Klawchat 7/26/18.

My Insider post on the Eovaldi, Andriese, and Oh trades is now up. Also, I have a new board game review up at Paste, covering Istanbul the Dice Game, which strips down the original Istanbul (an amazing game from 2014) to something quicker, simpler, but also more driven by chance.

Keith Law: You left all the lights on, but there’s nobody home. Klawchat.

Nick L: Is this peak Javy Baez? It almost feels like even a little more discipline moves him dangerously close to MVP discussions.
Keith Law: I think this is peak Baez; it’s unlikely (albeit not impossible … just highly improbable) that he finds plate discipline now.

Chris: Hi Keith. Looking forward to your book signing this weekend in MA. What do you think about how the Red Sox made out in the Eovaldi for Beeks trade? Thanks.
Keith Law: That post just went up (Insider).

Frank: The Jays traded a reliever for what MLB Pipeline says is the Rockies 13th & 24th best prospects. Would those qualify as lottery prospects, or is the Rockies system good enough that those are a little better than that? Side question: what would you expect the Jays to get for Happ?
Keith Law: See the link I just posted.

Arnold: Actual SI FB post earlier this week: “Mets Prospect Tim Tebow out for season.” Prospect??? Maybe fate favors the Mets since this means Tebow won’t be blocking any actual prospects for the rest of the season, but the Mets are gonna force this charade on us next season, aren’t they?
Keith Law: There are many people, even within this industry, who treat “prospect” and “minor leaguer” as synonyms. They are not.

Eddie: Wander Franco has looked great so far, can you think of another J2 signee that you rated so highly in his 1st season?
Keith Law: Yes, several, including Sano & Vlad Jr.

Dana: Do you fault Gary Sanchez for not hustling considering he reaggravated his injury in the first inning? I feel like he’s getting unfairly crushed here.
Keith Law: I wish Latino there was Latino some sort of Latino reason why Latino everyone is so Latino quick to criticize Latino certain players for not Latino hustling.

Mark: It seems the Rays take high floor players in trades, and the Padres have a rule 5 roster problem approaching, so could this explain the Padres and Archer rumor? The Rays might be willing to take some of the players the Padres aren’t going to be able to protect in addition to some premium talent. They made a similar deal in the past (can’t remember the details) where Boxberger, Andriese, and Forsythe were the return who have been nice players, but at the time were seen as high floor useful guys. Thanks!
Keith Law: Is the Padres’ rule 5 apocalypse that close? I think they’re a year-plus away from that. I don’t hate this idea like the Hosmer (-0.7 fWAR … but TEH LEADERSHIP) deal, but it’s still not really ideal for the Padres unless they’re somehow doing this without trading any of their top 10 prospects.

Ike: If you had your choice for a franchise player, who would you take between Acuna, Soto or Vlad jr?
Keith Law: Acuna. Or Tatis Jr.

Rich: Any advice for a first-time author? I am about to start writing after years of research. What were some of your biggest stumbling blocks with SB? Also, I hope to make it this Saturday in Acton at the Silver Unicorn!
Keith Law: I wrote that all pretty quickly, so I’m not sure I’d have stumbling blocks to offer. Just carve out dedicated time to write each day, because it’s easy to procrastinate on a project like that with long deadlines.

addoeh: To continue the discussion from the last Klawchat, is Creed worse than Nickelback and would positive comments about either “music” group cause a prospect to fall due to “dumb social media comments”?
Keith Law: My warning to all players at any level: If your walkup music is by Post Malone, I don’t care how good you are, I am slapping a fucking NP label on you and never looking back.

Joe: Keith, are there any good reasons why Ced Mullins and Dj Stewart are still in AAA given the Orioles’ struggles?
Keith Law: Is there a burning reason why either should be up? These aren’t elite prospects.

Joe: Keith, it seems like the Orioles hung on to Britton too long like they did with Machado. Would you have traded him after his huge season in 2016 even though the Orioles had just made the playoffs? His value was never higher and Chapman and Miller were just traded for huge hauls.
Keith Law: I would have, and I think I said so at the time, but it’s also a bit unfair to criticize them on Britton because he got hurt during the offseason and scotched any chance they could trade him then.

