My latest review for PasteMagazine covers Century A New World, the last game in the Century trilogy (Spice Road, Eastern Wonders).

Keith Law: This can’t go on – I must inform the Law. Oh, that’s me. Klawchat.

Craig: Does Corbin Burnes still have a lot of trade value? If you were a seller (i.e. Toronto, Texas, Detroit), would you be willing to accept him as the centerpiece for a Stroman/Minor/Boyd deal?
Keith Law: He was just placed on the IL with a shoulder injury, so I think his value right now is zero until he shows he’s healthy.

Rob: What are your thoughts on Robel Garcia? His path the MLB is quite interesting. Do you thinkk he’s an everyday 2B?
Keith Law: His path is unprecedented. I would guess his high strikeout rate will keep him from being an average regular, but I don’t feel very strongly about that (since we have no history with him), and I’d like to see him prove me wrong.

Matt: Hi Keith, is Nick Economos a legit prospect? He’s been solid in two levels of A-ball this seaon.
Keith Law: He’s also 24 years old and should be at least in double-A. We’ll see if/when he gets there.

Oscar Mercado: Am I an above-average regular / occasional All-Star? Or am I playing a little above my head right now?
Keith Law: You’re not playing above your head, but I don’t think you’re playing at an above-average level yet. I wish Cleveland would give Mercado the CF job full-time; he’s best there of all three positions and his bat there could make him an above-average regular in time.

Inky Dink: Brandon Sproat was the highest draft pick not to sign — did the Rangers screw this up or do you think the player changed his mind (which I’m not criticizing him for if he did — that’s his right)
Keith Law: I don’t know the details and don’t want to speculate, since he is going to college and I don’t want to give anyone cause to question his eligibility.

BushThrushRush: Joe Palumbo has struggled in his brief major league auditions this year. Have you dropped him from his just outside the top 100 status that he held pre-season?
Keith Law: No, that’s not how this works. If anything, he’s moved on to the back of the top 100.

addoeh: Were you able to try any new eats in Cleveland for the Futures Game, despite your illness?
Keith Law: Yes, but I realized afterwards everything tasted flat to me because I was sick. I went to Greenhouse Tavern (best place I ate), Mabel’s, Barrio (worst), Spice Kitchen. Pour Coffee was excellent too. And there’s an ice cream sandwich place right downtown – Cathy’s? – that was outstanding. THAT I could taste.

Rando : I know you’ve said before that you weren’t interested in Game of Thrones but can you just reaffirm that a show that uses the murdering of children and rape as a plot device isn’t interesting or edgy.
Keith Law: That is partly my view, at least. It deters me from watching.

Alex: Re: Cashner trade– Os get 2 DSL guys with decent stats. Do you think that Elias or K Perez targeted these specific guys (i.e., we wanted them while we were at Houston/Cleveland) and/or they figured 2 lottery tickets had higher upside (but greater risk) than an A/AA prospect (see what Royals got for Homer Bailey). Thanks
Keith Law: I’m sure it’s the former.

xxxYYY: How did we get to a point where “socialism” is being defined in this country as things like “public schools” and “universal health care,” rather than “government ownership and management of businesses” and “centralized planning”?
Keith Law: This has been true to some degree since at least the 1980s, when Republicans used “socialism” against Mike Dukakis in the ’88 election. Economics education in this country is bad, so the average American doesn’t know what the term means – I think very few people truly understand what socialism the economic system entails, because how would they learn it if it’s not taught in school and politicians use it incorrectly all the time?

Herten for Sherten: Sherten Apostel was just promoted to high-A despite middling numbers in the Sally League. Is this the Rangers rushing another guy who should be held back?
Keith Law: Uh, no. He slugged .470 in low-A.

Zach: If you’re Atlanta, would you have any prospects that are off-limits in trade talks (Anderson, Pache for example)?
Keith Law: Pache would be untouchable for me.

Salty: Would you start playing Gavin Lux at 2B in anticipation of a mid/late August promotion, or would you let him finish out the year in AAA at SS, then give him some reps at 2B at AFL and/or spring training?
Keith Law: I would only do this if the plan was to play Lux regularly at 2b in September and then have him stay there next spring. AFL starts too early this year so it screws up any plans to have such a player in the majors in September (opening day is 9/17, I think, so dumb).

Christopher: sigh, should the Mets just trade everyone?
Keith Law: I’d say yes, but do you want the guy who traded Kelenic/Dunn for Cano/Diaz really overseeing the fire sale?

Brandon J: Hey Keith, Josiah Gray recently got promoted to AA and has had a phenomenal year, do you think this is a sign of things to come and would he be approaching your top 100?
Keith Law: He shouldn’t have been in low-A to start the year. Double-A is a much better test for him.

Christopher: If I don’t agree with our Dear Leader have I passed the statute of limitations where I can’t be sent back? I think my ancestors on both sides have been around for a few generations. I’m safe, right?
Keith Law: I’m only a second-generation American if you go through my maternal grandfather. I assume i’ll be deported to Italy shortly, which … okay, that might be okay.

Kevin: Think a team gives into Tigers high demand for Matt Boyd? Or do Tigers blink and lower asking price a bit? Or neither?
Keith Law: Probably will have to lower the price because there seem to be a few other SP on the market right now. But I’d be inclined to take the best offer now rather than hold him (assuming they get an offer worth considering … that assumption is always built in) to the winter and risk injury.

Ryan (NY): KLaw, thanks for the chat! As a Mets’ fan, trying to keep the faith. Looking to next year, is it possible that Rosario could transition to CF with Gimenez or Guillorme taking over at SS? I want to believe he could stay at SS but it seems that the instincts are lacking there. Additionally, could Kay and/or Peterson slot into next year’s rotation with Vargas, Wheeler probably gone? There seems to be talent in A Ball, so trying to be patient until 2021-2022.
Keith Law: Mauricio is the long term SS there, so they could slot in Guillorme for his defense, taking the offensive hit, and moving Rosario to CF where they’ve had a defensive black hole since Lagares got hurt. That said, who’s the last Mets player to actually get better on defense in the majors?

