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Chat: Mauricio Rubio

Welcome to Baseball Prospectus' Thursday July 03, 2014 7:00 PM ET chat session with Mauricio Rubio.

Mauricio is here to chew bubblegum and talk about your fantasy teams, and he's all out of bubblegum.

Mauricio Rubio: "All this happened, more or less." Let's do this

Jeb (Iowa): How good can Tyler Glasnow be? He has been unreal the last couple of weeks.

Mauricio Rubio: Oh he can be very good, Chris King put eyes on him and gave him a 7/6/5 on FB/CB/CH potential. If he's solved the command issues he's going to be really good.

Darius (Des Moines): What are the top three farm systems? Both depth and talent wise.

Mauricio Rubio: I think the Cubs and Twins are 1 and 2 in some order, I would put the Cardinals in there at 3, even if Taveras gets promoted. Their Peoria affiliate is thick on pitching, just a deep system with a ton of talent. It's impressive.

Lion lenny (Detroit): who do you think will turn out to be a better player Javier Baez or khris Bryant?which of these outfielders springer,polanco or taveras?

Mauricio Rubio: Bryant, which isn't a slight on Baez. I still believe in Javy but I think Kris will have a better career when it's all done. I'll take Polanco, narrowly over Taveras and Springer. I think Polanco has a better overall package than the other two.

BSakowski (Alpharetta): If you wear sandals, does that make your feet open-faced sandwiches?

Mauricio Rubio: Jordan Gorosh and Ben Carsley have to formally debate this topic before we can get a real answer, but I think yes.

Coco Supercrab (Hustledown Estates): Does this recent buzz about Alcantra's positional versatility suggest the organization is considering other candidates for long term 2B? Baez?

Mauricio Rubio: I think it suggests that they want to maximize Alcantara's value while keeping their options open on the infield. Your assumption isn't necessarily incorrect, Alcantara's flexibility does open up 2B for a guy like Baez, but I think it has a lot more to do with Alcantara than anything.

RobWillerMLB (Plainfield): What's the ceiling on Jen Ho Tseng?

Mauricio Rubio: 3 Starter, and a pretty damn good one. He's got a lot of polish for 19 and he's shown at least a surface understanding of pitch sequencing. Command is pretty good too and if the change comes around he can be really fun. I like him a lot. Curve is really good when it's on.

Dan (Chicago): Do you have a sense of which lesser known Cubs prospects could be valuable dynasty league assets in 2015?

Mauricio Rubio: Depends on what you mean by lesser known. I think Pierce Johnson and Paul Blackburn could be assets depending on league depth. If you're looking for blow up potential I think Eloy Jimenez and Gleyber Torres can be valuable trade assets in 2015 as they get more exposure to pro ball. Tseng should be getting some love too.

pat (phx): I run a 10-team dynasty league, 40-man rosters and ESPN's player pool is terrible. What is the most dynasty league friendly web site?

Mauricio Rubio: CBS all the way. TDGX is run out of there and I love it. Deep fields and the ability to create player cards. You have to pay but it's well worth it. Can't recommend it enough.

Steve (NY): Ceiling on Steven Matz? I know Mellen is a fan.

Mauricio Rubio: Mid rotation guy, command profile a bit.

Steve (Los Angeles): What can we expect from Dan Vogelbach from a fantasy standpoint? I can't imagine him playing full-time in the National League for any team, which means he would need to be traded to the American League before he had any fantasy relevance. If and when he does become a regular, does he have the high power upside that the other top Cubs prospects have or will he be closer to a 15 hr Billy Butler type?

Mauricio Rubio: You know, he's gotten into better shape this year and it's a little better out in the field. He'll still have to hit like hell out there to be viable in an NL lineup but it's no longer absurd in my opinion.

He has power but he gets into his own head and that limits the utility overall. I think if he makes it to the majors he can be in the 20-25 HR range rather than the Billy Butler tier. He hits the ball HARD.

Steve (Vancouver ): Dalton Pompey has struggled since his promotion. Does the small sample size change your outlook on him in Dynasty leagues?

