Eric Karabell

  (11:00 AM)

Hello all and welcome to the latest fantasy sports chat session. I am Eric. Thanks for showing up and let's get to as many questions as we can on baseball/football for the next hour... here we go!

Matt (Annapolis)

Deeper league question: Who do you like more ROS, Michael Brantley or Alex Presley?

Eric Karabell

  (11:01 AM)

I blogged about Brantley today! I'd pick Brantley over Presley, based on plate discipline and batting average. And he can steal bases, too...

Matt (NY)

Mornin Eric, I was just offered Bryce for my Trevor Bauer. I'm pretty down in the gutter this season, so how do these two compare for next season?

Eric Karabell

  (11:01 AM)

Bryce Harper is terrific, and unlike Bauer, proven in the major leagues. That's not to say Bauer won't be a star, but I tend to side with top hitters over the pitchers. I'd take Harper there.

Brett B. (Oklahoma)

Thunder UP! Why no respect for Capuano? 18th on the Player Rater for starters, yet Cockroft has him ranked at 62nd.

Eric Karabell

  (11:03 AM)

I can't speak for a colleague, but Capuano wouldn't be in my top 20, either. I see some regression coming, though I will say I think he's ownable in 10-team leagues and the strikeout is legit, and was last season as well.

Matt (Toronto)

EK... Just traded JJ Hardy for much needed pitching, deciding to go with Furcal for ROS. Will I regret that? Or will they not be too far from each other by season's end?

Eric Karabell

  (11:04 AM)

They do different things... Hardy is a 30-homer guy, Furcal hits for average and runs a bit. I trust Hardy more, frankly, but this is more about what your team needs. I'd take Hardy and am concerned about Furcal's durability.

Dan (NYC)

Jarrod Parker in Coors today... he should be benched, correct?

Eric Karabell

  (11:05 AM)

Yes, the way everyone's been hitting in Denver recently, I'd sit most pitchers. That's not to say Parker can't succeed, but the offense in Coors recently has been like the ol' days.

Drew [via mobile]

Is it even worth trying to trade Justin Upton? Or should I just hold on and pray for a turnaround?

Eric Karabell

  (11:05 AM)

I'd keep him around for the final three months when he plays like the near-top 10 player he was drafted to be.

Allen (Los Angeles, CA)

Boston Red Sox SP Clay Bucholz and Yankees SP Phil Hughes pitching well in recent games. Do they both keep this up the rest of way?

Eric Karabell

  (11:06 AM)

I trust Buchholz more. He's stopped walking people and unlike Hughes isn't on pace for 40 homers allowed.

Nathan J. (Illinois)

Was offered Allen Craig straight up for Chris Sale in a keeper league. Have a dominant pitching staff and need some offense. Is Craig really a Top 50 hitter next year, or should I demand more for the No. 1 fantasy pitcher?

Eric Karabell

  (11:07 AM)

I'd probably demand more. I like Craig but he hasn't shown he can remain healthy for long periods, and of course there's the question of which position he will ultimately play. But Sale is an injury risk, too. I'd try to get a bit more.

Rob (State College)

Hey Eric - if I have a six pack of closers, what do you think of a trade where I give up Brett Myers and get Michael Morse? In principle I like it a lot, but I'm concerned whether Morse starts to hit like he did last year. He's not looking overly impressive from what I've seen of his numbers.

Eric Karabell

  (11:09 AM)

I would almost always trade a closer for a potential impact bat, and Morse can be that. I wrote before the season Morse's power was real, and still believe it, but no way he hits .300 again with that walk-strikeout rate. But yes, you have to move a closer, and Myers isn't even close to top 10, for a top 50 hitter.

Paul (PA)

Would you be confident starting Daniel Hudson, in Texas?

Eric Karabell

  (11:10 AM)

No, not really. But the Rangers haven't hit much lately. Hudson was pummeled by Oakland last week. Think about that for a minute. Yikes.

Mike (San Diego)

What do you expect from Ellsbury this year when he comes back? Even if he struggles this year, would he be worth a 4th round keeper spot in a 14 team league for 2013?