Aaron C.: Do you do any in-person scouting for the short-season leagues and/or the 2019 draft class or are you off the road until Arizona in October?
Keith Law: Yes, I was actually in Aberdeen last night but got rained out. Will try again next week, by which point Rutschman should be there.

Steve: Does Wander Franco stay at shortstop, or will he end up at 3rd or 2nd?
Keith Law: 50/50 he stays at short.

Andrew: Would you evaluate pitchers at AA or below differently with the new ball implemented in AAA?
Keith Law: I’m probably going to skip AAA entirely this year.
Keith Law: There’s no point – you can’t evaluate players in that environment, with more AAA homers hit by the All-Star Break this year than there were in AAA in *all* of 2018 – and it’s just shitty baseball now.

Yuri: Even though none of them made your top-50, fair to say that this is the most excited Giants’ fans should be about their system in a while? Bart, Ramos, Luciano, Canario, Bishop is probably more position player pure talent than they’ve had in a loooong time.
Keith Law: That’s probably fair. Best position player crop since the Posey/Crawford years.

Aaron C.: You: “If Nick Allen (current OBP: .363) can get on base, the A’s might have something.” I know you’re waiting until next year (AA) to see if it’s real, but I can only save this seat on the bandwagon for a little while longer, Klaw.
Keith Law: I’m in. Can really play short and he’s also making a good bit more hard contact than scouts in general expected (given his size).

Derek: If your the Pirates, what kind of return are you holding out for with Vazquez?
Keith Law: I read they wanted two of the Dodgers’ top four prospects, which is entirely their right to demand, but there is no way on earth I’m giving that up (two top 50 overall prospects?) for any closer. As for what I’m holding out for, it’s really about getting the best offer you can and taking it, since relievers go poof! all the time.

Ker Pal: Vlad’s hitting a whole bunch of ground balls. I know he’s 20. No real cause for concern…is there?
Keith Law: No.

Larry: When O’Neil Cruz makes his MLB debut, it will be at what position?
Keith Law: Third base, or the outfield.

Kyle KS: What happened to keeping one foot in the box for hitters from a few years ago? It’s not a huge time saver but it did seem to help the feel of pace of play.
Keith Law: Never truly enforced in my experience.

Leroy : Does James Marvel have any big league potential?
Keith Law: Possibly. Not a high likelihood.

Kevin: Is this what you expected from Devers, or do you think there is still a lot of room for growth for the 22 year old?
Keith Law: This is what I expected, but I think he’ll grow into even more power.

Joe B: How did Razza match up against the other places you’ve been to?
Keith Law: It’s top 20 for me for sure, bordering on top 10. I will probably update that ranking this winter – I’ve been to at least eight places worthy of adding (Razza, Pequod, Backspace, Bruno, 2 Amy’s, Pizza Rock, Settebello, Apizza Scholls) and am hoping to hit Beddia in the fall.

JP: why wasn’t Luciano on the top 50? doesn’t he have as much upside as anyone in the minors?
Keith Law: I don’t agree with the upside claim, but more importantly, the top 50 is not strictly a list of the players with the most upside. He’s a good prospect; he’s not top 50 good yet.

Jake: Thanks as always for the chat! Who do you believe has the higher ceiling between Kowar and Lynch and who has the higher probability of reaching it?
Keith Law: Lynch to both, assuming he’s healthy.

Jason: What’s keston Hiuras ceiling?
Keith Law: Above-average regular, bordering on star because he hits for high average, held back by defense.

Zihuatanejo: Hi Keith — IIRC you’ve mentioned that you rarely or never drink alcohol. Any beverage recommendations for the newly sober who are accustomed to wine and such with their meals?
Keith Law: That’s not accurate – I’m a moderate drinker – but when I don’t want to drink, I’ll do soda water with lime, or soda water with bitters (“bits and bubs”).

Pedro: How good can Jake Fraley be?
Keith Law: Extra OF for me.

Brandon Warne: Fast forward one year — Royce Lewis and Alex Kirilloff have hypothetically exhausted their prospect status.

Who do you think would be No. 1 on your Twins prospect list?
Keith Law: Balazovic, probably. Cavaco and Larnach would be possibilities; need to see Larnach show some power now that he’s out of the FSL.

JR: Tarik Skubal having a great year. Is he apart of the future for the Tigers?
Keith Law: Yes, but in what role I don’t know yet.

Brendan: If you’re Neal Huntington – full on rebuild, or sell off veteran pieces? I think a lot of Pirate fans feel like we’re stuck in 78-83 win purgatory.
Keith Law: Seemed like they were trying to win this year and they’re not exactly out of it, but maybe not quite good enough to make it? Hard to advocate selling given that they’re only 6 out in the loss column but that is what I would do in their situation.

Rybo: Longtime fan, Keith. Just wanted to say thank you for your recommendation of “The Happiest Baby on the Block” – it’s been an absolute game changer for my wife and I with our newborn
Keith Law: That’s great to hear – I’m glad you found it as useful as I did.

Pat: Thoughts on Alex Wells? I know I’m scouting the stat line, but he just keeps on keeping on. 1.95 ERA, 2.63 FIP at AA. Can a guy with that limited velocity be a GUY?
Keith Law: I think there’s a chance he’s a back-end starter – a very small chance, but I wouldn’t say zero.

Brandon Warne: With regards to depression/anxiety — how much tweaking did your prescriptions need before you felt “normal” again. Did you ever?
Keith Law: Normal is always a relative term to me. I felt different on each medication I tried, and differently on 10 mg of escitalopram (current dose) vs 20 mg (previous dose, stronger benefit, worse side effects). It is worth tweaking the meds and doses to find a combination that makes you feel the best you can.

Drew: Is Michael Baumann a legit prospect, or was his no-no in Bowie a fluke?
Keith Law: Relief prospect.