Aaron C.: What do you do if you’re Billy Beane/David Forst? (1) Hope the A’s offense continues to make Cahill/B. Anderson/E. Jackson look serviceable? (2) Trade for a back-end starter? (3) Trade some top-tier prospect(s) for a front-end starter? Thanks!
Keith Law: More like (2). Definitely not (3).

Bob: I know Isaac Paredes isn’t likely a SS, but he hit well in the FSL at 19 and Det must think highly of him to promote him to AA as a teenager. How good can he be as a 2B or 3B?
Keith Law: Above-average regular at 2b or 3b, definitely not a shortstop. Little bit of stat-scouting going on around him – good prospect, not an elite one.

Bob: After a rough start to the year in AA, Brent Rooker has been dominant for nearly 2 months. What’s his upside?
Keith Law: Solid-average regular.
Keith Law: I guess maybe a 55, above-average regular. Probably 1b. He is a grade 80 tweeter though.

Bob: Hans Crouse has had a couple recent 7 IP/double digit K starts. Does he have front of the rotation upside or more a reliever for you?
Keith Law: Delivery is reliever. Mentality is probably reliever too. Stuff would let him start.

mike sixel: Some Twins’ fans I interact with think the team should sign Escobar to a QO if they can’t extend him. Thoughts on 18MM for Eduardo Escobar? Admittedly, they have very little payroll committed for next year….but, 18MM?
Keith Law: Hardest of passes.

Bob: Kevin Kramer has followed up his AA breakout with a very similar AAA season. Can he be an above average regular?
Keith Law: In my opinion, no.

PhillyJake: In your write up of Mitch Keller, you wrote “If he finds that third pitch — better feel for the changeup, maybe even a splitter — he has No. 1 starter upside.” On June 28th, the day after Keller was promoted to Indy (AAA), Tim Williams of Pirates Prospects wrote about how his improvement in his secondary pitches lead to the promotion. I realize that ranking him 24th overall means you don’t hate him (Or the Pirates!), but I’m wondering when you’ll get a chance to see him again to see with your own eyes?
Keith Law: I have seen him – I just saw him – and what I wrote is completely accurate.

Bob: Have you had a chance to see Daniel Johnson in Harrisburg? He has not repeated his A ball power numbers, but his overall game looks solid. Can he be a starter or more a 4th OF?
Keith Law: Extra OF for me, some small chance of a regular.

MIKEPCFL: Just a quick thank you for sharing about the loss of your family cat and how your daughter handled it. It was very touching. Never just stick to baseball.
Keith Law: You’re welcome – thank you, all of you, for reading and reaching out after I sent that newsletter.

Harold: Was the White Sox’ 2017 draft as good as it appears with Sheets, Gonzalez, Hentzman, Tyler Johnson, Battenfield, etc. all doing well?
Keith Law: I just wrote up Sheets and Gonzalez … Sheets in particular looks bad, and bear in mind they took a lot of college guys who *should* do well in the low minors. Shame about Berger, though – he seemed like the kind of guy who could finish his first year in AA or higher.

Moe Mentum: Favorite band or musician that your wife was into before you were?
Keith Law: We have wildly different tastes in music. There isn’t much overlap other than bands we both liked from the ’80s.

CD: Ramon Laureano has had a nice bounce back season in AAA. Do you think he can defend well enough to be an average-ish regular in CF?
Keith Law: Astros tried to alter his swing – launch angle! – and it wrecked his 2017. I think definite fourth OF who can play all three spots, maybe 10-15% chance of a regular. I particularly like him as a player, just the way he plays, not the biggest tools but enough athleticism and a really good idea of what he’s doing.

C-Note: Who is the 2nd best player in baseball?
Keith Law: Trout is 1 and Mookie is 2. You can start your arguments at 3.

Seath: Do you have any other plans while in MA? Going to the RedSox-Twins series? I would have loved to go to your book event.
Keith Law: Nope, having dinner with my best friend from grade school and then driving home.

Concerned citizen: Why don’t other countries on par with the U.S. have the same amount of vaccines that are required?
Keith Law: Ask them. The science on this is quite clear.

SeanE: Will Craig has put up solid power numbers but with a corresponding drop in BA and OBP. Can he reach a happy medium and become a productive MLB 1b?
Keith Law: Don’t think so – more like a below-average regular/bench piece.

