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Brendan Gawlowski Prospects Chat: 7/14/26
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Brendan Gawlowski
2:23
I was a pro scout so I had diddly squat to do with the draft
Other than flying to PIT to make sure the Pirates took Skenes and Griffin, of course
canderson20
2:24
What team had your favorite draft? Online I'm seeing a lot of people point to the Cardinals draft as being particularly good but I'm always curious if there's differing viewpoints.
Brendan Gawlowski
2:24
The Rays. They got who I thought was the best player and then also one of my favorite pitchers in Blair
StuShea
2:24
Hi Brendan! As a baseball professional, what's the recent change in the current game that you like the least? The most? Thanks.
Brendan Gawlowski
2:26
A lot of both. Most: I think the clock is great, I like ABS, three batter minimum for relievers doesn't get talked about but I do not miss a parade of one out relievers at all... MILB.tv upgrades have been great for me/fans of prospects... the six game minor league schedule is also a positive, probably more for people in my line of work than average fans, but still... There's a lot
2:27
Least: some of the gameplay stuff. I think a lively ball is bad for the sport's biodiversity... I cringe every time a team brings in a wall for the same reason. If you want the ball in play more, if you want to see the good athletes doing things, making it easier to homer and increasing the consequences of surrendering contact are the wrong ways to go about it.
Dwight Griffin
2:27
Kendry Chourio pumping 98 to 99 at Futures Game. Top 20 prospect soon?
Brendan Gawlowski
2:28
Probably not that high. I think he's got a power breaking ball in him, and when that shows up we can start talking about that tier of prospect.
He's also not going to hold anything like that kind of velo in starts
Tyler Banks
2:28
I know the consensus on Alex Lodise has soured some based on his slow start. But now he has had a 160 wrC+ in his past 25 games while slugging .673. Does this change the perspective on him more?
Brendan Gawlowski
2:28
No, I'm more concerned about how his measurable power is far lower in pro ball than in college
David (formerly Sonoma State)
2:28
To answer your question from a few weeks ago, yes it's me. I'm now 40 years old with two kids. Was wild seeing you cite the pod as inspiration for getting into scouting. Brought me back...
Brendan Gawlowski
2:29
There's a story in there somewhere, I'm sure
Graham Lewis
2:29
You guys working on any Day 2/UDFA stuff?
Brendan Gawlowski
2:29
Eric might have an odds and ends wrapup piece but don't quote me on that
JayGray007
2:31
I found myself labelling Derek Curiel as "low ceiling" and then decided to challenge myself on that.   The instinct is "he's a little guy who is probably just a hit tool + defense play" but like... why can't the alternative read be "he's thin and is about to enter a professional strength and diet program, and also he had good exit velos.  This guy has ceiling too."   Do you have any interesting commentary on the boiling down of guys to ceiling and floor and/or it's remotely useful to attempt to attach those types of labels to these players?  Anything interesting to specifically say about Curiel on these grounds?
Brendan Gawlowski
2:31
I assume that's the Pirates perspective here, and they'll (rightly, I think) assume that they're as well positioned as just about anyone to build strength
2:32
I think it's a defensible selection, obviously we didn't have him their on our board but it was a flat draft after the top 4, lot of justifiable directions.
Bacterun
2:32
How much does 'motor' affect a players grade or when does it affect a grade since its likely case by case? You mentioned in the future games writeup that De Paula has a low motor, how much is that holding him back? Is it a big reason for this lack luster defensive grades and in theory if he put more effort into running balls down he could be a good defender?
Brendan Gawlowski
2:34
You can't help but notice. From a talent perspective, I'm a little less turned off by it than some, I know people who are pretty out on guys like that as a default. I tend to think if they hit, everything else takes care of itself. They're generally not my favorite players to watch as a fan, but that's a separate matter. Like, I would prefer to watch Roldy Brito play than De Paula, but I wouldn't rank Brito ahead of the guy just because of that.
2:35
As for your second question, it's hard to say how much more is in there, but what he's put on tape is unimpressive
rossredcay
2:36
Is Dylan Jordan's command as bad as the BB rate makes it seem?  What exactly are the Angels doing different with their MILB pitcher dev this year (it seems like its working).  I want to say I've seen you talk about this, but I can't remember the specifics.
Brendan Gawlowski
2:36
No, certainly not long term. I'm surprised he's walking as many guys as he has, but he's also constantly in deep counts because guys are struggling to make contact.
nancy rules
2:36
Any eta on the T100 update?
Brendan Gawlowski
2:37
I was hoping for yesterday or today but that became unfeasible when I realized just how much work was needed on the draft/Futures recaps. Hopefully this week, Eric and I are working on it.
warpath
2:38
Your best bet for first 2026 draftee to debut?
Brendan Gawlowski
2:38
Just a guess but I'll say Roch. Logan Hughes is my sleeper
war2d2
2:38
Brendan! Am I being a little too Pollyanna that I’m pretty happy with what the Cubs were able to do with a pretty low draft slot? Townsend seems like he could be a quick mover, and Sorrell seems like a Caissie type that was worth a lotto ticket.
Brendan Gawlowski
2:39
Loved the arms, really scared of the bats
Kevin Dyke
2:39
Regarding the White Sox, does it seem like the organization is making progress at joining the 21st century with regards to prospect evaluation?
Brendan Gawlowski
2:39
And development
lmb2020
2:39
Oh that extension question was in my head this weekend. Doesn't more extension give a breaker less distance to break? Or does it make it look like it is breaking later? How does extension affect spin rate?
Brendan Gawlowski
2:39
You hit on the question I'm most curious to dive into
The extra room to break can be advantageous
2:40
As far as I know, I don't think extension affects spin rates? But thanks for another question to ask the experts if I ever get around to this piece...
cosmichero
2:41
What went wrong for Dylan Crews? Was he overrated as a prospect? It seems like he missing the strong trait that he should be able to lean in the MLB while he improves on the edges, unless that trait is just overall high-end athleticism
Brendan Gawlowski
2:41
A lot of his power/damage was to the opposite field and it hasn't translated to pro ball
grandbranyan
2:43
There are 27 players in all of MiLB with at least 350 PA and a 148 wRC+ since last year. How many of the five Brewers to make the cut can you name?
Brendan Gawlowski
2:43
At the risk of looking like a dope... Vaughn, Contreras, Turang, Chourio... Mitchell?
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