Klawchat 11/12/20.

I have a column up on rule changes from 2020 that might become permanent up for subscribers to the Athletic.

Keith Law: Pull my shirt off and pray … for Klawchat.

Guest: What is your take on what the orange POTUS is up to now?
Keith Law: I wish I felt more confident that Democrats were taking this more seriously. I don’t think this is all some harmless cover-up.

barbeach: You’re back!  Thanks for another chat.  If you are the Yankees, do you give Gleyber Torres another year at SS or move him back to 2B and figure out how to fill SS through trade/FA?
Keith Law: I’d let the market decide that to some extent – if they land one of the good SS on the market, then move Gleyber. I don’t think he’s as bad as he looked in 2020.

DRB: I’m sure you know the quote “History doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes.”  I’m not smart enough (I wish more people would admit this about themselves), but do you think perhaps we need to split up the union like how the USSR was split up?   I don’t know why people in North Dakota should benefit from the work being done in Cali/NY, etc.
Keith Law: Or why Mississippi, where an elected official said the state should “succeed from the union” (a testament to their worst-in-the-US education system), should be propped up by taxpayers in blue states, only to exert undue influence over the country’s policies? That’s the real problem I see with our current system. Of course, eliminating the electoral college and making the Senate more representative of population would remove most of that problem and both are a lot less dramatic than, ahem, “succession.”

Jim: Keith, MLB.com just published the list of Rule 5-eligible MiLB players.  I know you firmly hold that there’s rarely a player worth taking in the draft, but will you be posting an article on the eligible players?  (What with everything going on, I can’t recall what you did last year.)
Keith Law: I probably won’t. There isn’t a list out yet because the rosters don’t have to be set until November 20th. If someone of note is omitted, I’ll write about him (or them, I guess), but usually I don’t because there aren’t any.

xxx(yyy): Any (new) cookbook recs for 2020? Either new to you or that came out this year?
Keith Law: Looking at my shelves … I think there are more books I’m hoping to acquire in the next two months (like Hugh Acheson’s How to Cook, Nik Sharma’s Flavor Equation) than new ones this year I’ve used. I’ve cooked a lot from books I already owned, but used new recipes because we joined a CSA.

Jim: So, everything points to the Republicans not having a leg to stand on re: “voting fraud”.  However, in light of the rhetoric, firings in Pentagon leadership, etc., how aluminum-foil-hattish is it to be worried about Trump deciding not to leave?
Keith Law: I don’t think it’s irrational at all to worry about it.

Eh Team: What is George Valera’s ceiling as a player?  And how has the lack of a minor league season impacted players, especially younger players like Valera?
Keith Law: The lack of a season is going to impact all players, but each of them will be hit differently. Some pitchers could be better off from the year of rest. Many hitters will be worse off – and I’d guess Valera might be one, given how raw he is as a hitter – but some won’t, because they’re just that good, or their approaches are that advanced. And players had access to different resources, depending on where they were this year and what funds were available. So there’s no one answer; it’s bad for the sport as a whole, and for most players, but the degree it affects players will vary by individual.

JC: What do you think the Rockies will do with their infield/outfield??  They going to leave Josh Fuentes at 1B? Ryan McMahon at 2B? Keep Brendan Rodgers in reserves if they trade Story / Arenado?  Do you like Raimel Tapia in LF? What is your thoughts on Sam Hilliard?
Keith Law: They should trade Arenado, although I understand any Rockies fan who loathes that idea; it’s just the best move for the franchise long-term. If they were to do that, they could try McMahon at third and Rodgers at 2b. If not, McMahon might still be their best option at 1b, although he has not hit up to my expectations yet. I like Hilliard’s power/speed/arm combo but you can’t punch out 37% of the time as a Rockie and be productive. IIRC it’s breaking stuff, especially sliders, that have always been his weakness.

Bill: As a Red Sox fan, I am not sure how I feel about the Cora signing.  He seems to be well respected and Boston is not the easiest place to work so its probably a good signing.  However, past events should be considered (yes people deserve a 2nd chance (even Bonds, Rocket) but for some reason ).    What are your thoughts?  Could tehy add Fuld as a bench coach?
Keith Law: No issue at all with Cora or Hinch getting jobs – they’re both highly qualified and both served their MLB penalties. I’m good with Carlos Beltran getting another shot at some point, although if I were him, I’d try to go manage a year in AA or AAA and then go for a job next winter, when I think he’d be an immediate front-runner.

