Klawchat 12/28/15.

I reviewed the boardgame Orleans for Paste this week, and my latest Insider post explains why Trevor Hoffman is not a Hall of Famer (but Curt Schilling is).

Klaw: Once again it’s another chat bandit. Klawchat.

BK: If you were Carlos Correa, how much would it cost for you to sign a lifetime deal with the Astros? Essentially, what sum of money could buy you out of ever signing another contract?
Klaw: A lifetime deal would need a term – ten years? Fifteen? I’d be looking for something in the $40 million a year range for him, Harper, etc. Salaries are clearly headed that way anyway, and if owners have the cash, then the players should get it since they’re the product.

Dana: Do you believe that Brian Cashman is one of the best GM’s in the game? Joel Sherman noted that the Yanks have been competitive for 23 straight seasons. That’s impressive regardless of market size.
Klaw: “Competitive” is a bit of an arbitrary standard, no? I think Cashman has done some things very well, some less so, and he operates under some constraints that aren’t immediately visible to those of us on the outside.

Charlie: I’m a Nats fan and while I totally get why the Nats don’t want to go into the season with a possibly-not-ready Trea Turner and an unpredictable Espinosa, I don’t love the Murphy deal. However, if they used him to spell Werth, Rendon, and Zim once a week, I might like it more? What are your thoughts on Daniel Murphy as a part-time 2B, part-time supersub? Could it work? Or, now that he’s been signed, are they better just sticking him at second?
Klaw: If they use Murphy to spell Rendon for any reason other than injury, they should send the entire coaching staff down the Potomac in a leaky rowboat. Also, the contract was way beyond what Murphy is likely to be worth even factoring in further salary inflation.

bruce: Best Sabbath album?
Klaw: Has to be Paranoid, no? Title track, Iron Man, War Pigs.

Alex in Austin: Dave Stewart won’t be in Arizona in 3 years when Swanson is ready. Isn’t this a problem of aligning incentives? How do you fix short and long term vision? Seems like the only constant is the owner, is the onus on him?
Klaw: Swanson is likely to be ready by Opening Day 2017, if not sooner. It’s not a question of misaligned incentives; it’s a question of mishiring your general manager.

KlawFan: Higher Upside: Benentendi or AJ Reed?
Klaw: Benintendi. CF with speed as well as power. Reed is 1b only, has power and great approach, no speed and bat might be a tick slow for better velocity.

Pat: Aaron Judge’s struggles at triple A: small sample or very concerning?
Klaw: He has a specific approach issue – he hasn’t learned to cover the outside corner while he’s also covering the inner third – that explained the AAA struggles and even the AA strikeouts. I think he’s still got some work to do in the minors.

Shaun: Any restaurant recommendations for Walt Disney World? Went to Raglan Road on your suggestion and loved it.
Klaw: Jiko at Animal Kingdom Lodge is probably the best restaurant I’ve been to anywhere on the property. Via Napoli at Italy in Epcot is very good, but like most restaurants in the parks, very expensive for what you get.

Adam: Keith, do you think the trade for Jedd Gyorko signals the Cardinals frustration with Kolten Wongs progression, or do you see Gyorko as a backup at 2B/3B as well as a power bat off the bench? I would hate to see Wong not get another full season to see what he can be. What do you see happening in St Louis?
Klaw: Gyorko is a good UT who can handle 2b or 3b and fake SS. They needed a RHB off the bench anyway and Wong has been a cipher vs lefties so far, so platooning them right now is a good idea.

Craig: David Stearns has really focused on acquiring talent at the rookie/A ball level in trades. Has Stearns found a market inefficiency (teams don’t properly value prospects who are several years away from the majors) or is this just a function of starting a rebuilding process that is likely to last several seasons?
Klaw: I think the latter. Teams value those kids properly – they’re very high risk and a long way away, so the present value of their likely production is really low. Stearns can afford to wait. He might be able to rent a car by himself when they reach the majors. (Sorry, Dave…)

Bill G.: Hi Keith. You have stated that OPS is too simplistic a metric, and it undervalues OBP (I agree). If you were to uplift OBP over SLG, what sort of uplift would you apply to make this a more realistic metric. Thanks.
Klaw: I wouldn’t. Keep them separate. Combining them only obscures valuable information.

