My updated ranking of the top 50 prospects for this year’s draft is now up for Insiders.

Keith Law: All kinds of mind distortion. Klawchat.

NV: Hello Keith, where in your current top 100 prospect list would you slot Bohm & Madrigal? Thanks!
Keith Law: I really don’t like ranking guys until they’ve played somewhere in pro ball; before then, I tend to be very conservative with rankings, because we have no performance data and pro scouts haven’t seen them. I don’t think either guy would be a top 50 prospect in the pros right now. Madrigal suffers from a terrible lack of comparably-sized players in the majors.

chito: Who would be the better player 5 years from now…albies or swanson?
Keith Law: Probably Swanson, as the sure shortstop. Both are good. I haven’t heard from Atlanta fans who were killing Swanson last fall lately.

Brady: I know it’s been only 4 starts, but Jose Berrios has been absolutely filthy so far. Is it likely he’s taken the next step and will be the #1 type starter the Twins have been looking for since Johan left?
Keith Law: His stuff doesn’t seem to be any different; he’s had an extraordinary rate of generating popups, which can be a skill (but maybe not to that extreme), and of keeping flyballs in the park, which is sometimes a skill but rarely. So I think there’s some regression coming here.

Tony: Hey Keith, I’m someone who wishes they read more but truthfully barely reads. Currently, I’m thinking through how to best build it as a part of my routine. How many days and for roughly how long would you suggest in read per week? Thanks
Keith Law: I read every day, at least an hour. That is probably too extreme for most people, but I greatly enjoy reading and it works for me like meditation (keeping me focused and present). Find material you like, and see how long you can read without feeling distracted or like you want to run screaming into the street.

Kruker: Hey Keith…always appreciate your thoughts on prospects. Have you seen Blake Rutherford hit this year in person? Stats read well so far – 7 2Bs and a decent SLG. But he had issues last season making consistent hard contact. Can you project him as an MLBer or think of an MLB comp for him?
Keith Law: It’s ten games.

Brian J: Big 2, or SSS? BOS/HOU: 27 – 9. NYY/CLE/WAS/CHC/LA: 41-42
Keith Law: SSS.

Kruker: Is Teoscar’s surge just a fling? Also, what do you think of the name Teoscar for a baby
Keith Law: It’s 20 PA. But Teoscar was on my preseason breakout candidates list, so I was already optimistic about him producing more this year.

fhqwgads: Can someone from the A’s please get a clip of Homestar Runner saying: “Matt Olson… or Matt Chapman?”
Keith Law: That works shockingly well. #cerebellum’d

Saul: I know it’s a sss, but Reggie Lawson seems to be pitching well @Lake Elsinore- lower walk totals. Still an under the radar prospect for SD?
Keith Law: Never under the radar – he was a potential first rounder after his junior year & summer, and I wrote about a month ago about how good he looked in spring training.

Sam: Of the three current NL division leaders (Mets, Pirates, D-Backs), which do you think is most likely to win their division?
Keith Law: If you give me odds on four choices – Mets, Pirates, Dbacks, or none – I would still bet on ‘none.’ But I would bet at least one of those four teams makes the playoffs.

Ben: It’s only 4 starts, but when someone like Gerrit Cole switches teams and immediately becomes better than he ever has been, do we assume the new team knows something the old team didn’t? In your experience, do teams target players that they believe other teams aren’t using properly and/or they can quickly make better. I.e. a mechanical change
Keith Law: I think that’s exactly what happened here. It seems like the Astros told him, you’re not a groundball pitcher, stop throwing two-seamers, just attack with four-seamers up and sliders down. His flyball rate has soared, but so have a bunch of positive indicators, even without a real change in stuff quality.

Jim: How close were the W-S Dash to making your most stacked minor league team list? It would have helped to have Burger and Robert on the opening day roster, but if Rutherford and Basabe bounce back, and Adolfo continues to improve they might have 3 OFs who play in the majors.
Keith Law: Not close at all.

Ricardo: What was Price doing wrong as Reds manager?
Keith Law: He’s definitely the reason the pitching staff had a 5+ ERA and the offense has a sub-.300 OBP. It’s totally him.

addoeh: If the Marlins are going to claim they are a British Virgin Islands company to avoid paying the city of Miami money they are owed, shouldn’t they also play a few games there?
Keith Law: I’m volunteering to cover that series.
Keith Law: Also, I love that Marlins Man flew there and found their “office” is just one of those stores where you rent a mailbox.

PJ: The Reds are focused on developing players, not winning games. What players have developed on Price’s watch? Obviously not all on the mgr, but Hamilton, Peraza, Stephenson, Lorenzen, DeScalfani… nada. Iglesias as SP didn’t get a chance. As a Reds fan, I’m 100% ok with the firing. I think you should be too.
Keith Law: Iglesias couldn’t start. Who among those players you listed should have been much better? Stephenson, yes, but he started to run into trouble in AAA, before Price ever touched him. Lorenzen was never going to be a starter. Hamilton has always had trouble making decent contact – but he has become an elite CF under Price. (I’m not giving Price credit there, but it happened.) DeSclafani gave them 300 above-average innings before he got hurt. Winker only has about 60 big league games, but he’s done well on the whole. Suarez came over and turned into a great player. I am not seeing this track record of failed development that you are. And, again, there is nothing true today about Price’s tenure that was not also true on November 1st, when the Reds could have gone out there and hired the best available manager on the market.

Dante: Anthony Rizzo thinks there are too many games in the MLB season. There is no way the league lowers the number of games any time soon, right?
Keith Law: Games are money. If the union fights for a shorter schedule, MLB will insist on steering less money to players. That is not a tradeoff the union should make right now.

Dave: I know that you hold no illusions about the reality of climate change. I was just curious if you have looked into solar panels at your place of residence or an electric car and why/why not you have gone that route. Just interested in your perspective. Thanks.
Keith Law: I have driven a hybrid for years now. I have looked at solar panels, but the up front cash outlay has deterred me – among other things, I have a daughter who’s a few years from college.

Sally fan: The Delmarva Shorebirds have an incredibly strong rotation. But for the higher round college arms (and Bishop) what’s to be gained by keeping them at lo A? Shouldn’t a high round college arm be expected to start at Hi A?
Keith Law: Bishop didn’t pitch at all last spring in college, which is part of why he’s an Oriole today. Lowther could probably have started with Frederick, but the Keys have a couple of guys in their rotation now who are on that starter/reliever bubble and I assume the O’s were giving them that last shot before replacing them. I’d be surprised if the Shorebirds still have this rotation on June 1st.

PJ: Shane Bieber… 20 IP, 0 ER, 0 BB, 23 K’s. Are the scouting reports as strong as the results? If nothing else, I have to think he’s ready for AAA. Right?
Keith Law: Ready for AAA, yes. It’s not great stuff, it’s a lot of average, with ++ control.

Bored Lawyer, Esq. : At what point does a slow/bad start get concerning? If Lutz and Jhailyn Ortiz (for example) are still struggling to make contact in 25 games, is concern valid? 50 games?
Keith Law: Both play at 19 this year; Ortiz won’t turn 20 until November. So I’d say no number of games will concern me with those two. And it is fucking FREEZING in the northeast and upper midwest.

Andrew: Buddy Reed is in fuego. Which of these three prospects ends up contributing the most for the Padres? Buddy Reed, Franchy Cordero, or Michael Gettys?
Keith Law: Buddy Reed is a 23-year-old in high-A in a great hitters’ environment. Cordero is the only one of those three I’d call a prospect.

Frank: What’s STL going to do with all the outfield surplus? Feels like Bader and Oneil deserve an everyday job somewhere. What do you think?
Keith Law: There has to be a trade at some point. They’re going to have a need – rotation, I’d guess – and they have the parts to go get pretty much anyone.

