JotCast | Klawchat 10/25/18

Klawchat 10/25/18

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Andy

1:51

Adalberto Mondesi? Real?

Keith Law

1:51

He is a real person, yes.

Bob W.

1:51

Jim Kaat recently decried the general practice of wheeler-dealer moves at the trade deadlines, using the "rooting for laundry" epithet to describe a team that's been cobbled together by the GM. Realistically, though, isn't this the only way small market teams like the Twins, Brewers, Royals, etc. can compete for the postseason?

Keith Law

1:52

Yes, and that has existed in baseball since Kaat was playing. I enjoyed Jim's work for years when he moved into the booth. Watching him turn into this Luddite curmudgeon - he's attacked me, and my book, specifically, to be completely up front here - has disappointed me in a personal way.

Josh in DC

1:52

I've been enjoying your book, but there's one aspect (thus far) that troubles me. You highlight the flaws in the old stats, and make a case for the better ones. But what hasn't come across (to me) is arguments within the analytical community. There seems to be such consensus (Jack Morris: bad; Scott Rolen: good). Where do you find yourself disagreeing with other analytically minded peers?

Keith Law

1:54

Lots of issues. I've long argued that Fangraphs' attempts to put dollar values on players as multiples of their WAR is absurd, since the value of a marginal win will vary by team by year. I think framing numbers are volatile enough that I'd regress them substantially rather than merely adding them to a player's defensive runs saved. (Framing is real, BTW. I'm not arguing it's bogus.) I also am probably out of step with the common thinking on delaying prospects to manipulate service time and stave off super two or free agency.

Thomas

1:54

You’re on your A game with the trolls today (when aren’t you?) Please keep it coming, it’s making my miserable day much brighter!!!

Keith Law

1:55

The great thing about trolls is that they're not very bright as a species.

William

1:55

Just saw Robyn Hitchcock in Chicago! What's the ethical thing for the Cubs to do with Addison Russell at this point?

Keith Law

1:55

Probably trade him for nothing. They don't need him anyway.

Frank

1:55

Has judge exceeded your expectations? I know you mentioned the power would be there, but didn’t expect him to hold a high bb%?

Keith Law

1:55

Oh yeah, he would've been a top 10 prospect if I'd thought he'd become this kind of hitter.

Jon

1:55

Don't forget your free taco Keith

Keith Law

1:56

seriously? are we just not doing phrasing any more?

Tyler

1:56

College pitching crop looks weak this year. Any guys currently under the radar that you think could jump into day one conversation?

Keith Law

1:56

It's the worst college pitching crop, for this point in the calendar, that I can remember.

Nick

1:57

There was a report yesterday that Harper wants at least 10 years/$350m. Over/under? I say over.

Keith Law

1:57

Hm. I'm torn here. I would have said over $300 million, but $350 million makes me pause. I'll guess under.

John Jacob Astor

1:57

New indie book stores are great but if you want a magical experience look at great used bookshops

Keith Law

1:57

I do. Many of my favorite indie stores sell new and used (like Changing Hands in Phoenix & Tempe).

Dr. Bob

1:57

But Ausmus said that he thinks he needs to try some of these new-fangled stat thingies. Doesn't that make it all okay?

Keith Law

1:58

With all thy getting, get understanding, Brad.

Andy

1:58

Whit Merrifield is...*exactly* the sort of guy you have to trade, right? Like, the dictionary definition of same?

Keith Law

1:58

Yes, like, yesterday.

Joe

1:58

Any thoughts on what to expect from Margot going forward? Anything positive this season? Lots of Padre fans seem down on him but he's still young.

Keith Law

1:58

I'm still expecting an above-average regular. Very young, can play the hell out of CF, needs more strength.

Nuggets & Mac 'n Cheese

1:59

You seem to be raising a healthy, curious eater. Any tips for someone with 3-year-old twins who don't want to eat anything but waffles and PB&J?

Keith Law

2:00

Exposure. My daughter was welcome to try anything I ate, anywhere we went, and I took her to a lot of different restaurants when she was as young as 4-5. She didn't love vegetables and still doesn't, but she'll eat a lot of other things (the child loves mushrooms, so mushrooms we will eat, and often) and she will truly try anything at this point.

VVM

2:00

There have been varying opinions on VIctor Victor Mesa. Have seen Almora, Robles and Trammell comps. Would love to hear your 2 cents, thanks!

Keith Law

2:01

Below all three of those guys. I hear a lot of "extra outfielder" from scouts.

2:01

Any plans to post any of your recipes? I was able to impress my then girlfriend (and now wife!) with your roasted red pepper pesto way back in '08.

Keith Law

2:01

I wing it so often at this point that I'd have to slow down and think about what I'm making to turn it into a recipe. I often just buy ingredients and roll with it.

Jared

2:01

As a Brewer fan, it was painfully frustrating to listen to the national media. Why do they not even try to understand analytics or explain them to the common fans?

Keith Law

2:01

Mute button is your friend.

Jordan

2:01

What have you thought of Amed Rosario's defense at SS so far? Should Mets try Gimenez there when he comes up and move Rosario to 3B or CF?

Keith Law

2:02

I think Rosario is fine at short and will end up plus. Gimenez is a great defensive shortstop with no impact with the bat.

Matt

2:02

Corbin Burnes has fallen into that prospect coverage no man's land where he's no longer rookie eligible, but also isn't in his long-term future role. I know you were a fan of his last, and his stuff looked electric when I watched him in the playoffs. Do you think he can still be a SP2?

Keith Law

2:03

I 100% do. Brewers could have a pretty good rotation next year with Chacin, Burnes, Woodruff, Anderson.

Gob

2:03

Yordan Alvarez is "second-tier"?

Keith Law

2:03

Yes. Or third-tier.

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