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Brendan Gawlowski Prospects Chat: 2/24/26
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Brendan Gawlowski
2:50
All else equal, the additional quality pitch would be a value add. If nothing else, it's an indication that the guy has pretty good aptitude if he can really throw five average pitches.
Jim
2:50
Which team (other than the Pirates) has the best scouting department?
Brendan Gawlowski
2:51
Milwaukee's international group does tremendous work; Tampa's pro group stands out immediately as well.
LenynSosaTruther
2:51
You see Sam Antonachi go yard pullside at 109 EV? Do you have a favorite among the collection of White Sox 25-35 game power grinders
Brendan Gawlowski
2:51
I did see that; be cautious with spring training batted ball outcomes.
Kate
2:51
Really enjoyed prospect week, great job!  Which team lists are coming up?  Any idea when they'll drop?
Brendan Gawlowski
2:52
We're tag-teaming the Tigers. Some blend of NYY/NYM/ATL on deck and in the hole.
We're trying to grind through some Florida clubs before I get out to AZ. Eric is already out and about.
What a tool
2:52
How exactly do you project a prospect’s hit tool? Power, speed, even fielding to a certain extent, I’m sure you can get a good feel just by looking at his build, but hitting seems more skills-based than the other tools
Brendan Gawlowski
2:55
There are a bunch of things I'm looking for/asking as I watch a player. How does the swing look? Is this an adjustable barrel? How do his feet work? How about his hands? What's his bat speed? What is his bat speed going to look like at maturity? Does he see spin well? Is he passive/patient or is he looking to roll the pole?
2:56
I'm inclined to project on guys who either make a lot of hard contact or guys where it looks right and they maybe just need a little more strength to pull it all off; Nimmala a good example of the latter.
Keith
2:57
Are the angels getting any better at developing pitchers? Seems like they are finally investing - do you think it will pay off or is their system flawed?
Brendan Gawlowski
2:58
Another one where we'll need a little time. There are a couple of signs that'll tell us if something different is happening: I'll be paying attention to how often guys are throwing fastballs, for one. In the longer run, let's see if they keep targeting/prioritizing guys with arm strength but bad FB shape
3:00
To be clear, I think that player population could be underrated. But ideally you'd be doing something to either change the shape/slot or working on the secondaries. And instead a lot of these guys just throw a bunch of fastballs.
Derek in Little Rock
3:02
Thoughts on Ethan Holliday going into 2026?  Scary K-rate in his first (small) sample of pro ball, and some of the shine wore off before the draft, but you'd think if anyone can make adjustments, it's a guy with MLB bloodlines (his organization's track record of development notwithstanding)
Brendan Gawlowski
3:02
Not to be a broken record on the subject but the late-season Low-A cameos for high school draftees are a really tough assignment, one I'm mostly inclined to give people a pass on.
Metties
3:03
What does a 70 FV pitcher look like? I believe the last one FG gave a 70 to was MackGore
Brendan Gawlowski
3:04
The way the FV grades are structured is meant to represent value rather than a player's scouting grades. In other words, a lot of the top 50 arms would be 70's on the scouting scale, but the way pitchers get hurt/throw a lower volume of innings these days makes it hard to put a 70 FV on them.
org the complex
3:04
Do you think teams should be able to trade all draft picks?
Brendan Gawlowski
3:05
I don't think we should have a draft at all but if we're going to do it, then yes.
org the complex
3:05
Do you think teams get good value when they cut underslot deals at the top of the draft with the purpose of overslotting later?
Brendan Gawlowski
3:05
Sometimes yes sometimes no. Perfectly fine strategy but you have to execute.
Billy Ocean
3:06
Should Lagrange be in the Yankee bullpen now, "only so many bullets" type mentality?
Brendan Gawlowski
3:06
Justifiable to do it.
Jaybee
3:06
How much run will K McGonigle get this year?
Brendan Gawlowski
3:07
A lot, I think. May not break camp but he's pretty darn close to ready.
NFP
3:07
Rough timeline for the O's list? Thank you!
Brendan Gawlowski
3:07
They're going to be toward the back. Eric has a Florida trip planned for early April and they're one of the clubs he'll get a look at.
Dodgers Blue
3:07
Can you explain "I don't think we should have a draft at all...."?
Brendan Gawlowski
3:08
I think players should get to choose their employers.
I also think a CFB-like signing day would be way more exciting than the draft.
Dynasty Player
3:09
Do you have any "Two Year Dart Throws" you like beyond Juan Sanchez and Angel De Los Santos and the guys Eric liked? Ideally toolsy far away guys that could pop like a Florentino?
Brendan Gawlowski
3:11
The short answer is all the 40+ DSL/ACL guys. I would not personally put a PTC on any of the teens who haven't played in games yet.
millville meltdown
3:11
what are the most ridiculously extreme (in either direction) tools you've seen in your time?
Brendan Gawlowski
3:13
Judge/Stanton BP's are ridiculous. The way Braiden Ward could leg out a double on a routine groundball to right field.
Oaktown Blues
3:13
"be cautious with Spring training batted ball outcomes" - just typical sample size concerns or is the ball different?
Brendan Gawlowski
3:14
It's relatively high altitude so pitches don't break and the ball carries extremely well. But you're right, the ball is another variable. We're far enough away from 2019 that I'm less and less concerned about a game-changing ball switcharoo with each passing season but it's always possible.
Karl Hungus
3:14
How important is physical attributes like hand size, finger-to-palm ratio, etc. when projecting/teaching secondary pitches?
Brendan Gawlowski
3:15
Good question; I'll ask some pitching folks. Follow up next week.
Oaktown Blues
3:16
Does Joshua Kuroda-Grauer have some latent power potential? He's been basically a slap hitter in the minors, but he's putting up good EVs this Spring and he's bigger than I realized
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