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Brendan Gawlowski Prospects Chat: 6/16/26
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Brendan Gawlowski
3:20
Probably? Would be fun as hell.
Nils
3:20
The write up in the Red Sox list mentioned Franklin Primera has "well below-average bat speed."  Is this something that can be improved by coaching?  Has that staff worked more magic or is this just a SSS?
Brendan Gawlowski
3:21
I would ask Eric about Primera specifically, he handled the complexes for that list.
Guys can improve their bat speed, particularly at that age
But you can also go off on the complex with a slow bat
Hell you can go off in Triple-A with a slow bat
crossedup
3:22
ACL/FCL is never a large enough sample size but any standout or pop ups so far?
Brendan Gawlowski
3:22
Alexander Frias has my attention.
Justin
3:23
Quite the turnaround for Juan Sanchez the past month or so. Anything different from him or that getting adjusted after a tough assignment? And as a result of the season to date are you any higher or lower on him?
Brendan Gawlowski
3:24
Looks like an acclimation period. Holding serve on the aggressive grade from the offseason list.
This is one where, for us, that 40+ turns into a 45 or a 45+ and then a 50 if he keeps hitting on his way up the ladder
jnunger
3:25
How would you build out your farm if you were running an expansion team? Any particular demographic or archetype focuses? Quality v quantity approach?
Brendan Gawlowski
3:25
Best player available for starters
3:26
As we get more comfortable in our knowledge of PD's strengths, we can then shift to emphasizing specific attributes
At a high level though, talent is talent
philly
3:30
Curious if you’ve heard anything new about Junieker Caceras. He’s on a hot streak that leaves him with a really impressive line for an 18 yr old.
Brendan Gawlowski
3:31
Really good hit tool, mature player. Measurable power isn't up at all as far as I can see
Top 100 long list type for us last winter, he'll be in the conversation when we update but I suspect he won't quite crack it
Not especially projectable
Daron
3:33
Does the Luis Lara contract extension take him off the table as a potential deadline trade chip? While it probably increases his actual value I assume it would be considered bad form to immediately trade him while the ink dries.
Brendan Gawlowski
3:34
Fascinating question, I suspect some teams will be mostly off him and others may value him even more now.
Unique situation
Zachary Bergman
3:34
What're your thoughts on Brendan Sorsby?
Brendan Gawlowski
3:34
Best for all parties that he's going to the NFL
3:35
Hopefully he has a good support system around him, gambling addictions are no joke
Chad Dubick
3:35
Is Eli Willits the top prospect in all of baseball now?
Brendan Gawlowski
3:35
No
3:36
He's a very good one but I don't even know if he goes 1:1 or 1:2 if we redraft
Fangraphs Man
3:36
Was thinking about the increased buzz connecting Vahn Lackey to the White Sox at 1-1 and was wondering if there ever is a case where you could justify current MLB needs factoring into 1-1 decisions (rather than just best available). I don't think Kyle Teel is good or established enough for that to be a factor, but if they were, say, the Mariners and had an elite catcher locked in, would that be a reason to prefer Roch?

Or if a guy is special enough do you just take him and figure it out later
Brendan Gawlowski
3:36
MLB team needs should not dictate 1:1 decision
3:37
that's a franchise altering pick
you grab the best guy over the long haul there
mikeladd123
3:37
Franklin Arias up this year or next?
Brendan Gawlowski
3:38
September callup wouldn't surprise me a bit at this point.
cosmichero
3:38
Has Willits changed his eval much since being drafted? What has he improved the most to be in a “best prospect in baseball” discussion?
Brendan Gawlowski
3:39
I think he's tracking very nicely and will inevitably rise up lists as he gets closer to the big leagues but I don't think he's suddenly grown into the kind of power that would prompt a re-eval
CherryTomato
3:39
Any sneak peak on Nate Payne 👀
Brendan Gawlowski
3:40
Looks stronger this year, throwing a tick harder, stuff still a little soft. Backend ceiling, he'll be a 35+
maximus74
3:40
after watching the Vegas games last week, I'm never trusting a hitter's numbers that calls that stadium home
Brendan Gawlowski
3:40
Now let's play a series in Greensboro
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