But let me be clear, Pierre is/was a fantastic fantasy player. I don’t want to confuse the two. I agree with you – he can be a monster in fantasy – always a solid BA, strong in runs scored and stole 40 or more bases in eight straight seasons, including last year during just 375 at-bats. And he’s a good defensive outfielder despite the weak arm too.

And without question Pierre has been more than solid during Manny’s hiatus this season. Basically, it’s been his career-year. But this is a 213 AB sample size, and he’s (predictably) crashed way back down to earth in June. There’s a place on plenty of teams for a guy who gets on base at a decent clip, steals a bunch of bags and plays solid CF, it’s just not on the Dodgers. Pierre has a career .721 OPS, and LA has three other OFs who could all threat .900 this season, so every time Pierre is in their lineup, they are decreasing their chances of winning that particular game.

I actually have both Greene and Coghlan in my main league and luckily it’s daily transactions so I just go off matchups, but I agree, they are close in value. Greene has legit power for a SS.

I’d rather stash Liriano. Another disappointing outing Tuesday after a supposedly dominant bullpen session, but I still think Liriano can get it together. Not like he once was but still plenty valuable.

While I hate Phillips and he all-too-often says the most inane things, why do you think “they (Dodgers) are worse”? Is that a knock on Pierre or an endorsement for Manny?

I agree Pierre’s not a “difference-maker” but Dodgers did go 27-15 without Manny and that record was best in majors for that stint. Impressive! I know Pierre was not solely responsible for this by any means, but he hardly hurt the Dodgers with his play, especially early on.

What I think I am getting at and why I want to hear your take, is I believe Pierre gets such a bum rap in fantasy. Before his trade to Dodgers he did nothing but produce. In category leagues he was a SB & Runs monster. In points leagues (which I enjoy playing in most) he was a 500 pt/year player (elite) from 2001-2007. Only playing time took him away from being an elite fantasy producer. I blame the Dodgers for that. Dumb contract and cluttered outfield.

Now Pierre finds himself in the same boat. Manny’s coming back and he will ride the bench. I think he deserves to play and think he deserves to be on many fantasy teams when he is playing. Hope he gets traded, but I just don’t see the Dodgers dealing that contrcat and I think they want the depth he provides for their WS run.

Sorry about the rant. Steve Phillips is an idiot. However, Pierre is A-OK in my book. Look forward to your thoughts.

I think K Greene is very interesting for people with weak SS. Away from Petco, he slugged .507 in 06, and .519 in 07, and while 08 was a total bust, he does have some potential to break out with the cards. I am weighing if it is worth playing him or Coghlan in MI. It seems pretty close.

Referencing your ‘blanton is a top 30 pitcher from here on out’ call recently, would you rather stash Blanton or Liriano in hopes of playing one of them at some point?

2nd half A-Rod + Summer weather @ New Yankee Stadium = Potential silly numbers.

You think MadBum gets the call in July/August? I think he’s Brett Anderson right now and I’d hate to see the great hope of the Giants struggle through games in 2009. However, 2010 will be an absolutely special year at the phone booth…Posey, MadBum and Alderson on the MLB roster might make me become a season ticket holder with the quickness.