Klawchat 9/15/23.

For subscribers to the Athletic, I posted columns on players I was wrong about and on Boston’s firing of Chaim Bloom. I also reviewed the excellent new board game 3 Ring Circus over at Paste and updated my list of the best new games of 2023 at Vulture.

Keith Law: And more and more I get a tightness ’bout right here in my chest. Klawchat.

Dave: Hi Keith,

Have you watched The Bear? I saw you mentioned it in a recent post, but I’m not sure if you’ve written about it at length. I love the show, although sometimes it is so emotional it is hard to watch (the flashback episode of Thanksgiving dinner was especially tough.)
Keith Law: Love it. Not totally sure about the S2 cliffhangers – they felt a little overdone, especially the Marcus part – but I think the series is so well-written and acted, with the food photography especially worthy of praise.

Aaron: We’ve seen young players like Jackson Holliday and Thomas Saggese struggle in their first taste of AAA before settling in – is the jump to AAA that much of an adjustment or are we just seeing some end of year fatigue?
Keith Law: Tiny samples.

Adam (Viroqua, WI): Not a question, but I just wanted to let you know I finally pulled the trigger on an Athletic subscription because of your content.
Keith Law: Thank you! I certainly appreciate that, especially as I come to the end of my contract.

Hank: If Trout requested a trade, how much money would the Angels have to send with him? He’s owed 259M over 7 years.
Keith Law: I don’t think very much at all. He’d probably get that in free agency.

I’m Not Joey Gallo, I’m Joey Callo, C- Allo: If were were heading a team, how would you choose to manage Shohei Otani going forward. Is there a plan that makes sense, or is it just such unknown territory that you roll the dice and hope for the best with health?
Keith Law: I’d plan to have him pitch whenever he’s capable – it depends on what surgery he has, of course, but I think people saying he’ll never pitch again are being catastrophic.

Andy: Where do you stand on sleeve ads?
Keith Law: I don’t even notice them.

Pramit: Why do you think so many Jays hitters have underperformed this year?
Keith Law: I don’t have a good answer for that, sorry. Vlad and Varsho have been especially disappointing but I haven’t spent time looking at why.

Les: Should Atlanta pick up Eddie Rosario’s option, and then still look to upgrade LF if a opportunity presents itself, or decline it, maybe try Grissom in LF?
Keith Law: I think $9 million is probably reasonable for a one-win player, but I think Atlanta needs to aim for more than that. I would be about 60/40 for declining it.

Jackie: I asked you a year ago about Chaim Bloom’s job security, and you poo poohed that idea.  Three last place finishes in four years in a large market like Boston is a career killer.  Any guy who knows how to read a spreadsheet can be the assistant to the assistant GM in Tampa; being The Guy in a large market like Boston is a completely different animal, and Red Sox ownership (and you) forgot that.
Keith Law: “Any guy who knows how to read a spreadsheet can be the assistant to the assistant GM in Tampa” is a real tell here. You have zero idea what you’re talking about, don’t even know what Bloom’s last (most senior) role was in Tampa, and didn’t read the column I posted this morning which is linked atop this chat.

Tom: Would Chaim Bloom make sense as the GM in Detroit? Surprised Harris hasn’t hired one by now.
Keith Law: Wouldn’t it be odd to go from President of Baseball Ops to GM?

Heather: The Angels will begin shopping Mike Trout this winter, supposedly.  What’s the market for a guy that hasn’t played 120 games since 2019, and is signed for megabucks through 2030?
Keith Law: The durability issue is real, but he was a 6-win player last year, is still very good when healthy, and he’s Mike Fucking Trout. You sell tickets when you trade for that guy. He’s going to be a better investment than most free agents this winter.

Doug: Do you see Anthopolous making another big trade this upcoming offseason? Looks like SP will be the main need, definitely if Morton chooses to retire.
Keith Law: The betting should always be on Anthopoulos making a big trade.

JJ: This makes three GMs (or the equivalent) in a row that haven’t quite lasted four years in Boston.  That seems … rash.  Do potential hires look at that recent track record and say, “No, thanks”, or do those candidates still think, “Yeah, but it won’t happen to me“?
Keith Law: Those jobs are so scarce, and so well-paid, that I don’t expect them to have any problem finding a good candidate. Even with the ownership issues I outlined, it’s not like working for Arte Moreno or Dick Monfort or even Jim Crane.

