JotCast | Klawchat 5/9/19

Klawchat 5/9/19

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Luke

1:15

Does Theo keeping in contact with Russell's ex-wife do anything for you? If the victim appears to be accepting of Addison returning (meaning, hopefully he's been sincere and taken steps to better himself), does that make this awful situation any less heavy?

Keith Law

1:15

Nothing will matter until Russell takes some actual responsibility here instead of talking about this as a "challenge" for him to overcome.

SGz

1:17

What do you see as the biggest benefit of seeing a player live versus tape?

Keith Law

1:17

Additional angles, and seeing the 'small' things that a player does - setting up before plays, watching him warm up, etc.

Clark

1:18

Is people flipping out over the OK sign proof that we do indeed live in clownworld?

Keith Law

1:18

Calling it "the OK sign" when it has gone from dumb internet joke to actual symbol used by white nationalists might make you the clown, Clark.

Matty K

1:19

Re: Moncada. Last year his strikeouts were in large part due to taking called third strikes on “border line pitches” (I.e. pitches within 1 inch or less of the zone). He led baseball with 60, trout was next with 41. (1) curious if this issue is more “fixable” than pure swing and miss issues (2) also when does the detriment in the drop in walk rate overshadow the benefits of less strikeouts from a more aggressive approach? Thanks as always for the thoughtful insight.

Keith Law

1:20

I don't have a good answer for (2). For (1), it probably depends on the player. Swing choices and pitch recognition are different skills that have different underlying features - visual recognition/decision-making versus hand-eye coordination. I imagine that will differ by player.

Danny

1:20

Any reports on Spencer Howard before he got put on the shelf?

Keith Law

1:20

Stuff has been very good, again, was told the arm issue was minor.

Julie

1:21

Do you see any reason why the Orioles wouldn't take Rutschman? Seems like a no-brainer, and Mike Elias seems like a reasonable guy. Are there any doubts that he's the #1 pick?

Keith Law

1:22

He's not the clear 1-1 guy in my mind. He's the best prospect, but the gap between him and Vaughn is small, and the question for Elias is whether he'd rather have Rutschman + good HS prospect (at pick 42) or Vaughn + better HS prospect because he can cut a better deal with Vaughn at 1.

Brett

1:22

Do you believe the top 3 players in the upcoming draft, in whatever order, are Rutschman , Witt, Vaughan? Could Vandy OF Bleday move into the top 3?

Keith Law

1:22

I ranked them all here: https://klaw.me/2vrX6tV

Jeff

1:23

Sorry buddy, people have a right to refuse vaccines for any reason they choose- personal, private, or religious.

Keith Law

1:24

That may be true, pal, but you don't have a right to refuse vaccines FOR YOUR CHILD, any more than you have a right to deny your child medicine, food, shelter, or other care. Do you want the right to beat your child too?

Also, it's not even clear you have the right you think you do, except in your own head. Courts have ruled the government can force vaccinations during outbreaks and epidemics.

Fitz

1:24

Do you think Vlad Jr. early struggles (ie not seeing anything to hit) could be solved by moving him up from the 5th spot?

Keith Law

1:25

I don't think where a player hits, other than batting in front of the pitcher, has any effect on his performance.

Greg

1:25

Any new top 10 buzz since your mock?

Keith Law

1:25

Not in the last 72 hours.

Rick

1:25

Office door closed with sign that reads "In Webinar - Do Not Disturb". Actually just my weekly escape aka Klawchat. No question - just a simple thanks!

Keith Law

1:25

I'll write a note to your boss.

Aaron C.

1:26

Earlier this year, you wrote that the A's might have something with Nick Allen if he could get on base more. I *know* it's silly to get excited about three weeks at Stockton (.356 OBP!), so should I follow up with you in, what, 2020? 2021?

Keith Law

1:26

It's promising but I think double-A is the best test.

Sam

1:26

Do you allow your daughter to curse? My younger son has finally learned curse words, and I'm torn on how to react.

Keith Law

1:27

I never did much to hide those words from her in songs, but pointed out that some people don't like those words and she shouldn't use them (this was years ago). So far, she hasn't started, but that could change at any time.

Guest

1:27

So what are your great American novels? It is tough because we are not talking about best I think but something different

Keith Law

1:30

I think Beloved is the best choice - I don't see how you tell the American story without acknowledging such a massive piece of our history and cultural heritage. I understand why The Great Gatsby is often chosen, but I think it's too narrow a slice of our past. Absalom, Absalom! does a better job of covering more ground - it's the history of the American south, told through the rise and fall of one family - although it's such an arduous read that I think it leaves a lot of people behind. Empire Falls is a dark horse choice for me, and maybe a little too narrow, but the way Russo interweaves the setting of a declining mill town into the lives of his characters makes it a very distinctive American story.

Andrew

1:30

What’s the best way to exercise for someone with mental health issues (depression, anxiety)?

Keith Law

1:31

There's no best way. Every doctor or therapist I've ever talked to about this has simply said exercise is good. So whatever you can get yourself to do regularly is fine.

Mark

1:31

Love the brief guitar shows you do sometimes. I played a bit in high school ages ago and now I'm looking to get back into it. My question is if you're self-taught, and if so what are some resources online that you've used to help yourself learn?

Keith Law

1:32

I taught myself in high school with magazines like the old Guitar for the Practicing Musician, then would find tabs on alt.guitar.tab and the like. I use Ultimate-Guitar a lot now (I pay for the pro tabs) but still do a lot by ear.

Eric

1:32

What is Sixto Sanchez' ceiling? When should he be expected to be up; Sept? 2020?

Keith Law

1:33

Has to stay healthy for a full season before we think about him coming to the majors. I think it's #2-3 ceiling in reality despite the huge velocity.

Cade

1:33

Austin Riley has been on an insanely hot streak for the past week or two. Have you come around on him as a prospect? What do you think his ultimate upside is?

Keith Law

1:33

A hot week or two doesn't change my opinion of a prospect. He was in the right place on my top 100, with the same strengths (power, defense) and weaknesses (bat speed) today he had two months ago.

John

1:34

Does James Karinchak have a chance to be an impact reliever in MLB?

Keith Law

1:34

A chance, yes, not a large one. History of wildness and I believe shoulder issues.

Andrew

1:34

What’s the difference between Nolan Gorman leading up to the draft last year and Rece Hinds leading up to the draft this year?

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