Eric Karabell

  (11:01 AM)

Hello all and welcome to the latest fantasy sports chat session! I am Eric, and we've got lots to discuss today with baseball one full month in and the NFL draft has passed. So, thanks for showing up and let's get going!

Mike (GA)

Too bad about Peter Bourjous. Should I stash him on the DL? How do you feel about him overall?

Eric Karabell

  (11:02 AM)

I feel like he should have been stealing more bases, since that's his main fantasy asset, but it is too bad when anyone gets hurt. He was hitting well in the leadoff spot but now that Eric Aybar and soon Alberto Callaspo are back, that's probably over. In a 10-team mixed I wouldn't stash Bourjos unless your DL spot is open.

Mike (Philly)

I am in first place and cruising. Should I make a trade for a last place team with G. Stanton?

Eric Karabell

  (11:03 AM)

If the cost is not befitting someone that was a second-round pick, of course. Stanton might not play at all in May, but for the final 4 months, I'm in. The degree of panic on Stanton and the reasons why (lineup protection, for example) was just ridiculous.

Pepe (Boston)

Do you see Hyu-Jin Ryu lasting the whole season? I dropped him because I'm in head to head and figured he wouldn't be pitching during fantasy playoffs and I had real doubts about his durability or ability to keep pace. Is he real?

Eric Karabell

  (11:04 AM)

Not sure why his durability would be an issue. Looks good so far, probably overachieving a bit and when scouts and hitters see more they'll make adjustments to him, but he seems legit to me.

King Felix (King's Court)

Was able to flip David Ortiz and Shelby Miller to acquire myself; thoughts?

Eric Karabell

  (11:05 AM)

Pretty nice. Ortiz is a top-50 hitter, though, so when you sell him, note that it's not fluky. Miller is not fluky either.

cp (reno)

How did Jansen not pick up a save last night? 2 innings 4 run lead???

Eric Karabell

  (11:06 AM)

Save rule is 3-run lead... or 3 innings of work... Sorry, he's not a closer. League is.

Brian (WA)

Would you trade Cingrani for Harvey?

Eric Karabell

  (11:06 AM)

Oh my. Yes.

OF Help! (Last Place)

Who would you rather have ROS out of Coco Crisp, Starling Marte, or Carlos Gomez? Thanks for the help!

Eric Karabell

  (11:07 AM)

Try to keep them all, but I'd still go with Gomez. Then again, Marte probably does about the same thing. Neither will be hitting for average with their strikeout rates.

Pepe (Boston)

Would you try to buy low on Matt Cain or stay away and hope for another good starter to emerge on waivers?

Eric Karabell

  (11:08 AM)

I'm buying low. I'm well aware that his home run issues are becoming a big problem, and to some degree they were in the second half last season, but I still think he's elite. Lot of Ks, WHIP isn't awful in comparison with his ERA, go get him.

Robert (Covina, Ca)

Ruggiano or Victorino ROS?

Eric Karabell

  (11:09 AM)

Victorino. I like Ruggiano for counting numbers (18 HR, 18 SB?) but Victorino is the better player. Might need a DL stint this week if his back problem doesn't improve though.

Emily (Wisconsin)

Girl has a question for you Eric. Lester, Cueto, Moore, Masterson, Shelby Miller, Holland, Niese, Cashner, and Corbin. Is my staff for real or are they overperforming?

Eric Karabell

  (11:10 AM)

Why can't it be both? I'm worried about Masterson's performance and Cashner's health but Lester will rebound from last night, Cueto is about a week away, Moore is a monster, this is a good staff. Needs context for league type, could probably use one more safe starter and closer, but it's ok.

Robert (Covina, Ca)

Will BJ Upton turn it around?

Eric Karabell

  (11:11 AM)

He always does. No reason to think 2013 will be different. Still a 25/25 type player that cannot avoid the strikeouts or hit for average. I laugh at those that thought it would change because he was playing with his brother. Yep, that solves all!

Peter (Zona)

Who's next in line for saves in Zona?

Eric Karabell

  (11:13 AM)

Have to assume David Hernandez, but most managers are clueless so if it's Heath Bell because he's got that "experience" don't be surprised. I mean, Kevin Gregg got released and found a closer job a week later. Hard to believe. I would keep Putz owned, despite his struggles, but add Hernandez next.

Alex (Buena Park CA)

Is Strasburg for Peavy an unfair trade? Im the one offering it and people in our league are crying over it..I think Strasburg doesnt have the yr people expect.