Bradley: Any thoughts on the Padres Rule 5 Draft additions. Sounds like they may give Perdomo a shot at the rotation. Do you think Blash makes enough contact for his power to show?
Klaw: Never been a Blash fan. Perdomo should stick as a reliever. Two pitch guy, doubt he can start right now.

Delvin Perez: Hi Mr.Law, do you think I have a chance to be a top 3 pick in next year draft?, I’m a huge Braves Fan…..
Klaw: That’s a stretch right now, but possible. You’re just 17 and very toolsy.

Archie: Do you think the Murphy signing affects Trea Turner’s Opening Day status?
Klaw: I think it shouldn’t but I bet it does.

PS: What do you think Rob Refsnyder’s ceiling is? Is it Daniel Murphy?
Klaw: Less. Can’t play 2b at all and really doesn’t even have Murphy’s hit tool.

Mikey: Thoughts on the whole Al-Jazeera doping debacle?
Klaw: I don’t see why we’re doubting the story. People questioning Al-Jazeera’s credibility as a news organization have been living under a rock for the last five years. No one covered the Arab Spring as well as they did – and they are hated by many dictators in the Arab world, which is as good a sign of integrity as you can have as a news organization.

Dave: Thoughts on Albert Almora’s improved second half?
Klaw: SSS until proven otherwise. Minor leaguers should improve in the second half if they don’t move up, since their competition is getting younger due to promotions. As for Almora, I don’t see any reason to think it’s not just BABIP-related; he didn’t hit for any power in the second half.

Roy: Of all the CF’s the Red Sox have, who do you think actually ends up in the position in a couple of years. (Assuming no moves.)
Klaw: Betts is the most likely to still be on the roster. Benintendi may actually be the CF, but Betts isn’t going anywhere.

Philly: Most industry analysts seem to be on board with the Phillies rebuilding efforts. I believe they have the correct course of action, but I am somewhat apprehensive that their returns on trades will yield more quantity than quality. Other than Crawford, do you really see anyone in their system with all star upside?
Klaw: Quantity isn’t a bad thing when the system is light on both. Randolph has star upside if he can find a position and they had a few arms in short-season ball with that kind of potential.

Andrew: Finally read Moneyball by Michael Lewis after years of reading you, baseballprospectus, and fangraphs. Thought it was nice of Lewis to mention you as JP’s pet sabermetrician and mini-rain man. Anyway, I found your review of the movie but do you have anything on the book? Would love to hear your thoughts? How things have changed since it was written? Was shocked by how little defense was valued to the point where Beane would have traded Jason Varitek.
Klaw: Book is a must-read, despite some factual issues. (The story with me never happened, and Lewis never corrected it even though I told him so after the hardcover edition. The quote about Voros from Depodesta actually came from me, and the story about a player seeing Mattingly at Legends Field is also untrue.) But for a general view of the industry at the time that avoids too much math and emphasizes the impact on specific players, it’s outstanding. Lewis is a fantastic storyteller and I could read his prose all day long.

Anonymous: 10 years from now, which current SS prospect is the better player? Dansby or Brendan Rodgers?
Klaw: Rodgers, for me at least.

greg p: How is the trade for Giles going to look two years down the road? A total heist for Phillies?
Klaw: I think both sides end up very happy with it but we will say the Phillies did better in the end.

Alex in Austin: In the next 30 years, do you see this antiquated arbitration system and underpaying younger players getting resolved? What if a new 4 team league is created that pays players under 27 their true value and attracted guys like Correa, Bryant, Fernandez, etc.?
Klaw: Who funds that league? Not that I dislike the idea, but the barrier to entry for a rival league today is probably a dealbreaker for any of the four major sports.

Anonymous: Can the Braves realistically compete in 2017 with the new stadium opening? It seems like they are loading up on pitching prospects but will have no offense besides Freeman and Olivera
Klaw: And Olivera may not even be that good. I don’t think they can compete next year but they’ll be sneaky good, and I bet they go spend some money next winter, or even on a late signing this winter if they see some value.