Ben (MN): How did the local candidate that you were supporting do in the election?
Keith Law: She won! Flipped a seat that had been red for 40 years. We had 70% turnout in the district, so those of us who volunteered felt like we all made a difference. The incumbent is a very nice person, but the most notable aspect of her tenure was that she sent constituents cards on their birthdays (and several voters mentioned that while I was a poll greeter on Election Day … as if that’s a good way to fill out your ballot).

Mark: Is there a good product I can buy for home use to keep my knives sharp ?
Keith Law: I own this Chef’s Choice sharpener and I like it. Just don’t use it too often – it’s actually grinding the steel on your knives.

addoeh: With Stroman taking his QO, what does that say about the market this winter?  As Meg Rowley and you discussed on the pod, this is something owners have wanted to do for a while and COVID has just given them the opportunity.  I think the number of teams that are looking to add 10+% to their payroll this offseason is going to be low.
Keith Law: I’m not sure if we can generalize from that because Stroman didn’t pitch at all in 2020. He is the perfect example of a player who should at least consider the one-year deal, taking 2021 to reestablish his value (and health) and go for a multi-year deal next winter. Andrelton Simmons is in the same boat – his defensive metrics were down in 2020 because he was hurt.

Key Frederick: Zach Lowther of the Orioles doesn’t have the best velocity, but he seems to have been very successful in the minors. From what I read (I haven’t seen him) he sounds a lot like Sid Fernandez (which is super-optimistic, I know). I don’t believe he actually will be the second coming of Sid Fernandez, but can a pitcher with his pitch repertoir actually succeed as a MLB starter? Especially with the apparent change of focus in organizational pitching philosophy.
Keith Law: I would bet on yes, at least as a back-end starter. Huge extension, great spin rates. Will just never wow you with velocity or power, but hitters have a very hard time seeing the ball or squaring it up.

Ben (MN): I made Hugh Acheson’s carrot soup that you had recommended in a previous chat, and it was delicious even though I don’t have access to fresh carrots. I find myself doing more “real” cooking in the winter when it is cold, but find it a bummer that I don’t have access to any fresh produce in MN in the winter. I’d imagine you have a similar problem n Delaware too. Do you find that your cooking habits change in the winter, and if so, how?
Keith Law: Yes, especially since we try to cook a little bit seasonally, so the produce we use changes (and we use more frozen vegetables too). We work in more soups and other ‘hearty’ dishes in the winter, and do fewer salads or cold dinners.

Nick: Do you think the Dodgers see Kody Hoese as their future starting third baseman, or do they need to find an answer post-Turner (whenever that is) elsewhere?
Keith Law: No, it’s not Hoese. He’s not very good, and he’s not a 3b.

Guest: Keith, at what point this off-season are owners going to argue that they can’t afford to pay players their full salaries next year given likely attendance restrictions? And then what happens?
Keith Law: They will, and there will be an acrimonious negotiation.

Moe Mentum: Who has done more long-term damage to our system of government – Donald Trump (sowing public hysteria and mistrust) or Mitch McConnell (re-writing rules and revising protocols to suit the party in power)?
Keith Law: I say Trump, because he has convinced so many (gullible) Americans of so many false things.

Gerry: What is your honest opinion on ridiculous assessment by MacPhail re: uprooting during a pandemic as a reason for the Phillies “snails pace” FO search?  Embarrassing and bad optics I would think
Keith Law: I don’t agree with him. I know highly qualified candidates who are interested in that job right now.

Moe Mentum: Do you agree with Cash and Mattingly winning 2020 Manager of the Year awards? If not, who were better candidates?
Keith Law: (yawn)

ck: Kolten Wong would be a nice fit for the Cubs right?  Defense, speed, and obp at the top of the lineup.  Or do you guess they are not spending money again this year…
Keith Law: No idea on their budget but yes, Wong’s a good fit for most teams. Still shocked the Cards just let him go.

DRB: I want to ask your opinion on Blake Snell’s last start.  When does the long view of analytics become a disservice to individual games?  Blake Snell was dealing, just like pitchers have dealt since the beginning of baseball.  Even though if that game was played 100 times, going to the pen may have been the higher percentage play, doesn’t randomization mean that some times the manager should play a hunch and just leave Snell in the game?
Keith Law: Snell wasn’t dealing, though; wasn’t his fastball velocity starting to slip, which has always been the traditional indicator that a pitcher is tiring and needs to come out? Plus ‘dealing’ isn’t really a thing – you’re dealing until the moment you’re not. It has no predictive power.
Keith Law: (I would have left Snell in to face Betts, who nobody gets out, and then Seager, so you get the LHP vs LHB. But I don’t  share some of the ire for the decision that many people feel.)

