Eric Karabell

  (3:02 PM)

Hello all and welcome to the latest fantasy sports chat session! People have baseball and perhaps football on their mind today, and I will try to answer as many questions as I can. Thanks for showing up and let's have some fun...

Mike (Bottom feeding)

Loney or Belt as your 1st base option? I know, yuck.

Eric Karabell

  (3:02 PM)

Belt still has a chance to emerge and hit for power. I think we all know what Loney is at this point.

Dave (Denver)

Should I drop Worley for McCarthy, Hammel, Dubront or Bauer?

Eric Karabell

  (3:03 PM)

No, I'd keep Worley, though I rank McCarthy around the same spot. It's premature on Bauer that he gets called up this month and he performs like an top-40 guy.

Rusty (Chicago)

What is your opinion of Frieri? Seems like a no-brainer that he should be their closer, but Scioscia clearly hates fantasy baseball and would prefer to switch back a forth between Downs and Frieri. Is he worth owning in a standard 10 team?

Eric Karabell

  (3:04 PM)

Sure seems like it's all Frieri to me. When was Downs' last save? Frieri isn't as good as his numbers, but he's the guy.

Kevin (Atlanta)

Anything to look forward to from Latos and/or Youkilis?

Eric Karabell

  (3:05 PM)

Yeah, each is going to get a lot better! Latos should get his WHIP below 1.30 soon, and Youkilis will hit for power.

roc (nyc)

hey EK - thanks for taking the time. who's your pick ROS between samardzija and d. hudson??

Eric Karabell

  (3:05 PM)

I'm a big Samardzija fan but it's not close for me. Hudson has proven it before, and he's healthy now.

Gary (Laguna Beach)

I've got to sit Lincecum until he can put together 2-3 good games in a row right? He is killing me!

Eric Karabell

  (3:06 PM)

The strikeouts still count in your league, right? It's fine to sit him, since one start in the big scheme of 32 or so isn't a big deal, but I think he's still a top-30 starter.

fernando (ca)

do you expect to see will myers up in kc anytime before september?

Eric Karabell

  (3:08 PM)

If he keeps hitting for power the way he has been then yeah, the Royals will have to promote him, probably in center field. Can't find too many better hitting prospects currently that could make an immediate impact.

Brian (Newtown, Pa)

Hi Eric, hoping you can help. Which deal do you like better for me: I give Freeman/Anibal for Lee or I give Craig/Sanchez for Haren? (If you like neither, you can say that too). Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (3:08 PM)

I like the first one better. Lee is terrific, he's just not winning. But I like Craig a lot, too. I have some concerns about all the innings on Haren's arm.

Grant (NC)

Rasmus will be a top ? of ROS?

Eric Karabell

  (3:10 PM)

Worth owning even in 10-team leagues, but outside my top 40 outfielders. I'd say just makes the top 50.

Manny (Austin)

Football Keeper Question. Can keep 3 guys in rounds originally drafted. My only decent keeper is Arian Foster (2nd rd) and am thinking of trading him for depth. I was offered Welker (7th rd), Reggie Bush (8th) and Maclin (9th) for him. Hate trading Foster but this gives me 3 solid starters in return (plus a fourth with my now free 2nd rd pick). Thoughts?

Eric Karabell

  (3:11 PM)

Certainly seems a fair offer, but I'd still keep Foster and try to get the other two by dealing a pick or something. Welker is great... but Bush and Maclin aren't outstanding keepers.

Jeff (MA)

Eric - what side comes out ahead? - non-keeper. J. Upton, Hosmer and Shields for Pujols, Victorino and Cliff Lee?

Eric Karabell

  (3:11 PM)

I would take the Pujols/Lee side. I do think Upton and Hosmer will get better, but Lee has the ability to dominate weeks at a time. And he will win.

Tommy (KC)

I almost made a trade last week that would have sent Peavy and Hammel away and received King Felix. His back scared me off. Would you do that deal, with or without the back issue?

Eric Karabell

  (3:12 PM)

I would still make the deal. I don't think a DL stint is pending, but even if it is, that's a top-10 starter.

James (NY)

Hey EK, currently listening to the pod while I write. Which side would you rather have? 12t points league. McCutchen & A.Sanchez or Beltran

Eric Karabell

  (3:12 PM)

The McCutchen side. He's better and safer than Beltran, and Sanchez is good.

Jim (DC)

Any chance Coco Crisp rebounds?