Eric Karabell

  (11:10 AM)

Sure, potentially. I don't think this injury will still be a problem in 2013. I don't think he's going 30/30 again, either, though. But will he be a fourth-rounder in 2013 drafts, likely.

Will (Boston, Ma)

Thanks for chatting EK. Would you deal Bruce and Sale for Trout in a keeper league?

Eric Karabell

  (11:12 AM)

That's a lot... but yeah, I probably would. I'm all in on what Trout has been doing, and if he's a top-10 fantasy option by 2014, which I suspect, then a fourth- or fifth-round outfielder liek Bruce plus Sale - healthy? - is worth it.

Tim (NJ)

Acquired Gardner earlier in the year via trade and has been on my DL since, worth holding on to or do I cut ties?

Eric Karabell

  (11:12 AM)

Not too many players can run like Gardner, so yeah, I'd be more patient. And the injury isn't to his legs. That said, wouldn't be stunning if we hear soon that he needs elbow surgery.

Larry (NH)

Hi EK, Should I be worried about Hamels?.

Eric Karabell

  (11:13 AM)

No, I'm not too worried about him. Hasn't pitched well and he made the Twins and Target Field look like Coors last night, but still a top-10 guy.

Chris (Pleasanton, CA)

Is Brett Lawrie going to come around, or is it sophmore slump all year?

Eric Karabell

  (11:14 AM)

I wouldn't call .279 and the potential for a 20/20 season a slump. This is a good player.

Patrick (Boston)

Thoughts on Pedroia? Seems like he should have gone the DL rather than play through the thumb injury.

Eric Karabell

  (11:15 AM)

Yeah, I'm a bit concerned about Pedroia's power potential for the next month or longer. He probably should have been shut down for a few weeks. Still, he can hit through this, run and score enough to matter.

JR (KY)

Who is Jorge Soler and when will he be in the biggs?

Eric Karabell

  (11:16 AM)

People are asking for him but he is not going to be in the majors this season, so no need to add him. I'd say he could win a job in 2014.

Pete (Litchfield, CT)

Hello EK. Can you give me some idea of the type of impact we'll see when Ryan Howard returns? We're getting closer and he's still available in my league. Thanks.

Eric Karabell

  (11:17 AM)

I'm pessimistic about him hitting for great power this season, but I suppose it depends whose roster spot he replaces. Could I see 5 home runs per month, sure. Could see .240 batting average, too.

Bilbo (The Shire)

Thoughts on Trumbo over the next few years? Is he a potential top-10 player, or is this just a good year?

Eric Karabell

  (11:17 AM)

I think he's a guy that can hit 30 home runs consistently and hopefully hit .270 along the way. Not a first-round pick...

Mike (San Diego)

I know thiss is kind of a random question, but do you have a favorite fantasy writer on ESPN(desides yourself of course)?

Eric Karabell

  (11:18 AM)

I read everything my colleagues write, honestly. I can always learn, and we all bring different viewpoints and styles. Some are funny and everyone is informative. Not trying to dodge the question. I read their chats, too. On occasion they convince me to view a player differently.

Pedro (Pittsburgh)

Which player off to a slow start appears most primed to turn the corner: LoMo, Boesch, or Ike Davis?

Eric Karabell

  (11:20 AM)

I'd say Davis. I don't see Morrison reaching his potential. Boesch is average. Davis can be a 25-homer guy... can't explain his slow start, but he's been doing better of late.

Ben (ATL)

Plouffe or Seth Smith for a spot start today?

Eric Karabell

  (11:21 AM)

Well, that's not fair... one guy is hitting at Coors! It's Smith, but I will say my Plouffe-Mike Morse comparison from the winter is finally looking good.

Chris (SC)

Have Robertson on DL and need to either make room for him or cut him. Only options are Frieri and Cook, both current closers. Time to cut d-rob?

Eric Karabell

  (11:22 AM)

I don't think Cook is officially closer, but I do think Rafael Soriano keeps the job for the Yankees. I'd probably cut Cook, though.

Tony (Brooklyn)

What are your thoughts on Altuve in a keeper league? Looking like a current/future top-5 2B...