Anonymous: Re: Opt Outs from last time. There’s also the PR positive from the team perspective. We signed this guy to this huge contract, look we’re trying to win! Then if he opts out in a couple of years before he gets expensive, our fans (government) will hopefully have been stupid enough to build us a stadium to fill with less expensive ball players. #Profit
Klaw: I laughed. You’re not wrong about the PR benefit. No one realizes the opt-outs are there on signing day.

Arin: What are reasonable number to expect from Hector Olivera? 4th OF, Average, Above Average, All-star?
Klaw: I think extra guy. Questions on the hit tool and athleticism, and of course him bailing on Caguas (at least, not putting in the required level of effort) doesn’t look good.

Bryan: Just curious about your thoughts on Sam Travis. Seems to be trending in the right direction.
Klaw: I’m a fan. Can absolutely hit. Just not sure what the final power output is, and whether he’s just a good regular at first or something more.

PS: I know some teams are spending more on coaching staffs in the minors these days, but their pay is still well short of MLB coaches. Couldn’t you argue they are more important than MLB coaches based on the impact they have on developing players?
Klaw: Best coaches end up promoted out of the area where they can do the most good.

tw: How do you feel about your colleague’s piece accusing the phillies of tanking? Indefensible, I assume, given the numerous contradictions of his prior writings? Also the absurd recommendations essentially demanding they give out bad contracts again…
Klaw: Accusing? Is this even a question? They’re doing what the Astros did and I don’t see the problem with it. The system more or less forces bad teams to go that route. I only disagreed with Buster on the need for them to spend some money in the short term. F that. If the CBA incentivizes (I hate that word) tanking, then tank the shit out of it, my man.

Matt: Do you think college educated people truly think evolution is false and that creationism is true? Even if you take a class like biology or anatomy, it’s clear evolution is true. I just don’t understand how law makers can deny evolution. You had mentioned cognitive dissonance on Twitter, but I think there has to be a bigger reason.
Klaw: I think, like many science and even social issues, it’s about undermining the confidence some people might have in their religious beliefs. If evolution is true, does that mean Christianity is false? I don’t happen to think that’s the case, but if your religion tells you evolution is false, and the evidence says that it’s true (it is, absolutely, 100%, no doubt about it true), then you may reject the evidence because it could force you to question your faith, or your belief in God or an afterlife. I think the fight against marriage equality came down to the same reason. Even climate change has a whiff of that – how could a just deity allow our planet to go to hell like that? (I’m reminded of the old Robin Williams quote from God: “I gave you a nice planet, and you fucked it up.”)

Urban: Starlin Castro was not s good defensive SS, at least by the scouting side. Advanced metrics seemed to be kinder than the eye test. What’s his projection as s defender at 2B?
Klaw: I bet he’s above-average to plus there.

Josh: Is kyler Murray eligible for the next draft?
Klaw: Not as long as he’s at a four-year school in the spring. Next eligibility would be in 2018.

PS: Who do you suspect the Yankees will target at 19th pick this year (obviously way too early)? Quantrill?
Klaw: Zero idea. Teams don’t do that this far in advance. You can’t “target” anyone before the season has even started.

Stephen: No question. Just a thanks. Every question I ask you on Twitter you seem to answer despite what has to be endless mentions. Just appreciate it.
Klaw: You’re quite welcome. Thank you for bearing with me as I tweet a lot and some of it probably isn’t very good.

Jeff: Do you think Tyler Jay will become a successful starter?
Klaw: I’d give him every chance to do so.

Josh: Who would be your guess to be the number 1 overall pick right now?
Klaw: Dunno. Hansen, Groome, maybe Benson? I have no conviction on this topic at the moment.

Ryan: What’s your favorite way to prepare/cook a Pork Tenderloin?
Klaw: Ruhlman’s sear-roasting with lots of butter. Pork tenderloin has very little taste and is awful if cooked past medium-rare. It needs a rich sauce and a good crust on the outside.

