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Eric Karabell

  (3:00 PM)

Hello all and welcome to the latest fantasy sports chat session. I am Eric. Send those questions in and I will post as many as possible, along with some answers. Let's have some fun out there....

Bob (Bobville)

Steven Strasburg Steven Strasburg Steven Strasburg Steven Strasburg Steven Strasburg Steven Strasburg Steven Strasburg Steven Strasburg Steven Strasburg ?

Eric Karabell

  (3:02 PM)

Hmmm, is that really a question, even though you ended it with a question mark? Is the question "Is SS the greatest pitcher of all-time?" Is it "Should we sell high?" Is it "what are your expectations?" OK, I think Strasburg is awesome, just like the next fella. I didn't expect 14 strikeouts in his debut, but we'll certainly take them. He should have success on Sunday against another Triple-A lineup in Cleveland. My main (only) concern here is that Strasburg will not permitted to top 100 innings, meaning he can be awesome for three months, but will then get shut down when we need him most.

Chris (Vermont)

I was offered King Felix straight up for Strasburg...sell high already?

Eric Karabell

  (3:03 PM)

Yes. Everyone is available in trade in fantasy sports. I would prefer Hernandez to Strasburg for the rest of this season, absolutely.

Pete (Work)

Who do you feel will have the best 2011 season?King Felix, "Can't get any run support" Greinke, or Stevey Stras?

Eric Karabell

  (3:03 PM)

We'll be Strasburg-ed out after about 10 minutes, I figure... You know, the way Greinke is pitching, one would certainly have to consider taking Strasburg over him. I'm not quite there yet, though.

Mike (Chicago)

Now that Strasburgh has arrived, who is the next best "strasburgh esque" arm that will be called up?

Eric Karabell

  (3:06 PM)

That arm probably hasn't been born yet. This guy is special. That said, I can't think of any pitchers in the minors currently that I would rank as potential top 50 starting pitchers for this year. The current crop of options, like Kyle Drabek, Aroldis Chapman, Jeremy Hellickson, maybe Tanner Scheppers... I wouldn't go out of my way to add them in 10-team leagues.

Greg (Washington, DC)

A few days ago you wrote that Strasberg's trade value would never be higher than it was prior to his debut. Do you still believe that?

Eric Karabell

  (3:07 PM)

I'll revise that slightly to "until he pitches against the Indians." Look, he's awesome. But everyone has a price on them, and this guy is the epitome of a sell high option based on the way his potential usage by the team will hold him back later in the year. But the innings he does throw should be awesome. As always, depends what you can get. I know someone who DID get King Felix for him. I wouldn't move SS for Nick Punto, though...

Joe (NY)

Hi Eric. I've cast my line on the trade waters shopping Strasburg as a top five pitcher in my roto league but have not got any nibbles yet. Am I setting the bar too high? Is he the classic sell-high or the real deal?

Eric Karabell

  (3:08 PM)

Every league is different, but that seems a bit optimistic to me. He's both, sell high and the real deal. In a keeper league, I call him top 10 SP right now.

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

Do you think that Stephen Strasburg will be the best pitcher in Major League Baseball History?

Eric Karabell

  (3:08 PM)

And maybe we should end the SS portion of our chat today with this one... No. Better than Matt Beech, but not quite the best of all-time.

John (Ma)

EK do u think JAxford will keep the Closing Job?

Eric Karabell

  (3:09 PM)

Yeah, now I'm starting to believe the Brewers are in no hurry to get Trevor Hoffman back to his old ways. They look just as scared as the rest of us. Axford for 25 saves...yikes, strange but true.

MAZ (NJ)

No one owns Nick Punto

Eric Karabell

  (3:09 PM)

Somewhere, in some league, he is owned.

Craig G. (Fairfield, California)

Hey E.K! Huge fan of the Baseball Today podcast since its inception. It's even better now with you and Seth. I need 2 of 4 pitchers for the rest of the season: Ely, Monasterios, Slowey, and Latos. Thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (3:11 PM)

Thank you for the kind words... I try. We both try. I'd say Slowey and Latos. Slowey historically a second-half guy, and Latos, while he runs some risk of being shut down early, is a big K guy, can pitch on the road, he's legit. Could be an ace soon.

Stephen (Strasburg, VA)

How about that Mike Stanton, eh?

