Klawchat 11/16/18.

Keith Law: Hate if you want to hate. It’s Klawchat.

Bruce: Does Corbin Burnes project as a top of the rotation starter or more of a mid? Should I be optimistic about the Brewers young starting pitching with Burnes, Woodruff and Peralta?
Keith Law: I think he’s more of a #2 starter, above league average, not someone who’s top 15 in MLB. I think Woodruff is a mid-rotation guy. Never a big Peralta fan – he’s too dependent on one pitch and the deception it generates.

Ken (Cleveland): I can’t decide what Corbin is. Assuming my Yankees (like I own them I know) sign him to a 4/110 or 5/130 type contract. what is he for the next 3-4 years. Is he a 4.5 WAR #2 or a 3.5 WAR #3?
Keith Law: There is no way anyone, especially not I, could pretend to offer that kind of precision in a forecast.

addoeh: Will you do your traditional Periscope chat while you spatchcock a turkey this year, even if you aren’t hosting? Maybe you can do the chat while making GBC!
Keith Law: Depends on what else I have scheduled for Tuesday. Hitting the road Wednesday, so that’s out.

Moe Mentum: I think you would make an ideal host for Jeopardy! when Alex Trebek retires (soon). Or at least a contestant. Any interest in auditioning?
Keith Law: I feel like they want someone with a very neutral personality to host that show. That’s … not me.

Bruce: Does Scott Kingery stick long term at SS? Do you expect to see more productivity from him at the plate this year?
Keith Law: Not a shortstop.

JP: what’s your evaluation of Michael King? the stat-line scouts think he’s a valuable piece, but seems more like an up-and-down reliever.
Keith Law: Reliever. You seemed to anticipate my response that you shouldn’t scout the stat line.

Moe Mentum: Hall of Fame question. As the list of enshrinees continually grows, would you endorse the establishment of a “tiering” system to rank the members based on (revisionist) merit? Or perhaps purging some less deserving members from membership? Or do you favor just leaving things alone?
Keith Law: Just leave things alone. But expand the ballot to at least 12 spots.

PhilliePhanDan: I know Kingery needs some more time, but do you have any thoughts on some other former Phillies prospects who seem to have not met expectations? ie, JP Crawford, Nick Pivetta, Roman Quinn, Dylan Cozens,
Keith Law: Crawford has a lot of untapped upside, and I think it’s up to him to decide what kind of player he wants to be. Pivetta has reached his ceiling. I was never a big Cozens fan and think he’s an extra guy at most. Quinn’s issue is staying on the field. He could sneak into a regular role if he stayed healthy.

Nate: What kind of return could the D-Backs reasonably expect for Greinke? True prospects, or just a salary dump.
Keith Law: True prospects. He’s good.

Ryan: I am sure someone is going to pay Bryce Harper $300M+, but is that really money well spent? Will he be able to live up to that contract? He has had 1 great year, 3 good years, and 3 bad years. If you pay that amount of money, are you getting the guy with a 10 WAR or the guy that has a sub 2 WAR two out of the last three years?
Keith Law: One of those sub 2 WAR years was due to playing through an injury, not lack of ability. I think he and Machado are worth that.

Bruce: How do you decide what books to read next? How come theres no website with an algorithm that tells you what you mike like based on what you have read.
Keith Law: I mostly read books in the order in which I bought or acquired them, since that’s how I put them on my shelf. As for how I choose what to buy, it’s a combination of things – authors I like, book lists/rankings I decide to work through, reader & friend recommendations, sometimes just browsing a bookstore and having a spine or cover catch my eye.

Brint: Assuming good health and ignoring service time, is Sixto good enough right now to help the MLB team? Anything he still needs to work on?
Keith Law: Yeah, kind of everything except throwing hard. Not MLB ready.

Bmosc: Time for Wilbon to step away from the mic: He argues that “winning the damn game” is more important than ERA in determining the Cy Young award. Such an antiquated way of thinking.
Keith Law: Yes. I don’t know what his knowledge is like on other sports, but when Wilbon talks baseball, he reflects a philosophy that is 20 years behind even the laggards inside the sport itself.

addoeh: Now that the election is over, do you know if Soros will continue to compensate us for protests until 2020 or will I have to find a real job in the meantime?
Keith Law: I haven’t gotten a check from him in years.

