlebrooks last week, but reports are that Youkilis will be back very soon. With Ortiz at DH and Gonzalez at 1B, I cannot see how he gets regular playing time, unless he plays OF. In my league I only have two Bench spots on my roster. Is he worth holding on to?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:07 PM)

I'm with you - I don't know what they do with him when Youk comes back. BUT, as a general rule, I never make a move until I have to. Wait to see what happens when Youk comes back. There have been trade rumors, someone else could get hurt, you never know. I always wait until the last possible instant to make any move in fantasy.

Dave (Wolcott, CT)

Chick-Fil-A has announced expansion plans in NY, MA and NH and skipped us! Who do you think gets the better end of a Grienke/H.Kendrick for Cano/Hosmer deal (5x5 redraft league)?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:09 PM)

Really? This is outrageous. I may have to take up a cause. I need a Chik-Fil-A in CT. Preferably near Bristol. As much as I like Grienke, assuming a 10 team league, I'm going Cano/Hosmer. Feel Hosmer is due to rebound and pitching plentiful in 10 tm league.

Dan (Vermont)

After Karabell's reassurance, I traded Romero and Dan Murphy for Darvish and Tyler Greene. Keeper league, 14 team roto. Did I win the trade?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:10 PM)

So you want me to reassure you about Karabell's reassurance? Seriously? You're gonna have to do some of these on your own, my friend.

Tyler (Nashville, TN)

Pick up Allen Craig or Mike Trout?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:11 PM)

Believe it or not... I say Craig. As much as I love Trout (bitter grumble) I think he will experience some growing pains. Craig is legit.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:11 PM)

So these two questions popped up next to each other....

Nancy (Denver)

Who are the top sell high hitters or pitchers?

Elvin (California)

Who are the top buy low Hitters, and SP's

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:12 PM)

Negative points for trying to be sneaky and being bad at it. I wrote a whole column about this last week and today's column also has guys I am higher or lower on than most...

Jeff (Toronto)

There, there

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:12 PM)

Was that so tough? Thanks, brother.

Robert (PA)

Bauer just got promoted to AAA. How soon should I pick him up in a 10 team mixed league?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:13 PM)

Still not convinced control issues are behind him. I'd wait in 10 tm mix

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:13 PM)

Bauer is NOT above the Wandy Line.

Jimmy (Anytown, USA)

DATING ADVICE CORNER: Just met a girl at work though a softball game. Which led to happy hour and drinks (with a group) and led to what I think an attraction on both ends. What do you think next? and how soon? Ask for another happy hour Friday? PS Love Dating Advice Corner on podcast

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:15 PM)

Yeah, would wait a few days and ask her if she wants to do Happy Hour again with you.

Ronny (GA)

Alot of fantasy analysts are saying Walden will regain the closer's role...my question is WHEN? It sure doesn't look like any time soon!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:17 PM)

They are? I don't read other fantasy analysts very much so I'll take your word for it. I don't know that I agree with that. Scoscia is not a guy who makes changes lightly. Unless Downs implodes or gets hurt, he'll be the guy for a while.

Anthony (Staten Island, NY )

Will Hosmer and A-Gon get it going? Both guys are killing my team right now being as I drafted them for power. I've also got Kemp on my DL.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:18 PM)

As hard as it is, I'd hang tough. I believe strongly in all three.

Mike (Boston)

Start Matt Moore vs. Boston tonight?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:18 PM)

I wouldn't.

Peter (Work)

Knowing you're a halo fan, what are the rest of us to do with Aybar? Was hoping for steals, but now thinking of dropping for Alexei.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:19 PM)

I know. Me too. He's been brutal. But Alexei isn't gonna steal either. Stay put with Aybar unless a guy like Pennington is out there, who will get you steals.

Kristofer (Clearwater Beach, Florida)

HEY MATTHEW.....Any chance you make another appearance on The League?????

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:19 PM)

It's been discussed. We'll see. Lotta things have to come together but they got good feedback from my appearance and I enjoyed it, so we'll see.

Danny (WI)

14 team 1/2 PPR football league with 4 keepers. Already keeping Turner (9th) and Sproles (8th). Who should I keep out of Hillis (16th), Antonio Brown (16th) or Julio Jones (4th)? Thanks!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:20 PM)

Lose Hillis. Jones and Brown are your guys.