Dylan Carlson: I had a big game last night, 2 HR, what do you think my future is? (Ceiling, eta, comparison)
Keith Law: See my top 50 from last week.

Epsthoyer: Thanks for doing this, Klaw. Long time first time.. Will Roederer & Davis be 2/3 of our OF in 2021?
Keith Law: I would guess that if both continue to develop one ends up traded for major-league help before then.

Realist: % Chance a Dem or Reporter is seriously injured in the lead up to the election this time around because of Trump’s rhetoric?
Keith Law: Over 50%.

Noah: Have you been to Yountville for the restaurants and wine? Any favorites (other than French laundry)
Keith Law: Never. I think there’s a pizza place out there on my to-try list too.

Micah: Knowing the year to year volatility of relievers, would you ever trade a top prospect for said reliever?
Keith Law: Nope.

Lyle: Cal Raleigh! How fast can he move up the system?
Keith Law: Should spend the rest of this year in AA. Did okay in high-A, but he’s a D1 product and he should have done well there.

Chris: Syndergaard and Wheeler for Patino, Morejon, Baez, Weathers. Who says no?
Keith Law: The Padres, with howls of derisive laughter.

Brian: You didn’t seem particularly impressed with Mickey Moniak. And yet, in May he hit .290 with a .755 OPS, in June it was .294 w/an .872 OPS and a big spike in walks & in July it’s been .320 with an .850 OPS. That sounds a lot like the Steve Finley type player discussed when the Phillies drafted him. What are you seeing and hearing from scouts that the stat line isn’t showing?
Keith Law: OPS sucks for individual players, more so for trying to evaluate prospects. It’s not a good swing at all, not going to generate power, and his approach isn’t good. He’s also probably not a CF long term.

Johnny: Which catcher has a better chance of being an all-star Sean Murphy or Keibert Ruiz?
Keith Law: Keibert.

Danny: Can Deivi Garcia be an option for the Yankees in September or the playoffs? Either as a starter or out of the pen?
Keith Law: Yes. Either but not sure I’d push him into a playoff rotation right out of AAA.

Chris: Logan Gilbert thoughts?
Keith Law: Mid-rotation starter? Sounds like he’s got all his 2017 velocity back and the other elements were already in place.

Chris: Justice Sheffield struggled with control and the ball in triple A and has since crushed double A. He’s only 23. Why did he fall in the rankings if triple A performance is so unscoutable for pitchers?
Keith Law: Because his velocity dropped.

Aaron: Hi Keith, thanks for sharing your views on health and science in addition to your baseball opinions. My 12 year old daughter suffers from anxiety. Her mom (my ex wife) strongly believe that abstinence from gluten and sugars are scientifically shown to lower anxiety. One can find studies & ‘proofs’ to pretty much anything on the internet. I have no idea how to
Keith Law: Yeah, that’s pseudoscience. There’s no effect, and your daughter is just going to be miserable because she can’t have Oreos. Eat the sugar and the flour and use actual, evidence-based treatments, like meditation, medication, exercise, and therapy.

Financial Flexibility: What should the Braves do with Austin Riley the next 2.5 months? He’s slumped terribly since his hot start, but sending him to AAA seems silly. Do you just keep sending him back out there to LF everyday or put him in some sort of platoon/rotation with Ender Inciarte?
Keith Law: If he’s up, he plays. Platooning him is probably the worst idea (he’d never get at bats, and thus have little chance to develop).

Rob: You mentioned last week that the new baseball “may” be affecting the quality of Syndergaard’s off speed stuff. Do you think this may be a factor in Aaron Sanchez’ struggles as well? (along with the tighter seams possibly affecting his finger)
Keith Law: Yes, plausible.

J.T.: Are you buying Barreto as a regular 2b?
Keith Law: No.

Aiden: What do you think about all the people complaining that the left “demonizes” Trump supporters and then the reality that they chant things like “send her back” at his rallies?
Keith Law: I was going to say that Trump supporters demonize themselves with their words and actions (and hats).

Brian: Can you clarify something in your top 50 about Spencer Howard: you mentioned the shoulder injury, but he’s been dynamite since he came back. Just too much risk for reinjury with a shoulder?
Keith Law: It’s two starts. (One came after the top 50 was posted.) Shoulder injuries are much worse for a player’s value than elbow.

Los Hermanos Waner: You could eat all the oreos you want (for free) with no negative effects for the rest of your life OR wipe the memory of the last 2 seasons of Orioles baseball from the collective minds of the people of Baltimore. Would you be so altruistic?
Keith Law: LOL no

Chris: Have you had a chance to scout julio Rodriguez. He’s fun
Keith Law: Unfortunately he was hurt when WV came to Lakewood. Been good since he came back.

Benji: Do you think there’s any way the Rays would offer up both Sanchez & Brujan in a Boyd deal?
Keith Law: Doubt it.

Rob: Chance Seth Beer makes the top 100 if he can play serviceable defense at first?
Keith Law: No shot. Platoon guy right now, until he shows he can hit LHB even passably.

Brett V: Any hope for Royals prospects Pratto or Matias or at this point do you start to write them off as ever developing into MLB regulars
Keith Law: I do not project either as a regular. I’m not sure Pratto is a big leaguer at the moment.

Steve: How did you maintain your reading habits/schedule with a newborn?
Keith Law: I read less that year than in any other year in the last ~15. It wasn’t until she started sleeping through the night that I got back to my regular reading habits (because I was sleeping more).

El Perezoso: Best pizza you’ve ever had?
Keith Law: Pizzeria Bianco in Arizona. Keste in NYC is second. Of course I’ve had great pizza around Italy in places I couldn’t name, too.

Jason: Is Brandon woodruff for real?
Keith Law: Yes.

The Sloth: How was the Phish show? Which night of Camden did you go to?
Keith Law: One and two (not three). Both were fun. Can’t say I knew more than 3-4 songs each night. It was the company that made it fun for me, though.