Rick Sanchez: There are 5600 members of the National Guard doing nothing in a desert right now with no AC who are going to miss Thanksgiving with their families, all so that Trump could squeeze a few more votes for the midterms from those willing to buy his BS. It’s also worth noting there hasn’t been a peep about the caravan post-midterms, after touting it as the effing apocalypse beforehand.
Keith Law: Yep. Support are troops (sic).

Ben: Reaction to Betsy DeVos’ proposal which makes it easier for sexual predators to get away with their crimes? What planet does she reside on?
Keith Law: I thought the swamp was drained!

Nate (Seattle): What’s your thoughts about Orlando Arcia’s bat? Is there still hope of him being an above average regular?
Keith Law: I’m still a buyer. I see an above average regular.

Dave: I’ve seen you say you don’t read popular fiction but you do read a lot of modern literature. For lay people, what is the line between the two? How is it determined what counts as ‘literature’ and what doesn’t?
Keith Law: Does it matter? That’s a serious question, not a flippant response. I don’t see where the distinction matters to anyone but the person reading the books.

Rob: I’m in new oreleans for a conference. Heard/been to any places you would recommend to eat?
Keith Law: Cochon/Cochon Butcher.

Ryan: what can the twins do to help rebuild?
Keith Law: Their system is very strong. I suppose they could trade from it to speed things up, but I’d recommend staying the course.

Rob: Any thoughts on the Orioles hire at GM?
Keith Law: Really strong choice, especially with Mejdal coming along to build their analytics department (which I think had nobody left?).

Brandon J: Good day sir. I was wondering if you’ve had a chance to see Jordan sheffield this fall? Looks like he’s working only in relief
Keith Law: I did. Not great. Arm strength, that was it.

Joe: Have the Braves started to fill out their International Scouting Department yet?
Keith Law: No since they can’t really spend for another year.

Mike: did you see Pearson pitch in AZL? he seemed to progress, do you see him as a starter or reliever?
Keith Law: AFL (not AZL, I know what you meant). Was awful for me, awful the next outing, gradually improved as the fall went on. Arm strength is absurd, looks like a starter. Reports I got from scouts who saw him late were good, still a top 100 guy, and third in that system for me.

Gumby: What are your thoughts on Yordan Alvarez’s ability to play the outfield, and his 2018 as a whole?
Keith Law: Zero chance that giant plays the outfield without someone getting hurt.

Dave: Would Harper be a fit at 1B for NY both positionally and as a lefty bat to level out the lineup? And is there really a “bad” contract you could give to either him or Machado? Two 26 year old future HoFers reaching UFA seems pretty unprecedented.
Keith Law: Waste of his athleticism.

Jill: What do Harvard College alumni, past and present, think of Harvard Extension School?
Keith Law: I can’t say I know enough to have an opinion.

Zach: The Reds pursuing top-line pitching in the middle of an unfinished rebuild feels like when I pull the Thanksgiving turkey two hours early because the cook time is done even though the bird’s not ready. No reason to empty the farm to gain 5 wins on a 70 win team. Agreed?
Keith Law: Agreed. Not sure they get it, though.

Joe: I understand if a voter refuses to vote for pitchers for MVP because he sees it as a position player’s award. I don’t necessarily agree with it, but I understand it. But it really doesn’t make sense when a writer gives de Grom a 5th place vote. If you see him as eligible, how can you possibly justify having him 5th on the ballot?
Keith Law: I agree with your second point, but as for the first one, it is definitively NOT a position player’s award. If you refuse to consider pitchers, that is your right … but DON’T FUCKING VOTE. Give the ballot to someone who will follow the actual guidelines.