Michael: Do you believe in the success of Orlando Arcia? Seems like they really did a nice job making adjustments with him once he came over. Very good value if he’s just a average regular, only a 2M salary or so. Or do you think they look to upgrade, looking for more upside.
Keith Law: I’m buying this. When he was a prospect I thought he’d be a much better big leaguer, but this version looks pretty sustainable.

Kevin: Going to Portland tonight to see the Sea Dogs. Could Roman Anthony be a top 5 prospect in baseball this time next year?
Keith Law: Hm. It’s a top 5 swing in the minors. If the question is “could,” then yes. I wouldn’t go to “will.”
Keith Law: I have a scouting notebook coming that will discuss him a little

Matt: Is Perry Minasian the next head of baseball operations who’ll get fired?
Keith Law: He’s the one I’m most worried about, with them missing the playoffs and his boss being crazy.
Keith Law: Also Ng, what with the owner saying they didn’t want the “distraction” of her contract situation … if that’s the case, just give her an extension. The team is better than expected this year and looks like it’s trending upwards.

Kevin w: If you were running the reds, is there anything you would have done differently in 2023?
Keith Law: Upgraded at the deadline.

Scherzers_Blue_Eye: I’ll join in with Adam, you’re one of the only reasons I keep my Athletic subscription. If you go, I go!

An overall observation from this year–it seems everyone at Harrisburg has a K-rate that makes Mike Cameron blush. Is it the player
Keith Law: They’ve rushed some guys there, too.

Kevin w: Is Vegas going to exist in 20 years?
Guest: what would you do if you were the cardinals gm.  I would trade em all and start over.  Goldy and Arenado included
Keith Law: I would have at least put their names out there in July, and would do the same this winter.

Alex: Curious why you think Kevin Alcantara has fallen off for so many? Seems like he’s proven himself pretty well after struggling the first month or so.
Keith Law: I don’t know – I remain extremely high on him.

Erwin: What do you make of Henry Davis?  Promoted too soon?  Future position?
Keith Law: Not concerned about the bat. I wish he were catching but they have Endy too and there aren’t enough AB for both.

Mike: Concern for Robert Hassell given his struggles?
Keith Law: Saw him Tuesday. Really needs to get stronger.

Adam D.: In the wake of Bloom’s firing, how much longer do you think the Giants should give Farhan? I’m of the opinion that he should get at least 3 more years to prove out the farm system improvements, but it seems many among the fanbase want him gone ASAP.
Keith Law: Owners/execs who let fan sentiment sway them are destined to make bad decisions. The Giants are also heading in the right direction, albeit more slowly than I’d thought a year or so ago.

Reggie: Do you think Max Fried will ultimately leave like Freeman and Swanson? Should they ride it out, hope for a awesome walk year, or should they explore what they could get in return for 1 year of Max on the trade market?
Keith Law: If they’re not planning to sign him, they should probably shop him, but I’d be inclined to go long-term with him.

Check our the Herz while DJ revolves it: Did Mike Rizzo just Tanner Roark the Cubs?
Keith Law: Is that about Herz? I don’t think so.

Mike: Why are so many people giving cherington a pass? Hes had 4 years and inherited a solid core. How much longer would you give him?
Keith Law: He inherited a solid core? News to me.

Marani: The Red Sox fire GMs on a weekly basis, but Brian Cashman has more job security than Clarence Thomas.  Sometimes, I miss George Steinbrenner.
Keith Law: Check Cashman’s flight records.

Bill: Is Spencer Torkelson finally over the hump? He’s had a very productive second half not only with HRs but drawing walks, and he looks more comfortable at the plate.
Keith Law: Yes.

Bret: Hey Keith. Was Richie Palacios ever a prospect of note moving through the Indians system? Does he have any chance of being a MLB level 4th OF’er/utility guy moving forward?
Keith Law: Yes and yes. Limited ceiling but I really liked him for what he was.

Dave: Did you see the announcement for Apiary? Looks pretty amazing.
Keith Law: Yes and I put in for a review copy (Jamey’s very good about that but I know there are only so many to go around).

Jay: Jett Williams .. how high could you see him rising in your prospect rankings? He has seemed to have gotten better and better
Keith Law: I’m a fan. Mets keep drafting well even when other things are going wrong for them.