Jon: Keith, what can the average person do to help ensure that we don’t end up with a savvier, Trump-like individual take over in 2024?
Keith Law: Get more involved, starting at the local level. Don’t take the midterms off from activism. Register more voters. Fight voter suppression if it exists in your area. And support real fact-based journalism when you can.

Brian (Austin): Keith, have you had any experience with Goldbelly yet?  Thinking of ordering some Pizzeria Bianco and was wondering it if will be worth the price.
Keith Law: I have – a friend with the Bianco Group sent some of their pizzas through Goldbelly and they were great. It’s a different experience frozen & reheated at home, but the flavors were all still there. You just get more of a cracker-like crust than the softer version at the restaurant.

Tim: Any surprises to you on who did and did not accept the qualifying offers?
Keith Law: Nope. I assumed Gausman would, expected the four who declined to do so, and wasn’t sure either way on Stroman.

Todd Boss: Delaware certified their results 11/5/20!  First state to ratify the Constitution, and now the first state to certify the election that ousts the greatest threat to that Constitution since.
Keith Law: We do some things right here. And I like our chances to do even more with so many progressive voices in our legislature.

Matt: You gonna join Parler and give them your driver’s license and passport information?
Keith Law: Is there anything more telling than how many people signed up there and agreed to those absurd terms, and how those are the same people who believe bullshit conspiracy theories like QAnon? It’s all a grift.

DRB: Since you’re a big music guy, what do you use to listen?  What kind of speakers/headphones do you use?  I have the Harman Kardon set up in my car, and it’s life changing, highly recommend.
Keith Law: Nothing fancy. I have never really seen the value in those investments. Also I listen to a lot of music in the car or while moving around the house so I use speakers.

Todd Boss: The Nats are on the hook to pay significant amounts of deferred dollars in 2021 (somewhere in the $26.5M range including buyouts of 2021 options).  Do you think they’ll use these dollars (which are already accounted for in prior year’s luxury tax salary cap considerations) as an excuse not to go near the $210M 2021 cap figure?
Keith Law: Possibly, and we always knew eventually they would have to pay for the investments they made in some of those players (which helped them win in 2019). It may be more of an excuse to keep payroll down than an excuse to avoid the luxury tax specifically.

Todd Boss: Do you think newly-minted Cy Young winner Bauer will stick to his 1-year contract only demand?  What could he realistically command on a one year deal?  Could he beat his former UCLA teammate and best friend Gerritt Cole’s $36 AAV figure?
Keith Law: I’ve assumed he’d get to free agency and take a five-year offer, which he should get, but I don’t think he’d get Cole money – he just doesn’t have Cole’s track record.

Alex: Is there any doubt in your mind Steve Cohen is going to make at least one big FA signing if nothing else to appease the fan base and announce to MLB owners the Mets are going to be a serious contender for all free agents going forward?
Keith Law: I assume they’ll be among the biggest players in free agency, and given their roster, they should be.

addoeh: Just saw your new Athletic article.  Would a roster like the NFL, where there is a 53 man active roster but a 45 man gameday roster, work?  There would be a limit on how many relief pitchers you could have on a gameday, but you could have more on an active roster for the next day.  Guys could easily move between the two and would get service time “credit” just for being on the active roster.
Keith Law: I worry that that would be too easy for teams to manipulate.

Michael: Do you agree that the Dems didn’t fare as well as hoped in part because they are so wishy washy on what they stand for and using their power to affect change? E.g. lack of house subpoenas.  Also how do you feel about them trying to blame the AOC wing for their problems?
Keith Law: It seems that Dems fared worse where their candidates were more moderate; progressives have clearer, stronger messages about ways they intend to help the working class voter, and that resonated. That’s an overgeneralization across the whole country but my takeaway from the overall results is that the Democrats need to embrace progressive messaging and make sure they are explicit about policies they will enact. Running against Trump only worked to elect Biden this year, not the whole ballot, and that will not be a factor in 2022 (we hope).

Sammy So-so: Trevor Bauer seems really difficult to value based on his uneven career. Do you think he’s an elite starter now or will just be paid like one? Thanks.
Keith Law: He’s been an elite starter once in a full season, and again in this truncated season. I wouldn’t call anyone with that little of a track record an elite starter.