Adam: If Thor is traded to SDP, realistically, what top prospect should they target? Gore? Baez?
Keith Law: Worth remembering that the Padres tend to show interest in everybody good – Preller is super aggressive and always exploring options. I would guess they’ll be linked to a lot of trade targets this winter. If I’m the Mets, I insist on Tatis. If I’m Preller, there is no way I give up Tatis. (shrug)

Mac: Where do you think the Sox will move Yoan Moncada? I can’t see a move to 3B or CF working out. He has ability but very little desire to be a good defensive player. They should just plop him in LF and let him concentrate on hitting the baseball.
Keith Law: I don’t know anything about his desire to be a good defensive player or lack thereof. I do know the infield is kind of tough for him given how he fields, but I thought CF would work with his speed and how fast he goes from 0 to whoa.

Guest: First, love your food reviews. My two friends and I relied on your Arizona Eats restaurant guide for our trip to the AFL and you were spot on. One highlight was Ocotillo, where I got the baked lumache pasta I’m still thinking about, five weeks later. Speaking of AFL, we were there in the first week and I was hoping to see some exciting play out of Estevan Florial but wasn’t impressed in the couple games I saw (small sample size and untrained scouting eyes acknowledged). His performance (at least in his stat line) doesn’t seem to have improved since. What do you see in him these days?
Keith Law: Same as last year – the guy doesn’t recognize pitch types well at all, chases too often, swings and misses way too often. Huge tools but no sign he’s converting that into the skills he’ll need to be even an average regular.

Rob: I asked back in June your Metal album of the year and you went with Tribulation. Still the case? FWIW I’m goo
Keith Law: I’d have to think about that one … the Riverside album was great, Toundra was great, solid but uneven records from Horrendous, Omnium Gatherum (maybe not uneven so much as lacking any standout tracks), Voivod, High on Fire.

D: Are there any non-baseball sporting events that you regularly watch?
Keith Law: Nope.

Mike: The starting 3B, SS, 2B for 2019 Chicago Cubs are___,____,_____
Keith Law: Bryant, Baez, TBD. I would still like to think they turn the page on Russell, with Baez emerging as a good shortstop who’s far more productive with the bat.

Chad: Do you think Max Fried has shown enough to be an impact starter? Or is he more of a back-end rotation and bullpen piece now?
Keith Law: I would absolutely start him now to see. He has the CB and CH to be an impact starter. The FB plays a little down from its velocity, so I think he’ll have to either have better command or, more likely, pitch more with his secondary stuff to get to that level.

Chan: Thoughts on the Marlins rebrand so far?
Keith Law: The what by the who?

Denji: Will the story on what’s going on behind the scenes in the Astros front office ever come out? I understand that sources might not want to go on record and the situation is still fluid, but there have been so many vague “yeah, there’s a lot going on” statements from writers that it gets a bit frustrating.
Keith Law: I actually don’t know what you’re referring to here. Just all the departures?

Jay: If you were running the Nats and the Lerner family said you can only sign one to a large, long term deal, would you choose Rendon or Harper?
Keith Law: Rendon, because they have Robles/Soto as Harper replacements but nobody behind Rendon.

Rob: It was fun as a Mets fan this week watching the Orioles (!) school the Wilpons on how a new FO is assembled. Ugh.
Keith Law: I had that thought too – the Orioles have so long been the punch line for ownership jokes, but they hired one of the best candidates and interviewed at least two more very good candidates (even with some folks declining interviews), while the Mets did something I can’t really justify.

Frank : What do you think the ceiling for Alex Lange is? Could he be a bottom or mid rotation guy for the cubs? Thanks.
Keith Law: Always been a reliever for me.

Josh: Lucas Giolito is only 24 but its feeling like he’s at a real crossroads. What does he need to do to be a useful ML pitcher?
Keith Law: I had him as a breakout candidate this year, only to see his mechanics fall apart right out of spring training, but I’m going to double down on it for 2019. It’s really about mechanics and staying healthy this year.

Ryan: Is Joe Mauer a Hall of Famer in your eyes?
Keith Law: He’s very borderline for me. I think he’ll have a hard time getting in, though.

Jennyfer: I read a lot, not as much as you. Do you finish everything you start? I get books based off recommendations, but if after 25-30 pages it doesn’t grip me, I’m out.
Keith Law: I bail on books too – not that often, but I do. I’ve quit books after a page or two if the prose really bothers me, or if there’s something early in the book that I find really distasteful.

