Klawchat 1/30/19.

Starting at 1 pm ET. My top 100 prospects rankings are now up for ESPN+ subscribers. Farm systems rankings and individual team reports run next week.

Keith Law: I got the night on my side. Klawchat.

Connick: Not an ESPN+ subscriber, but a Dodgers fan itching to know if we have anyone on your list who might help the big club this year…pretty please?
Keith Law: ESPN+ is pretty inexpensive. You’ll get my entire prospect rankings, which is some ridiculous amount of content (I think it’s going to cross 40,000 words, which would make it half as long as my book), for $5/month.

Oriole fans : Your thoughts on Y Diaz. who we acquired from the Dodgers?
Keith Law: Average regular without ceiling. Don’t think he stays in center. Probably goes to right, hits for average with 15-18 bombs, solid OBP.

NIcholas: Nico Hoerner had about as good a pro debut as a prospect can have, controlling the strike zone and just mashing. How do you see his bat profiling in the majors? Is he like a .280/.360/.460 kind of guy?
Keith Law: I had to look this up because I couldn’t figure out what you were talking about. He played 14 games this summer. I’d be surprised if he had as much power as you seem to be forecasting.

Steve: Hi Keith, thanks for the list as always, one of my favorite reads of the year. Any thoughts on Emilio Vargas out of ARI? Seems to have blown up last year and has a shot to be in the bigs this year if things go well — could he be a 3/4?
Keith Law: It’s average stuff with deception and extension … those guys do sometimes turn into fourth starters but have a narrower margin for error.

John : Your thoughts on Brady Singer KC P. ? Daniel Lynch is now KC’s best pitching prospect ?
Keith Law: Yes, Lynch is their best pitching prospect. If they redid the draft today, he’d go in the top 10. I have, and have always had, big concerns on Singer’s delivery, both for injury risk and for his ability to get lefties out (command to glove side + lack of a viable CH).

Melo: The Pollock deal feels Ellsbury-ish, though obviously with less financial baggage. Do you agree?
Keith Law: I do not.

Tiana: Is there a regular Keith Law podcast in our futures?
Keith Law: That’s still a long-term plan but ESPN is not supportive.

Art: What’s your take on Mountcastle? Was he much of a consideration for top 100, and are there concerns other than defense/position?
Keith Law: Where does he play? I know MLB had him on the back of their 100, which I can support, but putting him higher would be absurd. He really has no position and hasn’t shown reason to anticipate high OBPs. That said, he can hit, and he’s going to get to some power as he fills out.

Brendan McKay: Does Tampa call me up this summer and let me pitch only ? Or wait?
Keith Law: I think they’ll still use him two ways this year which would imply he doesn’t pitch in the majors.

NY Mets fan : Are we going to regret trading Kelenic in three years ?
Keith Law: Yes.

Jackass Penguin: Giants need to draft a bat or arm at #10 this year?
Keith Law: I mean, if there’s a third option out there, I’d love to hear about it.

AA: Gohara had a rough year – personally and professionally. How far has he fallen out of the top 100?
Keith Law: He’s no longer eligible.

Mike : Would you trade a top 50 player for a proven major leaguer? Top 100 player? Or would you want to build through the draft?
Keith Law: Depends on what you’re getting – how proven, how good, how expensive, how many years of control – and where your team is right now.

Phillies Prospects: Hi Keith – great job on the prospect list – thank you for the chat – Hasely, Bohm, Medina the next 3 Phillies prospects? I know they didn’t just miss from reading ESPN+ but top 200?
Keith Law: Those aren’t the next three, no. Phillies org list runs next week.
Keith Law: Haseley looked bad last year.

Bilal: The Angels have been the picture of mediocrity for the better part of the past decade, despite deep pockets and a large market. Does it start with Arte Moreno?
Keith Law: They’re still recovering a bit from years of gutting the system and the bad contracts given to Hamilton, Wilson, Pujols.

Justin R: How close were Mickey Moniak, Blake Rutherford, or Corey Ray to the top 100?
Keith Law: Not at all.

