Eric Karabell

  (11:02 AM)

Hello to all and welcome to the latest fantasy sports chat session! I am Eric, and we've got an hour, so let's get to as many questions as possible and have a little fun. Thanks for showing up. Here we go!

Brandon (Toronto)

Hanley Ramirez keeper league owner here. We keep 8 players with no restrictions, do I sell high on Hanley now with his spike in value or do I hold on to hi and hope he gets SS eligibility.

Eric Karabell

  (11:03 AM)

Hanley isn't having quite the year we imagined with batting average, but a pace of 23 homers and 23 steals for a middle infielder is pretty sweet. I'd keep him. Plus, has his value really spiked? I'd say it's the same. And yes, he will play short soon, but I think he falls short of 20 games for next year.

Hurt Panda (Virginia Zoo)

Even if healthy, am I, Pablo, a better bet than the likes of Freeman, Rasmus and Headley the rest of the year?

Eric Karabell

  (11:04 AM)

Not if Sandoval misses the next month with the hamstring injury he isn't. Let's see the results from today's MRI and if a DL stint is pending. If healthy, yeah, go Panda, but he isn't. And while I like Headley leaving San Diego (if he does), let's not expect a 20-homer season, either.

Mac (New York, NY)

Is Coco Cordero done? It didn't sound like he was going to be yanked from the role just yet.

Eric Karabell

  (11:05 AM)

Doesn't sound that way to me, either. The Astros have 12 wins and 42 losses since late-May. I don't think they care much who pitches the ninth inning. Cordero wasn't done last year. I know he's struggled this week, but I doubt all his ability is gone.

Jacob (Philadelphia, PA)

Do you think that Arian Foster should be downgraded from the number 1 pick, because of the emergence of Ben Tate?

Eric Karabell

  (11:06 AM)

No, he is my No. 1 pick as well, but I've also been drafting Tate in round 6, earlier than most. All running backs have question marks, more so than the quarterbacks and wide receivers. And we all need 4 running backs to get through a season, generally.

Herbert (Whoville)

Do you like Jacob Tamme to have a breakout season as much as I do? Or will Dressen steal too many looks/plays?

Eric Karabell

  (11:07 AM)

I think Tamme's previous working relationship with Peyton Manning is a very legit reason to expect a nice season, but he's outside my top 10 TEs for now.

Maholm (Chicago)

Why is no one paying attention to me? ERA under 1 my past 40 innings. I know I don't strike a ton of people out, but I'm at least a decent matchup play....aren't I?

Eric Karabell

  (11:08 AM)

I've been writing about Maholm after each of his starts and I guess the reason people don't trust him is because he is, well, Paul Maholm. But numbers are numbers; he has a bad start, you cut him. I don't get it either.

Devin Brooks (Detroit,Mich)

Hey Eric, Football question: If you are in a two QB league, would you take Stafford first overall if you have the number one pick? the reason I ask this is because fantasy stats to me seem to favor Stafford over Rodger or Brees and Brady, because Stafford could have 5,000 yards and 43 TDs, where as I dont see Rodgers getting 5,000 in yards but I do see him maybe getting 40 TDs same for the other two.. I know they did it last year.. but with Calvin and Young getting better and NO really running game.. what you think?

Eric Karabell

  (11:09 AM)

I don't see why Rodgers and Brees can't duplicate their seasons. Same with Stafford. But I can't take a quarterback first, even in a multi-QB league. Would I laugh at someone who did? Nope. If you think Stafford wins fantasy this year, go for it.

Chris (Milwaukee)

Who'd you rather? J.McDonald or B.Sheets the rest of the way.

Eric Karabell

  (11:09 AM)

McDonald, and that's even with continued regression. The early love for Sheets is a bit out of line. Watch out.

Matt (Houston)

What do you expect out of the Arizona Cardinals RB situation? I am thinking of targeting Ryan Williams in the late rounds as a lottery type pick.

Eric Karabell

  (11:10 AM)

I have already been targeting Williams in drafts, but it should be noted he is no durable fellow himself. It's quite possible no Cardinals running back approaches 1,000 yards or fantasy starting status. But don't give up on Beanie yet.

Andy (Michigan)

Where would you draft Lynch? Is he still worth a RB2?