Mauricio Rubio: Not quite yet, but I'm taking notice. He's been really, really bad.

Jon (Detroit): 20 team dynasty league trade: Coco Crisp + Alfredo Simon + Joaquin Benoit for Desmond + Craig Gentry + Jean Machi, fair trade or obvious winner?

Mauricio Rubio: Depends a lot on the situations. In a vacuum I like the Desmond-Gentry-Machi side more, but it very much depends on need in my opinion.

Daniel (Chicago): Who has a higher ceiling, Daniel Norris or Aaron Sanchez? Who do you think will be the better player in the end?

Mauricio Rubio: I still think Aaron Sanchez has the bigger ceiling. Norris is fun from what I've read, however.

JSappington (Greenup,IL): My personal preference for the Cubs would be Javy at 3rd and Alcantara at 2nd and pushing Bryant to RF.. Is this realistic? Could open up using Soler in a package to get a top SP( assuming he proves his health)

Mauricio Rubio: It's realistic. I think Baez's arm deserves to be on the left side of the infield and I love Alcantara at second.

Shawnykid23 (CT): What do we do with James Shields? Nothing seems really off, but he's giving up a bunch of hits and the Ks have disappeared. Sell while you still can?

Mauricio Rubio: I got a ton of James Shields questions here. If you're in a redraft I would almost hang on and hope for value, if you're in a shallow keeper it depends on your situation. If you're in contention I think you sell to augment your roster in weaker areas. If you're out I think you keep and hope.

I'm keeping in deep keepers and dynasty leagues. His value is low right now and it might be better to hope he recoups some value for you in the short term.

In terms of what's wrong with him, It's concerning but I do think he comes back down the stretch. I still believe.

Chris (Venice): I drafted Appel 2 years ago and can have him deep in the draft thru 2016. Should I keep him? Or look to redraft in 2015 so I can keep him thru 2018?

Mauricio Rubio: I mean, it depends on how many keepers you get and how deep the league is. If it's shallow he can survive a redraft as his stock is low and people are hitting the panic button hard. If it's deeper it's worth keeping him around.

possum (Bangor): Did you hear about the two guys that stole that calendar? They each got six months

Mauricio Rubio: I don't know wh...oh I get it.

scott (az): Who is the Cardinals next great pitcher: Rob Kaminsky, Alex Reyes or someone else?

Mauricio Rubio: I saw Alex Reyes so I'm biased that way. He's got a lot of refining to do still but at 19 he has a big fastball and a hammer with a developing change. I might be in love with him.

Brian (MI): Arismendy Alcantara - What could we be looking at here. A .280/.320/.430 guy with 15/15 potential?

Mauricio Rubio: Maybe a little more slug, but that's in the ballpark of what I was thinking. He's got surprising power due in large part to his big boy wrists.

scott (az): Besides Joey Gallo, who has made the biggest leap forward.

Mauricio Rubio: Raimel Tapia, Tim Anderson and Arismendy Alcantara who is becoming the star of this chat.

NorDub (PNW): 12-team dynasty, 6x6 (with BB for batters, K/BB for P) 7 player MiLB rosters: I have a couple fringier MiLB players right now (Winker, Berrios) and wondering if any of these avail. guys would be better adds: Hunter Dozier, Raimel Tapia (still don't quite get the hype but I'm not a scout), Michael Taylor, Daniel Norris, Josh Bell. Thanks!

Mauricio Rubio: Definitely Tapia, Daniel Norris is worth a look. Winker and Berrios are good though, I'd probably wait and assess after next monday when the BP top 50 comes out.

splatstrike (Chicago): Would you rather have Daniel Norris or Aaron Sanchez? Also, do you think the Cubs could get both for Samardzija? (or just norris for hammel)

Mauricio Rubio: Answered the first part a bit in another question, Sanchez. Trades are hard to evaluate, all I can say is that from the comfort of my keyboard without my job on the line I would give up both for Samardzija were I in the Jays position.

Kevin (Virginia): Should I try to buy low on Maikel Franco? He's still only 21.