Justin Y: Trammell looked so good in the Futures Game, why do you think he didn’t have that great a year overall?
Keith Law: He didn’t? Also there’s no way you’re not the same Justin.

Bilal: who’s getting the bulk of the starts behind the plate for the Dodgers by the All-Star break: Barnes, Smith or Ruiz?
Keith Law: Smith.

Kyle KS: Non-prospect question: Do you think more players will sign pre-free agency deals now with the current free agent market not looking like it rewards players appropriately?
Keith Law: I don’t see teams offering those deals as much right now.

CH: Vientos at 60 was a pleasant surprise for Mets fans. Thoughts on where he could/should end the season if he continues to progress?
Keith Law: High-A would be a great outcome. I think Mets fans may hear more about other prospects, so Vientos’ progress wasn’t as readily apparent, but that’s why I’m here.

CH: Are Anthony Kay or David Peterson top 150 guys?
Keith Law: Peterson for sure. Kay I don’t know. I truly don’t rank past ~110.

Steve: Hi Keith, do you think Luis Rengifo’s a plausible long term answer at 2B for LAAoA?
Keith Law: Yes.

David: Here in suburban Portland where everyone is on measles outbreak alert. Sure seems like the world is going backward in every respect. Antivax is child abuse.
Keith Law: Call your state reps – wherever you live – and ask them to eliminate nonmedical exemptions from mandatory vaccination requirements. We tightened them once in Delaware (because I called my state rep and asked for his help) and we’re going to push to tighten them further. Two states ban nonmedical exemptions entirely. The number should be 50.

Darren: What are you thoughts on Aramis Ademan? Was he hurt all year?
Keith Law: Looked awful when he played, totally overmatched at that level.

Darren: What have you heard on James Kaprelian’s return to health. Where do you think Oakland has him start the year, high A?
Keith Law: Supposed to be ready to roll for spring training. Threw in instructs but velocity wasn’t back yet.

Adam D.: With Bart, Luciano, Ramos, Canario and a top-10 pick this year, could you see the Giants jumping up into the top-20 systems by this time next year, or still too shallow even if those guys take significant strides forward in 2019?
Keith Law: I doubt it. I’m less high on Bart or Ramos than you might think from their draft positions.

J5: Ethan Hankins was once considered a 1.1 draft candidate but suffered what was once thought of as a shoulder injury but it turned out to be muscular Word is he fully recovered. Are you still bullish on him? Is he a top 100 guy without the injury?
Keith Law: Delivery questions remain. Stuff wasn’t good when he returned.

Jonathan: Not a question but I love the “Kal Daniels” name drop. I forgot all about him! Man, what a talent.
Keith Law: Personal favorite of mine.

Ben: Keith, really enjoying the new prospect content thus far. How far off was Issac Parades from your list? What are you thoughts on him in general?
Keith Law: Not a consideration.

Kyle: I’ll join in the group of at least 50+ people who are likely to ask you this, would Kyler Murray have had consideration for your Top 100 if he was giving up football?
Keith Law: Absolutely not. This isn’t a ranking of fame. Guy has barely played baseball in the last 3+ years.

YoYoYo: The Rangers are supposedly rebuilding, but have a bad farm system with just a couple of prospects barely making your top 100. Shouldn’t they have made more progress by now? And given the Padres have 10 top 100 prospects, wouldn’t Texas have been better off making A.J. Preller the g.m. and firing Jon Daniels rather than letting Preller go to San Diego?
Keith Law: Yo, yoyoyo, it’s not a bad farm system, three prospects on my top 100 is going to be the average by definition, and there’s depth there. Try the decaf.

J: Yordan Alvarez: Off the top 113 because of position? Overrated bat? Because his body makes all the boys come to the Yordan? (what?)
Keith Law: All of that. Well, the first two. And basically zero projection for growth.

Garrett: How far off was Jahmai Jones from your just missed? Do you think he can bounce back after last year.
Keith Law: Love the player, adequate already at 2b, has to produce.