Alex: >OPS sucks for individual players
Pardon my ignorance but I hadn’t heard this before. What circumstances is OPS useful for then- just evaluating team performance, or entire careers vs. individual seasons?
Keith Law: OPS underweights OBP severely. Don’t use it for hitters. It correlates well with run-scoring at the team level, so it’s okay to use for that, I guess, although I find that a little unsatisfying anyway because I know it’s a kludge.

Mike: Why do people (including people in positions of real authority, like ahem….) insist on dismissing scientific evidence for things like climate change, vaccinations/autism, etc?
Keith Law: There’s a lot of psychological research on the subject. Cognitive dissonance is a powerful thing.

Adam: Another recent report has Allard at 91-93 again. Can you substantiate that?
Keith Law: No.

ugotwilcoxed: Thoughts on Jackson Rutledge? Seems these big kids need a lot of work to standardize their mechanics.
Keith Law: Yeah, his delivery needs work, for consistency and maybe for long-term health. I think he’ll need help throwing strikes the way he throws now.

Scott: Thanks for all your hard work and these chats! Now that Dom Smith is playing up to his potential, do you see any team giving the Mets close to what his value is? If not, how do they keep even one of his and JD Davis’ bats in the lineup without compounding their defensive problems?
Keith Law: I feel like Smith won’t return full value because teams know he’s blocked by Alonso (and Davis and McNeil to a lesser degree), and Smith hasn’t quite held his great start with inconsistent playing time, which may also hurt.

Beth: Mike Soroka or Chris Paddack long term
Keith Law: Paddack. Soroka has great shit but he’s had some real injury scares and I prefer Paddack’s delivery.

Joe: Keith, I live just outside of DC. What is the quality of baseball in the Cal Ripken league?
Keith Law: I’ve been to a game in that league, and it’s lower than the Cape or Team USA, but it was comparable to a decent college game. Definitely worth going just to watch.

Nate: You have always been skeptical of Madrigal’s ability to drive the ball enough to be an above average regular. Does his defense project plus to you to offset some of the value lost in lack of power?
Keith Law: No, it doesn’t.

Rob: Any chance for George Valera to make the top 100?
Keith Law: A full, healthy summer would make that possible.

Steve : Hi Keith, Joey Cantillo in San Diego is busting out, does he have a chance to be a GUY?
Keith Law: Big leaguer, yes, not sure he’s a GUY.

JG: An ESPN analyst “suggested” the Twins try to acquire Syndergaard and offered Lewis or Kirilloff and Graterol or Balazovic. Does that get it done and would you do it?
Keith Law: That’s a strange proposal because Lewis’s value is down a bit and Graterol’s been on the shelf with a shoulder injury for two months.

Kyle: Preference of region in Italy, north or south?
Keith Law: North, primarily for food, but really you could send me anywhere in Italy and I’d be happy.

Randy: How do you rate/rank a player like Brendan Rodgers following the season ending surgery?
Keith Law: No change unless someone tells me there’s a reason this injury/surgery might affect him long-term – for example, if he has to move to second base, as seems possible, that hurts his long-term outlook

Pete: Are you going to the Cape this year?
Keith Law: No. Under Armour for me, then lots of minor league scouting around here, then Gen Con.

Dr. Bob: Is there a concern about Vlad Jr.’s weight going forward? Guys like Ryan Howard and Prince Fielder didn’t age well, in part, because of their weight.
Keith Law: Yes. That was one of the reasons why I ranked him #2 behind Tatis Jr.

Steve: Kirsten Gillibrand has a “little girl” voice. Do you think such things matter in terms of elect-ability? How about height?
Keith Law: There is verified research that the timber of a candidate’s voice and a candidate’s height have a significant effect on their appeal to voters. Taller men are also more likely to believe in their own leadership abilities and to pursue such positions.

Rick: KLaw, you’ve spoken often about the insanely low wages paid to MiLB players (1st year players make a max monthly amount of $1,075) and how owners needed specific legislation passed which exempted minor league players from federal labor law. What do you think is the best way for the industry, and for the average fan to address this situation?
Keith Law: The best way was to call your representatives in Congress before the GOP tax law passed. I’m not sure there’s a good way for fans to express that interest now, at least not until the players themselves take action.

Brian: Thanks for the chat – really appreciate the time you dedicate to this. I’m always curious about player development. I think you’ve indicated (apologies if I’ve got it wrong) that Bichette can’t stay at shortstop. Why would the Jays keep developing him in Triple A at a position he won’t play in the majors? Wouldn’t it be better to get reps (lots of them) at 2B?
Keith Law: They think he can stay at shortstop. They also insisted Vlad Jr. could play third and Tellez could play first, so perhaps they skew in a different direction.

Matt: Is there any chance the White Sox will push Vaughn to High A before the end of the year? Low A doesn’t appear to be giving him much of a challenge thus far, and his bat has universally been praised as “advanced.”
Keith Law: Yes, they did so with Madrigal last year.

Gerald: Poorly phrased, in your years in baseball, is there one draft pick that caught your attention as player not worthy of the draft slot.
Keith Law: Hayden Simpson is the most obvious choice. Kevin Matthews comes to mind too.

Lee: Do you agree with Pelosi’s strategy of avoiding impeachment at all costs? I understand her thinking in that it will unify the GOP around Trump in an election season and I agree to an extent because it’s very important he’s out of office ASAP. But not impeaching him for political reasons sends a really horrible precedent for all future presidents. That you can commit as many crimes as you like as long as your party controls one house of congress. Dark times.
Keith Law: No, I would support impeachment, even knowing it will fail in the Senate.

JR: Riley Greene killing it thus far. When does he get called up to A ball?
Keith Law: That’s who I was trying to see last night. I’m guessing he starts next year in low-A. You want him to stay in one spot long enough to face a team or two twice, so maybe they adjust to him.