Nate (in Seattle): Klaw, thanks for the mlb draft primer. Wondering what you take on Corey Ray’s start. Is it SSS or living up to previous promise?
Keith Law: I know he’s gone back to a small stride/tap to get his weight transferred again, so that’s a big positive; I thought that was the #1 difference from college when I saw him last year. Curiosity in his stats: In the first four games of the season, all vs montgomery, he punched out 10 times and went 4 for 18. Since then in ten games, he’s punched out just 5 times, and is hitting .410/.425/.667.

Rob: Kohl Stewart has put up K numbers in his first two starts that he hasn’t shown in pro ball yet. Being left available for the Rule 5 and being passed over by everyone light a fire, or some sort of adjustment?
Keith Law: Or he faced an atrocious Birmingham lineup and struck out 9 guys in 5 innings because they’re terrible.
Keith Law: I mean, here’s . Courtney Hawkins and Keon Barnum each had the golden sombrero.

Dante: I’ve heard Nick Madrigal is being considered by the Phillies. Does he remind you at all of Scott Kingery based on his tools? Any word on his makeup?
Keith Law: Madrigal is in the mix for a bunch of teams up top – I don’t think he’d get past the A’s – and the Phillies are sort of on everyone except Swaggerty (can’t do yet another CF, right?). Kingery is substantially stronger than Madrigal.

Chris: Would cutting Reyes and bringing up Cecchini or Guillorme be worse for their individual development? Or is there not much left to prove for those guys?
Keith Law: Cutting Reyes makes the team better AND opens a spot for someone younger. Guillorme would also give them an elite defender at short for when Rosario doesn’t play.

Kevin: Thanks for the rankings, Keith. Curious if you heard what the White Sox are thinking at 4? Best player, arm, bat? What would you do if you were in their position with the stable of young arms and outfielders they already have in the minors?
Keith Law: Other than a few random connections – A’s with Bart, Reds with Singer, Mariners with Xavier Edwards – there isn’t much out there because no one really knows what teams up top, including Detroit, are doing, and because players/advisers mostly haven’t put bonus expectations out there. I don’t believe the White Sox would take a prep arm at 4, though. My answer for what I would do for every team is best player available, always and forever, amen.

Bucs666: Mr. Law, how signable is Kumar Rocker. I know that he is committed to Vanderbilt, but I was hoping that the Pirates would have a shot at him. Thank you.
Keith Law: I believe he is signable where he’s going to be drafted.

Craig: Scouting question. Brent Suter has shown that he is at least a mediocre MLB pitcher and possibly more. He doesn’t throw hard and none of his pitches are amazing, he just mixes and matches pretty effectively. He was a college senior draftee and I am pretty sure that guys like him are a dime/dozen and most top out around AA. When scouting a guy like him in college, is there anything you can look for to see a future major leaguer or is it just pretty much luck?
Keith Law: I don’t think it’s all luck, but he’s a lefty throwing in the mid 80s with some deception and good control. Those guys are a dime a dozen, because they tend not to pitch very well in the majors (and I don’t think Suter is anything more than an up-and-down guy).

Jed: Has the quality of this year’s draft diminished in your mind after seeing most of the top guys fail to meet what was expected of them coming into the spring?
Keith Law: I think it is as deep as I thought in February, but the top ten is worse than I thought it would be.

Andy: I watched the Red Sox- Yankees fight. The commisioner should know that fighting on the field is a HUGE delay. If you want to speed up the game, suspend anyone who charges the mound 25 games. Managers who argue calls after replay? 10 game suspension. Those are pace of play things that I can get behind.
Keith Law: And the guys running in from the bullpen like the Kool-Aid guy? Come on. I agree – baseball fights are stupid, and when one happens at a game where I’m in the stands, that’s generally when I pull a book out of my bag, because I’ll probably get a chapter or so in before they’re done.

Garrett: Keith you mentioned in a write up at the end of Spring Training that Austin Riley might have a grade higher of power than you previously thought. Have you seen/heard anything else to change your opinion on his other tools? I know you have had questions about his bat speed in the past
Keith Law: Still do. I doubt the .500 BABIP is going to last. He has really done a great job with his body, though – if he’d looked like this in high school, he probably would have slipped into the first round as a two-way guy who showed more athleticism. (Not relevant now, but I wonder if he would have been a better prospect on the mound too with this physique.) He deserves a lot of credit for transforming his body like he has.

Joe: Keith, I saw the Tampa Yankees in Fort Myers last week. Two guys caught my eye, Jonathan Loaisiga and Isiah Gilliam. You have written about Loaisia before, but what kind of prospect is Gilliam?
Keith Law: Tools guy who never hit, not really even in HS. 36% K rate so far this year.

Joe: Keith, could Nick Decker out of New Jersey be a day one pick?
Keith Law: I expect that he will.

Marc: Is Kopech ready for the show or do they need to give him a couple more months to refine command?
Keith Law: I may have answered this two weeks ago – I think his stuff is ready, and he’ll miss a lot of bats, but walk more guys than you’d like, and that’s part of his development.

Kevin: How far from the big leagues is Casey Mize?
Keith Law: If healthy, and we assume he doesn’t pitch at all this summer, I’d say by the All-Star Break next year.

Scott: Mac Williamson changed his swing with the help of Justin Turner’s swing coach. He hit well in spring training and is on fire in AAA so far. Do you think he can be a solid regular in the majors?
Keith Law: I think a fringe regular – bat speed has never been very good, always a power over hit type, with some athleticism and the ability to play that difficult RF in San Francisco.

Lilith: Are teams drafting in the top 5 going to be more cautious about drafting Madrigal because of his injury?
Keith Law: Doesn’t sound like it. He may be moving up relative to other college bats because so many of them are underperforming while he’s out.

Matt: How excited should Phillies fans be about the foursome of Sixto/JoJo/Ranger/Adonis? Because the names alone are enough to make me dizzy.
Keith Law: I saw a bad Ranger start, although it was 40 degrees at first pitch. I’m hoping to see him again on Saturday vs New Hampshire. Anyway, yeah, that’s a good group. Kilome belongs in the same discussion.

Jacob: What kind of tools does Jarred Kelenic possess? I am trying to understand what kind of upside he could have and having difficulty.
Keith Law: So is everyone else, since he’s played something like two games outdoors so far. I don’t believe he has any 70 tools, but it’s a lot of above average – hit, field, throw, run – and the potential for above-average power.

Marc: Given the current prospect mix for the White Sox, what area would you target at #4?
Keith Law: Best. Player. Available.
Keith Law: You don’t draft based on what you have, unless you really, really want to be unemployed. You take the best guy out there and figure out the fit later.

Tommy: How long until we see Juan Soto somewhere other than Hagerstown? This guy rakes.
Keith Law: He only played about a month there last year. I’m assuming he’ll be out of there by their All-Star Break.

Aaron’s Greenies: Griffin Canning aggressively moved to AA which was expected, but a bit surprising to see Jose Suarez (at 20) moved to AA as well – anything more than a 4/5 for Suarez?
Keith Law: I think Suarez might be more like a mid-rotation guy.

Rick C: Do you think it’s reasonable for the Braves to hold Acuna down until he’s hitting a little better?
Keith Law: I do. He’s been swinging out of his ass lately.

NB: Were you involved with the ESPN 1-100 player rankings? Always a tough thing to nail, obviously, and perhaps it’s recency bias considering his torrid start, but Mookie Betts at 17 seems… low.
Keith Law: I was not.

