JotCast | Klawchat 4/19/18

Klawchat 4/19/18

Chat
Discussion Board

Keith Law

1:00

All kinds of mind distortion. Klawchat.

1:02

Hello Keith, where in your current top 100 prospect list would you slot Bohm & Madrigal? Thanks!

Keith Law

1:02

I really don't like ranking guys until they've played somewhere in pro ball; before then, I tend to be very conservative with rankings, because we have no performance data and pro scouts haven't seen them. I don't think either guy would be a top 50 prospect in the pros right now. Madrigal suffers from a terrible lack of comparably-sized players in the majors.

chito

1:03

Who would be the better player 5 years from now...albies or swanson?

Keith Law

1:03

Probably Swanson, as the sure shortstop. Both are good. I haven't heard from Atlanta fans who were killing Swanson last fall lately.

Brady

1:03

I know it's been only 4 starts, but Jose Berrios has been absolutely filthy so far. Is it likely he's taken the next step and will be the #1 type starter the Twins have been looking for since Johan left?

Keith Law

1:04

His stuff doesn't seem to be any different; he's had an extraordinary rate of generating popups, which can be a skill (but maybe not to that extreme), and of keeping flyballs in the park, which is sometimes a skill but rarely. So I think there's some regression coming here.

Tony

1:04

Hey Keith, I'm someone who wishes they read more but truthfully barely reads. Currently, I'm thinking through how to best build it as a part of my routine. How many days and for roughly how long would you suggest in read per week? Thanks

Keith Law

1:05

I read every day, at least an hour. That is probably too extreme for most people, but I greatly enjoy reading and it works for me like meditation (keeping me focused and present). Find material you like, and see how long you can read without feeling distracted or like you want to run screaming into the street.

Kruker

1:06

Hey Keith...always appreciate your thoughts on prospects. Have you seen Blake Rutherford hit this year in person? Stats read well so far - 7 2Bs and a decent SLG. But he had issues last season making consistent hard contact. Can you project him as an MLBer or think of an MLB comp for him?

Keith Law

1:06

It's ten games.

Brian J

1:06

Big 2, or SSS? BOS/HOU: 27 - 9. NYY/CLE/WAS/CHC/LA: 41-42

Keith Law

1:06

SSS.

Kruker

1:06

Is Teoscar's surge just a fling? Also, what do you think of the name Teoscar for a baby

Keith Law

1:07

It's 20 PA. But Teoscar was on my preseason breakout candidates list, so I was already optimistic about him producing more this year.

fhqwgads

1:07

Can someone from the A's please get a clip of Homestar Runner saying: "Matt Olson... or Matt Chapman?"

Keith Law

1:07

That works shockingly well. #cerebellum'd

Saul

1:07

I know it’s a sss, but Reggie Lawson seems to be pitching well @Lake Elsinore- lower walk totals. Still an under the radar prospect for SD?

Keith Law

1:07

Never under the radar - he was a potential first rounder after his junior year & summer, and I wrote about a month ago about how good he looked in March.

Sam

1:07

Of the three current NL division leaders (Mets, Pirates, D-Backs), which do you think is most likely to win their division?

Keith Law

1:08

If you give me odds on four choices - Mets, Pirates, Dbacks, or none - I would still bet on 'none.' But I would bet at least one of those four teams makes the playoffs.

Ben

1:08

It's only 4 starts, but when someone like Gerrit Cole switches teams and immediately becomes better than he ever has been, do we assume the new team knows something the old team didn't? In your experience, do teams target players that they believe other teams aren't using properly and/or they can quickly make better. I.e. a mechanical change

Keith Law

1:09

I think that's exactly what happened here. It seems like the Astros told him, you're not a groundball pitcher, stop throwing two-seamers, just attack with four-seamers up and sliders down. His flyball rate has soared, but so have a bunch of positive indicators, even without a real change in stuff quality.

Jim

1:09

How close were the W-S Dash to making your most stacked minor league team list? It would have helped to have Burger and Robert on the opening day roster, but if Rutherford and Basabe bounce back, and Adolfo continues to improve they might have 3 OFs who play in the majors.

Keith Law

1:10

Not close at all.

