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On each Sunday we’re going to try and answer your 2008 fantasy baseball questions. Is this every fantasy baseball question we receive? No, but it’s a few of the better ones that were emailed directly to us at info[at]razzball.com. So if you want some fantasy baseball advice that can’t get answered in the comments section, then there you go. Please ask the minor questions i.e. Should I drop Eric Hinske for Johnny Cueto? (yes, you should) in the comment section. It’ll be a quicker answer there from Grey or I (or even a regular commenter). Thanks, we really do appreciate your support and feedback. (But if you try to hug me, it might get weird.)

QUESTION:

Love the site, and wanted to ask you another trade question if possible.  12 team, daily transaction, mixed keeper (five) league.  There is a 1500 innings limit, hence my large number of setup guys.  Currently, I am rolling, big time, but looking down the road I was offered a trade today that I am considering, but would like some feedback.  Here’s my current lineup:

Webb, Brandon (P)
Jenks, Bobby (P)
Lincecum, Tim (P)
Guardado, Eddie (P)-Yeah, I know he’s gotta go soon…..
Franklin, Ryan (P)
Saunders, Joe (P)
Scherzer, Max (P)
Maine, John (P)
Cain, Matt (P)
Buchholz, Taylor (P)
McGowan, Dustin (P)

Soto, Geovany (C)
Napoli, Mike (C)
Jackson, Conor (1B)
Hudson, Orlando (2B)
Cantu, Jorge (3B)
Rollins-ss
Guillen-CI
Pedroia-MI
CLee-OF
Berkman-OF
Matsui-OF
Bay-OF
Werth-OF
Stairs-OF
Crede-Bench
D.DeJesus-Bench
C.Ianetta-Bench
Figgins-DL
Keppinger-DL

Currently, I am in the top four in everything ‘cept saves. I originally offered dude Matt Cain for Brian Wilson.  He comes back with Cain and Berkman for ARod, Brian Wilson, Delmon Young, and Brian Bannister. I’m thinking that I can swap out Bannister for Billingsley. Here’s dude’s roster:

P      Bannister, Brian (KC)
P     Wilson, Brian (SF)
P     Chamberlain, Joba (NYA)
P     Weaver, Jered (LAA)
P     Billingsley, Chad (LAD)
P     Myers, Brett (PHI)
P     Saito, Takashi (LAD)
P     Rivera, Mariano (NYA)
P     Rodriguez, Francisco (LAA)
C     Martin, Russell (LAD)
C     Towles, J.R. (HOU)
1B     Garko, Ryan (CLE)
2B     Phillips, Brandon (CIN)
3B     Mora, Melvin (BAL)
SS     Young, Michael (TEX)
CI     Hinske, Eric (TB)
MI     Iwamura, Akinori (TB)
OF     Bowker, John (SF)
OF     Young, Delmon (MIN)
OF     Patterson, Corey (CIN)
OF     Upton, Justin (ARI)
OF     Ethier, Andre (LAD)
Util     Giambi, Jason (NYA)
Bn     Headley, Chase (SD)
Bn     Gonzalez, Gio (OAK)
Bn     Bruce, Jay (CIN)
Bn     Gomes, Jonny (TB)
DL     Rodriguez, Alex DL (NYA)

Whaddya think?  Berkman certainly can’t keep up this pace, but damn is he good this year…..Thanks in advance and keep up the good work.  Your blog has been a must read for me :)

ANSWER:

Thanks for reading the blog and writing into us!

It’s good you’re looking down the road as it’s easy to stand pat after a big start.  I like your team but, obviously, some of your team’s success is from fast (and probably unsustainable) stars by Webb, Lincecum, Maine, Berkman, and your Soto/Napoli catcher tandem.

I’m going to go with the assumption that he won’t swap Bannister for Billingsley (who is on par with Cain – so what’s the point?).  I’d say Bannister and D. Young (at this point) are barely above the value of free agents so I don’t factor them in.  You’re looking at Cain/Berkman for B-Wilson/A-Rod.

I’d go for it.  A-Rod is a big upgrade over Cantu or Figgins and should be back soon.  If you’re in a Yahoo! league, you can move Figgins to 2B or MI when he gets back.  Cain/Wilson is close to a wash given how much you can gain from more Saves.  And, who knows, maybe Delmon Young comes around…he does have 20/20 potential.  Adding Billingsley makes it that much bettter of a trade…

Hurts to give up Berkman but I feel like you’re selling high.

Good luck!