Max: Are you going to vote for ARod if you’re still voting then?
Keith Law: Yes.

J.P.: I see one of two Luis Garcias on the list. What led to the omission of the Nats’ one?
Keith Law: I don’t know how to answer these questions. The truth is that these players are better prospects than he is. And, FWIW, no source who reviewed earlier versions of my list argued to put him on.

Adam: How far is Contreras from being ready?
Keith Law: Three years seems fair.

Ben: How do you think Cubs fans should look at only placing 1 in your top 100–natural result of graduating talent to a World Series championship, or evidence that they’re not evaluating or developing players well? I’m guessing the former, but wonder what your take is.
Keith Law: It’s fair to ask why they’ve had so many pitching prospects stall or bust, certainly.

AZ: Do you think Carter Stewart would have made your list if he had signed last year?
Keith Law: He was my #2 prospect going into the draft, and I think my top ten from that board all made the 100 or just missed list, so I would say yes.

Eric: Thank you for your work, I subscribe to Insider specifically to read it (and Buster’s work), but I’m literally laughing at all of the Twitter folks that don’t work in baseball figuratively losing their minds over rankings that do not impact their daily lives. This is supposed to be fun, people!
Keith Law: The thing that kills me is people who don’t know much or anything about the players, and who never scouted them or called scouts or executives or analysts to gather info on those players, claiming their opinions on the rankings are somehow equivalent to mine. FOH. You can have an opinion, but please don’t think I’m going to change mine based on yours.

Josh, Chicago (-59 right now): You seem to be highest on Dunn, Kelenic and Sheffield for Mariners with having all three in top 60. Haven’t seen them all that high in any other rankings. What are you seeing with them that others might not?
Keith Law: I wrote 200 or so words on every player. It’s there.

Lale: What are Vlad Jr’s weaknesses? When do you think will be his most productive years?
Keith Law: He’s probably a DH. He’s huge already at 19, not a good defender now, not likely to get better or get lighter. If you asked me which prospect I’d want for 2019, it’d be him. This list looks forward though, and for career value, I couldn’t take him, a likely DH who could get extremely heavy as he ages, over Tatis, a potential above-average defender at short who has a better long-term physical projection. The difference between an average SS and a DH just in positional adjustments for one season (150 games) is about 20 runs. If you think Tatis is just an average defender at short, Vlad Jr would have to outhit him by 20 runs of value just to pull even in total value.

Justin R: I noticed quite a large disparity between some of your top prospects (especially around the 50-70 range) and other lists (BA, BP, MLB Pipeline). I know you don’t look at other lists, but have you identified any differences in the way you evaluate prospects vs. other outlets?
Keith Law: As I said, I think highly of MLB, Baseball America, and Fangraphs. Fangraphs’ guys and I do a lot of in-person evaluations and incorporate that into our rankings. MLB and BA don’t – and that’s fine. It’s a different method. But all four of us talk extensively to scouts and FO people about our lists too.

Ben: What’s the latest on Adbert Alzolay? I think he was near the end of your top 100 last year–is he healthy again?
Keith Law: Wasn’t healthy and still needs a better third pitch.

Matt: Saw Adonis Medina fell off the list. I’m sorry if I missed an explanation; what were your thoughts there?
Keith Law: He did not fall off the list.

Randy: Corbin Martin and Josh James both made huge advances in the last year to become top 100 prospects. Do you think this is more of a result from the Astros system of developing pitchers, or more of these two pitchers own personal development?
Keith Law: James made some personal life changes that helped him improve his conditioning and become more serious about learning to pitch. Martin just got away from bad usage in college into a system where they let him be himself on the mound.

Zach: Love the Trammell ranking, but I’m concerned people overvalued his strong showing at the Futures Game. Was there enough shown in his modest 2nd half numbers to warrant the big movement up prospect lists?
Keith Law: I didn’t overvalue (or value) his showing in one exhibition game. His tools are there. I couldn’t tell you what his second half numbers said – unless there was a physical or mechanical change, it’s not worth slicing up the season into random tranches.