Ricardo

1:10

What was Price doing wrong as Reds manager?

Keith Law

1:10

He's definitely the reason the pitching staff had a 5+ ERA and the offense has a sub-.300 OBP. It's totally him.

addoeh

1:10

If the Marlins are going to claim they are a British Virgin Islands company to avoid paying the city of Miami money they are owed, shouldn't they also play a few games there?

Keith Law

1:10

I'm volunteering to cover that series.

1:12

Also, I love that Marlins Man flew there and found their "office" is just one of those stores where you rent a mailbox.

1:12

The Reds are focused on developing players, not winning games. What players have developed on Price's watch? Obviously not all on the mgr, but Hamilton, Peraza, Stephenson, Lorenzen, DeScalfani... nada. Iglesias as SP didn't get a chance. As a Reds fan, I'm 100% ok with the firing. I think you should be too.

Keith Law

1:14

Iglesias couldn't start. Who among those players you listed should have been much better? Stephenson, yes, but he started to run into trouble in AAA, before Price ever touched him. Lorenzen was never going to be a starter. Hamilton has always had trouble making decent contact - but he has become an elite CF under Price. (I'm not giving Price credit there, but it happened.) DeSclafani gave them 300 above-average innings before he got hurt. Winker only has about 60 big league games, but he's done well on the whole. Suarez came over and turned into a great player. I am not seeing this track record of failed development that you are. And, again, there is nothing true today about Price's tenure that was not also true on November 1st, when the Reds could have gone out there and hired the best available manager on the market.

Dante

1:14

Anthony Rizzo thinks there are too many games in the MLB season. There is no way the league lowers the number of games any time soon, right?

Keith Law

1:15

Games are money. If the union fights for a shorter schedule, MLB will insist on steering less money to players. That is not a tradeoff the union should make right now.

Dave

1:15

I know that you hold no illusions about the reality of climate change. I was just curious if you have looked into solar panels at your place of residence or an electric car and why/why not you have gone that route. Just interested in your perspective. Thanks.

Keith Law

1:16

I have driven a hybrid for years now. I have looked at solar panels, but the up front cash outlay has deterred me - among other things, I have a daughter who's a few years from college.

Sally fan

1:16

The Delmarva Shorebirds have an incredibly strong rotation. But for the higher round college arms (and Bishop) what’s to be gained by keeping them at lo A? Shouldn’t a high round college arm be expected to start at Hi A?

Keith Law

1:18

Bishop didn't pitch at all last spring in college, which is part of why he's an Oriole today. Lowther could probably have started with Frederick, but the Keys have a couple of guys in their rotation now who are on that starter/reliever bubble and I assume the O's were giving them that last shot before replacing them. I'd be surprised if the Shorebirds still have this rotation on June 1st.

1:18

Shane Bieber... 20 IP, 0 ER, 0 BB, 23 K's. Are the scouting reports as strong as the results? If nothing else, I have to think he's ready for AAA. Right?

Keith Law

1:19

Ready for AAA, yes. It's not great stuff, it's a lot of average, with ++ control.

Load More Messages

Connecting…

Bill G

2:36

Hi Keith. You passed along the article in the Athletic regarding Manfred's position on minor league pay. For those of us who do not subscribe to the Athletic, can you give us a synopsis of his position? I get the economics, I do not get the morality of the position.

Charley

2:42

If the entire MLB were forced to play out a Lord of the Flies situation (yes, I know, many flies), who would end up being Ralph? Piggy?

Tony

2:51

Hey Keith,

Brian J

2:53

Big 2, or SSS?

JeremyK

2:58

Hey Keith, Are there any real MLB prospects at Indiana U? Proud of my alma mater developing a solid baseball program.

Jason

2:59

I know it is early but has there been any player in the minors or majors early on that has really impressed you? Has anyone mentioned to you about anyone that has really stood out?

Fuzzy Dunlop

3:37

Who is the most likable player in the league right now and why is it Ozzie Albies?

Ricardo

3:43

Can Girardi help this young Reds team?

Ricardo

3:44

Any thoughts on teams keeping players in the minors to limit service time? Nick Senzel could help this struggling Reds team right?