Jerry: Is Josh James a legit prospect. Seems to have really taken a step forward. Is he a high strikeout mid rotation guy?
Keith Law: Huge arm, has touched 99, bad delivery, command way behind control. Lot of relief risk. I have not seen him myself.

Neal Huntington: Do I put together a package of prospects to add a starting pitcher for the stretch run or was the recent streak just smoke and mirrors?
Keith Law: I would not advocate buying; there are nine other teams competing for the same playoff spots, and I don’t think their true talent level is better than their two divisional rivals.

Kevin: What kind of return could Carlos Rodon catch for the White Sox? Since there are not too many young, controllable SP on the market and they are still a few years away from competing, should the Sox look to maximize his value?
Keith Law: I don’t think the value would be that great for a guy who is less than a year off significant shoulder surgery and who hasn’t had a full season of sustained production.

SeanE: Any chance that Oniel Cruz can stick at SS or is his future at 3b? Is he a candidate for your top 100 next year?
Keith Law: No chance of SS. I’m not sure he can stay on the dirt – dude is like a skyscraper out there.

Dave: Do you have any recs for a good vegetarian cookbook?
Keith Law: Nothing I absolutely love; the best cookbook I have for vegetables is Nigel Slater’s Tender, which is veg-focused but not truly vegetarian. I own one of Isa Chandra Moskowitz’s books (Isa Does It!), which is vegan, but most of the recipes don’t work without significant modifications – I don’t think anyone tested them.

Jack: Does Haseley adding a leg kick, and subsequent success(SSS ik) potentially increase his value at the deadline?
Keith Law: No, pure SSS. Swing has been awful.

David: Have you ever played much chess?
Keith Law: Yes but I’m not very good at it.

Jeremy: I just wanted to reach out and say that I appreciate your willingness to discuss things outside baseball. While I may often disagree with your positions on some matters, I enjoy being able to read other opinions and points of view and discuss them in a civilized manner.
Keith Law: Thank you. That is also why I moderate the comment sections here so strictly – I would rather have a smaller but more civil discussion by keeping anyone seeking to comment in bad faith out.

Harry: Which Under Armour players impressed you the most? Did you write this event up?
Keith Law: There was zero chance I was taking a trip when my daughter needed me home like that.

Trevor: Thoughts on Forrest Whitley being rewarded with an invite to the Futures Game after serving a 50-game suspension?
Keith Law: Not great, Bob, but he ended up getting hurt anyway. MLB was in a tight spot – he’s the best RHP prospect in baseball, and not inviting him would have been weird, too.

Joe: Was there a time in your early days of scouting when you would look past flaws in order to defend guys you essentially “discovered?”
Keith Law: I’ve never discovered anyone. I go see players scouts or execs have identified for me as players to see.

Gerry : Beyond Rhys Hoskins’ obvious offensive talent, when scouting a player, do scouts really take into account leadership qualities as a tipping point for player A over player B, who be more high risk? Thanks KLaw
Keith Law: Not really. I think people tend to retcon that stuff on to a guy after he turns out to be good (or just gets paid a lot).

GEO: My condolences on your loss of Bailey; I once had a black cat of the same name. It’s a difficult decision to have to make. May I ask how you knew he was ill in the first place? They seldom tell you when they are in pain. Or was it uncovered in a regular vet exam?
Keith Law: That very afternoon, he was howling like he’d never done before, and that was the first sign. If you read my latest newsletter (tinyletter.com/keithlaw) I tell the whole story. It was shocking because he seemed fine just days before.

Joshua: I know it was a small, pretty inconsequential trade, but is there anything to be excited about with Jacob Condra-Bogan in the Goodwin trade? Thanks.
Keith Law: No. There were some strange claims that he was throwing up to 99, but he’s not. He’s a great story but I have 90-94 from scouts.

Doug: I think Buster might need to take a breath. What’s the problem with Preller checking in on controllable pitchers?
Keith Law: I agreed with Buster’s point – Archer’s window doesn’t coincide that well with when the Padres’ young core should be in the majors and producing.

