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Klawchat 11/13/25
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Eric
3:20
Instead of just sighing and thinking we're not going to get much baseball in 2027, I'll ask: What are the odds Tony Clark is still in charge of the MLBPA when the collective bargaining agreement runs out? It's not usually a good sign when a union leader is under federal investigation.
Keith Law
3:21
I have some questions about the timing of all of this. Seems rather convenient that that investigation would pop up on the eve of CBA talks, no?
Guest
3:21
Hey Keith...are Angel fans just shit out of luck until Arte sells the team? What a friggen disaster.
Keith Law
3:21
Probably.
B
3:21
Is it just me or is it odd that the only team in modern history with a sanctioned cheat code (Ohtani taking ABs after being pulled from the mound) keeps winning WS? It's like if a team took, say, vintage Ronaldo out of the game but could still have him take free kicks and PKs. WTF baseball.
Keith Law
3:21
I think it's just you. That's not a "sanctioned cheat code." Any team could do it if they had a player worthy of the role.
John
3:21
Where should the Red Sox be playing Kristian Campbell?  Not "Worcester vs. Boston", but what position?  He looked extremely clueless at second base last year, and it kind of seemed like his bad defense started to affect other parts of his game.  They said he was going to "learn" first base in the minors, but then moved him almost exclusively to the outfield by the middle of August.   Outfield is the one place the big league club doesn't need more bodies.   I sense the organization doesn't actually have a plan -- the MLB version of "Obamacare sucks; we'll dump it, and come up with something better later."
Keith Law
3:22
If he's in triple A, I'd probably work on his defense at second, where he has the most value, but LF may be the most likely long-term position. I also wouldn't be surprised to see him moved this winter.
Matt
3:23
What would you do with Kevin Alcantara given the Cubs OF depth and the fact that he's out of options? Trade him, open up room by trading another OF or stick him on the bench for a year knowing Happ and Suzuki are FAs after 2026?
Keith Law
3:23
I'm assuming they'll apply for a fourth option on him. I believe he qualifies.
Crew
3:23
Do you think the Dodgers should go into another year of planning to use Rushing as a back up C/fourth OF?
Keith Law
3:23
Seems like a poor use of the player.
Josh
3:23
Can you explain where teams are really losing money? Because it's not low level scouts where the cuts get made. It's like if I owned a restaurant that I told you lost money every year because of food costs and we need to cap staff pay because the head chef makes too much and that's why the food sucks...so we're going to fire the dishwasher, but also if you want to buy it, it's going to cost you $1.5B. I get the salary numbers get all the attention because they easy and tied to individual performance, but the math ain't mathing.
Keith Law
3:24
They're not losing money. Maybe one or two teams is, but I doubt that, because lower-revenue teams get a big fat socialist check from MLB. They're just assuming you're dumb, and the players are dumb, and they get help from some writers who are dumb enough to pass this stuff along uncritically.
Matt
3:24
Thoughts on Luis Morales' debut with Oakland? Is he trending towards being a mid-rotation starter or do you still see a lot of relief risk?
Keith Law
3:25
I think you've identified his ceiling and floor there. Odds of starting are much higher now than they were a year or two ago. I'd bet on a starter outcome.
Patrick (WI)
3:25
Thanks for taking time for us once again, Keith. How does a labor stoppage affect MiLB? Are teams shut down from any organized activities, or can they run minor league complexes?
Keith Law
3:26
In the past, teams could run their minor league operations for any players not on the 40-man - those were the only union members, and they were the only players who were locked out. In this case, now that minor leaguers are represented by the union (a different bargaining unit within MLBPA, I think), the owners could lock everyone out. I doubt they would but I think that is now possible.
Patrick (WI)
3:26
Keith, show plans for the holidays/early new year? Being on the East Coast, a lot of the bands you've been highlighting have to be touring this winter.
Keith Law
3:27
Right now it's just the Beths. I checked November schedules for the local spots and nobody I was really keen to see was playing.
Aaron C.
3:27
Ever ordered a sandwich that you still think about? I had a Korean fried chicken sandwich from a spot here in San Diego earlier this month and I might leave my wife for another.
Keith Law
3:29
Absolutely - many I've tried to replicate at home. A place I used to go to all the time outside Boston had a chicken cutlet sandwich on scali bread (a very Boston thing) with fresh mozzarella, basil leaves and red pepper flakes. The restaurant is gone but I try to make something similar all the time. I've had a few fried chicken sandwiches that would make the cut - Crack Shack & Nocawich come to mind. There's a place in Charlottesville, I think it's the Viceroy, that does a vegetarian sandwich with grilled broccoli & other veg + mozzarella that is also superb, and I try to get it any time I'm down there.
Geese
3:29
Klaw thanks for the chat.... Would you be against or for a salary cap and floor and would even be possible with the new CBA
Keith Law
3:29
I oppose a salary cap, period. It boosts the owners at the expense of the players and will not make a significant difference to parity or to the willingness of cheapass owners to compete.
Aaron C.
3:29
In the past, you've correctly scouted and assessed green bean casserole for the holiday slop that it is. Any other 20-grade sides to see on Thanksgiving?
Keith Law
3:30
I never do mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving. They don't hold heat well and they don't reheat well at all.
David
3:30
Obviously everyone is talking about the Rockies and their, um, nontraditional approach.  Does DePodesta have a realistic shot at fixing this if ownership actually lets him run the show?  Or was this hire ten years too late?
Keith Law
3:31
I don't think we know - he's been gone a long time, and the industry has changed a lot, but I don't believe he's completely forgotten baseball or ignored the revolution that's taken place. I'm very curious to see who he hires - I was told he could only hire 1 or 2 new people - and if he hires some retread or goes for someone 'new', not necessarily young but someone who's likely to have new ideas and complements what Depo brings.
Dee
3:31
I was going to ask how you liked the new Tame Impala, but you've already answered that!
Keith Law
3:31
Loved "Dracula" but I thought the back half of the album dragged badly. Nobody listens to techno, Kevin.
CB
3:31
Keith, is it time for some alarms to go off regarding Arjun Nimmala's performance in the low minors the last two years?
Keith Law
3:33
No. He played through some injuries last year, and when healthy was among the best hitters in his league.
Matt
3:33
I came for the baseball and stayed for the music updates. Just want to say thanks for continuing to churn out those monthly playlists, I’ve found many of my favorite artists from them so cheers and I’m looking forward to the year-end lists
Keith Law
3:33
It's funny, I only get a few comments on those, but people tell me all the time they found new songs or artists they like because I post those, including some scouts. That's all the reason I need to keep going.
parlay
3:33
Is this the year the Orioles make an impact free agent signing?
Keith Law
3:33
Recent history says no. But they really need to.
MagicOriole
3:33
Can the Orioles pull a Blue Jays and go from last to World Series?
Keith Law
3:34
I don't see why not, if they add some real pitching.
John Z.
3:34
Hi Keith. I know Anthony Volpe was rushed, but his offensive performance has been brutal. He's still young, I know, but at what point do you consider pulling the plug (and I realize shortstops don't grow on trees, which is why he'll probably be their SS this season)?
Keith Law
3:34
Way too soon for that, unless they're going to go acquire an All-Star SS.
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