Eric Karabell

  (11:14 AM)

I wouldn't make the deal if I were you, but no, it's not unfair if you believe what you believe and are doing so rationally and without collusion. It's not like Peavy is Kyle Kendrick, after all. Just not great value in trade.

Mark (Bellefonte, PA)

What to do with Halladay? I have to assume he'll have a great start Sunday against Miami but I don't know after that. Buy extremely low?

Eric Karabell

  (11:14 AM)

Last night was ridiculous. I don't know what to do. I kinda want no part of it but yeah, do assume he will do well against the Marlins. It's impossible to predict him. Never seen anything like it with a top pitcher, the inconsistency.

Brian (NY)

Do you think the Dodgers call up Dee Gordon anytime soon?

Eric Karabell

  (11:16 AM)

Wrote about the return of Hanley Ramirez to LA today and touched on Gordon's progress at Triple-A. Yeah, I think he's back in May, because the LA third basemen have been just awful. But will Hanley agree to play third? Who knows? Amazing that athletes (Ian Kinsler, Michael Young in the past) even get a say. Management should tell them the deal and they have no choice.

Drew (Bloomsburg)

Thoughts on David Freese? He'll turn it around to respectability right?

Eric Karabell

  (11:16 AM)

I believe he will, but I also think he's playing hurt. He usually is.

Mel (Staten Island)

Yasiel Piug!!!! When will i arrive?? Impact??

Eric Karabell

  (11:16 AM)

He's got bigger problems now than a promotion. I doubt it happens before August. Dodgers won't just sit Ethier, and Crawford has been terrific.

Gary (Indiana)

What's the deal with Brandon Morrow? The 1.58 WHIP is scaring me....

Eric Karabell

  (11:17 AM)

Morrow pitched better on Tuesday, so I am still buying a potentially elite strikeout hurler. Don't get too caught up in small sample sizes yet. Plus, he wasn't going to have a 1.11 WHIP in the first place.

Josh (Hyattsville, MD)

Will Oscar Taveras EVER get called up?

Eric Karabell

  (11:18 AM)

Not sure why people are surprised he's not up. I say August, and that's only if there's room, which there would only be if Beltran/Holliday was hurt. And even then, Cards would play Matt Adams at first and move Craig to outfield. So it will be awhile.

Eli (Colorado)

What about Wil Myers?

Eric Karabell

  (11:19 AM)

Different situation, but I say about a month to go for him. Rays certainly can make room with ease.

Matt (Boise)

Who would you rather have at 1B: Hosmer, Konerko, Alonso, or LaRoche? I'm about ready to give up on Hosmer.

Eric Karabell

  (11:20 AM)

Me too. But with that crew, I'd keep him. I view him and Konerko similarly but would stick with the upside guy, and Hosmer does run. LaRoche has been about the worst hitter in the game for two weeks, so no reason to add him now.

Phil (DC)

Yuniesky Betancourt is a top-50 hitter on the player rater right now. Thoughts on him rest of the season?

Eric Karabell

  (11:20 AM)

Run away. I'm serious.

Pepe (Boston)

I bought super low on Jason Heyward from a disgusted Heyward Stanton owner. How do you see him performing when he returns?

Eric Karabell

  (11:20 AM)

No reason to believe his final 4 months will be a problem. But he might not play in May, so be patient.

Matt (StL)

Football question! Who has a better year in the Packers backfield this year... Lacy or Franklin?

Eric Karabell

  (11:22 AM)

Football! I tend to avoid rookies if possible but I would draft Lacy first, but outside the top 30 RBs. I've heard arguments that Franklin is the better fit. Ultimately knowing the Packers I think they share the role and Rodgers throws the ball a zillion times.

Mark (Philly)

Heyward for Iwakuma may get vetoed in my league, i think this is wrong. dish out some hard justice.

Eric Karabell

  (11:22 AM)

Tough to make the case, even though Iwakuma is pitching well. Track record matters, and Heyward was a third-rounder in some leagues.

Jerry (Work?)

Lawrie or Machado for 2013? 2015?

Eric Karabell

  (11:24 AM)

Still stubbornly going with Lawrie for this season, but am willing to go with Machado by 2015. He's progressing so well, will develop power. Can't give up on Lawrie yet though.

Eli (Colorado)

Chances Cingrani sticks in the rotation once Cueto is back?

Eric Karabell

  (11:25 AM)

I think Reds are nuts to demote him and keep Leake up, but Dusty likes his veterans. I'll say 70 percent chance he sticks.