Eric Karabell

  (3:12 PM)

Thank you! I was actually one of the paying customers at Citizens Bank Park last night to see Stanton's debut - well, I bought the tix months ago, but this was a nice break - and while he didn't really club one, three hits is a nice start. Overall, can't say we learned much. We know he can hit. I doubt he homers tonight of Halladay, but they're coming.

Gordon Beckham (South Side)

Hey, remember when these chats were all about me? Daniel in New York wants to know if he should finally cut bait... add Angel Pagan?

Eric Karabell

  (3:14 PM)

Yeah, it's a true sign that a player is being given up on when the chat questions just cease. I don't know why Beckham has been so bad. I still have him on a few teams, and not surprisingly, those teams are doing poorly in batting average. Me, I'm still waiting. It's not like Pagan is a stud, nor is he guaranteed any at-bats once Beltran returns. Your call though.

Jack (Chicago)

Since you were at Citizens last night, how many fans ran onto the field? How many objects were hurled at opposing players? How many cops were vomitted on? Stay classy Philadelphia...worst...fans...ever.

Eric Karabell

  (3:14 PM)

BEST fans ever.... What a genius you are! Go Flyers!

Sammy (Wiscony)

Got Aaron Hill for Niemann yesterday...good trade? 10 team mix h2h

Eric Karabell

  (3:15 PM)

Well, it didn't look so good yesterday, when Niemann tossed a two-hit shutout, but if you need power from a middle infielder - and who doesn't, right? - then I like it. Niemann is pretty good though, and it might be that he's a top-20 pitcher now.

Stan (D.C.)

Eric,Should I keep Jaso or Shoppach the rest of the way?

Eric Karabell

  (3:16 PM)

Seems like the ol' power vs average argument. Shoppach will never hit for average. Jaso doesn't have much power, but is safer for batting average. Ultimately, if choosing, I'd say I want Jaso.

Peter (West Orange, NJ)

Let's talk about over-hype for a minute. Stanton - "Adam Dunn-lite with huge power potential, a ton of SOs, and a poor BA. I'm confused. Can't I go out and pick up Branyan, Cust, etc. off waivers whenever I want?

Eric Karabell

  (3:17 PM)

You can. But there's no guarantee he hits "only" .240 either. As of now the Marlins think he can hit .270. Big difference there. Plus, Branyan is generally hurt, and ... well, Cust is fine.

Sanjay (New York City)

EK - In a bubble, who would you rather have for the rest of the year, Chris Young of the D'Backs or Jay Bruce? Keep up the good work and GO PHILS!

Eric Karabell

  (3:18 PM)

Young. Now that he told everyone he intends to steal 30 bases, everyone should get aboard! Bruce is fine, but Young frankly has just as much power, and neither are all that safe for batting average.

Jeff (Virginia Beach)

Ryan Doumit or Carlos Santana?

Eric Karabell

  (3:19 PM)

Doumit. He's the one currently in the majors. I think Santana will hit, but as of now, it could be 25 games, it could be 50. Big risk. Doumit is playing, and he's hitting enough.

Scott (Alabama)

Another debut tonight between the same teams: B. Lincoln. Drop Bonderman to start him in a 16 team 5x5?

Eric Karabell

  (3:19 PM)

Would like to own Lincoln in a 16-teamer, but Bonderman has some upside as well. I'd stick with him for now.

Matt ("Work")

Should I drop M.Napoli for either Jaso or Soto (H2H points)?

Eric Karabell

  (3:20 PM)

No. I would much rather own Napoli in pretty much all formats.

Dano (SC)

Chase Headley or Chris Coghlan?

Eric Karabell

  (3:21 PM)

I say Coghlan. A month ago I blogged that he would still hit .300 this season. Now it looks like that could actually happen. If I thought Headley would hit 20 homers, then maybe I choose him... but he won't.

Xavier (Seattle)

Posey is getting a ton of respect - and justifiably so - but he clearly won't hit .444 all year. Is he really a top 100 hitter like the Hit Parade has him or is that partly hype-influenced? Hype aside is Suzuki actually a better option for this year only?

Eric Karabell

  (3:21 PM)

I think Posey made the top 100 in part due to catcher eligibility. He can definitely hit .300 with some power. I do like Kurt Suzuki, but Posey seems just as good, probably better an option.

Jason (Bmore)

Is there anything really enjoyable about Lackey from a fantasy perspective other than the wins he gets by having a good offense behind him?