Eric Karabell

  (11:11 AM)

He's a RB1 unless we hear of a suspension or guaranteed missed time. It's easy to say move him down lists but look at the running back mess after him... I can't find 10 running backs I trust in my running back top 10... Lynch is in it.

Micah (Go Braves!)

Eric - where would you rank Lucroy ROY among Jesus Montero, Ryan Doumit, Wilin Rosario and Yasmani Grandal? Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (11:12 AM)

Ahead of Grandal but that's about it. Lucroy isn't likely to continue hitting .345 for long, and the others have more power. Rosario has a ton of power.

Cooper (Boston)

Ricky Romero... ugh... any hope of redemption here?

Eric Karabell

  (11:14 AM)

I Tweeted last night that something must be wrong with him, and Toronto really should stop using him until they figure it out. I don't feel bad for him, and don't own him in any leagues, but still, these are awful numbers. Use someone else. It's ugly. Sure, redemption is possible. He was a near top-20 starter on draft day... but you can't leave him active.

Bernard Rucker (England)

Pick up Hosmer? Seems like he might be heating up finally.

Eric Karabell

  (11:14 AM)

Feel like I've been reading that line for 3 months. But I never dropped him.

Tim (Alaska)

Why is everyone down on M.Turne....I still see him as a solid RB2 with 900 yards, 8tds...what do you think?

Eric Karabell

  (11:14 AM)

I agree. But he's on the wrong side of 30 and when that happens to running backs, things go awry quickly. Boy, I hope I'm still running strong when I hit 30.

Stephen Strasburg (Doctors Room)

Over under 2 more TJS for me.

Eric Karabell

  (11:15 AM)

That's awfully mean. Take the under. And SS will be pitching in October this season. Perhaps not much in September though...

Jared (MSP)

Thoughts on Harvey for the Mets tonight? Worth a flyer pick up?

Eric Karabell

  (11:15 AM)

Not a chance in a 10-team league. He's a rookie and was walking people in the minors AND the Mets bullpen is easily the worst in baseball.

Joe (Sarasota)

Rickie Weeks is on fire.Just saying.

Eric Karabell

  (11:16 AM)

Well, he was on Wednesday. He's also hitting .200 on the season. Fire wouldn't be the word I'd use.

Joe gousse (Tootsvill)

Is victorino going to be dealt? Would going to the dodgers increase his value hitting in front of Kemp and Hanley?

Eric Karabell

  (11:16 AM)

No, it would not. Have you seen the ballpark he competes in today? It's kinda nice. Don't worry about lineup protection. Does. Not. Exist.

Petee (Chicago)

I saw you answered a question on M.Turner...what do you think his stats will be?

Eric Karabell

  (11:17 AM)

Pretty much same as last year, fewer touchdowns though. The point is the risk is higher each year due to his age and Atlanta potentially using others.

Clyde (NYC)

Yo EK would you deal Votto for Trumbo and Rizzo in a keeper league? Thanks for the help

Eric Karabell

  (11:17 AM)

I would not. Votto is the best player in the deal, but if you think Rizzo is gonna be a top-10 first baseman, I can see it making sense.

EJ (Charlotte)

Eric in NL only would you add any of these SP's for ROS: Samardzija,Maholm or Norris? Besides K's Norris scares me with whip/era. Thoughts

Eric Karabell

  (11:18 AM)

Not Norris. The Astros never win. Don't score. Will he win 5 more starts? The Cubs guys are better and safer right now.

Matt (Cleveland, OH)

Does Casilla keep the closer job in San Fran? An impatient owner dropped him last week and I scooped him up!

Eric Karabell

  (11:18 AM)

I don't see who would replace him, and the Giants seem unlikely to deal for a Broxton type to replace him.

Drew (Bloomsburg)

When will we know if Peterson/Lynch are going to miss time? I have a draft coming up and am unsure how high to take either.

Eric Karabell

  (11:19 AM)

We won't know for another month, I predict. And even then, no guarantees. For now think positive thoughts.

Ryan (MO)

where would you draft Jamaal Charles in a PPR league?

Eric Karabell

  (11:19 AM)

Among the top 10 running backs for sure. He's almost there in standard scoring, and I like the KC schedule a lot.

