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May 29, 12:00 PM ET
Chat with Jayson Stark

Jayson Stark
  (12:01 PM)

Hello there! I only have a half-hour to chat today. So let's get started. Thanks for joining us!

Jim (Atlanta)

How likely is it that Roy Oswalt signs with the rangers or the dodgers?

Jayson Stark
  (12:02 PM)

It's been clear since last winter he wanted to pitch for the Rangers, Braves or Cardinals. And the Braves and Cardinals aren't interested. The Rangers are just waiting for the price to come down. If it does, he'll be in Texas. If not, I'm not sure who wants to pay him $7.5 million, even prorated.

Matt (MS)

What the heck is up with the braves? Expect them to contend or is this a sign of the rest of the year?

Jayson Stark
  (12:04 PM)

They've hit a crushing run of injuries and illness. Without Chipper AND Freddie Freeman AND Brian McCann, and with other guys weak and wheezing, they're not the same team. I still think they'll contend when healthy, though. Then again, since I called them the team to beat in the NL East on Baseball Tonight, they're 1-8!

Robert (Frisco, Texas)

Jayson - thanks for the chat. With the Astros playing better ball lately - i still think they should be sellers with an eye toward the future. Do you think they should still trade Wandy, Myers and Lee?

Jayson Stark
  (12:05 PM)

There's no doubt that Jeff Luhnow agrees with you! Their philosophy is that anybody on the roster who isn't part of the future is going to be available. So those three certainly qualify. But Lee's trade-veto rights and Wandy's contract make them a little trickier to deal. Still think at least two will be gone by August.

Jim (Atlanta)

What is going on with Mike minor?

Jayson Stark
  (12:06 PM)

Too many home runs. Pretty much that simple.

Jason (St Louis)

Why has Oswalt stuck so stubbornly to that high salary number?

Jayson Stark
  (12:07 PM)

"Stubborn" is an interesting word for that. I've heard people in baseball use the same word. He still thinks he should get paid like a big-time starter. But other teams worry about his health, and don't view him as a top-of-the-rotation force anymore.

Robert (Miami, FL)

Jayson, what's your take on the Marlins? Do they have enough to win the East?

Jayson Stark
  (12:08 PM)

Absolutely, they do. They need Hanley Ramirez, LoMo and Heath Bell to get themselves straightened out. And I think they need to get Gaby Sanchez back on track. But this is as talented a roster as any team in the division.

John Sharp (Jacksonville, Fla.)

Can my Detroit Tigers find their way and start playing solid baseball, or is the loss of Victor Martinez to much to overcome?

Jayson Stark
  (12:10 PM)

The Tigers have confused me more than any other team. They've barely outscored the Giants! But I don't expect that to continue. There's a much better team, and a much better offense, here than what we've seen. Wouldn't shock me one bit if they run off a 10-2 streak any day now.

Jim (Atlanta)

will Kris Medlen have a spot start if minor doesnt perform?

Jayson Stark
  (12:11 PM)

Lots of Braves questions today! Frank Wren told me last week he thinks Medlen is probably better than any starter he could trade for in July. They're watching his innings now, but they definitely view him as their secret weapon.

Andrew (Chicago)

Lets talk RA Dickey, best knuckleballer you have seen?

Jayson Stark
  (12:13 PM)

The best? Well, Phil Niekro won 318 games, so I don't know if R.A. is an honorary Niekro yet. But this guy is the most underrated pitcher in baseball. You know, neither Phil nor Joe Niekro ever had back-to-back double-figure strikeout games. But R.A. now has.

Eric (Chicago)

Jayson, what the Tigers really need is SP and RP...they have enough offense w/o Victor Martinez. Why aren't the Tigers calling the Cubs about Dempster right about now? Dempster would love to go to a contending team.

Jayson Stark
  (12:15 PM)

The Tigers are all in. So they'll do whatever they think it takes in July to fill holes. The question is how to assess that non-Verlander portion of the rotation. Scherzer and Porcello have been big disappointments for me. I thought they were ready to take a big step forward. But they still haven't demonstrated the kind of consistency and dependability teams need to win it all. Time for them to do that over the next month and a half.

Jason (St Louis)

What did you think about Leyland's rant on umpires? No doubt that was a blown call but Welke made what he thought was the correct call. What more can they do, suspend him a game for the miss? That doesn't seem like it would work.