Eric Karabell

  (3:13 PM)

Absolutely. Hasn't hit much but the legs are fine. Capable of a 10-steal month at any time.

Dan (Syracuse)

Avila on DL and need a catcher. Slaty and Miguel Montero areon the wire. Which one??

Eric Karabell

  (3:13 PM)

Wow. I'd go Saltalamacchia at this point. He passed Avila for me last week, when he was healthy. And he passes Montero.

Jack (Diamond Bar, CA)

Hi Eric, how come so little talk of Wilin Rosario? Kid's mashing (40 HR pace if an everyday catcher) and hitting for average of late too. Is he a Top 15 catcher by the end of this season?

Eric Karabell

  (3:15 PM)

He is getting that batting average up nicely, but I think the Rox still intend to have Ramon Hernandez play more when he is healthy. But I could see an Arencibia season...20 HR, .230?

John (Charlotte, NC)

What sort of hitter does Harper project to eventually become, are we talking 30/30/.300 or will he lose some of his speed but hit 40hr's?

Eric Karabell

  (3:15 PM)

He is so impressive... and he is so fast. I think if he wants to steal bases he is a future 30/30 guy. I think the power will get there. I'd say 35/20 is best guess.

Eric (CO)

If you needed BA and had good power, would you deal Carlos Santana for Joe Mauer?

Eric Karabell

  (3:16 PM)

Mauer scares me again... DL stint coming? Twins going nowhere, no reason to keep playing a hurt guy. I'd make a different move.

Josh (Tampa)

Considering dropping Lilly and picking up Bauer. Lilly's shoulder seems concerns me ROS. Thoughts?

Eric Karabell

  (3:17 PM)

I have no problem with stashing Bauer away now, but Lilly doesn't scare me much. He's always undervalued and puts up numbers. If you have rotation depth currently, sure, but if Lilly is your No. 3 or 4 starter, no. Bauer isn't a sure thing...

Dustin (Baltimore)

Are you ok with grabbing Rodgers with 2nd pick in draft if you are keeping McCoy (2nd rd value)? Or would you rather monopolize top RBs in my deep 14 team family keeper league

Eric Karabell

  (3:17 PM)

Depends what is available at RB, but certainly I've evolved and will take quarterbacks in the first round if it makes sense. Rodgers is the best.

Ben (SC)

Have Dyson (KC) as 5th OF. What will happen when Cain is activated? What about Myers?

Eric Karabell

  (3:18 PM)

I'd move Dyson before it's too late. The Royals don't view him as a future guy and they do with Cain and Myers. I think they'll try to move Francoeur and play Myers in right field.

todd (philly)

any faith in AGon? Would you trade Kendry and F. Rodney for him if you could; is that fair?

Eric Karabell

  (3:19 PM)

Wow, I'd do that in a minute. Is it fair? Well, not really. Gonzalez easily the best player there. Even if Rodney keeps thriving, find saves elsewhere. Deal high.

Dave (CT)

EK...can you give your opinion on Tim Collins....only Frieri and Chapman have a higher K/9 as a reliever and look at how their roles have drastically increased..

Eric Karabell

  (3:19 PM)

One of the top non-save relievers in the game. But I don't think there are saves in his future. Broxton has remained healthy and Holland is next in line.

John (Beaumont)

Salvador Perez?

Eric Karabell

  (3:20 PM)

Catching is so deep, it's hard to make any case for Sal in a 10- or 12-team one-catcher format. But I do view him as a top-20 catcher for the deeper leagues.

Jeff (NY)

Would you drop Zobrist for Heyward?

Eric Karabell

  (3:22 PM)

No. I am definitely buying low on Zobrist and continue to judge him as a top-50 player. He will raise the batting average.

Phil (Cleveland)

Pettitte keep it up all season long?

Eric Karabell

  (3:22 PM)

Not 10 whiffs per game, but double digit wins, ERA around 3.40? Sure.

Frank (SD)

Any advice for a disgruntled Victorino AND Ichiro Owner???

Eric Karabell

  (3:23 PM)

Victorino should get enough home runs and steals to placate you, but might not hit .250. Ichiro just doesn't look like the same guy anymore, not consistently. I was too high on him in March.

Ron (NYC)

Is De Aza for real?

Eric Karabell

  (3:26 PM)

He sure is! Should hit .280 with 25 steals, 90 runs. Nice year.

Caleb (Seattle)

What do you expect from Halladay when he returns? Also, when do you expect him to return?