Seth: I know you generally think the Rule 5 draft is a lot to do about nothing but considering how many minor leaguers didnt play last year, do you think there maybe more to it this year where teams may be able to find someone available they previously did not?
Keith Law: I do not. Teams have no data or scouting reports to use to make those determinations.

Nick: The logic behind the Phillies not interviewing anyone for GM is…nonexistent? Are they just going to wait for Theo Epstein next year?
Keith Law: I’ve heard that hypothesis. Theo’s track record is superb, but I’m not sure waiting a year is in the franchise’s best interests.

silvpak: though they have insane roster flexibility, do you see the dodgers actually doing anything of real note during the offseason? i’d assume they resign turner to something like 2/22 or 3/30 (that’s a certainty if the universal dh comes in and beaty and rios can spell him at 3b) and i think they’ll resign kike, as that marriage makes sense for both sides, but that’s less certain pending lux. other than being opportunistic with the bullpen, i just can’t see la getting into any big ticket items  unless the lindor price drops to maybe 2/3 of what mookie cost (which would push turner and kike out, you’d assume), they want to drive the price up (lemeihu), or there’s a ‘steal’ on a one year prove it deal. thoughts?
Keith Law: I could see them extending Seager or trading for Lindor (it’s either/or, though). I’d guess they’ll surf the lower end of the market for one-year relief options, but do they have a substantial need anywhere else?
Keith Law: Glad you mentioned Rios. He can help a major-league team.

Guest: Minasian announced as Angels GM. Should I have more hope as a Halos fan?
Keith Law: He’s great. That’s a great choice. Super bright, energetic, comes from a great front office in Atlanta as well. We’ll have to see how he handles Trumpy Moreno, and of course there’s the endless mandate to build and win at the same time there. He does inherit a far better system than Eppler did, though.

James: Broke down and subscribed to the athletic because of you. Royals question – not likely competing until 2023 at the earliest, shouldn’t they trade soler, Duffy, merrifield and any reliever? I understand keeping salvy because of what he means to kc.
Keith Law: They don’t think they’re that far away given the wave of pitching coming. I would trade (or have traded?) Duffy, though, and would explore the same for Merrifield given his age.

J.O.: Instead of “runner at 2nd” – why not just have a tie after 12 innings?  I mean – there would be like 10 a year.
Keith Law: Ties are anathema to all baseball fans. I’m not even saying that’s right, but we are as opposed to ties as anybody.

Wadi: Will you be following Winter Leagues this year? Lots of prospects playing, especially in the DR.
Keith Law: Define “following.” I don’t know that I’ll pay any more attention than usual.

Jake: Brandon Nimmo has the 7th highest wRC+ in baseball amongst all outfielders since 2018 yet I’ve seen people treat him as a 4th outfielder or a throw in in Lindor trade packages, what gives?
Keith Law: Because he doesn’t hit LHP well and doesn’t face them as often as a full-timer. wRC+ and similar stats can be misleading for part-time players; if you had a hypothetical LHB who literally never faced a left-handed pitcher, his wRC+ would be much higher than it would be if he had a full-time role and faced lefties 1/3 or more of the time. He’s the same player either way, but how he’s used would dramatically alter his rate stats.

Steve Cohen: Do you want a job?
Keith Law: You have some great people there and can pretty much hire anybody you want … and I know a lot of people who’d like to be the GM there, too.

Communism: Is Stroman taking the Qualifying offer good or bad for the Mets?  Good or bad for Stroman
Keith Law: Good and good.

Martin: Which free agents should the Mets target?
Keith Law: Realmuto and another starter.

Jason (go brewers): What are your thoughts on how MLB handled the turner issue? My thinking is that if they really cared, they could have physically restrained him from going on the field.  It probably had to go through multiple levels of people saying “whatever” and letting him.  Pathetic.
Keith Law: Completely inexcusable across the board. The moment they got his positive test result he should have been isolated from everyone else. He should have received a lengthy suspension, and MLB should find out exactly how the protocols broke down and taken action against everyone who fell down on the job. Turner remaining in the stadium and going on the field meant continued exposure for his teammates and staffers, and thus increased risk of infection.
Keith Law: I wouldn’t sign the guy for any amount of money after that stunt. At best, it is a complete failure of judgment.