Drew (Bloomsburg)

Is Bautista/Bumgarner enough to get CarGo in a keeper league? Or is it too much?

Eric Karabell

  (11:20 AM)

Seems reasonable, but what you think is or isn't too much has no bearing on the other trader. Try it and see. That's a lot to give up, since it appears Bautista is fine and ready to return soon.

Mike (Chicago)

You said Turner will be worse this year, what about Frank Gore? With Addai getting cut is Ridley a sneaky RB3?

Eric Karabell

  (11:21 AM)

Gore sees fewer carries as well. Seems obvious. And let's be clear, I never thought Addai would even make the Patriots, so my original Ridley ranking doesn't need adjustment.

Nate (Texas)

Why is everyone so high on Mike Olt? He's a 23 year old in AA with a 25% K rate. Do you think he can be an above average 3B in the majors?

Eric Karabell

  (11:22 AM)

I think Olt can be a 20-homer guy as soon as next season. Not a superstar, and certainly more attractive in Texas' ballpark, but he's a top 3B prospect. Phillies would love to have him.

Eggman (w/The Walrus)

Uggla? time to drop him in H2H? he's been awful!

Eric Karabell

  (11:22 AM)

Look up what Uggla did last year without warning and get back to me. Ran off a 30-game hitting streak.

Drew (Bloomsburg)

Who is the handcuff to Shady? Dion Lewis doesn't seem to have the talent to be able to come close to replicate those numbers.

Eric Karabell

  (11:23 AM)

Agree. I handcuff Tate to Foster, because he's talented. In Philly I don't worry about McCoy's handcuff, because the team would never just move a guy they currently have in and give him the same touches.

Frank (Cubicle)

Any word on the Seattle Phenom Hultzen???? is he coming up???

Eric Karabell

  (11:23 AM)

Probably another month. I'd expect roughly 5 big league starts from him in Seattle.

Kip (Tampa, FL)

Couldn't Romo or Affeldt replace Casilla?

Eric Karabell

  (11:24 AM)

They haven't yet, which tells me Casilla is still the guy. Romo is awesome, but they really have to monitor usage due to durability. That's why he doesn't close.

Biggy (Milwaukee)

What do you think about J. Lester. Can i please drop this guy?

Eric Karabell

  (11:25 AM)

It's your team, do what you like, but I don't see Lester and Romero as the same thing. I'd keep Lester.

Willis (Mattapan, MA)

Why is everyone still so high on Brett Lawrie? His numbers seem fairly average to me, whats his ceiling?

Eric Karabell

  (11:26 AM)

It's a bit reactive to just give up on greatness for guys like Lawrie and Hosmer based on four months. I still think each has big-time upside, and it's not like they're hitting .200 with no pop or speed. Be patient.

Todd (Philly)

Is Starling Marte worth the pickup if you need steals, or do you have more confidence in a part timer like Pierre?

Eric Karabell

  (11:27 AM)

I don't have confidence that Marte will play regularly and hit enough to keep the job. All rookies get overrated, and he's got holes in that swing.

Shawn (MO)

Swisher and Ruggiano became available. Would you rather have one of them or Nelson Cruz?

Eric Karabell

  (11:27 AM)

I'd keep Cruz, but Swisher should not be available in any league. I do like Ruggiano, but not over those guys.

Matt (NY)

Please gimme an answer, I need the points. Are Laffey and Edwin decent streamers today or am I gonna get crushed?

Eric Karabell

  (11:28 AM)

I personally would feel better about Edwin Jackson than Laffey, but it's your team. I don't assume either gets crushed. This is the risk you play by streaming.

Ben (TX)

Hosmer's splits when batting lower than 4th in the order are pretty extreme. Better than .333 hitter below 4th, worse than .175 higher than 4th. Any comment on this?

Eric Karabell

  (11:29 AM)

I think it's coincidence. I doubt it's the pressure of hitting third in the order getting to him.

Ronnie (New York)

The short porch in right seems like it was built for Ichiro. Hes going to start showing off his power stroke here isnt he?

Eric Karabell

  (11:30 AM)

I seriously doubt it. He's had plenty of at-bats at Yankee Stadium before. He looks shot as a hitter, which takes nothing away from career achievements, but evidence is clear.