Eric Karabell

  (11:24 AM)

Big fan of Altuve, but not much power potential, and I'd still rather have Kinsler, Cano, Pedroia, Kipnis and Uggla and Zobrist in a keeper.

Allen (Los Angeles, CA)

Um, I know you're a Phillies fan, but give the Dodgers Cole Hamels! He is from southern CA and we will be playing in October anyway ;0)

Eric Karabell

  (11:25 AM)

If the Phillies keep playing like this I'd be all for dealing Hamels for prospects in July. But don't be so sure the Dodgers are playoff bound... long way to go.

Eric P (Oxford, MA)

What does the stat line for Plouffe look like at the end of season?

Eric Karabell

  (11:25 AM)

I think he hits 25 home runs. Might bat .240 though.

John (MN)

Adrian Peterson or Jamal Charles, who has the better year if they both start week 1?

Eric Karabell

  (11:26 AM)

If Peterson starts Week 1 then it's a terrific story...he blew out his knee months after Charles. I'd take Peterson in round 1 if I knew he was healthy for September.

Greg (NYC)

What tells you Cook won't be the closer in Oakland? Fuentes has prover year in and year out he stinks. Is it that they want to build Balfour's trade value?

Eric Karabell

  (11:27 AM)

Fuentes doesn't stink. And I do think teams are more likely to trade for relievers they think can close. Cook could get all the saves, but not exactly a proven guy.

Cody (PA)

Worley or Buerhle?

Eric Karabell

  (11:28 AM)

Worley has chips in his throwing elbow. Is trying to pitch through the pain, but tough to be optimistic for 2012. Go Buehrle.

Erik (VA)

What's your take on a team in last in a keeper that refuses to trade vets for prospects?

Eric Karabell

  (11:29 AM)

That's their right. A friend of mine and commish of a league told me years ago, and I never forgot it, nobody HAS to trade with you. They don't HAVE to offer fair trades, take the best offer or do anything. You could offer Pujols for Verlander and they might accept Plouffe instead. And you can't do a thing about it. It's fantasy.

Tommy (Miami)

Im hearing different things all over the place. When do u think Wil Myers will be called up????

Eric Karabell

  (11:30 AM)

I doubt it happens in June, but next month, sure. Might have to wait for Francoeur to be dealt, though.

Jonathon (Ariz)

A few days ago I felt like I was stacked at closer with Jansen and Chapman. Those guys are giving up ER left and right now.

Eric Karabell

  (11:30 AM)

I'm more worried about Jansen. When he's not striking everyone out it kinda tells me he could be hurt. He's certainly been hurt before.

Tom (SC)

King Felix -- what's your take/outlook ROS?

Eric Karabell

  (11:31 AM)

I would be surprised if he doesn't have a DL stint in his future. He's not pitching the same, and he's too talented to be average.

Guy (Tacoma, WA)

Say Utley is back around June 30th... are you expecting about the same production as last year?

Eric Karabell

  (11:31 AM)

Can't presume he'll steal many bases, but can he be a borderline top 10 second baseman? Yeah, I trust him more than Ryan Howard.

Adam (NYC)

Is the HR by Aybar last night a good sign for things to come????

Eric Karabell

  (11:32 AM)

Probably just a case of a struggling hitter squaring up a 95-MPH heater.

Jim (NJ)

Traded Ethier for Marcum. Fair deal? What do you expect from Marcum ROS?

Eric Karabell

  (11:33 AM)

You should have received more for the guy leading the league in RBIs. Fair? If you need pitching, then sure. Ethier is a sell high guy... just not a huge fan of Marcum.

Todd (CA)

Haren ROS? I have King Felix as well. Both don't seem right.

Eric Karabell

  (11:33 AM)

Not much you can do. I assume anyone trading for Haren or Felix will be concerned, too, and won't give what they would have in March.

Rich (Queens)

Ok, EK...Give me your official scoring last night. Hit or Error? Did Dickey throw the 2nd no-no in Mets history?