Chad: How ridiculous was Ke’Bryan Hayes finishing 6th in ROY voting?
Keith Law: The BBWAA did a pretty lousy job overall this year, not that I’m shocked, but Hayes finishing 6th was embarrassing for the ROY voters. Either a bunch of them submitted their ballots early, because they’re lazy, or they didn’t bother to check the players’ actual performances, because they’re lazy.
Keith Law: Voting for postseason awards is a privilege and a responsibility. If you’re not willing to make the modest effort to do it well, just decline to vote.

Guest: New Knizia game My City, good for 2 players?
Keith Law: Yes, that’s how we’ve been playing it. (My review.)

Brandon J: Hey Keith, what do you envision the Dodgers doing with May and Gonsolin next year? Full time starters, swing men, up and down to AAA?
Keith Law: Both should be full-time starters, behind Buehler, Kershaw, and Urías. (Did I forget someone?)

Chris: What do you think of the Yankees’ decision to leave Trenton and Staten Island for Somerset and Hudson Valley? What do you think are the chances that either lands another affiliated minor league team?
Keith Law: Personally disappointing as both affiliates are now farther from my house. (This is all about me.) I don’t believe either will end up with an MLB affiliation – certainly not Staten Island.

Mike: Hi Keith, do you think Spencer Howard’s future is as a starter? He seemed to have trouble after the first time through and lost velo. Could that be attributed to the weird offseason?
Keith Law: I attribute it to his on-and-off shoulder issues. More time off might be helpful for him, too.

Brian: How did Williams win ROY with only throwing 27 innings? Also is Arenado just winning the GG based on his reputation now? He missed 20% of the season and still won.
Keith Law: People were dazzled by Williams’ low ERA, when of course his RA and FIP and other stats were much higher.

agu_iii: The dodgers pipeline has been producing major leaguers for awhile.  I see  they have dropped in the rankings because of graduations. Are there more prospects coming up that have a chance of being quality players?
Keith Law: Yep, still more on the way, like Cartaya and Josiah Gray and Michael Busch, all top 100 prospects right now.

Sdewy: Have you played the AGoT board game? If so, have you had a chance to check out their Steam port of it? If not, then why are you a monster?
Keith Law: I’ve played the physical game but it’s not my cup of tea at all. Too convoluted and way too long.

Jibraun: Do you think playoffs will be expanded in any form in 2020? And beyond? And if so, does 12 teams look more likely or 14?
Keith Law: I’d bet on no fewer than 12.

Jake: Do you have a target date for rolling out your prospect lists this year? I believe last year they were later than usual with the move to The Athletic.
Keith Law: We haven’t discussed that at all yet, but on my end, I think the package overall will be smaller because I don’t have anything new to say on so many players. I’m not a fan of writing just for the sake of writing; I have to have something to tell you.

Matt: Do you have any clue what the White Sox are doing with this   “wait and see how this plays out” process? If there’s bloodwork showing he was above the legal limit, are they just hoping he gets off on a technicality? I know it’s hard to get inside the mind of the worst owner in baseball but hopefully there’s a path to get TLR out before the season starts
Keith Law: My guess is Reinsdorf doesn’t give a shit what anyone thinks. He hired his friend.

tom: It took maybe a hundred Facebook posts, along with a horribly botched pandemic response, but I FINALLY succeeded in convincing my Republican parents in PA to not vote for Trump. They didn’t vote for Biden, of course, but it’s still a huge victory. As awful as FB is, you gotta reach them where they are!
Keith Law: One of my best calls while phone banking involved convincing a woman in Arizona to vote for Jo Jorgensen rather than Trump. She was a Mark Kelly voter – no idea how you reconcile those two things – but repeated some alt-right claims about Biden that were utter nonsense. It’s sad when seemingly nice people are unable to distinguish real news from that kind of crap.

Johnny: Where do you see Abrams in ‘22?  2B or CF?
Keith Law: Why not SS?

Rey: If it was your choice, what would you do with the Pioneer League?
Keith Law: I was OK with losing the Pioneer and Appy Leagues. I’m not OK with losing short-season entirely. I think that hurts player development.

White Socks: does la russa cost the team wins? or just their soul?
Keith Law: Both. The guy hasn’t managed since 2011, he’s now 76 years old, and there’s no reason to think he can or will work with their R&D department, the way 29 other managers seem to.

BaseballThug: Jo Adell – how much of a hit did his trade value take? Are there real concerns, or can 2020 be thrown out because of COVID & him being rushed to the bigs?
Keith Law: None. Pretty sure every team would take him now in a trade.

Guest: I know there were no minor league games at all, but are there ANY players you can say improved their stock significantly this, based on info you’ve gathered from other sources, people you trust, etc?
Keith Law: No. It’s way too speculative.