Sanjay: Are teams required to obtain MLB approval to install netting around the field of play or can they move forward on their own? If the latter, why haven’t more teams installed it already?
Keith Law: They either don’t need approval or MLB is granting it to everyone who asks, so in practical terms, they’re good to go.
Keith Law: Why not? Inertia, I guess?

Draftnik: Not going to argue with you about Moniak’s swing — I’m certainly no expert — but he has a wRC+ of 137 since May 1st. That’s over 250 plate appearances, and that is as a barely 21-year-old in AA. You don’t see him as a first-division regular in, say, 3 or 4 years?
Keith Law: No I don’t see him as that, and that’s still a small sample – and wRC+ is not useful for prospects. Chase Vallot had a 136 wRC+ in a full season in high-A as a 20-year-old, and he’s a non-prospect.
Keith Law: Stop scouting the stat line.

Robert: How excited should Padres fans be for Munoz? Can you reasonably project him to be a high leverage reliever or is the command and slider worrisome?
Keith Law: High-leverage reliever with high bust/blowout risk.

Mickey Callaway: I think you deserve a victory lap for Tatis over Vlad, but people praising you miss the point that the difference was one spot and both should be excellent.
Keith Law: The people who missed the point were those angry I had Tatis over Vlad in January. I never said Vlad wasn’t good.

Robert: At this point is Michael Gettys an org guy?
Keith Law: In pragmatic terms, no, he’ll probably get a cup of coffee, but I do not project him to have any positive major league value.

Aaron: If the Phillies set their defensive requirements at 3B at Maikel Franco, is Alec Bohm good enough to play 3B for them?
Keith Law: I made that argument with someone at the Futures Game – if you’re willing to tolerate Franco, you can tolerate Bohm, at least in the short term. And I think Bohm’s going to hit for more average at the very least.

Jason: An Atlanta beat writer has a top 4 he would make untouchable: Pache, Waters, Anderson, and Muller. Was Muller near your consideration for the top 50?
Keith Law: No, and I would only have Pache untouchable out of that group.

Brandon Warne: When is your next reason to visit Minneapolis?
Keith Law: Probably visiting friends rather than coming for any baseball reason.

Adam: Thoughts on Makhi Backstrom?
Keith Law: He was in my draft recap for Atlanta.

Randy: What is it you enjoy so much about Italy (haven’t been but my fathers side if from there)? Obviously the food. But, culture?
Keith Law: Culture, history, and most importantly their way of life.

Eric: Please end the chat on this: VACCINATE YOUR DAMN CHILDREN
Keith Law: You got it.
Keith Law: Thanks as always for all the questions. I’ll be back next week for a chat, and then probably skipping the following week between the trade deadline and Gen Con. I’ll be at Under Armour on Monday, barring another family emergency (!), and will have a writeup afterwards.

Starting at 1 pm. My ranking of the top 50 prospects in baseball is now up for ESPN+ subscribers.

Keith Law: I try to hear the music but I’m always losing time. Klawchat.

Greg P: Loved the Mid-Season 50 and I DID read the intro. I already knew you hated my team. Is service time really the only thing keeping Bichette in the minors?
Keith Law: Thank you. I don’t know that for a fact, but I don’t see any good reason he’s not in the majors; he’s better than the team’s current options at SS and 2b.

Trevor: KLaw – Missed the chat 2 weeks ago but wanted to mention the #SmartBaseball move from Michigan’s coach to bat the previous day’s SP 9th as a DH then pinch hit for him with the batter of his choice based on the situation. I don’t ever recall an AL team trying this
Keith Law: I missed that entirely. I like the idea.

barbeach: No question today. Just thank you so much for the chats and the content–so awesome.
Keith Law: You’re quite welcome. I’m just relieved I got the top 50 out given that my fever hit 101.3 *again* yesterday. (I think it’s gone now.)

Greg P: As others have said before, you are the only reason I keep ESPN+ and if you leave, I leave. So, is Lou Bob (I love that nickname you gave him) going to get to Chicago this season?
Keith Law: Credit to Eric Longenhagen for the nickname. I think he will, although I am not basing that on anything from the team.

Nick: Can Alec Bohm potentially play corner outfield at all?
Keith Law: I highly doubt this.

Dana: Do you think the Yanks should bring up Deivi in September/playoffs and use him out of the bullpen?
Keith Law: I think he could help them, but don’t think that he needs to be recalled this year to keep developing.

Brian: Gurriel Jr. looks real (and even decent in left). Biggio seems to be able to get on base, but strikes out a ton (and can’t play D). What do you make of the young Jays?
Keith Law: Don’t think Biggio is anything … he can walk, but that’s it. Gurriel’s power is out of nowhere (juiced ball?), and he has just average bat speed; he’s killed sliders this year, and I wonder if teams will start pitching him differently since he doesn’t handle velocity well. The young guy you didn’t mention, Vlad Jr., is still going to be a star IMO even with the slower-than-projected start.

Jeff: Do you have a sense of why the Padres haven’t called up Urias yet? Is he still working on things at AAA or are they just waiting to clear roster space (e.g., Kinsler)? Thanks
Keith Law: The only thing I’ve heard, and this was secondhand, was that there were concerns about his swing – he may be too power-happy, and of course AAA/El Paso isn’t exactly the place to un-learn that.

Jeff: Given the Padres current/future middle infield depth, do you think either or both of Abrams and Edwards wind up in center field?
Keith Law: Abrams could. Really depends on how he looks over the next ~year at short. He’s physically able to play it, but also looks like he hasn’t had much coaching there.

David: Could Ke’Bryan Hayes get called up in September or is early next summer more likely? What would you do?
Keith Law: Should be up in September.

Trav: It feels less and less likely each day that we make it through Nov 2020 with our democracy remotely intact. No question, I just want to remind everyone that we’re not powerless until Election Day.
Keith Law: Agreed. Never too early to get involved or make your voice heard.