Mark (Atlanta)

What's your outlook on Duda ROY? Thinking of trading him for Berkman in a keeper league. Keep up the good work EK!

Eric Karabell

  (11:31 AM)

Pretty poor time to rely on Duda when he's in Buffalo. Make the deal. Of course, Berkman is hardly safe with his injury woes.

Adam (NYC)

would you have have Berkman or Werth ROS?

Eric Karabell

  (11:31 AM)

Werth, definitely. He'll run and his injury woes aren't chronic.

Jack (Vegas)

Who do you think will be the better RB this seasonMarshawn Lynch or T-Rich?Thanks in advance!!

Eric Karabell

  (11:32 AM)

Everyone loves the rookies. Well, not everyone. I take Lynch. I know all the reasons not to, but still. ROOKIE!

Scott (waltham, ma)

20 team dynasty: which side do you want of this trade: McCann/Bauer for Freeman/Rosario?

Eric Karabell

  (11:32 AM)

Bauer side. Still.

Manny (NYC)

traded Craig to get Andrus, good trade?

Eric Karabell

  (11:32 AM)

Depends on need, but sure.

Mark (Rochester, NY)

As a keeper for next season, do you think Edwin Encarnacion now has more value then Pablo Sandoval?

Eric Karabell

  (11:33 AM)

No, but it's certainly closer than anyone expected.

Jason (Los Angeles)

In an auction draft would you draft Brees, Chris Johnson and A.Foster an then just fill the rest with $2 WRs?

Eric Karabell

  (11:33 AM)

I've done it before, and the main risk is lack of depth. One guy gets hurt and you cannot recover.

justin (lawrenceville)

safe to drop ARod in AL-only? even if he comes back, it will be mid-september, think he knocks the cover off the ball for two weeks before playoffs?

Eric Karabell

  (11:34 AM)

I've already dropped him in a similar league. I doubt he gets more than two weeks or even sees regular at-bats in that time. It's a hand injury and the Yankees are October-bound.

JP (VA)

De Aza, Fowler, or Ross ROS?

Eric Karabell

  (11:34 AM)

Each is worth rostering. I take De Aza.

George (South Park)

CJ2K or Ryan matthews??? ... can only Keep one in a PPR..

Eric Karabell

  (11:35 AM)

Flip a coin. I think I like each more than most, but in PPR, it's still Johnson. He's going to bounce back strong.

Dawn (IL)

Time to pick up Myers? Will he outperform Ike, Chipper or Cruz? Would have to drop one of these to acquire.

Eric Karabell

  (11:36 AM)

I'd add Wil Myers if I had bench room, but if you're relying on him to play a lot and put up numbers... dangerous game with rookies, even the accomplished ones. Could outperform all those guys, or might not play at all if Francoeur isn't traded.

CAM (Chicago)

Greinke or Sabathia. Who do you see having the best ROS? Their stats are almost identical. I am slightly concerned about where Greinke ends up playing.

Eric Karabell

  (11:37 AM)

I'm not. I'd go with CC and not think twice. Why does it matter where Greinke pitches?

Me (OK)

Should Wandy be available? If I add him I would have Pitts top 3 (AJ, McD and Wandy). Would have to drop Anibal or Cishek for him though.

Eric Karabell

  (11:38 AM)

Wandy is really nothing special, and going to the Pirates doesn't change much. No guarantees he wins more. Cishek is getting saves but I really think Heath Bell gets another shot.

RSS (Detrua(oit))

Travis d Arnaud...will he be called up for Arencibia? will he be good?

Eric Karabell

  (11:38 AM)

Toronto's future catcher tore his knee in June. Don't expect him in the big leagues soon.

Andrew (SF)

Just a bad month for Belt, with rebound coming up? Or real concerns? Assuming PT, of course, for daily league anyway.

Eric Karabell

  (11:40 AM)

Brandon Belt should be a lot better than he is showing, and I can no longer trust he'll hit for power or average in 2012. I don't think the Giants believe in him, either, and while I wouldn't give up on him long-term, he HAS had chances this season. Frankly, we've all placed too much attention on a young player with a .230 batting average and NO home runs against RHP this season.