Eric Karabell

  (3:26 PM)

I suspect he's back around the All-Star break, which is in a month. Will he be the top-5 pitcher from then on... I doubt it. But he can fake a 3.20 ERA and many Ks. I'd trade for him.

Mike (Washington)

Is Downs droppable now that Frieri is the closer?

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

Yes. I doubt there are saves in Downs' future.

Tom (Boston)

Expectations for Dice-K? He's returning this weekend vs Washington.

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

I wouldn't bother in a 10- or 12-team mixed format. I expect 5 innings, 3 runs, lot of pitches in a short time.

Mark (Michigan)

Trumbo or Desmond Jennings - long term keeper league???

Eric Karabell

  (3:28 PM)

I'd still go with Jennings. He can steal 30 bases and develop 20-homer pop. Trumbo could hit .270 this season... or he could alter his approach again and slip. Jennings better all-around.

Tim (San Fran)

Should I hold on to Paulino after tonight, or is he just a very good matchup pitcher right now?

Eric Karabell

  (3:28 PM)

I think he's more than a matchup pitcher. Throws extremely hard and his command is strong. He's done well against decent offenses, too.

Ryne (LA)

With Kemp on the DL again, should I consider trading him away for a couple of consistent OFs or top 10 pitcher and a bat?

Eric Karabell

  (3:29 PM)

Now is precisely the best time to trade FOR Kemp. Can carry a team the final 3 months. As always, depends what the deal is, but in a vaccuum, hold him.

Kyle (CA)

Middlebrooks or Harper who would you want?

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

Harper, no question. Takes walks, safer in batting average, runs, will score runs. Future monster. Middlebrooks is good and he's still playing, but overachieving some.

Johnny5 (Is Alive)

Michael Saunders has looked amazing at the dish, thoughts?!?!?

Eric Karabell

  (3:31 PM)

He has played much better lately, yes. Was thinking about blogging on him. Really, Mariners should give him a shot leading off. Ichiro does not deserve it. This isn't about past achievements... a .287 OBP? Yikes. Who is he, Jimmy Rollins?

Eric (CO)

Do Doubront and Samardzija both have innings limits this year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:32 PM)

I haven't heard about either of them being limited.

Caleb (Seattle)

Beachy or Sale ROS

Eric Karabell

  (3:32 PM)

I'd take Sale. Both will regress some, but I trust Sale more.

Alex (Cleveland)

Has Justin Smoak turned it around? Are you a believer

Eric Karabell

  (3:32 PM)

Not really. Should hit 20 homers but .250 to go with it. Eh.

steve (idaho)

is derek holland really this bad?

Eric Karabell

  (3:33 PM)

Last night's outing wasn't bad. Two starts ago was, but you move forward. Good guy to target.

Rebeka (Canada)

Looking to trade Valverde for a OF or SP, is he worth anything more than a bologna sandwich?

Eric Karabell

  (3:34 PM)

Absolutely. He's a closer. Tell a prospective owner what he did last year. I can't say Valverde's performance susprises me, but he should get better, like the AL version of Heath Bell.

James (Portland)

Jaime Garcia is taking a beating. Worth holding onto in a 10-team roto?

Eric Karabell

  (3:34 PM)

No, not anymore. Clearly hurting, expect a DL stint any minute.

Jeff (PA)

Would you sell high on Fernando Rodney and Chris Perez?

Eric Karabell

  (3:35 PM)

Well, I'd sell high on any closer with those numbers. Saves are about opportunity, and I doubt Perez stays on this pace.

Paul (Boston)

If Downs is droppable, does that mean Walden is droppable as well? Or do you think Walden still has a chance to reclaim his job?

Eric Karabell

  (3:35 PM)

I don't think Scioscia likes Walden very much. Awfully quick hook on him in April.

peter (chicago)

Is Bauer or Oswalt a better stash ROS? Who is up first?

Eric Karabell

  (3:36 PM)

Oswalt is up first, but it depends on the league. I probably go Oswalt first but if you need a huge potential jolt, make up a lot of ERA ground or it's a keeper, then Bauer.

Mike (NY)

Butler, Trout/ AGON, Nathan. Pick a side.

Eric Karabell

  (3:37 PM)

Take the side with Trout and without the closer. There are saves everywhere. Always deal high on them.

Nick (DC)

Are you selling high on RA Dickey? Would you deal him for Wainwright/Gallardo/Lester?