Mike: If you had to guess, do you think Jordyn Adams will sign or will he end up at Carolina?
Keith Law: Carolina. My understanding from scouts is that he is committed to football. And there is no way I’m paying him seven figures to go get his brains scrambled every fall and spring.

JR: Vegas resident. Any local draft prospects worth checking out for this years draft?
Keith Law: Isbel at UNLV.

Kevin: Buy or sell: MLB isn’t serious about fixing length of game issues until they force hitters to keep one foot in the box between pitches.
Keith Law: Soft buy. That’s an issue, but not the main one (commercial breaks).

Wahoo: Keith, I have great respect for your opinions, even if I might not agree with every one (I am in outspoken agreement on the importance of vaccines!). I had a respectful chat-disagreement with Kiley M. a week ago as he made it clear thinks programs like UVA and Fullerton do their kids a disservice by the way they play/coach — suggesting that he isn’t sure why truly good prospects would even go to those programs. He also made reference to UVA pitching, something I know you have commented on as well. I am a big UVA guy, but I would like to think I can look at things objectively. I know there have been injuries and “questions” about mechanics. Fair share of small ball as well. However, is there truly evidence that warrants this kind of criticism? UVA has not only built a respectful program – they have sent their share of players to the MLB including high draft picks. Certainly some pitcher injuries, but where is this not happening?
Keith Law: The track record of their pitchers in pro ball is awful, and it’s because they force every pitcher to pitch with ‘their’ mechanics. For all their success and high picks, the most WAR any UVA pitcher draftee has accumulated in the majors is 8.1 … by Javier Lopez. Teams have spent a lot of money and high picks on UVA pitchers for naught, and we are way past calling it a coincidence or saying this happens at all programs (hint: it doesn’t).

Sriram: Here’s what I don’t get. The Reds are rebuilding. So you know they will lose a lot. It doesn’t make sense to grade Price on that. So then Price has non-winning metrics (player development progress, whatever). How do you get any read on THAT from 16 games?
Keith Law: You don’t. They didn’t. This was a “DO SOMETHING!!!!?!?!?!!” move.

Roger: Is Taylor Clarke close enough that Arizona should bring him up in place of Walker? Can Braden Shipley still be a viable starter?
Keith Law: I am not sure in which piece this was – impact prospects? – but I think I said Clarke was ready and would probably end up with 20 starts or so this year. Walker’s injury might be the opening. I don’t see how you can start Shipley unless he’s regained his lost velocity.

Andrew: I read a story about the A’s maybe moving to Portland. The story also said expansion could bring a team to Portland. Is expansion a good idea considering how many teams feel the need to tank in a desperate attempt to acquire talent? Or is the size of the league not a problem related to tanking?
Keith Law: I don’t think tanking is about # of teams, but about the current CBA. I do worry about getting enough pitchers to fill two more rosters since everyone insists on carrying umpteen relievers.

Brett: I thought for sure you were going to be Michael Cohen’s third client. Was sure of it.
Keith Law: I pulled his ear close to my lips and whispered, “Privilege.” So I’m good.

Joe : Any players being connected to the Braves yet in the draft?
Keith Law: I heard them with Vasil. Again, this is all very early, speculative stuff, and something random could happen and suddenly Carter Stewart is staring at them at pick 8 and they change their plan.

Draft guru: Top high school players who have a shot to be top 40 picks out of the North East for ’18 draft?
Keith Law: I just put up that draft top 50 today.

Gabriel: Is it too early for a mock draft?
Keith Law: Yes. It would be farcical.

Joe : Have you heard of the Braves hiring any international scouts after the basically fired their whole department this winter?
Keith Law: No, they can’t really sign anyone signifcant anyway, and Anthopoulos came in so late that restocking the department would have been difficult. I expect that will all happen later this summer.

JSC: Do you have any recommendations for sci-fi or high fantasy fiction series you have read?
Keith Law: The Magicians, by Lev Grossman. The NK Jemisin Broken Earth series is good, although I haven’t cracked The Stone Sky yet.

Jesse: Any rumors on who the mets might be on in the draft?
Keith Law: Today I would bet college bat.

Adam: Is there a chance that maybe, just maybe, the Padres are rushing Tatis Jr? His very slow start at AA seems to indicate that.
Keith Law: Or it’s April 19th.

Jacob: Joey Bart seems to be raking in terms of avg and power. Does his hit tool make the 50-55 grade and could his ability to call games combined with his tools mean he could be a fast riser through the minors?
Keith Law: I don’t think he has an average hit tool. He’s the best catching prospect in the class by a mile, though, so he’s going to go off the board pretty early, and I would guess he’s a two years to the majors guy.

Skip Donahue: Which of the pitchers down at Delmarva is most likely to help Baltimore the soonest – Baumann, Lowther, Dietz, Hall, Bishop, Hanifee?
Keith Law: Baumann might be the closest, but none of those guys is close.

Eric: Have you heard much about Jeren Kendall this year? Does he have an improved swing?
Keith Law: I’ve heard nothing good about him this year, and he’s struck out in 43% of his PA, so there you go.

Ryan: Which of the big Vanderbilt commits do you think have a decent (>30 percent) chance of coming to campus?
Keith Law: Austin Becker seems most likely. I don’t know what Hankins’ actual injury is at this point, but I could see him choosing Vandy over taking a fraction of the bonus he might have expected with a healthy spring.

Sriram: Obviously the Red Sox aren’t going to keep this pace up or this level of run prevention going. But it’s not unreasonable to think this version of Betts and Devers can’t hold up to some degree, no?
Keith Law: I agree. Also seemed like Bogaerts was making hard contact again now that his hand is healed.

Alex: just a heads up – Bottega Americano in your San Diego eating guide closed
Keith Law: That’s a shame. Looks like it just closed two months ago.

Ed: To an untrained amateur (me), Brendon Little appears to have similar tools to Jose Quintana. Where am I wrong, and how wrong am I? Thanks Keith!
Keith Law: I don’t see that at all.

Slick Rick Hahn: Thanks for the memories Courtney Hawkins. With his official release, what do you think of the Sox basically doing a 180 on draft strategy since drafting him, targeting colllege performers with good bat to ball and plate discipline? I know people liked Hawkins at the time, are they limiting themselves too much by avoiding toolsy high schoolers?
Keith Law: He is the best example I can think of in the last decade of a team screwing up a player’s development with a too-aggressive promotion. He was a raw HS hitter whom they sent to high-A in his first full pro year, at age 19. The disaster never ended.

Jacob: What is the issues going on with Nander De Sedas? Is he looking like a 2nd or 3rd rounder now?
Keith Law: Hasn’t hit. Second round perhaps on name value.

Todd: Brad Hand to the Indians for Shane Bieber, Nolan Jones and Wil Benson. Who says no?
Keith Law: Padres fan, eh?

Matty: What do you think a good season would look like for Braxton Garrett?
Keith Law: Get him healthy with his old velocity back. Don’t worry about results until next year.

JSC: Favorite Caribbean Island to vacation to?
Keith Law: My sample size is small, but Aruba couldn’t have been any nicer or easier.

Jacob: Jose Suarez looked fairly decent in his AA debut at age 20. Does his uptick in velo give him the tools to be a top 100 guy this year?
Keith Law: Uptick? Don’t think that’s the case. I saw him in March and was bullish on him thanks to the deception & plus changeup.

Matt: Which is closer to reality — Cora has changed team culture pushing all the right buttons OR Farrell was a drag on the clubhouse morale to the detriment of team performance(though they did win 93 games).
Keith Law: Or it’s 17 games and they’re largely healthy.

Paul: I believe you said you saw Brandon Nimmo as a 4th outfielder. Is his strong start (and strong finish last year) enough of a sample to indicate there might be something more there?
Keith Law: He has 27 PA this year, all but one against RHP. If he can’t hit lefties, which has been true in the past, he’s not a regular.