Nolan: As a Padre fan who hated the Hosmer signing, how worried should I be about a deal for Thor? He’s better than Hosmer, obviously, but do you see any way the prospect cost would be worth it for a team in SDs position?
Keith Law: Probably not. I don’t see the point in such a deal right now, but maybe ownership is demanding more wins in 2019.

Dan: I know you’re not the biggest Gimenez fan, but say the Indians value him as a top 35/40 prospect, does Gimenez, Justin Dunn/Peterson, Matz and Dom Smith make some sense as a Kluber package for both teams ?
Keith Law: No.
Keith Law: I mean, he’s not a top 35/40 prospect for anyone. I’m not sure how to just assign the guy value he doesn’t have.

Alex: Hi Keith, seeing as though the Mets probably won’t sign Manny where do they go for impact bat? I don’t think trading Thor is the answer as I think his best days are still ahead of him. Do you think wheeler could get a good bat or maybe a buy low guy? Missing out on cain for leadoff and CF last year was a huge mistake. Also do you see new GM considering such things as I don’t know, defense being important?
Keith Law: If BVW has the same payroll restrictions Alderson has, then he’s better off trying to build from within. The system is in good shape; a deGrom trade would help that tremendously. But the free agent market would just be a waste of money for them, since they’ll be playing in the dangerous middle tier, not the top.

Raphael: Your take on the Mariners/Lorena Martin situation?
Keith Law: I know absolutely nothing beyond what’s been published and don’t feel qualified to comment.

Joe: Keith, thanks for the awesome insights. Interested in your take on a “change of scenery” swap of 2 underperforning young pitchers with some past health issues and equal number of years of control left…Dylan Bundy for Vince Velasquez. Fair deal for both sides?
Keith Law: Bundy’s health issues don’t seem “past” to me. I wouldn’t do that if I were the Phillies.

TK: Did you see Will Craig in the AFL? What do you think his floor/ceiling are?
Keith Law: I did, and saw him in August too. I think below-average or fringe regular.

Joe: Did we see enough of Julio Urias at the end of the season to better gauge his chances of being a starter again?
Keith Law: I didn’t. Besides, it’s a medical question, not so much a baseball one.

addoeh: Regarding the Braves not having an intl scouting department because they currently can’t sign anyone, would make any sense to have a few just to provide some evaluation baselines for players they could to trade for in the coming years?
Keith Law: Probably not worth the expense, although at some point they have to ramp up because there are already July 2nd, 2021 players getting locked up by teams.

Kevin: What’s the appropriate amount for a HS kid to pay for a weekend showcase ?
Keith Law: Nothing. Don’t pay for showcases.

JP: Vlad Jr and Robles the clear favorites for 2019 ROYs?
Keith Law: Vlad Jr. yes. Tatis vs Robles would be a fun debate; Robles has the job, clearly, while Tatis is the better player but may not be up until June.

Dave: Some Pirate fans seem to be overvaluing Tucker and Craig based on their AFL performance. Despite all the evidence this couple weeks doesn’t matter, do they have anything else to hang their hats on?
Keith Law: Both fringe prospects. AFL performance is really not reliable.

M: What is the market for Nelson Cruz. Seems like it’s bottoming out for aging players of this type even though he’s been successful
Keith Law: Very limited – what contenders have a full time DH spot open?

Kacey: I coach high school soccer. It’s not apples to apples with baseball of course as it’s more of a team game, but we have so many different personalities, effort levels and a ton of kids with emotional development issues. Do you find it hard to scout high school players because other than asking around (and if a scout asked me, I’d probably tell her most of my kids are great in order to support the kids) it’s hard to find out their true make up or know what it’s going to be? The difference of our kids who come back after one year of college is incredible.
Keith Law: I think that’s one of the hardest and most important parts of an area scout’s job, and something teams like the Astros, who have virtually eliminated area scouts, will miss on badly in the draft.

John: If the Braves trade Pache will they regret it? Why?
Keith Law: Yes, because he’s going to be really good?

Dee: Do you think Steven Avery did it?
Keith Law: The Atlanta lefty did something?