Mauricio Rubio: Ben Carsley made a good point while we were getting #DarkInDC. Franco is perfect for 5x5 roto leagues. The average won't be pretty but he has power potential. I'd buy low.

Now real life, well that's a completely different issue all together.

bigwhitesled (Seattle): Just traded the hype machine Mookie Betts in my 24 team dynasty league for Jonathan Gray, you like?

Mauricio Rubio: I like that. All respect to Mookie but I think Gray returns more value.

Christian (North Pole): Would you trade Jose Fernandez and Maikel Franco for Starlin Castro and Miguel Sano in a dynasty? Which side is getting better value? Little afraid I'm selling Fernandez at a low here with his TJS. My SS is Rutledge, and I'm in a complete rebuild. Really appreciate any help as I have no clue what to do. Thanks in advance Mauricio.

Mauricio Rubio: No, I think you can get better value for Jose Fernandez if you're intent on moving him. I'm the president of the Starlin Castro fanclub and all but he's not on that level, even given the injury discount.

Thrifty (Bargainsville): So Clint Fraziers stats so far are pedestrian. He still a guy that you expect to be a top 5-10 prospect in 2 years??

Mauricio Rubio: Yeah, I still believe in the assessments I've read on Frazier from a talent evaluation standpoint. I'm not panicking on too many guys right now.

Jim (Heart of America ): BP had a great write up on Jairo Diaz today. I have found very little information on him in general, but have heard he may move very quickly to the majors. Do you have any speculations on his potential arrival and role? Any chance he moves into closer as soon as this year with their current struggles or is 2015 a more likely scenario?

Mauricio Rubio: I write the closer reports here at BP and I've been eyeing him in the disaster that is the Angels bullpen. I think he might get here this year and given the mess their bullpen is right now there's an outside chance he gets a shot at closing. Problem is Scioscia is a bit of a traditionalist and I have trouble seeing him getting saves without serving an apprenticeship first.

Track him though. He's good.

hamsterjockey (DC): Who has a better fantasy career, George Springer or Gregory Polanco? In a roto dynasty league with OPS

Mauricio Rubio: Polanco, but I think it will be close in that format. Springer's power will decide in my opinion.

Chuck Knoblauch (1B line seats ): Is there any reason to think that Javy Guerra will get save chances in the mess, that is the White Sox bullpen?

Mauricio Rubio: Maaaaaaaan, I didn't think Maikel Cleto would be a thing in that bullpen but he was, briefly. If Putnam implodes Robin might ball up and cry himself to sleep over the 9th, and then start giving the ball to Javy.

Matt (DC): What were your thoughts on Dallas Beeler's start on Saturday? Do you think he plays into the Cubs rotation after the deadline, more so than a guy like Kyle Hendricks?

Mauricio Rubio: I think he earned another look. I know Bosio loves Hendricks but I definitely think Beeler earned at least one more start at Wrigley with his performance.

Todd (Toddsville): Due to my prospect pedophilia, I have 20 minor leaguers on my 40 man keeper team. Bryant, Gallo, Sano, Correa, Alfaro, Almora, Dahl, Frazier, Bell...Bradley, Syndegaard, and more. Not to mention Machado, Myers, Springer, Altuve, Singleton, Heyward....Harvey, Wacha, Walker, Gausman, Stroman, Car Mart, and so forth. Sorry for the rosterbation, but this will be the best team ever fielded, no??

Mauricio Rubio: If you trade some minor leaguers I think so.

Your prospect list is strong, I think it's time to determine who you think will provide value for your team and who you'll be trading for right now assets.

That's impressive though.

AJ (Phoenix): I'm in the playoff race in a 20-team dynasty (5x5's with OBP, XBH & QS, HLD): I gave Byron Buxton, Jon Gray, and Alcides Escobar. I received Justin Upton, Doug Fister, and Neil Walker. Essentially the type of trade you want to make as a Buxton owner, or did I sell short?

Mauricio Rubio: I...don't think I would've given Buxton for Upton, Gray for Fister. I think you came out behind on name value as I think you could've gotten more.