Brian: When was the last time we saw a rotation as good as the Astros this season?
Keith Law: The Nats have rolled Scherzer/Strasburg out there for several years, with assorted pretty good pitchers behind them.

Jeff: Does Heimlich get drafted this year? Seems like he’s not pitching as well now which may give teams an easy out.
Keith Law: I asked around about him, if scouts/execs thought someone would do it, and most people said “yes.” (not that THEY would take him, but that some team would.) I still think no – no one will want that PR backlash.

Nick: When will you be doing your first mock draft?
Keith Law: 3-4 weeks before the draft itself.

Gregg: Heyman floated the idea of a Conforto for Realmuto trade today. Does that make any sense? If not, what’s a realistic Realmuto-Mets trade look like? Thanks!
Keith Law: That would not make sense for the Mets.

Drew: I am curious as to why Hoskins didn’t really appear on any top 100 lists during his time in the minors. What did scouts miss with him?
Keith Law: First baseman who was held back in low-A his first year, and played in a very favorable HR park in AA. I liked him, thought he could be Goldschmidt Lite.

TK: Just want to say thanks for your weekly “Stick to Baseball” links. They’re always informative, and even clued me in to the Fireball Island Kickstarter. I played that with my brothers all the time as a kid and recently backed them. I can’t wait to play the new version with them.
Keith Law: I don’t remember that game at all, but I did play Stop Thief, one of Restoration Games’ earlier re-Issues, all the time.

Zac: Is the service time manipulation unfixable or will the owners use this as the ultimate bargaining chip to screw over the MLBPA is the next labor bargaining?
Keith Law: Whatever rules the CBA sets, teams will quickly find the best way to take advantage of them.

Gilbert: Greyson Jenista did not make you updated top 50. What do you see that is keeping him from making that list?
Keith Law: He’s not very good.

David: Does Peter Alonso overtake Dom Smith as the Mets future at 1B ? Or are they both trade bait for a catcher?
Keith Law: If I’m Smith, I’m showing up early every damn day, because Alonso is legit. He can really hit and he’s showing more power than he did as an underclassman.

Jason: Thanks for the chat. I’ve seen Kelenic mentioned as a possibility for the Tigers first overall. How bad would Mize’s medical have to be for the Tigers to turn in another direction?
Keith Law: A cold weather HS bat first overall, a kid who’ll play just a handful of games outside all spring … I can’t say it’s wrong, because maybe Kelenic is the next coming of Mike Trout, but whoa boy is that a risk I could not stomach.

JP: take on the Pitching Ninja .gif controversy? MLB has been overly protective of their media rights forever, but in their defense they built up a huge media business by being that way.
Keith Law: Would love to see them work more with people like Rob on GIFs, which I don’t think negatively impact the market for MLB’s product *or* damage the MLB brand in any way at all, while continuing to enforce their rights on longer videos of game action, which do.

Justin R: How do you find new, good books to read? Best seller lists tend to be a lot of airplane-read potboilers.
Keith Law: Lot of reader & friend recommendations, bookstore browsing, often asking (indie) bookstore employees what they’ve liked. Sometimes I just pick up a book because the cover speaks to me and the description sounds interesting.

Dave: Dont know if you caught the articke about Armor Field in Chicago, but when will MLB teams realize smaller stadiums may be the way to go?
Keith Law: That was in my Saturday links post. Great work by Dayn there. Smaller parks don’t bring in more revenue.

Archie: Is your ranking of Madrigal a reflection of his potential to be a solid big leaguer, or because so many of the other top guys have gone backward?
Keith Law: More the latter. He’s still a tiny college 2b who’ll probably never have power.

Chris: Did you like Soundgarden at all?
Keith Law: Loved them.

Daniel: Is Acu?a ready ? Was he ready in Spring Training ?
Keith Law: He was ready, but like I said above, he’s trying to hit everything 500 feet right now.

Jeff: Likelihood that Lucchesi has a better MLB career than Quantrill?
Keith Law: Not crazy. Might be 40%.

Peter: Worried at all about Marcus Stroman? I know SSS, but concern is always there for me with a guy with that small of a frame.
Keith Law: He’s short but he ain’t small.

Peter: Is Zack Godley for real?
Keith Law: That CB is a knockout. As long as he has that, he’s for real.
Keith Law: OK, that’s all for this week. Thanks for all of the questions, as always, and for reading. I’ll have a draft post up in the next few days on Cole Wilcox (who was excellent on Tuesday night) and Carter Stewart (whose stuff was down last night, although the CB is still ridiculous) and a few more day one names. Enjoy your weekends!

My piece on the most prospect-laden rosters in the minors is now up for Insiders.

Keith Law: Taking the fun out of everything … it’s Klawchat.

Brian (Buffalo): Have you been enjoying the Tupac/Biggie show on USA?
Keith Law: Very much so, although I fell behind with some recent travel. Hoping to catch up over the weekend/early next week.

Alex: really enjoyed Hillside Spot and Citizens Public House from your spring training guide. Thanks!
Keith Law: Two of my standbys.

David (NY): What do you think of your Athletic Subscription?
Keith Law: I don’t understand the question here. I have a subscription and have read a few pieces.

JR: I know the season is long and guys need days off, but should I be at all worried that Reyes is starting at SS in place of Rosario for the second time in six games? Is Mickey the new Terry?
Keith Law: Totally bizarre. This stuff bothers me way more than Nick Williams playing too shallow last night, which is what gets all the press (because it’s visible … not playing Rosario is an invisible error).

Peter: I know you’ve mentioned that Mackenzie Gore might be the best pitching prospect in baseball right now. Is he significantly better than guys like Whitley or Buehler? Or are we talking about razor thin margins?
Keith Law: He’s a lot better. Everything has ticked up for him, and his slider has gone from a barely used pitch to a potential swing and miss option.

Mark: Are you concerned at all about Kyle Tucker’s high IFFB rates?
Keith Law: No. That’s an awfully minute thing to worry about – especially since coding of balls in play in the minors still isn’t that reliable.

Peter: Who do you think is a more productive player offensively at their peak, Schoop or Kingery?
Keith Law: I love both guys but I’d nod to Kingery here.

Jr: Am I the only one that thinks Icarus was made by the CIA? So many coincidences for that thing to come together the way it did.
Keith Law: I really don’t engage in that kind of conspiracy-thinking.

Jason: Is the brewers rotation as bad as it has shown so far? Should they move Josh Hader to the rotation?
Keith Law: Hader’s not the answer. I’ve always thought he had a reliever profile due to the delivery & arm slot. They probably needed to address the rotation with external options but didn’t, even when the price fell on a guy like Lynn.

Foyle: Have you ever internally grappled with the moral legitimacy of eating meat? I don’t ask that to be glib or with an agenda, but instead have genuine curiosity for the thoughts of someone as contemplative as you.
Keith Law: No. We evolved to what we are now because we ate meat. I think the better argument than a vague moral one is an environmental one: The way we raise meat is terrible for the planet, and makes meat cheap enough that people consume more than they need nutritionally and waste more of it than is conscionable.
Keith Law: is that a word?

Adam: Is there anything to be excited about with Preston Tucker? Is he something now that hes healthy?
Keith Law: No.

Jr: I’ve heard people say Quantrill’s stock is down with his velocity. Do you agree with that assessment?
Keith Law: You’ve heard me say that.

Dustin: Have you heard anything recently about Indians’ Shane Beiber? Doesn’t look like he pitched at all this spring and can’t find any news online, seems a bit surprising.
Keith Law: He’s starting tonight for Akron, according to the Rubber Ducks’ official site.

