You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Klawchat 5/4/18.
powered byJotCast
Keith Law
2:01
Money only pays the rent. Klawchat.
Tyler
2:01
I can only scout the stat line, but I'd guess with 9 BB in 11.1 innings that Josh Staumont still hasn't figured it out? Career minor leaguer?
Keith Law
2:02
He'll get major league opportunities, but the strike-throwing has always been the problem. The delivery is fine, the stuff is plus, the dude can't throw it over the pointy white thing.
Chase
2:03
Do you think it's a mistake for the Cardinals to have Jordan Hicks as a reliever before ever giving him a chance to start?  Seems like they don't mention him getting a chance like their other young arms that start in the BP.
Keith Law
2:03
On the contrary, I like breaking in starters as relievers. Earl Weaver pioneered this, and I've never seen any harm in it other than that teams sometimes shoot themselves in the foot by liking a guy so much in relief they forget to start him.
addoeh
2:03
How great would it be for Ichiro to retire after getting a couple of at bats when the Mariners play the A's in Japan next year?
Keith Law
2:04
And an inning. There has to be one more inning on the mound before he goes.
BigPapaChuck
2:04
How far out are Kyle Wright and Ian Anderson for Atlanta? Could we see them this summer at all, or is 2019 more realistic?
Keith Law
2:05
Ian Anderson has a 5+ ERA through 5 starts in high-A. That's just not a realistic question. Wright is closer and we have seen plenty of starters go from the SEC to the majors inside of 15 months.
Justin R
2:05
Who would say no to a 10-year, $300 million extension for Mookie Betts right now?
Keith Law
2:05
I don't think either side would say no; Dombrowski hardly shies away from super-long extensions.
Ben
2:05
When is a middling team like the twins considered "done?"  It's probably different for a stacked underachieving team like the Dodgers, but for a team that needed to exceed expectations to make the playoffs and has struggled mightily, is there a certain point where they should look to sell?
Keith Law
2:06
In most cases, I'd say wait till Memorial Day before making any serious decisions like that. I would make an exception for the Orioles on Machado - they are not going anywhere this year, in that division, with that pitching staff, and there's a clear need for Machado on at least one contender. Trading him now vs. June or July could really boost the return in a material way.
addoeh
2:06
On a 20-80 scale, how bad of a travel day was yesterday for you?  Wake up in a hotel in one city two hours before the sun rises, fly to different part of the country, drive another two hours to see watch prospects, make the two return trip after the game, and a red eye back home.
Keith Law
2:08
So for folks who don't know what my schedule was, I saw Jarred Kelenic in Kenosha, WI, on Wednesday evening (he was good); drove to Midway to stay that night; woke up at 5:10 am CDT to fly to Atlanta; landed an hour late due to weather; drove two hours to Ringgold, Georgia, to see Cole Wilcox (good) vs Kumar Rocker (not); drove back into Atlanta traffic, so probably spent three hours total on the way down, stopping for dinner (Recess at Krog Street Market, which was fantastic); then had my flight home delayed an hour because some part on the jetbridge shorted out and caught fire. I crawled into bed at 2 am ET. I don't think this is unusual for scouts, so I'm not doing a "woe is me" thing here, but holy shit am I tired.
Dr. Bob
2:09
My kids are geeking out over May the Force Be with You day. Do you follow any sci-fi/fantasy stuff? Star Trek? Star Wars? X-Men? Avengers?
Keith Law
2:09
Not any more. Loved Star Wars as a kid. Anyway, Happy Cinco de Cuatro!
Larry
2:09
The Gorman-Atlanta connection is interesting. What's your read on his swing and miss, plus chances he stays at third? Can he play corner OF if not?
Keith Law
2:10
Lot of swing and miss, but exacerbated this spring by what I think is a new, pull-conscious approach, when the dude should just worry about hitting. He'll accidentally drop 30 bombs if he hits at all. Right field most likely, but even though he's not good at third right now, I'd give him at least two years there. Austin Riley was a below-average defender when Atlanta drafted him, worked on it, got in shape, and now he's at least a 55 defender there (from a 40), maybe even more.
Bret
2:10
If you were in Ross Atkins' shoes, when does Vlad Guerrero Jr. get his first MLB call-up?
Keith Law
2:10
August.
Greg
2:10
Is Atlanta a legitimate contender for the division title or a wildcard spot?
Keith Law
2:11
Probably not, but I'm enjoying watching them anyway. It will be interesting to see if Anthopoulos trades away any prospect depth in July if they're still in it. They do have some surplus on the pitching side, and guys who may not make their rotation would have value to other clubs.
Sean
2:11
What are your thoughts on Joe Gray, Jr?  Is he a top 2 round guy?
Keith Law
2:11
That's how I have him ranked.
PJ in JC
2:11
Jalen Beeks. A guy or a GUY?
Keith Law
2:12
Just a guy, I'm told. I have not seen him.
Jackstradamus
2:12
How good do you think Christian Villanueva actually is?
Keith Law
2:13
Everyday player, maybe? Not a .660+ SLG guy.
Brian
2:13
Before a couple of years ago I don't remember any position players having Tommy John surgery. Now I can think of at least 4 (Knapp, Torres, Wieters and now Seager). Has something changed about how position players throw?
Keith Law
2:14
Craig Wilson, Todd Hundley, John Baker. I think Rocco Baldelli had it. Kyle Blanks. Shin-Soo Choo, but he pitched some as an amateur and threw hard. I think you don't remember them because they don't miss as much time.
Prospect Expansion Pack
2:15
Have you seen/ heard anything about Luis Robert or Juan Pablo Martinez this spring?
Keith Law
2:15
Neither has played.
Jack
2:15
Jeter Downs is playing second with Jose Israel Garcia at SS. If Downs moves to a higher level before Garcia, do you think he moves back to short?
Keith Law
2:15
Yes, if only for maintaining some flexibility.
Matthew
2:15
What is your take on the Braves calling up Bautista today? I think it's a good move but Braves twitter is not so sure.
Keith Law
2:15
Eh. Worth seeing if there's anything left.
JT
2:15
Do you find it exhausting to constantly have to swat at proliferating hate online? I found an old friend online this week, only to discover that he believes in climate denial, racial essentialism and Jordan Peterson. I'm tired.
Keith Law
2:16
Yes, but I feel an obligation. I have a sizable platform. I could just use it to promote myself, but I think I should try to use it to do some good in the world.
leprekhan
2:16
You mentioned Nolan Gorman as being connected to the Braves in your mock, are there any other names that they have been connected to? How strong of a possibility is Kumar Rocker at #8?
Load More Messages
Connecting…