Dan: CJ Abrams is a stud that will make Nats fans forget about Trea Turner. True or Truer?
Keith Law: Abrams is going to be a very, very good player, and will not make Nats fans forget about Trea Turner.

Rappa: I am very disappointed in you KLaw. In your defense of Deleware as a state, you overlooked it’s greatest invention: Scrapple. A scrapple-egg-and-cheese bagel is a big slice of Heaven.
Keith Law: I have never eaten scrapple because I know what’s in it.

Chris: Does the authority someone gets from expertise make their opinions worth more? Many people cite arguing from authority as a logical fallacy, and obviously not all authority and expertise are equal, but how do you determine the fallacy from actual authority?
Keith Law: The fallacy is saying that someone’s expertise/position makes their arguments correct. It is not a fallacy to give their arguments more consideration, or to make their background one small part of a larger evidence-based argument.

Jeff: How should the BlueJays manage Alek Manoah this offseason?  Is he tradeable? hang on in hopes of a rebound? or a sunk cost?
Keith Law: The real answer to that depends on what is actually ailing him, and I don’t think we know that.

Kip: How do view Jhancarlos Lara’s upside after this minor league season?
Keith Law: Good delivery, looks like two good pitches, some issues with LHB even at a low level this year. Intriguing arm with starter potential.

Jason rogers: Do you think the pitch clock is adding to pitcher injuries or is this just the new normal with pitchers
Keith Law: The rise in elbow injuries predates the pitch clock. It may be exacerbating the ongoing trend, but it didn’t cause it.

John: What position do you see Tyler Black playing if he’s on the Brewers opening day roster next season?
Keith Law: Third base?

Mike: Is there any hope for the Pirates being a World Series contender in the next 3-5 years? Asking for a friend
Keith Law: Yes.

Oren: What do you make of Davis Schneider? Real bat?
Keith Law: Not really. And no position.

Mike: Gavin Cross has been one of my biggest prospect disappointments this year. What’s gone wrong and has his long-term outlook changed?
Keith Law: Long-term outlook has changed dramatically. Hard to even project him as a regular given how bad his season has been.

Alex: If you were David Ross would you be playing Tauchman or PCA the rest of the way?
Keith Law: PCA, even if just for defense.

ChicagoSteve: Keith, any thoughts on former T100 guy Mets OF Alexander Ramirez. Scouting the stat line, he really seems to have regressed badly.
Keith Law: Don’t scout the stat line.

Fox: Who do you anticipate having a better career: Skenes or Yamamoto?
Keith Law: Unfair comparison.

Chris: Any comments on the George Kirby situation.  Reactions (including from Ron Darling unfortunately) seemed way over the top and typical “in my day” and “young pitchers today are coddled too much” garbage.
Keith Law: Kirby is absolutely right to say he felt gassed or tired, and all of these old guys, most of whom couldn’t have sniffed Kirby’s average velocity on the best days of their lives, should shut it.

Jay: What are your general thoughts on David Stearns? Seems to be exactly what the Mets needed
Keith Law: What about Stearns fits what the Mets needed?  I think a lot of fans advocating for Stearns don’t have any real sense of what he brings to the team.

Sedona: Do you see Cowser and Westburg the odd players out when the dust settles w/ Holliday, Heston, Mayo, Norby, Ortiz, Basallo, etc. come up?
Keith Law: Yes. Ortiz probably too, with Henderson/Holliday the left side of the infield for the next forever.

Mike: Would Bellinger’s 2023 excellence give you the confidence to give me a long term, big money deal or is there still lingering concern given how awful his previous two years were?
Keith Law: I’m leaning towards the former and I think he’ll be paid like 2021-22 never happened.

Sedona: Do you like Mason Barnett or Chayce McDermott?
Keith Law: McDermott’s a reliever for me. Barnett had some command/control questions but has been better in AA late in the year – could be real, could be a small sample issue.

Mike: Thoughts on Victor Scott II? He’s seem to have had a coming out party this year with insane numbers on the basepaths while showing some value at the plate too.
Keith Law: Extra guy. 80 speed, bat isn’t everyday.

Frank: Does Anthopolous have enough ammo in the farm system to pull off another substantial trade? It would decimate the farm if they made another from the looks of it.
Keith Law: Decimating the farm to keep the team a WS contender is worth it. I think they could.