WarBiscuit: With Taylor Ward moving to 3B, the Angels have picked two catchers in the first round to move off that position. Maybe they thought Ward would stick at C, but never understood the Thaiss pick if they would move him to 1B immediately, considering his power and defense questions.
Keith Law: They did think Ward would stick at catcher, although my understanding at the time was that the limited data available said he probably wouldn’t, and my own look at him said he probably wouldn’t either (had the arm, not the glove). Thaiss is a bit more confusing, yes; he never projected to the power for 1b.

Beth: Who’s your top HS pitcher right now?
Keith Law: I’m almost afraid to give you a name because they all seem to get hurt. It’s probably Carter Stewart at the moment over Grayson Rodriguez or Cole Winn (lower upside, way more polished). Ethan Hankins is back but I’m told he hasn’t been top-of-draft good since he returned. Liberatore has been fine, not up to 97 like he was in his first outing, but I think he’s still top 15 picks good. Matt Vasel’s season just started – he’s a cold weather name to watch.

Eric: What do you think Kopech will do this year once he gets called up?
Keith Law: Miss a lot of bats, walk maybe 10-12% of batters. Very high on him long term but don’t be shocked if he needs 40-50 starts in the majors before he becomes an above-average starter.

chuck: What do you make of the Almonte for Almonte trade? Seems odd KC would dump their Almonte for the 28 year old OF Almonte
Keith Law: I love Miguel Almonte as a swingman type – spot starter, longer relief outings, will show you three potentially above-average weapons, has had trouble with a starter’s workload.

Jesse B: Thoughts on Jahmai Jones moving to 2B. If it works, does this significantly increase his value?
Keith Law: It does, since he wasn’t staying in CF in that organization with Marsh right behind him.

Stephanie: Thoughts in Amed Rosario batting so low in the order? Think he gets a chance at 10hr/25sb this year?
Keith Law: This bothers me less; nothing really wrong with starting a young player lower in the lineup and moving him up as his performance warrants it. Those seem like reasonable milestones for him. He’s got more power than his brief stint last year would indicate.

Jeff: What should I be most excited about from Ohtani’s first week? So far I think it’s that even if he doesn’t make a lot of contact at least the power is there.
Keith Law: Power was definitely there, but he’s not going to get a lot of fastballs out over the plate like yesterday. I’m way more pleased to see his velocity so strong and command/control better than what I saw a month ago.

Adam: Thoughts on Folty’s new delivery?
Keith Law: I haven’t seen this yet.

Nelson: Keith, I hate your music taste, I dont play board games and I have no interest in High school baseball players. But your book recommendations are so amazingly on point its like youre talking directly to me. Thanks!
Keith Law: I’ll take it. I’m sure the number of people who follow my tastes in all areas and are prospect-crazy is pretty small.

Deke: My wife and I had twin sons just under six months ago. One of them goes for his third open-heart surgery in a week and a half. (Hopefully his last!) I just want to offer up an #fyeahbaseball for providing a much-needed distraction now that it’s back.
Keith Law: Deke: Sorry to hear that. I hope the surgery goes well.

Dave: I know you’ve always been one of the high guys on Jordan Hicks, do you think Cards try him in the rotation at all this year?
Keith Law: Probably, although I’m not sure he has the consistency in his delivery yet to help them in that role. Huge upside, kind of a ways off from it.

Bruce: Do you ever go to games in the NECBL (New England Collegiate Baseball League)?
Keith Law: Not in a long time. It’s way below the Cape.

Endy Chavez: Do you have MoviePass? Seems like something you’d be interested in
Keith Law: I do – I did, and it expired, and for some reason I had to sign up anew, but yes, I got my money’s worth (well, Chris Crawford’s money, since he bought me the first one).

Arin, d-town ca: What are the Rockies doing with McMahon? Why have him on their roster if he is only going to pitch hit and get 1 at bat a game?
Keith Law: You can add that to the list of things the Rockies are doing that I don’t understand, below giving a 32-year-old position player a six-year deal.

Beth: Is Casey Mize going 1?
Keith Law: I think he would, today, if his medicals are OK. There is a rumor running around that he’s got an elbow issue, but I don’t really see how anyone could know that since he hasn’t sent medicals to teams yet and the MLB top 200 MRI deal hasn’t happened yet, so if you see people talking about his elbow, bear in mind that it’s not really possible to source that, and it’s either pure speculation or someone trying to talk Mize down.

Jesse: You often say to ignore spring stats. Regarding Ohtani, is this a case of SSS for both the spring and now regular season, or was his poor spring a giant overreaction?
Keith Law: His stuff was down in the spring, and that’s not something we should just ignore … but it also was wrong to overreact like a lot of media members did (and some scouts, too, I think). I saw him pitch poorly, and still picked him for AL ROY. The long view isn’t that hard to take.

Josh in DC: Even though we’re only six games into the season, Alex Cora rotated through a lot of regulars so far. What’s your feeling about the merits of that style of managing?
Keith Law: I am fine with it, especially with the weather so cold in the northeast.

Harry Reins: The Orioles are putting Harvey on a 3 inning per start restriction in Bowie with an eye to bringing him onto the MLB club later in the year. Am I the only one who thinks this is a bad idea? What are the dangers of rushing a guy like that?
Keith Law: He’s 23, so while he’s barely pitched in pro ball, I can’t call this “rushing” a guy at that age who’s already on the 40 man. My concern would be if they bring him up and try to use him as a one-inning reliever, which means a lot of back-to-back work, which probably isn’t conducive to keeping him healthy.

PJ in JC: Arquimedes Gamboa. A guy or a GUY? You mentioned him in your Clearwater preview today but he wasn’t in your Phillies roundup.
Keith Law: Just a guy who’s notable for his big bonus. I saw him two weeks ago and he’d lost a lot of speed as he’s filled out.

Eric: Thoughts on Ohtani at the plate after a few games?
Keith Law: Same as before those few games. But it’s April 5th, so we are in Peak Overreaction Season.

Dave: Whatever happened to Karsten Whitson? bb ref just has a single season of milb in 2014.
Keith Law: Hurt. He might be the biggest “he should have taken the money” guy of the last decade. He ended up with about $2 million less as a result.

Jon: Hey Keith, my first time on the chat. Not sure if this is off-topic (or maybe you’ll already talked about this), but I’m curious as to your thoughts on Kapler and if you’re surprised at the fans’ reaction in Philly. Thanks!
Keith Law: I am going to break my own record for using the word “overreact” in some form. I think the knives are out for him because he’s smart, and because he’s doing different things. The one thing he’s done that I truly thought was a blunder was calling for a reliever who wasn’t warmed up.

Carl: It’s early, but as of now, in your opinion who has the highest ceiling for the Tigers to choose #1 overall?
Keith Law: Mize is clearly the best guy in the class. If it’s not him, for whatever reason, then the Tigers should probably identify 3-4 guys they rank at the top and see who’ll take the best deal so they can go over slot at their next pick (there are a lot of HS arms this year who’ll be perfect for that).

Jr: No thoughts for animal welfare with the eating meat question?
Keith Law: No.

Mark: Are you higher on Sheffield or Addams for the Yankees? Can either evolve into an ace in the future?
Keith Law: One was in my global top 20 this winter and one didn’t make my top 100 because I don’t see how he can start with his size and lack of FB plane.

Bruce: So the Reds are making Hunter Greene an SP only. Do you think this is the right call?
Keith Law: This isn’t news – I saw a reporter tweet it like this was breaking news, but this has been the case since he signed. He has, at best, a 40 future hit tool.