Aaron: Hi Keith. Wondering if your opinion on Cavan Biggio has changed as we reach 600 major league PAs? The eye test does not seem to match some of the statistics that he has put up thus far (OPS+ 116, 368obp).  I see a player with a fairly passive approach and below average bat speed but his stats have thus far seemed to suggest an above-average regular.
Keith Law: Nope. He’s just not very good, and those stats are really skewed by a big September in 2019 when he feasted on some garbage pitching. Tampa Bay had his number – they attacked him with velocity and he couldn’t adjust.

Bryan (Montclair): Thoughts on the Steve Cohen/Sandy transition presser this week?  I don’t think I’ve heard even anything remotely negative from media or fans.  Also – any thoughts on Michael Hill as a candidate for the GM role?
Keith Law: Hill’s tenure in Miami doesn’t give me great confidence in what he’d do in New York. They drafted and developed very poorly while he was there, and I don’t think we can conclude anything from the major-league side because he was always constrained by ownership.

Greg: It’s it just crazy to think that losing one of those GA senate seats wouldn’t be the WORST thing? I’m a little worried about increasing Republican enthusiasm, and the Dems taking a slim margin into the midterms would put them in real danger of losing both houses. If they go into 2022 down 49-51 in the Senate, with the GOP obstructing everything, maybe they can make that the big midterm issue and win the senate by more than one seat?
Keith Law: I’d rather see the Dems take the Senate and get something accomplished in two years – including statehood for DC and PR – that they can use in 2022 if we survive that long.

Brian: Is there any team that’s surprised you with how they’ve handled their personnel (good or bad) in terms of either keeping employees employeed or laying off too many scouts/analysts/general employees and crying poor?
Keith Law: How about the Dodgers and Rays?

Tom: You keeping up with the running as the temperatures drop? I started running much more seriously during the pandemic, and now with less daylight and colder temps it feels much harder to motivate. Trying to overblast my goals now in anticipation of the holidays.
Keith Law: The temps haven’t stopped me but we’ve had a lot of rain lately and that does. I’m not unreasonably concerned about slipping on the wet leaves everywhere.

silvpak: re: trump – it is entirely a con job (he’s broke and the money people are donating will be used to satisfy his campaign debt) and a branding exercise for trump world news. the installation of trump loyalists in the governmental ecosystem is to slow transition down, ensure loyalists are locked into hard-to-fire positions, and lay the road for a 2024 run, or gubernatorial run in florida by ivanka. the reality show era of politics is in full swing and we will not be able to walk it back.
Keith Law: And the damage done will be permanent.
Keith Law: Also, the complicity of so many Republicans in Congress should concern everyone.

Mike Trout: Do you know what is actually in Biden’s power to make elections more fair for dems going forward, if he doesn’t have the Senate? The trends in the Rust Belt and Miami-Dade/Florida make it look pretty bleak for winning the Electoral College again.
Keith Law: Demographic trends across the south are favorable to Democrats, actually. Arizona turning blue was a result of that, and Georgia and Texas are heading that way. North Carolina might as well. They’re getting younger and more nonwhite. Getting more of those voters registered and to the polls, and even more white women to the polls, would help.

Jonas: Sportsnet in Canada suggested  Gurriel/Groshans/de Castro as a reasonable offer for Lindor from the Jays? Too much? Not enough?
Keith Law: LOL

bartleby: Understanding that weed is legal in California…how much were the Giants smoking when they agreed to Gausman for $18.9 million?
Keith Law: No issue here. One year for a guy who was very good for them and still has some upside remaining.

JR: Will you be reading JK Rowling’s new books (published either under her name or her pseudonym)? Or will you boycott based on her stance on transgender? Can you appreciate an artist’s talent in one area even if you disagree with their public stance on certain issues?
Keith Law: I don’t see myself spending more on her books … I read the first two Strike novels but skipped the third when I heard how transphobic it was, before her public comments. If she wrote something else in the HP universe, though, I’d probably read it.

JR: Personal question: have you had a vasectomy? I’m getting one in a few hours. Any last minute advice if you’ve had one?
Keith Law: I haven’t. Good luck though. I hear ice is helpful.

Brint: Any chance Bohm can stick at 3rd? If not and no DH in NL moving forward, should the Phillies look to move Hoskins this winter? While he’s affordable I can’t imagine his value is all too high right now.
Keith Law: IMO no. Bohm is 90% or better to end up at 1b.