Stephen (Greenport)

Hanley Ramirez loves bobble head day! Sign of things to come this year?

Eric Karabell

  (11:25 AM)

Looked fine last night, and there were only 3 20/20 middle infielders last season. I've got Ramirez as the third best middle infielder in fantasy, had him originally as a top-20 pick before the injury. I was always buying, even if he hits .260.

Mike (Sacto)

Thoughts on Trevor Bauer ROS? Any other pitcher you can think of stashing for potential?

Eric Karabell

  (11:28 AM)

I don't presume Bauer will either pitch well today or keep the starting spot even if he does. Cleveland plans to be patient with him. Stash if you like, but my expectations are rather low for this season.

Tommy (Davenport, IA)

What do you expect from Ryan Zimmerman ROS?

Eric Karabell

  (11:28 AM)

20 more home runs than DL stints. Well, maybe 19 more.

Andrew (Short Hills, NJ)

Should I be worried about Gio Gonzalez?

Eric Karabell

  (11:29 AM)

I was down on him to start the year, but if you've got him, tough to sell him with his inconsistency. Should end up over six months just fine, ERA in the mid-3s, lot of wins and Ks. Just not 2012.

Caren (DC)

is Allen Craig ever going to hit another homerun?

Eric Karabell

  (11:29 AM)

Yep, it's a race between Craig and Ben Revere. I say Craig will win. No worries here. He can still hit 25 homers in 5 months. Happens all the time. Headley did it in barely half a season.

John (PA)

Pettite's last start against the lastros was brutal, was last season/beginning of this season fool's gold? father time is undefeated

Eric Karabell

  (11:30 AM)

See, now this is ridiculous. Pettitte's first four starts were terrific, low ERA, lot of strikeouts. Has one bad outing, albeit against a Double-A team, and now we question his 2012 as well! Stick with Andy! He's fine!

Kevin (FL)

Are you concerned with Zack Wheeler's struggles in AAA right now?

Eric Karabell

  (11:31 AM)

Not really, though he probably would have already been called up had he performed better. I mean, Jeremy Hefner? Wheeler will get a chance soon but I don't think he'll be worth owning in a 10-team standard mixed.

Silv (NY, NY)

Jaime Garcia has managed to turn in a hell of a performance thus far, but his arm issues give me constant worry. Sell high time?

Eric Karabell

  (11:32 AM)

Definitely agree. I'd try to move him. Worry about injury and performance.

Bryan (Thousand Oaks, CA)

Any news on Ricky Romero? worth taking a shot with him in AL only league?

Eric Karabell

  (11:33 AM)

First outing in low minors went well, but not sure what it tells us. In an AL-only I would stash just in case. No reason not to. Was very good before 2012, skills are there. He might be done, too. Impossible to tell unless I was watching his minor league outings, which will be difficult.

Dan (Tampa)

Time to cut bait on Jose Fernandez?

Eric Karabell

  (11:33 AM)

Three weeks ago he was going to win NL Rookie honors. Can't say this is shocking. Sure, if you can find a better option.

Brendan (Boston)

Time to give up and drop LaRoche? He is striking out like crazy

Eric Karabell

  (11:34 AM)

I think he's relatively safe for power and a .270 average, and will get there unless he's hurt, but as always if there is someone better out there, sure. Don't drop him for Yuni Betancourt though.

Matt (DC)

Jean Segura -- #1 SS on the player rater! Thoughts? How much of a regression are you expecting from his current pace (.367/.418/.567)?

Eric Karabell

  (11:35 AM)

Always liked him and have him on a few teams, but projected .280 with 10 homers and 30 steals, not this. He makes contact, takes a walk, has pop, obviously can run and now is at top of the order, so I would revise to .300-12-50-35.

Kevin (Boston)

Martin Prado- a must buy low with impending 2nd base eligibility?

Eric Karabell

  (11:36 AM)

Buy low regardless of 2B, but yeah. He'll hit. Always does.

Bryan (Thousand Oaks, CA)

Are the Rangers making any kind of effort to make room for Profar?

Eric Karabell

  (11:37 AM)

I doubt it. It's a joke that any team management would need to ASK a player to move to a new position. You tell them. But whatever, I don't really know the story. I know that Moreland isn't special though. Regardless, I doubt we see Profar before July.

Eric Karabell

  (11:37 AM)

And in fairness, Profar is doing nothing in the minors.

Steve (NYC)

Like Segura more than, say, Castro?

Eric Karabell

  (11:38 AM)

No. Castro is certainly more proven and is doing nothing wrong.