Rege: After a strong AFL, is Cole Tucker on the radar for top 100 at mid season?
Keith Law: No. AFL doesn’t really tell us much – it’s a hitter’s environment, too.

Andrew : Was it an editor’s choice to go from 51 to 100 instead of descending order?
Keith Law: Yes, their call, not mine.

Jamie: Has Nick Gordon fallen off the prospect ledge? What are scouts saying about him?
Keith Law: Look at what he did in AAA – and scouts said it was like he was swinging a wet noodle.

AZ: I know what you think of Bohemian Rhapsody. What would you think of Rami Malek winning best actor?
Keith Law: It’s best actor, not best impersonator.

Brian Godish: Not a question, but great job on the annual prospect lists. I honestly only subscribe to ESPN+ for content like this, thanks.
Keith Law: Thank you!

This guy: Any advice for someone just starting to understand the need for coping with anxiety/panic issues?
Keith Law: Meditation/mindfulness.

Derek : Guys like Alonso, Rooker, Yordan to name a few are they dinged in rankings because of the high threshold for 1B Bats?
Keith Law: Yes, and none is a good defender.

Andrew: Anthony Rizzo a comp for Grant Lavigne? 1B with plus ability to get on base and have average to a tick above average power?
Keith Law: I said that.

Justin R: How did the Yankees go in less than a year from one of the best systems in the game to nobody in the top 100?
Keith Law: Well, they didn’t have “nobody in the top 100,” so I don’t know what you’re asking.

Ghost of Josey Wales: Lone Star Ball said today that the Rangers have a number of red chip prospects, guys who fall in the 50-200 range overall in baseball, but no blue chips. Is that a fair assessment of where the team stands, or are they being overly optimistic about how many second-tier guys there are there?
Keith Law: That’s fair.

Carl: You said on Twitter that Yordan wasn’t close to 100, yet I believe you were the high man on him last year. What happened to change your mind. Seems like he hit well. Was the defense projected better?
Keith Law: These lists are not sequential – I start the list from scratch every year. I don’t even look at last year’s list when starting a new one.

Nick: I am curious what you have heard about Wenceel Perez. Will he be best Tigers SS prospect?
Keith Law: Not now, but he’s a name to watch.

Paulie P: Obviously Cal Quantrill had a miserable 2018 but are you still optimistic about his long-term prospects?
Keith Law: No, his stuff peaked in 2016 in his pro debut and for two years now it hasn’t progressed.

Jederle: How does klaw order his steak?
Keith Law: I don’t. I gave up beef two years ago.

Larry: Did you really think you had to go to 114? Does a guy like Nick Madrigal really deserve a writeup/ranking?
Keith Law: OK, Larry wants me to write up fewer players next year. When I stop at 86 next year, folks, it’s Larry’s fault.

Jonathan: Thought on Nate Lowe? For sure going to hit after making solid adjustments last year or still concern he’s Casey Gillaspie?
Keith Law: Better than Gillaspie. Still not sure he’s more than an average regular. I do think he’ll hit/get on base.

Johnny: Are more prospects focusing on plate discipline than in previous years? Seems like so many guys are coming up and being patient right off the bat. Or is that just confirmation bias on my part?
Keith Law: I think more teams are working on teaching this even at the lower levels.

Aaron: How close was Adolfo to top 100? Is he out due to injury, or because he just needs to show more?
Keith Law: He had a good year, but he was hurt and didn’t play the field all year either, and that was his first really strong year at the plate. I do like him, but that’s not a top 100 guy, not with the lack of track record and still open questions.

Zach: Jonathan India put up better numbers in the SEC than did Nick Senzel, but came out of nowhere. I noticed he didn’t make your top 100. Any concerns there beyond the slow start in pro-ball?
Keith Law: Did anyone actually read my top 100? I’m starting to wonder.