Scherzer’s Blue Eye: Reason we’re doubting could possibly be Charlie Sly has recanted his testimony? Maybe that hits at the credibility a bit…
Klaw: Maybe a lawyer or two got to him. Testimony was awfully specific the first time around.

Dennis: Can Tomlinson be a super utility guy for the Giants, or is the bat just not good enough?
Klaw: I’d say probably not, but I’m much more confident that he’s not a regular than I am that he’s not a 400 AB UT.

Ryan: Why can’t I make mayo taste as good as bottled? tips?
Klaw: Use really good eggs and some fresh lemon juice. Try olive oil for the fat, or add another flavor like white miso or chipotle peppers.

Michael: What do pro scouts do during the winter?
Klaw: Sit home, stare out the window, and wait for spring?

Macon: Your thoughts on the ending of “A Farewell to Arms”??
Klaw: No joke, I threw the book against the wall in high school when I got to the end. Silver Linings Playbook hadn’t even been written yet.

Mike: Al Jazeera is great…the only people questioning the report on that basis are morons. I think the issue is more that the documentary isn’t all that great, and the allegations are based entirely on hearsay.
Klaw: Fair. Although people had no problems believing hearsay allegations against Clemens.

JP: did you see the new Star Wars? thoughts?
Klaw: Nope, probably won’t see it for a while.

Aaron: You were quite bullish on Amed Rosario’s tools last winter. What, if anything, has change 10 months later?
Klaw: Nothing. Tools are the same.

Elton: With Parks and Rec gone, what’s the next best successor in that line of comedy? Have you watched Master of None?
Klaw: That would be my pick. Watched the whole season. Last 5-6 episodes they really hit their stride, and some of the stuff on long-term relationships was expertly written. I was incredibly impressed.

Pat: How many SS prospects do you have ahead of Mateo?
Klaw: Quite a few. He’s a good prospect but getting a bit overhyped because of his parent org.

Anonymous: How likely is Moncada to stick at 2b?
Klaw: I see no reason he won’t.

Tyler: If you had to be a writer for any other sport, which would you choose?
Klaw: Is food a sport?

Dan: Hey Keith, my wife is having a brain tumor removed next month and I’m distracting myself by figuring out what to read during the hospital stay. I can’t decide if I should go with something lighthearted/easy to read, something harder (since I’ll have the time), something more bleak (since I’ll be in that mood anyways), or something more educational (ie The Sixth Extinction). What do you recommend?
Klaw: Good grief, that’s not good news and I hope everything goes well for her. In situations like that, I stick to lighter fare that I can truly get lost in – authors I love, or the type of immersive book where I’ll zone out a bit and feel completely “in” the pages. I don’t read bleak stuff when I’m down or when I’m away from home for a long time.

JP: will you see The Hateful Eight, or not a Tarantino fan?
Klaw: I loved Django but TH8 reviews are not calling to me. I don’t see many movies anyway.

Andy: How awesome would it be for Mike Piazza or Jeff Bagwell (or I guess Griffey) to be elected to the Hall of Fame and in their acceptance speech, admit to steroid use. Like, HA, you just inducted a steroid user. Now let’s ditch the stigma.
Klaw: It would be hilarious, although I doubt either would risk the immediate backlash that would follow.

Ryan: I grew up Roman Catholic, but am now Athiest. I’m conflicted on the direction I’d like to bring up my children. I’m thinking it might be good to bring them up Roman Catholic until they are old enough to decide the route that best fits their belief. Any thoughts or Advice? Thanks!
Klaw: Entirely up to you and your spouse/partner. The most important thing is for the two of you to agree on the choice.

Andy: How far along are you on the top 100? Like do you have all the info you just need to combine all of the things?
Klaw: I have done maybe 5% of the work. I start after New Year’s.

Pat: When Lazarito gets signed, where do you think he’ll pop up on your rankings?
Klaw: At 16, he’s a stretch to even hit the top 100. In all the top 100s I’ve done I’ve only had three players that young on the list, I think. One was Sano, one was Ynoa (who blew out and really hasn’t panned out anyway), and one was Villalona (whom I rated way too high and then he killed a guy).