Adam Trask: When do you think the Padres profile as contenders? And how should that guide them this offseason?
Keith Law: That’s my objection – not this year, not with the Dodgers and Rockies still good and the Padres’ talent just starting to reach the majors, and a dead spot at first base and not much value from Myers. They’re not ready to make that big splash.

Tom: I’m not buying the Cubs not having the money to make a run at Harper/Machado. Everyone keeps saying they are at the top of budget but anyone who sees the organization knows they’re swimming in money especially with a TV deal a year away. Do you really think Theo doesn’t have the means to go after Harper or is it smokescreen?
Keith Law: Of course they have the money. Probably 28 teams have the money. It’s about willingness to spend it.

Randall: Cochon in NOLA is always a must for us. Any change to your opinion on Nico after strong AFL season? At Wrigley by 2020?
Keith Law: No change – didn’t see good contact from him, smart player, limited ceiling, moves fast but don’t see over a regular.

Zac: Where would you start Casey Mize this year and would you be surprised if he reached the majors this year?
Keith Law: Start in AA. Comes to the majors when he’s ready, which is probably this year.

John: How do you feel about Eminem as a rapper? I’d presume you have no time for him, given his history of um, problematic lyrical content – but wondered if you had a favorable opinion of his skills independent of the awful stuff he says.
Keith Law: His peak output – Slim Shady, Marshall Mathers, Eminem Show – established him as one of the best MCs of all time both for technical skill and lyrical ingenuity. I find a lot of his views to be trash, though, and never listen to him myself. From Encore on, I’ve had no use for him, because I think he’s also lost his fastball and still says the same hateful shit.

Mike: Is the AFL good for player evaluations, or too small of a sample? I’m trying to be encouraged with the hitting of Cole Tucker, but I’m not sure if its just SSS. Still not showing much power though
Keith Law: Great for scouting, bad for stat-line reading.

EG: Do you support the electoral college for presidential elections or would you prefer a true popular vote?
Keith Law: True popular vote. The Framers didn’t trust the voters to make choices of which the Framers would approve. Instead they created a system you can game.

JP: Yankees Twitter seems to think Florial is a 5-tool stud, while ignoring that the Hit Tool requires striking out in less than 35% of ABs. What’s a realistic projection for him? Outfielder Moncada?
Keith Law: Yeah, four tools, but the fifth one is a big deal. Moncada was better at the same age, though.

Ryan: Do you buy the Cubs actually are shopping Kris Bryant? I really like Buster Olney but that article screemed click bait and seemed to take what Theo said out of context.
Keith Law: They’re not shopping Bryant. I’m sure of it.

Denji: Yeah, I’m referring to the departures. Some people left before they had new jobs, and it seems like Fast made what reads as a lateral move (though I might be wrong). Yesterday in Kiley McDaniel’s chat when he was asked if there was a mass exodus or it was just a coincidence, said, “Lets just say there’s a lot going on there.”
Keith Law: Fast and Mejdal reached the end of their contracts and chose to go elsewhere. I don’t know what Kiley was referring to.

John: We have several of the board games you recommend each year and it’s become a Christmas tradition to buy two from Santa for the family. Recommend a game or two that came out this year?
Keith Law: Everdell, Charterstone, Reef, Forbidden Sky all come to mind. Probably forgetting some. I updated my top 100 all-time list this week.

Kacey: I was looking at Joe Mauer’s draft year. Not only were there only 3 All Stars from the first round (Mauer, Prior and Texiera), but the next best player drafter was probably Gavin Floyd and most players didn’t make the majors. Plenty of great players in other rounds. It seems the last 5-7 years or so first round picks make a quicker impact. Has scouting gotten that much better?
Keith Law: I think teams have gotten better in two major ways – they’ve incorporated more analytics into the process, from using traditional stats to now working with Trackman data, and they’ve started to value high school pitching differently, both drafting it later and treating those pitchers more carefully after they sign.

Steve: Should I be excited about any of the players the Pirates received in return for Moroff and Luplow?
Keith Law: Tahnaj Thomas is the sleeper. Least known of the three but an upside play. Chance for plus FB/CB combo, good body. The Bahamas are starting to churn out some serious dudes.