Eric Karabell

  (3:22 PM)

Well, I doubt his WHIP will remain this bloated all season long. He's not gonna end up at 1.25, but maybe 1.35, which means some good pitching is ahead. A lot of us were down on Lackey as soon as he became a Red Sox...

Sal (Pit)

What your take on Tabata on Pit. I just grabbed him off the wavier wire?

Eric Karabell

  (3:24 PM)

Yes, it appears the Buccos are calling up Jose Tabata, a speedster who should lead off and run right away. Don't get too excited; he might not hit major league pitching right away. There's no power here. But if Rajai Davis and Juan Pierre have value, so does this guy.

Jamie (Savannah)

Where has Joe Mauer's power gone?

Eric Karabell

  (3:25 PM)

He's actually blaming the new ballpark. I pegged him for less than 20, but I didn't expect this. I'd still buy low. He's too good.

Perry (LA)

Is it time to drop roberts? the recent news has not been good and i really could use the bench spot, but i kind of want to wait it out a little longer.

Eric Karabell

  (3:25 PM)

I would try to wait a bit longer, as it does seem like he should return soon. Whether he runs or not, different story.

Logan (Casey)

Is Dan Haren something to be afraid of? With no first good half and possibly a bad one coming should i just ship him away? I was offered Mark Reynolds for him.

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

I wrote this blog not long ago http://insider.espn.go.com/sports/fantasy/blog?name=karabell_eric_baseball&id=5229699And people thought I was crazy. Is it so crazy? What am I missing? Ordinarily, his walk-K ratio would scream buy low. I'd think it's easier to replace Haren, for the final 3 months of average pitching, than Reynolds, who I think wins the NL HR crown.

Frank (NYC)

Will Butler ever become top 5 1b? If so, when? Thanks.

Eric Karabell

  (3:27 PM)

June 12, 2012. I don't know! I do know he's borderline top 10 now, a good run producer who will translate those doubles into home runs, eventually.

Mat (DC)

When are you writing up your mea culpa on Gordon Beckham? 25HRs was the ceiling you suggested. Excuse the bitterness, I also happen to own Felix Hernandez....

Eric Karabell

  (3:28 PM)

I hope not anytime soon. Look, I fully admit, I thought he'd be great. I've got him on numerous teams. This is a stunning change of fortune. I'll wait longer. I'm bitter too!

Dano (SC)

Sticking with the prospect theme of the season I suppose. What is the word with Pedro Alvarez? Is he ready? What are the lowly Pirates waiting for?

Eric Karabell

  (3:29 PM)

It makes little sense for Alvarez to remain in the minors. He can't do much with lefty pitching, but heck, you're gonna lose 90 games, let him work it out in the bigs. He could be a 20-homer bat if he came up today. He could be like Stanton.

Daniel (NY)

Jason Grey said on the Fantasy Focus podcast recently that Jose Tabata isn't actually fast, but just gets steals off bad pitchers/catchers in the minors... so maybe temper speed expectations.

Eric Karabell

  (3:30 PM)

Yes! And everyone should always listen to the Fantasy Focus (and the Baseball Today that I host)...anyway, Grey would know. He's rarely wrong, and he'll tell you so. I'm not that high on Tabata, to be honest. Never have been. Speed doesn't always translate so well.

Christian (Long Island, NY)

Would you trade Neftali Feliz for Jason Bay?

Eric Karabell

  (3:31 PM)

Depends solely on need. One 35-save guy for a 20-90 hitter...seems fair.

Dan (MO)

Better for the rest of he year, Berkman or Smoak?

Eric Karabell

  (3:31 PM)

I still say Berkman will be better, but I also think Smoak will soon figure it out and be more consistent.

matt (Seattle)

Football! Last season DeAngelo Williams rushed for about 1100 yards, but he only played 13 games. Pro-rate his #s over 16 games and he gets about 1500 rushing, plus the decent receiving totals.. why does ESPN have him projected for ~1100 again? Ditto for JStew.

Eric Karabell

  (3:32 PM)

Football! You answered your own question. Williams and Stewart play on the same team. Both can't run for 1,500 yards. Both will likely suffer, though I ranked Williams like 7th so I believe he'll be the main back alone when healthy.

Brian K (Yonkers)

Im hearing A-Ram is hitting the DL. Are you serious? Can his season get any worse?

Eric Karabell

  (3:34 PM)

Can't get much worse. In fact, I'd argue him playing as much as he did, and hitting .168, has been far worse than if he just sat out a month. He's hurting owners. I don't expect him back for at least a month.