Ridley Kemp: At the risk of getting into dangerous territory…What’s your favorite sci-fi book of the year, and do you plan on voting on the Hugo Awards this year? Last year was a bit of a mess as you may have heard.
Klaw: I didn’t know the public could vote, and I don’t think I’ve read any 2015 titles. I did hear about the voting last year and all the misogyny involved. Ugly.

FItz: Any thoughts on the Matt Bush signing? Does he deserve another opportunity (he did pay the price of his actions imo) and does he have a chance to be anything for Texas?
Klaw: I have no problem with it, as long as he stays sober and of course doesn’t drive (he has no license and won’t for many years).

keithlaw disciple: If you were a betting man, which player from the 2014 Draft, who struggled in 2015, could turn it around in 2016 (thinking guys like Gatewood, Harrison, Gettys, other)? Thanks!
Klaw: Derek Hill. Didn’t even get the full season to start to turn things around.

Andrew: You get to replace one major league owner, no questions asked. Who is it? Loria? Wilpon? Other?
Klaw: Loria/Samson. As much as I despise seeing Jeffy Wilson – you know, the one who allegedly harassed a pregnant employee because she was unmarried? – in a FO, Loria’s bleeding of the team is a problem for the entire sport, whereas the Wilpons’ antics are more of a problem for that one team. Sorry, Mets fans.

Nils: Hi Keith, did you get a chance to see Anthony Alford this year? Has he become a top 100 guy?
Klaw: He was on my midseason top 50.

Chris: Is jp Crawford more of a defensive or offensive SS? What is Appel’s ceiling? 1, 2, 3?
Klaw: Appel is a potential 2, but has specific and not insignificant adjustments to make. Crawford is more of an everything SS.

Scott in TX: Hear a lot on TV about LH power hitters teeing off on the low-and-inside pitch. Why just lefties?
Klaw: I do think there’s something to LH power hitters liking the ball down, but I don’t know why. It would stand to reason that this is actually selection bias in how such players are scouted and promoted, rather than some genetic fluke that makes lefties like the low pitch.

Tyler: Sorry if you have answered this before, but how exactly did you get into the baseball writing business after college?
Klaw: I didn’t become a full-time writer until 12 years after college, and didn’t work in baseball at all until 8 years after college.

Joe: Could Mike Shawaryn of Maryland be a first rounder this year?
Klaw: Area guys tell me more like 2nd round but I’ll go see him in the spring.

Jeff: From what I’ve read on the Frazier trade most seem to think Peraza wasn’t enough return. But if you look at top 100 lists, he would rank as their new #1 prospect in a fairly deep system. Do you think the negative reports might be overstated??
Klaw: He was not enough return. Not sure he’s really their #1 prospect either.

Ryan: Have you seen any of Making a Murderer? Thoughts?
Klaw: No. Next series for me will be finishing Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell then Man in the High Castle.

Toad: What’s one book everyone should read? Also which QO rejecting player is gonna end signing a one year deal?
Klaw: Non-fiction, something like Thinking Fast and Slow, or perhaps the more accessible The Invisible Gorilla, because they teach us about how we think and how we need to think differently to make better decisions. Fiction is a tougher call; my all-time favorite novel is The Master and Margarita, but if you’re thinking about some kind of imperative (“you should read this because it’ll teach you something”), readers would probably get more out of Beloved or To Kill a Mockingbird.

Michael: What do you think about Max Pentecost now? He’s basically been hurt his entire pro career.
Klaw: I think what you think. Got to play to develop, and he had a couple of real questions even before that.

Jeff: Your opinion on Smoltz joining Buck in the booth?
Klaw: I think it’s a positive. He will be an exponential improvement over Reynolds, who does not know the players well enough for that job. Color commentary isn’t easy and Reynolds did the job as if he hadn’t done any prep work. (Perhaps he did, but I can only comment on the results.)

Mike: Thoughts on Trey Ball of the Red Sox? I never see him mentioned amongst their top 10 prospects. What is his ceiling or did the Sox strike out on him?
Klaw: Too early to give up on him. Athletic LHP with some stuff, was much more raw when drafted than I think the Sox realized. Not a bust.