Andy: The players are in serious trouble in the upcoming CBA. There’s a whole lot of things they should want: Higher minimum salary, sooner free agency, no draft, better minor league pay, more on the revenue split. But they have little to negotiate with. Do they have to agree to a salary cap to get any of those? They’ll obviously punt on the minor leaguers/draft issue to help the current MLBPA members more, but that may not be enough. The only actual threat the players have, to increase their revenue vis a vis the owners, is a strike, which will be tough to gather enough momentum for.
Keith Law: Your last sentence is the key. They can strike. They may need to do so simply to remind owners of their willingness to take collective action for the long-term good of the union even if it hurts them in the short term. And striking for a higher minimum salary and for a greater share of industry revenues to reach players is as good a reason as there will ever be.

Brian in Austin: Keith, has Sam Huff put himself in top 100 consideration with his play this season?
Keith Law: No.

Kevin : You are the Astros GM- trade Tucker for pitching? Is a Tucker- Boyd trade good for both teams?
Keith Law: I think it’s fair.

Key Flaw: After actually seeing Vlad Jr. play third base, it certainly feels like he is a DH (he defense was ugly in the O’s series). With the Jay’s out of contention, it makes sense to keep running him out there. But how long does that last, and is there any chance that he actually improves enough to play 1st base, let alone 3rd base?
Keith Law: I really think his body is going to make him a full-time DH.

addoeh: You’ve talked about both recently. Who has better frozen custard, Culver’s or shake shack? Valdosta had your go to Concrete Mixer order and it was pretty good.
Keith Law: I like Culver’s a lot, but Shake Shack seems to have a better product – I don’t know if they use better inputs, or if their blending/freezing process is faster and produces less overrun.

Todd: Where does Robert Puason fit into Oakland’s prospect rankings right now? And if he develops at a typical pace, how long until we start seeing him in Top 100 discussions?
Keith Law: Eyeballing, I would say in the 6-10 range. He’s a LONG way off from the top 100.

Liam: About where on your top 50 would Carter Kieboom rank if he were eligible?
Keith Law: He is eligible. He just doesn’t have that kind of upside.

Kevin : Liberatore in the rotation for Tampa by June 2020?
Keith Law: He’s in low-A now on a tight innings limit. Think about it: Even if he’s promoted today to high-A, the season ends in less than eight weeks, and he’s not going to double-A until at the absolute earliest next April. There’s just no way this happens.

Jesse B: Are Daniel Lynch and Spencer Howard both still in the 50-60 range? Both have looked good but they’ve both had minor injures. Seems like since they’re both 22, they could move quickly if the injures don’t crop up again.
Keith Law: Lynch would have made it had he come back from this shutdown, but Howard’s issue is his shoulder and he’s been out too long.

Brian: Hey Keith, thanks for the insightful new prospect list this morning. I was a little surprised Heliot Ramos did not make your list (19 years old and performing well in High A). Do you see him as a top 100 prospect at this point? What pd
Keith Law: Probably top 100.

Carl: Is Yordan Alvarez still not a top 100 prospect for you?
Keith Law: He’s ineligible, since he’s in the majors.

Eric: Thanks for the chat, and the top 50 Keith. I know you’ve been a big Isan Diaz fan in the past. What are your thoughts on him after his big season so far? Too much question with the AAA ball to get him in the 50?
Keith Law: It’s the lack of recent performance and then he goes to AAA and hits like this … so is this the real Diaz, the guy I hoped he’d become maybe three years ago when I ranked him pretty highly, or is this a juiced ball mirage? He’d have been in the next 50 guys if I’d ranked 100.

Eric: What are your thoughts on George Valera? Chance for big helium and a spot on the offseason list?
Keith Law: I hear good things but he has barely played around injuries.

Andy: With all the tributes to Jim Bouton, I am reminded that Bowie Kuhn is in the HOF, but Marvin Miller isn’t. That was my biggest takeaway from the book, having an asshole in your corner is really good for the labor side.
Keith Law: Yep. Bowie Kuhn did more to destroy the game of baseball than anybody since Judge Landis. The Hall honoring him is a sick joke.
Keith Law: Oh, and by the way, the BBWAA still hasn’t removed Jim Reeves – who wrote an article just two months ago defending a former player accused of serial sexual assault of a child – from the Spink ballot. What a fucking joke.

John : Are Brady Singer and Daniel Lynch Mlb starters? Add Jackson to make up KC rotation by 2021?
Keith Law: Lynch, if healthy, is a very good starter. Singer still looks like a reliever to me between the low slot and lack of a weapon for LHB. Kowar’s probability is somewhere in between the two. Bubic has a low ceiling but his starter odds are higher than Singer’s for me. Haven’t seen Bowlan here yet.

Rick: Afternoon KLaw, non-prospect question for you. Jake Arrieta seems to be quite the curmudgeon. His willingness to “be a team leader” in Philly (ie throw teammates and coaches under the bus when things don’t go his way while getting batters out at a replacement level clip) hasn’t exactly endeared him to either teammates or fans in the city. My question is was he always like this and just wasn’t held accountable in Chicago because he actually got batters out? His temper tantrum over an equally washed up Todd Frazier this past week was a bad look that didn’t portray either him or the organization in the best light.
Keith Law: I think your assessment is accurate – and I don’t see how MLB can avoid suspending him for threatening Frazier (“I’ll put a dent in his skull”). You can’t say that. You can think it, but MLB has to put the clamp down on public threats.

Pat D: Something that is annoying me mightily right now from the great cesspool that is NYC sports talk radio is the assumption that because Bumgarner was great in the postseason 5-7 years ago, he’ll be great in the postseason now, and for that reason alone, the Yankees should acquire him above anyone else. Is there any way you can even hope to present a counter-argument to someone entrenched with that belief?
Keith Law: No, probably because the basic premise is flawed, and you won’t convince someone one of their core beliefs is wrong.

Liam: What’s wrong with Thor?
Keith Law: Here’s one guess: this year’s super-smooth baseball is killing his slider.