Jayson Stark
  (12:18 PM)

I love Jim Leyland. He lets you know what's on his mind, doesn't he? What he wants -- what any manager wants -- is to have umpires get a big call right. And I don't blame him for being frustrated that they changed the right call to the wrong call, and it led to a big inning. As I said on "Mike and Mike" today, baseball is working on a system where a replay ump could quickly overturn a blatantly call like that one. Whether the umpires will let them use it on any ball-strike call is tough to say, though.

Jake (Reno NV.)

Two part question - Any chance the Giants try to resign Cabera before the end of the year? Also do you think the Giants try to make a deal for Dunn from the WHite Sox and get some production for 1st Base?

Jayson Stark
  (12:20 PM)

Well, you're on target with one of those questions. They've already said they'd like to talk to Melky about an extension. But Adam Dunn? A) Why would the White Sox trade him at this point? And B) why would the Giants want to put a mediocre defender like him at first?

Steve (IL)

Orioles were mentioned recently as a fourth suitor for Oswalt. Any chance at all he winds up there?

Jayson Stark
  (12:21 PM)

I don't see it. Doesn't want to pitch there.

Tom S (South Jersey)

Hey Jayson. Where is the Mets love. They are tied for second in a tough division they are exceeding everyone's expectations for them this year and still no one is talking about them. Can the Mets get some love? I said just do not lose 100 games this year and I am a Mets fan but what are their chances of competing for the rest of the season? Thanks a lot.

Jayson Stark
  (12:22 PM)

I gave them some love in my review of the first quarter of the season last week. Terry Collins would be the manager of the year if Don Mattingly were off the board. David Wright is the MVP so far. And I love the way they play. Excellent at-bats. Very dangerous in the late innings. One of the best stories of 2012. How's that for love?

Jim (Atlanta)

what is the status of Jered weaver for his next scheduled start

Jayson Stark
  (12:23 PM)

Too soon to stay. But it didn't look real promising, watching him stagger off the field last night. And his quotes afterward didn't sound good. But stay tuned.

Eric (Chicago)

Jayson, if you were Theo and Jed the big question on everyone's mind is trade him or sign him...Matt Garza...what do you do? On one had you could get a king's ransom, on the other hand you need to have a face of your rotation...I'm torn but I also imagine the possibilities of what he could bring back.

Jayson Stark
  (12:25 PM)

I'd trade him. If they view this as a long-term rebuilding project, which they do, I think he's too tough to depend on to be a top-of-the-rotation force when they get good. He'll never have more value than he has now. I'd dangle him if I were them.

Sam (Cincinnati)

Do you think the Reds are a true contender this year? Also, is there a chance for Aroldis Chapman to win the Cy Young as a reliever if he continues pitching the way he is?

Jayson Stark
  (12:27 PM)

Well, the Cardinals are looking vulnerable. And the Reds clearly have more talent, up and down the roster, than any other team in the division. So they're absolutely a true contender. I'd like to see better at-bats other than Votto. And health is huge. But they're an intriguing team. If Chapman keeps going the way he's going, he has to be a factor in the Cy Young voting. But history tells us relievers only win if there isn't a starter who's deserving. I'm betting that won't be the case here in The Year of the Pitcher (again).

Todd (Philly)

Jayson - what is the biggest reason there is no Umpire accountability - is it the strength of the umpire union - is it the lack of interest from MLB front office, is it a combination? I don't like how the umpires can pump their reputation up as they please without the responsibility of having their errors recognized and accounted for - your thoughts?

Jayson Stark
  (12:29 PM)

Excellent question. That's one reason the Bob Davidson suspension was so eye-popping. First time I can remember any umpire being suspended for "repeated" failure to conform to basic umpire standards. Seems like a sign Joe Torre is now looking for more accountability AND more civility.

Tom (Philadelphia)

What are the chances that the Phillies actually sell this year at the deadline?

Jayson Stark
  (12:30 PM)

Very unlikely, I think. On the other hand, if Halladay is out for a while, this team could have major issues. And if they fall out of contention, I have no doubt that Ruben Amaro would view it as an opportunity to replenish his system. Just don't think that's going to happen in a two-wild-card world.

Jayson Stark
  (12:30 PM)

Well, it's that time again. I only have time to take one more question. Busy day ahead!

Dan (Washington, DC)

Why no Davey J love for NL MOY?

Jayson Stark
  (12:31 PM)

Davey has done a fabulous job. I was asked a question about Terry Collins. Just because I didn't include Davey in the answer doesn't mean I'm blind! He's been a perfect fit for that team.

Jayson Stark
  (12:32 PM)

Thanks to everybody who checked in. See you down the road in Chat Land!