Upton is a good player though, I hope it works out for you.

AJ (Phoenix): I'm in the playoff race in a 20-team dynasty (5x5's with OBP, XBH & QS, HLD): I gave Byron Buxton, Jon Gray, and Alcides Escobar. I received Justin Upton, Doug Fister, and Neil Walker. Essentially the type of trade you want to make as a Buxton owner, or did I sell short?

Mauricio Rubio: I...don't think I would've given Buxton for Upton, Gray for Fister. I think you came out behind on name value as I think you could've gotten more.

Upton is a good player though, I hope it works out for you.

hamsterjockey (WI): What is the best way to move older guys (David Wright, Adrian Beltre, James Shields,etc) for younger guys in a dynasty league or is this even relevant to do starting this season?

Mauricio Rubio: If you're at the end of your contention window it's probably time to start selling some old guys to replenish your youth farm. I generally like layering young MLB players and prospects during these trades.

It isn't irrelevant to do this if it's time.

Robert (Lexington): Who has possessed Vance Worley?

Mauricio Rubio: I'm going with Ba'al, the demon lord of darkness.

FantasyFrodo (Washington): Update to previous question: Instead of Bumgarner and Carlos Gomez for my Trout in 12 team dynasty with BB for hitters...would you prefer Jose Abreu and Carlos Gomez? Or sit tight with Trout.

Mauricio Rubio: You know...If you're in it to win it now and you're getting Abreu AND Gomez back? I think you do that.

gerrybraun (san diego): Enjoying the chat, thanks. Q. National Leaguer with one or fewer saves who is mostly likely to have seven by the end of the year?

Mauricio Rubio: Vic Black, Santiago Casilla, Alex Torres, Brad Ziegler. And I like Addison Reed but I can see them pulling the plug for a bit.

Steve (Arizona ): Ceiling on Sergio Alcantara?

Mauricio Rubio: I really need to see him before I say with certainty but the tools are there for him to be a first division starter.

Cal Guy (Cal): Hi Mauricio, Keeper Conundrum: 12 team 5x5 with OBP: Longo at $30 vs T. Frazier at 8? Posey at 30 vs Mesoraco at 6? Price at 30 vs Kluber at 8? In each case I have a proven veteran vs a possible pop-up 1 year wonder... please share your wisdom with me!

Mauricio Rubio: I'd probably only keep Price at 30 and that's a maybe for me. If it's two catcher then I keep Posey.

Robert (Kentucky): Would you rather own Brinson or Pompey?

Mauricio Rubio: Brinson

Kyra Sedgwick (Bacon): Prospect Closer talk. Arodys Vizcaino. He gonna be that guy in the next year or two?? How bout Jake Barrett with AZ?? And your odds on Foltynewicz being a starter at the end of the day.

Mauricio Rubio: Ahh clever name.

Arodys is coming, his fate is out of his hands though. The Cubs bullpen has suddenly gotten a few different options in there. Barrett has upside, I think Reed holds on and he's young enough to be there awhile but I think Barrett might be forcing some hands in AZ.

As for Folty, that's a really good question for Craig Goldstein. I think he's got a lot of reliever tendencies but I still leave room for development.

DanDaMan (Sea Cliff): Some at BP were high on the right side of my infield, but Hill and Hosmer has been a huge disappointment. What are your thoughts on the two of them moving forward? Thanks

Mauricio Rubio: In redrafts it might be ugly in the second half as well. Long term I still do believe in Hosmer but he's making it hard this year. Aaron Hill might be toast.

Steve (Los Angeles): Redraft keeper league, 12 teams, h2h, $280 budget, 25 players. I'm pushing for playoffs and have Matt Harvey for $3 sitting on the DL (max inflation is $5). I could use some more pitching or outfield help, but I don't want to just hand him away. What types of players should I be targeting? I've been offered Homer Bailey for him, but have been hesitant to pull the trigger, despite my secret/not-secret love for Bailey.