Pete (NYC)

Can we talk Trumbo? The dude is hitting like a machine, leads the Angels in several categories, qualifies at first, third, and OF, and yet he is no lock for playing time. Will he get his at bats?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:22 PM)

Yes, he will. Probably 4 or 5 games out of every 5 games for the time being. But I'm with you. Free Mark Trumbo.

Steve (IL)

Still think Cameron Maybin has a breakout campaign in him this season?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:24 PM)

I do, actually. He's walking a lot more this year and even with the poor average already has 11 steals. .277 BABIP (Career .326) so I expect the avg to come up soon with somewhat better power numbers. He's definitely gotten a bit unlucky this year so far

John (Baltimore)

Dating advice: I have a mutual attraction with the girlfriend of a guy I work with who has propositioned me several times. How can I pull this off. And oh yeah - I'm married.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:25 PM)

Hahahaha.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:26 PM)

It's dating advice, not cheating on your wife advice. That's a different website.

Any (NYC)

Is Manny worth a pick-up, just in case he hits on arrival in 2 weeks?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:28 PM)

Deep AL only, I guess. But otherwise... no. Declining skill set, hit only 9 home runs in 2010, didn't play in 2011 basically, bad fit for that ballpark given his decreasing power and no speed. Bleah.

Ben (Texas)

I know 2 starts is not much to go on, but is Christian Friedrich for real?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:31 PM)

I think so. Tristan and I discussed him on the pod. It's been two favorable starts so I'm not ready to call him more than a matchup play in mix leagues yet but he does have a pedigree as a top prospect (Jason Grey wrote about him in 09 - have to be an isider - http://insider.espn.go.com/fantasy/baseball/flb/story?page=greyminorachievements090610) ... then he got hurt. Appears healthy now, though...

Brian (06010)

Adam jones goes deep again today...30-20 season in the cards? Fluke season or do you think he is a strong buy in a long term keeper league?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:31 PM)

Yes and no, not a fluke...

brendan (ny)

Will Myers is the 2nd hottest hitter in baseball after J-Ham. Does he see the bigs any time soon. Royals pushed Hosmer, so there is a precedent.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:32 PM)

Great call. I actually put a bid on him last week in Tout Wars. I agree with you and the fact they just pushed him to AAA is a good sign. We could easily see him soon.

Mike (Corus)

Time to drop Chad Billingsly?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:33 PM)

Yes. Never been a fan. At least 4 ER or less than 5 ip in 4 of his last 5 starts. Can't locate his fastball these days. Ugh.

Jeff (NY)

DATING ADVICE: Over the last month a woman I know has started getting a little friendly with me - going out of her way to talk to me, grabbing my arm (often) and even, very flirtatiously, putting her hand on my chest while we were talking. I asked her to dinner and she said yes. She's visiting family in Quebec right now and we'll be going to dinner as soon as she's back. My conundrum is this: I never pictured myself dating someone significantly older than I am (I'm 34, she's 44) and with children (2 sons, ages 5 and 7). Even though it's a situation I didn't imagine myself in, she's too beautiful to pass up and has a rather hot French accent. Any advice on how I need to proceed?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:36 PM)

Yeah, simple. Forget about the age and the kids. Neither are relevant right now. I was dating women about ten years younger than myself and enjoying it when I met my now wife, who is six months older than me and has 3 kids. Never EVER imagined I'd go for that and then I fell in love with her and the kids. You never know. Open your mind and heart and see where it takes you. There will be time later to think about the kids and if her age bothers you (probably means you can't have natural kids with her should it get that far) BUT... it's a first date. Have fun.

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

RE Jeff..get over the age thing...I'm sure she looks better at 44 than you do at 34...just be grateful she hasn't interprolated your looks out to when you'll be 44...

John (Baltimore)

To Jeff (NY) - Are you kidding me? What's the conundrum?!?!? You're in!

Sean (NY)

I'm glad to see your expanding your horizons from giving crappy fantasy advice to giving crappy dating advice also. ESPN is oh so lucky to have you

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:37 PM)

Thanks!