T: Joel Sherman seems to be super against signing Manny Machado because of hustle concerns. This whole thing is overblown, right?
Keith Law: Yeah, totally overblown for me.

Mike: Can you name names of anyone in the industry – player or office- who you walked away disappointed after meeting them? Either they’re a jerk or just overall not impressive person.
Keith Law: I could, but I’m certainly not going to name them publicly.

Damon: Donaldson a good option for the Mets? Obvious injury risk but could provide best production for someone who won’t cost Machado/harper money since the Wilpons won’t spend that much
Keith Law: Yes. If I’m Donaldson’s agent, I’m trying to sign the best one-year deal I can, hoping he gets healthy and posts a pre-injury stat line again.

Jared: For teams looking to rebuild, what allowed the Brewers do it so quickly? I know they had Gomez and Lucroy to deal, but still seems way faster than most.
Keith Law: They’ve hit on a lot of gambles, like the Chacin deal. That’s to their credit.

Brian: You’ve discussed the Jays system as obviously strong at the top but not as deep as other outlets seem to think. Given how 2018 turned out, what do you think is a realistic team outcome for 2019? And is true contention anywhere on the horizon?
Keith Law: I don’t see the pitching in that system to make them contenders any time soon; they’ll have to add it from outside, most likely.

Jared: I know Hiura didn’t hit for you while at the AFL, but do you think he is a future star with the bat?
Keith Law: Yeah, I am not really worried about it. Every scout I’ve ever asked about him has said they believe he’ll hit.

JG: BA didn’t have Nick Gordon in the top 10 Twins prospects? Has he fallen that much in your eyes?
Keith Law: He was atrocious in AAA – like he was swinging a wet newspaper. Hard to overlook that, and like I said earlier, that’s a really strong system.

Aaron: Who says no?
Keith Law: I do. Like, all the time.

Mike: I like board games but usually don’t have others to play with. Do you play with family? Friends? Groups?
Keith Law: Yep. All of the above.

Shaun: Would Manny Machado’s comments about hustling give you any pause about committing to him longterm?
Keith Law: Not a moment’s hesitation.

Steve: I’m a middle school baseball coach, and my varsity head coach loves the bunt a little too much for my taste. Is there a good way to approach this without damaging a very good working relationship? Or at lower levels of competition, does the relative lack of defensive skill and (at times) talent discrepancy make bunting a more valid strategy?
Keith Law: I know this book you could buy for him that covers bunting … but you are correct in that the sac bunt becomes a better percentage play the further down the ladder you go. Then the question is whether you are actually doing your job of teaching the kids to be better players, or simply taking advantage of children learning to play defense so you can win a few extra games.

Chris: Not sure if you heard about the SD guy who didnt vote for deGrom then hung up 10 seconds into a NY radio hit about his vote. Turns out he’s been covering HS sports in the SD area for some time. How can we purge these relics who arent even covering the sport anymore and still think pitcher Ws mean jack?
Keith Law: He hung up because the NY radio host attacked his integrity. That writer gave some of his free time to appear on that station without compensation. It was bullshit and I have no problem with him hanging up.

Greg: If he does come all the way back from Tommy John (no guarantee, of course), what is the role for Julian Merryweather? Is he a pure reliever or is there back of the rotation ability as well?
Keith Law: Sixth starter type for me.

Mike: i hear the comments that Boras made about teams not spending and then question why the BlueJays would not spend to compete. They have the Canadian market and huge TV numbers when the team is good. Did you hear Boras’ rant? i assume you agree with him
Keith Law: I do. He’s right.

Ted: When do your top prospect reports come out? I look forward to them every winter.
Keith Law: At some point in late january. I don’t know the dates just yet.

Tom: Were Robles and Soto top-tier international free agents? Product of scouting, or luck? To be in the position to lose Harper and fill in with that kind of talent is exceptional.
Keith Law: Soto was – he signed for $1.5 million. Robles signed for $225,000, so he wasn’t top-tier but not just signed to fill out rosters. They’ve done a good job on the international front.