Mauricio Rubio: You can do better than Bailey. I'm still targeting a top 50 overall guy (prospects included). Springer, Yellich, Jordan Zimmerman if you're into it.

Bob (New Hampshire): Would you trade Chris Davis for Jason Kipnis?Need steals,have A.Gonzalez and Encarncion at 1B?

Mauricio Rubio: In your situation, yes I would.

John (CT): Has Odor shown enough to stick with Rangers next season? Is Profar now trade bait or is it Odor?

Mauricio Rubio: Got some Odor questions too. I think Profar sticks around in Texas, I think Odor has shown enough to stick as well. Their infield situation is about to get even more interesting.

John (CT): Has Odor shown enough to stick with Rangers next season? Is Profar now trade bait or is it Odor?

Mauricio Rubio: Got some Odor questions too. I think Profar sticks around in Texas, I think Odor has shown enough to stick as well. Their infield situation is about to get even more interesting.

John (CT): Has Odor shown enough to stick with Rangers next season? Is Profar now trade bait or is it Odor?

Mauricio Rubio: Got some Odor questions too. I think Profar sticks around in Texas, I think Odor has shown enough to stick as well. Their infield situation is about to get even more interesting.

John (CT): Has Odor shown enough to stick with Rangers next season? Is Profar now trade bait or is it Odor?

Mauricio Rubio: Got some Odor questions too. I think Profar sticks around in Texas, I think Odor has shown enough to stick as well. Their infield situation is about to get even more interesting.

Alex (Toronto): I'm contemplating a fantasy trade in a 20 team dynasty league. Would milb pick 16 + Nick Kingham be fair value for CJ Wilson or should I be asking for more?

Mauricio Rubio: I think that's there. Don't think you can ask for too much more.

Spencer (Houston): How is Matt Olson flying so under the radar? Almost 50 HR in the past year and a half, great BB% and K:BB, BABIP that screams he's been very unlucky, and he is well below league average age.

Mauricio Rubio: He's having a good season in terms of mitigating his strikeout rate. He's under the radar because of his past issues concerning contact and power utility. I hypothesize that he still has some approach issues to work out but I'd like to see more on him before coming to that conclusion.

As far as BABIP is concerned, we don't have batted ball info and we haven't seen him enough to determine that he's lucky or unlucky.

Donnie (NY): Hey Mauricio thanks for the chat. What are your 4th of July staple foods/must haves?

Mauricio Rubio: Hotdogs wrapped in tortillas because this is America, my man.

Burgs, corn, tequila, and guacamole all play a part at my fourth.

Steve (Philly ): Who are some Rookie level players getting hyped behind the scenes by your colleagues? Besides Frederis Parra.

Mauricio Rubio: Jason Parks has a chat on 7/7, I really do suggset asking him because he can definitely give you a better answer than I would.

Jonah (Redwood): 20-tm mixed, 7x7 dynasty (5x5 + hld & qs)... Verlander: Buy, sell, hold? Is Betances + one of Minor/Leake/Hammel good enough?

Mauricio Rubio: I'm holding on Verlander. He had two solid K starts back to back before coming around with a meh start in his last one. If you pull of Betances plus one of those to acquire Verlander I say well done. I wouldn't trade Verlander for that package.

Jake (State Farm): Who farted?

Mauricio Rubio: Jesus Aguilar

Russ (New Jersey): Here is my wild proclamation: in an OBP league Clint Coulter is the #1 C prospect in fantasy baseball.

Mauricio Rubio: I think it's still Alfaro #alpha

Steve (Oakland ): Is Dillon Overton worth a stash in 12 team Dynastywwith 35 minor league spots?

Mauricio Rubio: 420 spots...nice

At that point, you stash who you want.

Joe Random (San Jose): Is there a minor league position player whose tools you love, but is not showing up in the stat line yet?

Mauricio Rubio: Clint Frazier is giving me a sad right now. Albert Almora is coming around but he's still not there yet production wise.

DJ (Arlington ): Thanks for the insights, Mauricio!! Rougned Odor was pretty highly rated in the Texas system at the beginning of the year. What's your evaluation of his initial shot at MLB and how does his age factor into that evaluation?

