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Klawchat 2/25/21
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Keith Law
1:01
I know there's got to be a break in the monotony. Klawchat.
Nate
1:01
With the lost year of development for many minor league players has there been any talk of pushing Rule 5 eligibility back a year?
Keith Law
1:01
I haven't heard that. It would have to be collectively bargained, and it would be a disaster for minor leaguers. Let's hope the union stands up for them, even though they're non-members.
Max G
1:01
Hey Keith, thanks for taking the time to do this. You had mentioned (I believe in your last chat) that a factor in you ranked big-name-heavy systems, such as the Tigers, Ordeals, and WSox, where you did was because of their historically poor international programs. What does improving these club's international scouting look like, and is there any hope for these orgs?
Keith Law
1:02
I like the autocorrect of the Orioles as "Ordeals." I'm sure fans who've lived through the last few years would concur. It's not just one solution for all teams - in Baltimore's case, it was the previous regime's choice to eschew that market completely, while in Detroit and Chicago, they tended to avoid the higher-bonus guys, and did not get great results when they did go for the seven-figure players.
xxx(yyy)
1:04
thoughts on NBA Top Shot? chances we see an MLB version of that same kind of concept?
Keith Law
1:04
Had to look this up. I really don't know anything about this idea. Digital assets aren't assets. You don't own the ebooks you think you bought. You're just leasing them.
Mitchell
1:04
What first year players, J2 or 2020 draftees are you most excited to see in person in Sprint Training?
Keith Law
1:04
This will be a column in March.
Ben (MN)
1:05
Have you tried playing any board games with others virtually? If so, any that work well? I'm getting so sick of two player games because my wife beats me all the time.
Keith Law
1:06
On gaming sites, yes. Across Zoom, only more social games. I wrote about some for Vulture back in November. https://klaw.me/2HdYUAl
Terry
1:06
I patiently waited for your NL Central Top 20 prospects lists to see where Drew Rasmussen was going to land....quickly learning after his name didn't appear that he lost rookie eligibility (face, meet palm). Thoughts on him?
Keith Law
1:06
One-inning reliever. Horrible overuse at Oregon State ended any chance he'd be more.
bROOKS
1:07
Matt Thaiss - major leaguer? Bench likely, or every day guy?
Keith Law
1:07
Bench ceiling. Not enough bat for every day guy.
Billy
1:07
Is Cubs fans dragging of the Ricketts family warranted?
Keith Law
1:07
I mean, there are so many reasons...
Stu
1:07
Have you heard anything about Verlander's progress? Best guess: does he pitch in the majors again? He'll be out of a contract at the end of the season
Keith Law
1:07
Oh, he'll pitch in the majors again. Someone will give him a chance even if he's throwing 87.
I have no idea how he's doing.
Duchess
1:08
Hey Keith, Pedro Leon seems unique in that he's a older than many of the international prospects and has some pro experience. Understand that the long layoff introduces a huge variable, but what are the chances he sees a rapid run through the minors and ends up in Houston later in the summer?
Keith Law
1:09
He's really interesting in that he has the tools of a top 50 or even top 25 prospect, is older than the typical J2 signing, but is younger than most of the good Cuban position player prospects who've come over (other than Robert, I think). We just have no idea how advanced he is as a hitter because the Serie Nacional has been so bad since the waves of defections began 8-10 years ago.
RobD
1:11
Do we really know how valuable it is for prospects to play in real minor league games vs other ways to develop their skills? I often hear about needing more time in game situations - is there really no other way to teach them those things than games? I have been wondering if something like 2-3 games a week plus alternative training ala Driveline might be a more efficient means of development. I know I am colored by my high school baseball days where we'd spend hours on a bus just to play a game where I'd get 4 ABs and a few groundballs hit to me.
Keith Law
1:11
I don't buy that at all. The hardest things to do in baseball involve other players who are trying to do the other hardest things against you - getting hitters out, hitting real pitching.
Andy
1:11
How do ratings on the Athletic work, from the writer perspective? If I rate everything as solid, but occasional things as awesome, does that help ratings or is it like Uber, that awesome is the standard and anything below it could be an issue?
Keith Law
1:11
No one has ever mentioned those ratings to me.
barbeach
1:11
Belated congrats on your nuptials.  Wishing you many decades of happiness.  Bought Azul to play with the family based on your recommendation...has been great fun as we navigate Covid cabin fever.  So thanks.  Question: Is this the year Clint Frazier really breaks out?
Keith Law
1:12
If he's healthy, he'll play and be fine. I don't think he's a star because the same swing and miss issues that were there in high school are, as far as I know, still there.
Todd Boss
1:13
Texas frozen windmills == root cause of Texas' power grid failures.  Right.  At what point does the disingenuity of right wing media become so ridiculous that even the brainwashed masses who watch it call BS?
Keith Law
1:14
Never. That will simply never happen. Denialism is too entrenched in American culture, the result of poor public education, income inequality, and our high degree of religiosity compared to other developed nations.
Andy
1:14
How long until you feel comfortable going to a game? How long until you feel comfortable taking your family to a game (since there won't be a vaccine for kids until at least 2022 season?) It's outdoors, but the yelling and close proximity, makes me hesitant.
Keith Law
1:15
I'll go when I'm vaccinated, or I'll go if it's just media and scouts but no fans. I don't see taking the kids till next year.
JT
1:15
Is using Biggio as a stop gap until Austin is ready a perfectly OK solution for the Jays? All of the rumored links to 3B seem to reveal that they get it on Biggio--he's not a long term starter.
Keith Law
1:15
The signing of Semien was the clearest indicator to me that they see what I have always said about Biggio. He shouldn't be playing every day for a contender.
JT
1:15
How hard is it to consider guys like Yadier Alvarez when doing your lists and organizational charts? In a normal year, we would have seen how he reacted to adversity, and it's possible he could have broken through. Now, it's almost like we're forced logically to assume the worst--which tends to happen, 'natch.
Keith Law
1:16
I say this facetiously, but ... who?
John Olerud
1:16
So... how do the Ms best handle this? Indeed, as a (now more embarrassed and more reluctant than ever) fan of this sorry team, what would you say is the best approach going forward, both on a responsible/ethical and (less importantly) competitive level? To be sure, these are not mutually exclusive outcomes, and any suggestion of such is no doubt complete BS. But I'd be grateful to get your analysis of the situation and your suggestions for any ideal hires. Thanks as always for taking the time.
Keith Law
1:16
The M's need an actual investigation into their internal culture, because, in most cases, if the President feels this way, it's reflected throughout the organization. Any solution depends on just how widespread these sentiments are.
Todd Boss
1:16
If you were the Nats, would you stick Seth Romero as a starter in AAA or have him compete for the lefty reliever MLB bullpen slot?
Keith Law
1:17
Can't see him being a starter with his persistent knuckleheadedness.
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