Eric Karabell

  (11:35 AM)

I think it has to be scored a hit. But it doesn't take away from how great Dickey has been. This is unprecedented for a knuckleballer... one would think more struggling pitchers, like Dickey was years ago, would learn the pitch.

Tarr (Orlando)

How many games you think Werth will play rest of season?

Eric Karabell

  (11:36 AM)

I'll say 40... but I wouldn't call him a great buy low option. Serious wrist break, saps power...yikes.

jason (atl)

To go along with the no hit appeal by the Mets, can the Cards then appeal Beltrans "Hit" even though is was ruled foul?

Eric Karabell

  (11:37 AM)

Umpires and official scorers - and fantasy writers - are certainly not perfect. But I think everyone is doing the best they can... at least I hope so!

Will (Atlanta)

Football keeper question:Pick two from Dez Bryant, AJ Green, and Kenny Britt

Eric Karabell

  (11:37 AM)

Can't put Britt in that group yet, not with his injury issues. Of course, Britt is just as good otherwise.

Mike (Boston)

Hi EK. When choosing pitchers to stream, matchups are obviously important. My questions is how do you figure out which offenses are the "weakest"? Runs scored in the season? Team OPS? Something else?

Eric Karabell

  (11:39 AM)

I try not to overthink things... look more at trends than season numbers. I mean, look at the Twins this week. Unexplainable. If I trust the pitcher and he's on a roll then I'm more likely to ignore the matchup.

Steve (Work)

Hunter Pence is having best season of his career. Just putting it out there.

Eric Karabell

  (11:40 AM)

I did rank him better than others on staff, but watching him every day... his base running, his defense, his awful work with runners in scoring position... still, for fantasy the numbers will be there.

Ben (SJ)

EK, I'm sure you've been asked this a lot, but do you think Adrian Gonzalez will pick up the power pace? Or is he realistically just a 20-25 HR guy?

Eric Karabell

  (11:41 AM)

I don't think this will be a lost season for him... but I'd take the under on 30 home runs. Park effects can mean only so much, and leaving Petco for Fenway got overrated.

Cody (PA)

What you think about Vladimir Guerrero if he gets picked up and gets a major league job?

Eric Karabell

  (11:42 AM)

His actions this week should make him a free agent for the forseeable future. And he's not a great hitter anymore.

Mike (NJ)

How long do you think Wilheim will keep the Seattle closer job?

Eric Karabell

  (11:42 AM)

The skills are there for Wilhelmsen to keep the role, but the Mariners seem intent on returning League to closer. Perhaps a trade audition.

Sal (Queens)

Someone offerred me Matt Joyce and RA Dickey for Trout in a keeper league. Should I do it?

Eric Karabell

  (11:43 AM)

Absolutely not. And Dickey is legit... but still. In a keeper?

vk (dc)

Am I wasting a DL spot in my keeper league with Carl Crawford?

Eric Karabell

  (11:44 AM)

No, I don't think it's a waste. But you won't get Crawford in Tampa Bay numbers, either. Not this season.

Mike (Boston)

I worry that using trends or streaming pitchers on a roll is to small a sample size for accurate predictions. Am I overthinking this?

Eric Karabell

  (11:44 AM)

It's why I don't stream often. Trust your studs.

Ben (DC)

How high are you on Clippard? Top 10 closer now? Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (11:45 AM)

No, because it's hardly a given Davey Johnson lets him keep closing.

Josh (Raleigh, NC)

What are your thoughts on the value of Jim Thome, does he hold much value beyond interleague play?

Eric Karabell

  (11:46 AM)

Sadly, he holds no value when interleague ends. Unless the Phillies do the right thing and trade him to an AL team. Thome is so fun to watch, a great guy, but he deserves better than this mess as he proves he can still hit for power.

jason (atl)

What to do with Chris Young???

Eric Karabell

  (11:48 AM)

Which one? The pitcher is a short-term add only. Always hurt. The hitter, as I wrote upon his activation from the DL, wasn't gonna hit .390 or have a career year. That blog didn't make me popular. Now he's down to .264. It was predictable.

John (NY)

everth Cabrera....thoughts?