Brandon (Philly)

Bautista will have ____ HR's this season

Eric Karabell

  (3:34 PM)

At this point, don't we have to say more than 30? I'll say 31.

Jeff (LA)

Will next year be the year you guys finally get that A-Rod is no longer the A-Rod we once new and rank him well outside the overall top 10 players in the rankings? He's barely in the top 5 at his position....I'd much rather have Longoria, Youk, Wright and Zimmerman than A-Rod.

Eric Karabell

  (3:36 PM)

Really? I wonder if you would have said this on March 20. Nobody would have. Zimmerman over A-Rod... sure! I do admit that next year I probably will not, knowing what I do today, have A-Rod in my top 10, but let's not make it seem like we all knew he'd hit 'only' 30 HR!

Lefty (Montana)

Would you draft Rodgers ahead of Brees this season?

Eric Karabell

  (3:36 PM)

I'd like to... I ended up with Brees barely ahead...in terms of value you don't need to go Rodgers ahead. You can get him later.

Mark (Austin, TX)

Re: Alvarez - he seems to have solved his problems against left handed pitchers. He is currently batting .286 against LHP and .275 against RHP. He is also a single shy of hitting for the cycle in today's game.

Eric Karabell

  (3:37 PM)

I have heard he's improved, but is he hitting for power? Regardless, there's no good reason to leave him in the minors. The Bucs have nothing at third base.

Lefty (Montana)

Please clear up the Posada/Cervelli situation. Eric could you run my fantasy team for a month or so? You're great! Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (3:38 PM)

Cervelli's batting average plummeted, more so than I expected, but he's a good catcher. I think Posada will play quite a bit at DH the rest of the way, but so what, he's got his catcher eligibility already.

Anthony (Cali)

I got the 10th pick overall in a 12 team H2H football league .... would you rather have Mendenhall or DeAngelo there?

Eric Karabell

  (3:39 PM)

I'd take DeAngelo there, but I'm guessing my colleagues disagree. Mendenhall still scares me some, especially without Big Ben there for a month...

Jeff (LA)

A-Rod's HR total the past 4 years 35, 54, 35, 30. How would you not consider that he would only hit 30?

Eric Karabell

  (3:40 PM)

Oh come on.. .he missed a full month last season. I love when people act like they knew a player would decline. A-Rod went 30-100 last season and missed a month. He's currently on pace for 23-123. He gets to 30-120. There's nothing wrong with A-Rod!

Sean (Toronto)

How many HR's will David Ortiz hit this year?Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (3:41 PM)

How about ....27.

Jordan (Peoria)

Alexi or Theriot as a fill in for Rollins?

Eric Karabell

  (3:42 PM)

You're aware Rollins has been out for awhile, right? And he might not return anytime soon. Absolutely Theriot here. He runs, safe batting average... Alexei is brutal.

Andy LaRouche (third base at PNC)

Hghgh (clears throat)......nothing at third base???

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

It's not personal, Andy. In a really deep dynasty league I dealt Bengie Molina to a current co-worker for this LaRoche and Jesse Litsch. Wow, that worked out great. It's clearly time to lower expectation for Andy LaRoche to nothing.

doback (vt)

Brett Myers or Ian Kennedy?

Eric Karabell

  (3:43 PM)

I say Kennedy, though Myers has been pitching well. Kennedy is younger, safer, just needs to cut down the homers.

JT (SanDiego)

Please rank....Rasmus, Bruce, Dunn.

Eric Karabell

  (3:44 PM)

Dunn, Rasmus, Bruce. What's wrong with Dunn? Why is he in this group?

Matt (Ann Arbor)

Even though we know the Flyers are toast tonight, who do you think will win? AND will Chonie turn it around, do i drop him for his teammate Lopez?

Eric Karabell

  (3:45 PM)

I'll be watching great hockey on Friday night. And I would keep Figgins around. He is running, and will raise his average. Lopez has power and is a second-half guy, but I guess it depends if you need pop or speed.

Bret (Wash)

Which players do you see hitting 40 hr's this year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:45 PM)

One. Mark Reynolds.

Luke (Tampa)

Any concerns about Papelbon? In need of saves and I've been trying to trade for him.

Eric Karabell

  (3:46 PM)

No worries. He's off for a few days with a personal thing, but he's gonna save 35-plus games.