Chuck (Boston, MA)

(Follow up) - in the chart you linked to in your Wandy-line column, championship teams do the worst in AVG and SB, so why pay for those categories?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:38 PM)

Because there is less ability to matchup start for those categories and less of it to go around.

Chris (Philly)

Yo Matty, Who do I cut in a 12 x 12 h2h keeper league, Buerhle, Bass or Smyly?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:38 PM)

I say Buerhle. He's the safest of the three but also the guy with the lowest upside. Since it's a keeper, go with the young guys

brendan (ny)

Just got my ESPN the magazine, and the formerly balding Wayne Rooney is on the cover. You are balding. You are only some hair plugs away from the cover.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:39 PM)

Oh yeah

Jeff (Whitby)

Your chats suck.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:40 PM)

Another satisfied customer!

Ryan (Toronto)

I'm soooo torn with your chats. On one hand you are often very slow to respond and only about 1 out of every 10 questions you select are fantasy related. On the other hand, the sheer awesomeness that comes out of your mouth (in this case your hands) is something that cannot be missed. What's the deal with Rasmus? Time to cut ties in exchange for Chris Davis?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:41 PM)

Hahaha. There you go. Chris Davis is for real. Cutting down on K's, crushing FB's... I didn't rank Rasmus in the top 250 and ranked Davis at 157. Run, don't walk to make that switch

eric (baltimore)

What is wrong with you guys? Rule #1: A woman puts her hand on your chest she's ready to go.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:42 PM)

To go on a date, of course. I am sure that's what you meant, he said to his Dinsey employed bosses.

John (CT)

All i'm looking for is advice on Howard and your giving advice to some jack hole about dating a 44yr old woman. Hey knucklehead she's 44 not 74.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:43 PM)

Ryan Howard is still hurt and will continue to be for quite some time. He's not worth discussing today. How's that?

Adam (Langhorne, Pa)

Over/under - 20 saves for Rafael Soriano?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:44 PM)

Under. Still think Robertson gets in there at some point.

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

More annoying idiot - the one asking if he should date an older hot chick, or the one asking if Pujols is droppable? Or the one complaining how much you suck that never mises a chat/article?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:46 PM)

Pujols guy. First one is legit because of the kids and the third guy keeps me employed.

Eric (Cleveland)

Dont we play fantasy for entertainment? This chat is greater than or equal to the entertainment from fantasy sports. So keep up the good work. I got what I came for.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:46 PM)

Ssssh.

Randy (Chicago)

C'mon TMR!! Why no mention of W. Chen?? Is he legit or just a matches spot starter.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:48 PM)

Somewhat legit though I think he is more a matchup play in mix leagues. xFIP of 4.43 though I watched a lot of his start against NYY the other night and was impressed....

Sean (NY)

Over/under - 7.5 weeks until Tebow is starting for the Jets

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:48 PM)

Under.

Brian (Boston)

So you don't buy LaHair, and neither do I. But the kid's killing it for me. When do you sell and what are you selling for? You've got him ranked next 200 and he's hitting like a top-50 bat, how do I even make that move without crying myself to sleep at night?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:50 PM)

When someone like LaHair is a "sell high" you don't HAVE to sell him. If other ppl in your league also think he's a fluke, you're better off holding tight with him because even if he regresses, he'll be more valuable to you in that state then whatever you could get. I'm with you - top 50 player sounds right

Burf (Chicago)

Could you please broadcast to the world that I dunked on Fitz during a pickup basketball game 10 years ago? thank you.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:51 PM)

Done

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

Better bounce-back candidate: Vick or Chris Johnson?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:52 PM)

Are you kidding me? A year after I go all in on Vick you KNOW he's gonna go off. That said, I will have CJ ranked higher than Vick as there is less injury concern there and RB gets super ugly quick.

Evan (San Fran)

By July, is Chapman a) top 20 starter, b) top 5 closer, or c) top 1 MR?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:52 PM)

C. Dusty is stubborn

John V. (Brooklyn)

Hey Matt! Looking for a 3B and I might be able to get E5 and Craig for Victorino. H2H. Yay or nay?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:53 PM)

IN a heartbeat. I love Victorino but E5 is legit this year and I also love Craig.

Pete (Litchfield, CT)

You are very wrong about Howard. He's more relevant than your dating advice and any NFL question. Smarten up!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:53 PM)

Worst. Chat. Ever.