BK: Love your monthly music lists – they turned me on to my favorite band the Wombats a few years ago. If I love the Wombats, what are some other bands I may like?
Keith Law: Maybe Sundara Karma and Two Door Cinema Club.

TomBruno23: If Wainwright ends up at 199 I know it is your fault (and Tim Lincecum and Javier Vazquez).
Keith Law: Quite possibly.

Andy: Elly is too good to not make adjustments, right?
Keith Law: I will always bet on a player this young and athletic to make adjustments.

Sedona: Believer in Ha-seong Kim’s breakout year?
Keith Law: Yes.

Dan: Whats the ceiling for guys like Trey Lipscomb and Handy Morales? Morales hits well but 0 HRs in a small sample.
Keith Law: I really don’t care if a player doesn’t homer in two months in his pro debut after he played a full college season in the spring.

Keith: Seems like Preller is safe, but should he be?
Keith Law: I wonder if he’s safe, but the fact that the Padres are so bad in extra innings doesn’t seem to be on the GM. Did he build a contending roster? Yes. That would be my #1 criterion. But finishing ~10 games under .500 in a year when you were supposed to compete is not good for one’s short-term career prospects.

Kyle: Could you ever see Oklahoma City as a future expansion market? It’s the nation’s 20th largest city in terms of population (but only 40th-something in terms of media market) – but a lot of growth in recent years.
Keith Law: It’s nowhere close. I think it’ll be decades before that’s reasonable.

Rjd: Yankee fan here, any hope for volpe? Roster construction wise, seems like the team needs him to be a superstar for 24-27 and he will probably end up a league avg ss (3 war player based on d) . I don’t have faith in this current staff of guiding him to anything more and fear the org too slow/prideful to change course, thoughts?
Keith Law: Oh I think he’s going to be much better than a league-average player.

Guy: Will it matter who Red Sox pick for GM because of ownership’s ridiculous take on being cheap these last 5 years?
Keith Law: This is one of the premises of my column today.

Steve: Are you down on Parada?   Seems to have been mediocre behind the plate, and he didn’t mash like some expected.
Keith Law: Reports from pro scouts weren’t great this year, mostly on the defense. I think he’ll hit more than enough, but he has to stay behind the dish.

Jay: A new GM fires Alex Cora, right?  Gotta have your own man in the dugout — the relationship between Bloom and Cora was downright frosty.  Cora spent many a press conference passively/aggressively telling us that Bloom was the source of every problem in Boston since King George III.
Keith Law: I don’t see that, plus I think Cora is ownership’s guy anyway. In my view he’s a good tactical manager and the right person if you’re expecting to bring up a slew of position player prospects in the next few years.

Chris: I’ve been reading you for a while and correct me if I’m wrong, but it seems you’ve become less libertarian and more liberal since 2006? Do you think this is true and if so have you thought about why?
Keith Law: I think it’s the Overton window affecting your view here. The rise of the alt-right, Christian nationalism, hate & violence towards LGBTQ+ people … I’m not going to sit quietly by while this shit takes over our country.

Mike: Do you have a sense of what Deion Sanders’ ceiling would have been had he committed to baseball?
Keith Law: He was more tools than skills, really – the lack of at bats really showed in the majors. A credit to what an incredible athlete he was that he could even accomplish what he did in MLB in what was essentially his hobby sport.

Steve: Love what the Mets did at the deadline, but while they seem stocked on position players, I’m not sure I see a pitcher in their system who projects as more than a #4 starter or middle reliever.    Am I missing anyone?
Keith Law: It’s definitely their system’s weakness. I like Sproat more than you do, I think. High beta prospect, but definitely more than #4 starter upside.

Jibraun: Re Goldschmidt and Arenado, several local writers have reported that ownership doesn’t want to trade them. The decision not to trade them can’t be pinned on Mo and Co. accordingly.
Keith Law: That’s fair, but then you have to ask ownership if they want to win, or want to just market those two stars and be happy with a .500 team.

Sedona: Jeremy Pena was unfairly destined for stardom by many… does he still have a chance?  Or has he shown who he’ll be?
Keith Law: He’s a very good player, no? League average hitter with plus defense? I’ll take it. Not a star, doubt he ever will be, but he added enough strength to make the bat play.

Guest: Do the Royals have to move MJ Melendez back to Catcher, or has that ship sailed?  Seems that the bat isn’t good enough to be an every day outfielder.  His defense has been in league worst range at both C and OF too.
Keith Law: He should be catching regularly because nobody gets better by not doing something.