JP: how many of the 2016 draftees do you think will crack your midseason top 50? just 1 or 2?
Klaw: History says more. Depends a lot on promotions too.

JP: did Severino show you anything in 2015 that would make you believe he can stick in the rotation?
Klaw: He stayed healthy all year, so that’s a good thing. But the delivery issue is unchanged. I can’t name any long-term starter who used his lower half that little.

Rob: A few weeks ago in the chat you said that Paul Goldschmidt has caused you to re-consider how you evaluate a player like Rhys Hoskins. Can you say more about that? I’m less interested in Hoskins per se than the type he represents or the changes in your process. Thanks.
Klaw: I think the bar I set for that kind of player was too high. Granted, Goldschmidt has a grade 80 work ethic and no one knew it except perhaps the Dbacks’ area guy who took him, but still, I should have been more open to a player with the skills he did show and a swing that was mechanically sound and produced enough power even before he reached his peak. Also, I’m just trying to be less dogmatic in opinions and clearer about probabilities, so that it doesn’t become “oh, you said he’d be X, you’re wrong!” when really I’m trying to say I think there’s a 60% chance he’s this and a 40% chance he’s that.

Nils: Does Eduardo Rodriguez have the stuff to become a decent #2 behind Price in Boston’s rotation?
Klaw: I think he has ace upside but wouldn’t pin that on him for 2016.

Michael: Does Chris Davis have a market anymore? Pretty much has to go to an AL team. He may have given up a lot of money.
Klaw: I don’t see who pays him. As you said, what’s his market now? What teams still have 1b open and that kind of money available? Maybe Texas, but didn’t they see that movie before?

Matt: Corbin’s nasty slider showed the type of bite it once had towards the end of the season, with that in mind safe to say he wins at least 15 next year behind Greinke/Miller?
Klaw: Pitcher-wins are a horrible stat and I would never predict anything about them. Also, Corbin has what, half a year back from TJ? You think he’s ready to throw 200 innings or make 33 starts?

Scotty G: Any chance Davis goes to the Cards on a shorter deal – he would seem to fit PERFECTLY with them with Piscotty/Moss playing RF?
Klaw: Only if it’s February 1st and he hasn’t signed somewhere else.

Chris: I can’t help but feel like the top phillies prospects with the exception of Crawford, are overrated. Am i wrong?
Klaw: Without giving me some basis for the complaint, I find it hard to respond. Is someone saying Jake Thompson is the next Bob Gibson? Then yes, that would be overrating him.

JC: Are the Dbax being wise to consider Hudson for the rotation? I don’t think he should be anywhere but the pen.
Klaw: Reliever all the way. Double TJ, arm action is long, has had some success in relief, and they could use him in the 7th/8th innings. Good outcome for him and team.

Craig: There has been talk of Milwaukee trading Lucroy. Even if Lucroy won’t be part of the next contending Brewers team, is there sufficient value in keeping him around to work with/develop the young pitching staff that would outweigh any return in a trade?
Klaw: You could weigh that value against the return. If no one is blowing you away, you keep him. I think you only deal him if you’re getting back some major-league pieces in return. It’s hard to realize sufficient value otherwise.

Dan: Re: Brain Tumor – Thanks (for the well wishes and recommendation), was leaning in that direction. The good news is that the tumor is benign and we’ve had a lot of time to prep for it, as well as two very good families offering any support we need. Could definitely be a lot worse.
Klaw: That’s good to hear. I know recovery can be long, though; a classmate of mine at Tepper had similar surgery not long after we graduated, and if I remember correctly she had to have a second operation to deal with a recurrence. (She’s fine now, with two kids.) So I wish you all the best. As for reading, don’t be a weirdo like me, reading Lolita at the hospital while my wife was in labor.

