You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Klawchat 6/4/19
powered byJotCast
Prev Page View Full Chat
Philip
3:54
Long-time reader and major fan of your analysis. Quick question and not draft related, but if a team used older catchers in a tandem, let’s say 81 games each, would that create a better or similar outcome than paying an elite catcher? I’d think two catchers in their 30s could be refreshed from a lighter work load (thinking of Flowers and McCann), and be significantly cheaper than a Realmuto type of catcher.
Keith Law
3:54
Probably depends on the players. Some guys would be better with the days off, most wouldn't, I think.
Sandy Eggo
3:54
Can we get a #FreeLuisUrias in the chat to appease #PadresTwitter
Keith Law
3:55
I want to be the president of that club.
John
3:55
If you were advising a teenager who is equally talented as a pitcher and as a position player, which would you tell him to focus on?  Or would you try to have him go 2-way?
Keith Law
3:55
Two variables. What does he want to do, and what do teams value more highly? If the world says you're a pitcher, then get on the mound, son.
Aaron C.
3:55
MLB Network's draft coverage: all the talking! occasionally some draft picks!
Keith Law
3:56
I knew time dilation was real, but never experienced it until MLB Network took eleven minutes to get through a five-minute break.
Bill
3:56
Fiction: aluminum bats cannot transition to wood.
Keith Law
3:56
Well, no, that would be alchemy.
The Internet
3:56
WHY ISN'T YOUR 2020 MOCK DRAFT AVAILABLE YET?!!?!?!?!?!
Keith Law
3:56
Stop that.
Henry
3:56
Keith, just want to say thank you for all of the incredible amount you invested in the draft, including the late night ESPN team post which was excellent and informative.
Keith Law
3:57
You're welcome. I worked hard (and late) to make that a longer post this year, so fans of every team had something to read.
Brian
3:57
(insert joke about Keith having a short bias)
Keith Law
3:57
My bias is not short. It's like a long, sharp sword.
Brian
3:58
Last week you didn't seem to disagree with a guy who said clutch-ness isn't a thing. But doesn't that go against what psychology teaches us? Some people perform better under the most intense pressure than do others. Wouldn't this apply to sports just like it does medicine, politics, law, etc?
Keith Law
3:59
I go with evidence. The evidence says that MLB players do not perform significantly differently in "clutch" situations. It is possible or even likely  that players who wilt in those situations never reach the majors, since they face pressure when they're being scouted and all the way up the minors. But there is no such thing as a "clutch hitter" in the majors, and if you think there is, well, come correct with some facts.
Chris
3:59
Just noticed that Hunter Bishop is still just 20y/o. Won't turn 21 for 3 weeks. Does the fact that he played the entire year at 20 help his projection like Baty's age hurt him?
Keith Law
3:59
Yes.
Tim
3:59
I am no scout but even to this amateur eye, Rutledge has one of the shortest arm deliveries I can recall ever seeing.  Is this something to be concentrated about?
Keith Law
3:59
Teams were concerned about his short arm swing and lack of athleticism. On the other hand, he might have a 7 fastball and 7 slider.
Michael
3:59
How does Manoah compare to Mize?
Keith Law
4:00
I'm very high on Manoah but Mize is a potential #1 starter with two swing and miss pitches and plus command.
Mize is the best RHP prospect in the minors right now.
Bill
4:01
Is there anything to Kevin Newman’s improvement? I know you were high on him out of the draft
Keith Law
4:01
I'm chalking it up to the teamwide improvements from hitters now that they changed coaches & approach - don't think they're so keen on contact/going the other way as they were in years past.
Joe
4:01
On MLB radio today I heard an analyst mention that because of advanced training techniques, more young players will make it to the big leagues sooner. Basically, that much of the training that used to be done in the minors is now being done in high school and college. I was curious to hear your take on this.
Keith Law
4:01
False.
Howey
4:01
Last night Harold Reynolds said that Jackson Rutledge’s short arm action was probably fine because “catchers throw like that and who’s heard of a catcher getting Tommy John?” I’m still getting over how wrong that statement is
Keith Law
4:02
I heard half of that sentence and thought I'd misunderstood the context.
I mean, catchers do have Tommy John, not even that infrequently.
Jeff
4:02
Best guess for MLB ETA for Luis Robert?
Keith Law
4:03
I think he'll be up this year. Why not? If he bumps to AAA, keeps hitting, don't you call him up and see if he can make the 2020 OD roster? I would.
4:04
OK, time to start those recaps and maybe walk outside for a minute. I have some personal travel next week and may not chat at all, but I'll shoot for a Periscope tomorrow during day 3. Recaps go up Thursday and Friday, one league each day, and I'll look at the new team #1 prospects in a piece next week as well. Thank you as always for all of your questions and the kind words on my draft content this week!
Connecting…