Jim

3:44

Thanks for the draft rankings. If my count is correct 2 of the top 4 high school bats are from the Midwest. How rare is that and does it represent a weak draft class for prep bats?

4:01

Have you heard of Berrios doing anything differently this year?

Dave

4:05

Hi Keith,

4:06

With pace of play in mind, what's the chances that MLB ends up restricting the number of bullpen guys a team can have active? Really low? Any more likely that MLB makes rule on number of pitching changes allowed?

Andrew

4:11

Thoughts on Reggie Lawson's hot start in the CAL? What kind of ceiling does he have if everything clicks? I remember he was highly regarded in HS before getting hurt.

Andrew

4:12

I guess Luis Urias is human? I never thought I would see the day where he's hitting below .300 at any level

Brian

4:13

Keith, while I realize he has consistently been ranked in numerous top 100 lists, does Leody Taveras project to be an impact player or just a regular guy?

Bored Lawyer, Esq.

4:13

Was talking about this with a scout friend: is it possible to command super plus stuff (98-101 FB, high 80s offspeed)? Who would you say has elite command of top end stuff? Related question: is there a point at which control is enough and command doesn’t matter (Alroldis, Thor)?

Brian

4:13

Keith,

Brian

4:14

Keith, I am headed to Flagstaff and Sedona next week. Any restaurant recommendations?

Nelson

4:17

Do you bone, or do you debone a chicken/fish etc.

Rob

4:19

Has Berrios shown you anything different in his starts this year that backs up his relative dominance early on?

Rob

4:21

Safe to say you are on the Dozier side of buntgate?

Chris

4:23

How would you proceed with Mets rotation when Vargas is deemed ready? I'd take two of Matz, Harvey or Wheeler and have them swing start (4-5 IP) every fifth day. None of the three are ever able to keep pitch counts down so swing em!

Chris

4:26

I'm firmly in the play Nido every day camp. Nice glove, miiiiight hit a little, but why not give the guy a chance to win the job? Lobaton is a known backup.

Dana

4:27

I don't know if you heard, but Giancarlo Stanton is bad now, actually.

Claude Robichaux

4:29

Who is Ezequiel Duran and should I even care?

Bucs666

4:32

Mr. Law, how signable is Kumar Rocker? With

JIMBO

4:34

Keith - thanks for doing these chats. A question that has occurred to me every off season that I would like your take on: Don't high profile agents have (potential) conflicts of interest when they are representing different players? For instance, teams may only need one starting pitcher - or, regardless of positional need, has limited budgets. I understand players have a right to their own choice of representation - but how does the industry avoid such conflicts? Do they? Or am I overstating the (non) problem?

Chris

4:38

Are the Mets smoke and mirrors? Agreed (before you even say anything), they are not 76% winning percentage good but are they first place in the NL East good?

Chris

4:44

Hi Keith, Sam Hentges in CLE system looks to be having a bounceback year in HiA. Is he a potential breakout guy if he stays healthy?

Andy

4:52

A far more interesting (and less brain hurty) question, Betts or Harper? While Harper undoubtedly has higher upside, Betts is a better fielder and seems like he can stay healthy better.

Archie

4:52

Do you think Mac Williamson's remade swing makes him a viable big leaguer? If so, what do the Giants have to lose by giving him the at bats they are throwing away on Pence?

Tyler Y.

4:54

Any reason to suspect Matt Chapman's good start (lower K rate, higher walk rate) is the result of an adjustment/something sustainable? Or just SSS?

Scott

4:56

Why in the world would Assad use chemical weapons when he's so close to victory? Why would he give his enemies the perfect excuse to go in and drop bombs? Or are we supposed to believe he's just a "butcher" who doesn't operate logically and truly enjoys mass murder? It blows my mind people can believe such obvious regime change propaganda.

Marti

4:57

Why did Leonard Pozner drop his SLAPP suit against former State Trooper, Vice Principal, and School Safety Expert Wolfgang Halbig? This was his chance to expose this crazy conspiracy theorist! I know you'll probably go with an easy cop out about Pozner having to relive a tragedy and whatnot, but why even file the suit then? Seems rather fishy...

Mike F

4:58

Thoughts on Chris Stratton? SSS or a real chance to break out? Thanks for the chats and columns!