Nick: Not really a question. Just wanted to say that Dozier is a really good dude, and I hope that’s not lost in all this over a dumb comment.
Keith Law: I’m sure that’s the case – he could help matters by just saying, yeah, I spoke too soon, Sisco was fine, you play to win the game.

Ted Leon: If the whole paying players minimum wage was really a big deal to fans and media, then why is no one talking about it now? The fight is not lost. There are other ways to improve the lives of these guys.
Keith Law: There are indeed, but MLB has made it quite clear they will not do so unless forced to by law, by court, or by collective bargaining.

Greg P: How fast do you think the Jays will move Bichette up the ladder? A year at each level?
Keith Law: They haven’t done that yet – he played at two levels last year and I’d be shocked if he and Vlad were still in AA on August 1st.

Margot: Why can’t more players, top line pitchers especially, go straight from college to MLB? If you have dominant stuff why do you need a year in the minors?
Keith Law: Huge difference in caliber of competition between even the best college baseball (SEC/ACC) and the worst lineup in the majors.

Eric: Who has the better career: Moncada, Eloy Jimenez, or Luis Robert?
Keith Law: Eloy.

Mark: Is Justin Hooper someone that could have helium in the 2018 draft? I remember hearing a lot of hype around him in 2015 out of HS, but haven’t heard much about him leading into this year.
Keith Law: Had TJ, out for the year.

Benjamin: So mackenzie gore- potential 60 fb, cb, sl, ch, command??? That seems like ace potential yes??? I know aces are extremely rare but someone has to be??? Also is forrest whitley a 1 or 2?
Keith Law: I’ve never seen a teenaged lefty with what Gore has. (I saw all of one inning of Kershaw before he reached the majors.) It’s nuts.

Chad: You’ve mentioned Taylor Clarke as a potential contributor for the D-backs later this season. Would this be as a starter? Or in the bullpen? Also, I’m in a pizza club here in Phoenix (we try a new pizza restaurant 2 times a month) we love your recommendations!
Keith Law: Starter for me. Heard he had better stuff and command this spring from multiple scouts. You probably could give me better recs at this point!

Brandon: Braves are starting Max Fried at AA this year. Any idea why he’s not at least getting the starts in AAA over Wisler/Blair? Also, is he a rotation guy at this point?
Keith Law: I hate seeing Fried in AA – I think he’s among the top 5 starters in the system right now – but I believe this is a sort of final evaluation for guys like Wisler, Blair, Folty, Newcomb, Sims, after which the team will make some decisions on starter/reliever or even keep/trade (I think Wisler is out of options after this year).

Gretchen: Will I be able to watch Vlad Guerrero Jr this year on the Blue Jays before I move out of Toronto in September?
Keith Law: Might depend on when you move. I think he’ll get the call.

Mike P.: Schwarber’s new physique hasn’t seemed to improve his defense or baserunning; wouldn’t it behoove the Cubs to trade him for anything/BPA/etc. ?
Keith Law: They’ve probably missed his peak value but yes, I think trading him would be a good move, because they can’t maximize his value without the DH spot.

Hinkie: I know it’s early, but any word yet on what draft prospects the Phillies seem to be scouting the hardest/most frequent ?
Keith Law: It’s early. I’ve seen their guys at every game I’ve been to where there was a potential first-rounder on the field, including Mize, McClanahan, Singer/Kowar, etc. Gotta see them all.

Andres: Like me, did your heart skip a beat with the official announcement with the deets on the new Arctic Monkey’s album?
Keith Law: I missed this – May 11th!

Benny: Does Sheldon Neuse become a productive major leaguer?
Keith Law: Yes.

John: Seems to me Moncada has had a slow start for a #1 prospect. Is this just a learning curve or something more?
Keith Law: I think his swing is going to lead to a lot of swinging and missing – he loads deep with a bat-wrap and you can beat a guy like that inside. Still a lot of physical upside there, though.

Sara: What are your thoughts on the Blackmon deal? Any concern the fox committed to long to an aging outfielder without the option of making him a DH?
Keith Law: Mentioned above – I don’t get it, it’s counter to everything the industry has learned about how players age. Even if you don’t believe Coors is at all a factor in his career, it’s still a terrible gamble to think a player who’s an average defender in center now will still have this kind of value at age 35-37.

Justin R: Any plans on watching the Roseanne reboot?
Keith Law: Good lord no.

Levi: Any chance you make it to a yard goats game this season? It’ll be my first time tonight to see the NH kids
Keith Law: Probably this summer. I can see Vlad/Bo next week in Trenton.

Tristan: Do you see Scott Kingery displacing someone in the Phillies’ starting lineup this season, or getting his 450 ABs moving around all year?
Keith Law: From talking to them I think he’s going to move around most of the year, a lot of 2b and 3b, but that at some point there will be a spot for him – they’ll trade Cesar, or Franco will need to play less, or someone will get hurt.

Dr. Bob: Everyone needs to take a deep breath and repeat this: It’s just six games…it’s just six games…it’s just six games.
Keith Law: Every year. It has never changed in my 12 springs here.

Noah: Don’t know if you’re a Vaccines fan, but their new record is really good.
Keith Law: Last song by them I really liked was “Teenage Icon.”

JR: Started reading Clockers (per your recommendation). Feels like I’ve been moved back into the world of The Wire, and I love it.
Keith Law: Lush Life is even better. He creates such realistic intense worlds.

Trixie: Have you ever read a novel in one sitting?
Keith Law: Yep, on planes especially.

Jax : Were you surprised when Colorado re-signed CarGo & killed Tapia’s chance to start? Or did they get him back for cheap enough money for it to be worth it?
Keith Law: That’s also on the list. As well as three-year deals for relievers.

Justin R: How do you find so much time for reading, writing, cooking, etc? I’m trying to write a novel, but working 50 hours/week, family obligations, commuting makes it damn near impossible.
Keith Law: I probably don’t sleep enough, and I rarely do just one thing … if I’m cleaning up after cooking, I’m listening to a podcast or watching a show on the iPad. And I’m kind of writing in my head all the time.

Randy: In a previous chat you said that there’s a fair chance that Keibert Ruiz hit’s his way off catcher. What other position do you think he could play?
Keith Law: If he hits like I think he can hit, it wouldn’t matter.

Dane26: Does Akil Baddoo have the tools to be an above-average regular?
Keith Law: Absolutely.

Benjamin: Is a splitter like what casey mize and shohei throw more stressful on a pitchers arm??
Keith Law: This is a persistent belief without actual evidence to prove or disprove it. Mize throws a split-change, not a true splitter. Is that better, worse, irrelevant?

Aaron C.: Do you anticipate any pre-draft high school scouting trips to Southern California? Just curious as to any names out here to keep an eye on. Thanks!
Keith Law: No, I saw Turang and Winn last week and that’s it for SoCal preps this year. I’l be in Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and the mid-Atlantic the rest of the way, plus the ACC tourney, and, weather permitting, Lexington, KY, tomorrow.

Randy: I know ST stats don’t matter, but R. Armententeros struck out 24 in 16 innings and was up to 94 w/ what looked like a plus change. #3 starter upside?
Keith Law: I don’t believe he hit 94 or that he’d pitch with anything like that as a starter, but I do think he is a starter, maybe league-average ceiling.

John: Hunter Greene is starting out in A, which sounds about right. It did make me curious about A vs. A+; what is the tangible difference between the levels and would it really matter to a prospect like Greene?
Keith Law: He’s still just 18, all year, working on slider consistency and fastball command right now, with changeup development probably a secondary consideration at the moment. I don’t think he can just blow low-A guys away with velocity, and if that’s right, then he’s in the right spot.