Nate: You’ve mentioned the Cards Hudson having the look of a reliever. Is the basis stuff, mechanics, makeup, other?
Keith Law: Yes.
Keith Law: I don’t know about his makeup and can’t think of times that pushed a guy to relief.

xxx(yyy): Any specific recommendations for a Game Night with other couples (so not OVERLY difficult to understand rules/games)?
Keith Law: Something like Coup, Love Letter, One Night Werewolf (if you have 5+ people), Crossfire … social deduction games that move fast, don’t have a lot of rules, work well with alcohol.

xxx(yyy): Who ends up the better MLBer of the Rangers L Tavares or J.P. Martinez?
Keith Law: Taveras for me. He was on my top 50; Martinez wasn’t and wasn’t a consideration.

JB: CJ Chatham seems to have bounces back after the injury. Reason to be optimistic or is he old for high-A? Thanks!
Keith Law: Saw him. Like the glove/hands a lot. Bat is light.

Mark Antoch: Over/Under HR’s if you give Tyler O’Neill if the Cards gave him 550 AB’s in the majors next year? He’s a beast
Keith Law: 28 homers and a sub-.300 OBP.

Bryan: I always forget to show up at chat times, so I just wanted to say thanks for always being helpful and answering random questions on Twitter. But since I’m supposed to ask a question here — were you playing Pandemic Legacy? How is it going/did it go? (we’re about to embark on Season 2, and I’m already stressed out about it!)
Keith Law: We played it 5 times, I think, and liked it, but we’re often bringing other games to the table. Charterstone also sort of leapfrogged it in our legacy game queue.

Nate: Better OF prospect, Pache or Waters?
Keith Law: One was on my top 50…

Steve Culver: While they are all important, is there a particular race you are rooting for in the Nov elections? Really need to flip the house.
Keith Law: Not especially. They’re all important, and I just want to see more pro-science people in government at all levels.

Brian: What has happended in the last decade or so that has helped improve these 19-21 year olds succeed so early in MLB? Before trout and Harper, i dont recall seeing so many young players contribute so early at the major league level (excluding JR and Andrew Jones).
Keith Law: They’re a lot more physically developed now at 19-20 than I remember them being ten years ago, but I don’t know if the data on their performances bears out the impression we both have that they’re succeeding sooner.

Pete: Is Cornelius Randolph still prospect-worthy? 21yrs old at AA. Shows flashes
Keith Law: Not really. young but showing nothing, and he’s a 4 in LF.

Joshua: Do upcoming “mid-tier” free agents like Gio Gonzalez and Daniel Murphy hope they get traded so that they don’t have compensation attached to them in the offseason? Thanks, Keith.
Keith Law: Probably – it seems to hit them worse than it does top-tier guys, as you’d expect.

Mundo: What are your thoughts on Jonathan Loaisiga?
Keith Law: Love him if healthy, but he hasn’t stayed healthy. Mid-rotation upside, reliever downside.

Mark Antoch: Are you watching any HBO shows? Succession or Sharp Objects?
Keith Law: I finished S1 of the Leftovers. No interest in Succession.

addoeh: Favorite music video from the 80’s?
Keith Law: It’s tough to beat “Thriller,” although counting the whole 20 minutes is probably cheating.

Jesse B: Have you seen or heard anything about Nate Lowe to think the breakout is for real?
Keith Law: Saw him in DC. Slugger without defensive value. He’s something, not a star.

Ridley Kemp: Luis Rengifo is rocketing through the Angels’ system this year with some silly looking numbers (.316/.420/.484) with more walks than strikeouts. Have you had a chance to see him, or have you heard anything about him? He was totally off my radar coming in to this year.
Keith Law: I have heard solid utility type. Not a shortstop, maybe a 2b-of type who can fill in at short (not that he’ll do that with Andrelton there). Has played in some very good hitters’ parks this year too.

Doug: Which of the four Missions’ pitchers hits the bigs first? Paddack, Quantrill, Nix, or Logan?
Keith Law: Nix then Paddack.

John: Any non-fiction book recs from the last 12-24 months? Looking for a gift for my Dad’s birthday and he loves NF!
Keith Law: Killers of the Flower Moon or Evicted.

