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Brendan Gawlowski Prospects Chat: 8/4/26
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Brendan Gawlowski
2:21
They need the reliever and Ballesteros isn't really an everyday catcher. The deal makes sense even without thinking too much about Ayers, whom we like a good bit.
nebravesfan33
2:21
I'm disappointed that Alex did not trade for an impact starter, that said, I thought the prospect prices for rentals were higher this year than in years past. I don't want to say he was unprepared, but it feels like he assumed DeGrom would waive his no trade and they'd be able to get him without giving up prospects of significance with his salary attached. Thoughts?
Brendan Gawlowski
2:23
I'm surprised they mostly sat that one out too, think it's fair to be a little disappointed. It's possible the playoff rotation will be fine anyway, maybe AJSS is great down the stretch, but seems like a missed opportunity for a veteran club to not make a real push.
slicedfriedgold
2:24
Looking at the Farm System Rankings post-trade deadline, the top 15 contains a fascinating polar opposite in that Baltimore is #2 with a boatload of solid prospects while Seattle is #14 with the highest average value per prospect but the third lowest count in the league. Obviously you want it all (like the Rays), but gut instinct, would you rather have more lottery tickets or "better" ones if you were building a team?
Brendan Gawlowski
2:24
All else being equal, gimme the dudes.
leoneforthird
2:24
Do you think Boston Smith can stick behind the dish if so he seems like a good get for the Ms.
Brendan Gawlowski
2:26
I think it's a solid upside play. There's precedent for catchers getting better in Seattle. Raleigh and to a slightly lesser extent Ford improved a lot defensively in that org, and the stuff that Smith isn't great at -- framing in particular -- is teachable. He's a good athlete too.
kcshankland
2:26
The Royals ended up with over 800k of unspent draft $$$. Are there any UDFA they could splurge on, or is this just another disappointing miss by the front office?
Brendan Gawlowski
2:27
Great question, theoretically they've got a lot of money to throw at the best undrafted high schoolers. Otherwise, that's not great resource management.
Charles Bengal Tiger
2:28
Should Anthony Eyanson and Alexander Frias now be viewed with a more skeptical eye since their teams were willing to move them?
Brendan Gawlowski
2:29
My head went there with Frias when the deal was announced, but couldn't we have said the same thing about James Wood a few years ago? Or Tait last year?
dan norman lear
2:29
Kevin Alcantara did not get traded to the Angels. Kevin Alcantara did not get traded. What are the Cubs going to do with Kevin Alcantara?
Brendan Gawlowski
2:30
Yeah, that's an interesting subplot. I assume they're going to let him make a real run at the Iowa Cubs all time home run record at this point.
tdmoc
2:32
Enddy Azocar is noted to "[...] catch elite velocity at and above the top rail" and have "[...] enough bat control to stay competitive on pitches upstairs." Do you have early splits on anything >94 mph, and anything at the top of the zone? Do you have his z-con% as well?
Brendan Gawlowski
2:32
I have his z contact, which was a hair above 80% as of the ASB
phillyg
2:33
Any prospects moved at the deadline you think notably improved their stock based on what system they're entering may be good at developing?
Brendan Gawlowski
2:33
I don't know if guys moved their stock, we have to see them actually get better first, but I am very curious to see what happens with Kash Mayfield outside of SD.
war2d2
2:34
Owen Ayers’ name had been thrown around a lot yesterday, with the Cubs seemingly unwilling to move him regardless of who asked. In my head he was still a 40fv guy, but it looks like he’s jumped to the 50fv grade on The Board. What changed that led to the new valuation?
Brendan Gawlowski
2:36
I took a look at him as we were doing NYY/CHC names in the last week and graded him as a 50; Eric seemed happy with that so we bumped him.
Tyler Banks
2:36
Thoughts on Conor Essenburg helium? K rate declining, BB rate increasing, SLG and ISO through the roof. Now in AA as a 19yo after a 175 wRC+ in last 40ish games
Brendan Gawlowski
2:36
Very exciting prospect, deserves the helium. The Braves are pretty good at finding high school bats with a chance to jump.
oaktownblues
2:37
It feels like the A's are woefully behind most teams when it comes to pitching development - would you agree? They keep targeting pitchers in sell-off trades who  seem to inevitably become injured or ineffective after being acquired
Brendan Gawlowski
2:37
Yes they're towards the back of the pack
yochuckie
2:37
If Kade is first on the short list, how much further behind is Sloan?
Brendan Gawlowski
2:38
Mid to late 2027. Again, part of this is context. Seattle can't find room for Kade even though he's the most obviously ready pitching prospect in baseball.
Wexlerrules
2:39
Thoughts on the Mets haul? Stafura believer?
Brendan Gawlowski
2:40
Rojas is the get. I am not a big Stafura believer, big leaguer but I don't see a regular.
Vogt your conscience
2:40
What's your coffee situation? Any good beans to let the world know about, or are slinging grocery store stuff?
Brendan Gawlowski
2:40
Treated myself to a latte from the Skog Haus in Mountlake Terrace. Great little cafe if you're in the area, good coffee, and they're super nice. I work there a fair bit too.
Charles Bengal Tiger
2:41
Ethan Salas has had an encouraging first several games at Triple-A. Odds that he's called up in 2026?
Brendan Gawlowski
2:43
When you're in AAA and performing, you're an injury away, so it's in play. That said, I don't think he's in line for a big role, Campusano is playing well and as a general matter teams would prefer not to shake things up at that position in the midst of a pennant race. Could he have the September that Harry Ford did last year? Sure.
Robert
2:43
Good probability that Edward Florentino, Murf Gray and Ethan Holliday are each MLB 30 HR guys IN 5 years?
Brendan Gawlowski
2:44
They all could do that but if you're intrigued by that parlay you should stay outta Vegas
Andre Mouchard
2:44
I've read some analysis that says Skubal boosts the Dodgers shot at a WS win by 5%. That feels like a huge shift from one player. Other than, say, Ohtani, is any other player that valuable?
Brendan Gawlowski
2:45
Aces have outsize influence in the tournament, particularly when you're replacing someone you'd really rather not start in that format.
sliderinthedirt
2:45
Where would Ramon Marquez be ranked if his delivery wasn’t so violent? He kind of looks like Seth Hernandez with better command to me
Brendan Gawlowski
2:45
Doesn't have anything approaching Seth's breaking stuff
Jay
2:46
When a smart FO like Milwaukee is willing to part with a player like Frias for somewhat marginal rentals does that cause you to reassess the player? Especially considering his age and limited minor league experience.
Brendan Gawlowski
2:46
It makes me wonder what they know that I don't
2:47
But it's not gonna make me chop a grade off his hit tool or anything
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