Dan: MacKenzie Gore–I feel like he has the stuff, but doesn’t miss as many bats as he should. What’s his ceiling?
Keith Law: He misses plenty of bats, but his four-seamer plays well below its velocity and he needs to deemphasize it in favor of all of the other weapons he has. He’s allowed 17 homers on the four-seamer alone. That would put him in the top 50 pitchers in baseball in homers allowed even if we ignore the ten he’s given up on non-FB.

Tyler: Are you lower, higher or about the same on Kyle Harrison than a year ago? He has done a better job at limiting walks in a small sample with San Francisco but hasn’t found his groove otherwise yet.
Keith Law: Lower.
Keith Law: Tiny sample, again, and one of his outings was against a Reds team that was on the bus before they finished swinging the bats.

Sedona: Seems like Sig was big part of the Cardinals, Astros and Birds rebuilds
Keith Law: Yep. And he should get consideration for open GM jobs.

Dan: How many questions per chat do you get and just think “this person is a moron?” (other than this question, of course)
Keith Law: That’s way more common on Twitter than anywhere else. Lot of people there comment without reading an article, or comment based on something they heard I said/wrote but actually didn’t.

Jibraun: Have you considered doing a year-end books you read post? You don’t have to rank them from top to bottom, but maybe do them tiered on the 20-80 scale. I know some readers (read: me) would like that.
Keith Law: Fair idea.

Jason S: Does Langford have a higher ceiling then Crews?
Keith Law: I think so. Crews is higher probability.

Zirinsky: Yankees offense: older players having down years or an organizational philosophy that needs a rethink? Or both?
Keith Law: Why not both?

Seymour: What is Jasson Dominguez’s ceiling?
Keith Law: Superstar, top 10 player in the AL type.

Jt: Is fixing the Blue Jays just a matter of going out and getting a corner OF with some thump?
Keith Law: More than that but I think that’s a good start.

Sedona: Christopher Morel talented enough to hold down an everyday role?
Keith Law: I would bet the under.

Jibraun: Re Jay’s question and your answer, then let me ask: what do you think Stearns brings to the Mets?
Keith Law: I’m not really sure, to be honest. The most notable part of his tenure in Milwaukee was the gutting of their scouting staffs. What credit, if any, do we give him, versus Matt Arnold or Craig Counsell or the various directors involved, for their drafts? For building a great defense? For the development of the big 3 starters?

Steve: I’ve heard a bunch of people like Ryan Clifford since the deal…but that’s an awfully high strikeout rate he’s running.    How concerned should I be?
Keith Law: High risk, high reward guy.
Keith Law: There is real upside there and he may have been rushed.

Dan: Did you see Brady House yesterday? 104 MPH, 410-ft. Oppo-taco. A wise man once said “Brady House destroys baseballs.” That Nats lineup is going to be so much fun next year
Keith Law: No, I saw him Tuesday. Actually hit one ball extremely hard that was just a foulout to the RF in the box score.

Steve: Do you think the Mets should pencil Mauricio in for 2B next year (and switch McNeil to the OF), or go shopping for an OF in the winter?
Keith Law: Yes. The extension to McNeil might be an albatross … his value is so dependent on his AVG that it’s easy for him to underproduce, and now they’re kind of stuck with playing him unless they accept the sunk cost.

Jt: T or F: Babe Schnieder is a better use of a 40 man spot than is Cavan Biggio.
Keith Law: T.

Matt: Any thoughts on PCA’s first few games?
Keith Law: No.

Jeff: Will Colson Montgomery grow into more in game power?
Keith Law: I think he’ll be much more of a hitter for average/doubles than HR power.

TomBruno23: Jordan Walker…does he have to put up a 125 wRC+ to be an average player?
Keith Law: That seems too high.

Donny: Have you seen any of the robo umps in action this year? Is ke’Bryan hayes right in that we need it now?
Keith Law: My argument, based on what MLB execs have said for years, is that the ABS might not improve the overall accuracy of calls, but it will trade egregiously wrong calls for ones in the gray zone just around the plate. I believe most players would accept that – I can live with the ball 1″ off the plate being incorrectly called a strike much more than I can live with the ball 5″ off the plate being incorrectly called a strike.