Adam: At this point, would you rank Luciano, Ramos and Bishop ahead of Bart in the Giants farm system?
Keith Law: maybe, yes, no.

MJ: Fantastic work on the list, Keith. Any brief thoughts on Tyler Freeman? Seems to have some of the same plate/OBP skills as Alek Thomas and Nolan Jones, albeit without the athleticism of the former and potential pop of the latter.
Keith Law: He’s more in Thomas’ vein – and he’s pretty small, so his impact is really likely to be limited.
Keith Law: Nice player, though. Probably top 100, not close to this.

Denis: Surprised to see Gavin Lux at #5. If he switched to 2B is he still in the top 10? Also, if you are the Dodgers, who would you keep out of Smith/Ruiz? Does Ruiz still have the higher ceiling?
Keith Law: Ruiz has the higher ceiling but I’d keep Smith because he’s ready now. Not that either is a wrong choice. no reason to bump Lux from SS.

Ridley: Just to expand on Trav’s point, now that the Supreme Court has decided that gerrymandering is beyond their reach, there’s no better time to get involved at the local and state levels to ensure that independent commissions are in place to ensure that neither party abuses redistricting.
Keith Law: Right, because if your state is gerrymandered next time around, it may become de facto permanent.

SGz: What is the rationale for Jesus Luzardo missing the Top 50? Thanks.
Keith Law: What is the rationale for him making it? He’s 21 with a pretty lengthy list of injuries already.

Rick: As a constitutional conservative who didn’t vote in the 2016 presidential election (both candidates made me physically ill) I can’t see myself going to the ballot box in 2020 [again]. Trump is Trump, and the takeaway from the Dem debates so far was: keep southern border open for potential votes and cheap labor, expand healthcare to illegal aliens, pay off existing college debt, offer voting rights to felons and mid-teens. This is supposed to motivate me to vote? Still waiting for the voice of sanity to step up.
Keith Law: If that’s your takeaway from the debates, I think you went into the debates having already decided what you want to hear. A non-vote in 2020 is a vote for Trump. It means you’re fine with a status quo that is imprisoning children, mistreating them, exposing them to trauma, just because they’re brown. It means you’re cool with the world’s largest economy still pretending climate change isn’t real – even though huge portions of our economy and our country will be adversely affected by it. People will die needlessly because of this. It means you’re fine with a government that turns its back on democratic allies to support autocratic governments that assassinate political opponents, including journalists, because it suits short-term political aims. It means you’re fine with the kleptocracy that ignores rampant conflicts of interest, enriching officeholders across the government, because you just want low taxes and a ban on abortion. Yeah, you’re a Trump supporter. You just lack the courage to admit it.

John: Has Seth Beer impressed with his performance so far?
Keith Law: Really needs to show he can hit LHP.

mark: Dinelson Lamet recently returned to the Pads after TJS. What kind of upside does he have… #3 starter?
Keith Law: Two-pitch guy who’ll end up in the pen if that doesn’t change.

Paul: I’m sure some of my fellow Braves fans are bitching about Waters’ omission; already saw one person on Twitter. Not here to do that, but am curious what you think of him? BABIP is absurd (.457) with an alarming K-rate and not many walks. Something he can fix or overcome with the rest of his game? And likelihood of him doing that? Thanks for the chat!
Keith Law: Solid prospect but he’s a corner guy long term. The K rate isn’t alarming on its own, especially since he’s young for AA, but the combination of low walk rates his whole career and rising K rates is concerning. Again, like a lot of guys folks are asking about here, he’s a top 100 type, but this is just a 50, and that means I’m only ranking the best.

Justin: When players makes their major league debut why is the note that the player has been recalled by the team? Shouldn’t that be for players that were demoted and then brought back?
Keith Law: If a player is recalled, then he was demoted when he was optioned in spring training. When a player is recalled, it means he’s already on the 40-man; if he’s already on the 40-man, but was in the minors, then he was in major league spring training (the entire 40-man comes) and was sent to the minors on optional assignment before the spring ended. If the player isn’t on the 40-man, his contract is “purchased,” which means he’s added to the 40-man at the time he’s brought to the majors.

romorr: Hall and Rodriguez both have a reliever chance, Halls BB% is going the wrong way, and Rodriguez has funk in the delivery. But if you had to pick to stick in the rotation, would it be Rodriguez still?
Keith Law: It would not, and I think my ranking of them today and in the winter makes that clear.

addoeh: Two prospects from Wisconsin (Kelenic and Lux) in your top 8 and one from Chicago (Thomas) at 45 and I may have missed others from the Midwest. Along with Priester just being drafted in the 1st round, will the fear of prospects from cold states start to subside?
Keith Law: I don’t think it will, but I’m sort of okay with that. Some is just structural: we get fewer looks at high school players in cold climates. It’s also a reason for MLB to do more (and they’re doing some) to give those players chances to play in front of scouts against better competition.

Liam: My apologies if there is an obvious example I’m missing but have we ever seen an administration so blatantly go against a supreme court ruling as the current admin plans re: citizenship/census question?
Keith Law: Did Nixon? This is way out of my area.
Keith Law: Again, that’s another thing that anyone who abstains in 2020 is supporting: An overt rejection of the rule of law that has defined our system of government for nearly 250 years. You can even hate Trump’s opponent, but if you don’t vote him and his swamp dragons out, then you’re saying you are tacitly okay with what he’s doing.

Todd: With the news that Bubba Starling is getting called up to KC, do you think there’s even the tiniest chance he’ll spend time as a true big league regular?
Keith Law: No.

Ben: Why would anyone listen to sports talk radio? Have you ever encountered a decent STR station throughout your many travels across the country?
Keith Law: I don’t listen to terrestrial radio, ever, so I have no answer to that. I appear on a few sports radio programs and I know they treat me well by asking good questions.