Joe: If you’re the Tigers, where do you start Mize this year and where do you hope he finishes?
Keith Law: Start in lakeland, hope he finishes in Toledo. Could pitch in the majors if needed, but he won’t be needed.

JP: Does Chavis still profile at 3B, or does your non-ranking indicate a move to 1B?
Keith Law: Don’t think he’s a 3b. At least not an average one.

Lance: Does Lazaro Armenteros (Oakland) or Julio Rodriguez (Seattle) crack the top 100 next year? And what do you think of their futures?
Keith Law: Lazarito definitely not, Rodriguez maybe for 2021.

Jason: Long-time fan, reader – too bad I can’t read your baseball work anymore as I’m Canadian. Thanks for the Dish though!
Keith Law: Try signing up through a VPN. Several readers reported that will allow you to circumvent the restrictions on ESPN+ for international subscribers.

Joe: Would it make any sense for the Dodgers to trade Ruiz in a deal for Realmuto?
Keith Law: Definitely not. And I don’t think they will.

Danny: I have no basis to quibble but very surprised that Deivi Garcia is your top Yankees prospect. Safe to say that there is a bit of distance between Deivi and presumably your next 2 Yankees prospects, Florial and Periera?
Keith Law: Those were my next two prospects, on the just missed page.

Dan: Love seeing your rankings, Keith. Such a small difference, but what is your reasoning for Honeywell being one spot ahead of Kopech? Does it come down to how his rehab is going compared to Kopech’s rehab still being early on?
Keith Law: We’re not really going to quibble over players separated by one spot in the rankings, are we? Other than 1-2 I don’t think that’s a conversation to have.

Tim: If he stays healthy could Alec Hansen be a top 50 guy next year?
Keith Law: How much was health, and how much was trouble with his delivery leading to lack of command? I don’t have a good answer for that.

Randy: Hi Keith, do you think Kirilloff could make it up to Twins by the end of the year? Thanks!
Keith Law: Nonzero chance but very unlikely.

Jonathan: My daughter is in 2nd grade and into comical chapter books at the moment. Any suggestions?
Keith Law: Paddington would be perfect.

David: How difficult was it deciding between Tatis and Guerrero for the #1 ranking?
Keith Law: Not really. See above – we’re talking a ~20 run advantage for Tatis out of the chute, and I happen to think Tatis is going to mash, plus I have long-term concerns over Vlad’s body that aren’t there for Tatis.

Chris: Was it almost all injury history/risk that kept Loaisiga off the Top 110?
Keith Law: He’s never been healthy for a full season or close to it, and this year it was a shoulder issue. I feel like the ease with which many pitchers return from TJ (elbow!) has made some folks feel like shoulder injuries are also not a concern. They are, big time.

Larry: Is Fernando Romero still a prospect?
Keith Law: No longer eligible. Still love him, want to see him start.

Steeeve: How does Myles Straw perform in the majors? He’s plus across the board in all but power but how does the opposite field approach translate? Can’t really reverse shift a RHH, right?
Keith Law: He’s plus in speed (80), not across the board, and probably has 20 power. Who has succeeded recently with that profile? Billy Hamilton never did. Terence Gore is a pinch runner.

Brett: Is Trea Turner a good player comp for Royce Lewis? If not, who?
Keith Law: Not remotely similar.

Shaun: Any chance Victor Victor makes the big leagues this year? What do you envision his comp being?
Keith Law: Extra outfielder.

Hank: Does BRUSDAR’s height create the same plane concerns that Berrios’ did on the fastball for you?
Keith Law: They aren’t the same pitcher. Graterol’s issues are more delivery-related – see the just missed column for more.

Jason: Does your ranking of Gore mean there isn’t an expectation that the blister thing is a long term issue?
Keith Law: It’s not a long term issue.
Keith Law: Or does he have some sort of chronic blister disease?

Jonathan: You’re the new president of the Player’s Association. What are the three things you will fight tooth-and-nail for in the next CBA?
Keith Law: You have to raise pay for players who haven’t reached free agency. The luxury tax threshold needs to go up, if not be eliminated entirely. And I’d fight for more pay for minor leaguers.