Tyler: Samuel Basallo has picked up a ton of helium in the past few months. Do you see star-level potential with the bat, and where does he fit in defensively long term?
Keith Law: Blog post coming. Didn’t see him catch, unfortunately. He DHd with Ardoin, who can really catch and throw but is no more than a backup, behind the plate that day.
Keith Law: Basallo’s a big kid, BTW.

Longtime reader, first time chatter: With the explosion of prospect content in recent years, how has your job changed since you first started? Some prospect sites have multiple writers working for them, but it appears that you are flying solo – do you ever feel the need for someone to help support you in your work?
Keith Law: I like having colleagues who want to write about prospects – and when we had Zach Buchanan he did an excellent job – but I’ve got my system down for producing the key content throughout the year.

TomBruno23: Need your thoughts on Travis Kelce/Taylor Swift dating speculation, thanks.
Keith Law: Seems like he’s slumming it.
Keith Law: (I kid.)

Josh: Thoughts on this year’s draft class? Seems like a pretty uninspiring prep position player group
Keith Law: Prep class is easier to evaluate in the spring, I think. The college crop, however, is not so hot.

Joe: Do you think the way the Red Sox ownership treated Chaim Bloom will make finding his replacement difficult? He did the job they asked him to do, allowed him to build for the future with the assumption he’d see it through and then fired him in a PR move to act like the organization was turning a page. I’m a Red Sox diehard and I’m sick over this. It’s a disgrace.
Keith Law: No, for the reasons I cited above, but I said on the Athletic Baseball Show today that if you’re a candidate you should at least ask two questions: 1) will you allow me to spend to acquire pitching from outside the org and 2) was the lack of any pitchers taken with high draft picks or signed for big bonuses as international free agents an ownership mandate?

Kevin: Not sure if you have a vote this year but any thoughts on Betts vs Acuna for MVP?
Keith Law: I have NL RoY. I’ll do my column with hypothetical ballots for the other 5 awards in two weeks.

Guy: You think Biden’s too old for round 2?  Meaning competent.
Keith Law: I think Biden, Trump, Feinstein, McConnell, are all too damn old. It’s absurd.

Matt: How should Cubs fans be thinking about Miguel Amaya going forward? Hard contact, but not enough of it.
Keith Law: Does he even have 150 PA yet? You have to be more patient than that. He can hit. He will hit.

Dave: To follow up on the Kyle Harrison answer, why are you lower on him? What’s changed or not improved with profile?
Keith Law: It’s a tough delivery to repeat and his control took a real step back this year.

Kak: What’s your favorite meal to cook at home?
Keith Law: Pizza, indoor or outdoor (I have an Ooni oven, big fan); or pasta, very al dente, several ways – all’amatriciana, alla vodka, carbonara.

Jason: Listened to any of Lauren Mayberry’s solo stuff yet?
Keith Law: Just the one song. It’s fine but I hope the whole album isn’t very slow piano-driven music.

Kak: If I was starting to play board games, what would you consider the best intro game?
Keith Law: Ticket to Ride is usually my rec.
Keith Law: Five minutes to learn, and easy to find.

Kak: Will we ever have a franchise in Nashville?
Keith Law: I think yes.

TomBruno23: Sig…that list of SP drafted and developed by the Cardinals since Luhnow/Sig/Strom left after 2011 is not encouraging: Wacha, Flaherty………..Luke Weaver…………………a bunch of other guys.
Keith Law: The Weaver one I did not get. Or Hudson. Don’t sleep on Ian Bedell, though.

Josh Donaldson: What’s your album of the year so far, and why is it Geese’s “3D Country”?
Keith Law: Heh, it’s up there. Top five of the year, at least. Young Fathers’ Heavy Heavy is in there too. Grian Chatten’s Chaos for the Fly, Noname’s Sundial, Protomartyr’s Formal Growth in the Desert, Belle & Sebastian’s Late Developers, Slowdive’s Everything Is Alive. Lot of good albums this year that I liked but wouldn’t go so far as to put on a best-of list.

Steve: What would your plan with Baty be?   Give him the 3B job in 2024, bring in competition, have him start in AAA, or shop him in the offseason?    I’m guessing he won’t have much trade value at this point.
Keith Law: Third base, every day.

Fox: What was your first job out of college?
Keith Law: Management consultant. Liked it for about 6-9 months. After that it became very repetitive.