Jill (New York)

If you are looking for an intern, I am almost certain I would give up being an attorney for you; I will happily accept payment in the form of sarcasm and fantasy baseball/pop culture debates. Until then, please evaluate the following starters for the rest of the season: Chris Sale, Ervin Santana, and Matt Garza (who weirdly just got dropped in my head-to-head league). Thanks so much.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:56 PM)

I do not believe you Jill that you are A) a woman, B) a lawyer and C) willing to give that up to become an intern. But if I'm wrong, send a resume to MatthewBerryTMR@gmail.com and I will pass along to appropriate people. And everyone else, I don't respond to emails there, so unless you're "Jill" don't bother.Garza, Erv, Sale (think he's DL bound at some point)

Kelly Johnson (rounding the bases)

Sell high or legit?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:57 PM)

Legit. Big preseason sleeper for me.

Scott (Atlanta)

Are you still looking for fantasy sports stories for your book?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:57 PM)

I am. You can also send those to MatthewBerryTMR@gmail.com

Jeff Schaffer (Vermont)

Thoughts on Jordan Schafer? Just picked him up in my 12 teamer.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:57 PM)

Like him. Speed for real and he's learned how to take a walk.

Dan (NY)

You are about to get 5,000 emails dude.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:59 PM)

I get 30,000 Tweets a month - it's fine. As I said, I don't respond there. Only on Facebook or Twitter

Michael (Milwaukee)

I love how you say you won't answer from people pretending to be players each week....never works out that way

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:59 PM)

Dang it! You're right. My bad. Arggghhhhhh!

Jon (NYC)

Jeter or Desmond going forward?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (3:59 PM)

Jeter

Never been answered (WV)

Just about ready to scratch you off my list of useful Chats. Just 2 much none relevant stuff...Let's stick to major sports.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:00 PM)

Let me know when it becomes official.

Ted McGinley (ruining your show)

What do you make of this trade: Pujols/Sabathia for Hosmer/Felix. I'd get the Pujols side. Do it?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:01 PM)

IN a heartbeart. I'm a little worried about Felix this year. If you're getting Albert I'd do it ASAP

Fitz (Chicago)

Could you also please broadcast to the world that the goal that Burf dunked on was 8'? It was basically a glorified layup.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:01 PM)

Hahahaha. Also done.

Fantasy Nut (Pompano Beach, Fl)

What kind of Fantasy Sports stories are you looking for? I have a good one but idk if it's what you are wanting...

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:02 PM)

Anything funny or interesting that somehow involves fantasy sports. Places you've drafted, things you've done for fantasy, disuptes, league traditions, punishments, anything.

LittleRon (WV)

Luebke worth holding in deep 5x5 Keeper?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:03 PM)

In a deep keeper? Yes.

brendan (ny)

Will you respond to emails of stories you might use for the book? Or will you ignore those too and just steal the stories?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:04 PM)

Ha - no, I respond to the stories I use - they have to sign a release and they get credit in the book.

Gilbert N. (Asheville, NC)

Just traded Fuentes and Harper for Jansen. Crazy? I'm stacked at OF and need saves/Ks.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:05 PM)

In a non keeper? Not at all. Harper will struggle and is no gurantee to stay in rotation. Fuentes could lose his job via trade or just being bad. Jansen could be top 5 this year. Like the deal.

Jason (Atlanta)

Have you discussed with The League's Paul Scheer about being on his "How Did This Get Made Podcast" to dissect Crocodile Dundee in LA? Maleficence! Skullduggery!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:06 PM)

We actually did talk about doing it and emailed back and forth but it was right when my twins were born and there just wasn't time. Someday.

Jeff S. (Vermont)

Matthew, would driving 5 hours to do a draft after work, then 5 hours back the day after at 11PM, having to wake up at 7 the next morning to go to an umpires meeting count as a story i should turn in?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:06 PM)

Depends what kind of umpire you are... but send it in. Maybe

Ben (Arkansas)

Will Haren bounce back this season?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:07 PM)

Think so, yes. Feel he's hiding an injury. Needs to go on the DL for a few weeks and come back.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

  (4:08 PM)

Okay gang, I am out of time. Thanks for stopping by! Good luck this week.