Eric Longenhagen Prospects Chat
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Eric A Longenhagen
12:45
Hey from the shade at Scottsdale Stadium as the Zags and Dons stretch for this morning's elimination game. I'm here to see Karsten Sweum and Mikey Bell, among others. Sorry my attention will be divided but it's conference tourney time and we've all just gotta do what we've gotta.
liljebbie10
12:45
One other question, with Esmerlyn Valdez coming up today, what are you thoughts on him? What is his upside for the Pirates?
Eric A Longenhagen
12:46
I updated his tool grades and report on The Board and on his player page. Here is a brief version:
12:48
Selectivity, power, less pull ability than last year, really late on a lot of heaters so far. Bad defense. 45. Nice piece, 5-thru-7 hole bat with OBP and power. I don't believe in the year over year improvement in his K% and still think he's a 40 contact hitter and barely playable on defense, so not a true "everyday" guy, but still a contributing piece.
Surplus Valuez = Profits = Stolen Wages
12:48
Happy Friday. When yous were doing the Cubs list, was there any feedback that Juan Cabada may end up in the OF? Or is there high confidence for the IF?
Eric A Longenhagen
12:49
Second base but not great there.
nzach54
12:49
With the potential labor stoppage looming, how might that affect the development arc of the 2026 draft class? Would this influence some FOs to target players with perhaps higher floors/lower ceilings that are closer to reaching MLB or will the draft approach be business as usual?
Eric A Longenhagen
12:50
Business as usual, even if the work stoppage lasts a long time it's just the Major League portion (the 40-man roster players) who are impacted.
PicnicLightning
12:50
Walker Jenkins -- is "peak Brandon Nimmo" a realistic expectation for his 90% outcome? Or do you expect another gear?
Eric A Longenhagen
12:51
Exit velos are up a bit this year but I'm still lower on him than the peer group seems to be. Jesse Winker offensive output but better defense.
jackberris
12:51
How worried are you about Harry Ford’s slow start in AAA?
Eric A Longenhagen
12:51
Somewhat because he's been a dicey hit tool guy the whole time.
DR
12:53
I noticed that Andrew Tess was absent from the O's list (and has yet to be assigned).  Was there any info on him from your calls, either scouting or why he isn't playing?  He (statistically) acquitted himself decently in FCL and Delmarva last year.  Thanks!
Eric A Longenhagen
12:54
Sub 70% contact rate, 45 power. injured now (idk with what, sorry), could have been a menchie if you like him. Solid 350k pickup for them two drafts ago
PicnicLightning
12:54
Do you follow NPB at all? Curious if you've heard anything about Hiroto Takahashi this year. Big spike in both K rate & BB rate, no idea if that's a changed approach or just noise
Eric A Longenhagen
12:56
Stuff is up two ticks across the board, slider/cutter usage is up and that pitch is performing much better.
norcalblue
12:57
Have your evaluations/assessments of any of the top Dodger outfield prospects not named Tibbs changed in the past 2 months?
Eric A Longenhagen
12:58
pausing for anthem here
1:00
Sirota is the one guy where assessing the tools versus the issue with his swing is toughest for me.
Concerned Stratomatic Player
1:00
Hey Eric, first time long time. I've seen some talk about how Roch Cholowsky's decision to stay a third year at UCLA may have reinforced bad habits in D1 ball (whatever those may be), which could make his transition to pro ball tougher. Do you think there's any validity in this claim, and if so, to what extent?
Eric A Longenhagen
1:01
IDK where that talk is coming from and it's the sort of thing that would need a lot of writing, thought, and argumentation to carry any water for me. If it's just social media people or folks spouting BS on podcasts.. who cares?
He's playing for a team that has a legit shot to win the college WS, how would transferring have been better?
He has timing issues and a big bat wrap. That stuff would have been true anywhere.
Ryan
1:02
Is Theo Gillen a top 100 guy for you now? Is the data backing up the numbers?
Eric A Longenhagen
1:03
Could be. We have Rays on the horizon and on update he might arrow up into the hondo. Data is mostly the same as last year except the hard hit rate is up over 50% now. His max exits are basically the same so it's not like there's been a raw power uptick. Good hitter.
PicnicLightning
1:03
What do you look at to predict whether a minor leaguer can overcome a low-contact rate? E.g. Kahlil Watson with his ~70% rate but some improvement as he's matured
Eric A Longenhagen
1:03
How much power is there?
dirtypuer
1:03
What's the most exciting time of the season for you in terms of scouting? I'd imagine pre-draft and ST are both pretty fun
Eric A Longenhagen
1:04
Four conference tournaments in my metro area? I love it. Spring Training was boss this year because i joined the BBWAA and a lot of the red tape I ordinarily deal with went away. Thanks, Bob.
ptkirk
1:04
Gavin Kilen is having a steady season on the surface, But watching the Eugene team I was kind of struck by his lack of impact. Was wondering if you had Batted ball data and EVs?
Eric A Longenhagen
1:05
Below avg measurable pop, 33% hard hit, 101 EV90, 108-109 max last two years
1:06
one sec while i see if the live trackman for this game is actually working...
1:07
it's not
tdmoc
1:07
Any insight into why the Orioles moved Ike Irish off catcher so quickly? Last week's report was not very positive, but it's not like guys like Creed Willems are savants behind the dish.
Eric A Longenhagen
1:09
I do not have any internal insight on that decision. In my experience it has been challenging to coax even basic info, like rosters with accurate names and numbers, from Baltimore. The generous read is that they like to keep things close to the vest.
ptkirk
1:09
Has any of the team been out to see the Giants ACL team? Any thoughts on how Josuar and LH look early on
Eric A Longenhagen
1:11
I saw them over the weekend as we get ready to start Giants. Hernandez is a talented little player, I don't think I'm going to advocate for his grade to be elevated. Josuar didn't play he day I was in there. I'll get back on them after conference tourneys are done.
Devon Rosene
1:11
Hey Eric, thanks for doing these. I never played growing up and got into the game as an adult. Can you think of anything that might be lost on me? Does having that experience give you a better feel for the game?
Eric A Longenhagen
1:12
I think not playing means that you'd have a harder time making a good read as a baserunner were you to step on the field, but you can consume enough baseball to be fluent in many different ways.
grandbranyan
1:13
Did you get a chance to see Rylan Mills at all before the Brewers promoted him up to Wilson off the Complex?
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