Chris: Thoughts on Mets “let’s lengthen lineup and pray SP stays healthy” offseason? They’re putting a ton of pressure on Conforto to be the guy.
Klaw: Sandy etc may just have no money to spend to get a legit bat, and even so, I’m not sure where they’d put such a player – if they were to sign Upton or Cespedes, neither is really a CF, and the corners are taken. Zobrist sort of fit, but four years for him is too much, especially with Herrera right freaking there. They’re in a bit of a weird spot in terms of the roster – they don’t have a black hole to fill so spending big on a veteran requires a better return.

Bevan: How would you rate Stephen King? Is he an all star, average regular, bench bat or AAAA player?
Klaw: Never read any of his stuff.

Charlie: Re: The Murphy/Rendon thing – do you think injury-prone guys benefit from a day of rest a week? That was my assumption with the question – they have 3 guys with bad injury histories who play positions I’d rather see Murphy playing that 2B. If you think it doesn’t help, that’s fair, just wondering
Klaw: Platooning him with Werth makes some sense, and giving Zimmerman some time off might too. Rendon’s injuries seem to be acute rather than chronic, so days off for him seem to have less benefit.

DO: Bill James’ projection for Swihart this year : 287 Avg., .335 OBP, .758 OPS . This, to me, looks both pessimistic AND hugely valuable for a catcher. What part of his offensive game to you see developing first (power or patience)?
Klaw: Patience well before power and hell yeah I’d take that output. What does ZiPS say?

Chris: Does Hansel Robles have closer stuff? After seeing what Philadelphia got for Giles, I would listen on Familia if I were Mets given their, um, financial situation.
Klaw: Not sure he really has closer command, but he has closer stuff.

Bevan: Have you ever read anything by Carlos Ruiz Zafon? I’m currently reading The Shadow of the Wind and it’s incredible…
Klaw: I really didn’t like that book. The resolution was very pulpy and over the top for me.

Gabe: Long term: Confoto or Schwarber? Thanks!
Klaw: You really can’t go wrong with either. Last winter I said Conforto. Right now I’d say Schwarber. I reserve the right to change my mind another half-dozen times before we’re debating their Hall of Fame merits.

Andy: Do any of the draft pick compensation players make it to June? It certainly didn’t go well for the couple of players that did that a few years ago.
Klaw: Don’t think so although Davis’ market would concern me right now.

Nils: Hi Keith, no question just a thanks for continuing your chats here and wish you and your family a happy 2016.
Klaw: You’re quite welcome. Thank you all for reading and chatting with me even as I brought the chats here this year. My next chat will be some time in January. Until then, I hope you all have a safe and happy New Year’s celebration and look forward to doing this again many times in 2016.

Michael: Would you recommend a player sign with Boras as his agent? He obviously gets a lot of money for some of his clients, but he seems to really screw others. I imagine his day-to-day stuff is top notch, but it must be kind of risky to sign with him.
Klaw: I think the net result is a big positive. Yes, a few players fare poorly with him but the majority do very well, from draft day to free agency.

DO: ZiPS is more pessimistic on Swihart: .252/.297/.371 It’s definitely not out of the question for him, but that would assume little to no development in 2016.
Klaw: I’d take the over on the implied walk rate.

Alex: Did you have a chance to see Tim Anderson in person last year? If so, any thoughts on his development?
Klaw: Yes. Approach needs to improve. Tools are all there. He’s just in such a hurry to get out of the batter’s box.

Chris: The philly local media makes them out to be the next World Series core. I wonder if they’re even starters in the MLB.
Klaw: Lot of everyday talent/mid- to back-of-the-rotation types in the system. Crawford is the only guy I’d tab as very likely to be above-average.

Sam: Greg Bird upside? Was his call up performance legit (despite the small sample)? Were there any parts of his game you noticed improved? Thanks!
Klaw: SSS and I’d bet the under going forward but I do think he’s an everyday DH for somebody.

Craig: Do you ever read “pulpy” fiction books (i.e. Harlan Coben, Lee Child, James Patterson, etc.). Any that you particularly enjoy?
Klaw: When I go for that I go more for classics – Christie, Wodehouse, Stout, Le Carre (a bit better than pulp, but same general idea). I’ve liked the few Richard Stark “Parker” novels I’ve read too.