Bruce: Do you see Josh James as a difference maker out of the bullpen? Could he be a starter?
Keith Law: Bullpen for sure. Maybe a starter. But the floor is high.

Aiden Elash: Have you much of Eric Pardinho?
Keith Law: I have not seen him live.

Ted: This might be weird, but have you ever thought about auctioning off your time for charity? I would love to sit down and pick your brain about baseball for a few hours.
Keith Law: I have done this at least twice before, attending games with readers who donated to a charity that approached me to ask if I’d do so. Obviously it would have to be a charity I would support myself, but yes, I’m up for it.
Keith Law: Sorry, had to take the banana bread out of the oven.

Chris: Did you see the Haren smackdown of Mulder on the twitter last night? Inject that into my veins.
Keith Law: Yes, I did, and yes, please to have more of that. Mark’s tweet was privilege exemplified.

Don: You are Mike Elias – you have a rebuild in front of you. Where do you start other than the first pick in the draft in June?
Keith Law: Elias’ first order of business is going to be rebuilding the organization’s staff. Player development has been bad for years. They’ve barely done anything internationally for a decade. The amateur side has fared better, but they’ve also lost a lot of staff in the turnover, even firing some guys within the last two weeks, which I think is totally bizarre (at that point, just wait for the new GM to come in). And they need a manager. Those decisions will have as much or more of a lasting impact on the future of the franchise as any trade Elias might make this winter.

Ted: Are you a believer in Corey Ray still? His hit tool was awful, but his other tools seemed to bounce back last year.
Keith Law: I didn’t see him in 2018 (I saw him a few times in 2017), but scouts who did told me he was selling out for power, so the K rate was high but he posted the high HR total. That’s not a great formula for long-term success and also not the hitter I thought he’d become.

Chris: Is Albert Almora an everyday center fielder for a contending club or just a platoon bat/defensive replacement? His 2nd half was seemingly nothing but weak contact left and right.
Keith Law: I think he’s a 50 – a solid regular in CF. Plus defense, contact without power.

Andrew: What are your thoughts on books on tape? I feel like I am cheating but at home I am chasing a 3 and 1 year old around and my 1 hour commute is a perfect time to “read”
Keith Law: I go through maybe a dozen audiobooks a year. Sometimes it’s actually better than paper, sometimes it’s worse.

Bill: Do you think young baseball fans would actually become more educated about the game if they were broadcast with no announcers?
Keith Law: I mean, it’d be nice if we didn’t have playoff game broadcasters talking about how bad the sport has become.

Ryan : Enjoying a snow day with the kids here in Siberia, err, Syracuse. My 5 year old loves playing baseball in the backyard and basement, but I have reservations about T-ball this spring. In so many ways it doesn’t even resemble baseball! Am I overthinking this one? As long as he’s having fun, right?
Keith Law: If he’s having fun, that’s all that matters.
Keith Law: Well, having fun, and isn’t at risk of getting hurt, but I don’t think T-ball poses much chance of that.

Bruce: Do you see Stephen Gonsalves as a mid rotation starter or could he be more?
Keith Law: Less.

Aiden Elash: Earlier you mentioned that Nate Pearson is 3rd in the blue jays system in your opinion. Where do you then place Danny Jansen who seems to be 3rd on most other lists? Does this mean you are lower on Jansen than others or higher on Pearson?
Keith Law: I don’t know or particularly care where others rank players. Pearson is over Jansen on my list; Pearson has huge upside Jansen lacks, and Jansen is probably below-average on defense.

Luke: What age did your daughter start playing board games with you (and what were some of the first ones you introduced her to?)
Keith Law: She started asking to play around age 4. At that point we would simply games so she could play along but we wouldn’t really keep score. Carcassonne was an early favorite because she loved the app – it’s like a matching game at that point.

Tim: Smith or Alonso for you? What should the Mets do with the other one?
Keith Law: Smith for me, but I think Alonso for them, and ultimately that’s the opinion that matters, not mine.
Keith Law: OK, I have some phone calls scheduled so I need to wrap. Thanks so much for joining me this week. There will be no chat next week for obvious reasons. Have a safe and flavorful Thanksgiving, everyone!