Tina

4:59

Hey Keith. Who've been some of the friendliest MLB players you've interacted with over the years? Least friendly?

Brett

4:59

Eloy Jimenez seems to have minor injuries at a decent clip. So far this year, he has had knee and pectoral issues. Last year, he had shoulder issues. At what point do you start worrying about durability with some players?

Jones

4:59

God, Matheny is the worst. I know he hasn't had a head coaching position since the Penn League, but what do I have to do to get Oquendo in there?

Tyler Y.

5:00

Any chance Jed Lowrie will have any value at the trade deadline or before? Seems like the A's have been trying to trade him for over a year.

Shuck Bowalter

5:01

ETA on a Gleyber promotion?

Brad

5:02

Apparently, Mookie Betts is the best player in baseball.

A big dumb idiot

5:02

While not likely it's certainly possible that Vlad and Bo are the top 2 prospects in baseball going into next season. Is there any precedence for one team having the top 2?

Jeremy

5:02

Jose Suarez has 27 K in 12 IP, 9 of those in his 3.2 IP debut at Double-A last night. Can he overcome his frame and turn into something useful?

5:02

Chris Stratton looked alright last night before Bochy left him in two batters too many. Can he be a solid rotation piece going forward?

Guest

5:02

If you were the Mets, would you trade for Realmuto this season. And if yes who would you give up

Lilith

5:03

What teams have been focusing more on Kelenic than others?

Jonathan

5:03

What's the value of Acuna being at AAA for the next few weeks to "small sample size" get hot? Wouldn't those at bats be just as valuable or more against MLB pitching?

Scott

5:03

Who is a better draft prospect: Bohm this year or Senzel when he was drafted?

Scott P.

5:03

Is it wrong to say Khalil Lee is 80% of Estevan Florial?

Kevin

5:03

What '80' tools are available in this year's draft?

Marissa

5:03

Who would you trade for Realmuto (if you would) if you were the Mets?

Greg

5:03

Better prospect in the Nationals system: Soto or Robles?

Andy

5:03

Joey Votto is tied with Eugenio Suarez for walks and has as many extra base hits as Luis Castillo. The 13 (?!) pitchers currently on the roster have a 4.34 ERA. It's mid April. What exactly were the Reds looking for? They weren't competing for the playoffs anyway.

John

5:03

Is Tyler O'Neill a regular in the longrun or just a 4th OF with power?

Jake

5:03

Thoughts on Shane Bieber?

Trudy

5:03

Do you think Mac williamson has the potential to be a 3 win player? His stints in the bigs have been underwhelming but he allegedly changed his swing and is now crushing AAA.

Jay

5:03

Thoughts on the Braves hot start? Are they a sustainable .500 team?

Terminator

5:03

In a recent Fangraphs article, a writer claimed that Jen Ramos had done research that shows that women should be playing professional baseball. They have yet to release that research but do you think it's possible that her research could be true? Thanks Keith.

Dave

5:03

How do you evaluate Jarred Kelenic for this years draft? Just go on what you saw from mostly last summer?

Shuck Bowalter

5:04

Do you think it's stupid that the Rays have their top talent in the upper minors, yet continue to play guys like Rob Refsnyder and Brandon Snyder?

Kwame

5:04

Mets just brought up Gerson Bautista, is he more than just a hard thrower?

Tim

5:04

The usual small sample size applies, but anything to be excited about with Daulton Varsho?

Brad

5:04

Who has the higher ceiling in the Brewers farm: Peralta or Burnes?

Derek

5:04

Who is the best historical comp for Heyward's regression? It's hard to find a decline like this in prime years with no known injury.

Joey

5:04

Keith can nimmo be a future all star? Seems to be at least average in every category. Great eye, speed, obp ... Him and conforto should be staple for mets going forward right ?

5:04

How do you feel about Ethan Hankins after this spring?

Mike (CT)

5:04

Admitted Mets homer here so trying to see the type of package to get Realmuto. Would Alonso, Nimmo and Kay be enough?

Scott

5:04

Stratton has been pretty good so far. Do you see him as a #3 starter going forward, or more of a back of the rotation type?