Brad (MA)

5 months of Des Jennings or 4 months of Stanton? Which side do you want? Would move Konerko to 1B and A.Gonz to Of till Stanton comes back.

Eric Karabell

  (11:38 AM)

Stanton for sure. Unless you have a ton of power already and covet speed. And even then I'd take Stanton and fix the problem elsewhere!

Justin (Queens)

I'd appreciate your thoughts please? Do you trust McCarthy vs SF tonight?

Eric Karabell

  (11:39 AM)

No, I do not.

Jason (MD.)

Thoughts on Dustin Ackley? He has been hitting for average recently, but the counting stats aren't there. Is Ackley a product of talent still developing, horrible lineup or a bust?

Eric Karabell

  (11:40 AM)

Has nothing to do with lineup around him. I think he's developing but was also overrated to start with. Major holes in swing. Not a bust yet, and since he was double digits in homers and steals last year, can easily do it again. He will play. But can he hit .250? Doubt it.

heine manush (detroit)

Does Brandon Moss keep it up? As in 25-30 homers and decent BA and OBP?

Eric Karabell

  (11:40 AM)

Yeah, I wrote that in March after I spoke to him. Was going to play more regularly, has more power potential. Not surprised he's doing well.

Brendan (Boston)

Carlos Gomez?!?!?! Traded him away a week ago for Billy Butler and I thought I was getting a steal. Now I am not so sure....

Eric Karabell

  (11:41 AM)

You did well. Butler is pretty reliable in his four categories.

Zack (Texas)

Segura above any of the following: Erik Ayabar, Jed Lowrie, Danny Espinoza.

Eric Karabell

  (11:41 AM)

Yeah, over all of them.

Dan (Seattle-ish)

Starling Marte...?

Eric Karabell

  (11:42 AM)

Nothing wrong with the aggressive approach for 12 homers and 35 steals, but he's not going to hit .327 with this strikeout rate. More like .260.

Steve (Saudi Arabia)

What to do with lincecum tonight?

Eric Karabell

  (11:42 AM)

Has been good. I'd use him tonight. (Famous last words)

Justin (Boston)

Dropped Hosmer today and picked up Willingham for my utility spot. Did I make the right move/?

Eric Karabell

  (11:43 AM)

Sadly, I can't argue this.

Dennis (Milwaukee)

Berkman, Hosmer or Alvarez at your U? Pick one.

Eric Karabell

  (11:44 AM)

Not totally bailing on Hosmer or Alvarez, but watch Berkman hit and it's fun. I'd go with him now.

david (ventura)

your theory? I have Cargo,Cespedes,Morse, Gomez in my OF with Moss on my bench, hard to get value for Moss, so trade say Cespedes and plug in Moss?

Eric Karabell

  (11:45 AM)

Would trade Morse first, but it depends on the return. Don't trade Cespedes just to make room for Brandon Moss, unless it's a really good pitcher.

pat (Canada)

Arencibia and Tim Hudson for Heyward?

Eric Karabell

  (11:45 AM)

Of course.

Ryan (Hanover, PA)

Are you serious about Lawrie>Machado? What is this hold that Lawrie has on you guys? Face it, he's not the guy we all thought. News flash=Machado is that guy!

Eric Karabell

  (11:46 AM)

Nah, I was joking. OK, so why do you assume Lawrie is not the guy we thought? He's only 23 and had double digits in HR and SB last year. So you're giving up already?

Alex (Jeopardy)

I got the hardest question ever to ask you....pick your poison. RICKIE WEEKS OR YUNI BETANCOURT!!!!!

Eric Karabell

  (11:47 AM)

Join a fantasy football league. (Weeks)

Dan (Seattle-ish)

You stream Kyle Kendrick against Miami tomorrow?

Eric Karabell

  (11:47 AM)

Abso-darn-lutely.

Bud (Milwaukee)

My league switched from wins to quality starts this season. Do any pitchers jump up/down in your rankings with the switch?

Eric Karabell

  (11:48 AM)

Yeah, poor Kevin Slowey! Pitchers on bad teams. But also look at the QS leaders, some interesting names. Guys like Lohse consistently give 6 innings, 3 or fewer runs.

Shawn (MO )

Who's job is more secure Valvarde or Perez? thinking of trading for one. Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (11:48 AM)

I think each is secure. But I'd rather own Chris Perez.

Jordan (Iowa)

What do I do with MELKY?

Eric Karabell

  (11:49 AM)

You wait. Even in a 10-team mixed. Wait on most Blue Jays. This happens to a team or two every year, but this is not the Marlins. Talent will rise up.