Andy: Could Mookie have been an elite fielding 2B?
Keith Law: Yes. I’m not sure there’s a position where Mookie couldn’t be an elite fielder.

paul: love your work. question about the metropolitans. with cespedes out indefinitely should the mets trade degrom and thor? as a fan I almost think I might just stop watching baseball if they do. if all the players you cheer and root for get traded prematurely or hurt (david wright) and you have terrible ownership (also a redskins fan so its a double ball kick) what’s the point?
Keith Law: The franchise should trade them, but with no clear direction or single decision-maker right now, they should wait to hire a full-time GM and then make those deals. Doing it now, with a potentially restricted market (more teams likely to be buyers in December than July), probably reduces your return.

Adam: Should Touki be in the Braves pen now?
Keith Law: No. that would be counterproductive.

Jax : Is it 50/50 that Zack Collins stays behind the plate?
Keith Law: It’s like 10/90, or maybe less.

Esteban : How likely is it that the Wilpon’s are forced to sell the team? And are there any potential owners out there that would bring excitement to the team? Coming from a Mets fan
Keith Law: I think next to zero chance. They only did this with McCourt when he was (supposedly) about to miss payroll.

John: Do you think we see a multi-inning relief pitcher in a fireman-type role put up 100 IP in the next 5 years? (strictly RP – 0 start guys – have put up even 100 IP since 2010)
Keith Law: Would you consider a guy who makes 1-5 starts still a multi-inning reliever? I’m okay with that. The guy you’re describing would have to be capped at something like 50 appearances a year and we haven’t seen that in … 20 years?

ColinMoran: What do you think of Seth Lugo as an under the radar acquisition as a starter. Small sample but very good xwOBA as a starter.
Keith Law: xwOBA doesn’t work. Lugo’s interesting, more likely a reliever – get him and have him throw that CB a ton.

JJ: Did the Cardinals’ front office screw the pooch with Carson Kelly? Should they try to trade him now, even though his value has declined? I can’t see any way he takes any playing time from Yadi Molina over the next two plus seasons — he’s got more job security than a governor’s brother-in-law.
Keith Law: Could still trade him now/this winter. Everybody needs catching.

Troy: What is the best restaurant in the nation you’ve eaten at?
Keith Law: Juniper & Ivy in San Diego. Would also nominate Monteverde in Chicago, Cotogna in San Francisco, PYT in Los Angeles, Rose’s Luxury in DC, Five & Ten in Athens GA, Husk in Nashville/Charleston, and of course Pizzeria Bianco in Phoenix.

Dave: (Six Seasons and Root to Leaf are both really solid and current vegetarian cookbooks)
Keith Law: I will check these out.

Harry: Kodi Medeiros headed to the White Sox for Soria. Reactions?
Keith Law: I have never bought into Medeiros as anything more than a LH specialist.

Jesse B: Daz Cameron looks way better in AA than he did in High A, does this have anything to do with the two different leagues or is he just getting better?
Keith Law: FSL can be rough on guys with just so-so power. Aaron Judge power, you’re fine. Less than that, might be rough.

Tom C: Sorry about your cat, but I wanted to ask – was that the one that got stuck in the wall a while ago?
Keith Law: That’s him! Good memory. Bailey was a sweet cat but not the brightest bulb in the chandelier.

Simon: Jhailyn Ortiz….real deal or just a guy?
Keith Law: I am completely sold on the bat. I am far from sold that he can play LF.

Bob Nutting: Would Kramer and Newman (not the Seinfeld guys) be and upgrade over Mercer and Harrison? Seems to me they would at least be comparable and I could save mega $. What is not to like?
Keith Law: I’d be OK with this, assuming you think you could deal the two veterans for something useful.

Zihuatanejo: Why is the hit/power/speed/glove/arm scouting rubric still widely used for position players? It always seemed to me that it improperly suggested an equivalence between differently-valued tools.
Keith Law: It’s a useful framework, but the bigger problem is averaging the five grades, or otherwise pretending that, say, speed is as important as hit or power.

Drew: Is Dillon Tate the most promising prospect the O’s have acquired so far?
Keith Law: Diaz is.

Troy: How did you and Curt Schilling get along when he worked at ESPN.
Keith Law: Actually quite well.

Scott Rolan: Am I a Hall of Famer?
Keith Law: yes, but you will have to spell your name correctly to get the 200 points.