Mario (NYC)

Do you see Kris Medlen Replacing Jurrjens In the Braves rotation? and is he worth a pickup in a 12 team mixed? Thanks....

Eric Karabell

  (11:41 AM)

No, I think the Braves like him in long relief for some odd reason.

Ryan (MO)

Would you keep Reggie Wayne or Jeremy Maclin in a PPR?

Eric Karabell

  (11:41 AM)

Keep them? I like Maclin considerably more, but without knowing the league rules or other options, impossible to tell.

Tyler Clippard (DC)

Why is it assumed that I'm going to lose my job? I've worked hard, performed adequately, rarely been late to the office.

Eric Karabell

  (11:42 AM)

I don't think it's assumed, but Storen is a proven closer and most old managers - or young ones - have foolish loyalty to those types.

Arom (Yesssuh)

Is it safe to drop Pineda? Keeper league but I need the roster spot for olivo

Eric Karabell

  (11:42 AM)

Yikes, Olivo? Pineda is done for 2012 and expectations should be low in 2013.

Mike (San Diego)

The Giants should just trade Belt. Seriously. They can't jerk him around like this and expect him to hit when they randomly give him a chance.

Eric Karabell

  (11:43 AM)

Belt has had ample opportunity the past 2 months, and he's done nothing. I'm all for ripping managers/teams when they deserve it, but Belt has not hit. Yeah, he needs 500 at-bats to prove it, not 222, but still... he hasn't delivered.

Mike (San Diego)

Heard any injury news on Victor Martinez lately? I just grabbed him in a dynasty league and as bad as this sounds, I hope he DOESN'T play this year because then he stays eligible at catcher. You think he comes back in September?

Eric Karabell

  (11:44 AM)

I do not think Martinez plays a game this year.

Mike (San Diego)

So Fowler is worth owning, but would you drop Pagan, Quentin, or Torii Hunter for him?

Eric Karabell

  (11:45 AM)

What kind of league is this? I'd drop all of them for Fowler, but none are terrific options. All ownable.

Kendall (Charlotte)

EK start Burnett and miley today? Worry about Burnett's stats vs. astros.

Eric Karabell

  (11:46 AM)

Have you seen the Astros the past 3 months? Nothing in Burnett's past against Houston has any relevance whatsoever. Start them both.

Arom (toot)

Keep Pineda or Laffey for next year?

Eric Karabell

  (11:47 AM)

Is this serious? You're considering keeping Aaron Laffey? Wow. Keep Pineda, even if he misses another year (which he won't).

Jeff (MA)

What's you take on Cliff Lee.. He's been inconsistent this season.. What do you see him pitching like the rest of the season - stats wise?

Eric Karabell

  (11:48 AM)

I think he's been pretty consistent, actually... he's won one game. That's consistent! I'd say he's not as good as everyone thought, but is capable of being dominant. Hoping for better days, of course.

Drew (Bloomsburg)

In a 20tm FFB league, would you be concerned about starting RGIII?

Eric Karabell

  (11:48 AM)

Concerned about a rookie QB in any format, especially a deeper one in which it's not so easy to get a decent QB.

Andrew (West Va.)

Any thoughts on where dempster will end up?

Eric Karabell

  (11:49 AM)

Dodgers. And then they can play Chad Billingsley at third. I don't really know why Dodgers need more starting pitching, but they seem to want it. They need bats. More than Hanley.

Byrnes (San Diego)

Huston Street this year, wow. Heath Bell this year, wow. Is my ballpark really this influential. I can't believe it.

Eric Karabell

  (11:50 AM)

Petco Park has really saved pitcher careers... and then there's the hitters. Good luck with that, Carlos Quentin.

Franklin (Boongville)

Who has more value in a keeper league next year trumbo or Ellsbury?

Eric Karabell

  (11:50 AM)

I'll be all over the Ellsbury bandwagon in 2013. Trumbo too, but not like a potential 20-homer, 40-steal guy.

Dan (NYC)

Do you have any confidence in Dan Haren turning things around for the remainder of the season?

Eric Karabell

  (11:51 AM)

I have to assume he was pitching poorly due to his back injury and that he's smart enough to have taken the time off to let it heal. Yes, I trust him.