Max: Seeing as how my yankees just traded Sonny Gray, with hindsight being 20/20 was trading for him a big mistake? Fowler, Mateo and Kaprielian for Gray turned into Gray for a draft pick and Stowers.
Keith Law: Kaprielian we’ll see. Mateo was awful last year and Fowler is just a guy. Maybe they could have gotten more for that package at that time, but right now I don’t think they have much to regret.

Kevin: Given his graduation from prospect status and usage last year, does Max Fried still profile as a SP for you? Or do you think he ends up a long reliever given all the other Braves options?
Keith Law: He could start for someone, although Atlanta has so many options it might not happen there. Definitely profiles as a starter to me.

San Cristóbal D.R: Really high on deivi garcia considering you didn’t saw severino as a starter because of his small frame?
Keith Law: That’s dead false. I never dinged Severino for a small frame. I didn’t like his delivery and still don’t.

Kevin: I believe Mitch White made a midseason list or was at least a name to watch for you previously, did you get to see him last season? Any chance he ends up getting a spot start with the Dodgers this year?
Keith Law: He was on my midseason list over in 2017. Has had trouble staying healthy, and when he’s pitched his stuff has varied widely.

KC: Do you think Soroka’s shoulder issues from 2018 are behind him? Assuming he is the guy we saw in his first few major league starts and there aren’t any issues, would he be higher on your list?
Keith Law: I think his delivery puts more stress on his shoulder. I hope it’s never an issue again, and his shit looked unhittable in the majors, but I can’t not see that arm swing or ignore the possibility it led to the shoulder issue.

Danny: Where do you think Periera and Cabello start this season?
Keith Law: Charleston for both.

Jason: Any serious consideration for Wander Franco at #1 when you were putting th Elise together?
Keith Law: No. That would have been indefensible.

Sean: No Bohm in the top 100. Worried about his bat or that he will eventually end up at First?
Keith Law: Pro scouts were not fans of his defense and didn’t see an elite bat for 1b.

Paul: Don’t mean to nitpick or troll, but Gohara has pitched exactly 49 IP and I believe still has rookie eligibility. Is there some other qualifier I just don’t know about besides IP – maybe time on the 40-man?
Keith Law: If you read the intro to the rankings, it explains that rookie eligibility expires over 130 AB, 50 IP, or 45 days on the active roster during the 25-man limit. Gohara exceeded the last criterion.

Jason Amico: I’m currently reading your book Smart Baseball….I think your severely underrate Omar Vizquel’s defense
Keith Law: So you’re saying the data underrate Omar’s defense. That’s a take.

randplaty: A lot of people are putting an 80 grade on Vlad’s hit tool. You don’t think that adds up to more than 20 runs? Or do you think Tatis’ bat is better than others are giving credit for?
Keith Law: I don’t think his bat will be 20 runs better than Tatis year in and year out – and I think Tatis may be better than average at short – and I would bet on Tatis having a longer, healthier career than Vlad.

Zihuatanejo: How much time do you spend scouting players personally vs. talking to other scouts and team personnel?
Keith Law: Not sure how to measure that. I see players all year, whenever i can, through the AFL. Then I’ve spent the last ~two months making calls.

Jonathan: Chris Paddack = Young James Shields with the FB/CH combo and get-me-over breaker?
Keith Law: I feel like he has better command than Shields did but you’re in the ballpark.

Chris: Would your Best Impersonator argument apply to Bale as well? If so, who would you like of the remaining nominees?
Keith Law: I thought Bale did more as an actor, while obviously benefiting from the makeup and doing an impersonation. I’d take Cooper of the five nominees (haven’t seen Dafoe yet, but will). Joaquin Phoenix deserved a nomination for You Were Never Really Here, which too few people saw; and Ethan Hawke was flat-out robbed here for First Reformed.