Bobby Bradley’s 40-time: Kelenic made your top 50 update but was #6 on your draft board behind Bohm and Swaggerty, who didnt end up making the list. Why the bump up after just a few weeks of pro ball?
Keith Law: Is that OK with you? I didn’t realize I needed to adhere strictly to the draft board. We get more data on players and pro scouts get their first looks at guys once they sign.
Keith Law: I spoke to scouts who saw all three players you mentioned.

Ridley Kemp: Did you see the recent article on Cohl Furey and the quest to find the Grand Unified Theory using obscure algebra instead of by bashing particles together? If not, it’s a heady read (and it makes me a little ill to think some of our top minds are seriously considering busking to further their work):
Keith Law: Yes, this was in my latest Saturday links post … but I won’t pretend I understood the math either.

James: Would you be opposed to a “prospect roundtable” broadcast of yourself and other experts who do lists, such as Callis, Mayo, Sickles, BA staffers, etc, and arguing your lists with each other? Personally I’d pay money to see it.
Keith Law: Mayo and I have discussed doing something like this with Jim for years but could never get all sides to agree. The three of us get along quite well, even though I think readers think we’re rivals of some sort.

Matt : If the Yankees end up in the WC game would you give any thought to them starting anyone other than Severino and rely on the bullpen heavy so they can pitch him in game 1 against the Sox or Astros?
Keith Law: Yes, but that takes some serious stones to actually do it.

Joshua: Is Carter Kieboom a realistic option for the Nats opening day 2019 starting second baseman? Thanks.
Keith Law: I think that’s too optimistic.

Braised Short Ribs: Come back to us, Keith!
Keith Law: I miss you, man. I really do.

Stephen: Take on S1 of the Leftovers?
Keith Law: Amazing. Extremely well-acted across the board. Fascinating themes. Thought the season finale was clumsy, though.

Nick: Any concerns about David Peterson’s struggles in Hi-A? Reports are he has been getting hit hard since the promotion.
Keith Law: And his stuff is off a little too – dead arm, maybe? I’m hoping it’s nothing serious. He was straight dealing for almost three months, with stuff/reports to match.

James: Do you think the wrong Lowe played in the Futures game? I’m partial to Brandon – agree?
Keith Law: Same.

Marshall MN: In regard to TV shows, I give my highest recommendation to the German TV show “Dark” on Netflix.
Keith Law: Thank you. I think someone else rec’d that. Or maybe it was you and you’re just relentless?

Todd Boss: Strasburg to DL: is it officially wave the white flag time in DC? Their comp pick for Harper is almost useless thanks to poor cap management; do they dare make the trade and admit complete failure? Gio, Murphy maybe even Wieters might have trade value?
Keith Law: I could go either way with this. Yeah, if they sell, they could potentially add a lot of talent – if there are buyers for Harper or Murphy. But they’re also a lot better on paper than their record, and the teams ahead of them have both overachieved a lot. If they decide to stand pat, I won’t criticize them.

Joshua: In the past you’ve rated Luis Garcia below Yasel Antuna, is this still how you’d rate them? Thanks.
Keith Law: I rated them just once, but Garcia has moved way past Antuna, whose body apparently has gone way backwards, showing no twitch or athleticism this summer.

Brad: Thanks for the idea to read the Hugo Award winners. Any chance of going back to any other Sci-Fi/Horror books? I’ve just started Name of the Wind (Book 1 of the Kingkiller Chronicle) and it’s really good so far! Thanks for the great work
Keith Law: I’m reading non-Hugo winners too – I have The Fall of Hyperion in my suitcase right now.

Adam: I live ten minutes from Pizzeria Bianco and have still never been there
Keith Law: What is wrong with you?

Matt : Funny how republicans hate socialism but are somehow okay with a $12B handout to farmers being altered by Trump’s crazy trade war.
Keith Law: I pointed out to someone on Twitter who was decrying universal health care as “socialism” (not accurate) that we have seen actual ideas that resemble socialism from this administration – you named one, and the proposal to nationalize coal plants was another – than far more than the philosophy of providing health care for all citizens, which research indicates will lead to a more productive populace and greater economic growth, has to be.
Keith Law: People have been using “socialism” as a pejorative for economic ideas they dislike at least since I was in high school, probably back to McCarthyism. Socialism is a failure. That does not mean that laissez-faire capitalism is the correct solution for every policy problem.

Nate: Would you call up Lazardo to be a pen piece down the stretch and, possibly, in the postseason?
Keith Law: I would not.