Blips McGee (Pittsburgh)

Re: Marte - He has to be a better option for the buccos then Presley, he is barely a major leaguer.

Eric Karabell

  (11:51 AM)

Of course, but that wasn't really the question. Being better than Presley or Tabata doesn't make someone an option in a fantasy league!

J (PA)

Homey Bailey is.....

Eric Karabell

  (11:52 AM)

as good as he will be. And inconsistent. He's had years to emerge... this is him.

Franklin (SDSU)

I realize he's injured but am I crazy for dealing Castro for Desmond and keeping him? Seemed like he might have turned a corner and could be one of the rare elite ss?

Eric Karabell

  (11:52 AM)

I'd rather have Castro's future, in 2012 and future years. Castro can still develop power, and he runs. Will get 200 hits a year. Desmond not a fluke, but ...

Andrew (SF)

But Eric, look who the alternatives are instead of Belt. With all his struggles, he still has a .340 OBP.

Eric Karabell

  (11:53 AM)

Agreed they have nothing else, but that's also not the point: NO home runs against right-handed pitching. Just saying the Giants are not at fault anymore. Belt has played. If he's Casey Kotchman then that can't be blamed on Giants.

Manny (NYC)

Do you think RA Dickey can be this good again for next season? Worth keeping in a 5-keeper 14 team league?

Eric Karabell

  (11:54 AM)

I would focus on hitters in any keeper, even a deeper one. Easier to find pitchers in a draft. And no, I don't expect a repeat season.

Drew (Bloomsburg)

Are the Phillies going to make the playoffs? My optimism is building and I know I need to temper it.

Eric Karabell

  (11:55 AM)

I'm with you, but I can't utter the "P" word until they get to .500, if they do. But that doesn't mean we cannot enjoy the ride, like this week's late-game heroics. Playoffs? You talkin' bout playoffs?

steve (st louis)

AFC only auction league, $200 cap. Is Brady worth $75?

Eric Karabell

  (11:56 AM)

Yes he is.

Brett (Chicago)

What will LaHair give me the rest of the way? He's a free agent in my league, so should I get ahead of the curve?

Eric Karabell

  (11:56 AM)

It's not lookin' good for him. Move on.

Rambo (Lake City)

Would it be a good idea to trade Dylan Bundy for Joe Saunders in a keeper league? I'm looking for someone who can lead my staff this year.

Eric Karabell

  (11:56 AM)

I'd look elsewhere.

Chris (Milwaukee)

Hey Drew and Eric, no. The Brewers will be playing teams other than the Phillies starting today.

Eric Karabell

  (11:57 AM)

Yeah, that too! Braves and Nats comin' up... talk to me in a week.

JA (NY)

Would you bail on Matt Joyce for any of the following: Myers, Marte or Viciedo?

Eric Karabell

  (11:57 AM)

No, no and no.

Anthony (Cal)

5th pick in a 12 team .5 PPR .... who's your pick, Mathews, Megatron or Rodgers?

Eric Karabell

  (11:57 AM)

The running back.

Will (Orlando)

Drop Storen for Maholm or samardzija in NL only?

Eric Karabell

  (11:58 AM)

Absolutely.

Andrew (SF)

Forget who the "blame" is on, the point is that he is the best option they currently have, and he has the track record to SUGGEST that he could improve. You're focusing on 1 stat, and by that same token he's killing LHP. You're using 1 stat and forgetting the more obvious logic of the situation.

Eric Karabell

  (11:58 AM)

I don't care what the Giants do. And yes, he should improve. But you're focusing on OBP and this is a mostly fantasy sports chat session. Batting average and home runs matter here, too. Matter more.

Sebastian (Germany)

14 team keeper: I'm owning Olt, Gose and Taveras. Who would you keep?

Eric Karabell

  (11:59 AM)

Olt makes impact the soonest.

Randi (San Diego)

thoughts on Cain? Worth a pick-up?

Eric Karabell

  (12:00 PM)

The Royals outfielder? Absolutely will be a factor.

Eric Karabell

  (12:00 PM)

OK, time is up for today's spirited session. Thanks to all for showing up and asking questions and have a great day. Best of luck in your leagues!