JotCast | Klawchat, 6/22/17

Klawchat, 6/22/17

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Keith Law

2:52

I think Trammell, but to be fair, I think in hindsight i was light on Downs.

Ben

2:52

Writing a book can take a long time. What did you do to keep yourself motivated and to write every day & get it done? I've always wanted to write (have many ideas), but I lack patience and discipline to do so.

Keith Law

2:52

Knowing that you have a deadline, and that there's a big check coming when you finish the manuscript, both help tremendously. I tend to write fast, especially under pressure, so that pushed me too.

Dennis

2:53

1st round picks this year, what % had a deal/agreement in place before the pick was made?

Keith Law

2:53

I don't know what you mean, Dennis. Everyone knows predraft deals are illegal. /rolls eyes so hard my retinas detach

Harrisburg Hal

2:53

I'm thinking of ducking out of my Mom's 70th birthday party to see you in Harrisburg. If there is a book left there for you to sign for me at your appearance, it's because I thought better of it...or more likely my idea was shot down by my better half.

Keith Law

2:53

I'll sign another one for your mom, then.

Stephen

2:53

How many variables do you consider when grading someone's fastball? Velocity is and will always be the top measure. How much can movement, though, make up for lack of premium heat?

Keith Law

2:54

A fastball grade should be about velocity. Fastball movement is typically its own category.

Lisa

2:54

What % do you think are females asking you questions?

Keith Law

2:54

People seem to think I'm more likely to take questions from women. It's not true - I don't look at the names other than to make sure there's nothing offensive there.

Frank Underwood

2:55

Do you watch my show? If so, what did you think of Season 5?

Keith Law

2:55

Since I don't know who you are, I think it's safe to say I do not watch whatever show you're on.

Ricky

2:55

What % of questions go unanswered each week if you had to guess?

Keith Law

2:55

75% or more.

2:55

Do you know much about Landon Leach? He wasn't in your top 100...

Keith Law

2:55

I do ... and he wasn't, indeed.

Andy

2:56

Sounds like you got a bad look at Mejia. Any way this influences your outlook? Had you heard other things about trouble with offspeed pitches?

Keith Law

2:56

Not really, it's just one night, but it'll be something I watch for in the future and ask other scouts about.

Jason

2:56

When should teams move minor leaguers who are blocked at the big-league level to another position? I remember you thought the Braves moved Peraza off short too early.

Keith Law

2:56

Only when absolutely necessary. They did hurt Peraza's trade value by doing that. That was a Wren decision, though.

Andy

2:56

You've commented that the 73% gender wage gap is overstated? Why is that?

Keith Law

2:57

There is a wage gap (by gender), but the 73% figure doesn't consider other independent variables that might explain wage differences. Women do get paid less for equal work, though, and that's a social problem that requires a political solution.

Steve

2:57

Austin Slater isn't gonna slash .310/.365/.466 at the end of the season, but he is now and has always hit. Think he's a 3 win player next year?

Keith Law

2:58

I'd take the under on that. But I do think he can hit. I had him as a top 100 draft prospect in 2014, but the Giants got him in the 8th (!) round. He's always had a good swing and I saw him hit good velocity in college.

Chris

2:58

Not as timely a question as it could be, but since I've missed your last few chats: were/are you a fan of Denis Johnson?

Keith Law

2:59

I didn't care for Tree of Smoke.

Franklin

3:00

Please help me decide an argument. Is Happ overmatched right now? He has great power and some good peripheral numbers, but he strikes out a ton, usually swings at the first pitch and if he doesn't hit it out of the park he's likely to get out.

Keith Law

3:01

He's always struck out quite a bit, even in college, so that doesn't concern me. The better question is this: are the Cubs better off with him killing AAA again, or trying to develop his approach in the majors? I think the latter, even if he produces less than they need from that spot.

Michael

3:01

Any thoughts on what more we as concerned citizens can do to stop the Republican health care bill? The way they have managed this process in darkness, combined with the awful things the bill does, are very frightening.

Keith Law

3:02

Probably not much, other than calling all your elected reps and making sure they are aware you oppose the bill. And then get out in 2018 and get involved. I intend to.

Rob

3:02

Micker Adolfo seems to have turned a corner this year. Is there still potential there?

Keith Law

3:02

I think so but he's still a longshot with that approach.

Franklin

3:02

You've been a big Addison Russell fan and (appropriately) against domestic violence. If you are the GM, there have been no charges brought and he's publicly denied anything. How would Klaw handle that situation?

Keith Law

3:03

Wait for the MLB investigation's results. If they find sufficient cause for action - and you know my bar on that is pretty low - then I'd make a move.

Estuve

3:03

How much movement does Hunter Greene's fastball have?

Keith Law

3:04

Not much - it's a four-seamer, so it's hard, but it's up. I think the Reds have a number of things to try to develop here - he needs to pick one breaking ball, and he needs to throw that changeup more too.

Goody

3:05

How far off is a Tyler Mahle comparison to Mitch Keller?

Keith Law

3:05

Way off. Keller has better stuff.

jon

3:05

Didn't Clay Buccholz had character issues when he was drafted out of college? Was his character issues different than Seth Romero?

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