Jacob

5:05

Outside of Madrigal and Bohm, what infielder in the draft has the highest offensive floor and highest offensive ceiling?

Cash

5:05

What #s do you see for Miguel Andujar this year? Cheers

joe

5:05

Does bat size and dimensions matter at all when evaluating a player? For example, would a player who is using an undersized bat seem to have better bat speed? Could a bat that is too heavy lead to a longer swing? Bat dimensions don't seem to be covered much so maybe it doesn't really matter?

Mike

5:05

Which Cubs prospect or prospect(s) are you most excited to see this year? (Either in person or how they perform from a far).

Adam

5:05

AJ Preller’s done a great job of rebuilding the Padres farm system, but has he been competent enough constructing his major league rosters during the last few years for Padres fans to have faith in his leadership next time the team has a chance to be successful?

Jesse

5:05

Is the mets best plan to hold tight for plawecki to return? Give up a big haul for realmuto get a good to fringe catcher?

Soxtober2020

5:05

Winston-Salem seems to have a pretty stacked outfield, and they don't even have Robert yet. How many of these guys do you think turn into solid or better mlb players?

Adam

5:05

At what point is it decided that a player is a platoon-only fit? Should a guy like Hunter Renfroe, who is 26, still be given time to figure things out or is this pretty much who he is?

Chase

5:06

Hey Keith, given the Yankees injuries in the infield to Brandon Drury and general ineffectiveness of Tyler Wade and Miguel Andujar, how soon is until you think that we see Glyber Torres in New York?

Dave

5:06

Reds fired Price today, and have said they will search for non-interim replacement later this year. Girardi, Larkin, Farrell all rumored on short list. With Reds hoping to contend with youth next year, which of those three fits best?

Pete

5:06

Do you think Tyler Beede's stuff could play up in relief? I still want to believe in him, but that control is maddening.

Adam

5:06

Is Austin Hedges so valuable defensively that he can remain a starter even if the bat never comes around?

David

5:06

If the Mets were willing to eat most of Wilson Ramos contract, could they acquire him for a Gavin Cecchini-level prospect?

Justin

5:06

Who should the Pirates target at #10?

Adam

5:06

How do teams run by Alex Anthopolis draft compared to what the Braves have done before his arrival? Should we expect to see a philosophical change between the two?

Josh

5:06

Ceiling on Peter Alsonso?

Slick Rick Hahn

5:06

IF the Sox really wanted to get Alek Thomas to them in round 2 (obvious connection there) and decided to go underslot at 4, any idea on a target? Burger was a bit underslot last year but would imagine it would need to be more severe this time around. Thanks!

Chris

5:06

Im not concerned on Amed Rosario, but more curious on your thoughts on what he needs to work on outside of plate discipline?

Jeb

5:06

What are some names that Pirate fans should be ecstatic with at #10 if they are picked?

Tim

5:06

Who are a couple of the currently in Ext Spring players that you are most looking forward to in Short Season ball?

Margot

5:06

Is Jon Lester a HOFer for you?

Adam

5:07

What is the most interesting trade idea you’ve heard about that fell through at the last minute?

5:07

Is this Gerrit Cole sustainable for an entire season?

Steve

5:07

For lottery ticket guys like Jorge Ona, what would a good season look like for him?

Vin

5:07

Do you buy the swing changes that Mac Williamson has made?

Kevin

5:07

What is Mitch Keller's upside? Could he be another Jameson Taillon?

Adam

5:07

Now that Chief Wahoo is gone, can we shift our attention back to the Braves and start asking questions about the appropriateness of the Padres nickname as well?

Jason

5:07

The Tigers are . . . fun to watch?

Dr. Bob

5:07

Cinci firing Price reminds me of a line from Ball Four. Bouton was ruminating on who should take the fall for the woeful Pilots. He concluded, "Can the manager fire the general manager? No."

Chase

5:07

Keith, just finished your book and loved it, especially the section on the Baseball Hall of Fame. Who do you think is the most deserving player that will get shut out of Cooperstown in the coming years?

Chris

5:07

On a scale of 'Matt Adams in LF' to 'raging tire pyre', how bad is the Braves' idea to sign Bautista to play 3B?

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