JotCast | Klawchat 3/9/23

Klawchat 3/9/23

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Keith Law

1:16

Beautiful park. Probably my second favorite in AZ after the Giants' place, but Salt River is also much bigger and easier to get into/out of. It's close to Soi4, a Thai place at Via de Ventura/Scottsdale Rd that I've liked for a decade; and Andreoli Grocer, an Italian market and sandwich place. But you're also a stone's throw from Old Town Scottsdale which has easily a dozen or more strong food and drink options (plus a Cartel Coffee).

Holly

1:16

Early reports are that big Jackson Rutledge is impressing in Nats camp. Is he a guy who could be a fast mover now?

Keith Law

1:17

If he's healthy and he throws strikes and we see more of a third pitch, sure.

John

1:17

Can Andre Lipcious push for playing time with the tigers this year?

Keith Law

1:18

Sure, although there's no ceiling there for me. Unless his swing has changed, he's a low-power bat who doesn't play anywhere he could be a regular. Fine to give him a shot and see what you have, though.

Matt

1:19

Will the Yankees listen to Judge about Volpe staying on the parent club, or are they gonna stick him in the minors for control?

Keith Law

1:19

I'm not a fan of letting players pick who else makes the roster. I do like Volpe a ton but I do not see how a month or two in AAA hurts him, while it could also let them give Peraza an extended look at SS.

Mike

1:19

Who do you see making the biggest impact between Jackson Rutledge, Jake Irvin, and cole henry over the next few seasons?

Keith Law

1:20

Irvin has the lowest ceiling of the three. All of them have substantial injury histories or questions. I think I'd take Henry but man I don't feel good about any of them making a big impact because of health.

Chris

1:20

Just got back from a week and a half in Ariz for my first ever ST there. Saw 6 ballparks in 9 days. Couldnt get into Pizzeria Bianco (line was way out the door at 11am open!) but did go to MBB and CRUjiente on my last day in Scottsdale, thanks for the recs!

Keith Law

1:20

You're welcome! I'm looking forward to a trip out there at the end of the month, for scouting and for food.

Ryan

1:20

With Willson Contreras signed long term, Should the Cardinals look to trade Ivan Herrera, similar to how they traded Carson Kelly, or should they hold on to Herrera as insurance/backup?

Keith Law

1:21

I would look to trade him - he's good enough to start for someone.

Mike

1:21

Think Caleb Kilian can turn it around and be a post-hype sleeper?

Keith Law

1:21

Can, yes. Will? I don't feel great about it. He was a real mess in the second half last year.

Laci

1:21

Luis Garcia - top 50 SP this season?

Keith Law

1:22

I feel like the way they use him makes that unlikely - he is a good enough pitcher to be a top 50 SP but probably won't pitch enough innings to get there by total value, if that makes sense. Maybe a top 50 SP on a per-inning bases, but not on a WAR basis.

Mike

1:22

Do you ever listen to podcasts like Rates and Barrels, effectively wild, or any other baseball podcasts?

Keith Law

1:23

I don't, but it has nothing to do with the podcasts themselves - when I'm in the car, which is my only listening time, I either listen to new music or to non-baseball podcasts. The job eats up enough of my time that I'm rigid about carving out space for non-baseball time.

Ken from Entertainment 720

1:23

If the Yankees have a prospect that they grade at 45 but the Twins grade him at 55 and the Twins have a prospect they grade at 45 but the Yanks think is a 55, why arent trades like this done? It would theoretically improve each farm system

Keith Law

1:24

That happens sometimes, but I do think there's the fear that you're wrong about the 45 and he goes somewhere else and becomes a 60 while the guy you thought was a 55 comes over and becomes a 45 and suddenly you're a 0.

Mike

1:24

Cj abrams got 6 lbs heavier… i know you mentioned he needs to bulk up, but i’m guessing thats not nearly enough?

Keith Law

1:25

He needs to get stronger, which sometimes means bulking up but can just be more strength in his hands/forearms. He joked about how hard it is for him to gain muscle, so the 6 lbs is a big deal for him whereas for, say, Aaron Judge, it's a rounding error. The proof will be in the exit velos.

John

1:25

Do you watch Ted Lasso?

Keith Law

1:26

Yes, we watched S1 and S2. I like it, but I'm glad it's ending after S3. I felt the premise started to wear thin by the end of the second season. I think this is the ceiling for a feel-good TV show.

Romorr

1:26

How did you feel about the Frazier signing for the Orioles, vs. say, a Vavra/Urias platoon? Add on some other 2B prospects being close, still not a fan.

Keith Law

1:27

Didn't like it for the reasons you mentioned (esp prospects coming) and also because any money they spend should be on pitching at this point. Their lineup is not the issue.

Leith Kaw

1:27

Do you think J Walker should start the season in St Louis? Cardinals writers seem split on if the team will keep him down for more OF experience or start him in MLB to hopefully gain a draft pick if he finishes top 3

Keith Law

1:27

They have other OF options to sift through. I won't criticize it if he makes the team - he has handled every promotion so far, no matter how aggressive - but I see a baseball reason to try other players first.

Karl

1:28

Should Bryce Miller start the season in AA? Does he have the opportunity to make it to Major Leagues this year or is 2024 the more likely scenario?

Keith Law

1:28

I think he makes the team this year at some point.

Mike

1:28

does isaac paredes have a good offensive profile to you?

Keith Law

1:29

So he is almost the complete opposite of the player I thought he'd be. I thought he'd make a lot of hard contact and hit for average with doubles power, but struggle to play any position at an even average level. Instead, he was a plus defender last year and made a ton of weak contact. So I think the answer to your question is no, but also I have no idea what to make of him at this point.

Mike

1:29

Do we have permission to believe in a Kelenic breakout?

Keith Law

1:29

Granted.

Edward

1:29

Do you ever miss being on TV regularly?

I'm sure the reflexive answer is "no," but there are few better ways to build your brand.

Keith Law

1:30

It's no and yes. There are things I miss, and things I don't. But I also recognize people don't watch those shows anywhere near as often as they used to. MLB Network has been kind enough to have me on a few times a year, and I always say yes if I can. I'd rather have the evenings either to go see players or spend time at home.

Bob Pollard

1:31

Should the Mets just give Baty the 3B job and see what happens? Do you think they will, or will they start him in AAA?

Keith Law

1:31

I would give him the job.

Lois

1:31

What are the biggest things that have changed about the way you evaluate players versus 5, 10, and/or 20 years ago?

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