Alex: I know you love cooking. I do too, and I’m trying to get my son (6 yrs) interested. Were there any cookbooks you found helped you with your daughter?
Keith Law: No – it’s been much more productive to just have her work alongside me, even if she never did much but flip a tortilla or ‘knead’ some dough. Being there, being involved, was what got her interested.

Patrick: Keith, in taking the fun out of everything…have you ever scouted a player not originally on your radar, but raves from people you know in the industry led you to?
Keith Law: I go where scout friends tell me to go.

Larry: When you come to the Midwest to see Kelenic are you going to swing by champagne to see Spillane ? It looks like those massive tools are finally starting to translate.
Keith Law: I forgot Kelenic – he’s barely out of the gym but almost certainly on my list. Spillane no.

Troy: Does Paul DeYoung have what it takes to be a middle of the order bat in the big leagues?
Keith Law: No, but I do think he’ll stay for good this time.

Patrick: Anything you can say to make me feel good about Corbin Burnes being assigned to CO Springs for AAA?
Keith Law: I feel like that front office doesn’t see Colorado Springs the way I do, or, I think, many coaches/execs do – a deleterious environment for developing pitching prospects.

Tracy: I also take a lot of value out of your book reviews and novels rankings. I lean toward reading more non-fiction books (actually, a lot) so I appreciate your efforts and it’s really broadened my horizons. Thanks. Also, Scott Pruitt is an even bigger slimebag than I had previously given him credit for.
Keith Law: I still need to write up David Grann’s latest book, which was incredible (especially the audio version, where Will Patton read the middle section and really set the mood and tone).

Bobbo: thanks as always for the chats. i was always under the impression that if a young pitcher has TJ, he misses about a year of time and then resumes baseball activities. today i read that Thomas Szapucki is out for the whole year (added to the half-year last season). is this the new typical? how do you see his near future playing out?
Keith Law: Rehab protocol is anywhere from 12 to 16 months if there’s no setback.

Jax : I think Ketel Marte could hit .275/.345/.420 this year. You taking the over or under on that? Or is it about right?
Keith Law: Eyeballing it, sure, I’d buy that.

Davis: At what point does Goodwin’s bat outweigh Taylor’s glove?
Keith Law: Probably right about when Robles steamrolls them both.

BPS: Matt Vasel?? Do you mean Mike Vasil?
Keith Law: Yeah, I’m sorry it was so hard for you to figure that out.

Dave: Keith, no question, but loads of thanks for the great book, the entertainment your chats have given me over the years, your talking and advice on depression and anxiety that have helped me with my own issues, and your food recommendations that have made me a rock star in my group of friends (Nashville in particular!). If you are ever in Baltimore, I run a restaurant in little italy and would love to offer you a great meal sometime
Keith Law: I’ll take you up on that at some point. And I’m very glad to have been able to help with your mental health issues. The stigma we still see around these extremely common medical problems is a huge reason why so many people still don’t get treatment, or don’t get enough treatment.
Keith Law: Well, that, and the disastrous state of health insurance in this country.

Adam: Sad to see Lindgren with another TJ Surgery……that slider was unhittable
Keith Law: Yeah, I wonder if he’s just done. That would be a huge shame.

John: How did you choose a literary agent? Or if that’s unique to your circumstances, any advice for an average Joe to find/pick one?
Keith Law: My literary agent, Eric Lupfer, was with my talent agency at the time, although he has since left for a boutique.

Chris: Is Clayton Kershaw’s drop in velocity (a) concerning, (b) something on which to keep an eye out, or (c) Jesus Christ it’s been 2 starts so calm down?
Keith Law: I could just use (c) for half the questions this week.

Chris: I have a question re: cooking. Most of the recipes (I use America’s Test Kitchen books/recipes) worth a salt call for fresh herbs and spices. You go to the grocery store to buy them, and the package enough to make 50 8-course meals. How do you store them? I waste an entire container of fresh thyme for one stupid sprig.
Keith Law: If possible, growing some is the best answer, especially thyme (grows like mad, lasts well into the winter, comes back most years) or sage (even hardier, never use enough). Otherwise, think of more ways to utilize them – just because a recipe doesn’t call for thyme doesn’t mean you can’t use it – and store out of the clamshell or bag, wrapped in a paper towel, in the crisper drawer. Except basil, which you have to use within a few days.

Jax : I still can’t figure out why Detroit would rather have Fiers & Liriano in their rotation instead of Norris. Is this an effort to try to establish some trade value for Fiers or Liriano?
Keith Law: Maybe a reaction to Norris losing a little velo this spring? I’m flummoxed too.

Bob: Hi Keith. How do you feel about Long Island? I’m from there as well, and I’ve never been a fan.
Keith Law: It’s long, and definitely an island, so it has those two things going for it.

Hinkie: When will your updated top 30 for the draft be out? Also, could you give me an early top three picks mock … 1 Tigers ______, 2 Giants _______, 3 Phillies _______.
Keith Law: I’ll do a new ranking later this month. I won’t even pretend to know what 1-2-3 will be right now.

Margot: I get that the caliber of competition is different. My point is that if you have three 60+ pitches why can’t you go right to the MLB. What does one year do?
Keith Law: It’s about much more than pure stuff. Command, control, facing much better hitters 3x, working with a staff, calling your own games (most college coaches call games themselves, which, to me, is the second shittiest thing about college baseball after pitcher overuse).

Jon: Frankie Montas is almost out of options do you see him as a RP or does he still have SP potential
Keith Law: I have never believed he could start. Poor command, bad body, knee issues at a young age. Big velocity, but that was kind of the whole package.

Mike B: I’m definitely not asking about results from a small two-start sample size, but at least Bundy is missing some bats and his “stuff” looks decent. Is there reason to hope he can be a decent starter IF he stays healthy?
Keith Law: Statcast had a lot of 90-92 in his last start. Was he throwing harder early in the game?

Bill: Brien Taylor, another teenaged left with some good stuff. But I suppose you were not scouting then.
Keith Law: No, he’s about 18 months older than I am.

Pat: Is Kelenic an option for Detroit at 1-1? If you had 1-1, would you take best player or one of 3-4 guys that will sign for the least?
Keith Law: I know he’s among the guys they have on their short (long?) list, and they had him in for a workout in Lakeland. But I think he’s played exactly one game this spring, so I don’t know how anyone could decide he’s 1-1 at this point (and I know you’re not saying that). I would do what I said above – if Mize checks out, he’s the best player and you take him, and if not, you shop the deal.

Tim McSwigginsonville: do you de-bone your chicken thighs before sous-vid’ing?
Keith Law: No. Afterwards the meat separates from the bone much more easily.

Seath: Were you pleased to see the twins started Rooker at AA? You think he could contribute to the big club this year?
Keith Law: I was – shows they get the issue around his age and also believe his new-ish swing is going to work at the lower levels. Don’t waste his time; if he’s going to be good, it will happen very soon.

Freddy: Every time I see Fried, his FB is straight as an arrow and gets crushed. Data even shows it doesn’t move much at all. Is this not a concern?
Keith Law: It’s his third best pitch. Plus to 70 CB, plus CH.

Nick: Why is being patriotic and proud of our country considered hate speech now? Can’t we acknowledge we have a great country and acknowledge there is room for improvement at the same time?
Keith Law: You can claim we have a great country, but saying we should “acknowledge” it implies that it is true and beyond dispute.

Sean: How do you decide which book to read next? I assume you have a long list to pick from. What are some you have lined up your most excited to read?
Keith Law: Lincoln the Bardo, Improvement, The Ministry of Utmost Happiness are all in the queue.

Jim: Just admit you eat animals because you’re a selfish coward.
Keith Law: I eat animals because it pisses off assholes like you.

mike sixel: Looking for a funny book, that isn’t SUPER long. Recommendations?
Keith Law: Anything by Wodehouse. Or how about Hugh Laurie’s The Gun Seller?