Mauricio Rubio: I wanted to expand on this a bit even though i answered a similar question. He has a mature skillset for 20 and he's flashed it a bit at the MLB level. I think anytime you're dealing with someone as young as Odor you are ecstatic if he can just hold his own at the major league level. This is not an easy thing to do at any age, much less 20.

Jim (Kansas ): Will Rob Refsnyder be a fantasy asset this year at MI? Cheers

Mauricio Rubio: I think so on a spec play.

Mike (Marlyand): How much should I be willing to trade for David Dahl? Will he be a top 10 prospect next season?

Mauricio Rubio: I think we are going to have a really fun discussion concerning Dahl and the top Ten next year. I think he has a great chance at landing there. Keep that in mind when you're making an offer.

Billy (Houston ): Where does Carlos Correa start the season next year and is there any chance we see him in Houston in 2015?? Thanks for the chat!!

Mauricio Rubio: I can see them starting him out in High A again thanks to the injury. I think the odds are long for him to get to Houston in 2015.

Billy (Houston ): Where does Carlos Correa start the season next year and is there any chance we see him in Houston in 2015?? Thanks for the chat!!

Mauricio Rubio: I can see them starting him out in High A again thanks to the injury. I think the odds are long for him to get to Houston in 2015.

pmitchell60 (NOLA): Trade help in a keeper league...Give Springer for Kipnis? Also, how should I gauge David Wright on the trade market? Get what I can, hold on to him, or somewhere in-between?

Mauricio Rubio: I would give Springer for Kipnis. In terms of Wright you're playing the in between. I think we're seeing some skill erosion. He's better than this but I don't think he's a tier one player anymore.

gerrybraun (San Diego): Aaron Altherr is 0-3. Should I be concerned? Also, who is Aaron Altherr?

Mauricio Rubio: He's a phillie so trade him.

Cactus Tony (Land of Confusion): Gabby Guerrero. Would you rate him higher than Michael Taylor or Hunter Renfroe in the long run? Is his ceiling a 6+ hit tool or is the shine partially due to who his uncle is? I want to pick him up but still skeptical

Mauricio Rubio: Vlad's nephew is ahead of Taylor but behind Refroe for me, making him a sandwich of sorts.

Felix (Seattle): In what range of picks would you expect Michael A Taylor to go in a dynasty league draft, assuming he is in a pool of this year's recent draftees.

Mauricio Rubio: He'll go after the top ten as everyone plays with the shiny new toys. He might be in the 15-20 range.

Kendal (DC): Have Joey Votto in a 12-team 5x5 roto league with six keepers each year. This season I'm leading the pack in R, HR, RBI, K but struggling in ERA and WHIP. What kind of player should I look to try and get for Votto? My six keepers now are Rizzo, Trout, Tulo, Scherzer, Price and Strasburg.

Mauricio Rubio: Fortune favors the bold

Offer Votto for Felix.

Jon S (New Jersey): Outlook for Hosmer/Butler/D.Jennings rest of season? all three available in my 10 team 5x5 root.

Mauricio Rubio: I have some hope for all three, but I believe in them in this order:

Hosmer
Jennings
Butler

The big concern with Jennings are his CS numbers which might limit his future SB chances. I love Hosmer and I'll always believe in him but this is concerning.

Butler, man. That's ugly from a strict UTL guy.

tomshipley75 (Neptune): No Jake Arrieta questions? Will he win the Cy Young 2015-18 or no?

Mauricio Rubio: And the MVP, you forgot about that.

Everyone wrote their "Jake Arrieta" is awesome piece. I want to see what happens when he has a bad inning. Is he still going to believe in his stuff enough to survive giving up some runs early in a game or will he deteriorate? Game is mental for him, things are going really well right now. What happens when he's bad?

Stuff was never a question. I believe in him because Bosio does, but I want to see him under duress and how he handles it.