Jarrod (Montana)

How many bases does Lorenzo Cain steal this year? Carlos Gomez?

Eric Karabell

  (11:49 AM)

Cain around 18-20. Gomez around 35.

Mikey (Brew Crew)

A-Ram top 5 3B ROS?

Eric Karabell

  (11:49 AM)

No, but was barely top-10 a month ago, should be now for rest of season.

Rob (Frankfort, IL)

Thoughts on Arenado???

Eric Karabell

  (11:50 AM)

Should keep the job, hit .280 or better because of the Coors factor, 15 or so home runs. He's legit, but not a superstar.

Robert (Omaha)

Based on your preseason rankings, who do you think you were most "off" on?

Eric Karabell

  (11:53 AM)

A bit early to overreact, but people should know, we do make mistakes (I think people know that). And we do admit them. Honestly, I didn't see this with Halladay. But I don't know who saw his erratic tendencies coming. I'd say missed a bit on Trout, though he'll be fine. Would take Braun first now for sure. Had Upton and Harper pegged. Was wrong about Hamilton being this awful. And Lawrie and Hosmer are just making me crazy.

David (Boston)

What do you think of Chris Johnson? Is he a serviceable ROS option at the corner slot in a 12 team league?

Eric Karabell

  (11:53 AM)

I could see him hitting .280 with 12-14 home runs, but be prepared for the fall in batting average. The guy refuses to take a walk, but always hits for decent average. At some point, he won't.

Douglas (Pittsburgh)

Buying Jeff Locke?

Eric Karabell

  (11:54 AM)

Definitely not. Watched those 2 shutout outings, he makes Ross Detwiler's fastball look like Nolan Ryan.

Ryan (Hanover, PA)

Regarding Lawrie...It's not as much about him as it is that Machado is delivering already. So thats the point. Look at Manny's numbers! 11 doubles already..

Eric Karabell

  (11:55 AM)

I love Machado and am all aboard, but in FANTASY he's not likely to deliver more than 12-15 home runs or steal bases. And Lawrie should. And there's no reason to expect Machado to hit more than .270 this year. So better player in real life for 2013. By 2015 a fantasy monster though.

Todd (CA)

Joe Mauer is going to hit under .100 ROS. Sorry just impatient!!

Eric Karabell

  (11:55 AM)

I will take the over! The way-over!

Dan (Oakland)

Josh Donaldson has looked really good, is this legit?

Eric Karabell

  (11:56 AM)

Oddly enough it is. Taking walks. Had 14 all of 2012. Has 13 already. I remain befuddled why more baseball players don't realize this and adjust their aggressive approach, but they do!

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

Dexter hitting 20 HRs this year?

Eric Karabell

  (11:56 AM)

With this start it would be tough for him to not do this.

Brendan (Boston)

Jay Bruce? Any long-term concerns about his power? Got him in a keeper league

Eric Karabell

  (11:57 AM)

No concerns at all. Buy low.

Todd (Newport Beach)

Are you holding or selling high on Nate McClouth?

Eric Karabell

  (11:57 AM)

The right thing to do is sell high. But I could see him stealing 25 bags.

Eric (Chicago) [via mobile]

People have to realize that it's only May 1. Guess what? The weather is warming up. Your guys will hit. Just sayin'.

Eric Karabell

  (11:58 AM)

Each player is different. For someone like Hosmer it's enough of a sample size to worry, especially when you see what he is doing, hitting weak grounders to second base yet again.

Josh Reddick (Oakland, CA)

Am I droppable at this point or should owners continue to be patient with me?

Eric Karabell

  (11:58 AM)

I think he can end up with 25 homers and hit .240, so I'd be patient to a degree.

Jason (San Diego)

Woke up early to get your opinion. Pedroia/Ortiz for Bruce/Napoli. Which side do you like better? Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (11:59 AM)

The Pedroia/Ortiz side. Love having a middle infielder hit, and Ortiz is legit. All 4 of these guys are though.

pat (Canada)

Drop Dan Haren Yet?

Eric Karabell

  (11:59 AM)

I have in a 10-team mixed, yes.

Mike (San Diego)

Think Jason Motte pitches this year?

Eric Karabell

  (12:00 PM)

Have to say no, but hoping for the best.

Eric Karabell

  (12:00 PM)

Well, that is all for today's chat session, so I do thank you for showing up (or reading it afterward) and appreciate all the support! Have a great day and best of luck with all your teams!