Andrew: Where in the world is Anderson Espinoza? Any reason to think he can’t still reclaim prospect status?
Keith Law: Been gone for two years now. Let’s see what his stuff looks like if and when he returns.

nelson: How have your readers’ reactions changed to your top 100 over the years?
Keith Law: That’s a great question. I think wider availability of prospect information, and more non-professional sites trying to offer ‘scouting’ reports, has changed the conversation for better and worse. Questions and debates become more insightful.

SeanE: You have probably addressed this in the past, but why have you given up Beef?
Keith Law: My daughter and I share a metabolic disorder that makes red meat in general harder for our bodies to process. We gave up all red meat other than pork. I only miss it occasionally.

CBS: do you see a player like Khalil Lee ever developing enough of a hit or contact tool to be a MLB regular?
Keith Law: Yes. Not a hacker, just runs deep counts. And he improved his contact rate last year.

Mike: I’m surprised you haven’t had more teeth gnashing from delusional Giants fans, but maybe (hopefully) you’re filtering them out. Is it possible that Bart’s future is more variable given the position and his swing and miss? Or is it less variable given that he is a more finished (old) product?
Keith Law: I don’t think he’s going to hit for much average. How different is he from Sean Murphy?

Mike: Was Garrett Hampson in consideration for the top 100? Is he purely a 2B or does the glove play at SS and maybe even CF?
Keith Law: I think there’s too much chance he doesn’t hit enough for 2b (he can’t play SS) to be a regular there.

Dave: Is there a performance or development reason that A ball is split between “Low-A” and “High-A” rather than just… say… having the minors go to AAAA? Or is it just an historical relic?
Keith Law: Historical relic. There were class B, C, and D leagues in the distant past. I feel like Rob Neyer might know more.

Dylan: Damn it Larry
Keith Law: #ItsLarrysFault

Dan: My music interests seem to differ quite a bit from yours but I have been obsessed with Young Fathers since reading your lists. They are incredible.
Keith Law: Aren’t they? I feel like nobody is quite like them. Someone accused me of liking only ‘mainstream’ hip-hop (which is really not true), and I felt like you can’t get less mainstream than Young Fathers.

Garrett: Chris Rodriguez was on your list
Keith Law: He was on it in 2018, but missed the year with a stress fracture in his back.

TK: I read the intro so I actually don’t have a question about your rankings. Loved reading them, though! Thanks.
Keith Law: You’re the only one.

Atown Ant: How far off was Ryan Dunne from Top 100? Looked like he had big upside in Cape Cod summer league, just needs to get his head on straight.
Keith Law: I assume this is a joke about that dumb movie (well, I think it’s dumb, but I haven’t actually watched it), but there was a Ryan Dunne on Billings last summer.

Travis: Thoughts on Julio Rodriguez? Was he in the discussion for the top 100? Does he have superstar upside?
Keith Law: I don’t think I had any DSL players on the top 100, did I? Not sure who the last July 2nd player without US pro experience was who made my 100 … maybe Sano.

Tim: Taking out Kopechs tommy john…how would you rate Chicago’s return in the Sale trade so far?
Keith Law: I think they did very well. Basabe is a real prospect. Kopech has an 80-85% chance of returning to exactly what he was before. Moncada has disappointed fans who were told he was the best prospect in baseball, but he still has value and room to develop. Good trade.

Andrew: Pretty cool to see Tatis #1. I remember seeing you taking video of him in the backfields of Peoria in 2017. At that point he was hitting homers on the AA field and it was clear he was special before even making it to full season ball.
Keith Law: He’s just not as famous as Vlad, and that’s fine, but I don’t consider fame in these rankings.

Tom: Is your ranking of Madrigal more of a ceiling issue?
Keith Law: Yes, that’s a fair way to put it. And I don’t think he’s a guaranteed regular, either. He’s exceptionally small for a major-league position player in 2019.

Steve O: Thanks for all the coverage. You’re the only reason why I have ESPN+ or whatever it’s called these days.
Keith Law: Well, maybe the name will change again in six months, but thank you.