Eric Karabell

  (3:37 PM)

Not selling high at all... but would still take all three of those fellas over him. They'll improve, too.

Greg (Detroit)

Does Marmol get the closer job back?

Eric Karabell

  (3:38 PM)

I'm now saying no, and the Cubs do dump him on some team in July. And he doesn't close there, either.

Syd Finch (Maine)

Is Liriano back???

Eric Karabell

  (3:38 PM)

Two more outings. I wanna see two more.

Billy (KC)

Hey Eric! I want to get a true stud pitcher. I was thinking of packaging Josh Johnson and Shields for Greinke. Is that overpaying?

Eric Karabell

  (3:38 PM)

WAY overpaying. Keep what you have, you've got two studs already.

Tim (NJ)

Was offered Pence, J. Upton and Lincecum for Hamilton, Desmond and Cueto. Thoughts?

Eric Karabell

  (3:39 PM)

I'd take that one. Hamilton is awesome, but injury prone, and Pence is not. And Cueto is a clear sell high. Look at that K rate. Yuck.

Brint (Fort Lauderdale)

My league hasn't had any trades yet, but everyone actively manages. There are usually around 10 or so trades in a given year. How rare is this? How many do you usually see in your leagues? Just curious

Eric Karabell

  (3:40 PM)

I don't see many trades in my leagues, because everyone knows what they're doing and there aren't robberies. It's mainly need for need, or draft picks deals. If we all think Eric Hosmer is gonna get better - and we probably do - then that owner isn't moving him.

Anthony (Cali)

Would you deal away Justin Upton for Hunter Pence?

Eric Karabell

  (3:41 PM)

No, I would not. Upton has to get better. SO talented.

PHIL (Toronto )

How many homers do you think jose bautista will hit he has 12 right now

Eric Karabell

  (3:41 PM)

I'll say 38. Still a tad disappointing, though.

Robert (Covina, ca)

Rollins to rebound?

Eric Karabell

  (3:42 PM)

I don't see it. And I see him play every night.

Loren (Atlanta)

Got offered Asdrubal for Rollins straight up. Make the deal?

Eric Karabell

  (3:42 PM)

Absolutely. And I'm not a big Cabrera fan.

Michael (Milwaukee)

Ernesto Frieri is a top 5 closer if given the full time job, right?

Eric Karabell

  (3:42 PM)

No, that seems a bit extreme. But he should be owned in all leagues.

James (Miami)

Who should I take with the 2nd pick in the draft ina standard 12 team league between Ray Rice, Calvin Johnson, or Tom Brady who are the top available at those positions and my keepers are gronkowski and ryan matthews?

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

I'd take Rice. Can make a case for him at 1. In a standard league, there are 4 RBs at the top and then I'll mess with QB and WR and Chris Johnson.

Dan (Philly)

Am I crazy that I think Cole Hamels is gonna see some regression? I think the Phils are in some trouble and will sell sell sell

Eric Karabell

  (3:44 PM)

I disagree. I'd go get Lee and Hamels and Halladay. They're not selling. Entering Sunday they were a game out of the wildcard.

Jay (DC)

What do you see from Duda ROS? He seems to be turning the corner.

Eric Karabell

  (3:44 PM)

One of my big March sleepers is doing fine, should hit the 25 homers I projected (and got laughed at for saying)!

Sell High (Buy Low)

Hi Eric, sold Carlos Quentin for Ryan Zimmerman....good move?

Eric Karabell

  (3:45 PM)

Perfect. And I'm not a Zimm fan. Quentin is hurt a lot and has to hit at Petco... I know, he's hitting now. Look ahead.

JT (MA)

please help me tonight, help football in august...morrow tonight? yes or no? i can't decide if he'll get lit up or not...what's his ROS value?

Eric Karabell

  (3:46 PM)

Nobody knows on Morrow from outing to outing. I leave him active at all times. Never know when his next 15-K game is coming. And football is very popular even in June, trust me.

Porky (the Little Apple)

What do you mean by "there are saves everywhere?" All the people inline to get saves, ie closers, are rostered in my leagues. Even some speculative adds are owned too. Do you just mean, "the opportunity for saves to pop up on the waiver wire is always there?"

Eric Karabell

  (3:46 PM)

By next week 2 guys not getting saves will be. Happens constantly.

Victor (CA)

Is Jarrod Parker for real?

Eric Karabell

  (3:47 PM)

Yes. I can see 10 wins, 3.75 ERA and 140 Ks. Not bad for a rook. Better than what Cahill will do.