Mike: I smoked a brisket for Christmas. Do you ever use a smoker (I use the traditional offset with the firebox) and do you enjoy BBQ? Took about 14 hours.
Klaw: I smoke meats on my Weber kettle using fire bricks but have never done a brisket. Longest smoke was a pork shoulder, around 8 hours I think. Love to use it for my own bacon. Can’t beat it.

Matt: Keith What type of player do you see in Jamie Westbrook long term? I keep hearing his name a lot in Dbacks system
Klaw: I’d be surprised if he’s any kind of big leaguer. Not a shortstop, doesn’t walk, and got a big boost from the Cal League this year.

Al: Aaron Nola did well for the Phillies, but is he more of a mid rotation starter as opposed to the ace that Phillie fans want him to be?
Klaw: Maybe a 2. Not a 1 – meaning I don’t think he ends up top 15 or so in baseball.

Chris: Do you ever see yourself back with a mlb club?
Klaw: I never rule anything out but I don’t expect so.

Eric: Long term outlook for Joe Ross?
Klaw: I’m all in. Number 2 upside.

Mike: Do you think Erik Johnson will be an above average 4th starter for the white sox? Other than 1 injured year the minor league numbers are great.
Klaw: Agreed. 2014 was unfortunate but understandable with the shoulder injury.

Chris: thoughts on royals signing of Dillon gee?
Klaw: Minor league deal, right? Great pickup.

Matt: Do you see Tanner Roark re-establishing himself as a starter now that he will be back in nats rotation?
Klaw: Yes, I do. They have good starter depth right now.

Chris: Re: Gee-yes, minor lg deal w incentives. After Colon mets really lack rotation depth.
Klaw: They traded much of it away in July.

Rich: Did you take your daughter to see the Good Dinosaur? Where does it fall on the Pixar scale? Seems like a relative dud for them (comparatively at least)
Klaw: Technically Disney, not Pixar, right? Separate studios under the same head. Pixar’s movie this year was Inside Out and if that doesn’t get a Best Picture nod just fire the entire Oscar voting into the sun. Also, I haven’t seen the Good Dinosaur.

Frank: What do you make of Alex Jackson? If I recall correctly (which I often don’t), I believe you were pretty high on him before the 2014 draft. He’s been atrocious. Do you think he can figure things out and be an OF in the majors?
Klaw: He’s been atrocious but I am not giving up on him. He’s been working with a hitting guy I know pretty well this winter, which doesn’t hurt, and even if that weren’t the case I still wouldn’t give up on a 19-year-old with a good swing and real power.

Len Denver: Jonathan Gray upside? Can he still be a #2?
Klaw: Take the under. I don’t like what’s happened to his delivery since he signed.

Zach: Why hasn’t Fister been signed? Big problem or something along lines of wanting too much?
Klaw: Lots of good FA still out there. Kazmir hasn’t signed either. It’s just happening more slowly this winter.

Alex: Devon Travis, if healthy, a good bet for the long-term? Seems to have underrated skills…another undersized guy not getting respect (e.g. Betts, Pedroia, etc.)
Klaw: Not a fan. When did Betts not get respect? That seems revisionist to me.

Jake: Do you think Pierce Johnson can become a 4/5?
Klaw: I think he’s a reliever. Guy has never stayed healthy for a full season as a starter, his delivery is very hard on the elbow, and I don’t know if he has the out pitch to start anyway, although I am much more concerned about the first two points than the third.

Bill: What’s your thoughts on the increase of fact checking articles that come about after debates? They largely just some like clickbate to me.
Klaw: Pointing out where the candidates lied? I’m all for it.

John in MN: The Good Dinosaur is Pixar, was slated for 2014, underwent massive rewrites which delayed it to this year.
Klaw: Ah, my mistake. That explains why it might not have lived up to the Pixar standard then.

Nils: Hi Keith, no question just a thanks for continuing your chats here and wish you and your family a happy 2016.
Klaw: You’re quite welcome. Thank you all for reading and chatting with me even as I brought the chats here this year. My next chat will be some time in January. Until then, I hope you all have a safe and happy New Year’s celebration and look forward to doing this again many times in 2016.