Brandon Nimmo: Any interest in writing about politics? Love reading your takes on Twitter.
Keith Law: ESPN wouldn’t allow it, and I’d have to spent a LOT more time reading about those topics to be even close to educated enough to really write about it. It’s one thing to tweet; it’s another entirely to ask someone to pay you to write thousand-word columns that offer cogent arguments.

Jack: Do you think it is just my Philly fandom that I think there is a real possibility that trout comes to Philly when his contract is up? Middleton seems like he wants a splash.
Keith Law: I’m sure Middleton does … and so does every other owner with cash.

Brandon Nimmo: Whoever acquires Zack Wheeler is going to look really smart aren’t they? I just hope the Mets get more than RHP relief prospects.
Keith Law: There is no way I’m taking Wheeler if Woolsey isn’t in the deal too.

Jim: How good is Azul?
Keith Law: I loved it. Best game of 2017 for me. Easy to pick up, plays a little differently each time.
Keith Law: Plays well with 2, 3, or 4 too.

Mike: Does Brendan Rodgers have superstar potential?
Keith Law: Yeah, but more likely a solid 55.

Amy: Wouldn’t Mookie have more value as a 2B? If Pedrioa is done, why not move him to 2B, benintendi to CF, JBJ right, JDM left? Wouldn’t that maximize the lineup?
Keith Law: Sure, if Pedroia can accept the demotion.

Darryl: What is an appropriate age for considering travel ball? I chuckle at the parents who think a kid needs to be on display as a 9 y/o. Always thought anything before high school was a waste of money, time and potential abuse of an arm, but it may be my old school thinking that is getting in the way of things…
Keith Law: I tell parents in my neighborhood that it’s fine for their kids to play travel ball as long as they’re not being asked to fork out hundreds of dollars for events, and as long as they’re making sure their kids who pitch are following PitchSmart guidelines (lord knows the coaches don’t care). Playing more is good. Just don’t fool yourself into thinking you’re advancing his future just by paying more for high-profile events.

Brian: Would you mind clarifying what “Mentality is probably reliever too” means in reference to Hans Crouse?
Keith Law: He pitches like he wants to shove the ball down the hitter’s throat. I love it. And sometimes that kind of guy stays a starter (Scherzer comes to mind). Most end up relievers. It was a compliment, though.

Vladdy & Eloy: Please please please, don’t rank either of us #1 on your next prospect list! Muchas gracias!
Keith Law: Seriously. I don’t believe in hexes, curses, or other superstitions, but I can’t believe Tatis got hurt within hours of me listing him as #1. Hoping he and Vlad Jr. come to Fall League!

Nick L: It looks like Miguel Amaya is certainly the best Cubs prospect, but how good could he be? Do you see him as a top 75 prospect?
Keith Law: He’s a top 100 guy, I feel pretty confident about that. He is their #1 prospect, easily.

Josh: Do you ever see a point where the current ownership of the A’s spends like the average MLB team? Seems like a new stadium is just an excuse. If the Warriors are able to spend and be successful across the parking lot, why can’t the A’s do more?
Keith Law: If they spend more now, it undercuts their claims that they need a new stadium (which they do – not that i think the city should pay for it, but they do need one). They have a strong disincentive.

Devon: Hi Keith. How has your anxiety been? Also, how is it when you travel? My symptoms tend to get worse. Any tips? Thanks!
Keith Law: Thank you for asking. I’ve been pretty good the last few weeks; it’s always higher leading up to the draft. The vacation helped, once we were on the plane.

KO: What is your favorite Cape League Park to watch a game at?
Keith Law: I can tell you my least favorite is Wareham.

BE: Will there be any big names at the August deadline, or was last year just an anomoly?
Keith Law: Last year was an anomaly.

Chip: What’s the top of next year’s draft looking like? I know it’s all highly subject to change, but wondering if there’s a generational talent or at least a Mize up their for the O’s
Tom: Why is Raimel Tapia in the majors if he’s not getting any playing time? Seems like a waste.
Keith Law: Very weak college pitching crop. Adequate HS crop. College bats are good not great. Overall looks like a down year.
Keith Law: I agree on Tapia, although no hitter is learning anything by hitting in Albuquerque either.

