Roto-Rx

The Doctor is in...

Question #1: Who do you think has a better future as a starter, Joba Chamberlain or Phil Hughes? – Phillip, Kansas City, MO

Phillip: What a great question, Phillip! You should have cc'd this to Brian Cashman. Here's Dr. Roto's take on it: Dr. Roto would love to see Phillip Hughes hang out in the pen for the next couple of seasons and be the shutdown 7th and 8th inning pitcher that the Yankees need to get the game to Rivera. Then in 2011, after Rivera finally hangs them up, Hughes becomes closer. Will this happen? Not a chance! Why you ask? Because it is the Yankees. So, Hughes will go back into the rotation and Mike Francesca will scream on the radio for more bullpen help. While this will be going on, Joba will continue being a solid pitcher while he matures his overall game and learns how to pitch well late into games.

Question #2: What are your thoughts on Micah Hoffpauir as a keeper given that he’s been demoted? I have him for $2. – Mark, Ozone Park, NY

Mark: There is a little known fact called the roto window that Dr. Roto needs to discuss with you. This window is dependant upon age, talent, opportunity, and organization. Whereas the Pirates can give 28 year old Garret Jones a new lease on life in Pittsburgh, Micah Hoffpauir's 29 year old window is running out of time with the Cubs. Basically, Hoffpauir can hit, he's proven that...but unless he gets the PT (or traded), he's not a protect.

Question #3: Do you think Billy Wagner will be a closer somewhere next year? - Joey, Wembley, England

Joey: Dr. Roto is very confused. If you're in England, shouldn't you be asking Dr. Roto about his thoughts on whether Manchester United can get past Arsenal next week? (Go Man U) Ok, Dr. Roto digresses...Billy Wagner will end up somewhere next year for sure. One place he will not end up is ON DR. ROTO'S TEAM! Let someone else have the pleasure of a 38 year old pitcher recovering from TJ surgery.

Question #4: Is Everth Cabrera a top prospect? I hadn’t heard of him. Does he have any other qualities besides speed? – Matthew, Atlanta, GA

Matthew: Just because you haven't heard of him doesn't mean Cabrera can't play. He can and he is good. Dr. Roto had a positive twitter update about him just last week. Cabrera has speed, can hit for average, and should bat high enough in the lineup to score some runs for the Padres. He would make a nice pickup now if he is still out there in your league.

Question #5: Joel Pineiro is having a sweet year. Is this a one -time thing or can he do this again next year? – Ethan, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Ethan: Don't be fooled by Pineiro. His last good year came in 2003. Come to think of it a lot of players had great years around then....hmmmm. Put your faith in the fact that Dave Duncan is a genius pitching coach and look for Duncan's next reclamation project in St. Louis. If Pineiro was on any of Dr. Roto's teams, I can guarantee you I would be working the phone lines hard in the off-season to move him (mention his stellar WHIP).

Bonus Question: What’s your best guess as to what Matt LaPorta’s full season numbers will be next year? Will he qualify at more than one position? – Douglas, Iraq (yes that Iraq – say a prayer for me and my buddies)

Douglas: Dr. Roto loves hearing that there is fantasy baseball talk going on in Iraq! Matt Laporta is a beast. Dr. Roto saw this kid play in college and can tell you he will be a stud hitter. If he can get 400 AB next year, put LaPorta down for .260 with 20-25 HR. Dr. Roto predicts that he will start the year in the OF, but when the Indians realize that he fields with an iron glove, they will move him to 1B (probably by the end of next season). So your answer is that he probably will qualify at both positions, but it may take some time depending on the number of games your league uses for eligibility. BTW Douglas...Dr. Roto says a prayer for you and your buddies every day and wishes you all home safely (and soon!)

The Doctor is out...

Mark Bloom (aka Dr. Roto) is the former owner of Roto-Rx, a fantasy website featured in a UPN newscast. He has been an active competitor and commissioner in fantasy leagues for close to 20 years winning numerous league titles.

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