Eric Karabell

  (11:49 AM)

Potential 30-steal guy... but not a good hitter by any means. And the power isn't there. Can hit the occasional inside the parker, though.

Seth (NY)

Hey Eric, I was offered Desmond Jennings for Motte and Parker. What you think?

Eric Karabell

  (11:50 AM)

I like it. Closers lose it all the time and there's way too much rotation depth to not trade for a potential 15-homer, 30-steal guy.

Willy (Hong Kong)

Middlebrooks? What do you think? Good keeper for next season?

Eric Karabell

  (11:50 AM)

I'd call him a borderline top 10 third baseman for 2013 drafts. Not a great keeper in a 10-team league if you keep 5 each, though.

Pick (Me)

Are you worried about Axford at all? Could he be the next closer to go?

Eric Karabell

  (11:51 AM)

Yes, clearly something is amiss with him recently. I'd get ready to add K-Rod. This happens to so many closers.

Allen (San Diego, CA)

If one wanted to acquire Trout or Harper in a keeper league, what would it take?

Eric Karabell

  (11:52 AM)

Your first born? Honestly, these guys are dominant keepers. Couldn't begin to guess why a Trout owner would part with him, or what it would take. A lot.

John (NY)

Capps/Broxton....both get dealt?

Eric Karabell

  (11:53 AM)

I would hope that big league teams are smart enough to know that Capps really isn't a great reliever, and that saves tell us nothing about skills or performance. Broxton should have interest, though.

jason (atl)

So would you drop chris young the hitter then or hold on to him?

Eric Karabell

  (11:53 AM)

He's a 20/20 guy that can't hit for average, just like past seasons. I think that's worth owning, but Young owners or Arizona fans thought he was Ryan Braun. He isn't. Keep him.

John (NJ)

Are you worried about Matt Kemps return?

Eric Karabell

  (11:54 AM)

Not really. If I made a worry list, I don't think Kemp would be on it. Or anything in fantasy. I think Kemp finishes with 34 homers, 14 steals.

Dan (NYC)

K-Rod has been terrible this year too. 1.50 whip.

Eric Karabell

  (11:55 AM)

He sure has been. I doubt Milwaukee brass pays much attention to WHIP, though. All they'll see is K-Rod's career saves.

Brad (Boston)

Will Youk turn it around with CC and Ellsbury returning?

Eric Karabell

  (11:55 AM)

I don't think other Red Sox players have any bearing on why Youkilis can no longer hit. But I'd be patient on all of them.

RJ (NY)

If you made a worry list, who would be on it?

Eric Karabell

  (11:56 AM)

Me, for actually making a worry list.

Joe (Cleveland)

Tulo re-injured...Plouffe or Cozart at SS?

Eric Karabell

  (11:56 AM)

Plouffe will hit 25 home runs. Cozart should be batting eighth or in the minors. The Reds are only hurting themselves - and Votto - with their awful lineup choices (no OBP) at the top.

Callen (NJ)

How long do you think roy halladay is going to be out for

Eric Karabell

  (11:57 AM)

I think he returns right after the All-Star break, but won't be a top-20 pitcher.

Alan (Teaneck)

I picked up Ben Revere for this week but is he droppable after this week?

Eric Karabell

  (11:58 AM)

He can steal bases, so if you added him for that, keep him.

Luke (Toronto)

Can we say Lynn's regression will be minimal after last night?

Eric Karabell

  (11:58 AM)

Not really. It's one game. But I think his final ERA will be over 3.

Logan (Fla.)

NL only can you rank these RPs EK: D.Hernandez,Grilli and Bastardo? All worth an add

Eric Karabell

  (11:59 AM)

I'd say Grilli first, because Hanrahan could be dealt and he'd get saves. Then Hernandez and way down Bastardo. He's not gonna save games.

Lee (ABQ)

Would you trade Reddick for Zobrist?

Eric Karabell

  (11:59 AM)

Absolutely.

Eric Karabell

  (12:00 PM)

OK, my time is up for today so I thank you all for showing up and asking questions, and I hope I got to yours. Have a great day and best of luck with your fantasy teams... football draft kit coming soon! Adios!