Jim: How much would Shin-Soo Choo help the phillies lineup? What would be the cost? Thanks, love your blog.
Keith Law: Does he fit them at all? Probably needs to DH. Their corner OF are both LHB.

Mike: Is there any valid reasons pitchers can’t run hard on groundballs when it appears they will be out?
Keith Law: Yeah, the risk of serious injury on something totally stupid.

Jackie: It used to be that 300 wins, 3K strikeouts, 3,000 hits, or 500 HR were automatic qualifiers for the HOF. Do you think there are any benchmarks for voters these days?
Keith Law: 3000 hits probably still gets you in unless you have the PED stain upon you. The pitching benchmarks have fallen, as they should.

Pat D: Still interested in seeing The Happytime Murders?
Keith Law: Yep. That and Black Klansman are the two films I’m most looking forward to right now.

bartleby: please explain to me why Jose Reyes and Juan Bautista are getting playing time.
Keith Law: #LOLMets?

Bredin: Is Gavin Lux a top 100 guy? Could you just give us your thoughts on him in general as well? Thank you, sir.
Keith Law: I’m very pleased to see his progress this year, although he’s still a cipher against LHP, and I don’t know how much of his power is the Cal League and how much is that the Dodgers try to optimize every prospect’s launch angle. He can play short, though, and his hit and eye tools are already there. Regular for me with lots of potential for more.

Salzer: I love me some Bo Bichette. Has his stock taken a hit at all or is the lower average just normal growing pains?
Keith Law: I just ranked him as highly this month as I had in the winter. Still quite young for double-A, too.

Dennis S: Is there any way the Dodgers sign Machado, move him to second or third base with Seager back or would that just cripple their overall player budget?
Keith Law: Seems like they’ll be outbid, given their general philosophy on free agents – and Kershaw can opt out if he wants to, so they may end up renegotiating his deal to prevent that.

tom: Am I being too optimistic in seeing a #2 starter in Chris Paddack? I mean, to the naked eye both the control & command are 70 grade. I realize he’ll need a 3rd pitch – how has his curveball progressed? He seems to be dominating AA hitters as much as he did in High A
Keith Law: It isn’t impossible to be a #2 with a below-average breaking ball, but it’s rare/unusual.

Matt : Do you have an interest in economics or more specifically stocks/investing. With your background it seems like topics you’d be on board learning about.
Keith Law: I don’t think an individual can beat the market. Used to read a lot more on that topic, and covered a lot of it in school. More interested in the behavioral economics stuff – what drives our thinking, and our bad decisions, and why man isn’t the rational actor that 200+ years of economic philosophy claimed he was.

Brett: Scott Kingery or Luis Urias long term?
Keith Law: Urias. Both good.

Frank: Derick Rodriguez has pitched very well for the Giants. Can he be a solid #2 or #3 going forward?
Keith Law: Way too high. Back-end starter.

Jim, the Frustrated Fan: I’m SOOOO tired of seeing so many injuries as a result of head first slides. Is there any evidence feet-first slides are at all safer?
Keith Law: I don’t know the answer to that, actually.

Darryl: Recommended restaurants in downtown Chicago? Family is taking a trip next month and would love your input!
Keith Law: Monteverde, Publican & Publican Quality Meats, any Rick Bayliss place, Little Goat (haven’t been to Girl & the Goat, I assume it’s fantastic). Pretty good little food town they got there.

Dave: I was wondering why you think nobody has signed Hanley Ramirez, since all they’d have to pay is the pro-rated minimum. Is he that done? Also wanted to thank you for the chats and for Stick to Baseball. Although I have an issue with Stick to Baseball, because of all the extra reading I have to do. BTW who’d a thunk George Will would become the voice of reason.
Keith Law: Doesn’t have any defensive value and teams are loath to burn bench spots on guys like that, not when everyone wants to carry 15 pitches.
Keith Law: That’s all for this week – thank you all as always for reading and all of your questions, and this week for bearing with me as I got caught in traffic (!) driving here on the Cape. I may not chat next week because I’ll be at Gen Con – and hope to see many of you there. Also, if you’re near Acton, Massachusetts, come see me Saturday at 1 pm at Paul Swydan’s new bookstore The Silver Unicorn. I’ll talk baseball, take your questions, and sign copies of Smart Baseball!