JJG: Do you have a favorite podcasts list somewhere?
Keith Law: No, but I’ve mentioned The Hidden Brain, Grierson & Leitch, Cinephile, The Inquiry, and have just gotten into the ten-episode series The Assassination, also from the BBC about the death of Benazir Bhutto.

PD: Watched the new episode of Legion? I rewatched season 1 and it works a lot better the second time through.
Keith Law: On the DVR.

Dr. Bob: This is what SSS does to you. STL’s Carlos Martinez has occasional mental lapses on the mound. He looked lost at times in ST, then had a really rough first game. The BFIB ™ are up in arms. Last night, he pitches brilliantly. Some guys are just going to take you on a ride. Hold on.
Keith Law: It’s almost like spring training is just practice.

Sam: Think Carson Fulmer gets it together and sticks as a solid SP? Seems his stuff is excellent but fastball command isn’t always there
Keith Law: Very straight FB too. Reliever for me.

Leith Kaw: When people discuss Moncada, do they realize he was top 3 in 2B DRS last year in just a third of a season? That defense alone, plus his walk/power combo, makes him a great player even with the strikeouts.
Keith Law: UZR had him below average last year. I think you’re cherrypicking, or just ignoring that these defensive metrics aren’t that reliable (predictive) in such a small sample. And I personally do not think he’s a great defender.

Gary: We loved Monteverde in Chicago. Wife and daughter are in NYC and looking for a non-pizza restaurant recommendation from you in the city.
Keith Law: Gosh, I go to NYC and I usually just want pizza. Narcissa is fantastic, very vegetable-focused, one of my favorite restaurants to hit and skip meat altogether.

Corey: back to your comment about “3 year deals for relievers” Kimbrel is a FA after this year. if you’re Boston do you give him a deal for longer than 3 yrs, do you give him a deal at all ?
Keith Law: No reason not to give him a deal, is there? No way I go four years on any reliever, ever. The history of those contracts is bad.

Sam: So you go on a scouting trip and see a player who excites you that wasn’t on your list to watch. You check and see that no one else has picked up on him either…who do you tell?
Keith Law: The odds of this happening are almost nil. I’m not seeing obscure guys.

Russell: What would your plan be with Profar if you were the Rangers?
Keith Law: I just wish he could play every day.

Larry: Can Jonathan India work his way into the first round?
Keith Law: Into the back, maybe. I think there’s some serious overreaction (!) right now to a hot few weeks. He was terrible last year as a sophomore for a potential high pick a year later, and I don’t think he has a lot of upside.

Trav: I read that as “shellfish coward”
Keith Law: I’m more afraid of red meat anyway. (I’ve stopped eating beef and haven’t had lamb in years.)

Franklin: Have you tried the “Impossible Burger?”
Keith Law: No – one of those appeared in my local Whole Foods briefly but was gone before I got to try it. I would, though. I’ll try just about anything once.

Nick: So you think America is trash? That says a lot about you, Keith.
Keith Law: You are really, really good at crafting strawman arguments.

Bort: Where are you at on Alex Bohm? Can he stay at third?
Keith Law: Maybe – has the arm, not a bad athlete, just BIG. Love the swing, definitely think he’s a top 20 pick on merit, even before we get to the inflation college hitters get on draft day.

Rick: Are you getting nervous about being the low man on Ohtani?
Keith Law: For saying he could be an ace and AL ROY?

Adam: Has Nunez always been such a bad defender? Watching him struggle with basic plays so far this year is brutal
Keith Law: Eduardo? Yes.

Jarrod: Not sure if this is what David (NY) was getting at, but now I’m curious… What do you think of the Athletic as a source for sports journalism (relative to other websites in this arena)?
Keith Law: They have so many writers that I couldn’t generalize. I’ve read some great stuff there, I’ve read some not great stuff. They’ve hired some of the best writers I know, and a couple of guys I wouldn’t read if you paid ME to do it. With that many people on staff, how could it be otherwise?

PhillyJake: I know you’ve posted it in the path, but please remind me why you don’t eat red meat anymore?
Keith Law: I have an inborn error of metabolism that affects my body’s ability to process the essential amino acid leucine. I do still eat pork, but not much, and get more protein now from vegetable sources than I ever did before, although when I’ve tried to give up more animal sources in the past, I’ve run into a lot of blood-sugar problems (also related to the genetic condition).

Alan: Is Bohm a top 5 guy? Seems to have some helium.
Keith Law: He could go there, but I think that’s too rich.

Alan: Swaggerty seemed to cooled off since a hot start. Still a top guy? Any concerns?
Keith Law: Needs to start hitting again, but if he does, he goes top 5. True CF, 65 runner, few if any college bats in the middle of the field this year. That’s going to run Joey Bart up the board, maybe to the top ten, because he’s a catcher and there are so few college catchers in this draft.

PJ: Blake Swihart … Cora suggested he could be a Marwin-type for Bost., but that’s not realistic, is it?
Keith Law: Why not? I think he can hit and play a bunch of positions.

Dr. Bob: If I invite you for dinner, I can work around no red meat. If someone else has a nut allergy, no problem. My son and his girlfriend are vegetarians; lots of cheese dishes. A vegan? We’re just going to have coffee or tea ’cause I got nothing.
Keith Law: Vegan is tough. Losing dairy is a real obstacle, although I have eaten vegan meals with cashew-milk products replacing dairy that were actually good, not just passable.

Teeb: Thoughts on the Pompeys: Does Dalton ever become a guy and where’s Tristan getting picked?
Keith Law: Tristan somewhere in the 20-40 range. Dalton, ship might have sailed there.

Jim: **** you, Keith.
Keith Law: Aw, Jimbo’s mad. Came to my chat, called me a “selfish coward,” and is surprised I clapped back. Tough. You have every right to insult me, but that doesn’t mean I have to take it.

JR: After review, Conforto hit a 2R HR. Terry even more pissed.
Keith Law: You know who must be even happier that Terry the Terrible is gone? Plawecki. Terry told the media Plawecki couldn’t hit. Now he’s getting a chance to play and doesn’t have to worry that his manager thinks he sucks.

John: Somebody tell Jim when the Self Righteous Vegetarian chat is.
Keith Law: There are good arguments for vegetarianism, from the environment to physical health to concerns about how animals raised for mass-produced meat are treated. I’m happy to hear & discuss those. I think that humanity as a whole needs to cut its meat consumption – and that climate change & limited water resources will force us to do so at some point. Reducing consumption & waste, and perhaps enforcing tougher standards for meat production – not under this administration, unfortunately – those are reasonable goals.

Rich Campbell: Real time news: Trayce Thompson joining A’s in Anaheim. Is he a fourth OF? Or more?
Keith Law: Fourth OF. Can really defend, can crush a mistake.

Jack: Can you use frozen fish to make ceviche?
Keith Law: I’ve never made ceviche. I leave raw fish preparations to the professionals. They can source better than I can. (Also, I would not recommend using frozen fish.)

Mucho Maas: Thoughts on Reynaldo Lopez and his new velo/slider?
Keith Law: Lopez’s new velo? Dude was 95-100 in the minors.

Colin: Preston Tucker or Nick Markakis?
Keith Law: Ronald Acuna.
Keith Law: OK, went long this week since I may be traveling next Thursday. Thank you all – except you, Jim, you’re not very nice – for all of your questions and for reading. I’ll be out and about a lot this month so I hope to see many of you at minor league or amateur games – feel free to say hi, and I’ll be happy to sign any copies of Smart Baseball if you happen to have one with you.