Jimbo (LA): David Wright, Mike Minor, James Shields, Gregory Polanco for Paul Goldschmidt, George Springer and Dellin Betances. Would you make this move or is it not enough for Goldy?

Mauricio Rubio: This is bordering on too many moving parts but I think this is fair, unless you suddenly find yourself in need of starting pitchers.

Chris (Venice): What to do about Buxton? Fair chances he sees 400+ at bats at the MLB level in 2015?

Mauricio Rubio: He's in high A right now, I think that's aggressive on 2015.

Shawnykid23 (CT): Chris Davis- I know last yr was a career year, and I wasn't expecting anything over .240-.250, but near the mendoza line? Do you think he will be a little better in the 2nd half?

Mauricio Rubio: I think he'll post a .240-.250 in the second half. He's still hitting the ball hard, but he's a guy where BABIP might actually be indicative of bad luck.

scott (az): Manual Margot, legit prospect scratching his way into a top 100 or still a ways off?

Mauricio Rubio: He's got a lot of risk associated with his profile. He's legit, has interesting assortment of tools.

Rob (Albany): 12-team dyno league with 5 DL spots. What do you do with Michael Pineda? Does he ever have a healthy season?

Mauricio Rubio: He's first cut in a 12 tm league. If you're headed towards a roster crunch that's the guy I'm cutting.

Tony (WI): This is more of a league question - what do you do about guys who don't update their teams? What in your mind is the best protocol to make sure everyone takes part in the league? I've got a couple guys who haven't updated their team since April.

Mauricio Rubio: Email them personally is the first step. Everything is based off what happens there.

Mike (St. Louis): What round should I take Max Pentecost in a 5 round 20 team league? What is his fantasy value?

Mauricio Rubio: He's an everyday catcher with a pretty good stick for the position. Fantasy wise his main value will be from his games played, but he does hit fairly well.

I don't understand what the 5 round 20 team league alludes to, but if this is a first player draft he's a borderline top ten guy.

Cactus Tony (Land of Confusion): I'm growing fond of Gabby Guerrero. Do you think he has it in him to be a near elite level bat in the bigs? I'm talking .300/.350/.500 I want to pick him up but torn on his real upside and wondering if the shine is drawn more from his last name than his actual potential

Mauricio Rubio: I don't think the power will be there, but Chris Rodriguez loves him and his hand eye coordination. There's upside here, along with considerable risk.

OB1 (NYC): having a hard time with good bench players on my team. Josh Harrison, Domingo Santana, Viciedo Willingham and Rios I have a present. I am looking at kike Hernandez Logan Morrison marwin Gonzalaz and Jnuior lake. what would be your call out of these guys for back up bench hitters in dynasty league points.

Mauricio Rubio: Lake is a combo guy who will kill your average. Marwin has a ton of positional flexibility and can provide positive production a bit. LoMo is going to give you a low average and middling power. and Hernandez is a wild card. Wold advocate for Marwin, LoMo, Lake, then Hernandez.

Carl Monday (The 4th Floor): Kyle Schwarber. Bigger beast in the batters box or the sack?

Mauricio Rubio: Probs the sack.

Sahadev Sharma interviewed him yesterday, he wolfed down three burgs. It was apparently impressive.

justin (over here): Josh Bell's line looks great except a little short in the power dept. Is it going to appear in AA? Also, is the plate discipline something he will be able to maintain as he moves up?

Mauricio Rubio: He's hit 20 doubles which isn't exactly a bad thing. I think he's going to be fine in the power department.

Joe (New York): Can you ask Bret for the next chat to snub all the non fantasy questions? Is CBS that much better than Yahoo!? Have used yahoo for a long time and really thought it was the #1 prospect.

Mauricio Rubio: That's up to him, in all honesty.

In dynasty CBS is the Bee's Knees.

Joe (New York): Can you ask Bret for the next chat to snub all the non fantasy questions? Is CBS that much better than Yahoo!? Have used yahoo for a long time and really thought it was the #1 prospect.

Mauricio Rubio: That's up to him, in all honesty.

In dynasty CBS is the Bee's Knees.