Chris: IIRC you are a Taika Waititi fan; check out Hunt for the Wilderpeople, watched it last night, enjoyable 2016 film w Sam Neill.
Keith Law: Watched it this summer. It’s wonderful.

Zach: Never expected that DJ Lemahieu would leave Coors Field and suddenly turn into one of the 10 most productive players in baseball. Have you heard about or seen any mechanical or approach changes he made?
Keith Law: A lot of it was Yankee Stadium, especially the power.

Nate: We obviously saw Marcus Stroman say he would never play for Tony La Russa.

How much of an impact will his hire have on free agents? Surely some will be vocal, but most will remain fairly diplomatic about their displeasure.

Will they struggle to attract FAs they need/want because of La Russa?
Keith Law: I believe you are correct – most won’t say anything, but at least some players will simply decide to sign elsewhere even if the offers are comparable, without us ever hearing why.

Rob: In terms of prospect status, would current prospect Wander Franco rank ahead of pre 2019 #1 Tatis? Is Tatis current level of play within the statistical norm of outcomes for Franco?
Keith Law: I would rank pre-2019 Tatis higher – he added more value on the bases and in the field.

Chris: Surprised Justus Sheffield got no rookie of the year votes?
Keith Law: Yes. See above.

Jackie: I’m OK with Cora getting another shot, but Tony LaRussa … forget about the fact that he leaves a trail of empty syringes everywhere he goes.  You don’t get to have multiple DUIs on your resume, as well as the drunk driving death of Josh Hancock in 2007 when he was leaving Busch Stadium.
Keith Law: And his comments not too long ago about players kneeling for the anthem. I know TLR conveniently said the right things this week, but I’m not buying it until we see his players protesting in front of him and him having their backs.

Michael: Cases have doubled in the last 10 days. If that happens again we will be at 300k cases a day by Thanksgiving.  Will our country ever take Covid seriously?
Keith Law: No. We’re going to have to lock down again, and people will take it worse than they did the first time, in no small part because the Republican Party chose to politicize a virus.

Andrew: I was a little surprised by some of the bootstraps narrative that emerged about Bauer yesterday. It’s always been there (and seems to run counter to a more holistic view of his career–he as a #3 pick! he was really difficult in AZ!), but was put out by a few sources I was surprised to see it from. Were you?
Keith Law: Same. He grew up with plenty of privilege, and went to a college that has churned out MLB pitching prospects. We can respect the work he’s put in without pretending he’s some Horatio Alger story.

Lee: How is it possible that Trump got 10 million more people to vote for him than 2016?  How could people live through the last 4 years and want more of the same?   I just don’t understand how this many people can be this delusional.
Keith Law: Talk to some of them and hear the stuff they believe – conspiracy theories and just plain lies they saw on Facebook or alt-right sites, to the point that the beliefs become as immutable as religion.

Jeff: COVID has revealed how stupid college sports are, correct?  Sure, the pros had issues, but college football is a mess.  Why do we continue to tie athletic development to academic institutions?
Keith Law: The answer, always, is money.

Tom: Have you watched The Queen’s Gambit?
Keith Law: I believe that’s our plan for weekend watching. That and the Eagles/Giants summit.

Jesse: Do you have any fast casual chains you like?
Keith Law: Many I don’t mind – Panera, Chipotle, even Panda Express is fine. We have a local chain called honeygrow that’s quite good and is probably the best fast-casual place I know if you want a real vegetarian meal.

Rocky Balboa: There were 1,800 new virus cases in ND today. Unless my math is off, if you extrapolate that nationally, it’s like having 800K cases. And Mr P gives zero shits.
Keith Law: I can not believe officials in the Dakotas are still singing the same denialist tune they were in April. Both Dakotas have at least 140 new cases per 100K population a day, and positive test rates of 20% or more. South Dakota is likely to run out of ICU beds this month. Both states voted straight red, though.

DRB: Re: value in speaker investments…the value is being able to hear some of the more complex sounds.  The bass in some songs come through a lot cleaner and heavier that change the experience a lot more than you would think.
Keith Law: And as an amateur musician since I was a little kid … I really don’t care about that. I just don’t listen to music on a technical level like that.

