You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Eric Longenhagen Prospects Chat
powered byJotCast
Prev Page View Full Chat Next Page
Toki
12:46
How is Tebow even considered a prospect? He is 29 1/2 and at rookie ball. If he makes it to the show at a normal progression he won't be to the show until he is 32-33. So he can hit in bp. That's cute, but it doesn't mean he can hit at a major league level. Why would any team bring the circus to town like this and have a rookie ball player overshadowing the team? Does this take pressure off the team or is it an unneeded distraction in your opinion?
Eric A Longenhagen
12:48
He's not considered a prospect. The Mets clearly have some notion that he can help the team in some way whether it's selling jerseys or teaching young players how to deal with external noise and still go about their business.
He's a prospect if you're thirsty for page views.
Maddux
12:48
Which prospect evaluation are you most proud of? Least proud of?
Eric A Longenhagen
12:51
Just individual prospects? I was all over Matt Bowman when he was a two way player at Princeton. Unearthing a guy like that always feels amazing. Least? There was a time I was uncertain about Corey Seager. Back in 2013 he looked overmatched in the Fall League and I cared about it more than I should have.
El Duderino
12:52
With the deep pool of yankee SS prospects, do you think they should move Mateo to CF? He could bring plus-plus defence out there and focus more on his bat.
Eric A Longenhagen
12:54
They might. Of all the SS/CF prospects I can think of off the top of my head (Roman Quinn, Billy Hamilton) they all end up moving. But I like Mateo at SS more than I ever did either Quinn or Hamilton and I think he might be better there than Torres. But I've spoken with scouts who argue they prefer Torres there because he has a bigger, thicker, more durable body and that a Mateo move to CF might be to keep him out of harm's way.
Outta my way, Gyorkass
12:54
Rank the following INF prospects in MIL's system: Diaz, Dubon, Erceg, Gatewood, Lara
Eric A Longenhagen
CamdenWarehouse
12:55
o I think it's easy to say that pitching to a specific spot is a skill. Likewise pitching to a spot and being able to hit within, say, 6 inches of the spot is the same skill to less precise degree. But I really struggle accepting that someone cannot be able to hit his spot, but can ensure that his misses are within the strike zone as the difference between command and control is said to be. Can you help explain this?
Eric A Longenhagen
1:01
It's often a product of the delivery and how simple/direct it is to the plate. An extreme example would be Ubaldo Jimenez. It's easy to look at where that front foot lands and see why he's had career-long strike throwing issues. Jason Hammel's delivery is straight ahead, direct to home and even when he's not commanding he lives around the zone.
That's just one example.
Sam
1:02
So Its not a secret that Dom Smith lost 25 pounds this offseason. Early reviews of him from Spring Training have been praiseworthy, regarding his hitting, fielding and new physique. Have you gotten a chance to look at him or hear something from a scout you trust? Anything to add in general?
Eric A Longenhagen
1:02
Have been told that yes, he looks lighter but that it hasn't made a difference as far as his tools/mobility go.
AD
1:03
Does Gilberto Celestino and/or Derian Cruz get your juices flowing?
Eric A Longenhagen
1:03
They both do.
Ben
1:03
Curious about your thoughts on the Cubs long term pitching options. Do you see one of their younger, more live arms making a significant impact (Cease, for example)? Any chance one from the Kelly, Mills, Butler group becomes a number 3 or better? Or are they destined to continue seeking outside the org help through trades and free agency in the short term?
Eric A Longenhagen
1:05
I view Mills, etc as depth arms brought on as viable big league insurance should things go medically awry with the rotation. Long term contributors are de la Cruz, potentially Cease and Jose Albertos. Trevor Clifton maube a back end guy, too.
Nick
1:06
Did you see that MLB article on Luis Robert? Thoughts on some of the comments by scouts/executives? Is he without a doubt the best international prospect outside of Otani? Also, is it true scouts are worried about the weight he's put on and if so, how will that affect his speed? I'm just unsure of what type of stat line we could expect if it all works out. Are we talking 20 HR/20 SB type of guy? Thanks Eric. Love the reports here on FG. Keep up the good work!
Eric A Longenhagen
1:09
I've written/talked about Robert a few times and yes, I think he's the best non-Otani prospect available internationally. I have not read (what I assume is) Jesse's piece but I've heard all of that from scouts about the weight. Cuban players have had pretty evident fluctuations in weight during defection/hiding and the video I saw from Robert's workout put to bed any concerns I have about him being too big. He looked ripped. He's a bit raw but a potential impact bat.
AD
1:09
Who is your favorite player to just sit there and watch play baseball?
Eric A Longenhagen
1:09
Still Utley.
Tony
1:10
Reading about Dom Smith, can you point out some MLB first basemen who are 60 hit/50 power? I can't think of that profile succeeding very often. Hosmer?
Eric A Longenhagen
1:12
Belt, Matt Adams, yes on Hosmer, Morneau had some years like that...there are some guys but you're right, it's unusual.
Jamie
1:12
Better prospect to you, Brandon Woodruff or German Marquez?
Eric A Longenhagen
1:12
Marquez but it's pretty close. I have a 55 on German and a 50 on Woodruff I believe.
976
1:13
In your opinion, who is the highest prospect you are the high man on versus the consensus? Is it Tebow?
Eric A Longenhagen
1:13
Shed Long.
1:14
John Choppolella
1:15
Max Fried seems to be mentioned a lot lately. Where to you see his ceiling (define that as you will)?
Eric A Longenhagen
1:16
Depends on whether or not you believe he'll remain the pitcher he was late last year. Full report: http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/top-32-prospects-atlanta-braves/
1:17
I assume a Braves beat writer saw him throw a bullpen and wrote about how good he looked, is that why all the Fried questions are in the queue? He's good.
Michael
1:17
What did you think of Nick Sprengel after seeing him against Vandy? He's had two good games now.
Eric A Longenhagen
1:18
Was 87-93 with varying amounts of movement against Vandy. 50/55 slider, 45/50 change, pitch utility is raw. 2nd round type of arm for me at the moment but pretty good.
Artie
1:18
I imagine that Luis Robert is a great prospect, but seeing the MLB.com piece made me think some of the buzz is a little overheated. Have you had the chance to see him in person yet?
Eric A Longenhagen
Fred
1:20
You don't seem to think Lucas Sims will stick as a starter. How do you like his chances to be a good high-leverage reliever?
Eric A Longenhagen
1:20
I don't.
Yourtitledidthistoyou
1:20
What would you actually rate Tebow and his tools on a 20-80 scale?
Eric A Longenhagen
1:21
60 raw power, 20 hit, 40 run, 30 game power, 40 defense in left field and, I swear to you, a 40 arm.
Connecting…