JotCast | Klawchat 6/9/17 (nice)

Klawchat 6/9/17 (nice)

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PhillyJake

1:40

I realize I don't see it doesn't work as an argument. Which is why I asked what different about this guy? Or, what is it they like about him to break their pattern in terms of pitchers they draft?

Keith Law

1:40

I don't know their specific thinking, but he's a three-year performer who will show three above average pitches.

Len

1:40

Can you give us an update on your mock schedule between now and the draft?

Keith Law

1:41

Next one posts Sunday morning and we will keep that file 'live' till the draft, editing that rather than rewriting the whole thing.

Sam

1:41

Still thinking Nick Allen for the Cubs? Would they save any money for high-ceiling options at #30?

Keith Law

1:41

I didn't have them with Allen in my last mock. I have heard they would like to pair up those picks (27 and 29), go over slot with one and under with the other, to try to nab a top 15 talent who fell due to bonus demands/college commitment.

Chris

1:42

Why is a quiche not a pie?

Keith Law

1:42

It's a pie. A custard pie.

1:42

Non Draft Question - Eddie Butler has looked decent with the Cubs, albeit a SSS and not pitching a mile above sea level. Have you seen anything different in his delivery that might help him have more success going forward?

Keith Law

1:42

I think it's more that his shoulder is finally healthy again and he's not pitching in Denver.

Marshall MN

1:42

At what spot in this draft does a team stop scouting Wright/Greene/McKay? It seems like by pick 6 or 7 that there isn

Keith Law

1:42

Yes, teams in that 6-10 range have told me they expect those three guys to be gone.

Mike

1:42

Jack Flaherty, who you call a possible #2 starter, has opened his time in AAA with two solid starts. How far is he from being ready for a ML rotation?

Keith Law

1:43

He could get a cup of coffee in September but it's more realistic to think he'll be up nextx spring.

Hey J.P.

1:43

Otani a two way player in the majors? And either way, how would he fare if he was draft eligible?

Keith Law

1:43

No, pitcher only.

1:43

Are the Cubs still on Luis Gonzalez? Seems like a lot of risk - HS guy playing in altitude with limited upside. Any chance they look at pitching or do they continue to do what they've been good at - picking bats? Thanks!

Keith Law

1:43

Luis Gonzalez is at UNM. You're (possibly) confusing him with Jacob Gonzalez, whose father Luis played for the Dbacks, who is an Arizona HS kid.

Mike

1:43

Is it possible the Addison Russell accusations are completely false?

Keith Law

1:44

Possible, sure. Likely, no. False accusation rates for domestic and sexual assault are in the single digits.

Dan

1:44

Like many others, you had Smoak as a top prospect. Then he spent the next seven years looking like a bust. Now he's suddenly become one of the top 1B in the AL. What's happened?

Keith Law

1:44

I told him he was making me look bad, and he apologized and said he'd take care of it.

preston

1:44

non draft question. Newcomb starts tomorrow. if you are Atl, do you release Bartolo and go with Newcomb the remainder of the year?

Keith Law

1:45

I don't see why we should expect Newcomb to succeed given his chronically high walk rates throughout the minors, including AAA.

Andy

1:45

Honestly, the second worst part of the OSU pitcher's story (behind the actions) is that most of the family took his side. How does someone do that? It isn't like it's a he said-she said, like sexual assault. He pleaded guilty. Grade 20 family he's from.

Keith Law

1:46

You mean like the Duggar family. And Mike Huckabee, the soi-disant "christian" who defended the molester.

Josh

1:46

You had positive things to say about Yordan Alvarez before the season. Have you gotten any scouting reports since he started tearing up Low A?

Keith Law

1:46

Just that he's overmatching the league. I wish he were in high-A because Buies Creek is in town this weekend. (Also, I'm calling them "Boo-Ya's Creek" until someone corrects me.)

Brian

1:47

What do you think about Louisville taking the result of the play ( ground ball out to ss) and the run instead of the catcher's interference vs UK today? If they took the interference it would've been bases loaded, 1 out (U of L up 1-0) instead it was runner on 3rd, 2 outs (2-0). Good Strategy or No?

Keith Law

1:47

Would depend on who was up next. You pretty much always trade an out for a run on offense unless you're trailing by a lot, right?

Ethan

1:47

Any idea what time the signing in Harrisburg next week is?

Keith Law

1:47

It's next month, not next week.

Nick

1:47

This may be a dumb question, but do you find joy/happiness from your job? I know many people feel they would, but I'm curious if it plays out that way. While scouting and writing about baseball seems to be many peoples' dream, I am wondering if you still view it in such a positive light. Thanks for all the work you do.

Keith Law

1:48

I do, definitely, but it is also very much a job. And there are times when I am doing something (sitting or standing at a HS game, watching a kid who's not as good as advertised, in cold or wet weather) that I wouldn't be doing if it weren't an obligation.

Brett

1:48

Have you ever scouted internationally? If so, what countries have you been to?

Keith Law

1:49

I've been to the DR and Taiwan, once each, and would barely call it scouting. I've got no interest in that lifestyle - your trips are long and grueling.

Drew Dog

1:49

With the "Trea Turner rule" now changed, what is stopping a team from asking a top 3 picking team to draft a guy, then trading them minor or MLB talent immediately after?

Keith Law

1:49

It's not immediate - it's five months - and a lot can happen in the interim.

Drew Dog

1:51

Why do so many UVA pitchers appear to bust? Tyler Wilson, D Hultzen, Nick Howard, Branden Kline...

Keith Law

1:51

Because they push everyone to have the same delivery, and that doesn't work. I believe Javier Lopez is still their all-time leader in pitching WAR.

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