Steve (Portland)

You a sell high on Ethier advocate or think he is primed to continue producing and get PAID?

Eric Karabell

  (3:47 PM)

He's fine, but anyone leading the league in a stat like RBI is an obvious sell-high.

Ben (TX)

Hold on to Avila through his DL stint? He seemed to be turning it around a bit before the injuries mounted.

Eric Karabell

  (3:48 PM)

In an ESPN standard league, no. Too many good catchers out there...

Matt (Philly)

I can get Cliff Lee for my David Price...do it? Lee has to win eventually right?!? If anything, I will avoid the AL east with this trade

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

Yes, I would do that. Don't even look at Lee's zero in the win column. Can't predict wins.

Dave (Cleveland)

Drop Zobrist for Craig? .203 on June 6 is not good...

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

Bound to go up at least 50 points. Craig is great, but buy low on Zobrist.

Gustavo (Miami)

Thoughts on Brian Roberts? Skills were in decline pre-concussion...

Eric Karabell

  (3:50 PM)

Yeah sadly, no reason to believe. Man, he was a good player.

Todd W (RI)

Is Sale and Cueto a good offer to try and land Verlander??

Eric Karabell

  (3:50 PM)

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If it's me, I keep Verlander. It would take a ton to get him from me. But this might work. Go for it.

By Saam (Philly)

Hey Eric, how do you see Quintin Berry's ROS? Rumor that Tiggers will move him to left when AJ comes back and bat him second.

Eric Karabell

  (3:51 PM)

I'd sell now. Fourth outfielder, might be back in minors in a month. Just not this good. Or young.

Sal (nj)

Wise to drop C. Santana for Pierzynski or Saltalamacchia?

Eric Karabell

  (3:51 PM)

No, very unwise.

Jon (Memphis)

Manny Ramirez will hit 30 home runs ROS (and learn to fly)

Eric Karabell

  (3:52 PM)

I'm skeptical he ever plays for the A's at all.

Shawn (MO)

Quentin for Zobrist good offer?

Eric Karabell

  (3:52 PM)

Brilliant.

Andrew (SF)

Have you given up on Ike Davis?

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

Yeah, sadly it's time. Past the time. Mets should move Duda to 1B, where he can do less defensive damage, and play Bay, Nieuwenhuis/Hairston and let Torres run.

Joe (LA, CA)

What is your rationale for buying low on Zobrist? He hit .238 only two years ago.

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

I'm not math major, but that's still considerably better than his current mark.

Mitch (LA)

In a bizaro world where Wil Meyers is listed as a catcher in your league...would rather use him or Jesus Montero. When the time comes of course.

Eric Karabell

  (3:54 PM)

No, I would not. Meyers still hasn't tried to hit big league arms.

JEFF (BARTLETT)

scott diamond for real? ROS better than Cueto and Holland? desperate for ERA and Whip

Eric Karabell

  (3:54 PM)

Oh no, definitely not.

Chris (Pittsburgh)

Would you trade Chapman for Yadier?

Eric Karabell

  (3:55 PM)

I'd trade any closer for a top hitter... but what do you have at catcher? If it's Wieters, no!

Rob (Philly)

You voting Chooch on your All-Star ballot?

Eric Karabell

  (3:56 PM)

Yes, but it's not outrageous if Yadier is voted in ahead of him.

Stack (NJ)

Melky for Lincecum. Fair?

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

If you're getting Lincecum, wow.

Norman (New York, NY)

Eric is right. Zobrist BABIP current is sitting at .221

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

That too.

Jim (DC)

Do you have a general rule of thumb for what you need to get if you are trading a cheap keeper like say a Mike Trout for non-keeper high salary players? 150%? 200% of the players value you are trading away?

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

No. I don't overthink it. Each case different.

Joe (NY)

Whos your #1 pick for this football season?

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

Foster, then Rice and McCoy.

Sarah (ny)

Avila or Lucroy...who should i hold onto in DL slot?

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

Avila.

John Fogerty (Centerfield)

Matusz OR Holland ROS?

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

Holland.

Brian (SC)

youre not answering any of my questions EK, you're dead to me. gonna go listen to the matthew berry podcast unless you redeem yourself in the next few minutes...seriously enough about zobrist

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

Oh well. And I was having such a nice day.

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

Thanks to all for the great questions. Hope I got to yours! Have a great day and best of luck in your league... adios!