Dave: I would love to see some sort of show with you, Mayo/Callis, J.J. Cooper, and Longerhagen/McDaniel in a format like ESPN’s The Sports Reporters. Baseball fans can’t get enough of prospect coverage and you guys would be tremendous.
Keith Law: I agree, but the powers that be don’t.

Larry: I am a little surprised by how high Duplantier is ranked. Is his shoulder not a huge concern for you? Or is his upside great enough that it outweighs any concerns about his health? Thank you!
Keith Law: Sure it’s a concern, but he came back from it healthy and throwing as hard as ever. It’s when guys don’t come back (yet) that I worry.

Mike: Hi Keith, my daughter is about to celebrate her 6th birthday and I’ve been trying to find an game to gift her that will both be something that challenges her and entertains her enough to act as an entry point into board games. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Keith Law: Ticket to Ride First Journey. Mole Rats in Space if you want a co-op title you can all play and win (or lose) together.

Sarcastic Commenter: Is it possible that Trump is tanking the GOP so they can get a higher draft pick and money pool for the 2024 President talent draft?
Keith Law: I laughed.

Joe: Michel Baez- reason for such a dramatic fall from mid-season 51 to off the list?
Keith Law: If you read what I said, there is no “fall.” Each list is organic, not based on previous lists.

Justin R: Any interest in watching the Super Bowl? Or at least cooking anything for it?
Keith Law: Probably neither. I literally forgot it was Sunday until my daughter mentioned it last night.

Rob : Any consideration of George Valera?
Keith Law: No. He missed almost the whole summer, so he’s barely played.

Robert: No question. I just wanted to thank you for the period you stayed away from the Arizona Fall League. It was nice to see Luis Robert play some games.
Keith Law: He missed one week of the AFL, and it was the week I was there.

Ryan: Briefly on Howard Schultz, I think the main problem he’s had is nobody’s actually buying his pitch: “two party system bad” while also being a – excuse the baseball term – replacement-level republican on most of his policy stances.
Keith Law: Yep. I’m glad these dipshits (add Gabbard to that list) are all playing themselves out now, while the election is over a year away.

Mike: I’m constantly impressed with how quickly you rip through these questions without spelling or grammar errors. Is there a book you could recommend on teaching proper writing techniques?
Keith Law: I read a lot, going back to when i was a kid. I have to think that helped form language skills in my mind early and then hold them in place. Although if I read more James Joyce I’d probably lose it all.

Jeries: If Ke’Bryan Hayes never develops power, can he still be a 3 WAR player?
Keith Law: Yes.

Bill: Michel Baez- reason for such a dramatic fall from mid-season #51 to off the list completely?
Keith Law: Yeah, so submitting the same question multiple times under different names doesn’t get you an answer, but it does piss me off, so don’t do that.

Wade: Who do you dream about making the biggest jump in your 2020 rankings? Who do you have nightmares about falling out of your rankings (for non-injury concerns)?
Keith Law: Mostly injury concerns are what bother me, but I was surprised how many front office guys didn’t value Sheffield the way I did (I’ve seen him lights-out, and think he’s a great athlete who’ll adjust well) or the Mariners did. The next guy on my Angels list was Jordyn Adams; I think he could be a superstar, but he just hasn’t played that much baseball yet and I felt like that would be overreaching since we don’t have a great idea of his zone control or pitch recognition yet.

Magoo: Anything to buy into with Florial and the Yankees hiring the so called guru of pitch recognition?
Keith Law: I wrote that too.

Lololololol: RE Vizquel, “I’m reading your published book and I think its wrong” is one of my all time favorite Klawchat moments.
Keith Law: Welcome to my life.
Keith Law: Sorry to cut this off but I have one more scout call to make for these last few lists, and it’s time for that. I’ll do a Periscope (video) chat on Thursday, and another Klawchat next week when the team reports run. I also used the Instagram story feature for today’s announcements for the first time (with a soundtrack!), so feel free to follow me there (@mrkeithlaw) and let me know if you enjoy those clips. Thanks again for reading, subscribing, and for all the questions!