Matt (Oakland): Is Renato Nunez a legit prospect? He has a 1.488 OPS in his last 10 games. What does his ceiling look like?

Mauricio Rubio: Legit. Aggressive hitter with plus power potential.

Chris (Baltimore): How impressive has Lewis Brinson been this season? Is he ready to shoot up prospect lists? How does he compare with guys like Dahl, Tapia, N. Williams?

Mauricio Rubio: Ohhhh he's been very impressive. I would probably go Dahl Tapia Brinson Williams. Anytime an Athlete slugs 580 it's eye popping.

Donald Loria (Milwaukee): Rank for value the next 3 years: Kipnis, Prodar, Walker & Gennett??

Mauricio Rubio: You had them in order. Kipnis, Profar, Walke, Gennett.

JoeRandom (San Jose): Position player(s) you feel is not getting any attention or flying under the radar?

Mauricio Rubio: well, Arismendy was kind of flying under the radar but we are about to blow him the hell up.

Tim Anderson before his injury was doing some great things this season.

OB1 (NYC): I am so up in the air about 2B and SS where to look for the future in Dynasty league. Can you rate the following. DJ LeMahieu, Marwin Gonzalez, Brian Dozier Jordy Mercer,. Thank you for the time you put into this. As of now I have Doizer at 2nd and Mercer at SS with Jose Reyes.

Mauricio Rubio: Woof.

Dozier, Marwin, DJ, Jordy.

username49 (Ohio): I just moved a couple prospects in trades in a league where 300+ prospects are owned. Which of these 2013 draft picks may be worth rostering? Jordan Paroubeck, Riley Unroe, Dom Nunez, Thomas Milone, Nick Longhi, Cody Bellinger, Dillon Overton, Casey Meisner, Hunter Green, and Chris Kohler?

Mauricio Rubio: Milone is the guy that jumps out at me. He's super raw and so very far away but he is the guy that jumped from this list.

Joe Random (San Jose): position player that ranks significantly higher in a fantasy related top prospects list vs a real life prospect list?

Mauricio Rubio: Maikel Franco. He's a good fantasy fit , real life I'm not in love.

Tim (NJ): Rank these prospects in a dynasty: Rosell Herrera, Nick Williams, Blake Swihart, Daniel Norris, Trevor Story, Alen Hanson, Philip Ervin, Kennys Vargas, Steven Mats.

Mauricio Rubio: Nick Williams, Trevor Story, Daniel Norris and Blake Swihart are the big four of that group. I think everyone kinda rounds out the backend.

Nicta (Peoria AZ): Thanks for the chat! Who has the greatest ceiling and what is their future rotation spot - Lucas Sims, Trey Ball, Kohl Stewart, Jeff Hoffman, and Hunter Harvey.

Mauricio Rubio: I think Kohl Stewart and Hunter Harvey have the biggest ceilings here. Kohl has a very athletic delivery/body and I dig his profile. I would probably put him over Harvey.

jonah (downtown): Steven Souza - Crowded OF in Wash, what's the potential if he finds a new team? Can he be 270/20/20 or too optimistic?

Mauricio Rubio: A bit too optimistic. He has a great story, I'm rooting for him but I wonder about the average.

Mac (Cheese): Is Keirmiear for real or is he Sam Fuld part 2? His minor league track record suggests we should be seeing more steals and less power, but we've gotten the opposite so far. Does he have long term fantasy value in a dynasty league? What kind of slash lines and production can we expect from him on a yearly basis?

Mauricio Rubio: He's a player in my mind. Very handsome as well. I obviously don't believe in the power but I think he has an everyday skillset.

Domingo Ayala (Phoenix AZ): Does Jurickson Profar still rank as a future all-star SS/2B or are his recent injuries cause to jump ship?

Mauricio Rubio: He's not rec league, bro. I believe in him still. His stock is down in leagues though as fans panic

I think that about wraps it up. (Scott in AZ, I tried to answer as many as I could but I couldn't get to all of them)

Mauricio Rubio: Thanks for the great chat, guys. Thanks for all the questions as well!

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