Gary: Hey. Thanks for the chats! What are your thoughts on Bryson Stott? Has there been any additional reports that you have heard on him from any of the camps?
Keith Law: Same as last year. As I said above, anything from the satellite camp is unconfirmable enough that it won’t budge my opinion on any player.

xxx(yyy): Does John Coppolella ever get off of the permanently ineligible list? Was it an over the top penalty or reasonable in your opinion?
Keith Law: Over the top, by far, but they wanted to make an example of him, and he didn’t have the allies in MLB that John Hart did.

xxx(yyy): Do you use your Vitamix very often? What do you make in it these days?
Keith Law: Great for soups, actually.

Brandon J: For the Dodgers, Is Julio Urias more valuable as a starter, or as a “relief ace”?
Keith Law: I’d start him now, unless there is a reason (shoulder?) he can’t do that.

Jim: Speaking of the Turner issue, any evidence he infected anyone by going back out on the field?  Of course this doesn’t excuse his behavior; I’m just curious if you’ve heard anything.
Keith Law: Don’t they have 9 more positive cases? We can’t say exactly when he exposed them but it sounds like he was patient zero.

Chris P: Any word on college baseball in 2021? It seems like the NCAA is just crossing their fingers and letting everything go as if nothing’s happening
Keith Law: I believe that’s their strategy, yes.

Guest: With the lack of a minor league season, do you think there will be more draft picks in your top 100 than usual?
Keith Law: Probably fewer, with more players returning to the list than usual.

Chris P: How much of a slap in the face is it that both Cora and Hinch are managing in the majors again after 1 year?
Keith Law: How much of a leading question is it to ask “how much of a slap in the face is it?” (Answer: None.)

JR: Regarding TLR, he’s a repeat DUI offender too, so you can’t say “he needs a second chance” or “made an innocent mistake because no one was hurt.” Clearly he has no issues driving drunk and thinks he can get away with it.
Keith Law: Correct. And he needs help, not enabling.

Matt: How do you respond to people you like/respect saying reasonable sounding things that you know not to be true? I’m referring both to a bunch of people tweeting about suicide rates as well as a conservative (non-trumpy) friend quoting Alex Berenson as reasons to limit lockdown efforts.
Keith Law: Ask for evidence. The suicide claims are not backed up by any data at all. Berenson claimed we never interacted before I blocked him, but that’s false, as I blocked him for insulting another reader of mine (I was tagged) and told him as much, and he’s also a denialist on COVID-19 and the science around marijuana.

Jeb: Thoughts on Food Chain Magnate?
Keith Law: Never played, sorry.

Pat D: Joe Manchin has already said he won’t support DC or PR statehood.  I get where he’s coming from, being that he’s in such a RED state, but that kinda shows that even at 50-50, all it takes is one Dem defection from torpedoing everything.  So maybe the better strategy is to unite and do what they can and try to blame the GOP in the midterms?  (Despite the fact that the Dems can never strategize properly)
Keith Law: Or try to get one GOP Senator – perhaps one in a purple state – to go along. Manchin’s a DINO anyway.

Greg: How dangerous do you fear Qanon will become with a Democrat as President?
Keith Law: Actually I think they’ll struggle if the major social media platforms follow through on plans to crack down on that content.

Stephen: Your updated board game rankings coming out this month? I gotta know what to request for Christmas this year.
Keith Law: Yes, probably the week of Thanksgiving.

Phillip: Do you think Adam Haseley can be anything more than a 4th OF?  Nice level stroke in this Launch Angle world
Keith Law: No, I think that’s what he is.

Shane: Is Kingery a lost cause with the Phillies?  I know he had COVID but man, he’s a mess
Keith Law: Someone screwed up his swing, big-time. But I think it’s fixable.

Greg: Here in CO we voted to join the national popular vote interstate compact. Are you in favor of this? Seems like our only real chance to get rid of the EC.
Keith Law: I am in favor of it, but it may not be constitutional.

Michael: Ever take Metamucil?  It’s changed my life
Keith Law: I have remedied many of my lifelong stomach problems with psyllium husk (Metamucil) and a magnesium supplement. I understand why the former works, but not entirely why the latter does.

Stephen: Here is some info on the suicide rate not going up during the pandemic for people to send to friends using that argument:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/10/21/suicide-rates-pande…
Keith Law: Hard evidence seems like as good a place as any to end the chat.
Keith Law: Thank you all for reading, and sorry it had been a while … I was as distracted by the election as most folks, and certainly didn’t want to try to do a baseball chat while the race was still sort of up in the air. I’ll keep these going at least every two weeks in the offseason, and there will be more video chats via Periscope or via The Athletic as well. Please stay safe, wear your masks, and listen to public health officials this month. This virus doesn’t know you’re just trying to see your relatives at Thanksgiving.