Bret (Wash)

I just dropped Hoffman, wise move? He was taking too much room on my roster spot.

Eric Karabell

  (3:46 PM)

Doesn't seem like the type of thing that will really burn you.

laura (new jersey)

what do you think of brignac? Will he be able to take advantage of Bartlett's DL stint to manifest himself into a full time player?

Eric Karabell

  (3:47 PM)

I think Brignac has basically been a full-time player much of the season anyway, and while he's been OK, he hasn't hit for power or run. Bartlett hitting the DL just means Sean Rodriguez gets to play more 2B with Brignac moving to SS.

Steve (SF)

Please help me figure something out. Why so much love for Scott Baker?? Every week he's right around 30 in the rankings yet his ERA is over 4.5 and he's owned in less than 90% of leagues. While the next 10-15 guys in the rankings all have ERAs under 4 and their owed in 95-100% of leagues. What do you fantasy analysts see in him that no one else does?

Eric Karabell

  (3:49 PM)

Well, you know we're all nuts, right?Baker Career first half ERA: 4.88.Baker Career second half ERA: 3.71. Enjoy!

Brian K (Yonkers)

My team sucks. What do i do?

Eric Karabell

  (3:50 PM)

Sign up for our World Cup game...http://games.espn.go.com/bpredictor/en-us/frontpage

Sean (Madison)

Will Storen be closing to start next year in Washington?

Eric Karabell

  (3:50 PM)

How about three weeks if Capps continues imploding...

Dave (Boston)

Do you see CJ Wilson back in the pen if Holland or Hunter do well?

Eric Karabell

  (3:51 PM)

I have altered my thinking on him since he's started struggling... but I think taking him from the rotation is a last resort type thing.

Mike (Det)

Any 30/30 players this year?

Eric Karabell

  (3:51 PM)

No. But Matt Kemp and Chris Young make a run.

Train (Cbus)

EK - Did I miss something? Did you just say the only player in MLB who will hit 40 + HR's is the "Sherrif" Mark Reynolds?

Eric Karabell

  (3:52 PM)

Yes sir I did! Who do you like? Jose Bautista? Corey Hart? Brett Gardner?

Jay (Chicago)

Boesch or Byrd?

Eric Karabell

  (3:53 PM)

Byrd. I'm impressed. Better than I thought he'd be out of Texas. Why he never did this in Philly I'll never know...but whatever

Matt (Miami)

What is Granderson's performance since he's gotten back from the DL showing you?

Eric Karabell

  (3:54 PM)

Pretty loaded question! Nothing. It's a few weeks. He's not gonna steal a lot of bases, and I doubt he hits better than .250 for the duration of the season. Still a good player, good power.

Randy (NYC)

Alex Rios is not a 30/30 candidate?

Eric Karabell

  (3:55 PM)

Yes, certainly a candidate. But has never topped 24 HRs, so I take the under on 30... still, I'm not selling high on him. He's legit.

spencer (Iowa)

Why wouldn't Clippard close in Washington instead of Storen?

Eric Karabell

  (3:56 PM)

I think the Nationals are well aware which pitcher has been groomed to close, and which one is very lucky to have 8 wins and is being abused...

Justin Upton (Phoenix)

I will go 30/30. I promise.

Eric Karabell

  (3:56 PM)

I hope so... gotta cut the strikeouts just a little though to hit for average.

Kevin (Charlotte)

So does Brett Gardner go 40/40 then? Awesome, not bad for $6.

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

One of the 40s, definitely!

Matt (NJ)

I need pitching help in the worst way and could deal Braun for Wainwright or Lincecum. Would you advise that?

Eric Karabell

  (3:57 PM)

Yeah, the goal here is to win your league, not make the most fair trades. Braun is awesome, but go for the win!

Adam Dunn (washington)

How can you not call me a lock for 40 HR's every season???????????

Eric Karabell

  (3:58 PM)

Did you make it last year? No soup for you!!!!

Peter (DC)

Can I cut Adam Lind? Please?

Eric Karabell

  (3:59 PM)

You can if you want. I wouldn't though. Slow start, yes, but anytime you want to cut a healthy player who you took in the first five rounds, look up his previous season. Lind has to get better.

Eric Karabell

  (4:00 PM)

OK, that is about all of the time we have for today. Thank you for the thousands of questions... I wasn't ignoring anyone, but there are a lot of questions here! Anyway, we couldn't do this job without you, so I appreciate it! Have a great day...