Ron: I was surprised that Lewis even made your top 50 beings his first half was poor and his mechanics changed. Although he has started to heat up. Did he make any changes that you know of back to how he was before? Thanks!
Keith Law: I addressed that in the piece.

SGz: You had Luzardo at 31 on pre season rankings and he’s been very good when playing this year. Health was the knock in the pre season, so it seems like a reasonable question to ask why he was omitted.
Keith Law: Health was the knock and he’s been banged up again.

Joe: Justus Sheffield has put up good numbers after being sent to AA. Still the same guy he was before the season started in your mind?
Keith Law: I want to know why his velocity dropped off this year.

John: One concern about Dustin May – even to those who like him – is the results haven’t always matched the stuff. How legit is that concern for you?
Keith Law: I don’t think that’s accurate. He’s been outstanding this year.

mike sixel: Royce Lewis…..is his fall mostly that your fears of him at SS are confirmed? A year of not hitting in A+? Clearly his change to his hitting is not going well. Did he do that on his own? Thanks,
Keith Law: Much more about not hitting/visible changes to his mechanics. I have never bought into the claims that he’ll stay at short: He’s not good there, and he could be very good in CF, maybe a 70 or better defender there. Most organizations would probably have moved him but the Twins have an 80 defender in center in the majors, so that may be one reason why they haven’t.

Devin: Thoughts on Kristian Robinson? Candidate to crack your top 100 next year?
Keith Law: He was on my top 100 in the winter, so yes.

Tmh: What is Rutchman”s ETA?
Keith Law: I would say end of 2020 if they want.

romorr: Having a hard time getting a read on if Keegan Akin is ready for the majors. Orioles are starting guys they pick up off waivers like crazy, so it seems Akin needs to work on some things before a promotion.
Keith Law: I agree that seems to be the implication, although I’m not sure what they think is going to change in his profile, either.

John: Alexander Canario just hit his 8th hr in under 80 abs. Will he be a legit prospect for the org?
Keith Law: He is one.
Keith Law: He’s a legit prospect, I mean.

Rick Sanchez : Worried about Mize at all?
Keith Law: Not yet.
Keith Law: yeah I just triple-checked, the MLB.com story says there were no setbacks last night. After I sent that response I thought I might have missed something.

OC Joe: Newcomb and Touki have thrived in relief this season. With all of the starting pitching depth in the high minors for Atlanta, should they stay in the pen?
Keith Law: I think that’s Newcomb’s role, but Touki still has starter potential.

Rick: In regard to Liam’s comment on the Supreme Court this pains me as a holder of a BA and Master’s in History. Did your school system teach you literally NO AMERICAN HISTORY? Andrew Jackson’s response to the court’s ruling in Worcester v. Georgia: “Justice Marshall has made his decision now let him go enforce it.” Christ almighty I understand that you may have serious issues with this White House and it’s actions but try not to be completely ignorant on history when making “all encompassing” claims. When Trump says that then we can call it the greatest attack on the Supreme Court in our history. Until then its not on the medal stand.
Keith Law: I admit to having forgotten that entire case until I saw your quote from Jackson (it’s a good line by a terrible person), probably because it happened 140 years before I was born.

Matt M: Would Nico Hoerner crack your top 100?
Keith Law: Probably. A lot of people asking why he’s not on the top 50 and … again, why would he be? He has barely played this year due to injury and it’s not like he’s a huge tools guy: His value is in the expectation that he’s going to hit.

Valentin: Hi Keith. big fan from Bern, Switzerland. have you ever heard of Prospects coming from Switzerland? Kind regards
Keith Law: The Swiss have fielded teams in youth tournaments in Europe for a while, but I’ve never heard of a player signing from there. The most likely places for teams to find European prospects right now are Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy, i think.

Tim: Vavra has been outstanding this season. Has he passed Vilade for you yet?
Keith Law: Vavra is two years older than Vilade (who is performing) and a level below. Both are prospects, but there’s not a strong argument right now for Vavra over Vilade – and Vavra is yet another college D1 product who should NOT be in low-A.

Jason: Harris or Warren?
Keith Law: I was about to ask what team. I might not be fully recovered yet.

John: Were you a big mixtape guy? I don’t know if you ever listen to my favorite local Seattle station (KEXP) or not, but they’re running a cool little mixtape contest. Given your affinity for music and playlists, seems like something you could have some fun with.
Keith Law: A little bit, yes – I would nearly always choose to listen to my own tapes and later CDs rather than listen to full albums or put on the radio.

addoeh: Have you ever heard of a player have a similar journey to the majors as Robel Garcia’s?
Keith Law: No, and I mean that literally: I don’t know of another player who went from Italy’s semipro league to the majors. It is movie material if he’s any good, maybe even if he’s not. Those are my people but the quality of baseball in Italy is not good.

Johnny O: Yankees seem to develop mid draft and int’l players well (#woo) but their first round picks have been questionable among the consensus and also aren’t panning out (Judge as the outlier in more ways than one). Volpe probably a reach, Siegler, Schmidt, Rutherford, Holder, Kaprielian, Clarkin. If Yanks are good at development, why are the missing on so many 1st round picks?
Keith Law: They are good at development, and they’ve had some very successful draft picks after the first round. Perhaps their process up top is different? Many teams approach their first picks a bit differently, and the Yankees often draft late in the round, where the types of high-upside players they value (they’re not looking for soft regulars – they want stars, or guys they think they can trade for stars) are either gone or carry some high risk.

Jeff: Stranger Things S3 thoughts?
Keith Law: Never seen the show. I need to finish Good Omens this weekend.
Keith Law: Well I never even got to announce this on Twitter – sorry, I feel bad about that – but I jumped right into it and forgot to post the tweet. Thanks to you diehards who saw this on my Facebook page or just checked the dish since it’s Thursday! I’m going to wrap this up before I pass out. I believe I will be back to chat again the next two Thursdays before taking a week off (Gen Con!). Enjoy your weekends and the return of baseball tonight.