Steve: Junior Caminero’s future position with the Rays? He seems more a corner guy but I’d think it’d tough to dislodge Diaz & Paredes. They could obviously use him most at SS assuming Wander is done. 2B in place of Lowe, who never seems to stay consistently healthy or hot?
Keith Law: I think he’s a corner guy, and you dislodge whoever because he’s that kind of bat.

Pat: Grayson Rodriguez has been electric since he’s returned. Ready to believe his early season struggles are behind him and this is what’s to come?
Keith Law: I expect a lot of ups-and-downs. He wasn’t very  good his last outing, either, which I think is kind of where he’s at – stuff is more than good enough, but he’s still working out command, how to attack hitters multiple times, etc.

Matt: Jackson Jobe has been unbelievable the past few months. What’s been clicking for him this season and what’s his long-term outlook at this point?
Keith Law: Completely healthy, more than everything else.

A Salty Scientist: Is it fair to say that Eury has #1 pitcher in baseball upside? And if yes, is it just an increase in command that gets him there?
Keith Law: Yes, and I think yes.

Chew Stu: Have you ever been to Sedona?
Keith Law: Yes. I was a little hung over.

Todd: Can Wicks be a mid rotation guy?
Keith Law: That’s about right.

Kyle: How can us Orioles fan cope with talent that could turn into a dynasty but a truly horrendous Owner/Chairman set on not cashing in on it?
Just tune it all out and hope he sells?
Keith Law: Yes. Enjoy what’s on the field. Stay present. Good advice for life in general.

Bill: Love watching Bryson Stott … has he outperformed your expectations?
Keith Law: By a degree or two, yes.

Caleb: Which Wingspan habitats do you find yourself gravitating to?  I usually like to stick with building out the grasslands and wetlands.
Keith Law: I tailor it to the bonus cards. Wetlands is probably my least used, though.

Fox: In regards to my earlier question, let me rephrase. Who would you want to be the ace of your staff- Skenes, Yamamoto or other?
Keith Law: Right now, Yamamoto is an ace for someone. Skenes may be one some day.

Tom: The Anthony Rendon signing has been yet another unmitigated disaster for the Angels. I remember he was at or near the top of your free agent list that year, so my question is, how do I blame Arte Moreno for this?
Keith Law: Maybe blame him for not going all in on Cole?

Chew Derek: Have you ever played fantasy baseball?
Keith Law: Yes, from 1990 to 2002.

Mallios: Whats your favorite stadium? Least favorite?
Keith Law: PNC Park is my favorite. Tampa Bay is my least. Still haven’t been to the new Atlanta one.

Mallios: Do you agree that NYC has the best pizza?
Keith Law: Depends on what style you like. The best single pizzeria in the US for me is Pizzeria Bianco in Phoenix, but that’s Neapolitan style, and may not be everyone’s preference. For NY style, well, yes, it’s NYC.

Dana: Austin Wells has looked perfectly fine behind the plate and the pitchers have praised him. Aside from the throwing problems, what makes you think he can’t catch?
Keith Law: I’m surprised you think he has “looked perfectly fine.”

Andy: Shana Tova to you and your family.
Keith Law: Thank you, although none of us is Jewish. L’Shana Tovah to you as well.

Tom: Logan Gilbert… I remember you had him as a mid rotation guy.  Have your thoughts changed?
Keith Law: Velo jumped (twice, if you count the jump back after his junior year when he had mono) and he added a pitch. Loved the delivery & command in college.

Doug: Do you think Columbus OH will be considered for an expansion team?
Keith Law: No. I doubt we see a team added to the rust belt given population trends.

Ken from E720: over the last several years me, my wife, her brother, and nephew take a trip and visit a few mlb parks (have 7 left).  I had always wanted to go to Oakland, especially with them probably leaving.  I know people always say it is a dump and I know where is a lot of history there.  I’m sorry and I am sure I am in the minority and I know it isn’t modern but I was 6 rows a little beyond third base.  I loved sitting at that stadium.  i really enjoyed the experience and had a big ol grin on my face the entire time.
Keith Law: It is a dump, but you know what? It’s outside. You get to watch an MLB game outside, and that puts it above Tampa, and frankly above a whole lot of other experiences in life.
Keith Law: That’s all for this week – thank you so much for all of your questions and the kind words. My minor league player(s) of the year column will run at some point next week and I’ll have my last regular-season scouting notebook in the next day or two. Have a great weekend, everyone.